The Stars in Your Skin

CHAPTER 30

It's late afternoon and High Camp bustles with the usual pre-dinner activity. Neteyam, having finished all of his duties sits on the ground before the entrance of home, watching the village life. A smile tugs at his mouth when he sees Tuk among a clowder of children frolicking about. It disappears when he spots Naawri carrying a stack of baskets. She's not alone. Aitwu is with her. Again. Ever since they’d danced together the paintmaker had been stuck to her like lanutral resin. The lame fwampop even had the nerve to throw him dirty looks, like Naawri were his. 

He rises and jogs to her when he sees her nearly drop her overly high stack of baskets. He greets her with respect, giving Aitwu a curt nod. “Do you need any help?”

“No, we've got it,” Aitwu answers.

Neteyam barely spares the other male a glance. “Nawri?”

“An extra hand is always welcome.” She says with a grateful smile.

He flashes her a smile before taking most of the burden from her. “Okay. Follow me boys.”

They follow her as she drops off woven baskets to different families. He ignores each glare Aitwu throws at him over Naawri's head, choosing to converse with his heart mate. Once they're done with their deliveries they meet back at Naawri's home.

“Thanks so much for the help. I would still be at it without you two.”

“Glad to help,” Aitwu says quickly. 

Neteyam shrugs. “Any time I can spend with you is a bonus.” A lop-sided grin lights her lips. Eywa her dimples are so beautiful.

“So you had ulterior motives.” He passes her a grin. She smiles, gaze shifting down coyly. Eywa the dimples. “See you guys at dinner.”

They chorus their farewells and part ways with her. They're out of earshot when Aitwu speaks up. “Why don't you just back off,” he orders gruffly.

Neteyam stops mid-step to regard the taller male walking alongside him with something akin to surprise. “Pardon?”

Aitwu stops as well. “I said why don't you back off. You're already with the most beautiful girl in the clan, leave Naawri alone.”

Neteyam swallows. He was so sick of everyone warning him off Naawri. Especially this man that had his eye on her. The taller man folds his arms, tail flicking in quick swipes. Neteyam, resisting the urge to shove his fist through the paint maker’s face, draws closer to him. “The most beautiful girl in the clan is Nawri. If you can't see that you don't deserve her. And no I won't.” He holds Aitwu's gaze relentlessly, tail flicking in sharp swipes. His point made he gives him a nod before striding towards home.

Later, he’s helping his family prepare foodwraps humming along to the jaunty tune Tuk sings when Sateya pops her head through the entrance.  He almost ignores her but his mother speaks, “Neteyam, your promised one is here.” He greets her but does not rise.

“Is there something you need?” His father asks.

“Neteyam, may I speak with you. Privately. It's important.”

He swallows his put out sigh. “Sure.” He finishes the foodwraps before rising then excuses himself. She leads him to an isolated area away from prying ears and he follows quietly, trying to read her body language.  “Is everything ok?” He asks out of habit but he genuinely means it, because her demeanor is subdued.  She sits down, folding her legs and he follows suit. “Sateya?” Eywa if she requested another favor or told him to avoid Naawri so help him… He cants his head waiting for her to speak.

“I love you Neteyam," she states almost bitterly.

He restrains the displeased sigh that claws at his throat. This was a conversation he did not want to revisit. He didn't love her but he didn't like seeing anyone cry because of him. “Sateya can we not—”