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Rotxo ascended beside Tsireya and Neteyam who swam their way up out of the water holding Kiri. He watched in distress as her eyes rolled to the back of her head, seemingly void of life before she began shaking violently, involuntarily inhaling water into her lungs in the process.
The oceans waves mercilessly rocked themselves against the children as they made their way to the surface, bringing Kiris stiff, convulsing body with them. “Come on!” Neteyam shouted at them.
“Kiri!” A faint, panicked voice called. “Kiri!” “What it wrong, what is it?” Tuk cried out, unable to grasp an understanding at what was happening to her sister.
Neteyam called to one of the nearby surrounding ilu before gently placing Kiri on the saddle. “Looks like a seizure” He briefly examined her.
Rotxo assisted him in the situation, holding Kiris legs in place so that her body wouldn’t drift away from the waves.
“Is she breathing?” He asked, ignored as Neteyam kept trying to breathe life into his sister. “Is she breathing?” He asked again, a hint of concern this time. His question was finally answered when she took a deep, strained breath, though still unconscious.
He moved away from her and called to his ilu, petting its horns to give his body something to do. At first, he didn’t quite understand what Neteyam was doing to Kiri, but seeing their lips sealed together briefly, he felt a pang of jealousy hit his heart. The method of resuscitation was unfamiliar to him and the other Metkayina but considering the half breeds dad was once a sky person it didn’t take long for him to figure out it was one of their ways. He thought it was odd, but now wasn’t the time to be jealous when the girl of his dreams - I mean, the freak in front of him had barely escaped death.
“Get her to the village, hurry!” Tsireya shouted, disrupting Rotxos train of thought as the rest scrambled on their ilu.
-
Ronal heard about what had happened when Tsireya ran to her panicking, explaining that the sky peoples methods weren't helping Kiri. Naturally, she gathered some supplies before heading to the Sully familys pod, expecting them to need her but was surprised to be ignored the moment she stepped inside the marui. Everyones attention too focused on Norm and Max who were still trying to help to no avail.
"I see what I am not needed here" She turned to Neytiri on her way out.
The Na'vi rushed to Ronal, gripping her forearm desperately to stop her from leaving. "You are Tsahík!"
Ronal glanced around the room, eyes grazing over the sensors and trackers hooked into Kiris body. "Remove these things"
"Out! You have done nothing!" Neytiri turned her attention to the men, growling angrily.
They'd been there for hours, repeating what the screens showed them out loud which did nothing to wake her daughter up. The men were kicked out rather quickly, gathering their gear messily, eager to get out just so they wouldn't have to face the wrath of the angry Na'vi that towered over them.
Once they left, Ronal knelt beside Kiri and began analysing the Omatikayas body and like instinct, knew how to eliminate the problem, whispering healing prayers in Na'vi as she pricked at the girls pressure points.
Rotxo, alongside the other teenagers who were all visiting the spirit tree together watched in awe as Ronal worked her Tsahík magic. Very rarely did they get to see the Metkayina leader in her element, considering they lived peacefully away from sky people and their wars, but when she was, none of them could look away.
However, what actually caught his attention was the girl below the leader and when his eyes fell on her unconscious body, it made his heart skip a beat and blood in his veins rush, the peaceful expression she wore filling his stomach with a nauseating warmth he could only describe as sincere worry. Deep down he knew it was something more, something passionate. Like a flickering flame waiting to be ignited. A feeling so strong he wasn't able to come to terms with just yet so for now he told himself that these feelings were only because he was concerned. Yeah, it had to be that.
After what felt like hours to all the witnesses when in reality, was merely a few minutes, Kiris eyes eventually fluttered awake, inhaling softly like she had woken up from a soft dream. Though what she experienced before blacking out was far from that.
Tuk knelt over her sisters head. "Kiri, you're awake" she whispered in celebration, hands delicately framing her face, so carefully so much as not to put her into another coma.
Neytiri, who had been anxiously pacing the room noticed the moment her daughter woke up and raced to her side. "Oh Kiri" She whimpered, holding her daughters hand against her cheek, her warmth melting against her skin.
Kiri glanced around the room, probably trying to process her surroundings, expression going blank before breaking down in tears. The memories of her mother returning, feelings of loneliness, remembering that she wasn’t at home anymore - it was all too overwhelming and all she could do at that moment was sob.
Neytiri embraced her futher, clutching her hand tighter and placing her own cheek against Kiris "Kiri, my sweet child" she kept murmuring like a soft mantra. Tuktirey caressing her hair gently, holding her sisters other hand. Jake saw the piles of bodies and rushed in, so grateful to see his daughter open her eyes for what seemed like forever.
Rotxo and the others felt that this moment was too intimate and personal to be watching, so he silently thanked Eywa before making his way back to shore. He and the other teenagers gossiped about the initial incident, none of them holding any answers as to what happened at the cove.
-
It had now been two days since Kiri recovered but she refused to come out to the public. So far, only her immediate family and Tsireya have been able to see her, though she was more quiet and reserved than usual. Her family didn't push it, they knew she would come through in her own time so they let her be her temporary angsty self.
She felt alone and misunderstood, knowing that she was different from everyone else, but being a teenager, she was also mostly embarrassed, spending her days indoors, only leaving the pod acquainted by her brothers during quieter times of the day. And today was no different, she remained inside the marui while her family were out with the clan, still adapting to the reef and whatnot. She wrapped food into leaves to preserve them, stacking them neatly all while humming an Omatikayan lullaby to keep herself company.
Those two days felt long and agonizing for Rotxo, suffering in silence at the lack of Kiris prescence until he could no longer bear it. His easily found boredom and 'genius' brain came up with the idea to see her, behind her back of course. When he finished his daily tasks, he rushed back to shore on his ilu, excited for his plan to unfold.
"Just a small peek" He thought to himself, hoping it would justify his following actions before he made his way to the entrance of the marui. He knew the family were out and about so there was no way he'd be caught in the act - God, he was too smart for his own good. When he had made his way to the entrance of the pod he mustered up the courage to peek inside and there she was, that dammned freak.
He stared at Kiri as she worked gracefully with the food, unable to help but ogle his eyes over her slender hands and arms which moved elegantly with each scoop and fold she did with the leaves. Doting over the way she put so much care and thought into her actions, in fact, it reminded him of his own Mother - not in a weird way of course. He didn't know what it was exactly that made Kiri stand out from the rest of the Omatikaya but he got the feeling that she would make a great Tsahík. Her connection to the land and animals of Pandora was powerful, he'd never met or heard of anyone with mysterious abilities such as hers. Even her adaptability to the surroundings of Awa'atlu was greater than all her siblings as the moment they dove in the water she was long gone from the group, in her own world.
That was probably the moment he fell for her.
It seemed the name 'freak' Ao’nung had given her wasn't too far from the truth in retrospect, though to be honest it just made him want to become even closer to her.
Looking at her thin frame which was the standard build for the Omatikaya, he realised just how fragile she looked, imagining himself holding her, wrapping his arms protectively shield her from future harm. He didn't recognise the tune of the lullaby but figured it was one of significance to the Omatikaya clan. Hearing her voice sent a soothing shiver down his spine which calmed his racing heart. Becoming absorbed by the scene in front of him, his body subconsciously moved closer to the entrance of the pod, leaning against the frame. The building betrays him when it decides to creak, catching the attention of the girl inside.
Kiris ears twitched before turning her head towards the source of the sound, inhaling sharply as she did so. Her eyes were wide with panic then went flaccid when she saw who it was.
”Oh, it’s just you”
"I- uh, hey"
"How long have you been there?"
He sighed in defeat. "Long enough to hear you singing" Hanging his head down in sympathy, knowing he had invaded her privacy.
Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment when she found he had been listening nearly the entire time, lip tightening in anger. "You all creep on me yet I'm the freak"
Although the comment wasn't directed at anyone in particular, he knew she was referring to his 'well-manered' friends.
Rotxo awkwardly invited himself further into the pod, kneeling gently so much as not to annoy the girl more than he already was. Since he had already been discovered there was no point continuing to stand outside, plus he told himself he may as well go all the way and fully commit - no point in half assing a stalking session.
Kiri groaned when she felt the floor below her sink, the boy becoming more prominent in her peripheral vision. "What do you want?"
“I…” Rotxo said unsure. He didn’t know why he came inside the pod, why he stared at Kiri from a distance. Or maybe he did know, but didn't want to admit it out loud. He gulped nervously before speaking.
“I wanted to see you and how you’re doing"
Kiri was taken back by the meekness of the boy, she had forgotten how nice some one of Ao'nungs friends were compared to the rest, heart palpitating at the thought of someone outside her family being concerned for her (besides Tsireya). Perhaps she wasn't much of a freak as she thought she was. Maybe someone - a boy even, could actually show interest in her well-being despite her weird abilities?
The idea left her head as quickly as it came, demeanor turning somewhat hostile again. "Why would you care?"
"I was worried. Your siblings miss being in the water with you, Tsireya too. I’m sure you do also, why don’t you come out with us?"
He looked tense and Kiri noticed, she wondered if the boy was hiding something else from her, so she pressed on.
"Is that so?”
”Yeah, especially Tuk. I came to see if you were well enough to swim with us again? Maybe even now”
Her knees rose to her chest, elbows leaning on them as she pressed the heel of her palm against the sides of her jaw, head tilted ever so slightly. "Would that be the only reason you came here?" She looked at him genuinely, gaze flicking down to his lips quickly before looking back up, hoping he didn't notice.
Rotxos eyes went wide when he saw how mesmerizing she looked with her head angled and braids clinking together. "Actually, there’s something else"
He clutched his fists tightly which were placed over his thighs, looking down at his trembling arms before meeting her eyes with his own.
Her ears drew back in anxiety, worried he might’ve done something bad, mind returning back to when Ao’nung had told Neteyam he left Lo’ak beyond the reef on his own that one time, the tone of dread in his voice feeling all too familiar.
”I think I like you”
The words left his mouth before he could comprehend what he said. A short gasp of realisation left him, eyes widening as his hands rose to his mouth covering it shut hoping it would draw the words back.
If Kiri was being honest with herself, she would admit that she found the boy to be interesting at the very least. Yes, he may have been shorter and more immature than her but something about his spirit felt very genuine and free, especially that stupid smile that got her blushing with excitement every time she saw it. He was a refreshing addition to the group of kids they hung out with, and pretty cute too - that was a bonus.
Tsireya was kind, patient and overall happy to hang out with others that were not limited to her brothers friends. Kiri liked the fact that they were both the same age, they shared similar interests so it was only natural to be closest to her out of the other Metkayina. She was such a stark contrast to her brother, who was quite the menace along with his other friends - they made sure to show Kiri that when they approached her that day.
Rotxo was that sweet spot in the middle, he was a good influence on Ao'nung but also made things adventurous with Tsireya, doing rebellious things together that never crossed the line but was always fun. Plus, he was such a sweetheart and even Tuk took a liking to him, that was a giant green flag.
She scooted closer to him, wrapping her hands around his wrists to remove them from his mouth as a blush and grin began to appear on her face.
He could only move his eyes, gaze gingerly watching her movements, wondering if she was about to go off at him.
"Really?" She managed to pry his hands off his mouth which stuck like glue to his lips.
He nodded hesitantly, afraid to find out if she was flattered or offended at the random confession.
"I think I like you too" She sounded more assured confident than the boy, her hold on him slowly moving to his hands as she intertwined their fingers.
Rotxo felt a huge weight leave his shoulders at her words, exhaling in relief as he leaned forward, pressing his forehead against Kiris.
"Oh!" Kiri was startled at the new proximity of their faces, eyes immediately drawing themselves to his gorgeous lips.
His eyes were closed only for a moment but when he felt Kiris beath tickle his lips, they suddenly drew open, then wider when he too realised how close they were now. Hot breath tinging against his skin.
They didn't mind though, in fact it felt nice, it just felt good and neither didn’t want to pull away. It was a simple form of intimacy but they were fine with that.
Just then, Rotxo light palmed the side of Kiris face, fingers skimming over her jawline, thumb circling her cheek just mere inches away from the corner of her lips.
Kiris breath hitched in anticipation when she felt his fingers tease over it, slightly disappointed when his thumb didn't fully rub against her bottom lip.
Thats when she decided to roam her hands over him too, lifting her arms up to wrap themselves around the base of his neck, bringing their chests closer than before.
She sat on her knees before deciding to pull him in for a kiss, in which the other responded eagerly, the hand on her face pulling it in, other reaching her waist which caused the girl to lean lower to reach his height. The position was awkward but it would have to do for now, he would grow into the height of a full Metkayina adult later.
He was stunned at Kiris sudden boldness but his astonishment disapeared as quickly as it came, melting into the kiss with the same longing and rashness as her.
Kiri gasped when she felt his grip on her tighten but it was instantly sucked out of her as Rotxo absorbed it, the sound never fully leaving her lips.
The kiss was romantic and slow but it was enough, they were both satisfied when they pulled away from eachother, regaining their breaths.
They connected their heads and foreheads together, staring into each others eyes, giggling as their fingers laced with one another once again; embracing each other in simple ways.
-
Just outside the marui, Neteyam walked past and noticed the two sitting together - too close for his liking. He stood at the entrance without alerting them, hands placed on his hips like a mother lecturing their child. A large shadow overcasted the two lovebirds as he cleared his throat to signal his presence, they tried pulling away from each other but it was too late.
"You! what are you doing to my sister?" He accused.
"He was just leaving" Kiri interrupted. She held Rotxo by the shoulders, motioning for him to get out before Neteyam made him.
"I was?" He turned to Kiri, confused at her casual tone before his genius brain finally picked up on the situation they were in.
"Oh yes, bye" He ducked out of the pod, almost tripping over the leaves.
Kiri snorted and playfully rolled her eyes at his awkwardness which she found charming, palming her mouth trying not to be too indiscreet with her laughter.
Neteyam escorted Rotxo out the pod by his forearm somewhat harshly, but, before he walked out the door flap, he turned back, only to find Kiri grinning ear to ear while she returned to her task. Her bangs and braids covered most of her profile, but that undeniable smile she wore said everything. When the two were outside of the pod, just far enough from Kiris point of hearing, Neteyam placed his hand on Rotxos shoulder in which the shorter shuddered under his touch, afraid of the beating he was to receive.
"Thank you" Neteyam whispered.
"Huh?"
"I'm not sure I want to know what you were doing with my sister, but... she has not been happy like that since the incident"