you are my ocean. Neteyam x Reader

chapter 5 - spirit tree

-y/n pov-

I wake up wrapped in Neteyam's arms. My face resting in the crook of his neck, I had not realized I fallen asleep on him. My heart fluttered. It was still early in the morning. I lightly prop myself up, being careful not to wake the sleeping boy. Sitting up right, I look down at him. His resting face is just as charming. I reach down to fix the braids that were out of place. My hand hovering over his peaceful face. I smile. I have never felt these feelings for anyone before, the way my heart beats faster, the feeling of butterflies in my stomach. Is this love? I wonder.

I was interrupted when I heard something in the water below. I curiously peer over the edge, it was Kiri. I noticed her interest in the ocean, she was always in the water.

"Kiri!" I call.

She looked up at me, "Morning y/n!" She replied. I look back at Neteyam before deciding to climb down. It seems Kiri could not see him from where she stood.

"Your love for the ocean shows." I smile as I walk over to her.

"It's amazing." She looked back at the body of water, a soft smile on her face.

"Come." I say, as I took her hand. She turned back as I gently pulled her. Her extra finger felt odd in my grasp but it was interesting, perhaps it made her more capable of handling things.

I led her to a small cave near the end of the reefs. It would be completely dark if it were not for the bright creatures that live in it. We walk in, she was instantly astonished. Letting go of her hand, I crouch down to grab the glowing creature.

"This is a tahka." (Tuh-kuh) I explained.

This creature closely resembled a turtle, they are beautiful, glowing bioluminesent in every color imaginable. Tahkas were one of my favorites.

"Woah." She could not take her eyes off the tahka in my hand. I smile.

"Here," I gently place it in her hands. She smiled wider. "Tahkas are extremely delicate creatures. You must handle them with care," I say. "they are very emotional, capable of loving."

Her face was of pure interest, examining the creature close. The tahka squealed at her, making both of us laugh. She carefully placed the creature down. I admired the way she could connect with them so naturally.

"Thank you y/n. Maybe you can show me more of the reefs after training." She said.

"Of course." I smile. We both exited the cave.

"I'll go get ready now." Kiri smiled as she waved. I wave back, she made her way to her hut.

The sun was now rising and the village was awaking. I make my way back to the rock to check on Neteyam. As I get there I see him jump down.

"Sleep good?" I smile, walking up to him.

"yeah," he turned. "I'm afraid my dad will skin me though. I didn't plan on staying out all night."

I felt slightly guilty, maybe if I had not fallen asleep on him this could have been prevented.

"I am sorry," I say. "Perhaps you can tell him I asked you to stay."

He gave a reassuring smile, "You don't have to take the blame for me y/n, I chose to stay with you. It's on me."

I look down. I did not want Neteyam to be in trouble, I tried to think of something.

"Come on y/n, it's not your fault." He slightly bent down to look at my face, placing his hand on top of my head to comfort me.

My eyes meet his, a toothy grin on his face. I could not help but smile, I look back up, he straightened up in doing so.