neteyam and reader like are mated in future, ands she’s pregnant and she doing everything neteyam told her not to do. like fight and ride ikran, climb trees and go hunting.
readers like 🤣🙄
neteyam like 🥹😞😠
sully family like 😂😂
Warrior Versus Worrier
Tags: Protective!Neteyam x Metkayina!Reader, Heacanons, Silly Vibes, Fem!Reader, Domestic Chaos
Warnings: None
Neteyam Sully expected a quiet, domestic few months waiting for his heir to arrive. What he got was a Metkayina mate who views pregnancy as a personal challenge. Neteyam is one heart-attack away from an early grave.
Reader pulls a Ronal 💀 no cause during my rewatch in the cinema when Tonowari wanted her to stay behind, and she was like "I RIDE!" everyone in the cinema burst out laughing 😭 that woman does not gaf fr
* ˚ ✦ Read below the cut
╭┈─────── ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ-╰┈➤ ❝ [25/12/25] ❞
phew... you're in for a ride.
Neteyam is overjoyed at your pregnancy! However...
This joy is quickly overshadowed by him going into responsible mode. He immediately goes from elated to a hovering nanny (*cough* malewife).
He’s researched EVERYTHING that could be potentially bad for the baby.
Unfortunately for him... you are a Metkayina warrior. Taking it easy isn’t in your vocabulary.
"Ma Y/N, the healer said rest. Maybe just… sit by the rock pools today?"
To you, this translated to "go free-diving for the sharpest spear-shells in the reef? Got it."
Neteyam’s face: 😟
Tuk is your partner in crime. She’s the lookout for when Neteyam is coming so you can pretend you’ve been resting.
The shit you put him through is so fucking funny.
For instance, he catches you teaching the younger kids to do a sweep-kick.
Neteyam's nervous system immediately kicks off like a motor, but before he can run to your aid (you're fine), Jake gives Neteyam a heavy pat on the back, beyond amused. "She’s got good form, son! Don't let her hit you."
Or, there was the time Neteyam told you he’s going out with the hunters, and that you must stay back and weave baskets.
Halfway through the hunt, he sees a familiar figure dive-bombing a target...
It’s you.
OH MY GOD, IT'S YOU.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?"
You, on the other hand, chewed on a piece of fruit looking completely unbothered. "Boredom is dangerous for the baby, Neteyam. I’m stimulating the child."
This time, Neteyam's face goes from 😠 to 😩. He can’t stay mad because you look so cool doing it lololol
Lo’ak lives for the chaos of it all. He'll actively encourage you just to watch Neteyam in distress.
Often, you'll have dinner with the rest of the Sully family. Neytiri secretly loves your spirit.
Once, she whispered to you, "I did the same thing with him. Don't tell him, he’ll faint."
Eventually, Neteyam tries to ground you.
Key word, TRIES.
You simply look him in the eye and say, "I am carrying a future olo’eyktan. They need to know how to hunt before they're born."
After sometime, he finally admits defeat.
He spends the rest of the pregnancy just following you around with pillows and extra water, looking like a stressed out bodyguard.
He really has his work cut out for him...
Now imagine this:
One day, Neteyam was sprinting across the woven walkways of the village, looking frantically into the heights of tangled vines.
"Y/N? Ma Y/N! Please tell me you are at the healer’s lodge and not-"
He stops dead in his tracks and looks up.
YOU ARE 30FT ABOVE THE MAIN WALKWAY.
Neteyam's voice cracks as he pleads with you.
"The wood is wet, Y/N!"
You, on the other hand, merely grinned down at him. "I’m fine, 'teyam! The baby likes the sea breeze up here!"
"The baby doesn't have eyes yet! And the wind is too strong! Please! My heart cannot take this!"
Lo'ak chimed in, shouting from the lower docks while cleaning a spear. "Do a flip into the water! The splash would be huge!"
Ooohhohoho, that made a vein pop out of Neteyam's forehead.
Tonowari te Tsika’u Arvak’itan was not known among the reef people as a particularly outgoing or prideful young man.
His calm, strategic mind and kind demeanor was one of the reasons he was chosen as the next Olo'eyktan. His gentleness on the sand paired with his prowess on the water and in battle, made him the perfect candidate as leader.
With a spear in his hand, he was confident, meticulous, calculating, but in the weavers circle or a deep conversation? Useless.
He became shy, reserved. His thoughts held back from everyone.
Everyone except you.
You had become friends when you were barely teens, too young and happy to know about responsibilities or hardships. The relationship had grown from there into something pure and reliable. Tonowari was always there for you, even when the Olo’eyktan died and he was required to step forward as the new Chief.
Tonight, the period of mourning would officially end for the old Olo’eyktan and celebrations for Tonowari would begin. There would be festivals, dances, feasts, and challenging events that would last for a week. He would be showered in pomp and attention, two things he begrudgingly tolerated.
You could already see the painfilled and uncomfortable expression he wore whenever someone did something for him or treated him with more respect than he felt he earned. His lips would twist up in distaste, even as he felt grateful. He was so eager to prove himself as worthy that he did not feel that he had accomplished anything at all. You slowly smiled at the image of his face in your mind.
You sat in the sand, facing out to the ocean mentally organizing everything that still needed to be done. The wind pushed your hair into your eyes and sand crusted your lips, but you didn’t notice. You were too busy weaving a chest piece for Tonowari to commemorate his new title. You were currently finishing the designs on the front, thankful to be nearly done a few days early as the gifting would not take place until the last half of the festival.
You twisted fibers together, creating an intricate pattern to imitate the interlocking roots of the mangroves on the island. You had braided orange shells and carved bone into the back of the garment, but you were still attaching the last few adornments for the chest.
The creeping darkness of the eclipse settled over you, making you realize how fast the hours had gone. You groaned, realizing you needed to hurry if you were going to meet your mother as planned. You did not have time to worry about finishing your work now. You were late for prayer.
You packed away your supplies and stuffed the chest piece into your bag so no one would see it when you traveled back. It was going to be a surprise for Tonowari.
You hurried back to the village, bag stung over your shoulder, and you traveled over the walkways, steps bouncing across the elastic fibers. You didn't have time to stop by your marui to drop off the bag, you would have to take it with you. You broke into a run as you realized it had already started, the elders' voices rising above the distant waves.
You skidded into the village center and found your mother sitting near the middle, already her eyes were closed as she listened to the tsahìk. Cautiously, you side stepped tails and hands as you made your way to the front. Of course she had to sit in the least convenient part of the circle.
She sat with her legs crossed as did the other people in the space; dozens had attended today’s prayer meeting to Eywa. You sat in the spot saved just for you, blushing and averting your gaze when others stared, apparently annoyed at your tardiness. Ronal and her mother sat nearby and you caught the young woman rolling her eyes.
Shame curdled in your gut.
She was the perfect daughter, another Tsakarem of the tsahìk’s like you, but she was far more dutiful and studious than you had the capacity for. You would much rather go foraging for herbs than grind them into paste. The hours of monotonous droning from the current tsahìk made your skin crawl.
You were wilder than Ronal, a trait most of the matriarchs of the tribe tried their best to tamp out in you, but the effort was useless. Ronal would surely be picked to be the next tsahìk, a righteous mate for Tonowari.
The thought made your empty stomach churn at the thought of him belonging to someone else.
You glanced up from your hands to search for the man on your mind only to find him already looking at you from where he sat directly across the circle. His mother sat on his right and his aunties on his left. His father perched next to his mother, holding hands as they watched the tsahìk.
Many of the matriarchs sent you disapproving glares, but Tonowari’s gaze was full of mirth. His flashed you a grin, canines showing bright white as his chest shook. He was laughing at you.
You narrowed your eyes and pursed your lips to glare, but it only made him smile wider. His mother glanced over at her son, noticing his distraction and you quickly averted your gaze down, not wanting to be caught and blamed.
The tsahìk’s voice swelled as she lifted her arms and you realized they were starting to pray, voices merging to chant together. You slammed your eyes shut and joined in. You were a Tsakarem after all.
-
“You are dismissed,” the tsahìk said mellowly, lowering her hands to her sides as the nearly hour long prayer ended and the people started to disperse.
You winced as if you now had to face your mother. She was a spitfire of a woman, known to be abrasive and speak what was on her mind. “You were late,” your mother started, turning to you at the first chance she got.
“I know, Sa’nu, accept my apologies,” you begged earnestly.
“I expect you have a good reason for this? The tsahìk is your teacher, her student cannot be late for prayer!” she chided you, shaking her head in disappointment.
You froze, stuttering a “I- um”. You had no excuse and she knew that by the way her face grew stony.
“I am afraid it is my fault, matron,” a masculine voice said as someone approached you from behind. Your eyes grew wide when you recognized the voice and your suspicions were confirmed as you turned to see Tonowari over your shoulder. He stopped next to you and respectfully faced her.
Your mother recoiled slightly, the new information cooling her down from the rampage she was surely about to begin on.
“I asked her to run an errand for me, to visit with old man Makula since it is known that he was sick. I was engaged in my duties here, so she was kind enough to ease my worries. I am sure he is well?” Tonowari asked, turning to you to ask after his grandfather, a stubborn man who lived outside of the village and hardly liked to associate with anyone.
You nodded, catching on to what he was doing. “Yes, Olo’eyktan. He is,” you rushed to say, watching as your mothers eyes softened and she relaxed.
“I see, I suppose helping the Olo’eyktan is a good excuse, Ma’ite.” She nodded and bowed her head in respect to the new leader.
“Thank you for your understanding, matron,” he said, lowering his head in response.
“I am needed at home,” your mother excused herself, sending you one last stern glance before she slipped past the groups of young people and found her sisters and friends in the back. More like she was needed to gossip.
“Thank you, Tonowari,” you sighed in relief, turning to him. You had to crane your neck to see his face, his height towered over many in the village.
“No reason to thank me, there have been many times when you have saved my tail,” he admitted.
You scoffed, “hardly,” you shook your head.
You could think of only one, when he had been a boy and enamoured entirely with the sea. He had been out past the reef for hours, losing track of time. When his parents started looking for him, you had told them he was crustacean hunting in the inland marshes and would be gone for half the day. They had believed you and when he arrived back home in a panic, you had handed him a net of small, armoured creatures and gave him instructions to stick to your story.
“Come, it is too loud here, so many eyes watching,” he observed. Before you could reply, he grabbed the strap of your bag, tugging it off of your shoulder and putting it on his. It had happened so fast and you were caught so off guard that you did not even get to protest before he placed a hand on your back to guide you away.
“I can hold it,” you tutted, going to grab for it, praying the opening did not gape so that he saw his coronation gift. He dodged away, not letting your hand get near your property. “Do not insult me,” he teased, gently pushing you forward with his hand still at your back.
He respectfully took his hand away from your skin when you had escaped the communal space, his warmth there already missed. He stepped in front of you, taking the lead and you were helpless but to follow.
Your view of his broad back and black swirling tattoos was appreciated. He was a big man, wide shoulders and an imposing height, but he was never intimidating, not to you. You wondered what would be chosen to be his new tattoo to commemorate the switching of the mantle.
As he walked between the marui’s, you realized he was taking you towards the cove you had liked to play in together as children. A spot just for you and friends. Although, as your friend group grew older, none really visited the secluded beach anymore. None except you and Tonowari.
You found him sitting out here sometimes, just watching the water, rough hands playing absentmindedly with the sand. You would join him and silently sit next to your friend as the world went on without you. It was peaceful, and you knew he enjoyed the rest. Not talking, not listening, just being.
He held back a branch that blocked the entrance to the beach and you passed him, your shoulder brushing his chest in the tight space.
“Thank you,” you muttered, skin burning like a brand where it had met his.
You shuffled across the beach, watching out of the corner of your eye as Tonowari placed your bag onto the sand. You found a good spot where you could sit with your toes just barely grazing the sea that nipped up in gentle waves.
“It is a peaceful day on the water,” you noted, watching a canoe row by far out in the distance but you still waved at the three figures fishing. He sat next to you, arms wrapping around his knees after he waved at the people as well.
“It is…” he said, and his response made you think today would not be one for talking.
But you were surprised as he turned to you with guarded eyes. “What is the real reason you were late?” he blurted.
You stared back for a second, “I- I was busy, I lost track of time!” you defended yourself, taken aback by the manner of his question.
“That does not tell me where you were, paysyul,” he pressed, calling you the nickname he had come up for you years ago.
If you did not give him an answer, then you would be suspicious, you had to come up with something. “I was making something for a friend,” you explained, giving a half truth was better than a full lie. Tonowari could smell dishonesty like an akula smells fresh blood.
“A friend…” he muttered, "Is that what was so heavy in your bag?” He put the pieces together and you sighed, he was too smart for his own good.
“Yes,” you admitted, disappointed that the surprise was out, he would figure it out quickly. The festival in his honor was the only event big enough in the coming weeks to warrant a significant gift.
“I see…” he murmured, brows heavy over his eyes and lips tightly pressed together.
Silence fell back over the two of you when you couldn't think of anything to say. Normally, the silence was comfortable with Tonowari, but today it felt bitter. Charged like a brewing storm was approaching but you did not know from which direction.
“Is it for Talo?” He asked, finally breaking the relative quiet.
Your head swung in his direction, “What?” you asked incredulously as he dragged his eyes up to meet yours.
“The chest piece, is it for him?” he repeated, face unreadable as you started to laugh.
“Who said it was a chest piece?” You asked, somewhat impressed that he had figured that much detail out.
“That is the only item that would be a similar size and weight. There are many young men who have recently passed their iknamaya’s. You friend Talo being one of them,” he explained his reasons.
“Skxawng,” you muttered, shaking your head and pushing off of the sand. “See you at dinner, Olo’eyktan,” you added, fingers brushing over his hair in a farewell, sand now dusted his scalp.
“So it is for him?” he called as you collected your bag and slugged across the sand.
“No! Jealousy does not suit you, Tonowari!” you called over your shoulder teasing him even if you knew he was not truly jealous. You glanced back to see his forehead wrinkle in confusion. Good, better than telling him who it was for. Let him puzzle it out himself.
-
That night you approached the festivities already in full swing, dancers moved across the sand, kuru’s swinging as they twisted and turned. The aroma of cooked meats and heavy spices drifted through the air mingling with the wood smoke. Musicians sang songs of victory and peace and played reed instruments for the dancing couples.
“Y/n!” Ronal called, waving you over. You spotted her near the elders and matriarchs speaking to your mother. You steeled yourself in preparation for whatever topic they possibly had in store for you.
As you picked your way across the crowd, she called to you as if you were old friends, “What’s this I hear about you and Tonowari?”
“Excuse me?” you asked as you stopped beside her and glanced at your mother hoping she could help you understand. She just looked smugly back and your heart sank to your toes. She was meddling, you could tell.
“That he is courting you?” Ronal clarified, looking carefully for any reaction from you.
“What?” you barked out a laugh at the thought and she relaxed. “We are friends. He has shown no interest in me, Ronal. Do not worry,” you gritted out the last part, knowing her interest in the Olo’eyktan.
Your mother’s eyes narrowed, “That is not what it looked lik-” but you cut her off, “Things are rarely what they look like, Sa’nok. You taught me this,” you said, pleading with your eyes that she let this go, at least in front of Ronal. She closed her mouth and nodded slightly, backing away begrudgingly.
Ronal waved your comment away, “I am not worried, Ma’eylan. I simply was wondering,” she insisted.
You nodded slowly, “I understand,” you affirmed, averting your eyes so she did not pick up the terror in them.
“Has he arrived?” your mother asked, standing on her tip toes to see as the crowd's murmurs picked up and Tonowari emerged from a marui. The people flocked to him as they admired his new tattoo.
From this distance you could barely make it out, only that his face was covered in swirls of black ink. The sight twisted your gut and took your breath away all at once.
“He looks very handsome,” your mother commented as Tonowari started to make the rounds. You looked to her to see her eyes already on you, giving you a knowing look as Ronal hummed in agreement.
“Excuse me, I see the tsahìk,” Ronal said breathlessly, edging around the crowd to find the weathered woman who was your mentor. Her timing was impeccable, for as soon as she had given her a proper greeting, Tonowari approached them both, falling into conversation as you looked on.
“She will steal him away from you if you do not act, Ma’ite,” your mother urged.
“I will not play her games. If she wants him, and he wants her, then I will not stand between two in love,” you resigned, watching as Ronal rested a hand on Tonowari’s forearm.
“He does not see her as he sees you,” she argued, but you shook it off. The way Tonowari was looking intently back at Ronal with pure dedication made it clear to you that he saw her just fine.
-
The night dragged on into dregs of the festivities it once was. The old and the young had gone to bed hours ago, but you did not want to try to sleep only to toss and turn for hours.
You wound up at your secret spot, the cove sheltering you from the rest of the village as your mind raced.
You stared up at the sky, stars winking down at you from beyond the planet, Polyphemus. The waves lapped lazily at the shore, creating a gentle hush of moving water.
A rustle of palms made your sensitive ears perk up and you glanced back to the treeline. Tonowari walked towards you through the sand, steps sure but slightly crooked.
“You are too beautiful to be isolated,” Tonowari’s voice broke the peace in the air as he sat in the sand next to you, “The people should look on at your glory.” His tone was louder than he normally talked, and he seemed to boast the words as if he wanted the world to hear them
You had put extra detail into your outfit for the festival, wearing a moonstone hair piece to pull back your hair and a beaded top your mother spent weeks crafting for your birthday. You were thankful he noticed, but also surprised.
You blushed, feeling his shoulder bump into yours, “What are you doing here?” you asked him.
“Looking for you, Paysyul,” he said, words slurring together. He was far more casual and relaxed than you were used to hearing him.
“You found me,” you muttered, not sure why he was being so bold tonight. Maybe it was the moonlight, or maybe he had gained confidence as Olo’eyktan, or more than likely it had been the cups of spirits you had seen friends slip to him throughout the night.
You took his chin in your hand, gently turning his face in each direction to better see it. In the light of Polyphemus, you could admire his new tattoos now that you were much closer to him.
Each half of his face was framed with black ink. His eyes were surrounded by lines and arches which made his features stand out more, making him more beautiful in your opinion. They covered his nose, making an arrow pointing down to his lips and making everything look symmetrical.
You let go of his chin and traced your fingers over the lines, pads grazing the thin skin under his eye and swooping to feel the still slightly raised and inflamed skin under the tattoos.
You noticed him going completely still, eyes watching each of your movements and making you hyperaware of the intimacy in the moment. You let go, retracting your hand and setting it in your lap instead.
“You look handsome, Tonowari,” you told him.
He visibly relaxed, shoulders melting as his lips curved up into a dopey smile.
“Good, I am glad you like them,” he said, placing a hand on your knee as it was closest to his reach.
“I love them,” you agreed. Fighting back the words that wanted to come out of you instead, I love you. His thumb dragged a pattern back and forth on your skin, muddling your mind.
He nodded, turning back to the water and watching the world pass by with you.
-
The next morning, you woke up to your mother and father talking in not so hushed whispers. A third voice joined in and made you fully retract from sleep.
The marui was covered in more shadows than you were used to seeing at this time, making you realize someone was darkening the doorstep. “What is it?” you groaned, half asleep still, groggily sitting up to find Tonowari blocking the exit.
Your mouth snapped shut and your eyes flared open as he looked calmly at you and then back to your parents. “I will come back later, it is a bad time,” he apologized.
“No!” your mother barked, grabbing his giant arm in her small hand and pulling him inside. “You honor us with your visit, Olo’eyktan. My daughter is awake,” she brushed off.
He nodded, eyes sliding back to you as you stood up awkwardly and smoothed down your hair, not sure in the slightest that it was not wild.
He looked good today, despite the fact that he should feel poorly from the drinks he had last night. His eyes were each rimmed with a thin line of red, but he was otherwise himself. His new Akula tooth mantle hung around his neck and his plain, woven chest piece sat across his front. You were surprised to see a brown braided cape around his shoulders, a ceremonial gift the elders had given him last night.
The mantle was worn at all times, but the cape’s purpose was for rituals, prayer and ceremonies. Him wearing it now was giving the impression that this was something important.
“Paysyul,” he stepped towards you, “I bring you a gift,” he stated stiffly. You could tell he was nervous, the twitching of his tail and the green hue to his cheeks told you as much. You had no idea why he thought giving his gift to you in front of your family was wise. This would only get your mother’s tongue wagging.
“You do not have to give me anything,” you insisted, eyes darting anxiously between the three other people in the room as your parents watched the exchange carefully.
“I want to, it already belongs to you,” he assured. Over his shoulder you could see your mother visibly melt at the words.
He unfolded his hands to reveal a woven headpiece, inlaid with blue stones, cream shells and a polished gray akula tooth in the middle. You took the gift into your hands and stared at it in awe.
You could feel that it was hollowed out for lightness, the back of the tooth carved to match the curve of a head and sit comfortably, brown grass fibers woven around it to hold it securely. A fine hand made the piece that you were sure of.
“It was a recent kill. I give you tribute with its sacrifice,” he said, eyes searching yours for any sort of reaction. He looked as if he was seeking a certain understanding in your face.
You glanced up at him, and your eyes were drawn to the jewelry you already knew from memory. His Olo’eyktan mantle matched the headdress. A coincidence surely.
You dragged your eyes away from it with effort. “Thank you Tonowari. I cannot begin to describe how beautiful it is,” you said breathlessly. He smiled, pleased with your response. Your mother looked on proudly, but your father looked confused. You felt the same.
Tonowari continued. “Will you wear it tonight? You would honor me with a dance,” he said, head leaning forward in anticipation for your answer.
Your breath hitched in your chest and his ears lowered at the sound. “Yes,” you muttered in a stupor. You were shocked he would ask you so formally.
When you were kids, you danced and ran around together at all of the festivals, never having to ask. He would simply take your hand in his and lead you laughing and twirling across the beach.
He blinked, and you rushed to continue, “Yes I will wear it… and yes, I will dance with you,” you agreed and his face relaxed, shoulders lowering and he leaned back, as if whatever bubble the two of you were in had popped.
“I am counting the minutes,” he smiled, teeth flashing behind his lips as he turned to your parents. “Sir,” he lowered his head to your father who responded with his own nod, your mother did not wait for her turn before she dipped into a respectful bow, “Matron,” Tonowari added, backing up a couple steps. He turned to you, giving you a smile before he turned and left the marui.
You blew out a breath, thankful that he was not around anymore to make you so aware of the unruly state of your hair.
“This is surely a sign of courting, Ma’ite!” your mother exclaimed, gripping her mate’s arm in excitement. Your father simply looked befuddled.
“I had some idea the Olo’eyktan was interested in you, daughter, but I would have thought he would have waited until his celebrations were over before he made such a strong declaration,” your father thought out loud and your mother rolled her eyes.
“He is in love with her, yawnetu! Why would he wait when he already knows?” she hissed.
Your face flushed dark green, “Mother, do not speak so! He is only a friend, Ronal is the wisest choice for him,” you claimed, not letting their words mess with your brain.
“Do not be stubborn!” your mother ordered, forehead increasing in wrinkles as she chewed you out. “We will hear of a proposal before the end of the week, I can promise that,” she said, tone lilting back to excitement at the prospect.
“Do not get your hopes up, mother,” you muttered, looking down at the gift. You knew you could not afford to get yours up. The fall would be too shattering.
-
The day passed by far too quickly.
Your time with the tsahìk had doubled this week as you helped her with many preparations for the celebration. Today she had you crushing herbs and organizing food and drink well into the afternoon. By the time you rushed home to finish Tonowari’s gift, you only had an hour to work on it. You tied the last stone on just as your mother rushed into the marui, arms full of various adornments and beaded items.
Your mother swept you up in hair and your outfit as soon as she passed the threshold. You were sitting down with your back facing the afternoon sun as she braided your hair in ways she would have made fun of if she saw other girls wearing them. She normally criticized anyone for thinking too highly of themselves, but today she pulled out every trick in the book.
“Sa’nu,” you sighed as she stuck pearls into your hair. “This is too much,” you worried.
“Nothing is too much if you are to become tsahìk, child,” she tutted.
Nothing would slow her down as she pressed fragrant oils into your skin and picked out a beautiful woven top that matched the blue in the gifted headdress.
When you made it to the beach, the sun was beginning to set, but people were already gathered. You stood awkwardly as your parents left you to greet their friends, abandoning you to socialize by yourself. You glanced around, seeing that many of your friends were yet to arrive, but there was one person you knew.
“Talo!” you greeted your old friend, walking up to him as he stood next to one of the fires. He looked up and a smile broke across his face when he recognized you.
“Hello friend, you look pretty tonight,” he noted, as you stopped beside him, staring into the flames as you felt his eyes on the side of your face.
“Thank you,” you grinned bashfully. “Congratulations on passing your Iknimaya, you are a true warrior now,” you said.
“Thank you, the Olo’eyktan has been putting me on many hunts recently, I did not know I would be away from home so much.” he laughed, but the comment made you suspicious. Your father was never away from the village for more than a few days each week on hunts. He should have plenty of time at home as well.
You opened your mouth to say precisely that but two words halted you.
“Ma’ paysyul,” Tonowari’s rich voice drew your attention away from your conversation as the Olo’eyktan stepped up to your empty side. “I have been looking for you,” he smiled, albeit a little forced as he glanced from you to Talo.
“Olo’eyktan,” Talo greeted, lowering his head in respect and making you realize you should be doing the same. The chief ignored the other man, eyes only on you.
“Tonowari,” you said, bowing with as much grace as you could muster.
Tonowari took your forearm gently in his hand, cupping the bottom of your elbow and guiding you up, “No need to bow to me, Yawne,” he said, the name slipping off of his tongue so casually that you almost did not catch it.
Yawne… Beloved. A name for a lover, a mate. Something you were not.
“You are wearing my gift,” he smiled genuinely as if he did not just tilt your world on its axis. His hands went to the headdress resting on your forehead, tracing the curve of the top as it sloped into your hair. You stood perfectly still as he inspected you, pupils dilating.
“I did not realize the Olo’eyktan was in a courtship,” Talo said from behind you, watching the interaction with an astounded gleam in his eye. You knew he wasn't a gossip, but even he might be inclined to tell a few friends of what he witnessed tonight. Tonowari was not one to be openly affectionate or speak words he did not mean.
“Yes,” Tonowari said firmly as you let another word tumble from your mouth. “No,” you said at the same time. Your face whipped to Tonowari and he stared wide eyed back at you.
He had said yes… he thought you were being courted by him. How had you missed this? His eyes flashed with hurt and confusion and you felt a pit in your stomach.
Tonowari gestured to Talo, “Go,” he ordered with barely a glance in the warrior’s direction, smouldering blue eyes boring into yours. Talo scrambled away, following the chief's orders without question.
You both sat in silence for several moments, both too afraid to speak first. “You do not accept my courtship?” he finally asked numbly as you gaped up at him.
“I did not know you were offering it,” you said softly, the drummers starting their beat as the singers joined in. Around you, dancers swayed and swirled in the dimming light but you barely noticed.
You could have never dared to believe that Tonowari would really set any intentions on courting you. He had always been kind to you, holding you in higher esteem than you deserved. You thought how he had been acting was merely an extension of his generosity, not a gesture of romance.
“I thought you were beginning to court Ronal,” you admitted.
Tonowari recoiled at the mention of the woman, “Ronal?” he cried, maybe more loudly than you would have wished.
“Yes! She is beautiful, a dutiful tsakarem, you look at her so fondly, how was I to assume anything different?” you asked, purely shocked.
“Because I am far too busy looking at you. You are the beautiful future tsahìk, not she,” he said gently, reaching forward to brush your hair off of your shoulder where it tickled your neck.
“But I am not very good at the practices of tsahìk,” you argued, shaking your head, eyes pleading for him to not be cruel.
He just shook his head back, “You follow your heart, that is all that is required, ma’ Paskalin,” he murmured, “and I must follow mine, it leads me here to you.”
You winced at the declaration. Not because it was not returned, but because you feared it was misplaced.
“That is lovely Tonowari, but I have to ask, what signs have you given me that you sought courtship?” you asked, your brain lagging trying to process all of this new information.
His head drew back in surprise. “We have spent many hours together every day for years, I call you my water lily! This very morning I brought you a gift befitting the role of tsahìk. It matches mine,” he pointed out, tapping the tooth on his mantle with one of his long fingers.
“I-” you stammered, “I did not know, you did not say!” You gnawed at your lip as he scoffed sardonically, not looking upset at you, but still upset.
“Last night, I told you you were beautiful. That gave you no idea of my intentions? Do those sound like the words of merely a friend?” he implored.
“You were drunk!” You cried, exasperated.
“I was barely affected, my lips were freed by it to tell you what I felt. I thought we had been courting for weeks,” he muttered, eyes looking beyond you as he tried to wrap your head around the miscommunication.
“Why did you not tell me in plain words?” you insisted.
“I thought my intentions were clear and reciprocated. I would have never dreamed that you did not see my love for you,” he said, sounding dejected. “If I had any idea that your feelings were not the same, I would have-”
“Woah!” you cut him off, flattening a hand to his chest. “I never said that,” you muttered, eyes avoiding him as you blushed. His scent filled your nose, salty sea spray, his favorite berries that grew on the inland, the leather from his Skimwing saddle, and the warm oils he put in his hair.
He stilled, glancing down at your hand touching his skin and holding it there firmly. You felt his strong heart beating in his chest, the rhythm growing faster under your palm.
You pursed your lips before saying, “I do love you. Your feelings are reciprocated,” you admitted.
His brow lifted, lips breaking open to reveal a blinding smile. “Truly?” he asked, gently cupping the side of your face. His hand was so large that it stretched from your neck into your hairline.
“Truely,” you repeated, your smile growing to match his. He beamed at the confirmation.
“I have bad news, Yawnetu.” he tutted and you raised your brows, not sure how much more you could handle tonight. “We are both skxawngs,” he laughed, eyes full of love.
You rolled your eyes, “You are the skxawng, you could have just used your words and saved us the trouble,” you insisted.
“Okay,” he agreed, voice dipping low. “I am the skxawng then, I am a fool for not telling you as soon as I knew. All the time I wasted,” he sighed.
“Time was not wasted, only stretched. Our love grew on its own two feet, it is stronger,” you professed. “I am future tsahìk, so I know such things,” you teased and he laughed.
“See? You are already wise,” he smiled, resting his forehead against yours and eyes fixed on your lips.
“Yawne, there are people watching,” you reminded him in a whisper, knowing he hated the attention.
“Let them stare, let them know you are finally mine,” he asserted, pulling your face to his.
Part 2
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A/N: first Aonung fic !! let me know if we like it. i have a few fic ideas for him but am always taking more
Word Count: 1.8k
Warnings: sexy aonung, slight insecure reader, tsireya being the best friend ever, love confession
Summary: After always liking Aonung from afar, Tsireya, your best friend decides to take things into her own hands after she realizes neither of you will confess first...
You’re quiet as you stare at Aonung from afar. He was so beautiful, from his long hair down to his delicious abs, all the way down to the tip of his tail. He was irresistible, but utterly unattainable.
You had been Tsireya’s best friend since birth, so you grew up alongside Aonung as well. While your feelings for Tsireya were those of sisterly love… the same could not be said for your feelings for Aonung.
So while you stared from afar yet again, lost in thought, you suddenly were pushed gently, the sound of Tsireya's giggle right beside you.
“Are you seriously staring at my brother?” She chuckled.
Your face flushed a deep purple, turning to your best friend. “N-no! I-”
“Y/N, it’s ok, I see you look at him all the time.” She smiles sweetly at you as you two sit on the sand, feet dipped in the water as the waves come and go. “So, you like him?”
You stare down at your feet in the sand before looking at her and nodding, a war raging in your eyes.
“Ive always had a bit of a crush, but it's pointless, really. I know he’ll never like me.” You speak solemnly.
“Why do you say that?” She questions.
“Because…I’m me. There's nothing I excel at. I'm mediocre at hunting, fishing, and weaving. And I’m certainly not the prettiest in the village-”
Tsireya cuts you off, “Y/N how could you say that? My brother would be lucky to have someone like you. You are kind and beautiful and everyone in the village loves you!”
You roll your eyes but smile at her words. She was sweet but it simply wasn’t true. You knew Aonung would never like you, and had come to terms with it many years ago. It did nothing to quench your aching heart, however, as it still yearned for him.
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Tsireya walked along the beach, thinking to herself about how she could get you and her brother together. You were her best friend of all time and she knew she had to help you. And although her brother was stubborn, she noticed all the times he would pause to stare at you. The times he would bring extras of your favourite fruits to the Marui when he knew you were over, or all of the pretty shells he would collect to give you because he knew you loved to make necklaces.
That sent Tsireya on a mission. She was going to question her brother until he finally revealed his feelings for you!
Spotting Aonung throwing spears with his friends, she bounded over.
“Aonung!” Tsireya shouts as she approaches, his friends getting the hint of urgency in her tone and walking away to sharpen their weapons.
“Whats wrong?” He asks.
“Nothing’s wrong.” Tsireya responds, smiling up at her brother.
Aonung narrows his eyes, “Then why are you yelling like someone's tail got bitten off?”
She rolls her eyes, “Because I need to talk to you. Alone.” She tilts her head to where his friends were sitting not too far away.
With a sigh, Aonung drops his spear and walks a short distance away, Tsireya following behind. “Alright, spit it out.”
Tsireya crosses her arms as she looks up at him, “What do you think of Y/N?”
She doesn't miss the light blush that passes across his face as he responds, “What do you mean?”
“Oh you know, do you like her?” Tsireya presses.
He scoffs– pretending not to care– as he turns toward the water, the tips of his ears a dark purple. “Shes…fine. A good hunter– makes pretty jewelry.” He chuckles softly as he continues, “Bit clumsy with spears. I don't like her though.” His tone turned serious towards the end.
“Oh really? Then why do you bring her fruits and shells all the time? Why do you watch her when you think no one’s looking?” Tsireya presses.
“It’s nothing, you're overthinking it.” He responds, getting embarrassed.
“Am I?” She steps closer to Aonung.
He groans loudly, running his hands over his face. “Eywa, you are so annoying sometimes.”
“Come onnn, just answer the question!” She begs.
“I don't have to answer–.”
“Yes you do!” Tsireya cuts him off, “You owe it to me and especially Y/N, who– by the way– thinks you could never possibly like her!” She grows frustrated, unaware that her last comment really caught Aonung's attention.
Aonung turns to Tsireya, eyes wide, “She thinks that?”
Tsireya nods in response, “Yeah, and she wouldn’t think that if you would only admit it!”
He growls, “Admit what?!”
“That you like her–” Tsireya’s tone turns serious as she continues.
“Fine– you want me to admit it? To admit that I stare at her because I simply can’t help it? That I bring her all those fruits and shells because I want her to smile at me? And Eywa– everytime I hear her laugh it makes my heart stop because I swear I’ve never heard a sweeter sound. And I can only hope that one day I’ll have worked myself up enough to be worthy of her– because she’s all I want, all I’ll ever want, and if I never get her then my life will be over. ” He’s breathless by the time he stops talking, running a hand through his hair.
Tsireya stares, wide eyed. “Wow, so it's true.” She speaks softly.
He sighs, “Are you happy now?”
“Ecstatic, now I can tell her-”
“No!” Ao’nung shouts, “You can’t tell her, not yet.” He speaks sternly, voice lowered.
Tsireya only smiles back before leaving as Ao’nung is left wondering what he just got himself into.
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The next day, Tsireya found you walking around the camp. She runs up to you excitedly, saying she needs to tell you something.
“What is it?” You ask Tsireya once you two had finally gotten somewhere away from any prying eyes.
“Soooo I might have talked to Ao’nung…” Your eyes widen at her words.
“What?!” You shout, but she continues.
“I told him that you like him! And he likes you too!” She sways slowly as she speaks, eyes excited as she waits for your reaction.
“H-He does?” You can’t believe what you’re hearing. Did Ao’nung really like you back?
She nods quickly, “He does! And I’ve set you two up on a little training session.”
You blush at her inclination but gape. “Ughhh but I won’t know how to talk to him if I know that he likes me!”
But she’s already dragging you along behind her, pulling you toward the training grounds. Chewing on your lip nervously you think of what to say. Before you can conjure up anything substantial, you’re being pushed forward by Tsireya and realize you are now face-to-face with Ao’nung.
Blushing heavily, you look away, Tsireya’s giggles fading into the background as she leaves.
Ao’nung gestures to the spear rack and the wooden block targets ahead of the two of you.
You suddenly realize the reason you were here and nod slowly.
“Thank you for–uhm– offering to train me,” Your voice comes out slightly strained.
He clears his throat, “Ofcourse.”
Ao’nung tells you to throw a few spears first so he can see what exactly you need help with. Agreeing, despite being embarrassed about your abilities–or lack thereof– you throw the spear 4 times, before turning to Ao’nung once more.
He snaps to attention, once again clearing his throat before speaking, “Alright, I would suggest we start with your form.”
He walks up to you before gesturing to see if he could grab the spear. You hand it to him and watch. He demonstrates the form you should have when spear throwing, down to the inflection of feet, before handing the spear back to you. You attempt to copy what you just saw, but fail miserably as you groan.
Ao’nugn chuckles softly before speaking, “May I?” You only nod as he comes up behind you. Mirroring your form with his, he fixes your position, the blush heavy on both of your faces.
His hand covers yours as you hold the spear, positioning you, but lingering for a moment after.
Then he abruptly pulls away from you, cursing softly and muttering, “I can't do this.”
You stand, confused as you look to where he had retreated to.
“What is it?” You speak softly, slightly worried.
“I just–I don’t know.” You knew he was trying to say something, likely trying to confess, but he was holding himself back.
You walk up to him, questioning what was wrong.
“I want to tell you something, but I–” He stops himself once more and you decide to speak up.
“I think I know what it is…” You speak as he looks back up at you.
“What do you think it is?”
Deciding to just go for it, you respond, “That you like me. And if that’s the truth, then I like you too. I have for years.” Your voice wavers out.
“How did you know?” He comes up closer to you, grabbing your hands.
“Tsireya might have told me…” You giggle and he groans.
“That skxawng.” He mutters before continuing. “Have you really liked me for that long?”
You nod sheepishly. Looking up, you see the wide smile on his face, but falter as he breaks away from you, moving quickly into the forest. Confused, you wait. The smile returns as you see what he returns with. A beautiful basket filled with your favorite fruits, herbs, and a hand woven basket.
You almost melt at the sight of not only the basket, but the huge smile on his face as he brings it to you. Stopping in front of you, he holds the basket in one hand as he holds out a necklace with the other. You could tell he made it as the rope was frayed and beads misshapen, but it was beautiful nonetheless, and way more thoughtful knowing he had spent time making it.
Your hands come up to your mouth as you smile. He nervously awaits and you look up at him. “You did all this for me?”
He nods. “Ofcourse I did.”
“This is so sweet.” You murmur, grasping the necklace. Placing it around your neck, you tie it and smile up at him.
“So you like it?” He asks.
“I love it.” You move closer to him and kiss him softly.
When the two of you pull away he smiles lovingly at you. “Come, I’ll help you bring all these home.” He motions to the basket filled with fruits, and as you two begin to walk home you smile at the new love ahead of you.
Helloo , heard you were taking request for aonung. Aonung x Metkayina reader.
Aonung doesn't really like reader until one night he catches her crying and he asks her whats wrong anf since then he slowly warmed up to her. But reader started getting jealous because ither navi kept trying to get w aonung
— Fading Indifference
Genre: Fluff with a slight angst..?
Rxsil's words: Thank you SO MUCH for requesting this!! I hope it was upto your expectation.
Warnings: fem!Reader. Ao'nung fights with a tow'ta aka Pandorean crab, I made it up. I don't know..?
Synopsis: "A metkayina girl somehow worms her way into Ao'nung's heart with simple tears and her jealousy breaks his heart all the same."
Vocablury: -
|| Oeyä tunutu: My crush|| Marui: house|| Tow'ta: crab-like tiny animal with pincers|| Skxwang: moron/idiot||
Ao'nung sighed, chasing away Tsireya who stuck out her tongue. Again with her childish whims, having broken her bracelet. His mother sent him to retrieve more sea glass and shells, even if from the shore. Even though it's already going dark, the stars visible and bright.
His feet dug into the now perfectly warm sand, humming silently as he leaned down, grabbing a few visible sea glasses from the sand, putting them up against the moonlight to see if they were shiny enough for the 'princess' herself.
Ao'nung rolled his eyes and continued to kick the sand and walk down the shore, soft petty grumbling at hating how he has to do work for his sister's mistake.
His feet walked the warm sand as he silently whistled, his tail swishing as he hoarded any sea glass he deemed pretty enough before walking on. Tsireya could polish them herself tomorrow.
He bent down, poking and troubling a little Tow'ta, a little crab-like creature, into dropping the pretty blue-gold sea glass. The tow'ta gently tried to pinch him but he sighed, getting down on his hands and knees and digging in his arm satchel-like pocket to see if he can find anything, nothing.
He offers another sea glass? Nothing, rejected. Ao'nung is sad he was rejected by the tow'ta.
He groans, almost grabbing the being, but chooses to ignore it, wondering if ignoring it would make the crab drop the sea glass because he knew his sister would love that one.
But the crab again rejected his hard-to-get advances. Ao'nung was just gonna shake the tow'ta to insanity and he was just about when—
Was that someone crying..?
Oh Eywa, now he HAS to ignore the crab, he was too curious. So he glared down at the tow'ta, flicking the little furry appendage on the top as if saying 'watch your back'. As the return gift, the tow'ta tries to pinch him again in challenge. But he ignores it, standing up from his position.
He walks silently, his feet digging in the warm as he softly looked ahead on the shore to find a na'vi girl crying softly. His eyes apprehensive but soft, he knew the na'vi.. The na'vi, you..
He's seen you around, you're close with Tsireya, a friend of hers. But usually kept distance. He walked closer, making his presence known so he wouldn't scare you—
"It's late, shouldn't you be in your marui?" he asked, voice rough at the edges and warm to listen to all the same as you looked up,
"Ah-...Uh." you would stand up, but he beat you to it and sat down beside you—
"Why are you crying?"
He asked, voice firm but open to listen to you as you wiped your ears with your warm palms. It was a bit embarrassing to cry to the Olo'eyktan's son, who was attempting to comfort you. But it felt nice to receive a random action of kindness.
As you explained, wiping you nose, the salt water sticky on the skin as you sniffled. Ao'nung squinted and narrowed his eyes as if he misheard you—
"That's it..?"
"Oh, be nice!"
"Fine, I'll be nice!"
Ao'nung scoffed, and awkwardly patted your back as you sniffled, wiping your eyes and giggling at his awkwardness, "Is this how you comfort someone?" you asked, smiling as Ao'nung scoffed, his tail swishing.
"Oh, better than me throwing you in the sea so you'd get your crying out, no?" Ao'nung smirks as you rolled your eyes and agreed, better than being thrown in the sea by a guy who can't even braid an anklet.
Ao'nung realised, he liked your company. You were cute.
And you realised that his eyes were gorgeous; round and naïvely troublesome. And his smile even prettier..
And it wasn't a surprise to be your friends, even as days passed. Tsireya was glad her friend and brother got close. Two people she didn't know could have such a good friendship.
You would wake up, Ao'nung would be there. You would braid something, he would be there. You eat, he would be there. Swimming? There. Dancing with Tsireya? There. Bothering his friends? There.
It was like a child who couldn't be away from his mother.
He complained how his sister didn't know how to heal, so he'd come to you for help — even if you had or didn't have the experience of a tsakerem or healer. He wanted YOU to fix his bruises.
He always showed off his hunts to you and Tsireya, occasionally his mother too.
Even with the shell hunting game Rotxo suggested, usually kids did it..but you all were so bored, you all silently agreed. Your tail swished as you swam deeper, using your arms to push yourself ahead.
You began picking up the prettiest, glowy shells and wiping them clean and putting them in the pocket you all had, they were of similar sizes to make the game fair. The one who the most number of shells won. You passed, Tsireya's tail swishing right past your cheek to get your attention lovingly.
You looked up just as she signed to you—
"You and Ao'nung seem close these days. Did you make him mad? Why is he staring?"
She signed as you looked up at her before turning to where Ao'nung was, right as he looked down to pick up a shell, swatting it with his tail, right at Lo'ak's head making the Omaticaya turn around and glare at him as Ao'nung snickered silently underwater, releasing bubbling. Before snatching back the shell and putting it in his pouch.
You turned back to Tsireya who had a small smirking look on her lips, as you gently flicked your tail to shove her to go back to her game as you continued to swim around.
your eyes unknowingly drifted back to Ao'nung, admiring his lean shoulders and arms as he swam, his smirk and penchant to trouble the Sully brothers whenever he could. Rotxo attempting to stop him with Tu'iloy, another girl from your friend group, she was fairly new.
His eyes would occasionally glance at you, before Tu'iloy would keep it back, guiding him to wherever she could find shells pretty enough. It was almost frustrating not being able to admire his eyes for more than necessary.
No offence to Tu'iloy, but your eyes narrowed, seeing her almost swish her tail against Ao'nung's thigh as your tail thumped, almost hitting a coral.
Tsireya giggled silently, blowing out waters before motioning for you to move up to the surface.
You rolled your eyes, but lowered yourself to the ocean floor, kicking upto the surface to take in a breath. Your pushed your head out of water, taking in a breath of fresh air. You could've been underwater for far longer, but Tsireya's head broke out of water just after you.
"Tu'iloy is going to die if you keep glaring at her." is the first thing Tsireya says as you looked away, chewing on the inside of your lower-lip. You tried to speak up, but—
"I wasn't-...I wasn't glaring-"
"Please. Don't even deny it.."
Tsireya hummed with a teasing but tender grin, tilting her head. You sighed, taking in a breath and again going underwater to avoid the conversation.
Tsireya sighs, putting her face underwater and glancing at Tu'iloy almost cloyingly and naïvely attempting to be closer with Ao'nung.
She sighs inwardly, taking her head in, taking a proper breath in before continuing to go underwater and swim to find shells. You, on the other hand, silently looked, hoping you weren't glaring at your friend.
She didn't know you had this weird feeling for Ao'nung and honestly, you hadn't told her! But hard not to feel jealous.
You silently swam, picking up pretty shells and ignoring the pair. Before Tuk and kiri blew the conch, they had chosen to be out of the competition and so they took the job of announcing when time was up.
You all swam out, untying satchel pockets from yourself and counting the shells all chose to place there. Sitting down in a circle and dropping your shells infront of you.
"45...good job, forest boy." Ao'nung smirks, "But nothing compared to my 67.", he gloated smugly, his hand brandishing his pile of shells as if some form of holy grail.
Tu'iloy giggled at the tease and banter between Ao'nung and Lo'ak softly. You sighed, leaning against Tsireya, head on her shoulders while you were mindlessly counting your shells.
"Uhhh and that is..65." Rotxo hummed, his pile of shells cleanly tidy as Ao'nung nodded, snapping his finger for Tuk to excitedly write down in a thin bark paper with carcoal.
Ao'nung hums, listening to everyone's answers as they all talked about different parts of the shells and how things have been.
"..Uh, ma'Y/N...how many did you get?" Ao'nung asked, clearing his throat to get your attention as you lifted your head from Tsireya's shoulder as she smiled, Tu'iloy turns to face you with an expectant look at Ao'nung.
"Uh..one second—" you pause, hurriedly counting the last few shells, "—63..65..67- 67!" you counted.
"Oh, same! We tied!" Ao'nung smirked, extending his hand to you as you gently placed your palm on his for a little high-five. Ao'nung grinned boyishly, his tail gently swishing with your warm palm in his for the little seconds but he controlled it.
"So, Ao'nung and you won! Good job!" Tsireya smiled brightly, as Neteyam hummed, nodding his head with a smile, ruffling Lo'ak's hair as Lo'ak sighed.
"Of-course we did, we're great team." Ao'nung boasted.
"It wasn't a team work game, fishlips." Lo'ak scoffed as Ao'nung chucked a soft stubbly, pumice-like shell at him,
"I meant that we're so coordinated that even if we're not in a team game, we got a tie, forest boy. Use your brain!" he scoffed, rolling his eyes. Tu'iloy smiled, her ears softly fanning as she looked at Ao'nung, silently admiring him.
You squinted your eyes to silently cuss her out before looking down, choosing to admire the shells rather than glare at your friend.
You sighed out, breathing in as you huffed, handing your shells to Tsireya who usually used them to make things for people, you didn't have a craft in mind, so you didn't really mind.
"I'm leaving, I am not feeling well." you grumbled, your tummy churning and sour taste in your mouth from watching Tu'iloy almost half undress Ao'nung. It was unfair of you, you knew..Maybe Eywa forgive you, because you felt petty.
You stood up, as Tsireya reached out, "O-oh! Be safe and well, then!" she called after you, watching you leave as she sighed. She had a feeling so she didn't stop you or try to help you back home.
You wanted alone time and that's fine.
Tu'iloy softly winced and clicked her tongue, "They really don't take care of themselves well, do they?" she sighed, wondering why you suddenly got so sick, but she figured you'd be fine.
She turned to Ao'nung, who was still looking at you walk away, eyes glancing at you as he silently chewed on some tree-gum. Tu'iloy, she had no idea what he was looking at, his eyes distant and looking for something to take him out of this moment, so she tilted her head—
"Ao'nung, what are you staring at..?" she asked as Ao'nung snapped out of his trance, turning to her,
"Uh-..I. Nothing."
He mumbled dismissively,, waving his hand over his face, while watching you disappear from view down the bridges of the village. He sighed out, now this all felt kinda boring because you weren't around.
"I'm bored..I'm leaving." Ao'nung mumbled as Neteyam sighed and spoke up softly, "YOU suggested we do this."
"And now I'm bored, bigger forest boy." Ao'nung said, pushing his pile to Tsireya too as he got up, walking down the road as Rotxo gently nudged Tsireya who silently gleefully hid her grin.
She had a feeling she'd get some good news by tonight.
Ao'nung walked up to you, his hands behind his back as he silently followed you deeper into the groves, deep down the sides of trees and all that. You walked ahead, hugging your own arms as you sighed.
He wasn't the most subtle, really, "Why are you following me, Ao'nung?" you asked, turing around as Ao'nung grinned, walking ahead—
"What? I can't be with my best friend?"
"Rotxo is your best-friend." you pointed out as Ao'nung rolled his eyes, "Oh, Eywa forbid, I have two best-friends." you scoff. But a grin still makes a way to your lips as you pushed back your hair and your kuru.
"Ohhh, two best-friends. What? Tu'iloy not smothering you enough with her attention?" you asked, smirking as Ao'nung scoffed, throwing his head back as if you had personally offended him—
"No offence to her, but she's... active. I don't know."
Ao'nung rubbed his nape and crossed his arms, biceps unknowingly warm and sticky form the salty sea water. But what a sight they were to your almost distracted eyes! His arms and shoulders, they almost allured you before you looked up to meet his eyes, lips pursed as if trying not to grin.
How can he say Tu'iloy's attention is slightly annoying and yours is MUCH-MUCH better?!
She's your friend, albeit not the closest, but friend and he doesn't want to be seen as an asshole, even if he is one to all others, except you and 'Reya. He looks at you, admiring your jewellery, your hair, maybe even the kuru or your lean arms and tail swishing behind you.
You just were a bit too oblivious to your own attractiveness.. Ao'nung was upset at that, even he knows his teeth was a bit wonky, his eyes a bit big and he still boasts of his handsome face to himself and Eywa and all of Metkayina for the sake of it.
So it's hard to imagine you can't do the same..
Ao'nung sighs, rubbing his arm as he looked at you, "You-uh..want to go swimming tonight? I kinda have something for you." he said as you sighed, "A gift for Tu'iloy?"
"No..Not exactly. Why? You jealous?" he smirks, tilting his head and leaning his face close as you scoffed, gently jabbing a finger in his chest to push him away—
"Why? You'll comfort me?" you asked, a bit of confidence from nowhere to soar. Ao'nung falters back, his smirk falling in a cheeky grin as he rolled his eyes and shook his head fondly.
"I will only comfort jealousy for my mate..But, sure. I'll comfort you too if you're jealous of Tu'iloy."
His tail swishing faster in slight excitement, before he calms himself. Ao'nung smiles, extending his hand. You sighed out, placing your palm in his. His fingers wrapped around yours, tightening for a second comfily before loosening to it's natural grip as he placed his other hand on his fingers covering yours to encase your hand,
"You really ought to hold me hand more, skxwang." He said as you grumbled,
"Well, if you ask me correctly and nicely. I would hold your hand."
"Okay, I'll ask nicely, oeyä tunutu"
He hums with a smug loo, cheek extended as if he wanted some payment or something as you suddenly look away, a bit too shy as his almost cloyingly sweet and yet a bit too fond tone with how he calls you his crush. You nodded,
"Fine, I will." You mumbled before pressing a kiss to his cheek awkwardly.
A bit too quick, you cursed in your head but Ao'nung doesn't mind. He begins to pull you down the edge of the shore, somewhere away from Awa'atlu village to get privacy to comfort your jealousy.
God, if you had known it was THAT easy, you would have admitted you were jealous a LONG back.
• summary: Reader being one of Ronal’s daughters and Neteyam visiting the Metkayina village more often than necessary just to see her, even though Ao’nung catches on immediately and never lets him live it down.
“You are here again?” Aonung said, awfully amused. "This is the third time this week."
Neteyam adjusted the strap of his satchel, deliberately slow, before glancing over his shoulder. The early morning mist of the cove clung to his beads. “And if I am?”
Ao'nung leaned against a nearby post, arms crossed, his grin widening. "You tell me, forest boy. Unless you've suddenly developed a taste for our seaweed stew—which, by the way, you still grimace at every time my mother serves it."
From the woven walkway above, a soft familiar laugh drifted down. Neteyam didn't need to look up to know whose it was, but he did anyway. Ronal's youngest daughter balanced effortlessly on the narrow rail, her feet bare and her fingers curled loosely around a beribboned bundle of tide-pressed flowers. She tilted her head, amusement dancing in her eyes.
Ao'nung followed his gaze and groaned. "Oh Eywa, save me. You're predictable as the tide."
Neteyam ignored him, stepping closer to the walkway. "Those for the spring offering?" he asked, nodding at the flowers.
She shrugged, swinging her legs idly. "Maybe. Or maybe I just like how they look." Her gaze flicked to Ao'nung, then back to Neteyam, mischief flickering. "You should come see for yourself."
Without waiting for a reply, she slipped off the rail and disappeared into the canopy of woven fronds overhead, leaving Neteyam standing there like a fool and Ao'nung snickering behind him. "Go on," he taunted, shoving Neteyam lightly. "Before she changes her mind."
Neteyam shot him a glare but didn't argue. He'd learned by now that some battles weren't worth fighting, especially when the prize was already out of reach, flitting through the trees ahead of him.
Neteyam caught up to her where the walkway dipped low over a tidal pool, her silhouette framed by the dappled light filtering through the leaves. She was kneeling now, trailing her fingers in the water, the flower bundle abandoned beside her.
"You're slow," she said without looking up. "I expected you to be quicker."
"I was admiring the view," he shot back, walking to stand beside her.
Neteyam caught the droplets she flicked on his forearm, rubbing them between his fingers with exaggerated contemplation. "You know," he mused, "if you wanted me wet, you could've just asked."
She arched a brow, fingertips still skimming the water’s surface. "Oh? And you’d say yes?"
"To you?" He shrugged, fighting the grin tugging at his lips. "Probably."
The tidal pool between them shimmered with the reflection of her smirk. "Probably isn’t a yes."
She tilted her head, considering him with playful scrutiny. "Swim with me," she said, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. "Right now."
He glanced at the water, then back at her. "And if I drown?"
"You won’t." She flicked another droplet at him, this time landing square on his collarbone. "You know how to swim. And in case something happens I’d save you."
Neteyam exhaled sharply through his nose, fingers drumming once against his leg. "You'd save me," he repeated, deadpan. "Like that time you 'saved' me from the shallow reef by pushing me in?"
Her grin widened, unrepentant. "You were being dramatic about stepping on sea urchins. I expedited the process."
"You expediated me into a clump of coral"
She flicked her fingers again, sending a shimmering arc of saltwater toward him. Neteyam caught her wrist before the droplets could land, his thumb pressing lightly against the delicate bones beneath her skin. Her tail lashing before she stilled, her amusement softening into something quieter. "Careful," she murmured. "People might think you actually are not coming here just for curiosity"
Neteyam didn’t release her wrist. Instead, he traced the path of a single droplet as it slid down her forearm, his touch featherlight. "Maybe the curiosity isn't really culture related," he said, voice low enough that the words barely carried over the lap of the tide. "Ever consider that?"
Her breath hitched before she recovered, tilting her chin up. "And if I did?" The challenge in her eyes was undercut by the way her fingers twitched against his palm, uncertain.
"Then I’d say you’re wasting time talking about it." His thumb brushed over her knuckles, slow, deliberate. "When you could be proving it."
She exhaled sharply, half-laugh, half-scoff, but didn’t pull away. "Proving what, exactly? That you’re terrible at staying dry when i'm around?"
Neteyam tightened his grip just enough to tug her forward, not enough to pull her off balance, but enough to make her lean in, close enough that the saltwater scent of her hair mixed with the warmth of her breath against his jaw. "Proving," he murmured, "that you're worse at resisting me than I am at staying dry."
She scoffed, but the sound lacked its usual bite, softened by the way her free hand found its way to his waist, fingers curling into the fabric of his tunic. "Resisting you?" Her thumb brushed against his hipbone, light as a ripple on the water's surface. "That implies I was trying."
The corner of his mouth twitched. "Weren't you?"
She tilted her head, considering him with exaggerated gravity. "Hm. No." Her fingers trailed up his side, slow, teasing. "I think you'll find I've been exceptionally accommodating."
Neteyam’s breath hitched when her fingers skimmed the dip of his waist, her touch featherlight but deliberate. "Exceptionally accommodating," he echoed, voice rougher than he intended. "Is that what we’re calling it?"
She hummed, her thumb tracing the curve of his ribs through his tunic. "Mm. Do you have a better term?"
"Yeah." He caught her wandering hand, lacing their fingers together. "Distracting."
Her laughter was low, warm against his skin. "You’re the one who followed me."
Neteyam traced the edge of her thumb with his own, the motion slow, deliberate, like testing the pull of a tide. "Maybe I like being distracted," he murmured, watching the way her lashes dipped at the words, the way her breath caught just slightly before she smoothed it into something careless.
She tilted her head, the sunlight catching the curve of her cheekbone. "Maybe, but you're bad at admitting it." Her fingers tightened around his, just enough to press the pads of his fingertips into the salt-damp skin of her palm. "That you like being distracted by me."
Neteyam exhaled sharply, half-laugh, half-sigh, and closed the distance between them in one slow, deliberate step. The wooden walkway creaked softly under his weight, the sound lost beneath the rush of the tide below. "Yeah," he murmured, his free hand coming up to brush a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his touch lingering. "Maybe I am."
Her breath hitched again but she didn’t pull away. Instead, her fingers curled tighter around his, anchoring him there. "Prove it," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the distant crash of waves.
He didn’t hesitate. Neteyam leaned in, his nose brushing hers, close enough to feel the warmth of her exhale against his lips. "Gladly," he murmured, and then he kissed her—soft at first, testing, like the first step into unfamiliar water. Her lips were warm, salt-kissed from the ocean spray, and when she made a small, startled sound against his mouth, he felt it vibrate through his chest like the hum of a bowstring.
She didn’t resist. Instead, her free hand slid up his chest, fingers tangling in his braids as she kissed him back, first slow, then surer and hungry, her teeth grazing his lower lip in a way that made his pulse skip. Neteyam tightened his grip on her wrist, his thumb pressing into the flutter of her pulse as his other hand traced the curve of her waist, tentative at first, then bolder, skating up the dip of her spine. Her skin was warm beneath his fingertips, salt-damp from the spray, and when his palm settled between her shoulder blades, she arched into the touch with a quiet, shuddering inhale.
Neteyam grinned against her mouth, fingers curling into the loose fabric at her back, tugging her closer. "You were saying something about resisting me?" he murmured, his lips brushing hers with each word.
She nipped his lower lip in retaliation, her breath hitching when his hand slid down to cup the curve of her hip, his thumb tracing idle circles against the bare skin where her wrap had ridden up. "I was," she admitted, her voice breathless, "but then you got handsy."
"Me?" Neteyam feigned offense, his fingers skimming higher, teasing the edge of her ribcage. "You’re the one who—"
A loud, exaggerated cough shattered the moment like a stone tossed into still water.
Neteyam didn’t jerk away as he’d learned long ago that reacting only gave Ao’nung more ammunition, but his grip tightened reflexively around her waist. She, however, startled badly enough to nearly lose her balance, her fingers clutching at Neteyam’s shoulders as she whipped her head toward the interruption.
Ao’nung leaned against a nearby post, arms crossed, his smirk wide enough to rival the horizon. "Don’t stop on my account," he drawled, waving a lazy hand. "I’m just here to remind you two that my mother’s stew is getting cold. And by cold, I mean she’s already noticed Neteyam’s missing—again—and she’s not happy about it."
Neteyam exhaled sharply through his nose, reluctantly loosening his grip as she straightened, her cheeks darkening beneath her golden freckles. "We were—" she started, then faltered, scowling when Ao’nung’s grin widened.
"Oh, I know what you were doing," Ao’nung interrupted, pushing off the post with exaggerated casualness. "And so will half the village if you keep this up. Secondly," he added, tilting his head, "you want my mother to ask why her youngest daughter keeps vanishing with the forest boy every time he visits?"
Neteyam shot him a glare, but before he could retort, she flicked a handful of water directly into her brother’s face with startling precision. He spluttered, wiping his eyes with a muttered curse, and she smirked.
Ao’nung shook his head, droplets flying from his hair like startled fish leaping from the tide. "Real mature," he muttered, but the corner of his mouth twitched despite himself.
Neteyam exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing as he watched her smirk soften into something more private just for him. The moment stretched, buoyed by the rhythmic lap of water against the walkway’s stilts, until Ao’nung cleared his throat again, pointedly. "Stew," he reminded them, dragging the word out like a reluctant parent herding unruly children. "Cold. Mother. You get the idea."
She sighed, rolling her shoulders back as if shaking off the last traces of the interrupted moment. "Fine," she conceded, bending to scoop up the forgotten bundle of flowers, their ribbons now damp and clinging. She tossed them at Ao’nung’s chest with deliberate nonchalance. "Put these in the offering box for me. And don’t—" she added sharply when he opened his mouth, "—say whatever you’re about to say."
Ao’nung caught the flowers with one hand, pressing the other to his heart in mock offense. "I was going to say," he lied, "that you two are disgustingly predictable." He flicked a stray petal from his shoulder and turned on his heel, tossing over his shoulder, "But by all means, take your time. I’ll just tell Mother you’re discussing tidal patterns."
Neteyam rubbed a hand over his face, the ghost of her touch still warm on his skin. "He’s insufferable," he muttered, watching Ao’nung’s retreating back.
She snorted, nudging his hip with her own. "And yet you keep coming back." Her fingers brushed his wrist before she stepped past him, her feet padding softly against the wooden planks.
He caught her hand before she could pull away entirely, his grip loose enough for her to slip free if she wanted to. She didn’t. Instead, her fingers curled around his, her thumb tracing the ridge of his knuckles with absentminded familiarity. Neteyam exhaled, the sound lost beneath the distant cry of seabirds. "Yeah," he admitted, his voice low. "I do. But not for him."
The walkway ahead sloped upward, winding through the village canopy, the afternoon light filtering through the fronds in dappled patches. She tugged him forward, her grip firm but unhurried, their steps falling into sync as naturally as the tide rolling in. "You know," she mused, her tone casual, "if you keep showing up unannounced, people might start asking questions."
Neteyam ducked beneath a low-hanging vine, his free hand brushing the small of her back to guide her around a knotted root. "Let them. I'm not hiding my admiration for you anymore."
She glanced over her shoulder, the sunlight catching the gold flecks in her eyes. "Good. You don't have to pretend from now on." Her grin softened at the edges, her fingers squeezing his once before releasing him to climb the ladder ahead, her movements effortless.
Neteyam watched her ascend, the muscles in her back shifting beneath her wrap, the salt-kissed strands of her hair catching the breeze. He followed, his own climb slower, more deliberate, because he wanted to savor the way she paused at the top, her hand outstretched to help him up even though they both knew he didn’t need it.
He took it anyway.
The path widened here, opening into a secluded platform overlooking the lagoon, the water below shimmering with the last of the afternoon light. She settled at the edge, her legs dangling over the side, her toes skimming the surface of the water. Neteyam lowered himself beside her, close enough that their shoulders brushed with each breath.
The silence between them stretched, comfortable as the tide’s ebb and flow, until she kicked her heels lightly against the platform’s edge, sending ripples skittering across the lagoon’s surface.
She leaned into him then, her temple pressing against his shoulder, the warmth of her skin seeping through his tunic. The breeze carried the scent of salt and damp fronds, mingling with the faint smell of flowers she held before.
"Was it worth it?" she murmured, her voice barely louder than the lap of waves against the platform’s stilts below.
Neteyam tilted his head, his cheek brushing the crown of her hair. "Was what worth it?"
"The traveling. All those extra trips between the forest and here." She lifted a hand, tracing an idle pattern in the air as if mapping his route. "Just to see me."
He caught her wandering fingers, lacing them with his own. "You tell me." Turning her hand palm-up, he pressed a kiss to the salt-damp skin of her wrist, slow and deliberate. Her pulse jumped beneath his lips.
She exhaled sharply through her nose and twisted to face him properly, her knees bumping against his thigh. "That's not an answer."
"It's not?" Neteyam feigned innocence, his thumb brushing the hollow of her palm. "Seemed clear to me."
Her eyes narrowed, but the effect was ruined by the way her toes curled against his calf beneath the water's surface. "You're impossible."
"And yet," he murmured, leaning in until their foreheads touched, "here you are."
Her breath hitched, her fingers tightening around his. "Here I am," she echoed, softer now, the challenge in her voice giving way to something warmer, more vulnerable.
The moment stretched, suspended between them like the last ray of sunlight clinging to the horizon. Neteyam could feel the steady rise and fall of her chest against his, the faint tremor in her fingers where they tangled with his own. He wanted to memorize this—the way her lashes fluttered when she blinked, the salt-kissed curve of her lower lip, the way her pulse thrummed beneath his thumb where it traced idle circles against her wrist.
The tide had crept in unnoticed, the lagoon’s surface swallowing the last of the sun’s reflection as the sky deepened to indigo. She’d drifted off against his shoulder somewhere between the third retelling of his little brother’s latest mischief and his impression of Ao’nung’s face when he’d accidentally sat on a jellyfish. Neteyam hadn’t moved, not when her breathing evened out, not when her grip on his fingers loosened, not even when her head slid from his shoulder to the crook of his arm, her cheek pressed warm against his chest.
Her hair smelled of salt and something faintly sweet. Neteyam breathed it in, his thumb still tracing absent circles against her wrist. The village below had quieted, the distant hum of conversation replaced by the occasional splash of fish breaking the surface.
*Was it worth it?*
The question lingered, unanswered. He tilted his head just enough to press his lips to her forehead, featherlight. "Yeah," he murmured, the word barely more than an exhale. "Every time."
She didn’t stir, but her fingers curled instinctively around his, as if even in sleep, she’d heard him. Neteyam smiled against her hair, the weight of her on him lulling him into sleep.
summary: yourself and a group of midwives show the divine feminine beauty and power of women.
tags: sfw , fluff , mention of childbirth (nun graphic)
a/n: HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!! i hope all u ladies have a wonderful day AND MONTH!! we celebrate all women before us and after us. we will forever be grateful for the women who fought for our rights! we honor the incredible social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women everywhere, while pushing forward for true gender equality. every woman making her mark big or small: you are powerful, you are essential, and you deserve every bit of celebration and justice coming your way! let's keep amplifying voices, demanding rights + justice + action for ALL women and girls!!
theme: labour
The sun hung low over the village of Awa'atlu, casting a golden glow over the warm waters that gently lapped up on the shore. Today was no ordinary day. The air hummed with anticipation, the kind where life or death was at play.
A young woman, Kiyru, strong, beloved, heavy with child, had gone into labor earlier this morning, and it was now late evening. The birth had turned difficult. The baby was positioned wrong, the mother's strength faltering after long hours of effort. Whispers spread through the clan like ripples across the sea. Something was wrong.
You, Tsahìk of the Metkayina, moved with precise calculation through the shallow birthing pool at the edge of the village. The water here was warm, shallow enough for the midwives to stand, yet deep enough to honor the First Breath ritual that would come, if Eywa willed the child to live. You knelt beside the laboring woman, your hands steady, your voice whispering gentle encouragements over the the thoughts that plagued her mind.
The midwives, experienced women of the clan, their arms strong from years of weaving, diving, and healing, worked in perfect harmony around you. One supported the mother's back, another monitored each contraction, while a third prepared strips of clean kelp cloth and healing pastes from ground coral and sea herbs. No man interfered. The warriors, hunters, even the Olo'eyktan himself, stood back at a respectful distance on the woven walkway above the pool.
Among them stood Aonung, your mate, the young Olo'eyktan, broad-shouldered and tall, his dark curls tied back, shark-tooth necklace resting against his chest. His arms were crossed, tail flicking once in tension, but he did not step forward. He knew better. This was a woman's domain, the sacred work of bringing new life from the sea's embrace. His eyes followed your every movement, pride and something deeper flickering there. Admiration for the power you wielded so quietly, so fiercely.
Kiyru cried out, her grip tightening on the arms of the midwives. You placed one hand on her swollen belly, the other placed on her chest, seeking Eywa's guidance through the spiritual connection. You felt the child's heartbeat, strong, but struggling. "Breathe with the tide," you murmured. "Let it carry you. Eywa sees you both."
The midwives adjusted their hold, guiding, encouraging. You pressed down carefully on her stomach, ensuring movement inside. Slowly, with careful pressure and your directed touch, the baby began to turn. You looked up at Kiyru, commanding she begin to push again. Fierce and unyielding she did, her face set in determination.
Minutes stretched like hours. Then, a shift. One final exertion, and a small slippery form glided into the water. Instinct taking over, the baby wirggled its way to the surface, ready to take its First Breath.
The eldest midwife's hands were there in an instant. She lifted her just enough to clear the tiny mouth and nose. A soft gurgle, then silence. You leaned in, your own hands joining hers, one supporting the babies head while the other gently stroked along her back in the known rhythm meant to coax the First Breath. Her small chest rose. Hesitant, then expanded. A piercing cry rang out across the lagoon.
Kiyru sobbed in relief, her exhausted body trembling as the midwives guided the infant to her chest. Skin to skin, the connection immediate though the fresh tsaheylu. The new mother wrapped her arms around her daughter, tears falling free. The midwives stepped back slightly, forming a protective semicircle.
You remained kneeling in the shallows, one hand still resting on Kiyru's shoulder, the other brushing a damp strand from the newborn's tiny forehead. "She is strong," you whispered, voice carrying the weight of Eywa's blessing. "Like her mother."
The birthing pool seemed to shimmer brighter now, the golden evening light shining through the ripples as if Eywa herself celebrated. Kiyru's breathing steadied, her exhaustion giving way to quiet wonder as she gazed down at the tiny face pressed to her heart. A thread of life connecting them directly to Eywa's great web.
You stepped back slightly, allowing mother and child to grow comfortable with their bond. You wiped your forehead, wet with the sea water and your own sweat. You looked over at the other midwives, cleaning the afterbirth, offering natural broth to the mother. They were the backbone of the People, the keepers of continuity, the ones who carried the future in their palms.
Only now did everyone release a breath of ease, releasing the tension everyone had held in their lungs.
Aonung stepped to the very edge of the pool, kneeling low so his shadow fell gently across the water. His eyes, usually sharp with the confidence of a leader, were soft, almost vulnerable as they moved from the newborn to Kiyru, then finally to you.
He didn't speak at first. He simply watched, tail still, breathing measured. He leaned closer, just for you to hear. "All my life I've been taught to lead, to hunt, to protect." His fingers flexed once against the edge of the platform. "But this... what you've done here, what all of you have done, it's power I can never touch. Not like this."
You rose slowly from the water, droplets tracing glowing paths down your skin. Meeting his gaze, you saw the truth there. Not envy, but a deep, abiding respect.
"It isn't about touching it," you said quietly, stepping closer, water lapping at your hips. "It's about knowing when to stand back. When to let the women carry what only we can carry." Your hand lifted, brushing a stray curl behind your ear. "You protect the reef so we can nurture what lives within it. That is partnership. That is balance." You said, watching Kiyru and her new baby.
"Still," he murmured, "watching you command the tide itself... seeing Kiyru find her strength because of yours... it reminds me every day why I chose you. Why I'd choose you again, in every lifetime."
Kiyru rocked her daughter gently, whispering praises only meant for her. The clan lingered at the edges honoring the moment without intrusion.
"Labour," you whispered, carrying the weight of the day, of centuries of women before you, "is not just pain. It's creation. It's endurance. It's the quiet fury that brings life from the dark."
His hand found yours under the water's edge, fingers intertwining. "And you bear it beautifully," he replied. "Like the sea itself."
As the sun dipped lower, painting the lagoon in deepening amber and rose, the air filled with the gentle sounds of celebration. In that sacred circle of women, it bore new life at the very center.
★ Warnings: None, fluff, slight mention of death, injuries, two fools in love, Lo’ak is over it, they are cheeesyyyy, the Sully family came to the metkayina after a while so the kids are older
Written for Pandora in bloom by @junebugonjupiter!
★ Prompt 30: Sunshine x sunshine and everyone is sick of it (with a bit of prompt 23)
★ Author’s note: English isn’t my first language so forgive me for any mistake! I think this low-key sucks cause I had a different idea for the ending but then this happened, but hopefully it’s decent enough
Enjoy!🫶❤️
Main masterlist
“This is absolutely disgusting”Lo’ak whispered, a small sigh leaving his lips as he rested his chin on his palm.
“They are adorable, leave them alone” his sister, Kiri replied. “Jealousy does not suit you” a knowing grin tugged at her lips, her eyes fixated on the couple a few of meters ahead.
The two siblings had been watching their older brother for about an hour or so now, and both of them were starting to grow sick of if, of them. Or, in someone’s case, a little jealous.
They had been spying, hoping for something more entertaining, but the pair had done nothing but sit close, speaking in low voices they couldn’t even make out.
Neteyam sat beside you, interviewining his fingers with yours the moment they brushed. He lifted your hand, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it.
Your smile was so radiant it nearly blinded him, yet he could not look away.
“Ma Yawntu” he whispered, voice low, meant for your ears only. “Have I told you your beauty outshines the sun itself?”
You rolled your eyes at his honeyed words. “Far too many times”you responded. And as much as you tried to hide it, your cheeks ached from how wide your smile had been ever since you laid your eyes on him.
“I still don’t think it is enough” he murmured “you deserve to hear it more often.”
He hummed softly, as if considering it. “Perhaps every day.”
His hand rose, brushing away a stray strand of hair that had fallen over your eyes.
“You are a fool, ‘Teyam.” Despite your words, you could not contain the giggles that escaped past your lips.
Your hands rested on his arm, gently tracing the arm piece you had personally crafted for him. Adorning it with each decorative piece you thought would remind him of you. Each detail carefully chosen so that, even when he was away, he would think of you.
The thought alone made you giddy.
He smiled, completely captivated by your laughter. His tail inching closer until it brushed against yours.
Normally he would have already sensed his siblings watching and would have told them off for their stalking. However, at the moment his focus was directed toward you and you only.
Warmth spread from the tips of your ears to your cheeks. You tried to convince yourself it was just the rush. The fact that he had just took you on an Ikran’s ride, the two of you laughing so carefree as the wind blew on your faces. It was normal.
But if you had to be honest… it was him.
He just had that affect on you.
Things with him where easy, effortless even. You never faked anything, and you never even thought about it. He made you feel things that no one ever made you feel.
“You cannot convince me that Utumauti is not better than Yovo”Neteyam spoke, stretching his arms. It had been a while since he’d been able to rest this freely.
“Well, I have never eaten Utumauti” you answered, a small huff in your voice. Your current position was starting to hurt your back, maybe sitting instead of laying on the hammock hadn’t been the best idea. So you shifted, laying down and settling comfortably in his arms.
He didn’t pass the opportunity to bring you closer, arms wrapping around you as his chin rested gently on your head.
“Then I shall not know peace unless I give you an Utumauti.”
You chuckled, your hand sneaking up to his chest, placing it right where you could feel his heartbeat.
“It is too chivalrous of you” you teased, looking up at him. He scrunched his nose in fake offense. “You are my savior”you added dramatically, letting out an exaggerated sigh.
“Oh, so that’s how it is? Hm?” Neteyam pinched your side.
A small laugh escaped you at the ticklish sensation, quickly turning into full laughter as he continued. The hammock swayed with the both of you, creaking softly as you tried, unsuccessfully, to tickle him back.
Too focused on your revenge, you didn’t notice the cord that held you both suspended snapping, sending you both tumbling to the ground.
Neteyam’s hand was quick to cradle the back of your head, softening the fall. So It wasn’t as painful as it was startling.
For a brief moment, you both simply stared at one another.
Then, almost at the same time, you burst into laughter again.
Lo’ak suddenly pushed into the marui, a grin on his face, one that quickly vanished as he took in the sight before him.
Neteyam hovered above you, one hand still behind your head, barely any space between your bodies.
You winced slightly. You could see how this looked…
“Ugh, not in my house” He groaned, already turning away. His figure disappearing just as quickly as it appeared. The flaps of the tent shut harshly behind him as he stormed off, muttering a string of incomprehensible complaints under his breath.
“Tuk! Don’t go in there!”
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
It had been a year or two since the Sully family had come to the Metkayina clan seeking Uturu.
Many eyes followed them since then. But Neteyam cared about yours only.
Ever since he passed his Iknimaya, he had been anything but subtle about courting you. Every boy in the clan knew better than to try their luck, it was a lost cause. Not when your smile stretched so brightly every time you caught glimpse of the said forest boy.
Your laughter filled the early mornings when he came to you, grinning as he offered freshly prey hunted just for you. Your father even joked that he no longer needed to go hunting anymore seeing as Neteyam bought fishes that were big enough to last you days.
There wasn’t a day when you didn’t have displayed on your new jewelry or sported a top woven and handcrafted by the boy himself.
Everyone in the clan knew that you two belonged to one another.
No girl dared to openly swoon at the sight of the new clan warrior, no lingering glances, nor did they try to find an excuse to speak to him anymore.
They all knew he was yours, much to some girl’s dismay.
And yet what they truly could not understand was why you two were still not mated.
It has been months since Neteyam started openly courting you, and it was obvious you reciprocated the boy’s feelings. So why the wait?
It was torture, really.
Watching the two of you, so completely smitten with one another, tails swaying behind you like young Ilus whenever you were near one another.
Lo’ak, especially, had grown impatient.
He had lost count of how many times Neteyam had abandoned him mid conversation the second he spotted you, running off like a lost puppy.
And he would never admit it, ever, but sometimes he envied what you had.
He even found it… adorable.
The way you both found one another in a crowded place, eyes glistening with words that did not need to be said, hands always reaching for one another.
Kiri, for her part, could not remember a time where you two where not touching. An arm around your back, fingers brushing, always something.
She still remembered nearly laughing out loud the time Neteyam had sulked because he did not get to sit beside you.
That night, he barely touched his food, too busy watching you instead.
Your laughter reached his ears like a sweet melody he never grew tired of.
His parents found it amusing to say the least, well Neytiri certainly did. To see her boy, who was nothing but a skilled and serious warrior be reduced to a lovefool in your presence certainly made her love and respect you more.
Jake had caught on the last though.
He realized the truth about his son’s feelings the day Neteyam completed his Iknimaya. The way the boy’s eyes searched for you in the crowd, hugging you tight despite his injuries.
The way he asked for you after just waking up from his coma. A coma that had left everyone questioning whether or not he would ever wake up.
Still badly injured, barely conscious and yet the first name he spoke was yours.
The way he said it soft, reverent like something sacred.
It was enough to make you melt.
Although nothing compared to the sweet names he reserved for you.
The ones that made your stomach turn upside down, warmth rushing to your face, forcing you to look away just to escape his gaze.
He knew exactly the affect he had on you.
It was showing in the way he grinned so smugly, gently grabbing your chin, guiding your eyes back to his. Eyes shimmering with a knowing glint.
Truthfully, you had been ready to accept him since the beginning.
From the day he saved you from the sky people. From the day he asked you to fly alongside him on his Ikran. The creature was gentle, mirroring her rider’s soul.
But you wanted to be ready.
And he was still learning everything there was to learn of your people’s ways.
So you both decided to wait, together.
Both of you still healing from the many losses the clan had suffered after the sky people’s attack. You had lost friends and Neteyam had almost lost his life.
You had almost lost him.
So you gave it time.
Because Eywa knew your souls had been promised long before either of you realized it.
And no matter how much others groaned or rolled their eyes at your sweetness, or the many dangers that came with staying close to the Sully family. You would not change a single thing about loving the Omaticaya boy.
