pathway., neteyam x reader

chapter nine

"Oh," He lifted a hand and rubbed his bruised eye. "I have another brother. He is human," Neteyam opened his untouched eye, still rubbing the other as it must've gotten irritating. He looked at you, waiting for some sort of reaction before he continued. But you didn't react, you were just confused for the most part.

"His name is spider." He quieted down again, dropping his hand back on his stomach. "But he was captured by the sky people. We don't know what to do, where he might be, we don't know if he has given up our lives for the sake of his."

You had to admit, this was much more intense than you expected. You knew they were on the run, seeking sanctuary, but you didn't realize how bad it really was. All you could think of doing in the moment was to soothe him. You couldn't imagine losing a brother to your enemies, then not knowing whether he has betrayed you or not.

"I like to think he hasn't. Spider wouldn't do that to us."

You nodded to him, softly smiling just like the many times you did before. Your hands placed themselves on the sides of his face, his eyes fluttered at you. "He wouldn't, trust him," You whispered, your hands slowly making circular motions around his temple and jawline. Neteyam's eyes looked heavy, he returned that soft smile you gave him, which made your ears hot. Again.

"Thank you for telling me, Neteyam."

He moved one hand on top of yours, moving in the same circular motions as he rested his hand upon it.

"Will you tell me..about you? About your home?"

"Next time. When you are not tired, you should rest." You finished off with a hum. Your eyes blinking slowly at him. "I am your friend, you can trust me. You should sleep," You put out, his eyes were slowly closing as you spoke. "I will wait then."

You began to hum a tune, it wasn't anything specific or significant. You just did it from the top of your head, creating a slow and steady lullaby that would put anyone to sleep.

As his eyes fully closed, you continued this gentle melody, your eyes glued to his face, admiring every feature unknowingly. Everything was placed perfectly, his eyes, his nose, his mouth. Even the way his stripes covered his face with such precision. Your thumbs rubbed against his cheeks, your whole face was now fully hot. He was special to you.

—

The moment of sleepiness and warmth was cut short, Neteyam's eyes shot open. The time seemed to have gone quickly, you didn't even realize how dark it had gotten, your conversations and touchiness was distracting.
"Lo'ak. He's been gone for too long." He spoke, sitting up quickly. Your hands fell to your now empty lap, you watched him stand up quickly. His hand being held out to you, "Come. Where is Ao'nung?"

You looked at the fire, then at his hand. Taking it, your four fingers wrapping around his wrist as he helped pull you up.

"Ao'nung..I saw him and his friends where we mount the Ilu's. Maybe he is in the water."

Neteyam began to walk, your hand still wrapped around his wrist before he slipped his hand further up to lock it in yours. "He should've been back already." He replied to you, he sounded stressed. You two walked back to the village, now being more in the main parts of it. You both in search of your brother and hopefully, his as well.

To your luck, Ao'nung was seen by Neteyam's marui. He seemed to have been peeking in, but there was no sign of Lo'ak.
Neteyam let go of your hand when Ao'nung turned around, the bridge moved from your footsteps. He saw your hands locked together, his eyes moved up to Neteyam angrily walking to him.

"Where is Lo'ak? Where is my brother?" He stood closely in front of Ao'nung. His nose scrunched slightly as he gritted his teeth together waiting for a response.