you are my ocean. Neteyam x Reader

chapter 3 - healing

-Neteyam pov-

I leave my hut earlier than usual, making my way over to to the large one where the Olo'eyktan and the Tsahìk of this clan stay. Y/n had fallen asleep in my arms that night, her weak and vulnerable state made me want to protect her from whatever. The Tsahìk said it was best if she stayed the night with her.

Soon I arrive. Knocking, Tonowari answered. I lower my head.

"Can I see y/n?" I ask.

He nodds, making space for me to enter. It seemed she was still alseep, Ronal and Tsireya by her side. I greet them before sitting on the other side of y/n.

"How is she?" I ask.

"She is fine," Ronal replied. "Poor child, her life full of tragedy." Her face saddened, running her hand through y/n's hair.

"She will get through it. She always did." Tsireya backed up.

Life full of tragedy? I thought to myself.

"Has she lost another ilu before?" I ask.

"No. Kawaya was for life. She was her companion since y/n was just a toddler," Ronal replied. My heart stung from those words. "Her parents passed away when she was only young."

My heart felt like it stopped.

"Kawaya was all she had left." Tsireya added, tears now forming in her eyes.

"Mm." Y/n hummed as she tossed and turned.

"She should be waking soon," Ronal said as she stood up. "Tsireya, help me prepare some food for her."

"Yes mother," She said, drying her eyes. "Keep an eye on her please." Tsireya said as she got up. I nod. Tonowari left with them.

I watch y/n as she slept. Her past didn't show on her face at all, her soft features all fall in to place so perfectly. She's breathtaking, as if she was sculpted by Eywa herself. Her eyes began to flutter open.

-Y/n pov-

I wake up, rubbing my eyes. I felt weak.

"Hey." I hear a voice.

Looking over, "Neteyam?" He smiled. I was surprised by his presence. I sit up.

"I just wanted to see how you were doing," He took my hand. "You're so strong y/n, like a warrior."

Strong? I thought.

I begin wiping my eyes as I felt them well up with tears, remembering every detail from last night. A whimper was all that could escape before Neteyam pulled me into him, wresting comfortably on his chest. Only little sounds of sniffling and staggered breathing. I definitely did not feel strong.

"Shh, I got you okay?" He spoke softly, one arm holding me close to him, the other wiping away my tears.

"Mhm." I replied, followed by a sniffle.

My ear against his chest, I could hear his heartbeat. Although his rythm was unusually fast, knowing it belonged to him brought me great comfort. His skin is warm, making me sleepy all over again. His strong arms around me made me feel small and entirely dependent on him. I felt like I could trust him with my life.

"Neteyam?" I say.

"Y/n?" He answers, his thumb grazing over my cheek to wipe another tear.

I gently push myself off of him, wiping the rest of my tears. I look up into his eyes and take his hand, one that had been drying my face.

"I-" I was interrupted before I could say anything.

"Y/n!" Tsireya shouted before running in to hug me. I let go of Neteyam as he gave us space.