18+, Andy, mostly hangman, but I love them all really, love f1 that’s the big fixation rn, this has become multi-fandom btw I post what I want | car go fast? 🏎️💨 plane go fast? ✈️💨 | likes and follows from @queerchaosincarnate
Summary: Jake has a surprise for you once you get off work. It's one that you're not soon to forget.
Warnings: none
A/N: This was a fun and super fluffy fill for Fluff Bingo Spring Edition last year.
Jake "Hangman" Seresin Masterlist | Character Masterlist
You clocked him the moment he entered the bar.
Shaking your head before he'd even opened his mouth, you interrupted whatever he was about to say. "We're kinda busy here, Jake. Whatever you want, it'll have to wait."
He had the nerve to smirk at you even as he settled into one of the stools near the bar.
His cheekiness was exactly what had gotten you to fall in love with him. Well, that and his incredibly sweet side that he only let a select few ever see. While he might've earned the call sign of "Hangman", he's never left you hanging when it really mattered. None of his team, either, as he'd grown up since that last mission of his with the other Daggers.
"I've got all night, darlin'," he said after a moment. "You'll love it, so I hope you won't keep it waitin' too long."
"What is it exactly?"
He didn't bother answering. Nope, he just shot you another wickedly charming grin.
As much as you wanted to hate him for it, you couldn't help falling that bit harder for seeing that grin and the twinkles of mischief in his gaze. He loved to spoil you when he got the chance, and he wasn't about to stop. Even when you told him you didn't need to be spoil, he double-downed and find some other way to make you feel special. All you really needed was him though.
Sliding him a beer, you could only shake your head at him.
Soon enough, you had other patrons vying for your attention. It took several minutes to do up their orders and have them retreating back to their original places around the bar. By the time you got a chance to breathe again, you spotted Jake at one of the pool tables with Bradley and a few other Daggers. While they'd gone ahead to rack up a new game, you noted Jake lacked a cue stick, an unusual sight due to his love of the game and its brand of hustle.
In your moment of breath, Bradley's girl came up to you with a wide smile on her face.
You soon learned the reason why when you spotted the sparkly ring on her finger.
"Congrats, girl," you squealed right along with her.
A few patrons gave you both the stink eye, but you both ignored them. Instead, you inspected her ring and noted how pretty it looked. The perfect ring from the perfect guy for her. You couldn't be happier for her.
"You know you'll be next," Bradley's girl said, her gaze going to where Bradley and Jake stood talking near the pool table. The other Daggers took turns giving Bradly their congratulations from what you could tell, but it was the look on Jake's face that nearly stole your ability to breathe.
Phoenix had taken up Bradley's attention momentarily, but it gave Jake reason to scan the bar. His gaze landed on you and he shot you a wink, which you happily returned. But his gaze didn't veer away, either, soon settling into a look of such softness, such adoration. It was a look of love and promise.
"Like I said," Bradley's girl whispered in your ear, breaking the spell Jake had been weaving over you.
You shook yourself and gathered up your things. "You sure you and Penny have got the place? I don't wanna leave you two if you need the help."
"Go! Jake's been waiting on you long enough. See what this surprise is he has for you. Send me pics, too."
Officially shooed from the bar, you soon found yourself closing the distance between you and Jake, who opened his arm for you to slide under. His hand settled at your waist even as he turned his head and pressed a kiss to your head.
"Ready to go?"
You nodded. "Yeah, I am."
He didn't need any further encouragement. After a few simple farewells, he swept you out of the bar and to his truck. Opening the door for you, he helped you inside and made sure your belt was buckled before shutting the door and dashing to the driver's side.
On the way, he held your hand on the console between you. Every so often, he'd bring your hand up and press a soft kiss to your knuckles.
"Really not going to tell me, are you, Seresin?"
"Nope," he grinned at you, "but I know you'll love it."
"You keep saying that," you grumbled but with little bite or heat.
Eventually, he pulled off the main road and onto one of the quieter streets. The homes were a little older but quaint in their unique colors and styles. At the end of the road, he pulled to the side and killed the engine.
A man emerged from the open garage with a wave and a nod.
"Who is that?"
"Javi's friend, Zach. Come on, I'll introduce you, then we can see your surprise."
Zach turned out to be a nice guy who was all too happy to show you the surprise Jake had for you.
A large pen had been setup to the side of his garage which had a full litter of puppies. The wiggly pups grew more excited upon seeing you and Jake, each one jumping over another, to get to you. Several licks and nips touched your fingers long before you'd even gotten into the pen where you could settle in the heart of the litter.
"They're ready to go. Just have to pick out the one you like, darlin'."
"You got me a puppy?" you asked, even as you allowed several of said puppy lick you and jump on you.
Taking them in, you soon spotted the sweetest of the bunch. A little shy but so sweet when you picked it up, nuzzling into your neck, you fell instantly in love. The pup wouldn't be little for long, you knew, but you couldn't help falling for its sweet face and silky coat.
Jake merely smiled that sweet, sappy smile as he watched you.
"Find the one?" he asked eventually, but he knew. Of course, he did, helping you out of the pen with the pup of your choice still in your arms. Before you got too far, he leaned back into the pen and took out the one that had caught his eye as well. At your questioning glance, he shrugged. "Can't have yours getting lonely when we're working. Everyone needs a buddy."
After thanking Zach and squaring up, you both took your pups back to the truck where Jake proceeded to show you all the items he'd gotten for the pups prior to collecting you from work. He'd really gone all out with everything the two pups could possibly need for their first few weeks in their new home: new pens/crates, training pads, toys, treats, and food.
"You thought of everything, didn't you?" you couldn't help asking. "Well, Seresin, you weren't wrong. I loved your surprise, and I love you."
His head ducked down, but you could make out how pleased he was at your words. He hadn't always been the best at gifts or surprises, but he'd gotten better with time. You were almost certain this was one surprise and gift you'd never forget as the two pups cuddled in your lap.
Description: Jake runs home after evening patrol to indulge in you before turning in for the night.
Word Count: 0.9k
Content Warning: don't worry ! it's sfw, maybe a little suggestive, Jake in love, established relationship, fluff, tsaheylu, cuddling, kissing/making out, cuteness aggression, jake's feelings (let me know if i missed anything !)
Author's Note: #needthat !! just a little something about jake being head over heels for his mate. it was fun to write about tsaheylu and imagine what it might feel like ! i hope you enjoy hehehe !!
Jake was a simple man. He didn’t need much. Just a meal to fill his stomach, the rush of a successful hunt or a ride on his ikran, and, most of all, you.
Jake loved the feeling of you. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t indulge in you, his mate. Your skin was so soft against his when he held you, and he delighted in the small sounds he could coax out of you, each a reward for his efforts.
Why you chose a skxawng (idiot) like him, he would never know, but he was grateful that you did. Grateful for the new life you gave him, one where he finally felt whole.
You were always on his mind. Even as he went from tree to tree during the evening patrol. He couldn’t wait to get back to the village where you were waiting up for him, and he all but ran home.
He padded quietly into your shared kelku (home), abandoning his gear by the door and securing the flap for the night. The room fell into an almost complete darkness, but he could still see the glow of your skin where you laid on the hammock.
Your ears twitched toward the familiar sounds of your mate as he shuffled around the room, quickly washing the day away and taking off his accessories. You rolled onto your side when Jake finally climbed into the hammock, his weight making the woven mat dip. He slotted himself behind you, your bodies fitting together like Eywa crafted you from the same stone.
Sighing contentedly, Jake hooked his chin over your shoulder and slid his hand up the softness of your stomach to rest over your heart.
“Hi, baby,” he mumbled, breath fanning over the skin of your neck. “You tired?”
“A little,” you answered, laying a hand on top of his. “Welcome back.”
He hummed, pressing light kisses wherever he could. You turned your head to give him better access and he trailed his lips up the side of your throat.
“Baby,” he murmured as he nuzzled against your jaw.
“Hmm?”
“Can we…?”
You opened your eyes to find him looking up at you, with your own tanhi reflected in his gaze. You brought a hand up to trace over the cluster of bioluminescent freckles (tanhi) on his cheek. His brow was lifted high in expectancy, looking far too innocent for what you knew he wanted to do.
But you nodded and Jake grinned, taking his warm hand from your chest to prop himself up. You watched as he gently took your twsin (queue/braid) in his hand and brought it towards his own. Glowing, the tendrils wove together as if by Eywa’s own hand.
You gasped at the sudden shift, feeling him everywhere, like he flowed through your veins. Jake’s eyes closed and he exhaled heavily, holding the connection in his hand.
His locs brushed your cheeks as he leaned down to kiss you. Sweetly at first as if in greeting, but then he took your bottom lip between your teeth and tugged gently. You gripped his biceps, digging your nails into the flexed muscle. He smoothed over your lip with his tongue before reattaching his mouth to yours.
You let him in when he sought to go deeper, kissing you just the way you liked it until you did not know where Jake began and where you ended. Pleasure coursed through you and his heart beat rapidly in your chest but it could have just as easily been your own.
Jake pulled back and your brow furrowed at the loss of his touch. He smoothed the creased skin with the pad of his thumb, feeling your disappointment as if it was his. But it was short lived, dispelled by his fond expression and the feeling of all his affection welling up in you. You smiled at each other for a moment, basking in the overwhelming warmth of your love.
Jake suddenly dropped on top of you, letting his full weight press against your body. Smothered, you huffed and almost laughed as he hastily wrapped his arms around you. He squeezed until you were breathless.
“Jake.” You managed, with more fondness than rebuke.
He turned, resting his forehead against your temple. “God, I love you,” He breathed.
Tsaheylu (the bond) told you all that you needed, but it was always nice to hear the words aloud. You pulled your arms out of his tight grasp and draped them over his wide shoulders.
“I love you more.”
Jake shook his head. “No shot.”
How could you when coming back to you each day, and waking up to you each morning was more than he could have ever dreamed of? To be wrapped in your soft embrace, when all he had known was the folding cot, the hard ground of the bush, and a small, lonely apartment?
That was a lifetime ago, far away and bleak. And yet the memory of it only made him more grateful. Grateful that he had said “yes” to those men in suits. Grateful that you found him that fateful night in the forest. Grateful he came back, that you still loved him and fought beside him after all he had done.
He felt your contentment as you drifted off into sleep and he smiled against your skin.
There was no doubt in Jake's mind that he was finally where he belonged.
Its been like 2 years since I've posted a fanfic on here so... hi again. I come back with a Lord of the Rings blurb because why not.
Word Count: 930
Pairing: Éomer Eadig x Reader
Content warnings: None. Literally fluffier than the snow in this story.
Description: Snow falling in Rohan is not uncommon, but some magic must be entertwined in the flakes this time because everything seems more enchanting.
Takes place a couple years before the events of the War of the Ring.
You looked out across the snowy plains from your perch high on the hill. This sitting room in Meduseld offered the best lookout for people watching.
It was frigid today after a blizzard had rolled in through the night, leaving soft, fluffy piles of snow in its wake. The children had been out playing in it all morning. You had been working on your embroidery while watching them, the perfect task to do while you kept your hands busy.
They had been tossing snowballs back and forth for the better part of an hour now and you were sure they would start to complain of the cold and head inside. Instead they had created two large walls to hide behind as they pelted ice across the middle.
You sucked in a sharp breath as you stuck your needle in your pointer finger. "Bema," you hissed, dropping your needle work to put pressure on the tiny wound that was just barely welling blood.
"Careful who you hit, Ċildra!" A booming voice called, making your attention turn back to the outdoors. You were surprised how well sound carried through the finely crafted glass imported from Mirkwood, but when you saw who was shouting, it became clear how you could hear him.
Éomer was stomping up to the children. The kids all ducked behind their makeshift snow banks and peeked fearful eyes out to watch the Marshall angrily march up to them. "He might have a good arm for throwing snow!" Eomer said, barking out a laugh as the kids poked their heads out to look confusingly at him.
The snow barely reached the top of his feet while the children couldn't seem to stay standing. He bent down to grab two handfuls of snow and mashed them together to make one large snowball. The kids all started giggling, but ducked back under the protection of their wall.
"Y/n!" Theodred called from behind you. He came into the sitting room and leaned against the door frame. "There you are," he sighed.
You swiveled around to see him better, "Here I am," you agreed. "What can I do for you?"
"I need a favor. Hilda disappeared. Could you bring in the extra wood baskets from the stables? Erkenbrand’s eored just arrived and I need to make arrangements for where to put them up tonight." He asked.
You heard a playful yell followed by the children squealing down below. You bit back a smile and replied, "Of course,"
"Thank you," He paused, "Oh and if you find Eomer, tell him we're waiting for him. I can't find that boy anywhere these days."
He was hardly a boy. At 26 and the third Marshall, he had grown into his tall stature. His boyish charm, though, had stuck like glue.
" I will," you agreed as he turned to leave the room.
"You always do," the crown prince teased as he fled through the doorway.
As you made your way down the steps of Meduseld, you held your arms tight around yourself. The woolen dress and thick shawl you wore did little against the chill of the wind. Snow was falling again in soft, small flurries when you reached the white covered ground.
"Thwack!" You gasped out loud as an icy cold sensation hit the side of your cheek.
You looked up to see Éomer staring at you with wide eyes, one fist covering his mouth.
"Sorry!" He exclaimed, rushing over to you, grabbing your shoulders tightly with each hand. You clutched the stinging of your cheek as the shock wore off.
"Bema, I'm sorry. I was trying to… well I had poor aim." he said worriedly, searching your face for any trace of pain.
Instead, a laugh tumbled out of your lips. "You should see your face," you laughed as his expression fell in relief.
"You scared me, ælfscyne." he grumbled, dropping his hands from your shoulders.
"You scared me first by throwing ice in my face!" You scoffed playfully, hitting him in the shoulder gently.
"I'm sorry, will you forgive me?" he asked, looking pleadingly at you.
"Hmmm, what would you give me if I do?" you asked, smiling coyly when he raised his eyebrows.
"Well I suppose it would have to be something deserving of your forgiveness," he said thoughtfully, resting his hand on the hilt of his blade still sheathed at his belt.
"Obviously," you nodded in agreement.
"How about this?" he lent down and kissed your cheek where the snowball had hit you.
"ooooooo!" the children cooed as you blushed.
Éomer turned around to face his former opponents, "Off you go, go find your mothers!" he shouted and they scurried off like ants.
"Éomer!" We both turned to see Eowyn making her way down the steps of Meduseld. "Theodred has been looking for you two everywhere. He and Erkenbrand are waiting in the Great Hall for your report brother." she turned to you, "The kitchen maids are waiting for the baskets."
"I'm sorry, my lady," you said earnestly, bowing your head and turning to rush off to the stables.
"Wait," Éomer said, catching your arm before you made it too far.
You looked up expectantly at him, "Do I have your forgiveness?" he asked.
"Of course, there's nothing to forgive." you smiled back as he grinned down at you.
"I will see you tonight at dinner?" he asked as Eowyn started all but tapping her foot in impatience.
"Yes," you laughed, "Go, before they send out an eored to find you."
His smile cracked impossibly wider, but he nodded and turned to follow behind Eowyn who was taking the steps two at a time.
"Bema," you breathed out as you picked your way through the snow the kids had disrupted. You held your cheek which was warm despite the cold. Not from getting hit, but from the blush that arose everytime you thought of the Third Marshall.
ælfscyne = elflike beauty in Old English (aka Rohanese).
Pandora in Bloom prompts:
3. Grumpy x sunshine, 8. Pulling a prank, 34. Mutual pining
Word count: 750
Pairing: Tsu'tey x fem!reader
Description: You play your tricks on Tsu'tey and he pretends to hate it.
Content Warnings: None?
Author's note: Based on this request!
You held your breath as you waited, not daring to move a muscle in case it caused a shift in the kelku’s (home's) woven floor. Your nimble frame was braced against the canvased wall, frozen in place as you waited for your friend to walk around the corner. You had seen him approaching from afar and ducked into his home at the last minute, deciding to do one of your favorite activities.
Scaring the living daylights out of him.
You knew that most would not dare to pull anything on the Eykatay (second in command, Olo’eyktan in waiting), but you had no reservations about challenging his grumpy attitude. Besides, he always tolerated you. He may call you annoying and say you were sent by Eywa to test him, but you knew deep down, beyond the layers of solid rock he surrounded himself with, that a golden, soft heart laid underneath. You just had not quite found it yet...
You stiffened as you heard his deft movement close by. He had to be using the branches of Hometree to climb up by now. A rustling just outside the home had anticipation spiking in you.
You saw a flash of blue skin and a blur of black hair, which was all you needed to fly out of your hiding spot. “Ahhh!” you shrieked as you jumped out at Tsu’tey, grabbing his arm for extra effect.
He looked terrified, eyes blown wide and jaw locked, as he lurched back in surprise. He did not make a noise, he was a composed warrior after all, but the reaction you got was more than enough for you to be satisfied. Your wait was well worth it.
His shoulders slumped and his posture relaxed a hair when he realized that it was only you, and not someone trying to kill him. “Wiya (damn)!” he huffed when you started cackling. You were laughing so hard, you could not see the way his eyes softened as he took in the unadulterated joy plain on your face.
You folded at the waist, head coming to rest on his shoulder as you doubled over in laughter. Your grip on his arm only tightened as your knees weakened.
“What are you doing, skxawng (moron)?” he asked, but you were too busy laughing to notice the way his hand came to ghost over your back as if to steady you. You straightened up all on your own to answer his question though.
“I am proving that you, mighty warrior, are scared like a little ‘eveng (child),” you grinned, making Tsu’tey roll his eyes.
“Hona (cute), but you are a mischiefmaker,” he gritted out.
That only encouraged you further, “All I heard from that is that I am cute,” you teased, smiling innocently, even as he knew you were anything but.
“The Great Mother tests me everyday by putting you in my path.” He sighed. “I was not scared, merely prepared to jump into a fight,” he argued and you scoffed.
“I am pretty sure that you jumping out of your skin was not your most battle ready stance,” you shot back and his eyes widened, anger flaring in them as he let you goad him.
“I did not!” he demanded, crossing his arms over his chest as you did the same, mirroring him as you stood off with each other.
“Yes, you did! Saeyla and Atan are going to love this!” you giggled, backing away to head back to common areas to find them. He would never hear the end of it from his current and former protégés.
“Do not dare!” he ordered, but you were already through the kelku’s entryway and he was already darting out behind you. He never made any real effort to catch you, but hearing your laugh echoing all the way down hometree was magic. He would follow that sound anywhere.
The truth that he would never admit to you was, he had seen you duck into the home and seen your shadow along the kelku’s wall. He had known what was waiting for him, but he did not want to see you disappointed. He would much rather pretend to be frightened of your trick than to see the childish pout you like to wear when things did not go as you wished.
He was silently glad he had not ruined your "surprise" for him. Despite the embarrassment and ridicule he knew he would face when you told others the story, making you laugh would be well worth it.
Pandora in Bloom:
6. “I will always protect you” and 34. Mutual pining
Word count: 3.5k
Pairing: Tsu'tey x omatikaya!reader
Description: Before he even knew Sylwanin, Tsu'tey had loved you. It had been his parent's ambitious meddling that forced him into a betrothal with the chief's daughter, and his own foolish honor that kept him in it. Meanwhile, you were left to pay the price.
Content Warnings: grief, angst, happy ending, takes place before and during movie 1.
Author's note: Based on this request.
Your love for each other had been a growing thing.
Tsu’tey te Rongloa Ateyitan and you had first met as toddlers. Your mother would laugh and often tell the story of when Tsu'tey had hesitantly given you a kiss on your cheek and you squealed in delight. Your childhood was filled with similar stories of the two of you playing together, learning together, even getting in trouble together. When you got older, your mother teased you, saying he had flirted his way into your good graces. Ever since you were young, you and Tsu’tey had been inseparable.
For many years, it was not uncommon for the two of you to be seen playing together as your laughs echoed off of the trees. As you had grown, your adventures grew more daring and your bond only stronger.
When you were 15, you had once tripped on a vine up in the Hallelujah Mountains while there with Tsu’tey. You had been terrified as your body nearly pitched off of the side of the rock and down into the sky below. But before you could fall, a teenage Tsu’tey had grabbed your shoulder, pulling you away from the edge and into his arms. He had quickly checked you over for injuries, and became even more worried when he found the scrape at your knee and another on your hand.
“Do not do that ever again," he had chided you, brow low on his forehead as he pulled you to his chest in a tight embrace. He closed his eyes, breathing in your scent and thanking the Great Mother that you were still alive.
“I did not mean to, and besides, everything is okay. You were there to save me,” you pointed out, voice a little strained as he squeezed your torso in a death grip.
He sighed in exasperation. “I will always save and protect you, but I would rather not have to worry about you so much, Sevin’awpo (pretty one). You are as clumsy as an infant pa’li (direhorse),” he complained from over your shoulder, finally letting go and pulling away to look at you.
“Do not worry for me,” you insisted and he rolled his eyes before withdrawing his hands from you and standing up.
He held out a hand to help you. “That is much easier to speak than to do,” he said as he hauled you up. He had helped you limp back home, painstakingly making sure each step was sure and supported.
From then on, you had only grown closer as you finished out your teen years, even sharing a kiss under the glowing light of the Tree of Voices when you were 17.
He had promised to bring you back one day to make you his mate when you both were older, when you were ready. He had sworn to show his love for you to the Great Mother herself. You had blushed a deep violet, making Tsu’tey smile. “What is your answer?” he had asked.
“Yes, I am already yours,” you had agreed with little thought needed.
But now, you were adults, and things were a lot different than they used to be. Now, he was betrothed to another.
Your own family had always wished for you to be together, but Tsu’tey’s had always wanted something greater for their son. When the Olo’eyktan started eyeing Tsu’tey to be his predecessor, a match had been struck without Tsu’tey’s knowledge. He was to mate with Sylwanin, the chief’s daughter, and assume the position of her father when he died.
Tsu’tey had sat stiffly by the waterfalls after his father had informed him of this match. His back was ridged when you found him. You knew where to look for your love when he disappeared, he could be quiet and reserved when he was thinking something over. He liked to have his own space to do so, but you had always been welcome into it.
You sat down beside him, dipping your toes into the frigid water. “What is wrong?” you asked, unknowingly entering into the moments preceding your own heartbreak.
“There has been news… and we can no longer be together,” he mumbled, eyes rimmed red, but no tears fell.
“What?” you had asked in shock, blood draining out of your face.
“Sylwanin has been promised to me. I am now Eykatay,” he explained, looking over to you, but not letting his eyes meet your stunned expression.
“But-” you muttered, mouth hanging agape uselessly, unsure of what to say. Tears welled in your eyes at the news, the heartbeat in your chest was erratic. “Eykatay… you will be Olo’eyktan one day,” you reasoned out loud.
“It was done without my consent, but I know it is a place of honor. I am… I will follow through with it, for my parents sake. This is all they have ever wanted of me, although it is not something I ever imagined or hoped of achieving, ” he explained, eyes falling back to his hands as he messed with the bracelet around his wrist, one you had made for him.
“Then, I am happy for you,” you lied. Your voice was so quiet, that the rush of water nearly drowned it out. His eyes shot up again, this time meeting yours as your first tears fell. “I am,” you insisted, voice breaking.
Tsu’tey’s face fell at your act of bravery, but he easily saw through it. “Y/n, I wish things could be different. I wish I could love you for everyone to see, but since I cannot, I will hide it in my heart for all of time. Do not doubt my devotion to you, I am yours, even if I am with another.”
You scoffed, eyes narrowing at his unknown cruelty. “What does it matter? Your words hurt me, Tsu’tey.” Your tears were now freeflowing. “We cannot be together, and I wish… I wish I did not love you, then maybe my heart would not feel as if it is being torn in two. How could you let them strike this bargain?” you asked, broken hearted.
“I do not…” Tsu’tey started, but he stopped when a stubborn tear fell down his own face. “I did not know. To back out now would be to insult the Olo'eyktan and his family, to dishonor the clan. I cannot change what has been done,” he initiated and you only cried harder.
“What can I do to make this easier?” he begged, his hand falling onto your shoulder.
You sniffled, quickly knowing what you were going to ask for. “Do not speak to me as if we were friends. I cannot bear it… I could not bear to continue seeing you day in and day out if I cannot love you.”
“No, please.” he murmured, attempting to pull you closer to him, but you pushed him away, standing on unsteady feet.
“This is the only way. If you are to love her, then be good to her, as you have done to me,” you ordered, backing away before turning and disappearing into the forest, leaving Tsu’tey alone to cry.
Tsu’tey would do as you asked. From then on, he kept a wide berth from you, but he could not stop his eyes from watching you. His gaze burned like a brand on your skin, but you refused to look back. You knew you would only find him sitting with her.
-
When Sylwanin died over a year later, no hope had bloomed in your heart of having Tsu’tey’s love again. You were too busy mourning the young adults who had been killed in the massacre, one of which was your older brother.
It did not take long for him to find you. Tsu’tey had stood in the doorway of your family's kelku (home) the day after the tragedy. The others were out, preparing your brother's body for the burial that afternoon, but you had not worked up the courage to join them. His eyes were once again red and bloodshot, made even more prominent by the thick white stripe of paint running down his face and chest that matched yours.
“I am sorry,” he had whispered, his hand bracing himself against the doorway.
You stayed motionless on the floor, gripping your brother’s bow with a vice hold. You eventually managed to pull your eyes up to see the love of your life hovering like he had no idea what to do.
“I am sorry as well,” you mumbled, “Sylwanin was a wonderful woman.”
He sighed, moving closer to you and crouching several feet away. Even having him this close felt like your lungs were constricted beyond breathing.
“She was,” he agreed.
“And Neytiri, she is young, but is already accomplished. I wish you many years of happiness,” you continued, verbally creating space as you reminded yourself of where his responsibilities lie. He had a new betrothed now, their deaths changed nothing except adding on to the bitter weight of sorrow pressing on your chest.
He sucked in a deep breath but nodded. “She is young, I will not mate with her for many years. Maybe…”
“Stop,” you pleaded, jaw clenching. “Make no more promises to me, I will not cut open a wound that has already been healed,” you said, but you both knew that you were far from being healed. Your love for one another had caused permanent cuts on both of your hearts that still bled with every thought of one another, every longing glance across a crowded room, every time a laugh was heard. They would never heal completely, just bleed less
He said nothing in response, and you did not either. He could think of nothing to say that did not dishonor Sylwanin and his commitment to her more than he had already.
A shuffling outside alerted you a second too late, your father coming through the entry way and halting in his tracks when he saw Tsu’tey.
“Sir,” Tsu’tey bowed his head in respect, “Oel ngati kameie.”
Your father’s grief stricken eyes turned to stone as he looked upon the man he had once thought would be his Son-in-law by now. He then looked to you, finding only more pain and sorrow than normal in his child’s eyes.
“Get out,” your father growled, surprising both you and Tsu’tey.
“Sempul-” you tried, but your father held out a hand.
You had told your family of what happened when they had asked. They immediately comforted you, telling you that you would be better off and that it was Eywa’s will. You had tried so desperately to believe them, but they saw the change that had occurred in you as you mourned a love that had once given you such joy.
Tsu’tey was frozen, wide eyed. Your family had been kind and accepting of him in the past, although it had been a long time since they had acknowledged him. He supposed he too would have been cold to a man who had treated his own child so abominably.
“Get out! Your former betrothed is not even in the ground and yet you are here, bothering my child. Have you not done enough?” Your father hissed and Tsu’tey lowered his head in shame.
He looked at your seated form, red eyes meeting red eyes. He swallowed thickly before nodding, muttering out an “I am sorry,” before stumbling back and walking out of the kelku. He paused as he heard crying from inside and your father muttering comforting platitudes as you sobbed in his arms.
Two more years had passed since that day. Tsu’tey and Neytiri had gotten to know one another slowly as they each healed and recovered from Sylwanin’s death. You on the other hand, had moved throughout life in a numb haze, hardly feeling anything after your brother’s passing. Of course, you still lived, still ate and sang and slept, still spoke to friends. You even laughed on occasion. But your life had taken a great, shuddering breath and stilled when your heart had been broken beyond repair a second time.
The dream walker arriving in your village had been an odd distraction from your own pain, and watching him fail over and over again had made you giggle for the first time in a long time. You knew after watching him that he was not like the other humans, he was too open hearted and dedicated, to be as cruel as they had been. You still did not trust him, but you could see that he was not the demon the rest of the clan thought him to be at first.
After Jake had passed his dream hunt last night, the clan had celebrated deep into the darkness. You yourself had indulged in drinks, liking the way they made your edges grow fuzzy and the soft way they lulled you to sleep when the night was over. But you would come to slightly regret those last few drinks by morning.
Now, your head felt as if it was throbbing, the concoction of herbs your mother gave you hours previous only dulling the blow. Your headache was quickly forgotten, though, and replaced with a new pain entirely when the scouts reported back, Tsu’tey among them.
When the clan heard of the cutting down of Utraya Mokri (Tree of Voices) this morning, they had dissolved into screams and wails. Your own voice joining them. You had felt too awash with grief, it was too heavy for you to bear. You had slipped out of Hometree and come here to clear your head before what you were sure would be an upcoming battle.
You sat at the bottom of the waterfall you and Tsu’tey had often met at as children, the rush of the water drowning out the louder thoughts in your head. The sun was almost directly above you, beating mercilessly onto your head and shoulders. You rubbed at your forehead, swishing your legs in the water at the edge of the pool as the coolness of it staved off some of the oppressive heat. Shimmyflys arched gracefully over the water, but you were too depressed to notice their beauty.
Your mind was still consumed by him.
You remembered the way Tsu’tey had looked so longingly at you the night before at the celebrations. Na’vi danced in costumes and ribbons, music beat a steady tempo, and you had sat with your friends, yet still felt so lonely. You had noticed his attention on you from across the room, it had rarely wavered throughout the night. His gaze had remained so unchanged these past 3 years, and it still sent a pang of grief through you.
You did not know it, but as Neytiri and Jake had danced and you had nursed cups of kava, Tsu’tey had felt his life dissolve further around him. He was sitting in a room full of people and had never felt further from his own clan. His intended obviously loved another, and he could not fault her for that. Neytiri seemed no different than he, other than the fact that she seemed to be doing something about it.
A growing resentment for himself had taken root in his chest years ago, but tonight, it seemed as if the vines were choking him. If he had the courage of Neytiri, if he were not bound by duty and honor and respect, he would march over to you, take you in his arms, and kiss you so senseless that you would not know up from down. But he was bound, so he did not do as he wished.
Now, as you sat on the edge of the water, you just wanted a reprieve. You wanted to be happy, to move on, maybe even find someone else, but your heart would not let you, not when it still belonged to him.
The pattering of footsteps startled you from your contemplation. You whirled around to see Tsu’tey flying through the forest, leaping over roots and plants with the agility of a nantang (viperwolf). His braids streamed out behind him like banners as he headed straight towards you.
You stood up, eyes wide, as he approached you faster than a palulukan (thanator) smelling its next meal. He did not slow down enough to stop completely in front of you. Instead, you squealed as he scooped you up in his arms, your breath knocking clean out of your lungs at the impact. Your feet left the ground and your arms found purchase around his neck as he picked you up.
Out of instinct, your legs had wrapped around his waist, just to keep from falling. His stride cut through the shallow water and your own skin was splashed before he finally stopped. The water was momentarily cold, but his skin was warm where it pressed against your own. “What? What has happened?” you demanded as you clung to him for dear life.
“Sevin’awpo, Neytiri has broken our betrothal by mating with the dreamwalker. Thank Eywa the Olo’eyktan has no more daughters for my parents to tie me to now,” he laughed heartily.
You gasped, mind reeling at the news as you leaned away from his shoulder to see his face. “Does that mean you cannot be Olo’eyktan?” you asked, mind occupied with all of the hard work and dedication he had put into gaining the role he had given you up for. With everything currently happening with the humans, there needed to be a clear line of succession.
He blinked, brow furrowing at what he felt to be an off-task question. Should you not be celebrating this news with him? “I do not know,” he shook his head.
“The Olo’eyktan will surely let you keep it. It cannot go to a dream walker, even one who is his daughter’s mate,” you muttered, mind flowing through every possibility.
He huffed out another laugh, “I do not care anymore. That was always my parents dream, you were always mine. For so long, I held duty and responsibility above my own heart, but I will take this chance given to me. Let Jake Suli be Olo’eyktan now, I care not. He and Neytiri can have the clan, as long as I have you.”
“You cannot mean that,” you chided him, gasping. “All you have worked for, all you have given up…”
“Why not? You were what I gave up, and I was miserable each day until now,” he insisted.
You shook your head, struggling to come to terms with everything he had told you. “You are really free? You are no longer engaged?” you asked, your mind felt as if it was still very far behind.
He smiled, as if knowing you needed to hear it again. “I am free, I am yours again, not just in heart, but in mind and body too. Say you are still mine. Say that you still love me,” he pleaded. For the first time in so long, you saw a spark of joy behind his golden eyes.
You let out a gleeful huff of a laugh, tears welling in your eyes now for a completely different reason. “Of course I am still in love with you. I tried so very hard not to be, but I could not move on, I could not be happy without you,” you confessed.
“That brings me both joy and sorrow. I am overjoyed that I still am in your heart, but also grief as it means I have caused you pain,” he grimaced, looking down in guilt.
“We are both fools in love, but all is right now. Eywa heard my prayers,” you smiled, lifting his chin up so he could look at you and know you were too happy to be mad at him now.
“As she heard mine,” he nodded back.
“Then let us be thankful, the rest can be spoken about later. I just want to enjoy this happiness, it is so rare,” you said.
“We can be happy forever, I will wait no longer. I promised you once that I would take you back to the Utraya Mokri (Tree of Voices), but seeing as it was destroyed this morning, I will take you to the Vitraya Ramunong (Tree of Souls) if you will let me,” he offered and your heart soared.
The destruction of the tree felt like a crude reminder of everything at stake, but it was also a push for you to act now. You were not promised a tomorrow, tomorrow would bring death and pain and violence, but you did have today. You had this very moment.
You smiled, but still asked, “Are you sure?” wanting so desperately for him to take you by the hand and lead you there.
“I will not let them bind me to someone else, not when there is only you. Our clan will soon join a war if it has not already. I will fight, and I know you will too, so if we are to die, let it be hand in hand. Be my mate,” he begged and you could do nothing but stare wide eyed as he set you down to extend his hand, silently praying to the Great Mother that you would take it.
The pause was short, but felt long. The waterfall behind you being the only noise you heard as the two of you gazed longingly at each other, searching for clues. Finally, with a shuddering breath, you slipped your hand into his and said, “Take me there.”
Description: Your mate's family never approved of you, but you didn't think they hated you to the point of murder.
Content Warnings: Attempted murder, reader is forced to throw up, reader gets medical shots, reader is experiencing unrelated headaches, established relationship, I’m a Tsu’tey lives truther now, takes place 1-2 years after the events of the first movie.
Author's note: My second Tsu'tey fic!! This could be read as a standalone or a continuation of I Want to See (part 2 is coming, I promise). This is based off of this request.
Thank you @lejardinfleur for beta reading!!
Na’vi Words used:
Kelku - home
Yawnetu - Loved one
Oel ngati kameie - I see you
Frawzo - Okay
Sa'nok - Mother
'Eveng - Child
Txumtsä'wll - Baja Tickler Plant (No, I am not pulling your leg. Look it up)
Yawne - Beloved
“Think of the odds, Tsu’tey. In any scenario, did you ever see yourself falling in love with a human?” you grinned, pressing your head back into his neck.
His chest shook with a chuckle. “No, never. But I thank Eywa that I can look forward to spending this lifetime with you, and the next,” Tsu’tey muttered over your shoulder into the quiet kelku. Your eyes narrowed at the words.
“Define lifetime, my love. You know humans don’t live as long as Na’vi,” you reminded your mate. Moving your fingers in circles on his arm that wrapped around you.
“What do you mean?” he asked and your hand stilled.
“Humans only live maybe 70-80 years. I probably have about 50 years left, give or take,” you explained and he propped himself up on his elbow, looking down at you.
“50 years…” he repeated.
“Yes,” you confirmed. You adjusted your mask so that it sat more comfortably over your forehead and it made a suction sound as it resealed.
After complaining of a severe headache yesterday, Norm suggested you stay in your human body for a few days to give your brain time to relax and recover. You wanted to ignore his advice at first, but after he threatened to tell the Olo’eyktan, you relented, not wanting to worry your mate.
Tsu’tey was quiet for a few moments, gripping your midsection tighter. “Why did you not tell me?” he finally asked.
“I thought you knew. I thought Grace would have taught you in the school,” you argued.
“No, we barely scratched the surface of even the human language before the massacre. She rarely spoke about human ability or life beyond speech and some culture,” he murmured, contemplating this new information.
“Oh…” you whispered. “I’m sorry, I didn't even think about that.” You were in your mid 20’s, Tsu’tey only a year older than you. But now that this conversation was being had, you realized your clock was ticking a little faster than his.
“If our time is limited, then we will simply make sure to enjoy it. That is still a lifetime, just a shorter one than I imagined for us,” he said and you looked up at him with a smile.
“And just so it’s all out there, did you know that humans age a lot faster too?” you asked.
He raised an eyebrow. “So you will be all wrinkly and have feeble bones while I still look like this?” he asked, not to judge as much as to clarify.
“Mhhmm,” you nodded. “It will probably start in 30 years or so,” you hummed in agreement. “Oh, and my hair will turn white.”
“Human’s are a strange species,” he shook his head but laid back down behind you.
“Tell me about it,” you sighed. “My avatar will stay in better shape though, that body could probably live as long as a Na’vi, if it weren't for the mind connected to it.”
“But the mind is what I fell in love with. I do not care so much about the body,” Tsu’tey replied and a warm feeling settled in your chest.
“I am rather brilliant,” you smiled as he gently poked your side, making you squirm and laugh.
“Although I cannot argue, I have to say that your self-esteem is infallible, Yawnetu,” Tsu’tey sighed.
“Hmm, but you like that about me,” you pointed out.
“This is true,” he shrugged.
-
The next day, you donned your mask again rather than linking to your avatar. Your headache still sat behind your eyes so you decided to wait another day before connecting. Norm asked you to go out and collect samples since you weren't of much use with your headache skewing your focus, so you grabbed a backpack from the lab and started traveling across camp.
The Omatikaya were currently set up not too far from Hell’s Gate, while the humans lived in the Avatar program area and the labs. Jake had convinced Tsu’tey to not settle in another Hometree in case the humans came back. He did not want another target for them to destroy. This was a good distance from the deep forest, but not so far that it would take you all day to travel there.
“Y/n!” Artsut, Tsu’tey’s mother, called as she approached, catching you off guard as you maneuvered through the kelku’s and common spaces. It was odd to see her from such a downward angle since you usually only saw her through your Avatar’s eyes.
“Oel ngati kameie, Artsut,” you greeted your mother in law. You eyed her carefully, not expecting kindness from the older woman. You mentally prepared for her usual brashness.
It was rare for Artsut to seek you out, considering Tsu’tey’s entire family hated you. They were very displeased that their son, the Olo’eyktan had mated with a dream walker and had no problem showing their disapproval.
“Where are you going? The sun is barely up,” she asked and your eyebrows raised further. It was uncommon for her to ask about you other than to berate you for being a dumb human.
“Just to gather some plants for the scientists,” you explained and she nodded like your words were interesting. You were surprised at her attitude today. Tsu’tey must have talked to her again, even though you had asked him not to.
“It sounds dangerous for a little human to go into the forest alone. Maybe Tsu’tey should go with you,” she suggested and you fought the urge to roll your eyes. They always thought you were so incapable.
“I am fine. No need to bother the Olo’eyktan.”
She cocked her head as if she was agreeing to your point and was pleased you valued his role. “Then maybe I should go with you,” she added.
“That is very kind, but I’m good. I do this all the time,” you promised.
“Frawzo… if you insist. It is hot today. Do you at least have a waterskin?” she asked, and the question made you pause.
“Uh, no actually. I forgot my water bottle in the lab,” you groaned with a light blush at your blunder, knowing you would have to go back for it and waste unnecessary time.
“Here, have mine,” she unlatched her plant made pouch from her waist and handed it to you.
“Really? I couldn't possibly-”
“I am heading to first meal and there will be water there. Go, Tsu’tey would kill us both if something happened to you,” Artsut insisted and you smiled up at her.
“Thank you, Sa’nok. You just saved my life!” you said, taking slow steps away from her.
“Of course, Ma 'eveng. Safe travels today,” she hummed before turning and walking away.
You smiled at her kindness, giddy at the small act of acceptance after a year of being mated to her son. You attached the waterskin to your backpack as you continued walking into the forest.
You found the plants Norm had requested of you pretty quickly. You gathered them into plastic sleeves from the lab and tucked them away back into your backpack before heading home. The hot afternoon sun beat down on your head and shoulders as you walked, making perspiration gather on your forehead and your headache throb dully.
You winced at a particularly intense wave of pain and paused to take the water out of your bag, grateful to Artsut for taking care of you. You walked and sipped, enjoying the hydration, even if the water was a little warm.
As you reached the outskirts of camp, you felt another wave of pain, except this one started in your abdomen and traveled up to your chest. You stumbled, suddenly unsteady on your feet.
“Woah,” you muttered as dizziness consumed you, followed by a thick wave of black. Your body hitting the brush below was the last thing you remembered before it was lights out.
-
Tsu’tey stalked up to Jake and Neytiri’s kelku, thunder in each of his steps. “Have you seen her?” he asked his two friends whose laughter dried up at the frightful sight that darkened their door.
“Y/n?” Jake asked, patting the bottom of baby Neteyam who sat in a sling around his chest. Kiri was nestled against her mother’s side as Neytiri braided fibers for clothing.
“Yes, she has been missing all day. Even the humans have not seen her since this morning.”
“She’s around here somewhere,” Jake assured him, but Tsu’tey shook his head.
“I have looked,” he insisted, turning away from the home and marching to the tree where his Ikran liked to perch. He could search better by air than by foot.
“Wait, Tsu’tey!” Jake called, handing the baby over to Netytiri. “Let me help you,” he suggested and Tsu’tey nodded. An extra set of eyes would be helpful.
“Comb the South, I will go North. The plants she was collecting grow all over the forest, she could be anywhere.”
“Got it,” Jake nodded and turned to go call his Ikran.
“Tsu’tey!” A young, frantic voice had Jake and Tsu’tey turning and running to meet a young Tarsem who was panicking.
“It’s Y/n! She’s in the woods. I think she’s dead!” the little boy of only 6 years old started to heave in erratic breaths.
His stomach plummeted at the words but he refused to believe them. “Where?” Tsu’tey demanded.
Tarsem pointed behind him, leading the two hunters through the village to an outcropping of trees. Half covered by brush, you laid on your stomach, mouth gaping open as if you had been trying to breathe.
“No,” Tsu’tey muttered, crouching to the ground beside you and pulling your tiny, human body into his lap. He put his ear to your mouth and nearly cried in relief when he heard a shallow breath.
“She lives,” he called to Jake whose shoulders slumped.
“I’m going to go get Mo’at. Boy, get the scientists, tell them to bring medicine.” Jake ordered Tarsem and both of them fled in opposite directions.
“Stay with me, Yawnetu,” Tsu’tey begged. “We still have 50 more years, do not cut our time shorter.”
He carefully picked you up and carried you out to the village center so that you would be in closer proximity to everyone who was trying to help you. He sat down, your body cradled over his lap and your head in his hands.
“I am here. Come back to me,” he pleaded, but there was no reaction.
Mo’at and Jake turned the corner and Tsu’tey sighed a small breath of relief. Mo’at carried a bag of medical herbs and remedies with her, maybe this could be fixed.
Mo’at kneeled beside him. “How long has she been like this?” she asked.
“I do not know. She has been missing since this morning,” he answered, eyes watching Mo’at’s every movement.
Mo’at reached out a hand and moved it over your body with closed eyes. Her hand stilled over your stomach and she took her long thorn from her headdress. Without opening her eyes, she pricked the skin above your bellybutton and brought the blood to her mouth. Her eyes flew open and she spit it out.
“Poison,” she hissed grimly, moving to your head and opening your mouth.
“Poison?” Tsu’tey panicked.
“It must be purged, it is Txumtsä'wll,” she explained, sticking her pointer finger to the back of your throat.
Txumtsä'wll, a poison-spitting plant that grew deep in the forests. It cleaned the air of volcanic toxins, but accumulated the poison inside. The pressure built until the plant spit the noxious gunk out. The toxins made even the Na’vi sick, there was no telling what it could do to a human.
Tsu’tey helped roll you to the side, getting on your knees behind you as you retched on the grass below. It was clear, meaning all you had today was water. You must have been poisoned this morning if you did not even eat breakfast. The thought made his blood curdle. Someone had attempted to kill you and left you face down in the forest to suffer and die alone.
Mo’at started murmuring prayers, but Tsu’tey carefully observed, making sure you did not choke, but also seeing how your empty stomach affected you. He watched to see if you stirred.
“Jake,” Tsu’tey gritted out, a fire in his chest as he knew the only ones who would do something like this. “Go get my family, all of them. Bring them here,” he ordered his friend and Jake nodded, stalking off towards their kelku.
“They’re coming!” Tarsem yelled, braids bouncing as he ran towards you all. Tsu’tey nodded in thanks to the little boy as Norm and Max hurried down the path behind him.
Mo’at backed away to let them work, but she continued praying to Eywa. Max pulled out devices and Norm hooked up wires. They took your temperature, blood pressure, and started taking blood samples. Eventually they confirmed what Mo’at had told Tsu’tey.
“It’s effects of the Txumtsä'wll,” Norm nodded. “Not deadly to humans, but it looks like she had a big dose. What happened? Did she get in spitting range?” he asked, knowing his friend knew better but coming up with no other explanation.
“She was poisoned,” Tsu’tey said flatly, too intent on watching your face to pay any more attention to the scientists.
“Push some atropine and give her epinephrine, let's see if we can wake her.” Max ordered as they dug through their bags and pulled out vials.
They administered the shots and seconds after epinephrine was given, your eyes flew open. You coughed, rolling onto your back as you heaved in bigger breaths of air.
“Yawne,” Tsu’tey sighed, relief washed over his face and body as you sat up. He placed a hand on your back and helped you sit up, his other hand resting on your shoulder.
“What happened?” you asked, rubbing at your eyes to clear away the fog. Your head pounded even harder than before.
“You were poisoned. Did anyone give you something yesterday or today? Something you ate?” Norm asked calmly.
“Yeah… uh,” you looked warily at Tsu'tey, not wanting to make him upset by accusing his family.
He squeezed your shoulder, “Speak. Do not be afraid, Ma’ Yawne. I know who did this,” he stated.
You nodded, “Artsut gave me water this morning,” you admitted.
At that moment, Jake emerged from a pathway but no one was with him.
“Where are they?” Tsu’tey asked, standing up, his hands balled into fists at his side.
Jake shook his head, his lips pursed and his jaw clenched. “Gone, the others say your parents packed up and left during eclipse. Your brother is still here, he is coming back from a hunt now.” Jake explained and Tsu’tey’s nostrils flared with anger.
“Tsu’tey,” you said, laying a hand on his calf which was really all you could reach of him while you still sat incapacitated on the floor. He looked down at you, eyes softening before he lowered back into a crouch so you could speak to him.
“This is my fault. They would not have poisoned me if-,” you muttered, closing your eyes in grief.
“No, listen to yourself. This could never be your fault, it is theirs. They are cowards, and I will hunt them down and make them pay for what they did to you,” he vowed.
You shook your head, “No, I do not want that, let us just be glad that we still have our 50 years. We cannot spend it chasing phantoms and seeking revenge. Let them run,” you begged.
He pursed his lips, thinking it over. “They are exiled, they are not welcome back among the Omatikaya. I will not allow them near you again,” he decided and you breathed a sigh of relief.
“I am sorry you lost your parents today, my love. At least in ways that mattered,” you said, clasping his hand that already held one of yours.
“They are no longer my parents. You are the only family that I care about,” he smiled slowly and you did the same.
Enemies to loverrr? Reader is an avatar and he got assigned to teach you about navi by Moat , i wondee how he would react because he HATE human
I Want To See | Tsu'tey x Reader
Word count: 2.1k
Pairing: Tsu'tey x avatar!fem!reader
Content Warnings: Tsu'tey low-key manhandles reader?, reader (non-sexually) takes off shirt in front of Tsu'tey
Description: As an Avatar, you never thought you would get the full Na'vi experience, but not only did you get a fast pass to learn it up close and personal, you got an angry teacher to show you the ropes.
Author's note: Thank you so much for requesting a Tsu'tey fic. I am definitely more comfortable with Jake fics, but this pushed me out my comfort zone some! Hope you don't hate it!
I was literally thinking of this exact plot like a week ago, so I'm so glad you submitted it!
Na'vi Words/Terms used:
Tawtute = Skyperson
As much as you had longed to see the inside of Hometree, you hadn't expected it to go down quite like this.
The Olo’eyktan circled around his daughter, pausing to look you and Jake up and down. “These creatures, why do you bring them here?” Eytukan demanded.
Your eyes snapped to the young woman who had found you in the forest, hoping she would talk her way out of this, for all of your sakes. “I was going to kill them, but there was a sign from Eywa,” she defended herself.
He glowered at her as he responded, pointing in your general direction, “I have said no dreamwalker will come here. They offend our home! Their alien smell fills my nose,” Eytukan grumbled.
“Father, many atokirina came to these aliens,” the woman argued. She was possibly the Olo’eytan’s daughter Neytiri. You were fairly positive he only had one daughter still living according to Grace.
“What's going on?” Jake asked Neytiri. You were thankful Grace had also drilled you on the Na’vi language for the past 3 years. You could understand most of what was being said.
“My father is deciding whether to kill you,” she hissed.
Jake jumped to attention, “Your father!? Uh, good to meet you, sir,” you reached out a hand to pull him back as he stepped forward to shake the hand of the Olo’eyktan like an idiot. He was going to get you both killed.
Your grip on his arm did no good as the damage had already been done. All around you, the Na’vi obtained defensive stances and those close to you gripped your shoulders as if you had also tried to get friendly with Eytukan.
“Step back!” a commanding voice echoed down from above as an older woman appeared to stare down on you. You recognized her as the Tsahik if the labs pictures were correctly labeled.
“I will look at these aliens,” she announced, glaring at you and then Jake with wise eyes. Everybody looked up in reverence as she descended the spiral column. The warriors backed away as she approached.
“That is Mother. She is Tsahik, the one who interprets the will of Eywa,” Neytiri explained when Jake seemed only slightly terrified.
“Who's Eywa?” Jake muttered. This was a sick joke, he was trying to kill you, right? You rolled your eyes and pursed your lips to keep from saying something mean.
Mo’at stopped in front of you, critically analyzing your features before she started circling, grabbing your tail and running it through her fingers.
“What are you called?” she asked, pausing to look you in the eyes.
“Y/n L/n,” you said, bowing your head slightly just because it felt right.
“I’m Jake Sully,” Jake interjected. Mo’at raised a hand to stop him, “Not you,” she ground out, not even looking away from your face.
Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Jake withdraw, but you weren't that concerned about him at the moment because Mo’at pulled out a sharp, long thorn from her headdress. You flinched as she stabbed it skin deep over your heart. You grimaced as she ran the blood over her lips and her eyes flared as she looked back at you.
“Why did you come to us?” she demands.
“We want to learn the Na’vi way…” you hesitated, going purely off of your gut now, “I want to see what the other skypeople can not.”
Mo'at narrowed her eyes and cocked her head, considering your words. “We have tried to teach other Sky People. It is hard to fill a cup which is already full,” she claimed.
“I don’t like the world we come from. I have emptied my cup of it,” you pleaded, not only for your life, but some part of you knew you spoke the truth, regardless of if you'd like to believe it.
Mo’at analyzed you for a moment more before she turned to Jake. “My cup is empty, trust me. Just ask Doctor Augustine. I'm no scientist,” he scoffed.
She narrowed her eyes again and poked him with the thorn as well, tasting the red blood. She seemed equally perplexed as when she had checked yours.
“What are you, if not scientist?” she asked in disjointed english.
“I was a Marine -- uh, a warrior.. of the Jarhead clan,” Jake spitballed.
A man standing beside the Olo’eyktan scoffed “A warrior? I could kill him easily!”
“No! This is the first warrior dreamwalker we have seen. We need to learn more about him,” Eytukan exclaimed, gesturing to Jake.
They seemed to latch on to the idea that he was a warrior. What would they do when they found out you were a researcher? Surely you’d be dead, the Na’vi didn't respect human science or understand its purpose.
“What's going on? What are they saying?” Jake murmured to you, but you were too busy trying to decipher what was going on.
“Daughter. You will teach him our way, to speak and walk as we do,” Mo’at ordered, turning her gaze to Neytiri. Oh shit… Mo’at only said he. Yep, you were super dead.
Neytiri’s eyes widened as she angrily complained, “Why me? Why not teach her?” That is not fair!”
“It is decided!” Mo’at stated firmly, as her daughter hissed in frustration and glared at Jake.
Mo’at turned to him to translate, “My daughter will teach you our ways. Learn well, JakeSuli. We will see if your insanity can be cured,” she smiled mockingly and then looked at you. You held your breath in worry.
“As for you, girl-” but she paused what she was about to say, looking up at hometree as a pair of glowing atokirina fell down above the crowd. They twirled and danced before splitting up.
You watched as one floated towards you. It landed on the top of your head as you froze, not daring to move a muscle.
Only your eyes moved as you watched the other atokirina’s path towards the dais. It flitted around before falling on the outstretched hand of the man who had threatened to kill Jake earlier. You had seen his picture before, possibly one of Grace’s former students.
“I told you there was a sign,” Neytiri muttered, watching the display with calculating eyes.
You only breathed again when your atokirina rose, joining the other as it flew away into the night.
“Eywa has spoken,” Mo’at cried to the people. There were murmurs from the crowd in excitement and confusion.
“Tsu’tey,” she turned to the man on the dais and he stepped forward, his posture rigid like he was preparing to fight a battle.
“Tsahik,” he greeted respectfully.
“Eywa has chosen you to lead this dreamwalker to know our ways, show her the path she must take,” Mo’at instructed and your breath hitched. Of course you had to get paired up with the scariest guy here who evidently hated humans.
“Tsahik, surely there is one more willing,” Tsu’tey, as Mo’at had called him, started to argue.
“Eywa has spoken,” Moat repeated, gesturing her hand as if to say it was final. “She is your responsibility.”
Tsu’tey gritted his teeth, his jaw tight as he glared at you. He stalked toward you, his gaze intense as he grabbed your arm and hauled you after him, walking deeper into the first floor of home tree.
You dared not speak as he nearly dragged you into an alcove. He let go of his tight grip on your arm to rustle through some fabric laying in woven baskets. He pulled out a few pieces and threw it at your chest. “Change, get out of demon clothes,” he ordered, speaking English for the first time.
You watched wide eyed as he turned and left, leaving you to figure out the complicated clothes yourself.
You luckily figured out the loincloth situation easily enough, but the top was tricky. You knew that the Omatikaya did not sexualize the body like humans did, but you still felt intimidated by looking at the necklace he expected you to wear. You dug through the basket to see if there was anything that covered you more, but everything was a mess of fabrics, beads and braided fiber. You had no idea what was what.
“Why do you waste time?” Tsu’tey groaned as he walked back into the alcove. You were thankful you still had your tank top on from earlier. He had given you no warning before he burst in here.
“I can’t wear this,” you explained, holding up the long beaded strand.
“You want to learn to be one of the people, this is the path,” he instructed.
“I- um,” you looked away from his eyes, suddenly even more embarrassed. He was right, you would just have to suck it up if you wanted to be like them.
He sighed, “This one,” you looked up in shock as he handed you another top made of actual fabric, not much but you’d take it.
“Thank you,” you said, amazed as he crossed his arms and waited. You held out the top and it looked much too wide for your torso.
“How do I wear it?” you asked, very confused.
Tsu’tey rolled his eyes, “Turn around, take this off,” he instructed, pulling at your tank top and letting it snap back to your skin.
“Oh okay,” you said, your voice a little more high-pitched than normal. You tugged your shirt off, trying not to think to much about the lack of clothing on bodies in the room. You immediately felt fabric flattened onto your back and thrown over your head. He reached around you, an arm on either side as he twisted the material at your front and pulled it back over your head.
The fabric draped over your breasts before crossing at the collarbones and going around your neck. It left you much more covered and more comfortable than before. Okay, you could do this.
He stepped away and you turned around, watching as he glanced at your full ensemble now. His head leaned to the side, “It will work,” his gaze lingered on your arm where you had been cut by the Thanator claw earlier today. It felt like a year ago now.
“You are hurt,” he pointed out, stepping forward to grasp your arm and bring it in front of you. He eyed it carefully before dragging you again by said arm out into the common space.
He crouched down in front of a shelf made out of wood as he rummaged through baskets once again. He came up with long strips of fabric. “Sit,” he ordered and you sat quickly.
He took herbs from the shelf and tore them into tiny pieces, popping them in his mouth before chewing deliberately. As he was chewing, he untangled the plant fiber bandages. You grimaced as you realized what he was about to do.
He spit the herbs onto the cloth and pressed it to your skin. “Gross,” you complained, not even thinking before you spoke.
His eyes whipped up to yours, “I do not like helping you, but I will because Eywa commands it. Do not cry like a child, I will not treat you as one,” he hissed.
You recoiled, nodding fervently as he glared once more and turned his eyes back to your cut. He wrapped it in the cloth, tying it tightly before he stood up.
“Come!” was all he said before he started walking away. You scurried after him and up the spiral shaped structure to the second level where it looked like all of the rest of the clan were gathered. Hundreds of Na’vi’s sat in a circular pattern eating and talking until you walked in.
They paused and watched as Tsu’tey led you through the room to the opposite side of the circle, cautiously sidesteping tails and children and legs sprawled about the floor.
Tsu’tey passed by an empty spot and pointed to it before walking away again, crossing the middle of the circle to collect the food. You crouched at the spot and waited, watching as he got two leaves piled high with food, his strong back facing you.
You winced when he came back and saw that some of the food looked slightly similar to worms. The rest looked fine, fruits and green vegetables paired with dried meats. But the worms… that you would have to figure out how to avoid.
“For a dream walker, you do not speak much, that is good,” Tsu’tey observed, facing straight ahead as he ate.
“I'm taking everything in,” you explained.
“That is the Na’vi way. To listen more than we speak. To know is to observe,” he said gruffly.
“I will be a good student,” you promised, hoping you were right.
“You are more likely to kill us all, Tawtute. I pray Eywa has a plan,” he muttered under his breath.
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Jealousy in June prompts:
11. “I could treat you so much better than them”, 19. Forbidden or Secret relationship
Word count: 8k
Pairing: Jake Sully x fem!curvy!reader
Description: You and Jake begin to fall headfirst in love with one another, but your betrothal to Tsu'tey stands between you.
Content Warnings: Lowkey cheating? Takes place during Movie 1. Slightly ooc Jake. Reader is Neytiri's sister. Mentions/descriptions of grief. Light angst. Curvy/plus sized! reader.
Author's note: This is my first Jealousy in June fic!! I hope you enjoy it! I was actually intending to post it for my last challenge, but I didn't finish it in time so I pivoted. Thank you to Finnie for helping me so much with this! She knows how much I struggled to make it halfway decent so her help is GREATLY appreciated.
This also was inspired by a request from @tubby23 who asked for more plus sized reader!
Playlist:
Do I Wanna Know - Hozier (cover)
Guilty as Sin? - Taylor Swift
Washing Machine Heart - Mitski
Your sisters were warriors, strong and nimble as palulukans. They had tamed ikrans, passed their dream hunts, and become one of the people through proving themselves over and over. You, on the other hand, had always been quieter and more gentle.
While they practiced archery, you sat out in the sun creating strings for your instruments, humming under your breath ideas for a new tune. While they learned how to defend and protect from your father, you had been asking the Shaman of Songs a million questions and soaking up each word from her lips. Even when your sisters brought home their first kills, you had been sitting with your cousin, Ninat, as you wove songs together piece by piece.
Sylwanin was a good older sister. She was mature and kind, but she was also courageous and fiercely loyal to her people. She and Tsu’tey trained most days when they weren’t learning English at the skyperson’s school or helping the clan doing day to day tasks. She had many friends and was admired by all for both her skill and her beauty.
As the middle sister, you had always preferred to fly under people’s notice. You were used to being the quietest one, the one who did not need much and would not ask for it even if you did. You were content with letting your sisters run the show, sacrificing attention for peace. Most other people’s eyes were drawn to you for other reasons anyway, so you much preferred being alone in your kelku (home) than to be out there, trying to not gain their awareness.
Lastly, a year younger than you, Neytiri was more brash and bold. She liked having things her way and would get into a mood when the winds did not favor her. She had an open heart though, and was the most accepting out of the three sisters. She was usually the one to look forward to your Tawtute (human) lessons with Grace in years past.
But that was long ago, before Sylwanin and Tsu’tey had attacked an RDA site and destroyed mining equipment that was being used to blast holes in the ground and destroy the homes of Eywa’s creatures. Now, your oldest sister was gone, shot in the back like a traitor, and her body now buried under Hometree.
It had been two years since that day, and your family had learned to move on in some ways, less so in others. Neytiri had hardened into something nearly unbreakable, and you had softened into what every once else needed at the moment, becoming even more amenable and agreeable.
But it was Tsu’tey who had truly changed. He had become a shell of who he once was. With Sylwanin, he was still serious and responsible, yes, but he would often crack jokes and always tried to get her to smile. A different side used to come out of the Eykatay around your sister, but after her death, he had been all furrowed brow and dead eyes. Out of all of you, it was Tsu’tey, who you were often worried about.
You had been next in line to assume the role of Tsakarem, one you took with hesitance. It felt too large of a task to try to fill Sylwanin's shoes. You were far more interested in your music making than you were in mindlessly mixing herbs in your mother’s rooms and sitting in silent prayer. Yet you knew what was expected of you, and you would take it with as much grace as you could bear.
With your new position, you had not only been taught the ways of Eywa, but you assumed Sylwanin's betrothal in her place. Her promise to Tsu’tey was now yours, and with it, the assurance for him to one day become Olo’eyktan.
While being Tsahìk was not high on your list of dream jobs, you did have a loyalty to your people and your family that was as strong as human metal. You would not let Tsu’tey down, and you would not disappoint your parents. When one of your parents passed into the Great Mother’s hands, or when you and Tsu’tey both agreed it was time, you would mate with the Eykatay and seal his claim to the chiefdom and your role as its Tsahìk.
Sitting at his side during ceremonies and being forced to get to know each other had not been so bad. You had entered a hesitant friendship that bloomed into a genuine one. Your shared grief over Sylwanin worked as a bind that connected you, and together you had learned to laugh again.
You had grown into a woman who was not slim or narrow like your sisters. Despite their slight and willowy frames, you were all wide hips and thick thighs and full breasts. Your figure was uncommon for the Na’vi, and many saw you as something rare and desired. Your eyes sparkled like human gold and your smile was blinding to even the most serious warrior.
You were gorgeous. Even Tsu’tey had to agree, despite not feeling any romantic love towards you. If his heart had not already been taken, perhaps he might have loved you like a mate, but he still loved you in his own way. He could not blame others for fawning at your feet as they did, but he would not give up his obligation to your family. You were his, though it was the promise of hand rather than your heart that led him to fulfill the duty that Eywa tasked him with.
Very few could resist your full cheeks or the kindness you held in your heart. Although they tried, none had tempted you with their affections so far. You had high standards, but more than that, you knew finding love was fruitless anyway. You were already destined to be with Tsu’tey and you had made peace with that. You had carried your beauty as a heavy burden. You were kind and polite to the hunters and weavers and farmers who approached you for your interests, but you never entertained them, knowing of your responsibilities to the clan. You would not shirk your promise to Tsu’tey or to your parents.
Your parents boasted at having two of the finest daughters in the Omatikaya; one being an accomplished warrior at an exceedingly young age, and the other the most beautiful woman of the clan and a tsakarem who was rapidly learning the ways of Eywa whilst still perfecting her chosen craft of music making.
Things around hometree had continued on after Sylwanin's death. Maybe the air was filled with grief and tension now, but life did continue. It was not until a newcomer arrived and cut the ropes that had been holding you all up, that you realized how unbalanced and tenuous you all were.
When the dreamwalker had waltzed into hometree, you had watched in equal parts horror and fascination as Neytiri was assigned to teach him the Na’vi way. Tsu’tey scoffed from beside you on the dais, his fist clenching at his sides. Your father partially obscured you from being seen by the dreamwalker, but you still noticed the way his eyes met yours over Eytukan’s shoulder and even more so when they lingered there.
The dreamwalker was handsome, in an odd sort of way. The hair over his brow and the extra finger on each of his hands was the most noticeable of his differences. His eyes were smaller than you were used to seeing, and his nose protruded slightly more than most Na’vi’s did. But despite this, your parents had chosen to accept him for now. He would be trained to be a warrior and the elders would carefully be watching him. Unknown to him, you would be too.
The first few weeks after his arrival, you saw very little of him. He was busy learning and you were busy acting like you were not curious about the newcomer. You watched him at meals, his easy smile betrayed by his nervous eyes, but any anxiety he felt about being with the Na’vi faded quickly. He made acquaintances, even started earning people’s trust.
It was not until his third week in hometree that you first interacted with him.
It had rained that day, thick drops of water had splashed down from above for hours. The ground was soaked from the deluge, but the skies had eventually cleared, so you had decided to leave your cozy alcove and make your way outside to take a walk and clear your mind.
You had found your thoughts clouded by your father. The Olo’eyktan’s shoulders were often held close to his ears in these past days, his forehead wrinkled as stress pressed in on him. He had come to you last night, asking you to play a song he had often sung to you when you were young. It was a song of the ancestors, one that had words no longer spoken and meanings that had been lost to time.
Your mind kept going to the way Neytiri had peeked in as you strummed the tune on your instrument, voice softly rising to join in with the sound. She had looked peaceful for the first time in months and it gladdened you.
Your thoughts seemed to be getting away from you as you stepped on a fallen leaf, your foot hitting the ground at just the right angle to cause your heel to slide along the slick texture. Your arms pinwheeled, but you were unable to catch yourself in time.
“Woah!” you heard as your legs shot out from beneath you, your bottom hitting the forest floor below. The grass did little to cushion your fall.
“You okay?” a deep, velvet voice asked in English as you saw a blue blur jogging towards you out of your peripheral vision.
You had to search through your mind to find the correct words in English. “Yes, I think so,” you groaned, looking up to see Jake Suli, the dream walker, crouching in front of you. Your tail throbbed from the way you had awkwardly landed on it.
“Here,” he said as he reached out a hand to help you up.
You took his hand, surprised at how easily he lifted you up, even with his muscles just now starting to emerge from training with Neytiri. Other than the hunters, many men in your clan were not solid enough to pick up anyone this easily, much less someone of your size. But Jake Suli was strong, and the way he had hefted you up made a swarm of shimmyflys erupt in your stomach.
“Thank you,” you murmur, looking up at him through your lashes.
“Of- of course,” he stammered, eyes locked on the curve of your cheek and the way your eyes sparkled in the late afternoon sun. “You’re Neytiri’s sister right?”
“I am,” you nodded, surprised he already knew of you. “And you are the dreamwalker.”
“That’s what they call me,” he nodded with a shrug. “But Jake is fine too,” he said with a charming smile.
“Jake,” you repeated slowly, making sure to pronounce it correctly. “I am y/n,” you told him.
He smiled, “I know, I’ve seen you around,” he explained.
You leaned down to brush off the grass on your legs, as you asked, “You have?” surprised at this information.
“Well, sure. Neytiri talks about you all the time. You’re her hero,” he explained and your cheeks turned purple at the words.
You straightened up again when your legs were free of dirt and grass. “I am definitely not her hero, I am barely able to draw a bow,” you laughed and shook your head. “You must be mistaken, our older sister, Sylwanin, she was one of legends,” you insisted.
Jake shook his head slightly, “No, she talks about both of you. In fact, she suggested I come talk to you about the language. She said that you had ways of teaching me through… song?” he asked, hair covered brows raised.
Your eyes widened, “I have written songs to help the children learn, I do not know if it would work for an adult, you may find them annoying,” you giggled at the thought.
He shrugged, “I am pretty desperate, I can’t get the words through my thick skull,” he gave you a self-deprecating grin and you found yourself pitying him.
You pressed your lips together in contemplation. “I suppose we could try. When could you meet with me?” you asked.
“Tomorrow? I’m sure Neytiri wouldn’t mind an afternoon off. That’s when we normally work on language and, you know, Na’vi customs and stuff,” he suggested and you nodded.
“I could do that. Meet me at the base of hometree, I normally take the children somewhere outside so the noise does not interrupt others,” you said.
“Okay, tomorrow… I’ll meet you there after lunch- uh, mid day meal?” he clarified and your eyes sparkled at his slip up.
“Yes, that is fine,” you agreed.
“Good…” Jake said, backing away a few steps. “It was nice meeting you. I look forward to the… songs,” he told you, eyebrows furrowing as if he thought he was tripping up on his words.
“Have a good day, Jake. Do not let my baby sister be terribly unkind to you. She gets stuck in her ways,” you suggested, a kind smile on your lips that made Jake's heart beat double time in his chest.
“Right, thanks,” he nodded, wincing as he thought of no other wise words to say. He quickly turned from you, cursing himself for starting so strong just to end on an awkward note. At least he had tomorrow to show you he was not a total idiot.
The next day, you waited at the base floor of Hometree after midday meal.
You were probably a little early, since most people were still eating above you, but you had been too on edge to eat slowly or really much at all. The prospect of meeting with the dream walker privately again was both exciting and nerve wracking. He was handsome, not in the way the other Na’vi men were, but in a way unique unto himself.
You now found yourself clutching your instrument tightly in your hand, wetting your lips out of habit. Your sister had not spoken much of the dreamwalker, just about how he was stubborn and slow. That was not exactly what you had gathered from your conversation with him yesterday, but she would know him better.
“Hey!” a masculine voice called, breaking you from your thoughts and looking for the source.
You recognized the man, Koa, although you could admit you did not know him well. He was tall and thin, and a good warrior in the clan.
“Hi,” you greeted back.
“Are you on your way up to eat?” he asked, gesturing over his shoulder up the spiral.
“I just did,” you explained, “I am meeting someone.”
He nodded, “I see. Maybe another time then?” he asked.
You opened your mouth, but hesitated to come up with the right words.
“Y/n,” a voice called as the owner of it stopped his path and diverted towards the two of you. You looked over to see Tsu’tey with his brow furrowed as he walked purposefully. He had interrupted at precisely the right time.
“Tsu’tey,” you nodded, gesturing the traditional greeting of ‘I see you’ as he stopped a step in front of you and signed it back to you. His tall frame made you crane your neck to look up at him since he had stopped so close.
“Koa, am I right in saying that you are on the next patrol?” Tsu’tey asked, his voice gruff.
“Yes, I just stopped in for some food,” Koa nodded.
“Then go get the food. You’ll be late,” Tsu’tey ordered, silently dismissing him and turning to you.
Koa hesitated, looking at you in question, but when you just shrugged, he sighed and turned to start up the spiral.
“What are you doing down here?” Tsu’tey asked, distracting you from Koa’s departure.
“Waiting on a new student,” you explained, “What about you?” you asked.
“I am returning from my own patrol, Atan relieved me. I was hoping to share a meal with you,” he said, but your slumped shoulders and pressed lips was a quick tell that it was a no.
“I am sorry, I already ate and I promised I would help. Neytiri is still there I think,” you added encouragingly.
Tsu’tey nodded in thought. “Very well, perhaps for the evening meal then?” he asked.
“Sure,” you agreed with a small smile.
At that moment, the soft sound of feet hitting dirt had you and Tsu’tey both turning to the spiral, where Jake had just jumped off of the last curve of wood and fully onto the lower level.
Your eyes widened at the expectation of watching them interact up close. The two could not agree on anything.
“Dreamwalker,” Tsu’tey sneered, his body language shifting into squared, rigid straightness and sharp lines.
“Tsu’tey,” Jake greeted, walking toward you both. A cocky smirk was on his face, making Tsu’tey’s hackles rise even further. “Are you here for lessons too?”
Tsu’tey’s eyes gleamed as he turned to you, a shocked look on his face. “He is the student you are waiting on?” he said, “Surely not.”
“Neytiri thought I could be of some assistance,” you explained, and Tsu’tey rolled his eyes.
“You cannot teach the dreamwalker,” he scoffed.
“Why not?” Jake asked, stepping closer to Tsu’tey again, “What do you think is gonna happen? It's just a little song and dance, she’ll be fine.”
“I do not need a reason not to like you, Vrrtp (demon),” Tsu’tey said. “Your kind is a disease.”
“Stop it,” you barked, stepping forward, partly between them, but they both still glowered at each other over your head. “It is fine, Tsu’tey,” you insisted.
That made him look down at you, “Neytiri is his teacher, you do not have to do this,” he responded.
“I know,” you affirmed, “it is okay.”
“Fine,” he finally grumbled. He glared at Jake, “Do not touch even a hair on her head or I will give you a swift end.”
You sighed at his dramatics as Jake just clenched his jaw.
Although there was no romantic love between you and Tsu’tey, there was still an oath to keep. There were certain expectations that came with being promised to each other. When men from the clan approached you with courting gifts or words that were far too honeyed, Tsu’tey always spoke to them for you, pushing them away with his usual gruffness. He defended and protected you, but he knew you were not as fragile or naive as others liked to treat you. He did not protect you out of fear that you could not handle yourself, but because it was his job now. That was what came with the territory of being in a pair. That was why he was being so short with Jake now.
On a few occasions, he had even accepted challenges on your behalf from men who wished to shake Tsu’tey from his role. Some because of his position as Eykatay, but some of them, because they envied his betrothal to you. You had been shocked each time, staring on as Tsu’tey fought them efficiently, winning by a landslide. He had always made sure you had no real attachment to the man before accepting their challenge, but you never did.
“I will be fine,” you repeated, pulling Tsu’tey’s gaze away from Jake. You stepped to the side, pulling Tsu’tey with you. It did not stop Jake from hearing you, but it gave the feeling of a little more privacy.
Tsu’tey cocked his head as if he disagreed. “I trust you, it is him who I do not trust. Yell out if you need help, I will put patrols nearby,” he said.
You raised your brow. “I do not think that is necessary,” you muttered,
“Even so, it will bring comfort to me. Will I still see you later?” Tsu’tey ground out as you nodded.
“I will come find you,” you agreed.
He bowed his head in acceptance and turned, shooting Jake one last look over his shoulder before he leapt onto the spiral and began making his way up.
“What’s his problem?” Jake asked as you turned to face him. “He your boyfriend or something?”
You narrowed your eyes. “I do not understand your human talk. Yes, he is my friend,” you corrected.
“Yeah, but not your… mate? Are you together?” he asked and you understood.
You smiled, turning away and walking to the exit. “No, if Eywa wills it, one day we will mate, but we are not yet… together as you say,” you explained.
“I’m confused,” he noted from behind as he trailed after you.
You cocked your head to the side, feeling unsure at what he could be hung up on. “When my sister, Sylwanin, was alive, Tsu’tey loved her and she loved him. They entered into courtship and Tsu’tey was named Eykatay, the next in line. Eykatay and Tsakarem are often pairs, so that they may one day step into their roles as Olo’eyktan and Tsahìk together. When Sylwanin died, his role did not change, but I had to step into Sylwanin’s, meaning I took on both her title and her betrothal. Tsu’tey does not love me, and I do not love him, but we will mate before Eywa one day. Those are our duties,” you explained.
“That’s stupid,” Jake said matter of factly. You climbed a branch of a tree much smaller than Hometree.
“Our ways may not seem normal to you, but we act for the best of the people, not ourselves,” you said, slightly offended that he would question your ways so brashly.
“Even if it makes you miserable? What if you’re unhappy with him?”
“I will not be. We are friends and that is more than many arranged mates start with. I will be fine. Come, no more talk of my mating. I am to teach you our ways,” you said in a way of finality and waved him on.
You found a spot high up in a large tree and began to climb. You had to sling your instrument over your back, making your trip up easier. Jake climbed with surprising slowness, perhaps skypeople had no trees where he was from. When he finally joined you at the top, he was out of breath.
“You okay?” you asked, trying to hide your smirk.
“Oh, outstanding,” he promised, as he rested against the trunk and dangled his legs over either side of the limb. His chest heaved with exertion and you tried not to stare at it.
You tore your eyes away from him and aimed them at the instrument at your side instead. “I will start with a simple song, one all Na’vi children know by heart,” you suggested and Jake nodded, although reluctantly.
Hours passed, with you singing and strumming the rhymes and tunes of the Na’vi. Jake followed along, his ears growing used to the turn of your words and the way they twisted together. He watched you, thoroughly enamoured as you lost yourself to the joy and rhythm of the music. You even got him to sing a little, although the offkey tone made you giggle and he clammed back up before you knew it.
“How do you remember all of this?” he asked, looking inquisitorially at you as if in awe.
“It is my work, I wrote many of them, and the others I learned in childhood. You do not have music on your star?” you asked.
“We do. We have a lot of music, but I think I like yours better.” He smiled faintly, “you sing beautifully, like an angel.”
You cocked your head to the side, fighting back the heat on your cheeks. “What is an angel?” you asked.
He lifted his eyebrows, “It’s a… spirit who sings to God and sounds gorgeous while doing it.”
You smiled, liking the description. “Then I am an angel,” you nodded in agreement.
He huffed out a laugh, “Alright, angel it is.”
That day was not the last of your lessons. He came to you often and asked for assistance, either to teach him more songs or to explain a custom or to translate a word. From then on out, it seemed everywhere you turned, Jake was not far off.
He even came to find you in your home one day. You had your own kelku to properly care for your instruments. It worked equally as both a living space and a workshop of sorts, wood and string and plant fiber cloths and all sorts of odds and ends cluttered your space.
You lived in organized chaos and had always loved the comfortable, lived-in feel of it, but when a shadow darkened your door, you suddenly saw it through his eyes.
“Jake,” you gasped out, clutching your rag in surprise. You had not expected to turn around and see him at all, in fact, it was Tsu’tey who promised to come walk you to the forest to collect materials for a new flute. You had sort of forgotten he was coming, seeing as he was over an hour past what he promised. Something must have gone wrong with patrols or training, he was not usually so late.
“Angel,” Jake greeted you, smiling fondly as you began hurriedly putting away the most offensive parts of the clutter. His expressive eyebrows raised as he noticed the tension in your shoulders and the shocked look on your wide, golden eyes.
You pursued your lips. You could not imagine why he was here. “I have no more songs to teach you and I am afraid you would not learn much of arrows or bravery from me. If you came here for-” You sputtered to a halt as he fully stepped inside.
“I didn’t come to you to learn… I just… I wanted to see you again,” he confessed, gazing instantly at you and making you pause your cleaning to look back.
Your eyes widened, “To see me? Why?” you asked breathily.
He smiled, shrugging slightly. “Becuase I think you’re beautiful,” he replied. “I’ve been thinking about you all day.”
You blushed, cheeks turning purple, as he looked around at you kelku covered in trinkets and instruments, some halfway made since you had paused your creations for one reason or another.
When you did not respond because your brain was still short circuiting at his words, he gestured to the hoard of things surrounding you. “All this is yours?” he asked.
You bit your bottom lip. “Yes,” you sighed, giving up on putting everything away and turning back to your previous task to absentmindedly occupy your hands. You were finishing off oiling the wood on the instrument in front of you, and you were thankful to be able to do that instead of bursting into flames out of embarrassment.
He asked questions and you answered them, both pairs of eyes dancing and locking together just to rip themselves away again. “How come you aren't going to be the next Shaman of Songs? That seems more your thing?” Jake asked.
You shrugged, “I will be Tsahìk, this is Eywa’s plan for me. Being Shaman was once my goal, but now my cousin, Ninat, will make an excellent leader of music. She is perfect for it,” you explained, although Jake did not seem all that enthused by your answer.
“Neytiri tells me you are doing well and will be doing your Iknimaya soon. Do you feel ready?” you asked, changing the subject and putting this back on him before he could ask more.
His face lit up with pride. “I’m ready. This time next week, I’ll be soaring through the sky on my own ikran. Maybe we could go on a ride sometime? You know, once I get the hang of it,” he suggested and your heart sank a little in disappointment.
You looked down at your hands as they worked. “That would be nice. I would like that, but I do not have an ikran. They are for hunters and I am not one,” you explained.
You glanced up at Jake just to gauge his reaction, but it was not what you were expecting. He shrugged, undeterred. “That’s okay. You can ride with me if you want. I won't let ya fall,” he smiled teasingly. You realized that he did not think of you as less valuable than anyone else because of your passions and it brought a lightness to your chest.
You laughed, “Alright, get your ikran first, warrior, then I will go with you,” you promised and Jake nodded proudly.
“Deal,” he agreed. “In the meantime, want to check out the sunset with me? I found this great spot at the top of Hometree,” he asked.
You placed the oil and cloth down, smiling at his offer. You loved sunsets. “I would like that,” you nodded enthusiastically.
He smirked, holding out his hand and you stepped forward to take it. “I was hoping you’d say that.” Your three fingers intertwined with his four fingers, an odd feeling, but a good fit none-the-less.
As he began to gently lead you through the threshold, he stopped at the sight of an imposing figure blocking your path. Tsu’tey stepped inside your home, taking in the sight before him.
“What is this?” Tsu’tey asked, glancing between the two of you before flitting down to your interlocked hands. Anxiety clawed at your stomach at his sudden appearance, although the feeling was maybe more akin to shame.
“Tsu’tey!” You gasped, letting go of Jake’s hand and realizing you had no reason to hold it in the first place. “We were just going to take a look at the sunset,” you explained, hurriedly, feeling guilty even when you had no reason to. You reminded yourself you had done nothing wrong.
Tsu’tey’s eyes only narrowed. “I thought we were going to go find reeds for your instruments.”
At the reminder, your face crumpled. “I forgot, Tsu’tey. I’m so sorry,” you gushed, lips twisted into a frown.
You had overcommitted and would now have to choose. You wanted to go with Jake at this moment, but you had specifically asked Tsu’tey and he had taken time out of his busy day. You glanced at Jake, looking completely conflicted. He looked disappointed under a look of stony contempt in his eyes.
“Can you not pick reeds tomorrow? I can take you,” Jake offered, but it elicited a hiss from Tsu’tey.
“I will take her. It was me she asked, not you,” Tsu’tey snarled.
“She can make her own choices,” Jake grumbled.
“Her choice was made when she asked me,” Tsu’tey bit back.
“She’s a free woman with her own autonomy. She can change her own damn mind.” Jake bit out, glaring at the Eykatay.
“Boys!” you called, growing more anxious from their bickering. You felt terrible. You would have to go with Tsu’tey, there was no other option. You had previously committed to him, in addition to him being your betrothed. It was the natural choice, regardless of how much you wanted to go with Jake.
Jake sighed, forcing himself to bite his tongue, as Tsu’tey averted his eyes to you. He was still waiting for an answer.
“I-” you hesitated to say your choice and when you couldn't produce a reply after a moment, Jake thankfully took pity on you. Perhaps he already knew your answer and was letting himself down gently.
“You know what? Sunsets happen every day, same time and everything,” he pointed out, “Go with him. You can meet me tomorrow,” he suggested.
You placed a hand on his arm in relieved gratitude. “Are you sure?” you asked Jake.
“I’ll be fine,” he promises with a knowing smile. Tsu’tey glowered at Jake as Jake’s eyes swiveled back to the taller man. “I imagine you like to keep your promises,” Jake said to you, but his gaze stayed fixed on Tsu’tey, a silent challenge in his eyes.
You were not entirely familiar with how the male brain worked, especially when two seemed so at odds like Jake and Tsu’tey were, so you could not begin to infer the inner workings of their brains. Your best guess was that this was some odd, territorial display, both marking boundaries and testing the waters. You wondered how far they would realistically push each other.
Jake backed away from you both, tossing a smirk your way as he nodded his head in acknowledgement. He did not seem to take this as a loss, but more so as a challenge. You nodded back with a small smile as Jake shouldered past Tsu’tey. The Eykatay turned to watch him go and you sided up to him to watch as well.
“Bye, Angel!” Jake called over his shoulder and sent a hand up in the air to wave.
You bit back a smile at his name for you. “Goodbye, Jake,” you replied.
“Skxawng,” Tsu’tey muttered under his breath once Jake was out of earshot. You pursed your lips at the insult, but decided not to say anything about it. “What does that mean? What is Angel?” Tsu’tey asked.
You hesitated, unsure how to describe it. “He says it is a messenger of their god. A spirit who sings beautiful songs.”
Tsu’tey pursed his lips at the explanation. “Those are pretty words, but it is a trick. He will only hurt you,” he said grimly. You both watched Jake stumble on a bump of the limb he was walking on and while you watched intently while he righted himself, Tsu’tey continued, taking it as proof. “He does not belong here.”
You could think of no argument. You knew he was right, there was no refuting it. “We should go,” you said quietly, grabbing the woven pouch the master weaver had made for you as a gift over your shoulder. You set out into Hometree, disregarding whether Tsu’tey was behind you or not, he would catch up eventually.
Your mind reeled as you walked, catching all of the details of the past hour that you had brushed aside in the moment. Now, you ran back every catch of Jake’s eye, every upturn of his lips, and especially the way his warm palm fit with yours. You tamped down the rising elation at the thought of him coming to seek you out today and what that might mean.
Tsu’tey’s words echoed in your mind, but it did not stop you from the longing of wanting to see Jake again. Eywa, it was all you wanted.
Vibrations on the limb below you told you Tsu’tey had caught up. “You have been spending time with him, why?” he asked, siding up to you and looking curiously down at his intended.
“I have not spent that much time with him,” you protested, even knowing it was not necessarily the truth.
“Neytiri says it has been hard to find you apart recently,” Tsu’tey said.
“I do not know about that, but I enjoy spending time with him. He is kind and he is funny,” you said, trailing off as your true answers clogged in your throat. It was the way Jake made you feel, the way he set your heart ablaze just by being near. You could not put that sensation into words, not in a way that Tsu’tey would like or accept.
“You are fond of him,” Tsu’tey stated, not a question, but an observation.
“In a way, perhaps. He is becoming a friend,” you explained.
He was quiet for a beat. “It looks as if you love him.”
Your eyes flew up to his in surprise. “No, I could not love a dreamwalker,” you insisted, but the words tasted sour.
Tsu’tey sighed, seemingly growing tired of arguing with someone who could not see reason. “Do one thing for me, Sevin’eve (pretty girl). Be careful. He seeks you, there are no questions about that.”
You laughed, a hearty sound that Tsu’tey enjoyed hearing. “He does not. You are just jealous,” you forced a smile, trying to tease him back into a milder temper. You hated conflict and this all made your stomach turn.
But instead of rolling his eyes or scoffing, Tsu’tey just silently dropped to a lower branch on your path, leading the way down to the spiral. He reached up, hands lifted for you to take and to help ease you down.
You took his hands, using them to steady you as his eyes blazed with simmering fire. “Yes, I am. I cannot protest it, I am very jealous,” he admitted and your large eyes stared up at him with shocked fascination. You knew Tsu’tey to be territorial, even aggressive at times, but you had not thought him ever to be truely envious of another.
His hands tightened softly around yours, treating them as if they were frail things. “You have never looked half as happy with me as you did when I found you two today. He can give you a joy I cannot and that makes me angry. But, I also know that these feelings that you feel for him are temporary. Do not chase demons through the forest. They will only lead you to poisoned waters,” he warned.
Your mouth hung open for a moment. “Tsu’tey, I-” you started, but he cut you off.
“Promise me this, promise to not get in too deep. Say you will not stray from my side.”
You stared up at him, eyes softening at the desperation written all over him. “I promise that I will not fall for him. I will not stray from you, Tsu’tey,” you swore and he relaxed, if only the smallest bit.
“Good,” he nodded. “Do not go where none else can follow.”
-
You had broken your promise quickly.
Barely 24 hours later, you stood at the top of hometree with ikrans chirping around you and Jake standing beside you. His arm was close to being flush with yours, barely a breath of space between you. It was odd, considering you had consciously chosen to stand far enough away from him for there to be space, now there was none. You bit your lip at the realization that you had been subconsciously moving closer and closer to him.
Once you were up here, it had taken barely moments before he turned to you, eyes looking orange in the dying sunlight. He stared with so much intensity that it made you want to sit down and collect yourself. You tried not to squirm under his gaze, your senses feeling fried from the kindness you found in him.
“I don't think I’ve ever seen anything more beautiful than this,” he admitted, eyes roving over your cheeks, up your nose, and to the way your hair fell around your ears.
“Yes,” you agreed, “It’s gorgeous, I love the way everything turns different colors,” you commented, tearing your eyes away from him to look out at the blazing, pink horizon.
“Not that,” he corrected. When you looked at him in question, he smiled. “You.”
“Me?” you scoffed. “I would have to disagree with you.”
“Well, you aren’t the one looking at you, are you?” he smirked, knowing you could not argue with that.
“You flatter me,” you smiled, unable to stomp on the growing warmth in your chest.
“I’m tellin’ you the truth. You’re an angel,” he insisted.
“So you’ve said,” you responded, fingers twisting in the beads of your long, dangling necklace.
“It’s true,” he said. “Let me look at you.” He urged your chin up with a knuckle on his four fingered hand and smiled wider when you rolled your eyes, but indulged him. You faced him head on, twisting your waist to better angle your body. You leaned closer as if being pulled into him by the flux vortex.
Jake watched your face soften, liking the way you returned his look of awe. “Beautiful,” he murmured, face dipping down as if to capture your lips with his.
Just a hair’s breath away, he stopped, making you let out a disappointed sound. “Can I?” he asked, wanting to check in on you first. You did not respond with words, not having the patience for it when you were so close to getting what you wanted. You just closed the gap between you.
Kissing Jake was not a rushed thing. It was exploratory and slow and intentional. He did not push, did not force his way in. He just gripped at your hips with calloused hands and held you in a way that made your skin buzz.
You realized that this was your first kiss. No one had ever tempted you before your betrothal to Tsu’tey. You were too young, and then you were too involved in your music, and then you were too deep into your grief. And after your betrothal, you had always remained loyal to the promises you made. Even if that meant you had never looked forward to a kiss because you always assumed it would be with Tsu’tey.
Tsu’tey… Eywa, forgive you.
You pulled away slightly, forehead resting on his as you caught your breath. “Jake…” you murmured against his lips, not wanting to create space between you. He breathed deeply, smiling wide.
He gave you a second before chasing after you, stopping your next words with another kiss. “Hmmm…” he hummed like a question against your mouth and you suddenly didn’t remember what you were supposed to say. Your hands tightened on their grip around his shoulders before they loosened and slid to the back of his neck. Your fingers gripped the hair beside his tsawin, twisting in the locks that were braided into his kuru.
He pulled away, eyes searching yours as you blinked lethargically. “Were you going to- Did you have something to say?” he asked.
Your eyes widened at the reminder. Your mouth snapped closed, stomach twisting at the realization of what you had done. “I-” you stuttered, unable to sweeten the words as they slipped through your lips. “I cannot… I should not have done that,” you managed to say.
His brow furrowed. “Is this about him?” he said, even as his hands loosened around your hips and you pulled away. “You don’t love him. Why are you with him?”
You groaned, dropping your head in your hands. “I do not want to have this conversation again, Jake. It is not just about love. It is about my duty to my people,” you reminded him.
His lips straightened into a firm line. “I know! You keep saying that, but you don’t even want to be Tsahìk. How does being unhappy best serve the people?” he asked.
“It is what is done here! It is what Eywa intends me to do!” you insisted, your emotions rising in your chest like a wave.
“If Eywa really wanted you to do this, why would she send me here? Why wouldn’t she make you love him?” he demanded, stepping closer.
“I do not know! I cannot claim to know the ways of the Great Mother, but I am doing it, Jake. Do not make this harder for me,” you begged, vision still obscured by the palm of your hand. You were glad you covered your face when a rouge tear formed on the edge of your eyelid and you were able to quickly wipe it away.
He sighed, laying a hand on your shoulder. “Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to… I’m sorry. Don’t be upset,” he pleaded, pulling you into him and you let him.
After a moment, you laid your head on his chest, tucking it under his chin, and letting the warmth of his skin seep into yours. “Okay,” Jake relented. “How about this? The RDA only agreed to let me train for two more months. After that, I will be pulled out of this body and not be able to come back. That was the agreement.” Your eyes widened in shock at the news.
“But if I already have limited time, and you have to mate with someone else anyway, then let's just make the most of it. Two months of having fun and spending time together, and then when it's time to go, it will be like nothing ever happened.”
You mulled it over, wincing at the reaction this would elicit from the people. “Tsu’tey, he will not like-”.
“Tsu’tey never has to know. It’ll just be between you and me,” he explained.
You lowered your brow in thought. “Nì'aw zìskrrsomo…” you noted.
When Jake’s eyebrows scrunched together, you translated for him. “Only during Summer.”
His face softened. “Only for the summer,” he agreed, watching you intently for your answer.
You pursed your lips, knowing that this was your chance at experiencing something real. You hoped to grow to love Tsu’tey one day, but even that would be formal and duty bound. What you had here in front of you now was passion and romance and all of the things you never let yourself believe you could have before. You had to take this opportunity by the reins and enjoy it while you could.
You straightened a little, still tucked against his chest, but able to see his face now. “Okay, what is in it for me? I run the bigger risk. If things go wrong, you can leave. I cannot,” you pointed out, but the lilt of your voice and your hand landing on his middle gave away that you were playfully negotiating. Your mind was already made, not that he had to know.
He raised his brows at you, a scoff making its way past his lips. “Well, you get unlimited access to me, and I make a pretty damn good boyfriend. Plus, when I get my ikran, I’ll take you on as many rides as you want.”
You pretended to think it over, “Hmm, that is a good offer, but you know, Tsu’tey has an Ikran now, maybe I should just ask him to take me,” you suggested, smirking.
His lips curled up into a grimace. “Don’t you dare,” he grumbled. “Not funny.”
“It is a little funny,” you said, “to me at least.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Angel, you could go ask Tsu’tey, and I’m sure he’d say yes, but you won't have half as much fun than if you were with me,” he pointed out, and you rolled your eyes, even if he was right.
Your smile faded into something far more subtle. “It is good then, that I do not want to go with him. I want to go with you,” you said.
“Good,” Jake stated smugly. “I could treat you so much better than him,” he promised, stepping closer and boxing you in against the trunk of the tree. “He can’t make you laugh like I can. He can’t hold you like I can. He won’t kiss you like I will,” he said, growing even closer. Your breath stopped in your chest, your lungs constricting at the words and proximity.
“Jake, he is my intended,” you refuted, not liking for him to talk down on your future mate, even if what he said was true.
“So? He doesn't know you like I do. He’ll never love you like you deserve,” Jake argued. “For the next two months, you’ll be mine. I’ll show you.”
“Jake,” you repeated, but this time it was more of a plea.
“Just say yes,” he urged, his breath warm against your cheek. “Love me for the summer.”
You squeezed your eyes closed, hating yourself for what you were about to do, but not having the ability to deny him. “Okay. Just for the summer,” you muttered.
Jake smiled, blinding white teeth glinting in contrast to his blue skin. His two sets of fangs were on display before he ducked down to kiss your temple, his other hand coming to your face to steady you.
You laughed at his reaction, finding only joy in his response. “Just… do not fall too far in love with me. This has an end,” you reminded him, knowing it was fruitless, but trying anyway. Maybe the warning was more for yourself.
“No promises, Angel,” he teased, “You gonna fall in love with me?”
“No promises,” you imitated, rising up on your toes to meet his lips with yours once more.
Description: You are not going to let another woman make any moves on Jake Sully. Who cares if you still cannot hold a coherent conversation with him? He's yours.
Content Warnings: The girls are fighting!! Tsu'tey lives au, takes place after Avatar 1, Reader is possessive of Jake, people fighting over Jake (as they should).
Author's note: Based on this request from @soleksskxawng! Thank you Finnie for freaking out over Jake's MOOBS with me!!
Expect more Jealousy fics in the future because I have a very exciting announcement coming tomorrow!
You stabbed at your food with your knife, suddenly not feeling so hungry. Neytiri looked over at you, her brow raised at your obvious displeasure. She followed your line of sight to find Jake Sully talking to Ekani, a beautiful Olangi huntress, and she suddenly understood. Ekani touched Jake’s arm as she laughed and you had to stop your lip from curling up.
Ever since he became Toruk Makto and defeated the skypeople, Omatikayan women had been drawn to him as if he was nectar. You, in particular, could appreciate his new look. His mohawk and braids made your heartbeat pick up strangely in your chest and the way his cumberbund sat snug around his middle drew your eyes towards his figure more than you would like to admit. Being fully Na’vi looked good on him.
As much as the Omatikaya were fascinated with him, it was the Olangi women who swarmed around him. Ekani was the most recent of his Olangi admirers to attempt to gain his attention. The dregs of their clan had integrated with yours after The Battle of Ayram Alusìng, and together, under Tsu’tey’s and Akwey’s leadership, the people had started rebuilding.
Jake had given many good insights and advice, including not finding another hometree, and instead building camps near Hell’s Gate and forging alliances with the remaining humans who had fought on the Na’vi’s side. His reasoning had been solid, even as you missed the cozy embrace of Hometree. This way, the Omatikaya no longer had a target on their backs if the humans ever came back, and the humans were easier to keep an eye on when they were close by.
You had decided to back him up and stand behind him during the council meetings, helping sway the other’s decisions and forming a tentative friendship between you and Jake. You still acted like a Pa’li (direhorse) taking its first steps sometimes, but when it came to work to be done, you managed to ignore your infatuation with him and focus on the task.
He and you were often paired on hunting missions together, which you had a feeling Neytiri had her hand in. Additionally, Jake started approaching you at dinner and sitting with you and Neytiri, but always on the side closest to you. In the forest or in a meeting, you were competent, able to act like the skilled warrior that you were, but in a social situation, you clammed up. Eywa, you were a grown woman! You had fought at his side in battle, but you could not hold a conversation with the man without sweating.
“You need to just go tell him how you feel,” Neytiri chimed unhelpfully.
“What? Who?” you asked, your thoughts jarred from their current derailment as you tore your eyes away from Jake and guided them to Neytiri who was smirking at you.
“Jake. You are in love with the fool and everyone knows it, even he suspects it,” she explained, and your face turned a burning purple hue.
Your eyes widened, horrified. “He does?” you asked quietly, not even bothering to deny it any longer.
“I do not know if it was because he sensed your attraction, or because of his own, but he has asked me of your feelings,” she confessed and your eyes nearly bugged out of your head.
“Neytiri! And you did not tell me?” you hissed, alarmed. “How did you respond?” you demanded.
She shrugged, “I said nothing! I would not betray you, friend,” she promised, but you struggled to believe her.
“But, it will not matter and he will not be an option, if you do not act quickly,” she urged, nodding to where Ekani was handing Jake a wrapped package, no doubt containing a courting gift.
“Kehe! Pxasìk (No! Screw this)!” you gasped, jumping to your feet before you could think twice about it. As Jake began unwrapping the leaves, you stomped over to the two warriors, anger and jealousy blooming in your gut.
“Get away, kali'weya (poisonous arachnid/bitch),” you said through your teeth, hand gripping the handle of your knife as Ekani jolted to her feet. Jake looked up, startled. His fingers stilled, the gift hanging forgotten in his hands.
“Careful, do not start battles you cannot finish,” Ekani said, evenly, as if she had been expecting you all along.
You laughed, a clipped and bitter version of your usual one. “I started this one a while ago. I am finishing it now,” you bit out in Na’vi. “Back away, Olangi. He is mine.” Jake’s eyes widened as he picked up on some of the conversation being had about him.
“He is not yours, he is unclaimed,” Ekani replied shortly. She spoke of things she had no idea about.
You hissed, fangs bared at the words. “He is not to be claimed by you,” you asserted and this had Ekani drawing her knife and Jake leaping to his feet. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Tsu’tey’s braids swing wildly as his head flew to your direction. Neytiri stood up from her seat, watching closely in case she was needed, but she knew you could handle yourself.
“Woah!” Jake exclaimed, holding out his hands between the two of you. “Maybe I heard the Na’vi wrong, but you really shouldn't be fighting over me,” Jake insisted, but neither of you tore your eyes from the other.
“Then choose one of us and there will be no need for fighting!” Ekani exclaimed and your heart dropped. Every eye in the space turned to the three of you and the fight that was unfolding. Your brow pinched in the middle as you suddenly realized you had stormed in between them without any idea of Jake’s feelings towards you. If he chose her now, you would be the fool.
“Uh…” he looked between the two of you, purple rising to his cheeks as his mouth hung agape. You would have thought him especially cute in this moment if not for the tension of this situation.
His eyes landed on you and you could not help, but avert your eyes from Ekani to him instead, just to check that he really was looking. The eye contact made sparks of electricity fire along every one of your nerves.
As his eyes lingered on you, and your hand began to loosen around your knife, Ekani hissed. “If he will not decide, then we will!”
Your eyes snapped back to her as she lunged back into a fighting position. You hissed back, “I will do what I have to,” you ground out.
Jake barked out a humorless laugh, as if he could not believe the situation, which drew both of your attention away from the other. “No,” he said in English before he shook his head and switched to Na’vi. “Kehe,” he insisted, and Ekani faltered.
He turned to you and said, “Do not fight over me. You really don’t have to do all this,” in English so Ekani could not understand. You had gone to Grace’s school, you knew the language to some degree. The Olangi were much more removed from humans and many had seen them for the first time during the battle.
“If she wants you, she will go through me first,” you nearly growled. Ekani’s lip curled in frustration that the two of you shared a language she did not know.
He scoffed, “I didn’t even know you were interested in me! You barely speak to me, you just look! How was I supposed to choose you, if I didn’t know you were an option?” he asked and you froze.
“I was nervous!” You exclaimed, and his ears lowered in surprise.
“Nervous? But-”
“Enough demon talk!” Ekani roared. With sickening speed, she lunged at you, her knife poised to strike. You sprung into action, drawing your knife to deflect her blade, and ran at her, meeting her head on.
Out of your peripheral vision, you saw people moving around as you fought. You would guess the two Olo’eyktan’s had moved in to mediate, and Jake stayed just outside of range, looking for a way to intercept without getting sliced.
You were quick to dismantle her knife from her hands, the blade flying off to the side. She let out a frustrated scream, but lunged forward again, grabbing hold of your hair. You yelped, but pushed her off of you, the several feet of space allowing you to move your hair away from your face and have a split second to decide your next move. You prepared to be the one to attack this time as Ekani caught her breath.
But you would never get to make contact, because as soon as he saw the opening, Tsu’tey jumped in, hooking an arm around Ekani’s waist as you felt someone grab your own. The two of you were pulled apart like two nantangs squabbling over territory.
You let out a sound of frustration as your knife was plucked away by a four fingered hand. You saw Jake’s hand disappear behind his back, evidently tucking your blade away in his loincloth. “Let me go!” you exclaimed, squirming in his arms. “I was winning!” you yelled. Ekani was trapped in Tsu’tey’s hold, but was quickly deposited with Akwey who grabbed the back of her neck to hold her still.
“Get her out of here,” Tsu’tey ordered when you shot Ekani an especially nasty glare.
“Yeah,” Jake agreed. With controlled strength, he turned you in his arms, crouched down, and slung you over his shoulder like a sack of bean pods.
“Put me down!” you demanded, pushing up with your arms to look at the others. Neytiri stood beside Tsu’tey, covering her mouth with her hands as she laughed. You would never hear the end of this.
“Are you hurt?” he asked evenly, as he walked away from the crowd that had accumulated. His tone did not betray any of his thoughts or feelings.
“No, as if that vonvä' (asshole) could hurt me,” you scoffed.
“Then no way, Sweetheart,” Jake muttered.
You huffed, finding Ekani again in the crowd, “You fight like a child”, you yelled at her from over Jake’s shoulder. His grip on your thigh tightened in warning and your mouth snapped shut. She sneered, but did not say anything back as her Olo’eyktan looked down disappointedly at her.
You were suddenly aware of every point where Jake’s warm skin met yours and embarrassment finally caught up with you. You took your hands off of Jakes back, liking the feel of his muscles flexing under your touch too much for your own comfort. Instead, you propped your elbows on his shoulder and watched as the people grew smaller.
“Put me down, I will not fight anymore,” you promised, but Jake did not slow.
“Nope,” he said shortly as he made it to the tree line, “We have things to talk about.”
“I have nothing to talk about,” you huffed.
“That’s not true,” he refuted and you rolled your eyes.
“Still, put me down so I do not feel like an overgrown child,” you ordered. Unfortunately, he made no movements to do as you demanded.
“You should have thought of that before you threw a tantrum,” Jake said.
“I did not throw a tantrum!” you exclaimed and he finally halted, deeming the area far enough away from other’s ears. He set you down, standing back up to loom over you and you felt anymore arguments dry up in your throat. He was too pretty this close and it was suddenly very clear to you why you struggled to speak to him.
“You were,” he cocked his head to the side, “but that’s not what I want to argue about.”
“What then?” you asked, crossing your arms over your chest as he stared down incredulously at you.
His brows lowered, “Maybe about how you just started a fight over me?” he said and you deflated the smallest bit.
“Oh, that,” you said, eyes suddenly avoiding his.
“Yeah, that. So you like me?” he asked.
You bit the inside of your mouth, thinking over what to say, but there was really no way to avoid the embarrassment now. “Yes…” you muttered.
He stared at you for what felt like hours before his face broke into a grin. “Then why do you say all of three words to me whenever I try to talk to you?” he asked.
You pressed your lips together before sighing, “Because, I am not good at speaking, especially around you. I guess I thought that if I could not make sense, then I should not speak at all. The less I say to you, the less stupid I sound. Eywa, when I see you, my mind goes all lekye'ung (insane),” you explained with a huff.
“You never sounded stupid to me, I thought it was real sweet. Why do you go lekye'ung?” he laughed slightly, the movement being all it took to draw your attention away.
Your eyes traveled down to rest on his broad chest, made hard from training and battle. The scar from his fight with Tsu’tey had turned a light blue, contrasting against his deeper toned skin and making him look every bit the Na’vi warrior. Beads from his hair hung over his shoulder, showcasing eyecatching color that only added to the appeal.
“Eyes are up here, Sweetheart,” he smirked and you tore your gaze away. “But I think I understand,” he nodded.
“I have not felt this way before,” you confessed. His eyes widened, as they ran down your body before dragging up again.
“I have nothing on you, Sevin’eve (pretty girl). Have you seen yourself?” he asked and you blushed.
“We do not have contraptions to see ourselves like humans do,” you answered literally, and Jake smiled, flicking his eyes up to the sky as if asking Eywa for strength.
“I’m trying to say that you’re beautiful, and you shouldn't be nervous. If anything, I should be,” he insisted and your face heated.
“You think I am beautiful?” you asked shyly.
“Yeah, do you think I am?” he asked confidently and your stomach did a flip.
“Yes,” you whispered.
His eyes hardened into satisfaction and his lips quirked up on one side. “Good, that’s good,” he murmured.
“If you liked me back, then why did you never say anything?” you asked, feeling childish for asking.
He scoffed, "Because I thought you just liked the look of me! I tried to get to know you, asked Neytiri to help me even, but you always shut down so I thought you changed your mind or something. ” he explained and understanding suddenly dawned on you.
“Oh,” you grinned and shrugged sheepishly. “I am sorry, Jake, I am a skxawng.”
“It’s alright. We know now, right?” he asked, brows lifting.
“Right. We feel the same,” you said. “I like you… you like me,” you muttered, getting entranced with the way he ran his tongue over his bottom lip, wetting it as he prepared to answer.
“Then-” but before he could get the words out, you worked up the courage you had been missing for so many months. Still working off of the adrenaline coursing through your veins from the fight, you muffled his words by surging forward, planting your lips on his and grabbing his shoulders for balance.
He let out a surprised noise, unmoving for a second before he kissed you back, hands finding your jaw as he deepened the kiss. You could not help but smile through it, finally getting to do what you had been imagining for so long. Your hands slowly, but eagerly, traveled down from their landing place on his shoulders, coming to stop on his chest.
Jake huffed out a laugh between your joined lips as you felt along the line of light dots that ran along his skin, amused that you were taking the opportunity to do with your hands, what you had been previously doing with your eyes. The sound made you realize this was maybe a bit much for a first kiss, so you began to withdraw your hands back to his shoulders. But, as if this day could not get any better, he grabbed your wrists and dragged your hands back to their previous spot.
When you both returned to the village hand in hand, nearly an hour later from when he originally carted you off, the people you passed smiled knowingly. You supposed the stupid grins on both of your swollen lips did not help. You and Jake exchanged mirthful glances as you spotted Neytiri high up in a tree where she was collecting fruit. She raised an eyebrow down at you and you only shrugged up at her, smiling as she whistled in congratulations.
Description: You come back to your village after traveling to find that the Dreamwalker, Jake Sully, is... different.
Content Warnings: Reader oogling and objectifying Jake, Reader's gender is not mentioned.
Author's note: this is essentially Jake man boob appreciation turned into a fic... I will include the pic that started this brainworm at the bottom! Thank you Finnie for beta reading as always!!
You had been so busy in the past month that you felt as if you could hardly breathe. Your Olo’eyktan had been sending out delegates to every tribe in a day’s ride, making agreements and alliances in case of an impending battle. The Omatikaya needed to be ready for any tricks or attacks the skypeople tried to pull.
You had been sent to speak to the Olangi clan in the plains for this very reason. Trade agreements and preparation had lasted days, your jaw growing stiff from how hard you had clenched it to not say something stupid, and to represent your clan well. Akwey, the Olo’eyktan of the Olangi was not a soft man. He had been severe, but fair. You knew the Omatikaya elders would be pleased with what had been agreed on, but more important than that, you had gained a strong ally.
Now, as you walked into the training area, where all warriors and trainees honed their skills, you were relieved to see your friend Neytiri after weeks of being apart. She had been busy training her dreamwalker student, and you had been busy in the far corners of Pandora. It had been too long since you had seen your best friend and you had missed her terribly.
“Neytiri!” you called, quickening your steps as she turned around to see who was calling. Her eyes brightened when she spotted you approaching her.
“You are back!” she exclaimed, rushing to meet you and wrap her arms around you in an embrace.
“How are you, ‘eylan (friend)?” you asked over her shoulder as you squeezed her tightly.
“I am well. My parents are healthy, Eywa has blessed us even in these trying times. And although, the dreamwalker is a challenge, I have gotten the sk'awng to pass his Iknimaya (Stairway to Heaven/Rite of passage). His dream hunt is soon,” she caught you up to date, sounding exasperated at the mention of the state of her pupil.
“Is he such a terrible student?” you asked, smiling at her expression.
“No, he is good at many things and I have grown to see him as a friend, but he is still as irritating as a child,” she huffed and you laughed at her expense, pulling away from her.
“Enough about him, how are you?” she asked.
"I am well, glad to be home under the tree canopy,” you smiled from contentment this time. “I missed the forest,” you told her.
“And it missed you,” she assured you.
The “twap” of an arrow hitting a tree pulled your attention away from her to a young man who was practicing archery behind her.
His back was turned you, but you could tell by the sheer expanse of it, that this was a fine warrior. The muscles flexed as he notched another arrow and pulled the string taunt, letting it fly. It landed directly beside the other arrow he shot. Both were near deadcenter.
Your interest grew as you realized his competence with the weapon.
He turned, letting you get a look at his front, and you were quite sure your mouth fell open. Surely Eywa had crafted this man herself. His black hair was braided loosely, and your fingers itched to fix it for him, despite liking how it looked on him. His face was unique, with smaller eyes, and a more prominent nose, but from here, it seemed to only draw out his strong build and make him more handsome. His chest was broad and densely muscled, nothing like the slender, narrow figure of the typical Na’vi man. You realized at precisely this moment that this man was exactly your type.
“Neytiri,” you muttered, nodding to the mystery hunter who was reaching down to grab more arrows. “Who is that? He is beautiful,” you asked, eyes still fixed on him as Neytiri turned to look in that direction.
“Who?” she asked confused, looking around even as he stood directly in her line of sight.
You turned to her then, forehead wrinkled as you scrunched your face. “The one directly in front of you. Do not play games with me,” you urged, eyes swiveling back to look at the archer.
“I am not!” she insisted, looking back to scan again. Realization dawned on her and her brow lifted halfway up her forehead. “Wait, are you talking about Tsyeyk?” she asked, scoffing as she fixed you with a shocked expression.
“Tsyeyk,” you repeated the name, not remembering having heard it before. “Is he visiting? I believe I would have remembered seeing him before.”
She covered her mouth with her hand and hid a laugh. “Eylan… that is the dreamwalker, you have met him before, although briefly,” she reminded you, and your eyes nearly bugged out of your head.
“That is not the dreamwalker,” you sputtered, cheeks heating with embarrassment now.
She nodded, “That is Jake Sully. He has undergone a lot of training, but he is still the same,” she smirked.
“What have you been feeding him? He did not look like that the last time I was in the forest!” you argued, gesturing in his direction. He had grown and filled out into a man’s stature, stocky and wide. Nothing like the skinny, weak body he had been in before.
Your gesture seemed to have drawn his attention and he looked over at you, ears twitching to try and pick up sounds. Your eyes locked and you felt your chest restrict with the weight of his gaze.
Neytiri barked out a laugh, "Teylu, he loves Teylu," she said, shaking her head at your reaction.
When she noticed Jake's gaze was pointed towards you both, she waved him over. “Jake!” Neytiri called.
“What are you doing?” you panicked, grabbing her arm.
She shot you an exasperated look as Jake pulled the bow over his head and shoulder to sit slung across his chest, the action causing his biceps flex and you to almost pass out. He made his way over and you reminded yourself that you were the mighty warrior, he was just a dreamwalker.
“Hey! You’re back, Y/n right?” he asked, stopping in front of you and Neytiri, but his attention was solely on you. You were shocked to find out he still remembered your name from a long ago meeting that you yourself barely could recall.
“Hey…” you said weakly. “I am,” you nodded and Jake smiled as if you had said something fascinating. His teeth were pearly white and momentarily drew your focus away from his words. Now that he was so close, it was impossible not to stare at him. Even worse, his scent was heady and woodsy from this proximity, overpowering all your senses in the best ways.
“Neytiri says you were in the Plains, meeting with warlords, that sounds pretty cool,” he continued as you blinked in an attempt to process his words and act normal.
“You could say that,” you said, trying desperately not to let your eyes travel down to his chest. “I mostly was delegating, but I fought a few Vekreng (Cloaked Panther) and such,” you shrugged at your lame attempt at a conversation.
Neytiri rolled her eyes, but Jake nodded, looking impressed. “I don’t even know what that is. Sounds real scary,” he laughed lightly. The movement made you lose your battle with keeping your eyes in respectful places, and they traveled to find lines of Tanhi (bio-luminescent freckles) across his chest and down his stomach. The ones starting on his neck seemed to pulse as he swallowed, the action knocking you out of your reverie and making you realize you never responded.
“Yeah, kind of,” you giggled, but it sounded too high-pitched to your ears. He lifted his hair covered brows in amusement, as if he knew what he was doing to you, but enjoyed doing it anyway. Your face turned a violent violet as Neytiri dropped her forehead into her hand.
You pursed your lips. Leave it to you to fail to converse with a handsome man. Eywa help you. You were hopeless.
Description: You and Jake were growing closer, pulled together by your dreams, but when tragedy hits, it will test the soul bond that ties you together.
Content Warnings: soul mates, fall of Hometree, Jake is outcast, partially follows plots/scenes from the movie, but also cannon divergence, grief, movie accurate violence and mentioned death. Also Grace and Tsu'tey live in this universe, writing the fall of hometree was sad enough, I couldn't handle more (plus I had to include #uncletsu!)
Author's note: Okay, so I wanted to address the dreams. As discussed in the fic, the dreams are not reality or the future exactly, they are a possibility. This means that everything can still be changed and nothing is set in stone. Eywa just shows them their lives if they were to get together.
I also wanted to mention, with both parts combined, this comes to just over 11k words, making it my longest Avatar fic!! I could not stop writing for this, I genuinely entered flow state. It was such a cool concept to explore and in some ways, I feel like I only scratched the surface of their story! I hope you enjoy reading it just as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Thank you to Finnie (@lejardinfleur) again for beta reading! Could not have gotten through this beast of a fic without you!!
Na’vi Words used:
vitra muntxa - Soul mated
Kelku - home
Kehe - no
Tanhi - Bioluminescent Freckle
Vrrtep- Demon
Ma’ite - daughter
Sempul/Sa’nok - Father/Mother
Sempu/Sa’nok - Dad/Mom
Au - Expression of dismay/anxiety
When Neytiri approached you three weeks later to ask you to watch over Jake as he bonded with an ikran, you nearly flat out refused.
It wasn't until she murmured, “please friend. He has no idea what to do and you have taught many young hunters before. I have never trained anyone but him. He may die if you do not,” that you felt compelled to do as she asked you.
Lucky for them, you missed the sneaky smile she sent Jake as she walked away from you and the thumbs up and a nod of gratitude he gave her in return.
You gathered the young hunter you were training, Lilal, as well as Jake near the training ring. You took out orange paint and gave them each the same insignia on their faces, the outline of a ikrans wings in flight. You reminded Lilal of her training and of how far she had come as you ran your finger across her nose and forehead.
When it came to Jake, you smiled stiffly to return the one he sent to you and tried to ignore his intense gaze as the dream you had last night came to mind.
“My dream last night was of us flying together. You will pass this rite today, Jake. No fear, strong heart,” you whispered so Lilal could not hear.
He breathed in deeply, “I had the same one,” he muttered and you paused with your finger forming the diamond between his eyes.
Before you could respond, Tsu’tey and the two other tributes rode up to you on Pa’li. “Are you ready? It is time,” he asked impatiently.
You nodded and looked at Jake who visually paled. “Strong heart,” you reminded him once more as you and Lilal moved to get Pa’li to mount.
“Easier said than done,” he grumbled.
You and Tsu’tey led your trainees and Jake high into the mountains and through the grotto that led to the ikran’s nest. Hundreds of ikran would be huddled together, perfect for the young hunter you were training, Lilial, as well as Tsu’tey’s teens, Saeyla and Ka’ani to find one to bond with.
Jake had kept pace with your group all the way up the mountain, although you had caught him staring slack jawed in wonder a couple times at the scenery. You were impressed that he had managed the treacherous journey up without complaint, and his skills were better than what you were imagining.
Your party emerged on the cliff face and you could hear the squawks and calls from the ikran as they flew around the air in front of you. All three teens looked at each other, nervous, but trying to be brave. Jake just looked like he was steeling himself before catching your eye. You nodded in encouragement, despite your better judgement.
“Lilal, Jake,” you called the two prospective hunters over to you as Tsu’tey did the same with his.
“No fear, the ikran can smell it. You move fast, no hesitation, no wavering. Eywa will guide you. Do you have questions?” you asked.
Lilal shook her head, you had been preparing her for this for weeks, but Jake nodded. “Yeah, a lot actually,” he huffed out a laugh with no humor.
“What has Neytiri told you?” you asked, doubting the truth in his words.
“Uh, that I am ready for this, and that Ikran bond for life,” he recited as you waited for the rest. “Also that I would need this.” He held up a mouth-binder. At least he had that, you had noticed it at his waist before you left.
“That is all she told you?” Lilal asked, shocked as he met her eyes. He was looking even more nervous now.
“Yeah…” Jake was cut off.
“Jakesuli will go first,” Tsu’tey called, and you noticed his group had broken up and were ready to move to the rookery.
Tsu'tey smirked at Jake, expecting him to fail or die. You could not have that, but you also would not let him look weak. Neytiri was right. He was ready for this.
Jake bravely nodded, showing little fear, despite just saying he had no idea what to do.
You followed him out onto the ledge, noting his tense shoulders. You wrapped your arm around his bicep to get his attention and stop him from rushing forward, as the Ikran roared when they noticed Na’vi approaching them.
“Now you choose your ikran,” you instructed. “This you must feel inside. If he also chooses you, move quickly, use the mouth binder so he cannot bite. You will have one chance,” you warned.
“How will I know if he chooses me?” Jake asked tensely.
You cocked your head. You would have thought it was obvious. “He will try to kill you.”
“Outstanding,” he muttered before moving forward.
The banshee’s eyed him as he approaches them but most fly off or back away,obviously not meant for him to bond with. You grip your knife, hissing at a purple ikran who gets a little close for comfort. Tsu’tey follows you both out to watch Jake’s progress.
Jake unravels the mouth-binder made from a serpent's hide as he attempts to approach several ikran, but they each took off.
Finally, a large blue and teal male turns towards Jake, glaring at him with fire in its gaze. The ikran roars and Jake cocks his head before letting out a hiss in return.
“Let's dance,” he challenged and shifted his weight back and forth between his legs.
“That moron is going to die,” Tsu’tey laughed with the others and you gritted your teeth, not wanting to tear your focus from the fight as Jake managed to wrap the binder around the jaws of the ikran and in its moment of confusion, jumped on the back of the beast.
You stepped forward, watching each second like it was moving at twice the speed. The ikran attempted to take flight, but Jake’s weight around its neck kept its balance off center. Your heart stayed in your stomach even as the others yipped and laughed at the struggle. Jake got his arms around the ikrans head, so close to being where he needed to be.
“Make the bond,” you yelled, frustrated that he was taking so long. You did not want to prove Tsu’tey right and have him die in front of you.
At your urging, he let go of the hold around its head and brought its queue around to make tsheylu.
“Kehe,” you gasped, as he foolishly let the ikran headbutt him, the force driving him back and allowing it to buck him off and over the edge.
“Jake!” you screamed, running to the side only to see him gripping a root and still conscious.
He swung himself up before you even had the thought to go help him and leapt at the creature, clamping his legs around its head as he grappled for purchase around its neck.
Ka’ani whooped in excitement, but you were too nervous. “Tsheylu!” you urged, lowering yourself to a lunging stance as you watched on in equal parts impressed awe and worried horror.
His weight at the ikrans head had it lowering Jake to the ground, but he never let go, just clung on with all of his might. He managed to grab the kuru, yelling out in victory when he connected it to his.
“Stop!” Jake ordered. You finally breathed out in relief at the bond and the ikran stopped thrashing around.
You moved to be in front of the ikran’s head now that it was safe to be closer.
He said his next words so low and so quickly that you almost missed it, “That's right! You're mine,” he said cockily to the beast below him.
Jake slowly moved back and let go of the ikrans head after releasing the binder. He adjusted to riding on the back of a calm banshee and you surged forward, resting one hand on the beast's head and another on his thigh.
“Admit it, you were nervous for me weren't you?” he beamed from atop his mount, proud of himself.
You narrowed your eyes, but ignored him. “Go! The first flight seals the bond. You cannot wait,” you ordered, pushing them out to the cliff’s edge and backing away. Jake looked at you, eyes wide and questioning again like before, but you just nodded in encouragement.
“Think ‘fly’,” you suggested and he repeated the word out loud. You could tell he was not prepared for the instant reaction of his ikran as they both took off flailing into the wide open sky.
You laughed as he grappled for purchase and they left your line of sight. Ka’ani, Lilal and Saeyla laughed and whooped for the dream walker as you ran to your own ikran, Na’tu.
Tsu’tey barked at them to stop and they quickly shut their mouths in submission to their teacher. You did not stop to address them though, you were too quick to mount Na’tu and take off into the sky, looking for your soulmate and his new ikran.
You found them a minute later, flying much straighter than you had seen them leave. You were glad to see he had figured it out. You were finding that he may be less of an idiot than you thought. He was still an idiot, but not as bad of one.
You let out a whoop as you got closer to let him know you were nearby. He looked around and your chest warmed at his excitement at the prospect of seeing you. You let out another yell when you got closer and his eyes finally found you.
You locked eyes with the avatar as you flew around and beside him. Shooting him your first genuine and unrestrained smile which he heartily returned tenfold.
-
You ran a hand through Jake’s dreadlocks, straightening them out before gathering them together in the back. He sat in front of you as you were on your knees, the top of his back against your stomach while you leaned on him.
You were in a home much different than that of the Omatikaya. The woven walls and a springy floor gave you no clue where you were, but the sound of soft, rolling waves made you realize you must be on the coast or among the reef.
“Tonowari said he wants me to bond with an ilu first. I tamed Toruk when I was 22, I think I can manage an overgrown fish,” he scoffed and you laughed at his pouting.
“Maybe he is right, start small. You are not as young as you used to be,” you smiled, knowing it would rile him up.
He turned towards you, making you drop his hair as he raised his brows. “Oh really, you wanna go there? I still can do this,” he reached an arm around you, knocking you off balance and allowing him to guide you into his lap. You shrieked as he peppered your face with kisses and eventually pushed him away.
You playfully glared up at him from where he cradled you. “If you are going to kiss me, Ma’ Jake, do it properly,” you tutted, pulling him down to your lips with a finger hooked around his necklace.
“You’re right, as usual,” he said before his mouth met yours and he kissed you like it was the first time.
You pulled away momentarily for breath. “Jake,” you murmured, pressing your mouth closer to him again as you felt his hands grip your hips.
“Ugh gross!” a teenage voice complained. You separated from Jake to open your eyes and look who was there.
Jake sighed, "impeccable timing as always, Kelyan.”
You looked to the opening of the kelku and only saw a silhouette of a person, the light blinded you from making out a face. You blinked, trying to get your eyes to focus and when you opened your eyes, hoping for clarity, you instead found the top of Hometree as you laid in your hammock.
You clenched your fist and groaned as all of the information and visuals gave you a headache. Heat warmed your cheeks at the thought of his lips on yours and his hands on your body.
You had a lot more questions than answers this morning. Why could you never see your children like Jake apparently could? And what did Jake mean when he said he had tamed the Toruk? Maybe you were misremembering things. Surely Jake was not going to figure out how to do what only 5 other people had done in Pandora’s history.
-
He had approached you the night he passed his dream hunt, grasping your hand and backing you into a corner of the room with no one else around.
“Congratulations,” you had whispered, feeling all the air leave your lungs as he smirked down at you.
“Thank you,” he murmured. “Now that I am one of the people, Neytiri said I could choose a woman,” he said and you blinked back in response.
You stiffened, preparing for the worst. Maybe he was going to tell you he had chosen someone else, to warn you to abandon hope for a future. But then you reminded yourself that those would be good things. It would take the decision from you, a decision you knew you were very close to not having the ability to make anymore.
Your heart was already becoming his, with each passing day, with each vivid dream, he proved himself a strong warrior, a loving mate, even that he would be a good father one day. How could you resist what was chosen by Eywa?
“And who have you chosen?” you asked numbly, trying not to let your thoughts show on your face.
He cocked his head to the side, watching you closely. “Haven’t I been clear from the start? You, always you,” he muttered, stepping impossibly closer.
“I-” you started but he cut you off.
“I know you aren't ready yet, but I’m just telling you because I want you to take your time. I’ll wait for you, as long as you need me too.”
“Jake…” you murmured, shaking your head slightly even as your heart screamed in elation. That was the tipping point for you. The moment you realized there was no going back, he was already etched into your heart.
“You’re my dream girl… literally.” He smiled at his own joke and you affectionately rolled your eyes.
Your gaze flicked down to his lips, feeling the pull to get closer to him. Your dream last night still lingered in your mind. His hard mouth on yours, the way he had held you like something to be treasured. You had to invoke your self restraint to not let him sweep you away in his current, especially because you knew how sweet it would be.
“What is it? Tell me,” he asked softly, even as you fought to gain any composure you still had. He could already read you like a book.
“I just… I-” you stuttered over words because there was no answer. You had no fight left when it came to him, only respect and love remained where there once was distaste. Of course, you still hated the sky people and what they did to your people, but now you knew Jake was right. He was different from them in every way.
“I see you,” you managed to finally say and his eyes simultaneously softened and lit with fire.
“You do?” he asked hopefully as if you were going to trick him all of a sudden.
You giggled at his uncertainty. “Yes, Jake. I see you,” you repeated and he smiled.
“I see you,” he replied.
He reached out to grasp your hand, holding tightly as you stood on the edge of the loud, robust celebration and it felt right, like you finally had something to celebrate.
-
Then the time of more sorrow came. Bulldozers arrived, knocking down the Tree of Voices. One of the people’s most sacred connections to the ancestors, just gone.
Scouts reported back that they had come as soon as the sun rose, machines too powerful to stop. You had sobbed in the upstairs common area that morning when you found out. Jake had wrapped his arms around you from behind as you cried and he had lowered you to the ground as the people wailed.
Eytukan started organizing a war party immediately, Tsu’tey would lead. You knew you would be picked to go, or if not, you would volunteer. Blood must be spilt for this.
But instead of the same rage you felt, your soulmate just looked hopeless and afraid. He did not look like the cocky, brazen warrior you had come to know him to be.
The people gathered around Tsu’tey, Eytukan, and Mo’at. Sadness morphing quickly into anger.
“Ftang! Rutxe! (Stop please)!” Grace pleaded with the people as they released war cries. The people looked to her, sending glares at the dream walker. “Fìkem nì'ul kawng sìyi nì'aw (you will only make it worse).”
Tsu’tey’s lip curled, “You do not speak here,” he ordered. He turned back to the people, raising his arms. “Foti awngal tìyakuk, mì te'lan! (We will strike them in the heart)” he roared and your clan resumed their cheers.
Jake leaned in closer to speak to you after hearing Tsu’tey’s words. “I wanted to wait to tell you, but I think you need to know-” he started.
Your father stepped forward, eyeing the two of you critically. “What is this?” he asked, growing angry. He was a well respected hunter and warrior, but he was not known to be calm. The room quieted down as the people’s attention shifted to find Jake’s arms still wrapped around you.
“Sempul,” you started, taking Jake by the hand. You were tired pretending he was not who he was to you. You were done with being ashamed of him. “I know this is not who you wished for me, but Eywa has shown us visions, we bear matching tanhì,” you explained and your mother let out a cry of sorrow at the news.
You pursed your lips at the sound, but your father continued as if he did not hear it. “Vitra muntxa… with a dream walker? Is this possible, Tsahìk?” your father asked, turning to Mo’at who took in the scene before her like it was a tragedy.
“Come. Let me see you, child,” she beckoned you both forward and when you stopped in front of her, she took your chin in her hand. She looked over each of the tanhì on your face before doing the same with Jake.
“They are the same,” she announced grimly and the people collectively gasped.
“It is as I said, we are soul bound,” you emphasized as Jake gripped your hand tightly.
“When did you have your vision, what did you dream of?” Mo’at asked, looking between you and Jake.
“Nearly every night since I arrived on Pandora,” Jake admitted and you nodded. Mo’at’s eyes widened.
“Mine started several rotations ago, they happen often. Always us together, there are children. In the dreams we have a family,” you added.
“This cannot be!” Your mother cried from where she was nestled to your father’s side, making a big show of being distraught.
You turned towards your parents, “It is the will of Eywa, I did not understand it at first either, but I have come to know him.”
“Then you know that his people are the ones who did this, they must pay. He must pay,” Tsu’tey pointed a finger at Jake and your hackles rose.
“No!” you demanded, “He is innocent.”
“Tsu’tey, don't do this,” Jake spoke up from behind you, stepping forward and letting your hand slip out of his grasp.
“Silence,” Tsu’tey demanded, marching forward towards him.
“Listen, brother-” Jake tried again, but Tsu’tey shoved him down hard.
“Kehe!” you yelled as Jake fell to the ground and Tsu’tey roared, “I am not your brother!”
Jake quickly stood back up and tried once again, “Tsu’tey please, do not attack the skypeople,” you looked to Jake surprised at his unwillingness to fight back.
“The Omatikaya will die if you do,” he said, turning to meet your gaze as if pleading with you to understand. He turned to the people, “I am not your enemy. The enemy is out there, and they are very powerful!” He yelled, growing more desperate to have his words heard.
You backed away at what you felt to be a betrayal. He would not stand with you, did he think the Na’vi were powerless, too weak? You backed away as the men continued to argue, their words echoing in your ears but not being heard.
Your mother was at the edge of the crowd and came up to you when she saw your reaction. “Have you mated with him?” she whispered bitterly. You blinked, slowly tearing your eyes away from the argument.
“What?” you asked, confused, processing her words slowly.
“Have you mated with him?” she hissed, her eyes glassy.
“No,” you admitted, shaking your head.
Relief filled her gaze. “Good, this can be fixed,” she assured you, but it only filled your chest with a prickly sensation. Everything was going wrong, your entire life was crashing down around you.
Both pairs of eyes flew to the center of the ring where Tsu’tey lunged again at Jake, “No more talking!” he bit out, knife suddenly in hand.
Jake dodged his body, but missed the swing of his arm. “Jake!” you cried out as a line of blood swelled on his chest where Tsu’tey cut him. Your mother grabbed your shoulders, pulling you to her side as you fought the urge to surge forward and intercede.
He never pulled out his knife, not even to defend himself. You soon realized it was because he did not need it.
Tsu’tey did not let him recover, just threw a punch which Jake readily caught and returned, hitting Tsu’tey across the face and kneeing him in the stomach. You gasped at the brutality when Jake punched Tsu’tey so hard in the face that he spun around and fell to the floor.
“Surely you were not meant for a vrrtep, look at the violence he is so comfortable with. This is their way, Ma’ite, not ours,” your mother muttered in your ear.
You did not answer her as Jake started speaking, “I am Omatikaya. I am one of you.” Tsu’tey slowly stumbled up to his feet. “And I have the right to speak.”
He transitioned to Na’vi, a clunky sound coming from his mouth. “Lu aylì'u ngaru, (I have something to say). Ayngaru nìwotx, (To all of you).”
He breathed deeply. You noticed a sheen of sweat forming on his chest and forehead as he looked to you. You shook your mother off, stepping forward towards him. A deep, sinking feeling sat in your stomach.
“The words are like stones in my heart,” he continued, eyes boring deeply into yours.
He opened his mouth to speak, but as he did, Grace’s eyes rolled to the back of her head and she collapsed onto the floor. The people gasped as Neytiri crouched beside her and rolled her over. “Grace!” she exclaimed, but there was no response.
You looked at Jake, worried he would be next. “No,” he muttered, shaking his head and his gaze met yours.
He took a deep breath, “okay,” he steeled himself. “Look, I was sent here-” but his words died in his throat as his eyes rolled back and he went limp. His body made a thud as he hit the floor and you were already moving. Your father reached out a hand to stop you, his iron grip around your arm halting you from reaching him.
Tsu’tey beat you to the body, standing over him and grabbing his kuru to yank his head back. “Se'a srak? Fìpo lu vrrtep a mì sokx atsleng! (You see? It is a demon in a false body!)” he ground out. You screamed in frustration, clawing at your fathers hand until he let you go, as Tsu'tey's knife rose to Jake’s throat.
“Kehe!” you screamed, tackling your lifelong friend to the side and scrambling back into a crouch over Jake’s prone body, your knife at the ready.
Tsu’tey popped back up and went to continue his attack, but paused when he saw you. You hissed in warning from over Jake’s body, a hand digging into the grass by his arm. He snarled back, but backed away, going to Eytukan’s side to cool off.
The people slowly dispersed, your parents approaching to drag you away, but you merely hissed at them too, daring them to try.
You did not move until Neytiri came up beside you and offered to help move him somewhere safer. She had grown fond of the dream walker too.
Together, you dragged him to the edge of the room where a thick crop of moss grew and you carefully laid him on it. You sat on your knees beside him, smoothing the hair out of his face.
“Jake,” you whispered, pressing a kiss to his closed eyelid, but he did not stir. It was eerie to see his breaths rising and falling but knowing there was no one truly inside.
You sat by his side for hours until he finally blinked awake. “Jake,” you sighed in relief, pulling him to you in a hug as he sat up.
“Woah, hey, I’m here,” he murmured, hugging you back tightly.
“What happened?” you asked, not letting go.
“They pulled me out, but we don’t have time. They’re heading here right now. They’re gonna take down Hometree,” he urged and you finally pulled away.
“What?” you asked in shock.
“We have to go,” he repeated and pulled you up to stand. “Where’s Tsu’tey?” he asked.
You tugged him down the spiral and found Eytukan and Tsu’tey discussing the battle plan. Grace fell in line behind Jake, evidently being awoken from her slumber as well.
“Ma’ Olo’eyktan,” you got Eytukan’s attention as the warriors stood up.
“Ma Eytukan, lu oeru aylì'u frapor, (Eytukan, I have something to say),” Jake said in Na’vi.
“Tìng mikyun (listen),” Grace urged from behind you.
Eytukan nodded, “Pivlltxe, ma Jakesully, (Speak),” he ordered.
“Eo ayoeng lu txana tìkawng (A great evil is upon us),” he started, and the words caused your heart to sink even though you knew his meaning already. The truth of his words were what discouraged you.
He gestured to the sky, “Sawtute zera'u… fte fol Kelutralti, skiva'a! Skiva'a! (The sky people are coming… to destroy Hometree, destroy),” he stuttered, still learning the language. The people shifted on their feet, looking nervously at each other.
“Au!” several shouted in anger at the words.
“Tell them they are gonna be here soon!” he begged you when he realized he did not know the words.
You turned to the group, “Pìyate fìtseng ye'rìn,” you explained and Jake jumped in again.
“You have to leave, or you are gonna die!” he demanded. You stilled, looking over to him. He wanted you all to just leave? To just let them destroy your home with no fight, without even trying. Maybe he was more of a coward than he seemed.
“Are you certain of this?” Mo’at asked, looking between you.
Jake hesitated, and you could tell it was because his words weighed heavy.
“They sent me here to learn your ways. So one day I could bring this message, and you would believe it,” he admitted and your blood ran cold.
“What?” you stammered, stepping away from him in disgust. “What are you saying, Jake? You knew this would happen?” Your lips curled slightly at the thought.
He stepped closer, hands coming to rest at your shoulders as he searched your eyes for understanding. “Yes.”
You pushed his arms off of you, a grimace making its way onto your face as he confirmed all of your fears.
“At first it was just orders. Then everything changed. I fell in love,” he smiled as he stepped closer and put a hand back on your shoulder, holding you still with gentle firmness. “with the forest, with the Omaticaya People… with you!” he confessed, but it all sounded hollow to your ears. “With you,” he repeated when you started shaking your head.
You hit his hands away from you, “I trusted you. I told you what you were and you said I was wrong!” you screamed, shoving him back so hard that he stumbled.
“Trust me, please,” he pleaded but you barely heard it.
“You lie! You are as bad as every skyperson!” you yelled, hitting his chest with the sides of your fists, but he stood there and took it.
“Please, I only wanted to-” he started but you shrieked at his words.
“You will never be one of the people,” you screamed, stumbling back and turning to walk away.
He betrayed everyone. He betrayed the Na’vi after they had taken him in and taught him your ways. He betrayed Neytiri who spent the last three moon cycles with him every day. He betrayed you and the promises he had made to you. He had said he was not like them and he lied.
When Grace had taught you that word, “lie”, you had not really understood it then. You thought that only humans would be dumb enough to not see through one.
Now you knew you were the fool.
“Wait!” Jake called, taking several steps to follow after you, but you heard Eytukan command them to be bound. You finally released a sob at the betrayal, letting tears fall down your face as Ayana ran up behind you.
“Are you okay?” she asked, but you did not hear her, too focused on getting out of the vrrtep’s sight.
After Jake was revealed to be a liar, the fall of hometree was swift.
In less than two hours, everything that you knew was gone. You had wiped your tears and taken up your bow with Tsu’tey and the other warriors. Jake had yelled your name when you passed by the place where he was bound alongside Grace, but you did not spare him a glance, just kept walking as you joined the others.
At Eytukan’s orders, you had set off for the ikran at the top of Hometree, ignoring Jake’s screams for you to stop, to run. The flames engulfing your home had licked at your heels on the way up and the explosions rocked your balance off kilter as you scrambled for purchase. By the time you and the others made it to the top, you could feel the steady swaying of Hometree.
You had no time to sob, no time to scream for them to stop, only to run for your life, yipping for Na’tu to meet you as dozens of Ikran took off into the sky to escape the now falling tree.
She landed in front of you as you saw Tsu’tey mount his own ride. You were relieved to see he would be safe.
Na’tu took off into the sky as Hometree fell unceremoniously. It creaked and groaned as it toppled nearly in slow motion. “Kehe,” you muttered to yourself in sorrow, watching in terror as you saw people running for their lives below.
You swooped down, flying over the area where people had once stood, but now only splinters lay in the grass. You were somewhat relieved to see that Grace and Jake were no longer tied up and bound to posts. A large limb of Hometree had fallen over the arch, crushing the area where Grace had been tied, but you could tell from the way the ropes swung frantically that she had been cut down, they both had.
You heard your name being called down below and you spotted Jake stumbling through the wreckage. He was screaming your name and it broke your heart to hear it. You did not stop for him, just kept on flying. You could not face the man who had indirectly murdered your people and burned your home quite yet. You would have to work up the courage before you faced your soulmate again.
-
“Sa’nu!” a little voice called, causing you to open your eyes and look for the child you knew by heart.
“Yes, little Ta’ni. What is it?” you smiled, picking up the three year old and putting her on your hip, careful to avoid your stomach which was round with your second child.
“Sempu said he would be back by now, but he is taking a long time,” your daughter complained, tugging on one of her short, black curls with a four fingered hand. She looked so much like Jake when she pouted, it made you smile.
“Should we go find him then?” you asked her and she clapped.
“Yes! Sa’nu, do you think he is in the river again?” she asked and you laughed.
“Maybe, let us check there first.” you nodded. The two of you left your kelku and took the short path down to the stream where you had first met your mate all those years ago.
You found Jake there, as Ta’ni predicted, washing himself off after a long day hunting with his group. He had become Tsu’tey’s right hand after the battle that drove the RDA out, and he kept busy.
“Sempu!” your daughter yelled.
Jake turned at her little voice, his face broke out into a wide smile at the sight of his family.
“There are my girls!” he exclaimed, wading towards you through the water. You stepped in ankle deep, a shiver going up your spine at the chill.
“How was your day, my heart?” you asked, as Jake stopped in front of you, pecking your lips before taking his daughter from you and holding her on his arm.
“Busy, the herds are turning west, away from the good grazing land, and Tsu’tey expects me to do something about it.” He scoffed at the stupidity of sturmbeast’s and you smiled.
“They always turn west in the off months, give it time and they will find their way,” you encouraged him.
“Tell that to Tsu’tey,” he replied.
“I will tell Uncle Tsu for you, Sempu!” Ta’ni remarked cheerfully.
“That would be just perfect, would you do that for me, babygirl?” he teased the chubby toddler in his arms.
“Yep!” she agreed.
“Actually, Uncle Tsu sent something for you today,” Jake said, carrying her over to his bag which laid on the rocky shore.
“Really? For me?” she asked, excited at the prospect of a gift.
“Yeah, all for you,” he nodded, crouching down to pull a little toy, painted orange and yellow. Jake flew it into Ta’ni’s hands, making her giggle.
“What is it?” she asked.
“It is toruk,” you explained, coming to stand beside Jake as he stood back up. “Your sempu flew with him to victory against the mean people who tried to take our land.”
“And did you win?” she asked curiously.
“Yes, in some ways,” he nodded and she smiled.
“Because mommy and daddy were brave?”
“Because you make us brave, babygirl. You brought us together,” Jake smiled, kissing your daughter’s forehead.
Your vision blurred and you swayed on your feet, grasping your swollen belly on reflex. “Jake,” you muttered, grabbing his attention. His brows furrowed as he stepped closer and grasped your hand.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” he demanded.
“I- I think I have to wake up now,” Ta’ni’s concerned face was the last thing you saw before you came to, gasping for breath on the ground below the tree of voices.
Neytiri looked up at the sound, obviously restless from the traumatic day before. “Another dream?” she asked numbly and you nodded. People were still asleep around you both, dawn just breaking under the arches.
“Neytiri, you trained him, do you think it’s possible for Jake to tame Toruk?” you asked out of the blue and she stilled. Her jaw clenched at the sound of his name.
“What did you see?” she pressed for answers, leaning in. You could not help but notice the bags under her eyes and the soil clinging to her braids.
“Just answer me,” you sighed, not willing to divulge your heart to her, the wounds Jake created were too fresh to rehash. Ash clung to the air and the elders whispered that Hometree still burned.
“I do not know,” she stated, looking down at her hands, “If he made the right choices, if he went in with an even head. A week ago, I would have said it was possible, but now… I think Toruk would reject a traitor, that is weakness.” She spat the word with harsh condemnation.
“That is what I was afraid of,” you grumbled. You coughed as the dust you had breathed in yesterday stirred in your lungs again.
She looked up to you, her bloodshot eyes meeting yours, “Why afraid?” she asked.
“Because, my dreams are not a guarantee of the future. He could get himself killed pulling reckless stunts like that,” you said, tucking your knees in front of your body and resting your head on them.
“Why are you afraid for him? Let the betrayer learn his lesson. Eywa can enact vengeance on our behalf,” she gritted out.
Her words scared you, because as much rage as you felt in your chest and as upset as this made you, you could not live with yourself if he was dead.
As soon as you woke up, all you could think of was telling Jake that your son’s name was Kelyan, because you realized you never got the chance to tell him. Or that you finally got to see your daughter's face and you liked that it looked like his.
“I am still angry at him,” you answered her, “but I still love him too.”
-
That evening, the clan gathered around the tree of souls, chanting and singing for hours. Your voice grew hoarse from crying and continued use.
Your parents had survived the fall of Hometree, but Ayana had not. Your young friend had been crushed under the trunk of her own home, the human’s fire burned away any remains. The Olo’eyktan had likewise been killed, impaled by a splinter through his chest. Dozens more were now with Eywa.
You sang the old songs, pleading with Eywa to help you now. You prayed to the great mother to keep Jake safe, wherever he was.
You asked for guidance for him, that Eywa would be with him if he dared try anything stupid, and a small part of you hoped that he would. If he came back, you would know he was not a coward, it would prove him right in some capacity and not all of this sorrow would be in vain.
If he came back with Toruk… then you knew your dreams held truth.
Throughout your entire life, you rarely had prayers answered as fast as this one.
A shadow flew over the people, an orange blur in the sky made the people shriek and startle. Screams filled the air, but you did not join them. Only stood and turned to see Toruk with Jake on its back. Exactly as you feared, exactly as you hoped.
He dismounted and the people calmed, realizing the beast was not there to kill them all.
The crowd parted in two as Jake walked through them straight to you. Your breath hitched as his eyes met yours. He stopped in front of you, his head cocking to the side.
You stared up at him, unblinking as your mind ran through the events of the last week, but all came back to focus on him. “I see you,” you whispered through the hush of the people, eyes brimming with tears.
Jake smiled softly. “I see you,” he replied. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I was afraid of what would happen, but I am not anymore. I’m in now, all the way,” he murmured so only you could hear.
You nodded slowly, mulling over his words. “I was angry, Jake. It blinded me so that I did not see you. I did not help you when you needed me. Forgive me,” you asked.
He shook his head, “No, don’t apologize. It’s not your fault, baby,” he called you the nickname he always used in your dreams and it felt like a full circle moment. Maybe one day you could ask him what it meant.
“Is Grace-” you started, trailing off, too timid to ask about the whereabouts of the one they called Sa’nok.
“She’s okay, with Norm and the others,” he confirmed and you nodded. He cupped your face before he turned to the leaders watching from under the tree. Jake took your hand and climbed up the steps of the dais to Tsu’tey and Mo’at.
Mo’at backed away, Neytiri coming up behind her to comfort her mother, but Tsu’tey stood still, looking at Jake with fear clouding his eyes.
Jake stepped forward and you let go of his hand. “Tsu'tey of the Rongloa, son of Ateyo. I stand before you, ready to serve the People. You are Olo'eyktan, and you’re the best warrior. I can't do this without you,” He said to the Olo’eyktan in Na’vi.
Tsu’tey looked afraid, before he gathered his courage, glancing at the giant beast behind you and then back to Jake. “I will fly with you,” he agreed.
Jake nodded, shoulders lowering an inch in relief. “With your permission, I will speak now,” Jake requested. “You would honor me by translating.”
Tsu’tey nodded, gesturing to the people as Jake stepped forward towards the people.
“The Sky People have sent a message that they can take whatever they want, and no one can stop them,” he started, eyes narrowed and fiery.
“But we will send them a message,” he demanded. “Ride out, as fast as the wind can carry you, tell the other clans to come. Tell them that Toruk Makto calls to them! You fly now, with me, brothers and sisters! Fly! And we will show the Sky People… that they cannot take whatever they want! And that this... this is our land!” His voice held grief and conviction.
His speech tugged new emotions from your heart, pride being the most prominent. You were proud to call this man your soulmate, that his heart was not one that ran or cowered. He would stand with you, even if it did kill you all, he would stand.
Jake reached for your hand, holding it tightly so you did not slip away again. You understood he needed you here by his side to support him through this. You raised your free hand and let out a war cry. He would fight, you all would.
The rest of the clan followed, ululating and starting to move. Jake tugged you forward and you ran with him to the toruk. You hesitated as he ran up its wing and mounted on with ease.
“You coming?” he asked, teasing, but also maybe hesitant you would say no.
Your eyes softened, “I will ride with you,” you repeated Tsu’tey’s words, following his lead up the side of the great beast. He pulled you up behind him, winding his arms around the Toruk’s kuru’s as you wrapped your arms tightly around Jake’s middle.
The take off was bumpy, but the sight of a hundred Ikran’s taking off around you was beautiful. The people separated, veering off to the mountains, the plains, the sea, and the surrounding forests. You and Jake headed for the plains where you knew the Olo’eyktan, Akwey, trained fierce warriors.
The flight gave you time with Jake that you realized was much needed.
“Our son’s name is Kelyan,” you said over the wind.
“Kelyan,” he repeated, testing the name in his mouth. “I like it,” he decided.
“Me too,” you smiled, as the breeze rustled your hair.
“What dreams did you have while I was gone?” he asked.
“We should talk no more of dreams. They are the reason we met, but they are not the only reason I am falling in love with you. I want to spend time now with you,” you said, hoping he heard you clearly over the air rushing around you.
His hand gripped your arms around his waist and you knew he had.
“Okay, no more dreams. Just us in the here and now,” he agreed.
“Tell me how you tamed Toruk,” you asked, laying your head on his smooth shoulder, and he chuckled.
“Oh I see. Not much changes on a different planet, the girl still always wants the guy with the nicest car.”
You pinched your brows together. “What are you saying, Ma’ Jake?”
He shook his head and patted your arm, “Nothing, baby, I’m just joking.”
“You are already testing me,” you sighed, not really meaning the words.
“Alright, alright! Well, I figured Toruk is the baddest cat in the sky. Nothing attacks him, why would he ever look up? So I came in from above,” he explained and you picked your head up.
“That… is very wise,” you said, having never thought about it before.
You could not see the proud look on his face, but you knew he had one. “I thought so too.”
“You are very wise, I am sorry I did not see it before,” you apologized again. “I know you will lead us to victory, even without the dreams telling me so.”
“I thought we said no more apologizing,” he shook his head.
“You said to not do it, but I will a few more times,” you smiled against his skin, pressing a kiss to his shoulder.
He reached down and held your thigh that sat behind his. “Whatever you need to do, baby. As long as you’re mine.”
Description: Eywa sends dreams of the one your soul is bound to. You had hopes of recieving your dream since you were a little girl, but a dream walker was the last person you expected.
Content Warnings: Reader is very apprehensive of Jake, Movie 1 Jake is an idiot and I love him, pretty fluffy
Author's note: I had to split this into 2 parts because it was getting so long. Part 2 is halfway written so it should be out shortly, it has all the lovey dovey parts!
Based on this request by @vaao2445.
THANK YOU to @lejardinfleur for beta reading my 7k word monstrosity and offering feedback!!! You're the best twin/bestie/cousin EVER!
Na’vi words used:
Pa’li - direhorse
vitra muntxa - Soul mated
Yawnetu - beloved, loved one
Kelku - home
‘Angtsìk - Hammerhead titanothere
Tawtute - human
Skxawng - idiot
Junebug's Jake Sully Writing Event Prompt(s): 3. “I saw you in a dream once” and 6. Soulmates/Fated mates, and 13. "yes ma'am.
“Hey! Do I know you? You look familiar.” A strangely accented voice came from your right and you flinched at the sound, stopping your walk and the Pa’li beside you. You glanced over to the stream and spotted a man standing knee deep in the water looking at you.
You were shocked to see it was a dreamwalker. He must have been the one the people had been speaking about in hushed whispers. The nearly Na’vi looking man was dripping with clear water as if he had been swimming and his hair clung to his forehead in clumps.
You had been sick and weak for days, making it so that the Tsahìk had to be called and your mother did not let you leave your parents kelku, not that you could. You had missed the dreamwalker’s arrival two days before, but your friend Neytiri had come by to catch you up to speed and complain about her new pupil.
Because you had never met him before, his appearance shocked you deeply. You fully faced him with paused breath and wide eyed horror as you realized you actually did recognize him.
The Na’vi people had a gift that the humans did not possess. Eywa gave the people of Pandora vivid dreams of their vitra muntxa throughout their life. It could be only once or it could happen often, no two people had the same experience.
Not every Na’vi that would have a mate, had a dream of them first, but many did. For couples whose pairing would be truly soul entwined, their freckles matched up perfectly, a sure indicator of a strong bond.
Dreams of your soulmate had plagued you nearly every night for years. Bright bursts of a strange looking man with five fingers and hair covered brows. You had pushed away the thought of your dreams ever becoming true, vowing to never allow yourself to mate with one of them, a demon.
You had grown up attending Dr. Augustine’s school, you were familiar with dreamwalkers, but after the shooting that killed your classmates, including Neytiri’s sister, you had formed a hatred for them that burned down throughout your body. You wore it internally like white mourning paint.
“Actually, this is gonna sound crazy, but I think I saw you in a dream once,” he laughed bashfully and the sound tugged oddly at your ears. You had heard the sound before when you had been forced to endure visions of his humor. The sound in reality made a lightness in your chest, but you quickly tamped it down. Instead, you pursed your lips and glared harder at the man.
“Do not laugh at that, it is not to be mocked,” you ground out and his smile dried up.
“Right. Uh, well, my name is Jake,” he continued and you sighed, already exhausted that he would not take your hints, as obvious as they were.
“You do not know me,” you spat, making tsaheylu again with the Pa’li and remounting. His face fell as the direhorse burst into movement and you rode away from him.
-
Jake ran a finger down your nose, stirring you from sleep. You blinked awake, opening your eyes to see your mate smiling fondly at you where he laid on his side in your shared hammock.
“Good morning, baby,” he said sweetly in nearly perfect Na’vi.
You smiled, closing your eyes again and burrowing deeper into his hold. “Good morning, Yawnetu,” you murmured into his chest. His hand smoothed over your hair, brushing the strays back into place and away from your eyes.
Little feet pattered across the kelku and giggles accompanied them. Your eyes opened again to laugh, “We can hear you, come out my little ‘angtsìk,” you called.
“Here she comes!” Jake called as a little voice squealed in delight from behind you where you laid on your side. You felt a tiny body using your shoulder and hip to climb onto the hammock and Jake reached over you to help her.
Jake said, “Hey, don't hurt mama,” but it was in vain as a sharp elbow dug into your side. The pain made you suck in a breath and you jerked awake.
You gasped and sat up, immediately cradling your head as you processed the dream.
This one had been so vivid, as if you were really there with him. His heat still lingered on your skin and the child’s laugh still rang in your ears. Now that he had been in front of you in the flesh, Eywa’s call was harder to ignore. This was torture, you decided.
Tears leaked down your face, in spite of your better judgement. You wanted that life so bad, to have a family and a soul bond with someone. But to embrace it with him would be to turn away from your people, your very way of life.
A man was not worth that, no matter how charming his smile or how handsome his face. No matter how bright your future was with him.
-
That night, you sat at dinner by yourself, not able to sit next to Neytiri and that demon after your dream. She sent you wary glances from across the fire, but you never returned them, too focused on eating your teylu and keeping your eyes away from the tawtute.
“Hey, Neytiri. Who is that?” Jake asked his teacher, nodding to the lonely woman across the fire.
Neytiri followed his gaze and was surprised to see you. “That is Y/n, an accomplished hunter,” she explained.
“Huh, y/n…” he tested the name in his mouth and it sounded right. His eyes stayed glued on you as Neytiri asked more questions.
“Why do you ask? Did you meet her today?” she asked.
“Yesterday, out by the river. But I think I’ve been dreaming about her too. That sounds creepy-”
Neytiri stilled, “No, it is a sign from Eywa,” she gasped, leaning in towards him.
“A sign?” he restated, gesturing for her to explain.
She rolled her eyes at his cluelessness. “Eywa sends us dreams about our vitra muntxa, our soul mates. If you are dreaming about her, then it is likely she dreams about you as well,” Neytiri explained, toying with the leaf in her hand.
“Really?” he asked in shock, finally tearing his gaze from you to look at her. “She acted like she hated the sight of me.”
“That does not mean she does not dream of you, Jake,” Neytiri chuckled.
“Wait- Soul mates?” he repeated, the words finally clicking, looking at her intently.
She nodded, “Yes, it is rare to dream about your soulmate more than once. The bond must be strong,” she noted and Jake’s eyes widened.
“As soon as I arrived here, I‘ve had dreams about that woman nearly every night. Usually nothing serious, just joking around, flying together. But, sometimes I see kids, or see her when she’s old.” He shook his head and Neytiri smiled for your future of happiness.
“Eywa must have sensed your path here. You must certainly go talk to her, it is the great mother’s will,” Neytiri insisted.
“Now?” Jake asked, looking to Neytiri, surprised. In the little time he had known her, the chief’s daughter was hardly ever kind to him, she did not mince words or flatter anyone. If she was saying this to him, it must be something important.
“Yes! Go!” she urged, flipping her hand in your direction and Jake scurried up to his feet.
“Geez, I’m goin’” he grumbled, turning to find you again and awkwardly walking over.
“Hey,” he greeted you and you rolled your eyes at his interruption. “Can I sit here?” he asked, gesturing down to the empty space next to you.
“If you have to,” you grumbled.
“Okay,” Jake sank down into a crouch and eyed the room from your vantage point. You could watch every single other person in the room from this spot.
“So… I heard we might be soulmates,” he started and the casual tone made you nearly choke on your food.
He raised his eyebrows as you cleared your throat. Eventually you got out, “Who told you that?” you muttered.
“Neytiri. I told her about these dreams I've been having, she thinks you might be having the same ones,” he admitted and you sighed, of course.
“I have…” you admit and his lips curved up into a smile. You quickly smash his hopes back down by saying, “but it can not be. Not while the humans kill and destroy my people,” you insisted, ripping a teylu in half as you crunched down on it.
Jake blinked, “But, I’m not like them,” he promised and you scoffed.
“You are exactly like them,” you established, staring into the fire.
He shook his head, a cocky smile lit his face. “ You don't even know me. Give me a chance.”
“That is not wise,” you replied, but his resolve only hardened.
“It is the will of Eywa according to Neytiri. You don’t listen to the great mother?” he challenged and your nostril’s flared.
“Of course I do, skxawng,” you gritted out, offended he would question your loyalty.
“Then prove it. Let me win you over,” he requested and you balked.
You did not reply, not sure what to say to that, and silence fell over the two of you. You stared forward and Jake stared at you, as your minds both ran laps around the other.
Jake finally faced away from you and you felt like you could breathe just a little easier. At least, until he finally broke the silence. “I think our daughter's name is Ta’ni,” he said quietly and you sucked in a breath. “But the boy, I’m not sure about, I always call him Ace in my dreams,” he muttered with a faraway smile.
Your eyes slowly traveled to meet his. You opened to him slowly, the topic of your future children softening your heart into sap. “I have not seen the boy yet, and not the daughter's face, just heard her laugh… and felt her elbow,” you grumbled and Jake’s eyebrows furrowed.
“I think I have seen just about everything,” he breathed out and your eyes turned glassy at the thought of there being more. Maybe you had only scratched the surface of your life with him, and that would be for the best. The more you knew, the more you softened to him.
“That is a curse more than a blessing, you will never get to experience it,” you said both as a reminder to him and to yourself.
“I think we will. Let me prove it to you. I’m gonna win you over eventually, just give me a chance,” he requested one more time.
You sighed, finding only hope on his face. “Fine, you may try, but you will not succeed,” you warned.
His smile cracked wide, “You won't regret it,” he promised.
“I already do.”
-
He was true to his word. Over the next month it started slowly. At first it was making a point to say hi and ask you how you were when he passed you on the spiral, or even going so far as to give you updates about his training.
“I shot an arrow today, it was pretty cool,” he noted out of the blue when you passed him under the arches of Hometree’s first floor.
You stilled your walk and looked back at him. “You shot your target?” you asked in clarification.
“Uh, no. I didn't say that. I mean, I did shoot a tree… just not the one I was aiming for,” he admitted.
The bashful look in his eye paired with the way his ears flattened to his head made your lips curve up for a second at him. He was an utter skxawng and you both knew it.
His tail twitched behind him and his expression changed to one of smug victory before you realized you were involuntarily smiling at him and straightened your lips back into a grimace.
“You will have to do better than that if you wish to win me over,” you gritted out and turned away.
“I plan to!” he yelled after you and you just rolled your eyes at his loudness.
Tsu’tey was walking by and stopped at the noise. “What is he screeching about?” he asked you with a scoff.
You stopped again and shrugged. “Not a clue,” you answered.
“He will die quickly,” Tsu’tey guessed and the thought made your stomach churn.
Realistically, that option would be the best case scenario for you. He would be out of the picture and you would no longer be tempted to let him occupy any more of your mind. But the thought of him being gone... that scared you. You couldn't imagine why.
“Perhaps he will give up soon and go back to his own kind. Let us pray it is in Eywa’s will,” you agreed.
-
Neytiri was the only one who knew about you two being connected via soul. When your friend, Ayana, arrived home from a hunt, she had guessed that something was up with you, but she thought it was to do solely with your hatred of the dream walker.
“He looks funny, like he is in a costume,” she laughed, watching the man step on someone’s foot during training as you both observed the training grounds from a nearby tree.
You analyzed his looks closely, “He does not look so different than us. He might be considered handsome,” you said, trying not to sound defensive. You were stuck with him in some sort of way after all.
Ayana looked at you in shock. “Surely you are messing with me,” she scoffed and you momentarily panicked.
“No, I cannot have my own opinion about him?” you asked.
“Of course you can, as long as it is not in favor of him,” she grinned, turning back to watch as Neytiri barked orders to him and he hurried to do as she asked.
“I passed by him last night and got a closer look, have you noticed he has nearly the same freckle pattern under his eye as you do?” she asked and you stilled.
“No,” you answered truthfully and your mind reeled at the meaning.
“Maybe he is your soulmate,” she teased and you froze at her joke. “Have you had any interesting dreams lately?”
You forced out a chuckle, “Every night,” you said.
“Pfft,” she scoffed and took your words as a joke like you hoped. “I would not envy you, if that were truly the case,” she laughed.
-
Eventually, Jake's advances increased to sitting beside you at meals, not saying much of anything at first. He would crouch beside you, crunching on teylu or fruit as you warily kept your mouth shut. But by the second week of silence, you gave in.
“What did Neytiri teach you today?” you asked, sounding annoyed but feeling slightly curious in truth.
His head shot in your direction and he swallowed what he had in his mouth. “Uh, we went hunting again. Didn’t let me shoot anything, but she did force me to jump off of a tree,” he explained.
“I see you made it to the bottom,” you fought a grin at the grimace he had on his face and he scoffed.
“One way or another,” he cocked his head.
“That explains the new hair accessories,” you said, gesturing to where two leaves and even a small twig were nestled in the hair that had fallen out of his braid.
He reached up and patted his head, pulling out most of the debris and sighing. “I’m not really sure what to do with all of this hair. Back on earth I would shave it when I got annoyed with it.”
“You need braids,” you noted, eating another teylu.
“Yeah, hey, Neytiri said you’re a good braider. What do you say?” he asked and you shot him incredulous eyes.
“I do not think that is a good idea,” you replied.
His eyebrows furrowed together in an expression that was very human. “You say that a lot,” he said.
“Because you do not have many good ideas,” you ground out before pursing your lips.
“You said you would give me a chance, and I know that Na’vi don’t say things they don’t mean,” he pointed out and you narrowed your eyes at your previous words getting thrown back in your face. “Wouldn’t it be in Eywa’s will?” he asked coyly.
You narrowed your eyes at his obvious manipulation. “I see what you are doing, but fine, if only to shut you up,” you begrudgingly agreed.
Instead of making a big spectacle, or wanting to schedule another time so you could braid his hair properly, you finished your teylu and got up, expecting him to follow you without telling him. Maybe you would get lucky and he would cluelessly stay behind.
You had no such luck as he shot up to his feet and stumbled after you, nearly jogging to keep up with your quick steps. You passed Neytiri and she gave you a knowing, satisfied look at having passed off her student for at least part of her day. You shot her a playful glare back to show you were displeased and she laughed.
You led him to your parents' kelku, telling him to wait outside as you ducked inside to grab beads and small leather strips to tie off the braids. You still kept a good bit of your stuff here since your hammock could not store things.
You headed back outside and ordered him to sit down on the thick branch below him. Your parents would not be back for an hour or two. You had time to do the lackluster braid you planned.
You crouched beside him, ignoring the way your leg brushed the warm skin of his back or the way his breath hitched for a second. You grabbed the thick lock of fallen hair and combed through it with your fingers, starting the braid loose so it would not hurt his scalp.
“I had another dream last night.” he said after a moment and your hands stilled before resuming motion.
“Me too,” you admitted reluctantly.
“Tell me yours first, maybe they’re the same,” he requested.
You sighed, “Okay, you were arriving back from a hunt, you looked to be a few years older than you are now. I was with child,” you said and his head shifted at the words.
“You had a scrape, a sturmbeast got too close and I cleaned it for you. You touched my stomach, said that our child would be a strong hunter, like its mom. Then I woke up.” You left out most of the details, like how he had kissed you when he arrived back home or how your back hurt from the weight of the baby, or even how a nearly finished bassinet sat in the corner of the kelku and you knew on instinct that he had built it by hand.
“That…” his voice choked and your heart stuttered at his tenderness. Even though you could not see his face, you could feel the emotion radiating off of him. “That is a good one,” he nodded and you finished the braid, moving to the other side to start another one. You originally thought to just do the largest section of free flowing hair, but you selfishly wanted to know about his dream.
“Mine was different, but you were still pregnant, I think probably with the same baby.” He shrugged but continued, “your back was hurting, so Tsu’tey told me about this thing that helped with Neytiri’s pain. We eventually become friends I guess. Anyway, I got behind you and lifted your stomach and it made the pain go away. You were so excited about it that you made me kabobs and picked all this fruit for me the next day, trying to entice me to do it again, as if I wouldn't have done it for hours, all you had to do was ask,” he spoke softly.
“Neytiri and Tsu’tey had a baby?” you asked excitedly, knowing your friend would be overjoyed at the prospect of children.
He nodded, making your hands have to freeze so you didnt lose hair. “They had two by the time we had our first,” he said and you shook your head.
“Eywa blessed them greatly,” you smiled.
“Seems like Eywa blessed us too,” he corrected and you felt that was about all the emotions you could handle for the night without tipping over into the territory of starting to like him. You tied off his braid and stood.
He turned to look at you. “I have to… attend to Na’tu,” you quickly came up with an excuse. Using your ikran seemed flimsy, but you needed to get out of there.
“Right,” Jake nodded, “Hey, thanks for the braids,” he said as you started backing away.
“You are welcome, dream walker,” you said, turning to walk away. “Do not mess them up, I will not do them for you again,” you called over your shoulder.
“Yes ma’am,” he replied as you fled and ascended up to the top of hometree.
This is part 3 to my role reversal AU. Read Part 1 and Part 2 here!
Word count: 3.2k
Pairing: Tsyeyk Suli x f!curvy!avatar!reader
Description: When the link pods glitch out, you confront your own humanity head on with your mate at your side.
Content warnings/tags: Reader's body is talked about, self-insecurity, Tsyeyk is trying to convince her to transfer, light angst, arguing, reader in human body, takes place 2 years after Avatar 1.
Author's note: I'm BAAACCCK on my Jake Sully crazy talk! Here’s a random part 3 that no one asked for. 😂 Thank you, Finnie, for beta reading and helping me out!!
Na’vi!Jake, part 3 to They Stare
“Norm, come look at this,” you called over your shoulder, eyes flitting over the code that you were having trouble believing. The data on the tablet in front of you had to be wrong, or else you were losing your mind. When the connection from everyone’s human minds to their Avatar bodies had started minorly glitching a few days ago, Norm had asked you to do a diagnostic scan on the pods. You had expected a small bug or something, but nothing like this.
Norm’s clunky footsteps came closer and you turned to show your friend and fellow avatar driver the information you were being presented with. As a Na’vi anthropologist researcher, you didn't have as much knowledge about technology as your colleagues. Norm may have been a researcher as well, but he picked up this stuff quickly. He was a whiz when it came to the link pods.
He peered over your shoulder to read it and his reaction made your stomach sink to your toes. His eyes bugged out as they rapidly scanned through the code on the screen.
“What the hell?” he asked under his breath, taking the tablet from you.
“Is that what I think it is?” you asked, pointing to a certain line of code.
“I don’t even know what this is,” he huffed, calling Max over.
The Chief Scientist furrowed his brow at your worried expressions and came over. “What’s going on?” Max asked, holding out a hand for the device.
“Look at this,” Norm said, shoving the tablet into his hands.
Immediately Max started shaking his head as he read over the text. “How… this can’t be right,” he said, refreshing the screen and rerunning the diagnostic. A minute later, it filled in the exact same text as before and Max’s brow lowered even further.
“We’ll have to rewire new computer boards for each link pod. This could take weeks, this is…” Norm trailed off, hand coming to his forehead and rubbing at his temple.
“Bad,” you finished for him, your mind reeling at everything that would have to be done.
“This isn't going to be fun, you guys won’t be able to link until we get this fixed,” Max added.
“Wha- At all?” you scoffed, immediately thinking of how unhappy Tsyeyk would be at the news.
Your mate was fine with your human body, he swore he loved you just the same, but he had also been asking you to consider a transfer ever since the Battle of Ayram Alusìng two years ago, this was only going to make his insistence stronger. As much as that would be ideal, you still hesitated. The death of your mentor and friend, Grace, had rattled you so thoroughly, that the thought of letting Mo’at attempt it on you made you unthinkably nervous.
You know that transferring would make your life simpler, but being human was such a big part of you. You planned to make the transfer one day, but you just didn’t feel ready to say goodbye yet. This body was your last true connection to Earth and your family still living there. You were supposed to do a 6 year rotation and then go home, but now you were permanently staying on a moon light years away from your own species. You had built something here, a new family, found love with Tsyeyk, but Earth was still your heritage. As messed up, dirty and corrupt as Earth was, it was still once all you knew.
You looked at Norm as he shook his head, “Mutxuk is going to kill me,”
“You stand no chance,” you winced at the thought of Norm’s pregnant and hormonal mate.
His gaze swiveled to you with a glare, “You’re one to talk. I don’t think the Olo’eyktan is going to be thrilled either,” he reminded you and your face fell further.
“We’re both dead,” you groaned.
-
Later that night, you steeled your nerves before returning to the Omatikaya village in your human body. The climb up to your kelku was twice as hard in your smaller form and there was a brief moment your hands trembled at the exertion. “Tsyeyk,” you said softly, finally entering your shared kelku and looking for your mate.
Tsyeyk looked up from sharpening his knife, his face immediately forming a smile as he realized it was you. “I was wondering where you were.” His Olo’eyktan mantle had been discarded for the day, already hanging up on its stand, his bow below it. He looked relaxed as he crouched on the woven floor.
“Unilnyu (dreamer), why are you in your human body? I thought we had plans tonight,” he asked, his mouth quirking up at the corners as he remembered the conversation exchanged earlier this morning. He was only paying half a mind to your answer as he looked back down at his weapon.
“They’ll have to be postponed. Uh, I have something to tell you. Put down the knife,” you requested, coming closer.
His eyes shot back up to you, lowering the knife, but not putting it down as you asked. “Why?” he asked, looking worried now.
You sighed, “I’m not telling you until you put it down,” you said, putting your hands on your hips. The size difference now between you and Tseyeyk stood out like an ‘angtsìk. Even with you standing, he was still nearly at eye level.
“Okay…” he muttered, finally putting down the knife onto the floor beside him. “What is it?”
You sucked in a breath, stepping closer to Tsyeyk, between his knees, and wrapping your arms around your stomach as a nervous reaction to what you were about to say. You didn't know why you were preparing for the worst. Tsyeyk was not quick to anger or ever harsh with you, that was not the fear. It was more so that you didn’t want him to be disappointed or feel that you were doing this on purpose.
“My avatar, it’s… Um, well, there was a problem with the link pod, it’s broken. I can’t link to my other body right now,” you confessed, looking pleadingly at Tsyeyk to understand.
He blinked back, looking confused. “So you are in this body until it is fixed then,” he surmised, nodding slowly.
“Yes… and it’s going to be a while,” you added.
That’s when his face fell. “How long?” he asked.
You bit your lip out of habit. “Maybe a few weeks, maybe longer,” you admitted. His own lips pressed together at the news, brow furrowing lower as you jumped in to say, “Max and Norm are working on it as we speak, the other Avatars can’t link either. It’ll just be for a little bit.”
“It is fine,” he said stiffly, looking disappointed at the news.
Your heart broke, “I’m sorry, Tsyeyk. I know you wanted to take me up in the mountains tomorrow. We can still go, I’ll just be a little slower-”
His tail twitched behind him. “No,” he demanded, cutting you off. “You have to stay safe in this body, it can wait,” he insisted.
“But, I’m fine!” you argued, scoffing at his reaction. “I’m not glass, human or not.”
“You are not glass, but you are equally as breakable. Your bones are not strong like ours, and you can not move as fast if something were to attack. Besides, this body is weak from spending so much time strengthening your other self,” he argued.
Your frown made Tseyeyk even more upset, “You talk like I’m a kid. I can still do things in this body,” you insisted.
“I know, but safe things. You cannot protect yourself as well,” he expanded.
“I know you don’t like my human body, but you can’t expect-”
“Au!” Tseyeyk reared his head back and his hands flew up to your shoulders. His blue skin covered so much of yours. “That is not true. I like all of you,” he corrected.
Your eyebrows fell low over your eyes. “But you want me to do the transfer so badly, I just thought…” you said, feeling confused and flustered. “I don't know,” you trailed off.
“You are beautiful in every way, ma’ tawtute (human). Yes, your avatar makes our life together easier, but it is what is inside that I fell in love with,” he said, tapping a finger to the skin over your heart.
Tears welled in your eyes and you desperately blinked them away. “Really?”
“Unilnyu,” his voice softened as he pulled you in close, his large hands splaying across the expanse of your back and pressing you to his chest. Your head automatically found the crook of his neck, breathing in all the familiar smells you associated with your husband. “I told you this on the night we mated. Have you not believed me all this time?” he asked as you felt his cheek rest on your hair.
“I wanted to… and I- I do, but it is hard to believe sometimes. You’re Olo’eyktan, a trained Na’vi warrior. I’m just a human in a false body,” you admitted. Your finger lightly dragged over the left line of Tahni that trailed down Tsyeyk’s neck and chest before dipping down to his stomach. Your nail dragged on his skin and you withdrew your hand before you hit his naval. “And I know I am shaped differently in this body. I’m not as slim or as pretty. You should have never chosen me,” you whispered, voicing aloud a silent thought that had been eating at you these two years.
Tsyeyk hissed quietly in anger, although you had a feeling it was not directed at you. You were thankful to be hiding away in his safe embrace and not having to face him head on. “Ma’ Muntxate (my wife), humans have always looked like wrinkled, pale aliens to me. They are ugly little creatures that kill and maim these lands and the people. I detested all of them, until I met you. You were the first that looked beautiful to me, not quite as alien, not quite so foreign. Maybe you do look like the others, maybe you do not, I do not know. All I see, all I feel, is my soul calling to yours. The rest does not matter.”
“It does matter, it matters,” you muttered, squeezing your eyes tightly.
“Not to me,” he murmured, his hand coming up to hold your head firmly to his shoulder. “You have taught me that there is good in humanity, that you are good. I do not care what you look like, although I find you very beautiful anyway, I care who you are. You are Eywa’s chosen, Toruk Makto. You led us to victory, you did what I, nor any Na’vi, could not. If that does not prove your strong heart, then I do not know what would.”
“I guess,” you muttered, “but the price was too high.” You remembered the faces of empty eyes and gaping mouths, sons and daughters who would never sing or laugh again.
“The price of not fighting was much higher,” he assured you, and it did bring some comfort.
“I still want to go to the mountains tomorrow,” you said, changing the subject so you didn’t cry.
He was quiet, and you could nearly hear the gears turning in his head. “Fine,” he finally relented quietly.
That night, you laid cushioned in his arms in your shared hammock, legs intertwined as the soft whoosh of your mask drowned out the buzz of insects and the call of fkio (small ikran) that you so loved to hear.
Your sleep was broken into parts, sporadic and restless, as you hated the feeling of the woven hammock on your delicate, human skin. It grated against your legs and back, making you feel itchy and uncomfortable. You twisted in your mate’s arms, struggling to find a comfortable place whilst not waking him. He was a light sleeper, so your efforts won few rewards, but you eventually drifted into a half sleep.
Hours later, when the sun was just beginning to rise, Tsyeyk was awoken by a harsh beeping sound, followed by desprate gasps from your mouth. His eyes flew open in a panic to see your face pressed to his chest as you usually did in your sleep, except this time, your mask had been pushed to the side in your unconscious state.
He nearly fell out of the hammock in his rush to roll you onto your back and reattach the mask firmly to your face. You awoke with a start, your hand immediately flying to clutch at his hand on the plastic mask. You heaved in air, feeling dizzy and lightheaded as you realized what had happened.
“You are okay?” Tsyeyk asked, worry lacing his tone. He was propped up on his side by his elbow, hovering over you. You could feel the way he was rigid as a board while he waited for your answer.
You nodded, too busy focusing on breathing in air to answer him with words. Eventually you rasped out, “I’m okay,” and he exhaled.
“Thank the Great Mother you are alright,” he sighed, dropping his forehead onto your shoulder, his body slumping onto yours and you felt compressed for air all over again.
“Tsyeyk?” you muttered, “You’re squishing me.”
He reacted immediately, getting off of you with the speed of a Thanator. “Sorry, I am sorry,” he rasped out. “I am not used to this, I-” he sputtered out a few more words of nonsense before he eventually shut his mouth and shook his head in frustration.
“It’s not your fault, Tsyeyk,” you said brows furrowed in confusion. How could he possibly think this was his fault?
“This is why,” he said simply, harshly poking a finger to his thigh to stress his point.
“What?” you asked quietly, stilling as you observed him.
“I do not want you to transfer into your other body because of how you look. I want you to transfer because every moment that you are in your human body is a moment that Pandora is trying to kill you. I can protect you from most things, but poisonous air? A broken mask? Empty oxygen stores? I cannot fight that with arrows or spears. I am powerless to save you."
Jake paused to take a deep breath and he gazed imploringly at you to understand. "I know that your avatar body can still get hurt, but the risk is so much greater when you are human.” He pursed his lips, looking so intently as you that you felt like crying. “Do you not want to transfer because this life is not enough? Have I done something wrong? Made you unhappy?” he asked desperately, his voice cracking your heart wide open.
“No,” you insisted, shaking your head and grabbing his hands tightly in your tiny ones. “I love my life here, with you. I love the forest, the people, Eywa. I wouldn't go back to Earth even if given the chance, but… it is still where I was born, where I grew up. I spent most of my life in this body. I spent so much time learning to love it and move in it and be how I am in it. It's hard to let it just die.”
You sighed. “I’ve been thinking about the transfer some more and I want to do it. I think I'm almost there. As much as I want to though, I saw what happened to Grace. I saw the light go out of her eyes when she passed through. Grace was the best of us, she was much stronger than me, even when she was dying. What if I’m not strong enough either?” you asked, voice dying throughout your monologue until the last words were just a quiet utterance. “I don’t want to die.”
Tsyeyk’s face fell, displaying his pain plainly and your gut twisted at the sight. “You have shown more strength and perseverance than most could ever dream of. You are so strong that you give me strength every day. I do not want to make you feel as if you have to do this, but do not let the fear of dying be the reason you wait. Grace was already dying far before the transfer started. Her story is much different than yours, you are of sound mind and a mighty body. Eywa will guide you through the passage through her eye and give you back to us, this I know or I would not have asked you to do it,” he swore, gripping your hands.
You searched his eyes for any wavering or deceit, but he held fast to his convictions. As Olo’eyktan, he had seen many ceremonies and worked closely to Eywa and saw her will play out often. He would not lie to you, and you would not lie to him.
It was time.
You felt the shift in your bones. It was in the way your lungs opened a hair to allow more air in. Your mind and body both accepted the reality before you. It was time to transfer bodies and assume a life fully by Tsyeyk’s side. No more half commitment or partial loyalty. You were all in. When it came to Tsyeyk, you had no choice, your heart would not let you be anything but.
“Okay,” you released a deep breath. “I will do it then.”
His eyes widened, “Truly? I have convinced you?”
“Truly. I will transfer as soon as Mo’at says the time is right,” you decided.
Tsyeyk smiled sadly, as if he too was losing something, but was willing to pay the price anyway. “Thank you. Thank you, muntxate. This eases my heart,” he muttered, resting his head on your shoulder.
“You are welcome, husband. It will be nice to both fall asleep and wake up next to you,” you mused, smiling fondly at the idea.
“I will begin counting down the minutes,” he said, lifting his head to smile at you before lowering his head back down to kiss your shoulder, a sorry substitute for your lips, but the mask still acted as a barrier.
“As will I, and then I will kiss you morning, noon and night and never take it for granted,” you teased, although your words held truth.
Tsyeyk’s brow shot up. “Then I will get Mo’at now, we cannot wait,” he insisted, smiling widely as he pushed away from you and slid off the hammock, gathering his items in order to leave.
“Tsyeyk!” you giggled, reaching for him as he clasped his battle band around his middle and took his knife sheath off its hook.
“Get ready for the transfer, wife. I will beg her for her to be quick at making the arrangements,” he informed you.
“You’re mocking me,” you claimed, but Tsyeyek just grinned devilishly down at you as you still laid curled up in the hammock.
“You first teased me, it is only fair. I will see you soon,” he said, leaning over the hammock to drop a kiss to your hair.
“I love you,” you laughed, closing your eyes at the sensation of him close to you.
Tsyeyk smiled lovingly as he straightened and began backing out of your home. “I love you, Eywa, so much,” he replied before he gently slapped the threshold with his palm and walked through it, presumably to go find the Tsahìk.
Read Part 1 here! (but could probably be read as a standalone)
Word count: 3.6k
Pairing: Na'vi!Jake Sully/Tsyeyk Suli x fem!curvy!reader
Description: Role reversal! After you pass your dream hunt, celebrations ensue.
Content warnings/tags: Possessive/Jealous Tsyeyk, Reader's body is talked about in 1 Convo with Neytiri, Avatar reader, I did my take on the "I don't want Ninat" scene (hehehe), Jake asserts dominance, no smut though y'all know me.
Author's note: So I owe several people credit and thanks for this one. First of all, @darkblueonly for suggesting the Ninat scene, @newtkive for allowing me to take inspo from their AWESOME work (link here, go read it!) and a big thank you to @lumilily for beta reading. Love you all! Also some dialogue was taken from the original script of Avatar, so that bit at the end isn't all me, but you may not recognize it.
I wrote all of this in like 5 hours... someone tell me how proud they are of me.
You sat with your legs crossed before Tsyeyk as he placed a bowl of white paint between you. Today would be your dream hunt, or as Tsyeyk called it in Na’vi, the Uniltaron. It was your last step to be reborn as one of the people.
“The Uniltaron is not easy. Even some of the forest born do not survive. Are you sure you want to go through with this?” he asked, eyes searching yours as he dipped his fingers in the paint and started making swirls on your arm.
“You do not think I can do it?” you asked, slightly hurt that he was doubting you.
Cold paint felt tacky on your skin as it slowly settled. “I know you can do this, but by design it will bring you to death’s feet,” he explained.
You gritted your teeth, “I have to complete the ritual. There’s no going back for me. I want to be one of the people, that's what you have been training me for,” you insisted.
He nodded, eyes set on your stomach as he led his fingers around in more swirls and lines. The sensation tickled, but you did not allow yourself to move. “Then you must be strong, no hesitation. Follow the path Eywa lays out before you and do not falter, Unilnyu (dreamer).”
“Don’t worry, I had a good teacher,” you smiled and his yellow eyes flicked up to yours.
He was quiet as his hands moved to your face, making twin curves on each of your cheeks, “Even a good teacher cannot prepare their student for this. Keep hold of your strong heart.”
“I will, Tsyeyk,” you promised and he nodded, two fingers moving down your nose and falling to your lips, lingering a moment longer on them than necessary. Your breath hitched before he finally moved on, adding more details to your torso and forehead.
“One last thing,” he murmured, dipping his entire hand in the white and bringing it to your chest. He moved the woven fabric of your top down and you froze at the touch. He brought his hand to you and laid it over your heart. His warmth bled through the coolness of the paint and then into your skin. “So you remember who you are,” he explained, eyes on yours.
“Someone with a strong heart?” you asked breathlessly.
He nodded, “and… that you are mine.”
-
You splashed water over your face as you sat in the stream, legs still weak from the poison and psychedelics. You laughed as you realized how much joy was in your heart because you had really done it. You passed the dream hunt, you were one of the people now.
You scrubbed harshly at your skin, washing the last of the paint off of you as footsteps crunched through the leaves behind you. You turned, expecting to see Tsyeyk but instead found Neytiri.
You smiled at your friend as she stopped at the bank. “Congratulations, sister,” she said proudly.
You and Neytiri had become friends over the last month or two. She was wary of your human ways at first as was everyone else, keeping a wide berth and sending you nasty glares. Eventually though, she realized you were in it for the long haul and she made an effort to get to know you. She was one of Tsyeyk’s closest friends and it made you overjoyed to be accepted by her, even if it was slow going at first.
“Thank you sister,” you beamed at the title.
She sat down beside you as you made your way back up to the shore. “I have brought many adornments. The men get a cumberbund, but women have to show their status in other ways,” she said, opening a pouch that was slung over her shoulder and showing you beaded items, flowers attached to woven fibers, and colorful hair accessories.
“Which do you want?” she asked, big eyes staring at you expectantly and you felt overwhelmed at the choice.
“You pick for me. What will make me most beautiful?” you asked, looking to her.
“You are already beautiful,” she playfully sighed, “I wish I looked like you.” she said and it made your brows jump. She started rifling through the bag, pulling out various items.
“Stop teasing me,” you shook your head, plastering on a smile to hide the prickly feeling in your chest at her mockery. She chose a piece and removed it from her bag.
“I am not!” she exclaimed, eyes meeting yours again and she pulled your arm through a carved wooden cuff, letting the swirling, beautiful jewelry sit on your bicep.
“Really?” you asked, eyes narrowing at her as she rolled her eyes.
“Everyone’s eyes are on you. Surely you know the effect you have on the people,” she pointed out.
Your head recoiled at the idea. “I thought that was because I was a dreamwalker. I mean, Tsyeyk said that it was desired among the na’vi, but I thought he was just being nice. Humans can sometimes… make fun of people who look like me. They all want to look like you,” you explained.
“Well, that is stupid,” she pointed out. “Tsyeyk does not mislead you. In fact, I would say he stares the most,” she grinned mischievously. You blushed thinking of his words earlier, calling you his.
That sent your thoughts racing all over again. You wondered if he truly meant it. What would a life together look like when you weren't even living in your real body?
“Now you are teasing me,” you stated. She wound a string of beads three times around your neck, creating a choker that sat at the base of your throat.
“Yes, but the words are true. He has told me you were the most beautiful woman he has ever seen.” Neytiri confessed, looking at you in a I-told-you-so way that made you even more curious.
“Which one?” she asked, holding up two hair accessories for you to choose between as if she hadn't just told you earth shattering information.
The air left your lungs, but you choked out, “that one,” and pointed to a yellow stone attached to a carved comb.
“Did he really say that?” You asked, as Neytiri stood up to walk around to your back. She gathered your hair and spun it in her hands, your kuru being the only thing left down as she clipped it up securely.
“Yes!” she insisted, laughing at your dumbfounded tone. “That is why you must look extra beautiful tonight, so he will finally sweep you off of your feet,” she explained,
“I just passed my Uniltaron, is that not enough excitement for one night!” you argued with a laugh.
“No, not when you are one of the people now. Not when my friend looks at you as if you are a Tìhawnuwll fruit he would like to sink his teeth into,” she chided, grabbing your hands and helping to pull you up so that you were standing.
“He does not!” You exclaimed, regaining your balance as you stood in the ankle deep water.
“His handprint is gone, this will make him furious. That is good,” she stated, tapping your heart with her finger before she bent back down to her bag and pulled out another piece of jewelry.
“I washed off all of the paint,” you argued, gesturing to your whole body.
“You washed away his claim on you, he will restake it,” she promised, holding up what you thought was a necklace at first but as you took it in your hands, you realized it was more of a top. A leather strip of dangling beads shaped like a deep v that had another piece of leather that led to an attachment for your waist. It was highly decorated, the leather pressed with swirls and the beads having a hundred different colors and differentiations.
“Let us put him to the test tonight,” she said, brows jumping in challenge. “This is my gift to you for becoming one of the people. It will fit,” she assured you.
“Neytiri,” you gaped, looking at the intricate and beautiful piece she had given you. “Thank you sister,” you smiled, tears welling in your eyes.
“Do not cry, that will make me think you do not like it,” she tutted. She took it back in her hands and gestured for you to take off the top you already had on.
“Tsyeyk made it for me,” you confessed, hesitant to part with it.
She rolled her eyes, “I am not asking you to burn it. Just for the night you can wear something different,” she pointed out and you sighed.
“Right, okay,” you acquiesced and slid the top over your head, careful to not mess with your hair. She helped you attach the new top and it fit beautifully. You moved and the beads clacked together, giving a pretty tinkling sound that made you smile.
“Thank you,” you repeated, grabbing her three fingered hand and squeezing once in gratitude.
“Come, the men will be on the prowl tonight. We must give them something to hunt,” she laughed, tugging you behind her back to hometree.
The drums were already pounding as she pulled you up the spiral to the second floor where fires flamed at full force and dancers twirled with dyed fibers attached to their arms and torsos.
You were immediately swarmed with Na’vi as they congratulated you, some even bringing you in for an enthusiastic embrace. Neytiri waved them off as she pulled you closer to a fire. “Dance with me!” she requested and you barked out a laugh.
“I don’t know how!” you argued but she rolled her eyes.
“I will show you. There is no one way,” she insisted.
“Okay,” you agreed, both of you giggling as she showed you how to spin and move your body the Na’vi way. You know you sucked, but it was fun.
“Look,” she suddenly said, nodding to the corner where Tsyeyk stood, arms crossed over his broad chest as he stared you down. “He is not the only one,” Neytiri teased.
You glanced to where she was looking to find a group of hunters looking at you as you danced. Your cheeks flushed at the attention, becoming aware of your surroundings.
“Do not stop having fun,” she requested, “this is your celebration, do not worry what others think.” She could easily pick up on your apprehension now.
You shook your head, “I know, I’m sorry, I just think I need something to drink,” you excused yourself, stumbling away from the other dancing bodies and into the more open space. You crossed your arms over your stomach, feeling self conscious as you still felt eyes on you.
“Having fun, Unilnyu?” a deep voice asked, and you looked up to narrowly stop right in front of Tsyeyk’s chest, your nose an inch away from his chin.
“Geez,” you stuttered, stepping back in surprise. He laughed at your reaction and it made you smile too, ”Yes, a lot of fun. Neytiri has been very kind to me tonight,” you responded to his question.
“I see that. Is this her doing?” he asked, grasping your hands and pulling your arms away from your stomach so he could see your top and jewelry. You let him hold your arms up like a T, but tugged them away when his eyes flicked back to yours.
“Yes,” you admitted, “She would not let me wear your gift tonight,” you explained.
“You look beautiful regardless,” his eyes flashed down again as he said, “But you washed away my reminder,” he pointed out, gesturing to your chest. Only beads danced across it now and you knew he was upset at this by the way his eyes burned into the spot.
“I passed, I didn't think I needed it anymore,” you stated, eyebrows furrowing at his reaction, as you watched his face harden.
“I-” he started, but was cut off as another man approached you.
“Dance with me!” a male that you didn't know the name of said in rusty English. He held out a hand, offering to pull you back into the throng of people.
You didn't know what to say, but Tsyeyk didn't give you the chance to respond anyway. “Tsun nga ke kame po lu plltxe ne oe (Can you not see she is speaking to me)?” he barked at the man who stared back wide eyed. You had picked up much more Na’vi at this point and understood most of what he was saying. Your cheeks flooded with heat at the territorial display.
The man’s eyes darted from Tsyek to you to somewhere over your shoulder as Neytiri suddenly appeared. “She would love to!” she said in English, taking your hand and placing it in the man's.
“She doesn't know him,” Tsyeyk growled at Neytiri, putting out a hand to stop you from moving.
Neytiri scoffed, “Y/n, this is Lopal. There, now she knows him.” She pushed you as Lopal pulled and you were swept into the dance. He looked as confused as did you, but instead of asking questions, he spun you, arms moving strangely and you tried your best to follow.
Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Neytiri talking to Tsyeyk, his arms crossed over his chest as he kept his eyes trained on you. The Na’vi would not touch metal, but he was glaring iron daggers at where this hunter's hands held yours.
Tsyeyk and Neytiri seemed to be arguing. He gestured his arm at you as he bit out words you couldn't make out. Neytiri didn't let his foul mood intimidate her though, she said her own words and pushed past him. He followed after her, arms still flailing. You rolled your eyes at the dramatics of the two Na’vi, but your mind was quickly distracted as Lopal twirled you.
You danced until your feet throbbed and Lopal finally let you go. You thanked him for the dance, but went to finally get that drink you wanted so desperately.
You found water hanging on the wall in a plant-made skin and let the cool water drain down your throat, happy for the relief it brought you. You hadn't realized how dry your mouth was until now. You hung it back up and were about to rejoin the party when a shadow fell across the wall.
You spun around to see Tsyeyk approaching you, stopping a foot away. Your eyes widened when you realized he had a handful of yellow paint.
“Tsyeyk, what are you-” you stopped as he planted his hand firmly on your chest. You looked down to see yellow sandwiched between blue skin.
Your eyes flashed back to his as he started talking, face hovering near yours. “The reminder was not for the Uniltaron, it was for you. You are mine, do not dance with anyone else tonight,” he ordered, hand still pressed to your chest as you stared open-mouthed back at him.
He ripped his hand away, the paint making a wet sound as it separated. He took his paint covered thumb and pressed it below your lips, right on your chin. His eyes smouldered as he staked his claim.
You searched for words but before you could find any, Tsyeyk sent you one last heated look and removed his finger, leaving a large yellow dot in its absence.
“Agreed?” he asked in a clipped tone, his head cocking slightly to the side as he waited.
You barely nodded before he muttered “good,” and turned to stalk back into the crowd, leaving you breathless and wide eyed in his wake.
You didn't see him again until nearly an hour later. You had spent the time replaying the scene in your mind, his words making you blush anew each time. You were a frazzled mess.
When he finally appeared again, he took your hand in his, not even asking before he swept you into a dance that had your heart racing under his hand print.
“Where were you?” you asked him when the tempo slowed and he could hear you over the din.
“Cooling off, I do not like people seeing me angry,” he explained as if he made any sense. His eyes searched yours, looking afraid of rejection, like he feared he had been to much, but was realizing it too late.
“Oh…” you stuttered, watching as his eyes visibly softened. "It's okay," you murmured.
“I am sorry, I just…” he trailed off, shaking his head as you bit your lip in thought.
You smiled bashfully at a memory that resurfaced. “I think I understand,” you said, “It is like when Peyral gave you that arm guard and I wanted to claw her eyes out. I had to leave,” you confessed and he raised his brows at you.
“I did not know you saw that,” he said, “I did not accept it. My heart already belonged to another,” he said in your ear and you smiled, eyes focused on his smooth shoulder as he held you, hands around your waist.
“Good,” you said smugly.
He held you away from him, searching deeply into your eyes. “Can I show you something?” he requested.
“Anything,” you agreed.
Tsyeyk took your hand and tugged you out of hometree and through the forest. He pulled you around trees and your feet tripped through the grass and brush. You both were laughing when you came into a clearing, your face sobering when you realized where you were.
The Tree of Voices… Grace was gonna freak out.
Tsyeyk’s steps didn't falter or hesitate as he dragged you forward, twisting so that he was walking backwards to see your face. Your footsteps illuminated beneath you as you picked your way closer. Purple hued tendrils of the tree hung down around you and you gaped in fascination. Tsyeyk caught your wonder and smiled at the sight.
“This is a place for prayers to be heard,” he explained over his shoulder and he let go of your hand. He grabbed his kuru and held it to two vines, letting the thin nerves from his braid stretch over the glowing tendrils. “And sometimes they are answered,” he added, turning to look at you over his shoulder.
You reached out and brushed over a tendril feeling the warm, softness of it. “It's beautiful,” you mumbled, looking to the top of the tree where the brightest concentration of light emanated.
Tsyeyk grinned again, “We call this utraya mokri, the Tree of Voices. Try it,” he instructed, nodding for you to follow his lead. “They are the voices of our ancestors. When Na’vi die, our spirits go to live within Eywa.”
You reached forward, grabbing a few vines within your reach and Tsyeyk watched as you attached your kuru, eyes shutting as your mind was filled with the comforting sound of happy voices.
“I can hear them,” you smiled, opening your eyes to look at Tsyeyk. He gently tugged his kuru away from the vines, walking over to you. His chest nearly touched your back and you were hyperaware of his scent, his closeness.
“Now that you have passed the rituals, you are Omatikaya now. You may make your bow from the wood of Hometree. And you may choose a mate,” he explained.
You glanced over your shoulder, tearing your braid away from the vines as the conversation shifted. His eyes were fixed on the atrokarina softly floating between the vines. You didn't turn around, not wanting to bump him or distract him from his next words.
“Layitxi is the best drummer,” he said, reaching out to catch a woodsprite in his palm and send it flying again.
“I don’t want Layitxi,” you said, watching his hand movements. You realized what he was doing. He was feeling you out to see your intentions. You decided you would play his game, and you would have fun with it.
“Hmm,” his chest made a warm sound close to being pleased and it made you grin.
“There is Kaim. He is kind, although his aim rarely is true.” Tsyeyk said, fingers curling around a glowing vine in front of you.
“Kindness is important, but so is skill,” you tutted.
“Zìey is the best hunter, although he has many lovers,” Tsyeyk continued.
“He is a good hunter, perhaps he shall gain another,” you agreed teasingly, knowing you were pushing his buttons but enjoying watching as his hand tightened around the vine.
You shook your head, “I've already chosen,” you gave in, not feeling mean enough to torture him any longer. You turned and continued, taking in his handsome face, “but this man must also choose me,” you urged hopefully.
Tsyeyk smiled softly, eyes locked on yours, “He already has.” He reached up to the back of your head and tugged the comb out of your hair, letting it fall freely in a curtain around you.
He went to pull you into a kiss but paused when your mouth was about to hit his. “Wait…” he said and your heart dropped. “I do not want to trick you, you do not know our ways. Na’vi, they… we mate for life,” he explained slowly, eyes trained on your lips still.
“Oh,” you breathed. “I mean, is that what we’re about to do?” you asked him, genuinely curious.
“That is what I wish to do,” he corrected you, “but if you need more time, if you-” you cut him off.
“No, I don't need more time. I already told you, I chose you, Tsyeyk,” you promised. “but you know, my real body is far away, sleeping. You would mate with a dream walker?”
His hand left your jaw, covering your heart instead, “This body is real,” he said, moving his hand again to tap your forehead, “This spirit is real. I choose you.”
He continued, “When I was first your teacher, I hated all Sky People. But you have also taught me something. Spirit is all that matters,” he assured you.
You smiled up at him, “I see you,” you muttered.
He smiled back, lowering his forehead onto yours, “I see you, Ma’Unilnyu.”
Pairing: Navi!Jake Sully/Tsyeyk Suli x fem!avatar!curvy!reader
Description: When you get lost in the Pandoran forest, a young Omatikaya warrior comes to save you.
Content Warnings: Reader is mid/plus sized and people make comments about it, she is slightly insecure about looking different, ooc Tsutey(?), Tsyeyk needs his own warnings I feel.
Author's note: As a curvy girl, I know there is a severe lack of representation within the Avatar fandom, so I hope this is something my fellow curvy girls can read and enjoy!
I decided to make Tsyeyk just a warrior and not Eytukan's son because that would negate his chances of becoming Olo'eyktan in the future if I decided to continue this story. Also I wanted Neytiri to still exist but not be Tsyeyk's sister.
Junebug's Jake Sully Event Prompts:
4. Jake defends reader
30. Role reversal: Omatikaya Jake/Tsyeyk x Avatar Reader
You heaved in air, fingers shaking as you worked up the courage to talk to the Na’vi who hovered over the now dead and dying viperwolves that had attacked you.
He was slender, with black hair and blue skin, qualities all Na’vi possessed. He was a little shorter than the average alien, although still a few inches taller than you. Around his throat sat a thick cord with stones weaved on to it and he had braces around his wrists. His hair was straight, but pulled into one long braid, and smaller braids fell over the back and side of his head.
From your current view of his back, you could see his broad shoulders which framed a narrow waist. You had to draw your eyes away from his nearly naked body which was on full display. The Na’vi wearing only a loincloth was still so odd to you and your human standards of clothing coverage.
‘Get it together,’ you told yourself. This man just saved you from being eaten for dinner.
His large eyes were a striking gold as he turned to you and you blushed slightly at the sudden attention. He stepped away from the Viperwolf carcass and stopped in front of you, sizing you up.
“Thank you for helping me,” you breathed, and his eyes just narrowed, analyzing you like he had never seen a woman before. “You just saved my ass big time.” His eyes dragged over your torso before falling to your thighs and then back up to your face.
He just kept staring, “Do you speak any English?” you asked, hesitantly watching him. He never answered you, but instead suddenly rushed into movement when a viperwolf whimpered. He hovered over it, knife at the ready.
He spoke na’vi that you didn't quite understand, “Oel ngati kameie, ma tsmukan, ulte ngaru seiyi irayo. Ngari hu Eywa salew tirea (I see you, brother, and I thank you. May your spirit run with Eywa),” before he stabbed his knife through the wolf's chest.
He didn't spare you another glance as he got up and moved through the trees. He was really going to leave you here to die. “Hey! Wait!” you called, following after him.
“Poe lu nì'eveng (she is like a child),” the man muttered as he stalked away.
He spun around when your fingers just barely grazed his shoulder. “This is your fault. Go back,” he spat, jerking his head in the direction you had come from. On some level you were just relieved that he spoke some English. He could at least understand you when you begged for help.
“I won't make it back, I don't know the way,” you argued. “Thank you again for saving me.”
“Do not thank me for this,” he snarled and you backed up a step. “You have killed them with your foolishness.”
“They attacked me!” you exclaimed, but he just huffed and shook his head.
“Go back,” he ordered again and you started to realize you were thoroughly screwed here.
“Why did you save me then, if you're just gonna let me die anyway?” you argued, growing anxious again.
“Why save you?” he asked to clarify.
“Yeah, why save me,” you affirmed.
“Because you have a strong heart. You show no fear,” he said softly before his eyes hardened again, “But you are stupid like a child.”
Just when all hope seemed lost, a feather light, glowing, moving… thing approached you from the sky. You watched in awe as it landed on your arm, more following behind it. Your first reaction was to flick it off of you, having no idea what it did or if it was harmful, but the man grabbed your hand before it came in contact with it.
“No! It is atokirina (seed of the sacred tree)! Sacred spirits,” he said in awe, still holding your wrist as more landed on you.
“Okay…” was all you managed to say as more filled the air, a few even landing on the Na’vi as well. They covered you from head to toe, tickling your skin and making you want to shake them all off. But the man’s hold on your wrist had you tamping down the urge.
You were suspended in time, the soft light from the seeds illuminating your face as the landed on your cheek and forehead. You glanced at Tsyeyk, hoping for direnctions, but he stood completely still, eyes glancing around in wonder at the group of small creatures.
In a burst of glowing light, they took off back into the night and silence ensued as you wrapped your head around what just happened.
His wide eyes found yours again, “Come with me,” he demanded.
-
So it was decided. This man, Tsyeyk, as you had learned, would train you and show you the way of the people by the commands of the tsahik, Mo’at.
He wasn't happy about it, but you were overjoyed. This was just what you needed, an in with what seemed to be one of the top warriors of the Omatikaya. Grace informed you when you woke up as a human that night, that Tsyeyk was in line to be Olo’eyktan after Tsu’tey. A perfect teacher for an imperfect student.
The Na’vi way was to pass down the role of Tsahik to the chief’s daughter, but Olo’eyktan was a role picked entirely on merit. Not just anyone could be born into the role, although if a son of an Olo’eyktan showed promise and had no sisters, he could of course be a contender.
You had woken up in your avatar this morning in your hammock and Tsyeyk had roughly led you to breakfast.
“Do not touch,” he hissed, eyeing the knife you had just picked up on the floor of the eating area.
He had laid it down for a second to wrap some food in a flatbread, but that was all it took for you to grow curious. You slid a finger along the flat side of the obsidian blade and felt the smoothness before he barked at you to put it down.
“Okay! Geez,” you murmured, dropping it and he quickly took it back to put in his sheath.
“Try this,” he muttered, sliding a large leaf with food on it over to you. You took a bite and were surprisingly delighted by the flavor, although the texture was strange.
“It’s good,” you said, taking another bite.
“I know,” he replied, busily creating his own wrap on a leaf in front of him.
You adjusted your top and tried not to think about how others around you looked very different. You were by far the largest woman here, although not in height.
Your avatar form was nowhere near as curvy as your human form, but still, your plush thighs and soft stomach were a drastic contrast to the teeny tiny figures of the Na’vi. When they had mixed your human DNA with Na’vi DNA, you had been originally curious to know what you would look like, since your body type was so different from the other applicants.
Ultimately you were pleased with the outcome, even if it looked unlike the other avatars. Your waist was wider, stomach softer, but your figure was still athletic in nature. Muscles would be grown and trained in this body, you had no doubt.
The Omatikaya hadn’t had a top large enough to fit your chest and you had refused the tiny necklaces Tsyeyk had thrown you. You had eventually settled on a woven shawl, although none of the other women currently wore one. It covered you and that was enough for you to be thankful for.
“Something is bothering you,” Tsyeyk said, still focused on his food, but seemingly also aware of you.
Your head shot to him, surprised that he had noticed or cared enough to ask. But you decided to be honest and transparent, Grace had told you that was the Na’vi way. “People look at me because I am different, and not just because I am a dreamwalker,” you explained cautiously, not wanting to seem like a crybaby, you knew he would hate that. You pinched the fat at your side and Jake’s eyes trailed down to look.
His eyes glanced back up to you, “That is not a bad difference. Worry more about this,” he said, waving a hand at you to imply your fifth finger.
“But people stare,” you said in a hushed tone.
“They stare because it is rare to see it, usually only the Na’vi to the North develop a body like yours," he explained and shrugged. "The people here sometimes face scarcity. We eat what we can find when we can find it. We hunt, we fish, we scavenge, but sometimes we come back with empty hands.” Tsyeyk played with the leaf between his fingers since he had finished his food.
Your eyebrows fell down in concern, “What do you do when there’s nothing to eat? Do you migrate?” you asked.
“No. We would not abandon hometree. We stay, but we do not eat. Eywa always provides, even if it is not as soon as we wish,” he explained.
“They stare because they do not see it often and it is appreciated as highly beautiful among the people. It shows you are healthy and strong,” he nodded and stood, leaving you to stare mouth slightly agape after him. Had he just indirectly called you beautiful?
“Come! I do not wait for you!” he called over his shoulder and you jerked into action. Right. Nice moment over. Time to get to work.
-
It was a few weeks later before he showed you true kindness again.
You held the bow and arrow in position but you knew it didn't look or feel right. “You are too relaxed,” he observed, tapping the soft curve of your stomach, and he puffed his chest to demonstrate. “Strong core, no slouching.”
“Got it,” you agreed, standing straighter, but you were still slightly more awkward than he had shown you. You had to resituate yourself so that your breast didn't brush against the bowstring.
If Tsyeyk noticed, he didn't say anything, just walked around to your back and you felt his chest press there. He fixed your position without another word. He raised your wrist an inch and and pressed a knee behind yours to bend your leg slightly.
“There, release,” he ordered and you did. The arrow nearly struck true, hitting the line that circled the white target he had drawn on a tree with paint. It had taken hours of practicing today to get even this far, and you had been practicing all week too.
“Yes!” You exclaimed, balling your fist up and raising it in the air in excitement.
“Well done, Unilnyu (dreamer),” he said and held out a hand, his flat palm facing you.
“What is that?” you asked before recognition dawned on you. “Woah, hold on. Is that what I think it is?” you laughed slightly.
“Doctor Augustine said that this is what humans do to celebrate…” he said, suddenly unsure for the first time since you had known him. He started to lower his hand when you still didn't move.
“No! Oh my goodness! Yes!” you said, reaching out to grab his hand and yank it back up. His brow lowered in confusion over your excitement.
“It is called a high five, although maybe we should call it a high four in your case,” you slapped your palm against his and it made a nice, crisp clap sound.
He stared down at his palm and shook his head slightly as if he couldn't believe how stupid that was.
Direhorse steps splashed through the water to your right and you spun to see two warriors approaching. “Lumpe does po 'ur tsafya? (Why does she look that way?)” Tsu’tey, a friend of Tsyeyk’s and the next in line for Olo’eyktan, asked the rider beside him.
The warrior beside him laughed, “Poe lu a apxa fnele (she is a large woman),” he said. You had no idea what they were saying, but by the way they looked at you, you had a feeling it wasn't about the weather.
“Rä'ä have fmokx alunta nga lu nìftxan hì'i, Leytan (Don't be jealous because you are so small),” Tsyeyk smirked, stepping forward.
The rider’s eyes flared in anger and he dismounted, stalking up to your teacher until they were chest to chest. “Nga kavuk si, Tsyeyk (you betray, Jake),” he growled. “Fì'u vrrtep lu kawng (this demon is evil).”
Tsyeyk was slightly shorter than Leytan, but broader, and it looked like they could each hold their own.
“What’s going on, Tsyeyk?” you asked, not understanding a word from their mouths as Leytan’s eyes turned to you.
“Tung fyeyntu tute säfyep fì'u (Let the adults handle this),” Leytan thundered at you although you didn't catch a word of his meaning.
“Rä'ä plltxe ne her, nga talk ne oe (you do not talk to her, you talk to me),” Tsyeyk said, shoving Leytan’s shoulder so his attention swiveled back to him as he stumbled back.
“Txanfwìngtu (bastard)!” Leytan shouted, advancing at Tsyeyk who stood his ground. His ears flattened to his head in anger.
“Mawey (calm down)!” Tsu’tey said, stepping between the two warriors and putting a hand on each of their shoulders. You hadn't even seen him dismount.
“Ayoe mean kehe zoplo, 'eylan (We mean no insult, friend),” Tsu’tey said from his place blocking Leytan as Tsyeyk backed away towards you.
“Oe sutx salewfya fa Olo'eyktan (I follow the directions of the Clan leader),” Tsyeyk spat.
“Nga kem si nì'ul to titseri fula (You do more than that),” Leytan hissed.
“Maywey, po lu sevin (She is pretty),” Tsu’tey pointed out. “Oe kame lumpe nga na po (I see why you like her).”
Tsyeyk hissed and you flinched at the harsh sound. “Nga zoplo ken'aw po. Nga tìng zoplo tsonta oe (You insult not only her. You give offence to me),” he snapped, tail raised and twitching behind him.
“Tsal was ke sìn tìkan (It was not intended),” Tsu’tey argued, holding out a hand as if to calm Tsyeyk. “Awnga hum (We will leave),” he said, letting go of Leytan who still glared at you. The two mounted back on their direhorses and with one last murmured word from Leytan, they urged their steeds into motion.
You watched them go and turned to Tsyeyk, “What was that?” you asked, shocked and confused about what had just transpired between apparent friends.
“Put it from your mind. Come,” he said, stalking the opposite way that the two mounted warriors went and waving you to follow. You scurried after him, not wanting to get lost on your own.
“Tell me, you don't think I can handle it?” you asked, dying of curiosity.
He spun around, halting you as you nearly bumped right into his chest. “You can handle it, but you do not need to. I already have,” he ordered, all mean and bossy again. “Stop your tawtute (human) talk and come. We have much to do.” HE marched away from you again, leaving you to stare after him.
“Asshole,” you muttered, rolling your eyes.
-
“Here,” Tsyeyk said, as soon as your avatar body woke up. You blinked blearily, still adapting to the first few seconds in a new body. You felt a piece of fabric being thrown at your chest and saw Tsyeyk on the limb above you. He sat with one leg dangling over your feet and one leg tucked to his chest.
You sat up, “Have you been watching me sleep?” you asked, staring dumbfounded at his position.
“No, I do not have time for that,” he asked as if that was a ridiculous question, as if he hadn't been waiting for you to wake up.
You picked up the fabric on your lap and saw that it was a top. It was made from plant fibers and was mostly opaque, although it did have a few holes where the fabric was woven sloppily.
From what you could tell, it looked to be a bandeau style top with one, wide strap attached. It was large enough to fit you and it would cover everything, exactly what you would have chosen for yourself.
“Where did you get this?” you asked, looking back up to see Tsyeyk watching your reaction carefully.
“I made it,” he said plainly, as if that revelation didn't rattle all your good senses.
“You what?” you asked incredulously.
“I made it. It took many weeks, I am no seamstress,” he stated.
Thank you,” you muttered in awe. “This is too much.”
“It is enough,” he disagreed. “Try it on, I want to make sure it fits,” he encouraged, a mischievous gleam in his eye.
You narrowed your eyes, “nice try, skxawng (idiot),” finally having an excuse to use the word that he loved to use on you.
He sighed but got up and started backing away, “nga tsyär oe lawnol (you deny me great joy),” he muttered.
“What does that mean?” you asked, but he just laughed and turned away, jumping off of that limb onto another.
“Tsyeyk!” you called but it would be many months before you realized what he said.
PART 1: A MOTHER KNOWS | PART 2: A MOTHER'S JOY | PART 3: A MOTHER'S TEARS
Word count: 1.1k
Pairing: Jake Sully x fem!reader, Neteyam and Mother!reader
Description: You finally worked up the courage to visit Neteyam after his death.
Content Warnings: Grief, Neteyam's death, Neytiri's death, reader is grieving her son.
Author's note: I know I said this series was complete, but I couldn't resist this request! Now it is actually done!
Na’vi Words used:
Sa’nu - Mother
Parultsyìp - Term of affection for children
Playlist:
Bigger Than the Whole Sky - Taylor Swift
You took a deep and steadying breath, the mantle gill at your back providing you with support as you connected your kuru to the Metkayina’s Spirit Tree. Today was the day, the first time you were brave enough to visit Neteyam after his death.
The branch glowed with white-purple light as you closed your eyes in the Eastern Sea and opened them to see the inside of Hometree. You could feel the soft breath of the forest rustle your hair and the subtle sunlight reaching through branches as it warmed your skin.
Being home made the bitter sting in your heart twist deeper, burrowing under tissue as it brought a gleam to your eyes. You were so homesick for the forest and even more so for Hometree that you felt physically sick. This should have been where you raised your children, but the skypeople only destroyed what you loved.
“Mom?” you heard and turned around to see him, your baby boy, your Parultsyìp.
He stood tall and proud, wearing his favorite beaded necklace which was the same one that you wore daily now. There was no uncomfortable pain contorting his face or or blood smearing his skin now, only dappled light.
“Neteyam,” you muttered in wonder. You had prayed to would see him, hoped that Eywa would give you this, but it was not until now that you realized how badly you needed to see his face. His smile lit your soul and warmed you from the inside out.
You rushed forward and wrapped your arms around him, arms squeezing tightly around his body. He huffed out a laugh at your excitement and returned your embrace.
“I am okay,” he muttered into your hair. He smelled like the sweet, fresh air of the forest and the leather cumberbund he had earned less than a year ago. He was so young, too young.
“We miss you so much, ‘Teyam, so, so much,” you replied, voice cracking with emotion.
“I miss you too,” he said and you heard the smile in his voice.
“Who is it, Neteyam?” A familiar voice came from the spiral core and you moved a fraction away from Neteyam to see Neytiri descending.
As she saw your face, a smile bloomed across her lips and yours matched. “Hello friend,” she lilted, drawing closer as she reached the soil of the forests’ floor.
“Hello Neytiri,” you remarked, keeping an arm around Neteyam as she approached you.
This moment felt bittersweet. You were glad he got to be with Neytiri again, but you had thought that when Neteyam died, you and his other mother would be welcoming him side by side many, many years from now.
Neytiri stopped right in front of her son and you. “Thank you, you did a good job raising him,” she slid an adoring gaze to the teen whose cheeks turned violet at the compliment.
Your happy demeanor cracked as you were reminded of your failures. “But I did not do as you asked. You told me to take care of him, to protect him. I failed, forgive me,” you begged, not knowing which of them exactly you were asking for forgiveness. Tears finally fell as Neteyam’s hand on your shoulder tightened.
“It was my fault, do not blame yourself for my death,” he assured you, but it did not ease your mind.
“I was your mother, the fault is mine. I should have been there,” you insisted.
“You still are his mother,” Neytiri injected, making you look at her in gratitude for her words, “but it was Eywa’s will, you could not have changed what has happened.”
Neteyam wrapped both arms around you again, “It is I who needs forgiveness, mama. I should have been better,” he muttered, laying his head on your shoulder.
“No, no,” you tutted, “You could not have done any better, you followed your heart. It does not matter,” you promised as you just tried to enjoy holding on to your oldest child.
Neytiri pursed her lips and shook her head. “It is my turn now to care for our son. Do not hold guilt for what is not your burden.”
“Is dad going to come see me?” he asked, sounding unsure and your heart sank at the hope in his eyes.
“Of course he is, he just… he blames himself. We all do. He stays away because he is scared to face his failures, not because he does not miss you,” you assured him and he nodded as if you were just confirming what he already knew.
“Wait for him to grieve, Neteyam. He will come when he is ready,” Neytiri suggested.
Neteyam nodded and then looked back up at you, “Lo’ak and Tuk come all the time,” he smiled fondly at the mention of his brother. “Is Kiri doing okay, no more seizures?"
“She is doing fine, your siblings just all miss their older brother. They will heal,” you said, rubbing a hand on his shoulder.
You would not tell him how sorrow had consumed your family, how he was the glue that held you all together. White lines ran down each of your faces, a visual reminder of your grief. Soft sobs could be heard in your marui at night and it broke your heart each time.
You would spare him from that.
You felt a warm hand on your elbow, but when you looked down nothing was there. “I need to go,” you told them both. Neytiri nodded, looking grimly to her son as he squeezed you tighter.
“I love you, baby boy,” you murmured into his hair as you hugged him still.
“I love you, Sa’nu,” he replied, his voice even.
You sniffed as you pulled away and turned to your oldest friend. “Goodbye, Neytiri,” you nodded.
She smiled, “I have him now, do not worry,” she assured you.
“He is in the best hands,” you agreed, opening your eyes back in the ocean as you ripped your kuru away from the tree.
You found your mate hovering in the water beside you, staring intently at the tree but not bringing himself to join his kuru. At his expression of grief you reached for his shoulder, unable to offer words of comfort, but knowing they did not matter that much anyway. Nothing you could say or do would take away this pain, but you would be there for him, being steadfast and patient just like he was with you.
At your touch, he looked at you, gold meeting gold as your lip started to quiver. You immediately felt Jake’s arms wrap around your middle and hold you tight as you began to break down.
That was the most you could do for each other now, just hold on until it was over.
PART 1: A MOTHER KNOWS | PART 2: A MOTHER'S JOY | PART 3: YOU ARE HERE | PART 4: A MOTHER'S GRIEF
Last and final part of A Mother Knows series.
Word count: 2.2k
Pairing: Jake Sully x fem!reader, mother!reader and son!Neteyam
Description: Out of all of your children, Neteyam finds it the hardest to adapt to your new home in the reef, causing him to lash out at you.
Based on this request.
Content Warnings: Neteyam is hurting big time, arguing, Reader being sad, angst.
Author's note: This is the last part in A Mother knows and I am feeling a little sad about it. I am glad that I got to write about Neteyam and Reader in this part and delve into their relationship a little more. I hope you like it!
Playlist:
Not a Lot, Just Forever - Adrienne Lenker
Shake Me Down - Cage the Elephant
My Tears Ricochet - Taylor Swift
Na’vi words used:
Parultsyìp - darling, little loved one
Sa’nu - Mom
Sempu - Dad
Tsurak - Skimwing
“You are not even my mother, leave it alone,” Neteyam grumbled as your family sat around the fire, laughing and talking about your days before you all went to the evening meal.
The words hit you like a slap to the face and you froze, eyes already blinking back tears.
You had not meant to be overbearing, merely suggested he go the extra mile to make friends with Aounung and the other young Metkayina boys. If he could make some friends here then maybe he would not feel so much like a pariah. Maybe it would make him feel just a little less homesick, something you were all desperately trying to do. You had no thoughts that you might be touching on a nerve.
His words had caused the room to pause, everyone waited with bated breath as Jake’s fury rose like a tidal wave. Even you looked uncertainly at your mate. He had been so tense lately, so wound up from trying to make uprooting your life seem a little less of a big deal and failing miserably. Surely this would be what rocked the boat.
“Don’t,” Jake spat, pointing a finger at his oldest, “talk to my mate like that.”
“Sempu, she was-” Neteyam started but his brother interrupted him.
“Do not disrespect mom!” Loaks hissed, “She raised you, skxawng!”
“Only because my mother died! Because she was quick to move in and steal dad,” Neteyam ground out, eyes glaring up at you through slitted lids.
You had noticed he had become more moody recently. Quicker to verbally attack you and Jake for every perceived mistake since coming to the reef. But he had never gone this far to hurt you like this. If anything, you had thought his anger laid with Jake.
“That’s it, boy,” Jake demanded, standing up and grabbing Neteyam by the back of his neck, yanking him up.
“Jake, it is okay,” you said, standing also to mediate better, holding your hands out as if taming a wild tsurak.
Tuk ran up to you and hugged your waist, looking fearfully between her brother and her father. You laid a hand on her head, grateful for the comfort of your sweet girl even as she sought it from you as well.
“No, it's not. No son of mine will talk to you that way,” He turned to Neteyam and pointed his finger at you, “Those were the hardest days of her life, of my life. She could have walked away, she had every right, but she stayed for you, boy. Changed your diapers and fed you when I couldn't. She sang you songs and told you stories before I had the strength. She lost sleep for a year because you would cry and she was the only one who could get you to stop,” his voice broke and it caused your tears to finally fall.
Jake saw your crying eyes and he shook his head at Neteyam, “Go take a walk, cool off. I don't want to even look at you right now,” he ordered, letting go of his son.
Neteyam stumbled to the door and ducked out of the Sully home without a glance back.
As the flap fell over the marui and closed you in. You collapsed to your knees, careful not to bring Tuk down with you. You pulled her into your lap and held her as you sat numbly, not sure what to think or feel.
“Sa’nu?” Kiri asked, kneeling beside you and laying a hand on your shoulder.
“I am okay, my girl,” you gave her a watery smile and you knew she did not believe it. Jake slid to the floor beside you and wrapped an arm around you.
Lo’ak looked torn between staying to comfort you, and going to yell at his brother. “Lo’ak go take your sisters to dinner.” Jake ordered and your son nodded, holding out a hand for Tuk to take but she hesitated, holding on to you still.
“I want to stay with you, Sa’nu,” she muttered, and it cracked your heart a little more.
“I am okay, peanut,” you said, using the human nickname your mate had come up with when she was born. The word still sounded foreign on your tongue years after learning the term of affection.
“Are you sure?” Tuk asked, hugging your neck and holding you close.
“I am fine,” you repeated, drying some of your tears for your children’s sake.
“Feel better, mama,” Tuk said, untangling herself from you and getting up to join Lo’ak and Kiri. Lo’ak sent Jake a nod as his sisters turned to leave.
“Thank you, my girl,” you muttered as they walked through the door, letting the cover fall closed behind them.
You tried to suck in a fortifying breath, but as Jake started rubbing your back, sobs racked your body and you felt every wall crumble. “It’s okay baby, he didn't mean it. It's gonna be okay,” Jake mumbled into your hair, bringing you flush against his chest so you would lean on him.
“He only says what he means. We raised him that way,” you stuttered.
“No, baby. He’s angry at me. He misses home and he’s blaming us for it,” Jake reassured you, gripping the back of your neck firmly in one hand.
You did not argue anymore with him, just let him hold you and when night enveloped your home and the children started trickling in, Jake had already tucked you into your shared hammock.
Your back faced the door and you pretended to be asleep even as more water fell down your face. You could not face your children tonight. You could not bear their pitying looks or the shame in your belly.
The thought depressed you that Neteyam really thought you stole Jake away from Neytiri, that you took over her life like stepping into new clothes.
You laid awake as you heard three little bodies settle into their beds and eventually a fourth, larger body crawl in behind you. Jake wrapped an arm around your waist and held you throughout the night.
The next morning, you peeled fruit in your hands, even as they shook. You had not slept much the night before, tossing and turning in your hammock, jostling Jake even as he tried to hold you. You had heard the rustle of your children's hammocks swaying late into the night too, indicating they had not slept well either.
Neteyam had crept in at a late hour, and it comforted you somewhat that he was safe under your roof, but his poisonous words about you still gnawed at your mind. Maybe he was right. Did you really have any right to dictate anything about him? That should be Neytiri’s job, yet you were still conflicted about your role in her son’s life all these years after her death.
“Hey baby, how’re you doin’?” Jake asked, stepping into the otherwise empty marui.
“I am fine, Ma’Jake,” you said tiredly, tossing the fruit in a small basket as he leaned his shoulder against the pole in the middle of the home to watch you carefully. It was your 15 years of partnership that alerted you he was holding back words.
“What is it?” you sigh, “Spit it out.”
He pushed off of his perch and walked towards you, crouching down to sit. “I saw him just now, he's miserable and so are you.”
Your lips pursed, “So you want me to go talk to him?” you assumed. The thought of confrontation brought a wave of panic to your gut.
“No,” he shook his head, “Only when you’re ready, don't force it.”
“I fear I will never be ready for that,” you said, pausing your hands and setting them in your lap to finally look up at him.
“You will be, when the time is right and the wound isn't so fresh. He feels bad, he knows he’s in the wrong,” Jake explained, his tail curling around your leg.
“Because you yelled at him loud enough for the entire village to hear,” you grumbled.
“I did not,” Jake refuted. “And if they did, then oh well. He deserved it.”
You shook your head, ears flattening, “If the situation was not quite so horrible, I would appreciate you sticking up for my honor, but you were too harsh on him. He mourns his old life. He is in pain,” you argued.
“So are you. That doesn't give him the right to talk to you like that. I think I went too easy on him if anything,” Jake replied and your shoulders slumped.
“Maybe so, I just need time to think. To heal a little like you said,” you explained, reaching back for the fruit and continuing on with your task.
“Okay, just… know I’m here. We all are,” he said, “I love you baby,”
You smiled waterily, “I love you too, Ma’ Jake.”
-
It had taken all day and many rounds of walking around the island for you to feel somewhat ready to face your oldest son.
You still felt so unsettled about his words. You kept flipflopping between whether he was right or wrong to say them. You knew in your heart that he did not intend to maim you so thoroughly, but the heat of the moment and his own sorrow had escalated his words and his tone. Jake’s anger did not exactly help either.
Even if you did not feel like you were okay yet, you needed to know that he was.
You found him by the docks, his feet in the water as he stared out at the horizon. He had gotten so tall in these past few years, yet still he was the sweet boy you had always known under his serious and responsible demeanor.
You sat hesitantly beside him and lowered your feet in the water as well, appreciating the coolness that it brought you. His sweet face was downcast and you didn't miss the tear tracks on his violet cheeks.
You knew you were not the perfect mother. You had never claimed or pretended to be, but you were his mom, not by birth but by heart. You knew your son was hurting, that the pain in his chest was similar to the one in yours.
“I am sorry,” he choked out quietly and the words stomped on your heart.
You laid a hand on his back as he finally looked up to you. “Talk to me, Neteyam. What can I do differently?” you asked.
“Nothing, Sa’nu. It is me who must change,” he said softly.
“No, my baby. Do not change,” you cooed, reaching your other hand up to tuck braids behind his ear. “You made a mistake, I think you know that, but we are allowed to make mistakes, as long as we fix them.”
Neteyam nodded slowly, “Neytiri’s blood runs through my veins and your teachings in my heart. I have two mothers. I have always known this,” he replied. “I am just angry. I want to go home. I do not understand this place, it is strange to me. I long to see the forest again. I want to stop smelling salt and brine. I hate it here, even when they are kind to me.”
You brought him in to your side, holding him close as he rested his head on your shoulder. “I know how you feel, ‘Teyam. I feel the same,” you agreed,
A droplet of water hit your leg and you realized he was crying again. Your eyes squeezed shut that this caused him so much pain.
“Why has Sempu brought us here? I would rather die in the forest than live on the reef,” he muttered, and your jaw clenched at the thought that you could not fix this for him. That you could not make it better.
“He does this to protect us. The sky people knew we were near and when they took your siblings… we were too close to almost losing them. We will always put your lives first, even if it hurts for now, because it would hurt us far more to lose any one of you,” you explained.
“I know, but it does not make this easy,” he added.
“No, it does not. I am sorry. I wish I could take away all your pain and we could go home, but it is not within my power. If it keeps you safe, then I would not go back home, although my heart longs for it, to see you in the forest happy again,” you said, eyes tearing up again for the hundredth time in the last day.
You continued, “I may not have birthed you, 'Teyam, but you’ll always be my baby boy. Tell me your troubles next time, do not hide them,” you said, smoothing a hand to his hair as his arms finally wrapped around your waist.
“I am sorry,” he mumbled into your shoulder and it broke your heart at hearing his small voice.
“We all say things we do not mean,” you comforted him. “You are forgiven. The blame was never truly yours.”
“I love you, Sa’nu.” he said quietly, his chest no longer shaking as hard and it eased your nerves to hear the words.
