Forest Boy - N. Sully

New Feeling

"Can I sit here" I hear the familiar voice from behind me, I turn around to be met with the dark blue boy. " Oh yes please sit," I said enthusiastically, my eyes not leaving his. I put some fish on his plate after I noticed it was empty "I caught it myself" I said proudly placing my hand on my chest. I waited for him to take a bite awaiting his criticism, he looked confused. "what's wrong with it" I stared worriedly thinking he didn't like it, he just looked at me with those amber eyes and gave me the warmest smile "I've never had anything like it... Its amazing" he stated shoving more and more fish down his throat. He looked like a five-year-old eating their favorite snack, and I couldn't help but laugh "Neteyam slow down" I spoke, god I sounded like my father. He stopped to look at me for a second with those stunning eyes again, I couldn't help but blush "Y/N you've got some food on your cheek" He pointed to a part of my face signaling where the food was. After multiple attempts of trying to get the crumbs off my face, I gave up "here ill get it" My eyes widened after I realized what he meant. By then it was too late he already had my face in his hands whilst he wiped away the food. He glanced at me before letting go, he looked quite proud of himself meanwhile I was internally screaming. 'why am I like this' i thought staring down at my plate. After that, we talked and laughed with each other whilst eating lunch.

"So you and Rotxo huh?" Neteyam poked my side as he said the question, "huh? oh, yea my mother arranged it with his mother we don't like each other... you know it's a whole story" I looked down at the ground, I felt so bad because I knew Rotxo liked me but I never liked him he was more of a brother to me. "you know we should join the others" I blurted out trying to get out of the situation I found myself in. He shot up and offered his hand, I took it and swiftly got up. we walked in silence for a couple of minutes before we found everyone near the ilu. "Oh my god they're doing ilu training without us hurry"

Neteyam's POV

I walked along the sand bank with Y/N, they were rather quiet I wonder if what I said earlier made them uncomfortable, I was zoning out worried I upset them but before I got too far into my thoughts I heard a loud gasp. "Oh my god, they're doing ilu training without us hurry" I watched them hurriedly grab my hand and drag me to the rest of the group. 'Their holding my hand holy shit' was all I could think about, there was this new feeling I had and I think I... liked it?

Y/N's POV

I let go of Neteyams hand, I missed the warmth already. I scurried over to my Rotxo and Tsireya hugging both of them before I rushed back over to Neteyam excitement rushing through my veins. I watched as Tuk shuffle over to Neteyam, he opened his arms and picked her up "are you excited?" he asked his sister as she nodded. After Aonung's long and very boring speech I took Neteyam, Tuk, and Kiri over to introduce them to the ilu. "Tuk do you wanna go first?" I questioned, she yanked my hand as she nodded her head up and down. "This is Alanae he is your ilu" I stated as strutted over to the ilu, scratching his head. I helped Tuk get on before helping her with the tsaheylu. "Ok now you hold here and make sure you hold tight ok" I praised. I noticed she was looking at Neteyam a lot so I ushered him over. "Everything ok here" I watched as Tuk started tearing up, "Tuk what's wrong!" I asked worried for the poor girl. Neteyam just grabbed her and hugged her "she gets anxious sometimes, this is new for her I think she's just nervous" he whispered, assuring me that everything was alright. After a while Neteyam took Tuk home because she had fallen asleep, so I started teaching Kiri. turns out Kiri and I had a lot in common and we became friends. "WHOO HOO GO KIRI!!" I cheered as my newfound friend was riding her ilu at full speed. After she returned I engulfed her in a tight hug "Y..Y/N.. I can't... breathe!" she muttered, I let go before she passed out, and we looked at each other for a moment before laughing. a couple of minutes goes by and we were still laughing, "What's so funny?" I turn around teary-eyed to see Neteyam back from his little journey. "Y/N almost broke my ribs" Kiri managed to get out through her random bursts of laughter.

-TIME SKIP-

After about four hours everyone had mastered riding their ilu, but we all decided that was enough for today. "I'm so tired" I muttered as we walked back to the village, I walked alongside Kiri and Lo'ak as we watched the others laugh and chat. "I hope Tuk is ok" I whispered as we continued to walk slowly, "She'll be fine," the two said almost in complete unison, I placed my arms around their shoulders as all three of us skipped to the group. After about ten minutes we reached Sully's home, and I said my goodbyes to my friends, ending our day in a group hug, "I'll see you all at dinner ok" I said with a calm yet almost drained tone. They all nodded before they walked into their home.

I entered my home and sat down next to my father. He seemed to be focused on something but I couldn't see what "Father how did you know you loved mum" I blurted out, I mentally face-palmed myself at the question. "Why do you need to know," he said his coldness making me nervous. "I was just asking-" I was cut off by my mother who had been in the corner the whole time, silently observing "You are in love with Rotxo are you not" my mother questioned. I couldn't lie to my mother, but if I didn't I would've had the scolding of a lifetime. "I don't know mother, he's a nice boy but... I'm just confused" was all I managed to get out, It wasn't the truth but it wasn't a lie either I watched my father get up "Y/N my daughter.. you can not force love if Rotxo isn't the one then he isn't the one, it is not something you can control, so do not get to upset over it" his usual calm and kind attitude coming back. I nodded as he held my hands trying to soothe me, "No Tonowari she was arranged with Rotxo that is how it will be" My mother interjected. I let go of my father's hands and instantly backed down, I hated arguing with my mother or with anyone in general. I glanced at my siblings glancing at them and asking for help, But they didn't speak up they just stood there, same for my father I wasn't going to be defended for this one, I was on my own.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: ANGST ALREADY?!?!?! next chapter there's gonna be ALOT of Y/N and Neteyam action going on I promise anyway I hope you enjoyed this chapter!!

word count: 1262