Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength)

by SpicyNoodleJun

Summary:

Neteyam wakes up alone on an unfamiliar beach, pink sand warm beneath him, the vibrant blue water swirling and glowing as it washes up on the shore. At first, he is confused. Then, he realizes he isn't alone. Just a short way down the beach, a human boy stands with wide eyes.

He isn't wearing an exopack.

With so many questions he want's to ask, Neteyam moves to stand, but the boy runs off in the opposite direction. Neteyam gave chase, easily catching up with the much shorter human.

Who knew that chasing after the boy would lead to a life he never could have imagined? Who knew that he would be given a second chance?

Neteyam refused to waste it. He wasn't going to get himself killed again. He was going to fight. For Eywa, for Pandora, for his family, and for his newfound love. The Sky People were still a threat to Eywa'eveng and he'd been tasked by the Great Mother herself to protect it.

The question is, will he be ready to face the dangers ahead?
Will he be willing to risk everything?
Even those he holds dear?

Chapter 1: Eywa's Blessing

Neteyam didn't know how long he'd been out, but the first sense to return was his hearing. The soft sound of waves washing up on the sand greeted him, a sound he'd grown to find comfort in. There were no other sounds, however, the bustle of the Metkayina going about their days outside the marui noticeably absent. He couldn't hear Tuk playing in the shallows just outside. He couldn't hear the Ilu swimming under the marui, chasing down fish to eat. He couldn't hear his mother and Kiri starting food on the fire or his father scolding Lo'ak about who-knows-what. There was only the waves.

Slowly, his sense of touch returned, and Neteyam found he wasn't inside the family marui at all, but laid out on the warm sand. He could feel sunlight on his skin, the heat soaking into his bones yet not uncomfortable. It was soothing, almost like a gentle embrace.

Taking a breath, Neteyam's sense of smell had begun to pick up on the salt in the air. The smell of warm sand and the ocean breeze was welcome, but it wasn’t quite right. It wasn’t the scent of the Metkayina. This was something foreign yet vaguely familiar. There was a hint of something amid all the scents, beyond the beach and saltwater and open air.

Daring to open his eyes, Neteyam was momentarily blinded by the glaring sun. With a groan, he lifted his hand to shield his eyes, squinting at his surroundings.

Nothing made sense.

Firstly, there was no horizon. Everything just seemed to fade out into nothingness, into the blank, white distance. Even the sky was white, no clouds, no sun, just a vast, empty white. The sand he had felt beneath him was very much there, however, a vibrant pink color that radiated warmth as if it had been soaking up the non-existent sun's rays all day. The water was there too, little waves breaking and running up onto the sand, making the pink turn an even more saturated shade. The water itself was the blue that Neteyam expected, at least, but it glowed against the sand. Wherever it swirled or churned, it shined a bright aqua blue, a familiar bioluminescence that life on Eywa'eveng seemed to share.

And then there was the person standing a short ways down the beach. They were human, looking similar to Spider, just a little less… wild? Neteyam wasn't sure how to put it.

The person stared at him, wide-eyed, and just as he was about to wave at them, the person took off across the beach, running away. Confused, Neteyam glanced around, wondering where the danger was, but there was nothing in sight, just the beach, the waves, and the expanse of white beyond.

Were they running away from him, then?

Getting to his feet, Neteyam felt a vague wave of pain flood his chest, but it quickly faded. Hoping to catch up to the person, he ignored that for now, and took off after them.

Being so much taller than the boy made it rather easy to reach him, and Neteyam grabbed his arm, hoping to stop him so he could ask him where they were.

He realized the boy wasn't wearing an exopack then.

Unfortunately, the boy- or was he old enough to be a man?- began to scream as if terrified.

"Hey- Hey, I'm not going to hurt you." Neteyam tried to say, speaking English, raising his voice so the human could hear him over the screams. "I'm not going to hurt you!"

After a moment, the screams quieted, but the boy still looked terrified. Neteyam was hesitant now, not wanting to frighten him. "I… I just want to know where we are." He explained. "We seem to be the only ones here, so I wanted to ask if you knew where this place is."

The boy, shaking in Neteyam's grasp, sunk down to the pink sand, all his strength leaving him. Neteyam followed, kneeling down. "Are you okay? I didn't hurt you when I grabbed you, did I?" He worried, recalling his father's warnings not to be too rough while playing with Spider, and gently let go of the smaller's arm.

The boy shook his head. "No- I just- I need a second." He gasped, visibly trembling, pale as the sky above them. His brown eyes were wide open, staring at Neteyam.

"What… What are you?" He asked.

Neteyam paused. "Uh, I am of the Omatikaya." He replied, but the boy didn't seem to understand. "I… I am Na'vi. I am from Eywa'eveng. Humans call it Pandora."

Something about that seemed to register, and the boy's expression grew confused.

"Eywa? Like the other person here?" He asked.

"There's another-" Neteyam began, but cut himself off. "Eywa? You met someone named Eywa?"

The boy gave a nod. "Yeah. She… She stayed with me. It was just the two of us for a while. She said I was safe here and that I would meet someone important soon. I didn't… I didn't expect someone like you though. I've never… I've never seen anyone like you before."

Neteyam was in shock. Eywa. Eywa. The boy met Eywa. "What was she like? What did she look like?" He asked, curiosity about the Great Mother overriding his curiosity about where they were.

The boy seemed to grow quiet then, looking down at the sand. "She, uh, looked a little like my mother. But her eyes were a deep blue. And her appearance sort of shifted like it couldn't decide how she should look. It was always something pretty, but her face was a bit blurry or out-of-focus." He replied. "She looked human, but not quite. There was something more to her."

Neteyam hummed in thought, processing what he was told, then looked back at the boy. "Is she still here somewhere?" He asked.

The boy gave a small nod. "She's further down the beach. She told me to walk this way until I found someone. I'm guessing she meant you."

"We should go meet her then." Neteyam decided, getting to his feet. "My name is Neteyam, by the way."

The boy stood up as well, a bit wobbly at first, but quickly regained his balance. "Eywa said that since I will live with her now, I could have a new name. I didn't know what to pick though, so she gave me a new name. Leyn."

Neteyam tilted his head. "Repeat."

"Huh?" Leyn hummed.

"That means to repeat," Neteyam explained, leading the way down the beach, walking a bit slow so the smaller could keep up. "Maybe it's because she's giving you a second chance? You get to live again, here with the Great Mother."

Something akin to guilt flickered across Leyn's face then, brown eyes flitting away, looking towards the water. "Um, Neteyam, I'm not sure if you remember how you got here, but…" He began. "I think you died."

Now, that was not what Neteyam was expecting to hear. As he thought about how ridiculous that was, however, the vague pain in his chest from earlier returned. He frowned, then brought his hand up to his chest, rubbing at the aching he felt.

"I don't remember, but…"

"You can still feel the pain." Leyn finished for him, nodding knowingly, his hand coming up to rub lightly at the side of his head as they walked along the beach. "I can too. I didn't remember at first but, eventually, the memories came back."

Neteyam vaguely recalled hearing his parents' voices, his mother crying, his father calling his name but, aside from that, it was all a blur.

"My parents are going to be devastated. My siblings too." He found himself whispering.

Leyn smiled, but it was bittersweet. "I'm glad you had so many people who loved you." He replied softly.

Something in his tone had Neteyam growing concerned, but he decided not to ask about it, certain it was something deeply personal. Instead, he watched as Leyn stepped into the water, letting the glowing waves wash over his bare feet as they walked.

The two walked in silence for what felt like nearly an hour, both lost in their own thoughts, when Leyn suddenly jolted, eyes snapping up from where he'd been watching the bioluminescence swirl around his ankles. Neteyam paused as well, about to ask what was wrong, when Leyn turned around with a bright smile.

"Eywa!" He cheered, then rushed forward. Neteyam turned as well, watching as Leyn's arms wrapped around a woman's hips, his head resting against her side.

Unlike what Leyn had said, Eywa didn't look human. She was very much Na'vi, her skin the soft blue of the Omatikaya, darker stripes marking her in unique patterns. Leyn had been right about her face though. It was blurry, shifting between familiar features and foreign ones, unable to settle on one look but pretty nonetheless.

Neteyam realized that she must look different to whoever saw her, which explained why she looked human to Leyn while looking Na'vi to Neteyam.

"Hello, my child," Eywa spoke fondly, placing a large hand atop Leyn's head.

Neteyam shivered, hearing various voices speak at once, all soft and gentle but distinct in their own right.

Quickly, he bowed his head, greeting her politely. "Great Mother, I see you."

"Sweet Neteyam." She replied, her voice so achingly similar to his own mother's for a moment there. "Welcome to Fpom Txampay, the Peaceful Sea."

Seeing Neteyam was still confused, she simply smiled. "Very few reach this place, but those who do are blessed both by Eywa and by The People. They have a connection to life so strong that even death cannot separate them from it." She explained. "Sometimes, even someone outside of Eywa'eveng manages to arrive here, like little Leyn."

Neteyam blinked. "He's not from here?"

Eywa shook her head. "He comes from the world of the Sky People, Gaia. From the same world your father came from many years ago." She replied.

"So, I'm on a different planet?" Leyn questioned.

"No. Not quite." She replied, guiding both boys over to the water. As she stepped into it, letting the water wash up over her feet, the glow rippled around her, reacting to her presence, creating waves almost like a heartbeat. "The world is still in danger. I know you both have suffered greatly at the hands of humanity but, if you are willing, I would like to send you back. It is not your time yet, and the world needs strong souls such as yours to help guide it."

Leyn shook his head quickly. "I don't want to go back. I can't go back to that place. I-" He began, but Eywa placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Leyn, beautiful boy, you would be going with Neteyam. I would give you a new body, much like his, and you could live a new life on the planet you know as Pandora. I am not so cruel as to send you back to Earth."

The boy blinked away the fearful tears that had welled up at the thought of returning to his life before coming here. "So, I'll be a… What did you say it was? Navi?" He sniffled, quickly wiping his wet eyes.

"Na'vi. And yes." She answered. "If you both agree, I will send you back together. It will be a bit disorienting, returning to life after so long, so you two will have to rely on one another."

Neteyam was the first to agree. "I will go back. My family and the Metkayina need me. I can't leave them to fight the Sky People without me."

Eywa smiled softly. "You have the same resolve as Grace. She was determined to continue to aid The People against those from beyond our world."

Neteyam blinked. "Kiri's mother was here?"

Eywa gave a small nod. "Yes. As was Tsu'tey, a friend of your parents. While they may not have returned to the living as you may, they continue to guide those they love and cherish through the Tree of Souls."

"Are you sure I'll be okay if I go with Neteyam?" Leyn spoke up, anxiety clear in his voice. "I don't know anything about the world. I won't know the language or the customs or the land. I won't even know myself, suddenly in a new body far taller than I am used to- and with very different parts."

Neteyam looked at the human boy. "I could teach you. I won't leave you to struggle on your own." He replied. "My father will help too. He knows what it is like to wake up in a new body."

"Really?" Leyn asked, curiosity piqued.

"He was an Avatar driver for the RDA when he first arrived on Pandora."

The scoff Leyn let out at the mention of the RDA was more than enough to convey his less-than-pleased views on the violent organization terrorizing Pandora.

"Jake saw what the RDA was planning and turned against them. He and a select few remained on Pandora after driving the RDA off-planet." Eywa added.

Leyn huffed, relaxing a bit at that. "I heard something about a rebellion on Pandora that set the RDA back nearly two decades." He began. "Good riddance. Those idiots think they can save humanity by ruining another planet the same way humanity ruined ours. The thought of them hurting Pandora any more than they already have is sickening."

Neteyam's lips pressed into a thin line. "But they came back. I…" He trailed off, his gaze going somewhere far off. "I died fighting them."

Leyn noticed how tense Neteyam was all of a sudden and grew worried. "You remembered just now, didn't you?" He asked, stepping closer to Neteyam, reaching out to place a hand on his arm, hoping to provide some sort of comfort.

Neteyam remembered the blood on his parents' hands. He remembered his brother beside him, in shock. His mother's screams. The ship in the distance, his sisters still held hostage somewhere on it.

"Yeah…" He replied.

Eywa stepped over as well, reaching out to cup his cheek, the bioluminescence on his skin glowing in response to her touch. "Some time has passed since then but you will be able to see your family again. They will be happy to have you returned to them." She reassured him with a soft smile.

"And I'll go with you, Neteyam. You won't be alone." Leyn added, having made up his mind, looking up at him with warm brown eyes.

"So, it is decided?" Eywa asked, glancing between the two.

Leyn took Neteyam's hand, a bit unsettled by how big the taller's hand was compared to his own as well as the different number of fingers on their hands- but he would have to get used to that, wouldn't he?

"I'm ready to go. Neteyam needs to return to his family. We shouldn't keep them waiting any longer." Leyn replied, then looked up at Neteyam. "What about you?"

Neteyam thought about the war they would be returning to. He knew it would be difficult, traumatizing to return to a life of constant danger, but if he was able to be reunited with his family, then it would be worth it, right?

Besides, Leyn needed someone to be there for him. He would be lost on his own.

"I'm ready." He replied.

Both boys looked to Eywa then, who smiled softly at them. There was something in her gaze, hopeful and warm, but there was something else to it that neither boy could place. It was something rather knowing, as if she had noticed something they didn't.

Then again, she was the Great Mother, Nature itself. Even if she wasn't omnipotent, she was certainly bound to know more than them.

"Very well." She spoke, turning to place a kiss on both of their foreheads. "You both have my blessing. You will return to life together. I am always with you. If you ever need me, know I can hear you. I may not be able to help in the ways you wish, but I will give aid when I can." She promised, then gently turned them so they faced the water.

"Walk out into the water. As soon as it is above your heads, you will return." She informed, then stepped back, watching quietly with a smile.

Neteyam hesitated, glancing back at her. "Will we remember this, or will we have to wait to get the memories back, like with our deaths?" He asked.

Leyn glanced back as well, curious to know the answer.

"Some parts may be a bit blurry, but you will remember most everything. You will remember our conversations. You will remember each other. You will remember being given this second chance. Do not worry." Eywa replied.

Leyn looked back ahead then. "Is now a bad time to bring up the fact that I don't know how to swim?" He asked, earning a surprised laugh from Neteyam.

"Just hold onto me, okay? How are you at holding your breath?" He asked.

"I'm okay at it, but I can't hold my breath for too long." The smaller answered, nervous.

Neteyam nodded. "We can work with that. Wait until the last second, then take a deep breath while we go under. Once we are back, I'll swim us up to the surface. It'll be okay."

Leyn shifted from one foot to the other, holding Neteyam's hand a little tighter. "Alright. I'm trusting you, so don't let me drown, okay?" He replied.

"I'll keep you safe. I promise." Neteyam smiled.

Leyn gazed up at him for a moment, then smiled back. "Alright. Let's go."

With that, the two slowly waded out into the water. Once it was waist-level for Leyn, the boy paused. Neteyam offered him a small smile, then scooped the smaller up into his arms and carried him further out. He was careful, making sure Leyn's head was above the water until the last moment.

"Okay. Deep breath." Neteyam instructed, Leyn doing as he was told and taking in as much air as he could, holding it. Once Neteyam saw he was ready, he held Leyn close, took one final breath, and let them both slip beneath the water's surface.

…

The twist in the pit of his stomach and the odd sensations in the water around him left Neteyam a bit disoriented, but he managed to open his eyes, seeing he was tangled up in the fronds of the Metkayina clan's Spirit Tree. Just as with the water in the Peaceful Sea, the bioluminescence in the water swirled around him as he moved.

Then he remembered Leyn and quickly looked around. The boy wasn't in his arms anymore and Neteyam was worried he would panic underwater without Neteyam by his side.

Before he could navigate his way out of the Spirit Tree, though, a hand shot out and gripped onto him. Neteyam flinched, turning to spot dark gold eyes gazing at him. The Na'vi teen before him looked afraid, gripping his arm and hand tightly.

Then it clicked. That was Leyn.

Eywa really had given him a new body.

Holding tight to Leyn, Neteyam swam them both up to the surface, the water glowing around them. As they broke through the water's surface, Neteyam realized that the water wasn't just glowing, but it was pulsing like a heartbeat, rippling just as it had when Eywa stepped into the water before.

Leyn coughed, taking in big breaths, eager to breathe air again. "I hate water. I'm never letting you carry me into the ocean again. That was terrifying." Leyn gasped, still holding tightly onto Neteyam.

"I didn't mean to let you go. I didn't even realize at first." He admitted, and Leyn sighed, slowly calming down.

"Can we just get back on land first? We can talk once we're back on solid ground." Leyn whined, not wanting to stay in the water any longer than necessary.

"Right. Sorry. Let's see if I can find an Ilu nearby to take us back to shore." Neteyam replied, turning his gaze out into the water as he pulled Leyn closer, one arm wrapping around the smaller's waist- though, he was not as small as before- to keep him supported and keep his head above the water. It was night, so it was dark and difficult to make out anything in the water.

The sound of clicking, however, caught Neteyam's attention, and his gaze turned to find a group riding toward the Spirit Tree, likely to investigate the heartbeat of light emanating from Neteyam and Leyn.

As they drew closer, Neteyam recognized Tonowari and Ronal, Tsireya and Ao'nung following close behind along with a few other members of the Metkayina, likely those who patrolled the waters around the clan, on the lookout for any sign of Sky People ships.

"Olo'eyktan," Neteyam called out, relieved to see the leader of the Metkayina. He paused, however, when he saw the haunted looks on Ao'nung and Tsireya's faces.

"Neteyam, who are they?" Leyn whispered, uncertain.

"They are friends. Don't worry." Neteyam reassured, then looked back to Tonowari. "I know this is all very strange, but could we return to the shore before I explain?" He asked in Na'vi, hoping they would agree quickly so he could get Leyn out of the water as soon as possible.

Tonowari eyed them for a moment, then the water around them that glowed at their movements, but no one else's. It was reacting to them specifically.

Ronal spoke up first. "Tsireya, let them borrow your Ilu. Ride with your brother." She spoke, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"Yes, Mother," Tsireya replied, guiding her Ilu over to Neteyam and the stranger before slipping off and swimming over to her brother. Ao'nung helped her up onto his Ilu but his gaze didn't leave Neteyam.

Ignoring the stares he knew they were getting, Neteyam easily mounted the Ilu, one hand holding the grip while his other hand lifted Leyn up from the water.

"Are you sure this is okay? They don't look too happy to see you." Leyn asked, managing to sit behind him properly, holding onto his waist tightly.

"That's because I'm supposed to be dead. You would be wary too if someone you knew to be dead suddenly reappeared." Neteyam whispered back. He adjusted Leyn's hold on his waist as well. "Don't let go. We won't go too fast or go underwater but I still don't want you falling off because you're not holding on properly."

Leyn huffed through his nose. "If I fall off, I'm drowning you with me." He threatened half-heartedly, holding on tight.

Neteyam snickered, then followed the group back towards the shore. Leyn was happy to be back on land, sinking down onto the sand with a sigh, Neteyam crouching down to gently rub his back as he relaxed. "See? That wasn't so bad." He hummed.

Leyn rolled his eyes. "Says you." He scoffed, but there was no bite to his words.

Ronal sent Ao'nung and Tsireya off to bed, telling them not to mention Neteyam to anyone along the way. The same orders went to those who had been on patrol. Tonowari, on the other hand, stepped away, heading off down the beach in a rush.

"Come. Let's get you two cleaned up." Ronal spoke, reaching a hand down to Leyn. "I will help you walk."

Leyn glanced up at her, then at her hand, hesitating for a moment before reaching out to take it.

Ronal flinched so violently that Leyn quickly retreated, afraid. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you or anything. It was an accident." He quickly spouted, his hand moving to grip Neteyam's arm anxiously.

Neteyam realized then that Leyn was speaking Na'vi without any difficulty. He guessed Eywa must have granted him knowledge of the language when she granted him his new body.

As Neteyam processed the discovery, Ronal looked between them with wide eyes, then held her hand out to Neteyam. "Let me see your hand."

Neteyam eyed Leyn briefly, then looked up to Ronal, offering her his hand. She took it, staring at it with such intensity that he began to worry something was wrong.

Then she let go.

"Neteyam, help your friend walk. We will go to the Tsahik marui." She spoke, then turned and began to head down the beach in the opposite direction Tonowari had gone.

"Come on. Let's go get cleaned up and get some clothes on." Neteyam coaxed, only for Leyn to gasp and quickly cover himself.

"Why didn't I notice the fact that I am naked?" He hissed, embarrassed, blushing a deep blue.

"I think trying not to drown was more important." Neteyam pointed out, guiding Leyn to his feet and following after Ronal.

In the Tsahik marui, Ronal let Neteyam and Leyn rinse off all the sand from their bodies, having them dry off before providing them with clean, plain loincloths to wear.

Leyn was self-conscious, not used to wearing so little, still trying to cover himself with his hands as he knelt on the soft pillow Ronal had provided him to sit on. Neteyam was seated beside him, glancing over at the smaller every so often before returning his attention back to Ronal.

The Metkayina Tsahik was watching them closely, the three sitting in silence for what felt like forever before she finally broke the silence. "How are you alive, Neteyam?" She asked.

"Eywa sent me back. Leyn as well." He replied honestly. "She said there was still much we had to do to protect our planet from the Sky People."

Ronal listened quietly, going over his response in her head before looking back at them. "You've met Eywa?"

The two nodded.

Ronal had felt it in their touch out on the beach, so she knew better than to think they were being dishonest. "I understand Neteyam being here since we laid him to rest with our ancestors, but why are you here?" She asked.

Well, she was as blunt and to the point as Neteyam remembered.

Leyn shrunk a bit from her gaze, glancing over at Neteyam. The taller gave a small nod, encouraging him to reply. "Because Eywa wanted Neteyam to watch over me and teach me the ways of the Na'vi." He answered honestly. "We are supposed to rely on each other and help protect everyone from the Sky People."

Ronal hummed, clearly suspicious of Leyn, but didn't say anything else on the matter. Instead, she turned to Neteyam. "You have been dead for two years, Neteyam. Your family will be overjoyed to have you back but I'm afraid it will be rather hard for them to share a marui with you now. They were all rather traumatized by your death. You should not expect to be able to pick up where you left off." She warned. "It will take time for them to come to terms with your return."

"I understand." He replied. "I… I remember what happened. I can see why it would be difficult for them to be near me after they learn I am alive again."

"If you are alright with it, we could give you and your friend a small marui nearby to stay in." She offered.

"Thank you, Tsahik," Neteyam replied, bowing his head respectfully. Leyn quickly did the same, repeating Neteyam's thanks as well.

"I will have my children bring you a small batch of supplies in the morning. You may make yourselves at home in the marui." She added softly, then her ears flicked back, picking up on something outside.

Neteyam listened carefully, picking up on multiple sets of footsteps quickly approaching.

"Tonowari went to wake your parents. They should be the first to know." She warned.

Neteyam tensed, which Leyn noticed. Gently, the smaller reached over and took Neteyam's hand, offering him a small smile. "It'll be alright, Neteyam." He reassured.

That's when three figures stepped into the marui, the beaded curtain made of seashells and sea glass clinking together as they passed through it. Neteyam's eyes instantly hit the floor, his grip on Leyn's hand growing tighter.

Two of the figures paused, and Leyn looked up to meet their eyes. Neteyam looked much like his mother, he realized. His dark gold gaze turned to Neteyam's father then, who looked distinctly human compared to the other Na'vi.

"Um, hello, Sir." Leyn greeted, English passing his lips.

Jake met his gaze, surprised.

Leyn looked back to Neteyam then. "Hey, it's okay. They are a little shocked but that's all. Look at them." He whispered.

Neteyam barely heard Leyn, however, stuck in his own memories of his death. He saw the expressions on his parents' faces. He didn't know if he could look at them now without those memories haunting him.

"Neteyam?" Leyn spoke softly, reaching out with his other hand, gently rubbing his arm. "Are you okay?"

It took a moment, but Neteyam finally found his voice. "Mom, Dad. I'm sorry." He began, hearing his mother inhale sharply upon hearing his voice. "I should have been more careful. I should have-"

His mother rushed over, wrapping him in a hug as she began to sob. Neteyam's father followed soon after, wrapping his arms around both of them, clearly struggling to hold back tears of his own. Watching them fuss over Neteyam, Leyn felt he was intruding, and attempted to scoot away to give them space.

Neteyam squeezed his hand tighter though, not letting him pull away.

Leyn looked up, finding Neteyam looking up at him with bright, tear-filled eyes. That look was all he needed to know Neteyam needed him. Leyn was the only one who understood what had happened to him and how strange all of this was, returning to life so suddenly. The smaller settled, offering a small smile in return, hoping to reassure the taller, and gently pat Neteyam's hand with his free one.

"How- How is this-" Neteyam's mother began, pulling back just enough to cup her son's face in her hands.

"They have seen Eywa and received her blessing. She gave them back. She gave them another chance." Ronal spoke up, getting to her feet and standing beside her husband.

"She said Eywa'eveng still needs to be protected from the Sky People," Neteyam explained further. "Leyn and I were told to come back to help."

Jake's eyes turned to Leyn then, eyeing the way he and Neteyam were holding tight to each other's hand. "Did you… were you also…?"

Leyn offered a sheepish smile. "Dead? Yeah." He replied in English since he was addressed in said language.

"Dad, he's sort of like you," Neteyam spoke up. "He was originally human but Eywa gave him a Na'vi body."

Jake tensed at that, his gaze hardening slightly with suspicion. "Where were you before?" He asked.

"Back home," Leyn replied. "Earth."

That seemed to shock Jake. "Then how did you reach Eywa?"

Leyn shrugged. "I don't know. All I remember is waking up on a beach, not knowing what happened to me or how I got there."

"What did you do on Earth?" Jake continued to question.

The smaller let out an amused huff. "Well, I'm only sixteen so I didn't do much. I went to school and then hid in my room at home. The air outside is too polluted to be anywhere without an air filtration unit for too long." He replied.

Neteyam's mother noticeably dimmed. "You are so young." She commented, also noticing the way the two held hands. "You had so much life before you. How did you die?"

"Neytiri," Jake whispered. "Let's not ask things like that quite yet."

Leyn's hand rose up to his face, fingertips brushing against his temple. "I'd rather not talk about that yet." He replied, and the three watched as Leyn withdrew into himself.

Jake recognized something in the way Leyn reacted and felt himself grow concerned, something tugging at the back of his mind, telling him to take Leyn and protect him. The boy had gone through so much, the trauma evident in the way he closed off from everyone when asked what happened.

Jake couldn't help but wonder what sort of war the boy had been fighting back on Earth. It may not have been as literal as the one being fought here on Pandora, but Leyn was a warrior, a survivor.

Neteyam reached out for the smaller, seeing the panic from the pink sand beach haunting Leyn's eyes. He recalled the way the boy had panicked at the thought of returning to Earth, afraid of what he would face if he did. "Leyn. Come here." He said softly, opening his arms for the smaller.

Leyn didn't need to be told again, moving closer and settling into Neteyam's side, tucking himself into the taller's embrace. He tried his best to hold back his tears as the thoughts and memories washed over him, he really did, but they began to flow anyway.

Neytiri watched with a saddened gaze, wanting to comfort the boy but unsure if her touch would be welcomed.

It was late in the night when they all settled down. Ronal and Tonowari sat quietly, discussing with Jake how they wanted to go about reintroducing Neteyam to his siblings and the rest of the Metkayina. Neytiri, meanwhile, was filling Neteyam in on everything that had happened over the last two years. Leyn stayed tucked into Neteyam's side, relatively quiet as he rested his head on Neteyam's chest, simply listening to the taller's steady heartbeat and the way his voice vibrated in his chest as he spoke with his mother.

Just as the sky was beginning to lighten, Neytiri and Jake walked along with Neteyam and Leyn, following Ronal as she led the way to the marui the two would be staying in. They'd been hesitant to let him live in his own marui rather than returning to their family's marui, but they understood why it was better this way. Neteyam hugged his parents, promising that he and Leyn won't be going anywhere and that they would see each other again soon.

Before they left, Jake turned to Leyn as well. "If you need anything, you can come to me. My family will help you." He promised, then glanced over at his son, who was hugging his mother one last time. "Neteyam will take good care of you too. Make sure you have his back, alright?"

Leyn nodded. "Yes, Sir. I will." He promised.

Jake offered a small smile and a nod, then took a step back, waiting for Neytiri to finish smothering Neteyam with kisses. She pulled away from her son, then turned to Leyn.

"May I?" She asked softly, gesturing towards him.

"Um, sure," Leyn replied, not sure what she wanted to do but knowing she didn't mean any harm. Sure enough, she wrapped him in a gentle embrace.

"You are such a strong boy. We will help you learn the way of The People. You are not alone anymore." She whispered to him, then pulled back. Still oh so careful with him, she cupped his face and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

The little gesture reminded Leyn of Eywa and he had to blink back tears.

"Thank you." He replied.

Neytiri smiled down at him, tucking some of his hair back behind his ear, which flicked a few times, ticklish. Then she stepped back, joining Jake, taking her husband's hand.

"Get some sleep. We will see you tomorrow." Jake said, then waved goodbye. Neytiri mirrored the gesture, and the two made their way along the beach.

Neteyam stood beside Leyn for a while, the two watching his parents grow smaller and smaller the further away they went.

Chapter 2: Reunited

Summary:

Neteyam and Leyn get settled into their new home but find themselves having trouble adjusting to being alive again. Good thing they have each other to lean on.

Neteyam stood beside Leyn for a while, they two watching his parents grow smaller and smaller the further away they went. Once they saw their dark figures enter a marui a ways down the beach, Leyn turned to Neteyam.

"Come on. We should go inside." He said softly, taking the taller's hand and coaxing him inside. Seeing Neteyam a bit distracted, lost in thought, Leyn figured he could ask some questions to help keep Neteyam from spiraling.

Leyn could feel it too, all the anxieties and fears crashing around inside himself, certain Neteyam was feeling just as lost and uncertain.

"So, where do we sleep?" He asked, glancing around at the rather empty marui. He could see a small fire pit in the center of the room. There were a few baskets that Ronal, Jake, and Neytiri carried over for them, but Leyn didn't get a chance to peek at the contents yet.

Neteyam blinked, as if what he asked was a dumb question, but then he remembered Leyn didn't know anything about the Na'vi yet.

Neteyam glanced around, spotting a small doorway to a room further inside. He peeked his head inside, finding a room with a softer woven floor. "We sleep in here." He spoke, turning around to poke through the baskets. "Aha." He hummed, finding the basket he was looking for and pulling out a few thin blankets that were folded up neatly.

Leyn followed along after Neteyam, watching as he stepped into the room and began to lay out the blankets in a rather particular manner. His eyes were drawn to the way the floor sank as Neteyam walked around. It very much reminded Leyn of walking on a trampoline, the floor dipping slightly with every step.

"Alright. Come lay down." Neteyam spoke once he was satisfied with where he put the blankets. He took a seat in the middle of them and gestured to the spot beside him.

"Huh?" Leyn began. "Wait- we're sharing?"

Neteyam laughed softly. "There's only one room, so yeah."

Leyn quirked his lips, chewing on the inside of his cheek. "Is it normal to sleep with other people like this?"

Neteyan nodded. "Everyone sleeps together in a group. It helps everyone stay warm. Max and Norm say that co-sleeping helps promote affection and connectivity between members of a family." He replied matter-of-factly, then smiled sheepishly. "You're probably used to having an actual bed to yourself, aren't you? I've seen human beds before. The avatars back home sleep in them."

"Uh, yeah. Something like that." Leyn hummed, considering finding somewhere else to sleep but, honestly, he didn't want to be alone either. Giving in, he stepped into the room and made his way over, settling down beside Neteyam. "So, what? We cuddle?" He asked, half joking.

Neteyam laid down though, guiding Leyn down beside him before tugging on the blankets, shifting them into place around them, the soft fabrics circling them nicely, creating their own little space. Laying on his side, Neteyam faced Leyn, watching as the smaller did the same. "Is this okay?" He asked, tucking an arm under his head.

Leyn settled into his spot, resting his head in his palm. "Yeah. For now, at least." He replied. "I'll get used to it eventually."

Neteyam offered a small smile. "If you're more comfortable in a bed, we can talk to my dad about making one for you."

Leyn shook his head. "No, that's okay. I'm Na'vi now. I should do things the way Na'vi do." He replied.

"Alright." Neteyam hummed. "Still, if you need anything, let me know, okay?"

Leyn gave a nod. "Okay."

Settling into a comfortable silence, Leyn closed his eyes to try and sleep. Neteyam did the same, but neither seemed to be able to fall asleep. Leyn resorted to laying on his back, staring out the large windows at the starry sky. It must have been a while that he stared out at the night sky because when he finally looked away, the sky was beginning to lighten.

Glancing toward Neteyam, he paused, finding gold eyes watching him.

"I couldn't sleep either." Neteyam admitted. "You seemed to be thinking about something though. I didn't want to interrupt."

Leyn offered a small smile, but his heart wasn't in it. "I was thinking about the night I died." He admitted, turning and laying back down beside Neteyam.

"Are you sure you want to talk about it?" Neteyam asked.

"Of course, I don't. It was horrible." Leyn replied. "But I want to tell you. That way at least someone knows why I act strange sometimes."

Neteyam propped himself up on an elbow, looking over at Leyn. "Okay. If you're sure. Don't force yourself though."

Leyn nodded, then took a breath to ready himself. "I was asleep. Or, I was supposed to be asleep. I was staring out my window at the sky, wondering what the stars looked like past all the smog and smoke and pollution. My parents were downstairs, arguing." He began, eyes glancing out at the clear, navy blue sky. "My father was loud and angry, and he was always so violent when he got drunk."

Neteyam frowned, already able to guess how this story was about to go.

"My mother wanted to leave. She'd been planning it for a while and we were going to go that night. I just had to wait for my father to pass out. My mom would come get me and we could grab the bags we packed a week earlier and leave. He found her bag, though, and knew something was up." Leyn continued, sitting up, pulling his knees up to his chest. His tail flicked anxiously behind him. "I had heard them argue before. I was used to just tuning out the yelling and screaming. I could ignore my father breaking things downstairs. I could ignore the sound of glass breaking or him punching holes in the walls… But I couldn't ignore the sound of the gun. That was new. That was terrifying. I was scared he'd shot my mom, so I got up and rushed downstairs. I peeked into the room and saw my mom clutching her arm. She was only grazed, thankfully, but she was still in danger. He was saying all this shit about how she couldn't just leave him. That he would never let her go. That he'd sooner die than let her leave. That he would kill her if she tried to."

Leyn went quiet then, and Neteyam sat up fully, noticing Leyn's eyes welling up with tears. "Hey, you don't have to keep going-"

"I want to." Leyn cut in, shaking his head. "I want to tell you, Neteyam. I want to trust you with this."

Neteyam's lips pressed into a thin line, but he gave a small nod. Reaching out, he took Leyn's hands, gently prying them open, and Leyn noticed his nails had been digging into his palm.

"Sorry." He whispered.

"It's okay." Neteyam replied just as softly, brushing his fingers across the crescent marks in his skin.

Leyn took a deep breath, pulling his eyes away from their hands. He had to continue.

"I guess he decided to just do it, not wanting to give her the chance to escape." He spoke after finding his voice again, although it did strain a bit with emotion as he told what happened next. "He pointed the guy right in her face. I couldn't just stand there and do nothing, so I ran in and slammed into his side. The gun went off but the bullet didn't hit my mom. It just went through the wall. He stumbled and started yelling at me as I tried to help my mom off the floor. He started calling me a nuisance and a waste of space. He started blaming me for how low he'd sunk, saying that everything was fine until I came along. That's when he pointed the gun at me."

Neteyam's grip on his hands tightened, but he didn't say anything, letting Leyn take a moment to gather his thoughts. "My mom was begging him not to hurt me, but he wasn't listening. She jumped in and tried to wrestle the gun away from him. It fired again, missing us, thankfully. I saw that she was losing against him, though, so I jumped in as well, grabbing his arm and biting into his wrist to try and get him to drop the gun. It worked, and I picked it up. My mom rushed back and I put myself between her and my father. He was seething." Leyn took another breath, pulling one of his hands out of Neteyam's gentle hold, moving it to rub at his temple.

"He grabbed a beer bottle off the living room table and started to walk toward us. I don't know why I didn't just turn around and run. He was drunk off his ass and would faceplant before he could manage to chase after us. We could have gotten away but… but I was stuck. I couldn't move. I had the gun in my hands, pointed right at him, and he was getting closer and closer. I could see it in his eyes- he was going to kill me, so… I pulled the trigger."

Leyn bit his lip, feeling it tremble as a sob threatened to tear out of him. He held his breath for a moment, willing it all down before he continued. "I shot him. Three times. But he didn't even seem to register it. He just sort of flinched, then kept coming. I was in shock, and even my mom tugging on my arm couldn't get me to move. The next thing I knew, he'd smashed the bottle against my head. I woke up on the ground, my mom leaning over me, crying. There was blood all over her hands. I could see my father nearby. I guess the blood loss caught up to him, because he was on the floor too, hunched over against the wall, just staring at me and my mom. I don't think he was even breathing anymore… I think I killed him."

Leyn took a shaky breath, recalling his mother pleading with him, but he couldn't hear a thing. He couldn't feel anything either, and his vision was spotty at best. "I stared up at my mom, trying to say something, anything. I realized taking a bottle to the head must have fucked something up because I couldn't even think of the right words. Everything was jumbled up. All I could do was lay there as tears ran down my face. And then it all just sorta slipped away. Everything went quiet and dark and that was it. I woke up on the beach after that. I wandered for a bit before finding Eywa, we talked for a while, and then she sent me off to find you."

The marui was tense with silence after that, Neteyam processing everything he had been told, Leyn sniffling but somehow managing to hold it together.

When Neteyam spoke, his voice wavered slightly. "I didn't think things would be so similar." He began. "I had been trying to save my sisters but… but I got shot and… the last thing I remember is my parents crying over me, my dad trying to stop the bleeding, my mom screaming my name." He explained. It wasn't as detailed a story as the one Leyn had provided but it gave Leyn a general idea of what happened.

"I'm sorry." Leyn began, tears finally spilling over despite his efforts. "You didn't deserve that. Your family didn't. You have such wonderful parents and- and you are such an amazing person. You shouldn't have had to go through that."

Neteyam met Leyn's eyes then, Leyn seeing he was crying as well. "You didn't deserve that either. You and your mother didn't deserve to be treated like that. You two were just trying to escape and things ended up a complete mess. I'm so sorry for how things turned out. You deserved so much better."

Leyn smiled, genuine this time, but so very sad. Scooting closer, he hugged Neteyam, resting his chin on the taller's shoulder. "Well, we've been given a second chance. I got away from my father and my dying planet, and you got to return to your beautiful world and your wonderful parents." He pointed out.

Neteyam smiled at that. "You're right." He hummed, hugging Leyn back.

"Now, enough of all this talk about death. It's depressing." Leyn sniffled, managing a small laugh. "I doubt either of us will get any sleep, so why don't we talk about something else?" He suggested. "You mentioned that you have siblings. Can you tell me a little about them?"

Neteyam grinned then, more than happy to tell Leyn about his siblings. "I'm the oldest. I guess that, since it's been two years, I'm seventeen now. Kiri is my adoptive sister. She's a bit snarky at times, but she's really sweet and caring. She has a connection with Eywa too, which I've always found fascinating. She'll be about sixteen now."

"You mentioned her back on the beach with Eywa. Something about her mom having been there too at some point?" Leyn recalled, and Neteyam nodded, laying back down.

"Grace. She was a human scientist. She loved Pandora and the Na'vi with all her heart. She got shot though, and my parents tried to transfer her to her Avatar body. They were too late to save her, though." Neteyam explained. "Her Avatar is still alive though and somehow got pregnant- no one knows how- and Kiri was born. My parents didn't hesitate to claim her as their own. They both loved Grace so much and were determined to raise Kiri in Grace's place, loving her as if she were their own."

Leyn smiled softly, laying down beside Neteyam, tucking himself into the taller's side, draping his arm over Neteyam's waist, his head resting on Neteyam's shoulder, getting comfortable. "I told you your parents were amazing people."

Neteyam smiled as well. "I know they are." He hummed, his hand finding Leyn's back and gently running along his spine as he spoke. "I have a younger brother as well. His name is Lo'ak. He's quite the troublemaker. He means well though. He's a bit too much like our dad. He's a bit reckless but he has a strong heart. He's protective of those he cares about. He's ridiculously brave too. I admire him for it." He continued. "He's probably sixteen now too."

"He sounds fun." Leyn laughed softly. "I've always wanted a sibling. Its probably for the best I never got one though, considering the kind of environment I grew up in." He trailed off. "You mentioned having sisters, meaning more than one." He pointed out, trying to continue the conversation, not wanting to linger on his home life.

Neteyam continued, happy to move on from the current topic. "Yeah. I have one more sibling, my youngest sister Tuktirey. We all just call her Tuk though. She was nine before, so she'll be eleven now which is just wild to think about. I wonder how much she's grown." He sighed. "She's a real feisty kid. She's curious and adventurous and loves learning new things. She's rather brave for a kid her age too. She's going to grow up wonderfully and become a strong woman, just like my mom."

Leyn smiled. "I can't wait to meet them all. I can't wait for you to see them again. I can tell how much you love them just from how you talk about them."

Neteyam nodded. "I love them more than anything. We're family, and family sticks together. We have each other's backs. We do anything to keep each other safe and happy."

"You died to save them." Leyn pointed out, his eyes finding scars on Neteyam's chest and side, very clearly old gunshot wounds. He lifted his arm from around Neteyam's waist and traced a fingertip over them.

Neteyam took a sharp breath in, his hand moving up to gently grab Leyn's. "I did."

"How do you think they'll react to seeing you again?" Leyn asked, turning his hand in Neteyam's light grasp and holding his hand. Their hands settled on Neteyam's chest, neither letting go.

"They will cry. Lo'ak and Kiri might get a little angry, but only because they will be so confused. Lo'ak probably feels guilty about everything. He always tends to blame himself when things go wrong." Neteyam guessed. "It'll be awkward, but I think they will be happy to see me again. I'm not sure how easily they'll accept the fact that I am back, though. I mean, I've been dead for two years. They grieved for me and had to continue on without me. By suddenly coming back, I'm messing up all the healing they've done. Old wounds are going to open up. All the guilt and pain and grief will be fresh again. It's going to hurt. A lot."

Leyn gave a small nod. "Yeah. It'll be difficult but… but your family is strong. I can tell. You'll all be okay."

Neteyam smiled. "Thanks."

"Of course." Leyn hummed, smiling as well.

The two slipped off to sleep soon after their conversation ended, able to rest now that all their thoughts and worries had been voiced. They stayed close, curled up together, Leyn falling asleep to the sound of Neteyam's heart beating steadily, Neteyam drifting off while listening to Leyn's breathing slow and even out.

…

Neteyam woke up to a soft giggle nearby, blinking sleepily to find it was already late morning, almost noon. The sunlight slipped into the room through the window, but thankfully the marui was built in such a way that it wouldn't hit them directly and leave them to overheat or get sunburns as they slept.

His arm weighed down by a small weight, Neteyam glanced down to find Leyn still asleep, head using Neteyam's bicep as a pillow. Leyn was facing him, one arm tucked between them, the other draped over Neteyam's waist, their legs tangled together. Neteyam's free arm was wrapped around Leyn as well, keeping him close.

It took a moment, but Neteyam woke up fully when he realized the giggle must have come from someone else if Leyn was still sleeping. Glancing toward the doorway with wide eyes, he found his mother standing there with a fond expression.

"Mom…" He spoke, voice hoarse from sleep.

Neytiri smiled even wider. "You two have been asleep for quite a while." She spoke softly.

Neteyam gave a small smile, recalling their difficulty sleeping last night. "We stayed up talking. We had too much on our minds to sleep." He replied. "We didn't fall asleep until almost sunrise."

Neytiri nodded. "You have both been through a great ordeal. You must be exhausted. Rest as much as you need to."

His father peeked around his mother and into the room, smiling cheekily. "You two look comfy." He pointed out.

Neteyam blushed. "Dad."

Jake laughed, so happy to hear the exasperation in his son's voice. "Fine, fine. I'm just teasing." He smiled. "How are you feeling? Are you up to having visitors today, or do you want to wait a little longer and get settled in?"

Leyn, hearing hushed voices, slowly woke up with a soft sigh. Dark gold eyes blinked open, tired, and he looked up at Neteyam, finding bright gold looking back at him.

"Oh." He hummed, pulling back. "Sorry."

"It is fine." Neteyam replied with a small smile, sitting up once Leyn let go of him. "My parents are here."

Leyn perked up at that, quickly sitting up, eyes wide as he looked toward the doorway to the room, spotting Jake and Neytiri. "Oh- I, uh-"

"Relax, kid." Jake laughed softly. "No need to get so embarrassed."

Leyn blushed and looked down at his hands. "Right. Uh, good morning." He began, glancing out the window. "Or, good afternoon?"

"It's still morning. You two were asleep for a while though. We came by earlier but figured we'd let you rest a little longer." Jake explained. "I was just asking Neteyam if you two felt alright enough to have visitors."

Leyn glanced over at Neteyam questioningly.

"I feel okay. Talking last night helped more than I expected it to." Neteyam replied to the unspoken question. "What about you? Will you be alright if we have guests?"

Leyn considered the question for a moment, then looked over at Jake and Neytiri. "Who will it be?" He asked. "Is it your other children?"

Neytiri nodded. "Yes." She replied. "We haven't told them who they are here to see yet, just in case you aren't ready to meet more people, but we thought it best that they are the first to know you two are here once you are ready to let them know."

Leyn glanced over at Neteyam, seeing how nervous yet hopeful he looked. "Okay." He replied with a nod. "I'm not ready to meet anyone else but I would like to meet Neteyam's siblings. He told me a little about them last night. They sound lovely."

Jake scoffed, amused by that. "I'm guessing Neteyam left out how much of a handful they are."

Neytiri lightly smacked his shoulder, but was just as amused.

Leyn smiled. "Neteyam loves them so much. He loves all of you."

Neteyam's parents softened at his words.

"Alright. I will bring them in and sit them down. We'll explain to them what happened and then you two can come see them." Jake began. "I don't want to overwhelm them with everything all at once."

Neteyam gave a nod, getting to his feet and beginning to shuffle about the room, adjusting the blankets once more. Neytiri stepped inside to help. Leyn hovered, watching they work efficiently, getting the space fixed up, blankets neat and spread out nicely.

"I suggest that we introduce Leyn first." She spoke up. "Once they see Neteyam, they'll get emotional and won't listen to any explanations."

"I expected something like that." Neteyam sighed.

"I'm alright with meeting them first." Leyn replied. "We can explain everything and get the introductions out of the way, then mention I'm not the only one Eywa brought back. That's when Neteyam can come out."

"They'll get a chance to process everything before I come in and things devolve into chaos." Neteyam chuckled.

Footsteps sounded then, Jake leading Neteyam's siblings inside. Neytiri moved to the doorway, making sure they couldn't peek in and see Leyn or Neteyam.

"Take a seat." Jake spoke.

Leyn looked over at Neteyam, seeing he was focused on the voices in the main room.

"Who are we supposed to meet? You and Mom ran off last night and didn't tell us anything when you got back." A girl's voice sounded.

Neteyam's ears flicked. It was Tuk, but she sounded older than the last time he heard her voice. The realization made his heart ache.

Another girl spoke then. "Dad, I… I can feel Eywa's heartbeat. It is strong here. Stronger than usual."

Leyn guessed that it was Kiri, who Neteyam mentioned had a connection to Eywa. Could she tell they'd been blessed by her? Was that why she could hear Eywa's heartbeat so clearly now?

"You know, this is all a bit suspicious." A young man spoke. "You and Mom had been crying last night. We could see it on your faces when you get home. Whatever Tonowari had to talk to you about, it made you upset. Neither of you slept after you got back either."

"Listen, just… keep an open mind, alright?" Jake began.

"This is very important." Neytiri added. "Something happened last night that no one could have expected. We still aren't sure how to deal with it, but it is only fair you three learn of it first since it involves you as much as it does your father and I."

The three seemed to accept that and waited for the explanation.

Jake began to speak then. "As you know, the Spirit Tree has been glowing abnormal the last few days." He started. "Well, last night, the patrol was keeping an eye on it and noticed there was someone in the water. The water glowed around the person, pulsing like a heartbeat, and the patrol alerted Tonowari and Ronal. Tsireya came along as well, since it involved the Spirit Tree and she is to be the next Tsahik."

"Why was someone out there? Tonowari said no one was to go near the tree." Lo'ak pointed out.

"The person came from the tree." Neytiri replied, then glanced back into the room at Leyn, gently waving him forward. "Someone like your father."

Leyn glanced over at Neteyam, nervous, but Neteyam offered him a reassuring smile. The smaller took a breath, then stepped toward the doorway, peeking out from behind Neytiri.

Seeing Neteyam's siblings, he could see the resemblance. It was easy to tell who was who as well. Kiri stared at him with wide eyes, Tuk perking up excitedly, and Lo'ak gave him a once-over, not sure how to react quite yet.

"Hello." Leyn greeted in English, which caught all three's attention.

"This is Leyn. He died on Earth and somehow met Eywa. She gave him a new body and gave him a second chance at life here on Pandora." Jake explained.

"He needs to learn the way of The People, so our family will teach him. Please, be patient with him and treat him with kindness." Neytiri continued.

Kiri seemed as if she couldn't look away from him, eyes wide with awe. "I can see it. All over you." She spoke up.

Leyn, a bit self-conscious all of a sudden, looked down at himself, trying to find whatever was on him.

Kiri laughed, but it wasn't aimed at him, simply something of delight. "No, I mean that I can see traces of Eywa on you." She explained.

"Oh." Leyn blushed.

"There's something else, though." Jake added after a moment. "Someone else came back as well. Eywa sent someone back with Leyn. You three have to promise not to freak out, okay?"

"You're acting like we're going to lose it when we see who it is." Lo'ak huffed, wanting to know who it is already.

"We won't freak out, Dad." Tuk spoke up.

Neytiri didn't seem convinced, but turned to look back into the room at Neteyam. Leyn glanced back as well, seeing Neteyam hesitating. Without saying a word, Leyn held his hand out, offering it to Neteyam with an encouraging smile. It took a few seconds for Neteyam to work up the nerve, then he reached out and took his hand, stepping into the doorway and into his siblings' sight.

Lo'ak tensed, freezing in place with wide eyes, going pale. Tuk gasped, eyes welling up with tears, but she held back her whimper by biting her lip. Kiri seemed to be taking things the best, simply smiling up at him, her head tilting to the side slightly. Her eyes teared up, but she remained the calmest.

Neteyam looked between his siblings, unsure what to say, when Tuk practically launched herself at him, hugging him around the waist tightly and beginning to cry.

Amid her cries, Leyn could make out a few words here and there, like "missed you" and "sorry." Leyn let go of Neteyam's hand with a sad smile, letting the taller kneel down and hug his youngest sister, comforting her softly.

Kiri got to her feet and approached as well, hovering, patiently waiting her turn. She, just as Ronal did with Leyn, flinched at Neteyam's touch the first time but happily hugged him tightly when he turned to her.

"This is a miracle." She said, voice achingly fragile.

"I've missed you all so much." Neteyam said softly in reply, resting the side of his head against hers. "I'm sorry for being gone so long."

"You're back now. That's what matters. We have a second chance." Kiri pointed out.

And then there was Lo'ak.

He had gotten to his feet just as his sisters had, but he didn't come closer, eyes taking in the sight of his brother, watching Neteyam hug Tuk and Kiri, smiling as he did so. Lo'ak still seemed to be in shock, as if he were seeing a ghost.

In a sense, he was.

The sight of the scars on his torso, shiny and long-since healed, served as a reminder of that day. It was a testament to Lo'ak's nightmares. He'd relived Neteyam's death night after night, devastated, wishing for his brother back, but now… What was he even supposed to say? There was so much he wanted to tell Neteyam, so much he wanted to apologize for, so much he had to catch Neteyam up on. Where was he supposed to start?

"Come on, skxawng. Get over here." Neteyam sighed fondly, earning a small laugh from his sisters.

Lo'ak took a shaky breath, then quickly crossed the room and hugged his brother tightly.

Leyn stood by, watching them all catch up, seeing how much love Neteyam's family had for each other. He felt a small tinge of jealousy, but it was easy enough to let go of. Neteyam really was the sweetest person Leyn had met. He deserved a family like this.

All seven of them stayed in the marui that day. Jake and Neytiri brought some food from the family marui to cook, Neteyam catching up with his extremely clingy siblings. Leyn sat beside Jake, the two watching the others fondly.

"How are you doing, kiddo?" Jake asked, poking at the fire as the food cooked, an array of fish and vegetables completely alien to Leyn.

"I'm okay, I think." He replied honestly. "If I was alone, I wouldn't be, but… having Neteyam with me helps. Getting to meet your family helps."

Jake gave a small nod. "That's good." He smiled. "I know how hard it is to have to adapt to a whole new life like this."

"You were an Avatar driver before, right?" Leyn asked, and Jake nodded once more in response.

"Yeah. This is my avatar, actually. I used to have to switch back and forth between this body and my human one, but a lot happened and I ended up asking Eywa to move me to this body permanently." He explained. "It worked, obviously."

Leyn hummed, glancing at Jake's hands and nose, his more human-like features. "Do you ever miss it?"

Jake thought for a moment. "Being human? Not really… I was a marine, paralyzed from the waist down. The only reason I even came to Pandora was because my brother was the original pilot for this Avatar, but he died before he was scheduled to come to Pandora. It would have been a complete waste of resources not to find me, his twin brother, and see if I could take on the job for him."

Leyn considered what he had been told. Jake, bound to a wheelchair, must have struggled a lot both on Earth and Pandora, but while using his Avatar, he must have felt freer than ever before, able to walk and run and explore a whole new world.

"Is… Is Earth really as bad as you said?" Jake asked, pulling Leyn from his thoughts. "Has the pollution really become so bad that you have to wear exopacks there too?"

"Oh, yeah. It's pretty bad." Leyn replied, frowning a bit. "Inland, it's just a constant haze of smoke and cloud covering, and even on the coast, with the wind from the ocean, there's a constant layer of smog at ground level. You can barely see in front of you. Most of the houses are air-tight and have a filtration system, but even that can only do so much to keep all the bad stuff out." Leyn explained. "They warn everyone to stay inside unless absolutely necessary. Then again, there aren't really any reasons to go outside anymore."

"No one goes out to the beach anymore? Or the park?" Jake questioned.

"The water is too polluted to. The beaches are covered in trash and the water is a disgusting, murky grey, sludge everywhere. The parks are all dead and whatever playgrounds there are have all rusted. You'd be asking for Tetanus if you so much as look at the stuff."

Leyn looked over at Jake then. "How… How long has it been since you were last on Earth?"

"Maybe twenty five years?" Jake answered. "The trip here takes about six years. I was here for a year or so before moving to this body, and it's been eighteen years since then, give or take."

"Do you miss Earth at all? I know it's pretty shitty there now but don't you have any family or friends back on Earth?"

Jake shook his head. "No. My brother was the only family I had left and I was in pretty rough shape when the RAD picked me up. I didn't have any friends at that point. There wasn't really anything to keep me there, which is why I agreed to take on my brother's job in SciOps."

Leyn hummed, watching as Jake turned the fish over to cook the other sides, rotating the vegetables as well.

"What about you?"

"What about me, what?" Leyn asked.

Jake looked over at him. "Do you miss it? Miss your family? Friends?"

Leyn tilted his head in thought. "I miss my mom sometimes but… other than that, no. I don't miss it. I didn't exactly have the best life there either." He replied. "I mean, I died at sixteen, so that should say plenty."

Jake's expression dimmed a bit, and Leyn realized he might have accidentally implied something he shouldn't have. He tensed. "I didn't- I mean, I wasn't-" He tried to correct. "I was killed by my father. It wasn't me who…" He trailed off.

Well, if he sat down and thought about it, maybe he did have a certain recklessness and lack of self-preservation at times, but he wasn't intentionally trying to get himself killed.

Jake's expression only fell further. "Your father…?"

Leyn withdrew a bit, hugging his knees to his chest. "Yeah." He replied quietly, not wanting to speak too loud and catch the others' attention. "He was drunk and tried to hurt my mom. He had a gun. I tried to stop him and managed to take it from him, but I guess a beer bottle to the head was more than enough to get me out of the way."

He sighed then. "Well, I took him down with me, so hopefully my mom will be alright now. I hope she can find a way to be happy now that he isn't there to beat her and trap her in the god-awful house."

Jake placed a gentle hand on his shoulder then. "I'm sorry, Leyn. You didn't deserve any of that." He offered softly. "You were very brave, stepping in to protect your mother like that. I'm sorry you had to lose her."

Leyn looked over and met Jake's gaze, seeing so much emotion there that he had to look away. Instead, his eyes met Neteyam's across the room. The taller had been laughing and chatting with his siblings, his mother watching fondly from beside him, but he seemed to have noticed that Leyn was upset. Leyn gave him a small smile at the questioning look Neteyam wore, silently telling him that he was alright and not to worry. Neteyam's gaze lingered on him a little longer, then he gave a slight nod, going back to whatever he was discussing with his siblings and mother.

"It's been two years since Neteyam died." Leyn began. "I died before him but I'm not sure how long before. I'm not sure I even want to know how long it's been but… I like to think that my mom has had time to grieve for me and move on. I like to think she has built a new life for herself and that she is happy now."

Jake smiled sadly. "I'm sure she has." He replied. "I'm sure she misses you a lot too."

Leyn smiled back. "Yeah. She probably does." He hummed. "But I'm in a better place now and she knows it."

Jake nodded. "Yes. You are. And we'll take good care of you in her stead. You're not alone here, alright? We might not be your family but if you ever need anything…"

"Thank you, Sir." Leyn replied, a genuine smile on his lips, recalling how Neteyam had told him much of the same thing already.

"No problem, kiddo." Jake beamed.

…

After they ate, Leyn ended up stepping into the bedroom- or whatever it was called by the Na'vi- and taking a seat, grabbing one of the blankets and pulling it around him. Neteyam and Lo'ak were busy wrestling, the younger having boasted that he could probably beat Neteyam with the two years of experience he had gained since the last time. Jake saw Leyn sneak off, but he and Neytiri let him have his space for now, understanding that he was a bit overwhelmed and tired.

Leyn had just gotten comfortable when Kiri appeared in the doorway.

"Hey." She greeted, drawing his dark gold gaze to her bright gold one.

"Oh, hi." He hummed.

"Can I come in?" She asked, which confused Leyn a little.

"Sure?" He answered.

Kiri smiled and stepped inside, settling down beside him, leaving some space between them. "I asked because nests are a very private space. You aren't supposed to enter someone's nest without permission." She explained, having noticed his confusion.

"Nest?" He hummed, looking around at the blankets that were arranged in a neat circle- well, they had been before he up and grabbed one of them, messing up the work Neteyam had put into fixing it up that morning. "Oh- I wrecked it." He realized, quickly shrugging off the blanket and attempting to put it back.

"You're fine, Leyn. This is yours and Neteyam's nest. You're allowed to move the blankets around." Kiri laughed softly.

Leyn blushed a little. While he didn't know how the Na'vi classified nests, he had a few ideas as to what they meant. "Is it really okay for Neteyam and I to share? He said it was but isn't it a bit… odd?"

Kiri shook her head. "Of course not. Couples share nests, families share nests, and even friends can share them too. Don't look too much into it, okay?" She explained. "Besides, you can get all the cuddles you want without it being awkward." She pointed out with a small laugh. "I know Dad has mentioned that humans aren't as big fans of touch and physical affection as Na'vi are, but it's fine here, okay? Don't be embarrassed."

Leyn gave a small nod. That made him feel a little better about sharing the space with Neteyam. If it was a cultural thing, he could get used to it. "Alright. Thanks." He replied.

"You're welcome." She hummed with a small smile.

"I really don't know anything about this world." Leyn sighed. "I have a lot I'm going to have to learn. I'm not used to having a tail or wearing so little clothing or how… social everyone is. Even the food is vastly different from what I'm used to."

"You'll get the hang of it eventually. You're already fluent in Na'vi, which will help a lot." Kiri pointed out.

Leyn let out an amused huff. "Yeah. I'm guessing Eywa thought it a good idea to make sure I knew at least something starting out. I'm glad, otherwise I would be so lost right now."

"Well, we all know English too. If you ever want to chat, in whichever language you prefer, we'll happily lend an ear." She reassured.

"Thanks, Kiri." Leyn smiled.

Kiri got a bit quiet then, and Leyn could tell she wanted to ask something. "Go on. What is it you want to ask?" He asked.

Kiri perked up. "Well, I was just wondering what it was like meeting Eywa." She admitted.

"It was… odd. In a good way, though. I remember this beautiful pink beach and the bright blue water that glowed as it washed up on the shore. And Eywa was…" Leyn thought for a moment. "I think she looked different to me than she did for Neteyam. I'm guessing she drew on our own thoughts and memories to make up her appearance."

"How could you tell?" Kiri asked, curious as to why he thought so.

Leyn laughed softly. "Well, the entire time we were talking with her, Neteyam was staring a good five feet above my head. I'm guessing she looked Na'vi to him while looking human to me. I can't really remember her face though, just that she was very pretty. If I try and remember, all I can think of is my own mother's face."

Kiri nodded, as if understanding that part. "We call her Great Mother. Our world is Eywa'eveng, or Eywa's Child. She is mother to all life, including us. I can see why, to you, she might look like your mother."

Leyn nodded. Kiri had a good point.

"You know, I can hear it too- Eywa's heartbeat." Leyn spoke up after a short, comfortable silence. "I think Neteyam can as well."

Kiri looked over at him in surprise.

"I heard you when you first came in, mentioning it." Leyn pointed out. "It's like this constant hum of life around us. I can feel it in my own chest, beating alongside my own heart. I could hear it beside Neteyam's too. It's in the water. In the sand. In the wind. It's everywhere."

Kiri almost looked relieved. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" She smiled.

Leyn nodded. "Yeah." He agreed. "I've never seen a world so full of life and energy. Pandora… Eywa'eveng is breathtaking."

Kiri looked about to say something when Neteyam appeared in the doorway, tail swaying happily behind him as it had been all day.

"Hey. Are you feeling okay?" He asked Leyn.

"Yeah. Just a bit too much excitement in one day for me." He replied, eyes following Neteyam as the taller stepped into the room and made his way over, taking a seat beside him, Leyn seated between the pair of siblings now.

Neteyam reached over and pulled the blanket up a bit to cover Leyn's shoulders better. "Should I ask them to go for today?"

"No!" Leyn replied quickly, surprising both Kiri and Neteyam. "I mean- they are your family, Neteyam. They get to see you after so long, I don't want to cut the day short. You all deserve to spend this time together. I'll be okay. I just needed a little break." He reassured.

Neteyam eyed him softly for a moment, then gave a nod. "Alright, but this is your home too. If you feel overwhelmed or just want some quiet, you have the right to ask for it." He reminded.

"I know." Leyn nodded. "But I'd much rather be surrounded by all the noise and laughter than be alone with my thoughts in a silent house." He admitted.

Neteyam smiled gently, reaching over and running his hand across Leyn's shoulder blades. "You wouldn't be alone. I'm here for you."

Leyn blushed softly, gaze dropping to his lap. "Right." He hummed. "Thank you."

Neteyam just continued to smile, his hand running along the braid that fell down Leyn's back, making the smaller shiver. Then he took his hand back. "Tomorrow, Tonowari and Ronal want to speak with us. My mother said it was to decide how we'll be introduced to the clan."

"What do you mean?" Leyn asked.

"Well, they can't hide the fact Eywa had a hand in me returning, but since you are new to the Metkayina, they don't necessarily have to tell everyone about Eywa sending you back too. If people know, they will likely question you about it, and if you'd rather keep that information private, Tonowari and Ronal have promised to keep it secret."

Leyn considered it but a frown made its way to his lips. "You'll still be bothered about it, though." He pointed out.

"Yeah, but I'm used to the Metkayina giving me odd looks." Neteyam laughed softly. "We aren't originally from here. We are from a clan deep in the jungle. The Metkayina clan took us in when we left to protect the Omatikaya from the RAD. We were strangers and they often pointed that out."

"It's different now, though." Kiri spoke up. "We are Metkayina now. No one questions our presence here. They respect and accept us now."

Leyn didn't doubt that, but he did feel the clan would be a bit boggled by two undead Na'vi walking around. People fear what they don't understand. Even Leyn was afraid sometimes, not sure what he was meant to do now. Eywa wanted him and Neteyam to help protect Pandora but she didn't give them any instructions other than to stay together and support one another.

A vague goal wasn't the easiest to achieve.

"I don't want you to face them alone, Neteyam." Leyn finally spoke up. "Eywa made us promise to stick together, remember? We will both tell the Metkayina how we came back and we will deal with the aftermath together."

Neteyam's expression softened. Kiri, on the other hand, was glancing between the two of them.

"You promised Eywa to stay together?" She asked.

"She said I had to teach Leyn the way of The People and that we are to help protect Eywa'eveng from the Sky People." Neteyam replied.

Kiri continued to look from Neteyam to Leyn and back, and Leyn swore she wore the same knowing expression as Eywa for a moment there. "I see." She hummed. "Be sure not to break your promise. You have to teach Leyn properly."

Neteyam nodded, serious. "I will."

Kiri smiled, satisfied with whatever one-sided conversation she'd secretly had, and got to her feet. "Well, I'll go see how Lo'ak is taking his defeat. I warned him not to challenge you but you know he never listens." She laughed, then made her way from the room.

Once she was gone, Neteyam scooted closer to Leyn, stopping only once their knees were touching. "Are you sure you're alright?" He asked. "You look exhausted."

Leyn gave a small nod. "I think it's just me trying to get used to this body." He admitted. "I'm not used to being so tall or having all these extra parts. My tailbone aches because of the tail and then there is the weird braid thing I don't even want to look at because it's alive and that is unbelievably unnerving to me."

Neteyam couldn't hold in his laugh then. "You say that as if it's going to bite you or something."

"You never know. It might." Leyn huffed, embarrassed.

Neteyam rolled his eyes and brushed his own braid forward over his shoulder, hand moving to grab the end and holding it up. "It's called a queue. You can connect to the different flora and fauna with it, like the Ilu or the Spirit Tree." He explained. "You can communicate with animals, Eywa, and the Na'vi ancestors depending on what you connect with."

Leyn was eyeing the little wriggling end with a rather green expression. "That's cool and all, but why does it look like that?" He asked.

Neteyam continued to smile, amused as he recalled stories of his father's first time in his Avatar and how odd it all seemed to him. "You'll get used to it." He hummed.

Still looking a bit queasy, Leyn attempted to be brave and brought his own braid forward, carefully grabbing the end to look at it. Sure enough, it looked just as alien and gross- but he wasn't human anymore, so that's just how things were here.

"So, you can connect to trees and animals and stuff, but what about other Na'vi?" He asked.

The way Neteyam began to blush, quickly brushing his braid back over his shoulder and away from Leyn, was answer enough for the smaller.

"Well, usually, only mates share a tsaheylu. You can't just walk up to anyone and make that bond." He replied. "The tsaheylu, the bond, lets you connect to another and share everything. Dad calls it a neural link. Basically, you can share thoughts, emotions, and physical sensation through it. While, yes, you can share pleasure through the tsaheylu, you can also share pain. That is why many creatures here only ever bond with one Na'vi. That connection is so strong, so complete, that it would feel wrong to bond with another."

Leyn was blushing slightly, but nodded along. "What kind of creatures have you bonded with?" He asked, curious.

"Well, the first tsaheylu is made between mother and infant. The second is between an infant and Eywa via an ancestor tree, like the Spirit Tree here or the Tree of Souls back in the Omatikaya Clan. I've connected to Pa'li before- humans call them direhorses- but they do not form personal bonds. Ilu are the same. As long as they are used to the Kuru bonds, anyone can ride them." Neteyam explained, pausing to tsk at Leyn as the smaller went to poke at the little wiggling connection point of his queue. "Don't poke at it, you'll hurt yourself." He cautioned.

Leyn let go of his queue then, having gotten distracted for a moment. "Sorry. You were saying?"

Neteyam sighed. "Ilu and Pa'li don't make bonds for life. Creatures like Toruk, Tulkun, Ikran, and even Na'vi do. I have an Ikran, and I am the only Na'vi she will ever bond with."

"Uh, what's an Ikran?" Leyn asked sheepishly. "Or literally anything you said other than an Ilu?"

Neteyam smiled. "I'll show you once we get settled here. Once we can walk about on our own, I can show you all the different animals we have here."

Leyn brightened, actually excited for learning more about the new world in which he lived. Neteyam continued then. "The first thing we have to do is teach you how to swim, though."

Leyn visibly deflated. "Why?"

"So you can make your first tsaheylu at the Spirit Tree." Neteyam answered. "You can speak to Eywa again. She can't answer, but she will listen. You can ask the ancestors for guidance as well."

With the promise of speaking with Eywa awaiting him just below the water's surface, Leyn felt a bit more inclined to learn to swim.

"Okay. I'll try my best to learn how to swim." He caved. He was relieved that the water here wasn't all murky and full of sludge and garbage. He might actually enjoy swimming in the clear waters one day.

Neteyam smiled. "That can be one of the first things you learn. I'll teach you about the Metkayina, teach you to swim, and teach you about Eywa. Then we can go from there."

Leyn nodded. "Alright. Sounds like a plan." He hummed.

Chapter 3: A Heart Heavy With Doubt

Summary:

Leyn begins to learn how to survive on Pandora, Neteyam and his family welcoming him, Tsireya offering him guidance as well. He still has doubts, however. Such a big change brings with it uncertainty.

That night, Leyn sat in the door to their marui, the beaded curtain falling over his shoulders and brushing against his arms and the tops of his thighs. Initially, he was looking out at the stars, but his attention was drawn to his own body after a while. He hadn't had the chance to get a proper look at it yet, busy interacting with Neteyam's family, and now he found himself curious.

Feather-light, he traced the stripes on his skin and followed the lines of glowing dots along his thighs and arms. He had one less finger on each hand than he was used to and his toes followed the same trend. His proportions weren't too different from what they were as a human, his waist just a little slimmer, his shoulders slightly broader, but everything else seemed about the same.

His ears were new, long and pointed, much more animalistic, flicking towards sounds in the distance or laying flat against his head at times. It reminded him of a cat, as did his nose that twitched when he thought a little too hard about it. His tail was something to marvel at too, long and thin, much like Neteyam's, a tuft of hair at the end reminding Leyn of a lion's tail. Stripes and glowing dots swirled around it, creating unique patterns that he traced with careful fingers.

Then there was the queue, another appendage he was hyper-aware of, much like his tail. It was something new he would have to get used to, and the constant need to reach out with it was throwing him off. Leyn guessed it was a need to connect, to form a bond, his body telling him to make tsaheylu.

Neteyam said the first tsaheylu was with a mother and child, but Leyn was out of luck there. That left the second tsaheylu, which was the first commute with Eywa. The only issue was that Leyn had to learn to swim first.

Gently, Leyn guided his braid forward, having realized the hair was wrapped carefully and meticulously around the long neural chord, shielding it from danger. Once again, he was gazing at the end. He wouldn't call them tentacles, but the squirming strands still left him unsettled.

Despite Neteyam's warning earlier in the day, Leyn brought a curious finger toward the soft-looking strands. Ever so careful, he brushed his fingertip across them. He was shocked when they reached out, attempting to wrap around the digit. They were softer than they looked and so light he could barely feel them. They were so delicate as well, Leyn could already tell. No wonder Neteyam warned that he could hurt himself if he wasn't careful with his queue.

Drawing his finger back, the strands let go, and he dropped his queue, brushing it back over his shoulder, the beaded curtain clinking softly as he moved. Leyn turned his gaze back to the stars, then.

There were no recognizable constellations, but Jake pointed out a specific star before he and the rest of the family left. It was small, a little white speck among the vast night sky, but Leyn appreciated Jake showing it to him.

The little star, one among countless others, was special. It wasn't particularly bright or colorful, because there were other stars much closer, some red, some blue, some a brilliant white, but it was a small piece of home.

It was the star he knew, the one that shined bright in the sky back on Earth. It was the one his planet orbited. Sol.

That was another thing that Leyn had to get used to. Pandora wasn't a planet, but a moon. It was one of thirteen circling the large planet that could be seen high in the sky. Depending on the position of the moon, two or three of them could be seen from Pandora, and there were often solar eclipses. What Leyn saw as a rare celestial phenomenon was a daily occurrence. Because of all the pollution and the near-constant cloud cover in some places, it was near impossible to catch a glimpse of a solar eclipse, but here it was as normal as the sunrise.

"Leyn." Neteyam's voice called softly from inside the marui.

Leyn turned to see Neteyam in the bedroom doorway.

"Sorry. I couldn't sleep." He apologized, watching Neteyam make his way over.

"Are you thinking about before?" Neteyam asked, taking a seat beside him, the curtain swaying and clacking together as he got settled.

"No. That's not the problem this time." Leyn hummed. "I didn't get a chance before, so I was looking at myself." He explained. "I have stripes and little glowing spots and a tail. I feel like mix between a tiger and a smurf."

"I don't know what either of those are." Neteyam pointed out.

Leyn laughed to himself. "Ask your dad the next time you see him. I'm sure he'll get a kick out of it."

Neteyam smiled, happy to see Leyn in a relatively good mood. "So? What do you think of your new body?"

Leyn hummed in thought. "It's… pretty." He answered, not sure what else to say. It was just so unique and completely different from what he was used to but… it was beautiful. Now that he'd taken the chance to actually look, he could see the beauty in the soft stripes and bioluminescence.

His eyes turned toward Neteyam, finding the taller already looking at him. "You're pretty too." Leyn added.

He pretended not to see Neteyam blush.

Sighing, Leyn got to his feet then. "I think I'm feeling more relaxed. I can probably fall asleep now. You coming?" He asked.

Neteyam took a moment to process what was being asked, then he smiled softly, getting to his feet and taking Leyn's hand, leading him back to their nest.

Laying down, Leyn watched as Neteyam fussed over the blankets once more. The taller definitely had a process, a preference as to how he liked his nest to be, but Leyn couldn't figure it out quite yet. And so, he watched as Neteyam fixed up the nest and settled beside him. Once Neteyam looked comfortable, Leyn moved closer, wrapping an arm around the taller's waist, resting his head on Neteyam's chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.

In his own chest, Leyn felt his heart beating in sync.

…

Leyn had tried his best not to think about it when going about his day. There was a lot to do, what with being introduced to the Metkayina alongside Neteyam that morning and with his first swim lesson that afternoon that all of Neteyam's siblings and Tonowari and Ronal's children insisting on being present for. There were a few others present as well, friends of one of the teens.

He felt very watched and his lesson ended up reflecting that, Leyn barely learning anything amid the stares, self-conscious of his appearance and his abilities.

He did befriend Tsireya though. He recognized her as the girl who lent him and Neteyam her Ilu when they first arrived. She was sweet and very understanding. She encouraged him and praised him when he tried something new.

Ao'nung was alright, giving adive here and there, but he was mostly there making sure no one came over and caused trouble.

Leyn felt bad that the guy had to play bodyguard for him and Neteyam.

Despite his efforts to ignore it, though, Leyn couldn't do so for much longer. Thankfully, he and Neteyam arrived at his family's marui.

Leyn headed straight for Jake and waved for him to lean down so he could whisper in his ear.

Jake blinked. "Okay?" He replied, earning a look from Leyn before it finally clicked. "Oh! Right. That's- yeah. Okay." He scrambled, then looked to Neytiri. "We'll be back in a minute."

Neteyam looked just as confused as everyone else, but thankfully didn't try to follow along as Jake led Leyn away. Once they were alone, Leyn felt as if he were about to combust, so embarrassed that he was sure he might actually cry.

"It's okay, Leyn. You don't know how. That's nothing to be embarrassed about." Jake reassured.

"Uh. Yes, it is." Leyn replied. "I barely even had the courage to ask you for help."

"Why didn't you ask Neteyam?" Jake questioned.

"Because I don't want to look like an idiot?" Leyn answered. "Besides, you would at least understand since you've been through this before."

"Good point." Jake hummed. "Still, he could have explained how to go to the bathroom to you."

Leyn shook his head. "Nope. I'd sooner die a second time than ask Neteyam about this." He huffed. "Now, I think I need an anatomy lesson too because I'm missing parts I really shouldn't be missing."

Jake couldn't help but laugh. "Well, for the bathroom part, pretend you are camping or something and that you have to go in the woods. Dig a hole, do your thing, and then bury it. Problem solved."

"Not quite, but okay." Leyn replied. "Should I point out that I've never been camping before? Also, what do I wipe with? And how do I pee, because I'm missing some vital tools here."

Jake paused. Maybe this would be a bit more complicated than he thought. And perhaps Leyn was right to be as embarrassed as he was.

"Okay, yeah. Anatomy lesson would probably help here." Jake agreed.

When Leyn and Jake returned to the marui, Leyn looked like he was in shock and Jake looked about ready to burst out laughing. He was at least trying his best to be respectful and hold it in, though, which Leyn appreciated.

Still, Leyn was a bit disturbed by the fact he did, in fact, have a penis, but that it was inside him. It was fucking retractable! He'd known something was going on down there when he first arrived butt naked, but he didn't want to take a closer look, afraid of what he'd find.

At least it wasn't something so completely unlike humans. He had all the important bits still, just arranged a little differently than before.

"You look as if you're about to be sick." Neteyam pointed out as Leyn plopped down beside him without so much as a nod hello.

"I might be. I haven't decided yet." Leyn replied, still not quite there, definitely in shock.

"I'll have my friends bring out some books and such for you," Jake said, patting Leyn on the back before making his way over to a concerned-looking Neytiri.

Leyn had hoped he could retain what dignity he had left, but Tuk seemed to overhear Jake reassuring Neytiri that Leyn was fine and busted out laughing, rolling on the floor. Sure enough, everyone knew and Leyn wanted nothing more than to vanish.

Neteyam tried his best not to look amused, at least.

Lo'ak, on the other hand, was losing it alongside Tuk.

Neytiri looked sorry for Leyn, exasperated by her children's reactions, and Kiri gently pat Leyn's shoulder, understanding.

…

Leyn had begun pouting once they returned to their marui that evening, poking about the nest as Neteyam apologized for what had happened. Leyn sort of grumbled something resembling acceptance, still incredibly embarrassed, and continued to fuss with the blankets.

"You could have asked me, you know." Neteyam pointed out, moving to help with the nest.

"No," Leyn replied with a huff. "I didn't want to look dumb and it's embarrassing not to know things as simple as that."

"I know but humans are different from Na'vi, not just in the way things are done but also in the way we are built. I would have understood."

This earned him a look from Leyn. "You laughed at me."

"I-" Neteyam began, wanting to defend himself, but thought better of it. "I know, and I'm sorry. That wasn't fair to you."

Leyn just huffed again and grabbed Neteyam's wrist pulling him over. Then he put a hand on Neteyam's chest and pushed him back until he laid down. "Stay."

Neteyam wanted to say something but promptly decided against it, settling into the nest and watching Leyn work. After a while, Leyn only seemed to look more frustrated, and Neteyam could have sworn he saw tears in his eyes.

"How is the nest supposed to look?" Leyn finally asked, visibly upset.

Neteyam went to sit up and help but Leyn shook his head and put a hand to his chest, keeping him laying back. "No, I want to do it, just… tell me what you do when you fix it."

Neteyam looked up at him and frowned. "What is this about?" He asked. "You're about to cry."

Leyn's bottom lip trembled slightly. "Well, I can't seem to do anything right, so the least I can do is learn how to fix the nest so you don't have to."

Neteyam gently took Leyn's wrist in hand and moved it so he could sit up. "You're still learning. We've only been here for two days, Leyn. Don't be so hard on yourself." He said softly.

Leyn didn't seem convinced. "I don't want to be any more of a burden than I already am."

"You are not a burden." Neteyam insisted, reaching out with his other hand to cup Leyn's cheek. "You just need some more time to figure things out."

Leyn looked as if he wanted to argue, but Neteyam shook his head. "I'll show you how I make up the nest." He began instead. "You don't have to do it the same way though."

"I like the way you do it," Leyn admitted. He was being honest too. Leyn never got cold and was always comfortable. Neteyam made it to where their nest was a little bubble, everything that bothered them left outside. In the nest, they were safe and could relax, they didn't have to worry about anything.

Neteyam smiled. "Alright. I'll teach you. Come here." He hummed and went about showing Leyn the way he positioned the blankets. It didn't take long for Leyn's mood to improve, and they were eventually laid down, Leyn tucked against his side as usual, head on his chest.

"You always lay like this. Is it comfortable?" Neteyam hummed, his fingers ghosting up and down Leyn's spine in a way he hoped was soothing.

Leyn gave a small nod. "I like listening to your heartbeat." He replied. "It's proof you're alive and that I'm actually here. That this is all real."

"Do you sometimes think it isn't real?" Neteyam questioned, and Leyn was quiet for a long moment.

"Sometimes, I'm afraid I'll wake up back on Earth and that this has all been a dream." He answered sadly.

Neteyam continued to rub Leyn's back. "Honestly… sometimes, I think the same thing. That all this is a dream. That I'll wake up and none of this actually happened. That I'll wake up and you're not here."

Leyn finally looked up at him at that. "Good thing I'm too scared to go anywhere without you yet." He pointed out. "Which includes back to Earth."

Neteyam laughed softly. "Even if you weren't afraid to, I'd still go with you. We stick together, remember?"

Leyn nodded, a small smile crossing his lips. "Right. We stick together." He replied, then settled back down, head on Neteyam's chest, listening to his heartbeat.

…

Leyn floats on his back in the shallows, Tsireya hovering nearby just in case. "You are a fast learner." She points out.

"Well, I want to learn how to swim as quickly as I can." He hummed in reply, eyes closed, relaxing as an Ilu swims below him, brushing against him as it passes.

"Why is that?" She asks, moving a little closer to shoo away the Ilu for the fifth time.

"I want to visit the Spirit Tree." He answered, then sat up, feet finding the wet sand below him. "I want to see what this tsaheylu thing is all about."

Tsireya perked up. "Right! Neteyam mentioned something about that. He's excited for you to experience your first bond." She beamed. "That is a lovely goal to have, Leyn."

Leyn smiled. "Thanks." He replied, turning to face her. The two moved on to the next exercise of the lesson, Leyn already showing vast improvement from his first lesson two weeks prior. He'd been practicing every day with either Neteyam, Tsireya, or Kiri. He always loved his lessons and, depending on who was teaching him that day, the various things they would focus on.

Neteyam's lessons were more about technique. Moving his body just so as to make swimming less tiring and more efficient. Tsireya focused more on breathing exercises and getting comfortable in the water itself. Kiri's lessons, on the other hand, were Leyn's favorite. They would focus on the connection they had to the water and the life within it. They would focus on his bond with Eywa and use it to navigate the flow of the ocean, to gain the trust of the marine animals, and to hear Eywa's heartbeat even in the blue depths.

But, swim lessons end in the afternoon, when Leyn returns to the marui to study. Jake had kept his promise to get Leyn books. Leyn had met Norm as well, which was enlightening for both of them. They chatted all day before Norm went to return to the mainland, leaving Leyn with an entire box of textbooks and charts and even notebooks full of advice from the Avatar drivers who wanted to help make the transition a little easier for him.

Needless to say, Leyn was constantly reading since he'd been given the books. He would go to Jake, Kiri, or Neteyam whenever he had questions, and everyone was happy to see him so determined to learn.

One evening, Neteyam found Leyn with his nose in a book. Having been welcomed back into the clan, Neteyam had found a spot with the hunters, often away with Ao'nung and the others in the evenings. He would return just before sundown, finding Leyn in their marui, reading or rearranging the different furnishings they'd collected, or poking about their nest, practicing making it just how Neteyam liked.

Neteyam paused in the doorway, finding Leyn laying on his stomach on the floor, three different books set out in front of him. His nose was literally in one of the books, Leyn having fallen asleep there while studying.

Smiling softly, Neteyam picked up the other two books and put them back in the box Leyn had tucked away in the corner. Then he returned to Leyn, crouching down beside him. "Leyn." He said softly, reaching out and rubbing between his shoulders. "Wake up. You fell asleep on the floor."

Leyn didn't wake at first, but he eventually shivered as Neteyam trailed his fingers along his spine, letting out a soft sigh. "'Teyam?" He mumbled, turning his head and squinting at the taller.

"You dozed off on the floor," Neteyam explained, then laughed softly as Leyn groaned and put his head back down. "Come on. You shouldn't sleep here. The nest is only a few steps away."

"But that means getting up," Leyn whined. He laid there for a moment longer, so long that Neteyam debated just scooping him up and carrying him to the nest, but then Leyn sat up. Stretching his arms up above his head, Leyn squeezed his eyes shut, enjoying the stretch with a soft groan, a faint purr sounding alongside it- purring, another thing he had slowly been getting used to.

When he relaxed, arms falling back into his lap, he opened his eyes to find Neteyam staring at him. Leyn blinked. "What?" He asked.

Neteyam seemed to be pulled from his thoughts by the question and he shook his head. "Oh- nothing. Just thinking you must have been studying pretty hard to fall asleep on the floor."

Leyn huffed, amused at himself. "I was tired from my swim lesson today. Tsireya said I'm good to start diving now, so we spent a lot of time swimming up and down, again and again." He explained. "I'm gonna be sore tomorrow. I can already feel it."

"You're doing great. Another week and we might be able to go to the Spirit Tree." Neteyam smiled, picking up the last book from the floor and putting it away. "I'm proud of you."

Leyn blushed, tail swaying happily behind him at the praise. "I've just had good teachers, that's all." He replied, feeling bashful.

Neteyam rolled his eyes playfully. "No, you're just a natural swimmer. You're doing better than I did. I think you're on the same level as Kiri. She picked everything up rather quick."

"She mentioned that to me during one of her lessons. She-" Leyn cut off and covered his mouth as he yawned, still tired. "She said it's probably because of our connection to Eywa helping us adapt faster."

"I wouldn't be surprised." Neteyam hummed, stepping closer and holding his hand out. "Come on. Time for bed."

Leyn accepted his hand and got to his feet, letting Neteyam lead him into their nest. He laid down without any fuss, the two settling into their usual spots, Neteyam in the middle of the nest, laying on his back, Leyn pressed up against his left side, arm around him, head on his chest. Neteyam's hand traced Leyn's spine as it always seemed to do now, lulling Leyn off to sleep.

Content, Neteyam followed soon after, drifting off with Leyn safe in his arms.

Chapter 4: A Glimpse of the Past

Summary:

It is time for Leyn's first Tsaheylu. He is nervous, of course, but Neteyam is by his side the entire time, offering support and encouragement. He is in for a surprise, though, when he finally connects with the Spirit Tree.

Notes:

Sorry for not updating sooner! I had a trip to go on and when I got back I was sick for a while, but I'm all good now! Just busy with work and such. Hopefully, I can get back into the swing of things and continue posting for all my fics. I'm so happy I can continue sharing Leyn and Neteyam's story. There's a lot planned and it'll get pretty interesting in the future. I hope you all enjoy!

Leyn held tight to Neteyam's waist as they rode the Ilu across the water and into the Cove of Ancestors. As Tsireya insisted, they waited until just before eclipse to go, and it wasn't just them. Tsireya's family had come to witness his first Tsaheylu, as did Jake's family. There were a few others curious to see what would happen, but they stayed back, keeping their distance.

"Are you ready?" Neteyam asked softly as their Ilu slowed to a stop above the Spirit Tree.

Leyn let out a deep breath. "I'm nervous. What if something goes wrong or I run out of air?"

"The tree will pass you oxygen. You could stay down there for hours as long as the tsaheylu is made." Neteyam reassured. "Besides, the cove is completely safe, and if anything were to happen, I'll be right here, ready to help if you need it."

Leyn gave a small nod, still holding onto Neteyam, his chest pressed to the taller's back.

"Your heart is racing." Neteyam pointed out, able to feel it pounding against his back.

"Can you go down with me?" Leyn asked.

Neteyam's hands moved to Leyn's arms at his front, gently patting them before coaxing him to let go. "Of course." He replied, turning on the Ilu's back and slipping into the water.

Surfacing, Neteyam brushed his hair from his face, then looked up to Leyn, who had turned to face him. "Come on. We shouldn't wait too long or eclipse will pass. Tsireya would be disappointed if we miss it." He pointed out, reaching up to place his hands on Leyn's waist.

Leyn gave a small nod. "Okay." He hummed, taking a moment to gather his courage, then he slipped off the Ilu and into the water. It bubbled around him as he sunk down into it, then he moved his hands and legs as he'd been taught, surfacing and treading the water slowly to keep his head up out of the water. Neteyam's hands still held his waist, offering some support until he regained his bearings.

A short ways away, Neytiri was seated on an Ilu, watching the two with a soft gaze. She had noticed it the very first morning, when she and Jake came to see Neteyam and Leyn to ask if they were ready to see anyone, to see Neteyam's siblings. The two had been curled up together, something which surprised her since Neteyam had never really been one to cuddle, usually laying on the outside of the group when it was time to go to sleep. He grew out of the clinging and cuddling and such, but when she and Jake peeked into the nest to see if they were up, there Neteyam was. One arm was pillowed under Leyn's head, the other wrapped around the smaller's waist. Their legs were tangled together, and even Neteyam's tail had wrapped itself around Leyn's thigh.

She knew then that something had sparked between them, but whether either of them knew was the real question. She didn't notice any lingering touches or affectionate gestures unless it was when Leyn or Neteyam needed comfort, the other always by their side, placing a hand on their shoulder or rubbing their back. Soft voices gave reassurance, their attention completely captured by the other. Aside from those moments though, it seemed neither was aware yet. Even now, Neteyam hovered close, but his hands left Leyn's waist once he was steady, not lingering. They were close together, whispering to each other, but there was no sign of that knowledge to them, no sign of them realizing how they orbited each other constantly, drawn together by a gravity all their own.

Jake watched them as well, smiling to himself before leaning over to whisper to Neytiri. "Do you think they will ever figure it out?" He asked quietly.

Neytiri let an amused smile cross her lips. "When the time is right." She replied, just as quiet. "And when they do, they have my blessing."

Jake hummed in agreement. "Mine too." He added, eyes following the two as they finally dived down into the water, eclipse having just begun. "They look so happy together. Like they've found something they've been missing for so long in each other."

"I think they have already bonded." Neytiri admitted. "Not through tsaheylu, but through Eywa."

Jake considered it. They had met within Eywa, their souls holding tight to one another as they returned to life. It would make sense that some sort of bond had formed. They'd also promised Eywa herself to stay by each other's sides. If that wasn't an equivalent to humans swearing themselves to each other before God, Jake didn't know what would be.

"You know that it'll be a mess when they realize, right?" He brought up. "They will both be confused and uncertain and overly cautious."

Neytiri nodded. "Neteyam is too hesitant, afraid he'll hurt Leyn by accident, and Leyn has too little confidence in himself. He'll think he isn't worthy of Neteyam's love."

Jake sighed. "We'll have to deal with it when the time comes."

Neytiri nodded. The two deserved happiness and to be loved. Someday, they would realize as such and, with the help of their family, they could look to each other for companionship. It would just take some time.

Below the water's surface, Leyn hesitated, watching the fronds of the Spirit Tree sway in the gentle currents sweeping over them. Neteyam noticed and swam a little closer, his hand coming to rest on the small of Leyn's back. Looking over, Leyn met his eyes, finding encouragement and comfort there.

With a small smile, Neteyam brought his queue over his shoulder, grabbing the end. Leyn did the same, and the two moved closer to one of the glowing fronds. With a reassuring nod from Neteyam, Leyn guided his forward and watched as the connection was made, thin strands wrapping around a few of the fronds. He cleared his mind as he'd been told to, and focused simply on thoughts of Eywa, on trying to find her among the voices that called softly to him- ancestors of the Na'vi, Kiri had told him when he asked what his first tsaheylu would be like. Great Mother, he thought, recalling the pink sand beach and the woman he found there.

He barely noticed Neteyam connect to the Spirit Tree beside him before he felt air rush into his lungs and watched everything go white.

When his vision returned, Leyn was standing on solid ground. He was on a familiar sidewalk, a crack running through the old cement between his shoed feet. Surprised, he raised his hands to find them human, no longer blue, that extra finger back where it should be.

He was human again, and panic began to flood through him until he recalled where he was. The Spirit Tree. It contained memories, so he was likely in one. He was safe. He was still on Pandora.

A sound caught his attention then, Leyn's eyes snapping up and ahead of him. He realized then where he was. An old city park sat before him, but the playground wasn't rusted as he knew it to be. The Detroit park was vibrant and new, and children played on it happily, laughter bubbling up from the kids. Parents watched from the benches and tables nearby, others coming along to stand closer to the playground, just in case their child needed them.

In the back of his mind, a contrasting image overlaid the one before him, one of the grayed, rusted, run-down playground, a six year old Leyn curled up under the slide with his ventilation pack on, crying. Alone and hurting, calling out for his mother.

More laughter caught his attention, and two boys ran past him, maybe around eight or nine years old, enjoying the sunlight and the cool summer breeze. It wasn't completely clean, like on Pandora, but it was in much better condition than Leyn had personally known.

"Tommy! Jake! Wait for me!" A little girl called out, clearly a few years younger, maybe four or so. She was chasing after them, a little doll clutched in her arms.

Leyn paused, watching the girl rush toward them, the boys laughing. "Lilly, you are too small to play with us." One of the boys said, Leyn noticing they were identical.

Something bothered him about the boys though. There was something about them that he couldn't quite place. The same went for the girl, too. All three were familiar in a way that made his heart ache.

Stepping closer, Leyn spoke up. "You should let her play with you." He said, all three gazes turning to him, surprised, as if they hadn't noticed him until he said something.

"But she's scared of heights and can't climb on the playground with us." One of the boys replied from atop the playground equipment. The other nodded beside him and spoke next. "She has to get bigger first so it won't be as scary. She's only four."

"But I wanna play with you." The girl whined softly, arms reaching up toward them.

Leyn wasn't sure how he could influence a memory but he figured it was alright. If he wasn't supposed to, the others would have warned him about it. "I can help you up, if you want. It's a bit high though, are you sure you want to be up there with them?" He asked.

Lilly nodded quickly, turning to him and making grabby hands at him, her little pink dress swirling around her knees, white polka dots creating a soft pattern on the fabric. She had a matching bow in her dark hair.

"Alright. Here we go." He hummed, picking her up easily and lifting her up to the second story of the playground, the two boys reaching out to help guide her back away from the edge.

"Thank you." The girl spoke, but she seemed a bit wary now that she was up so high. Her hand gripped onto one of the boy's shirts.

"Who are you?" One of them spoke up. "I've never seen you before."

Leyn smiled softly. "My name is Leyn Kessler."

One of the boys perked up. "Like Johnny?" He asked, pointing across the playground at a boy running around playing tag in the grass.

Leyn froze at the name, waves of memories rushing over him, of screams and bruises and blood, of a gun pointed at his mother, of gunshots bleeding through clothing but the bottle swinging towards him anyway.

Slowly, Leyn turned his gaze toward the boy, seeing just another kid running around, smiling and laughing, tackling his friends and wrestling, enjoying playing with his friends.

Part of Leyn wanted to rise with anger at the sight. Part of him was angry his father was there, having a happy childhood, while Leyn was lucky if he even managed to slip away from the yelling and the banging on the walls as things were thrown around the house downstairs.

But… how was his father here as a child if this was supposed to be one of Leyn's memories?

"Are you okay?" The girl spoke up, having noticed his expression shift.

Leyn turned back to her and had to take a closer look. He really was an idiot, wasn't he?

"Your name is Lillian, isn't it?" He asked.

The girl nodded.

She was his mother.

Leyn recalled the woman he knew, with her hair pinned up in a bun, her blue eyes always so soft and gentle when she looked at him. The girl before him had the same look, concerned for a stranger, as kind as ever.

"I'm Thomas Sulley." One of the boys cut in with a wave.

His brother grinned, pointing to himself. "And I'm Jake Sulley."

The name echoed in Leyn's head. Jake Sulley. Jake. He had a twin who was supposed to go to Pandora but died before the trip, so Jake took his place. Jake and Tommy.

This was Jake's memory, not Leyn's.

In the blink of an eye, the world shifted, and Leyn was standing on the beach, the night sky twinkling with stars above them. Jake, the tall, blue Avatar he knew, stood beside him, looking up at the stars.

This was one of Leyn's memories of that first night on Pandora, when Jake promised his family would be there for Leyn. That he wasn't alone. That Neteyam would have his back.

Leyn stared for a moment, watching Jake stare up at the stars, and tears began welling up in his eyes.

"Thank you." He said, voice wavering.

Jake looked over at him and smiled even though he didn't know what he was being thanked for. "Of course, kiddo." He replied.

And then Leyn was back under the water, blinking away the memories as he pulled his queue away from the fronds of the Spirit Tree. Neteyam was still beside him, eyes closed, connected to the Tree and lost in whatever memories he was wandering in.

Leyn reached out, gently brushing his fingers across Neteyam's shoulder. After a moment, Neteyam's eyes fluttered open and he disconnected from the Spirit Tree. Bright gold eyes turned to him, and Neteyam offered his hand with a small smile.

Leyn took it and the two surfaced, Neteyam looking to him curiously. "How did it go?" He asked, watching Leyn wipe the water from his face.

A wobbly smile crossed Leyn's lips. "I got to see my mom." He replied. "I saw a memory of her as a little girl."

Neteyam looked confused, but Leyn only smiled brighter. "It was one of your dad's memories. He knew my mom when he was a kid back on Earth. I'm from the same city he is."

Neteyam smiled then. "I'm happy you had the chance to see her again." He said, then called over the Ilu they'd been using, climbing up onto its back, helping Leyn up as well.

"I want to go thank him." Leyn said softly in his ear, hugging him from behind.

Neteyam continued to smile and gave a nod, guiding their Ilu along and making their way over to the others. They all smiled as Leyn passed, some asking how it went, but Leyn turned his eyes to Jake specifically.

His father seemed to notice, eyebrows raising as they drew near. Just as the others had, he asked Leyn as well. "How was it, kiddo?"

Leyn's smile wobbled again. "Can I give you a hug?" He asked.

Jake was surprised by the question, but opened his arms nonetheless. Leyn leaned in and hugged him tightly, burying his face in Jake's shoulder, trying not to cry and make the others worry.

Neteyam watched with a fond smile.

"You okay?" Jake asked softly as he and Leyn hugged.

"I saw one of your memories." Leyn admitted. "At first I didn't know why, but I figured it out. I cleared my mind like everyone told me and thought only of Eywa. But when I think of Eywa, I think of meeting her on the beach, where she reminded me of my mother."

Leyn pulled back then. "I'm from Detroit too, Jake. You knew my mom when you were little. She would follow you and your brother around at the playground, wanting to play with you two. That's what the memory I saw was. I wanted to see her again, see her happy and smiling, and so Eywa provided a memory of my mother like that. A memory from you."

Jake took in a sharp breath, realizing who exactly Leyn meant. "You're Johnny and Lilly's son."

Leyn gave a nod.

Jake hugged him a little tighter then. "I'm sorry. Tommy and I tried to get your mom to leave him when you were just a baby but we never managed to convince her to go." He explained. "Then I got injured and Tommy died and I got too lost in my grief and anger- I forgot that I was supposed to be looking after you and Lilly."

"It's okay." Leyn replied, voice wavering, and he was definitely crying now. "I'm just happy I got to see her smiling, to see her happy, even if it was when she was little. The park was gorgeous too. I had never seen it with so much color before."

Jake took in a shaky breath, shaken by the revelation that Leyn was one of his childhood friends' son, and he hugged Leyn for a little while longer.

The others were concerned when Leyn began to cry but then they saw his smile and realized he was overjoyed. They all congratulated him on his first tsaheylu, some hugging him, others patting him on the back or shoulder, each wearing a smile as well.

They returned to the shore, eclipse having passed, and they all made their way to Tonowari's family marui, where Ronal insisted they all share a meal. That is where Leyn and Neteyam learned that the Spirit Tree had reacted to them while they were connected to it. It had grown brighter, the color of the bioluminescence shifting slowly between various blues and greens and violets. They had wanted to go check to be sure the two of them were alright, but Kiri stopped them.

Kiri smiled, saying she knew they were alright. That they were alongside Eywa and she was protecting them.

The meal passed with much laughter and smiles and a few happy tears, and then they all went about the rest of their days.

It was only once Leyn was laid in the nest that evening, watching the strands from his queue curl around his finger, that he finally asked Neteyam what he'd seen while linked to the Spirit Tree. Neteyam, having caught Leyn playing with his queue again, gently guided his hand away from it and laced their fingers together.

Leyn dropped his queue to the side, then turned to face Neteyam. "Is it too personal?" He asked.

Neteyam shrugged a little. "I was back on the beach. It was a memory of when we first met." He replied. "It was your memory though."

Leyn blushed slightly. "Oh."

Neteyam smiled, amused. "I'm sorry for scaring you so badly. I didn't mean to."

"I know." Leyn replied, eyes on their hands rather than meeting Neteyam's gaze.

"You thought I was pretty." Neteyam pointed out.

"Well, you already knew that. I've told you that before." Leyn huffed, blushing even more.

Neteyam smiled. "You're pretty too. Both as a human and as Na'vi."

Leyn was completely avoiding Neteyam's face now, turning away, thoroughly embarrassed. Neteyam just laughed, keeping their hands together, and scooted closer until he pressed against Leyn's back. Their legs tangled together, Leyn's tail wrapping around his thigh.

"What? It's only fair I tell you as much after you told me how pretty you thought I was." Neteyam hummed.

Leyn felt his heart pounding in his chest and worried Neteyam could hear it too. "Go to sleep." He huffed.

"Why are you embarrassed?" Neteyam asked, purring happily against his neck.

"I'm not used to compliments, okay? Now let me sleep. Today was a long day." Leyn whined.

Neteyam hugged him a little tighter. "Fine." He smiled, nuzzling at Leyn's shoulder softly before pulling back, making Leyn roll back over to face him. Automatically, the two settled into their usual spots, Leyn letting out a soft sigh as he listened to Neteyam's heartbeat, his own falling into sync with the steady rhythm.

"Goodnight, Neteyam." He hummed, shivering slightly as the taller's fingers traced along his spine. His own purr rumbled softly in his chest.

"Goodnight, Leyn." Neteyam replied, voice a soft whisper.

Notes:

Now that I'm back, I should be ae to update within the next few days. Again, I'm so sorry for vanishing for so long.

Anyway, I would love to know what you think about today's chapter! A bit of a surprise, right? We got a peek into not only Leyn's past, but Jake's too! Leyn had his first tsaheylu, which is always a special moment.

Feel free to comment if you see any mistakes or typos too- this isn't beta'd at all.

Thanks again for reading!

Chapter 5: A Trace of You

Summary:

Life has been a little different since the tsaheylu. Leyn was being approached by random Metkayina and questioned about all things Eywa, about his own resurrection, and about the most random of things, as if he was suddenly all-knowing just because he had a sort of connection to Eywa. It was stressful and honestly a bit off-putting, but Leyn always had Neteyam to find comfort in. The older was always supporting him, helping him, and Leyn was grateful for the companionship.

Except, now Leyn couldn't stop thinking about Neteyam and their little "fight" in the sand- and when Neteyam leaves for the night, Leyn's imagination takes over.

Notes:

Warning, guys! This chapter is rather explicit! Sexual content ahead!
It is just Leyn on his own, with his imagination, but still, I wanted to warn you!

Okay, now that I have that out of the way, hello! It has been far too long. A lot has happened since I last posted, like quitting my job, moving thousands of miles away, and all the fun stuff of settling into a new place. Stress and work had kept me from writing much, and it was honestly depressing not being about to sink into my fics like I had hoped I could, but I've been trying to get back in the habit of writing more. I've been inspired and encouraged by a new friend, so hopefully I can keep this up and actually continue to post for my various fics and NOT vanish off the face of the earth again.

For those of you who have stuck around the literal years I've been away, I am so grateful and I hope this continuation is enough to get you all back into the story again. I know people have bookmarked this fic in the hopes that I would continue, and don't worry- I WILL finish this fic! It has such a special place in my heart and I would be devastated if I didn't. It is simply a question of timing things right, figuring out where to break chapters, and convincing myself that what I have written is good enough to post.

Anyway, I've kept this from you for a while now, so I won't dawdle any longer.
I hope you enjoy!

It had been a week since his first Tsaheylu, and Leyn hadn't been able to catch a break. Everywhere he went, there were people coming up to him, asking him about Eywa and how he came back to life and how the Spirit Tree reacted to him, asking questions he didn't know the answers to, asking questions that made him self-conscious or uncomfortable.

Usually, he was simply able to brush it off and continue on his way. He knew the Metkayina didn't mean anything by the questions, so he forgave the ones that upset him and went about his days.

This time, though, the young man who was pestering him didn't seem to get the hint, asking him more and more questions.

"Will you become the next Tsahik?" He asked, and Leyn shook his head.

"No. Tsireya will." He replied, stepping around the man. "I need to go."

The man caught his arm, though, stopping Leyn from walking any further. "Could you ask Eywa to bless others?" He asked.

"I don't know. Now, please, leave me alone." Leyn answered, pulling his arm from the man's hold and turning away, walking a little faster than before.

Then he felt a hand on his tail, gripping it and pulling. Leyn jolted and hissed instinctively, turning to glare at the guy.

A familiar figure rushed up then, slamming into the man and knocking him back into the sand. "He told you to leave him alone," Neteyam growled. "Stop harassing him."

The man looked up at Neteyam, annoyed, but paused when he saw the teen's expression. Blue eyes flicked between Neteyam and Leyn, then he huffed, getting up and brushing the sand off of himself, stalking off grumpily.

Neteyam turned to Leyn once the guy was far enough away. "Are you okay?" He asked, finding Leyn with his tail in hand, holding it close as if afraid someone else would yank on it.

"Yeah. I'm fine." Leyn replied. "I'd gotten used to people always asking me silly questions, but no one has ever grabbed me before. I'm okay now, though. Thank you."

Neteyam stepped forward and hugged Leyn close. "I'm sorry people keep bothering you. He had no right to touch you like that."

"Are you okay, Leyn?" Lo'ak's voice sounded, drawing near.

Neteyam's arms tightened around Leyn, pressing the smaller even closer, and a growl rumbled in his chest.

Lo'ak, who had seen Neteyam scaring off the creep bothering Leyn, had just wanted to check on the two of them, but he froze where he stood at Neteyam's growl, quickly holding his hands up to show he wasn't a threat.

Neteyam's growl cut off as he realized what he was doing. He let go of Leyn as if it burned to touch him, taking a couple of steps back. "Sorry, that was- I was still on edge from that guy just now." He apologized.

Lo'ak glanced between the two, putting a couple of pieces of the puzzle together. Tuk was right, it seemed. She had pointed it out the day they met Leyn- that he and Neteyam were rather touchy with each other. She said Neteyam liked Leyn, but Lo'ak didn't really see it. He definitely could now, though. Neteyam was hyper-aware of Leyn at all times of day, eyes following the smaller whenever he passed. Just now, Neteyam had been glaring at the guy pestering Leyn, and as soon as he saw the guy grab Leyn by the arm, he was up and rushing over.

Poor Leyn looked so confused.

"It's okay, bro," Lo'ak reassured. "You were just protecting Leyn. It's fine."

Now, if he went back to the marui that evening and told Kiri and Tuk all about how Neteyam was clinging to Leyn, then Neteyam didn't have to know.

He was sure his parents overheard, though.

Neteyam, on the other hand, had Leyn seated in front of him that evening, back facing him. He was studying Leyn's tail carefully, looking to see if the guy that afternoon had left any marks, yanking on him like that.

Leyn shifted in his spot, tail curling every time Neteyam's fingers brushed over it. It was still a little sore from being pulled on, but he was otherwise fine.

"Are you still mad?" Leyn asked.

"Of course, I am. He had no right." Neteyam huffed, lightly massaging the spot he could see starting to bruise up. The fact that he could already make out the shape of fingers left him seething.

Leyn was purring, though, clearly in a good mood, his tail swaying back and forth for a moment before curling around Neteyam's forearm.

Neteyam sighed, relaxing a bit, and trailed his hand down Leyn's tail, watching it unwind from his arm as he went. Then he let go and flopped back into the nest.

Leyn leaned back on his hands, glancing over his shoulder at Neteyam. "Don't be so hard on yourself."

"But he hurt you."

"And you stopped him," Leyn sighed, turning and crawling over to Neteyam, plopping down on top of him. "Don't blame yourself."

"But what if… What if I hadn't been there?" Neteyam asked, voice quiet, tinted with fear.

Leyn tucked his face into Neteyam's neck, still purring softly. "Then I would have kicked his ass."

Neteyam scoffed, amused by the thought.

"What? You think I can't handle myself?" Leyn asked, sitting up, offended by Neteyam's amusement.

"Of course not. I'm sure you could."

Leyn could tell Neteyam was just agreeing with him to be polite. He gave the taller a look.

"I just worry that you'll get hurt, okay? I know you can take care of yourself, but the thought of anything happening to you makes me so anxious that it's driving me crazy. They were already nosy before we went to the Spirit Tree, but now they are growing bolder, and I'm scared one of them might try something." Neteyam admitted.

Leyn sat up completely and crossed his arms. "Then why don't we have a little fight to see if I can really handle myself?" He suggested.

Neteyam must not have looked pleased by the idea, but Leyn just rolled his eyes and got up, pulling Neteyam up with him. "You and Lo'ak mess around and fight all the time. He's never beaten you- which you constantly tease him about. If I can beat you, then you can stop worrying so much, okay?"

Neteyam still looked hesitant, but gave a nod, following Leyn out of the marui and into the sand, the dim evening light slipping away into the dark of night. "Alright."

"If you go easy on me, I'm dropkicking you into the ocean." Leyn threatened.

"Okay, I get it. This is a real match. I'll be serious." Neteyam sighed, but a smile had snuck its way onto his lips. He crouched down slightly, lowering his center of gravity, and watched as Leyn did something similar. "If you can pin me down, you win. No cheap shots. Got it?"

"Got it." Leyn echoed with a nod. "You say when."

Neteyam took in a slow breath, watching Leyn for a moment longer, then smirked. "Go!" He called out, then lunged for Leyn.

Leyn stepped back and dodged his tackle, side-stepping Neteyam and tackling him instead. They both fell to the warm sand, low growls escaping both of them as they wrestled, each trying to gain the upper hand.

Neteyam pinned Leyn down with a smirk, but before he could say anything, Leyn bucked his hips and threw him off balance, then pulled him to the side, rolling them over. "You're getting a bit too cocky, Neteyam. Who said we were finished?" Leyn asked, pinning him down as well.

Neteyam rolled his eyes, grinning excitedly just as Leyn was, and he pushed his arms out, forcing Leyn's apart as well, making him fall forward. He used that chance to switch their positions. "Am I the cocky one, or are you?" He asked, almost purring his words as he leaned over Leyn.

Something flickered in Leyn's eyes, then Neteyam was being tackled backwards, sand flying up in the air around them. Neteyam's hands were pinned above his head and he couldn't move them even if he tried, Leyn holding them in place.

The smaller growled down at him, teeth bared, tail flicking angrily behind him.

Neteyam knew then that Leyn had won. He could still fight back, but the growl paired with such a piercing gaze was enough to get the message across. I dare you. Make a move and you'll regret it.

Seeing that Neteyam had given up, Leyn slowly began to relax, his pupils dilating back to normal, his breaths slowing to a calmer pace. His hold on Neteyam's wrists loosened, his hands slowly trailing up to Neteyam's, their fingers lacing together.

Leaning down until their bodies pressed together, Leyn purred softly, Neteyam's own chest beginning to rumble happily in response. "Does this mean I win?" He asked softly, dark gold eyes meeting Neteyam's bright ones.

"Yeah. You win." Neteyam breathed, eyes closing as their faces grew closer together. His breath hitched with anticipation- and Leyn nuzzled their noses together briefly before pulling away.

Neteyam blinked, his hands released, and looked up at Leyn. Straddling him, the younger was blushing, the luminescent freckles across his cheeks shining a little brighter.

They stared at each other for a moment, silent, even their purring having come to a stop.

"Um, cool. Awesome." Leyn fumbled, suddenly flustered, then moved to get up. He brushed the sand from his skin. "I told you I could handle myself just fine."

"You did." Neteyam agreed, sitting up, still a bit dazed from what had just happened. "I'll stop worrying so much."

Leyn offered a shy glance over at Neteyam, then looked back at their marui. "Well, now that that's settled, let's go get some sleep."

Neteyam hummed in agreement, getting to his feet and brushing off all the sand from his body. He watched Leyn head inside, hanging back for a couple of minutes as his thoughts finally caught up to him.

What was that? What did he think was going to happen? Why did he close his eyes as Leyn leaned closer?

Why did he feel exhilarated yet also a little disappointed?

He couldn't just linger outside, though, so Neteyam headed into the marui and to their nest. There was some sand in it now, but he didn't mind much. They could shake out the blankets in the morning, and the sand would fall through the webbed flooring.

Leyn was already lying down, his back toward Neteyam's spot. His eyes were closed, but Neteyam could tell he was still awake.

Quietly, Neteyam stepped into the nest and laid down. He waited for Leyn to turn towards him and curl up into his side, but he never did. Heart aching faintly, Neteyam turned onto his side as well, facing away from Leyn, and closed his eyes.

As he was drifting off to sleep, Neteyam felt an arm slip around his waist, a tail wrapping around his thigh. Behind him, a warmth drew nearer until Leyn was pressed up close behind him. He felt Leyn briefly nuzzle at the back of his neck before settling with a small sigh.

Relieved, Neteyam moved his hand down, laying his arm over Leyn's, sliding his hand over the smaller's and lacing their fingers together. They fell asleep like that, and the next morning, they woke up tangled together, lying in each other's arms.

…

It had been a week since their little wrestling match, and Neteyam was leaving for a hunting trip that would last all night. Leyn had packed him some food for the trip and handed it over with a small smile. He didn't seem too happy about Neteyam leaving him, though.

"Why do you look so upset?" Neteyam asked.

"This is the first night we'll be apart." Leyn pointed out. Even if they didn't see each other during the day, they would always come home and could fall asleep together. Without Neteyam there, he knew the nest would feel far too empty, and he wouldn't be able to sleep.

Neteyam smiled softly. "I'll miss you too." He hummed, lightly nosing Leyn's temple, his hand trailing along the smaller's spine before coming to rest at the small of his back. "I won't be gone too long. If we finish early, I might even be back before you wake up."

Leyn sighed. "Be careful, okay?"

"I will," Neteyam promised.

A melodic whistle sounded a short way down the beach, and the two looked over to see Ao'nung waving, he and a few others from the hunting party waiting on the shore, their Ilus circling the shallows excitedly.

"Alright. You should go. The sooner you leave, the sooner you'll get back." Leyn spoke up.

Neteyam sighed, not wanting to go quite yet, but he knew Leyn was right. They were heading for a nearby island and the fishing grounds there. At this time of year, there was a lot of fish, and the Metkayina gathered much of their food supply from it. The stores from the last big hunting trip were beginning to get low, so they were going to catch as much as they could today and rest on the island before returning tomorrow morning.

Stepping back slightly, Neteyam's hand moved from Leyn's back to his hip.

"If you need anything, just ask Tsireya or Kiri. Lo'ak is around, too, if you need help chasing anyone off-" He began, which earned him a look. "Not that you will need help. I know. You can deal with it on your own." He hummed, purring at the thought of Leyn knocking anyone who messed with him on their ass.

"Exactly. Now stop stalling and go." Leyn laughed, gently pushing Neteyam away. Their hands caught each other's, though, and they shared one last look before Neteyam let go and turned to leave.

Leyn watched him go, waving goodbye as the hunting party gathered and mounted their Ilus. Neteyam returned the wave, earning an elbow to the ribs from Ao'nung, who laughed mischievously. Leyn couldn't hear what had been said, but Neteyam turned and went after him. The group left the reef then, heading out into the open ocean and toward the island in the distance.

Leyn went about his day as usual, helping out in the Tsahik's marui where he'd found himself mixing up medicines for those who were sick or injured. He mostly stayed back, letting Tsireya and Ronal work, but he would assist them when asked. Once afternoon hit, he would go for a swim. He no longer needed lessons, but he left that time of day open for him to explore the reef and play with the Ilu that happily trailed after him. Kiri joined him, and they spent a few hours playing and settling into the flow of the water, listening to Eywa's heartbeat among the waves and sea life.

Leyn then spent the evening with Neytiri, helping cook dinner for everyone. She'd been teaching him a few simple recipes over the last couple of weeks, even teaching a few Omatikaya dishes, mentioning that Neteyam liked his food with a bit more spice to it than the Metkayina tended to. Leyn hummed, filing that information away for some other time.

After dinner, Tuk had plopped down in his lap, insisting she get to spend time with him since everyone else hogged his attention. Leyn found it endearing, and they sat together the rest of the evening, lovingly picking on Lo'ak and listening to Jake tell a story from his childhood.

Leyn noticed that Jake had picked one with his mother in it and was thankful, listening intently as Jake told of how they'd been exploring an abandoned building as teens, and Tommy scared the living daylights out of him and Lillian by jumping out from around the corner.

By the time he had to return home, Leyn was full and warm and happy, feeling very loved and welcomed by Neteyam's family. He felt rather optimistic about getting some sleep, even, but once he was laid in his nest, he found that Neteyam's family couldn't fill that empty space beside him.

Shifting over into Neteyam's spot, Leyn curled up on his side, wondering what Neteyam was up to now. Was he still hunting, or had the hunting party set up camp for the night? He wondered if Neteyam was also feeling a bit lonely, but figured he was fine, surrounded by the other hunters.

Thoughts of Neteyam slowly turned to thoughts of them. Leyn recalled the two of them that morning, Neteyam's fingers tracing down his back as he nuzzled at Leyn's temple. Neteyam's hand resting on his hip, so big and warm. The way they didn't want to part, holding hands until Neteyam had to let go. Neteyam's gold eyes lingering on him even as he walked away.

Leyn felt himself growing warm, thoughts turning to when they'd been rolling around in the sand, trying to pin each other. He recalled how he'd been straddling Neteyam's waist, pinning the taller down, their faces so close together.

His tail curled around his thigh as it usually would Neteyam's, a habit Leyn had found impossible to kick.

The realization slowly seeped into him, Leyn understanding why he had been so hesitant to let go of Neteyam lately. Why he had become so flustered a week prior when he won their little match. Why seeing Neteyam go after the guy harassing him had affected him so much.

Leyn could still hear Neteyam growling, see him with teeth bared, strong hands holding him close. He could feel his fingers, feather-light, massaging his tail.

Leyn shouldn't have been surprised to feel himself throb, but he was. He hadn't really stopped to look at that part of his body properly. He still didn't really understand it even after reading all the Na'vi anatomy and physiology books Norm had given him.

Although, with Neteyam gone, he didn't have to worry about anyone interrupting him if he decided to explore a bit. He had the privacy to do so.

Curiosity getting the better of him, Leyn slowly trailed his hands down his front, over his navel, and down to the loincloth keeping him covered. He hesitated for a second, two seconds, then pushed it down over his thighs, past his knees, and let it fall to his ankles.

He propped himself up on the blankets lining the nest- they had gathered even more over the past few weeks- and turned his curious gaze downward.

It was odd not seeing anything there like he would if he were still human, but he knew everything was still there, hidden away. Na'vi had evolved that way. Apparently, their sensitive bits are tucked away inside them to keep them from being at risk in a fight. That was why Leyn had been so confused at first, not sure what parts were what or how they worked.

Now, though…

Slowly, he brought a finger to the slit in his front, tracing it oh so lightly. He could see that it had already swelled up slightly. Usually, it would lie flat, almost indistinguishable from the rest of his skin, but when he got excited, blood would rush to the area much like it would for humans.

A blush made his cheeks burn as he dipped his finger inside, finding it warm and slick, plush, until his fingertip pressed on something else. He licked his lips, taking a shaky breath, and slowly guided the hardening length from the natural sheath it was resting in.

He still had a penis, which was a relief, but that was where the similarities ended. The color, of course, was different from his previous body. He was longer too, but the proportions were roughly the same. His eyes trailed over the stripes that circled the base, the same color as those marking his thighs and belly. Also at the base was a collection of glowing freckles, each one gleaming brightly, more so than usual.

He had read about that, that Na'vi glowed especially bright when aroused. Seeing it was just as fascinating as reading about it had been.

Biting his lip, Leyn brought his fingers to his hard length, running them lightly up the underside of his shaft, and watched as it twitched. He suddenly felt like he'd forever ruined Neteyam running his fingers along his spine.

With Neteyam back in his thoughts, Leyn really couldn't resist, as ashamed as he was for thinking about his friend. He slowly began to stroke himself, taking his time, trying to figure out what his new body liked and what it didn't care for. Eyes fluttering closed, a purr bubbled up from his chest as he thought about being pinned down by Neteyam. As he thought about Neteyam's hands wrapped around his waist or gripping his tail.

He thought back to Neteyam telling him about how mates would share tsaheylu, becoming one not only physically but mentally. Their heartbeats would sync together, as would their breaths. They would feel everything together, as one, and would be mated for life.

Could he and Neteyam be mates one day?

Leyn gasped, arching up as the thought pushed him over the edge, trembling as he slowly stroked himself through it. It took a moment for him to relax, and he felt like jelly, his body weak from how intensely he had cum. Curious, he managed to lift his hand, gaze finding the faint glow of his spend staining his fingers and palm.

He debated getting up and getting cleaned off, but he laid there a little longer, thoughts swirling, and he felt himself getting excited once again as he realized he'd just jacked off in the nest he shared with Neteyam.

He did so another two times, also daring to attempt fingering himself. It wasn't quite the same as before, Na'vi anatomy a bit different than human anatomy, but it felt just as pleasurable. He was left a sleepy, satisfied mess, and only then did he get up to clean off. It was still dark and no one was on the beach, so he snuck down to the water and rinsed off, careful not to linger on his more sensitive parts. He returned to the marui, got dressed, and quadruple checked to be sure he didn't make a mess of the blankets in the nest. Miraculously, he didn't, so he let himself fall into the soft nest and curl up.

He was out before he even realized it.

Neteyam, on the other hand, returned not long after. Having been eager to get back home, he managed to catch more than his share of fish, so the group was able to return early. He had suffered the teasing of his fellow hunters all day, but he couldn't deny that they were right about his feelings for Leyn. And so, he helped haul in all the fish they'd caught and got it all sorted and put away, then he rushed home.

The second he stepped inside, however, he froze. It wasn't obvious, the ocean breeze blowing through the marui and airing out the place, but there was still a trace of it. Neteyam felt himself blush and debated stepping outside. The arousal in the air was faint but enough to make his heart start to race.

The marui was silent, though.

Taking a step forward, Neteyam made his way toward the nesting room as quietly as he could. Peeking inside, he found Leyn asleep, curled up in the spot Neteyam usually occupied. He was still glowing brighter than usual, but he was cleaned up and dressed. Neteyam was glad he hadn't walked in on anything he shouldn't have.

He doubted Leyn knew he would be able to smell it when he returned. Leyn was already so shy at times, he never would have considered doing anything if he knew there would be evidence of it.

Humans were much more reserved about that kind of thing than the Na'vi were.

Figuring he would keep Leyn's secret, Neteyam promised himself that he would pretend he didn't notice.

Stepping into the nest, Neteyam carefully laid down beside Leyn, smiling to himself as the smaller turned toward him and nuzzled close, Leyn's tail wrapping around his thigh. Neteyam tried his best not to lean in close and inhale the scent of Leyn's arousal, but even now, so close to the smaller, he could nearly taste it.

Fingers tracing up Leyn's spine, Neteyam felt him shiver, a little whimper falling from Leyn's lips.

Oh, Neteyam was done for.

Pulling Leyn close, Neteyam tucked his face into his neck, nosing at his throat, and got comfortable. Leyn was so warm in his arms, glowing beautifully, and he decided he would confess to Leyn. He wanted this, them, together, but he needed to know if Leyn felt the same. And, even if he did, Neteyam wanted to make sure he was ready for something like that.

Bonding with someone was a big decision. Na'vi mate for life. They had to be certain.

That could wait until morning, though. For now, Neteyam was content lying in Leyn's arms.

Notes:

There we go. We finally got to the "it glows - iykyk" tag that I've been laughing about since before I ever decided to post this fic. There will be more, too- you have been warned! Finally, though, they are a step closer to actually confessing and becoming an actual couple. Granted, they already live together and share a nest and are protective/possessive of each other, so all that's changing is the fact that they'll say it out loud instead of keeping it to themselves. I can't wait to post more, but I should pace myself, or else I'll run out of chapters and end up making you all wait forever again.

Anyway, let me know what you think! Things are going to start ramping up soon, and I can't wait for the chaos I am only a few chapters from raining down upon you all to hit. Yes, I am evil. I have terrible plans for Leyn and Neteyam. You all might hate me later, but I promise it will all mostly work out... mostly... hopefully.

I'll see you all next time!