#reader x neteyam

[randxmthxughts]

Be Mine - Neteyam x Metkayina ! reader (fake dating)

summary: the one, where neteyam pretends to court the reader to avoid all of the nagging from his parents and a group of admirers. of course, it doesn’t take long for her to fall for him too

warnings: none really, pure fluff, fake dating trope, jealousy, loak x tsireya canon, events take place five years after the battle between the metkayina and the sky people, so aged up characters

wc: >12k

a/n: now that i finished writing this, i realized that i wrote an avatar version of bridgerton, lol </3 if you enjoy this, i love getting compliments and reblogs

masterlist

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Everybody knew about Neteyam te Suli Tsyeyk'itan, ever since his family first stepped into your village. His blue skin, golden eyes, and the strange tail, were easily the talk of almost every conversation among your peers. Yet, despite the obvious physical differences, there was always something about him that fascinated you, lured you in.

Many things changed after the Battle at the Three Brothers. With the help of your soul sisters and brothers Tulkuns, and joined by the great Toruk Makto, your Olo’yektan had an upper hand and a decisive victory over the sky people. It was a victory to be passed down in stories to your future generations and to be celebrated gloriously among the clan. This year was marking its fifth anniversary, with a big celebration that would last the whole night.

Since that battle, Neteyam has truly transformed into a man, earning approving and respectful looks from all around him. His forest upbringing never held Neteyam back from growing into his place among the Metkayina: his once slim shoulders broadened, matching the most skillful divers, height increased, and his muscles started showing without even flexing. In addition to his looks, his physical appearance never betrayed his personality. It seemed like Neteyam had the purest, kindest heart amongst all, always rushing to help the villagers with their chores, big and small; whether it meant fixing up a canoe, carrying baskets of food, or sometimes even babysitting, that is if he had time. His father was reluctant to stop the training with his sons, just in case of another attack from the sky people, so Neteyam rarely had any time for himself. 

Guys wanted to be his friends, while the girls were fawning over him, hoping to become his mate. It was no secret that now, being of an age to pick the one for himself, parents’ sudden attention and admiring looks were following him everywhere. But Neteyam didn’t rush to choose.

Unlike his brother, Lo'ak seemed to have his life all figured out, especially when it came to matters of the heart. Falling for Tsireya, Lo’ak had many expectations to live up to, if he wanted to be with her. After all, she was the daughter of the chief, and a tsakarem, the future Tsahik of Metkayina. And while at first, Tsireya’s parents were hesitant of the bond she was forming with the forest boy, Lo’ak’s family spoke for himself. His father had played a significant role in the victory at the Three Brothers, providing guidance and knowledge that helped secure their win. Lo'ak also worked hard on himself to earn her parents’ approval. So the day, when Lo’ak finally returned home with Tsireya's necklace around his neck, a symbol of acceptance, was the day when Neteyam felt the weight on his shoulders double in size. 

You were no different from the other girls adoring Neteyam, as you had also developed a crush on him during your teenage years. It was unavoidable, really. Before you grew out of your friendship with Tsireya, the two of you used to be quite close. So when the Sully’s first moved to Awa'atlu, and Tsireya was assigned to guide the kids, you were often hanging around them too. 

But it was easy for you to accept that you were never going to be an equal match for Neteyam. He had many admirers who were stronger than you, more skilled, more talented, and had respected families. Everything came into the play, and you were losing at every aspect. So, you have successfully suppressed this silly crush for years, before you could finally push it to the very far back of your mind and forget about it. Instead, you occupied yourself with your learning. 

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Despite not being friends anymore, Tsireya and you have always maintained a polite demeanor towards each other. Now it did feel a little strange to be paired with her for the gathering of pxorna’ fruits, but you had to follow through. As per tradition, the entire clan was divided into groups to prepare for the upcoming celebration, and you were assigned to work together. Even though climbing tall trees wasn't exactly your strong suit as a water Na'vi, protesting wasn't an option: after all, the sweetest fruits were always at the very top. So, to make the task easier, you and Tsireya took turns climbing the trees and picking the fruits, then one would lower the bag for the other to catch and store into the big woven baskets provided. This method ensured that the bag wouldn't become too heavy for you to carry back down.

Ready to lower another batch of fruits, you call out to Tsireya to catch it. But instead of a response, all you can hear is her laughter. Surely enough, when you look down, you find her engrossed in a conversation with Lo’ak, completely ignoring you. You try to catch her attention one more time, before huffing under your breath, and deciding to climb down by yourself. You clutch the bag tightly against your chest, but as you get closer to the ground, some of the fruits start slipping out of your grip. Your hand reaches out instinctively to catch at least one, when you suddenly begin to lose your balance. You can almost imagine the damage to your back muscles, once you will hit the ground, when a pair of hands help you down on the ground.

“I got you,” you hear an accompanying voice. 

“Thank you,” you blink in surprise, as you find Neteyam Sully to be your savior.

“You spilled some but they should be good,” he grins at you, as he crouches down and starts gathering the fruits from the ground.

Quietly, you empty your bag into the basket, throwing a glance at the other basket. It’s almost empty. You sigh out of frustration. There was still a lot of work to do, but Tsireya now seems to be completely distracted. At this rate, you’ll never finish. 

“Lo’ak, that’s enough,” Neteyam grabs his brother by the shoulder, interrupting his chat with Tsireya. An amused smile creeps up on your face.

“Come on, bro, let’s stay,” Lo’ak gestures to the trees around him, “At least, there is work to do here. You know the area where Ronal sent us for fruit is dead.”

“I don’t care, if we have to gather fruits from the dead trees,” Neteyam tries to pull him but Lo’ak stands his ground, “Lo’ak, you know that whatever Ronal decides is not up to discussion.”

“Bro, we spent an hour climbing those trees for nothing,” Lo’ak points to the empty baskets they brought, “If we stay here, we can help out the girls and gather for ourselves too. No one has to know.”

“Neteyam, please,” Tsireya pleads.

“Ah, what the hell?” Neteyam shakes his head before breaking into a toothy grin, “But these baskets are gonna have to be full, Lo’ak.”

“Sure.”

You roll your eyes at how easily Neteyam agrees to the empty promise. You weren’t close with Lo’ak but even you knew how often he got into trouble for not keeping his word. It doesn’t take long to confirm your suspicion: while you and Neteyam are occupied with the task on hand, Lo’ak and Tsireya disappear from underneath the trees. 

“Great,” you huffed, emptying yet another full bag into the basket.

“Don’t worry, I’ll help,” Neteyam says with a gentle tone.

You watch him empty out his bag into your basket too, instead of his. 

“You don’t have to do that,” you feel guilty. Does he always work harder to overcompensate for Lo’ak’s behavior?

“I don’t mind.”

He takes it so light-heartedly, you wonder if it’s a daily occurrence. You stare off into the direction where Tsireya and Lo’ak had previously disappeared.

“Don’t you find it annoying?” you ask him curiously. Surely, even he must have his limits.

“They mean well, give them a break,” Neteyam chuckles, nudging your shoulder.

“You know if you keep covering for him all the time, he will never learn his lesson,” you shake your head, “Lo’ak will be the only adult who doesn’t know how to take care of simple chores.”

“He’s not that hopeless,” he laughs, finding your reaction amusing, “He’s just a kid in love.”

You don’t disagree with him, instead falling quiet. There was no place for you to talk about his brother’s behavior, you weren’t close.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be discussing your family matters like this.”

“No need to apologize, Y/N,” his gaze softens, “Besides, wouldn’t you prefer a forest Na’vi climbing the trees, instead of Tsireya? I promise I am much better at it.”

“Of course you are,” you return his smile.

The two of you get back to work, with mostly Neteyam picking the fruits, and you filling up the baskets. Despite your initial annoyance with Tsireya for leaving you, you seem to enjoy working with Neteyam way more. He’s quick and attentive, and you are grateful for him overtaking the climbing part, because you were always a little clumsy when it came to physical activities.

Soon enough, the baskets are nearly full, so you decide to regain your strength and take a break. Neteyam peels fruits for the both of you, and you sit under the trees, enjoying the shade. 

“Hey, did you make that bag?” he suddenly points at the pocket attached to your belt. It was a small woven bag that you had on you all the time, in case you found beads or rocks you could put to use.

“I did.”

“It looks great,” Neteyam smiles, “I’m not surprised though. You always had golden hands.”

“That is not true,” you disagree.

“Are you joking?” his smile grows wider, “Y/N, you make the most beautiful items. I see people approaching you everyday for help. Do you know anybody else in the village who is as skilled at weaving as you?”

“Well…no,” you shake your head.

“Believe me, you really have a talent for it.”

It wasn’t just weaving that he was referring to. You were pretty handy when it came to making jewelry, also clothes, and headpieces. When you first indulged yourself in weaving, eager to learn to make beautiful pieces for yourself, you never expected that it would turn into a hobby. Your expertise soon expanded to other things too, like making resin weapons, toys, you even took up pottery. Eventually, people noticed and started approaching you with small tasks here and there, and you were glad to help out. But your clan didn’t have a name for your occupation, so you never considered yourself to fit into one. 

“Remember the ceremonial belt you helped me make? It still holds up incredibly,” Neteyam reminds you with a toothy grin.

Of course you remember. It was exactly four years ago, when one night, Neteyam came to your marui, ears pressed flat against his skull in embarrassment. He had to explain the reason for his late visit in front of your parents, saying that he had only the night to make his ceremonial belt. It took you by surprise, because Neteyam wasn’t known for slacking off. He just didn’t think that it would be so difficult to make a damned belt. Scolded by his parents for not starting out sooner, he was then too embarrassed to ask them for help, so there he was instead, asking for yours. Having a soft spot for Neteyam, your parents allowed you to help him, despite the late hour. You two barely caught any sleep that night, working on the belt, making sure that it looked special, different from the other guys’. Neteyam watched your movements attentively, eager to learn, so sometimes you would pass the belt back to him to practice.

“I see you still wearing it sometimes,” you smile.

“You really helped me out back then, I was going to get skinned if I didn’t have a belt by the time for my ceremony,” he pauses, “I still owe you for that.”

“Nonsense, no one owes me anything. Neither do you,” you shake your head, “I like helping.”

“You can’t possibly help everyone with nothing in return.”

“I mean, people bring me food here and there,” you chuckle.

“No gifts?” he quirks his eyebrow.

“Not so much. I can make my own gifts,” you shrug, “But Mateä brings me seashells sometimes.”

“Seashells? Do you like those?”

“Oh, they make necklaces and cover ups look so lovely. Of course, they’re a little tricky to work with but it’s worth it,” you explain, “And Mateä always makes sure to bring the most beautiful shells he can find… Sometimes, he even lets me have the ones he picked for himself.”

You knew Mateä ever since you were kids. He was only a year older than you, but he was very mature for his age, way more than anyone you knew. Mateä was also one of the most skilled swimmers in your clan, which allowed him to swim outside of the perimeters and discover great depths. So whenever he had a small task for you, like fixing up his spear, or making an armor for his ilu, in return he would bring you the most unique-looking, colorful shells he could find. 

“Why would Mateä pick shells for himself?” Neteyam squints.

"He probably just likes them," you shrug, "But there were times when he asked me to make a shell necklace for him, but then he would insist that I keep it for myself because he knew how much I liked it."

“So he makes you make your own gifts?” Neteyam snorts.

“Hey, that’s rude,” you give him a playful slap on the arm, “It doesn’t matter. I have many beautiful things thanks to him.”

“I’m only kidding… I just think that he might like you, that’s all.”

“Maybe.”

You don’t deny his accusation, partly because there is some truth to it. Mateä’s and your fathers were close friends, so they were quite happy with the possibility of you and him bonding some day. And while growing up there was no pressure on either side, the two of you had always felt that something might happen. You were never opposed to the idea anyway. Mateä was a good match for you: he was admired for his strength and swimming, and he was very respectful towards you. And even when you had your little crush on Neteyam, you still knew that Mateä was a more likely option. More recently though, you suspected that Mateä was eyeing you too. He just never made a move… not a direct one anyway. 

“Is he taking you as his date to the celebration tonight?” Neteyam interrupts your thoughts.

“Are we supposed to bring dates?” you ask, teasing. Sure, some brought dates to celebrations to make their bonds known but it wasn’t a requirement.

“Exactly! My father wants me to bring a date, like this isn’t a celebration of a battle.” he emphasizes the last word with his thick accent, clearly annoyed. 

“Why does he want you to bring a date?” you cock your head.

“Because I lied,” he blurts out, a guilty expression covering his face.

“Lied?”

“That I am courting someone,” he cringes, “Even though that someone doesn’t exist.”

“Why would you lie about courting someone nonexistent when you have dozens of girls ready to be swept away by you?” you stifle a laugh, “Especially Zìsmì.”

“Please don’t mention her,” Neteyam rolls his eyes, “I don’t mean to sound rude but Zìsmì is very persistent. I sometimes have to turn directions to avoid running into her.”

“That’s kind of mean,” you decide to tease him, saying that with a stern tone, like you mean it. Neteyam shifts uncomfortably. 

“You’re right, I’m sorry. It’s rude of me to talk about her that way,” he begins to apologize but stops at the sound of your laughter.

“I’m only joking, Neteyam,” you tilt your head back, “Don’t worry, everyone knows how pushy Zìsmì can get. If the two of you were ever to become mates, she would dominate you completely.”

“Thank you!” he agrees eagerly, “Please tell that to my parents. They have been so persistent that I reciprocate her attention. I mean… just because she is a good hunter and has respected parents, doesn’t mean I click with her.”

“Is that why you lied?”

“Yeah… I just didn’t think it through. I only said it to get them off my back for a while,” he explains, his voice low, “But when I told them that I wanted to keep it a secret for a bit longer, they got too excited. So sometimes, they kick me out of the house to go on my secret dates.”

“Secret dates?” 

“I kind of told them that the girl I’m courting hasn’t told her parents yet, that’s why we have to hide.”

“For a lie you didn’t think through, you sure had many details to add,” you’re amused by the clear regret on his face, “So they want to meet her tonight?”

“To confirm that I am not lying. After all, it’s been going for over a month now,” he sighs.

“A month?”

“I know, I’m going to get skinned,” Neteyam hides his face in his palms.

“Skinned by whom? Dad or Zismi?” Lo’ak’s voice interrupts your conversation.

Hand in hand, Tsireya and Lo’ak emerge from the trees and sit in front of you. She throws a concerned look at Neteyam.

“Dad, of course” Neteyam breathes out, still not lifting his head, “I can deal with Zìsmì later.”

“Yeah, I don’t think so,” Lo’ak smirks, “By the way, you owe me, bro. Zismi was going to invite you as her date tonight.”

“What?” Neteyam looks up at his brother, “How do you know?”

“Oh, she asked me in the morning. She was looking for you, and then told me that she wanted to invite you.”

“What did you say?”

“I told her that she shouldn’t because you already had a date,” he shrugs.

“Lo’ak,” Tsireya groans, disappointed, “Now your brother will have to apologize to her, once she catches on the lie.”

“I am so dead,” Neteyam grunts, “If I could only have a little more time to think about it, I’m sure I can figure it out. But it’s like she’s conspiring with my parents against me.”

“Maybe you just need to finally turn her down,” you suggest, earning a chuckle from Lo’ak, “What?”

“Neteyam and rejecting someone don't go in the same sentence. He would rather run and sneak around the village, than tell someone that they annoy him.”

“I just don’t find that type of conversation pleasant. Or necessary,” Neteyam objects.

“They are necessary if the person doesn’t get the hint,” Tsireya adds, “Remember when Nauru -”

“Please don’t remind me of Nauru,” Neteyam interrupts her with a pleading voice.

“What did Nauru do?” you ask, now curious.

“Oh, you don’t know?” a grin stretches on Lo’ak’s lips, “It was insane.”

“It’s not funny, Lo’ak,” Tsireya shushes him, turning to you, “At first, it was kind of sweet. Nauru would leave gifts for Neteyam by his marui. But there was this one time she left him flowers, and, of course, she didn’t know that some of those were poisonous. Neteyam almost lost a finger because of her. She would also follow him everywhere, even show up to his hunts, almost earning an arrow in her head by another hunter. It was getting out of hand, and Neteyam had to reject her directly and ask her to give up.”

“Enough about Nauru,” Neteyam groans, “What am I going to do now? Even if I do turn down Zismi, I’d still have mom and dad to deal with.”

“You’re right,” Lo’ak agrees, empathizing with his brother, “I’m sure you’ll like someone eventually, but we both know how impatient our parents can get.”

The four of you fall silent for a moment, contemplating a solution to Neteyam's situation. But somewhere deep down in your heart, you feel a little relieved that he didn’t have his eye set on anyone yet. You are also partially grateful to your parents for not pressuring you in the same way. It must be hard having the Toruk Makto for your father.

“I know what to do to win more time, Neteyam!” Tsireya excitedly interrupts your thought process, “Remember the time Ao’nung asked Sìlälaw to play along, as if he was courting her?”

“That was pretend?” you ask. Surely, you missed out on a lot of things by not being friends with Tsireya anymore.

“Of course,” she says, like it’s obvious, “Before finding his mate, Ao’nung was getting scolded everyday by our mom and dad. So, he asked Sìlälaw to help him out, pretend like he was following her around, and she just didn’t like him back.”

“I don’t have time for that,” Neteyam shakes his head.

“No, hear her out, bro,” Lo’ak holds up his palm, “It worked once, right? Mom and dad stopped bothering you, when you lied about courting someone. Just show up this once, with anyone, and that’s it.”

“And afterwards?”

“Just lie,” Lo’ak exclaims, “Say that it didn’t work out or something, who cares.”

“And when it doesn't ‘work out’,” Tsireya chimes in, “You can win some more time by being ‘heartbroken’ and ‘not ready’ to pursue another girl yet.”

“It seems so excessive,” you comment, considering the plan, “Isn’t it easier to tell the truth?”

“The truth doesn’t work,” Neteyam lets out a painful chuckle, then turns to his brother, “Where would I even find someone to agree?”

“Now that’s tough,” Lo’ak hums, “Half of the girls are swooning over you, you’ll never hear the end of it.”

“What about Y/N?” Tsireya points at you.

“What about me?” you raise your eyebrows, confused.

“You don’t care for Neteyam like that,” she starts explaining, “And, you’ve had Mateä running after you for years now, but he still hasn’t even asked you out yet. Maybe if he sees you with Neteyam for one night, it’ll make him jealous and finally give him the push he needs.”

Neteyam snorts, like it’s an unlikely possibility.

“Mateä is never going to act out of jealousy, he’s not like that,” you object, “What if he stops speaking to me afterwards?”

“Then we will send Neteyam to talk to him. Neteyam will tell him that he’s heartbroken over you, and that you rejected him for Mateä,” Lo’ak chimes in, “He will dig for some information, nudge Mateä to confess to you. It’s so easy, like it was written in the stars.”

You can’t really find a flaw in Lo’ak’s suggestion. Maybe receiving a confirmation about your feelings is just the thing Mateä’s waiting for.

“Still, I’m not crazy. Do you even know how much pressure it would be to face all those girls?”

“Right, I shouldn’t be putting Y/N into such a position,” Neteyam supports your point.

“Y/N doesn’t have to face them at all. You can turn down those girls easily because you’ll have a perfect excuse. They would be too embarrassed to approach Y/N.”

“I guess,” Neteyam hums, “What do you think, Y/N? I mean, no pressure, but I would owe you for the rest of my life.”

“I don’t know,” you shrug your shoulders. It just feels icky.

“Come on, Y/N, for the sake of our past friendship,” Tsireya pleads with you.

“Okay… it’s just for one night, right?” you agree. It wasn’t.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

You feel like your heart is about to leap out of your chest, when Neteyam takes your hand in his. You take in a deep breath, heading towards the celebration with him. Lo’ak and Tsireya walk ahead of you.

It feels odd to be wearing Neteyam’s necklace instead of your own. That was the courtesy of Tsireya, who was convinced that once anyone saw you two exchange your necklaces, they would be convinced that the courting was serious. 

“I’m scared,” you admit through your teeth.

“Thank you again,” Neteyam whispers, squeezing your hand.

“Come on, guys,” Lo’ak turns to the two of you with an excited smile, “Act natural, okay?”

You nod your head but you’re not sure how you’re going to survive through the night. The closer you get to the celebration, the more people start noticing you. Hushed voices and gasps is all that catches your attention, even though Neteyam walks right beside you. Why does everyone look so surprised? You almost feel offended by the looks you get. Were Neteyam and you really that incompatible? 

The four of you take a seat around a small fire, pairs of eyes watching your every moment. You can’t help but sense Neteyam’s nervousness traveling down his body.

“You alright?” you whisper.

“Not really,” he admits, “Have you seen my parents yet?”

As you scan the crowd of Na'vi dancing and singing, your eyes land on Neytiri talking to someone. Jake stands beside her but his attention seems to be elsewhere, as he occasionally looks around him. Both of them are wearing celebratory clothing that is slightly more elaborate than any of yours. After all, it was a testament to their importance in the victorious battle.

“It looks like your father is looking for you.”

“Shit,” Neteyam lets out, nervously. You can’t help but laugh at his reaction.

“Keep it up,” Tsireya says, “The more relaxed you seem, the more believable this will look.”

She gestures at the two of you, and as you look down, you notice how close you and Neteyam are pressed to each other. It’s like you’re trying to hide from the attention you’re getting. 

It’s not long before you catch Mateä watching you from afar. Your heart beats faster, when his eyes travel to your hand still intertwined with Neteyam’s. He gulps down, and you wonder if he feels jealous.

“Mateä’s looking,” Neteyam points out, “You want to take it up by a notch?”

“What do you mean?” you turn your face to him, confused. 

There is a hint of playfulness in Neteyam’s eyes before he slowly leans in, his mouth close to your ear. You shudder under his breath.

“Pretend I said something funny, and laugh,” he whispers.

“I can’t pretend to laugh,” you whisper back, annoyed, “Can’t you just tell me something funny?”

Neteyam pulls back slightly to look at you. There is an amused smile resting on his face.

“We’re really bad at this, aren’t we?”

“You think?” you quirk your eyebrow at him, earning a small laugh from him.

“Okay, this can work too,” he says. You can’t help but smile at him.

But when you check for Mateä again, he’s nowhere to be found. Your smile drops. What if you hurt him? As if sensing your sudden change in mood, Neteyam gently squeezes your hand. 

"Are you alright?" he asks, “Is Mateä still looking?”

“No, I think he walked away,” you mumble, standing up, “I’m going to get us something to drink, okay?”

“Alright,” Neteyam mumbles back, watching you leave.

“Are you crazy?” Lo’ak slaps Neteyam on the arm, “Go with her, or they’re gonna eat her up alive.”

Following Lo’ak’s gaze, Neteyam sees Zìsmì with her friends. He quickly gets to his feet to follow you but you have already disappeared in the crowd.

“Y/N,” Zìsmì’s voice catches your attention. 

Sighing, you turn around to face her. She has a coy smile on her lips, as she takes you in from head to toe. You wait for her to talk.

“The necklace, did you make that yourself?” Zismi points to your neck, pretending as if she didn’t recognize it right away.

“It looks a lot like Neteyam’s necklace,” one of her friends says, before you could even open your mouth.

“That’s a little weird,” Zismi comments.

“You have a good eye, it is Neteyam’s necklace,” you gather as much confidence as you can, watching their expressions change, “He gave it to me.”

“Why would he give you his necklace?” Zismi scoffs.

“Because I wanted to see it on her,” you suddenly hear Neteyam’s voice, as he appears next to you, “Everything Y/N touches, basically turns into a lucky charm.”

The girls stare at Neteyam, their eyes widened. Again, you feel a little offended. Why is everyone so surprised that he likes you? Before you can react, Neteyam gently pulls you by your hand.

“We have to go, girls,” he throws with his most polite smile.

Feeling their stares like daggers in your back, Neteyam moves closer to you and wraps his arm around your waist protectively, leading you away from the prying eyes.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have left you alone,” he cranes his neck to whisper.

“It’s alright, I’m not scared of Zismi,” you turn to look at him, “Unlike you.”

“Very funny,” Neteyam rolls his eyes. 

His arm is still firmly wrapped around your waist, as the two of you continue walking. The warmth of his body against yours feels almost comforting, despite the curious glances you receive. Neteyam seems to notice it too, as he tightens his grip on you, pulling you a little closer to him. 

"Just ignore them," there is a hint of annoyance in his voice. You wonder if it’s bothering him more than you.

As you get closer to the big fire, you hear a loud cheer erupt from the crowd. Instinctively, you want to find out what’s happening. A chuckle of disbelief escapes from your mouth, when you see Neytiri and Jake dancing around the fire, to the fast rhythm of the drums. While Neytiri’s movements are gracious and fluid, Jake’s are… Well, Jake is trying his best. She throws her head back in laughter, when he makes an awkward movement, but no one else dares to laugh at the Toruk Makto, except for his mate. Suddenly, he sweeps Neytiri up into his arms and twirls her around the fire. The Na’vi cheer them on and on, clapping their hands in amusement.

You join in on the clapping, caught up in their infectious joy. When you turn to look at Neteyam, however, you notice that he's cringing.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” 

“They are acting like little kids,” Neteyam huffs.

“I think it’s sweet,” you nudge him with a smile, “Loosen up, Neteyam.”

“How can I?” he rolls his eyes at you.

“If your father can relax for one night, so can you,” you push him into the circle, with a loud shout, “Dance, Neteyam!”

Neteyam stands frozen for a moment, clearly embarrassed by your sudden action. His ears lower, and he tries to step out of the circle, but Lo’ak nudges him back in. The music picks up and the crowd cheers louder, but Neteyam stands still, clearly irritated by your behavior.

You can’t watch him anymore, so you jump to his rescue, and take his hands in yours. He tries to resist at first, but it doesn’t take much convincing on your part to get him to loosen up. As you embarrass yourself with the silly movements and faces you make, you finally coax a smile out of him. You don’t care about the others watching you, you only focus on getting him to dance with you. Soon enough, Neteyam’s confidence grows, and he starts to move more freely to the rhythm with you. You hold onto his hands, feeling the warmth of his touch, and beam with adoration as you watch him give in. 

Other couples start joining in, and the circle becomes more crowded. People start pressing closer, pushing you and Neteyam towards each other, with barely any space left. His hands instinctively find your waist, yours rest on his biceps, holding him in place. You’re not sure whether it’s the heat of the fire, or it’s just him, but you feel warmer and warmer, every time his eyes meet yours. 

“You okay?” you smile, noticing drops of sweat rolling down his face, “It’s too hot here.”

Before he can answer, you lead him out of the crowd. You catch a look from your parents’ from afar, and can only roll your eyes at them. You know they were going to question you about tonight but you don’t want to think about it for now. At least they don’t seem to be mad? 

Distracted, you turn around, nearly colliding with Neteyam's parents. They look a little lightheaded, and you suspect they've had a drink made from the pxorna' fruits you gathered earlier. Quickly, you bow low and bring your fingers to your forehead in greeting. Neteyam shifts uncomfortably beside you.

“Son… and Y/N,” Jake looks between the two of you with an approving smile. 

“Y/N, are you the one Neteyam was hiding from us?” Neytiri asks curiously.

“Mom,” Neteyam tenses up, “Let’s not make her uncomfortable, please.” 

Neteyam looks so stressed, you wonder how his parents believed his lies in the first place. Maybe they were blinded by the excitement?

“We’re just glad that it’s been her this whole time,” Jake says, smiling at you, “You’re very talented, Y/N.”

“Thank you,” you reply, shying away from the compliment. 

“We were worried that Neteyam was lying just to avoid us,” Neytiri explains.

Neteyam and you chuckle nervously, hoping that this isn’t her smart way of cracking you.

“Are your parents aware?” she asks, scanning the crowd. You quickly draw her attention back to you.

“They are now… I am sorry that Neteyam had to keep this a secret from you, that was my wish,” you lie, “It is just that my mother likes rushing into many things, and I still needed some time to get to know Neteyam.”

You weren’t completely off; your mother did have a tendency to rush into things. If she had known that you were open to dating Mateä, she would have already told him by now.

“No need to apologize,” Jake chimes in, “If anything, I feel bad for forcing your hand.”

“You should feel bad,” Neteyam grunts but you can sense that he’s holding back from saying more.

“It’s alright, I’m happy to be here tonight with Nete,” you pat Neteyam on the back.

Dropping a nickname seems to be just enough to convince them. You notice the satisfied smiles settle on their faces. 

“Ma’Jake, let’s leave them alone. After all, it’s their first outing as mates,” Neytiri murmurs, pulling Jake by his hand.

“We’re not mated yet,” Neteyam cringes, but she only finds it amusing.

“It is only a matter of time, you are your father’s son after all.”

As the two of them walk away, laughing, Neteyam takes a deep breath to calm himself down. You can sense how embarrassed he feels, knowing what you heard. But you didn’t mind it all, he has no reason to be this upset.

“Are you okay?” you nudge him but Neteyam refuses to look at you, “Hey, don’t be like that.”

“I just...I didn’t think it would be this hard,” he admits, looking down.

“What would be hard? Pretending to be in love with me?” you tease, craning your neck to see his face.

“No,” he doesn’t even crack a smile, “I’m sorry for getting you into this mess.”

“You don’t have to apologize, I am enjoying this,” you take his hand in yours, finally getting him to look at you, “Besides, we’re almost done, right?”

“Right,” he nods.

“Now, come on, pretend that I said something funny and laugh,” you playfully repeat his words. Neteyam's lips twitch into a smile before he breaks into a genuine chuckle, causing your heart to skip a beat. You love the sound of his laughter.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

“You two look so good together, I am not ready for this to be over yet,” Tsireya beams, as she plops down in front of Neteyam and you. Lo’ak follows her suit.

“Maybe you should keep it up for a little longer, bro. The way you were dancing - “ Lo’ak starts to imitate Neteyam’s dancing but Neteyam slaps him.

“Stop that, skxawng.”

“Just ignore him, Neteyam, you were great out there,” Tsireya says softly.

“Seriously, being less tense suits you,” you agree, noticing Neteyam hiding a shy smile.

“I got to admit, it wasn’t bad at all,” Lo’ak straightens up, “I just haven’t seen you dance since Naye.”

“Let it go, Lo’ak,” Neteyam grunts.

“Who’s Naye?”

“Neteyam’s first crush from back home,” Lo’ak snickers, enjoying how far he can push his brother, “Neteyam was so in love with her, he couldn't even talk to her. So this one time, during a celebration, he decided to express his feelings by dancing for her.”

“Well, what did she say?” your ears perk up in anticipation.

“She just pretended like it wasn’t happening and walked away,” Lo’ak breaks into laughter.

“That’s not funny,” Tsireya covers Lo’ak’s mouth with her hand, “It’s alright, Neteyam, we all had our share of silly teenage crushes.”

She unintentionally throws you a knowing look, for support, but Lo’ak immediately catches on.

“Who did Y/N have a crush on?” he asks. 

You stiffen, feeling their gazes intensifying on you.

“It doesn’t matter now,” you try to switch the topic but Lo’ak doesn’t seem to give up.

“It shouldn’t matter then, if you say it,” he pushes, “It can’t be that bad.”

You let out a sigh, knowing that you won't be able to get out of this.

“I used to have a crush on Neteyam,” you admit as laughter erupts.

You shoot daggers at Lo’ak, who is now rolling in the sand, while Tsireya tries to cover up her laughter. You turn to Neteyam, who looks at you with a shy smile on his face.

“Before you say anything, I feel like I should clear this,” you hold up your hand, “It was just a fleeting crush before I got to know you. And it disappeared. So please don’t feel uncomfortable.”

“So you’re saying your crush disappeared right after you got to know him?” Lo’ak asks, another wave of laughter hitting him. Shit. That’s not how you wanted it to sound.

Neteyam only rolls his eyes at his brother, while Tsireya tries her best to keep a straight face.

“I’m sorry, we just sneaked some of the pxorna’ juice,” she explains. 

“I can tell,” you grit through your teeth. You have now truly understood the embarrassment Neteyam felt a moment ago.

“Y/N, please don’t take this to heart,” Tsireya rests her palm on your thigh, “Who cares what happened five years ago? We know you’re interested in Mateä now anyway.”

“Yeah,” Neteyam clears his throat, agreeing, “It was a silly crush, right? It’s all in the past now.”

You nod, but you can't shake off the feeling of unease. You couldn’t help but wonder if Neteyam was relieved that he didn't have to reject one more girl, or if he was secretly disappointed that you were interested in Mateä instead of him.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

When Neteyam asked you to keep up the fake courting till the hunting festivities to make his heartbreak more believable, you agreed. The festivities were supposed to begin only in a few weeks, to mark the beginning of the hunting season, so you thought it wasn’t a big deal. You could wait. Besides, it seemed like things were looking up for the two of you.

Neteyam was finally getting some time for himself. His father had started to ease up on him, cutting short his training. Knowing that Neteyam was supposedly courting you, Jake wanted to give his son a chance to focus on that. 

The past few months had been so tough on Neteyam both physically and mentally, that all he wanted to do was rest and recharge. So he would often use that free time to drop by your marui and ask to take naps on your floor, while you were working on whatever project you had. Since your parents were mostly out, letting you work in peace, Neteyam’s quiet snoring was no burden. And if anyone was visiting you to ask for help with their items, they would only throw an amused look at sleeping Neteyam and leave you two alone, helping you keep up your fake image without much effort. Sometimes, you would catch yourself watching him too, admiring the peaceful expression on his face, as he slept. Of course, this didn’t escape your parents’ attention, as they were peppering you with questions about Neteyam’s intentions almost every night. But you mostly ignored their inquiries, focused on the simple pleasure of being able to help Neteyam.

Slowly, the girls who used to fawn over Neteyam not too long ago also started to lose their interest. Especially with Zismi's parents informing Neytiri that they were considering another match for their daughter. Neteyam felt relieved by the idea that he didn’t have to reject anyone anymore.

On the other hand, you started noticing more efforts from Mateä. Even though you feared that he wouldn’t act out of jealousy, Mateä seemed to be persistent in seeing you more often than he usually did. Whenever you went for a swim, he was right there with you, trying his best to make you laugh. Whenever you would carry a heavy basket, Mateä sprung to your side to help. Not to mention the beautiful seashells he started to bring you without particular reason. It seemed like any day now, Mateä was going to confess his feelings for you. Neteyam didn’t seem particularly pleased whenever he witnessed your interactions, but you only assumed it was an act. 

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

As you rounded the corner to your marui, you suddenly spotted Neteyam pacing around it. You hesitated to approach him as you could hear him mumbling something under his breath. It was almost like he was practicing some sort of speech. Instead, you carefully lowered yourself into the water and swam closer to your home, hiding just underneath. You were close enough to hear him and avoid being seen. You weren’t going to eavesdrop for long, you just wanted to find out what he’s doing before revealing yourself.

Neteyam suddenly stopped talking, and for a second, you thought that he had spotted you. That is until, Mateä came into your view, stopping by the entrance to your marui. You watch quietly, as the two of them exchange a brief greeting.

“Is Y/N here?” Mateä gestures to the marui, but Neteyam shakes his head, “Oh, I guess I thought she’d be here with you.”

“Why would she be with me?” Neteyam asks, with a slight annoyance in his voice.

“Aren’t you courting her?” Mateä asks, confused, “Or are those just rumors?”

“No, it’s true,” Neteyam seems to get his act back together. For a second, you were worried he would accidentally reveal something, “But Y/N is not tied to me every minute of the day, so…”

“So it is true that you’re not mated yet,” Mateä mumbles under his breath.

“Did you have something to pass to her?” Neteyam asks impatiently, crossing his arms over his chest. What is he doing? 

“Actually, I'd prefer to give it to her myself," Mateä matches his tone, clearly not liking the possessiveness Neteyam radiates. 

“If it’s another thing you want her to make for you, she’s been busy lately,” Neteyam scoffs. 

“It’s not a task, I brought her a gift.”

“Let me guess, more seashells?” Neteyam rolls his eyes. What is wrong with him?

“That’s right, I know how much she likes those,” Mateä steps forward.

Seemingly unfazed, Neteyam takes a step forward as well. You shift, thinking of interrupting them before things start to escalate. But Mateä doesn’t seem to be in the mood for an argument. Instead, he brushes past Neteyam towards your marui. 

"I'll leave them on her table. Tell her I brought them for her when she comes back," Mateä says over his shoulder. "Actually, don’t bother. She'll know they're from me anyway."

Neteyam watches in annoyance as Mateä disappears into your marui. You can almost hear him exhale loudly, trying to calm himself down. Maybe Neteyam’s just having a hard day today, you think. Perhaps something to do with his father? When Mateä comes back out, he leaves without a word.

Quietly, you swim to the back of your marui, and get out of the water. You pause before rounding the corner, and approaching Neteyam. Upon seeing you, he forces a small smile.

“Neteyam,” you greet him.

“Hey, Y/N,” he scratches the back of his head, nervous.

“Are you here for another nap?” you tease him, proceeding into your marui. 

“Actually… no,” he follows you in.

You hum, waiting for him to elaborate, as you start taking out some of the supplies you gathered from your bag. It’s then that your eye catches the beautiful green shells laid out on your table. Neteyam stands awkwardly by the wall, watching your reaction. 

“Who brought those?” you turn to ask him.

“Mateä,” Neteyam answers, “I forgot to mention. He was here earlier to see you.”

“Too bad I missed him,” you say, testing his reaction, “But it’s weird that he hasn’t asked me out yet. What do you think? You’re a guy.”

Neteyam has to physically restrain himself from cringing at your words. It takes him a second to regain his calmness, before putting on that fake voice he uses around his father.

“It is weird. He should have asked you out a long time ago.”

“Maybe he just doesn’t like me enough,” you turn your attention back to the shells.

“Nonsense. He’s just a coward,” you hear him scoff.

Surprised, you look at Neteyam again, studying his face. There is a mix of frustration and shame on his face. It's hard to tell if he's getting possessive over you, or if there's something else that's bothering him. 

"Is everything okay?" you ask softly, trying to gauge his reaction, “You seem to have a problem with Mateä.”

"Everything's fine. Just... he always seems to hang around you lately," he says, his voice trailing off.

“Well, wasn’t that kind of the point?” you gesture between the two of you, referring to the fake courting. 

“I guess,” Neteyam hums, you wait for him to continue, “I just don’t like that he acts like a coward.”

“Maybe if you stop scaring him away…” you mumble under your breath, but he’s quick to catch it.

“You don’t want someone who is so easily intimidated anyway.”

You don’t respond, confused by his behavior. Quietly, you start painting the pot you left unfinished last night. Neteyam falls silent too, watching you. He can’t understand what you see in Mateä. It just doesn't make sense to him. Neteyam also can’t understand why Mateä hasn’t made a move yet. Does he want you to choose him over Neteyam first? Or was he giving you other options, so you don’t have any regrets afterwards?

“You said you wanted something?” you interrupt his thoughts. 

“Um, right,” he clears his throat, “It’s kind of awkward.”

You put down the pot and turn to face him, suspecting that it is going to be something good. 

“What is it?”

“Well… apparently we’re not convincing enough,” he looks down at his feet, awkwardly, “People think that it’s just a rumor, that I’m courting you.”

“A rumor?” you frown, “But we’re hanging out all the time.”

Is he referring to Mateä’s words? Surely, if there was a rumor like that, Tsireya would have mentioned it to you a long time ago. She was keeping you updated. 

“No one ever sees us together outdoors, not after the celebration,” his voice gets a little higher, “I was just thinking that we could take it up by a notch?” 

“Well, what did you have in mind?” you tilt your head, curious. Neteyam’s eyes widen at your quick agreement.

“I take you on a date?”

“A date?” you smile, “Alright.”

A toothy grin spreads across Neteyam’s face at your response, causing your cheeks to flush with heat. You can't help but wonder if the two of you were getting too involved in this, and whether it was going to get in your way. But you can't deny the excitement you feel at the prospect of a date with Neteyam. Even if it’s a pretend one.

“What should I wear?”

“Anything pretty, and don’t worry about ruining it. I won’t take you into the water,” he says confidently, like he has everything planned out already.

“Okay,” you agree, reaching for one of the shell-necklaces you made for yourself. You raise your hand to show it to him, “How about this?”

“Hmm,” Neteyam pretends to think about it, as he leans against the wall.

You watch him with an amused smile stretching your lips. You rarely get to see a playful side of Neteyam but you love it when he acts like this. 

“I think I have to see it on, to decide,” he finally says his verdict, before cracking a smile.

You roll your eyes but comply anyway, walking up to him and shoving the necklace into his hands. As you turn around and move your hair out of the way, Neteyam carefully begins to tie the necklace around your neck. You can feel his hands shake slightly, as he takes his time. When he’s done, and you turn to face him, Neteyam is standing too close to you.

“Do you like it?” you meet his eyes, unable to put a distance between you.

“I do,” he breathes out.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

“Hey, Y/N, just dropping by for that pot. If it’s ready,” Tsireya walks into your marui, catching you off guard.

You had just put on a delicate pearly top you’ve made for yourself a while ago, and were trying to see if the ties in the back were in place. Tsireya gasps at the sight of you, bringing her hands to her mouth. 

“Did you make that?!” she beams at you, “You look beautiful, Y/N, it suits you so much!”

“You think? Not too much?” you quirk your eyebrow, pushing her for the truth. 

“Not at all,” she answers with a knowing look, “Are you going to see Mateä?” 

“No, not Mateä,” you shake your head. Tsireya looks at you confused, and you suddenly feel awkward having to explain yourself, “Neteyam wanted us to have a fake date somewhere public.”

“Oh,” that’s all she says.

It’s easy to see when something is bothering her. After all, you have been friends for a long time, you knew Tsireya like the back of your hand. 

“Just say it,” you urge her to speak.

“I just think that you shouldn’t drag this out for so long.”

“But Neteyam kind of needs me to keep playing into it,” you explain yet she doesn’t seem convinced, “Besides, Mateä has been showing more interest recently, so it works for both of us.”

“It doesn’t work for you and Mateä,” Tsireya disagrees, “You need to drop this, and Neteyam has to speak to Mateä before it’s too late.”

You don’t answer, considering her words. Tsireya is right, perhaps you should wrap this thing up. It was only supposed to be for one night, right? 

“Unless… you like him?” Tsireya looks at you, suspiciously. 

“Who?” your voice hitches.

“Seems like you’re starting to like Neteyam again,” Tsireya lets out with a sigh. She hated keeping things from you, but she also couldn’t lie. 

Your cheeks flush with embarrassment. Deep down, you suspect that she might be right. Neteyam was quickly starting to work his way back into your heart.

“I am just helping him out, Tsireya. There’s nothing between us,” you lie.

“I just think that this is not worth it… you and Mateä can have something really great.”

“The pot is ready, right over there,” you point to your table.

Tsireya throws an apologetic look at you, and picks up the pot, thanking you. She senses that you don’t want to talk about Neteyam anymore, and decides to give you time to think. 

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

“Neteyam?” you frown, as he keeps gawking at you, without a word.

It has been a few moments since he saw you walking out of your marui, and he still hasn't said anything. You begin to feel anxious about your appearance. Is it too revealing? Are the pearls too much? You just wanted to look like you were going on a date.

"You look like a beautiful syulang," he finally breathes out, admiring your look.

“You mean it?” you take a step closer to him.

“I do, you look very pretty,” he confirms, but takes a step back. You notice that he keeps his hands behind his back, as if he's trying to hide something.

"Thank you," you reply, "What do you have back there?"

“Uh, I brought this for you,” he says, bringing forward something wrapped in a large green leaf. 

You can't see what's inside, but you assume it's fragile, given how carefully he held it. As you take it from him and begin to unwrap, Neteyam observes your every move with anticipation.

"You really didn't have to bring me anything, Neteyam," you say, meeting his gaze for a moment, “It's not like a real date anyway.”

"I wanted to," he responds shyly.

As the wrapping comes undone, you see a handful of small, delicate yellow flowers. They're unlike anything you've ever seen before, petals shaped in a unique swirl in the ends. As you bring them closer to examine, you gawk back at Neteyam.

"Let me show you something," he smiles.

Without waiting for your permission, Neteyam takes your hand in his, opening your palm and holding it above the flowers, throwing a shade. The yellow flowers begin to glow with a soft, natural luminescence. 

“How come I’ve never seen these!” you beam, earning a satisfied grin from him, “This is very special, thank you.”

“I’m not a very good diver, so I can’t get you those shells you like,” he confesses, “But I saw these glowing at the top of the mountain when I was flying last night, so I went back for them this morning because I thought you might like them.”

“I don’t need you to bring me shells, Neteyam, these are very special,” you carefully pull him in for a hug with your free hand, trying not to squish the flowers. As Neteyam wraps his arms around your waist, bringing you closer, you close your eyes in comfort.

You were already thinking of ways to preserve the flowers, perhaps gathering some resin, and making jewelry out of them. Or something for your hair? Your marui? 

“I’ll put them into water, so that they don’t die by the time I get back,” you say, pulling back from Neteyam.

“Don’t worry, I can always bring you more,” he smiles.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Pretending with Neteyam had become effortless. As you strolled along the beach, Neteyam and you were just talking, catching up on the things that happened in the past years. Occasionally, you would make him laugh, and it warmed your heart to see him happy like that, carefree. Whenever you would notice someone watching you, Neteyam would ask you to hold hands with him to appear more serious. You agreed, of course, but Tsireya’s words were slowly weighing on you. You were letting it yourself get too invested, meanwhile Neteyam was only pretending.

As he walked you back to your marui, you could sense his growing nervousness.

“I think my neighbors are watching us,” you whisper with a smile, coming to a halt in front of the entrance.

“Are they big on gossip?” Neteyam leans in slightly, like he’s about to tell you a secret.

“Oh, very big,” you chuckle, “They are always asking my mother about you.”

“Maybe we should give them something to talk about,” he gulps down, bringing his face closer to you.

As Neteyam's eyes lock onto yours, you suddenly feel your heart race. You can't deny the tension between you, but you also can't ignore the possibility of this causing more trouble than it's worth. The thought of rumors spreading around the village about you and Neteyam kissing makes your stomach churn. Maybe this is too far. 

“What do you mean, Neteyam?” you manage to ask, captivated by his eyes.

“Can I kiss you?” he whispers, so quietly, like he’s going to scare you away.

“It wouldn’t be a proper date without a kiss,” you mumble. It was supposed to be a joke, a snarky comment, but you sounded so desperate, so impatient to feel him.

Neteyam only nods, his gaze fixed on your lips. He leans in, then hesitates, as if asking for one last permission. You tilt your head slightly, your heart racing in your chest. And when he finally closes the distance between you, you feel his soft, gentle lips on yours. It's so delicate and slow that it feels like a dream, intimate and special.

When you pull away, you notice a small smile resting on his lips. You can’t help but shy away from his gaze, taking a step back.

“Well, I think that was convincing enough,” you joke, trying to sound nonchalant about it.

“Thank you for tonight, Y/N,” he says, straightening up, “Have a sound sleep.”

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Your sleep wasn’t sound at all. You tossed and turned on your mat throughout the night, much to the annoyance of your parents. Your eyes kept being drawn to the bowl of flowers, casting a soft glow in the darkness. It reminded you of stupid Neteyam, of his stupid lips, and stupid captivating golden eyes that glowed the same way under the moonlight. You couldn't get him out of your head, and it was starting to drive you crazy.

Tsireya's warning echoed in your mind - this pretend relationship with Neteyam was going too far. You knew you had to have a serious conversation with him and move on with the final stage of the plan: turn him down. If not, you could ruin your chances of finding a real relationship. Without Neteyam.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Early in the morning, with a determined stride, you make your way to the beach, where you spot Neteyam, training with his father and a group of guys. You don’t think through what you’re going to do, when Jake suddenly notices you. 

“Good morning, Y/N,” he says, drawing everyone’s attention to you, “Anything I can help you with?”

You greet them, and gulp down, easily finding Neteyam’s curious gaze on you. Well, you have come so far, why not just get it over with?

“Can I speak to Neteyam for a moment? It won’t take long,” you turn to Jake.

Jake purses his lips, but nods at Neteyam, giving him a sign to go. He approaches you with a worried look on his face.

“Is something wrong?” 

“No, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt your training,” you apologize.

Neteyam obliges, when you lead him away from the beach, to talk in private. It’s still early, so most of the clan is asleep. You feel nervous under his patient gaze but you know it has to be done.

“I wanted to talk to you about us,” you begin. Neteyam nods, encouraging you to go on, “I know there’s still a week until the hunting festivities, and I promised to help you till then, but I don’t think I can.”

Neteyam’s eyes widen slightly, but he remains calm.

“Do you want us to stop pretending?” he asks softly.

“Yes, I think it’s for the best if we stop now. If we keep going on dates and…kissing, it might give people the wrong idea, and I don’t want that,” you answer, trying to keep your voice steady.

He looks down at his hands for a moment, thinking. You don’t interrupt him. He’s probably just trying to come up with the best way of telling his parents. He doesn’t seem saddened that he won’t be forced to spend time with you anymore. You’re the idiot who fell for her fake boyfriend.

“I understand, Y/N,” Neteyam finally says, meeting your eyes, “Thank you for helping me so far.”

“It’s fine,” you let out a breath, “Then it is decided. And Neteyam…we have to keep our distance from now on.”

Neteyam watches, as you walk away with a mixture of feelings. You're relieved, yet also disappointed that the fake relationship is over. You can't help but wonder if things could have been different between you and Neteyam, if only circumstances were different. 

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

The following days seem to stretch with a painful slowness. You feel lost, with a constant sense of longing that follows you like a shadow. The realization that you had fallen head over heels for Neteyam and can’t be with him hits you hard. You feel stupid but you can't help thinking about him all the time, trying to carry on with your day-to-day tasks. But it seems like everything is taking more effort than it used to.

Every now and then, you catch a glimpse of Neteyam from afar, and he looks just as sad as you feel. You can't help but wonder if he's just putting on a show for the sake of the rumors, to make it believable. You wish you could just talk but avoiding him is the right thing to do for now. 

And as suspected, it doesn’t take long for rumors about you turning him down to start spreading throughout the clan. People notice that you two aren’t spending time together anymore and are avoiding each other. It is ironic, how they think that it's Neteyam going through a heartbreak, when in reality it is you. 

When Tsireya comes to congratulate you on the successful plan, she tells you that Mateä has heard the rumors and was preparing to confess to you. But you don’t want Mateä anymore. Instead of sharing Tsireya’s excitement, you can’t hold back any longer, and break down in front of her, confessing your true feelings for Neteyam. It is freeing to finally let it out, to have someone to confide in. As she comforts you, it feels like you are friends again, if only for a moment.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

You got ready a long time ago. Your hair decorated with feathers and beads, face painted with white ceremonial patterns. In a few hours you would be joining the rest of the clan, to wish a farewell to the Metkayina hunters. The Tsahik would bless them with a prayer to Eywa, and after you sing your songs, the young men will leave. It was a tradition in your clan, that at the beginning of each year, the young hunters would travel by the water to an unfamiliar land. It was a test that every hunter had to pass, to learn to adapt in every situation and be able to stand for himself and for his allies. Sometimes, it would take them a few days to return back with a prey. Sometimes, it would last a full moon. It depended on Eywa’s guidance, and the hunters couldn’t return without receiving a blessing first.

Despite the value it held, the passage was still dangerous. It was painful for you to recall the instances when the groups returned with wounded or missing Na’vi. And although you were aware that it was Neteyam’s third time going on the hunt, you couldn't help but feel worried sick for him. Tonight, with the rest of your clan, you had to show your support, but your mind was contemplating not showing up at all. You didn’t want to see his face, afraid that it might make your heart break further. 

There was still time for the ceremony, as you wandered off to the water, trying to calm down your nerves. It would be disrespectful not to go, you had to show up and pray to Eywa that she keeps Neteyam safe and sound. You’re so deep in your thoughts, it takes you a second to notice Mateä sitting down next to you. You force a small smile to greet him.

“Excited for tonight?” he gestures to the extra pieces of ceremonial clothing you’re wearing on your arms and legs.

“Just wanted to be ready in time,” you’re not sure how to respond. You knew Mateä your whole life, yet it feels awkward to be with him alone. 

“I heard that you turned down the son of Toruk Makto,” Mateä emphasizes, you hum, “I will not lie to you, at first, when I heard about it, I was relieved. I thought that he doesn’t deserve you. But seeing you like this… it saddens me. I do not wish for you to be unhappy.”

“Thank you, Mateä,” you hang your head at his words. 

“Listen, Y/N,” he says softly, “We have known each other since we were babies. And while I curse myself for not spending more of my time with you back then, I do not want to regret this chance too.”

You meet his eyes again, nervously. You knew him pretty well. When Mateä was sure about something, he confronted it head on. Whether it was a rejection or an acceptance, he wished to know the truth in order to move on. 

“I always had my eye on you, Y/N,” he confesses, “What I didn’t realize that it was not just in a way one would look after their friend. It is shameful to admit but… it took me seeing you with another man to understand the true nature of my feelings. I like you, Y/N, and I wish to know if you feel the same way.”

You gulp down, tears filling up your eyes. The man you thought you could spend your life with was finally opening his heart to you, yet you didn’t want it. Your own heart belonged to somebody else. Oh Eywa, why couldn’t you enjoy what you had wished for?

“Don’t cry,” Mateä whispers, noticing the tears rolling down your cheeks, “Your heart belongs to him, doesn’t it?”

You can see the brave face he puts on, as you slowly nod your head. You feel so guilty and ashamed for admitting it to him. Mateä was really one of the only people in your life that you valued, and you were hurting him.

“I’m sorry,” you sniff, “If there was a way for me to make this better…”

“You don’t have to apologize, just don’t cry, okay?” he reaches out to wipe away your tears, and you nod again, “That is enough for me.”

You don’t feel like you even deserve his attention right now. 

“Mateä, if I could take away the pain that I’m causing, you know I would in an instant,” you mean it.

"I know, Y/N. But you can't help who you love," he says softly, "Regardless of what you choose to do, just promise me that we can still be friends, alright?"

"Of course, Mateä, you mean a lot to me," you nod, grateful.

"Good,” he stands up with a small smile, “Now, let's go. We don't want to be late."

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

You quietly take a seat next to Tsireya, who is anxiously watching Lo’ak from a distance. Despite knowing how important it is for Lo’ak to partake in the tradition, she can’t help but feel worried for him. You lay your hand on her shoulder to comfort her.

“Lo’ak is a skilled hunter. You know that Jake takes training very seriously,” you reassure her.

“You’re right,” she nods her head, then turns to face you, “You came with Mateä... Did you talk?”

You nod, pursing your lips together. It’s not difficult for Tsireya to realize what happened. It was only logical that you would reject Mateä because of your feelings for Neteyam.

“Oh, Y/N,” she lets out, pulling you in for a hug. You feel like it’s comforting not only you, but also her.

As the rhythm of the log drums slowly picks up, everyone falls quiet. The Tsahik makes her way to an open space, and the hunters quickly surround her in a circle, kneeling down. It’s then that you see Neteyam, wearing his headpiece and armor, with bow and arrows attached to his back. You can’t help but feel a twinge of worry for him but you push the feeling aside, afraid that it might ruin his luck. 

When the Tsahik’s voice fills the air with a praying chant, the hunters begin to sway in unison, seeking the blessing and guidance of Eywa for their upcoming journey. With the rhythm of the log drums, you find yourself lost in the moment too, closing your eyes and letting yourself be carried away. 

Eventually, when Tsahik stops, the hunters rise to their feet. As per practice, they must bid farewell to their loved ones, in case they may not return. You can’t help but feel nervous because this part of the ceremony is usually long, and Tsahik allows everyone to take their time. You know that soon enough you will watch Neteyam making his way to his family, and it hurts to know that he won’t be saying goodbye to you too. With every passing second, you feel more anxious, and all you want to do is get away from there. So, when the rest of the clan starts moving, you stand up to leave without even looking in his direction. 

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

You rush through the trees, making your way into a small clearing, illuminated by the moonlight. You take a moment to breathe in and out with the sounds of nature, and eventually calm yourself down. When suddenly you hear a rustling of the leaves. 

Your heart skips a beat as you see Neteyam making his way to you, with a mix of concern and confusion. 

“Y/N, why did you run off?” he asks, as soon as he’s close enough for you to hear.

“Doesn’t matter,” you dismiss him, “Why are you here? You should be with your family now.”

“I already talked to my family,” Neteyam comes closer, and your breath catches in your throat, “But I couldn't leave without saying goodbye to you.”

“Neteyam,” you’re so confused at his behavior. Did he feel guilty because you looked upset? He shouldn’t be here with you right now.

“Y/N, why did you reject Mateä?” he asks suddenly, catching you off guard, “Tsireya told me.”

You don’t answer, holding his gaze. He hated rejecting girls, you can’t burden him now, before his hunt.

“Was it because of me?” he pushes.

“It does not matter, Neteyam,” you try to brush him off, “You have a hunt ahead of you, you shouldn’t be here right now. Shouldn’t be making your night about my stupid actions.”

“How can I not make this about you?” he says, irritated, “Everything is about you now, Y/N. Every moment of every night and day, doesn’t matter what I’m doing, my mind is occupied with the thoughts of you!”

“W-what?” you stutter, caught off guard.

“So for you to tell me ‘it doesn’t matter’ if you rejected Mateä for me… Of course, it matters. It matters to me, because... Because I see you,” he lets out, breathing loudly.

You stare in confusion, as Neteyam’s eyes jump all over your face, searching for a reaction. All you can do is think about how much you wanted him to say those words to you. To tell you how much he liked you, longed for you, the same way you did for him.

“I see you too, Neteyam,” you manage to whisper, reaching your hand to cup his cheek.

A loving smile breaks on his face, when Neteyam pulls you in for a kiss. He is so desperate to touch you, to know that it’s real. You’re real. Happiness overwhelms you, as you smile against his lips, your hands gently cupping his face. 

“I’m yours,” he whispers, resting his forehead against yours.

“I’m yours forever,” you whisper back.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Did my best to upload this before my job interview tomorrow, so by the time I come back, I want you to leave your comments and tags!!! Seriously, I love that shit, it makes my heart melt. Especially when you submit questions

my 30k enemies to lovers fic (neteyam x ta'unui reader)

taglist: @ancientbeing10, @anm3mi ; @lovergirl-3000 ; @sunjayist ; @rensbby ; @okaylorrainee ; @cappsikle ; @raeeahn ; @yawneneteyam ; @oh-austin ; @midlife-crisisperson ; @teyums

[maverickbabes]

Come Here

Come Here

Aged!up!Neteyam Sully x female!navi!reader!

Neteyam and Reader are both 18

Warnings: no warnings just a bunch of cuteness

Summary: Neteyam visits Y/n while she's working in the healers hut, distracting her and wanting to hold her. Y/n attempts to ignore him but can't help wanting to be in his arms. Neteyam is a cute boy 😍

"Neteyam would you stop?" Y/n asks, chuckling as she wiggles her way out of Neteyam's arm. "Hmm no" He says putting his finger up to his chin making a thinking face then reaches out to grab his mate once more.

Y/n dodges him, smirking at herself as she bent down and put the fresh towels on the shelf next to the bowls. "Babyyyy" Neteyam whines as he walks over to y/n and places his hands on her shoulders, giving her a gentle massage. "Mm that feels good ma 'teyam" She hums closing her eyes and leaning into his touch.

"I missed you today baby" He murmurs as he gets on his knees behind his mate, still massaging her stiff shoulders. Y/n tilts her head down, braids falling over her face as she let's out a small moan. "I got to get back to work babe" y/n says and she gets up from the ground and made her way across the hut.

Neteyam tsks at her as he grabbed the herbs and gauze wraps from her hands, setting them back on the counter. "Come here" He said and y/n opens her mouth to protest but he shakes his head. "No protesting baby girl, get over here" He tells her as he grabbed and engulfed her into his arms.

She doesn't even argue as she let's out a sigh while wrapping her arms around her mate. "I missed you too 'teyam" She mumbles into his toned chest and he squeezes her while inhaling her scent.

"Want to leave early?" Neteyam suggests and y/n pulls away from the hug, looking up at him with her big amber eyes as she pouts. "I can't babe, I got to get back to work" She says as she put her head on his chest in which he let out a chuckle.

"Babe your killing me here. There's nothing for you to do, you got everything done" He yells her waving his arms around the hut to prove his point. "No I have to get that organized" Y/n protests as she points to the table and Neteyam shakes his head before grabbing y/n's face.

He leans down and gives y/n a kiss on the forehead, then the nose, then both of her cheeks and finally her lips. "You can do that tomorrow. Let's go to our hut and just hold each other, I missed you" He explains as his hands run up and down her arms.

Giving in, y/n closes her eyes and let's out a sigh as she nodded her head. "Lead the way dork" She says and he smirks as he does a motion as if he won the championship. "Let's go ma y/n" He says as he wraps his arm around her waist and pulls her against him while they walk out of the healers hut and towards their own.

Y/n smirks as she moves out of his embrace and moves in front of him as she walks backwards while he walks forwards. "Race you to the hut?" She challenged as she raised her eyebrow. "Oh your so on!" He said excited and their laughs filled the air as she takes off towards their hut with him. following

[yuzuyom]

Shhh, es un secreto

PAREJA: Neteyam x Reader

Capitulo 12:

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Capitulo 13

" LIBERTAD "

Todo fue tan silencioso cuando llegaste a casa, Neteyam acariciaba tu cabello con cariño y tú te permitías cerrar los ojos con calma por qué al fin había paz en tu corazón, al fin habías terminado con este ciclo donde te torturaban, ahora estabas segura en los cálidos brazos de Neteyam.

Cuando llegaron a casa te dejaron descansar, Neteyam te siguió sin dudar, subiéndote por la ramada para acostarte suavemente en la cama, su mano acarició tu cabello con suavidad observando como cerrabas los ojos con calma ante su toque. miró tu cabello frunciendo su ceño cuando no encontró las cuentas que él había puesto en tu cabello. Sin embargo, no dijo nada, él solo quería pasar tiempo de silencio dónde estuvieran uno al lado del otro.

----Neteyam... ---- llamaste en un murmullo.

----¿Mm? ---- preguntó sin dejar tu cabello.

----Te extrañé.

Él sonrió con cariño. Juntando su frente a la tuya para que sus ojos amarillos miraran los tuyos con amor.

---- Te veo, (T/N).

Sonreíste con amor, acercándote a él para esconderte en su pecho disfrutando de sus manos jugando con tu largo cabello. Cerraste los ojos antes que él, permitiendo que el sueño te abrace. Amanecieron de esa misma forma, abrazados en tu pequeña carpa disfrutando la calidez del otro, te sentaste encima de tus rodillas observando al Na'vi dormir, tu dedo remarcó su nariz y sus ojos, seguiste el borde de sus labios con suavidad para después tocar cada franja de su piel. Una pequeña risa salió de tus labios cuando notaste como su cola se movía de un lado a otro demostrando su gusto.

Entonces abrió sus ojos y aquello te hizo sonreírle en grande, tu pequeño dedo tocó su nariz dejando salir un pequeño "bop" haciéndolo reír. El muchacho se levantó acercándote a su regazo para dar un pequeño beso de buenos días a tu boca, sonreíste entre medio del beso, feliz por qué al fin podías tenerlo para ti solita.

-----Bueno días... ---- saludaste sonriente.

----Hola... ---- saludó con voz profunda debido a la siesta.

Comenzaste a jugar con sus trenzas, porque sinceramente hoy solo querías estar acostada en tu pequeña carpa a su lado, no era necesario hablar. Solo estar juntos con un momento a solas o al menos eso pensabas hasta que tres Na'vi conocidos entraron a la carpa a tropezones.

Reíste mirando a los niños sully, alejándote de Neteyam para prestarle atención a los hermanos.

Kiri ya estaba en tu cabello volviendo a hacer trenzas para robar las cuentas del cabello de Neteyam y ponerlas en tu cabeza, Tuk la hermosa niña te enseñó su pancita vendada, diciendo que su hermana había curado el veneno gracias a tus conocimientos. Ambas hacían coronas mientras Lo'ak se recostaba en tus muslos y simplemente pasaba el rato hablando payasadas. Neteyam estaba mirando de lejos riendo y sonriendo ante las idioteces de su hermano.

Cuando fue la hora de irse él y tú quedaron solos en la carpa. Tus ojos suaves miraron a Neteyam quién tenía su mirada lejana, tu corazón se apretó al ver la inseguridad en sus ojos. Te levantaste rápidamente yendo hacia sus brazos para besar sus labios con cuidado, Neteyam saltó con sorpresa al principio, pero poco después sus labios se encontraron siguiendo tu beso mientras sus ojos se cerraban con anhelo. Cuando te separaste juntaste tu frente con la de él, buscando su mirada al notar cómo él no se atrevía a mirar tus ojos. Tomaste su mano con cuidado llevándola a tu pecho para darle una ligera sonrisa.

----Te veo, Neteyam ---- sus ojos amarillos mostraron duda ---- y mi corazón es completamente tuyo.

Él notó la sinceridad en tus ojos.

sin embargo, tenía dudas y no se le podía culpar después de ver tu llanto ante la muerte de aquel Na'vi.

---¿Podría saber...?---- preguntó Neteyam inseguro.

Ladeaste tu cabeza confundida causando que él soltara un suspiro tembloroso. Tomó tus manos para llevarla a sus labios y dar un ligero beso en el dorso de estas.

----Su historia.

Tus hombros se tensaron, miraste a un lado insegura provocando que Neteyam estuviera a punto de decir que no importaba, hasta que te vio asentir.

----No es una historia bonita ----. Aseguraste mirándolo insegura.

Neteyam te miró confuso, sin entender porqué llorarías por alguien con el que no tuvieras una linda historia.

Entonces soltaste todo.

Por primera vez alguien escuchaba todo lo que habías pasado a manos de Ska'anekx.

Neteyam poco a poco sentía cómo la rabia llenaba cada parte de su cuerpo. Cada detalle lo hacía vomitar y sus pensamientos simplemente eran que debía haber dejado vivo a ese tipo y hacerlo sufrir.

Cada que llorabas o te veías nerviosa Neteyam te abrazaba o te recordaba que podías parar si deseabas hacerlo. Tú te negabas, deseando que él supiera todo, cada uno de los detalles para que ya no tuviera inseguridades. Y si, tal vez Neteyam ya no estaba inseguro pero, la rabia era demasiada. Se aseguraría de que ese maldito monstruo no tuviera un entierro digno, que su alma jamás descansará en paz.

Cuando acabaste Neteyam te abrazaba sobreprotector. Sus manos tomaban tu cuerpo contra el de él intentando brindarte toda la seguridad que necesitaras.

----- Neteyam... Hay que unirnos ---- murmuraste después de unos minutos de silencio.

---- ¿Mm?--- preguntó Neteyam mirándote extrañado ---- ¿ahora...? ¿No prefieres descansar? Ha sido un día pesado.

Reíste ante eso, mirándolo con amor.

----Me refiero ante Eywa.

No una conexión forzada, no una a la que tuvieras que hacerlo para sobrevivir. Querías una real y que tú persona fuera Neteyam.

Su cola se movió con felicidad que sin dudarlo se enrolló en tu muslo demostrando cuánto le agradaba esa idea.

Neteyam juntó su frente contra la tuya asintiendo con una enorme sonrisa.

----Si, definitivamente deseó eso.

Cuando menos lo esperabas tu ya tenías uns linda vestimenta Na'vi, tu cuello y cabello estaban adornados con piedras preciosas mientras que tú rostro y brazos era adornado con pintura blanca, Neteyam estaba hincado frente a ti.

Uno frente al otro mientras las hojas del árbol de las almas caían a su alrededor con suavidad. Era precioso, como un sueño hecho realidad en un cuento de hadas.

Una sonrisa brillante apareció en tu rostro cuando Neteyam tomó tus manos, sus ojos te miraron suavemente mientras que toda la pintura en su rostro asentuaba sus hermosas facciones.

Tu respiración se aceleró cuando Neteyam jaló tus manos suavemente haciéndote avanzar hacia él. Sus labios tocaron suavemente los tuyos, sonriendo cuando sintió cómo suspirabas en el beso.

---- ¿Sucede algo?---- cuestionó al sentir tu cuerpo tenso.

Negaste ante su mirada cálida.

---- Estoy nerviosa...

Neteyam soltó una risita divertido.

---- No es nada de lo ya hayamos hecho antes, mi amor ----. Consoló, acariciando tus costados con suavidad.

----Pero... Ya sabes es más, distinto es como un... ¿Una petición a Eywa...? ---- explicaste apenada, acomodándote más cerca de él.

Neteyam volvió a reír debido a tu nerviosismo. Sus manos apretaron con cariño las tuyas, esperando brindarte la confianza que necesites. El Na'vi decidió juntar su frente con la tuya, acostumbrándose a esta acción que tenías cuando eras demasiado sincera.

----¿Deseas parar? Podemos hacerlo otro día.

Negaste rápidamente.

----No, Lo'ak se esforzó mucho en hacerme este top.

----Por favor no hables de mi hermano cuando estamos haciendo estás cosas.

Reiste divertida, besando sus labios con suavidad.

Él acercó su trenza dejando ver sus zarcillos para mirarte expectante sus intensos ojos amarillos se clavaban en tu memoria poniéndote roja. Tus ojos miraron aquellas pequeñas cositas moverse, tú asentiste tomándolo suavemente Neteyam te ayudó a levantar tu cabello, sus grandes manos fueron delicadas y soltó una pequeña risita al ver lo que se supone sería tu trenza, era apenas del tamaño de su dedo.

-----No te burles, Neteyam. ---- te quejaste.

----Bien, bien... Ya puedes hacerlo.

Con un suspiro abandonando tus labios llevaste la trenza de Neteyam a tu nuca. Ambos suspiraron cuando los zarcillos se entrelazaron, reíste aferrándote a sus brazos. Sintiendo todo lo que Neteyam sentía. Su amor, su calidez, el deseo que tenía por ti, todo.

Cuando abriste los ojos sonreíste ante sus pupilas que casi abarcaban todo su iris. Soltaste una risa divertida provocando que él también riera.

----¿Por qué te ries?

---- Tus ojos... No es nada ---- dejaste un pequeño beso en sus labios arrebatándole un suspiro cariñoso ----. Sigamos.

El asintió.

Con tranquilidad acercaste tu mano hacía Neteyam el cuál mordió con cuidado, encajando sus colmillos observando como soltabas una queja.

----¿Estás bien? ---- preguntó en un susurró.

Asentiste observando como comenzaban a caer pequeñas gotas de sangre. Cuando levantaste la vista miraste como Neteyam mordía su propia mano haciendo un pequeño sonido de queja. Tomaste la mano de Neteyam y el tomó la tuya, ambos bebieron un poco para después sonreír en grande.

Neteyam y tú habían decidido compartir los rituales que tú sabías y los que él sabía. Claramente lo de la sangre era del clan Tormakticaya.

Ya estaban conectados en cuerpo y alma, lo cual te daba una gran felicidad.

---- Te veo, Neteyam...

----Te veo, (T/N).

Ambos se juntaron en un beso suave, el cuál poco a poco comenzó a volverse fogoso. Neteyam te subió con cuidado a su regazo. Podías sentir sus manos recorrer tu cuerpo con suavidad enviando escalofríos por todo tu cuerpo. Sus labios comenzaron a dejar pequeños besos en tu cuello, dando pequeñas succiones provocando que tus caderas se movieran deseosas contra las de él. Podías sentir sus colmillos burlándose de tu piel recorriendo con su lengua tus clavículas para volver lentamente a tus labios. Su lengua se burló de la tuya comenzando a juguetear contra la tuya arrancándote jadeos llenos de placer.

----Neteyam... Por favor, te necesito.

Suplicaste mientras tus manos comenzaban a desatar su taparrabos, Neteyam sonrió entre el beso comenzando a recostarte en el pasto mientras su mano evitaba que cayera encima tuyo. Sus labios bajaron lentamente por tu pecho, su lengua comenzó a jugar con tu pequeño pezón, succionando y lamiendo enviando espasmos por todo tu cuerpo. Su atención estaba provocando que tu coño comenzara a mojarse, podías sentir la incómoda tela pegándose contra tus labios. Tu pequeño clítoris temblaba debido al roce de la tela y aquello te hacía entrar en más desesperación.

----¿Necesitas mis dedos, bebé? ¿Mm?--- preguntó Neteyam con tu pecho aún en su boca ----. ¿Quieres que masajee este lindo botón de aquí?

Su mano tocó por encima de la tela tu sensible clítoris.

----¡Ahh! ¡Si! ¡Neteyam!

El Na'vi sonrió comenzando a desatar con cuidado tu taparrabos. Sus enormes dedos lanzaron la tela a un lado y sin dudar comenzaron a hacer pequeños círculos en tu sensible clítoris. Tu espalda se arqueó soltando un alarido de placer cuando Neteyam al fin te estaba dando el placer que necesitabas

----Eywa... Suenas tan bien, cariño. ---- murmuró Neteyam.

Moviste tu rodilla un poco sintiendo como su polla cubierta por el taparrabos ya estaba levantada. Aquello te hizo sonreír pues por la conexión pudiste sentir el espasmo que Neteyam sintió cuando tu rodilla rozó con su miembro.

----Puedo ver que te encanta cómo sueno ----. Te burlaste observando lo gemir.

----Mierda... Bebé, espera ¡ngh!... ---- suplicó dejando caer su frente contra tu pecho ----. P-puedo sentir cuánto te gustan mis dedos en tu coño ¡Ah!.

Mordiste tu labio, arqueando tu espalda por la sucia conversación. Tus manos deshicieron el nudo de su taparrabos rápidamente comenzando a masajear su gran polla entre tus manos, haciendo que ambos soltaran gemidos necesitados.

----¡Dentro, por favor, Neteyam! ¡Ah! ¡La necesito dentro!

Él asintió desesperado, tomando su polla para alinearla con tu entrada mojada.

----Si, bebé... Y-yo también necesito estar dentro ¡ngh!

Cuando su polla te abrió te aferraste a sus hombros, el Na'vi gimió justo en tu oído provocando que tu cuerpo tuviera un escalofrío.

Se sentía tan bien, te sentías bien y estabas segura de que él también se sentía bien. Podías sentir todo, su placer, su amor y era tan abrumador para tu cabeza que te hacía sentirte en las nubes por completo.

-----Por Eywa... Es demasiado, joder~---- suspiro el Na'vi contra tus labios.

Sus caderas comenzaron a moverse lentamente, podía sentir tus paredes apretando deseosas a su miembro. Te sentías tan cálida y cerrada que hacía que sus ojos girarán debido al placer. Sus manos se aferraban con fuerza al suelo, comenzando a aumentar la fuerza de sus caderas. Su pene entraba y salía de tu coño mojado haciendo que ambos se sintieran en el paraíso.

Desde abajo Neteyam te parecía una belleza, podías ver sus orejas pintadas de azul mientras que sus labios estaban abiertos dejando salir jadeos y gemidos desesperados, su frente tenía pequeñas gotas de sudor que recorrían hasta su mentón y aquello te dio hambre, necesitabas tanto sentirlo contra tus labios que tus manos no dudaron tomar su rostro y obligarlo a unir sus labios. Tu lengua saboreó todo lo que pudo, sentiste como el Na'vi gemía contra tu boca y sus caderas comenzaban a ser más rápidas y ansiosas.

----¡Mmmhh! ¡Ngh! ---- soltaba contra tus labios con sus ojos en blanco.

Te aferraste a sus hombros con fuerza al sentir como su polla crecía más y más dentro tuyo, estabas segura de que estaba sobresaliendo por tu estómago y aquello solo hacía que apretaras más contra su enorme miembro. Cuando ya era demasiado, cuando sentiste ese cosquilleo en tu clítoris por el movimiento de sus manos abriste más las piernas deseando mojar todo lo que pudieras para hacer ver qué Neteyam ya era tuyo por completo.

Te separaste del beso intentando tomar aire siendo unidos por nada más que un pequeño hilo de saliva.

----¡Neteyam, voy a-!

Él asintió volviendo a unir sus labios.

----¡Si, si, si! ¡Ven conmigo, bebé! ---- suplicó entre el beso, volviéndolo desastroso ---- ¡Tengamos nuestro orgasmo juntos!

Tu espalda comenzó a arquearse conforme sentías que aquel cosquilleo aumentaba. Él comenzaba a ser más brusco y su pulgar aumentaba la velocidad en sus movimientos.

----¡Neteyam!~ ---- gemiste mientras dejabas que los chorros salieran, mojando su vientre y pelvis.

----¡Joder, bebé!~ ---- su semilla manchó cada rincón de tus paredes.

Neteyam dejó que su frente descansará en tu hombro con respiraciones pesadas, el Na'vi seguía viniendo dentro tuyo causando que tú cuerpo tuviera pequeños espasmos al sentirse tan lleno. Cuando lograron recuperar el aire ambos se miraron con una pequeña sonrisa.

Neteyam juntó su frente con la tuya suavemente, cerrando sus ojos para disfrutar de tu calor, para disfrutar tu cuerpo desnudo junto al de él.

----Ahora somos una pareja oficial ----. Murmuró él Na'vi con emoción.

Tu asentiste comenzando a acariciar sus mejillas.

----Si, lo somos...

Sus ojos amarillos volvieron a abrirse encontrándose con tu suave y amorosa mirada.

---- Entonces... ¿Cuántos hijos tendremos?

Reíste ante eso, golpeando ligeramente su cabeza divertida.

----Estamos teniendo un momento romántico, debes leer el ambiente ----. Regañaste divertida.

El rodó los ojos con diversión.

-----Bueno, que mi polla siga dentro tuyo no sé si sea una vista romántica para Eywa.

----¡Neteyam! ---- volviste a regañar. El Na'vi te miró moviendo sus caderas con una sonrisa ----. ¡Ah!~

Cubriste tu boca mirándolo ceñuda.

---- ¡Ya bas-ngh!

Sus caderas comenzaron a moverse suavemente y él con una sonrisa dejó un beso en tus labios.

---- Vamos de nuevo, ¿entendido bebé?

Te gustaba ser así, humana. Era difícil soltar tu pequeño cuerpo, además Eywa ya te había dado el regalo de sentirla de tener una conexión como los Na'vi. Ya eras parte de Pandora.

Ahora estaban aqui, tú y Neteyam podían tener una conexión como los Na'vi normal.

Neteyam te hizo suya bajo el árbol de las almas, pidiendo a Eywa su bendición y su eterna gratitud por haberlos puesto en el camino del otro. Se habían unido y habían dejado claro lo que eran. Una pareja, una pareja romántica sin tener que esconderse. Hubo quejas, si, pero terminaron aceptándolo o tolerando que tú fueras la pareja del futuro Olo'eyktan.

Tú y Neteyam eran tomados como una pareja de casados para el clan.

Ambos se sonrieron con amor sintiéndose completos al fin. Tal vez a veces tendrías tus arranques depresivos o tus pesadillas invadirán tus sueños o los recuerdos te abrumarían, puesto que no era tan fácil superar algo que viviste por años en unos pocos días. Estabas segura de que lo harías algún día y que Neteyam estaría a tu lado. Tendiendo su mano para ayudarte a avanzar con él.

Ya no estabas sola y todo gracias a Neteyam.

[rileytwenty]

IDIA || an Avatar story (x Neteyam)

Chapter 1

Masterlist

(English Na'vi)

When Jake came back to the hidden mountain base, he was stressed out. Everyone noticed. Neteyam was injured. Neytiri wouldn't let go of Tuk. Tensions were high.

Spider was gone. Opposite from Kiri, Jake and Neytiri didn't seem overly concerned.

I was curious of the situation but I knew how Neytiri felt about me. So, I kept my distance and waited for Norm to come tell me what was going on as he usually did.

"Y/N?" Just as anticipated, Norm came over. The look on his face, though, was less normal. "We need to talk. You should sit down."

"Why? What's happening?"

"Look, some of Jake's kids just ran into something, well... sorta new. We're calling them Recoms. They're kind of just, uh, more RDA avatars. Except instead of the mind coming from a transfer bed, they have memories implanted from a drive. The drives were taken as a precautionary copy of the minds of some of the important military individuals before the battle."

"Then, these new avatars have all the same memories as those individuals before the battle? They basically brought them back in avatar bodies?"

"Yeah, actually, that's right."

"Who? I remember some names."

"Miles Quaritch, for one."

"Ass."

"His little posse of Sec-Ops is almost entirely back, too." He gave me a hesitant stare, as if looking at a detonating bomb, but I didn't get why.

"What does this mean?"

He stared at me for another moment before responding, "well, they're basically hunting the Sullys. They're also looking for you."

"What? Why? What asset am I to them?"

"Uh..." he chuckled uncomfortably, before sarcastically adding, "who knows?"

"That doesn't make any sense." I stopped to think, rubbing a hand down my forehead. "Well, what's going to happen now?"

"I have no idea. Jake seems to have a plan but he wanted to talk to Neytiri first. I think you should go talk to him."

"Well, is Neytiri there? 'Cause you know how she is with me."

"I don't think you'll be the first thing on her mind. She almost lost her children today."

"You're right, sorry. I'll go." I began to walk around him when he put a hand out to stop me.

"You really don't...?"

"Don't what?"

"Nothing. Never mind. Go find Jake."

And so I did. Though, I was weirded out by Norm not being his typical self. This all sounded really serious, almost as serious as when the RDA first returned and all that forest was lost.

"Jake? Mrs. Sully?" I stood outside their marui, palms sweating and nervous itches sprouting. Neytiri flung open the door flap.

"What, girl?" She snapped. She only ever spoke to me in her mother tongue.

"Is Jake here?"

"Why do you want to know? What business do you have with him?"

"Neytiri, sweetie, just let her in. I guess she should have a choice in this, too." Jake sounded from somewhere in the structure. Neytiri's ears were flat on her head, but she abided by her mate.

"What's going on, Jake? Norm told me to come speak with you."

"Yeah, well that was before Neytiri got a say in it." He let out one chuckle before seeing said woman's face and cutting himself off.

"Okay, here's the deal. My family and I are deciding on whether or not to leave here, for the safety of the clan. The more the Sky People look for us here, the more likely this place is to be found out."

Neytiri was visibly crushed by this idea. This clan is her home. Her sanctuary. Her people.

"You can't say this, ma Jake. We must keep fighting to stay with our people. You want me to leave my mother?"

He was visibly trying to hide his despair. "Us staying here could get your mother killed. Or get our kids killed."

"Aagh!" She scoffed, turning away in frustration.

"What I'm trying to say, Idia, is that they're out for you, too. There's no point in us leaving without you, or else they'd still be searching for this place."

"I..." I couldn't find words. "I couldn't come with you." Because I'd have no one; your kids won't have as much as a conversation with me and your wife wishes me dead. I haven't left this cave system in months, I'm not ready for a change that big. "Who would keep Norm company?"

Jake let out a fatherly laugh at that. I was happy to make him laugh at a time like this. "Norm would be fine. Respectfully, Idia, you'd be putting a lot of people at risk if you stay."

"She is not coming, Jake. How can we trust that she won't tell the Sky People where we are?"

"Neytiri, please. She wouldn't do that. Besides, she has no way to contact them if she wanted to."

"Ma Jake, this is too much. I cannot say yes. You are Toruk Makto. Fight this!"

Jake shut his eyes and pinched his nose. "They almost got our children, Neytiri. They had guns to their heads. If one of those Recoms had decided to pull the trigger, we would have been helpless."

I was truly considering the concept, but couldn't accept it. "Where would we go?"

"Across the sea, to the Metkayina clan. We can seek refuge there, if Ronal allows it. I know Tonowari will try to help us." Jake was friends with a lot of the other Olo'ektans, Tonowari included.

"Rah!" Another cry of frustration from Neytiri. "'If Ronal allows it,'" she quoted distastefully.

A giggle came from the side of the tent.

"TUK!" I recognized the voice as Lo'ak, younger son of the couple before me. The marui fell silent.

"Lo'ak. Kids. Get in here now." Jake demanded. His tone scared even me.

Kiri, Tuk and Lo'ak filed in silently, with the older two glaring holes in Tuk's head. Though, she seemed not to notice.

Neytiri sucked in a breath angrily.

"What have I told you three about eavesdropping?" Jake's voice was low, threatening.

"This seemed important, dad. It involves us, so I think we should be allowed to hear it." Kiri spoke up courageously. Jake's eyes softened at her response. He'd always had a soft spot for her. Norm told me it had to do with her mother, Grace.

"Okay, fine. But if I catch you eavesdropping again I'll skin you, you hear me?"

"Yes, dad." Kiri rolled her eyes and I couldn't help but wonder what would've happened if anyone else had rolled their eyes after that comment. Jake sighed.

"Lo'ak, go find Neteyam. We need to have a family meeting. Idia, I'll come talk with you once we decide."

I nodded and left the marui.

taglist: @im-kaii

[confusedmuggle]

Masterlist

I don’t have much yet but hopefully I will soon!

💗- fluff,❤️‍🔥 - NSFW, 💔 - angst

Avatar {Movie 1 and 2}

The Ways of the Heart - reader x Neteyam, reader x Aonung

{Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4}

Summary: After being forced from my home due to the sky people, my family must move with sullys to a water village. But maybe things aren’t all bad, things there are beautiful, including two love struck boys

Do You Want Me to Help? - reader x Neteyam

{Oneshot? ❤️‍🔥}

Summary : Neteyams been acting frustrated lately for no apparent reason. After a short talk, you soon find out why and decide to help.

Experiment 5463 - reader x Neteyam, reader x Spider

{Preview}

Harry Potter

The New Girl - reader x mattheo, reader x George

{Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3-ISH❤️‍🔥}

Summary: After your family moves, you must switch from attending Ilvermorny to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is there you meet a certain redhead and brunette.

Silver Lining - Draco Malfoy x reader

{Chapter 1💔}

Summary: Blaise Zabini is a dickhead, and you wish you would have seen it sooner. But someone else is here to help you through the damage he caused.

MCU

Your Mistake - Peter Parker x reader

{Chapter 1💔}

Summary: Peter Parker and you used to be best friends, until he left you for a girlfriend. But what happened when another Peter Parker is thrown into the mix?

Needy Boy - sub! Bucky Barnes x fem!dom! reader

{Chapter 1 ❤️‍🔥- Chapter 2❤️‍🔥}

summary: Bucky Barnes hasn’t had time for pleasuring himself for many years, but now he seems to be having a problem

[iloveramensm]

random fic idea (human!reader x neteyam)

set during: the way of the water (beginning)

reader is a human and was raised the same way spider was. when she was young norm and jake made the decision to inject her with a serum that they hoped would make it so the humans could eventually breathe the air of pandora but they did not tell the reader. when the reader reaches 18 they happened to be doing work on norms computer and stumbled across their file where they discovered what norm and jake did. in a fit of rage she decided to go outside and make norm open the door for her (maybe he stalls till jake gets there maybe spider and the sully kids are there idk) when she steps out BAM she can breathe but she runs away anddd that’s all i got

-

someone give me the energy to make this into a fanfic (maybe at some point norm made her an avatar body just in case she died and the reader decides to transfer??)

[sunsetviper]

Sneak peak of Neteyam x Fem!Omaticaya Na’vi.🫣🤭 (oneshot)

@whatevenisagrapefruit this might be up your alley 🤭 so be on the lookout for when I post it 😍

[itshelia]

Taking anti-depressant pills?? Seeing a therapist??? Journaling???? No need babe, my fav writer just dropped another x reader fic.

[l0velysmut]

family: “why are you just sitting in ur room smiling at ur phone?”

me who’s been reading smut about fictional characters for the past 6 hours:

[luvv4j4ybe11]

꧁𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖꧂

✧ 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒏𝒔<3

✧ 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔. 𝑴𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒑𝒅𝒂, 𝒑 𝒊𝒏 𝒗, 𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒔𝒎 𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒂𝒍/𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒍, 𝒔𝒊𝒛𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒌, 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒌, 𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒕 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒌, 𝒄𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒇𝒊𝒙𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚'𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒔 (𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒋𝒔 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒊𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒐), 𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒍 (𝒇 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈), 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈/𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒌, 𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒋𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒚/𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒔, 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒖𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒌, 𝒅𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒚𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒂, ’𝒔𝒊𝒓’ 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒌, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒔 𝒊𝒕. 𝑳𝒎𝒌 𝒊𝒇 𝒊 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒔💕

✧ 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔: 𝒀𝒂𝒘𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒕𝒔𝒚𝒊̀𝒑- 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒆, 𝒀𝒂𝒘𝒏𝒆- 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅, 𝑶𝒆𝒚𝒂̈- 𝒎𝒚 (𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆), 𝒀𝒂𝒘𝒏𝒕𝒖- 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒆, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓, 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏, 𝒕𝒊̀𝒚𝒂𝒘𝒏-𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒚𝒐𝒗𝒐-𝒚𝒐𝒗𝒐 𝒇𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒕, 𝒕𝒔𝒂𝒉𝒚𝒍𝒖- 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒅, 𝑵𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒙𝒂𝒏 ’𝒆𝒌𝒙𝒊𝒏, 𝒐𝒆𝒚𝒂̈ 𝒕𝒊̀𝒚𝒂𝒘𝒏- “𝑺𝒐 𝒕𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕, 𝑴𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆“, 𝑻𝒔𝒖𝒏 𝒌𝒆 𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒊̀𝒏𝒈 𝒏𝒈𝒂 𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒏- 𝑪𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚

✧ 𝑩𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒘 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒇𝒘 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒅𝒏𝒊!! 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒘 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒇𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒐

✧ !!𝑨𝑳𝑺𝑶!! 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒆𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏!𝒔/𝒐, 𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒌𝒂𝒚𝒂!𝒔/𝒐, 𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒌𝒂𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒂!𝒔/𝒐. 𝑺𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. 𝑬𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚☺️💕

──☆*:・ﾟ──☆*:・ﾟ ──☆*:・ﾟ✧𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒄’𝒔

- they’re all extremelyy protective over you. And always so ready to defend you.

- very touchy, weather it’s a little hand hold or a full on thigh grab he needs to have his hands on you at all times.

- they’re all very fertile, and so are you. (So yk what that means😘)

- their aftercare is AMAZING 🫦

- NON-SEXUAL DOMINANCE 😩!! Like…

Putting his hand on your back to lead you somewhere

Saying “no” in a stern but caring tone

Opening things for you/ Making way for you

Giving you reasonable instructions

Telling you “come here” and/or pointing to the ground to where they want you

Fixing your appearance (like fixing your hair or loincloth)

Lifting your chin up

“look at me”

Fixing your posture

“Yeah?”

And so many more😩

- always so quick to do anything for you. Want food? He already out the door. Cold? Blanket is already covering you. Need a hug? Immediately wrapping his arms around you and kissing you gently. This man is in loveee with you😭

- they got the besttt hand placement 😩

𝑵𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒚𝒂𝒎

❥𝑺𝑭𝑾❥

- loves taking you out on late night beach walks, the bioluminescence of the pandora making you look even more gorgeous.

- whenever you two go on walks in the forest he always hold your hand whenever the path gets too uneven. And whenever he has to climb or jump over something he’ll always pick you up so you don’t get hurt.

“Teyam! I’m fine! I’m not a child you know.”

“Mhm. Yeah sure, yawntutsyìp. Now come on.”

- hates when he sees other guys looking at you, almost like he can hear their thoughts. So he’ll just wrap his arm around you and trail kisses and a few bites all over your soft skin, making sure everyone know you’re his.

- whenever he gets mad his jaw does that thing, and ik yall know what im talking about 😩

- keeps track of your period/heat cycle, so he knows the exact day you’re going to get it.

- he baby’s you a lottt during these days, making sure his girl is ok.

“Here tahnì, kiri made this for you. It’s supposed to take some of the pain away.”

“Thank you, baby. You’re the best-“ and there it was again. That sharp pain shooting up through your core. It felt like someone was trying to tear you apart from the inside out.

You yelp in pain, neteyam automatically leaping next to your side and pressing his big hand into where the pain was coming from.

“Shshsh, yawntu. It’s ok..I know it hurts but I’m here baby. I got you.” He coos, the warmth and pressure from his hand soothing you immediately. The rest of your body weight pressing into his chest.

“That’s my girl.”

- always is looking at you even when you’re not looking at him. You always manage to catch his eyes tho, it’s hard not to when he’s staring right into your soul.

- but when you finally do meet his eyes they’re always filled with love and affection, it makes you smile all giddy every time

- his tail always betrays his words, like whenever you feel like he’s getting jealous, you’ll ask him upfront. And ofc he’ll say no, but two seconds later you feel his tail coiling around your thigh possessively. Or when you guys get into a fight and are still mad at each other afterwards, his tail will still wrap around your calve as a comfort. But he doesn’t even realize he’s doing it.

- does the lil “come here” waist grab combo before he kisses you🤤

!!𝑺𝒎𝒖𝒕!!

❥𝑵𝑺𝑭𝑾❥

- loves seeing how flustered you get by him just doing the smallest things, like when he flexes his arms or lowers his voice a little just to see your thighs clench and face get all red/purple

“Y/n..you listening to me, yawntusip?” He questions with a smirk that tells you he already knew the answer to his own question.

“Yes, yes I’m sorry, baby. Continue.” You responded, mind still focused on how the way he was looking at you and his deep voice made your panties unbearably slick.

“Mhm.. no. I rather do something else instead.”

- has such a huge breeding kink. Like he’s downright obsessed with how pretty you look all cockdrunk with his cum just leaking out of you. Makes him feralll.

- also has a courruption kink, size kink, slight spit kink, biting kink, Dacryphilla, and yeah this mf js freaky asf (but he keep it on the DL)

- speaking of him being freaky asf, he’d definitely fuck you in public. Like this man is balls deep inside of you, hitting your sweet spot every time he thrust back in, and he’s over here telling you shit like “shshsh, yawne.. don’t want them to hear you now do you? Mhm~fuck.. you must want them to with the way you’re clenching around me huh?” Like MHM😩

- he’s a eater. He’s such an eater. (js like his brother and daddy) your pussy is basically stress relief to him😭

- puts his hair in a bun before he eat it🫦

- doesn’t mind when you ask to return the favor, bc he loves seeing you on your knees in front of him, pretty lips wrapped around his thick tip and hands desperately gripping at his thighs as you try to push the rest of him into your mouth. The sight makes him js 😵‍💫

-so whipped for you 😭like this mf will do ANYTHINGGG for you, just say the word.

- loves watching you try to hold in your moans and whimpers, the way your face gets all puffy and hands start shaking and squeezing him desperately makes something primal awaken in him. And watching the tears finally spill over your face when he makes you cum? Fucking perfect to him.

- has a ‘sir’ kink too, you found out about it accidentally tbh😭

“Make sure you clean that cut, oeyä yawntu. Don’t want it getting infected.” He ordered softly, making you smile at his gentle yet stern demeanor.

“Yes, sir.” You quipped sarcastically, looking down at the bandage infront of you.

His whole body froze at the name, ears perking up and tail standing up in a ridged way “What?” He said lowly, his switch in energy making your body mimic his.

“I-uhm sorry I-“

“No. Don’t apologize, yawntu.” He walks over to you quickly before kneeling infront of you, kissing you hungrily. “Say it again.” Your tail sways around excitedly at his tone, body getting hotter by the second.

“Yes, sir.”

“Mhm..again.”

- a titty man definitely, he loves watching them bounce whenever he fucks you in missionary

- whenever he punishes you, orgasm denial/control and spanking are his go tos. He just loves how needy and whiney you get from him not giving you what you want.

“T-teyam, please! I’m sorry!”

“Yeah? You pissing me off says otherwise.” Another harsh slap.

You writhe and squirm under him, but it’s no use. Tears of frustration stream down you face once you feel two more slaps to your sensitive flesh.

“P-please, teyam. No..more.” You whine, chest heaving and mouth dry from your screams of protest. His expression softens at your small voice, hand coming down to rub the irritated skin back and forth gently.

“Alright, yawntu. No more.” He coos, leaning down to leave soft kisses on the back of your neck, “but don’t think I’m gonna let you cum at all tonight.”

- loves kissing you when your sitting on something, weather it be a counter or your bed, he just loves kissing you like that.

- grabs your waist to grind you down onto him/guide your movements

- “I’ll make it fit, Yawntu.”

- when he starts getting close he’ll whisper the DIRTIESTT shit in Navi to you 🫦

“Mhm~..Teyam, please..” you whine, the feeling of him using you and stretching your small, leaking pussy proving way too much for you.

“I know, ma’yawntu. Need you to be good for me ok?” He coos, holding the side of your face gently.

You lazily respond with a head nod, slowly losing yourself because of the feeling of your 4th orgasm building up in your core.

He shudders when your pussy clenches around him repeatedly, making him lean down to cadge you in with one of his arms, while the other holds your leg. Leaving slow, sloppy marks and kisses all over your soft skin.

“Hah~fuck..Niftxan ‘ekxin, oeyä tìyawn..Tsun ke ne tìng nga a prrnen~“

𝑱𝒂𝒌𝒆

❥𝑺𝑭𝑾❥

- likes having you on his lap while he does small chores that don’t require him to be standing

- and he does that thing where he pats his lap so you know where you’re supposed to be😩

- whenever your stressed he’ll always trace the same pattern on your back, and it soothes you almost immediately

- veryy affectionate with you,he’s a man after all. He loves to show his woman how much he loves her.

- he always lifts up your chin/ grabs your waist before kissing you

- when you guys argue (which is rarely) he’s definitely a “come here” typa mf, bc he hates making his girl feel bad

- likes to bring you to his meetings just to have you sit there and look pretty

“Baby, what does that mean?” You ask while looking up at him innocently, the sight making him smile softly.

“It means knowing our location, babygirl (knowing our 20)” he responds, placing his hand on your head as you let out a soft “oh..” and continue to listen to him talk to the other warriors.

- likes to form tsaheylu before you guys fall asleep

- hugs from behind 🫦

- loves you guys height difference so much

- another one that babies tf outta you, no matter what. Especially if you’re close to your period/heat cycle

“Hey babygirl, how you feelin?” He says with a soft smile on his face as he walks over to you with a basket of your favorite fruits and cold water.

“Oo! You got yovo for me? You really didn’t have to do that, oeyä tìyawn. I’m just feeling a little lightheaded is all.” You explain, sitting up on your hands so he can sit down in front of you. And that’s when the pain hits. A sharp pain going straight up your spine into your head that makes you cry out. The ringing in your ears getting excruciatingly loud.

Jake is quick to get to your side, placing you on your side so your spine is stretched out. Reliving the pain almost immediately. “I know babygirl, I know. I’m right here.” He coos, pressing firm circles into the base of your neck, massaging out the excess tension. “Just breathe, okay, hon? I gotchu.”

- the emotional security this man provides is AMAZING LIKE🥹🩷

- you always crave him, not even just sexually but physically too. Just his smell,his vibe, his company. Just him. And it’s the same for him too.

- he never stops trying to impress you, just because he has you it doesn’t give him a reason to stop

- he does that thing where he’ll say your name and then point with his head/eyes to where he wants you to be😩

“And I just don’t know how I could-“ you ramble, stressed out because of the celebration later tonight.

“Y/n.” Jake says sternly, but softly. His baritone silencing you immediately.

He looks at you before looking at the bed and tilting his head softly, making you obey his order silently.

Once you sit on the bed, he stands between your legs, cupping your face with his big hands gently. “Baby..” he pauses to kiss your forehead gently. Making you melt into his touch. “Relax. We’re gonna figure it out,ok?” You nod softly at this, letting your nerves leave you.

“Plus I can’t wait to see how sexy your gonna look to-“ “OK, Alright!”

!!𝑺𝒎𝒖𝒕!!

❥𝑵𝑺𝑭𝑾❥

- lovesss having you in mating press and missionary, something about seeing all of your expressions makes him drill into even harder, just to see how you react.

- when you start whining and whimpering from the overstimulation, he’ll just cup your face and place soft kisses on your skin while saying, “I know, baby, I know.” Not even bothering to slow his pace on your poor cunt.

- “you look so pretty like this, baby” and “that’s my good girl” are his favorites

- finds it so hot whenever your tail wraps around him when he’s fucking you in doggy, it’s such an ego boost for him.

- pushes your legs back whenever he’s eatin it😩

- he loves cockwarming after a long day lemme tell you 😮‍💨

- he absolutely loves praising you, but also degrading you a little too🙈

“Awh hon, this wet just from a little kissing? Such a needy little slut for me.”

- his biggest kinks are breeding and size kink

- likes using toys on you, and definitely slips one inside you before you leave in the morning, just to watch your knees buckle whenever he presses that little button

- definitely an ass man, he loves squeezing it and watching it bounce whenever he has you in doggy

- “sir” kink 100%, especially when he’s punishing you.

- speaking of this tho, his brat taming? Phew lawd😩 he gives you exactly what you want and also you nothing at the same time.

“Ja-Sir!, please! Im-sorry!” You yelp, voice bouncing from his harsh thrust and tears streaming down your face from the overstimulation.

“Nuh-uh. Too late for that shit now, babygirl. Wanted to act like a little whore, so I’m gonna fuck you like one.” He growled, leaving yet another hard slap on your ass, making you whine in pain.

The pace he set was fast and deep, avoiding your sweet spot every time he thrusted back in. And pulling out whenever you got too close. It was absolute torture. Yet you craved it nonetheless.

“Sir..please. I can’t..” you say softly, making him finally hit your sweetspot with his thick tip, turing you into a moaning mess. “Alright, babygirl. But this is the only time you’re cumming tonight.”

- forehead kisses after sex🥹

- speaking of kissing, he’s such a good kisser (obvi bc he has experience but still🙄) he always goes at the pace you want, he knows where to put his hands, and he always puts so much feeling into them like ugh🤤

- cockwarming with you while you sit in his lap>>

𝑳𝒐’𝒂𝒌

❥𝑺𝑭𝑾❥

- such a cuddle bug, like my baby loves being touched and touching you

- when you’re standing and he’s sitting, he’ll wrap his arms around you and pull you close to him. (Even tho he’s eye level with you because he’s so tall😭)

- hates seeing you sad, angry, etc and he does everything in his power to get you out of it.

“Hey mama, I got you some chocolate norm had stashed in the fridge.” He announces while walking into your room, shutting the door behind him with his foot.

“Thank you, sweet boy. I’m not that hungry though..” you say softly, tone quiet and deadpan. His ears perk up and flick at the tone of your voice, brows knitting together at your mood.

“Mama, what’s the matter?” He says softly as he climbs into your large bed, fit for the both of you. You say nothing, instead just rolling over and wrapping your arms around his much larger frame.

Chuckling softly at this, he kisses your head lovingly. “It’s ok, mama. I gotchu”

- likes teaching you the lingo his dad uses on the throat com, he just loves how genuinely intrigued you are when he tells you about it

- gets jealous very easily, he’ll be so quick to pick a fight with someone it’s not even funny

- hates when people touch his hair but loves when you do it

- whenever you guys talk, he always does the triangle method without realizing it. And it gets you flustered every single time😭

- “my girl can wear whatever tf she want but if you touch her ima break your jaw, it’s that simple” typa bf

- loves playing with your hair/ braiding it

- always stares at you, always. Whenever you walk by him and flash him a quick smile his whole train of thought just stops, kiri and neteyam always make fun of him for it😭

- especially if you guys are talking in a group of people, just a lil hand hold or eye contact with you will have this man melting

!!𝑺𝒎𝒖𝒕!!

❥𝑵𝑺𝑭𝑾❥

- he’s definitely an eater just like his dad and teyam, but before he eats it he always kisses your thighs before he does

- the second he puts his hair into that ponytail..phew yk you done for😩

- loves doing the finger + tounge combo js to hear you scream and cry out his name

- speaking of that he loves hearing you say his name, deadass makes his eyes roll back just because of the sound of your voice and the way your pussy squeezes him so hard

- does the knee thing whenever you guys make out (and always has his hands on ya tittes🤭)

- the make outs you guys have?..phew😩 sloppy and slow and bodies all pressed tg😩

- you put on a mini skirt one time as a joke and phew lawd..the way he bent you over so quickly and fucked your brains out🫦

- steals his dads camera to take pictures of you so whenever you guys are apart he has something of you to keep him company 🫶🏽

- absolutely adores your body, he loves how soft and squishy it is, especially your thighs and ass

- such an ass man, (like Jake😭)

- loves having you in doggy and missionary

- also I see him liking 69ing too, but he didn’t realized he loved it so much until you introduced it to him

- a switch, loves being in control and making you a cockdrunk mess for him but also loves when you fuck him

- he has such a huge oral fixation, like if you stick your fingers in his mouth while you’re riding him, he turns subby so quick 😮‍💨 or whenever you start randomly kissing and sucking on his hands his brain turns into putty, poor baby gets so overwhelmed by how good your mouth feels he almost cums untouched 🙁 breathing all heavy and face a mess.. ugh😍

- doesn’t really like quickies, but if you both are desperate he’ll do it. He just rather take his time with you, he loves watching you fall apart for him.

- he has a thing for whenever you touch his hands, like when you massage them gently and tell him how pretty they are or how nice they look he turns into a blushing mess, tail wagging and thumping against the floor wildly

- likes touching you in public to see how long you can keep quiet

- “Awh, what was that mama? I couldn’t hear you.” While having the most shit eating grin on his face

- loves teasing you about how much your tail sways and wags when you’re around him. And how much it’ll instinctively wrap around him.

- one of the ways he likes to punish you is making you sit in his lap while he tells you how to touch, cooing and teasing you when he sees your delicate, slow strokes turn more aggressive and needy. So he holds your hand to guide you at the pace he wants.

“Lo’ak!~ please..wanna cum so bad..” you whine frustratedly, moaning softly as he curls your fingers into your sweet spot. But it isn’t enough. You need him.

“Awe that’s too bad, baby. Shouldn’t have been such a needy slut before you got into this. Now you just gotta take it.” He says sternly, removing his hand from yours and placing them on your inner thighs.

“Lo’ak I-“

“I don’t care. Now keep touching, mama. And if I see you speeding up you’re not cumming at all tonight.”

- and yet anotha man that’s whipped asf for u, when you guys were officially mated, he swore he fell even more in love with you. Mf was already making plans for kids😭

- so so vocal😩 especially when you force him to be submissive(he acts like he hates it but yall both know damn well😭)

- another one who grabs your waist to grind you down onto him😩

- another “I’ll make it fit” mf, but he’ll taunt and tease you for how much your legs are shaking and the tears endlessly flowing from your eyes.

“Fuck!~ lo-lo’, wait..it’s not gonna fit..” you writhe and yelp, pathetically trying to push him away from you with your shakey legs.

He growls angrily at this, grabbing both of your legs with his hands and pushing them down next to your ears, folding you like a pretzel under his strong frame.

“Don’t, fuckin’ push me away, mama. Ever.” He seethes, your faces inches apart from each other. “Plus, your pretty little pussy seems to be doing just fine. Poor girl keeps getting greedier and greedier the more I push into you.” He places a slow, sweet kiss on your lips before pushing the rest of his cock inside of you, rubbing your clit to open you up even more.

The stretch makes you cry out and squirm, tears spilling down your face at the stimulation. “Awe, look at you sweet girl. Is my cock too much for you? You can handle it, baby. You said it yourself.” He teases, a shit-eating grin appearing on his face when you try respond to him, but all the comes out are little moans and whimpers.

He thrust into you softly, testing out the waters. You moan loudly at his slow movements, pussy clenching around him repeatedly as you reach for him aimlessly, mind already turned into mush. He chuckles at this, giving you his hand before carefully speeding up his pace. “My pretty girl, already cockdrunk? Mhm~ Fuck..can’t wait to turn you into my personal little cock sleeve~, want that, mama? Want me to fuck you so much that you only crave me?” His words make your pussy clench and squeeze around him repeatedly, letting him know everything he needed to before his pace turned ruthless.

──☆*:・ﾟ──☆*:・ﾟ──☆*:・ﾟ

𝑨/𝑵~ bc why did this take sm more longer than an actual fic? Im done 😭 I tried to make them all as even as I could, but some of them have more than the other (let’s take a huge guess on who I’m talking ab😭). Might make another one for the girls tbh🤭 but I hope yall like this, and if you want me to write more lmk🩷 I had fun with this one🥰

𝑫𝒖𝒄𝒆𝒔🫶🏽,

𝑳𝒖𝒗𝒗4𝒋4𝒚𝒃𝒆11~

~

~

~

𝑻𝒂𝒈𝒔: @xylianasblog @strongheartneteyam @professional-yapper @itchaboi-itchyboy @blue-slxt @hotdsworld @plooto @quicktosimp

𝑫𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒃𝒚 @eloquentreverie

[randxmthxughts]

All For You - Neteyam x Ta'unui ! reader (enemies to lovers) - pt. 1

*Ta'unui is the Eastern Sea water clan that was attacked by Quaritch

masterlist

part 2

summary: When Quaritch attacks the Ta’unui water clan looking for Jake Sully, the clan’s Tsahik forces her younger sister, Y/N, to escape and seek refuge from the Metkayina clan. As Y/N deals with the trauma of losing her home, she discovers that she isn’t the only outlander in the village. She develops conflicted feelings for Neteyam but the tensions grow when Y/N finds out that Neteyam is the son of Jake Sully - the man she hates. 

genres/tropes: angst, romance, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, slowburn

other pairings: Loak x Tsireya, Kiri x Ao’nung, platonic relationships (Y/N x Kiri x Tsireya, Y/N x Jake, Y/N x Neytiri)

warnings: war, mentions of blood, PTSD, trauma, survivor guilt, character near-death experience, slightly aged up neteyam, dialogues are supposed to be in na'vi, not english, lots of side eyes, braids swaying, and neteyam appearing out of nowhere like the batman lol

word count: 30,2k (ik this is insane)

a/n: i’m so sorry because this is so long but i spent about two weeks working on it night and day, and i have never been so hyper fixated on a character before. i would love for this not to flop bc otherwise i might feel a little dumb, so if you enjoy it, please spread some love :) i always go through the reblogs to see if anyone said anything in the tags, so… 

the set up is a little slow but bear with me

____

It all happened in a blur. You always believed that in a time of danger, you would be skilled and strong enough to protect your clan. But as you watched the sky demons, disguised as Na’vi, pointing their weapons at your people and burning your homes, you felt like a useless coward. If it wasn’t for your sister’s, Tsahik’s, quick thinking of causing a distraction and pushing you into the water, you would have been dead by now. She sacrificed herself for you to live.

You can’t make out how much time has passed since you finally made it to the unfamiliar reefs, as you collapsed on the sand, breathless and disoriented. You could only hope that you reached the correct destination: the Awa’atlu village. The distant sounds of horns announced your arrival, and strangers started to surround you in a circle. When the Olo’eyktan approached you, you managed to summon the rest of your strength to stand up and greet him.

You’re weak, and judging by his face, you’re sure that the explanation you give him is too vague. You hope that despite your mumbling, he understands that you were asking for refuge to escape from the sky demons. As the villagers around you start whispering, the only thing that comes to your mind clearly is “Jake Sully.” They killed your people, set your village on fire, shot your ilus... All because of Jake Sully. 

“Jake Sully,” you repeat in a low whisper, your eyelids suddenly feeling heavy. 

“Where is your ilu, child? Did you swim here by yourself?” Olo'eyktan asks, examining you with a hint of worry.

You wince at the mention of your ilu, the painful memory of its death still too fresh. It seemed unfair that you weren’t fast enough to save both of you. You had underestimated the demons, thinking you were too far away when a bullet suddenly pierced through your companion, acute pain reaching you simultaneously through the bond. You ilu did its best to swim through, bringing you to safety before you felt its body sink underneath you with a final shriek. Yet you couldn’t even mourn. 

You were still in the open water, alone, unsure of where to head. You screamed as you pulled yourself together and started to swim, pushing through exhaustion and soreness in your muscles. You couldn’t afford to stop until you reached the unfamiliar land. You owed your sister to survive this.

“They killed my ilu,” a sob escapes your throat, your knees suddenly going weak.

“Easy there,” you hear a low voice beside you, as a pair of warm hands snake around your waist, supporting you to stand on your feet. You glance down at the hands, and realize that they are different. Blue-skinned.

“She needs to rest. She must have been swimming for hours,” Tsahik steps out, “What clan do you belong to, child?”

“Ta'unui.”

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Your first night in Awa’atlu, you’re too weak to get out of bed. The Tsahik had placed you in a small empty marui, close to hers, so she could easily check on you. In moments of consciousness, you catch glimpses of people and snippets of conversations. When they ask you questions about your arrival, you can only answer by nodding and shaking your head.

Ronal, Tsahik of the Metkayina clan, says that you could have died out in the open water. She thinks it’s a miracle, and whispers prayers to Eywa while massaging your muscles with various balms. You can’t protest really, even when the balms start stinging and making your muscles clench and burn.

Tsireya, the daughter of the Tsahik, always remains by her mother's side, carefully observing her actions, and joining her in prayer. You guess that she is the tsakarem. Watching Tsireya reminds you of the time when your sister was a tsakarem, following your grandmother around to learn from her.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

On the second day, you feel better. You gradually regain consciousness and start to move your limbs. Despite the pain and the slowness of your movements, you feel the life return back to your body. Tsireya stays with you even after her mother leaves.

“Are you feeling better, Y/N?” Tsireya perks up at your movement. 

“Yes,” you’re surprised by the hoarseness in your voice.

“Don’t worry, your voice will be back to normal soon,” Tsireya finds your reaction amusing.

You’re not a big talker but Tsireya is a pleasant company. You don’t feel pressured to react or reply, as she talks to you about her village and her clan. You can see how hard she tries to keep you distracted from the pain. 

“You'll be just fine here. There is even a family of forest Na’vi who joined our clan a while ago,” she says, “You can imagine how difficult it was for them to learn everything from scratch! Oh, but they were so determined!”

Your ears involuntarily perk up, as you listen to Tsireya’s story. It’s really the first thing she tells you that intrigues you. Encouraged by your interest, Tsireya continues.

“You will recognize them right away. They are blue,” she giggles, covering her mouth, “But they have been accepted and are a part of the Metkayina now. I am very happy they’re here.”

A faint memory of blue-skinned hands supporting you reappears.

“When I arrived… Was it a forester who caught me?” you ask.

“That’s right! Neteyam,” Tsireya nods, “He is the oldest son. You might have hurt yourself if he didn’t catch you in time.”

“Neteyam” you repeat to yourself. 

Tsireya tells you just a little more about the foresters, until her brother Ao’nung fetches her back home.  

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

On your third morning of isolation, Tsireya visits you with a girl, who seems to be around her age. It’s not hard to guess that she is a forest Na’vi, her blue skin and yellow eyes giving it away immediately. But there’s something else you notice about her: she has an extra finger on each of her hands. You think back on the demons that had five fingers, and feel a shiver run down your spine. When she notices you staring at her, she hides her hands behind her back.

“This is Kiri, Kiri this is Y/N,” Tsireya introduces you with a smile, “Kiri is from the forest. Remember I told you about the family?”

Kiri doesn’t seem to be as talkative as Tsireya, perhaps even a bit shy. You greet each other but she keeps her distance, clearly still uncomfortable around you. Despite her similarity with the sky demons, you feel like you can trust her. Kiri is strangely beautiful, not like your sister or Tsireya, but there’s something about her that fascinates you. You’ve never really seen a forester up close before, so…

“Is your voice back?” Tsireya grabs your attention, kneeling next to you.

“I think so,” you breathe out, “It’s getting there.”

“Oh, it has gotten much better! I can’t wait to hear it, once you’re fully well. I bet you have a great singing voice,” she beams, and Kiri lets out a chuckle. You can’t help but smile at that. 

It takes some time for Kiri to warm up to you. With the Tsahik’s approval, Tsireya took over today’s checkup on you. She knows the order of the balms by heart and works in confidence, while Kiri watches. From time to time, Kiri gives her a recommendation, and Tsireya gladly engages.

“Were you a tsakarem as well?” you ask Kiri.

“I used to be. My grandmother is the Tsahik of Omatikaya,” Kiri sighs with slight disappointment. 

“And since you moved here, you can’t do that anymore?” you continue logically. She nods.

“My grandmother had to find somebody else to replace me, right before we left.”

You notice how Tsireya throws a sad look at her but Kiri only reacts with a forced smile. She doesn’t like to be pitied. 

“Actually, Kiri’s doing better than all of us,” Tsireya suddenly adds with a proud smile, “Kiri has a special connection with the Great Mother.”

“It’s not a big deal, really,” Kiri protests but Tsireya shakes her head, disagreeing.

“When we were out swimming the other day, we suddenly lost Kiri. We were looking for her for hours and found her asleep at the very bottom. Even the most skilled Metkayina swimmers can’t stay in the water with no air for so long!” Tsireya articulates with her hands to convince you, “And she was completely fine. Oh! And Kiri can also make fish follow her, it’s so funny!” 

Tsireya giggles recalling the memory, and for the first time, Kiri joins her. 

“You have to show me, I’ve never seen anything like that,” you smile.

“We’ll go together this evening. I know you’ll be fully recovered by then,” Tsireya excitedly claps her hands. Kiri only nods.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Tsireya was right. By the evening, you have confirmation from Ronal, and you’re free to explore the village with her daughter as your guide. You find that while Awa’atlu is not similar to your village, it’s also not too different. But the water around the island seems calmer than what you are used to. It makes you slightly anxious.

Tsireya tries very hard to make you feel at home. She introduces you to everyone on your way, including her brother’s friends. Among them, you notice another forester who doesn’t stare at you like the locals do. Even when you catch his gaze, he doesn't seem overly curious. Just like Kiri, keeping his distance.

That’s Lo’ak, Tsireya reminds you, the third forest-child. It takes a fool not to catch on the chemistry between her and Lo’ak. The way she talks to him almost makes your teeth hurt, while he gets shy every time he is caught staring at her. But they seem to pretend to be just friends in a social setting.

Now joined by Ao’nung, his friends and Kiri, you all go swimming together. Tsireya and Kiri walk protectively next to you, with the boys ahead. 

“Let’s see if you can swim faster than Lo’ak,” Ao'nung teases you, his friends laughing. Lo’ak playfully hits him in the arm.

“She’s from a water clan, you skxawng,” Kiri comes to your defense, and you have to suppress a smile. 

“I didn’t mean to anger you, oh daughter of Eywa,” Ao'nung continues to tease, pretending to kneel in front of Kiri, “Please have mercy on me!”

Kiri rolls her eyes, and shoves him, as she walks ahead. You catch Ao'nung watching after her, and exchange a knowing smile with Tsireya. 

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Swimming helps you regain strength in your body and in your mind. Just the way you noticed, the water here was calmer than back home, relaxing the soreness out of your muscles. This was going to be your new home. Maybe it wouldn’t be as bad.

Surprisingly, the boys’ teasing doesn’t bother you. While Kiri jumps to your defense ever so often, you think it was more of a distraction than anything else to you. As the sun starts setting, you float on your back, watching the sky, the painful memories slipping away. Your moment of peace is interrupted by shouting coming from the shore. Your ears perk up at the sound of your name, and with a hope that it might be someone from your village, coming back for you, you quickly turn to look. But it’s not. Instead, you see a tall blue-skinned Na’vi, waving you over. 

“Y/N! Tonowari wants to see you!” he shouts again.

“It’s Neteyam, come on,” Tsireya passes by you, swimming to the shoreline. You follow her. 

Once closer, you can see Neteyam more clearly. He greets both of you with a warm smile, his intricately braided hair swaying around, as he moves. 

“Father wants to see Y/N?” Tsireya asks, as she gathers her long hair to squeeze out the water.

“I saw him on my way over here,” he says, his soft gaze lingering on you, “He wanted me to get the ‘new girl’ to talk to him.”

Unlike his brother, Neteyam seems to be more intrigued by your presence, his gaze sweeping over your features, one by one, as if trying to memorize them. While it’s not as intrusive as others’ staring, you find his attention to be way too forward. You protectively cross your arms on your chest.

“I’m Neteyam, by the way,” he offers you a formal greeting, that you’re forced to reciprocate.

“Y/N.”

“I guessed so,” he chuckles, like it’s the most obvious thing you could have said, “Everyone knows about you.”

Tsireya interrupts your exchange by gently pulling you by your wrist.

“Come, Y/N, I’ll walk you to our home,” she smiles, then throws a look over her shoulder, “By the way, Lo’ak is currently getting talked to into sneaking out at night to swim with Payakan.”

You see Neteyam’s face change, as his warm smile gives way to anger, and he turns on his heel, heading towards the water.

“Lo’ak!” you hear him shout before diving in. Tsireya giggles beside you.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

When you first sit down in front of Tonowari, you can’t help but feel dwarfed by his intimidating presence. So you’re grateful when Tsireya asks if she can stay in the room with you. Tonowari’s gaze softens, unable to deny his daughter, and Tsireya gives you a reassuring smile before blending into the shadows.

You’re not surprised that he wanted to talk to you. Sure, he was aware of what had happened from your first interaction, and from Ronal, who gathered more information while you were under her care, but he wanted to clarify every detail. You take a deep breath and begin to recount everything. 

Tonowari rarely interrupts you to ask questions but for the most part he simply listens with unwavering attention. You see his expression change from understanding to concerned, the more he hears.

“Was there any warning to their attack?” he frowns.

“Nothing,” you shake your head, trying to get rid of the painful memories, “My theory is… whoever they were looking for, our village was the first one to suffer. We heard nothing from the neighboring clans, so I’m guessing it’s only because we are on the very eastern coast.” 

“You think they’re moving from east to west?” he asks. You nod.

“It’s why I came here, really. I think your village is quite far from ours.”

Tonowari hums, deep in thought. You sit in silence for a while, another reason nagging at you. You’re not sure if you need to tell him this but you do.

“And because I used to hear about your village. My sister and I lost my mother when we were kids but we knew that she wasn’t a local back home,” you hesitate before continuing, “My sister thinks she would have relatives from here.”

“It’s not impossible,” Tonowari nods his head, “We heard many stories of Na’vi from different clans mating and moving across the islands. We might even find someone from your mother’s family.”

You hear Tsireya’s soft gasp, clearly the thought of it appearing more intriguing to her than to you. You nod to express gratitude but you’re not really sure you want to meet anyone. It’s always been just you and your sister, no one can replace her.

“And you said they were looking for him, huh?”

“Jake Sully? Yes, he’s the reason they attacked us,” you answer, feeling your face flush with anger, “They had weapons, and were shooting anyone who resisted or tried to run. Then they started to burn our homes, repeating his name over and over again. There was also a human kid with them who translated.”

Tonowari’s face falls so suddenly, you would have thought that he has been hiding Jake Sully himself this whole time. You hope that wherever that man is, the sky demons find him before they can reach you. Tears begin to well up in your eyes. Tonowari notices and leans in.

“Don’t worry, child. We do not want war, but if they come here, we will be protecting our land and our Na’vi. Including you,” he hesitates before patting your head, “You’re one of us now.”

You lean into his touch, allowing him to slightly mess up your hair.

“For now, let’s keep this to ourselves, so that there is no panic. I have to think.”

You take that as a signal to stand up, and quickly wipe your eyes before Tsireya can see.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

That night you can’t seem to fall asleep. It feels lonely in your marui, and you start considering asking to be moved to a more crowded location. You turn on your mat a few times before catching a movement of two shadows on the other side of the wall. You sit up alerted, looking out. Eventually voices catch your ear.

“Lo’ak, if you don’t come back right now, I will wake up dad,” somebody whispers.

“He doesn’t care anyway, he’ll only get mad at his favorite,” you hear Lo’ak, and see one of the two shadows disappear.

The other shadow stands still, still in front of your wall. You don’t have to guess that it’s probably his brother Neteyam, whom you met earlier. 

“Psst,” you hear his voice, his shadow moving.

And again. He moves closer to the entrance of your marui, as you stare in silence. What does he want? 

“Y/N? Are you asleep?” you hear his very apparent accent.

“What?”

Your glance falls to his figure now leaning against the entrance to your room. He gives you a sheepish smile.

“What do you want?” you squint to make out his features. His eyes and freckles glow in the dark and you notice his ears perk up, as if he’s excited.

“It’s Neteyam,” he gestures to himself.

“I know,” you’re annoyed. You know who he is, does he think you can’t see him?

“Oh, right. I just didn’t want to scare you, so I…”

“Starting with ‘psst” certainly didn’t help,” you bite, “Shouldn’t you be checking on your brother anyway?”

“Technically, I can’t do anything except wait. Then, if it gets suspiciously long, I follow him,” he grins like it’s the funniest thing.

You stare at him quietly, wondering what he's doing in your room, in the middle of the night. Neteyam shifts uncomfortably under your gaze.

“Uh, right. Sorry if we woke you up,” he scratches his head, “I was going to check on you anyway, just didn’t mean to at this hour.”

“Why would you check on me?” you frown.

“I thought you might like someone to talk to you, about moving and stuff.”

“I can talk about it to Tsireya, I’m fine.”

“I know, she’s nice,” Neteyam crouches down, to bring himself on your eye level. He looks embarrassed, “But she thought it would be a good idea for me to talk to you.”

“Why?”

“Because we’re both new here. You see, my family and I moved here a few months ago -”

“I know,” you interrupt him.

“And I get what you’re going through.”

This frustrates you. According to Tsireya, Neteyam is the son of the sixth Toruk Makto. She didn’t tell you much but they left their clan on their own, they wanted a fresh start. As far as you can tell, you and him had nothing in common. You were forced out of your home and had to give up on your life without a choice. How can he get what you’re going through? He has a family. You have no one. 

“Just because we’re both outlanders doesn’t mean that you have to pretend to relate to me, Neteyam. We’re not the same,” it comes out more aggressive than you intended. You notice his ears lower, along with his gaze, “I don’t need a forest boy teaching me the way of water. You’re not my savior.”

Neteyam’s face falls, like you hit a cord with your words. But he didn’t mean to offend you, he only meant good. From the moment he saw you, he thought he recognized something familiar in your expression: longing for home. So when Tsireya suggested one of the foresters befriending you, he thought that you would easily get along. Right now, though, this seemed like a horrible idea.

“Not trying to be a savior, just a friend,” he mumbles, standing up, “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.”

You scoff, as Neteyam walks out without a glance back. 

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

The morning is disturbed by the loud sounds of horns, announcing something important. You quickly walk out of your marui to find groups of Na’vi heading towards the center of the village. Tsireya told you that it’s where her father calls for meetings. When you spot Kiri, moving along, you join her. She’s holding hands with a kid.

“Hey, Y/N, this is Tuktirey,” Kiri gestures.

“Tuk,” the kid corrects with a smile and greets you.

“Nice to meet you,Tuk,” you smile back. Judging by her skin, you guess that Tuk belongs to the family of foresters.

“So, should I be worried?” you ask Kiri, motioning to the Na’vi in front of you. It’s really a little crowded for your liking.

“Not sure,” she admits, “These announcements confuse me, I can’t tell when it’s good or bad thing. Often it’s nothing bad though, don’t worry.”

Despite Kiri’s reassurance, you approach the center with a feeling of worry. The feeling in your gut is confirmed as soon as you catch a glimpse of Tsireya with a troubled look on her face. You notice her holding someone’s hand. Blue, five fingers. You can’t see him but you’re sure it’s Lo’ak. When she meets your eye, you mouth to her.

“Is it bad?”

She shakes her head in disappointment. It’s very bad, you think.

When Tonowari clears his throat and steps into the center, everyone falls silent. He keeps it brief, retelling about the attack of the demons on your village. Tonowari suspects that it’s only a matter of time before the sky demons attack again, so everyone must be prepared. It is now prohibited to be alone in unsafe areas, going out in the open water, or too deep into the trees. 

You feel knots forming in your stomach, when panicked questions pour on him.

“The Metkayina needs to be prepared for any outcome, even war,” Tonowari raises his voice again, “Start proofing armors, repair your weapons. Always be on the lookout.”

“This is crazy,” Kiri whispers to you, “I can’t believe that we escaped here to live in fear again.”

It confuses you. You knew that her family moved to live with Metkayina but Tsireya didn’t tell you why. It is bizarre now that you remember that Kiri’s father is Toruk Makto. Why would he leave his home? You make a mental note to question her about it once you’re alone. 

“Kiri, are we going to leave again?” Tuk tugs at her sister with a sniff.

“Mawey, Tuk,” a gentle voice replies instead, as a hand slips around Tuk, caressing her cheeks, “Tuk, Tuk, Tuk.”

Your eyes follow. It’s a tall beautiful woman with bright yellow eyes. You can’t shake off the feeling of how familiar she looks.

“My mom,” Kiri says to you, “Neytiri.”

Right. She looks very similar to Neteyam. Neytiri’s eyes flicker to you, and she graces you with a smile. You bow to greet her.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Once dismissed, you and Kiri fall into the same pace. You don’t talk but you instinctively follow her to the beach, where a group was seated, working on their weapons. Tsireya, Lo’ak, Neteyam, Ao'nung, and Ao'nung’s friend Roxto. You and Kiri sit with them, closing the circle. Sensing that the silence is caused by the same reason you’re feeling anxious, you follow their example and take out your knife. You didn’t have a polishing rock like the others, so instead you focus on reattaching the loosened up string to the handle. You feel Neteyam’s watching you but once you catch him, he looks away.

Kiri meddles with her belt, deep in her thoughts, and you can tell she’s just as anxious as you are.

“Okay, I’m going to say what I think,” Kiri breaks the silence, grabbing everyone’s attention, “This is not good, right? There’s something else they’re not telling us.”

Tsireya’s eyes snap to you but both of you remain quiet.

“No shit, Kiri,” Lo’ak mocks her.

“Shut up, skxawng,” she reaches forward to slap him.

“Hey, you two,” Neteyam gently pushes Kiri away from his brother.

You notice how the younger siblings shoot him an annoyed look but calm down anyway. Last night, Neteyam didn’t seem to hold much power over Lo’ak but right now it appeared that he had some sort of authority. It’s like the possibility of danger made the dynamic between them shift. 

“Nothing’s going to happen, they’re probably lying so that the youngsters stop sneaking out to the forest at night,” Roxto breaks the silence with a snort, then looks at you for support, “Come on, if it was that serious we would be probably doing much more right now.”

There’s some truth to his words, you think. Tonowari did not even come close to explaining how dangerous it could get. Taking measures, like staying within the perimeters of the islans, is hardly something that would keep you safe. Deep in your thought, you continue tightening the string. Neteyam shoots you another glance, and when you look back up, he pushes his polishing stone towards you. You nod at him in appreciation, as you take the tool.

“It’s because of your conversation yesterday with my father, right?” Ao'nung suddenly asks, turning to you. Tsireya tsks at her brother but you sense it is too late.

“Y/N? What do you know?” Kiri adds, concerned.

You sigh, feeling their eyes on you, examining your every small movement. You can almost hear Tsireya’s quiet gasp, as you open your mouth to answer.

“Look, I’m not supposed to tell you this, so keep it to yourself… It’s bad. The demons had many powerful weapons, it took them minutes to burn down my whole village. I don’t know how strong the defense can even be to keep them away. It’s going to be an unfair fight.”

“What do they want? The islands?” Ao'nung pushes for more information.

“They’re looking for a man, who they think is hiding in a water clan,” you answer, noticing how everyone’s ears perk up.

“Do you know who he is?” Lo’ak asks.

“Lo’ak, don’t -” Tsireya tries to interrupt him.

“His name is Jake Sully,” your voice turns with anger, “I’m not sure what he did to them but they were set on killing him. And killing anyone who’s protecting him.”

Dead silence hangs over you, and you suspect that there’s something they’re not telling you. The forest-siblings hang their heads, and you notice Tsireya squeezing Lo’ak’s hand. 

“Wait, so they’re looking for your dad,” Roxto turns to Kiri, “They’re looking for you.”

“Your dad?” you turn to Kiri, “Is Jake Sully your dad?”

Kiri nods, almost ashamed. You feel your throat hurt, as realization washes over you. You escaped exactly where Jake Sully was. It was his kids now sitting in front of you, in their new home, enjoying their care-free life, while your village was burned down to the ground.

“It’s your dad!” you feel anger escalating. You stand up, “I’ve lost everything because of him! The demons thought we were hiding him but he was here all this time!” 

“Y/N, it’s the demons’ fault,” Tsireya stands up too, trying to calm you down, “He only wanted to keep his family safe, he doesn’t want war.”

“We didn’t want war either, but here we are,” you throw your hands in the air, feeling your body shake out of resentment. 

“My father has done nothing wrong,” Neteyam stands up as well, his voice low.

“Your father is wrong for hiding here, while the other clans are at risk of being wiped out!” you’re so frustrated, you wish this was a joke they were playing on you.

But why isn’t anyone agreeing with you? You look at their faces for support but no one dares to speak. Lo’ak keeps his head hanging, and Kiri storms off without a word. A chuckle of disbelief escapes from your lips.

“I guess the great Toruk Makto isn’t that great after all,” you throw bitterly. Neteyam clenches his jaw.

“Y/N, don’t say that. He just wants peace,” Tsireya starts again. 

“We all want peace!” you protest.

“You think it’s so easy, huh? You think he’s hiding?” Neteyam raises his voice at you, “He’s not to blame for their vengeance!”

You hiss at him, more angered. How dare he protect the man who caused all of the chaos? How can they ignore the fact that soon enough they will be losing their homes just like you did?  

“It is easy!” you hiss again, “Let him go out there and face them alone, before they burn down this village too!”

“That’s unfair, I’m not losing my dad,” he growls.

“I lost my home!” 

You’re not sure how things escalate this quickly but one second you’re at a distance growling at each other, and in another instance you lunge at him, catching him off guard. Neteyam falls on his back, as you hold him down with your legs but he’s quick enough to catch your arms before you can even touch him. You hear concerned voices in the background but your only focus is punching him.

The two of you snarl, and as you struggle to free your arms from his grip, he flips you over. Your back hits the ground with a sharp pain but it gives you just enough room to kick him in the gut. Neteyam winces in pain, yet quickly regains his composure by pinning you down, this time paying special attention to having your knees locked together.

“Skxawng,” you let out, frustrated. 

He doesn’t hit you back but he does just enough to stop you from moving, his skin feeling hot against yours.

“Dude, dude,” Lo’ak runs up to him, putting his arms over his shoulders, “Get off her.”

“Not unless she calms down,” Neteyam hisses, completely unaware of the group of adults headed towards the two of you. You try to move but he pins you down again.

You catch a glimpse of Roxto and Ao'nung chuckling at the fight, while Tsireya covers her mouth in concern. Then, you spot Neytiri.

“Neteyam!” she shouts. Neteyam pauses at the sound of her voice, ears perking up.

“Shit,” Lo’ak whispers, backing away, “Neteyam, get off.”

“That’s right, get off me, you skxawng,” you say, humiliated by the position he put you in.

Defeated and angry, Neteyam shoots you a quick look, before finally releasing you from his grip. You huff out of frustration, as you sit up, trying to recover your breath. By the time Neytiri approaches the scene, Neteyam’s already standing with his head hanging low. Lo’ak stands a little behind, as if to avoid the confusion of who’s at fault.

Neytiri’s eyes run you up and down, then examine her sons, as if trying to piece together what happened. She remains quiet, before kneeling down in front of you, and taking your hand in hers. You’re all surprised by her gentle demeanor.

“Are you hurt?” she asks you, lifting your arm to examine it. Then moves to get a look at your back.

“I’m good,” you shake your head, freeing yourself from her grasp.

“Neteyam,” Neytiri stands up, now turning to her son, anger evident in her voice, “Apologize. Now.”

“Mom, they were just joking,” Lo’ak tries to tone down the situation but she shuts him up by raising her hand.

Without a second of hesitation, Neteyam nods and meets your eyes, before saying loudly for everyone to hear.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“You didn’t hurt me,” you hiss, annoyed.

“Mother, can we go now?” Lo’ak asks.

Neytiri nods, and three of them walk away. Soon enough, you can hear her scolding her oldest son. Tsireya runs up to you, helping you up to your feet.

“Y/N, are you hurt? You just recovered!” she sounds genuinely upset.

“I’m not hurt, he didn’t do anything.”

“I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you about that. I didn’t know,” she lowers her eyes to the ground, “Not until the talk you had with my father.”

“I know, I don’t blame you,” you sigh, “But why would you send him to talk to me?”

“I thought he could help,” she explains, hoping you’d understand, “Lo’ak is not talkative, and Kiri’s hasn’t been taking the change very well. Neteyam’s the only one who likes it here. So I thought he’d be the best to talk to.”

You nod. She makes a good point. But his whole attitude, the pretentious novelty, it pisses you off. Acting tough and proper when his mother is around, but in reality, selfish. He doesn’t care that you’ve lost everything because of his father. He has a new home he likes. And siblings, and parents... You feel jealous. 

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

You are a good hunter. You have a good aim, and you’re fast. You used to think that you would be a good asset in danger but the way you froze, when you were attacked by the demons, makes you hesitant. What if that happens again? What if you come face-to-face with them and freeze? 

The air outside of your room is refreshingly cold. You watch the dark sky hang over the sleepy Awa’atlu. In an attempt to clear your head, you start wandering around the village, eventually stopping at the terrace blending into the beach. Your ears perk up at faint voices, and as your eyes follow, you find two Na’vi by the water, oblivious to your presence. It looks like they are pretending to wrestle each other, letting out occasional laughs. You recall your earlier not-so-pretend fight with Neteyam and sigh out of frustration, taking a seat on the grass. 

As one throws the other one to the ground, you think you recognize Neteyam. He laughs, swaying his hair, then gives a hand to help out his companion to his feet. The other Na’vi is taller than him, with broader shoulder, longer hair. Your breath catches in your throat, as you guess who that might be.

“Yeah, that’s him,” you hear a confirmation, and almost jump up.

Lo’ak is standing next to you, his gaze forward.

“Jake Sully?” 

“My dad,” he confirms again.

You turn your attention back to the two Na’vi wrestling, and you watch them for a moment. Eventually, Lo’ak sits down next to you.

“Neteyam’s his favorite,” he says, “He’s the perfect son. The mighty warrior.”

“The mighty warrior?” you repeat.

“He likes to call himself that,” Lo’ak explains, “To piss me off.”

“Does it work?”

“Yeah,” he chuckles, “It pisses me off.”

“Why aren’t you pissed off at me?” you turn to face to him.

“Why aren’t you?” he asks in return, “You’re angry at Neteyam but not at me.”

You pause. You’re not really sure why Lo’ak joining you didn’t frustrate you, the way Neteyam’s presence would. Maybe it’s because Lo’ak seemed guilty earlier. He didn’t stand up for his dad, so there must be something both of you agree on.

“He pisses me off too,” you answer, turning your gaze back to Neteyam in the distance, “I don’t like when people pretend to care. Because once something threatens their peace, they really show how they don’t give a crap about you.”

“Neteyam doesn’t pretend about caring,” Lo’ak disagrees, “Sure, he pretends all the time but not when it comes to caring. He cares.”

“Not about me anyway,” you scoff. 

Lo’ak falls silent. You got him there, you had a point. Thoughts race through your mind, as you try to comprehend what to make of this. Perhaps you judged too quickly, not knowing the whole story. What if it was your sister? Would you be willing to put at risk the peace of your village to protect her? No, that would never happen. She would face the enemy herself, not even letting you have a say in the matter. 

“My father is not a bad guy,” Lo’ak interrupts your thoughts, “I’m not saying that he does everything right but… we’re all he got.”

You don’t react. You don’t really want to hear him justify his dad, make him seem vulnerable.

“He turned down his whole life for my mom. Left everything he believed in behind because he wanted to be with her,” Lo’ak continues, “Even became one of us… He is one of us.”

“Is that why…” you instinctively glance at his fingers, and Lo’ak shifts, “Is it true? Tsireya said that Eywa blessed him.”

He nods. You let out a tired sigh. It’s exhausting to think about it. His father was blessed by Eywa, he is the Toruk Makto. Who are you to disagree with the Great Mother? 

“I don’t know anymore,” you admit defeated, “I just don’t think it’s fair… that others get punished. More harm can be avoided.”

“I know,” Lo’ak agrees with you, “But the demons are stronger, they never give up. We woke up to war every day back home.”

You listen to him with curiosity. You don’t know much about their past life but you wonder if the war really was a constant in the forest.

“It’s why we moved, you know?” his voice hitches, “My father knew that they were never going to let us live peacefully, so we tried hiding here instead.” 

You hum. You’re not sure if it’s the tiredness creeping up on you, or genuine empathy, but you feel sorry for Lo’ak. He seems to feel at fault for the consequences of his father’s choices. It’s almost like he speaks more to himself than to you. Justifies things to ease his heart.

“Seems like they’re done,” Lo’ak gets up, “I’m gonna go before dad catches me sneaking out.”

You force a small smile, as you watch Jake and Neteyam dust the sand off their bodies. It takes you a while to move from your spot, but not quickly enough, as Neteyam spots you from a distance. He keeps his eyes on you, and you can almost feel your blood boil.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

For the next few days, things change rapidly. You notice that everyone is busy with their chores, rushing, and preparing, the feeling of danger weighing down on them. Tonowari orders for the hunters and skilled fighters to divide into pairs, assigning them to guard the island every night. Divers work on protective armors for their ilus. There is a big shift in the air.

Speaking about these measures to Tsireya gives you an unsettling feeling. You don’t talk about the Sully’s to her, even though they’re constantly on your mind. You just can’t believe that Tonowari agrees to protect them. 

Tsireya’s still hesitant to bring them up when you question her about her father’s plans, even though you’re well aware that Jake Sully actively participates in the matters of protection. She doesn’t know that it’s been keeping you up every night. To trust this man to protect you, when he is the reason for the attacks. His name alone forces painful visions of your sister and her mate, crouched down on the sand, with a weapon pointed at them. 

“Have you talked to Kiri, since the…?” Tsireya starts hesitantly. You haven’t. It upsets you because in a short time, you had begun to see Kiri as a friend. 

“Not really,” you hang your head, “I didn’t want to attack her, it’s just…”

“I’m sure she knows,” Tsireya nods, “She protects her father but she feels guilty too. When she heard about your fight with Neteyam, she kind of scolded him.” 

Tsireya bites down on her lip, hiding a small smile. You can’t really help a smile stretching your lips too. You would have loved to see Neteyam getting scolded. Just the thought of it makes you feel a little better.

“I feel bad, it’s not her fault,” you admit.

“Maybe you two can talk it out?” Tsireya asks hopefully.

“Maybe.”

“I’ll let her know.”

Unlike the other siblings, you’ve seen plenty of Lo’ak in the past few days. Mostly because you’re only hanging out with Tsireya, and, well, Lo’ak wants to be around her. It’s silly excuses, when they sneak away, leaving you alone. She even got in trouble for wandering with him around the guarded areas.

Lo’ak doesn’t make you feel awkward. The two of you don’t really talk but neither of you feels pressured to. You like to think that you and him reached some sort of understanding the other night. Partially, you feel bad for him for having Jake Sully for his father, and Neteyam, as his older brother. As a younger sister to Tsahik, you can relate to the pressure of always reaching for, yet never getting it all.

But when it comes to seeing Neteyam in the village... The angry looks that you exchange with him when passing each other just make your whole body ache. You barely hold yourself back from hissing at him. It’s bad. You already had not one, but two people you hated.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

That evening, when you return to your marui, you’re surprised to find Kiri waiting for you. She stands up, as you approach, and the two of you look at each other for a moment before you pull her into a hug. 

“I didn’t mean to yell at you, the other day,” you admit, pulling away from her, “It’s not your fault.”

“I get it,” she sighs, “If I were you, I’d be mad. I’m kind of mad now.”

While you dreaded this conversation, it goes quite smoothly with Kiri. You don’t feel judgment on her side for disagreeing with her father. You think it’s unfair that the only person who makes you feel less of an outsider has to be the daughter of Jake Sully. 

“I feel angry because I can’t get used to the thought of just sitting here and waiting?” you finish on a higher note, hoping that she can relate, “Because while we’re here, the demons are killing innocent Na’vi. Village by village. It’s terrifying. I just wish I could do something to protect them.”

Kiri nods and stares off into the distance, deep in her thoughts. You can feel the guilt she beares on her shoulders but she fights it to protect her family. Suddenly, she turns her head, yellow eyes glistening, like she has the brightest solution.

“Y/N, how well do you know the islands?” she asks.

“Um, there are about hundreds of them but I know roughly where the settlements."

“So if we wanted to warn them about the intruders, do you think you would be able to map them out and guide us there?”

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Now that you think about it, you feel like a fool for not figuring it out earlier. Why didn’t anyone?

Sure, news would travel between neighboring villages but you were forgetting that the Awa’atlu was on the very far ends of the islands. And, by the time the others were warned about the possible attacks, there would be nothing left. 

When you and Kiri propose the idea of swimming to the islands, and first-hand warning their Olo’eyktans, Tonowari hesitates. Not many in his clan are familiar with the other settlements, especially within the Eastern reefs, and underestimating the time frames could cost him lives. 

“We don’t have to warn everyone, just as many as we can,” you plead, “And what if we the close-located clans fight back in unions. Surely, they would respect your advice as the Olo'eyktan.”

“It worked when Toruk Makto did it,” Tonowari hums in agreement, “It would be difficult to unionize all of the islands but there is a better chance of surviving for smaller unions.”

“They at least deserve to know what’s coming, please,” you push further, and eventually gain an approving nod from him.

Quickly, small groups of the best Metkayina swimmers are formed to be assigned for the realization of the plan. While most of them are familiar with the neighboring islands, you’re the one mapping out the Eastern Sea settlements for them. And although Tonowari immediately turns down your offer of joining them, you feel slightly better for at least contributing.

You go over your roughly drawn map on the sand one more time with the final group of three Metkayina swimmers, your goal to ensure that they are aware of the safest paths to approach the villages. The group is gathered around you, listening carefully, and as you talk, you feel someone watching you from afar. It’s Neteyam. You take a moment to refocus before finding the track of your words again.

“Thank you, Y/N, we got it from here,” Sokxot, one of the swimmer says, when you finish up.

You stay to watch as they swim away on their ilus, in your mind, praying to Eywa to guide them safely to their destination. When you think you’re left alone, you’re surprised to find Neteyam here. You frown at him. What does he want? Intimidate you with his staring? You’re taken aback when he decides to approach you.

“Y/N,” his greets you with a calm voice, then points to the map you drew, “This was your idea?”

“Kiri’s,” you correct him.

“Still, you helped a lot,” Neteyam stares at the map, as if trying to memorize it. You roll your eyes at him.

“Guess I don’t like sitting and waiting for danger,”

“I really hope this makes a difference,” he says, sounding almost sincere.

You watch after him as he walks away, and let out a sigh. The two of you were too grown to act like kids. 

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

On the third day since their departure, two groups of Metkayina swimmers return with updates. Tonowari immediately calls for a meeting, and it's revealed that a significant number of villages have already been warned of the impending danger. The warned clans also started sending out their own swimmers, forming a whole network between the hundreds of villages.

But more importantly, you had the first case of a union between three smaller clans on the Eastern islands that managed to prepare just in time for the attack. Taken aback by the preparedness of Na’vi, the sky demons suffered greatly in numbers. Of course, the clans had casualties, but they managed to force the enemy to back away, and keep their homes safe. 

It's the first good news that the Metkayina have heard in weeks, and you can see the happiness on their faces. You feel a sense of satisfaction with what you've achieved, and even Tonowari can't help but sneak a smile as he urges everyone to remain careful and calm.

To celebrate your little victory, Tsireya invites you to swim with her and the rest of her friends somewhere special. You didn’t mind that the Sully’s, especially Neteyam, were joining. You thought you would ignore him and allow yourself to enjoy being a little carefree. 

Tsireya takes you to a sacred place - the Cove of Ancestors, where you could express your gratitude to Eywa by the Spirit Tree. Mesmerized by the beauty of it all, you can’t stop looking around. And judging by the reaction of the Sully kids, it’s probably their first time here too. Tsireya excitedly watches your faces, when showing you the Spirit Tree from afar. Underneath the surface of water, its roots glow with unique undertones, breathing in and out. 

“Tsireya, this is incredible,” you awe, as she gives you a giddy smile.

“Come,” she waves you over, disappearing under the water. 

With Tsireya, Kiri, Lo’ak, and Ao’nung disappear too. Distracted by the sight around you, you fall a little behind, and find yourself not too far from Neteyam. He is not a bad swimmer but he is definitely slow compared to you. 

You’re not really thinking about it, when you stay back to watch him. It’s almost entertaining how greedily his eyes take in the surroundings, seeming almost golden in this light. A smile tugs at your lips.

Your skin shivers, as a cool wind wraps around your body. Then you notice it. A single woodsprite appears in the air, flying around you and grazing your skin. You feel blessed to witness a sign of the Great Mother, but as you reach out to gently touch it, it moves away. Your smile fades, when the seed starts floating around Neteyam’s head. Is Eywa trying to tell you something? Maybe you were being too harsh with him. 

With another blow of the wind, the woodsprite disappears, leaving Neteyam completely oblivious to what just happened. When he turns around and meets your gaze, your throat tightens. His expression is unreadable. What is he thinking?

“I should probably catch up with the rest,” you clear your throat.

Neteyam only nods, and as you swim past him, it almost seems like you catch a hint of disappointment on his face. You can’t be distracted by the sign right now. 

When you reach the Tree and submerge, you find Tsireya, Lo’ak, and Ao'nung already linking their queues to the roots. Trying not to disturb them, you quietly swim to the opposite side, bringing out your queue. From the corner of your eye, you spot Neteyam but you decide to ignore him.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Words cannot describe how healed you feel, when you open your eyes. As if your inner and outer worlds have finally merged again, making you whole. With a smile, you swim up to the surface to reunite with the rest of the group, ready to share your happiness, when you notice troubled expressions on their faces.

“Did anyone see Kiri before we came here?” Lo’ak asks, and everyone shakes their heads, “Shit, Neteyam.”

“She said she’d swim a bit more before joining us by the Tree,” Tsireya replies.

“Alright, everyone, let’s divide and start looking for her,” Neteyam orders, calling out to his ilu.

It doesn’t take much convincing, as quickly, one by one, all of you get on your ilus and disperse. 

Tsireya’s story about Kiri falling asleep in the water resurfaces in your mind. It happened before, right? Kiri is probably fine, you try to convince yourself, but you can’t help the nagging feeling in the pit of your stomach.

As you swim up for a breath, you take a deep dive again, determined to search for Kiri in the depths of the water. Silent prayers to Eywa express your gratitude, when your gaze is drawn to a small figure hidden between tall leaves. Your heart skips a beat as you realize what you are seeing: Kiri's whole body is glowing with an otherworldly light. In all your years, you have never seen anything quite like it.

Noticing that she has begun to violently shake, you quickly swim to Kiri, and gently pull her queue away, forcing her body to go limp. Desperately, you try to get her out of the leaves, but it seems that the harder you try, the tighter they grip her limbs.

Your mind starts racing, and panic begins to set in, when you suddenly see a pair of hands cutting down the leaves around Kiri's body with a small knife. Right, a knife! You take out yours and start helping. With the last of the leaves cut, Kiri's body begins to float upwards. Neteyam quickly wraps his arm around her middle, and signals for you to follow, as he places her on his ilu and swims to the surface. 

You race after him, your heart pounding in your chest. As you break the surface, Neteyam’s already positioning Kiri’s body on a flat rock, gently shaking her. You join him, noting how calm and collected he seems.

“Neteyam, there’s something wrong. She was still linked and shaking, when I found her,” your voice breaks. 

“Shit,” he curses, and checks for Kiri’s breath.

You watch as he starts performing something strange: Neteyam breathes air into Kiri’s mouth, then starts counting as he presses down on her chest in an unfamiliar rhythm. A wave of fear washes over you, when you notice his hands start shaking.

“Shit, shit, shit,” Neteyam curses again, “Help me, please.”

“I don’t know what to do, Neteyam,” you panic, “She’s not breathing!”

“When I stop pressing, just try to breathe out as much air as you can into her mouth,” he orders, and continues counting.

“Alright, alright,” you try to calm yourself down.

You do your best following his instructions, and it seems to put him back on track too. But as time drags on, and Kiri still doesn't respond, both of you begin to feel a sense of despair. 

Just as you're about to give up hope, Kiri moves weakly beneath you, and finally takes a breath on her own. You let out a sigh of relief, tears streaming down your face.

“It worked,” Neteyam’s eyes glisten, as he checks for her breathing.

"We need to take her to Tsahik, right now," you breathe out, and he nods.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Everything afterwards happens in a blur of confusion. Your heart races, as you nervously pace around Tsahik’s marui, where Kiri is getting examined by a group of strangers: a Na’vi wearing human clothes, and two sky people who arrived on a flying ship. Jake and Neteyam are with them in the room, talking and talking, but you can’t quite understand. 

There is a tension in the air when Neytiri returns with Ronal. She raises her voice at them, and before you can even begin to wonder what's going on, the men exit the marui, leaving the women alone. You catch a glimpse of Jake as he passes by you, and for a moment, you feel struck by his presence. 

He looks tired and scared, like he has been suffering for a long time now. You recall your conversation with Lo’ak. While in your mind you are convinced that he is the bad guy, seeing him in this state makes you feel a twinge of sympathy for him. 

“You don’t have to wait,” Neteyam pulls you out of your thoughts. His words are not necessarily ill-intended, but you still feel out of place.

“I want to make sure she’s alright,” you explain. Neteyam only nods, “What are they saying?”

He falls silent, as if contemplating whether he needs to reveal to you whatever he knows. 

“She’s going to be better, right?” your voice hitches.

“Hey, hey,” he crouches down next to you, “Of course, she will. Kiri is very strong.”

It’s only a second of vulnerability showing on his side, before the usual mask slips back onto his face, and you can’t tell what he’s thinking. At all. Both of your attentions are quickly drawn back to the marui, when Ronal steps out. Jake rushes to her side, with Neteyam and you close on his heels.

“She is weak but the Great Mother granted her another chance,” Ronal answers, “Now, she needs her rest.”

“Thank you,” Jake expresses with sincerity in his voice, before disappearing into the marui. From the inside, you hear soft sobs. Neteyam hesitates to take a step, glancing back at you.

“Go in, see for yourself,” you encourage him, and he complies.

At the risk of interrupting their family moment, you sit down slightly far from the marui, waiting. You’re not sure how much time passes, when Jake walks out. You shift uncomfortably when he approaches you.

“Thank you, Y/N,” he clears his throat, as he crouches in front of you, “You saved my daughter.”

“I only found her,” you admit, “If it wasn’t for Neteyam…”

“You did well, you got to her just in time,” Jake interrupts, “Neteyam said that you even helped him with chest compressions.”

“I don’t know what that even was,” you genuinely chuckle. You only guessed it was something borrowed from the sky people.

“Yet you saved her, thank you,” he insists with a small smile.

You look at him, trying to read his face. There’s something in his eyes that suggests he’s being genuine. He breaks the silence again, this time his tone more careful.

“I know about your fight with Neteyam. He didn’t want to tell me the reason but I guessed it was something serious. There’s really not many things to get him to act like that.”

“I can’t possibly agree or understand your decisions,” you remain calm, despite the rushing heat to your face, “I think it’s unfair.”

“I know, I’m not always making the best decisions,” he shakes his head, “And I get why you don’t like me much but I can’t risk losing my family.”

“You don’t have to,” you interrupt, “If you just go out there alone, they’ll stop hurting everybody else.”

“I wish it had been that easy. I don’t even care about my own death anymore, but I just know it won’t be enough,” he seems defeated, “They will come for my family next. Everything that I care for, and more. They did once already.”

“But aren’t you the one they’re looking for?”

“It’s grown beyond vengeance at this point,” Jake shakes his head, “They caught Lo’ak and Kiri once, and Tuk… they had Tuk. If anything happened to them, I don’t know what I would have done. We barely got them out, it was…”

“Must have been terrifying,” you finish for him. You think back to your sister getting caught, held at a gunpoint, and your chest hurts with sudden empathy for him.

As a father, it must be times more terrifying for him to see his kids in the hands of an enemy. It makes sense now: the great Toruk Makto had a weak spot. 

“I think I get it,” you nod in understanding, “When they captured my sister... I have never been more scared in my life. It still keeps me up every night.”

“I’m sorry,” Jake sighs, “Do you know if she’s…?”

“Alive? I don’t know. She promised to come looking for me, once it’s safe but it’s been weeks now,” your voice hitches, “When they were about to capture me, she pushed me out of the way, which really pissed them off. Especially their chief.”

“I hope you get to see her again,” Jake reaches out, to pat you on your shoulder. You let him, “It is honorable to sacrifice yourself for the other to live. Eywa will bless her for keeping you alive.”

“I feel like I failed her, hiding here,” you look away in an attempt to hide the tears filling up your eyes, “I should have stayed there.”

“It’s not your fault, kid, you did your best,” Jake gently touches your chin to turn your face back to him. When he notices your tears, his eyebrows knit together in worry, “She would be proud of you.”

A small sob escapes your lips, and you feel ashamed to break down in front of him. You’re caught off guard, when Jake pulls you into a hug. It’s strangely comforting how tight it feels in your throat, as you bury your face in his chest, letting yourself silently cry. You feel him pat you on the back, until you can finally slowly recover your breath.

“Dad?” Neteyam’s voice grabs both of your attention. He leans against the entrance of the marui, looking confused between the two of you.

You instantly pull away from Jake, hanging your head in a mix of strange emotions. It’s not every day that you receive comfort from the very person you thought was your enemy. 

“I’ll be right there,” Jake says, standing up, “Do you want to see her, Y/N?”

You nod in gratitude, wiping away your tears before following Jake. As you enter, Neteyam gives you a puzzled look, like he’s trying to figure out what the hell you and his father were talking about. Your eyes land on Neytiri, sat by Kiri’s side, holding her hand in hers. 

“How is she?” Jake asks, sitting down next to his mate and pulling her into his side.

“She is going to be better, once she rests,” Neytiri answers quietly, returning her eyes to Kiri, and stroking her cheek, “My child.”

You feel out of place in the presence of the Sully family. Just a few days ago, you thought you hated Jake, and now you find yourself caring for his family. 

You suddenly realize that if he knows about your fight with Neteyam, then Neytiri surely knows too. You can't help but wonder if she hates you. Standing there, you feel like an intruder, interrupting their vulnerable moment.

“Y/N,” Neytiri's voice pulls you out of your thoughts, “Thank you for saving my child.”

“You did good, kid,” Jake adds, then turns his gaze to Neteyam, “Both of you.”

As you open your mouth to protest, Neytiri cuts you off with a firm tone. 

“Get some rest. You too, Neteyam.”

As much as you want to say something, anything, there's a strange authority in Neytiri's voice that makes it impossible to disobey. It's strange because she reminds you of your mother - strong, stubborn, yet caring. You were never able to disobey your mother.

“It’s okay, kid, you can check on Kiri later,” Jake encourages.

With a grateful nod, you leave the marui. Neteyam silently follows you out.

“Um, I should probably go tell the others now,” he grabs your attention.

“Yes, Lo’ak must be worried,” you agree with him.

Lo’ak wasn’t allowed to be with you in the marui. He was staying with Tuk, until further instructions, whereas Tsireya and Ao'nung got scolded by their mother for not keeping an eye on Kiri, and were sent home right away. Neteyam and you were the only ones who were overlooked in the matter.

“Thank you for helping me back there,” he scratches his head, “If it wasn’t for you, I could’ve lost her.”

“I don’t think I deserve the credit here, ‘Teyam,” you pause.

Did you just call him by his nickname? ‘Teyam? Do you think you’re friends? Shit. 

His eyes widen and you catch just a tiniest hint of a small smile before he bites down on his lip to hide it.

“Neteyam,” you correct yourself, “I froze when I couldn’t get her out of those leaves. I can’t believe I forgot about my knife.”

“Hey, and I panicked. But in the end, we kind of made a good team,” he snorts.

“Right,” you chuckle at the irony.

Because you’re both headed in the same direction, Neteyam and you walk together in silence. After a while, he catches your attention again.

“I saw you talking to my father,” he hesitates before meeting your eyes, “Can I ask you about it?”

“You can ask him if you want.”

“So it went badly?” Neteyam guesses.

“No, not half as bad as I expected,” you stop in your tracks, before admitting, “Actually, I think I kind of get it.”

Neteyam only nods but you’re not sure if he really understands the value behind your words. He hopes that it means a change of your perception but deep down, he still feels a little scared. You don’t talk for the rest of the way but you don’t seem bothered by his presence, your thoughts now occupied with the woodsprite you saw earlier. Maybe Eywa was right and the two of you can mend this after all.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

“Y/N,” Tsireya’s soft voice wakes you up. She has a bright smile on her face, “Kiri’s awake! I thought you’d like to see her.”

Together, you make your way towards Tsahik’s marui, already noticing the Sully’s and friends coming and going. Tsireya pulls you along with her, but miscalculates her grip, causing you to bump into someone. It’s Neteyam. You can feel your cheeks flush with embarrassment. 

“Mawey, Y/N,” he grins, as he steadies you by your shoulders. You can hear Ao’nungs low chuckle but ignore him.

“Sorry, Y/N,” Tsireya whispers to you. 

“I’m fine,” you smile at her, then turn back to Neteyam. He still keeps his hands on you, “Neteyam.”

“Good morning to you too,” he says, finally lowering his hands. Still, you’re too close to each other. 

Before things get more awkward, Kiri’s voice breaks the tension. She calls out your name, and you rush to join her by the mat, taking her hands in yours with worry. Kiri weakly smiles in response. 

“I promise, I am doing better,” she reassures you, “And for that I have to thank my saviors! You hear that?” she loudly asks.

“I was worried sick for you, and you’re joking,” you roll your eyes at her, but can’t help a giddy smile. You’re glad she’s back to her normal self. You stay with her for some time, questioning her about her health, as she tries to swat you away.

“Out, out, Kiri has to eat!” Neytiri’s voice interrupts your small exchange, “And rest!”

She walks in with a bowl of cut up fruits in her hands, on her way managing to usher out some of the visitors. 

“Mom,” Kiri whines annoyedly.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

That night you’re haunted by a nightmare. You’re swimming in the crystal-clear water, the warm sun rays piercing your eyes with a satisfying itch. From afar, you make out the beach which you would recognize anywhere: you’re back home, in your village. As you dive into the depths, you suddenly feel a hand clasping yours but the feeling is familiar. It’s your sister, swimming alongside you.

You smile. It reminds you of the old times, when you were little, spending your time swimming and holding hands with your sister, so none of you gets lost. Suddenly, the darkness engulfs you, making it hard to see. You look up to find a massive cloud forming in the sky, and you try to pull your sister with you to the surface. But she doesn’t budge, instead letting go of your hand with a small smile. Gasping for air, you break the surface, before diving back in for her, but this time she’s even farther away from you. You try to reach her again again and again, but each time the air in your lungs gets thinner, as she slips further away, eventually hitting the bottom. 

You wake up, with your sister’s name lingering on your lips. It’s still dark outside, and too early for the morning. To clear your head, you head towards the trees, deeper on the island. 

As you push through the dense bushes, you finally reach a small clearing nestled between tall trees. Then bang! All of a sudden someone throws you off your feet, hitting your back against the ground, and you see a familiar face hover above you. He’s so close, you can feel his braids grazing your skin. Neteyam. You growl.

“What the hell?” you slap his chest angrily, but he doesn’t budge, his arms firmly planted by the sides of your face. His knee rests between your thighs, restricting your movement.

“This is a familiar pose,” he smirks, and you roll your eyes at him, “Why aren’t you asleep?”

You notice a headpiece he’s wearing that you’ve never seen on him before. It looks like the ones that guardians assigned by Tonowari wear during their shifts.

“I was trying to clear my head. Why aren’t you?”

“I’m guarding,” he smiles, “This very same area, by the way.”

“You’re a guardian?” you snort.

Neteyam shakes his head amused, swaying his braids over your skin. Almost mocking you.

“Get off me,” you lightly slap his chest again, but he has something else on his mind. To tease you further, he pins your arms, and pushes his knee against you, right between your thighs.

You know that it’s innocent on his side, but your body reacts differently, separate from your mind. You feel blood rush to your face, as your ears, like a pair of wings, suddenly flutter in pleasure. Of course this doesn’t escape his eyes. You can see his pupils dilate, and an unreadable expression covering his face. You want to hide and scream out of embarrassment.

“Please,” you plead, and he pulls away from you so fast, it’s almost like he takes a leap. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to,” he apologizes, keeping a small distance between you.

He’s embarrassed too, you think. He doesn’t meet your eyes, but you can almost see how hundreds of thoughts are rushing through his brain in an attempt to change the subject. You sit up, dusting off your skin in uncomfortable silence, until he finally dares to speak up. 

“Do you want me to walk you back?” he scratches his head, “You’re not supposed to be here.”

“No,” your voice is so low. Shit, “I need to clear my head.”

“Did you have a nightmare?” he asks gently.

You stand up, to dust the remains off your back and knees. You feel Neteyam’s eyes roaming over your body. 

“I saw my sister in my dream,” you finally answer, “It just confused me more.”

“Confused you about what?” 

“The signs. I can’t figure out what Eywa is trying to tell me.”

“Tell me,” Neteyam offers, it’s not an order. 

You hesitate. Opening up to him out of all Na’vi? To be fair, you’d rather tell someone who doesn’t care about you, who would just listen for the sake of curiosity, not pity or empathy. But also he looks so sincere and trustworthy. Is the tiredness suddenly affecting your perception of him?

“Well,” you sigh, “Ever since my parents died, I could feel their presence whenever I talked to Eywa. And the other day, by the Spirit Tree, I thought that if my sister were dead, then I’d feel her too. But I couldn’t.”

“And the nightmare makes you think otherwise?” 

“Yes. In the nightmare, we were swimming but every time I tried pulling her with me to the surface, to get her out, she wouldn’t budge. It’s like she didn’t want to be saved.”

“A nightmare can be just a nightmare, Y/N,” Neteyam pats your shoulder to comfort you.

“This was different,” you shake your head in disagreement, “I can feel it. I just wish I didn’t get my hopes up.”

Faint voices catch your attention. Neteyam’s ears perk up, as he focuses on the sounds in the distance, suddenly very aware of his surroundings.

"What do you hear?" you ask but he brings his thumb to your lips, shushing you. 

“If the other guards hear you, they’ll take me off the duty.”

It feels like an eternity as he keeps his thumb over your lips. He stares off into darkness but all you can do is look at him. You admire how the moonlight highlights his features, his freckles  and eyes glowing in the dark. His breathing is slow, strangely calming. You can’t help but think that the headpiece suits him even though it doesn’t prevent some of his braids escaping and framing his face. It’s almost funny how they seem to have a life on their own, swaying from left to right with every small movement he makes.

There is a flutter in your chest, as you realize how handsome he is. Shit. Maybe you’re just tired. 

You wrap your fingers around his wrist, lowering his hand from your face, and it finally seems to catch his attention. You let your fingers linger on his skin for a little longer before letting go. 

“Your purpose is to get me in trouble, isn’t it?” Neteyam smiles.

“What?” you frown at him.

“First, it was the fighting, now you happen to sneak away to the area I guard, so I get busted?” 

“I didn’t intentionally -” you start justifying yourself but he’s quick to interrupt.

“I know, I’m kidding.”

Kidding. You admit that, given your history, it is a little funny. You can’t help but smile back.

The exhaustion seems to creep up on you, as you let out a yawn.

“I am probably going to regret this,” Neteyam mumbles, as if more to himself, than to you, “You know how Kiri sometimes falls asleep in random places?”

“Yeah?” 

“Since you don’t want to go back to your bed, you can crash here,” he scratches his forehead, slightly embarrassed, as he points to the patch of grass in front of you.

“You want me to sleep here?” you snort.

“I’m just saying, give it a try. I promise I will be on the lookout.”

You consider it for a second. It sounds ridiculous but the lush grass does seem inviting, softer than your bed. Another yawn creeps up on you. Is it bad that you want to stay here for a while?

“I-I’m not sure I can sleep here,” you admit. Not under his gaze anyway.

“Oh, come on, it’s easy,” he suddenly warms up.

Neteyam stretches out on the grass and waves you over with the biggest grin.

“This is what Kiri does. She just lies down, relaxes, and just like that, she’s off to her dream world,” Neteyam imitates his sister, “Come on.”

“Alright,” you give up, as you walk over to him.

You know it’s innocent but you still feel nervous. Neteyam pats the grass next to him, encouraging you to lay down. You comply, and he watches you relax, as he tousles some of the grass beneath your head. This was a bad idea. 

“Feels good, right?” he asks, propping himself up on one elbow so he can look at you.

You close your eyes and take a deep breath. It does. 

“I’m starting to understand why Kiri falls asleep so easily,” you say, and hear him chuckle.

“Right? Sleeping outside is way more fun. There is just something about the open sky,” he sighs, “It reminds me of home.”

You keep your eyes closed but you can sense Neteyam’s still watching you.

“What is it?” you ask.

“Oh, nothing,” he sounds flustered, like he got caught, “I just thought you had fallen asleep already.” 

“Neteyam?”

“Hm?”

You turn your head to look at him, meeting his curious golden eyes.

“Can you tell me something? I’m not too sleepy yet,” you admit. 

“What would you like to hear?” his voice is soft. So soft, you have to tense your ears to hear him. 

And he talks. It was easy to guess that Neteyam would speak about the things he values the most, about his family. You’re conflicted between hearing him out and discovering this new world you never knew existed, or leaving him here alone to avoid the guilt weighing down on you. 

He tells you about his mother with pride, about her accomplishments and how she stood up for the things she believed in. He mentions that her clan was closely acquainted with the ‘good’ sky people who lived near the rainforest where he was born. These were the ones that tried helping Kiri yesterday. He also tells you about his father, who came from a star, and how he was almost killed by his mother before being saved by Eywa. He speaks fondly of his grandfather, whom he was told to look like, and who was a skilled warrior and protector of his clan, despite never having known him personally. And he tells you about his grandmother, who was strict but deeply loving. He missed her everyday since moving.

As Neteyam talks about the rainforest, his eyes light up with excitement. His descriptions are so vivid and detailed that you can almost see the towering trees, the creatures, and the weapons used by the Omatikaya. At times, he has to articulate with his hands and body to explain it. You feel your tiredness slip away. The more he talks, the more intrigued you get by his life, his stories.

At some point, you overtake the conversation, telling him about your home. You’re rushing through your words because there is so much you want to share. As if its pure existence depends on how much you can recall. At first, Neteyam has a guilty expression that eventually turns into a curious one. Sure, he’s been living with a water clan for months now but the way he reacted to your stories could make you think that he had never even seen water up close. 

Hours pass, as your voices get smaller, and drowsiness completely takes over the two of you.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

When you wake up, you feel slightly restrained around your middle. You’re holding onto Neteyam’s arm, wrapped around your middle, and your legs intertwined. Shit.

“Neteyam,” you turn around, slightly shoving him, “”Teyam.”

He slowly opens his eyes, blinking the sleep away. It takes a moment for him to focus on you. So close, you think. Too close.

“Do you mind?” you gesture at his arm.

Neteyam’s a little slow in the morning, you notice. His eyes lazily follow your movement, roam over your body, as if trying to understand what happened, until he finally realizes. You swear, for a second you hear a faint flutter of his ears.

Your eyes snap back at him, and he sheepishly smiles, pulling away.

“Finally,” you mumble, as you get off the grass, “I should…I should go, I promised Tsireya that we’ll do this thing, um, in the morning.” Why can’t you lie? 

“Right, and my shift’s over, so my mom will be looking for me,” Neteyam nods his head.

“Uh, well, I’ll see you around then?” you hesitate.

“Sure.”

Is he brushing you off? Slightly embarrassed, you turn around and walk ahead. When you hear his voice call out to you, your heart skips a beat.

“Y/N?”

“Yeah?”

“Friends?” 

You pause for a second, then nod with a smile. His face lightens up. Let’s try. 

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Trying is definitely a good word to describe this new friendship you’re developing with Neteyam. Within a group, you still keep your distance. So much, that it almost seems like your friendship is supposed to be a secret. You’re scared of being called a hypocrite if you get too close. But you were on good terms with Lo’ak, and basically best friends with Kiri, so there’s really no reason for anyone to call you that. Ugh, but it’s different. Neteyam is different.

When you’re hanging out with the group, you’re always distracted, keeping an eye on him. He doesn't seem as interested in you though. On the contrary, his attention is divided between disciplining his siblings and breaking apart Ao’nung and Kiri from biting off each other’s heads.

Very rarely, in those quiet moments when you go to swim by yourself, you can catch him watching you from a distance. You find it hard to read his expressions, Neteyam is too good at hiding whatever he’s feeling. You, not so much. 

Ever since your talk with Jake, and the night you spent with Neteyam, you have conflicted feelings. You’re not sure where you stand anymore. Having voiced your opinions loudly on your first days, you almost expect to pick another fight with him. But you also kind of dread it. 

And the tension between you is not anger anymore. He’s still annoying at times but you learned to find it amusing, rather than frustrating. Sometimes, when he looks at you, your heart jumps. And well, it’s not looking good for you.

In those rare moments when you two are left alone, you bicker. It’s strange because you’re almost convinced that he enjoys provoking you on purpose. Neteyam thinks that his responsibility as a guard gives him some sort of control over you. He likes to play the savior.

“Hey, I’m neither Lo’ak, or Kiri, you can’t boss me around!” you frown, after he suggests you don’t go for a swim past the curfew.

“As a guardian, I make sure that everyone’s staying safe,” he raises his eyebrows, like he already won the argument.

“Isn’t your job looking out for the outsiders? Like humans? With weapons, you know? Not terrorizing me for wanting to swim!”

“I sometimes really think you’re doing this on purpose just to see how far you can push me.”

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Time really seems to stretch out when you don’t get news from the other islands for a few days. Tonowari doubles the guardians around the village, and sends out a small group of swimmers for updates. It must be bad.

“Do you know anything?” you ask Tsireya.

Tsireya tries to be the best daughter to her parents but hanging out around you, the Sully’s, and her brother even, really challenges her sometimes. She knows she’s not supposed to tell you anything but when you all look at her in anticipation, she gives up eventually. To be a good brother, Ao'nung beats her to it from time to time.

“Tsireya?” Lo’ak pushes, knowing just the tone to use on her.

“You can’t tell anyone, I mean,” she looks at Kiri, “The last time the demons attacked one of the villages was a few days ago. The reason we didn’t get any news was because they wiped it out. Completely.”

You see her eyes glisten with tears, and hang your head in defeat. There really isn’t anything you can do, huh? No matter how hard you try. Nothing at all.

“Tsireya, what else?” Kiri wraps her arm around her shoulders.

“And… our attempts to save these clans are turning out to be more damaging,” she sniffles, “Now that the sky demons know that Na’vi are armed, they have doubled their forces. And they are more brutal. Some of the clans think of running from the islands before they get caught.”

“Shit,” Lo’ak curses, “But your dad must have a plan, right? My parents were with him the whole day yesterday. I can tell they’re hiding something.”

“Lo’ak, I can’t tell you,” Tsireya pleads with him.

“They want to take out their chief,” Ao’nung suddenly speaks, “They suggested luring him out and killing him.”

“But your father said he won’t be attacking first,” Lo’ak frowns.

“That’s right, my father won’t. But your father considers it.”

Ao’nung words send the group into a panic, as everyone starts talking, asking for more information. You gulp down, trying to ignore this anxious feeling in your chest. Once again, painful images of your burning home appear in front of you. 

Knowing that your plan has caused the destruction of another village makes you feel like shit. This can’t be happening. You can feel yourself losing your grip on your breathing as your body begins to shake. The others continue to talk, but their words become muffled and indistinct, drowned out by the noise in your ears.

“Mawey,” Neteyam whispers to you, taking your hand in his, “Just breathe, Y/N.”

You nod but your body won’t comply. The longer you can’t seem to breathe, the shakier you get. Neteyam squeezes your hand, and starts loudly breathing in and out of his mouth.

“Just follow my lead, alright? Breathe in,” he waits for you to repeat after him, “And out. Right, just like that.”

After many attempts of repeating after him, you finally seem to calm down your breathing, and your heartbeat slows into its natural rhythm.

“Good girl,” he gives your hand another squeeze, “Are you alright?”

“I need to get out of here,” you whisper to him.

“Then let’s go,” he says, pulling you to your feet. You don’t protest.

When both of you walk away, still holding hands, you feel everyone’s eyes turn to you. Ugh. You’re definitely going to be questioned to death for this by Kiri and Tsireya, though right now you don’t care. You just want to be somewhere else.

Neteyam leads you towards the trees. When you reach a small stream, he comes to a stop. 

“Hey, you feeling better?” he asks softly, still holding your hand. You nod, looking down at his fingers tightly wrapped around your palm.

“I feel so guilty, for causing more pain,” your eyes start filling up with tears, as you rush through your words, “ I’m scared that we won’t be able to stop them. And I do this thing where I freeze in the most dangerous situations, it’s like my mind takes me to a bad place.”

“Y/N,” Neteyam’s voice is concerned, “I promise, nothing will happen to you.”

“But it’s nightmares every night. I swear, I sometimes can’t tell them apart from the reality,” you admit, looking back at him.

“Mawey, you’ll get through this,” Neteyam comforts you, “I trust you because I know you have a strong heart. But Y/N… what’s happening to you is very familiar.”

“In what way?” Neteyam sighs before opening his mouth. 

“My father has this same response sometimes, like panicking and losing your breath. The nightmares. He says that it can happen when one suffers through something very bad, like war, or losing someone close.”

“Well, how did he stop it?” you frown at him.

“He didn’t. You can’t really stop it,” he shakes his head, with a pained expression on his face, “But my mother helps him.”

“How?”

“She talks to distract him. Reminds him that it’s in the past.,” Neteyam answers, then gestures at your hands still interlocked, “She holds him.”

You nod, and squeeze his hand in appreciation. A few tears escape from your eyes, as you look away. Neteyam brings his hand to your face, wiping them away. 

“Don’t cry.”

“Am not,” you sniffle.

“Seriously, don’t,” Neteyam grazes your cheek with his thumb, “It upsets me.”

“Why would you care?” you snort.

“Oh, because it’s creepy!” he teases, making you smile, “Seeing you cry is probably going to send the rest of our friends to Eywa.”

“Shut it,” you smack him, but he only laughs. 

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Tsireya suggests adding beads into your hair, as she works on your braids. Usually, you would have your hair in small braids, but she convinced you to try out a hairstyle similar to hers: braids at the roots, to prevent hair from falling into your eyes, and letting the rest flow in its natural way. You roll your eyes at the way Tsireya beams at you but you’re secretly happy to be distracted. 

The two of you sit on the grass terrace, with two Elderly Na’vi not too far. They seem to enjoy watching Tsireya’s wonders on your hair, and you feel infinitely thankful to them, when Kiri plops down in front of you. She can’t grill you with her questions in their presence. 

“Kiri, are you next?” Tsireya asks her, a hint of hope in her tone.

“No, my hair’s too short for all of that,” Kiri gestures at Tsireya’s long curls.

“Nonsense, I think it would look very pretty on you.”

Tsireya continues convincing Kiri, while she works on your braids, when suddenly you sense a movement. The Elderly Na’vi, now seemingly disinterested, walk away, leaving the three of you to yourselves. Oh, sweet Eywa, please don’t.

“So…Y/N,” Kiri beats you to your silent prayer, “You and Neteyam.”

“What about me and Neteyam?” you quirk your eyebrow at her. You’re going to play dumb. 

“What’s happening between you?” she squints at you, “And please don’t tell me that you’re in love with him.”

“Oh but I think they would look great together,” Tsireya adds in her dreamy voice. Shit.

“What are you two talking about?” you roll your eyes, heat rushing to your cheeks, “He’s annoying.”

“But like in a cute way?” Kiri tries to crack you. 

“In a way that makes your heart flutter?” Tsireya adds.

“Are you thinking about Lo’ak right now?” you turn to look at Tsireya with a sly smile. If you just get to switch the topic, you will give yourself a small window to flee. She looks taken aback.

“Hey, don’t distract us!” Kiri interrupts, waving at you, “It’s alright, Tsireya, we all know he likes you back.”

Tsireya gulps down in embarrassment but doesn’t say anything. Kiri stares at you expectantly.

“What?”

“You were holding hands,” she states.

“I hold hands with Tsireya all the time too,” you’re definitely overplaying, “Neteyam and I are just trying to be more…civil.”

“Yet when you were panicking, it was Neteyam, and not Tsireya, holding your hand and taking you to the trees,” Kiri notes.

Is she playing a smartass? Caught off guard, your eyes widen.

“Why did you go into the trees, Y/N? Were you doing something you didn’t want us to see?” Kiri pushes, trying to crack you.

“Stop it,” you hiss at her.

“I just find it disgusting that he would go for my friend, right after Lo’ak already stole Tsireya from me,” Kiri crosses her arms in front of her chest, “All of you are inconsiderate.”

“A brother for a brother,” Tsireya whispers, and you can’t help but laugh.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Kiri raises her voice.

“Come on, Kiri. Ao'nung is always flirting with you,” you explain, then wince in pain, as Tsireya pulls on your hair.

“Sorry!” she apologizes immediately, “I was just agreeing with you, didn’t mean to pull your hair.”

“You two are unbelievable. Ao’nung is terrible. No offense, Tsireya,” Kiri denies, “And don’t switch topics here, Y/N! You and Neteyam were jumping at each other’s throats since you met, now suddenly you consider him a friend? What happened?”

“Well, there was this time when we had to team up to save your ass,” you tease, enjoying Kiri’s escalating anger, “No, but really. I think we were just really scared for you.”

“Ooh,” the two of them awe in unison, “So that’s it?”

“And Eywa,” you mumble under your breath.

“Eywa?” Kiri’s ears perk up, as she leans in. Right away, Tsireya drops your hair, as she quickly positions herself next to Kiri, her attention now fully on you.

“Well… back when we went to the Spirit Tree, he and I fell a little behind. Then I saw a woodsprite floating around us. Neteyam had his back turned, so he didn’t even notice.”

“Do you think Eywa wants you two -” Kiri doesn’t finish.

“No, it was more of a sign for me to stop resenting him,” you shake your head in embarrassment, “So now I’m trying to listen and be nice to him.”

“That makes sense. Eywa wouldn’t bless you as a couple anyway, it’s too soon,” Kiri says.

“No, it’s not,” Tsireya disagrees, “They’re both capable of choosing mates before Eywa.”

Kiri opens her mouth to protest but then decides against it. 

“Doesn’t matter. It’s not the time,” you shake your head, and the girls seem to agree with you, “And Neteyam is not the one. He is my friend. So please stop teasing me for giving him a chance.”

Content with your answer, Kiri drops it. You suspect that Tsireya hasn’t been fully convinced by your words but she is too kind to keep pushing you. You give her a grateful smile for understanding. If anything, she can relate in some way.

Speak of the devil… When you see Neteyam approaching you, you can feel the girls’ eyes on you, looking for a reaction. Neteyam throws a quick look at you, slightly surprised by your hair, but says nothing. He doesn’t like it? You feel a little insecure.

“Hey,” he bows quickly, “Kiri, mother wants you back at home for dinner.”

Kiri rolls her eyes but gets up from the grass. Tsireya follows. 

“My family is probably waiting for me too.” 

“You’re lucky you have no one telling you what to do, Y/N,” Kiri blurts out, then covers her mouth. 

“Kiri!” Tsireya tsks at her, but it’s a little too late.

When it came to dinners, you were mostly having them alone, or sometimes skipping them at all. For your first two weeks, Tsireya would drag you to her house for every single meal but eventually you restarted hunting and actually enjoyed preparing your own meals. 

“Y/N, you coming to our place tonight?” Tsireya encourages.

You prepare yourself to politely decline her invitation but Neteyam beats you to it.

“Actually, what do you think about joining us instead?” he asks softly.

Both Tsireya, Kiri and you look at him in surprise. He had never invited you directly in front of others. Not even Kiri has. And the idea of you spending the evening with his father. Yikes. Sure, you somewhat felt more comfortable seeing Jake in the village but sitting in front of him for dinner is totally different.

“Um, I don’t think it’s a good idea,” you mumble.

“Nonsense, Y/N, now that I think about it, I should have invited you a long time ago,” Kiri suddenly jumps in, “And after you saved my ass. Mom and dad would love to thank you.”

“Especially my mom,” Neteyam adds.

If they think they’re making a good point, they must be completely unaware of how uncomfortable you feel around Neytiri. She is intimidating, you think. You can never even talk to her. 

“Well?” Neteyam nudges you with a warm smile.

You bite your lip, trying to think of an excuse. Any excuse. But your head is empty, as the three of them look at you expectantly. Tsireya nods her head at you with an encouraging smile.

“If you’re sure,” you admit your defeat.

Happily, Kiri swings her arm around you, leading you towards their marui.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Sully's marui is bigger than yours, it’s not surprising. They are a family of six after all, you are a single child. Still, you think that you could never live with so many people: losing your parents at a young age made you well acquainted with sharing a room with only one person at a time. Now you share it with no one.

When you shyly walk in, you think your heart is going to jump out of your chest. Kiri pulls you by your hand.

“Mom, dad,” Neteyam grabs their attention, “We invited Y/N to share today’s meal with us.”

“Hey, Y/N,” Jake’s ears perk up, as he stands up with a small smile. You bow. Little Tuk copies her father as she runs up to you, curiously examining you. 

“I hope it’s okay,” you smile sheepishly.

“It’s good that you came. You need to eat well,” Neytiri walks up to you with a bowl of food in her hands.

“Mom,” Kiri rolls her eyes, “Y/N eats fine, stop.”

“Not fine enough for a hunter,” Neytiri turns to you, “A good hunter must look after themselves. So eat.”

You nod your head with a small chuckle escaping your lips, as you take the bowl from her. Neteyam gives you a proud smile. 

When all of you are seated to eat, Lo’ak rushes into the marui, barely catching his breath.

“Sorry I’m late,” he throws, quickly sitting down next to you, “Oh, hi, Y/N.”

You greet him back, then notice a non-verbal exchange between the siblings. They seem to be doing this way too often. Lo’ak shoots a questioning look at Neteyam, but Neteyam just rolls his eyes at him, and returns to his food. Lo’ak tries again with Kiri. Kiri shrugs her shoulders, then smiles pointing at Neteyam with her eyes. Lo’ak snorts.

“Lo’ak,” Jake grumbles.

“Sorry,” Lo’ak gets back to his bowl without being able to retrieve his smile.

At first, you feel awkward. While they exchange some news with each other, you don’t participate, simply observing them from underneath your lashes. Tuk excitedly tells about her new friendship with a young ilu. Lo’ak shares that he was swimming with Payakan. Jake gives him a displeased look but doesn’t say anything. You think that the food is very good. It’s a shame that you can’t enjoy it because you feel uncomfortable. Why did you have to agree? 

“Y/N,” Neytiri turns to you, “I’ve seen you hunt near the trees. Do you prefer it to the water?”

“It depends,” you feel like she is testing you but you don’t want to lie, “I feel most comfortable in the water. But sometimes it gets boring, so I look for the prey in the green. It’s more challenging.”

Neytiri nods, and you notice Jake’s and Neteyam’s approving smiles on you, which makes you feel like you passed the test. Whatever the test was.

“Mom is an excellent hunter,” Kiri adds, “You should join her sometime.”

“I will only be a distraction,” you try to disagree, as you hear Lo’ak chuckle next to you. Is he enjoying how much more uncomfortable his family can make you?

“Lo’ak,” Neytiri slaps the back of his head, “Have you tried hunting on an ikran, Y/N?”

“No, I’ve never even flown,” you give her a sheepish smile, as her eyes widen in surprise. You suppose it’s pretty common, since you grew up around the water.

“You’ve never flown!” Tuk exclaims, as if you are missing out.

“Then it’s decided,” Jake announces, exchanging a knowing look with Neytiri. Oh no.

“Next time I go flying, I will take you with me. You will enjoy it more than swimming,” she smiles.

You and Neytiri. Going to fly. You can’t even speak looking into her eyes, are you sure you will be able to fly with her in the air? At a height? While she hunts? 

“Don’t worry, Y/N, you have nothing to be scared of,” Neteyam encourages you with a smile, “I’m sure you will love flying.”

Tuk nods in agreement, clapping her hands together. Neteyam finds his sister’s reaction amusing and lovingly pats her on the head. You enjoy this side of him a little too much, as you watch the interaction with a small smile.

“Like what you see?” Lo’ak whispers to you with a grin.

“What?” it’s hard for you to play cool when he just caught you.

“Nothing,” Lo’ak acts disinterested, biting down on the piece of fish, “Just warning that you’re being too obvious.”

“Just like you’re obvious with the chief’s daughter,” you whisper back, and watch as Lo’ak chokes on his food.

“Eat slower, Lo’ak,” Neytiri scolds him.

As the evening goes on, you feel slightly more at ease. Although the thought of you dying while flying with Neytiri nags at you, you try to push it to the back of your mind for the time being. You and Kiri eventually find a thread of your own conversation, and you occasionally catch Neteyam’s gracing you with his proud smiles.

When you’re finished with thanking them for having you over, Kiri stands up instinctively to walk you out. You’re both confused when Neteyam jumps to his feet, gently pushing his sister out of his way.

“It’s too late for you to be out, Kiri,” he says, his accent thick, “I will walk Y/N home.”

“Since when am I not to be out at this hour?” Kiri is baffled, as she turns to Jake with an expectant look, “Dad?”

“Since you started falling asleep underwater, Kiri,” Jake throws her a knowing look.

When you exit the marui with Neteyam close on your heels, you’re caught by surprise, feeling his arm snake around your shoulder. As you’re about to react, you almost stumble in the dark, and Neteyam helps you keep your balance.

“It’s a bit uneven here, especially in the dark, many stumble,” he explains, as he lets go of you. 

“Thanks,” you mumble, looking at him, “Why did you have to invite me?”

“Did you have other plans?” Neteyam quirks at you. You shake your head.

“Still, after everything I said and did, I feel like you all must hate me.”

“You gave me a second chance, right?” Neteyam smiles, “Why wouldn’t I give one to you?”

You shrug your shoulders. 

“And just so you know, no one hated you.”

“Not even you?” you tease.

“Especially not me,” Neteyam’s voice is serious. You shy away from his gaze.

As if being unseen in the darkness is equivalent to being unheard, the two of you walk slowly, quietly. You notice how the last bit of sun sets down behind the horizon, and watch in admiration. 

“I love it here,” Neteyam admits, following your gaze, “I miss home, and the sky in the forest. But there’s something about the water…”

“What is it that you like about the water?” you ask him curiously.

“I don’t know, it just makes my heart race,” he whispers, looking back at you.

“I would love to see the forest. But I think I like it already,” you whisper back, meeting his golden eyes.

There’s a moment when you think something is going to happen. You’re both terrified and impatient for him to do anything. When did he become so different? Were you just blind before?

Neteyam’s eyes jump all over your face and your hair, like he’s trying to take it in. You hope that you’re not giving away how much you think you’re growing to like him at this moment.

“Your hair looks pretty like this,” he says, reaching for one of the locks draping over your shoulders.

Your heart skips a beat when he twirls a strand of your hair, watching it curl around his long fingers.

“Very pretty,” he smiles, looking back at you.

“Tsireya talked me into it,” you smile sheepishly, as you gently pull your hair back from his grasp.

He turns his head to the side, braids swaying with him. You have to force yourself not to reach your hand to tug them. 

“Well, we’re here.” It takes you a second to realize that you’re in front of your marui.

“Right,” you gulp down, “Thanks again for inviting me, it was surprisingly delightful.”

“Wait till you fly with my mother,” Neteyam chuckles, noticing your terrified face.

“Oh, sweet Eywa,” you bite your lip.

“Don’t worry, she won’t let you get hurt,” Neteyam backs away, ready to leave, “I can be there to look after you.”

“I’ll take you up on that offer.” 

“Sweet dreams, Y/N.”

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

In a long time, since you had arrived, this is the first time you see Metkayina so overjoyed. From afar, you were all watching as their soul-sisters and soul-brothers, the Tulkuns, were returning home. The Sully’s were looking at the water mesmerized. Being foresters, they probably never even seen Tulkuns before.

You think back to your soul-sister whom you had seen many years ago. You were still a little girl back then but the memories you had with her kept your heart warm all this time. Sadness graces your face when you imagine her returning home and finding your village destroyed, with you nowhere to be found. 

And although your soul-sister wasn’t among the Tulkuns, you still enjoy watching their interactions with the Metkayina clan. You swim in between them with a giddy smile, catching glimpses of silent conversations and excited exchanges, especially between the younger Na’vi. Not too far, Neteyam catches your eye. He is unlinked from his ilu, which swims around him with a delighted noise.

“Y/N, this is incredible!” he gestures.

“It is,” you agree, returning his smile.

You spend more time swimming and taking in the scenes unraveling in front of you. What’s even more entertaining is watching Neteyam and Kiri admiring the Tulkuns, and trying their best to understand what they’re saying. Of course, for foresters who had never seen Tulkuns, it was difficult to differentiate the subtle changes of tones and sounds they made. Lo’ak seems more comfortable, and you guess that it’s due to his bond with Payakan.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

That evening, the Metkayina celebrate. While there were no new attacks from the sky people in the past week, you can’t help but feel uneasy, suspecting that something worse is going to happen soon. Like this short moment of happiness is just the calm before the storm begins.

The celebration of the return of Tulkuns is similar to the one you used to have back home. The clan gathers at the beach in big and small circles, around fire. They cook and share food and drinks together, while singing and dancing to the songs of Eywa. Many wear festive patterns on their faces and bodies. It didn’t take Tsireya long to convince both Kiri and you to get your faces and arms painted with beautiful shapes and colors. 

As the evening goes on, Kiri tells you that back home their celebrations were almost the same. You sense that she’s truly enjoying it, feeling the familiarity. When she is pulled into a dance, you watch her with a big smile, clapping your hands. The rest of her family looks just as happy, especially Neytiri. Almost relaxed. You feel a little jealous that you had no one to share this moment with.

With everyone distracted, you slip away to the far end of the beach to be by yourself. Feeling the warmth of the sand, you enjoy the waves washing over your feet in a calming rhythm. You watch the horizon, and spot some movement from the Tulkuns performing their own celebratory dance, as they swim around each other. Occasionally, their tails resurface and disappear under the water with big splashes. 

“Why aren’t you dancing with the rest?” you hear Neteyam’s voice, as he sits down next to you.

“Why aren’t you?” 

“Let’s just say that dancing is not my strongest suit,” Neteyam smiles.

“Is the mighty warrior finally admitting to being bad at something?” you tease him, “Lo’ak would be delighted when I tell him.”

“Lo’ak is a worse dancer than I am,” Neteyam laughs, pointing at his younger brother in the distance.

You look over to find Lo’ak awkwardly circling around Tsireya. It seems like he is going to fall into the fire any second now. They’re holding hands, as she tries to guide him to move his feet like her but Lo’ak seems so out of place, it makes you laugh too. It’s kind of cute, you think. He tries for Tsireya because there is no way he would ever do this in front of so many Na’vi. 

“He’s a lost cause,” you shake your head at the sight.

“Anything for love,” Neteyam turns his gaze back to you with a small smile.

You almost get a deja vu of how similar this moment is to the one you shared among the trees. There is something unspoken between Neteyam and you. He holds your gaze, slowly moving closer. You gulp down nervously, when he raises his hand to your cheek. Neteyam pauses for your approval before making contact. His fingers trace a pattern of paint on your face, before he cups your cheek.

“Neteyam,” you whisper, “If anyone sees…”

If anyone sees, you will definitely gain at least several suspicious questions tomorrow morning. You can only imagine how this looks from afar, and you wonder if he wants it to look that way. Is it bad that you hope he does?

“I don’t care,” Neteyam whispers back, his face now closer to yours, “Can I ask you something, Y/N?”

You feel too nervous to talk. Instinctively you raise your fingers, wrapping them around his wrist, then nod your head. Neteyam takes a deep breath.

“Are you promised to someone?” his eyes jump all over your face, trying to read your thoughts. 

“No,” your voice hitches, as you hold his gaze, “Are you?”

Neteyam softly shakes his head, one of his braids falling on his face. You find that makes him look more handsome. 

“Y/N,” his voice is hypnotic, pulling you closer to him, “I know we didn’t see eye to eye when we met but now I think it’s because both of us felt something. Y/N, I -”

“Neteyam,” you interrupt him with a firm tone, “Don’t say anything.”

You avoid his gaze, lowering his hand from your face. You still keep your fingers around his wrist but you don’t dare to look at him.

“Why?” Neteyam sounds so confused, you feel an ache in your stomach, “Am I wrong? Don’t you feel it too?”

“Neteyam, this is not the time,” you sigh, avoiding his question, “I can’t. Please.”

He pulls his hand from yours, instantly putting a small distance between you. You feel like you’re going to scream. He doesn’t deserve this. 

“I don’t understand,” he whispers, shaking his head.

“I can’t promise you anything, Neteyam. I don’t even know if my sister is alive. What if I go back home? What if the demons attack us tomorrow, and I die?” you start rushing through the hundreds of reasons, “I can’t risk this. Having a friend like you is more than I deserve already, ‘Teyam. I don’t want you to get stuck with me. I am not reliable like you. I will mess it up.”

“Y/N -” he looks so confused, trying to follow the line of your words, “I disagree -”

Your intimate moment is disrupted with loud noises of Roxto and Ao’nung running past you into the water. The rest of the group, with Lo’ak and Tsireya, are close on their heels with accompanying shouts. You guess they’re headed to swim with the Tulkuns before Tonowari declares an end to the celebration.

“Neteyam, come join us!” Lo’ak shouts, interrupting his brother. 

“Please, let’s just pretend that everything’s back to normal. Whatever ‘normal’ means anyway,” you sigh, standing up. Neteyam’s pained eyes follow your movement, as you leave him there, sitting alone.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

part 2

tumblr won't let me post the rest of the fic in the same post, so go to part 2. if you have any thoughts or comments and you haven't finished reading yet, i would still appreciate you sharing them with me. i'm so impatient for feedback, although i know it will take a lot of time to read this whole thing, anyways

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

taglist (also tagging some blogs that i think might enjoy it, and some of the authors, whose works i’ve been reading non-stop to keep myself motivated): @fucksnow ; @heaven1oo4 ; @fanboyluvr ; @ngayawneluoer ; @aquila-de-l-ocean ; @aoteyam ; @moonpetrichors-blog ; @vinnieswife ; @eywascall ; @lxvvvllyy ; @iloveavatar ; @neteyamdarling ; @gloryy-vs ; @girasollake ; @mayhemories ; @suuuupernovaaa ; @love-chx ; @the-demon-soul ; @cosmictheo ; @victoirey ; @your-averagewriter ; @starkeysmoon ; @openpandorabox ; @urlocalfeiner ; @neteyams-tsahik ; @angelltheninth ; @sweetsbfreex ; @forever--darling ; @arachine ; @nyctophicbtch ; @jeojake ; @isabellapaul37 ; @melbee ; @loaksky ; @luvsellie ; @loakism ; @lizziesfirstwife ; @jakesullysbabygirl ; @theseuscmander ; @love13tter

[randommultifandomrants]

Being a girl is: wanting to go to bed early but deciding to just get on tumblr/wattpad/Ao3 for a little bit and then end up finding a fic series that you really like and read until well past your usual bedtime then keeping on because it’s already past your bedtime. Then being mad when you wake up in the morning because you overslept your timer.

[zg0nuwa]

i’m not switching between my hyperfixations because i’m autistic, i’m just a whore

[yuzuyom]

Shhh, es un secreto

PAREJA: Neteyam x Reader

ADVERTENCIA: escritura oscura | obscenidad | violencia física | muerte | mención de suicidio | sangre | fluidos | triste.

capitulo 11

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Capitulo 12

" TIEMPO "

Neteyam por primera vez en su vida quedó paralizado. No supo que hacer cuando aquel Na'vi te llevaba lejos de él en su ikran. Nunca pensó que lo harían elegir entre su hermanita y tú.

Cuando vio a Tuk caer y escuchó tu voz gritar el nombre de su padre estaba dispuesto a ir detrás de ti en su ikran, de no ser porque su madre lo retuvo y lo empujó hacia la carpa del Tsahik dónde estaban llevando a su pequeña hermana. Se quedó tan quieto como nunca antes, mirando a la nada pensando que en realidad había sido demasiada sangre la que había perdido Tuk. A los pocos segundos llegó Norm, quién hablaba algo de transfusión de sangre.

Y Neteyam seguía en la nubes, rogándole a Eywa que te mantuviera a salvo y que su pequeña hermana sobreviviera al ataque.

¿Cómo? ¿Porqué?

Porqué Eywa hacía lo posible para alejarte de su lado.

Una hora.

Una hora donde simplemente estuvo sentado sin hacer absolutamente nada. Lo'ak peleaba con su padre diciendo que debían ir a buscarte, que no sabían dónde estabas o de qué sería capaz aquel Na'vi. Y Jake estaba tan renuente a qué te buscarán, que Neteyam se sentía entre la espada y la pared.

Quería tanto correr a buscarte, necesitaba ser egoísta por una vez en su vida, pero sino estabas a su lado no sabía cómo serlo.

---¡Quema, quema mucho! ---- gritaba Tuk desde dentro.

Neteyam por primera vez en toda la noche corrió hacía la carpa donde tenían a su pequeña hermana. Neteyam cubrió su boca al ver cómo de la herida comenzaba a salir líquido negro.

----¿Que le sucede? ¿¡Que está pasando!? ¡maJake! ---- gritó su madre intentando acercarse a su pequeña.

Neteyam corrió hacia Tuk, reteniendo sus brazos para que la pequeña no se moviera. Kiri ya estaba preparando un cuenco para hurgar en la herida.

---- Tuk, necesitamos que seas fuerte, ¿Lo entiendes? Va a doler ----. Intentó tranquilizar tomando sus manos con fuerza ---- pero, te prometo que después va a desaparecer todo dolor.

----¡Quema, Neteyam, quema!

El asintió observando como Lo'ak tomaba las piernas de su hermanita. Entonces Mo'at adentro sus dedos en la herida.

----¡Ahhhh, duele! ¡Basta, me duele! ---- Tuk se removia desesperada en sus manos ----. ¡Sa'nu me duele! ¡Diles que paren!

Neteyam cerró los ojos con fuerza, escuchando a su madre llorar en los brazos de su padre. Podía oír los dedos de su abuela remover en la herida de Tuk y eso le traía recuerdos de tu persona hurgando en su herida.

----Lo tengo.

Una pequeña punta de daga estaba en las manos de su abuela. Neteyam asintió preparándose para ver a su abuela comenzar a succionar en la herida y sacar todo el veneno posible, la pequeña Tuk se desmayó debido al dolor. Cuando todo el veneno fue sacado de su sistema comenzaron a limpiar la herida de cuchillo, cosiendo su pequeño abdomen para retener todo y comenzar con las transfusiones de sangre.

Neteyam estuvo tranquilo al saber que su pequeña hermana ya estaba a salvo.

No miró atrás cuando su padre lo llamó, tampoco hizo caso a su madre gritando su nombre. El llamó a su ikran y emprendió vuelo sin dudar, comenzando a volar por todo el bosque en tu búsqueda.

En pocos segundos Lo'ak ya estaba detrás de él, ambos recorrieron los cielos toda la noche y tú simplemente ya no estabas. Habías desaparecido por completo y él supo que no debió haber perdido tiempo, pero era su hermana. Su pequeña Tuk, no podía simplemente irse aún sabiendo que su hermana podría morir en cualquier momento.

----Neteyam, debemos volver ----. Murmuró su hermano a su lado.

El Na'vi negó tomando las riendas con fuerza.

---- Aún no, ella debería estar cerca de aquí.

Escuchó a Lo'ak suspirar a su lado.

----Tienes ojeras, ni siquiera haz dormido bien desde que ella... Ya sabes, debes descansar Neteyam.

Volvió a negar.

----No puedo, Lo'ak yo-

----Lo sé, hermano, lo sé ---- su hermanito le sonrió suavemente ----. Te prometo que si duermes un poco volveremos a buscarla. Pero ella te necesita alerta, cien por ciento alerta, hermano.

Neteyam asintió, ya llevaban horas volando hacia la nada, ya estaba apunto de amanecer y de ti no había ningún rastro. Cómo si ellos nunca hubieran llegado a la aldea, cómo si tu no existieras en este mundo y solo hubieras sido un sueño de Neteyam.

El Na'vi regresó a casa junto a su hermano, un viaje que tomó más de cuatro horas y en esas cuatro horas sus ojos no dejaron de vagar por todos lados esperando, buscando algo que le dijera que estabas ahí. Algún rastro que le hiciera saber que tú eras real.

Llegó a casa siendo recibido por su madre quien revisó su rostro preocupada.

----¿Qué fue eso? ¿¡Cómo te atreves a huir simplemente así!?

Neteyam miró al suelo sintiéndose destrozado. No había bebido agua, no había comido, ni dormido y estaba seguro que no tenía fuerzas para escuchar a su madre.

---Necesitaba buscarla ----. Murmuró con lágrimas en los ojos.

-----¿Buscarla? ---- su madre tomó sus hombros ----. Neteyam, ella ya tiene a quien pertenecer, no tienes porqué buscarla. Tú lo oíste, están unidos ante Eywa.

Neteyam se safó de su agarre, porque por primera vez quería romper el silencio.

----¡Y tú viste como la trató! ---- recriminó Neteyam ---- Ella es mi pareja, madre. Me he estado apareando con ella desde que llegó.

Su madre negó dando pasos hacia atrás. Jake la tomó de los hombros esperando a que Neytiri pudiera controlarse.

----¡No, Neteyam, no! ¿Cómo? ¡Skxáwng! !eso es lo que eres! ---- gritó su madre ----. ¡es una humana! ¡Una humana, Neteyam! ¿Lo entiendes?

El miró al suelo, sintiendo como las lágrimas comenzaban a bajar por sus mejillas.

---- Yo... No sé, es que ella... Ella me enseñó a ser yo y simplemente no podía dejarla ir, madre ----. Sollozó, intentando limpiar sus lágrimas.

Neytiri miró a su pequeño, el joven lloraba y se volvía pedazos frente a ella. Neteyam se hincó, sus rodillas rasparon el suelo mientras que sus lágrimas caían y caían. Neytiri lo sabía, pero oírlo de la boca de su hijo era tan chocante que simplemente le irritaba. Cómo es posible, que siempre su familia terminará envuelta en un problema con los humanos, ¿Porque simplemente no podía tener paz?

Ella se acercó, abrazándolo para brindarle un poco de paz a su pequeño corazón roto.

----Está bien, está bien, Neteyam. Estoy aquí.

Él lloró tanto en los brazos de su madre que simplemente no paró en todo lo que quedaba de amanecer. Su padre lo llevó a tu carpa junto a su hermano, Neteyam se hizo un ovillo con uno de tus vestidos en su mano dejándose llevar por el sueño, arrullando a su dolido corazón con tu aroma.

El Na'vi te vio en sus sueños, una sonrisa estaba en tu rostro y aquello te hacía ver tan hermosa a sus ojos, tus manos tomaban con suavidad las suyas y susurrabas pequeñas palabras de amor que hacían a su corazón sentirse cálido. Neteyam estaba seguro de que sonreía entre sueños, dejando que las lágrimas se desbordaran ante tu recuerdo.

Podía repetir una y otra vez las noches que pasearon en el bosque, se dejaba atrapar por el recuerdo de tu pequeño cuerpo debajo de él, sonreía ante las imágenes de sus pláticas nocturnas.

Neteyam había caído tan profundo por ti, que podía vivir eternamente en este sueño con tal de verte y escuchar tu voz.

----Neteyam... Debes despertar ---- susurraste acariciando su rostro.

Él negó.

----Estoy bien aquí... Me gusta estar contigo ---- murmuró el Na'vi cerrando los ojos ante tu contacto.

----Pero te necesito afuera, yo todavía te espero, Neteyam ----. Sollozaste suplicante.

Neteyam se levantó de tus muslos, comenzando a limpiar tus lágrimas con cuidado.

----Ey, Ey, estoy aquí bebé, ¿Qué sucede? ---- preguntó mientras su corazón se apretaba debido a tus lágrimas ----. Puedes contarme, sigo aquí.

----Perdóname, Neteyam. Aún te veo, lo prometo ---- lloraste mirando sus ojos ----. Lo estoy intentando. Ven rápido, Neteyam.

----Te lo prometo, querida ---. Neteyam junto su frente suavemente con la tuya ---. Ya voy por ti, te lo juro.

Sus ojos se abrieron de golpe observó aquel techo de tela y sus ojos miraron el vestido que descansaba en su mano, lo apretó con fuerza dándose ánimos y en cuestión de segundo el Na'vi ya estaba de pie. Salió de la carpa dispuesto a llamar a su ikran y salir nuevamente en tu búsqueda de no ser porque las manos de su padre ya estaban en sus hombros.

----¿ A dónde crees que vas, muchacho?---- preguntó su padre, enfrente de él.

Neteyam lo miró con ojos serios.

---- A buscarla.

---- Oiste a tu madre. ---- Neteyam lo miró a los ojos, esperando paciente ----. Ella ya tiene un lugar al cuál pertenece.

Neteyam negó.

----Tú viste como la trata, tú viste todo lo que ella pasó cuando estuvo con nosotros ---- Neteyam se safó del agarre ----. ¡Ella ni siquiera quería ir con él!

----Neteyam ----. Advirtió su padre.

----¡No! ---- se negó a calmarse --- Tú dijiste que me apoyarías, dijiste que estarías de mi lado aunque tomara una decisión incorrecta.

Neteyam observó a su padre soltar un suspiro ante eso.

----Y aún si te niegas a dejarme ir, iré ----. Pasó por un lado de su padre, llamando a su ikran quién ya había respondido a su llamado.

Lo'ak ya estaba a su lado, asintiendo dejando en claro que lo acompañaría.

----¡Neteyam, Lo'ak! ---- gritó su padre caminando hacia ellos.

---- tal vez debamos correr al bosque ----. Susurró su hermano ganándose un asentimiento.

Cuando los dos giraron Neytiri estaba frente a ellos, mirándolos fijamente molesta, con su cola levantada debido a su ira.

----Ninguno va a moverse de aquí.

Neteyam rodó los ojos, porque sinceramente esto era ridículo.

---- Esto es estúpido ----. Soltó el Na'vi ganándose un siseo de su madre ----. Voy a ir, les guste o no.

----¿Cuál es esa necesidad? Neteyam, ella está casada, tuvo hijos. ¡Ya está unida a alguien más de por vida ante Eywa!.

Neteyam negó molesto, ignorando cualquier palabra que saliera de sus bocas.

---- ¡Es parte de nosotros, apoyó a cada uno de sus hijos cuando ustedes simplemente trataban de alejarla! ---- gritó Lo'ak de vuelta ---- ¡Salvó a Tuk! Evitó que ese demente se la llevara a quién sabe donde.

-----Eso no quita que sea una humana, Lo'ak.

Neteyam ya estaba dispuesto a levantar su arco contra sus padres de no ser por qué una pequeña atokirina comenzó a flotar frente él.

---- Una medusa...

Susurró tu voz en sus recuerdos.

----Voy a ir por ella, mamá ----. Prometió Neteyam. Observando a Neytiri quién lo miraba con ojos abiertos ----. porque es mi pareja ----. Murmuró Neteyam, notando como más atokirina comenzaban a volar a su alrededor ----. Porque prometimos estar juntos hasta el fin de nuestras vidas y en nuestras próximas.

----Eywa... --- Susurró su padre a su lado.

Neytiri guardó silencio, suspirando resignada ante la clara señal de Eywa y su extraña fascinación por los humanos débiles.

----Bien, ¿entonces cómo vamos por ella? ---- preguntó Lo'ak.

Jake dio un paso al frente.

---- Norm me puede enviar la información por el intercomunicador, puedo hacer que los guerreros se preparen.

----¿Los guerreros? ---- preguntó Lo'ak extrañado.

Jake asintió.

---- Este Na'vi no solo se ha llevado a (T/N), sino que ha destruido aldeas Na'vi. Se ha levantado contra Pandora y ha dañado el equilibrio de Eywa. Ha decidido iniciar una guerra.

-----Entonces, ¿qué esperan? ¡Muevánse! ---- gritó Neytiri comenzando a hacer llamados.

Neteyam miró la atokirina, sintiendo la adrenalina recorrer cada centímetro de su cuerpo al ver cómo estás pequeñas almas comenzaban a formar un camino, iban a hacer de guías.

Cuando emprendieron vuelo Neteyam sentía que sus manos temblaban debido a la incertidumbre.

----¡Escuchen, necesito un escuadrón de sigilo que vaya por el cielo y el otro irá por tierra! ---- gritaba su padre ---- ¡No olvidemos a quién nos enfrentamos! ¡El mejor guerrero¡ ¡con la tribu más sangrienta que puede tener Pandora! Que madre Eywa nos proteja de esta bestia.

----- Padre, el veneno.

----¡Sus armas tienen veneno, quien sea herido con alguna flecha y comience a sentir un ardor no dude en correr al pequeño centro de curación!

----¡Si, señor! ---- gritaron todos al unísono.

Neteyam miró al frente todo el camino, no deseando perder de vista a las pequeñas atokirina que flotaban en frente de ellos, guiando a quién sabe dónde. Neteyam apretó los labios cuando salieron del bosque comenzando a traspasar el mar y eso hizo a Neteyam dudar. Cómo habías llegado hasta su bosque si tú hogar atravesaba por el mar, entonces a lo lejos pudo ver un gran volcán, un volcán que era rodeado por un inmenso bosque.

Neteyam soltó un suspiro tembloroso ante la expectativa. La expectativa de tenerte tan cerca y poder abrazarte.

Cuando estuvieron a la orilla del mar fueron siguiendo un caudal, un caudal que dentro del bosque se volvió en un río.

Las atokirina seguían el río y cuando Neteyam sintió que caminaban por horas por el inmenso bosque las pequeñas almas puras desaparecieron. Neteyam movió sus orejas alerta escuchando a los lejos el ligero sonido de un canto. Jake dio instrucciones, el escuadrón de vuelo despegó y los de tierra comenzaron a avanzar cuidadosos.

----Toruk Makto lo tenemos. Es un clan, están en su árbol de espíritus, están en una especie de ritual.

La cola de Neteyam se movió ansiosa y el no evitó formar una sonrisa de emoción, sintió a su hermano moverse a su lado.

----¿Que esperamos? ¡Andando! ---- pidió Lo'ak tomando su mano ----. ¡La hemos encontrado, hermano!

----Loak, espera- ¡Cuidado!

Neteyam se lanzó a su hermano en cuento escuchó a su padre gritar. El sonido de algo clavándose en el árbol lo hizo girarse, eran flechas envenenadas. Él respiró intranquilo, sintiéndose rodeado debido a que si había una trampa, significa que habría más.

----¿Estás bien? ---- preguntó Neteyam a Lo'ak quién solo asintió.

----¡No seas impaciente, cabezón! ---- regañó Jake golpeando la cabeza de su hermano.

----Perdón, señor.

Entonces comenzaron a caminar cuidadosos, mirando a todos lados con su arco listo para disparar. Neteyam se detuvo cuando una atokirina comenzó a flotar en una dirección y el canto se volvió mucho más fuerte. Se escondió detrás de un árbol observando cómo varios guerreros de su clan comenzaban a escalar los grandes árboles. Neteyam miró hacia abajo, porque el hogar estaba en un enorme crater de donde el árbol de los espíritus se levantaba orgulloso. Neteyam miró a todos los que estaban reunidos observando como miraban en una sola dirección.

Y finalmente, sus ojos amarillos te miraron hecha ovillo frente al Tsahik todo a tu alrededor se movía con cuidado, como si palpitara. Neteyam levantó su arco dispuesto a disparar a Ska'anekx de no ser porque su madre lo detuvo.

----¡No! Algo pasa ---- Neteyam la miró extrañado ----. Atokirina.

Neteyam miró por encima de ti cómo las pequeñas criaturas te cubrían de su flecha.

----¿Solo esperamos?---- su madre asintió ----. ¿Que tal si le sucede algo?

----¿Qué tal si tú flecha le hace algo? Sé paciente.

Neteyam asintió. Sus ojos miraron al cielo, la noche estaba cayendo sobre ellos y tú seguías hecha ovillo. Entonces, después de una hora te vieron moverte. El Na'vi macho lanzó gritos de emoción siendo seguido por toda su tribu Neteyam pudo escuchar al Tsahik anunciar.

----¡Esta hecho!

----¿Alguien tiene idea de lo que está pasando? ---- preguntó Lo'ak por el intercomunicador.

Todos miraron atentos cómo entregaban sus manos al Tsahik y este derramaba la sangre en los cuencos. Neteyam prestó atención cuando Ska'anekx tomaba su trenza y tú levantabas tu cabello dejando que el Na'vi llevara la punta a tu nuca. Neteyam sintió un dolor en su pecho cuando vio que la trenza de Ska'anekx se quedó quieta en ese lugar.

---- ¿Qué cojones? ---- Susurró Lo'ak ---- ¿Cómo mierda ese Na'vi puede tener una conexión con ella?

Neteyam sentía que comenzaba a hiperventilar, porque él nunca notó algo distinto en tu nuca.

---- La estaban entregando a Eywa... ---- Susurró su madre.

----¿Qué? Madre, ¿qué significa eso? ---- preguntó Neteyam desesperado.

----¡La están haciendo reina! ---- gritó Neytiri ---- ¡Que no beba del cuenco!

Entonces Neteyam levantó el arco y con exactitud soltó la flecha tirando el cuenco de tus manos.

El clan comenzó a gritar y pudo ver cómo tú te quedaste quieta en tu lugar siendo jalada por un pequeño Na'vi al cuál no dudaste en seguir.

El escuadrón aéreo salió del cielo, comenzando a lanzar flechas a los guerreros que comenzaban a salir de las carpas. Una batalla campal se formó en cuestión de segundos. Neteyam no dudó de lanzarse a buscarte y sacarte de este maldito lugar.

Cuando miraste la flecha y murmuraste su nombre varios ikran salieron del cielo disparando a los guerreros que ya estaban apuntando para atacar. Miltu tomó tu mano haciéndote correr para buscar escondite podías ver a tu alrededor como Na'vi caían al suelo heridos y como Na'vi del clan Omaticaya saltaban del bosque para comenzar a atacar a los guerreros que defendían su hogar. Entonces los oíste, los disparos significaban que Toruk Makto estaba aquí con su escuadrón humano.

Lanzaste un pequeño grito cuando una flecha casi te da podías ver cómo comenzaba a dejar salir líquido negro de la punta. Miraste hacia atrás, Ska'anekx te miraba iracundo. Parecía demente con la pintura negra por toda su cara. Moviste tus pies lo más rápido que podías, sintiendo como tus costillas y coxis comenzaban a doler, las mordidas comenzaban a arder con cualquier movimiento y tu miedo comenzaba a volver torpes tus piernas.

Cuando el sonido de una flecha fue captado por tu oído tomaste al niño y te lanzaste a un lado. Ambos rodaron por el suelo, tus sentidos te dijeron que te levantarás rápido porque este Na'vi estaba dispuesto a dejarte parapléjica con tal de mantenerte a su lado. Obligaste al niño a qué se levantara, sintiendo como tus piernas se negaban a avanzar debido al miedo, la frase quedate quieta y no te irá tan mal se repetía en tu cabeza como disco rallado, comenzaste a golpear tus piernas siendo jalada por el pequeño Miltu quién no quería abandonarte.

----¡Muevánse malditas piernas estúpidas!---- maldijiste, Ska'anekx ya estaba levantando una flecha ----. ¡Miltu, corre por favor debes huir! ¡Corre!

----¡No, no, no! ---- se negó el niño siguiendo jalando de tu mano ----. ¡No me voy a ir sin ti!

Volviste a mirar hacia atrás, el seguía caminando y estabas segura de lanzaría la flecha.

----¡Miltu, corre-

Las palabras se quedaron en tu boca cuando viste al niño ser atravesado por una flecha. Tus ojos aterrados lo miraron caer al suelo, causando que todo tu cuerpo comenzará a temblar debido al terror.

----¡NO! ¡NO, NO, NO!---- Gritaste tomando al niño en tus brazos temblorosos ---- ¡POR FAVOR, NO! ¡TÚ NO, POR FAVOR!

Gritaste del dolor en tu corazón aferrandose a su pequeño cuerpecito que ya estaba sin vida. Entonces tus oídos captaron el sonido del arco, lo miraste nuevamente apretando a Miltu contra tu pecho.

----¡MONSTRUO, ESO ES LO QUE ERES!---- gritaste entre llantos.

Cuando la flecha estaba a punto de ser disparada él fue tirado. Neteyam estaba encima suyo golpeando su rostro con todo lo que podía. Los machos se alejaron el uno del otro y Neteyam sin mirarte gritó.

----¡Corre! ¡Vete de aquí!

Tomaste al pequeño cadáver en tus brazos y sin dudarlo corriste lo más lejos de ellos, dando pequeñas miradas hacia atrás observando como ellos peleaban con cuchillo en mano, haciendo lo posible para que ninguno tocará el cuerpo del otro.

Te ocultaste detrás de un árbol lejos de todo el escándalo y aún así podías escuchar el sonido de disparos y gritos Na'vi. Cerraste los ojos con fuerza, abrazando a Miltu quién ya no hacía ningún movimiento.

Tus ojos lo miraron, la flecha atravesaba su pecho y aquello te causó que el llanto incrementara.

----Perdóname, Miltu... Perdón, por favor. Perdóname.

Besaste su frente, ocultándolo entre las hojas para que ningún animal se lo lleve, estabas dispuesta a darle un entierro digno al pequeño príncipe... A tu pequeño ikran.

Comenzaste a tomar bocanadas de aire, intentando calmar tu cuerpo para lo siguiente que harías.

Neteyam no podría solo contra Ska'anekx. Ska'anekx era un sádico, un tipo que acababa con tres Na'vi a la vez, el tipo que peleaba aunque tuviera cincuenta flechas clavadas en la espalda. El tipo que se inyectaba su propio veneno para ser tolerante a él, el asesino de humanos, el mejor guerrero de todos dicho por diferentes clanes.

Soltaste un suspiro rogándole a la madre Eywa que te dé la fuerza, que te permita recordar la primera guerra, porqué estabas aquí, qué te había traído aquí, cuáles eran tus mejores puntos.

Eras un soldado, actúa como tal.

Un soldado, un soldado.

----¡Atención, soldados! ---- gritó la voz de tu comandante.

Te levantaste del suelo manchando tus ojos de pintura negra. Descargaste el tocado Na'vi de tu cabello dejando nada más que el traje que te daba libertad de movimiento.

----¡Hoy es vivir o morir y está en sus manos decidir! ---- tomaste la flecha que estaba en el pecho de Miltu, rezaste a Eywa porque dejara descansar su alma ----. ¡Son guerreros y hoy quiero la victoria! ¡Deben vivir, sobrevivan a pesar de todo, soldados!

---- Si, señor.

Entonces corriste de vuelta al cráter. Tu mano tomó un arco de un cadáver y sin dudar robaste las flechas. Ska'anekx te había enseñado un poco, solo un poco y esperabas que tus dedos hicieran caso a tus recuerdos.

Sabías que una flecha no sería suficiente para los Na'vi del clan Tormakticaya. Ellos fueron entrenados para recibir veneno, eran máquinas puras de matar. No al menos que des directo a su cabeza, como un viejo juego de zombies.

Reíste ante tu recuerdo bobo, dejando salir una flecha cuando un guerrero Tormakticaya te miró. Directo a la cabeza.

Te escondiste detrás de un árbol al ver a Ska'anekx y Neteyam, ambos seguían peleando entre ellos y podías ver a Neteyam apretando los dientes, pues ya tenía varias heridas en su torso, Ska'anekx estaba igual pero menos herido. Tomaste aire, preparando una flecha para soltarla en dirección al Na'vi de ojos verdes.

----¡Hey! ---- llamaste saliendo de detrás del árbol, Ska'anekx te miró cuando una flecha se clavó en su costado.

----¡Kawtu! ---- gritó iracundo ditrayendose del ataque de Neteyam quién no desaprovechó la oportunidad.

Se podría decir que cubrías la espalda de Neteyam, cuando un Na'vi tormakticayo se intentaba acercar a Neteyam tú atacabas. Las flechas comenzaban a acabarse y podías ver seis flechas en el cuerpo de Ska'anekx y él simplemente seguía peleando a pesar de las heridas de cuchillo de neteyam y las flechas clavadas por todo su cuerpo.

Era impresionante.

Siempre lo habías pensado. Que Ska'anekx era increíble.

----¡Neteyam, abajo! ---- gritaste soltando una flecha.

El Na'vi no dudó en hacerte caso, rodando hacia un lado para atacar por la espalda, tú flecha se clavó directamente en su vientre y aquello hizo enfurecer a Ska'anekx.

----¡Qué mierda pasa contigo!---- exclamó el Na'vi de ojos verdes ----. ¡Me perteneces a mi, no a él!

Todas las personas que perdieron la vida por ser de él llegarían a tu mente. El pequeño Miltu quién se quedó a tu lado hasta su último momento, tu pequeño bebé que perdió la vida por culpa de Ska'anekx. Levantaste nuevamente una flecha, la ira se expresaba en todo tu rostro, cuánto lo odiabas, cuánto deseabas regresar el tiempo y olvidarte de su existencia.

Dejaste ir la flecha. Esta se clavó en su omóplato izquierdo, justo donde estaba su corazón.

----- Que Eywa te haga arder.

----¡(T/N), cuidado! ---- advirtió Neteyam.

Tus ojos miraron a tu lado un Na'vi con su arco arriba te apuntaba e iba a disparar de no ser porque una flecha con una pluma amarilla lo atravesó. Tus ojos miraron a Neytiri quién te miraba fijamente, ambas se asintieron volviendo a sus tareas de acabar con el clan Tormakticaya. Tu última flecha fue hacia Ska'anekx y sorprendentemente el Na'vi aún seguía peleando. Maldijiste al quedarte sin flechas para cubrir a Neteyam. Tus pies corrieron hacia el cadáver de un Na'vi sin notar cómo alguien en su ikran estaba siguiéndote.

----¡Hey, (T/N)! ---- alzaste la mirada, Jake apuntaba detrás tuyo haciendo que te agacharas.

Su arma disparó y en poco tiempo observaste como un ikran rodaba por el suelo con su dueño muerto.

---- Arriba, niña ----. Jake te ayudó a levantarte, en tus manos dejó un arma.

----¿Sabes usarla?

Tus manos se movieron en automático, viendo cuántas balas tenía y recargandola siendo preparada para usarla.

----Si, señor ---- afirmaste ganándote una sonrisa.

Se sentía bien volver a tener una de esas en tus manos.

Ambos se separaron y tú volviste hacia Neteyam, disparando a cualquiera que se pusiera en tu camino. Podía ver flechas conocidas cubriéndote la espalda, el arma quedó sin balas y tú maldijiste porque recordaste la frase de tu comandante.

"Eres temeraria, pero idiota"

Reíste porque tenía razón, tus ojos captaron a Ska'anekx encima de Neteyam. Estabas segura que el Na'vi de ojos verdes intentaba clavar su cuchillo, entonces sin dudar, sin pensar ni un segundo brincaste a su espalda usando tu arma como retén en su cuello, el Na'vi cayó de espaldas cuando tus pies se enredaron en su pecho, las flechas lo hacían incómodo pero en este momento no estabas pensando en nada más que proteger a Neteyam.

Su gran mano comenzó a apretar tu muñeca y sabías que estaba a punto de romperla. Hasta que Neteyam se puso encima de él y te soltó, está vez Neteyam era el que intentaba clavar el cuchillo en su pecho y las manos de Ska'anekx hacían lo posible para que eso no ocurriera.

----S-son dos... Y-y no pueden contra mi ---- murmuró con orgullo.

Arrugaste tu entrecejo furiosa, apretando más el arma contra su cuello.

Entonces, hiciste lo que Ska'anekx te enseñó a hacer.

---- Neteyam, te veo ---- hablaste haciendo que Ska'anekx dudara en su agarre.

Sin embargo, eso también distrajo a Neteyam. Tus manos soltaron el arma con rapidez tomando las manos de Neteyam para que con todas tus fuerzas se clavara en el pecho de Ska'anekx.

Soltaste un suspiro cuando el Na'vi debajo de Neteyam soltó un jadeo.

Tus ojos miraron fijamente a los verdes observando como estos no dejaban de mirar tu rostro. Sus manos se alejaron del cuchillo cuando de su boca comenzó a salir líquido negro debido al veneno, entonces el tocó suavemente tus mejillas acariciando con cuidado como nunca antes lo había hecho y aquello te hizo lagrimear.

----En verdad... En verdad llegué a amarte.

Apretaste los labios con fuerza negando cuando sus ojos perdieron el brillo.

Y sin saber porqué comenzaste a sollozar, tus manos tomaron con suavidad su rostro.

---- hey, hery cariño está bien... ---- murmuró Neteyam acariciando tu rostro. Colocándote detrás tuyo para sostenerte en sus brazos ---- está bien, estoy aquí.

----Mmm ngh.. ---- comenzaste a sollozar, entonces un alarido de dolor salió de tu boca.

Los Na'vi que quedaban en pie se detuvieron, mirando en tu dirección al ver a su líder en el suelo.

----Ska'anekx... Perdóname, lo siento... ---- Sollozaste acariciando su cara.

Los sobrevivientes del clan Tormakticaya comenzaron a rodear al cadáver de su Olo'eyktan. Todos se arrodillaron frente a ustedes y con lentitud clavaron sus dagas en el pecho.

----¿Qué? ---- soltó Neteyam perplejo ---- ¿Qué hacen? ¡Basta!

Sollozaste volviendo a mirar el cadáver de Ska'anekx, acariciando con cariño su rostro. Escuchando como las mujeres y niños comenzaban a golpear contra el suelo del cráter. Un suicidio colectivo al perder a su Olo'eyktan y al heredero.

Un suicidio por la vergüenza de sus actos, por la desgracias que su líder cometió.

----- ¿Q-qué hacen? ---- preguntó Jake paralizado.

----¡Basta! ¡Detengan esto! ---- gritó Lo'ak al ver a los niños golpear el suelo.

----No van a parar...--- murmuraste mirando fijamente sus ojos verdes apagados.

Neteyam te abrazó con fuerza.

----¿Porqué... P-porqué hacen esto?

Lo miraste con ojos llorosos, sintiendo como tu pecho se mojaba debido a tus lágrimas.

---- Porque ya no les queda nada... Porque su líder hizo atrocidades y ahora ellos tendrían que cargar con eso.

Tus manos acariciaron una última vez a Ska'anekx y sin ayuda de nadie te levantaste comenzando a llevar a los cadáveres a los pies del árbol de los espíritus.

----¡Todos, ayuden a llevar a nuestro hermanos a las raíces del árbol!

Todos obedecieron, llevando en silencio a cada Na'vi.

Guerreros, mujeres, niños y ancianos, todos fueron puesto juntos excepto uno.

Ska'anekx, el líder del clan Tormakticaya. El cazador de humanos. El padre de Miltu.

----¿Quieres que yo lo lleve? ---- preguntó Neteyam a tu lado.

Tú negaste. Miraste al pequeño Miltu quién parecía que estaba tomando una pequeña siesta. Lo pusiste en las raíces, al lado del Tsahik quién era su abuelo, dejaste un pequeño beso en la frente del niño y sin más te alejaste, pidiendo a Eywa que acoja a cada alma en sus brazos.

Tu última parada fue con Ska'anekx, tus ojos miraron fijamente su cadáver inerte, observando esos ojos verdes que ya carecían de cualquier brillo que demostrará vida.

No pudiste evitar comenzar a sollozar, Neteyam quién estaba a tu lado tomó con fuerza tu mano observando como poco a poco te dejabas caer de rodillas al suelo. Tu mano cubrió tu boca, intentando retener cualquier gritó que quisiera salir de tu boca, porque no era justo. No era justo que lloraras por él cuando destruyó toda tu vida.

----Está bien, bebé... Suéltalo ---- susurró Neteyam ---- déjalo ir todo. Yo seguiré aquí.

---- No.. no, no, no---- te aferraste a su mano, comenzando a gritar mientras las lágrimas nublaban tu vista ---- ¡Por favor, no! ¡Por favor, no!

Era tan injusto. Que sintieras un poco de pena por él, que tú corazón llorara por alguien que definitivamente no valía la pena.

Pero habían tenido tantos momentos, Ska'anekx fue lo único que te sostuvo en un tiempo, fue lo único que conociste. Fue un recuerdo que se impregnó en tu memoria de manera cruel y ahora ya no estaría.

Él ya formaba parte de tu vida, estaba viviendo en tu memoria como un pequeño parásito.

Así que lloraste porque estabas intentando dejar ir todo. Al fin eras libre de este Na'vi y no sabías qué sentir.

Neteyam te llevó en brazos a casa, porque tú no pudiste ponerte de pie. Porque no dejabas de llorar ni un segundo hasta caer dormida en sus brazos.

[rileytwenty]

IDIA || an Avatar story (x Neteyam)

Chapter 8

Masterlist

(English Na'vi)

The knowledge that Neteyam could have made it back to the island safely if it weren't for me dug into me as if someone had buried a knife in my chest up to its hilt.

He was smart and alert enough to realize what was happening to us and likely would have been quick enough to keep up with the douchebag gang to get back, but he couldn't because of his obligation to my dumb ass.

"I'm sorry, Neteyam," Was all I could say. I had probably said it three times already.

"Do you have any idea how shameful it will be when we get back? And that's if we don't die out here before my family realizes we're gone. I cannot believe you were so naive."

In a sense, I was relieved that Neteyam was with me. The lack of his presence was more noticeable to the Sullys. If he had followed Ao'nung and his friends back to the island, I'm not one-hundred percent confident that someone would have cared enough to come find me.

"Eclipse will happen in a few minutes. We should get on land, start a fire." He suggested, his tone indicating that he was still upset with me. He began swimming towards the shoreline and I followed close behind.

There was a thin strip of beach across the front of the island before the ring-like rock structures started. It wrapped around almost half of the island lengthwise, though it was only about three strides in width.

"Go look for something wooden, something that will catch," He ordered sternly, and I listened, turning in the opposite direction he was heading to scour the small length of beach.

By the time we met back up again, it was nearly pitch-black and very chilly.

"What did you find?" His bad mood had quickly dissipated under the stress of survival.

Instead of a reply, I held my arms out to display what I had found. A few logs-- only semi-wet-- and a bunch of dead Pandorian palm tree leaves. His eyes lit up.

"Oh, yes! Those leaves will work very well." He sent me his signature fang-y half-smile. He wouldn't say 'good job', but I could read between the lines.

"So, how does one start a fire?" I asked him.

He looked at me with a glare of irritation. "You don't know how to start a fire." It was less a question that an unbelieving statement.

"Nope."

"You would die in the forest. It's lucky you live in that lab." His distaste for my lifestyle was clear. I could almost see a mini Neytiri in his head, working hard against me.

I was getting fed up with people blaming me for my lack of life skills as a Na'vi. "Well you had parents to teach you how to survive, now didn't you?"

He had nothing to say to that, and instead changed the topic. "Give me a hand, will you? Grab that stick there."

With me following his instructions, he had a fire going in only a few minutes.

On land, we were relatively safe. The island was too small to inhabit anything carnivorous. The biggest threat to us was the bugs, which loved our still-wet skin and very well may have killed us via the itching or annoyance factors.

After an unbearable amount of time with Neteyam telling me not to itch the bites and me itching them anyways, I burst out, "I can't handle this anymore! I'm getting in the water." It was the only thing that could soothe the bites.

"Idia, no. Who knows what's in the shallows now that it's dark? Stay on the land, someone will be here soon."

"You said that twenty minutes ago, Neteyam. I'm getting in."

"Idia--" It was too late, I was already waist deep. I crouched down, dunking my body up to my neck in the decently chilly water.

"This is so much better. You should get in, it'll help with the itching," I suggested.

He sighed. "Get out of the water, please. Before something is tempted to take a bite out of you, skxawng." He turned back to the fire, adding some more leaves on top.

"Fine, fine, be that wa-"

A sharp jolt shot up my left leg like lightning. I silently gasped, my brain too shocked to scream or cry. The jolt turned to searing pain which turned to burning. I was hopping on one leg out of the water, holding my upper thigh right above where the pain started. I collapsed onto the sand, cradling my leg as best I could.

"Neteyam!" My wincing tone had him whipping his head around and running over in an instant.

"Argh! I told you not to go into the water!" He slammed his fist into the sand, crouching beside me.

I looked down to find out why my leg was burning and noticed a thick, jelly-like substance coating my calf, knee and lower thigh. Is this what was causing the pain? I reached forward to remove it, but Neteyam caught me by the wrist.

"Don't. It'll hurt your hand, too."

"I need it off. Eywa, it's burning, Neteyam!"

"I'll get a stick. Don't touch it." He ran off for a moment, and by this point my vision was getting fuzzy.

Pushing my head back into the sand as a distraction, I let out a small screaming sob.

Neteyam returned and used the stick to remove the jelly-substance. The burning didn't lessen. I was fully sobbing, not having the strength or focus to try to compose myself. My body was on the verge of throwing up.

"Dammit!" Neteyam shouted. It would have startled me if my brain was present. "There's nothing to help with on this stupid beach!"

"Neteyam?" Shouted a worried voice from out on the water. Jake.

-------------------------------------

I must've passed out. I woke in the Sully marui with Ronal standing over me.

The pain hit me like a hammerhead titanothere ramming me at full force. It was less than before, but enough to elicit a pained wheeze from my lungs.

"Child? Are you alright?" Ronal leaned down, cupping my head.

"Shit, that burns," I gasped out.

"There she is," Jake sighed out a laugh. He was squatting next to me, watching me intently.

"I will apply the medicine now that she is awake," Ronal explained, and began dabbing a paste onto my injury.

My thoughts were scattered. "What exactly happened?"

"Jellyfish sting," Jake answered, "you passed out from the pain. Ronal says you'll heal completely in a week or so if you keep applying the medicine every day."

Neteyam. I looked around, and spotted him with his ears back and his tail tucked between his legs. I made eye contact, but he looked away.

"I'm sorry, sir. I should never have let her go in the water." Neteyam apologized to his father.

"Neteyam, we'll talk about this late-"

"What?" I was baffled by his need to apologize. "That's stupid. I'm older than you, it's not your job to protect me. Besides, you tried to warn me and then you still did your best to help me. If anything, I should be thanking you and you should be mad at me."

Jake chuckled darkly. "Oh, I'm pissed. With both of you. Just you wait."

[starneteyam]

TOUCHY ★

🖇️ char. Neteyam x Omaticayan! fem! reader

🖇️ warn. Spicy, jealousy, fluff

🎥 In which Neteyam is an extremely affectionate boyfriend whose love language is physical intimacy, and when some Metkayinan boys start getting a bit too flirty with you, be gets jealous and sulks

A/N Just a short drabble

Neteyam was your mate, and you were his. Ever since he first hooked his eyes on you a year ago, he had been obsessed with you in every way. The way you looked at him with loving eyes, or the way you never complained whenever he held your hand while you did whatever you needed to do. You understood Neteyam loved being physically intact with you.

When he was sitting next to you, even that wouldn’t be enough. He would lay his head on your shoulder, or hold your hand, or wrap his arm around you. Around his family, he would play with your hair—the tiny unbraided strands of your goddess braids, or he would just hook a finger around yours.

He had separation anxiety, though you would never comment on it. You didn’t mind, one bit. You thought that part of him was adorable, like a little puppy.

Because you were his mate, it was decided that you would move to Awa’atlu with Jake and his family, leaving your family behind. You were heartbroken, having to leave your siblings and parents behind, but you said your goodbyes and left anyways.

When you arrived at the Pandora Reefs, Neteyam never let go of your hand, not once. But this time, it was to reassure you. When Au’nong and Rotxo stepped forward, he pulled you behind him, while they smirked.

At your new home, he huffed in displeasure. “They were looking at you.” He sulked, sitting next to you with his head on your collarbone, your body leaning against the wooden pillar, his pointer finger hooked to your pinkie.

You smiled reassuringly, shaking your head. “And I was looking at you, Neteyam.” You told him softly, playing with the bead on his braid. Your heart was full, your throat tightening at how adorable he was.

Another instance was when you were at the beach with Tuktirey, accompanying her and looking for seashells on the shallow waters. The two of you knelt on the sand, her laughing in joy. “Look, there’s one!” You laughed, pointing at a pink shell when you heard the water behind you splashing as if somebody was walking near you.

You turned around, seeing a stranger your age walking up to you with two of his friends. You furrowed your eyes. “Tuk, come here.” You whispered, ushering her.

She whimpered in fear as you grabbed her arm and pulled her behind you. You then stood up. “What’re you doing?” The boy asked, tilting his head. You gave him a dirty look. “Can I help you?” You asked, ignoring his question. His friend laughed. “We just want to get to know you, chill out.” He shrugged his shoulders, and you tried your hardest not to roll your eyes.

“I like your hair.” The third guy commented, running his fingers through some braids on your hair. “We should hangout sometime, I can show you some islands around here.” The first guy said, smiling. You huffed, frowning.

“Excuse me.” You mumbled, making sure to keep Tuk away from the guys as you walked past them, and away. “O-Okay! See you around!” The guy yelled after, and you shook your head in disbelief and sighed. Pathetic.

Unknown to you, Neteyam had seen it all. He had the urge to go in and just punch those guys square in the jaw, but after fighting the Au’nong and his friends yesterday, he was sure his father would skin him alive if he were to cause more trouble.

So instead, he stayed out of sight, and watched quietly as his nails dug into his palms. He was glad you quickly had left and even barely spoke to them, displaying your clear unliking to them, but still, he couldn’t help but feel jealous.

Later that day, when the sky was dark, you stood in your home, your back turned to the entrance as you were busy taking the leaves off of berries Kiri had picked. You heard Neteyam enter, turning your shoulder and glancing at him. “How was your day, Neteyam?” You asked, not having seen him all day. He stayed silent, which you ignored. If he didn’t want to talk, he didn’t have to talk. You respected that of him, because you had your moments too.

You heard him dropping his things on the floor, then walk up to you. Without saying a word, his hands slid around your waist, pressing himself against your back as he kissed your shoulder. You smiled, leaning your hair into him as you continued to pick at the berries. His butterfly kisses trailed up your shoulder, to your neck, and his kisses became longer. Your breath hitched as he started sucking softly on the skin on your neck, his thumb rubbing your stomach.

“Neteyam.” You whispered, turning your head slightly towards him, but he ignored you again. You were confused on why he was acting this way. His tongue pressed against the bruises on your neck, before he turned you around and kissed your lips. You immediately responded. “Netey- mm- What’s- Mmph!” You tried talking, but he kept cutting you off by kissing you, each kiss more aggressive than the last. “Shh.” He hushed quickly, before kissing you again.

You did as told, letting him pour his feelings out on you. Your fingers brushed his back, tracing his spine upwards, before lightly tugging on his hair. He pushed his lips against yours, trying to get as close as he could to you, his eyebrows furrowed. He felt goosebumps on his skin as your tail brushed up the inside of his leg. After leaving his final kiss on you, he hugged your waist, burying his face into the crook of your neck.

Surprised, you looked at him, before smiling softly and rubbing his back. “What happened, Neteyam?” You asked quietly, closing your eyes as you leaned your head against his. He was silent for a couple heartbeats, but then finally spoke. “I saw those guys trying to hit on you today.” He whispered, and it almost broke your heart—how cute he was. You laughed at his sulking sight, hugging him tighter. “Neteyam, you are too perfect for this world.” You told him, kissing his head.