could you do 9 or 43 (angst) with neteyam please :D i actually like reading your writing! be as angsty as you want, but i hope the ending will be a happy one ❤️
RECKLESS
words: 1.3k
summary: Even the strongest of loves are tested in the throws of war.
during a patrol you took a reckless shot. resulting in a heated argument between you and your mate. adult!neteyam and reader, basically they never fled the forest
notes: fem!omatikayareader, angst!!!, hurtcomfort, neteyamxreader, couple fighting, very much AFAA neytiri and jake inspired,
i tried to be a bit angsty hehe!!! hopefully you guys like itt eeeek. i miss neteyam AH.
Tensions hung heavy over high camp. The sky people were becoming relentless, intense and hard to ward off. The warriors were close to their breaking point. They had not seen a day’s rest in many weeks. Constantly patrolling and protecting the High camp.
With each passing day, there was another encounter, another confrontation with the demons. Not only was it becoming a bloodshed, but it was also a murder on morale. It was ripping relations between the clan from the inside out.
You and Neteyam had become respected warriors within the clan. Your teenage years had been used harnessing your skills. Training day in and day out. Together, you were stronger, fiercer, the deadliest couple on Pandora.
Yet inside your shared tent, that strength fractured, because even the strongest of loves are tested in the throws of war.
“Father is going to be furious with you.” Neteyam seethed. He was seated rigidly on the edge of the bed. Tail lashed franticly behind him his leg bouncing up and down as if the tension building inside him had nowhere else to go.
It was a routine patrol, south of High Camp. It was going smooth; nothing was out of the ordinary.
Until you set an arrow loose straight through the heart of a sky-person.
Neteyam could still remember the whistle of the arrow. Spinning through the air in slow motion. From his position he could see the rest of them moments later. The men in robotic suits with armoured guns that could wipe away life without even a slither of hesitation.
It was only one shot. One mistake. But no one could afford mistakes in this war.
He couldn’t believe you acted so foolishly, so…naïve. He knew you knew better. So, what were you trying to prove? What thoughts, if any at all went through your head before you shot the arrow without consulting him at all.
“I will speak to your father later.” Your voice was steady, controlled. You couldn’t face him either. Standing at the front on the tent, gazing outside to ensure you didn’t meet his eyes at all.
“What could you have been thinking?” Neteyam bared his fangs as he talked, ears pointed towards the sky. “Were you thinking at all?”
“Do not insult me.” You hiss back, anger breaking through your calm resolve.
“Then why did you act so rashly?” He stood up now. Even if he was far from you his large presence loomed over the room. His shadow casted over you. “You know better.”
“I will explain to the Olo’eyktan. We will settle it there.” The conversation ended abruptly. Silence filled the tent as you stormed out. You couldn’t stand to look at the man who you loved look at you with nothing but disappointment.
The council fire started to dim, the last of the members starting to filter out back to their duties. Tensions clung to the air like smoke. You stood in front of Jake now, chin lifted high, hands at your side. You couldn’t show how nervous you really were.
Neteyam stood next to you. Too close. His rigid body grazing against you.
“Care to explain what happened on the patrol?” Jake’s voice was calm, but not kind. It demanded honesty.
You inhaled a short nervous breath. “We were tracking the movements of a small group of sky people. They seemed to be tracking trails from the south of High camp.”
You felt Neteyam tense above you. His jaw flexing.
“They kept advancing closer. They had all the signs of being a threat.”
Jake’s eyes narrowed. “And how do you know?”
“They were all in SEC-OP gear. Rarely stopping.”
That last remark made Neteyam’s head flick to you.
You voice wavered, his gaze flustering you. “They were going to be a threat.”
Neteyam stepped forward. Jake letting out a loud sigh.
“You didn’t know that.” His voice was almost a growl. “You assumed.”
You turned to face him, finally. Eyes hard and angry. “I saw it”
“You were barely able to see anything.” He snapped harshly. “You are speaking in hypotheticals.”
“I am speaking my truth.”
Jake stepped forward, raising his hand. “Enough.”
Neteyam ignored it.
“You fired without signal. With no communication.”
“I wasn’t going to wait around until you did.” Neteyam was taken aback by your remark. Eyes narrowing as he walked so close to you, you were able to feel his breath in your face.
“I was being careful. We cannot afford mistakes. What would have happened if there was more? If there was an ambush that lead to High Camp?”
“I acted on instinct” You finger pressed against his broad chest. “The same instinct that has kept me alive”
“That instinct doesn’t outrank command. You are meant to report to me.” Neteyam snapped.
There was a shift in the air. The harsh edge of his words cut into you. “I am your mate. I am your partner. Not your goddamn subordinate”
Neteyam scoffed. “It didn’t look like partnership to me…it looked like recklessness.”
His words struck hard, like a punch to the gut.
Jake stepped forward, sensing the tensions, putting his hand in between the feuding couple. “Neteyam- That is enough.”
“No.” The words tumbled out of his mouth too fast. “She was reckless! You were reckless!”
Your head snapped up. Eyes wide and full of shock.
“Don’t raise your fucking voice at me.”
It felt as if all the tension fizzled away. The world stopping around Neteyam as he looked at you. His mate. Tearing up because of his brazen words. You voice didn’t falter at all. It was razor sharp cutting into his heart.
“You will-” The way your voice cracked made Neteyam’s heart break. His ears were flat on his head, his breaths shallow as the words he tried to say just couldn’t escape his throat. “You will not talk to me like that. As if I am a scorned child.”
You turned on your heels, walking fast out of the council area. You couldn’t let him see you. Not when you were on the verge on breaking into tears.
“Baby wait-” Neteyam called out running after you.
Neteyam finally caught up to you. Fingers enclosing around your wrist just before you could disappear into the darkness of High Camp.
“Baby please.” He said breathlessly. “Please.”
You allowed him to turn you around to face him. Your shoulders trembled despite your best efforts to keep your emotions hidden. You couldn’t risk speaking, not when you knew you’d immediately break down into tears.
“I’m sorry.” Seeing you tremble his resolve breaks. “I shouldn’t have raised my voice. I shouldn’t have gotten that upset.” He inhaled quickly.
“You embarrassed me.” You whispered.
The admission winded him.
He stepped closer instantly, hands reaching up to cup your face, brushing away the tears you couldn’t stop.
It was instinctual the way you melted into his grasp. “I’m sorry. I- I should have stood beside you. Not against you.”
Words tried to escape you, but just a sob racked through you. It was heart wrenching and raw. Immediately Neteyam wrapped you in his arms, holding you tightly. Scared that if he let you go, you would run away again.
“You looked at me as if you were ashamed.” You murmured against his chest.
Neteyam shook his head quickly. “No, no, no baby. Never. Never would that happen.” Your hands wrapped around him, holding him tightly in his embrace. “I was- I was scared…and I let my fear control my emotions.”
“You are a mighty warrior, you ride the wind and you take the risks others are too afraid to take.” His hand grasped your chin in a fluid motion, tilting your head to look up at him. “There is no one else I would be prouder to call my mate.”
“I am sorry I was reckless.” You whispered.
“Do not apologize.” His motions were slow and controlled. Leaning down to press his lips against yours in a soft, tender kiss. “I love you. We will face this war together. We will not let it tear us apart.”
i hope you guys liked this eeek!! i get so nervous posting now idek why LOL. as always id loved to know what you thought plzplzplz let me know i love seeing ur guys reactions!! okay byeeeee
Story: Solek wrong you, he got mad at you over nothing and you gave him the silence treatment — Solek know damn well that making it up to you is harder than fighting sky people
Note: i see ya'll requests and I'm working on them and i will answer to all when they are ready, thank you for the requests and for the future requests aswell♡!
___________________________________________
It had been nothing.
A small thing. A careless tone. A sharp word thrown because he was tired, because patrol had gone badly, because the weight of protecting everyone sometimes presses too hard against his ribs.
But it landed on you.
And instead of arguing, instead of defending yourself, you went quiet.
Not cold. Not loud. Just quiet.
Solek would rather fight a squad of sky people than face that silence.
He knew immediately he was wrong. He knew it the moment your eyes dimmed and your mouth pressed into that thin line you get when you decide not to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. But pride—stupid, stubborn pride—kept him from apologizing right away.
By the time he swallowed it, the damage had already settled in.
The next morning he brought your favorite reef fruit without saying a word. He placed it beside you while you were weaving. You thanked him softly. That was all.
No smile.
He hunted that afternoon. Not because the clan needed it, but because you once mentioned liking the way he seasons meat when he cooks it himself. He cleaned it carefully, roasted it with crushed sea herbs, arranged it neatly on a leaf platter like it mattered.
You ate.
You did not look at him.
He sat beside you while you worked later, shoulder almost brushing yours. You shifted away slightly. He moved closer. You turned your body to the other side. He followed.
You turned again.
He exhaled through his nose. “Are we going to keep circling each other like this?”
No answer.
He rubbed a hand down his face. “You are acting as if I wounded you with a blade.”
Still nothing.
That stung more than shouting would have.
When night came, you lay down on your side of the mat, back to him. The space between you felt wider than the ocean. He stared at the ceiling for a long time before finally turning toward you.
Carefully, he reached an arm around your waist.
You slapped his hand away without looking back.
The sound was soft. The message was not.
He went still.
For a long moment, he said nothing. Then, low and almost frustrated, “You never refuse me like this.”
Silence.
He shifted closer anyway, not touching, just close enough that he could feel the warmth of your back. His voice lost its edge. “my yawne, You know I do not mean half the things I say when I am angry.”
You finally spoke, quiet but steady. “That does not make them hurt less.”
That shut him up.
He lay there staring at the back of your head, jaw tight. Solek could be harsh. His words sometimes cut before he thought them through. With warriors, with clan members, even with himself. But with you—
With you, he tried.
He rolled onto his back again, staring at nothing. “I was wrong,” he muttered eventually.
No response.
He sat up abruptly, frustration flashing. “Do not make me beg.”
You didn’t turn. “Then do not speak to me like I am beneath you.”
That hit harder than anything.
He swung his legs off the mat and sat there in the dim blue glow, shoulders tense. “You are not beneath me.”
“You made it sound like I was.”
His fingers flexed against his knees. “I was angry.”
“And I was not?”
He finally turned fully toward you. Even in the low light, his expression had softened. “You are allowed to be,” he said, quieter now.
You didn’t answer.
He reached out again—but slower this time. When his hand hovered near your waist, he paused. Waiting.
You did not slap it away.
He took that small mercy and slid closer, pressing his forehead lightly between your shoulder blades. Not demanding. Not forceful. Just there.
“I am terrible at this,” he admitted. “Fighting is easier. Tracking is easier. Apologizing to you…” He let out a breath. “That is harder than war.”
You shifted slightly under him. Not quite forgiveness—but not rejection either.
He wrapped his arm around you carefully this time. When you didn’t push him away, he exhaled like he had been holding his breath all day.
“I have a sharp tongue,” he murmured against your skin. “But it is not meant for you.”
You finally turned your head slightly, just enough to speak. “Then learn to dull it.”
A faint huff of almost-laughter left him. “I will.”
He tightened his hold gently, pressing a quiet kiss to your shoulder. “i will do better” he said, voice rougher now.
Your hand finally moved, resting over his forearm. Not fully forgiving. Not yet.
But enough.
And Solek, who could face gunfire without flinching, held you like something fragile—because with you, his harsh edges always melted first.
New concept art just dropped! And I love all of it. From the closer look we now get at the sail-ships, to Quaritch getting kidnapped liked the LOOSER he is XD
Summary: For as long as one can remember, Neteyam and Y/n have always had that competitive relationship. They would always go back and forth with one another. Everyone would always notice they have a crush on each other but them. When someone finally points it out, what will become of their relationship?
Writer’s Note: This story took a little bit of a minute to make so I really hope you guys enjoy it! I wanted to test my creativity on how long a post I am willing to let go. I wanted to have my big break and make something really good. This is my first Neteyam x reader fanfics so let me know your guys feedback thank you!
Warnings: R18+ MDNI Fluff; She/Her POV; Both Reader and Neteyam are oblivious to each other’s feelings; Feelings mistaken as playful friendly banter;
Disclaimer: All of the characters are aged up! If this makes you uncomfortable you do not have to read! Thank you!
Y/n woke up early in the morning to get her day started. She was one of the best warriors in the clan. High praises came her way when she walked by. It made her parents proud. She couldn’t afford to slack. Y/n didn’t want to give others reason that she’s not reliable.
After Y/n got her clothes together, she headed out into the family room to be greeted by her mother and delicious delicacies that were set on the table. The sweet aroma of sweet fruit salad and roasted stuffed mushroom wafted around the room. Y/n happily sat down and started scarfing down.
Her mother chuckles. “Slow down Y/N. The food isn’t going anywhere.”
“I know mother.I'm just trying to make it out early in time for the hunting trip.”
Her Mother pursued her lips together in contemplation. “Ma yawnetu, make sure you don’t overwork yourself. Sometimes you need to relax and enjoy life. Not work so much and so hard.”
Y/n eyes softened at her mother. “I know, mother. But I want to live up to my father's expectations. I want to be strong and great.”
Her mother let her be with her words. She admired her daughter’s words in wanting to make them proud. Y/n looked around. “Where is dad anyways?”
“Hes out preparing with Jake on the hunt-”
Y/n cursed under breath. Her mother scolded her for the tawtute’s language as she watched her daughter gather her supplies and head out.
The walk would’ve been calm and quiet. Yet, Y/n was jumping, twisting, speeding through the trees. She walked under the large leaf and gently brushed her fingers against it. The kentens all flapped and spinned gracefully around Y/n. She giggled as their little wings tickled her skin. One of the kenten rested against a tree covered in moss. Consequently, Y/n was in the denser part of the forest. A sweet wet smell of the ever growing moss. Light sounds of Ioangs bouncing off the atmosphere of the trees. The forest was filled with life. She was getting closer to the hunting grounds.
Y/n came across the group. The boys were hurdled close around the Sully boys. Lo’ak held one of those weird machinery weapons, showing off to the others with a smug smirk. She rolled her eyes and walked up to Jake and her father.
“Ah there is my bright tanhi, up and ready for action.” Y/n’s father greeted his daughter with a side hug. Y/n greeted both of her peers in formal na’vi greeting. Oel ngati Kameie.
“My beautiful strong daughter will bring the best harvest home today eh.” Both fathers had a playful chuckle. Y/n rolled her eyes and scrunched her nose bashfully. The Sully boys walked up ready to start the hunting session.
The hunters were equipped and assigned into different groups. Y/n readied her bow, leather straps tightened and bowstring recently repaired and knotted. She always made sure to keep her bow well maintained. When she first started her training she got her dad’s old bow. When she passed her Iknimaya, she was given her very own bow. A branch strong from the mother tree and beautifully crafted designed for her.
Lo’ak walked up with Neteyam sulking. Apparently the gun was confiscated by Jake. Y/n turned her head down, sulking in her lips to keep from laughing.
“Aye Y/n what’s funny cuz?” Lo’ak bumped shoulders with her.
“You! You are what’s funny. You know you aren’t supposed to bring that metal curse thing out to the hunting grounds Lo’ak.”
Y/n smirked knowing exactly how to push Lo’ak buttons.
“Damn Lo’ak I didn’t think you needed an automatic gun to do all the work for you. Don’t tell me you can’t hunt properly.”
“I don’t need a damn gun. We all know I can take rein out on the field. I might even top the ‘mighty warrior’ Neteyam.” Lo’ak mocked Neteyam and his golden boy title.
“Nah I top over Neteyam, I don’t have to tell you I say it with my action. Neteyam could use a little bit of work though.”
Neteyam was fixing the straps on his bow before he looked up. “I am already a good hunter, what do you mean?” Neteyam lightly chuckled.
Y/n leaned forward into Neteyam’s face. “But can you keep up with me though? I bet you can’t keep up.” Before Neteyam can get a response out, Y/n booked off down a pathway.
“Don’t worry I’ll watch her.” Neteyam was quick to follow. A little too quick if you ask me.
They leaped from slippery mossy branch to branch. Neteyam caught up to Y/n. She looked behind her and saw him catching up. She smirked. Y/n leaped to another branch and then another in zigzag motion. She wanted to challenge him, push him a little harder.
By the time Neteyam caught on the last branch she jumped on, Y/n jumped and grabbed one of the vines. She smirked and tilted her head back in a cute chuckle. Neteyam was appalled and amused at her antics. He smiled in excitement at her laugh.
Neteyam followed right behind on the vine, climbed down onto the branch, and glided down the beanstalk palm onto the forest floor. Before Y/n could continue the cat and mouse chase, Neteyam grabbed her around the waist and spinned her around. Y/n squealed, she begged Neteyam to put her down. He set her down yet, his arms around her waist. They were too distracted by looking deeply in each other's eyes. Chest puffing due to all the exercise they were doing. Y/n was the first one to break contact. She slid out of Neteyam’s arms and looked down with purple tinted cheeks. They trekked a bit further in the forest. Y/n was more so skipping up further as Neteyam slowly walked. He was in his head, deep in his thoughts. By the time he looked up he noticed Y/n was nowhere to be seen.
Panicked, Neteyam searched around for Y/n. He started calling out for her. Pushing back lush green leaves and spotted Y/n. He was going to call out her name before he saw she had her bow raised and aimed. He came up closer quietly so he wouldn't scare her. On the other end of his arrow stood a full grown adult hexapede.
There was a moment of silence. Her line up was off. One of Neteyam’s hands gripped her elbow. They didn’t notice the other wrapped around her waist. The focus was on the hexapede that was peacefully in its own world unaware of its demise.
Neteyam whispered in her ear. “Angle your arm here, Wide your stance a little bit more and straighten your back-”
“Neteyam I got it-” Y/n whispered harshly. Yet she was cut off when she felt Neteyam’s hands touching her.
Neteyam ignored her protest and proceeded to help her. “You know they could be fast runners so you would want to aim diligently and quickly for the blow.”
“You would want to aim towards the lower part of its neck.” Neteyam’s hand on her waist moved up to her upper back. Why does he sound so alluring as he speaks? She could feel his breath on her neck as he leaned closer.
“Move a little bit more lower right where the bristles of hair are sitting.”
Y/n shot hitting the mark on the Yerik. She gasped in exasperation. It was a perfect shot. Neteyam chuckled from her excitement.
“Neteyam! That was good wasn’t it I hit dead on the mark!” Y/n turned around and stopped in her tracks. She was fully in Neteyam arms. Both of them stopped breathing as they looked into each other’s eyes.
There was a moment. So many things said with just one look. So many things that had just whisked to life. Or had it already been there and had yet to fully be explored.
Neteyam was the one to break the trance this time. He cleared his throat and stepped a little away from Y/n. “Um, let's go bring the harvest back.”
A few days have passed since the hunting incident. Y/n is on her way to the healers tent to help tend and assist the tsahik with preparations. She was juggling two heavy baskets filled with herbs stacked on her hips. She was coming back from a little nature walk. Mo’at assigned her with the task of gathering.
She was greeted by some of the clan members. Was even offered to help carry; nevertheless, She politely declined. Maybe she bit off more than she can chew. The bottom basket slipped out of her fingers. Before it could have fallen to the ground, two big hands grabbed the basket with ease.
Y/n looked up and caught exquisite green eyes she could stare into for hours. Neteyam gave a cheeky smirk with his cute two front teeth.
She quietly thanked him. He nodded as they continued the walk to the hut. Neteyam spoke first. “Ah and not only she’s a warrior, she helps around the village too. She can do it all.”
He joked but he also seriously admired Y/n’s tenacity to provide for their clan, their home.
Y/n laughed at his antics. How could she hold the sun in her smile? He just didn’t understand.
“Come to watch the master at work. I knew you couldn’t resist learning a thing or two from me.”
Neteyam scoffed in amusement. “Oh this is work of a pro? I should be taking notes?” He leaned towards her.
She chuckled and leaned up and hummed in agreement. The rest of the walk towards the healers tent was content and filled with slight teasings.
When they arrived at the tent, Mo’at was in the center in a criss-cross position with closed eyes and incense lit around her. She sensed they had arrived.
The strong aroma of the incense wafted throughout the tent. It created a quiet space with a warm glow and brought a sense of peace and serenity.
“Y/n, my child, thank you for the help.” Mo’at directed to where she wanted the baskets to be placed. She began to assign the next task. Y/n sat next to Mo’at and began sorting out the herbs.
Neteyam didn’t want to leave just yet. So he just watched, enjoyed the peace and serenity.
“If you are going to stand there and watch, you might as well help out.” Mo’at firmly teased.
Neteyam immediately sat down next to Y/n. He accidentally bumped his knee into her. They locked eyes for a second and then Y/n quickly looked down and worked a little faster. When they were going for the same piece of herb, they bumped hands. Her hands surprisingly felt soft against his rough ones. Despite being a hunter alongside him.
They pulled away from the herbs as if they had been zapped. Mo’at tried to stiffen her cheeky smile at the little interaction nearby her. All of the herbs were properly sorted, Mo’at wanted them to mix them to start making salves.
You could easily tell that Neteyam didn’t take lessons from his grandmother with the way he was grinding the herbs hard in the bowl.
Y/n went to look up to correct him, yet the minute that she did all her focus went straight to his biceps. Whenever he grinded the mortar into the pestle, the muscles in his arms tenses. Creating the perfect sculptured definition. Looking at all the curves and sharp tones damn near made Y/n salivated.
Far too distracted, she couldn’t even comprehend what he asked her. He asked if he was doing this right and all she could do is nod dumbfoundedly.
She quickly snapped out of the trance and made herself busy, so it didn't seem like she was ogling. Unfortunately for her, Neteyam caught her stare towards his arms. He took pride in the fact she found some form of attraction towards him.
It was dusk now by the time they were finished. They would’ve finished earlier if Mo’at didn’t break into stories, keeping them there. Neteyam stretched his back making complaints and how staying in that position is not ideal.
“Thank you for the help seriously, that would’ve ended up taking a lot longer without you there.” Y/n thanked him as they walked down one of the pathways out to the forest.
“Of course, you're welcome. I wouldn’t mind helping you-”
Neteyam saw his father coming up the same pathway! He was avoiding his father. He knew his father would be pissed at him for neglecting his chores and training. He might have disregarded them the minute he saw Y/n walk back into the clan. Neteyam grabbed Y/n’s hand and dragged her behind the tree. She began protesting but Neteyam covered her mouth. He put his finger over his mouth to shush her and she was confused until she heard a voice that belonged to the Olo'eyktan, Jake Sully. Neteyam’s Father.
Jake was talking to one of the council members on some matters. Then he proceeded to ask him if he had seen his son, Neteyam at all today? They passed the two of them. Neteyam waited a little bit before uncovering Yn’s mouth.
He looked down to see a smirk on Y/n’s face. “So you are hiding from your father? Pray tell why?”
Neteyam winced. “May or may not have done my tasks for today…”
Y/n let out a chuckle. She looked up at him. “So little golden soldier boy defying daddy’s rules and is now hiding?”
Neteyam scoffed a laugh out, tongue dug against his inner cheek. “Hey I was helping your skxawng ass. Take up all my sweet time.”
”Oh I am taking up all your sweet time huh? You were the one that offered.” She poked his chest a couple of times.
“Hm yeah.”
”Yeah~”
A playful ambience filled the air. It was like they were in their own little world. Smiles no longer could be hidden. After their chuckles and jokes evaporated up in the air. Only then they realized the position they were in. Y/n’s back leaned against the tree under Neteyam’s strong build. Neteyam left arm above her head and his right arm on the other side of her body. He looked down in her enriched colored eyes. Neither one of them could move. Neither of them wanted to break the space, scared that this sacred moment would be gone in an instant.
Someone would have to. Y/n took on the task to move on and shift it to something else. She couldn’t bear to look into his green eyes anymore. She was scared she was going to fall and drown in a beautiful field of green. It didn’t help that she could smell his natural scent within this close range. Fields of green with an alluring scent of cloud pine tree and the bearing fruits of melons. Her eyes fluttered in bliss.
She cleared her throat. “Well since you are already breaking the rules, you might as well spend the rest of the night with me.” It didn’t mean to come off sexually. However it fueled the fire in Neteyam’s groins.
“Hmm..” Neteyam thought for a moment. “Alright where are we going?”
“On an adventure~” Y/n joked.
Y/n lead them through the forest. The sky was now darker. It was night now. The forest had a glowing ambience. Bioluminescent flora complementing colors, bouncing off one another. The bioluminescence glowed on their skin. Y/n bounced and skipped around. She grabbed Neteyam’s hand pulling him along the path. He laughed at her playful antics.
It felt light. The air. The vibes. The way they moved and circled around one another. Her smile. His soul. He always felt light when she’s around. It felt right and familiar.
They made it to a cliffside. Y/n called and signaled her ikran down. Her ikran flew in with grace. Neteyam called for his ikran as well. Both the ikran were greeted with their heads nuzzled and petted.
Y/n turned and smiled at Neteyam. “How about a late night ride?”
Neteyam smirked at the thought and got a cheeky idea. “How about we make it a challenge?”
That statement caught Y/n’s attention. “Alright. What kind of challenge?”
She smirked.
“How about a race to that cliff just on the other side?”
Y/n jumped on the back of her Ikran and quickly made tsaheylu.
“I accept. I hope you know you are getting your ass beat.”
Neteyam had gotten a good laugh out of that one. “Sweetheart, you know you can’t go against the mighty warrior.”
“A-and if I win?” Y/n stuttered as she was caught up on what Neteyam said.
“What do you want IF YOU win?” Neteyam crosses his arms.
“I’ll tell you after this race. Ready ON YOUR MARK,”
“What would you have wanted after-“
“GET SET,”
“NETEYAM!-” Y/n groans as she prepares her ikran. She refuses to lose.
“GO!!”
Both boosted off the cliff and soared through the air. Zigged and zagged amongst each other. It was as if they were unintentionally synchronizing with one another. The adrenaline coursed through their veins. Wind whipped against their faces. Y/n directed her ikran further up ahead.
She can see the other cliff getting closer, almost within her reach.
‘Ain’t no way Neteyam is going to win this. Mighty warrior? TUH! Mighty warrior my ass!’
Just as Y/n was about to touch the rock and win. Neteyam swooped in above her and landed with calculation and precision. Y/n’s ikran roughly landed on the side of the cliff alongside him. She stumbled a little bit before she finally found her fitting.
“What the hell?!” Y/n was in disbelief.
“I told you, you can’t go against the mighty warrior!” Neteyam shouted. He howled a celebratory cry out.
Laughter followed after the victory cry. She can’t even be mad at him. She just hasn't seen him this light and airy since they were kids. Losing was worth it if she got to see him in this natural state again.
“Come let’s head back, it's getting late.” Neteyam pushed off the cliff wall and waited for Yn to gather her bearings. She floated near him and the ikrans nuzzled each other. Both Neteyam and Y/n felt their emotions through the neural link. They both blushed yet they smiled at the cuteness of their affections. As the night carried them away, the ikrans dived, soared, and flew circles around one another.
It was super late by the time Neteyam walked Y/n home. He walked her up to her door.
“I think it’s my turn for saying thank you.” Neteyam chuckled as he brushed his thumb against his hairless brows.
“What do you need to thank me for?”
“The night out. I really needed that.”
“Well of course. You deserve a break Neteyam. I always see you constantly training or hunting or following any orders your father barks at you. Things are different now that we are older.”
Y/n held Neteyam's arm. She wanted for him to know she was sincere. Neteyam’s eyes softened at spoken words.
“Yes. Things have changed. But what will always remain the same is I’ll make time for us.” Neteyam cheeks darken at what he just said.
“Well I mean I will always make time for us to hangout.”
Y/n looked down and tried to hide her smile. Neteyam licked his bottom lips and he bared a cheeky smile showing his cute little buck teeth.
“You have to go, I don’t want you to get in any more trouble than what you already could be in.” Y/n chuckled lightly and folded her arms.
“Right. My dad will have my hide.” Neteyam started backing up.
“Oh wait! What about the deal? I am starting to get scared of what you are going to ask of me.”
Neteyam gave her a kiss on her cheek. “Goodnight syuang.” He walked off to his home. Y/n bit her lips and backed up into her family kelku.
Thankfully her parents were asleep and were able to sneak in with success. It felt good chatting with Neteyam again. They haven’t hung out with each other one on one, just them for a while. The only times they would be able to see each other would usually be during training or hunting parties. But after tonight, Y/n haven’t felt that good in a minute.
Just being with Neteyam felt easy. Felt like a breath of fresh air. She couldn’t make sense of it. Ever since they have become full fledged adults, it was as if she saw him in a whole different light. But no way right. Maybe it’s because she hadn’t properly seen him in a while or they were good friends before. Y/n is not going to hone in on it when it's so late at night.
Neteyam made it back to his family kelku. He tried to be as quiet as he could sneaking in between the flaps. He was so focused on trying to be silent he didn’t see his father crouched in front of the family table, waiting for him to come home. Neteyam looked up and immediately froze.
“So where have you been all night? And you better have a damn good explanation.” Jake firmly stated with arms crossed.
“Oh well-”
It was the next day. The village was bustling and filled with life. All the children were helping their parents with chores. Some of the villagers were cleaning up their kelku. Others were weaving and repairing. They would weave new blankets, clothes, rugs, beddings. Even down to repairing old sentimental trinkets.
Y/n was sitting on the edge of her family kelku alongside Kiri and Lo’ak. Her mother was inside cleaning the family room. Y/n was weaving a basket for her mother. She was wondering where Neteyam was if his siblings were here. She thought he’d promised her last night that he would ease up on the training, he shouldn’t be straining himself so much.
‘He should really be spending time with me like he said he would’ Y/n pouted.
Wait. No. She shouldn’t be thinking of such things like that about him. He is free to do what he wants. He doesn’t have to hang out with Y/n.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Lo’ak’s bellowed laugh. “I still can’t believe that he is in trouble.”
”Who?”
Lo’ak busted out laughing again which confused Y/n even more. Kiri rolled her eyes. “It’s Neteyam. Apparently he was out late and got caught sneaking in.”
Y/n blood ran cold. FUCK. She didn’t mean to get Neteyam in trouble. Lo’ak was too busy babbling and laughing at the one and only moment Neteyam ever fucked up at. However Kiri noticed Y/n demeanor changed. For starters the look that covered her entire face.
Kiri whispered. “Hey are you alright? What wrong?”
Y/n looked up with a worried expression. She looked behind herself to make sure her mother wasn’t busy.
She still proceeded to be quiet as she possibly could. “Neteyam and I were out all night, last night.”
“WHAT?!” Lo’ak had bursted out. Y/n’s mother looked up from her cleaning at the outburst. They all nervously smiled and turned back around.
“Lo’ak, you skxawng!” Kiri whispered harshly. “Sit and help me with work on this rug.” Lo’ak begrudgingly squatted and started working on the rug. He looked up to Y/n encouraging her to continue. Y/n rolled her eyes at his nosey ass and proceeded to tell them what happened. Of course she left out the intimate moments.
Lo’ak points out one key factor in this whole equation. “You and Neteyam have been hanging out a lot lately.”
“Yea, you know I just noticed that. Grandmother was just telling me he helped you with a few tasks in the healer’s tent yesterday.” Kiri thought.
Y/n froze. “W-what do you mean?”
“Like you guys haven't been competitive with one another. You are more playful and at ease with one another.” Lo’ak pointed out.
Y/n blushed. She looked down and tried to focus on her work more than their words.
“You like him.” Kiri guessed. Judging from Y/n’s facial reactions, she was proven correct.
“W-what?”
“You like him. You like Neteyam.”
“Oh shit…” Lo’ak looked shocked like he finally put the pieces together.
The whole back and both of the denial and getting Y/n to admit her feelings. Her mother got up and walked over to the little group after hearing what was said.
“Y/n, paskalin I am sure whatever you are feeling is valid. No one is going to tease you and clown you for it.”
Lo’ak snorted and was on the verge of protesting when Kiri grabbed him by the ear and yanked. He hissed lightly at her.
“Whatever you feel right now in ngeyä txe’lan, ngeyä vitra. That is your choice, your decision.”
Y/n was left alone with her thoughts.
Meanwhile, Neteyam felt he was being held hostaged. His father decided as punishment it would be just the two of them hunting out in the forest. Well, Jake would direct while Neteyam hunted. Last night after Neteyam got caught, he didn’t have a good explanation as to where he really was.
However Jake knew exactly what he was doing. Neteyam didn’t have to tell him a single thing. He was young once.
He must’ve gotten carried away by a girl. A woman he should say. Neteyam was not a little boy anymore. Jake had yet come to terms with that matter.
They were in front of one of the big lakes deeper in the forest fishing. Jake was testing Neteyam’s skills. It had been a minute and Neytiri wanted to grill fish for tonight's dinner.
“Follow the current and then strike- GOOD Neteyam.” Jake complimented on his precision.
“Good to know that your skills haven’t slackened or faltered.” Jake joked.
Neteyam pursed his lips at the shade his father threw. He focused on putting the fish in the basket.
“What’s on your mind kid? Is your task too much?” Neteyam shook his head.
“Is it someone in the village? A girl perhaps?” Neteyam stayed silent. Jake gave his son a moment with his thoughts.
“There is someone.”
“Y/n?” Jake guessed.
“How did you—” Neteyam looked up at his father with a look Jake couldn’t help but chuckled at.
“The way you act around her. I could tell. You can’t help but want to be around her. Be there for her, provide for her. I was like that with your mother.”
Neteyam crouched next to his father. He clasped his hands together from the nervousness. “I don’t know to be honest. I just never thought of her in that light until now.”
“You are getting to that age now where you will want to seek out a mate. If you want to pursue her, court her. Ask her out and take her out on a date.”
“Take her out on a date?” Neteyam questioned. He's forgotten his father is from sky people land.
“Yea. Take her somewhere nice. Somewhere secluded where it’s just the two of you. Have a nice little intimate moment with her.” Jake hyped Neteyam with what a date supposedly looked like.
Neteyam felt more confident in how he felt towards Y/n. He couldn’t explain what he was feeling before. For the longest he saw her as a friend? Maybe more like a rival? Competitor? Competitive Companion. Seeed more appropriate.
Neteyam was pumped with motivation. As he was about to get up to continue fishing. His father put a hand on his shoulder.
“I know you want to live your life and have breaks. I just don’t want you to forget your training. Always be ready, you never know what can happen.”
“Yes sir.”
It had been a week since they realized their feelings for each other. A week since they hung out. A week of Y/n tried to avoid Neteyam. Why was she avoiding him when she liked him? That was the problem. She never had these feelings before and with the help of Kiri and Lo’ak, her feelings only intensified. So her plan was to avoid him. She didn’t want her feelings to grow more and more than what was already forming.
In the beginning of the week, Y/n faked being sick. Of course her father coddled her and told her she could take some time off. Her mother didn’t believe her one bit. So she put her to work extra hard with the weavers. I mean it got her away from Neteyam.
Neteyam missed Y/n during the hunting trips and the training. He shyly went to her place to see if she would be there and was caught up by her father. Neteyam stuttered trying to find the proper excuse as to why he was there at the ass crack of dawn. He greeted ‘I see you’ and asked Y/n’s father if she would accompany him to training early. He was unfortunately disappointed and worried by his answer. Y/n had been sick and wasn't able to make it to any of the training sessions. Before Neteyam could get a chance to ask if he could see her, he was whisked away by her father to the training grounds.
He asked Lo’ak if he had seen her around and Lo’ak responded “here and there”.
He asked his sister, Kiri if she had seen and talked to her. She stated that she had seen and talked to her. Yet, she was always on the move or never stayed long after working on her tasks.
Others had seen her but briefly. The only one who hadn't seen her for the whole week was Neteyam. She was avoiding him but why? Was it something he did, something he said? Their last interactions were great, at least he thought they were great. Maybe he scared her off by kissing her on her cheek.
Neteyam was sitting in his kelku staring at the beaded necklace he made her around the time where he thought she was ‘sick’. He practically looked like he was sulking in the corner. Lo’ak shook his head. He never saw his brother like this.
Lo’ak walked over and sat down next to him. He snapped Neteyam out of whatever trance he was in by clapping his hands in front of his face. Neteyam looked up in confusion and then proceeded to roll his eyes.
“What do you want, Lo'ak?”
“I was just trying to see what’s up with you? Sitting her moping around like a little bitch-” Lo’ak was cut off by Neteyam saying ‘watch your mouth’.
“I am not moping around like a little-” Neteyam glared at Lo’ak. His smile just widened.
“But honestly, what’s wrong bro?”
“I… I just thought we were getting somewhere. Or at least getting close? Getting along? Now she’s avoiding me and I don’t know why.”
“Well you like her don’t you?”
Neteyam sighs. He finally admitted he has feelings for Y/n. Real genuine feelings.
“Then I feel like you shouldn’t give up just because it gets confusing.” Neteyam scoffed at Lo’ak words. “No deadass I am telling you bro. If you want something you go for it. Nothing is stopping you from trying.”
Lo’ak puts a hand on Neteyam’s shoulder. “Bro, who's the mighty warrior?”
”Lo’ak dude-” Neteyam was cut off.
“Who’s the mighty warrior?” Lo’ak gave him the biggest goofiest grin. It couldn’t be helped, Neteyam cracked and chuckled at his brother’s antics.
“I am the mighty warrior.”
Lo’ak shook his brother's shoulder. “Damn right. And a mighty warrior doesn’t give up.”
It was the next day. Morning rolled around and all that was on Neteyam’s mind was Y/n. He will find a way to run into her. No matter what. That’s what was on today's agenda.
Now to figure out how to get out of today’s hunting…
Today marked one of the most intense experiences of hunting. Neteyam would get his ass chewed the fuck out by his father if he was to miss this one.
Everyone was acquired to bring out their ikrans or get ahold of a direhorse. On today’s hunting excursion, they were to gather Sturmbeests. They would split into two groups. One group would be in the air. The other would be on land corralling the sturmbeest.
Everyone was on the hunting grounds, well everyone except for the one person Neteyam was expecting the most. Even Spider tagged along for it this time. The leading warriors were going over the plans. Neteyam walked over to Lo’ak and Spider.
“Hey guys.” Neteyam dapped them both up.
“Yo Neteyam I heard that you were finally going to talk up to Y/n.” Spider smiled teasingly.
Neteyam looked up and glared at Lo’ak, knowing he mouthed off to Spider about his not so little crush. “Yea that’s actually kind of what I wanted to talk to you about.”
“What’s up bro?”
“I need help with getting out of this hunting session. I want to be able to catch Y/n at an early time.”
“So you need a distraction.” Spider smirked.
“Yes actually.”
“Alright bro, I got you.” Lo’ak rubbed his hands as he stood up. Spider jumped off the log ready to start some action. They both looked over at the herd of direhorses. With similar smirks on each of their faces, they sneaked over as swiftly as they could.
Lo’ak loosened up the reins on all the Pa’lis he ran behind them alongside spider. They counted down before giving the biggest wham on the Pa’lis’ backside. The action caused havoc throughout the hunting squad. All the hunters ran to corral the direhorses. To top it off and add more to the chaos, Spider thought it was smart to risk his life and scared all the ikrans. It surprisingly worked. One of the warrior’s Ikran, flew off. The warrior ran to catch up but tripped and fell straight into the cold wet mud. Spider slapped Lo’ak’s arm and pointed, laughing at the unfortunate hunter. The hunter wiped off his face, catching the culprit straight on.
Consequently, Neteyam was successful in escaping in the very least.
Neteyam arrived back at the village. He went around asking if anyone had seen Y/n. He almost gave up until he caught a familiar scent. A delicious flowery scent wafted around the trail to the weaver’s hut. He followed up the trail. His mouth salivated at the thought of her taste, he was so close. Neteyam was greeted by some of the villagers the closer he got to the hut. They eyed him funnily as he only greeted them in a dazed trance. If only they knew this man was on a mission to make Y/n his.
The weaver’s hut was filled with many women and their children. Thread, wool and other materials used to make clothes and baskets. The Omatikaya clan was nothing like the Aranahe clan with colors all about. But were still proud of the colors that were seen around the village.
One of the girls was weaving on the floor and looked up at the right moment to see Neteyam walk in. She gasped in excitement and caused others to look as well. Some girls straightened up to try and catch his attention.
“Hi. Um, is Y/n around here?” Neteyam nervously looked around trying to catch that familiar scent again.
Y/n came from around the long fabric. Before she could turn around and hide from him, he called out to her. She grimaced before turning around to all eyes on her.
“Can I talk to you?” Neteyam asked with hope and desperation in his eyes.
“I-I-”
“Please?” He urged.
Y/n was pushed closer to him by one of her friends. She was told to give him a chance. Talk to him. Y/n was pushed toward him once more. She nodded, walked past him to the back entrance. She made sure they were far enough from prying ears. She turned toward him and saw behind him prying eyes looking as if it was a show on. It was awkward to say the least. Neither one of them knew what to say.
“I want to say-”
“Look I-”
Cheesy grins stretched over their faces. Y/n hid her chuckles by looking down at her feet. Neteyam bit his lips, he wanted to take this seriously.
“You go first.” Y/n said bashfully.
Neteyam cleared his throat. “I-I was wondering why you were avoiding me?”
With a guilty look on her face, Y/n hesitated with her answer in thought of what to say next. “There was a reason why…”
If Neteyam had eyebrows they would be raised in curiosity. Y/n would’ve thought it was cute if it was a different situation. There was no other way around it. “I was dodging you because you, you do something to me.”
“I did something? What did I do? If I cross any boundaries I apologize-”
“N-no it's not that- You make me feel things I never felt before with you, with anyone.”
“What are you feeling?” Neteyam tried to persuade to get her thoughts across.
“I feel flustered when around you. I feel warmth. I just feel-
“Alive”
“Alive”
They both stated. A soft breeze blew in the calm aura that surrounded them. The weight on Y/n shoulders felt like light after the small confession. Realizing how close they were, Neteyam grabbed her hands.
He rubbed the top of her hands before looking at her with sincerity. “I am hoping that means that you like me too?”
Light purple hue spread across Y/n’s cheeks. She nodded bashfully. Neteyam chuckled and she lightly punched him in the chest.
“Ok ok I’m sorry I didn’t mean to laugh, you are just so damn cute.”
Y/n self-consciously smiled. She knew she couldn’t stay away from this man.
“Remember the deal we made when we were racing?” Neteyam asked. She nodded, curious on what he was going to say afterwards.
”I am ready to cash it in.” Neteyam leaned in close. He wrapped one of his arms around her waist. His other hand gripped her chin. He leaned closer. No more waiting. Neteyam dove for a kiss.
Both felt nothing like this before. The feeling was exhilarating. They connected like it was meant to be. His lips were soft and rich. Before Y/n could define what he tasted like, Neteyam broke apart from her.
“How about we go on a date? I really want to treat you right.” Neteyam kissed her hands.
Y/n nonexistent eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “What’s a date?”
Author’s Note: I finally have finished this! I am so sorry this took longer than expected. I wanted to push myself with this new story piece plus I kept getting inspired the way the story was going and kept getting more ideas. This was going to be longer actually lol but I could break it into part 2.
Let it be known that this is posted on December 18th the day I am seeing fire and ash!
I hope you guys enjoyed this! Let me know your feedback on what you think of the story. What were your highlights??
This expansion will play out from his point of view and will center a plot in which Sol must not only defeat his new enemies, allied forces of RDA and Mangkwan, but rescue his Sarentu family from their clutches.
#project hail mary
