rootsoftheforest

[rootsoftheforest]

HOW DO I MAKE YOU LOVE ME | neteyam x reader

pairing: neteyam x f!omatikaya!reader (no mentions of y/n)

summary: you remember all of your attempts to make Neteyam fall in love with you, using various methods, experiencing numerous failures, and you finally come to a conclusion or the five times you failed to win neteyam’s affection and the one time you succeed.

word count: 10k (!!! damn)

warnings: actually none but let’s say hurt/comfort, reader is a simp, 5+1 prompt, confessing, mutual pining, mention of blood, requited/unrequited love, !!adult neteyam!!, flashbacks to childhood and teenager years

note: inspired by the five love languages and the weeknd’s song mentioned in the title.

* gif‘s not mine.

The soft rustling of the teal leaves falling silently to the ground, as light as an ikran feather, is one of the most soothing sounds heard on the still night. The wind touches them gently, as if caressing them, before whirling them up again in a powerful gust, starting the cycle all over again. The moons stand high in the sky, and the stars sparkle like little gems that can beautify anything. The night is quiet, and the soft breeze seems to calm everything down and lull it into a deep sleep. The bright light of the bioluminescent plants lays gently on the moist meadows, illuminating the darkness. It is like a magical tale, perfect and without blemish. Yet, there is one who can’t sleep in this harmonic time: you. With your arms and legs stretched out, you lie on your back, feeling like hours have passed since you started staring at the night sky without moving a muscle. You have even decided to sleep outside your hammock to hear and feel the sound of the wind, hoping to finally sink into the dreamland. But, as you know, this has done little to help. 

All because of him. You sigh in annoyance.

Keep reading

[rootsoftheforest]

Somebody's Lover

Neteyam x Fem!Reader

◈ Word count: 3.3k

◈ Warning: n/a? Maybe just Neteyam being in love

◈ Note: Second request :) based on this video? Maybe, I tried. I'm finally getting around to the requests that have been collecting dust in my inbox

The elders of the Omatikaya clan were becoming concerned with Neteyam, he was to pass his rites in a matter of weeks and yet, he hasn’t shown any indication of even thinking about choosing a mate. It was no secret that the young Na’vi had many admirers, many fighting amongst themselves to get a sliver of attention from the Olo’keytan’s eldest son.

But none of them seemed to have a chance. Neteyam did not show that he favoured one person over another. Everyone was treated with the same level of respect, and greeted them with perfect manners. Everyone was equal, even if Neteyam didn’t particularly like you.

Some parents would even go as far as having their children befriend Lo’ak or Kiri, even little Tuk and those who were really desperate would seek out Spider but these schemes did not go very far once they were met with Neytiri’s fiery gaze, the protective mother was able to detect their plans from miles away.

It seemed like no one had a chance, Neteyam hadn’t shown interest in anyone within his clan for what seemed like years now, not that anyone was counting. There was a time when the clan thought that Tahé was to be the ‘one’.

Tahé is the eldest daughter of Jake’s most trusted warriors, she would often train alongside Neteyam in their youth and was close to the Sully family growing up but as time went on, it was clear that the Tahé and the Sully children had grown distant. You would no longer see Kiri and Tahé skipping through the forest in search of flowers to weave, or Lo’ak dragging the girl along to get into trouble. You would see Neteyam following clan members around, learning how to forage for food, Tahé would be trailing behind him with a dazed look on her face as Neteyam soaked up all of the information.

But, it was clear that the distance started to form once Tahé had started making friends with the older children in the clan. Those older children would take time out of their day to bully Kiri and Lo’ak for being different, Tahé standing behind them not saying a word. More often than not, it would be Neteyam stepping in to put an end to the teasing, Tahé would bat her eyelashes, dismissing her new friend’s behaviour but Neteyam isn’t stupid, nor is he deaf. He could hear the teasing, he could hear his siblings cry at night. As much as Neteyam disliked the girl, he knew he had to keep up appearances and bite his tongue.

And tonight was no different, the clan was having a communal dinner to celebrate this week's very successful hunt, one that Neteyam had taken part in and was being praised for. Lo’ak, Kiri and Tuk sat to Neytiri’s left, conversing with her and their grandmother. Neteyam had been sandwiched between his father and Tahé, Tahé’s father and mother beside her.

“You should be proud of yourself, Neteyam. I was told you worked extremely hard today.” Tahé’s father praised.

“Thank you, sir.” Neteyam replied looking down at his food, “Everyone worked hard.”

“Yes, yes. But you made two sturmbeest kills mere seconds apart from each other.”

“You did?” Tahé’s eyes lit up, “you’re very talented, maybe you can teach me how you did it?”

Even though Tahé’s voice filled the air, Neteyam didn’t hear her, he was too focused on the events happening in the distance. A Na’vi girl his age was swatting a Na’vi boy's hand away from her food, while their parents ignored them, indicating this was a common occurrence. 

The boy stopped his antics when his eyes met Neteyam’s, the boy’s face broke out into a large grin as he waved his hand above his head enthusiastically. The older girl rolled her eyes dramatically before offering a smile in Neteyam’s direction which he returned.

“He would love to,” Jake started, looking at Neteyam and tapping the boy’s arm to regain his attention, “isn’t that right Neteyam?”

Neteyam’s face flushed as he had been caught not paying attention to the conversation. He looked at his father for any indication of what was happening but he was just met with his father’s smirk and a twinkle of mischief in his eye that Neytiri would suggest meant he was up to no good.

“I guess?”

“Great! Tomorrow?” Tahé questioned, clearly not sensing that the boy was not interested.

“N-no. Not tomorrow, I have plans.”

“Oh, the day after then?”

Neteyam looked at Tahé and her family, he felt all eyes on him. He was sure he could hear Lo’ak howling at his expense.

“Sure?”

Damn it

Something else about Neteyam that the clan noticed? His inability to say ��no’.

—

“No,” Neteyam said flatly, adjusting the bow on his chest

“Bro come on, please, dad’s already on my ass for sneaking out after eclipse, just come with me. Please.” Lo’ak all but begged as he watched his brother saddle his ikran

“That’s not my problem, I told you and Spider not to go but you did anyways and now Spider’s wrist is broken, Lo’ak.”

Lo’ak looked at his brother in confusion, this side of him was different. Yes, he was used to his brother scolding him or helping him cover up his antics or coming along so no one got hurt, but in the past months, Neteyam had been brushing off his plans to cause trouble. 

“You’re gonna ditch me for Tahé, aren’t you? That’s low.”

“Tahé?” Neteyam’s face contorted in confusion, “why would I ditch you for her?”

“You don’t remember?” Lo’ak stared at his brother in disbelief, “You really don’t remember. Oh my. You agreed to help her with hunting or whatever today. She’s been running around telling everyone it’s a date or something. You would know that if you were around yesterday.”

Neteyam lept onto his ikran forming the bond and getting comfortable, “I’ll reschedule.”

Before Lo’ak could make a snide comment, Neteyam and his ikran took off into the sky.

“Oh, I can not wait to see her face.” Lo’ak smiles cheekily as he walks off, excited to tell his old friend that the love of her life stood her up.

—

“You need to hold the bow like this or you’ll drop the arrows.”

Neteyam nodded trying to focus on the instructions being given to him, but he was distracted by his teachers' close proximity.

Y/n circled Neteyam before stopping beside him, adjusting his fingers and stepping back.

“Okay, shoot.” 

Neteyam took a deep breath before releasing the two arrows, both arrows had hit way off centre, one was right at the edge of the target, a small breeze could send the arrow hurtling into the bush beside it.

“Oh?”

“Shut it,” Neteyam blushed, shooting two arrows at once was harder than the girl before him made it seem.

Y/n quickly retrieved the arrows and made her way back towards Neteyam, a teasing smile on her lips, “looks like the mighty warrior needs more practice.” 

Neteyam reached a hand out, placing it on top of y/n’s that were wrapped around the two arrows and pulled her forward gently until she was standing directly in front of him

“I’ll need all the help I can get.”

Neteyam smiled sweetly, taking in his lover's face. 

When he was with y/n it was like time stood still and nothing around him mattered. Being with y/n he felt like he could be himself, he could relax, there was no one to impress, no one holding him to a high standard. Being with y/n he felt nervous but also with her, he felt at peace.

Neteyam leaned down slightly and y/n closed the gap, Neteyam’s hand moved up and gently held the side of her head as their lips met. Y/n’s free hand held Neteyam’s arm, her fingers giving his arm a gentle squeeze. 

Neteyam could feel his heart pick up speed as y/n dropped her arrows and raised her hands to rest them on his shoulders and then slowly around his neck. He followed suit and dropped his bow on the ground, bringing his hands to her waist.

The sound of his ikran chittering brought the pair out of their embrace. Neteyam’s face flushed as he suddenly felt shy, not looking y/n in the eye. The girl grinned, bringing a hand to his chin and moving his head so he could meet her gaze. 

“Always so shy.” She teased placing a kiss on the corner of his mouth. 

Neteyam chuckled under his breath, a hand gently caressing the small of her back, “What can I say? You’re absolutely stunning.”

Y/n’s face blushed at the compliment, causing her to look down slightly.

Y/n took Neteyam’s hand, leading him to her ikran. When they arrived, y/n let go of his hand and opened the bag she had attached to its saddle. Reaching in and pulling out a small parcel wrapped in fabric. She handed it to Neteyam, her hands fidgeting nervously as he began to unwrap it. 

“I remember that you said you like the one I have, so I made you your own,” Y/n admitted shyly as Neteyam ran a finger over the woven cords and then the stone sitting in the middle.

Neteyam reached around and quickly untied his beaded choker, replacing it with the necklace. When he was sure that it was secure, he grinned at her before placing his hands on either side of her face and dramatically kissing her forehead.

“Mwah!” He exclaimed as she laughed, “I love it.”

—

As Neytiri chopped the vegetables, her ears twitched hearing Jake half-heartedly apologise to Tahé’s father for her eldest son's disappearance. Her eldest son had been disappearing more and more recently. She had an idea what could be going on with Neteyam for the past few months but she felt like she should leave it to him to tell him.

“Neteyam’s back!“ Tuk exclaimed, pointing to the sky, sure enough, Neteyam and his ikran were making a slow descent in the distance, moments later, the boy in question stepped through the low-hanging trees into view. As the boy emerged, Neytiri instantly noticed the change in her son’s appearance, his usual beaded choker that he wore with pride had been replaced with a woven necklace, and his hair had changed too. The beads that resided at the front of his hair were now in a different colour order and there was also an orange feather dangling behind his ear.

The whispering was almost instantaneous but it did not seem to affect Neteyam as he made his way towards the family tent. Passing Jake and Tahé’s father in the process. Seeing him, Jake said bye to the other man and followed his son into the tent. Neytiri stood up as well and walked in with Tuk rushing behind.

Just as Neteyam entered the family tent, Jake’s hand reached out toward the boy’s back, pulling a white and blue feathered arrow out of the quiver. Jake instantly noticed that this arrow didn’t belong to his son or anyone in his family and at a stretch anyone in the clan.

Neteyam spun around at the slight weight change and his eyes locked onto the arrow being twisted between Jake’s fingers.

“This isn’t yours.” Jake stated, “Where were you?”

“Practising.”

“Practising?”

“Yes?”

Jake hummed as he took in this lie, he liked to believe he knew his children well and one thing about Neteyam, he was a terrible liar. Something they clearly had to work on.

“Who did you practise with?” Jake questioned with humour in his voice and Neteyam’s eyes failed to keep contact with him.

“A friend.”

“Oh? And does this friend have a name?”

Neteyam’s mouth opened and closed quickly, looking at his mother for help.

“Ma Jake, you’re embarrassing him,” Neytiri interjected, taking the arrow from between her mate’s fingers.

“I am not, I'm just asking questions.”

Neytiri gave Jake a look before handing Neteyam the arrow. Jake cleared his throat, crossing his arms over his chest.

“You ditched Tahé, again.” Jake stated to his son, putting on an authoritative tone, “Her dad was just here telling me how upset she is.”

Tuk rolled her eyes at her father’s antics, taking the arrow from Neteyam, everyone in this tent knew that Jake did not like Tahé around his children but for the sake of keeping the peace, he bites his tongue.

“I forgot.”

“Forgot with your friend?”

Neteyam paused momentarily before nodding, “Yes?”

Jake dropped the act at his son’s hesitant honesty.

“She make you that necklace?” Neteyam nodded

“She do your hair?” Again, Neteyam nodded

“Have you kissed her yet?”

“Ma Jake!” “Daddy!”

“What? I’m just asking.”

—

The next evening, Neteyam found himself walking confidently through the camp, hoping to not be stopped on the way to his destination. 

Neteyam led the pair through the bioluminescent forest, being sure to brush any low-hanging vines out of the way. 

“Where are we going?” Y/n questioned, looking around, no matter how many times she ran through the forest during the day, it does not dull the beauty it holds at night

“Just a little further, I promise.” Neteyam smiled, squeezing her hand.

Walking along a thick branch, moving the flora away from her legs, he motioned her to step forward onto the mountain edge as he placed a small basket on the ground, the moss beneath her feet lighting up with every step she took.

“Wow.” Y/n breathed out taking in the view. From here, you could see almost the whole forest

Neteyam walked behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.

“This is beautiful, Neteyam.” She whispered, placing her arms on top of his and taking in the view. “How did you know to come here?”

“Running around after Lo’ak has some advantages.” He smiled, placing a kiss on her shoulder.

Y/n laughed slightly at the thought of the younger boy that always seemed to attract trouble, he was very similar to her own brother, the only difference was that Lo’ak was the Olo'eyktan’s son so if he was to get in trouble, everyone knew about it.

Neteyam placed another kiss on the girl's shoulder and slowly made his way up her neck. Y/n turned her head and their lips brushed against one another.

“What are you doing?”

“Admiring you,” Neteyam replied softly, “is that okay?”

Y/n nodded, turning around, the boy pulling her into a kiss, much more passionate than the ones shared the day prior.

—

Y/n straddled Neteyam’s lap, her knees sinking into the moss. Neteyam’s hands ran up y/n’s thighs and rested on her hips.

Y/n placed one arm behind the back of his neck and used her free hand to trace the bioluminous flecks across his forehead, down his nose to his chin. Neteyam looked up at y/n, eyes full of love and admiration.

“I love you,” Neteyam said without a hint of hesitation or the usual shyness in his voice, a gentle smile on his face.

“I love you, too,” Y/n replied, smiling down at him lovingly.

—

Y/n walked into the clearing where other teens were training, her brother, Kalä, trailing behind her complaining about not wanting to train this early.

“We’re here for you, not for me.” She reminded him, rolling her eyes as he started to complain louder.

Y/n ignored him as she lent her bow against a tree and started to sort out her arrows.

Out of the corner of her eye, y/n noticed Tahé walking into the clearing with her obnoxious group of friends. As the group passes, Tahé eyed the girl before stopping fully next to her.

“Y/n, it’s been so long, are you here to train with us?” Her tone was somewhat condescending

Y/n looked down at the arrows in her hand and then back at the girl, “Did the arrows in my hand tell you that?”

Kalä bit back a smile at his sister's response which didn’t go unnoticed by the other girl who glared subtly at him.

“It’s just that I haven’t seen you around in such a long time, I was concerned, I thought something happened.”

Y/n resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the girl, instead looking to the other side of the clearing where Jake Sully, Neytiri and their two sons had walked in. Tahé’s eyes followed, her eyes lighting up at the sight. The girl quickly ran her hand over her hair and down her outfit before slowly turning away, y/n noticed that Kalä had extended his foot out but she pushed him to the side so he didn’t succeed in tripping the annoying girl.

“Behave.” She muttered, turning away to finish organising the arrows.

Tahé’s friends followed behind, chatting amongst themselves, none of them having the courage to walk up to the Olo'eyktan directly.

“She’s just so, urgh. I can’t stand her. Look at her, drooling over Neteyam, wait until she finds out he’s been shoving his ton-”

Y/n turned to her brother swiftly, hitting him in the arm with the end of an arrow, eyes wide in disbelief.

“Ow! I’m sensitive!” Kalä exclaimed defensively, holding onto his arm.

This caused the siblings to start bickering amongst themselves, which started to draw the attention of some clan members around them.

—

Neteyam looked around the clearing, he tried to make it seem like he was just surveying the area but in reality, he was looking for the girl he spent the whole night speaking to, the pair only making it back to their tents just as the sun was rising.

At the far end of the clearing, Neteyam spotted a familiar sibling poking each other in the shoulder.

Neteyam smiled, looking down at the grass surrounding his feet.

“Neteyam!”

He raised his head slowly to see Tahé walking toward him and his family, Lo’ak sighed and rolled his eyes as Neytiri nudged him. Jake looked back at his eldest son, s smile creeping onto his face as he saw Neteyam resist the urge to copy his brother.

“Good morning.” Tahé greeted cheerfully, a grin stretching onto her face.

“You’re very chipper this morning, so you must’ve already ruined someone's day,” Lo’ak stated only to receive a stern look from his father.

Tahé was about to retaliate but she was stopped as someone rushed forward, almost knocking her to the floor.

“Sorry! Neteyam! Finally, you’re here!” Kalä announced, skidding to a stop next to the boy, “Save me.”

Neteyam smiled at the younger boy, excusing himself from Tahé and his family, walking towards where y/n was standing, testing a bow.

“Look, Neteyam’s here!���

Y/n turned to smile at Neteyam before glaring at her brother, pushing the bow and an arrow into his chest before crossing her arms, “Go.”

“But-”

“Go, I’ll join you in a minute.” Neteyam intervened nodding at the younger boy

Kalä smiled smugly before walking off quickly to where other teens were waiting for an instructor. 

“You don’t have to help him, you know,” Y/n sighed, uncrossing her arms, letting them fall to her side and placing her weight onto one leg.

“I want to,” Neteyam confirmed with a smile, watching the boy join his friends.

With their backs to the clearing, everyone was able to see Neteyam’s hand slowly make his way towards y/n’s, taking hold of it and bringing it to his mouth, kissing her knuckles, causing the girl to turn and smile at him.

Jake nodded approvingly while Neytiri smiled fondly.

Lo’ak was proud of his brother for finding someone he liked and he was even happier when he watched Tahé’s face drop and her shoulders sag in defeat.

Request from @tigermoon3

[rootsoftheforest]

HIS GIRL — neteyam sully.

genre - fluff, little bit of angst

summary - neteyam and y/n have been friends for as long as they can remember, neither know when it changed, but it did, now they dont know how to feel with the newfound emotions

characters - y/n, fem! na’vi reader, aged up neteyam

words - 1.6k

warnings - use of y/n, basically just fluff, tinest bit off ansgt if you drink a bottle of vodka, roll around ten times then squint.

authors note - thank you for all the support, i love u guys. mwah mwah

THE SKY was the prettiest y/n had seen it for days, arms spread out against the warm grass that was soft to the touch, her hands begged to grip on it, threading each thread of grass through her fingers, letting it slip through slowly as time passed.

eyes were pressed shut as her face stayed calm, it wasn't difficult to relax in an atmosphere like this. although she loved the chaos of the forest she loved her downtime just as much, just little moment's like this to relax and debrief her mind.

she heard movement in the trees, it was so quiet she could immediately tell who it was, her eyes never opened as she spoke. "hi teyam" she muttered, voice slightly hoarse from the lack of talking.

she heard a load groan from the bushes, the elder obvious upset at the fact his plan to scare the girl had failed miserably. "thats so dumb, how do you always know" he said, rolling his eyes as he laid down next to her.

she opened one eye, turning to face his eyes, that was already looking at her. she felt almost small under his gaze, the heavyness of his stare made her feel almost like she was about to psss out.

he could be doing the simplest things, and the moment they made eye contact, she was done — this wasn't until recently.

it wasn't until a month ago that she started to notice the lingering touches and the way her skin would burn for even moments after. she would catch herself staring at him for just a minute too long and then she would be imagining all these crazy things.

"just used to it i guess" alara smiled, tilting her head slightly as she stared at the oldest son who was standing in front of her, her hand came to cover the right of her eye, blinding the sun from getting through.

as he went to sit down, she sat up, he sat questionably close, maybe she was just making it up, giving herself delusions to cling onto. there was no way he was into her like she was him, so she shook the ideas away.

he let out a deep exhale, stretching his shoulders. "what are you doing?" she asked, turning her gaze to him. he tilted his head as he yawned.

"im exhusted, dad keeps making me do all these things, apparently all the things ill have to do when im the chief" he rolled his eyes, dramatically flopping into the lap of the girl besides him.

a laugh left her throat, despite the heavy feeling in her chest from the physical contact, "he just wants to prepare you" she said, running a hand over his braids.

"yeah but i dont see him doing half the shit he is showing me" neteyam muttered, closing his eyes as he started shaking his head in her lap.

she hummed, threading his braids in between his fingers. "your braids need to be redone" y/n said.

he opened his eyes, "you can re-do them"

her heart sank as she almost answered. she normally gave the world to hang out with the older sully kid, but her mind almost fogged the memory from the last time she had braided the boys hair.

she remembered how they shared a breath, after they argued because neteyam kept moving his head, so he stood up, and she stood up, the two both facing each other sharing an angry breathe.

she remembered the way there eyes locked and how his eyes flicked down to her lips. she remembered how he leant in.

she remembered how neytiri walked in, and how she pushed him away. she remembered how she walked out after and the two didn't talk for a solid two weeks, until he came up to her as if none of it had never happened.

"maybe you're mom should do them, i think im going to be busy over the next few days" she said, smiling softly, because it wasn't a lie, she was meant to be helping his grandmother and kiri after the war party comes back and that often left her very busy for a few days.

"i cant wait till you're not" he said, pushing himself off of her legs, to sit, facing her. his eyes stayed on her face while she looked anywhere but at his.

"you need them re-done before the war. or else they will get caught. messy. you might get hurt" the girl muttered, playing with the grass in front of her.

"i dont care" he said, voice bland, almost as if he was trying to get a point across, one she was so obviously missing.

she finally caved, looking over at him. she could tell he wanted something. something he had been wanting for ages, something she had been avoiding.

"neteyam" she said, her voice not as stern nor as strong as she had wanted or expected it to be, instead it cane out more like a beg.

"y/n" he said, tilting his head the other way, his tone less whiney as hers, more stern and serious, almost comforting.

but nothing about this was comforting. alara inhaled deeply, his eyes flickered to her lips. it seemed like he was holding back.

but he didn't want to, not anymore. his hand found its way to her jaw, his hand held it, as he moved in closer, she wanted to give in.

"neteyam" she whispered, scared that maybe if she spoke any louder he would get up and walk away, like she had.

"please" he said, - or he begged. he knew she wanted this too. "please y/n" he said, his voice just as soft as hers.

she couldn't help but let her eyes flick down to his lips, and he noticed, they both made eye contact.

y/n gasped as she snapped back into reality. this could not happen. she stood up quickly, walking backwards away from him as he stood up as well.

"neteyam no" she said, placing her arm out. "no no we can't" she said.

he stepped forward, and she stepped back. "y/n " he said, tone begging.

"it will ruin everything neteyam" she said as tears brimmed her eyes. her friendship with him was all she had, and she wasn't willingly to ruin it over a silly kiss and some childish feelings.

"y/n, i see you. i do" he said, taking serveral steps towards her. "i love you" he said, "i have- i do. please- why are you running away from this"

"we cant neteyam. you- youre dad- your whole family, they will not approve of m-"

she was cut off by neteyam walking up to her, grabbing her waist, smashing their lips together, she didn't move away but instead let herself melt into the kiss.

finally when they broke away, y/n let out a heavy breath. neteyam chased the kiss, connecting there lips again. y/n knew she needed to pull away.

this wasn't good. she couldn't do this. everything was going to fall apart. but she couldn't pull away.

neteyam tightened his hold, pulling her body flush against him, the two impossibly close. 

y/n finally pulled away, stepping out of his grasp, despite the fight. she refused eye contact for as long as she could, but when her eyes met his her heart fell.

his eyes were full of hope, and terror. scared she would leave again. the two weeks she avoided him we're hell. complete hell. he drove himself almost insane being away from her. he couldn't lose it again.

y/n's eyes softened, yet her heart was heavy. she frowned. "neteyam you know-"

he breathed out, "yes y/n. i know what youre going to say. but i don't care. i want you" he said, "doesn't that count for something?" he muttered.

he felt her slipping away, and he refused to let so happen. she couldn't keep running from this in the fear something might go wrong.

"you know i care about you- so - so much." she started, neteyam now frowned. "your family will not approve." she said.

neteyam groaned, stepping backwards. "for once stop thinking about everybody else?  what do you want?" he said, y/n looked down.

"you know what i want neteyam" y/n said, looking up at him.

he smiled softly. "but it doesn't matter when your family wont approve"

"they already have."

y/n'a gaze snapped upwards. eyes widened in both confusion and shock. "y/n they approve. they have for ages. since we were little. theres no one they want me to be with more"

"and you just told me now? ive spent the last ten minutes panicking" she said, looking at him with the ever so softest smile.

"shut up" he said, dragging her in by her waist, kissing her again.

as his arms wrapped around her, placing a soft kiss upon her forehead as she placed her head on his chest, wrapping her arms around his torso.

"i see you, neteyam" she said, voice lightly muffled by his chest. he smiled, not responding but placing another kiss on the girls forehead.

not just any girl.

his girl.

[rootsoftheforest]

my girls - neteyam sully

genre - fluff, little angst

summary - reader is scared to tell neteyam the true reason behind why she is sick, because of a previous conversation she overheard

characters- y/n, fem!navi reader, aged up neteyam

word count - 5.4k

warnings - miss communication, use of she/ her, and y/n, pregnancy, dad neteyam.

Y/N FELT her mate’s presence as he entered the small hut, where she had been previously resting. she knew he was there but made no effort to move.

neteyam looked over at his mate, who he first assumed was asleep, but the soft sway of her tail gave her away, he frowned. something was wrong. normally she would rush to meet the war party, rushing to check if everyone was okay — especially neteyam.

so when he got off his ikran, to find his girl no where to be seen, he was instantly filled with worry. he placed his bow down next to the entrance, before taking off his other required equipment.

“yawne?” neteyam said, walking slowly towards where she was resting on the mat, her ears perked up, sitting softly as she was filled with an overflow of nausea again. “you’re back” she said softly, leaning forward to wrap her arms around his next as he kneeled next to her.

“you’re burning up yawne, are you sick?” he asked.

she shook her head, before shrugging softly. “how was it?” she asked, disregarding his question as she wiped the tired from his eyes. normally the two would walk around the village, y/n listening to every detail about what had happened, but right now neteyam was more worried about his mate.

“baby, what is the matter?” he said, placing the back of his hand to her forehead, “should we go see grandmother?” he asked, wanting to know if there was an illness going around, or if something serious was wrong.

“no i am fine, its just very warm today. i missed you this morning” y/n said, changing the topic once more, neteyam smiled at the soft confession, y/n moved over so he could join her on the mat.

“i missed you too, you looked so peaceful i didn’t want to wake you” he said, kissing her forehead softly. she sighed, “have you been sleeping well, yawne?” he asked, noticing the soft bags beneath her eyes.

she just hummed, curling herself into his chest. he placed his hand softly on her back, placing another kiss on the top of her head.

“you falling asleep on me?” he asked, looking down to see her droopy eyes, deep in thought. she looked so beautiful, he thought. she shook her head. “no no, sorry. i should probably go help mo’at with the injured” she said, moving to get up.

he grabbed her waist tightly, pulling her back into him, “im sure her and kiri can handle it” he said, whispering softly into her ear as he wrapped his arms around her.

“i dont know nete, its been pretty rough the last few times” she said, once again trying to get up. neteyam groaned, “can’t you stay here just this once?”

“nete, we have all tomorrow, together. remember?” she said, rubbing his bicep softly, neteyam looked away, his eyes filled with guilt.

“oh- we don’t?” y/n asked, neteyam sighed, “dad asked me to help train some young warriors, you know what he is like..” neteyam said, guilt dripping from his tone.

y/n just nodded, pulling away from his grasp to get up, off of the mat, “well, we will find time, but i really do have to go” she said, pushing a few braids behind her ears. fixing the cloth covering her chest. neteyam sighed as he watched her.

“what time will you be back?” he asked, standing up to join her, standing behind her as she fixed the fabric.

she hummed, leaning softly into his touch, “sometime after eclipse?” she shrugged. “i must go, yawne.” she said, turning around to place a soft kiss on his lips, before slipping out of the entrance before he could respond.

she did as she said she was, she went to the healing tent, seeing it packed with warriors and men, covered in injuries. mo’at, neytiri and kiri were all happy to see more help, y/n was truely a wonderful healer

she quickly got to work, ignoring the nausea and fatigue that came over her, after over two and a half hours, the tent was basically cleared. only one more warrior, who had a nasty gash on his back.

“you need to be more careful.” y/n warned softly, placing the medicine on the boys back. the warrior looked up at the na’vi fixing up his cuts.

“you are neteyam’s mate” he said, y/n nodded, a soft laugh leaving his mouth. “he was talking about you all day” the warrior said, words coming out as a soft groan as she pressed a little too roughly on the gash, “sorry-“ she muttered.

he nodded, she quickly wrapped him up, he thanked her before walking out. a loud sigh left her mouth. rubbing a hand over her face. “im exhausted” she said, kiri smiled softly as she finished mixing a new medicine.

“are you sick, child?” mo’at asked, y/n shook her head, why did everyone keep asking. neytiri and mo’at looked at each other. kiri looked at y/n who gave her a look, almost as if she was asking if kiri knew what the two were thinking, kiri only shrugged.

“y/n, do you mind if i examine you, just really quickly” neytiri asked, y/n paused, wondering if she looked sick, was her nausea obvious?

“uh- sure” she said, shrugging softly, both neytiri and mo’at approached her.

they did a few exams, checking a lot of different things before stopping to look at each other, they shared a look, kiri was beaming from the other side of the room as she noticed what was going on.

“what is it?” y/n asked.

mo’at took the lead, “y/n, eywa has blessed you with a gift” she said, neytiri placed a hand on y/n’s stomach, y/n looked up in confusion, worry filling her eyes.

“y/n- you are with child” neytiri said, y/n paused, her whole body freezing up. “wh- what? are you sure”

“baby is strong, strong heart, strong mind” mo’at said, “you must tell neteyam!! he will be so happy” kiri said, y/n only frantically shook her head.

“no - no he does not want this!” y/n said, tears pooling her eyes, the three of them frowned, neytiri grabbed onto the girls hand as a sob left her mouth.

“you don’t know that” kiri said, walking towards her brothers mate, a soft smile on her face, but y/n just sobbed.

“yes i do, i know he doesn’t want this. i heard him tell lo’ak he doesn’t want children yet — he wants to focus on training, he will hate me” she sobbed

neytiri hugged the girl as kiri frowned, “oh y/n”

“you must not worry, stress can harm the child” mo’at warned, y/n sobbed harder. “you must tell neteyam, but when you are ready.” neytiri said, rubbing the girls back softly.

“are you alright?” kiri asked, as she started to calm down, y/n nodded. “yes- i think im going to take a walk..” she said, needing a minute alone before returning home to neteyam. she couldn’t tell him yet, he would leave her.

“are you sure y/n? its passed eclipse, be careful” neytiri said, “i will tell jake, so if anything happens, he knows where you’re going”

y/n thanked her mother inlaw before leaving the healing pod, taking a deep breath. she knew it wouldn’t be long until neteyam was asleep, maybe, thats if he didn’t stay up worrying about his mate.

she was walking for a little over an hour, finding herself at the tree of souls. she sat down and all of a sudden it was like everything came crashing down. “please ewya, give me the strength to tell neteyam, please help me, i can’t lose him.”

y/n returned home an hour after, officially it had been nearly three hours since she left for her walk and neteyam was going out of his mind, jake had said that she was safe and okay, but that only irritated him more, howcome his father knew where his wife was when he didn’t? it drove him insane.

when she walked through the entrance of their shared hut. her face was calm, almost stone, but there was a slight bloachyness on her face, she had been crying. “y/n?” neteyam said softly, standing up from the chair he had been sitting on.

“sorry im late” she said, rubbing her eyes as a small yawn left her mouth. “have you eaten yawne?” neteyam asked, he couldn’t find it in himself to be upset at her.

she hadn’t, but she wasn’t really hungry either, so she just nodded. he frowned, missing the nights they got to eat together, sleep together, do everything together.

they barely had any time one on one anymore. and it drove him insane. he was always busy with his father, and hunting, and tasks, and she was always busy with healing, teaching, learning. he missed his wife.

she was always tired and it broke his heart, he just wanted to give her the world and it felt as if he was failing.

“yawne, do you want to get ready for bed? i was thinking tomorrow once i get back we could go for a fly together?” he offered, she frowned, wanting nothing more then to do that.

“im sorry, i thought you were going to be busy all day so i told mo’at id help in the hut.” she confessed guilty, it wasn’t a lie, mo’at had asked, and since she had a free day, no longer dedicated to neteyam, she accepted.

“fuck” he groaned. it seemed like no matter what they never had time anymore. “nete?” she cooed softly, wondering what was going through his mind.

“im sorry yawne, i just miss you” he said, walking over to her to wrap his arms around her waist as she changed into a more comfortable covering.

“i can see if kiri can do it?” she said, feeling bad. guilt flooding her stomach as his hands pressed right against her stomach, where there was a child, a baby. his baby.

a baby he didn’t want.

she knew she would have to tell him, but there was a sense of selfishness inside her, if she told him, it would be over right? he said he wanted to focus on training, and he wasn’t ready. yet here she was carrying his child he had no idea about.

it broke her heart, he had no idea.

how would he react, would he ignore her and shut her out, get angry and yell, blame her? kick her out? would he hate her and tell her he never wants to see her again?

right now she couldn’t lose him, but what if all the stress eventually builds up and then she loses the baby, should she end things with him before he can? does he have to know about the baby at all.

of course he does, that is his child, he has a right to know even if he wants nothing to do with it.

“whats going through your pretty little head?” he cooed, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. she smiled, shaking her head. “nothing important. bed?” she asked, tiredness overcoming her.

he hummed, grabbing her hands to lead her to the hammock outside.

the next week was the worse, y/n kept looking for a time to tell him, but they were both overly busy with work and tasks.

today, they were hanging out with lo’ak and tsireya, who had moved from the metakayna clan to be with lo’ak. “we have something to tell you both” lo’ak said.

neteyam was sitting with his arm slung around y/n, holding her close to him, her head rested on his shoulder. y/n instantly perked up at the mention, she had been getting more and more sick, the morning sickness was eating her alive, thankfully, neteyam had yet to catch on, he always left before y/n woke up to get an early start on his tasks so he had more time for her during the evening.

she however, had been having more check ups with mo’at finding out she is roughly just over a month along, and soon she would have a bump forming.

tsireya smiled softly, as lo’ak looked at her, giving her the go ahead to tell them. “we are with child” she said, a massive smile forming across her face.

neteyam instantly stood up to congratulate the both, as did y/n a massive smile forming across neteyam’s face, it almost broke her heart. y/n instantly wrapped her arms tsireya, congratulating her.

“hey- be careful, thats my wife and child!” lo’ak said, y/n and tsireya laughed, neteyam chuckled along before speaking, “calm down daddy lo’ak.” he said, although over the moon for his brother.

lo’ak shook his head softly, “as if you wouldn’t be protective of y/n if she was pregnant” lo’ak joked, but it hit y/n hard, she just went quiet, tensing slightly.

neteyam smiled, wrapping his arms around his mate, “of course i would.” he said, y/n didn’t expect his words, moreso him expecting to shut it down as soon as possible.

“how far along are you?” y/n asked, slowly moving out of neteyam’s grasp, to talk to tsireya, trying to not let how uncomfortable she was show. “just over a month!”

that also his y/n hard. they were roughly around the same way along, that means there kids would be the same age, and probably best friends — if neteyam didn’t leave her and ban her from the clan.

she knew he wasn’t low enough to do that, but the two of them never really spoke about kids, not since they were teenagers, neteyam had said he wanted kids but he wanted to focus on being a leader first — although that was before the two had mated and got married.

but even then, more recently, only a month ago he had said he wasn’t ready yet, and so she just assumed he would leave her.

tsireya noticed her quiet aroma, different to how it usually was, looking towards lo’ak and neteyam who were deep in a conversation, she looked at y/n who forced a smile at her.

“me and y/n are going to go to the river, have a girls chat. meet you back in… an hour?” tsireya said, neteyam frowned, not liking that the one free time he had with his wife was being taken up by someone else, but the two were walking off before he could protest.

“women” lo’ak joked, neteyam smiled softly. “hey does y/n seem off to you?” neteyam asked, watching as his mate walked out of the village. “i mean, i haven’t really noticed, shes a little quieter but shes been working a lot no? tsireya said shes been in the healing hut a lot.” lo’ak shrugged,

neteyam sighed, “its more then that, shes not telling me something, but i have no idea what”

lo’ak shrugged, neteyam only shook it off, “so daddy lo’ak huh?” he said, lo’ak pushed his brother away, playfully.

“whats going on” tsireya asked as the two of them approached the river, y/n shook her head, “nothing, what do you mean?” she asked, lying obviously.

“y/n… are you with child?” tsireya asked straight up, causing y/n to snap her head towards the other, “wh- what?”

tsireya smiled, getting her answer just by the girl’s reaction. “you immediately went quiet when lo’ak mentioned you being pregnant and youre being kind of distant from neteyam, i was the same when i found out, i didn’t tell lo’ak until a few days ago”

y/n immediately broke down crying, tsireya sighed, wrapping her arms around the girl. “was it that obvious?” she asked, tsireya shook her head, “no- no. i just know you, and its the same way i was acting- why haven’t you told neteyam, im sure he would love to be a dad”

“i overheard him saying he wasn’t ready and wanted to focus on hunting for a bit” y/n confessed, feeling even more guilty, it felt like everyone knew but neteyam.

“y/n- lo’ak said the same thing. but when i told him he was over the moon, i think they’re just boys, and the way they grew up was to put training and hunting first. but you know your neteyam’s number one priority right?”

y/n only stayed quiet, tsireya frowned at her best friend, she hated seeing the girl beside herself. she knew from experience its hard keeping something so serious and deep from your mate, and with the fear that they will hate you for it, even worse.

they didn’t realise how much time had passed, y/n was rushing to wipe away her tears and make herself presentable as she heard a stick snap and familiar laughter belonging to her mate.

tsireya and y/n both ended up rushing into the water, just so it seemed like they were doing something other then talking about what they were, tsireya swore not to tell, yet very excited that her child would have a best friend the same age, and that they were going through this together.

they shared stories about how the pregnancy was going, how they found out, how bad their morning sickness was, and overall just comforted each other, it was nice.

“babe?” she heard lo’aks voice, as he peered through the forest, finding the two girls in the water, “they’re over here” he called to neteyam.

lo’ak instantly approached, “how are you? how is the baby” tsireya couldn’t even answer before he asked more questions, “are you hurt? is baby hurt?”

“lo’ak, i am fine, and so is the baby” tsireya smiled softly, neteyam appeared a second after smiling as he saw his wife floating on her back, with her eyes closed.

“y/n” she heard neteyam’s voice, instantly opening her eyes, she returned to standing in the water. “do you want to go on a fly later?” he asked.

y/n felt a whole other load of guilt unpoor, she had agreed to go see mo’at with tsireya and have a checkup together. neteyam seemed to see it on her face, the guilt, the rejection.

“tsireya asked me to go with her to her appointment, they’re finding out the gender.. she wants me to know before them to help set up like — a gender reveal thing, apparently your dad mentioned it”

neteyam frowned, first work was stealing his wife away, now tsireya and a baby?

lo’ak got carried away explaining to neteyam what a baby shower was, instantly taking the heat off of y/n, who looked at tsireya, who just smiled softly,

it wasn’t a lie, the both of them were finding out the others gender. so they could have a shared baby shower, which was tsireya’s idea, but y/n was warry, was it okay for her to be getting this ahead of herself when neteyam still had no idea that this baby even existed.

“talking about that, we should start heading back” tsireya said, grabbing onto y/n’s hand for the two of them to walk out of the lake together.

“y/n can i speak to you before you go?” neteyam asked, y/n nodded, tsireya muttered something about meeting her there before she walked off with lo’ak.

he smiled as she approached him. “whats up?” she asked, he just leaned down to place a kiss on her lips. he groaned into the kiss, missing the way her lips felt on his, he deepened the kiss, grabbing her hips.

she laughed, pulling away, wrapping her arms around his neck. “what’s brought this on?” she asked, as he leaned down to kiss her jaw and down her neck.

“ ‘jus miss you” he said, kissing her collar bone before reconnecting their lips. she smiled into the kiss, before the guilt came back. “neteyam-“ she said pulling away, he attempted to chase the kiss but didn’t get anywhere. “i really have to go, i promised her.”

“fuck the appointment y/n” he said, tone rough as he reconnected their lips, pulling her closer to him. “teyam, this is important.” she said as she pulled away, placing her hands on his chest.

“everything seems to be more important” he said, y/n felt hurt, it wasn’t one sided, he was busy too. “are you blaming me?” she asked softly, eyes furrowed.

“no- i’m just saying— we don’t spend any time together anymore.

y/n didn’t know if she could handle this conversation right now, she also did really need to go. “can we talk about this later please- i really have to go” she said. silently begging.

he frowned, sighing, before releasing her, she frowned at his annoyed expression — not even bothering to spare her a glance or say goodbye.

tears pooled her eyes before she started walking away. her mind clouded as he turned back around, his back was to her. “neteyam” she said softly, voice cracking.

“we aren’t going just for tsireya” she said, before leaving, leaving her mate alone with his thoughts, alone to ponder about what she meant by her words.

“you’re child is strong, but stressed, tell neteyam” mo’at said, placing her hand softly on y/n’s belly, they had just finished tsireya’s and y/n was now the one who was being checked, mo’at had written the gender of tsireya’s baby on a piece of paper and given it to y/n, and had just done the same for y/n.

the appointment didn’t go for very long, the two left about twenty minute after it had started. “tsi” y/n said, looking at her friend. “do you think i could stay with you tonight?” she asked.

tsireya immediately softened, nodding softly. “of course, what happened?” y/n explained the small argument and how she was slightly nervous to go back home to see him. tsireya understood, feeling for her friend.

“ill tell lo’ak, do you want me to get him to tell neteyam so he isn’t worried?” tsireya asked her friend who hadn’t stopped looking at the paper in tsireya’s hands, which was folded shut.

“yeah- yes please” y/n answered, tearing her gaze from the paper. she followed tsireya back to the hut tsireya and lo’ak shared.

“lo’ak, can you do me a favour?” lo’ak immediately perked up, staring at his pregnant wife, willing to do anything she asked. “could you please let him know y/n is staying with us tonight”

“she is? why”

“yes she is, don’t ask and just do” tsireya said, annoyed, not really at the boy, moreso at the fact she didn’t know how much y/n wanted him to know.

lo’ak nodded, heading out to talk to his brother. “im scared.” y/n confessed, tsireya just gave her a half hearted smile, wrapping her arms around the girl.

“hey neteyam” lo’ak said, looking at his brother who looked.. frantic, in his hut, eyes wide when he noticed his little brother standing at the entrance. “fuck - lo’ak have you seen y/n?” he asked.

lo’ak instantly started to panic as well, neteyam had no idea where she was he calmed himself down when he remembered why he was here. “yeah yeah, i do, shes at mine with tsireya.” lo’ak said, neteyam instantly sighed with relief.

“they wanted me to come tell you that y/n is gonna stay with us tonight, they didn’t tell me why - actually yelled at me not to ask. and im scared of those women together so i just didn’t”

“fuck!” neteyam cursed, griping his hair tightly as panic overflowed. lo’ak began to worry, “whats wrong? what happened?” lo’ak asked.

“we argued- kind of, but then she said she wasn’t going to mo’at just for tsireya?? i dont know what she meant, it could be anything right? do you think she is really sick?” neteyam ranted.

lo’ak put the pieces together in his head, the reason y/n was so quiet, the reason she went with tsireya, the reason his mate was bubbling with excitement when she was walking back with him. “neteyam, bro? have you noticed y/n being sick?” lo’ak asked.

neteyam furrowed his eyebrows, “no? she is just sleeping a lot? what is going on.” he asked.

“fuck, tomorrow, talk to y/n. be understanding.” he said.

“is she in love with someone else?” neteyam asked, worry filling his chest, he hadn’t spent a night alone in his hut since the two had gotten it, despite going on a few hunting trips, he still spoke to y/n through coms every single night he was away.

and now he was alone in his hut, no way to communicate with her as he noticed her com sitting on the desk, it annoyed him slightly, what if she had gotten hurt and he had no idea cause she wasn’t wearing her com.

his mind was spiralling, he felt insane without her. it had been building up but he couldn’t help it.

and he was worried, why did she need an appointment with mo’at? why would she go with tsireya if it was completely different.

oh.

y/n was basically asleep, despite the goosebumps that fell along her skin, she was use to the warmth of neteyam’s body when going to sleep, she hated the cold, and he was never cold.

she missed him, feeling bad, she couldn’t help but wonder how he was doing, maybe he liked it better when she wasn’t there, not asking for his attention every two seconds. she was just thinking about him, she was worried, what if he hated her for what he said.

did he catch on? did he understand what she meant. she wondered if he was mad, it drove her to the brink of insanity.

she felt a groan from the room next to her where neteyam and tsireya were sleeping, or so she thought, it was a groan of annoyance, before she could ignore it, lo’ak walked in.

“this is for you” he said, handing her his com, she looked up in confusion, furrowing her eyebrows. “he hasn’t left me alone since i left, says he wont stop till he speaks to you” lo’ak explained, almost begging her to put him out of his misery, “i just want to sleep” he said, before walking out, back to his room.

“hello?” she said, pressing the button, she knew how to use it since neteyam had given her one, saying to wear it everywhere she went, however today, she didn’t.

“yawne?” she heard neteyam’s voice, her confused expression fell into a frown, she was tempted to turn it off and stop replying, but the softness in his voice made her worry.

“neteyam? what is the problem?” she asked, looking up at the roof of the hut, he groaned, almost as if he was in pain. “the fact i am talking to you through my brothers fucking com, and not in person with you in my arms” he said.

she smiled, her heart warmed, even after she had said what she said, he still missed her, which mustve meant he didn’t catch on to her slight confession.

she then frowned, “neteyam.” she muttered, not understanding what he wanted her to do. “come home, yawne.” he said, almost begging. he needed her home, “please, you don’t have to talk to me but i need you to come home, i will come get you, please”

she sighed, feeling guilty, “okay neteyam” she gave in, shaking her head softly, “fuck- yes, ill be there in a minute. thank you yawne”

y/n sighed as she moved the com from her mouth, walking into the other room she placed the com next to lo’ak, tsireya sat awake, while lo’ak was dead asleep.

“where are you going?” she asked, y/n smiled softly, “neteyam asked me to go home — i don’t think he knows. must of missed my comment” she said, believing there was no other reason.

“he is coming to pick me up, don’t worry.” she said, as tsireya smiled, leaning back. “good luck, let me know how you go, yeah?”

“thank you, for everything”

the cold air nipped at y/n’s skin, as she stood outside waiting for neteyam, when she saw him, she immediately felt warmer.

his hair was a mess, his daily loincloth and been replaced with one he had worn for sleep, the idea of someone else seeing him like that couldn’t help but make y/n a bit jealous.

he didn’t even wait for her to say anything, instantly wrapping his arms around her, taking a long deep breath, inhaling her scent like he had gone years without her.

“god i missed you” he said, she didn’t respond. just hugged him back, she missed him as well.

“come, lets go home, yawne” he said. pulling on her hand, bringing her in front of him, he held her hips as he stood tall behind her, leading her home.

“neteyam.” she said as they reached their hut, he turned to her, it was the first time she had spoken, he hated her use of his full name, she always called him the shortened version. “yawne?”

“i need to tell you something, and i think i should do it before we go in” she said, inhaling deeply, nerves biting her as the urge to tell him not to worry came up. “what’s wrong yawne?” he asked, pulling her close to him.

“tey- im pregnant.” she finally said the words, and the tears came flowing, she couldn’t help it, nothing she did, she wanted to be strong and tell him she understood he wasn’t ready and that she understood that he was going to end things.

but none of that happened, she just cried, too scared to look at his reaction, but she felt his hands on her, pulling her closer to rub her back.

“im sorry- i know you don’t want it and you’re going to leave me, im sorry tey” she sobbed into his chest, he was shocked, he already knew she was pregnant, he caught on after he comment, maybe that played a part in why he missed her so much. but leave her?

“baby- what.. what are you talking about. leave you? why would i leave you.” he said, pulling her face away to look at her, fear covering her entire face. “i know you told lo’ak you didn’t want kids yet, and you want to focus on hunting and training, im sorry i ruined it for you, please dont hate me” she sobbed.

he was shocked with every word that left her mouth.

“what are you even- no baby- oh god. i was telling lo’ak i wasn’t ready to train kids. dad has been trying to make us start with 7 year olds, neither of us are ready to train a whole group of little kids, that- i didn’t say i wasn’t ready yawne. god im so ready, i’ve been ready, i just didn’t want to pressure you into anything, gosh im so sorry, i can’t believe you were so scared, i could never leave you”

he was now crying as well, the two of them besides themselves, you were crying because it was a lot of information to take in, and neteyam crying because he was going to be a dad.

“ewya, im so happy, so so happy- i love you so much baby, so so so much” he said, connecting his lips with yours.

“and you too, little one, i love you so much”

“its a girl” y/n sobbed, she hated that she could see what mo’at was writing, and the fact that her and tsireya were very bad at keeping secrets, they ended up just telling the other the gender.

tsireya was having a boy, and y/n a girl.

“you found out?” he said, looking up from where he was kneeling before her stomach. y/n immediately felt guilty. “im sorry.” she said, wiping her teary eyes.

“don’t be baby. my two girls. gosh i cant wait to meet you” he said speaking to your belly, as if it was gonna respond.

his two girls

[rootsoftheforest]

i saw that you're opening requests omfg i love your writing so im taking the opportunity!

neteyam tired and exhausted from his training and goes to seek reader to decompress, finds her then just straight up drops his body to her, nuzzling his nose to her neck and probably mutters smth like, "you're my comfort person" or smth, gets all cuddly and everything. reader is the only person who got to see neteyam like this

they're mutually pining best friends btw

bonus if neteyam didnt notice one of his siblings sitting in front of the reader 😭

im so sorry if this got too long 😭😭 tysm babe

My Comfort Person ||| neteyam x omatikaya!reader

awwww thank you so much! 🥹🫶🏻

masterlist

pairings: neteyam x omatikaya!fem!reader

summary: your best friend neteyam is a bit of a sleep cuddlier

words: 600

warnings/notes: none! pure tooth rotting fluff

After another long ass day filled with nothing but training Neteyam was exhausted. In fact, exhausted was an understatement.

The only thing he wanted to do was to snuggle up and go to sleep. What he really wanted was to snuggle up with you.

His best friend was the only person who could immediately put him at ease. Nothing could top the tranquil feeling of holding you in his arms.

Neteyam trudged through home tree, his mind on autopilot. He was so groggy and exhausted he didn’t even know where he was going.

Your hands carefully worked at the bracelet you were holding. Gently weaving the material so as not to damage it. Stopping midway through you noticed that the beads you were using were very similar to the beads Neteyam was found of.

A blush creeped onto your cheeks as you thought of him. You'd be lying if you said you didn't have feelings for him. But he was your best friend and nothing more.

"Why is your face like that?" Kiri asked unamused.

Eyes widening at being caught you tried to brush her off. "Like what?"

"Just admit that you were day dreaming about my brother so we can get back to our jewelry." She rolled her eyes.

You started to panic as you felt your entire face heat up. It wasn't that obvious, was it?

"I don't know what you're talking about." You nervously chuckled.

"Oh please," Kiri huffed. "The two of you have been pining after each other for years."

"You’re being dramatic. Neteyam doesn't see me that way." You frowned.

Kiri started laughing but quickly stopped when she saw your somber expression. "Wait, are you serious?” She asked.

"Yes Kiri! We're friends. Only friends. Neteyam would never return my feelings." You sighed.

"You must be blind." Kiri laughed. "He has been obsessed with you for years. To the point that it's alarming how much he talks about you."

"Seriously?"

"It's obvious to everyone but the two of you apparently."

Before you could argue with her the flap of your tent opened to reveal Neteyam himself. Kiri smirked giving you a knowing look.

Neteyam groggily made his way over to you. He looked liked he was half asleep, not even noticing Kiri as he passed her.

Neteyam plopped down next to you nuzzling his face into your neck. Inhaling your sweet scent immediately relaxed his tense body.

"What's wrong 'Teyam?" You softly asked while reaching your hand up to caresses his head.

"Tired." He mumbled against your skin. "Needed my comfort person."

Snuggling more into you his head found it's way onto your lap. He was hugging your arm to his chest.

You melted at the sight of him. He looked like a big comfy toddler. Seeing him like this wasn’t unusual. Despite the mighty warrior mask he wore, Neteyam loved physical touch. Whenever the two of you were alone he practically demanded that you cuddled.

But that was always when you were alone. He had never acted this way around anyone else. You were shocked that he was so relaxed with Kiri sitting right there. Usually you were the only one to see this side of him.

“Told you.” Kiri whispered.

Shushing her you waved her out. Neteyam had fallen asleep and the last thing you wanted was to wake him up.

Lovingly you admired his relaxed face as he slept. Gently you brushed his hair out of his face. A soft smile graced his lips as he begun to purr.

“Sleep well my mighty warrior.” You whispered.

Taglist:

@ilovejakesullysdick @fanboyluvr @athenalikethegoddess @loverofallthingsfandom @forasgaard @plzfeedmebread @instabull @ms5m1th @avatarappreciationblog @romimiux @ferrtan @tammitammytime @eternallyvenus @dreamyescapesfromreality @dvxsja @jakesullyfatjuicypeen

[rootsoftheforest]

— 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 [𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦]

the lowdown — the one where neteyam is too blinded by duty to realize what he has right in front of him. 

the who — neteyam x fem omatikaya!reader

the word count  — 5.6k (this isn't even a drabble anymore).

the tags & warnings — language, more emotional constipation, mentions of blood & injury, childhood friends(?)2l, unrequited love, angst w a semi-happy / openish ending.

the notes  — based off of this request & this one ! let’s pretend the trees of souls didn’t get burned down in the first movie :) 

masterlist

You were an odd thing, curious, maybe a little strange, but like learning anything, everyone had grown accustomed to your weird little habits. Everyone except for Neteyam, the clan leader’s son. And the weird habit in question was poorly-expressed words of adoration that seemed to meld into unconventional confessions as you got older. 

It started when you two were eight, perhaps nine. The two of you were in a village elder’s tent, learning the best ways to debone fish to prepare for meals when she’d ducked out for a moment and left the two of you in a cloud of uncomfortable silence. 

Neteyam’s fingers were nimble, swift, while you lagged behind, eyes fluttering to the way he seemed to grasp the elder’s instruction with more ease than you. 

“We should always be together,” you’d said absently, still fiddling with the same fish while Neteyam moved onto the next. “I will be useless to our family without you.” 

Neteyam’s spine had gone rigid, gaze wide as he side-eyed you from his seat. 

“Huh?” He’d clearly been caught off guard, ministrations on the catch frozen as his eyebrows furrowed. 

“When we are married,” you’d said, holding the bone structure of your first fish triumphantly.

“Married?” he parroted shrilly, fully turning to face you. 

You looked up from your task, nodding like it was the most common of knowledge.

“Yes, Neteyam,” you affirmed, chuffing a small laugh. “In the future, when we are married.” 

Neteyam wouldn’t have been so off put had the comment been a one time thing, but they were frequent, spoken both in the quiet of much-dreaded time alone with you and hushed whispers in the midst of the other villagers your age. 

It wasn’t any help that his parents seemed to always set the two of you up in many endeavors over the course of your adolescence. And he’d tried, tried so hard to shake you over the years, but you were glued to his hip. 

You look handsome today, you’d say often, regardless. Training is paying off, whispered in his ear as your fingertips smoothe over the skin of his biceps. I hope the little ones grow to be as mighty as you are, spoken after sessions in the archery circle. The comments are all fleeting, mentioned in passing like a casual word, but they make Neteyam warm, make his cheeks heat when he searches your face for any betrayal of emotion. 

But all he’s met with is an expression that borders smug, one that makes him wonder why, out of all of the boys growing into fine young men over the course of your adolescence, had you picked him to be the object of your affections. 

Try as he might, to be short-tempered, callous, you were always there. He sought the attention of other women, tried to put as many bodies between the two of you, but you were relentless, smiled gently when you’d catch his wandering hands against the skin of another, would turn a blind eye when his lips brushed too intimately over eager ears.

At first he figured that maybe it was because he was the first boy you’d encountered and it’d just been the way the cards were dealt. At times he thought you were messing with him, a long-running joke between you and some unknown entities to fuck around with his feelings. His current theory, however, is one that he sits more confidently on when he begins observing you. 

You spend an awful amount of time not only tailing him, but tailing his family, pestering Kiri and Lo’ak about god knows what, spending many afternoons schmoozing with his parents, seeking guidance from Mo’at. 

He comes to the conclusion, after some time, that you’re trying to solidify your place within his family, trying to secure your role next to him as the future leader of the clan. This much is confirmed when his parents bring up the sore topic of you one night once everyone has turned in after the evening meal. 

“The time for your selection feast is arriving,” Neytiri says hesitantly, like she’s treading on thin ice. 

Neteyam has an inkling where this conversation will go when Jake shifts to sit next to his partner, the perfect picture of what a love that transcends all should look like. But he doesn’t know love, just knows preparing for his future and what ruling the clan will look like. 

“Yeah,” Neteyam agrees. 

“Do you have someone in mind?” Jake prods, busying himself by toying with his songchord. 

To his dismay, you briefly eclipse his mind, the annoyingly beautiful girl he’d grown up with but, even a decade later, still can’t seem to get a good read on.

“No,” he answers slowly. 

His parents seem to chew on this for a moment, glancing at each other momentarily before Neytiri draws in a deep breath and focuses her attention on her oldest son all over again. 

“Well…your father and I believe that perhaps ________ could be a good choice.”

It’s like a bomb detonates, but the aftershocks are only seen in the way Neteyam’s lips purse and his brows furrow. 

He’s not one to go against his parents, but he’ll be damned if he has to spend forever with you. 

“No,” he repeats, but with time with vindication. 

Jake looks stunned, back straightening as he takes his son in with wary eyes.

“No?” 

“No,” Neteyam reiterates. “I would rather spend my life alone than spend it with her.” 

“Neteyam,” Neytiri sighs. 

“I’m sorry, Mom, I won’t,” he says firmly, swallowing down the lump in his throat as he glances between both of his parents, hoping, wishing that maybe they’ll see that this isn’t a good idea.

“Maitan, you don’t understand,” Neytiri says softly. “When you and ________ were born, Ewya gave us a sign.”

Neteyam’s blood runs cold. 

“So this has already been decided?” he asks, voice eerily steady. 

“Not necessarily,” Jake interjects. “We didn’t want you two to feel like you were being forced to be together so we hoped that encouraging you both to spend time together would allow something to develop…” 

“But they haven’t, so now it’s a not-so-silent push,” he says shortly. 

His parents share another look and he feels annoyance beginning to form in his gut. 

“We wouldn’t say that there aren’t any feelings there,” Neytiri says. 

Neteyam breathes a humorless laugh as he shakes his head in disbelief.

“I don’t feel anything for her,” he says with finality. “Nothing about a union with her piques my interest. We’ve been in close proximity since birth but my heart feels more for the trees in the forest than it ever will for ________.” 

Jake squeezes his eyes shut. 

“Have you thought about giving her a chance?” he pushes. “She’s a lovely girl, really likes you.” 

That draws another huff of humorless laughter from Neteyam. 

“The only thing she’s interested in is status and being tsahik,” Neteyam scoffs. “There is nothing there.” 

Neytiri opens her mouth to say something, but Neteyam has mustered up as polite an excuse as he can as he stands to his feet and bows his head to his parents. 

When he ducks from the tent, he doesn’t expect to see you lingering outside of the exit.

His face morphs as the quiet words leave your lips. 

“You doubt my affections for you.” It’s a statement and a question wrapped in one, but you’re resigned, like always, and Neteyam can’t seem to grasp what you’re trying to get at clinging to him, to whatever this dynamic is. 

“What’s this game you’re playing?” he accuses, eyes narrowed. 

“What game?” you ask, gaze unfaltering as you stare up at him with those round golden eyes. 

He lets out a frustrated sigh. 

“Our entire lives, from being kids to now, you’ve toyed with me,” he says fiercely. “With this idea of us. Why? I’ve given you no reasons to be fond of me, yet you’re always here, there, everywhere.” 

“I have much to be fond of,” is your simple answer and Neteyam could groan in frustration. 

“Like what? Being the olo’eyktan’s son? Holding the future of this clan in my hands?” he asks sharply. 

“I would love you, circumstances withstanding,” you respond. “You don’t have to be afraid.” 

Love. 

What an odd concept, weird. One that Neteyam can’t seem to wrap his mind around when it comes to you. Doesn’t think he ever will. 

“Afraid of what?” he bites. 

“Of loving me back,” you say. 

He grimaces like the very thought disgusts him, like you’re an aversion he desperately wants to rid of. And perhaps you are, you realize, seeing years of pent up frustration and anger culminating into one big wound ready to rupture. 

“You think I love you?” he asks incredulously. 

He doesn’t miss the way you shrink, blinking quickly. 

“If you gave us a chance, maybe,” you whisper.

It sounds like the conversation with his parents all over again and realization seems to shutter across his features as he looks down at you. 

“How long have you known?” 

“Known what?” you ask quietly. 

“How long have you known that they’re trying to force us to be together?” he asks. 

You’re silent for a moment before muttering something under your breath. 

“What?” he snaps.

“They aren’t forcing us,” you clear your throat. “Not me, at least.” 

He scoffs. 

“Of course,” he mocks. “Because it only matters what you want out of this. Not that for the last decade I’ve been trying to get you to back off, trying to get you to understand that I don’t want this. I don’t want us, and if it means forfeiting my responsibilities, then so be it.” 

It’s a lofty statement, one that seals the last nail on your coffin. 

You’d loved Neteyam for as long as you can remember, have probably liked him for longer. When your parents told you early on that Eywa had given both of your families a sign that you and Neteyam were meant for one another, you’d embraced the idea wholeheartedly. Loved the idea of loving him even through moments when he’d try to drive a wedge between the two of you. 

Give him time, your parents had said to you. Jake and Neytiri want his feelings to develop naturally. 

And you waited. God, you waited, for so long. Waited for him to come around, to realize the things he did to you. Perhaps you had been too presumptuous, thinking that he’d be able to read you behind such a stoic facade, afraid that if you revealed too much of your wanting, you’d turn him off from the idea of being with you. 

But as you stand here before him, small under such a burning gaze, you realize that it’d been wishful thinking. Choosing him meant nothing if he didn’t choose you back. 

“I see…” you trail off quietly.

“Do you?” he asks, tone facetious. 

You nod once, unable to meet his gaze. Unable to see that his expression twitches the tiniest amount when he clocks the way your body seems to deflate.

“Yeah,” you whisper. “I do.” 

His following days are quiet, filled with personal duties and commitments to the clan. He’d expected you to sleep off the night’s confrontation, he certainly had, a twinge of guilt searing his gut.

But you’re good at hiding, good at masking your feelings, good at disappearing. It doesn’t bother him at the beginning, figuring that you need your space, but then it’s a dull ache that ebbs into a grating gnaw as his every other thought flits to you and what you could be doing now that you’ve settled such a wide distance between himself and his family. 

“You are injured a lot more these days,” Mo’at observes, slathering the viscous mixture over a cut between his shoulder blades. 

He remains silent, doesn’t know how to admit that he’d been far more reckless these past few days in the hopes that he’d run into you in his grandmother’s quarters. A silent yearn to feel your skilled fingers work over his wounds, tender as you try to pry your way into his heart. 

Mo’at had been the one you spent the most time with, diligently training in the chance that Neteyam would finally see you, would make you his. But right now, you’re nowhere to be found and all he’s rewarded with is his grandmother’s rough hands and inquisitive gaze.

“She made this salve,” Mo’at says, filling the silence with idle talk. “Found a recipe that speeds healing and softens the skin.” 

“Did she?” Neteyam responds absently, imagining you picking and pruning the herbs yourself, frame languid as you move through the brush. 

“Said she didn’t want her lover to have such tough skin.” 

There’s laughter in his grandmother’s voice, but he can’t find it in himself to see the humor in the situation. Not when he’s beginning to see that maybe he’s not just another rung in the ladder for you, that duty is the most miniscule drop in your bucket.  

“Where’s ________?” he asks after a moment, hissing through his teeth when his grandmother’s fingers prod the wound. 

“Taking a break from her studies to assist Ama with the children,” she answers, and he misses the knowing look in her eyes. She pats his shoulder when she’s done patching him up. “She’s a fine young woman, Neteyam. Many of the villagers do not turn a blind eye to that fact. If she is not the one that your heart desires, give her the opportunity to align with one that does.” 

It makes something ugly, green, roil in the pit of his stomach at the idea of you being the subject of houndish eyes. You’re too reserved, too sweet, too devoted to be anyone else’s. 

And the thought floors him, makes the knot growing obnoxiously in his throat choke the air from his lungs. 

“Yeah,” he agrees in a whisper. 

And he knows that his grandmother is right. Knows that he shouldn’t be asking about you, doesn’t have the right to hold you hostage if the union is something that truly unsettles him. But the thought of letting go of whatever the two of you have is surprisingly indigestible. 

Neteyam is frustrated, thoroughly disoriented now that all he can think of is you. He’d tried everything under the sun to shake you, to get you to throw your cards in first, but now that you have, it’s like you tug on a string tethered to his hellish heart. 

He stands to his feet and turns to face Mo’at, giving a respectful nod before exiting the tent. 

It’s wrong, he knows it, seeking you out after burning every bridge between the two of you, but he can’t help it. Can’t help but enter the clearing in the forest carved through with a stream that the little ones play in. 

You’re exactly where his grandmother had said you were, sitting near the edge of the bubbling waters with Ama, a girl a few years your senior. The children are giggling, laughing as they splash each other, splash you. The expression on your face falters a little, stern as you adjust the netting strapped to your chest. 

The air is trapped in his lungs as he realizes. Sees the little head that peeks from the top of the fabric, ear pressed to your heart as you cover the baby’s head from the children’s gleeful laughter. 

“That’s not very nice,” you say gently. “Your little sister is trying to sleep.” 

Your voice makes the hairs on the back of his neck prick, a soft rasp that’s haunted him for the last few sleepless nights. It’s odd, seeing you in this light, relaxed from your lack of duties. You’re in your element like this, smiling and coddling the children of the clan as they climb over you and poke and prod. 

“Teyam!” One of them clocks him before he can retreat and his spine is going stiff, stomach turning when he sees the way your expression melts. 

“Hi,” he greets simply, unable to form anything more solid in the fears that he’ll spook you. 

The kids start emerging from the stream one by one, surrounding him as he takes a few tentative steps into the clearing. 

“Neteyam,” Ama greets cordially, eyes flitting between the two of you as you busy yourself with the little one strapped to your chest. 

Neteyam, on the other hand, can’t keep his eyes off of you. He’s silently pleading with Eywa, with whatever other force lies out of reach that you’ll just look at him. But you’re locked up tighter than a vault, obviously still reeling from the confrontation all those days ago. 

He hums your name, gentle like a prayer. Your eyes are hesitant, watching the snoozing baby in your arms before glancing at the remaining children in the stream before finally meeting his longing gaze. 

“Can we talk?” he asks you, flashing one of the curious kids a brief smile when they tug on the hem of his loincloth. 

Your response is far more blunt than he’d expected, taken aback when you murmur a firm, “No.”

He supposes that he deserves that, has earned the warmth that eclipses over his cheeks as the children watch the exchange with inquisitive eyes. And the way you stand to your feet to wrangle the village’s little ones is merited, telling them that playtime is over. 

But as Ama helps you gather their things, sensing the obvious tension between you and the olo’eyktan’s son, he realizes that he can’t just let this go. He won’t. Not without making things right, without telling you that loving you isn’t the hard part, it could never be. 

But agency is something his parents have withheld from him his entire life, molded him into being the perfect son that bends to the clan’s every beck and call. Loving you was just another thing to add to the list of things he did for everyone else’s sake but his own.

He sees now, though, sees that loving you, being in love with you isn’t a difficult feat. Not when he’s been given the smallest glance into what having a future could be like with you. Especially not when he’s learned so many things about you in the moments where you’re a fleeting plume of smoke that surrounds and chokes him all the same. 

He calls your name again, firm this time around. There’s a stutter in your step, he sees the way your shoulders draw taut with a labored sigh. 

You murmur something to Ama, undoing the ties to the netting that carries the dozing infant. Neteyam watches as you shush the kids, reminding them to be good to their tsmuke on their journey through the forest. 

Your fingers are gentle as you tie the last knot, brushing Ama’s shoulders lightly as you tell her you’ll catch up with her shortly. 

When they��re out of earshot, clambering back into the village circle, you turn on your heel, standing on the opposite side of the embankment. The glittering waters gurgle between the two of you as you wait patiently for Neteyam to muster his courage. 

“About our union,” he starts. “I–” 

“I’ve told my parents to forgo the preparations,” you say softly, seemingly unbothered as you pay more attention to the blades of grass that tickle your ankles. 

Neteyam’s spine stiffens.

“Why would you…” 

“You don’t want this,” you repeat his words from the fall out. “You don’t want us. We’ll both be unhappy.” 

It makes his heart squeeze. 

“You would be so unhappy in our union?” he scoffs, like he’s cracked the code. 

He doesn’t expect the humorless laugh that spills past your lips, obviously laden with tears when he focuses hard enough. 

“Of course I would, Neteyam,” you say fiercely, quietly. “I have spent so much of my life being so disgustingly in love with you when all you’ve wanted was me gone. Do you really think I’d let myself suffer at the expense of someone who would rather be alone than be forced to spend time with the likes of me.” 

You make it sound horrible. And perhaps it was, being so taken by someone who’s life mission was to sever every carefully stitched tie.

He doesn’t know what to say, doesn’t know how to tell you that he’s coming to terms with the fact that maybe he’s been gravely mistaken this entire time. 

“So have your freedom,” you say chillingly. “I surrender.” 

He’s closing the distance between the two of you, splashing through the shallow river to root you to place, fingers wrapped tightly around your elbow. 

You snatch away from his grasp, turning so sharply, he stumbles back. The pad of your finger pokes harshly into his chest, tear-filled eyes brimming as your gaze searches his face. 

“Don’t be heartless,” you hiss. “If there is one thing I will ask of you it is to leave me alone.” 

The distance between the two of you widens as you pluck your bow and quiver nearby and rush off into the brush, leaving Neteyam in the quieting clearing to allow the weight of your words sink to his bones. 

He doesn’t know how long he stands there, watching the same spot you’d disappeared past, but the forest is beginning to glow and he should be home soon. 

The entire encounter puts him on edge as he climbs through the foliage, moving over fallen logs and blooming flora. His muscles are taut, shoulders tight as he maps the long route back home.

It’s only when a sudden crack in the distance sounds that he becomes aware of how still the forest seems around him, like there are eyes and ears watching his every move. 

A look in the sky reveals a darkening swathe of midnight, leaves gleaming from outstretched branches. As he surveys his surroundings, his ears prick, picking up the most minute of sounds, rhythmic against the dense grass. 

His hand is on his dagger in an instant, eyes wild as he holds his breath. The pulse is nearing, almost insignificant against the backdrop of nature’s call, but something isn’t right and it makes nausea stir in his stomach. 

He blinks once, twice, before something closes over his mouth and a body seems to fuse against his back. 

“It’s me.” Your voice is ragged, hushed against the shell of his ear, and he nearly melts, fingers loosening from around the hilt of his knife. 

“I–” 

“Don’t speak,” you warn. “They are near.” 

He tenses again as you move your bodies behind a curtain of green, off the trodden path. 

“There are five of them,” you whisper and he shivers something fierce. “Two down, three on foot.” 

After years of training from his father, he knows who they are. 

“How did you…why do you–” 

“You didn’t return to the village,” you hiss. 

His heart skips a beat, thrumming because even if you’d been angry at him, you’d noticed his absence. Had gone looking for him, even. He turns to face you, wants to tell you that he’d do anything to make things right, but he realizes that now’s not a good time. 

You’re pale, gravely so, a feral look in your eyes as you grasp at your left side. 

Blood. You’re bleeding. 

“What the fuck?” 

“Stop,” you breathe shakily. “Not now.” 

“________, you’re wounded!” he protests. 

You slap a hand over his mouth, golden eyes widening as you press closer to him. 

He takes the opportunity to peer over your shoulder in pursuit of an exit wound and sighs when he finds the skin still intact. 

“You’re hurt,” he tries again, grabbing the wrist clutching your side. 

You shake your head vehemently. 

“Stop it, Neteyam,” you plead hoarsely. “We need to get rid of them before they find the village.” 

You’re right, he realizes, swallowing down the lump in his throat as he notes the tremble of your lip and the furrow between your brows. 

“Okay,” he swallows, nodding hesitantly. “Okay.” 

“Near the Tree of Souls,” you tell him, knees shaky as you draw an arrow and load your bow. 

You creep forward slowly, willowy frame shielding Neteyam as you move through the forest. 

He barely notices, only sees it when you pause a moment too long, body twitching as the bow quivers in your loosening grasp. 

“________?” Neteyam’s voice is testing, closing the berth. 

Your bow lowers, fingers brushing over the wound once again. When you assess the wetness of the pads of your fingers, Neteyam’s able to get a good look at the damage. 

His eyes widen, grabbing your shoulders tightly when he sees that your eyes are drooping. 

“Wait,” he says sharply. “Don’t—”

Your bloody hand brushes his chin. 

“Make sure…make sure they are…” 

“She must rest.” 

“It will only be for a moment.” 

The words slur together, distant and muddy as your eyes flicker open to assess your surroundings. 

“Maite, you are awake.” Your mother kneels next to you, expression a picture of harrowing concern. “Oh, Eywa, I’m glad you are awake.” 

It returns in waves, like the ebb and flow of water dousing you. The enemy, in bodies like your own, ruthless to creatures both gentle and roaring. Clothed like humans with gear so imposing, you nearly shrunk with such a small bow and only enough arrows to make each shot count. 

You’d taken out two of them with shaky hands before their hailing bullets pierced the trunks of trees and left gaping holes in the leaves. One had landed, lodged its way right above the left side of your pelvis. 

It aches as you sit up, seeing the aftermath of what must have been a grisly extraction. 

“Stop, stop,” your mother says quickly, hands on your shoulders to guide you back. “You will disturb Mo’at’s work.” 

“There are more of them,” you rush. “They are–” 

“Shh, my child,” she coaxes. “They are gone.” 

It had been a horrific sight, seeing Neteyam carrying you back to the village, limp and listless, covered in the blood of multiple parties with a nearly animalistic look in his eye. 

“Where is Neteyam?” you whisper, lashes wet. 

The look on your mother’s face softens with pity, knowing, as she sees it written all over your face. 

She’d known it before and she’d known it after you approached her and your father with the request to call off the union. 

I don’t love him, you’d said, unable to meet their eyes as you confessed. Eywa’s made a mistake with us. I want to be with someone that I love.

You’d been embarrassed, wanted to save face. You didn’t want them to know that the only man you’d ever known from adolescence to young adulthood hadn’t wanted a thing to do with you. 

“I’m here.” 

Neteyam’s entering the tent with your father hot on his heels, obviously defying his wishes to leave you be. 

His forearm is wrapped in medicinal leaves, tied off with thin vine. A cut slices his brow bone, the wound still red and raw. 

“I told you–” 

Your mother shoots your father a contemptuous look before turning to you to smooth some of the hair away from your face. 

“Eywa makes no mistakes, Maite,” she whispers, gaze pleading. 

She’s on her feet, crossing the tent to meet Neteyam half way. With a comforting squeeze to his shoulder, she pushes your protesting father through the hide and suddenly the air is shrouded in silence save for your labored breathing and the weight of the eldest Sully’s gaze. 

“I thought I lost you,” Neteyam says, the tiniest inflection of trembling pricking your ears. 

You blink, watching as he stands at the end of the mat. He’s fidgeting but his eyes are searing, shaking with tears as he stares at you unblinking—like you’ll disappear between the shutter of his heavy eyelids. 

You don’t know what to say, the lump lodged in your throat far too thick for you to form coherent words around. 

Neteyam continues for the both of you. 

“I thought that I wouldn’t…that I…” 

You watch as he crumbles. 

“Wouldn’t what?” you finally ask, voice dry. 

“I thought that I wouldn’t be able to give us a chance.” 

Your jaw tenses, breaking eye contact first as you shake your head in defeat. 

“There isn’t an us,” you sigh shakily. “Said so yourself.” 

“Oh, come on,” Neteyam scoffs, voice thick with tears. “Don’t do that.” 

“Do what?” you argue, clutching your injured side as it pulses with every beat of your thundering heart. 

“Don’t—don’t give up on me yet,” he whispers. “Please.” 

Your expression crumples and his face falls as you knuckle your tears away angrily. 

“You’re cruel, Neteyam. So so cruel,” you murmur. “I am ashamed that you have my heart.” 

The words are spoken with a quiet vindication that makes Neteyam feel like his nerve endings are fraying. A singular tear arcs over the swell of your cheek and an ache roots in his gut. 

“Don’t say that,” he says, throat bobbing as he swallows the emotion threatening to bubble over. “I–” 

“Neteyam.” Your father’s voice is stern, the flap of the tent flipping as he reenters. 

Neteyam bites the inside of his lip as he spares you one last glance and your resolve dissipates when the broad expanse of his back faces you. 

You’d expected Neteyam taking his leave to be some semblance of closure for the two of you, as clean of a break as you could come to terms with now that any precarious ties that bound the two of you were severed. But you hadn’t anticipated the singular ember inside of Neteyam fanning to be engulfing and all-consuming. 

“I know you’re there,” you say simply, plucking the petals and leaves from the flora to tuck into the small pouch strung across your chest. 

He’d been following you all afternoon, lingering a safe distance away, but his eyes haven’t left your healing frame and what had initially been confusion began to bleed into annoyance. 

“Pay me no mind,” he says simply, emerging from the brush with a bow and quiver.

It’s been over a week since the sky people had infiltrated your corner of the forest and Neteyam hasn’t let you leave his sight once.

From the morning eclipse to the evening’s, Neteyam’s doted on you; shearing chunks of fruit, grinding down your herbs for your treatments, rewrapping your wound under Mo’at’s careful supervision. 

You’d asked him to give you a moment of peace in the forest alone, but it wasn’t long before you scented him, heard his labored breathing as he tried to keep up with you. 

You heed his word, stonewalling his presence like he’s nothing but another leaf stretching from the trees. And for a while, a long stretch of silence surrounds the two of you as you venture deeper and deeper into the forest. 

But before you know it, each one of your steps is exchanged like for like, his looming and muscular frame eclipsing you like a shadow as you try to ignore the fact that he’s drawing nearer. 

You turn on your heel to face him just as he settles a pace away, eyes clear and golden. 

“What?” you snip, taking a step back. 

He takes a step forward. 

“You should not overexert yourself,” he replies simply. 

“And what happened to paying you no mind?” 

His fingers brush your sore wound and your gaze flits to the way his fingertips ghost over the dressing wrapped around the expanse of your lower abdomen. 

The grin he gives you has many layers. You immediately decipher something sly, coy, as he searches your face. 

“I’ve changed my mind,” he says quietly. “I want you to pay me all the mind.” 

Your expression is dry, eyes rolling as you step away from him. You’re swatting his palm away and shaking your head like a final warning. 

“You don’t get to flirt with me after all this time,” you say, blanketing the semi-tense air with a cover of finality. “And you shouldn’t. There is no longer an obligation for us to be within vicinity of each other.” 

You sound so cold, like you hadn’t spent the past decade pining after him in your own weird way. Like you hadn’t turned a blind eye when he found comfort in hopeful women despite wearing your heart on your oddly-stitched sleeve. Hadn’t been so willing to spend forever with him.

“You cannot dictate the turn of my heart,” Neteyam argues. 

The look you give him could instill fear in even the most intimidating predators. 

“You’d go to great lengths to quell a guilty conscience?” you ask. “Do not forget that forever is a long time. If nothing about our union piques your interest now, do not count on anything in the future.” 

You’re feeling for buttons to push, tender spots that will make him let up, but Neteyam isn’t easily swayed. He doesn’t know if he loves you now, but the last few weeks make certain that he will. He isn’t ashamed to admit that he’s falling fast and hard.  

“You’re not gonna get rid of me that easily, yawne.” 

The nickname makes you freeze, makes your eyes narrow as you glare up at the future olo’eyktan. 

“Don’t be insufferable, Neteyam.” 

“Duties be damned, I’ll spend every remaining moment doing right by you,” he says, fingers threading through yours so that he can bring your knuckles to his lips. 

Your heart wavers and he sees the way the curtain falls, eyes a fraction softer. 

He grins, tugging you closer. Moves your hair over your shoulder then skims his fingers along the sharpness of your jaw. 

It draws a shiver from you as you shift nervously, gaze fluttering from his eyes to the plush of his mouth. 

“Stop,” you whisper meekly. “We–”

“You’re mine, you hear me?” His voice is raw, edge melting away. “Union or no union. It’s always going to be you and me.” 

neng © 2023

taglist: @nao-cchi , @jkiminpark , @philiasoul , @amart-e , @s-u-t , @netesbby , @tayswiftlovebot , @dumb-fawkin-bitch , @ewackmn , @fanboyluvr , @mazemymirror , @itssiaaax , @girlpostingsposts, @athenachu , @hiya-itsamber , @morks-watermelon 

[rootsoftheforest]

She Is Mine

part one | part two

pairing: neteyam x fem!omatikaya!reader

genre: violence, bit of angst + fluff, & comfort

word count: 2.7k+

warning(s): death threats, mentions of death + injuries + blood, reader thinking she’s going to die + accepts it, neteyam going apeshit on an avatar soldier, reader being stabbed, mentions of brutal killings / violence, reader crying, & a bit of dark!neteyam

taglist: @aonungsmate @dearstell @optimisticblazetrash @thatonegirlwiththebeanie367 @liyahsocorro @amortencjja @universal-s1ut @goodiesinthecloset21 @chshshhshshshshshshshs @minkyungseokie

word bank: mawey — calm; calm down, eywa / the great mother — goddess deity that the na’vi believe in, ikran — winged creature used for flying + hunting, yawne — beloved, & yawntutsyip — darling; little darling

note: literally wrote this within two to three hours so it might not be that great, so bare with me. hope you guys liked it & let me know if i should do something similar to this with lo’ak <3

It was stupid really.

When you think back on it, it was definitely stupid to agree to tag along with Lo’ak and the rest to wherever the hell they were planning on going. But you could not say no to Tuk when she asked you to come with them. She was your weakness and used it to her advantage.

You’d been silently weaving a new armband for your boyfriend, Neteyam, when his youngest sister had approached you, hands interlocked behind her back and the all too familiar ‘innocent’ look plastered on her face. You knew that whatever she was thinking of saying or asking you would end up in you ultimately agreeing to it, most likely getting you in trouble with your lover.

“Join me and Kiri to the mountains with Lo’ak. Pretty please?” She had asked, pouting and widening her amber eyes up at you as she gently swayed from side to side.

You gave in immediately.

It was sad how fast the youngest Sully got you to cave in so quickly. You had restraint with the others, even Neteyam, but had none whatsoever when it came to Tuktirey. You had such a soft spot for her and Tuk took advantage of it every time.

Should’ve never said yes, you grumble to yourself inside your head, head shaking to yourself as you struggled against the restraints the RDA soldiers had put you in upon catching you all when you attempted to leave the scene you weren’t supposed to be at.

Jake instilled it into you guys so many times to never get close to the abandoned shack. You needed asked why. It was something that Jake wasn’t going to argue about and made it very clear after his youngest son tried to pry the answer out of him the first time he mentioned it. Should’ve listened to Jake.

Everything went by so fast, you had barely had time to process what was going on before you were shackled in handcuffs and essentially held prisoner by RDA Avatars.

“Who is she?” A deep voice asked, pulling you out of your seething thoughts.

Quaritch had a good estimate on who was who in the little rag tag group he caught. The five fingered teens one-hundred-percent belonged to Jake Sully while the human boy was a result of the Corporals past. So, that left you and Tuk. He would give it a fifty-fifty chance that the both of you were also Jake’s kids. Man, he and the Missus sure was busy, he thinks to himself, smirking at the thought.

By the only Na’vi boys reaction, Quaritch could tell that you were something else to the kid. A girlfriend perhaps?, he thinks, best friend?.

Lo’ak knew he was fucked the minute Tuk managed to convince you to join in on their little ‘adventure’. Neteyam continuously told him to look out for you whenever he left to go hunt or do whatever their parents told him to do, threatening bodily harm and death if he didn’t obey. He had a bad feeling about the whole thing but regardless of it, still continued on with his plan. Neteyam was so going to kill him.

“Our sister,” Lo’ak muttered, the soldier behind him still had a tight grip on his queue, tightening it before he answered.

Everyone on the scene could tell that Lo’ak was lying. It was evident. The boy's ears were pinned back, mostly in pain, and his tail fell limp beside him as it gently curled in on itself.

Bingo, Quaritch thought to himself, more leverage.

“Hmm, I think you’re lying, boy,” the Corporal starts, inching closer to Lo’ak, “And do you know what I do to liars?” he asked.

You gulped at the man’s words. You could only assume his following answer would entail torture or death. You all were totally fucked either way.

Lo’ak refused to answer the man’s question, making Quaritch smirk even more.

“I punish them,” he answered, a sick and disturbing glint in his eyes as he stared down Jake Sully’s second son.

Anxiety spiked in all of our systems, making you struggle further in the soldier's grasp.

“Don’t hurt him,” you and Kiri pleaded, the soldiers behind you yanking back on your braided queue, making you cry out in pain.

Quaritch tsked at your response, turning towards you as he stalked towards your figure. “I’m not going to hurt him, sweetheart. Just you,” he finalized, pulling out a knife that was sheathed in its carrier on his hip.

You and everyone else began to protest at his words.

“(Y/N)! No!” Lo’ak cried out, trying to inch closer towards you to protect you but was pulled back by a soldier, hissing out in pain and frustration.

Tuk began to cry as she saw the knife inch towards your face before it dipped down to your neck.

“You fucking asshole!” Spider yelled out, struggling in the grips of the two Avatar soldiers holding him, surprisingly making them struggle to keep him in their grasps in return.

Kiri could only close her eyes in response, not wanting to see you get hurt in front of her.

You stopped at the contact the cold knife made with your warm skin, the temperature of it making you lightly flinch back at it. Your heartbeat rose increasingly within the confines of your chest, hammering against the bone. Holy shit, you thought, this is how I’m going to die.

As you looked around and saw your friends' reactions, you accepted your fate. You accepted that you were going to be murdered in front of them. You could only hope that your death would help the Sullys and Spider escape from the soldiers and Quaritch safely and unharmed. You also hoped that it was going to be a quick death. You didn’t want them to see you suffer.

It’s okay, be calm. Don’t fight back, it’ll only make it worse. Mawey. Eywa, please ensure the safe return of the Sully’s and Spider. And make sure that Neteyam finds only happiness after this, you prayed.

Quaritch had taken your queue from the soldiers grasp behind you, granting you momentary relief from the tight hold only to be replaced with an even harsher grip. You hissed out at the returning pain.

“Now, listen here boy,” he starts, pointing the clean knife at Lo’ak, making him look at him, “I want ‘ya to contact your Father and tell him that if he isn’t here after the sun sets, girly over here,” he gestures to you with the knife in hand, “Is going to be gutted and strung up on the tree line as a little surprise for your Daddy. Am I clear?”.

His words makes Tuk cry even harder, making the soldier behind her give up on her hold on the girls queue and instead hold her up by her arms.

Lo’ak reluctantly nodded at his words, swallowing down the gathering spit in his mouth. His eyes jumped from Spider to Quaritch to you, then to Kiri and Tuk. He was dreading the moment his parents and Neteyam arrived, knowing that regardless of how much they cooperate, Quaritch is going to do whatever he wants to even if that includes staying true to his words of harming you.

———

The three were close to nearing the old abandoned shack when Lo’ak called in again, the line going static for a second before he spoke up.

“Quaritch is giving you until after sunset to arrive,” he shakingly starts, anxiety clearly evident in his tone as he speaks, “Or…or he’ll gut (Y/N) and string her up as a welcome gift for you.”.

Neteyam nearly crashes into a tree when he hears his brother's words.

Quaritch was threatening the life of you, his mate, in hopes of riling up Jake. Well, it was working, except it was Neteyam who was riled up and not his Father.

All the boy could see was red as the three of them silently continued their flight towards your destination after Jake told Lo’ak that they were on their way and that the message was clearly received.

Rage boiled up inside of Neteyam’s body, causing him to slightly shake from the emotion atop his ikran. He was going to kill every single one of the soldiers there once he arrived. He’d do anything to get you back. Anything.

———

Everything ached.

From your queue, to your scalp, to your neck, and to the fresh new wound Quaritch left after he decided Lo’ak was taking too long to relay his message to his Father. He had sliced your thigh and stabbed the wound in response, jamming it into the flesh/plush of your thigh. You cried out to the brutal attack, growling out in pain as a handful of tears fell down your cheeks. Quaritch only smirked at your reaction, throwing you down onto the ground as the rest of the soldiers followed suit in discarding their prisoners, herding them into a circle.

Kiri helped you up, allowing you to lean into her. She quickly assessed your wound and deemed that you were going to be fine, as long as no one pulled the knife out from your leg.

Lo’ak held your head in the palms of his hands as he looked for any other slices Quaritch managed to make before stabbing you. He didn’t find any and sighed out in relief from that.

Spider had gathered Tuk in his arms and tried to silence her crying before any of the soldiers got inspiration from Quaritch and decided to punish the child for crying.

“Fucking son of a bitch,” you whispered between grinded teeth after the attack, trying your best to not yank out the foreign object in your thigh. You began to think that maybe you will end up dying out here after all, amongst the beautiful greenery of Pandora. Albeit it not being the way you wanted to go out, it still wouldn’t be the most gruesomest death you imagined happening. You just wished that you were able to kiss Neteyam goodbye one last time.

———

Furious wouldn’t even begin to describe the type of emotion he was feeling at the moment. There probably was no word equivalent to the emotion he currently felt.

Neteyam had ended up disobeying his Fathers orders of him staying with the ikrans, saying that he was ‘too emotionally invested’ and that his anger was too risky for what he was about to face. He thought it was utter bullshit that he wasn’t allowed to aid his parents in rescuing his siblings and his lover from Quaritch. If anything, it gave him more of a reason to focus and get everyone out of there safely.

He had managed to take down two Avatar soldiers in his search for you. He decided that they weren’t worthy of wasting his arrows on, slicing and stabbing them until their throats were practically open wide in exposure or had any time to process the pain. He’d been quick and brutal in his attacks. The more bodies he left behind, the more closer he was to having you in his arms.

His Mother had already released her arrow by the time he arrived on the scene, causing the other soldiers to shoot out into the trees and pull you all up in response. He was forced to hid behind a tree, eyes desperately searching for your familiar figure amongst the Avatar bodies and his siblings.

Neteyam’s eyes finally found your body, still in a soldiers grasp as they tried to pull you away towards where the others were gathering.

His gaze narrowed at the soldiers tight grip on you, robotically notching an arrow and drawing his bowstring back, almost immediately letting it go just as quick as his initial drawing of the arrow.

The arrow lodged itself in between the eyes of the soldier, it’s body slumping backwards as it’s grip loosened on your body, allowing you to follow its descent to the ground.

You groaned out in pain when your body made contact with the forest floor. You were too tired to move out of the way once you realized the soldier that had you in its arms had died, accepting your fall to the floor as gracefully as you could. The knife was still in your thigh, shooting electric hot pain up your leg upon being disturbed from the short fall.

You felt another pair of hands grab you and roughly pull you upwards, you screaming and kicking in retaliation. But just as quickly as their arms grabbed you, they let you go, a loud grunt and hiss following as their body was thrown to the side.

Neteyam had quickly made his way to you once he spotted another Avatar pull you up. He had unsheathed his knife and jumped on the soldier, causing the two of them to roll around on the floor before Neteyam brutally and repeatedly drove his weapon into the Avatar’s body, not stopping until he was certain that he caused enough damage to the fake Na’vi.

Stay away from her, he thought after every stab he inflicted, it’s not her time.

You had looked up when Neteyam delivered the final blow, slitting the insignificant soldier's throat.

You had never seen your mate this angry. Sure there were times where he lashed out at you after an argument or got so angry he hissed and growled at his brother for his ridiculous antics. But never, never have you ever seen him so vengeful. You didn’t even know if vengeful was the right word to describe how Neteyam looked like at the moment. But nothing else came to mind.

“Yawne,” you whispered out, desperate to catch your boyfriend's attention, wanting to get out of the line of fire as quickly as possible.

The teen whipped his head towards you, eyes dilated to the point where they looked like slits in his pupils. His chest was heaving up and down heavily, lungs taking big gulps of air as he did so. A few braids fell in front of his face, masking some of it as he looked at you.

His whole expression softened once he laid eyes on you. He could tell that you wanted to get as far away from the scene as you quickly could, that sad and traumatic look in your eyes at you pleaded with him.

Neteyam quickly shook out of his stupor and gathered you in his arms, being weary of the knife in your leg that he just noticed. Another thing that made him want to kill Quaritch himself.

“It’s okay, I got you yawntutsyip,” he whispered back, dodging all of the flying bullets and arrows he could as he weaved into the heavy forest foliage. His grip on you never faltered as he jumped over logs and ducked under stray branches to get you to safety. His whole body was on autopilot as he ran around, solely focused on getting you out of there alive.

Once Neteyam had decided he was far out enough to not be chased or caught by any more Avatar soldiers, he gently laid you down onto the soft grass, eyes quickly assessing your figure for any other injuries he should be aware about. He let out a sigh of relief when he came to the conclusion that you had no other wounds that needed tending to, softly bringing you into his arms for a warm embrace.

You immediately broke down into the hug, burrowing your face into the crook of Neteyam’s neck and wrapping your arms around his back to bring him in closer. Your sobs were a telltale sign of how distraught you were from the events that just occurred, brain still racing to process it all.

Neteyam softly shushed you as he put one hand on the back of your head and the other on the lower portion of your back, softly rubbing the skin in attempts to comfort you.

“You’re safe now, my love,” he whispered, kissing your hair, “I got you. You’re safe.”.

You relaxed into your lovers arms as he comforted you, feeling safe in his hold.

Neteyam had never gotten that blood thirsty before and that frightened him a little. If he acted like this when you were in trouble, can you imagine how’d he act if you actually died as a result of tonight’s events? He didn’t know the answer to that. All he knew was that you’re his and he’d do anything to ensure that it is not your time yet.

[rootsoftheforest]

Neteyam x reader where Neteyam watches reader interact with his siblings and maybe other members of the clan, maybe she's like a teacher?? (idk you can work it out lol) but Neteyam just gets baby fever and wants to put a baby in you asap. just one problem - he's never spoken to reader before and this is just a massive crush he's fantasised about for years and nothing can get it out of his head but boy is nervous af fr

Teacher's Pet

I really, really, really want to make this a multi-chapter fic. Could you imagine? Ughhhhhh so cute goddamn it. Like Neytiri picking up on it? So she invites you to family dinner. Tuk being wingwoman? C’mon now…maybe eventual smut? Which inevitably leads to eventual pregnancy? Which leads to babies? Cycle continues? I think so. 

Pairing: Neteyam Sully x Reader (James Cameron’s Avatar) 

Requested: Yes | No

Warnings: none? idk you tell me

Words: 2.1k

Author’s Notes: They live in the forest, not high camp bc it's convenient for the plot - sue me. 

Taglist: @lilprettypetite @nyotamalfoy @weasleytwinwheezes @aonungs-tsahik @rainbowsocks @glitterandgoldfinds @bluealiensimp @melsunshine @ussoppl @wondxrgurll @luvlykrispy @myheartfollower @gloryavila @itssiaaax @mashiromochi @punkrockrogersogers @simpforboys

Read under the cut

“Okay kids, stay close please!” 

Neteyam chuckled as he watched you try to corral Tuk’s class outside. His baby sister mentioned you were taking her class to watch the Pa’li today, and Neteyam decided he would just happen to be there at the same time. 

He leaned against a tree, trying to make himself look busy, whittling a Pa’li toy for Tuk. Seemingly, Neteyam was an attentive older brother waiting for his youngest sister to finish class so he could walk her home, nothing more, nothing less. But he knew in the back of his mind that he was here for you, Tuk’s teacher.

You were so different to the hunters and the healers of the clan, so inherently motherly and extremely intelligent. Neteyam enjoyed watching you giggle at the kids while they looked around in amazement, how your eyes sparkled when your students repeated something correctly. And though you were Omaticaya through and through, Neteyam enjoyed how you dressed differently; with long skirts that covered your front and back, with slits that travelled up both sides, Neteyam felt like a perv whenever he looked at your hipbones for too long. You favoured beaded anklets, and backless, beaded tops. Neteyam could not help but blush at the thought of wrapping your long legs around his neck, wearing you as his own necklace, and running his hands through your soft wavy hair that was always undone, flowing down your back. 

“And what do the Pa’li eat?” You asked your kids, sweetly. The majority of them were shy, afraid to get it wrong, were afraid to try. But little Tuktirey Sully’s hand shot right up, she waved it around like she was going to bust if she did not get picked to say the answer. You knew it wasn’t right for a teacher to have favourites, you loved all the kids for different reasons. 

But Tuk was your favourite. 

“Tuk.” You said, easing the little girl of her fervour, nodding you allowed her to speak. 

“Nectar!” She said with a beaming smile, you laughed, sharing your own smile with the youngest daughter of Toruk Macto. 

“Yes! That’s right Tuk, the Pa’li eat nectar.” 

Neteyam couldn’t help but laugh at Tuk’s antics, and couldn’t help but fall further into his crush when you supported his little sister. He felt like a fool, like a freak. Every time he saw you he felt like he was in heat. Like you were made for him, and him alone. He saw how you loved the kids, how you taught them, you knew every one of them inside and out. Neteyam wanted nothing more than to put a baby in you of his own. He wanted to see your stomach swell and raise his family with you, he wanted you to mother your children with him. He would always get to this point in his head, reasoning with himself. These feelings were normal for him, he was twenty-two years old, and he was definitely a man, in manhood, crushes for men turned into wanting a family and that was normal. 

It was just a crush and he definitely wasn’t in love with you and he most certainly did not want to breed you. That would be weird. 

Especially since Neteyam has never plucked up the courage to speak with you. 

As you taught your class about the Pa’li and how they work with the ecosystem and the Na’vi, your eyes could not help but trail to the mighty warrior leaning against the tree. 

Neteyam te Suli Tsyeyk’itan. 

Tuk’s older brother, the firstborn son of the Olo’eyktan, the heir to the Omaticaya leadership, and the fiercest hunter of the clan. Your crush that bloomed for the boy when you were fifteen had still never left you. How could it? He was stunning. And manhood suited him well, his broad shoulders and veined arms and hands. You blushed aggressively, tucking loose strands of hair behind your ears as his eyes caught your own. He had never caught you checking him out before, all the times he had picked up Tuk from lessons, all the times at dinner and during ceremonies. Never. The one time was when you had twenty Na’vi children at your feet and you were trying to teach. 

“Okay my little loves, I think we can all go home early today!” You said dismissing the kids. You chuckled to yourself, as they all ran off immediately. You supposed some ran to play, others to head home.

They all ran but one. 

“Tuk honey, time to go!” You said ruffling the girl’s hair as she clung to your leg, cuddling you. She did this every day, at the end of every class, without fail. “Tuk-Tuk, your brother is here.” You said to the young girl and giggled as her eyes lit up, turning around, scanning the area for Neteyam. 

As Neteyam strode confidently towards the two of you, you noticed the wooden toy he carried in his hand. 

“Neteyam!” Tuk ran to him, jumping. The warrior picked her up like she was nothing, spinning her around before placing her back on the stable ground. Her giggles sounded like music to your ears. 

“This is for you Tuk.” The older brother said, handing the lovingly-made Pa’li toy to the young girl. 

“Thank you.” She said, hugging his leg, as she had done to you only moments before. The whole scene made your chest bloom. Not only was he going to be a great clan leader one day, but you knew Neteyam would be the perfect father. “(y/n)!” Tuk yelled for you, grabbing her brother by the wrist, and marching him closer and closer to where you stood. 

“(y/n) look at this! My brother Neteyam made me a Pa’li!” You leant over as Tuk showed you the wooden toy. Her smile looked like it was going to cleave her little face in half. And you couldn’t help but giggle, hiding it behind your hand. 

“Wow!” You said, straightening up. It was now or never and you knew that you could either take control of the situation, being so close to Neteyam, or you could let your heart hurt for the rest of your life. “What a talented brother you have, Tuk!” You smiled at Neteyam, while Tuk stood in between the both of you, you felt the young girl lean against your leg while holding Neteyam’s hand still. 

Neteyam felt like Tuk had betrayed him somehow, by bringing the two of you this close. What a talented brother you have.

Neteyam wanted to jump out of his skin. Nervously his free hand found the back of his neck, scratching a foreign itch. He knew he was blushing. Some warrior he was. 

“It was nothing really, you’re the one actually teaching the kids about them.” Neteyam said, shocked he found any words at all. He could’ve sworn he melted when you smiled softly at him, your round eyes glittering in the afternoon light. 

“It’s nothing really,” You said mirroring the boy- no, the man. “Teaching is just practice for having kids of my own.” 

Neteyam felt like he was going to throw up. How did you know? Did you know? You must know how he dreams of impregnating you. He felt the burn run across his cheeks and ears. 

“You would like children of your own one day?” Neteyam felt his mouth run before his head could catch up. He was stumbling through a dream he’s sworn he’s had before, as the two of you walked shoulder to shoulder towards home. Tuk ran a little way in front, playing an imaginary game with her new toy. 

Your chuckle was like nothing he had ever heard before and he felt absolutely drunk off the sound. 

“Yes! A whole litter, preferably.” You exclaimed excitedly. If this was a dream Neteyam would have already gotten you under him. 

But this was not a dream. 

It was the two of you standing rather awkwardly next to one another at the entrance to his family home. Tuk waiting at the threshold for her brother.

“So, are you courted then?” Neteyam wanted to bash his own skull open at the brazen question. He’s fucked it, the whole situation. 

He watched how your blush grew, but you kept your intelligent eyes trained on his own.

“No, not yet-”

“Neteyam.” His mother, Neytiri, interrupted you, she sent you an apologetic look, as she stood on the threshold, arms crossed over her chest. 

Neteyam felt like his whole body was on fire, he was so utterly embarrassed. For asking you that question in the first place, for his mother hearing him do so, and the overwhelming relief he felt when you had said no. 

“Neteyam, aren’t you going to invite (y/n) in for dinner?” Neytiri said. 

Neytiri wasn’t stupid, she wasn’t an ignorant child. She saw how her eldest son pined for Tuk’s teacher, and in turn how the young woman would watch her son. 

She would be a good Tsahik. She would be good for Neteyam. And so, Neytiri prodded into her son’s personal life with no remorse as she ushered herself and Tuk back inside the home, closing the tent flap as she did so, providing the young couple with some rare privacy. 

Neteyam chuckled, shaking his head, braids swinging as he did so. Embarrassed, Neteyam continued. 

“Would you like to join us for dinner?” 

“I would love to, only if it’s not too much hassle.” You felt alight. Like everything was falling into place. And you promised that you would pray to Eywa for this blessing that she presented to you. 

“Never a hassle.” Neteyam smiled as he opened the tent flap, ushering you into his home. He could not help but imagine the home that you would make together. 

You were so nervous. You sat in between Tuk and Neteyam. Tuk playing with her new toy, and some of her old ones, using your right thigh as a table. Neteyam’s tail was subconsciously running along the small of your back. And, it may be selfish but you did not have the heart to tell him to stop. Nor did you want to. 

Jake and Neytiri sat across from you, Kiri next to Tuk, and Lo’ak nestled himself between Jake and Neteyam. You watched as Jake’s eyes went between you and his eldest son. Like something wasn’t adding up in his calculative mind. You felt like you were being perceived, being viewed, rather than being seen. 

“So, (y/n).” Toruk Macto started, and you felt like falling through the floor. You were unaware that he knew what your name was. “Is there something wrong with Tuk’s learning?” At the mention of her name, Tuk stopped playing, her round eyes and pouting lips turned towards you in anticipation. Placing your hand on the young girl’s head, smoothing down her braids to reassure her, you answered your Olo'eyktan.

“No, no not at all. Tuk is my brightest student, actually.” You felt the young girl return back to her game, snuggling closer to your form. Jake was beaming, happy to hear about the success of his youngest.

“With all due respect, my dear, why are you here then?” Jake asked, Neytiri hissed at him, smacking him in the chest. Grabbing her hand, his strong fingers rubbed circles into her flesh. 

You felt your heart swell at the site of the two mates. Simultaneously you felt Neteyam’s hand rest on your right thigh. You leaned into his touch, craving so much more. 

“I invited (y/n) for dinner, Sir.” Neteyam spoke, though calm, you saw the flickering of the muscle in his neck. He was nervous, too. 

Jake did not miss this action, smiling slightly. Finally, his suspicions regarding his oldest son were confirmed. Jake always knew Neteyam harboured a crush on the girl- everyone in their family knew that. But since she became Tuk’s teacher, Neteyam would always offer to drop his youngest at her lessons, and would always be the first to collect her when they were done. 

“Well, you’re welcome anytime here, (y/n), don’t be a stranger.” Jake said, continuing his meal. 

Toruk Macto watched his eldest son steal glances from the teacher, and watched Neteyam’s tail curl around her hips like a second protective nature. He watched as his youngest tried to pry her way into the young woman’s lap. He noticed how patient she was with his other boy, how supportive, how kind. It did not escape him that she did not care or moreover, notice Kiri’s extra fingers or toes, or more humane features. Instead, the two girls spoke of Eywa and everything Pandora’s delicate ecosystem had to offer. Jake felt his heart start to bloom when the young teacher showed respectful practice to his mate, as she cleared their plates and assisted in washing up. 

And, Jake decided, he was excited for the day that his son plucked the courage to court you. Ready to welcome another daughter into his family.

[rootsoftheforest]

love me low | neteyam

Baby, I just wanna kiss you Stay until the day is done You don't even know just how much I need you Baby, I just wanna keep you

summary: y/n is in love with her best friend's brother but he's in love with her sister.

pairing: neteyam sully x f!omatikaya reader

word count: 9k(?)

playlist: love me low - ai bendr, yes to heaven - lana del rey, umaasa- calein, xo - beyonce, cloud 9 - beach bunny, i wanna be yours - arctic monkeys, about you - the 1975, here with me - d4vd, can i - alina baraz & galimatias, moment - lildeath

warnings: aged up (neteyam and kiri are 18 whilst lo'ak and y/n are 17), misunderstanding trope!, jealously, protectiveness, talks of marriage, unhealthy family dynamic, assault, y/n is super hard on herself and cares about others more, blood, war, profanity, suggestive

She knew this was a bad idea from the get go. Despite the Olo'eyktan warnings to not wander out after dark for the sake of safety, his own son had come to her as the orange hue of the horizon seeped through the cave's openings to speak of a new area he found in the forest.

Trying to reject the younger Sully never really worked for Lo'ak was always persistent to take his best friend on whatever not so bright idea he had planned in his head.

Additionally, she would do anything to get out of her home. The constant berating from her mother and calling her every second to do something because her sister's precious hands couldn't bear to get rough from using them.

At first, nothing was wrong. Like always, she would follow the male and the human (a term she learned from Kiri because calling him an alien was far too mean), Spider, as he ran and swung through the trees before they stopped at a place she has never seen before. Vines that hung from the tree branches above. A question formed on her tongue but Lo'ak was already climbing up the trunk, his eyes set on a thick branch that stuck out high off the ground.

It was already too late to back out so she followed, having no idea what the male Na'vi was planning to do but she always knew that no matter what, he was going to shove off his skills as if he were performing for a circus. She didn't know what a circus was but she would always hear Olo'eyktan mumbling under his breath of how much of a complete circus it was whenever something didn't go to plan specifically because of his middle child.

At first, it was all fun and games. Despite the suspense, the fun he spent all night talking was about swinging on the extravagant amount of vines. Screams and laughs filled the air as the three took turns going back and forth on the long vine, the momentum allowing them to go from tree to tree.

They were having a lot of fun.

So she couldn't blame Lo'ak for how she ended up with her head being seconds away from becoming a meal for baby palulukans. While the other two tied the vines around their waist, she decided to be different and tie the rope to her ankle instead. Cheers filled the air once again as she spread her arms out to the refreshing wind. She swung back and forth at least three times. In the corner of her eye, she saw the herd coming from afar that prompted her to stiffen her posture. That would lead to her failure as gravity would take it's course, causing her to be hanging upside down.

Trying to untie the vine from her ankle took a lot of upper body strength that she was struggling to pull out at the moment. The two males atop of the tree too were struggling to pull up her up because of the many factors: how the long rope, gravity, and mind her language… fucking weak they are.

A scream, now out of fear, came out when she felt the snap of thanator jump through the air but missed by a couple of feet as she was still a bit off the ground.

Although there was only a handful of these little creatures here at the moment, she knew she was seconds away from the number of them multiplying by the seconds.

"Hey, hey! Help me up!” Y/N kept doing sit ups midair to avoid losing body parts from her heads. She could hear the bickering of the two from above and the vine budging at every attempt they had to try to pull her up. “You two have 10 fingers each. Use them, skxawngs!"

"I'd be nicer to the ones saving your life!" She didn’t know who did said that but that was the least of her worries since the vine did not shorten, it got longer. The snaps of the animals getting closer to her head. The probability of them taking off her head at 90% possibility now.

She heard their shouts of fear but a hum rang through her ears, cloudiness blurring her eyes as the blood rushed to her head.

In the moment of losing her consciousness, the herd had ran off in the other direction for who knows what reason before another blurred figure jumped into her view. They stepped down and stood in front of her, their face merely centimeters away from hers. Features familiar to the one of the fools that was still struggling to pull her back up.

It was when he sighed when she realized who it was. Neteyam.

From both trying to readjust how she looked while also trying to get her foot out of the stupid vine, she looked even more ridiculous when she fell into the field of grass below her from the vine cutting cut from above. Her legs and arms flared out in awkward positions.

Neteyam ran to her side, pushing back the hair that fell in front of her face and kept his hand on her cheek, “Are you okay?” His other hand quick to adjust her loincloth that went out of place.

“Yeah, I’m good.” Her cheeks feeling hot as she melted into his touch before her head flew to the side from him shoving her head.

“Now, what were you thinking?” Always too good to be true. She didn’t fight back when he helped her up from the ground.

Lo’ak and Spider came down from the tree, running over, “Brother, what a surprise to see you out here!” His shoulders folding back to mock Neteyam’s straight posture, “I see we all had the same idea of taking a late night walk.”

“Are you three insane? Are you asking for a death wish?”

All joking subsided, “We had it all handled. We’re just trying to have fun.”

“Have fun? Have fun?” Neteyam scoffed," This is what you call having fun? Somebody almost died." Lo'ak waved him off which only prompted the older male to continue," You both need to grow up. You're almost 18 and you're going to have to start acting like adults."

Lo'ak rolled his eyes," Then ask yourself why you followed us out here. Surely, you didn't think that Y/N was going to have a near death experience so why are you here, bro? What is that saying that the sawtute always say? FOMO? Fun out when more out?"

"It's fear of missing out." Y/N and Spider whispered to not interrupt the brothers' daily quarrel, eyeing one another in amusement.

Neteyam looked away in defeat that made Lo'ak proud," And we did have it handled. You came right when we had it." And although he said it with such confidence, his eyes diverted away because he knew he was wrong and he walked away before anyone could say anything.

"Handled, he says", Spider elbowed Y/N's side," The only thing that would be handled is there would be no horrendous singing on the way back."

She threw herself forward to jump on Spider but a hand grabbed her back, Spider sticking his tongue out at her before he caught up to Lo'ak. Her heart quickened again. Her eyes wandering from her arm to his hand, up his arm, and to his face.

"He's not wrong. How do you think I managed to find you? I followed where it seemed Eywa was covering her ears." Quick to act as if she wasn't staring at him when he looked down at her, Y/N shoved at his chest that moved up and down from laughter with her free hand with a roll of her eyes. Though he didn't budge, instead moving his hand away to wrap his arm around her shoulder.

She knew the way he touched her meant it no other way than platonic. Talks about the girls who also had eyes for him about how he is not affectionate towards others unless they are apart of his direct family. Y/N has been in this family for longer than she hasn't. Growing up with all of them had put her farther than what could be considered the friend zone but into the family zone.

She also knew that what she felt for him was different. There wasn't a time that she could pinpoint where she started to see him in a different light but it felt like she has forever. That she has loved him since forever.

As he talked to Lo'ak and Neteyam, her eyes had a mind of her own as she looked back up at him. Watching as the night sky illuminated his freckles.

_

The ride back was short but felt long. Despite Lo’ak not caring about Neteyam’s lectures, all of them dreaded Jake’s scoldings.

Y/N had to admit that he was intimidating but she knew his rough attitude was for ensuring the safety of all of them even if he tends to go a little too hard on Lo'ak. She was used to it all too. Constant lectures of how she should act and getting in trouble for the most smallest of things. At least him yelling at them was from the good of his heart.

At the moment, all she could do was simply enjoy how her arms were wrapped tightly around Neteyam's torso. Just as she was about to lay her head on his back, he angled his body so she could hear him over the wind that blew through them,"So where's my thank you for saving your life?"

Y/N squinted," Has Lo'ak misspoke? Did you have a need to fill your urge to be such a knight in shining amour?"

All the air escaped her lungs when he leaned back, "Only for you.". Arching his head back, the skin of their cheek skimming each other," I like the look on your face when I do."

"Whatever." She pushed his body back into a straight up position to hide her flusteredness. But the warm feeling had faded when she saw the rest of the family awaiting their arrivals at the entrance of High Camp.

Without a word, the four diverted their eyes away to the ground as they stepped off the ikrans. After Neteyam had helped her down, Lo'ak and him stepped in front of her to block her from the death stare their father help onto them. Of course, Spider had made his way to the front and tried to convince Olo'eyktan that it was his idea but he was quickly hushed by Kiri who was quick to pull him away with Tuk from the high tension area.

Using the boy's heights to her advantage, Y/N tiptoed to the side to try to make an escape and delay the consequences of her actions but a deep clear of Jake’s throat made her stop immediately in the steps.

"I expected better from you", Although he didn't state a name, it was clear who it was directed to. "All this time that you have to be training and finding a mate, you're instead messing around and not taking anything seriously."

"Sir." Y/N finally looked up from her feet but felt instant regret when both Olo'eyktan and Tsakarem had put their attention on her. “It was my doing. I wanted Lo’ak to show me what he’s been raving about and Neteyam only followed to make sure we were safe.”

Lo’ak shook his head, “ I actually really wanted to show Y/N and Spider this place I found so it was my idea to go out into the forest.”

Olo’eyktan sighed, “ I don’t care whose fault it is.” He pointed between the two, “ You both need to grow up. Somehow when there’s something on, it’s always you two and I’m tired of having to say the same thing over and over again especially to you.” He pointed at Lo’ak. He opened his mouth as if he had more to say but Neytiri cleared her throat and it only came out as a huff, “Don’t make me find out you’re out there after dark again. I don’t even want to look at you two right anymore, dismissed.”

It wasn't until they heard their footsteps of the couple stray far away did they look up at one another. Despite the nerves that racked their body when getting yelled at, they could help but snicker at each other's inconvenience.

"Come on, guys!" Spider waved from hut they were huddled in. It wasn't until they raced to the group did Y/N feel the sharp pain on her ankle, kneeling over next to Kiri and clasping onto the raw skin. The vine must've dug into her skin when she was struggling but she didn’t want to make too big of a deal out of it. It’d heal over time.

“What did Father go on a rant about this time? And does it even matter? He says the same thing yet Lo’ak is still going to do it.”, Kiri earned a high five from Spider on the side.

"It's so unfair. All they do is yell at me and when they look at you, they go "Y/N, Y/N, you mustn't spend such time with a delinquent.", Lo'ak mocked his father's brooding tone.

"You are a bad influence." Y/N avoided his swing through the air, making a face at him but also because the movement made her lean down against the wound.

A smirk replaced her pained look as Kiri listed out the multiple occasions in which Lo’ak did not listen to their father and how many times he was always caught.

“Y/N, are you okay?”, Tuk asked from behind, leaning up against Y/N’s back. Oh, ever the so observant. Y/N couldn’t help but affectionally rub her head but the little girl paid no attention to the cooing as she hovered over to the hand covering her ankle, lifting up Y/N’s hand, “ Oh my gosh, you’re hurt!” The girl's eyes widened, Y/N holding a finger up to her lips to shush her. Luckily, Lo’ak moved the topic from complaining about the consequences of his own actions to tease Neteyam who was quietly sitting on the window sill behind all the girls.

“Dad's all like " Neteyam, you've got to find your mate."". He teased, hoping over everyone to poke him on the arm, " Little does he know that all the girls in the village have been lining up for him and yet he doesn't care one bit."

Spider stood on the other side of Neteyam, holding his chest," Maybe he isn't into that crowd."

"Either way, we'll help you out, bro. It must be hard to juggle picking a mate while also being the best son."

"Oh shut up the both of you. And Lo'ak, you said it, not me.", He swatted at them with the cloth he had in his hand. " Besides I've already chosen."

"You've already chosen?" Kiri and Tuk gasped.

"When did you choose? How did you choose so quick?" Y/N propped hers on her knees, Tuk's body falling onto her lap.

"I guess I always knew." He shrugged," Just finding the right moment and way to tell her first. I don't want to tell my parents yet in case they make her promised to me against her will."

"Oh ~ so romantic." Lo'ak wiggled his fingers, Neteyam swatting the cloth at him again.

Y/N noticed that even though his annoying little brother was mocking him with a deep voice and making their other siblings laugh, he was staring out into the air and not even defending himself like his mind was elsewhere. She couldn't help the ache that came with the realization. He must really like this girl if he is hoping not to mess up with her.

I wish you would look at me.

As if he could hear her thoughts, he looked in her direction and she locked eyes with his. Her breath hitching as he smiled down at her instead of looking away,"What?" He mouthed.

She tilted her head and mouthed back," Who is it?"

He playfully shrugged, earning a scowl in return. Right as he was about to get up and walk over to her, Lo'ak stood in front of him with Spider. Their hands were clasped together and they looked out into the distance with starry eyes, "Oh how I love you, Neyetam." Spider spoke in a high pitched tone while Lo'ak deepened his already deep voice," Come with me as we venture into each other's bodies-"

"Lo'ak, Tuk is here." Kiri growled under her breath and rolled her eyes when she heard Tuk asking Y/N what does venturing into another person's body means. "Besides, I wouldn't make fun of him so much. He's managed to find his in a short time while who knows how long you'll take when the time comes." Kiri pointed out which Lo'ak matter of factly responded, " I don't have to worry about that. I've got Y/N. Mates for life."

"As if!" Y/N threw a pillow that Tuk handed to her to hit the male square in the face that erupted the whole hut into laugher again.

The laughter faded when a figure appeared at the opening that caused everyone to stop what they were doing.

Y/N followed their eyes and she felt as a needle had poked her balloon that was her mood, deflating it.

"Jeez, you guys are acting as if I'm a monster." Her older sister, Eyota, stood up. Her braids falling behind her back like waves when she brushed it back. Y/N knew the quietness wasn't because that they didn't like Eyota. It was farther than that. Everyone adored Eyota like how they adored Y/N. Though it was different. While they wanted to be her friend, they wanted to be Eyota's other. She knew Lo'ak's sayings were a joke because the boy has talked about how pretty her older sister is to her face and not that she cared for Lo'ak's opinion, he has never called her pretty and instead resorted to comparing her to a fish he caught the other day.

“Hi Yam." Eyota’s words slurred, making Kiri and Y/N side eye one another.

"Did she really nickname him after a vegetable?" Kiri whispered.

"Hello, Eyota." Neteyam leaned back into his previous position, cropping his leg up onto the frame.

"Hey, Eyota." Lo'ak leaned up against a pillar, attempting to cross his leg over the other but it only resulted it in him losing balance.

"What do you need?" Y/N asked, Eyota looking away from the older Sully brother and pointed with her head towards their own hut," Mother's calling for you."

_

"You're an embarrassment."

Y/N watched as her mother placed scoops of Teylu on Eyota's leaf, chewing on the outside of the salty seed.

"The Olo'eyktan." Her mother seethed," The Toruk Makto."

Reaching over to grab a handful of teylu from the middle of the table, her mother slapped it away.

"In front of the whole village, he addressed you." She grabbed away the leaf in Y/N's hand before she could retract it away," And you still sit here with no shame as you eat away all of your father's earnings."

"My love, it's okay-"

"It's not okay. She thinks she can run around with that demon and drag along the Sully boys into her troubles. Then doesn't even bother to come home after the Olo'eyktan scolds her." Her face scrunched up into one of frustration, disgust dripping from her tongue," It's because you spoil her that she's turned out like this."

The table remained silent, the sound of the crunching and chewing echoing in the air before her mother asked Eyota how she was doing on finding a mate.

She hated how gushy they sounded and how Eyota is praised for the bare minimum. Call it jealously. Call it envy. Y/N didn't care, she simply wanted to be treated with respect for once.

"I've had a lot of suitors but there's one that I'm planning to take a step further with."

"Whose the lucky boy?", Father butted in.

"Neteyam te Suli Tsyeyk’itan."

"Ah the Sully boy?" Mother clapped. Father's eyes widening as he spoke with his mouth full," The future Olo'eyktan?

For the first time the whole night, Mother turned to Y/N and spoke in a civil and sweet tone," Would you help your sister? Your friendship with the children will benefit her greatly."

Hate was a strong word, Y/N loved her older sister unconditionally. Y/N would never feel that way for Eyota but it was hard not to resent the older girl when she was never defending her from their mother and was now planning to court someone that Y/N has always loved.

Unable to breathe, Y/N abruptly stood from the table and sat in the corner with her back towards her family.

"Not even excusing herself from dinner and not answering a simple question. What an ignorant child." Each word poking more and more into the facade she was trying to keep up that she didn't care anymore. Opening a book that was found during one of the raids, the crummy pages of words and pictures serving as an escape for her as her mother continued to ask Eyota about what her plans were.

_

She didn't know when she fell asleep but the book was laid out flat on her lap and the hut was now quiet as everyone else had tucked themselves away for the night.

The ache in the back of her neck reminding her of the position she slept in. Noticing that everything from tonight's dinner was still left out, she mentally noted to herself to clean up after stretching. Careful to not step on anything or anyone, she pushed past the drapes. Once the night air hit against her skin, her body convulsed into stretches, raising her arms above her head.

A rustle made her crotch her arms down into defense mode and turn to where the noise came from.

There Neteyam stood with a bowl of an unknown substance and the same cloth he was holding a few hours ago.

"Teyam, you scared me." She set her arms down and crossed them over each other to warm herself from the cold. "What are you doing out here so late?"

He held up the materials in his hand and looked down at her ankle that she had completely forgotten about. But now that it was mentioned again, she started to feel the pain searing up her leg. "Oh this thing? It'll heal."

"When? After it gets infected? Go ahead and sit down." He jumped down so he was on a lower level, Y/N sitting down on the wooden ledge. Her body betraying her again as her heart began to race from his touch. However, it was replaced when the cold ointment met with the gash. Hand reaching out to squeeze his shoulder as she hissed in pain.

"Drama queen." He nudged," You know it's kind of crazy you came out right as I was coming."

"I have a sense of when idiocy comes around."

"It must go so crazy when you look at yourself."

He caught her ankle when she moved it out to try to kick him. She kicked again in efforts to get out of his grip but gave up after a while, allowing him to finish cleaning and put Mo'at’s medicine on.

A comfortable silence blanketing over them with the exception of some hisses from pain. An unknown amount of time had passed before the cloth was wrapped around her ankle, Neteyam’s thumb running along the closing to ensure that it was secure before he began to massage the area.

“Did you like the book?”

“It was good. A bit hard to get through because there’s a lot more words than there are pictures but I like it a lot more than the other ones you brought back.”

“Wasn’t my favorite ending.”

"Really? I liked it."

"Is that right?" He took the spot besides her, sitting close enough that their thighs touched, her heart beating once again beating harder than it should be, "Care to explain?"

"I mean sure, I wished the couple should've stayed with each other till the end. But it was extremely realistic that they didn't. Sometimes happy endings are meant to be."

"I beg to disagree."

"Oh, is that right?" She mocked his previous tone," Would you care to explain?"

Neteyam scooted closer than they were before, leaning his arm behind her," I believe that even if the world is against two lovers being together, there's always one path that brings them to a happy ending."

Is there a way for them to be together? Even if her parents were going to be against it because her sister had verbally stated her want for him first. Even if she was considered to be family by his and isn't mostly likely not seen as anything more by him? Will she have the happy ending he speaks of if she were to voice her feelings to him?

"Teyam, who are you planning to court?" She held her hand up in defense," If you don't mind me asking."

"I'd like to keep it as a surprise." He nudged her side," In fact I think you'd like her. You'd probably know her the best out of everyone."

"Interesting. Is she cute?"

"So cute."

"Even cuter than me?"

He cupped her cheeks with both of his hands and squished them together, making her lips pucker out," Now who could ever be as cute as you?"

Scrunching her nose in an attempt to shake off the jittery feeling. It didn't help that when she looked at him all she was was flowers and a bright light that illuminated around him. She didn't know it was her pure imagination or Eywa was working to create a show for him.

He then lowered his tone and slid his hands down onto her shoulders, "Now that we're on this subject somewhat. What does your sister think of me?"

And it was as if someone reached in and squeezed her heart. The tightness in her chest overwhelming every sense in her body. Why did it have to be her? Why does it always have to be her?

The signs were so clear in front of her. The special nickname she had for him and how quick she was to choose him. The fact that she knew her sister the best out of everyone and how he would get quiet like Lo'ak would in case he would say something embarrassing that would ruin her perception of him. Neteyam too cared about Eyota's opinion.

When she hoped he was talking about her, he was talking about her.

_

It’s been a week since that night. Her father had stepped out and interrupted the conversation so she didn't have to go on a spiel of how Eyota liked him as well because that would have honestly taken away all of her digniity. Managing to escape the question, she bid Neteyam a good night without looking back and had a sleepless night.

Neteyam's bullshit interpretation of the book was not about her and him clearly. The two main characters are Eyota and him. For she was only a side character to their love story.

If the question wasn't obvious enough to fix her narrative, when returning back with the buckets of water that her mother had requested, Neteyam stood with Eyota in front of their hut with flowers in his hand. Talks that she's heard when she spends time with other girls in the clan about how flowers tend to be the first part of the courting phase.

Now she wasn’t going a downhill spiral where she was going to let herself fall claws of depression. No, she couldn't sit around and mope about it. If the two wanted each other, she couldn't stop because in the end like Neteyam said, if two lovers are meant to be together, they are mean't to be.

But that didn’t mean it didn’t pain her to have to talk to him, knowing that he does not return the same feelings to her and having to watch him court her sister.

At first, it was as simple as trying to be as touchy as before. Refusing to ride on his ikran together or walking with Kiri and Tuk when she ventured out into the forest. But all failed the day they went out for a swim and Neteyam had beat Lo'ak to offering her hand back onto the solid grand, his arm wrapped around her to spare some of his warmth on the way back home.

For the past two weeks, she’s been walking out of any area he walks in before he approaches her after a specific amount to not make it obvious. Thought it’s been enough times so for it to be. She’s been declining Lo’ak offers to go out into the forest because she knew in the end that Neteyam would be there. She only went when she knew Neteyam would be going with his father on another raid.

It was dumb but she had to do it to protect her heart.

There had been a time when she came close to ending whatever she was doing but when she walked towards the Sully’s hut, Eyota’s hand was running up and down Neyetam’s arm and he wasn’t budging to move it, leaning against the hut as they engaged in conversation. That pinch in her chest reminding her of why she needed to take this time to heal.

She did occasionally make her rounds around the Sully's hut but not as often as she used to, finding things to occupy her time.

She was able to avoid interacting with Neteyam easily that didn't garner much questions from anybody except for maybe Lo'ak who was used to the girl dropping everything to be able to spend time with them.

Neytiri had offered to her to come over to learn how to make this dish that Y/N had previously stated a loving for. As the two sat crouched over several cut up ingredients, Neteyam had walked in to grab a cover for Tuk which was an excuse to come in and invite Y/N to chat outside. Unintentionally, Y/N made eye contact with him. His hand coming up to wave at her but Y/N turned away and asked Neytiri what kind of plant she held. A frown formed on the boy, bundling up the cover in his hands. He stood for a good second to see if Y/N would look back up but he walked out in defeat when she didn't.

Unknowingly to them both, Neytiri had saw it all and looked over at Jake, widening her eyes as if she was questioning the interaction but he could only shrug.

The morning after, Y/N decided it was time for her to learn how to make baskets as the ones her family has were starting to wear out from use. Though it sucked when her fingers were quite cooperating, "No, 'evenge, you must go under and then over." Mo'at grabbed the straw basket out of her hands and fixed the uneven pattern that Y/N had created.

"Sorry, Mo'at." She beamed at the older woman who only humphed. Propping herself onto her knees to watch her do correctly, she hadn't noticed the two other beings surrounding them.

It wasn't until the air in Spider's mask exposed the two did Y/N looked over in annoyance," Can I help you?"

"Want to go hunting?"

"I'm busy."

"Please." Lo'ak clasped his hands together.

"No." Mo'at handed the basket back to her with the correct pattern and tightened one.

"Pretty please."

“Kiri is going." Spider included but it didn't help much since Y/N shook her head again.

"Well that's one too many for you to bother now."

She successfully folded in a one and proudly held it up for Mo’at to look at who only shook her head and fixed it again.

“Why don’t you want to go?”

“I’m too lazy.”

Lo’ak groaned and began to go on a whole rant about how even if he says that he’s tired, he still has to go. He shut up after Mo’at sent him a stare. It didn’t stop his pleas for her to go, Spider joining in. Though they sounded like whiney babies, it was all white noise to her as she tried again to weave the same pattern but instead failed.

Mo’at grumbled and snatched the basket away from her, “ Go. You are not helping and these two are hurting my ears.” She shooed them away with a wave of her hands and didn’t stop until they were out of sight.

“Cmon, Y/N.” Both of their arms wrapped around her shoulder with Spider falting off her a bit because of his shorter height, Lo’ak joked,“You’d never be a lady if you tried.”.

Just as he said that, she saw Neteyam and Eyota together besides an ikran, the comment striking harder than she usually let it. Huffing out a deep breath, she crossed her arms together with a frown as they made their way to their own ikrans.

_

The large group gathered around their instructor. Much to some people’s annoyance, specifically the ones with the same last name as the teacher, their instructor today is Jake.

The group gets divided into two with one in the ground and the other in the sky to cover as much area as they can. It's done with a team leader picking out who they want in their groups but with Jake, he tended to put his family with him and several others in his group and then the remaining in the other. He knew he could trust the others to do their job but with all of his family sans Tuk participating, he'd rather keep a close eye.

"As last time, we'll be-"

Y/N rose her hand, bowing to apologize for suddenly interrupting," May I be excused from the sky team today and stay on the ground today? I'm not feeling all that well.". The reality was that she rode with Neteyam last time and she was feeling sick at the thought of being in such close proximity to him. She couldn't be feeling those butterflies when he was going to be betrothed to her sister.

Kiri was surprised, nudging her on the side. "There's no way you're leaving me with those losers."

"That's fine, Y/N. Make sure to stay close to the group in case something goes wrong."

With a close lipped smile, she stepped back and Jake continued to state his plan, most of the group's attention and ears on him except Lo'ak and Spider that were groaning and whining to Y/N on switching teams which ended with Kiri telling them to shut up and leave her alone even though she mumbled under her breath that it'd be no fun with only boys. Y/N giggled out a "sorry" that didn't at all sound sincere, missing Neteyam's hard stare on her.

_

“Has Y/N been acting strange at all to you?”, Spider asked.

“Yeah, kind of.” Lo’ak twirled a stick in his hand, “Like she stills spends time with us but she also doesn’t. I don’t know… she’s been kind of distant.”

Kiri scoffed out a laugh, “Maybe she found out she can do better than hang out with you all day.”

“You know the "you" includes you as well, right?”

“Did you forget that Y/N and I are girls which means we have a different connection which means … we talk amongst ourselves… especially about you all."

While the two boys pestered Kiri about what kind of gossip the girls do, Neteyam took front and moved large branches and leaves out of the way for an easier walkway. Though on the outside, it seemed that he could care less about the topic at hand and was simply alert on his surroundings. His mind was else where like it's been for the the past month, no, for the past two years.

His thought were interrupted when he heard a familiar giggle come from below. Rushing to the source, he leaned over the ledge and saw Y/N. Not alone though but with another boy, Zakum, that he always found a bother because of immature he is and now he was 10 times annoying when Neyetam saw how his hands were placed on her waist and the other on her arm as to position her to aim the arrow towards the stream.

The others had joined him and watched as the arrow was wasted into the water, missing the fish. Y/N pouted back at Zakum, Zakum patting her head affectionally before they both returned back into the prior position to try again.

“Isn’t Y/N a perfect shot?” Spider frowned.

Neteyam nodded. He knew because he was the one who taught her. He was the one who had his arms around her to get a perfect stance and the one who taught her the secrets of having perfect aim.

“See what I mean? There's something wrong because if she can easily get her target, why did she miss?” As if lightbulb had switched on above his head, “Oooh.”

They then all collectively placed it together with Lo’ak and Kiri ooo’d teasingly in spite of their friend knowing how to flirt but stopped when they looked towards Neteyam, his face stoic and his jaw clenched.

The voice of their father caught their attentions through the throat microphone that they were getting off track, the regrouping for the flyers occurring a while ago.

“Let’s go.” Neteyam threw himself up from the ground and refused to look at anyone, roughly pushing away anything in his way.

_

After a successful hunt, all the members of the clan gathered around to celebrate the winnings of the day. The meat of the strumbeest and fish grilling over the fire, families happily with one another as they fed each other. Some engaging in some indecent behaviors that involved kava and its disastrous effects.

Y/N held onto Tuk's hands as the little girl guided her around the dance line. Now instead of following the traditional dance, Tuk was making her own moves and moving her feet in a different way that made Y/N trip over her own feet when she attempted to follow her.

Tuk groaned out of frustration," Y/N, you've got to get yourself together before you fall on me."

"Come on, Tuk Tuk, slow down then! You're a much better dancer than I am."

She stuck her tongue out," I know that." She proudly grinned. She dragged Y/N around the fire to follow the others in the dance line. Even though Tuk did take the dancing quite seriously, the child would never miss out on the chance to be lifted up in the air. Y/N twirling her around in the air before the both of them got dizzy.

Stumbling to an empty spot, they both fell back onto the soft cushion of the ground. Tuk rolled over to lay on her side, her head laying on Y/N's arm.

"Y/N, I'm glad that Neteyam chose-"

A small shadow that stood over them, Tuk quickly sitting up and regaining her composure. Y/N lifted her head to find a little boy holding his hand out for Tuk to take. The blue of Tuk's ears fading into a light blue. Tuk's hand reached out for the boys but quickly retracted it when she realized that Y/N was besides her. Her eyes looking over for permission.

"Go ahead. I'm all worn out."

Tuk didn't think twice before running off with the boy.

Damn, even Tuk was having a better love life than her. She scoffed to herself. Maybe she can wallow in her self pity now. As she was in the process of laying back down, something caught her off guard that made her sit right back into position.

Eyota's legs over another person, her lips close to his ears to whisper unspeakable things. And that other person was someone that surely was not Neteyam.

Fury burned within her. She didn't think twice about her actions and if anyone was going to stare at her, the trail to her older sister almost leaving behind smoke if she had faster than she did. "What the hell are you doing?"

Eyota widened her eyes and immediately stood up, the male besides her obviously intoxicated by the way he missed her arm when he reached out to pull her back down.

"What is that language? Is that what you learn when you-"

"Shut up." Eyota and Y/N both equally stunned but Y/N continued on," Why are you being touchy with another boy? Aren't you close to having a secure mate? Like Neteyam."

"Ughh." Eyota's scowl returned, "I never confirmed that I wanted him. The whole point of finding a mate is to explore and why would I stay put with one?"

"You told Mother that Neteyam was the one you wanted to take a step further with. Isn't it working out, why are you-"

"Y/N, can I not interested in another people too? Sure, he's cute and a good warrior but I'm young, let me have fun. And when have you ever been so interested in my life? Is it because yours is so disappointing?"

Y/N brushed away the last comments, "Neteyam is my friend, you shouldn't treat him like he's some kind of toy." Y/N felt her body shaking from such anger.

"Ach! Then you can have your friend! All he does is talk about you anyways. It's insufferable."

He talked about her? Y/N's face softening at the thought, unaware that Eyota was staring at her little sister weirdly, stepping back to sit back to sit with the drunk Na'Vi.

A hum ringing through her ears as if time stopped, eyes trailing around the crowds before her eyes landed on him. His gear still on from today but paint decorated his face. He talked amongst his friends, his hands motioning a ikran flying through the air. As if he could feel her stare on him, he momently looked up and then back up, interlocking his eyes with hers. The sound of her heartbeat thumped in her ears when he didn't break it.

"Y/N!" Zakum appeared from thin air, his arms wrapping around her. A tug to pull her in the direction of everyone else. "Dance."

"No, I'm okay." Looking back in the direction Neyetam previously stood, he was no longer there.

"Cmon! It's tradition. It is the way. Dance!"

"Zakum, I am quite busy." Trying to squeeze her body out of his grip but he only kept a tighter hold.

"For a quick second, I promise and then you can go on as you please."

"Go with the boy, Y/N!" Eyota claimed, tossing her head back to take another large gulp of kava.

Seeing as there was no way out of this, she stopped struggling and let him lead her to the large crowd, his hands on her hips so tightly that she could move in the other direction if she wanted to. As everyone stood in a line, Zakum faced her and mirrored the others in line.

Typically Y/N is able to keep up but her mind wandered else where, unable to concentrate. The sound of everyone's voices and the hot air of the fire being all too much for her at the moment. All she wanted to do at the moment was talk to Neteyam about what Eyota said last.

Zakum's hot breath radiated down her neck, his skin clammy against hers. His hands running from where their hands were linked to his hips. Lower and lower he went until-

"Don't touch me like that." She pushed him away, a face full of disgust clear on her face. A stunned look on Zakum's face as he tumbled back. Taking this as an opportunity to walk and finding a breath of fresh air in an empty space away from everyone, she felt herself being pulled back around to him by her arm. Both of his hands now holding a tight grip on her.

"Where's the Y/N from earlier today? The one who was practically begging me to touch her."

The Y/N earlier only acted in that way to prove Lo'ak and Spider wrong that indeed she could be seen as a woman even though it was down in a way that didn't make her feel comfortable whatsoever. When she heard the group that hide behind the bushes rushing away, she moved out of Zakum's touch immediately. Apparently Zakum didn't get a hint that she wasn't interested when she was extremely annoyed by his flirtatious ways before and after the act.

"Get off of me."

"Come on, you wanted me earlier. Change of heart?"

A pain felt in her wrists when his grip on her grew tighter and tighter each time she budged. He used his tall height as a advantage to push her back until she felt the stabs of scratchy bark of the tree.

"You think you have better options? I'm the best you have. I can prove it to you right here. Nobody's around."

Disgust ran through her veins and clung to her skin, bile rising up her throat. Frustration causing tears to brim at the corners of her eyes. Though, she didn't stop her fight against him. Spreading her firsts to push with her palms at his chest. "Leave me alone, you perv."

"Stop fighting." He gritted through his teeth, pushing both of her arms against her chest. The pressure making it hard for her to move and breathe.

Y/N shut her eyes tight. Wishing constantly in her head that he'd magically go away and hoping that a good idea would appear into her head.

Silence.

His sweaty palms being replaced by a familiar warm embrace, the beaded bracelet pressing against her skin confirming exactly who it was. Her vision blurry at first when her eyes fluttered open, leaning into Kiri's arm.

She saw silhouettes of the two men in front of her, one pushing back the other.

"Neteyam, leave him. Let's get Y/N home."

Though he didn’t listen. Everything happened so quick but in the moment, it felt as if it was in slo-mo.

The way Neteyam threw his arm back to land a punch square in the middle of Zakum's face, the blood trickling down from his nose. Zakum threw himself toward’s Neteyam’s torso to push him on the floor but Neteyam held his place, placing another hit to his face. Zakum returned the hit with one to Neteyam's side that fell weak against Neyetam's move to knee Zakum's stomach. The blow making him fall to the ground, Neteyam hovering over him. How he kept going back in, his knuckles landing each time on the other boy's face.

The two were split up suddenly by a taller male. "Stand down.", Jake's strong voice ringing through the air, his body sandwiched between the two to hold his son back from the other. Neither of them had even seen him approach the commotion, Lo'ak clearly out of breath from trying to get his father in time before the fight escalated any further.

Neteyam didn't care though. A spine chilling look in his eyes. An emotion none of them had seen before. Sure, she's seen him annoyed and upset but this was rage. A look clear and evident that he wasn't done with Zakum.

"Can't even fight his own fights without Daddy stepping in." Zakum spat, Neteyam stepped forward with his fist up but Jake blocked him.

"You best shut your mouth before you find yourself in more trouble than you already are." Jake glared at Zakum before turning back to the others in the area. "Kiri, take your brother..." His eyes softening at the sight of the blue skin of Y/N's wrist turning a light purple. As if he was starting to get a clear understanding of what had occurred not more than five or so minutes ago," and Y/N to get their injuries checked."

Not wasting a second to avoid Jake's scolding of another member of the clan, they were quick to walk away from the scene. The last thing Y/N had saw when she looked back was Zakum's parents standing, their forehead creased from their frowns and the sound of yelling being loud for them to hear from where they were.

_

No words were exchanged. She knew purely from the way her mother was refusing to look at her that she had messed up tonight.

Her father helping her apply the medicine Mo'at had given to her before she was pulled away by her family to their own hut. She did want to stay with them to assure that everything was okay especially since she was the one that was at fault and caused this commotion to happen.

"Did he..." Her father's eyes watering, his body completely shutting down and refusing to even finish the sentence. Y/N placed her hands over his and shook her head. Cries racked through his body as he with his forehead pressed down to her hands.

Towards the side of the room, her sister was sound asleep underneath a blanket, the smell of the liquor she drank radiating off of her. Their mother hovered over her, a hand reaching out to smooth out the older daughter's hair.

Oddly, Y/N didn't feel the green envy that she typically felt when she saw her mother caring more for her sister. Despite what had happened to her, her mother still repelled any sense of worry to her and only cared for the simply drunk sibling. So it wasn't worth feeling.

Maybe it didn't matter what she did. It didn't matter how much she cared for her family. It didn't matter that she sacrificed her heart for her sister in hopes that her mother would be proud of accomplishing such a task. Nothing worked.

Maybe if she realized this long before, she wouldn't have gone through this effort to distance herself from Neteyam and potentially ruined the friendship they had.

_

The chance to talk to him seemed to pass her every time. After having breakfast with her family and taking care of the aftermath of what the kava had done to her sister who woke up with a shooting headache and had projected vomited everywhere, she was stopped by Zakum who was accompanied by his father to apologize for how he acted last night.

Quick to forgive with her mind only focusing on what Eyota had told her last night about how all Neteyam had done was talk about her. She had made to their hut but she was a few minutes off as both Lo'ak and Neteyam had gone with the war party. She used that time to apologize for the events that occurred last night but Neytiri was quick to tell the girl that it wasn't her fault while Kiri reproached her for even considering that she was.

It wasn't until later that that day when night had fallen did the opening of her family's hut swished open, the youngest Sully standing in the opening. All four pairs of eyes startled and all watched as Tuk ran over to Y/N to pull at her arm, her chest heaving up and down from what seem like she had ran here.

"Tuk Tuk, what's wrong?"

"You have to come." Urgency dripping off from her tongue," It's important." She didn't look at anyone else in the room except for Y/N, her small hands barely wrapped around the circumference of her arm. Tears streaming down her face, using all of her weight to try to pull Y/N up.

"Tuk, wait. What's wrong? You have to calm down and explain to me what is going on."

"The sky people attacked." Her words jumbled as snot and tears ran down into her mouth. "I don't know what's wrong with Neteyam. Norm took him and I didn't even see him. He was bleeding so much, Y/N."

Not only Y/N but everyone in that hut stood and ran with the child to where people were returning back. It wasn't an exaggeration to say this was the worst they have seen so far. Usually people would return with as much as a scratch but the skin of several people that were being lifted past her were almost close to falling off. Bubbles littered several other people's skin, Mo'at handing off medicine to others to be able to care for as much of the injured as she can. Several people huddled together as cries were heard among the chaos hinting that there were losses this time or they

Her eyes surfed the crowd to find Lo'ak and his father stood towards the opening. From their posture and the veins that popped out from Jake's throat, he was yelling at Lo'ak. That she would question later but she could get a sense that Lo'ak may have been partly to blame for what had happened today.

A breath of relief to see them both standing, she was quick on her feet and followed Tuk to them. Colliding her body to Lo'ak's, not caring if he wasn't finished getting berated. Lo'ak's returning the embrace as he wrapped his arms around her torso quickly. Hearing him whispering reassurances that he was okay, she remembered that one person was missing and circumstances Tuk had told her.

"Lo'ak, how's Neteyam?" An obvious strain in her voice as she thought of the worst.

Lo'ak's heavy sigh and the look in Jake's eyes making her heart drop to her stomach, her hand coming up to cover her mouth as tears immediately came streaming out.

"Y/N!", Kiri called for her just as her knees were about to give out from underneath her. Neytiri trailing behind as they ran over to Y/N. "He's refusing help." Neytiri spoke through dry heaves. "Norm was able to take the bullet out but he's not letting anyone touch him to clean his wounds or look at any other. There's still a lot of blood."

"He's asking for Y/N." Kiri pointed. "He keeps saying he wants her and chanting her name like she's going to appear."

So he is alive. Resisting the urge to hit Lo'ak in the stomach for scaring her but she figured he knew as much as she did about what was going on.

She quickly wiped her ears as Neytiri walked over to her and placed a hand onto her shoulder. Plead in her eyes,"Y/N, sweetie. I don't know what's going on between the two of you but I beg you to forgive him or forgive yourself."

Y/N immediately agreed, finding no strength to say no to Neytiri who bowed her head as a thank you. The two guided her the box that was full of pods for avatars, all the metals in the room shining in her eyes. Kiri handed her a mask to help her get better control of her breathing from the toxins from the air inside. Her feet feeling cold against the floors and her body full of nerves as she inched towards the closed door at the end of the hall.

Silently she entered the room with medicine that Kiri claimed would sting less compared to what Mo'at was giving everyone else, the boy hunched over with his body facing the wall. She could tell he knew he was in the room by the way his ears perked up at the sound of the door opening. A white bandage was wrapped around his upper torso but the rest of his body still full of open wounds. 

She walked around and stood in front of him, eyeing the large blood spot where the bullet had entered. Cautiously she brought her hand up and placed it carefully on the gauze. Feeling his stare on the side of her face, she refused to look up in fear of how her calm facade would drop and instead moved her hand down to the much gnarly scratches that littered the open skin. 

With still no words spoken between them, she set aside the bowl and instead grabbed a discarded towel that she believed was being used to clean his cuts before he became troublesome and everyone had given up.

Right as she was placed the towel onto a bloody wound, Neteyam hissed in pain. She tried to go slower and dab it instead of rubbing but he continued to groan. verbally letting out grunts of "ows.". 

Deciding there was no way to ease the pain, she continued to clean off the blood less carefully and pressed down on one that was still leaking out. 

His hand shot up to grab at her arm, making her finally look up at him to see that he was crying. 

"Wow, I didn't know you were such a baby."

He obviously didn't find that funny as he blinked away the water that gathered at the linings of his eyes, his eyes rolling when he wiped them away with the back of his hand.

"You try getting blown up and shot at and not cry." 

"I'd rather not." 

Usually they'd laugh but the tension that filled the room stunted their chance to, only resorting back to the static silence. Y/N looked back down at the seeping wound and began to dab at it again.

"You know you're all I could think about."

She stopped. Only for a moment before she continued to clean the cut as if she didn't hear him. Not because she wanted to avoid confrontation but she refused to believe what he said was real.

"When I felt the bullet go through me, all I could think about was you. Wondering what the hell I did to make you to so upset that you couldn't even have talked to me. And I got so scared because I thought I was going to die out there without finding out what I did wrong and how you refuse to even look at me in the eye" He grabbed at her arm again but this time by her wrist and pulled it away from she was doing, her attention as well. Goosebumps running up her arm when he inched her closer to him, peering down at her even though he was seated," Especially when you have always told me to be honest about my feelings so why is that when I am, you're upset with me? Remember thinking, is what I did so bad? If I had known you would've acted this, I wouldn't have done so."

"That’s not the point, Teyam. You say that now but you would’ve resented and I couldn’t bear have you be upset with me.” Y/N pushed his arms away from her, cautious to not be too rough. "Teyam, I just needed time to get over it."

"All you had to do with me was be honest with me. Because I wouldn't have cared. I could never risk not having you in my life."

He wouldn't have cared. It felt as if everything had shifted two steps back when they were moving one step forward.

"Then what’s the point?” She threw the towel to the side. The fury ran strong through her veins, not expecting him to be this cold about how she felt for her. “ You’re such a fucking asshole.”

"Excuse me?"

"You wouldn't have cared? Well guess what, Neteyam, people have feelings and while you couldn't care, I'd still have to sit there with my feelings for you and watch you be all lovey dovey with my own sister. And I know my worth and I'm not going to sit there and act like I’m happy for you two and watch you try to make her yours."

His eyebrows knitted together in confusion," Wait what? Your sister? What does Eyota have to do with this?"

"Gosh if I had known how bad you are with girls, I would've have gone for Lo'ak. But of course I'm one of the many fools that has to be in love with you" She scoffed, crossing her arms across her chest. "First of all, skxawng, if you like Eyota, why would you talk about me so much? That's why she's moved on from you so fast. "

A offended look on his face appeared on his face,"I'm bad with girls? I'm far from being bad with girls. If anything, I've tried every- Wait... you're in love with me?" A smirk replacing the grimace on his face.

"Yeah. Not that'd you care or anything." She huffed," I swear, Neteyam, get that look off your face before I smack you because you're really hurting my feelings."

"Oh I'm hurting your feelings? Y/N, I've been waiting for a response from you for what seems like forever. I was wondering when you would flat out reject me."

Now it was her turn to be confused," But I saw you giving her flowers. And you asked that night before what she thought of you."

"I was giving her flowers for you. Fucks sake, they even were your favorite ones. Your mother was there as well. And I asked her what she thought of me because I was going to be courting her sister so I had to make that she saw me in a good light. And before you get confused, you. I wanted her approval so that I could pursue you."

Though the picture was perfectly drawn for her and the tie of the knot becoming unraveling and untangled, she couldn't believe it. Not when her whole life, Eyota was always first choice. She couldn't accept this reality because it simply couldn't be true, " No." She shook her head. "No, there's no way you could be choosing me. Because everyone likes Eyota more. I'm the friend and you're confused but we all know that-"

"I do not want Eyota."

"You say that because she decided she didn't want you. Because you messed up your chance with her.”

A soft pair of lips cut off her rambling, Neteyam's arm wrapping around her to place his hand on the small of her back to push her closer. His other hands brushing against her cheek. Their bodies pressed against one another like two puzzles pieces fitted together.

It took needing a breath out of their masks to break them apart, her lips parted in shock.

“What does that tell you?”

“Nobody ever sees me-"

They buzzed when he leaned back in and pressed a swift peck on her lips, using his thumb to press down on the middle of her bottom lip.

"Oel ngati kameie, Y/N. Always and only you."

She could feel her cheeks getting hot, getting embarrassed when she knew that her face had to be all purple. Everything was so overwhelming, her mind forcing her to look at other parts of the room. What deemed as impossible of happening was happening.

He brought her back when a thumb softly pushed her chin back down, forcing her to make direct eye contact with him. His eyes so full of love and a plea that hoped that she returned his feeling and it was in that moment that she knew he was being sincere. That what he was saying was true to his heart.

"Oel ngati kameie, Neteyam."

⋆*̣̥☆·͙̥‧❄•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥˟͙☃˟͙‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥❄‧·͙̥̣☆*̣̥ ⋆

a/n: omg thank you so much for reading this. i kind of struggled to finish bc idk i dont like how i've been writing cuz repetivity and also writers block. but my love for neteyam pulled thru hehehe. hope you liked it and plzzz give me criticism bc i shall learn from it!

[rootsoftheforest]

Pregnancy baby trope baby daddy Neteyam x reader please

TELLING NETEYAM YOURE PREGNANT 😩😩😩😩😩😩

Tsahik Always Knows

Oh my god!! Daddy Neyetam would be so sweet! Also, I'm sorry for the lack of posts, I've been studying overseas and this course is an intensive fieldwork unit so I have had like no time to think. Additionally, some of my tags are working and some are not - I'm so sorry if I miss out on tagging you!

Pairing: Neteyam Sully x Reader (James Cameron’s Avatar) 

Requested: Yes | No

Warnings: none. Vomit? Fluff? 

Words: 1.8k

Author’s Notes: 

Neteyam is 24, reader is 23, established relationship. AU where they never left the forest and Jake is still Olo’eyktan, Neteyam will take that mantle eventually,, happy-happy can’t read or write any more angst for real. 

Please note that the reader utilises she/her pronouns. If you’d prefer male or gender-neutral pronouns in fic I’m more than happy to repost a male or gn version of the story, otherwise include any pronoun preferences in the request box!

Tag List: @lilprettypetite @nyotamalfoy @weasleytwinwheezes @aonungs-tsahik @rainbowsocks @glitterandgoldfinds @bluealiensimp @melsunshine @ussoppl @wondxrgurll @luvlykrispy @myheartfollower @gloryavila

Read Below Cut:

You stared at the remnants of last night’s dinner on the floor. You had vomited, again. This had been happening in the mornings, on and off for the last few weeks. You did not feel sick, so why were you sick? 

Normally the vomit happened at home. Normally Neteyam had already left to tend to his duties. Normally you could clean it up and pretend like it never happened. 

The heat of your embarrassment swarmed over your neck and shoulders, sweeping up into your cheeks and ears. You knelt, frozen in place over the bile you had just produced. 

On Mo’at’s tent floor. 

She was practically, and legally, your grandmother, and had been since you were nineteen-years-old. But you never thought of her like that. She was your Tsahik, your teacher, your elder, your spiritual guide, healer of the Omaticaya. 

And you had vomited on her floor. 

Mo’at cleared her throat, sitting across from you, your shameful vomit between you. Tears welled in your eyes. This was the worst day of your life. 

“Well, luckily it was just you and me here, hm,” Mo’at said with an unusual lightness, a sweetness that was enough to spin you out of your own thoughts. 

“My Tsahik, I am so sorry I do not know-” 

“Don’t be stupid, how can you not know?” The typical biting Mo’at that you were familiar with came back, quickly. The woman leaned forward with a cloth, mopping up your watery bile like a dealdly secret to be kept between the Tsahik and her assistant.

Now, you really did not know what she meant. You sat up taller, finding a cloth to wipe your mouth clean, something tangible to hold onto. 

“My Tsahik, I promise you, I do not know what you think I know.” You whispered into the cloth at your mouth. Mo’at discarded her cloth that blotted your vomit into a wooden bowl. Some poor trainee will deal with it later. She squinted at you, taking you in. Harshly, she grabbed at your wrists, inspecting your palms, and your shaking, delicate fingers. 

She huffed as she held your wrist tightly in her left, her right hand poking at your cheek, breasts and thighs. “Hey!” you had enough of her prodding, as you pulled your wrist from her vice-like grip. 

“Lay down. Now.” The Tsahik made moves to push you back onto the woven mats on the floor. You were scared and confused and honestly, getting rather emotional. You were still reeling over the embarrassment the vomit caused you. More and more these days you found yourself crying over nothing, or getting easily embarsassed. 

You laid still, scared of Mo’at, and, scared of vomiting again. Flat on your back, you stared at the keen weavings of Mo’at’s medical tent. You hissed, looking down, Mo’at has placed a cold hollowed stone on your lower stomach, her ear pressed against it, she furrowed her brow bone. 

The elder woman jerked up once she was satisfied, discarding her stone instrument, she settled back into her seated position on the floor, you mirroring her. 

“Tsahik-” 

“You are with child, quite obviously.” Mo’at had cut you off, while simultaneously giving you news that ripped all the air from your lungs. 

Your mind was spinning. You were happy, you were sad, you were excited, you were embarrassed. How could you not see the signs within yourself? Obviously you and Neteyam mated often- 

Oh, Eywa. 

Neteyam. 

You were going to have to tell him. 

It was not like you both hadn’t spoken on the topic before, you knew you both wanted kids, a family. Additionally, children were expected, a future Olo'eyktan must be secured. 

But the two of you had not planned for it to happen so soon. You had been so careful, tonics and teas. God, Neteyam pulled out most of the time. 

Subconsciously one hand laid across your abdomen, the other covering your mouth. You felt your eyes struggling to focus on Mo’at, on anything really. You felt like a shell. A shell with a small shell inside. 

“How far along?” You whispered, normally you would scold yourself for your informality towards Mo’at, but you would give yourself a break just this once. 

“A month, maybe two. Nothing more, nothing less. You are not physically showing yet but you cannot be far away.” The rare gentleness from Mo’at rose its head once again. You were grateful for it. “Now, my lovely girl, go. Go collect yourself and tell my grandbaby that you’re having my great-grandbaby.” Mo’at said softly, helping you to your feet. 

You couldn’t remember the short walk from Mo’at’s tent to the home you shared with Neteyam. You felt as if you were on auto-pilot, blacking out and teleporting from place to place. You quickly sat on the side of your shared bed. Furs and gossamer blankets providing comfort to your shaking legs. Laying back, you stared at the gossamer canopy Neteyam had only recently erected above your bed, dangling your legs off the side. 

You rested your hands on your stomach, trying to etch into your memory what it felt like now, knowing that it will eventually swell with the growth of your baby. 

Neteyam’s baby. 

Realistically, you knew that Neteyam won’t be angry. Shocked? Maybe. But angry? Neteyam had never, ever been angry with you before. Emotionally? It was a different story, you imagined Neteyam being frustrated and screaming at you. You imagined him being disappointed. You imagined him packing his things and leaving. The passing thoughts alone were enough to put you on edge. 

Sighing aloud, you had a look at the water clock resting on the other side of the room, you still had a few hours before Neteyam was to return. You still had a few hours to pull yourself together and work out how you were going to spit it out. 

Neteyam ran his hands over his face, pulling up his ionar onto his forehead. His whole body burned from that flight. He had missed you today, not usually staying out on patrol this late, but the young recruits needed training, and Neteyam was always eager to please. But, he was a domestic man at heart, he loved being at home with you, loved pulling you to his chest, loved making whatever new thing you asked for. 

He loved nesting, he realised. Loved doing it with you. 

Striding from the Ikran keeper, Neteyam wanted nothing more than to see you. 

The warm lights of your home welcomed him, though when he peered through the gap in the curtain flap, all he saw was your anxious figure, pacing back and forth, muttering to yourself. The air was wrong, Neteyam had never really seen you like this. He watched quietly, confused as to how you had not scent him already, something was wrong with you and he would be damned if he did not find out what. 

“Oh Eywa, what am I supposed to say?” You prayed silently, wringing your wrists. You thought the pacing would bring you clarity, as it often provided your father-in-law. Yet you felt empty. And so unbearably full at the same time. In the few hours you had to wait for your mate you had come to love the little life growing in your womb.

You were so excited. You could hardly contain yourself. Neteyam would be the most perfect father. But as the night grew closer your brain started to pick itself apart. 

It was all too much. You fell to your knees in the middle of your home, letting the tears flow freely now. 

Neteyam did not let that stand for long. He quickly rushed in, picking you up and placing you in his lap. His strong arms snaking around your sobbing form. Your head quickly found is chest. He felt your hot tears streaming down your beautiful face and onto his skin. Neteyam hushed you, like he watched his mother do with his siblings, gently rocking you back and forth. It was so silent, save from your sobbing hiccups. Neteyam did not dare speak until you had stopped. 

“My love, what has happened?” He asked gently, pulling away to cup your delicate face in his large, calloused hands. His eyes found yours, and he could see something was creating great turmoil in the labyrinth of your complicated, intelligent mind. 

You sighed in response, shaking your head. Trying to find any courage at all. Knowing you have news that will change the course of someone’s life was not something you dealt with well. Maybe you were not cut out to be the clan’s spiritual leader as Tsahik. But that was a different problem for a different day. 

Neteyam placed a chaste kiss to your lips, then your cheeks, under your eyes, the tip of your nose, your forehead. You were loved, he said through the gesture. You are safe here. 

“Neteyam,” You started, softly. You were always softspoken. Something of which drove Neteyam crazy in love with you. So gentile, so docile, so calm. “I have something to tell you.” Neteyam’s stomach started to flip at your words, anxiety settling in, but like any good soldier, he willed his face into a blank expression. Giving nothing away. 

And, in turn, giving you nothing. 

“Continue my little love.” He said, putting your baby hairs behind your ears, smoothing your loose hair down as you spoke. 

“Neteyam,” You cleared your throat, forcing that invisible, metaphysical bubble away. “I am with child.” The words hung in the air between you, and all you could do was wait for your mate to respond.

Neteyam felt like he was dreaming. Of all the things he prepared for you to say, you being pregnant was not one of them. 

His tail betrayed him before his mouth did. Rapidly going side to side, the smile that erupted on Neteyam’s face threatened to split his jaw apart. 

You were carrying a baby. His baby. Your baby, together, with him. 

You melted into Neteyam’s searing kiss as he held you flush to his body. Pulling apart, Neteyam’s hands rested on your stomach, bright eyed and smily. He kissed your stomach over and over and over again. Peppering the whole area with his hot lips. You giggled at him. He was perfect. 

“Oh (y/n), I am so happy.” Neteyam kissed you again, your giggles erupting between kisses as he could not decide on what he wanted to look at, your face or your stomach. “How long have you known, sweetheart?” He rested his forehead on yours, his hands resting on your still flat stomach. 

“I found out earlier today.” You couldn’t help but smile. “Your grandmother knew.” 

Neteyam laughed, his shoulders shaking, beads of his braids clinking together. 

“She knows everything.” 

That night as the two of you laid in bed, Neteyam spooning you, you rose out of your slumber briefly. Neteyam’s tail had wrapped itself around your thigh, your own tail sat under your abdomen of its own accord. Neteyam’s fingers splayed over your stomach. He was so protective already. So in love with you and your unborn baby. 

You smiled. Shutting your eyes you thanked Eywa for gifting you with something so precious. 

[rootsoftheforest]

Neteyam x Navi Reader

hello sugarplums I hope you enjoy thank you so much for being so patient!

Warnings: smut

all characters have aged up

requested by @blueintheface18

Neteyam and you have been interested in each other for awhile you both connected together, the last step was becoming bonded and together fully. You guys find out about an old tradition.

—

“Once long ago we had a mating ritual.” Kiri stated simply. “Did you know that?”

You quickly shook your head, getting interested in the topic. “What was it?”

“Apparently back way ago, men had to earn their woman in order to finally seal the bond by being able to successfully catch her as she runs far to void him.” Kiri laughed at the story as if it were stupid.

Your ears twitched at the story. “That must have been interesting.”

Kiri and you were now of age to be able to have your own mate. You two were getting curious about certain things.

She had gotten this old telling from her mother, Neytiri. You didn’t think so bad of it, especially when you’re thinking of Neteyam.

Thinking of Neteyam chasing after you was making you feel heated all over. Almost feeling shameful.

Blushing with a shake of your head. “You would not want your mate to earn you?”

She shrugged, rolling her eyes. “Maybe in any other way, but that one.” She looked you up and down, seeing your blush. “Do you want your mate to earn you.”

You let out a small laugh. “Do not look at me that way!” You spoke, giving her a playful shove.

She began laughing. “You totally would not mind that! I cannot believe you.” She froze for a split second before giving a fake gag. “Oh my eywa with my brother.”

You scoff at her dramatics. “You deserve your mouth to be shut!” You felt your face heat up even more. “I would not mind it. It seems fun.”

“I am going to throw up!” She gripped her stomach, faking it.

You rolled your eyes at her, before hearing Neteyam behind you.

“Why are you throwing up, Sister?”

Your eyes widened at his question, having Kiri laugh before you turn around to face him. “Nothing!” You exclaimed, elbowing Kiri in the side.

You caught the roll of her eyes in the corner of your sight. “Your lover over here enjoys the old traditions.”

His head titled in curiosity, as you were dying of embarrassment. “What old traditions?”

“It is nothing really.” You muttered. “I swear of it.” You squinted your eyes at Kiri, hoping she would shut up.

Kiri swiftly nodded, before starting to walk past Neteyam. She coughed out. “Mating.”

You let out a small gasp at her sneaky action, letting your hand go to your face to cover your blush.

Neteyam’s ears twitched at that, before he let a small smirk play on his lips. “The mating ritual?” He questioned with a tease of tone, walking closer up to you.

You gave him a quick hiss. “Do not.” You spoke roughly in embarrassment, folding your arms in front of you.

He let out a low chuckle, before letting his hands play on your hips to bring you closer into him. “You like the idea of me chasing after you?”

Your cheeks were still on fire, as you tried to look to the side rather than looking at him. “I had just said it seems fun.” You felt shame in admitting it to him.

Neteyam squeezed the skin of your hips. “Yeah?” He asked with a raspy tone as if he liked the idea too. Your leaned towards to look at him in that moment.

You nodded, letting your arms unfold to wrap around his neck. You began leaning more into him, almost letting your lips touch his as your noses bumped. “You cannot tease me of this.”

He hummed, before placing a soft kiss onto your lips. Instantly you leaned into his gentleness. Your skin starting to heat up at the tension.

“Run.” He whispered against your lips.

Your face scrunched in confusion. “What?”

His eyes softened, giving you another soft kiss before pulling away. “I must earn you.”

You quickly shook your head at his seriousness. “Neteyam, that means-“

You wanted to say, that it would mean that in the end you two would be finally mated as one. Bonded as one. It was serious commitment.

Though, he interrupted. “Run, it will be fun.” His devilish smile was playing on his lips once again.

Your face softened, as your ears were taking in his words. He wanted to do this, he wanted to be with you fully.

You let your arms drop from his neck, before giving him a quick peck on the lips. “You must give me a head start.”

He bowed his head in one motion, letting his hands fall from your skin.

You began to smile, before turning to run. You imagined in your mind that was he counting. You knew he would catch you, of course. Neteyam was the best at all things. He had been training among his years.

You on the other hand were only a gatherer. You didn’t nearly train for the running and fighting as much as he did. Though, you were running as fast as you could.

Knowing Neteyam he probably had only given you a 10 second head start. He was always eager and up for some fun with you always.

It helped that the fact that this was the moment you two had always waited for. To finally be one together.

Your ears twitch at the sounds of sticks breaking behind you. You let out a loud giggle, letting him hear your excitement.

Your best option in the moment to find a perfect place to hide. You knew you could never out run him.

Looking around, you see only large trees only surrounding you. You wanted to groan at the lack of choices, but instead you simply chose a tree to hide behind.

Your breathing starts to steady as you relax against the tree. You couldn’t help but let a smile appear on your face. Even with the adrenaline running in your veins, you couldn’t help but to feel turned on too.

You knew what was waiting for you when Neteyam catches you. You couldn’t wait.

“Where are you, baby.” You heard him rasp out suddenly. You smiled even more at the affectionate name.

“Come get me.” You teased out to him, before running as fast you could away from his direction.

Though, you got a good amount of steps before he gripped your wrist.

It was all a sudden movement, you were twirled into him by his strength. He didn’t give you a second to think before he smashed his lips on yours.

You moaned into the kiss as it was rougher than the others. It was making you want more of what was to come.

He let his grip soften on your wrist, making you quickly pull away from his lips and his closeness.

In another quick movement you were running away from him once again. You weren’t gonna let him get you that easily.

You heard his soft laugh, his running steps right behind you. “Keep running, love.” He shouted from behind you. “We both know I will catch you in a short seconds.”

You internally scoff at his words, you couldn’t really scoff out loud. You were too out of breath from the running. You turn your head to look behind you seeing him run as if it were nothing.

He was perfectly fine after all of this running, and here you are ready to give up. Though, it made you even more pleased towards him that he was a perfect hunter.

Before you even realize it, you feet were now sunken into water. You wanted to freeze for a second and change direction. Although, you knew he was right behind you.

“Try harder, Neteyam.” You smirked to yourself before emerging into the water letting it rise above your knees. “You are slow.”

Neteyam laughed at your words. “You are getting cocky.” You heard him messing around with something, but you paid no mind. You just needed to get away as fast as you could.

As you soon as you were making a good distance across the little river, you felt something fly over your head and slide down to your waist.

You gasp at the feeling, looking down at the vine wrapped around your waist. You give a loud groan, before turning to Neteyam.

“This is not fair!” You pointed to the vine around you, blushing at knowing what’s about to happen.

He shook his head slowly walking over to you, tsking. You wanted to hiss at his confidence. “You never said I cannot use anything to catch you.”

He was getting closer and closer, pulling on the vine to bring you closer too. You were getting shy by every second that passed.

“Neteyam.” You whispered, wanting to cover your blushed face.

You both were finally face to face now, and he smiled down at you with a tilt of his head. “Caught you.” He whispered, before grabbing your jaw gently for a grip to kiss you.

His kiss was like he’s been yearning for this for years. Which truthfully he was. You both had been waiting for this moment.

You let out a small whimper, as his hands were softly gazing the skin of your sides. Your skin was all the sudden sensitive to his touch, all you wanted was more.

“Please.” You whispered against his lips, making him give a short nod before letting his hands travel to your ass.

He gave it a short squeeze to your surprise, making you lean more into him. “All I have wanted is you.” He let’s his hands under your thighs, making you jump up to wrap your legs around his waist. “Even if it comes with your dirty likings.” He said lastly with a tease before making his way to kiss down your neck.

You felt your back against one of the trees, though you didn’t even care you were lost in enjoyment. “You enjoyed it too, My Neteyam.” You gave him a warning tone, letting a gasp out as his hand was traveling down your stomach.

He chuckled against your skin,“I will enjoy anything you do.” He let his hand test the edge of your cloth to see your reaction.

You kissed him with such need, as he was letting himself explore your skin to see what places you react the most.

Though before you know it, he lets his hand slip into your cloth. You freeze at the sensitivity of his touch against your center. “More.” You almost sounded like you were begging.

He nodded, resting his head against yours as he let his fingers explore your folds. He was searching for your clit, he was looking for how you reacted best.

As soon as he hit your clit you gasped out, clutching your nails into his shoulders. “Right there.” You reassured him. “Please.”

He began slow circles on your clit, making you cling onto him even more. He softly groaned at your nails clawing at him as he was loving it.

You were so sensitive that your build up was coming sooner rather than later. This was your first time together, it wasn’t a shocker you both would be overly sensitive.

Neteyam could tell you needed a little more to get there though. While his switch to his thumb to your clit, he let his pointer finger rub your opening.

“Neteyam.” You moaned his name, squeezing your eyes shut at the pleasure. He softly chuckled at your loudness, he was surprised you weren’t acting so shy anymore.

“My woman.” He whispers, leaning more towards your ear. “Give it to me.”

He let his finger enter you, with a slight more pressure on your clit. You breathed out. “Neteyam, I am-“ you couldn’t finish your sentence quite yet, as you were getting closer.

“Pretty, come on.” His voice was needier, making you give into the pleasure.

You gasped out, as a buzzing filled your entire body. The feeling was strong, you were sure you were gripping onto him for dear life.

Before you could even get through your high, Neteyam was quick to move you two into a better position.

He laid rested you against the soft grassed ground, letting you hum in pleasure and comfort. You couldn’t even comprehend the pleasure you were feeling, but it was so good you wanted more.

“Neteyam.” You managed out with heavy breathing, as you lean a little up to grab your braid under you. “Please.”

He looked at you as his gaze softened, reaching back to grab his own braid. “My pretty woman.” He whispered under his breath, wasting no time to lead closer to making the bond.

Leaning down, kissing you from your neck up to your jaw to your lips. You were blushing at his gentleness with this kiss, it was getting more intimate at the moment.

“My Neteyam.” You softly smiled against his lips, letting your queue combine with his.

He was too distracted to realize what you were doing until he started to feel it. He almost let his body go limp on you at the strong feeling.

You both breathed in the feeling, more connected than ever. “I need you.” You whimpered, dropping your connected braids to pull him closer.

“So needy.” He teased you, before making his hand lower down to his cloth. In a quick movement he released himself from it, making almost moan at the sight.

He let your cloth slip to the side, exposing you to him. You almost began to shy away, but you couldn’t have needed him more. “Neteyam.” You warned him to hurry up.

He laughed softly, before kissing your lips once again. He let his tip against your opening, causing you to gasp in his mouth.

Slowly entering you inch by inch, you both were struggling holding your noises back. He softly sucked a breathe between his teeth, resting his head against yours.

“You feel so good.” He spoke in a raspy voice, making you blush even harder at his words.

You were in the mist of pain and pleasure. You didn’t even care about the pain. The bond was strengthening by the second, and it’s all you could feel.

He finally got one thrust in, having you moan out louder than before. “My Neteyam.” You whispered, placing a soft kiss against his lips.

“You are perfect.” He complimented you with his sweetness, letting you feel even better in the moment.

“Faster.” You reassured him, knowing that he was holding back not to hurt you. “It feels so good.”

His eyes fluttered closed, before he began quickening his thrusts. He was the one making loud noises now.

You loved it. You loved knowing he was getting just as much pleasure as you were.

In a good movement, his pelvis was also rubbing your clit in the best way. You felt extra sensitive after your first high, but you needed more as it was already pushing to your second.

You gasped out, feeling him hit a good spot inside you. “I’m close!” You managed to breathe out, clenching around him.

He nodded, heavy breathing against your skin. “Shit.” He murmured. “Come on, baby.”

“Neteyam, please.” You both were begging for each other to feel the pleasure. It was like in a split second you both hit your high, your bodies humming together in pleasure.

His thrust were slowly jerking as you felt him release inside. His breath right against your neck. His hands gripping your hips with a tight squeeze.

You let out one last whimper at the feeling before it fades away from you.

Neteyam opens his mouth to speak through his heavy breathing, but before he could. You embraced his face in your hands, kissing him with passion for the moment.

He hums into your kiss, wanting you to get closer as if you could. You let a soft smile into the kiss, before pulling away.

—

I HOPE YOU GUYS ENJOYED THIS ONE it needed heavy editing but I figured I wouldn’t hold it away from you guys any longer so here it is!

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[rootsoftheforest]

— 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘴

the deets — in which you, a quiet healer in the tribe, have the biggest crush on the upcoming leader. sometimes you think the feelings could be mutual. until one night in the glowing forest shatters that.

the who — neteyam x fem omaticaya!reader

the word count — like 7.6k (jesus h. christ)

the tags — idiots-to-lovers (it's teyam, he's the dummy), childhood friends-to-lovers, one-sided pining (reader is a softie).

the warnings — language, a lil kithy kithy, neteyam's emotionally constipated, but he redeems himself! reader's kind of a pushover, but it comes full circle!

the notes — first post for avatar & i'm really excited but a lil nervous bc like ??? i haven't written fanfic in SO long. i imagine neteyam & reader to be a few years older in this fic (eighteen or nineteen), but at the same time the circumstances could fit their current age as well. finally, this is written in a heinous blend of second / third. don't know how to explain, but i think it flows okay? if you like it please leave a request or let's have a chat! (also barely proofread oops).

YOU AND NETEYAM HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IN DISTANT ORBIT. Many would argue the two of you are cut from the same cloth; quiet, noble, mature, but you couldn't feel even more disconnected from the tribe's golden boy even if a chasm would crack the earth between you.

It's why you think it's silly that you'd develop such a yearning, your heart thudding like a war drum every time his amber eyes flit to yours. There's never any weight to his gaze, just fleeting glances among frequent observation, but you can't help but stare.

It doesn't help that his youngest siblings cling to you like a second and third skin, chattering excitedly about whatever piques their immediate interest. You just listen and hum your acknowledgements, a comfort to the two as you move through your studies.

Oftentimes he's sent to fetch his siblings, clearing his throat outside of the tent's flaps to announce himself, then wiggling a few fingers through the opening before peering in.

He's always in a hurry, never biting when you offer him opportunities to linger. You understand, how busy it can be when the whole clan begins to rely on you. So you bask in the short-lived moments in his space, skin scented with salt and the tang of the foliage.

But there are moments when you truly think he sees you. When you cross paths during clan meals, and the smallest of smiles twitches in his lips when you cut fruit and he's the first you offer to. When it's time to train to shoot your bows and he adjusts your form with a brief brush of his fingers on your elbow. When all of the older healers are unavailable and he shyly peeks his head into your tent for a quick patch up.

Nevermind the small tells stored in your short-term, but the little slivers of time when you were both growing into yourselves. When you were seven and he'd carried you to the elders when you hurt yourself. When some of the older kids in the clan would pick on you for keeping to yourself and he'd tell them that it was unbecoming and cowardly to pick on someone weaker than them. When he picked a flower during a group excursion into the deep depths of the forest and stuck the glowing stem in your satchel.

You had fallen so hard for Neteyam and your only hope is that he'd be at the end of the fall to catch you.

“You're not listening, ________!” Tuk whines and you look up from the scrolls you unfurled from the basket moments before she walked in.

“Sorry,” you murmur. “I have a lot on my mind.”

There's a small giggle from somewhere else in the tent and you peer from Tuk to Kiri who beads an anklet on her own.

“Yeah, like big brother,” Tuk teases, turning her attention back to her own beadwork.

Kiri's face splits into a grin.

“You've been lost in thought a lot more recently,” she observes. “Could Tuk be correct?”

You don't bother to deny it, the obvious flush in your cheeks a dead giveaway. Kiri's always been perceptive and the more you fight her on it, the longer she'll draw it out.

“I think it's worth a shot,” Kiri says. “Neteyam’s always had a soft spot for you.”

It's a million degrees hotter in the tent.

“You don't have to do that,” you say quietly, slouching in your seat.

“Do what?” Kiri challenges.

“Pretend I have a chance.”

Kiri makes a face.

“You do!” she argues. “Neteyam's just shy.”

You're silent for a moment, fingers twitching over a tear in the scroll. You want to believe her, tell her that you think it could be worth a shot, too. But you scent him before you hear him, and then you hear him before you see him.

Four blue fingers wiggle in the tent's opening before Neteyam is poking his head inside.

“Tuk? Kiri?” his voice rumbles. “Ready?”

Kiri glances at you as she stands to her feet and begins gathering her things. Her eyebrows do a little dance, eyes widening as she tilts her head discreetly to her brother.

“I'll see you,” you say quietly, patting Tuk on the back of her leg as she drops her finished anklet in your lap and giggles at you.

You follow their movements as they exit the tent through where Neteyam holds the flap open for them patiently.

He simply lifts a hand as a silent greeting and you wait until they're out of sight and earshot to expel the breath you'd been holding and slump down on your pillow.

In hindsight, you should have been more careful. Neteyam was a skillful hunter, the tribe's best warrior after his father. It's only normal that he'd be in the dense forest when you were plucking flowers and herbs for your salves, speaking quietly to Eywa about your concerns.

“Please, Great Mother,” you whisper, the woodsprites caressing the skin of your arms. "Please give me a sign, any form of motivation to be brave about my feelings."

The grass below your toes lights up and tickles the pads of your fingers as you pluck the glowing flowers.

There's a trail of them, purple and pink, and you pluck and pluck and pluck until you're led to the mouth of a clearing.

Something salty and tangy circles your figure and like usual, you scent him before you see him. When your gaze latches onto his lithe figure, you grin a little, lips parting to announce yourself. This must be your sign, of how vast and great the forests are surrounding your looming home tree, it must be fate that you stumble upon him at this hour.

But his name dies on your tongue when he shifts and you see the silhouette of another pressed to his side.

It's another Omaticaya girl, pretty and tall. You'd know her anywhere, the waves of her thick hair, the tinkle of her dainty laugh. But she is fierce all the same, far from perfect, but gritty enough that it doesn't matter.

Te'feyra draws a bow and one of Neteyam's hands come up to adjust her front grasp, fingers closing over hers and the arrow.

“Steady hands to make up for the recoil,” he says softly and your heart is in your throat.

He's engulfing her as she takes her aim and sends the arrow flying through the air.

Somewhere unknown to you, the arrow sticks its landing and Te'feyra jumps excitedly, pressing her lips to Neteyam's briefly.

You back away from the clearing, eyes burning as you fist the flowers so hard they wilt in your hands. A twig snaps underneath your weight and from your distance, you see the glow of Neteyam and Te'feyra's eyes through the brush.

You take off running without a single word, and despite your stomach tearing itself to ribbons, you thank Eywa for the clarity.

“Something's wrong,” Kiri says to you days later.

Instead of the tent, you two are sitting on opposing branches of a thick tree, observing the flora and fauna of your corner of the forest. You decide that you need some time away from the bustle of the clan's circle and venture off into the opposite side of the woods.

“Why do you say?” you wonder, scribbling onto one of your scrolls.

“You're naturally quiet, I get that, but the past few days, I feel like I've been in the presence of the dead,” she sighs, staring down at you from the branch above. “And Ewya's given me the feeling that all may not be well with you.”

You lick your teeth, then roll your lips nervously.

“I told you Neteyam didn't like me,” you admit.

Kiri's eyebrows furrow.

“What are you talking about?”

“I saw him,” you sigh, fiddling with your pen. “In the forest with Te'feyra. She kissed him.”

Kiri curses under her breath.

“This is stupid,” she huffs. “He's just being stupid. Neteyam likes you and I'm going to prove it.”

You open your mouth to protest, but Kiri's already jumping down from the branches of the tree and dragging you with her through the darkening forest.

“Kiri, this isn't necessary,” you finally pipe up. “It's okay if the feeling isn't mutual, I never expected it to be.”

Kiri stops in her tracks and her pinched face softens, braids swinging by the set of her jaw.

“________, we all grew up together,” she says softly. “I know my brother, and I know you. You two belong together, I feel it.”

You swallow around nothing, allowing her to drag you through the forest and back into the clan's main circle.

“Hey, Kiri! ________, where are you two headed off to in such a rush?” one of the elders calls from where they're working on tools.

Kiri smiles politely.

“Very important business,” she replies quickly, fingers tightening around your wrist to pull you across the grass.

You stop in front of their family's hometree and Kiri guides you through vines and steep inclines before pausing in front of their family's tent.

Lo'ak's voice sounds from within, whiny and irritated.

“Bro, are you being serious right now?” he squeaks and Neteyam grunts, obviously bored.

“Frankly, Lo'ak this has nothing to do with you,” he says.

“Dude, yes it does,” Lo'ak argues. “You've inadvertently involved everyone in this affair because you won't get your head out of your ass for three seconds and just admit that you like her.”

“I don't like, ________,” he says simply and Kiri freezes in front of you.

You chew the inside of your cheek, fingers twitching in Kiri's loosened hold.

“Who are you trying to convince?” Lo'ak moans. “You're really going to commit to Te'feyra even though you have no interest in her?”

“Te'feyra is a great huntress,” Neteyam says simply. “She's well-loved, a strong leader. What's there not to like?”

“________ is all of those things,” Lo'ak says. “She's a talented healer, always patches you up when you get yourself in trouble. The clan loves her, Tuk and Kiri love her, Mom and Dad love her.”

“The clan barely knows that ________ exists,” Neteyam says and you wince.

Kiri makes a move to infiltrate the heated conversation, but you put a hand on her shoulder and shake your head.

“Dude, that's low,” Lo'ak scoffs in disbelief.

“________ is a sweet girl, but she's weak. She's hollow and does what she's told. I wouldn't want to spend my life bonded to someone so passive,” Neteyam says plainly and Lo'ak lets out an exasperated hiss.

“You're kidding right? ________ is amazing,” Lo'ak challenges. “She's quiet, but she's caring. She's resilient and intelligent and anyone would be lucky to be bonded to someone like her, your stupid ass included.”

“Maybe you should focus more on training for your rite rather than trying to play matchmaker,” Neteyam says, showing the first signs of annoyance.

“You just won't admit that for the first time you're scared,” Lo'ak finally says.

Everything seems to still and Lo'ak presses on.

“Everyone loves you, you're the clan's golden child and you can do no wrong. You like ________ so much, but you're afraid that you'll let her down,” Lo'ak says fiercely. “But you don't realize that being a pussy about your feelings is the ultimate let down!”

“You'd know a lot about being a let down, wouldn't you,” Neteyam grumbles.

There's a split second of silence before Neteyam lets out a loud grunt of pain. The flap to their tent flies open and Lo'ak freezes before you and Kiri.

His eyes meet yours and his gaze softens before stalking past.

Neteyam stands stunned in the middle of the tent, lip bruised and bleeding. His gaze swings to the arch way, face falling when he finds you standing behind his younger sister.

“Wanna go swimming?” Tuk asks you the next evening, after dinner.

You smile down at her weakly, heart melting when she pets your hand. You can't deny her, nodding gently as you stand from where you're sitting on the outer circle of the scattered clan.

“Carry me?” she asks sweetly.

You heave her up with a grunt and she grins at you, playing with one of the braids in your hair. Her small fingers caress the skin of your cheek and you blink when she ghosts over your eyelid.

“Pretty,” she whispers, head nestling on your shoulder.

“I think you're prettier,” you tell her, readjusting her growing form as you walk through the brush, towards the rush of the waterfall.

You don't realize that there's a set of eyes on you, watching as you disappear through the trees with Tuk.

The cliff that houses the waterfall towers above you two in a semicircle, the water rippling gently as Tuk squirms from your grasp and splashes through the shallow pool.

“Stay close, Tuk,” you coo, toes wiggling through the pebbles washed up on the tiny shore.

“I've been practicing!” Tuk tells you. “Wanna see how long I can hold my breath under water?”

“Stay in shallow waters,” you advise her, wading into the pool until you're waist deep.

Tuk dramatically inhales and then sinks down under the surface. Something cracks in the distance and you glance around, met with the stillness of the forest and the chirp of bugs.

When you turn your attention back to Tuk, you smile fondly as you wait for her to emerge, counting the seconds diligently to report to her chubby cheeks.

Fifteen pass, then thirty. Your smile begins to fade as your arms feel around in the water around you.

“Tuk?” you call out, chest tightening when you're met with the subtle rush of the glittering cascade from the waterfall up above.

You push forward in the water until your chin touches the surface.

“Tuktirey!” you shout, thrashing around the pool, searching for her tiny frame through the illumination. “Tuk!”

Your toes lose purchase as the water deepens and you begin to panic without the youngest Sully in sight. You turn when you hear a splash, Tuk giggling on the shore.

Your stomach churns hard and Tuk's face falls when she sees your panicked expression.

“Tuk, I-I can't swim well!” you cry out, legs flailing as you splash through the water. You try to dig your toes in the earth below, but you're just shy of the mark.

Tuk looks scared on the shore, fidgeting as she looks around desperately.

“You're too deep, ________!” Tuk whines, voice laced with tears.

Your legs ache, head lolling under the water for a moment before you emerge with a splutter.

“Get– Go get help!” you instruct her, feeling your calves begin to burn as you try to keep yourself afloat. You don't know how long you'll be able to tread water. “I'll be okay, little one. Hurry!”

Tuk turns, picking up her satchel as she makes way for the path you took. When she's out of sight, you fall slack, chest heaving as you try to use your skinny arms to paddle at the water.

Meanwhile, Tuktirey runs through the forest, tears spilling down her rounded cheeks as she trips over sprawling roots and nudges low-hanging vines from the pathway.

She skids to a stop when Neteyam, who had finally worked up the nerve to excuse himself from dinner, comes into view.

He turns when he hears her wailing, face scrunching when he registers his youngest sibling's anguish.

“Tuk, wha—”

She grabs at his hands, tugging him towards the path to the waterfall.

“________ needs help!” she cries. “She can't swim!”

Neteyam's ears prick at the mention of your name, scooping up his youngest sibling in his arms before breaking into a sprint through the brush of the brightening forest. The woodsprites begin to emerge and he barrels into the clearing of the waterfall breathlessly.

It's still, like it's been untouched and his heart hammers nervously in his chest, eyes searching the pool for any sign of you.

He's setting Tuk down quickly before splash desperately into the water.

“_______!” he calls.

He ducks underneath the surface, eyes open wide as he searches for you. And there you are, body slack as you sink slowly to the bottom of the rocky pool.

He dives forward, lungs burning as he cuts through the waters with lean arms. His fingers circle one of your wrists, the other hand winding around your waist as he propels you two up above the water. He chokes on a breath, hand coming up to touch your face.

Your head lolls to the side, eyes shut as Neteyam holds you close.

“Neteyam!” Te'feyra calls from the shore, having followed him after being rebuffed during dinner.

Kiri and Lo'ak are close behind, eyes wide when they see their eldest brother wading quickly through the waters with your unconscious form in his arms.

“Neteyam,” Te'feyra repeats, hand coming to grasp his bicep.

“Not now,” he grunts, tugging his arm from her grasp to march through the brush of the forest.

Woodsprites surround you two as he takes you back to the village, a silent plea to the Great Mother not to take you away weighing heavy on his lips.

You awake to a shining sun and a wet towel on your head. You squint against the beaming light and sit up abruptly as the prior night dawns you like a swift strike to the gut.

“Whoa, wait, slow down,” a thick voice rumbles.

You scent him before you see him.

Neteyam's hands are on you, guiding you back to rest on the pile of pillows that had propped you up before.

You shoot up again anyways.

“Where's Tuk?” you ask anxiously.

“Tuk's fine,” Neteyam says. “She's eating breakfast with Kiri and Mom.”

You lean back in relief, eyes squeezing shut as you wheeze out a sigh.

His hands are on you again, gentle, warm as he takes the towel from your forehead and wipes your face to refresh you.

“Are you okay?” he asks quietly, hesitantly.

You pause a moment, but then nod.

“Yeah,” you affirm hoarsely. “M'fine.”

Neteyam just stares at you, yellow eyes unblinking and you know this isn't like one of those fleeting moments. He sees you and it makes your gut churn hard.

“I'll be okay here,” you say quietly. “You may have...someone, you know, waiting for you.”

Te'feyra's name is a silent implication and Neteyam doesn't look amused.

“I told them I would look after you until you're fully well,” he counters, wringing the towel into a bowl that sits next to the mound of blankets your rest on.

You fiddle with your fingers, fully disheartened because even in times like these, he remains the diligent leader-in-training that he is.

The air in the tent is think and you can't breathe.

“I'd like some air,” you whisper, crawling from the soft mat to climb to your feet shakily.

“You need to rest,” Neteyam says crossly, seemingly annoyed at your persistence to put as much distance as you can between the two of you.

You don't respond and finally he seems to burst.

“You can't swim and yet you still went after Tuk,” he calls after you like an accusation. “Why?”

You pause.

“Tuk is like a sister to me,” you say quietly. “I would never let anything happen to her.”

You make a move to exit the tent, but Neteyam's voice stops you in your tracks.

“You could have died,” he says quietly, and you can't place the emotion in his voice.

“I'd do it again,” you admit, craning your neck to face him. “I'm not that weak.”

Neteyam's face falls and you duck from the tent.

Neteyam becomes restless after that moment. He loses his focus, agility taking a hit as he hunts one on one with his father.

He goes to shoot another arrow, but Jake stops him with a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“Neteyam, I know I can be hard on you,” he starts. “But I’m always here.”

“Yes sir,” Neteyam nods.

“Something’s bothering you,” Jake observes. “You’re not yourself. You’re losing focus.”

Neteyam swallows.

“Sorry, sir,” he says, head hanging.

His braids form a curtain around his face and Jake gives his shoulder a squeeze.

“Son?”

Neteyam swallows again, head tilting up to look is dad in the face.

“I don’t want to be with Te’feyra,” he admits quietly.

Jake's lips twitch.

“Well I could have told you that,” Jake scoffs, the corner of his lips twitching into a soft smile. “You look about as dead as a washed up fish when she’s around.”

Neteyam recalls the kiss she’d given him nights ago and how he'd internally recoiled, body stiff under her touch.

“I’m sorry,” he repeats.

“Why are you sorry?” Jake prods.

“Because I know Te’feyra is who the clan wants me to be with, who is my most suitable match,” he says. “I just— I don't want to let you down.”

Jake gives him an impish grin.

“Neteyam, let me give you a word of advice. There are things in this world that are suited well for each other; you and Te'feyra are one of those things. But your heart and your mind are the two most powerful things about you,” he says. “You will not be punished for giving into your heart.”

Neteyam thinks of you. He thinks of your face, the lines of your timid smile, the idents that dimple your cheeks. He thinks of your touch when he's wounded, gentle and expert, warm against his skin. He thinks of your voice, airy, soft, a low rasp.

He thinks of when he'd called you weak. Of your face, wounded and hurt. He's stricken in this moment as he realizes that strength doesn't have to be audacious. It can be quiet, small acts that become mighty.

Tuk had told him about the waterfall, how she'd wanted to pull your leg a little. You'd accepted your fate if Ewya deemed it time, you'd even sent the youngest away in the chance you wouldn't surface.

You were far from weak. Your strength ran nearly as deep as the roots of Ewya herself, yet you'd taken the criticism in stride. Let Neteyam paint you as a coward, a pushover with no spine.

“I think there’s someone you need to clear the air with,” Jake says after a few moments of silence. “She should be in her tent.”

Neteyam's hands are clammy. It's been nearly a week since he'd last seen you. You'd reserved to spending time inside of your tent to brush up on your studies and refine your work. He'd catch glimpses of you, but you were used to blending in the background and Neteyam's used to overlooking you.

Was he being presumptuous? Maybe you only admired him as a warrior. Or perhaps it was a duty to the clan to revere him. He feels sick to his stomach thinking of confronting you. But Lo'ak wouldn't try to convince him of his own feelings if it wasn't mutual, would he?

And when had the feelings become mutual? He's recently began to think that perhaps he'd always liked you because you were the only one who didn't actively vie for his affection. Who only saw him as Neteyam, an equal, not Neteyam, the Olo’eyktan's son.

Maybe it was whenever he'd see you wandering in the forest during his hunting trips, murmuring to yourself as you picked herbs and flowers for you studies. Or maybe when he'd spot you still high on the branches of the lofty trees with a tablet of paper and ink. Maybe it was when you'd smile at him shyly when he'd adjust your form during archery and it'd melt his insides. Or when you two were little and he'd plucked flowers for everyone and you were the only one who'd smiled at it sticking out of your satchel.

If he recalls correctly, it's pressed to a scroll hanging in your tent and that alone makes his heart race.

Maybe you two are inevitable and he'd only prolonged it because of his own fears.

“Neteyam!”

Te’feyra steps in his line of sight, standing before him and the hometree that houses your tent. He glances away when she stops in front of him.

“Te’feyra,” he greets cordially.

“I haven't seen you since the incident with ________,” she says. “Are you alright?”

Neteyam nods.

“Never better,” he says simply.

“After dinner we should–”

He spots you, satchel thrown over your shoulder. You glance his way momentarily, but scurry in the direction of your tent when you lock eyes with him.

“If you will excuse me, please,” he says politely, extricating himself from Te’feyra to follow after you.

He catches up to you right outside of your tent.

“________!” he calls.

You freeze almost imperceptibly, but continue on your way, climbing the flattened incline spiraling around the center of the hometree.

“________,” he murmurs, fist closing around your skinny bicep.

You jolt to a stop, golden eyes razor sharp as you glance down at him. Your fist is wrapped tight around the strap of the satchel, knuckles stretched taut.

“Neteyam,” you reply softly. “Yes?”

He opens his mouth to say something, but finds that his tongue weighs heavy behind his lips.

“If you seek help, there are elders available for healing,” you inform him, making a move to remove your arm from his grasp.

He instinctively tightens his grasp and you shift uncomfortably.

“Sorry, sorry,” he says quietly, pulling away. “I just want to speak with you.”

A few beats pass as you blink at him.

“Well?”

“Oh,” he swallows. “Can I come in?”

You turn to face the flap of your tent before craning your long neck over your shoulder to nod.

“Sure,” you agree, holding the hide open to let him in.

You step in after him, table scattered with mixtures of finely-pounded dust, scrolls of research and bundles of materials.

You set your satchel down and begin unloading your finds from you excursion.

Meanwhile, Neteyam paces nervously, trailing the circumference of your tent, eyes flitting every which way to take in every piece of you.

A thick silence envelops you and you clear your throat when the satchel is empty.

“You wanted to talk?” you ask, watching as he stops in front of a scrolled tacked to one of the beams.

It's the pressed flower he'd given to you all that time ago as children. It's central in the room, catching the sun so beautifully and Neteyam uses this as the last bit of courage he needs to continue.

“You kept it,” he says, voice shaky.

“Of course,” you say simply, picking through your different finds. “You gave it to me.”

Neteyam turns, looks you head on and he feels his resolve crumbling.

“You like me,” he says bluntly, afraid that if he beats around the bush, he'll cop out.

“Everyone does,” you deflect.

Neteyam's jaw locks.

“No, ________, you like me,” he repeats.

You feel small, sorting the petals by color, fingers nimble against the soft grain of the wooden tabletop.

“Presumptuous,” you hum, unable to meet his piercing gaze.

“________,” he presses.

You bite your lip, tears clouding your vision as your fingers begin to trembling through the sorting. He's being so unfair and he doesn't even know it.

“Why?” you ask shakily.

“What do you mean why?” Neteyam counters, voice taking on the same edge he did with his brother days prior and he'd interrogated him about you.

“Why are you doing this?” you croak, and he hears the tears in your voice.

He's across the floor before you can blink.

“Are you crying?” he asks, shocked.

“Why do you want me to say it so badly?” you choke, poor petals strangled in your vibrating fist. “Is it not enough? To know that I yearn for you silently? That everyone pities me because my heart belongs to someone who's already spoken for?”

Neteyam is stunned.

“I like you, Neteyam. I always have,” you say, voice raw with emotion. “It's my biggest defeat to say I always will. Is that what you want to hear?”

Your eyes are tinged red and his throat feels stuffed with cotton.

“I've always admired you,” you say quietly, between hiccuping breaths. “But I didn’t know you could be so cruel.”

Neteyam winces, every word he’d practiced earlier, completely obliterated from his short term. He knows he should just tell you, tell you that his heart yearns for yours, too. That he'd been too blinded by his impending duty to feel the full effects of what a first love could be like.

“You should go,” you say when he's silent.

You brush your tears away and pat your cheeks dry with the back of your hands as you carefully set the wilted flowers the the edge of the table.

“I–”

“Neteyam, spare me, please.”

“I don’t want to,” he finally says.

Your eyebrows furrow, eyes swollen as you gaze at him unjaded. Who he believed to be so stoic and passive now baring every possible inch to him.

“You're–”

“I don't want to be with Te'feyra,” he finally spits, fists clenched. “I won't be with her.”

Your gaze softens, lips parting to ask what's gotten into him, but he cuts you off.

“You,” he answers firmly, before the question clings in the air. “It’s you. I want to be with you.”

"Stop," you whisper, shaking your head furiously. You take a step away from where he's quickly closing in on you. “Don't–”

He pauses mid-stride and the expression on his handsome face is absolutely devastating. His chest rises and falls shakily and you take a moment to meet his eyes.

“I’m sorry I didn’t notice it before,” he says desperately, “I was scared and didn't fully realize it, but I do now.”

“That’s unfair,” you hiccup. “This isn't just on your terms. You can’t— you can’t just tell me you like me and expect me to be with you.”

These passing moments are the most he’s ever heard you speak, and he’s afraid that he's severely underestimated you. It doesn’t taste so sweet now that he’s faced with the reality of things.

“You will be the future leader of this clan,” you continue. “That is a great responsibility that you've prepared for your entire life. Who you decide to be with is a permanent fixture that cannot be undone.”

“I know, I know,” he assures you.

“You find it in your heart pity me, Neteyam,” you breathe quietly. “But do you really want to be bonded to someone passive and weak?”

He opens his mouth to argue, but you've squared your shoulders, stomach caving and expanding with a deep breath. You turn to your prior task.

“You should go,” you repeat. “Duty calls.”

“What do you mean you need help?” Kiri asks incredulously, eyes widened at her older brother.

“________,” Neteyam says. “She's icing me out.”

Kiri's face melts in relief and she scoffs a laugh.

“Do you blame her?”

“Kiri!” he pleads.

Kiri stops her movements, falling back on her haunches to meet Neteyam's desperate gaze. It's so unlike him, being uncertain, nervous. He's picked up the habit of fiddling his fingers and Kiri snorts to herself.

“Actions,” she says simply.

“Huh?” he vocalizes.

“Words mean nothing to ________ if your actions don't support them,” she says. “This entire time you've acted so lukewarm towards her. Of course she won't believe you when you decide to acknowledge that you love her.”

Neteyam's throat bobs as he stares down at his sister.

“And how will I do that?” he presses.

Kiri shrugs.

“Not so mighty warrior now, are we?”

As the days progress, you begin to grasp at finally coming to terms with the tattered remains of what's left of you and Neteyam's frayed relationship. Your heart hasn't stonewalled him completely, but the yearning for him has dulled to a slight ache.

His eyes are piercing every moment you share the same vicinity. Kiri would even try to argue you that it's longing, but Neteyam's a slave to his honor and you aren't convinced.

“You should pity the poor boy,” an elder tells you as you cut up ingredients for the evening's dinner.

You pause, fingers tightening around the handle of the knife. You roll your lips together before briefly meeting her gaze, warm under firelight.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you deflect, clearing your throat.

She laughs, peeling a purple fruit.

“Neteyam,” she says forwardly. “Hasn’t taken his eyes off you in who knows how long. Will you continue to let him suffer?”

You want to argue that it's you who's suffering. That the heart that beats inside the hollow of your ribcage feels like it'll tear in two every time you recall the venom in Neteyam's voice when he'd called you weak.

“I doubt his suffering has anything to do with me,” you say instead. “We are only acquaintances.”

The elder laughs again.

“Is that why he's been pestering the elders for input on how to sway your heart?”

Your head shoots up from where you've focused on the fine cuts of vegetables.

“What?”

“He’s been slacking on his duties, instead poking around the elders and villagers trying to pry information about you,” she says. “Heard him muttering about what kind of flowers you like.”

“It will take more than flowers to sway my heart,” you mumble.

“So you admit that there's something there, hmm?”

Your cheeks heat, caught like a fish in warm waters.

“I–”

“I'd argue that Neteyam’s liked you longer than you've liked him,” the elder says simply.

You bite.

“Why do you say that?”

“He's always asked Eywa for courage, and it seems like she gave you as an answer.”

The elder climbs to her feet, leaving you near the open flame. You open your mouth to call out to her, but the scent of salt and leaves envelops you before you can say anything.

You crane your neck and find Neteyam a few paces from you.

“Do you have a few moments?” he asks politely.

You want to say no, tell him that you'd offered him an infinite amount of moments that he'd spent building bridges between the two of you, but if he's a slave to his honor, you're bound by heart.

“Okay,” you say hesitantly, abandoning your task.

He holds his hand out for you to take and your fingers slide across his warm palm as he pulls you to your feet. Once he secures your hold in his, he tugs you along.

You don't know where he's taking you, or what he could possibly want with your time, but you feel a thousand times more nervous than ever now that the tangled web of your feelings drapes the both of you.

After a few moments of rugged silence, climbing through bushes and brush, he punctures the quiet.

“Are you well?” he asks.

“Yes,” you answer after a moment. “You?”

“Truthfully?” he responds, pausing to face you. You realize his hand still engulfs yours. “No.”

“No?” you parrot shakily.

“No,” he affirms. “I've been hurting actually.”

Your eyebrows furrow.

“You should seek help if you have an ongoing–”

“Here,” he says, the hand still caught in his being guided to lay flat against his chest. You can feel his heart hammering behind his ribcage. “It hurts here.”

You swallow, pulling away from his grasp when you realize his insinuation.

“Don’t,” you warn.

He breathes a shaky sigh before taking a step towards you. He's corded muscle and warmth as his palm comes to cradle your jaw. Your bottom lip twitches as you stare up at him.

“It’s always been you,” he says quietly, thumb brushing your chin as his eyes map every curve of your face. “I think I’ve always known it deep down, but...”

Your hand comes up to meet his, gently prying his touch away.

“Neteyam,” you sigh. “Had the last few days unfolded differently, I don't think you'd been saying this now.”

“Maybe not now,” he agrees. “But one day, I would. I know I would. Because when I recall every fond moment, you’re there. No matter how close to the background you get, you’re always there.”

You look skeptical, and Neteyam knows he's losing you. So he digs in the small knapsack he has slung over his broad shoulders and pulls out something thin.

When he holds it up with shaky fingers, your breath catches in your throat. Strung through the taut brown of tree vine is a line of beads identical to the one that he wears on a braid tucked behind his ear. Upon closer inspection, you notice the blue and purple beads formed to create your favorite flowers.

“Wha—”

“Until you decide you want to be mine,” he says, voice trembling nervously as he takes your arm and gently slides the band up until it fits snuggly around your bicep. “So that you remember I'm always yours.”

Your voice is caught in your throat as he brings your fingers up to his lips.

“I won’t push you,” he says when he realizes your words have evaded you. “But I’ll wait for you.”

“Neteyam–”

He simply smiles at you, golden eyes shy as he takes a step back to admire his handiwork. He seems satisfied, triumphant, when you eye the band but make no moves to remove it.

“I’ll wait for you,” he repeats, giving your fingers a squeeze before running off.

“He did what?” Lo’ak shrills a week later.

The younger three Sully's had hunted you down and brought you to the clearing dedicated to archery training.

Slender fingers wrap around your wrist and elbow to turn your arm to examine the band with wide eyes.

You can’t help but smile gently to yourself, watching the way the sun catches the reflection of the pearlescent beads and reflects them brightly.

“I knew that dummy was planning something,” Kiri grumbles. You bite your lip when she meets your gaze. “Well?”

“Well what?” you ask, arm still in Lo’ak’s grasp.

He twists playfully and your laugh glitters in the air.

"Are you going to put my knucklehead brother out of his misery or what?" Kiri hisses, arm drawing to shoot a arrow that stabs the target about a centimeter too left.

Tuk giggles as she runs up to the target to examine the damage.

“Yeah, please do, he's in love and it's disgusting,” Lo'ak grumbles, still eyeing the cuff.

Your heart skips at the mention of love, cheeks going warm when both Kiri and Lo'ak notice how you've gone quiet. They begin laughing, dealing you playful punches.

“Stop that,” you scold, swatting their hands away. “I haven’t given him an answer yet.”

“Oh, get real!” Kiri huffs. “You are so in love, you know you'll say yes.”

“Please put me out of my misery,” Lo'ak moans. “I'm tired of being his therapist because he's a little bitch.”

“Lo'ak,” you warn, eyes narrowing.

He giggles and Kiri stifles a laugh as you flounder, cheeks blooming under the siblings' teasing.

“You are both so awful,” you say petulantly, arms crossing one over the other. “How are you so sure I’ll return his feelings?”

It's Kiri's turn to groan, eyes rolling.

“Sure enough that I know if I let you in on a little secret, it'll light a fire under your ass,” she says seriously.

Your spine goes rigid, arms loosening as you wait with bated breath.

“Neteyam may choose you, but if you don’t choose him back quickly enough, someone could swoop in and claw that chance from you,” she shrugs.

Te'feyra's name is an ugly insinuation and something green coils its way into the pit of your stomach as you recall the chaste kiss she'd pressed to Neteyam's lips all those nights ago in the forest.

“Gears turning?” Lo'ak lilts.

They definitely are and suddenly you feel small, digging your big toe into the dirt to drag lines through the forest floor. You nod hesitantly, band suddenly tight around your bicep.

In your ruminating, Lo'ak and Kiri pass a knowing glance.

“Well?” Lo'ak prods.

You fidget, rattling with nerves.

“I suppose...”

Lo'ak sighs and his hands come down on your shoulders to steer you through the clearing.

“Where are we going?” you squeak.

“To put everyone out of their misery,” Lo'ak huffs.

The forest seems way more alive than usual, glowing so bright it almost overpowers the sun. Woodsprites gather around as Lo'ak nudges you through the thick foliage and you can't help but think about the sweet smile that curled on Neteyam's lips as he assured you that he was yours. All yours.

The fire crackles in the distance and you know that the morning meal is in the works when voices roar quietly meters away.

Neteyam sits near the center, surrounded by elders and the dreaded girl.

Te'feyra's obliterated every single centimeter of space available, nearly melded to his side as the elders talk animatedly over the two.

You want to turn back, uncertainty vice-like, but Lo'ak squeezes your shoulders as a silent plea. Not even a moment passes before Neteyam peels himself away and begins putting distance between them.

When Te'feyra gives him a curious glance, he gives her an uneasy smile.

“Be courageous, ________,” Lo'ak encourages. “You're one of the strongest people I know.”

With a final pat on the back, he pushes you towards the circle and the sudden movement catches everyone's gaze.

“________,” one of the elders calls fondly.

You smile and bow your head, fingers twitching at your sides.

“Hello,” you greet quietly, eyes swooping hesitantly to Neteyam who rises to his feet, already watching you intently.

That's when you notice it, the choker fastened around his throat. The vine is identical to yours, but it's strung with a line of beads that mirror the ones woven into a singular braid at the nape of your neck.

You hadn't realized that he'd noticed it all this time, but it's the ultimate confirmation that Neteyam sees you. And when he notices that you notice, he smiles softly.

The elders notice as well, drawing the link between your arm band and the necklace that Neteyam wears, now that you two stand opposite each other.

“May I borrow Neteyam for a moment?” you ask politely.

The same elder you prepared with the evening prior gleams a wide smile when Neteyam takes a step towards you, fingers brushing delicately with yours.

Te'feyra remains seated, lips twitching as her gaze flits between the two of you.

“By all means,” one of them says. “Take your time.”

You bow your head again, heart thudding when Neteyam's fingers twine with yours and he lets you drag him out of the circle and deeper into the forest.

When you deem that no prying eyes or ears surround you, you stop, Neteyam bumping softly into your back. The hair on the back of your neck bristle when he makes no moves to extricate himself from you, simply moving your braids from your face to reveal the string of beads tucked near the nape of your neck.

“You needed me?” he whispers, fingers still ghosting the skin of shoulder.

You swallow, squeezing your eyes shut as you relish the moment. Your fingers are still locked and for a fleeting second, you pretend that it's always been like this, the two of you.

“I am nothing extraordinary,” you start, and Neteyam's fingertips pause at your elbow.

“I'd argue differently,” he responds.

“I value time alone and I get overwhelmed often,” you continue.

“We all have our moments,” is his rebuttal as the hand covering yours squeezes gently.

You sigh.

“I could—”

Neteyam turns you and you're met with the the choker, beads glinting under the light. Your eyes drag up the column of his strong neck, flit past his soft lips and finally lock with his searing gaze.

“You can try all you want to run me off,” Neteyam laughs quietly, cupping your jaw. “But I'm not scared anymore.”

Your expression is skeptical and Neteyam decides to bite the bullet. He's closing in on you and your heart pounds violently in your chest.

“Neteyam,” you whisper weakly, hand coming up to his chest.

He traps your fingers against his heart, lips slotting between yours before you can protest some more.

It's like the forest comes alive around you, grass tickling between your toes as you melt under his touch and lean up into his mouth.

His hands are everywhere at once, branding your cerulean skin as he kisses you like it's your last moments. There's no hesitation, no feeling it out, just his warm breath and his soft lips as he pulls you impossibly closer.

“I'll take you as you are at any moment,” he says breathlessly between kisses. “You just have to say you want me back, ________. Please.”

You nod, nose brushing against his as one of his palms splay at the small of your back and the other grabs your chin, pulling you back to plant another burning kiss on your lips.

“Say it,” he begs.

Your eyes begin to mist as you nod again eagerly, parting for a moment to whisper the words.

“I'm yours,” you hoarse, hands on either side of his neck. “I'm yours if you'll be with me.”

Neteyam simply kisses you again, a satisfied hum rumbling from his built chest.

“Fucking finally,” a whisper sounds from the brush.

A LIL' BONUS

“You think they would have figured it out on their own?” Lo'ak asks, wolfing down his food.

Kiri shrugs, feeding Tuk a piece of fruit from her wooden plate.

“Maybe,” she says, unable to suppress her proud grin. “Maybe not. They're both stupid."

“I think so,” Te'feyra laughs watching you and Neteyam fondly from across the fire. “They were a long time coming.”

an – thank you SO much if you've made it this far! again, leave a request or let's chat hehehe. up next is lo'ak so stay tuned! :)

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neng © 2023

[rootsoftheforest]

Yearning

✿ neteyam x fem!reader ✿

➳ summary: neteyam and you have been crushing on each other for the longest time, with a lot of built-up tension. However, neither of you expected his parents to get in the way of your love.

➳ warnings: him and reader aged up, tiny bit of angst, mention of readers parents being dead, neteyam and you pining over eachother, slight talks about arranged marriage/ mates if you squint, fluff at the end

➳ note: this is my first avatar work, so please be nice! Reblogs, comments, and likes are appreciated <3

You were fed up. Fed up with his longing stares, and especially with the looks the other villagers gave you. Like you couldn't hear the whispers. As if you couldn't feel their condescending looks. Him staring at you only made matters worse for the fact.

Neteyam couldn't care less about the villagers. Hell, he didn't even know what exactly they were whispering about. Their disparaging looks didn't make it too difficult to figure out, though. You were perfect in his eyes. You had never judged him when he cried in your arms at night, while he let down the long-since-built walls, constructed as a consequence of his father's harsh words.

Neytiri could only shake her head, amazed at the similarities between her firstborn and her husband. They were both lovable, but when it came to showing that love outwardly to those they loved, embarrassment appeared quicker than she could shoot an arrow. Too many times she's had to wake you up late at night and send you home when you and Neteyam have been fooling around late into the night about some topic she thought was silly, and ended up falling asleep half on top of one another. A true masterpiece, as she would call it. And not infrequently, an unmissable blush would appear on Neteyam's cheeks as soon as she would mention it. With the number of times this already has happened, Jake was more than confused about the sudden change of color on his son's face, only for Neytiri to displeasingly shake her head. Sully boys and love, like she said.

For the two of you, there was only one thing: you would make fun of his little brother for the rest of your days. As friends. What else?

Your parents died in an attack by the sky people just before the Sullys decided to seek out another clan for the safety of their people. You didn't let go of Neteyam's arms for nights on end, and even though your nails were digging into his back, almost painfully, and his chest was smooth with tears, he never sent you away. It wasn't a difficult decision to go with him. Who else did you have?

✿

You walked arm in arm along the beach. The sun shone down on you relentlessly, pleasantly beating down your hair, and warming your skin. You could still feel the freezing wind that blew over the sea, grateful more than ever for the weather Eywa blessed you with after your long journey. Thanks to Neteyam, you had a not-too-hard time arriving, Tuk however took it the hardest. The eight-year-old still refused to make friends her age, instead clinging to her siblings whenever possible. Jake and Neytiri were usually too busy with clan affairs, which hit the youngest harder than she admitted. Lo'ak, however, preferred to spend his time with a certain curly-haired Na'vi. Surely it wasn't on purpose, but an eight-year-old would hardly understand that. Kiri was mostly out in the ocean anyway and didn't come back until late in the evening with a handful of accessories. No way you had a problem taking care of her! But in moments like these, when you were just a girl and Neteyam just a boy with no responsibilities, you were grateful more than ever for Eywa's blessing.

You were pulled out of your thoughts when you felt a prick in your upper left arm. A grin crossed Neteyam's face as you darted around to him, eyes narrowed and mouth wide open. He just shrugged his shoulders. "You could have just said no instead of scaring the hell out of me...looked like your mind left your body." You rolled your eyes. Neteyam has always been the more dramatic of the two of you, which has often shown to not be helpful in the most harmless situations. Neither of you would ever forget the incident with the pa'li, nor Neytiri's 3-hour-long debark. Since then you have never dared to ride one of these creatures again, which couldn't be said of Neteyam. Of course not. He needed adventure like air to breathe, and adventure needed him just as equally.

His long fingers wandered from your shoulder to your waist, where they lingered comfortably. You couldn't help but feel how your breath quickened and your body tingled where it touched Neteyam's. You prayed to Eywa that he couldn't feel how fast your heart was beating. More and more often lately, the eldest Sully boy didn't even have to touch you to get that kind of reaction out of you. But when he touched you... Suddenly you were very aware of his big hand on your waist, the way his fingers dug into the flesh...

"Y/N? Y/N! Wiya, you did it again! Seems like you don't even want to listen to me anymore..."

Pushing the inappropriate thoughts out of your head, you shook your head violently. "Teyam, no! It's just... I don't know. Everything feels so different lately. As if this peace were just a cruel dream, and we could wake up to reality at any moment."

His gaze softened, gently pulling you towards him so that your entire left half was now pressed against his right. "If this was a dream, I'd be glad you were in it. Maybe this is just a dream, so what? Then this would be the best dream ever." He playfully pinched your waist, which elicited an angry squeak. Quickly he averted his eyes and cleared his throat, missing the way your entire face was blushing. Eywa, this must certainly be a dream, he thought. He swallowed hard, looked up at the sky, and then back into your eyes. "My mom keeps asking about you. I think if you don't come to dinner tonight she'll wring my neck herself."

You grinned. "That would be too bad..." He looked at you in mock indignation but couldn't help the laughter that escaped his throat. "So, you'll come? For my mom?", he asked, looking at you with his puppy eyes. Your knees almost buckled at the sight, but you managed to look at him with a pursed mouth. "For your mom? Neteyam, if that's just another excuse to put those nasty leaves in my food that give me a rash-" "It was one time! Lo'ak threatened to push me off my ikran the next time we would have a mission again!", he interrupted you, but quickly closed his mouth when he saw the look in your eyes. Sometimes you were more like his mother than he would have liked. He had apologized to you for hours at the time and sat in front of your tent for 2 days because you had given him the cold shoulder. He could take it that you were mad at him, but it felt as if some part of him was missing when you weren't with him. There was a heavy storm at the time, and he would probably have frozen to death from all the rain and wind if you hadn't dragged him into your tent with your own hands and forced him to eat. He refused to even touch the food until you accepted his apology. Eywa, could he be stubborn...

Slowly you started to walk on, dragging Neteyam with you. You couldn't stay mad at him for long. Not your Neteyam. You breathed in slowly and audibly, a smile again creeping its way onto your face. "How could I ever turn down your mother's food..."

✿

"And then Neteyam here said that he didn't have to bathe for 2 weeks as a protest, just because I pointed out to him that he would scare away the whole prey with such a stench," Neytiri said with a full mouth, a handful of bladder polyps on her plate. The plant's salty taste was delicious, leaving a tingling sensation on your tongue after you chew and swallow it. Jake once compared its taste to the one of a pickle, whatever that was.

Neteyam's face flushed, his eyes grazing yours to see if you even caught his mother's words. He was suddenly very aware of your proximity. How your thigh grazed his, or the sweet smell of the perfume that Tsireya must have given you. He would always prefer your natural scent but still could only pray that his body wouldn't betray him during the duration of this meal. He prayed.

Jake cleared his throat and almost all conversation ceased except for Kiri's soft chatter with Tuk. He admonished the two with a quick look but didn't bother any further with their talk. "This wonderful dinner, prepared by my wonderful mate", he said with a loving gaze toward Neytiri, "finally gives us a chance to get together again. There is much that needs to be talked about, some urgent matters that take priority." Neteyam looked at him warily, not quite taking his gaze off of you yet. Jake was now facing Neteyam, who was switching from looking at you and his father. "As you surely know, the time has come in your life when you have to make certain decisions. Coupled with the rumors going around... Neteyam, you need a mate."

He could have also set fire to the tent, and thrown the entirety of you into the ocean. The sound that escaped from your throat sounded almost outraged. Neteyam swallowed hard, trying to hide the sweat from his hands. There was no way his father chose to have this conversation the one time you agreed on having dinner with him.

"Do we have to have this conversation when Y/N's over?"

"Don't worry, Y/N was expected to have this conversation in a few days as well. Having her eat here with us today only avoids unnecessary complications," Jake dismissed. Neytiri had a look in her eyes that you couldn't read, looking down at her plate vehemently. Tuk's and Kiri's conversation had also fallen silent in the meantime, the two girls now doing the same as their mother, although you could see Tuk sneakily glancing up at what her father was saying.

Neteyam shook his head, but Jake warned him with a look you've seen all too often on the father's face. "Rumors are floating around Neteyam... rumors that you've already chosen someone. Do you know how much concern these rumors are causing? And guess who the number 1 guess is." You knew he meant you. And from the way Neteyams ears twitched, you knew that he was aware of that too.

Neteyam hoped that if everyone saw him with you, they would finally understand that he wasn't interested in anyone else, and certainly never would be. But it rather seemed like it had the opposite effect.

Jake's gaze softened a bit after looking at his wife's reaction. It seemed like she wasn't particularly excited to have this conversation, particularly not with you there to witness it. "I don't want to deprive you of your freedom of choice by any means son, but since you refuse to take Y/N as your-", he started, but Neteyam interrupted him with a snarl. "How many times do I have to tell you that we're friends? Friends! You act like the clan will throw us out if I don't choose a woman tomorrow." But the head of the family did not put up with any arguments. He raised his hand to signal Neteyam to be quiet. "We're lucky the clan took us so well. And surely no one cares that you're still unmated, but do you really want people to start talking? Especially about Y/N, who certainly has nothing to do with your situation."

Neteyam said nothing. He just looked down at his plate, defeated, all appetite driven away. It shouldn't bother you that much. You guys were friends after all, best friends if you can put it that way. But that he preferred to be the number one topic of conversation, instead of even considering mating with you...

No. No. No. You couldn't think like that. It was Neteyam after all! Your accommodating, incredibly considerate Neteyam, whom you would like to wring his neck for all the feelings he aroused in you. You didn't even notice your feet carrying you out of the tent, nor Neytiri's worried look, or Tuk's plaintive call of your name.

Maybe you were wrong. Maybe it wasn't just Neteyam who needed adventure in his life to survive. And perhaps it was Neteyam who was the real adventure in your life. Who was your adventure...

✿

The waves were unusually calm as you were sitting on the sand with Tsireya by your side as if Eywa sensed how shaken you were. It has been a week since the incident at the Sullys. You were thankful more than ever to have your own tent, as you didn't want any confrontation with Neteyam or his parents yet. You weren't sure if you would ever want that. Tsireya must have noticed your sudden change in mood because she said nothing, instead sitting next to you while the two of you worked on a necklace. She firmly believed that being creative and doing something was a great help against bad moods. And truly, you haven't felt at peace like that since before the dinner a week ago.

Your fingers almost hurt from the repeating motion you had to do to create the certain pearl pattern you wanted in your necklace, when you suddenly heard voices behind you. No no no. Your field of vision was suddenly blocked from the sun, and you had to tilt your neck uncomfortably to face the source of your problems. Of course, your moment of peace had to be interrupted by him. Neteyam Sully had his hands clasped behind his back and his expression seemed blank, were it not for the small smile that had long been reserved just for you. Tsireya looked back and forth between you, asking you with a silent look if this was okay with you. You just nodded slightly, never taking your eyes off Neteyam. Taking the hint, she took her unfinished necklace and quietly snuck away.

Neteyam looked after her until she disappeared from his sight, and then took the spot next to you where Tsireya just sat. Neither of you said anything for a few minutes until he finally spoke. "You know, my mom almost killed me when I didn't run after you." You didn't say anything, which he took with a nod and the sign to continue. "I never really paid attention to girls when I grew up. Why should I when I grew up with the best of them?" You slowly turned to him and realized that his eyes were on you. You almost stood up, if his eyes didn't have that pleading look in them. So you just continued to listen.

"I've never questioned my disinterest in girls growing up, thinking that the right one just hadn't walked into my life yet. But I was stupid, so stupid. Eywa, I probably still am." You couldn't help but grin at his words, and he laughed at how easily he could coax a reaction out of you. Slowly, not wanting to scare you away, he slipped his hands into yours so that you were now facing him. "Y/N... I never saw it. I never understood why my parents never wanted to stop teasing me about you. But I guess I didn't want to see it. Didn't want to realize that there was a possibility, a big one at that, that you might not feel the same as I do." Your heart was beating wildly, and you thought for a moment that he could hear how wildly it was beating, how wildly it was beating for him, when his gaze slid to your chest and then up again. He gently squeezed your hand, unconsciously stroking the back of your hand with his thumb soothingly.

You knew what he was getting at, the look in his eyes almost unbearable. You didn't know what you were supposed to say, your throat feeling tight all of a sudden, unable to get any sound out of it. So you just scooted closer to him, your chest now barely touching his. "I always thought there was something wrong with me. That I wasn't in a position to like the chief's son even a little bit more than his best friend should. But..." You looked up at him desperate, gazing at his lips for a short second. His pupils dilated with something indescribable at seeing your flushed cheeks and blown eyes. You could have sworn that the air around you was buzzing. No words needed to be said as you two stared at each other, no words to express the magnitude of feelings that existed between you.

"Neteyam, I-"

"I see you Y/N."

You sat there with a dumbfounded look on your face, mouth wide open at the fact that he shamelessly interrupted your confession. Part of you wanted to smack him in the chest for that, but you were sure that any more physical contact would make your heart actually fail. He saw you. He is seeing you.

Neteyam didn't know how you managed to smile that hard, or how his heart could beat as hard as it was right now, but Eywa would he put up with it a thousand times more if it meant he would be able to see that look on your face again.

"I see you too, skxawng."

You didn't want to think of all the consequences that this moment would bring, or how tomorrow would be after you woke up and the situation would sink in your head.

You were right. He was your adventure, but you were also his. He needed adventure like he needed air to breathe, and for the first time in ages, it felt like he was finally able to again.

With you.

[rootsoftheforest]

trouble

neteyam sully x fem!navi!reader

summary : Jake and Y/N go behind Neteyam’s back.

——————————————————————————

“You’re making my brain hurt, Lo’ak!” Y/N sneered then scooted away from him to be closer to Kiri. He was attempting braiding her hair and failing terribly which caused him to pull at her head too hard for her liking. Lo’ak huffed and stuck his tongue out at her then stormed off to find Spider. “What a grump.”

Kiri nodded and softly plated Y/N’s hair with nimble fingers, “He is a pain.” Kiri’s parents and her brother, Neteyam, were leading the mountain rounds for the night and left Y/N in charge, despite her not being Jake or Neytir’s child, but Neteyam’s mate. “They will be back soon.”

“Good thing I put Tuk to bed a while ago.” Y/N mumbled, fiddling with the bracelets on her wrists and ankles. All of the them given to her by Tuk or Neteyam. “I should probably go get Lo’ak before they return.”

Kiri sighed, a little mad her parents put Y/N on kid duty and made it her responsibility for a family that wasn’t even hers, not until her and Neteyam officially became one. “Quick.”

Y/N shot up and trekked through High Camp, calling for Lo’ak. There was no response, so Y/N eventually ended up outside the camp on a branch bridge. She cursed in Na’vi after she couldn’t find him. Going farther down from the camp, she detected rustling and laughing in a nearby cave. She yelled again for him, and he came running out of the hiding place with Spider and two Omatikaya girls.

“Don’t tell my father.” Lo’ak pleaded after he saw Y/N’s surprised yet mischievous face. “He’ll skin me alive.”

“Oh, wouldn’t that be so awful?” She teasingly pouted at him then snapped her fingers and pointed to the spot next to her. Lo’ak grumbled as he retreated to her side. “Spider, take them home.” He forcefully nodded and led the girls back. “Why are you so stupid?”

“What?” Lo’ak questioned and kept pace with Y/N as she climbed up some rocks.

“Your parents would have murdered me if I didn’t find you. Why were you out there anyway?” Y/N unexpectedly put a hand on his mouth before he could talk. “I don’t actually care. That was rhetorical. But don’t do that again.”

They reached High Camp, and Y/N saw Jake sitting by the entrance, assumed to be waiting for her and Lo’ak. She dragged a hand down her face then smacked Lo’ak loudly. He whined and ran away from her and to his dad who cackled at Y/N’s action.

“I see you had a problem.” Jake eyed his youngest son who was standing to the left of him. Y/N scratched the hair at the bottom of her scalp then shrugged lightly.

“I mean, nothing I can’t handle.” Y/N boasted playfully, and Lo’ak shoved her to the side. “You little-“

“Language!” Jake quipped before Y/N spoke a nasty word. She zipped her lips and flipped Lo’ak off instead. “Lo’ak, go help Neteyam with the Ikran, I have to speak to Y/N.”

Y/N widened her eyes, “Am I in trouble? Please say no!” Jake shook his head and pulled her to just outside the mountain cavern. “What is it? You’re scaring me.”

“I want you to be on the raid tomorrow.” Jake quieted down, knowing his eldest son and wife were awake in the tent.

“Ok, why is this a secret?”

“Neteyam doesn’t know you’re going, and he isn’t going himself.”

“So, I am committing treason against my mate?”

“Essentially.” Jake laughed, and Y/N gazed at the floating mountains. “He isn’t going to be happy with either of us.”

Y/N snickered while her ears went down in agreement, “But, do tell, why am I going and he isn’t?”

“He would be too worried about you to be an actual lookout for me.” Y/N pursed her lips. “And you are a good warrior, strong.”

“Interesting. Well, I have to prepare for my assassination by your son tomorrow when he realizes I am not home and where I am.”

“I count on it.” Jake whistled.

——

“Fire!” The chief voice Jake used came out when he said that as a train track was blown up. “Y/N, get that plane down.”

“Got it!” She raised her bow and released an arrow pointing at the first pilot, striking him right through the torso. Y/N aimed at the second one, but the gunmen learned of her position and began shooting at her. Now, Y/N was annoyed. An arrow flew for the second time from her bow and made its home in the pilot’s chest. The plane went down, and Y/N whooped with others. “It’s not an issue anymore.”

“Thank you.” Jake shortly transmitted, and Y/N went back to scouting for anymore threats.

Abruptly, bullets were flying at her backside, and she got to the floor, covering herself with her bow. Her eyes found the culprit, an aircraft with four pilots, and many soldiers with guns hanging out the open sides. Y/N huffed as she slightly lifted her bow, and an arrow flew into a soldier’s chest. Dead. The people in the plane didn’t like that. They fired rapidly at her place. “Jake!”

“I see you! Hold on!” Jake alarmed and made his way to his son’s mate. Jake’s gun blasted the ship and it became lopsided and fell into trees on fire. Y/N was still lowered as Jake arrived to her. “Are you hurt?”

“No.” Y/N responded. She stood and exposed the bullet grazes on her arms that were profusely bleeding. Jake gripped the place between her neck and shoulder and shook her. The adrenaline was tiring for Y/N so she began to hiss at the burning sensation. “I stand corrected.”

“My son is going to murder me.” Jake sighed and helped Y/N to her Ikran and holding her still as she was shaking slightly. “Will you be alright to fly back?”

“Yes, yes, of course.” She scoffed, her Ikran already in the sky, and Jake stared as she went out of sight before directing the warriors to fall back. Jake was on his Ikran after his instructions were said, and he followed Y/N closely, detecting whether she might fall. The two plus the warrior party made it to High Camp and the warriors began distributing the weapons and ammunition they raided. Jake and Y/N sneakily ran towards Mo’at’s tent and hoped neither of their mates were in there. The two shot each other relieved looks after Neteyam and Neytiri weren’t with Mo’at.

“Sit, child.” Mo’at hummed to Y/N, and the girl did as she was told. Jake stood at the flap of the tent, watching for Neytiri or Neteyam. Y/N grumbled ever so slightly as Mo’at lathered Y/N’s wounds with a mint leaf ointment. “You are in so much trouble, Toruk Makto.”

Jake shot Mo’at an annoyed glare and snarked, “You are helping, too.”

“I am tending to a warrior who is hurt. No blame in that.” Mo’at sharply cackled and put another kind of paste into Y/N’s injuries. “How are you?”

Y/N tore her eyes from her legs to stare into Mo’at’s eyes, “I am alright until Neteyam learns I am here.”

“Yes.” Mo’at agreed and placed a comforting hand on Y/N’s head. “Jakesully, sulking is not going to get you out of punishment.”

“She is right.” Neytiri appeared and roughly smacked her mate’s arm, and he held the place she touched with an apologetic expression. “My Y/N, what happened?”

“Oh, nothing really.” Y/N brushed off Neytiri’s concern and got to her feet. She could feel Neteyam nearby, and she needed to sprint before he saw her. Jake suddenly looked to her with wide eyes, and she knew exactly what that meant. Before she could even start to move her legs, Neteyam was grasping her upper arm, holding the uninjured part. “No!”

“Y/N.” Neteyam said. “How could you do this?”

“I had no choice, really. Your dad is Toruk Makto, I can’t just deny him.” Y/N weakly explained, and Neteyam’s ears drooped in disappointment. “Don’t look at me like that. I am fine anyway.”

“The medicine all over your arms say otherwise.” Neteyam shot back, and they held a stare-down. Jake and Neytiri peered as the two didn’t back down from each other’s penetrating stares. Finally, Neteyam sighed and pulled Y/N into his chest, “You could have been more hurt.”

“But I wasn’t.” Y/N’s voice was muffled by Neteyam’s skin. Her mate laughed at the sound, and Y/N lifted her head to him. “I am sorry I went behind your back, but I think we should just blame Jake.”

Jake became offended as Neteyam chuckled at Y/N and kissed her lips shortly. “I think so too.”

“Hey!” Jake whined slightly as everyone else giggled. Neytiri pushed Jake out of the tent to most likely scold him. Mo’at shooed Y/N and Neteyam away, so more injured could come for help.

“I am happy to see you.” Y/N muttered into Neteyam’s ear after they sat in their tent and cuddled into each other’s embrace. Neteyam kissed her neck and hummed.

“Likewise, my Y/N.” Neteyam uttered sweetly before putting his hand on her waist and massaging the skin there. “But you had me worried all day.”

“Yeah, yeah. But I came back to you.” Y/N mused while pecking against his lips. “I always will.”

“I hope so.” Neteyam pulled her infinitely closer and the whole night was filled with love from Y/N and Neteyam’s tent.

[rootsoftheforest]

heyyy,

i love your writing so much!- can i request a neteyam x na'vi reader fic where he is confessing his love for her and it's like that sound off tiktok- 'you might as well take my heart catherine, it's already so full of you' idk why i can literally just picture neteyam saying this- he's such a lover boy! feel free do add anything you want.

thank you, hope you're doing well!

you may as well take my heart | neteyam sully

pairing: neteyam sully x omaticiya! fem! reader

warnings: fluff, fighting, neteyam being whipped for you, slight angst, heated making out

A/N: i thought this request was really cool! please feel free to send in more!

masterlist!

neteyam sully was drawn to you the second he had met you when you were young, he knew as soon as he saw you playing by the river trying to catch a fish and failing miserably at doing so that you and him would become friends- he just didn't realise that as your friendship grew along with the two of you that his feelings towards you would turn into anything but what one would hold for their simple friend. neteyam sully knew he was a goner when he felt his heart start beating uncontrollably that he was sure that you and any na'vi from miles away could hear it's fast rhythm when your arm had grazed his accidently out hunting with one another. he knew it was only so soon when you too would realise his feelings for you had developed into more than he would ever want to lead on.

he couldn't concentrate when you were around him, he couldn't help but sneak glances at you when you were near- you were his best friend since young how could he have these feelings? but no matter how hard he tried to push down the emotions he felt for you they always managed to rise back up larger than before.

what neteyam failed to realise was your whole being yearned for his as well. you felt heat rush through to your face whenever he would brush your hair away from your face- what once was a simple gesture had turned into something that would make you want to melt into the ground.

everyone around you knew of what you felt for one another, but somehow the two of you were so blind for the love you held for the other that you couldn't see what was so painfully obvious.

but as the two to of you grew so did neteyam's responsibilities, he was the next olo'eyktan after all- the next leader of the omataticya clan. you and him started seeing less of each other as the days passed by, at first it didn't bother you. you knew he had a lot of pressure on him, so you didn't question it when he started telling you he couldn't join you for a ride through the hallelujah mountains or was needed by his father so he couldn't come along for a hunt with you. but it started to bother you when you noticed even when he wasn't being bothered by his duties he would still decline your offers- even go off by himself instead of going with you. you would be lying if you said you weren't hurt by his choices of distancing himself from you.

neteyam's reasoning behind it was quite stupid he had to even admit himself, he was so distracted by everything you did- simple or large- no matter what you did you made him distracted. he couldn't be distracted, no he just couldn't. so he decided to try and avoid you, in hopes it would make it better- it didn't, it only made him miss you and made him grow upset when he saw you with others. even though it was him who was the reason of the two of you drifting. if neteyam wanted to distance himself from you that bad then you would not stop him in doing so, even it it hurt you to do- you cannot be chasing another who is not willing to chase you.

eclipse had fell over pandora, you decided to go out hunting, you usually did so- neteyam use to join you in these nights but stopped. the darkness falling over the forest making everything glow a brilliant fluorescent.

drawing back your bow you took a deep breath pointing the arrow at your intended target, attempting to be as quiet as you could in order to not make the animal you wished to make your kill to become aware of your presence. you were about to realise the string to send the arrow flying when your ears perked up, hearing something shuffling on the large branch you were perched on. turning around quickly to the noise you pointed your arrow at the thing, about to attack it. "wow!" you slowly put your bow down only to see someone, neteyam. eyes wide and hands up from your sudden attempt at shooting him.

"neteyam!" you hissed at him, "do not sneak up on me! i nearly shot you!" you looked back down to the ground where the animal you were about to kill was suppose to be, but it had rushed away quickly at the sound of neteyam and you. "you made me lose a kill!"

he winced, rubbing the back of his neck in shame. "sorry."

you then turned back to him and grew confused, starting to regasture what was happening. what was neteyam doing here? neteyam?- wait neteyam! "why are you here?" you asked, it coming out harsher then you had intended it to.

"i need an excuse to see my best friend?" he teased grinning, stepping closer to you- the ground beneath him glowing as he stepped on it.

"i suppose not." you grinned back, still a little confused- he had not talked to you in a week and had been declining all your attempts to hang out for weeks now and randomly decides to come join you?

"how have you been?" he asked, the sight of you made his knees weak- he had missed you so much, he felt so stupid- so stupid for thinking everything would be better if you and him stopped seeing each other as much.

"i've been good," you weren't telling the complete truth, you hadn't been that good. you had been missing neteyam greatly, and had been hurting. "how have you been future olo'eyktan?" you joked making him chuckle at your choice of name for him.

"i have been okay, father has been pushing me a lot more lately." you felt bad for him, you knew how hard his father could be on him at times.

"he's only doing it because he loves you nete," you put a hand on his shoulder comfortingly- oh eywa, how he missed you calling him that. "he knows you are trying your best."

you always managed to know what to say to make him feel better. "i know." he looked up and met your gaze, silence fell over the two of you as you stared into each other's eyes. neteyam then reached his hand up to your face, brushing a loose strand of hair out of your face tucking it behind your ear softly. "you're so beautiful." he breathed out, it just slipped out of his mouth.

you felt a familiar feeling rising in your stomach, heat coming to meet your face. "neteyam, stop." you whispered, your tone was serious and filled with hurt as you pulled away from his touch leaving him confused.

"what? what's wrong?" he asked concerned, did he say something wrong? did he hurt you? but you didn't reply. "y/n, speak to me." he sounded desperate- because he was.

his hand reaching out to your face again, cupping your cheek gently. "don't touch me like that neteyam." you whispered again turned your head pulling away from his touch once more.

"y/n, what's wrong? can i fix it? please, love what is it?" he begged trying to figure out what was going on.

"don't call me that." you tried to push him away but he was too strong. you finally met his eyes, they were filled with worry and love as they looked at you. "stop looking at me like that neteyam."

"like what?"

"like- like you love me!" you put your hands on his chest and tried to push him, but he grabbed them with his own hands pulling them down gently- you couldn't protest as he was much stronger than you.

his face softened his voice becoming genuine, "that's because i do," he whispered pleading with you to meet his eyes. "y/n-"

"no, no you can't just do that- you can't it's not fair." you felt tears start to prick in your eyes, threatening to spill. how dare he?- how can he avoid you for weeks and ignore you then decide one day that he wants you? after he left you wondering what you might have done to make him want to not be around you. "you can't do that! you can't ignore me for weeks and shut down every attempt that i made to try and hang out with you then just get to say you love me like nothing happened!"

neteyam knew he had hurt you by doing all those things, if only you knew how much it hurt for him to do so. "i'm sorry, i'm so so sorry that i hurt you- i know it's no excuse but- " was all he manged to get out, "but i-i realised that i love you y/n." his voice was strained.

"no you don't neteyam- don't say that." you shook your head still trying to keep in the tears, neteyam had every woman in the clan begging for him- at his beck and call. why would he want you?

"i'm going to say it, because it's true- i'll say it a million times, i'll tell the whole pandora if that what it will take for you to believe me." neteyam brought your hands that were held in his and kissed them gently. "you might as well take my heart y/n, it's already full of you." he raised his hand to cup your cheek once more, this time you didn't pull him away. "while i've heard beautiful music i've thought, she'd like that. i've looked at flowers, knowing that one day i'd give them to you."

"y/n." he moved his hand down from your cheek to your chin gently turning your head to meet his, your eyes locked with his- neither of you breaking eye contact. "i see you."

you eyes searched his for falter- for any lies. but there were none, nothing but love for you. your mouth parted slightly- all the anger and sadness washing away, being replaced with excitement and happiness, neteyam loved you. "i see you neteyam." you whispered, neteyam grazed his thumb over your cheeks rubbing the tears away. leaning down to your face, placing a kiss on your forehead then your left cheek, then your right, and finally he placed his lips on your own gently. the kiss filled with passion as he deepened the kiss holding your jaw with one hand the other behind your back, holding you up- holding you delicately.

your hands slid around his neck, your warm hands sending shivers throughout neteyam's body- longing for you to touch every each of him with your sacred touch.

as your lips parted, both of you trying to gain your breath. neteyam examined your face, you were perfect. "so so beautiful." he breathed out, placing another kiss on your lips. "my beautiful girl." he whispered against your lips, resting your foreheads together, your breaths synchronized "i'm so so sorry for hurting you, i'll never do it again."

"promise?"

"i promise." he whispered into your ear, moving your hair that covered your neck gently, placing a tender kiss to your bare neck taking in your sweet scent, that always comforted him. "how can i make it up to you, yawne?" he whispered against your neck, making your breath hitch slightly.

"just kiss me." you whispered bringing his lips down to yours again, neteyam had no protests against your request. your mouths chasing each other, neteyam withdrawing his lips from yours to place his lips on your neck once more. earning light groans out of you, which drove him crazy.

"be my tsahìk." he said whilst peppering kisses from your collar bone upwards, he stopped when you pulled your hands back from his neck- missing the contact. you were staring at him with wide eyes. he suddenly started to grow nervous, "i'm sorry, did i do something?-"

"you want me to be your tsahìk?" you cut him off, staring at him as if you didn't believe what he said, he had just confessed his undying love for you and you were shocked he wanted you to be his tsahìk?

neteyam smiled softly, "so much." he ran his fingers through your hair, "do you want to be my tsahìk?"

a wide grin met your face, showing off your sharp fangs. "so much." you grinned against his lips, smiling into the kiss- him also doing so.

[rootsoftheforest]

Neteyam x reader (She/her pronouns)

Huddling for warmth trope please!

If You Wanted A Cuddle, You Could Have Asked

Uh-oh, I took 'huddling' and ran with it... I hope you're still satisfied with my interpretation of this trope, wanted to make it a little different but really could've gone a million different ways with this one! I have been loving all of the requests that have been sent, keep sending them they provide me with so much joy and purpose. <3

Pairing: Neteyam Sully x Reader (James Cameron’s Avatar) 

Requested: Yes | No

Warnings: This fluff gets a lil spicy, !!no minors!! 

Words: 1.2k

Author’s Notes: 

Neteyam is 21, reader is 21. Lo’ak and Kiri are roughly 20ish. I’m gonna estimate Tuk is 7 or 8?

Please note that the reader utilises she/her pronouns. If you’d prefer male or gender-neutral pronouns in fic I’m more than happy to repost a male or gn version of the story, otherwise include any pronoun preferences in the request box!

Taglist: @myheartfollower @luvlykrispy

Read below the cut:

You tossed and turned in your sleeping hammock. The rains had come early to you mountain home. Usually, the forest was warm, sometimes humid. But since moving to High Camp the altitude and rain came together to create something you never really felt bred for, the cold. 

You were shivering, your teeth chattering against one another in rapid succession. You felt your nose and the tips of your ears begining to burn, the pain sizzling into numbness, usually a comforting feeling to you when you were high in the sky, soaring with your ikran. But now, you just felt ill. You weren’t really one to normally care about clothes, but you were thankful for the shawl Kiri had gifted you earlier in the evening, pulling it tighter around your shoulders, bringing your knees as far as they could to your chest, in fetal position. 

Yet warmth never found you. 

You opened your eyes, groaning as you rolled onto your back, looking up at the waxed canvas and leather that built your tent. This time of year the sky often held the three moons, their light beautiful and full, causing Pandora’s bioluminescence to glow brighter, for longer. The waxed canvas was fantastic at keeping the light out at night.

Usually. 

You quickly held your hands up to your face, shivering as you did so, hands shaking ever so slightly. You could see them perfectly, like it was the middle of the day. It was far too bright in here, you could never see your hands usually. 

Your head whipped around, sitting up in your hammock you tried to find where the light was coming from. 

Right above your door, a perfect circle was cut into the waxed canvas, the moonlight flooding in, brining all the cold air with it. It would be an easy fix in the morning, just a small little patch to cover it. It wasn’t unusual for the canvas to wear or damage, or even for the leather to rip over time. But this was a perfect little hole. Like someone had done surgery on your tent to let all the cold air in and to flush you out. 

You knew it was late but you were so inconceivabley angry that someone had messed with your wall, and, that you were cold. So, you slipped out of your hammock, your aching legs hitting the ground and walked to the only person that could make you feel better about both things. 

Slipping into the Sully’s tent at night wasn’t that uncommon for you, you would always long to see your friends, and you knew Jake and Neytiri didn’t mind waking up to you being in their home, in fact they encouraged sleepovers your whole childhood, that did not fade into your adulthood. What was surprising, however, was that the Sully’s were asleep in front of their firepit that Neytiri used for cooking. They obviously had felt the cold too, despite their tent not being sabotaged. Jake laid near the door, Neytiri’s head on his chest and little Tuk asleep on his stomach. Lo’ak was only an arms length away from Neytriri laying on his back, long lanky arms strewn across his face. You stifled a laugh when you noticed Kiri, using Lo’ak’s ankles as a pillow, green shawl wrapped tightly around her, she laid like you had only moments ago, fetal, craving warmth.

Neteyam laid on the other side of the open room, furthest away from the fire, but with a woven blanket Kiri had made him for his most recent nameday. He laid with plenty of room, and conveniently, plenty of blanket. 

Neteyam had never officially courted you, or even expressed the want, or any thoughts about you at all really. 

But in all your childhood sleepovers, until now, Neteyam always left space for you, you always found eachother anyway. Even if you started of opposite sides of the room, you knew that you would end up wrapped in his thick arms, head on his chest, legs wrapped up in one another.

There was one night, last summer when you awoke in the middle of the night, Neteyam spooning you, as you so often did, but his tail had wrapped itself around your thigh. You had never felt so seen as you did that night. 

You made quick work of crawling under the blanket. You laid on your side, facing away from him, yet his relaxed features did not leave your mind. You knew you were freezing, you refrained from touching him, but his radiating heat helped nonetheless. 

You sighed, deeply. It felt so right being here like this, with him. You did not want to think about when you would inevitably find this space filled by another, for now, Neteyam had no lover, and the space was yours. 

Neteyam stirred, pulling you by the waist to be close to him, entrapping you there with his heavy arm across your abdomen. His hot breath fanned out across the shell of your ear. Your ear flicked back and forth, adjusting to the warmth and the sensitive sensation. 

“You are so cold, ma (y/n).” Neteyam whispered, his voice husky with sleep. You couldn’t help but clench your thighs to relieve some tension. “Come, we can huddle together for warmth.” Neteyam pushed his body closer to yours, entangling your legs, and wrapping his other arm under your neck. 

This was everything you wanted, but you were too hot for all the wrong reasons. You could feel Neteyam in every intimate way along your back and behind. His breath fanned over your ear and down your face, remnants of the intimacy causing goosebumps to rise on your exposed neck. 

“There was a hole in my tent.” You whispered softly to the boy nearly asleep behind you. Surely, providing context to your late night sleepover would make the whole thing more normal. 

“I know, ma (y/n).” The ghost like touch of Neteyam’s soft lips found your hair line, leaving nothing but the imagination of a kiss in its wake. “How else would I have assurance that you would come to find me in the middle of the night? Happens a lot less often these days.” You felt your stomach drop and flip simultaneously at Neteyam’s sleepy confession. You knew that this was something probably worth getting angry over, but as Neteyam’s tail wrapped around your thigh, and one of his hands ghosted over the mound of your breast, and his lips left small, barely-there kisses down the side of your face and neck, you couldn’t find it in you to be angry. 

He made you feel a lot of things in that moment, across your entire body, mind and soul. But angry was not one of them.

“I will patch it tomorrow morning, I promise.” Neteyam said softly, as his tail made its way up and down your thigh, his strong thumb rubbing circles into your hip bone. 

“I would surely hope so,” You whispered, turning your head, your lips a hairsbreadth apart. “If you wanted a cuddle, you could’ve asked Neteyam.” His lips were as warm as what you always had pictured them to be. Soft, but his kiss was not. His tongue explored your mouth, and though you tried to assert dominance you knew you would let this boy ruin you. He stifled your moan with his own mouth, though realising what he coaxed from you he pulled away, smiling in the firelight. 

“I want to do so much more than just cuddle. But this is for warmth, and warmth only.” His smile and golden eyes were always going to be enough for you to feel warmth. It did not hurt that his body was there too.

[rootsoftheforest]

ೃ⁀➷ i hope nobody catch us, but i kinda hope they catch us.

- ,, neteyam x fem reader

- ,, you and neteyam get caught making out?

- ,, warnings - SUGGESTIVE! minors be careful yo, making out heh, neteyam is like deadass whipped for u.., can u guys tell i love when character is whiny and so inlove atp??

-‘๑’- les - childish gambino

Your friendship with Neteyam is not exactly.. per say, a friendship. Its what you would technically call it, since you both gave it no other said title. But we all know you guys aren’t just friends, lo’ak knows, kiri knows, spider knows, jake and neytiri know, hell, even tuk knows. Everyone acts oblivious as it is.

There are times where you wonder what your relationship really is, anything but “just friends” comes to mind, some specific memories take you back and give you scary realizations.

For instance, that one time when the whole crew was hanging out together in the forest, our designated hangout spot, you showed up a little after everyone else because you had errands to run, and Neteyam had saved a spot just for you.

“hey guys”

“y/nnnnnnnn” tuk smiles at you and runs towards you with her arms outstretched, signifying her desire to be picked up and spun by you, you do just that and laugh with her. “What’s little girl doing here with the big kids” you question teasingly, knowing Tuk dislikes being called a little girl.

“y/n, finally bro , i almost thought you ditched us” lo’ak says dramatically and spider and kiri laugh, you walk to the group with Tuk in your arms as you slap the back of lo’ak’s head, Tuk jumping out of your arms to go lay in Kiri’s lap.

You look at neteyam, he hasn’t taken his eyes off you since the moment you came into their vision, he’s leaning against a tree, sitting with his legs spread quite a bit, manspreading was a trait neteyam got from his father, and it was so hot.

He pats the space between his legs, and you happily oblige. “hi” you whisper when you look up at neteyam, his chin resting on your head, his arms encircling your figure, thumb rubbing sweet circles on your thigh. “hi sweetheart” he flashes you his infamous smile.

Or that one time when you went hunting for rabbits with him in the forest, you just couldn’t set your aim right, it was getting so frustrating you almost cried. But hey, you have neteyam with you, don’t worry!

He helps you fix your posture, his chest pressing up against your back, he’s so close you can feel his breath on your cheek, his deep voice rumbling in your ear that tells you to focus makes you do quite the opposite. How could you possibly focus when he’s this close to you? Your insides are exploding with butterflies, your lower belly warm and your lip almost draws blood from how hard you’ve bitten it.

Somehow you end up hitting a rabbit with your arrow without even realizing and only realize the situation when you hear neteyam’s laugh and him congratulating you. “you got it y/n!!” (mf that was all you)

This man really has no idea of the effects he has on you does he?

You don’t have to think hard of moments like these with neteyam, they rush through your mind like a film reel. Countless.

No one really thought much of it when they saw you and neteyam having moments like these. No one questioned when he called you sweetheart, or his love, or beautiful, or some sort of nickname on a daily basis, not even you. All waiting for that one particular moment where you both realize its love and make it official.

Which seems so likely to happen today, the tension is thick through the roof with everything that just happened.

You’re patching him up because of course he just got into a fight with some dingus because lo’ak can’t handle a fight alone for shit.

“y/n, gentle please” neteyam lets out a low hiss as you dab a piece of cloth on the cut that bleeds on his jaw.

You’re angry with him, he knows that. And god, he’s angry with himself too, but what’s he gonna do if his baby won’t talk to him?

He doesn’t know what to say, anything to ease the tension, so he decides to go with

“are you upset?” he looks at you with soft eyes

you move his face around to find any other cuts to deal with, his chin between your fingers “so upset, you don’t even know” you hold back a grin at his quiet voice.

“im sorry y/n, lo’ak would get his ass handed to him if i wasn’t there” he sounds so desperate, which he is, for you.

your heart swells, you wanna play.

you put on an act and look away from him, huffing in faux anger.

“y/n please” he whispers, looking at you with pure distress in his eyes, you think you can even see tears. He’s so hard to resist right now, how is he not catching onto your game?? Or maybe he is playing along?

You decide you’re done. With two things.

Torturing him, and torturing yourself.

You stroke the apple of his cheek with your thumb, swiping at the tear that dare fall from his eye “take it easy neteyam” he nods eagerly, he’ll listen to you until he dies.

You sigh, and clean up the cloth and medicine and get ready to leave, standing up but neteyam grabs your wrist and pulls you down, onto his lap, his arms circling your waist as he holds you close to him.

His forehead rests on your collarbone and you stroke his hair.

“okay, nete look at me..” he obeys.

you cup his face in your soft hands, he nuzzles against them and you lean forward, you look at his eyes and he’s already closed them. God!!! He’s so cute you could squeal!!!

You smash your lips against his and his hands automatically bring you closer, your legs straddling his lap as you run your hands through his hair, grazing at his nape.

Neteyam pulls away to look at you for a split second, and you look so so pretty he just can’t hold his tongue, “i love you” he whispers against your lips, three words meant for you and you only. He goes back to kiss you before you could reply, he gives you a few open-mouthed kisses before you mewl into his mouth and he crumbles.

Neteyam groans and he attaches his lips to your jaw, giving you gentle kisses that trail down to your neck, “i love you so much y/n” you wonder where he learnt this from.

“i love you neteyam” you whisper as you feel yourself grow more impatient as time goes.

he kisses you again and you feel him smile into the kiss, your chest is warm, neteyam intertwines his hand with yours and it becomes sloppy quiet fast.

you’re both a mess, whining into each others mouths , you’re so deep into it you don’t even realize footsteps getting louder and louder, eventually you are pulled out of your fantasies when you hear neytiri address her son right before she catches sight of you both in this sinful activity, you pull apart suddenly and scramble to get off his lap, failing miserably as neteyam seems opposed to the idea of letting go of you.

“neteyam! fuck!” you whisper-yell and shove your face into his shoulder, his hands still on your hips as he sputters to explain to his mother what she just witnessed

Neytiri coughs.

“mother i was just- we were- “

“making out?” Neytiri chuckles and shakes her head, making her way out after grabbing the plate you used to fix neteyam’s wounds.

“neteyammmmmm i can’t do this right noww” you cry embarrassed into his shoulder and he shudders at the thought of his mom knowing what you guys were doing. He laughs soon after, snaking his hands around your waist as he holds you in his lap

“i don’t know this isn’t all that funny nete” you grumble and shake your head, “poor neytiri”

“no.. poor neteyam, i didn’t get to finish “making out” with you” he says, putting up fingers meant to imitate quotation marks to mock his moms words.

you slap his arm gently “as much as i was enjoying, i don’t wanna risk getting caught again.. ewya forbids its tuk next time.. i would never even kiss you again”

he gasps, putting a hand over his chest to fake his hurt and you giggle at his expression

he kisses you again, and again, and again until you have to put your hand over his lips and tell him to stop in between a fit of giggles, he laughs with you “just kissing you enough so i don’t die when you refuse me later” you grin so hard your cheeks hurt, but its so worth it.

You hear lo’ak , spider , kiri, jake , and tuk cheering from outside, “GO BIG BRO” “is y/n my actual sister now?” “ugh finally they stopped beating around the bush” “thats my son, on his lap?? thats literally us neytiri!”

Oh.. Neytiri told them. Great!