Mar 29
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pairing: neteyam x fem!arctic!na'vi!reader
summary: desperate for a place to hide, neteyam and his family found themselves in a place with nothing but snow.
tags: x reader, arctic!na'vi!reader, fluff, eventual romance, denial of feelings is a river egypt, healthy rivalry, hanging out, neteyam head over heels but doesn't know it, (will add more in the future)
wc: 5.2k
masterlist
PART I.
NETEYAM tightened his hold on the fabric wrapped around his body as they flew over the snowy mountains of Eywa’eveng. No matter how thick they had dressed themselves, it cannot offset the coldness that is digging deep into their bones. Seeing how far they have traveled, Neteyam let himself feel a bit of relief, knowing that it would take the sky people a long, long time before they could find any hint of their traces.
It was actually his idea. At first, his father wanted them to go to the Metkayina clan, the reef people. But since Spider’s capture, Neteyam hasn't been sleeping alright knowing full well that the former knew they wanted to go to Metkayina a long time ago in case they needed to flee Omatikaya.
It’s not that he doesn’t trust Spider. But at the end of the day, it's better to be cautious and not take the risk. Especially when it comes to his family. So although unsure, he decided to share his idea to his father. One that his father immediately agreed to when he heard Neteyam’s reasons. Neytiri on the other hand, vehemently disagreed at first, as she knew how far it was. She only agreed when Jake had a one on one talk with her for a long time.
Licking his already dried and flaking lips, Neteyam thought about the place they are headed to. A clan situated so far away that had them traveling for weeks. Traveling traders say they keep to themselves, and are resilient against the harsh weather conditions they live in. They spent almost all their time inside of their ice kelkus, and the rest hunting for their main diet which are fish and other aquatic prey.
The Txuraniya Clan or also known as the cold-loving people. They live on the other side of Pandora, below the icy mountains near the cold ocean covered with nothing but white snow.
Neteyam himself had never seen a snow na’vi, neither his father nor mother. Not even Mo’at, the fallen Eytukan, and their ancestors. It’s a foreign clan that the Omatikaya or any neighbouring clans had never interacted with, even before the first song. Only the traveling na’vis had interacted with them from time to time, and even then, only the Olo-eyktan would show up to meet them.
Definitely a good place to hide and fade away. But the question is, will the Txunariya people accept their request for uturu? Given their nature of keeping to themselves, the chances are actually rather bleak. But, one wouldn’t know without actually trying right?
Neteyam tried his best to lift up his spirits, looking at the large expanse of whiteness below. He can feel his ikran getting tired bit by bit through their tsaheylu. It was definitely bad news, and looking at the area they are flying through, it's obvious that there’s no place they can land and rest on.
Eywa has been kind to them, because despite the weather, none of them actually fell ill as of the moment. Ignoring the numbness in his limbs, he looked at his family in silence.
Seeing Lo’ak and Kiri shivering too, Neteyam considered giving some of his clothing to Kiri, afraid that his sister would fall ill due to the weather. Among all his siblings, she’s the one who’s the most sensitive to climate change.
“Kiri, take this thick fabric.” He endured the biting chill as he removed the thick fabric and offered it to Kiri, but the latter simply shook her head.
“I’m fine, brother. Give it to Lo’ak,” Although in bad shape, Kiri refused without a second thought. She knew her body well, so if she says she can persevere, then she probably can.
Before Neteyam could offer it to Lo’ak, the latter waved his hand in dismissal. “I’m fine bro, just take care of yourself. You’re practically turning into an iceblock yourself.”
Neteyam shook his head and wrapped the thick blanket around his shoulder. Despite thick fabrics wrapped around his hands, he can feel his arms stiffening and cramping as he gripped tighter on the fabric.
“Ma jake, syulang is getting tired. We must find a place to land.” Neytiri looked at her loyal mount in distress, then turned to Jake.
Jake looked at his mate, before heaving a sigh and nodding. It's been almost a day since they last landed. Their ikrans are not only tired but also getting ill because of the weather. If they force these poor creatures to continue flying, they might find themselves suddenly falling from above as their ikran collapses.
They began looking down, trying to find some cave or space they could rest for a bit. Unfortunately, they couldn’t see anything but a wide expanse of blankness. As they were about to give up and just land on the snowy ground for a bit, they heard Kiri gasp in excitement.
“There! It looks like a cave opening!” Kiri pointed upfront, making everybody look at the direction she was pointing to. Sure enough, it was indeed a cave opening at the foot of the mountain. It was obscure due to being surrounded by snow. Only someone like Kiri can spot it, not even Neteyam, who’s dubbed as the greatest spotter in Omatikaya. The latter couldn’t help marveling at his sister’s luck. She’s always been the most beloved by Eywa, and for some reason the luckiest of them all.
“Good job, baby girl. Perhaps next time you should be a spotter,” Jake laughed as he joked, his frown easing when he saw the cave opening. He’s just as tired, exhausted, and frustrated as them. Being the father means being the leader and protector of his family. Seeing them in such a sorry state felt like a stab in the heart, a pain that never goes away. With a wave, he signaled for everyone to follow him as they descended.
Neteyam heaved a sigh of relief as they descended, already anticipating a short but fulfilling nap inside the cave. It’s been days since he had a proper sleep, and all he wants right now is a warm place to rest.
When they descended, Neteyam hissed at the feeling of numbness in his feet as it digs into the snow. Shivering, he hurriedly followed his family towards the cave opening.
Neytiri gave the sleeping Tuk to Neteyam before slinging her bow and arrow in her shoulder as Jake gave orders. “Let me and your mother check the cave first, in case there’s predators inside. Neteyam, look after your siblings.”
“Copy, sir.” Neteyam hugged Tuk in his arms, careful not to wake her up. Bundled in the thickest fabric they could find, Tuk was the least cold among them.
“Be careful, Mom, Dad.” Kiri said worriedly as their parents began walking inside the cave. Neteyam held her arm back as he watched them go inside. He wasn't worried at all, because he knew as long as their Mom and Dad are together, they always have each other’s back.
“They’ll be fine, bro. Let’s just wait here until they get back.” Lo’ak assured Kiri, patting her shoulder.
YOU watched as the family of six descended on the snowy ground at the foot of the mountain. Since the moment you have seen them flying from afar, you have been watching them behind thick snow. You are hiding behind a large rock covered with snow, and due to your skin color, it wasn’t easy for them to spot you.
You watched them in fascination, immediately recognizing their deep blue skin color and patterns. They must be some kind of na’vis that lives in the hotter places in Eywa’eveng. What are they doing here? Why are they here, of all places? Are they lost? You murmured to yourself, wide-eyed as you watched the parents enter the cave, leaving behind their children waiting outside in the mouth of the cave.
For a moment, you wonder why they wanted to enter the cave, but then realize they’re probably seeking shelter and want to spend the rest of the day inside the cave.
Cave…
Unil Käwä…that’s right!
I’m here for the Unil Käwä!
Only then you remember the actual reason why you’re in this area in the first place. Unil Käwä, the fiercest beast in the mountains, covered in white fur. It eats anything with meat, and some of your fellow people had lost their lives and body against this deadly ravenous beast. Once it sees the two visitors inside its home, it wouldn’t hesitate to shred them to pieces then eat them!
Your eyes widened in mortification. Suddenly, you’re faced with a problem. Should you go reveal yourself and tell these forest na’vis that there’s a powerful beast residing inside the cave, or watch them discover it themselves and potentiall lose their life?
Feeling undecided, you waited. Perhaps the beast wasn’t inside and is actively hunting for food in the ocean. You tried so hard to convince yourself that these people are fine on their own, when you suddenly heard a mighty roar coming from the inside of the cave. In an instant, you froze in fear. There’s no mistaking it. That roar belongs to none other than the Unil Kawa, and your greatest fear as of the moment had come true. Seeing the confused faces of the children left behind at the opening of the gate, you closed your eyes and groaned in frustration before bolting towards them with a scream.
“RUN! GET AWAY FROM THE ENTRANCE!” You shouted at the top of your lungs, hearing the mighty and agitated footsteps of the beast and the flurry of footsteps running towards the exit.
Everyone was surprised by your sudden appearance, but you have no time greet them when the two older na’vi came running out of the cave, with the male having a large bloody gash on his shoulder and back. Behind them was the massive Unil Käwä which was further agitated by the smell of blood coming from the injured man.
“RUN!” You screamed at the children again, drawing your bow and shooting the beast without hesitation. The arrow hit one of its eyes, but it didn’t die. Seeing the family running away, you also bolted away backwards, facing the beast with alert eyes.
“Kiri, take Tuk and run!” You heard the oldest son ordered as he tossed his little sister towards the older girl running farther upfront
ROOOAAARRR!!
In pain, the white beast roared in anger, now fully running after you and the family of six. On your side, the mother and the eldest son had drawn their bows too, shooting the beast nonstop. But due to its thick fur and skin, the arrows cannot penetrate deep enough to kill the beast. You can see confusion and fear in the mother and son’s eyes as they realized this fact.
“I’ve shot it with the sleeping essence on my arrow! We only need to defend until it loses its consciousness! Don’t use all of your arrows!” You shouted, wanting to console them, as you released another arrow coated with sleeping essence. The mother nodded at you, understanding your intent before she ran up front to catch up with the rest of their family, leaving you and her oldest son behind.
Although confused why he didn’t leave with his mother, you have no time to question him as the beast is catching up to the both of you. You grit your teeth and hissed, ready to use your trump card once the situation becomes worse.
“Do you have a plan aside from running?!” Asked the young man beside you. If not because of the situation you were in, you would’ve joked with him.
“Trust me, running is the only way to save yourself in this situation!”
You heard the young man grunt as you ran side by side. As time passes by, you notice the beast slowing down and relief washes over you. “It’s getting slow!”
With one last weak roar, the large beast fell on the snowy ground with a large thud, causing vibrations like an earthquake. Seeing that it has succumbed to the sleeping essence, you took the sharp spear you have in your back and quickly walked towards the beast.
“Be careful!” The young man stopped you by holding your arm but you shook your head and gently pulled your arms from his grip.
“It’s fine. My sleeping essence is ten times more potent than any poison. If it was any smaller beast, then it would’ve slept the moment the arrow penetrated its eyes.”
Walking towards the large beast, you saw its weak breathing as it slept. Feeling complicated, you sighed as you touched its stomach. “I see you, brother, and thank you. Your spirit goes to Eywa, and your body stays behind to become part of the people.”
Raising your bone spear, you did not hesitate stabbing its neck. With a weak gasp, the Unil Kawa breathed its last and finally joined Eywa’s embrace.
Suddenly, you’re overcome with joy. You have done it! You have slain an Unil Kawa!
Before you can even celebrate, you slapped yourself and thought rationally. It was too easy, after all.
Their arrows must be laced with very potent poison that can penetrate and kill someone through small wounds. But it doesn’t matter, you’re still the one that dealt the killing blow.
Using your bone blade, you began to hack the beast’s neck. It took you several minutes to decapitate the large beast, and grunted heavily when you slung its head back. You almost tripped face first into the snow when your knees buckled due to the heavy weight. You can feel its blood running along your back and dripping on the ground, dying the snow red.
When you look at the family in front, you froze when you saw their complicated gaze directed at you. They were silent and unmoving as they stared at you. The triumphant smile in your lips froze. Great. Now they must think I’m some cruel murderous na’vi, right?
Sighing, you walked up to them and asked. “Is his injury serious?”
The father looked at you silently for a bit, before he greeted you gratefully. “It is but a scratch. I can deal with this. Thank you for helping us, we owe you our lives.”
You wanted to say that they actually paid you already by poisoning the Unil Kawa, and even without you there’s a large chance that they would survive by themselves, since it's clear that they are skilled warriors. However, you sealed your mouth shut. Waving your free hand, you grinned. “Ah, no need for thanks. Just tell me who you are and why are you here.”`
The pair of mates exchanged looks before the female turned towards you. “Are you a member of the Txunariya Clan?”
Your eyes widened but you quickly schooled your expression. However, you knew they saw your reaction and got the answer they needed. “Who are you and what do you need for us?” You asked, voice stern and demanding.
The injured father walked closer, introducing himself. “I am Jake Sully, from Omatikaya Clan near Aryam Alusing. I have… something important to negotiate with the Olo-eyktan of Txunariya Clan. Please, let us meet your Olo-eyktan.”
Still filled with doubt, you observed the family and saw the youngest child now wide awake, staring at you with a mix of fascination and fear. Seeing this, your heart softened. You don’t want such a small child to freeze out here, for Eywa is kind, and so should you.
Sighing, you beckoned them to follow you. “You better not have any malicious intent against my clan and my Olo-eyktan, or else you might find yourself at the receiving end of my spear.” You warned, walking away in heavy but confident steps.
NETEYAM absent-mindedly watched as the blood of the decapitated beast head on your back drips on the snow each time you take a step, leaving behind a bloody trail in your wake. Now that his nerves had finally relaxed, he finally noticed a lot of things about you.
Your skin is paler blue, with thick white hair decorated with bioluminescent bead charms, and small bone charms. You have thicker hair on your kuru, probably to protect it from cold temperature. Your ears have furs on them, and you wear a thick grey cloak and hood with thick fur. On your waist, there’s a satchel tied around with rope, and on the rope are dangling antler, bones, and gems. You are shorter than forest na’vis, with wider webbed feet. Your nose is smaller too, while your eyes are pale grey. You have thick white lashes, with thin icy gray lips.
Neteyam stared at you for a long time, before he felt someone elbowing at his side.
“Bro, stare any harder and your eyes are going to fall.” Lo’ak whispered teasingly, wiggling his eyebrow at Neteyam. The latter blinked and looked away as he cleared his throat.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Lo’ak.”
Lo’ak snickered as he rolled his eyes, happy to find another way to make fun of his older brother. Neytiri, who’s closer to them, gave them a glance with raised eyebrows. Both of the boys took this as a warning and shut their mouths.
SEEING the large entrance of a cave system your clan lives in, you turned towards the group with a wide grin. “See that? That’s my clan. Come on,” Without waiting for their response, you began your loud call with raised hands, and soon enough you heard your people shout the same call. The horn was blown, the drums were being beaten, and people began to form a group in the entrance of the cave.
You cannot help the immense joy you are feeling when you see your father standing in front, with a proud expression on his face as he waited for you. The moment he saw the people behind you, his proud expression was replaced with alertness. All warriors tensed up, readying their weapons, watching the strangers behind you with apprehension.
Ignoring the expressions of your people, you gave a loud grunt before setting down the Unil Kawa’s head on the ground, in front of your father and your people. With a loud voice brimming with pride and joy, you shouted.
“Listen, my people! I, ____, have returned victorious! With Eywa’s great blessing and protection, I defeated the Unil Kawa and released its spirits back to the great mother.”
Your father looked at you, then at the family behind you. Understanding what you meant, he cleared his throat and focused on you.
“Very well. You have proven yourself to me as your Olo-eyktan, to your people as a Txunariya, and to the Great Mother as a na’vi. From this day forward, you have earned your place among the people. ”
Your people began circling you while singing, then collectively raising you up and began tossing you in the air gently. You crossed your arms on your chest and smiled to yourself, a sense of fulfillment washes over you. When the ritual was done, they set you back down.
“To celebrate another member of the clan passing her iknimaya, a communal feast will be held tonight.” Your father told your people, earning agreements from everybody. You can see that they really didn’t care about the feast, as they are preoccupied by the presence of strangers inside the clan.
Turning to you, your father asked. “Now, I think it is time for you to explain, my daughter. Who are these people, and why did you bring them here.”
You turned at the Sullys who’s now looking at you with that familiar complicated look, probably digesting the fact that you killing the Unil Kawa was your iknimaya, a sacred rite of passage. Giving them a comforting smile, you turned back to your father.
“I believe what must be talked about, needs to be talked about inside, father.”
You and your father exchanged looks, with you vouching for the visitors, your father soon relented. “Very well, then. Let them follow inside.”
You seem to hear Jake Sully sigh in relief, but you paid it no mind as you led them inside the cave. On each side of the path, your people are watching the Sullys’ every movement. They are wary and cautious, something you cannot blame them for.
Txuraniya Clan are people who rarely see outsiders, spending all their time hunting then hibernating. Meeting other na’vis are a foreign concept.
When you reached the central part of the cave system, your father led you and the Sullys inside one of the side rooms. This is where you and your father and his trusted subordinates meet for official businesses and important matters.
In the middle of the room is a huge bonfire, instantly warming up the room.
“Now that it is private and without prying eyes, tell me what is going on, ma’ite. Who are these people, and what do they want?” Your father was talking to you, but his eyes are looking straight at Jake Sully’s eyes.
Briefly meeting the eyes of the oldest Sully son, your eyes widened before you collected your composure and began narrating the events that transpired. “I met them while I was surveying the cave where the Unil Kawa lives. They wanted to take shelter inside the cave, but got attacked by the Unil Kawa. I had no choice but to intervene, seeing that they’re definitely from here or any neighboring clans. When they found out that I belong to the Txuraniya Clan, they said they want to negotiate with you about something important.”
“I see. Stand aside now, ma’ite.” Your father said after a while. You agreed and walked towards the bonfire, tossing more driftwood while ready to listen.
“I see you, Ar’ti, Olo-eyktan of Txunariya. I am Jake Sully, from the Omatikaya Clan of the forest.” Jake’s mate followed by introducing her name.
Neytiri, huh? It fits her.
What surprised you though wasn’t her name but your father’s reaction to Jake Sully’s name. You saw your father’s body tensed, lips trembling as he asked. “Jake Sully…are you Toruk Makto?”
Whipping your head towards Jake in shock, it didn’t escape you how Neytiri perked up with pride at the title. Just by that reaction, you knew your father was right. You exhaled a deep breath and muttered to yourself, “Oh my great mother…”
Gripping the driftwood in your hand tightly, you and your father exchanged glances.
“...Toruk Makto, what brings you here? What is your purpose?” Calming down, your father then asked once again.
Perhaps Jake expected a different reaction, as he was a bit confused by your father’s lukewarm reaction. Still, he composed himself and opened his arms wide. “We have come here to seek…uturu,”
“Uturu?!” You exclaimed in surprise, briefly forgetting that you weren’t supposed to speak at all. With a sharp glare from your father, you wilted and apologized slowly.
Your father looked equally surprised, not knowing what to say for a moment.
“Why are you asking for uturu? Who are fleeing from, and why us Txunariya?”
Jake then began explaining his reasons. Sky people. A concept so real but so foreign for you. The mere mention of these demons brings back all the pain you have suppressed since years ago. Your breathing began to get disordered, and was only able to regain a bit of clarity when your father walked towards you and patted your shoulder.
“I’m afraid, I must refuse you, Jake Sully.” Your father looked straight at Jake Sully and said calmly.
Neytiri didn’t take this too well, saying. “Uturu has been asked.”
“Years ago, while visiting her homeclan, my mate was killed by those demons. They riddled her body with those pieces of metal, instantly killing her while they left my daughter to die in the middle of the ocean, wounded and scared. Eywa is kind, for I was able to save my daughter, but not my wife...” Your father cupped your wet cheeks and wiped your tears. “You and your family being here is like a bone lodged in our throats, a painful reminder of my mate’s unjust fate.”
Jake looked down, pained and ashamed. Even his fiery mate Neytiri was silent. “We have nowhere to go. I’m done with war, and I just want to keep my family safe. Please,”
You hear your father click his tongue then begin circling Jake and his family. “Your chest is weak, your skin is thin. You are forest na’vis, we are arctic na’vis. Your skills will mean nothing here.”
“We can adapt! I promise! We’ll learn quick enough and will pull our weight, we will never burden the clan and will follow your rules and traditions.”
Sniffing, you held your father’s wrists and looked into his eyes. Despite everything, you cannot turn away someone who’s in need of help. Your eyes cannot help but look at the youngest child who looked confused and scared, still shivering despite the warmth coming from the bonfire. You were also a child once, confused and scared like this child, unsure of your future.
“The life of Txunariya is bleak, not comparable to the life you had in the forest. There will be times that you and your children won’t be able to eat and will starve. Think carefully, Jake Sully. Can you and your family really adapt to these living conditions after the life you have led in the forest?”
“We will adapt, no matter what.” Jake Sully looked determined as he looked at his family who looked back at him with the same determination.
Your father looked at you again, in which you answered him with a slow blink of your eyes. With a grunt, your father said.
“Well then. We will teach you our ways, so you do not suffer the shame of being useless. Me and the Tsahik will teach you and your mate. Your children will be taught by my daughter. Learn well, or else the cold will soon catch up to you and kill you.”
“Thank you,” Jake Sully smiled at your father, before shooting you a grateful look. You only responded with a smile.
NETEYAM looked at you in confusion as you led them to the freezing cold ocean. He didn’t know where you were taking him and his siblings, and what you would teach them about. He’s even more confused when you told his parents that Tuk cannot join.
Thankfully, Lo’ak was thinking the same thing as he asked. “Why did you not allow our little sister to join?”
Looking at the frozen ocean surface, you replied gently. “She’s too young. I’m afraid her body won’t be able to take it.”
“Take what?” Neteyam interjected. Sparing him a glance, you didn’t reply and ordered them to take off their thick coats and fur clothing.
“Why? It’s too cold, we’re going to freeze to death!” The second son groaned in annoyance.
None of the three heeded your words, making you sigh in defeat. Looking at the drum by your feet, you explained the principle of what you plan to teach them today.
“In the clan, the cold path consists of three phases. First, discipline and cold resistance training. Second, land and water hunting. Lastly, hunting Unil Kawa to develop bravery, skills, patience, and strategy. For today’s lesson, I will start teaching you the first phase.”
Pointing at the frozen ocean, you continued. “See the hole in the middle? You will need to submerge yourself in the freezing ocean water while I beat the drums as a way to count how long you are submerged in the water. We will do these everyday, until you are able to stay in water while I play all sections of our clan music on the drums.”
“We will die! Fuck! I will die!” Lo’ak immediately voiced his disagreement, while Neteyam cursed to himself. Even the usually silent Kiri looked mortified.
“You have no choice,” You calmly retorted. “...If you don’t learn to resist the cold, the cold will resist you, and by then it's too late for you. Y’know, my father’s words are not really just to scare you away. He’s telling the truth. You must learn, as quickly as possible, or else you won’t be able to live here.”
Seeing them still hesitant, you sighed. “Do not worry, you won’t die. Trust me, I will not allow anything to happen to you. Today, you just need to stay for as long as five drum beats.”
The three exchanged glances, then finally, Neteyam took the lead in removing his thick coat. His jaw visibly tightened when the extremely cold breeze hit him. He probably would’ve shivered already if not because of his willpower. You admired his determination, and gave him an approving look.
“I’ll go first.” Neteyam threw his thick coat and fur towards Kiri who took it into her arms for more warmth. Right now, the only thing he is wearing is his tewng. You were careful not to stare and looked on the icy ground instead.
“Alright, let’s go.” Neteyam walked slowly through the frozen water, and it probably appeared that it would suddenly crack under his feet. You led him to the hole created specifically for this purpose, and said. “It won’t crack. Look how thick it actually is,” You said as you pointed at the hole. Lo'ak and Kiri also followed you and Neteyam. Like their older brother, they were walking slowly and awkwardly on the icy ocean surface, always looking down at their feet.
The water was dark, but it was serene. You can sense Neteyam’s hesitation, so you held his arm and turned him towards you. Your gazes met, and you assured him. “You shouldn’t be afraid, for Eywa is within us. Trust me, Neteyam.”
Staring at you, Neteyam closed his eyes before heaving a deep breath. “Okay…Okay, I’ll do it.”
Humming, you sat down on the icy ground and stroked the stick in your hand. “The moment you go in, I’ll beat the drums.”
Before allowing him to start, you let him jump a few times to get his body warm. Once he got his blood flowing, you signaled him that he can start whenever he wants.
Looking conflicted, Neteyam clenched his fist, and sat on the edge of the hole. After one last deep breath, he slid into the water.
THUD.
“FUCK!” The moment he felt the extreme coldness enveloping his entire body, Neteyam scrambled to leave the water, but you shoved him back.
“The cold does not yield, Neteyam! Do not fight it!”
THUD.
“I-I can’t! I-I-It’s f-f-freezing!” Neteyam bobbed up and down in the water, body trembling and teeth chattering as he wrapped his arms on his body.
“Calm your breathing! It’s testing you, Neteyam. You can do it!”
THUD.
By this time, Neteyam can no longer speak at the intensity of his teeth chattering. You can hear his siblings’ worried concern, telling Neteyam to calm down his breathing and to stop panicking.
“Neteyam, listen to me! If your mind flees, your body will follow. Breath!”
THUD.
“One last beat! You’re almost there!”
THUD.
The moment the last beat resounded, Neteyam’s sibling came running to help him climb up. Neteyam was shivering so badly that he curled up on the icy ocean surface. Without hesitation, you took the coat on Kiri’s arms and wrapped Neteyam with it. You gently slapped his face to bring him back to reality, leaning down on him and smiling at him when he opened his eyes. He slowly smiled back.
“You okay, Neteyam? You actually did it, you’re good.” You generously praised.
Despite his condition, Neteyam chuckled at your words, looking smug at his achievement.
note: oh my god i hope anon who requested for snow na'vi reader likes these because im struggling while writing lmfao. i did my best, that's what matters the most. thank you anon for the wonderful prompt! FEEDBACKS ARE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. Thanks guys mwa!
⋆˚࿔ lessons. / neteyam sully.
⋆.˚ SUMMARY. since the sully’s arrival, you have taught their children the ways of the metkayina, and after months of begging for the eldest Sully son to teach you their omatikaya ways, he finally does.
⋆.˚ PAIRING. neteyam x ronal’ite!reader.
⋆.˚ WORD COUNT. 1.6k.
⋆.˚ part two here. post twow, pre afaa. fluff. mutual pining (?). bow and arrow training. hunting.
“So? What do you think?” You smile and wait for Neteyam to compliment on your newest tattoo, matching your siblings. He tucks the braids swinging in front of your face behind your ear, appreciating the tattoo better than his hand caresses your jaw and rests under your chin for a slight second. He smiles widely, his reaction quickly infecting you.
“It suits you.” He chuckles softly, nibbling his bottom lip so slightly. “I love it.” You look down as you feel a rush of heat spreading across your face after receiving the compliment.
“Thank you, Teyam.” You say and he nods.
“I talked to my mom and dad today. I asked them if I could take you back home, my home. I was hoping you could formally meet my grandmother, and, teach you what you’ve been asking me to teach you.” Neteyam says, his big eyes watching carefully for your reaction.
“Oh, Teyam, I’d love to!” His ears perk up and his big familiar smile is back.
“Seriously?” He questions, as if in disbelief.
“Yes! The first thing I want to learn is how to handle a bow, please?” You ask, grabbing his hand gently.
“Of course, I can teach you as soon as we get there.” He smiles and so do you.
“Great.”
The night after, you had asked your parents for permission, to which they said yes. In excitement, you found it hard to sleep that night, the nerves running through your system, and the joy causing your brain to never shut up.
When the sun rose, you found yourself to be the first one to be awake before everyone else, even your father. Even though you were the first awake, you didn’t head out to the village, you decided to stay outside of your mauri pod, feet inside the water, until you saw the blue forest boy walking in the village.
You head his way and when his eyes find you, he smiles. “Hey! I was going over to your pod just now…” He takes your hand softly and you smile.
“I was awake before my family, but I didn’t head out to the village yet, I was just waiting for you.” You press your lips together, shrugging. “Did you rest well?”
“No, not really.” He chuckles softly.
“Me neither. I am excited.” You smile. “Should we head now, or after eclipse?” You ask.
“However you wish.”
“I’ll wait for my parents to wake, then we can head.” You say and Neteyam nods.
You and Neteyam spend time in the village, sharing moments between the two of you and also with the people. After a while, you head to your mauri pod and say goodbye to your parents. While you’re there, you change your top and loincloth, as well as your headpiece, adorned with pearls and shells, resting atop your forehead.
When you find Neteyam again, his expression changes, and he swears you keep getting more beautiful, especially after seeing you with a new top. Wearing his favorite colors.
“Ready?” You ask as you approach him. He swallows and nods.
“Ready.” He smiles, teeth shining and fangs showing. He takes your hand and mounts his ikran, he helps you mount effortlessly. Neteyam yips in command for his ikran and it takes flight.
You look down, in awe of your village, your people, your home. You hold onto Neteyam for dear life, you wouldn’t admit it out loud, but heights do frighten you a bit.
During your long travel, you rest your cheek against Neteyam’s back, eyes softly shutting down. “Don’t worry. We’re almost there.” He caresses your thigh softly and you smile.
Shortly after his reassurances, you found yourself landing and coming to a stop. Your eyelashes flutter as you come back awake. Neteyam cups your face, thumb caressing your jaw. “Hey, we’re here.” You come fully awake when your eyes meet his.
“Hey.” You say drowsily, hand over his thigh, he smiles and greets you back.
The two of you get off the ikran and are almost immediately greeted by Olo’eyktan Tarsem.
“I See you, Olo’eyktan.” You greet him formally, he greets you back, you eye him up and down, cocking an eyebrow, imagining how Neteyam would look with what Tarsem wears.
Neteyam asks where he can find his grandmother, to which Tarsem tells him. You walk to where Tarsem had told you, hand in hand, and other Na’vi were whispering amongst themselves, asking if that was Jakesully’s son, and why he was with a reef Na’vi? More specifically, why hand in hand?
Beyond the murmurs, Neteyam still said hi to all familiar faces, and so did you, shyly, nothing more than a wave and a smile. But Neteyam looked so content to be among his people, and with someone he has deep care for as well.
“Grandmother!” Neteyam greets his grandmother. Mo’at smiles and embraces her grandchild. Her smile dropped just by an inch when she found the Metkayina girl standing there, hand caressing her own arm.
“Neteyam. Who did you bring?” Mo’at says. You greet her formally, to which she hesitantly greets back. She Sees you, within you, there’s nothing but good intentions in you.
“Grandmother. This is my friend.” Your name rolls off his tongue swiftly, and you look at him with a smile. “I wanted her to see our home, teach her our ways as well.” Mo’at nods.
After a while, you head to your hammocks, where you rest from what you couldn’t on the way here.
“Rest. Tomorrow we will rise early and I will teach you.” He cups your cheek once again, caressing your face, you smile and nod.
“Neteyam.” You call out his name, and he immediately looks back at you before he closes his hammock.
“Yes?”
“Thank you for allowing me into your home.” You say.
“Oh… after everything you’ve done for us, it’s the least I could do.” You smile and close your hammock, eyes resting and you quickly fall asleep.
The next morning, you and Neteyam woke around the same time, and you quickly went out into the forest.
“Watch.” Neteyam says, his fingers wrapping tightly around the bow, lifting it. He pulls the arrow back, holding in his breath and watching the innocent animal go about his way. He shoots and lands it perfectly.
He grabs the arrow and sees the fish writhing around. “You see? It’s as simple as that.” You squint your eyes and hum. “Try.” He hands you his bow and you breathe deeply. “There’s another, you see? Right between the rocks.” He steps closer, hand on your arm, pointing at the multi-colored fish.
You raise the bow, breathing deeply as you pull the arrow. Neteyam steps back, analyzing your posture, he lowers your elbow a bit, and steps closer than before, he hovers his hand over your stomach, and your eyes mistakenly meet his.
“May I?” He asks for your consent before he places his hand on your stomach, and you nod softly. His hand rests on your stomach, then he places one on your back, he goes behind you and looks to where you’re pointing the bow and arrow, you look back at him and his face turns to you.
All this time together and you had never noticed how big his eyes were, you also didn’t notice how close you stood together, your back grazing over his bare chest. You blink, losing a shaky breath, which causes you to lose your grip on your arrow, shooting it without looking.
You gasp softly, Neteyam and you look directly at the direction where you just. Neteyam laughs loudly when he grabs the arrow, you didn’t even mean to shoot the arrow, but, you still caught the fish. “Wow! That was amazing.”
“I-I didn’t even mean to shoot.” You gulp.
“You still did it. Very good.” You smile and look down. “Want to try again?” He asks and you nod.
This time you move to another river, where there are bigger fish, and at a wider distance. You lift the bow and tug back on the arrow. Neteyam studies you, your aim, and your posture, again, Neteyam holds your elbow, this time tilting it up higher.
“Shoot.” He whispers and you do. “Outstanding.” He praises as he quickly stands to grab the fish. “You’re doing better than I ever have.” You laugh at his remark and shake your head.
“Wow, you should maybe give it up then, leave it to me.” You tease.
“Yeah, you wish.” He chuckles, grabbing back his bow and arrow. When his eyes grab another fish, he shoots his arrow almost immediately and your eyebrows raise. “You cannot beat the teacher.”
You hum and roll your eyes. He then chuckles. “Enough fish. Give me something bigger.” You dare and Neteyam smiles.
He chuckles and nods. “Oh okay. Come.” He grabs your hand, he calls for his ikran and you both mount it.
You head to another part of the forest, where mostly nantangs and palulukans reside. (viperwolves, thanators).
You hid behind a large tree, Neteyam hidden as well in the tree right next to you. The two of you quietly sneak over to the lone nantang drinking water. You draw the bow, taking in a breath and releasing it after you release the bow. You approach the animal and pray to Eywa as you end its suffering. You caress it as it takes its final breath.
You turn your face, Neteyam is inches away from you, and he’s caressing your back up and down, his glowing freckles adorning his face. “Good job.” His hand goes up to behind your neck. You look at him, doe eyes wide, catching him enamored. “Next time I might teach you how to mount an ikran.” Your eyes light up.
“You better, forest boy.” The two of you share a smile before resting your foreheads against each other.
Soul of the reef
Pairing: Jamie Flatters x f!reader
Summary: Jamie is the "forest boy" who can’t seem to follow the script when you’re around.
Word Count: 1,4K
Warnings: Fluff!!
It was never your fault lo'ak
You can take my Jamie Flatters as nightwing fancast out of my cold dead hands
Neteyam ❤️
AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER (2022) Directed by James Cameron.