Anonymous Request: can we get some neteyam being an absolute simp and the girl just being completely oblivious so he thinks she doesn’t like him so he starts ranting about how he was dumb for thinking she would like him back and she just shuts him up with a kiss and he just gets super shy but happy :)
Neteyam is absolutely infatuated with you, and hates that you don't feel the same way - especially when he hears another has asked for your hand.
634 words.
Lo'ak rolls his eyes at his older brother. "Dude, relax," he said, probably for the 100th time. "I'm instituting a ban on talking about Y/N."
Neteyam glares at him. "Shut up, Lo'ak."
The brothers are returning home a long day of hunting, during which Neteyam had brought Y/N up no less than 20 times.
"Y/N uses her bow like this, Y/N was smiling at Marek yesterday, do you think she likes him? Y/N will like a meal prepared with this," Lo'ak says, taunting his brother. "Just tell her how you feel! We all know she's great. You don't have to tell us every day."
Neteyam growels, but doesn't reply. How is it his fault that everything reminded him of her? She is all he can ever think about.
Just outside their home, Lo'ak stops, grabbing Neteyam by the shoulder. "I've been trying to tell you this all day, bro, but... you really do need to tell her how you feel. Marek asked her father for permission. I think she's considering it."
Neteyam's eyes widen in shock and he straightens his stance, as if to intimidate Marek, who is nowhere nearby.
Thrusting his bow into his brother's hands, he turns and runs.
--
I kneel before the Tree of Souls, asking the Great Mother for guidance, for protection over my family, and thanking her for all she had provided us.
"Help me, Great Mother," I say. "Look into my memories. Tell me what to do."
"Got a big decision to make?"
I turn to see Neteyam approaching, out of breath as if he had just ran for many hours. I remove my queue from the Tree, and stand up.
"Just, asking for help," I reply with a shrug. "Are you okay, Neteyam?" He was sweaty, and breathless, and looked just a little bit panicked.
"Yes," he says, with a small half smile, which quickly disappears. "No, actually. Are you to be mated with Marek?"
"Marek?"
"I feel so stupid, Y/N. I waited too long to tell you how I feel. Do you know you are all I talk about? My family has to tell me to stop talking about you, but I can't. Every single thing I see or experience makes me think of you, because every time we aren't together, even if I just saw you moments ago, I miss you and wish you were with me.
"When I open my eyes in the morning, I think of you, and I dream of you at night. I am hopelessly in love with you, and I am so stupid for thinking you could feel the same, or... or that I could wait around, and someone else would not make you theirs. I've missed my chance, and-"
Thinking of no other way to possibly get him to stop talking, I step forward and press a kiss to his lips, having to stand on my tip toes to do so. It's quick, but firm, and when I pull away, he is most certainly stunned speechless.
"I am not to be mated with Marek. He has no interest in me. I believe he has eyes on Smon."
A blush crosses Neteyam's cheek, and I am unable to hide my giddy laughter.
"You are stupid, Neteyam, for not seeing how I have felt about you all this time. And for falling for a lie that I am guessing Lo'ak told you. But you are not stupid for loving me. That is... my greatest joy."
Neteyam reaches up, rubbing his thumb across my cheek. "My Lawnol," he whispers, and we share a smile. "May I kiss you again?"
"Any time you want to," I tell him, and the smile that spreads across his face is beautiful enough to make my heart nearly stop.
hello! <3 can i please request a neteyam x metkayina!reader oneshot where reader is apprehensive about choosing a mate, she knows everyone expect her to choose asap but prefers the idea of being friends with the person first (having a hard time trusting people easily/opening up). one day, after realizing her feelings for neteyam, she talks to him about this and he says something like “i’d always wait for you”. i’m so sorry if this is too specific, i have a thing for the concept of patient love/slowburn.
(also your writing is so beautiful, i’m in love with everything you post and always look forward for your works.)
TAKE YOUR TIME !
neteyam x metkayina! reader.
a/n — yo this took me forever to finish like i STRUGGLED IM SO SORRY 😭😭 / but SLOWBURNS >>> THEYRE JUST TOO GOOD MAN / also tysm nonnie giving you big smooches
! characters are aged up a few years for sake of plot
—
When the Sully's arrived to awa'atlu, Tsireya practically begged you to help her and her brother teach them your clan's ways. So you agreed, and like her, took a quick liking to one of the brothers.
You slowly grew closer to Neteyam, spending more and more time that started out with helping him breathe correctly, to how to ride his ilu, to eventually just being with him because you enjoyed his presence.
The two of you were currently sitting on the sand underneath a tree, his back to you as he sat in front of you, you re-braiding his hair. "He's just so- ugh! I just don't get why he is so obsessed with making my siblings feel so unwelcome." Neteyam complained, hissing when you pulled too hard.
"For eywa's sake, Neteyam. If I hear you complain about Ao'nung one more time, I'm going to rip my own eardrums out," You sighed, tsking when his hand grabbed your wrist from tugging hard. "Don't be such a baby, you asked me to redo your braids."
Opening his mouth to complain again, Kiri came in, interrupting you two. "Hey Y/n, I think your parents are looking for you."
Silently thanking eywa, Neteyam grinned, shaking his hair out. Kiri looked at her brother in amusement, breaking out into laughter. "You look so stupid, with your hair half done."
"Whatever, I'm going to mom to ask her to finish it for me. Find me once you're down, yeah?" He looked to you, softly rubbing your shoulder as a farewell.
"I will," you assured him, waving bye to his sister as well.
You entered your own marui, greeting your parents. "Oel ngati kameie."
Your parents nodded, gesturing you to come closer. "Daughter, we have something very important to address."
You sat down across from them, wearing a confused look.
"As you know, you're getting older," you nodded slowly, still confused. "Soon enough, you will need to find a mate. We talked to Ruto's parents, and we believe you two would make a fine match."
You shook your head in disagreement. "Father, I barely know Ruto. I've talked to him only once."
"Yes, but he is the son of one of our best hunter's in the clan. He would provide well for you."
"Please," you begged, looking to your mother for help. "Let me choose someone on my own."
Your parents shared a look, sighing as they turned to you. "Fine, we'll let you choose your own mate. But make it quick. We'll be waiting, and if you can't find someone, we'll talk to Ruto's parents about our agreement again."
You left the marui without another word.
Keeping your promise, you still went to the Sully family's marui, clearly shaken. Of course, the idea of being mated was something you thought about frequently, but the pressure of finding one soon so you wouldn't be set up with a stranger was all too much.
Collecting yourself, you called out to the family, Tuk immediately running up to you. "Y/n!" She giggled happily as you picked her up, hugging her close.
"Hi Tuktuk," you chuckled, eyes wandering to her hand, small fingers grasping a band of beads. She reached out to you, offering them. "What's this?"
"I made it for you!" You let her put it on your wrist, and thanked her, carrying her with you as you made your way towards Neteyam and his mother, who was just about finished with his hair.
"Hi y/n." Neytiri greeted, finishing up on her son's last braid. Upon hearing your name, Neteyam quickly looked up, smiling at the sight of you.
"Y/n!" He happily chirped, his eyes wandering towards your wrist. The bead pattern on your bracelet was matching to the one on his necklace, and you both shared a grin at the realization.
Tuk grinned proudly when the both of you shared a look at your matching jewelry, and jumped from your arms to her mothers embrace.
Getting up, Neteyam waved to his mother. "I'll be back before eclipse."
Nodding towards her son, and then you, the two of you made your way out the marui, walking along the shore.
"So, what did your parents want?"
Your smile faded at the mention of your parents. "They want me to pick a mate soon. They're so excited that they've already chosen someone."
"What? Who?" Neteyam panicked, eyes boring into yours.
"Ruto," you glumly replied. "I convinced them to give me some time though. To pick someone I want, not something that's set up. But I really don't have much time."
"Ruto?" he scoffed in disapproval. "He's got the personality of a rock," he joked, smiling when you faintly laughed. "My dads talked to me about the same thing. I just don't really know everyone on the island all that well, you know?"
"I'm sure you'll find someone," you comforted, a small wave crashing before your feet. "There's many beautiful metkayina women here. Sungia is one of the best healers I've seen. Ikla has a beautiful voice. Ezo is also a great dancer-"
"Easy there," Neteyam cut you off, slapping a hand over your mouth to shut up. Licking his palm, he pulled away, wiping his hand on your arm. "Ew! You're like Lo'ak when you do that."
"Maybe next time you shouldn't put your hand on my mouth, then." You laughed. "I was just saying, there's plenty of wonderful girls here. The men, whoever..."
"Don't fret. We'll find you a big, strong, hunter with a personality so you don't end up with Ruto the rock." He teased, lazily wrapping his arm around you and pulling your hair lightly, making you smack him in the stomach.
"Stop messing with my hair, you skxawng!"
Tuk and Neytiri watched the two of you from the marui, silently hoping the two of you would come to your senses soon.
The next few days went by, and you found yourself laying on Tsireya, complaining. "Eywa hates me!" You groaned, glaring up at the girl when she laughed at your declaration. "It isn't funny, Reya."
"It's a little funny, admit it."
"No it's not! My parents are going to force me to mate with this weird guy if I don't find anyone! I just don't get it, Eywa practically handed you Lo'ak, you have nothing to worry about. All the boys on this island are boring or like your brother."
Eyes widening at the dig at Ao'nung, Tsireya didn't scold you for it. "I mean, I'm not saying you're wrong," she softly threaded her hands through your hair as you let out another sigh. "But there has to be someone. What about Neteyam?"
You shot up like a rocket, rapidly shaking your head. "Absolutely not. No. I couldn't even- no. We're just friends."
"You are a terrible liar." Tsireya blankly stated, blinking at you.
"I'm not lying!"
"Have you seen the way you two look at each other? It's like you're in love. No one who is just friends looks at someone like that."
"Look," you started, pushing the thoughts of you and Neteyam as far as you could. "Even if I decided I liked him. That's if. If I did, his father wants him to be mated soon as well. He's Neteyam, I doubt he would settle for someone like me."
"Oh Y/n," Tsireya cooed, grasping your hand lightly. "Don't do that. Do not discount yourself. You are one of the most beautiful women on this island, anyone would be lucky to be your mate. Especially Neteyam."
Smiling gratefully at her, you didn't like the feeling that bubbled up when you pictured being with Neteyam. "Oh whatever. You're just pushing me towards Neteyam because you already like the family." You teased, laughing harder when her cheeks turned purple at the subtle mention of Lo'ak.
You can't help but let the thought of you and Neteyam linger the next few days. Yes, you enjoyed his company, but could you really spend the rest of your life as his mate?
You avoided him, denying that you could ever feel about him in that way. Denying that you shuddered at his touch, that you loved the way his eyes looked, that you loved how he talked, how he-
Ripping you from your thoughts, a pair of arms wrapped around you. "Hi y/n." Your favorite voice spoke, bringing a smile to your face.
"Hi 'Teyam." Yoy cheerfully replied, worries from before now long forgotten.
"You okay?" he asked, a concerned look in his eyes. "You looked like you were deep in thought."
"I'm fine," you assured, brought back to your harsh reality. "Just-"
"Trying to figure out who you could tolerate as a mate?"
You chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, pretty much."
"Then c'mon, let's go find someone."
Your protests against the idea of spying around the island to look for boys were quickly tossed aside. He was determined to find someone for you, and you couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed that he wanted to find someone for you so soon.
"Rotxo!" Neteyam called out, waving over at the boy. You rolled your eyes, but following the boy as he walked over towards Rotxo.
"Y/n, Neteyam, what are you two up to?"
"Nothing much," you smiled flatly, giving Neteyam a knowing look. "Just walking around the beach, showing him around the island."
"Ah, well, have fun! Let me know if you two need anything."
You both thanked him as you said your farewells and walked away, Neteyam glancing down at you multiple times. "...no?"
"No."
You continued on with your hunt, opting to look from afar rather than engage in a conversation with every boy you saw. You smiled and nodded at guys who didn't seem too bad, but you were silent for the most part. Neteyam wasn't dumb, you may not have been the closest but he could tell something was off. "Hey, we really don't have to do this if you don't want to."
"No, it's- it's fine," you quietly reassured him, letting a moment of silence pass by as you bit the inside of your cheek. "I'm just scared, you know? I'm going to be mated off with someone who I barely even know. Who I'm not even friends with. What if- what if I don't love him? What if he doesn't love me?" You worried, not realizing how Neteyam gently grasped your hand, squeezing it in comfort.
"Hey, you're going to be fine, alright? If you don't want to meet anyone new, maybe you'll grow to be fond of Ruto, and he'll learn to love you. Or maybe you'll even find someone else when you least expect it. But I'll always be here for you, you know that?"
Your heart clenched at the reminder of Ruto, and the limited time you had. You smiled wordlessly up at him, squeezing his hand back. "Thank you, Neteyam."
"Anytime."
Yet you can't help but feel as though everything won't be fine.
With your time running out and no new candidates, you settle for trying to get to know Ruto. You really have no clue where to start, but you find him on his ilu, probably coming back from a hunt.
"Ruto!" You called out, his head snapping up at response of his name. His eyes land on your own and you freeze, not knowing what to do when he sends a small smile your way, and starts heading over towards you.
You begin to panic, rethinking your decisions. What were you even thinking? You barely know him, he's probably just as confused as you are.
Before you can succumb to the rest of your thoughts, an unfamiliar voice snaps you out of it. "Hey, y/n," the boy greets, towering over you, piercing yellow eyes burning i to your own. "What's up?"
"Uhm-" you stutter, swallowing down your suddenly very dry throat. "Just walking around. Wanted to see what you were up to."
Ruto hums, nodding once he finally understands why you came to him. "This is about our- arrangement, isn't it?"
"Yeah."
"I'm sorry, that's it's all so awkward. Truth be told I wasn't for it either, but my parents were so insistent," he laughs at you when you groan in frustration. "How about this. We'll get to know each other. And if you really don't want to go through with this, we'll talk to them together."
You take a moment, considering his offer. There was no downside, really, at least for you. One hand, you make your parents and everyone else happy by finding a mate, or you get what you really want, a chance to finally get to know somebody, and take your time in choosing.
"Deal."
You and Ruto spent the next couple days together practically every minute, choosing activities that the other enjoyed, and learning more about each other the more you were together. Your parents were pleased at the interaction and word around the village traveled fast, everyone chattering about how you finally found 'the one'.
Neteyam ended up finding out the news from Lo'ak. Yes, it was his idea, but he couldn't help the way his heart sank when everyone was talking about you and your new mate, and how he was able to confirm the news with his own eyes when he spotted you two.
He sat in his family's marui, quieter than usual. Kiri and Lo'ak quickly noticed, exchanging knowing looks. "If you scrunch your face like that any longer, it's going to be permanent."
"Shut up, Lo'ak."
"I'm just saying. He's had that god awful pout on his face the past few days, it's bringing my mood down. What's wrong?"
Glaring his sibling's way, Neteyam only shook his head, eyes averting to the ocean. "Nothing's wrong."
"Something seems pretty wrong to me," Lo'ak stated, shrugging and leaning back casually. "Ever since y/n has been out and about with Ruto lately you seem all alone and missing her company and-"
The younger brother paused, mouth agape while his hand flies to cover it. "OH EYWA! You like y/n!"
"You are so slow sometimes, Lo'ak," Kiri rolled her eyes in annoyance, looking to Neteyam who seemed just about as surprised as his brother. "Don't tell me- you just realized too?"
She took his silence as a yes and pinched the bridge of her nose, sighing at both her brothers stupidity. "Neteyam, you cannot. She's betrothed to Ruto."
"I know." He replied quietly.
"And her parents aren't likely to change their minds."
"I know."
"And she actually seems to be enjoying his company lately."
"I know."
"So you better hurry up and tell her how you feel."
"I kn- wait, what?" Neteyam cut himself off, head swiveling to face the two. They only shrugged, as if it was the simplest thing in the world. "I can't just- just go and tell her how I feel."
"Why not? I mean really, what do you have to lose. If it doesn't work out then she ends up with Ruto anyways."
"You're not making me feel any better."
"Just go!"
So, like a man on a mission, Neteyam hurried to find you, only to see you with Ruto once more. He pauses mid-stride, wondering if this is really the best way to go about it. But in a moment of courage he acts on instinct, approaching you two.
You speak first, and when your laugh turns silent he can't help but feel as if he's intruding. "Neteyam? What's going on?"
"I just-" he stops himself, seeing Ruto stand next to you. He sees the way you two look together, almost perfect. Your beauty matches his own looks, and in no doubt would he provide well for you. His heart hammers in his chest, and cowardly, he averts the topic. "I was wondering if you've seen Ezo. I was thinking of taking you and my father's advice about reaching out to other women on the island."
"Oh," you quietly exclaimed, clearing your throat for whatever reason. "She was by the reef with Rotxo, last time I saw her."
He quickly thanked you and walked off, missing the way your face fell, and how Ruto was quick to console you.
"I guess I was wrong," you softly spoke, now sitting with both Tsireya and Ruto. Their eyes held sympathy for you, trying their best to help you in this complicated situation. "I mean, I really thought I had it all figured out. Me and Ruto were going to tell our parents that it isn't going to happen with us, and that I want to take it slow with someone I had in mind. And then he just- drops this on me!"
Tsireya rubs her hand on your shoulder in comfort, feeling sorry for her best friend. "Well- maybe it didn't even go well between them. For all we know, he could hate Ezo right now."
"Nobody hates Ezo." You state, Ruto quietly agreeing but still earning a glare from Tsireya.
"Maybe, just maybe, you should tell Neteyam how you feel anyways. He's looking for other women, but he's blind to the one just in reach."
"I don't know-" You start to protest, almost immediately getting cut off by both Ruto and Tsireya.
"No," they start, Ruto speaking up after. "You're going to tell Neteyam how you feel. Stop sulking on your butt and go get your man."
You whine and stomp your feet, childlike, before finally getting up. "Fine, I'm going. If this all goes wrong I'm blaming you both."
"Looking forward to it. Have fun!"
You wander along the sand, looking out of place and feeling more uncomfortable as more time passes. You try to spot Neteyam's dark blue skin, but to no avail, are unable to find him amongst the crowd of metkayina men.
Walking aimlessly and just about to give up on your search, you finally see him with Ezo, which is unsurprising. You can't decide if you should greet them, hide behind a tree, or hope that the ocean swallows you whole at any given moment. You opt for the latter, standing there awkwardly.
Neteyam greets you before you can say anything, and they both walk to you, and you decide to meet them halfway. They both wear a wide grin, and the sight feels like someone stabbed a dagger through your chest.
"What are you doing here? I thought you were with Ruto." Neteyam curiously piped up, making your chest throb even more when you think, he doesn't even want to see you.
"He just had some duties," you lie, shrugging carelessly. "I was just walking along here before I go back to my marui. What were you two up to?" You asked, hoping you wouldn't regret it.
"Well we spent most of the day together," Neteyam answered you, the truth making it feel like someone was slowly chipping away at your heart. "We swam and went on rides with the ilus..." he kept telling you about their day, but you stopped listening, zoning out.
We, we, we. It was funny how such a small word could cause you so much pain.
"Well that's lovely!" You faked a smile, blinking rapidly before tears would fall down your face. You turned away hastily, making your way in the opposite direction while yelling a jumble of words. Something along the lines of, "Wouldn't want to be in the way, see you later!"
Your face burns with embarrassment, thinking you could just march up and tell Neteyam that you want him, and he would willingly accept you. You think you got away, and then you hear him run up from behind you, making you shut your eyes tightly and hope he won't notice the red in your eyes.
"Y/n?" He called out worriedly, turning you around to face him, your eyes opening involuntarily. Ezo is nowhere to be seen, yet you really can't find it in you to care all that much. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?" Neteyam questions, on making you want to cry harder.
"So much," you croak, trying to stop your voice from cracking as you continued to talk. "So much is wrong. I'm such a mess. I met Ruto and I became friends with him but I can't even get myself to like him, and then I feel like everything's hopeless, and that I won't find someone I like here and then I meet you," you sniffle, wiping your nose with the back of your hand, "and for the longest I can't comprehend what I feel for you and by the time I realize it's too late because you've already went off and found another girl."
"Hey," he soothes, head dipping down so his eyes can meet your own. "Who says I don't feel the same way about you?"
"Even if you did," you cried out hopelessly, all your pent up feelings unraveling in front of the one person you didn't want it to. "You'd have to wait so long. I don't- I don't want to rush into this. It's tedious, having to wait for someone like me when there's girls like Ezo who are ready for you now."
"There's nothing tedious about waiting for the girl you want to be ready," Neteyam spoke softly still, his thumb rubbing against the inner part of your forearm. "And I don't want girls like Ezo," he laughed, his other hand cupping your cheek. "I want you."
Before you even have the chance to protest, or come up with some dumb excuse or reason why you aren't fit for him he presses his lips to yours, deeming it the best way to shut you up. His lips mold against yours almost perfectly, and he finally pulls away, his smile brighter than any stars in the sky. "I only want you," he whispers, lips brushing against yours once more.
Anonymous Request: Could you write a fic with Neteyam x Metkayina fem reader, where the reader is somewhat lonely and quite reserved, and her only friend is Tsireya. When the Sullys are first learning to ride the illus, the reader sees them from afar and approaches them to teach them to breathe correctly to swim and ride, and Neteyam begins to feel a great curiosity about the reader and from there he always has excuses to approach her or ask for help in something that he can already do perfectly. Lo’ak, Tuk, Kiri and Tsireya begin to suspect that Neteyam and the reader have something and tease them?
1,869 words
From a distance, I observed the Sully family arriving. The crowd was so large, and I didn't want to push my way through it. Plus, I knew Tsireya would tell me everything later - as the Chief's daughter, she would certainly be in the middle of the large crowd, observing up close.
Sometimes it felt like I looked at the world through her eyes. Where I was withdrawn, Tsireya was outgoing. Where I was anxious, she was confident. If it weren't for my only friend, I would probably go days on end without speaking to another soul beyond polite, surface level conversation.
As I'd predicted, she told me all about the Sullys that evening, with particular focus on one of the brothers who's name she couldn't remember.
"We're going to teach them our ways - you could help!" she said excitedly, but anxiety tugged at my heart.
"Oh, I don't think I'd be much help."
Tsireya rolled her eyes, but didn't push me, which was one of the things I appreciated about her; she never tried to force me out of my shell. She had always been a wonderful friend to me.
--
From a distance again, I watched as the Sullys struggled on their first days. Besides the older daughter, none of them could hold their breath very long, and they continually surfaced for air.
Not to mention, they were miserable on the illus, and it was getting hard to watch. Ao'nung was not patient, and Tsireya seemed to be having a hard time doing it all by herself.
They sat on a rock, in a circle, and something pushed me to approach. As I swam up, Ao'nung turned and extended his arm to me. I thanked him, and Tsireya beamed at me, making a place next to her.
"This is Y/N," she introduced me to the group, "she's my best friend! Y/N, this is Neteyam, Lo'ak, Kiri, and Tuk." She pointed out each member of the Sully family, and I gave them a friendly nod and what smile I could muster.
"Y/N can hold her breath longer than any of us. Tell them how you do it," Tsireya gushed over me, and I tried not to feel too embarrassed of her bragging.
I patted my stomach. "From here," I said, taking in a deep breath. "You have to be calm, and focused, and you have to be patient with yourselves. You did not grow up here, and our ways are new to you. If you try to rush your learning, you'll become frustrated. If you become frustrated, your breathing will become... anxious."
The oldest brother, Neteyam, sat to my right. As he breathed in deep, I watched his shoulders rise and fall.
"No," I said, reaching out, placing one hand on his stomach and the other on his shoulder. "From here. Close your eyes, and slow your heart rate. Calm."
He closed his eyes and drew in a breath from his belly, but I could feel his heart rate increase. "Your heart is beating fast, Neteyam. Slowly." I tried to speak calmly.
"Right," he whispered, peeking one eye open at me. Next to me, Tsireya giggled, and I looked over to see what was funny, but nothing seemed obvious.
"You'll get it," I said, turning back to Neteyam and removing my hands.
"Will you help?" he asked.
I shrugged. "Sure."
--
After that, it was hard to keep my distance. Nearly every day, Neteyam would ask me for help learning something about our way of life. I showed him our fishing grounds, how to braid and throw a net, our vast gardens and how to plant and harvest, and mostly, riding the illus.
I was surprised at how slow he was learning, but it was enjoyable to spend time with him, so I tried not to wish it away, assuming that once he felt more comfortable here, he wouldn't need my help as much.
We look a long ride on my illu just a few weeks after the Omatikaya family had arrived, to a more secluded rock formation not too far from the shore. Neteyam could ride his own, but often requested to ride onto mine, holding me gently around the waist as I sped through the water. I was mindful, when he rode with me, to surface more frequently than I would myself, so he could breath.
We climbed atop the dark, flat rocks, and let the warm sun begin to dry us.
"How is your family adjusting?" I asked. Though I spent time frequently with Neteyam, I didn't see much of his siblings or parents; he was always alone when he sought me out.
I knew Tsireya was enjoying her time spent with Lo'ak, and Kiri and Tuk were frequently with them. She had told me they were picking things up quickly, and I had reported Neteyam's struggles, but asked her to keep them to herself. He would get it - it hadn't even been a month.
"Pretty good," Neteyam replied with a shrug. "Hey, teach me some more hand-speak."
I sighed but smiled, and ran through some simple vocabulary with him again. I would often have to grab Neteyam's hands myself, manipulating them to teach him how to make the words, and it took many times for him to pick up simple phrases.
Neteyam seemed so smart - why was he struggling so much with this?
--
Neteyam sighed, watching Y/N as she walked away at the end of another day together.
He wasn't sure how long he could keep this up. There were definitely things he still needed help with, but he was absolutely exaggerating just how much help he was needing.
He didn't need her to repeat the hand-language so much. He certainly didn't need her to move his hands with her own... but he loved it when she did.
He definitely didn't need to ride on the back of her illu. Just a few rides, and he felt comfortable on the back of the animal, but it was the easiest way to get close to Y/N.
Though she seemed self-assured when it was just the two of them, she was very quiet and reserved, almost always choosing to keep to herself unless she was with Tsireya.
He had been mesmerized with her since the first moment Ao'nung had pulled her onto that rock, and had been desperate to spend more time with her - this seemed like the best way to accomplish that, but he knew eventually, he would be found out.
--
Just a few weeks later, Neteyam surfaced from a long swim, arms full of kelp to use for baskets and nets. Standing on the shore was Tsireya, her arms crossed, her eyes narrowed.
"Neteyam Sully," she said, approaching.
"Tsireya," he greeted her with a solemn nod of his head.
"You were just under water for a record amount of time, and I watched you speak fluently with your brother in hand-speak yesterday. But Y/N tells me you still struggle with these things and need her help daily."
He had thought Tsireya was stern at first, but he saw now that the corners of her mouth were turned up in a smile and, just a few steps away, Kiri and Lo'ak stood, grinning.
"Maybe Y/N just thinks I'm a moron."
Tsireya laughs. "She thinks you walk on water. Maybe you could tell her you like her, too."
--
"Neteyam!" I exclaimed. "You are being ridiculous, I know that you know this." I pulled the fishing net from his hands, undoing his last few knots, and showing him, once again, the correct way to fashion the net.
They had been here nearly two months and still, little progress from Neteyam. I was beginning to think it was some kind of joke.
Neteyam just shrugged and smiled. "Sorry."
I handed the net back to him. "Again."
Instead of working on the knots once more, he set the net down on the sandy beach and leaned back, putting his hands behind him, and looked up at the orange evening sky.
"No more lessons today. I'm too stupid anyway."
I gasped. "Neteyam, don't say that. You aren't stupid. You're figuring it all out."
Admittedly, much more slowly than the rest of his family, but that was okay; he was getting it. He hardly needed any help with hand-speak, and was nearly an expert on his illu. It just took him a little longer.
"I have a great teacher. Best in the village."
I turned away, a blush creeping across my cheeks. "No, it is probably my fault you can't tie a knot or hold your breath."
Neteyam let out a loud, chiming peal of laughter, throwing his head back. His smile was wide, and the sound and sight of it was beautiful, even if I didn't know what he was laughing at.
"Okay, okay. I'll tell you," he said finally, when the laughter subsided.
"Tell me what?" I asked.
"I've been pretty comfortable here since the first couple weeks, Y/N. I have little trouble with the illu, and the hand-speak has been very useful for me. I've made many baskets and nets, and I, well, I just don't need as much help as I've been asking you for."
In confusion, I furrowed my brow and titled my head to the side. "Then, why ask?"
His boisterous grin slowly morphed into a more sheepish look. "I didn't know how else to get you to spend time with me. And I thought, if you knew I didn't need help anymore, you might prefer being alone."
My mouth formed a small 'O' and my eyes widened in shock and realization. "Oh..."
"I like riding on the illu with you, and when you take my hands in yours to teach me. I like being close to you." He reached for me, grabbing one of my hands in his. "Are you mad?"
Though it was true that Neteyam had technically been lying to me, it wasn't as if he had done it with ill intentions... he had done it because he liked being around me, and the thought made me blush.
"No, of course I'm not. But, Neteyam, even if you're much smarter than you led me to believe, I still think you're a moron." I squeezed his hand, and he laughed.
"Why?"
"I thought you were very handsome, that first day on the rock. I could have shown anyone how to breathe. Lo'ak was there. I could have demonstrated on Tsireya. But I wanted to touch you."
With not another word, Neteyam leaned towards me, and pressed a kiss to my lips. I sank into him, wrapping my arms around his neck, so glad he had finally confessed what we had both been feeling.
His lips were warm, and a little salty, and the joy I felt was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. His strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me as close to him as I could possibly get, and I sighed into his mouth.
"I'm sure there's plenty you could still teach me," Neteyam murmured, his lips moving to kiss my cheeks, and then my forehead.
hii! can i please request a neteyam x reader oneshot where reader is really insecure about her personality and afraid that he’s going to, one day, grow tired of her. she eventually expresses her feelings and neteyam is a little hurt and confused and reassures her. something like angst -> fluff. thank you! hoping this is ok. <3
❝love through anything❞ ( neteyam suli )
summary: neteyam loves you through your greatest insecurities.
pairing: neteyam x omaticaya!reader
wordcount: 1.9k
contains: slight angst, mentions of insecurities, self-deprecation, hearing voices/feeling crazy, jealousy, teyam's a little idiot, fluffy ending
notes: aww this request is sweet! i just know that neteyam would be so oblivious to the reader's feelings, but once she expressed them, he'd be so comforting. the part in the italics is a separate voice in the reader's head!
ma syulang : my flower
masterlist
"I will see you tonight, ma syulang," Neteyam whispered to you with his lips still firmly placed on your forehead, connecting the two of you with a kiss. He swung his bow over his shoulder and around his back before leaving your hold.
You smiled sweetly, "Be careful, ma 'Teyam." He grinned as his friends pulled him away from you. Neteyam looked over his shoulder so his eyes could stay on yours until he was so deep into the forest you could no longer see his figure.
It would be another day without your lover. He was off with his father and the other hunters in the clan. As time passed, it became sooner and sooner that Neteyam would become olo'eyktan. He slowly gained more responsibilities and duties, meaning he had less time for you.
Nonetheless, you would support him through anything. No matter how far he seemed to be or how long he was away, he carried his heart in your hands and you carried his.
You exited the village with an empty basket tucked underneath your arm. Since you had more time to yourself, you'd recently taken up small walks into the forest by yourself. As a child, you were not permitted to wander about the forest alone, so you had never seen the true beauty of your home. Now that you were older, you could appreciate Pandora's beauty. There were plenty of flowers that you'd pick by the stem, the animal life fascinated you, and there were a few times where you stayed out past eclipse when the plant life around you illuminated the night.
Sometimes, Kiri would accompany you on your walks; she had a beautiful connection to the nature of the forest. However, she had also been busy recently as the new protege of Mo'at, the Tsahik.
You were, unfortunately, alone today. You sang a sweet melody to yourself as a few elders said goodbye. Although you valued your alone time, it was also an opportunity for dark thoughts in your head to overwhelm you.
It's been harder without him lately, the voice said to you. The village was far behind you now. Maybe he doesn't feel the same anymore.
"Shut up!" You whispered. If anyone else heard you talking to yourself like this, you'd surely be called crazy. Even though...you did feel a little bit crazy.
Think about it. You found a small clearing of trees, where a spacious area of grass was adorned with small flowers. Why won't he spend time with you anymore?
"Neteyam is very busy now," you spoke out loud to the voice, kneeling on the forest floor and placing your basket next to your legs. You began to pluck an assortment of white, pink, and purple flowers from the ground. "He is to be olo'eyktan."
The various colors of the flowers complimented each other. "Perhaps I will make him another necklace." You said to yourself now.
Another necklace? Why would he want that? You groaned. The voice in your head was not yours. It was like a small demon lurking in the dark. You were most definitely losing your sanity. "Neteyam loved the necklace I gave him. He said he would never take it off, he wears it everyday."
You gently placed the flowers into your basket before reaching to pick more. Was he wearing it today? You froze. Your hand hovered above a pink flower as you retraced your thoughts to earlier that day when Neteyam said goodbye. You were trying so hard to remember that your head began to hurt.
And then the picture came to your mind. Neteyam, your sweet boy, kissed you on your forehead. You watched him as he was walking away and...there was no flower necklace around his neck.
You could feel your heart slowly beginning to crack, but you brushed off the thoughts before you completely split in two. "That's enough," you said, moving away from the pink flower.
You annoy him, it's so obvious.
This time, you did not respond to the voice. You stayed silent as you picked up your basket and made your way back to the village. Thankfully, the voice did not speak again.
──
You decided to take a different route back to the village than the way you had gone earlier. Although this path was longer, and it was urgent to you that you return before Neteyam did so you could welcome him with open arms, it felt necessary to use the time to make sure the voice was completely gone.
So far, it had just been you alone in the forest--no voice, no Kiri, nobody. And even though your loneliness had been the root of your unhappiness lately, you enjoyed it at this moment.
Until you heard the murmurs of someone else's voice from a distance. You were convinced that you had completely lost your mind until you saw the figure of a young Navi girl. Beside her was a Navi boy with braids that reached his shoulders. They sat side-by-side, their backs against the log of a fallen tree, and their bows thrown on the ground.
"Your father is so strict!" The girl giggled. You couldn't recognize her voice.
Are you willing to bet who that is? The voice returned, almost scaring you enough to let out a small gasp. "Shut up," you whispered, muffled by a collection of bushes and leaves.
The boy laughed along with her. "Yes, he can be a little much sometimes." You recognized that voice well. What was your Neteyam doing with a girl alone in the forest? Are you sure he's your Neteyam?
You refused to respond. Instead, you listened in even closer to them. "Don't listen to him," the girl looked at Neteyam with wide eyes and a smile that practically sparkled. She had small streaks of paint on her face--the marks of an Omaticaya hunter. "I thought you did very well, today."
"Thank you, Pemma," Neteyam chuckled, almost as if he was blushing. You recognized the girl as you heard him as say her name. Pemma was the same age as you, but you two were hardly similar. You were studying to become a healer and could never hurt a single soul; she was a fierce and tough warrior that made clean kills during hunts. "You are very skillful with a bow."
She smiled warmly. I was right, the voice spoke again. Look at how he's looking at her. "Would you leave me alone?" You whispered louder this time. Although neither of them noticed your voice, their ears slightly twitched like an instinct.
"Yes, but I could always use more practice," Pemma's voice practically dripped with want. Her eyes never left Neteyam's body. "Perhaps you can show me some tricks sometime?"
You could vomit collecting in your throat. Your hand whipped to cover your mouth to stop yourself from audibly gagging at the thought of your Neteyam being intimate with another girl.
As much as it hurt your heart, you continued to watch Neteyam and Pemma. He hesitated and laughed softly, "My father is a great warrior." Your Neteyam was so sweet and gentle, even when turning down another girl. "He would be a much better teacher."
Before you could hear her reply, which would've most likely been a sly remark about why she preferred Neteyam over Jake, you slipped away into the forest. Your footsteps were light as you neared the village. "See," you spoke to yourself. "Neteyam chooses me."
If that is what you think...
──
For the first time that day, it was peacefully silent in your tent. The rest of your family was busy with their duties, so you tended to yours by yourself. The voice you'd been hearing had disappeared, and you'd even managed to get any thoughts of Neteyam out of your head.
Until he appeared in the doorway with his soft smile that made your heart unfold.
"Ma syulang," he cooed when he saw you sitting on the floor like a child with a collection of flowers splayed out in front of you. Your fingers had been weaving them into a small necklace.
You smiled warmly, "Ma 'Teyam," as he sat down across from you. "You're safe." You pretended like you hadn't seen him earlier.
He took three flowers into his hands and held them in his palm, before taking the thin stems and knotting them together so they were interlinked. Just like you had taught him. "How was your day?"
"Good," you lied through your teeth, looking back down to your flowers. All of a sudden, you remembered exactly what the voice had said earlier. Another necklace? Why would he want that? You avoided Neteyam's loving gaze, igniting a spark of concern in his heart.
You did not feel the urge to finish the flower necklace as the dark emotions began to take over your mind. "Ma (y/n)?" he reached you to you, placing his hand on top of yours. "Are you alright?"
There was not much else to do except to lie or to tell him the truth. What would happen if you told him the truth? Would he feel annoyed? Would he even care? Neteyam loved you very much, it was unfair to doubt his feelings for you...but you'd rather leave him alone than make him irritated with your stupid insecurities.
With a long silence as your answer, he set the flowers down and moved closer to you. "What is wrong?"
You tried to look away as if it would help you avoid the conversation, but it was clear that Neteyam would not leave without an honest answer. "You love me," you began, and Neteyam nodded without hesitation. "so you care about me?"
Neteyam laughed with a confused tone. "Of course, I care about you..."
"And you love me no matter what, right?"
His fingers held your chin and pushed your head up so yours eyes met his. Neteyam's heart broke when he saw tears were just barely holding themselves from falling. "Ma syulang..." he caressed your cheek. "I will always love you."
Your bottom lip quivered, "I feel like a bother." A tear fell down your cheek, and Neteyam's own eyes began to water. "I do not want to annoy you...you are to be olo'eyktan, you have your duties. You have to focus! You don't have time to worry about me."
"(y/n), I will always worry about you if I need to."
The voice's words still repeated in your head. "I just don't want to become a problem."
"Oh, ma (y/n)," his arms swooped in and wrapped around you, pulling your head to his chest so his head sat on top of yours. His thumb gently rubbed over your hair. Neteyam quietly shushed you as you started to cry. "You will never bother me. You will never be a problem. My heart belongs to you, I will always be here for you."
"Why didn't you wear the necklace?" You motioned to his neck. You felt stupid for bringing this up at such a moment.
His hand reached the naked area around his neck. "I...didn't want to tell you. I felt awful," he said. "I lost it while hunting yesterday. Ask my father, I spent hours trying to find it. I was going to ask you to make me another one?"
You nodded, "Of course, 'Teyam, all you need is to ask."
"I will never take it off or lose it again. I love you, ma (y/n), I will do anything for you."
You broke the embrace to look at his eyes again. Beautiful, golden eyes that never failed to comfort you. "Do you promise?"
With a smile, Neteyam wrapped his pinky finger around yours. It was a silly trick that his father had brought with him from Earth, and now, Neteyam carried it on with you. "I promise," his lips met yours with a sweet, heartfelt kiss.
Anonymous Request: Can I request a Neteyam x fem!metkayina reader, where Neteyam is just really smitten by her beauty, and how gentle she is when she helps patch Neteyam after the fight? Neteyam really curious about her and really wants know her better, so he starts asking Tsireya about her and after that he realizes that she has an older brother, so Neteyam tries to talk to her older brother, but her brother is really protective?
1,607 words
The first time he saw her, it felt similar to the first time that he looked in the eyes of his ikran. Something just clicked inside of him, and Neteyam knew - this woman was something important to him.
He couldn't explain it any better than that. He wondered if he was being superficial, because of course, he was struck by her unusual beauty, but it felt like something more than that. It was hard to put it into words.
His interactions with her were few, and he was nervous during them, until the fight. Though he'd considered himself and Lo'ak to be victorious over Ao'nung and his friends - and rightfully so, since those idiots shouldn't have been messing with Kiri anyway - he was still a little battered and bruised, and his split lip hurt something fierce.
She was there to intercept him, on his way home. He didn't see where she came from, it was as if she materialized when she needed him.
"Neteyam!" she exclaimed.
"Y/N," he replied, feeling ashamed about his appearance and about the fight. A gentle woman like Y/N would not approve, he knew.
"Let me see." She approached, taking his face into her hands, turning it side to side. She did the same to Lo'ak, tsk'ing under her breath.
"Foolish boys," she chided, but there was a light, teasing air to her words. From the pack slung at her side, she pulled out a cloth and sprinkled something into it, and placed it to his swollen lips. It stung at first, and he winced, but soon, the soothing came. "Tell me, did you win the fight?"
Neteyam wanted to smile, but knew it would hurt. "The other guys look worse."
She turned her attention to a cut on Lo'ak's face next, smiling at his brother. Neteyam couldn't help but feel jealous when he saw.
"Good, very good," she replied, and turned to Neteyam, winking.
He walked on clouds the rest of the way home, not even that upset when his parents yelled at him.
--
The next day, Neteyam approached Tsireya with questions about Y/N. What was she interested in, what was she good at, where did she spend her time?
Through this questioning, Neteyam learned she had an older brother, and from there, devised a plan. If he could befriend her brother, Eto, maybe he could get closer to her. Earning her older brother's respect and approval couldn't hurt, could it?
He asked Tsireya about Eto, and she frowned.
"He's very protective of Y/N, Neteyam. I don't know... about this plan."
Neteyam pressed for more information, but all Tsireya would say was that Eto was very watchful of his younger sister, and Neteyam had better be careful.
He felt like he understood, older brother to older brother, so when the opportunity arose on the fishing grounds, he approached Eto. He had to admit, he was a little put off by the man's sheer size and stature, not to meant the intricate tattoos covering most of his body, but he took a deep breath, and thought of Y/N.
Neteyam was a great fisherman, and he thought that would be an easy avenue for conversation - but he was wrong. Eto had maybe two or three words to say to him.
So he switched tactics - asking about his family, and Eto had very little to say about that, as well.
Finally, Neteyam decided to bring Y/N up directly.
"Is she to be a healer?" he asked.
Eto raised his eyebrow, finally looking over at Neteyam after so much painful conversation.
"Why do you ask?"
A chill went up Neteyam's spine, but he tried to stand up taller. After all, he was just as much a man as Eto, and the son of Taruk Makto. He needed to act like it.
"The other night, I was injured - my brother too. She tended to our wounds."
Eto nodded.
"She has a special interest in healing. She's good at it. You're lucky she was there."
That was as far as the conversation was going to go, Neteyam could tell. He bid the brother farewell, and turned to leave, deciding he'd have to figure something else out.
--
From the shore, I sat with my feet in the water, digging little holes in the white sand, as Neteyam spoke with Eto.
I wondered what the two of them would have in common. I didn't know Neteyam very well, but from what I'd seen, he was joyful and kind.
While Eto was kind, it was a little bit hard to see through his rough exterior. He prided himself on being strong, silent and resilient; kindness and laughter weren't priorities for him.
After a while, Neteyam turned and began walking towards the beach, but he didn't seem to see me.
I badly wanted him to see me. I had been wanting Neteyam to really notice me since the moment we'd met, but he always seemed to be so busy, rushing somewhere else whenever we got the chance to speak. The other night after his fight with Ao'nung was the most we'd really spoken.
Jumping up, I called his name and waved my arm. He turned, and gave me a beautiful smile.
"What were you talking to Eto about?" I asked, jogging to catch up with him.
Neteyam shrugged. "Fishing."
I furrowed my brow. Eto hated fishing. "Oh. You look healed up very nicely." I gestured to his lip.
He touched it, and smiled at me. "Thanks to you. I'm glad you were there."
"What was the fight about?"
"Ao'nung and his friends, they were picking on Kiri, calling her a freak... I didn't want to get into a fight but, Lo'ak kind of jumped into it. I didn't want to see his ass kicked."
I tried not to laugh too hard. "Well, you're a goo brother."
"He doesn't make it easy."
I glanced over at Eto, who was staring at us now. I reached out, extending my hand to Neteyam.
"Come," I said. He took my hand without hesitation, and I pulled him into the water until it was deep enough for us to swim, and we disappeared under the tide, away from Eto's watchful gaze.
Neteyam swam next to me through the plants and fish, and when it had been a while and he needed to surface, I went with him. We faced each other, treading water.
"Where are we going?" he asked.
"Oh!" I replied with a laugh. "No where special. Eto was just watching us and, he can be kind of... a lot."
"Yeah, I noticed."
"You did?"
Neteyam gave me a half smile. "Well, I... I was asking him about you and, he didn't have much to say."
I raised my eyebrow. "Oh? Why were you asking him?"
Neteyam looked away, a lavender blush creeping across his cheeks.
"You can ask me, Neteyam. I know me pretty well."
He turned back to me, smiling. "Do you want to be a healer?"
"Yes," I replied. "Well, I kind of am, already. Ronal has taught me a lot... but, since I'm not going to marry Ao'nung, I won't be our next tsahik. But, tsahik needs help from other healers. That will be my job. Is that all you wanted to know?"
Neteyam looked nervous, like he was holding something back.
"Can I ask you something, Neteyam?" I said, filling the gap.
"Sure."
"Are you happy here?"
He tilted his head to the side. "Yes... and no. I like it here. It isn't home. Why do you ask?"
"You always seem so... I don't know, nervous or something, when we talked. I wondered if you just missed home."
Surprisingly, a smile breaks out, wide enough to stretch nearly ear to ear. For the 100th time, I admire what a beautiful smile Neteyam possess. It fills me with pride, to be the one making him smile like that.
"I do feel nervous when we talk," he admits finally.
"You do?"
"Yes. But, just you, Y/N."
"Oh no," I reply. The water is growing a little choppy as twilight approaches, but neither of us notice, as we talk and tread water. "Did I do something, to make you nervous? Did I offend you?"
"No!" Neteyam says forcefully. "No. You're just, um... you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. And when I talk to you, my heart beats very fast and my brain goes kind of... crazy."
It takes me a moment to process what Neteyam is saying. All this time, while I have been longing to grow closer to him, he has been feeling something similar?
"Oh," I reply.
"I thought, if I could talk to Eto, gain his respect and confidence... it might help me grow closer to you."
I can't help but smile at this. "I think maybe the best way to grow closer to me is just, um, to spend time with me. If you want to."
He swims forward, closing the already small gap between us. "I want to."
I reach out, putting my hands on his shoulders. As he leans in to kiss me, he wraps his arms around my waist. Our lips meet, and we stop treading water, and sink beneath the surface, holding each other in a tight embrace.
It's heaven.
When we surface again, gasping for air, all we can do is smile at each other before swimming to shore and walking up the beach.
"You will probably still have to earn Eto's respect but, it's not as hard as he'd like you to think. He's soft, inside."
Neteyam reaches over, grabbing my hand. "For you, anything."
Could u do jealous neteyam headcannons or a fic pls? I love all ur works and ur writing style!
clouded perception !
– pairing neteyam x gn!reader | wc 2.6k | warnings a lot of jealousy, a lot of angst i guess (i had way too much fun with this oops) but also some fluff | what's inside neteyam has to learn how to deal with something he has never felt before as he watches you train with a close friend
– authors note my first request! how exciting! i'm sorry it took so long. i hope i did your wishes justice anonie and thank you for the kind words! also feedback is of course always appreciated (and i'm the worst at naming fics haha) :)
neteyam excelled in anything you could possibly think of, especially in activities related to hunting, whether it was tracking, archery or flying. he was a natural in everything he persued. so obviously he felt hurt when you decided so ask another one of the skilled young na’vi to help you practice your shooting skills as you had always had a hard time keeping up with the others when it came to using your bow and arrow. you were training to become a healer, which put different qualities to a test. ever since you had been romantically involved with neteyam mo’at startet to take you under her wing to make sure you grew into your role of a possible future tsahík. but knowing every detail about plants and their healing capabilities and getting taught how to nurse and how to form a close bond with ewya didn’t spare you from basic training in archery to be able to defend yourself and your people if it ever came to a worst case scenario. this was the reason why you started to spend more time than usual with one of your closest childhood friends – ‘anoa. it didn’t pass anyone that he was one of the most promising young warriors of the clan, frequently being compared to neteyam te suli tsyeyk'itan, the golden boy and child progidy of the clan. but neteyam had been busy, now more than ever. if he wasn’t with the hunting party, he was planning with his dad for an upcoming raid, assisting him where- and whenever he could. because of that the time you and neteyam shared was scarce and most definitely not used to get additional lessons in archery. that was why you confided in your best friend who gladly accepted your request.
one morning you and ‘anoa were standing on the edge of a clearing, facing makeshift targets. it was still early, the first rays of sunshine barely touching the tips of the trees and morning dew still covering the grass. your back was resting against ‘anoa’s bare chest as you were repeating the basics while drawing your bow, him correcting your position again and again, “you need more core strength. mind your abdominal muscles.” he turned over, pressing the palm of his hand against your stomach, which was slowly rising and falling from your deep breaths, “more, more.” as you were trying your best to tense your muscles just like ‘anoa instructed you pulled funny faces to make your training seem extra exhausting and get a smile out of your friend. “skxawng,” ‘anoa chuckled, slightly tapping the side of your head, but immediately returning to a more serious demeanour, “now just position your elbow a little bit higher and put your hand next to your cheek. close your eyes and feel your breath tingling your skin. sense the tension flooding your body and how it spreads to your arms and legs as you pull the string of your bow,” he said with a calm voice while correcting the placement of your left hand. “good. now that we’ve freshened up that bit try and give it a shot.” you focused on your target, feeling the hot breath tickling the skin of your fingers, mentally checking your position one last time. your mind shut down completely as you were focusing on what was in front of you before you let go of the arrow, seeing it flying into the direction of your target and hitting its center. you heard the impact as the arrowhead drilled itself into the trunk of the tree. “hey, you’re a natural! i don’t even know why we’ve been practicing all morning”, 'anoa cheered with a smile, giving you a side-hug. unbeknownst to you you had been watched. neteyam noticed how you had been up too early for you linking and left the village. surprised by your secretive behaviour and also wondering what you were up to was why he decided to follow you, which led to him hiding in the thicket of the forest, closely observing your little meet up. he knew that he could trust you and that you would never go behind is back. he also knew ‘anoa and what he meant to you, that you had been growing up together and that both of you were very close, almost like siblings as you yourself never had one. this was rather unnatural to na’vi, who tended to come in big families. but due to that you and ‘anoa were basically a package deal as over time he became something like a substitute sibling to you. and neteyam also knew that ‘anoa was already having a partner, a lovely girl. neteyam hadn’t been introduced to her yet, but he knew that she was a talented weaver and that she occasionally helped out his mother if there was something needed last minute while preparing for special occasions. but still, neteyam couldn’t help but let jealousy cloud his thinking, especially when he should’ve been the one standing there with you, with your back pressed against his body, him adjusting your movements and watching you beaming with pride after successfully making your shot. jealousy – something he had never felt before. something he never had to feel, as every male na’vi knew who you belonged to and that the son of the olo’eyktan is someone not to be messed with . so they always kept their distance. neteyam contemplated whether he should interrupt your training session, but settled on heading back to the village, still lost in his thoughts and having a frown on his face, angrily pushing aside every branch crossing his way as he was desperately trying to get rid of the irrational feeling sitting in his guts, which was slowly spreading through his body and engulfing his mind.
something was off. you could almost smell it in the air. this undetectable feeling was following you around all day long, haunting you at work while you were taking care of the wounded, ill and elderly. it was eating away at the food as you were sitting on the floor sharing dinner with your lover’s family and it followed you into your sleep. you couldn’t tell what exactly it was, but something was different. at first it didn’t really catch your attention as you thought this was just a phase. the day of the raid, which had been planned for weeks, was coming closer. so not only was every clan member busy with preparations as everyone who could in some way contribute was imposed with tasks depending on what their role and function within the clan was, but everyone was mostly stressed and worried. over time dinners started to become quieter as the mood shifted. even tuk, who tended to talk your ears off, wasn’t as chatty as usual. in the morning you suddenly were left without a loving peck on your temple, in the evening you weren’t greeted with a welcoming hug, being asked about your day. and this was going on for days. kiri was the first one to notice, to notice how neteyam was the one who grew more distant. more distant of you. how the first thing asking about after coming back from a hunt wasn’t you and your well-being or how he started to barely mention you anymore, requiting questions about you asked in his presence with a grunt. he started to become closed off and stopped talking about you, the light of his life. someone he normally didn’t shut up about. really, he stopped talking to anyone as time went by and jealousy started to consume him, wondering about why you felt the need of turning away from him, self-doubts starting to creep in. neteyam was a people pleaser, always trying his best for everyone around him. not meeting expectations was definitely something he was afraid of. he was afraid, if he had given you too little and if that was why you were turning to someone else, to someone better than him. the mighty warrior was afraid of being inferior. a fear he had been carrying with him ever since he had been able to think, something that had always been sitting in the back of his mind and now his worst nightmare seemingly became reality. losing his love, the one he was destined to be with, to someone else. to an outsider watching this probably seemed like an overreaction, like something blown completely out of proportion. you had been enamoured by neteyam ever since you were children. even a blind one was able to see it. so of course not a single soul would have possibly doubted your connection and your relationship, but neteyam was seeing red as he was confronted with something he was afraid of the most – losing a loved one, which changed his perception severely.
now that he became hyper-aware of the relationship of you and ‘anoa neteyam didn’t fail to miss every tiny interaction between you and your friend. he noticed ‘anoa’s subtle touches and how he put his hand on your lower back to bring you comfort. and neteyam saw the little wrinkles under your eyes, which always started to show whenever someone made you laugh so hard you had to hold your stomach and throw your head back. he noticed more than ever how ‘anoa made you laugh in that specific way, in a way only neteyam should have made you laugh. these little things hadn’t been anything new, but they started to bother him. it started to bother him that he wasn’t the only one in your life, even though this was something that had been off the table since the very beginning of your relationship as this was never going to happen anyway. he knew how much space ‘anoa took up in your life. but nonetheless you had never given your boyfriend any reason to doubt you or your love for him.
when neteyam started to brush off your absent-minded touches the both of you had been sharing ever since you started going out it finally dawned on you. it wasn’t the raid that occupied your lover’s mind, it had been you. but not in a good way. all of a sudden so many things made sense. how neteyam had been deliberately avoiding you all this time. how neytiri started to watch you and her oldest son with a worried look on her face, knowing that there was nothing in the world she could do make the situation any better as she knew she had to let you figure this out yourselves. and how kiri’s behaviour towards her brother became almost unbearable after she finally put two and two together. so you decided to take neteyam aside in an unwatched moment and make him listen to you. you didn’t know yet how to do that, but your plan had been set.
as you were on a break from your duties and sitting outside of one of the healer’s tents, thinking about how you could approach the issue, which had been on your mind for several days at that point you spotted neteyam. he was just about to leave for the next war council, accompanying his father who was discussing the next steps with other great warriors of the clan. you knew there probably would have come a better moment than this to stop him from whatever he was doing in order to talk. but you had to get this sorted, especially when anything could happen to neteyam during the planned raid. so you pulled yourself together, got up and headed into the same direction as him, following him into the woods. after a few minutes of just walking neteyam finally made a halt. you noticed the tips of his ears perking up, which gave away that he had heard you and that he knew who had been tracing his every step. neteyam inhaled deeply before slightly turning his head and acknowledging your presence, “y/n, I know you’re here with me.” you hesitated to react and give away your hiding spot. “you can come out. i know you’ve been following me ever since i left the village. i noticed your step pattern.” shit, you thought. of course he did. you slowly emerged from behind the plants you were hiding, not caring about the leaves rustling and the branches cracking under your feet. “yeah, it’s me”, you confirmed. you hesitantly approached him from behind, trying to not get too close as you didn’t want to intrude his space. neteyam lowered his head, still having his back turned to you, as you confessed, “i wanted to talk.” “well, but I don’t want to talk”, he requited. even though he was so quiet he was almost whispering, which was why you could barely hear him, you noticed how he sounded hurt, disappointment tinting his voice. “my love, you’ve been avoiding me for days know. i don’t know what i did wrong or how and why i hurt you. so could you please talk to me so that we can resolve this together?”, you asked gently, trying to stay diplomatic, even though anger was boiling within you due to his unfair treatment of you. “you truly don’t know what’s going on, do you?”, he snorted, but shortly after admitted, “to be fair i don’t even know what got into me myself.” “no, doofus! of course i don’t know what’s going. you didn’t say a word, just blatantly decided to avoid me.”
you finally dared to come closer, now standing directly behind neteyam’s back, putting on of your hands on his shoulder and slowly turning him around. “talk to me”, you encouraged him. neteyam sighed, putting his forehead against yours and taking your hands into his, stroking his thumbs along your knuckles. “it’s him. i know it’s irrational as he has always been here and he always will. nothing is ever going to change anything about that.” it took you a second before you understood who or what your boyfriend was talking about – ‘anoa. the look in your eyes became soft. “oh, yawne”, you whispered, putting one of your hands on his neck, playing with his hairline, and cupping his cheek with the other one, “i love you. so much. nothing is ever going to change about that,” you reassured with a hoarse voice. never in your wildest dreams would you leave neteyam, your fiercest protector and greatest confident. “i needed some more training, okay? and i knew you were busy. there is so little time we have to spend together and i value it too greatly to just waste it on some stupid bow and a stick, alright? that’s why i approached ‘anoa as i knew he would be understanding and gladly help me out.” you noticed how tears dared to escape your boyfriend’s eyes, a state he was seldomly seen in, while he was repeatedly nodding his head, "i guess i just felt useless." your heart broke into pieces as you listened to his words. “you will never be useless. not to this clan and especially not to me. your pain is my pain. so please cheer up, okay? i can’t stand seeing you in all this agony,” you said with the hint of a smile on your face, now tearing up yourself, while gently shaking him to try and cheer him up. neteyam sighed in reliefe, coming to realization that you weren’t going anywhere but sticking right to his side.
omg did u delete our summer series? i can't read them anymore 😭
hi anon! i didn’t? but i did realized the chapters weren’t appearing when you clicked the links, i could only find them after some research in my profile. (this app giving me headaches again). i updated every link i used and it’s normal for me now, can you check if it worked for you too? (here) thank you a lot for telling me this, if it doesn’t work i’ll try to contact tumblr and ty for reading my work too. <3
You watched him from a distance, noticing how Neteyam Sully kept an image like you did, desperately trying to get by. Would he understand you? Could you get closer? Was it fair, to fall for someone so good?
sun x moon dynamic, mirrorball neteyam, the archer reader, slowburn, hinted romance, angst & fluff, confession? aged up! characters (17 years old), inspired by TS and Hozier. 1.1k words.
The archer.
Netem Sully knew when to smile. He knew exactly what to do or say, what to look at, look like. He spent a long time of his life adjusting to the expectations everyone would continuously put on him. He was ready to keep laughing until his cheeks hurted, agreeing until it wasn't possible, acting until he couldn't anymore. And what happens then? How would it go when people realized it didn't come naturally? Nothing ever did.
It was his task at the end of the day, and he would bear it. Carrying the world on his shoulders because this is what a leader does. A king, a son, a warrior.
Sometimes, a glimpse of what all this effort demanded appeared to you, watching the way he'd get bigger or smaller, shifting and changing; sensing an unwelcome urge to help, grab his hand and run away from any crowd. You'd settle to observe. He was the future Oloeyktan, surrounded and adored, gracious, gentle, desired. And you were a soldier.
You didn't fight for others' love, but respect. Keeping your chin high. No one said it directly but it wasn't necessary, the words echoed in your mind, “You’re all you family have now, this means you have to be rough”. You turned out to be, isolating yourself and focusing on the ones you had to protect. Ready to fight. It didn't matter if you seemed selfish, broken or cruel, all the things people would whisper about. It was worth it, it should be. These were your demons.
When Neteyam and you started to be paired up in missions, hunts or training sessions your main goal was to keep conversations minimal and quick, working in silence, always polite, never inviting. However, his kind nature was hard to ignore. Without meaning to, you started to count with his presence, hope to see his face, want to hear his voice. It felt terrifying, how someone could tear your armor down.
Suddenly, you didn't have to watch him struggling from afar anymore, offering your shoulder when needed. He did the same, accepting the affection and vulnerability you could offer. He became your refuge, your beam of light.
—
You continued to wait for Neteyam, other warriors gathering around, preparing to leave for a new mission. The RDA train would be attacked with the goal of getting new supplies, it shouldn't be an overly dangerous situation (what soothed your nerves). This war took too much from your people and witnessing these deaths was something you could never get used to, every loss making your heart feel heavier.
He appeared after a few minutes, a smile forming at your sight.
"Prepared?"
You smirked at his willingness to go. "As always."
Everything went smoothly, your job being to take down any attack. In situations like this it was expected for two or three ships to appear. So, when they finally emerged, you were quick to fly in their direction, warning Neteyam to stay close. After finishing shooting you had a glimpse of the situation below you, automatically reaching the ground to help the injured and hurry the ones that remained there. Something that wasn't your task, but would haunt you if you didn't do.
Finally focusing on your surroundings, it wasn't hard to spot the human aiming his gun at you. He survived the fall, the one you caused. It happened in a blur, the moment your eyes found his and the way you took a deep breath, preparing for it to be your last. But the burning sensation never got you. Instead, you felt Neteyams strong arms around yours, shielding your body with his. A scream of his name left your throat at the realization, it wasn't your blood that stained the floor, but his.
—
The light of the stars illuminated his face. Mo'at had already reassured you and the Sullys about his condition and well being, the boy would wake up well by morning, his wounds were not critical. Everyone felt the need to rest after some time, not you. Crouched down next to him, you couldn't stop staring, afraid that by drifting your gaze he would simply disappear. The ruthless archer, now praying to Eywa to make him wake up soon.
A bitter taste made its way to your mouth. The fear of hours ago still present, flashbacks coming to your mind.
His eyelids flew open and you grasped his hand, kneeling close to him.
"You're here." He stated while trying to get up, letting out a groan from the pain.
"I am alway here." Was all you managed to say, helping him to sit.
"You don't need to."
"But I want to." It was the truth. "Are you feeling okay? Should I bring you something?"
"It's fine." He grabbed your arm as you motioned to leave, studying your face with a troubled expression. "Did you get any sleep?"
"No, not yet." You averted from his gaze, feeling a mix of shame and guilt, the silence making you nervous. “You could have died today.” It came out as a whisper.
"I didn't."
"You almost did. You can't risk yourself for me like this again, it's not worth it, the clan needs you… No one would recover from losing you." I wouldn't. "It's different with me."
Neteyams face dropped, he didn't seem angry, but hurt.
"Why is it different?" No response. "Why shouldn't I try to save you?"
"Why would you?"
"Because I care about you." Your head snapped at his comment, facing him. "You're one of the most important people to me. I know you try to keep a facade, but we have been friends for long enough for me to understand you. I notice how you're always honest and attentive, your small actions towards the people you care about and even the ones you don't know well. Your suffering doesn't make you unlovable and the world didn't ruin you. I see you, for who you truly are, and I accept everything I see. So, please, never tell me this again. I will always try to keep you safe."
You wanted to answer, make a big, elaborate discourse about how he was the best person in your life but the words never came, getting lost at the tip of your tongue. Instead, you wrapped your arms around him, muttering "I see you too.”
None talked much after this, you stayed the rest of the night by his side, watching as he rested peacefully. Could you feel this? Was it safe? Did it matter? Sooner or later, you'd be able to tell him about how his efforts and sacrifices were noticed too, how he would be the perfect leader regardless of anything, and you'd keep fighting with him, for him. Opening up gradually.
Maybe love isn't something to weigh on you forever, it felt easier than before. He could see right through you, you saw too, and an uncommon feeling grew in your chest: hope. One day, you will be brave enough to hold his hand a little longer and he will wait, stay, til it comes. Slowly holding into him. A happiness you could accept.
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