In the Stars

Chapter 14

Inspired song: (Someone To You by BANNERS)

Continuing our journey through the jungle, I noticed that the sun had disappeared, giving way to the night sky. I chased after Neteyam, playfully tugging at his tail. This made him spin around to face me, and I couldn't help but laugh at the wild look in his eyes. He pulled me close and hoisted me over my shoulder.  

"Neteyam, put me down."

I said, my laughter never-ending.

Gently, he lowered me to the ground, and I took a step back, admiring the freckles that adorned his face and body, illuminated by the faint light. His bright yellow eyes locked onto mine, and his smirk sent butterflies swirling in my stomach. It happened every time – the way he looked at me was so soft and sincere, making my heart race. Following his lead, we encountered a wall covered in vines. Moving beside him, he made a gesture, parting the vines to the side.

"After you."

He said with a nod. 

Walking hesitantly past the curtain vines, I strolled along the path to the other side. The view that awaited me was nothing short of magnificent. A waterfall flowed with gentle beams of blue light, trickling down the edge of the cliff. The place was surrounded by plants in various shades of green, blue, indigo, and violet. I was left speechless, almost as if I had stepped into a dream. It was so beautiful, that I wanted to pinch myself, but before I could react, Neteyam wrapped his arms around me, and I melted into his embrace. He kissed me softly on the head.  

was magnificent as the waterfall flowed with beams of blue light, that trickled down the cliff's edge.  Colours of green, blue, indigo and violet plants surround the place. I was speechless. It was beautiful. Like I was locked in a dream. I wanted to pinch myself. But Neteyam was here and he wrapped his arms around me. Falling into them as he kisses me softly on the head. 

"It's beautiful."

I managed to say, utterly amazed by the sight.

"So are you."

He replied, lowering his head toward my face. 

"Let's go for a swim."

He suggested.

In a swift movement, he jumped into the illuminated water, creating a huge splash. When he came back up for air, he gestured for me to join him. Without any hesitation, I took a run and leapt into the water, making a big splash. As I surfaced, I planned my playful retaliation and splashed Neteyam.

"Are we playing that game?"

He teased. 

Giggling, I gave him another splash. 

"That's it."

He said, playfully charging toward me.  

Trying to escape in the water was harder than expected. When I turned to look for him, he was nowhere in sight. I scanned the surroundings but found nothing, not even a ripple, until suddenly, I found myself tossed high in the air, crashing back down into the water. As I surfaced, I saw Neteyam laughing uncontrollably. 

"Ha. Ha. Ha, very funny."

I remarked sarcastically.

"You started it."

He reminded me. 

I rolled my eyes. 

"Fine... Truce?"

I suggested, extending my hand for a shake. He hesitated for a moment. 

"I picky promise."

I said, trying not to laugh.

"Your so funny, aren't you?"

He said with a smirk. 

"I believe I can be funny sometimes."

I replied, feeling a sense of pride.

Chuckling to myself, I turned away from him, floating atop the water. Laying my head back, I gazed up at the night sky. Its beauty amazed me- how did it look so mesmerising both during the day and at night?  

My heart fluttered as Neteyam emerged from my view. He looked down at me with his soft, perfect golden eyes. Sitting up, I faced him. He lowered his head against mine, and we stayed there for a moment

"I see you."

He said softly. 

He moved his forehead away from me and gently cupped my face in his hands, making me gaze up into his devoted eyes.

"I see you."

I echoed back, the words carrying a deep sense of sincerity. 

The surroundings seemed to dissolve all my doubts, fitting everything into its perfect place. We were brought here for a reason, and I felt like Neteyam knew it too. Breaking my reverie, he spoke,

"Come with me."

He guided me towards the bank, and as I climbed out of the water, the droplets cascaded down his muscular back. I couldn't help but admire him, though I turned my attention as he offered his hand, saying,

"I guess you'll have to come with me and find out."

With a playful smirk. 

Rolling my eyes in mock exasperation, I agreed,

"Okay."

And reached for his hand. The air wasn't chilly, and we didn't need to dry off. Surveying the remnants of the little lagoon, I took his hand, and we continued along the waterfall.

Arriving before the waterfall, Neteyam started climbing the rock wall.

"Be careful where you step."

He cautioned, continuing his ascent. 

I placed my hand against the wall and began my climb. Using my arms and legs, I steadily made my way upward, taking advantage of the vines on the edge to pull myself over. As I reached the top, Neteyam extended a hand to help me up, and as I stood beside him, I glanced past him.

I was left speechless. How could someone like Neteyam lead me to a place so sacred to the Na'vi?

The Greater Mother...

The Tree of Souls...

"Neteyam..."

I whispered as if I didn't belong there.  

"Isn't this a sacred place?"

I said, feeling uneasy. 

Despite my reservations, I was captivated by the beauty of the willow trees.

Neteyam redirected my attention by holding both sides of my face, his beautiful golden eyes drawing me in.

"I bought you hear for a reason."

He said, taking a deep breath before continuing. 

"You asked me what it's like to have a mate. Y/n, I think I've found my missing piece. It's you, and I'm here for the long run."

His eyes held a depth of devotion that made my heart race.

"All I need to know is... Are you here for the long run too?"

He asked, the anticipation evident in his eyes. 

My heart felt like it might burst out of my chest. Yet, I remained calm. Placing my hands on his arms, I took a breath.

"I'm with you till the end."