strong - neteyam x oc

feel

After dinner, Kireyi quickly rushed around her pod, placing some fruit into her pouch before heading out, "Reyi, where are you going?" Her mother asked.

"Uhm.... just a walk! I'll be back soon," Her mother gave her a skeptical look but nodded, letting her go, "Don't be out late."

"Okay, mom! Love you!" The girl said, rushing out. She hadn't even thought to check Neteyam's pod; instead, she left straight to their little hideout in the woods. Although she was still limping, she was so excited to be back up in the air it didn't matter to her. She approached the cave sweeping the vines to the side; looking around, the boy hadn't been anywhere to be seen. Carefully Kireyi fully entered the cave, the sun had set by now, and she relished the glowing flowers and leaves throughout the cave. Sometimes she would imagine how the real forest looked compared to their island one. How many more flowers and plants surrounded them, the new animals and scents. A tap on the shoulder caught her attention, and she turned. It was Neteyam.

(play "rise" by willow and jahnavi harrison)

"You ready?" He asked, she looked at him, smiling.

"Yes, I brought fruit too...." She opened her bag to show him, and he chuckled.

"For me or Kenali?" The boy expected a sarcastic remark back but couldn't help but smile at Kireyi as she thought it out.

"Well.... I guess both of you. Can your Ikran eat this?" She seemed a little confused, and he laughed at her response.

Placing his hand over hers to close the bag, he spoke, "I was just joking with you, the fruit will be a good snack.... for me and you," He laughed again, and realization hit the girl's face. She stared at the boy with wide eyes and her mouth agape.

"Oh."

Shuffling around, her mind filled with embarrassment, "It's okay Reyi, why don't we eat your fruit then I'll take you on that ride yeah?" Taking her hand once more, he brought her to sit with him. She silently took out the fruit and her knife to cut it, as she did, she gave the pieces to Neteyam for him to eat.

"Are you sure you brought it for both of us?" He questioned.

Her eyes didn't move from the fruit as she continued to cut, "Yes? Why?"

"Well, you aren't eating it.... here," He brought the piece in his hand to her lips, and her eyes met his fingers, humming in confusion, "Eat it. It's not fair if you don't get any."

She slowly opened her mouth, taking the piece of fruit, she looked up at the boy for another second before focusing on the fruit again. She had brought a few different types and as she silently cut them, Neteyam would switch between feeding himself and the girl. As it got to the last piece, he made sure to give it to her; helping Kireyi get up, he kept their hands together, calling for his Ikran. Kenali landed near the two, and Neteyam immediately started to speak and pet his Ikran. Making Tsaheylu, he got on and looked to Kireyi.

"So, front or back this time.... ya'know- so we don't go through the last incident again," The girl glared at him before taking his hand.

"Can I be in front?" She questioned.

"Of course, come here," He squeezed her hand, helping her get onto the Ikran. Kenali lowered herself as much as possible in effort to make it easier for the injured girl. This time he handed Kireyi an object, "It's an Ionar, it'll help with the winds. Set it here on your forehead," He instructed her, then assisting her with the next step, "And these go around your ears."

Her ears fluttered against her will at the boy's touch and she could feel herself heat up. She kept her own eyes forward as to not make eye contact, his hands still gently applying the Ionar. Finally situated, he moved his hand forward quickly, pausing, "May I?" Kireyi turned to him in confusion until seeing his hand near her waist.