#forasgaard

"Tonight we thank her for all gifts. For the sun and the moons. For the rain that makes the earth fertile. And for our people. We lost a beloved brother. But we also gained two sisters!" He pointed to a woman with twins in her arms. She smiled happily. "To another fruitful year! Let the great mother's ceremony begin!"

The Great Mother's ceremony was like a celebration of gratitude for Eywa. It marked the start of a new year for the Omatikaya. There was always an extensive celebration with lots of music and wild dancing. At least that's what Lo'ak and Neteyam told you. For you, it was the first ceremony here among the Na'vi.

After Jake finished his speech, the crowd dispersed. Drums and musical instruments echoed across the clearing, soon joined by shamanic chanting. Jake was chatting with Norm and some of his old scientist friends, who were invited to the party. Suddenly Lo'ak jumped up next to you. "Come on!" He pulled you up and together you guys ran through the forest. The area around the Tree of Souls was decorated with lights. Torches stuck in the earth and decorations of feathers swayed gently in the wind.

It was getting really dark now. But luckily your avatar eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness. Together with your friends, you went to one of the large clearings nearby. Na'vi's were standing at the edge distributing food and drinks. In the middle of the square, people were dancing to the music. You saw a group of young people handing out little things that the Na'vi popped into their mouths, laughing. As you got closer, you saw that they were glowing insects. Blue and green glowing worms and caterpillars. You shook yourself in disgust. But Lo'ak seemed quite enthusiastic.

"Hey, let's do that too, folks!" Spider looks at him skeptically. "Are those those hallucinogenic bugs?"

"Yes!" Lo'ak exclaimed enthusiastically. Neteyam grabbed his arm decisively. "No way! Did you hear?"

"Man, Bro!" protested the younger offended. "Let's have some fun!"

And now you understood what it was about. Drugs. Eating these insects had to be similar to eating hallucinogenic mushrooms. "Lo'ak, cut that shit," said Kiri, who was holding Tuk's hand. Lo'ak rolled his eyes in annoyance. "By Eywa. You're spoilsports!"

But he was soon distracted by the fire show in the center of the square. A few Na'vi danced across the glade with torches, twirling them in elaborate tricks. There were even two fire breathers. Tuk's eyes widened with excitement and you had to hold back your laughter. When the show was over, more and more Omatikaya were drawn to the clearing. They all danced wildly and you guys soon found ourselves dancing too.

Neteyam once tried to teach you the folk dances of the people. You had already forgotten most of it and  everyone danced as they wanted anyways. Took and Kiri had grabbed each others hands and were spinning around. Spider jumped around, his  his dreadlocks bounced and Lo'ak danced happily around us. You tried to move to the drumming music. But you kept bumping into Neteyam, and that threw you off balance.

You had quite a crush on him. For long time now. But he only seemed to see you as his best friend, so you hadn't dared to tell him until now. Besides, you had recently seen him with a girl from the village. They had only talked, but they seemed intimate in a way you would never be with him. You were an avatar after all. They accepted you, and of course they liked you. But you  would never quite be one of them.

Eventually, Tuk got tired and Kiri picked her up. "I think I'd better take her home," she said. Took yawned heartily. The two disappeared into the forest. You danced a little more until finally Lo'ak saw his friends. His face lit up and he waved to the crowd. Three guys emerged from the crowd and approached us.

"Hey bro!" They greeted Lo'ak with a grin. "Hi guys!"

You had only seen Lo'ak's friends once. He often hung out with them when his siblings were getting on his nerves. They all held carved wooden cups in their hands, filled with a purple glowing liquid. "Hello Neteyam," the tallest of them nodded in greeting to Neteyam. They were all three about Lo'ak's age. The tallest of them had shoulder-length braids, while one of his friends had his hair pulled up in a bun. The third guy had dreadlocks, just like Jake.

"Where did you leave Kiri?" the boy with the dreads asked. Lo'ak shrugged. "She brings home Tuk."

"Ah. Well, it's probably for the best if she's not there, she doesn't like us anyway." The guy with the bun laughed.

"Where did you get that?" Lo'ak gestured at the mugs. The dreadlock guy pointed across the clearing. "Put them out there. You should hurry, otherwise everything will be empty."

Lo'ak's eyes widened. "Come on guys!", he said to you , Spider and Neteyam. Together you walked over to where a couple of Na'vi were sitting around a cooking area. The purple liquid floated in a large cauldron. Less than two seconds later, you got handed a mug. The drink smelled sweet, like berries and you glanced at Neteyam questioningly.

"What is that?"

"Teylu-Nectar," he replied, which didn't make you any the wiser. But he drank it without hesitation, so you assumed it was safe. Probably something like alcohol. It definitely tasted super fruity and sweet.

You danced for a while. Lo'ak and his friends drank one cup after the other and the mood grew more and more exuberant. You also felt lighter and lighter and you danced happily with Neteyam, who had only drunk one cup. Lo'ak and Spider chatted animatedly with the boys. Then suddenly, the taller one came over to you. He smiled charmingly.

"Hi. I'm Rungatya."

"Hi," you smiled back. His gaze wandered unashamedly over your body. No one had ever looked at you like that before and you felt heat rising inside you. But it wasn't uncomfortable. That's when you noticed Neteyam stepping closer. His hand gently touched your arm. Rungatya registered it but left it uncommented. He looked at Neteyam.

"Won't you get us something else to drink?", he asked. Neteyam frowned. "Don't you think you've had enough already?" He looked over at Lo'ak and Spider, who were laughing themselves half to death. Rungatya waved him off with a laugh. "Oh, we've only just started having fun! Come on big brother. Forget your duties for a night. I'll take care of her for the time being."

Neteyam struggled, but he also didn't want to look stupid in front of Lo'ak's friends. He looked at you, doubtfully. You just shrugged, signaling that it would be okay. "Fine, I'll be right back," Neteyam grumbled and left. Rungatya laughed, shaking his head.

"He always only has his obligations on his mind. Instead of having a bit of fun!"

You faked a smile. Because you didn't think it was very nice that he had chased Neteyam away, even though he could get some drinks himself.

While you two waited for Neteyam and the drinks, you chatted with Rungatya. He was nice and charming. A bit brash sometimes, but your head was so already dazed from the drinks that you didn't really notice it. You also didn't notice that he accidentally touched you. And you suddenly realized that Neteyam had been gone for quite a while. Rungatya seemed to notice that too. He looked across the clearing, then at Lo'ak and the others.

"Neteyam is long gone"

"Hmm," you said approvingly. Where was he? He hadn't left you here, had he? But no, Neteyam would never do that. Rungatya put a hand on your arm, like you guys were old friends. "Would you like to go for a short walk? I need a bit of distance from the people here. Besides, there is a beautiful tree nearby that I have to show you." You looked at him doubtfully. "But Nete-"

"Oh, he'll be fine. Come on!" He grabbed your hand and pulled you  along. The two of you left the clearing and festivities behind and disappeared into the forest. A few torches lit the way, but then it got darker and darker. Only the fluorescent plants gave us light.

Eventually, you came to a small clearing with a wide tree. It had no leaves but vines and tendrils that snaked down from the crown almost to the ground. Similar to weeping willows that used to grow on earth. The tendrils formed a curtain around the tree. Rungatya pushed them aside and you stood under the thick trunk of the tree. It was like a little cave in here. Luminous insects buzzed in the air and lit up the night. It was breathtaking.

"Wow!" you went. Rungatya laughed. "And Neteyam really never showed you this place? I can't believe it!"

You shook your head and spinned around. "It is wonderful here!"

Suddenly something stopped you from spinning. Rungatya had grabbed your hand. He came closer and a smile appeared on his lips. "I see something else beautiful here." If Na'vi could blush, you would right now. You smiled shyly at him. He was handsome. Tall, and his muscles well defined. His smile was open and friendly. If you hadn't a crush on Neteyam, you might have even considered him. But in your mind  was no room for anyone but Neteyam.

Rungatya came closer and took both of your hands. You could smell his scent. His yellow eyes met yours, trying to figure out what you were thinking.

Suddenly there was a loud screeching from the forest. Not too far away at all. You both winced.

You looked at Rungatya, startled. "What was that?" But he put a reassuring hand on your shoulder and stepped closer, protectively. "Only animals. Don't worry"

...

Grumbling, Neteyam ran back with the drinks. Why did Dad have to stop him now? Jake had entered the glade, just as Neteyam was getting the drinks. Neteyam had only wanted to tell him briefly that Kiri was taking Tuk home, but his dad immediately engaged him in a conversation about responsibility and how, as the eldest, he had to look after his siblings, when he saw the drinks.

Neteyam just had rolled his eyes. It didn't matter now! He wanted to go back to Y/N. He had seen Rungatya eyeing her. How his eyes had scanned her body. And he hated it! He had never liked Lo'ak friends. They made even more nonsense than Lo'ak alone did. And that they now also had their eye on Y/N...

She was his best friend. Unfortunately. Neteyam wished she was more than that. He had been in love with her since she first came to them. Her avatar body was so beautiful and her smile brightened the day. Only he couldn't tell her. Couldn't tell her how he felt because that would destroy their friendship.

Lost in thoughts, Neteyam came back to the party with the drinks in his hands. It didn't take him long to find his friends in the crowd. Spider's human body stood out conspicuously through it. Lo'ak was right next to him, jumping wildly through the air. Neteyam sighed. He was drunk, it would be great tomorrow.

"Hey Brooo!" Lo'ak waved at Neteyam and put an arm around his shoulders. Then he saw the drinks in Neteyam's hands. "Oh more drinks! Thanks Bro." He grabbed a mug and emptied it in one gulp.

"Lo'ak," Neteyam hissed admonishingly. "What?"  his little brother laughed carelessly. His friends next to him gave Neteyam a friendly nudge on the shoulder. They too were already quite confused in the head. "Relax! We're having fun!" Neteyam sighed in resignation and looked around searchingly. Y/N was not there. Neither does Rungatya. He stood on tiptoe for a moment to get a better look. But nothing. Concerned, he turned to Spider. The only one you could still talk to normally around here.

"Hey Spider, did you see Y/N?"

Spider took a sip from his mug. He had to be careful, the Na'vi drinks affected his body much more than the Omatikaya's. Spider pointed to a spot in the forest. "They went there a few minutes ago."

Neteyam frowned. "Both? Did they say where they are going?" But Spider shook his head. "No. Sorry, bro" Neteyam looked at Lo'ak again. Then he made a decision.

"Take care of Lo'ak, yeah?" he asked Spider. "If it gets too much, take him home or tell Dad. I'll go find Y/N."

"Alright"

With that, Neteyam disappeared into the woods. He looked around, calling Y/N's name. But nothing. Cursing, he looked out into the night. Then his gaze fell on footprints in the ground. Neteyam grinned and followed them. He wasn't a good tracker for nothing. The tracks eventually left the path, but Neteyam continued to follow them.

Eventually, distant laughter reached his sensitive ears. His gaze wandered through the dark night and got stuck on the 'Cave Tree'. Long branches and lianas hung from the treetops to the ground. When Lo'ak and he were children they had discovered the tree and called it like that because it looked like a cave from the inside.

Were Y/N and Rungatya in there? A bitter feeling rose in him. Actually, he had wanted to show her that tree. Neteyam ignored his footsteps and startled a group of animals. They ran away, yelling loudly, through the undergrowth. Neteyam cursed and ducked behind the nearest tree. Great! Jake had repeatedly drummed into him to pay attention to his surroundings and his steps when hunting. And what did he do? Startled sleeping animals that made a hoot. Hopefully Y/N and Rungatya hadn't heard him.

...

Rungatya kept getting closer to you. His hand, still resting on your  shoulder, now traveled up to your cheek. Your heart beat faster, but you didn't move. "You're really beautiful," he said. "There's something exotic about you, I like that."

He tilted his head slightly and studied the stripes on your forehead. His ears twitched slightly. Then he leaned forward and placed his lips on yours. You froze. Rungatya let go of you when he realized you didn't reply. "I'm sorry."

You shook your head. Confused. "No, I mean..." Your mind raced. What the hell were you doing here? But then an idea came to you. Maybe you should kiss him back. Maybe it would be fun. And surely Rungatya would tell his friends and then Neteyam would find out. Maybe it would make him jealous.

Your foggy brain thought the idea was brilliant. You returned Rungatya's look sweetly. Then you put your lips on his. His lips tasted like the sweet juice from earlier. You felt him deepen the kiss immediately. He put his hands on your waist and gently, but firmly pushed you backwards until you hit the tree. Rungatya's fingers were warm against your skin. He parted his lips and his tongue found yours.

You put your hands on his cheeks. It felt nice but somehow something was missing. Rungatya pressed you gently against the tree and his kiss became more demanding. More quickly. His hands wandered over your body.

Suddenly it was too much for you. You tensed up and tried to duck away. But he grabbed your wrists and pinned them against the tree, above your head. His broad body shielded yours from the outside world, you couldn't get away. His tongue wandered around in your mouth and suddenly you felt nauseous. You turned your head away.

"Stop Rungatya." But that didn't seem to impress him. His right hand slid from your waist up your body, to the base of your breasts. Luckily you were wearing a woven top.

"Stop it!"

Your voice began to tremble and you panicked. That was too much. You didn't want any of that. Rungatya just laughed. "Relax baby!" But you didn't want to relax. You fidgeted, but he held you tight. His kiss was rough by now and he wedged his hips between your legs. His hand stroked the top and suddenly he ripped it off from you. His gaze wandered greedily over your exposed body. You were really panicking now. Just wanted to leave. And you were scared.

Rungatya grabbed your breasts and pressed tightly against you. You were about to call for help. Then you guys heard a scream and a few feet next to you, something heavy landed in the grass. Rungatya got the same fright as you did and abruptly let go of you.

...

Neteyam crouched on the thick branch and looked down at the two. Rungatya put a hand on her cheek and kissed her. Neteyam's ears flattened. How dare he!?

He almost jumped down from the tree and confronted him. But what happened next, surprised him so much that he forgot everything around him. Y/N kissed him back!

Completely confused and hurt, Neteyam looked down at the scene. When Rungatya Y/N walk pushed the tree, he clenched his fists. Jealousy burned like fire in his stomach. But Y/N's behavior hurt him so much more. It was as if she had stuck a knife in his heart. Suddenly something changed down there. Rungatya became more demanding. But Y/N didn't seem to take it anymore. She began to squirm and begged him to stop. But Rungatya just kept going. Hot anger welled up in Neteyam. Rungatya held her hands, so that she could not resist and tore off her clothes. Neteyam couldn't watch any longer. He had to help her!

"Hey!" he yelled loudly. He jumped from the tree, cushioned the fall with his knees, and drew the knife he always carried with him for emergencies. Neteyam pointed it furiously at Rungatya. "Keep your hands off her!" he hissed with hatred. Rungatya flinched. Took a few steps away from Y/N. Neteyam gave her a quick look. She looked scared, arms crossed over her chest.

Neteyam looked back at Rungatya, who now stood defiantly in front of him. He was drunk, Neteyam noticed.  Still, that didn't justify his behavior in the least. His ears fell back and he hissed at Neteyam fiercely.

He hissed back and raised the knife even higher. "Get out of here!"

He growled through clenched teeth. Rungatya hesitated, as if preparing to attack Neteyam. But then he took a few steps backwards. He glared hatefully at Neteyam.

A voice let we flinch. I looked up from the touchpad, where I just sorted files and reports. Norm insisted that every note and information we had about the Na'vi biology, was always organised and sorted.

"We have to hurry, an emergency at the Third Plain. I'll explain it on the chopper", Norm said.

Something like that always happened here on Pandora. Precisely since a new devision of human military landed on Pandora a few weeks ago.

Sky Peope, as the Na'vi called them. Since then, there were attacks and battles between the humans and Omatikaya, which led to many injuries and even deaths.

Norm and I lay down in our avatar pods and a few seconds later, I woke up in my second blue body. At the beginning, it seemed to light and not really balanced, but now I liked it more than my human body. It was more athletic and flexible.

We jumped into one of the helicopters and flew over the green treetops of Pandora.

The Third Plain wasn't far from the Home Tree of the Na'vi. We saw some of them on their flying lizards, the Ikrans. Rivers and waterfalls wiggled though the landscape and formed a harsh contrast to the ever-present green of the trees. We saw wonderful animals and plants higher than houses and mountains hovering in the sky. It was breathtaking.

Norm told me what happened: "There was an attack of the Omatikaya. Just at one of the new railroad line. The train derailed and the whole cargo exploded." Norm gazed out of the window, lost in thoughts. "Led by Tokuk Makto."

Toruk Makto. Everyone knew that name: Jake Sully. The paraplegic Marine veteran, who came here instead of his brother and who became one of the Na'vi. Norm had told me everything about him and I even met him a few times.

Sometimes, it was difficult to drew a line between humans and Na'vi. Of course, we supported both the Omatikaya and humans. We were neutral about the Na'vi, especially when some of them were fiends with the natives. Like that one boy Spider. He even was almost one of them. But since the new humans came here, things just got a little more complicated.

"One of the Sully boys got shot in batte", Norm explained. "We have to remove the bullet and stitch up the wound. Nothing complicated but I wanted you to join."

I nodded. Field operations were always exciting.

We landed on a glade where the trees weren't so dense. The village of the Omatikaya was only a short walk away. We walked through the enormous forest and I was amazed by the beautiful nature and life of the Na'vi. We met many natives, who greeted us happily. We weren't foreigners here. Some kids jumped in circled around us and laughed something in their language. I've got lessons in Na'vi for many years and could easily understand them. Speaking was a bit of an issue.

Jake Sully's hut was bigger than the rest - obviously, he was Toruk Makto.

Inside, it was dim and weaved decoration hung from the ceiling.

Jake and his family already awaited us. The leader of the Omatikaya Clan shook our hands and told us briefly what happened. His oldest son, Neteyam got wounded in battle and he now rested on a bed on the floor. His mother Neytiri kneeled next to him and had placed a hand on her son's shoulder. The other three Sully kids sat a few meters away and observed us silently. One of them was Kiri, the girl who visited us often in the lab to see her mother Grace. She smiled at me and I replied that gesture.

Norm sat down next to the boy and began his work. I opened our case and gave him gloves and all the instruments he needed. We worked fast and organised, we had done that like a thousand times.

Neteyam made a grimace when Norm gave him a injection for local anaesthetic. He opened the wound with a scalpel and fished out the bullet with a pincette. Eventually, he stitched up the wound and disinfected it. The whole time, he talked with Jake and Neytiri about the attack and the new human division. I watched over the patient. Neteyam seemed the same age as me. He wore braids like most Omatikaya und had tucked them behind the ears, which twitched uncontrollable.

He hissed when Norm applied the bandage too tightly. His ears flattened like a cat and I could see his pointy fangs. Neytiri grunted an admonishing word at him.

Neteyam seemed to be much like his father. The same high cheekbones decorated his face and stronger muscles showed beneath his blue skin.

"All done", Norm stored his instruments back in the case and shut the lid. He looked at Neteyam. "Next time, you'll be more careful. You were lucky the bullet hit one of your ribs. F few inches further down and it could've gone worse."

Neytiri made a startled noise and Neteyam lowered his head. "Yes, Sir"

His yellow eyes suddenly looked at me and for a second, the time stopped. Did the other Na'vis had the same sparkling in their yellow eyes?

Jake's voice brought me back to the present moment. "Norm, I want you two to take a look at Takyte. She's not feeling well, Mo'at tried everything bit nothing works. We're really worried."

"Yeah, of course. We will do that." Norm got up and cleaned his bloody hand with a cloth.

"C'mon Eva, let's see the next patient!"

He bit his lip thoughtfully. Maybe he should really tell her how he felt. It didn't really bother him that she was human. He had grown so used to her and Spider's presence. Of course, his mother wouldn't like it, if it came out that he had fallen in love with a sky person. But Y/N was so cute, he would love her even if she were an enemy of the Na'vi, like the RDA used to be.

The morning sun slowly illuminated the tent and Neteyam opened his eyes again. Everyone else was still asleep. But his tangled thoughts and feelings made it impossible for him to sleep any longer. Quietly, so as not to wake his family, he got up and left the tent.

Outside, he breathed in the cool morning air. He loved to go for a walk early in the morning. When the first rays of sun were just beginning to make their way through the canopy of leaves and the grass was still damp with dew. It felt like he being the only person in the world, while everyone else was still asleep.

Lost in his thoughts, the eldest son strolled through the woods. He startled a group of knee-high animals that sprinted away through the forest. Normally his hunting instincts would have been awakened at this point, but today was different. Everything was different today. Today he would tell Y/N what he felt, Neteyam decided as he walked through the forest. In his head he made up suitable words, but immediately discarded them. It all sounded fake and artificial. He sighed. Why was that so difficult? He wasn't even afraid of the most dangerous animals in the forest, but of a human girl!?

Dejectedly, he rubbed his face with his hand and was nearly thrown to the ground by something. Alarmed, he wanted to reach for his knife. But that was still at home, next to his sleeping mat. Neteyam cursed and clenched his fists, ready for a fight. But in front of him was only a small, familiar person.

"Hi!" Y/N grinned from ear to ear when she saw him. Neteyam couldn't help but smile back. "Good morning! You're up early."

Her bare feet were wet with dew. She didn't walk around like Spider, who mimicked the Na'vi clothes and styles. She was wearing shorts and a brown woven top. Around her neck was the beaded necklace that Kiri had made for her. The breathing mask covered her whole face, but couldn't hide the wide grin on it. Neteyam had to smile when he saw the small mole on her cheek. She looked so cute with it.

At her waist hung the breathing machine, that her life depended on out here. Sometimes, Neteyam wished he could just take the mask off. Could stroke her cheeks, touch her skin that looked so soft. And her lips. He would love to know how they felt. If they really were as soft as the words that came out of them. He wished he could kiss her.

His eyes fell on Y/N's hair. Tuk tried braiding her hair last night. It was more or less successful. The few braids were uneven and individual strands had come loose, but Y/N wore them anyway. And somehow that made him proud. He had to surpress  a chuckle.

Y/N looked at him in amusement. "What is it?" she laughed and the sound melted Neteyam's heart. "It's my hair, isn't it?" She ran her fingers through her tangled braids, laughing.

"Spider teased me for that as well! But Tuk will be happy when she sees that I left them in."

Neteyam smiled. "She will. And besides - I didn't tease you."

Y/N rolled his eyes sarcastically. "Nooo! Not at all!" Laughing, she slapped his arm and Neteyam's heart nearly exploded at the touch. He just wanted to hug her, everything in him was screaming for it. But he could control himself. Clearing his throat, he asked: "Where is Spider?"

Y/N waved it off. "He disappeared into the lab with Norm this morning. I didn't feel like waiting for him anymore and just went off on my own. He'll be right behind." She shrugged her shoulders. Neteyam pointed out into the forest. "I was just going for a walk, do you want to come with me?"

"Sure!"

They strolled through the woods and Y/N shared news from Norm's lab. They were researching possible agricultural crops and how to grow terrestrial plants on Pandora. Neteyam was only half listening. In his mind, he was still trying to figure out the words. Y/N's voice was lovely and sounded like the wind chime Mo'at had hanging in front of her tent. Like a warm breeze, the familiar pitch caressed his ears and penetrated his core. Y/N was so familiar to him by now, he would recognize her anywhere.

Sometimes he wondered what she would look like as a Na'vi. Would she still be just as pretty? Or maybe even more? He would never know.

They talked about this and that, about the little girl who was born the day before yesterday, Norm's new research and Spider's birthday next week. Neteyam enjoyed her closeness, but he could tell that something was off. She was more jittery than usual. But he didn't want to rush her. She would tell him when she was ready. When they came to the wide river where they had so often spent their afternoons, they sat down side by side on the bank in silent agreement. Neteyam chewed his bottom lip absently.

"Neteyam?" Y/N looked up and he already knew, she was ready to talk about it. About whatever was on her mind. He tried not to look worried. "What's up?"

She pursed her lips and watched thoughtfully as the sun reflected off the water. "I have to tell you something."

His heart stopped for a second. That didn't sound good. Not at all. He looked at her expectantly. Y/N locked eyes with him. "Norm offered me and Spider to get an avatar body."

The words echoed in his head. An avatar body? For Y/N? He tested the idea in his head. It would be unusual, but then they would be the same size and she would no longer need this dman mask. He could touch her face! He liked the idea more and more. A wide smile appeared on his lips.

"But, that's great news!"

She shook her head, looking sad. "No it's not!" Swallowing back tears, Neteyam realized there was a catch. He carefully took her hand. "Y/N, what's up?"

She laced her fingers nervously with his. "I have to leave Pandora."

It was like a slap in the face. The words were slow to filter through to Neteyam. "What?" he asked silently. A tear ran down Y/N's cheek. Neteyam would have done anything to wipe it away.

Y/N's voice was quiet as she explained. "To get an Avatar body, I have to travel to Earth. We don't have the technology for that here." She looked at him sadly. His heart felt as if it were enclosing a cold fist that was  squeezing tighter and tighter. She could not go. "Spider and I have to go to Earth for a year to get an avatar. Norm explained that to me. They have to do tests first, but there's this new technology on Earth, that lets you breed avatars much faster. That's why it's actually just a year."

Just.

The word rang bitterly in his ears. A year without her was far too long, he couldn't stand it. Y/N squeezed his hand. "Please say something"

Her sad voice made him look up. His ears twitched uncertainly. Her eyes were wet but looked at him with surprising determination.

Neteyam swallowed. "You've already made up your mind, haven't you?"

She sighed softly, nodded curtly. "I'm sorry. But I really want this, Neteyam. I want to be like the Na'vi. I want to run as fast as you, I want to breathe without this thing!"

She knuckled against her mask. "Please do not be mad at me."

He grimaced in pain. Neteyam could never be mad at her. But just the thought of losing her...

"I'll be back. I promise.", she said and now took his other hand as well. Neteyam looked down. Her's was so much smaller. The five fingers played nervously, but also comfortingly with his four. He closed his eyes briefly, memorizing the feel of her little warm fingers.

"You can't go," he murmured in desperation. He was trying to stay rational, to see it from her point of view. But the pain was killing him.

"Neteyam, it would only be for a year." She bit her lower lip. It hurt to see her  suffer like this. And he hated himself for not being in control of his emotions. He blinked and looked up.

"I can't lose you!"

"You will not!" The pressure of her fingers increased. Neteyam swallowed back tears. "You are everything to me. You are part of my world, Y/N. I..." He paused. She  frowned, sensing his hesitation.

"What?" she asked.

Neteyam released his right hand from hers and placed it against the cold, lifeless breathing mask. "I see you," he whispered.

She stared at him. Her eyes widened as she realized.

"I love you," Neteyam repeated in her  words. Like the sky people did. Y/N looked at him startled. Her lips parted slightly, as if she had to process the news. Neteyam didn't wait for her to say anything, he had to get it all out. Right now.

"I love you. For so long! My life feels empty when you're not around. I can't sleep because of you, I can't even concentrate on training. You can't leave until I told you that. " He took a deep breath.

"But if that's really what you want, then... Then I'll wait for you."

He looked lovingly into her eyes, his thumb stroking the glass of the breathing mask. A tear rolled down Y/N's cheek. But she didn't say a word. "Y/N?" Neteyam whispered desperately. Fearful of having made the situation worse. "Say something."

But Y/N said nothing. Instead, she took a deep breath and ripped the breathing mask off her head in one rushed movement. It fell to the ground, hissing. Neteyam sat up, alarmed.

"Wait... No! What are you doing!?" Startled, he grabbed the mask, but Y/N stopped him. Without hesitation, she came closer and pressed her lips onto his.

Perplexed, Neteyam flinched.

But the silent pleading in her eyes reminded him that they only had seconds. Neteyam swallowed all doubts and fears and returned her kiss. He was hot-tempered, full of suppressed emotions. And full of urgency and time pressure. But also full of love. For the first time, Neteyam was able to place his hand on her cheek. Felt her sweet lips on his. And Eywa - it was even more beautiful than he imagined. He pressed himself as close as he could against her. Knowing that this would be their first and probably their last kiss for a long time.

Suddenly Y/N withdrew. She made a small noise. The veins in her pale neck twitched. Quick-witted, Neteyam grabbed the mask lying on the floor next to them and gently, but hastily pressed it onto her face.

Y/N gasped breathlessly as the mask adjusted the pressure. Fog formed on the inside of the glass as she slowly caught her breath. Neteyam was still staring at her in surprise. But when he saw her small mischievous smile, he grinned.

They laughed and Neteyam pulled her into a tight hug.