#protective neteyam

[wheneclipsefalls]

Withered

Beautiful Adult Neteyam photo by the wonderful @cinetrix

Pairing: Alpha Neteyam x Beta Fem Omatikaya Reader

Synopsis: You and Neteyam have opposite lives. He thrives in the daylight of possibilities while you are forced to the shadows. You are sure that the right course of action would be letting the future Olo'eyktan go. Neteyam is less convinced.

Based on a request from my 🥔 anon

Warnings: aged up characters, aged up neteyam, angst, health problems, explicit smut, dirty talk, crying, miscommunication, p in v, virgin reader, first time, omegaverse, alpha/beta relationship dynamic, heat, sickness, 18+ only MDNI

Tanhi: star/little star I Yawne: beloved I Sevin: pretty I Mawey: calm

A/N: I can't tell you all enough how grateful I am for the hype and many comments that have been around this story just from that small sneak peek I posted. This ended up being a lot longer than I ever anticipated but I had a blast writing it. Please let me know what you think. I love hearing from y'all!

For many the sun is a symbol of warmth, peace, and solace. The bright rays enwrap Na’vi of all ages in the glow of Eywa’s love. The rise of morning light represents a new day, another chance for adventure and possibilities. When the illuminating glow of yellow sunshine transforms into streaks of vibrant purples and pinks, it indicates a time for families to come together and tuck in for the night. 

However, for you, your day truly begins at the first glow of bioluminescence. Eclipse is your time to explore the world.

You were born with an almost unheard of disease. It only took a few days of your infant body breaking out into abnormal rashes for Tsahik to realize something was wrong. Exposure of more than a few minutes to sunshine causes detrimental effects to your body. For this reason, you are forced to avoid the vibrant glow of the sun. 

From that moment on you have lived your life almost nocturnally. On lucky days the clouds protect you from the harmful UV rays. Rain has come to be your favorite weather as it allows you an escape from your hut. 

Despite these difficulties you have always strived to remain positive. You thank your parents for their gracious attitudes that inspire you to look for the silver lining in all situations. Sure you can not sunbathe or prowl the forest during sunny days but no one knows the forest at Eclipse as well as you do. Your knowledge has come in handy more than a few times, being asked to guide night hunts with some of the most notorious warriors in the clan.

This is where you met Neteyam.

The firstborn of the infamous Toruk Makto and your future Olo’eyktan, you originally assumed he would have no interest in interacting with you. You knew him from afar, hearing the word spread of his kindness and diligence when it came to helping those around him. His alpha status only served to bring a larger gaggle of girls practically falling at his feet. As a beta and suffering from a rare condition, you naturally took yourself out of the run up. You were confident he would choose some sweet and knowledgeable omega that would be the perfect tsahik. 

However, your assumptions quickly crumbled as he progressively paid attention to you more and more throughout these night hunts. Instead of joining the rest of the alpha warriors gathering to share a strong drink after a successful kill, he would opt to check in with you. You were shy at first, unsure of how to act around such an influential member of the clan. However, there was something about those golden orbs and soft smile that quickly set you at ease. 

You still remember the first time you had sustained a small injury during these hunts. It was nothing more than a shallow slash to your forearm, but Neteyam had insisted on carefully wrapping it himself. You gushed over him like an idiot, reminding him that it was unnecessary but  he showed his stubborn side that day. 

At first you thought it was your own overactive imagination noticing the frequency of night hunts he signed up for increase, but eventually it had become every single night. No matter how boned-tired he was from a day of full Olo’eyktan training, he would beam at the sight of your small form. His scent was something that seemed to constantly enrapture your senses. The heavy essence of pine and hormonal swings was so much stronger than yours. It took some getting used to. The first few nights you were bashful to come home and find evidence of your arousal dampening your loincloth. 

Still, you told yourself it was just a simple crush that you had to live with. It took weeks for you to even consider the possibility of Neteyam showing interest in you. He had been consistent in bringing you out of your shell, getting you to talk about everything from your family to the fondest hope and dreams in your heart. Oftentimes he would stay back behind after the hunt to help you join him sitting on an overarching thick branch (you were grateful for the darkness of eclipse that hid your blush each time he effortlessly hoisted you up with large hands gently holding your waist) and chat away into the night. 

It was only when the gifts began that you gave these interactions a second thought. It had started small with simple flowers and fruits he had encountered throughout the day. However, they slowly became more intricate. The first time he brought you a small woven bracelet of sparkling gems, you had been gobsmacked. 

“Like the night sky. The only thing appropriate for my tanhi.” He had said, making you almost choke on your own spit. Tahni- little star: a nickname he had coined for you after the first week. A fitting term for someone that only knew the night sky. Still, it was the first time he had ever called you his. The terminology was not lost on you. 

When the sun arose once more and you had retired back to your protected hut, those words had kept you up, your small fingers twiddling with the bracelet. 

Taking your acceptance of the small gift, Neteyam had become even more bold with his courting. Before you knew it he was bringing a meal with him for you before every hunt. You had tried to decline the thoughtful gesture but he would not take no for an answer. 

“Someone has to make sure you eat, tanhi.” 

There was no fighting the alpha on this, so you graciously took the meals each night. He smiled proudly as you moaned in satisfaction of the carefully seasoned meat he had killed and prepared for you. Another testament to the mighty warrior and beneficial mate he is. 

You started to think that the eldest Sully was simply a flirt, or perhaps such a kind person that his actions came off as romantic. However, there was one instance that finally tipped you to accepting his affections. It was a particularly successful hunt, dragging home a thanator, when he had slowed down to your pace. Talking about anything and everything under the night sky, your breath was practically stolen from your lungs when he reached out to tuck a strand of your dark hair behind your ear. 

However innocent the gesture was, it was the lingering of his hand running down your neck that caused your heart to bash against your rib cage violently. A simple brush that had left his scent to coalesce with yours. An essence that would keep other suitors away. Out of habit, you mentally went to play it off as a simple accident, but the crooked smirk plastered across his face did not allow you. There was a primal satisfaction seated in those golden orbs, one that caused a pool of arousal to gather in your core. 

He knew what he had done. 

Neteyam was proud of it. 

His affection was untethered from that point forward. Accidental brushes of fingers had turned into blatant hand holding. The alpha never missed an opportunity to press a warm hand to the small of your back, guiding you through the terrain, or wrap an arm around your waist in order to steady you when walking over uneven forest floor. 

“What kind of alpha would I be if I let you get hurt?” 

He had spoken in response to your inquiry, a cheeky grin plastered across his face.

Falling for Neteyam was easy. Too easy. It was keeping yourself back from jumping into his arms or melting into his embraces that was difficult. No matter how strange and suggestive his behavior had been, you didn’t want to get your hopes up. After all, there was no saying what he got up to during the day. For all you knew he could be taking omegas out every day and weaving sweet gifts for them too. 

So you had decided to do what was best for everyone and take yourself out of the situation before something embarrassing could happen. You declined the request to accompany the hunting party and instead went to spend some more time with your family. If your parents noticed the difference in your appearance they did not show it. They were always good at giving you space, respecting your independence as an adult (although your mother did go out of her way to place a comforting hand on your shoulder, a silent way to express her understanding and love). Neither of them knew about Neteyam at the time, it was easier that way. 

This fact only heightened their surprise when they saw Toruk Makto’s eldest son approaching their small gathering. You can still remember the intent gaze that Neteyam pierced you with. Your heart hammered out of your chest, hands fidgeting with the moss beneath you nervously. Neteyam signaled the traditional greeting to your parents before respectfully asking your father if he could borrow you for a moment. 

They were caught off guard, your dad turning back to send you a curious look, but naturally neither wanted to decline the Omatikaya prince. 

Once the two of you were finally alone, Neteyam immediately sprang into action. He grabbed your biceps and used that hold to turn you from side to side as he scanned your form. His intense inspection had blood rushing to your cheeks. 

“Neteyam, what are you doing? I thou-”

“Where are you injured?” You twitched when he reached a hand out to inspect your flicking tail too. Confusion swarmed within you. You had sputtered and struggled to put together a full sentence.

“It has been three days, Tanhi. I blew one day off as exhaustion or a fluke and the second as pure coincidence but surely only an injury would keep you away from the hunt for three days.” His eyes finally met yours again when there was no wound to be found. His tall frame had towered over yours as he reached out to cup your cheek. 

That familiar warmth and adoration you had for him had returned within an instant. 

You stepped back, successfully out of his grasp.

“I’m fine.” You replied simply. 

His tail swatted in the humid air and those golden orbs had squinted into slits. The focused attention of that look full of suspicion was enough to hold you down to your spot. You swallowed the lump in your throat and as you tried desperately to keep the fidgeting at bay. It was one of the few times you were grateful to be beta because surely an omega would shrivel under the pressure of his looming presence. 

“I don’t like when you lie to me, Tahni. Now tell me why I’ve had to go without my little star for three whole days.” Neteyam placed his hands sternly upon his hips, ears twitching forward as if preparing to take in your explanation. An explanation that you felt could not be shared. Doing so was bound to undermine your plans, completely destroying the efforts that had been made. 

“The group seems to be more than sufficient without my guidance.” You don’t dare to meet his eyes, your own orbs trained at the ground instead. In a moment’s notice his sculpted body was once again inches away from yours. His warmth came off of him in waves, along with the heady aura of alpha pheromones. 

You couldn’t hold back the shiver that ran down your spine when he placed heavy hands on your shoulders and bent over your frame till you could feel his calm breath against your ear. Neteyam’s tail wrapped around your thigh. A part of your brain told you to run, understanding the alluring danger that awaited you, while the other yearned to curl up against his impressive physique. 

You couldn’t understand how any omega managed to be around this male without completely dropping to their knees.

Suddenly you had some sympathy for the girls that had always fawned over him. 

“Tell me the truth, sevin.” The heated words tickled at your ears and made your heart skip a beat. It was foolish to think that there was any chance of lying to Neteyam, the mighty warrior that walked with the confidence of the supernatural. 

So you did.

You had scrambled to messily explain how it would be best if the two of you spent less time together. Unfortunately this unrehearsed synopsis included an approach that painted yourself as the foolish beta with a crush on the Omatikaya prince and therefore unable to handle herself around him. It was not the perspective you had hoped for, but it was the only one that could have been presented in your state of jumbled thought. 

Neteyam shook his head, an almost fond smile upon his lips. 

“Tanhi, you really do not like to make things easy for me.” A bitter laugh escaped his throat. The sound put you slightly on edge but there was no trace of anger in his expression. Amusement was easily perceivable in the raise of his hairless eyebrows. He had taken your humiliating and pathetic explanation in stride, in fact, he had found humor in it. 

“I thought I’ve made myself clear.” You were swooped into the encirclement of his arms in one quick motion. You squeaked and braced yourself against the warm muscles of his abdomen. “You are the mate I seek.” 

His words had thrown you into a spiral, your heartstrings plucking into rhythms of heightened emotion. It was almost too much to take in. A part of you still found security in denying these bold claims but there had been too much evidence at that point. Neteyam Sully had in fact been courting you. 

His head lowered, nuzzling at your face until you finally looked up at him. Your lips were only a breath apart. 

“If you’ll have me.” Neteyam whispered. 

There was no fighting the longings of your heart at that rate. That night you had agreed to his courting and within a month the two of you had been madly in love and preparing to officially mate. 

The process was faster, seemingly faster than anything else in your life. Night had always slowed you down from progressing in the normal rhythm of Na’vi milestones, but Neteyam had broken that pattern for you. 

You can still remember the vivid sensation of his tendrils connecting with your own. Those sparks of electricity that had created a direct line to his innermost feelings and thoughts. There was great solace to be found in the surging feelings of love and adoration he had for you, something you had been able to tap into. Still, nothing could ever compare with the way you felt for Neteyam. 

He’s your world. Your light. Your sun. 

Being with him feels like finally having a taste of those golden rays. You can see it in his smile. In the shake of his shoulders when his laughter trickles from soft lips. In the unashamed sparkle that overtakes his eyes in a coating whenever they land on you after a long day of training. 

Neteyam has become your world in only a matter of a few months. It is hard to imagine how you went so many years without this unbreakable connection between the two of you. Each night you wake up to the warm embrace of your mate who has come home from a long day of training. Soft kisses are placed along your eyelids, cheeks, and nose until your thick lashes flutter and you regain consciousness. 

The searing envious looks of other females can be felt at your back when the two of you join the rest of the clan for dinner each night, but it is only white noise in the presence of your handsome mate guiding you with a hand to the small of your back. In fact it becomes less than a passing memory when Neteyam goes on to share the events of the day in great detail, usually pulling out a tucked away gift he has found for you along the trails of his adventures. 

There is so much hidden beneath that emanating exterior of perfection that Neteyam upholds. He strips away those layers only for you, usually among the flowering meadow the two of you lay in while stargazing. The stories often end with your mate trailing off into a groggy murmur until the air fills with the sounds of his sleeping breaths. You prefer to stay tucked against him for a while longer, letting the moment last before you must wake him and shoo the mighty warrior back home for some much needed rest. 

While he sleeps you venture from the hut to forage and hunt, although Neteyam prefers to accompany you during dangerous hunts. You decide that what he doesn’t know can’t hurt him. He is known to be an overprotective alpha anyway. Once food has been secured and your adventures have come to a close, you slip back into the darkened hut before the first break of dawn. Those specially made thick curtains are the difference between life and death for you. 

Although the tent has been sufficient for years, Neteyam continues to add to its layers. He is constantly worrying about the vulnerabilities of the hut, convinced that one slip could bring catastrophic consequences to his mate. So he works with his father to constantly rebuild and strengthen the exterior walls. There are times where you remind him of how unnecessary these actions are but Neteyam is undeterred by these conversations. So you let your mate continue his projects. If it brings him peace of mind to obsess over the structure then it must be doing some good. 

Things are great for the first month. Nothing sexual occurs during those first few weeks of being newly mated, out of respect to you. There is no denying that Neteyam has had experience in the ways of pleasuring females but you on the other hand have never been close to intimate with someone else. As a couple you decide to take things slow. However, you can not help but admire the restraint Neteyam shows when you catch the shift of his pheromones into that of lust or see the tightness of his loincloth after a particularly long make out session. 

Were it any other alpha you are sure that the time would have come for him to become impatient and work towards persuading you to go further with him. However, Neteyam knows that you are shy and nervous. He puts your needs before his own and constantly assures you that he is happy to wait so long as you feel comfortable when the time is right. 

Your apprehension has slowly been melting away. The soft caresses that travel along your form sends a burning thrill that is exotic to you. Moments where you are brave enough to straddle his lap while kissing, the friction of his groin against your core is electric. These new feelings have been quickly festering and building inside of you. The nerves have slowly morphed into alluring curiosity. It has been becoming harder to hold back.

For this reason, you’ve decided to tell Neteyam tonight that you are ready. Finally, the bond created through tsaheylu will be strengthened and confirmed by the intertwining of each other’s bodies. 

The last hints of sunshine have disappeared behind the moon. This time you wake before Neteyam has a chance to come wake you up himself. The nerves that bundle into a coil in your stomach have kept you from sleeping in so you decide to seek him out yourself. It shouldn’t be long till he is back from an exhibition with Jake. 

The village is lively with reuniting families after a prosperous day of duties. It's a familiar sight that has always brought a warmth to your heart, especially that of small children running to their mothers or fathers with grabby hands. There are times where you imagine sending your own child to wobble excitedly towards Neteyam, spun through the air by the mighty warrior that you are lucky enough to call your mate. 

High in the trees, hidden by the walls of a family hut you hear the familiar voice of Lo’ak. A smile tugs at your lips, confident that Neteyam is sure to be with his brother. However, that excitement is dampened slightly when the responding voice is not your mate’s but Unip’s. 

“I just don’t know how long he thinks this can go on.” Unip sighs.

“Well you know how Neteyam is. He will find a way to succeed and if not, he will die trying.” Lo’ak snorts, but there is a hint of concern in his nonchalant tone. It’s a timber that makes you halt in your tracks and ears twitch to hear the conversation. 

“It’s only going to get worse, you know. Once he is Olo’eyktan, half a night’s rest will not be enough anymore. He already looks half dead.” 

There is a silence that follows, only filled by the sound of your own heart thumping. 

“You’re never going to convince him otherwise, bro.” Lo’ak responds, amused tone faltering greatly. 

Stepping forward, you curve yourself around a thick tree trunk in effort to discreetly get a better look at the pair. Lo’ak’s back is facing towards you but even from this low vantage point, the lines of his tense muscle are easy to spot. Your golden eyes have become specialized for seeing in the dark after all these years, allowing a better image of his form and mannerisms. You are used to reading people’s expressions and body language with only the dim glow of eclipse. 

“Stubborn skxawng.” Unip shakes his head before leaning against the sturdy trunk. His scowl is illuminated by the soft red glow of a patch of sprouting flowers. The sight makes your stomach twist. 

Have things truly gotten this bad?

“Neteyam won’t leave her. You and I both know that. All that can be done is make peace with it.” Lo’ak shrugs his shoulders.

“And watch him turn into an old man in a few years. Those bags are sure to be bad for his pretty boy appearance.” Unip quips back, causing both the males to break out into laughter. 

The tension visibly eases between them but you are not laughing. In fact, you can feel the beginning of those twisting nerves pushing bile up your throat. All joyful anticipation has washed from your features, replaced with dread and horror. 

Your feet drum against the forest floor, stuck on autopilot and effectively taking you home. The beginning of streaming tears threaten to drop past your eyes. 

It’s true that Neteyam has been tired but it isn’t till now that you reply back your interactions and his recent appearance. Those dark circles aren’t as prevalent in the light of eclipse, perhaps they are more telling in daylight. Neteyam has a way of falling asleep in a matter of seconds once hitting the mat but you have always assumed that to be a part of his nature. Some people are naturally deep sleepers. 

However, now, all of these signs appear in a different light for you. Each conversation is played back in your head but of course Neteyam has never let his weaknesses show, especially ones that could be brought on by you. You know this and yet it is only now that you scold yourself for not being more perceptive, for not seeking advice and perspective from those around him.

His family and friends have an advantage that you can not achieve. Surely they would be the first to notice his changes in demeanor and health. They are the ones watching him work, train, and interact more closely with clan members. You have never been more envious of those walking in the sun in your entire life. This condition has always been a hassle for you but now it has turned into true heartache. 

This weakness that Eywa has given you is no longer just affecting you but now your perfect mate. This disease has spread to him in a way you scold yourself for not anticipating. 

How is he supposed to become Olo’eyktan, protecting and guiding the People all while being tethered to you? 

Eywa has destined your life to be forever restricted to the shadows, but that is not Neteyam’s path. 

You can spot the familiar dark canvases of your hut in the trees up ahead. No doubt Neteyam has already returned home at this point, if not then he will soon. Less than an hour earlier you were ecstatic to see him but now the thought of seeing those tired eyes makes you want to curl up into a ball. 

Needing more time to process, you opt to take a different route, one that leads to a secluded waterfall. Safe in the greenery and now sitting in the shallow area of the glowing water, you take a moment to breathe. Water trickles into a soothing pattern that has been associated with your memories in this found sanctuary. 

Truly, none of this should be a surprise. This ailment has been the driving course of your life thus far and you’ve grown used to it, letting go of certain aspects that are not meant for you. Neteyam is just another one of those. He is beyond your reach. Keeping him here would only hurt the clan. They need a leader that can be with them, present both physically and mentally. For the greater good it is time to let him become that Olo’eyktan. 

Perhaps you would have accepted this fact and stuck to it earlier on were it not for the great love you hold for him. Neteyam Sully holds your heart and soul effortlessly in his hands. There will never be another that lights up your life the same way he does and truth be told, you don’t want there to be. Forever your first and only love. 

Regardless, the time for being selfish is over.

Some Na’vi have the honor of dying a warrior’s death, going down in the name of protecting the People. Others sacrifice their time and energy serving the clan daily in the name of Eywa. You have been kept back from either of these duties so it makes sense that giving up the future Olo’eyktan would be your contribution. 

After all, how are you supposed to serve as Tsahik with your limitations?

This makes sense. Your brian tells you this is the logical solution. Life will go on. You will return back to a life that you have come to be content with over the years and Neteyam will find a proper mate that can serve The People by his side. 

Still, it is impossible to ignore the cracks that are slowly developing in your heart. It is difficult to imagine a life without your true love. The thought alone has a sob crawling up your throat. This sound however is morphed into a strange shriek when a pair of muscular arms suddenly grasp and pull you back against a hard chest.

The water splashes around the two of you and you can feel the rumble of Neteyam’s laughter as you are awkwardly shifted in his arms. 

“Baby girl, you are really off your game today.” He teases fondly before nuzzling his face into the curve of your neck. An efficient shuffle has you more familiarly settled between the corded muscle of his toned thighs. Instinctually you lean back against him. 

“What? Nothing to say in your defense?” 

“Oh yeah uh just tired.” You lamely respond. 

“Silly Tanhi, today has barely begun.”

For you. 

The day has barely begun for you and only you. Every other Na’vi enjoy the blissful alignment of the sun and their ‘days’. You are the outlier. 

Gathering up your courage you finally lift yourself onto your knees and turn to face him. Neteyam grins, but for once you aren’t focused on the gleams of those pearly teeth. Sure enough there are dark circles in a crescent shape beneath his eyes. You reach out to thumb at those dark contrasts. The alpha blissfully misreads this as cupping his cheek. He leans into the touch and his smile broadens. 

“My sweet sevin.” He mumbles. Your stomach tightens back into that knot. Finally, he seems to notice the shift in your demeanor. The smile falters and he places his hand over the one cupping his cheek. The large veined hand completely covers yours. 

“What’s wrong?” 

It seems an impossible task to go through with what you know must be done. A part of you considers holding off, letting it last a little longer before you lose him forever. However, that would only result in a more sleep deprived Omatikaya Prince and the suffering of future Olo’eyktan. 

The longer you take to respond the faster the amusement in those golden orbs declines. He calls your name softly and turns his head to gently peck your palm. 

“I just-” You steady yourself. The words feel like acid crawling up your throat and sitting pressed against him only makes it burn more. Cautiously you detach yourself completely and settle down on the colorful rocks lining the shallow river. 

Neteyam immediately stiffens. His tail curls up into high alert and his ears twitch back slightly, but still you can see the now fake smile plastered on his face. 

“You’re…tired.” It’s a weak start but they are the only words you can force out. 

There is a flicker of surprise in his features but it melts away into a mocking eye roll. The corners of his lips are back to being turned up in a more genuine manner. 

“Well of course I’m a little tired Tanhi. Every mighty warrior should be if he’s done his job right.” The alpha chuckles and you can almost taste the deviation of his pheromones. He confidently reaches out to take your hand in his. “But never too tired to spend time with my sweet little star.” 

The cool rush of water is a dramatic contrast to the warm grasp Neteyam has on your hand. It feels like fire that curls up your veins and pushes tears to the back of your eyes. It’s too painful to be close like this. To see him obliviously flirt and cuddle as if all is well when you know deep down that this will be the last time you feel his touch. 

“No, I mean exhausted. Ma Neteyam-” You shut your mouth tight. That phrase was so easily in your arsenal of vocabulary but it’s time to start training yourself to stop using it. You brush the circles under his eyes again. “You haven’t been getting enough sleep.”

Realization seems to dawn for him.

“Oh you mean my eyes. Lo’ak was teasing me earlier about it. Didn’t think it would bother you so much, sevin, but I’m sure my grandmother has some herbs to lighten the color.” He laughs lightly.

“No, Neteyam. This is bad for you. Staying up every night only to push yourself to the limit the next day. Living in that darkened hut. Spending every last fiber of energy you have spending time with me. Taking care of me-”

“That is what mates do, Tanhi. I don’t want it any other way-”

“I am bad for you!”

The words cut through the air and suddenly every remnant of the playful atmosphere has disappeared. 

“Don’t say stuff like that, Tanhi.” His voice is firm, stern enough to be considered reprimanding. Neteyam eyes darken onto a duller glow. The musky scent of your mate shifts into that of a stronger presence. It’s moments like that that you remember how distinct his second gender is. 

“Neteyam, you know I’m right. This condition is no longer just hurting me but you too. Playing this game of back and forth makes no sense.” 

He sits up straight, back stiff as a rod. It takes everything in you to hold that gaze without bursting into tears and backing down. The flicker of his tail has turned into frantic swatting as his lips curl downwards. 

“What are you trying to say, love?”

You gulp and prepare yourself to utter words that weigh heavy in your heart. 

“We have to end this.” 

Silence drags on. The rush of running water and purring wildlife is the only thing that fills the air. Your tail swishes nervously in the water, causing a slight splash. No matter which way you squint or tilt your head, Neteyam’s expression is unreadable. Even your enhanced night vision is not enough to fully understand or anticipate the brewing emotions beneath those golden eyes. 

“No.”

Your mind sputters to a halt at the snipped response. He’s giving you nothing to work with. 

“Neteya-”

“Where is all of this coming from, yawne?” He reaches forward to cup your cheek but you stand up before he can. This close proximity is becoming too much. Perhaps it’s cowardly, but you need a reprieve from his love-filled gaze and tender touches. Otherwise, there is no way you will be able to do what needs to be done. You wonder if he knows this as you are met with a toned chest at eye level blocking your path. 

“Did something happen?”

“No.”

“Then why are you so worried all of a sudden?” He pleads for an answer but you have finally managed to slip past him and wade out of the water. The drum of your feet rings in your ears, taking you to Eywa knows where. Neteyam is hot on your heels. 

“It’s not just worry, it’s logic, Neteyam. Can’t you see? You are going to be Olo’eyktan. The People need a leader that won’t be tied to some nocturnal Na’vi that drains the last bit of energy you have left.”

The alpha goes to interject but the words are flying out of your mouth at such a speed at this rate, he has no opportunity. 

“They will need a Tsahik that can do more than just work a night shift. Not to mention one that actually understand healing protocal-”

“My grandmother has already offered to teach you.” He counters, stomping feet practically nipping at your heels. It’s not that you mean to walk away from him, but the dam that holds your suffocating emotions at bay is starting to crack and crumble. One look at him could weaken your resolve. This has to be done fast, ripped off like an adhesive bandage. 

“You deserve to be with someone that can lead The People with you. A mate that can serve both you and the clan in a way I never can. An omega that is a proper mate.”

A strong hand clamps around your bicep and spins you around. Neteyam glowers down at you with an intensity that is borderline desperate. The tears are starting to leave a glaze over your eyes, even as you avoid his own at any cost.

“You are my mate. You are the woman that I choose to spend the rest of my days with.” He tries to gently tilt your face towards him by grabbing your chin, but you flick it off. “We are mated before Eywa.” The crack in his voice tears at your heart. 

“I shouldn’t have let it go on this long, I’m sorry. I foolishly let myself believe that you and I are meant to be but now it is clear that my head was simply in the clouds.” A sob thickens your voice until it is barely tangible. Words are failing you and you idly wonder how many more you will truly be able to manage in this state. 

You attempt to flee from his embrace once more, just a moment to escape that heartbreaking stare that follows your every move. Neteyam holds you gently by the biceps but there is enough force there to keep you in place. 

“We are, Tahni. All these other obstacles are just that, obstacles. Things we can overcome.” He slumps down, determined to finally have your eyes meet his. The curtain of your flowing hair is a weak shield against these efforts. You can feel the heat of his escalating breath tickle at your cheeks. He swoops in closer slowly, with the caution of closing in on a skittish prey. “It’s just you and me, little star.”

The flat of his nose finally rests against yours, lips only a sudden movement away.

There are promises of familiar comfort and happiness in this intimate position. Your nature keens towards his gentle touch. It prompts you to hide away every other concern, worried that it could break this moment of tranquility. 

However, that is exactly what you do.

“You have to break it.” 

There is a pause, a moment of shock that you take advantage of. Slipping out his hold, you watch realization slink across his features. It’s blood chilling, the look of horror that is clearly evident upon his handsome face. It’s a rare thing to render Neteyam speechless. He has grown up learning how to lead and command a room with confidence and grace. Seeing him now, mouth agape as his thoughts lag, it’s easier to see that there is simply a normal man behind the mighty warrior. 

A male that you have managed to strip away the light in his eyes, all evidence of excitement lost. 

It is now that you can truly see the aching restlessness and lost nights of sleep in his demeanor. He wilts before you. 

“You don’t mean that.” He insists, voice now hollow of its usual domineering confidence. 

“I do.” The timber of your voice shivers and shakes, doing nothing to strengthen your resolve. Still, the lost look that Neteyam sends you absolutely wrenches at your heart. “It’s what’s best for everyone.”

Words that are meant to reassure him at least slightly only make his tail halt movement, obvious that the phrase only digs the dagger deeper into his chest. 

“Everyone?” He whispers, hairless eyebrows drawing together. Hesitant steps lead you backwards, eager to begin your journey away from this tornado of darkened emotions. Away from the raincloud you have created between the two of you. “You…this is what you want?”

Want.

That small word is a palpable distinction. To change this argument from what needs to be done to the inner workings of your desires and dreams. To veer it towards the ever flowing river of devotion and love you know will always be in your heart for him. It’s the one move that leaves you completely defenseless.

This is the last thing that you want. 

He has to know that. He must know that. And perhaps that is why he faces you with this question head on, forcing you to say the words out loud. It’s a towering wall that you have no hopes of climbing. Lying is not your strong suit. Neteyam knows that. 

“Please Neteyam.” You send your final plea before turning on your heel and bolting. Vanishing into the trees before he has a second to form one syllable.

Lying isn’t your strength, but hiding is something you are familiar with. 

“She’ll probably cool down.” Lo’ak reassures him, handing a leaf with larvae to Neteyam. 

“What did I do wrong?” Neteyam wonders out loud. It’s difficult for Lo’ak to tell whether or not that question is rhetorical. The eldest Sully’s eyes are focused on the horizon, he’s lost. Off somewhere else. 

“Nothing, bro! Not everything is that simple.” 

Out of the corner of his eye, Neteyam sees the wooden cup of strong drink pushed toward him but he declines. Drinking is the last thing he needs right now, although it is tempting. These past two days have been pure torture and sorrow. Washing every clouding thought away with the swig of fermented fruit would surely keep his mind off of you for a while, but it would never stop the permanent ache in his chest. 

Although Neteyam knows he must look awful because even his father encourages him to drink, despite the duties he is set to carry out the next day. Most nights he is advised to keep his wits about him, but Jake has let up since the event. 

“There has to be something I could’ve said. Perhaps something I can say now.” 

“Bro, you’ve already said more than enough. If your constant notes and begging haven’t got her to let you into the hut, I don’t think words are the problem here.” A grimace is etched into Lo’ak’s features but Neteyam turns away from the sight. He can’t handle the look of pity that his family seems to constantly be shooting him. 

He looks miserable. He is miserable. Every Na’vi with eyes can see that much. However, he doesn’t want sympathy. He needs solutions. A plan that will set things right again. Anything to bring his littler start back into his arms. 

“Ma Teyam,” Neteyiri gently coos, haunching forward to tuck on the tangled braids behind his ear. “Perhaps it is time to give her some space.” 

Usually his mother’s presence has the power to soothe away the worst of his worries, but today all he can do is sigh at her words. Sitting in problems has never been his strong suit. Neteyam is used to problem solving. Coming up with a strategy and executing it until the issue is nothing but a distant memory. He prays to Eywa that this too will become just that. Something that can be laughed at down the road.

However, sitting here now surrounded by people and never feeling more lonely, it’s hard to imagine ever laughing at such a thing. 

Neteyam continues to pick at the grass next to the untouched meal. The sun has been down for over an hour now. Dinner is wrapping up and there is still no sight of you…again. Every crunch of a leaf or flitter of voices has him turning to search for your small frame in the darkness. It’s an effort that leaves him empty handed every time but, no matter the frequency of failure he can’t stop himself from whipping his head around anyway. 

“You know, there was a time that I was upset with your father. Livid, actually. And yet here we are today.” Neytiri almost purrs, trying to comfort her son.

“Yeah and did he wait around and give you space?” The words come out harsher than intended but Neytiri doesn’t tell him off like usual. Instead her ears pin back and she runs a thumb across his cheek. Jake and Neytiri lock eyes from across the fire, a silent communication that has Jake clearing his throat. 

“I’m not sure if I’m the prime example in this scenario, kid.” A deep chuckle accentuates Jake’s words. He goes to close his mouth and leave it at that but his mate sends him one fierce look that lets him know he is far from done comforting their eldest. “I mean uh truth be told, I was an absolute knucklehead before I met your mother.”

“Still are.” She corrects him. 

Jake doesn’t try to fight against the claim, but he does nervously clasp the back of his neck, searching for the right words to say. 

“Tanhi still hasn’t eaten. Must go.” Neteyam abruptly calls, on his feet within a heartbeat. He gently cradles his untouched meal in the palm of his hand as he navigates his way out of the circle of his family. Neytiri sighs and Jake sends her an apologetic look as they watch their son slither off into the night once again. 

Even Tuk sends sad eyes in the direction of her older brother as he walks away. 

Upon reaching the dark curtains of your hut, Neteyam is unsure whether or not you still reside inside. There is no sign of light emanating inwards. For a moment he is convinced that you have slipped out during his absence, but then there is a ruffle of covers that his ears manage to pick up. Stalking forward carefully, he leans in to pick up on every sound possible. 

Even with his alpha hearing, there is little to no noise coming from the hut. Or at least no sound that is useful to him in any way. He wonders what you are up to within those darkened walls. His hindbrain urges him to go inside and find out for himself, cradle you in his arms till there are promises of never leaving again. However, he knows better than that. 

Neteyam waits to be invited in. 

“Tanhi?” The sound echoes through the night air, but no response comes. With a sigh he kneels down by the entrance, cautiously pushing the leaf underneath the thick rim of fabric.

“You missed dinner again.” Neteyam knows he shouldn’t expect a response at this point, but his tail still naturally droops to the floor when one doesn’t come. “I brought some for you.” 

He waits once more, but silence hangs heavy in the air. Neteyam’s ears twitch to focus in on the minute sounds again. The shallow breathing is confirmation enough of your presence. A part of him almost wishes that he is talking to a blank piece of fabric. If you had left then he could have at least spent that anxious energy scouring the forest for your slim frame. If you had left it would give him hope that you’ve hunted, eaten, gone on a walk. Anything that isn’t sitting in your hut. 

“Do me a favor, baby. Please eat something. Maybe you have been when I’m not breathing down your neck,” He gives a humorless laugh. “But…I just want to make sure you’re healthy. I’m starting to get worried.”

When the silence continues he doesn’t leave immediately. The weight of the stress and heartache is tangible. He can feel it in his bones. He can sense it when in the lag of his maneuvers and movements during flight in his training. Truth be told, Neteyam is sure that it’s visible to others, shining through in his trudging walk to and fro. 

Sitting here in the grass, the same place he had spent that first night you started icing him out, he can feel the weight of sleep pulling him downwards. The muscles of his body scream in protest at every movement. Physically his body is ready to give way, but his hindbrain weaves together signs of distress all night long. 

His instincts yearn to be close to you again, close to his mate who he shares a special connection with that nothing can replace. At times it is painful, that bond between the two of you. Neteyam remembers many days where that connection has been physically fortified by your time together, binding tighter with every brush of his fingers along your skin. However, he did not anticipate the effects of the opposite reaction. 

Going to sleep alone and cold, leaves a heavy weight on his chest. At times it feels almost suffocating. Sleeping outside of your hut doesn’t erase these pains, but it does dull them slightly. He wonders if you’ve ever stepped over him during his slumber. Actively trying to or not, his senses remain on high alert throughout the night. He can wake at the drop of a leaf, false hope that it may be your small form finally stepping past those heavy curtains. 

“Neteyam.” His head whips around at the voice, but it isn’t your honey timber that flits through his ears. Instead it comes from behind him, where Kiri stands with her hands woven together in front of her. 

“What’s wrong?” 

Not bothering to answer, she instead motions for him to follow her. He glances back at the entrance of your hut, but one look at Kiri’s down turned lips has him groggily shifting back onto his feet. She doesn’t speak till the two of them are out of ear shot. 

“Mom and Dad sent you?” Neteyam guesses, tail already drooping between his legs. It bothers him that his parents are rushing to bandage things up, treating him like a child. Advice is appreciated at the best of times, but this is his life. He is an adult, and has been for years now. The rift that has been fortified between you two is his problem to solve and therefore his choice on how to fix it. 

“No, just thought I would save you from making a fool of yourself.”  She continues to effortlessly lead him away from the hut. 

“I’m just dropping some food off.”

“I know.” There is no hint of mocking or disbelief in her tone. She simply grabs his hand gently and guides him back along the path home. Neteyam braces himself for a spew of advice but it never comes. Kiri to his surprise is silent, no hint of tension lingering between them. Still, he knows what message is being conveyed. No matter how much it hurts, he can’t continue to barricade your front door. 

It’s moments like these that Neteyam comes to truly admire how much his younger sister has grown up. She prances through the forest with a humble confidence. Each step taken with the certainty of belonging. Kiri no longer needs others to tell her who she is. Similarly she feels no need to press her opinions on her older brother. She waits patiently. As if she knows that he will come to her when the time is right.

It is a quality he looks upon with great fondness and gratitude. 

Life has thrown you more obstacles than you care to count. This condition has been a stumbling block your entire life, but you refuse to let it keep you from the finishing line. You consider yourself a persevering person, one that is not easily taken down. When things get difficult you have always been taught to gather your bearings and get to work. Some sacrifices are painful but meant to be left behind if they are keeping you from fulfilling a happy and purposeful life. 

So for the first few days, you try to get back into your normal routine. The first night was spent weaving baskets together through the blurred vision of your tears. The basket came out looking like it had been mauled by a Palulukan. Regardless you continued to attempt getting back into your old routine, however those were usually filled with night hunts, an activity you were terrified of seeing Neteyam at. So you declined. 

However, truth be told, it only takes twenty four hours to realize that this heartbreak is intruding upon everything you do. You open your eyes as sunset turns to Eclipse and the first thing that surfaces is the dread at needing to go to communal dinner. So, you push dinner off. Neteyam is persistent in bringing you a plate each night, usually saying a few apologies and begging once again for you to come out. 

Your lips are raw and sore from biting into them in order to keep sobs at bay every time he comes to visit. Those first few nights he spent laying outside your hut was an awful mixture of longing and agony. His potent essence was easily carried through the night wind, constantly bringing it to your senses. You had twisted in the thin blankets on your hammock to stop yourself from going out there and cuddling next to him. 

On the third night, he doesn’t stay. 

You expect to feel relieved when he silently sets the serving of food down and leaves.

And yet, there is a part of you that longs for the draw of his smooth voice, no matter how distraught and rough it has become over the past few days. A part of you seems to also intrinsically sense his presence, even in the midst of slumber. Now that he spends his nights away from your hut, the emotional turmoil has become too much to handle.  

Simple tasks pose as daunting accomplishments, ones that already feel like impending defeat. So, you slowly start losing those habits too. Your eyes run out of tears to shed so instead you spend more than a reasonable amount of time pondering on your life. You consider what it is that brought you to these circumstances, questioning whether or not you were the one to blame for this heartbreak. Perhaps, you were the one easily swayed into promises of fairy tales. 

Before you know it a whole week has passed and you haven’t stepped foot outside. Recognizing this fact makes you feel pathetic and helpless, something that you don’t take a liking to. So, with red rimmed eyes and a congested nose, you take up a new purpose. Wielding together weapons from the materials in your hut. 

Although they’re nothing to gawk at, the finished results are enough to convince yourself that you are contributing to the welfare of the clan. The steps are repetitive and allow your thoughts to wander while doing so. By the second week you have donated a fair amount to the hunting parties without having to leave your home, thanks to the kindness of your mother. 

Your parents drop in frequently, but it’s obvious that they too find these visits painful. It’s an emotional ball and chain to see you wither away into something different. Visits that used to be full of vibrant laughter and storytelling now consist mostly of their own updates and pleas for you to come outside. Each time you assure them that you will…soon. 

It’s not a lie, at least not to you. 

Despite the physical ache of your heart every time you think of Neteyam’s smiling face and the bond that is now nothing but dust between you, there is still hope in your heart. A hope that someday you will recover from these lovesick feelings and finally be able to look upon the Omatikaya prince as any other clan member would. Purpose will return to your everyday tasks and Neteyam will only reside in your mind as Olo’eyktan of the Omatikaya. 

Still, you would be naive to ignore the weighted awareness of his presence that consumes you every time he comes to drop meals off. You can sense him before his footsteps are even audible. Occasionally, he will say a few encouraging words or promises of solution but some nights he simply places the food there and stares at it sadly before disappearing once more. Both instances strangle your heart in their grasp. 

You thought that his scent would lessen once the bond was broken, but you figure it is alpha status to thank for always sending his essence of fresh pine through your hut at each visit. In some ways it feels like the only full breaths you took. The woven walls still allow air in, but only breezes warped with his scent remind you of being outside. 

It’s on the two week mark that there is a shift in the miserable routine. No meal is brought to the entryway. Hours go by and Neteyam never comes by. You’ve been living off of those nightly meals and while one meal is not hardly enough to maintain a status of full health, its loss is even worse. At first, it appears that Neteyam has given up. He is tired of chasing after you and rightfully so you suppose. This is meant to be a step in the right direction, but you cry yourself to sleep that night. Apparently, your body had an extra storage of tears after all. 

However, when it happens again, your theories start to change. A small slice of fruit is left outside on a leaf by the curtains in place of a meal. It’s delicious with juice squirting along your tongue in a dramatic symphony of taste. It’s the type of experience that leaves one wanting for more. Initially you are disappointed when the small piece is gone, but you remember where this food comes from. It would only take a five minute walk to approach the communal fire and snatch some away for yourself. 

Only moments away from dipping outside that entry way for the first time in two weeks, you have another thought. 

Neteyam only put one piece.

Would it not have been easier to leave a whole fruit rather than take the time to cut and separate one morsel of it onto a leaf as an offering.

It wasn’t an offering, it was an enticement. 

You stay behind, trying to forget the sweet tang of the dessert. 

Sure enough the suspicion is correct when the next night one piece of wrapped chocolate is left outside with a note.

Found this during the raid this week. There’s a whole bag left sitting in my hut. Let me know if you want some more.

-Neteyam 

The chocolate is a tiny ball wrapped in a red textured material that is unfamiliar to Pandora. Chocolate is something you never knew of before Neteyam. However, now it has become one of your all time favorite delicacies, especially with the rarity of its availability. Neteyam took a great liking to showing you around the outpost and the stocked treasures they were stealing from the old Hell’s Gate post and the new trains they were constantly raiding. He would explain the random customs and stories of Sky People that he hears from his father while carefully unwrapping the delicious pieces for you. 

Some days you would even have him read some of the English text, whether from the wrappers or other books that are kept around the outpost for the human scientists to enjoy at their leisure. You never understand a word of what he says, but the sounds are fascinating to hear in Neteyam’s familiar timber. Although the Mother Tongue of the Sky Demons, you’ve always been fascinated by Neteyam’s ability to speak it. Something very distinctly attractive about his extra abilities. 

You sigh and thumb at the round ball of chocolate. It melts on your tongue, creating an explosion of sweet smooth sensations. Leave it to Neteyam to try and lure you out through your love of chocolate. That night you flatten out the wrapper, running your thumb over the English text that appears as nothing more than scribbles to you. It serves as a painful reminder of the golden memories the two of you have shared. 

It remains clamped in your fist the entire day.

Heavy eyelids blinking open slowly, you can still feel the strange texture of that wrapper between your fingers. Contrary to your lack of activity, your body feels sore. Every muscle seems to be wound the wrong way and the air in your hut feels moist and stuffy. Stretching out, your foot hits the food supplies basket you keep and knocks it over. You stumble to put the object away, or rather you try to before you realize that it’s empty.

The last of your supplies is gone. 

Regardless of your feelings and fears, you need to go outside today. It’s time to face the music. 

Your toes curl and feet flex before carefully shifting to stand. Pushing aside clusters of baskets and tools you finally breach the front entryway of your hut. Expecting the air to have cooled down by now, your skin prickles strangely at the feeling of heat against your back. You rush to throw off whatever blanket or item of clothing that must have stuck to you but then your eyes are blinded. Sheer light invades your vision, drenching every sight in white. 

Stumbling across the forest floor, it truly takes you more than a moment to understand what is happening. The harsh light, the foreign heat. This is sunlight.

A pure beam of sunlight that has not disappeared behind the moon yet. 

Your delayed reaction finally allows you to search for the entryway and try to scramble towards safety but it’s impossible to see with the brightness of the world turned up to one hundred. Your eyes can’t manage to stay open for more than a second, each time feeling a burning sensation that is unbearable. Soon, though, it seems to be too late as your limbs grow heavy and your skin heats uncomfortably. Even when that last ray of sunshine disappears, your body continues to torment you with a rising heat.

The sensations become too much. The weight of your own head drags you down. The world spins around you in disorienting directions. Only a glimpse of blue skin is caught before you collapse into someone’s arms and the world turns blissfully black again. 

“Move before I kick you out.” Mo’at warns, but her tone holds a morsel of sympathy despite the strict instruction. 

You are laid out along the mat of her healer’s tent with half the Sully family gathered around. Neteyam can hardly keep his hands off of you, constantly checking to see if you have cooled down yet. Each time renders him disappointed, ears folding back against his head. Mo’at is quickly losing patience as she is constantly swatting the boy away in order to apply the series of healing balms. 

“She’s burning up.” He protests, but finally moves out of her way. His idle hands find a new place along his knees where the blunt nails dig into his skin. Kiri and Tuk surround their brother but are careful to not impede too much on his space. His panicked dread rolls off of him in waves, a palpable tension that can be felt by everyone in the tent. 

“How long was she exposed?” 

“I don’t know. Can’t be more than a few minutes maybe. She was hardly past the entrance when I found her…I….is she going to be ok?” His voice cracks as tears finally well up over his golden orbs. Tuk places her small hand on his shoulder. 

“Only the Great Mother knows that.” She pauses, looking up to see her grandson’s crumbling composure. “She is hot. Her temperature needs to drop significantly.” 

The message doesn’t seem to settle on Neteyam. His gaze continues to focus on your unconscious face.

“Neteyam.” His head finally snaps up at his grandmother’s stern voice. “Go fetch me cold water from the river.” A basin is handed to the alpha but she can already tell there is reluctance in his expression. 

“Now.” It’s harsher than Mo’at would like to be but she knows that getting the concerned alpha outside of the tent is essential for her to complete the healing rituals. His presence is a distraction that has her own emotions tugging her away from the work at hand. 

Neteyam purses his lips and sends one last glance towards you. He cradles your cheek and leans down to softly press a kiss to your forehead, whispering promises to return. Then finally, he rushes out of the tent, driven by the given task. 

The hours rush and drag simultaneously for Neteyam. It becomes difficult to believe that it has already been a full twenty four hours and yet every minute that your eyes are not open feels like a year to him. Jake recruits Norm and some of the other scientists to take a look at you in the outpost. Moat is naturally displeased by the change at first but even she can’t deny that the old metal portable is a safer place for you to hide from the sun. Thick blankets and rugs are hung over the windows to keep the rays of sunshine out. 

Between the expertise of the scientists with their modern technology and the healing powers of Tsahik, things begin to look grim when there is little to no change in your state. Neteyam becomes increasingly more tense with every passing hour that yields no result. At some point his family stops trying to convince him to take breaks. Tuk takes it upon herself to gather and deliver a good serving from the communal fire for her older brother at every meal. 

Kiri is constantly teetering between helping her grandmother wrap cooling salves of thick leaves on your skin and foraging through the forest for different materials that could be used to create various healing ointments. 

Lo’ak tries to provide his brother with some pleasant company. If not that, then at least an annoying younger brother that can keep his mind off the matter for a few minutes. He tells jokes and shares random stories, usually featuring young alphas and the things their idiotic pride leads them to do. He has a plethora of these events saved up, having been training the new batch of future warriors almost daily. Those stories shift to other couples’ drama and fights when Neteyam laments over the past few weeks, assuring his brother that rough patches are normal in relationships and that perhaps he is not the worst skxawng to be found in the forest. 

Jake and Neytiri watch the scene with sorrowful eyes, discussing in the privacy of their home what needs to be done for their son and you. 

At hour thirty six, you begin to squirm. Every muscle seems to creek with each movement, seemingly as rusty and worn as the door to the outpost that takes an extra shove to open. It’s the burning heat that you notice next. It seems to travel along your veins and cover you in a suffocating cloud. It brings on feelings of almost claustrophobic symptoms. 

Finally, the flutter of your lashes reveal your golden eyes to the synthetic lighting of the outpost makeshift hospital wing. Only one electric light is turned on down the hallway. The rest of the ambience comes from lit candles scattering the surfaces around you. Their flicker is soft and soothing, but it’s the familiar scent of timber and pine that has your muscles finally relaxing. 

The surface beneath your head is cool to the touch, you rub your cheek against it. 

“Tanhi.”

That soft makeshift pillow is his thigh. Your already burning cheeks seem to reach new levels of inflamed rose color as you drowsily look up at him.

“You’re awake.” His voice is thick with emotion, almost choking the sounds from his throat. On its own volition your hand shakily reaches up to swipe away the tear traveling down his cheek. His skin is cool to the touch, such a different contrast to the usual warmth that you remember radiating off of him in your nights together. Your thin arm shakes from the strain of holding it upwards, he grabs your wrist gently and reluctantly helps you lower it back to your side. 

“Yes.” The sound comes out more hoarse and gravelly than you anticipated. You clear your throat before continuing. “How long have I been out?” 

“Over a day.”

A few moments of sunlight and suddenly a day and a half has been taken from you. It’s a lot to process, especially with the hazy pounding assaulting your head with every moment. The usual strength and energy in your body seems to have greatly dissipated, leaving you feeling as nothing but a shell of your normal self. Your attempt at sitting up is not only hindered by the strain of your abs but also cut short by Neteyam’s large hands gently pushing you back down. 

“No no Tanhi, just rest. Don’t strain yourself.” It’s too easy to settle your head back onto his welcoming lap. A small voice at the back of your head warns you of reversing all the progress that has been made, but it seems insignificant when Neteyam begins to tenderly brush his fingers through your hair. Nothing can take away the ache of your body and heat of your blood boiling but his touch does finally stir your heartbeat into a steady rhythm. It’s as if a weight is lifted off of you as your senses become filled with his essence. Every point of contact between you is like fire and ice. He is the ice that you welcome greatly, the only thing that seems to relieve the burning along your skin. 

“I’m sorry.” You whisper, eyes almost closed once more. 

“Whatever for, love?”

“I don’t mean to trouble you. I should’ve been more diligent, tracking the sun’s cycle..” Your lungs seize into a painful invisible grip, forcing a coughing fit to begin. Neteyam is quick to shush your sentence away and help you get some cool water down. His large hand rests over the heat of your forehead. The eldest Sully frowns down at you, no doubt still feeling the evidence of your raging fever. 

“Hush, Tanhi. There’s no place I would rather be right now.” 

You watch the shadows dance across lines of his collarbones and sharp features as he prepares another cool wrap to lay across your forehead. The grip you have on conscious thought is weak, but even at your mental peak you are sure that there is nothing more beautiful than the man above you. His harsh and sharp features that frame those kind and insightful eyes. He has an ethereal beauty that has always captured you. 

 “You’re going to be ok.” It’s unclear whether or not the sentiment is meant for you or rather himself. His hairless brows pinch into those familiar clenched lines. You recognize them from days he would come home to, the evidence of his still racing thoughts clearly etched into his features. 

Through the constant ache of your body and heat that tries to lure you to sleep, it takes you a moment to recognize the pheromones drifting off of him. You’re surprised to find that you can still identify the shift of emotions through his essence. Supposedly your sense of smell is better than you thought for a beta. The curling sadness and anxiety that comes off of him in waves, however, is something you wish could not be so easily detected. It is foreign and strange when mixed with his calming perfume. Neteyam isn’t usually one easily frazzled. 

Neteyam settles a clear plastic over your mouth and it takes a moment before you recognize it as the Avatar oxygen masks. The air filtered through it is clearer and more readily accepted by your lungs. After a few breaths you nod at him and he pulls it away again. 

Silence ensues. You yearn to break it with some semblance of an apology or explanation, but the words never come. Your body has other ideas as it drifts in and out of consciousness. Several times you wake to see another member of the Sully family perched next to Neteyam. However, the oldest Sully child never leaves. The hold you have on time becomes almost nonexistent as you slip back and forth between reality and fever induced dreams.

 Eventually you begin to wake periodically in Neteyam’s arms, head laying on his chest or coddled in his lap. Each time you consider saying something, knowing that he is no longer your mate. You have no claim on him and therefore no right to use him in this way, but his skin is cool and calms the sizzling heat upon your own. The very idea of creating distance between you two causes a spike of anxiety to take hold. 

It would be all too easy to blame this on your fever and the aid he provides, even in your state of watered down thought you know the truth. There is a yearning to be close to him again. To feel the gentle caresses that line your lips and cheeks as you sleep. To fall into a fantasy where the two of you never split, convincing yourself that today is simply a small sick day where your mate pampers you. The natural instincts of your beta nature furthermore aches for the calming presence of an alpha. Even the simple actions of his rising and falling chest that contains a steady heartbeat lulles your nature into a submissive calm. 

It is such a dramatic contrast to the empty abyss that has replaced your heart over the past few weeks. Falling into Neteyam feels natural, as expected as the waves that crash against the shore. It’s an ironic feeling to have considering the most inconvenient and problematic characteristics of your relationship. He was never meant to be yours. 

You chant those words in your head, willing them to echo true. 

This time, your eyes flutter lazily open to the feeling of his slim tail wrapping itself around your upper thigh. With creaky drowsiness you look up to find him fast asleep, lips parted softly with shallow breaths escaping soundlessly. Sprawled across him, head on his chest, this position resembles that of your usual sleeping position together. Or at least, what it used to be. Before the first cracks of dawn you would slip back into the tent and gently fall into his dozing embrace. It was not uncommon to find his tail slink around one of your limbs possessively all while never stirring from his unconscious state. 

Looking around the dingy outpost, it’s just the two of you. The plastic material of the mask around your neck feels uncomfortable around your heated skin. You find a matching one around Neteyam’s own throat. Although showing no signs of struggling breathing, you gently place it against his lips. When the clear oxygen filtered through his lips, Neteyam stirs.

You contemplate faking sleep when his ears twitch and eyes slowly open, but they immediately land on you. 

“Yawne.” Neteyam groans, voice thick with sleep. The deep rumble of his morning voice always makes your stomach do somersaults. “How are you feeling, Tanhi?” 

His ears pin back when you veer away from his efforts to cup your cheek. 

“A bit better.” Your arms tremble as they push against Neteyam pectorals to try and sit up properly. Despite his gentle protests, you finally manage to remain upright for the first time in days. The room spins around you. It’s only by the grace of Neteyam’s hands supporting your back that you remain sitting. “What time is it?” 

It feels like night but then again the heavy blankets over the outpost windows would show no indication of broad daylight if present. 

“Middle of the night.” 

“Then I should go.” Your feet are barely planted on the ground before Neteyam is pulling you back into his arms. 

“You don’t really think I’m going to let you out there in this condition, do you?” His chest rumbles with a stern timber, but his hold is tender and gentle. You are tempted to roll your eyes at the protective behavior, but you’re worried that doing so would put the room back into orbit again. 

“You need rest.” 

“I can rest at home.” 

“Like hell you will.” Neteyam scoffs, using another phrase he so commonly picks up from his father. You can practically feel the protective growl that yearns to climb up his throat, but a sigh comes out in its place. “You’re shaking, Tanhi. Let me take care of you.” 

His knuckles graze your cheek delicately, sending a cool shiver along your shoulders. 

“I don’t think that is a good idea.” 

Neteyam’s hand stills before dropping heavily to his lap. The heated breath coming from his lips tickles at the back of your neck. Were it not for your already trembling form you are sure that his presence alone would erupt goosebumps and shivers along your body. The pressing weight of silence is dizzying, tempting you to lay back down. You can practically hear the cogs in his head turning at a rapid pace. 

“Please just hear me out for a moment.”

Turning around to face him takes more effort than you would like to admit. Seeing those sad golden eyes without melting takes even more. 

“Five minutes is all I ask.” You hesitate, biting your bottom lip. “And if by the end of it you are sick of hearing from me then I promise I will leave you alone. My grandmother will take over caring for you and I will…respect your wishes.” His words are strangled, that suffocating dread pulling his features into a deep frown. 

“Ok.” 

The shimmer of hope is barely visible in his shining eyes but it still wrenches your heart. 

“My entire life has been about being Olo’eyktan. I’ve watched my father lead the people since I could barely walk and since then I have always known that someday that would be me. I wake up every day and the first thought that comes to mind is what needs to be done in order to become the mighty leader that everyone expects me to be. For a long time I’ve thought that my path was already decided by Eywa. Find an omega suitable of being tsahik, settle down with her, and lead till my son can take over. I was ok with that, I’d accepted my fate.” Neteyam shifts to his knees, fingernails digging slightly into his own thighs. Apprehension spoils his scent, creating a new mixture you are unfamiliar with. It’s then that you realize you’ve never seen Neteyam nervous before. 

“Then I met you.” 

Your eyes dart to the laminate floor. 

“I…I’m usually a lot better with words.” He chuckles nervously while rubbing the back of his neck. “It occurred to me recently that I’ve been negligent in our relationship. I never truly explained why I chose you. Why you are the person I can’t live without. Perhaps if I had we wouldn’t be in this situation now.” 

“Neteyam it’s not-”

“Please let me finish, Tanhi.” 

You nod softly, careful to not increase the already blooming headache pounding at your skull. 

“I’ve never met anyone like you.” A weak snort transforms into a cough raking up your throat. “I don’t mean because of ailment, yawne.” He clarifies and you suddenly feel embarrassed for assuming so quickly. Neteyam pauses his little speech to reach behind and once again carefully bring a cup of water to your parched lips. Gratefully, you let the cool substance slink down your throat to soothe the scratchy ache. 

Once he seems to be sure that another fit is not about to come on, Neteyam continues. 

“You have this unyielding spirit, determined to forage through any storm. Eywa herself puts you in the shadows and you conquer the terrain. The air around you hums with a quiet confidence that is…” He searches for the right word. “Intoxicating.” 

A laugh escapes your lips and yet you feel nothing resembling humor. Your hairless eyebrows scrunch in disbelief. Neteyam shows no acknowledgment of your reaction as he instead puts the mask back against your mouth. 

“I’ve been drawn to you since that first night hunt. Surely, that isn’t a secret.” He laughs into his own mask that is raised to his lips. If only he knew how oblivious you were to his intentions those first few weeks. “You’re fiercely determined and independent yet hold a gentle empathy and kindness for those around you that I could only ever hope to imitate. And stubborn too.” Neteyam chuckles with a shake of his head. “Fucking stubborn enough to tell a dumb alpha like me off, consequences be damned.” 

Your lungs can only manage a simple huffed laugh, but the corners of your lips are already turning upwards subconsciously. 

“When I’m around you,” His eyes pierce through you. “I can finally bear that weighted pressure of expectations on my chest. You make it light.” Neteyam leans forward and tucks a stray strand of hair behind your upturned ear. “My little star.” 

Your cheeks are damp and it is only then that you realize tears drops have been escaping your eyes. Neteyam thumbs them away with tender care. 

“I’ve grown accustomed to sacrificing whatever it takes to become Olo’eyktan. I’ve written my life off as not my own. I’ve given everything I can and could in order to fulfill this role. You are the only thing that I can not sacrifice. And maybe that is selfish of me, but I also know that without you I’m simply a shell of the man I am with you.” 

“I could never be Olo’eyktan without you by my side.” 

“But how am I supposed to be beside you when I can’t even step a foot into the sun without falling apart at the seams?” 

“You truly think that I haven’t thought about that, yawne?” Neteyam’s lips quirk into an amused smile. “I guess now would be a good time to tell you that Lo’ak and I have been building a black out healers tent.” You gape at him. “I wanted it to be a surprise. I suppose I should’ve known better than to think I could pull one over on you.” 

It’s foolish, you tell yourself. Another darkened tent doesn’t solve all of the problems. It doesn’t erase the strain this relationship would have on Neteyam or allow you to operate during the daytime hours, unless you are content to remain in the tent for all of your days. And yet, there is a sliver of hope growing in your bosom. 

“Nete, I don’t know what to say.” His braids swing over the intense eyes that focus on your every move. He’s tense, ready to jump in at the notice of resistance. “But, I can’t live my life in a dark tent.” 

“Of course not. I’m talking about a compromise. Lo’ak, he takes over in the mornings while you and I start the day in the midafternoons. Tsahik duties in the tent for a few hours and then the rest of the night spent together. Leading together. Hunting together.” The dopey grin that spreads upon his lips is fiercely adamant in capturing your heart once more. It takes everything in you to not reach out and pinch the mighty warrior’s cheek. A notion Neteyam is known to reprimand with a playful glare. 

“You make it sound so simple.” It’s too much to meet his gaze. You prefer the view of the worn down tiles as you take another calming breath from the mask. The pace of your heart is evermore increasing and part of you wonders if this conversation has the ability to make you faint. 

A hand beneath your chin gently prods you to look back up again. He whispers your name, soft but clear in the quiet outpost.

“We have a choice.”

The words weigh heavy in the air, drawing your ears to perk forward in anticipation. 

“I know that may sound like a lie to you. However, if there is anyone that understands their life being determined from birth, it’s you. You and I have been pushed and kept into our respective boxes, taught to dream of only the realistic paths ahead of us.”

You wish to say it’s untrue, but any other reality has been stripped away from you from your first breath and morphed into only that of fairy tales. 

“We get to choose whether or not we believe that. I’ve accepted my destiny, Tanhi, but I can not bring myself to see my journey walking besides anyone that’s not you. I’ve already chosen. You are what I will not sacrifice.” Neteyam’s calloused fingers weave into your hair, hands on the sides of your head. 

“It’s your turn, Tanhi. What do you choose?”

“Is that your definition of fumbling words?” Your chuckle is choked with tears. Neteyam’s short laughter joins your own, his lips already starting to spread into that smile you adore so much. 

The past few weeks have been a constant building of that fortress around your heart. You’ve tried to convince yourself over and over again that the two of you parting ways is for the best. These mantras have ripped your heart out and left you in a state of empty sadness, but they also have created a sturdy wall, one that is hard to crumble. Naturally, it is Neteyam that ever stands a chance at breaking through. Sweet Neteyam that knows you so thoroughly that he doesn’t require brute force to get through, he finds a hold from the inside, reading you like a book until there is nothing left for you to hide. 

This experience has been a draining uphill battle, but one that you have embarked on because you’ve been convinced that the right thing to do is often the hard thing. However, now, the story shifts. You are left wondering if perhaps this whole time, running away is not the hard thing at all. It’s staying that proves to be the most difficult battle to fight. It’s staying that requires your heart to be opened and at the mercy of failure and disappointment. Leaving Neteyam isn’t the noble cause you once thought it to be. 

It’s hiding. 

“You really have some nerve calling me stubborn.” You try to joke, but tears are already cascading down your cheeks at an alarming rate and you can tell Neteyam is seconds away from scooping you back into his lap. 

“Well I admit being stubborn has its reward sometimes.” He quirks an eyebrow at you. “Perhaps it’s paid off for me this time?” 

“Perhaps.” You smile coyly at him. It takes bracing a stabilizing hand against the floor to stop yourself from falling over when you lean forward but it’s worth the exhilarating feeling of his lips against yours once more. 

Neteyam is cautious and gentle, moving his lips softly in sync with yours, but you can feel the restraint it takes for him not to swallow you whole. However, you are still healing so Neteyam treats you the way you expect any alpha to: like a delicate flower. Your own tears wet the canvas of both of your cheeks and it takes a moment to realize that small droplets are falling from Neteyam’s eyes too.

The kiss is warm and tender. Relief washes through your body in a wave that makes you realize how much pain you truly were in. How even the very bones in your body finally lose their ache when Neteyam slips an arm around your back to bring you closer. 

You’re forced to break the kiss earlier than desired as Neteyam can feel the way your body lags to get air into its lungs. The soft pants that leave your lips are soon encased by the mask that the alpha slips over your mouth once more. The warmth of his gaze beaming down on you spreads across your chest and lights another fire along your skin. 

“Come home, Neteyam.” You whisper softly. His forehead leans against your own, those golden orbs still shimmering with unshed tears. 

“Always, Tanhi.” 

The hours float by in a happily dazed dream afterwards. Neteyam’s touch starved state comes fully into the light as he is constantly keeping a point of contact between you two. It’s obvious that his alpha hindbrain has gone off the wall after being apart for so long and furthermore trying to care for you without going too far. Now that the green light has been given, Neteyam is constantly wrapping his body around your own smaller form till you are almost completely encapsulated by him. 

Truthfully, you have no objections. In fact, even your own instincts push you towards readily accepting and initiating any forms of affectionate touch. It further helps that Neteyam’s skin is cool to the touch in comparison to your own raging feverish skin. 

Within half a day your wellbeing has greatly increased after the constant nurturing of your overprotective alpha, who seems to be constantly slipping water, food, medicine, or mask given air past your lips. Mo’at is greatly pleased when your temperature begins to return back to its former state and there is a greater strength present in your body. Still, she instructs you to lay low for another day as a precaution. 

Neteyam is more than happy to keep you to himself for another day. Watching you come close to the brink of death has his primal urges dialed to eleven. You have to scold him every now and then when his younger brother comes to visit and Neteyam thanks him with an aggressive hiss and tucking you safely into his arms and away from the ‘threat’. 

It’s borderline shocking to see his strong reactions considering the severed bond between the two of you. That is, until you find the truth.

“I admit, it might’ve been selfish Tanhi but I couldn’t bring myself to cut our tie before knowing that I had tried everything possible to get you back.”

He had looked up at you with a guilty composure but after everything the two of you had been through you couldn’t hide your relief and joy in finding out that this bond had still survived the heartache. It also provides a greater explanation to your own body's willingness to melt into him with or without a resolution. Now, though, you are content to let him have his fun babying you for one day more and revill in the renewed connection the two of you share.  

This time when you awake in the newly hung hammock inside of the outpost (Neteyam had used every angle possible to convince the human scientists to let him temporarily take up the space) you’re surprised to find your mate’s skin hot against your own. His thumping heartbeat rickets in your eardrums but instead of rocking you to sleep, the sound sends shivers down your spine. 

Neteyam is blissfully unaware of your consciousness as your own heart starts to speed up. Shifting your leg, it’s a surprise to feel a sticky texture lining the inside of your loincloth. Blood rushes to your cheeks when you realize the source of this substance. Bashfully you’re relieved to see Neteyam is still asleep, allowing your arousal to remain a private humiliation. 

With the cautiousness of a sneaking Palulukan, you attempt rolling off of the hammock and out of his arms to take care of your little problem. It’s only halfway rolling over to your side when the Omatikaya prince shifts and spoons you from behind. All plans are immediately thwarted when his muscular thigh slips between your splayed legs innocently. However, the pressure it incidentally puts against your clit brings forth feelings that are anything but innocent. 

A veiny forearm easily clamps around your waist to pull you back against his chest. The act rubs his thighs against your clothed folds so suddenly, that it brings a whimpered moan from your lips. Breath hitched in your throat, you wait to see if Neteyam stirs. He shows no sign of waking so you try to scoot your heated core away from his thigh slyly. 

Not only are these efforts unrewarded but also bring a tinge of sadness coursing through you. It’s a strange wave of emotion that follows. Arousal quickly windles into full blown desperation within a few heartbeats. The sensations are overpowering, racing through every surface of your body until all that your mind can focus on is the need to be filled by a mate. 

Filled by Neteyam.

“Oh Great Mother.” You curse quietly. 

Your first heat.

A momentous milestone that your parents have talked to you in great lengths about yet still brings nothing to light on the reality of the experience. You’ve had smaller mini episodes of heat, normal in the beginning of adulthood for Na’vi betas, but it’s only a laughable comparison to the clawing desire taking over your body currently. As a beta you figured that your own heats would be miniscule compared to the laborious heats that plague omegas earlier in their years. 

Involuntarily rocking your clothed core against Neteyam’s thigh you now wonder how these Na’vi have ever survived such a demanding lust and lived to tell the tale. And that is what it feels like. Death if not satisfied. Pain if not satiated. 

Embarrassment is thrown out the window in favor of creating a pleasurable friction against your clit. Hardly ever having experienced touching yourself on the rare occasion, you have no idea what to do. The corded muscle of his relaxed thigh feels better than your usual small fingerings drumming against the bundle of nerves, so you continue to rock back in a desperate rhythm. 

The hammock starts to sway softly with your jutting hips. Some movements are rewarded with a spark of pleasure, only to then be absent on the next rock of your hips. Frustration is quick to brew as you can’t seem to find the right angle and pressure against your core. Shiny slick drenches through the thin fabric and onto the alpha’s thigh. It acts as a lubricant for your journey across his skin, allowing a faster pace to be adopted. 

Your pussy clenches around open air, beckoning for a worthy mate to finally fill and claim you properly. It’s an emptiness that you can only compare to the tingling you have experienced after especially long makeout sessions with Neteyam, but it’s worse. So much worse that it brings tears to your eyes. The only relief is found when a lucky thrust finally has the fabric pushed away from your core and lets your small clit peek out and press against his azure skin. 

Now without any barriers, pure ecstasy wracks through your body. It only amplifies when the muscles flex slightly beneath you, giving just the right amount of pressure against your clit. A knot forms and tightens in your stomach, quickly winding until it feels as if it’s about to snap. It feels almost dirty to realize that your slick has now coated the entirety of Neteyam’s thigh all while he is sleeping and yet it lures you further into a state of arousal than you have ever been before. 

Your own thighs clench harshly around Neteyam’s to trap it against your core. A release clear on the horizon, every effort is put into maintaining that delicious sensation of your clit being assaulted against the muscle. Legs shaking and small squeaks erupting from your throat you chase that feeling relentlessly. 

“Cum, Tanhi.” 

Neteyam’s raspy voice pushes you over the edge with a shocked gasp. His rumbling growl of satisfaction seems to pulse through you in sync with the overwhelming sensations of an orgasm. 

“Good girl.” He praises as your body trembles in the afterglow of release. Neteyam chuckles when a simple flex of his thighs has a whimper spilling your lips. Swirling patterns are drawn by the alpha’s fingers along your sides and arms. 

Mental clarity returns in a flash, allowing the reality of the situation to sink in. You hide your heated face against his arm underneath your head while groaning in humiliation. 

“Nete.” You whine.

“Hush, baby girl. It’s alright, no reason to get all shy on me now.” He coos while swiping your hair away from your cheek to finally have an unobscured view of your blushing face. “Especially not when you make such pretty noises.” 

The words crumble any wall of resistance against the impending heat. Your body yearns for another release, still screaming at you for not being filled with your alpha’s cock yet. A cock that you can feel hardening beneath Neteyam’s loincloth and poking at your lower back. 

“Neteyam, it really hurts.” 

“I know, Tahini, I know.” He soothes, softly kissing your temple while brushing the strands of hair away. “My poor little star. A bit stronger than you expected, hm?” 

When his thigh finally shifts away from your leaking pussy, despite the strength of your clamped legs, a noise of disappointment escapes you. 

“So much worse. Neteyam please!” It’s hard to say what you are begging for specifically, but the alpha is quick to calm your worries with sweet nothings. Your limbs kick out and try to wind around any of his, subconsciously finding ways  to trap his body closer to yours. 

“If you want help, all you have to do is say, yawne. I know how to take care of my girl.” He turns you by the chin to make direct eye contact with him, a silent second measure to make sure this is truly what you desire. Hesitating is far from your mind as you nod and whine out little pleas.

Satisfied with your consent Neteyam grins and begins to descend down your body. Confusion swirls in your eyes when he situates your legs over his shoulders. The sex talk from your parents may not have been that descriptive but you know enough to realize that his cock is nowhere near your drenched entrance. 

“How does that…” You trail off, head tilted to the side. 

“Just need to get your ready first, Tanhi. Want my baby girl to feel good.” Pointed teeth poke out beneath his lips in his open mouth grin. The pads of his fingers tenderly brush and tease along your outer thighs, slowly making their way to your inner. Tingles of anticipation and pleasure trickle up your body. It boggles you how such a light tracing heightens your lust to new levels. 

“How?” 

His face softens and Neteyam coos at you while tucking a strand behind your ear. 

“Just trust me, little star. I promise you’ll like it.” 

So you do, even when his face lowers to your partly clothed mound. Neteyam’s nose presses against your pussy and he sucks in air like a man on the brink of drowning. Your cheeks set aflame at having his face so close to your special place, something you had never considered before. The rumble of power in his hungry growl, however, washes away any insecurity that would plague your mind. 

“Smell so delicious, Tanhi.” He purrs.

Neteyam’s creates a path of wet kisses along your inner thighs. Careful grips on your knees allow him to maneuver your legs into whatever profane position he desires, easy access for his eager tongue and lips. His saliva and your slick become intermixed along the expanse of skin as he takes his time warming you up. Each time his lips come closer to your folds, you whimper needily. Heated lust entraps every thought you have, wondering how long it will be until the two of you finally become one. 

The first nips at your left inner thigh causes you to jump. His eyes look back up at you as the pointed tips of those canines teasingly scrape against your soft skin. 

“Just a little taste, yawne?” He asks, although the smirk along his lips suggests that it is less of a question and rather a warning. 

“A bite? T-there?” 

Neteyam chuckles at your clueless behavior. It’s been known among Na’vi to leave obvious hickeys and bites along one’s mate’s skin, but you’ve always assumed that to only be in places more visible and less…private. Your tail swishes anxiously as you think of those marks being so close to your heated entrance. 

“Yes, baby girl. A little mark to remember me by, hm?” 

A simple nod of your head is all the permission required for Neteyam to continue. He takes one last breath from the hanging mask before picking a spot on your inner thigh where the flesh is supple and tender, licking and kissing and the area in preparation. When his lips close around the plush skin and begin to suck, it sends tendrils of electricity straight to your core. Without even thinking you moan and grab at his hair. You’re stuck between the urge to push his head away and encourage him to suck harder. 

Once released, the skin is left with a pronounced purple mark. One lick is deposited on the spot before his teeth nip and tug at the skin. You squeal and arch your back dramatically, Neteyam moans darkly he has let it fall from between his teeth and begin to soothe the skin with kisses and licks. The entire act scratches a part of your brain that is primal, satisfied by the apparent claim he leaves for all to see. 

“Much better.” His tone drips with pride. “Thank you, Tanhi.” He kisses your knee in gratitude, as if you have given him some sacred gift, and perhaps for him that is true. 

It’s only now that it occurs to you how many times Neteyam has held back from staking his claim on you the way most alphas do. You vaguely remember the indented mark of his own teeth against his bottom lip that would draw blood, especially after you have shared an intimate moment or he saw another male eyeing you for too long. What you had originally shrugged off as a habit now transforms in your mind as an act of self control. 

Neteyam is quick but deliberate with his handy work of undoing the ties around your tail and hips. He slides the fabric away from your pelvis with an attitude of reverence. Cool air against your slick folds feels like a tickling touch that has your lust spiking dramatically. Burning eyes on your most sensitive area is like gasoline to the flames. 

You attempt to clench your thighs together to protect your dignity, but Neteyam hoists them apart and back on his shoulders sternly. 

“None of that, baby girl. Let me see how pretty you are.” 

And there’s something in that phrase and his undivided attention that makes your toes curl. It becomes blatantly obvious that if he doesn’t hurry up and get on with sticking his cock inside your pussy, you will fall apart at the seams before there is even a chance. 

“Neteyam, I’m ready. Please please I’m so ready.” You ramble, willing your legs apart to prepare easier access. Once he is inside everything will be better, although the thought of your virgin walls stretching around him causes a slight tinge of panic to break loose.

“Mawey, my love. It’s about to get good.” 

However, frustration and confusion bubble to the surface again when you see his face lowering back down. 

“No no, Nete. Enough kisses.” You whine. “I need you inside.”  

His brows push up at that, the corners of his lips perking slightly as if hesitant to fully grin.

“Are you sure, my love? We can still wait if you wa-”

“NO! No more waiting! I’m ready now. I need you right now.” 

He calls your name softly, but with a hint of unyielding sternness that lets you know it is important you listen. Even a beta can sense when the time to obey is present.

“You’re heat is a very powerful thing but also fleeting, Tanhi. I don’t want you to make such a big decision purely because of your primal instincts.” It’s a respectful and considerate gesture but your head is shaking before he is even close to finishing. If this man does not take you now, you’re ready to flip him over and sit on his member, inexperience be damned. 

“It’s not. I’ve been ready for weeks. W-was just waiting to tell you. Take me now, stick it in now.” The ringing in your ears, you realize is actually the accelerated blood thumping along the eardrums from your racing heart. It feels as if the speed will be enough to burst your ribcage open. “I’m ready.”

Neteyam watches as your eyes clench shut and hands scrape against the woven material of the hammock. You’re braced and ready for the pain that will ensue upon penetration. 

“Tahni,” Your eyes slowly peek open to see that the alpha hasn’t moved a muscle. “You love me, don’t you?” 

The question throws you off guard, but the answer comes easily.

“Of course.” 

“And you know that I love you?” 

“Yes Neteyam.” Your hips scoot against the fabric, pussy fluttering as it continues to wait for the incoming sensation. 

“And you trust me?” 

“Always, Nete.” 

The alpha hums happily at your response, muttering out a deep ‘good girl’. 

“Then I need you to trust that I know what I’m doing, baby girl. Trust that your alpha will take care of you.” He tenderly brushes his fingers over your soft stomach. “And trust me enough to say if or when something doesn’t feel good.” 

You nod hazily, keenly aware of the tickling sensation of his touch along your hips. 

“That’s my good girl. Now let me get you ready.”

It’s still confusing when you see his head lower towards your navel once more, but you don’t protest this time. He’s right, you do trust him and he does have far more experience with sex than you by far. Your upturned legs are spread even wider by his broad shoulders as he leans closer and lets the tips of his tongue drag over you from belly button to navel. The saliva line goes down further and further until…oh.

It takes his grip on your hips to keep them pressed against the hammock when his tongue brushes over your clit for the first time. It’s a pleasure that is completely foreign to you. Comparable to the spark of dopamine that comes from your small finger teasing the area and yet completely different in intensity. He draws sensual figure eights along the bundle of nerves several times before swooping down to collect more of your arousal between your folds. 

Neteyam is calculated with his exploring, performing in the way of someone who has crafted their art. When his tongue just barely swipes across your entrance your hands fly down to grasp his braids again. This time, however, the only thought on your mind is keeping him down there. His flat nose nudges at your clit with every swipe of his tongue along your pussy. 

“Oh my Eywa!” You screech as that knot is quickly being tied again in your stomach. 

Neteyam on the other hand becomes focused on another knot, tugging at the twine holding your top in place while still working on your pussy with zealous excitement. With your aid, the dangling top is released and falls to the side. His assault on your pussy pauses for him to trail upwards and lick along your quickly hardening peaks. 

“So pretty, Tanhi.” He murmurs against your right nipple before taking it into his mouth and sucking. Meanwhile his fingers have taken the place of his tongue and expertly rub your clit. “My pretty little star.” 

Gleeful pride twinkles in his eyes as he looks up at you, a string of saliva connecting his lips to your chest. Your small hands grapple at any part of him you can reach, finding purchase on his flexed bicep that holds himself over you. 

The connecting lines of your thoughts are tangled into a ball of messy hunger and desperation. Never in your wildest dreams would you have imagined such strange things to be so exhilarating. A part of you wonders what else was not included in that sex talk. 

His head is found back between your legs again once your nipples are red and pointed proudly. Neteyam licks, nips and sucks at your pussy like a starved man. Every moan of pleasure releases vibrations that sky rockets through you. It becomes too much to handle. You’ve never felt more fragile in your entire life than when his eyes connect with yours, one eye winking at you, and you fall apart. 

Neteyam’s moan while licking up the white substance pouring from you goes completely unnoticed as the world around you spins and your ears ring. The gravity of this orgasm shakes you to the bones, floodgates of pleasure completely open in your brain. 

Although it feels as if Pandora has slipped out from beneath you, the recovery from this release is swift. Your skin prickles with goosebumps and your pussy hungrily clenches around open air once more. It seems that the monster of a heat inside you grows more insatiable with every second. So when Neteyam covers one finger in the remnants of your juices and starts to prod at your entrance, you’re relieved. 

“You’re doing so good, baby girl. This may feel strange at first, but let me know if it hurts too much.” It’s hard to focus on anything else besides the shiny slick that still coats his chin as he looks at you, but you manage a nod.

It does feel strange at first, your walls incredibly tight. Getting down to the first knuckle is easy but going towards the second proves to feel a little more strained. Regardless, you are happy to find that getting one finger inside is nothing near as painful as expected. Neteyam wiggles the digit and it makes you twitch. Such a strange sensation to be filled but, the longer he twists and curls his finger, the more you find yourself enjoying it. 

“How does that feel, yawne?”

“F-fine…a little strange.” 

Neteyam chuckles.

“I know. My girl’s pretty pussy is so tight.” It’s the pride and adoration in his voice that melts you from the inside out. The muscles of your cunt relax against him as he starts to slide another finger in. 

This stretch takes a little more time, effort, and praise from your alpha but otherwise it’s smooth sailing. He scissors and stretches your walls with due diligence, even as the dark pupils of his eyes overtake the gold color. By the third finger, you’re clawing at his braced forearm and begging for his cock. Neteyam doesn’t immediately give in, reminding you of the importance of being stretched out for him. Frustrated by his noble intentions, you aren’t beyond playing dirty. 

“Alpha please! Need your cock so bad, it hurts. Feel so empty.” The begging turns into sweet tones of whimpers. You can see the shift of his muscles as they tense. His pheromones take on a stronger hue, one that surrounds you like a cloud. Your small hand reaches down for him, fingers grasping in open air. Neteyam is quick to use the hand not half way up your pussy to hold your own, looking up at you. “You said you’d take care of me, alpha.” 

Perhaps in a situation not distorted by desperate lust and the sweet scent of your erotic perfume Neteyam would be tempted to put you over his knees for trying to manipulate him, but the clenching of your velvet walls around his fingers is enough to keep him focused on being balls deep inside of you instead. You can see the moment that his resolve crumbles to ashes, it’s accentuated by a deep growl and narrowed eyes. 

You watch with hungry eyes as Neteyam hastily claws at the strings of his loincloth. It’s a wonder that it doesn’t rip underneath his harsh fingers but it finally falls away and your pupils dilate at the sight. His length stands heavily against his stomach, curving slightly under its own weight. Saliva gathers in your mouth as you observe the freckled stars that glow under the dim light of the room and scatter over his shaft till reaching the tip. A bead of precum is settled there and for the first time, you understand the desire to put your mouth in such sinful places. 

Neteyam preens under your awed attention, his hindbrain purring in delight at seeing his little mate impressed with what he has to offer. His grin widens when he notices your hand hesitantly reaching towards it. You stop, however, before getting to touch. 

“It’s ok, Tanhi. You can touch.” The three fingers leave your entrance with a squelching sound. Neteyam confidently keeps eye contact while licking the digits clean with a soft purr, then that large hand is wrapping around your own and leading you towards his twitching member. 

Even with Neteyam’s guidance, you’re unable to wrap the entirety of his width in your grip, but he doesn’t appear to be bothered by it. In fact, a devious spark lights in his smile as he watches you struggle to hold it. Although, you will probably never admit it outside of heat, you too enjoy the dramatic size difference between the two of you. On more than one occasion you have let your arousal ruin your loincloth just from having his large body completely wrapped around your own, tucking you away so easily. 

A small gasp leaves your throat when his cock twitches in your hand. Neteyam can’t keep his cooing laughter in as he pets affectionately at your hair. He pauses to take a breath from the mask while still smirking. 

“You see what you do to me, baby girl?” 

The taste of iron erupts in your mouth and it is only then that you realize you’ve been crushing your bottom lips between sharp teeth. 

“Is it…uncomfortable?” It feels silly to be so bashful after having his lips along your pussy moments earlier, but you can’t help but keep your voice down to a whisper. You thank the Great Mother for the privacy that the scientists have allowed the two of you over the past few days. There would be no recovery for your dignity if they were to walk in on this scene. Heat or not, being whiny and oblivious is embarrassing. 

“Hm, sometimes my love. If relief is not given.” He guides your thumb to run over the head. “Mostly it gets my thoughts traveling to tempting places. Imagining all the different ways I can have you laid out for me.” The weight of your eyelids seem to increase with every word he speaks. His other hand running up and down your inner thigh only adds to the lust filled daze that has captured you. 

“Wondering what you would taste like.” Being the cheeky alpha that he is, Neteyam doesn’t let the opportunity pass by without reaching a few digits down to his soaked thigh and swirling the substance between his fingers. He simultaneously continues to help you jerk his thick member slowly while sticking the dripping fingers into his mouth profanely. 

“My imagination, however, doesn’t do it justice.” He hums with delight, his pink tongue swiping over his bottom lip to collect any escaping juices. “My thoughts are merely a facade in comparison to the real thing. They can’t do you justice.”

You subconsciously tighten your grip around him at the words, causing a low groan to rumble from his chest. Another trickle of slick coats your entrance. You’re in absolute awe at your body's ability to get close to cumming just from the dark noises and words that spill from your mate’s lips. Not to mention the twitching weight of his cock restrained in your hand. 

“Then stop imagining and come here.” You leap forward and capture his lips with your own. Neteyam’s hum of surprise morphs into a viscous growl as your tongues fight for dominance. The little gasps and groans that slip into the kiss as you pump his cock is electrifying. It’s borderline addicting to see that way the mighty Omatikaya Prince bucks his hips for you. A sense of power to know that you can get him melting like this. 

Never breaking the kiss, Neteyam shuffles your body forward and the two of you start to guide his cock towards your fluttering pussy. All forms of trepidation are gone. Your body screams from every pore that you can take it. You trust these instincts as the thick head of his member prods at your entrance. 

Your lips part against his mouth in a gasp when the head slips past your entrance. Slick walls stretch in ways that you couldn’t have imagined and it feels as if you are about to be split in half. Neteyam continues to kiss and nip at your lips gleefully while carefully continuing to guide himself in inch by inch. 

“You’re being such a good girl for me.” He coos as your eyes scrunch shut tightly. It feels as if the length will never stop, as if he is about to reach your chest from the inside, but Neteyam is patient. He takes his sweet time checking up on you with every inch and soaking his tone and words with constant praises. It does this trick, scratching at that primal desire to please your alpha. 

When his balls finally meet the curve of your ass, little whimpers rain from you consistently. 

“N-nete, so b-big.” You cry, forehead touching his own as you struggle to take in ragged breaths. He forces you to take a breath from the mask hanging from his neck. 

“I know, baby. So perfect and tight around me.” His own voice shakes slightly. “God damn!” The english phrase sounds like gibberish to your ears but you understand the sentiment nonetheless. 

Settled there to let you adjust, your head lolls to his shoulder.  When his cock twitches, you clamp your teeth down on his exposed shoulder to stabilize yourself. Neteyam encourages the oral fixation through  hissed words of praise. Tears spill from your eyes but it’s hard to say what the source of your crying is. The stretch is uncomfortable but you can’t deny the certain tinge of pleasure that courses through you when a slight shift reminds you of how full your pussy is. Eventually, your heat takes the edge off, rewarding your ability to secure a mate with a pulsing clit and dripping entrance. 

It takes a moment to realize that Neteyam is calling your name, you eventually snap out of it when his lips murmur it straight into your flicking ears. 

“Hand me your kuru, baby.” Your hands obey on their own accord. “Want you to understand how good you feel, Tanhi. How happy you make me.”

When those dancing tendrils wrap securely around one another, your eyes go from sleepy slits to dilated pupils of awe. It never becomes old being able to feel Neteyam so closely. To feel his breath and strength. To have his own emotions coalesce with yours. A vulnerable certainty of how he is feeling. In this state, neither of you can hide. There is no deceit. There are no polite formalities. You both have direct access to the other’s soul.

This time, a new current of sensation travels through the bond. It sparks into growing forms of ecstasy that makes you groan. It’s a strange thing to accept, but you can feel your own tights walls secured around him. Hugging him so tightly in the warmth of your cunt, velvety texture caressing him with every shift. Underneath that pleasure also grows an unyielding lust that pricks at his self control with every passing second. His hindbrain is screaming at him to move. To claim. To fill your womb with his seed until it drips out from you. 

It’s better than if the words had come from his own lips. It sets you into a feral need to complete these fantasies. 

“Can you feel me, baby girl?” His arms are securely wrapped around your middle to keep you tight against him. 

“Yes Nete, feel all of you. Need all of you. W-want you to move.” The ability to form coherent sentences starts to slip between your fingers. Neteyam, however, requires no further instruction. Your back hits the hammock once more as his strong grip clasps around the soft flesh of your hips. The mask is settled over your lips by the alpha before he continues. 

Slowly, but surely, he draws out with smooth and continuous thrusts. Your cunt clenches around him almost painfully, as if to keep him locked there. Once the tip is just barely past your entrance he starts to slide back in smoothly. The prolonged thrusts eventually angle in a way that hits a bundle of nerves inside you that has never been explored by you before. Neteyam moans in sync with you as he can feel your own pleasure every time the head of his cock rubs at the rosy spot. 

It spurs him forward. You don’t have to explicitly tell him to go faster because he can feel it straight through the bond. It allows you to focus the energy you have left on gripping his shoulders for dear life. A brutal rhythm begins to take place, your legs wrapped around his waist. 

“Oh Eywa!” You screech. The obscene noises of skin slapping fills the room along with Neteyam’s loosed growls and grunts. 

“That’s not my name, Tanhi.” The alpha teases, but you can feel the aching desire he has to hear his own name upon your lips. To have the auditory satisfaction of knowing he is pleasing his little mate.

“N-neteyam oh haa Nete!” 

His precision at hitting your g spot increases. Neteyam learns your body with an impressive speed. One hand comes up to palm and tease your breasts in his large hand. His eyes switching back and forth between watching his cock disappear inside of you and marveling at the nipple hardening between his pinched fingers. 

Everything starts to become a blur for you. The origins of sounds are unknown. Several times you are surprised to find that the high pitched screams are coming from your own throat. Your body shakes and trembles as if it is about to shatter into a million pieces. And that is what you come to truly believe as it overwhelms your senses. It is so consuming and new that you start to sputter little pleas of mercy to your mate, convinced that you truly will die from this overload of sensations. 

“It’s alright, Tanhi. You’re alright. Just let go for me. Let it all go.” 

Your hair tangles in the woven material of the hammock as you shake your head. Neteyam thrusts become ragged and less coordinated but he slips a hand down to fondle at your clit. You scream and arch, cumming harder than ever before. Neteyam is less than a second behind you, feeling the effects of your orgasm through the bond. Warm ropes of seeds paint your inner walls. 

The first normal sense that comes to you is the feeling of Neteyam’s heavy and warm body collapsed on top of yours. Heated breath tickles at your neck, intermittent with sweet kisses and nonsense murmurs. You let yourself bask in the afterglow. Your body is sore and motionless, but luckily Neteyam takes over. Only a tiny sound comes from you when he slips out.

“Come here, tanhi.” Your boneless body is pulled to lay on top of him. Soothing affection swims across the bond when you nuzzle your face against his chest. The swing of the hammock and rhythm of his heartbeat is quickly luring you to sleep. 

Neteyam grabs your hand and kisses it sweetly. You can vaguely make out the sound of his voice, but the words are like garbled noises which never compute in your brain. It’s hard to say whether or not it’s english or if you just can’t understand simple words now in your fucked out state. Still, you like the way it makes his chest rumble. 

“Neteyam.” The rumble stops, tail flickering as he waits patiently. 

“I see you.” Your words are barely more than a whisper in the stuffy room but they ring true. He gently places the breathing mask over your lips again before your eyes close. 

“You’re all I see, little star.” 

Taglist @yurmomsawh0r @nilahsstuff @name-saken @luvv4j4ybe11 @stylishtoast @karateperson @henhouse-horrors @easy2004 @whisperingwillow0854 @whenercolorfulrainbowlol @neteyamtesuli

[riverlikethelake]

A Long Way Home

Aonung x Omatikayan!Fem!Reader 

Summary – Leaving your life behind to move to the reefs wasn't your plan, all you really want is a peaceful life with your family, but one of the Metkayina boys keeps staring at you...

Contains: Mentions of death, slow burn (?), Spider is mentioned in a good light (please bear with me), complex parental relationships, heavy development on platonic/family relationships

pt.2 pt.3 pt.4 pt.5

Word count: 4k

“This is our home! This is my home!” Neytiri cried, you pulled away from the tent, pursing your lips. You sat back and watched as Tuk peeked under the tent, Neteyam and Lo’ak leaning in further. Kiri looked back at you but didn’t move from her place listening to the conversation.  

You could hear Jake arguing back but you couldn’t make out the words, not that you needed to. As much as it pained you to admit it, Jake was right, the forest wasn’t safe for the Sully’s anymore, they already took your brother, and he knows everything about life here.  

The weight on your chest only became heavier. Before anyone could notice, you stood up and quickly made your way to the edge of the cavern your clan had taken refuge in.  

Spider wasn’t your biological brother, hell he wasn’t even the same species anymore but for a long time it felt like he was the only one you truly had.    

You were almost a year younger than him and born after the humans left earth, your mother was allowed to stay behind on Pandora. Unfortunately, that meant medical supplies were stretched thin and your mother died soon after you were born. Ironically the Omatikaya were celebrating Neteyam’s birth only a few minutes earlier.  

It wasn’t till you got older that Norm and Max noticed how sickly you were, scratches and bruises weren’t a problem on Spider, but for you they stayed and got infected easily. Staying outside after dark when it got cold was too risky, Neteyam and Lo’ak often had to piggyback you to Hell’s Gate because you lost track of time or ran out of stamina.   

Everything changed when you turned 6, after a strenuous forest exploration and a bad injury you ended up bed ridden for days on the verge of death. Having been worrying about an event like this happening for almost all your life, Norm and Max had quietly prepared an Avatar body for you years ago in hopes the Omatikaya would accept another consciousness transfer.  

Spider didn’t leave your side for weeks after that, he fussed over everything you did and insisted Neteyam or Kiri were around when traveling through the woods. You could tell that you now being Na’vi bothered him, you no longer had common ground, you were once alone together but you could tell he now just felt alone.  

Neteyam also became overly protective after that, he seemed to be able to read your mind and emotions. Jake and Neytiri kept a close eye on you, now being Na’vi Neytiri accepted you into their family.  

But now Spider was gone, he was taken by the humans and Jake wants to leave.   

You called for your Ikran, Tsyía, it was getting late but you needed to clear your head. You weaved between the trees, slowing down once you made it past the thick of forest, you sat up and breathed in the air.   

If Jake and Neytiri decided to leave this would be the last time you’d see the forest, explore the trees, race Neteyam and Lo’ak through Hallelujah mountains, take Tuk far above the tops of trees and to the stone pillars. Your entire life was this forest.  

The wind blowing your hair always calmed you down, the way the sun shone on the rocks was your favorite site. You kept your hold on the saddle, but you let yourself sit back and enjoy the air, your other arm coming up and back with the wind. You closed your eyes. This was peace.   

Your Ikran cried, alerting you that you were approaching the human camps, quickly you started ascending higher and higher before dropping. A trick you never did around Neteyam or Lo’ak knowing how their individual reactions would cause Jake and Neytiri to get word of it.  

Freefalling for a few seconds, further and further before you grabbed on tight to the satchel and Tsyía leveled out just above the trees. You flew around for a while, memorizing your home before heading back.  

You didn’t make much of a commotion when you came back but Tuk immediately an over and held onto your leg. 

“Y/n you’re coming with us, right?!” She begged, you were taken a back and looked up to Neteyam and Kiri who were walking up to you. 

“Mom and dad were discussing what they’d do if you wanted to stay behind” Neteyam explained, he looked nervous himself. 

You smiled and bent down closer to Tuk, “Of course I'm coming with you” you glanced back up to Kiri and Neteyam. After you were able to soothe Tuk you noted how late it was and insisted she go to bed, Kiri followed her after simply placing a hand on your shoulder and telling you she was glad. It wasn’t much but you knew it meant a lot coming from Kiri. 

You and Neteyam shared a look before you moved to sit next to the cave opening, Neteyam sitting next to you, your head falling on his shoulder. 

“What made you change your mind?” he asked after a moment of silence. You frowned. “My mind was never made up, I just made my decision”  

“I wonder what the ocean looks like” you thought out loud, fatigue growing. Neteyam chuckled “Was that your deciding factor?” 

You frowned again, bickering with him about your poorly timed statements. Neteyam seemed satisfied with this even if it didn’t answer his question, talking about what it would be like to live on the reefs. 

You don’t remember falling asleep, but you woke up cuddled with everyone else back in the tent. 

-  

By the time the reefs came into view you were exhausted, and so was Tsyía, you all came to a landing on the shore edge. It was unnerving with the crowd that surrounded you all, Tuk hid behind Neytiri’s leg, but you picked her up and cradled her in your arms when she looked back at you nervously.  

Kiri and Lo’ak both moved so you’d all be closer together when who you assumed to be the Olo'eyktan and Tsahìk parted through the crowd. Your father explained how he sought safe refuge for his family, but you watched as Lo’ak struggled to tear his eyes away from a girl who rose from the water.  

Your attention was drawn back to the situation when a couple of boys circled you and your siblings, grabbing at your brothers’ tail.  

“Is this supposed to be a tail?”  

“How will they swim?”  

You held Tuk closer and watched as Lo’ak barely held himself together. You looked over your shoulder and glared at one of the boys who was seemingly going to poke at you too, you held his gaze for a moment, he lost his smirk, and simply stared at you. He looked you up and down and you could feel the urge to curl in on yourself, whether that be from the intensity of his gaze or not knowing what he was thinking.  

Before he could say anything, the girl from before scolded the two boys before taking her place next to the Olo'eyktan. She must be his daughter.  The two boys backed down as your father continued speaking, the boy you stared at taking his place on the other side of the Olo'eyktan. Oh great.  

You tried to not be bothered when they pointed out the odd number of fingers you and your sibling possessed. You mostly focused on soothing Tuk until the Olo'eyktan, whom you learned was named Tonowari, announced that your family was welcome and his children, Ao’nung and Tsireya would teach you all how to adapt to the Metkayina way. The boy protested but shut up when his father shut him down, he locked eyes with you, an indescribable look on his face.  

Ao’nung huh?  

Tsireya showed you all the way to your Marui pod, Tuk practically jumped out of your arms to jump across the pathway. 

You observed your surroundings as you walked, people casting out fishing nets, children swimming under the walkways and jumping off the docks, the animals swimming around peacefully and interacting with the people there. Everything was so different than what you were used to, but an excitement you hadn’t expected spurred into your body. You had adapted to the Na’vi way once before, you could do it again.  

Tsireya officially introduced herself, and you didn’t miss how she kept her eyes trained on Lo’ak most of the time. 

“I am Neteyam, and this is my twin Y/n-” You internally rolled your eyes at how he insists on that. “This is our youngest sister Tuk” he continued. He gestured to Lo’ak and Kiri. Kiri introducing herself warmly and Lo’ak mumbling sheepishly.   

Tsireya smiled at Lo’ak then to everyone else, after you settled down in the hut, she guided you all towards the edge of the docks to start your first swimming lesson. She and Ao’nung dove into the water with Rotxo, Neteyam and Lo’ak following them. You and Kiri shared a look before Tuk jumped in, then finally you and Kiri.  

Being in the water was strange at first but you were able to familiarize yourself fairly quickly, Kiri had no trouble holding her breath while the others seemed to struggle more.   

Your siblings swam after Tsireya and her brother, Kiri, staying behind to admire the plants and animals, getting lost in it all.   

You followed the group but took more time getting close to the plants and watching the fish swim by. Soon you had to swim up for air, you breached the surface just as Neteyam and Lo’ak did, taking in breaths of air.  

“It's so beautiful here” You grinned. Neteyam and Lo’ak looked at each other then back to you, affirming their agreement.  

Ao’nung and Tsireya re-surfaced in front of you guys, you took a deep breath before going under again, making your way back to be mesmerized by the scenery, after a second ao’nung appeared infront of you, he started to sign something, but you couldn’t understand so you both swam up to speak.  

“What are you doing? Your brothers are learning to breathe right” he questioned as if saying ‘why aren’t you too?’ 

You simply glanced back down and shrugged, you looked him in the eye “the reef is beautiful” you smiled and dove back down before he could say anything else  

The feeling of being fully submerged in the water was what you loved, the fish that swam around you and the light reflecting off the coral.  

Before long, Neteyam insisted we all return to the pod, Jake and Neytiri sat on the floor and waited for everyone to settle down to start dinner.   

The pod wasn’t like the hammocks you grew up on, but the sloshing of water and arms cuddled around you comforted you to sleep.  

-  

You were adjusting well; your breathing was getting better, and you were picking up their underwater language quickly. Ao’nung and his friends teased your siblings a lot which upset you,but you often found him drifting near you, showing up in the same part of the reef you were exploring.  

He started telling you about the different plants and animals, guiding you to the best parts for that time of day but he always found soemthing to make fun of, pulling at your tail or how clumsy you were in the water. 

When it came time to tame the ilu and he called for them, you found yourself intrigued in the noises he made but once there was one infront of you that was all you wanted to focus on.  

You felt his eyes on you, your brothers were learning to mount their ilu, you just stroked the one in front of you, smiling as you took in the animal, their fins and their beauty.  

“-Y/n” Tsireya’s voice pulled you out of your trance, you looked up to see them looking at you, Neteyam and Lo’ak already on their ilu’s back. “Are you not going to get on?” she asked. 

You looked down, “I uh… I wasn’t paying attention, I’m sorry” your cheeks burned at the embarrassment. Tsireya giggled and asked Ao’nung to show you how to do it again. 

Ao’nung swam over to you begrudgingly, you mounted your ilu and he guided your hands to the correct positions. 

“Now body position is very important,” He started to explain. “If you don’t have it right you could go too slow or fall off.” You listened intently, but when he touched your leg or hand for the demonstration, you couldn’t help but avert your eyes. The way his voice lowered when asked if you were listening, almost demanding you to look at him, made you freeze. God he’s annoying  

 Your brother went first, flying off almost immediately, driving Ao’nung’s point home. You clenched your jaw as to not say anything when they made fun of your brothers when their attempts failed. 

You moved forward to try, Rotxo saying something along the lines of ‘this should be good’. 

You focused as your ilu dove under water, keeping a tight grip and correcting your positions accordingly. It was overwhelming moving so fast in the water, but after a second it started to feel familiar. Admittedly you didn’t have complete control, but no one criticized you when you came back, a smug look on your face and still on your ilu. Ao’nung smirking, raising his chin in a ‘told you so’ way 

- 

When you heard your sister yelling you wasted no time running over to the source of the commotion, you and Neteyam arriving at the same time. Ao’nung and his friends were picking at Lo’ak, but Neteyam broke it up, telling the boys to back off. You stood behind him closer to Kiri, Ao’nung’s glances towards you not going unnoticed.  

“From now on I need you to respect my sister.” Neteyam pointed to Kiri, not taking his eyes off Ao’nung, He nodded, putting his hands up amused, Neteyam turned around, gathering Lo’ak and you to all leave.  

“they're freaks... A whole family of them” Now that pissed you off, you were about to retort when Lo’ak beat you too it.  

You knew something was up when he started showing off his hand, then suddenly Lo’ak was punching Ao’nung left and right. “It’s called a punch bitch.”  

Ah there it is  

The boy immediately tackled Lo’ak, punching him and pulling at his tail, you watched Neteyam rub the back of his head before jumping into the fight.  

You and Kiri shared a look, you smirked and watched her grimace before you ran in, tackling Ao’nung off Neteyam. You two rolled in the sand, you landing on top and throwing a few punches in his face before pulling at his ears.  

“You fight like a girl!” he yelled, pushing you off him and grabbing your tail. You scrambled up and threw yourself backwards at him knocking you both to the ground again. Even though your hip was now throbbing, you turned yourself on top of him, straddling his back.  

“Good!” You grabbed him by his hair and pushed his face into the sand, “Now leave my fam-” you were cut off when he pushed up and you fell off him, your head slamming against the sand, you took the chance to kick him in the face as he stood up. He recoiled but grabbed hold of your ankle.  

“This is stupid” you heard Kiri yell.  

Ao’nung pulled you forward by the leg, instinctively you kicked his shin causing him to fall. He caught himself just before he slammed into you, his hand holding onto your ankle, moved to now holding the skin between your thigh and hip. Your breath hitched 

You didn’t realize your eyes were closed until you opened them and realized how close Ao’nung was, you stared at each other for a moment before Neteyam grabbed Ao’nung by the hair and pulled him off you, Roxto rushing into drag you by your tail. 

You don’t know who broke the fight up but before you knew it Jake had come to collect you all and dragged you back to the pod.  

“What did I tell you guys?!” Jake yelled.  

“It was my fault” Neteyam started but Jake cut him off. “No, it’s not, you need to stop taking the blame for your brother”  

“It was me” You interjected, now this Lo’ak jumped at.  

“No it wasn’t! They were picking on Kiri and called us freaks! I was defending my sister.” Lo’ak confessed, he never liked Neteyam taking the blame but after the incident, he was always quick to coddle or protect you.  

Jake sighed, “You can’t be starting fights, we can’t afford to cause more trouble here. Now go apologize” Lo’ak tried to object but Jake shut him down. Lo’ak stormed out, but just as you and Neteyam were about to leave Jake spoke up. “What did the other guys look like?”  

“Worse”  

Jake nodded “Good”  

A smile crept onto Neteyam’s face “A lot worse”  

“Get out of here” he then turned to you  

“Not worse but he didn’t get a punch in...” You muttered. He smiled and tussled your hair, nudging you out of the pod in the process.  

-  

Ao’nung didn’t know what to think, the forest freaks were nothing but a nuisance to him, but atleast he could tolerate you. Why? He couldn’t tell you. 

From the beginning he couldn’t quite keep his eyes off you, the way you swam and seemingly became one with the flora was mesmerizing. 

It was easy to ignore it, but you were around so much he thought he’d show you around the reef. Though a few times he purposely took you to places he knew would be difficult for you, just to get a laugh in, but you didn’t have to know that. 

But then the breathing lesson came, even though you were doing well, his sister insisted that he coach you. He couldn’t even focus on your breathing; you looked so Intune and at peace when you closed your eyes. He felt like his palms were on fire, the contact with your skin was all he could think about  

Even when your brothers failed miserably at taming the ilu you were still at the forefront of his mind. His skin felt on fire every time he touched you. The way you refused to look at him when he was teaching you felt disrespectful? 

He didn’t even try to hide how he was staring at your face, thankfully you couldn’t see. He found himself lagging behind, watching you from afar, you and Kiri bonding with nature in a way he didn’t think was possible for forest people.  

None of that stopped him from picking fights with your siblings though.  

He honestly didn’t expect you to get involved, it was when you tackled him that he lost his guard, you were a good fighter too. He didn’t think much about it until he was right in your face, his hand holding just above your thigh, he saw every detail of your face and he just wanted to memorize it in that moment.   

He didn’t like this but brushed it off quickly, you were new, and he was curious about you. Once he spent more time around you, he’d lose interest.  He was sure of it. 

-  

You sat on top of one of the giant roots the village hung from weaving thread. You and Neteyam’s birthday was coming up and though it would be a small celebration, you still wanted to give him a good gift, an important human tradition apparently.  

You sensed him before you saw him, but you made no effort to acknowledge him just yet. His presence should have put you on edge but oddly enough, it didn’t.  

“You’re a good fighter.” He finally said, Ao’nung sat behind you on a different root.  

“I thought I ‘fought like a girl’” You retorted, he chuckled  

“I thought that was a good thing” he stood up and jumped over to the root you were on and sat in front of you. After a moment, he leaned in real close to your face and spoke, “What are you making?” He seemed curious but there was still that pompous attitude in his voice.  

You thought for a moment, debating whether to answer his question. “It’s a Anurai for Neteyam” you made eye contact with him. “Our birthday is coming us soon and I suppose with all this change it would be nice”   

When he didn’t answer you glanced up and saw that he was watching you weave the necklace, a small smile creeped onto your lips before you realized he was probably watching your hands  

“They’re freaks. Not true Na’vi”  

You scrunched your hands and necklace together before abruptly standing up, without a word you hopped down the root and walked towards the village, your pace only growing faster when you heard him call out to you.  

As you approached your Marui pod you hid the necklace behind your back in case Neteyam or Tuk were inside, Tuk wasn’t good at keeping a secret.  

You peaked inside and only saw Neytiri, you smiled and sat down next to her, she glanced over and asked about the necklace.  

“It's for Neteyam. Our birthday is coming up.” You explained almost in a whisper, you loved Neytiri, she was your mother, but you still felt like you couldn’t breathe around her sometimes.   

She guided your hands closer to her so she could get a better look, she examined it thoroughly, you held your breath. “It is beautiful Y/n, you are a loving sister” she stated gazing at you fondly.  

You couldn’t help the smile that grew on your face, you scooted yourself closer to her as you continued to weave, wishing a little that she was watching. Her presence was demanding, but over time that grew to be a source of comfort for you, your need to please her only growing when she started to accept you into the family. 

After a while you could hear Tuk calling for you outside the pod, you relented and hid the necklack in your bag. Smiling to Neytiri before you left you made your way to the edge of the dock, Tuk sat Infront of Kiri on her ilu, she started telling you about all the caverns Tsireya showed her. You sat on the edge of the dock listening and splashing your feet in the water.  

Neteyam came up on his ilu, insisting you get in, Tuk quickly reiterating the sentiment. Before you can get in, Kiri looks around and asks where Lo’ak was  

“Probably apologizing to Ao’nung or following Tsireya around” Neteyam teased 

You smirked “Well I just saw Ao’nung so...” it had been obvious to everyone that Lo’ak was smitten with the Olo'eyktan’s daughter, you and your other siblings often poked fun at him for it, especially after she noted that his heart was beating fast while her hands were on his chest.  

“I was just with Tsireya though...” Kiri commented, Tuk testifying the same.  

You and Neteyam shared a look, he turned around and swam off with his ilu.  

-  

You comforted Tuk in the pod while she whined about wanting to go look for Lo’ak, you wanted to too, but you had to stay here, even when Kiri joined you in the pod you knew you'd be no help in the search. When Tuk got more restless you and Kiri took her into the water and tried to entertain her 

When you heard he was back, you jumped on your ilu and followed the direction the people on the walkway went. When you arrived, you saw Lo’ak and Ao’nung talking, you didn’t care about what they were saying, you just rode up and jumped onto the docks.  

“Lo’ak are you ok?” You placed a hand on his shoulder, looking him up and down before placing one on his face. most of the crowd had dispersed by now, leaving only you, Lo’ak, and Ao’nung.  

“I’m fine sis” you could tell he was holding back. You scrunched your eyebrows in worry. “I just had a little trouble out at sea...” he confessed  

“A little bit of trouble?!” You kept your voice down but the panic was still evident, you knew that what Lo’ak says is a ‘little trouble’ is not in fact little.  

He places his hand on your shoulder, “Really sis. I’m fine.” He pulls you in for a hug, you nod and pull back. Before you can leave for the pod, you hear Ao’nung say your name.  

His expression is hard to understand, a mix of guilt and embarrassment? You couldn’t place it.   

All you do is turn your head and quickly walk away. You ignore the calls of your name. 

Even that night when you all snuck off to a more secluded area to hear what happened to Lo’ak you ignored him, well you didn’t talk to him, you definitely glared more than necessary when Lo’ak talked about almost being killed by the Akula. You listened to Ao’nung as he spoke about the Tulkan but you never gave him more than a deadpan. 

Befriending a deadly and killer Tulkan. Definitely seemed like something your brother would do. 

“How long are you going to ignore him?” Lo’ak asked, clearly amused by the not-so-subtle distaste you showed for Ao’nung the while night. You rolled your eyes. 

“He was staring at you a lot” Neteyam tartly pointed out.  

“I was glaring at him a lot” you suggested 

- 

You ignored Ao’nung all morning, which for some reason made him follow you around even more. Instead of just being around, he was always right next to you or behind you. Once he realized you weren’t going to even listen to him, he just trailed behind.  

This continued to the next day and eventually he got the hint and stopped bothering you. 

“You know he apologized right?” Lo’ak asked while you were tending to your ilu. 

“Yes.” you answered. “Doesn’t mean I want to talk to him; he got that through his thick skull eventually” 

Kiri chucked, “It also helps that he and Neteyam caught on to his ogling and kept attempting to intimidate him” she mused, gesturing to Lo’ak. 

“It’s weird! I don’t like it, Y/n is my sister” he defended, Kiri rolled her eyes as she retorted. “And Tsireya is his, by now you should be pummeled in the sand” 

You ignore their bickering and swim to a more peaceful location on your ilu. You sat on your knees on the rock, your ilu’s head resting in your lap as you stroked her head and watched the scenery. 

You were too caught up in the way the lowering sun reflected on the water to sense someone coming up behind you, suddenly you were lifted into the air and dropped slightly as they wrapped their arms around your waist, keeping you off the ground. 

You screamed in surprise, ready to elbow the face of the person behind you. 

“Got ya!” Ao’nung stepped back tightening his hold on you. 

Relief washed over you before frustration took over. “Ao’nung let me go!” you yelled, adrenaline still rushing through you. 

“No way, this is the only way I can get you to listen to me” he exclaimed, you could hear the smirk in his voice. 

“Let me down.” you demanded. 

“Only when you promise to hear me out” You could feel the smugness radiating from him, huffing you relented. Satisfied, he let you down but held onto your forearm when you turned around. 

You glared at him to express your displeasure but he only smirked. “Listen, I’m sorry about what I did to your brother” his voice was genuine “But I realize it was wrong, I want to make it up to you.” 

You raised an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t Lo’ak be the one getting compensated” 

He thought, smiling “He gets a free punch on me anytime he wants” raising his eyebrows, asking if that was satisfactory. 

You rolled your eyes. He leaned in closer, “I want to make it up to you for making you so distressed, and for making you uncomfortable up on the roots the other day.” he elaborated. 

Oh, you didn’t think he’d assume he was the problem when you walked away. Sheepishly you nodded. 

“Ok” he smiled. “Meet me here an hour past sunset” and with that he walked backwards, keeping his eyes trained on you before mounting his ilu and swimming away. 

Biting your lip, you thought for a moment about whether this would be a good idea, you glanced around and got onto your ilu, swimming back to your pod. 

[lanasblood]

BIG EYES, BIG LIES | neteyam x reader

pairing: neteyam x f!metkayina!reader  summary: you've had suffered silently from years of bullying within the metkayina clan, never sharing your pain with anyone, not even your boyfriend neteyam, until one day, there's no other option, resulting in a huge argument between the two of you but also a moment of understanding and healing.  word count: 5.8k warnings: angsty beginning, fluffy end, !!!severe mentions of bullying, injuries, violence, blood!!! (read at your own risk), established relationship, protective neteyam, angry neteyam, healer boyfriend neteyam, difficult past, lying, insults, some suggestive comments, let me know if i forgot something. note: all characters are aged up; the following na’vi words were used: tsurak - skimwing, skxawng - idiot, pxasìk - screw that/no way, kurkung - asshole, kalweyaveng - son of a bitch (lit. 'child of a poisonous spider‘), tsantu - good guy

* gif's not mine. 

The familiar sound of your name said over and over again lured you into consciousness. You had lost all sense of the space-time continuum, not knowing where up or down was, whether you were alive or dead. 

Only the pain was omnipresent, it told you it was real what you felt. It burned and pulsed, throbbed and tingled. You surrendered to this pain for what felt like an eternity, groaning again in agony because every movement, no matter how tiny, hurt.

"You are awake."

A bright voice made you widen your eyes. Everything was dark, shadowy, intangible, strange.

Panic flooded your body and only now did you feel the cold around your legs, your aching body. It was dark, almost black. The kind of perfect darkness you saw in shades of dark grey in front of your eyes as a result of signals from the optic nerves. You were lying on the ground of the empty marui near the seawall terraces. 

"No, don't move. Please." 

You only heard a single voice, but you felt many more echoing in your pounding head. Hands were on your shoulders, apparently wanting to prevent you from making too hectic movements or even getting up, which increased your panic.

"Right, uh, light, light, light, mhm — Ah, there! Wait here!" 

You squinted against the darkness again, hoping to see something, but the only thing you could really see clearly was a beam of soft dancing lights coming through the small crack under the entry into the marui you were in and the faint outline of the person kneeling in front of you.

Before you could reply anything, the light coming from a bioluminescent seashell was held in your face without warning and you squinted your eyes again, trying to protect them from the purple light. 

"I'm so sorry, y/n I should've warned you," you heard the person in front of you speak who happens to be none other than Neteyam's brother, Lo'ak. "Damn! You don't look good at all!"

Thank you.

"What happened?"

"I guess, I, um…" Quick, you had to think of a good lie now, "I didn't feel so good after today's training. You know, high intensity under the sun can be exhausting," You looked down at yourself and noticed your bloodstained upper piece. "And it, uh, caused nose-bleeding…" You noticed the many bruises on your legs. "I must've fainted because of it, hurting myself." 

"I can see that," Lo'ak looked pitifully at the left side of your face, right under your eye, then shifted his gaze to your bruised upper lip, and back at the place right under your hairline. "Did you fall face-first or something? That looks so baaaad."

Thanks again, appreciated.

"I, uh, yeah, can you help me up?" 

A sharp pain shot through your chest as Lo'ak pulled you up by your arm and you had to grab the wall to catch your breath. You coughed uncontrollably as whatever it was that caused that pain left you breathless. Lo'ak patted you gently on the back, carefully, but every touch hurt.

"I didn't know you had to train so hard. I thought you had a fun day as we did, playing with the ilus."

"My teacher's very strict unfortunately."

"Hmm."

"What are you doing here anyway? It's the girls' communal marui."

Lo'ak's eyes widened at your question, "I swear I'm not some kind of creep," he quickly said, "Tsireya said she lost her hair band so I figured I look for it here," he looked at the ground beneath his feet, which was smeared with dirt and blood – your blood, "but maybe it's not here, yeah, anyway, good thing I came here or else you would've died or something."

"I wouldn't have died," you said, amazed at his dramatic exaggeration.

Lo'ak shrugged his shoulders, "Not so sure about that."

You followed his gaze and your reflection in the mirror caught your attention. Your skin was sticky, your clothes were damp with blood and sweat, and you felt gross. 

"I, uh," Feeling a sense of embarrassment, Lo'ak gestured with his finger towards the spot behind the marui, "I'll just quickly go… there, uh, for a moment. Will you be okay?" You nodded. "Neteyam is near, by the way, we have a chill round with Tsireya and Ao'nung and the others, how about you come with me?" You stared at him as if frozen, but eventually managed to nod once more. "Perfect. Okay. See you in a minute." With that, he left you alone, and you felt your breath quicken. 

On one hand, a sense of relief washed over you at the thought of Neteyam being nearby and able to be there for you when you needed him. On the other hand, you had no idea how you would talk your way out of this situation. He would ask questions, and it would become uncomfortable. Old lies would threaten to resurface. The thought made your stomach churn.

You noticed how your shawl, which you had wrapped around yourself, had absorbed the blood, leaving the fabric irreparably stained. In this condition, going home was out of the question. Not only would your mother be beside herself upon seeing you, but you also had to pass through the communal areas to reach your marui. Once Lo'ak was out of sight, you struggled to slip the fabric off your shoulders, feeling the pain in every single bone. You realized that even your upper piece hadn't been spared as you held the shawl under the water and noticed the stains on your upper body.

Outside the marui, you kneeled down with an effort, and decided to wash your hands and face in one of the pool's water. A drop of pinkish-red-colored sweat dripped from your chin into the water, or maybe it wasn't sweat at all, who knew, it could be tears as well, you shouldn't just limit it to sweat.

"That's what I get for lying," you hissed at yourself, while your hands dunk back into the water, getting everything else around you, including half of your upper body, wet.

You decided to wash the red stains out of your shawl, the water changing its color around your hands to a washed-out reddish blur.

There was a clearing of the throat in the distance, perhaps just a few meters away from you.

"I'm coming back, y/n, okay?"

You cursed under your breath, focussing solely on removing the stains as you washed the shawl in your hands even more aggressively now, the noise of the splashing water being louder than your own thoughts.

"Let's go!" Lo'ak stood behind you.

Before you knew it, you had torn the light blue fabric in your hand. You closed your eyes in defeat and suppressed another curse word. It was a shame actually, because you liked combining the shawl with matching loincloths over various chest pieces you were wearing most of the time. You at least convinced yourself that you wouldn't have gotten the bloodstains out anyway, so the fate of the garment was sealed from the start, even before you had accidentally torn it.

Setting aside the damp piece of torn fabric, you stood up with a sigh and turned to Lo'ak, ready to follow him to wherever he would take you. At least you had washed most of the blood off your body.

"Thank you for not dying on me," Lo'ak joked next to you and all you could manage was a small smile. Your entire body ached, and every step you took felt as if you could collapse at any moment.

In the distance, you could discern a gathering of young Na'vi near the shoreline, forming a circle as they enjoyed each other's company. Some sat or reclined in the sand, while others perched on rocks, and a few stood, perhaps sharing tales. Their laughter resonated through the air, creating a joyful ambiance against the backdrop of the shimmering water and the twinkling stars above.

Just a few meters away, Lo'ak gave you a final thumbs-up, leading the way to the group with you by his side, and the clamor of voices grew increasingly chaotic, enveloping both of you in its midst.

"No, of course not, it should fear us!"

"What are you talking about? Not even my grandma would fear you!"

"Your grandma isn't a fish, is she?"

"Don't say anything against my grandma!"

Your head felt like exploding any second. Not because of the boys, but because you felt the need to lie down. That's what you thought until you suddenly heard Neteyam's calm voice, and instantly, you felt a little bit better.

"If you approach it with the right mindset and undergo the necessary training, I have no doubts you will succeed!"

"No, he definitely has no chance, look at him, like a squid in armor."

Tsireya, who had refrained from the heated discussion, was the only one who looked up. As her eyes met yours, they widened, and she quickly rose from her seat, approaching you. With a gentle and questioning gaze, she placed a hand on your arm, showing her concern.

"Are you okay?" she asked in a soft voice searching your gaze. Appreciating her care, you placed your hand on hers, mustering a small smile.

You heard how Lo'ak cleared his throat, as it seemed that nobody else had noticed you.

"Don't mind them, y/n," Lo'ak turned to you, as your presence remained unnoticed by the boys, "You can take my seat over there next to Tsireya's while I go find you a new shawl." 

"No, here, take mine," Tsireya suggested already putting her shawl over your shoulders, the piece hugging your torso. 

After that it got quiet very quickly, because when your name was mentioned, Neteyam looked up, and with him the others.

Immediately he got up from the rock he was sitting on and in a few steps he stood right in front of you, hesitating whether he should hug you, and finally decided to do so. When he carefully put his arm around you and pulled you close, you hissed slightly out of pain and suddenly felt even more fragile and broken than in all of the previous weeks. 

"I go and bring some new clothing for her," you heard Tsireya's voice, "and maybe some wound dressing from my mother." You saw out of the corner of your eye how Lo'ak nodded gratefully when Tsireya was already hurrying away. 

You didn't feel like crying, but you felt so weak and helpless and wanted to just stand there for hours while Neteyam hugged you.

"What happened?" he asked softly, his voice thick with concern. 

"Is that blood?" you heard the other boys whisper among themselves.

"Did you see her face, man?"

Rotxo's voice stood out more than the others as he addressed his question directly to you, repeating Neteyam's words, "What happened, y/n?"

You stayed quiet and pressed closer to Neteyam despite the pain, and Lo'ak did the answering for you, "The training today under the sun made her nose bleed out of exhaustion or allergy or something so that she passed out," he explained hastily, heading back to his seat.

You felt Neteyam stiffen in the hug and you squinted to escape reality for a few more seconds.

"First of all, what kind of lie is that even?" Your heart sank when you heard one of the boys – you guessed Ao'nung – talking loudly, questioning the course of action, and before long everyone else was about to join in the conversation, one at a time. And with every sentence you felt the urge to leave the place on the spot. 

"Ask y/n, I swear that's what happened! I found her near the marui by the seawall terraces."

"She might have been passed out but pxasìk — I don't buy that!"

"What were you doing there, Lo'ak?" someone else with longer hair asked. 

"None of your business, bro."

"And second of all, she rather looks like she was beaten up." At that, Neteyam pushed you slightly away from him to give you a questioning look and inspect you more closely. His eyes alternated between yours and you recognized how the hint of suspicion crept into his eyes.

"She was clearly beaten up!" The girl on the far left, Neteyam's sister, Kiri, unexpectedly supported Ao'nung's statement, which was highly unusual for her. It wasn't her cold demeanor towards you that was atypical, but rather her agreement with Ao'nung that caught you off guard.

"Yeah, right! I mean, look at her." Every head turned to you now, inspecting you from head to toe, as if you were some kind of object.

"That's not true," you argued weakly, supporting yourself on the tree with your left hand, and grabbing Neteyam's hand with your right one because your feet threatened to buckle any second. Noticing that, he lead you to the rock right in front of you and carefully helped you sit down.

"The real question is who did that to poor y/n?"

"Why? You wanna beat up some girls for her?"

"Girls? I thought it'd be some kurkung from the tsurak taming team."

"Hey, don't say that, they're cool."

"Yeah, and don't cuss when Kiri and y/n are here."

"They are no children."

"Tsireya's back!" Lo'ak's voice drowned out the others, not surprising given the fact how loud he announced the return of the soft-spoken girl. Apart from you no one seemed to pay any attention to him, they were far too busy arguing amongst themselves.

"Nah, man, what kinda skxawng beats girls? Not me for sure." 

"Let's teach those guys a lesson then."

"So now you wanna beat up guys for her?"

"Why not? She's Neteyam's girl, she's one of us." 

"True words." You frowned as you realized how much they had gotten into the discussion when Tsireya handed you a neatly packed bag with fresh clothing inside which you gratefully accepted.

"Why would you all choose violence all of a sudden?" Tsireya looked around with an irritated expression, not sure what she had missed in the last couple of minutes.

"Those kalweyavengs deserve it!"

"You skxawng don't talk like that in front of my sister."

"But, you said—"

"Everybody quiet!" You winced slightly when you heard the anger in his voice vibrate through his body; he who had kept quiet the whole time, just observing, never speaking. Instantly it fell silent at the beach and all eyes were on Neteyam, except for yours. 

"It has gotten late," he added, quieter but clearly audible, "We should all go back to the village." You expected a protest to erupt, but you were wrong again. Without a word, the individual heads of that group got up from where they sat on rocks or the sand, and left the beach, heading in the direction of the village, one after the other. 

"Thank you, brother," Neteyam spoke as Lo'ak passed by, giving him a grateful pat on the back of his head. You caught Lo'ak nodding at him and giving you a pitiful look, and you managed to mouth a 'thank you' as well before he left. 

"Why did you lie to him?" Neteyam nodded his head in the direction of his now-gone brother. "To Lo'ak, I mean."

You stared at your hands on your lap instead of answering him, so he sighed and knelt in front of you, positioning himself between your legs. With a gentle touch, he placed his hands on each of your thighs, right at the hem of your loincloth.

"I'm seriously worried, y/n, and it's almost a miracle I'm staying calm right now. What happened?" He cocked his head and looked up, searching for the gaze you were trying so hard to avoid. "Please talk to me." The gentle touch of his hands on your thighs, which you usually never got enough of, now felt like a burning sensation, causing inner agony within you.

"I didn't want to tell him the truth," you finally said, answering his first question.

"Do you want to tell me?"

"It's nothing, Neteyam, I—"

"Nothing?" He laughed wryly, letting go and walking away from you as he walked around in a circle and turned back with an ironic smile that didn't reach his eyes, his tail whipped aggressively behind him, "That certainly doesn't look like nothing to me." He gestured to you with both hands.

You covered your face with your hair because you could only imagine how terrible you must've looked, how disgusted he must've been with you, that he thought you weren't beautiful.

"You're in pain. You have bruises everywhere. You're covered in blood! And yet you say it's nothing. Do you listen to yourself?"

"I can handle it," you replied, adding more quietly, "It's not that I'm not used to it."

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing," you said quickly, irritated by his questions, "I mean nothing at all. Can… can you help me change into these?" You held up the bag from Tsireya which provided a good change of subject. It would be impossible for you to raise both arms and put the pieces on by yourself. On second thought, Neteyam would see the bruises on your chest that way, and the mere thought made your stomach ache. Therefore, realizing that the shawl provided good cover and not wanting to part with it, you added a quick, "Nevermind, I'll do it myself."

As if he had read your thoughts, he approached you with a determined gaze. Your breath caught as you felt his hand pull the shawl from your shoulders. Quickly, you clung to the fabric, stopping mid-movement, and placed your other hand on his to stop him from exposing your skin.

"Please," you looked him in the eyes, your voice barely audible. You didn't know what you begged him for. To stop him from seeing your injuries? To stop touching you? To stop asking questions? To stop digging for the truth? Did you want him to stop in the first place? Or did you want him to find out and free you from your net of lies?

He gently slipped your shawl off your shoulders, and then sucked in a sharp breath and bit the inside of his cheek, apparently trying to keep himself from swearing but the restless movements of his tail gave him away.

You didn't have to look to see that a huge wound must have been looming on your collarbones and on your side right under your breasts. Judging by the pain, you wouldn't be surprised if some ribs were broken.

"Who did this to you." It was no longer a question driven by curiosity, as he had asked earlier. This was serious. He wanted names and locations. He wanted to know who had done such a dreadful thing to his loved one. Who dared to harm you in any way. Judging by the fire in his eyes, he wanted to see that person bleed the way you did. 

"Are you going to beat up some girls for me?" You playfully repeated the question you'd heard one of the boys say before. However, the way Neteyam clenched his jaw showed you it wasn't time to crack up some jokes.

"Tell me."

"No."

"Y/n."

"Neteyam."

He studied you intently, examining every facial expression, every subtle gesture, before speaking again, "You never slipped down any cliffs last week, did you?" he asked, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "And what about last month when you said you—"

"I lied, okay?" you shouted at him, unleashing the pent-up frustration, as if he were the cause of your misery. "I made it all up. Every single bit of it. I'm a liar, and I'm a coward. Are you happy now?" 

"Happy? It pains me to see you like that," he retorted, his voice rising with frustration, "Why didn't you tell anyone?"

"What was I supposed to say!?" you shouted back, your voice filled with exasperation. "Cry like a baby and point at them for being mean to me?"

"No, but someone could've helped. Everything is better than that!" His tone was raised as well when he pointed at your bruises.

"They won't! I tried!" you hissed, the bitterness evident in your voice, "Once, when I was little and foolishly believed that my parents would trust and listen to me. But what did they do? They forced us to hug and pretend to be friends again, dismissing it all as a mere misunderstanding among children. And you know what happened next? They sought their revenge by cutting my hair," you swallowed hard, the memory of that painful incident resurfacing, "I cried so much that day. That's when I made a promise to myself that I would never tell anyone anything again." 

"I am here now, I hear you, I see you," he responded gently, his voice filled with empathy, "Please, let me help." You shook off the hand that he tried to place on your shoulder. He silently acknowledged this, a hurt expression crossing his eyes, which he quickly concealed.

"There's nothing you can do. I've learned from my mistake today: Don't confront them when it's four against one. Simple solution," you stated firmly, emphasizing your resolve.

"I am eager to find out who they are," he expressed with a determined tone.

"It's not important."

"Y/n," Neteyam shook his head, his expression firm, "I won't be at peace unless you tell me their names."

"Don't ask me!" you once again raised your voice against him. "I won't say anything. You make it worse for me."

"I am the one making it worse?" he asked, seeking confirmation.

"Yes," you said firmly, causing him to blink in surprise. "Please, Neteyam, for the love of Eywa, stop asking!"

"Understood," he nodded, his nose flared up and his tail on edge.

"You're pissed, I can understand that… but I don't deserve the way you treat me right now. You're pushing me too much." 

"What do you exactly want me to do?!" His voice erupted with anger, his frustration visible, "Yes, I am pissed. But not because of the lies or because of your bruises. I am pissed because of you. Because of the way you're behaving right now. Your eye and the bruises on your face and body were not an accident, that's a fact we both are aware of. Yet, you choose to protect them. But why? It seems you're too proud to admit the truth, to tell me the truth."

"That's not true!" you yelled at him angrily, annoyed by repeating yourself over and over again.

He let out a groan of frustration, seemingly struggling to maintain self-control, "Just tell me who did this to you and I will make sure they regret ever laying a finger on you!"

He waited for your response.

You remained silent, holding your ground against his warning gaze for a long moment.

"Good," he interrupted the eye contact and nodded his head, "Then don't trust me, it's fine."

"Neteyam…"

"This is pointless." Neteyam brushed you off, walking back towards the village, not giving you another look when he passed your shoulder.

"Neteyam, don't walk away from me," you snapped out, feeling anger flare up inside of you. You reached out and grabbed his arm. 

He stopped, slowly turning to face you.

"Just… stop for a second, okay?" you said in an irritated tone.

"Why?" He retorted. 

He was staring at you, and you were staring back at him, and you were suddenly hyper aware of how close he was standing to you. Both of you breathing heavily, anger and frustration ebbing between the two of you; you were standing close, so close. You were suddenly struck by how attractive he was, his eyes flashing as he stared at you, searching your face for any answers when he took another step closer. 

"If only you knew how much it hurts to be pushed away like this."

Before you knew what was happening, he brushed off your arm again, and walked away, leaving you to yourself and your lies. And this time, you didn't stop him; you only focussed on the point where he was standing just seconds ago, thinking of his words that left a deep pain in your chest, making you choke on your own words and tears falling from your eyes.

A little later, as you sat on the sand, lost in your thoughts, you hopefully perked up at the sound of footsteps approaching in the sand. Your heart fluttered with hope, and you hastily wiped away the tears from your face, turning around with anticipation, expecting to see Neteyam, but to your surprise it was just Kiri.

"Where's Neteyam?" she asked you.

"Gone." You put the little shell you were playing with back on the sand and traced the pattern with your finger.

"Well, you're here, so I'm sure he'll come back." You strongly doubted that, considering the way he had last looked at you.

"He was really angry," you mumbled, thinking back to your little argument. You spoke more to yourself than to Kiri. In fact, you didn't even think she heard you or paid any attention to you when you heard her gather and pack up the two pillows and the seaweed blanket that she forgot before. Yet her next question made you look up in surprise.

"But can you blame him?" Kiri narrowed her eyes in annoyance as she looked at you.

"I'm sorry?" you looked at her expectantly.

Kiri puffed bored, "My brother has always been courteous and polite towards you. He was the  perfect definition of tsantu. Oh, Great Mother— he stripped his soul for you and gave you everything you wanted. Do you really blame him for getting angry for once?"

You focused your gaze back on the sand in front of you. The little shells looked like they were expecting an answer from you that never came for you didn't know what to reply to that.

"You are a grown girl. You have to be able to take a little criticism," Kiri added as she headed back to the village, "And I'm sure you both will fix it again. Buck up and get well soon." You nodded your thanks as she raised her hand in farewell and left again.

A heavy, uncomfortable silence fell over you, enveloping you like a suffocating blanket. At that moment, you felt utterly alone, isolated from the world around you not even caring of your body's aches anymore. Mirroring the depths of your solitude under the dark skies, the vast expanse of the ocean stretched out before you. Its endless waves, crashing against the shore, seemed to echo the tumultuousness of your thoughts. 

You had no idea how long you had been sitting in the sand, lost in contemplation of your life when you heard footsteps behind you once again that night. This time, you didn't bother to look up, for you knew it would be one of the others who had forgotten something (though you were unsure what, as Kiri had taken everything), or perhaps your parents, searching for you.

Without a word, the person sat down across from you on his knees and reached out with his arm to pull you closer to him so that your thighs were between his knee and his between yours.

In an instant, the unmistakably pleasing scent of him infused with a mix of dew-kissed leaves and the earthy allure of sandalwood, clung to you like a whispered secret, caressed your nose and relaxed your muscles. 

You endured it silently as he took a cloth out of the bowl of water he brought with him, wrung it out briefly and then carefully dabbed the area under your eye with it. He did this with so much caution and care that you felt bad for emotionally pushing him away from you. You watched his forehead furrow in concentration and he paused and waited every time you flinched at the pain.

"Since when?" you heard him speak, his voice pleasantly calm and understanding.

"Too long," you said, to which he sighed, not annoyed but rather disappointed because you continued to hold onto the emotional wall you had built long ago. "I'm sorry, Neteyam, it's just…" you struggled to find the right words.

"There's no need for apologies if you're content with staying the same."

"I'm not," you clarified honestly. "You have no idea how burdensome these lies are. I want to confide in you — it's just that I was scared of your reaction." As you spoke, you noticed how his tail twitched with interest, and his gaze shifted from the wound on your face to meet your eyes. "I was afraid that you would see me as weak and pity me. I had hoped that the lies would help me preserve this fragile facade. But I now realize I was mistaken, and for that I'm deeply sorry, Neteyam, I've never wanted to hurt your feelings."

"Y/n," Neteyam whispered, his hand tenderly caressing your cheek with a touch filled with love and affection, "my beloved, the one who holds my heart, I am sorry for pushing you before and I will wait until you are ready to talk but, please, tell me how I can help you. Tell me everything."

You shrugged, shaking your hand, looking everywhere but him.

"Neteyam, I know you want to help, but I don't want you to mess with these girls," you then looked him serious in the eyes, "Promise me that first."

A cocky smirk appeared on his lips, "Baby, if you really think I'm scared of some—"

"Neteyam," you interrupted him, your tone serious, "They may be bullies, but they're not completely stupid. They won't direct their actions towards you; they'll most likely take their anger out of your siblings."

His smirk vanished in an instant, "You know, I won't let that happen."

"I know," you affirmed sincerely. "You are their brother, and you will protect them, but you can't be everywhere all at once. You can't keep a constant watch over Tuk while also looking after Lo'ak or Kiri, for instance. Please don't risk it. I can handle it, really. I couldn't forgive myself if something happened to one of them because of me."

"I am yours, and you are mine, remember?" He smiled at you, his eyes shining. "So, you are not alone in this. I will go to any lengths to ensure your safety and well-being. I will protect you, y/n, but you must allow me to be there for you."

As the words hung in the air, a moment of silence passed between you, the weight of the conversation lingering. Then, Neteyam reached out, his hand gently intertwining with yours. The touch sent a comforting warmth through your body, bridging the emotional gap that had momentarily separated you.

With a tender squeeze of your hand, he continued, his voice filled with unwavering determination, "You are my family, too." 

Feeling a surge of emotions, you took a deep breath, your heart swelling with love. You looked into Neteyam's eyes, seeing the unwavering commitment reflected back at you. With a soft smile, you nodded, letting your walls come down, and whispered, "I trust you." 

The atmosphere between you shifted, charged with a newfound closeness and vulnerability. It was as if an unspoken understanding passed between your souls, fueling the desire for a deeper connection. In that very second, the world around you faded into the background, leaving only the two of you standing there, hearts entwined. With the tension of unspoken words lingering in the air, you couldn't resist the magnetic pull drawing you closer to him.

So leaning in, you pressed your lips onto his soft ones — not too gently and not too forcefully, but just right. You caught sight of his eyes widening in surprise and his body remained still, but you mustered up the last bit of courage to close your eyes and hope for the best. When you felt the feathering of his eyelashes brush against your lids, you knew he, too, had his eyes closed. Then he leaned in ever so slightly, and his hands reached up to cup your uninjured cheek and the other behind your head.

Your heart pounded so loudly and harshly that you didn't think your chest could handle it, your stomach fluttered and churned with a mess of emotions that you didn't know if they'd ever go away, and your mind flooded with thousands of unanswered questions that you thought you might faint again anytime soon. But then you pulled away, your lips and his seemingly too reluctant for the loss of contact as they attempted to remain connected until the very last second, and your eyes fluttered open to the world which had frozen still; it had been a short kiss, that's for sure, but it was one that you'd remember for years to come.

"You do something to me that I can't explain," he whispered against your lips before he retrained. 

"You do the same to me," you whispered back, "but I think I can explain."

"What is it?"

"I see you," you breathed, leaning up to kiss him again.

He backed away to put some distance between you and you raised an eye questioningly.

"If I kiss you again – and believe me, every cell in my body wants to," With a nervous laugh, he scratched the back of his neck before his lustful gaze turned back to you and you physically felt the  excited shimmyflies in your stomach threatening to break out, "I just know, I won't be able to stop."

"Then don't."

"Oh, sweets, you love to make it hard for me, don't you?"

An inappropriate thought crossed your mind at that but you chose not to say it out loud. You didn't have to, because Neteyam's smirk looked like he knew exactly what was going through your head.

"C'mere, we need to patch you up first, and then—"

"Then we'll go to our place?" you asked excitedly.

"After I inspect you properly and decide that you don't need to see Tsahìk which I'm not so sure of yet – yes, then we could go to our place, and watch the stars or—"

"Why don't you properly inspect me at our place?" you interrupted him with a seemingly innocent look. He licked his lower lip in amusement, shaking his head.

"You're something."

"Your something," you corrected.

He looked at you in awe, as if you are the most precious thing he had ever seen. "My something," he agreed chuckling to himself and pressed a soft kiss on the top of your head. "Now hold still so I can clean your wounds." 

thank you all for reading ♥︎ I hope you enjoyed this piece of writing. looking forward to your comments and feedback 💕 (p.s. for anyone wondering about the other boys, i imagined ao'nung's "bully" friends nash'vi, koro, and ongu to sit with them)

[josiesullysblog]

It’s You

~AGED UP Neteyam x Na’vi reader

~Fluff, kissing, angst, touching, grinding

~Proofread?-no

~Summary- Sun boyfriend x moon girlfriend!!

***

Neteyam met you when you were both thirteen. You were by the water trying to catch a fish with your bare hands. You laughed as you played around, his eyes staring at you with curiosity.

Didn't you know that wasn't an efficient way to get a fish? He came closer, though your back was still towards him. He had his bow in hand and was trying to help you out. “Maybe I could help you out!” you turned quickly glaring at the boy. “I don’t need a boy's help,” you continued back at trying to get a fish, “oh.”

Neteyam stared at you more, “Well are you gonna leave?” you looked at him to which he shook his head, “I can't leave you out here by yourself!” you scoffed, “I can take care of myself just fine,” as you turned you tripped over yourself, but as you fell Neteyam quickly grabbed you.

You both looked at each other, not making a sound before you got out of his arms. “Did my brother send you?” you titled your head, “if he did, you don't have to stay.”

Neteyam smiled, “Nope! No one sent me I just wanna stay,” He didn't know why he wanted to stay with the girl, but he wanted to make sure she was okay. You crossed your arms looking at him, “Fine you can stay,” Neteyam smiled, “but you have to listen to everything I say!” You smiled big as you expected him to say no, “That's fine!”

“So what are you gonna do?” he said as he came up next to you, “well I wanted to go deeper into the forest!” you started walking quickly, “Wait up!” Neteyam tried matching your pace, “I wanna make a pretty bracelet, like the ones my mom always wears. But the beads are a little further out!”

You smiled thinking about the bracelet, “why not have your mom or dad get the beads?” you shook your head, “they can't, they are helping my sister.”

Neteyam nodded, “And the rest of my family are too busy helping her to notice me, so i’m going to get them myself,” you started playing with the flowers around you, “what's your name?” Neteyam asked as he watched you, “[Y/n], what's yours?”

“Neteyam,” you nodded, “cool,” you both kept walking till you finally stopped, “Right there do you see them?” you smiled big as Neteyam’s eyes sparkled at the colorful beads, “Since I was so gracious and let you tag along, you go get them!”

Neteyam shrugged, “That's okay with me,” you watched as he carefully stepped over rocks, as the beads you wanted were on high trees, and took a good climber to reach.

Although you were initially annoyed that the boy tagged along, you found him useful. You were by yourself most of the time, with your parent's attention on your younger sister. She was born, sick that's what you like to say. She was more prone to sickness, and that meant a lot of the time your parents were focused on making sure she was alright.

Your older brother, who seemed the only person to remember you, became like a mother and father to you. Though you saw him as overprotective, you knew he meant well.

“Be careful,” you said as the boy climbed higher, “when I get down you have to give me a gift for doing this!” you laughed at him, “Okay!”

As he kept going, you both were unaware that you were being watched. Neytiri and Jake were out for a quick walk when Neytiri noticed Neteyam in a tree.

“This boy is trying to kill me,” she said as she stomped closer, Jake right behind looking around to see if any of his other kids were there to see a girl. He immediately stopped Neytiri, “I think he’s trying to impress a girl,” a smile appeared on his cheeks.

Neytiri laughed, “Putting your life in danger is no way to impress someone,” she turned when she noticed Neteyam was down, he handed you the beads to which you smiled, “What's my gift,” you smiled, “What do you want?”

Neteyam thought, “I want to be friends!” Jake laughed watching the boy, “Okay that's fine with me!” you said before turning, “now you have to walk me home, that's how you treat your lady friends.”

Neteyam nodded, “I was gonna do it anyways,” as he led you back he couldn't help but smile. You were beautiful, his eyes couldn't leave you. He kept wondering where you’ve been his whole life.

“Is there something on me?” you laughed as you approached where your family slept. Neteyam shook his head, “No, there's nothing on you,” you then titled your head, “Then why are you staring so hard?”

You laughed harder as you realized the blush appeared on his cheeks. “You're cute, Teyem!” you noticed your brother coming and sighed, “I have to go, but I’ll see you tomorrow?” Neteyam nodded, “Of course!” you smiled before turning around but facing the boy again and kissing his cheek, “bye Neteyam!” you ran towards your brother as the boy stood there smiling.

“Who was that?” Your brother, Alo, said as he watched the boy walk away, “my friend,” you said as you sat down and started getting the beads ready, “the chief’s son wants to be friends with you?”

“Yeah, is that a problem?” you loved your brother but sometimes he could be so annoying, “just watch out, guys don't wanna be friends with girls just cause,” you nodded, “okay.”

Neteyam couldn't wipe the smile off his face, the cutest girl kissed him on the cheek. He smiled on the way to his family, smiled as he help Kiri clean up, and smiled as he saw his parents come home. “Neteyam you seem happy,” Jake beamed as Neytiri rolled her eyes, “I had a good day, sir!”

Nothing could knock him off the tower he was on, “hm I see,” Neytiri said but before she could question more Tuk was in her arms taking her attention away.

The next day, Neteyam was forced to watch Tuk, though he didn't mind any other day, today he wanted to see you. “Do I have to?” he whined as he watched Tuk run around, “Yes, your mother and I have important business,” he sighed, “what do you have going that you so badly want to leave?” Neytiri asked the boy.

“Just wanted to hang out with a friend,” Neteyam said as Jake smiled, “what kind of friend?” Lo’ak ears perked up laughing as he saw his brother go red, “Neteyam has a girlfriend!” the boy laughed loud. Neteyam groaned, “Lo’ak shut up!”

With all the loudness, Kiri was the only one to notice your presence. “Hi,” the girl waves at you, “hello,” you said as you kept your hands behind your back, “is Neteyam free?” you said as you watch him argue with his brother.

“One minute,” she walked over to Neteyam yanking his tail, “you free?” Neteyam held his tail as he turned to yell but was hit with your face. You smiled as his eyes laid on you, “you free?” he faced his parents with begging eyes, “Twenty minutes.” Jake said as he watch the boy run towards you.

You both walked away as Neteyam grinned like an idiot. “Thanks again for helping me yesterday,” you told him as you stood in front of him, “I wanted to give you a gift,” you grabbed his arm before placing a bracelet on it. It had the same beads he gave you yesterday, and a sun gem right in the middle of it. “Like it?”

The boy smiled, “I love it! Thank you,” you nodded, “I made us matching ones,” you showed the one you had on your wrist, “I let you be the sun since you always have that smile on,” you said. “And I have a moon gem!” you beamed at the boy.

“These means were close right, like best friends?” you shrugged, “Sure,” Neteyam laughed, “Neteyam!” the boy turned and saw his mother, “I gotta go,” you hugged him, “See you later,” you walked away as Neteyam’s eyes stayed glued to you, you were perfect to him.

As the years went by, the closer you became to Neteyam. Wherever you were, he was close by, and the other way around. He was your best friend, he knew everything about you and you knew everything about him.

Your stomach moved every time he smiled, you nicknamed him, “Sun,” because his smile was so bright it made you happy. He was your everything and besides your brother, the only other person to notice you.

“Hey Mom,” you smiled as you noticed the bags under her eyes. Your sister has gotten worse over the years, “Nene, how are you feeling?” you smiled sadly, as the woman called for your sister, “It's [Y/n].”

She made a sad face, “Go check on her,” you nodded as you quickly went to, “Nene, how are you feeling?” you immediately grabbed a bowl of warm water and a towel. You smiled as you helped her up and started cleaning her, “worse,” the girl said.

“I’m only gonna get worse,” she gave a sad smile, “don't say that,” you said, “you’ll get better, you always do,” she shook her head, “not this time,” You knew she was getting worse, everyone knew. You just didn't want to come to terms with it.

“You can't leave, me and you still haven't adventured the forest, or picked berries that mom would never let us eat,” you rambled as you set the towel down, “you're going to get better and we’ll play together again,” tears fell from your eyes. “I need you, sissy.”

You didn't like talking about your family, it was a sore spot. Besides Mo’at, no one else knew how bad your sister actually was, well Neteyam did. You cried countless nights to him about her. How you wished you had more time with her.

That you feel bad for your parents and your brother, but Neteyam has always had this calmness to him that makes you feel better. “When you and Neteyam have children, you have to name your daughter after me,” your sister said softly.

You had gotten up to get her food, she had become so weak she can't even walk to have dinner with the clan. “What makes you think that we're gonna have kids?” she sighed, “he always picks you up in the morning, and you both have this lovesick face on all the time.”

You blushed as she spoke, “See, all I did was mention him, and you smile.” you nodded, “he is very cute.” as you both spoke your mother came, “Has she eaten?” you nodded, “have you cleaned her?” you nodded, “I’ve done everything, mom, you can rest.”

“No, I can't but thank you,” she kissed you on the head, “head out and go have fun,” you nodded as you decided to head to the pond. You thought about everything, you and Neteyam, your family. Neteyam was like your family, though your brother would say different.

He doesn't like Neteyam, you don't know why but he has something against the boy. “You could do better,” you groaned just thinking about it.

You were twenty now and could make your own choices. You’ve known Neteyam since you were thirteen and if Neteyam was, “Just trying to get in your pants,” he would've been done something.

You just believed your brother saw you more like a daughter than a sister. That's why he acts the way he does, but as your feelings for Neteyam grow the more you realize he gonna have to deal with just more than Neteyam stopping by.

“Hey,” you heard fast feet behind you, Neteyam smiled at you, “You were gonna leave without me?” he said dramatically, “I thought you had training,” you smiled big at him as he hugged you, “finished early,” his eyes looked into yours as he smiled.

“What,” you said smiling at the boy, “nothing your eyes are just pretty,” you giggled, “thanks,” you let go of the boy and started walking, “how’s your sister,” you sighed thinking about her, “not too good, but she spoke much more today!”

You tried staying positive, “what did she say?” you blushed thinking back to what she said, “she wants me to name my daughter after her,” you said causing the boy to laugh. Neteyam only ever saw himself with you, nobody could amount to your beauty.

To your laugh, your walk, the way you talk, or the way you move. The way his name comes out your mouth, the way your eyes sparkle when you see something or someone you love. Nobody could ever be you, and he knew if he ever mated with another, he’d be searching for you in them.

“Your daughter would have a beautiful name then,” you nodded, “yeah she said you’d be the father,” Neteyam couldn't help but beam. “Is that so,” you faked pushing him away, “She obviously knows you have great taste.”

You laughed, “That's enough,” you both approach the pond and you immediately picked up speed. Neteyam watch as you dipped your toes in, watched how your hips moved side to side. He most definitely was going to give you a child.

He wanted to provide for you, make you happy, and be an amazing father and dad. He wanted to be the best thing to happen to you if your brother would let him. Neteyam tried hard to make the boy like him. He was polite, he treated you right and brought you home every night. Neteyam didn't have a big ego, but what was there to not like about him?

He was the perfect person for you, so he thought maybe your brother was projecting. That's the only reason he could think of, “Gonna join me?” you cut his train of thought off, “of course.”

Though you both never said it, both of you knew you’d end up together. Even if your brother said no, or Neteyam was constantly focusing on his training. At the end of the day, you two were meant for each other.

You splashed water on him, “what's got you thinking so hard,” the boy smiled, “just the future,” you nodded, “scared?” the boy sighed, “Kinda, but I know I’ll be okay,” you stood in front of him, “I have you,” he said moving a braid out your face.

“Hm,” you got closer, “what if your parents find you a mate,” you always teased the fact Neteyam was meant to be the next clan leader at him. Cracking jokes about how his parents will find him, someone, if he doesn't.

“Guess all your Tsahik training would go to waste,” he said getting closer to you. “A shame,” you smiled, “a real shame,” Neteyam said before closing the gap. He grabbed you by the waist to bring you closer, you straddled his lap placing your hands on his chest.

His hand moved to your hair, as he broke the kiss. “Fucking perfect,” he said as he yanked your head backward, showing off your neck. As he kissed your neck, you moaned out loud. Smiling to yourself you started grinding down making the boy hard.

He brought himself back to your lips, “your beautiful,” he whispered. You smiled but that smile was taken when you felt Neteyam being ripped away from you. “What the fuck are you doing?” Your brother hissed at you both. “Fuck.” was the only thing going through your mind.

***

Hey guys!! I’m so excited for the summer, I’ll finally have a consistent posting schedule!!! I’ll be posting next weekend, till then!!

[neteyamssock]

Not so bad, after all.

╰┈➤ PART III.

pairing: neteyam x fem!metkayina!reader

summary: When neteyam and you met each other for the first time, they were overwhelmed with feelings they have never felt before.

wordcount for this chapter: 3.5k

tags: love at first sight, misunderstanding, arranged marriage/mateship, unrequited love, betrayal, angst, happy ending, etc.

word bank: ma'itan = son, oel ngati kameie = i see you, marui = pods built in mangrove trees

a/n; unedited. posted it here straight from gdocs. i'll try revising everything once i finished the fic mweheehe.

TEXT DIVIDERS CREDITS TO @/cafekitsune

masterlist

part II | part IV

PART III.

Like Tsireya said, Ao’nung did come the next morning. In his tow is his ever loyal companion, Roxto. Ao’nung gave you a look and pulled you back as you watch Tsireya lead the Sullys into the water. As you turn to look at Ao’nung, you didn’t catch the worried glance Neteyam sent your way as Tuk pulled him away. 

“I heard from one of the boys that you joined Tsireya? Are the freaks that hard to teach that she asked you for help?” He asked, voice low as he stared at you. 

You found yourself staring defiantly at him, something you usually would refrain to do in respect for the Olo-eyktan’s son, but you are not as patient was you were before. “Quit it, Ao’nung. Have some respect. If you didn’t ditch Tsireya and actually did what the Olo-eyktan told you to do, then we wouldn’t be here in this situation. I’m doing what you are supposed to do, skxawng.” You took your arm out of his grasp with an annoyed hiss, giving him a glare as you looked back at Neteyam’s group.

Ao’nung looked at you for a few seconds, grumbling to himself as Roxto interjected.

“They are even worse than babies! They should just go back to the forest, tree hugging freaks…”

Your blood boiled with rage. You believe deep in your heart that Roxto is not a bad person, but he kept challenging these beliefs with his terrible words, and it angers you that Ao’nung allows this to happen. With a frown, you kicked Roxto in his knees, making him almost kneeling. “Stop calling them freaks, Roxto! Don’t make me report your behavior to the Tsahik!”

Roxto wanted to retort as he grimaced and grunted with pain. He was stopped by Ao’nung’s hand. If there’s one thing that can deter these arrogant boys, it’s the Tsahik. With a prick of a sharp object, she can make them paralyzed for days. 

Glancing at you for a few seconds, Ao’nung finally spoke. “Fine. Let’s see what these babies can do.” 

He didn't even wait for you as he marched towards Tsireya and the Sully children. Roxto gave you a complicated glance before following after Ao’nung like he had replaced the latter’s tail.

Knowing his arrogant nature, you suddenly began doubting whether it was good to bring Ao’nung into this. You should've let him slack off like he wanted, instead of indirecting pulling him in and letting him cause trouble for the newbies. 

It's probably fine, right? Tsireya's there to keep them in check.

“Ao’nung, it's nice to finally be in your presence, brother.” Neteyam greeted Ao’nung, then glanced at you in the back, your gazes intertwined for a few seconds. 

“Hey,” he greeted you which you reciprocated with a soft hi. 

Ao’nung sneered, not bothering to greet back Neteyam as he walked into the water. “You even managed to get her to help you out. It seems that you guys are truly hopeless little babies.”

Tsireya glared at Ao’nung, “Stop being mean and start actually doing something, tsmukan.”

You ignored the two and smiled at the remaining Sully children. Tuk smiled back as she embraced Kiri in the water. Kiri gave you a small reserved smile, but it was still progress. The first time you met her, she barely acknowledged you. Lo’ak was still the same, nodding at you with a smile before giving his brother strange looks. 

Walking towards Neteyam, you tamed your wild heartbeat and gently asked. “I’m going to teach you the the final basics of breath-holding. This will be the most crucial part of learning how to stay alive for a long time underwater.”

Neteyam nodded, leaning closer to you as Kiri and Tuk swam towards where Tsireya was located. It was when you finally realized that you had made a mistake. That you approached Neteyam instead of Tuk, separating yourself and Neteyam from the group. You spotted Ao’nung giving you a look that commands you to follow him, but you ignored it.

You looked at Neteyam who looked back at you with calm eyes. If not for his tail flicking and ears perked up, you wouldn't have picked on the fact that he’s actually very eager to learn. 

It made you feel less nervous. He enjoys this, and it makes you feel happy. 

“F-Follow me then.” 

Neteyam gave you a smile, almost teasingly, but there’s still a hint of hesitation as if he was afraid you’d be offended. “Yes, Karyu~”

As you were about to pull his hand, you heard someone yell. “Wait!” Ao’nung approached you two, looking at Neteyam. You can feel the tension picking up as Neteyam gave Ao’nung an unreadable glance. “I’ll come with you. I’ll teach this forest boy,”

“Kehe!” You shouted unconsciously, earning everyone’s attention. You saw Tsireya looking over, seemingly worried. 

Ao’nung’s eyes narrowed at you. “Why? I’m the one that supposed to teach these guys, not you.”

“Oh come on, Ao’nung. You don’t even know what to teach. Just go away, help Tsireya or whatever. I can handle this.”

Ao’nung looked surprised with what you said. In fact he didn’t expect for you to refuse him and his help, making him feel flustered for some reason he cannot name. 

He didn't seem convinced so you communicated with Tsireya with your fingers. Without hesitation, Tsireya walked briskly and pulled Ao’nung. “Leave her alone, tsmukan. You’ll just distract her.”

Ao’nung looked between you and Neteyam before roughly pulling away from Tsireya’s grasp. Watching him walking away, you also felt complicated. You didn’t even know why you’re so against him being present with your lessons with Neteyam. 

Neteyam looked at you before looking at Ao’nung’s back, golden eyes narrowing. “That finger talk, it looks interesting.”

You were awakened from you reverie by his voice. “Yeah, it’s something that reef people must learn, you know, to communicate underwater. If you want I can teach you once we finish the swimming lessons. O-only if you want.”

Neteyam smiled at you, watching your face as it started to look different in shade. “I’d like that.”

On a rock, you sat face to face with Neteyam, trying not to look at his face. Your knees were touching his, you can even feel the temperature that radiated off him, his gentle breaths, the swish of his tail, and the twitching of his ears. 

“C-Can I touch you?”

“What?!”

Neteyam’s reaction surprised you. He looked disbelieving as he looked at you with wide golden eyes. He looked genuinely shocked at your question, making you question whether you actually said something inappropriate. 

Raising your palms, you tried to explain in haste. “I-I’m sorry. I just wanted to help you understand the basics, but it would require me g-guiding your stomach and chest..."

Now it was his turn to get flustered, hastily avoiding your eyes as he stuttered. “O-oh, okay. Go ahead.”

You tried hard not to let your hand shake, you don’t even know why you are so nervous. You have taught alot of children to get better in breath-holding, so teaching wasn’t new to you. But facing someone like Neteyam messes you up. 

With all of your courage, you gently touched the space between his ribs and his stomach. “Take a deep breath here,”

Neteyam inhaled slowly, but he cannot reach form you want to see with his heartbeat being as wild as yours. Your hand shook, and you knew he felt it. You tried to get everything under control but your hand is not listening to you. So you just let it be, and relished at the strong heartbeat under your fingertips. 

What a strong heartbeat. A heartbeat of a warrior. 

You tried to stifle the smile that’s threatening to emerge in your lips. You cannot show, so you tried to act as if nothing’s wrong. “Neteyam, y-your heart’s beating so fast. Mawey…”

Neteyam stiffened under your hand, his temperature rising in embarrassment. “...I’m sorry, let me try again.”

Listening to the heartbeat and the gentle waves of the water, you gently said. “You must be calm but strong, like the coean. Inhale…”

You can feel Neteyam’s gaze travelling on your facial features, his gaze held a searing heat and you can feel your face burning up because of it. “Exhale, Neteyam.”

“The way of water has no beginning and no end, the sea is around you and in you…water connect all things, life to death, darkness to light…”

Your gaze met with Neteyam’s, intertwined, as the sound of your heartbeats drowned your voice out. In this moment, there’s no ocean, no waves, no breeze. There’s only you and Neteyam, with your heartbeats thrumming in sync. 

Neteyam cannot sleep. In the darkness, he silently walked out of his family’s marui to walk along the shore. It was deep into the eclipse, with only the bioluminescent corals under water as his light. No matter how hard he tried to sleep, his mind is always filled with you face, your smile, your voice, your eyes that is full of unsaid words. He cannot stop thinking about you, even when he kept trying to convince himself that there’s nothing so special about you. You’re just a regular reef na’vi, with a rather reserved and quiet personality. 

So Neteyam didn’t really believe Lo’ak when that skxawng told him that he probably liked you that’s why he cannot take you out of his mind. Because if he really likes someone, isn’t Tsireya the most suitable person?

Neteyam isn’t a shallow person, but as the son of the most well-known warrior, he grew up with arrogance natural for his standing and achievements. Someone like Tsireya would be more suitable for him to like, she’s the olo-eyktan’s daughter with good-looks and kind personality. Although he didn’t really like her, he knew that it was only natural if he would fall for her.

Not you. He still doesn’t believe that he had fallen for you. It must have been short-term curiosity for an elusive and mysterious person like you. Heck, he didn’t even know anything about you aside from the fact that you are Tsireya and Ao’nung’s close companion and you study under the awa’atlu’s Tsahik. 

So why?

“What why, ma’itan?”

Neteyam almost jumped into the water when Neytiri’s voice rang behind him. “Mom, what are you doing here?!” 

Neytiri gave him a pointed glance before sitting beside him in the sand. “I should be the one asking that, Neteyam. What are YOU doing here? In this hour?”

Neteyam looked away and avoided his mother’s eyes. He should’ve known that she’s still awake, or at least alert enough to wake up with just simple movements. When it comes to stealth, she’s always the best in the family. 

“Nothing, mom. I-I’m just thinking about the lessons.”

Neytiri hummed, looking at the calm waters and the bright bioluminescent reefs. “Thinking about the lessons, or the person giving the lessons?”

Neteyam almost choked in his own saliva. With embarrassment, he hissed. “Mom! Don’t tell me you also believe Lo’ak and Tuk’s nonsense!”

His mother chuckled as she hugged her oldest son’s shoulder. “Is it really nonsense? There still must be a reason why they said that. Your sister Kiri also told me you were having fun with her today, totally forgetting your siblings.”

Are they for real? Even you, Kiri? Neteyam grimaced. “They’re jumping into conclusions. I-I, W-we’re just friends. I don’t like her like that. I barely know her.”

The woman smiled at her son’s embarrassed appearance. “I didn’t say you like her.”

This time, Neteyam was truly silenced. He didn’t know what to say.

“When I first met your father, I wanted to kill him. There’s anger and hatred for him and his kind in my heart, but I must admit there’s something complex in there too. Something I cannot explain before. Who would’ve thought we’ll come this far? With four lovely children.”

Neteyam looked at his mother before looking down at the sand on his feet. “You and dad told us about your love story million times already.”

“But do you understand what I mean, ma’itan? What I want you to understand is that there’s no use dwelling on thoughts that Eywa clearly hasn’t given you answers for. Wait for everything to unfold, and while doing so, have fun. Experience life with Eywa’s guidance, you know Eywa has plans for you. Don’t think about it too much. Like your father once said, go with the flow.”

Neytiri loves her son, she loves all her children. Neteyam is still young, but since he was young enough to understand, expectations are already heavy on his shoulders. So although, she does not know you enough to trust you with Neteyam’s heart, she’s still happy to help her son out if it means he’ll get the fun time he, as a young boy, deserves. It’s the least thing she can do for him as his mother.

Neteyam watched his mother walked back to their marui, before sighing deeply and standing up. Perhaps this time he can finally get some rest. May Eywa guide him in this confusing times.

You knew something was wrong when you didn’t see Ao’nung and his friends in their usual spot. So against your better judgement, you ran to the place you knew the Sully’s would be. You didn’t even know why you were running and feeling anxious, but when you saw Ao’nung and his friends picking on Kiri, you knew your intuition were spot on. 

“Hey! Back off, fish lips!” Lo’ak shouted, making Ao’nung and his friends turn their attention to him.

Seeing who it was, Ao’nung laughed. “Oh, another four-fingered freak~”

One of Ao’nung’s friends grabbed Lo’ak tail, laughing as he pulled it hard. “Look at this baby tail!”

Despite Lo’ak pushing them away, they kept mocking him, calling his tail baby tail in sing–song voice. They ignored Kiri’s plea, so you ran and pushed one of Ao’nung’s friends. “Enough! Stop this!”

Ao’nung looked at you and sneered. “What are YOU doing here?  Move and don’t meddle with our business!”

“This is MY business! You’re being too much, Ao’nung! What you are doing is disgraceful!”

Your words seem to have an effect on Ao’nung as he became visibly angry. He walked in front of you and pointed Lo’ak and Kiri. “You really like this freaks, huh? Pissing me off and siding with these tree-hugging fr—”

A rough push from behind you forces Ao’nung to take several steps back. You didn’t have to turn around to see who it was as his voice rang above your head, low and dangerous. “You heard what she said. Leave them alone. Back. Off. Now.”

Ao’nung’s friends wanted to speak, but Ao’nung held his hand up, staring straight to Neteyam. 

As you were about to move aside, Neteyam’s hand landed on you shoulder, making you immobile. “And from now on, you need to respect my siblings.”

His voice hinted his authority over Ao’nung, for he was a full-fledged warrior. You felt relief with his presence. Thankfully, no one got hurt, at least physically.

Ao’nung and his friends stared at Neteyam, while Kiri stuck her tongue out in mockery. Seeing their expression, Neteyam finally removed his hand on your shoulder, as if to urge you to walk back with him to his siblings. 

You can feel Ao’nung’s stare in your back as you walked with Neteyam. Sure enough, one of his friends complained. “Brother, why is she helping this family of freaks? Isn’t she supposed to be in your side, not these fr–”

You froze, making Neteyam look at you questioningly. Lo’ak, who’s nearest to Ao’nungs group finally snapped and began walking back. It made Neteyam curse under his breath, knowing full well what’s about to go down.

“Lo’ak,” Neteyam called, both worried and warning his brother to not make trouble.

“I got this bro,” Lo’ak looked at Ao’nung straight in the face. “I know this hand looks funny. Look, I’m a freak, alien,” 

Ao’nung and his friends laughed, but Lo’ak continued. “But I can do something really cool. First, I ball it up real tight like this. Then—”

BAM! BAM! BAM!

“That’s called a punch, bitch!”

You gasps as Ao’nung fell on the water, looking astonished. He and his face immediately charged and tackled Lo’ak, making Neteyam join the fight. You tried holding his forearm to stop him, but you missed.

The fight become chaotic. Pulling, kicking, slapping. Just one big mess, as you heard Kiri giggle in the background. You tried pulling Ao’nung away from Neteyam, but got hit in the face in the process. Both Ao’nung and Neteyam pause, before fighting even more ferociously.

“Stop! Enough!” Tonowari’s voice boomed, stopping all the commotion in just few words.

Oh, Eywa, what a mess. 

Neteyam winced as his tongue made contact with his cut. Some parts of his body was aching, but like that night, he find it hard to sleep again. He suddenly missed their life in the forest, where no one would dare to pick on him and his family, where people genuinely treats them with respect, where he was still the olo-eyktan’s son. 

“Neteyam,” He didn’t turn around. He knew it was you before you even called his name.

You sat down beside him, he didn’t look at you but he also didn’t move away. Neteyam waited for you to speak.

“Can I help you with your cut?”

Neteyam looked at you for a second and saw the concern in your eyes. It didn’t escape his eyes, the bruise on your cheek. His stomach flipped, feeling upset. He found it hard to refuse, so he relented. “Fine. Only if you allow me to help you back with that nasty bruise.”

You smiled. “Sure.” You felt nervous touching his face, but your concern for him won over your anxiety. With gentle touch, you spread the salve on the cut on his lips, trying not to look in his eyes in fear that you’ll lose focus. For a moment, you relished in the silence between you and Neteyam, fully immersed in each other’s company.

“You don’t have to compensate for Ao’nung, it is not your fault.” He broke the silence when you finished putting salve in his lips. 

You paused before smiling at him as you looked into his eyes. You know you had to, so he’ll know you are saying the truth. “Believe it or not, I’m not doing this for that skxawng. I’m not here to compensate for his terrible personality and bad decisions, I-I…”

You paused, suddenly uncertain if you should continue. You continued anyway. “...I’m doing this for m-me. Because I c-care for you.”

Neteyam’s heart thrummed against his chest, but he tried playing it off as he chuckled nervously. “...I’m sorry, I thought…”

You waved your hands. “I’m sure you have an idea now, about you know? My identity.” You didn’t wait for him to respond as you gazed at the ocean, smiling wryly to yourself.

“I’m the only child of my warrior father and a weaver mother. They both died when awa’atlu was attacked by a group of akulas. I was an ‘eveng, so my grandfather took me. He’s an elder trusted by the Olo-eyktan, but he’s often away doing trades with the other nearby clans. He arranged me with Ao’nung in hopes of securing my future. No one asked me what I wanted, no one cared. But Neteyam…this is a shackle, not a path for the future.”

You don’t expect Neteyam to understand, but he did anyway. At first, his fingers grazed with yours, until he slowly intertwined his fingers with yours. You looked at him, too many unspoken words you cannot say, because if you do, it may ruin you and Neteyam’s life forever.

“Oel ngati kameie,” He whispered, as he gazed back at you. “As the son of Toruk Makto, everyone’s expectation of me was to surpass or at least become as mighty as my father. I love my family, and I’d do everything for them. But it gets tiring too, you know? Being expected to accomplish this and that, without a second to breathe. I’d still do it though, if it means keeping my family together.”

Your admiration for Neteyam grew even stronger. You can never be like him, who’s brave enough to do what must be done for the sake of his loved ones. “I admire you. At least you are brave enough to face it, while all I do is run.”

His grip on your hand tightened. “You can still change it, no?”

You didn’t reply, and Neteyam doesn’t seem to expect any. He just took the salve in your hands and began spreading it on your bruised cheek. “Little miss protector, always remember not to interrupt boys fighting okay?”

You giggled and it made him chuckle. When he was finished, he secured the salve in your satchel and urged you to go sleep. You were reluctant, but still nodded. You want Neteyam to have a rest. 

After a few steps, you ran back and stood face to face with him, “Can we meet tomorrow here, same time? I want you to see something special to me.”

Neteyam didn’t hesitate and agreed with a smile. He brushed a stray hair and tucked it in your ears. “Sure. I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“Oel ngati kamiei, Neteyam.” Then, you ran to your marui without looking back, feeling giddiness you have never felt before, unaware of the pair of eyes watching you and Neteyam from afar.

[elderflower2000]

Neteyam x (f)reader.

ummmmm hi! I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who liked my first ever fan fiction!! I’m not sure if it was actually good or if all my Neteyam girlies are just STARVING for content.

(also, I write these on my phone so I apologise for rubbish formatting)

- - - - - - - -

Lo’ak challenges you to a race climbing one of the hallelujah mountains. Things do not go to plan, Neteyam has to step in to so you don’t die.

- - - - - - - -

Splashes of water drip down upon your brow, the Hallelujah Mountains floating high above you as your arms ache violently from trying to pull yourself up on a thin vine.

“Just admit that you’re tired!” Lo’ak shouts at you from above, Lo’ak looks at you with glee knowing that he has already won the bet which was construed just an hour earlier. The pair of you had been messing around while supposedly doing chores when Lo’ak challenged you to a race but no ordinary race.

“I bet I can climb to that point faster than you can.” Lo’ak had said in which you scoffed.

“Lo’ak, you overestimate my desire to win.” You had said so confidentially but now here you were Lo’ak standing on the safety of the ledge, you struggling to pull yourself up the vine any further. Your muscles ache violently as you could feel your grip getting looser on the vine.

“Hey, Are you okay?” Lo’ak asks you from above as his concern starts to grow, you were normally so fast, so strong and agile. The younger Sully brother had never seen you struggle once but now you were barely able to pull yourself up the vine just 5 metres more.

“I’m fine!” You snap harshly at Lo’ak as your grip tightens around the vine but the sweat on your palms makes it feel impossible to get a sturdy grip. Lo’ak looks down nervously not knowing if he should step in and save you or spare your pride. He didn’t have time to decide as the mixture of sweat and water dripping from the mountains causing your grip to finally falter. “Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” You shout the sky people swear word Neteyam had taught you. You dangle from the very end of the vine, your feet dangling dangerously free while your hands grip tightly at the minimal amount of vine left.

“Shit!” Lo’ak shouted from above as he made the high-pitched throat noise to call his Ikran. “Dude! Hold on!” The situation wasn’t looking hopeful and as you look down seeing nothing but open sky you start to feel panic rise within you.

*Neteyam POV*

“Tuk, Where is (y/n)? She was supposed to be doing chores with Lo’ak but no one has seen them.” Neteyam asks his baby sister who had an incredibly guilty look her her face. “Just tell me Tuk otherwise I’ll tell Mom what really happened to her arrows” Neteyam was no stranger to using threats against his siblings when it came to your safety.

“Her and Lo’ak are racing to the highest point on the mountain!” Tuk shouts at her eldest brother “Please don’t tell Mom it was me, she will kill me.” The baby of the family said to her brother but Neteyam frowned.

“That shxawng!” Neteyam spat in regards to his brother. How could he have done that to his brother? Putting the woman he loved in such peril made the future leaders blood boil. Neteyam called his Ikran running towards it linking the bond before mentally commanding it to fly.

*your pov*

“For fuck sake Lo’ak! Help me!” You snap harshly as one of your hands slipped from the vine. Lo’ak looks around helpless as he can’t lower himself onto the vine in case it might snap. Lo’ak only real choice was to call for his Ikran but it must’ve been unable to hear him this high into the mountain.

“Lo’ak do something I’m going to sl-“ You weren’t able to finish your sentence as your hand slipped from the vine. You watched as Lo’ak roared your name reaching out a hand which would could not catch you. As you plummet to certain death you feel a certain clarity, you would be with Ewya soon and there would be nothing to fear. No! You hadn’t had enough time yet, not enough time to play with friends, not enough time to tell your mother how much you really loved her, not enough time to tell Neteyam just how much you really loved him. You were not ready to die but it seemed that the great mother had different plans for you.

*Neteyam’s pov*

I could see her, dangling from a vine. I was about to call out, call her an idiot, perhaps even make fun of her but then her hand slipped and my girl went plummeting towards Pandora’s earth.

“(y/n)!” I roared feeling nothing but pure madness and drive to save her. I push my Ikran into a full dive hoping to get under her but she was falling too fast. I push myself further down trying to get closer to her. If I could just grab a limb I could pull her to me.

I push my Ikran to descend faster and that’s when she reaches out her arm, our hands interlink and I violently pull her onto my Ikran.

*your pov*

He’d done it, your Neteyam had arrived just at the right time seeing you fall. He’d pushed his Ikran so hard that he almost perished with you but now you sat up his Ikran arms wrapped around his waist.

He hasn’t uttered a single word to you but as soon as his feet were on solid ground he pulled you towards him “Do you know how much you scared me?! I thought you were going to die!” He snapped running a hand through his hair.

“I’m sorry! It was an accident I never intended to fall!” You say to him but Neteyam still feels the great shock of seeing you, the love of his life, his mate, his soul bond, his EVERYTHING falling straight down towards her death.

“It does not matter that you didn’t intend it to happen! It’s that it happened! You could’ve die (y/n) and I would’ve been left here without you! How could I have lived a life without you?” He sounded defeated taking a seat on the floor.

Your heart falters taking a seat next to him. “My Neteyam, I am sorry. I did not think of your feelings how risking my life may affect you. I have been reckless and I am sorry my love.” You say and Neteyam smiled softly at your pet name for him.

“My (y/n), please never scare me life that again.” Neteyam spoke in soft whispers as you pressed your foreheads together.

“I promise.” You say taking his hand in yours. You both sit in silence just enjoying the moments of silence.

“Yo! You okay (y/n)?” Lo’ak casually says walking in on the intimate moment.

“You schxwang!” Neteyam roars standing up and immediately punching his brother straight in the nose “Never put my mate in that situation ever again!” He continued to shouted as Lo’ak rolled around the floor clutching his nose.

You couldn’t help but crack a small smile as you took Neteyam’s hand and guided him out his home to go and complete both your chores for the day leaving Lo’ak to his nose.

[loaksbitch]

jake sully is angry okay? furious from your stupid actions that almost got you killed and he makes sure you won’t do it again by fucking your brains out and teaching you a lesson — wc 1.2k ( this one was requested )

warnings (18+) - angry sex, rough sex, p in v, p penetration, clit stimulation, licking, jake calling you “forever my girl” UGH, doggy-ish, jake is pissed LIKE PISSED, dom!jake, overstimulation if you squint, degrading turns to praising, crying, oc is overwhelmed and sensitive, jake panics that he dicked your soul down. i think that’s it but lmk what i missed

“fück your brains out” — jake sully (⨳)

you’re pressed down to the rocky ground, skin itchy due to the strong and rough grass pressing to your skin.

but that wasn’t the case, the real itch was between your legs where jake has his balls plunged deep into your tight cunt

“jake,” you mewled, knees hurting from being all in fours for half an hour now. jake was squatting behind you while roughly thrusting and knocking your breath out.

“i fuckin’ told you to wait for me in the village, didn’t i?” he was breathing hard, one hand holding onto your tail and pulling your hips to fuck him back. your jaw hurts from being wide open and you scream when jake coils your tail into his palm and pulls you.

“answer me you filthy minx.” he hissed and you only helplessly cried out.

“not gonna talk?” he chuckles, pretty much annoyed with your bratty self. “alright, imma fuck your brains out so you’ll start to talk.”

you feel jakes hand that was holding onto your tail come to your waist instead, then you’re suddenly pulled up from the ground and fully knelt while he grips under your breast tight.

“you almost died not listening to me.” he says, pressing your petite body to his gigantic self. jake huffs in pain just thinking how the sky people almost shot you. “i was trying to hel– ngh!” your words are cut off

pain and pleasure strikes in you when jake fully bottoms out before pulling almost fully out which his tip only ghosts your opening. “help? that’s how you fucking help, princess?”

it’s not surprising how jake is scolding you in the middle of sex, after all it’s jake sully you’re talking about.

you’re too silent with forming words, only hiccups and cries leaving your dry lips. but you’re very thankful when jakes other hand turns your face to his to his and lean to give your dry lips a bold lick

he doesn’t miss how your inside tightens around his fat cock and grits his teeth.

“do it again.” he demands before giving your lips another bold lick, “fuck” he growls when your pussy swallows him and grips onto him tight.

“you haven’t answered me, pretty girl.” his dark voice causes your heart to tremble in fear and excitement.

“you to-told me! you told me!” you gasp when he palms your breast, tweaking your nipple with the ough pads of his long fingers. “and what did you do? disobeyed me.” his hand wrapped under your breast pulls you close to him more

your back pressed to his sweaty chest.

“what happens when you disobey me, baby?” your eyes roll into your head when he bites to your flattened ear, a long moan leaving your lips. jake groans when you don’t answer him.

“are you fuckin’ lagging on me now?”

he is suddenly pulling out from your tight soaked cunt and pushing you down to the ground.

“i get punished, when i don’t obey i get punished.” you quickly say, afraid you’ve pissed your mate but it was already so late. jake sully was beyond pissed.

he doesn’t even give you a second to get comfortable as he drapps himself on you, trapping your body when you’re still laid on your side. “open your legs, put your left on my shoulder.” his cold voice orders.

on eywa, he’s gonna fuck your brains out.

you silently obey, slowly bringing your left leg to his shoulder. “you’re so slow.” he was now tugging your leg to his shoulder while he straddled the other one. there is no way out now.

“JAKE!” you scream as he parts your swollen and sensitive fold with his long fingers before pushing his girth-y tip to your tight opening. “jesus, you’re so tight.”

you try to buckle your knees when the pleasure hits you but jake grips onto your ankle and yanks it back to his shoulder. you’re literally spread for him and he happily looks down where you two are connected and how your cunt openly sucks him in

“you know why you’re getting punished?” you nod before telling him your fault.

“good girl, shit, tighten on me again.” he loves how your pussy clamps on his cock, your gummy walls holding him tight like it’s his original home and cave.

“you’re gonna cum?” he kinda got why you’re not vocal anymore right now. jake literally made you cum three times in a row and he knows how your throat is sore from screaming.

“fuuuuck” he curses when you keep squeezing him.

“you’re gonna cum for me? gonna cum for your jake?” you’re desperately nodding, too tired to even mutter a word. the way your body twitches makes jakes heart swell. “i’ve got you princess.” he leans down, bending your left leg which helps him sink deeper.

the new position helps him stimulate himself as well, one of his strong arm hold you close while the other brushes the strand of your hair away from your sweaty forehead. “my girl, forever my girl.” he was now comforting you

“jake,” you call for him, your hands reaching out for him. “i’m here, right here.” he smiles down at you, “it hurts, i can’t.” you’re shaking your head as tears freely sprang out of your eyes.

“yes you can,” he frowns before sneaking his hand between your bodies and meeting your warm clit with his rough pad of his thumb. “yes you can give me the last one baby, i know you can.”

you whine, pushing him away and crying. “i’m sorry, i won’t do it again.” you apologize for your actions that almost cost you your own life. “i’ll forgive you once you cum for me, yeah?

you gulp down your sob down and winch when your throat hurts.

“you’re so good fr’me, my girl.” his sweet praises while his cock penetrating you and his thumb flicking your clit was your last push to burst and milk your nectar all over him.

“that’s it, give it to me all” your eyes are screwed shut, overstimulation winning and having you whine for a billionth time. “almost there yeah? i’m gon— fuck!” jakes pupil dilated from the sudden sting of pleasure.

he wasn’t expecting it this soon, yes he felt his balls tight, heavy and painfully stimulated. but never once he thought he would be cumming right unexpectedly. “oh fuck, oh fuck.” he laughs when finally back to his sense

his vision gets clear and he looks down at your state, you’re almost gone. your eyelids barely open while your chest heaves up and down fast. “princess, you okay there?” he really did fuck your brains out.

jake panics for a second when you don’t answer him and lean close to you, hand gripping your jaw and turning you to face him. “baby, answer me.” surely jake knew his heart was gonna stop if you hadn’t smiled at him and blinked.

he was almost convinced he fucked your soul out and not your mind.

“what the fuck, you scared me.” your soft giggles make him laugh and he places your leg down to the ground. “don’t ever do that again, i thought i got your soul dicked down.” you burst out laughing with your energy left.

“jake!” you keep laughing when his words keep repeating in your mind. “c’mon let’s get you home and all cleaned, mhm?” he helps you up, both of you smiling foolishly.

“and please don’t ever go against what i tell you, i almost lost you.” you hum, obviously unconvinced.

ok so i love how this turned out, low key becoming a fan of my own works lmfao— thank you for reading! like + reblogs are super appreciated i love each and every one of you sm!

[peacelovepandora]

Days of Coping

Jake Sully x Daughter!Reader

this is a part of a series of continuation scenarios following part 1 and part 2, with Y/N's death and resurrection. enjoy xx.

Under the late afternoon sun, as eclipse neared, your family walked across the sand, approaching the Metkayina village. All of you had gone fishing together, gathering food for the village's dinner that evening. Lo'ak and Neytiri walked in front, followed by you and Neteyam. Behind you, Jake kept close in step, sharply monitoring you.

The sudden sound of a scream made you jump, sharply turning your head towards the noise. When your eyes caught sight of a little girl, who was running towards the water before jumping in, your shoulders relaxed.

Neteyam, who'd been watching you from the corner of his eye, stepped closer before wrapping an arm around you. As soon as his arm made contact, you jumped again, jerking your head up to look at him before immediately relaxing.

Upon seeing your startled movements at his touch, his eyes softened as he pulled you close. Then, he leaned down slightly before placing a quick kiss on the top of your head.

"Hey," he whispered, raising his hand to cup the back of your head.

You raised your eyes to meet your big brother's before wrapping your arms around his waist. He swung his bag over his shoulder, freeing his other hand, before gathering you in his arms. His longer arms engulfed you, holding you to him as your head rested on his shoulder. As the two of you held each other, you never ceased from walking.

Jake, who'd watched the whole thing from behind you, felt a small smile tug at his lips. However, as sweet as the sight was--seeing his oldest look after his youngest--he couldn't shake the weight within his chest.

As he observed your state, his mind wandered back to his own PTSD from being a marine. Nothing hurt him more than seeing you like this--skittish and haunted by the remnants of war.

Another noise came from the villagers, making you jump, once again. This time, it was a group of adolescent boys whooping and howling. Neteyam, of course, felt your start and glanced at the group of boys before turning his attention to you.

As one hand cupped your head, the other briefly rubbed your back. "S'okay, baby sister," he spoke softly, "It's just the village, yeah?"

You sighed before nodding, holding him tighter. Sensing your unease, he responded with squeezing you tighter.

Unable to hold his tongue any longer, Jake spoke up. "Teyam."

Neteyam glanced back, halting his movements. Since he was holding you, you stopped with him. At the sound of Jake's voice, Neytiri and Lo'ak turned around before coming to a stop.

Jake reached out, gently gripping your shoulder before pulling you to him. "You go on ahead with your mother and brother," Jake instructed, "I wanna talk to your sister for a minute."

Neteyam hesitated, looking down at you with a vigilant gaze. When he didn't move, Jake nodded his head in the direction of his mate.

"Go on," he encouraged, "I got her."

Neteyam finally nodded before obediently mumbling, "Yes, sir."

As Neteyam turned around, walking towards Neytiri and Lo'ak, Neytiri reached out, bringing her hand over his back as he passed her. She kept her gaze on Jake, mentally questioning him. Jake gave her a comforting nod, letting her know it was alright to go on.

Neytiri gently pushed Lo'ak forward before finally turning around and walking away herself.

Once the rest of your family was a decent distance away, Jake swung his bag and supplies over his shoulder before taking a knee. As he grabbed your other shoulder, preparing to turn you towards him, another noise caused you to jump, once again.

Jake tilted his head as his eyes softened. "Baby girl," he whispered, turning you before cupping your cheek, "Hey . . ."

Though your head faced him, you lowered your gaze to look at his chest, too embarrassed to meet his eyes. Jake sighed, beginning to rub his thumb against your skin.

"Y/N," he cooed, "Let me in, baby. What can I do?"

You shook your head, feeling tears of frustration begin to sting your eyes. Jake reached out and cupped your other cheek, tilting his head down to catch your eyes. Refusing to let him see your tears, you squeezed your eyes shut. However, this only produced the opposite effect, causing the rest of your face to tense as a sob pushed its way out your lips.

Jake leaned back, feeling his heart clench at the sound of your first sob. "Oh, baby," he whispered, pulling you in, "Hey, hey, hey . . ."

Instinctively, you wrapped your arms around his neck, tucking your face into his hair, inhaling his comforting scent.

"What do you need me to do?" Jake asked, cupping your head as he rocked you from side to side, "Name anything and it's yours."

"I'm tired of being so highly strung," you whimpered, "and having nightmares and crying all the time."

"Sweetheart, you're dealing with a lot right now," Jake explained patiently, "Your body and mind are trying to figure out ways to cope. Don't ever feel ashamed of that."

He began rubbing your back. "If anything around you is upsetting you, or things get to be too much, don't ever hesitate to come and tell me. You let everything out to me, alright? Don't hold that stuff in."

You nodded into his skin, maintaining a firm grip on him. As another loud noise echoed from the village, you flinched in his arms. Jake tightened his grip on you before turning his head to speak near your ear.

"You're jumpier than usual today," he observed, "What's going on? You have another nightmare last night?"

When you didn't answer, he released another sigh, closing his eyes as he lowered his head slightly.

"Y/N. Please, please wake me up when you have a nightmare. I don't care how late it is or how tired you think I am."

"I'm trying to learn to deal with them on my own, Dad," you replied, keeping your face tucked away from his gaze.

"Y/N, no," he replied, turning your head to meet his eyes, "From now on, wake me up every time, you hear me? I know how scared you get, and I can't fathom the thought of you sitting alone panicking in the middle of the night when I'm right there to--"

He took a breath, gathering his thoughts. However, before he could finish you leaned into his palm before responding softly.

"Yes, sir."

Sorrow filled his eyes as he processed your meek, militant response. "No--baby, you don't have to--" he began, stopping to close his eyes for a moment before reopening them, "Just please wake me up, alright? That's what I'm here for."

Jake hated your resistance when it came to waking him up at night. During the times that your nightmares had been strong enough to wake him up, he'd witnessed you face countless panic attacks as your mind tricked you into thinking you were back on the field. You would wake up gasping, before immediately looking down and touching your chest, terrified that the bullet wound would be there.

It always took him awhile to talk you down from your panicked state. However, with the nightmares being common occurrences, it helped him pick up on what worked with you and what didn't.

Cradling you was always his go-to. It brought you back to the safety of being an infant, and resting in his arms as he rocked you to sleep. Other times, he simply needed to hug you, to maintain a secure grip on you to ensure that he was your anchor.

A few times, you'd been so consumed by your nightmare that frantic movements transferred into reality. Your arms would fling, or you would scratch yourself. These were the few times that Jake was forced to completely restrain you, wrapping his arms around you while holding your wrists. Then, he would pull you to him and wrap his legs around yours to cease your kicking. Though he held you with great strength, his voice remained soft as he did his best to calm you down.

Jake cupped your head and lowered it back to his shoulder. "I don't mean to scold you, sweetheart," he said softly, "Trust me, that's the last thing I wanna do."

He turned to place a kiss on your cheek. Once he did, you pulled away before glancing up at the sky. The sun had eclipsed. An uneasiness settled within your gut as you thought about your blurred vision staring at the sky. Though the memory seemed so far away now, like it'd happened in another life--and in a way it did--you couldn't shake the fear that crept back into you every time.

Jake observed you, glancing up at the eclipse before looking back at you. He began to ask you about it but stopped when something else caught your attention. Following your gaze, he spotted a father walking across the white sand, holding his young daughter to his chest.

When he looked back at you, he didn't miss the longing expression in your eyes. He leaned forward, tilting his head slightly.

"You want me to carry you?"

Your cheeks burned as you lowered your gaze, embarrassed that he'd been able to read you so easily. Swallowing thickly, you shook your head.

"I'm too old now."

Jake exhaled out of his nose as a smile tugged at his lips. "Never."

After securing his hunting supplies one more time, he reached under your arms before adjusting his grip.

"C'mere. Up we go."

Lifting you was as easy as lifting a human. Even though you were technically an adolescent, there was still a massive size difference between you and Jake, given that you were only a few good inches above Spider. Jake was far from opposed to it, though. To him, you would always be his little girl, so your petite frame just fed into that mindset.

Jake picked you up before settling you on his hip, just like he used to when you were younger. He bounced you up once, securing you, before setting a hand on the back of your head. You leaned in, laying your head on his shoulder before closing your eyes.

The rest of the walk was peaceful. As you rode in his arms, you allowed the slight bounce of his steps to lull you into a brief slumber.

-

Opening your eyes, you sucked in a breath. As the world began to materialize around you, you struggled to pull yourself from your nightmare. Your vision flashed between the straw ceiling of your hut, --slightly visible from the warm, dim light of a small fire--and the image within your mind, which was the eclipsing sun that you'd gazed at before your death.

As you took in shallow breaths, you tried to calm yourself by closing your eyes. Then, you attempted to place your hands over your chest, an action that brought you comfort when you felt the unwounded skin beneath your hands. However, alarm spiked within you as you failed to move your arms.

Your heart rate, which had previously began slowing down, began to pick up again. Taking a breath, you tried to move again. When your body refused to obey your orders, your mind spiraled into hysterics.

Each breath grew quicker as you attempted to turn your head, speak, or move.

"Ughnnnnn," you moaned, hoping that your voice would manage to wake someone, "Urhnnnnnn!"

A body, that had been laying next to you, sat up quickly. When it leaned over you, relief filled your mind as your big brother's concerned eyes gazed down at you.

"Baby sister?" Neteyam whispered, cupping your cheek, "What's wrong?"

"Ughrnnn!" you moaned, frustrated tears gathering in your eyes as you tried desperately to communicate with him.

He frowned, shifting his gaze to the rest of your body, which was laying flat with a strange stiffness. When his eyes returned to yours, he asked the dreaded question.

"Can you not move?"

"Urhn, urhn," you mumbled as a lonely tear traveled down your cheek.

His eyes widened slightly as he wiped your tear. "Okay, okay, let me just . . ." His hands hovered unsurely over your smaller body.

Realizing he couldn't solve this on his own, he let out a small groan before reaching over you. He shook the body on the other side of you.

"Dad? Dad!" he whispered harshly.

Jake jolted up, looking around briefly before spotting Neteyam. Then, his eyes shifted down to you. He scooted forward, shrinking his proximity to you. Then, he looked back at Neteyam.

"What is it, son? What's wrong?"

"Y/N. She says she can't move," he replied, panic seeping its way into his soft tone.

"What?" Jake hissed, looking down sharply and reaching his hand over you, cupping your cheek, "Y/N? What's goin' on, baby? Talk to me. Nightmare?"

"Urgnnn." Your voice came out in a strained whimper.

Jake's eyes shifted to your lips, picking up on your inability to move them.

"I don't think she can speak, either," Neteyam continued, gingerly holding your shoulder, "She's only been making noises like that. That's how she woke me up."

Jake's expression grew confused. Then, he looked down at the rest of your body. His eyes scanned every limb, every inch of skin for a potential injury.

His heart rate spiked as he cupped his hand under your neck before lifting you. His sharp gaze scanned your back, searching for any sign of injury. However, to his relief, there was none.

With a hand still cupping your neck, rather than laying you back down, he readjusted his position and pulled you onto his lap. He supported your head with the crook of his arm, cradling you like he always did. Then, he cupped your cheek, scanning your body one more time before returning his gaze to you.

"What's wrong with her, Dad?" Neteyam asked, sounding less like your protective big brother and more like a frightened child.

"Okay, okay," Jake whispered, gently wiping a tear that had fallen down your cheek, "Let me just--let me just try to figure this out. I don't see any injuries on her."

It was difficult for him to calm his mind, especially since he'd experienced the horrors of being paralyzed himself. However, his case was straightforward--with a spinal injury. As he held you in his arms, he searched again, but failed to locate any injuries on you.

Why couldn't you move?

Then, a distant conversation with Norm and Max pushed its way to the front of his mind.

"There's a lot that she could be prone to. This is something that we've never dealt with before," Norm said, after Jake had explained your resurrection process to him, "I mean, she experienced death, went into the afterlife, and returned. This is unprecedented. There's no way of knowing what PTSD symptoms, anxieties, or other mental health issues she could face as a consequence. Things could vary from trouble sleeping to panic attacks to sleep paralysis."

"Sleep paralysis?" Jake had asked, "What the hell does that mean?"

"It's when you wake up and you're unable to move or speak. The paralysis doesn't last long, but sometimes going back to sleep is the best option," Max answered.

"It hasn't been studied enough to know the definite causes of it," Norm continued, "but some think it's brought on by immense anxiety. It's harmless, but it can be a frightening experience for anyone dealing with it."

"Sleep paralysis," Jake whispered to himself.

Neteyam perked up, recognizing a look of realization in his father's eyes. Jake looked at him before repeating himself.

"Sleep paralysis."

Though Neteyam was glad his father seemed to understand what it was, he couldn't hide the confusion that overtook his gaze. However, he remained silent, knowing Jake needed to focus on you rather than explain things to him.

When Neteyam looked back down at you, his heart broke as he spotted more tears traveling down your cheeks. He leaned over you, braids swinging in his face, as he wiped your tears.

"Hey, shh," he cooed, "It's okay. Dad knows what it is now."

"Okay, okay, baby, listen to me, shhhh," Jake began as more cries began to force their way out of your mouth, "You're gonna be okay. Norm and Max mentioned this before. Sleep paralysis. It's harmless, but can be triggered by anxiety or stress. It'll wear off in a few minutes."

Though you tried to subdue them, fear caused more muffled cries pushed themselves from your body. Jake felt his heart clench with each new sob as he tightened his grip.

"I know, I know baby girl. I'm so sorry," he soothed, shaking his head, "but I'm gonna hold you until it wears off, alright? Your brother's here too. We're not goin' anywhere."

Jake swiped a piece of hair from your forehead. Then, he continued to wipe any stray tears that fell.

Though you were petrified with fear, the presence of your father and oldest brother managed to soothe you enough for you to nod off without realizing.

-

When you'd opened your eyes again, you felt an element of shock, having no memory of falling asleep. Though you weren't sure how much time had passed, you could feel more heat in the air around you, letting you know that eclipse had passed.

Jake smiled softly, gently pinching your chin. "Hey you."

After your eyes shifted between your father and your brother--who hadn't moved from his spot, either--you realized you were in the same position that you'd nodded off from.

"You were out like a light," Jake whispered, "How do you feel?"

"How long has it been?" you asked.

When they both widened their eyes, realization overcame you. "Oh!" you exclaimed, covering your mouth afterwards.

When your body shot up, coming to a sitting position, your head swam. Letting out a murmur, you placed a hand on your head, wobbling slightly. Jake grabbed your side and the back of your head, while Neteyam gripped both your shoulders.

"Woah, hang on, sweetheart," Jake said, as they both steadied you, "Easy, now, easy. Take it slow."

Lowering your hand from your head, you nodded, leaning back into Jake's hand. Jake kept his eyes trained on you before glancing up at Neteyam.

"Teyam," he called.

Neteyam, who'd been gripping your shoulders to steady you, looked up at his father.

"Go grab the leftovers that we saved for her from dinner. Get some water too," Jake ordered, gently moving you to lean against the wall.

Neteyam nodded, standing up. "Yes, sir."

Jake kept a hand behind your head, giving you cushion as you leaned back. When Neteyam returned--with cooked fish, mashed fruit, and water--Jake carefully leaned you up.

"When I brought you back here yesterday, it was already dinnertime, but I didn't have the heart to wake you, especially with all the night terrors you've been dealing with," Jake explained, taking the bowls from Neteyam and setting them in front of you, "Figured we could save this for whenever you woke up."

You nodded. "It's alright. I wasn't that hungry at the time, anyway."

As you said this, your stomach growled loudly. Jake and Neteyam glanced at each other, amused smiles plastered on their faces. As your cheeks grew warm, you looked down, focusing on starting your first meal.

"Well, at least we know you're hungry now, hm?" Neteyam teased, smirking as he leaned forward and playfully clawed at your stomach.

This emitted a mixture of a helpless giggle and a hiss from you, causing him to pull back with a laugh. Jake failed to bite back a smile before giving Neteyam a quick nuggie on the head.

"Alright, let your sister eat. You should've been asleep too, anyway," Jake said, nodding towards Neteyam's mat.

"Respectfully, sir," Neteyam answered, "I wouldn't have been able to get back to sleep, anyway."

Jake looked at his son before sighing, knowing that he was right. However, he couldn't help feeling proud of the young man Neteyam was becoming. In many ways, though he wasn't perfect, he was the embodiment of the perfect big brother you and Lo'ak needed.

Nodding, Jake finally responded. "I know . . . Now go on, it'll be breakfast soon. Your sister's alright now."

Neteyam hopped up, positioning himself in a squat before standing up. "Yes, sir."

Before leaving, he leaned down, gripped your shoulders, and placed a kiss on your cheek. When you playfully scrunched up your face, Neteyam tilted his head in mock offense--something he'd picked up from Jake. Then, without warning, he blew into your left ear, making you gasp and raise your shoulder to press it against your ear.

"Teyam!" you squealed, laughing as you instinctively scooted closer to Jake.

"Aye! What did I just say? Out!" Jake commanded, though his voice sounded far less threatening as he laughed, as well, "You'll have time to mess with your baby sister later. Go!"

Your eyes widened as you lowered a piece of fruit from your mouth. "Wha--no, no! I did not agree to that!"

After shifting your gaze from Jake to Neteyam, your big brother smirked as he took steps backwards, braids swinging in the process.

The mischievous glint in his eye was all-too-familiar to you, given that Jake was your father. "After breakfast and chores, baby sister," Neteyam said, pointing his finger at you.

"No way," you replied, trying to keep your nervous giggles down, "You stay away, you psycho."

He raised his hands, shrugging and looking around with raised eyebrows. "There's nowhere to hide."

Grabbing his blanket, you chugged it towards him, only for him to duck and bolt out of the hut.

-

damn I need to write something with just neteyam. i loved including him in this.

Taglist : @eywas-daughter @pturnersblog @bombshe77 @faatxma @scryarchives @gamorxa @222krn @ellabellabus07 @perfectprofessorloverapricot @raefoxi@egirl @vampxra @itssiaaax @tinkerbelle05 @brittclass-18 @missroro @aisylazzy @leomatsuzaki @joey-hoey @eternallyvenus @mae-is-crazy @nyotamalfoy @mashiromochi @theghostofshadows @httpsplanetmarsdotcom @cmfouatslota77 @laylasbunbunny @fanboyluvr @phxntomx11 @dumb-fawkin-bitch @ellabellabus07 @abbersreads @23victoria @sully-stick-together @uselessbutinteresting

[sunofpandora]

So I re-watched avatar. (edited)

The first avatar btw.

Has anyone else noticed how Eytukan shielded Neytiri in the scene where the come back the morning after from the tree of souls?

Like she tries to run to protect Jake but he holds her back and shields her with his arm.

The more watch this, the more I realized how much we missed out on seeing more of Mo’at and Eytukan?

I mean come on y'all they’ve already lost one child, they’re probably so protective of Neytiri after losing Sylwanin, especially to the humans.

(edit: am the only one who thinks that Tuk was named after Eytukan?)

[shu-box-puns]

Hello there mate!

Hope you're doing good and I'm here to say I ADORE you're Dad!Tsu'tey works and they bring me my daily dose of serotonin.

But also, since I've read (and reread) the "Grumpy dad and his feral son" work I've been having some thoughts. Like, what if Tsu'Tey was just a second too late and they managed to take Spider away? How would he react (I mean obviously he would hunt the shit out of them down) ? When would he and Spider reunite again? In the forest while he was with the recoms? In the battle of the Sea Dragon? I mean he would most def come to his rescue if the letter is the case to come and get him (+ to aid the Sullies), but then I also wonder what would happen. Would the whole Neytiri holding him hostige infront of Quaritch so he would release Kiri thing happen? How would he react to that? Or what if he got shot instead on Neteyam (not dying tho cos I want both my faves to live a happy life) ? I bet Tsu'Tey would be fucking terrified cos it woul remind him of how he got shot and almost died.

Anywho I'm sorry for the long line of questions and suggestions I left but when my brain finds something to hyperfixate on it will not stop coming up with questions and possible scenarios for the said thing 😅

I love the way your brain thinks Anon. (The fact I literally had most of these scenarios either thought out or planned :D) This got long. All the questions just gave me so many ideas and I RAN with it. Enjoy the memes and I hope there's no obvious spelling mistakes.

>_<

If Tsu'tey were too late to grab Spider before Quaritch got to him:

I could definitely see him tearing off after the recoms. Maybe he springs from the bushes too late, and Quaritch has already hoisted the boy up over his shoulder. Naturally, Tsu'tey still tries to attack him with his bow, but Lyle opens fire too fast and he old instinct has him retreating. Man definitely has some PTSD from getting shot during the war, and although mentally he still wants Spider back, his body goes on auto-pilot and throws him out of the line of fire. Lyle keeps shooting in his direction as the recoms retreat, but Tsu'tey isn't gonna let something as silly as instinct keep him down for long.

That's his boy, they'll have to kill him to keep him from getting him back. Thankfully, Jake knows exactly where his brain went and literally had to throw himself at this man so he didn't end up getting himself shot (again). Jake likes Spider well enough, but he thinks regrouping is a better course of action than charging in guns blazing - shocker, he's actually matured since having his kids.

Tsu'tey definitely fights with all he has against Jake, cursing at him and trying to wrestle himself free. He can't focus on anything but the distant roar of the enemy ship as it soars in close to the canopy. He can see the lights, and through the trees, the vague outlines of the recoms strapping themselves in. Lo'ak definitely has to wrestle the hunter's knife out of its sheath before he remembers it is there. But no one can save Jake from Tsu'tey biting the shit out of him. Man does not give a shit at this point.

When he gets free. (Of course it's a when not an if.) The airship is already long gone. A distant hum in the distance, even to his superior hearing. The pure, unbridled rage on this man's face is terrifying. Instead of explosive, loud anger, he's cold, almost unnervingly calm. A whole new level of terrifying.

Jake is definitely too scared to try and coax him out of the clearing and instead focuses on reassuring his children. Neytiri has to approach him, she's known him the longest afterall. Had stuck with him through the loss of Sylwanin, the fall of HomeTree, the war, she knows how best to handle him when he is like this. That doesn't mean her words are effective however. Tsu'tey needs a moment of stillness to collect his thoughts and recollect himself after the adrenaline burst, but Neytiri is already grabbing him roughly by the bicep and trying and drag him to his ikran.

He's still seething. Barely seeing straight. Half baked plans of him attacking the demon airship before it could get to Bridgehead were sounding more tempting by the moment.

Somehow Neytiri drags him out of the clearing and into the branches of the trees. Hauling his weary body to safer ground. But in his musing, Tsu'tey recalls the figure of Neytiri in the trees when Spider fell. He remembers seeing her dragging Kiri away with half a nod of acknowledgement sent Tsu'tey's way. It sends a fresh wave of rage crashing over him.

"You left him." He suddenly snarled, ripping his arm from her and pointing an accusatory finger at her. "He was right there, and you abandoned him!"

Neytiri's ears droop and she doesn't deny it. She doesn't back down either. "My priority was Kiri. I assumed you could handle it." She doesn't apologise for her actions or inaction. Just holds his gaze and holds her ground. Her expression neutral.

Tsu'tey knew she'd never taken much of a liking to Spider, despite her relationship with Jake and his heritage. Despite Tsu'tey unofficial adoption of the boy. There had always been a sense of hostility between the two. With Neytiri acting colder to Spider and the boy refusing to call her out on it. Tsu'tey had never thought to address it or try and help them mend that gap, now look at them.

And that's the real kick to the teeth. Not that Neytiri didn't care enough to be sorry that it was his kid taken instead of her own. It was the truth in her words that had his anger faltering. He should've been able to handle it. Spider was his son. And he let him slip through his fingers. He should've fought harder, dirtier. Should have resorted to teeth and nails if he had to.

So what if he got shot? If he'd angled it right, he would've had enough time to get Spider to safety.

If it had been Neteyam or Lo'ak in Quartich's hold, Jake would've torn himself apart to ensure their safety. Neytiri would've fallen into a blind rage to keep her children safe. Would have used every resource at her disposal to protect her own. She would have stared death in the face and kept snarling. And what had Tsu'tey done? Allowed a past experience to still his movements. To make him hesitate, and now he might have to pay the price for the rest of his life.

His retort dies on his tongue as his heart clenches painfully. But Tsu'tey had never been one to give up easily. He kept a tight hold on his anger, allowed it to guide him as he shoved past Neytiri and called for his ikran. His face was set in his trademark scowl, but there was a predatory fluidity to him that only came out during the war. When what he loved was threatened.

As his ikran lands beside him and he makes the bond, Lo'ak sidles up to his side, offering him back his knife. There is a familiar fire burning in the depths of the boy's eyes. A desire for vengance, and a sea of guilt and pain. Tsu'tey allows his face to soften for a heartbeat, he bends over the side of his ikran and squeezes Lo'ak's shoulder tight. "I will get him back." He promises.

Lo'ak chews on his lower lip, his eyes flickering to Tsu'tey and holding his burning gaze. He must see Tsu'tey's determination, his drive, his stubbornness, because he cracks a small smile and nods.

The family prepares to return to High Camp. Jake warning Tsu'tey that any attempts to go after Spider now was a suicide mission. He didn't argue, but neither did Tsu'tey agree. He also chose to ignore Neytiri handing Tuk off to him. Just kept his gaze ahead, and his hand loosely wrapped around the little girl's stomach so she was secure in the saddle in front of him.

If they reunited in the forest:

Lets say by chance Tsu'tey gets word of the Demon ship in clan territory again, or he's just riding around the forest on a pa'li because it helps him clear his mind.

He hasn't slept since Spider was taken. He's worried for his boy and severely regretting not letting him know what he meant to him before this shit show got so out of hand. In typical Tsu'tey fashion, he's been spending his time gathering Spider's belongings for when he returns.

Norm had already handed over most of the boy’s prized possessions when Tsu’tey asked for them from his bedroom in the compound. He’d packed everything away neatly in preparation to wherever Jake was planning to flee, so his son would have what he needed the minute he was retrieved. Spare exo pack, rechargeable batteries, etc. 

He's in his head so deep, that he takes a double take when he spots Spider through the trees. His pa'li makes an abrupt stop, the large animal mirroring Tsu'tey's shock as he stares wide eyed at the image of his boy stood on a log, above a group of recoms. Even from a distance he can see the bruises. He can see the tense set of his shoulders, his swift glances to the forest, despite pretending to be at ease.

Tsu'tey's shock melts into a scowl as his bow groans under the tightening on his hands. He steels himself with a long, deep inhale, mentally calculating the space within the small clearing. The sight of the guns on the recoms have his heart pounding, and his scars tingling with phantom pain. He knows deep down that his bow will be useless in a one on six fight. His only advantage is surprise, and he only gets one chance.

Tsu'tey's mind is made up before he takes his next breath. He knows he needs to try. Even if it ends with a bullet between his shoulders and his pa'li throwing him off from the pain, he needs to die trying. Whether it kills him or not, he needs to return Spider to the clan, where he will be safe. Where Jake and Neytiri can take him to a fresh start, a safer alternative to the clan at war.

The recoms are distracted. Only one wearing sunglasses is actually taking stock of his surroundings. Spider is talking, commanding most of the group's attention.

Sucking in a deep breath, Tsu'tey lets out a sharp call that could easily be mistaken for some distant herd animal. None of the recoms react but he sees Spider visibly stiffens. Tsu’tey grins despite himself and readies his mount. 

He notches an arrow into his bow and urges his pa'li forward. He erupts from the undergrowth with a war cry, and skewers the closest unsuspecting recom. It scatters the group like startled yerik, who immediately scramble for their guns.

"TSU'TEY!" Spider yells, sounding shocked and elated to see him. The hunter spares only a moment killing a second recom before he's charging for that log. His pa'li races past faster than the enemy can load their weapons, and it gives Tsu'tey large enough of an opening to lean down and grab Spider's by his extended hands. The child immediately latches onto him, grabbing whatever he can as Tsu'tey swings him up into the saddle in front of him and together they disappear off into the undergrowth.

Shots were fired at their back but no one got hit, much to Tsu'tey's relief. But the adrenaline rush isn't over because Spider turns around and yells in a rush about a tracker in his mask.

Not to worry though, because Tsu'tey is very up to date on all the old compound location. Even as his triumph sours, he takes confidence in the distant yells of the recoms and the light pressure of Spider at his front. He snarls softly to himself as he makes his pa'li change course.

Yes they get the masks switched out without issue and toss the bugged one into a fast moving river to send Quaritch on a wild goose chase and buy the Sully's more time to run.

Side note: In this possibility, Tsu'tey was definitely convinced Spider wasn't safe enough with him and he had to go with the Sully's to the Metkayina clan. And Tsu'tey was NOT planning to go with him. HAVE ANGST!!

If they reunited on the Sea Dragon:

In this scenario, Tsu'tey ends up visiting the Sullys when the Sea Dragon turns up. He just wanted to check up on his friends and see if they've heard anything about Spider, and the next thing he knows, he's got nieces and nephews to save, and a score to settle.

Tsu'tey is definitely going straight for the ship.

It's during the stand-off where the Colonel has his gun to Lo'ak's temple and Jake isn't telling anyone over the comms what is happening - preparing to hand himself over like the idiot he is. Tsu'tey was circling above the clouds on his ikran with Neytiri, carefully listening to his ear piece as he tries to decipher what is going on. The minute he catches sight of Spider being escorted back into the ship, all rational thought leaves this man's head. Of course he has enough sense to remain undetected - he's not stupid - but he's also not on board with Jake's self-sacrificing bullshit. In Tsu'tey's books, failure is not an option this time around. He is getting Spider back if it kills him.

Tsu'tey and Payakan being on the same wavelength.

The tulkun YEETING himself onto the ship's deck and giving Tsu'tey big enough of an opening to land his ikran and send the beast back up into the sky undetected. He makes brief eye contact with Neteyam who's circling the shallows around the belly of the ship, getting ready to leap up and help out his siblings.

The oldest Sully boy points to the kids tied to the railing, Tsu'tey nods. He motions behind him, where the RDA sailors took Spider and Neteyam nods his understanding.

On the horizon, the Metkayina clan are inbound. Tearing through the waves and heading straight for the ship.

Tsu'tey decides that they've got this covered and finds the nearest doorway that will lead him into the belly of the metal ship. He's too tall for the corridors and either has to knuckle crawl or walk at a constant stoop. His bow is a pain to hold loaded in the tight space, so he opts solely for his knife.

He navigates the ship blindly. His ears pricked for Spider's voice, but otherwise killing anyone he comes across and moving swiftly. He knows the destruction caused by Payakan would've damaged something valuable and he needs to move fast.

I love the idea of Tsu'tey stumbling across the control room in time to find Spider steering the ship towards the rocks and then brutally killing the controls with a fire extinguisher. (Boy was eyeing that lever heavily whenever he was in the same room as it). Just Tsu'tey letting out a half formed growl as the crewmates try to tear Spider away and fix the lever, but his oncoming attack getting put on hold as the enormous ship speeds for the rocks and promptly takes off.

The minute that bitch lands back in the water, you can bet Tsu'tey is the first on his feet. He erupts into the room with a sound so unnerving that the crew forget that they are armed. It's an unfair fight. And despite the tight quarters and being outnumbered, Tsu'tey wipes the floor with everyone.

They find Spider an exopack and get the fuck off the sinking ship to meet back up with the Sullys out on the rock.

Just the crew out cold or dead at his feet, and Tsu'tey closing the distance between himself and Spider. He drops into a crouch, all hard scowl and sharp eyes, and gently tucks Spider's dread behind his ear. "Are you unharmed?"

Spider nods, dumbfounded and thrown off by the raw concern in Tsu'tey's voice. Tsu'tey grumbles. He can see spots of blood all over Spider, small grazes and nicks that shouldn't be there. His stripes are faded and his hair needs a retwist. But he's alive, and Tsu'tey isn't going to let anything else happen to him.

Bonus:

The standoff:

I feel like throwing Tsu'tey into the mix would throw so many scenes off course with his sheer presence that the stand off between Neytiri and Quaritch where they're holding the kids hostage wouldn't happen. There would be too many variables changing for it to occur the same way, but lets pretend it does.

(Neteyam is alive btw, just resting on his rock with Tsireya kindly mixing him up a poultice she learned from her Tsahik training. Lyle didn't kill him, but Neteyam definitely had to protect Lo'ak's dumbass in some way. That child is accident prone.)

Anyway, we've got Quaritch holding Kiri hostage. Jake is trying to keep Tuk out of harm's way. No one knows where the fuck Lo'ak is, but he's slippery enough to get himself out of anything. And then we've got Neytiri making a last ditch effort to protect her daughter by threatening to take away the last thing Quaritch loves; Spider.

In the background, we've got Tsu'tey. Breathing hard, slightly wounded from throwing himself around on a ship with broken equipment and guns getting fired at him from all directions.

Raised voices draw his attention. He's standing on the walkway overlooking the deck where the standoff is occurring. He spots Spider first, under Neytiri's blade, begging for Kiri's life instead of his own. Anger like he's never felt before curls hard in his stomach. The betrayal is worse than when Jake and Neytiri first mated. It was one thing to let his son get captured, it was another to murder him right in front of Tsu'tey.

Kiri's voice stops Tsu'tey from doing anything stupid in his blind rage. Every molecule of his body screams to defend his child, but common sense makes him take in the situation.

His head snaps to Quaritch holding Kiri hostage. To Jake within arms reach, but preoccupied with Tuk. To the knife drawing blood at Kiri's neck.

Tsu'tey also takes note of the clear shot he has from his vantage point. There is no conflict within him as he notches his bow. No concern for Spider's reaction, or the conflicted feelings he might have towards his birth father. Tsu'tey's mind is clear. His hands are steady. And his mind is made up.

He takes the shot, and nail's the recom through his right eye. The arrow - fired with all the strength he could muster - goes straight through bone and wedges in up to two thirds of its shaft.

Quaritch sways for a heartbeat, his knife clattering to the metal deck as Kiri tears away from him and throws herself at Jake. Then he collapses with a painful thump. Limps sprawling and his head lolling.

Slowly, Tsu'tey lowers his bow, his gaze narrowed and his tail whipping behind him. He catches Neytiri's eyes as the huntress and her family follow the direction the arrow had come from.

"Unhand. My. Son." Tsu'tey snarls, his voice ringing out over the soft crash of the waves and the pop of fire. His gaze is venomous, fingers twitching for another arrow if Neytiri doesn't back down. There's still a crazed edge to her gaze, a look Tsu'tey is sure he shares. He hasn't felt this shaken since Spider was taken.

Neytiri nods once. An acknowledgment. And lets Spider go.

His son stumbles away, furiously scrambling to put distance between himself and Neytiri. Kiri was quick to soothe him, check him for injuries as Jake carefully approached Neytiri to take the knife off of her.

Tsu'tey leaps down from the upper level. He can't be bothered to find the stairs and the height is nothing compared to what he has to deal with back in the forest. He keeps an eye on Neytiri, but knows that Jake has her now. Ears pricked in case of further enemies, Tsu'tey spares a few moments to kick Quaritch's corpse and make sure he fired a killing shot. The last thing he needed was to grow comfortable again and then in fifteen years have to deal with this bullshit all over again.

"Dad?" The quiet utterance has panic straightening his spine. It's not one of his nieces asking for Jake's attention. It's Spider's voice. Quiet and shaky and so vulnerable that Tsu'tey just wants to wrap himself up in his arms.

Instead, all he can think about is Quaritch's body at his feet. Tsu'tey's arrow protruding from his eye socket. His blood pooling at his feet.

Then it hits him all at once. Spider's birth dad is dead at his feet, and Tsu'tey put him there. Tsu'tey killed him. He didn't even ask. Spider spent months with this man - against his will - but not everything is black and white. They might have come to some understanding. He might of grown to know him outside of his video logs and the fleeting stories he overheard from the Omaticaya. Spider may have gotten to know Quaritch without the biased lense of hate everyone else talks about him with. And Tsu'tey murdered him. What's worse, he felt triumphant doing it.

Tsu'tey can feel his hands shaking, regardless of how tightly he grasped his bow. His ears were flat against his skull, his tail tucked in close to his legs. He prays he just looks like he's reflecting, in contrast to being crushed by the weight of his actions. And he keeps staring at Quaritch's corpse. The arrow. The blood.

"Dad?" Spider says again. A little louder. More confident. And it kills Tsu'tey as he cringes, eyes squeezing shut against the guilt.

A brush of a hand to his wrist. His eyes snap open, and there's Spider. Gazing up at him with wide, tearful eyes. His mask is slightly cracked and he's bleeding from his chest where Neytiri caught him with her blade. But there is no hatred in his expression. Only relief and exhaustion.

"Dad, are you okay?" Spider asks him, and he looks at Tsu'tey as he says it.

The realisation hits him like a sturmbeest stampede. That Spider was calling him Dad, not the corpse at his feet.

With a deep, shuddering breath, Tsu'tey pulls himself together. "I am." He reassures his son as he drops into a crouch. It is evident from Spider's expression that he doesn't believe him, but the boy doesn't push.

Instead, he throws his arms around Tsu'tey's neck and burries his face under his chin. Tsu'tey chuckles wetly, his arms wrapping around Spider and dragging him close. It soothes every raw instinct in him to finally have his boy back in his arms. Tired and injured, but safe.

Around him, he can hear the Sully family beginning to wade into the surf, so Tsu'tey tucks his arms under Spider's thighs and hoists him up onto his hip, like he used to when his son was still a toddler. Despite his age now, he's still the perfect size for Tsu'tey to carry unhindered out of the shipwreck.

BONUS:

[wheneclipsefalls]

Forever My Babygirl pt.4

Part 3 I Masterlist I ao3 I

Pairing: 16 year old Tuktirey x Male Metakyina OC

Summary: Safe under the florescent glow of the ocean, Tuk and Teeysal share a special moment. Unfortunately, keeping secrets is a dangerous game to play. 

A/N: To everyone that has stuck around while I’ve struggled to put together the trajectory of this story: you’re a true one, thank you! I’m already working on part 5 and I’m really excited about it so hopefully the next update won’t take as long this time

Warnings: Light angst, swearing, aged up characters, forbidden love

Yawne - beloved 

Tsireya delicately looped the strands back and around one another, careful not to pull too hard on Tuk’s scalp. Her fingers struggled to keep hold of the various sections of hair while intertwining small shells into the woven work. Tsireya always had a hard time turning down Tuk’s request to do her hair, especially when she wove precious flattery into the pleas. Besides, Tsireya was simply happy to see Tuk finally recovered from being sick and back to her old self. 

“Such pretty shells.” She murmured admiring a particular speckled blue crescent shaped one that shimmered in the light. “Where did you find them, Tuk?” The innocent question made Tuk’s smile drop. 

She couldn’t tell Tsireya where they had really come from. Teeysal had spent hours scouring different beaches and coral reefs for the perfect shells, gathering them in a small netted bag that was sneakily presented to the Sully girl when her parents were out. The proud smile on his face when she expressed awe and approval still made her heart flutter fondly. 

“J-just been collecting them for a while.” The jumbled response came out hastily. Neytiri always said that Eywa had blessed her with an honest heart and a desire to do good, but now Tuk felt that these gifts were becoming a curse as it made every lie she told sink deep into her chest. A weight that was slowly bringing her down. 

“Well you will have to show me all the good spots to find them. I’ve been working on this choker for Lo’ak but it’s missing something. Can’t quite tell what yet.” Tsireya let out a light huff in frustration, her voice somehow still carrying the soothing softness that always had Lo’ak melting. 

Tuk had always found Tsireya’s gentle nature so calming. She was the best person to rant to with problems or concerns. Her large blue eyes had a great capacity to hold genuine empathy. It astonished the younger Sully girl. And yet it was just another reason that keeping her romance with Teeysal a secret was incredibly difficult around her sister in law. 

“Even if there is, you know he won’t notice. He’ll just be happy it's from you. Lo’ak doesn’t know much else when it comes to attire.” Tuk scoffed teasingly. Tsireya’s soft laugh flitted across the wind as she continued to tightly incorporate the strung shells into the intricate dark braids that finally flowed down into loose waves. 

“Now, is that any way to talk about the mighty warrior that is bringing home this bad boy for dinner?” Lo’ak appeared at the mouth of the marui, hands proudly holding up the dangling fish half his size.  Tsireya affectionately awed at the size, congratulating her mate on the impressive catch but Tuk’s mind was elsewhere. Lo’ak home meant Teeysal would be back with the hunting party too. Tsireya’s absence of handling indicated her hair was completed. 

“You look so pretty, Tuk.” Tsireya cooed, helping Lo’ak to set down the fish in preparation. 

Tuk ran her fingers through the hair, a small giggle lacing her features as she beamed at the compliment. The change in hairstyle made her feel rejuvenated after days of squirming on the marui floor half awake. The thick braids leading into the free flowing waves reminded her of Tsireya’s own hairstyle and the comparison made her beam with a new confidence. The confidence of a woman, not some silly little child. 

“Thanks ‘Reya.” Tuk pulled the older na’vi into an eager hug before gathering her stuff to dart off. Lo’ak shot his sister a strange look at her hurried actions. 

“What? That’s it? You’re not even going to stay for the best meal of your life, baby sis?” Lo’ak crossed his arms, feigning a stern look that was sure to be imitating Jake. Tuk giggled at the hidden joke but shook her head regardless. Her window of opportunity was quickly closing.

“I can’t leave mom and dad alone for dinner.” 

“They’ve had you for five days, surely they will survive your absence for one night.” Already feeling caught in a lie, Tuk avoided her brother’s merciless gaze. She fought the urge to nervously fiddle with hanging beads on her loincloth. Still, the electric excitement prompting her to see Teeysal overcame the small trace of guilt at lying to her brother. There was no other way she would get to see the handsome Metkayina male otherwise. 

“You know how Dad gets.” She shrugged while subconsciously playing with the threads of her new hairstyle. It seemed that the excuse was enough to appease Lo’ak as he rolled his eyes and gave her a knowing look. He did in fact know how protective and even selfish Jake could be when it came to his littlest baby girl. Tsireya was already preparing the fish diligently at the corner of the marui. 

“Yeah yeah, I know. Fine, get out of here.” Lo’ak snorted with a playful shoo of his hand. Tuk wasted no time, quickly bidding them goodbye before running across the wovens paths of the village. The moon was inching closer and closer to overcoming the shine of the sun, luring the clan members to start settling in for dinner and tucking their small Na’vi into bed. 

Her eyes jumbled back and forth across the crowds of approaching figures to smoothly slot herself around or in between them to get by. She let out small squeaks and apologies at the appropriate times but never slowed down her pace. Tuk’s excitement only grew when she was able to see the last stragglers from the hunting party up ahead. She was just about to sprint haphazardly towards them and track down the handsome male when her father’s voice broke through her focus. 

“Tuktirey!” Jake called from her right, pulling in a small canoe with one hand. “Where you going, babygirl?” Jake questioned with a slight undertone of fond laughter. He flicked the thick dreadlocks out of his face to see his daughter better, canoe landing on the sand with a hollow thump.

“Hey Dad, just going out one more time before dinner.” Tuk despised how easy the white lie flowed from her lips. The distant chatter and laughter from the hunting party prickled at her urge to glance over and find Teeysal. Still, she wiggled her toes and focused on paying attention to her father. Jake Sully was a smart man that knew how to pick up on clues. His time in the military had only increased his awareness of the world around him and the importance of picking out tiny details. This attribute had always been one of her favorite things about her father, showing how useful it had been by sharing endless war stories. Now, however, it was becoming a nuisance. 

“Yeah I know you’re anxious to get back out there, kid.” Jake chuckled before gracefully heaving his body up onto the woven pathway. His smile held tender kindness and affection as he looked down on his maturing daughter. “How about I take you out? It’s been a while since the two of us have had some real daddy daughter time together.”

Tuk gulped. The sincere crinkles of his smile coiled her guilt in her gut, but she had been looking forward to this all day. Teeysal had his own responsibilities to tend to and there were few times that Tuk’s time left unsupervised aligned with his leisure hours. She knew it had been a while since her father and her had gone out like usual, but she was growing up and Tuk didn’t always have the same cravings as she used to. 

“I’ll tell you whatever consolation story you’d like to hear.” Jake had a plethora of stories he had produced and related to the stars for his children. There was of course his own story of Earth and how he had come from a star, but further stories consisted of simple fairy tales he had adapted and edited for his kids. Out of all his children, Tuk clung on to the stories the most. There was a whole year where she had Jake tell her the mashup of Rapunzel and Top Gun he had created over and over again. For a story that the ex marine had made up on the fly it became difficult at times to repeat perfectly, especially when his small daughter had memorized every detail. Whenever he would go off script or forget one of the lines, she was known to jump in to correct her daddy. 

Tuk’s sharp teeth nippled at the inside of her bottom lip. The last thing she wanted was to disappoint her father but there would be other nights she could listen to his far fetched stories. 

“Actually Daddy, I kind of was looking forward to going out alone. To be with my thoughts and all that.” Tuk’s soft voice was barely heard above the coastal wind. Jake’s smile wavered and his brow pulled together, accenting his creased forehead. She knew that look. The reminiscing look of a parent that was no longer needed by their child. Being the last one to leave the nest had gotten her very familiar with these poorly masked solemn expressions. 

“Right, of course.” Jake cleared his throat before nodding firmly. The ex marine naturally pieced together a touch front. For a man of such gruff demeanor, he failed horribly at maintaining that composure when it came to his daughters. 

Tuk’s heart ached at the sight of her father, Toruk Makto, softening in front of her eyes. 

“But we will have to go on a different night for sure!” Tuk piped up, grabbing her father’s wide wrist between her dainty hands. “It’s been ages since I’ve heard about the lost princess pilot, afterall.” Her father’s lips quirked up at the sound of her excitement, no matter how feigned it may have been. 

“Of course, babygirl. Whenever you want.” He chuckled before placing an endearing kiss along her stripped temple. Her muscles relaxed at the reassuring gesture. “But make sure to be back before dinner. I don’t want you out too far past eclipse.” 

 She beamed up at him, giving her promise before turning to dart off again. 

“Goodbye Daddy!” Tuk called behind her, hoping the remedial nickname would soften the blow. 

Her father’s wellbeing slipped to the back of her mind smoothly as she refocused on searching for Teeysal amongst the other hunters. Luckily, he was around the bend away from the potential onlooking gazes of Jake and nosy clan members. Teeysal’s cerulean orbs lit up instantly at the sight of Tuk. She took this as her sign to bound over, toppling into his arms. His toned arms pulled her body against his chest tightly and spun them around. Her shorter legs swung out into the air as soft giggles wracked her lungs. 

Teeysal smelt like fish and saltwater but it was an essence that the Sully girl had come to positively associate with his presence. She marveled at how easily he lifted her and twirled their bodies in place, her stomach doing somersaults at the thrilling momentum. The loose curls that had escaped his bun tickled the apples of her cheeks as she pressed her face close to his broad shoulder. 

“There you are.” Teeysal warmly smiled after setting the small Omatikaya girl back on her feet. His broad hand cupped the side of her face sweetly causing Tuk’s heart to skip a beat. 

Ayte cleared his throat, awkwardly third wheeling the interaction. Tuk’s head finally snapped to the side to notice the other Metkayina male. A light blush painted her cheeks when she realized they were in fact not alone, she sent him a gracious smile regardless.

“Hi Ayte.” 

 She tried to detach herself from Teeysal, worried that their cover was completely blown. Tuk went to wiggle her way out of his strong arms and give Ayte a hug as a cover but Teeysal only held her tighter.

“It’s ok. He knows.” He chuckled into her ear while enfolding her in an embrace from behind. Ayte noded and rolled his eyes to confirm the claim. Her cheeks remained a glimmer of pink but she relaxed in his arms at the information. Teeysal’s newfound confidence had come with more frequent physical displays of affection. Small moments that the pair managed to steal away throughout the day were always accompanied with tender forehead kisses and prolonged hugs that allowed her to seep into the warmth of his chest. 

This uncharted territory spun her nerves into a tumbled mess but Tuk couldn’t be more delighted. This intimacy had always been something she had observed in others and yearned for herself. Even as a small child she beamed whenever Jake tucked his head into the curve of Neytiri’s neck or intertwined their mismatched hands together fondly. 

“Yeah and I know when I’m being a third wheel.” Ayte grumbled but there was an undertone of friendly mirth in his tone. A small smile twitched at the corners of his mouth whenever he saw that dumb dopey grin on his friend’s face. “I’ll bring these back myself. See you later, lovebirds.” He chuckled, dragging off the baskets of fish. 

Teeysal and Tuk called out their respective thank yous while watching the male disappear into the village. It was then that Tuk felt the soft sensation of fingers tracing over her new woven hairstyle and embedded shells. 

“Wow, look at you. They are so much prettier on you.” Teeysal marveled reverently. She couldn’t contain her grin at the compliment. She had been itching to show him since Tsireya had put the first shell in her hair. Warmth flooded along her skin, sending pleasant tingles down to her toes. 

“You like it?” Tuk asked although she already knew that answer as he gently guided her to do a twirl for him. Their eyes met and it was difficult to keep the gleeful giggle from her throat.

“Very much.” Teeysal’s warm voice filled her to the brim with happiness. He always seemed to hold a special kindness in his aurora, especially when around her. Those ocean blue eyes could easily put her into a trance, so crystalline and pure. Every glimmer of emotion visible. 

“Come, come. I want to show you something.” He eagerly grabbed her hand and dragged the girl towards the nearest ilu. The covering moon had begun to signal the beginnings of bioluminescence, bringing a dim glow to fauna and coral underneath the surface. The two didn’t bother finding another ilu, instead opting to ride together. 

Tuk wrapped her arms around his shoulders tightly and blushed as Teeysal hooked one hand around the back of her thigh before they dove into the water. An instant calm settled around her as they were encompassed by the pressure and weight of the ocean. Here in the place where the outside world was deafened and the boy she cared for held her tenderly, Tuk couldn’t think of anywhere else she would rather be. 

They soared along the reef, diving in and out of curved structures of corals and sponges. The sizzle of sloshing water tickled at her flicking ears. Everything was in its full glow, bursting the sealife into radiant colors that danced through the water medium.  No matter how many times Tuk saw it, she never tired of marveling over the beauty of the ocean, especially during eclipse. The sea was a different place entirely, feeling like another planet she could step into within a moment's notice. 

The two na’vi only had to breach for air a few times before reaching the desired spot. 

“Deep breath.” Teeysal instructed. She filled her lungs slowly until they had expanded to the point of pushing against her ribs. The ilu dragged them down towards the substrate until Teeysal released him and motioned for Tuk to follow. Curiosity rose like a swell within her. Whatever it was, Teeysal could not keep the giddy grin from his face. 

She mimicked his smooth undulations, following after him. Despite the commotion of marine life around them, Tuk found herself swerving to catch glimpses of those loose curls that had escaped his bun and were flowing with the water. She had always been fascinated with the Metkayina curly hair, having little representation of its texture in the Omatikaya clan. However, for biased reasons, she believed Teeysal’s hair to be the prettiest. The soft strands were an enchanting contrast to his sharp jaw and high cheekbones. It seemed that Teeysal's entire form was a walking contradiction. Sharp lines and features mixed with gentle eyes and a caring smile. 

Teeysal finally signaled for them to stop, each holding on to the nearest coral structure. Her golden globes swept across the area, in search of the wonder he promised to show. A large hand on her shoulder caught her attention once more. Teeysal pointed up ahead under the curve of a concave rock. It was then that she finally spotted what had him all excited.

Intelligent eyes peeked out from under the rock. The octopus was easy to miss in the haze of marine activity, perhaps its purpose in seeking refuge in the tight space. However, once it had deemed the surroundings clear it began to stretch forth its tentacles in differing directions. Its motions were fluid and controlled as the creature crept from the dark hole. 

It had not been her first time seeing an octopus but her wonder was still ablaze. They were such simple yet intelligent creatures, making them hard to catch on most days. She was satisfied with this surprise, turning to Teeysal and giving him a wide grin that expressed this sentiment. He seemed to almost chuckle underwater, shaking his head softly. 

‘Keep watching.’ He signed.

With a perplexed expression she obeyed. The octopus was out from the makeshift cave and for the first time she spotted a glimpse of something else behind it. More textured skin peeking out from behind different tentacles. Tuk squinted in concentration. Small eyes peeked out from behind the octopus. Their black dots were barely noticeable as the tiny creatures emerged. A plethora of baby octopus blanketed the backside of the mother. 

Were she not already holding her breath, Tuk knew it would have caught at the sight. The juvenile creatures were so small, almost reminding her of the glowing fauna that laced their reefs. They followed the mother, finding refuge and protection between her outreaching limbs. Her heart warmed at the sight. Just like a Na’vi mother sings lullabies and tucks her children away in the marui for the night, this mother had found a safe home for her children underneath the rock. In moments like these, Tuk couldn’t help but recognize how similar they truly were to every other living creature on Pandora. They were all brothers and sisters, looked after by the Great Mother. 

With diligent caution, Tuk reached out one hand, inching closer and closer to one of the tentacles. The mother seemed to watch her for a moment, deciding whether or not the imposing digits were a threat. One tentacle furled out and immediately suctioned to Tuk’s hand. Gleeful excitement raced through her. The texture from the tentacle almost tickled. She was always surprised by how strong their suction truly was. 

Tuktirey turned to the Metkayina boy in victory to show him the accomplishment, but he wasn’t looking at the octopus. Those blue orbs intensely watched her reaction with a fond demeanor. Accentuated by the sparkling freckles around the creases, Tuk couldn’t help but stare back into Teeysal’s eyes. She was oblivious to the retracting arm of the mother octopus, even missing as the mother and juveniles swam away. 

They drew closer, pulled by the intensity of the other’s gaze. However, the depleting supply of oxygen in Tuk’s lungs shattered the moment. She was tempted to ignore the strain in favor of playing out this scenario, but the harsh contraction of her muscles told her there was no choice. Teeysal was quick to understand what was going on.

Grabbed by the wrist she was pulled through the water quickly. Teeysal’s thicker paddle-like tail swished with his body in a pattern that quickly had them gaining speed. The beat of her heart obediently slowed to the soothing thoughts that floated through her mind. Whenever Tuk would feel inclined to take a breath she had learned that distracting her mind with sweet melodies and memories overpowered the urge. 

Teeysal successfully dragged her through the water and up into the bulbous plant, finally giving them each access to an air pocket. Oxygen surged through Tuk’s lungs in an audible gasp, but her lips still curved into a smile. The bioluminescence of the plant painted their skin a cool shade of green as they caught their breath. 

“Tuk! Are you alright?” Teeysal’s worried tone was only white noise to the joy that tickled at her heart. 

“That was so amazing! Did you see all the little babies?!” Tuk words tattered on the edge of a squeal as she beamed back at the Metkayina boy. His troubled expression softened into that of fond chastisement as he fought back a laugh. 

“Yes I saw them Tuk, but-”

“They were so tiny! Barely bigger than megafauna and yet they still have these beautiful little eyes!” The excited shrill echoed along the walls of the bulbous flower, magnifying her voice. Tuk fondly babbled about the beautiful creatures till her lungs were fighting for oxygen again. It was then that Teeysal finally deemed it time to step in. 

“Tuktirey!” He urgently caught her attention, wide golden eyes staring back at him. “You can’t scare me like that. If you need to breathe you have to tell me.” Although stern, his voice carried a vulnerable tremble to it, showing how much he truly cared for her wellbeing. 

“Sorry.” She mumbled, biting her bottom lip. 

His ears dropped back and a heavy sigh left his lips. 

“It’s my job to take care of you. I don’t know what I would do if something were to happen to you.” Despite the sad words, Tuk’s heart raced as she saw the pure adoration and concern gleaming in his ocean eyes. Butterflies swarmed her stomach as she saw that vulnerability. 

Tuk was used to having people watch over her, whether or not she asked for it. Her father and brothers in particular were constantly protecting her from any harm that could come her way. She was used to watching them scold her for reckless behavior or circle her into their arms in order to shield the small girl from potential threats. On more than one occasion she would roll her eyes at the dramatics and pout at their concern that sometimes felt like a leash. 

However, with Teeysal, it was different.

His protective nature wrapped her in a warm glow, tinting her cheeks pink. A new feeling of admiration settled over her. It was the same feeling that surfaced when she would watch him carry nets full of fish or drag a canoe along the sandy shore. He was a provider and protector and Tuk was more than happy to allow him to fulfill that role in her life. 

“You do take care of me.” Her slim finger cupped his cheek softly. Teeysal relaxed under the touch, apprehension sizzling away with the current. She swam closer and was quickly received in his loose embrace. A strong arm wrapped around her waist, effortlessly helping her stay above the water’s surface. With their bodies so close to one another, Tuk swore he must’ve felt the charged prickle along her skin and the pounding of her heart. Still, she didn’t shrivel away or try to hide it. 

Idle dark blue fingers thumbed at his loose baby hairs, bringing the curve of a smile to his lips. Lips that suddenly caught her attention, her gaze heavy and reluctant to pull away from them. The heat of his own stare bore along her flushed face. When yellow finally met blue again Tuk suddenly realized how close they were. They shared the same warm breath. 

“Hold still.” Teeysal whispered softly. 

Anticipation climbed higher, yanking at her raging heart, but Tuk obeyed as he leaned in even closer. Their noses brushed and the gentle touch had the Sully girl’s eyes fluttering closed. Soft lips met her own, a tender and gentle caress. Tendrils of electricity rippled underneath her skin, breath caught in her throat as he kissed her. She followed his lead, tentatively moving her lips against his. 

It was short, barely more than a few seconds but it still left Tuktirey feeling breathless. Teeysal let out a slight exhale, corners of his lips perking up into a crooked smile. The sight made shuffle closer into his embrace, hands resting on his broad shoulders. 

Tucked away deep in the sea, they had found a sanctuary away from protective fathers and courting expectations. Tuk yearned to stay there forever. Safe and warm in his arms. Her first kiss forever on Teeysal’s lips. 

Tuk stood on the ilu, hands gripping Teeysal’s shoulders to steady herself as they glided along the water’s surface. Teeysal’s lips pulled back into a dumb grin, revealing his sharp canines as Tuk’s carefree singing continued. Her sweet melody held no trace of shame, openly singing for him as they neared the village. Occasionally he would reach back and fondly squeeze one of the hands placed on his shoulders. This action was always met with a slight giggle to intermix with her singing. 

The stars were vibrant, the ocean warm, and the girl of his dreams clinging to him while filling the air with unbashful melodies. Teeysal was confident this was the best night of his life. His heart felt like it could burst at any minute as he recalled the kiss they shared. The soft movement of her hesitant lips against his own. The trust she showed while easily fitting herself into his awaiting arms. He was sure there was no Na’vi happier than him tonight. 

“Your turn, you sing.” Tuk insisted suddenly. Teeysal immediately shook his head. 

“I’m not much of a singer, yawne.” The pet name flowed from his lips effortlessly and Teeysal wondered if she noticed the endearing term as much as he did. 

“That is no excuse.” Tuk giggled mischievously. “I demand you sing.” She feigned a stern tone, using the same unyielding timber her father possessed when telling them off. However, it was anything but intimidating as her light voice strained to deepen into something unnatural. Teeysal’s chest heaved as he laughed freely. 

“Oh really? You demand it, huh?” His neck strained to look up at the Sully girl who still pouted firmly in efforts to exert her power. “And what are you going to do if I don’t, hm?”

“I will…take you down.” Her confidence was slowly slipping between the cracks but Tuk was not one to back down from a game. Even growing up she found herself wrestling with her much older brothers only for them to pin her down over and over again and tickle her till she giggled out pleas for mercy. 

She squealed as Teeysal suddenly reached back and flipped her body over his shoulder. She landed messily on his lap. He latched one arm around her waist before she could try and wiggle away. A playful triumph glimmered along his blue orbs, smirking down at her.

“You sure about that, yawne?” A gleeful chuckle slipped into his tone causing the infectious laughter to yank at Tuk’s own amusement till she was fighting back the urge to giggle. Tuk lunged for him. Pushing his broad shoulder back until he was laying on the ilu. They giggled and shot back firing challenges as they wrestled one another. 

The two Na’vi were oblivious to the closing distance between them and shore, too enraptured with overpowering the other. 

A sharp whistle cut through the night air. 

Limbs entangled in the middle of Teeysal pinning her down against the ilu’s back, they strained to see where the noise came from. 

“Tuktirey!” Jake’s voice shocked the two enough for Teeysal to loosen his grip causing Tuk to unintentionally slide off into the water. She barely let out a squeak before hitting the water. Tuk quickly resurfaced only to spot her father’s ominous figure looming in the moonlight on the beach. Lo’ak sat on a rock beside him, watching Teeysal with a frown. 

“Out of the water. Now.” The deep rumble of his voice effectively prompted her to swim frantically towards the shore. Once back on the sand, Lo’ak helped her up and used his body to block her from Teeysal’s view. The Metkayina boy was already washing up onto shore, hands raised and ready to explain the situation. 

The submissive approach didn’t seem to matter as Jake’s jaw clenched in anger. His rigid posture and heavy breathing was a clear indication to the boy that he had pushed the male too far. Lo’ak’s beady eyes followed his frame while simultaneously stopping Tuk from getting past him to see what was happening. 

“Dad, it’s not what it looks like!” Tuk’s soft voice drawed out in desperation. Jake turned his attention to his youngest daughter with a raised eyebrow. The youngest Sully tried not to shrink under his domineering gaze. 

“You and I will talk about this later.” The words might have well been a threat the way it made Tuk’s stomach do a summersault. Teesyal could just barely make out the shift of her ears pinning backwards. His first instinct was to gather the pouting girl in his arms and find a way to bring her out of the spotlight but Jake was already turning back on him. 

“You seem to have no respect for me or my family, kid.” Jake glowered down at the younger male with a heated intensity, tail swishing violently behind him. 

“No sir, that’s not i-”

“Did I or did I not tell you to stay away from my daughter?” Jake’s clipped tone hung heavy in the air. Tuk was now pushing at Lo’ak to try and get past but her efforts were in vain. 

“You did.” There was no way to lie himself out of this one. Still, Teeysal refused to show any more weakness than was necessary. His blue eyes held Jake’s stony glare with an unyielding determination. This strength went unappreciated as Jake let out an angry huff. 

“Have you or have you not been sneaking off with her behind my back?” 

Teeysal’s heart skipped a beat and the back of his neck broke out into a sweat. How did he know? They had been careful, perhaps not perfect but there was never anyone around when the two set off on their adventures. Tuk peeked over Lo’ak’s shoulder, standing on her tiptoes, and their eyes caught. It was clear she too was confused as to where they had gone wrong. 

But then his eyes grazed past Lo’ak’s expression. 

There was an air of cockiness surrounding that devious smirk and within an instant Teeysal knew who had figured it out. 

“You’re not as sneaky as you think, cuz.” Lo’ak scoffed. 

Jake no longer needed a verbal confirmation. A guilty composure was enough to validate his concerns. A protective wave of emotion washed over him until he was holding back a growl deep within his chest. This boy had the audacity to sneak his babygirl away without permission to God knows where. There was no telling what could have occurred between them. How many ways she could have gotten hurt with Jake none the wiser. 

Worst of all, this boy could hurt her in a way no one else could. 

A broken heart is one of the few things a father’s embrace and protection can not fix.

He knew it was time to intervene before things went any further. 

“I don’t like repeating myself, boy. I warned you once to stay away and now here we are again.” Jake’s gravelly voice deepened into an ominous snarl. Teeysal felt his mouth run dry, trepidation dancing along his nerves till his ears were cautiously flicking against his curly hair. Retaining eye contact had become a true struggle, Lo’ak’s unfaltering attention only added to its difficulty. 

“Daddy it was my fault.” Tuk pleaded, but Jake only held a hand out to signal her silence, his eyes never straying from the Metkayina boy before him. Tuk knew better than to push her father when he entered military mode. 

“I’m only going to say this one more time.” Jake’ jaw clenched roughly like hard steel. “Stay away from my family or there will be consequences.” Teeysal’s gaze finally lost the battle and drifted to stare down at the damp sand. A few stray curls curtained over his temple, ear pinned securely against his head. 

“Do I make myself clear, boy?”

“Yes sir.” He muttered out the phrase half heartedly but Jake didn’t seem to care, he was already ushering Tuk and Lo’ak back up the expanse of the long beach. Reluctantly following with Lo’ak’s arm over her shoulder, Tuk managed one last glance back at the Metkayina male.

Teeysal tried to quirk the corners of his lips upwards into a reassuring smile but he knew the action looked forced. Even with the increasing distance he could see the clear glimmer of unshed tears hazing over her beautiful eyes. He vowed to not have this sigh of her distraught face be their parting image. Call it foolish hope or unyielding stubbornness, but Teeysal was determined to earn his place by her side. 

This time, he would do it the right way. 

Taglist: @valentique​  @creepytoes88​

[riverlikethelake]

A Long Way Home pt.4

Aonung x Omatikayan!Fem!Reader    

Summary – Your parents confront you and Ao'nung, causing an uproar and a stream of regrettable arguments. Your battle with your own identity and emotions gets interrupted by the arrival of humans hunting the Tulkun and your family...

Contains: complex parental relationships, heavy development on platonic/family relationships, fluff, HEAVY angst, Mature language, OOC Neteyam

Word count: 6k (wtf)

pt.1 pt.2 pt.3 … pt.5

will probably only make one more part

Decided that this part had to be as bipolar as my emotions on my period

You both sat in front of the Olo’eyktan and Tsahik, your parents standing behind you, Jake’s grip on your shoulder too tight for comfort.   

Ronal only glared at Ao’nung, which somehow made you feel even more uncomfortable.    

“Listen I'm sure this is just a big misunder-” Jake started but Ronal hissed, cutting him off. “Your daughter needs to stay away from my son.”    

Jake was quick to rectify the tension between the two families. “And she will” you snapped your head to him, betrayal written all over your face. “Dad!” “Y/n. no” He shut you down.   

You shrugged his hand off your shoulder and stood up, “No! You’re my father why can’t you defend me!” “Y/n sit down.” You purse your lips and stare at him, eyebrows furrowed.   

“You cannot even keep your daughter under control.” Ronal spat. Neytiri hissed.   

Ronal looked between you and Ao’nung, “You are not to see each other anymore.” You opened your mouth to object, but Ao’nung spoke first. “No mother” he was standing now. He stepped over and placed himself slightly in front of you. “I do not understand why you insist on keeping us apart.”   

She stared at you; eyes narrowed. “Have you lain with each other?” she asked after a moment, causing the Marui to erupt into chaos.   

“What?! Mother no!” “We have not I swear!” “Y/n is this true?” Neytiri asked, grabbing your shoulder as Jake pulled you away from Ao’nung.   

“It is not! I don’t know why she would think that!” “Mother why would you ask that?!”   

You jerked away from Jake and Neytiri, turning to Ronal and Tonowari but before you could speak, Jake grabbed a hold of your wrist and pulled you back. “Y/n I swear if you have, I will deliver you back to the science guys and keep you there.” His voice was harsh and cut through the bickering of the rest of the Marui.    

You felt your heart drop, before he could say anything else you yanked your wrist out of his grip and turned back to Ronal. “What have I done wrong?” you cried, moving past Ao’nung. You stared at her, eyes pleading as she leaned close, grabbing your hand and displaying your fingers between the both of you.    

“Your origins do not escape me demon.” She hisses in a whisper, “I do not want you near my son.” She says louder so everyone can hear.   

Your chest felt heavy, how did she know? Did Jake and Neytiri tell her?    

You pulled your hand out of her grasp and without thinking you shouted “You are ignorant! You do not know me!” “Y/n!” Neytiri grabbed your shoulder and yanked you back, forcing you to take a knee.   

"I am sorry for the trouble Y/n has caused.” Jake nervously said to placate the situation. “You have brought shame to this family” He hissed in your ear, you felt tears welling up in your eyes. You didn’t overlook the way he only referred to you as your name.   

“Dad you are supposed to defend me!” You said, grabbing his hand and looking at his desperately.    

“Y/n that is enough.” He looks back up to the other family in the room. “Again, I'm sorry for her actions.”   

Neytiri grabbed the hand that was holding Jakes “No daughter of mine would do this.” she hissed.   

Your breath hitched, the tears that welled in your eyes now falling. You saw Neytiri’s gaze soften just the slightest before you tore your arm out of her grasp. You wanted to be back home. Where home was? You didn’t know. You couldn’t live in the biolab, you could only breathe their air for so long. Back in the jungle you had no family, no one who would take you in. Spider was who knows where and you don’t even know how to pronounce the name of the planet your mother came from. Any home you had was now gone for one reason or another.    

Those thoughts you kept in the back of your head, the one about that day, about your mother, about you, all came forth.    

A human orphan living through an artificial body on a planet far away from any blood relative you could have had. You just wanted a home.   

You felt your face go as blank as it could, standing up you backed away. Ao’nung reached out to you, but you didn’t react. “I should have just died on that day at the cliffs.” Your voice cracked, leaving the rest of the sentence in a whisper.    

“Y/n-” Jake reached out to you, but you smacked his hand away hissing. Without another word or look you turned away and ran out.    

You could hear what Ao’nung was telling his parents, that they were unreasonable and overreacting, but you just hugged yourself as you rounded a corner, slowing your pace. You wiped away the few tears that fell and took a moment to compose yourself.   

You know that Neteyam knows what's going on as he was witness to the initial confrontation, but you’d rather keep this from your other siblings as long as possible.   

Neteyam was leaning against the Marui pod, watching you as you came closer. He stepped forward and you could see his expression clearer, Neytiri and Jake were angry, but Neteyam’s eyes were full of venom, he held out his hand revealing the unfinished necklace. “Is this for him?” he asked, his voice firm.       

You stared at the necklace before back to him, your eyes hardened, “You went through my stuff.” you stated, resisting the urge to cry. After everything else he has to go and do this.       

He stepped closer, eyes narrowing. “Is it” another step “for him.” He was face to face with you now, you could see the emotions swirling in his eyes but all you could feel was anger.       

You stared at him before turning and walking away, you needed to be alone, unfortunately you could hear Neteyam following you.       

“Y/n!” he raised his voice, “Answer me” he caught up and grabbed you by the arm, turning you around. By now you were almost on the outskirts of the village.       

Your eyes bore into him. “What does it matter?”       

“You lied to me.” He steps closer. You frowned “I did not.”   

“You said you’d stay away from him.” He recalls. You purse your lips and raise your head “You don’t get to decide who I do and don’t stay away from.”   

“You’ve been lying and sneaking away from the entire family!” He said in a low voice.   

You shook your head “Because none of you could butt out of my business!”   

“He’s not good for you.” He states, “I’ve seen you together” he steps closer, but you take a step back.        

“You don’t know us.” You almost whispered, you were so overwhelmed, you couldn’t be doing this right now.       

"I know enough, and I know you, this isn’t good” he reaches out to place a hand on your arm, but you step away.       

“You don’t get to decide that.”       

“I know this is hard Y/n but you are my responsibility. Tuk looks up to you and we have the entire villages’ eyes on us right now” He maintained.      

“I can’t do this right now” you muttered, everything was pouring in. You couldn’t do this. You turn around and start walking further on the beach, calling for your Ikran.       

“What are you doing?” Netayam asks, confusion and alarm written all over his face.       

You ikran flies above and lands a few feet ahead of you. “I can’t be here right now” is all you say, as you're about to touch Tysia, Neteyam grabs your arm, you turn and see the panic in his eyes.       

“Y/n I know this is hard right now, but Sullys stick together.” He stated, you felt yourself snap.       

“Well, what about Spider?” You know the answer, but you want to hear it, you want to be told what you're thinking is wrong. You can’t keep it out of your head.   

He’s a taken back, not sure how to respond but he settles on “That’s a different situation.”       

You felt anger rising in your throat. “Was it? Was it really? Cause to me it's not.” You could feel everything you kept from saying piling up. “Cause in case you haven’t forgotten; Spider was my brother before you ever were.”       

You watched as he breathed in, controlling his emotions but you read him, seeing through it all. After what Neytiri said, and Jakes threats to send you back to Norm and Max you couldn’t help but wonder if you were the only one unaware of your disposability.   

“So, what's the difference?” You ask, stepping closer. “Is it that I’m Na’vi now? Or is it that I was so pathetic as a kid, and you all liked having something to protect?” The venom that was once in his voice was now dripping from you       

“Y/n that’s no-” you cut him off. “What if I was never sick? Never snuck out with Lo’ak and Spider, or healed and never took over my avatar?”       

His lips parted but he never said anything, he searched your eyes until he eventually replied. “You’d still be my sister.”       

“Then what's the difference?” You shoved your hands in front of his face, “I’m not one of you, I’m not a sully” your hands motioned to your face and the rest of your body. “I’m not Na’vi, and Neytiri has made it damn clear I'm not her daughter so what is it?”       

You got right in his face. “What makes me your sister?” You were barely loud enough for him to hear you, the venom you had before now gone, only desperation left. You wanted a reason, something that solidifies your place in the family.   

Your entire world was crossing a thin tight rope and all you wanted was a glimpse of a safety net beneath you.   

You watched him, his eyes, he sought an answer, but he couldn’t say anything, his breath hitching every time he gave up on a thought.       

After a moment, you could feel the light draining from your eyes, you grabbed the necklace from his hand and held it up. “For the record, I wasn’t making this for Aonung” you took a step back, fighting the twitching of your lips, “It was for you. Since our birthday is coming up” a bittersweet smile taking over your face.       

You saw the realization hit Neteyam, how he tried to speak but still couldn’t find what to say, before he could you continued. “But y’know I don’t think it's necessary anymore.”       

You looked down at the necklace. You looked back up, deadpanning before you ripped the necklace, beads and thread falling to the sand. “I’m not your fucking sister.” Your voice cracked, blinking away tears, breaking your blank slate.   

You regretted it as soon as you said it, your heart was heavy and your hands were shaking, but strangely you felt like you needed to say it. Something in you had been screaming all this time and it was finally silent.   

You backed up and mounted your ikran, taking off before anything else could happen.       

You didn’t fly far, to the top of the mountain on the island. Hot tears streamed down your face, when you unmounted, your legs gave out and you fell to the ground, guttural cries spilling out. You hunched over, your body wracking with sobs. You let it all out, screaming and punching the ground. Tsyía nudged you, then gently laid her neck on top of you as you cried. Dirt smushed under your fingernails as you dug them into the ground.        

You didn’t have anyone. You weren’t a Sully, and you didn’t have a home.   

It was an ugly truth, even when you took over your avatar you were still just a stray cat, now just with a better excuse to hang around. You didn’t want to believe it, with the sweet words from Neytiri and group hugs from the others, you felt like you belonged, but you always knew in the back of your mind.   

You had Spider for a few years, two orphaned humans together on an alien planet, but then you weren’t human and seemingly had everything he wanted. Resentment is an easy hill to die on. And the Sully’s took you in but that was it. You’re still that orphan girl sitting in the lab, watching everything unfold from afar.  

You continued to cry even when you ran out of tears, you sat at the edge of the cliff cuddled against Tsyía.        

You heard footsteps approaching you, but you didn’t have to energy to acknowledge them.       

Aonung sat next to you, crossing his legs.       

Without looking at him you spoke quietly, “What if we just... left...” your head tilted back hitting Tsyía’s body, “I know you have your responsibilities but what if you didn’t and we just” you lift your hand up and flip it towards the ocean. “left....”       

A beat passed “It's a stupid idea” you confessed.       

Another beat       

“They're looking for you.” He broke the silence       

“I bet they are”       

“We can still see each other though, it won't be as often, and we’ll have to be a lot sneakier, but we can make it work” He placed his hand over yours, his gaze never leaving you.       

You stayed silent, thoughts running through your head, yet your mind felt blank.       

“They’d miss you” he spoke again. “If you left.”       

You turned your head away from him. “They would just feel like they’d have to.”       

“They love you.”       

“They feel responsible for me.” A tear fell down your cheek.       

You felt him staring at you, waiting for some type of explanation.       

“I’m not” your voice cracked, “I’m not their family” you pursed your lips together when you felt them quake.        

He scooted closer, his hand that was on yours now intertwining your fingers. “I know you're not by blood, but they still see you as theirs.” he reasoned.       

You shook your head, “No, they just...” you stopped. You didn’t know how to tell him.        

But what's the worst that could happen? He's disgusted and leaves? What's another heartbreak, you can get on Tsyía and never look back.       

You take a deep breath    

“I am not... Na’vi” you almost whispered. You didn’t have to be looking at him to know his confusion. “When the humans were expelled from earth originally, a few humans who were on my clans side stayed behind.” you took a deep breath. “My mother included.”       

You didn’t dare watch his reaction, looking forward to the ocean and continuing your story. “She was sick when she went into labor.” the lump now felt like bile. “Norm and Max couldn’t save her. I was born too early and got sick, I survived but it had a lasting effect on my body.”       

You tried to keep yourself calm, lips trembling. “One night before the eclipse, Lo’ak and Spider snuck me out to go exploring, but without Neteyam or Kiri, we didn’t keep track of time and wandered too far...We were climbing up these boulders by the cliffs, and I fell...”       

You swallowed, your hand came up and ghosted at your chest, tears stung your eyes as you spoke in just barely a whisper. “I still remember the feeling of my chest being sliced open.”   

His gaze on you is intense, but you still don’t dare to look, scared of what you’d see.       

“They tried to help me, but it got dark.” You started to compose yourself, “By the time we were found and taken back to the lab I was coughing up blood and running a fever.” you pursed your lips. “They had prepared me an avatar years before, I’m just lucky they were able to transfer my consciousness in time.”       

After a moment, finally, you looked at him. His expression unreadable, as always, a frown on his lips and furrowed eyebrows.       

“I wish it never happened.” You cried out, tears falling down your cheeks again “I wish I was still human living with the lab guys, sharing a cot with Spider and Norm fussing over our oxygen pods” Your voice cracked, and you heaved in heavy breaths of air, tears spilling out. “I just... I can’t keep being the outcast” His grip on your hand tightened.   

You turned back to the ocean and wiped the tears from your eyes, leaning into Tysia.   

“You heard what Neytiri said. I’m not one of them” you held out your hand in front of you. “I’m not even one of you...” you whispered. You observed the silhouette of your hand against the slow sunset.   

You sucked in a breath when he took your held out hand in his, bringing them together he placed a kiss on your fingertips. You watched; he held your gaze.       

He scooted closer and you turned to face him.    

“I see you”    

You stared at him, another tear you were holding back falling. He leaned in and kissed it, pulling back he was only inches away from your face. Your eyes bore into each other until you leaned in ever so slightly, taking the hint he kissed you.       

His lips were soft, gentle. One of his hands let go to cup your cheek. Again, when you pulled away you two stayed close.        

“Let’s go.” he whispered, you tilted your head in confusion and he elaborated. “Let's do it, let’s leave.” He stood up, you followed confused.   

“Aonung, I can’t ask that of you, not realistically” you shook your head.       

“Tsireya is Tsakarem, she will find a husband worthy of being Olo’eyktan and all will be well.” He assured.       

You shook your head, you wanted it yes, but you couldn’t.   

“This is your clan, your home-” you started but he cut you off with a smirk. “Hey, you did it, surely I could too”       

You paused before chuckling, falling into his chest, he wrapped his arms around you.        

“You’re so dumb” you murmur   

“Yeah, well you fell for me so who’s the dumb one?” that made you laugh more, you wrap your arms around his neck pulling him closer. He nestles his face into the crook of your neck and holds you there for a moment.   

“I don’t care that you were once humans Y/n.” He whispers into your ear “You belong here, whether that be in the forest, this reef, or with those weird science humans” he pulls back just enough to look you in the eyes “but I want to be there with you, I want to belong with you.”   

You place a kiss on his cheek.    

-   

You were embarrassed by the scene you caused in front of Ronal and Tonowari, but you don’t regret it. Ao’nung apparently caused an even bigger scene once you left, blowing up at his parents and storming out after you, he ran into Kiri who asked where you were, leading to them putting two and two together and her giving him a ride up to your spot.   

You didn’t want to go back to the village, scared of running into someone, but Ao’nung convinced you to at least sneak down for some dinner.   

You hid behind a Marui while Ao’nung slid through the crowd to grab you some food, he was almost back to you when Lo’ak stopped him.   

“Ao’nung, have you seen Y/n? Mom and dad are worried sick and Neteyam won’t say anything.” Ao’nung stared blankly for a moment, unsure of what to say.   

“She will be fine, tree climber, she is strong” He assured hesitantly, Lo’ak nodded, patting his shoulder before stalking back to the dinner circle.   

He waited until no one was paying attention to slip into the shadows, handing you your dinner. “What did I say forest girl?” he smirked. You rolled your eyes and sat down, grabbing bits of your food. He sat down next to you “You cannot hide forever” he nudged your arm.   

“I can try” you said with your mouth full, causing it to come out muffled. He chuckled and picked at your food with you, you pushing him away when he took a rather large bite.   

-   

You don’t know how Tsireya or Kiri were so in tune to what you and Ao’nung were doing, but by the time you slipped into the Marui, Kiri was sitting there, assuring you she’d vouch for you coming back in the morning and that Tsireya would wake you up early, so you’d be up and out before anyone was awake.   

It all went smoothly until you were sneaking out of the pod, light barely filtering in, when Tsireya yelped, causing you to turn and see Neteyam leaning on the far side of the pod, glaring at you both. You stood frozen for a second, holding his gaze, you turned to walk the other way but he rushed up on you, grabbing your wrist.   

“You’re not running away again Y/n.” His voice was strong, demanding, but there was something else in there only you could hear. Panic, desperation, fear. Neteyam is good at hiding his feelings when it comes to ‘what he wants’, like how you knew he wanted to go home just as much as everyone else but he didn’t complain once.   

You sucked in a breath, shaking your head. “Neteyam please-” “Y/n I won't let you-” “Neteyam please!” you almost yelled, trying to stay as quiet as possible. You looked at him, the bags under his eyes almost as heavy as yours.   

“Please I just...” You sighed “please...”   

He searched your eyes before letting go, but before you could walk away, he placed a hand on the back of your head and pulled you close, placing a kiss on your forehead before turning and walking into the pod.   

Your heart hurts.   

You hold your breath as you follow Tsireya to a secluded cave Kiri suggested you stay in until you’re cooled down and ready to face the family.   

Could you still call them your family?   

You tried not to think about it, your head still hurting from last night.   

You stayed in the cave, laying down and drawing your fingers through the water. Kiri and Tsireya would come to keep you company until Ao’nung showed up, you laid your head on his shoulder as you talked about... anything.   

He told you about the attacks on the villages nearby, how it was Na’vi in military uniforms and a human boy who spoke the language.   

Spider   

You asked him to elaborate but that was all he heard from his dad, Spider was alive, but he was being hauled around by the humans, now Na’vi? As a translator... You knew his father was one of the men to come back, hopefully that was enough to keep him away from their bad side.   

“They’re coming after us...” You whispered, Ao’nung held you close. Quaritch knows your face, and Kiri, Lo’ak, and Tuk’s...  

fuck   

-   

You didn’t intend to leave the cave anytime soon, but when Tsireya insisted you and Ao’nung come with her follow Lo’ak you were worried and called for your Ilu immediately.   

And seeing your brother bond with a Tulkun, an outcast at that was not what you expected. Tensions were high with Neteyam being present, but you ignored it, focused on Lo’ak.   

You were also incredibly uncomfortable as Tonowari scolded you all in the pod for letting Lo’ak bond with Payakan, you cringed as Lo’ak spoke back to Tonowari, tensions between the two families were already too high right now.  

You listened to the story about the Tulkun, but your brain was still fuzzy, mind cluttered with anxiety and heartbreak.  

Lo’ak stormed out of the Marui, Tsireya following after him. You eyes trailed them until they were out of sight, as you looked back you locked eyes with Neteyam. You quickly stood up and walked out before the focus could change.  

Instinctively, you found yourself walking towards your Marui, your heart seemed to weight down. You were only a few steps away from the entrance, so when Jake walked out, you didn’t have the time to react and walk away.  

The look of relief that washed over his face when he saw you poked at your heart, he stepped closer, placing his hands on your shoulders to examine you. “Y/n baby are you okay?” his hand moved to your arm, pulling you closer. “Where were you last night?”  

You pulled back and looked down, “I came back, you were all just asleep by then” you mumbled “not the first time it’s happened.”  

You heard him sigh, he observed you. “Y/n i wanted-” he started but you interrupted “I don’t wanna talk about it right now…”  

You watched you, hesitantly he put his hands down “Be back before curfew.” You knew he wanted to say more, yell at you, hold you, scold you, but you guess he saw how tired you were, how you were barely holding it together as is.  

-  

Ao’nung holds you as the village starts to quiet down, sitting on the beach slightly hidden from the village. He tells you stories as you lay your head on his chest, Metkayina legends and folklore, how his father fought and killed the Akula. In return, you tell him about growing up in the lab, Spider being your brother and adjusting to life after you took over your avatar.  

“Max likes to tell me I'd be smaller than him if I stayed human, but I think he’s just still not used to me being Na’vi” You giggle.  

“Was it weird?” He asks. “Being so much taller and able to breathe the air?”  

You think for a moment “It definitely took Norm a couple months to stop reminding me about my air filter, and being almost as tall as him and Max? I would NOT shut up about it” you recall, giggling. 

He fiddles with your fingers, seemingly memorizing every detail. You talk a little more, you tease him and he throws sand on your face until Rotxo comes running up.  

“Ao’nung Y/n come back to the village now, something has happened!” was all he said before turning on his heal and running back. You look at each other before scrambling up and running to the village.  

By the time you made it, the Metkayina were demanding war, the humans had crossed the line and killed Ronal’s spirit sister. You and Ao’nung looked at each other, grief filling both your eyes. You didn’t have a spirit sister, but you saw firsthand the connection that the Metkayina held with the Tulkun.  

Jake grabs the tracker from Neteyam’s hand and stands on the rock in the middle of the room, he held it up making everyone go quiet. “Tell the Tulkun that if they’re hit with this, they’re marked for death.”   

You slip your hand into Ao’nungs, you look around the room, Tsireya was on the verge of tears, Lo’ak and Neteyam seemed to be lost in thought.  

The humans are here  

The RDA is here and they’re going to take me away  

They're after Jake, they’re after the family  

My family  

You feel yourself start to hyperventilate; your heart pounding in your ears.   

Ao’nung tightens his grip on your hand, grounding you. The first thing you notice is Lo’ak slipping away from the crowd, with adrenaline already pumping through your veins, you go with your gut feelings and go after him.  

You don��t even pay attention to the fact that Neteyam was walking right beside you, you were both too focused on your brother.  

“Where are you going little bro?” Neteyam called out as Lo’ak slipped a saddle onto his Ilu.  

“I’m going to Payakan, he’s an outcast, no one will warn him”   

You and Neteyam step closer until you're both right in front of him. “Brother it is too dangerous” you insist, Neteyam places a hand on Lo’aks head “bro, why do you always make things so hard?”  

Lo’ak scowled “No. You mean why can’t I be the perfect son like you?” he slapped his hand away “Well I’m not you!”  

Neteyam glares at him moving closer, but you placed your hand on his shoulder, instinctively he placed his on top of yours and stepped back, glancing back at you.  

“I’m going after him, he’s, my brother.” Lo’ak turned to leave but Neteyam grabbed him, turning him around.  

“Hes your brother? No, I'm your brother.” He got right in Lo’ak’s face, you watched the two boys glare at each other before you stepped forward.  

“Please both of you, calm down this-” “And you” Lo’ak interrupted you “I haven’t seen you in days, I’m not stupid, I know what happened, but you still insist on hiding from me!”  

You sucked in a breath, before you could speak, he turned around and jumped in the water, Neteyam following after him. Tsireya, Rotxo, and Ao’nung came into your line of sight “He’s going after Payakan!” you briefly offered before jumping in after the two boys.  

You followed him to Payakan, Kiri and Tuk tagging along after you passed them, but your heart dropped when you spotted the tracker on the Tulkun. You all tugged on it as hard as you could, but it wasn’t budging. Neteyam had the idea of using the Ilu and got the tracker out barely in time. The ship was now almost on top of you.   

You all dive underwater, hiding in the kelp, you feel safe, but when you watch the submarines that release from the ship, you panic.  

You dodge the machines easily until one jump out from the side and grabs a hold of your Ilu, throwing you off it and leaving you stranded.   

You swam forward, trying to find a place you could hide but you feel your heart drop when the hand clamps down on your ankle.  

You squirm and try to kick yourself from its grasp. Just as the other arm reaches for your body, Neteyam crashes his Ilu into the glass of the submarine, covering its vision. As it’s grasp lightens, you shake your foot out and Ao’nung swims by, grabbing you and pulling you onto his Ilu.   

You wrap your arms around him, heart still beating impossibly fast. You make eye contact with Neteyam before you disappear further into the forest of kelp.  

You needed to talk to him  

Your Ilu catches up and swims next to you, you take a moment to transfer back to her. You look to Ao’nung, after a moment you both nod and go separate ways.   

You swim around, avoiding the lights from the machines until you see Tuk fly off Kiri’s ilu. You rush over and grab her, you spot Tsireya swimming into one of the plants, so you follow her. You break the surfaces and your Ilu swims away as you hold Tuk close.  

“Tuk are you ok?” you gasp, moving her hair to get a better look at her  

“M’fine Y/n” She murmurs, obviously tired from the events. You take a moment to catch your breath, but you scream as Lo’ak suddenly breaks the surface.   

“Y/n, Tuk, Tsireya are you all alright?” he asks, you all nod in confirmation as he looks down, lights approaching. “They’re coming, we need to go!”  

You take a breath and swim out from the plant and away from the lights, holding Tuk’s hand tight. You only make it so far before a net wraps around you. You fight and kick, trying to get out but it only tangles you further.  

Lo’ak holds onto the net as you get pulled up to the surface and in the air, he tries to cut the rope, Tsireya and Tuk crying for him to help, but you’re dropped onto the ship before he can free you.  

Before you can even stand,you're being yanked up by the marines. 

“Y/n! Lo’ak!” You looked up to see Spider being held back by the ship crew.  

“Spider!” You cried, you reached out to him but the marine holding you pulled you back by your queue, causing you to hiss. 

“Cuz, are you ok?” Lo’ak asked calmly, Spider nodded before Quaritch ordered him to be taken back into the ship. Before you can call out to him again, you’re being pulled to the side and bound to the railing. The avatars stand behind you holding guns, your heart starts to beat fast. 

Tuk starts sniffling, you look over to her and scoot closer, “Tuk it’s gonna be ok” you whisper, and you move your arm over her head to hold her in your arms against your body. She scooted closer, cuddling into you. 

The others were still being hunted underwater, you remembered, you looked to Lo’ak, locking eyes with him. He was way calmer than you, but you could see the fear in his eyes. 

“It’s dad! They’re here!” Tuk shouts, you snap your attention to the water, a fleet of Skimwings approaching. You could only see so far, but you were able to spot Jake in the front lines. You notice Neytiri flying above, but you decide to not point it out.  

After a moment, Quaritch grabbed Lo’ak throat microphone and his earpiece. “Sully, I have your kids. If you come alone, you can protect them.”  

You hold Tuk tighter. You watch the marine grow more agitated at the lack of response before speaking into the microphone again “I need an answer sully” he raises a gun up to Lo’aks head, you hiss and jerk towards him, one of the avatars yells for you to stay put and points a gun at you. 

“I took you under my wing Sully, and you betrayed me, betrayed your species. You killed good men and women, I will not hesitate to execute your kid.”  

Your hold on Tuk tightens, you stare out to the fleet and watch as Jake moved closer, the others staying behind. 

Your heart pounds in your chest, you look to Lo’ak who still had the gun pressed to his head, you resist the urge to glare and hiss at Quaritch. It’s only a couple seconds, but it feels like an eternity as Jake inches closer. 

Suddenly, Payakan jumps out of the water, landing on the boat. Your restraints are the only thing that keep you from flying off the boat, you watch as the soldiers fight against Payakan and the fleet behind Jake starts moving towards the boat, ready to attack. 

The attention was now off you and your siblings, the crew and soldiers deployed to their stations to attack, leaving the deck you were bound to empty once Payakan was back in the water. You leaned down to gnaw at the restraints, using your fangs to cut at them. Your fangs are sharp, but they barely make a sent in the material. 

“Neteyam!” Tuk calls out, you look up, relief flooding your chest and Neteyam sneaks towards you. He quickly cut Tsireya’s restraints and moved to cut Tuk’s 

“Neteyam” you whispered, he looked at you, pausing his movements, knife against your restraints. “Neteyam i’m so sorry I don’t know why i-” the words started to spill out as your eyes stung, fighting tears. 

“Hey hey no” He cut your restraints and pulled you into his arms “it’s not your fault.” 

“I didn’t mean what I said I really-” “I know y/n, I know” his voice was soft “you’ll always be my sister” he placed a hand on the back of your head. 

He placed a chaste kiss on your forehead before moving on to free Lo’ak. You look at the interior of the ship. Spider is in there. 

As if reading your mind, Lo’ak spoke “We have to go save spider” Neteyam turns, Lo’ak takes a gun from one of the soldiers lying on the floor. “he’s still in there we have to save him!” 

Neteyam pursed his lips and nodded, you follow them as they sneak into the ship. 

You can’t help the feeling of dread that settles in your gut. 

[lanasblood]

𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐘 | 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

NETEYAM X FEMALE READER

summary: after fate brought you to awa’atlu and you felt hope for the first time in so long, the sea became the lonely witness of a bittersweet love, making you quickly realize how life withers as fast as it blossoms [takes place five years after the events of atwow]

chapter 0: prologue (incl. audio element) chapter 1: skyracer (4.9k) chapter 2: sun may shine (soon) chapter 3: take care of you (soon) chapter 4: nights in white satin (soon) chapter 5: nothing is lost (soon)

content: a mix of former-enemies to lovers and star-crossed lovers, major character death(s), mention of incurable illnesses, grief, war, skypeople, alcohol, parties, melancholy, life and death, nsfw (minors dni), boyfriend!neteyam, mention of past relationship(s), takes place after atwow, all characters are aged up, will probably have two endings but we'll see, very angsty, like very very angsty, please don't read if you're uncomfortable with the topics mentioned above.

genre: hurt/comfort, a bit fluff, lots and lots of angst

warning: this story will make you cry. please read at your own risk.

comment if you’d like to be added to the taglist 💗

© 𝖫𝖠𝖭𝖠𝖲𝖡𝖫𝖮𝖮𝖣 2023 — please do not copy, modify, steal, or translate any of my works on any platform.

[josiesullysblog]

His Prize

~AGED UP Neteyam x Na’vi reader

~DarkNeteyam, explicit content, CNC?? Characters aged up to, 22

~Proofread?- no

~Summary-Neteyam is in love with [Y/n], although they aren't in a relationship.

~Note-Everything that happens is consensual!!! Wanted to make that clear before you read, hope you enjoy it!!

***

Neteyam loved a good challenge. He loved being able to showcase his talent, loved hearing the praises everyone would say, “Wow Neteyam you're so advanced for your age!” or, “I think you might be better than your father!” whatever compliment it was he thrived off it.

Neteyam at a very young age understood that one day he’d become the leader of his clan. His father always said, “A strong leader always has a stronger woman behind him,” he took these words into account. He knew if he ever wanted to be a great leader, better than his father he’d need the perfect mate.

He thanked Ewya that his parents never arranged a mate for him, allowing him the freedom to pick his own. Although his parents did push a certain girl. Kya was cute, she was everything a man would want in a mate, submissive, and always did what was asked of her, but Neteyam didn't want that.

He liked fighting, he wanted to break his mate and watch the fight leave their eyes as he finally claimed them as his, he wanted a prize. He’d, of course, treat them with the respect a woman deserves to have, but he knew no girl here would put up any fight. They’d willingly want to come to him, they’d fall to their knees begging for him. This changed when he met you.

You were like a firecracker. Always had something slick to say, never let anyone step all over you, it was a match made in heaven. Neteyam was going to break you, make you regret meeting him, but at the same time save you. Save you from your boring life and show you the real world.

“What are you looking at?” you gave him a stank look, and he smiled, “You,” you just laughed as you got up, “i’m too bad for you, I wouldn't want to taint Toruk Makto’s golden boy.” you walked off swinging your hips.

Neteyam's smile deepened, you truly believed you were worse than him? This was going to be fun.

You were bored. You had the same schedule every day, nothing new, and you were longing for something. Anything to finally make you feel content. You longed for something, and Neteyam was going to make sure you knew it was him.

“Hey, Teyem,” Kya smiled at the boy. Neteyam’s eyes were on you, he watched as you made bracelets, “hi, Kya,” the girl blushed. Usually, the boy only said hi and then left but today he said her name, “I was wondering if you needed help with anything!”

Neteyam looked at her, “Anything?” her breath hitched, “anything,” it came out as a whisper, “Hm, aren't you a good girl always trying to help everyone,” his eyes examined her. Her breathing had become irregular, and her mouth was slightly open. Neteyam would be a fool not to notice how the girl was obviously sexually attracted to him.

Neteyam’s eyes fell back on you, “what do you know about her?” Kya looked at you, “[Y/n]?” the boy nodded, “she’s lazy, she never does anything always moping around,” Neteyam wanted to cut the girl's tongue off for speaking like that towards you, but he wasn't stupid.

A girl like Kya was always noticeable in a group. She was often the leader in situations and if he were to kill her people would notice. But a girl like Kya was also a whore. He saw the way her eyes lingered on his brother or other hunters.

If Neteyam were to make a dumb decision and get with her, she’d be tainted. Ruined by someone else because Neteyam knew Kya was no virgin. But [Y/n], although she claimed to be worse than Neteyam, was fresh meat.

Nobody dared mess with her, she always had a rebuttal. Nobody wanted her because she was a handful, perfect for Neteyam. “I see,” Neteyam stood up and placed a hand on the girl's back, “Thank you, Kya,” he then walked away.

Kya’s eyes lingered on you, what could you possibly have that she doesn't? She wasn't afraid to admit, she wanted Neteyam for his title. Imagine her the next Tsahik, she understood she’d need to put an act on. But Neteyam was always looking at you. She had to get rid of you, make Neteyam understand it was her he wanted.

You played with the water in front of you. You were at peace Pandora was so big, and you thought it was sad you might never get to see all its wonderful parts. You were so gone, you jumped up when you heard sudden movement behind you.

“Who's there?” your heart raced as your eyes searched for something moving, “didn't mean to scare you,” Neteyam came out with his hands up. You rolled your eyes, “If you're here telling me I need to go back you have wasted your time.”

He laughed, “i’m not here for such things,” you looked at him, “Then what are you doing out here?” you didn't believe him. You convinced yourself that you could read anybody, but you found it difficult with Neteyam. “I could ask you the same question.”

You huffed, “I asked first,” the boy came closer, “have you always had such a mouth?” your eyes widened, “have you always been so intrusive?” the boy shrugged, “Maybe.”

“Well, I won't be answering any of your questions,” you turned away from him, “a girl with a mouth like yours needs to be tamed.” you turned to him before charging toward him, “You have no right to say I need to be tamed. I am not some toy-,” he cut you off by putting a hand on your throat. It was a gentle yet firm grip, “let me go.”

It was times like these when you remembered your place, that men's strength was no match for you, and no matter how strong you thought you were they could still overpower you. “Why should I? I’ve been here for only minutes and you’ve been nothing but rude toward me.”

You fought in his grasp, “You know if you really wanted me to let go, you’d fight harder.” The boy's grip became harder, “I know you have more fight in you, but I think you like this.”

His smile was wicked, “you like being helpless at the disposal of me,” you shook your head, “then fight,” you tired but he held you tight. “What I thought.”

You didn't want him to know, that this secretly turned you on. He was the only person to put you in your place, it was rare for anyone to do that.

He let go of you, letting you fall to the floor, “I bet if I were to open you up right now, you’d be wet.”

You coughed as you tried putting distance between yourself and the boy, “Don't run, you know you love this,” you couldn't lie you loved every part of this. You never expected Neteyam to be like this, he was so good at hiding this side of himself.

Neteyam bent down to your level, trailing a finger down your leg, “you're so beautiful,” your breath hitched, “so needy,” he laughed. “No, i’m not,” he looked at your eyes you still had a fire in them.

Other girls would give up by now, but not you. You were determined to fight till the end. “I love how you fight me,” he gripped your ankle pulling you in, “it makes it more fun for when I break you.”

“You won’t break me,” his grip became tighter as his smile deepened, “wanna bet?” his other hand traveled to between your legs, “your soaking.”

You fought back a moan, “There's no point in fighting now, baby,” he caught your clit causing a moan to slip out, “Give in to me, you never have to worry again.”

You threw your head back, “never,” Neteyam nodded, “I’ve always loved a good challenge,” he plunged a finger inside you, “so tight can't wait to fill you up!”

You started moaning, and you couldn't hold it back, “that's right baby,” he picks up speed as he feels you tighten around his fingers. He was going fast and you felt yourself coming near, “slow down,” if anything your words made him go faster, “After you cum on my fingers, you’ll do it on my dick.”

Your eyes widen, as you felt yourself let go. Your body twitched as he let go of you, “open wide,” he brought his fingers to your mouth. You moved his hand as you tried to catch your breath, but he grabbed your cheeks and pushed his fingers into your mouth. “See, it's not so hard is it?”

You choked on his fingers till he finally let go of you. He stood up, “Get on all fours,” you knew why he wanted you to. You shook your head, “That wasn't a request,” you looked into his eyes, “Please, just,” he laughed, “are you begging?”

You couldn't believe it yourself, “I just need time,” you said as you tried to stand up but he pushed you to the ground, “Play with your nipples.”

“What?” you looked at him crazy, “You heard me. If you want time you’ll listen,” it was such a humiliating thing to ask. Yet you still did it, “look into my eyes,” you looked at his eyes, “Look at you, such a slut for me,” you rolled your nipples as he degraded you, “I shouldn't be so nice to you,” he said causing a shiver to roll down your back.

“Please,” you said as he put his foot between your legs, “grind,” it just kept piling up. You did what he asked, “No one will ever see you like this,” you nodded as you felt yourself near, “I’ll give you a week, every night I expect you to edge yourself.” he got down to your level.

“If I find out someone else has touched you, or you’ve come without permission I will fuck you for everyone to see,” you nodded as he stood up and walked away, “be a good girl.”

You laid back thinking about what just happened. That boy was going to be the death of you.

Kya watched as you helped the elders put boxes away, “is that all?” you smiled at them, “Yes, thank you, dear!” you walked out deciding to head somewhere else.

Your mind kept going back to Neteyam. The way he handled you was such a turn-on, you smiled thinking back to it. You did as he asked, besides the no cumming part. What he doesn't know won’t hurt him, you thought as you walked.

As you were walking, a hand pulled you causing a gasp to leave your throat. “What the fuck,” you said yanking the hand away, “if you wanted my attention should've said my name like a normal person,” you looked up at your captor to see Kya.

Kya has an imaginary battle going on with you. Ever since you two were children she always tries to be better than you. She never wins although you don't care enough, you do think it's funny seeing her get all railed up.

“Kya what's your problem this time?” you rub the spot on your arm she yanked you by, it was definitely going to bruise. “Why are you spending time with Neteyam?” you couldn't help but smile. This was over Neteyam?

“Why do you care?” the girl’s nose flared as she spoke, “Please [Y/n], everyone knows me and him are expected to mate,” you shrugged, “I don't keep up with the local gossip.”

“Enough with your remarks! I’m telling you right now stay away from him,” you looked her up and down, “or what? You're going to kill me?” now you probably knew getting her all worked up wasn't the smartest thing but you were bored.

She gasps, “No, I won't kill you, but I’ll do something that makes you wish I did.” you laughed, “Can't wait!” you were starting to get under her skin, “you must be drugged him,” she said, “why would he want a girl like you?”

You didn't know the answer to that, why did he want you? “He obviously doesn't want you, Kya. Grow up fighting me won't make him want you,” she narrowed her eyes at you, “and he so obviously wants you?”

You looked at her funny, “Answer your own question dumbass,” she was becoming increasingly annoying, “I don't know what you did to him, but I promise you I always get what I want.” you turned around flipping her off, “whatever makes you sleep at night.”

The most annoying thing about you was, you didn't care. Kya’s threats were meaningless to you, she knew that. No matter what anyone said, it was like they went in one ear and out the other. She’d never voice this out loud but she was jealous of you.

You didn't need anyone's approval to be happy. Her whole life she’s been fighting for that number-one spot and you don't even try, yet you still got it.

Her parents push her every day to be this amazing girl, who gets all the guys and has all these friends. Your parents love you no matter what. She understood you both had different personalities, your personality was more carefree. You didn't listen most of the time, but Neteyam still wanted you. He doesn't even look her way.

You don't have all the friends she does, you seem happier alone though. You spend your time with the elders, always listening to their stories. She hated you so much she wished she was you.

“Teyem!” she giggled as she watched the boy. He seemed lost in thought but his eyes still looked at her, “Kya,” she smiled, “what are you up to?” he sighed, “Nothing,” Neteyam rarely had a moment to himself. He wanted to kill the girl for interrupting him.

He was imagining what faces you’d make as he fucks you hard. “We should hang out together!” that was the last thing he wanted, “why?” her face flushed, “to get to know each other better, last time we spoke you were asking about that girl-,” he smiled, “what girl?”

Kya smiled, “[Y/n],” She couldn't contain her happiness, maybe she was wrong, and he didn't like you. He sighed, “she's pretty cool,” Neteyam said, “pretty lazy,” Neteyam's head looked at her, “what else is she like,” he smiled at the girl.

“[Y/n] only does things when she feels like it,” Neteyam nodded, “I was just talking with her about how she doesn't deserve a boy like you,” Neteyam’s smile fell, “What?” Kya laughed, “She's so boring, I was only humbling her.”

Neteyam gripped her arm, “what did you tell her?” his gaze became hard. “Huh?” he hit her on the head with his other hand. He dragged her onto a tree. “You better hope she doesn't take your advice.”

The girl cried as Neteyam’s hand grabbed her neck, “Aw why so sad?” he smiled, “Did you touch her?” she shook her head, “No, Neteyam I didn't!”

“So, if I see her, she won't have a mark on her,” her mind goes back to when you were rubbing your arm, “Neteyam I didn't mean to! I was just trying to get her attention!”

Neteyam faked sympathy, “I bet, it was a simple accident,” the girl nodded but Neteyam’s grip got stronger, “let me tell you something,” he looked her up and down, “ever come near my mate again, I’ll rip you limp to limp,” he smiled before letting go.

“I’ll tell everyone! That you did this to me!” she cried from the floor, “did what? They all know you're a whore, these marks on you? They got there because you got too carried away after a fun night, and who are they going to believe? The whore or Toruk Makto’s son?” he smiled before walking away.

“They told me if I keep working hard, I’ll be ready before my birthday!” you smiled at your mother, “My little girl is growing up!” she wiped fake tears from her eyes.

You laughed till you both heard footsteps, “Good afternoon Mrs. [L/n]!” Neteyam said as he flashed a smile, “Neteyam! What a surprise!” you rolled your eyes, thankfully your mother doesn't see. “I was wondering if I could borrow your daughter for a little bit?”

Your mother nodded, “That's alright with me!” you stood up, “See you later mom,” You kissed her and walked ahead of the boy. “Such a good boy in front of others,” you said when the boy caught up to you, “always, my in-laws need to know their daughter is in safe hands.”

You looked at him, “In-laws? So soon?” he laughed, “Oh, you’ll learn with me I like to move quickly,” he nodded, “What if I said no?” he shrugged, “You won’t.”

“How do you know,” he smiled, “because i’m the best thing to happen to you.” you hated how right he was, “You always have to be right,” he nodded, “love a quick learner.”

Once you two were a far enough distance his persona changed, “last time we spoke I gave you two rules to follow,” you nodded, “yet you have a bruise on your arm,” he said which made you smile, “this wasn't from a guy, Kya just grabbed me to hard.”

“I said if I found out somebody else touches you I’d be upset, did I not?” you nodded, “no guy touched me!” he smiled, “somebody could be a girl as well, [Y/n],” you pulled your arm back, “it wasn't like that.”

He was this mad about Kya wait till he finds out you came this week.

“You still broke my rule, so now we're going to play a different game,” he gripped you, “it's called tag,” he smiled, “I’ll give you twenty seconds to run, and if I catch you I can do whatever I want you.”

You smiled, “And if you don't?” he sighed, “I’ll leave you alone forever.” you thought about it. “Deal.”

He smiled, “Better get to running, pretty face.” With that, you immediately booked it.

***

HEYYYYY!!! Hope you enjoy this story! So much fun writing about Neteyam in a darker light, hopefully, you all appreciate it!

[neteyamssock]

Not so bad, after all.

╰┈➤ PART IV.

pairing: neteyam x reader/you

summary: when neteyam and you met each other for the first time, they were overwhelmed with feelings they have never felt before.

tags: love at first sight, arranged mateship, forbidden love, etc.

word count: 3.1k

word bank: tsawke = sun

a/n: unedited. will edit later.

TEXT DIVIDER CREDITS TO @/cafekitsune

masterlist

part iii | part v

PART IV.

Neteyam watches as his siblings play in the water while he sits on the sand. You were busy playing with Tuk, diving deep to search for shiny shells and pearls for her braids. In fact, it was you who told Neteyam to rest, and that you’d take care of Tuk and Kiri for him while Tsireya plays with Lo’ak. 

He was not used to it, he’s not built for leisure. However, it didn't seem bad to watch you bond with his siblings. 

Although he still doesn't know what he truly feels for you, he’s content with having fun with you. His mother was right with everything. As long as he knows you're having fun with him, he’s content with that.

He wonders what it makes the two of you now? From strangers to what? Not lovers, but definitely more than friends, right? 

If it was Neteyam from a few weeks before, he probably wouldn't believe what's happening right now. It surely wasn't on his plan to have a… what does dad call it? a situationship? 

Having a situationship in a place he barely knew wasn't something he expected when he and his family left Omatikaya. It has all been confusing, but all he knows is that he feels happy when you're near.

Dealing with discrimination from people like Ao’nung is rough, but you easily made it all worth it. 

What worries him is your supposed arrangement with Ao’nung. Although he knows you do not have any feelings for the latter, what about Ao’nung? Does he like you? 

“Stop thinking so hard, brother. It makes you look older.” Kiri chuckled as she sat beside Neteyam.

Neteyam shook his head. “Done playing?” 

“Um. Tuk seems to love her company though. She didn't wanna leave the water.”

Kiri looked at you and Tuk who’s happily playing on the water, before looking back at her older brother. “Lo’ak isn't wrong you know? You're really obvious. It surprises me, for I never really thought you’d be like this. So… lovestruck…”

Neteyam’s eyes widened. “I’m not lovestruck. Look at Lo’ak, he can't even look away from Tsireya.”

Kiri covered her mouth and stifled her laugh, “Eywa knows you're both the same. The girls back in the forest would be furious to know that the two finest young men have been completely enamored with reef girls.”

Neteyam smiled as he shook his head. He knew that some of the girls in the forest held admiration for him, but he was so used to it. That's why he even began to notice you, because he wasn't used to being ignored and avoided so blatantly like you did when the two of you met. 

He smiled as he remembered the agreement you and him made last night. Perhaps he’ll understand what he feels even more once he gets to spend time with you more.

Kiri looked at his brother and smiled wistfully, remembering a certain someone she hadn't seen for a long time. She missed him so much.

“I say just go have fun, brother. You’d never know when you’ll feel like this again. Perhaps never again. So go for it. Just don't let mother knows.”

“Too late for that. She already know.”

Kiri’s expression morphed into shock. “And you didn't tell me?!”

“I don't think it's really necessary. She just told me things basically same with what you said.”

Kiri pretended to be hurt. “Now I’m hurt. I’m supposed to be the first to know everything!”

“Well, at least Dad doesn't seem to know.”

Kiri giggled. “If mom is on your side, dad’s no longer a problem. You got this, brother.”

“Thanks, Kiri.”

Unknowingly, Lo’ak and Tsireya had disappeared. Neteyam didn't think much about it because he thought the two were probably busy playing around on some corner of the beach. Meanwhile, you and Tuk were already walking back. In Tuk’s hands were colorful shells you picked for her.

“Had fun?” Neteyam hugged Tuk and carried her, smiling as he turned to look at you.

“Yes! She picked a lot of shells for me to weave and put on my braids!”

Neteyam smiled gratefully at you before urging his sister. “That’s so nice. What do you say then?”

Tuk looked at you with a smile as bright as the Tsawke, “Thank you, big sister!”

“You’re welcome, paskalin.” You patted her head and locked eyes with Neteyam for a few seconds before you hurriedly looked away. 

Kiri watched you and Neteyam, rolling her eyes. She’s getting sick of each and everyone of you being so obvious, but too afraid to admit your feelings for each other. She didn’t even know where Lo’ak and Tsireya had gone off too.

“I’ll go first, I need to finish some tasks from the Tsahik. I’m glad Tuk had fun.”

Neteyam smiled at you, before mouthing. See you later.

You silently exited your marui, walking briskly towards the shore, hoping Neteyam was already there waiting for you. The eclipse has just begun, but you were too excited. The reef people sleeps early and rises early, thus you weren’t really worried about someone spotting you. 

To your delight, Neteyam was already there, sitting on the sand, silently waiting for you. You plopped next to him with a wide smile. “Hello there, mighty warrior. Alone? Need some company?”

“I’m sorry but I’m occupied for tonight, a pretty little reef girl asked especially asked for my time.”

“Ah, is that so? What a lucky girl.” You both laughed. Pulling him to stand up, you whistled for your ilu. “Ready to be amazed?”

Neteyam looked at you as he tilted his head. “I’m a mighty warrior, i’m always ready.”

You rolled your eyes and pulled him to sit behind you, your whole body warming up as his arms wrapped around your waist. Closing your eyes, you patted his thigh and ordered your ilu to move forward, diving and speeding through the water.

It didn’t take long for you to reach your intended destination. It was a small floating island not far from the cove of ancestors, with bioluminescent plants and vines growing in it. This was the most similar place to a forest you can think of every time your parents talk about the forest. You know how Neteyam missed the forest, so you wanted share this place with him.

“...This…?”

You smiled, “This is a place I discovered while searching for medicinal plants. I-I hope it’s at least similar to the forest you grew up in…”

Neteyam roamed his eyes, nostalgia apparent in his eyes. “...This place is breathtaking, reef girl…I never knew there would be such place place similar to the forest in the midst of the ocean…”

You watched Neteyam marvel at the beauty of the island, envisioning him in the forest, in his home. You wonder, if not because of the sky demons, would you ever meet Neteyam? Would you cross paths with him in the future, as the Tsahik of the Metkayina and him as the Olo-eyktan of the Omatikaya?

“I’m glad you liked it. I guess this is now OUR secret place.” You turned around, patting the leaves of the plants, making them glow. You can hear Neteyam closing in behind you, his hand snaking into yours.

“Irayo, for showing me a piece of you.” 

You shivered at the heat of his breath in your ears, you turned around to meet his gaze, face too close for comfort.

“Come,” You whispered as you pulled him deeper into the island. After a few turn, a small marui came into your vision. It was the small marui you built in the island so you’ll have a place to stay for as long as you want.

You never expected to bring anyone in this place you consider as your most safest place, a place where you can be yourself with no expectations restraining you. You never thought of bringing Tsireya. Pxasik, you never even thought of bringing Ao’nung here, who’s supposed to be the closest person in your heart. 

“Sit.” You patted the space beside you in the marui. From this position, both of you can see the beauty of the island with your whole eyes. “Oh, Eywa, It’s so pretty.”

“Yeah, pretty like you.”

You flushed, before bursting out laughing. “Why does it sound so funny?”

Neyetam also looked embarrassed, raising his palms up. “It sounds corny, I know. I’m definitely not as good as Lo’ak in this kind of thing.”

You don’t know what corny means, and Neteyam seems to realize. “It means being too unoriginal with your words,”

Throwing your head back in uncontrollable laughter, Neteyam looked even more embarrassed. He never experienced being this embarrassed before. Perhaps since meeting you, he kept experiencing things for the very first time. 

Shaking your head, you mumbled. “It still did its job, so it didn’t really matter if it’s too unoriginal. Only someone like you could pull something like that though.”

Neteyam smiled. This is the first time he was thankful he is good-looking enough. Silence ruled between the two of you, but it didn’t ruin the harmony you have with each other. You didn’t know when you leaned your head on his shoulder, or when his arm wrapped around your waist. 

Looking at the bright stars in the sky, you decided to finally ask. “Neteyam?”

“Hmm?”

“Can you teach me your songchord?”

Both of you know what it means. What significance it has to you relationship with each other, and to the people around you. You know that by asking him this, you are asking him and yourself to make a decision that will change the course of your life forever.  It took a few seconds for him to respond, and those seconds felt like eternity to you. 

“My songchord is long, you’ll get tired singing it.”

“So is mine. I can sing it, Neteyam. I can.”

You felt him shudder, “Very well then. I’ll sing them to you, only if you sing me yours too.”

In his shoulder, you smiled. Your taut body relaxed into his, and his arm around you tightened. As you were about to speak, both of you heard several voice shouting.

“LO’AK!”

Without hesitation, both of you bolted to your ilu, speeding back to the awa’atlu, fear occupying both of your heart for Lo’ak.

“Where were you last night?” It was the first thing Ronal asked you when you entered her healing marui. She wasn’t looking at you, but you knew she’s watching your every movement. You tried hard not to show anything in your face as you answered.

“I couldn’t sleep so I went to the shore and thought about Eywa’s plans for me.”

You heard Ronal sneer, but thankfully she didn’t press on the topic and moved to another. “What did I tell you that day, girl? What happened to watching Ao’nung?”

You closed your eyes. You knew this would come, and you dreaded it. You wanted so badly to scream, but your rationality held your bearings together. “I tried to stop him, he wouldn’t listen.”

Ronal hissed, but you didn’t raise your head. As much as it frustrates you, you respect the older woman as the Tsahik, the matriarch of the clan. She walked towards you, steps quick. You knew that she's a step away from going after your head. “Then what good are you? If you cannot even demand respect from your future muntxatan? If so, then don’t even think about being a Tsahik!”

“He is no longer a child!” You hissed under your breath, finding this situation ridiculous. “I am his future muntxate, not his mother! He almost killed someone! His decisions are his and his alone. His actions spoke for himself, rather than mine. ”

Ronal looked at you with daggers in her gaze, but you didn’t raise your head and remained respectful in your pose. She stared at you for what felt like hours before she turned around. “Very well. You have learned to speak for yourself, no longer a mute that would bend with the waves.”

You remained silent. You knew she wasn’t praising you, but you can feel that her aura has lightened and she was no longer as furious as she was before. You can see her walk around the marui before stopping in front of you. “Look at me, girl.”

You raised your head and looked at Ronal, afraid that she would see through you, and pick up on your thoughts. 

“Take this salve and help my son with his wounds. I’m watching you from now on.”

Holding the jar of salve in your hand, your lips thinned as you walked out of Ronal’s healing marui in quick steps, wanting to be away from the Tsahik’s all knowing eyes. Although against your will, you still walked towards Ao’nung’s marui under the gazes of your clansmen. 

Thankfully, Ao’nung was there, resting. Clearly enough, it wasn’t Neteyam that got the worst out of the fight. Simply thinking about it made you smile.

“What are you smiling about? It’s your fault.” Ao’nung grumbled, sitting up.

You set the salve on the flooring and gave him an annoyed glance. “Now you’re blaming me for your terrible personality and horrible decisions. I wasn’t the one who almost killed Lo’ak.”

Ao’nung gave you a look but you didn’t care and simply applied the salve in his wounds. 

“Ow, it hurts!”

“Then don’t move, skxawng. It’s your fault anyway. Suffer the consequences of your actions.”

His breath quickened. You knew you shouldn’t have said that. His pride wouldn’t take it so well and you knew it. But you still did, because you know the danger Ao’nung subjected Lo’ak into. 

What happened if Lo’ak didn't manage to find his way back? Everyone wouldn’t be in this situation if not for Ao’nung and his friends, who clearly did not have any productive things to do.

“Why are you like this, you’re supposed to be on my side, you know?”

His voice sounded low, genuinely confused. There’s many questions in his eyes you didn’t wanna hear. 

Closing the jar of salve, you replied. “I am on your side, Ao’nung. I tried to warn you many times, remember? I even got myself hurt from trying to stop you. You simply refused to listen.”

Ao’nung shook his head. “Liar. You didn’t even defend me from mother! It must be because of that guy!” He sounded so sure that it almost made you laugh in anger.

“Oh Eywa! It seems that there's no use in trying to reason with you. You refuse to listen, and the Tsahik cannot fault me for that.” You stood up to leave, but he held your arm.

“So it’s true! You doing this for him! You didn't even deny it!”

“You almost killed someone, Ao’nung!”

You're at the end of your patience. With force, you took your arm out of Ao’nung’s grip and glared at him. “I do not understand you, Ao’nung. Grow up.”

Without waiting for his response, you walked out of his marui and walked quickly back to your own, heaving in anger. 

“Sister? Why are you so angry? What happened?”

You didn't notice when Tsireya appeared on your side, but her mere presence immediately eased some of your anger. You often wonder what Eywa was thinking when she created Tsireya and Ao’nung, so different from each other.

“Ao’nung happened. That's what.” You huffed, earning a sad laugh from Tsireya. She must be pretty shaken up too, knowing how close she is to Lo’ak. She grabbed your hand and held it tightly.

“I apologize for my brother. He’s a knucklehead.”

Knucklehead? “What’s a knucklehead?”

Tsireya giggled as if waiting for you to ask that question. “Lo’ak said it means a stupid person. Ao’nung is a knucklehead.”

With a chuckle, you nodded a few times. “Right. It does fit. He’s a knucklehead.”

Of course it didn't escape your eyes how Tsireya glowed in mere mention of the second sully boy’s name. Most of the anger you felt was gone, so you smiled and decided to prod a bit deeper this time. 

“How is he? Is he okay?”

Tsireya sighed. “Thank Eywa, he’s fine. He said he faced an akula. Poor boy,”

“An akula?!” Your anger at Ao’nung came to life again. You cannot wrap it in your head how reckless Ao’nung was in leaving a defenseless boy in the middle of the ocean. Knowing Lo’ak was almost at Eywa’s doorsteps, your blood boiled.

“Ao’nung that skxawng! I’m going to kick him! I’ll take him to apologize again!”

Tsireya pulled you back. “Let them sort it out themselves, tsmuke. Ao’nung is no longer a child. As for Lo’ak, he said something saved him. He didn’t tell me what it was, he said he’ll tell his story tomorrow.”

You looked at Tsireya and sighed. If Lo’ak’s beloved says its okay, then it’s okay. You trust Tsireya. Now that she had almost lost Lo'ak, you wonder if they had made it official. “So, is it official? Lo’ak seems totally interested in you. Even I who’s a bit denser in terms of love, noticed it.”

“Surely, you jest sister?”

Rolling your eyes as you enter your marui, “Do I look like I’m jesting? With your closeness, all you need is to ask Eywa’s blessings.”

Tsireya was quick to reply, “If that is so, then what about you and Neteyam? You must've confessed to each other already, am I right?” 

You choked on your saliva. Tsireya said it in a jesting tone, not expecting for you to react this way. You picked up a woven ball and threw it at her, hissing. “What on Eywa are you talking about?!”

Tsireya dodged the ball easily, scooting closer to you and looking at you straight in the eyes. The amusement in her was gone, replaced by seriousness that made you nervous. “Sister, I saw you.” 

Your breath hitched as chill crept up your spine. You weren't able to respond, and she doesn't seem to mind as she continues. 

“...You look really happy with him. I have never seen you smile like that before.”

It was as if you couldn't breathe. She saw it. She saw you. She saw you with Neteyam. She saw you with an unmated male na’vi in the dead of the eclipse. 

Tsireya took your hands into hers, feeling your cold and shivering hands, she whispered. “Do you like him, tsmuke?”

You stood up. You wanted to deny what Tsireya said, but you cannot find your voice as your promise to Neteyam echoes in your ear. 

 I can sing it, Neteyam. I can.

“...So what if I do? What if I like him?”

“Like who?”

It was Ao’nung who interrupted your conversation, and you felt your breath escaping you.

[lloyd-007]

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