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𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐲

‧₊˚ ⋅ ⸝⸝ ⋆ 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Rotxo x Fem!Metkayina!Reader

₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧: With your clan's annual feast coming up, your parents believe you should be looking for a mate. What they don't know is that you already have a boy you call yours.

˖⋆࿐໋ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Fluff, secret relationship (but Ao’nung finds out), female pronouns for reader, a little kissing scene, probably some sort of spelling error i missed, I'm a loser so ofc there's a happy ending

⋆ ˚｡‧₊˚ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 5.1k (Bro wtf)

𓂃 𓈒𓏸 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: My first Avatar fic after a damn near 2 year hiatus. But yeah this fic was really self-indulgent because AFAA didn't happen everyone is alive and well in my head. (Also I copied and pasted this from my google doc so hopefully the format looks right.)

ೃ༄ 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐬: @waygyusaichi

From the day you were born, it seemed Eywa favoured you. ‘A mighty warrior’ the elders cooed whenever your name was brought up. ‘She was born to be a remarkable leader alongside a strong mate.’ Could you blame them? Life came easy to you. Born with your mother’s intelligence and your father’s strength, your path was as clear as the ocean. Destined by Eywa to guide the Metkayina as the next clan leader.

So how did you get to this point?

“The annual feast is approaching in the coming days.” Ronal murmurs as she hands you yet another basket of fruits. The insinuation hangs heavy between the two of you. “Your father and I are waiting for you to choose a suitable mate to take over as Olo’eyktan and Tsahik.”

A suitable mate. The words leave a bitter taste in your mouth. Being the eldest child of the Olo’eyktan (by no more than a minute), the expectation of choosing a “strong” mate to lead alongside you weighed heavily on your shoulders.

“I told you, Sa’nok, I will choose when I am ready.” You give a soft, teasing scoff in hopes of lightening the mood. “Besides, what if I have already chosen?”

“Nonsense. Your father and I would know if you had already chosen a warrior from our clan.” She countered, not taking her eyes off of the fruit in front of her.

“That is correct, I have not.” A boldfaced lie.

Preparations for the annual mating feast starts weeks in advance. Na’vi that have passed their Iknimiya may begin searching for a mate, the feast allows for everyone to display their skills to attract another. Which typically included dancing skills, craftsmanship, successful hunt trophies, anything that could prove your worth to the rest of the clan.

With the feast just days away, your mother had a lot of work to do as Tsahik. And it was your job to lessen the load. Being a slave to your duties, you listened to her every command without detest. Ignoring the dull ache in your chest whenever you decline your siblings invitation to join them on their adventures.

Oblivious to the way your eyes gaze towards the shore towards your siblings and their friends, your mother lifts herself up from the ground and gestures for you to follow. “Niruu is an excellent hunter. He can provide for you.” She tosses another berry into the basket. “Or Ka’rai. He is a fierce warrior, you wouldn’t have to worry about protection.”

“I can protect myself, ma.” You roll your eyes.

“That does not mean you should have a weak mate.”

Would she consider your boy weak?

As she continued naming suitors, your mind wandered to a certain boy. His gentle smile and kind eyes. That alone was enough to get your heart racing and your cheeks flushed. But those thoughts were immediately pushed down at the thought of your parent’s disapproval. You knew they would never allow it.

Dinner felt different that night. Almost like a scenario you’d imagine in your head. Everyone sat around the centre of your marui, discussing details about the upcoming event while you stared blankly at the food in front of you, your appetite vanishing every time you replayed the conversation with your mother in your head. ‘A suitable mate.’ Would your parents agree that the boy — who had you wrapped around his finger with your entire soul — was suitable for you?

But you already knew the answer. Their idea of a suitable mate is one who can lead. Who can command others in times of need. One who isn’t afraid of doing what’s best for the people.

Ewya, you prayed to her everyday for the courage to tell your parents about the blossomed relationship between you and Rotxo. About the way he treats you like a goddess. To be able to openly express your love without the fear of their judgment. Not because your love was wrong, but because your love didn’t fit their mould.

It’s not that your dynamic was abnormal. Someone independent, strong, sometimes reckless with someone more… gentle, one could say. You were born to lead, somehow inheriting both of your parents’ stubbornness and fierceness. From the day you were born your path was laid out for you. And your parents made damn sure you were ready for it.

While your lover, on the other hand, was raised in a modest setting. With barely any standing in the clan, he was brought up with the mindset that he should keep his head low, to never expect too much from others. To never ask for too much. He already knew befriending your brother and garnering your affections was way more from Eywa than he would’ve ever dared ask for. But despite it all, he would be damned if he lost it.

As you were lost in thought, picking at your grains, you felt a calloused hand ghost over yours, interlocking fingers with you. You don’t need to look up to know who the hand belonged to. Rotxo gave your hand a gentle squeeze, a silent encouragement to eat.

Being your brother’s best friend meant he often visited your marui and stayed for dinner. Not that you complained. Having your lover around, even if only for a few fleeting moments, made your day better every time without fail. The best part? Your parents never seemed to pick up on your secret affections. The quick kisses, the hand holding, the lingering glances as you greeted one another.

To them, he was only your brother’s friend. So why would they need to worry about how easily he could, and did, sweep you off your feet? All it took was that sweet smile of his and you felt your resolve crumble every time without fail. Damn you and your weak heart.

You couldn’t quite pinpoint how or when, but at some point throughout your childhood, Rotxo stopped being a random friend your brother would bring around. Instead growing into the boy you found solace in, the one who could erase all the clan’s expectations weighing on your shoulders. And you wouldn’t have it any other way.

“About the selection feast.” Your father cleared his throat, quickly gaining everyone’s attention. “We hope you’ve all given some thought into taking part.” But despite addressing all of the children, you could feel your parent’s eyes on you. Eyeing you for any hint of what might be going on inside your head.

“Ka’rai is the strongest warrior amongst your age group. And his family has agreed to look into preparations for a union.” Your mother spoke up, taking another bite of fish. “His parents are respected warriors and he is set to follow in their footsteps.”

You freeze. A union? They never mentioned already having someone lined up for you, nor did they mention already preparing your future as if you weren’t your own person who’s perfectly capable of making your own decisions. Your eyes flick towards your mother who’s already looking at you, challenging you to say anything other than unadulterated agreement.

“I’ll… think about it.” You murmur, gaze returning back to your plate. But you don’t miss the way your parents eye each other, or the way Rotxo brings his tail to almost wrap around you. Gentle reassurance that borders possessiveness.

“What about you, Rotxo?” Your father directs his attention to the quiet Metkayina boy. “Have you given any thought regarding the feast?”

Everyone turns to him, curiosity painted across their features. Pale blue eyes meet yours for a moment before flicking to your father, his tail retreating back behind him. “I already have someone in mind, sir.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes sir, but I’m afraid her parents would not approve.” His ears lower slightly.

“Nonsense boy. You’re a strong warrior. Any woman would be lucky to have you.” Tonowari gives him a firm nod.

The reassurance leaves an unsettling feeling in your stomach. Your parents would never say it out loud, at least not in front of others, but Rotxo wasn’t exactly the perfect warrior that they would envision for one with as much status as you.

‘He’s rather soft, don’t you think? A little weaker than the others.’

‘He is strong, yes. Just not as strong as the others.’

‘His parents are quite reserved. He must take after them.’

Each word sent an ache through your heart at the thought of people making assumptions about your lover. How they saw his quiet personality as weakness.

“Maybe…” Rotxo squeezes your hand again before pulling back. Oh how you wish you could just hug him.

As the night wore on, you found yourself walking along the shore, sighing loudly as you made yourself comfortable in the sand. “What’s wrong, Yawntu?” You look up to see Rotxo sitting down beside you.

“Nothing, Ro…” You lean on his shoulder. “Just wish my parents weren’t so insistent on Ka’rai.”

“You are the next Tsahik, it is only natural for them to want you with someone strong.”

Natural. Like making decisions for someone else without their input was an everyday occurrence. You wanted nothing more than to simply settle down with the boy next you, away from duties and expectations.

“You are strong. Do not sell yourself short, Ro.” You give him a light nudge, taking in the ocean before you before looking over to him. “Do you think they’d truly create a union between Ka’rai and I? What if I have to spend the entire night with him tomorrow? Eternity? Eywa I think I’d lose it. ” The thought of spending your life with someone you didn’t love drove you mad.

“I would not stand for it.” He protests. The determination that burns beneath his eyes eases the thoughts that race in your mind. You give him a quick peck on the cheek, a gentle smile gracing your features.

“Nga yawne lu ore, Rotxo.” The words leave your mouth like a prayer.

“Nga yawne lu ore. I always will.” He returned your sweet words, wrapping his arm around you.

“Tsmuke, have you thought about what our parents have said?” Tsireya sits beside you in your mother’s healing pod, grinding together herbs for salves. “I heard Ka’rai has already prepared a courting gift for you this evening.”

This evening. The annual mate selection feast. You had been so busy helping prepare that you completely forgot about your parent’s words.

“I have no need to concern myself with a mate. I can handle myself just fine.” You don’t even bother looking up from your work. It was the same flimsy excuse you had told her since the day she started asking “And besides, shouldn’t you be worrying about if your little forest boy will ask to court you?”

You could see Tsireya’s face flush at the mention of a certain dark blue na’vi. It was so inherently obvious that her infatuation with the boy only seemed to grow the more they were around each other. The pair often remind you of the boy’s parents based on the stories you’d hear from your father.

“Quiet! Nobody can know!” She frantically covered your mouth.

“As if the whole clan didn’t already know ‘Reya.” The two of you turned to the entrance, where Ao’nung is leaning against the frame, a smirk plastered on his face. “It’s quite obvious.”

“Exactly! It’s all heart eyes and love poems with you too.” You chimed in.

“Oh but don’t think you’re off the hook either, big sis.” Ao’nung shifts his attention to you. “I see you making heart eyes at my best friend too, you know.”

You pause, slowly shifting to look up at him from your place on the floor. How did he find out? The two of you made absolutely certain that you were alone before indulging in your selfish activities. Surely he had to be bluffing.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh but I think you do.” He challenged.

“What’s he talking about, Tsmuke?” Tsireya tilted her head, her innocent curiosity only further fueled your brother’s taunting.

“Our big sis here, has been seeing-”

“Enough!” You slap your hand over your brother’s mouth before he could finish. “Not another word from you.”

Ao’nung raises his arms in surrender, giving you a nod of promise as you lower your hand. “Mother won’t be happy about it.” He states. You both knew it. She’d have you by your kuru in seconds.

“Happy about what?” Your mother’s leveled voice fills the pod. “What are all three of you doing in here? There’s much to do before eclipse, move.” You watch as both of your siblings scurry out of the pod, leaving you and your mother alone. After seeing the look on her face, she definitely heard the conversation between you and your siblings. At least what Ao’nung said to you. All you could do was pray to Eywa that this conversation would favour you. “Why didn’t you tell me you already decided on a suitor?” She calmly asked, unloading the contents of her basket as she waited for your answer. “Your father and I would have stopped trying so hard to set you up with Ka’rai.” “Because I’m afraid you will reject him, Sa’nok.” You simply murmur, sitting beside her. “He has little status within the clan.” “Nonsense child, tell me, who is this boy?” You give a weak sigh, knowing that dancing around the answer was futile. With the last remaining fight seeping out of your body, the name slipped past your lips. All you could do now was watch as your mother’s face twisted into a scowl.

“Sa’nok please! You cannot! I won’t accept it!” You begged your mother, following her as she made a beeline for your family’s marui.

“Silence.” Was all she managed to respond with. “What is going on? Your father emerges from the marui, your two siblings close behind. Ao’nung’s eyes met yours, a knowing look on his face as he gave you sympathetic eyes. “I need a word with your father.” The two disappear into the marui, leaving the three of you outside, wondering what would come next. You should’ve known better. Eywa does not choose sides. Which is how you ended up outside your lover’s marui, tears brimming in your eyes. “Ma yawne?” The Metkayina boy’s nose immediately scrunched up as he took in your form. The shaking, the sniffles, the way you pull him into a near bone-crushing hug. “What troubles you?” “My mother…” Was all you could muster before you felt sobs choke the air out of you. “Deep breaths, Yawntu. Tell me what happened.” Rotxo gently guided you inside his marui, sitting you down on his hammock. “Ao’nung somehow saw us at one point and started teasing me… a-and she overheard.” You force yourself to look up at him, the words tumbling out. “I had no choice but to tell her. But all she said was how I cannot settle for such a ‘soft boy.’ She doesn’t understand!” As you continued replaying the conversation to Roxto, the boy listened, didn’t get upset, didn’t try to argue the words your mother said about him, just kneeled in front of you, giving your hands a gentle squeeze. “Do you believe her?” Was all he could manage. But you don't miss the slight waver in his voice. Like he genuinely believes everything your mother said was right. That he was too soft, too passive to be able to protect you like others could.

The mere thought that anything your mother said was right made your stomach churn. She knew absolutely nothing about him like you did. About how he would put himself between you and any threats before you, a skilled warrior, could even react. Or how his only concern when it is time to eat, is that you have everything you want on your plate before even thinking about himself.

How could she just say those things about him like she knew him inside and out?

“Never, Ro. How could I when you’re the one I know I can turn to when the clan feels like too much?” You wipe your tears. “I can’t bear the thought of leading without you by my side. My heart can’t take it.”

You pulled him closer, leaning down to hug him, as if he’d disappear if you let go. The boy slowly got up, sitting beside you as he helped you lay down. “That’s all I need to hear, Yawne. Now get some rest before the feast.”

“I still have duties to tend to.” You sit up.

“I can tend to those. Rest.” The boy insisted, draping a blanket over you.

When you wake up, you’re met with the warm surroundings of Rotxo’s marui. A modest pod, everything in its place. It reminds you so much of him. Gentle, welcoming, safe.

You glance around, eyes landing on a cup of water next to you. A small note stuck under it. ‘Drink when you wake up.’ A smile makes its way onto your face as you see the little heart at the end. How lucky were you to have such a thoughtful boy.

“Bring her out.” Your mother’s sharp voice cuts through your haze from outside.

“No, Tsahik, I cannot.” You hear a much softer but firm voice respond.

“We need to speak with her regarding-” She starts, but the boy cuts her off before she gets the chance to finish.

“She is sleeping after what she has been through leading up to this. I will not allow you to disturb her.”

You shuffle up towards the woven wall of the marui, pressing your ear against it to hear better. It’s not hard to tell what’s happening. But perhaps the better question is why.

“I understand how you think of me. And how you believe I’m not a good fit for your daughter. But I will never sit by and allow you to tear her down for her choices.”

The words hung in the air, fierce and unmoving. The boy your mother scoffed at for being ‘too soft’ was now challenging her authority. For your sake.

As you peered out of the marui you see Rotxo, his toned back to you, preventing your mother from entering.

“Rotxo. I will not ask again.” Ronal’s voice holds finality.

“With all due respect, Tsahik, I won’t wake her.” His voice is steady.

You took a moment, analyzing your mother’s next move. The way her jaw clenched and her hands balled up. Seizing the opportunity, you step out of the marui, positioning yourself slightly in front of the teal boy, between the two of them. Ronal stops, taking in the sight before her. The way you’re not backing down. The way Rotxo reaches for your hand. The look in your eyes was far fiercer than she’s even seen from you. There was no doubt in her mind that you were already too far gone for this boy.

“Sa‘nok… please. I wish to forgo a union with Ka’rai.” You take a step back to stand beside Rotxo, squeezing his hand. “My heart belongs to another.”

Silence hung in the air and you sent one more desperate prayer to Eywa, begging her to grant you the permission you desperately need to be able to live happily with this boy by your side. With a heavy sigh, your mother only offers you a dismissive wave before turning around. “Wrap up your duties, I still expect you to attend the feast with us as a family. The boy too.”

Did you hear correctly? It was the closest thing you’d get to her verbal approval. But that didn’t make you any less emotional. Your mother still wanted you to attend the feast with your family and even bring Rotxo with you, your first public display of your relationship.

“She still wishes for us to attend?” The Metkayina boy squeezed your hand, looking over at you. The sparkle in his eyes told you everything you needed to know. How much this moment meant to you two. The both of you knew how your mother was. She could be rather strict at times, but she wasn’t cruel.

“We will go together.” Your voice is firm. The clan was going to see the two of you together for the first time, and you were going to make sure they knew.

“Ma Yawne… Are you sure about this?” Rotxo squirmed while you finished painting your own personal details onto his arms, the cool sensation making him shiver. The paint on his face doing little to cover the blush that spread across his cheeks as he watched you spread your family’s coloured paint across his skin, claiming him as your own.

A tradition among your clan in preparation for the annual celebration entailed body and face paint as a message to the others of the clan. Pure white if you were searching, colours for mates to paint on each other to signify a claim. According to this tradition, clan leaders and their families use a colour separate from the rest, a symbol of status. Thus leading you to use the opportunity to make it known to everyone that this boy in front of you was yours.

You managed to snag the bowl of purple ink from Tsireya earlier, not missing the way Lo’ak had the same hue across his face as she did on her arms and legs. A knowing smile crossed your face as you made kissing sounds on your way out.

“Positive.” Was all you could say and you focused on the final details. It had to be perfect. This was your chance to show your boy off to the clan after years of secret affections.

Rotxo let out a soft sigh, amused as he grabbed the bowl of his own family colours. A gentle yellow with darker shades beneath the surface, almost lustrous. He dipped his fingers into the pigment before looking at you. “Can you look up for a second, Yawntu?”

Hearing his quiet tone, you look up at him, tilting your head a little. “What is it?” You managed before feeling his thumb on your forehead. Once. Twice. “Rotxo te Rara Yapto’itan. If I look in the mirror and see you drew a smiley face, I will personally ensure you do not wake up tomorrow.”

But when he held up the reflective surface for you to examine, all you saw was a small heart. In the middle of your forehead, between your own coloured markings. It was so… him.

“I should be offended that you thought I’d draw a smiley face on your forehead on a night like this.” He let out a playful scoff.

“You were my brother’s friend before my lover, remember that.” You flick his forehead, careful not to actually hurt him. “Besides, I wouldn’t put it past you, Ro.”

The offended noise he let out was almost comical, his hand held over his heart as though he really took your words personlly. “You wound me, Ma Yawne.” His arms reach out to snake around your waist, hoisting you onto his lap and he looks up at you, pure adoration in his eyes as he looks over your features.

“Hold still, skxawng.” You lower yourself to eye level, resting your weight on him. This was the perfect position to add the final touches to his body. The paint dripped from the bowl onto your palm, spreading over your hand as you rubbed them together. With intense focus, you press your hand against his chest, specifically over his heart. “There.”

You watch as Rotxo looks down at his chest, then to the mirror, then back to you. His eyes holding a quiet pride only you seemed to notice. While the Metkayina boy was reserved and kept to himself most of the time, he took great pride in being part of the next generation of warriors. He shouldered all the harsh words that were thrown his way by those who knew nothing about him. Didn’t fight it, didn’t stir up any trouble like your brother would’ve. Maybe that’s why they got along so well. They never butt heads over stuff.

The boy shifted his eyes towards his own family’s coloured paint, then up at you once again. A silent request for permission to return the gesture. A soft ‘please’ slips past his lips and you pause, almost confirming something at that moment. He wanted this just as much as you did, if not more. It’s not that you ever had a doubt that he didn’t but seeing him like this, his need to be with you, just calmed and lingering doubts.

With a nod of permission, Rotxo carefully aligned his gold-painted hand with your sternum, applying gentle pressure as he left his mark on you. He pulled his hand back with a smile as his eyes gazed over his work. “It’s perfect.”

His eyes lingered just a moment longer before trailing up to your eyes before they settled on the slight part of your lips. It’s obvious what he wants. You reach out, cupping his cheek before leaning forward to capture him in a quick kiss. As your lips met his, he straightened up, meeting your affection like he’d been starved of it for far too long.

“Oel ngati kameie.” He mutters under his breath.

“I see you too, Ro.” You whisper back, pulling him into a hug.

“And you’re absolutely sure…? We can always just go home.”

“I did not take a whole hour out of my day painting details all over you just for us to turn around, Rotxo. We’re doing this together.” You keep walking.

The two of you had managed to make it to the edge of the celebration before Rotxo got hit with a wave of anxiety, tugging you back slightly, wondering if what was about to happen was a good idea. The poor boy had been overthinking the entire time you were painting him, trying so hard to push down the thoughts of rejection.

“Ro?” You sense his hesitation. “Talk to me.”

“What if the clan doesn’t agree with us being together? Like your mother.” He fiddles with your bracelets. “I worry that you’ll realize you can do better and…”

You know what he’s implying. The thought would’ve made you laugh if you didn’t see the way he wasn’t meeting your eyes. Instead opting to stare at the sand. He was serious.

“I already fought my mother for this, what makes you think I’d stop for the others?” You tilt his chin up. “You’re mine just as much as I am yours.”

Your tone held finality. No room for doubts or arguments. This boy had your heart and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

With a firm squeeze, you take his hand and tug him further into the festival. As you step past people, Rotxo following closely behind, you notice their gazes lingering. Moreso on the intricate patterns of purple and gold paint dancing across your bodies. Tsireya spots the two of you and runs over to you, Lo’ak in tow.

“Tsmuke!” She waves. “Ao’nung was just talking about how slow you were. I thought you’d never show!”

“That was almost the case had I not dragged him along.” You nod your head towards the Metkayina boy.

The girl let out a small giggle, she figured out shortly after Ao’nung’s teasing that Rotxo had been the one that always caused you to shut down your parents’ insistence on finding a mate. The two of you just would not stop staring at each other when you thought no one was looking.

“Mother wants to speak with you.” She pulls you towards the centre, leaving the two boys together.

As the two of you reach a clearing in the middle by the large fire, your mother spots you, eyeing you up and down to take in your full appearance.

“Daughter.”

“You wish to speak with me?” You shift your weight to the balls of your feet.

“Come.” She gestures to a secluded space outside, away from everyone.

She doesn’t look back to check if you follow. But you know better than to disobey orders from your mother, especially when she is also Tsahik. You step out into the night, a cool breeze settling over the island. A heavy silence weighs over you, neither daring to speak first. Until your mother clears her throat.

“When you were born, Ewya willed a strong warrior to lead alongside you.” She began. “Your father and I assumed that they would be someone physically gifted.”

Was she seriously using this moment to nitpick your choice again? While you can’t say you were surprised, it still kind of stung. You thought she finally accepted Rotxo as your lover. “Sa’nok I-” Were the only words that came out before you were cut off again.

“Quiet. I’m not finished.” Your mother continued. “We assumed Ka’rai was the one Ewya sent for you. But after seeing the way that boy stood up for you told me enough. It wasn’t physical strength.” A pause. “Which is why we decided to allow you to mate.”

Your head snapped to her. Did you hear that correctly? She was verbally allowing you to mate with Rotxo when the time comes? The thought had you practically glowing as Ronal rolled her eyes. You were so in love it was honestly sickening.

“Thank you.” You wrapped your arms around her in a tight hug before running off to tell your future mate the good news. “Rotxo!” You called out to him as soon as you spotted his curly hair.

“Ma Yawne!” He returns your smile. “What’s got you so giddy all of a sudden?”

“Mother gave us her blessing.” You watch excitedly as the boy’s face shifts from his small, almost timid smile to a wide grin, as if you told him the best news of his life. And well, maybe you did.

He pulled you closer, lifting you off your feet as he spun you around. It felt like it was just the two of you, like everyone else faded away as you leaned down to give him a firm kiss. But you were suddenly pulled out of your own little world as you heard whistles and cheers from na’vi around you. Rotxo gave them a sheepish smile as he carefully put you down, looking back at you.

“Nga yawne lu ore, Yawne.” The Metkayina boy mumbled in a soft tone.

You smile and kiss him once more. Returning his words of affection in a whisper only he could hear. You were so weak for your soft boy.

@ gender3nvyy 2026 — Please do not repost, copy, or translate!

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