Chapter Text
Neteyam
He wished he'd had more control over their situation. They had to move quickly after Quaritch had them under his knife.
As much as he wanted to change his mind, he couldn't help but feel as if they were abandoning their own people. He felt that they were running away as cowards for the sole intention of protecting themselves, instead of helping their people and their home.
As they fled through the sky on their ikrans, Neteyam already longed for his only home.
“ I want to go home. “ was the only pondering thought in his mind.
They arrived at the Metkayina village,Awa’atlu. The Sullys didn't receive a warm welcome, as expected. The judgemental looks and horrified whispers they got from the people stung, as they already had to leave their home and seek refuge in unknown territory. It was hard enough, but it became harder.
Neteyam truly wanted to befriend someone, as he felt he needed some kind of platonic affection and fun in his life. He thought about the possibility of making new friends during the flight. He never could've imagined the disgusted looks he would receive from Na’vi his own age. Yes they were different, but Neteyam didn’t understand why it had to be a big deal. It all became way worse when they all noticed they were half-blood, or “demon blood”. He hated that.
Despite that, they let them stay.
“ My daughter Tsireya and son Ao’nung will teach you our ways. '' the Olo’eyktan said, looking at Neteyam and his siblings.
He kept looking at the boy, Ao’nung. The dirty look he shot at Neteyam before and at the Olo’eyktan was definitely spiteful, and the fact that he didn’t reciprocate the “ I see you “ gesture in sign of respect, told Neteyam everything he had to know about the boy.
Neteyam wanted nothing to do with Ao'nung, and he would try to stay as far away as he could.
/
The next morning they found themselves on the beach, the sun high in the sky and the weather way too hot for Neteyams preference.
“ Ok are you ready? “ said Tsireya, curiously looking at Lo’ak and Lo’ak only.
Neteyam was pretty sure something was already going on between them. He didn’t mind that, his brother deserved to be happy.
They dived in the water and it was the most beautiful thing Neteyam had ever seen in his life. Although soon after diving, they had to go back on the top to breathe. Ao’nung, Tsireya and their other friend Rotxo tried to sign them something with their hands, Neteyam couldn't understand.
“ You’re way too fast wait for us “ Tuk said, already getting tired.
Neteyam immediately noticed how Ao’nung was staring at him. What was his staring problem?
“ We can’t be underwater that long. We have to breathe. “ Neteyam said, as if it was the most obvious thing.
Ao’nung chuckled, looking at his friend. Tsireya shot him a look of disapproval.
“ We can teach you how to control your breathing. It will get easier. Come. “ said Tsireya, after diving back into the water and swimming to the shore.
Everyone followed, and as Neteyam was about to go underwater Ao’nung chuckled again.
“ What? “ Neteyam said, looking confused.
“ I don’t know why my sister wants to help you. You’re a waste of time. You’re way too slow and inexperienced. You’re never going to learn. “ the other boy said, raising his shoulders and sighing.
Neteyam was getting angry, but he knew how to control that and close it up inside it. He found it easy to store his feelings and never let them out. Whether it was sadness, anger, excitement, he found it easy to not let anyone see how he was truly feeling.
So he decided to just roll his eyes and ignore what the boy said. He was not going to let Ao’nung get to him.
As he was diving back into the water, he heard the boy muttered the words “ demon blood “.
He wasn’t going to let Ao’nung get under his skin.
If Ao’nung would do that to Lo’ak and say those things, Neteyam knew it would be a different story, and definitely wouldn't end nicely.
He found the others sitting in a rock. Rotxo was showing Tuk and Kiri how to breathe and Tsireya was showing Lo’ak. They were all giggly and smiling and Neteyam smiled at that.
“ There you are. “ Kiri said, “ Took you long enough.”
“ You’re even slower than me! “ Tuk joked with a smile on her face.
As much as he wanted to not get offended by that, he did, because she was right. He couldn't help but think he was never good enough. He knew he was a slow learner and being so far away from everything he had known for years, he knew it would be so difficult. He just hoped the son of the Chief wouldn't make them even more difficult, or even unbearable.
He smiled at Tuk and sat down next to them. He tried to look at what the other were doing, trying to imitate the breathing pattern. He couldn't understand it.
“ Oh, here you are. “ Tsireya said to her brother, who just came up from the water onto the rock.
“ Could you please help Neteyam. Rotxo is helping Kiri and Tuk, and i’m busy with Lo’ak. “ she continued in her sweet voice.
Ao’nung glanced at him. Neteyam hoped the boy understood he couldn't provoke him in any way. Neteyam wouldn’t snap.
“ I have better things to do- “ Ao’nung started but got interrupted by Tsireya immediately.
“ Please. You know father will get mad at you if you don’t help me and them out. “
Ao’nung sighed, “ Fine. “ he said in an angry tone.
He saw him coming up to him with a look of embarrassment mixed with annoyance on his face.
Well at least they had something in common. Both son's of leaders, following their orders.
He sat in front of Neteyam, so close he could see Ao’nungs spots and freckles on his face. Neteyam thought they were quite pretty. He thought he could get lost in the others' eyes, they were so beautiful. Colors like blue and teal and spots of dark blue were shining from the strong light of the sun hitting on them.
“ Alright forest boy, show me your breathing. “ Ao’nung said impatiently.
Neteyam showed him, and from the funny look Ao’nung gave him, he knew he messed up.
“ No, god , that's all wrong. That’s why you’re so slow and can’t stay underwater for long. “ Ao’nung commented.
“ The first breath is the most important and you did it all wrong. “ he started again, “ look, it has to begin here. “ he continued, placing a hand on Neteyams chest.
He almost flinched at the sudden touch. Neteyam couldn't help but notice how soft the other's hand was.
He got a warm feeling in his belly, and felt his cheeks growing hot. That was the only feeling he just couldn't hold back for some reason. It had happened before at home with another Na’vi boy. Neteyam knew they had liked each other, but the other soon found another, a girl, and Neteyams heart was broken for a while.
His parents didn't know about it. Neteyam never opened up to them nor to his brother and sisters. He knew they wouldn't disapprove, but maybe he would disappoint, being the firstborn son. Disappointing was Neteyams greatest fear. He would rather die than disappoint his parents, especially his father.
He was brought back from his thoughts by Ao’nungs voice.
“ Another problem, forest boy. “ Ao’nung said suddenly, “ you have to slow down your heart rate. It’s beating way too fast. “.
That caught some of Lo’aks and Kiri’s attention. Neteyam was truly embarrassed. He knew his ears were red and his cheeks flushed.
He quickly moved Ao’nungs hand from his chest and stood up.
“ I think i’ve had enough for today thanks. “ he said quickly, before walking away from them.
Everyone was a little bit confused, especially Lo’ak, he knew his brother more than anyone else and knew something was up.
“ See? I try to teach this Skxawng but he just doesn’t want to learn! It’s not my fault! “ Ao'nung said to Tsireya.