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mylovelo-ak · 11 months

Note

i am violently SOBBING

hi again!! heres the request again <3

neteyam x fem!metkayina!reader where reader was “promised” to ao’nung but fell in love with neteyam when the sullys came to awa’atlu + the two prompts "I'm not one to share what is mine." (from neteyam) & "Please, go with them if you like them so much better." (from ao’nung)

thx for writing it!! take as much time as you need <3

hi! how are you? thank you again for your request and I apologize it took so long! This request was super creative and I had fun writting this one, maybe I made it too sad but still! hope you enjoy it! <3

Souls don’t meet by accident ⌇ neteyam.

paring. neteyam x f!metkayina!reader / ao'nung x f!metkayina!reader

summary. You’ve always had these dreams of flying, to be able to know what lies beyond the sea, but unfortunately, they were just dreams. In reality, you were promised to ao’nung and destined to stay on this island, and you were okay with that fact, because you loved the sea and you loved ao’nung, but when a certain forest boy came along, you started to question what and who you really loved.

content. “unrequired” love, reader and ao’nung are in a relationship, love at first sight, longing, mutual pining, sad ao’nung, sad reader, sad everyone, drama, fighting, cursing, blood and injuries, tears, guilty reader, gentle neteyam, secret relashionship, secret dates, possessive ao’nung, possive neteyam, love triangles, suggestive themes?, war, injured neteyam, mention of blood and wounds, heavy angst, lots of tears, happy ending? neteyam end game.

songs that inspired me while I wrote this. børns - past lives / cuco - bossa no sé / girl in red - we fell in love in october.

☾☼☽ em' notes. after 87 years I'm back! I tried to make this story somehow realistic? with realistic reasons so everyone has flaws...I guess this has a sad or happy ending depending on who you loved most during this story, unintentionally wrote this through aonung's pov? and added a little spice lmao anyways read away and thank you to everyone who wanted to be tagged! I hope you also enjoy the story, english is not my first language sorry for any mistakes! gif is mine, no lowercase this time!, feel free to send requests!

taglist ★ @samistars @margoniezniez @lanasblood @abcm18339 @tahni-04 @reyanfia @netebun @mxnuilx97 @luvv4j4ybe11 @netesanrr @slutforjake @pureforestspirits

Ao’nung’s life had always been perfect, he had no complaints. He loved his home, he loved his people, he loved the sea, and he loved you.

All his life Ao’nung had been carrying the weight of his duties, and he carried the heavy weight of the future of his island, village, and people with great pride on his shoulders. He rarely doubted himself - he was confident, he was strong - and if things ever got too heavy to carry, he knew you would be right next to his side to ease the pain. The future tsahìk always knew what to say, and what to do to make the wild waves in his mind turn to calm lagoons.

The two of you had known each other all your lives, Ao’nung grew up alongside you, a beautiful friendship bloomed like the flowers in spring and when he came of age – a fierce hunter and warrior and soon to be chief – his parents decided to promise him to you. Telling him something about how someone wild like him had to have someone calm like yourself by his side.

Ao’nung never once complained because he had known the feelings in his heart long enough, he had no time to waste.

He still remembers the day when his parents called you both to their marui.

It was a day like any other, Ao’nung had returned to shore with a basket full of fish when his mother told him to look for you and visit her marui, she had tried to look for you herself, but you were nowhere to be seen.

You were known by the people as a wild spirit with a sweet soul and softer heart but also, a complete airhead, always lost, always dreaming, up in the clouds and only Ao’nung could bring you back to earth.

You were somewhere lost in the lush mangrove jungle inside the island, and he knew exactly where to look for you.

Reaching the jungle, he walked the familiar path that would lead him to you, and he could already hear your familiar soft voice mumble a sweet lullaby. He smiled to himself when he saw your figure turned back to him - unaware of his presence - sitting on a bed of moss surrounded by flowers and little trinkets you collected each time you explored the jungle, a little bit more each time, to lost in your own world to notice his figure coming closer and closer with each step.

“Boo!” he screamed playfully grabbing your shoulders, he laughed sweetly when you let out a high-pitched scream.

“Ao’nung! Why do you always do this!?”

“You should know by now! What are you even doing here again? Mother is asking for us.” Even if his mother’s orders seemed urgent, he still decided to sit in front of you and watch you gracefully weave what seemed to be a new necklace.

A piece of jewelry you had been working on for days now, decorated with nothing but items from the forest, your favorite place.

“You know, seashells would look prettier than flowers, I got some today, for you.” he said, reaching for the necklace while it was still in your hands and fidgeted with the small stones and beads around his finger.

You smiled fondly.

“Ao’nung! you know I like these flowers, if I wanted to add seashells I would have by now.”

“I know I know; I was just trying to help.” he said lifting his arms up in defeat.

“Are you done for today? We better be home soon.” he said, getting up from his spot and stretching his arm down to help you up.

“What does your mother want anyways?” you asked curious, naturally grabbing Ao’nung’s hand and staying there.

“I have no idea, she’s always full of surprises.” he said with a shrug of shoulders.

You walked back home holding Ao’nung’s warm hand, babbling about all the new things you found today.

“Did you know some flowers are carnivores?” you asked excited looking up at him with bright eyes.

“W-what!? How do you even know these things?” he asked confused, but he still held a small smile on his lips.

“I saw it! I saw it with my own eyes! It ate an insect! The moment the poor thing landed, it eat it!” you replied in a high pitched tone, you couldn’t really control yourself when you spoke about your passion, the grip on Ao’nungs hand got tighter, but he didn’t mind it at all.

“You’re crazy you know that?” he said patting your head fondly and remaining quiet the rest of the way, happy to simply hear you talk.

He didn’t understand some things you did, some things you said, but he knew he liked you, and that was enough.

Not many words needed to be spoken between the two of you, Ao’nungs actions spoke louder than any words he could speak – he wasn’t really good at it anyways – and you never pushed him away, always with a smile, always gentle and you always reciprocated his touches, that was all he needed to know.

So, it was no surprise when you two reached the marui and Ronal sealed your fates forever.

“As tsahìk of this village it is my job to do what is best for the people, my son Ao’nung is to be the future olo'eyktan and I’ve seen your beautiful friendship grow into love.”

You looked down at the floor embarrassed, a hot blush spreading like wildfire around your cheeks, Ao’nung stood next to you tall and proud, but his heart was about to burst from how much it was beating.

Ronal continued with a now fond smile on her lips.

“I’ve seen your curiosity for medicine, plants, I’ve seen the way you care for our great Mother and her creations, I see the way you calm down my son. You will be his tsahìk and I will train you to do your very best. I am counting on both of you to lead the people with love and kindness.”

From that day forward, you had spent your days inside Ronal’s marui, learning about the basics of medicine, how to make remedies, how to read eywa’s signs and you were thankful. Truly thankfull. At least that’s what you told yourself.

But it was exhausting, there was nothing more you wanted to do than to run to the forest, lose yourself inside that beautiful place, it was so close to home yet it was so different from the sea.

The sea was your home, yes. You loved to swim, to go beyond the reef secretly with Ao’nung, you loved the animals, and you loved the feeling of the sand between your toes but it didn’t compare to the love you had for the forest.

You never really knew when it started, it felt like the love for the forest and all things you couldn’t exactly have had been there since the beginning and you tried to contain it, you did! You had duties now, but it was so, so hard.

The forest called your name and like a fool enchanted by a siren’s song you always managed to end up in the same place.

Sitting in that bed of moss surrounded by green and dirt, the songs of the leaves and birds around you filled your ears. You wanted to know what it was like to be high above the trees, to be able to see the land around you, you wanted to know what it was like to fly.

Your clan was isolated but on rare occasions words of neighboring clans reached your ears.

You would always remember the story the villagers told you when you were smaller, the story of the mighty Toruk Makto who was once a dream walker, they told you he flew the greatest Toruk there was and he flew above the clouds whenever he wanted.

Oh how you wished that for yourself also.

“Here girl, you’re doing it wrong again.” Ronal’s voice broke you free from your daydreaming.

“Ah, forgive me.”

“You’re spacing out again, there’s no use teaching you how to make this medicine if you won’t pay attention.” She said in a stern voice.

You quickly apologized, not wanting to make her upset.

“I’m sorry, let me tr-“

“No need, we are done for today, go rest, today was tiring.” she spoke gently this time.

And with that, you got on your feet in heartbeat, already making your way to the jungle inside the island.

“What am I to do with you?” Ronal whispered to herself.

Someone called out your name, and without turning around you already knew who it was.

“Ao’nung” you replied softly, turning your head, seeing his blue and large eyes that were in a half-moon shape, meaning he had his signature smirk on his lips.

“What it is?” you asked, mirroring his smirk unconsciously.

“I got you somethingggg” he sang with a teasing tone.

“I swear to eywa if it’s one more of those glowing seashe-“

Ao’nung had been showing you with gifts every day since his mother’s announcement, he took courting very, very seriously. Every day he would come from the sea with hands full of beautiful seashells that were hard to find, with various shades of sea glass, sometimes with huge fish he would cook for you, and sometimes, various pieces of clothing his sister helped him make.

You were wearing the shawl he had made for you right now and his proud smile grew bigger as he approached you.

Love bloomed in his chest once again, a familiar feeling he experienced every time he looked deeply into your pretty doe eyes.

“It’s not! I promise! Look.” he said gently, opening his palms very, very slowly. You couldn’t contain your curiosity and brought your face closer to his hands.

“Show me!” you said exited.

Opening his palm what Ao’nung revealed what seemed like a fang, or some type of claw, unusual and different from the ones you’ve seen.

You gasped loudly and immediately took the gift from his hands.

“How did you even find these!? It’s not from here!”

“Oh, you know all types of things get lost in the ocean, I was deep diving with a few hunters today and I found it buried in the sand, it’s not an akula’s fang for sure, I looked at it and thought of you.”

You inspected closely,

“Do you like it?” Ao’nung asked unsure, he had no idea what it was or how old but he knew you liked things that were different from the most.

“Yes! Yes of course!” you said happily, giving him a long peck on his cheek.

Ao’nung had no complains, until he did.

Until strange people came flying and forced their way into his precious home.

They weren’t even true people, mixed with demon blood. Ao’nung despised them. And he despised one in particular.

A “warrior”, a so called Neteyam.

Oh, how he got on his nerves, he wanted nothing more than to pluck his eyeballs out the day he arrived and had the audacity to look at you with curiosity and…lust.

He didn’t miss the way Neteyam’s eyes grew slightly bigger the moment he saw your figure rise from the water, and he didn’t miss the way he smiled softly before looking down at sand.

And what shocked him the most was that you seemed perfectly fine with these strangers in your home, even having the courage to greet them, a bright smile on your face when you heard they were to stay here and learn his ways.

He stayed frozen in place while you eagerly took the demon’s hands and said,

“Come! I will show you, our home.”

He had never fought with you, the worst thing that happened was when you ignored him when he took playfighting to serious and that hadn’t happen since you were teenagers!

His peaceful routine was falling apart and all because of Neteyam and what was even worse was that stupid forest boy wasn’t even here for a full week!

It was baffling to him how you were so calm about all of this.

“I don’t fucking understand how you could be smiling when these people can put us in danger, what happens when the sky demons find them here!?” he screamed in the privacy of your shared marui.

“They won’t find them here, our island is the farthest away, it would take them ages, I am the one who doesn’t understand why you’re so upset!?” you screamed back.

“That’ such a stupid question! They are a danger to our home! To our future! We can’t let them disturb the peace we’ve had all this time!” he screamed louder now, veins popping in his neck, he was so enraged he could pull out all the curls from his head.

“Ao’nung.” you said more calmly, after taking a deep breath. “Breathe, please.” you begged him, taking his shaking hands into yours.

“It’s useless to fight about this, we are not yet the leaders and even your mother said yes, plus it’s a good thing! We get to learn about them, doesn’t that sound exciting to you?” you said with a growing smile on your lips.

Ao’nung calmed down as he saw the light in your eyes grow bigger with each word as you spoke, but his heart grew heavy too.

“I don’t wanna learn a single thing about them, we are sea people.”

You sighed softly.

“Well, can you at least pretend? For me? pleaseeee?” you begged, batting your eyelashes, and puckering your lips, you knew Ao’nung couldn’t say no to you.

“That’s not fair, you’re making the eyes again!” he replied rolling his eyes playfully, a growing smirk on his lips, he could deny it all he wanted, but you had him wrapped around your finger.

The fight ended with loud giggles and a kiss on the lips.

The tsahìk had ordered you along with Tsireya to teach the Sullys your ways, Ao’nung was supposed to help too but he had been called to the outside of the reef, sightings of an akula. He had to protect his people, he had to protect you. This task was more important than a forest boy who could barely hold his breath.

And while Tsireya was teaching Lo’ak and Tuk, Rotxo had volunteered to teach Kiri and that left Neteyam, who you gladly took under your wing, the forest boy had caught your eye the moment he greeted you back at the beach.

Neteyam had only been at this small island he was forced to call home for about a week and so far, he was doing good – as he always did - he didn’t particularly like the way the sand stuck to his body given every opportunity, and he liked meat better than fish, but he was adapting well.

He had adapted well to the things back at his home, he adapted when he had to move his tent in the comfortable forest to the rocky mountains - because of the humans - he had adapted to growing up in a war and now, he would adapt to the sea.

It was easier when you were by his side. Your docile voice was like the waves crashing gently against the rocks on the beach, and you were patient. Unlike the chief´s son who looked at him with pure hatred, he still didn’t understand why, and it was starting to piss him off.

He had noticed you the moment his feet hit the sand when he dismounted his ikran and he couldn’t help but smile when he saw you break free from the water, your long hair covering your mysterious face he wanted to see so badly. And when you flicked your hair back and wet droplets ran all the way down your face, stopping at your pouty lips his smile dropped because his mind went to a different place.

He wanted to know more about you, and it seemed you wanted to know more about him. Always bombarding him with questions when he was alone with you, like right now.

You had taken him to a small beach a little far away from the village where you knew it was quiet, that way he could focus better on his breathing exercises.

He was sitting next to you, legs crossed, ready to take your orders.

“Let’s begin” you said, also taking a deep breath even though you didn’t need too, but the forest boy and his green piercing eyes were making you nervous.

“You need to close your eyes!” you ordered panicked – if he stared at you any longer you would go mad - you could already feel the hotness in your cheeks spreading and you knew what that meant, you couldn’t let it happen.

Ao’nung. Ao’nung was enough.

Shaking your head you spoke again “Imagine a flickering flame...”

It surprised you that Neteyam learned fast and in only an hour of training he almost mastered the skill of breathing correctly.

“Listen, Neteyam, uh I think we’re done for today, you’re almost a pro at this, you are free to go.” you said with a shy smile.

“Maybe I just have a good teacher.” he replied gently.

You could only play with the sand and hide your face behind your hair. You expected him to get up and leave, but he stayed in place, in silence, watching you.

“I like your necklace.” you hear him say and your head and ears immediately went up in curiosity.

You were wearing the unknow animal’s claw Ao’nung had gifted you, you wore it every day, it was hidden away in your necklace - it surprised you Neteyam noticed it so easily considering your chest and neck were filled with wavy string, shells, tiny reef flowers and pebbles.

“It reminds me of the ones back at my home, that’s an ikran’s claw you know? Do you have an ikran?” Neteyam asked curious, tilting his head, his braids falling down his broad shoulders.

“Ah? Oh no, no! I- no ikrans here!” you replied shyly in panic, waving your hands around awkwardly.

“Would you like to fly in one?” Neteyam asked with a kind smile.

And your eyes went wide, grinning from ear to ear, you would absolutely ditch this class to fly an ikran.

Neteyam didn’t even need to hear your answer, the way your eyes lit up was enough, and he swore he saw stars in them even when it was daytime.

“Come, I’ll show you my ikran.”

As he walked to the jungle with you by his side he spoke,

“my ikran’s name is Tìlayro, he spends most of his days in your jungle, it’s almost like the ones back home but it’s way hotter and humid, and way more bugs!” he joked.

“It’s not like I need him here anyways, but it’s nice to fly with him once in a while, he’s probably craving some exercise and I think you’ll love it!” he spoke again looking down to see your reaction.

“It won’t eat me right?” you asked nervously and Neteyam threw his head back in laugher.

“No Y/n, he won’t eat you, come on!”

When Neteyam reached the place, he wasted no time and called for it, and soon, the extremely large creature was above you. Its wings spread out so immensely it blocked the sun.

You were absolutely fascinated, the moment Neteyam landed the first day you wanted to see his spirit sibling up close, but the animal looked terrifying and even more so now that it was practically making its way down to you.

You closed your mouth that hung open and hid behind Neteyam’s body when the ikran let out a cry.

“It’s okay, don’t be afraid.” he said gently, a wave of pride rose to his chest, knowing you trusted him enough to protect you if something happened. He gently took your soft hands - he swallowed a hard lump when tingles ran all the way down his body – and lead them to the ikran who kept still.

When your hand made contact with the animal your fear was washed away, and you busted into loud happy giggles.

“He’s so cute Neteyam!” you said excitedly, gently petting its head.

While you patted the animal Neteyam got on the saddle and made the bond, bringing his hands down to get your attention.

“Hop on!” he said, making space for you to sit in front of him.

You eagerly hoped on the animal, fear, anxiety, adrenaline, and happiness filled your whole system.

“Hold on tightly to the neural whips, okay? You won’t fall I got you.”

I got you.

You dint know why these simple words made your heart pound, it had been a while since you felt this warm feeling, and you wanted to hate it so bad, but at the same time, you wanted more.

And just like that, you were several feet above the ground in a heartbeat, everything bellow felt so small, and you felt so powerful, so free. Having the wind blow in your face and hair, the warm but strong touch of Neteyam’s hands around your waist, the adrenaline of it all, you couldn’t help but stretch out your arms and scream from the top of your lungs.

Neteyam was over the moon, he felt proud, being able to show what he was really capable of, to have someone so open to his culture, to have someone so kind and beautiful, so close to him, he felt the best he ever had since he had come here, and he had you to thank for that.

When you had calmed down from the rush of adrenaline you rested your back in Neteyams chest and closed your eyes, simply enjoying this whole new feeling – a relaxed and content expression on your pretty face -and Neteyam took the opportunity to burry his face in between the crook your neck and shoulder.

You unconsciously exposed more of your neck and Neteyam saw the action as a sign to snuggle you even more, he was getting drunk on your scent, he could lose himself in it.

“I love this.” You whispered.

“Me too.” he said.

Very faint screams coming from bellow reached your ears and you immediately recognized were Ao’nungs.

Shit. Shit. No. No. NO!

You came to your senses, ripping yourself away from Neteyams warm embrace in a blink of an eye and blinking nervously.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.” you apologized “please put me down.”

As much as Neteyam hated the feeling of coldness against his skin taking over again, he followed your orders. He ordered his ikran to land gently on a nearby beach.

“Have I done something wrong?” he thought.

“Y/n! my eywa what are you doing!?” Ao’nung ran to you, a frown on his face. It seemed he had run all the way from the main beach, droplets of water still clinging to his toned body.

“I was just- I was curious of what it felt like, Neteyam offered to show me.” you said the truth, well, most of it anyways. You were ashamed of what you were doing. You didn’t lie.

What is taking over me?

Ao’nung inspected your body, your arms, back and face gently, but the moment he saw Neteyam’s figure come closer and closer his grip on your cheeks turned stronger.

“You!” he hissed furious, making his way to neteyam with rage.

“Are you fucking insane she could have hurt herself!”

“Ao’nung I’m fi-“

“You stay away from her, she’s mine.” Ao’nung growled this time, bearing his fangs, a warning sign that if Neteyam said the wrong thing Ao’nung’s fist would meet his face.

Neteyam watched it all with wide eyes, trying his best to control his temper.

“I- I didn’t know and, we didn’t do nothing wrong anyways!” he tried to defend himself.

“She’s metkayina, don’t try to change her.”

Oh how wrong Ao’nung was. You had always been like this, loving the forest and cursed to love the sea the same way, he was just to blind to see it.

“Ao’nung let’s go home, please.” You begged, grabbing his arm.

You avoided Neteyam for days – maybe if you stopped seeing him these all-newfound feelings would go away - the same way Ao’nung avoided you. You couldn’t blame him. Even though he didn’t know the full truth the guilt you felt from hiding it from your future mate made you feel like his cold words and piercing gaze was what you deserved.

You couldn’t even vent to Tsireya or Rotxo or even Ronal, they were all important people to Ao’nung, and you were to be the tsahìk damnit! You couldn’t fall for anyone else, let alone a forest boy.

But these past few days you were absolutely miserable, nothing could fill the void you felt inside your chest, not the warm sun kissing your skin, not the coldness of the water to make you stop thinking of such foolish things, your ilu that took you far into the ocean where you could scream without someone hearing you, nothing. Nothing at all.

Every time you crossed paths with any of the sullys you would run and hide.

“Y/n hey!” Lo’ak greeted. “I need to tell you som-“

“Hey lo’ak, uh, not now, I’m busy sorry.” you apologized, trying your best to avoid any further conversation by hiding away in your marui.

“Oh uh…okay, Neteyam told me he wanted to see you!” Lo’ak screamed as you disappeared from his sight.

Neteyam. Neteyam. Neteyam.

The only thing your mind could focus on was Neteyam. His lush lips, his warm green eyes, his braids, and his broad shoulders, the shade of his skin, his stripes, his veiny hands, his laugh, and deep voice, kind words and his-

No. No. no. No. Stop it!

You needed to clear your mind some other way, the jungle.

That was a huge mistake.

Somehow, Neteyam had found you, and sneakily sat next to you - mirroring your action by dipping his feet in the small pound you were in - not even the sound of the leaves crushing or water breaking made you stop your deep thinking, only his low words.

“hey…”

Even if seated you almost lost your balance from the startle, eyes wide with surprise, Neteyam’s figure right next to you, with a soft smile on his face.

“N-neteyam! Hi!” you replied awkwardly.

“You’ve been avoiding me…” he said with a dry chuckle.

“I’m sorry, there’s been a lot in my mind.”

“You can tell me you know? I’ll listen.”

Well, you couldn’t actually, he was the main reason of your troubled mind! But when you looked into his eyes, so serine, so gentle, maybe letting your thoughts run wild wasn’t a bad idea after all.

With a large sigh and nervous blinks you gave in and after a deep breath you spoke.

“All my life, I’ve been here, on this island, nothing but sea round me, all I know is the ocean, it’s my home and it comforts me, I love it and I…I love Ao’nung. I should have never done what I did that day.”

Neteyam’s heart broke a little with those words, but he still listened in silence.

You knew you weren’t making any sense, but you kept going.

“I’ve always been curious, a free spirit the people call me, and I’ve always loved the forest, it’s beautiful and filled with life! I want to know more about it and that’s unusual coming from someone who was meant for the sea, do you understand what I’m saying? Do you think I’m crazy?” you asked him with teary eyes.

“You’re not crazy.” Neteyam said softly, taking a piece of your hair and tucking it behind your ear.

And as his hand brushed your cheek you leaned into his touch - you have been craving it for so long, approval, reassurance - and as he scooted closer over to you a flash of Ao’nungs face appeared in your mind.

“I love Ao’nung…” you whispered.

Neteyam stopped coming closer, his eyes now lowered with shame and sadness.

“But I don’t love him the way I’m supposed to…” you said above a whisper, grabbing his wrist so he wouldn’t run away.

In that jungle, with your feet in that small pound, was the first time you saw things clearly, was the first time you finally understood your feelings and it pained you to know that Ao’nung wasn’t the one you wanted, but it also felt so freeing.

And with a spark of courage, you leaned in forward, Neteyam’s lips so so close you could feel his breath and the warmness he was radiating, that’s all you could do, Neteyam had to finish the rest.

“Would you be mad if I kissed you right now?” Neteyam asked seductively, eyes glued to your plump lips.

I’m meant to, but I’m not.

You lifted your chin and his lips brushed against yours, the moment they touched Neteyam responded almost eagerly, your hands went to his braids, and he cupped your face gently all while both fought for dominance, tongues crashing, noses bumping, and wet sounds filled your ears.

A kiss never felt this good, but air was needed and when you broke the kiss your lips were swollen and wet, almost like they were begging Neteyam to claim them again.

You were probably going to regret this soon, but that was an issue for the you in the future, the you in the present, never felt better.

It had become a routine, a secret only the two of you knew of. After finishing your classes with Ronal in the early morning, you would debate on either jumping into the welcoming ocean or stay in land and hang out with the Sullys. In all honesty, it didn’t take much to make up your mind, the moment Neteyam crossed paths with you and his eyes meet yours, it was decided.

And after battling your hardest to not jump into his arms and just stay there while everyone was around, your troubles would be paid off when eclipse was close, and the sky turned orange.

Secretly meeting in the jungle – laying carelessly on the tall grass – you would ask him a million questions.

What his home was like, how his life was before he knew you, if he liked the sea, and in turn you would tell him of the ocean, how to live in perfect balance with the creatures of the sea, your favorite plants and all the things you would collect while on your walks.

He would answer all of them with a smile on his lips, with each word you spoke, the more he fell for you.

“You have no idea how hard I was fighting back there to not just kiss you again.” he said out of the blue.

You sat up straight, eyes wide and cheeks hot, looking down at Neteyam who had small smirk on his lips.

After swallowing a hard lump, you said shyly “you can do it now.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” was all you heard before your lips were claimed again. Those kisses that started out innocently slowly became wilder and Neteyam’s feathery hands moved from your cheeks to waist to thighs, gripping you tightly but not enough to mark – he couldn’t leave any evidence, unfortunately you weren’t his yet – the most he could do was make you forget your troubles, forget your duties back at the village, forget Ao’nung. He would know he was succeeding when your breathy moans escaped your lips, and you would whine into his mouth.

By the end of the day you would return back to Ao’nung and the guilt would come crashing like an enormous wave, ready to drown you.

“How was your day Ao’nung?” you asked with a strained voice.

“It was fine, father and I had a busy day hunting, got lots of good stuff.”

“that’s good…” you laughed dryly.

You stayed frozen in place when you felt Ao’nungs strong arms cover you completely a exhausted sigh leaving his lips.

“I feel like we haven’t spoken in years, I miss you, I’m sorry I’ve been kinda of an asshole.” he said while he rested his chin on the top of your head.

The only thing you could do was hug him back and blink away the guilty tears.

“We can go swimming tomorrow, you and me.” he proposed.

“I would like that.”

Ao’nung wasn’t dumb, and he wasn’t blind! He knew Neteyam saw you as more than just a friend, a potential mate even! But the forest boy needed to understand that you were already taken, and you were his.

This wasn’t his home and if he wanted to keep his head it would be best for Neteyam to stay away and follow the rules, those rules being: to not fall in love with someone who is promised.

He wasn’t going to let some random stranger from faraway lands steal you away, all his life Ao’nung had loved you, he was the same as you, metkayina. Someone from the forest had no say here.

But it seemed that no matter how many gifts he brought home as an apology for ignoring you these last few days, no matter how much he tried to show you how strong and capable he was, no matter how much kisses he showered you with, no matter how much he made you laugh, your smile never reached your eyes, not once.

And Ao’nung started to doubt that you were capable of smiling brightly at all.

His doubts were answered when he saw you collecting coconuts with Neteyam and Tuk’s help, while the boy was quickly climbing the large palm tree like it was the easiest thing in the word, you were on the ground looking up at him with the most beautiful smile Ao’nung had ever seen. Laughing loudly without a care in the world. Face flushed and happy.

He heard you giggle. “Be careful monkey boy!”

“Get the big ones!” Tuk screamed happily.

You never smiled like that when you were with him.

A wave of painful realization and emptiness took over him and he shook his head in denial. He was imagining things.

And he was going to kill that bastard.

He has been waiting from this moment, to catch Neyeyam all by himself – sitting alone on the sand - and like a predator stalking his pray Ao’nung walked up to him.

“Demon” he said smugly.

But his cocky words had no effect on Neteyam.

“Not today Ao’nung I’m in a good mood.” Neteyam warned him calmly, his back turned to Ao’nung who took that as an insult.

“I want to speak with you.”

“Then speak.”

“I want you to stay away from Y/n, never speak to her or even look at her!”

“That’s not going to happen, Y/n and I are…friends.” Neteyam replied taking a deep breath, this conversion wouldn’t end up nicely.

“That’s a fucking lie and you know it, I see the way you look at her!” he screamed.

As heavy silent filled the air, Ao’nung felt his lungs turn heavy and throat dry, it was suffocating knowing Neteyam wasn't denying it.

“I see the way she looks at you!” he screamed again, his voice cracking mid-sentence, it pained him to say it outloud.

Neteyam turned to look puzzlingly at ao’nung who looked like he was fighting back tears.

“If you stay away from her maybe she can love me back like she used to, everything could go back to what it was!” Ao’nung was trying so hard to stay strong in front of his enemy but the tears were gathering quickly in his eyes and he refused to let them fall.

“If you see it that way why not let her go?” Neteyam asked, getting up from his spot, now closer to Ao’nung, his figure towering the metkayina.

That was it, wrong words Neteyam.

Ao’nung pushed him down with brute force and the next thing Neteyam felt was Ao’nung hard fist connecting with his face.

And again.

He could taste iron now.

And he could also feel warm droplets of water hit his face.

Strange.

“I hate you! I HATE YOU! Why did you even come here!? What is your reason!? Everything was fine before you came, and now that you’re here I’ve never seen her this happy, and I’m not the reason why!” Ao’nung hissed and growled with venom, but as he spoke his anger dissolved into sadness and he fell into a sobbing mess against his will.

“I don’t want to let her go…she’s everything to me.”

Neteyam watched it all with a blurry vison, warm blood running down his nose, he didn’t want to fight Ao’nung, it would make him look bad, would get his family in trouble and you would probably hate him for it, so he stood there on the ground, watching Ao’nung break down crying like a child, and he had to admit he felt pity for him.

“I never meant to fall in love while I was here, and certainly not by someone who was already promised.” he stopped his words to cough up some blood “but sometimes, reason does not always win over the heart, and trust me, she cares for you, deeply, I’ll never manage to recreate the comfort you bring her, but I’ll always be who she longs for and I don’t want to share her with you. Letting her go would set you both free.”

Painful and stinging words, but it was Ao’nung needed to hear.

Neteyam didn’t know why he said what he said, a wave of boldness and somehow clarity floated his brain – probably a consequence of Ao’nungs hard blows – and after he swallowed his own blood he confessed.

“I kissed her.”

He doesn’t remember much after that.

You had come home from a swim with Tsireya, hair still wet and salty while Ao’nung came home with bloody fists.

He tried his hardest to hide them from you but your eyes caught the glimpse of open flesh and red.

“Ao’nung!” you cried, taking his hands into yours “What happened!?”

Ao’nung answered with a defeated question instead, tired.

“Why didn’t you tell me he kissed you?”

Your mouth stayed opening and closing trying your best to gather the right words.

“I should be mad at you and instead I lashed out at him.”

I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I never expected this to happen and I was going to tell you I just needed more time, I’m sorry I’m sorry.

That’s what you wanted to say but no words came out and instead you asked:

“Is he hurt?”

“Why don’t you go and see?”

And so, you did.

It was a shock to you no rumors had spread around, and you somehow felt even worst, knowing that even when hurt and in pain, Ao’nung protected you in silence.

He didn’t tell his parents about your true feelings – those would certainly disturb the balance of the village, you where the future tsahìk! You could not fall in love with a half demon from across the sea, what would happen if he were to stay forever? - and when bombarded with questions about Neteyam’s injuries Ao’nung avoided them all.

“I have no idea what you’re asking of me mother.” “I would do no such thing.” “Maybe he fell from a tree or something.”

And when Ronal went to the Sullys marui to seek answers Neteyam also kept quiet, he was also protecting you in his own way.

“I was riding my ilu and fell, I hit a rock, don’t worry ma’am I’m fine.” He didn’t need Ronal’s harsh words, his own mothers’ hisses and worried looks were enough.

Ronal’s mind was looking for answers to her millions of questions. Ao’nung was acting out, wilder than usual, putting himself in danger and coming back to land with new bruises every time. You looked absolutely miserable, your eyes didn’t hold your usual spark and you didn’t talk about the forest or your new discoveries with her during her teachings and Neteyam? The poor boy had a swollen face and lost eyes.

It didn’t take long for her to stack the pieces together, it seemed her judgement had been wrong all these years and she felt guilty for tying you down with her son, maybe if she did things differently back then. Maybe Ao’nung would be happy, you would be happy.

Everyone had questions and their own theories, but no one spoke, this was a matter between you three, you were already grown, you could deal with and talk about your feelings like adults.

Things went from bad to worse when the sky demons started burning down neighboring villages and hunting the tulkun, Ronal had lost her spirit sister and her calf.

Ao’nung’s predictions had come true, and you feared your home and people.

When you sobbed every night into your hands, feeling sadness for all the things happening, all the guilt, all the betrayal, the lies and the killing, somehow Ao’nung would be there to give you a tight hug.

“How can you still hug me like this when I have done horrible things to you?” you sobbed into his chest.

“Because I don’t like to see you crying, it’s that simple silly.” he joked.

After much contemplation, sad tears, angry screams, Ao’nung realized that if he ever wanted to see you happy, he had to let you be yourself, and he had to let you see Neteyam. It pained him, ripped his heart apart but he was doing this for you.

Because deep down, he loved you still, and deep down, he still had a string of hope that someday you would come back to him and forget about all of this.

Unknowing to him, that wasn’t the case, and he was about to get his answers.

When Ao’nung heard that Lo’ak had ran to save Pakayan and Neteyam went after him, that both of them were now in danger because a demon ship that was getting closer and closer he knew you would go too.

He tried to stop you.

“Don’t go! It’s dangerous!” he begged, holding your arms to stop you from jumping into the water.

“Ao’nung they could be in danger! I am a warrior too! I’m going with you or without you!” you hissed.

Ao’nung let go abruptly of your arms and cursed, and then, he jumped in the water too.

“Fuck my life!”

How ironic it was.

He went to save the person he hated the most, all because he cared for you.

It all happened so fast, one moment he was distracting some of the humans on their iron suits with your help, the next thing he noticed, was you stuck on net.

He knew you were somewhere on that giant ship, and he was quick on his feet, quick to cut you loose from your cuffs, and after he cut you lose, he did the same to Neteyam.

“Ao’nung get her out of here.” Neteyam ordered once free.

You tried to protest, you wanted to fight by his side but Ao’nung pushed you back.

“For once I agree with him, Y/n lets go!”

“But what about Neteyam!?” you cried.

“I’ll be fine, I’ll see you soon, okay? Promise.” He said with a reassuring smile.

The next time Ao’nung saw Neteyam he had a huge wound on his shoulder, and it didn’t look good. It was a deep cut, red and gushing.

He had lost his ilu and was riding with you, so he was forced to go where you went, and you went back for Neteyam.

You managed to find him again, revealed he managed to escape the hellish ship unharmed and with some human you didn’t care for. Right now, you had tunnel vison, and Neteyam was the only one you looked for.

It took you a while to notice the big gash he had running down from his shoulder to chest, only when the water around you became tainted with red and you heard him moan in pain did it click in your brain.

“Shit! he’s shot!” Lo’ak screamed.

No. No. No.

In a heartbeat you helped Neteyam on the ilu with teary eyes and ordered it to swim as fast as it could.

“Keep his head up!” you cried out.

Ao’nung watched it all with a frozen expression.

He watched Neteyam moan in pain and wheezing, grasping at air desperately, eyes filled with fear and tears. Blood ran down his arm and chest, tainting the hard rock he was laying on and all around him.

A gruesome scene.

He would never forget the sound of air struggling to reach his lungs.

He watched his family circle around him and try to help, to do everything they could to stop the bleeding, painful screams and distressing cries pierced his ears. The smell of sea, blood and gunpower, it was disorienting.

He watched you scream his name, veins popping in your neck, begging him to stay awake, all while painful tears ran down your usual serene face, all while you had his blood staining your gentle hands.

And as he watched you cup his face, whispering desperate comforting words, something about how once Neteyam reached the village you would tend to him and everything would be back to what it was.

“Stay awake Neteyam, don’t go!”

That was when Ao’nung finally saw it.

Love.

You loved Neteyam.

And he would never be Neteyam, he could never be Neteyam.

The painful realization he was trying to avoid at all costs finally caught up to him and it was like a freezing wave of water just drowned his whole being.

A single tear that had been bottling up all his failed battles, fell. And Ao’nung went down on his knees and tried his best to help Neteyam, he wasn’t doing it for him, he was doing it for you.

“Come on you bastard don’t die on me!” he screamed.

If he went to the battlefield right now and came back with an open chest, would you scream for him like you did for Neteyam?

Somehow Neteyam managed to reach the village still alive, it seemed the warrior still had a fire within him, and Ao’nung finally understood why his family called him the mighty warrior.

Even when losing large amounts of blood and in excruciating pain, Neteyam had the energy to keep his eyes open and breathe, with the help of everyone, including Ao’nung himself Neteyam reached the village, and you immediately went to work with Tsireya by your side.

With your quick hands Neteyam was patched up quickly and you had managed to stop the bleeding, and after the warrior went to a peaceful sleep, you could finally rest knowing he would live to see the sun the next day.

Days had passes since the battle, since the sky people were defeated, many didn’t come home and thankfully Ao’nung was one of the lucky ones. He had his parents, sister and you still by his side, though he knew you weren’t going to stay here much longer.

When he heard the news that Jakesully would be leaving, guilty of bringing blood and war to his once calm village, Ao’nung tried to fight him on it, knowing that if Neteyam went away you would be heartbroken.

But his words fell on deaf ears, he still had no power, he wasn’t olo'eyktan yet.

“You’re leaving aren’t you?” you asked Neteyam who was in Ronal’s marui changing his dressing, struggling.

Silence.

“Let me help you with that.” you said before he could protest, swiftly making your way to him, kneeling in front of him and gently removing the still bloodied dressings.

“It definitely looks better, but you should still rest, maybe you can stay for a few more d-“

“You know that won’t happen, my father told me we’re leaving today” he said in a whisper, head low avoiding your gaze, if he looked at your broken expression he would fall apart, and he couldn’t afford that right now.

“I don’t want you to go!” you cried, trying your best to sallow your sobs “please stay with me!” you begged him, cupping his face and forcing you him to look at your teary eyes.

“Why can’t you go with me instead? I could show you so many things…” he said in a broken whisper, evolving your hands that were still cupping your face with his bigger ones and touched your forehead with his

“Don’t you want to know the forest?”

“You know I can’t do that even if I want it more than anything, I- I have duties here, and- Ao’nung-” you cried.

“Then I guess this is goodbye.” Neteyam said with a broken tone, before claiming your lips for one last time.

Both of you hungrily kissing each other like there was no tomorrow, because truly, there would be no “tomorrow” trying your very best to memorize every feeling, every touch, every sound.

Neteyam broke the kiss suddenly, if he kissed you any longer he would fall victim to your begging but he had to stay strong, he was doing this for you! He brought war into your home, if peace was an option but he wasn’t included so be it, he would hide away and never see you again if it meant you could be safe again.

And with a heavy sigh Neteyam let you go.

And you watched him pick up his stuff and leave the marui, all while your body stayed frozen and if you weren’t already on your knees, you would have fallen already.

Everyone in the village circled around the Sully family as they all got their ikrans ready for flight, hugs and goodbyes were being exchanged, Ao’nung watched it all with furrowed brows.

You weren’t here.

And he had to go get you.

Once he reached the marui he shared with you he expected to see you crying, broken but instead you were…fine, sitting calmly by the fire. This was odd, Ao’nung didn’t like this one bit.

There was no light in your eyes, no sparkle, no hope. Pure emptiness.

He had to do something.

“Listen to me Y/n, get up.” he said sternly grabbing your thin arm with force, to make you sit up.

“W-what are you doing!?” you asked surprised.

“I can’t let you live like this; you look miserable.” he said quickly avoiding your ocean eyes. It hurt him to say these words, to know what he was about to do, but he loved you. He did.

“Gather your things quickly.” he ordered, while he picked up your belongings and stored them away in a bag.

“Ao’nung what- what the hell are you doing!?” you asked confused, in a panic “Tell me what is going on!” you ordered.

“You’re going with him!” he screamed at last, tears gathering in his eyes.

“I tried to deny it, but I see it now! I can’t make you smile like he does, I can’t make you laugh like he does! And I know you love the forest, hell its all you talk about! I can’t give you that! But he can! So, you’re going to get your things and you’re getting on that fucking ikran and you will be…happy.” he spilled it all desperately, not really knowing if what he said made any since at all, but he had to say it.

It clicked in your head and not even a second after Ao’nung´s confession you helped him gather your things.

“I’m sorry I’ve been so awful to you all this time, I never expected this to happen.” you said with a hard lump in your throat.

“Ao’nung look at me…” you begged him while reaching up to touch his wet cheek “I will always have fond memories of us, you are very special to me and I’ll never find someone like you again, and I love you. I truly do, just not in the way two promised people are supposed to. This love you feel for me, I don’t deserve it and I hope you find someone who loves you back just as much, if not more! I hope you follow your dreams, became olo'eyktan and rule this place with love that I know you have within you.”

Ao’nung listened attentively, eyes moving from side to side quickly, absorbing your words.

“Find someone who loves you back.”

He scoffed playfully.

You were so dumb sometimes, he would never find someone like that, and he cursed himself knowing he was doomed to love you for eternity, maybe this was eywa’s way of teaching him a lesson, to not be so cocky all the time.

“Just go dummy, I’ll be right behind you.” he said with a smirk, but his eyes told another story.

“Thank you.” you said,

And with a final peck on his cheek, you took off. Again.

You reached the circle out of breath, piercing through everyone hoping to find Neteyam waiting for you at the end.

“Please be there, please be there!” you prayed.

Eywa must have heard your pleads, Neteyam was still strapping his things to his ikran, doing it painfully slowly.

“Neteyam!” you called out desperately.

He turned around, surprised to see you here.

“You came!” he said happily, running over to you, hugging you as tightly as he could - lifting you up so that you were above him, feet no longer touching the sand - he didn’t care about the gasps or the wide eyes, he didn’t care about Ronal’s tight-lipped smile or his mother’s warning calls, he didn’t care.

Now everything was out in the open.

“You came!” he said again, this time with his head tucked bellow your neck.

“I’m going with you!” you said out of breath.

And as he put you down gently, he looked back at his family to seek approval and you did the same.

His family watched it with worried faces.

“Please, I never ask for anything.” he mouthed.

While you saw your people holding their breaths, wanting to know what the tsahìk would say, your heart almost coming out of your mouth.

“Please say yes, please say yes.” you begged internally.

Ronal had a sad smile, almost like she was fighting back tears but after some painful long seconds she nodded and Tonowari followed soon after, a kind smile on his face and Ao’nung…

Ao’nung wasn’t here.

“Go” you noticed Ronal mouth.

And you did, with fresh new tears that you didn’t know if they were sad or happy, nervous, or excited, sacred, or confident.

All you knew was a whole new life was ahead of you, the things you wished for all your life were within your grasp and you had someone who loved you to guide you through it.

As you hopped on Neteyam’s ikran you could see Ao’nung run to the circle, and he lifted his neck to look up at you.

“Go and live your dream! I’ll be here if you change your mind!” he screamed from the top of his lungs.

You could only laugh sadly as tears blurred your vision “I will Ao’nung” you whispered.

“And you!” he pointing to Neteyam “You take care of her, or I’ll hunt you down forest boy!”

Neteyam gave him a reassuring nod, a simple way to say, “I will” and Ao’nung gave him a nod back, a mutual way of showing respect.

Ao’nung watched you go higher and higher into the sky, with each flap of the ikran’s wings you became smaller and smaller and when you went above the clouds and out of his sight.

He cried.

You finally got what you wanted, and he lost what he had.

I hope you enjoyed this story! reblogs and comments are welcome, thank you for reading! <3

͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ ͏͏͏͏͏͏ @eclipseatsea ☾☼☽

#dumpling's favs 🫶#neteyam x reader #neteyam fic #neteyam fanfiction

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