#agedup!neteyam

“Bro! Where’d you even come from?! Don’t scare me like that.” You hissed, baring your fangs and you began to undo the knot.

“Why do you even tie that? It’s safe from the sky people, they don’t know about the base here since we relocated.” Lo’ak said, helping you undo it before pushing the wooden bowl of assorted fruits into your hands.

“Nete showed me, he said it was just to keep me extra safe. Thank you for the fruit, I had just wakened so you don’t need to worry about being late.” You said, popping a berry into your mouth before welcoming him inside.

He shook his head, “I have to go help mother with preparation for tonight’s celebration. She’s been uptight since Neteyam and dad have been gone. Can’t miss out. You gonna be there tonight?” He asked, tail swishing with anticipation.

Lo’ak still stayed rebellious, but a bit more confident since his teenage years. His braids tied up in a low man bun with two pieces hanging down to frame his face. It was weird to think of his scrawny self years ago. Even crazier to imagine he was actually excited to help Neytiri with preparations. At least it gets Jake off his back.

“I will, I’ve completed a few pieces of flying gear for Jake’s team. The older gear has worn down anyways. I must tell Neteyam I’ll be attending too.” You said, picking at the fleshy parts of the fruit and devouring it, leaving the skins off to the side.

You licked your fingers, tossing some flying goggles towards Lo’ak and trusting him to catch it with ease, which he did. “Yours. Don’t lose these too!” You scowled, only to be met with him grinning before turning away on his heel.

“No promises!” He yelled out before skipping away.

“Skxawng.” You muttered, placing the empty bowl on the table Jake crafted for you. You stretched your arms, deciding it was time for your rinse.

Gathering your flying gear and a beaded chest piece with feathers and a matching loincloth to change into, you left your Marui. Walking through the base, you smiled and waved at the children playing and passing by you, your few friends who were gathered around a fire, adding their final accessories to their clothing pieces for tonight’s celebration. A lot of unmated Na’vi women used large celebrations to venture for a mate, using the social setting to introduce themselves without awkwardness or fear of being outwardly rejected as a lot of the warriors would drink as a reward.

Reaching to a deep part of the forest you knew well, you found your fresh spring. Warm water running through a miniature waterfall, and a small pond to bathe yourself in. You sighed, always looking forward to your alone time of silence in the spring. Slipping off your chest piece, you laid it down on the moss, followed by your loincloth and arm cuffs. You stepped into the pond, letting the water run through your hair from the waterfall, covering water in your pals to wash your face. The warmth gave you a sense of comfort, a tranquility you were denied the last few years due to the war.

Meanwhile, the war party had returned finally, a bit behind schedule. Jake landed first, jumping off his Ikran and catching Neytiri in his arms. Neteyam followed shortly after, his brother embracing him with a hard pat to the back. Tuk, following right behind after greeting her father.

“Teyam!” She cried out, relief washing over her as he picked her up. Tuk wiped her eyes, happy tears pooling after finally seeing her family after so long.

Neteyam smiled, turning his head to Lo’ak before his look turned serious. “She has been fed? Where is she?” He said, eyes scanning the base before looking back to his younger brother.

“Yea, bro. She already ate, but I don’t know where she wandered to.” Lo’ak said, grabbing Tuk’s hand once Neteyam put her down.

“I told you to keep an eye on her.” Neteyam scowled, but her let it go. He knew you knew better.

Walking to your Marui and opening it fully, he scanned. He saw the empty bowl, your weaving materials, but no you. That would only leave one other place. The hot springs. He huffed, setting his bow down on your desk before following the same path you took, the one he taught you. Deeper into the forest, his ears pricked up at the nearing sound of splashing water. You were close, he caught your scent. Sweet and soft.

He felt no shame, watching you bare, water droplets falling down your curves, over your chest and down to your most sacred area. If anything, he felt entitled to it. He sauntered closer, shaking his head as you didn’t even bother to pay attention to your surroundings. Your back remained turned to him, oblivious to the predator watching its prey.

“I thought you had far better sense, yawne.” He said, loud enough to spook you.

You jumped, turning your body to him before covering yourself and dipping down fully into the pond to shield him for your bare body. Your ears slicked back, eyes wide with embarrassment.

“Nete! You’re back-you scared me! How long have you been there?!” You blurted, your fingers gripping the edge of the pond, leaving soft imprints of your four fingers in the moss.

“Mawey, it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. Though it is more endearing seeing it from you.” He said, crouching down near the edge to run his hand through your wet hair.

Neteyam scanned the clothing you brought to change into, noticing the loincloth had far less fabric, and far more intricate beading. That wasn’t enough coverage for him. His eyes turned to you, softening as he noticed your soft purrs at his touch. He let his hand trail down to your cheek before fluttering off at your shoulders.

“You are wearing this to the celebration today? There is not much fabric. Eyes of drunken warriors will be all over you.” He sighed, taking your arm to pull your upper half from the spring.

Your ears perked to attention, not expecting his guidance out of the water. Using your arm, you covered your breasts, clenching your legs together to hide yourself as he brought you fully out. “I- Well it was something I made weeks ago. It has similar beads to our song cords, an homage. Is that alright, Ma Teyam?” You tried not to bring much attention to your bareness, other wise he would truly notice what he had done. Of course you didn’t clock that he did it on purpose, to see you exposed and vulnerable in front of him.

He seemed pleased with your response, either way he’d have you by his side as usual, so he couldn’t scold you too much. “I suppose it is alright, what is not, is that you didn’t greet me with your hug. It’s all I’ve been thinking of since I left.” Neteyam said, bringing you in by the shoulders and pressing you to him, his nose burying into the side of your neck.

He knew exactly what he was doing. Neteyam just wanted to feel you against him, your skin touching his and your heartbeats synchronizing. You melted into the hug, you missed his presence. You stayed with him for a few breaths, before realizing your current situation. You reached for your chest piece and loincloth, wanting to cover yourself. Neteyam caught on, handing them to you, his eyes quickly scanning your body that you were no longer shielding as you dressed yourself. As soon as you slipped the chest piece over your head you tried your back to him from how you two were sitting.

“May you please turn, I must dress myself.” You asked shyly, placing your hand down to your waist to cover yourself.

He cracked a smile before obliging. “Have you missed me? Has Lo’ak taken good care of you since my departure? I told that skxawng to make sure that you eat. You know how he is though.” He asked, before turning around back to you once her heart the clicks of the beads coming to a rest.

You both stood now, finally able to comfortable face Neteyam. You two have bathed together of course, but throughout childhood. Since you turned 18 you preferred to bathe alone, for obvious reasons. “I missed you so much, Neteyam.” You sighed, letting yourself hug him tightly, which he returned.

“Lo’ak has taken good care of me, have more faith!” You said, letting Neteyam lead you back to the base. His hand lingered on your lower back, playing with the beads that adorned your handmade loincloth.

“As you command, yawne.” Neteyam joked, pressing you closer to his side as you walked through the thick flora of the forest. “Shall you accompany me at the celebration? I must keep you out of harms way, you know how those drunken warrior behave once they return. Almost all of them cried to be mated once they return. Some even asked for you, but none of them are good enough. All are too weak for you, ma yawne.” He said, ears flicking side to side as he heard the Na’vi from the base once they got closer.

He always stayed alert with you around him. Neteyam didn’t even bother to move his hand from his position your back, not minding the side looks unmated warriors gave him when they finally stepped foot into base. “Neteyam, don’t be too harsh. They try to live up to you.” You said softly, resting your hand on his arm.

Once you reached your Marui, he stepped inside with you. “Do not defend them. Do you wish to be mated to one?” He asked defensively, tying a knot as he hurriedly shut the flaps of your marui. “Of course they live up to me, I am the only one who can protect you, who can treat you how you deserve to be treated.” He said, stepping closer to you now as he towered over your frame.

“N-no, Nete. I do not wish to be mated to any of them.” Except you. Of course you could never say that, he was soon to be with another woman. “I just speak out of kindness, they are young men who may not get to live another day. They have hopes and dreams of a normal life too. I know you are the only one to protect me, you have since we were little.” You said, your hands resting on his forearms while your tail tucked between your legs.

You hated disappointing him, you knew he would never treat you as a nuisance, but you wanted to be as agreeable as you could for him. He already had so much on his plate as future Olo’eyktan, and a strong warrior.

“I always will protect you. You are too kind to those who you do not know the true intentions of. You depend on only me, do you understand?” He said, his head lowering to yours so he could properly look you in the eye.

He held eye contact, until you caved and blinked, embracing him again. “I understand, Neteyam. Thank you.” You sighed, your cheek pressed to his chest as your body melted into his touch.

His hands rubbed soothing patterns into your back, a content smile on his face from your willing obedience. “Very good, yawne. You don’t need anyone else, only me.” Neteyam muttered.

You pulled back after a few minutes, staring up at him with wide and curious eyes as he had a soft hold on your arm. “I must go prepare for the celebration. Once it begins and you plan to arrive, find me immediately. Yes?” He said, turning to undo the knot he placed, so you two wouldn’t be interrupted.

“Yes, Nete. I will find you. I’ll be going with Kiri anyways.” You nodded, going to walk him out, respectfully.

“I shall see you then, songbird.”

@elatimeie @spicymayyo @loversonne @nanalovesff @pandoraslxna @zzma-rs

You left her home, observing a few younger Na’vi skipping off with their friends to the celebration, engaged in wild chatter. You and Kiri linked arms, hopping together past logs meant for sitting once the dancing and socialization got to be too much. You caught glimpse of Jake, who was with Neytiri and Tuk of course, both of them speaking to higher up warriors, congratulating them on their return and thanking them for participating.

Then you spotted Lo’ak, who was with Spider. You and Kiri naturally gravitated towards them. Kiri smiled bright, reaching her hand out once you two were close enough.

“Monkey boy! I see you’ve gained more stripes.” She said, releasing your arm to embrace him.

You stood beside Lo’ak, glancing around. You were looking for Neteyam, yet you couldn’t spot him anywhere. “Well, the more stripes the better, if I can’t be tall might as well have one thing.” Spider joked, returning her hug.

“Surprises you’re here without Neteyam. You guys are like, inseparable.” Spider said with a tilt of his head.

“Do you know where he is? He told me to find him once I arrived.” You asked curiously, still dipping your head around to try and spot the incredibly hard to miss warrior.

“He was with Rey’ka. She was hanging and dragging off his arm so hard I swear I could’ve seen him almost fall like five times.” Lo’ak said, paying special attention to what your expression contorted into, which was defeat.

He was with his potential mate. The one he never spoke to you about. You huffed understandingly, pursing your lips together as your face went straight. “Well, that is expected, I don’t wish to bother them then.” You turned your attention to Lo’ak, seeing as Spider and Kiri went back to speaking.

“May I accompany you for a little while? Until he has returned.” You asked, pointing over to the drinks that were distributed in hand carved, makeshift cups. “I want to try whatever that is.”

“Oh hell yeah. Apparently if you have like, three of those you’ll be out for the night. Personally I’ve been waiting to test that theory.” Lo’ak said, taking your wrist and dragging you across the forest.

He greeted the warrior before him, signing ‘I see you’, before stepping past him. “Take one, and that’s your only one. Can’t have Neteyam beating my ass tonight.” Lo’ak said tightly, but you knew he didn’t care that much. That what you liked about Lo’ak how laid back he was at any given moment.

You took the drink, taking a sip and immediately scrunched your face up. Your ears flicked back to the bitter taste. “I can see why three is far more than enough.” You licked your lips and hesitantly took another sip.

You knew you should’ve been drinking slower, but the thoughts running through your head only got louder. Where did he go with Rey’ka? What were they doing? Did they plan to mate sooner? That’s something he would tell you, right? Before you knew it, your cup was half way gone and Lo’ak pulled it back from you.

“Woah bro, slow it down. Three is enough for warriors. Two might be pushing it for someone your size.” He said, letting you come back from your thought induced trance.

You nodded your head silently, already feeling the buzz in your cheeks from the drink. Lo’ak allowed you to keep the drink, under the condition of drinking slowly. You stayed lingering by him, no longer bothering to search for Neteyam. You felt betrayed, but you knew you shouldn’t feel that way. You’ve known of Rey’ka from before, though it wasn’t from him, you still felt guilty for being upset. You sank into your thoughts again, taking a bitter sip as tears pricked at your waterline.

You pushed them back, blinking rapidly and turning to the side to avoid Lo’ak and his friends gaze in case they saw. Looking down, you saw a pair of legs in front of you. Neteyam? Quickly looking up at the man in front of you, it certainly wasn’t your Nete. It was another warrior, who seemed to already had enough drinks.

“A gorgeous girl like you shouldn’t be down at a time like this. You are unmated, yes? Is anyone courting you?” His voice was like silk, as he stepped even closer to you, his arm wrapping around your shoulders.

You tried to push your body a bit further away, but you didn’t want to be disrespectful to a warrior of high ranking like himself. “No, I’m not being courted— Are you alright?” You asked cautiously, noticing his wobbling form, the lack of concentration in his eyes from the drinks he had.

“You shouldn’t be alone. Come, sit with me, I’d like to get to know you.” He pulled you back into his chest.

A hand gripped his, the one resting on your shoulders. The warrior looked up, a scowl written on his face before he processed who was behind you. His eyes went wide and his ears flicked back. You turned back, expecting Lo’ak to be standing up for you. Until your eyes met with a broad muscled chest, and a neck piece you created. For Neteyam.

Neteyam ripped the other man’s hand off your shoulder, stepping between you. “Good thing she isn’t alone. You should head home, you’re making a fool of all the warriors who have returned.” His tail flicked behind him, wrapping around your thigh.

“S-sorry, sir. I didn’t see who she was. I apologize, please don’t—“ The man’s pleas were cut off by a shove.

“Leave. Now.” Neteyam hissed, towering over the man, looking down at him.

That was the final push for the man to scurry off, stumbling over roots and pushing past other concerned men. Neteyam huffed, turning around to face you. He glanced down at the cup in your hand, a sigh leaving his lips as he took it from you, drinking the las rod what was there.

“You shouldn’t be drinking, this is far too strong for you, yawne.” Neteyam said, setting the cup aside.

You ignored his scolding, wrapping your arms around his waist, forcing him into a hug. “Thank you, Neteyam.” Was all you could manage to spit out. Anything else would’ve brought you to tears. Wasn’t he with Rey’ka? Would he be upset you didn’t go find him?

He patted your head, his other hand resting on your lower back. “You did not come to me, how long have you been here?” Neteyam pulled you back, wrapping an arm around your waist as he leaned back against the tree.

He pressed you against his chest, his thighs trapping you while you face him. “I haven’t been here that long. Lo’ak told me you were with..Rey’ka. I did not want to interrupt you.” You hoped your mention of her name would bring a painful confession. Was it official? Where even was she if he was here?

His attitude shifted, both of his hands rubbing up and down your arms. Neteyam eyed your appearance, the feathers in your hair, the delicate beads laying over your breasts, and the necklace he had made for you. “We merely had things to discuss, don’t worry yourself. How much did you drink? Your body is hot.”

He made the comment quick, as usual. Neteyam wasn’t wrong though, the one drink and how fast you gulped it down made you tipsy. You rest your head on his chest, looking to the side at other Na’vi. They were bustling, dancing, exchanging weaved pieces. Until a pair of golden, calculating eyes caught yours. Rey’ka. She was looking right at you, her sister by her side. They exchanged whispered before her sister looked in your direction as well.

Their posture seemed on edge, agitated, and defensive. You pushed yourself off Neteyams chest, only getting so far before he tightened his hold on your waist. “Where are you going, yawne? Do you feel sick?” He sat up off the tree, tilting his head to try and meet your eyes before his hand grabbed your chin, forcing you to look at him.

“Rey’ka, she is looking. This is inappropriate, your mate—“ Neteyam cut you off, pressing closer before ducking his head to whisper in your ear.

“Then let her look, it is alright.” Both of his hands traveled to your hip bones, pulling you closer. Your pelvis pressed against his groin, and your hands on his chest.

“Neteyam, she will be beyond upset.” You tried to reason, even though your heart had been aching for his touch. He didn’t seem to listen, glancing her way once just to see the angry look written all over her. She was angrily speaking to her sister, tail swatting away while throwing hand motions in your direction.

“Come, let me take you to bed.” Neteyam said, a satisfied grin plastered all over his face. The beads in his hair clinked together when he stood at his full height, arm never leaving your waist and he led you back to your Marui.

You still felt dazed from the drink, and embarrassed from Rey’ka’s hard gaze. He wasn’t concerned with her? You were practically gripped onto each other in an intimate position, in front of his mate, and he said to let her look? You couldn’t wrap your head around his thinking. Your chest felt tight, wanting to find an explanation yourself as to why, only to find yourself tripping over a stump.

Neteyam yanked you just in time, not even giving you a second to apologize before scooping you into his arms. “Seems I cannot even trust you to walk.” He knew you weren’t that drunk. He knew you were thinking of Rey’ka. Why he did what he did.

Neteyam knew though, this was enough to bring you back to now, to feel you against him. To have you submit to him, and let him take care of you. As he always did. “I was just thinking, I’m sorry. I don’t understand why—“ Neteyam bounced you up once, making you wrap your arms around his neck.

“I said, don’t worry yourself. All will become clear in due time, song bird.” He said softly, kicking the flaps open to your Marui. Stepping in, he squatted down, letting your legs rest over his thigh, with his arm supporting your back.

You planted both feet on the floor, crawling out of his lap and onto the furs laid across your floor. Neteyam hopped closer, beginning to undo the braids holding your feathers in place. “I do not wish to keep secrets, but some things are hard to confess now. I will tell you when you are ready to know.” He said, placing the first feather on your desk.

“I am ready now! You can tell me anything, Nete.” You sighed, agitation showing in the way your ears pricked up and your tail slapped against the floor. He had always treated you like a piece of glass. You could handle yourself, you knew you could. Did he not trust you? What was so hard to confess?

Neteyam pressed his lips together, gripping the back of your neck and forcing you to look at him. You could see him clearly now in the soft light illuminating your room. His handsome face. the striped littering his cheeks and the way his eyes always seemed so soft when looking at you. His long braided hair, adorned with beads you collected for him. He always asked you to braid his hair, and he would do the same for you. Now, his look was more serious than you’ve ever been permitted to see.

“You are ready when I say you are. Do you hear me?” His brows furrowed, golden eyes searching yours. Neteyam hoped not to make you fear him, but to understand. He was surprised you bit back, that wasn’t like you. Not his song bird.

You nodded, “Yes, ‘Teyam. I just don’t want you to leave me in the dark. It’s all you’ve been doing recently.” You admitted. It was true, especially something so serious like his future mate, his status as the future Olo’eyktan. It’s like he knew something you didn’t.

Neteyam brought your forehead to his, your flat noses touching. A heat spread across your cheeks, realizing your lips were inches from his. “You will always have me, yawntu. I will not leave you behind. You’re too dear to me, too important to let go of.” He whispered, his hands cupping your cheeks. It seemed like he said more than he should have.

He pulled back, brushing your hair back behind your shoulders from when he had unbraided it. Your eyes glossed over, sleep taking over your bones. He could see it, the way your body swayed at his touch, how you slowly tried to lower yourself on the layers of fur and leather on your floor. Neteyam helped you down, letting sprawl out. He stood up, taking his knife out of its holster and placing it next to his bow on the desk. He tied the flaps together, double checking they were on tight enough before sauntering back to your barely awake form on the floor.

He sank down next to you, pulling some of the covers over your lower half before lifting your head. He slipped his arm underneath, for you to use as a pillow. “Thank you, Nete. For taking me home.” Neteyam smiled, keeping a respective distance from you while still being able to feel the heat radiating from your body. “For not leaving.” You added.

That’s when he broke, and shifted closer, guiding your head to his chest. “Of course, yawne. If anything you’ll have trouble getting rid of me.” He wasn’t exaggerating, and that brought a chuckle from you.

He lazily traced shapes on your arm, listening to how your heartbeat steadied, you were asleep.

“You can try as much as you’d like, but you’re not going anywhere.” Neteyam muttered, closing his eyes. He wasn’t lying about that either.

tags: