#{pandora}

Neteyam x Reader

Summary: All of your friends were pursuing or have already found their mate, but you on the other hand weren’t focused nor worrying about that and it made it extra hard for the poor guy who was trying so hard to gain your attention.

The day you walked into Neteyams life he was absolutely taken by you. You were introduced to the Sully family by your mother who was one of the finest weavers in your clan, she had weaved them a baby basket for their newborn Tuk’tirey. You followed her path being one of the best in your age group. Anything you touch was gold.

Although you thought your skills were useless up against your dream of becoming a fierce warrior, the eldest Sully thought otherwise. Over the years of knowing you, he would always come to you if his loincloth had been torn in flight, asking for a new armband, a new vest, or asking you to create decorative tapestry art for his family’s home. (They got sick of him filling up the family’s space with stuff he didn’t need.) With each request, he would bring tools and accessories he found while he was hunting. He would always sit and listen to you sing weaving songs along with your fellow weaving circle. Little did you know, the man was infatuated.

“Sa’nok (mother) I’ll be back, I’m going to collect some trinkets from the forest.” Your mother responded with ‘be careful’ with a kind smile.

You secured your satchel over your shoulder and tucked your knife into its sheath. You swung open the flap of your home to be greeted by and well known face.

“Kaltixì (hello)” you greeted with a smile that he returned even brighter.

“You ready?” You nodded following him to his Ikran, he grabbed your hand helping you on.

“Is that a new top?”

Your cheeks warmed at the thought of him noticing “Yes I finished it yesterday.”

“It is beautiful, the colors of the beads suit you well.”

•••

You two landed gracefully outside the forest. He helped you off and walked alongside you. You excitedly got started, finding trinkets to add to your future crafts. Seeds you can sit out to dry, feathers, multicolored pebbles, and picking a few colorful flowers neatly putting them in your pouch, and even with medicinal herbs that could come in handy.

While you look around you felt a sense of longing, you missed the forest more than anything. It saddened you your clan had to move to high ground in order to be safe now the only way you could get here is by being a passenger on someone else’s Ikran.

“I miss this” you blurted out as you ran your fingers along the beautiful glowing plants.

“As do i” he chimed in.

He watched you for a moment longer than needed, eyes following the way the forest light kissed your skin. Working up the courage to present you with something’s he’s been holding onto. Then he reached into the satchel at his side.

“I made something for you,” Neteyam said quietly.

You turned, surprised, as he held out a woven armband tight, clean craftsmanship, threaded with deep blues and warm golds. His colors.

“For me?” you asked, genuinely shocked.

He nodded, suddenly shy. “For protection. And… so you think of me when you wear it.”

Your smile was instant and sincere as you slid it onto your slender arm. “I will treasure it. Irayo (thanks), Neteyam.” You didn’t notice the way his chest lifted, the way his ears flicked back in satisfaction. In his mind, it was done. You were claimed.

Sadly you weren’t aware of any of it.

•••

Back at the Hallelujah Mountains, the weaving circle buzzed with quiet talk and laughter. You sat cross-legged among your friends, hands moving easily as you reinforced tool wraps and braided cord for hunters.

“You’ve been smiling all day,” Na’vani teased, nudging you. “Something I should know?”

Before you could answer, a shadow fell across your work. “Kaltixì,” came a warm voice.

You looked up to see K’u’thal, spear resting at his side. He was well known through out your clan, talented in many ways especially when it came to hunting. Many women pursued him as a potential mate.

His eyes glanced over your work curious rather than bold. “What are you making?”

You happily explained with a smile, holding up your work, and he smiled softly, impressed. Soon the two of you were talking easily, sharing stories that had Na’vani grinning to herself.

Not far away, Neteyam watched.

His jaw tightened.

•••

A few days later the Tlalim Clan arrived, the rainforest came alive with voices and trade. Everyone and their loved ones were back where they belonged, children running around with toys in the shape of animals mimicking sounds, laughter echoing through the forest, and stories being told about clans you have yet to meet. It felt good.

As you walked around with an unwavering smile on your face, Neteyam found you near the stream.

“Finally I have found you” a smile adorned his face as he pressed a small bundle into your hands, hair beads carved from traded bone and shell.

“I saw them and thought of you,” he said.

Your smile widened and hugged him without thinking. “They are beautiful! Irayo (Thank you).”

He watched you basically float away convinced you finally understood his intentions.

•••

Later, at the communal dinner, Na’vani toyed with your armband, eyes dancing in the firelight. “Let me guess… K’u’thal?”

You laughed softly. “No, Neteyam made this.”

Her smile turned knowing just as K’u’thal appeared at your side, setting a small woven charm into your hands. Before you could protest or even thank him he was gone again, swallowed by the crowd.

Na’vani sighed, shaking her head in amusement. “Eywa help you,” she muttered. “You’re leading on two of the finest warriors our age and don’t even know it.”

Shocked by her statement you barely had time to respond before a hand closed around your wrist.

Neteyam.

He didn’t speak as he guided you away from the fire, past the laughter and music, until the noise dulled and it was just the two of you beneath the glow of the mountains. Only then did he turn to you, jaw tight, eyes burning.

“Why are you accepting gifts from him?” he asked, voice low and strained.

You recoiled slightly, confused and hurt. “What do you mean it’s harmless”

“Harmless? This is far from harmless he knows i am pursuing you as a mate yet he continues to fight for your attention.” Your eyes bulge.

“I- what? I thought you were pursuing Veyt’ari. That is word around the village.”

He scoffed softly, stepping closer causing your heart to beat just a little faster. “I do not want Veyt’ari.” He tilts his head and his voice dropped. “I want you.”

The world went quiet as he leaned in. Your ears perk and tail sway in anticipation.

When he kissed you, it was hesitant at first like he was giving you one last chance to pull away. Instead, you kissed him back, breathless, stunned, hands curling into his chest. The kiss deepened, years of unspoken longing finally breaking free.

When you pulled apart, both of you were flushed, foreheads resting together.

“Oh,” you whispered.

Neteyam smiled, satisfied at last.

“Yes, paskalin… oh.” (Sweet Berry)

•••

Extra

Neteyam didn’t realize how obvious he’d been until Lo’ak wouldn’t stop grinning at him across the fire.

“So,” his brother drawled, pulling meat off his skewer, “all it took was…what? Three years? Four?”

Neteyam shot him a warning look. “quiet.”

Kiri tilted her head, eyes glowing with amusement. “You know, most people say they’re courting someone. They don’t just… silently offer crafts and hope Eywa delivers the message.”

“She thought you were being nice?,” Tuk innocently chimed in, swinging her legs. “That’s kind of sad.”

Neteyam groaned, burying his face in his hands. Embarrassed that even his little sister caught on and she hasn’t even had the mating talk.

“I was clear.”

Lo’ak laughed outright. “Bro you literally watched another guy give her gifts and still said nothing , yeah that’s real clear”

Jake cleared his throat, lips twitching despite himself. “Alright that’s enough leave ‘em alone.”

“Son, next time…maybe use words.”

From across the clearing, you glanced over, confused by the sudden burst of laughter. Neteyam looked up just in time to see you smile at him.

Worth it.

Kiri leaned in, smirking. “Only took you years to get noticed.”

Neteyam didn’t argue, he was just happy now that he has you.

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