Invisible String - Jake Sully

Unrequited love

Neteyam had always loved his parents' stories.

He could recount it by heart. From the moment his mom, Neytiri, tried to kill his dad to the grand gesture his dad made for his people, well used to be his people. 

Dad always said it was 'love at first sight'. He said he knew from the first moment that he saw her on top of him, holding a bow down to his chest, that he felt something for her. He said it was like a zing. Whatever that was. 

At first, Neteyam thought it was weird that his Dad caught feelings for a girl that tried to kill him. It was one bizarre way to meet. But his Dad said to wait until he met Her, his Angel that Eywa sent for him. 

So he did.

He waited until now. 

It took him fifteen long years to finally understand his Dad. To finally see why some people just feel right. 

Neteyam thought he found his 'Zing' when he looked at Her. 

When Tsireya introduced Her to him, he was entranced. He felt like this was it, she was his love at first sight. 

Lei'la. 

A beautiful name for a beautiful girl. 

He noticed that her eyes were a different shade of blue. It wasn't like Tsireya's or Aonung's. Hers were darker and prettier. It was almost the same colour as his skin. 

It complimented her. 

After weeks of spending time with her, in the presence of others, of course, Neteyam found out that she was kind and delicate. She talked with a certain softness, especially around children and her smile was always etched on her face. 

Neteyam, however, noticed a certain melancholy and longing behind her beautiful blue eyes. It was such a contrast to her cheerful personality. Her smile would falter every time she thought no one was looking her way, or her eyes seemed to search for something through the body of the people. 

When that happened, Neteyam was always there to bring her back to him. To let her know that he was there. 

He was stupid and naive to think that he could calm the storm in her eyes and brought her comfort. He was stupid and naive to think that he was the one she was searching for. 

And he knew it the hard way. 

That day, Neteyam was helping Lei'la with a chore she needed to do. He didn't have anything to do that day so he decided to tag along. 

"I can hold my breath longer than Lo'ak now, even though with how much time he spent with Tsireya, he should be able to hold one longer than me," Neteyam noted, telling Lei'la about his progress, "Tawn also took me out hunting a week ago, and it was a very interesting experience," he trailed off, remembering the intense encounter he had with an akula. 

"That's great, Neteyam," she congratulated, "Tawn and Tsireya did say you adapted far faster than the others," she praised, her smile lit up her whole face. 

Neteyam looked away, hiding the blush on his cheek from the girl, "Kiri fit in a lot faster than me, she had an affinity for the ocean," he said casually, trying to play off her praise. 

Lei'la giggled, "Neteyam, take my compliment. You don't have to be so shy around me," she teased. 

Neteyam chuckled, looking at her and admiring her beautiful face. 

The two of them continued their way towards the Tsahik and olo'eyktan marui with chatters accompanying the two of them. One thing was certain, Neteyam felt like he could talk to her about anything and everything without any awkward silence. He felt like they were made for each other.