A.N.: Just two friends chillin' in this chapter. Maybe fluff if you squint.
They settle into High Camp and everything changes. Between the doubled training regimens and his increased responsibilities, he has no time. He has no time to really think about anything but his duties, or even hang out with his friends.
He and Naawri really only see each other in passing and he hates it. He misses her. Not that they were anything other than friends, but he misses just being with her. He sighs, petting Tsawke when the ikran gently headbutts him, no doubt sensing his mood.
He leaves for home once he’s finished caring for Tsawke. Of course he takes detours, helping different clan members with any odd jobs they need done. Finally home is in sight when he crosses paths with Kiri and Spider.
“Just the guy I wanted to see.” The smirk on her face evokes a spire of wariness in him. What did she want?
“Mom sent me to Rayka’s home to retrieve the basket she commissioned. You know the one with the red and orange circular designs. But I can’t go because I have to help Spider.”
“Right she has to help me paint my back blue,” he pipes up. He doesn't miss the glance the two share. “And that’ll probably take a while.”
She nods, shifting to her other leg. “So I was wondering if you could do me a favor and go in my place?”
He takes whatever bait she dangles in his face with gusto. “No problem.” And then he’s off.
The Syemu home is further back where there is more room for drying fronds. He gives a customary greeting once Rayka invites him in. The home is mostly neat all around even though the back is scattered with piles of baskets and mats of every shape, size, and color. In the middle of the warmly lit area is Naawri just finishing off a round basket.
He greets Rayka, who sits near the pot preparing food wraps. “Nawri you have a visitor.”
She puts the basket aside and rises. Her smile when she greets him is like a yovo fruit to his eyes. So beautiful, he thinks. “Long time no see Neteyam.”
“Hey,” is all he manages.
“How’re things?”
He shrugs. “Same old.” Tired. He’s effing tired but this off chance to be with her is irresistable.
“Mmhm.”
He resists the urge to fidget when her amber eyes study him. “What about you?” Tsahey why couldn’t he think of anything else—She’s so pretty.
She gives a shrug. “So is there something you need?”
Oh right. “Yeah. My mother sent me here for her basket. With red and orange circular designs?”
“Oh yeah I remember. Hold on.” She returns to her work area and starts rifling through the different baskets. She returns with a sheepish smile. “I haven’t even started on it”
That’s not like her. “Oh.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No, it's fine. You’ve clearly been very busy.”
She lets out a laugh. “I could do it right now and you could come back or stay whichever you want.”
He pretends to think. Oh he’s most definitely taking option two. “I’ll stay.” What was that look she gave all about? He follows her into her workspace, sitting in one of the few clear spots. “Do you need any help?”
“No. Just relax.”
He leans against the soft inner hide of the marui to wait.
“Did you notice there were different dishes of yerik tail last night?”
YOU ARE READING
The Stars in Your Skin
FanfictionOel ngati kameie. Sometimes love stares us directly in the face, unseen. Sometimes we see it, but we can't have it. Sometimes we just need a little courage. A Neteyam love story.
