The River Tree (Neteyam x Metkayina OC)

Unreleased Chapters: Part 1

Authors note:
This was actually supposed to be the big reconciliation between Kaia and Neteyam that ended their rivalry instead of the talk in the cave they stopped at before looking for Lo'ak.

I scrapped it for two reasons, it was too early for both parties to be that vulnerable with each other and Neteyam sounds far too adult for his age. I've strived to maintain Neteyam's playful personality while still maintaining his grown up like maturity and although I like the message here, he would most definitely NOT be the messenger lol and it was a little melodramatic.

This was one of those chapters where my words were trying to tell me something that I didn't want to admit lol.

It was either going to be their reconciliation or Kaia's reaction after Neteyam confesses his love for her, the beginning context is the later.

Chapter # : the apparent meaning

"Kaia." A firm voice called from the opening. I knew exactly who it was.

"Just go away, Neteyam. Forget about it." I angrily snapped back tightening the grip on my crossed arms.

"I don't how many times I need to get it through your pretty little head, I'm not going anywhere." He enunciated.

"How do you expect me to just leave you alone like that? You say 'forget about it' and expect me to just actually walk away like nothing?" Though I could not see him, I sensed there was more so hurt in him instead of anger.

"I can't forget you and I've told you that. No matter what happens I won't ever forget you because I. love. you-"

"Stop saying that! By Eywa, please don't waste those words on me!" I swiftly turned around as I yelled, angry tears beginning fall from my eyes.

"Stop doing all these things! Stop holding me! Stop kissing me! Stop giving me gifts and taking me to be with your family! Stop making me feel happy and content! Just stop! I don't deserve any of this!" I snapped and began to whimper.

"Stop wasting your love on me, Neteyam...if you keep doing that then it makes you more stupid than you already are." my voice trailed off and pursed my lips to prevent anymore uncomfortable emotion out.

"You need to stop because I don't...love you." My heart immediately sank into my stomach the moment those horrid words came out.

The room was still. The waves seemingly mimicking the horrid stillness. We remained fixated on each other with pained expressions. Neteyam remained with a stern face, similar to his fathers and then to my surprise, spoke.

"Kaia, I know you struggle. I know there's a lot going within you that you don't understand or know how to share with others yet, and I know that. That has never made me not want to have you in my life." He began as he stepped forward.

"But I meant everything I said over there with my whole heart! And I wouldn't have said any of that if I felt that you didn't reciprocate my affections, but you have." His voiced began to become a bit louder and more desperate sounding.

"You've reciprocated and you've done more for me than I can count, all without me asking you to. It's not fair for you to do all these things and say you don't love me. It's not fair. Because that's not who you are." Eventually his voice calmed down.

"I know you're hurting" he said clasping my hands "I know you are. But you can't keep pushing people away from you. No matter what you say in this moment or what we become afterwards, I'm staying right here. But I can't properly help you if you can't be honest with me."

I gazed at his large hands tenderly clasping mind. He was always so gentle with me and considerate of all of my emotions. So much better than I was.

I let go of his hands and turned my back.