The Stars in Your Skin

CHAPTER NINE

It’s several days later when things change.  He’s with Ha’ew just coming from hunting, each of them with a yerik thrown over their pali. He glances peculiarly at the taller Na’vi when he directs his mount closer.

“I want to show you something.”  He reaches in his sash and pulls out a necklace.

Neteyam takes it, examining the craftsmanship. It’s crafted with complementary colored marbled beads surrounding a glittery stone.  “You made this?” He asks with fake incredulity.

Ha’ew gapes at him.  “What–?”

Neteyam chortles.  “I’m only joking. It’s very pretty.”

He gives him an unsure glance. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” He ducks a low hanging branch.  “Who's it for?”

Ha’ew returns it to the safety of his sash.  “Nawri.”

Those two syllables hit him like a palulukan  paw to the face.  What? A wrongness centers in his chest and it’s all he can do not to immediately say no. He doesn’t realize he’s clenching his pali until it gives him a sharp knicker and burst of yellow in his head.  He eases his grip.

What was wrong with him? The thought of Ha’ew and Naawri together should make him glad.  They are both his close friends after all.  Instead it feels…wrong. But then, Ha’ew is talking.

“I mean no, I don’t love her like that. But I’m definitely not vaguely in love with anyone in the clan. So I mean it’s no big deal. We’ve  talked about it before.”

They've talked about it before? “Oh?” Is all he can manage.

“Well not seriously but it’ll be a win for both of us. It’ll get Eyvir off her back and my parents off mine. Besides, we’re best friends so at least we won’t be completely miserable.” He gives a tiny laugh.

No, he wants to say.  Instead he only nods.  “Are you sure?”

Ha’ew pauses before giving a firm nod, nothing but resolve in his usually playful gaze. He eyes him then.  “You okay dude?”

Neteyam can only nod, still trying to process the amalgamous blob of emotions settling in his gut.

“I mean it’ll be weird. But you’re blessed enough to have the fierce and gorgeous Sateya at your side right?”

He doesn't respond. He’s picturing the scenario.

There’s a beat of silence then: “you’re happy for me right?”

Neteyam shakes himself. “Yeah.” He smiles encouragingly at the other Na’vi.  He should be happy for them.

“Great!” Ha’ew chirps and begins chattering on about something about his uncle as if he had not just dropped a bomb on Neteyam’s head.

He’s not happy for them. He’s quiet at dinner and his father notices. He only mumbles an “I'm fine" when he questions after his welfare. He lays awake on his mat that night, mind consumed with the thought of Naawri and Ha’ew together.  He imagines the necklace Ha’ew made around her delicate neck and her gift adorning his body. That would definitely  change their relationship dynamic.

Images of them smiling, kissing, and building a family forms in his head. It doesn’t sit right with him. An emotion he doesn’t quite understand unfurls in him and it’s a sour thing that twists in his heart. They weren’t right for each other. Ha’ew was not right for Naawri.

Wait. He shakes his head. No, they were two of his best friends, he should be happy for them. They were doing the best with their circumstances. He doesn't sleep well that night, confused by his own feelings and torn by his desire to support a decision he didn’t agree with.