one shot
NETEYAM x fem!omatikaya!reader
summary: when toruk makto and his family left high camp, you were a bit disheartened to see one of your friends leave. but after two summers, you began to lose hope that he would ever come back. that is until a certain someone shows up with some noticeable changes.
tags: fluff , suggestive (?)
a/n: finally got something done IM SO TIRED FROM WORK AHHH, hope its to yalls liking!
theme: when did you get hot?
The loud drum beat coming from the center gathering vibrated deep in your bones the closer you got. A few hours ago, Toruk Makto and his family has safely returned back home from their expedition across the sea, and of course, it called for massive rejoicing through celebration.
You wanted to greet them, ask what it was like to live on the sea, and what adventures they might have gone on from their time spent out there, but obviously the entire clan was thinking the same thing. So you just figured to give them space. To give him space. You're sure its a lot to take in from leaving your home almost abandon all tradition and coming back to reintroduce yourselves to it.
You moved through the crowd, a woven basket of fruit balanced on your hip. You weren’t one for loud conversations or lingering in groups. You'd rather keep to yourself and observe everyone else around you. The celebration for the returning family was lively, but you preferred the edges of it. It was easier to spy on everyone that way.
You were just turning a corner, eyes glued to some kids running around the fire that certainly posed a safety threat, when you collided into someone's solid chest. The basket tipped, almost sliding from your grip.
Strong hands caught your shoulders instantly, steadying you.
"Forgive me-" a deep, warm voice started, then paused.
You looked up, an apology already forming on your lips, and froze.
The Na'vi standing before you was tall, taller than you remembered, with the kind of presence that made girls feel hot in the face. Deep blue skin caught the firelight in shifting patterns, highlighting the lean, powerful lines of his shoulders and arms. Yellow eyes, sharp and intelligent, widened slightly as they met yours. A confident, easy smile tugged at his mouth. The kind that said he knew exactly how he looked these days.
Neteyam.
But not the same Neteyam who had left. This one… Eywa, this one had grown into something that made your stomach flip in a way you weren't prepared for. His jaw was sharper, his frame filled out with the kind of muscle that came from years of ocean currents and relentless training.
He looked fine as hell, and he clearly knew it.
You felt heat rush to your cheeks. You'd changed too. Your own body had softened and strengthened in different ways over the seasons. But you barely noticed those things about yourself.
You blinked, suddenly shy, ears flicking back. "Neteyam?"
His smirk deepened. "Yeah… it's me," he murmured, voice low and smooth. You clutched the fruit basket tighter against your hip, suddenly acutely aware of how close you were standing. "You… you look different." You stammered, gaze dropping to the solid planes of his muscles, before forcing your eyes to his face.
Neteyam chuckled softly, the sound vibrating through you where his fingers still lingered. He tilted his head, braids shifting as he studied you with adoration. "Different?"
You swallowed, heat flooding your face again as you tried not to stare at him more than what was considered respectful during a conversation. He looked incredible. Like the ocean had taken the boy you vaguely remembered and sculpted him into something dangerously handsome.
"I mean-" Your voice came out quieter than you wanted and a little breathless. "You're… taller. Stronger. Your arms, they…" You trailed off, and quickly looked down at the fibers of the basket instead. "The sea must have been very good to you."
"Yeah?" he said, voice low enough that it felt like it was just for you. "The sea was… something. Cold currents, long swims, fighting reef monsters. Guess it paid off."
You nearly let your knees buckle at his voice alone. You felt your tail twitch behind you. "It… it really did," you managed, trying to sound normal. Your voice came out softer than usual. "You look… really good, Neteyam."
You weren't the type to say stuff like that out loud. You barely talked to most people. But here you were, blurting it out because he was standing right there looking like Eywa had personally blessed him.
Neteyam's smirk softened into something warmer. "You're not looking so bad yourself," he murmured, eyes sparkling with amusement. "I almost didn't recognize you when I turned around. Those two summers… they were good to you too."
You blinked in surprise. "Me?" An awkward laugh escaped before you could stop it. "I'm just… me. Same as always. You're the one who came back looking like-" You gestured vaguely at all of him, then immediately retracted your hand. "Like that."
He laughed, and it made your ears flick forward. "Like what?" he teased. "Go on. Say it."
You shook your head, clutching the basket tighter. "Nope. Not happening. I've already embarrassed myself enough for one night."
His voice dropped lower, playful, but toned with that easy confidence. "You haven't embarrassed yourself. It's cute when you get flustered. Always was, even before I left."
Your heart did a weird little stutter. Cute? He thought you were cute? You'd been friends, sort of. You sat near each other during lessons, nothing deep. But now he was looking at you like he was seeing you for the first time, and you were pretty sure your face was the color of ripe fruit.
He nodded toward the edge of the clearing. "Walk with me? Just for a bit. Catch up properly. And maybe… you can tell me more about how 'good' the sea was to me."
You bit your lip, fighting the smile. The old Neteyam was sweet and responsible, always looking out for everyone. This version? This version knew exactly what he was doing, and it was incredibly charming.
"…Okay," you said finally, voice quiet. "But only if you stop smirking at me like that. It's not fair."
He laughed again, stepping beside you as you both drifted toward the quiet. "No promises. You make it too easy."
As the noise of the gathering faded, Neteyam glanced over, his expression turning more sincere. "Seriously though… it's good to see you again. Really good."
You glanced up at him, still a little stunned by how different, how handsome, he looked, but feeling that old comfortable familiarity underneath. "It's good to have you back, Neteyam."
He bumped your shoulder lightly with his. "Careful. Keep looking at me like that and I might not want to leave again anytime soon."
You rolled your eyes, but couldn’t hide the small smile. "You're impossible."
"Yeah," he said. "But you like it."
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