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dumbass-tumbler-cryptid · 2 years ago

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Mama’s boy chapter 2

Plot summary: Spider works up the courage to ask Quaritch about his mother. He’ll quickly learn that his mama was just as feral as he is.

Relationships: Spider Socorro and Miles Quaritich Paz Socorro/Miles Quaritch

Authors note: first thank you all so much! you have no idea how much all your likes on the first chapter meant to me. I really hope you all enjoy this chapter as well. It has a lot of my own headcanos for what earth is like in the Avatar universe so I’m really curious (and a little nervous) what you all think of this chapter. Enjoy!

______________________________________________________________The whole squad was laughing at him. His son was laughing at him. Even the wind seemed to be howling with laughter at his expense.

“Mama really put you in your place.” Spider managed to get out between breaths.

Quaritch shrugged. “Wasn’t the last time either.” The admission brought a fond little smile to his face. For a moment all the noise around him faded away as he basked in those memories. Then the grief and guilt crept in and the world crashed back into focus.

Spider didn’t miss how the man's eyes lit with his smile. He watched the recom, stare off into the distance, wondering what thoughts the man was wrapped up in, before Spider saw his eyes darken, the smile slip. The change was so small, but it made Spider’s smile slip too, his laughter dying away. “So what happened next?”

“Hmm” Quaritch was snapped from his thoughts. He had registered his son speaking to him but the words hadn’t processed in his head.

“After mama went off on you. What’d you do?”

Quaritch looked at Spider directly now “I went back to my room.” He was extremely blunt with his words, knowing full well that was not the answer his boy was looking for. Spider groaned in that over the top, frustrated way, that teenagers just excel at, rolling his eyes at him. Quaritich chuckled in that way only a devious parent can, after intentionally annoying their child.

“You know that's not what I meant.” said Spider exasperated.

“Alright, alright.” Quaritch held his hands up in surrender. “I went back to my room..” Spider’s frustrated groan filled the air again and Quaritch had to hold in a laugh “.... and I pulled your mama’s file.” That caught Spider's attention. Was Quaritch about to tell him his mama’s back story?

“Before I get into that though I need to know. What do you know about Earth son?”

Quaritche’s question caught Spider a little off guard but he answered “ah its dying?”

The squad snickered a little at that. Quaritch just rolled his eyes. “Yes, it's dying. What else?” Spider answered with a shrug. Quaritch felt a spark of anger, flare up inside of him. “Do you mean to tell me that no one, not Sully, not those traitor lab coats, nobody, ever told you a thing about Earth?”

Spider just shrugged again “ I never really cared, so I never really asked. Pandora's my home, so I was taught this planet's history.” That was a bit of an oversimplification if he was being honest. His species were colonizers. He couldn’t allow himself to care about their history.

That stung Quaritch. Sure the kid was born here, but his parents were still from earth, his ancestors, his very species was from earth and he didn’t even care.

“Well let me educate you then boy.” Quaritch had to stop himself from out right hissing these words. He took a breath and continued “ Over the past hundred years now Earth has been on a steep environmental decline but in the last fifty-ish years things have been getting down right apocalyptic. I remember when I was about six, maybe seven, a massive hurricane, the most horrific ever seen in recorded history, completely submerged the entire south- eastern coast of the United States. The water never receded either. An entire landmass gone in less then a day. Millions of people dead.”

Spider’s blood ran cold. He couldn’t imagine something so horrific. What would something like that do to the minds of the people who’d lived and witnessed that?

“That wasn’t even the first time something like that had happened.” said Z-dog solemnly “loads of coastal land masses were lost long before any of us were born due to the rising oceans.

“But that's nothing compared to the land that's just completely un-livable now because of pollution.” added Mansk equally as solemn. The entire group was now so formal and stiff it was like they were at a funeral, a sharp contrast from how happy and energetic they’d been just moments before.

Quaritch nodded to his comrades “Cities are completely over crowded, but not because of overpopulation. It’s like Z-dog and Mansk said. There’s just not a lot of land that people can safely live on.”

Wainfleet let out a bitter little laugh “ The land that is livable definitely isn’t much better.” Spider wanted this all to stop, it was all just too horrible, but he couldn’t make his mouth form the words. He kept listening, feeling like he was made of stone, completely incapable of moving.

“So that’s Earth.” Quaritch said “ Most people have just given up. Birth rates have been dropping sharply for decades. At first, it was mainly because all the chemicals in the water, and food, and the air, causing a lot of people to be infertile. But after a while, when the writing was really on the wall, it just seemed cruel to bring one more person into the world. One more person to go down with the ship.”

“That’s bad for business though,” Quaritch continued. Spider was finally able to manage giving him a questioning look. “Well think about it kid. The R.D.A runs pretty much everything. A business constantly needs more workers and more customers. When the workers you have get too old to work, and you don’t have a young body to replace them with, what do you think happens?”

Spider couldn’t answer. The question made him sick thinking about human beings being reduced to nothing but cogs in a machine.

“Children are precious commodities on earth” Quaritch went on not caring for his son's discomfort. The boy needs to know. “If someone is unlucky enough to have one, 99 times out of 100 they can’t afford the kid. But that's okay. The R.D.A group homes are always happy to take in another future factory worker.”

“Or solder.” Said Ja, his voice dripping with bitterness. Spider didn’t miss Z-dog and Mansk’s tensed muscles and angry eyes either.

“There are four types of youth on earth.” Said Quaritch holding up a finger with each type to make his point. “There's the kids born to the ultra rich, spoiled brats who live in a domed bio controlled city, who will one day be handed a cushy well paying management job in the R.D.A. There's the group home kids who are tested, trained and conditioned for whatever job some computer deems them best suited for. Then there's the rare case where a kid is actually raised by one or both parents but more often than not those kids turn into the fourth type, the disaffected youth, hopeless young thugs who run wild on the streets, without a care in the world, for who they hurt, if they get hurt. And why bother caring. The world's ending.”

“What does this have to do with my mother!” Spider croaked out. He sounded like he was about to burst into tears. Quaritch looked at him then, seeing that tears were about to start falling from his son's eyes.

“You need to know!” Quaritch hadn’t meant to yell but he couldn’t help it. “You need to know where she came from to understand her.”

______________________________________________________________

Paz Socorro. Just thinking that cocky bitches name made his blood boil. Quaritch didn’t bother to go back to bed after returning to his room. Why bother? It was 0300. He’d just have to be up in an hour anyway.

So he killed time by pulling her file.

Name: Socorro, Paz.

Age: est. 28. Estimated age? That's weird

D.O.B: N/A. Even weirder

It went on like that. Any information that should have been recorded when she was born was just a big old question mark. So he skipped all that and went straight to her military career.

He had briefly had the thought of finding a way to make her rotate home but one look at her list of accomplishments knocked that idea out of him. Best in her class by a mile. Became a flying ace in a day. Dozens of dog fight wins. Multiple successful bombing missions.

She’s the best pilot here. He thought bitterly. Not the best new pilot, no, hands down the best pilot on Pandora. He’d be an idiot to send that away just because she’d wounded his pride. Which seemed to be the general conscience of every commanding officer she had ever had because Socorro’s list of reprimands and disciplinary infractions was just as long as her list of accomplishments. She was disrespectful, disobedient, did whatever she wanted, had even disregarded direct orders more than once. If it wasn’t for the fact that new recruits were hard to come by, she would have been dishonorably discharged years ago. Hell if she wasn’t the best of the best she still might have been kicked out.

Why had a woman like this even enlist in the first place? He scrolled down to the year she enlisted. Immediately everything started to click.

______________________________________________________________

“A couple decades ago” Quaritch explained to Spider “ A bill was passed called The Youth Reformation act. When those young street punks, I mentioned earlier, would eventually get arrested they’d be given a choice- Prison or the Military. Seemed like a win win to the masses. Violent thugs off the street. A boost to the military's ever shrinking number of new recruits….”

“That doesn't seem like much of a choice.” It made Spider angry just thinking about it.

Quaritch huffed, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth “Your mama said the same thing.”

“So mama was a criminal!” That shocked Spider. He couldn’t imagine the woman in the one picture he’d had of her, being capable of anything other than love and kindness. Then again, a picture was just that. Reality was alway harsher.

“Eh, I’d say she was justified for the most part. She probably took things a little too far though. Mama was always a scorched earth type. Especially when she was angry.” That made Spider shiver

“What’d she do?” Spider didn’t know if he actually wanted the answer but he couldn’t stop himself from asking.

Quaritch was about to answer (as tactfully as possible) when the wind picked up. The campfire danced, their plates and cutlery from dinner blown away, hair whipping into their faces. The force nearly slapped him sideways. It almost seemed like a warning. That's stupid, Quaritch thought. But he did think better of what he was about to say.

“She was just trying to survive…”

______________________________________________________________

Quaritch knew that when young punks got arrested the prosecutors would try to throw the book at them. Every minor infraction of the law would be drawn out and made massive. It turned petty crimes into ten year sentences. The powers that be, really wanted to encourage military enrollment. Quaritch got the feeling that wasn’t the case with Socorro though. Grand theft, breaking and entering, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and..

______________________________________________________________

“Arson!?” Spider emotions had been on such a roller coaster tonight. How much more of this could he take?

“It was just third-degree.” Quaritch said nonchalantly. He decided for tonight at least, not to tell his son the story of one of the most traumatic moments in his mothers life. Paz never talked about it much. Or any of her many tramas for that matter. She had always kept those parts of herself locked away, buried under a hundred layers of snark and a spitfire attitude. She’d scream about it in her sleep sometimes though. The anguished, animalistic noises that would exploud from her lungs would haunt him forever. He didn’t need to burden their son with that pain.

______________________________________________________________

Socorro’s early years weren't much better. She had been a group home kid. But unlike most kids, who were given up at the hospital, Socorro was brought there when she was approximately three years old.

She’d been found wandering the streets completely abandoned. That explains the age and birthday thing. She’d been too young to know.

Her test scores showed that she was crazy smart, practically a genius. Her biggest strengths- logic, reasoning and strategy. Academically there weren't really any subjects Socorro was bad at, in fact she pretty easily excelled at everything. The catch? She had A.D.H.D. And she had it bad. She’d pick up on things so easily that she’d quickly get bored, and start climbing the walls, or run around, or play with things she shouldn’t, just generally being energetic and disruptive.

Her caretakers forced her into every activity under the sun just to try to wear her out.

Sports? She hated them. She was deemed overly competitive and aggressive. Dance? She loved it but couldn’t pay attention in lessons to save her life. Martial arts? That was a winner. She loved fighting with people. Gymnastics? Another winner. She had been doing cartwheels and somersaults long before she even knew the names to those moves. Art? Not so much. It always turned into a chaotic mess. It was Paz’s idea to try fencing. She’d read a lot of books with sword fighting and thought it’d be cool. It was in fact very cool.

And then? She ran away. Quaritch had never heard of anyone pulling that off. The R.D.A kept their kids locked up tight. They couldn't risk losing a single future employee. But she had found a way out. At age eleven no less.

______________________________________________________________

“She told me once that that place felt suffocating to her. She was never alone, could never make her own choices, hardly ever aloud outside. Being homeless and running wild just fit her better.” At least I was free, he could hear her say.

Spider was taking everything in. Life on Earth sounded so brutal and cruel. How anyone could survive there….

And then he realized, they’re not. Earth was filled with nothing but hopeless, angry, people barreling towards their own extinction. You either fight or you die.

His mama had chosen to fight for her life.

The soldiers surrounding him had chosen to fight.

But Eywa, why did they have to destroy everything in their wake, and call it survival.

#avatar 2 fanfic #spider socorro #Miles Spider Socorro #Miles Quaritch #Colonel Miles Quaritch #paz socorro #Avatar 2

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naavispider · 2 years ago

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The Cat's in the Cradle - chapter 9

It's returning this week! Here's a snippet:

“Why did you want to meet now? Have the cops backed off suddenly?” Quaritch shifted in his seat, taking a sip of coffee before he answered. “Not really,” he replied, shaking his head. “They’re still suspicious, and Lyle caught a couple of patrols around your foster home staking the place out. But I had to see you.” “What?” Spider was stunned. Cop cars were patrolling the neighbourhood? “I’ve never seen any!” Quaritch smiled grimly. “Of course you haven’t. You weren’t likely to lead them to me if you knew they were following you.”

It's been literally two months I'm so sorry

#avatar the way of water #the cat's in the cradle #miles spider socorro #miles quaritch #avatar 2 fanfic #atwow #writing snippet #avatar modern au #avatar 2

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nin3kyuu · 6 months ago

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THIS IS A HEAR ME OUT SITUATION AND I'M LISTENING

Theres Something thats attractive to danger.

This will be a oneshot series of My Oc Nyxra x Norm Spellman.

Yes it will have steamy bits.

MY PAGES ARE 18+ ONLY!

minors DO NOT interact with my pages or content, YOU WILL BE BLOCKED!

(Art made by @nin3kyuu ! Please go check her out her pages!)

To the one shot.

It began with the blackout scans—drones crashing, technology in the area faltering and rendered useless.

Then, one by one, the science team of avatars started to go missing. Their human operators would rush out of the hyper-mind sync gasping, some even sobbing as they felt some kind of pain from a source they couldn't see.

Norm's team was ready to call off the search around the swamp and the dead forest that trespassed into the desert lands. That was until he made a bold suggestion: let him do fieldwork alone in the swamps without being in his avatar's body.

“Don’t do it, man. We don’t know what’s out there,” one warned.

“You’re going to get killed out there,” another added.

But the thought of finding out what was really happening in that forsaken place, where even the nearby Na'vi clans kept their distance, only fueled Norm's curiosity. He was a scientist by nature, and his curiosity needed to be satisfied, no matter the risk. Besides, Norm couldn’t remember the last time he’d actually done fieldwork the old-school way—with notebooks, pens, and paper.

Navigating the swampy terrain was a nightmare. He slumped down into mud, had to yank his boots free from the boggy waters, and used trees as supports. Collecting samples the old-fashioned way was almost laughable, but it brought a smirk to his face. Perhaps his time living on Pandora and among the Na'vi had rubbed off on him more than he realized. He felt the familiar sensation of hidden eyes watching him. His hair stood on end, and goosebumps prickled his skin—a telltale sign of danger.

The gun strapped to his hip felt heavy, but his research bag felt even heavier as he continued onward, allowing the one stalking him to follow. His attention had to be split between keeping himself from sinking into the swamp's greedy muck and staying aware of his pursuer. Occasionally, he would glance around, his eyes trailing the trees, sometimes catching movement in the corner of his eye, only for it to vanish when he focused on it.

They knew that he knew they were there.

The feeling of being hunted sent a rush pounding through his chest, his heart growing heavy with each palpitation. As he reached out to grip a tree branch to pull himself up from the muck, a hissing noise caught his attention. A snake-like creature dangled its head down, its frills spreading out as its mouth began to elongate, preparing to strike. But the attack was cut short by a whistling sound by his ear, followed by a thump as something struck the tree trunk a few yards away. The snake's head dropped to the ground, its writhing body following suit.

Norm inhaled sharply as he spotted the dagger—a weapon unlike those used by the forest clans. Its handle was made of bone, but the head gleamed with chiseled dark red glass, adorned with feathers and a small skull dangling from it. The entire thing could have easily crushed his skull. His head snapped in the direction from where the blade had been thrown, but his eyes struggled to adjust to the shadows of the dark canopy. Just for a moment, he caught sight of glowing patterns of red and bright, glowing red eyes staring back at him.

His heartbeat thundered in his ears as he watched the figure crawl down the tree like some eldritch horror approaching him. As they moved, their form became clearer in the patches of sunlight filtering through the trees. Dark, gray-blue skin and black frizzy hair glistened with feathers. The figure descended the far tree's trunk to its roots, then to the waters, crawling on moving logs with the ease and confidence of one of the aquatic lizards the Na'vi called Parlsuk—creatures with a bizarre alligator-like appearance.

Norm’s breath caught in his throat. He could make her out—a woman. Her hair was long and wild, flowing in all directions, with a messy braid of beads and skulls crowning her head. Piercings adorned her long, pointed ears. Her cloak of blackened feathers and woven glass shards barely covered her chest.

She was the picture of danger personified, and every fiber of his being screamed at him to get out of there. Yet, she was such a fascinating sight for his eyes to behold.

No Na'vi markings glowed as brightly as hers, and he had never seen eyes so vivid. Anklets of skulls, blackened hands and claws, strange stains on the little clothing she wore, and symbols that invoked a sense of dread adorned her body.

He stumbled back, tripping over mud and roots, a hand going to his hip for the gun. She moved closer.

“‘Stay back,”’ he warned, snapping the clip that held the weapon. Her ears perked up, twitching, but she continued to advance until his back hit the base of the tree. She leaned over him, gripping her dagger's blade, her eyes boring into his.

She didn’t speak, but her eyes conveyed a clear message:

Or what?

Norm could only stare, his body frozen, his fight-or-flight response utterly paralyzed. He watched as her arm rippled and she snatched the blade from the tree trunk. She placed it back at her side, her eyes never leaving his. Her hair framed her face above him, the ends just inches from his face, carrying the scent of mint and an oily mechanical smell. Not dirty, just not Na'vi.

A screaming noise echoed through the swamp, buzzing among the trees as a rolling fog began to rise. Her ears snapped in different directions. She pushed off the tree trunk, her eyes still on him as she backed away. His gaze remained locked with hers as she sank into the muck, descending until she was knee-deep in the swamp's boggy waters. Her thick hips swayed, and her tail moved before only her head remained above water. Her eyes stayed fixed on him, even as more bellowing screams sounded around them.

Norm's eyes widened as a bright array of glowing colors emerged beneath her. Then, her head submerged, latching onto some creature that made her appear small under the swamp’s surface. The colors moved deeper, taking the woman with them, until the waters returned to their dark, murky state.

A strangled breath escaped him, and his hand clutched his chest as he heaved, the familiar panic of hyperventilation hitting him until he could steady himself.

He should have fled then, hightailed it out of the swamps and never returned. He should have told his team the place was off-limits, as the Na'vi had so clearly warned.

He should have done that.

But the scientist in him wanted answers—answers to all the questions that flooded his mind. The memory of the woman plagued his thoughts back at the base, distracting him from his work and research. Her glowing red eyes haunted him every time he closed his eyes or stared at the ceiling at night in his cot.

He tried to convince himself it was his scientific curiosity driving him to seek answers. Yet, when he worked among the forest clan in his avatar’s body, the second his thoughts fell on her, his body responded in ways that made him question his motives. He found himself hidden in the forest, panting as his now-blue hand stroked himself, his back against a tree. Sweat gleamed on his skin, his eyes scrunched shut, imagining those bright, glowing red eyes peering at him. His head tilted back, hitting the bark of the tree, his mouth watering as he could almost—just almost—smell her.

His tail thrashed harshly, and a shuddering gasp escaped him as he came hard. His eyes opened in a haze as he stared at the mess he had made of himself. After pulling up his pants and lazily buckling his belt, his tail swishing harshly against his leg, he made up his mind.

He would go back to the swamplands as his natural-born self, leaving his avatar to rest back at base.

He didn’t pay any mind to his team's worries as he loaded up one of the jeeps to drive to the forest.

This time—this time—he would have a conversation with the Na'vi woman he was absolutely certain had killed three of his teammates' avatars.

He was a damn fool for being so attracted to something that would surely kill him.

#avatar way of water fanfics #avatar way of water #na'vi oc #norm spellman #avatar #avatar movie #atwow #na'vi #avatar oc #oc #original character #canon x oc #avatar the way of water #avatar 2 #avatar 2 fanfic #avatar fanfic

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hoperays-song · 2 years ago

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Found family shows what love truly is. That it isn’t a transaction or a complusion of any sorts. It’s a choice. A choice to make a home, a life, with the people you care about most. A choice to stay through it all and to trust others with your heart, and for them to trust you with theirs.

It shows how love is perfect because it’s chosen, not forced, not required, not limited.

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luvv4j4ybe11 · 1 year ago

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𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒕, 𝒀𝒂𝒘𝒏𝒆.

✧ 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒚𝒂𝒎 𝒙 𝑭𝒆𝒎𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏!𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓

✧ 𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚~ 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒚𝒂𝒎 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒔

✧ 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔~ 𝑫𝒐𝒎!𝒏𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒚𝒂𝒎, 𝑺𝒖𝒃!𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓, 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑷𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒌, 𝑨𝒃 𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑩𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑(?), 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒅𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒍 𝒃𝒊𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒄𝒓𝒚𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚, 𝒕𝒆𝒚𝒂𝒎 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓, 𝒔𝒊𝒛𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆/𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒌, 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒍 𝒇𝒍𝒖𝒇𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒊𝒕, 𝒍𝒎𝒌 𝒊𝒇 𝑰 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑬𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚<3

✧ 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔~ 𝒀𝒂𝒘𝒏𝒆=𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅, 𝒀𝒂𝒘𝒏𝒕𝒖= 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒆, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓, 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏, 𝑺𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒏=𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒚(𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒔)

✧ 𝑫𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒃𝒚 @chilumitos 𝒂𝒏𝒅 @eloquentreverie

It was a chill day for you and your boyfriend, Neteyam. Just enjoying each other’s presence while the sound of rain hitting the roof soothed you both. You had your leg thrown over Neteyams larger one, the other laying out straight as your arms (barley) wrapped around his large frame. Your hand was comfortably placed on his toned stomach, as his was resting on the hilt of your ass.

Subconsciously, you start to tracing his abs in small shapes and patterns when your mind starts to fill with thoughts of getting on top of him and riding his abs until you make a complete mess all over him.

The thought makes you squeeze your thighs together, but that was stopped by his stronger one wedged between your legs comfortably. His thigh was just inches away from your throbbing cunt, making the urge to just wrap your small legs around his thigh and grind down onto it till you came get harder to ignore.

He smirks once he catches the change in you scent, trailing his hand up and down the skin of your ass. “Mhm, what is it, Babygirl?” His voice is enough to snap you out of your thoughts, but also enough to make your pussy leak even more. You take a few breathes before answering, trying desperately to calm yourself. “Nothing, why are you asking?” You say softly, continuing to delicately trace his abs.

He grumbles lowly at your response, siting up and pushing your small body onto his lap, causing you to let out a little startled noise at the quick movement. He looks down at you with hooded eyes, getting high off of your scent.“Maybe because I can smell how much your pretty pussy is leaking.” He says lowly while hooking his finger under your chin, leaning down to kiss your lips softly, braids cascading down his shoulders and hitting the sides of your face gently. “Now, what were you thinking about, Babygirl?”

The question has you staring at him blankly, a chill of anxiety ran down your spine at the thought of him seeing you differently if you were to tell him. “Uhm..” you start off, the intensity of his stare making you feel extremely small, and nervous. “I was thinking about..riding your abs” you say tentatively, looking down at the waist bead he made you when you first got together.

To your surprise though, your confession doesn’t make him disgusted, or make him storm out of your room in complete surprise and disgust. Instead, he just laughs, he fucking laughs. But it wasn’t judgmental of course, it was genuine and loving. Everything he ever is to you. “Shut the fuck up, Neteyam!! That’s not funny!!” You say through your own giggles, hitting him in the chest roughly.

“Yes it is, Sevin!” he replies, his laughter dying down softly. A pout forms on your face, pretty doe eyes boring into his siren eyes. “How?” You question, attitude laced in your tone. “Because, you said it like someone just died.” You laugh at his response, replaying your words in your head. “Whatever, Neteyam!” You quip, sarcasm apparent in your tone. “But, FYI, I only said it like that because I thought you were gonna have some type of negative response to it.” You add, voice honest and truthful.

He turns his head to the side and looks at you with a confused/sad expression, long braids falling down his shoulders and ears perking up with the same emotion. “Why would I have a negative reaction to that? You know I would never, ever, judge you, babydoll.” He says reassuringly, placing his large hand on your head and rubbing your scalp softly. “I know, I just..I got in my head, I guess. I’m glad you don’t find me weird or anything though.” You confess through a soft chuckle, making him laugh before he moves his hand from the top of your head to your chin, holding it firmly.

“I could never, babydoll. Truthfully though, I find it pretty adorable how pent up you get to the thought of me. My needy little girl just can’t help herself when she’s around me, huh?” His tone makes you pussy throb and ache, instinctively bucking your hips against his strong thigh. “Mhm..” you hum, eyes flickering from his own to his lips, you lean in to kiss him, but that’s stopped by his strong hand on your chin. “Awh, does my baby want a kiss?” He teases, rubbing his lips against your own, but not giving you the chance to kiss him back because of his firm grip on your chin.

“Mhm!” You whine, rubbing your needy pussy against his thigh quicker. He pecks your lips softly before kissing you fully, his pace slow and steady. The pace makes your head spin and clit throb, hips speeding up the longer he kisses you. You whine when you feel his warm tongue against your own, mindlessly kissing him faster to feel more of him. He wraps his hand around your throat gently, a silent warning to follow his pace, not yours.

Once you feel his hand wrap around your throat, you knew you were a fucking goner. Turning into putty in his hands almost automatically. The amount of slick that was coming from your pussy soaked your shorts, leaving a trail all over Neteyams thigh. He groans lowly at the smell of your arousal, breaking the kiss reluctantly, a line of spit connecting your plump lips together.

He damn near rips your shorts in half when he takes them off before he lays down, pulling you onto his abs roughly. You hover over him slightly, scared of hurting him even though he’s so much more bigger than you.

“Teyam, I-“ you start

“You aren’t gonna hurt me. Now, take a seat, yawne.” He orders, placing his hands on your hips and pulling you down onto him.

Both of you gasp softly once you feel his hard abs against your soft, puffy pussy. The feeling so new and foreign. Your hands find purchase just below his ribs, slowly rocking your hips back and forth against the muscles. Whining softly when you feel his firm abs hitting your clit every time you move.

“Oh..fuck, teyam..” the grip on your hips gets tighter, soft groans filling your ears the more you rock against him. “Mhm, that’s it, babygirl. Such a pretty little slut for me.” He coos, pressing your cunt on him tighter, making you moan louder and hips rut against him quicker.

He lifts you up from his abs slowly, you moan at the loss of friction, but he was too focused on the lines of slick that connect your puffy lips to his stomach. He moans lowly at the sight, pressing you against his abs once more before lifting you up, even more lines of slick connecting you two together. “Awh, babygirl, look at the mess you’re making on me.” He coos before scooping your slick up with his fingers and putting them in his mouth, sucking on them hungrily.

You whine and squrim against him, getting both equally turned on and frustrated that he’s holding you up with one hand just to watch your pussy leak onto him. “Teyammm! Put me down!” You demand, the feeling of your orgasm slipping away from you quickly. “And why should I do that? I like watching how you helplessly flail around because I won’t let you ride me like a little bitch in heat.” He states, a pout forming on your face from his words. “You’re so mean.” You huff, tears welling in your eyes once your almost orgasm finally leaves you.

He cups your cheek lovingly, rubbing his thumb against the soft skin. “Oh, l’m just the worst aren’t I? My baby getting all mad because I won’t let her cum?” He prods, a fake pout on his face, making a smile creep up on your own. Without warning he places you back down on his abs, locking his hands behind his head. You gasp in surprise, placing your hands below his ribs for support.“Go ahead, babydoll. Wanna watch you cum for me.” He orders, never breaking eye contact while he speaks to you.

You felt so ‘on the spot’ without his big, warm hands guiding your movements, suddenly not knowing how to start off or where to put your hands. “Teyam..” you call for him, but all you get in return is a “nuh-uh, babygirl. I’m not helping you. Want you to be a good girl for me and show me how badly you wanna cum.” You stare at him with a pout on your face before slowly moving your hips, the feeling of his abs repeatedly hitting your clit makes your moans get louder and needier, your orgasm slowly getting closer and closer.

He flexes and relaxes the muscles continuously, causing you to jump and grind into him more. The constant friction on your sensitive clit starts to prove to be too much for you, making tears start to well up in your eyes and thrust get sloppier. “T-tey, I can’t. It way too much.” You blubber almost incoherently, but he still caught it. He doesn’t stop flexing his abs though, and you don’t stop moving your hips. “Yes you can, Yawntu. I can feel how much this pretty pussy is pouring on me. You’re almost there, baby.” He encouraged, the praise being enough to make you chase your high. Making him smile proudly. “There you go, babygirl.”

His words have your pussy pouring out slick like a river, you both glance down at his abs to see that they’re completely soaked in your juices, the dim light of your room making his pretty skin seem like it was glowing. He chuckles at the sight before looking up at you, in a trance by how gorgeous you look on top of him. “Mhm..What a pretty little slut, getting this wet from riding my abs?” You let out a small “uh-huh” before you feel the coil in your stomach getting tighter.

Noticing this, he flexes his abs and keeps them flexed, biting his lip at the little whimper that comes from your mouth when he does that. “Teyam, I need you to touch me.” You demand. But he doesn’t move, no matter how badly he wanted to squeeze and pinch at your sensitive skin, he kept his hands behind his head. “Please!, tey, please! I’m sorry!” He chuckles at your needy tone before rewarding you with a “good girl” and letting his hands roam across your body.

You let out a downright pornographic moan once his hands touch your sensitive tits, small hands wrapping around his slender wrists. He pinches and fondles at the soft skin gently, making all sorts of pretty noises and pleas fall from your plush lips.

His left hand reaches up to cup the side of your face sweetly, while the other continues to play with your sensitive tit. “Mhm, you gonna be a good whore for me and cum all over my abs? Hm?” He questions, wrapping his hand around your throat firmly. You let out a broken “yes,sir” before a loud moan leaves your lips as the coil in your stomach snaps, your cum completely covering his whole stomach.

“Shsh, I got you, babygirl, lemme help you.” He places his hands on your hips to help you ride out your high, stopping once your moans die down and turn into soft heavy breathes.

You look at him to be met with hooded eyes and a smirk, one that told you that you definitely said something you’re gonna regret. “What?..” you ask, the word heavy on your tounge as you look at him with a furrowed brow. “Sir, huh?” He asks, making you cover your face in embarrassment. “No way I said that! It was an accident! Oh my god!” You blurt, but he silences your rambling with a passionate kiss.

“I didn’t mind it, you know.” He says once he pulls away from the kiss

“oh really?” You question, a devilish smirk on your face

“Mhm.” he responses, eyes fluttering from your lips to your eyes. “Well thank you for tonight, sir.” You tease, leaving a quick kiss on his cheek before getting up quickly, but he was quicker, grabbing you by your waist and putting you on your back.

“Uh-uh, tonight is just getting started, yawntu.”

𝑨/𝑵~ Hii! I only proofread this two times, so I apologize if there’s errors/repeats it’s literally 12am rn💔 but lemme tell yall I was blushin and kickin ma feet while writing this one frl😭, I need to write for neteyam more bc whew😩 what a fine man he is. I hope you guys enjoyed this tho🥰🫶🏽 bc now I’m off to sleep, stay safe and hydrated, I love you guys🩷

𝑫𝒖𝒄𝒆𝒔🫶🏽,

𝑳𝒖𝒗𝒗4𝒋4𝒚𝒃𝒆11

𝑻𝒂𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕~ @pandoraslxna @neteyamgfs @faintfill @tsireyasluvr @aperiraa @fioooweeooweeeoo @loakstahni @brioffthegrid @wheneclipsefalls @chershire23 @blue-slxt @tallulah477 @itchaboi-itchyboy @neteyamsyawntu @neteyamyawne @inolaphoenix @renaimel

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oakbuggy · 1 year ago

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older Lo'ak with metkayina tattoos+hair!

#doodle #loak sully #avatar way of water #fanart #avatar 2 #digital art #digital illustration #just how i'd imagine his hair and such!#not much change #based on the design i have for him in my fanfic lol

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thewingedswine · 1 year ago

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Enjoy one of Nona’s slutty doodles✨

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neteyamslovrr · 2 years ago

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RETURN - PT 2

summary: five years ago he left you. left you alone with nothing but memories of your love. so how dare he come back now?

contents: fighting, panic attack, anxiety, crying, angst angst angst, aged up neteyam, fem!reader, conflict, 1.8k words

authors note: WOOOO pt2!! ik the stories a lil slow rn BUT the juice is juicing is it not

previous / next

As soon as you uttered those words to him, you span on your heels. Rushing out of the crowd trying to find some escape from the man longingly gazing at your running figure.

Why was he back? He left you along with his family years ago. So why when your mind was starting to calm down from the storm he decides to come back like a bolt of lightning, lighting up the entire sky.

You could hear his calls from behind you, maybe he was chasing after you. You weren’t entirely sure. You were too afraid to look back and see that he wasn’t. That he would let you slip away from him when you were so easy to grasp onto again.

All the feelings, all the sorrow that you supressed for five years were bubbling in your chest again. Suffocating you, as your vision blurred from the unwanted tears welling your eyes. Feelings so intense it was like they had wrapped their hands around your neck, not letting even the tiniest gasp out.

Though you kept rushing away from the scene, even if your body was begging you to slow your pace, to try and take a deep breath. You didn’t. Your feet just kept moving.

His voice rung in your head. Swirling around you as if it was taunting your state. ‘Y/N…let go’ rung inside of you. Over and over again. His sweet voice tingling everything inside of you. His sweet ,sweet voice destroying you, everything that you ever were. Making you into a shell of a woman for five years. Let go.

It kept talking and talking. He kept talking and talking. His voice growing louder. The words jumbling into incoherent noises as you gripped onto your chest gasping for air. The aura around you was muggy, creating a sheen of sweat on the entirety of your body, your baby hairs sticking to your forehead.

“Y/N?” It was too clear, not jumbled enough, as if he was right behind you. Whispering your name so softly off his tongue.

You turned hesitantly, seeing Neteyam hovering over you, reaching his hand out to touch the soft skin of your shoulder.

His hand was cool, a stark contrast to the heat radiating off of your body. His brows were knotted with concern, eyes staring so deeply into you, it felt as if he was trying to have a staring contest with your soul.

The more you looked at him, still trying to regulate your harsh breathing you realised just how much he had changed. He was maybe an entire foot taller then when you had last seen him. His muscles were larger, his entire body broader as his chest heaved. His chest had a large scar, a cavity like scar that was closer to a pinkish colour.

It stood out like stars showing in daytime. His face was tougher, the soft look he once had, changing into a harder one. Matched with long braids that went down to his pecs.

“Y/N? Please.” Your eyes snapped back to his, the grip on your shoulder becoming mind-consuming. Anger filling your core again, rising through your entire body as the air you were gasping for before, was taken in to exhale your agitated sigh.

“Let go.” Your voice was harsh. Nothing like he remembered, you were so different to how he remembered.

Neteyam tried desperately to not remember you by your last encounter. He tried to forget the way you choked on your sobs. He tried to forget the way you begged and begged him. He tried to forget the way you gripped onto him so hard, your nails left bleeding crescents in his legs.

He rather tried to remember the parts of you that he fell in love with. Your soft smile, your sweet voice, your kindness. Your patience, your skill, you. He loved you.

But now as he touched your skin for the first time in what felt like forever, it felt as if he had lost that woman. “Please, I need to talk to you.”

“About what.” You spat at him, shaking his grip off your shoulder.

“Everything.”

“There is nothing to talk about.”

“Yes there is! Y/N there is so much to talk about!” You shook your head, sucking on your bottom lip for a moment to stop a small cry escape from your mouth. “Please.”

“What should we talk about then? Hm?” Your tone was cruel, but you felt no remorse. Right now as you stared at him, you were nothing but angry.

“Apologies.”

“I don’t want your apologies Neteyam. All I wanted was to come with you. Our journey ended a long time ago.” Your words shattered his heart, it hurt you as well. You loved Neteyam. He was all you ever wanted, but you were hurt, you were broken without him, and were put back together with missing pieces.

“No- No it’s not. I’m back. We can be back together-” A mean chuckle escaped your lips.

“What makes you think that you can keep walking in and out of my life?!”

“I had to leave Y/N!”

“And I could’ve come!” You pushed him slightly, hands crazing the scar on his chest. He stumbled back, shaking his head as he looked down at you.

“It wasn’t safe for you Y/N…”

“Oh…I never thought of that! I never thought that escaping war WOULD BE UNSAFE! You got to leave! You got to escape! I was stuck here Neteyam! I was stuck with the sky-people! Do you think they stopped just because your oh so wanted daddy left? NO! So many of us have perished to their weapons. So many.” You didn’t realise that you were punching his chest with every sentence, wrath racking through you as Neteyam stared down at you with teary eyes, taking your punches with pursed lips.

“Beautiful you know I didn’t want to leave you. But it was for the better, I had to.”

“Stop lying to me Neteyam.”

“I’m not lying to you. Please baby.”

“I’m not your baby! Fuck! You left me! You can’t- You can’t just come back and demand me. Do you know how hard it was to let you go?” Neteyam shook his head, pained at the way your voice kept cracking. “I didn’t move for months. I cried non-stop. I didn’t eat, I didn’t hunt. I didn’t do anything. You left me and you took everything that I was with you.”

“I-I’m back…I didn’t want to hurt you, I just needed you to be safe, I couldn’t take you from the forest. Please baby- Y/N, I’m here to fix this. I would’ve never left if I had a choice.” Neteyam was in tears, sticky water dripping down his hollow cheeks as he gripped tightly onto your knuckles. He tried to stare into your eyes, but you avoided his gaze.

“This can’t be fixed Neteyam.”

“No. No it can- Please just fuck. Please. Give me another chance-”

“We can’t do this Neteyam. We can’t just keep begging each other for love.”

“We can do this. We can.”

“Y/N!” Looking behind Neteyams wide shoulders was a stomping Va’tep. His braids swinging aggressively along his back as his gaze sent daggers into the both of you.

You ripped your hands out of Neteyam’s grasp, wiping the tears off your face, straightening your posture as you waltzed towards Va’tep.

“Where the fuck did you go?!” He was racing towards you, feet crushing into the dirt as his rough hands ran down your body looking for any injuries.

“A walk.”

“Are you kidding me? A walk?”

“Yes…I went for a walk.”

“Sure.” Va’tep rolled his eyes, getting the loose hairs out of your face and tucking them behind your ears.

Neteyam stared at you with another man’s hands on you. His heart grew sour, a low growl escaping him as he tried to supress the urge to slit the man’s throat. Neteyam inched closer to the pair, analysing every single thing about them.

The way you leant out of his touch, the way his hands dragged down your body instead of caressing it, the way Va’tep’s eyes wouldn’t linger on you for long enough. He was inferior, what ever he was to you. He was shameful at it.

Even if Neteyam’s face was still stained in tears, he was intimidating to the man in front of you. “Actually…Y/N and I were talking.”

You winced at the way Va’tep’s grip on your arm got extremely tight, as he looked at the man challenging him. He hated challenges.

“Oh! It’s the mighty warrior! Neteyam Sully.” Va’tep let go of you harshly to give Neteyam a rough pat to the back. “He has come running back as fast as he ran away!” Neteyam hissed at him, pushing Va’tep harshly making sure he stumbled on his feet.

“Watch your words.” Neteyam had a finger pointed at Va’tep, if he inched any closer it would be planted right on the middle of his chest.

“Why should I?”

“Or else I’ll make you.” You tried to let out a shout, warning them to stop fighting but it was useless. They were too caught up with their own ego’s they would never listen to you.

“Just like you made Y/N stay?” Neteyam’s face dropped, horrified that his actions were brought up by Va’tep. “Yeah…I was left to clean up your mess, you’re a dick y’know that? Eywa looks down on those who do nothing to respect the sacred bonds.” Va’tep’s teeth were bared as he uttered his arguments.

“You know nothing. Know your place.” Neteyam hissed at him, hand gripped onto the handle of his knife.

“Know your place mighty warrior. Y/N is my mate.”

Neteyam’s head snapped towards you looking for you to deny his words. But all you could do was look down, head hung in shame.

His heart felt heavy. His entire body aching as he stared at you hopelessly. Had he completely lost you? Was his hopes to get you back too naïve?

“You mated with him?”

“No!” Va’tep hissed at your fast reply.

“We are promised…Neteyam. Letting you know because your family has a history of disrespecting bonds.” Va’tep chuckled as he referred to Neteyam’s parents, earning a hearty growl out of Neteyams chest, his tail lashing through the air.

Neteyam looked over to your slanted posture, the way you picked anxiously at your nails watching the two men in front of you interact. He had to leave. Before he did something stupid. He’d be back for you, he was sure of it.

Neteyam turned in a huff, walking back to his family. His shoulders swinging as he stomped away like a hurt child.

Va’tep chuckled walking back over to you, letting his strong arm rest across your shoulders. “I guess the sea always brings in trash.”

But the light always reflects the treasures. And Neteyam was shining.

series taglist: @notsaelty @mommyneytiri @hannabanana-09 @gloryavila @peachinsominac @jaidalise @neqeyam @hello222sthings @tsuteysyawntu @neyetams @yhern05 @emjeez @adaiasafira @kiri-tuk @yaya6765 @biscuitbeater15 @iwannahaveaprettyaesthetic @plooloo @savvysscandles @dilucslilmeowmeow @69cocktimusprime @newjeansbonnie @chatoicboy @pinkpantheris @plzfeedmebread @afro-hispwriter @lollife1617 @goddesslilithmoriarty @cinetrix @grierpilots @melsunshine @valentineheartzz @tsveria

normal taglist: @8resa @ilovejakesullysdick @neteyamsblog @live-laugh-neteyam @reyalvr @trashfox @darkacademictrash @scntfrhs @dreamyescapesfromreality @fanboyluvr @neteyamzmate @neteyamyawne @neteyamssbaby @oceanstar19 @sharkybabe9

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nin3kyuu · 3 months ago

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A lil (late) birthday gift for @ikranwings ^^

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rosyjn · 1 year ago

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riding Jake’s thigh… @pandoraslxna’s kinktober day 03!

MDNI!!

warnings: a little overstimulation, praise

"Yeah, just like that.." he coos, holding your hips as you slowly rub your exposed heat on his thigh. You mewl and bite your lip, your slick wetting his skin. "Fuckin' love to see you like this," his hands trail up and down your bare body and his cock stays sprung up.

"Please, let me have it..." you beg, looking down at his erection while you speed up, riding his thigh faster and harder.

"Nah, you gotta cum first, then you can have my cock," he pinches the area around your navel, making you jump for a second before you continue pleasuring yourself, desperately chasing your orgasm on him. Jake is the type to please you. He always made sure that you had a climax, sometimes even several, before he would think about finishing.

"Fuck," you whisper softly, biting your lip to stifle your little noises as you clench around nothing. You're so wet- such a mess for him. He grips your hips tighter, fingers digging into the flesh there. He begins to help you, pushing you back and forth and grinding you onto his muscular thigh. You melt like putty, leaning forward and tucking your head into the crook of his neck. You softly moan into his skin while your hands hold him firmly. As your orgasm comes closer, you squirm.

"Shh," he croons., rubbing the back of your head as you writhe in his embrace. When your climax hits, he grunts as your arousal squirts onto his skin. Your swollen, desperate clit tingles with pleasure. You whisper-moan sweet nothings into Jake's ear.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you-" you whimper, feeling overwhelmed.

"I've got ya," he chuckles. He thinks it's adorable, how you get all flustered whenever you cum.

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wheneclipsefalls · 1 year ago

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Little Gift Masterlist

Pairing: Dark Adult Neteyam x Fem Human Reader

Summary: The RDA are forced to negotiate with a certain Olo'eyktan. Luckily, there is only one thing he wants.

PARTS

Introduction

Scramble

Feast

Tremble

Latch

Snap

More parts coming soon

Please remember to read the warnings at the beginning of each part

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lanasblood · 2 years ago

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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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