notes: reader is said to have hair... sorry if you're bald! barely proofread!
word count: 2.6k
The campfire crackled, throwing warm light over the sand.
You leaned back on your hands, pretending to yawn, though your eyes couldn’t stop flicking toward Ao'nung.
He was across from you, arms crossed, staring into the flames with a look that screamed, I totally don’t care, though the set of his jaw said otherwise. “You’re staring,” he said casually, not looking at you.
“Am not,” you replied, a little too quickly. “Just… admiring the fire. Very pretty.”
Aonung snorted, the corner of his mouth twitching. “Uh-huh. The fire.”
“Yeah. Definitely the fire,” you echoed, smirking.
“You’re sitting way too far,” he said suddenly, voice low, and still casual, like it didn’t matter but there was a note in it that made your chest tighten.
“i'm not..” you replied, acting unbothered but your stomach gave a little flip. “I like… space. Plenty of space.”
Ao'nung’s eyes flicked to you, amused. “Space, huh?” He shifted slightly, the firelight catching his profile. “Fine. If you insist.”
Then, after a long pause that made your heart thump a little too fast, he spoke. “Come… sit here.”
Your head snapped toward him. “Huh?”
“Here,” he repeated, gesturing vaguely to the ground beside him. “It’s… warmer over here. And, uh… you might enjoy the fire better.”
You raised a brow, suspicious. “You mean you want me closer?”
He shrugged. “I… didn’t say that.” His lips twitched in a barely there smile. “I just… thought you might like it.”
You hesitated, pretending to think it over, but your mind was already made up. “Hmm… maybe. Could be… nice,” you said, drawing out your words and letting your fingers run through the sand beside you.
Ao'nung watched you carefully, “Could be nice” His tone was teasing, and then, he lifted his hand, two fingers, a small flick of motion.
Come here.
You completely ignored it, still your eyes were on him the entire time.
he tilted his head just slighty, letting out a quiet hum.
Then, he did it again, slower this time.
Your lips twitched, and you shook your head once, just slightly, like you were refusing.
His smirk deepened and he leaned back a little, stretching one arm along the log behind him, opening the space beside him in an unmistakable invitation.
Your resolve lasted about three seconds.
With a quiet exhale, you pushed yourself to your feet and made your way around the fire.
The warmth shifted across your skin as you moved, the light dancing in and out of shadow.
You could feel his gaze on you the entire time.
When you reached him, you didn’t hesitate, you sat down beside him, close enough that your thigh brushed his.
“Finally,” Ao'nung murmured, “You took your time,” Aonung said, voice low,
“You always sit this close,” Aonung spoke again, glancing down briefly where your leg pressed against his, “or is this special?”
You smiled, not even pretending to move away. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
“Too late,” he said easily.
You huffed a quiet laugh, shaking your head, but you didn’t pull away. If anything, you settled more comfortably beside him.
For a moment, neither of you spoke. The fire crackled between you, sparks lifting into the dark sky, the distant sounds of the ocean filling the silence but it wasn’t awkward.
Ao'nung shifted slightly, just enough that his arm, still stretched along the log behind you rested closer.
“See?” he murmured after a while. “Better over here.”
You glanced at him, humming as if in thought. “It’s… alright.”
“Alright?” he repeated, like the word personally offended him.
You shrugged, lips tugging into a teasing smile. “I mean, the company could be better.”
He turned his head then, finally looking at you fully. The firelight caught in his eyes. “Really?!,” he said. “You are sitting pretty close to someone with ‘alright’ company.”
“Am I?” you shot back, leaning just a fraction closer, your tone playful. “Didn’t notice.”
His gaze dropped, just for a second to where your knee pressed against his, then flicked back up to your face. The corner of his mouth lifted.
“You noticed,” he said quietly.
You let out a small scoff. “You are very confident.”
“I am very right.”
You rolled your eyes, but your smile gave you away.
The space between you felt smaller now, like the rest of the world had dimmed down to just the two of you and the fire.
Aonung shifted again, this time not subtle at all. His arm slid from the back of the log to rest behind you properly, not touching your shoulder, but close enough that you could feel the heat of him.
He didn’t look at you when he did it.
“…If you wanted me closer,” you murmured, glancing at him sideways, “you could’ve just said so.”
He let out a quiet breath, something almost like a laugh under it. “I did.”
“That?” you teased, doing the finger motions he did earlier. “That wasn’t even a sentence.”
His lips curved, and this time there was no hiding it. “You came anyway.”
Then you tilted your head, giving him a look. "Yes.. but only because you would’ve kept doing it!"
“would I?” he murmured.
You turned your head toward him, closer than before, your voice dropping to match his. “You practically begged me to come over.”
Ao'nung huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “That wasn’t begging.”
“Oh? What was it then?”
He didn’t answer right away.
Instead, his gaze dropped, slowly sliding down your body, then slowly lifted back to your face.
“An invitation,” he said finally.
Your smile softened, just a little.
“Bold of you,” you replied.
“Worked, didn’t it?”
You rolled your eyes, “You’re insufferable.”
“And yet,” he said, shifting just slightly closer, his voice barely above a murmur, “you’re still sitting here.”
You leaned forward a little, putting the smallest bit of space between you, just enough to make a point. “Keep it up and I might just leave."
He glanced at you, unimpressed. “You won’t.”
You gave a small scoff and pushed yourself up just a little, like you were about to stand. "I will... Watch m-"
You barely got the words out before he moved.
He pulled you back down, it wasn’t hard, just enough to throw you off balance and instead of standing, you dropped right back down beside him with a soft thump, a startled laugh slipping out of you.
“Ao'nung!”
He didn’t let go.
Your wrist stayed in his hand, his grip steady, his thumb resting lightly against your skin.
“You were saying?” he asked, completely unfazed.
You stared at him, half-annoyed, half-amused. “I was leaving.”
“No,” he said simply.
You tried to pull your hand back, but he followed the movement just enough to keep hold.
“That’s not up to you,” you shot back.
His lips curved, just slightly. “Seems like it is.”
You huffed, but there was no real fight behind it now. “You’re so.. ”
“Right?” he offered.
“Annoying,” you corrected, a smile on your face.
He leaned back a little, still holding your wrist.
You glanced down at it, then back up at him. “…You gonna let go, or?”
Ao'nung’s lips twitched. “You planning on running?”
“Maybe,” you said, though you didn’t move.
He studied you for a second, like he was deciding something, then, slowly, his grip loosened.
Your wrist slipped free.
Then, his arm came around your shoulders immediately after and he pulled you in.
Your body shifted with the motion, your side pressing fully against his, your shoulder tucked under his arm, your thigh brushing his again.
you shifted, resting your head against his shoulder, eyes on the fire. "you’re still annoying.."
His hand settled against your upper arm, fingers warm, holding you against him.
“Yeah?” he said, voice lower now.
You turned your head just slightly, enough that you were closer, your faces not quite touching, but close enough that you could feel the heat of his breath.
“…Yeah.”
For a second, neither of you moved.
Then Aonung’s gaze dropped, briefly to your lips.
And that was all the warning you got.
He leaned in.
His lips brushed yours in a quick, soft peck.
Gone almost as soon as it happened.
But it lingered.
You blinked, breath catching, your mind taking a second to catch up as you stared at him, still impossibly close.
Aonung didn’t pull far. His forehead almost brushed yours, his arm still around you, like he hadn’t even considered letting go.
Aonung’s gaze met yours, his eyes soft. “…You talk too much,” he murmured, quieter now.
Without thinking, you leaned in and your lips met his, soft at first, testing, then pressing a little more firmly against his.
Aonung’s lips responded immediately, tilting into yours, the smirk from before gone, his other hand came up sliding into your hair, while his thumb brushed your jaw lightly, feathering along your skin, and a shiver ran through you.
When you finally pulled back slightly, your foreheads resting together, you both breathed a little heavier, and his eyes flicked to yours with a small, satisfied smirk.
“See?” he murmured, voice husky, “You can’t resist.”
You rolled your eyes, but your lips twitched. "oh, shut up." you murmured, resting your head against his shoulder again.
He laughed softly, low in his chest, and tightened his arm just a fraction, pulling you a little closer.
The night stretched on, but neither of you moved.. not because you had to stay, but because neither of you wanted to go.
im back!!! for the meantime!
ty for reading i hoped you enjoyed!!
i will also be continuing my love triangle or more like love corner story with reader, Quaritch and Varang soon!
i also have a Tsu'tey story in my drafts curently undergoing major editing that someone requested a few months ago.. so if you were the one who requested it, its coming soon!
Summary: you paint Quaritch’s battle markings, a heated moment sparking a rivalry between you and your sister varang.
Warnings: jealousy, conflict between sisters, love triangle?, slow burn undertones, sensual undertones, flirting, lmk if i missed anything.
Notes: this is something short until i figure out what i want to do for part 2.
Word count: 1.6k
The fire had burned lower by the time you finished mixing the pigment.
Most of the warriors were already marked for battle, Red flame streaks, ash lines, symbols that meant fury and rebirth.
Laughter and low conversation carried across the village but he was still standing there, waiting.
You knew he was.
He stood off to the side again, the firelight rolling across the scars on his chest.
You walked over with the bowl of pigment, pretending you weren’t nervous.
His eyes lifted the moment you approached, slow and knowing.
“Took you long enough, sweetheart.” he said.
Your ears warmed, you tried to keep your voice steady. “You did not ask.”
A corner of his mouth lifted. “Didn’t have to.”
How you felt for him wasn’t subtle and you knew it.
You stepped closer, close enough to see those faint scars across his chest, the healed cuts along his ribs, you swallowed.
“I will paint you,” you said softly.
“Oh, I figured you would.”
That made you look up.
Up close, he was always bigger than he looked across the fire. Broader.
The heat of him almost mixed with the heat of the flames behind you.
You dipped your fingers into the red pigment. “Hold still,” you murmured.
He leaned back against the stone behind him and spread his knees slightly so you could stand between them, casual, comfortable.
Too comfortable.
Your hand met his shoulder first.
You dragged the first streak of red slowly down from the curve of his shoulder toward his chest, the pigment spread against his skin, bright in the firelight.
He didn’t look at the mark, he looked at you.
Your fingers dipped into the red pigment again, When you pressed your hand into his chest, the heat of his skin bled straight into your palm.
“You’re gentle,” he said quietly.
Your eyes flicked up, surprised. “I am not.”
A low sound left his throat, almost amused.
“You are with me.”
The words were soft, almost thoughtful, and they made your hand falter just for a second.
You dragged your hand slowly from his chest to his collarbone, the movement was careful and red spread across the hard plane of his chest, following the curve of muscle.
“You like this,” he said.
Your hand froze against his sternum.
“No.”
Your answer came too quickly.
His voice lowered, quieter now.
“Like takin’ care of me.”
You bit your lip without thinking.
His gaze dropped to your mouth.
“You fight with us,” you murmured after a moment. “You should wear our marks.”
He hummed softly, the sound low in his chest.
Your touch slowed.
The red dragged across his skin in a smooth line, your fingers following the shape carefully.
His eyes followed your fingers down before looking back to your face.
“real focused, darlin’” he murmured.
“It must be correct.”
“Mm.”
Your hand moved lower with the design, spreading the pigment across the firm lines of his abdomen.
The muscles under your fingers tightened slightly when you pressed there.
He lifted one hand slowly, giving you time to pull away if you wanted.
You didn’t.
His fingers wrapped gently around your wrist, sliding your hand back up to his chest
“You don’t gotta rush,” he said.
You glance up at him, eyes meeting his again and the way he was looking at you, it made your stomach flip.
“I am not rushing.” you whispered.
But your voice came out quieter than you meant it to.
A small smirk tugged at his mouth. “You are.”
You hand moved again, continuing the mark down downward, dragging the red line slowly along his sternum again.
He watched every inch of it.
letting your fingers trail lower than they had before, smearing the final streak of red across his abdomen
Your hand dragged through the paint again.
Then down.
Just a little farther than necessary.
His breath caught.
It was subtle but you felt it.
"You do that to every warrior?" he asked quietly.
you shook your head, hand slowly sliding lower it needed to be.
Your hand was still smeared with red paint, your fingers hovered near the lower edge of his loincloth,
Too close.
His gaze flicked down briefly then back to your eyes.
“Careful,” he murmured.
You tilt your head to the side slightly as you look up at him, smiling faintly. “I’m just finishing the mark,” you whispered.
The air between you grew thick.
“You keep lookin’ at me like that,” he added under his breath, voice rougher now, “and one of these days I’m gonna forget Varang said you’re off limits.”
Your voice came out barely above a whisper.
“I am not a child…. i can make decisions for myself.”
“I know.”
For a moment neither of you moved.
his eyes dropped to the paint spread across his skin, then they lifted back to you.
"Did good," he said quietly.
There was no teasing in it.
Something warm spread through your chest. "Varang would not approve," you murmured.
A faint smirk appeared. "Varang ain't the one paintin' me."
Your teeth caught your lip before you could stop yourself.
The firelight flickered across his painted chest, highlighting every ridge of muscle, every red streak you had left with your fingers.
You stepped closer, Your fingers drifted just a little farther down, fingers tips dipping into his loincloth, testing.
His biceps flexed subtly as your fingers moved further, he caught your gaze, and small thrill ran through you.
“Sweetheart,” he murmured, voice low, rough.
You cut him, “I… just want it perfect,” you whispered, smirking faintly.
His eyes darkened, and his chest rose a little faster. He leaned forward, slow, so that his face moved toward yours.
The heat radiating off him had your pulse thudding in your ears, your lips parted slightly, your breath catching.
For a heartbeat, the world narrowed.
Your nose almost brushed his.
You were sure he thought you were about to kiss him.
He stopped just short, lingering, close enough that the warmth of his face pressed toward yours, his breath mingling with yours.
Then, with a soft, teasing laugh, you pulled back just enough to escape, tilting your head and letting your smirk show.
“Not yet,” you whispered, voice light but full of mischief.
That small motion, just a fraction of space was all it took.
He groaned low, rough, almost involuntarily, the sound vibrating deep in his chest.
Before you could react, his face dipped, pressing firmly into the side of your neck, his warm breath fanned across your skin.
“You…” he murmured into your neck, voice thick. “You’re something else.”
You both could hear lyle calling for him from a distance
He stood then, rising to his full height, the Mangkwan red stretched across his broad chest like it belonged there.
Like you had meant it to.
He leaned down slightly as he passed you, close enough that his voice was meant only for you.
"Next battle," he murmured near your ear, "you paint me again."
Not a request.
You nodded before you even thought about it.
Before you could even catch your breath, Varang’s hand was on your wrist, pulling you sharply aside.
“Enough!” she snapped, her voice like fire, eyes flashing with frustration.
“sister….” you started, but she cut you off.
“You think I do not see what you are doing? Teasing him like that, touching him, leaning into him…” Her voice dropped.
“I… I was not…” you started, but she cut you off, again.
“You were not what? Teasing him? Touching him? Leaning into him like that?” Her voice rose
You clenched your jaw, looking away, “Varang..”
“No!” she snapped, stepping so close that you could feel the anger radiating off her. “I… I want him. I want him, and you are teasing him, and I cannot…” Her voice faltered for a heartbeat, then sharpened again. “I cannot let you make him yours before I even get the chance!”
You blinked, flustered, cheeks burning, not just from her words, but from the fury you were feeling. “Varang… you cannot…”
“Yes, I can,” she hissed, stepping even closer. “I have seen the way he looks at you, the way you look at him. But he was mine first, and I am not letting you….”
“Oh, really?” you shot back, voice strong, sharp, echoing her intensity. “And since when do you get to tell me what I can or cannot do? He is not yours, Varang.”
Her eyes widened, then narrowed, lips pressing into a hard line. “Do not..” she started, but you cut her off.
“Do not what?” you challenged, stepping toward her, matching her fire. “You want him? Fine. But you are not going to scare me or boss me around, because you want him. I am not backing down!”
Varang blinked, stunned for a heartbeat, but her jaw tightened. “You… you have no idea what you are doing, “You think this is a game,” she scoffs, voice low, “It is not. You better watch yourself, little sister…”
“No sister, you watch yourself, you’re crazy if you think I’m backing down because you want him!”
she hisses and you hiss back, baring your teeth.
Varang’s chest rose and fell rapidly, the firelight catching her flushed face, the raw heat of jealousy blazing in her dark eyes.
Silence stretched between you, Finally, Varang’s jaw clenched, and she stepped back a fraction, exhaling through her nose.
Her gaze flicked toward where Quaritch had gone, then back at you. A low, frustrated growl rumbled in her chest, “You’d better be careful,” she warned, voice tight.
Then, with a sharp exhale, she turned on her heel and stalked off.
Idk… i thought this was pretty good, i still don’t know if i want to do a happy ending or not?! decisions, decisions, choices, choices!
Pairings: Tonowari x aged up! fem metkayina! Reader
Summary: accidental touches, lingering glances… she’s his daughter’s best friend and he’s the one man she shouldn’t want.
Warnings: slow burn?, sparring/fighting, angst? Intimate touches, kissing, teasing/flirting, sexual undertones, age difference, let me know if i missed anything.
Notes: slightly proofread! I read on the internet that Tonowari is around 31-35 years older, so I’m thinking reader is like 23-26 idk…. enjoy!!
Word count: 4.2k
It started because you lost. Badly.
You had challenged one of the older warriors during sparring, confident and quick like always.
He overpowered you within seconds.
You hit the sand hard and laughter rippled around you, not cruel, but enough.
And then everything went quiet because he stepped forward.
Tonowari didn’t raise his voice, he didn’t scold anyone, he just extended his hand to you.
You took it.
His grip was firm, lifting you effortlessly to your feet.
“She is fast,” he said calmly, explaining how you fight to the others. “But she relies too much on speed.”
Your pride burned. “I did not ask for commentary.” You spoke.
A few warriors shifted nervously at your tone.
His eyes flicked down to you and instead of dismissing everyone he continued.
“You rush when you are challenged. You fight to prove something instead of to win.”
The heat climbed your neck. “And you fight like you have nothing to prove,” you shot back.
Murmurs spread now. This was no longer simple feedback.
His jaw tightened slightly. “You were reckless.” He says, gaze locked on you.
“I was confident.”
“You were predictable.”
You stepped closer, sand shifting beneath your feet.
“And you embarrass me.”
A sharp inhale from someone in the circle.
His gaze hardened. “I correct you.”
“In front of everyone.”
“You challenged a warrior in front of everyone.”
“So I deserve to be humbled publicly?” you demanded.
“I am here to make you better.” He said, stepping closer.
“By humiliating me?!”
“I prevented you from humiliating yourself further.”
“You think I lost because I am weak?”
"I think you lost because you let emotion lead your body."
"And what would you know about that?" you snapped.
Silence pressed in around you, the ocean sounded louder somehow.
His nostrils flared slightly. “That is enough,” he said.
“Is it?” you challenged.
A warrior tried to step between you subtly but Tonowari lifted a hand stopping him without looking away from you.
“Choose your next words carefully.”
“No,” you said, louder now. “You tell everyone patience wins battles, but patience is easy when you are the strongest one in the circle.”
“If you wish to prove yourself,” he said evenly, “then do it properly.”
“Fight me.”
The warriors surrounding you, froze.
Even you hadn’t expected that.
“Here,” he continued. “Now, in front of everyone.”
You lunged first this time and he blocked easily.
You twisted, aiming low but he caught your wrist mid movement.
"Predictable," he murmured.
You jerked your arm free and went again but faster.
This time he grabbed both wrists and pivoted.
In one smooth motion, your back hit the shallow sand beneath the water.
“Enough games,” he said, voice low.
He pressed you fully into the wet sand, sand sticking to your skin as he pinned your arms above your head.
The water barely covered your hips. His body on top of yours, solid and unyielding.
Your breath hitched.
The warriors around you went silent, watching the struggle, unsure if they should intervene.
You tried to buck your hips and roll him off but he didn't budge.
"You rely on speed," he said quietly, forehead close to yours. "Strength isn't just muscle. It is patience."
“You enjoy this,” you hissed, chest heaving.
“Enjoy what?” he asked, tilting his head.
“Proving you are stronger,” you spat.
His gaze dropped briefly, examining the position you’re in.
"You already know I am stronger."
The words weren't arrogant, they were factual.
Your pulse quickened.
You twisted your wrists, testing the strength of his hold. Nothing.
You bucked your hips, trying to slide free, to roll him off. The sand scraped against your back, wet and gritty.
"You do not know when to stop," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You could tap out." he added.
You stared up at him.
"Make me." You huffed, glaring directly into his eyes.
He leaned closer, moving past your face until his breath brushed your ear. "You are not ready for that kind of lesson."
Heat rose to your cheeks.
He let you struggle for a moment, letting your muscles scream against his hold. "Training is over," he announced abruptly, standing slowly.
You lay there, chest heaving, pride intact, sand in your hair, glaring up at him.
🐾
You tried, really tried to shove the memory of him out of your mind. The way his body had pressed against yours, the way his voice had whispered in your ear.. you could still feel it.
“Hey, you coming?” a familiar voice called, snapping you out of your spiraling thoughts.
You blinked, realizing you’d walked straight into his daughter, laughing as she brushed sand from her own legs.
Best friend. You were best friends, you were sisters in everything, except blood, that’s why everything feels so wrong.
“Yeah,” you said quickly, forcing a smile, wiping your hands down your loincloth. “Just… tired.”
You found yourself volunteering for small tasks more often than necessary.
Gathering seaweed along the shallow edge of the reef, adjusting nets, stacking bundles, anything to be near him without drawing notice.
The platform smelled of salt, the waves of the tide crashing below.
You were kneeling in the sand, fingers tangling in a heap of nets you had gathered earlier, every motion careful.
Behind you, Tonowari supervised Tsireya in the ocean as she neared the outer reef, his stance relaxed but commanding.
He wasn't looking directly at you at first but you felt the weight of his presence like heat pressing against your back.
You leaned over the nets, letting your hair fall over one shoulder, brushing your neck.
When he glanced your way, eyes sharp, you caught him, he held your gaze for just a moment before he stepped into the shallow end of the water.
you allowed a small knowing smile to form on your lips and rose to your feet, letting your hands clench into little fists at your sides.
"you know," you murmured casually, letting your voice float over the waves, "you do not have to watch over everyone like a hawk all the time. I think maybe it's unhealthy. "
He stiffened, jaw tightening, but didn't answer.
Perfect.
"Mm, no response?" You pressed, stepping closer, so your arm brushes lightly against his, just enough for him to feel it. "Not even a little?"
Tonowari's hand twitched almost involuntarily. "I don't respond to…”
You leaned in, letting your lips hover just inches from his ear, your breath warm against him. "I like it when you do respond," you whispered.
A deep, low growl rumbled in his throat, and his eyes snapped to yours, before flicking back to the water. "Watch yourself," he muttered, clipped, warning.
You slyly smiled, tilting your head, the soft brush of your hair swept against his shoulder.
"Oh? And what will you do if I don't?" you murmured, teasing.
He exhaled sharply, stepping closer until his shadow fell over you, every inch of him radiating strength and authority. "Push too far, and you won't like the consequences," he said, lowly.
You tilted your chin up, letting your gaze linger, daring. "Are you the consequences?"
A pause.
A quiet, low chuckle slipped from his lips before he could stop it. "You would test even the sea, child."
You bristled, voice sharp. "I am not a child."
His eyes dropped briefly, intentionally, and when they lifted again, the intensity in his gaze made your pulse stumble.
"No," he agreed softly. "You are not."
The way he said it made your breath catch.
A soft splash interrupted the tension.
Tsireya stepped onto the shore, water dripping from her hair, laughing lightly, eyes sparkling. "Well, I did not find anything out there," she said, breathless.
You stepped back, leaving just enough space between you and Tonowari, and turned to her. "I still have a few nets to untangle. Want to help?"
Tsireya grinned, and linked arms with you, you moved toward the nets.
As you passed Tonowari, your fingers brushed his hand ever so slightly, careful, a brief moment of contact.
You let your eyes flick to him over your shoulder, catching that flicker of something in his gaze and smiled.
🐾
Dusk was now settling over the reef, the sky deepening into muted blues and violets.
The water beneath the platform glowed faintly where movement stirred, bioluminescence blooming and fading with every step.
The tide had pulled in closer now, the whole reef breathing slow and steady.
You were sent to untangle and rinse the remaining nets before nightfall, the last bit of work no one rushed to finish.
You waded through the water mid calf, lifting one end of the net and letting the water drag through it.
It was heavier than before, soaked and stubborn, forcing you to brace your feet in the sand. Your movements were slower now, unguarded.
The knot refused to loosen.
You frowned down at it, fingers damp and tired as you worked the thick cord back and forth.
"You are pulling against it," Tonowari said quietly.
You hadn't heard him approach.
Before you could respond, the space behind you shifted.
He stepped close, close enough that his chest brushed your back when he leaned in.
"You pull it like this," he murmured, closer to your ear than he needed to be.
You followed his direction, hands overlapping his for just a moment, his calloused fingers steady against yours.
His arms came around you, not touching at first, just bracketing you, one on either side as his hands reached forward.
You could feel the thickness of his shoulders behind you, the steady rise and fall of his breath near your ear.
His forearm brushed your side as he took the rope from your hands, guiding them back into place instead of taking over completely.
"No," he said softly, adjusting your grip. "Here." His fingers closed over yours, large and sure, turning your wrist just enough to change the tension.
The contact sent a quiet shiver through you.
You swallowed. "You could have just told me."
"I did," he replied, voice low. "You did not listen."
His breath brushed the shell of your ear as he leaned in further, showing you how to twist the cord, how to ease the knot instead of forcing it. His arms didn't tighten, but they didn't move away either.
You were awfully aware of how easily they could.
The rope loosened beneath your hands.
You should have stopped there.
The was knot undone, the work was technically finished.
You could have stepped away.
Should have.
Instead, you turned the net slightly, eyes narrowing as if assessing it.
"There is another one," you said casually.
Tonowari had already started to step back.
He paused.
"Another?" he asked, tone neutral, but you caught the hesitation.
You nodded it wasn't nearly as tight as the first.. certainly nothing you couldn't have handled yourself but you pressed your thumb into it anyway, testing.
"This one," you added. "It is stubborn."
He exhaled slowly through his nose.
"You could undo that easily."
"Probably," you said, glancing up at him through your lashes. "But since you are already here..."
For a moment, he just looked at you, knowing.
Then, without comment, he moved behind you again.
This time, he didn't hesitate.
His body settled close, and his arms came around you in the same controlled way, framing, enclosing. One hand reached past you to the rope while the other steadied your wrist.
"You do not like doing things alone," he murmured.
"I do not mind help," you replied softly.
His breath brushed your temple as he leaned in, close enough you felt the shape of him behind you. "You are doing this on purpose," he said under his breath.
You smiled faintly. "Am I?"
His fingers closed over yours again. He adjusted your grip, slower this time, as if there were no rush at all.
"You are not subtle," he said.
You tilted your head just enough that your hair brushed his jaw. "You still came."
You followed his guidance, your hands moving with his, your back brushing his chest when you leaned back slightly.
The knot gave.
"There," he said.
You didn't move right away.
"Good thing I noticed it," you murmured.
"Yes," he replied, voice low. "Very observant."
You hummed, grinning. "I think I might have missed one."
He shook his head, faintly amused. "You did not."
You turned, slowly facing him now, the bioluminescence softening the lines of his face. "Well," you said stepping just a fraction closer, voice warm and teasing. "I suppose that means I don't have an excuse to keep you here."
His gaze stayed steady, but you caught the smallest pause. "You enjoy pushing."
You tilt your chin up at him, shrugging. "usually."
Before he could respond, you leaned in close enough that your lips hovered near the edge of his mouth. "Thank you," you said gently.
Then, softer, teasing.
"Thank you, Olo'eyktan."
The title carried respect. The way you said it carried something else entirely.
Before he could respond, before the moment could pull back into sense, you leaned in just enough to press a light kiss to the corner of his mouth.
Intentional.
a low exhale rumbling from his chest. "You are welcome," he said quietly, clipped, trying to keep control.
Footsteps sounded at the far end of the platform.
Tsireya's voice followed, bright and unknowing.
"Did you get stuck on a knot again?"
You lifted the rope with an easy smile. "No. Just making sure everything was done properly."
Tonowari didn't look over, his eyes stayed on you.
He watched you even as you walked away.
🐾
You notice because it’s sudden.
He starts avoiding you.
Not obviously, or in a way anyone else would notice.
But you do.
If you step onto the western platform, he finds reason to inspect the southern docks, and if you volunteer for outer reef patrol, he assigns someone else to brief you.
But avoidance doesn’t mean absence because he still watches, he tells himself it is responsibility because you are Tseriya’s friend.
Because he had watched you grow from a teenager who tripped over coral roots to a woman who swims with confidence through the deeper sea.
He remembers when you were quieter, how you once stood behind Tseriya during council meetings, peeking around her shoulder.
He remembers that clearly and that memory should anchor him, but It doesn’t.
Because the girl in that memory does not look at him the way you do now.
🐾
At first, you think you're imagining it.
You catch yourself looking for him, the curve of his shoulders among the warriors, the steady stride you've come to recognize without thinking, but every time you look up, he's already turned away.
Every time you step closer, he's already gone and it’s intentional.
The first time it truly stings is during net mending near the water.
You're sitting cross legged beside Tsireya, fingers busy, attention drifting. You feel him before you see him, that awareness you've grown used to.
You look up.
He's there and for one heartbeat, his eyes meet yours.
Something flickers in them, recognition, restraint, something tightly leashed, then he looks away, not just away, past you.
He speaks to Tsireya instead, his tone calm and warm, asking about her day, her tasks, her plans.
He doesn't use your name, he doesn't acknowledge you at all.
You sit there, hands stilled in your lap, pretending not to notice the way your chest tightens.
When Tsireya laughs and tugs you closer, he takes a step back, physically creating space.
That's when you know and from then on, it becomes a pattern.
If you enter a space, he leaves it.
If you approach, he redirects.
If your eyes lift toward him, his gaze fixes firmly elsewhere.
You don’t think he’s being cruel, he’s just distant.
And it's worse because it's done with care.
You start to feel foolish, like maybe you imagined the glances, the pauses, the warmth in his attention.
Maybe you mistook courtesy for something more, or maybe this is him correcting a misunderstanding you never should've had.
You stop trying to catch him after the third day.
After the fourth, you stop speaking when he enters a room.
By the fifth, even Tseriya notices.
"He's been weird," she says, frowning as she braids your hair. "Did my dad say something to you?"
You shake your head. "No."
That's the problem.
later that night, you corner him by accident.
That's the lie you tell yourself, anyway.
In truth, you've been counting his steps for days, learning the way he moves through the village now that he's decided you don't exist.
You wait until most of the people are asleep, until the lamps are dimmed.
You spotted him immediately.
Tonowari stood waist deep in the water, washing the sand from his arms. The fading light caught on the broad lines of his shoulders, the scars across his back.
Your steps flattered in the sand behind him.
For a moment you just looked at him. Tall and broad, unmovable, the olo’eyktan everyone respected.
The man who had been avoiding you for days.
You stepped into the water without hesitation, the cool tide sliding up your legs.
“You avoid me.” You call out.
He didn’t turn at first, his hands dragged slowly through the water before he finally looked over his shoulder, his eyes landed on you instantly and stayed there.
“You should not be here,” he said calmly.
You rolled your eyes and waded closer, before stopping a few feet away, close enough to see the tension in his jaw.
Close enough to notice how his gaze flicked away from your face, then back again, like he couldn’t decide where to look.
Your arms folded. “You have been avoiding me.”
“I do not avoid you. I am busy.”
You stared at him, then you laughed.
“Busy?” you repeated. “You have walked the other direction every time you have seen me.”
His gaze flicked to you sharply. “Do not exaggerate.”
“Oh really?”
You stepped directly in front of him now, blocking his view of the ocean.
His height still dwarfed you, but you didn’t move.
“Yesterday,” you counted on your fingers, “I came to the docks and you suddenly had somewhere else to be.”
His expression hardened. “The clan needed…”
“And the day before,” you cut in, “I waved at you and you turned around so fast I thought an akula was chasing you.”
A muscle ticked in his jaw and his eyes flicked down to you again, something heavy lived in that gaze, something you couldn’t quite understand.
“That is not…” he started, before he sighed, quietly. “You exaggerate.”
“Oh eywa,” you laughed in disbelief, splashing water with the movement. “Do you hear yourself.” You added.
His eyes narrowed slightly. “You should mind your tone.”
“You should stop lying.”
The waves lapped gently around both of you.
Then he spoke again, quieter. “I am not lying.”
“Then what is it? Why do you act like I have done something wrong?”
You stepped closer.
“You have done nothing wrong.”
Your frustration faltered slightly. “If not that, then what?”
He looked past you again, toward the endless water.
When he spoke, his voice was lower. “Some things,” he said slowly, “are easier when there is distance.”
You frowned. “That doesn’t make any sense.”
“Perhaps not to you.”
You stepped closer again, stubborn as ever. “Then explain it so it does.”
Now you were very close, close enough to notice the way his breathing had subtly changed, to see the conflict in his eyes.
Tonowari looked down at you for a long moment, then he said quietly, “Because you are no longer a child.”
The words landed strangely between you.
You blinked. “…Okay?”
Your confusion only made something shift in his expression, like that wasn’t the reaction he expected.
“You have grown,” he said simply.
You shrugged. “Yeah? That is what happens when people age.”
Your tone was casual but Tonowari’s gaze had gone sharper.
“You do not understand.”
“Then explain it.”
Another silence, then he stepped back, just one step, like he was putting the ocean back between you.
“You should return to the village,” he said.
Your eyes narrowed immediately. “Eywa, you are doing it again.”
“I am not…”
“You are!”
You threw your hands up. “You avoid the question and send me away. That’s literally what you have been doing for days.”
His jaw tightened. “You are stubborn.”
“You are impossible.”
Another beat of silence.
Then, unexpectedly, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
It vanished almost instantly but you saw it, and that only annoyed you more.
“You are laughing at me?”
“I am not.”
“You are!”
Tonowari exhaled slowly, running a hand across the back of his neck, when he looked at you again, the tension had returned.
“You should listen to me,” he said quietly.
“Why?”
“Because I am olo’eyktan.”
You snorted.
“Oh please. You don’t get to use that on me.”
His head tilted. “No?”
“No.”
You folded your arms again. “I am not scared of you.”
That was when something changed in his eyes, not anger, something else.. something deeper.
Tonowari stepped closer this time, your eyes flicked to his lips for a fraction of a second before you forced yourself back to his gaze.
Now you were looking slightly up at him.
His voice dropped. “Perhaps you should be.”
Your heartbeat stumbled but you refused to show it, you held his gaze. “Why?”
Another pause, longer this time.
“Because if I do not keep my distance…” he said, voice low.
His words trailed off.
Your hummed. “…then what?”
The moonlight danced across the water, silver and soft, but all you could feel was the heat radiating off him.
Tonowari’s dark eyes were locked on yours, jaw tight, shoulders stiff, hands clenching at his sides. He swallowed audibly. “You should go,” he said quietly.
“I do not want to go,” you whispered, stepping closer.
He studied you, careful, unreadable. He had no idea what you were thinking, how every step you took toward him made your pulse race. He didn’t know how badly you wanted this, how badly he made you ache.
“You should not…” he said, jaw tightening, pupils blown, “you should not…”
But you moved faster than his clipped words.
Before he could step back fully, before either of you had time to think it through, you closed the small space between you and pressed your lips lightly against his.
It was quick and gentle.
Tonowari froze, his chest tightened beneath the beaded armor, hands half raise as if he meant to stop you, catch you, push you away.. but he did nothing.
The moment lasted only a heartbeat longer, then reality crashed in.
Heat rushed to your face and you stepped back quickly, breath uneven, heart hammering in your chest.
“I…” the word barely left your mouth before tonowari moved forward.
You instinctively took another step back, he followed.
The water shifted softly around your legs as the distance you created disappear again, your pulse raced as you stepped back once more.
Again, he moved with you.
“Olo’eyktan…” you breathed.
“You should not have done that.” He said quietly.
His voice strained.
You shook your head slightly, still retreating, “ i know.”
Another step back.
Another step forward from him.
Moonlight caught the tension in his expression, the conflict in his eyes growing stronger with every inch of space you tried to put between you.
“You are my daughter’s best friend,” he said, voice lower now.
“I know.”
“And i am her father.”
“ I know.” You repeated softly.
Your heel slipped slightly on the wet sand as you stepped back again.
Before you could stumble, tonowari’s hand shot out and caught your waist, his grip was firm, steadying you instantly as he pulled you back toward him.
The sudden closeness knocked the air from your lungs, your hands came up, resting against his chest to keep your balance.
Now there was barely space between you.
Tonowari looked down at you, his hand still wrapped around your waist, fingers splayed against your side.
“You should go,” he murmured.
But you didn’t move, didn’t back away.
Your fingers curled slightly into the cords across his chest, your breathing still uneven.
Something in his expression shifted, the last piece of restraint he’d been holding onto finally snapped.
His hand tighten on your waist and he pulled you flush against him before leaning down and kissing you again.
This time it wasn’t quick.
His lips claimed yours in a heated kiss, everything he had been holding back finally breaking free as he held you firmly against him.
Your breath caught as the kiss deepened, your grip tightening on his chest while the ocean water moved quietly around both of you.
When he finally pulled back slightly, only to catch his breath, his forehead resting against yours, his dark eyes glinting with an intensity that made your knees weak.
“ I shouldn’t…” he murmured, voice rough, low. “ I shouldn’t…”
Your hands slide across his chest, tilting your face up. “ I don’t care,” you whispered, breathless, “neither should i..”
For a long movement he just stared at you, there was nothing but the sound of racing breath and water brushing around your legs.
Tonowaris lips crashed against yours again, stronger this time, demanding, possessive, leaving no room for hesitation.
Your hands clutched at his chest, nails digging lightly into the cords and leather as your body pressed into his.
He groaned, low in his throat, a sound that sent shivers down your spine, and moved one hand up from your waist to cup your neck, tilting your head just enough to deepen the kiss.
Every brush of his lips, every press of his body against yours made you heart thud.
His other hand slid lower, resting firmly at your hip, pulling you impossibly closer.
The heat between you was unbearable, electric, a fire that seemed to burn hotter with every second.
You gasped into the kiss, fingers tangling in the loose curls of his hair as he pressed you harder against him.
The air around you seemed to thrum, the ocean a quiet witness to the heat your were creating together.
He pulled back just enough to glance down at you, eyes full of desire.
His thumb traced your jaw slowly, teasingly, before his lips meet yours again, this time slow, deep, almost torturous, every inch of contact seared through you, leaving you trembling.
You arched into him, breath hitching, the world shrinking until there was nothing but the press of his body and the taste of him on your lips.
His hands roamed slowly, memorizing your curves, trying to pull you even closer as if he could fuse your bodies together.
A low growl rumbled in his chest as he dipped his head, nipping at the sensitive skin along your neck, making your back arch even more.
Every nerve in your body ignited, every touch leaving you, wanting and desperate.
Finally, he pulled back slightly, forehead resting against yours, hearts hammering in unison.
“You have no idea what you do to me,” he whispered, voice husky, lips brushing yours once more,
You smiled, cheeks a hue of dark blue.
A slow, satisfied grin spread across his face, before drawing you into his chest, holding you close, as the night folded around you both.
I think i mentioned before that i had a tonowari story in the work, here it is.
I’m taking a break from the 2 can play that game fix because it’s lwk putting me in a slump..
I have a quaritch story coming soon and a tsu’tey story coming that someone requested.
Thanks you for reading, let me know what you think.
Summary: she runs and he chases, she hides and he hunts.
Warnings: kissing/body contact, chasing, slow burn undertones, sexual undertones.
Notes: I’ve been seeing so many Jake sully edits on my fyp, I just had to write this! And i guess you could also imagine anyone you want while reading this because I didn’t specify Jake!
Word count: 200
Night was settling heavy over the forest.
The villages celebration was fading into quiet murmurs and dying embers, most had gone to sleep.
But you hadn’t.
You were sitting near the edge of the clearing, knees drawn up, pretending to watch the fire instead of the tall, broad silhouette standing across it.
He hadn’t looked at you once.
Not since earlier.
Not since he saw you laughing with another warrior.
You stand, letting your fingers drag slowly over the beads at your hip.
Then you glance over your shoulder, your eyes meet and you hold his gaze, before you turn and walk into the forest.
You don’t look back and you didn’t have to because the sound of footsteps came several seconds later, they were slow and careful.
He was following and you kept walking.
The forest grew darker, quieter, the moonlight barely filtering through the tree above.
One step.
Two.
Then you break into a run.
You hear him move immediately, leaves snapping behind you in heavy, powerful strides.
Your heart pounds as you dart between trees, laughing breathlessly.
“You are slow tonight!” you call over your shoulder.
Big mistake.
A low growl echoes through the dark.
You push faster, bare feet barely touching the forest floor, tail flicking behind you as adrenaline floods your veins
You almost make it to the riverbank.
Almost.
A strong hand catches your wrist mid stride and you gasp as momentum spins you around, your back colliding with his chest instead of the ground.
His other arm wraps around your waist instantly, lifting you off your feet like you weigh nothing.
“You think this is funny?” he mutters against your ear.
You’re breathless, thrilled and laughing.
“You like chasing me.”
His grip tightens just enough to make your stomach flip.
He lowers you but doesn’t let you go.
Your feet barely touch the ground before he pushes you gently forward against the wide trunk of a tree, your chest colliding with it.
His body presses against the back of yours, unmoving.
His hand slides up the front of your thigh slowly
Your pulse is racing so hard you swear he can feel it through your skin.
His other hand slides to your waist.
“You like pushing me,” he says, leaning close enough that his lips brush the corner of your mouth without kissing you. “You like thinking you can outrun me.”
His nose drags slowly around your jawline before slowly moving to your throat.
Your breath grows shallow.
“Run again,” he says quietly.
Your eyes widen slightly.
“What?”
His mouth hovers near your ear.
“Run.”
Your heart slams against your ribs.
He steps back just enough to give you space.
But his eyes never leave you.
You hesitate, then you turn and sprint and this time you run harder, faster.
Your lungs burn, feet pounding against the forest floor, you duck under low branches, leap over roots, vanish deeper into the forest.
You know this part of the forest well, you veer sharply left then right, your lungs burn, but you don’t hear him.
Not yet and that’s worse.
You slow after several minutes, slipping behind a massive twisted tree trunk wrapped in vines, you press your back against the bark, breathing slow, quiet, listening.
The forest hums, all you hear is Insects and distant water.
Then, a branch snaps somewhere to your right.
Your heart slams and it goes silent again, you bite your lip to keep from smiling.
You climb quickly, sloppily, onto a low, thick branch above where you’d been standing. You crouch there, tail wrapped close, body still.
Minutes stretch until you hear the leaves crunching under his feet.
Unhurried, he isn’t rushing.
“You can’t hold your breath forever,” his voice carries through the trees.
Your pulse thunders in your ears.
He steps into the clearing below your tree.
You can see him now through the leaves.
He’s calm, his head is tilted slightly as he studies the ground, then he crouches, touching the grass.
You swallow.
“You’re getting better,” he murmurs to himself.
Your chest tightens.
He stands again and turns slowly.
For a second, you think he’s walking away and your shoulders relax slightly.
Then, his voice comes from directly beneath you.
“But not good enough.”
Before you can move, a hand shoots up, strong fingers wrapping around your ankle.
You gasp as he tugs gently, not enough to make you fall, just enough to make you lose balance.
You drop from the branch but he catches you mid air easily.
One arm hooks around your waist while the other steadies your back.
Your bodies collide chest to chest.
He doesn’t set you down. “You climbed,” he says quietly, breathing barely disturbed.
You’re breathless. “You almost missed me.”
He raises an eyebrow slightly. “Almost.”
His grip shifts, sliding lower on your back, holding you securely against him.
Your legs instinctively tighten around his waist for balance.
He studies your face for a long moment.
Then his hand slides from your back to your jaw, thumb brushing along your cheekbone slowly, a slow exhale leaves him and his gaze drops to your mouth, he leans closer.
So close your lips almost brush.
His thumb drags down to your lower lip, pressing lightly there.
That sends a shiver through you.
You try to tilt your head, to get his lips against your fully, but he pulls back half an inch.
“Ask,” he murmurs, breath warm against your lips.
“For what?” you whisper, even though you know.
He chuckles low in your ear, a sound that vibrates through your chest
His other hand tightens slightly at your waist, holding you firmly against him.
“For what you’ve been wanting from me all night.”
Your pulse is wild now.
His lips hover so close that every word brushes your skin.
You swallow. “Kiss me.”
It barely comes out but that’s all it takes.
His mouth claims yours, not rushed, not messy but deep and slow, like he’s savoring the fact that you asked.
His hand slides from your jaw into your hair, fingers curling at the base of your skull to hold you exactly where he wants you.
Your hands grip his shoulders harder, your legs tighten even more around his waist.
He makes a low sound in his chest almost a growl, but softer.
When he pulls back, you quickly lean forward to follow.
His lips trace along your jaw, slow and purposeful, dragging down to your throat.
You inhale sharply, your bottom lip between your teeth.
“You run,” he murmurs, hand tightening at your waist.
“You hide,” he continues, thumb tracing your hip, he tilts his head back just enough to look into your eyes, dark and heated.
He leans in again, lips ghosting over yours, “…and I will always catch you.”
His mouth captures yours again
Your hands automatically move to the back of his neck, fingers threading through his hair, pulling him closer.
Every inch of his body is sold and warm against yours, every motion of his lips and tongue sends sparks through your body.
Warnings: drowning/near death experience , fighting, angst?, fluff? Avoidance, jealousy, heartache, slow burn , let me know if i missed anything!
Notes: idek enjoy. slightly proofread!
Translation: kwang - nothing, Ma’ite - daughter, Ma’ey - motherly guide/figure, Skxawng- moron/idiot, Ma yawne - my love, Txoa Lu - is that all, Oeru ke smil - do not smile, more but I don’t wanna spoil so the translation will be with it.
Part 1. Part 2 Part 3. Neteyams ending. Aonungs ending (WIP)
You walked until your lungs burned.
The reef blurred past you in streaks of blue, coral and white sand, but you didn’t slow down.
If you slowed down, you would think. And if you thought, you would cry.
Your steps finally faltered near the edge of the ocean, where the shallow water met darker depths. The noise of village faded behind you. The tide moved slowly, waves folding over themselves.
Your chest ached.
You wrapped your arms around yourself, fingers digging into your own skin as if that would hold everything in place.
You sank down onto the sand, pulling your knees to your chest. The sun was lower now, staining the sky pink and gold. You pressed your forehead to your arms.
You were angry and you had every right to be angry, at least, that’s what you told yourself over and over again.
But tears welled before you could stop them, you blinked hard, wiping at them with the backs of your hands, annoyed at yourself. “Don’t,” you whispered. “Don’t do this.”
Soft footsteps shifted behind you.
You stiffened immediately.
But the presence felt gentler.
You didn’t turn around.
“What’s wrong?” A voice carried low and rough, threaded with concern.
Jake.
You swallowed and quickly wiped your face again, forcing your shoulders to relax. “I am fine.”
Sand shifted as he stepped beside you. For a moment, he just stood there. You could feel his shadow fall over you, then he crouched.
“What happened?” he asked again, softer now.
“Kwang,” you muttered, wiping at your face with the heel of your hand.
A pause.
“Ma’ite,” he said quietly.
Your chest cracked open at that.
You drew your knees in tighter. “I said I’m fine.. really I am.”
The first tear slipped down before you could stop it.. you weren’t crying because you were sad, you were crying because you were frustrated.
Frustrated at Neteyam for pretending like everything would be fine.
Frustrated at him for making it seem like you’re overreacting.
Frustrated because he avoided you first and just expected you to jump in his arms the second he was ready to finally talk.
You turned your face away quickly, embarrassed, but your shoulders betrayed you, trembling despite your efforts.
Jake turned his head slightly, trying to catch your eyes. “Hey.”
You refused to look at him.
His hand hovered for a second before settling carefully on your shoulder.
You let out a shaky breath, covering your face. “I am just tired.”
That was true but that wasn’t all of it all of it.
Jake watched you quietly, he tilted his head, studying your profile. Your ears were angled back just slightly.
After a second, he sighed dramatically and pushed up from his crouch.
“Alright,” he muttered. “Can’t have this.”
He dropped down beside you in the sand with exaggerated effort, like the simple act of sitting cost him greatly.
“Oof. That’s it. I’m old. That’s how I go. Taken out by gravity.”
You stared forward.
Then, despite yourself, your mouth twitched.
Jake saw it.
“Ah. There it is,” he said, pointing gently at your face. “That thing. Do that again.”
You rolled your eyes. “Stop.”
He leaned back on his hands, stretching his legs out toward the water. “You know, when I first came to Pandora, I fell off a direhorse in front of about thirty warriors.”
You blinked. “…What?”
“Full flip. Hit the mud. Ate dirt.”
You turned your head slowly. “You are lying.”
“Swear on Eywa.” He held up a hand solemnly. “Your ma’ey laughed at me for a week.”
That did it, a small laugh slipped out of you before you could stop it.
Jake grinned like he’d just won something important.
“There we go,” he said softly, bumping his shoulder against yours.
You shook your head, picking up a small shell and tossing it into the water. It skipped once before sinking.
Jake watched it disappear. Then, after a beat, he reached into the sand and held up a glowing shell. “Why did this shell cross the lagoon?”
You shrugged. “I don’t know. Why?”
“To get to the other tide!”
You laughed again, a bit louder this time and covered your face with your hands.
Jake watched you like the sound meant everything.
When you lowered your hands, he reached over and gently tugged one of your braids.
“There she is,” he murmured.
You nudged him with your shoulder this time.
He laughed quietly, then wrapped an arm around you and pulled you into his side before you could protest.
You squawked half heartedly, but didn't fight it.
“You don’t have to tell me what’s wrong,” he said gently.
“You don’t have to explain it. You don’t have to make it make sense. You don’t even have to talk.” His voice dropped softer. “You just don’t have to sit with it alone.”
He rested his chin lightly on top of your head, thumb soothingly tracing circles on your arm.
You relaxed against him, listening to his heartbeat, slow and steady.
He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of your head.
Each gentle wave rolled in and out, brushing over the sand at your toes, leaving tiny trails of silver light in its wake.
One hand cradled the back of your head, pressing you gently into his chest. The other rubbed slow circles between your shoulders.
“I’ve got you,” he murmured.
He held you tighter as the water glowed softly where the waves caught the moonlight.
🐾
The next morning, the village wakes early.
The tide is low, the air is warm and salty.
Neteyam hasn’t slept.
He stayed awake staring at the woven ceiling of the marui, tracing the same pattern over and over until it blurred.
His body is heavy, but his mind refuses to rest, replaying your words over and over.
‘I tried, Neteyam.’
That one hits the hardest.
Because he knows you did.
He remembers the way you used to linger near him.
The way you would wait after training.
The way your voice would soften when you said his name.
And he had turned away.
Again.
And again.
And again.
He rolls onto his side, tail flicking sharply against the soft mat.
Outside, he hears his siblings arguing over breakfast, hears the splash of someone diving cleanly into the shallows.
Life continues…It always does.
Duty. Responsibility. War. His father’s expectations.
The constant pressure to be steady, unbreakable, first into danger and last to retreat.
He told himself he did not have room for something as fragile as love.
He told himself he was protecting you.
That distance was kindness.
That you deserved someone unburdened by responsibility, by expectation, by the shadow of a war that seems to follow his family like a storm cloud.
He sits up abruptly, breath unsteady. The sunlight slips through the marui’s opening and paints his skin in warmth he doesn’t feel.
He thinks of the moments he brushed you off.
He had convinced himself there would always be more time and that you would always be there.
Neteyam stands and steps outside.
The sand is cool beneath his feet. The tide has left delicate lines in the shore, patterns that will vanish when the water returns. He stares at them, jaw tightening.
He does not want you to vanish.
The realization settles in his chest slowly, painfully.
It is not just guilt but also longing.
He misses you already and you’re not even gone.
🐾
The evening meal was louder than usual.
Long woven mats were laid across the sand, platters of roasted fish, sea fruits, and steamed roots set in the center for everyone to share.
The air smelled like salt and smoke, lanterns swaying gently overhead as the tide rolled in slow and steady behind the village.
You sat between Kiri and Aonung.
Neteyam sat across from you.
You felt that immediately, though you tried not to.
Aonung noticed the tension in your shoulders as everyone began reaching for food.
Without saying anything, he plucked a small slice of roasted fish from the platter and held it up in front of your face.
“You did not eat much earlier,” he said casually. “Open.”
Your eyes lifted. “I can feed myself.”
“Can you?” His tone was light and teasing.
Across from you, Neteyam’s fingers paused mid reach.
You rolled your eyes dramatically but leaned forward anyway, taking the bite from Aonung’s fingers.
A few quiet snickers came from Lo’ak.
Aonung grinned, your cheeks warmed and you felt Neteyam’s gaze like fire. His jaw was tight, eyes glaring through Aonung.
You chewed slowly, thoughtfully, before reaching toward the platter yourself, instead of placing the piece of fruit on your own leaf plate.
You turned and held it up to Aonung’s lips.
His tilted his head.
“Oh?” he said softly.
“Open,” you mimicked.
Kiri glanced between you and Neteyam.
Lo’ak went completely silent.
Aonung leaned in and bit down, his fingers briefly brushing yours as he steadied your wrist.
His eyes didn’t leave your face.
“Tastes better when you feed it to me,” he murmured.
Neteyam’s hand curled into a fist against his knee. He hadn’t touched his food. He was burning from the inside out, every nerve screaming, every heartbeat echoing in his ears.
You could feel it building across from you like a storm cloud.
Aonung reached for a sea berry next, holding it near your lips. “This one’s sweet,” he said. “Try it.”
“You taste it first.”
He smirked, took a small bite, then without breaking eye contact, offered you the other half.
You hesitated only a second before leaning forward and taking it from his hand.
The intimacy wasn’t overt but it was careful.
Neteyam finally moved. His movement was slow, loaded with restraint. He leaned slightly forward, voice low but carrying enough for you to hear.
“Is that necessary?”
The group stilled, even Tsireya’s humming quieted and Kiri froze mid bite.
You looked up at him calmly. “Is what necessary?”
Aonung wiped his fingers slowly on a cloth, unbothered. “Sharing food? It is a community meal.”
“You are doing this on purpose,” he said quietly.
You tilted your head. “Doing what?”
“Acting like that.”
“Like what?”
Lo’ak shifted awkwardly.
Tsireya lowered her gaze to her plate.
Neteyam swallowed, chest tight. His eyes darkened, “This,” he said, gesturing vaguely at Aonung, at the way you were leaning so close, laughing so easily.
You blinked at him. “I am allowed to laugh. I am allowed to sit here and eat and enjoy myself without you policing every move I make.”
He threw his hands up, “Policing? I am not policing! I’m saying it’s unnecessary! I’m tired of seeing it” Neteyam snapped, every syllable tight with frustration.
“Tired of seeing what exactly? Me laughing? Talking to someone?”
“Yes! All of it!” His voice rose just a fraction, breaking under the weight of everything he’d held in.
“And what? You think yelling at me fixes it?” you shot back, voice rising, frustration bubbling over.
“I’m not yelling!” He ran a hand through his hair, irritated. “I’m just… I cannot sit here and watch it anymore!”
Aonung leaned closer to you again, voice low but audible enough. “You want more?”
You didn’t look away from Neteyam as you answered.
“Yes.”
Aonung fed you another bite.
Neteyam stood abruptly.
The movement wasn’t explosive but it was sharp enough to make several heads turn.
His tail flicked once behind him, betraying what his face tried to suppress.
“I am not hungry,” he muttered.
You finally broke eye contact as he stepped away from the mat, disappearing toward the darker edge of the shoreline.
The silence he left behind was heavier than any argument.
Aonung watched him go.
You huffed.
The food didn’t taste as sweet anymore but you kept your posture steady.
He hadn’t looked angry when he left.
He looked hurt.
🐾
The next evening, the people gathered near the shoreline, not for training this time, but for music.
Someone had started a slow rhythm on a stretched skin drum. Children darted between lantern light and shadow. The air was warm, thick with salt and smoke.
You sat near the fire at first.
Neteyam stood across the clearing, half in shadow, half in gold light, speaking to Rotxo, but not really listening.
Aonung dropped down beside you, close enough that your thighs brushed.
“You look bored,” he murmured.
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
You didn’t argue.
Instead, when the rhythm picked up, faster, livelier, you stood.
A few Metkayina youths moved toward the open sand to dance.
You turned to Aonung, holding out your hand.
“Come on,” you said, voice light, teasing.
His grin was immediate. “With pleasure.”
Across the fire, Neteyam watched.
Aonung pulled you into the circle, hands settling easily at your waist. The movement was natural, effortless.. intimate only in the way friends could be close without it being improper.
You let yourself laugh as he spun you once, the sand kicking up around your feet. The drums beat faster, louder, wrapping the circle in rhythm, and your laughter mingled with the music.
Neteyam’s eyes tracked every motion. Every time Aonung’s hand slid back to your waist. Every time you leaned in slightly, letting your head tilt toward him to hear over the drums.
The music surged, driving faster.
Aonung dipped you slightly, playful, exaggerated and your hand clutched his shoulder to steady yourself.
You were smiling. Really smiling.
And that smile twisted something in Neteyam’s chest.
It wasn’t the touch or the proximity but the smile.
Aonung leaned close to your ear, whispering something teasing. You shoved his chest lightly in mock offense, and he caught your wrist before you could pull away.
The grip lingered.
Neteyam moved, slowly. He stepped to the edge of the circle, close enough to be seen, not close enough to interrupt but waiting and watching.
Aonung noticed him immediately.
But instead of stepping back, Aonung pulled you into another spin, this time your back pressed briefly against his chest as he guided the turn. You tightened your hold on his hands.
Neteyam’s jaw flexe, eyes never leaving the two of you.
The song ended, applause and laughter filled the night air. You were slightly breathless, hair falling across your cheeks. Aonung’s hands stayed at your waist before falling casually to his sides.
You could feel Neteyams eyes burning through you.
“Walk me back?” you asked Aonung softly.
It wasn’t loud but Neteyam heard it.
Aonung held your gaze for half a second, silently asking if you were sure.
You didn’t hesitate. “Yes,” you said again.
He offered his arm and you slipped yours through it, feeling the warmth of his side.
As you passed Neteyam, your shoulder brushed his chest.. barely.
He didn’t move but you felt it. The heat of him, felt the way his breath stalled.
And when you looked up at him, really looked, there it was.
It wasn’t only anger or jealousy, it was mixed with something else.
Fear.
You walked away with Aonung under the lantern light, laughter soft between you.
Behind you, Neteyam stayed rooted to the sand. Hands clenched at his sides.
And for the first time..
He wasn’t sure you’d come back to him.
🐾
Neteyam didn’t go looking for a fight.
That’s what he tells himself as he spots Aonung down by the deeper end of the ocean, knee deep in water, rinsing sand from a hunting net.
The sun is low, bleeding orange across the surface of the sea. The rest of the village is further upshore. You’re somewhere behind the woven huts with Tsireya.
For once, you’re not in sight.
And maybe that’s why Neteyam finally moves.
Neteyam approaches without calling out, his steps are measured and controlled.
But his jaw is tight enough to ache.
Aonung notices him before he’s fully close, he straightens and doesn’t look surprised.
“You have been staring all day,” Aonung says calmly. “Say what you came to say.”
Neteyam stops a few feet away.
Up close, it’s harder to hide the tension. His shoulders are rigid, his breathing shallow but steady.
“What are you doing?” Neteyam asks.
Aonung tilts his head slightly. “You will have to be more specific.”
“With her.”
There’s no confusion about who he means.
Aonung studies him for a moment, assessing.
“I am talking to her,” he replies evenly. “Training with her. Listening.”
Neteyam’s hands curl slightly at his sides.
“That is not all.”
Aonung’s eyes sharpen faintly. “What do you think it is?”
Neteyam hesitates.
Because what he wants to say sounds childish even in his own head.
you were never his. He knows that.
Still..
“She is hurting,” Neteyam says instead.
Aonung’s expression doesn’t change, but something flickers in his eyes.
“She was,” he corrects quietly.
That hits harder than an insult would have.
Was.
“And you think you are fixing that?” Neteyam presses.
“No,” Aonung says. “I think I am not making it worse.”
That lands.
Neteyam’s jaw tightens further.
“You do not know what happened between us.”
Aonung steps closer.
Silence stretches between them.
The ocean moves behind them, waves crashing into the sand beneath.
“You hurt her,” Aonung continues, voice calm but firm.
Neteyam flinches at the words, the accusation cutting sharper than any shout could. His fists clench at his sides, knuckles a lighter shade of blue. “I… I did not mean to,” he says, voice low, rough, almost strangled.
Aonung doesn’t look away. “Intentions do not erase what is done,” he says evenly. His tone isn’t cruel. It’s just the unrelenting truth.
Neteyam’s jaw flexes, and for a long moment he just stares at the rippling water, as if the ocean itself might give him answers he can’t find in words. “You… you do not understand,” he mutters. “You do not know…”
“I know enough,” Aonung interrupts, firm. “I know enough to see she has been hurt. I know enough to see that you are still here, thinking you can fix it by standing off and watching but that isn’t helping anyone.”
Neteyam feels exposed, seen in a way he doesn’t like.
“I care about her,” he says, low and strained.
“I know.”
That answer throws him off balance.
“You know?” Neteyam repeats.
Aonung nods slightly. “You watch her like someone who has already lost something.”
The observation hits too close.
Neteyam looks away for a split second, regaining control.
“That does not mean you get to step in,” he says.
Aonung’s gaze hardens.
“She is not territory.”
Neteyam’s shakes his head. “I am not claiming she is,” he snaps.
“No,” Aonung agrees. “You just thought she would stay where you left her.”
That accusation slices clean through the last of Neteyam’s composure.
His voice lowers. “Careful.”
Aonung doesn’t step back.
“I do not need to be careful. She is not choosing me because I am better than you.”
The honesty in that statement stalls Neteyam’s anger.
“She is choosing me,” Aonung continues, “because I choose her back.”
Neteyam’s chest heaved, and before he could think, he launched himself at Aonung, swinging with everything he had.
Aonung caught the first punch on his shoulder, twisting and shoving Neteyam back into the shallow surf, sand and water splashing everywhere.
“You are insane!” Aonung shouted, raising his fists, ready.
“I do not care!” Neteyam yelled, lunging again. His fist connected with Aonung’s ribs, making him grunt, but he immediately countered, swinging an elbow that clipped Neteyam across the jaw.
Neteyam staggered back, taste of saltwater and sand in his mouth, and he moved again. They collided chest to chest, grappling, fists swinging wildly, arms twisting, legs kicking.
They rolled in the sand, splashing, kicking, each blow sloppy but full of intent.
Neteyam swung again, catching Aonung across the shoulder.
Aonung retaliated with a shove that sent Neteyam sprawling onto his back, water washing over him.
🐾
The sound of splashing and grunts cut through the steady hiss of the tide. At first, you think it’s just boys splashing around, but the sharp impact of a fist hitting flesh makes your stomach drop.
“… did you hear that?” you mutter, clutching the beads in your hands.
Tsireya hums, her ears straining. “Yeah…”
Without hesitation, the two of you sprint across the sand, sand slapping under your feet, beads and shells rattling in the process. The closer you get, the louder the splashes and grunts become.
When you round the woven huts, your breath catches.
Neteyam and Aonung are rolling in the shallow edge, fists flying, bodies crashing against the wet sand, water spraying everywhere.
Neteyam lands a punch.
Aonung shoves him back hard, sending him stumbling.
Each time one rises, the other lunges, their movements repeating over and over. Fists against flesh sounds into the air with each wild swing.
“Stop! Stop!” you shout, panic tightening your throat. You throw your hands out instinctively, but they don’t seem to hear.
Tsireya’s eyes widen. “What… what are they… ?”
“Fighting,” you mutter under your breath, voice tight. “They are actually fighting.”
Neteyam lands a shove, sending Aonung stumbling into the water.
Aonung stands, sending a punch across neteyams face and the angry splashes erupt around them again.
“Neteyam! Aonung! Stop!” you scream, breaking into a run through the water toward them. Tsireya follows, voice calling after you.
Neteyam freezes for a split second as he hears your voice, just enough for Aonung to throw him sideways.
He crashes into the water, and the fight resumes with even more intensity.
Your heart races. “Stop it, both of you! You are going to hurt yourselves!”
For the first time, they both glance up. Neteyam’s eyes are wild, chest and arms heaving with adrenaline.
Aonung’s face is set, jaw tight, but he’s finally pausing too, just long enough to hear you.
“Enough!” you shout, voice breaking, stepping between them despite the spray and grit.
Neteyam’s fists tremble, saltwater dripping from his hair. He glares at Aonung, but he doesn’t strike again.
Aonung slowly lowers his arms, water dripping from his shoulders, eyes still locked on Neteyam.
The reef is quiet again, only the waves lapping against their feet. The fight is over, for now but the tension doesn’t leave.
You stand there, looking between them. “Both of you… just stop. I can’t.. ”
Neteyam swallows hard, still furious, but listening.
Aonung mirrors him, posture rigid, but no longer moving to strike.
Tsireya’s hand grabs Aonung’s shoulder. “Insane!” she shouts, yanking him away. “You are both insane!”
Aonung resists for a second, grumbling, fists still twitching, but Tsireya’s grip is firm.
She pulls him back to shore, taking him to their mother with her hands on his shoulders, holding him firmly while he mutters complaints and struggles to free himself.
You watch them leave the ocean, Aonung glancing back at you before facing forward.
You and Neteyam make it to the sand, walking in complete silence, you sigh. “Wait here.” You point a finger at him, “I will be right back. Do not move.”
He nods once. You take a quick breath, heart racing, and sprint toward the huts.
You grab a cloth, some homemade antiseptic Jake made, and a small jar of herbal salve from the first aid supplies.
Your hands shake slightly as you rush back toward Neteyam, who hasn’t moved from the sand but sitting now, still glaring, still tense.
You kneel in front of him, shaking your head.
You run your fingers over the scrapes and bruises, your hands gentle, wiping away sand and blood. Neteyam’s eyes meet yours, and for a moment, there’s no anger, just exhaustion, salt, and the heat of adrenaline still coursing through him.
“Look at you,” you snap, voice sharp. “You are a mess. A complete mess! What were you thinking, huh?”
He blinks at you, chest heaving, mouth opening and closing like he’s trying to find words.
You don’t let him.
“Do you think flailing your fists is going to fix anything? You think hurting each other proves how much you care?” You grab his hand, forcing him to hold it out, palm up. “Idiots. Both of you. fools. Look at yourself!”
Neteyam swallows, jaw tight, and you finally let your hands move. You grab the cloth and start wiping away the blood and sand from his knuckles, pressing firmly but carefully.
Each scrape you clean, you can feel the tight muscles in his hand relax just slightly under your touch.
You rinse the cloth in the sea water, wring it out, and continue, pressing and dabbing until the worst of the grit is gone.
“You are bleeding, bruised, and…”
You grab his other hand and force it open, examining the cuts.
Blood has dried into the tiny creases, sand embedded into every scrape. “…messy! And for what? For pride? For jealousy? For showing off?”
He tries to speak but you cut him off. “Skxawng!” you huff.
You wet the cloth again, wring it out, and repeat the same process.
slower this time.
Your fingers are gentler now, even if your words aren't.
You drag the damp cloth over his knuckles, careful around the split skin. Neteyam doesn't flinch, he just watches you, eyes heavy and focused on you.
"Hold still," you mutter when he shifts slightly.
"I am holding still," he says quietly, voice rough from shouting and saltwater.
You press the cloth harder than necessary against a cut.
He hisses under his breath.
"Good," you snap. "Maybe it will remind you not to act like a child next time."
Silence falls between you.
You reach for the small jar of salve, unscrewing it with tense fingers.
The herbal scent rises between you, you scoop some onto your fingertips and begin rubbing it carefully into the broken skin.
His hand twitches.
"Does it hurt?" you ask, tone softer despite yourself.
"No," he answers immediately.
You glare up at him. "Liar."
A corner of his mouth twitches almost a smile, but it dies quickly.
The sound of the waves fills the space where your breathing overlaps.
You can see the bruise forming along his cheekbone where Aonung struck him.
Without thinking, your free hand lifts and brushes lightly over it.
Neteyam goes still.
Your thumb grazes it, wiping away the dried streak of blood there. You don't even realize how close you've leaned in until your foreheads are almost aligned.
His breath brushes your lips, its warm and uneven.
For a second.. just one, neither of you moves.
His eyes drop to your mouth.
That's when it hits you how close you are.
You pull back abruptly, like you've touched fire.
The space between you feels cold now.
You clear your throat, busying your hands with the cloth again “Nga lu skxawng nìtxan. Ke tsun nga nì’áw think.” (You are very foolish. You do not think.)
His mouth twitches.
“Do not smile.”
“Oeru ke smil,” he replies innocently.
“Nga lu mawey ke,” you hiss. “Nga lu feral. Nga tsakrr like a child.” (You are not calm. You are feral. You act like a child)
His gaze drops to your mouth for half a second and he tilts his head slightly.
“Txoa lu?” he exhales a quiet laugh.
You dip the cloth back into the water, shaking your head as you wring it out, pretending like you're focused only on the task and not on the way his gaze hasn't left your face for a second.
He clears his throat.
You say nothing.
"I shouldn't have fought him," Neteyam starts quietly.
You hum, noncommittal. "Mm."
You lean in again but this time you keep a careful inch of space between you. Your fingers cradle his jaw to tilt his face toward the light, examining the bruise forming under his eye.
He sighs. "I shouldn't have ignored you either."
Still nothing from you. You move the cloth to his cheek, dabbing gently at the bruise forming
“I thought..." he exhales slowly. "I thought if I stepped back, it would get easier."
Your fingers pause then continue, you sigh. "Easier for who?" you ask coolly.
"For you," he says.
That makes you scoff softly. "You do not get to decide what is easier for me."
"I know that now."
Your fingers are warm against his skin and you’re avoiding his eyes on purpose.
"I see the way Aonung looks at you," he continues, voice lower now, rougher. "The way he stands too close and how he tries to make you laugh."
You shrug slightly. "He is funny."
Neteyam's fingers twitch at that. "I hate it," he admits.
You press the cloth a little firmer against his cheek, pretending that's what you're focused on. "Sounds like a personal problem."
"It is," he says immediately.
That surprises you but you hide it.
"It is my problem," he repeats, firmer now. "Because I want you."
Your movements slow again but you keep your eyes down.
"I wanted you before we ever came here," he says. "Before the ocean and the what happened, before anything."
You swallow quietly.
"I was scared," he says.
You finally glance up at him, just briefly then back down again.
"Scared of what?" you ask.
"Of needing you," he answers without hesitation.
He leans forward slightly, careful not to startle you.
"When I started avoiding you... it was because I realized how much I look for you, how I wait for you and how quiet everything feels when you are not near me."
Your chest tightens.
"I thought if I made some distance," he continues, voice softer now, "maybe I could control it."
You laugh softly but it sounds thin. "Control what?"
"You."
That makes your eyes snap to his.
"Not control you," he corrects quickly. "Control how much I feel."
Silence falls again.
You dip your fingers into the salve and lift your hand to his face again.
"I am sorry," he says, and this time it's not rushed or defensive. "I am sorry I made you feel unwanted. I am sorry I acted like you were easy to walk away from. You are not."
"You deserve someone who does not make you chase them," he continues quietly. "Someone who does not disappear when things feel too big."
Your throat burns.
"And I swear to you," he says, voice trembling just slightly now, "I will not run from you again."
Your thumb smooths the last bit of salve along his cheekbone, careful around the swelling.
He's watching you too closely again.
"Why did you lie?" you ask quietly without warning.
Neteyam stiffens under your touch.
"Lie?" he repeats, but it's weak. He knows exactly what you mean.
You dip the cloth back into the water, wringing it out slowly.
"When I asked you to come to the marketplace with me," you continue evenly, "you said you were helping Loak.”
He exhales through his nose.
"I was," he starts.
You finally look at him.
"And then," you cut in, voice sharper now, "I saw you at the marketplace anyway."
His jaw tightens.
"With her."
There it is.
The thing that's been sitting in your chest like a stone.
You dab the cloth at the corner of his lip where it split, casual, acting like his response wouldn’t matter but your hand trembles slightly
"I wasn't with her," he says quietly.
You laugh under your breath. "Neteyam. I have eyes."
"She came up to me."
"I saw you laughing with her," you continue, the words finally slipping out unfiltered.
His eyes close briefly. "She was talking," he corrects.
"And you didn't walk away."
"She was talking about her ikran," he continues. "And how her sister fell off a tree. I laughed because it was ridiculous, not because I was interested."
You wet the cloth again wringing it out harder than necessary.
"I don't care about her," he says firmly. "Not even a little."
"I did not go to the marketplace with her," he adds quickly. "I was already there. I had gone to clear my head after telling you no."
"You told me you were helping Lo'ak."
"I was," he says. "Earlier. Then I left."
"Why?"
His gaze drops to your hands, faintly stained with his blood.
"Because saying no to you felt wrong," he admits. "When I got to the marketplace," he continues, "I was not thinking about her. I was not looking for her. I was looking for you."
The ocean hums around you.
"You are the first thing I look for," he says softly. "You make me restless," he murmurs. "You make me jealous. You make me afraid."
A pause.
"And I would still choose to feel all of it... if it means I get to stand this close."
Your fingers are still on his face.
The salve is done and the blood is gone. There's nothing left to fix.
"I tried not to want you like this," he says quietly, his eyes on yours.
"I thought it would pass," he continues.
Your thumb drifts absent mindedly over the edge of his cheekbone.
"It didn't."
The wind pushes softly between you, carrying salt and warmth.
"I wake up thinking about you," he admits. "Before I even open my eyes. I wonder if you're near. If I'll see you that day. If you will smile at me... or if you will look away."
"I watch the way you walk," he confesses. "The way you push your hair back when you're frustrated. The way your voice changes when you're pretending not to care."
You swallow.
"I notice everything," he breathes. "Even when I pretend I don't."
His eyes flicker over your face slowly, like he's afraid this might be the last time he's allowed to.
"You do not know what it does to me when you are this close," he murmurs. "When your hands are on me like this."
Your fingers tremble just slightly against his skin.
"I do not want to be brave with anyone else," he continues.
"I do not want to laugh with anyone else. I do not want to stand beside anyone else and feel nothing."
He leans forward more, resting his forehead just barely against yours, giving you space to pull away.
You don’t
"I have never wanted her," he says softly. "I wanted you at that marketplace. I wanted to walk beside you. Carry your things. Hear you argue with vendors."
He lets out a low, almost broken sigh, his eyes never leaving yours.
"I want you," he says again, softer now, almost a plea.
"Every day. Every moment. Even when I try not to. Even when I lie to myself."
The waves crash behind you and the wind lifts your hair.
His hands hover at your waist for a heartbeat, hesitant, then slowly, slide upward. They settle at the back of your neck, warm and steady, cradling you gently.
Your breath catches at the feel of his palms, the soft pressure against your neck, the way his fingers slide into your hair without force.
"You are the only one I want," he says, eyes never leaving yours.
"I have wanted you from the first moment I knew I could."
"Oel ngati tse'a! Nga lu oeru yawne!” (I choose you. You are my beloved)
🐾
A few days had passed since you let Neteyam finally explain.
You hadn’t been purposefully avoiding him, you just needed time to process everything.
The afternoon sun hangs warm and bright above the reef.
You sit cross legged on a woven mat with Tsireya and Kiri, strings of shells and beads scattered between you.
The tide is low again, leaving treasures behind… pearlescent spirals, tiny blue stones, bits of coral smoothed soft by the sea.
Tsireya hums under her breath as she threads a pale shell onto sinew.
Kiri’s fingers move carefully, thoughtfully, as if each bead carries meaning.
You’re laughing and relaxed, head tilted back slightly as kiri tease you about how uneven your pattern is.
Across the platform, Neteyam pretends to help repair a fishing net.
He hasn’t knotted a single strand correctly in the last five minutes.
Because you’re right there.
Close enough that he can hear your voice when the wind shifts.
He doesn’t mean to watch.
He just… does.
The way your fingers work the string. The way your tongue presses faintly against your teeth when you concentrate. The soft crease on your forehead.
Tsireya glances up suddenly and grins. “This one is for someone special,” she says, nodding at the necklace in your hands.
Neteyam’s stomach drops.
You duck your head, pretending to focus on the beads.
Kiri smirks knowingly. “Is it?”
Your smile turns shy.
He hates how much he wants to know the answer.
Before he can stop himself, he straightens slightly, straining to hear.
And then a shadow falls across the woven mat.
“Those are uneven.”
The voice is amused.
Neteyam doesn’t need to look to know who it is.
Aonung steps into view, arms folded loosely over his chest, water still clinging to his skin from a swim.
Tsireya rolls her eyes. “Then fix it yourself.”
Aonung crouches down beside you, reaching for the string in your hands. “You’re twisting it wrong,” he says, but his tone is teasing, not critical.
His fingers brush yours as he adjusts the thread.
You don’t pull away, instead you lean in slightly, watching what he’s doing.
Neteyam’s grip tightens around the net so hard the cord bites into his palm.
He remembers when you used to look at him like that.. attentive, curious, open.
Aonung glances at you from under his lashes. “See? Stronger this way.”
You smile at him.
Neteyam’s chest aches, he wonders if Aonung knows how lucky he is right now.
kneeling there, close enough to feel your warmth, close enough to hear you laugh without having to chase the sound.
Kiri’s eyes flick toward Neteyam briefly.
She sees but she says nothing.
Aonung picks up one of the finished necklaces, the one in your lap.
“For who?” he asks casually.
Tsireya smirks. “Someone special.”
Aonung raises a brow and looks at you. “Should I be worried?”
You laugh softly. “Maybe.”
He imagines what it would be like to kneel where Aonung is.
To brush his thumb against your knuckles intentionally, to let himself linger, to say, openly, “Make one for me.”
The words sit in Neteyam’s throat like something living.
He imagines it, stepping forward, setting the net aside, crossing the platform without hesitation.
Imagines lowering himself onto the mat beside you instead of watching from a distance. Imagines your surprise.
Would you smile like that at him? Or would you stiffen?
Aonung rolls the necklace between his fingers thoughtfully. “If it is for someone special,” he says, voice dipping just slightly, “you should make it stronger than this.”
He looks at you when he says it.
Neteyam feels heat crawl up his spine.
You tilt your head. “Stronger?”
Aonung nods, guiding your hands again.
“Not like that,” he murmurs. “See? Pull it through here, then tighten gently. Don’t twist.”
Your thumb brushes against his. A small, fleeting touch, but it ignites something deep in Neteyam’s chest.
Neteyam’s hands are shaking. He forces himself to keep working the net, though the pattern is ruined beyond repair now.
He wants to interrupt, to say something sharp, something claiming.
But he has no claim.
You follow Aonungs guidance, lips pressing together and eyes narrowing in concentration.
Your fingers falter once, and Aonung adjusts them again closer now, thumb brushing your knuckles again, guiding, teaching.
Aonung leans closer, his shoulder brushing yours as he murmurs, “There. Try again.”
You do and your fingers move more confidently this time.
You beam at the finished knot, pride lighting your features.
You look up at Aonung first, seeking his approval.
Neteyam’s breath skips.
Aonung’s smile softens in a way Neteyam has never seen directed at anyone outside his family.
“Good,” Aonung says quietly.
Neteyam can’t take it anymore, he stands.
The net falls from his hands unnoticed. The sound draws your attention…finally.
Your eyes meet his and for a moment, everything stills. The ocean hushes, laughter fades…It is just you and him across the platform.
He doesn’t look angry or proud, he looks wrecked.
Aonung notices the tension a beat later, his posture straightens slightly, subtle but protective.
Neteyam sees that too and something inside him fractures because that should be him.
He should be the one close enough to shield you without thinking, he should be the one you look to first, instead, he is the one standing at a distance, aching.
Your fingers tighten around the necklace in your lap.
He takes a single step forward before stopping himself.
If he comes closer, he might say something he cannot take back.
Might beg.
And Neteyam does not beg.
But for you?
The terrifying truth is…
He will.
His gaze drops briefly to the necklace in your hands, then back to your face.
He wants to ask..
Is it for him?
But he is afraid of the answer.
So instead, he says nothing.
Just stands there, breathing like the air has turned thin.
🐾
It has been days since he told you.
‘I only want you.’
The words had left his mouth, he had never said anything like that before.
Not to anyone and not with that much certainty.
And you had just… gone quiet.
So now he stands alone at the edge of the ocean.
The tide creeps in slowly, folding over the sand, the last light of day stretching thin across the water.
You’re not here.
You’re somewhere behind him in the village, probably sitting beside someone else, laughing and relaxed.
Without him.
His jaw tightens and he steps forward.
The water curls around his ankles and he keeps walking.
If it’s over, he’d rather feel something physical than this hollow ache in his ribs.
The water reaches his knees.
He replays it again.
The way he sat in front of you days before, how his voice came out low, steady, serious and how his hands threaded through your hair, his eyes holding yours.
‘I only want you.’
He meant it.
Eywa help him, he meant it.
He thought it would change something, that maybe it would anchor you to him.
Instead, it feels like you’ve been drifting further away with every sunrise.
The water thrashes against him while he wades deeper.
Ankles. Calves. Knees. Thighs.
The sand shifts beneath him, unstable. The tide pulls back gently, as if testing him.
He breathes shallowly, every inhale is jagged, every exhale hollow.
He takes note of the faint glow through the waves.
It’s beautiful, it reminds him cruelly of you, of the warmth you radiate without even trying, the way the world seems to pause when you smile.
He closes his eyes for a fraction of a second and imagines your face.
The water reaches his chest.
It feels fitting somehow, like it should swallow him whole.
If it’s over, he thinks, maybe he deserves that. For assuming the worst when you’re probably just overwhelmed.
But he doesn’t know that.
All he knows is that you’re quiet and quiet feels like goodbye.
He inhales sharply and dives.
There’s no wind or distant chatter, no sound just the dull rush of water in his ears.
Blue surrounds him, its deep, endless, suffocating blue and for a moment, there’s relief in it.
Under here, he doesn’t have to see you not choosing him, he doesn’t have to interpret silence, it’s just him and the ache in his lungs.
His braids float around his face, he tries to swim forward but his strokes are uneven, they’re too fast and too tense.
He kicks harder than he should.
His body doesn’t move the way Aonung demonstrated. It doesn’t glide. It fights.
Because that’s what Neteyam does.
He fights, against currents, doubts, against the tightening in his chest that whispers, You lost her.
His lungs begin to burn faster than they should.
He didn’t prepare, didn’t steady his breathing before diving.
He hadn’t been practicing properly these past weeks. He’d been distracted. Watching you from the corner of his eye. Measuring distance between you and other boys. Counting how many times you smiled at someone who wasn’t him.
Stupid.
He swallows accidentally and salt floods his throat.
Panic flickers, he tries to correct his form, he tries to remember what he was told.
Relax your body, move with it, don’t fight the pull.
The current shifts unexpectedly and his shoulder jerks sideways, his chest spasms and his lungs scream now.
Suddenly the metaphor isn’t poetic anymore.
He is actually drowning.
‘If it’s over, I didn’t even get to hear you say it.’ He thinks.
He pushes upward hard.
His movements are frantic, messy, untrained.
The surface feels farther than it should.
His chest convulses.
The reef below blurs faintly as his vision tightens at the edges, the current shifts against him.
He doesn’t adjust correctly and his body tilts sideways, his foot catches nothing but open water.
He forces his arms through the water instead of slicing through it. He wastes air, wastes energy.
His heart slams against his ribs as he tries to angle upward, the surface not only feels farther, it looks farther.
The ache in his chest turns from burn to agony and his body screams for air, he claws upward blindly, but his limbs feel heavier, slower.
He didn’t listen, didn’t prepare, didn’t respect the water.
His lungs seize again and the light above blurs, his thoughts fracture into sharp, desperate pieces.
It’s really over.
She didn’t want me.
She didn’t even…
Another convulsion rips through him.
His body tries to inhale.
There is no air.
Only water.
His movements grow weaker, not because he wants to stop but because he can’t find strength. The ocean presses in from every direction.
The noise inside his head dulls and the burn fades into something numb, his arms slow, then his legs stop kicking with intention.
The surface shimmers above him, distant and warped, his body goes limp, saltwater fills his lungs, burns his throat, curls in his stomach.
His arms float uselessly at his sides. Every muscle is heavy, every thought fragmented.
The ocean presses against him like a memory he can’t escape a cold, indifferent weight that wants him gone.
Then hands grip him.
Strong, insistent. Pulling him upward.
At first, he doesn’t respond. He’s too far gone, too lost in the fog of panic and exhaustion. The tugging continues. Harder now. Urgent. Desperate.
“Neteyam!”
Your voice. High, cracking, carried on sobs that pierce through the haze in his mind. He hears it, barely. It’s more than a sound.. it’s a lifeline.
“Neteyam, please! Wake up!”
His heart clenches at the desperation behind it. He wants to answer. Wants to turn his head and see you, see that face streaked with tears, eyes wide and frantic. Wants to tell you he’s okay. But his body doesn’t obey. He is too heavy. Too weak. Too close to leaving.
Aonung is there too, pulling him the rest of the way toward the sand.
The sand scrapes against his back as Aonung drags him higher. He feels it now, the solid ground beneath him.
Aonung’s hands shake slightly as he slaps Neteyam’s cheeks. “Come on! Wake up!”
The sounds of your crying, the rush of the waves, the shouting, all blend into one sharp, unbearable ache.
Your hands cup his face now. “Neteyam…please…please…”
Something flickers. A cough. A gasp. His fingers twitch. His chest jerks.
And then it happens.
Air. Finally, bitter, cold, sharp air fills his lungs, and he convulses violently, coughing and sputtering, water flying from his mouth. He feels your arms tightening around him.
You’re crying so hard he can feel it through his skin, through the shaking of your hands, through the way your chest presses against his.
Aonung stays behind him, steady, relentless, shaking him gently now instead of violently, whispering, “That’s it…breathe…you’re okay…you’re okay…”
Neteyam gasps again, his vision swims.
He’s aware of nothing but the sound of your sobs, the desperate relief in Aonung’s voice, the warmth of hands holding him upright, keeping him from slipping back into the cold blue.
He wants to speak. Wants to tell you he’s here. Wants to tell you he’s fine but his throat is raw. His lungs are on fire. His heart is still pounding like a drum.
So he does the only thing he can, he blinks, and somewhere in the haze of pain and relief, and he lets himself finally, be held.
You weren't avoiding him, you weren't punishing him.
You were thinking, processing and he assumed the worst.
His breathing slows, but his heart pounds harder now for a completely different reason.
He almost let his pride convince him it was over.
His lungs still ache faintly.
But the worst pressure isn't in his chest anymore.
It's in his pride.
Because he knows..
If he had drowned just now, it wouldn't have been because he couldn't swim.
It would have been because he couldn't handle not knowing whether you still wanted him.
🐾
it had been a two days since neteyam was pulled from the ocean.
The rain had started sometime after sunset.
It tapped softly against the woven canopy of the marui, a gentle, steady rhythm that blended with the distant hush of the reef.
The healer’s marui pod was quiet now.
The frantic rush, the trembling hands, the desperate prayers to Eywa all of it had faded into the hush of the night before.
Outside, the reefs of Pandora shimmered under pouring rain.
Inside, Neteyam rested.
You hadn’t moved.
Not when they carried him in or when they pressed against his chest, forcing the rest of the water from his lungs.
Not when Ronal had gently but firmly tried to guide you aside.
Neteyam laid on a low pallet of layered sea grass and woven cloth, his broad chest rising in shallow, measured breaths.
Each inhale felt like a gift you were afraid would be taken back.
You sat at his side on the sand smoothed floor, legs folded beneath you, your hand wrapped firmly around his as if the ocean might try to steal him again if you loosened your grip.
His skin was cooler than usual, not cold but not warm either.
Every few breaths, you leaned closer, counting the rise of his chest. One. Two. Three. You matched your breathing to his without meaning to. When his inhale faltered, your heart stuttered.
A shallow bowl of crushed sea herbs rested nearby, their sharp scent filling the pod.
A damp cloth lay folded at Neteyam’s collarbone where you had been gently drying the last traces of salt from his skin. Even now, grains of sand clung faintly to the line of his jaw, caught in the curve of his ear, tangled in his braids.
Carefully, so carefully, you reached up and brushed them away.
Your fingers trembled when they grazed his cheek.
“You scared me,” you whispered, voice raw from hours of speaking and crying and praying.
His hand remained heavy in yours, there was no squeeze or no twitch, just weight.
You swallowed.
Outside, distant ilu calls echoed across the village, low, mournful sounds that made your throat tighten again.
You shifted closer, until your knee pressed against his hip, grounding yourself in his solid presence. He had always been solid and strong. The first to stand between danger and the people he loved.
Seeing him unmoving had felt wrong in a way that had shaken you to your core, you leaned forward, resting your forehead lightly against the back of his hand.
Your thumb traced slow circles against his skin, over the faint pulse at his wrist, it was there, steady, but softer than you were used to.
Minutes passed or maybe longer, time had begun to feel strange and at some point, the curtain rustled.
Ronal stepped inside, her presence calm and powerful as the sea itself.
She knelt beside Neteyam without a word, placing two fingers lightly at his throat, then at his chest.
You watched her face like it held your fate.
“He is returning to himself,” she said quietly.
Your breath left you in a fragile exhale.
“But he is tired. The spirit fights hard when pulled beneath the water.”
You nodded, unable to speak past the tightness in your chest.
Her gaze moved to you, to your swollen eyes, your stiff posture, the way you clutched his hand like an anchor.
“You have not eaten.”
It wasn’t a question.
You shook your head.
“You have not slept.”
Another shake.
Ronal studied you for a long moment. “If you fall, you cannot hold him up.”
“I am fine.”
It came too quickly and too sharp.
Her eyes softened, just slightly. “Your spirit is shaking.”
You hadn’t realized it was visible.
Still, you shook your head. “If he wakes and I am not here….”
“He will wake,” she interrupted gently. “And he will know you stayed.”
“I know.” Your voice cracked. “But I need him to see me when he wakes.”
Something unreadable passed across her face, perhaps understanding. She said nothing more before slipping out again.
The quiet returned.
You lifted his hand carefully and pressed your lips to his knuckles. His skin tasted faintly of salt.
“I am still here,” you whispered, as if reminding both of you.
A long breath filled his lungs.
Then a hitch, it was small but different.
Your head snapped up.
His face twitched faintly, a subtle crease forming between his eyes. You leaned forward instantly, one hand coming up to cradle his jaw.
“Neteyam?”
Nothing.
Then his fingers shifted, not much, barely a flex but it was there.
Your heart slammed so hard it almost hurt.
You moved closer, your other hand coming up to cradle the side of his face. “Neteyam,” you breathed, softer now, afraid to startle him.
His lashes fluttered, slowly, like his lashes were heavy, like his eye lids weighed more than they should and when his eyes finally opened, they were unfocused at first, cloudy with exhaustion. They drifted, searching without understanding.
Until they found you.
Recognition came gradually but it came.
His lips parted, dry and cracked but no sound came out.
You brushed your thumb across his cheek. “Do not try to speak.”
His throat worked anyway. A hoarse whisper scraped free.
“…You stayed.”
The words broke something open inside you.
A sound left you that wasn’t quite a laugh and wasn’t quite a sob.
“Of course I stayed.”
His gaze softened even through the fatigue. His thumb shifted weakly against your palm, an answering pressure this time.
“I heard…” He swallowed painfully. You quickly reached for the water beside you, dampening your fingers and brushing moisture carefully across his lips. “…you.”
Your breath caught. “You did?”
He gave the smallest nod, eyes drifting half closed again. “I could not… move. But I heard you.” His thumb shifted weakly against your skin. “You would not stop yelling.”
His eyes studied you more clearly now, taking in your tear streaked cheeks, your exhaustion.
“You are crying,” he murmured.
“I thought the sea took you,” you admitted softly. “I was not ready.”
“I am sorry.”
Your expression crumpled.
“No,” you said immediately, shaking your head. “Don’t you dare apologize.”
He swallowed, wincing. You brushed another bit of moisture across his lips, careful and patient.
His hand tightened weakly around yours.
For a moment, you just looked at him, really looked at him.
At the boy you had grown beside. The one whose laugh you could recognize across a crowd, the one who always stood slightly in front of you without realizing he was doing it.
Your voice, when it came, was quiet and steady.
“I forgive you.”
His breath left him in a way that sounded almost painful.
But you weren’t finished.
“I forgive you,” you repeated, softer this time. “Not because you avoiding me didn’t hurt. It did.”
“I forgive you because I see your heart and I see how much you carry, I see how hard you try to be everything for everyone.” Your voice trembled slightly. “And I love you for that.” Your thumbs brushed slowly across his knuckles.
The words hung between you, open and unhidden.
“I love you when you are strong,” you continued. “When you stand tall and steady like nothing can move you.”
Your hand moved, caressing his jaw softly.
“And I love you when you are unsure, when you are scared and when you do not know what to do.”
His eyes softened, something breaking open there, his grip tightened instinctively around your fingers.
“I do not need you to be perfect,” you whispered. “I do not need you to carry everything alone, I need you to let me be here, to let me help, to let me love you through the fear, through the mistakes.”
A tear slipped down your cheek before you could stop it.
“I would rather struggle beside you than be kept safe away from you.”
your forehead lowered until it touched his.
"Nga tsun oeru, Neteyam. Nga tsun oe tsakrr, sì nga tsun oeru niwotx."
(I am with you, Neteyam. I love you, and I am yours.)
🐾
The sea is calm today, not the kind of calm that feels heavy but the gentle kind.
You chose the shallow cove on purpose, it has warm water, no harsh currents, the baby waves curling protectively around the edges like it’s guarding the space just for you two.
Neteyam stands beside you, water at his waist, pretending he isn’t watching the waves like they might suddenly change its mind.
You notice and so, you step closer until your arms slide around his middle without warning.
He stiffens for half a second then immediately melts into it.
“You are hovering,” he murmurs.
“I am supervising,” you correct.
His hands come down to rest on your hips automatically, thumbs brushing small circles against your skin.
He leans down just slightly so his forehead bumps yours. “You like having an excuse to hold me,” he says quietly.
You tilt your chin up. “Maybe.”
Your hands slide up his chest to his shoulders, steadying him.
He looks down at you like this is the best day of his life.
“You are enjoying this too much,” you mutter.
“You are touching me and telling me what to do,” he replies calmly. “Of course I am.”
You shove him lightly and he barely moves. “Focus,” you say.
He lowers his voice. “I am focused on you.”
You sigh, hopeless.
“Alright,” you say, trying to sound serious even though you’re smiling. “Lesson one.”
He groans dramatically. “There are lessons now?”
“Yes. And you will listen.”
“I always listen.”
You narrow your eyes.
He grins.
You step back slightly, one of your arms still wrapped around his waist. “You’ll float better when you relax. Which means you stop trying to be strong.”
He exhales through his nose but lets you guide him deeper until the water reaches his chest.
“Lean back,” you instruct softly.
He looks at you like you just asked him to step off a cliff.
“I will not let you sink.”
A beat, then slowly and cautiously, he leans back.
The water rises around his shoulders and his muscles immediately tense.
You slide one hand behind his upper back, the other under his head. “I’ve got you,” you whisper.
He exhales shakily as his ears dip beneath the surface, the sea cradling him.
His body tries to curl forward instinctively but your hand presses gently against his lower stomach.
“Relax.”
His eyes close and you feel it when he finally lets go, shoulders dropping, spine loosening, his weight shifts fully into the water and he floats.
He isn’t struggling or fighting, he’s just becoming one with the water and his breathing evens out.
You can’t help the small smile that tugs at your mouth. “There,” you whisper.
His eyes open slowly and the sun glints off the water around his face.
“I am… floating,” he says quietly, almost in disbelief.
You grin, teasing. “Yes, Ma yawne. You are.”
His lips twitch but then something shifts in his expression, it softens.
He tilts his head slightly in your palm, gaze finding yours. “You are not afraid?” he asks.
“Of what?”
“Of it happening again.”
Your hand tightens slightly under his back. “I was,” you admit softly. “For a while.”
You remember the nights you woke up in a cold sweat.
The way you’d grip his arm in your sleep just to make sure he was there.
“But you are here,” you continue. “And you are learning.”
A wave rolls under him gently, lifting him higher before settling and he doesn’t flinch this time, he trusts the water and he trusts you.
After a moment, you slowly remove your hand from beneath his head.
He startles slightly.
“I am still here,” you reassure.
You keep your hand hovering just beneath the surface, close enough to catch him.
He steadies himself and he stays afloat on his own.
There’s something proud in his eyes when he looks at you.
He carefully tilts forward, standing upright again, the water drips from his braids as he steps closer to you.
“You helped save me,” he says quietly.
Your throat tightens.
“I know.”
“And now you teach me.”
“Because I am not dragging you out of the sea again,” you tease gently.
His hands slide to your waist, “I would let you,” he murmurs.
“You better not.”
A small smile curves his lips.
Then, unexpectedly, he leans down and presses his forehead to yours, water lapping softly around your bodies.
“I was afraid,” he admits, voice barely above the tide. “Not of dying.”
You swallow. “Then what?”
“Of leaving you.”
The words sink deeper than any wave.
You lift a hand, brushing damp braids from his face before resting your head against his chest
His chin rests on top of your head as the little waves move around you both.
“Thank you,” he murmurs into your hair.
You wrap your arms around him, squeezing once.
“Anytime.”
The water rolls gently against your hips.
And for the first time since that day
It feels peaceful.
🐾
It’s late evening, the fire is dying low, most of the clan already settled into their marui.
You’re inside with Tsireya, laughing softly over something small and unimportant.
Outside, near the waterline, Neteyam and Aonung are alone.
The air isn’t hostile but it isn’t light either.
“You going to pretend I am not here?” Aonung calls out casually.
Neteyam doesn’t turn. “I am deciding,” he replies evenly.
Aonung exhales through his nose. “We need to talk.”
Aonung walks up and drops down into the sand beside him like he owns the place. Which, technically, he does.
For a while they just sit silently listening to the water
“I hurt her,” Neteyam admits quietly. “Before we came here.”
Aonung studies him carefully.
“Yes,” he says simply.
No sugarcoating.
The wind pulls at their hair as the tide shifts.
“But you fixed it,” Aonung adds after a moment. “I saw that too.”
Neteyam’s shoulders loosen slightly.
“She is different with you now,” Aonung continues. “Softer.”
“When you were avoiding her, she thought it was her fault.”
Neteyam’s jaw tightens faintly.
“I know.”
“You do not,” Aonung corrects gently. “I watched her continue to convince herself that she was too much.”
That stings, even now.
Neteyam looks down at the sand.
“I will spend the rest of my life proving that wrong,” he says quietly.
Aonung holds his gaze for a long moment.
Then nods.
“Good.”
The tension eases not completely, but enough.
“I never tried to take her from you,” Aonung says.
“I know.”
“I cared about her,” Aonung adds. “Still do.”
Neteyam doesn’t bristle this time.
“So do I.”
Another wave crashes.
Aonung tilts his head slightly. “You were jealous.”
“Yes.”
The honesty surprises them both.
Aonung huffs a small laugh. “You looked like you wanted to drag me into the sea.”
“I considered it.”
That makes Aonung grin.
“But I didn’t,” Neteyam continues. “Because she is not a weapon between us.”
That earns him a look of approval.
“She would hate that,” Aonung agrees.
They stand in quiet understanding for a moment.
Then Aonung says something softer.
“She healed you too, you know.”
Neteyam’s brows knit slightly.
“The drowning,” Aonung clarifies. “You do not look at the water like it is an enemy anymore.”
Neteyam glances toward the dark waves.
“She taught me how to float.”
Aonung nods once.
“She taught me how to stay,” Neteyam adds quietly.
Aonung slides back slightly, tension fully drained now.
“You two are insufferable,” he mutters.
Neteyam almost smiles. “I know.”
Aonung looks toward the marui where your laughter drifts faintly into the night.
“She is happy,” he says.
Neteyam’s expression softens instantly.
“I know.”
“And if you ever make her doubt again…”
“I won’t.”
There’s no hesitation.
Aonung searches his face and finds no arrogance or uncertainty.
Finally, Aonung extends his forearm.
Not as a challenge, as acknowledgment.
Neteyam grips it firmly.
There was no rivalry or unspoken competition.
Just two warriors who both care about the same girl and one of them knowing she’s exactly where she wants to be.
When they release, Aonung smirks slightly. “If you glare at me again for making her laugh, I will do it more.”
Neteyam rolls his eyes faintly. “She laughs louder with me.”
Aonung scoffs. “Confident now, are you?”
“Yes.”
And he is.
Because you love him.
🐾
The village no longer feels divided when you walk past each other. There’s no more pretending not to look, no more swallowed words, no more aching silence.
Now, it’s easy.
The sun is setting, the sky is painted in soft coral and gold, reflecting over the water like molten glass. The air smells like salt and warmth. The waves roll in slow and gentle, like they’re breathing.
You’re sitting at the edge of the shore, legs stretched out in the sand, letting the tide kiss your ankles. Your fingers trail lazily through the wet grains.
You don’t even turn when you hear him approach.
You just smile.
Neteyam lowers himself behind you without a word, his thighs bracketing yours. His chest presses to your back warm, solid. He rests his chin on your shoulder like he belongs there, because he does. He turns his face slightly and brushes his nose along your temple, then your cheek, a soft nuzzle. Almost shy, if he were anyone else
“You always sit here at sunset,” he murmurs against your ear, voice low and warm. His arms slide around your waist slowly, fingers lacing together over your stomach, thumbs brushing soft circles against your skin.
“And you always follow me,” you reply lightly.
There’s a quiet huff of amusement against your neck. You feel his smile more than you see it.
He presses a slow kiss just below your ear.
You tilt your head slightly, giving him more space without even thinking about it. That’s how natural it is now, this silent communication. Your body understands him before your mind catches up.
After a moment, you shift so you’re turning in his arms instead of sitting in front of him. Sand sticks to your skin. He helps brush some off your hip without even thinking, his touch careful.
You end up straddling his lap in the wet sand, knees on either side of his thighs. The waves creep close but don’t reach you this time.
His hands settle on your waist automatically, his gaze softening as he looks at you, tucking a loose braid behind your ear.
“You are staring,” you whisper.
“I know.”
His thumb brushes over your cheekbone gently.
You lean into it, eyes half-lidded.
He leans forward first this time, not to claim, not to prove anything, just to feel you.
His lips meet yours softly. Slow. The kind of kiss that lingers and breathes. The kind that says I choose you every time.
Your fingers slide into his hair at the nape of his neck. He exhales against your mouth, arms tightening around you like he needs you closer even though you’re already right there and when you pull back, your foreheads rest together.
He brushes his thumb over your bottom lip, his forehead rests against yours, “ you taste like flowers,” he murmurs. Then, he kisses you again, this time slower, deeper, his hand sliding to your lower back pulling you flush against him like he wants no distance left at all.
You lean into, eyes closed, letting yourself memorize the feeling of him. The way his hands tighten at your waist. The way he exhales softly through his nose when you kiss him back. You’re lips brush once more before you separate and you keep your eyes closed for a bit longer.
When you open them, he’s already looking at you, you smile gently and press your forehead to his.
“ I see you.”
“And I see you.”
Taglist: @zzma-rs @melsunshine @gojoswaterbottle @bakugouswaif @kingoveverything @nasisil @oddlyeternalslayer @minghaossv @tartybleedinghearts @frey-williams @alexturnersgooch @littlebambi-isdee @hiyik (for some odd reason a lot of people who asked to be tagged aren’t popping up.. is it something on my end or what?!)
I was gonna release a tonowari x reader in the middle of this part and the previous part but someone said they didn’t like the plot of this fic so i just gave it my undivided attention
Ty for reading, i hope you enjoyed and let me know what you think.. also aonungs ending will be next!
Pairings: Neteyam x fem omatikaya! Reader... x Aounung?
Summary: Every glance you give someone else, every smile not meant for him, stings, fueling a sharp, quiet jealousy he can’t hide. You move through the village, avoiding him, leaving Neteyam frustrated and longing, wishing he could make you stay and talk.
Warnings: slow burn, jealousy/tension, playful roughhousing, angst, fluff?, flirting, conflict, avoidance, use of y/n, let me know if I missed anything.
Notes: this is gonna be longer then I intended 😭, I decided to change the setting but there will definitely be more angst next chapter! Kind of proofread! ty for reading and i hope you enjoy!
Word count: 5.5k
Translation: kelku - loved ones.
part1, part2.
Kiri’s arm stayed around your shoulders. She didn’t rush you. She didn’t offer solutions you didn’t ask for. She just stayed.
After a while, when the sun dipped and the water turned amber.
She nudged your shoulder gently. “Alright,” she said softly, rising with a long stretch. “We should get going before it gets too dark. You’ll have plenty of time to brood later, don’t worry.”
You managed a quiet laugh, shaking your head. “I am not brooding.”
Kiri gave you look. Then nodded once. “Sure.”
You brushed your hair behind your ear, tail curling lazily as you stood.
You followed her through the narrow path back toward the village, the forest around you alive with soft noises and rustling leaves.
Every step felt heavy, yet somehow lighter than before, as if admitting your feelings to kiri had loosened so invisible weight.
The path curved, leading you out of the forest’s embrace.
Kiri glanced back at you. “Feeling better?”
You shrugged, keeping your gaze forward. “…. Maybe. A little.”
You fell in to step beside her, she hummed quietly as you both made your way toward the hut.
“Finally,” kiri muttered under her breath, tugging at your arm. “I swear, my feet are dying.”
A small smile touched your lips, but the closer you guys got to the hut, the voices became clearer.
When you guys rounded the tree, you saw them.
Neteyam, Lo’ak, and Tuk.
All three, pressed against the back side of the hut, focused on the voices that carried inside.
Jake and Neytiri.
Their voices, rising and falling with argument and irritation.
“… We can’t risk..” Jake’s voice was firm, controlled. “We have to leave, Neytiri! We need to go. Staying here puts everyone at risk.”
There was a crack of desperation in his tone.
“No!” neytiris reply rang sharp. “..This is our home. Omatikaya is our home. Our people are here. We cannot just abandon them.”
You and kiri moved closer, quieter now.
The hut fell silent for a moment, except for the sound of strained breathing.
You crouched beside Tuk.
Jake’s voice broke through again, firmer this time. “Baby, you don’t get it. He’ll come. He won’t stop. Not for us. Not for the kids. If we stay here…. If we wait.. he’ll find them.”
Neytiri’s jaw tightened, her hands curling at her sides. “Jake.. the people are with us.. we are not alone… do you not trust us?”
He shook his head, frustration flashing in his eyes. “This is not about trust! This is about survival!” His footsteps paced heavily inside the hut.
A shiver ran down your spine.
Neteyam’s ears twitched, his tail going stiff.
Lo’ak’s hands curled into fist.
Tuk slowly sank to the ground beside you, pressing herself against your side.
You wrapped an arm around her, letting her lean into you. “Hey.. it’s okay,” you murmured softly, keeping your voice low.
The muffled argument carried faintly through the woven walls of the hut low and tense.
But you all heard it.
“It’s final. We leave at first light.” Jake said, leaving no room for discussion.
🐾
The wind tore at your hair, whipping it across your face as your Ikran cut through the sky, muscles straining in powerful, rhythmic beats.
Behind you all, Omaticaya shrank into a patchwork of green and gold, the familiar forests and rivers fading with every stroke of the Ikran’s wings.
Ahead, the others flew in formation.
Neteyam and Lo’ak kept pace, steady and silent.
Hours passed in a rhythm of wingbeats and rushing wind.
Gradually, the air shifted. It carried the faint scent of salt, the ocean neared and the horizon stretched wide in shades of turquoise and deep blue.
The ocean.
Your tail flicked unconsciously, balancing as the Ikran banked over a bend in the river that led to the ocean.
“Almost there,” you muttered to yourself, pressing your heels gently into the Ikran’s sides.
The water below glittered, a riot of blues and greens, sunlight scattering across the coral like structures.
The first sight of the Metkayina village spread before you.
Mauri’s perched along one side of the ocean, woven structures rising from the sea itself.
Your Ikran landed with a rush of wind, talons gripping the sanded ground as its wings folded tightly against its body. You slid off carefully, heart pounding with nervousness.
Around you, Neteyam, Lo’ak, Kiri, Jake and Neytiri with Tuk tucked close at her side were already dismounting, their Ikran settling in the sand.
The Metkayina appeared almost immediately, stepping out of their stilted homes and out of the ocean with cautious curiosity.
Moving silently but with intent, they formed a wide circle around you guys as you all walked toward the center of the village.
Jake led with his hands raised in peace. Neteyam walked behind him, mirroring every movement.
You stood beside Kiri, slightly behind Lo’ak and Neteyam, taking everything in.
The circle of Metkayina around you tightened subtly, the crowd parted instinctively as they approached, creating a narrow pathway through the circle.
Aonung stepped first, tall and steady, moving with the confidence of someone who belonged entirely to this place. Roxto followed closely behind.
The crowd’s silence pressed in around you, anticipation thick, as the two Na’vi approached.
When Aonung stepped forward, sunlight caught the lean lines of his body, your gaze lingered.
His posture was confident, shoulders square, head held high, muscles taut beneath the smooth lines of his skin.
Your eyes traced him from head to toe, taking in the sharpness of his jaw, the intensity of his gaze, the way his arms swung easily at his sides.
His eyes swept over each of you, the slight tilt of his head as his eyes met yours.
You quickly looked away, pretending to examine the sand beneath your feet, but your tail betrayed you.
Roxto snorted, stepping closer, eyes narrowing. “Look.. what is that? Is that supposed to be a tail?” He spoke, pointing at you.
Laughter rippled through the surrounding na’vi, Aonung included.
Your ears flattened slightly. You swung your tail a little too sharply, brushing the sand as heat crept up your neck. You opened your mouth to defend yourself, but kiri nudged you.
In front of you Neteyam went still.
His jaw tightened, the muscles in his back tense. His tail flicked once, quick and careful, betraying the frustration he refused to voice.
Olo’eyktan Tonowari stepped forward then, moving through the crowd with quiet authority. Jake straightened, lowering his hands at they came face to face.
Greetings were exchanged.
But it was ronal who truly examined you.
Her gaze was sharp, critical, lingering too long on your arms, your tails, your hands. One bye one, she picked you apart before the gathered clan, her words cool and harsh.
The sea breeze felt colder under her scrutiny.
She and Tonowari exchanged looks, a wordless conversation.
Then, Olo’eyktan spoke.
Uturu was granted.
🐾
Weeks had passed since you first landed in the Metkayina.
The mornings were soft and golden, the waters shimmering under the sun like scattered gemstones.
Roxto, Aonung and Tseriya moved through the water with ease, effortless and fluid.
Today, they were tasked with teaching you, Kiri, Loak, Tuk, and Neteyam how to live as reef people.
“Focus,” Tseriya called, her voice clear even through the splash of water around her. “The water will guide you, not fight you.” She moved like liquid herself, tail cutting through the water, demonstrating turns.
You followed her movements, letting your tail slice through the water in imitation, muscles trembling with the effort.
While Lo’ak tried to keep pace with a little less grace, splashing and huffing.
Aonung surfaced beside you, a grin on his face. “Not bad,” he said, his voice low, carrying easily through the water.
“But you’re too stiff. Let the water carry you.” He added, draping an arm over your shoulder, intentionally weighing you down.
You shot him a look, pushing him back with a laugh.
Neteyam’s hands clenched, tail flicking sharply, frustration radiating off him like heat.
Every time Aonung brushed close to you, laughed near your ear, or demonstrated a move with exaggerated ease, Neteyam’s body tensed.
How did this start?
It hadn’t been like this at first.
When your kelku was first granted uturu, everything felt heavy. Eyes followed you everywhere. Whispers. Judgments. You were an outsider in every space.
And Aonung hadn’t made it any better.
Until one day he approached you alone, he looked you squarely in the eyes, his tone soft for just a moment, and said he was sorry for any unease he had caused, for the way he had acted when you first arrived.
Days had passed since he apologized and the lagoon became both a classroom and a playground, and through it, you and Aonung grew closer.
you and Aonung had found a rhythm. Training together alone, laughing when someone stumbled, sharing stories you hadn’t told anyone else.
You found yourself talking to him more than anyone else.
You told him about your life before all of this, the small things, the memories, the moments that made you who you were.
He listened, really listened, and sometimes he would just nod, like he understood more than you thought.
One afternoon, you both were resting on a sun-warmed rock, dripping and tired, you found yourself telling him about what had happened with Neteyam.. the marketplace, the avoidance, the heartbreak, all of it spilling out before you could stop.
Aonung listened quietly, jaw tight and eyes narrowing slightly. “Yeah… he’s a jerk,” he said finally, voice low, almost like a growl. “Hiding from you, smiling at someone else… that’s cold.”
You weren’t used to someone saying it so plainly.
He nudged you, lightly, a mischievous glint creeping into his eyes. “You… you wanna get back at him?” he asked, almost teasing, but there was an edge of seriousness too.
You blinked, caught off guard. “Get back at him?”
“Little payback. Nothing drastic. Just enough to get him to realize what he’s missing.” Aonung said simply, voice easy.
You rolled your eyes, laughing lightly. “And you… would help me?”
He tilted his head, playful and casual. “I mean… someone’s got to... so you can stop sulking randomly.”
you shoved him lightly.
He fell off the rock, arms flailing, and landed in the soft sand with a dramatic grunt. “You little shit.” He laughed, scrambling to his knees.
You were already sprinting across the sand, laughter spilling from you as sand kicked up behind your heels.
Aonung’s long strides ate up the distance fast, “I’m sorry!” You laughed out, looking over your shoulder.
Firm hands wrapped around your waist, stopping you mid stride.
“Gotcha,” he said, grinning down at you, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Before you could pull away, he swept you up effortlessly, bridal style. Your legs dangled, sand sticking to your calves.
“Put me down!” you laughed, struggling, but his hold didn’t falter.
“I think you like it,” he teased, shifting you slightly in his arms so you couldn’t escape.
“Do not!” you shot back, but your words were drowned by your own laughter.
“Come on, I think it’s time to see if all these lessons actually work,” he said, striding toward the ocean, sand crunching beneath his feet now making his way through the water.
The waves crashing up, soaking your feet.
“No.” You warned, hooking your arm around the back of his neck.
Aonungs grin widened, waves lapping against him as he made his way deeper in the ocean. “Ready?!”
“No, I’m serious, put me down.” You said, kicking your legs, eyeing the waves below you.
“… Okay.” he nodded, tossing you in water.
You let out a startled yelp as your body sailed through the air, splashing into the waves with a cold, bracing shock. Water surged around you, soaking you entirely and you sputtered, gasping for air.
You scrambled up, stray hairs plastered to your face, water dripping from your arms, and shot him a mock glare.
“This is funny to you?” You questioned, lunging toward him, only for him to step back.
“Oh come on… you gotta admit it’s a little funny.” He laughed, stepping closer.
You wiped water from your eyes just in time to see Aonung step closer, grinning like he was about to grab you again.
“Want me to apologize? hm?” he teased, tilting his head.
“Yeah.. I do.” You stood there, waiting, heart pounding in your chest.
The moment he stepped too close, you hooked your foot behind his ankle and shoved.. just enough to throw him off balance.
he stumbled backward into the water.
But you weren’t done, he started to rise, sputtering and laughing, when you lunged, hands on his shoulders, pushing him fully under the water with a splash.
The cool water engulfed him, and he let out a little gasp as he resurfaced, hair plastered to his face, water dripping down his neck.
“Ha! Got you!” you shouted, splashing him back, laughing.
“You are lucky I like you,” he gasped between laughs, trying to grab at you but you dodged, shoving him back under one more time for good measure.
Neither of you realized that Neteyam was watching from a distance.
His eyes were fixed on you and Aonung, the way you moved, the way aiming grabbed your waist to steady himself, the way you pushed him under again and again.
His ears flattened.
Each laugh, each splash, each playful shove burned like fire in his chest. He didn’t move. He didn’t speak. He just watched, fists clenching, heart pounding, the ache of seeing you with someone else twisting through him.
You scrambled through the water, Aonung stumbled after you, coughing and wiping water from his eyes.
“Alright, alright,” he huffed, “you win! I surrender!”
A smile spread across your lips. “Then carry me back to the sand,” you demanded, arms crossed, tail flicking lazily.
He blinked. “Excuse me?”
“On your back,” you said softly, circling him slowly.
Before he could argue, you leapt onto his back, Your arms draped around his neck, and your legs wrapping lightly at his sides.
“This is pure torture!” Aonung groaned dramatically, but didn’t protest as he began trudging toward the sand.
“You love it,” you shot back, kicking water in his direction. “Admit it.. you would carry me all day if you could.”
Aonung grunted as you dug your legs lightly into his sides for balance. “You know,” he said, looking back at you, “this is way more tiring than it looks.”
“Hey, careful,” you teased, holding your hands together. “Don’t drop me.”
“I am not gonna drop… ” he started, then ‘slipped’ on a patch of wet sand, laughing loudly as you squealed, tightening your grip.
He shifted his grip under your thighs to steady you as he walked the last few steps through the shallows, water cascading down both of you.
Neteyam’s tail flicked again, a sharp, subconscious twitch and he shook his head, pretending not to care, but his tail betrayed him.
Finally, Aonung set you down on the sand, bowing dramatically. “There! Safe and sound,” he said, chest heaving, grin wide.
You hopped off his back, feet landing on the soft, warm sand.
“Alright, I think we should head back before the tide decides to eat us,” he said, his arm slung casually over your shoulders as you walked back toward the village, his grip easy but protective, steadying you when your footing faltered on the uneven sand.
Neteyam stayed where he was, watching you walk toward with Aonung beside you, teasing and laughing.
🐾
the sun was warm against your back, when you found Aonung standing casually with his arms crossed.
He was flicking water at Lo’ak from the oceans edge, clearly entertained by his loud complaints.
“You are late,” he said with a grin.
“Tsireya was showing me how to untangle nets,” you replied, glancing at him.
“Are you ready?” he asked, looking at you.
You nodded.
Now, you both were crouched at the edge of the lagoon, shadows stretching long over the water.
The two of you leaned in close, heads almost touching, whispering ideas back and forth with easy laughter.
Every suggestion was met with a teasing smirk, a playful nudge, or a splash of water, turning the planning into a game.
Your fingers brushed as you traced invisible lines in the sand, marking paths and spots, adjusting as he offered small tweaks.
He leaned closer to point something out, and the warmth of his shoulder pressed lightly against yours.
A sudden splash made you both look up. Lo’ak was wading toward you, shouting over the water, Kiri close behind him.
“Time to go!” Lo’ak shouted, grinning, splashing water toward you.
Kiri smiled, shaking her head before adding. “Neteyam and Tuk are waiting for us with Roxto and Tsireya.”
You groaned dramatically, running your fingers through the sand. “Do we have to? We’re in the middle of..”
Aonung stands abruptly, cutting you off mid sentence and pulling you up with him. “Let us go.”
Kiri gave you a quick, smile before gesturing for you to follow.
You exchanged a glance with Aonung, tails flicking subtly, a hint of mischief passing between you.
Even with Lo’ak and Kiri herding you toward the training area, you whispered to each other and the plan was now in motion.
The sun was slowly setting when you all made it to the training grounds.
The reef was getting busier and busier as time went on.
Tsireya and Rotxo were practicing dives farther out, Lo’ak was arguing loudly about technique, and Neteyam stood near the shallows, arms crossed, observing like he always did.
You noticed him watching. You also noticed Aonung noticing.
That was all it took.
You waded through the water beside Aonung.
“Show me again,” you said, voice light. “The turn you did yesterday.”
Aonung tilted his head. “The one you said was unnecessary?”
“Maybe I misjudged.”
Neteyam’s gaze set on you bothimmediately.
Aonung caught it and smirked.
He stepped closer behind you, one hand hovering at your waist as he laughed to himself.
“Relax your shoulders,” he murmured near your ear.
You carefully let your body lean back slightly into him.
“Like this?” you asked.
“Mm. Better.”
From the corner of your eye, you saw Neteyam straighten.
His eyes narrowing just slightly.
Aonung noticed too. So he made it worse.
He leaned closer behind you, fingers sliding along your side, pulling you into him under the guise of “stability.”.
His thumbs pressed lightly into your hips under the water.
From the shallows, Neteyam went still.
Aonungs hands slid slightly, not inappropriate, but slow. Intentional. Guiding your posture. Adjusting the curve of your spine.
To anyone else, it looked like training. But it wasn’t just that.
You knew Neteyam was watching.
You could feel it.
Aonung’s eyes flicked briefly toward the shore.
Then back to you.
“You are distracted,” he murmured.
“Am I?”
He leaned closer.
“Yes.”
His fingers tightened subtly at your waist, steadying you as a wave rolled through. Your body pressed against his.
“Keep your center here,” he said, palm flattening lightly against your lower stomach to guide your balance.
Having enough of the shallows, Neteyam entered the water.
The shift was immediate. Aonung felt it. You felt it.
But neither of you stepped apart.
Neteyam stopped only a few feet away, gaze dropping to Aonung’s hands, then back to your face.“You do not need to touch her like that,” he said voice low.
Aonung’s thumb traced a slow, grounding line along your hip.
“She hasn’t complained.” Aonung said calmly.
You swallowed.
The space between all three of you tightened like a pulled bowstring.
Neteyam stepped closer.
Close enough that if you moved forward, you would brush his chest.
Instead, you stepped back just slightly into Aonung.
The message was quiet and clear.
Aonung’s mouth tilted faintly at the corner.
Neteyam’s jaw flexed.
A wave passed between you all, cool and slow.
No one spoke, but everything was felt.
🐾
Neteyam knew you had been avoiding him, every time he was near, you’d go quiet and part of him knows he deserves it but he also feels you should give him a chance to explain.
He saw you across the coral walkway smiling, laughing softly at something Aonung had said, the easy way you leaned into him, shoulder brushing his side. His chest tightened, an ache low in his stomach, and he told himself to wait.
‘Just wait until she’s alone.’ He thought to himself.
When you started to move down the path toward the village center, finally separating from Aonung. Neteyam quickened his pace, calling out softly, “Y/N…can we talk?”
You paused, glancing back at him. “Oh, I… uh… I was just heading to check on Lo’ak,” you said, waving a hand vaguely as if that explained everything.
He clenched his jaw. “I just need a minute,” he said, tone sharper than he intended.
You tilted your head, brushing hair from your face, and offered a light laugh. “We’ll talk later, okay?” And before he could respond, you turned and walked away, leaving him standing there, frustration bubbling hot in his chest.
He ran a hand through his hair, trying to shake it off.
‘Later?’
Every excuse, every glance away, every step past him.
Of course later never came.
His tail lashed sharply, muscles tensing. He wanted to grab your hand, pull you aside, force you to listen but you were always slipping just out of reach, moving with ease that made his frustration spiral.
Days later, he saw you standing at the water’s edge, looking out over the lagoon. His heart leapt. Maybe this time.
“Y/N,” he said, voice low, almost desperate. “Please… I just need to…”
You turned, eyes soft but unreadable. “I… I promised Kiri I’d help with something. I really have to go.”
And just like that, you were gone, stepping lightly along the coral path, leaving him standing there, jaw tight, tail flicking, chest burning with frustration and longing.
Every attempt had ended the same way.. you avoiding him, excusing yourself, leaving him wanting, needing, and completely powerless to make you stay.
He clenched his fists, muscles tense, and he muttered under his breath, “Why do you keep running from me?”
And by the time weeks passed, you were near the water’s edge, he figured he had a chance. You were alone. “I… I really wanted to…” he started.
“I’m sorry, Neteyam,” you said softly, standing abruptly. “I just… have to help Kiri.”
Your smile was light, casual, almost innocent, but it stung him worse than any insult.
He stepped closer, disappointment coiling low in his chest. “I’m not here to fight. I just need a minute of your time!”
His ears flattened completely, tail flicking violently, and he took a sharp breath.
Before you could walk off, he stepped directly into your path, planting himself firmly between you and the walkway. His arms weren’t out yet, just his stance… a wall you couldn’t slip past. “Stop.”
Your smile faltered, just slightly, “I… I don’t have time,” you said, voice clipped, already trying to step around him.
He exhaled, jaw clenched. He tried again, softer this time. “I know you’re upset. I get it. But I…”
“I don’t want to talk!” you snapped, finally lifting your gaze just enough for him to see the sharp edge in your eyes. Your tail flicked angrily, ears flat. “I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t want to talk to you!”
Neteyam froze, the words hitting harder than he expected. He could feel the tension radiating from you, the quiet storm of frustration and hurt you’d been holding in all this time. He knew he deserved it.
He stepped closer, careful, giving you space yet refusing to let you slip away like you always had. His eyes softened slightly as he watched you.
“…I saw you,” you said, letting the words hang in the air. “…At the marketplace.”
He froze mid-step. “…What do you mean?”
“Don’t act like you don’t know!” you hissed, stepping closer, tail lashing. “…You weren’t helping Loak. You weren’t alone. You were with her. Smiling. Laughing. Not a care in the world, while I…”
Your voice faltered, chest tightening. “…while I was trying to figure out why you had been avoiding me for weeks!”
Neteyam’s ears flicked back, jaw tightening. He ran a hand down his neck, frustrated. “…I… I lied. I said I was helping Loak because… I didn’t know how else to explain it. I didn’t want to make things worse.”
“Stop!” you snapped, voice sharp, tail flicking violently. “…I tried, Neteyam. I tried to reach you. And you just… Avoided me….lied to me and now here you are, pretending none of it happened. Do you even know how that feels?”
“I know…” he muttered, voice low, trembling slightly. “…I know I have hurt you. I…”
“I don’t have time for this.” You shake your head before turning around, walking in the other direction.
He froze, chest tightening, watching you walk away. “…Y/N,” he called, voice low and rough, but you didn’t look back.
The ache of your anger, the frustration of being ignored and avoided, pressed into him like a stone.
He ran a hand through his hair, jaw tight. Every step you took away from him was a jolt, every sway of your shoulders, every flick of your tail, a reminder that he had messed up.
And all he could do was watch.
ngl… I don’t like this, I don’t know.. i feel there could’ve been so much more going on, next part I’m gonna try to make it heart aching, gut wrenching.. all of that good stuff lol.
but still let me know what you think and also i see the request i will be getting to those soon!
also I’m kinda feeling the Aonung x reader! do we like Aonung or Neteyam more?! I’m thinking of writing 2 separate endings maybe one where reader ends up with Neteyam and the other where she ends up with Aonung! Do we like that?
ty for reading!
Taglist: @hiyik @littlebambi-isdee @minghaossv @tartybleedinghearts @frey-williams @alexturnersgooch (some accounts wouldn’t pop up, sorry if you weren’t tagged!)
Summary: Longtime friends, forbidden desire, and a stolen moment that can’t last.
Warnings: kissing, slight emotional conflict, forbidden romance, slight angst?, let me know if i missed anything.
Notes: someone asked me if i wrote for tsu’tey so i finally decided to get this short little story edited and out of my drafts so if you were the anon who was wondering…. This one is for you!
Word count: 2.3k
You and Tsu’tey had been part of each other’s lives for as long as you could remember.
Back then, it was simple.
Laughter, games, secrets shared under the glow of the bioluminescent plants.
You admired him quietly, hiding the flutter of your heart behind smiles and playful jabs.
You were friends, nothing more… or so you told yourself.
But the years had changed things.
The boy you had chased through the forest had grown into a man whose presence made your pulse race, whose every glance left your stomach fluttering.
The warmth of your bond remained, but now it carried a weight you hadn’t dared to name.
🐾
The evening air was warm, heavy with the scent of damp leaves and wildflowers.
Firelight flickered across the clearing where you sat, your arms resting lightly on your knees, fingers fidgeting with a small leaf.
You weren’t supposed to stare, but you couldn’t help it.
Tsutey’s silhouette against the dying light was captivating.
The way he moved, even while simply sharpening his blade, was precise, confident, effortless.
He didn’t notice your gaze at first, lost in the rhythm of his work.
You could hear the soft rasp of the knife against the blade, the small sound grounding you even as your heart raced.
Childhood memories pressed around you like a heartbeat, steady and comforting, yet impossible to ignore, because the boy you had once known had become the man you wanted… even though you knew you couldn’t.
Now, alone with him, you felt a warmth rising in your chest, a courage you hadn’t dared to summon before.
You leaned slightly forward, just enough to catch his eye without appearing obvious.
He glanced up briefly, catching your gaze, and smirked. “What are you looking at,” he said, voice low, teasing.
You tilted your head, shrugging.
“I am… just observing,” you said, voice a fraction too high, trying and failing to sound nonchalant.
“is that what you are calling it now?” he questioned, making his way toward you.
You rolled your eyes, but the smile tugging at your mouth betrayed you. “What would you call it?”
He crouched instead of towering over you, resting his forearms on his knees.
Now you were eye-level. It felt worse somehow.. more intimate.
“I would call it staring,” he said plainly.
“I was not staring.”
“You were.” His grin widened. “You were barely blinking.”
Your face warmed. “Maybe I was thinking.”
“Thinking,” he repeated slowly, like he was tasting the word on his tongue. “You looked more distracted than thoughtful.”
You nudged his knee lightly with yours. “You think very highly of yourself.”
The firelight flickered between you, casting gold across the sharp lines of his face.
Up close like this, you could see the faint crease near his brow, the way one side of his mouth lifted slightly higher when he was amused.
A low sound left his chest , not quite a laugh.
You felt it more than heard it.
"You were staring," he said softly.
"And if I was?" you asked, your voice quieter now and honest.
His gaze shifted, no longer amused. His eyes moved over your face slowly, studying. Taking his time.
They traced the line of your jaw, the curve of your lips, the way your lashes fluttered when you blinked.
Every small detail seemed magnified, and the way your heart pounded in your chest became almost unbearable.
Your pulse hammered in your ears, loud and insistent, but you forced yourself to stay still… almost. Almost.
But with the intensity of his gaze, you couldn’t help it.
Slowly, almost gradually, you leaned forward. Just a fraction. Just enough so your shoulder brushed the warmth of his arm.
His eyes flicked to yours, sharp and calculating, but he didn’t move. Didn’t pull away. Didn’t push closer either. He just watched.
“Still observing?” he asked, his voice low, teasing but there was something heavier under it now, something that made your stomach flutter.
You let a slow smile curl across your lips. “Maybe I’m… inspecting,” you murmured, your head tilting slightly, letting your lips hover closer, not touching, not yet but the gap between you was smaller now.
He shook his head slowly, letting out a low sound that was almost a sigh. “You know we can’t,” he said, voice low.
"I am promised to another. My word... my honor... it binds me. Even if I wanted to..." His gaze fell to your lips, then back to your eyes. "….even if i wanted to, I can't."
“I don’t care,” you said softly, letting the words hang between you.
you weren’t teasing.
you reached out, your fingers brushing the side of his face, thumb tracing the curve of his jaw.
The warmth of him pressed into your palm, soft and heavy.
He stayed there, letting his cheek rest against your hand, eyes half-lidded and fixed on yours, lips just barely parted.
“We really shouldn’t,” he murmured, voice rough with restraint.
“I know,” you said softly, letting your lips ghost over his, a slow, light brush. “But I can’t help it.”
He pressed a little closer, grasping your chin with his fingers, and his lips met yours.
Soft at first, a brush, testing the barrier between what could and could never be.
You parted your lips slightly, and he followed, pressing his own just a bit deeper, the heat of his breath mingling with yours.
Your hands found their way to his shoulders, gripping lightly, anchoring yourself as he moved closer.
One arm slid around your waist, firm but careful, pulling you just enough so that your bodies pressed together.
You could feel the hard strength of him, every inch of him responding to your touch.
His tongue traced the seam of your lips, gentle, coaxing, and you responded instinctively, letting your tongue brush his, matching his rhythm.
His other hand cupped your jaw as the kiss deepened, slow and intoxicating.
He tilted your head, lips chasing yours with a rhythm that was both gentle and demanding, teasing and urgent.
The taste of him, the warmth of his skin, the low, rough hum that left his chest, it all enveloped you, drawing you in, making the world vanish until there was nothing but fire, heat, and breath mingling.
When he finally pulled back, just a tad, his forehead pressed to yours, breaths coming in harsh, synchronized gasps, his arm still anchored at your back, holding you impossibly close.
His eyes searched yours like he was memorizing every detail.
“I… I can’t,” he muttered, voice low, strained, vibrating with torment.
He closed his eyes for a moment, as if saying the words hurt him more than anything. “It will never be you. Not truly. Not fully.”
You stayed still, letting your body melt against his, your hands resting lightly on his shoulders. “Why not?” you murmured, voice soft, almost fragile. “Why can’t it be me?”
““…You know I am promised to another.”
“Then we will find a way,” you murmured, voice quiet, almost gentle. “…We will find a way.”
His lips found yours again, slow, desperate, carrying all the ache and longing of the impossible.
Every brush of lips, every touch, every shared breath burned hotter because it could never be, and yet, in this stolen moment, it was enough.
Yes part 3 to ‘2 can play that game’ is currently in the works… i just have lot of drafting and writing and re-writing and racking of my brain to do but it’ll be here soon!
And again if you have an ideas you want written up.. don’t be afraid to send a request and I’ll try my best to make it happen for you!
Summary: After silence becomes the loudest thing between them. you later catche a glimpse you were never meant to see. He doesn’t know but you do, and it changes everything.
Warnings: angst, slow burn,avoidance, emotional intensity, messy feelings, quiet desperation, pining,jealousy, romantic frustration… let me know if i missed anything.
Notes: the song that best suits this is…. Hopelessly Devoted To You by Olivia Newton-John…… uhh i hope you enjoyed and this is lightly proofread! ty for reading!
Word count: 6.5k.
Part1 part3
Kiri laughed herself breathless, eventually wiping at her eyes like she’d just witnessed the best thing all week.
“Eywa,” she said as she rose to her feet with deliberate ease, stretching her arms. “I’m leaving before one of you combusts.”
You opened your mouth to protest, then closed it again.
She only grinned wider. “Behave,” she added pointedly, mostly at Neteyam before slipping away into the trees.
Great.
Neteyam carefully made his way beside you, relaxed in that effortless way he always had.
You focused on the moss, tracing idle shapes with your fingers, pretending the silence didn’t make your chest feel tight.
After a moment, he shifted closer.
Not much. Just enough to notice.
“You’re quiet,” he said.
“I’m always quiet,” you replied.
He made a soft sound, almost a laugh. “No. You talk plenty. Just not right now.”
You shrugged. “Maybe I don’t feel like it.”
“Maybe,” he agreed easily.
That should’ve been the end of it.
Instead, he leaned back on his hands, legs stretched out, close enough that your knees brushed when you shifted.
He didn’t move away. Neither did you.
“You nervous?” he asked, casual. Not teasing.
Your heart stuttered. “No.”
He glanced at you, eyes flicking over your face, then down and back up again. “Sure about that?”
“I’m.. fine,” you mumbled, trying to keep your ears from flattening.
“Mmhmm. Fine, huh?” He tilted his head, eyes watching, like he could see right through you. “You’re shaking a little. And your tail… yeah, it’s giving you away.”
“my tail doesn’t mean anything,” you said quickly, cheeks burning.
He leaned a fraction closer, enough for you to feel his breath lightly graze your cheek. “Really?” His breath was warm, voice teasing. “Doesn’t mean anything when it curls tight every time I look at you?”
Your throat went dry. “I… I don’t know,” you whispered.
“Mm.” He chuckled softly, a low, rumbling sound that made your stomach flip. “I like that.”
“What do you like?” you asked, finally looking at him.
“That you can’t even lie to me,” he said, leaning just slightly closer.
Your fingers curled into the moss beneath you. “I’m not” you stopped, swallowing. “I’m not trying to lie.”
“I know,” he murmured. His eyes dropped to your mouth, just for a second, then lifted again. “That’s the part I like.”
Your pulse jumped. “You’re doing this on purpose.”
“Yeah,” he admitted easily. “I am.”
“Why?” you asked, barely audible.
He smiled softly this time, the edges of his usual teasing roughness smoothing into something warmer. “Because… You make it impossible for me not to feel something… whenever I’m near you.” he murmured, voice low and soft.
he lifted his hand slowly, fingers trembling just slightly as they brushed a loose strand of hair from your face.
Then, more confidently, he cupped your cheek, thumb tracing the curve of your jaw. The touch was gentle, careful, grounding.
he leaned in. Just a fraction.
Close enough that your breaths mingled, warm and soft against each other.
Your chest rose and fell unevenly.
His gaze dropped to your lips for the briefest second, then back to your eyes, searching, questioning.
“Do you… want this?” he asked, voice almost a whisper, but every syllable caught in your chest.
Your throat went dry. “I… yes,” you breathed, barely audible.
That was all he needed. Slowly, deliberately, he closed the remaining distance. His lips brushed yours.. light, tentative, testing then pulled back slightly, giving you room to pull closer.
You were barely breathing, chest tight as you leaned in.
The space between your lips shrank by the second.
His proximity made your heart hammer like it might burst through your chest.
Neteyam’s hand still cradled your face, fingers spread wide, thumb tracing your jaw.
The world felt like it shrunk to the two of you, nothing else existing, a small sigh escaped your lips, a flutter of your tail.
Then…
“Neteyam dad’s looking for you! ”
Kiri’s voice rang out, her footsteps getting closer and closer.
You both jolted.
“Shit,” he muttered, ears flattening.
Instantly, you and Neteyam scrambled apart.
Your tail coiled tightly around your leg, ears pinned back, and your breath hitched in your throat.
Neteyam slid back, further away from you, hand falling into his lap.
The air around you now tense as kiri stood at the edge of the clearing.
“dads looking for you.” she repeated.
Neteyam’s eyes snapped to yours, then back to hers, a flicker of frustration passing through his gaze.
He let out a low, rough exhale, straightening. “Of course he is,” he muttered, voice husky, controlled.
“Go on, then,” she said, swinging her tail with amusement. “Don’t make him wait too long.”
She turned and bounded ahead, humming, completely oblivious or pretending to be.
You and Neteyam exhaled simultaneously, neither willing to meet the other’s gaze.
Your tails flicked nervously and the forest seemed suddenly too quiet, too still.
And just like that, the moment was over.
🐾
The marketplace was bustling, colors and smells mingling in a dizzying whirl.
Traders shouted over one another, selling fruit, fabrics, and small trinkets, while Kiri darted between stalls, dragging you along by the wrist.
"I swear, this one has the best woven cords in all of pandora!" Kiri chirped, holding up a handful.
Kiri grabbed your hand before you could even stop to take it all in.
“Come on! This way!” she tugged, tail flicking with excitement, ears swiveling as if she could hear every coin clink, every laugh, every barter.
You followed, letting yourself get pulled into her energy.
The smell of roasted roots and fresh fruit was sharp and sweet, and the air carried the tang of the nearby river.
You could feel the heat of the sun on your shoulders.
Kiri stopped at a stall overflowing with beads, running her fingers through strings of vibrant colors. “These! Look at these! We could make necklaces that glow in the dark!”
She lifted one to the light, and the tiny crystals caught the sun, scattering miniature rainbows across your arm.
You bent down, picking up a strand. The beads were smooth, cool between your fingers. “Don’t you think we have enough already?” you asked, laughing.
Kiri shook her head, grinning. “Enough? Never. You can never have enough.”
You wandered with her slowly, taking your time through the market.
There was no hurry, no pressing need to make choices or buy anything.. just the small, perfect moments.
She tasted a small fruit she bought, letting the juice drip down her fingers before licking it off with a satisfied hum.
Kiri immediately dove in again, plucking a bright red one and offering it to you. “Try it,” she said. “It’s like nothing you’ve ever tasted.”
You bit into it, juice spilling over your fingers. The sweetness made you blink and laugh, and Kiri laughed too, tugging you toward the next stall.
The crowd pressed around you, warm and living.
Vendors shouted, a little girl cried somewhere, someone dropped a basket of fruits, and you and Kiri ducked and twisted through it all, laughing at the chaos.
You lingered at a stall of woven fabrics, running your fingers over the threads.. smooth, rough, patterned, plain.
Each texture was a tiny thrill.
Kiri compared a pale blue weave against her skin, holding it up with a theatrical flourish.
“Look at this one! Isn’t it perfect?” she asked.
You smiled, stepping closer. “It’s… actually really good,” you said, brushing your fingers along it.
You and Kiri continued slowly, stopping here and there to peer into baskets, to inhale the scent of fresh herbs, to laugh at a vendor making exaggerated sales pitches.
You felt… almost weightless, free.
Time slipped, soft and warm, measured in scents and colors, in sounds and touches, in quiet giggles and shared whispers.
The market seemed endless, a labyrinth of stalls and people and light.
It wasn’t until you turned a corner near a stall with hanging fabrics that the sound of laughter..soft but too familiar caught your attention.
You paused, fingers brushing the colorful fabric.
At first, you didn’t register him.
And then you saw him.
Neteyam.
Neteyam had been avoiding you or at least, it felt that way.
Weeks had passed since the near kiss beneath the spirit tree.
Weeks that felt like they stretched longer than the rivers of Pandora, quiet and heavy.
Every time you tried to speak to him, even about the simplest things, he would find an excuse to leave the conversation.
A blink and he was gone.
A nod and a smile, and then a careful, thoughtful retreat.
Every interaction, every casual encounter, had become its own careful dance.
You had tried to engage him in conversation during training.
“Hey, did you..” you started, but the moment he heard your voice, he had a reason to leave. “I have to check on the mounts,” or “I need to speak with Loak.”
Always Loak. Always something.
And you knew, even as your ears flattened in frustration, that it wasn’t Loak.
It was you.
when you tried to share a laugh, he’d excuse himself with a polite nod, walking away before the words had even left your mouth.
At meals, he’d sit further, his posture straight, eyes focused on anything but you, and yet sometimes… just sometimes, you’d catch him staring.
But the moment your gaze met his, he would turn, tightening the line of his jaw, as though he were trying to erase every trace of that glance.
It made your stomach twist.
It made your heart beat unevenly, ache silently, and clutch at the edges of your ribs.
You weren’t angry. Not really. You were unraveling.
At first, you had tried to tell yourself it was nothing, that it was just his way.
But weeks of these small, quiet rejections began to sting.
For weeks, you lived in this slow, quiet torment.
Seeing him from afar, hearing his voice when he thought you weren't listening, feeling the heat of him in the same space but never close enough.
It was maddening. It was heartbreak, distilled into the smallest, quietest moments of everyday life.
And still... still, you wanted him.
"Neteyam, will you come with me to the marketplace?" you had asked one morning, hope threading your voice despite the tightness in your chest.
He had paused, shoulders stiffening slightly, eyes darting to the side as though looking for an escape route.
"I... I’ll be helping loak," he said finally, the words clipped, careful.
He didn't meet your eyes.
You had nodded, forcing a small smile, but your tail had flicked uneasily. "Oh. Okay. Another time, maybe.”
"I... I'll see," he muttered, almost under his breath, before he was gone, swallowed by the crowd of trainees, leaving you standing there, a hollow ache curling in your chest.
but now you see him at the market place.
He isn’t with loak.
He isn’t alone.
Neteyam was with a girl, one of the pretty, popular ones from the village.
the kind everyone knew, with long, dark braids and a confident laugh that carried through the crowd.
Your chest tightened, heat rising, tail flicking behind you.
You froze, letting Kiri wander ahead a little, laughing with a vendor over some bright beads, oblivious to your sudden stillness.
He was talking, his head slightly tilted, the sun catching his profile.
She was smiling up at him, and he was... smiling back.
He was smiling... really smiling.
That soft, easy, "I like being here" smile that you hadn't seen for you in what felt like forever.
All you had gotten was that teasing, playful, casual smile.
His whole expression was soft, attentive, focused on her.
For a moment, the bustling noise of the marketplace fell away, and all you could focus on was the curve of his lips, the warmth of his voice as it made her laugh, the way his attention seemed so fully captured by someone else.
She leaned in close, brushing her hand lightly against his arm.
Neteyam glanced down at her hand on his arm and then out toward the crowd but he didn't see you.
Your stomach twisted.
You felt a sting of jealousy tighten your chest, sharp and unfamiliar.
You wanted to move, to confront, to make him look at you but you stayed rooted at your spot.
Kiri, sensing your sudden quiet, glanced back at you, one brow raised. "What?"
You shook your head quickly, forcing a small laugh.
"Nothing. Just….. look at this fabric."
But your eyes kept drifting.
You watched him laugh at something she said.
You let out a quiet, shivering breath, your mind racing.
the crowd pressed in, weaving its protective barrier around you.
Somewhere deep down, you knew he hadn’t noticed you.
And that thought… made it sting even more.
🐾
After the marketplace, it had only gotten worse.
That image haunted you.. the way he had laughed with her, that girl everyone knew, how easy it all had looked.
It wasn’t just the lie that stung.
It was the certainty that he had chosen someone else’s company over yours.
At first, it had been anger.
Anger at him, at the lie, at the girl he had been with.
But that had faded into something heavier.. a quiet, constant ache in your chest.
everything between you and Neteyam shifted.
Even though he hadn’t come near, even though he didn’t speak to you, you found yourself avoiding him.
Not with words, not with confrontation, but in careful, deliberate movements.
You lingered longer at your own tasks, chose the long paths through the village instead of the ones you knew he would take, kept your conversations with others bright and distracting, as if pretending you didn’t see him would make the ache fade.
He didn’t know you had watched him, and he didn’t know that you had noticed the way he’d laughed with her, the way his attention had been anywhere but on you.
Weeks bled into each other, small glances replaced by nothing.
You began to notice the smallest details, ones you had ignored before.
The way his shoulders sloped when he was tense.
The soft curve of his jaw when he spoke to someone he trusted.
The way he always seemed… just slightly aware, just slightly present, even when he wasn’t speaking to you.
And you hated it.
Hated that you cared.
Hated that you noticed.
Hated that avoiding him made it worse, not better.
🐾
The hut smelled faintly of herbs and cooking smoke, it had been quiet all day.
The hut was dim, lit only by the low glow of the fire embers.
You were on the woven mat in the corner, knees drawn in, back resting against the cool curve of the hut.
You sat cross-legged, hands fiddling with a small bundle of fibers, trying to keep your mind busy.
The low hum of the forest outside barely reached you and it was one of those rare, still afternoons where time seemed to slow.
Your fingers traced the same pattern in the fibers over and over.
you couldn’t stop think about it.
The way his eyes would slide past you like you weren’t there.
The way conversations ended the moment you opened your mouth.
Avoidance. Clean. Deliberate.
You had to learn to stop expecting him.
The sound of footsteps at the entrance made your shoulders tense before your mind caught up. You didn’t look up.
You didn’t have to.
He didn’t look at you at first, just stepped inside quietly, as if the hut itself might shatter if he moved too fast.
He didn’t say anything at first. Just stood there, uncertain, the space between you stretching thin and fragile.
You kept your eyes on your hands.
Seconds passed.
Then..
“…Hey.”
His voice was low. Careful. Like he was testing the ground before taking another step.
You didn’t rush your response. You let the silence sit. Let it press. Let it remind him how long it had.
“……..Hey,” you said finally.
One word. Flat. Calm. Nothing more.
He swallowed. “…I… thought I’d…”
You cut him off with a sharp exhale, rolling your eyes slightly, your tail flicking with restrained frustration. “…You thought you’d what, exactly?”
He hesitated. “…See how you’re… doing.”
You kept your gaze on the mat. “…Mmhm,” you hummed,uninterested.
He ran a hand down the back of his neck, shifting weight from one foot to the other.
“…I… I know I’ve… been… distant,” he said, the words spilling faster now, as if the longer he waited, the harder it became. “…But I…”
You raised a hand slightly, cutting him off without even looking at him. “…Stop. Don’t. I don’t want your excuses.” You finally lifted your head, eyes meeting his, sharp, cold, unyielding.
“…I just..” His voice faltered. He took another step. “…I didn’t know how to…”
You stood, the mat crunching softly beneath you. “…I don’t care,” you said calmly, the edge in your voice sharper than he expected.
He opened his mouth again, desperate, but you didn’t give him a chance. “…I’m leaving,” you said softly, but firmly, voice low, controlled.
“… Wait” he called, stepping forward.
You didn’t turn around. You didn’t need to. Each step carried the weight of every hurt, every moment of silence, every time he’d avoided you when you’d reached out.
“…I just wanted to… talk.” His voice cracked slightly, urgent, pleading.
You exhaled slowly, letting it pass through you, and shook your head, walking faster. “…There’s nothing left to say,” you said, tone final. “…Not right now.”
The flap swung closed behind you, leaving him frozen in the entryway.
The empty space between you felt like a canyon, wide, dark, impossible to cross, and he couldn’t do anything to stop it.
‘Why did I do that?’
The thought struck you suddenly, jagged and unwelcome.
Your fingers curled against the rough fibers of your loincloth.
‘I didn’t mean to…‘
You hadn’t meant to cut him off so sharply, hadn’t meant to push him back when all you had wanted was to step forward.
To reach out.
To wrap your arms around him, to press into him and let the world settle into that small, quiet space where only the two of you existed.
But your mouth had moved faster than your brain, before your heart could even understand what it wanted.
‘Why did I do that?’
You wanted to stomp your foot in frustration.
You wanted to scream.
You wanted to tell him everything.. how you had watched, how you had hurt, how you had wanted him but instead, you had said nothing of value.
‘God, I wanted to hug him. Just hug him. That’s all. Just hold him for a second. And I…’ You thought.
Your breath hitched, and you forced your jaw to unclench.
You hadn’t even looked back to see if he’d followed.
You didn’t want to see the hurt on his face.
You just… moved, one careful, aching step at a time.
‘Why am I like this? why can’t i just…’
You didn’t finish the thought.
Because the answer was the same as it always had been.
Because the truth was cruel and simple and unavoidable… your heart ached for him.
For him.
And nothing.. neither pride, neither silence, neither time would make that ache go away.
🐾
The sun was dipping low, golden light spilling over the tops of the trees, when you found Kiri sitting on the edge of the riverbank, fingers idly tracing patterns in the water.
You stopped a few steps away.
Didn’t sit. Didn’t speak.
Kiri noticed anyway. She always did.
She looked up, her expression shifting the moment she saw your face.
Not alarmed. Not curious. Just… knowing.
“Hey,” she said gently.
You swallowed.
Your throat felt tight, like the words were stuck behind something fragile.
You sat down beside her, leaving just enough space to breathe, your tail curling inward, protective.
For a long moment, neither of you spoke.
The forest filled the silence for you… soft insects, distant calls, the hum of life continuing as if nothing inside you was breaking.
Then Kiri asked, very quietly, “What happened?”
That did it.
Your shoulders trembled despite your effort to stay composed.
You swallowed hard, fingers still curling into the fibers of your loincloth.
The words refused to come at first.
Your chest felt tight, a heavy, hollow ache pressing against your ribs.
But you couldn’t hold it in any longer.
You had to let it out.
“It’s… it’s him,” you whispered, voice low and jagged. “Neteyam.”
Kiri frowned, shifting closer. “What about him?”
You shook your head, letting out a bitter laugh that came out harsher than you expected. “I don’t… I don’t even know why I’m like this, Kiri. I… I’ve been avoiding him, because…because he’s been avoiding me for weeks. Weeks. And every time I try to reach him, he just… slips away. Always Loak, always some excuse.”
Your ears flattened, “And then… I see him at the marketplace. Not with Loak. Not alone. With someone else. And he’s smiling at her. Laughing. He’s… happy. So happy, and I… I can’t even…” You pressed your hands to your face, trying to stop the sting in your eyes.
Kiri’s hand found yours, warm and steady. “Breathe,” she murmured.
You let out a shaky sigh, fingers gripping hers. “I wanted… I just wanted to hug him, Kiri. Just once. To tell him I…” Your voice cracked, faltering.
“I don’t even know what I wanted. But I wanted something, anything that didn’t feel like this… emptiness. But instead… I snapped. I pushed him away. I walked out. And now…” You trailed off, chest tight, tail curled so tightly it hurt.
“Now what?” Kiri prompted gently, giving your hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Now,” you whispered, barely audible, “I can’t even look at him without… without remembering. All the little things. The way he avoided me, the way he pretended he didn’t notice me… the way he laughed with her…”
“Kiri…” Your voice faltered before you could stop it. “…what do you do when you care about someone more than you should?”
“You don’t fight it,” she said gently.
Your shoulders slumped, just a little, like you’d been holding them up by sheer will. “I think I ruined everything,” you whispered.
Kiri didn’t interrupt as you repeated.
“He avoided me first,” you continued, eyes fixed on the ground. “Weeks of it. Every time I tried to talk to him…really talk, he found a reason to leave. I kept telling myself I was imagining it. That I was being dramatic. But it kept happening. Over and over.”
Your tail twitched, betraying you. “And I still waited. I still hoped he’d come back on his own.”
Your voice grew quieter. “Then when he finally did… I pushed him away.”
Kiri wrapped an arm around you, pulling you gently into her side.
“I didn’t want to,” you rushed. “I swear I didn’t. I just…every hurt thing I never said was sitting in my chest, and instead of letting it out, I turned cold. I sounded like I didn’t care. Like he didn’t matter.”
You shook your head slowly. “But that’s the worst part. He matters too much.”
silence set for a while before you spoke again.
“I don’t know how to fix this, Kiri. I don’t know how to talk to him without sounding angry. Or how to stop wanting him when he’s right there.”
Kiri shifted closer, her hand caressing you arm, trying to soothe you. “You don’t have to fix it tonight,” she said. “You just have to let it hurt.”
You leaned into her, finally letting your body relax, breath shuddering as you exhaled.
And for the first time since leaving the hut… you let yourself lean into someone instead of running away.
The ache didn’t disappear.
But at least you didn’t have to carry it alone.
Can you tell that I love angst or what?! 😭
I just like the heartache… I’m sorry guys!
Yes, there will be a part 3! eventually….
tysm for reading and let me know what you think!
Also i hope this is the neteyam story that anon requested!… so ty anon for requesting because it probably would’ve stayed unedited in my drafts.
And please send requests i feel like I’m rewriting the same thing with different characters and just rewording it lwk!
Pairings: avatar!Jake sully x fem!omatikaya reader
Summary: Misunderstandings keeps them apart until truth and longing bring them together.
Notes: I’ve been in a slump for so long! But i finally finished! I listened to Young and beautiful by Lana while writing this… not that anyone asked. This is last part. Not proofread! I hope you enjoy and ty for reading!
Warnings: avoidance, angst, slow burn, illness, physical weakness, miscommunication, kissing, emotional distress, use of y/n… let me know if i missed anything.
Word count: idk. she’s longgg!
Translations: Oel ngati kameie - I see you.
part 1
Jake noticed the third time you didn’t look at him.
Not the first.. everyone had off days.
Not the second because he’d told himself you were busy, focused, tired.
The third time, it settled wrong in his chest.
You passed him near the fire pit, close enough that your arm brushed the air beside him, close enough that he could hear your breathing. You didn’t slow. Didn’t glance over. Didn’t even tense like you usually did when he was near.
It was like he wasn’t there at all.
Before, even in passing, there had always been something.
Your eyes flicking to his, your tail swaying just a little closer than necessary, the easy rhythm you shared without words.
Now, nothing.
You slipped through the village like smoke, present but unreachable.
Now, you stood across the training grounds, bow in hand, listening as one of the warriors gave instructions. When Jake made a quiet comment.. something teasing, something meant just for you.
You didn’t snap back. Didn’t roll your eyes. Didn’t smile.
You didn’t react at all.
Jake leaned against the tree, watching you loose arrow after arrow.
Your form was flawless. Sharp. Controlled. No hesitation.
But there was an edge to you now.. every movement precise, aggressive, like you were fighting something invisible.
Or someone.
Neytiri noticed too.
“You are angry,” she said quietly one evening, arms crossed as she watched you from afar.
Jake scoffed. “I’m not.”
She turned to him slowly, golden eyes narrowing. “Then why do you keep watching her as if you are waiting for something to break?”
He had no answer for that.
That night, Jake found himself outside your hut before he realized what he was doing.
The glow from inside was faint, shadows dancing against the woven walls.
He hesitated then lifted his hand and knocked once.
Silence.
He waited.
“Y/n,” he said softly. “I know you’re in there.”
A pause. Long enough that he almost turned away.
Then the flap shifted open just enough for you to look at him.
Your expression was calm. Too calm. “What do you want?” you asked.
That tone. Distant. Polite. Like he was no one.
Jake swallowed. “did i do something wrong?”
You studied him for a moment, eyes unreadable. “You did nothing.”
“That’s not true,” he said quickly. “You won’t even look at me anymore.”
Your jaw tightened, just barely. “You imagine things.”
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “I hear when you leave a place because I enter it. I see you turn away. You don’t train near me. You don’t talk to me. That’s not nothing.”
Silence stretched between you, heavy and fragile.
Finally, you exhaled, slow and steady. “It does not matter.”
Jake shook his head. “It matters to me.”
That did it.
Your eyes snapped up to his, sharp and bright with something dangerously close to breaking. “Why?” you demanded. “Why should it matter to you?”
He opened his mouth and hesitated.
And in that pause, everything came rushing back. The clearing. Neytiri’s voice. His own words, spoken without thought, without knowing who might hear.
‘I don’t want Y/n.’
Your face hardened, walls slamming back into place.
“Go,” you said quietly.
Jake frowned. “What?”
“Leave.” Your voice was steady, but your tail lashed behind you, betraying the storm beneath. “You should not be here.”
“I’m not leaving until you tell me what I did,” he said firmly.
You laughed then soft, bitter. “You already said it.”
His brow furrowed. “Said what?”
You met his gaze, unflinching now. “That you do not want me.”
The words hung between you like a blade.
Jake’s breath caught. “What?”
“I heard you,” you continued, voice low, controlled. “In the forest. With Neytiri.”
Understanding crashed over him like a wave, sudden and brutal.
“No,” he said immediately. “That’s not…”
“You were clear,” you cut in. “Firm. Dismissive. I listened. I learned.”
Jake stepped forward, desperation flickering across his face. “You heard one moment. One sentence. You didn’t hear the rest.”
You shook your head. “I heard enough.”
The forest hummed softly, unaware of the fracture standing between two people who used to laugh together.
“explaining it will not change it,” you spoke. “And I do not wish to stand here and pretend it will.”
Your voice cracked, just slightly and that was enough to make his chest ache.
Jake’s voice came soft, too soft. “Y/n.”
“I…I need to explain….” he started.
“Go,” you said. The single word carried everything you wouldn’t show… distance, finality, control.
He froze. For a second, maybe two, he looked like he thought you might soften.
You didn’t.
“You don’t mean that,” he said, voice low, desperate.
“I do,” you said evenly. No pause. No inflection. Just the cold truth.
You stepped inside your hut and let the flap fall behind you.
The soft thunk echoed in the quiet like a door closing not just on him, but on everything he thought he had with you.
🐾
You didn’t realize how loud silence could be until Jake started avoiding you too.
Not openly. Not obviously. Just enough that it felt deliberate.
He stopped standing where you usually passed. Stopped lingering after training.
When your paths crossed in the village, he’d nod once.. polite, distant then keep moving, like whatever had been between you had already been buried.
That hurt worse than anger.
You told yourself it was fine. You told yourself this was what you wanted.
But your body didn’t listen.
The exhaustion crept in slowly. Sleepless nights. Bruises that took longer to fade.
You trained anyway, harder than before, teeth clenched, jaw set, as if discipline alone could burn him out of your chest.
It didn’t.
The day it finally broke, the village was busy. Voices overlapped, children darting between huts, elders speaking softly near the fire pit.
You were carrying supplies when your vision blurred.
Just for a second.
You stumbled then caught yourself but the basket slipped from your hands, beads and tools scattering across the ground.
You dropped to your knees too quickly.
Someone called your name.
Before you could react, Jake was there.
Not careful. Not distant.
There.
His hands hovered, then landed on your shoulders when you swayed again. “Hey…hey, slow down.”
“I am fine.” you muttered, trying to pull away.
“You’re not,” he said, quieter now, like he was afraid of scaring you. “You’re burning up.”
You froze.
He hadn’t meant to say that. You could hear it in his voice.. the realization, the worry he’d been keeping locked down cracking through.
“I do not need you worrying about me,” you said stiffly.
Jake didn’t move his hands.
That alone made your chest tighten.
“I wasn’t,” he said after a beat.
You let out a breath that might’ve been a laugh if you had the energy. “You just said I was burning up.”
His jaw flexed. “I stated a fact.”
You pushed his hand this time and he let go immediately, like he’d been waiting for permission to back away.
Good.
You gathered the scattered supplies with shaking fingers. Beads slipped through your grasp. Your head throbbed dully, but you ignored it, focused on the ground, on not looking at him.
Jake crouched anyway, helping you without asking.
“I can do it myself,” you snapped.
“I know,” he said simply, passing you a tool. No edge. No challenge. Just… acceptance.
That unsettled you more than if he’d argued.
When you stood, the world tilted again. You corrected too fast, pulse spiking, breath coming shallow.
Jake noticed.
He always noticed.
“You should sit,” he said.
“No.”
“You almost fell.”
“I did not.”
“You did,” he replied, still calm. Too calm. “And you’ve been pushing yourself like you’re trying to prove something.”
That made you look at him.
Just for a second.
Big mistake.
His expression wasn’t accusatory. It wasn’t angry. It was… restrained. Like he was holding back words he knew better than to say. Like he was walking a careful line he hadn’t meant to step onto in the first place.
You turned away again. “Move.”
He didn’t.
Not blocking you. Just standing there, close enough that you could feel the heat of him, smell the familiar mix of leather and forest on his skin.
“You’re sick,” he said quietly.
Your hands curled into fists. “You do not get to decide that.”
“I’m not deciding anything,” he replied. “I’m just standing here.”
“That is the problem.”
That finally did it.
He stepped back.
The space between you rushed in like cold air, sharp and immediate. You hated how much relief you felt and how much it hurt at the same time.
You walked past him without another word.
You didn’t see his face as you went, but you felt his eyes on your back, heavy with things unsaid.
The village swallowed you quickly.. voices, movement, life continuing like nothing had cracked open in the middle of it.
🐾
You wake before dawn with your throat burning.
Your head feels heavy, body slow, heat trapped beneath your skin.
When you sit up, the world tilts slightly but you steady yourself, breathing through it. Weakness is not something you show. Not now. Not to him.
You still go to training.
The air is cool, damp with morning mist, and it helps for a while.
You focus on movement. On routine. On not thinking.
You’ve always been good at that.
The fever comes and goes in waves. Some mornings you wake drenched in sweat, limbs heavy, head pounding. Other days it fades just enough to let you pretend nothing’s wrong.
Today is one of the in between days.
You’re adjusting the ties on your arm guard when you feel it again.. that familiar weight of being watched.
You don’t look up. You don’t need to.
Jake stands near the weapons rack, pretending to listen to another warrior. His body is angled wrong. His attention split.
You keep your movements precise. Calm. Normal.
Your vision blurs briefly when you bend to pick up your bow.
You straighten too fast and the ground tilts.
You steady yourself.
Again jake notices.
He always does.
He says nothing.
He watches the way your hands tremble just slightly before you still them.
Training begins. Sparring drills. Running. Climbing. You push through it all with clenched teeth, breath burning in your lungs. The ache in your joints grows sharper, deeper, but you refuse to slow.
By the time training ends, your hands are shaking.
You move to leave immediately, but someone calls your name, asking for help carrying equipment.
You nod, because saying no would draw attention.
The crate is heavier than it looks.
You feel it the moment you lift it.
your arms protesting, your shoulders burning but you ignore that too. You always do. You shift the crate higher against your chest and start across the village, head down, steps measured.
Don’t draw attention. Don’t slow.
You make it halfway.
Then your vision goes white.
Not dark… white, like the world has been washed clean of edges.
Your foot catches on nothing. Your breath stutters.
The crate slips from your hands before you realize your grip is gone.
The sound it makes when it hits the ground is loud… too loud and then the world tilts sharply to the left.
Your knees buckle, strength draining out of you all at once like it had been waiting for permission.
You don’t hit the ground.
Jake catches you.
His arms lock around you instinctively, one hand gripping your upper arm, the other bracing your back as your weight sags into him.
You hear your name, sharp and urgent, but it sounds far away.
“Hey… hey, baby stay with me.”
Your head lolls forward, vision swimming, heat roaring in your ears.
You try to speak, to insist you’re fine, but the words won’t come out right. Your chest feels tight. Breathing takes effort.
“I..” Your mouth feels dry. Your tongue thick. “I am fine.”
“No,” he snaps. “No, you’re not.”
You try to push him away. Weakly. It barely registers.
Jake swears under his breath.
You feel him adjust his grip, stronger now, decisive. One arm slides fully around your back, lifting you against his chest as your legs give out completely.
“Clear a path,” he says to no one in particular, voice tight.
You catch fragments of movement, hands reaching out, voices murmuring but Jake doesn’t stop. He lifts you fully now, carrying you with ease like you weigh nothing at all.
Your forehead presses against his shoulder.
The world blurs in and out.
“You’re burning up,” he mutters, more to himself this time. “Dammit.”
The walk to Mo’at’s hut feels endless and nonexistent all at once. You register the shift in air, the scent of herbs and smoke, the cool shade as he steps inside.
Mo’at rises the moment she sees you. “Lay her here.”
Jake does, carefully, reluctantly. His hands linger at your shoulders, then your wrist, like he’s not convinced you won’t vanish the second he lets go.
You feel yourself being lowered, careful hands guiding you down.
Mo’at looks at Jake . “What happened?”
“She collapsed,” Jake says immediately. “She’s been like this for days.”
Mo’at presses her fingers to your forehead and clicks her tongue softly. “She is burning with fever.”
Jake exhales sharply through his nose. “I knew it.”
“She has pushed herself too far,” Mo’at continues. “And for too long.”
Jake doesn’t move from your side.
Only when Mo’at gently nudges him back does he step aside, standing rigid near the entrance, hands clenched, eyes never leaving you.
Your vision fades at the edges. Your breathing evens out as sleep drags you under, heavy and unavoidable.
You don’t hear Mo’at telling him to be patient.
You don’t hear him answer, low and firm, “I’m not going anywhere.”
The last thing you’re aware of is the weight of exhaustion finally pulling you under
🐾
Your eyes open slowly.
The world is too bright, too sharp, and your head pounds in time with your heartbeat.
Every breath feels like it takes effort. You want to move, but your limbs won’t respond properly.
You’re lying back against the soft bedding Mo’at has prepared, sweat cooling in sticky patches across your skin.
Fever fogs your mind, every movement feels like lifting mountains, and yet your ears pick up the quiet murmurs outside the hut.
“Y/n?”
The voice is soft. Gentle. Familiar, yet not his. Your eyelids flutter. You shift your head slightly, trying to focus.
Neytiri is sitting beside you, her hand resting lightly against yours, forehead creased with worry. Her amber eyes hold something you can’t quite place… relief, fear, frustration all wrapped into one.
“You are awake,” she says softly.
You blink at her, throat dry, words sticking. “…Where..?”
“Mo’at’s hut,” Neytiri replies, her tone calm but firm. “You have been out for days. Do you remember anything?”
You try to lift your head and fail. Your body feels alien, heavy, like it’s made of stone. “…I…training…” you manage, voice cracking. “I…collapsed.”
Her hand tightens around yours. “I know. Jake brought you here. He…did not leave.” Her eyes flick to the doorway, where you can faintly see his silhouette, stiff, tense, refusing to step inside.
You try to sit up further. Your muscles scream in protest. “Days?”
“Days,” Neytiri confirms, her voice soft but carrying weight. “You have been burning with fever. Mo’at has been watching over you. She says it is dangerous…you need rest.”
You swallow, throat raw. “Jake…”
Neytiri glances toward the doorway. “He is outside. He has not left. He has been keeping watch. Waiting for you to wake.”
Neytiri leans close, hand warm on yours, her eyes steady and unyielding as she searches your face.
“He… said something you misunderstood,” she begins, her hand resting lightly on yours, firm but gentle.
You flinch slightly. “…I do not care,” you whisper, voice dry and cracked. “…It does not matter what he meant.”
Neytiri doesn’t argue. She tilts her head, amber eyes steady on yours. “It does matter. You need to hear it.”
“…I do not want to hear it,” you murmur, turning your face into the pillow.
Your body trembles under the thin blanket Mo’at gave you, and even lifting your eyelids feels like a battle.
Neytiri sighs beside you, calm and unwavering.
Her fingers brush lightly over yours, grounding, warm. “You will listen,” she says softly, “because the truth will not harm you. It will not change who you are. Only what you thought you knew.”
“…I know what I heard. I do not need explanations.” You whisper.
“No,” she says quietly. “You need to understand, even if you refuse to listen. What you heard…was only part. Only a piece of what he truly meant.”
You flinch, pressing your face harder against the pillow. “I do not care what he meant!”
Neytiri tilts her head, amber eyes soft but firm. “You do care,” she says plainly. “Or you would not burn yourself so. You would not lie in this state, fevered and fragile, and yet think only of hiding from him. You care too much to admit it, but your body remembers, even when your mind tries to ignore it.”
Your chest tightens. You try to speak, to push her off, but only a weak, raspy whisper comes out. “…I…do not want to hear it…”
“Then do not speak,” Neytiri replies, hand settling back lightly on yours. “Do not speak. But listen anyway. Because the truth does not vanish if you refuse it. And if you push it away now, it will grow sharper later, and the hurt will last longer than the fever in your body.”
Your body trembles.
You want to argue, to curl tighter into yourself, to push every word, every explanation away.
But the heat and weakness make it impossible to move fully, impossible to escape the room or her presence.
“You think he does not care,” Neytiri continues softly, letting the words wash over you like a gentle tide. “because you heard what you heard and believed it meant rejection. That he does not want you. But it is not the whole sentence.”
You squeeze your eyes shut, pulling the blanket tighter around your shoulders. “I…do not want…to hear…”
Her fingers brush yours, tender, coaxing. “Then do not. But know this, he waits. Even if you refuse to listen, even if you push him away, he is here. Every moment, he is here, caring, patient, frustrated, but refusing to leave. And you…” she pauses, letting the silence stretch, “you are too stubborn to let him in, even in weakness.”
You flinch slightly, throat dry, voice cracking. "...He…said he did not want me."
Neytiri shakes her head, letting a faint sigh escape.
Her hand tightens over yours, careful, gentle.
"That is not the whole of what he meant."
Neytiri's other hand rests gently on your forehead, brushing damp hair back. “you only heard half,” Neytiri whispers. “You do not know the fear, the restraint, the care that follow those words. You felt rejected but it was only his fear spoken poorly. Not disdain. Not absence of feeling. Only caution…clumsy and human.”
You close your eyes again, stubbornness and weakness warring in your chest. "...I need time."
"Then let it wait," she says. "But remember he is here. He is not leaving. He waits. He will not force you. But he will not be dismissed."
Outside the doorway, you hear the soft scrape of his feet as he shifts. You can feel the tension even before his voice breaks the silence. "Y/n..."
You huff, almost in frustration, even in your fevered haze. "..Go away."
Jake pauses. You hear his exhale, low and pained.
“...l can't," he says, voice rough, barely a whisper. “..Not when you're like this."
You squeeze your eyes shut. "...l do not want you here."
A heavy silence follows.
Neytiri tightens her grip on your hand. "He only waits," she whispers. "He only waits. But soon, you will have to hear him. And you will not be able to ignore him forever."
Neytiri’s gaze softens, patient. “…. Both of you are tethered by care and fear. He will return. And when he does, perhaps you will listen.”
With that, she rises.
The sound of her feet on the wooden floor is soft, careful, and she slips out the hut, leaving you alone.
The silence presses in.
The heat of your fever, the ache of your stubbornness, the weight of Neytiri’s words.. all collide in your chest.
Your body shivers, weak, fevered, trembling under the blanket.
Neytiri’s words echo in your mind.
‘He is here…He is not leaving…He only waits…That is not what he meant…’
Your chest tightens at the memory, your mind running over her words again and again.
You want to ignore it, to shove it away like you shoved Jake out, but it lingers like a shadow, pressing against your fevered thoughts.
You curl tighter, shivering, whispering to yourself. “…he said he did not want me…”
Heat and stubbornness clash in your chest.
You want to scream, to hate, to refuse to think about it.
But every memory of Jake, the worry in his voice, the pause in his step when he left, fights against your pride.
Even with the flap closed, even with your fever pressing every nerve raw, your mind won’t stop.
Neytiri’s words roll over you, jagged and persistent, leaving you trapped between anger, guilt, and the ache of knowing he truly cares.
You bury your face in the pillow, shivering, stubborn, and fevered.
You pushed him out, but you cannot push out the truth.
🐾
Days had passed since your collapse.
Your fever was gone, but the exhaustion lingered in your bones, a reminder of how fragile you’d been.
Every night, you had lain awake, fevered and stubborn, replaying Neytiri’s words, Jake’s hesitant steps outside your hut, and the echo of the phrase you’d misunderstood.
The sun hung low, casting long, golden streaks across the village.
Your feet moved with purpose, tail flicking lightly behind you, mind buzzing.
Every step was firm. Every corner of the village you passed was familiar, yet today, everything seemed charged, sharper, as if the world itself knew what you were about to do.
You needed answers.
You found him at the training grounds, leaning casually against a tree, but the tension in his posture betrayed him.
He saw you before you spoke. Amber eyes widened slightly, just a fraction, and then relief, recognition, caution.
“…Y/n,” he said softly, voice low, careful.
You stopped a few feet away, hands tightening at your sides. “…Jake,” you said, your voice steady, though your heart was pounding. “…I need to hear what you meant.”
He blinked, hesitation flickering across his face. “…I…”
You held up a hand, stopping him. “…No. I do not want excuses. I do not want you to skip around it. I’m done pretending I do not care. I need to know. Tell me what you meant when you said…that.”
His jaw tightened.
He looked down at the dirt, then back at you. “…When I said what you heard…you didn’t get the full thing. You only caught a piece. And I…God, I hate that it came out that way and it sounds awful when it’s just that part.”
Your chest tightened at the acknowledgment, the tension, the heat of the moment. “…Then say it,” you demanded, voice trembling slightly, stubborn and fevered all at once. “…I am listening.”
He swallowed, running a hand through his hair. “I…didn’t mean it the way you think.”
“I wasn’t saying I don’t want you. Not even close. I…” He paused, frustration flashing across his features.
He falters, struggling for the right words, his amber eyes locking onto yours. “…I…you don’t know how hard it’s been,” he admitted, voice low, rough, trembling just enough to betray the restraint he’d held for too long.
“…To see you every day, to want you, and not say it. Not risk it. I…kept it locked inside because I was afraid.” He continues.
“Afraid I’d scare you, afraid I’d ruin what we have, afraid I’d hurt you. And yet, I’ve wanted you. Every single day.”
You watched him, calm, steady, letting every word press into you. “…You…do want me?” you asked, voice soft, breath catching.
“God, baby…I do. I’ve wanted you from the beginning. I’ve wanted your attention, your trust…your heart. And I’ve been waiting, holding it all inside, because every time I even thought of saying it, I worried I’d scare you. And yet…here you are, standing in front of me, wanting me to say it anyway, and I…” His voice faltered, thick with restraint, yearning spilling through each pause.
“…I can’t stop myself. I can’t. I’ve wanted you. All of you. Every day, every night, since the moment I saw you. And I can’t…not want you.” He adds.
Something inside you loosened at the words, the raw yearning in his voice. “…You should have just said it,” you murmured softly, almost under your breath, more a statement than a question.
He stepped closer, careful, deliberate, amber eyes searching yours as if asking for permission.
“…I tried,” he admitted, voice full of longing. “…Every time I opened my mouth, you pushed me away, I couldn’t force you to hear it until you came to me.”
Your chest tightened. “…I am here now,” you said, voice barely above a whisper, letting him feel the weight of your presence, letting him see that you were waiting.. wanting to hear him.
He exhaled sharply, then leaned in slowly, carefully, giving you every second to step back, to refuse, to test him.
You didn’t.
You didn’t move, didn’t step away, didn’t flinch.
And when his lips finally brushed yours, it was tentative at first, a question, testing.
You met him halfway, and the moment snapped.
The kiss deepened, slow, messy, and full of everything he’d been holding back.
His hands rested lightly on your waist, holding you just enough, pressing you closer without forcing, letting the heat between you speak.
Your hands found his shoulders, gripping slightly, heart pounding, as if every beat was answering the ache he’d just confessed.
Every moment of silence, every day of longing, poured into this single kiss.
When you finally pulled back just enough to see him clearly, amber eyes dark with want and restraint, he whispered, “…I’ve wanted this…wanted you…every day.”
He closed the distance again, just enough for his forehead to rest against yours, breath mingling with yours.
“…And I’ll keep showing you,” he murmured, voice rough, low, and full of longing. “…Every day, baby. I’ll never stop.”
You looked at him, steady, heart still pounding, and for a long moment, said nothing.
Then, softly, almost like a whisper meant only for him
“…oel ngati kameie. ”
You hold his gaze. “I see all of you..”
The words, simple as they were, shattered the tension between you.
He leaned in slowly, careful but impossible to resist.
Your lips met his again, soft at first, a gentle brush, and then fiercer, desperate, a release of all the days you’d spent apart, all the longing held back, all the want finally spilling over.
You pressed closer, fingers threading through his hair, tails brushing together, heartbeats pounding in sync.
The kiss deepened, slow and sweet, tinged with heat and honesty, until it was impossible to tell where one of you ended and the other began.
When you finally pulled back, just enough to breathe, your foreheads resting together, you whispered again, almost shyly, “…I see you.”
“And I see you,” he breathed back, amber eyes soft and blazing at once. “…Always.”
For the first time in days, maybe weeks, the silence between you felt alive instead of empty.
The forest, the village, the world itself seemed to shrink until it was just the two of you.
Seen. Known. Wanted.
And finally, completely, together.
Originally ‘Not now. Not ever.” Was supposed to be a oneshot but i was asked for a pt2 so i tried my best!
I have about 4 other stories drafted up they just need MAJOR editing… so be ready for that!
Let me know what you think and tysm for reading! ❤️
Summary: Raised as part of the Sully family, she grows up close to Kiri, but as she gets older, her dynamic with Neteyam subtly changes. Neither of them says anything, yet the shift is felt… noticed, mutual, and quietly lingering.
Warnings: slow burn, mentions of loss, sensual undertones, tension between characters, mild manipulation, mutual pining,.. lmk if i missed anything.
Notes: i was a bit reluctant on writing this because i know people were a bit weirded out by the spider and kiri situation during afaa but it was already drafted up so.. reader refers to Neytiri and Jake as ‘Ma’ey’ and ‘Pa’ey’ those names give the emotional weight of mom and dad without being literal parental titles.
Word count: 3.0K
part 2
Your mother and Neytiri had been best friends, much like how you and Kiri are now… always laughing, sharing, and looking out for each other.
But your mom was gone, caught in the fires when the humans evaded Pandora.
You remember the cold ache in your chest, the emptiness that settled in when you realized she wasn’t coming back.
Neytiri had been there, always by your mother’s side, and now… now she was all you had left.
Jake and Neytiri found you among the remnants of your home, trembling, ears pinned, tail coiled tightly.
They didn’t hesitate. Neytiri knelt beside you, wrapping you in a protective embrace.
“You are safe now,” Neytiri whispered, voice soft and steady, eyes full of fire and care. “We will not let anything happen to you.”
And they kept that promise.
They didn’t just take you in.. They raised you. They guided you, protected you, and gave you a family to rely on.
You learned to walk, to hunt, to listen to Eywa’s whispers, and to trust again.
They didn’t push you to call them “Mom” or “Dad,” but the love was there, unconditional, steady, and unwavering.
They are Your home. Your family. Your heart.
You remember how it felt the first time Jake smiled at you and said, “You are a sully… you are my daughter ” The weight of his words settled in your chest, a warmth that has stayed with you even now, years later.
Neytiri’s guidance shaped your confidence, her steady presence a anchor in the wild of Pandora.
And because of them, you grew strong, capable, and… ready for anything
You and Kiri slip into the mauri, trying not to laugh too loud. “Ma’ey! Pa’ey! Guess what we found!” you call, holding up a messy pile of forest treasures.
Jake raises an eyebrow, smirking. “Hmm… trouble, I assume?”
Neytiri laughs softly, shaking her head. “Still gathering what does not belong to you, I see.”
You grin, tugging Kiri’s hand. “It is not stealing if we found it first!”
You and Kiri had always been inseparable.
From the moment you could walk, you were trailing after her through the forest.. mud on your feet, laughter in your lungs, hands always tangled together as if Eywa herself had tied you side by side.
Neteyam had always been there too.
Not with you… not like Kiri was.. but nearby. Older. Taller.
A presence that blended into the background of your childhood until, one day, it didn’t anymore.
🐾
His siblings saw you as one of them. Another sister. Someone to protect, to tease, to laugh with without thinking twice about it.
But Neteyam never could.
Even when you were younger.. small and bright and always laughing beside Kiri… there had been something about you that pulled at his attention in a way he didn’t understand.
His protectiveness ran deeper than instinct, sharper than duty.
He watched you longer than he should have. Stepped closer without realizing why.
It wasn’t the kind of care you gave a sister.
It never had been.
As the years passed, the distance between you shifted.
You grew into yourself, into someone who made his chest feel tight and his thoughts slow.
He became aware of you in a way that made him restless, careful, quiet.
Neteyam told himself it was wrong to think this way.
That you were family.
That his place was to protect you, nothing more.
But no matter how many times he tried to see you the way his siblings did…
He couldn’t.
And deep down, he knew he never would.
🐾
Kiri noticed neteyam first.
The way his attention shifted without him meaning to.
How his gaze followed you through the clearing even when the conversation had already moved on.
How he positioned himself.. subtly, instinctively between you and anything that felt even remotely like a threat.
How his fingers twitched, as if he wanted to reach out and steady you, and then didn’t, letting you find your balance yourself.
She noticed how he listened when you spoke.
Not politely. Not patiently.
Intently.
And then she noticed you.
The way you went quiet whenever Neteyam stepped into the clearing.
How your fingers fumbled, how your ears twitched just a second too late when his voice joined the conversation.
You, who had grown up fearless, climbing trees faster than the boys, laughing too loud, never shy.. suddenly became all nerves and stolen glances.
Oh, she knew.
You were sitting beside Kiri near the roots of the spirit tree, knees pulled to your chest as she braided a thin cord of fibers.
You were mid-sentence, rambling comfortably, when a familiar shadow fell over you.
“Hey,” Neteyam said casually.
Your brain short-circuited.
“Oh…hi… neteyam.. I mean…” You cleared your throat, heat rushing to your face as you stood too quickly, nearly tripping over your own feet. “I was just… uh”
Kiri bit her lip to keep from smiling.
Neteyam's eyes flicked to you, lingering for half a second longer than necessary.
Something unreadable passed over his face.
like he was cataloging every detail.. the way you avoided his eyes, the flush on your ears, the way your tail betrayed you.
From then on, he made no effort to avoid you.
If anything, he sought you out.. always casually, always with Kiri present.
And every time you stumbled over yourself, he smiled.
Not openly. Not teasingly.
Just a small curve of his mouth. Like he found something quietly satisfying.
Each interaction was small. Innocent.
And every single one left you flustered.
🐾
Neteyam's teasing was quiet. Subtle. Designed just for you.
He started greeting you differently.
Not just a nod. Not just your name.
A hand briefly resting on your shoulder when he passed.
A light squeeze at your elbow when guiding you through a crowd.
Once. just once, he leaned down and murmured a joke meant only for you, his voice low enough to make your ears warm.
You laughed too loudly.
Neteyam's eyes lit up.
He liked that.
And then he started doing things.
Small things at first.
Like sitting closer than necessary during evening meals, his knee brushing yours beneath the woven mats.
Like handing you things directly instead of setting them down.. letting his fingers linger for half a heartbeat too long when you took them.
Like standing behind you while you listened to someone speak, close enough that you could feel his presence without ever seeing it.
At first, you thought it was accidental.
Neteyam had always been kind, steady, calm, attentive in the way the eldest often was. He spoke when needed, listened more than he talked, moved through the forest like it bent itself to him.
So when he lingered near you longer than necessary, or chose to walk beside you instead of ahead, you told yourself it meant nothing.
But then it kept happening.
Every time you were around him, your body reacted before your thoughts could catch up.
Your ears flicked back when he spoke too close.
Your tail curled when his shoulder brushed yours.
Your voice stumbled when he looked at you directly for too long.
And at first, you were too busy being embarrassed to notice him.
Until one evening, the three of you sat beneath a tree as the forest settled into night.
Kiri leaned back against the roots, calm and comfortable.
You sat across from her, knees tucked in.
Neteyam dropped down beside you... closer than he needed to be.
He stretched his legs out and rested his arm behind you, palm flat against the moss.
Not touching you. Just there.
You could feel the heat of him.
Kiri glanced between you both. Said nothing.
The silence stretched.
Your heart pounded so loud you were convinced Neteyam could hear it.
Kiri leaned forward suddenly, resting her chin in her hands, eyes darting between the two of you. "You know," she said innocently, "she gets really nervous around you."
You nearly choked. "Kiri!"
His eyes flicked.. not to your face, but lower. To your tail. To the way it had curled tight around your leg.
Then back to your eyes.
And there it was. That quiet, satisfied look.
Your chest tightened. Wait.....
Neteyam hummed softly, pretending to consider this. His hand playing with the moss behind you. "Does she?"
Your ears burned. You heart thudded. You tail flicking uncontrollably behind you.
His gaze flicked down again brief, deliberate, then back to kiri. And this time, he didn't hide the smile.
Small. Warm. Absolutely unfair.
That was the moment it became clear.
He wasn't teasing by accident.
He wasn't unaware.
You glanced at him and saw it.
The way his eyes softened. The way the corner of his mouth twitched like he was holding something back.
The thought hit you so suddenly you almost gasped.
He likes this.
he enjoyed watching you unravel a little at a time.
Not in a cruel way. Not mocking.
But... entertained. Amused. Patient.
From then on, you started paying attention.
And you realized he knows exactly what he’s doing.
‘He’s…. Testing me’ you thought.
It became so obvious neteyam was intentionally teasing you.
Not with words. Just proximity. Light touches that could be explained.
Your shoulder brushing his arm, fingers barely grazing, thighs close when navigating narrow paths.
Each time, your tail curled tighter. Your ears flattened. Your heartbeat raced.
He noticed.
And he definitely wasn't going to stop.
🐾
The first time he tested it, it was almost accidental.
The three of you were sitting together near the training grounds.
You and Kiri were sharing fruit, shoulders pressed together, when Neteyam approached and dropped down across from you.
His movements were easy, confident, completely unaware, it seemed, of the way your spine straightened the second he sat.
He leaned back on his hands. Relaxed.
Your fingers stilled mid-motion.
Neteyam's eyes flicked to your hands. Then slowly he smiled.
"You going to eat that?" he asked, nodding toward the bitten fruit in your hand.
Your mouth went dry. "I.. yeah.. I mean-"
Kiri elbowed you lightly. "She was."
Neteyam hummed, amused. "Was."
You shot him a look, flustered.
He met your eyes easily, unbothered and held them just long enough for your heart to start racing.
You hesitated, fingers tightening around the fruit before, without thinking too hard about it, you held it out toward him.
“I.. if you want it,” you said quietly.
Neteyam’s features lifted slightly. Just a flicker of surprise.
Then he leaned forward. He didn’t take the fruit from your hand.
He bit into it.
Right where you had.
Your breath hitched. Your tail stilled completely.
He pulled back slowly, chewing, eyes never leaving your face. There was a pause.. brief, heavy before his lips curved into something small. Satisfied.
“Thanks,” he said, voice low.
Kiri made a soft, knowing sound beside you.
And just like that, it wasn’t accidental anymore.
You stared at the fruit for half a second too long.
He’d bitten it. Right where you had.
“He’s testing me..’ You think again.
The marks were still there.
Your ears burned, heat creeping down your neck as you became painfully aware of Kiri watching you from the corner of her eye.
Neteyam didn’t say anything. Didn’t move. He just leaned back again, relaxed, gaze settled on you like he was waiting.
Testing.
You swallowed.
Then, before you could talk yourself out of it.. you lifted the fruit and took another bite.
From the same place.
Your teeth sank into the softened edge, his bite still there, unmistakable.
The world didn’t end. No one gasped. No one said anything.
But Neteyam’s posture changed. Just slightly.
His eyes darkened, focus sharpening in a way that made your stomach flip. He didn’t smile this time.
Kiri’s eyes widened. Just a little.
‘Two can play that game.’ You think to yourself.
You chewed slowly, forcing yourself to stay calm even as your heart pounded in your chest.
When you looked back at him, your gaze didn’t waver.
Barely.
Neteyam exhaled through his nose. He swallowed. His face a purple hue.
kiri laughed, tail flicking with amusement. "Ohhh, there it is," she teased, grinning. "Look at you, Neteyam! The mighty warrior, flustered!”
His head jerked slightly, eyes narrowing but not in anger. Just... embarrassment.
Warmth spreading across his face and neck, even though he tried to hide it.
"Ohhh, don't think you can hide that! I see it!" kiri adds.
Neteyam's jaw tightened but the faintest curve of a smile betraved him.
you both sit there, flushed and wide-eyed.
Kiri’s little laughs echoing through the forest.
I hope you enjoyed, let me know what you think!
I see you guys asking for a “Not now. Not ever.” part 2 and that is coming soon!!
I’m also in the progress of writing a Tonowari x reader so yay!
Pairings: avatar! Lyle Wainfleet x fem mangkwan! Reader
Summary: quiet tension turns into certainty as unspoken feelings finally surface, pulling them together.. where jealousy fades, closeness deepens, and everything narrows the pull between them.
Warnings: weapon use, fluff, slow burn undertones, sexual content (oral sex fem!receiving , p in v) possessive/dominant behavior, jealousy, intense physicality… let me know if i missed anything!
Notes: i was quite literally racking my brain on how to write a part 2 for you guys but after multiple naps… I got it done yay! I’ve never written smut before so i hope you enjoy and ty for reading! BTW not proofread!
His thumb lingers at your jaw,rough and careful all at once, as if he’s reminding himself where he is.
Outside, laughter rises.. feet pounding the ground, voices lifted in a song.
“You know,” he murmurs, almost amused. “Back on base, this isn’t exactly the regulation.”
You huff softly, tail flicking. “Good thing this is not your base.”
That earns a quiet chuckle from him.
The sound vibrates through his chest, through you.
He leans back just enough to really look at you now.
Paint on your fingers, ash smudged along your cheek, eyes bright.
‘pretty’ he thinks.
Silence settles, heavily. Not awkward.
Outside, someone shouts his name, calling him back to the fire, to the cheers, to the role he’s been playing all night.
He exhales slowly, glancing toward the hut entrance before looking back at you. “They’re gonna notice I’m gone.”
You lift your chin. ‘’ then go. Let them see you.”
He squints. “Barely covered and painted?”
“Yes,” you say, without hesitation. “Let them see who fought with us.”
For a moment, he studies you. Really studies you, then nods once. Decided.
“Alright,” he say quietly. “But you’re walking out with me.”
His hand finds yours, firm and grounding. When you step back into the firelight together, the clan notices instantly. Cheers get louder, drums picking up, eyes drawn to the red paint streaked across his skin and the way you stand at his side like you belong there.
The night stretches on, thinning the noise until it’s just fire.
🐾
Sunlight filtered through, dappling the forest floor gold and green as you darted through the roots and ferns, bow held tight in your hand, heart hammering with excitement as birds scattered every step.
Lyle’s heavy footsteps pounded behind you.
“You will never catch me’’ You called, tail swishing like a whip, your laughter spilling through the forest.
You veered around a crooked tree, expecting him right behind you but silence answered.
No footsteps. No breathing, just rustling leaves.
“Lyle?” You whispered, scanning your misty surroundings. “Where are you?!”
Before you could react, a pair of strong arms wrapped around your waist, lifting you effortlessly off the ground.
“Caught you.” Lyle murmured behind you, breath warm at your ear.
“You skxawng!” You shriek.
He grinned, unapologetic. “You run like prey.”
Your ears flattened. “ i am not prey.”
He set you down carefully, giving you space but keeping the teasing glint in his eyes. He tilted his head, amused. “Could’ve fooled me.”
That did it.
You step into his space. Chin lifted, eyes wide.
“you think that sneaking up on me makes you skilled?” You challenged. “You rely on strength and noise. That is all.’’
His smiled faded just a touch. “You saying I don’t know what I’m doing?”
“I am saying,” you said slowly, circling him, eyes sharp. “ that you would not last one hunt without a gun… and that is embarrassing.”
He turned to track you, jaw tightening. “Careful, darling.”
You stopped in front of him, close enough that his chest rose inches from yours.
“Let me teach you,” you said. Not a question. A dare.
He scoffed. “Teach me what?”
“The way of the bow,” you replied coolly. “A hunters weapon. Not your metal toys. Mine.”
“I don’t need-“ he started.
You cut him off, stepping closer. “ you do. And you know it.” Your fingers reached out, tapping his chest once.
“You chase well. You fight well. But you do not listen to the forest. I do.”
Something conflicted flickering through his eyes. “And why would i let you?”
Your lips curved. “Because you want to see if i am right.” A beat. Softer, quieter. “And because you do not like to be challenged”
He eyed you for a long moment. Then, reluctantly, “one lesson.”
You smile, victorious. “Good. Za’u!”
You lead him deeper into the trees, movements fluid, confident.
When you stop, you hand him your bow.
“First, you need to learn how to hold it. Relax and grip the string lightly.” You say, firmly.
He exhales, trying to mimic your instructions.
You roll your eyes but can’t stop the grin from forming on your lips.
Sliding your hands over his, correcting the angle, guiding his fingers along the string.
“Here,” you sigh, “your fingers must curl over the string like this. Not stiff. Like this.”
You step back to give him room before huffing. “Your stance.” You say, shaking your head. “It is all wrong. You are stiff, like a tree.”
You step in front of him and gently place your hands on his hips, guiding his weight. “Feet should be shoulder width apart and back should be straight. Balance your weight evenly, do not lean too far forward or back.”
He lets out a soft laugh, but you ignore it, slipping your hands up to his shoulders adjusting them.
You examine his stance, and hiss lowly as you smack his elbow up, straightening it when you do.
“You must stay straight , chest open… yes, just like that. Now feel the forest under your feet. Let it support you, not the other way around.”
“Draw,” you murmured. “Ki’ong”
He did, bowstring trembling.
“Stop flailing.” you scolded softly, fingers grabbing his wrist lightly to steady him. “Breathe.”
He exhales sharply, draws the string, and lets the arrow fly. It whistles through the air… and clatters harmlessly into the underbrush.
You huff a laugh, tail flicking.
“kanfpìl, try it again.” You gesture toward the bow.
He draws another arrow, slow, calculated this time. Your hands hover near his, almost brushing. The arrow shoots forward. Thunk. Right into the center of the tree.
You gasp softly, tail curling in delight, and step around to face him.
“That’s what I’m talking about.” You repeat the saying, you’ve heard him say many times before.
His chest rises in a proud breath, eyes sparkling with accomplishment. “Looks like someone’s a good teacher.”
You grin, brushing a strand of hair from your face, tail flicking in amusement. “I am just getting started.” you tease, stepping back slightly to give him space, eyes locked on his as you encourage him.
And so it goes, shot after shot, laughter, teasing, and the subtle brush of closeness.. him shooting arrow after arrow, you guiding, correcting, and enjoying every single second of making him learn…. all while the forest sun beams down on the two of you.
🐾
The village was loud with evening life.
Children darted between huts, elders talked low near the fire. You were weaving through it all, distracted, until a familiar shape caught your eye.
Lyle.
He stood near the central fire pit, laughing. Actually laughing. His shoulders loose, posture open, her hand brushing his arm as she spoke, tail flicking with interest.
You stopped a few steps away, watching just long enough to understand what was happening.
He wasn’t encouraging it. His hands stayed to himself. His attention drifted, gaze lifting as if searching.
Then his eyes found you.
His expression shifted instantly. Relief first. Then something warmer, gentler.
“There you are,” he said smiling like he’d been waiting.
The woman followed his gaze and turned, her eyes sliding over you, judging.
Her hand didn’t move from his arm.
You stepped closer.
“I was looking for you,” You said calmly, though your ears had angled back.
The woman cut in. “We were just talking.”
Your gaze shifted to her at last. Cool. Unblinking. “I was not speaking to you.”
Her ears flicked back slightly. Her hand still lingering on his bicep. You glanced at it.
"Step back," you said.
The girl's ears flicked, eyes narrowing as she looked you over. "I was speaking to him."
"And now you are speaking to me," you replied. "Your hand has no reason to be on him."
Her tail lashed once. "He did not move away."
Lyle blinked. "I didn't realize—"
You didn't look at him.
Instead, you leaned in slightly toward her, voice low and sharp. "Because he is polite. I am not."
Lyle stepped away from her. “I should go,” he said, firm now.
“Already?” The girl frowned.
“Yes, i will talk to you later.”
Your eyes snapped to him as he spoke. “You will not.” You snarl, grabbing his wrist and pulling him away. “Za’u.”
he didn’t argue.
You pulled him through the village, past curious glances, past whispers.
“Where are we going?’’ He questioned, stumbling behind you.
“my hut,“ you said, simply.
That got his attention and he let himself be dragged.
You didn’t stop until you were inside your hut, pushing aside the woven entrance covering and turning toward him the second it closed.
“You let her touch you.” your head tilted.
His lips twitched. “I didn’t even notice.” He said honestly.
You scoff softly, a sharp little sound in your throat. “ you did not notice,” you repeat stepping closer.
“I was waiting for you.” He says, no excuses, no defensiveness. Just the truth.
You plant a hand flat against his chest. “Then why did you let her stand so close?” You asked quietly.
His jaw tightens, not annoyed but focused.. “because I didn’t think it mattered.” His eyes dip to where your hand presses into him.
“Srane, it matters.” You murmur, leaning in, your breath brushing his mouth without touching it.
You guide him backwards without force. He lets you.
He lets his calves hit the edge of the furs.
Let’s himself go down on to them with a quiet exhale, eyes never leaving your face.
You climb over him slowly, straddling his thighs, knees sinking into the soft pelts.
You hold his gaze, hands sliding onto his shoulders. “You let her think she had a chance.” You hummed.
He laughed softly, shaking his head, his hands slide up your sides, thumbs brushing warm lines along your ribs. “I like that you didn’t.”
Your lips curl into a small, satisfied smile.
You shift your weight, letting him feel it, letting him feel you. Your fingers trail up his neck and onto the base of his kuru, your hand wrapping firmly around it.
You pull, he grunts.
You tilt his back just enough as you dip down, lips ghosting his jaw, his throat.
“do you want me?” You ask quietly.
Not playful. Not teasing. Real.
His answer is immediate. His hands tighten on your waist, grounding you. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.’’ He says low.
“Say it,” you murmur, hand sliding down his kuru. “Say it so I do not have to wonder.” Your eyes meeting his.
His forehead presses to yours. Noses nearly brushing. His voice drops, rougher now. “I want you.”
Your lips part slightly. “Then.. take me,” you whisper, voice trembling with desire.
His eyes darken, and without breaking eye contact, he leans closer. Slowly, he reaches behind his head, and then you feel it… the delicate, electrifying brush of his neural tendril against yours.
Tsaheylu.
A jolt runs through your body, your skin tingling, nerves alive in a way that no touch alone could achieve.
Heat blooms in your chest, spreading through your limbs like fire. Your tail curls, gasping softly as his tendril entwines with yours.
His hand finds your jaw, gripping lightly. “You feel that?” He murmurs, low and rough. “It’s just us… no one else.”
The connection hums between you, every heartbeat amplified, every breath shared.
His hand tightens slightly on your jaw, tilting your face upward, lips grazing yours.
“Oe-yä,” he murmurs, teeth grazing your bottom lip in a teasing bite.
His thumb drags across your cheek, then slides down your neck, resting at the base of your throat, squeezing lightly.
He growls low, lips brushing your ear. “You’re mine, nìftxav nga oe!”
“Yours.” You nod, tongue dragging along your bottom lip. “i am yours.” You breathe out.
His hand moves from your neck down to your waist, carefully changing positions, grounding you.
The firelight dances across your skin, throwing shadows over the furs, over him, over the places where your bodies brush.
Tsaheylu thrums between you, vibrating through every nerve, every muscle, every pulse of desire.
He leans in again, chest pressing heavier into yours, his tendril tightening around yours as if drawing every ounce of your attention.
You feel him everywhere all at once.
the subtle curl of his fingers at your waist, the steady weight of his body pressing yours to the furs, and the bond that hums and writhes like a living pulse.
You arch into him, pressing harder, letting your hands roam freely across his back, clawing, feeling the taut lines of muscle.
His lips trail down your jaw, over your neck, teasing your pulse with his fangs, brushing, claiming, drawing a quiet shiver from your throat.
Your hand finds the nape of his neck, gripping lightly, pulling him closer, letting him know that you want him to take the lead, that you crave this full, unrestrained intimacy.
He lowers his mouth to your chest, peeling your top off with his teeth.
His lips teasing, teeth grazing, sucking lightly, marking.
You press your hands into his shoulders, tugging him closer, feeling every line of muscle beneath your palms, every subtle twitch as he grinds his hips lightly into yours.
thighs parting instinctively as he slides lower, palms brushing along your sides, hands tracing the curves of your hips and stomach.
Lips move lower, brushing your hipbones, teasing along the sensitive skin, each touch pulling little moans from your throat.
His hands slide up your thighs, fingers brushing along your skin until they reach the knots of your loincloth.
The loincloth falls away, pooling on the furs beneath you, and he doesn’t hesitate.
His hands grip your hips, steadying you as he lowers his face, lips brushing the sensitive skin along your inner thighs, leaving a trail of little wet kisses.
A low growl hums through him.
He lowers his head between your thighs, exactly where you want him and the first touch of his tongue made you arch off the fur with a cry.
He pauses, “Fnu,” he grins, eyes locking on yours, filled with desire before he licks a slow stripe up your cunt.
You hiss softly, tilting your head back.
he licked and sucked on the sensitive bundle of nerves and his thumb slowly circled the little nub with the same focused attention he brought to everything.
Your hips lift, He groans, and presses his large hand flat over your lower stomach, keeping your hips down against the furs with firm, commanding pressure.
you came with his name on your lips.
He kissed his way back up your body as you came down from the high, his lips glistening with your release, and when he kisses you, you could taste yourself on his tongue.
“kalin,” he moans into your mouth.
“Ma’ Lyle” your hands find the ties of his loincloth, and you felt him tense, his breath catching.
“are you sure?" his voice was strained.
“I want this. Oel ngati sivi.” You say quietly, with certainty.
he dipped his head down, towards the dip between your neck and collarbone, pressing soft kisses along your skin.
Slowly he pushed forward with a loud groan. “Tse ‘ekxin.” his face contorting with pleasure, the stretch was intense.
When he was fully inside of you, he stilled, breath ragged, letting you adjust the size of him.
He moves slowly, biting down on your shoulder, gently.
"more," you gasped, your leg wrapping around his waist, trying to pull him deeper.
his hand slides under the back of your thigh, placing your leg over his shoulder, pounding relentlessly.
The new angle has you moaning out before they get swallowed by his mouth.
“Fnu,” he says again, breathlessly against your lips, grunting above you.
His lips move against yours with what feels like desperation, your lips part in response, allowing him to deepen the kiss, his tongue exploring your mouth.
His hips snapping against yours at an abnormal pace. “Ma’ muntxate”, his thumbs splayed over your hips to keep you pinned, your moans grow louder a mix of pleasure and surrender.
Your hands clutch him, dragging him closer and a breathless hiss of your name escapes his lips, loud and unrestrained.
The hut is alive with your moans, hisses, every brush of skin against skin, every press and tug amplified by the neural connection, until the world beyond the hut is nothing.
His hands slide along your thighs, gripping lightly, pulling you flush against him as he thrusts.
“oh fuck,” he grunts in your ear, his hand clasped over your mouth, muffling you as you cry out.
Every nerve in your body screams, every heartbeat pounding in sync, every pulse of tsaheylu making it impossible to resist, impossible to think… only to feel, only to melt into the heat, the possession, the intimacy of him.
Pairings: avatar!Jake sully x fem!omatikaya reader
Summary: a bond forms, careless words break it, and you pull away… leaving Jake confused and everything unresolved.
Notes: i listened to Leopards tongue by Karen O and danger mouse! 10/10 recommend! I don’t think this needs a a part 2? Maybe?
Warnings: angst, emotional hurt, no happy ending, angsty internal thoughts, use of y/n, avoidance… did i miss anything?
Word count: idk. Part2
The sun had barely risen over the forest canopy when you met Jake near the training grounds.
“Race you to the ridge,” he said, eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Let us go... i will leave you behind”you smirked.
Branches snapped as both of your feet hit the ground, tails flicked for balance, and you both leapt between rocks and roots.
For a moment it was pure fun, the forest echoing with laughter, the wind whipping past your ears, hearts beating fast.
By the time you reached the top, you were crouched side by side, breathing heavily. Jake laughed, brushing a strand of hair from your face. “You’re amazing,” he said softly.
“Ah..mazing?” You laugh, tailing flicking against his.
🐾
You moved silently through the forest, piral’s words echoing in your mind.
“A good hunter sees more than the prey. You’ll see what others can’t.” You had always prided yourself on your instincts, your precision but nothing could have prepared you for this.
You rounded a bend, eyes narrowing as you caught sight of them. Jake and neytiri.
You froze. You stayed quiet, hiding behind a tree, watching.
“Y/n… is a good hunter” neytiri said, glancing back at him. “Fast and clever.”
You felt proud, honored even but then his words came.
“… I don’t want y/n.” Jake said, low, firm, almost dismissive.
It felt like the forest collapsed around you. The air thickened. Your hands tightened into fists. Your throat felt dry.
You wanted to step forward, to scream, to demand why.. but something inside you stayed still. Pride. Pride and hurt twisting into one sharp edge.
You watched for a moment longer. Jake shifted closer to neytiri, talking quietly, laughing softly at something she said. He didn’t notice you. He didn’t sense your presence.
Without a word, you turned and left the clearing, each step measured, controlled, though your heart was pounding.
Every snap of a twig underfoot was a reminder that you were strong. You were a hunter. You were a warrior. And you didn’t need him.
By the time you reached the village, dusk had settled over the village.
Your feet moved silently over familiar paths, but the forest still clung to you.. the smell of damp leaves, the memory of their voices, the sting of his words.
In the quiet of your hut, you let yourself sink to the floor, arms wrapped around your knees. You told yourself forget it. He doesn’t see me. He never will.
You avoided him daily after that. You didn’t linger where he could see you. You didn’t offer a smile. You didn’t even let your gaze accidentally brush his.
You began to notice small things.. the way he lingered in conversations just a moment too long when you were nearby, the way neytiri occasionally shot him sharp looks when he seemed distracted.
Again, you told yourself it wasn’t your business. It didn’t matter. He doesn’t want me. End of story.
At training, you pushed yourself harder. Every strike, every jump, every arrow loosened from your bow.
You were heading over to the training grounds ready to train.
He was there of course. Jake.
Leaning against a tree not that far away, laughing softly with some other warriors. You spun on your heels the second you seen him.
“Y/n,” he called softly, stepping toward you, voice casual, almost teasing. “Hey. Wait up.”
You didn’t stop . You didn’t even glance. Your feet struck the dirt in quiet beats, steps that carried everything you weren’t saying.
He frowned, confusion flickering across his features. “what’s wrong?’’
You forced your face forward, keeping your eyes fixed on the ground. “I am fine.” You said lightly, though your chest burned. Lie. Always lie.
You started walking again.
“I—okay.” He muttered, shaking his head, staring after you, unsure, frustrated. He didn’t know what had happened, didn’t know the truth, and you would never tell him.
Not now. Not ever.
just a little something short! i’m still super upset about my first account but i think im gonna write for tonowari next!
Pairings: avatar! Lyle wainfleet x fem mangkwan! Reader
Summary: a tense encounter in the ash covered land sparks a connection between you and Lyle, through curiosity and combat training is when distrust, slowly turns into trust and safety.
Notes: I haven’t proof read it yet!
Warnings: weapon use, angst?(if you squint), Fluff (just a bit), slow burn undertones… let me know if i missed anything!
Word count: 1.6k
Part 2
The air was thick with smoke and ash, the remnants of the old forest clinging to everything.
The ground crunched underfoot, blackened and brittle from the volcanic eruption that had scarred this place years ago.
The scent of burnt wood and sulfur lingered, chard and metallic, mixing with the damp earthy smell of what little growth survived.
Quaritch’s voice cut through the haze as him and Varang stood toe to toe. “Touch me with that thing again and I’ll kill you.”
You tightened your grip on your weapon, jaw set. Beside her, waiting for her word, ready to protect your older sister.
Varang smirked, releasing a low breathy laugh. “You will kill no one.” She said, voice firm.
Quaritch’s mouth, curved just slightly when he spoke. “Drop him.”
A body hit the ground beside him.
Gasps rippled through the clan. Shouts rose. Weapons waved wildly as everyone was searching scrambling over jagged ash and scorched roots. “Where did it come from?!” Someone yelled, spinning in circles.
Almost immediately, your eyes find him.
His figure moving out of the shadows. Shirtless. Silent.
He was taller than most. Broader.
He emerged fully through the dusted air and into the sunlight. Muscles flexing with each step.
The faint sheen of sweat causing a glow that traces over every line of muscle, every scar.
He didn’t lower his weapon, not immediately. His rifle rests casually on his shoulder, the way he moves fluid and controlled. His eyes scanned through the clan, calculating, unyielding.
And then he stopped. Right in the center behind quaritch, right where a beam of sunlight fell across him.
You couldn’t look away. Your eyes traced the lean strength in his shoulders, the way his chest rose and fell.
Ash clings to him, smudged across his chest and arms, making him look forged from the ruin itself.
Your breath goes shallow.
You step closer without thinking, you stop a few steps from him, ash crunching softly underfoot.
Varang’s voice carries somewhere behind you, tangled up with Quaritch.. too distracted to notice you drifting off.
Your teeth baring just slightly as a warning slips from your throat.
A hiss.
Low and instinctive, a warning meant for predators that don’t belong.
He head turns then. Slowly.
His eyes find you with unnerving ease, assessing, like he’d already felt you watching. Like he’d been waiting for it.
You hiss again, shaper this time, tail flicking once behind you.
His gaze drags over your face before settling back on your eyes.
You step closer. Not rushed. Close enough now that the heat from his skin reaches you.
You begin to circle him slowly, letting your eyes roam. The sweep of his back, the lean line of his waist, noticing the scars, you moved quietly around him.
Then your eyes catch it. A Dark, intricate shape along his right arm. You pause mid step, tail flicking as your head tilts, examining it. Without thinking, you move closer.
Fingers brushing over his skin, tracing the lines of ink along his bicep.
He doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t move. Hes simply watching you . “Curious, aren’t you, buttercup?” His voice low, smooth.
You flinch away as you look at him.“You do not belong here.” You say, voice sharp. “And yet… you are here anyway. Why?’’ The corners of his mouth twitch, slow and amused.
🐾
Cold metal, unfamiliar in a way that makes your tail twitch.
The weapon is heavier than you expect when he places it in your hands. But heavier is the presence of him pressing so close.
He stands behind you, shirtless, arms flexing, tattoos twisting over muscle as he adjusts your grip. “Relax your stance” he says, voice low and steady, and you feel it rumble through the air around you.
“ i do not need this,” you mutter through gritted teeth.
He ignores the protest. “Steady,” he murmurs. His chest brushes your back as his fingers press lightly against yours, correcting your grip. His other hand presses against yours waist , adjusting your stance.
you hiss softly, low, warning. Your tail curling around his leg loosely, you grunt, trying to focus. “I have held weapons before.” You snap, though the heat creeping up your neck betrays you.
“Not like this,” he says, low and measured. “Relax,” he adds, lips barely brushing your ear. “Your shoulders are tense. You’ll throw the shot.”
“ I don’t need you to—“ you start, but he cuts you off.
“Stop fighting me,” he says, voice rough now. “Focus.” You inhale slowly, biting back your words as he steps back, watching you with his arms crossed.
You grit your teeth and adjust the way you think you should.
Breathe. Aim. Pull.
Miss.
Your jaw tightens. The air around you quiet now. You can feel his eyes on you.
“Again.” He ordered, voice sharp, commanding.
You fire again.
Miss.
Your fingers tremble. Not from the weight, from the frustration crawling up your throat and your ears flatten against your head.
Another shot. Worse than the last.
Then he’s behind you again, even closer, just enough the heat of his chest presses against yours back more firmly. Arms flexing while he positions himself over your shoulder.
His hands land on yours, steadying the gun and guiding your fingers on the trigger. “Breathe,” he murmurs, breath warm against your neck. “ don’t fight it. Control it… or it controls you.”
You let yourself lean back just slightly into the pressure of him, the solid weight of him pressing against your back, the presence of him anchor you.
“Now pull”, he says low, almost a growl.
You pull. The shot cracks loud and sharp.
Recoil jolts through your hands and straight into him. His hand tightens on yours, holding you steady.
Hit.
A grin tugs at your lips.
“Again.” He prompted, not moving away His hand slides over your wrist, to steady your aim.
Your pulse hammers as you squeeze… and the shot rings out, sharp and clean.
Another hit.
You laugh out, loud and messy. “ i hit it… twice!”
He doesn’t move back. Not yet. A smirk tugging at his lips. “Hmmm.. thanks to me.” His voice teasing “I did the work for you, buttercup.” He adds.
Your elbow swings back and it hits him square in the stomach. He grunts, caught off guard.
you don’t pause. Shots rang out again, crack after crack, every hit clean and precise. “This was no thanks to you” You grin as you examine to gun in your hand, exhilarated.
🐾
Jake sully was restrained, hands bound, shoulders tense. His head held high as the humans guided him forward.
The ship thrummed under your feet, metal vibrating faintly through your soles, reverberating into every bone in your body.
Lights over head glared harshly. Blinding. Reflecting off of every polished surface.
Humans crowed the outskirts that surrounded you. Snapping picture after picture, the flashes made your eyes sting, ears flatten, tail twitch in warning.
You felt exposed, small. You froze, overwhelmed, every instinct screamed to hide as you stood there but there was no where to go.
“Hey,” Lyle, called out and your head snapped toward him, his arm extended slightly. “Stay close.” His voice cutting through the chaos.
Instinctively, you made your way over, every step toward him felt magnetic.
When you reached him, your fingers wrapped around his arm without hesitation, holding onto it as if your life depended on it.
His arm was solid and warm, a stark contrast to the metal of the ship. He pressed slightly into you as you clung. “I’ve got you, baby.” He murmured voice steady and reassuring and everything faded in the back ground as you guys walked.
The humans around you breaking out into cheers, their fist pumping up in the air, smiles beaming across their faces.
you look up at lyle as he speaks. “Oorah,” he grins, looking down at you.
“Oorah.” You repeat quietly, head tilting at the foreign word before you break out into a smile.
🐾
The celebration rages around you.
Fire crackles along the ash-strewn village as the clan celebrates, shouting, stomping, dancing, victory in every movement.
You glance to the shadows, and there he is.. Lyle, muscles taut, stance casual, but eyes always watching, always alert.
You slide up to him, nudging his shoulder lightly. "You are part of the celebration too... but you stand like a stone" you murmur, voice teasing. "Come on... put something on."
He raises an eyebrow. "Something?"
You grab his hand, pulling him after you and into your makeshift hut from charred trees with a grin.
"Yes. This." You say, grabbing the loincloth you made for him. "And.. the paints. Your body should honor the victory.’
“The clan will love it. I will love it." You say, turning to face him.
His eyes catch yours, he smirks. "You want me to parade around like a warrior.. naked-ish and painted up."
"Yes.... That is what i want." You say, simply.
He exhales, mock groaning, but there's amusement in it as he shakes his head. "Fine." He says voice low.
Now, you’re helping him wrap the loincloth around his hips, tail flicking as you do.
The loincloth is in place, tied snugly. You step back just enough to take him in... shirtless, hips wrapped, the firelight dancing across his chest,arms and shoulders.
You lick your lips, tail flicking "Perfect.” You breathed.
He caught the glint of your gaze, smirk widening. “I see that look, buttercup.” He said, lowly.
“Quiet…’’ you roll your eyes. “now, i paint."
You dip your fingers into the red paint and you begin decorating his chest, shoulders, arms and stomach, accentuating every tattoo and scar.
His muscles flex under your touch, every movement deliberate and intimate.
You can feel his eyes on your face as your hands move, standing toe to toe.
He leans closer, chest pressing into yours. "You always get what you want." He doesn't wait. His hand cups the side of your face, thumb brushing along your jaw, and his lips brush yours, slow, testing.
Heat sparks along your spine. You hiss, low, teeth grazing his bottom lip as you kiss back, bold and claiming.
Finally, he pulls back slightly, foreheads resting together, breath hot and ragged.
I had no idea that clicking create a second blog would mean that my other tumblr account would be connected… so now i have to delete it and reblog my posts. ….
Summary: After a playful chase through the trees, you and neteyam sit side by side, letting a gentle, quiet spark of connection bloom between you.
Notes: just a short one-shot! Ilistened to fade into you by mazzy star while i wrote this! Let me know what you think of this and also, thank you for reading!
Warnings: fluff with slow burn undertones
Word count: idk
The rain has just passed, leaving the forest humming and bright.
The air smells of wet leaves and flowers, sweet but soft, drifting lazily on the breeze.
The wind kicks up through the treetops, shaking the leaves loose and sending tiny sparks of bioluminescence dancing in the air.
You’re running through the trees, trying to keep up with neteyam, who’s clearly enjoying this far too much.
“Faster!” He calls, tail swishing behind him. His voice has that teasing edge, the one that makes your stomach flip.
“Faster? I am going as fast as I can!” You shout, laughing, dodging a low hanging branch.
You throw yourself forward, barely catching the next branch.
Your tail flicking wildly as you grab hold, but he’s already there, perched on the next branch over just a few feet away.
“You cheat!” You gasp, hands sliding onto your hips.
“I do not cheat,” he replies, voice calm, though his ears twitch in amusement. “I am… strategic.”
A smile tugging at the corner of his mouth while your tail flicks nervously behind you. “Think you can make the jump?’’
“Of course I can!” You huff, tail swishing like its got a mind of its own. “I am not afraid!’’
He hums softly clearly enjoying this.
You take a deep breath, then you launch yourself forward. The wind rushes past your face, whipping your hair back.
Your arms stretch up instinctively as the branch above you dips to meet your hands, rough bark scraping lightly against your palms as you grab onto it.
You land with a soft thump beside him.
“You made it.” He say, voice low and teasing.
You roll your eyes but can’t hide the grin. “Of course i did!” You straighten, brushing a few bits of bark from your hands.
Neteyam kneels and gesture for you to sit. “Wait.” He plucks a broad leaf and carefully folds it, shaking off the few droplets of water. Then he offers it to you to sit on, so you don’t have to sit on the damp branch.
“You didn’t have to,” you say.
“I wanted to,” he replies simply.
You sit, watching as he joins you. Your knees touch and a small jolt runs through you.. soft, electric, like a spark in the quiet of the forest.
A small Ikran swoops overhead, calling out. You laugh quietly, eyes sparkling as you look up, tail flicking in delight.
“You always laugh at the ikran,” He laughs out briefly. “Even the smallest ones.”
”i can’t help it,” you reply, grinning. “They’re so… silly! Look at the way it’s gliding, like it thinks it owns the sky.” You laugh, a bright, airy sound that bubbles up from your chest and spills into the forest, carrying a little thrill of joy.
He tilts his head, watching you laugh.
To him the sound is like sunlight filtering through the leaves.. bright and warm, a smile now on his lips.
You look at him, meeting his eyes. For a moment, neither of you blink.
The forest hums around you, alive and patient. His tail curls slightly around yours, careful but deliberate. You don’t pull away.
Neteyam shifts closer, resting a hand lightly on the small of your back. Not pressing. Just… grounding. “Stay with me,” he murmurs, “here, for a little while.”
You nod.
The water trickles between the stones beneath you, the leaves rustle, and the forest seems to hold its breath around you. “I like being here.” You say softly.
“So do i,” he replies. “i could stay like this forever.”
You lean your head against his shoulder. Neteyam hums, a small, content sound, letting you settle there. Neither of you need to speak again.
Bioluminescent petals flicker and glow, casting tiny sparks across your faces, like the trees themselves are applauding.
Your tails entwine naturally, and for now, nothing else exists.
Wanted to do something short and simple!
I’m just bored and i have time on my hands so why not?!
Pairings: fem!metkayina reader x Aonung, fem!metkayina reader x platonic!neteyam
Summary: When Aonung and Neteyam capture a mangkwan female spying near Awa’atlu, claiming she is only searching for a new life, free from the violence she was born into, she is spared and allowed to stay under watch. Tonowari assigns Aonung to watch her closely and teach her the ways of the Metkayina. As Aonung devotes his attention to the captured female, you.. the one who once stood closest to him... are left on the outside, questioning your place at his side. He is unaware that his careful performance of interest seems like more than just “duty” in your eyes. What begins as patience turns into quiet jealousy, especially when Aonung starts choosing her over you without explanation.
Notes: brief fem!metkayina reader x plantonic!Neteyam… also I don’t think there is a need for a pt3… maybe?! anyways send requests!! I also listened to Angel by massive attack on repeat while writing both parts! 😹
Warnings: angst, hurt/jealousy, self doubt, mild violence/fighting, kissing (just a little kiss).
Word count: idk
That night he didn’t sleep.
Aonung stood at the edge of the reef long after the village had gone quiet, your words replayed over and over in his mind, sharp and unforgiving. The way you had looked at him.. furious, hurt, done.
It was worse than any punishment tonowari could have given.
He had never seen you like that.
And it was his fault.
He hadn’t meant to ignore you. Hadn’t meant to let days turn into weeks. Hadn’t meant to make you wait alone, dressed up for him, hopeful. But intention was nothing now. The damage was done.
You stopped acknowledging him.
Not out of spite. Not to punish him.
You just didn’t look his way anymore.
Aonung noticed immediately.
The way your eyes slid past him as if he were part of the background. The way you shifted when he came too close. The way your laughter stayed with Kiri and Tseriya, never drifting in his direction again.
It unraveled him.
“Good morning,” he said one day, soft, hopeful.
You walked past him. Not rudely. Not angrily.
Just done.
He stood there for a long moment, staring after you, chest tight.
He waited near paths you took, pretending it was a coincidence. He slowed his steps when he saw you ahead, hoping… praying that you would turn around.
You didn’t.
He brought you food once. Set it carefully beside you while you sat near the water, staring out at the horizon.
“ i remembered you like this fruit,” he said quietly.
You didn’t touch it.
You didn’t even look at it.
Aonung swallowed, the humiliation burning his throat. “I’ll leave it here,” he added, unnecessary.
It stayed untouched long after he left.
That night, he couldn’t sleep again.
The next day, he tried words.
“I am here,” he said as you passed him. “Whenever you are ready.”
You didn’t slow down and your indifference hurt more than your anger ever had.
He stop trying to intercept you after that. Stopped forcing your attention. Instead, he waited. Always waiting. Always watching from a distance.
When Ayvira laughed too loudly near him, he stepped away.
When others noticed and whispered, he didn’t care.
You were slipping further away everyday.
Finally, one evening, he couldn’t take it anymore
You were alone near the shore, the moonlight catching your hair. He approached slowly, careful not to startle you. “I will not ask you to forgive me,” he said quietly. “But i need you to know,” he continued, voice low and steady despite the ache, “that even if you never look at me the way you used to… i will still choose you.”
You said nothing. Your fingers twitched. Just slightly.
“I will wait,” he said. “As long as it takes. Even if all i ever get is your silence.”
You stood.
For a moment, he thought you might finally speak. Instead, you walked past him, shoulder brushing his.. close enough for him to feel your warmth, close enough for it to hurt.
You didn’t look back.
🐾
The whispers started again.
You heard them before you heard anything.
Low voices. Curious glances. The way eyes flicked between you and Aonung whenever you were in the same space, as if the entire village could feel the tension stretched thin between you.
You ignored it.
You had become good at ignoring things.
Aonung on the other hand was losing his mind.
He noticed everything now. The way Ayvira lingered to close to him during lessons that no longer belonged to him. The way she smiled when she saw you watching. The way her hand brushed his arm just a second to long.
And you saw it too.
That was the worst part.
You stood with Kiri and Tseriya near the edge of the village when it happened again. Ayvira laughed, soft and deliberate, leaning in toward aonung as if she had every right.
Your chest tightened.
You turned away before he could see the hurt on your face.
But aonung saw it.
And something snapped in him.
“That is enough.” His voice shot through the air, sharp and final. Everyone froze.
“You are no longer under my guidance,” aonung said, stepping back from her, putting clear space between them. “You have learned what you needed. From now on, you will train with the others.”
Her expression hardened. “Is this because of her.”
You stiffened.
Aonung didn’t look at you when he answered.
“Yes.”
🐾
The days had been long. Too long. Each morning you woke with the memory of that night still pressing against your chest, every hour dragging as you tried to push the frustration, hurt and confusion down deep enough to function.
You had been keeping busy, help Kiri and tseriya with chores, gathering supplies along the shore, even training lightly with Neteyam but nothing could erase the ache. Aonungs absence lingered, a constant reminder that sometimes, no matter how much you wanted someone, they could still fail you.
Neteyam had noticed. He was quiet about it, careful not to pry, but the glances, the small nudges to laughs, the casual teasing when you smiled at the littlest things.. all of it reminded you that someone still saw you, even if aonung couldn’t. And some days that was enough to keep you moving.
As the sun set the village started with their gathering. You were helping Tseriya untangle nets near the edge of the shallows, Kiri beside you, when you heard her voice again.
Sharp, mocking, impossible to ignore.
You try to ignore her at first. You really do.
But she makes sure you hear her.
“Strange,” Ayvira says loudly, not even looking at you. “Some people wait for things that were never promised.”
Tseriya stiffens beside you.
Kiri jaws tightens. “Don’t.” She mutters under her breath.
You rise slowly, every muscle coiled.
Ayvira finally turns, lips curling into something smug and sharp. Her eyes rake over you, lingering like she’s already won. “He trains with me now,” she adds. “Spends his days with me. His nights too, sometimes.”
Something snaps.
You step forward before anyone can stop you. “Say it again.”
She smiles. “You heard me.”
Your hands slams into her chest, shoving her back. Gasps ripple through the small crowd forming instantly.
“Do not talk about him like i was nothing.” You hiss.
She laughs… and that’s the worst part. “You were nothing. A distraction. Everyone knows that.’’ Her fingers shove back, hard. “You should be grateful i took his attention off you before you embarrassed yourself further.”
The world narrows.
You don’t remember grabbing her.
Only the sudden burn as you both hit the sand, limbs tangling, braids flying. She claws at your arm. You slam your elbow into her shoulder. She shrieks, furious not smug anymore.
“You think he ever chose you?’’ She snarls, grabbing your hair. “He-“
Your fist connects with her jaw. The crowd erupts. Tseriya shouts your name. Kiri is trying to push through people. Someone yells for Tonowari.
But aonungs voice cuts through everything.
“STOP!”
He’s there.. breathing hard, eyes wild, staring at the two of you like he walked into a nightmare.
You shove Ayvira off you and stand, chest heaving, fists clenched.
“She wouldn’t leave me alone,” you snap, pointing at her. “She wanted this.”
Ayvira scrambles up, face flushed, eyes burning. “She attacked me!’’
His gaze is locked on you as tseriya firmly speaks, stepping to your side. “She has been provoking her… we all heard it.’’
Kiri nods. “She wouldn’t stop.’’
Ayvira scoffs. “Of course you’d defend her.”
Aonung finally turns to Ayvira and his voice is cold. “Enough.”
Her eyes widen. “Aonung-“
“I said enough.” His shoulders square. “You will not speak to her again. You will not follow her.” The silence is suffocating. Her face twist, humiliation and fury battling. “You choose her?”
He doesn’t hesitate. “I choose peace” he says. “And you have brought nothing but cruelty.” She storms off, shoving past people.
You don’t look at aonung, walking off in the other direction.
Behind you.. foot steps. Uneven and rushed.
Aonungs voice breaks as he calls after you. You don’t turn around. “Don’t.” You say, sharp as a knife. “Don’t follow me now.”
He does anyway. Hot on your trail before he grabs your arm, spinning you around and dropping to his knees in front of you.
“I am sorry,” he says, voice low and raw. “Not the kind of sorry that fixes things. The kind that lives in my chest and wont let me breathe.”
Still you said nothing.
“I see it now,” He went on. “Everytime i passed you without stopping. Eveytime i spoke to her and not you. Every night you went to sleep thinking you didn’t matter.” His voice cracked. “I did that to you.”
You glanced down at him.
Both you guys eyes filled with tears while he stares up at you.
“I never meant for you to feel second,” He said. “But intent doesn’t erase impact and the truth is.. i hurt you.”
You blinked, shaking your head. “You didn’t just hurt me” You said. “You humiliated me. I waited for you like a fool. I trusted you.”
“I would let the whole clan see me beg if it meant you believed me,” he continued. “You are not an option. You are not something i circle back to when i am free. You are who i choose.”
That made your breath hitch.
“Then why didn’t you choose me?’’ You whispered.
The question broke him.
Without thinking, his arms circled your waist and hugging you to him. The sand cool beneath him, pride completely gone. “Because I’m an idiot.” He sighed. “I’m an idiot.’’ He says again quietly, doe eyes beaming up at yours “ i chose duty and I hid behind it like a coward. I told myself you understood. I never asked if you were hurting.”
“i sat there waiting,” you said quietly, anger trembling under your calm. “Waiting. Thinking you would come. Thinking you chose me.’’ Your voice cracked despite yourself. “And you didn’t.”
“I ended it,” he said softly, “whatever misunderstanding she had.”
You didn’t respond.
“I should have done it sooner.” He added. “I know that.”
Still nothing.
The silence was crushing.
“You don’t owe me anything” he said, voice rough. “Not forgiveness. Not attention. Not even anger anymore.” He took a breath. “But i need you to know that there is no one else. There never was.’’
You laughed quietly, bitter. “That doesn’t erase everything.”
“I know” he said immediately. “And i hate that i made you think you aren’t the one that i want.’’ His voice dropped. “I hate that i was the reason you learned to look away from me.”
That made your throat tighten.
“You’re jealous,” you said suddenly, finally looking at him again. “ i see it. When others talk to me. When i laugh.“ Your eyes sharp, guarded. “And you don’t get to be.”
“I am jealous because I remember how it felt to be the one you laughed with” He admitted. “And i am terrified i lost that forever.”
“ I don’t belong to you” you said quietly. “Not anymore.”
Aonung closed his eyes for a moment, the words hitting deep.
“I know” he whispered. “But i still belong to you.”
A smile ghosts your lips.
“I am begging just give me a chance to show. To prove i care. To prove that it’s always been you.” He speaks, forehead pressing lightly against your stomach.
“And if i let you?’’ Your hands twitching at your sides, wanting to push him away yet aching to reach for him.
Aonung glances up, lips curved into a small, hopeful smile. “Then I’ll spend every day making sure you never regret it.“
You let yourself smile faintly, bring a hand up to lightly push stray hairs out of his face, tension softening in your shoulder. “Then… maybe we can try again. Slowly.”
He reached out, hand brushing yours gently, fingers intertwining. “Slowly.” He agreed, voice warm unwavering. ” But together. Always together.”
You nodded, eyes softening as you examined his face.
“I see you Ma’yawne” he say quietly, now standing.
“ i see you too” you whispered, voice breaking.
Aonung leans in slowly, giving you every chance to pull away but you don’t. Your lips meet in a gentle kiss, soft and lingering, carrying the weeks of hurt, longing, and unspoken feelings.
When you finally pull apart, your forehead rest against his, breath mingling, hearts still racing.
“I see you” he repeats softly
Heres part 2!! I was gonna wait till after my interview to post it but I’d be much happier to see if you guys enjoyed before I do my interview!
I hope you enjoyed and I hope I wrote his groveling or yearning good enough!
Summary: When Aonung and Neteyam capture a mangkwan female spying near Awa’atlu, claiming she is only searching for a new life, free from the violence she was born into, she is spared and allowed to stay under watch. Tonowari assigns Aonung to watch her closely and teach her the ways of the Metkayina. As Aonung devotes his attention to the captured female, you.. the one who once stood closest to him... are left on the outside, questioning your place at his side. He is unaware that his careful performance of interest seems like more than just “duty” in your eyes. What begins as patience turns into quiet jealousy, especially when Aonung starts choosing her over you without explanation.
warnings: ANGST! (I’m gonna try my best first time!), hurt/comfort, self-doubt
notes: Neteyam is alive because yeah
word count: 4k idk
The village was calm and the air smelled of salt and wet sand, the water reflecting the pinks and purples of the evening sky. You were perched on a rock near the water, watching the small waves lap against the shore, listening to the faint calls of distant creatures, when the quiet was broken by the rhythmic crunch of sand under heavy feet.
Neteyam appeared first, moving with his usual controlled power, followed by aonung, the fading sunlight casting long shadows over the lagoon and between them a girl you didn’t recognize.
Curiosity nudged you forward, and you walked along the shoreline toward the clearing, the waves gently brushing your feet as you went. You slowed your pace, keeping a few steps back and letting yourself take in the scene.
The girls arms were loosely bound by woven cords, her dark eyes were careful, alert, taking in every detail of the lagoon, the sand, and the people around her. But the second her eyes landed on Aonung, her posture shifted, a subtle tilt of her head, almost like she was testing him.
Before you could move any closer tonowari emerges, moving through the crowd with deliberate steps, his presence commanding, the air seemed to settle around him as he walked, his gaze sweeping over everyone, lingering briefly on the unknown girl.
“Is this the one?” He asked, his voice carrying easily, calm but firm. Everyone fell silent as he stepped closer.
“Yes,” Aonung replied, standing straight. “She came alone. We brought her back.”
Tonowari eyes studied the girl carefully.
“She will not be harmed,’’ he said finally. “Aonung, you are responsible. Teach her our ways and make sure she understands what is expected.”
Tonowari turned and began to walk away, people parted instinctively, lowering their heads as he passed. “She will stay near the village” He added without looking back. “Any disobedience will be dealt with.”
“Yes, sir,” Aonung answered, voice firm.
The crowd slowly began to disperse, conversations breaking out in low murmurs.
You remained where you were, watching as Neteyam moved off to report further details to his father, leaving aonung standing with the girl at his side. Aonung exhaled and rolled his shoulders, the weight of responsibility already settling in.
You took a few steps toward him, hands clasped loosely in front of you. “ You look like you just swam against a strong current,” you said lightly, a small smile on your lips.
He glances at you, a faint smile touching his lips as he huffs a quiet laugh. “Feels about the same.”
You tilted your head, studying him. “You could have said no.”
He shook his head. “You know I could not.”
“I know,” You replied softly. “That is why I worry.”
His gaze lingered on you longer than before, warm and steady. “You always worry,” he said. “And I always come back.”
That made you smile. “You better.”
The mangkwan female shifted nearby, clearly impatient, but Aonung ignored her for another moment. “I will be busy for a while,” he said. “But i will find time”
“You do not have to promise,” you said. “I trust you.”
His expression softened at that, a quiet moment passed between you, the sound of water filling the space where words fell short.
Then the mangkwan spoke.
“So this is where i will stay?” She asked, her voice smooth, eyes never leaving him. “Under your watch?’’
“Yes” aonung answered flatly.
She tilted her head, lips curling slightly. “ i think i will like that.”
You felt it then, not jealousy, not yet but awareness.
“You will follow me,” he said. “ and you will listen”
Her smile only widened but she obeyed.
Before he turned away , Aonung glances back at you. “I will speak to you later,” he said quietly.
You smiled, small and sincere. “I will be here.’’
As he led her away, you remained standing in the clearing, watching the two figures disappear toward the water paths. The air felt different now, heavier somehow. You told yourself it was nothing more than change settling in.
🤍
It had been days since you had last seen him properly. Since that day by the lagoon, since the village had watched them return, and since the mangkwan female ’Ayvira’.. Tseriya informed you was her name.. since she had stepped into his life.
At first you had worried. Quietly, in the omens when you were alone, your chest tightening, your hands fidgeting, you had wondered if you had done something wrong. If you had… upset him somehow.
But then you reminded yourself, he had responsibilities. He was… busy.
Busy keeping the village safe, busy with Olo’eyktan’s orders and so you had understood. You had understood that he didn’t have time for you right now.
That he had more pressing matters and you had let him be. You tried to tell yourself that is was fine. That it didn’t hurt to go days without seeing him. That it was normal, expected even, when someone carried the weight he did.
You told yourself it was patience but that patience came with a quiet ache. A hollow, persistent pull in your chest whenever you saw him in the distance, laughing with her, guiding her, focused on her.
The pang of jealousy had grown slowly, subtly, almost imperceptibly at first.. but now it throbbed whenever your mind returned to him, and it returned too often.
You had spent the morning with Kiri and tseriya, collecting shells along the shore and laughing at each other’s clumsy attempts to balance on the rocks and for a while you let yourself forget.
Kiri and tseriya chasing each other across the sand, their laughter rising above the gentle crash of waves.
You were crouched low on a rock, examining a strange shell Kiri had insisted was ‘special’ your fingers tracing its smooth ridges. Tseriya leaned against the rock beside you, teasingly nudging your shoulder. You smiled her before staring out into the ocean.
Then you saw movement.
Aonung.
Standing waist deep in the lagoon, water rippling around him, guiding her, his hand brushed against hers lightly , correcting her grip, tilting her shoulders, adjusting her stance with that precise, careful touch that had once belonged to you.
Your eyes followed every small gesture, the subtle tilt of his head, the way he bent slightly to meet her eyes, adjusting her stance ever so slightly, murmuring something only she could hear.
It stole something from you that you hadn’t realized you were still holding onto.
It hit your chest like a punch you weren’t ready for.
You hadn’t seen him in days, not really, he’d been busy, always busy, and again you had understood. Again you told yourself that he had duties. Responsibilities, things bigger than either of you… but seeing him like this, alive and focused on her, made all that logic crumble.
⚪️
The village was quiet tonight, the moon casting silver light across the water.
You walking along the shoreline, sand cool beneath your bare feet, lost in thought. Every step felt heavier than the last, your mind replaying the ache from earlier, your thoughts were tangled with longing, jealousy, and that stubborn, gnawing ache in your chest that wouldn’t let go.
And then…
“Fancy seeing you here.”
You froze. The voice was soft, low, familiar, and it made your chest twist tighter than you thought possible.
Slowly, cautiously you looked up.
Aonung.. all alone.
He had come out of the shadows, moving along the sand as if he had been waiting for this very moment. His hair was damp, his shoulders glistening in the moonlight, and his eyes.. his eyes found yours instantly. There was a flash of relief there, a small smile that tugged something deep inside you.
“What are you doing here” you asked, voice low, careful, trying not to show how your chest was hammering against your ribs.
He stepped closer, long strides eating up the distance between you. “I’m free,” he murmured, tiling his head, that familiar warmth in his tone. ‘Finally. I wanted… i wanted to see you.”
Your stomach clenched. “Did you?’’ You said, voice distant.
He stopped a few feet away, eyes searching yours, concern and something softer flickering over his face. “Of course,” he said simply. “I’ve missed you.” He admitted.
“Actually..” he hesitated. “I’ve been planning something. A date. For us. Tomorrow. Just the two of us.”
Your lips parted, a small smile tugging at them despite yourself. “A date?” You whispered, almost to yourself. “You.. thought of that?”
“I did,” he said, eyes holding yours, earnest, teasing, warm all at once. “I want to spend time you. Away from everything else. No one around, just.. you. If you want it.”
The ache inside of you softened slightly, replaced by something tender, fluttering. “I do” you admitted, the corners of your lips turning up. “I want that too”
He reached out, hand grasping yours. “Then its settled,” he said with a grin , that small, infuriating grin that tugged at your heart. “Tomorrow, just us. And I promise… I’ll make it worth the wait.
Days of hurt, jealousy, and longing faded into a bubble of anticipation. You laughed softly, leaning slightly toward him. “‘I’ll hold you to that,” you said teasingly.
He laughed, the sound familiar and for the first time in weeks, the ache inside you softened into something hopeful.
🐚
You had spent the entire morning thinking about it. Today.
Your third proper date with Aonung.
The sun was warm on your skin, the breeze gentle, but your mind was elsewhere, drifting in loops of anticipation and nerves.
You had carefully chosen your outfit. The flowing teal fabric, trimmed with sea green patterns, soft against your skin, elegant yet simple. You had braided your hair loosely, letting a few strands fall freely to frame your face, hoping aonug would notice, hoping he’d like it.
A small, nervous laugh escaped you. He’ll notice, you told yourself. He’ll see me and… the thought made your stomach flutter with butterflies.
By mid-afternoon you were ready.
You arrived at the spot he had told you about early. Too early, perhaps, but you couldn’t help yourself. You traced patterns in the sand with your toes, the ocean stretching before you, silvered by the late afternoon sun. You hummed softly, trying to keep your nerves calm, imagining how the evening would unfold.
Minutes passes, then half an hour, then more. Your pulse quicken with each passing moment, hope slowly turning into unease. The sky shifted from gold to amber, and the shadows stretched long across the sand.
Still.. he didn’t come.
You hugged your arms around yourself, scanning the shoreline.
The quiet of the ocean, the gentle lap of water against the sand.. it should have been peaceful, but it felt heavy, mocking.
Every thought of him was suddenly mixed with anxiety: Why isn’t he here? Did something happen? Did he forget?
By the time dusk settled and the first stars began to appear, your excitment had curled into frustration. You sank into the sand, hands pressed to your knees, jaw tight. “Where are you?’ You whispered, voice trembling between disbelief and anger. “You.. you promised.”
The path back to the village felt longer than usual, each step dragged heavy frustration.
Your chest ached, a mix of anger and heartbreak twisting together in a tight knot.
You had waited. Hours. All day, imaging the way he would smile at you, the warmth in his eyes when he finally had time just for you, and now… nothing.
Anger flared hot, sharp, coiling around your ribs. You kicked a loose stone. “I trusted him.” you muttered through clenched teeth, voice low but fierce.
The wind tugged at your hair and brushed it from your face, your fist clenched at your sides, nails biting into your palms as though the pain might anchor you.
Your steps quickened. Almost running as the village came back in sight.
Heading toward your marui when you see them.
Aonung. And her.
Not in the water, not playing or swimming but standing a little way up the shore, practicing movements of some kind. The mangkwan female mimicking him.
She glances your way, smirk faint while aonung he hadn’t even noticed you.
You couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. Only feel.
“Are you kidding me?!” you screamed, your voice cracking, raw and sharp, echoing across the water. “I waited! Hours! HOURS! And THIS is how you repay me? With her?!”
Aonung froze, eyes wide, caught off guard. He opened his mouth, tried to explain, but you couldn’t…. wouldn’t listen.
“You think I don’t see it? You think I wouldn’t notice the way you smile at her, the way you guide her.”
The words spilled out in a torrent of fury, tears streaking your cheeks.
“Do you know how that feels? To wait, to hope, to trust you, and to be replaced by her in the very moment you promised me?”
You shook with rage.
He stepped forward, hesitating, eyes softening. “I—”
“Don’t!” you shouted, cutting him off. “I don’t want your excuses. I don’t want your apologies. I don’t want to hear anything you say!” Your voice echoed again, desperate, furious.
“Whatever we had… it’s over. Over!” Your chest heaved with sobs you refused to fully let out.
And then you caught it.
Before you spun on your heels heading toward your family’s marui.
His expression. He looked… upset. Not just surprised or guilty.
Just upset.
His eyes followed you, conflicted, shadowed with frustration and regret. Every inch of his body said he wanted to stop you, to reach for you, to explain… but he didn’t.
And Ayvira her laugh floated across the water like a cruel melody.
Sooo do we want a part 2?! lemme know
I also don’t know how good this angst will since it’s my first time attempting to write it so let me know how I can approve!!
