But What If || Neteyam x reader

Misbehaving Cogitations

         Swimming outside the reef for the first time unnerved you, if you'd gone before you would have been excited, ecstatic really. But knowing that danger was close kept your body from relaxing. Everything was tense, your shoulders especially. Your grip on the Neteyam was frightening, he must've sensed your nervousness and was slowing down his pace. The flow of rushing water rubbed against your ears and you wanted to go back and all safe in your home. Maybe all cuddled up together feeding off each other's warmth instead you were clinging onto Neteyam torn about the fact you couldn't even tell him what was itching at you.

     You wanted to tell him so badly, it felt wrong not to. He should know, after all, Neteyam is kept in charge of his siblings the most, shouldn't he know about any immediate danger? You rested your aching head down on his broad back, letting the ear closest press against him. You could hear a faint thumping as your speed picked up. You were so nervous and worked up, you were going to need air soon if this worried mindset continued. You focused on hearing the slowed rhythmic heartbeat and matching yours with it.

    You had done your best but after a while, you still needed air and tapped Neteyam and stiffly signaled you needed to go up. Neteyam had gotten Tisreya's attention who then let Ao'nung know. "Come on, we're almost there." Ao'nung seemed more attentive to the situation than you initially thought, maybe his parents told him about Quaritch? "Okay, then let's go." You looked at Neteyam as you spoke. Another breath was taken and you were back under looking for Lo'ak. When you got there at Three Brothers Rock it didn't take long to find him. You all dismounted your ilus and swam through the underwater plants. Neteyam reached for a large leaf pushing it down for a better view, you were above him looking through the large window and holding onto the leaf above to keep you steady.

    You watched as a Tulkun who you had guessed was the Payakan you'd heard so much about swam level to Lo'ak. Nothing happened at first, they were just there, as if one of them was hesitating. Lo'ak threw his hands to the side impatiently and Payakan's mouth opened. There was another pause in actions and you were just glad he was okay and that Quaritch was nowhere in sight. Your feelings of relief were nice however brief they were as Lo'ak started to swim into the Tulkun's mouth. You and Neteyam seamlessly looked at Tsireya curiously. She gave a nod to you both letting you know he was okay. Neteyam looked back at his brother while your gaze lingered on Tsireya a moment longer.

      You hoped this was normal for Na'vi and Tulkun to do when Neteyam suddenly leaped forward. Your instincts followed Tsireya and Ao'nung as they held him back. You let go almost immediately however once you looked to see Payakan's mouth closed. You were about to lunge yourself but you saw how Tsireya assured Neteyam to stay. Neteyam glanced up at you uncertain of whether he should go and 'save' his baby bro. Your brows turned upwards, uncertain as to what was happening. All you could do was rest a hand on his shoulder and wait, rubbing your thumb in circles.

    It seemed like you waited forever, and when he did come out Tsireya again held Neteyam back. 'Give them a moment,' Neteyam was glad to see his brother out of a killer Tulkun and so were you. You just wanted to keep everyone safe. Which meant accidentally telling Rotxo about how Lo'ak bonded with Payakan which led you to now. The Olo'eyktan Tonwari and Tsahik Ronal were leading to a Marui unfamiliar to you. In the line were Ao'nung, Tsireya, Neteyam, yourself, and Lo'ak right behind you. At first, it was Ronal in the front but when you got close to the Marui she stepped aside, your stomach was in knots when you passed her. In truth Ronal scared you more than Neytiri, you didn't know why but she did, and having her behind Lo'ak now watching from behind you were even more scared. As Ao'nung and Neteyam went to the left you followed, wanting to stay close to Neteyam.

   Tsireya had gone to the other side and Lo'ak placed between you as Ronal stormed in. "You allowed this." You couldn't look at her, as gorgeous as she was, you were just a bundle of nerves. "you allowed him to bond with the outcast!" A moment of frustrated silence made you look up, you hadn't seen Tonwari around too much and had forgotten just how tall he was. "Tsireya." She flinched at her father's words. "You disappoint me, daughter." There was clear sadness in her eyes, you felt bad for her and hated hearing those words yourself. They left a sour taste in your mouth. "And you..." Your ears fluttered, hearing footsteps approach, you glanced back to see Mr. Sully and Neytiri. "Son of a great warrior..." You winced at the scene in front of you. "Who has been taught better." You prayed to Eywa that Lo'ak kept his mouth shut. "Payakan saved my life, sir." And yet those prayers were not heard the moment you thought them. You looked at Neteyam who had probably been hoping for the same thing and was also unanswered. "You don't know him."