Warnings: MDNI 18+, explicit language, smut, p in v, squirting, oral receiving (m&f), spanking, kissing, mentions of gunshots, blood, bleeding, death, exclusive relationships.
Word Count:ย 28.3k
Disclaimer: All my characters are aged-up! If you have an issue with that, do not interact with my account or any of my posts.ย
Part two (coming soon)
Blood soaked the stone beneath him.
Neteyam lay sprawled on the jagged rock, gasping. The sea sprayed cool waves splashing water against his skin. The bullet wound buried in his chest burned like fire, but the real pain was deeper, each breath becoming harder to take. He tried to listen to what his parents where saying, to Loโak and Tsireya, but their words fell on almost deaf ears. He could hear their voices mixed with the distant chaos; shouts, gunshots, even the churn of the ocean, but everything was fading behind the haze of the pain.
He turned his head looking around maybe if he looked at them, he could focus on what they were saying. Neteyam is not anything if not determined. He wanted to do whatever he can even though he was currently in the worst shape of his life.
โNeteyamโฆyour sistersโฆhold on my son!โ His mothers voice rang from what he could pick up.
โHold on boyโฆhelp is comingโ his fatherโs voice was vulnerable clearly having a rough time keeping it together.
Loโak did not even try to hide his sobs as he held onto neteyam tightly, whether his hands could reach, โplease donโt leave meโฆ. sorryโฆsorryโฆnever run off again!โ His sobs and shouts were the loudest.
Tsireya didnโt say much, quiet sobs by his feet as she gave his family space, but she was one of his best friends now, she cried, and she cared about him so much. He didnโt want her first experience with war and death to be her best friend dying.
Loโak didnโt want to leave, he didnโt want to go, but his sisters were in danger, and he knew where they were being held. Jake was adamant they get them back before more of his children were injured, before neteyam died so they could say goodbye. Tsireya, she didnโt not want to be alone running behind Loโak to keep her safe. Neytiri angrily bonded with her ikran taking off in the sky, her wild eyes looking back at him once before taking off.
They thought he had already gone to Eywa when his eyes shut, and his breathing leveled when he tried to calm his heart. They thought he was no longer with them. They did not see the way his fingers twitched as he tried to raise his hand, he wanted to call out to them; to tell them he had den gone yet. But the strength was not there
Now Neteyam was alone, they vanished, and he didnโt know what to make out of it. They left him? Would they make it back? Being the sweet boy he is neteyam prayed to Eywa they would make it back before it was his time. He prayed he could get to see his parents, siblings, before he was taken to be one with Eywa. He wanted to hold on.
Right on time, you gasp for air climbing out of the water coughing up whatever had almost made you give up and drown, you climb onto the rock and unclip your bag taking it off your shoulders and dropping it beside you, your hands push your air out of your face as you coughed on all fours. You didnโt even notice him; he wasnโt your concern. It was only after you caught your breath did you see him laying there, his seemingly lifeless body.
You donโt know him, clearly, he is naโvi, not metkayina so from the forest, a Sully? One of his boys. You move closer and neteyam hears your light, soft footsteps. They were too deliberate for an animal but too light for the heavy boots that soldiers wear. His eyes were closed; he couldnโt open them even if he wanted to. He felt all too exposed; he canโt move but heโs conscious about his surroundings like some kind of sleep paralysis in a nightmare.
The shoes make slow steps towards him getting closer and closer. It was a whisper of movement, strange. He wasnโt sure if it was an enemy, but he knows itโs not familiar. You crouch down next to him, you thought maybe you could make him out, but you canโt. Your hand slowly moves to his face touching his cheek softly, its still warm, hot even.
You look down at his body, the blood still oozed out of his wound. โWas he even dead?โ The thought ran across your mind.
Your eyes darted around to see if anyone was coming back before your fingers slowly moved to under his nose, after a brief moment you felt his warm exhale hit your fingers, โheโs aliveโ
โYouโre still breathing...โ Your hands fly to his chest closing to wound to prevent anymore blood loss, he must be so weak by now he was in so much pain he passed out, or was that from the blood loss? You werenโt sure. Either way you didnโt want to let him die. โJust hold on...โ you raise your head again this time looking for the backpack you have discarded.
Quickly you let go of him and ran to get to backpack before running back, ripping it open you pull out a soaked t-shirt, โitโll work.โ You make quick work of ringing out any water you could before you cover his wound to prevent more blood loss.
โShitโฆโ you mumble, you know you canโt save him here, you have to take him where you have supplies. Neteyam doesnโt know what to do, not that he can do anything. He hears a womanโs voice. He hears her trying to reassure him he wonโt die, he felt her hands trying to stop the blood, so he wasnโt as alarmed as he was a few minutes ago, in fact he felt a bit comforted someone was trying to save him when everyone though there wasnโt anyone to save.
โOkay I know you probably canโt respond, maybe you canโt hear me at all and Iโm talking to myself like an idiot, but I need to move you.โ You waited a few seconds as if he was going to answer but he didnโt, you called out for your ikran that landed beside you in less than a minute. You look back down at his body, he was tall, muscular, definitely heavy. After a deep breath you clutched his arms over your head and lifted his deadweight on your back, settling him on your ikran you took off quickly in the direction of safety.
You were sure no one saw you considered most of the clan had retreated when the ship sunk and it was the middle of eclipse. You flew into the darkness at unmatched speed, holding onto him tightly so he wouldnโt accidentally fall off and actually die. Your adrenaline was pumping through you, the air felt cold against your soaking wet clothes, you couldnโt wait to get a minute to really breathe.
You made your way to the top of a cliff where just beyond the tree line was a house, it was so human like if someone saw the cabin its look almost like it was on earth, if it wasnโt for the unique Pandora trees and flowers. You landed swiftly and leaned neteyam on your ikran before jumping off.
You ran into the cabin going straight for the medically cabinet you kept stocked, and pulling out some gauzes, medical tape and surgical kit. You ran back to him and pulled him off the ikran. His body his the grassy with a loud thump, but you heard it. A small groan from his lips, it hit but he was there, alive, responsive.
โI am sorry, I know that must have hurt. But what I have to do will hurt even moreโ you speak softly to him almost comforting him before you turn on a small flashlight and held it between your teeth and rip the blood t-shirt off, when you lifted him earlier you saw the exit wound so no bullet in him is one less thing for you to take care off.
You open the gauze and wipe the blood holding it against the wound. His eyes were shut tightly and his brow line furrowed. You know he is about to feel what you're going to do. You use your elbow to hold the gauze in place as you thread the surgical needle. โIโm sorry, Iโm sorry. This is going to hurt, but only for a second.โ you repeat yourself over and over as if he could acknowledge you in a muffled voice.
You took out a needle filled with lidocaine and slowly injecting it in certain parts around to wound to numb it, โI donโt even know if this works on naโviโ you mumble to yourself. Taking a deep breath, you started to sew up to the wound, slightly pulling his touch skin to close it up. Thankfully, you know an artery wasnโt damaged otherwise he would have bled out by now.
โAlmost done..โ you whisper before I rip the thread with my teeth and knot it. I sigh in relief as the bleeding in the front stops and I turn him over and do the same to the wound on his back. The last knot tight ended under your fingers the bleeding stopped, just barely.
You take a deep breath and lean back sitting next to his body on the floor spitting out the flashlight. You noticed his breathing was no longer quick and low but more normal, so you must have done something right. You look over the cliff at the eclipse and the way it reflected so beautifully on the open ocean.
Your heartbeat was stabilizing, you didnโt realize how much of an autopilot you were operating on until your arms started to feel tired, after all you did hold onto him very tightly. From what you could tell he was out like a light now, if he wasnโt before you werenโt sure. You had to move him inside. You look back at him, he was clearly a solider, he had the build. He was young, maybe your age? You werenโt sure. All your questions would be answered in due time, or maybe heโd kill you and run back to his family either way you canโt say you regret saving him.
You never much cared about how human affect the environment here on Pandora, your job was not to hunt down any naโvi who were trying to live in peace, no. Your job was the protect the people on the ship, it was your only job, to keep humans from dying on pandora. You knew what they were doing killing of the tulkun for the youth serum, but until the day you saw them kill the tulkun close to the clan. You didnโt care.
How could they be so unloving as to kill a member of someoneโs family? They knew very well that was the relationship between the tulkun and the ocean naโvi. What if it were their family member? Their mother or baby? Only then will they decide these acts are vile. Maybe that is why you decided to save him.
You stand up and walk around his body until you were standing at him head, you drop to your knees sliding your arms under his to lift his upper body off the ground. You noticed how long he was before but now you must have underestimated before. He was at least a foot taller than you.
The first pull is the hardest his weight fights against you to bring him in. Your teeth gritted as you continued until you made it over the rocky ledge and inside the cabin through the back balcony glass doors. You didnโt drop him as you look upped the stairs where the bedrooms were, and you take a long heavy sigh.
Instead of suffering through every step you settling to laying him down on the black L shaped leather couch. Carefully you adjust his body putting his legs up on the couch one by one until you he was in a comfortable enough position you could let him rest. You started a fire before making sure to lock all windows and doors and drawing all the curtains. The only source of light was the first and the dim kitchen light behind the couch.
You got a damp cloth from the kitchen and decided to clean his wounds best you could in his position. You sank down leaning back on the base of the couch looking at him, his braids still had traces of blood, but heโd have to lose them out and wash it. Your eyes darted over the bandage, no fresh blood so you took a breath.
You were exhausted, you could just take a nap right there, but you were soaking wet and also covered in blood, so you decided to take a shower. Itโs not like he would go anywhere.
The hot water was well needed, washing off all the blood and salty water was heavenly, the shower made the mirrors and glass door steam up, but you enjoyed it. You had recently run out of soap and had to make some from a purple flower your found growing wild outside, it was nice and no poisonous which you checked multiple times. It smells like nothing youโve ever smelled before it was amazing, it brought you so much peace and tranquility you didnโt know a scent could do that.
The water hit you skin like a whisper at first, then a rush. You braced your hands against the wall, letting it pour over you, washing the blood away in slow red spirals down the drain. Your brain was fogged with thoughts of the man downstairs on your couch, this would have been the first time in your entire life you ever let a stranger in your home and that was before you were even an avatar.
You pad down the stairs now dressed in a tank top and pj shorts with your lace bra peaking out the top of the tank top, you werenโt worried about it you were sure heโd probably wake up tomorrow rather than tonight. You walk over to the kitchen and put the kettle on to heat up some water to make some tea.
Afterwards you sat on the other side of the couch where his feet were, your tea sat in the coffee table in front of you and take the throw blankets off your side of the couch using one to cover him from the waist down and the other to cover yourself. You couldnโt pinpoint why it was so important to you he stayed safe and warm, but you didnโt want to think too much into it.
Before you could get comfortable you noticed an object on his hip that seemed out of place under the blanket. Carefully you pulled it back and saw his knife. It was natural heโd have one, almost every naโvi youโd encountered had their own personalized knife, whether it was a specific carving or bead even the blade they were all special.
Slowly you take the entire holder out of his tweng and set it right there on the coffee table. So, when he did eventually wake up, heโll see itโs still right there. It was a beautiful knife. Clearly one of the Omatikayan with the intricate carvings. The handle was wood covered with leather and waxed thread from a beanstalk palm, and the blade was the size of your entire forearm, it was made of some kind of bone, you could wrong, but it looked like a piece of bone from a large predator he carved into a sharpened tip and stained to have a darker brown color.
The handle also had a small bead attached to it, it was tied on using a thread, but it was beautiful, contrast to the dark scary color of the rest of the knife, the bead was a very pretty pink, it was a color that wasnโt all that common, at least not that youโve seen. It was not perfectly round but shaped almost like a jagged flower. This part of his knife was definitely a gift, and it felt deeply personal.
โWowโฆโ you whispered to yourself. You wondered if he had made himself or if it was gifted to him by someone special, you were aware they did that sometimes, for close families and mates. You didnโt even know if he was mated, what if you casually kidnapped someoneโs husband. They could be crying right now thinking he was dead, even though you did save his life.
You sat back in your stop your body facing him as you leaned against the couch and pulled the blanket over your shoulders. With a slow breath you shift into the corner of the couch and tuck your legs up, letting your body sink into the cushions. It was quiet now, just the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the cliff and his low breaths on the other side of the couch.
You let your eyes drift back to him once more, heโs so strong, strained. Yes heโs battered and braised, but still he is composed. Like heโs always been built to endure. You reach out distinctively to pull the blanket over his wore out feet properly tucking it in as if he was a child.
โYou better now die on me nowโฆor wake up and kill me cause Iโll be pissedโ
The words were whispered before you could stop them.
Your head tilted back and hit the top of the couch before you shut your eyes, you donโt know when you fell asleep. One minute you were looking at him with half lidded eyes and the next your eyes were closed but you still saw him laying in front of you.
The fire had long since dimmed, its light reduced to a soft amber glow that flicker against the walls. Outside, the world had quieted, only distant crashes of waves and the whisper of wind through the trees remained.
You were curled up on the other end of the couch, blanket was tangled in your legs and your head reacted against the cool cushion, exhaustedly asleep. Moonlight washed through the windows, pale and silvery, pooling across the floor up the side of Neteyamโs face through the slit in the curtain.
His fingers twitched.
Then again, but more deliberately this time. A shallow inhale rattled through his chest, strained and dry. He winced as he tried to move slightly, his brow tightening as his senses crawled back one by one to him. The stiffness in his limbs and ache in his chest, the softness of the blanket that was pulled over his abdomen.
And the scent.
Not the salty waters at the metkayina clan he became so accustomed too, not the scent of blood that lingered in the battles field.
Something warm, clean, unfamiliar but also familiar in a way he couldnโt place.
His eyes slowly opened, slits at first. They felt grainy, like sand. His eyes adjusted to the low lighting of the room, the wooden ceilings, and wooden walls. A soft rhythmic sound, โwaves?โ a cliffside?
It definitely wasnโt home.
He moved slights and pain bloomed in his chest, it was bound, hints of blood that wasnโt cleaned properly against his skin felt dry.
Then he saw you. A girl, slumped at the bend of the couch wrapped loosely in a blanket, chest rising and falling slowly. You werenโt human, he hinted the extra finger you had. You were an avatar. Your breathing was peaceful, unbothered, but he could almost see the exhaustion.
Neteyam stared for a while, a long moment. His heart thumbed weakly against bruised ribs, the pain was real, the exhaustion was deeper, but he wasnโt dead.
And he just knew that was because of you.
Then you stirred.
By a noise. Not loud, just a soft scrape, shift of weight against the leather. Your eyes open slowly before the rest of your body moves. You know thereโs a chance this man will risk his life again just to kill you, being an unfamiliar avatar and all.
Your eyes darted around until you saw him shifting in the darkness, with a breath you sat up, โyouโre awakeโ your voice comes out soft.
His body shifts, his face drawn tight in pain that he tried to mask. But his eyes were open, locked directly on you. You shift to stand up reaching for the bottle of water that was on the coffee table.
You barely got to move when he snatched his knife off the table and held it up. Given his very injured situation you were impressed he was able to act so quickly, you were right, he is a warrior.
โWoah, waitโ you say gently, hands raised.
His grip was trembling from the lose of blood, you were sure. โWho the hell are you?โ He hissed, โwhy did you bring me where?โ
โYou were dying- shotโ you point to his chest, โI stopped the bleeding, stitched you upโ your voice was low.
Distrust etched in ever tense line in his body, โyouโre with the RDAโ he hissed once more, โyour kind is the reason this happened! The reason I was shot!โ His eyes narrowed on you.
โIโm not them- I didnโt shoot yo-โ
โWhere am I?โ He asked hoarsely.
โSafe, youโre safeโ you replied.
โThatโs not what I askedโ
A moment of silence cranked between you. You sat up slowly not moving from your side of the couch.
โStay back!โ He hissed
โIโm not movingโ you say to reassure him, but you arenโt sure how much it helped.
You look down at his bandage before looking back at him face making sure he didnโt accidentally rip them.
โWhat is this place?โ He asked you, his voice cracked.
โThis is myโฆhome, I guess. The RDA base is...far- very far from here so you donโt have to worry. It was close to where the ship went down so I brought you here to stop the bleeding and stitch it up.โ You explain hoping to help him get answers.
โI know you are distrustful, and this is a weird situation but Iโm not trying to hurt youโ your tone was soft.
โThen why did you bring me here?!โ His voice cracked again.
โI wouldnโt have been allowed into the clan even if I were to bring you back. I would have been killing on the spot. I know that you ran with your family from the forest. Thatโs the whole reason Quaritch commandeered the ship in the first place. I brought you here cause know one knows about this cabin, you canโฆhealโ
His grip on the knife faltered slightly but he didnโt drop it. โI see how this could beโฆunbelievable. But I promise Iโm not here to hurt you, or anyone. That was never my intention when I joined the RDA, and I.. have held at least that part of my morals up.โ
โYou flew me here, I remember on your ikran, how did you get it?โ He asked his voice was calmer this time but not as calm as he should be healing from a gunshot wound.
โI have been on Pandora for years; at a certain point we need a way to get around that would waste gas. Since I work out in the ocean itโs easier to fly on an ikran than a helicopter every time we needed something from shore. It was a requirement by command that some of the avatars bonded with one.โ I explain truthfully.
His eyes flicker over your body, the tank top you wore with your bra still peaking out, his eyes lingers but he didnโt react, clearly you were comfortable here. And alone because humans donโt dress like this in front of people. At least that much he knew.
โYou donโt know meโ he bit out, โwhy risk it?โ
โIโฆโ you stopped to think, you harden actually thought about it. โYou were alive when Iโฆclimbed onto that rock I couldnโt just let you dieโ you replied with a small shake of your head implying you were being genuine.
He didnโt say anything but shifted again barely, wincing in pains
โWait- you will tear your stitches can you just lay back down? And relax?โ You raise your hands hoping heโd stay down before you stand up and run to the kitchen to get a glass of water. You quickly pour it and hopped back to him.
He immediately backed away when you stepped closer than you were before, โitโs just water Iโm sure your throat hurts itโll helpโ you reassured him softly, but he was still on edge.
โHow do I know you didnโt poison it?โ
โValid questionโ you reply before taking a sip, โIโm not going toโฆ. poison myselfโ You steps closer, and he let you. You slowly bring the glass up to his lips and hold it for him to sip the water, โokay good, weโre getting somewhere nowโ you smile softly as he drank the water greedily.
โDo you want more?โ You ask as he finished the glass, and he shook his head no.
He finally put down the knife when you put the glass down on the coffee table and sat next to it, โcan I check the stitches?โ You asked softly
He didnโt say anything just leaned back and nodded, โwhat is your name?โ You asked softly, โI figured out that you are one of Jake Sullyโs children, but my job was not to hunt your family so I.. do not know much many children he has or your names so?โ
He took a beat not saying anything only look at your face as you lifted the bandage carefully to check his stitches, โNeteyam. I am the oldest of four. Why are you helping me again?โ He asked as he screws his face.
Neteyam. The name suited him, it was strong, clipped, almost regal in a way.
โI just didnโt want to let you die Neteyam. And it is nice to meet you; my name is Y/nโ you said with small smile which he just nodded to.
โThe oldest huh?โ You echoed as you fixed the bandage and let go of it. โThat explains the attitude.โ
He huffs softly. Not quite a laugh but close.
His chin shifts slightly, โwhat is that supposed to mean?โ
โNothing it just makes senseโ you smirk lightly.
He doesnโt answer at first you can feel the stare and you look right back at him, direct eye contact.
โI donโt trust youโ he mutters still looking at you.
Softly you replied, โI didnโt ask you tooโ
โIโm not staying hereโ
His voice is rough, determined as he swings his legs off the couch and sit up. His teeth gritted as he pushed himself upright. Quickly you caught his elbow and arm to stabilize him.
โDonโt be stupid, your rip your stitchesโ you said firmly.
โBetter than being a captiveโ he shoots back.
He stands barely, swaying on his feet. One of his hands actually grabbed yours to help stabilize himself since you raised with him. You catch his shoulder before his knees could buckle.
โYouโre not a captiveโ you say through gritted teeth, โand your heavy you knowโ
โNo? Then why am I still breathing?โ
You hold him steady in front of you and as predicted he was at least a foot taller than you, so you had to look up at him. His breathing was shallow.
โBecause I didnโt let you die. How much times will we need to go through this before you hear me?โ You say quietly.
Thereโs a long beat before he lets you guide him back to sit with a grunt.
โI need to clean off this bloodโ he gestures to the dried blood you didnโt get to properly clean.
โOk, but you canโt bath yet, you need to keep the wound dry for the next day or two before you can wet the areaโ
He cuts your off with a glare, โThen how am I meant to clean myself? Iโm not sitting here covered in blood like some helpless thingโ
You nod slowly, โyou're not, but right now youโre not exactly invincibleโ
He doesnโt say anything just settles back with a frustrated hiss. The weight of everything that happened pressed on him all at once, the wound, the blood, your presence. He hated this.
โYou cannot take a real bath yet, but you can take a sponge bath. Iโll just bring the bowl with warm water and a sponge. Itโll helpโ you suggest softly.
โI donโt need-โ he started flatly before you cut him off.
โYou donโt have to let me do it. Iโll just bring it for you. Youโll clean what you can reachโ
He stares at you for a beat too long, his expression never gave away any feeling he had about you. Then finally, he nodded slightly, โfineโ he said begrudgingly.
Without another word you move to the kitchen to get a bowl of hot water and a clean sponge. Behind you his shoulders relaxed just a bit, enough to show he was opening up to the idea of letting you help him settle, even if he wonโt admit it yet.
You return with the bowl filled with water and a clean cloth, โIโll be right backโ you put it in the coffee table and run upstairs for a towel for him to dry off with after.
You run back down the stairs, and he was already wiping the blood off his body with the cloth, โyou can dry off the water with this afterโ I say softly and drop the towel next to him. The steam from the water curls softly in the cool air.
Neteyam shifts when he sees you sit down by the bend of the couch; he eyed you wearily. โDo you always watch your patients so closely?โ
โYouโre not my patient. Just a guy who was casually dying on what Iโm sure what a hard, uncomfortable rockโ a smirk tugs the corner of your lips.
โFeels like Iโm under a microscopeโ he grunted faintly, as he shifts positions slightly to clean as much of himself as he can.
โDonโt flatter yourselfโ you say teasingly before you turn away to give him som privacy.
That draws a low chuckle, if was unexpected but real. When you glance over half of his was clean, slick from the water, shining in the dim cabin light. He catches your eye but doesnโt look away.
His gaze isnโt soft, itโs sharp, searching. As if heโs looking for a reason in your expression thatโll tell him whether or not he should trust you.
โWhat are you looking for?โ He asked you in a deep voice.
You blink surprised by the question, โI wasnโtโฆ.looking for anythingโ
He huffs softly, almost a scoff, โeveryoneโs always looking for somethingโ
โThen maybe Iโm not everyoneโ you say steadily.
His eyes narrowed slightly, not in anger but studying, testing.
โThatโs what worries meโ
You lean back against the couch watching him without flinching, โI didnโt drag you away from the edge of death to hurt you now.โ
โDoesnโt mean you wonโtโ he says flatly.
You nod softly accepting his truth, โthen keep your knife close, and donโt rip your stitches and bleed on my couchโ I smirk at him.
His lip twitches barely, and for the first time the tension shifts, or doesnโt fade just changes shape.
โDo you need help now? I can clean up the wound on your backโ you offer softly.
You can tell he doesnโt want to say yes but there is no way he can reach without hurting himself, so he nods holding the cloth out in your direction.
You take it into your hand and walk around the couch, โlean up a bit?โ You press your hand softly on his shoulder pushing him forward as you make quick and gentle work cleaning up the dry blood from his back.
โYour hair has blood in it too, when you can bath properly you should loosen your braids out and wash itโ you say softly.
โI willโ he grunted.
After I was finished, I let him lean back against the couch once more, โthere you should feel a bit cleaner nowโ
You move to start another fire considering it gets quite cold where the cabin was. The fire crackled softly in the hearth. You went to the kitchen and returned with a small bowl of broth and a cup of warm tea. Neteyam still sitting up on the couch with the blanket now dropped over his shoulders watches you with weary eyes. You put the bowl down him front him wordlessly, settling beside him again.
โFigured you could use something warmโ you say softly.
He hesitates before he picks it up with a grunt of thanks. He brings the bowl up to his lips and sips the hot broth, completely ignoring the spoon you put down next to the bowl for him to use. His ears perk up and his tail raises and hits the couch with a small thump.
He masks his reaction once more even though you already caught it and was slightly smiling at the fact he liked it. โNot badโฆfor a sky personโ
โCareful, that almost sounded like a complimentโ you smirk at him.
A faint twitch of a smile tugs at his lips but it fades quickly. He shifts; his eyes fixed on the fire a few feet in front of him, โwhy are you out here alone?โ
You thought for a second, โit wasnโt really the plan, just ended up this way.โ You look around the cabin, taking in the decor and feeling of the space.
Silence stretches before he says, โyouโre still with the RDAโ
That wasnโt a question. You nod slowly, โIโฆwork for the RDA. Doesnโt mean I agree with everything they do. But itโs not my decision to makeโ I shrug softly.
โThatโs easy to say when you're not the one being hunted.โ
The edge in his voice makes you pause before you nod again, he was right, โdonโt worry, this place is a secret, only two people on this moon ever knew about it. One of them is dead and the other is..me. So, I can say Iโm sure your safe. And now well, you know about it.โ
He looks at you sharply, surprised by your lack of defense. For a moment, neither of you say anything. Then, he shifts slightly closer, eyes flickering over your features, your hands, your eyes, mouth now and then when he thinks your not looking but you notice.
โYou speak English very wellโ you say breaking the silence tilting your head slightly.
His expression doesnโt change much, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes, pride?
โMy parents taught me. I pay attentionโ he replied quietly.
He paused then adds with a sharper edge, โwhy? Are your surprised a savage can speak your mother tongue?โ
His words werenโt angry, but they were not soft either. He looked at you as if he was testing you.
โYou are no savage, that much Iโm sure offโ you say softly to him, โbut I guess I am surprised, I wouldnโt expect your parents to want you to know anything from the sky people.โ
Neteyam tilted his head slightly, his gaze was sharp.
โMy father was one of the sky people. The clan trust and follows him.โ He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. โLearning the language wasnโt about wanting, it was about understand the enemy.โ He clarified with pride.
โThatโs smartโ you nod with understanding, โyou canโt beat someone if you donโt understand themโ
Neteyam doesnโt smile but his eyes stayed locked in yours, unreadable, โdo not mistake understanding for trust, Iโve seen what your people are capable of. I will not forgetโ
โYou shouldnโt, your people had suffered a great deal and Iโm sorry, even though I know my apologies for it donโt mean anything. It wasโฆavoidableโ you say softly.
He stares for another long moment, taking in what you said before he responds.
โYou are right it doesnโt mean anything, doesnโt change anythingโ he shifts slight putting down the now empty bowl, โIโm still here injured because of people like you.โ
โI agree my people did this, but can we also agree Iโve done nothing but help you since Iโveโฆsaw you? Maybe all humans arenโtโฆthat bad?โ You say almost hopefully as if one conversation could change his perspective on you. Maybe heโd stop grouping you with those who want to hurt them, those who murder.
He took another second before answering, he clearly didnโt want got admit it just like he didnโt want to trust you, โyouโre right, you did help me. You could have let me die but you didnโtโ
โI canโt say I like the position Iโm in now however, unfamiliar place, unfamiliar enemy which is very contradictory considering it was the enemy who saved my life. I do not want to feel like I owe you something for thatโ
Neteyam was nothing if he wasnโt head strong, but you did understand where he was coming from.
โYou donโt owe me anything, I donโt want anything from you. You donโt trust me, I can feel it, in the way you look at me like youโre waiting for me to prove your distrust rightโ
You exhale before glancing down at your blue hands, it was a lovely shade, but it definitely wasnโt human. Your gaze shift to your tail, something so unnatural to you before you got used to this new body.
โI am like the man who is hunting your father. Iโm sure youโve seen him, maybe youโve even fought him. This body, this life. It is permanentโ you start softly. โI was so good at fighting as a human than the RDA just chose me to beโฆthis.โ You gesture to your body
โAnd that means I live here and will die on Pandora one day and become apart of this moonโ you look back to him. โI wouldnโt survive very long if all I did was flight your people, so Iโm just trying to live peacefully tooโ
Neteyamโs eyes stay on yours, you see the flicker of uncertainty shift in them. โYou speak like you want to understand what it is like to be naโviโ
He was clearly skeptical as he continued, โmany have come and said the same, words are easy, they said they wanted to learn, to be peaceful. But they lied and they invaded and took what they wanted disturbing the balance that Eywa has given us. No patience, no understanding, no care for what they were destroying.โ
Your ears pinned down not knowing what to say, it honestly hadnโt hit you how disruptive humans had been for the naโvi. You never had all that much interaction with them simply because that wasnโt your job. You were about to say something, but he beat you too it.
โBut you saved my life and gave me food and water, helped me cleaned my wounds. It was more than I was expecting from a sky personโ he added in a softer tone.
The night after that passed. You didnโt want to leave him alone just in case his wound started to bleed again so you stayed sleeping on the smaller side of the couch leaving him on the side he was on. It didnโt take either of you long to fall asleep again since you both were extremely exhausted.
You stir, eyes adjusting to the light streaming in from the gaps in the curtains, you were t sure what time it was, but the sun was high in the sky. The ocean murmured waves crashing against the cliff, distant and soft.
Neteyam was already awake sitting up like he was the night before. He was watching you.
โYou didnโt moveโ his voice was quiet, deep with sleep.
You turn to face him stretching slightly with the blanket still pulled to your neck, โdidnโt have to, itโs my couchโ you replied softly
He glances around, โrightโ he says as he leans his head again against the couch.
โHow are you feeling?โ You ask him tiredly, โany better than yesterday?โ
โConsidering I just got shot, Iโd say Iโm doing fantasticโ he replies with sass.
โDonโt sass me bro.โ You say as you raise your hand up making a stop gesture before you push the blanket off and stand-up walking over to him.
Neteyam watches you, his body tensing slightly as you step closer, โwhat are you doing?โ
โWell. I was going to check your wound is that okay?โ You yawn.
He nodded and didnโt move as you sat on the coffee table in front of him. Your body didnโt touch his, but you still felt the heat it omitted before you pull back the gauze and check the wound, โno sign of infection thatโs good.โ
โNaโvi are hard to killโ Neteyam says dryly. You look up and his rubbing your lips together to hold in a laugh.
โIโve noticed.โ You smile. โAre you in a lot of pain?โ You huff with a smile.
โNo, the gaping hole through my chest feels amazingโ he exaggerated, โI might go for a jog.โ
You snort before you could hold it back turning your mouth to hit your right shoulder in and effort to stop yourself from filling laughing.
โIโm glad your sarcasm is still in tack.โ You smile, โbut seriously do it hurt a lot?โ
He paused for a minute, โit hurts yes, but I can breathe better than I could yesterdayโ he answers quietly.
โI have and antibiotic cream, itโll help a bit with the pain, and prevent infection. Iโll change your bandages too. But overall, you are healing faster than I expectedโ
I get up and walk over to the medical supply cabinet and take out a couple fresh bandages and the antibiotic cream.
I walk back over to him and clean up around the wound before I apply the cream and cover it with the new bandages.
โWhat can I say Iโm impressive even half-dead. Thought Iโd be more dramatic about it?โ Neteyam tilted his head with a crooked grin.
You shake your head with a smile. โYou were dramatic, you bled on my couchโ
โThis is the first time I got shot, I had to make an entranceโ he shrugged softly as you finished changing his bandages. Heโs ears flicker slightly when he got a laugh out of you, it felt strange to him, was he proud? Heโd made many women laugh in the past it wasnโt something he found difficult, but this situation was different. He wasnโt sure how he was supposed to feel about it.
You brought over a glass of water for him which he took sipping slowly until he finished while you walked back to the kitchen to start making breakfast. Neteyam couldnโt see you now, since the couch faced away from the kitchen but towards the tv and fireplace that had long burned out.
โWhy is it so dark in here?โ He asked over his shoulder noting all the closed curtains, no natural light coming into the room.
โUh well thatโs cause the blinds are closed, itโs still pretty early.โ You say as you begin to dig around for something Neteyam might eat, you settle on some meat you had frozen from the last time RDA went hunting and eggs with some fruit.
โIt feels like a caveโ he adjusted himself to sit more comfortably on the couch looking around the room like heโs been doing since you brought him there.
You shrugged, โyou want sun? Iโll open the blinds. Just donโt hips at it.โ
A soft grunt passed his lips, was it amusement? Annoyance? Hard to say. โIโm not a wild animal.โ
You arch a brow, even though you knew he couldnโt see you while you cracked the egg into the pan, โcouldโve fooled me, the way you growled at me last nightโ you blow raspberries into the air in exaggeration.
He didnโt answer right away, then muttered, โstill deciding if youโre prey.โ
You glance over your shoulder at the back of his head before turning back, โlet me know before breakfast, yeah? Iโd rather not waste eggs.โ
He shifted until he had turned enough to see you in the kitchen leaning against the side of the couch instead, adjusting the blanket over his lap se the smell of sizzling food drifted from the small kitchen space.
โYou always cook with the lights off?โ He called out, voice dry. โOr is this just part of the ambiance, โhalf dead guest special?โ
You glance back at him with a smirk, โmaybe I like a little mystery while I make breakfastโ
He raised a brow, โMystery? Smells like youโre trying to resurrect me with a frying pan and vibes.โ
You snorted, โwell, itโs workin, isnโt it?โ
He reclined a little deeper into the couch, eyes tracking you as you move around the kitchen, โbarely, is this is your version of hospitality, remind me not to get shot again.โ
โUngratefulโ you muttered softly but you know he heard.
I put two plates down on the kitchen table with food on it, untie your apron and put it on the kitchen counter before walking over to the couch and standing next to him. โCome on, youโre not eating on my couch.โ
He looked up at you clearly unimpressed. โWhat, you donโt do room service out here in the middle of nowhere?โ
You cross your arms, โyouโre lucky I donโt drag you.
He huffed a short laugh but didnโt move, โtempting. But if I get hurt again, thatโs on you.โ
You help out your hand, firm but patient, โI stitched you up, fed you, and let you sass me from my own couch. Donโt make me add dragging you to the table to the list.โ
Neteyam groaned. More for show than pain, โI got shot in the chest not the legsโ he muttered stubbornly.
โYeah, and Iโd rather not watch you fall on your face trying to prove yourselfโ you shot back.
He sighed through his nose and hold onto you to help him stand up. He wrapped his heavy large arm over your shoulder and you wrap an arm around his slim waist. Being careful not to let him fall. His body was warm, solid, but tense under your touch.
As he stood, he hissed slightly but didnโt complain. โDonโt get any ideas. Iโm letting your help me because Iโm being polite.โ
You smirked. โWow. So this is you being polite?โ
His lip twitched but he didnโt answer, just leaned a little more of his weight into you as you walked.
You both take it once step at a time until you made it to the kitchen table, you switched on the warm yellow light ver the table to illuminate the space after he sat down, then you sat down in the chair next to him at the touch table. He lets out a white breath as he settled in, then looked at the food and raise a brow.
In front him was grilled yerik meat, sliced fruit and some fried eggs, all fresh and local, but not cooked the way he was used to.
Neteyam stared at it, then gave you a look. โWhat did you do to the poor yerik? Burn it into submission?โ
You arch your brow, โitโs grilled. Itโs called flavor.โ
He picked up a piece with his fingers, inspecting it like it had wronged him, โflavor? My people season with wild herbs. This smells like smoke andโฆ attitude.โ
You smirked sarcastically. โYour welcome by the way. I did just slave over that stove for you.โ
He bit into it an paused. Then, with a mouthful, mumbled, โcouldโve let me die with dignity and decent cooking.โ
You roll your eyes with a smile, โyouโre lucky your cute-โ
You stopped staring down at your food with the fork in your hand and wide eyes, realizing what you let slip out, but it was too late.
Neteyam raised a brow, grinning like he had just won something. โLucky Iโm what?โ
You roll your eyes, โnothingโ you say casually.
โOh no, please,โ he leaned forward, still chewing, โtell me again how lucky I am because Iโm cute.โ
You mumbled, โI said no such thing.โ
He smirked, pointing his fork that he clearly wasnโt using at you, โto late. Iโm wounded and cute. Deadly combination.โ
You cross your arms and leans back in your chair, โyouโre wounded, picky, and have the ego of a war chief. Cute isnโt a word Iโd use.โ
Neteyam grinned, unfazed. โAh, so, now Iโm a war chief. First cute, now powerful. Keep going, I, enjoying this.โ
You raise an eyebrow. โDonโt flatter yourself, forest prince. Iโve seen yerik with better manners.โ
He let out a mock gasp, clutching his chest dramatically, careful to avoid the bandage. โYou wound me again. Truly your hospitality knows no bounds.โ
He took a bite of the eggs, nodding in exaggerated approval, โcould use a little salt. But Iโll survive. Barely. Thanks to your tender, smocking-hotโฆgrill.โ
You narrowed your eyes. โYou were about to say something else.โ
He smirked, licking his fingers, โwas I? Youโre imagining things, must be that flustered energy coming off you.โ
You grab a napkin and tossed it at his face, โeat your food before I decide youโre strong enough to cook your own damn breakfast tomorrowโ
He caught the napkin with ease chuckling. โSo violent for someone so nurturing, you sure youโre not falling for me?โ
You lean forward slightly, โremember last night when you threatened to stab me? Why would I be falling for you? And even if I did, youโd be the last to knowโ
Neteyam tilted his head, eyes gleaming with challenges. โWeโll see about that.โ
Once breakfast was finished and youโd both finished eating, you stood up taking the dishes to the sink to start cleaning up. Neteyam leaned back in his chair, watching you move around the kitchen with an unreadable expression.
โYou always take care of strangers like this?โ He asked, voice a little quieter now, less teasing.
You gave him a glance over your shoulder, โonly ones who bleed on my grass, and my floors and my couchโ you sigh.
He snorted, shaking his head, then slowly he stood, clearly regaining his strength. It was amazing how quickly he was starting to recover from his near death experience. You wondered if all the naโvi are this vigilant or if he was just some kind of invincible warrior.
โWell, guess Iโm special huh?โ
โLetโs not go so far,โ you turn to watch him slowly walk up to you with a smirk, only looking away when he was holding onto the counter beside you.
He came over, still cautious with his movements, and put his weight on his stronger arm against the counter. His shoulder slight bumped yours. โAnd here I thought we were bonding over bad eggs and near-death experiencesโ
You turned off the water and whipped your hands on a hand towel, โfirst of all, my eggs are fucking good. And weโll see how you feel once you me helped clean up.โ
He raised his brow bone. โYou want me to clean? With a bullet hole in my chest?โ
โYouโve got one good arm,โ you said sweetly, handing him the towel.
He took it with exaggerated effort and put it down on the counter next to him, โcruel woman, you mean the arm holding me up from falling right now?โ
โSurvivors donโt get lazyโ you replied before nudging him with your elbow.
The water poured over your head in a steady stream, steam curling around your shoulders as you pressed your hands to the cool tile wall. You had come in here to clear your head to wash off the lingering tension, the ache from sleep, and that buzz you couldnโt quite explain.
But it wasnโt working.
It was him.
Neteyam.
He hadnโt done a thing that morning. Hadnโt lifted a finger to help with breakfast, just stayed on the couch, arms crossed behind his head, half-lidded eyes watching the ceiling like he was bored out of his mind.
But youโd felt him watching you. Every time you turned your back. Every time you bent over or shifted. You could feel his gaze trailing along your spine like a hand that never touched. And when he did speak, his voice it wasnโt fair.
Deep. Smooth. Rich like the forest after rain.
And the way he movedโฆ
You tilted your head back, letting the hot water roll down your chest. You didnโt mean to think about him, didnโt mean to notice, but the memory crept in anyway. The way his muscles flexed when he shifted on the couch, chest bandaged but firm and defined beneath it. The long lines of his legs, the stripes along his skin, the faint shimmer that came from the damp heat of the room the night before.
He looked powerful. And wild. And wounded.
And too damn beautiful to be real.
Your hand moved over your stomach absentmindedly, as if trying to soothe the way it fluttered. His face was still sharp in your mind those eyes, so full of suspicion, but never dull. They were intense. Too intense. Looking at you like you were a threat, like you were a puzzle, like maybe just maybe you were something else entirely.
intense. Too intense. Looking at you like you were a threat, like you were a puzzle, like maybe just maybe you were something else entirely.
You caught yourself.
Fingers tightened on the tile. โGet a grip,โ you whispered, letting the water pelt down harder, trying to drown the thoughts before they spiraled any further.
You werenโt supposed to feel anything about him. He was a wounded Naโvi. You were a human permanently stuck in your avatar. And this wasnโt safe for either of you.
But stillโฆ
Your mind slipped again to the low rumble of his laugh, the accidental flash of a smile when heโd said something cocky the night before. The way his ears twitched when he heard a bird outside. The curve of his collarbone where the bandage didnโt reach.
You exhaled sharply and turned the water to cold.
It didnโt help itโs only been one day, was it even possible to be so infatuated with someone so quickly. You almost started to wonder what he thought about you, but quickly you turned off the shower and got out before you could. That wouldnโt help you.
The days that followed passed in a strange quite rhythm, like a clam between storms. The atmosphere had started to shift. The first few days remained mostly on the couch downstairs, watchful, cautious, sharp-tongued. But he was healing much faster than you had predicted, the resilience of his naโvi physiology steadily outpacing your human expectations. The deep bruising had faded, the wound closing up quickly but not quite done yet, and by the forth day, he could walk without leaning in you to heavily.
It didnโt stop him from making a show of his independence thought. He still tossed sass like it was a defense mechanism. When you tired to help him, heโd mutter sarcastic little jabs, never cruel, just enough to challenge you. โIโm fineโ heโd say with a dry smirk, wincing slightly as he tested his own limits. โI didnโt get hit by a Tobruk, jus a little bullet.โ You were leaning to match his tone, finding his attitude oddly endearing. His wit had a heat to it that made the air feel thicker whenever he looked at you too long.
He had taken to calling you โprincess,โ the word always dripping with a kind of teasing bite the made your brow twitch and your stomach flutter all at once. โWhatever you say princess,โ heโd say whenever you told him to stop overdoing it or remind him to drink water. He knew exactly how it landed, half mocking, half flirtation, and the glint in his eyes afterward said he enjoyed pushing your buttons. You pretended to be annoyed, but a part of you didnโt mind. Not one bit.
By the fifth night he moved upstairs choosing the spare room beside yours. You offered it out of practicality, but when you heard him quietly testing the floorboards and settling into the room, your realized how aware you were of his presence, just on the other side of the wall, the door between your rooms stayed closed but it might as well have been paper. It was like he couldnโt sleep, he was restless in the room. It was off putting considering when you both slept on the couch, he slept like a log. The entire night would go off without a hitch he slept peacefully. When youโd awake in the night hearing noises outside he didnโt even flinch.
Every creek, every low sigh through the walls, every time he got up and strolled into your room to use the master bathroom quietly padding across the room, it made your skin prickle.
You didnโt know why he used your bathroom. Even after he was strong enough to manage the one in the hallway. You told yourself it was cleaner and better stocked, but the first time you found a fresh towel slightly damp on the rack after heโd finished and the mirror and shower glass fogged up, you had to turn away to cool your thoughts.
That morning, youโd tried to think about besides him while your showered, but the ghost of his voice, low, rough and accented, it stayed with you. It was the way he said your name. The way his golden eyes held your gaze a beat too long sometimes. The way his body looked in the borrowed avatar clothing you had stored away in a box in an used spare room, how they hugged his lean farm just a little too perfectly, especially when damp from a shower or stuck to his back with sweat from walking the hill path behind the cabin to gain his strength.
You never meant to notice, but it happened anyways. The ripple of his stomach when he stretched, sometimes when it pecked out from under the t-shirt he wore. The way his hair was now loose from braids when he had washed it, how it looked falling down his shoulder since he didnโt bother to braid them again yet. The strength in his arms when he lifted a bracket of fruit, the sound of him cleaning his throat or chuckling to himself in the other room, it was all in your head now. Looped on repeat.
You really tried not to think about him in those clothes, the meaning behind them almost set your skin on fire but you had nothing else to give me. It didnโt hit you right away, only the night he sat on the couch some old tv show idly playing in front of your both. He noticed your shift in demeanor but he decided now wasnโt the time to question it.
By day, he explored small distances, pushing his limits while pretending he wasnโt. You caught him standing out by the cliff more than once, just staring at the horizon, lost in thought. It surprised you when you saw your fired ikran sitting next to him like he had no care in the world, it wasnโt something he did often with people.
โHe must be thinking about his familyโ you thought to yourself.
Arms wrapped around yourself you walked out and sat on the other side of him, โare you alright?โ
He seemed to have not even noticed your steps towards him until you say down and he gave you a glance, โyea, just thinking about my family.โ
You didnโt say anything, you werenโt sure what to say. So you stayed quiet. You watched pat your ikran on the head slightly, โhe likes youโ you say softly. โHis name is Leo.โ
โHe is beautiful, his patterns is very unique almost like flowersโ
โI know heโs my babe heโs gorgeousโ I smile. โWhat about yours?โ
โHer name is Seze, after my mothers first sprit sister, I heard the stories and they just match, the name, the colors. She is strong.โ
โLike her sprit brother?โ
He turned his head to look at you and you looked back at him, โyou are very strong tooโ I look down at his chest before my eyes dart back up to his.
โNot like her.โ
โMaybe not, but it is a fact Neteyamโ you say confidently.
Sometimes heโd sit in the sunlight filtering through the window, sharpening the blade of the same knife you found on his hip on the first day you met him, using a rock he decided to casually bring inside and left it on the floor in one specific spot for this reason only. It was not a multipurpose rock and you were not allowed to touch it. You tired throwing it back outside but he just brought it back in.
So you let him, it gave him peace. But occasionally, heโd catch you looking and a faint smirk would lift the corner of his lips, โdidnโt think the sky people taught staring as a skillโ he once said. You snapped back with, โonly when the viewโs worth itโ before realizing how flirtatious it sounded. He didnโt comment just raised his brow bone and looked amused.
By night the two of you developed a routine, youโd make simple meals from what you could forgave from the garden outside, any kind of fresh fruit or vegetable along with whatever your already had in the kitchen or fridge, local meat, roots, tart fruits that stained your fingers purple, and heโd tease your cooking even as he cleared his plated. One night, you asked if he wanted to help and he responded, โyouโve got the knife skills and Iโve got the survival instinct. Letโs not blur the line just yet.โ You laughed. So did he. A real one, short and genuine.
Still the boundary was clear. He didnโt trust easily, and you didnโt push him. But there was an undercurrent, a quiet shift in energy each time you passed each other in the hallways or stood too close in the kitchen. You felt it in the subtle way he watched your when he thought you didnโt notice, or in the way his voice softened ever so slightly when you two talked late into the night. You didnโt touch him, not really. Not unless you were redressing his wounds or moments when your hand brushed, when you helped him steady himself, his fingers lingered in your arm just a second longer that necessary.
You didnโt want to say what any of that meant since you didnโt know yourself, not yet. But it was something. Something you were starting to feel under your skin like a pulse.
Itโs been almost two weeks now, Neteyam has healed amazingly quick, his skin had returned back to its normal color where he had bruising, anywhere he had gonna scraps had healed up and mostly disappeared.
This afternoon, the sun had just dipped low enough to turn the ocean gold, you were both sitting on the porch. You in a big weaved cushioned chair and him leaning on the raining like he belonged there.
โYou said something the first nightโ he said, breaking the quiet, his voice was thoughtful, not playful, or teasing. Just real.
You turned towards him, โoh? I say a lot of things.โ
He glanced at you, one side of his mouth twitching, โyou said you didnโt plan to here here aloneโ
You stilled. The words youโd almost forgotten came back in full. You hadnโt meant to get into detail, you didnโt even thing he remembered anything from that night. He was in his worst condition, it surprised you.
โI didnโt,โ you admitted after a pause. โNot originally.โ
โBut you do,โ he said simply.
You rub your lips together and gave a slow nod, eyes drifting back towards the horizon, โyeah. I do.โ
It was quiet for a few seconds before he said, softly, โWhy?โ
The ocean beyond the cliffs was calm, bathed in soft shades of blue and silver under the planet above. You wrapped your hands around your mug, the warmth grounding you as you look back at him and decided to tell him the truth. You donโt know why you felt like you could trust him, you werenโt even sure he trusted you yet.
โI didnโt build this place to be alone,โ you said slowly, your voice barely audible.
Your head tilted down to look at your mug. Neteyam glanced at you, his expression was unreadable, but you didnโt look back yet. Your eyes stayed down, locked on the steam coming from the mug, like it held the courage you needed.
โI came here with someone,โ you continued. โMy boyfriend. We were both with the RDA both from the navy on earth, so we both got avatars. We were in different squads. He was on land and I was stationed in the ocean.โ You sniffle softly from the cold. โWe talked about a future here, once the politics and field work was over. The cabin was going to be home. Our home, forever.โ
Your swallow, your throat tight. The words hurt, not because they were hard to say but because they still felt so real, like theyโd only just slipped through your fingers.
โBefore they transfer your consciousness into your avatar permanently, you go through a series of test using the link machine.โ You explain. โHe died a year ago, one minute he was next to me, the next he was gone. Something with his link upload they said it didnโtโฆwork the way it was supposed to, I still donโt know why. . No warning, no goodbye, I saw his avatar laying on the cot like a shell the next morning and that was it.โ
Neteyamโs face tensed, and this time you did glance at him, his eyes met yours, wide with the kind of pain only someone whoโs lost can recognize.
โI stayed,โ you went on, a crack sneaking into your voice. โEveryone thought I was crazy for not going back to earth. But I couldnโt, we built this place. Every beam, every stone, I wasnโt ready to let go of it, or him and he uhโฆheโs buried in pandora, Iโm not gonna just, leave him here.โ
Silencer bloomed between you again, thick and pulsing. You didnโt try to fill it, you let it breathe.
After a long moment, Neteyam spoke quietly, sincerely.
โThat mustโve shattered you.โ
You exhaled shakily, โit did.โ
He looked away for a second struggling with something in himself. Then, voice low, โI know what it feels like. That kind of loss. Like a piece of you is justโฆ missing.โ
You nodded, and for the first time since the conversation started you smiled softly.
โSome days it still feels like I. Waiting for him to walk through that door. But latelyโฆ I donโt know. Itโs not as loud.
Neteyam looked back at you. โAnd now your sharing it with a stranger you dragged up a cliff.โ
A breath of laughter escaped your chest, a wet sound edged with emotion. โYour not a stranger anymore. Iโve known you two whole weeks now.โ You joke.
He didnโt answer right away, but the look in his eyes softened just enough. The walls between you didnโt fall, but one of them cracked.
You hesitated before speaking again, your voice softer now, almost like you were afraid of saying too much, but unable to stop.
โWe were gonna have kids.โ You gave a small breathy laugh that didnโt quite reach your eyes. โThatโs why there are so many rooms in this house. He thought three was a good number. But I wasnโt sure, we were excited. Carved out everything room by room.โ
Neteyam came to sit next to you in the chair.
โI remember โฆ we even argued about which room would be the nursery,โ you said with a wistful smile. โHe wanted the one that got the morning sun, but I said itโll be to warm. I wanted it to be the one closest to the master bedroom, the one youโre seeking in.โ You look over at him.
โReally?โ
You nodded, โyeah. That was the one he lost the argument over. Said the morning sun would make it feel alive, but I didnโt care, I wanted the baby closeโ
Neteyam looked up at the sky, picturing the room heโs sleeping in then shot you a crooked smile, โwell, I donโt cry that often, and I sleep through the night, so Iโd say Iโm a pretty low-maintenance baby.โ
You blink, looking at him, before you let out a laugh, a short and real, surprised by the way his joke cracked through the heaviness like sunlight cutting through the clouds. โWowโ you paused, โyou are not low maintenanceโ
He turned towards you, feigning offense, โexcuse me?โ
You lean back in the seat with a knowing look. โYou drink all my tea and still complain about it, you steal my shower, my shampoo and conditioner. You sulk like itโs an art form. And donโt get me started on how much space you take up on that couch.โ
He blinked, the leaned closer a little, his tone playful. โI get shot once and suddenly Iโm high maintenance?โ
You have him a mock serious look, โshot once, hijacked my nursery, and now you think youโre a resident.โ
His smirk grew into a grin, โI didnโt realize sarcasm was your love languageโ
โGood thing itโs fluent in yours too,โ you shot back.
The air between you shifted again, still teasing, still playful, but there was something in the pause afterwards. Like neither of you really wanted the conversation to end.
Neteyamโs grin lingered, but something about it sharpened at the edges, turned a little slower, a little more deliberate. His eyes didnโt leave yours.
โIs that what his is then?โ He asked, voice dropping just a touch, less teasing now, more curious. โYou giving me a hard time because your like me?โ
You let out a short laugh, shaking your head, โdonโt flatter yourself.โ
His gaze dropped briefly to your mouth before netting your eyes again, bolder this time, โyou donโt deny it either.โ
Neteyamโs smirk curled slow, like he knew something you donโt when you didnโt answer, maybe he was daring you to say it out loud, โyou say Iโm not low maintenanceโ his voice rich with amusement, โbut you havenโt kicked me out yet.โ
You raise an eyebrow, lip twitching, โthatโs because youโre injured and Iโm a good person.โ
He leaned in more just slightly, his tone low and teasing. โNah, I think you like having me around.โ
You shot him a sideways glance. โDonโt let that compliments go to your head.โ
โThey already have,โ he said with a lazy grin, eyes flickering again down to your lips then back up, he added, โnot my fault you keep giving me reasons.โ
Your pulse shattered. There it was again, that magnetic tension he slipped into so effortlessly when the sad turned flirt. You crossed your arms, trying to maintain the upper hand.
โYou are a menaceโ you said, but your voice lacked heat.
He tilted his head, eyes gleaming. โMaybe, but Iโm your menace now, right?โ
Your mouth opened but nothing came out. You hated how much that line hit, how it made heat crawl up the back of your neck. He chuckled softly at your silence, clearly pleased with himself.
โSee? You like me.โ
โRemind me to lace your tea with sleeping herbs next time.โ
โStill means I get tea.โ He winked.
Your breath caught, and your werenโt sure if it was from frustration or something else entirely, something warmer, heavier and far more dangerous.
โYou know,โ you said, voice careful, โfor someone who acts so suspicious of me, your sure donโt mind pushing your luck.โ
He didnโt look away, โyouโve been staring at me since the night I was passed out on that couch. Donโt pretend Iโm the only one.โ
You snorted softly, trying to laugh it off, โyouโre half-naked most of the time even though Iโve given you clothes, Iโm not blind.โ
โNoโ he said voice lower now, more certain. โBut your are pretending not to want what you want.โ
That hit like a spark on dry grass. Immediate. Dangerous. You could feel the flush creeping up on your neck before you could stop it. You lean back slightly forcing some air into your lung.
โWhat exactly are you suggesting?โ
He tilted his head, the corner of his mouth tugging into something that wasnโt quite a smirk but wasnโt far off. โIโm not suggesting anything. Just saying you look at me like youโve got questions only your hands can answer.โ
Your stomach did flips. He was too close to that truth but he wants to be bold, you can be bold too.
โAnd what if I do?โ You asked, voice soft but defiant, โyou gonna let me ask them?โ
Neteyam through his weight in his elbow that sat between you both in the backrest of the chair getting closer to you, โonly if youโre ready for the answers.โ
Your mug hit the side table and your turn your body to face him, you felt warm, your heart was beating too hard. You didnโt say anything right away. Neteyam was still, watching you like you were prey. Only this time you werenโt prey. Not tonight.
โYou talk a lot for someone who doesnโt trust me,โ you said your voice low as your eyes dragged over him, over the lines of his shoulders, the bandage on his chest, the slight smirk that hadnโt left his face, โand you never stop looking either.โ
He leaned back slightly, eyes locked on yours. โI never said I didnโt like what I saw.โ
You didnโt even hesitate, you leaned in lifting your hand until your fingers curled into the base of his hair at the nape of his neck. His breath hitched almost imperceptibly.
โNice try, forest boyโ you whispered, voice velvet and laced with amusement. โYou couldnโt handle all this.โ
Your lips were close enough that the brushed the curve of his jaw as you pulled away, just barely, just enough to see the slow, dangerous smirk that unfurled on his face.
His eyes locked onto yours, dark and hungry but playful, sharp like he was weighing your challenge. โIs that a date?โ He murmured, his voice was thick with heat and barely restrained ego.
You gave him a slow taunting once over. โItโs a fact.โ
He laughed, low, deep and cocky as hell. โBold words from someone who keeps looking at me like Iโm dessert.โ
You raise an eyebrow, smile curling. โPlease. If I wanted you, youโd know it.โ
His smirk deepened, and his voice dropped lower as he replied, โgood thing I donโt wait for invitationsโ
The air between the thickened, neither of them spoke. The space that separated them seemed to disappear with every breath, their gaze locked in a quiet challenge. Not having any move restraint, Neteyam closed the gap, his lips meeting yours in a kiss that was everything they both had been trying to ignore.
It was slow at first, tentative, as if testing the waters. His hand that once rested between you on the backrest now gripping the back of your hair. Your own hands falling down his neck to his chest being careful not to touch the bandages. You kissed him back, your pulse quickening. Feeling that weight if the moment.
The kiss deepened and the world outside the cabin disappeared. It was just them, locked in this electrifying connection, both of them eager to see just how far this could go.
But then he stopped. He pulled back, his breath shallow as he looked at you. His golden eyes searched your face, not for permission, he already had that, but for something steadier, safer, maybe something that said this is okay.
You exhaled, almost laughing under your breath at how fast your pulse had jumped. โWell,โ you said, your voice low but teasing, โthat was either a thank you or youโre really bad at asking for a second helping.โ
Neteyam cracked a small grin, still a little dazed but hiding it under bravado. โDonโt flatter yourself,โ he said, tilting his head. โI just wanted to prove you talk too much.โ
You raised a brow, smirking. โAnd that was your plan?โ
โIt worked, didnโt it?โ he shot back, voice warm, full of something light but laced with tension, even now, part of him wanted to lean in again.
The air between you was warm, charged again but no longer heavy. This time, you leaned in first just a little and said, โMaybe next time you should prove it without using your mouth.โ
He huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head, eyes flicking down to your lips and back up. โNoted,โ he murmured.
But neither of you moved to break the closeness, letting the night wrap around them, full of things unspoken, and things not entirely undone.
The air was cooler tonight, a light breeze had you shivering, something he took notice too. โLetโs go insideโ he said softly standing and holding out a hand for you. You take it and let him lean you into the cabin locking the door behind you.
You walk into the kitchen first and he follows you, the warm light spilling from the ceiling fixtures brushing over your skin, grounding you again in the quiet house. You didnโt hear him behind you, you only turned and saw him there his larger frame leaning against the counter. He steels in slowly, deliberately, his eyes in you.
He didnโt say a word a first just came closer and closer. His arm wrapped around you brushing against your lower back, it was gentle but firm enough to draw you closer. The air between you sparked again and you didnโt back away from him, neither did he.
You leans up and kiss him this time, deeper, more controlled you both knew you wanted this now, there were no nerves, no hesitation.. His hands cradled your waist fingers splaying under your shirt against your skin. The way your body molded against him as if you had belonged there and neither of your realized until now.
Your hands move from his arms to his chest accidentally pressing around the bandage that covered his wound. He flinched, barely but it was enough for you to pull away instantly.
โSorry,โ you say quickly, trying to catch you breath but your brows were furrowed in concern, you didnโt want to hurt him. Your thumb brushed over the bandage softly the where you pressed against him. โI didnโt meant to-โ
โItโs okay,โ he said hoarsely, eyes closed for a second. โJustโฆ not all the way healed yet.โ
โNo I know Iโm sorryโ your hands run up his neck holding him there. Itโs clear the touch hurt him more than heโd like to admit, it wasnโt weakness you saw from him so you never understood why he hid his pain like that. โNeteyamโฆโ you whisper his name softly.
โTsal lu tamโ one of his hands found yours and he held it as if to reassure you. Youโre not sure if he realized but it was the first time Neteyam had spoken his mother tongue since heโs been in here. It sounded so different, so natural to him. You had no idea what he said but he caught your attention.
You look up at him as he catches his breath dulling the pain he had just felt. The heat between you had also dulled, tempered by the reminder of his injury.
โYouโre healing fastโ you say softly to him โbut not that fast.โ
You both still stood close, too close. He let out a low breath, nose nearly brushing yours, โit is okโ he translated without you even having to ask.
โThisโฆdoesnโt mean I donโt want to,โ he said, his voice rough, tinged with frustration.
โI know, me too.โ You whispered, eyes flickering over his face.
You stood for a while bodied warm, breath shared, but you both knew they crossed that next line now, with him not being fully healed, and you being apart of a completely different world. So much could go wrong now. His hand lingered a second longer before he let go.
The next few days blurred into a rhythm that felt dangerously close to domesticity, dangerous, because it felt too good with him.
Neteyamโs wound was nearly closed up now, it was almost supernatural the way he bounded back, just soreness in his chest mostly since it was almost time for you to remove the stitches that made him stiff at times.
It didnโt stop him from brushing up against him, whether it was walking past you and letting his hand graze your waist. Or standing behind you in the kitchen pressing you up against the counter as you made breakfast in the morning, his lips kissing your neck softly as reached for a fruit placing it in front of you to keep you busy so you wonโt move. Or pulling you into those long, slow, steamy kisses that always left you weak in the knees, half forgotten that this wasnโt supposed to happen.
There were times your find yourself wrapped up in his strong arms as he held you against him, the press of his mouth hungry but unhurried on anywhere he could reach like he was memorizing you. Other times it was just a look from across the dinning table, a brief brush of fingers together when he held your hand in his, left you breathless.
Still, you both didnโt sleep in the same room at night even though sometimes youโd lay in bed hoping he came to lay with you but you knew that would take you across another line you both shouldnโt be near. It made your heart ache with want and wariness.
What really stuck with you was the day he first kissed you, the day you hurt him accidentally and he slipped his mother tongue. His voice in naโvi stirred something deep. It was so intimate to you, like he let his guard down and he hadnโt realized. He didnโt notice you heard.
But you did and it stuck.
It followed you for the next week or so, no matter how weak Neteyam made you feel on the inside and outside, no matter what you two laughed about, no matter how sweet or what nicknames he called you out of amusement, or attraction. The nagging thought in the back of your mind didnโt leave.
What happens when he leaves?
The question would not be what if, but when. You saved him life, you know who he is, you know he is someoneโs son, someoneโs brother. And they still think he is dead, and they miss him. He knows he missed them back and you couldnโt put yourself in a position to keep him from his family. Itโs just not something youโd do.
He was healing quickly, another week from now he may very well be fully healed. It took you a month to fall for him, it was so easy. What happens when you have to spend the rest of your years alone? Cause in case you forgot the RDA thinks youโre dead too. You are free from them, but you are not accepted anywhere except with then.
It was late in the day when you finally decided to ask him about it. The sun was setting and Neteyam was sitting in the porch swing, shirtless, bandage long gone, his chest more marked only by a scar that caught the light like a whisper of what happened. You know it wouldnโt go away.
You step out with a mug of tea for him, heart pounding in your chest for reason that had nothing to do with the drink in your hand. He looked up when you approached with a smile tugging his lips and warm eyes and you sat next to him handing him the mug. Your shoulders barely touched unlike how youโve been for the past week and a half. Never without touching.
You both say silently for a few beats watching the wind roll through the trees.
Then, softly you asked him, โdo you miss them? Your family, your friendsโ
Neteyam didnโt look at you right away. He took a slow sip of his tea and let out a long breath. โEvery day.โ
You nod, the words felt heavy even though you knew the answer. Your fingers play with the sleeves of your sweater. โItโs been almost four weeks now.โ
Your eyes meet the horizon, โyouโre almost fully healed. Strong. And I know youโve been thinking about it.โ You turn to him, eyes searching his face. โWhat are you going to do?โ
He was quiet for a long time.
You look away staring back at the swaying trees, โwhen will you go back?โ
Finally, Neteyam turned to face you, eyes narrowing slightly, more serious now, โsoonโ he admitted with no sign of joy in the word. โI have to. Theyโre probably out of their minds.โ
You nod, heart sinking but you press on, โand what happens then?โ
โWhat do you mean?โ He tilited his head.
โI meanโฆโ you swallow. โWhat happens to us? To me?โ
His silence stretched again.
โIโm not like you Neteyamโ you say, โthere is no going back for me. This-โ you gesture vaguely towards the house and the land around you, โ-this is my life now, I made my lease with it, staying here forever, I though Iโd be doing that alone.โ You pause. โAnd donโt misunderstand me, I have no regret saving you. But youโve made being here aloneโฆharder.โ
He blinked slowly, haze softening but he said nothing.
โI want- no I need to know what I am to you. If Iโm just aโฆ. chapter, a strong youโll take home when you leave. Or am I something else?โ
Neteyam shifts, setting his tea down. His golden eyes locked on your, and his usually sarcastic sass and humor was gone, replaced by something raw.
He looked at you for a long moment. His face didnโt change by something in his eyes flickered, conflict? Guilt? The weight of something he didnโt know how to say.
He reached for your hand, thumb brushing over your knuckles with surprising gentleness, and when he finally spoke, his voice was steady. Painfully steady.
โI never thought Iโd be here this long.โ He admitted, โat first, I was just trying to survive. But then you, kept helping me and talking to me and letting me stay here. You were so unbelievably to get comfortable with and thatโs saying a lot coming from me. We clicked. You made it hard not to care.โ
Your chest ached but you didnโt interrupt.
โI didnโt expect you. You were complicated and I never say you coming. Maybe I didnโt want to.โ He glanced up.
You tired to breath, but you felt like your ribs couldnโt move.
โI think about you, tooโ he said, voice softer now. โI watch you when youโre not looking and I remember every word you every whispered in my ear, the way you touch me when you didnโt mean to. Or when you did cause Iโฆโ he couldnโt find the right word, maybe he just didnโt want to say it.
A half smile tugged at his lips. Bittersweet.
โBut thisโฆusโฆ itโs not that simple.โ He whispered
Silence.
โYou have made this cabin so domestic and amazing and Iโm so grateful to have spent this time with you. You have your roots here. I donโt, and I know you know that.โ
Your lips parted, but no words came. You didnโt want to say it aloud.
He leaned in, pressing his forehead to yours, his breath was warm between you both. But you couldnโt breathe.
โIf I were someone else,โ he mumbled, โmaybe this could be something simple, easy. But Iโm not. I have people waiting for me. I am the first son of Toruk Makto. A war that u walked away from but never stopped being apart of.โ
You closed your eyes before you could feel yourself tear up.
โI have to fill a spot that literally no one else can fill. I am a highly skilled, trained warrior. I take down bases single handedly sweetheart. I canโt put this burden on someone else, on my brother. I have a responsibility to my people. To my clan.โ
โI donโt want to hurt you,โ he whispered.
But he already was.
And you both knew it.
Now youโre quite the air between you changed. You shifted slightly back leaning back against the backrest your knee now touching his.
โYou always look at me like thatโ he turned his head, eyes dark, held something you couldnโt figure out.
โLike what?โ
โLike Iโm staying.โ
Your heart skipped, you donโt answer, you canโt.
He leans in just enough for you to feel his warmth again and he pulled you closer. โCome here, look at meโ he pulls you in effortlessly.
โYou know I want to,โ he murmurs. โYou feel it tooโฆdonโt you?โ
And before you can say anything he kisses you. Your legs were thrown over his as he held you close. The kiss was slow, soft, deep. Not rushed this time just full of everything neither of you had said out loud.
His hand comes to rest on your thigh, warm and steady. You lean into him, one hand curling against his chest where his heart thuds strong beneath her palm. The kiss lingers, pulls her under
The swing creaked beneath you both as he picks you up into his lap, not bringing the kiss. You shift in his lap without thinking swinging one leg over to straddle him properly. His hands gripped your waist under your sweater, you could feel the strength in his arms, solid, grounding you.
โYou drive me insane,โ he mumbled against your lips, voice rough, breath hot. โYou shouldnโtโฆ but you do.โ
You kiss hind again in answer, hands threading through this hair, tugging gently until he growled low in his throat, his breath fanning across your pulse point.
You barely notice the night air anymore. Your fingers trailed down his chest, feeling the rise and fall of the muscle and warmth, the way he arched into your touch like he couldnโt help it.
โI donโt want to stop.โ You whisper, heart pounding.
His hands stilled in her hips, holding her tight, โthen donโt.โ
You searched his eyes, those amber eyes darkened with desire, with something deeper and say the truth here. Neither of you wanted to stop. Not tonight.
Neteyam held your gaze for only a heartbeat before he wrapped around you picking you up, your legs instinctively wrapping around his waist. He effortlessly carried you up the stairs to the bedroom. His stride was steady, but urgent like he waited long enough.
Your arms tightened around his shoulders as he climbed, the heat between you growing with every step. You kiss the side of his neck, and he let out a low, strained sound before he finally dropped you onto the bed making your squeal.
โYou sure?โ He asked, voice a low rasp, his hands flexing as he grabbing your ankles holding your legs up and apart. And you nod without hesitation.
โI want you.โ You voice as you pull him down over you for another kiss. Neteyam kissed down your neck hungrily, leaving marks in his wake. His hands had been slowly pushing your sweat up he pushed over your head quickly and tossed it somewhere on the floor.
He raised his head for a beat staring down at how pretty you looked, blush covering your face, hair messy, topless in front of him. Neteyam didnโt waste anytime hooking his fingers in your shorts and patties tugging them down with haste in one swift movement leaving you completely exposed under him.
โYour so pretty, so fucking pretty like this for meโ he mumbles as he kisses down your body holding both your touch tits in his hands he licked and sucked at the skin before he flicked his tongue against your right nipple. Your back arched off the bed with a sweet moan which made his tail whip excitedly behind him.
โFuck..โ you whisper, rolling your eyes back and biting your lip at the feeling of his tongue playing with your nipples. Neteyam sucked until he bruised them before he moved down your stomach to your core.
He held your thighs in his hand spreading them open as he looked at the slick leaking out of your weeping hole. He groaned in satisfaction even though he hasnโt even touched you yet, โbaby is this for all for me?โ
He knew the answer, he knows itโs his. He wants you to say it. โYes yesโฆyours Neteโ you sing feverishly, anything for him to get down there and make you feel good.
โYea thatโs mine sevinโ he called you a name in his mother tongue and you almost rolled your eyes even though you didnโt know what it meant.
โW-what does that mean?โ You asked breathlessly.
โIt means pretty, you are so pretty! Fucking gorgeous.โ He said before he takes his pants off bare and hard underneath.
Your eyes widen slightly as he stroked himself looking down at your body, just admiring all he already did to it. Thinking about all heโs about to do.
He laid down on the bed next to you and pulled you up and over him. Neteyamโs hand gripped your hair softly pushing you down towards his length, โgonna be a good girl and suck my cock?โ
You nod again feverishly, no way youโd say no to his tone, or those words that made you want to ride him until you pass out. You bring your head down willingly licking a stride up his length to the top and swirling your tongue around it.
Neteyam moans which is quickly becoming your favorite sound, your tail whips in the air. He grabs it quickly wrapping it around his around using it to lift your lower body until his face was between your tights. His hands ran the outside of your thighs up to your ass and back down a few times as he rolled his eyes back and mown at your trying to deep throat his cock that clearly didnโt fit in your mouth.
Your tongue twirled around his length anyway you could make it go as he gave your ass a nice slap making you moan against him, vibrations sent shivers down to your cunt. Your life your head for some needs sir gasping loudly as you come up. You stroke his cock while looking between your legs are the absolutely glorious expression on his face,
It was amazing watching him fall apart for your tongue, you could imagine what heโd feel like once he finally got to stretch you out with his cock, and you couldnโt wait.
Finally, Neteyam pulled your lower half down by your ass and licked a stride up your cunt from your clit to your hole, you gagged, and you moaned on his cock not expecting him to do that. He let out an amusement chuckle at that, โoh great mother..โ he mumbled, โI love it when you gag on my cock like thatโ he moaned as you curled your tongue on him. โYou like gagging on my cock sevin?โ You pull your head off him once more letting out a desperate yes into the air before you go back down.
Your face was messy with spit and precum, but you didnโt care, you wanted him to come in your, outnumbered if you could make him, Neteyamโs tongue worked wonders on your clit you almost stop being about to focus moving your head up and down.
He marked up your thighs turning them purple before he sucked on your clit, his tongue flicked up and down, side to side, in circles until he had your arching your back and crying, he had you so lose to coming when he slapped your ass again, something else youโre growing to like.
Your tail whipped harshly in the air, hitting the headboard, sometimes the the bed next to your legs before it wrapped around Neteyamโs left arm. He knew you were close from how much more you were moaning for him to make you cum.
He greedily didnโt waste a drop of your essence when his tongue fucked it out of you before giving you another slap on the ass and pushing you off him. He quickly switched positions getting back on top of you, โI didnโt know you were so good at that baby, I wouldโve asked you to suck a cock so long ago.โ
Heโs hand came up squishing your cheeks together, it wasnโt to hurt you he just loved the fucked our express you sported, he wanted to touch it.
โWould you have sweet? Sucked my cock if I asked you before?โ He asked your sitting up on his knees as he spread you open lining himself up. You nod vigorously at him, โmhmmm.โ You replied.
He could cum in the stop from how submissive you were, he was honestly surprised you didnโt fight him down more to be in top, not that he was complaining. Seeing his girl under him like this couldnโt have been a sexier view.
โReady for me to fuck you baby?โ
You nodded messily brushing the hair away from your face.
โNo no no I wanna hear you this time, want me to make you cum in my cock sweetheart?โ He chuckled.
โYes, yes pleasesss tey.โ You moaned as he slapped his cock head on your clit a couple times before he slowly pushed it in. His head rocked back, and he rolled his eyes when he felt how amazingly tight you were.
โHoly fuckโฆyour so fucking tight.โ His body falls over yours his hands on both sides of your head as he looks down at your expression. Blush tenfold, mouth wide open as if you were silently screaming as he stretched you open.
You body was adjusting to him quickly, but it felt like he had cock for days. When you thought you couldnโt fit anymore, he made his entire length fit with a sweet scream from you.
โOh, my godddโ you roll your eyes, nails digging into his shoulder trying to keep your grip on something. You moans turned to pants as he started to slowly push in and out of you. His hair fell over, acting like a curtain that blocked you from the outside world.
His eyes were bright with desire as he stared down at you. โYou feel so good!โ You moan between thrust. Which made him smile widely canines in full display. He stuffed his face in your neck and grazed them against your already bruised up skin.
โFuckkkkk me harder! Please teyโ you moan as you rack your hands in his hair pushing it back so you could see his face. You smile you as him biting your lip, but it didnโt stop your little moans that he fucked out of you.
Neteyam chuckled as how needy you were for more, his arms went down to your thighs to hold them, pulling your body into his thrust. His grip was strong youโre sure youโd have bruises literally when he was down. Your tail lashed until it wrapped around his strong thigh trying to ground yourself.
โโm gonna cum! Gonna cum teyโ you mewl into the air along with your sweet moans. Your nails raked scratch marks on his back and arms, heโs fucking you so good. Neteyam fucked you like it was his one and only job in the whole world.
You didnโt get a chance to say anything else before your roll your eyes back and scream, arching your back you came squirting in his thighs and abdomen. Your eyes squeezed shut as you moan from the stimulation.
He slowed down to admire your work, but you quickly stopped him, โdonโt stop, donโt stop! Keep going! Cum!โ You demanded he came for you now.
Your mind was delirious your only thoughts were his big hands on your body, the feeling on his cock bullying its way into your stomach felt incredible. And now that you were being overstimulated. You wanted nothing more than for him to empty his load in you and put you to bed.
And thatโs exactly what he planned on doing. Neteyam smiled wickedly as he pulled out and flipped you over on all fours. โReady to make me cum sweet?โ He pulled you up and down positioning you properly and spoke in your ear as he leaned over your body.
You nod feverishly wanting nothing more than that, โyeah? Gonna be a good girl and make me cum?โ
โYes, yes yes yesssssโ you moan into the air loudly as he reentered you and started to pound away. First his hands slapped your ass again, grabbing your hips and pulling you in. Neteyam felt like he was a different kind of depth from this angle, he was snug in your cunt. So much so that he was fucking you, but you couldnโt make a sound. Every thrust knocked the air out of you.
That was until he started to fuck faster. Your upped body dropped to the bed head turned to the side so you could see him from the corner of your eye but it didnโt last long, he laced his fingers in your hair pulling you back up so you had no choice but to help hold yourself back up. You couldnโt do anything but scream, it was literally screaming or nothing, you couldnโt find it in yourself to quiet down at all. His fucking just didnโt allow that.
โLook at me sweetheart, being such a good fucking girl for meโ he teased and taunted. It actually made you feel pretty, you wanted to be like this for him, you didnโt want him to have anyone but you like this either.
You wanted to nod but his grip on your hair stopped you. You didnโt expect him to pull you back more, his thrust were monstrous but his grip was gentle bending you back in ways you didnโt know you could bend, your head was looking up and him and he leaned down giving you a slowly kiss.
You wanted to cum again but your just couldnโt voice it this time, your voice was not gone, you just could reach it from the angle you were in so without warning again your squirt messing him up some more. Your jaw was slack as he let go of your hair and grabbed your arms by your elbow pulling your body back to him.
You couldnโt think straight you started to push back even more wanting him to fuck you harder, but you couldnโt find the words, and harder he fucked until he emptied his entire soul into your cunt. The groan he let out was animalistic, if you were so fucked out on him you might have gotten scared.
Nevertheless Neteyam eased his cock out of you watching his cum ooze out of your now gaping hole. He rolled his eyes in satisfaction as he dropped down next to you, immediately pulling you into his embrace. He snuggles his face into your neck as he felt your pant to catch your breath.
โAre you okay? I didnโt hurt you did I?โ He whispered into your skin.
โMhmm, Iโm okay, you didnโt hurt meโ you nod softly, whispering that words, โIโm greatโ you turn your body to face his molding into his touch as he held you impossibly close, with a smile.
โI guess we established I can more than keep up.โ He chuckled softly making you giggle. He picked you up taking you to the bathroom to clean up standing under the shower with you, wrapped around your frame. He didnโt take his hands off you for a second, he didnโt want to be away from you. And neither did you.
Neteyam took your to bed and got in with your wrapping his arms around you pulling the blanket over both of you. It was a bit earlier than you normally went to sleep but you were complaining. You just wanted to be here, with him.
You press a kiss on his chest where his heart was before whispering, โthis wasnโt justโฆnothing. Right?โ
His hand paused on her back, he took a breath, then another. โNoโ he said, voice soft, thoughtful. โIt wasnโt nothing.โ He kissed to top of your head.
But it wasnโt a promise either.
He tilted your chin up gently. His golden eyes meeting yours. They were searching your face like they were trying to understand something even he couldnโt name, โyouโre different,โ he murmured. โFrom anyone Iโve ever known.โ
You smiled, a little sad, โthatโs not always a good thing.โ
โIt is to me.โ
After that you didnโt say anything snuggling against him as sleep found both of you.
The days that followed blurred together in a quiet, desperate sort of bliss.
Neteyam was healed now, at least, enough to walk without wincing, to stretch without pulling at the scar that had once marked his chest. His strength had returned, slow but steady, and with it came the quiet understanding that time was running out. That he would leave soon.
But neither of you said it.
Instead, you both clung to the days you had left.
He moved through your space like he belonged there now. Not as a guest, not as the stranger youโd patched up on your couch, but as someone who knew exactly where the mugs were kept, who always reached for the same towel in the morning, who leaned against the counter behind her while you cooked and stole bites with a lazy smirk before you could even plate the food.
And you let him.
You let him wrap his arms around your waist from behind while you stood at the sink, let him kiss the spot beneath your ear that made your breath catch. You let him wrap you both in a blanket when the nights got cold. He would tease you, calling you tiny from how well you fit in that space.
You laughed too much, touched too much, kissed like you didnโt want to stop. And sometimes, you didnโt.
You danced in the kitchen one night to music playing low from an old speaker, his hand warm and firm against the small of your back, your cheek resting on his shoulder as if it had always been meant to fit there.
It started as a joke, you were washing dishes, swaying with the song singing it softly from the speaker on the windowsill. It was an old song. Something smooth and low, something just enough to make your hips sway with rhythm. Neteyam had been leaning against the counter, chewing the last bite of fruit, watching your with that quiet little smirk that had become all too familiar.
โYouโre dancing,โ he noted.
You turn and look at him over your shoulder, โand youโre not.โ
He steals forward, exaggerated and smug, โyouโre saying you want me to?โ
โIโm saying you couldnโt keep up,โ you teased, flicking water in his direction.
His eyes gleamed with challenge.
Before you could retreat, he was there, grabbing the towel from your hands, tossing it aside, and pulling you in by the waist. Your laugh bubbled out of you before you could stop it, light and surprised, your fingers gripping his arms for balance as he spun you into the open space of the kitchen.
You hadnโt expected him to actually be good at it.
But he was, surprisingly graceful, moving with a rhythm that came as naturally as breathing. His steps were confident, fluid, his hands strong and sure at your waist. He twirled you suddenly, catching you with an arm around your back when you stumbled, dizzy with laughter.
โI thought you said I couldnโt keep up?โ he said, voice smug near your ear.
โThat was before you cheated,โ you accused, cheeks flushed and eyes shining.
He grinned, slow and smug. โYou just donโt know how to be led.โ
Before you could reply, he dipped you low, one hand firm at your back, the other holding your hand as you arched with a breathless gasp, your hair brushing the wooden floor. You clutched his shoulder for balance, eyes locked with his. The music kept playing, but in that moment, you could barely hear it.
He didnโt pull you up right away.
Just stood there, holding you like that, close and quiet, his expression unreadable, but something simmered beneath it.
And you suddenly forgot how to breathe when he leaned down and kissed you, deep and passionately.
Sometimes, you caught him staring at you when he thought you werenโt looking, after dinner, when you were tucked into the corner of the couch in one of his oversized shirts; in the garden, when the light caught your hair just right. And when you looked back, he didnโt look away.
But he never said anything. And neither did you.
You kissed like lovers. You moved like partners. You lived like something close to more.
But neither of you used the word.
Because the word would mean permanence.
And this? This wasnโt permanent.
The morning he was supposed to leave came too fast.
The air felt heavy and still, as if the forest itself knew this was the end of something. You stood in the kitchen, a warm mug of tea cupped between your hands, untouched. The steam curled lazily toward the ceiling and vanished, just like everything else good lately seemed to.
He hadnโt come downstairs yet. But you knew he was awake.
Youโd heard his footsteps moving upstairs before the sun had fully risen. He always woke before you now, falling into your rhythm like he was meant to be here. For over a month now, heโd been a presence you could rely on. Youโd gotten used to the way his voice rumbled through your house, to the way he touched things gently, to the sound of him breathing next to you.
He was leaving. And you didnโt know how to hold onto something that was never really yours.
You heard him descending the stairs, and your breath caught without permission. When you turned, he was there, shoulders squared, spear-clothes replaced with something more familiar to him. A satchel was slung over his shoulder, and for the first time since the day you found him, he looked like he belonged to another world.
His world.
Not yours.
He stepped closer, wordless, and took the mug from your hands, setting it gently on the counter. His fingers grazed yours. They lingered for half a second too long. It wasnโt an accident. You didnโt pull away.
You said quietly, โYou donโt have to say anything. I get it.โ
He held your gaze. The look in his eyes was careful, unreadableโuntil it wasnโt. You saw it in the way he blinked a little too slowly, like he was trying not to let it show. The conflict. The sadness.
โYou shouldnโt be alone out here,โ he said.
You gave a half-hearted smile. โI was alone before you. Iโll be fine after.โ
He didnโt agree. But he didnโt argue either.
Instead, he stepped forward and rested his forehead against yours. His hands lifted to your cheeks, cradling your face like something breakable. You closed your eyes and let your breath catch in your throat. The moment stretched, full of everything you couldnโt sayโeverything you wanted to ask but already knew the answer to.
โSo thatโs it?โ you whispered.
There was no reply.
He kissed you. Soft. Intentional. Not rushed. It wasnโt heat or hungerโit was a goodbye. His lips moved against yours like he was trying to memorize you. His hands trembled slightly at your jaw, but he didnโt let go. Not until you had to breathe.
When he pulled away, his forehead rested against yours one last time.
And then he stepped back.
You didnโt stop him. You wanted to, but your feet wouldnโt move.
He looked at you once more. Just once.
He stood there for a moment, shoulders tense, back straightโlike he was bracing himself. Then he looked over, just enough for you to see the conflict in his eyes.
โI keep thinking if I look at you too long, Iโll stay.โ
His voice was low, almost hoarse, but steady. โYou made this place feelโฆ like more than just a place to heal. And I wasnโt ready for that.โ
His fingers tightened on the handle. โBut this, whatever this is between us, itโs not nothing. You know that, right?โ
He looked at you long enough to see you cover your lips with your fingers and nod.
Then he turned, opened the door, and walked out.
The air was thick with the warmth of the afternoon sun as the waves lapped gently against the shore, and the village hummed with life. Tuk and a few of the younger Metkayina children were playing near the edge of the water when the distant figure of a Naโvi appeared. At first, they couldnโt be sure, but thenโ
โNeteyam?โ Tukโs voice was barely a whisper, but it cut through the air like a knife.
In an instant, her eyes widened, and a breathless gasp escaped her lips. โNETEYAM!โ
Her scream rang out, drawing the attention of everyone around. Tukโs small body shot forward, running as fast as her legs could carry her. Her feet kicked up sand as she rushed toward the figure now stepping onto the shore. The other villagers froze for a moment, watching in shock as the younger girl sprinted toward her brother.
Tuk reached him first, her small arms wrapping around his legs as she sobbed, her tears flowing freely. โYouโre aliveโฆ Youโre alive!โ she cried, her voice cracking with emotion.
Tuk never let go of him, clinging desperately to her brother as she looked up at him, still not fully believing her eyes.
Neteyam knelt slightly to pick her up, arms wrapping tightly around her. โHey, little one,โ he whispered, burying his face in her hair. โI missed you too.โ
Loโak didnโt speak. He didnโt move. He just stared, lips parted, his heart thundering in his chest. Then, like something snapped loose inside him, he moved, fast, running to them, barely stopping before he threw his arms around his older brother in a crushing hug. Tuk was squeezed between them, but neither seemed to notice.
Neteyam laughed under his breath, voice thick. โI here baby bro.
Behind them, Kiri came forward, blinking rapidly against her tears. She smiled through them as she reached out to touch Neteyamโs arm. Since one arm held tuk and the other rested on the back of Loโakโs head, Neteyam rest his head on kiriโs when she hugged him. โBrotherโฆyou are safe.โ he whispered as if to confirm it was him.
He had missed them so much, he thought about this day everyday since you saved his laugh.
โWhere are mom and dad?โ Neteyam asked them.
โThey are at home...โ Kiri spoke up softly.
โCome let us go to them,โ Neteyam ushered them along putting Tuk down for her to run ahead, Loโak walked next to him with Neteyamโs arm still on the back of his head and Kiri holding his other hand on the other side of him.
They walk along the path together until they made it in front of the Mauri. Tuk was hyperventilating trying to explain to them Neteyam was there but her words were so fast and jumbled they didnโt understand.
Tuk burst in with a breathless cry, her voice high and jumbled. โHeโs here! Heโsโ I saw himโ outsideโheโs here!โ
Jakeโs brow furrowed. Neytiri looked up immediately, alarm in her eyes. โTuk,โ she said carefully, โslow downโwho is here?โ
But Tuk just spun, pointing to the entrance, tears already brimming. โJust look!โ
Jake and Neytiri exchanged a glance, uncertain, cautious, and then stood, slowly, like they were afraid to hope.
And then he stepped into view.
Neteyam stood tall in the doorway, backlit by the soft glow of the evening. His body was leaner than before, marked with faint scars and sun-darkened skin, but he was there. Whole. Alive.
Neytiri didnโt breathe. Her eyes locked onto his face, wide and wet before her lips even parted.
โNeteyam?โ she whispered, voice cracking.
Jake was frozen beside her, shoulders drawn tight with tension that hadnโt left him since the day they lost him.
But when Neteyam took one step forward and murmured, โHi, saโnok,โ that was all it took.
Neytiri let out a sound somewhere between a sob and a prayer as she crossed the distance in seconds, throwing her arms around him. Her hands clutched at his back, his hair, his face, like she needed to touch every part to believe it was real.
Jake was only a breath behind her, wrapping both of them up in his arms.
Neteyam, once the calmest in the family, trembled under their grip.
โIโm sorry,โ he said, barely audible, voice rough with emotion. โI didnโt mean toโโ
โAgh!โ Neytiri hissed cutting him off, โyou are not at fault my son.โ She reassumed him quickly.
โI should have come back sooner, I was healing. I am sorry.โ Neteyam continued softly.
โAll that matters is that youโre here now.โ Jake said as he held his face looking him in the eyes. โYou are so strong, and we are so proud of you.โ
Neytiri nodded as she sobbed hugging him once more. โThank you, great mother! Thank you!โ
Neteyam gave a small, broken laugh. And then Tuk wrapped herself around his side, Kiri touched his arm gently, and even Loโak, head lowered and eyes red, pulled him into a fierce hug from behind.
He was home.
They sat together in the family mauri, close like they hadnโt been in weeksโno, months. The woven floor creaked softly beneath them as if it remembered their weight. Neytiri hadnโt stopped touching him: her hand brushed over his arm again and again like she couldnโt believe he was solid, real. Jake sat beside her, face unreadable, but his eyes never left Neteyam.
Kiri and Tuk sat cross-legged in front of him, and Loโak curled beside his older brother with his head on his shoulder. The silence that had followed the reunion lingered for only a few more seconds before Jake spoke.
โWhere the hell have you been?โ
The question wasnโt sharp, his voice cracked, it was full of awe and something that sounded like fear still clinging to his voice. Neytiri looked at Neteyam quickly, her brows pinched, echoing the question without saying it aloud.
Loโak added quietly, โWe thought something mustโve taken you. One minute you were on the rock and when we returned you were justโฆgone.โ
โWere you taken?โ Kiriโs voice was gentler, more cautious. โDid someone find you? How did you survive?โ
Neteyamโs eyes dropped to the floor, his fingers moving slowly against the edge of the mat. โItโsโฆ a long story,โ he said finally.
Jake frowned. โWe have time.โ
But Neteyam just shook his head. โI was lucky. Thatโs all. I got out of the water. I healed.โ
โAlone?โ Neytiri asked softly.
His jaw shifted slightly. โNot exactly.โ
They all looked at each other, waiting, the questions thick in the air.
But Neteyam didnโt offer more.
Loโak frowned. โYouโre not gonna tell us what happened?โ
โIโm here. Thatโs what matters.โ His voice was calm, but firm. Unmovable as he rested his hand on Loโakโs head once more.
There was a long pause.
Jakeโs shoulders sank slightly, but he didnโt press. โAlright. We wonโt push.โ
Neytiri reached for his hand and squeezed it gently. โYouโll tell us when youโre ready.โ
Neteyam met her eyes, a flash of guilt there, but also protectiveness. โYeah.โ
The silence settled again, but this time it wasnโt heavy. It was filled with the sound of being together again. The sound of breathing. Of warmth. Of a family no longer broken.
But the mystery remained, where had Neteyam gone? And who had helped him heal?
Over the next two weeks, the cracks in Neteyamโs armor began to show, subtle at first, but impossible to ignore.
It was little things at first, like the way heโd go rigid at the sudden crack of a fish net snapping, or the sharp clang of a pot dropped onto stone. He would still himself completely, eyes darting around before relaxing, but always a second too late, always too visibly. The others noticed. His father said nothing. Neytiri frowned often, quietly watching him from across the marui.
He wasnโt cruel to his siblings, but he wasnโt as patient as heโd always been. One afternoon, Tuk was playing with her shell collection, chattering brightly, when she accidentally dropped one. It cracked sharply on the floor and she let out a high-pitched scream, part startle, part sadness.
Neteyam was on her in an instant.
He knelt in front of her, hands gentle as he turned her arms and checked her legs for injury, for blood, for anything. But there was nothing. Just a wide-eyed little sister with a broken toy. He exhaled shakily, then said, just a touch too sharp, too strained, โWhy? You have nothing to be screaming for.โ
Tukโs lip trembled. She didnโt cry, but her small voice whispered, โIโm sorry.โ
He softened immediately, brushing her hair back with a tender sigh. โNo. Iโm sorry, Tuk. I didnโt mean it like that.โ
His thoughts spiraled in quiet waves, always leading back to you. How you held his face in your hands. How you smelled after your shower. How your fingers twitched when you embroidered, always pulling too tight on the first stitch. The memory of your breath, warm against his throat.
He tried to bury it, keep himself moving. He picked up the bracelet work again. Loโak walked in one day, brows furrowed. โYou donโt even give those to people.โ
Neteyam didnโt answer. He just kept weaving the pattern youโd taught him. Tight, crooked in one corner. Familiar.
It was the singing they noticed first.
Soft and low, barely more than a breath, but always the same melody. A tune no one in the family had heard before, one with an unfamiliar rise and fall, notes that sounded like comfortโฆ and ache. Neteyam hummed it without realizing, usually when his hands were busyโcarving, weaving, or washing. Even when he walked along the shoreline at dusk, the melody trailed behind him like a shadow.
His siblings started to pick up on it. Kiri heard it while braiding her hair one morning and paused, tilting her head toward him. Loโak noticed it when they were spearfishingโNeteyam would drift off, his lips moving soundlessly until he jerked himself back to the moment. Tuk hummed it too, mimicking him unconsciously, but when she asked where it came from, Neteyam just looked away.
The song belonged to you, though he never said your name.
The silence he carried was louder than any melody.
And the sleepโฆ or lack of itโฆ that was next.
He didnโt sleep on his pillow anymore. Not like before. Instead, he wrapped his arms around it, buried his face in the cottony middle, and curled himself tight like he was afraid of unraveling. His tail no longer lay relaxed across the woven mat; it was tucked close to his body, tense. Every few hours, heโd toss and turn, then sit up, wide-eyed and disoriented, breathing hard like heโd just been yanked from some far-off place.
Some nights, he paced in front of the marui, arms folded tight across his chest, jaw tense. Other nights he sat on the edge of his sleeping mat, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor while the rest of the family lay still. His eyes looked bruised with fatigue, but he never said he was tired.
And when he did sleep, it was only for a little while. A flicker of peace, until something small, a shout, a crashing wave, a shell hitting the ground, snapped him back to the surface.
Like the day Kiri accidentally dropped a basket and screamed when it fell apart. Neteyam had flinched so hard he nearly stumbled. He whipped his head to look at her, eyes scanning her arms, her legs, checking for blood, for breaks, for pain. But she was fine just startled. And when he realized there were no injuries, his face shifted.
โWhat the fuck Kiri? Get a grip. Literally,โ he said, calm, but short, his voice clipped and colder than sheโd ever heard it.
Kiri blinked up at him, surprised. His hands were still on her shoulders, but his touch was lighter now. Gentle again. Like he knew heโd overstepped but didnโt have the words to fix it. He stood without another word and walked away. Later that night, he brought her a sweetfruit and kissed her hair in apology, but didnโt bring it up again.
His parents were quiet about it, but they noticed too.
They saw how heโd zone out during meals, fingers moving in patterns they couldnโt recognize, embroidery, little woven strands, sometimes bracelets he didnโt give to anyone. The designs were different from the ones he learned growing up. Too intricate, tooโฆ specific. Clearly taught by someone else but who? They couldnโt say. They watched how he braided strands of twine for hours, all different colors and patterns, then tucked it under his sleeping mat like a secret.
Jake and Neytiri exchanged glances but didnโt press. Not yet. Because their son had come back to them aliveโฆ but not entirely whole.
And while they didnโt know who he was grieving, they could see it in everything he did.
Even the way he hummed that melody in the middle of the night, just loud enough to keep himself company, just quiet enough to mourn.
The glow of the bioluminescent lanterns outside the marui flickered faintly, casting soft light through the woven walls. Neteyam lay on his side on the sleeping mat, eyes half open, his arm loosely clutching the pillow heโd once only used for support. Now, he held it as if it were grounding him, something to anchor him in the silence of his own mind.
Behind him, Loโakโs forehead was pressed gently to his back, breathing slow and even. Heโd done this every night since Neteyam came home. Said nothing about it. Just curled up behind him like he needed to be sure he was real, listening to the steady beat of his heart before he could sleep himself.
A soft rustle stirred the quiet, and Neteyamโs ears twitched before he turned his head slightly toward the sound.
Neytiri stood at the entrance of the marui, her presence light, careful not to startle. Her eyes searched his in the dim glow soft, loving, concerned.
โCanโt sleep?โ she asked gently, crouching beside him.
Neteyam didnโt speak at first. Just blinked slowly, then nodded. โSome nights are harder than others.โ
She reached forward, brushing her fingers through his braids the way she had when he was younger. โYou do not have to hold it all inside, ma โitan.โ
โIโm not,โ he murmured. Then quieter, โNot all of it.โ
Neytiri tilted her head, watching his face. โYou jump when things fall. You are quiet when you used to laugh. You are here, but your spirit is still traveling.โ
He swallowed, shifting slightly, careful not to wake Loโak. โIโm justโฆ tired, saโnok. Thatโs all.โ
โYou hold your pillow like someone who misses the weight of a body beside them,โ she said softly, her tone tender, not accusing. โYou hum songs you did not know before. And you walk at night like the stars will answer you.โ
Neteyamโs jaw tightened, but his eyes glistened with something unspoken.
โI am not asking for your secrets,โ Neytiri added. โJust your heart. Let it rest, even for a little while.โ
โIโm trying,โ he whispered. His voice cracked just slightly. โI really am.โ
She leaned in and kissed his forehead, then rested her own there for a long moment. โYou donโt have to carry the whole war inside you anymore.โ
When she pulled back, she smiled gently, brushing a thumb along his temple. โGoodnight, ma yawntu.โ
โGoodnight, saโnok,โ he murmured.
Neytiri glanced at Loโak still sleeping soundly behind him, pressed to his back like a second heartbeat. Her eyes softened again. Then, without another word, she slipped out, leaving the siblings bundled in quiet comfort, one dreaming, the other still chasing peace behind heavy eyelids.
The sun had barely climbed above the tide when voices echoed outside the Sully family mauri โ familiar, lighthearted. Loโak stepped out first to greet them, the sound of splashing feet in the shallows carrying over the breeze.
Aonung and Tsireya.
It had been nearly a month since the clan believed Neteyam was dead, taken by the sea before they could say goodbye. Now, he was alive. Healing. Quiet. Changed.
Neteyam sat cross-legged on his sleeping mat, back straight, hands loosely clasped. His shoulders tensed when he heard their laughter. It was strange, heโd missed them. Heโd once teased Aonung over every clumsy spear throw and laughed until his stomach hurt at Tsireyaโs mimicry of her fatherโs scolding tone. But today, something coiled tight in his chest.
They stepped into view.
Tsireya.
His breath caught.
She looked just like you in the sunlight.
The wide, curious eyes. The soft shape of her mouth when she smiled. The way her hair framed her face, falling like waves over her shoulders. His mind buckled beneath the weight of memories, the scent of your skin after a shower, your laugh when you danced around the cabin, your fingers pulling thread through cloth as you taught him embroidery. Tsireyaโs presence was a mirror, not a perfect one, but close enough to sting.
He stood slowly, greeting them with a half-smile. โYou came to see if Iโm real.โ
Tsireya laughed, warm and sweet. โYouโre not a ghost. That much is clear.โ
Neteyamโs eyes didnโt leave hers. Not a ghost, she said, but he felt like one, like something still tethered to someone not here.
Aonung clapped him on the shoulder. โYou look like you wrestled a palulukan and won. Barely.โ
They laughed. Neteyam smiled, but it didnโt reach his eyes.
Later, when they all sat for lunch, Neteyam made space next to him and wordlessly tapped the mat, motioning Tsireya over. She glanced at Loโak, who gave her a subtle nod. She settled beside Neteyam, and he immediately rested his hand on her knee, a gesture so natural, no one questioned it. Except Loโak, who paused mid-bite.
Neteyam didnโt notice. He was focused on the way Tsireyaโs lips curled as she bit into a piece of grilled fish, not because he was interested in her, but because he remembered the way you did that. The way youโd wrinkle your nose at certain spices. The way youโd hum without realizing it when food made you happy.
He leaned in and murmured something, making her laugh again. She was flattered โ she thought he was just being sweet. Heโd always been her best friend, like a big brother in a way. She assumed this was just him returning to who he was.
But Neteyam wasnโt who he was. Not anymore.
The longer the visit went on, the more attached he became. He walked with Tsireya to the reef where she helped tend to the clanโs younger swimmers, always a step too close. When she crouched to fix a childโs fins, he stood behind her, hand resting lightly on her shoulder. When she laughed, his eyes softened. When she smiled, his lips parted, as if a memory had just hit him like a wave.
And he didnโt even realize what he was doing.
Loโak noticed, though. He noticed everything. The way Neteyam always found a reason to pull Tsireya aside. The way he no longer sat by him at meals, how he had a hand on her arm, her waist, her shoulder, always.
Loโak watched his brother quietly spiral, swallowed by a grief he never named, and a need he didnโt understand.
And Neteyam?
Neteyam just kept seeing you.
Everywhere.
It started with subtle glances. The way Neteyamโs eyes lingered too long when Tsireya smiled. The way heโd fall silent mid-sentence just to watch her laugh. At first, no one said anything. Maybe they thought it was joy, the kind of light-heartedness that came with healing. Maybe they were just relieved to see him alive.
But it didnโt stop.
It got worse.
Neteyam followed her. Everywhere. If Tsireya helped prepare meals, he was beside her, his hands brushing hers when she reached for seaweed or fish. If she went to the shoreline to teach the younglings, he stood behind her, arms crossed, eyes never straying. When she turned, she always found him already watching.
It was obsessive, quiet and unspoken, but visible in every move.
When she sat, he sat behind her and pulled her between his legs like it was instinct. When she laughed, he laughed, even if he didnโt catch the joke. When she reached for something, his hand was already there. Too eager. Too close.
Tsireya didnโt question it.
Neteyam had always been kind, comforting. And she thought, maybe after what he went through, he just needed familiarity. He was her friend. Maybe he missed her.
But it wasnโt her he was seeing.
It was you.
Every movement, every look, every word she spoke it reminded him of you. But not in a nostalgic, gentle way. No, it consumed him. When she smiled, he swore his heart clenched. When she walked ahead of him, he blinked and saw you โ your hair bouncing as you turned to grin at him. When she laughed, he imagined your voice beneath hers. It all blurred. Like a fever dream. Like he was drunk on a memory.
And his family began to notice.
Kiri watched him during dinner, chewing slowly, her brow furrowed. The way he always offered Tsireya food first. The way his arm always found its way around her back. The way he no longer looked at anyone else.
Tuk noticed too. She was too young to name it, but she stared a lot. Her big eyes darting between her big brother and Tsireya like she didnโt understand what she was seeing, but she saw the way he stared at her. Almost in the same way she noticed Loโak looks at her.
Neytiri, sitting near the hearth one evening, turned to Jake and whispered, โHeโs holding on to something. Do you see it?โ
Jake only nodded. His eldest son sat across from them, hands idly weaving another bracelet. Another one with strange knots and colors. Patterns he never used before. Patterns only you had taught him.
But it was Loโak who saw the most.
Because Tsireya was his.
Heโd been so happy when Neteyam came home. He missed him more than words could carry. And for a while, everything felt whole again. But it cracked slowly โ painfully โ when he started seeing Neteyam reaching for Tsireyaโs hand before he could. When Neteyam stood too close. Sat too close. Touched her hair without asking.
When Loโak came back from a dive one afternoon, dripping and breathless, he saw Neteyam laughing with Tsireya โ his hands gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She smiled, oblivious.
Loโak stopped mid-step, staring.
Neteyam didnโt even notice him.
Didnโt see him.
That night, Loโak didnโt sleep. He lay on his side, staring at his brotherโs back, the rise and fall of Neteyamโs breathing. And like every night since Neteyam came home, Loโak gently rested his forehead between his brotherโs shoulder blades, listening to his heartbeat.
But that night, Neteyamโs heart was racing. Too fast.
Loโak whispered, โWhatโs going on with you, bro?โ But Neteyam didnโt answer. He never answered.
The next day, Neteyam got quiet. Detached. Like he knew something was wrong and couldnโt explain it. He started singing softly while working, that same strange song again. The one no one recognized. Over and over. A lullaby. Your lullaby.
Neteyamโs affection for Tsireya was no longer subtle. His family had begun noticing it in clearer moments, when he wasnโt trying to appear collected. One afternoon, while Loโak was off gathering shellfish, Neteyam spotted Tsireya weaving fishing baskets with his sister and without hesitation, walked over, crouched beside her, and brushed her hair back from her cheek with a tenderness that startled even her. She smiled, unsure, assuming it was one of their old familiar gestures, but Kiri saw the look in Neteyamโs eyes, intense, distracted, reverent and felt something in her chest tighten.
During a communal meal, he asked Tsireya to sit next to him, again. When she hesitated, glancing between him and Loโak, Neteyam gently took her wrist and guided her down beside him, handing her a piece of roasted fruit with a soft smile. Neytiri watched silently from across the mat, her eyes narrowing just slightly.
Neteyam started making things for her. One evening, Kiri walked past him at the edge of the reef, where he sat alone, stringing a bracelet with the exact knot pattern you had taught him. But when Kiri asked who it was for, he tucked it behind his back and murmured, โNo one. Just practice.โ Hours later, it was braided into Tsireyaโs hair.
Loโak tried to ignore it at first. Tried to explain it away, Neteyam was healing, disoriented, confused. But it kept happening. Neteyam started offering to escort Tsireya during her clan duties, would walk with her in silence, his gaze fixed forward, occasionally slipping his hand into hers like it was the most natural thing in the world. Once, when she stopped to fix her net, he sat behind her, wrapping his arms loosely around her waist while she worked. Loโak saw them. He didnโt say anything. Not yet.
The others noticed too. Aonung, usually quick to tease, grew quiet, throwing glances between Neteyam and Loโak with a furrowed brow. Kiri kept her distance, choosing silence over confrontation, though her gaze lingered on her older brother longer than usual, trying to decipher what had broken in him.
Neteyam was drifting. Delusional in a way he couldnโt admit to himself, not even when the truth pressed down like a wave about to pull him under.
He didnโt even see Tsireya anymore.
Not really.
Every time she laughed, it was your laugh he heard light, airy, wrapped in something only he had ever known. When her fingers brushed his, his skin prickled like yours had touched him instead, soft and certain, with that quiet boldness you always carried. Tsireya would smile up at him, wide-eyed and kind, and all he could think was there you are.
In the curve of Tsireyaโs mouth, he saw the way you used to smirk at him when you knew he was watching you. In her eyes, he swore he caught the same stormy glint youโd get when you were teasing him or trying not to smile too wide. Her hair when it clung to her shoulders after a dive looked just like yours had that night when he kissed you in the kitchen, his hands in your wet hair, your mouth all heat.
It happened slowly, then all at once.
One morning, Tsireya handed him a fruit and her fingers grazed his palm, and he smiledโnot at her, but at you. He looked right at her and called her by your name. Softly. Naturally. Like it was always meant to be that way.
She tilted her head, confused, but Neteyam didnโt notice, he didnโt even notice the way he brushed it off when she questioned it changing the subject to something that distracted her..
In his mind, you were smiling at him. Youโd just brought him something to eat, you were laughing like you did when he stole bites from your fingers. You were standing right there in front of him, just like always.
When Tsireya asked him to help gather shells for the clanโs ritual, he agreed without hesitation, thinking it was you asking him to take a walk by the shoreline, to do something domestic and sweet and yours. He barely heard her voice anymore. His brain filtered it into something softer. Your tone. Your cadence.
At dinner, when everyone was seated and Loโak beckoned Tsireya to sit beside him, Neteyamโs hand was already tugging her wrist toward the spot next to him. He didnโt even glance at Loโak. His eyes were glued to her no, you like if he let go, youโd disappear all over again.
And when she settled beside him and laughed about something someone said, he turned to her and whispered, โYouโre beautiful when you laugh like that.โ
She blinked. โNeteyam?โ
But he didnโt even hear the hesitation in her voice. He only saw the faint light on her cheeks, the way her hair swayed against her collarbone. He leaned in like it was natural. Like heโd done it a hundred times before. Because he had with you.
โYou always do that,โ he said, voice low, fond. โYou tilt your head like that when youโre trying not to blush.โ
Tsireya blinked again. โWhat?โ
But Neteyam only smiled, thumb brushing the edge of her jaw gently. He was gone. Fully, entirely lost in you.
To him, this wasnโt Tsireya anymore.
It hadnโt been for days.
It was you, back from the cabin, here in front of him again. He didnโt realize how often he whispered your name. How his voice wrapped around it like a prayer. How his grip lingered too long, his eyes saw someone else, his heart responded to a ghost.
The only person who noticed the unraveling was Loโak.
He watched his brother sit beside his girlfriend like she belonged to him. Watched him touch her hair with a faraway look. Watched him smile at her like she held the entire sky in her handsโand not once, not once, did he call her by name.
Loโakโs chest tightened with dread. Because he didnโt know who this version of Neteyam was. And he was scared to find out what it would take to bring his brother back.
The tide was low and gentle that afternoon, the water pulling rhythmically at the sand with soft hushing sounds. Loโak was returning from a dive task, surfacing with a bundle of netted sea urchins slung over his shoulder, droplets dripping from his hair as he approached the shore.
Thatโs when he saw them.
Tsireya sat on a woven mat of dried reeds, a shallow basket resting between her crossed legs, her fingers nimbly sorting through small, polished shells and tiny coral pieces. And behind herโNeteyam. Legs outstretched on either side of her, his arms looped loosely around her shoulders, chin brushing the side of her head, body curved around hers like she belonged to him.
They were laughing.
Not loudly, just that shared, intimate kind of laughter between two people lost in each otherโs orbit. Neteyam was murmuring something to her, soft and teasing, his voice low near her ear. She leaned her head back lightly against his chest and smiled, relaxed, content.
He plucked a shell from her hand, pretending to inspect it dramatically before holding it up in mock approval. โThis one?โ he asked, eyes on her. โToo pretty to be left alone.โ
She giggled, reaching up to nudge his chin. โYouโre not even helping.โ
โI am,โ he protested lightly, wrapping his arm more snugly around her. โIโm the emotional support.โ
Loโak stood still, halfway between the ocean and the sand, saltwater still clinging to his skin. At first he thought maybe it was innocent. His brother and his girlfriend had always been close. But something was different now. Something in the way Neteyam held her like it was second nature. The way his fingers brushed hers when she reached into the basket. The way his gaze lingered on her smile a fraction too long. The way he looked at her like she was the only thing keeping him from falling apart.
It hit Loโak like a sucker punch.
Neteyam wasnโt looking at Tsireya like a friend.
He was looking at her like she was his.
Like she was someone he needed.
Loโakโs gut twisted. The weight of it made his chest feel tight. He watched for one more second, then turned sharply on his heel and stormed up the path, each step heavier than the last.
He couldnโt ignore it anymore. Tsireya was the love of his life, Neteyam knew that before he got shot.
Loโak stormed into the family mauri, chest heaving, dripping wet from the ocean, salt still clinging to his skin. The sack of gathered shells fell from his shoulder with a dull thump onto the floor. The sound made Neytiriโs head snap up from where she was weaving. Jake looked up from carving a small piece of driftwood, and Kiri paused, hand midair with her gathering bowl.
He stood there, fists balled at his sides, trying to keep it in, but it spilled out anyway.
โI canโt keep watching this.โ
Jake frowned. โWhat happened?โ
Loโak didnโt answer right away. He stepped deeper into the room, rubbing his hand over his face like he couldnโt believe what he saw.
โI went to the reef after the storm. I was helping gather shell bundles the current dragged outโฆโ His voice was unsteady. โAnd I saw them.โ
โWho?โ Kiri asked softly.
โNeteyam. Tsireya.โ
Neytiriโs hands went still in her lap.
Loโak scoffed, a bitter sound. โHe had her between his legs. They were sitting in the sand like they do it every fucking day, his arms around her, helping her sort through little fucking shells, whispering to her. She was laughing. Leaning back against him like they wereโฆ like they were together.โ
Jakeโs expression tightened.
Loโakโs voice cracked. โHe never looked at her like that. Never. Before heโbefore the ship, before everythingโhe- she was his friend, his best friend.. She was mine. I brought her into our family, I brought her home, and not himโฆโ
He shook his head like it physically hurt. โNow he wonโt leave her side. He follows her when she walks. He sits next to her at every meal. He touches her shoulder when he talks. Heโs always smiling at her. I canโt even get a minute alone with my own girlfriend. He just pops up out of fucking no where and takes her away casually.โ
He looked between them, desperate. โWhy is he doing this?โ
Kiriโs brow furrowed. โMaybe heโs trying to reconnectโโ
โNo,โ Loโak snapped. โThis isnโt about reconnecting. Heโs obsessed. He acts like heโs known her forever. Like he sees something else when he looks at her.โ
Neytiri stood, slowly approaching him. โLoโak, your brother went through something we donโt understand. He almost died. Maybe heโs notโโ
โHeโs not right,โ Loโak whispered, his voice breaking. โHeโs not who he was. He looks at her like he loves her, he looks at her the way I look at her, but I swear to Eywa, he doesnโt even see her. Itโs like he sees someone else in her face. Like heโs talking to a ghost.โ
The silence that followed was heavier than the storm that had passed that morning.
Jakeโs jaw was tight. Kiri looked away, worried and thoughtful. And Neytiri, heart aching, placed a hand on Loโakโs shoulder.
But Loโak just looked at the fire, eyes flickering.
โI donโt know who my brother is anymore,โ he said. โAnd I donโt think he does either.โ
Jakeโs jaw was tight, his hands clasped together as he leaned forward. โWe need to figure this out,โ he said, voice low and tense. โThis isnโt just about him acting strangeโheโs not here. Heโs somewhere else in his head.โ
โHeโs obsessed more like it, with My tsireya.โ Loโak muttered, still fuming, pacing with his arms folded.
Kiri watched him, eyes sharp with worry. โHe is. I think there was someone elseโฆ when he was gone. Thatโs why heโs not himself. He left part of himself behindโmaybe with her.โ
Neytiri, quiet until now, looked toward the entrance of the mauri. โThen we need to draw it out of him gently. He wonโt talk if he feels cornered.โ
Jake gave a slow nod. โSo, hereโs what we doโwe keep him close. Watch. Ask things that sound innocent, things that might slip past his defenses. Especially things about where he was, how he survived.โ
โWe bring Tsireya around less,โ Kiri added. โMaybe if heโs seeing someone else in her, maybe distance will help him see clearly.โ
Loโakโs shoulders dropped slightly. โAnd if he doesnโt come around?โ
Jake looked at his son, his voice firm but calm. โThen we help him remember who he is. Even if it means dragging it out of him piece by piece.โ
Neytiri nodded. โTogether.โ
They all sat in the quiet a moment longer, the hum of the ocean beyond their walls steady waiting. Watching. Planning.
Because something was broken inside Neteyamโฆ and they couldnโt ignore it any longer.
โNeteyam is scary broโฆ no way this works. I think heโll lash out if you take tsireya away from him, even if itโd slowly. Heโs like her shadow. Heโll notice.โ Loโak says after a beat of silence.
โYour right but Neteyam would never hurt usโ Kiri went on looking between them. โBut weโve seen what he can do, we all know what he is capable off.โ
โLike when that shoulder knocked spider over?โ Loโak added. โNeteyam practically tore him apart. He didnโt even blink.โ
Jake exhales through his nose, he was the reason Neteyam was so highly trained. โHeโs trained to end threats, not negotiate with them.โ
โWe are assuming here from Loโakโs description that heโs seeing someone else. The. He is right. What if he snaps?โ
Silence.
It was Loโak, surprisingly, who voice the next idea, โwhat if we do the opposite?โ Everyone looked at him. โWhat if we use Tsireya? Not as bait but as a way in, maybe heโll open up and talk to her.โ
Kiri frowned, โhe is not going to admit anything. Assuming he doesnโt know heโs doing it.โ
โBut maybe she can lead him there,โ Jake said, catching on. โIf we prep her, really explain what we think is going on, she could ease it out of him, ask the right questions.โ
Neytiriโs frown depends, โyou are assuming sheโll even believe us. My son is leveled headed in any situation. Everyone knows that. Why would she believe that Neteyam if all people is delusional and seeing someone else if her eyes?โ
Sure enough the next morning they gentle pulled tsireya aside and say her down explaining what they thought might be going on with Neteyam. They explained they thought he was lost, fantasizing about someone else. And she blinked, wide-eyed and confused.
She shook her head genuinely puzzled. โButโฆheโs not in love with me. He never was. I am with you Loโak. And now heโs justโฆ sweet. Clingy, yes, butโฆnot delusional.
Jake stepped in, โwe think that itโs not you heโs seeing tsireya. We donโt have another explanation for why heโd act like this out of nowhere.โ
Loโakโs voice was tight, more hit than angry now. โYouโre not who he thinks you are. But if you talk to him, if you help him open up about what happened when he wasnโt here. When he was healing that gunshot wound that should have killed him. Heโll go back to being your friend. My brother.โ
She was quiet for a long time but ultimately decided to help. โWhat do I even ask him?โ
The truth was, they were all worried this could go wrong. Neteyam was a weapon forged in war. But he was also a son, and a brother, a friend. And he was loved, they cared.
It was nearing twilight when Tsireya entered the Sully family mauri, soft-voiced and tentative. The air inside was still, heavy with the scent of the ocean and herbal smoke. Jake sat cross-legged near the fire pit, feigning focus on carving. Neytiri was sorting through drying herbs. Kiri shelled seeds in the corner. Loโak had returned from his task not long before and stood off to the side, jaw tight, watching.
Neteyam was sitting on his sleeping mat, hair tied back loosely, a bracelet half-finished in his lap. His expression shifted the moment he saw Tsireya โ softened, lit with affection. โHey,โ he murmured. โCome sit with me.โ
She did, settling cross-legged beside him, close as always. She gave a polite nod to the rest of his family, then turned to him. โI wanted to ask you something.โ
Neteyam nodded, relaxed. โAnything.โ
โDo you remember the first time you woke up? After you got hurt?โ she asked, gently.
His gaze shifted to look at her for a second, โof course I do. I remember everything.you were there.โ
Tsireya hesitated, โwhat was I doing?โ
Neteyam chuckled, โshe- you stitched me up and stopped the bleeding then put me on your couch to sleep and I woke up after a while and you were asleep in the couch right in front of me. You rememberโฆ. I had threatened to stab you I thought I was captured by the RDA. But I wasnโt it was just you and me in the cabin.โ
They all heard it, โSheโ they were right.
Jake subtly looked up. Kiri had stopped shelling seeds, Neytiriโs hands slowed and Loโak rubbed his hands over his face.
โAndโฆ.the song?โ Tsireya continued carefully, โwhat song did I sing?โ
โYou know it?โ He said quickly. โYou turned on the radio in the windowsill, you sang the words so much I memorized it, you said it was one of your favorite songs, it wasโฆ. we danced in the kitchen.โ
He looked at her with pure devotion.
His family was reeling. They didnโt know what to think.
โAnd the brackets,โ she went on, โwhen did you learn to make those?โ
He smiled. โYou taught me, my second week. We sat outside in the grass, and you taught me. Made me promise one day Iโd teach someone else the patterns, so theyโll stay alive?โ
His face dropped a little.
Kiriโs brow pulled together.
Loโak had stood up, taking a step then back.
Tsireya whispered, โandโฆwhere are we right now?โ
Neteyam blinked.
โYou and meโ she clarified. โWhere are we?โ
He looked around at the mauri, his family seated around, and for a second his face twisted in confusion, โwe are in my family home. It is not the forest though.โ
He knew where he was, they noted.
Tsireya swallowed. โNeteyamโฆ do you see me?โ
He stared at her confused, โof course I see you.โ
โNo.โ She pressed, voice breaking a little. โDo you seeโฆme? Not the woman you spent time within the cabin, not who saved your life. Do you see me Neteyam?โ
He frowned, visibly disturbed, โwhy are you talking like this? Why are you pretending?โ His voice was strained now, shaken. โWhy are you pretending it wasnโt you who saved me? You are. You kept me alive. You were there.โ
The room held its breath.
Tsireya didnโt respond.
Neteyam reached for her hand, gripping it tightly. โwhy are you doing this to me? Donโt you remember? The cabin on the cliff, nice open yard space, private garden where you grow fruits and vegetables to cook and eat. The..porch swing? How could you forget?โ
Tsireyaโs breath hitched, her voice nearly there. โI wasnโt there.โ
He froze.
Slowly her grip on his hands tightened. โThat wasnโt me, Neteyam.โ
The world around him tilted. His moth hoarded, but no sound came out yet.
โWhy are you saying this? All of this happened, and so much more.โ He stressed, โand then I brought you here. Home! To my family, I- youโฆ.you had dinner and my parents, my brother, my sisters they like you!โ
His eyes dart around to his family.
Kiri stood up, Jake stepped forward, face tense calm, but wary, โsonโโ
โNo! Dad! Donโt you like her? Isnโt she amazing? She saved my life sheโฆ for once I didnโt have toโฆshe took care of me!โ Neteyamโs voice was getting louder.
He let go of her hands and stood up fast, the sleeping mat shifted under his feet. โNo. No, no, no, donโt do think. Why are you all doing this?โ
โMy son, you are not well,โ Neytiri said softly.
โI am fine,โ he snapped, โshe justโฆ sheโs confused, why are you confusing her?โ
Tsireya stood up her hands on his shoulder as he tried to calm him. โNeteyam pleaseโโ
His eyes dart from here to everyone else. โWhy are you all acting like she isnโt here? She is here! She was there! She saved me!โ
Loโak stepped forward, โyou're not talking to her. You think you are but yours not.โ He tried to be as gentle as possible.
Neteyam turned to him trembling, breathing shallow.
โI donโt know who yours seeing, I donโt know who you think is here brother. But itโs not Tsireya.โ
โTsireya? I donโt want Tsireya sheโs your girlfriend bro, what are you saying?โ
โNeteyam.โ Loโak walked up to him holding his shoulders as he spoke again, โlook at her.โ Neteyam eyes darted unsure. What were they saying to him. โLook at her.โ He repeated and he did. He looked at her. He saw you he still saw you and he was about to protest but then he saw it. A flicker of blue where your golden eyes were and it changed. Straight hair to curly, lighter skin, thick arms, legs, tail. He said tsireya.
He stumbled back abruptly, almost tripping over his own feet. His hand push Loโak away and he rubbed them over his face. He shut his eyes and open them, and you were gone.
โNo, noโฆ this isnโtโฆโ he whispered. The memory of you flickering like flame behind his eyes, โwhere did you go?โ He asked the air. โWhere didโฆ what the fuck!โ
โIโm not crazy I swear Iโm not crazy, youโre- sheโs real! Mom! Sheโs real!โ He was practically shouting now.
โShe saved me life when you all left to get Kiri and tuk off that ship! You thought I died you left! She came up from the ocean and saw me! Saw life in me and she saved me! Stopped the bleeding and stitched it up so I could wake up! Sheโฆshe cooked and helped me regain strength; she was peaceful. So peaceful and I- sheโฆ I brought her home..โ he whispered the last part.
Neytiri with tears in her eyes walked up to her son, โI believe you, calm downโโ
โCalm down? I- where is she!?โ
Jake quick on his feet, held onto his son to ground him. โHey, hey, hey. Look at me boy.โ
Neteyam listened, still panting.
โWhatโs her name?โ
โโฆy/nโ
He knows now, you were not here. You were never here. Did he really leave you in the cabin. Eywa, he wishes he didnโt. He couldnโt leave everything behind. He wanted you to come. Why didnโt he ask you to come?
โHow much time passed since I came back here?โ
โAlmost two months sonโ Neytiri answered.
Two months. Two whole months youโve been alone while heโd been delusional and in love with you to the point where he imagined you in another person. Why did he leave you there? The question echoed. What was his excuse. You didnโt mean nothing. You meant everything.
Neteyam bolted outside, his family confused followed him watching him call his ikran and bond quickly shooting into the sky. His mother didnโt let him get far before she called her own and they all followed. Tsireya riding with Loโak followed Neteyam into the sky.
โNeteyam!โ Jakeโs voice cracked through the air.
โBro, STOP!โ Loโak yelled, desperately chasing the blur of blue and war paint ahead.
But Neteyam didnโt hear them.
Or rather, he did, but it didnโt matter.
He couldnโt stop. Not now. He knew where he was going. The wind stung his face; his eyes burned with salt and memory. He gripped Seze tighter, as if she could sense the ache in his soul. And maybe she could. She flew harder, faster.
His shoulders trembled. His mind replayed the look on your face when you first reached for him that night in the cabin. How you pressed a cloth to his wound. The warmth of your hands. The quiet strength in your voice.
โYouโre safe.โ
He let out a low, broken sound, part gasp, part cry.
He had to find you. He needed you.
Behind him, the Sullys followed in silence. Watching him, helpless and afraid. Jakeโs jaw clenched. Neytiriโs heart raced with motherโs dread. Loโakโฆ Loโak couldnโt even feel angry anymore.
โHeโs not stopping,โ Kiri murmured.
โNo,โ Jake said grimly, eyes locked on his son. โHeโs not.โ
The wind howled around them as they cut through the sky, chasing after Neteyam, who chased the only piece of peace he had left. You.
The cliff winds howled around him as Seze descended sharply, banking with precision toward the narrow ledge beside the cabin tucked into the trees. The ocean stretched wide and wild below, waves crashing violently against the cliff, but Neteyam didnโt hear them. All he could hear was the hammering of his heart and the blood rushing in his ears.
The cabin stood where it always had, carved partially into the stone, half wood and half earth, smoke curling faintly from the chimney. That meant someone was here.
That meant you were here.
His eyes dart around sharply looking for you and he saw you. Sitting in the porch swing cleaning some fruits from a basket you had on the table next to you.
Neteyam bolted. Ran as fast as he could to get to you. When you didnโt see him and look up your thought you were dreaming. โHe came back?โ
You stood up slowly and he didnโt slow down, he didnโt stop. He just crashed into you, arms wrapping around you like you were the most importantly thing in the world.
He was much stronger than when he had left. You almost lost track of time, it had beenโฆnearly two months since the last time you saw him. He was leaner, more muscular, his hair was braided again. โNeteyamโฆโ you whisper into his chest.
Your hands had slowly wrapped around his back molding into him like you did a million times before.
โI thought IโฆI thought I imagined you. Eywa youโre real.โ
He pulled back and held you face in his hands, stroking your cheek idly, โof course I am real.โ Your hand went up to rest on his. He was about to pull you in for a kiss but was stopped.
โNeteyam.โ He knew that voice, his motherโs sharp tone cut through the air.
Neteyam didnโt let you go; he pulled you back to his body shielding you from them. His mother stalked towards them, her knife held in her hand, he knew if she got the opportunity sheโd strike.
His father, brother and sister were behind her moments after. The tension was thick even though they were several paces behind his mother. Loโak watched in dread, holding tsireyaโs hand to keep her close to him. Kiri furrowed her eyebrows. And Jake stood, jaw clenched.
Your eyes darted from his mother to his father, then his siblings. You had no idea who they were. He didnโt talk about them. You didnโt ask but you just knew in your gut. They were his family.
His motherโs voice was low and furious, โsheโs one of them Neteyam.โ
โShe is not,โ he snapped, still holding you close, โshe saved me.โ
โWe thought you were dead. You vanished. For weeks!โ
โShe found me bleeding on that rock.โ He yelled, voice cracking. โI wouldnโt died if not for her. She stayed, she cared for me. Sheโโ
He looked down at you again his hands bringing you impossibly closer. His breathing hitched, โshe never left.โ
Neytiri turned to you. Her eyes were sharp, untrusting, like a blade drown just before it strikes. โWhy?โ She asked, voice low and hard, โwhy help him? Why hide him? Why not bring him back to us?โ Her voice got louder, more strained.
You opened your mouth be no words came, before it could, Neteyam a stepped in again, more desperate now. โShe didnโt know who I was. I threatened to kill her the first nightโhad a knife pointed at her. And stillโฆshe took care of me. She didnโt even know my name! She justโฆhelped.
His motherโs lips pressed into a tight line. Her stare hadnโt heft you. Every instinct in her screamed danger, this was no ordinary woman. You were from the RDA, an avatar. And her son had chased hallways across the sky to fall into your arms like a wounded child seeking home.
Loโak broke the silence with a step forward, โso what now?โ His voice was low and heavy. โWe justโฆleave him here?โ
Jake placed a hand on his shoulder, steadying him.
Kiri whispered, โhe is not the same. You saw him these past weeksโฆ he wasnโt himself without her.โ
Still his mother didnโt back down, โthat does not make her safe.โ
But Neteyam turned back towards her, tears barely held back, โshe is. She is the only reason I am alive, the reason Iโm standing here. Please, saโnok.โ
For the first time in her life, Neytiri hesitated.
She saw her son not as the warrior, but as the boy, fractured and trembling. She looked again at you, not as a soldier, but as someone holding him like he mattered.
She didnโt lower her guard. Not yet. But she took one step back.
Jakeโs voice finally broke in, loud and firm. โAlright enough! You will tell us everything! And I mean everything boy. Right now.โ
Neteyam sat bringing your body down with his. Held you close legs wrapped around you as if to crest a barrier between you and everyone else. Jake walked to Neytiri and took her knife sitting her down gently and sat next to her, Kiri and Loโak on the other side of him and tsireya slightly behind Loโak.
โWhat happened brother?โ Kiri asked him softly.
He looked at her before his eyes dart to his parents then brother, โthe day I got shot on the rock, I didnโt die. Iโm sure you all thought so but I didnโt. She was in the ship and swan up, only noticed me on the rock after.โ
โI noticed he was alive and Iโฆ couldnโt just let him dieโ you finally spoke. You sat up as straight as you could since it was clear Neteyam wasnโt about to let you go.
โI brought him here because I didnโt have anything on me out there to help him. He was unconscious and he felt until almost the next day, when he woke up naturally, he had questions. Threatened to stab me, when he found out I was RDA he tried to leave but his injury was severe, he couldnโt even walk.โ You explain softly.
The next few days I didnโt trust her, I didnโt even want her help, but she stayed with me all night in the couch since I couldnโt go anyways her else. Helped me clean up the dry blood if my skin in places I couldnโt reach. She cooked and fed me, helped me regain my strength.โ Neteyam said softly.
โAnd I thought about you allโฆ everyday. But I was in no condition to travel, and I couldnโt make her take me home. For her to fly in there and get an arrow to the chest? Sheโs the reason Iโm alive, sheโฆ I...โ he couldnโt find the words.
โWhy didnโt you tell us?โ Jake asked.
โI didnโt know howโd you would all react to this. Itโs not that I wanted to keep it from you. Itโs more I didnโt want you to think that she is a bad person because of where she comes from. Dad sheโฆdidnโt even know my name.. if she had some alternative agenda I would have been in a jail cell of dead. Not here.โ He gestured to the cabin.
โWe bonded over music and stars, we didnโt talk about the past or the RDA we were just in the moment, I didnโt have to worry, I wasnโt on guard for the first time in years, I relaxed.โ He continued.
Jake exhaled through his nose and rubbed the bridge of it, his elbow propped on his knee. โSo l-let me get this straight,โ he said slowly, glancing between the two of you. โYou were out here. With her. For over a month. And you didnโt think to send word back to us?โ
โWhat was I supposed to do dad? Send a carrier pigeon? A text? Say โhey dad Iโm alive, this pretty girl from the RDA saved me and now Iโm living in a cabin in a cliff Iโll be back in a couple weeks.โโ
Loโak snorted and Kiri covered her mouth to stop from laughing. Neytiri let out a hiss and Jake raises a hand, โdonโt sass me boy. You can see where I might have issues understanding this situation.โ
The words hung in the air like a storm cloud.
๐ฉตReblogs, likes and comments are always appreciated.
Sometimes I remember that Neteyam died afraid, he died in pain, he died missing his home, without saying the things he wanted to say, without doing the things he wanted to do, he died without saying goodbye to his family, without seeing his sisters and grandmother for the last time, without seeing his home again, he died away from his people, he died with his oppressorsโ metal piercing his heart and tearing his flesh apart, and even after he was gone, even after his torment was supposed to be over, even after he was supposed to rest and go back home, he was stripped of the chance of being buried and laid to rest in his own home, with his own cultural rites, alongside his own ancestors. He was a kid with his whole life ahead of him, and he died scared and suffering. And like that wasnโt enough, he was stripped of everything he loved and cared for in the process, he was stripped of his culture, his family, of the right to live with his own people and to stay in his ancestral home, and even of the dignity to have the burial he wanted and deserved.
เผ Pairing : Aged!up!Neteyam x Fem!pregnant!Reader
เผ Summary : You never thought about losing your mate, atleast not when you needed him the most in your vulnerable state.
เผ Warning : Angst! Lots and lots of angst, no comfort, crying, pregnancy, major death, depression, sadness, dying of a loved one and more sadness, maybe a smidge of fluff.
เผ Prompt : Holding their mate's (or child's) unconscious/dead body
เผ Word Count : 2.7k Proof read.
เผ Note : I love making you guys cry, idk why, I cry myself when I write this kind of stuff.
It was like any other normal day only if you were in your home and not in another strange clan that you've never known except for stories and political talks.
You lay on the soft woven mat, made by your mate just for you, a hand on your swollen stomach as the life growing inside moves at its own pace while you rest from the tiredness that comes with.
ยปยปโโโโ-ใ๐ใโโโโ-ยซยซ
You and Neteyam mated right after he passed his Iknimaya, being the first in line to be the oloโeyktan and you to be his tsahik but it was all came crashing down when your father-in-law decided it was better to flee for the good of the clan and for the family as well.
It was the second month of your pregnancy when you had to leave your home forever, the strength of your mates arms held you up as you cried in his chest, hands shaking like a leaf as you watched Jake renounce his position as the Olo'eyktan to Terasem.
The tears in everyone's eyes, Neytiriโs sobs, Neteyam could only stroke the side of your head, pressing a kiss to your temple as he lead you to his Ikran โIt'll be okay, Yawne, believe me, we'll be alright, I'll take care of you and our little oneโ he whispered comfortingly in your ear when you both mounted his Ikran and he placed you in front of him, your face towards him as he draped and covered you with his own shawl, he held you against his chest tightly before he took off with his family.
He had one hand on Sezeโs reigns, controlling her moves through the air and the other on your back, under the shawl that was draped on your body, your face buried in his neck, your arms wrapped around his waist, so you could rest comfortably on the rough journey, he caressed patterns on your back as everyone flew more and more away from the forest until it was just the expanse of the water in front of them.
Neytiri kept glancing at her eldest son, pride blooming in her chest as she saw how much of gentleman her son is, the scene could only remind her of the time with Jake during the war, when they aligned all the clans, with a small smile she looked away, giving the couple some privacy as she moved closer to Jake's Ikran, bob, while running her hand through Tukโs braids.
ยปยปโโโโ-ใ๐ใโโโโ-ยซยซ
It took a week or more to reach the metkayina clan, Awaโatlu, they accepted your Uthuru, with much criticism and nagging, but they did, it wasn't the same since then, there was always a deep feeling in the back of your mind, reminding you, again and again that something is wrong or would go wrong.
Even now, 4 months later, as you rested in the mauri with Neytiri on the other side making dinner while the others were out for their lessons, as Neytiri didn't willingly wanted to take the lessons and would rather look after you because it wasn't recommended for you to start your swimming lessons yet, she was always there for you, no matter what.
Even then, it's only been a month or two since Quaritch started his search spree across all the water Na'vi clans for Jake, that was the one thing everyone was alert for after Tonowari gave us the news, you didn't want to keep that in mind, not in your condition, not when it added to your ever growing worry.
Neteyam came back later, seemingly happy to see you resting on the mat he made, and because he loved the beautiful curve on your belly, the sign that his little baby grew safe and sound, he also knew that you didn't like the ocean as much as the trees back home but it was doable, plus he would rather have his baby in a safe environment than a hostile one, which was the only reason he loved this place, for the sake of his family's safety was all he cared about.
On a good day, you'd join the group, watching them learn in the depths while you sat in the shallow waters laughing at their failed attempts until your stomach starts to hurt from laughing while clutching your bump or learning new things with them, even successfully befriending an Ilu and riding it safely that you could have options to move around Awa'atlu.
But on days like these, when your exhaustion hits a little too hard, he couldn't help but lay down behind your back and just wrap his arms around you and pull you into his warm hug.
You always knew it was him, by the way he'd kiss your neck gently, one large hand on your belly as he strokes it softly, his head nuzzled in the Crook of your neck โYou know you don't have to pretend you're asleep when I'm right beside you, Paskalinโ he whispered, hot breath lingering on the curve of it.
You chuckled at the tickling sensation, giving in after he catches you in your pretend sleep, once again for the upteenth time, turning around to face him while he strokes your cheek with his hand as the other caresses your belly, peppering your face with kisses as you giggled โDid you eat anything, Honey?โ He asked in a whisper, picking up after his father to call you sweet human nicknames that he loved. Like father, like son.
He was disappointed when you shook your head โhow many times have I told you to eat something every two hours? It's not good for the baby, yawne!โ He whisper-yelled at you but the answer he got from you was just a chuckle โI wasn't hungry, Ma teyam, and i wasn't feeling well either, Now let it-โ he just shook his head in disappointment โtsk tsk tsk, you should have told me or saโnu, she would have-โ
The sentence was left unspoken when the loud commotion and yelling was heard outside, the locals were screaming at something or someone and loud cries were heard, both you and Neteyam got up with Neytiri and made your way to the rage going on inside the supply tent.
Neteyam kept his arm around your waist as you entered the tent, shielding you from the hands that reached out to hit or hold you or him. He was surprised at the sudden uprise until he understood what was happening when he took in the gossip and looks he was getting and looked at his father who was trying to explain.
Ronalโs Tulkun, Roa, was found dead or rather murdered by the human, as well as her babe.
ยปยปโโโโ-ใ๐ใโโโโ-ยซยซ
When Jake apologized and made his preposition on how to save the other Tulkuns from further harm, Neteyam saw Lo'ak running away from the crowd towards the diving edge, calling for his Ilu, immediately knowing what he was upto, he went behind him with you in tow after him.
โNo way you're rolling out of here, baby brotherโ Neteyam said sternly as he walked in on Lo'ak strapping the saddle on the Ilu, Lo'ak halted, rolling his eyes at his brother in annoyance.
โI have to warn payakan about the pingers!โ He snapped back but lowered his voice when he saw you behind Neteyam.
โNo! you've gotta keep your skxwang ass here, you understand me?!โ Neteyam said with a hint of annoyance lacing his, he didn't want another one of his brother's stupid mistakes to be blamed on him, not right now, not when he himself was about to be a father.
โNeteyamโฆCalm downโ you whispered lightly, holding his arm back, you didn't want him to blow off on Lo'ak again, it could be done quietly and patiently.
Lo'ak on the other hand wanted to try and reason with him to let him go โhe's an outcast, there's nobody to warn him but meโ
Neteyam huffed, placing a hand on Lo'akโs head, holding his brother in place โbroโฆ why do you always have to make things so hard?โ
Lo'ak hissed, flicking his brother's hand off his head in anger and defiance as his tone shifted to an aggressive one โNo. You mean why can't I be the perfect son like you! The perfect little soldier! Who does everything right, has the perfect life and a perfect little mate and family! Well I'm not you! Okay?!โ Neteyam sized him up and Lo'ak took a step back looking up at his brother and lowered his voice again โI'm not you..He's my brother! I'm goingโ
You were taken aback at that, you grabbed his arm making him face you as anger simmered in your eyes at what he just said โLO'AK!! What are you talking about?! He's your brother! Stop this right now! Is this how you talk to your brother?!โ
Lo'ak skipped a look between you and Neteyam nervously as he took another step back but Neteyam stopped him by grabbing his arm tightly and forcing him to look โHe's not your brother, skxwang! I am! And don't you dare talk like that againโ
But Lo'ak was having none of it as he twisted his arm out of his grasp just when Tsireya, Ao'nung and Rotxo arrived giving Lo'ak a good distraction to dive into the water for his Ilu, Neteyam growled loudly before patting on Ao'nungโs chest โwe have go behind him, he's going to payakanโ he said urgently.
But something in your heart panged when he said that, a weird unease spreading to your chest again and you called out to him โteyamโฆplease, don't goโ you didn't know if it was stupid or not but you wanted to believe it โplease, it doesn't feel rightโ
He looked back at you after he called his Ilu and came up to you quickly, cupping your cheek in his palm, stroking his thumb over your cheek, his other hand caressing your swollen belly, as he looked into your eyes intently, connecting your foreheads together and kissing your nose โShhโฆ I'll be right back, I promise, don't worry, I just have to put this Skxwang back in his place againโ he whispered lovingly with a smirk, kissing your forehead one last time and giving your hand a tight squeeze before diving into the water with the others and following Lo'ak.
ยปยปโโโโ-ใ๐ใโโโโ-ยซยซ
Your heart was pacing a mile per second, the feeling of dread getting worse when it was notified by Lo'ak that Payakan was marked by the humans and Neteyam was their with them, Almost half of the clan, including Ronal and Tonowari were gone to save them, but all you could think of was Neteyam.
Hours passed and the sun began to set, spreading an eerie red and orange hue throughout the sky, no news of anyone or anything, only the sight of the injured or fallen warriors broughton back to Awa'atlu filled your mind with nightmares you only prayed stayed in your dreams.
You placed a hand on your stomach, the feeling of your baby moving against your palm was enough to give you some courage to call your Ilu and riding over to the scene yourself following behind another group of Warriors who were sent back to help others.
ยปยปโโโโ-ใ๐ใโโโโ-ยซยซ
The sight was a horror to take in as you sat on your ilu looking at the havoc the place was in, the ship sinking, fire ablaze on the water from the oil spill, the sky dusted in a amber color and dark smoke, as if matching the hell beneath on the water but your heart dropped when you saw the rock Islandโฆ with others gathered together around something.
Urging your ilu over to it, you climbed off of the creature before you saw a body lying on the rock and dread filled the pit of your stomach, the feet looked eerily familiar but you refused to think about it, it couldn't beโฆ a cold shiver running down your spine, goosebumps spreading over your body as your breath hitched, before you could confirm your suspicions spider pulled you back, shaking his head, but that's all it took for your worst fear to come true, gears in your head turning as a scream erupted from your throat which ultimately caught everyone's attention in horror when they saw you, when you realized what you were looking at.
โNETEYAM!!!!! NO NO, GREAT MOTHER, PLEASEโ you ran towards him but Neytiri stopped you, catching your body in her arms as your cries rang out for everyone to hear, thrashing in her arms as Jake came up to you โShh look at me, look at meโฆโ he whispered holding you back and not letting you see his body yet, placing his hands on your cheeks and forcing you to look at him as tears already ran down your cheeks.
โNO NO NO, NETEYAM, LET ME GO PLEASE!! pleaseโฆ.โ You sobbed as they held you back, Neytiri couldn't hold back either as she hugged you, your loss was far greater than any others, your knees gave out from the shock as they caught you once again before they let you go, knowing there was no denying it โIt's going to okay, it's going be okayโ Neytiri whispered desperately to calm you but nothing could soothe you in this moment.
Your heart almost stopped beating in your chest as you saw his lifeless body, crawling over to his side, with trembling hands as you touched his chest that was now covered in his blood, cold lifeless eyes staring up at the sky, as sobs wrecked your body, crying over your mate, who promised you he'd come back, who promised to spend the eternity together, now gone, forever.
Kneeling beside him as your wails of despair shook the heart of great mother herself, shaking your head in disbelief, as you held his limp hand in yours, only if he listened to you, only if he stayed back!
Your head laid on his chest, like the thousands of times before where he caressed your hair, as he hummed a sweet melody for you so you could sleep peacefully in his arms, listening to his heartbeat as you fell asleep, was cold, quiet and unmoving, as if the once alive, beating heart, never existed, you sobbed on his chest, blood coating the side of your face but you didn't care, holding his hand as if he would wake up and smile saying this was all just a dream and he was there with you, like he said.
Lo'ak placed a hand on your shoulder to comfort you but it only fueled your anger towards himas you snarled at him viciously and everyone was taken aback โDO NOT TOUCH ME, STAY AWAY! ONLY IF YOU EVER DID AS YOU WERE TOLD TO THIS WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED, LO'AK!โ
Your anger was justified and no one dared to stop you or invented in between, Your screams hit him like bullets as he didn't say a word, stepping back as you turned back to look at Neteyam's face, still unable to register the fact that he's gone and would never come back to you or your child ever again and your weren't ready to face it just yet.
โTeyam, pleaseโฆ you promised, right? you promised you'd come back to us, please, you can't do this to me, teyamโฆ I can't do this without you, you promised to be there with me, to hold our baby, to hold my hand, you can't do this to me please, we- weโฆโ you couldn't even form words anymore as more tears streamed down your cheeks, breaking down to the point of no return as your cries rang through everyone's ears.
They all couldn't handle to see your desperate attempts and cries to get him back, in hopes to get you back, begging any greater force would listen to give him back, their hearts breaking even more as they saw you placing his hand on your stomach one last time as you broke down completely, your head placed on his chest, watching the horrific sight of a mate mourning over her other half as their symbol of love grew inside her.
You closed your eyes and held him close one last time, holding his hand one last time, laying your head on his chest one last time, his hand on your stomach to feel his child for one last time as he still watched the darkening sky unmoving โyou promisedโฆโ
Ho Ho Ho : @cryinginthemoonpool, @luvv4j4ybe11, @xylianasblog, @plooto, @itchaboi-itchyboy, @pandoraslxna, @taylormarieee, @thewiltedpeony, @neteyamswillow, @danniackerman, @hotdsworld, @zafrinaxyz, @xstarsdiary, @moondaisye, @puddle-nerd, @eywxveng, @minnory, @neteyamssyulang, @tavsianus, @ele-sme.
ยฉNeteyamyawne2023 | All Rights Reserved. Do not repost on other platforms, copy, steal, or translate any of my works!
germansingergirl
origamiaround
baratheonpilled
annaxmalina
kianamaiart
prguitarman
areudirty
