Neteyam x Fem!Reader.
You watched him from a distance, noticing how Neteyam Sully kept an image like you did, desperately trying to get by. Would he understand you? Could you get closer? Was it fair, to fall for someone so good?
sun x moon dynamic, mirrorball neteyam, the archer reader, slowburn, hinted romance, angst & fluff, confession? aged up! characters (17 years old), inspired by TS and Hozier. 1.1k words.
The archer.
Netem Sully knew when to smile. He knew exactly what to do or say, what to look at, look like. He spent a long time of his life adjusting to the expectations everyone would continuously put on him. He was ready to keep laughing until his cheeks hurted, agreeing until it wasn't possible, acting until he couldn't anymore. And what happens then? How would it go when people realized it didn't come naturally? Nothing ever did.
It was his task at the end of the day, and he would bear it. Carrying the world on his shoulders because this is what a leader does. A king, a son, a warrior.
Sometimes, a glimpse of what all this effort demanded appeared to you, watching the way he'd get bigger or smaller, shifting and changing; sensing an unwelcome urge to help, grab his hand and run away from any crowd. You'd settle to observe. He was the future Oloeyktan, surrounded and adored, gracious, gentle, desired. And you were a soldier.
You didn't fight for others' love, but respect. Keeping your chin high. No one said it directly but it wasn't necessary, the words echoed in your mind, “You’re all you family have now, this means you have to be rough”. You turned out to be, isolating yourself and focusing on the ones you had to protect. Ready to fight. It didn't matter if you seemed selfish, broken or cruel, all the things people would whisper about. It was worth it, it should be. These were your demons.
When Neteyam and you started to be paired up in missions, hunts or training sessions your main goal was to keep conversations minimal and quick, working in silence, always polite, never inviting. However, his kind nature was hard to ignore. Without meaning to, you started to count with his presence, hope to see his face, want to hear his voice. It felt terrifying, how someone could tear your armor down.
Suddenly, you didn't have to watch him struggling from afar anymore, offering your shoulder when needed. He did the same, accepting the affection and vulnerability you could offer. He became your refuge, your beam of light.
—
You continued to wait for Neteyam, other warriors gathering around, preparing to leave for a new mission. The RDA train would be attacked with the goal of getting new supplies, it shouldn't be an overly dangerous situation (what soothed your nerves). This war took too much from your people and witnessing these deaths was something you could never get used to, every loss making your heart feel heavier.
He appeared after a few minutes, a smile forming at your sight.
"Prepared?"
You smirked at his willingness to go. "As always."
Everything went smoothly, your job being to take down any attack. In situations like this it was expected for two or three ships to appear. So, when they finally emerged, you were quick to fly in their direction, warning Neteyam to stay close. After finishing shooting you had a glimpse of the situation below you, automatically reaching the ground to help the injured and hurry the ones that remained there. Something that wasn't your task, but would haunt you if you didn't do.
Finally focusing on your surroundings, it wasn't hard to spot the human aiming his gun at you. He survived the fall, the one you caused. It happened in a blur, the moment your eyes found his and the way you took a deep breath, preparing for it to be your last. But the burning sensation never got you. Instead, you felt Neteyams strong arms around yours, shielding your body with his. A scream of his name left your throat at the realization, it wasn't your blood that stained the floor, but his.
—
The light of the stars illuminated his face. Mo'at had already reassured you and the Sullys about his condition and well being, the boy would wake up well by morning, his wounds were not critical. Everyone felt the need to rest after some time, not you. Crouched down next to him, you couldn't stop staring, afraid that by drifting your gaze he would simply disappear. The ruthless archer, now praying to Eywa to make him wake up soon.
A bitter taste made its way to your mouth. The fear of hours ago still present, flashbacks coming to your mind.
His eyelids flew open and you grasped his hand, kneeling close to him.
"You're here." He stated while trying to get up, letting out a groan from the pain.
"I am alway here." Was all you managed to say, helping him to sit.
"You don't need to."
"But I want to." It was the truth. "Are you feeling okay? Should I bring you something?"
"It's fine." He grabbed your arm as you motioned to leave, studying your face with a troubled expression. "Did you get any sleep?"
"No, not yet." You averted from his gaze, feeling a mix of shame and guilt, the silence making you nervous. “You could have died today.” It came out as a whisper.
"I didn't."
"You almost did. You can't risk yourself for me like this again, it's not worth it, the clan needs you… No one would recover from losing you." I wouldn't. "It's different with me."
Neteyams face dropped, he didn't seem angry, but hurt.
"Why is it different?" No response. "Why shouldn't I try to save you?"
"Why would you?"
"Because I care about you." Your head snapped at his comment, facing him. "You're one of the most important people to me. I know you try to keep a facade, but we have been friends for long enough for me to understand you. I notice how you're always honest and attentive, your small actions towards the people you care about and even the ones you don't know well. Your suffering doesn't make you unlovable and the world didn't ruin you. I see you, for who you truly are, and I accept everything I see. So, please, never tell me this again. I will always try to keep you safe."
You wanted to answer, make a big, elaborate discourse about how he was the best person in your life but the words never came, getting lost at the tip of your tongue. Instead, you wrapped your arms around him, muttering "I see you too.”
None talked much after this, you stayed the rest of the night by his side, watching as he rested peacefully. Could you feel this? Was it safe? Did it matter? Sooner or later, you'd be able to tell him about how his efforts and sacrifices were noticed too, how he would be the perfect leader regardless of anything, and you'd keep fighting with him, for him. Opening up gradually.
Maybe love isn't something to weigh on you forever, it felt easier than before. He could see right through you, you saw too, and an uncommon feeling grew in your chest: hope. One day, you will be brave enough to hold his hand a little longer and he will wait, stay, til it comes. Slowly holding into him. A happiness you could accept.
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