In the Stars

Chapter 5

Inspired song (IDGAF by Dua Lipa)

"The both of you need to stop! The situation is bad enough as it is, let it go. Let your parents handle it."

I stepped into the escalating argument between Lo'ak and Neteyam, trying to defuse the tension.

"You're one to talk y/n. You are always playing the helpless victim. Like you helped in any way today."

Lo'ak's words felt like daggers, stabbing at my core. It was unlike him to speak to me this way, and his next words struck even deeper."

"Unlike spider... He's one of us."

I was stunned, feeling as if I'd been punched in the gut. Before I could respond, Neteyam rushed past me, delivering a forceful punch that brought Lo'ak to the ground.

"You watch your mouth when you speak to her!"

"Yeah, go ahead, stick up for your girlfriend. I'm done here."

Lo'ak retorted, walking away from the conflict with his brother.

I couldn't understand what had come over him. Despite not being particularly close, we had grown up together. Neteyam took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself, while Kiri silently observed from a short distance away.

"I'm sorry for my brother."

Neteyam said, acknowledging the situation.

"I don't need you to apologise for him."

I sighed. When he glanced at me, his softened eyes dispelled the lingering anger. Walking over, he gently pulled me into a hug, towering over me. I surrendered to his embrace, feeling a wave of calmness emanating from him that put me at ease.

"I don't know what I would have done if I lost you today."

He confessed with sincere concern. Stepping back from the hug, he cupped my face with his warm, gentle hands. As I looked up, his big, pure yellow eyes locked onto mine.

"I wasn't leaving anytime soon."

I say reassuring him.

I reassured him.

He chuckled softly before drawing nearer to me. My cheeks started to warm. Was I blushing? Him being this close to me gave me butterflies. But our moment was soon interrupted by Kiri.

"Um... you guys should come over here."

Kiri called out.

Neteyam took my hand, and we walked over to the tent. Kiri signalled us to listen, and we crouched down beside her and Tuk, pressing our ears against the tent to eavesdrop. The argument was escalating, with Neytiri mentioning something about staying with the people. When Jake suggested leaving the clan to hide elsewhere, the topic became clear. Neytiri eventually gave up and ceased arguing, leaving me with mixed emotions. What would happen if the Sullys departed? Saying goodbye to my lifelong friends and what I considered my second family was distressing. Suddenly, I turned to Neteyam, who was already gazing at me.

"You're leaving me?"