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loveforneteyam · 1 year

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❝your mighty warrior❞ ( I. )

golden eyes

summary: you never thought you'd see your lover's golden eyes again. and when you did, he didn't recognize a single part of you. pairing: neteyam x omaticaya!reader wordcount: 2.8k contains: angst, major spoilers for atwow, mentions of character death, blood, memory loss, sad guilty lo'ak, lo’ak x reader is platonic! notes: the first part, here we go! if i get things with the timeline messed up just ignore it haha. my heart breaks for lo'ak in this, but i hope you all enjoy!

paskalin : term of endearment oeyä tìyawn : my love tanhí : small, bioluminescent freckles

masterlist | series

The water is still in the night. Its chaos—violent waves that crash and collide—disappears once the darkness blankets over the sky. The surface of the water reflects the stars, small freckles of light in the face of the ocean. Although gentle tides push and pull, the vast sea is silent as it sleeps.

There is a beat to be heard; a pulse from under the water, under the ocean floor, from the very core of Pandora. A strong, mighty rhythm that shakes the ground. But this heartbeat does not come from the Great Mother.

In the quiet of the night, the reflection of the sky in the ocean is disrupted. Calloused fingers break through the barrier, reaching past the thin veil. He grasps the air like a rope. The crown of his head splits the sea in half. The moon pulls him to her; his body, strong and powerful, ascends.

──

It was his mother who pressed his eyes closed when they were void of life. The blank face of your lover glared into your soul. The grip he had on your hand--desperately clinging onto you like it would heal the hole in his heart--vanished, and you were left to imagine his fingers were still intertwined with yours.

You remember the wave of realization on his father's face, how his ears slightly dropped and his bottom lip quivered when he noticed that the bullet had gone straight through his eldest son's chest. Crimson collected in his shaking palms. You knew then that there was nothing to be done. Nothing except to sit next to Neteyam, your prince, as his soul moved onto the Great Mother.

His funeral was inevitable. After the war was over, it was time for the Suli's to say goodbye. You stayed with his brother, Lo'ak's hands placed in yours, as Neteyam slowly sank deeper towards the ocean floor. His frame became smaller and smaller, until he was completely engulfed by luminescent tendrils. Your lover was no more.

The family struggled to carry on without him. You remained close with his siblings, thankfully. Kiri mourned by your side. For a time, it had been just her and Neteyam. He was born less than a month before her and she considered him to be her twin. Tuk was young, but old enough to understand, “He is with Eywa”.

Lo'ak, however, was almost never to be seen. If you managed to catch a glimpse of him, he was silent and reclusive. He even ignored Tsireya, who asked you multiple times if he was alright; you never had an answer.

Despite your great loss, the village of Awa'atlu continued on. Every morning, the fishermen and farmers rose early, the healers prepared their supplies, and the hunters readied their ilus to dive through the sea.

Life continued on as if Neteyam's soul had never been ripped out of your blood-soaked hands, as if his eyes had never looked their last to you. It broke your heart.

──

Although Jake Suli had finally recognized his youngest son for his true potential, it was too late. Lo'ak put the blame for Neteyam's death on himself. He accepted that he would forever carry that weight with him, no matter where he ran to or hid.

You knew that when he was nowhere to be found, he was somewhere far off in the sea on Payakan's fin. He stayed out late and missed ceremonies and Suli family meetings; it was Neteyam who always pushed Lo'ak to participate. But even when he laid underneath the stars on the back of Payakan, the ocean water gently lapping at his skin, the guilt still sat in his chest like the bullet in Neteyam's heart.

Without his older brother, Lo'ak ceased to exist. He refused to meet his eyes or even speak to his mother. He made himself an outcast before his family could. You recognized that the void in Lo'ak's life was the same one tearing you apart, so you felt that it was your responsibility to look after him.

"We must be strong," Neteyam had told you the night you left your home in the forest. You said goodbye to your family to be with him. He'd placed his palm over your heart. "In here."

It was eerie how you could still feel his touch as if he were right in front of you. Neteyam would've wanted you to stay strong for Lo'ak, and you would do anything to honor your mighty warrior.

Unfortunately, looking after Lo'ak wasn't easy when you could never find him. Two days had passed and you hadn't seen him once. You knew not to worry--Kiri noticed your concern and said she'd seen him with his tulkun just outside of the reef. "He didn't seem like he wanted to come back."

By that night, you'd given up. After a great feast held for the birth of Tonowari and Ronal's child, you separated yourself from the others and sat alone on a far-off shore. The ocean life illuminated the darkness around you, small specks of teal and gold light scattered in the water. Your feet had sunk into the wet sand as the calm waves kissed your ankles.

While the ocean held many wonders that continued to fascinate you, it left a bitter image burned into your memory.

There was fire off in the distance, gunshots and explosions, but they were all the least of your concern. You shook as you held his body in your arms. The water had turned violent, as if the Great Mother knew of the war taking place. Sharp, chaotic waves crashed against a rocky landing. Crimson pooled in the grooves of the rock, running down the sides to where it diluted in the vast sea.

You never allowed yourself to remember anything past that. The ocean had not redeemed itself just yet. You pulled your knees to your chest so your feet were out of the water. The silence of the night would never be peaceful; if it was quiet enough, you could still hear his voice in your ear.

Fortunately, the silence broke. Soft footsteps in the sand were trailing towards you, and wide, golden eyes met your small frame. Lo'ak had not expected you so far away from the village, alone, at night. "(y/n)," he froze. "What're you doing here?"

"Lo'ak," you let out a breath of relief that you'd been holding for the past few days. You stood and brushed the sand off of your legs. "I've- We've been looking for you. Your mother and father have been so worried."

He frowned at the mention of his family--of his father. He refused to even imagine what they could possibly think of him. "I was just out," Lo'ak tried to dismiss the topic and swiftly walked past you, his shoulder barely brushing yours. "I'm fine."

The remnants of your heart cracked once again. Even when a hand reached out for him, grasping onto his fingertips, he'd pull away. The fear of rejection--the thought of placing his trust in someone with only betrayal in return--was too great. Lo'ak would abandon others before they could abandon him.

"Lo'ak, please." your hand gently grabbed his shoulder to turn him back to you. He stood a few inches over you and refused to look down to meet your eyes.

There was a soft spark in his chest, and you could see the flame beginning to grow. "What do you want, (y/n)?" He retorted with a sigh.

"You know what it is, Lo'ak." You brushed your hand down his arm to meet his palm. You placed his own hand on top of his heart. He sighed, breath laced with heavy regret and guilt. Lo'ak knew that whatever he'd been hiding for the past few months would be coming up right there in front of you.

He practically collapsed onto the sand, feet set in the water and arms wrapped around his legs, but he quickly pulled himself away from the shore, just like you had earlier, once the memories began to feel too real. You sat right by his side and looked off to the dark horizon. The two of you stared with broken hearts. "Have you gone to see him?"

There was silence, apart from the gentle lapping of the waves and the village in the distance. "No," he regretfully looked down at his lap. "Have you?"

You shook your head, "No." Your response wasn't much better.

For as much as the two of you missed him, neither of you had gone to the Spirit Tree like the rest of the Suli family. The only images of Neteyam that you had left were the memories still burned into your vision. “I’m afraid to forget him,” Lo’ak admitted. He bit the inside of his cheek. “But I’m too scared to see him again.”

You looked to him with sympathetic eyes. For the first time since his brother’s death, Lo’ak broke. Three tears left a trail down his face to where they dropped off his skin and onto the sand. “I don’t know much about spirits,” you began. You set a firm, reassuring hand on Lo’ak’s shoulder. “But Neteyam loved us with all his heart. Even as he rests with the Great Mother, he loves us.”

He tried to nod along to your words as if he would better believe them. Lo’ak gently gasped before a quiet, broken sob left his throat, “I know it’s my fault.” His shoulders heaved. “If I hadn’t made him go back for Spider or- or if I stayed behind instead of him..”

“Oh, Lo’ak,” you cooed, turning towards him and engulfing him in a hug. He leaned his forehead down onto your shoulder. This was the first comfort he’d felt in months. “We can’t tell ourselves those things.”

His tears collected on your skin. “My brother,” he whimpered, “is gone.”

Your fingers gently caressed the back of his head, tracing over his braids. You shushed him, “There’s nothing we can do.” How could you affirm this to Lo’ak when you couldn’t even accept it yourself? You pulled away so you could look him in the eyes.

“I miss him too much.” Lo’ak wept.

Holding his face between your gentle hands, you nodded. Together, your tears soaked the sand beneath you; the two of you could’ve created an entire ocean. “I miss him, too, paskalin.” Your thumb soothed cheek and wiped away the tears from his eyes. “But we must stay strong for him.

“All we can do is remember. One day, we’ll be strong enough to see him, I know it. But for now, we must be strong,” You put your hand over his heart. The beat of his soul turned steady; you remembered how Neteyam’s slowed to a stop, and for the first time since his death, you pushed the memory away without a single tear. “In here.”

Lo’ak closed his eyes and calmed his breath, allowing the feeling of your palm on his skin to soothe him. He’d opened himself and poured out his heart. Now, he could heal.

The night continued on, and you stayed with Lo’ak throughout the dark reign. He could take however long he needed. You would comfort him through whatever war he created in his mind. The tide came in, brushing water against your knees, but the two of you remained.

Finally, he opened his eyes. “We should return to the village.” Before, Lo’ak spoke bluntly with a dismissive mask to cover how broken he truly was. Now, his voice was firm and strong.

“Are you sure?” You warned. He stood and you cautiously rode with him.

His hands, which had been balled in tense fists, released themselves. Lo’ak nodded, “I’ve been too focused on my brother that I’ve forgotten the rest of my family. Do you think they’ll forgive me?”

With a sweet, proud smile, you offered, "They already have."

──

The path back to the village was peaceful given that you and Lo'ak had come to terms with your grief. He had warned you that his parents would most likely be angry when you returned since it'd been hours since they'd last seen you and days since they'd seen him. You'd consoled him, "We'll get through it together."

It was strange that in Neteyam's absence, you and Lo'ak were able to replace the void with each other. Although he was only a year younger, you'd always felt a sisterly love for him, the same way that you felt for Kiri or Tuk. Now that your connection with Lo'ak had healed, maybe you could too.

Life ahead was beginning to look a little brighter in that moment as you walked on the shore.

But your peace was short-lived.

The village was close enough that you could see the pods, docks, and several Metkayina men with glowing lanterns that noticed you and Lo'ak approaching. They called out and, together, the two of you rushed to them.

"What is wrong?" Lo'ak prodded, trying to look past their broad shoulders at the commotion that was collecting in the village.

You tried as well but they were too tall compared to you. "You must come with us," one of the men said. The flames in the lanterns gently flickered but you could well enough see Kiri running in the distance. Her eyes were wide with fear like she'd seen a ghost.

"Kiri!" You exclaimed.

She pushed past the men and, out of breath, embraced Lo'ak. "Brother!" There were tears falling from her eyes, only you had expected her to happily cry at the sight of Lo'ak. Instead, she wept. "You must come. Come, (y/n)."

Kiri led you both back to the village, the men following after you to provide light. Almost every person in Awa'atlu--man, woman, young, and old--crowded near the shore. They yelled and gasped, cursing and praying. The three of you struggled to push past everyone, accidentally stepping on tails and toes and bumping elbows and shoulders.

Everyone seemed to look at you and Lo'ak with sympathy. Lo'ak sensed it as well, and looked just as confused as you were.

The crowd was like a hurricane, and in the center, the eye was calm. Jake and Neytiri kneeled on the ground, Tuk crying into her father's arm. Tonowari, Ao'nung, and a collection of soldiers held the people back. Ronal sat across from Neytiri, muttering a prayer with her eyes shut. Kiri ran to her mother's side. Tsireya rushed to Lo'ak as he collapsed.

Your heart stopped.

On the ground, where the ocean met the sand, a figure laid. He had strong legs and arms, a strapping abdomen, and calloused palms and fingers. There was a scar on the outside of his right thigh. Tanhì scattered across his body like the constellations reflected on the ocean.

Your prince. His ghost would forever haunt you. What had you done wrong? What had you done for the Great Mother to curse you like this? Just as you could feel your wounds beginning to heal, your heart crumbled again.

You fell to your knees, placing your hand over your mouth to cover the ear-splitting wail you released. You could fully see your Neteyam now. Just as you had remembered it, but his eyes were gently shut. Neytiri cried alongside you, and your heart almost broke even further until you heard her whisper, "Thank you, Great Mother. Thank you."

What was she grateful for? Jake noticed your confusion, and with a hopeful smile, he took your hand and placed it on Neteyam's heart. Underneath the weight of your palm, you felt a gentle pulse. A steady, soft rhythm that rocked your core. Your tears stopped, a cry stuck in your throat.

You looked down to his body and gasped. "Oeyä tìyawn," you whispered out to him, hoping he would hear it. Through just two words, your voice called out to him.

Golden eyes, that you thought you would never see again, opened.

His father gasped; his mother laughed; his sisters cheered, and his brother bowed with his forehead touching the ground. Neteyam's mighty heartbeat reached across Pandora.

"Ma 'Teyam," you smiled. You could taste your own tears as they reached the corners of your mouth. For the first time in months, you weren't crying from a split in your heart--you cried at the feeling of it healing. You were foolish to think the Great Mother would curse you. "Thank you, Great Mother."

Only two minutes had passed until you noticed the laughter and cheers of others had disappeared. The night had become silent again. Your smile fell when you recognized that Neteyam had not yet embraced you. In fact, he stayed frozen on the ground.

His eyes were still open, but they were wide and full of fear. Tuk reached for his hand, and he quickly pulled away with a scared gasp. He flinched when his own mother caressed his cheek. "Neteyam," she pleaded. Finally, his eyes met yours. You looked to him with desperate affection, practically shooting beams of love towards him. Your stomach dropped when you noticed it.

Your prince did not know who you were.

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ladylokilaufeyson5 · 1 year

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Are You Falling In Love (I’ve Got A Feeling You Are)

ARE YOU FALLING IN LOVE (I’VE GOT A FEELING YOU ARE) | Neteyam Sully x Fem!Human!Reader

SUMMARY: The moment Neteyam found you, he couldn’t stop finding you.

WARNINGS: brief mentions of blood and injury, dead parents (bc y/n is a main character), crying, and fluff! kind of idiots-in-love but also not exactly...

WORDS: 3.5k

No one had expected Neteyam Sully to fall in love with a human. It was Lo’ak who everyone thought would be that rebellious and reckless. But the moment Neteyam found you, he couldn’t stop finding you.

You’d been in the forest, exploring and searching for new samples. Norm and Max knew that there were always new things to discover on Pandora, and you were happy to go out into the trees and plants to find those miracles. Especially since you were the only human who could breathe Pandora’s supposedly toxic air.

The first time Neteyam saw you, you were kneeling down beside something and rummaging through the dirt. You hadn’t noticed him in the trees, his footsteps silent as he leaped from branch to branch. His bow had been drawn, an arrow ready to be released into your head, when an atokirina landed on the tip of the arrow. Neteyam had slowly lowered his weapon and watched you carefully, knowing that Eywa had plans for you.

Neteyam followed you every day after that, trying to figure out why you were favoured by Eywa. You were a human, a sky demon, and had no connection to this land. After the second war in which Quaritch had been killed and most of the sky demons sent back to Earth, humans hadn’t been allowed past a specific boundary in the forest – a boundary that you danced along every day. You would get close enough that Neteyam would sink into a crouch, ready to jump down and stop you from going any further, when you would change direction and walk away from the border.

After weeks of watching you, it became obvious to Neteyam why Eywa cherished you. You looked around Pandora with wonder in your eyes, no matter how many times you had seen it. You were careful of the flora and fauna, never being destructive or careless. You stepped through the forest easily as if you’d been born to run through the trees. Neteyam often wondered when you would start climbing them.

After a while Neteyam told himself that he was following you to protect you. Eywa knew the forest was no place for a human – there were palulukan roaming around, ready to sink their teeth into you; angtsìk that could run over you and squash you into the ground… Pandora wasn’t safe for such a small human like you. But Neteyam never had to protect you. Whether it was Eywa’s will or simply pure luck, you never ran into anything that would hurt you. In fact, it was yourself that did the damage – walking into trees and tripping over rocks and roots. Were all humans so clumsy? Yes, you tended to have grace within the forest, but other times you were as clumsy as a newborn angtsik.

The first time you spoke to him, you’d been surprised. You had known that there was someone following you – a Na’vi watching your every step. You wished they would come down and speak to you, but it never happened. You considered your options, on how you could convince the Na’vi to speak to you, to reveal themselves, when you finally came up with a plan.

You walked to the border of where the humans were allowed to venture. Only Spider was allowed past that barrier – not that he crossed over to the human side that often. He’d grown up with the Na’vi, with Jake Sully’s kids, and he was a part of the forest. You often wished that it was you who was one with the forest, you who had been accepted by the Na’vi.

When you crossed over the border, something big and blue landed in front of you, causing you to stumble back, and trip over the root of a tree. You hissed in pain as something cut you, drawing blood from your arm. But the sting became secondary as you took in the Na’vi before you.

He was tall (obviously), standing at maybe nine feet. His skin was blue and decorated with swirls of darker blue, some of them like the stripes on a tiger. His hair was full of small, black braids, and he wore woven and beaded accessories along his neck and chest. You’d seen pictures of the Na’vi, but seeing one in real life, right before your eyes… there was something magical about it.

“So, you’re the one who’s been following me,” you said in Na’vi, hoping your pronunciation was okay.

From the confused blink that the Na’vi gave you, you assumed it was horrible. You frowned, running the words and pronunciation over in your head. Everything seemed to be right…

The Na’vi spoke, but it was too quick for you to understand. You heard a few phrases you understood, but you couldn’t string them together.

“Slowly?” you requested in Na’vi.

The Na’vi’s gaze softened slightly, and he repeated his words, slowly. You understood parts of it, ‘I believe you meant…’ and ‘so you’re the one…’ but everything else simply flew over your head. At your confused look, the Na’vi chuckled to himself. The noise brought a weird sort of joy to you, and you couldn’t help but smile a little bit.

“You said ‘fighting’ instead of ‘following,’” he explained in English.

He said the two words for you in Na’vi, distinguishing the pronunciation of both of them. You repeated after him, your tongue feeling weird in your mouth as you tried to perfect the delivery. The Na’vi continued to smile as you stumbled over the words, repeating them for you so that you could try again.

“Why were you following me?” you asked in Na’vi, once you had perfected the pronunciation.

“Eywa favours you, so I decided to protect you,” he answered in English. The Na’vi looked away, and the bioluminescence scattered across his face and body began to glow slightly. “You are also interesting.”

You let out a small laugh. No one had ever called you interesting before. It seemed sweet, coming from him.

“Do you have a name?” you asked.

“Neteyam,” he replied. “What is your name?”

“Y/n,” you answered.

Neteyam repeated your name, as if he were rolling it around in his mouth and tasting it. He cocked his head at you, studying you closely. You watched him right back, eyes trailing over his beads and stripes.

“You are not supposed to be here,” he announced finally.

Your heart dropped, but you knew it was true. You were human, and you weren’t allowed past the invisible boundary line.

“I know,” you sighed. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to meet you.”

Before he could answer, his eyes went to your arm, and he frowned deeply. You followed his gaze and noticed the blood seeping into the sleeve of your shirt. You swore quietly – Norm and Max were always chastising you about not being careful enough, and coming back with scrapes and bruises. It wasn’t your fault – you were just too enamoured by Pandora’s beauty to realise you were about to trip over a rock or walk into a tree.

Neteyam began pulling things out of the small, woven satchel he was carrying. You recognised the items as strips of plants and leaves that the Na’vi generally used to bind wounds. He reached out for you, and you hesitantly gave him your arm. Neteyam began to bind your injury with the leaf, and the stinging began to dissipate the moment the greenery touched your skin. The job was done slightly messily, as Neteyam clearly wasn’t used to binding such small limbs. His large fingers brushed against your skin multiple times as he bandaged your arm, and after a minute it was done.

“Thank you,” you said in Na’vi.

“You are welcome,” Neteyam replied, a small smile on his mouth.

The sound of rustling brought your gaze behind you, but it was simply a breeze passing through the leaves. You turned back, intending on talking to Neteyam some more, but he was gone.

A few days passed before you saw Neteyam again. You could sense that he was there, in the trees above you. You wandered dangerously close to the border, and then skipped away at the last moment, hoping that Neteyam would jump down again.

But it wasn’t your master plan that allowed you to see Neteyam again – in fact, it was your clumsiness. You had reached a river in the forest, and as much as you wanted to taunt your Na’vi stalker, you really really wanted samples from the river. So you knelt down to get some – only to slip on the wet rock. You tumbled towards the river, a rock right in front of your face that was sure to impale you. But before that could happen, something grabbed your arm and pulled you upright.

Low and behold, your saviour was Neteyam. He had an exasperated look on his face, and it made you want to laugh. But before you could, he grabbed you around the waist and lifted you up, triggering a surprised scream to leave your lips. But he simply placed you on his other side, away from the river.

“You have to be careful,” he scolded. “It is slippery here.”

“Really? I hadn’t noticed,” you replied, trying to step past him and back to the river.

But Neteyam held out a hand to stop you. You looked up at him with a raised eyebrow in defiance and challenge. He narrowed his eyes at you, but you would not relent – you needed those samples.

“You will fall and hurt yourself,” Neteyam warned.

“But I need the samples,” you countered, trying to duck under his arm.

Neteyam groaned to himself and let you pass, only to grab a hold of your backpack. You gave him a questioning look.

“So you don’t fall,” he explained.

You smiled at him in thanks and leaned down, scooping up water and sand and pebbles before leaning back. Neteyam held onto your bag until you were on the other side of him, away from the river. He let go and the weight of your bag settled back onto your shoulders, causing you to stumble a little bit, but you caught yourself.

“Thank you,” you said in Na’vi.

Neteyam shook his head, waving away your gratitude as if keeping you alive and safe wasn’t worth your thanks. You watched him closely, eyes narrowing slightly as you tried to figure him out. His tail swished under your scrutiny, moving from side to side in sharp swings, with a few seconds in between each one.

“I must go now,” Neteyam expressed.

He turned to leave, but you called out after him. “When will I see you again?”

Neteyam turned to face you head cocked a small smile tugging at his lips. He eyed you for a moment longer before answering.

“Whenever you wish, Y/n.”

And you did see him again. For the next few weeks, Neteyam would follow you, protect you, but on the ground where you could see him. He would help you over large branches and rocks, and would make sure you didn’t run headfirst into a tree when something else captured your attention.

You found a strange sense of comfort with Neteyam, and slowly, the two of you formed a bond with each other. He just seemed to get you, and you him. It wasn’t long before simple talks of the weather and days turned into meaningful conversations of the weight Neteyam felt as the future leader of the clan, and of the pain you felt when remembering your parents. Neteyam didn’t know what it was like to lose a parent, but he knew how to comfort people, so that’s what he did for you.

Eventually, Neteyam decided that he would take you into the trees, where there were more things you could see. He took your hand and helped you climb one of the trunks, hefting you upwards as if you weighed nothing. He allowed you to stand on the branch by yourself, although he was a step away if you lost your balance.

“It’s beautiful,” you whispered in Na’vi.

And it was. Up above the ground, you could see so much more. It was a vast land of greens and blues and purples, all twisting together to create a world bathed in colour. It was euphoric just seeing it with your eyes. It was so beautiful that, before you realised, you’d started crying.

You wiped a tear from your face before Neteyam could see, but he was already looking at you. A long, blue finger brushed your face, effectively wiping another tear away. His eyes watched you in concern, flicking over your face and body for the source of your crying.

“What is wrong?” he murmured, brows furrowed.

“It’s just–” you hiccupped, and took a deep breath. “It’s just so beautiful. I’ve never… I never imagined something could be this wonderful.”

Neteyam smiled slightly in understanding, and you went back to admiring the view.

Neteyam took you up into the trees quite a fair bit after that. You never got used to the view, but you didn’t cry again. As the two of you got closer, the more comfortable Neteyam became with letting you admire him. He let you touch his tail, but he shivered the first time you did so. He let you trace the markings on his chest and arms, and in turn, you let him run his big hands through your hair.

Sometimes, the two of you would go on adventures, hunting for samples, but there were also calm, peaceful moments where Neteyam would take you up, up into the trees, and you would simply sit and admire the view, your back against Neteyam’s chest, and his back against the tree. His large arms would curl around your middle protectively, and you’d rest your hands on them.

More than once you lost track of time, and the sun was beginning to set by the time you reached the base where you lived. Neteyam always accompanied you home, often apologising for keeping you out. But you would brush away his apologies, telling him that the time you spent with him was better than getting home on time.

You didn’t tell Max and Norm about Neteyam. After Quaritch had been killed, the Na’vi had completely cut ties with the humans, with only Jake Sully rarely making contact if necessary. You weren’t sure how they would react if they knew that you were friends with the future Olo'eyktan.

Max and Norm were suspicious, of course. They wondered why you were always out so often, so eager to get back out into the forest. They knew you adored Pandora more than words could express, but over the past month or so, you seemed more excited to go out. But you’d been bringing back so many new samples, samples they’d never gotten their hands on, so they never questioned you about it.

It was a while until you realised Neteyam was courting you. He would bring you gifts – pretty gems he’d found in the river; a bright green feather; and lots of fruit.

One day, Neteyam brought you a bracelet. It was woven with beads and a few small gems, and it was quite neat considering the size.

“For you,” Neteyam announced, holding it out to you.

“Did you – did you make this? For me?” you inquired, taking it from him.

You ran your fingers over the piece of jewellery, admiring the beading and jewels.

“I did,” Neteyam confirmed. “Would you like me to put it on for you?”

You nodded and allowed him to slip it onto your wrist and tie it up. His fingers brushed against your skin, and you suppressed a shiver at the contact. Neteyam pulled back and you smiled at the gift.

“It’s beautiful, Teyam,” you murmured.

The nickname slipped past your lips by accident, but Neteyam simply beamed.

That night, Norm stopped you as you walked through the halls and towards your bedroom.

“What’s that?” he asked, pointing at your wrist.

You mentally cursed yourself for not hiding it. You still hadn’t told Max and Norm about Neteyam, and now seemed like a bad time.

“I – er… I made it,” you lied, praying that Norm would believe you.

“It looks Na’vi,” Norm commented, eyeing you with suspicion.

“I saw it in one of Grace’s old logs,” you fibbed, hoping that Grace had, in fact, drawn and spoken about Na’vi jewellery.

Norm cocked his head before asking if he could have a closer look. You lifted up your arm for him to see, and he studied it carefully, his eyes raking over the bracelet, and his mouth moving as he muttered silently to himself. He let go of your arm after a moment and let out a hum.

“Wow. It’s identical to the courting bracelets. Good job.”

You barely heard Norm over the effort it took not to choke at his words. Courting bracelets? Was Neteyam courting you?

You thought about it all night as you tried to sleep. Where were the signs? The harder you thought about it, the easier it was to see. The way he wanted you close at all times, to be touching you wherever he could, whether it be with you hand in his, or his tail curling around one of your legs. The way he would look at you as you stared out into the distance, enamoured with the beauty of Pandora, almost unaware of his own gaze on you. Almost, because despite everything, despite the wonders of the world around you, your focus was always on Neteyam.

The next day you found Neteyam waiting for you in your usual spot. You were late – much later than usual, but he had still waited. You walked up to him nervously, twisting the bracelet around your arm. Neteyam cocked his head when he noticed your anxiety, and he cocked his head at you in question, his cat-like ears twitching in concern.

“I… I have something for you,” you announced, pulling your bag off of your shoulder and rummaging through it.

You pulled out the gift you had brought, and Neteyam’s eyes went wide at the sight of it. The bracelet you had made contained beads and jewels just like the one Neteyam had crafted for you. It was the reason why you were late – even though you had woken up extra early in order to find the materials, after putting it all together, a lot of time had flown by.

“You…”

Neteyam trailed off as he took it from you, and you watched him restlessly, wondering what he thought of it. He swallowed a few times before looking back at you.

“Do you know what it means?” he asked quietly.

“That you’ve been courting me this whole time and didn’t bother to tell me?” you responded, crossing your arms.

Despite your body language, you couldn’t keep the massive smile off of your face. Neteyam smiled at your joy, and held the bracelet out to you.

“Put it on for me?” he asked.

You obliged as he knelt down, matching your height in order for you to tie the bracelet securely around his wrist. Once you had finished he did not rise, instead watching you closely. Your breathing hitched as his eyes flicked to your lips, and you found yourself closing your eyes in anticipation as Neteyam leaned in. His lips met yours briefly, softly, before he moved away.

Before either of you could say anything, a crashing through the bushes drew your attention, and three Na’vi and one person came running through.

“Bro, no way!” one of the Na’vi yelled, a male based on his clothing. “You’re courting a human?”

“Leave them alone, Lo’ak,” one of the female Na’vi scolded.

Lo’ak – Neteyam’s brother. These must all be Neteyam’s siblings, you thought to yourself. Neteyam had told you all about them – how they could annoy him to the ends of the earth, but also how much he cared for them.

“What are you doing here?” Neteyam demanded, stepping in front of you protectively.

You peered around his body, meeting the curious eyes of the new arrivals. The smallest one, Tuk, watched you the most, her eyes full of wonder.

“What’s her name?” Tuk asked.

Neteyam’s stance softened slightly as his youngest sister spoke. He looked back at you in question. Were you ready to meet his family? It wasn’t like you had much of a choice, seeing as they were all here anyway… but yes, you wanted to meet them. You’d wanted to meet them for a while, actually – the way Neteyam spoke about them made them sound like wonderful people.

The fourth person watched you carefully, his mask fitted tightly over his head. You knew he was wondering why you could breathe the air and he couldn’t – a question you unfortunately didn’t have an answer to.

“Everyone, this is Y/n,” Neteyam introduced. “Y/n, this is my family.”

if you liked this, please consider reblogging it! <3

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psycholuvrgirl · 1 year

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hale (pt. 1 | n.s.)

summary: the sully family arrives at the pandora atolls and they’re met with an important figure from jake’s past.

hale [noun] the hawaiian word meaning home

pairing: srewtompa [metkayina!oc] x neteyam

warnings: script following (this'll occur quite a bit considering the plot of atwow makes up a good percent of the story, but fret not it is not just the script word for word every chapter)

a/n: the kids are aged up (including tuk to keep age gaps consistent, don’t be weird abt it). neteyam and aonung are 19, lo’ak and kiri are 18, tsireya is 17, and tuk is 12! (basically add four to their canonical age). also, i've never written an oc story before, so i hope you all enjoy it! this is very near and dear to me as the oc is a lot like me and has a lot of aspects of my background and story. this will (probably) be my only oc story, all my other fics will most likely be x reader stories :)

word count: 1.7k

series masterlist

The large crowd forming on the beach is her first hint that something was going on. Her eyes move to the new, unusual Na’vi on the sand -- their color a stark difference from the people’s. Srewtompa peeks her head above the water, eyes just poking above the surface. Ronal and Tonowari make their arrival, meeting the new Na’vi in the middle. Heat, pure anger rises throughout her body and she swims to the shoreline, sprinting across the sand. The word “uturu” rings in her mind, but she’s too caught up in her protectiveness to care.

She jumps in front of Ronal and Tonowari, hissing at the group of unwelcome visitors. The one who seems to be the mother pushes the man behind her, baring her teeth with a returned hiss. Their eyes lock onto one another’s -- the newcomer was older, that much was clear. She’s most likely stronger and faster too, but the smaller Na’vi doesn’t let her guard down.

“Why do you come to my home?” Srewtompa shouts.

“Ann?” her tough demeanor falters at the voice, at the name. She looks up, eyes meeting with those that belong to the man. Her eyes widen with a gasp that she can’t seem to stop. Her hand clasps over her mouth, disbelief flooding her body as she looks at the Na’vi man.

“Jake, you know her?” the woman asks. The name confirms her assumptions and she can’t fight away the smile that makes its way onto her face.

“Oh, Jake!” Srewtompa exclaims, running up to him. The woman hisses, but is ignored by the recipient. Srewtompa’s arms wrap around Jake, his doing the same.

“Neytiri, this is Ann. Little Ann, remember?” he says. Neytiri straightens up, nodding at Jake’s words. Tonowari clears his throat and Srewtompa turns to look at him.He gives her an all too familiar warning look, eliciting a nod from her.

She gives him a final hug, “And it’s Srewtompa now.” He nods as she makes her way to the spot with Tonowari and Ronal.

“You know our Srewtompa?” Ronal asks.

Jake nods, “I knew her when she was just a little girl.”

Confusion spreads over Ronal’s face. She looks at the girl for confirmation and she nods. Ronal’s mind doesn’t seem to pick up on the implication, the implication of Jake’s background; otherwise Jake probably would have been turned away without second thought. She turns back to Jake, “And you seek uturu here?”

Jake nods and Tonowari looks at them, “We are reef people. You are forest people. Your skills will mean nothing here.”

“Well, we will learn your ways, am I right?” Jake says.

Ronal continues her circle around the family, grabbing at their features as she mentions them. “Their arms are thin. Their tails are weak. You will be slow in the water.” She pauses, grabbing one of the children’s hands. “These children… are not even true Na’vi. They have demon blood!”

Srewtompa can see the family’s shame as Ronal announces it, picking up another kid’s hand to show their fingers. The girl looks at them, sorry for what was being done.

“As do I,” she says, stepping in front of Tonowari. Ronal’s head whips towards her, anger flashing in her eyes. The whole clan knew it; they knew she was not always Na’vi, but it isn’t something that typically affected her interaction with the people. She walks over to Ronal, taking the boy’s hand away from her. “Look, we’re the same, Ronal. Me and these Na’vi, we are the same. To deny them as Na’vi is to deny me as well. I was born from a Sky Person turned Na’vi -- a demon blood, but I adapted.”

“That’s right,” Jake says, “ We will adapt.”

“My husband was Toruk Makto,” Neytiri says, making her way in front of Jake, “He led the clans to victory against the Sky People.”

“This you call victory? Hiding among strangers?” Ronal asks. She points to Srewtompa, “She had no choice. She was only a child.” She averts her gaze, unsure if there’s anything she can say will make Ronal see what she sees. “It seems Eywa has turned her back on you, chosen one.”

Neytiri hisses and Ronal returns it, both women staring one another down. Jake is quick to separate the two.

“I apologize for my mate. She’s--”

“Do not apologize for me.”

“--flown a long way and she’s exhausted.”

“Jake,” Neytiri scolds. Jake is silent, but his warning look to his wife is clear with instruction. She falls behind him, making her way to join her children.

“Toruk Makto is a great war leader. All Na’vi people know his story,” Srewtompa says, trying to build reasons to allow them uturu. Her words earn murmurs from the crowd.

“But we Metkayina are not at war,” Tonowari says. The small spark of hope dies with the sentence and she gives Jake a sorry look. Tonowari turns to Jake, finalizing his statement. “We cannot let you bring your war here.”

“I’m done with war. Okay?” Jake says, “I just want to keep my family safe.”

“Uturu has been asked,” Neytiri says, eyes closed and a frustrated tone.

Ronal and Tonowari look at each other, communicating quietly through glances. Tonowari’s eyes catch Srewtompa’s for a moment and he sighs, looking back at his lover. Although he still stays silent, she nods -- an act of permission. Tonowari places his spear into the sand, standing tall as he addresses the whole clan.

“Toruk Makto and his family will stay with us. Treat them as our brothers and sisters. Now, they do not know the sea. So they will be like babies taking their first breath. Teach them our ways, so they do not suffer the shame of being…” Tonowari looks directly at Jake, finishing his speech with one word, “...useless.” The family thanks him, mostly grateful except for their daughter in the back, who seemed almost tired of what was happening. “My son, Aonung, our daughter, Tsireya, and… Srewtompa will show you what to do.”

“Come! We’ll show you our village,” Srewtompa says with a smile. The group gathers the belongings and Tsireya takes the lead in showing the family where to go. Srewtompa walks next to Neytiri, clearing her throat to get the woman’s attention. “Mrs. Sully, I’d like to apologize for--”

“No,” Neytiri interrupts, shaking her head, “You were protecting your people. I understand.”

“Thank you,” she says, “Had I known who you were, I never would have acted that way.”

“This is for you. Your new home,” Tsireya says, pulling the attention away from the conversation. Jake says a few encouraging words, trying to get his family to cheer up as they all place their varying belongings down.

“I live right there,” Srewtompa says. She points to her marui pod in the distance, all of their eyes follow her finger. “Quite the walk away, but you all can come over if you need anything.”

“Who do you live with?” Jake asks, looking back at her. She hesitates, knowing that he won’t like the real answer. Then she realizes if she doesn’t answer, he will just worry and pry till he gets one.

“Nobody. I live alone,” she says, avoiding looking at him.

“What?” Neytiri says. The sound of panic in her voice makes guilt rise through Srewtompa’s body. “That can’t be right. Where are your parents? You are barely an adult. You still need your parents.”

“They are… They’re gone,” she says, “And nobody really wants to take in the freaky demon kid, so it’s just been me down there.”

“Sounds like you’re living the life,” their older daughter says.

“Kiri!” Neytiri scolds.

“What? I’m just saying.”

“Ann-- Srewtompa,” he says, correcting himself, “You shouldn’t be alone.”

She shrugs, putting on a smile for the man, “I’m alright. I’m happy there.” He sighs, looking at Neytiri who has a worried look on her face. She catches a glimpse of it and shakes her head, “I will most likely see you guys all day, everyday. Alright? I’m only really in there to sleep. Don’t worry.”

“Yeah, mother, leave the poor girl alone,” one of the boys says. Her eyes travel to him and he bows his head, hand moving from forehead out towards you. “Oel ngati kameie. Nice to meet you, I’m Neteyam.”

His brother copies his greeting and their sister, who you now know as Kiri, mocks their bows. She feigns a male voice, doing a more fluttery version of the bow towards Srewtompa, which causes a giggle to leave the girl’s throat.

“I’m Tuk!” the little one exclaims. Srewtompa laughs at her excitement, sending Tuk a small wave.

“I’m Srewtompa,” she says, then adds, “But you all already knew that… I usually go by Tompa though.”

Someone at a distance calls her name, a sense of urgency in their voice. She glances out into the ocean, then back to the family. She says a rushed farewell, running out of the home and jumping into the ocean.

“She’s… interesting,” Kiri says. The other siblings nod in agreement.

“You all better be nice to her. She’s very important to me,” Jake says, “And she’s probably going to be your lifeline here. She’s gonna keep you knuckleheads alive.”

“What’s so special about her?” Neteyam asks, looking out the large open doorway. He sees her in the ocean, forehead resting against some creature’s head as she rubs their side gently.

“She was a human once, like me,” Jake says, “Where she came from… her people are similar to us-- to the Na’vi. And when the Na’vi needed her, she showed up. She was only a child when she got here.”

“She could teach you kids a lot,” Neytiri says.

“You protect her like family,” Jake says, “She is family. She may not be a Sully, but she may as well be.”

Neteyam’s gaze lingers on the girl as she climbs out of the ocean, water dripping from her body. He notices how her features don’t completely match those of the Metkayina, enough to be identifiable but there’s something else. Her eyes catch his and she smiles, waving at him kindly. He bows his head a little, which makes her giggle. She does a fancy version of the normal greeting bow, which causes him to laugh as well. A child runs up to her, stealing the girl’s attention away.

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cinnabaeriewrites · 1 year

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Ageds up Neteyam x Aged up Female Na'Vi reader (Neteyam is 19 and reader is 18 as well) Word count: 569 Genre: Drabble Tags: Female Na'Vi reader, pet names, just pure fluff and romace between you and Neteyam.

⇢ ˗ˏˋ A/N ࿐ྂ: This is my first work related to Avatar and don't you just adore this Omatikaya's golden prince? Anyway, liking, commenting, reblogging, and following are greatly appreciated! Can't wait to interact more with Avatar peeps and have moots!𓆩♡𓆪

"See you do this..." your hands skillfully manages to make a small knot on the thin string. "...then you just put another bead." You showed him a little compilation of beads you made.

"Oh," Neteyam replied with a shy giggle. "Ah well, do you mind doing another knot and show it to me?"

It was just another sunny day in Pandora, a day where you get to spend time with Neteyam and just like any other routine, you both do it. It was so simple yet it was the building bricks that established the relationship between you two. It was none a like and it fact, you could say that it was unique just like any other dynamics between lovers.

He would teach you how to use a bow, you would teach him how to do bead works. He would teach you how to hunt, in return you would teach him how to perfect the right beat when playing the drum to sing praises for Eywa. Truth is, he's good at everything and he knows it yet somehow, he finds himself a little happier inside whenever he pretended he's slow or doesn't know and you'll assist him and show your patience and dedication to teach him.

Heck he loves how you would find yourself pouting whenever you sensed that he was playing with you and actually knew the thing. But it didn't matter to you too, you loved every bit of time you spent together and taught each other's ways.

"’Teyam, I do not know if you're joking around with me that you actually know how to make this or you don't really know how to." You looked at him, your back once pressed against his chest straightened as your turned around to face him with a little frown.

Your little movements and that little cute frown your face did made Neteyam soften his gaze as he put the stringed bead he was making to his side and now cupped your left cheek.

"No, I really do not know how to, ma seze (my blue flower)." Tone soft, complimenting his endearing look to you.

Neteyam had this habit to call you in different endearing pet names now he took it to the next level by different fauna or fruits that made him associate it with you. It started out of nowhere but you got a hang of it and honestly, it didn't bother you one bit. It started with 'tiyawn' (love) and at times 'yawntutsyip' (darling) and then 'ma syulang' (my flower) and so on. He even would still call you that whenever his family invited you over or when your parents were around.

He wasn't the shy one to call you such endearing names and it was because he was so sure he adored and loved you in every way and he wanted to show you off.

"Really?"

He chuckled to which he replied, "Really. So, teach me more, okay?"

"'kay," You nod enthusiastically and gave his cheek a small peck. Now your back pressed against his toned chest. You started to keep your hands busy by placing bead after bead slowly forming another knot, making sure it was slow enough so Neteyam could keep up.

Neteyam couldn't ask for more, you're special to him and he wouldn't dare miss any small endearing moments with you. Just like this, you made a man feel complete. Just like this.

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dandelionxbby · 3 months

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nothing hurts like when an fanfic writer promises a fic only to find out they havent posted in 11 months or their next post is I dont write for that fandom anymore

#steve rogers x reader #neteyam x reader #loak x reader #jake sully x reader #bucky barnes x reader #percy jackson x reader #luke castellan x reader #fanfic #atwow fanfiction #avatar fanfiction #harry potter x reader #draco malfoy x reader #simon riley x reader #stu matcher x reader

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lanasblood · 11 months

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HOW DO I MAKE YOU LOVE ME | neteyam x reader

pairing: neteyam x f!omatikaya!reader (no mentions of y/n)

summary: you remember all of your attempts to make Neteyam fall in love with you, using various methods, experiencing numerous failures, and you finally come to a conclusion or the five times you failed to win neteyam’s affection and the one time you succeed.

word count: 10k (!!! damn)

warnings: actually none but let’s say hurt/comfort, reader is a simp, 5+1 prompt, confessing, mutual pining, mention of blood, requited/unrequited love, !!adult neteyam!!, flashbacks to childhood and teenager years

note: inspired by the five love languages and the weeknd’s song mentioned in the title.

* gif‘s not mine.

The soft rustling of the teal leaves falling silently to the ground, as light as an ikran feather, is one of the most soothing sounds heard on the still night. The wind touches them gently, as if caressing them, before whirling them up again in a powerful gust, starting the cycle all over again. The moons stand high in the sky, and the stars sparkle like little gems that can beautify anything. The night is quiet, and the soft breeze seems to calm everything down and lull it into a deep sleep. The bright light of the bioluminescent plants lays gently on the moist meadows, illuminating the darkness. It is like a magical tale, perfect and without blemish. Yet, there is one who can't sleep in this harmonic time: you. With your arms and legs stretched out, you lie on your back, feeling like hours have passed since you started staring at the night sky without moving a muscle. You have even decided to sleep outside your hammock to hear and feel the sound of the wind, hoping to finally sink into the dreamland. But, as you know, this has done little to help.

All because of him. You sigh in annoyance.

For as long as you can remember you've had this crush on the eldest son of the Olo'eyktan, you don't know when you developed it, let alone how it really started. You just know that it might have been cute at first – a nice girl from a small clan who has feelings for the older boy next door, but as time went by, it wasn't cute at all; on the contrary, it robs you of precious sleep and will most likely cause you to age prematurely.

Despite not knowing how and when exactly this crush thing has started, you know that it has gotten worse the more time has passed, and the more time passes, the more failed attempts to get his attention you have behind you. However, there's one event you categorize as time zero - the starting point of your attempts - that you remember vividly:

You were a mere child and couldn't take your eyes off Neteyam, who was only slightly older than you. Confidently clutching the stem of the rare flower you had been searching for days, you made your way through the lush forest, searching for Neteyam. As you thought about the plan you had concocted, your heart beat rapidly in your chest. You had heard from a reliable source that Neteyam was a lover of rare flora, and you hoped that this gift would make him see you in a different light.

When you spotted him in the distance, his tall figure was moving gracefully through the trees. Taking a deep breath, you approached him, holding out the flower to him.

"Hey, Neteyam," you said, trying to sound casual. "I found this and I thought you might like it."

Neteyam stopped in his tracks and turned to look at you, his expression unreadable. You held out the flower a bit higher, hoping to see a glimmer of appreciation in his eyes.

"Thank you," he said simply, slowly taking the flower from your outstretched hand. Looking at the flower now in his hand, the corner of his lips turned upward, causing your heart to flutter.

You told him happily, "It's a very rare flower," beaming a bright smile at him.

And the next thing you knew, you were holding your breath as he bent slightly forward to your height and patted your head in praise, "It seems you're already a careful gatherer, baby neighbor. Keep it up!"

You felt your heart sink faster than a prey could run when he turned and continued on his way, leaving you standing there alone in the forest. You had hoped that your gesture would be enough to make him see you in a different light, but it seemed that it had made no difference at all, or even worse for he had called you the worst possible nickname to exist in all na'vihood.

As you made your way back to the village, you couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment and frustration settling in you, the deep frown on your face mirroring your inner world. You had tried so hard to get Neteyam to notice you, but it seemed that he was simply not interested.

How do I make you love me?

After a few cycles and many more failed attempts in between, you realized that your little crush was not so little after all. Especially after Neteyam passed his Iknimaya at such a young age, your admiration for him grew every day. The feeling was almost unbearable as you found yourself constantly near him but not receiving the acknowledgment you wished for.

That was until one day, you decided to change that because your hormonal teenager brain had this glorious idea to spend some alone time with Neteyam. You had observed that he enjoyed hunting during his free time when he wasn't bound by his duties as the Olo'eyktan's firstborn. This is why you eagerly joined him on his next hunt, determined to impress him with your own hunting and tracking skills. Looking back, you now realize that your confidence may have been misplaced for your skills were basically non-existent at that time, but back then you were convinced that you were able to hunt.

So, you followed Neteyam deep into the forest, crouching right beside him in the underbrush, watching the herd of talioang grazing in the distance. Their blue and orange skin glinted in the sunlight, and you could hear the low rumble of their voices as they communicated with each other.

"Do you thi—" Neteyam's hand swiftly covered your mouth, halting your words before they escaped, his touch gentle yet firm. It was electrifying, sending shivers down your spine. He motioned for you to be quiet and directed your attention towards the herd. As he removed his hand, you couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement in your blood. This was your chance to prove yourself.

Neteyam slowly and silently made his way towards the herd, you right on his track, moving from one piece of cover to another. Your eyes followed every movement of the muscles on his toned back, you felt your heart pounding in your chest, and your palms were slick with sweat. Even though you had never really hunted before, you were determined to succeed but Neteyam's captivating presence proved to be a distraction that made it difficult for you to concentrate on anything else.

As you got closer to the herd, you could feel the adrenaline coursing through your veins. Neteyam signaled for you to stop, and you froze, trying to make yourself as small as possible. He reached out and brushed a twig aside at your feet.

"Watch your steps," he whispered close to your ear, and you could feel the warmth of his breath on your skin, sending shivers down your spine. Your heart raced as you realized how close he was to you, and you wondered if he could hear it pounding in your chest. Longing to feel his lips against your skin, you couldn't help but turn your head slightly towards him, but you knew you couldn't let your desire distract you from the hunt.

"I do," you whispered back. Trying to calm your racing heart, you focused on the task at hand, scanning the ground for anything else that might make noise. But when you moved, you felt Neteyam's body shift slightly against yours, sending another jolt of electricity through you, and you wondered if he felt it too.

"No, you constantly step on something," he told you, still whispering, but voice stern.

Feeling caught because there was a high possibility that he was right for you hadn't paid attention to your surroundings in the last couple of minutes, too busy doting on him, you couldn't find arguments to defend yourself, "I do not."

Neteyam firmly pressed his finger on his own lips, signaling you to be quiet yet again. Your heart beat faster as you met his intense gaze, and you felt a rush of desire wash over you.

"Too much noise," he mouthed, his voice barely audible, and looked back at the herd. Following his gaze, you saw that the talioang had picked up on something, and they were starting to look nervous. You and Neteyam held your breaths, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Suddenly, Neteyam gave the signal, and sprang into action. You just weren't really ready when he gave the signal, so with the first step you took, you stumbled on something growing on the ground and fell over with a short cry. Neteyam who had darted towards the nearest talioang, already drawing his bow and arrow, stopped right in his track when he heard you fall. You looked up at him when he quickly turned to you and then back at the herd but it was too late, the animals already reared up in surprise, and scattered in all directions. However, you were too shocked by your fatal mistake to pay them any attention. You were frozen in place, lying in the dirt, watching Neteyam looking back at you with a slightly agape mouth. The blood rushed to your head and you could hear your heart pounding in your ears.

You ruined it.

Neteyam's disappointment was tangible. You could feel his eyes on you, and you knew that he was angry. You would be, too. Struggling to express your remorse, the words got caught in your throat as you attempted to apologize. The weight of disappointment were heavy on your shoulders, and you couldn't shake off the feeling of letting him down.

After a long, awkward silence, Neteyam turned to you with a deep sigh. "You need to be more careful," he said, "When you're hunting, you have to be aware of everything around you. One mistake can ruin the whole hunt."

You nodded, feeling ashamed, you were sure your face was as purple as a yovo fruit. You had wanted to impress Neteyam, but instead you had embarrassed yourself in front of him, had blown any chance to show him that you were capable.

How do I make you fall for me?

Over time, you learned from your previous mistakes. Wanting to impress him proved to be harder than anticipated, but having a conversation with him was easier than expected. You needed to show him how much you appreciated him for who he was. As a result, you began to pay closer attention to the way he interacted with others, especially his younger brother Lo'ak, and you started to incorporate some of those phrases into your conversations with him.

One bright day, you nervously approached Neteyam, hoping to strike up a conversation with him using your newfound knowledge:

"Hey, Neteyam," you greeted tentatively, "Whatcha doin'?"

You left out the bro on purpose, fearing it would be overkill. Even so, the words coming out of your mouth sounded strange to you, and for him apparently too, as he rapidly looked up from his task upon hearing your voice, and his otherwise neutral face looked at you with a slightly frowned forehead and attentive eyes, studying you for a moment before he was quick to collect himself and greeted you with a slight smile.

"Not much. Tuk asked me to repair this old basket for her," he said, motioning with his hands on the basket between his legs, "And I'm trying."

You nodded, trying not to seem too eager, "That's really kind of you. I bet she'll be thrilled once you finish it," you said with a smile.

Neteyam simply hummed in response and went back to his task, his concentration returning.

"I mean, I would, too. Tuk is very lucky, it must be nice to have a brother like you," you complimented him.

"But you do have a brother," Neteyam reminded you matter-of-factly, "We used to attend the same training sessions so many times."

"Yeah," you continued, feeling your cheeks flush with embarrassment. "But, uh, he is not as skilled as you are." Good save. "And he never did such kind things for me when I was little. The only thing he did was teach me how to fight."

"That's a valuable skill," Neteyam commented.

"Well, what I mean is, he's an ordinary brother, while you are one of a kind, Neteyam. Your siblings are incredibly lucky to have you," you said, emphasizing your point.

Neteyam smiled to himself, his canines slightly showing, as he went back to working on the basket. You couldn't help but feel a flutter in your stomach at the thought of him noticing your flattery.

"I appreciate that," he said, acknowledging your compliment.

After a few minutes of silence, you took a deep breath and you mustered up the courage to ask him a question, "May I say something?"

He looked up at you again and nodded. "Sure, what's on your mind?"

You decided to take the chance, "I just wanted to say that you always seem to know just what to do and say, and that's very impressive. You're responsible, always respectful, and very patient. Not just with me but with everyone in our clan. And I want you to know that I really appreciate it, Neteyam." I appreciate you.

Neteyam's expression softened as he listened to your words. "You have a kind heart to express that," he replied, a hint of a smile still playing at the corner of his lips.

You took a deep breath and continued, "I know you don't share much about your personal life, but if you ever feel comfortable talking about it I would love to learn more about you."

Neteyam's smile reached his eyes. "Thank you, I will keep that in mind."

You felt a warm glow of happiness in your chest as you realized that your words affected him. You were willing to put in the work to get to know him better.

Encouraged by his response, you asked, "So, do you have any concrete plans after your Uniltaron?"

Neteyam's expression faltered a bit upon hearing you mention his upcoming Dream Hunt, he seemed almost reserved all of a sudden. "I do have a few, but they are personal," he replied, "I prefer to keep them to myself."

You felt a pang of disappointment. "Oh, I understand," you said, trying to hide your dejection, "I'm sorry. It was not my place to ask."

"You don't have to apologize," he responded, "But some things are best kept within the family."

"Yeah, I get it," you smiled weakly, feeling like you had hit a wall, "Thanks for talking with me, Neteyam."

He nodded and went back to his task, leaving you feeling deflated and uncertain about how to get closer to him.

How do I make you want me?

The previous attempts to win Neteyam's attention had proven unsuccessful: The gifts you gave him didn't have the desired effect, your attempts to impress him by spending time with him backfired (you want to forget that memory of the hunt so badly), and the conversations you had with him remained superficial, never delving deeper into meaningful topics. It was clear that you needed a new approach, a fresh idea to capture his interest which brought you back to point zero.

You walked through the forest, scanning the undergrowth for any signs of the flowers you had been studying for quite some time – the kind you gifted Neteyam when you were little. It turns out that the rare flower wasn't that rare after all, it only bloomed a short time a cycle, which is what made it so valuable. However, if they were dried and powdered, very useful medicines could be made. At some point you had started collecting this flower, as well as other herbs and plants for Tsahìk, and in return she had taught you how to make rich creams and pastes from them. And you could also consume this flower in meals if you let it cook over the fire for a long time. Pondering if it would evoke nostalgia within Neteyam, while you plucked them carefully from the ground, you wondered if he ever remembered the day you gave him that flower in the first place.

Gathering a variety of edible flowers, aromatic herbs, and other nourishing ingredients from the village, you spent all morning helping the women in your clan prepare a wholesome and delicious meal for the warriors. In anticipation of Neteyam's training session, you decided to take this thoughtful approach to show your support and care.

As the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, you volunteered to bring the full basket of handmade food wraps and lovely cut fruits to the training area.

The warriors were engrossed in their practice, their movements fluid and powerful. You scanned the crowd, searching for Neteyam among them.

Spotting him in the midst of the intense training session, his lean muscles glistening with sweat under the warm sun, you couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration. His movements were powerful and precise, each strike displaying his skill as a warrior. His strength and determination did something to you, feeling a magnetic pull towards him.

Balancing the basket of food in your hands, you approached the outskirts of the training area, careful not to interrupt the warriors' focus. You set up a blanket and arranged the food on it attractively. Your intention was not only to impress Neteyam but to show your support for the entire group.

"I swear, Eywa send you here," you heard someone say next to you, a bit out of breath, while impatient hands reached into the basket and helped you place the food, "I'm starving!"

"Lo'ak, are you allowed to end your training like this?" You questioned, and turned your head in the direction of the warriors — the training was obviously still in full swing, but it was precisely then that you met Neteyam's gaze who was already looking over at you, a mixture of surprise and curiosity evident in his eyes.

"Not really but it smells so good, I'm ready to be skinned for these delici— Oh, I'm taking this one, yeah?" He started unwrapping one of the food wraps and hastily bit into it.

"Hey, wait for the others!" you admonished him, but his wrap was already half eaten.

"Mm, das bom!" you heard him smack loudly, "S'rusly, yur da best."

"I'm glad," you responded, suppressing a laugh. Lo'ak acted like he hadn't eaten in days.

Noticing the spread of food, the warriors collectively ended the training session, and the men started approaching the nourishing dishes, including freshly grilled meats, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful herbs.

Sensing an opportunity, you went towards Neteyam, a food wrap in your hand, and a warm smile gracing your lips. "I thought I would spare you the long way, in case you're starving like your brother," you joked, gesturing with your head towards Lo'ak behind you, who was taking two more food wraps and calling dips on the rawp.

Neteyam's gaze shifted from the feast you had prepared to the food in his hands and then at you. His gaze lingered on you for a moment longer than necessary, and a soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"That's thoughtful of you," he replied, his voice carrying a subtle warmth, "It's been an intense training session, and this is a welcome surprise."

You stepped back, allowing him to enjoy the meal with his fellow warriors. Observing from a distance, you noticed the camaraderie and laughter that emerged as they gathered around the spread of food, indulging in the flavors that were carefully crafted.

Throughout the meal, you found yourself drawn to Neteyam's presence. The way he spoke with passion about his experiences, the way he listened attentively to others, and the way his eyes sparkled with a hidden depth — all of it only fueled your growing attraction.

As the training session continued, you lingered nearby, engaging in conversations with other warriors, offering encouragement and companionship. While your initial intention was to impress Neteyam, you found joy in connecting with the community as a whole, so much you almost didn't realize that the day's training had come to an end.

"Thank you for the meal and your company," Neteyam said softly as he walked next to you back to the village, carrying the basket for you with a genuine smile gracing his face. "It meant a lot to all of us."

Your cheeks warmed at his words, "I didn't do much, the others—"

"You are here, that alone is more than enough."

You nodded, a sense of satisfaction washing over you. "I'm glad I could contribute," your voice was filled with sincerity, "Supporting you and the clan is important to me."

A surge of hope welled up inside you, but as the conversation continued, you couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. Despite your efforts, the romantic tension you had hoped for seemed to elude you. The conversation remained pleasant yet distant, and it became clear that Neteyam saw you more as a friend than a potential partner. With a heavy heart, you realized that your attempt to catch his interest had once again fallen short.

And make it last eternally?

For quite some time now, you have firmly believed that you have left those days behind you, imprisoned in childhood memories, overlapped by numerous teenage embarrassments. After all, now you are an adult with serious duties and commitments to attend to, and there's neither time nor room for such childish infatuations. Crushing on the future Olo'eyktan. Please. Plus, once you found out how many other girls in your clan, both older and younger than you, adored him, you figured it is best to move on. You were frustrated at times, but you resolved to carry on, cherishing the friendship you shared with Neteyam while silently letting go of your unrequited feelings. At least, that's what you thought...

… until three eclipses ago.

Mere moments before the eclipse, the all-too-familiar soft light danced in the room, casting a golden hue that revealed the tiniest pollen floating around inside Tsahìk's crowded tent. It had been a long time since so many people had been injured at once, yet no one was ready to explain or report what had happened.

As two new figures entered the tent, one of them supporting the other, you heard a familiar voice speaking calmly, "Focus on not getting blood all over grandmother's tent rather than worrying about my wounds."

"Nah, I'm just- Ouch! Careful, bro!"

"Sorry, brother, but you have to cooperate with me here," Neteyam uttered while carefully helping Lo'ak onto the mat made of woven grasses that Kiri had prepared for them with blankets.

"I'm just saying—Ahh," Lo'ak hissed as Neteyam applied pressure to his open wound with his bare hands, while Kiri hastily tied together any available cloths for his wound care. "-it's not very mighty of you, you know."

"What is not very mighty of him?" Kiri wanted to know, now taking over and applying pressure to his wound as well to stop the bleeding. As you shifted to Kiri's side, you handed her more cloths that she could wrap around Lo'ak's leg.

"His wounds, of course," Lo'ak grinned when he saw you and gave his older brother another amused sideways glance, before continuing, "but I'm sure he will be in great hands now. Right, bro?"

Just a quick glance at Lo'ak was enough to see that he was far worse off than Neteyam. While his wounds did not appear to be life-threatening, he was bleeding profusely from his thigh.

Tsahìk had already rushed to the four of you, throwing a disapproving look at Lo'ak, "Oh, my boy, let me have a look." With her expertise, she quickly got the situation under control, ordering Kiri to get more cloths while you stood by her side to assist her.

"My child, attend to his wounds," Tsahìk instructed you, but to your surprise she nodded towards Neteyam instead of Lo'ak as she pushed a bowl of fresh water into your hands. "My granddaughter and I can handle this young clumsy man here." Her stern gaze was once again fixed on Lo'ak, who, in turn, only grinned at her.

"Grandmother," Neteyam began soothingly, ready to protest, "there is no need to—" but her piercing eyes silenced him, causing him to follow you wordlessly to the other side of the tent.

And that's how you found yourself sitting in front of Neteyam, tending to his wounds with the gentle touch of your hands, caring for each cut and bruise.

"You need to be more careful," you said softly, breaking the comfortable silence as you wrung the cloth in the water that had already turned a muddy reddish color.

"I'm content with the present circumstances," he replied, his voice laced with a touch of amusement. You gave him a sarcastic look, which he reciprocated with a warm smile.

"Well, I suppose then you'll be content with this as well." Pressing the damp cloth into his hand, you stood up and leisurely made your way to Tsahìk's supplies to fetch some healing ointments, and you took your time doing so.

Upon your return, Neteyam watched you attentively, his eyes tracing your every movement, and you wondered if he had been watching you the whole time. There was a newfound curiosity in his gaze, a glimmer of something more.

"My words came out wrong," he said when you sat back on the ground in front of him. The air was filled with a mix of anticipation and unspoken emotions, a subtle tension hanging between you. "You're right, I should be more careful. I always strive to be. It's just that there's little one can do in the face of an ambush."

"An ambush?" you asked with big eyes, "Oh, Great Mother! That's what everyone's been trying to conceal. And I was wondering the whole time what could've possibly happened to cause so many injuries."

"They probably didn't want to cause an uproar." You listened to his words, sensing the weight they carried. The mention of an ambush brought back memories of past dangers and harrowing encounters. The gravity of their lives was never far from their thoughts, and you understood the weight that rested on Neteyam's shoulders.

"You don't always have to be the strong one, Neteyam," you said softly, voice carrying reassurance, when you continued cleaning the cut on his chest, noticing that he tried not to wince under your touch, "It's alright to lean on others, to let them care for you."

A flicker of emotion danced across his face, a fleeting moment of vulnerability before he regained his composure. His hand reached out to touch yours resting on his chest above his heart, the contact gentle yet charged with unspoken emotions.

"Thank you," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, and in that moment it felt like the boundaries between healer and wounded blurred, "Thank you for being here, for tending to me." His eyes locked with yours, an unspoken promise passing between you, turning your cheeks in a light purply color.

"Now," you cleared your throat with the intention of changing the subject, fervently hoping that he wouldn't notice your flushed cheeks, "here comes the actual healing part."

Gently, you dipped your fingers into the jar of ointment, scooping out a generous amount. With deliberate movements, you applied the soothing balm to his wounds, careful not to cause any further discomfort. The ointment glided smoothly, creating a soothing sensation that seemed to envelop him in a healing embrace.

"What I meant before is that I am glad that you are the one taking care of me," you smiled upon hearing those words, feeling his gaze on you as you concentrated on his upper body. A gentle warmth radiated from his wounds as your fingertips grazed his skin, mingling with the tender touch of your hands. The ointment possessed a subtle fragrance, hinting at the natural remedies it held within.

As you continued to apply the ointment, your fingers delicately tracing the contours of his chest, exploring the intricate landscape of his injuries, a comfortable silence settled between you. The rhythm of your ministrations became a quiet conversation, a wordless understanding of care and compassion. With every gentle caress, a subtle shiver passed through him, a reaction that spoke of both vulnerability and an underlying trust in your touch. There was a closeness in this shared moment, a connection forged through the tender act of healing.

Neteyam's gaze remained fixed on you, his eyes revealing a depth of gratitude and something more profound. It was as if the vulnerability of his wounds had peeled away a layer, exposing a vulnerability of the heart. The strength he embodied as a warrior was softened in this vulnerable space, allowing a snippet into the depths of his mind and soul.

"It never stings when you patch me up, why?" Neteyam asked, his voice laced with wonder, tilting his head slightly.

"The secret is to mix yalnabark with 'omsyul," you replied, your voice gentle yet filled with a hint of playfulness.

"Care to share this secret with my grandmother? And Kiri, too?" Neteyam's request was teasing but also genuine, and you couldn't help but be touched by his thoughtfulness.

"Actually, Kiri is the one who taught me this," you admitted, a fondness in your voice.

Neteyam's forehead furrowed slightly, "Then why does it always burn when she patches me up?"

With a twinkle in your eyes, you playfully suggested, "Sibling love?"

A mischievous smile curved his lips. "Or perhaps your touch is blessed by Eywa?" His words hung in the air, filled with a newfound flirtation that took you by surprise.

"Oh, come on now, exaggerate much, do you?" you responded, attempting to brush off his words with a hint of irony, not fully realizing the impact they had on you.

Undeterred by your sarcastic retort, Neteyam looked deeply into your eyes, his voice filled with sincerity and a touch of vulnerability. "The caress of your hand weaves a tapestry of enchantment, casting a spell that captivates my very soul."

His words echoed in your mind, resonating with a blend of tender affection and longing. You wished he had said those words when you were younger and so in love with him, meaning every syllable coming from his kissable lips. What you would have given to hear him say it.

A blush spread across your cheeks as you struggled to find the right words to respond. The air around you seemed charged with electricity, the tension between you both palpable.

"You said I should exaggerate," Neteyam added, a witty glint in his eyes, as if to remind you of your earlier banter.

Your younger self would have etched his previous words into a tree to make them eternal — words you longed to hear from your crush, words that felt like a dream.

"Crush?" he asked with interest, and your eyes widened with the realization that you had spoken your thoughts aloud. "On whom?"

"Um," a jumble of thoughts flooded your mind at once, too late for an excuse, "You?"

Your confession left him momentarily speechless, and your heart pounded in your chest.

It's in the past, so it's okay to admit it, you told yourself, trying to calm down a bit.

"You have a crush on me?"

"Had," you corrected quickly.

"You had a crush on me?" he asked again, as if needing confirmation. It seemed to sweep him off his feet, a revelation he hadn't expected.

"Everyone did, everyone does," you confessed, trying to downplay the significance.

"Everyone except you?"

You shrugged, unsure how to answer, "I guess I'm… over it."

"Why?" he inquired.

"Come on, Neteyam," you sighed, trying to mask the bitterness in your voice, "don't act like you didn't know."

"I swear by Eywa this is news to me… I have never…" he hesitated briefly with his words, "It doesn't even make sense."

Make sense?

"Don't make me regret telling you," you said, your voice tinged with frustration, "It's not about making sense, and it's not a big deal either, don't you agree?"

"Yes, but I try to understand."

"What is there to understand?"

"Why would you even crush on me in the first place?"

Oh.

"You're right," you tightly gripped the cloth, forcing a smile, "why would I."

Even though you reluctantly admitted it, it hurt you and scratched at your ego. You were now more than grateful to have never openly communicated your feelings. As an adult, you could handle it, but you know exactly that this reaction would have devastated your childhood self. You were not accustomed to this insensitivity from Neteyam, considering he always maintained a noble and respectable demeanor. This showed you even more how repulsive the idea of having you by his side was to him.

"Also, I'm sorry," you turned around in a swing, your voice filled with sadness, disappointment, and above all, anger—anger at him for acting like a skxawng and anger at yourself for being a skxawng by confiding in him, "that the thought of me being attracted to you disgusts you so much. It won't happen again, rest your mind."

He seemed lost for words, blinking once, twice, and opening his mouth only to close it again, processing your words. Part of you yearned for him to say something, to prove you wrong, but nothing came. His gaze lingered on you for a long moment, altering between your eyes, the unspoken words hanging in the air.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm needed elsewhere," you said, your voice tinged with resignation. You prepared to turn away, ready to retreat from the turmoil of the moment. But just as you began to pivot, a sudden, gentle grip on your arm stopped you in your tracks. It was Neteyam, his touch both unexpected and tender.

In that instant, conflicting emotions surged within you, caught between the instinct to push him away and the captivating gaze that held your attention. Without uttering a single word, he drew you closer, wrapping you in a tight embrace that left you completely defenseless, your body momentarily frozen in surprise against his bare skin.

Your initial response was to resist, your mind still reeling from the whirlwind of confusion. Yet, as his arms enveloped you, a scent as enchanting as the forest's vibrant essence and the serenity of sacred woods wafted into your consciousness. It was a harmonious blend that stirred your senses, mingling the fragrant allure of nature with the grounding whispers of sandalwood.

Inhaling deeply, the captivating aroma cast a spell upon you, dissolving the remnants of anger and frustration that had once consumed your thoughts like a distant memory as he held you firmly in his strong arms, the warmth of his body seeping into your very core.

In this suspended moment, time appeared to lose its grip as the only audible sounds were the rhythm of your synchronized breaths and the rhythmic beat of your hearts.

"I'm sorry too," you heard him whisper in your hair as he pulled away from you and left the tent, leaving you confused.

It was in that moment, surrounded by the fading light and the soft whispers of the forest outside the tent, that you realized the painful truth: nothing would be the same between you and Neteyam because

no matter what you did, you would never be able to make him love you.

And exactly this is the reason of your sleepless nights, which is why, in the middle of your melancholic nostalgia, you decided to take a little walk to the lake nearby to pass the time until daybreak which leads you to the lake. You currently sit on a mossy tree stump above the shimmering water allowing your feet to hang freely just above the glistening surface of the lake, instead of sleeping safe and sound like the rest of the village. The purples, greens, and yellows of the bioluminescent flora and fauna smile at you but you fail to smile back. Your heart heavy with a mix of emotions and your mind full of questions, you try not to think of more memories, each one feeling like a dagger, piercing your already fragile heart.

You try to understand, yet it's difficult for you.

After so many failed attempts and moments of acceptance in between, he still manages to confuse you with his mixed signals. The moment, when he hugged you, replays relentlessly in your thoughts as if burned in your mind, a vivid recollection that carries the weight of his proximity, the tempting linger of his scent, and the electric touch that ignited a fierce tension within you. It was an encounter that left an indelible mark, an irresistible dance between desire and restraint, etching itself into the deepest recesses of your longing soul.

You groan into your hands. You want to hate him. So much.

Three eclipses have come and gone since then, way too much time to think between that and the part where you made the decision to distance yourself from Neteyam. This time for real. You wake up earlier than everyone else, dedicating yourself to your work, skipping communal meals and shared gatherings entirely. You complete your tasks and retreat back to your home, like a ghost in the clan, yet living unscathed within your own space, seeking solace in the sanctuary of solitude.

Almost every hour, you find yourself battling with conflicting emotions. On one hand, you long to see him, to be in his presence, and to feel that familiar connection. But on the other hand, you remember his last words and the way he looked at you when he learned about your past feelings. Distance will be best for the both of you. The ache in your heart hasn't subsided, but you know the step is necessary for your own well-being, it's a shield you've built to preserve what little strength remains within you.

Yesterday, your changed behavior was noticed by Tsahik, so she confronted you directly, but she neither questioned you nor expected any form of explanation. Her words still echo in your mind, partly because forgetting the moment will be difficult with the way she looked at you with her kind eyes, as if understanding the depths of your heartache.

"My child," she laid her hand gently on your shoulder, her voice carrying the wisdom of the ages, "Sometimes the tides do not turn in the way we hope but that does not diminish the beauty of the love within your heart. Always remember that Eywa has woven the threads of affection and devotion. Thus, have trust that the stars will align one day, for love, in all its form, is a gift to cherish."

The words resonate deep within your soul, as you sit by the tranquil water, the soft glow of the plants casting an ethereal light around you, a gentle breeze rustles through the verdant foliage. In these moments of isolation, you reflect on the times you've spent with Neteyam, the moments that sparked the flame of attraction within you. You question whether those were genuine or merely figments of your imagination, the doubts swirling in your mind, clouding your judgment and feeding your insecurities.

The stars above seem to mirror the twinkle in your eyes, a bittersweet reminder of the unfulfilled desire for you can't comprehend why your heart continues to long for him despite your mind trying to move on. Your thoughts are deep in contemplation when—

"Can we talk?" The voice startles you, and you flinch sharply, almost letting out a scream. Your heart pounds heavily in your chest, the fright taking hold of you. Quickly, you turn around, only to see that out of everyone, Neteyam approaches you, his figure blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," a crooked smile forms on his lips.

You look up, meeting his gaze with a guarded expression, unsure of what to expect from this encounter. His presence catches you off guard, causing your heart to skip another beat. The sight of him stirs a mix of emotions within you—longing, uncertainty, fear, but also a flicker of hope.

"You didn't," you lie, your voice tinged with coldness.

He nods his head towards the space beside you, "May I?"

Neteyam's eyes hold a certain earnestness, a silent plea for understanding. You just shrug your shoulders, and he interprets it as a yes. He takes a seat beside you, his movements graceful and measured, his tail gently swaying in the air, your shoulders and thighs nearly touching.

The silence between you is tense, charged with unspoken words and residual feelings. You let your feet dangle above the water. As you wiggle your toes, you feel a gentle coolness from the air mingling with the refreshing touch of the water below.

He clears his voice, "I've noticed your absence these past few days."

"Oh?" Your ears perk up with curiosity, surprised that he has noticed, "I was busy."

"You were missing from the meal servings as well," he notes, his words carrying a hint of concern.

"Yeah, I haven't had much of an appetite lately," you reply, sounding detached.

You aren't sure if you have misheard, but it seems like Neteyam has whispered softly to himself, "Me neither," although it can also be your mind playing tricks on you.

"You see, I, uh..." he pauses, seemingly struggling to find the right words which is so unusual for him, "Can I speak openly with you?"

"Don't you always?" Your voice still laced with a hint of coldness.

"Indeed," you noticed from the corner of your eye a brief tension in his hands that gradually relaxes, "I just wanted to let you know that there is no need for you to feel obligated to skip communal gatherings because of me."

You can't help but scoff at that, however, he remains undeterred by your reaction.

"It's okay if you don't want to see me — I will keep my distance if that is what you want, but, please, don't avoid the clan in an attempt to avoid me. Don't isolate yourself."

"Funny," you say bitterly, your gaze still on the water, "that you think you have that much power over me."

"That's not what I wanted to say, it's—"

"It's fine, Neteyam," you interrupt him, turning your head to him, your jaw clenched, "I get it. If the future Olo'eyktan says so, I'll comply. See you at the morning meal."

You attempt to get up, but he gently grasps your wrist, halting your movement.

"I can sense that something has changed between us, and it weighs heavily on my heart," his voice carries a hint of vulnerability.

"Things change," you respond as he loosens his grip, but you refrain from attempting to get up again, waiting for the conversation to end, "Is there anything else?"

"Yes," he shifts, causing your thighs to briefly brush against each other, "I've had time to reflect on our last conversation."

"Actually, let's not—" you try to interrupt him, but this time he doesn't let your words stop him.

"Let me say this one thing and after that you don't have to talk to me again."

You meet his gaze, which is filled with honesty and a touch of guilt. You nod and look at him, noticing how he rubs his hands on his thighs and takes a deep breath.

"I was caught off guard," he admits, his voice softer now, "When we talked, I mean; and when I learned that you used to feel an affection for me — I didn't handle it well. I'm sorry for the way I reacted and for the pain I may have caused you."

You remain silent for a few seconds remembering the unpleasant conversation from last time, before you speak, "We don't have to talk about it, it's okay."

"No, it's not okay!" You notice the tension in his muscles. "You see," he takes a deep breath, "I didn't understand why you would crush on me."

"You made that very clear," you remark.

"I regret my poor choice of words, and for any offense it may have caused. I immediately noticed that my words had an impact on you, but I was too overwhelmed to correct myself in the moment," he admits, a hint of regret in his voice, "Please know that the idea of you being attracted to me never has and never will disgust me," his eyes lock with yours as his voice gets quieter when he adds, "It scares me."

Upon hearing that, your features soften slightly, a flicker of empathy crossing your face, and the question leaves your mouth before you can think about it, "Why?"

Now he's the one shrugging, "Everyone has their own doubts and fears."

You're not satisfied with that response, and you want him to open up to you for which you are willing to meet him halfway. So you begin an attempt to make him elaborate on his statement, "I'm scared of many things." you watch him intently as you speak, "Accidentally plucking poisonous plants instead of the usual herbs, falling down the hallelujah mountains, being eaten alive by nantangs." And most of all, rejection. "I can't help but wonder what fears could reside within a mighty warrior like yourself."

His mouth twitches slightly upwards when you say that, but is quickly replaced by a neutral expression. "The possibility of someone seeing through my façade," Neteyam admits sighing, his voice laced with a mix of confusion and self-reflection, "Of someone truly knowing me," he holds your gaze, a certain vulnerability in them, "That terrifies me."

You are left speechless, completely caught off guard by his answer.

"But," you stammer, trying to find the right words to express your thoughts, "you're Neteyam, you're... perfect in everything you do. I never considered the possibility that you might have these thoughts."

He shakes his head, disagreeing. "No, definitely not, I am far off from being perfect. That's why I couldn't understand why you would have feelings for me," he confesses, vulnerability shining in his gaze. "Because I never saw myself the way you did. But maybe, just maybe, this is why I've been blind to the possibility of something more between us."

"If you're only here to make me feel better about myself..." you start, your voice trailing off.

"No," he groans in frustration. "That's not it."

"Then what is it?"

He chuckles at your reaction, "I get nervous when you look at me that way."

"What do you mean?" You are the one getting nervous because of his statement for he doesn't look nervous at all, on the contrary, he looks very relaxed and almost overconfident.

"Yeah, can't you tell my hands are all sweaty?" he lets you know with a smirk while he studies your face.

"Neteyam," you blink in confusion, "Are you okay?"

"You're not listening," he sighs, his smile dropping slightly.

"Then talk openly," you urge impatiently.

He takes a deep breath and looks you directly in the eyes. "I've come to realize that you mean more to me than just a friend."

Your features falter and your eyes widen, as the realization dawns upon you that your feelings have not been unrequited after all. "No."

"I have a crush on you, too," he whispers euphorically, confirming your thoughts.

"No, Neteyam, not now," you shake your head quickly, your mind filled with way too many thoughts and too much confusion. Instantly, you stand up as if stung by an insect, trying to maintain your composure.

"It didn't start now, it was always there," he admits, standing up as well, now towering over you and studying your face and your reaction again. "But I fear that I've missed my chance. And now, it seems like it's too late."

Ignoring his words entirely, you fixate your serious gaze on him, "You can't do this to me."

"What?" he blinks, seeming to comprehend your words, "Why?" his gaze momentarily shifts from one eye to the other with a swift glance, reflecting his confusion.

"Because all my life, I did everything to try to make you notice me. I went beyond my comfort zone, I did everything I could. But from you," You look at him, gesturing towards his entire figure as if the reason were obvious, "there was nothing. Not one single acknowledgment from you. I accepted it. I moved on. I made peace with the thought of just knowing you and supporting what is good for you," You find yourself almost breathless, your words tumbling out rapidly, but each one carries sincere meaning. "You can't come now, years later, and pretend that you have a crush on me. I can't go through that again."

He takes a step forward, clearly taken aback by your outburst. "I... I'm not pretending to—"

"And I'm so tired," you interrupt him, your voice faltering, "Now that I've finally let go of you, you can't say things like this."

"Let go?" he repeats, his voice filled with disbelief, "Of me?"

"Yes, Neteyam," you persist firmly. "Let go of you. I don't want you anymore."

The night air feels heavy with unspoken regrets and unfulfilled desires as the silence underlines the shared acknowledgment of the chasm that has opened between you. Neteyam's expression shifts from disappointment to determination, a flicker of hope dancing in his eyes. "How do I make you love me, then?"

It feels ironic that he's asking you that question, considering you used to be the one who always wondered how you could make him love you whenever you saw him. You groan in frustration, feeling overwhelmed by conflicting emotions.

"I worked so hard to accept things as they are. That is not fair, Neteyam." A mix of sadness and anger can be heard in your voice.

"Please listen," he pleads, reaching out to touch your arm. You close your eyes, turning your head away. "I've been blind to your feelings, consumed by my own worries and obligations, and I didn't see what was right in front of me, hurting you in the process. I'm sorry I caused you pain. If I had known sooner…"

"What then?" you interrupt, your voice filled with bitterness. "Do you think everything would magically change, and we'd be deeply in love with a family of our own by now?"

Neteyam pauses for a moment, processing your words, and a hopeful smile crosses his face. "Yes, that's a possibility."

You groan in exasperation and attempt to push him away, your frustration boiling over. "No, Neteyam. I can't keep living in this cycle of uncertainty."

As you push him away from you, your heart heavy, you walk away with determined steps, wanting to bring as much distance between him and you as possible.

"I love you!" he shouts after you, causing you to freeze in your tracks and turn around in utter shock. "I love you. And if that's not enough, then so be it. But I would rather be damned than let you go now, heading who knows where in the middle of the night. If you don't want me, I won't approach you, I won't come near. But don't run away from me."

Desperation visible in his voice, his words reach deep into your heart; the intensity echoing in the air, leaving a profound impact on both of you.

"I've been waiting for your love for far too long," you respond bitterly.

Taking cautious steps in your direction, trying to close the physical and emotional distance between you, he asks, "Why waste more time?" It feels as if an invisible force draws you together, intertwining your fates in this pivotal moment but you remain stubborn, too exhausted and clouded from the painful burn in your heart.

"I don't want you," you declare, the words slipping out uncertainly, as if trying to convince both him and yourself.

"Then look me in the eyes when you say those words," he challenges, his voice stern, gaze unwavering.

"I don't want you," you repeat, louder this time, trying to emphasize your resolve. However, instead of looking into his eyes, your gaze fixates on his face, tracing the patterns of his glowing freckles that your mind has memorized long ago.

The moonlight bathes the scene in a gentle gleam, and you both stare at each other in complete silence, the space between you filled with suffocating tension.

A knowing smile suddenly forms on his lips. "I don't believe you."

"I don't want you, Neteyam!" you exclaim, raising your voice even more, repeating the words over and over, in a desperate attempt to convince him, "I don't want you, I don't want you, I don't want you!"

He studies you intently for another moment, his eyes filled with hope.

"Your tail gives you away," he says triumphantly, his smile growing. And that's when you finally let go of your suppressed emotions. Your lower lip begins to tremble, and before you know it, you find yourself in his warm embrace, his strong arms pulling you impossibly closer to him.

"I want you," you confessed against his chest, your voice barely audible and filled with so much vulnerability, "After everything, I still want you."

"Shh, you have me," he whispers, his voice soothing and reassuring.

You sob, the weight of your emotions finally breaking free, and he tenderly pats your head, his fingers gliding through your hair. His touch brings a sense of calmness to your racing heart and gently dries your tears.

"I'll make up for all the time lost, I promise," his voice reaches your ear, soft and full of sincerity.

His words continue to soothe you, and at one point, he hums a faint melody that resonates deep within you, gradually bringing an end to your sobs.

"Do you recall the day you asked about my plans after my Dream Hunt, and I hesitated to provide an answer?" He asks after you calm down, his voice carrying an infinite sense of solace.

Your arms still around him, you nod against his chest, every word of that conversation etched into your mind.

"That day," he continues, "I have sworn to myself to admire your eternal beauty from afar, to cherish your body, mind, and soul until the end of my days," he whispers softly in your hair, "with the hope that one day I will hold you close and claim you as my very own."

You take a deep breath, feeling overwhelmed by his words and the emotions swirling within you. Slowly, you lift your head from his chest, your teary eyes meeting his with awe.

"I... I never imagined you felt this way," you whisper, your voice hoarse and fragile from your sobs. "To think that you've carried these feelings for me all this time, it's... I don't know what to say."

"Interesting," he comments, eyes with a gleam, lips playful, "You were just as oblivious to my feelings as I was to yours, so I guess that makes us even." A mischievous bunny-like smile plays across his face, transforming him into the youthful version of himself that you have fallen deeply in love with, no longer the mighty warrior following in the footsteps of the great Toruk Makto, but the young man who has captured your heart long ago.

You can feel tears welling up in your eyes again, overwhelmed by the weight of his words and the intensity of your own emotions. With a shaky breath, you reach to your waist, gently intertwining your fingers with his.

In the warmth of his arms, you find solace for your burning heart. His arms hold you tightly, offering a sense of intimate security that you've always wished for. But then, something shifts.

The intensity of your emotions begins to wane, and as you look up at him through tear-filled eyes, you see his gaze fixed upon you with unwavering love, trying to read you as he cups your face with his large hands. His thumb gently brushes away a lingering tear on your cheek, his touch delicate against your skin. A soft, affectionate smile graces his lips as he leans forward and presses a gentle kiss against the place where your tear was mere seconds ago. The sweetness of the gesture stirs your heart, a silent affirmation of his loving nature. He continues to kiss away your tears, each touch a soothing balm to your wounded soul.

A powerful desire burns between you then, as his soft lips linger near yours. His eyes meet yours again, seeking permission, and you respond with a silent nod. Right then and there, the world around you fades into the background, and all that matters is the connection you share. With a surge of passion, his lips meet yours in a fervent kiss, the longing coming to an end, hearts intertwined.

The tender touch of his lips against yours feels like an electric jolt that sends shivers down your spine. You both pull back slowly from the passionate kiss, breathless yet connected. Your eyes meet, gazing into each other with a depth of love that words can never describe.

His eyes hold unwavering sincerity as he caresses your cheek with his thumb. "You've captured my heart in ways I can't fully express," he confesses, his voice filled with affection. "And if you'll allow me, I want to show you every day how deeply I love you."

A deep blue blush tints your cheeks as you struggle to find the right words to respond. He doesn't seem to mind as a soft smile spreads across his face. He leans in, his forehead resting against yours, adoring the tranquil moment between two souls.

Enjoying each other's presence and your newfound attraction and happiness, you spend the rest of the night hand in hand wandering around mindlessly, exchanging loving gazes, talking about everything and sweet nothing's at once like two fools in love.

"Do you remember that day?" You hear him ask cheerfully as his free hand wanders to the songcord attached to his loincloth. You follow his movement and your eyes widen as you recognize the dried petals, intricately woven into one of the beads. "It was so unconventional, going against tradition. Who has ever seen a girl giving a flower to a boy? No one. But you didn't care. You were true to yourself, and you gifted me your favorite flower, and it meant so much more than just a little gesture."

Taking aback by his words and the bittersweet memory you can't help but smile widely as you inspect his songcord but confusion grazes your face at the same time.

"Wait—What do you mean? Lo'ak told me it's your favorite flower."

"No, he told me it's your favorite."

"Well, it became my favorite after I learned that it's yours."

A boisterous laugh escapes him as he throws his head back, his chest almost vibrating, and it is so contagious that you can't help but join in, the air filled with heartfelt laughter.

"It's gonna cause quite a scandal, but Lo'ak definitely deserves a good punch when he wakes up." You laughed, knowing that he meant that half-heartedly.

He delicately cradles your hand back in his, your fingers intertwining as he brings them up, his lips softly brushing against your knuckles in a loving kiss. The touch sends a warmth through your body.

"Speaking of scandals," you say sheepishly as you reluctantly let go of his hand, "maybe it's better not to enter our village hand in hand just yet?"

He chuckles at your suggestion.

"Maybe," he agrees, his eyes filled with adoration, his face leaning slightly forward, "Can I have one last kiss before that?"

You look at him challengingly, he mirrors your expression, a playful glint in his eyes, coming closer to your face.

Your lips almost touching for the second time this night, you whisper, "Only if you catch me."

With that, you run off, your heart blooming with excitement, and his laughter follows you through the enchanting forest as the sun rises, casting its warm rays across the sky, and you know that the future holds nothing but love for the both of you.

for anyone asking, neteyam does in fact catch you and gets his kiss(es) <3 thank you for reading, liking, commenting, reblogging 🤍 btw, what is your love language? 💕

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teyamsatan · 1 year

Note

Okay imagine this. Neteyam and reader having a moment and get interrupted my tuk. Of course her being little doesn't know what she saw. Until its dinner time and she brings it up . Out loud ....infront of the entire clan.

i would actually die if this happened to me ngl

enjoy anonnie x

wc: 500 words

Na'vi words used: yawne - beloved, prrnen - baby, sa'nok - mother, tskmuke - sister

"Baby, you have to keep it down, people are going to hear you."

"Let them hear, yawne. What's wrong with everyone hearing how good you fuck me every night?"

Famous last words.

Suffice it to say you were mortified. It's not everyday your baby sister... or Neteyam's baby sister, in fact, but at this point, she might as well be yours... walks in on you... doing things... things that no child should ever see, things that no adult should ever have to explain to a child, things that were so beyond what you could reasonably justify. To be fair, though, the flap of the tent was closed, and it was the middle of the night, and you were making noises that pretty much every other human being over the age of like 15 would be able to gauge for what they were and keep a respectable distance. But Tuk... sweet Tuk, innocent Tuk, the-cutest-pie-to-ever-live Tuk, she was attracted by the noises that she thought were indicative of you being in pain. That, in addition to the fact she was rudely awoken by Lo'ak's incessant snores again and felt she would fare better sleeping in your tent, led to this horrifying moment of blind panic and haphazard movements, trying to untangle your limbs and cover your bodies in sheets and blankets.

"Are you alright?"

"Oh, my God, Tuk! What are you doing here, baby?"

"I thought you were hurt, you were screaming!"

Neteyam couldn't help the burst of laughter that escaped him, and neither could you help the scowl that you sent in his direction.

"Oh, baby. I'm alright, I just had a... cramp. Neteyam was on top of me because he was... helping me... massage the spot where it hurt."

The next morning, you forcefully placed a pack of nose strips that you stole from Norm in Lo'ak's hand.

"Here. Use them."

"Why?"

"Because your snoring will bring this family to its knees."

Lo'ak raised an eyebrow at your annoyed disposition.

"You don't even sleep in the same tent as us."

"Yes, but Tuk does. And she can't sleep because of you."

"Yes! I had to sleep in brother and sister's tent last night because of you, Lo'ak!"

You looked at Neteyam from the corner of your eye, praying that the conversation ends there.

"Oh, ma prrnen, did you sleep well at least?" Neytiri came close and knelt by her baby's side, patting her head affectionately.

"Not that well, sa'nok. I was worried for tsmuke since I didn't want another cramp to hurt her, she was in a lot of pain when I came in. But whatever Neteyam was doing on top of her seemed to help, so I thought I could help too if she had another cramp."

You groaned, feeling an actual cramp coming when all the heads in the room snapped in your direction, and as soon as Lo'ak and Jake started cackling and Kiri started making gagging noises, you knew you would never hear the end of this.

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live-laugh-neteyam · 1 year

Text

The Moon ||| neteyam x human!reader

masterlist

epilogue

pairings: neteyam x human!fem!reader

summary: neteyam would give you the moon if he could

words: 8.8k (I’m dead omg)

warnings/notes: friends to lovers, major ANGST (cried while writing this one) bits of fluff, implied sexual themes, lovesick!neteyam, mentions of sickness and medical treatments, death, use of y/n, I am not a medical professional so I lot of this is just my interpretation I’m sorry that it won’t be accurate pls don’t hate me, mentions of mates, spider is your adoptive brother (in this house we love spider 🫶🏻), and of course my corny writing, this is the product of me listening to moon song on a loop not sure how this happened, This is gonna be rough apologies in advance

The first time Neteyam saw you was when he was eight years old. He was used to seeing Spider around, but not you. You were new.

Trembling behind Spider it looked like you were trying to disappear. Barely peeking up over his shoulder to look. Neteyam's tail swished in curiosity as he observed you.

"Guys, this is Y/N." Spider introduced you while pushing you forward. "She's a little shy." He added.

Your big eyes looked up at the Na'vi children who towered over you. "Hi." You whispered with an awkward smile and a small wave. "You're really tall." You giggled.

Neteyam stared at you in awe immediately infatuated with you. You were unlike any sky person he had ever seen.

"You're just really short." Lo'ak snapped back rolling his eyes.

Neteyam noticed your smile falter and shoved his brother. Your smile was beautiful, the prettiest thing the young boy had ever seen. At that moment Neteyam decided you should always be smiling.

Spider explained to the group that you were born here like him. You had never left the lab before. This was the first time you saw the beauty of the forest and the first time you saw a Na'vi in the flesh. You were in awe of everything around you.

Spending the rest of the day playing with the other children you couldn't help but get distracted by your surroundings. The forest was alive it's beauty glowing all around you. You had the urge to explore every last inch of it.

Neteyam kept his eyes locked on you. He was worried that you'd get separated from the rest of them. You were small and delicate, unable to properly protect yourself, so Neteyam decided to protect you.

So that's how it was whenever you played with the Sully children. Neteyam always glued by your side. He couldn't explain it. The way he felt an immediate draw towards you. As if the two of you were meant to find each other.

Neytiri was less than thrilled to have another human child around her kids. One was bad enough. After everything humans had done to their home -to her - she despised them. She even had her doubts about the loyal few who stayed.

What made her even more unsure of you was the way her eldest son never left your side. Ever since Spider introduced you Neteyam was glued to your side. Had it been anyone else Neytiri would have found it endearing. But you were human. You were a demon.

A few years later Neytiri started to notice things about you. The way the forest left you in awe no matter how many times you’d seen it. She'd catch you gasping in excitement over the littlest things. It was as if you could see.

She also noticed the strong bond you had with her children, especially with Neteyam. She knew her son well. Neytiri was well aware of how he felt towards you. She feared the day that he realized his own feelings.

You were sitting in the forest with Neteyam next to you. His mother was across from the two of you. Neytiri was shooting daggers with her eyes at you. The stare made you shift uncomfortably. Neteyam picked up on it placing a gentle hand on your knee.

Neytiri observed how you immediately relaxed. The sweet genuine smiled you gave her son and how he gave you one of his own.

Neytiri had been trying to give Neteyam a lesson on arrow making. He had insisted that you join them since he promised to spend the afternoon with you. Much to her dismay, you were here unintentionally distracting him.

You felt something barely grace your shoulder. Figuring it was Neteyam you didn't pay it much mind. Then another tap on your head. One on your arm. Then your other shoulder.

Looking up, you met Neytiri's eyes. She was staring at you like she had seen a ghost. Starting to feel panicked you looked at your arms. You gasped as your eyes filled with wonder.

Several atokirina' floated around you. They danced up and down gently resting on you. Neteyam had the biggest smile on his face. To him it was confirmation the great mother saw you the way he did.

It was undoubtedly a sign from Eywa herself. Neytiri couldn't believe her eyes. Feeling a sense of déjà vu, she was brought back to the first time she met her mate.

Unable to shake what she had witnessed she went to her mother. After explaining the strange encounter Neytiri waited while Mo’at consulted with Eywa.

“Eywa sees the child.” Mo’at finally spoke. “The Great Mother has declared that she will spend the rest of her life by Neteyam.”

Neytiri couldn’t wrap her mind around it. The concept was so foreign to her. Eywa had accepted you as one of her own. Not only that, it was also her will that you stay by Neteyam. Neytiri would never question the will of Eywa. While she didn’t fully understand it she would have to learn to be okay with it.

From that day on, Neteyam’s mother treated you with a kindness she never had before. You didn’t know what happened for her to finally warm up to you but you were forever grateful she did.

Years went by and it was time for Neteyam to begin training for his iknimaya. You were so excited for him, knowing how important this rite of passage was to the Na'vi. There was a part of you that was downcast as he wouldn't be able to spend time with you every day like he usually does.

Your heart hurt because all you wanted was to be able to experience this with him. For as long as you could remember you wanted to be Na'vi. It was your birthday wish every year though you never told anyone out of embarrassment. That and it wouldn't come true if you told.

You and your brother had begged for avatars for years. Unfortunately the materials and funding needed just wasn’t there. Norm and Max wanted nothing more than to be able to grant your wishes, but it just wasn't a possibility.

"So how long are you going to be gone this time?"

Neteyam sighed. He could hear the disappointment in your voice and it broke his heart. "A month. Maybe two."

You felt like you could burst into tears right then and there. Neteyam was your best friend, not to mention your crush for as long as you could remember. You couldn't imagine not seeing him for that long.

"I'll be back before you know it." Gently he brushed hair out of your face. As much as he loved seeing you in the forest he treasured the moments in your room without your mask. Neteyam loved to see your face without the glass restricting his view.

"Don't forget about me." You playfully pushed him.

He gasped in mock offense. "I could never." He smiled. Before he could stop himself he placed a kiss on your forehead.

Stopping dead in his tracks he pulled back. The pair of you stilled blushes adoring both of your cheeks.

Neteyam tried to burry his feelings for you but it was impossible. He had fallen helplessly in love with his best friend. Not caring that you were human he couldn't deny his feelings. He just wasn't sure how to tell you.

Before you knew it, you were throwing your arms around him as you hugged him goodbye. You went to pull away but he kept you in his embrace for a little longer.

"I'm gonna miss you." He sighed.

"You're going to have so much fun you won't even think about me."

"That's not true you're always on my mind." He blushed.

A blush engulfed your face and you bit your lip. You noticed Neteyam's tail swishing back and forth. Looking up at him he was smiling back at you. His cheeks were slightly tinted.

Standing back with the rest of his family you waved as he joined the other young warriors. "He'll be back before you know it." Spider smiled knowingly at you.

No matter how hard you tried you couldn't keep your crush from your bother. He immediately figured it out. Little did you know most everyone had figured it out. The only ones who hadn't were you and Neteyam.

Neytiri watched you with a smile on her face. As time passed she accepted the idea of you with her son. Finding amusement in the two of you pining after each other.

The time without Neteyam dragged on for what felt like an eternity. Spider did his best to keep you occupied as did the Sully siblings. But your mind never strayed far from the boy your heart beat for.

You were getting ready for bed after a long day. Neteyam was halfway through his training by now. You had been counting down the days to his return.

A knock on your door interrupted your thoughts. Norm stood awkwardly in the doorway. “You have a visitor.” He informed you.

Furrowing your eyebrows you looked at him confused. It was way past the curfew set for the lab. “Who?”

Before he could answer you Lo’ak pushed passed him and entered your room. He look frustrated and exhausted.

“What are you doing here Lo’ak?” You asked afraid that something was wrong.

Without saying a word he removed the communicator from his neck and handed it to you. “This is for you.” Was all he said.

You looked over the tech not understanding why he was giving it to you especially now of all times. “I’ve been trying to sleep for hours. He won’t leave me alone until he speaks with you.”

Your face lit up knowing exactly who he was. Wasting no time you pressed the button. “Neteyam?” You hesitantly asked.

“Oh Eywa how I’ve missed your voice.” Neteyam’s voice rang through the speaker.

“Yeah I’m not staying to listen to this.” Lo’ak deadpanned before leaving.

Neteyam missed you terribly and begged his father to let him speak with you. Jake felt like it would be a distraction so he didn't allow it. So Neteyam came up with the brilliant idea to pester his little brother until he gave it. It worked rather quickly.

You spent the whole night talking to Neteyam. He told you all about his training not sparing a single detail. He was more interested in what you had been up to. He just wanted to hear your voice.

The day Neteyam was to return was finally here. You and Spider sprinted through the forest heading towards the village. By the time you got there he had already returned.

Searching the crowd you finally saw him. Knees weak your breath caught in your throat. Somehow he looked taller. His mussels were more defined, shoulders wider, and his face sharper. He was no longer a boy. He looked like a man.

You had always wanted Neteyam but this was different. In that moment your want for him was something you hadn't experienced before. It almost felt wrong. Almost.

Neteyam searched the crowd for you. Eyes glancing over a figure that was familiar he did a double take. It was you. You looked different.

Neteyam gulped as he took in your new features. Your hips wider and chest fuller you no longer looked like the little kid everyone was so used to. Neteyam noticed your hair was shorter, resting at just below your shoulders now.

You were beautiful. Absolutely breathtaking. A gift from Eywa herself. A primal urge came over him, a desire to take you right then and there. You were to be his mate, he felt that you were destined.

"Neteyam!" You squealed running into his arms. He picked you up twirling you in the air like you weighed nothing.

"I missed you Ma'Y/N." He snuggled his face into your neck.

You bit your lip at the pet name. It was usually reserved for mated couples but Neteyam couldn't help but let it slip.

As the weeks passed on the attraction between the two of was stronger than ever. Stolen glances and intentional accidental touches filled your days.

After Neteyam successfully claimed his Ikran earning his spot among the people he would take you for rides.

"I knew you could do it. I'm so proud of you." You looked up at him.

The look you gave him made his heart flutter. A strange satisfaction overcame him knowing that you were proud of him. He wanted you to be proud of him.

That night he walked you back to the lab following you to your room. He desperately needed to speak with you. He had been working up the courage all night.

Neteyam sat next to you on your bed. He loved the moments you shared without your mask in the way. Staring into your eyes without anything in front of them.

"I have earned my place among the people." He said suddenly.

You nodded slowly not sure where he was going with this. "I know I was there." You giggled.

"I may now chose a mate."

Your heart dropped. So this was why he wanted to talk. He was here to tell you that he found someone. He probably wanted you to leave him alone now.

Anxiety flooded your mind as you felt stupid. A part of you actually thought he liked you back. Why would he? You weren’t even the same species. You had nothing to offer him.

“I see.” You gave your best fake smile. “Who’s the lucky girl then?” You had to know.

“You.” Neteyam said without hesitation.

“I’m sorry what?” You asked. There was no way you heard that right.

“You, if you’ll have me.” He looked away shy. He took your confusion as rejection. “I want you to be my mate Y/N.”

“Are you sure?” You asked dumbfounded.

Neteyam cupped your face in his palms. “I see you Y/N.”

Your heart sped up at the phrase you found so beautiful and so terrifying at the same time. He saw you. Every broken piece, every imperfection, all of your good qualities as well as the bad ones, and he still wanted you anyways.

He wanted you despite it all. Neteyam saw you.

“I am human Neteyam.” You said. You needed him to be sure of his choice. Na’vi mate for Life. Of course you wanted to spend the rest of your life with him, but you needed to be sure he wouldn’t regret it.

“I know. That changes nothing.”

“I cannot make Tsaheylu.” The bond was the building block of life on Pandora. It was vital to their existence. They bonded with their mates, you would be unable to bond with him in this way.

“I know. But I see you anyways.” He confessed.

“I’ll never be tsahík.”

“None of that matters to me Y/N. Stop trying to give me reasons to not want you. It won’t work.”

Looking down in shame you gave him one last reason. “I can’t give you children Neteyam. You’d be making so many sacrifices just to have me. It’s not an equal trade.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” He smiled. “You are all I want. It’s always been you Y/N. Always. Nothing else matters when you are enough for me.”

Neteyam leaned in as if he was about to kiss you. “You are what I want Y/N.”

“You are what I want too.” You breathed. “I see you Neteyam.

That was all he needed to hear. He crashed his lips onto yours passionately kissing you. Lips moving in sync until you pulled away to catch your breath.

Staring into his golden eyes you removed your shirt leaving your chest bare before him. Neteyam’s eyes widened at your sudden action. He wasn’t expecting anything to happen, he was happy with kissing.

“We don’t have to do anything Ma’Y/N.”

There was that name again. You smiled. “I want to. I want you Neteyam. That is, if you’ll have me.” You batted your eyelashes at him.

His tail twitched in excitement before he tackled you back onto the bed. The two of you spent the night a tangled mess of limbs. “We are mated before Eywa for life.” Neteyam whispered into your ear before you drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

It had been two years since you mated with Neteyam. It had been the best years of your life.

His family was immediately accepting of your relationship. To your surprise so was most of the clan. There were a few that frowned upon your union but Neteyam made sure to put them in their place.

Following Neteyam’s lead you ran through the forest. He made sure to keep looking back for you so the two of you wouldn’t get separated.

“So where are we going again?” You huffed out of breath.

“It’s a surprise.” He smiled back at you.

Neteyam took you to a clearing that had the most beautiful flowers you had ever seen. You were fascinated by the nature of Pandora.

“I wish I could smell them.” You sighed. Always longing to smell the fresh air and to feel the breeze on your face.

Neteyam frowned at your words. He too hated your mask, but it kept you alive. It allowed him to show you his home. To Neteyam it was worth the inconvenience.

“Come on, let’s keep going.” He smiled. “There’s something else I wanna show you.”

Without a second thought you followed him. Starting to feel faint you slowed down. Everything was getting blurry and your head was woozy.

"Neteyam, could you slow down a little?" You panted, pushing your hand against a tree for support. "I'm a little dizzy."

Stopping dead in his tracks he rushed over to you. His mind racing with a million different thoughts. His heart screaming at him to protect you. Not looking good at all your face had gone pale. Your eyes looked exhausted. You looked ill.

"I will take you to my grandmother. You do not look good Ma'Y/N."

"I'm fine Teyam." You attempted a smile to reassure him. The last thing you wanted was to be rushed into the village. The People were used to you, but having the Tsahík tend to a sky demon may be pushing your luck. "Just take me back to the lab please."

Scooping you up he held you close to his chest bridal style. "Neteyam, I could've walked. I'm not broken." You rolled your eyes. Ignoring your protests he continued the trek back to the lab. Something was wrong and you were unwell.

Gently setting you down at the lab entrance he insisted that he come in with you. Neteyam was still slightly unsure of sky people, the lab making him nervous. But this was different. Anxiety consumed him and he couldn't leave without making sure you were okay.

Taking your mask off you then offered Neteyam a mask of his own. He hastily took it eyes never leaving you. The last thing on his mind was a mask for himself. He could breath this air for hours anyways.

Walking the familiar hallways to your room he observed your small steps. Gently panting as if the walk was tiring you out. You insisted you were fine but your body language said otherwise.

Plopping down on your bed you made grabby hands reaching out for him. "Cuddle me." You playfully commanded. Smiling he complied gently laying down next to you, arms instinctively pulling you closer.

Taking a deep breath letting your scent fill his lungs he hummed. Neteyam gently peppered a few kisses to your face before burying his head in your neck.

"Neteyam stop." You giggled. "It tickles." You could feel his smile against your neck. Running your free hand through his braids you sighed in satisfaction. Moments like this made up for all the bad ones.

You felt so safe in his arms, like he could protect you from anything. And he would. He'd burn the whole world if it meant keeping you safe.

"Teyam?" You whispered fingers still playing with his hair. He hummed in response snuggling closer to you. "I love you to the moon and back."

The expression felt odd rolling off your tongue. Checks heated in a blush you were a bit embarrassed. After all, you found it to be incredibly cheesy. But there was a part of you that found the sentiment sweet.

You'd first read it engraved on a tiny silver necklace. It had belonged to your mother. One of the scientists gave it to you once you were older. It was the only thing you had of her. Everything else was left up to your imagination.

For years they tried to allude to the fact that your mother had passed away. It seemed easier to let you believe that than tell you the truth. But even though you were a child you weren't clueless. You knew that your mother had left you here.

Terrified of everything that had happened she went back to earth unable to take you with her. That's how you found yourself being raised by the scientists on Pandora with Spider as your honorary brother.

A small part of you cling to the saying. Wishing it was true, that your mother loved you to the moon and back - to Pandora and back. That one day she'd be back for you.

You knew it would never happen. So instead you say it to Neteyam. Because you truly meant it. You would go to the moon and back for him. And you would be back. You'd always come back for him.

Neteyam's ears perked up at your words. It wasn't the first time you had told him you loved him but you had never said it like this. He didn't entirely understand it but he appreciated your words just the same.

Smiling at you like you were the most precious thing he ever laid his eyes on. "I will give you the moon my love."

Laughing you pulled him closer. "You can't give someone the moon Neteyam."

But he would for you. You were his moon, his stars, and everything in between. Whatever you asked for he would deliver. "If I could give you the moon, I would give you the moon." He confirmed.

"You're a dork." You giggled.

"So are you then. You started it." He playfully fired back. Neteyam's mind turned somber for a moment. "Are you feeling better?"

You nodded cuddling more into your mattress to get comfy. "Much better. I think I need more cuddles to be one hundred percent though."

Smiling, Neteyam snuggled into you. "I'm more than happy to assist."

As the weeks went by you continued to feel strange. It didn’t seem like a big deal to you, so you didn’t want to bring it up. After all, you were human. Getting sick was a part of every day life.

No one noticed how you were acting strange. Except Neteyam of course. He picked up on the way you always seemed tired. The way your eyes looked a bit dull as they stared off into space. No matter how hard you tried to hide it, he saw it all.

You were now having trouble keeping your meals down. Stomach always feeling like it was in knots you didn’t know what was wrong. No one had caught you throwing up yet, but they did start to notice how you were losing weight without trying.

Norm awkwardly tried to broach the subject as always trying to be the father you never had. He was afraid you were doing something self inflicted and wanted to support you in any way he could.

It took awhile but you were able to convince him it wasn't what he thought. You honestly didn't know what was wrong, you just one day started feeling sick.

Norm being the man of science that he was immediately wanted to start tests to get to the bottom of what was wrong. Somehow you managed to get him to hold off for awhile. The idea of going through a bunch of tests scared you.

You didn’t get out of it for very long. Neteyam was worried sick about you and insisted you do whatever was needed to get better. Reluctantly you agreed spending the next several days undergoing tests and blood work.

Neteyam even took you to his grandmother for her guidance. She wasn’t able to pinpoint what was wrong. Whatever you had was a human sickness, unknown to the Na’vi.

Jake took a special interest in what was wrong. He was once a human himself. He was well aware of everything that could go wrong with the human body. Plus he deeply cared for his daughter in law. Jake consulted with Norm regularly regarding his findings.

The Olo'eyktan thought it’d be best if he was one of the first to find out. That way he would be able to explain it to his family better. He was by no means a doctor but he knew his son would trust his words more than Norm’s.

He could see the way Neteyam looked like his was close to having a melt down. He had a forced calmness about him. As if he was in complete denial that something might be wrong. Because he was. If he refused to acknowledge it, it wouldn’t be real.

"Leukemia." Norm spoke like that one simple word explained everything. Jake's breath caught in his throat at the word. Neteyam stood head moving back and forth between the two of them, waiting for an explanation.

His heart hammered in his chest as they spoke words that meant nothing to him. Human words he didn't know. "How long?" His father asked quietly.

"It's progressed rather quickly. She had been exhibiting symptoms for a few months now. It's hard to say how long she's had it."

Neteyam knew they were talking about you. Dread filled him and he felt sick to his stomach. The feeling of being left in the dark was too much for him, he felt like he could scream.

"How long does she have?" Jake asked again eyes screwed onto Norm. He spoke hushed this time. Jake wasn't a fool. He was well aware of his son's feelings towards you. In fact, the whole clan knew.

How long does she have? The words echoed in Neteyam's brain. Repeating over and over again. They couldn't be talking about your life could they? You were just a little sick, you had said so yourself. This couldn't be real he refused to believe it.

"I've estimated three years." Max spoke up. "She has a thirty percent chance."

Thirty. That was low wasn't it? There was no possible way you'd have such a low chance. The science geeks were the best of the best. You'd also have access to the remedies of the Na'vi. Most importantly you'd have Neteyam. He made a vow to take care of and protect you. He indented to keep that vow.

"What are her opinions? What can we do?" Jake needed all the information he could get if he was going to have to explain this to his son.

"Chemo would be the next step. It's going to be hard, she's already so weak. It's going to take a lot out of her."

Jake glanced over at his son. Neteyam looked like he was on the verge of a panic attack. Hell, he was on the verge of a panic attack. His eyes were wide as he stared at his father, pleading for an answer.

Jake sighed, "Would she have a better chance back on Earth? Can we even give her proper care here?"

Earth? You couldn't go to earth. Neteyam refused to allow it. If you left he'd never see you again. He wouldn't be able to care for you while you're sick. He also wouldn't know how you were doing - he wouldn't know if you were still breathing or not.

His mouth hung open as his brain tried to register this. "She can't go to earth dad." He said just above a whisper. "She can't go!" He said again this time yelling desperately at his father.

"Calm down boy." Jake hushed him placing a hand on his shoulder. "Let them speak."

"She's not going anywhere." Norm said trying to choose his words carefully. "Her immune system is weak right now. I don't think she would survive the trip. I think it's best to treat her here with what we have available."

Tears stung Neteyam's eyes as he stared at the ground. You were so sick you wouldn't survive the trip to earth. Would you even survive here? He came to the horrific realization that you were sick and you might be dying.

"She's strong though." Jake said more so to his son. "She can fight this."

Max and Norm looked at each other with sad smiles. Neither doubted your strength, you were one of the strongest people they knew. But this was different. They had to entertain the possibility that even if you fight with your all you could lose. They also knew that they didn't have everything needed to properly treat you. But for the sake of the broken boy in front of them they left that part out.

Staying positive was hard but you gave it your best try. You felt weak but it wasn’t insufferable yet. The worst part of it was you couldn’t go out exploring like you were accustomed to.

Your friends made sure to keep you company. Your room become the unofficial official hangout spot. Lo’ak and Spider would play games with you, Kiri kept you up to date on all of the gossip in the village, Tuk insisted that the two of you color, and Neteyam? Neteyam never left your side.

He was there not long after your woke up and often times he stayed the night. Neteyam never wanted to leave your side, wanting to make sure you were cared for in any way possible. He would be there every step of the way.

When it was time for chemo you felt extremely anxious. As Norm prepared the IV Neteyam eyed the needle untrustworthily. You winced as it went into your arm. Neteyam hissed ready to throw Norm across the room for causing you pain.

Norm panicked and you quickly explained to Neteyam that it was okay. It only hurt for a few minutes. You had to deal with it. You needed the treatment to get better.

Neteyam cuddled up next to you holding your hand. He tried to do things to distract you from it. The pair of you would watch movies from back on earth. You taught him how to play uno. He could never beat you and it frustrated him to no end. He was close to throwing his cards in anger. Seeing him be such a sore looser made you laugh.

Neteyam loved your laugh. He didn’t hear it much anymore so it was his life’s mission to make you laugh as much as he could.

He believed you’d make a full recovery. This was simply a bump in the road.

"Please don't let him in." You pleaded with Spider. "I don't want him to see me like this." Tears were stinging your eyes now.

Spider looked sympathetically at you. You tried so hard to be strong for everyone but it was wearing down on you. This was effecting you worse than you thought it would. All you wanted to sulk in your room by yourself.

"He's freaking out Y/N. I'm afraid he's gonna start breaking stuff." He chuckled. Gently placing his hand on your shoulder his concerned look returned. "He cares about you. A lot. He just wants to make sure you're okay."

Nodding your head you wiped your face with your hands. You didn't want him to see that you had been crying. "Okay. Let him in."

Spider went off to find Neteyam it didn't take him too long thanks to the commotion he was causing. "You cannot keep me here!" Neteyam bellowed.

He tried to moved around the crowd of scientists who were attempting to keep him back. Neteyam growled in frustration. "Y/N is my mate you cannot keep me from her."

"Bro, calm down!" Spider yelled as Neteyam went to throw something off of a desk. He stopped as soon as he heard Spider. Neteyam's shoulders relaxed slightly at the familiar face.

"They are trying to keep me away." He snapped.

"Yeah I can see that." Spider huffed. "If you're done with your temper tantrum Y/N is ready to see you."

Raising his head high Neteyam walked past the scientists smugly. When out of earshot he bent down to Spider "They said Y/N did not want to see me." His face etched with worry.

Sighing Spider ran his hand over his face. "She's upset right now. It's not my place to say. She needs to be the one to tell you. But she's upset and embarrassed right now. She didn't want you to see her like that."

Neteyam's heart clenched at his words. The thought of you being so upset that you didn't want to see him crushed him. Walking into your room he was preparing for the worst.

You were sitting in your bed with your hands folded in your lap. Staring down you were avoiding his gaze.

He looked you up and down to see if their was any visible signs of what was wrong. If there was a problem Neteyam wanted to attack it head on. Your sickness wasn't like that though. He had to sit and watch helplessly as you suffered. It consumed him to the point he lived in constant agony.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Except your eyes were red and puffy like you had been crying. You were crying. Why were you crying? Neteyam's protective side took the forefront once again, ready to crush whatever had upset you.

Rushing to your side he cupped your cheek with his hand. "Ma'love what's wrong?" Worried etched on his face.

"You can have these back. I don't need them anymore." You sniffed. Your closed hands reached out to his. Opening your hands you gently poured the contents into his.

Neteyam stilled as his beads spilled into his hands. They were the beads he had given to you. He loved seeing you proudly wearing them in your hair, letting everyone see you were his.

"You don't want them anymore?" He softly asked. It felt like a punch to the gut. It was as if you were rejecting him.

"I won't be able to wear them anymore Neteyam." Meeting his gaze your heart broke seeing his face. He didn't understand why you were returning his gift to you.

"My hair is falling out Neteyam." You sighed.

"I do not understand." His brow furrowed trying to put the pieces together.

"The chemo- the medicine makes my hair fall out." You tried to explain.

Spider walked over and put his hand on your shoulder for support. He viewed you as his little sister. It hurt him to see you suffering like this.

Neteyam didn't understand how this medicine was helping you if it was making it so hard on you. Human medicine was more complicated than the Na'vi remedies he was used to.

You knew that he was genuinely curious and just trying to understand but you were tired if talking about it. You knew you would eventually lose your hair but you thought you could handle it.

Everything was too much. You hadn't really felt sick until now. When you noticed your hair coming out in clumps it all became real. You were sick.

Spider found you in a fit of sobs. It broke his heart to see you like that. It also sent him into a panic. He didn't know what to do to make you feel better. He was your big brother, he was supposed to know everything.

"Norm gave me this." Sighing you pulled out hair clippers. "He said it might be easier to just go ahead and shave my head." Tears stung your eyes again. "I just don't know if I can."

Without thinking Spider took the clippers from you. "I'll go first." He declared.

Eyes widening in panic you tried to stop him. "Wait Spider! You don't have to do that." Before you could get another word out he turned them on and quickly swiped along the top of his head.

You and Neteyam stared at him with wide eyes. Dumbfounded you couldn't believe your brother just did that. He did it for you. You couldn't help the small smile that formed. Knowing that your brother loved you that much made your heart swell.

"Are you guys just gonna stare at me or are you gonna help me finish this up?" Spider asked with a smirk.

Once finished Spider was almost unrecognizable. "I can't believe you did that." You mumble as he helped you with your hair.

"It's not a big deal." He shrugged. "It was weighing me down anyways. I'll be faster now."

You rolled your eyes at your brother's odd logic. Neteyam was holding onto your hand watching Spider like a hawk. The idea of taking a blade to your head terrified him even though you assured him it was safe.

Gently you squeezed his hand. “I’m okay.” You assured him. He nodded bringing your hand up to his lips, tenderly kissing your knuckles. “I love you.” His whispered lips still pressed to your fingers.

Usually you stuck to the Na’vi terms of affection. It was what Neteyam was comfortable with. But after learning what the human phrase meant he had to use it. Because it was true. He loved you with every fiber of his being.

Tugging his hand to your lips you gave his knuckles a matching kiss. “I love you too. So so much.”

“Come on guys knock it off.” Spider complained pretending to be sick. As much as your constant shows of affection annoyed him he was glad you found someone who truly loved you.

The next day Neteyam came to visit you with his hands behind his back. You eyed him suspiciously, he was never good at keeping secrets from you.

“I made this for you last night.” He gently placed a bracelet in your lap. You gasped when you realized it was made of the beads he had originally given you for your hair.

“You said you couldn’t wear them anymore and now that’s not true.”

Carefully you put the bracelet on. Heart bursting at the sweet gesture tears began to spill from your eyes. Neteyam started to panic thinking be did something wrong.

“You are not happy with it?” He asked defeated. “You are crying.”

“Yes but they’re happy tears. I love it Neteyam. I love you.” You threw your arms around his neck. Smiling he pulled you closer into his chest.

“Oel ngati kameie.” He whispered into your neck.

“I see you Ma’Teyam.”

"I'm dying Neteyam." You said without any hesitation or emotion.

Neteyam immediately sat up looking to you slightly begging that he heard you wrong. It couldn't be true. It couldn't be.

"No one's told you because they're afraid of how you'll react. I don't want to keep anything from you. Love you too much to do that." Your eyes met his through your mask. He felt his heart breaking not only from your words but your eyes. They were faded, lacking the light he loved so much.

"They didn't want to tell me either." Your hoarse voice kept on. "But it's hard to pull a fast one over on me when I'm like this." Chuckling at yourself Neteyam caught a glimpse of you. The real you. Not this pitiful shell of who you once were.

"The treatment stopped working months ago. They told me last week."

Bringing your hand to his mouth he gently kissed your knuckles. "Please do not say such things." His voice cracked. Tears were now freely flowing from his eyes.

Deep down in his heart he knew he was losing you. He just didn't want to believe it. He couldn't believe it. Acknowledging it made it feel real and there was no way this was real. It had to be a cruel nightmare.

"I'm tired Neteyam." You spoke quietly.

Unsure of what you meant he was ready to scoop you up and tuck you into bed. Somehow you had convinced him to go star gazing tonight. It had seemed like the perfect date night idea since you were always cooped up in your room. But now he kicked himself for allowing you to leave.

"Let's get you back then," he started shuffling."

"No Neteyam." You interrupted him stopping him in his tracks. "I'm tired of this." You gestured to yourself. "I'm tired of treatments that aren't working. Tired of being stuck in my room all day. Im tired of it all." You sighed.

"This isn't living Neteyam. It's waiting to die." Meeting his eyes your heart sank. He was finally registering your words. Neteyam looked at you like you had just pierced his heart with an arrow. "I'm tired of waiting."

You had been battling this for over a year now. It had taken its toll on you physically and emotionally. You didn’t know how much longer you could go on like this.

"What are you saying Y/N?" He asked trying his best to stay calm but miserably failing. His hands were shaking and his heart quickened.

"I asked Norm and Max about how I could speed it up."

Neteyam heard his heart shatter into a million pieces. You wanted to end your life. You wanted to leave him. You couldn't possibly want to leave him could you?

Tears were freely falling from his eyes. His body started to shake fighting off sobs.

"I'm not getting any better Neteyam." You gently placed your hand on his cheek wiping away his tears with your thumb.

This wasn't what you wanted but you saw no other way. Everyday was a struggle, even breathing hurt. You wanted Neteyam to see what you already accepted. This was a waiting game. You were never going to recover.

"No." He violently shook his head holding you to his chest. "No. You'll get better. We just need to try something else. Please." He begged.

"Ma'Teyam there's nothing left to try."

"Please. You can't leave me." His body shook with sobs. "I can't lose you Ma'Y/N."

You couldn't fight back your own tears. Your mask was fogging as you started to cry. Seeing your mate like this was as painful as your sickness.

"You're not gonna lose me love. Nothing is ever lost, remember?" You tried your best to comfort him.

"There has to be something we can try." He sobbed. "What about an avatar?"

You held his head in your chest while he cried. "They can't make anymore avatars. You know that."

"I can't do this without you. There has to be something." Neteyam wailed.

The sight broke your heart. You had exhausted all of your options. Everyone but Neteyam seemed to recognize it.

"I won't do anything without your blessing Ma'Teyam." You gently caressed his head. "But please try to understand my point of view."

"You cannot ask this of me. I can't." He shook his head.

Gently rocking you soothed the boy in your arms. He had a vice like grip on you as if you'd vanish into thin air. "It'll okay Ma'Teyam." You cooed.

You had informed Norm and Max of your plan. It broke their heart but they acknowledged that it was your decision. They would respect your wishes.

Norm found himself in your room in the middle of the night watching you sleep. It pained him to see your labored breaths. You were always so fill of light and now you looked like a hollow shell.

He'd known you your whole life. It broke his heart to know that your time was running out. It seemed like just yesterday you were a bubbly toddler getting into trouble in the lab.

You told Jake and Neytiri next. For some reason you were terrified of what your in laws would think of you. While this was something common amongst humans it was very rare to the Na'vi.

Jake was once human though. It hurt his heart to see that it came to this but he understood. While his disability wasn't terminal he knew the feeling of hopelessness. The feeling of being trapped inside what once was you. Your body becoming a prison. Jake knew better than anyone.

Neytiri didn't understand why you wished this until she saw you. She couldn't contain her gasp. No longer the child she has grown to care for, you were someone she didn’t recognize.

Smiling weakly at her Neytiri’s heart broke for you. She could see that you were dying but she couldn’t understand why. It was the great mother’s will that you would stay with Neteyam. Why would she allow you to die so soon?

Then it hit her. The words of her mother. You would spend the rest of your life beside Neteyam. Your life would end before his. Seeing you like this made her realize why you wanted this. You weren’t yourself, you were tapped inside a body that was failing you.

Spider was unusually quiet when you told him. “Spider please say something.” You pleaded.

He knew it was coming. He’d be a fool not to. But he was like everyone else who loved you, he didn’t want to believe it was happening. All of his earliest memories included you. You may have only been siblings because of circumstance but he loved you like you were blood.

You were undoubtedly his sister. Always there for him for as long as he could remember. Someone who always had his back. You understood the feeling of being abandoned here and the longing of wanting more. You were his person. And now you weren’t going to be here anymore.

Spider stood up and hugged you. He was slightly crying into your shoulder. You had never seen your big brother cry. He was your rock always strong and dependable.

“I’m sorry Spider.” You cried with him.

“Hey,” he pulled back to look at you. “Don’t ever be sorry. None of this is your fault.”

Nodding through your tears you took in the sight of him. His hair was growing back so fast leaving him with a nice short cut.

“You know I love you right?” He asked unsure for a moment. He had to make sure you knew. Spider wouldn’t be able to live with himself If you didn’t.

“Of course. I love you too bro.”

The two of you spent the rest of the day talking about everything and nothing all at once. It would be one of the last times you got to.

When it came to telling Neteyam he already knew. Your confirmation was like stones in his heart. But he knew. Deep down he always knew. You were never getting better.

Being cooped up in your room wasn't much of a life. You were in pain and it pained him to witness it. Neteyam never wished to part from you but this wasn't his choice to make.

He knew that had there been any other way you wouldn't had made the choice either.

You wanted one last day. One last good day.

Looking at your room one last time you shut the door. You had breakfast with Norm and Spider just like you always did growing up. Max even joined you.

No one talked about what was to come. You forbid any talk of the future only wanted to live in the here and now.

Spider helped you put on your mask and the two of you slowly made your way to the village. He helped you into the Sully home. You were terrified of everyone being somber, but to your delight everyone acted as normal.

You hadn’t laughed this much in months watching Spider reenact a story of one of the many times Lo’ak almost got himself killed.

Laughter, hugs, and smiles was how you spent your time with the Sully’s. It was perfect just like it always was. Neteyam kept you sat on his lap not wanting to lose contact for a second.

Taking a deep breath he inhaled your scent. It had changed when you got sick. It didn’t smell like you. It made him frown.

Insisting on going on an Ikran ride you drug Neteyam out of his family’s tent. Neytiri stopped you before you got too far. Embracing you one last time. “Thank you for watching over him my child.” Before you could say a word she kissed your forehead and left you with watery eyes.

Neteyam didn’t want to focus on sadness right now. You were still here that’s all that mattered. Taking your hand once again you were greeted with his Ikran.

“You sure you feel up to this?” He checked in.

“Hell yeah.” You smirked at him.

Flying through air was a feeling you’d never get used to. Up there you were truly free. Sticking your arms out to intensify the feeling Neteyam cursed at your sudden movement. His grip tightening around you.

“Let me know before you do something like that.” He scolded.

“You worry too much!” You yelled over the wind. “You’ve taken me on a million rides and haven’t dropped me yet.”

Neteyam smiled at you. Today you were glowing with a glimpse of yourself. Not the person who had been while sick. The real you. It made his heart clench. It pained him but he knew you were right. This was the right choice.

He would rather see you like this than just slowly waste away to nothing. I wanna go out with a bang. You had told him.

Eclipse crept up on the couple as you laid on the ground tangled up in each other. "I love you so much." You told him tears threatening to spill. He kissed your knuckles. "I love you to the moon and back." He whispered.

Smiling fondly at the memory from what felt like an entirety ago. "I can't believe you remember that." You laughed.

He chuckled. Neteyam had spent years committing every part of you to memory. He found your surprise amusing. Of course he’d remember. He remembered it all.

You stayed in his embrace until you couldn't keep your eyes open any longer. "I'm ready Neteyam." You breathed.

He nodded blinking back tears. "I see you Ma'Y/N." He gently caressed your face the best he could.

"I see you Ma'Teyam." You grabbed his hand. "Don't worry I'll see you again. Take your time my love."

"Anything for you my moon." He smiled.

As gently as he could he removed your mask. Taking a deep breath in you smiled as you inhaled the scents of the forest. It smelt even better than you imagined.

Neteyam laid next to you holding your hand looking up to the sky. You admired the stars before glancing over at Neteyam. He met your eyes and smiled. Your breathes were started to become labored. "It's okay love. You can rest now." He said fighting back a sob.

Your vision was turning black around the edges. Neteyam was talking to you but you couldn’t register what he was saying. Slowly your eyes closed. Your chest stopped. Just like that you were gone.

This was exactly how you asked. Neteyam fulfilled every last one of your wishes even if it killed him inside. Your whole life you wanted nothing more than to experience Pandora without any restrictions. And in that brief moment you did.

Neteyam held onto your lifeless body as he sobbed. He knew it was happening but nothing would prepare him for the feeling of you actually being gone.

His love. His mate. His best friend. His moon and stars. Gone forever. You were gone and there was nothing he could do to bring you back.

His body shook as he wailed. Neteyam realized that because you were human you were never connected to the spirit tree. He would never be able to see you again. He would never see you again.

Neteyam spent the whole night grieving you. He knew it was just the beginning of many sleepless nights crying for you.

In the morning he carried you back to home tree. Neteyam insisted that you have a traditional Na’vi burial. It didn’t take much convincing as everyone adored you.

His family helped prepare your body. He begged for help not thinking he was strong enough to do it on his own. Once everything was finished they gave him a moment alone. Spider looked up at him with red puffy eyes giving him a pat on the back.

Neteyam spent his last moment with you whispering sweet nothings that you would never hear. Confessions of love that wouldn’t reach your ears.

The last time Neteyam saw you, you were lowered into the ground. He tried to stay collected not wanting his people to see him weak. But this was unbearable.

After the funeral his grandmother approached him. Pulling him in for a rare hug she caressed his head Lovingly. “She is with Eywa now.” She told him.

He looked up at her in shock. You were a human. Neteyam didn’t think it was possible for a sky person to be with Eywa.

“She is?” He asked breathless.

Mo’at simply nodded before leaving him. Neteyam took a moment to process this revelation. A gentle breeze blew through his hair. Taking a deep breath he tried to ground himself.

A delicate tap on his shoulder caused him to open his eyes. A single atokirina' had landed on him. It gently swayed around him. He cupped the spirit his hands smiling, tears streaming down his cheeks.

You were still here. There is no death. Only change.

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1-800-zombify · 7 months

Text

Jake’s Advice 💪

Neteyam x Metkayina!Fem!Reader

Warnings: Neteyam being stupid & has a crush, Jake has ok dad advice, Neteyam not knowing Earth terms/phrases, Y/N is Ronal & Tonowari’s kid, Y/N isn’t actually in this - she’s just talked ab

Summary: Neteyam musters up confidence to ask his dad for advice on how to win over a girl after struggling and embarrassing himself.

NETEYAM PEERED INTO THE marui, his shadow casting over his father. He sat on the floor with his back towards his son, methodically cutting fruit. Jake’s ears twitched towards the sound of Neteyam’s footsteps. Jake didn’t bother to turn to him.

“What is it now?” Jake mumbled, laying the knife down, as Neteyam sat in front of him.

A beat passed.

“Dad, I need your help.”

Jake pressed his eyes closed. His lips pressed into a thin line when he sighed, “What happened? I told you to keep an eye on your brother —,”

Neteyam frantically shook his head, “No, Dad, he didn’t do anything.”

“… oh,” Jake blinked. “Well, that makes things a little easier. What is it?”

He rubbed the corner of his eye, fingers slowly traveling up to his temple. His ears flattened with embarrassment, as his eyes darted across the floor.

“I, uh…,” Neteyam paused with a sheepish smile. He propped his elbow on his thigh, as he leaned the side of his face into his palm.

Jake eyed his son suspiciously, observing the dazed far-off look on Neteyam’s face, the way his tail seemed to wag like a dog’s. He furrowed his brows, “Spit it out.”

“Well…,” Neteyam sat up straighter, hands now sitting on top of his knees. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure,” Jake replied bluntly.

“How did you make Mom like you?”

Jake scoffed, “She doesn’t. She just gave up trying to get rid of me.” Jake watched Neteyam awkwardly nod at his words.

He then realized where this was going, and his soul almost left his body.

The painful teenage conversation he prayed to avoid. Jake lightly hit his head, mumbling, “I’m joking.”

“Right,” Neteyam muttered. “Then… what did you do?”

“I went to the Tree of Voices.”

Neteyam winced, a disgusted expression creasing on his features, “No, Dad—,”

Jake raised his brows, blinking dumbly. Judging by that reaction — “Who told you about that?” Jake pressed, surprised.

Neteyam stuttered, “Uh — I, um,”

“Whatever, doesn’t matter,” Jake waved his hand dismissively. He mentally noted to hunt down all his teenagers later for a quick chat. He sighed, “Just tell me what this is all about.”

Neteyam swallowed, “I like someone?”

Jake couldn’t help flinching and immediately shutting his eyes at the inquisitive statement. His calloused fingers rubbed the top of his flat nose bridge, taking in a deep inhale, “Is that a question?”

“No?” Neteyam shook his head. He repeated the word more affirmably, “No.”

“…Who is it?” Jake uttered exasperatedly.

Neteyam flinched at the tiredness in his voice, his father’s yellow eyes boring into his. He nervously licked his lips, his gaze falling upon the floor, when he practically whispered, “Y/N.”

“Oh God.”

Neteyam looked at him, tilting his head, “Who?”

He ignored him, rubbing his eyelids. “Are you sure?” Jake inquired, repeating the name, “Y/N? Y/N, the chief’s kid?”

“Who else…?”

“That girl’s tough as nails,” he mumbled.

Neteyam blinked, “I don’t know what that means.”

“You — whatever, I’ll explain it later,” Jake paused. “You came here to ask me how to ask a girl out?”

He shrugged, “Yeah but…”

“But what?”

“I messed up.”

Jake’s eye twitched. It was more common to hear those words from his younger son, but it still stung nonetheless. “What do you mean ‘messed up’?” He asked carefully.

“Well… uh, I thought I could mimic the underwater dances Tsireya was showing us,” Neteyam awkwardly chuckled, nervously adjusting his armband. He looked up at his dad. Jake was amused to see his stoic son so flustered and worked up. “I didn’t do it… I didn’t do it right.”

Jake laughed, and Neteyam was bewildered.

“Dad —,”

The calloused pale blue pads of Jake’s hand pressed themself against the crown of Neteyam’s head, a meek attempt of fatherly comfort. Jake sighs lightheartedly, shaking Neteyam’s head, “I’m sure, if anything, she found it funny. You’re gonna have a harder time if you always take yourself seriously.”

“But she didn’t laugh,” Neteyam explained. There was a wave of sudden distress washing over his body. His striped tail slowly flickered from side to side, as he picked at his nails. “She just looked at me and did the finger-talk.”

“Neteyam, you’re fine,” Jake tossed the cut slices into a nearby wooden bowl. He picked up his small knife, resumed cutting the leftover fruit. “You know what she said?” He asked with a quick glance. Neteyam shook his head, and Jake continued, “You need to practice sign language more then.”

Neteyam rolled his eyes, “Dad,” he mumbled with slight irritation.

“What? You don’t know what she said, but you’re supposed to learn how to understand. Simple as that,” Jake shrugged. He wiped sweat off of his brow, the heat and humidity in the hut suddenly overbearing. “I don’t know what you want me to tell you, kid.”

“How do I make her like me?” Neteyam had asked it with the teenage theatrics Jake recalled from Kiri and Lo’ak. His son’s elbows were propped on his folded legs, his slender hands clasped together like he usually did in old clan meetings.

Jake raised his brows. His thin lips were evidently entertained by Neteyam’s anxiety, as they curved into teasing smile. Jake shrugged again, replying half-jokingly, “You’re the son of Toruk Makto and are an exceptional warrior, I’m sure she’s already very impressed.”

“It takes more than skill to win a girl over,” Neteyam groaned, finding the conversation hard to live through. He rubbed his eyelids til there were colorful spots in his vision.

“You telling me?” Jake laughed, raising his empty hand defensively. Once his laughter died down, he cleared his throat, his ears twitching at the top of his head, as Jake fell into thought. “Girls don’t just like brawn, you need to be smart too, son. Be compassionate, observant, witty — be more like your sisters.”

“Dad!”

“You ask me for advice, and all I get is judgment. What do you want from me?” Jake scratched his head. He sighed through his nose, “Here’s what you’re gonna do: you need to make it clear that you like her. Give her compliments, make her gifts, whatever. Fight for her — okay, not actually fight, but you know what I’m saying?”

Neteyam nodded timidly. He listened closely on the little guidance his father offered, digging his nail into a scab. Jake resumed speaking, “Don’t be so easily discouraged, but don’t do what I did. You can be stupid, you can be head over heels in love, but don’t be annoying.”

Neteyam’s eyes narrowed with puzzlement. He spoke up, clearing his voice with a soft cough, “Isn’t it annoying when someone doesn’t give up though?”

“Oh, she’ll cave eventually. That’s one thing I can assure you, son.” He repeated wisely, “Eventually. If it worked for me, it’ll work for you, I’m sure.”

“And… if it doesn’t?”

“Don’t come home.”

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thewingedswine · 7 months

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Enjoy one of Nona’s slutty doodles✨

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pandorafairy · 1 year

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Secret Cove (Part 2: Busted)

Neteyam x Metkayina (oldest daughter of Tonowari, the chief)

Neteyam is 18

Contains: arguing, protective Neteyam, slight violence

I squint against the morning light and place a hand to my pounding head. Where am I? Someone moves behind me— Neteyam. His arm is draped across my waist, his long fingers spread across my stomach. Memories of last night come back to me instantly; us slipping away from the village, swimming under the night sky, kissing in the cove. Heat creeps onto my cheeks as I turn towards him.

His eyes are closed, his chest rising and falling. His dark hair frames his face as his tail swishes back and forth. I inhale sharply. We really should go, we’ve been out all night. Someone will definitely notice if we don’t show up for morning chores. But he is so peaceful. He looks like an angel.

He stirs and cracks his eyes open, revealing their brilliant golden hue. “Staring at me, ocean girl?”

“You wish,” I reply and flick him with my tail. He tries to grab it but his fingers aren’t quick enough. I smirk at him. “You missed, forest boy.”

He looks challengingly at me before flipping on top of me. My back scraps against the wet rocks as he leans over me, his face inches from mine. He reaches to the side and touches the end of my wide tail softly. “I didn’t miss a thing.”

The heat of his breath caresses my cheek, his face is an inch from mine. Neteyam smiles lazily. He is the most relaxed I’ve ever seen him. I can’t help myself. I reach my hand out and place it along his jaw. He tilts his head to the side, his eyes watching me, like he sees something in my gaze that intrigues him.

I pull his jaw close and tilt my lips upwards. He leans towards me, his lazy smile growing by the second. Nothing matters but his lips as they brush against mine, just a whisper of a kiss. I open my mouth to kiss him harder when a voice erupts through the cove.

“SISTER!” Aonung yells. My heart drops into my stomach. Aonung floats in the middle of the cove, waves lapping around his chest. His eyes blaze with fury as he narrows them at Neteyam on top of me.

I push Neteyam off of me and we scramble to our feet. I open my mouth to say something, anything, but I’m speechless. Aonung slaps his arms against the water as he quickly swims to the edge of the cove and climbs onto the rocks.

“You brought him here?” Anger drips from his every word. He’s never been this mad at me. In the past, I was always the one who was mad at him.

Neteyam looks between us, assessing the situation. I take a deep breath. “Aonung, please. Calm down.”

“Calm down?” He yells at me. He starts to take a step towards me but Neteyam steps in front of him, his eyes hardening. Aonung’s tail slashes furiously behind him. Guilt washes over me. My siblings have never seen me break rules before. I’ve always tried, so hard, to be the perfect role model.

Aonung eyes dart between Neteyam and me, his eyes flashing with rage and confusion. “This is our family’s place,” he says.

I push past Neteyam. He moves but stays close behind me. “I know. This isn’t what it looks like—”

“Did you mate with him?”

“No!”

“What are you doing here then?”

“Aonung, stop.” I have to stop his questions. He can’t think this of me. No one in the village can, I have a reputation and duty to uphold. Panic begins to coat my insides.

Aonung shakes his head. “You came here to drink,” he starts and points to the empty wooden bottle. “Drink and do whatever it is you two did.” Neteyam blows out an angry breath at his words but Aonug continues on, “I thought you were better than this, sister.”

“Aonung,” I say, doubting myself for the first time since last night. I normally would never, ever do something like this. Something that could bring shame to my family. “This isn’t what it looks like. I came here to show Neteyam where we hold celebrations. That is all.”

Aonung raises an eyebrow at me. “He was on top of you. It looked like—”

I cut him off by forcing myself to laugh, and doing everything I can to make it sound convincing. “We were just messing around. It didn’t mean anything.”

Neyetam becomes completely still. Relief floods Aonung’s features and his tail stops its angry swishing. “Good! I’m sorry,” he says to me and then to Neyetam. “I thought my sister had lost herself for a moment.”

I give him a tight smile. Of course, Aonung would believe me as easily as that. He’s never had to question his older sister before. Neteyam says nothing. Aonung pats my arm. “See you soon for training.” He winks at Neteyam, dives into the water and swims out of the cove.

I blow out a breath of air. That was so close–too close. I almost lost it for a second. A small hysterical laugh escapes my lips as I turn to face Neteyam so we can laugh this off together, but his face is like stone.

“Neteyam?”

He pushes past me and picks up the empty bottle. He shoves it back into its place before jamming the compartment shut. His ears twitch against his skull.

“What’s wrong?” I ask. “We weren’t caught.”

Neteyam mumbles something forcefully under his breath. He looks at me, his eyes full of indignation. “Doesn’t matter. Didn’t mean anything, right?”

Oh, no. No, no, no. I reach out for him but he dodges away from my grasp. “Neteyam, I didn’t mean that.” My voice comes out desperate.

He walks to the edge of the rocks, not meeting my eyes.

“I only said that so we wouldn’t get caught,” I say following behind him.

“So you wouldn’t be caught with me,” he states.

“No–” I begin to protest but he turns.

“Don’t worry, ocean girl. It didn’t mean anything to me either.” He didn’t even look at me as he dove into the water and left me alone in the cove.

~~~

I’m late for training. Everyday, we meet with the Sully kids to help them train and learn our ways. I’m so nervous to see Neteyam, my mind keeps thinking of a million things I want to say to him. I need to explain. I had tried to swim after him once he left the cove, but he was too fast. When I’d swam out, he was already gone. But he has to show up for training. I’ll get him alone then.

I make my way quickly down the beach. It’s late morning and the group is already gathered by the palm trees. I can make out Tuk’s small silhouette and Tsireya’s wavy hair. My stomach churns, I don’t see Neteyam. Don’t stress, I tell myself, he’ll come. He always does.

Once I reach them, I put on a big smile, pretending everything is fine. “Hello.” Kiri glances up from her spot in the sand, next to Tuk. Aonug and Rotxo turn around at the sound of my voice. Lo’ak and Tsireya don’t look up as they continue their conversation.

“Hi!” Tuk says as she runs up and hugs me. I smile at her while patting her hair.

“Sister,” Aonung begins. Seeing his face causes anger to boil in me, even though it isn’t his fault Neteyam is mad at me. That's all my doing. “Ready to begin?”

“Neteyam isn’t here yet,” Lo’ak replies, leaning against a palm tree. Tsireya looks at me, her eyes growing concerned. I quickly face Aonung. My sister has always been good at seeing through me.

“We can’t start without my big brother,” Tuk states before plopping down in the sand again.

Aonung looks like he is about to argue with her when a familiar voice comes from around the corner. “I’m here, Tuk,” Neteyam appears from behind the palm trees and walks over to Aonung. “I apologize for being late.”

My heart quickens at the sight of Neteyam. Lo’ak smiles at his brother and Aonung gives him a quick pat. I try to catch Neteyam’s eye but he purposely doesn’t look at me. He looks at the ocean and nowhere else. His shoulders are tense. There’s a crease on his forehead that isn’t usually there. All his walls are back up.

“Let’s start with some breathing exercises. Everyone, sit down and face your partner.” I say, hoping my voice sounds normal before I begin to move towards Neteyam. He quickly grabs his brother and pushes him into the sand. Lo’ak’s eyes widen at Neteyam’s sudden movement. Neteyam sits across from him, his face unreadable. I groan quietly. This is going to be harder than I’d thought.

“Need a partner?” Rotxo asks before sitting in the sand next to Lo’ak.

“Yes, I do,” I reply and sit down right next to Neteyam. He stiffens as I cross my legs under me. Lo’ak raises an eyebrow at Neteyam before exchanging a look with Tsierya. She shrugs at him.

“Begin with deep breaths. Focus on slowing your heart rate. Pay attention to the rhythm of your partner's breath,” Aonung calls.

We all begin breathing. Tuk and Kiri, Tsireya and Aonug, Lo’ak and Neteyam, Rotxo and me. I can feel the heat radiating off of Neteyam’s body. I want to reach out and touch him. It’s torture being this close to him and having him not look at me.

“You okay?” Rotxo asks. Neteyam’s eyes shift slightly so he can see my reaction out of the corner of his eye. I nod.

Rotxo smirks playfully. “Might be tired from your late night.” I freeze before forcing myself to act natural. How did he know? Neteyam stops his breathing.

“What are you talking about?” I question, pretending to seem clueless.

“I saw you leave the cove early this morning.”

Shit. Tuk and Kiri look at something in the sand, ignoring their breathing lesson and, thankfully, this conversation.

“So what?” I argue, a little too defensively.

“So, I know what happens in those types of coves,” Rotxo wiggles his fingers at me. “Didn’t know you got down like that.”

Bile rises in my throat. This is exactly what I didn’t want to happen. Neteyam’s thin tail twitches. I open my mouth to respond but Rotxo continues, “Who was the lucky guy?”

Lo’ak looks at Neteyam in confusion but he doesn’t notice. He is looking at Rotxo now, not bothering to hide his eavesdropping.

“Stop talking, skxawng.” I retort before closing my eyes and pretending to focus on my breathing.

I think Rotxo is done talking until I feel the sand shift beneath me. I open my eyes to find him right in front of me, a dangerous smile on his face. “Well, if you get bored of him there’s always me. And if not me, then I can think of a least a dozen other guys who want to—”

I don’t even see Neteyam move until he is on top of Rotxo. Neteyam shoves him into the sand before I can even register what’s happening. Rage covers Neteyam’s face making him look like a vengeful angel. Neteyam balls his fist together and punches him. Rotxo’s head slams back against the sand, blood already flowing out of his nose.

“Damn, bro!” Lo’ak calls as he jumps to his feet. Surprise shoots through me and keeps me frozen in place. What is Neteyam doing? I snap out of it and climb to my feet. “Neyetam, chill! He was just teasing.” Lo’ak yells again. Aonung leaves Tsireya’s shocked face and comes running over.

Neteyam doesn’t hear or notice our reactions. His eyes are glued on Rotxo as he punches him again. He tries to roll away and push Neteyam off, but it’s no use. Neteyam is too strong, he pins him down easily, mustering angry words that I can’t make out. I place a shaking hand over my mouth.

“Help me!” Aonung motions to Lo’ak. They each grab one of Neyetam’s arms, trying to haul him off of Rotxo. Neteyam fights against their grip. He doesn’t look at anyone other than Rotxo, his gaze is murderous.

“Neteyam! Stop!” Tuk cries. Her eyes are full of tears as she hugs Kiri. Kiri strokes her scared sister's head, a look of confusion on her face. Neteyam never starts a fight.

At the sound of his sister’s cry, Neteyam freezes. He allows Aonung and Lo’ak to haul him away. Rotxo rolls over, he groans in pain as blood covers the sand. Neteyam blinks like he is waking up from a dream. He looks at me first, his face raw with emotion; anger, sadness, and longing. I want to run and hug him but he turns his gaze to Tuk. Shame and guilt gather in his eyes. A feeling, I know all too well. He opens his mouth to say something when a voice yells at us.

“Children!” an adult Metkayina sits on an ilu in the ocean. Their eyes widen at the sight of Rotxo’s blood. “What’s going on here?”

My stomach drops. We’re screwed.

~~~

Rotxo and Neteyam sit before my father in our family pod. Kiri, Tuk, and Tsireya had run to get Jake and Neytiri. They had slipped into the pod, worried expressions on their faces before telling the girls to run along. They stand behind Neyetam. Jake asses Rotxo’s face with a harsh expression.

I stand against the wall, next to Lo’ak and Aonung. They keep whispering about how crazy that was. I don’t have the energy to respond to them. I’m so overwhelmed that I can’t even begin to process. My breath comes out in ragged, quick spurts as I try to calm myself.

“What happened?” My dad asks, his deep voice echoing through the pod. My mother stands behind him and puts her hands on her pregnant stomach.

Neteyam stares down at his five fingers, each one bloodied and beginning to bruise. “It is my fault,” he says solemnly.

Shock covers Jake and Neytiri’s faces. “What?” They ask at the same time.

My dad’s eyes harden, as they always do when he’s about to give a punishment. I clench my shaking hands together.

“Wait,” Lo’ak interrupts. “He was defending her.” Lo’ak points at me, causing every pair of eyes in the room to look right at me. My face burns. Neyetam and I lock gazes, and shared worry passes between us.

“From what?” My mom asks.

Rotxo runs his hands through his hair before looking up at my parents. “I was just messing around. I don’t think Neyetam got the joke.”

“And what joke was that?” My father questions and leans his large body forward.

Rotxo swallows nervously. “I saw her leave your family cove this morning. I was joking that—”

“Our cove?” My mom repeats as she looks at me in surprise. Shit, shit, shit. My heart pounds so hard I worry that everyone in the room can hear it. Neyetam’s shoulders tense up, the way they always do when he’s on edge.

“Mother, father,” Aonung says and puts his hands out in front of him like he’s trying to calm everyone down. “Let me explain.” He looks at me with a reassuring nod that does not reassure me, not in the slightest. He continues on, “She was just showing Neteyam where we hold celebrations.”

My father cocks his head to the side and looks at me. I nod at him, affirming Aonung’s story. He looks at Neyetam, who follows my lead and also nods. My father’s stern face begins to relax. Jake and Neytiri also seem to relax, now that they have an explanation for their son’s unusual behavior.

“They even cleaned up the empty bottles before their little wrestling game thing,” Aonung finishes with a proud smile like he’d just solved everyone's problems.

“Wrestling game?” Jake whispers in confusion to Neytiri. She shushes him.

My mother sets her mouth in a hard line. “Empty bottles?” She and my father exchange looks. All the heat that had gathered in my face vanishes, I feel cold all over.

“Children, out!” My father’s voice booms. Lo’ak jumps at the sound, Aonung looks at us, Rotxo scrambles to his feet. They all leave, whispering to each other as they go. Neyetam begins to stand when my father glares at him.

“Not you.” He looks over at me. “And not you. Come, sit down.”

I feel like I’m moving in slow motion. This can’t be happening. I sit down next to Neteyam. He looks at me with sad eyes and his ear twitches nervously.

“What’s happening?” Jake asks as he motions between the two of us.

“All the bottles in our cove are full.” My mother responds, disappointment coating her voice. I cringe at the sound.

“Neyetam wouldn’t drink,” Neytiri replies. Jake nods in agreement. Neyetam breathes slowly out.

“Then who did?” My dad asks. I look at Neyetam but he’s staring down at his hands. I sigh and brace myself for what’s about to come as I open my mouth to respond.

“I did,” I say at the same time Neteyam says, “It was me.” We look at each other in surprise. Neytiri gasps as Jake lets out an irritated groan. My mom shakes her head and my dad’s lips turn downward. He points at Neyetam accusingly before looking at Jake.

“Your son’s influence?”

“Neyetam is a good kid. He’s never done anything like this before,” Jake replies.

“It is my fault, truly,” I say. This time I stare at the floor, not wanting to see anyone’s face. “I asked Neyetam to go with me.”

“I wanted to go—” Neyetam protests. Jake reaches out and puts his hands on his shoulders, silently telling him to stop talking.

“Daughter,” my dad begins, “I’m very disappointed.” Neytiri flicks the back of Neyetam’s head as if to say she is also disappointed in him.

I look up and instantly wish I hadn’t. My mother is studying me, her eyes darting between Neyetam and I, accusingly. “What’s this about wrestling?”

Neteyam and I freeze, each of us sitting so still we look like statues. I don’t risk stealing a glance at him even though I want to. My mom walks towards us before kneeling in front. Her eyes move slowly from his face to my face, absorbing every detail. I feel exposed, like everything that happened last night is playing right out in front of her. Neteyam’s tail swishes behind him, letting me know he feels that same way.

“What is it?” Neytiri asks.

“There is more between these two than they have told us.”

My dad’s mouth falls open. Jake steps forward, “What do you mean?”

“Did you two mate?” My mom asks, her face completely serious. Neytiri gasps again. Jake stumbles backwards in shock.

“No, we didn’t!”

“No,” Neyetam looks at his parents. “We did not. I swear this.”

My mom believes us, it’s clear in the way she looks at me. Everyone in the room relaxes slightly. I don’t feel any relief, I feel so tense. How is this happening?

My mom stands. “But you came close.”

I don’t have a response to this and neither does Neyetam. Jake steps forward, anger shining on his face. “Neyetam, is this true?” A moment of silence passes before he nods slowly and forces himself to face his dad’s furious face. My heart breaks for him. My Neyetam, who tries so hard to please his father.

My dad grabs my shoulder suddenly. “So you two got drunk and–” he shakes his head incredulously, “This isn’t like you.”

I hang my head in defeat. Defeat that I know Neyetam feels as well. This is all such a mess.

“It isn’t like Neyetam either,” Jake says before crossing his arms in front of him. “Maybe the two of you aren’t good for each other.”

My father cocks his head to the side, thinking about this. He nods. “Yes, you two are not to see each other outside of lessons and training.”

“No!” I yell, not bothering to hold my emotions back. I let them flood my voice, my desperation and pain. “Don’t do this, father.”

Neytiri looks between my dad and Jake before staring at Neyetam and I, a strange look crossing her face. My mother says nothing, she just looks at me as if she doesn’t recognize me.

“We shouldn’t have drank last night but we,” Neteyam motions to me. “We are good, she makes me happy, sir,” He says to my father, an open and honest look in his eyes. Relief floods through me for the first time. She makes me happy. I had been so worried that he was only angry at me, but he still cares for me.

Jake shakes his head. “You can’t afford distractions like this Neyetam. Think of your siblings.”

“And you,” my father says to me. “Have a clan who looks to you. You are my eldest. Act like it.”

Jake nods to my dad before gripping Neyetam’s shoulder. “I’ll take care of him.”

Neyetam looks at me, his forehead creasing together in panic. I reach out for him as his dad pulls him up to his feet, my fingers just missing him. He looks at me and tries to say something but Jake pushes him too quickly out of the pod. And just like Neyetam is gone. Pain explodes in my chest, physical, actual, pain. Like my heart truly is breaking.

“Dad,” I say, defeated. Neytiri looks at me once, an expression on her face I don’t recognize. She walks out without saying anything. I close my eyes, not wanting to face my parents alone.

~~~

I can’t sleep. My mind keeps replaying everything over and over again. Neyetam hitting Rotxo. My parents finding out about the drinking. Them forbidding us from seeing each other. I roll onto my side, facing a cut out in the pod and stare at the night sky. I never even got a chance to truly apologize to him for this morning.

My parents' steady breathing fills the pod. They’ve been asleep for hours now, after they finished interrogating me and reminding me how disappointed they are. I’ve never let them down before, the feeling hangs over me. It also makes me angry, so unbelievably angry. Who are they to tell me to stay away from Neyetam? I am an adult. I can choose to be with who I want.

I can’t stop thinking about Neyetam, everytime I close my eyes, I see his face. Aonung starts to snore from the other side of the pod. That’s it. I sit up in my cot and look at my sleeping family. They cannot control me for my whole life. I won’t let them. I slip out of my cot silently and tiptoe to the cut out in the pod. I step over it, careful not to make any noise. Once I step both feet over, I take a few steps backwards before taking off into the night.

The village is asleep. No one is out on the walkways so I make my way easily to Sully's pod. The ocean glows at me, as if it’s encouraging me forward. I take a deep breath. I want to see Neyetam and nothing is going to stop me.

I slow down as I reach the side of their pod, unsure how to get his attention without waking anyone. I crouch down and inch my way towards the entrance of their pod. The determination I’d felt a moment ago was fading into nervousness. I haven’t been alone with Neyetam since last night.

A hand touches my shoulder. I whip around to find Neytiri, an inquisitive look on her face. She smiles, a sad smile. “You aren’t supposed to be here.”

I open my mouth to make up some excuse but I snap it shut. I’m tired of pretending. “I want to see him.”

As if my own word had summoned him, Neyetam steps out of the pod. My heart aches at the sight of him. He looks at Neytiri and I in surprise. He steps towards us, being cautious so he won’t wake anyone. He has bags under his eyes like he'd been trying to sleep but couldn’t.

“Just for a little,” Neytiri whispers to us. She pats Neteyam’s arm and kisses his cheek. “I won’t tell.” She doesn’t look back at us as she walks into the pod.

It’s just us now, in the silence of the village, illuminated only by the glowing creatures in the sea. He stares at me, a million words are written in his eyes but he says none of them. I grab his hand and he quickly wraps his fingers around mine.

“Come on,” I say softly before pulling him along. He follows me through the village, the only sound is our steady breathing. The air is sweet tonight, so unlike the events that have occurred. No, I don’t want to think about that now. Neteyam’s hand is intertwined with mine, that’s all that matters.

We reach the end of the village and sit down, letting our feet dangle off the edge and splash lightly in the water. Our thighs touch as we sit close to each other. The night sky is so beautiful that we both watch it for a moment before returning our gazes to each other.

“I want to say I’m sorry,” I whisper.

Neteyam reaches his hand up and cups the side of my face. I lean into his touch, feeling his soft fingers. “You don’t have to be sorry. It was both of us–”

“I’m sorry for what I said this morning,” I interrupt. “Last night meant so much to me.”

His fingers caress my cheek as he lets out a long breath. “I’m no longer angry. Today, when I saw Tuk’s face. She was so confused. She didn’t understand why I was acting that way.”

I bring my hand up to his, intertwining our fingers so they both rest against my cheek.

“I understand why you lied to Aonung. When our siblings expect us to act one way, it’s hard for us to then…” he sighs. “I understand now.”

“I still shouldn’t have.”

He shrugs. “I think we have bigger problems to worry about now.” He lets go of my hand and pulls away from me. My heart sinks. Maybe he doesn’t want this the same way I do. I think back to both our parents, staring at us in disbelief. I chew on my bottom lip.

“So,” he begins, “What are we gonna do?”

I could ask him to answer first. Or I could do what I would in the past, and say that we should follow our parents orders. But he’s sitting right in front of me. His skin glows in the night, the most beautiful shade of blue. When my heart beats, it sounds like his name. I’ve never felt this way before. He makes me feel safe and free. He makes me want to enjoy life, not just do my duty. His golden gaze watches me steadily as he waits for an answer.

“I can’t change how I feel about you,” I say, looking directly into his eyes. “I don’t want to change it. And I don’t care what anyone has to say about it.”

His entire face changes: his gaze sharpenes, his shoulders loosen, his ears perk up. And then he smiles, his lips break apart revealing his white teeth as his grin grows. I smile back at him, a weight that I didn’t realize I’d been carrying, lifts off my shoulders.

He leans slowly forward. I follow suit, breathing in the same air as him. His lips touch mine, softly and lovingly. He pulls back and looks into my eyes. “Good because I can’t change how I feel either, not even if I tried.” I giggle at him and he kisses me again, our lips fitting perfectly together. He moves from my mouth to my cheek as he leaves a trail of kisses all the way to my ear.

He leans back and whispers, “We already broke two rules, what’s a few more?”

Thank you so much for the love and support on Part 1! I appreciate it so much.

Would anyone want a Part 3? Or should I start a new project? Let me know what you would want to read! I also love any kind of feedback so if you don't like something, tell me! Thanks again <3

#neteyam #neteyam fanfiction #neteyam fanfic #neteyam x reader #neteyam x y/n #neteyam sully #avatar 2 #avatar 2 fanfic #neteyam imagine #neteyam fluff #neteyam x you #neytiri #lo'ak sully #sully family #avatarloak #jake sully fanfiction #jake sully

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loveforneteyam · 1 year

Text

❝your mighty warrior❞

summary: in the navi culture, those who lay with eywa stay with her and do not return to the living. therefore, you were incredibly thankful when the great mother returned your mate to you as if he had never been harmed. but what are you to do when your mighty warrior does not even recognize your eyes anymore?

pairing: neteyam x omaticaya!reader

warnings: atwow spoilers; major angst, mentions of character death, memory loss, struggle with identity, depression/anxiety, bittersweet ending, fluff

CHAPTERS

I. golden eyes II. reminisce III. great mother IV. purpose

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psycholuvrgirl · 1 year

Text

hale (pt. 2 | n.s.)

summary: tompa takes on the task of teaching the older sully boy how to ride an ilu, but the night doesn’t quite end how they expect.

pairing: srewtompa [metkayina!oc] x neteyam

warnings: script following, bad sex jokes (no smut)

word count: 1.6k

series masterlist

The kids watch Tompa as she jumps into the water with a squeal. Tsireya, Rotxo, and Aonung jump in behind her. Neteyam and Lo’ak look at one another, then run in time with each other. They make a big splash and their sisters follow in behind them with excited screams. Tompa watches the four explore the ocean with wonder in their eyes. Tompa uses her hands to guide a creature in their direction and they watch in awe as it allows her to change its course. Lo’ak reaches for it, but it quickly turns away from him. Both boys suddenly go a little wide-eyed, then swim up to the surface as fast as they can. They peek their heads back under the water and Lo’ak shrugs a little when he notices the staring.

Tsireya signs ‘swim together with us’ to the boys and they shrug again. Tompa makes a ‘come here’ motion with her arm and dives deeper, making her way next to Tsireya. The boys go back up for a breath and begin following. They follow the group for less than a minute before the slight panic flashes on their faces again. They point up, frantically swimming to the top to gasp for air. Tompa abandons her usual swimming group and resurfaces with the newcomers. They pant at the surface and she looks at them both, observing their reactions as the other Metkayina surface behind her.

“Are you alright?” she asks.

“You’re too fast! Wait for us,” Tuk whines.

“Just breathe. Breathe,” Tsireya says, trying to reassure the three Sully children.

“You are not good divers,” Aonung says, “Maybe good at swinging through trees, but--” Tsireya pushes her brother’s head so he stops speaking.

“Come on bro,” Lo’ak says, sounding very tired already.

“We don’t speak this finger talk, guys. We don’t know what you’re saying,” Neteyam says, making a gesture with his hands.

“We will teach you guys,” Tompa says, looking at Tsireya who nods in agreement. Rotxo begins to ask for Kiri, causing the group to look around for the girl. “She couldn’t have gotten very far.”

“We should find Kiri,” Rotxo insists.

“Kiri’s fine,” Lo’ak says, “She’s off being… Kiri.”

The next few weeks go about the same. The group of Metkayina teens try to teach the group something, Kiri is usually gone “being Kiri” (as Lo’ak puts it), but the others are always there ready to learn.

Tompa takes the day off, but hears her name being called out by Aonung regardless. She lets out a groan, head flopping to the side. Her slumber fades away the more her name is called out. She stands, stretching and making her way outside. She jumps into the ocean, the chill water waking her immediately. Her body glides through the water and she stops when she meets with the group.

“Need my help already?” she taunts, smiling evilly at the boy.

Aonung rolls his eyes, sighing in defeat, “Yes. Yes we do. I need you to help teach these skxawng--”

“You can leave now, Aonung,” she says, splashing water in his direction. The two ilu swim up to her, bumping her gently and she giggles. She greets them with pats on the head as they both try to fight for Tompa’s attention. She shoos them, telling them to approach the Sully boys. Tsireya swims to Lo’ak’s side, which tells Tompa to help Neteyam. She gestures to the ilu, “Show me what you got, Sully.”

She grabs the ilu’s kuru as Neteyam climbs onto the animal. He looks at her with a nervous expression, “This has not been going well for Lo’ak and I.”

She can’t help but giggle at the boy. “Just breathe, Neteyam. Gently make the bond when you are ready.”

He nods and takes a deep breath, pulling his braid to the front of his body. The pink tendrils meet with those of the ilu, and Neteyam gasps gently. His eyes blow out wide and Tompa reminds him to feel the shared breaths with the ilu, the strength of the creature. He seems to calm down a little more with every word, less tense than when he first got on top of the creature. She guides his hand to hold on and he looks at her through lidded eyes. Tompa quickly looks away from him, pulling her hand to herself.

“Hold on and go when you’re ready,” she says. Before she can think of anything else to add, the ilu takes off with Neteyam holding on. It starts off rough, Neteyam barely able to hold on with the speed. Then the ride smooths out and Neteyam visibly calms down. He and the ilu glide smoothly through the water and she smiles proudly at how easy it was to teach the boy after Aonung couldn’t do it.

Tompa calls out for an ilu, a familiar female sliding up to her side. She makes the bond and grabs on, the ilu takes off after Neteyam quickly. She stays next to him, watching as Neteyam explores the ocean on the ilu’s back.. The two glide as if they are flying through air, the feel of the cool water rushing around them both. They ride together for what feels like forever, until he has to go back up for a breath.

“Woah,” he says, looking around as he breathes in deeply.

She smiles at the boy proudly, “You did so well, Neteyam.”

“I guess I just had an amazing teacher,” he says.

She rolls her eyes at him, “Well I had a determined student. And you held your breath much longer than before!”

“Yeah. I don’t know what it was,” he says, “I just felt so calm down there.”

“That’s exactly it,” she explains, “You must be calm, allow the water to be your guide.”

The rest of the day is spent helping him master riding the ilu and learning how to breathe more effectively. The darkness of night takes over the landscape the longer the two stay out, but they don’t seem to notice through the distraction of the other’s company.

One of Tompa’s hands is resting on Neteyam’s heart, the other his stomach. She guides him through his breathing technique, helping him slow his heart down. The cave is quiet, save for his deep inhales and exhales and the girl’s quiet praise.

“Neteyam! Srewtompa!”

The both of them whip their heads in the direction of the village at the first shout. It is only then that Neteyam notices the lack of light outside. Tompa’s hands fall from his body as she looks at the boy, panic now written on his face.

“Shit,” he says, “I have to get home.”

“Oh, Neteyam, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t even paying attention,” she says. She calls for an ilu as they make their way to the shore. He shakes his head, making a ‘no’ gesture with his hands.

“Don’t be sorry, it’s my fault,” he says, “I should have paid more attention.”

“Here, get on,” she says, gesturing to the ilu in front of them. He looks puzzled, glancing at the ilu and then back to Tompa.

“But where is yours?”

“I will ride with you,” she says, “You’ve been doing well all day and--”

“No, no, no,” he says, shaking his head, “If I mess up and hurt you--”

“You won’t hurt me,” she assures. His mouth opens to refute, but the volume of their names gets louder. She looks him in the eyes and points at the animal, “On. Now.”

He sighs, getting on and allowing Tompa to follow suit. Her hands gently land on his waist and he makes the bond. He holds on with one hand, the other landing on the back of Tompa’s thigh to ensure she doesn’t fall. The ilu zips through the water and the girl admires the life around them as they make their way back to the village.

Jake, Tonowari, and Ronal stand on the beach as the two approach. They hop off of their ilu and make their way closer to the adults, all having a look of anger on their faces.

“Srewtompa, get to your marui now,” Tonowari says sternly.

She furrows her brows, “Have I done something wrong?”

“Just get home,” he says. Tompa’s head falls with shame. She turns to Neteyam and says a quiet goodbye before making her way back to her home. Tonowari begins walking away, but Ronal lingers for a second to send Neteyam daggers with her gaze. He can’t fight off the guilt that begins to brew in his chest for getting Tompa in trouble, and he says a silent prayer to Eywa that nothing happens to her.

“Your mother and I told you not to stay out late, Neteyam. Your mother is at home worried sick,” Jake says.

“I’m sorry dad,” Neteyam says. His gaze falls to the floor and his ears flatten sadly, tail falling limp instead of its usual sway.

“And with a girl?” Jake adds. Neteyam’s head shoots back up, eyes wide at the implication.

“What? No! It’s not like that. She was teaching me how to ride an ilu,” he explains. His explanation is louder than his regular volume and the panicky tone in his voice probably didn’t help to convince his father that nothing was going on.

“All night? Alone? Far from the village?” Jake asks, a small smile appearing on his face.

“Okay, I know how it looks, but--” he stutters on his words and his dad’s eyebrow raises. “Dad, stop it! No! We were just riding all day!”

“All day? Wow! That’s impressive, son,” Jake says. He doesn’t even attempt to contain his own amusement, and Neteyam’s face scrunches in mortification.

“Oh, father, ew! Grow up!”

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ghoul-bonez · 11 months

Text

~I Love You, I Trust You, I See You~

(Ao’nung x Fem! Deaf! Sully! Reader)

Summary: When the Sullys moved to Awa’atlu Ao’nung thought they were weird, knew they were weird. He took a particular hatred towards the older Sully kids, Neteyam was the perfect little follower, Lo’ak was constantly in trouble, Kiri was always off in her own world, and you. Just you. You seemed to always ignore him and never talk, but what he didn’t know was it’s because you couldn’t hear him.

Word count: 4.4k

Author’s note: This is the longest oneshot I’ve written at 4.4k words and 9 1/2 google docs pages… Sign language will be normal font, and bold & italics will be spoken, although I try my best to show which is going on.

~Masterlist~

I Love You, I Trust You, I See You

When people thought of the Sully family many thought of your siblings. They thought of Lo’ak who was always a troublemaker, causing chaos everywhere he went. They thought of Kiri who seemed so in tune with her surroundings that she might as well be Eywa herself. They thought of Tuk who was the youngest, still enamored by everyday life. They thought of Neteyam, a strong leader who would someday take on the role of Olo’eyktan after your father.

They never thought of you.

You who always seemed to be in your own little world. You who never had any friends. You who never talked. You who always seemed so attentive to the world around you, yet had no desire to join it.

When you were born after your twin Neteyam, a spike of fear had run through everyone in the room when you began to cry, but no sound came out. They feared you may not be breathing right, you may need your airways cleared. They feared something was wrong, and that was true.

When your parents or siblings thought about your family, they thought about you. They thought about how funny you were, always cracking jokes when there was a chance. They thought about how kind you were, taking a moment to check on everyone daily. They thought about how different you were than most.

They thought about you. You who couldn’t hear.

You always seemed to be in your own world, and that drew many away from you, they didn’t want to be friends with someone who they didn’t think was paying attention to them, and to be fair you weren’t paying attention to people most of the time. You preferred to direct your attention to the world around you, always keeping an eye out as you couldn’t hear danger coming.

When you had been caught by Quaritch and his men you had panicked, more than everyone else at least. You didn’t know what was going on, you didn’t know what they were saying, your lip reading was not dependable, and definitely not in english.

When your siblings arms were bound you couldn’t keep yourself calm, now you had no way of communicating, they couldn’t translate for you. Tears streamed down your face, eyes closed as tight as possible to try to calm yourself by blocking out the outside world.

When you felt your captor’s grip on your release your eyes shot open, looking around at the damage around you, multiple avatars dead on the ground. Then you ran, you ran faster than ever before in the first direction you saw.

You ran and ran, eyes trained on everything around you, and when you ran into someone and they grabbed you again it was like a shock. You let out a scream, the first noise anyone had ever heard you make. A noise nobody was aware you could make.

You turned to dead weight in an attempt to get out of their grasp, panic coursing through you again as your eyes couldn’t come into focus. However, the person dropped to the ground with you, pulling your face towards them and holding it still as you tried to thrash. Then they blew air into your face, and you realized you were safe.

When you were younger you would throw temper tantrums, as children do, where you would close your eyes to refuse to listen to your parents. Not being able to see them meant no sign language, which meant no having to listen to them. However your father found one thing always worked, blowing air on your face. Your eyes would shoot open, highly offended with your mouth dropped open, before you would sign at him, “Your breath is gross.” in retaliation.

You had never been more relieved for your dad’s stupid way of getting you to listen. Your eyes finally came into focus and you calmed down seeing his face, but that calm quickly turned into crying, sobbing. You couldn’t help but let out all of the pent up emotion inside of you, but eventually you calmed down and were able to stand back up, staggering your way home with the rest of your family.

Some time later when your parents had been arguing in your family kelku you hadn’t been paying attention as your siblings were, all huddled against the wall. You had been lost in your own world once again, not wanting to know what was being said as you were still processing what had happened earlier. You didn’t need anything on top of that as you feared it would make your careful stack of emotions you had constructed come tumbling down.

They had come tumbling down though as your parents announced you were moving, leaving. Leaving everything you had ever known, your home, your grandmother, the forest you loved so much. You couldn’t help it as you cried again, being held by your mother this time.

However as you thought about it you weren’t that sad. You had always liked the water, everyone not having to hear underwater made you feel more included, more like you belonged, and you had heard the Metkayina used sign language. Maybe this would be a chance to make friends for the first time in your life. Maybe you would be able to talk to people for once, nobody at home taking the time to learn American Sign Language, as your father had called it, like your family had.

One thing you hadn't taken into account was that they used a different version of sign language, but that had become very apparent when you first jumped into the water with Tsireya, Ao’nung, and Rotxo. They used signs you had never seen before, ones you didn’t recognize. You couldn’t help but feel a little beaten down at dinner, staying quieter than usual, not signing as much.

Afterwards your dad had asked you to step outside, waving a hand towards you as he exited the marui.

He sat down on the pathway, and you knew he expected you to join him, so you did. You sat next to him with your feet dangling in the water, looking out towards the horizon, refusing to look at him so you didn't have to have a conversation.

That didn’t last long though as he poked you in the arm, causing you to look at him offended, mouth open and eyebrows raised. He took this as his chance to speak, “You okay, kid?” He signed.

You sighed deeply, fidgeting with your hands before signing, “I’m okay, dad.”

You could tell he didn’t believe you, lips pressed together in a thin line and eyebrows furrowed, “You’re less talkative. What’s wrong?” He signed, proving he didn’t think you were telling the truth.

A frown came to your face, feeling like it was permanently there after the past few days or so, but you continued, “I’m disappointed.”

He raised his eyebrows, surprise and confusion on his face, “About what?”

You looked away from his face, instead choosing to watch his hands, you didn’t want to see the pity on his face, “We don’t speak the same language. I can’t communicate. Everyone else can at least talk to each other.”

His face softened, but you didn’t see it, “It’ll be okay. You’re a fast learner, so you will learn their language quickly, then you can make friends. If anyone actually wants to be your friend.” He meant it playfully, and you saw him laugh, so jammed your elbow in his ribs.

Then the conversation was over, your mom poking her head out of the doorway and saying something to your dad. He just stood up and gave you a look like he was asking, “You good?” and you nodded, “Yes.” back in return.

After your father’s words of encouragement you decided to work harder, learn faster, determined to be able to communicate with the people around you, and a few weeks later you were excelling whereas your siblings were still struggling. They were caught up on the differences of Metkayina sign language versus ASL but you had grasped that there weren’t differences, or similarities, and you would just be learning from scratch.

Even though you were doing well at it, working your way towards being fluent, you were worried about talking to the people, mostly because of one person in particular, Ao’nung. It was as if Ao'nung was determined to ruin your siblings' lives, and yours, but you didn’t know that.

You had seen Ao’nung’s attempts to cause hell for your siblings, nagging at them, laughing at them, and even trying to start fights, with Lo’ak in particular. Him messing with your siblings made you frustrated, but you weren’t aware of the taunts meant to make you upset, and laughing that was meant to make you feel like a target coming towards you from a distance.

The bullying towards your siblings had become more and more frustrating and you had begun showing your anger at home, being rougher with things than usual, and not wanting to go outside of the shared family marui.

It had been peaceful while you and your mom had been working on dinner, but she noticed you seemed to be far off, handling the food with rougher hands, “Are you okay, (Y/n).” Neytiri signed as you placed another fish over the fire.

You rolled your eyes at her, upset she was even insinuating something was wrong. In reality there was, but you didn’t want to admit that, “Yes mama, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?” She had asked back, concern on her face as she looked at you closely.

You signed, “Yes.” Trying to end the conversation, but you knew she would just keep pushing.

You saw your mom think for a moment, her face scrunching up in concentration, “Well I am not.”

You frowned more, once again feeling like it had always been there since you left the forest, “Not what?”

She was frowning too now, “I’m not sure you’re fine. I see you isolating yourself. Even from me and your father.” She grabbed your hands, squeezing them gently to show her love in a little way.

Tears welled in your eyes, frustrated tears, tears that came because with all the stress recently they were the only way your brain knew how to process, to cope.

You pulled your hands from hers to wipe at them, “I’m sorry.” was all you could say.

She wiped the tears falling down your face before saying, “Why?”

You sniffled, running your hands down your face before signing, “I see Lo’ak, Kiri, and Neteyam being picked on, and there is nothing I can do. I can’t stand up to the bullies. I can’t say anything.”

“Okay, well soon you will be able to say something. You are learning their sign language, yes? I’ve heard from your siblings you are out working them.” She smiled at you and you could really see how proud of you she was.

You couldn’t help but crack a little smile although tears still threatened to fall, “Yes, mama. I’m getting better, but I’m worried it will be too late though.”

“I’m sure you will do your best, my ‘ite.” She thought for a second, “Why don’t you go try to talk to these kids tomorrow?”

You sighed, you didn’t want to, but you knew your mom would nag you until you agreed, “Okay. Love you.”

She smiled lovingly at you, “Love you too.” before pulling you into a hug.

When tomorrow came you didn’t even want to leave your marui, but you found the strength to do so. You did some of the breathing exercises Tsireya had taught you to try to calm your nerves, and they worked for the most part, steadying you and clearing your head.

However as soon as you stepped outside your marui you regretted it, not wanting to do what you had promised to your mother, but you knew you had to eventually. Eventually, which meant you could fool around as long as you wanted beforehand, and so you decided to settle down for a quick nap on the beach.

When you laid down and closed your eyes you quickly and easily fell asleep. You were still tired from last night when you struggled to sleep from your anxious thoughts.

When the Sullys moved to Awa’atlu Ao’nung thought they were weird, knew they were weird. He took a particular hatred towards the older Sully kids, Neteyam was the perfect little follower, Lo’ak was constantly in trouble, Kiri was always off in her own world, and you. Just you. You seemed to always ignore him and never talk, but what he didn’t know was that it's because you couldn’t hear him.

Ao’nung tried to not let anything get to him, especially when it came to people he didn’t like, like the Sullys, but for some reason you, (Y/n) Sully, had peeved him more than anyone or anything else. He had grown tired of you ignoring him when he shouted or laughed at you, like you didn’t even notice he was there, tired of you flat out avoiding him sometimes as you scurried away when he tried to approach you.

Of course he knew why, he had the same intentions to bully you and make you feel unwanted in Awa’atlu as your siblings. Of course you didn’t want this so you spent most of your time avoiding him, but for some reason instead of him not caring about it, it made him want to get under your skin even more.

When the sun rose today he decided today was the day to act. Today he would confront you head on, face to face. He would make you notice him, and he would make you feel awful in the process. So he gathered his friends, his goons, and they set off to find you.

They first checked with Tsireya who was with the rest of your siblings, but you were nowhere to be found, they all insisted they hadn’t seen you. Then they combed the beach, going from one end to the other, and on the far end they found you peacefully asleep on the soft sand.

He couldn’t help but notice how cute you looked asleep and peaceful, but he quickly shook it off, shouting at you, “Wake up, freak!”

He was targeting your extra finger and the hair above your eyebrows, like he had your siblings because he knew that got to them, and hoped it would do the same to you.

When you didn’t stir he tried shouting again, assuming you were awake, but trying to act asleep to avoid him, “What is wrong with you? Do you not care or are you stupid avoiding me?”

His friends laughed at you when you still didn’t move, eyes not cracking open and your breathing staying the same, so he took the next step, trying something physical. He kicked sand up and over you and finally you stirred, sitting straight up and looking around for the source of the sand, and when you saw him your heart dropped, a lump forming in your throat.

“There we go, now you are paying attention.” He snickered.

You tried to read his lips, but he spoke too fast, and you just stayed silent. You cocked your head to the side, eyebrows drawn together in a look of confusion.

You hesitated for a second, but were about to sign something when he spoke again. “Do you not speak? A silent freak, interesting.” You still didn’t understand exactly what he was saying, but his friends all laughed at you, and although you couldn’t hear it it made you feel small.

“I’m sorry. I can not hear you.” You signed, using Metkayina sign language this time.

He scoffed, “I do not believe that. I think you just don’t want us to bother you, but here we are.” He laughed in your face.

“Please use your hands.” You tried to communicate, but they just wouldn’t listen to you.

“No.” He sneered, this you understood, one single word.

Your mouth dropped open, offense written all over it. You knew he was disrespectful, didn’t care about others feelings, but you would make him care, “I can not hear. I am deaf.”

He was about to retort against you again, but when he had been searching for you earlier that day Neteyam knew he meant trouble, so when he found you he stayed in the shadows, watching, but now Ao’nung had taken it too far.

He surged forwards, anger consuming him, “Step off bro. She can’t hear you.”

“Yeah that is what she just said.” He rolled his eyes, “I do not care though, it is better if she can not hear me. Means I can make fun of her without her knowing.” He signed the last part so you could understand.

You shrunk back, standing to hide behind Neteyam. You tugged on his arm, “It’s okay.” You signed.

“It’s not okay, (Y/n).” He rubbed a hand down his face, turning to Ao’nung, “You need to leave her alone.”

“Whatever.” Ao’nung scoffed before turning and walking away.

Now he knew why you seemed to ignore him, you just didn’t know he was talking to you. You were probably avoiding him because you didn’t know their sign language yet. He felt bad for some reason. He usually wouldn’t feel bad about his bullying but with you it felt different now knowing this.

He couldn’t show his feelings though, worried about his little group making fun of him, but he slowly started to back off of you, and your siblings some as well. Whenever one of his “friends” would ask why, he would reply something like “We can not make fun of a cripple.” and roll his eyes, still a jab at you, but less so.

At some point you became all that consumed his thoughts, on his mind at all times, and whenever he would see you with his sister, or your siblings, he would feel the need to insert himself into the conversation, but he always refrained. He wanted to talk to you, to apologize, but he feared judgment from his “friends” who are just as nasty as he was.

Eventually he couldn’t hold it in anymore, heading to your marui to ask to talk with you, in the way you would understand. When he knocked on the doorway of the family home Lo’ak was the first to notice him, glaring at him and nudging Neteyam in the side, directing his attention towards Ao’nung.

Neteyam stood before either of his parents even noticed the boy in the doorway, stalking over to him and dragging him down the pathway so they could talk, “What do you want?” He hissed out.

Ao’nung cleared his throat, but the words still came out small, nervous, “I came to apologize to (Y/n)...”

“No.” Was all Neteyam said before turning away and starting to walk back into the Sully family’s home.

Ao’nung grabbed his arm before he got too far away, “Please. Please let me talk to her.” He begged, something he didn’t like to do, but it was necessary.

Neteyam sighed, “Fine, but if you do anything I will chop your head off myself.” He threatened the boy, “I’ll go get her.”

It wasn’t long before you stepped out of the marui, a frown on your face and hands he could see shaking, “What do you want?” You signed, hands shaking with nerves.

“I came to say sorry.” He started off, “I’m sorry for bullying you, and your siblings. I promise I won’t do it any more.”

“And?” You asked, knowing there was more.

He looked nervous now, hands shaking as he signed, “I wanted to extend the offer of friendship.”

You looked shocked now, “You want to be friends with me?”

He nodded his head, smiling shyly, “Yes. Absolutely.”

You smiled this time, relieved he would be leaving your siblings alone, and excited to learn more about him, about what he was really like under the bad boy shell, “Okay, friend.”

He just nodded at you, “I have to go now. See you at lessons with Tsireya tomorrow?”

“Of course.” You responded.

When you entered the marui again everyone's eyes were on you, a light blush on your face, “I made a friend.” You smiled.

You could see your parents cheering and clapping for you, but your siblings' faces were unsure, you would have to reassure them later but for now you were all having a family night, playing games and handing out things you had made for each other with the new resources you were getting used to using. They were clunky and awkward, but you would get better, it reminded you of something, of someone.

As days passed into weeks you and Ao’nung had grown closer, him pretty much taking over your lessons, stealing you away from Tsireya who was sad to see you go, but happy for her brother for making a friend, a real friend, not one of his goons that tended to hover around him at all times. You had seemingly broken down his bad boy aesthetic and his goons had since left him, moving onto another leader to follow, still as nasty as ever.

You were grateful for him letting his walls down around you, allowing you to see him, and soon you did. You saw him as more than you ever had before. You couldn’t help but think about courting him, of trading little handmade gifts, and sharing little intimate moments of happiness throughout the day.

It seemed as if he wanted the same as he began bringing you gifts, starting as a little armband he made from you out of hard to find shells he had spent many hours trying to find, then it moved onto necklaces and bracelets. Each was more intricate than the last.

When this started you began to bring him things too, poorly made things because using dried seaweed and palm leaves were different from the materials of the jungle, but you managed. Even though they weren’t the best quality he proudly wore them, gladly accepting every gift you would give.

Everyone had noticed by now, the traded jewelry, the touches that lingered a little too long, and the longing looks when you weren’t together. What baffled people most however was not Ao’nung’s seemingly peaceful side coming out, but the fact that neither of you had officially come out and asked if you were courting.

You were courting, you both knew that, but Ao’nung wanted to put it into words, he wanted to make it official, but he felt the need to fix a couple things first, to get a couple blessings.

So he went to the person he thought would be easiest first, your mom. She had seen you two from afar and already had talked to you about it, encouraging you to pursue him and get what you wanted. She had said she was not Tsahík, but Eywa had shown her signs. So when Ao’nung asked she immediately gave him her blessing, knowing this was something not just he wanted, but something you wanted too.

Then he went to your dad. He was a fierce warrior who commanded respect, and Ao’nung tried his best to be respectful, carefully wording his proposal of courting his daughter. Of course Jake had been hesitant at first, but eventually he caved after Ao’nung had mentioned he already had Neytiri’s blessing.

Finally he went to Neteyam, your twin brother, your best friend since birth. Neteyam was adamantly against it, wanting nothing to do with Ao’nung, and wanting his sister to have nothing to do with him either. He was still on the edge of forgiving Ao’nung, swaying over a cliff where falling meant forgiving Ao’nung for his wrong doings, and when Ao’nung explained his love for you, his intentions to never hurt you and treat you with the respect you deserve Neteyam fell over the cliff, giving the Metkayina boy his blessing.

Once he had gotten their blessings he had invited you to the beach where he had first intentionally seeked you out. You were hesitant to go back there with him, but you gave in, trusting him wholeheartedly.

You love him. You trust him. You see him.

When you got there he pulled you to sit down with him, you both facing each other, and he signed, letting his heart out, letting his feelings show, “I am sorry for any times I have hurt you. I was an ass and a fool, and I wish I had never caused you upset or harm. I am sorry for bullying your siblings too, they did not deserve it, but I was scared by the new people and what they would bring. I now see I should have helped like my sister. I should have been making you feel at home here, not doing the opposite.”

“It’s okay. We’re past that.” You reassured him.

He nodded, continuing, “Now I see how special you are. I see how much you’ve changed me and my views on life. I am grateful for the person you have shaped me into. I am grateful I got the chance to make it up to you. I want to court you. Officially.”

You felt your heart swell, butterflies in your stomach, and you were sure it was showing on your face, “I would love that.”

You moved your hands carefully to cup his face, holding it there as you looked into his eyes, hoping he understood how grateful you were for him too, then you pulled him in, lips brushing against each other before they fully made contact. It was magical, unlike anything you had felt before, and you were happy it was him making you feel this way. So happy, so loved.

When you pulled apart he smiled widely at you, grabbing your hands and giving them a gentle but tight squeeze before using them to say, “I see you. I see you.”

You sign your thoughts from earlier, “I love you, I trust you, I see you.”

He doesn’t say anything else, just smiles, and pulls you back in for another kiss, and you feel at peace. You know he is yours, and you are his. You know he will never leave you, and you will never leave him. You know he loves you, and you love him. You know he sees you, and you see him.

Word Bank:

Olo’eyktan (Clan leader)

Kelku (Omatikaya homes)

Metkayina (Ocean Na’vi)

Marui (Metkayina homes)

‘Ite (Daughter)

Awa’atlu (Metkayina village)

Tsahík (Spiritual leader)

Eywa (Na’vi Goddess)

3K notes · View notes

theflowerofpandora · 1 month

Text

The Arrangement (Part 1/3)

Neteyam X F!Na’Vi Reader

Word Count: 5.6K

Summary: You are outraged to find out that your mother, Olo’eykte of the Tayrangi Clan is marrying you off to a neighbouring clan. You can not think of anything worse than leaving your home and everything that you’re familiar with to spend the rest of your life with a stranger and appease an alliance between clans... only you’re then surprised to find out that your future mate is someone you have met before.

Warnings: parental issues, angst, fluff, eventual smut, not sure if there’s any other warnings for this lol

Author’s Note: This has been sitting in my drafts for months now since I’ve been ia, this pic concept has never left my mind so here it is!! There will be a part 2 & 3 for this, enjoy besties <3

“There you are maite (my daughter).” A loud authoritative voice boomed through the small cave, bouncing off the rocky walls and pulling your focus from the small, patterned beads that you were weaving into your hair. These beads were your favourite… despite trying to block out the memories which clung onto the small wooden pieces.

Fingers halting, your movements paused as you heard your mother entering your room. Luckily, she quickly pulled your focus from the deep longing thoughts which were seconds away from occurring.

“Sa’nu (Mum),” you turned and greeted her with a smile, disregarding your beads back into the wooden box on the table beside you.

As your mother stepped in to your private chambers, her posture was upright and strong as her face remained unreadable like usual…

Olo’eykte Ikeyni.

Leader of the Tayrangi Clan along the Eastern Seas of Pandora.

She was often unreadable and void of any emotion due to her strong, high status but as her daughter you saw straight through it most of the time.

She is known by many other clans as a fierce, tactical, and strategic warrior. She was a great clan leader. She had led your people for many decades now and fought beside Jake Sully, the legendary Toruk Makto, who is now the Omatikaya Olo’eyktan. He led many other clan’s in a battle against the Sky People nearly 22 years ago. At the time, the great war leader had turned to your mother, asking for an alliance with your clan, known for their large numbers and skills with Pandora’s Banshees.

“Come and fly with me.” Your mother said with a gentle smile gracing her face.

It wasn’t often that she asked you this and your arms crossed over your chest, instantly seeing through her intentions. Suspicious of what she had planned for you, you decided to cut to straight to the point with a light and teasing tone. “I am a grown woman now, Sa’nu. You do not have to make sure I am happy in the clouds with our Ikran before you inform me of something troublesome.”

She began to speak with a sigh, the corners of her lips faltering. “Oh, prrnen (baby). I fear you will not be fond of the news that I bring.”

Nerves swirled within your stomach, but you held your chin up high remaining poised just like she had always taught you. “What news? Have the Sky People returned?”

Taking a seat on a stool next to your hammock, she gazed up at your widened eyes. She shook her head. “It is not that Ma (dear) Y/N.”

“Then what is it that you fear I will not be fond of?”

Inhaling deeply, she began speaking in a calm tone. “As you know, there was a meeting between all of Pandora’s clan leaders this morning to build alliances and organise trades. A few leaders approached me proposing that they would like their sons to be muntxa (mated/married) with you.” Her eyes were firm and unwavering on your confused features whilst she continued, “I have accepted one of the clan’s proposals on your behalf.”

The air suddenly seemed thick, and your throat felt dry. Your heartbeat was all you could hear, pounding in your sharp twitching ears. Swallowing the lump in your throat, you deeply inhaled, trying to contain the flaming fire growing within you that was itching to erupt from the inside out. Your demeanour remained calm whilst you stared at your mother’s unapologetic face.

“You what on my behalf?”

“You are to be mated with the son of a neighbouring clan.” Her gaze on you held pride, not an ounce of regret.

This was not your mother. This was the fierce, strategic warrior she had always shown herself as. Would she really do this to her daughter?

“Please tell me this is not true,” you finally exhaled, hands grasping onto your hammock for support as your legs began to feel weak. Your head felt like it was spinning at a million miles per hour, and you shook your head in disgust as the taste of bile began to rise in your throat.

“It is done. You will be mated in 14 eclipses, ma maite (dear daughter).”

Two weeks. That was all the notice she had given you. The betrayal shot through your heart like the poisoned arrow of Na’Vi warrior and it felt as if the room was shrinking.

“Why are you deciding this for me? I thought you trusted me Sa’nu. I thought you understood me… understood what I wanted…”

Your eyes were turning glossy, salty tears threatening to spill over your lash line as you became overwhelmed with a variety of emotions. You thought that you mother would let you choose a mate for yourself. You thought that she would let you fall in love and choose the person you were going to be bonded with for the rest of your life.

She remained silent, sorrow briefly flashing through her bright golden orbs as she began to see you fall apart in front of her. “It will be good for you.”

A dry chuckle escaped your lips. “Good for me? You mean good for the clan! Not me, your only child!”

“Being the future Olo’eykte comes with sacrifices!” She was quick to stand up on her feet and approach you with her brows knotting together in anger at your defiance. “You have known this for your whole life-”

“Sacrifices like how Sempul (Father) died?” The tears that spilled over your lash line were hot, rolling down your blue cheeks.

Her shoulders slumped in defeat at your unexpected words.

Your father was the Tayrangi Olo’eyktan. He had died a couple weeks after the battle with the Sky People and during those last two weeks of your father’s life, your mother had found out she was pregnant with you. He fought in the battle, leading beside your mother but unfortunately suffered fatal wounds.

The clan’s Tsahìk could only help him so much before he decided to give in to the Great Mother’s call and join the ancestors. He had tried to cling onto living for you, for his mate who was with child… but the physical pain and continuous loss of blood and impending infection was too much to bear.

“Do not bring your father into this, child!” She hissed, jaw clenching as her own tears threatened to spill.

You shook your head in disbelief. “I am prepared to die for this clan. That, I will do. Like Father. But I am not prepared to sacrifice a part of my life that I am going to have to live with every single day, for the rest of eternity.”

“Many great clans have arranged for future Olo’eyktan’s and Tsahìk’s to become mated pairs. It is your birth rite.”

“My birth rite,” you scoffed, this being the first time she had ever mentioned it to you, carefully wiping at the tears on your face with your hands.

Although you weren’t oblivious to the ideas of arranged mating’s, you never thought that she would subject you to it as she had never implied it whilst you were growing up and passed your iknimaya. “You were never going to give me a choice, were you? You just decided to hide it from me?”

A sigh escaped the back of her throat. “I was going to give you a choice. I had allowed you the freedom of choosing your own mate for 21 years now. I assumed you would have mated with Ayta, but then he mated with another.”

You couldn’t help but let out a short laugh. Ayta was a dear friend of yours. A strong warrior within the clan. But a friendship was all it was and was ever going to be. He had mated with his childhood crush last year, a crush which you were very well aware of.

You had been supporting and encouraging with his advances towards his mate before they became official and mated for life.

“Time is passing, and I am growing older, maite.” She continued with frustration leaking through her tone of voice, “I want to ensure your happiness and future before my time to join our ancestors comes!”

“This isn’t about my happiness though… It is about yours!” You felt like your mother was being selfish. She was trying to make excuses and guilt you into succumbing to the idea of this arranged mating with the thought of her growing old and unfit to continue being Olo’eykte.

“Enough! I will squabble with you no more. The arrangement is done. The sooner you accept it, the better. We leave in a three eclipses to begin the preparations for your mating ceremony.”

Your heart dropped and it felt like you were seconds away from sinking into the ground. Leave? “Leave for where?”

“Don’t be so silly child.” Her tone was harsh, it was as if she was scolding you like you were merely 8 years old again and it made you want to recoil into the corner of your room. “To the neighbouring clan. You are to see your new home and meet your future mate.”

“What do you mean? This is my home. I am not leaving. How do you expect me to become Olo’eykte of Tayrangi if I will be in another clan’s village?” Your feet began to carry you, pacing mindlessly around the room. You needed to try and relieve the anxious tension hindering your mind and body.

“Because, maite, you are to become Olo’eykte of Omatikaya, beside Toruk Makto’s firstborn son.”

“Eywa, help me.” You mumbled, rubbing the sides of your head with your index fingers in prayer, wishing for the Great Mother to help you out of this mess. Out of this decision that had been made for you. A decision which you had no control over. “And what of Tayrangi then, Sa’nu? Who will now be taking my place?”

“Vaseey and Neaw will become the next Olo’eyktan and Tsahìk of Tayrangi when you leave next week.”

The mentioned pair were a few years older than you. Vaseey was one of the best Tayrangi Warriors and Neaw, his mate, just so happened to be one of the clan’s best healers.

It felt like a death sentence. Like you were being kicked out of your own home. Everything you had ever known and everything you were familiar with; you were being forced to leave it all behind. Your friends, your family, your own cave, your whole life here just uprooted and for what? To be mated with some Na’Vi you had never even met before?

You didn’t want to move away. You didn’t want to leave your home and be uprooted from everything you loved so much. You had spent your whole life preparing to lead the clan that you loved and now the title of future Tayrangi Olo’eykte was being stripped from you in order to appease a stronger alliance with another clan. You didn’t want to be another clan’s Olo’eykte.

“This is ridiculous.” You murmured, “why me? Why couldn’t you offer Toruk Makto another huntress or healer of this clan for his eldest son?”

“Toruk Makto has heard many great stories of you and the skills which you possess. You have been training to become a leader for your entire life and you are more than ready. Omatikaya requested you, you should be honoured. It is a privilege. Now, no more of this. Start packing your belongings and bidding your farewells to the people.”

{Flashback}

You were eleven years old the first time you had met him.

You had just claimed your Ikran. A small, young creature with a whirl of blue and greens coating it’s skin. You had named him Txampay (Sea/Ocean) because he reminded you of the eastern seas next to your village.

Being in the Tayrangi clan, which revolved around the Ikran, many children around eleven years old got to attempt taming one of the younger banshee’s for the first time. It was common for the children to claim and bond with the creature when they were also younger and smaller. It allowed the banshee and its rider to spend a lifetime with each other, growing up together into adulthood.

Ecstatically, you took off for your first flight after sealing the bond with Txampay. Cheers from your Mother and peers echoed in the distance. Flying was a sensation like no other. It was exciting and freeing, yet dangerous. Your adrenaline rush was coursing through your body as you erupted into laughter, directing your new friend to fly into the forest.

You flew for what felt like hours, feeling and understanding the young creature, you sat and held on tightly and in turn your ikran got to feel and understand you too.

When you landed in a seemingly clear area, you slid off the creature and broke tsaheylu.

“That was amazing!” You giggled to the creature who nuzzled it’s small head into your hands. “You’re amazing… I want to name you Txampay! You’re pretty, like the ocean. You’re amazing Txampay!”

A small crunch sounded out from behind you and you whipped your head around in alert. Your eyes flittered amongst the trees, searching for the source of noise. The lush flora gently blew in the breeze and another crunch sounded throughout the air.

Your ears shot up and your tail stiffened. You were not alone.

“W-who’s there?!” You tried to be strong and fearless like your mother, but your young voice sounded nervous. You reached for the woven strap around your chest and clutched the handle of the small dagger which it held.

A young boy’s head poked out from behind one of the large tree trunks. He had to be no more than a year or two older than you. “What are you doing here?” He asked with suspicion floating through his voice.

You froze with wide eyes, ears twitching. “I was flying my ikran.”

“Woah, you already tamed your own ikran?” His tone and eyes were filled with intrigue and excitement as a wonderous smile spread across his face. He stepped out from behind the tree and began walking over to you, clearly confident.

“Yes,” you grinned, body easing up as you knew this boy was harmless and you tucked your small dagger back into it’s sheath. You were feeling smug knowing that this boy obviously hadn’t gotten his own ikran to bond and fly with yet.

“That’s so cool! I won’t get to try and tame one for another couple years at least.” His lips formed into a small frown, eyeing up Txampy’s long outstretched wings whilst being careful to not look directly into his eyes.

“Sucks to be you then,” you giggled teasingly, lifting a hand to stroke Txampay’s head.

“Hey!” He complained and you laughed as his expression creased into one of annoyance.

“So why are you here in the forest? Where are your parents? Are you alone?”

He shook his head. “No! I’m playing hide and seek with my dad, younger sister and brother… You’re not from our village, are you?”

“Which village would that be?”

“Omatikaya!”

“Oh. I’m from Tayrangi!”

“That explains why you have an Ikran.” He mused with a nod. “So, how old are you?”

“I’m eleven!” You smiled. “How old are you?”

“Ha! I’m eleven and a half!” It was his turn to feel smug now.

“The half doesn’t count, you’re still eleven!” You quipped.

“Well, I’m still older than you,” he smirked, placing his hands on his hips and puffing his chest out triumphantly.

You rolled your eyes before grinning, “and yet, I still have an ikran before you do.”

“Don’t be a skxawng (idiot),” he laughed, “your clan revolves around the ikran and mine does not so much, it makes sense.”

You hummed at his logic.

“So what’s your name?” He finally asked.

“Y/N. What’s yours?”

“Neteyam.” Just as he announced his name with a grin, it fell from his face as a loud, deep voice echoed through the trees. “Neteyam!”

Neteyam gasped before stepping back. “That’s my dad. I have to go. Bye Y/N!”

Your small hand lifted up to wave. “Kìyevame (goodbye), Neteyam!”

The next time you had crossed paths with the Omatikaya boy was three years later. You were now 14.

Soaring through the air with Txampay, you grinned, staring down at the large trees which sheltered the forest. As you glanced back up you spotted another Ikran in the near distance. It’s brown and bright yellow colouring catching your gaze.

Squinting your eyes, your ikran was headed in the same direction. Both ikrans squawking at each other in greeting and as they neared each other, you got a better look at the rider and your jaw dropped.

He looked so familiar, yet so different.

The rider squinted through his visor before a smile spread across his face.

“Y/N, is that you?” He shouted through the air.

“Neteyam?!” You beamed in shock. You hadn’t seen him since you first claimed your ikran a few years ago, and by the looks of it he had finally claimed his own ikran too.

You directed Txampay to land and Neteyam soon followed after.

Sliding off the creature and onto the plush grass of the ground, you were filled with joy to see the face of someone you hadn’t expected to cross paths with again. He dismounted his ikran with a boastful smile.

“Congratulations!” You briefly clapped your hands in excitement for the boy knowing how wonderful it was to have your own banshee.

“Thank you! It’s been a long time,” he remarked, eyes trailing over your features and noting how you had grown taller and matured since he last saw you. You couldn’t help but do the same to him, noting how much he had grown too.

“Is this your first flight?”

He shook his head, hand stroking along his ikran’s neck affectionately. “I tamed Tsawke (Sun) a few months ago. She was a tough one, but I manged to get her on my first try.”

“Well done, Neteyam. Not many can do that.” You were impressed. You knew that Na’Vi from different clans usually had to make several attempted before they managed to tame and bond with Pandora’s banshees.

He smiled at your praise and stifled a laugh. “Thank you. I know, my poor little bro had to make more than a few attempts.”

You grinned, imagining how Neteyam was probably endlessly teasing his younger brother about it.

“So, how have you been?” His eyes were full of curiosity.

“I’ve started training with the clan’s warriors! Yesterday me and my friend, Ayta, began learning how to shoot with a bow and arrows.”

“No way, me too! My father started teaching me right after I claimed Tsawke.”

You both continued to converse about training classes and lives within your own clan’s, getting to know each other more but never speaking about each other’s statuses. Neither you nor Neteyam wanted to reveal that you were to be the future leaders of your clans which came with an overbearing weight at such a young age. It was nice to feel like a kid, like a teenager. It was nice to just feel normal.

Once eclipse began settle throughout the sky, you both decided to part ways as you both had to abide to curfews.

“It was nice to see you again, Y/N.”

“You too, Neteyam. I’m sure we’ll meet again!” You smiled before mounting Txampay and taking off into the dimming sky.

Then you had met him again, when you were 15.

Venturing out into the forest with your small bow and set of arrows, you were determined to practise your tracking and hunting skills. And it seemed as if he had the same idea, unbeknownst to you.

You stumbled across imprints of feet in the soil, weaving between the flora of the forest whilst you were trying to track down a Sturmbeest. You had no intentions to kill the creature knowing it would be a pointless kill because of the large size of it, you wouldn’t be able to move it to take it home. You just simply wanted to track and find it.

You hummed, following the footsteps which also seemed to be tracking the creature.

And then, you spotted it. The large Sturmbeest resting in a meadow. And the tracks of the Na’Vi footprints also stopped.

Quickly, you hung your bow over your shoulders and began to climb the nearest tree with your hands tightly grabbing the bark and feet pushing you up by the support of the branches. You continued to climb until you reached near the top and exhaled at the high view of the forest. The bright earthy colours satisfying your vision.

“Oh ma Eywa,” a deep voice suddenly filled your ears.

Turning your head into the direction of the voice, you spotted a young Na’Vi perched on a large branch in the next tree over.

“No way!” Your senses filled with delight, staring at Neteyam, “you were tracking it too?”

It had been a year since you last saw him again and to be honest, you didn’t think that you’d see him again.

“Yeah, I can’t believe you’re here!” He laughed.

“Shhh, it’ll hear us and you’ll scare it off!” You whispered, referring to the beast on the ground below you both.

“Please,” he scoffed with a grin, “I’m full of pure stealth.”

A small snort of laughter escaped your lips as you sat on the branch. “Yeah, sure you are.”

Soon after joking around with each other more, you both agreed to meet every thirtieth eclipse. Wanting to hang out with each other monthly to catch up seeing as you had coincidentally bumped into each other a few times now. And besides, you both enjoyed each other’s company.

You both wanted to become friends.

And that was what happened for the next few years. You became friends. Every month you would both meet up at a specific area of the forest and so your friendship with each other grew and blossomed.

Neteyam became your escapism and comfort. He made you feel safe and normal, he made you feel at ease and offloaded the heavy responsibilities that your mother put on you, even if he was still unaware of your status as the Olo’eykte’s daughter.

Many of your secret nights together consisted of mindless chatter, laughs, deep talks and increasingly more affectionate words as you both grew older. And as you both grew closer, you often found yourselves wrapped up in each other’s arms and staring at the stars. Neteyam would tell you that his father came from a star and talk about how much he would like to fly up to one on his ikran one day which always made you giggle because you weren’t even sure if it was possible. But you liked to imagine and dream about impossible things together.

The warmth of his body against yours and the comforting words he gave you had your heart leaping inside your ribcage every time.

You admired and adored him a lot and you found yourself looking forward to every thirtieth eclipse until one day he didn’t show up at your usual spot like you two had always planned.

You were eighteen now, your nineteenth birthday approaching in a couple of days.

After a tiring day of training with the Tayrangi warriors, you couldn’t wait to see your dear friend. The past thirty days felt like years. You missed him. You missed the young Omatikaya warrior who became your person.

“Neteyam?” You called out as you stepped into the clearing. The bioluminescence of the forest illuminated under every step you took.

Gaze flittering around in search of the boy, your lips curled into a frown as he was nowhere to be seen. This was unsual… he was never late, always right on time or already here waiting for you with open arms and wide smile before he would wrap himself around you, inhaling your sweet scent whilst telling you how much he longed to see you since the last time.

Worry began to bubble within your stomach as concern washed over your features.

Upon walking further into the meadow, a small box caught your attention. It was wooden with the most beautiful patterns engraved on it. The detailed carvings resembled two Na’Vi riding their ikran in the clouds.

Your fingers wrapped around the smooth box, fingertips grazing over the patterned indents. It was you and Neteyam with Txampay and Tsawke.

It was beautiful, yet you weren’t sure how to feel about it.

You cautiously removed the lid and your eyes fell upon a piece of paper with ink writing on it.

“Happy Birthday, yawntutsìp (darling). I hope you like them.” You read the note out loud. It was from Neteyam. He was the only one to call you ‘yawntutsìp’ and your heart sunk.

Why couldn’t he have given you this in person? He had never not showed up before.

You decided to wait for him. Maybe he was just running late. But why would he just leave this here?

Peering further into the box after removing the note, a small gasp left your lips upon seeing the most beautifully patterned colourful beads, much like the ones he wore himself. Your heart fluttered at the thought of him wanting to wear matching beads with you.

Where was he? Where was your Omatikaya Warrior?

That night you stayed and waited. And waited. And waited. Until the next day when the sky was bright again and the bioluminescent forest faded into daytime.

He never showed up. And you never saw him again. You kept to your arrangement with him for the next few months, always being in the forest at the right place and the right time. But every time he wasn’t there, your heart broke more and more, and eventually you stopped going.

{Present Day}

Your fingers twirled around the beads on your braids and a sigh escaped your lips. You were leaving for the Omatikaya Village today. You were being forced away from the home you had loved so much and were being forced into a new one, to be mated with a stranger.

You and your mother had barely spoken over the past few days as you were beginning to hold resentment towards her for the decision she had made on your behalf.

“Are you ready?” Ayta’s deep voice entered your ears and you heard him groan in annoyance as his mate slapped his arm.

“Of course, she’s not. She doesn’t want to leave!”

Stifling a laugh, you turned to face the couple with teary eyes.

“Oh, Y/N. Come here.” She pulled you into a tight embrace and soothingly rubbed your back.

Ayta smiled sympathetically and wrapped his muscular arms around you both. “I’m sorry, Y/N.”

“You’ll visit often right?” You attempted to blink your tears away as the couple embraced you.

“Of course!” Atya murmured, holding you and his mate tighter.

You wished you didn’t have to leave. The weight on your chest was heavy. What if Toruk Makto’s son was awful and rude and arrogant? What if he had no desire to even mate with you? What if the people of Omatikaya wouldn’t accept you?

“Maite! Come, it is time.” Your Mother’s low voice filled the air as she mounted her ikran after securing her luggage onto the creature.

The journey to the Omatikaya village passed by in a blur. Your anxious thoughts were swirling around overtaking your focus. Your mother and her ikran soared ahead of you, accompanied in the air by two Tayrangi Warriors who belonged to your clan’s council.

“Oh, Txampay.” You sighed, leaning in to your now fully grown ikran. He clicked his tongue, worrying about your sour mood as he attempted to calm you down through the vibration of purrs rumbling from his body.

In a matter of hours, your fate was sealed to be mated with someone you had never met before. A heaviness settled on your shoulders whilst you tried to suck in and push down all of your emotions in an effort to put on a neutral front as you ascended to the Omatikaya Kelutral (Hometree).

There was buzzing as the four ikrans landed in the opening under the tree. The Omatikaya people gathering and murmuring in excitement at the arrival of you. Their future Olo’eyktan’s mate-to-be. Their future female leader. The woman who was expected to bless the clan with the next Omatikaya heir.

An unpleasant shiver ran down your spine at the thought of having to perform these duties with someone you had never met before, all for a clan which was not your own and was probably never going to be wholeheartedly.

A large, buff and tall figure emerged from the crowds, decorated in eccentric beading, feathers and woven materials. The people cleared a pathway for their current Olo’eyktan who was followed by a strikingly beautiful woman who moved with stealth etched into her bones, also decorated in accessories resembling the large Na’Vi now beside her.

Your eyes followed the pair, instantly understanding who they were. Toruk Makto and his mate, she was certainly a fierce warrior like your mother.

Your mother dismounted her ikran, being followed by the two warriors as you did the same. Her gaze met yours as if to tell you to walk over and show your respects with her. With a small curt nod, your legs shook slightly as they carried you forward. The gazes of hundreds of Na’Vi flittering over your body, assessing you. Judging you.

Once you and your mother were a about a meter away from Toruk Makto and his mate, the two Tayrangi warriors a few steps behind you both, your mother began to speak.

“Jake Sully, Leader of Omatikaya and Toruk Makto. Oel Ngati Kameie (I see you).” She rose her fingers to her forehead, bringing them back down slowly before repeating the action as she faced his mate. “Neytiri te Tskaha Mo’at’ite. Oel Ngati Kameie.”

You repeated your mother’s actions, signing as you spoke your greetings of respect to the Omatikaya pair. Your throat felt tight. They were going to be your parental figures here. Your ‘In-Laws’ as you had learnt the Sky People called it.

As Jake and Neytiri formally greeted you and your mother back, you tuned out of the conversation which began to occur with your ears twitching; eyes drifting and taking in your surroundings.

The plushness of the flora which surrounded Kelutral was breathtakingly beautiful.

“Please, come.” Neytiri suddenly motioned you to follow her with a small smile, pulling you out of your focus on the forest. “I would like to welcome you into our home.”

That earned a light smile from you. You could tell that despite Neytiri’s fierce front, she wore her heart on her sleeve.

Gently, her hand rested on your shoulder as she pulled you away from her mate and your mother, muttering something about them needing to sort out arrangements for the ceremony. At the mention of the latter word, you gulped in frustration, almost forgetting the real reason you were here for a brief moment.

The crowd slowly cleared off out of respect, knowing you’d need privacy with your future mate’s mother as she began to lead you down a short woodland trail until you reached a large hut.

“Your village is beautiful.” You commented as you reached the hut.

Neytiri grinned, “quite different from the Eastern Seas, yes?”

“Indeed.” You nodded whilst she lifted the flap of the entrance and stepped inside, holding it open for you to follow. “Irayo (Thank you).”

As you stepped into the home of Toruk Makto and his mate, you didn’t know what to expect but it certainly wasn’t a young girl squealing with excitement as she chased a boy who seemed to be a year or two younger than you with a girl a similar age and an elder sat by the open fire in the centre of the hut weaving.

‘Tuktuk! Lo’ak!” Neytiri raised her voice in order to scold the two running around when she had brought a guest into their home, announcing her presence.

Everyone in the room suddenly paused, eyes flickering to you.

The young girl gasped. “Is this, Y/N?”

“I am.” You smiled at her and she waved back shyly with a sly grin.

“Damn,” the older boy, Lo’ak, breathed out, eyes trailing up and down your body earning a clip around his pointed ears from Neytiri.

You wanted to laugh but swallowed it down, tail whipping side to side.

“Y/N, I would like for you to meet my mother. She is Tsahìk. Mo’at.”

The elder woman sitting, now rose to her feet and walked over to you, eyeing you sceptically before her lips broke out in a smirk as her gaze lingered on the small wooden beads in your hair. “We have been waiting for you a long time, yawntutsìp.”

A wave of nausea overtook your body at the name, nobody had ever called you that apart from him. The memories made your heart ache. He made your heart ache. Even until this day, you longed for him, desperately wondering why he disappeared.

You knew the Tsahìk knew more than what she was letting on.

You also knew that she could see right through the smile you gave her as you leaned forward, lifting your fingers to your forehead in a respectful greeting.

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