But What If || Neteyam x reader

Finding Solace

You both helped move small bits of equipment, Mr. Sully didn't give you anything big or highly advanced. You were arguing about it, you didn't think you would be able to help with any of the hard lifts due to how emotional you were. When they got all of the equipment hooked up to her, you, Lo'ak, and Neteyam took to the entrance of the Marui. You just stared at the Ocean as you heard the beeping from the machines. There was nothing on your mind but the emotion fear. You could only take in shaking breaths. You didn't want to look back in there again, her body looked as if it was sleeping but it scared you. Sleeping is almost the same as death, you still didn't let a tear fall. You let the sun touch you and warm your body, still not moving your gaze from the Ocean until you heard someone approaching. Looking up to see Tsireya's mother Ronal you moved to the side as you had been slightly blocking the entrance. She turned to Tsireya and she handed a basket off to her mother, you just continued to look with worry and she continued to enter slowly.

"How is she?" As her mother had gone in Tsireya stayed behind. "Not much better." Lo'ak piped up as you started to move behind Neteyam as he was trying to see into the Marui. "You are Tsahik." Hearing Neytiri's voice your ears fluttered forward, you looked to Neteyam as he was peering into the Marui now. "Remove these things." You purse your lips, still nervous about Kiri. You didn't care who helped her wake as long as she just opened her eyes. "Out, you have done nothing!" You leaned your head back onto the Marui, finally taking in a long breath in. Your breath still shook as you let your breath go.

Ronal had been in there for a short time, it was getting later and you heard one of the boy's stomach growl. You looked at both of them only to see Lo'ak with a tint of purple. "Lo'ak, if you're hungry you can go get some food.... We'll be watching her for you." He looked away pained at his sister, she was still unconscious. "Lo'ak go." Neteyam gave away his stress by taking on a harsh tone. "Okay, fine just.... Tell me if she wakes up." You nodded as he started to leave. You took his spot now peering in seeing Kiri just as still as before but this time with something smoking in the back and Ronal doing some kind of healing technique. "Neteyam." Hearing his voice strained earlier you knew you couldn't help much but you couldn't do anything. "I'm here for you if you need anything." He doesn't look at you, he is just staring aimlessly into the Marui. "Neteyam?" Uncertain if he had even heard you say his name again. He turned to you and your heart felt like it was breaking. His eyes weren't glistening from the light in his eyes but rather his brimming tears he was also fighting off. "Oh, Neteyam." You didn't know what else to do but get closer to him and give him a hug. He just looked like he needed one.

"Thanks." His voice was hoarse and you felt a drop on your shoulder as his arms wrapped around you. You had your chin barely on his shoulder as his head was nested on yours. "Anytime." You started brushing your hands along his back in a soothing manner, anything to relieve a bit of his stress. He just held you closer as you could still feel a few more drops of water. You both needed comfort and in all the panic and worry you found each other. Someone you felt you both could rely on and in this moment you felt safe like Kiri would be perfect. She would be awake and just as whimsical as usual. You felt comfortable and could relax your shoulders and you melted further into the hug. Neteyam melted further in a few moments later. You both stayed with each other, neither of you indicating the want to leave the other's embrace. You rested your eyes as you leaned your head onto his, you had never felt more loved. Loved? You opened your eyes and lifted your head back up, you stayed where you were but began to tense again. You bit your bottom lip as your brows furrowed. When did love cross your mind? You were just comforting a friend, possibly your best friend.

Neteyam's grip on you loosened and he started to pull back. His tears had stopped but his eyes were puffy. You looked up to him, still seeing he needs you at that moment. "Are you okay?" I am now, that was exactly what you were thinking when looking at him. "What about you, how are you doing Neteyam?" His head shook slightly. "Fine," Clearly indicating he was not. Your mouth upturned slightly as you breathed out. "Neteyam." You were trying to be stern but feeling much more relieved than before. "Come on, you don't have to pretend you're okay." He had his clam exterior set up again. "I'm better." You gave a quick grin as you saw Lo'ak coming back. "Here, a snack for you guys too." He hands you a small bit of food wrapped in a leaf. "Thank you Lo'ak." He was still serious as Kiri was still as she was before. "Has anything happened?" You shook your head.

"Kiri," You heard a slight sigh from Tuk, you whipped around to look into the Marui. "You're awake." You looked to Neteyam with a growing smile as he looked at you with a face filled with relief. You quickly made your way next to Tuk smiling at Kiri's opening eyes. Neytiri was on Kiri's other side holding Kiri's hand close to her. You heard a wail from Kiri as she started to really come to. "Oh, Kiri." You watched smiling just happy she was awake even though she continued to cry. "Kiri, my sweet child." Neytiri kelt to kiss Kiri's forehead as you leaned to Tuk smiling with upward eyebrows. "She's awake." Tuk smiled relieved back at you and rested her head on your shoulder.