⋆˙⟡ Grace .⋆

| She/her | 20 | Bisexual | | Side blog/my fics: @grcsbluerpen | | Arcane, Avatar, Anything with Florence Pugh | | Sarentu AU |

[grcsbluerpen]

Grace, author, artist, film lover

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[just-another-idk]

Gentle Hands

Part 24 > Part 25 < Part 26

Word Travels

So'lek's voice crackled over the coms. "Ri'nela."

The young Sarentu looked up from beneath the broad canopy of a tree where she had been sitting with one of (Y/n)'s journals open across her lap.

She smiled immediately. "So'lek."

"I am taking my mate home. Are you able to look after the field lab?"

"Yes. I am able."

"Thank you." The line clicked silent.

She couldn't stop smiling. She had been trying all afternoon.

It was impossible.

(Y/n) was going to have a baby.

A baby.

Every time she thought about it she wanted to laugh. Or cry. Or both.

She bounced one leg excitedly.

What were you even supposed to do when somebody told you they were having a baby?

Did you bring gifts?

Did you congratulate them every five minutes?

She had absolutely no idea.

(Y/n) was injured too.

The thought sobered her for all of three seconds.

Then she remembered who she was thinking about. (Y/n) probably already had enough salves, medicines and bandages stocked away to treat half of Pandora.

And So'lek...

Ri'nela smiled again.

Eywa herself would have struggled to stop him fussing over his mate after today's events.

The thought of him trying to make her rest made her snort quietly to herself.

A tiny baby.

She pictured a little blue child toddling around the sanctuary while So'lek followed three steps behind looking permanently worried.

Her smile somehow became even bigger.

It would be adorable.

The sound of wings interrupted her thoughts.

Tamtey's ikran landed nearby, sending grass dancing in the breeze.

Tamtey climbed down.

He blinked when he spotted her sitting so far from the field lab.

"What are you doing all the way over here?"

Ri'nela hastily closed the journal. "So'lek and (Y/n) were having a talk."

Tamtey nodded. "Sounds serious."

"It was." Ri'nela bit the inside of her cheek.

She had to stop smiling.

She had to.

It wasn't her news.

She wasn't supposed to tell anyone. But it felt as though the secret had grown far too large to fit inside her.

It was practically bursting out of her chest.

She looked away.

Focused on the grass.

Do not say it.

Tamtey dropped down beside her. "So..."

"Anything interesting happen this afternoon?"

Tamtey tilted his head slightly, studying her more closely. Her tail flicked in quick, restless movements, and her smile kept slipping through no matter how hard she tried to hide it.

His eyes narrowed just a fraction. Something was definitely off. And he was going to figure out what.

Ri'nela blinked. "Oh. So'lek got captured by the RDA."

Tamtey stared. "He what?" Then, completely unexpectedly— He burst into laughter. "The mighty Dog Tag Warrior got captured?"

He slapped his knee. "I am never letting him forget that."

His grin widened. "I should—  no—  I NEED to rub it in."

Ri'nela couldn't help smiling. "He escaped."

"How?"

"(Y/n) rescued him."

Tamtey's laughter stopped instantly. "(Y/n)?"

Ri'nela nodded. "She was injured in the process."

His expression changed immediately. "Is she alright?"

"She is."

"So'lek is taking her home so she can rest."

Tamtey let out a relieved breath. "Good."

She smiled. "How did taking down those hunting outposts go?"

Tamtey's shoulders dropped slightly. "I found the two."

"Freed the animals."

"They weren't badly hurt. They ran as soon as I got them loose."

He rubbed the back of his neck. "What I did manage to recover..." A small smile returned. "...was a whole pile of encrypted RDA files."

"Priya and Teylan are working on them now."

Ri'nela nodded. Then smiled again. Then looked away. Then smiled even more.

Tamtey frowned. "...Ri'nela."

She looked at him far too quickly. "Yes?"

"There is something you are not telling me."

"There is not."

"You keep smiling."

"I always smile."

Tamtey narrowed his eyes. "You are practically vibrating."

"I am not."

"You have been looking like you are about to explode for the last five minutes."

Ri'nela covered her mouth. Trying very hard not to grin. "I cannot tell you."

Tamtey leaned closer. "Oh. So there is something."

She groaned quietly. "It is not my news."

His eyes widened. "Someone died?"

"No!"

"Then what is it?"

Ri'nela pressed both hands against her face. "I am not supposed to say."

Tamtey folded his arms. "I will guess until you tell me."

"You'll be here all day."

"I have nowhere else to be."

Another long silence.

She lasted nearly twenty whole seconds.

"Oh, Eywa..." She looked around as though checking nobody else could hear.

Tamtey leaned closer.

Ri'nela whispered. "(Y/n)..."

"...is going to have a baby."

Tamtey froze.For exactly one heartbeat. "WHAT?" He leapt to his feet."They're having a baby?!"

His hands shot into the air.

"Yes!" He laughed loudly. "So'lek is going to be a father!"

Ri'nela was laughing now too. "I know!"

"We have to tell everyone." He turned toward his ikran.

Ri'nela hurried after him. "No!"

"It is not our news."

"But everyone is going to find out sooner or later."

"That is not the point. They should hear it from So'lek and (Y/n)."

Tamtey looked genuinely torn. "But..." His grin refused to disappear. "I want to celebrate."

Ri'nela couldn't blame him. She wanted to celebrate too. She was just having considerably more success keeping herself from flying around Pandora announcing it to every clan they met.

"Are you coming with me?" Tamtey asked, already halfway to his ikran.

Ri'nela sighed, though her smile lingered. "Yes... just so you do not get carried away."

Tamtey's grin widened triumphantly.

"But," she added quickly, pointing a finger at him, "that means you are helping me later."

"Deal," Tamtey said without hesitation, already climbing onto his ikran.

Tamtey and Ri'nela landed just beyond the circle surrounding the Zeswa camp.

Warriors sparred in friendly bouts of dance fighting while children darted between them laughing.

Nearby, several hunters sat around great fires drinking zanke while musicians beat steady rhythms across stretched drums. Others danced barefoot in the grass, their voices rising together beneath the afternoon sky.

Tamtey led the way toward the council tent.

Inside, Nesim and Minang were deep in conversation.

Nesim looked up first.

"Tamtey." A broad smile spread across her face. "How goes your hunting?"

"You bring news?" Minang asked, folding the map closed.

Tamtey nodded. "I have taken down two smaller hunting camps."

"I am waiting on more information before tracking down what I believe is the main encampment."

Nesim's expression became thoughtful. "Please continue keeping us informed."

"The number of traps being discovered across the plains is becoming concerning."

Minang studied the pair more closely. "Though..." Her head tilted slightly. "It seems something else is on your minds."

Tamtey lasted all of two seconds."(Y/n) is with child."

Ri'nela closed her eyes. A long, tired breath escaped her. "So much for keeping it quiet."

Both Zeswa leaders froze.

Minang blinked. "You're sure?"

Tamtey pointed enthusiastically toward Ri'nela. "Ask her."

"I was there." Ri'nela nodded. "(Y/n was showing me some things when she discovered it."

Minang's hands flew to her mouth. A delighted smile spread across her face. "Oh, Eywa."

Nesim looked equally amazed. Then another thought struck her. "Why are we hearing this from you?"

"Where are they? They should have announced such wonderful news themselves."

Ri'nela's smile faded slightly. "They likely would have."

"But shortly after finding out..." She hesitated. "So'lek was captured by the RDA."

Both siblings froze immediately. 

"And (Y/n) rescued him. She was injured doing so."

The delight disappeared from Minang's face almost instantly. "Is she alright?"

"She is." Ri'nela answered quickly. "So'lek has already taken her home."

"She needs rest more than anything."

Minang visibly relaxed. "Thank Eywa."

Nesim folded her arms. "So they are simply resting?"

"Yes."

"They wanted a little time together." She smiled to herself. "They have earned that."

Then Nesim looked toward Minang.

"We should organise something."

"A celebration."

Minang nodded immediately. "Of course."

Then she turned back to Ri'nela.

"Have they spoken of one yet?"

"I do not think so."

"They have had rather bigger concerns today."

Minang placed a hand on her sister's shoulder. "I will gather some things for (Y/n)."

Then another idea struck.

"You should see whether anyone has a Zakru wool blanket they would be willing to trade."

"The softest one."

Nesim nodded without hesitation. "You are quite right, sister."

She turned back toward the two Sarentu. "Excuse us."

"We have gifts to organise for the soon-to-be parents."

The siblings hurried toward the tent entrance before Nesim suddenly stopped.

She looked back at Tamtey.

"Oh..." Her grin slowly returned. "When they have had enough time to themselves..."

"Lure those two back here."

Tamtey's own grin became positively mischievous. "I can do that."

"We shall celebrate properly."

"You have my word."

The siblings disappeared into the bustling camp, already calling out to passing hunters about blankets, baskets and food.

Ri'nela watched them go.

Then slowly turned toward Tamtey. "Are you satisfied now?"

Tamtey looked genuinely puzzled. "No."

Ri'nela groaned. "What now?"

"We still have to tell Nefika. And Etuwa."

Ri'nela buried her face in both hands. "Tamtey..."

"They deserve to know!"

"They deserve to hear it from So'lek and (Y/n)!"

"They will." He nodded enthusiastically. "But afterwards."

He was already walking away. "Come on."

Ri'nela sighed, though she could not quite stop herself smiling again.

She hurried after him before he managed to announce the news to the entire Western Frontier.

The Resistance base was quieter than usual. Most people were busy with repairs or preparing equipment for the next operation.

Teylan wandered through carrying a small crate of supplies before spotting Alma sorting through equipment nearby.

He hesitated. Then walked over. "Alma?"

She looked up. "Yes?"

Teylan shifted awkwardly. "I wanted to ask you something."

"What do you get a couple that is expecting a baby?"

Alma frowned. "A baby? Who do you know that's pregnant?"

Teylan smiled. "So'lek and (Y/n)."

The smile vanished from Alma's face. Instead, something much colder settled there. "...What? They're having a baby?"

Teylan nodded enthusiastically. "Ri'nela and Tamtey just found out, they just called, they're spreading the news to everyone."

"I wanted to make them something."

Alma remained silent.

Teylan's smile slowly faded. "...You don't look very happy. Isn't this supposed to be good news?"

Alma set the equipment down. "No."

Teylan blinked. "No?"

"(Y/n) isn't Na'vi." Her voice remained calm. Measured. Grave. "This is bad."

Confusion crossed Teylan's face. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure." She folded her arms. "The clans have never truly accepted her. They tolerate her because she's useful. And (y/n) has always been desperate to belong.”

Teylan frowned. "But So'lek—"

"She was desperate,” Alma interrupted gently. "So, she found another way to secure her place."

Teylan looked lost. "What do you mean?"

"She baby trapped him."

The unfamiliar words made him freeze. "What is... baby trapped?"

Alma sighed as though explaining something obvious. "It means having a child so someone feels obligated to stay with you. So they can't leave and everyone has to accept the relationship."

Teylan's ears lowered. "You think..."

"...she did that?"

Alma nodded. "It happens. Especially when one person knows they aren't fully accepted."

"(Y/n) understands that she'll never truly be Na'vi. So now she's carrying So'lek's child."

She shook her head. "Unfortunately for her..."

"That isn't how it works."

"It won't make her one of the People. It only complicates things."

Teylan looked increasingly uncertain. "But..."

"So'lek loves her."

Alma looked at him sympathetically. "Teylan. People can be manipulated. Especially good people."

"He wouldn't have seen it coming."

Teylan stared at the floor. "Why didn't So'lek stop her? If that's what she was doing..."

Alma's voice softened. "It isn't that simple."

"They're together almost constantly. She works with medicines. Sedatives. Pain relief. Things that affect the body."

Teylan's eyes widened. "You think..."

"I think So'lek trusted her. And trust can be exploited."

She let the implication linger. "He may never even realise what happened."

Teylan's breathing slowed. His thoughts tumbled over one another. "But... So'lek is mated to her."

Alma nodded sadly. "Exactly. And So'lek is an honourable man. If he believes he's responsible for a child..."

"He will never leave. He would stay out of duty. Not because he had another choice."

Teylan searched her face. She sounded so certain. "So..."

"...he doesn't know?"

Alma shook her head. "I don't think he does."

"And if I'm right..."

Her expression grew solemn. "Then he's the one I feel sorry for."

The excitement Teylan had felt only moments earlier had vanished.

His thoughts churned uneasily. "So..."

"This isn't... a happy thing?"

Alma rested a hand on his shoulder. "I wish it were."

Teylan looked down at the floor. He trusted Alma. She had been the adult who guided them after TAP. If she believed something was wrong... He had no reason to doubt her.

"So... It's all an act? To trick So'lek into liking her."

Alma gave a slow, sympathetic nod. "Yes."

She spoke with complete confidence. "The food she leaves out for the animals? That is not kindness."

"She knows if she feeds them often enough they'll keep coming back. It makes everyone think she has some special connection with Pandora."

Teylan blinked. "I though...she just liked animals."

"That is what she wants people to believe." Alma folded her arms. "Think about it."

"She is always helping. Always smiling. Always doing something that earns people's trust.m Her voice remained calm. "It is very clever but it is a manipulation tactic.”

Teylan's ears lowered. "I never thought of it like that."

"And So'lek?"

Alma continued. "She knew exactly who he was. The legendary Dog Tag Warrior. A respected hunter. A hero."

"So she used everything she had."

Teylan looked confused. "What do you mean?"

"Her appearance. Her charm. The fact she understood medicines."

"She made herself someone he believed he needed."

Alma paused. "Actually... I have a theory."

Teylan listened intently.

"I do not think So'lek chose any of this."

His eyes widened. "What?"

Alma lowered her voice. "I think she drugged him."

Teylan stared. "What?"

"They were together constantly. She could have used the preparation of his food. His tea to slip something in."

"He trusted her completely."

Alma shook her head. "I think while he was unconscious..."

"...she seduced him."

Teylan looked utterly lost. "What does... seduced mean?"

"It means persuading someone into becoming intimate with you."

She chose her words carefully. "Using affection. Manipulation. Sometimes when they are vulnerable."

Teylan's stomach twisted. "So..."

"...the baby?"

Alma nodded sadly. "If I am right..."

"The child explains everything. So'lek has never liked any humans, he barely tolerates the resistance."

"But So'lek is an honourable man. He would never abandon his own child. So now... He remains beside her."

"For the baby's sake."

"And to everyone else..." She gestured vaguely. "The story becomes one of love."

"It protects her reputation. And his."

Teylan looked down. His thoughts felt tangled. "But... Why is she so nice to everyone?"

Alma gave a small, patient smile. "Because people trust those who help them."

"If someone is always kind... Always generous... People stop questioning them."

"They ignore warning signs. That is how manipulation works."

Teylan remembered the sanctuary. The hugs. The tea.

His brow furrowed. "And Tamtey? Ri'nela? Why don't they see it?"

"They're good people. They trust easily. They've been through terrible things." Alma sighed. "(Y/n) recognised that."

"She gave them exactly what they were missing."

"Someone who listened comforted them, made them feel important."

She looked almost disappointed. "If either of them had asked me..."

"I would have told them to be careful. But they never did."

"They've likely been manipulated too."

Teylan shifted uncomfortably. "I...I don't know what to think."

Alma rested a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to decide today."

"Just...Start paying attention."

"Ask yourself who benefits."

"And if you notice anything unusual... Come and tell me."

"We need to make sure So'lek is safe."

"And if he really is being manipulated... We may be the only ones willing to help him."

Teylan nodded slowly. "I can do that. I'll keep an eye on them."

Alma smiled gently. "That's all I'm asking."

"But what about the baby?" he asked.

“Did I overhear that correctly?” Nor stood with his arms folded across his chest, having clearly arrived in time to hear far more than Alma intended.

His gaze settled on Teylan.

“(Y/n)… is going to have a baby?”

Teylan nodded. “Yes. Tamtey and Ri’nela are spreading the news.”

Nor’s brow furrowed. He was quiet for several moments.

Then he spoke more to himself than anyone else. “Why would So’lek have a child with someone who is not Na’vi?”

The question sat heavily in the room.

Nor had never trusted the skypeople, and the idea of one of them becoming so deeply entwined with Na’vi life unsettled him deeply. Especially coming from So’lek who had made his dislike of the skypeople clear since the day they first met, only allying with them out of necessity.

His eyes shifted toward Alma.

“Though…” He spoke slowly. “I am still skeptical of your claim that (Y/n) manipulated him.”

His stare sharpened. “Do you have any proof?”

Alma hesitated. “No.”

“But the circumstances—”

“The conjecture,” Nor corrected. “You have conjecture.”

She straightened. “The evidence points toward—”

“No.” Nor cut across her. “It points nowhere. It is a theory.”

“Nothing more.”

Alma’s jaw tightened. “I am trying to protect him.”

“And yet you continue speaking as though your theory is truth.” His expression hardened. “That is how lies begin.”

“It is not a lie,” Teylan said quietly.

Both adults looked at him.

“What if Alma is right?” His voice carried genuine uncertainty. “What if So’lek doesn’t know he is being tricked?”

Nor looked at the younger Sarentu for a long moment.

Then shook his head. “The first thing I am going to do…”

“…is ask So’lek.”

It was as simple as that.

“If he tells me he chose this. I will believe him.”

“If he tells me otherwise. Then I will believe that.”

His gaze shifted briefly toward Alma. “I do not decide another person’s truth before speaking to them.”

Alma folded her arms. “You think she’s innocent simply because she’s kind.”

“I think she is many things.” Nor answered evenly. “I still do not understand why So’lek chose her.”

His ears flicked once. “But…” He looked directly at Alma. “I also doubt she is some evil mastermind manipulating everyone around her.”

Silence.

Then, almost as an afterthought, Nor’s expression2 twitched into the faintest hint of a smirk.

“If there is anyone here capable of manipulating an entire room…”

His eyes remained on Alma.“…it would be you.”

Teylan looked between them, more confused than ever.

Alma’s expression darkened.

Nor simply turned and walked away.

He had questions.

And unlike everyone else…

He intended to ask the one person who actually knew the answers.

So'lek woke long before dawn. The cavern remained wrapped in darkness, the only light coming from the faint glow of the moss scattered across the ceiling.

For a few moments he didn't move. His mate lay asleep in his arms, her head resting comfortably against his bicep exactly where she had guided it the night before.

One hand remained curled loosely against his chest.

He smiled quietly to himself.

Carefully he slid his arm from beneath her head.

She frowned faintly in her sleep.

For one worrying moment he thought she'd wake.

Instead, she simply rolled onto her side before settling again. A sleepy little sigh escaped her.

The sound drew another smile from him.

He crouched beside the hammock and leaned forward, brushing a lingering kiss across her cheek. "Sleep well, yawne," he whispered.

She made another soft sound. Still asleep.

Satisfied she was comfortable, So'lek rose and quietly crossed the cavern.

The fire pit had long since burned low. He knelt beside it, arranging fresh wood before coaxing the embers back to life. Soon warm orange light danced across the stone walls, slowly chasing away the chill that settled over the floating mountains before sunrise.

She would wake a few hours after dawn.

He wanted the cavern warm by then. Comfortable.

He glanced toward the hammock again.

Still asleep.

Good.

He intended to return before she woke.

She would be hungry. Probably still sleepy.

His thoughts drifted, just briefly, to yesterday. To the little life already growing inside her.

His heart gave another quiet flutter.

She would need proper meals. More than before. He intended to make certain she never wanted for anything. He would ensure he mate would have the best of everything. 

So'lek pulled his metal vest over his shoulders, fastening each strap before reaching for his hunting bow.

His communicator crackled softly just as he reached for his arrows. "So'lek."

"Nor," he greeted quietly.

"You are awake early. I was wondering—are you going hunting this morning?"

"I am," So'lek replied, glancing briefly toward the hammock again.

A short pause followed before Nor spoke again. "Then perhaps I could join you? ."

So'lek considered it for only a moment. "You may."

A faint note of approval slipped into Nor's tone. "Good. It has been some time since we hunted together."

So'lek allowed himself the smallest hint of a smile. "Then do not keep me waiting."

He crossed the cavern one last time, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple before quietly slipping outside.

The air carried the cool bite that always came before sunrise. He breathed it in deeply.

Iley lifted his head the moment he heard approaching footsteps. The ikran gave a low, welcoming trill.

So'lek rested a hand briefly against his companion's neck. "We must make this hunt a quick one." He tightened the last strap across his chest before climbing onto the saddle. "I would like to be home before she wakes."

Iley gave another soft chirp, almost as though he understood.

With a powerful beat of his wings, the ikran launched from the floating mountain. The wind rushed past as Iley glided between the floating mountains, the world below still wrapped in the blue-grey light that came before dawn.

The forests were only beginning to wake.

The air was cool against So'lek's face. His

His com crackled. "So'lek."

He recognised Alma's voice immediately.

"What is it?"

"We've picked up RDA activity further south on the Wetlands."

Her voice carried its usual clipped urgency. "Do you think you can investigate?"

So'lek looked toward the distant horizon. "Is it urgent?"

"No. But we need to know whether they're simply passing through or setting up more equipment."

He considered it for a moment. "I shall handle it shortly."

"So'lek." Her tone hardened. "That is not good enough."

His brow furrowed. "Excuse me?"

"Your patrols have decreased. You answer your coms less."

His eyes narrowed. "I have been patrolling the Upper Plains."

"Not where the Resistance needs you."

His jaw tightened. "Are you questioning my loyalty?"

"No." Alma answered without hesitation. "I am questioning your priorities."

The air seemed to grow colder. So'lek's gaze remained fixed on the sky ahead. For several heartbeats he said nothing.

Then, without another word...he ended the transmission.

His jaw was set. He had no desire to begin the morning angry.

Not when the thought of returning home to her already made the corners of his mouth want to lift.

He slowly let out the breath he'd been holding.

The wind carried it away.

His hand rested briefly against Iley's neck.

"Come."

His voice was calm once more.

"Let us hunt."

The ikran banked toward the forests surrounding Dyer's Bowl, leaving the conversation—and Alma's accusation—behind them, at least for now.

So’lek landed beside a narrow stream winding through the forests outside Dyer’s Bowl.

The first hints of dawn were beginning to brighten the eastern horizon, though beneath the towering trees the forest remained dim.

Nor emerged through the trees. The two exchanged a nod before setting off into the forest.

Neither spoke.

Their footsteps barely disturbed the undergrowth.After several minutes, Nor opened his mouth.

“So’lek—”

A hand lifted. “Quiet.”

So’lek’s golden eyes remained fixed ahead, searching through the trees. “I wish to finish this hunt quickly.”

Nor nodded without another word.

They tracked a lone Sturmbeest grazing in a clearing.

The hunt was swift. Clean.

Between the two of them the animal barely had time to react before it fell.

Now So’lek knelt beside it, thanking it, before carefully skinning the hide while setting aside the best cuts of meat.

Nor helped without needing to be asked.

For several minutes only the scrape of knives disturbed the quiet morning.

Eventually Nor cleared his throat. “May I speak now?”

So’lek glanced up briefly. “Yes, the hunt is over, there is no further need for silece.”

His hands never stopped working. “What is it you wish to speak about?”

Nor hesitated. “I hear…”

“…you are having a baby.”

So’lek closed his eyes. A long, resigned breath escaped him. “Tamtey?”

“Yes.” Nor nodded

So’lek began piecing it together.  Ri’nela had told Tamtey.

Tamtey had almost certainly told half of Pandora already.

So’lek pinched the bridge of his nose. “He cannot keep a secret.” A faint smile threatened despite himself. Then he nodded. “But yes. My mate is with child.”

Nor was quiet for a moment.

“But she is not Na’vi.” His words were careful. “The child will be half-blood.”

“Tainted by the Sky People. How could you have a child with someone like her?”

So’lek continued cutting the hide free. His expression never changed. “Eywa blessed our union with a child.”

His voice was calm. “No child is a curse.”

“No matter who their parents are. A child is always a blessing.”

Nor frowned. “It seems Alma was right.”

That finally drew So’lek’s eyes from the carcass.

“You once hated their kind. Now you have mated with one.”

He folded his arms. “Did she manipulate you into this? Are you only with her because of honour?”

“No.” The answer came without hesitation. “And you sully her by speaking like this.”

Nor’s ears flattened.

“She is a demon wearing stolen skin. An avatar.”

“Her people have no honour.”

So’lek’s voice remained remarkably level.

“Not her.”

“I love my mate.”

“Where did you hear such nonsense?”

Nor looked almost uncomfortable. “Alma. She has a theory.”

So’lek sighed quietly. “I thought as much.”

“She believes…” Nor hesitated. “…that (Y/n) seduced you.”

“Tricked you into laying with her. So she could become accepted.”

“So she could have a child and everyone would see her as Na’vi.”

So’lek simply shook his head. “She spouts nonsense.”

Nor stared at him. “I cannot believe someone from their kind could truly be…”

He searched for the word. “…kind.”

“If anyone was deceived, Nor…” So’lek finally looked him directly in the eye. “…it was her.”

Nor frowned.

“What Alma believes is false. I love my mate.”

Nor still looked unconvinced.

“How can I know it is not another trick? Some manipulation. Some spell she has you under.”

So’lek stood. He rested one hand firmly on Nor’s shoulder. “Love is a strange thing.”

His gaze drifted briefly toward the brightening horizon. “It makes you forget prejudice.”

“It makes you see someone for who they truly are.”

A small smile appeared. “When I first realised I had fallen for (Y/n)”.

“I fought it. I reminded myself of everything the Sky People had done. I told myself she did not belong here.”

His smile became quieter. “I prayed to the Great Mother. I asked for guidance. A sign.”

“I promised that if Eywa wished me to walk away…”

“I would.”

Nor listened silently.

“No sign came. Instead…” His gaze softened. “She arrived wearing beautiful Aranahe clothing.”

“I remember looking at her…”

“And realising…perhaps she did belong here.”

“I saw her kindness. Her gentleness. The tenderness in her heart. I stopped seeing the line her human body and  her avatar.”

“I simply saw…”

“…her.”

“It still sounds like she has you under some spell.”

So’lek laughed quietly. “Love, Nor. It is the greatest spell there is.”

“I was cold to her. I mistrusted her. I pushed her away.”

“And still…”

“She answered me with kindness. She gave me love when I deserved neither.”

He looked down at the neatly folded hide.

“She made my camp into a home. She gave me a future I believed had died with my clan.”

“There is no deception.”

Nor looked away.

“But…she is not Na’vi.”

So’lek tilted his head slightly. “What makes someone Na’vi?”

Nor answered immediately. “They are born to the People. They live our ways. Honour Eywa.”

“Toruk Makto. was born Sky People.”

“And yet… So many accepted him.”

His gaze returned to Nor. “(Y/n) is welcomed wherever she goes.”

He smiled quietly. “She may never belong to a clan by blood.”

“But in here…” He rested a hand lightly over his own chest. “…she is one of the People.”

“I am merely waiting for her to realise it.”

Nor still looked sceptical. Perhaps he always would.

So’lek merely smiled. He gathered the folded hide before handing Nor a generous portion of the meat. “Take your share.”

“I must get the rest home.”

He secured the bundle across Iley’s saddle. “My mate will wake soon.”

A softness entered his voice. “She is eating for two now.”

Nor watched him for a long moment.

Then, just as So’lek prepared to mount his ikran—“So’lek.”

He looked back. Nor scratched awkwardly at the back of his neck. “…Congratulations.”

The smile that spread across So’lek’s face was small. But genuine. “Thank you, Nor.”

Nor hesitated again before speaking. “…Alma has been telling these same things to Teylan.”

So’lek’s expression hardened slightly.

“You may wish to speak with him before her words take root.”

Then So’lek inclined his head.

“I shall.” With that, he climbed onto Iley’s back.

He had a fire to tend. Breakfast to prepare. And a wife he hoped would still be asleep when he returned home.

On the flight back, So'lek found his thoughts returning to Alma whether he wanted them to or not.

Iley cut cleanly through the morning air, the first true light of dawn beginning to spill across the tops of the trees below, but So'lek barely noticed the beauty of it.

His jaw had tightened somewhere between leaving Nor behind and crossing back over the forest.

Nor’s words echoed louder than the wind rushing past them.

Alma’s theory.

It sat badly with him.

Not simply because it was insulting.

Not simply because she had dared to speak of his mate that way.

But because there had been such poison in it.

Such certainty.

So'lek’s grip on the reins tightened at the memory, the words made So’lek’s lip curl.

Absurd. More than absurd. Insulting.

To him. To his mate. To the child they had been blessed with.

How could Alma speak with such conviction about things she knew nothing about?

How could she look at (Y/n) and see deceit where there was only gentleness?

See manipulation where there was only love?

His fingers tightened slightly .

He thought of the woman still asleep in their hammock when he had left. His sweet mate. His gentle mate. His kind and loving mate who didn't have a single malicious bone in her body.

There was no trick in her. No scheming. No hidden malice waiting beneath the surface.

If anything, the only truly dangerous thing about her was how easily she had worked her way into every part of him until the idea of life without her felt hollow.

Iley made a questioning sound beneath him, low in his throat.

So'lek huffed a quiet breath through his nose and rested a hand briefly against the ikran's neck.

"I know, Iley." His voice was quieter now, some of the edge leaving it. "How anyone could believe she deceived me, I do not know."

Another chirrup, this one almost amused.

The corner of So'lek's mouth twitched.

"If anyone did the deceiving, it was me."

Iley gave a softer, almost thoughtful trill in response, as if agreeing—and perhaps wondering, in his own way, how So'lek had ever been deemed worthy of such a mate.

He shook his head faintly, the tension in his shoulders easing for the first time since Nor had spoken of Alma’s theory. "I am a very lucky man."

And he was.

Lucky enough that the Great Mother had placed that gentle, kind, brilliant woman in his path. Lucky enough that she had loved him back.

Lucky enough that when he returned home, if Eywa was kind, he would find her still half asleep, warm in their hammock, and hungry enough to steal half his breakfast the moment he set it down in front of her.

The thought finally coaxed a proper smile from him.

Alma could cling to her theory all she wished. It changed nothing.

His mate was his. Their child was real.

And he intended to protect both from anyone who threatened that peace.

So'lek landed outside their cavern just as the sky began to brighten, the first pale wash of morning spilling across the floating mountain and turning the edges of the leaves silver.

He dismounted quietly, taking the bundle of meat and the rolled hide from Iley's saddle before slipping back inside.

The fire still burned low in the pit, casting a warm glow across the cavern.

His mate was still asleep. Curled exactly where he had left her.

The sight softened something in him immediately.

Good. He still had time.

He moved silently around the cavern, setting the meat down first. The best cuts he placed over the fire to cook slowly, turning them once before covering the rest and tucking it into a clay jar for later. She had been eating far more than usual already and he had no intention of being caught without enough food in reach if she woke hungry.

Once that settled, he took the hide back outside.

The morning air was cooler now, touched with the damp sweetness of dawn. He worked quickly, curing it and stretching it out while the sky slowly brightened overhead, fingers moving through motions he had done a thousand times before. By the time the sun had begun to edge over the horizon, the hide was secured and he was heading back inside.

The smell of cooking meat had grown richer in the cavern.

He crouched by the fire and rubbed herbs over the strips, letting them sink into the surface before turning them again. Beside it he laid mushrooms over the heat to grill, knowing she liked them with breakfast.

Then he looked back toward the hammock.

She hadn't stirred.

A small smile touched his mouth.

She would wake soon enough once the meat cooked a little more and the smell reached her properly, but for now he was content to let her sleep as long as possible. She had earned the rest.

He was just reaching for a plate when he heard it—the soft rustle of the hammock. The tiny shift of its ropes.

He turned immediately.

She was beginning to wake, still heavy with sleep, blinking slowly as she pushed herself upright.

So'lek was already moving by the time she had fully sat up.

He cut the meat into strips, added the grilled mushrooms to the side, and brought the plate over to her.

The portion was much larger than what he would usually make her. He simply handed it over and leaned in to kiss her cheek. "Did you sleep well?" he asked softly.

She nodded, still blinking the last of sleep from her eyes. "Yes."

Then she looked down at the plate in her hands and back up at him. "Is that for me?"

The question drew the faintest huff of amusement from him. "Of course."

She didn't need to be told twice.

He watched her take the first bite, already eating before he had even moved away, and only once she seemed settled did he go back for his own portion.

His was much smaller.

A few strips of the leftover, nothing more. He ate quickly, almost absently, his thoughts already moving ahead to the Wetlands and the RDA activity Alma had called about. The sooner he dealt with it, the sooner he could be back here. Back with her.

Her chewing slowed and she looked over at him. "You're eating quickly."

He swallowed and wiped his hands against a cloth before answering. "There's RDA activity down on the wetlands."

The words made her expression fall at once.

He saw the disappointment there. The worry.

He crossed back to her without hesitation and bent to press a kiss against her cheek. "I will be home soon," he murmured.

His hand brushed lightly over her hair, then her shoulder.  "How is your wound?" he asked quietly.

(Y/n) glanced down toward her side before looking back at him.

"It's sore," she admitted, "but manageable."

She shifted as though to get out of the hammock.

So'lek's hand immediately settled on her shoulder, gently but firmly stopping her before her feet even touched the ground. "Did you not say bed rest would help it heal?"

Her eyes narrowed slightly at him. "As well as light exercise," she countered. "I can get up and put salve on my wounds. Change the bandage."

"Let me."

Before she could argue further, So'lek crossed the cavern and gathered the salves, fresh cloth and clean bandages, bringing them back to the hammock.

"I can do it myself."

"If you do not have to get up today," he said as he sat beside her, "then I shall not let you."

That earned him a look. One that said she knew exactly how stubborn he was being and that it was unnecessary.

She sighed, though there was more fondness than annoyance in it. "When you get back..." She shifted carefully, trying not to tug at the stitches. "Can we stop by the sanctuary? I want to check on the pups. And Ulrr."

His hands paused only long enough to glance up at her.

"If you spend the morning resting. We can go once I return." He began unwrapping the bandage with careful hands, taking his time so he wouldn't pull at the skin. Once the old wrappings were off, he dipped a cloth into clean water and gently wiped away the old salve.

(Y/n) watched him quietly.

The tenderness in his touch should have been comforting.

Instead, it made something in her chest ache. Because she could see it in his face. The guilt. The way his eyes lingered on the wound as though it wounded him simply by existing.

As though seeing it there was a reminder that she had been hurt at all.

She reached up and cupped his face.

His hands stilled immediately.

"Saving you was worth such a small scratch."

His eyes lifted to hers. "What pains you, pains me."

The words came low and rough.

He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her lips before his forehead rested briefly against hers. "It means I could not protect you."

She brushed her thumb over his cheek. "Stop worrying about it."

"We're both okay now."

He looked as though he wanted to argue. Instead, he let out a quiet breath and returned to his task.

He spread the fresh salve over the wound with careful fingers, making sure the stitches were clean before securing a new bandage neatly around her side.

Once he was finished, his hand settled instinctively over her stomach.

Her own hand covered his at once.

The shift in his expression was immediate. Full of wonder that still seemed too large for him to properly hold.

"Yes," he murmured, his thumb tracing a slow circle beneath her palm. "You are."

His gaze dropped to where their hands rested. "I cannot wait to meet our little one."

(Y/n)'s mouth softened into a smile. "I can't wait either."

She let her head tip back against the hammock. "It feels like the wait will be forever."

"It will pass quickly," So'lek said, leaning in to kiss the top of her head.

He stayed there for a moment, breathing in her scent, one hand still resting protectively over her stomach as though he could already feel the tiny life growing there.

Then, reluctantly, he drew back. "I shall be back soon," he promised.

She was already sinking back into the hammock, drowsiness creeping over her again now that she'd eaten and the wound had been redressed.

A yawn escaped her as she settled into place. "Be safe."

He leaned down and paused, his lips hovering near her ear. His voice dropped to a quiet whisper. "You feel no obligation to be here, do you?" he asked, the words hesitant, uncertain. "You have no regrets? You do not feel deceived by me?"

Her eyes barely opened, heavy with sleep, and she let out a soft, tired breath. "I am pregnant with your child," she mumbled, her voice slurred with exhaustion. "Too late for that..."

So'lek remained still for a moment, watching her, the tension in his chest easing at her words. He pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek.

It soothed something in his heart. Yet it also stirred a sudden rush of anger.

How dare he let Alma's gossip twist his thoughts into believing he had wronged her.

He kissed her one last time. "I will be back soon."

Then he rose, forcing himself to leave before the sight of her tucked in the hammock with sleep-heavy eyes convinced him to stay exactly where he was.

Later, (Y/n) let out a long yawn as she stretched.

The cavern was quiet.

She frowned slightly, glancing around as she tried to piece together how much time had passed. The stillness of the cavern gave her no answer, and for a moment she simply listened, hoping for some clue. Only the crackle of the fire remained.

She blinked slowly, looking toward the entrance. So’lek still hadn;t returned.

For a moment, she frowned faintly.  Where did he go?

Then she remembered.

Oh. Right. He had said he was going to check for RDA activity.

The thought settled her. He would be back soon.

Carefully, she eased herself upright. The stitches along her side pulled unpleasantly, reminding her they were still fresh. She paused until the discomfort eased before swinging her legs over the edge of the hammock.

Slowly, she wandered across the cavern and set the pot to the fire, breathing in the familiar scent of herbs as the steam curled upwards.

Her hand drifted unconsciously to her belly, fiShe stilled, breath catching as warmth bloomed beneath her palm.

She could almost imagine it. A heartbeat she could not yet hear, a presence she could not yet see, but one that filled her chest with a quiet, overwhelming love.

Her baby.

A soft smile touched her lips as her thumb brushed slowly back and forth, as if soothing something already there.

She imagined small hands—perhaps with four fingers like So’lek’s. Bright golden eyes, or maybe her own. 

She imagined holding her baby close, feeling their warmth against her chest, hearing their soft breaths as they slept.

A life that was theirs.

A love that already felt endless.

Her chest tightened. She had never known this kind of warmth before. Never known a love that felt so instinctive, so fierce, so strong all at once.

Once her cup was filled, she reached for another bundle.

Her songcord materials.

The small pouch So’lek had made for her was already overflowing.

She stepped outside into the cool morning.

The floating mountain was peaceful.

Pink leaves drifted lazily through the breeze, occasionally catching the sunlight before spiralling down into the grasses.

She settled beneath one of the broad trees.

One by one she emptied the pouch. Carved wooden beads. Tiny, polished stones. Delicate shells. Pieces of bone.

Each one lovingly carved. Each one carefully chosen. A variety of shapes, colors and sizes

She smiled.

So’lek truly was gifted with his hands.

Her fingers drifted unconsciously to the necklace resting around her neck. The one he had carved for her.

Very gifted.

She spread everything across the grass before picking up the first bead.

She already knew where her story began.

The day she first arrived on Pandora.

The bead slid onto the cord. Then another.

Another.

The first time she met So’lek.

Her fingers slowed there.

She smiled faintly before choosing another bead.

Their first real conversation.

Another.

The cord steadily lengthened across her lap.

Darker beads marked memories she preferred not to dwell on.

Brighter ones slowly became more frequent.

Until finally…

She reached for the newest bead.

The day she had learned she was carrying their child. She threaded it onto the cord.

Then simply held it in both hands.

Looking at it.

Turning it slowly as it caught the morning light.

A small smile found her.

One life ending. Another beginning.

She had left behind her human body. Everything she had once known.

What waited ahead now?

The life of a healer. The life of a wife. The life of a mother.

She could imagine all three.

She just couldn’t always imagine herself fitting neatly inside them.

Would she always remain the outsider?

Accepted because she was useful. Accepted because she was So’lek’s mate.

Would they still welcome her if he had not chosen her?

The questions lingered only briefly.

She reached forward, her fingers brushing over the bead marking the day she had permanently left her human life behind.

Then she looked up. The breeze carried the scent of moss and flowering vines.

She breathed deeply.

Whether she ever truly belonged among the People… She belonged here. She knew that much.

This world had become home long before she realised it.

And even if she spent the rest of her life standing just outside the circle…

She would not be standing there alone.

She had So’lek.

For her…

That was enough.

Footsteps rustled softly through the grass behind her.

She smiled before she even turned. “You’re back.”

So’lek lowered himself beside her with a quiet sigh. “I can never be away from you for long.”

Without another word he rested his head against her shoulder.

She smiled, rubbing her cheek gently along his.

His arms slipped carefully around her waist, mindful of the fresh bandage beneath her clothes.

She relaxed into him immediately. “Where did you go?” she asked.

“Down to the wetlands.” He rested his chin lightly against her shoulder. “There was RDA activity.”

“Gone by the time I arrived.”

She nodded thoughtfully.m“Alma?”

So’lek was quiet for a heartbeat. “Alma.”

He left it there. He had no desire to burden her with what Nor had told him..

Not today. 

His eyes drifted downward. “You are working on your songcord.”

She brightened. “Yes.” She held it up for him to see. “What do you think?”

He studied every bead carefully before smiling. “It is beautiful.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

She laughed softly. “I thought I would begin with the day I first arrived on Pandora.”

Her fingers traced along the cord. “And simply follow my story from there.”

She looked out across the floating mountains.

“I do not think I truly began living until the day I stepped off that ship.” She smiled faintly. “In one way or another…”

“…everything led...”

She gently took his hand. Without a word she guided it to rest against her stomach. “Here.”

So’lek’s expression softened so completely it almost hurt to look at. He turned toward her and kissed her slowly. Tenderly.

“You left your entire world.” His forehead rested lightly against hers. “For me.”

She shook her head. “It was not a difficult choice.”

Her fingers returned to the beginning of the songcord. The first few beads were darker.

Rougher. More subdued than those that followed. “My past…” She smiled sadly. “…was not a happy one.”

So’lek looked along the cord.

He didn’t need her to explain. He could see it. The darkness at its beginning.

Then, little by little… The colours brightened.

The prettier beads and stones, more joyful.c

Just like her.

Just like the woman she had become.

His thumb brushed gently across the newest bead.

The smallest one.

The one marking the beginning of a life neither of them could yet see.

“It is a beautiful story,” he whispered. “And it has only just reached its happiest note.”

She grabbed the front of his vest and pulled him into a kiss, smiling against his lips. “Now that you are back,” she murmured, “you can take me to the sanctuary.”

So’lek pulled back slightly, his brows drawing together. “Ma yawne, you are injured.”

“So’lek,” she countered, already trying to shift upright, “I have to check on the pups and I have work to do.”

“You have to rest,” he said firmly, one hand coming to steady her before she could push herself too far. “Your body is still healing.”

“I promise there won’t be too much manual labour,” she insisted, giving him a pleading look.

“That is what you always say,” he replied, unimpressed.

“And I always mean it,” she shot back.

“You do not always follow it.”

She huffed softly. “They need me.”

“And I need you safe and sound, recovering,” he returned without hesitation.

“I will be careful.” She leaned forward again, pressing another quick kiss to his lips. “Please?”

He exhaled slowly, clearly fighting himself.

“…Just for a few hours, yawne,” he finally relented.

Her face lit up instantly. She kissed him again, brighter this time. “Thank you.”

He shook his head, though there was no real annoyance left in his expression as he carefully helped her to her feet, one arm steady around her waist.

“If you overdo it,” he warned quietly, “we are leaving immediately.”

She smiled up at him. “Yes, yes.”

He did not look convinced, but he would stay close to her side all the same.

Next >

@whos-nin1 @lvlypinkesworld @loaf-with-jam @deepangelpartykid @itsfrenchxfrxes @quietlydecafinated @angeliquecho @lizzy91768 @bxxbeaxxb @twentysomethingwereyote @jillxty @rinitoshi13 @gvyknkj @nikomenom @intervitadatura @buckybluebarnes @theatregeek-247 @valinat @rinitoshi13 @sunshinescubagear @7leo7 @eeorrrr @layingintheloam @poppyw4 @marija4674 @miniverse-zen @ur-juno @sleepisfortheweakpooh @akamenaruto14 @pinkglittertaco @annoyingasexual @grcsbluepen @deepwaterdreams @cantaloupesoda @justhereiguess2 @idkmanimjstired @yaaraz @user153639937 @danilewis

Background to the Chapter Contains spoilers

For This is a few following chapters leading up. During the games there's a quest where you investigate 2 hunting outposts where Colonel Harding is capturing animals to stuff and sell, a black market. After defeating the two hunting outposts Tamtey then defeats the main hunting and discovers Harding is hunting for Zakru Bone.

The sisters (Nesim and Minang) inform Tamtey that there is a Zakru grave yard in the weeping gorge. Tamtey goes to warn Sosul, who takes care of the grave yard or rather the flutes that play a sound to soothe grieving Zakru.

The gorge is attacked, Tamtey defends the Gorge but Pasuk, a Zakru is attacked and killed.

The Zeswa are beyond enraged and an attack on Harding's base is planned and executed

[memories]

I want to take a heaping batch of #so’lek x tamtey and spread it all over me like I’m that peanut butter baby. You know the one.

[grcsbluepen]

This one sent me 😭😭

[memories]

Sally sells #afop screenshots by the sea shore.

[memories]

#neteyam sully and Other Things That Ruined My Life: An Autobiography by grcsbluepen

[grcsbluepen]

That’s a sensitive subject

[me8t]

im a mosaic of everyone i've ever loved, or whatever

[soleks-syulang]

sotey dealing with a language barrier!

so i’ve been thinking, you know how it’s implied that in the movies everyone is speaking na’vi, and we hear it in english because jake understands it now? yes? okay!

so i’m thinking what if this is kind of the same with tamtey, obviously so’lek and other na’vi have learned english but you know with growing up in tap they probably weren’t able to speak in na’vi.

so when tamtey gets out and she’s around other na’vi she’s trying her best to keep up with the conversations but she’s struggling, of course so’lek notices, so every now and then he’ll tap her shoulder or brush against her arm and whisper whatever she needs translated into english.

just imagine her face lighting up and a bright smile directed to so’lek as a thank you! i just find this so sweet!

i’m also remembering the scene from secret of the spires when she’s talking to zat, (the ke’awa kame’tire cook), and he mentions the blade-wing moth and he gets a little frustrated when she says blade-wing moth and not reyknap! please tell me y’all see the vision 😔

[just-another-idk]

Gentle Hands

So'lek x fem!avatar driver reader inspired by Tsumuke written by @lvlypinkesworld

Part 23 > Part 24 < Part 25

The Reality

Flames suddenly roared to life down the corridor ahead, a burst of heat rushing toward them as something ignited—fuel, wiring, something volatile.

Heat slammed into them.

(Y/n) coughed, instinctively raising an arm to shield her face as the sting of the flames licked at her skin.

So'lek stepped in front of her, body angled to block the worst of the heat, one arm wrapping around her shoulders and pulling her close against his chest.

The flames flushed brighter, crackling violently as they consumed everything in their path.

He could feel the burn against his own skin.

Ignored it.

His focus stayed on her. "We cannot stay here."

His voice was low but urgent.

His eyes scanned rapidly for another path—another exit—anything that would get them away from the spreading fire.

The corridor behind them was already filling with smoke.

They needed to move.

Now.

His grip tightened slightly around her. "Can you move?"

"It is shallow."

(Y/n) kept pressure against her side as they moved.

"There is just a lot of bleeding."

She winced as another jolt of pain travelled through her abdomen.

She nodded yes, and he helped guide her to the far side where the flames had not yet reached.

The answer should have reassured him.

It did not. Not with blood still running between her fingers.

So'lek's gaze swept over her quickly.

Checking her footing. Her breathing. the colour in her face.

Then his eyes landed on an overturned supply crate nearby.

His gear.

The warrior spotted it immediately. His bow. His knife. His quiver.

Before she could argue he crossed the distance in a few strides, dropping to one knee beside the crate and gathering his equipment.

The familiar weight settled across his back.

His knife returned to its sheath.

The bow found his hand once more.

Only then did he return to her. "Stay close to me."

(Y/n) nodded.

The alarms continued screaming overhead.

Smoke drifted through the corridors.

Somewhere behind them came the distant roar of engines and shouted orders.

The entire facility was looking for them.

His gaze snapped upward.

A vent.

High along the wall, just beyond the reach of the flames.

It was their only chance.

So'lek drew an arrow as he stepped back just enough to get a clear shot.

He aimed.

Released.

The arrow struck true, shattering the metal grate with a sharp crack that echoed through the corridor.

Pieces clattered to the floor.

Smoke poured upward through the opening.

"Up," he urged, already moving beneath it.

He crouched and clasped his hands together, bracing himself.

(Y/n) didn't argue.

She stepped into his grip, biting back a hiss as pain flared through her side.

He lifted her easily, guiding her upward.

Her fingers caught the edge.

She pulled herself toward the opening—

And coughed. The sound was rough, strained from the smoke filling her lungs.

It twisted something deep in his chest.

"Keep moving," he urged.

She dragged herself into the vent, disappearing into the darkness above.

Only once she was inside did So'lek jump, catching the edge. He hauled himself up after her, pulling his body into the narrow space just as the flames surged closer below.

The healer crawled ahead while So'lek followed behind, keeping one eye on her wound whenever he could.

Several times she slowed. She whimpered, pressing her hand harder to her side as the pain spiked sharply.

His stomach tightened.

The vent eventually ended above another section of the facility.

Below them stretched the hangar floor—wide, open, and crawling with activity. Rows of aircraft loomed under harsh artificial lights, their metal bodies gleaming through drifting smoke. Beyond the hangar doors, the main yard was visible, floodlights cutting across the terrain as soldiers moved in tight formations, weapons raised, scanning for any sign of intrusion.

"They are on alert," (Y/n) whispered, shifting slightly to give him a clearer view.

So'lek's eyes narrowed as he took in the scene—the patrol routes, the blind spots, the rhythm of movement. Every detail mattered.

His gaze flicked back to her, already weighing their next move.

He leaned in, pressing a brief kiss to her cheek, his hand steady against her face.

"Stay here. I will not be long."

Her eyes widened slightly, fingers tightening weakly against his arm. "Where are you going?"

His gaze hardened, already shifting toward the hangar below. "It will be safer to get you out if they are all dead."

"So'lek, there are too many—"

He cut her off gently, cupping her cheek more firmly, his thumb brushing against her skin."I have a legend for a reason."

The warrior quietly removed the cover and dropped down.

She leaned against the cold metal of the vent wall, forcing herself to stay still despite the pain pulsing through her side. Her breath came shallow, uneven, as she listened.

Screams echoed from below sharp, panicked.

Gunfire cracked in rapid bursts.

Explosions followed, shaking the structure beneath her, sending vibrations through the metal that pressed against her back.

Each sound twisted something deep in her chest.

So'lek was down there.

Her fingers curled weakly against the metal, nails scraping faintly as another explosion thundered through the hangar.

Eventually, it went quiet after the last crash.

The gunfire ceased.

The shouting faded.

Only the distant crackle of fire and the groan of damaged metal remained.

So'lek appeared beneath the opening once more, his form emerging through the smoke and dim light below.

His eyes found her instantly.

Relief flickered across his features,. He reached up without hesitation.

"Come."

(Y/n) didn’t waste a second. She shifted toward the opening, wincing as pain flared through her side, and carefully lowered herself down.

His hands were already there. He guided her the rest of the way before pulling her fully into his arms.

One arm slid beneath her knees. The other supported her back. Lifting her effortlessly against his chest.

The moment she was secure, something inside her finally loosened. Relief flooded through her so suddenly it made her dizzy. She sagged slightly against him, her head falling against his shoulder.

She had been terrified she was going to lose him.

The thought still clung to her.

Her fingers curled weakly into his chestpiece as she rested her head more firmly against his shoulder, drawing in the familiar warmth of him.

She was in his arms again.

A small, fragile smile touched her lips.

Her gaze drifted past him, taking in the destruction left behind.

The hangar was in ruins. Smoke curled through the air. Flames licked at shattered machinery.

Bodies lay scattered across the floor.

So'lek had not exaggerated.

There was no one left to stop them.

His forehead rested gently against hers. "There is no army that could stop me from getting you to safety."

(Y/n)’s lips curved faintly despite everything. She leaned forward just enough to press a soft kiss to his lips. Grateful. Exhausted.

Turning immediately, he carried her out of the base without looking back.

(Y/n) closed her eyes briefly. The scent of Pandora. It felt like a blessing.

She let out a weak breath, her voice barely above a whisper against his shoulder. "I can see why they call you the dog tag warrior… you really took out every single one of them."

So'lek huffed softly, not quite a laugh, his grip on her tightening just slightly as he adjusted her weight in his arms. He dipped his head, pressing a firm, lingering kiss to the top of her head. "You were in danger, (Y/n)."

"Doesn't mean you had to slaughter every single one of them," she murmured weakly.

"Yes, I did," he replied without hesitation, his voice steady and certain. "If any of them had harmed you, I would have never forgiven myself. So I killed them all. I would destroy any threat to your life."

Her fingers tightened faintly against him, her gaze soft despite the exhaustion weighing her down. "I love you, you know that."

He smiled down at her, something warm and unguarded in his expression. "I do."

He shifted her slightly in his arms, already moving with quickly. "Now, let's get you to the lab."

By the time they reached the Archipelago Field Lab, So'lek's nerves felt as though they had been scraped raw.

The entire flight back had been torture.

Every time (Y/n) shifted. Every small sound she made.

He knew she had said it was shallow. He knew she had remained conscious. He knew she was talking normally.

None of that seemed to matter.

Not when he was still suffering the stress from only a few hours ago when he had been trapped inside a metal box convinced he might never see her again.

Iley landed.

So'lek was off the saddle before the ikran had properly settled.

His hands immediately finding her waist as he helped her down.

Ri'nela looked up from the table she had been sorting medicines on.

Then her eyes landed on the blood. "What happened?"

The young Sarentu was already crossing the distance. "I thought you were only going to tell him the good news."

"I did." (Y/n) winced as she carefully lowered herself onto one of the examination tables.

"Then he got captured by the RDA."

Ri'nela looked shocked. "That feels like a very important detail."

"It was an exciting afternoon." The healer's voice remained suspiciously cheerful.

So'lek looked like he wanted to strangle somebody.

Ri'nela immediately began gathering supplies.

The healer pointed toward a tray. "New lesson."

Ri'nela paused. "What?"

"How to do stitches."

So'lek froze. His pacing stopped mid-step, his entire body going rigid as his ears flattened sharply against his head.

Stitches.

His gaze snapped to (Y/n)'s side, then to the tray Ri'nela was gathering, then back to his mate as if hoping he had somehow misheard.

He had not.

His expression shifted rapidly—shock, disbelief, and then something dangerously close to horror.

His tail lashed once behind him.

"...No."

(Y/n) did not even look at him.

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."So'lek dragged a hand down his face, looking like he was reconsidering every life choice that had led him to this exact moment. "You are not letting her practice on you."

"I am not letting her 'practice.' I am teaching."

"That is worse."

Ri'nela froze halfway through picking up the needle, looking between them like she had just been dropped into a battlefield. "I can— I can wait—"

"No," (Y/n) said calmly.

"Yes," So'lek said at the exact same time.

They both paused. Turned to look at each other.

(Y/n) raised a brow.

So'lek looked like he wanted to die. "Yawne," he said again, voice low and strained, stepping closer . "I cannot stand to see you in pain.

"I know it doesn’t matter whether Ri'nela or you stitch it—this wound is too large for natural healing."

"What if I do it wrong?" Ri'nela asked. 

"You won't."

"What if I hurt you?"

"You will."

Ri'nela looked scandalised.

(Y/n) laughed. "It is stitches, Ri'nela."

"It is not supposed to be entirely comfortable."

Meanwhile So'lek had begun pacing.

Again.

He had done plenty of pacing while trapped in a shipping container.

Apparently he had not gotten it out of his system.

The warrior moved from one side of the room to the other.

Arms crossed.

Jaw tight.

Eyes never leaving (Y/n).

His headache was rapidly becoming legendary.

The two women ignored him.

Mostly.

(Y/n) cleaned the wound carefully.

Blood and dirt were washed away until the cut was fully visible.

Ri'nela leaned closer. Studying it.

"It looks smaller now."

"Everything looks smaller once you stop bleeding all over yourself."

"Good to know."

The healer handed over a vial.

"First step."

"Numbing medicine."

Ri'nela took it carefully. "This is similar to the pain medication?"

"Similar idea." (Y/n) nodded.

"This one blocks the nerves around the wound."

"You inject around the edges."

"Not directly into the wound."

Ri'nela followed every instruction carefully. Her hands steadier now than they had been during the blood draw.

"Good." (Y/n) smiled.

A few minutes later she lightly poked the area. "Can you feel that?"

"Not really."

"Excellent." The healer pointed toward the sterile thread. "Now we stitch."

Ri'nela swallowed.

The needle suddenly looked much larger than before. "You make it look easy."

"It is not easy." (Y/n) picked up another needle to demonstrate. "It is practice."

She showed her how to hold the instrument.

"Think of it like weaving."

Ri'nela visibly relaxed. That comparison made sense to her.

"Through one side." (Y/n) demonstrated the movement. "Then through the other."

The younger woman copied carefully.

Her tongue poked slightly from the corner of her mouth in concentration.

"Good."

"Now tie."

Ri'nela followed the instructions. The first knot looked slightly crooked.

The second looked much better. The third looked almost professional.

"There."

Ri'nela sat back. "I did that."

"You did."

The healer smiled.

"And your patient survived."

Across the room So'lek looked deeply unconvinced. His ears flicked toward them.

His eyes narrowed.

His mate was bleeding.

Allowing Ri'nela to learn stitches.

Talking about it as though they were discussing tea recipes.

Meanwhile he was one headache away from collapsing.

(Y/n) noticed. "Yawne."

The warrior looked over immediately.

She smiled softly. "I am okay."

Ri'nela wrapped a bandage around her side, securing the stitches in place. She smoothed the fabric gently, checking that it was snug but not too tight.

"There," she murmured, stepping back slightly. "That should hold."

(Y/n) glanced down at the finished work, then back up at her with a small, approving smile.

His eyes moved to the stitches.

She held out a hand to So'lek "Come here."

So'lek crossed the room. Taking her hand immediately.

The tension in his shoulders remained. The headache remained. The urge to lock her inside a safe cave where no RDA could ever reach her remained.

(Y/n) squeezed his hand. "See? Ri'nela did an excellent job."

The young Sarentu looked very proud of herself.

Then looked toward So'lek.

Then slightly less proud.

Because the warrior still looked as though he was considering hunting down every human involved personally.

"I am alright." (Y/n) repeated. This time softer.

His hand drifted lower. Resting briefly against her stomach.

His voice dropped, rough with worry. "The baby… will it be alright?"

(Y/n)’s expression softened immediately. She covered his hand with her own, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"It will be fine," she assured him quietly. "The wound is shallow. It did not go deep enough to harm the baby."

His shoulders eased, just slightly.

"All I need is a few days of rest," she continued, her tone calm and steady, "and to make sure the wound does not become infected."

She tilted her head, offering him a small, reassuring smile. "We are both alright."

So'lek's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, searching her face as if committing every detail to memory, before he finally exhaled slowly.

Then his ears flicked toward Ri'nela.

"Ri'nela," he said.

The young Sarentu straightened immediately. "Yes?"

"I need to speak with my mate."

So'lek waited until Ri'nela left.

For a few moments neither spoke.

(Y/n) sat on the examination table while So’lek remained standing in front of her.

He cupped her cheek.  His thumb brushed softly across her skin.

(Y/n) immediately leaned into the touch.

So’lek swallowed. The words felt strangely difficult to find.

He hesitated, breath catching slightly as he searched for the right way to say it. “My head still aches from it,” he admitted quietly, almost embarrassed. “From how afraid I was.”

“I have never been as afraid as I was today.” His voice was quiet. Rough around the edges.

(Y/n)’s smile faded. She reached up and covered his hand with her own.

The warrior lowered his forehead briefly. Closing his eyes.

He sat on the edge of the examination table beside her and gathered her into his arms

Careful of her stitches.

“I almost lost you.” His arms tightened. Not enough to hurt. Enough to make his point. Enough to tell her exactly how terrified he had been.

His hand slid down. Resting against her stomach.

One stray bullet, one bad timing, and he would have lost everything.

The thought struck him with a force that made his chest tighten.

Not just her. Not just the life they had begun to build. But the future he had only just allowed himself to imagine.

Gone in an instant..

The warrior’s eyes closed. He could still see her emerging from behind those crates with her hand pressed against her side.

And feel that horrible cold terror that had seized him in that moment.

The certainty that if anything happened to her, some part of him would never recover.

His hand remained against her stomach. His thumb moving slowly.

The warrior lowered his head. Pressing a kiss into her hair.

“When I was trapped.” His voice grew quieter. “I was not thinking about myself.”

“I was thinking about whether you got away.”

His jaw tightened. “I was thinking about whether they had hurt you.”

His arms tightened slightly around her. “I was thinking about our child.”

The words still felt unreal. Wonderful. Terrifying. Perfect. All at once.

(Y/n)’s eyes stung. She pressed closer. 

So she simply held him.

And let him hold her.

“You did not lose us.” Her voice was soft. Certain.

The warrior drew in a slow breath. Then released it.

His forehead settled against hers. Golden eyes meeting hers.

“I know.”

“But I came closer than I ever wish to again.”

Then he leaned forward and kissed her. Just long enough to reassure himself that she was real.

"I have lost everything once already, (Y/n)."

His voice was quiet. Lower than before. "I cannot do it again."

He had convinced himself that surviving was enough. That teaching the Sarentu was enough. That avenging his people was enough.

Then she had appeared.

A dreamwalker. A healer.

A strange womans.

A woman who somehow managed to walk straight through every wall he had built around himself.

And now— A wife. The mother of his child.

His family.

(Y/n) reached up and rested her hand over his where it lay against her stomach.

Golden eyes met hers.

"And you're my everything, So'lek."

The words stole what little breath he had left.

"I do not know what happiness was until you came along and gave it to me."

The warrior stared at her. "You already had happiness."

(Y/n) shook her head immediately. "No."

"I had moments."

"But not happiness."

"I had my animals."

"I had tea."

That finally earned the faintest smile from him.

"But then I had you."

Her eyes glistened. "And suddenly I had someone waiting for me when I came home."

The warrior's ears lowered slightly.

"You worried if I had eaten." A small smile tugged at her lips.

"You tried to protect me from all that upset me."

His expression remained stubbornly neutral.

"You sat through hours of me talking about medicines you had never even heard of."

"I still do."

"I know."

The smile grew.

"You make me tea."

"You make better tea."

"I know."

Now both of them were smiling.

"You make me feel protected."

"When I am with you, everything feels... easier." it.

"You gave me a home."

His gaze dropped briefly. To her hand. His hand. Their child. Then back to her.

Without thinking he pulled her closer.

The warrior buried his face against her shoulder. Drawing in a slow breath. Then another.

Finally, he lifted his head enough to press a kiss against her forehead.

Then another.

Then one against her temple. "You are wrong." His voice was rough.

(Y/n) blinked. "What?"

A faint smile appeared.

"You gave me happiness too." And for a man who rarely spoke about his feelings, it was perhaps the most important thing he had ever said.

(Y/n) shifted slightly in his arms.

A sharp sting pulled across the fresh stitches in her side.

She winced.

Unfortunately for her, So'lek noticed everything.

The warrior went rigid. His arms loosened. His hands moved to her shoulders. His eyes searched her face.

"What is wrong?"

(Y/n) sighed, "nothing."

"You are hurt."

"No, I am—"

His hand was already hovering near the stitches.

Afraid to touch. "Did they tear?"

"No."

"Are you bleeding?"

"No."

"Does it hurt?"

"Well yes, I was caught by shrapnel."

The answer did absolutely nothing to reassure him. The worry only deepened. "(Y/n)."

She could tell he was about to panic.

His posture had gone rigid, his gaze flicking between her and Ri'nela as if calculating how quickly he could summon help.

Possibly every healer on Pandora.

"It was the stitches."

He paused. "The stitches."

"Yes."

"The stitches caused that expression."

She nodded.

"You are certain?"

(Y/n) reached over and cupped his face. "I promise."

His shoulders remained tense. "You winced."

"Because someone stitched me back together today."

He still looked unconvinced.

The healer could almost hear the argument taking place inside his head.

Part of him believed her. The rest was busy imagining every possible disaster. Involving her. The baby. The stitches. The RDA. Probably all at once.

A tired smile touched her lips. "You are worrying yourself into another headache."

"I am not."

"You absolutely are."

The warrior looked away. Which was answer enough.

(Y/n) laughed softly. Then immediately regretted it when her side protested again. Another wince.

So'lek's eyes widened.

"Oh for Eywa's sake." 

Before he could launch into another round of panic she grabbed his face with both hands and kissed him.

The interruption worked.

Mostly because it derailed every thought in his head.

When she pulled back, his expression had become considerably less alarmed.

"You are impossible."

"No."

His hand settled carefully against her side.

Avoiding the wound. Avoiding the stitches. Just wanting to touch her. "I am concerned."

His thumb brushed lightly along her arm. "I spent hours believing I had lost you."

His gaze dropped briefly toward her stomach. Then returned to her. "I think I have earned the right to worry."

(Y/n)'s eyes stung.

So she leaned forward and rested her forehead against his. "Fine."

The warrior looked pleased with himself.

"But only a reasonable amount."

One eyebrow lifted.

"What is a reasonable amount?"

She smiled.

"Less than trying to summon every healer on Pandora because I pulled a stitch."

The corner of his mouth twitched.

A rare sign of surrender.

"No promises."

And despite everything that had happened that day, despite the stitches, the RDA, the trap and the shipping container, the answer made her laugh anyway.

"So..." His thumb brushed slowly across her side. "We are truly going to have a child?"

The question sounded almost cautious.

(Y/n)'s smile softened. "Yes."

"Yes, we are."

The warrior drew in a slow breath. His gaze drifted back to her stomach.

Still completely flat. Still unchanged. And yet everything had changed.

"How do you know?"

(Y/n) shifted slightly, making herself more comfortable against him. "I was teaching Ri'nela how to do blood tests."

So'lek looked confused. "What is a blood test?"

"It is where we take a small sample of blood and analyze it."

"Blood carries information."

His ears flicked. Listening carefully.

"There are certain hormones that only appear when someone is pregnant."

The word still made his chest tighten.

Pregnant.

His mate was pregnant.

Their child.

(Y/n) continued. "The hormone is called nCG."

"I noticed the level was elevated."

So'lek nodded slowly. Not entirely understanding. But trying.

Then she smiled. "So I checked with the ultrasound."

"The machine that lets you see inside the body?"

"Exactly."

The warrior remembered seeing her use it on injured creatures before.

"And?"

(Y/n)'s hand settled over his. Helping keep it against her stomach. "There was a gestational sac."

The unfamiliar words immediately earned a confused look. "A what?"

"A gestational sac."

She laughed softly at his expression. "It is the first structure that forms during pregnancy."

His eyes narrowed. Still trying to follow.

"It is basically a small protective sac." She thought for a moment. Trying to explain it in a way that made sense. "It is where the baby begins developing."

Understanding slowly dawned. His hand instinctively spread slightly against her stomach. As though trying to feel something impossible to feel. "The child is already there?"

"Very small." She held her fingers close together. "Very, very small."

His eyes followed the gesture.

"The size of a seed."

The warrior stared. A seed.

His child. The size of a seed.

"The gestational sac tells us approximately how far along the pregnancy is."She smiled. "And judging by its size..."

The healer's eyes sparkled. "I am about five weeks along."

Five weeks.

The number settled over him.

Five weeks.

Their child had already existed for five weeks.

Growing quietly while he went about his patrols. While they drank tea together. While he held her in his arms every night.

The realization left him speechless.

He was going to be a father. The thought no longer felt distant. No longer felt like a dream.

It was real.

The warrior lowered his head.

Pressing a long kiss against her forehead. Then another. Then one against her temple.

When he finally pulled back his eyes looked suspiciously bright. "I did not think Eywa would answer my prayers so quickly."

(Y/n)'s smile grew. "What prayers?"

The faintest hint of embarrassment crossed his face. Rare enough that it nearly made her laugh. The warrior looked away.

Briefly.

"I may have asked."

"Asked?"

His ears flicked. "I asked often."

That finally made her laugh.

"So'lek."

"I am serious."

The warrior looked back at her. "I asked for a family."

His hand tightened slightly over hers. "For you."

Then his gaze dropped to her stomach again.

A smile finally won its battle. Impossible to hide.

"And now it seems Eywa listened."

(Y/n) chuckled softly and leaned forward to kiss him.

The warrior immediately melted into it.

One hand still resting over her stomach.

The other cupping her cheek.

When she pulled back, her smile had become brighter. Warmer. "You will not be the last of the Trrong."

So'lek went completely still. His throat tightened. As though he still could not quite comprehend it.

For fifteen years he had carried the weight of being one of the last.

Every grave. Every memory. Every face. He had remembered them all because he feared nobody else would. Feared there would come a day when no one remained to speak their names. When their stories would die with him.

His hand pressed a little more firmly against her stomach. Not enough to hurt. Just enough to feel the reality of her beneath his palm.

Their child. The first Trrong born in fifteen years.

Eywa.

The thought nearly brought him to his knees.

The warrior closed his eyes.

For a long moment he could not speak. Because suddenly he was seeing things he had never allowed himself to imagine.

A child racing through the grass. Small blue hands reaching for him. Laughter echoing through their home.

Stories being told around a fire.

A future. A real future.

Not survival. Not revenge. Not grief.

Life.

His chest ached with it. A deep ache that somehow felt wonderful.

When he finally opened his eyes again there was a vulnerability there that only she ever saw.

"You do not know what that means to me." His voice had grown rough. Quiet.

(Y/n)'s hand found his cheek. "I think I do."

So'lek shook his head. Slowly. "No." A faint smile touched his lips. "You know what it means to the warrior."

His thumb brushed across hers.

"But not what it means to the lonely man who thought he would die as the last of his people."

"I spent years believing the Trrong would end with me."

His jaw tightened briefly.

"But now..."

A breath escaped him. Half laugh. Half disbelief. "Now our child will know their clan."

His eyes softened. "They will know where they came from."

Another small smile appeared. "They will know their ancestors."

His gaze returned to her. "And they will know their mother."

That smile grew. "I think that is the greatest blessing of all."

(Y/n) felt her eyes sting.

The warrior leaned forward and kissed her again. Longer this time. Savoring it.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead remained resting against hers.

His hand never left her stomach.

As though he could already feel the future waiting there.

And for the first time in many years, So'lek found himself looking forward to tomorrow.

The smile faded from (Y/n)'s face.

Because today, when he had been captured, she had been terrified she would have to bring their child into the world alone—that she would lose him, her person, her everything, the love of her life.

His thumb brushed gently across her cheek. "What troubles you?"

When she finally spoke, her voice was quieter. "As overjoyed as I am..."

Her hand found his. Holding it tightly. "I am worried."

So'lek's expression softened at once.

He shifted closer.

"What if something happens to you?" The words came out in a rush. As though she had been holding them back. "What if the RDA gets lucky one day?"

Her fingers tightened around his. "What if you go on patrol and don't come back?"

The warrior's heart sank. He knew where this fear came from.

(Y/n)'s eyes glistened. "Please." Her voice cracked. "You cannot leave me on my own."

"I can't do this without you."

So'lek stared at her .The fear she was trying so hard to hide. The fear beneath all the happiness.

Slowly he reached up. Both hands cradling her face. Forcing her to look at him.

"Ma yawne." His voice was steady. Gentle. "I have no intention of leaving you."

A tear slipped free despite her efforts.

The warrior brushed it away with his thumb.

"I know." She laughed weakly. "No one ever intends to leave... but they still do."

The words hit him like a blow. He could hear the pain still lingering behind them.

The old wounds. The old fears.

The fear of being left behind. Alone. Again.

So'lek leaned forward until their foreheads touched.

"You listen to me." His voice had grown firmer now. "I am going to be here."

"I am going to watch this child grow."

Another kiss against her forehead.

"I am going to teach them to hunt."

A kiss against her temple.

"I am going to tell them stories of the Trrong."

Another.

"I am going to adore them."

That earned the faintest laugh.

The warrior looked pleased with himself. "I am going to spoil them."

"You absolutely are."

"I know."

A small smile appeared.

"And as they grow, I am going to tell them about their mother."

His eyes held hers. "I will tell them how brave she was."

"How kind she was."

"How she never stopped helping others even when she should have been resting."

(Y/n) sniffed. The tears were still there. But so was a smile.

"So'lek..."

The warrior gently pressed his forehead against hers once more.

"I cannot promise that nothing bad will ever happen."

The honesty hurt. But he would not lie to her. Not about this.

"I cannot promise that life will always be easy."

His hand squeezed hers. "But I can promise that I will fight for every sunrise."

The words settled heavily between them. "I fought to survive before because there was work left to do."

"Now I have something worth coming home to."

A wife. A child. A family.

"I will not leave willingly." His thumb brushed away another tear."And if I have any say in the matter, you are going to grow very tired of me."

A watery laugh escaped her.

The sound eased something inside him.

Good.

He would much rather hear that.

So'lek pulled her gently into his arms.

Holding her carefully.

One hand resting against the back of her head.

The warrior simply held her.

His thumb moved slowly  while he considered his next words.

This conversation felt different now. More serious. Because there were no longer just two lives involved.

There were three."(Y/n)."

The warrior waited until she met his eyes."If something like today ever happens again..."

His jaw tightened briefly. The memory of the trap was still fresh.

"You must run."

(Y/n)'s expression immediately fell. "So'lek—"

"For your sake."

"And for our child's."

The words silenced her.

The warrior's gaze did not waver."You must flee from danger."

"But what about you?"

As though she could not imagine making any other choice.

"Do not worry about me." His hand rose to cup her cheek. "You know me."

A faint smile touched his lips. "I would fight like a demon to get back to you."

The image was not difficult to imagine. Because she had already seen it.

The way he had nearly torn an entire base apart trying to make sure she would get out safely.

"I do not need you risking your life for mine." His thumb brushed across her cheek. "I need you safe."

(Y/n)'s eyes stung. "So'lek..."

He shook his head. "If I am trapped, run."

"If I am injured, run."

"If I tell you to leave, leave."

Every word sounded painful for him to say. Because he knew exactly what he was asking. He was asking her to walk away from him.

Something neither of them wanted.

"But—"

"No."

The interruption was gentle. Absolute.

"If something happens to me..."

His voice caught briefly. "Then I will spend every remaining breath trying to return to you."

Because now there was a wife waiting for him. A child waiting for him.

A future waiting for him. And he intended to claw his way through hell itself if that was what it took to get back to them.

"But if something happens to you..."

His eyes closed for a moment. The words clearly hurt. "If something happens to you, then I lose everything."

(Y/n) felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes.

The warrior leaned forward and pressed a kiss against her forehead. Long. Lingering. Tender.

"I can survive pain."

A kiss against her temple. "I can survive injury."

Another against her cheek. "I can survive hardship."

His hand tightened around hers. "But I cannot survive losing my family."

He meant every word.

So'lek rested his forehead against hers once more. Golden eyes meeting hers. Softening.

"You are my first priority now."

"You."

"Our child."

Then finally, a faint smile appeared. "And after both of you are safe, then I can begin worrying about myself."

"Please." His voice softened. "Please trust that I will do everything in my power to come home to you."

His hand slipped from her cheek to cover hers. Holding it against his chest. Against the steady beat of his heart."I promise you that."

"I will be careful."

A small smile touched his lips."I know that sounds strange coming from me."

That earned the faintest laugh from her. "You think?"

The corner of his mouth twitched."But things are different now."

"Before, if I died, I died."

The simplicity of the statement made her heart ache."There was no one waiting for me."

"But now there is you."

His hand squeezed hers gently."There is our child."

A long breath left him."And there are mornings I have not seen yet."

His eyes softened. "I want to see you become a mother."

"I want to hold our child."

Then So'lek reached up and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"You have given me something I thought I had lost forever."

His voice dropped lower."A future."

The warrior looked at her for a long moment. Taking in every detail. The woman he loved. The woman carrying his child. The woman who had broken into an RDA base because she refused to leave him behind.

A fierce tenderness crossed his face.

"I intend to spend the rest of my life with you."

His forehead rested against hers once more. "So trust me."

A kiss against her brow. "I will fight."

Another against her temple. "I will survive."

A final kiss against her lips. "And I will come home."

"Okay, So'lek."

(Y/n) reached up and cupped his cheek. The corners of her mouth lifted into a small smile. "I'll hold you to that."

The warrior looked entirely untroubled by the threat. In fact, he seemed almost pleased. "As you should."

She narrowed her eyes slightly. "I am serious."

"So am I."

(Y/n) studied him for a moment.

The man who had spent the last hour looking at her as though she might disappear if he blinked.

The man who already had one hand resting protectively over their child whenever he got the chance.

A soft laugh escaped her. "You are impossible."

A faint smile appeared. "You have mentioned that before."

"Many times."

(Y/n) leaned forward and kissed him.

When she pulled back she was smiling again.

That seemed to satisfy him.

His arm immediately slipped around her waist and pulled her closer.

The warrior lowered his head and pressed a kiss into her hair.

Then another.

Then simply rested his cheek against the top of her head.

"Now what was that you were saying about bed rest?" he asked, voice low but unmistakably pointed.

(Y/n) narrowed her eyes at him and huffed softly. "That I do not need that much."

He gave her a look. One that said he was not convinced in the slightest.

She held his gaze for a moment longer before her shoulders dropped in a quiet sigh. "It may be best if I take a few days off," she admitted, reluctant but honest. "Eat and drink a lot… and minimal exertion."

So'lek's expression softened immediately.

"I am glad," he said simply.

He hesitated for only a moment before speaking again, voice gentler now.

"May I move you?"

(Y/n) blinked up at him, then gave a small nod. "Yes. I am not that badly injured."

That was all the permission he needed.

So'lek slid one arm beneath her knees and the other around her back, lifting her with careful ease as . He adjusted his hold instinctively, making sure she was secure, his grip firm but mindful of her injuries.

(Y/n) let out a soft breath, settling against him without protest.

He glanced down at her briefly, checking her expression.

"Let me take you home."

So'lek carried her inside the cavern, one arm beneath her knees and the other supporting her back, careful not to jostle the fresh stitches along her side.

The hammock swayed gently as he lowered her into it.

She settled back with a tired breath.

He had only taken a step away when gentle fingers closed around his wrist.

"So'lek."

He turned back immediately.

Her eyes had settled on his hands. The skin across his knuckles was raw. Split. Dried blood had mixed with dirt and grime, the wounds torn open again each time he had struck the walls of his cage.

She carefully turned one of his hands over in both of hers.

"So'lek..." Her thumb brushed lightly across the torn skin. "Your knuckles."

Her eyes lifted to his.

"They're bleeding."

She looked back down at them again, her expression tightening.

"Did you do this..." Her voice caught."...trying to get to me?"

His free hand rose and gently cupped her cheek.

He didn't answer. He didn't need to.

She already knew.

Her throat tightened.

"Get me the jar on the shelf." She pointed toward the back of the cavern.

"The cloth and water jug."

"And the bandages."

She looked at him in a way that made arguing seem pointless.

"I am fine, yawne."

"Not up for discussion." The firmness in her voice made the corner of his mouth lift.

A quiet chuckle escaped him. "As you command."

He returned a moment later carrying everything she'd asked for.

Without a word he knelt in front of the hammock and held both hands out to her.

(Y/n) dipped the cloth into the cool water before gently wiping away the dirt.

The dried blood softened beneath careful strokes.

She cleaned each scrape as though afraid of causing him even the slightest discomfort.

His hands looked enormous inside hers. Scarred. Calloused.

Yet  she held them with extraordinary care.

When they were finally clean, she lifted one of them.

Turned it over. Then pressed a gentle kiss into his palm.

So'lek's breath caught.

(Y/n) opened the small jar and scooped out a little of the salve. Her fingertips worked it carefully into every split knuckle. Every torn patch of skin.

He barely noticed the sting.

When she finished the first hand, she wrapped fresh bandages around it before moving to the second.

Again she spread the salve. Again she wound clean bandages neatly around his hand.

Then she lifted it once more.

Another kiss.

This time across his knuckles.

He leaned forward and brushed his forehead gently against hers.

"Thank you."

She smiled softly.

"I take care of wounded animals." Her thumb brushed lightly over one of the bandages. "I suppose I should take care of my wounded mate too."

A quiet laugh escaped him.

Satisfied, So'lek gathered the salve and bandages and returned them to their place on the shelf.

So'lek watched her for another moment before carefully climbing into the hammock beside her.

Mindful of the stitches, he eased one arm around her waist and gathered her gently against his chest.

She melted into him immediately.

He let out a long, content breath before lowering his head to press a lingering kiss into her hair.

The headache that had plagued him since the moment his stress had begun had finally begun to ease.

She was finally safe.

For the first time since that trap had snapped shut around him... He believed she truly was.

She shifted slightly in his arms, settling more comfortably against him. His hand drifted down to rest over her belly, his thumb tracing slow, absent circles across it. He pressed another soft kiss to her hair, lingering there for a moment.

This generous, kind woman… she had given him everything. Her love. A place to belong. She'd made his lonely camp a home. And now… she was giving him a family.

His chest tightened with something deeper than gratitude.

He wondered, quietly, what he had ever done to deserve her.

A while later, So’lek stirred beneath the gentle tap against his cheek.

His eyes opened at once.

He looked down to find his mate watching him.

“Yes, yawne?” he asked, his voice still thick with sleep.

She smiled sheepishly.

“Could you get me something to eat, please?”

Her hand rested unconsciously over her stomach.

“I am quite hungry.”

He sat up immediately, careful not to jostle the stitches along her side as the hammock shifted beneath them.

His hand rose to cup her cheek. “What do you feel like eating?” he asked.

She thought for only a moment. “A roast.”

A small smile tugged at her lips.

“And some slices of fruit on the side.”

“So specific.”

She looked almost apologetic. “I know.”

“It sounds good.”

“It does. So can you please make it for me?"

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

“I shall return shortly.”

She watched him head over to the cooking station and get a fire going, already setting some meat to cook, her stomach growling at the thought of food.

It was not long before he returned carrying a wooden platter piled with roasted meat alongside freshly sliced fruit.

The smell alone made her mouth water.

He climbed carefully back into the hammock and handed it to her before settling beside her once more.

She immediately leaned against him.

Without thinking, one of his arms wrapped comfortably around her waist while she began eating.

She was hungry. Far hungrier than he had ever seen her.

The roast disappeared surprisingly quickly.

Followed by the fruit.

She barely slowed between bites.

So’lek watched quietly, his expression calm, though inside his heart gave another flutter.

She was eating for two now.

If she asked him to cook an entire Sturmbeast, he would not hesitate.

He found himself mentally planning tomorrow’s hunt. More fruit. More vegetables.

Anything she might want.

She would have every meal she desired. Every comfort he could provide.

When she’d finally finished, she handed him the empty platter with a content little smile.

“Thank you.”

“It was my pleasure.”

He set the platter aside before reaching behind him for a small comb and fresh cord.

“Come here.”

She immediately understood.

Turning around, she shuffled until she was sitting between his legs with her back resting lightly against his chest.

Her kuru fell over one shoulder as he gently gathered it into his hands.

His fingers moved with practiced care, separating each strand before combing through them slowly.

Whenever he found a small tangle, he worked patiently until it came free instead of pulling.

(Y/n) closed her eyes.

It felt wonderful.

His fingers were gentle. Unhurried. Every touch seemed intended simply to make her comfortable.

Once he was satisfied, he began rebraiding her kuru, securing it neatly before smoothing a few loose strands back into place.

“There.”

She reached back to feel it.

“You always do it better than I do.”

“And yet your hands are steadier than mine.”

“They are.”

“Or do you just like me doing your hair?”

“I might.”

A quiet chuckle escaped him.

She leaned back against him again, letting her full weight rest comfortably against his chest.

He shifted lower into the hammock, stretching his legs out beneath them before gathering her back into his arms.

One arm wrapped securely around her waist. The other drifted down until his broad hand rested lightly against her stomach.

His thumb traced slow, absent circles across it..

The cavern settled into comfortable silence.

(Y/n) let out a long, content sigh and relaxed completely against him.

The sound made the corners of So’lek’s mouth lift.

His mate and his future child were both within reach, held safely in his arms.

Not long after, her breathing had slowed into the deep, steady rhythm of sleep or someone just beginning to drift off

He smiled to himself. His mate had never been particularly good at staying awake once she became comfortable. Especially when she was wrapped securely in his arms.

She stirred after a while, shifting slightly as if trying to find a better position. A faint hiss slipped from her lips as she rolled, the movement clearly pulling at the wounds. She winced, then carefully turned onto her side, tucking herself closer against him.

“Mmm…” she mumbled, voice thick with sleep. “Will you make me a hammock… so I can nap outside… in the shade?”

Her fingers curled lightly against him as she settled again.

“Yes,” he says.

"I want some cushions too," she mumbles.

"You can have whatever you want."

Another soft yawn followed, her words trailing off as sleep pulled her back under.

His arm rested comfortably around her shoulders.

Still half asleep, she reached up and gently took hold of his forearm.

Without opening her eyes, she guided it lower until her head rested against the firm curve of his bicep instead.

A long, content breath escaped her.

Apparently satisfied with that, one sleepy hand began patting around .

She finally found his other arm.

She tugged it across herself until she was securely wrapped in both of them.

Only then did she seem content.

Another yawn escaped her.

So'lek couldn't help the quiet chuckle that rumbled in his chest.

His mate truly did treat him like her own personal blanket.

She nestled deeper against him.

Her head turned slightly.

Then she pressed a sleepy kiss against his bicep.

"My big..."

"...strong..."

Another yawn interrupted her.

"...man."

The words were little more than a mumble.

Yet they struck him with far more force than she could possibly have intended.

He lowered his head and kissed the top of hers.

Lingering there.

"Rest now, yawne."

She gave the tiniest nod against him. Already drifting again.

So'lek settled a little lower in the hammock until he could comfortably rest his face in the crook of her neck.

From there he could hear every slow breath she took.

He stayed awake for several more minutes, making certain she was completely comfortable before allowing himself to relax.

Only when he was certain she was sleeping soundly did he finally close his own eyes.

The day had tested him in ways he never wished to experience again.

But it was over now.

His mate was safe.

Their child was safe.

And both of them were asleep in his arms.

That was all he needed.

With that quiet thought, sleep finally claimed him as well, leaving the weight of the day behind until morning.

Next >

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[just-another-idk]

Gentle Hands

Part 22 > Part 23 < Part 24

Great News

Tamtey woke first.

The smell of cooking meat drifted beneath the wind-bent tree and reached him. His eyes opened slowly.

For a moment he had no idea where he was.

Then he saw the field lab. The river. The animals grazing nearby.

Ri'nela asleep beside him.

The memories returned quietly. (Y/n)'s shoulder beneath his cheek. The way she had held him without asking him to explain himself twice.

The exhaustion that had dragged him under before he could even think about moving.

He sat up carefully, rubbing at one eye.

Ri'nela stirred a few moments later. Her brow furrowed as she woke, then softened when she saw where they were.

Neither of them spoke at first.

The night had passed without either of them noticing.

Nearby, (Y/n) glanced over from where she was arranging cups of tea. "Good morning."

Tamtey blinked at her. "It is morning?"

"It is."

His gaze drifted toward the food."Is that for us?"

(Y/n) gave him a look."No, Tamtey. I cooked it to admire it."

Ri'nela let out a quiet laugh.

Tamtey smiled, still half asleep, as (Y/n) brought food over to them. "Eat."

They accepted without argument.

So'lek crouched nearby, cooking another portion over the fire for himself and (Y/n), though his eyes kept flicking toward his mate every few moments.

She looked tired. More tired than she should have been. The sort of tired that clung to her limbs and softened the edges of her expression.

Yet after their talk the night before, she had slept soundly in his arms, her breathing steady and peaceful, soundly.

When everyone had settled with their food and tea, (Y/n) sat beside So'lek and leaned heavily against his shoulder.

Her cup rested between both hands. She drank her tea and ate her food quickly, far quicker than she usually did, barely pausing between bites as if she had not eaten in days. So'lek’s eyes lingered on her, noting the speed.

Steam curled against her face as she picked up her cup of tea again.

"I feel so tired," she mumbled.

So'lek glanced down at her. His shoulder became a pillow without complaint.

"You slept."

"I know." She yawned. "That is the concerning part."

Tamtey chewed thoughtfully. "Maybe you are catching what Ri'nela had yesterday."

Ri'nela frowned at him. "I was emotionally exhausted, Tamtey."

"Exactly."

(Y/n) huffed a quiet laugh into her tea. "And you were quite tired yesterday too," she added, glancing at Tamtey with a knowing look.

Tamtey shot her a look that clearly said she did not have to rub it in.

Then her eyes drifted toward So'lek's plate. It looked delicious, the scent richer somehow than what she had just eaten, and her stomach gave a quiet twist. She blinked down at her own plate, momentarily confused at how quickly she had finished it, barely remembering taking more than a few bites.

The warrior noticed. "What is it?"

"Nothing." She hesitated, fingers curling slightly against her palm as she forced herself to look away again.

He needed to eat too.

She knew that.

He had been up just as early, working just as hard, and she had already finished her own portion far too quickly. It was not fair to take from him simply because it smelled better.

Her stomach twisted again, louder this time, betraying her resolve.

She pressed her lips together, trying to ignore it.

A few seconds passed.

Then her hand slowly crept toward his plate.

So'lek's brow lifted.

(Y/n) paused. Looked guilty. Then sighed. "Actually..." She turned her face slightly toward him. "Can I have it, please?"

So'lek looked down at the portion of meat she had already been attempting to steal.

Without a word, he gave it to her.

Her face brightened immediately. "Thank you."

Tamtey stared. "You just gave her your food."

"Yes."

"Without arguing."

"Yes."

"You'd never give me your food."

"You are not my mate."

Ri'nela hid her smile behind her cup.

(Y/n) had already started eating.

So'lek watched quietly.

She was hungry. Very hungry. Hungrier than she usually was in the morning.

And tired.

His expression remained unreadable, but beneath it his thoughts moved quickly.

The conversation from the river returned to him.

Children. A future. Eywa blessing their union.

His gaze slipped briefly toward her stomach before he forced it away.

No. He should not get ahead of himself. Still...

His heart had already begun to race.

Could it be?

The thought nearly stole his breath.

He kept his face calm. 

But the question remained, impossible to ignore.

(Y/n) yawned again, halfway through chewing, then covered her mouth.

"Ri'nela."

The younger woman looked up. "Hm?"

"Let us get started on the blood tests and the morning rounds as soon as possible." Another yawn interrupted her. "Before I drift off."

Ri'nela nodded, already setting her tea aside.

Tamtey finished the last of his food and stood, stretching his shoulders. "I am going to track down those hunting outposts."

(Y/n)'s eyes narrowed despite her exhaustion. "Be careful, and radio for backup if it looks too much."

"I promise to be careful." Tamtey smiled faintly.

So'lek's gaze shifted toward him. "I will patrol nearby once I have finished here."

Tamtey nodded. "Good."

(Y/n) leaned further against So'lek's shoulder, eyes already half closed. "Actually..."

So'lek looked down at her. "Hm?"

"Before you go on patrol..." She reached for his arm and pulled it around herself with very little shame. "Stay right there and let me get a few more minutes of shut-eye."

Tamtey looked amused.

Ri'nela looked far too endeared.

So'lek looked down at the woman now attempting to fall asleep against him in the middle of breakfast. His hand settled around her waist. "Only a few minutes."

(Y/n)'s eyes closed. "Mhm."

He did not believe her for a second. Still, he stayed exactly where she wanted him. His thumb moved slowly against her side while she breathed softly against his shoulder.

Across the fire, Ri'nela watched them with a small smile.

Tamtey shook his head, but he was smiling too. Tamtey gave them one last glance,and he got up to leave.

So'lek kept his gaze forward. Calm. Unreadable.

Could she already be carrying his child?

Could this be that first sign?

He looked down at her again. Sleeping against him before the day had even begun.

His arm tightened around her.

Ri'nela rose quietly, brushing her hands against her thighs as she stood. "I will begin the morning rounds," she said softly. "Check the bandages, look for any signs of sickness." Her gaze flicked briefly to (Y/n), still curled against So'lek. "So she can sleep a little longer."

So'lek inclined his head in thanks.

Ri'nela gave a small nod in return before moving off toward the lab, already slipping into her routine with ease.

So'lek shifted slightly, careful not to wake the woman resting against him. Gently, he guided (Y/n) down until her head rested comfortably in his lap instead of his shoulder.

She barely stirred. Within moments, her breathing deepened again, slipping effortlessly back into sleep.

Too quickly she had fallen sound asleep. 

So'lek's gaze lingered on her face. Now that he thought about it...

She had been more tired in the mornings lately.

He had always attributed it to their nights together.

But even on the nights when they had done nothing at all...

She had still woken like this. Heavy-limbed. Sleep pulling at her no matter how much rest she had already taken.

His hand moved slowly through her hair, thoughtful.

The question in his mind only grew louder.

What if she was?

And if she was… how long had it been?

He looked down at her, at the peaceful way she slept.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips.

If Eywa had already blessed them…

He would protect them both with everything he had.

(Y/n) woke a little while later. For several moments she stayed exactly where she was, her head resting in So'lek's lap while his fingers moved slowly through her hair. She leaned into his touch. 

The morning had brightened around them. Animals shifted nearby. The field lab hummed quietly behind her.

She blinked up at him. Then yawned.

Again.

So'lek looked down at her with a faintly amused expression. "You slept longer than a few minutes."

(Y/n) stretched carefully, arms reaching above her head as she sat up. "I am still tired."

"That much is clear."

She gave him a sleepy glare. Unfortunately, it lost most of its effect when she yawned halfway through.

So'lek rose with her, one hand settling automatically at her waist as she got to her feet.

(Y/n) rubbed at her eyes and glanced toward the field lab, where Ri'nela was crouched beside one of the Direhorses, checking a bandage. The younger woman had already laid out fresh wrappings, salve and one of (Y/n)'s journals nearby, using the notes as a guide.

A small smile touched (Y/n)'s mouth. "She is doing well."

So'lek followed her gaze. "She is." His hand gave her waist a gentle squeeze before he leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "She had a good teacher."

The fondness in the gesture made her soften against him for just a second.

"I will patrol for RDA activity." His eyes shifted toward the distance. "And traps."

(Y/n)'s sleepiness faded a little at that. She turned toward him, her hand resting lightly against his shoulder.

"Be careful."

"I will."

She rose onto her toes and gave him a soft peck on the lips. "Be safe."

So'lek's gaze lingered on her face. On the tiredness around her eyes.

His hand brushed lightly along her side. "I will not go far."

"Good." Another yawn escaped her. She looked annoyed by it.

So'lek almost smiled. "Go inside before you fall asleep standing."

"I will not fall asleep standing." The certainty in her voice would have been far more convincing if her eyes had not been half closed.

He watched as she turned and headed toward the lab, moving slower than usual.

Ri'nela looked up as she approached.

(Y/n) lifted a hand in greeting before reaching for one of the medical kits.

So'lek remained there a moment longer. His gaze drifting briefly to her stomach.

Then to her face.

Then away.

Ri’nela watched closely as (Y/n) approached one of the arrow deer resting nearby. The animal lifted its head slightly but remained calm, trusting.

(Y/n) moved slowly, speaking in a soft, reassuring tone as she knelt beside it. “Easy… just a moment.”

Ri’nela hovered nearby, eyes fixed on every movement.

(Y/n) gently felt along the deer’s leg, locating the vein with. She cleaned the area, then carefully inserted the needle.

The deer flinched only slightly.

Ri’nela tensed.

“It’s alright,” (Y/n) murmured.

Dark blood filled the syringe smoothly.

Ri’nela leaned in, fascinated. “You make it look so easy.”

(Y/n) smiled faintly as she withdrew the needle and pressed a cloth to the spot. “It becomes easier with practice.”

She secured the sample and gave the deer a gentle pat. “All done.”

The animal settled again, unbothered.

Ri’nela exhaled, impressed. “I want to learn that.”

(Y/n) looked up immediately. “A blood test?”

Ri’nela nodded. “You always seem to know what is wrong with creatures.”

“Not always.” The healer wiped her hands on a cloth. “Sometimes blood tells us things the outside cannot.”

Ri’nela moved closer. Curious. “How?”

“Come here.” (Y/n) opened one of the medical kits. “First we collect a sample.”

Ri’nela immediately eyed the needle. “Does that hurt?”

“No.”

“It feels like a pinch.”

Ri’nela looked unconvinced.

(Y/n) smiled. “Come.”

“You should learn.”

The younger woman blinked. “What if I hurt an animal?”

“You will not be practicing on an animal.”

Ri’nela looked relieved. Then confused. “What?”

“You will be practicing on me.”

Ri’nela immediately looked horrified. “What if I hurt you?”

(Y/n) held out her arm. “I will be right here.”

The reassurance seemed to help.

Slightly.

(Y/n) turned her arm upward. “You find the vein first.”

She guided Ri’nela’s fingers gently. “Feel here.”

Ri’nela pressed carefully. “Oh.”

“Exactly.”

The healer smiled. “Now watch.”

(Y/n) positioned the needle against her skin. “Keep your hand steady and hold it at this angle.”

She tapped the spot above the vein. “You do not need to push hard.”

“Just enough to enter the vein cleanly.”

Ri’nela watched every movement closely.

“Now you try.”

The healer placed the needle carefully into Ri’nela’s hand and kept her arm relaxed.

“Good.”

“Slowly.”

“Right there.”

Ri’nela swallowed nervously before following the instructions.

(Y/n) continued guiding her through each step as Ri'nela pushed the needle into her skin.

“Steady.”

“You are in the vein now.”

“Excellent.”

“Now gently pull back on the plunger.”

Ri’nela did as instructed. Her eyes widened as dark red blood began filling the syringe. “It is working.”

(Y/n) smiled reassuringly. “Keep drawing it up slowly.”

“Perfect.”

Ri’nela hesitated. Moments later the sample was collected. The younger woman stared. “I did it.”

“You did.”

A hint of pride appeared on Ri’nela’s face.

The healer carefully transferred the sample. “Now comes the interesting part.”

She placed the vial into a centrifuge.

“What does it do?”

“It spins the blood very fast.”

“Why?”

“So everything separates.”

The machine hummed to life.

After several minutes (Y/n) removed the sample.

The blood had separated into layers.

Ri’nela leaned closer. Fascinated. “What am I looking at?”

“The bottom layer.”

(Y/n) pointed. “Red blood cells.”

“They carry oxygen.”

Her finger moved upward. “The thin white layer here contains immune cells.”

“The body’s defenders.”

“And the top?”

“Plasma.”

“It contains nutrients, hormones, proteins and all sorts of useful information.”

Ri’nela nodded thoughtfully. “It is like reading a story.”

(Y/n)’s eyes lit up. “Exactly.”

The sample was loaded into the analyzer. A few moments later results appeared across the screen.

(Y/n) pointed at the values. “This tells us hydration.”

Another line. “This helps identify infection.”

Another. “This tells us whether someone is producing enough red blood cells.”

Ri’nela followed carefully.

Then (Y/n) froze. Her eyes locked onto one section. The smile vanished.

Ri’nela immediately noticed. “(Y/n)?”

The healer did not answer. Her heartbeat suddenly seemed very loud. The hormone value stared back at her. Far higher than it should have been.

Her mind raced.

The exhaustion. The strange appetite.

“(Y/n)?” Ri’nela sounded worried now.

The healer blinked. Then quickly recovered. “N-next lesson.”

The stammer surprised even her.

“Pass me that bag.”

Ri’nela obeyed immediately.

(Y/n) pulled out a portable ultrasound.

“I have seen you use that before.”

The healer nodded. “This is an ultrasound machine.” She laid back and applied gel to her stomach.

Ri’nela’s concern deepened. “What do you want me to do?”

“Check my internal organs.”

Ri’nela immediately sat straightened. “Is something the matter?”

“Yes and no.”

(Y/n) handed her the probe. “Just do as I say.”

The younger woman looked increasingly alarmed. Still, she followed instructions.

The screen flickered to life.

Black. Grey. White. Shapes appeared.

“There.” (Y/n) pointed. “That is my liver.”

A few moments later. “That is my kidney.”

Another. “That is my stomach.”

Ri’nela listened carefully.

“Healthy organs usually have consistent shapes and textures on the screen.”

She pointed to the image of her liver. “See how smooth the outline is? If there were damage, swelling, or a growth, it could change the shape or create areas that look different from the surrounding tissue.”

Ri’nela leaned closer. Studying every shade of grey. “How would you know if someone was bleeding inside?”

“Blood appears differently depending on how old it is and where it collects.”

“Fresh fluid often looks very dark on ultrasound.” She traced a finger across part of the display. “If I saw unexpected pockets of fluid around organs after an injury, I would become concerned about internal bleeding.”

Ri’nela nodded slowly. “And abnormalities?”

“That depends on what they are.”

(Y/n) replied. “A cyst might appear as a dark, fluid-filled space.”

“A solid mass often looks different from the tissue around it.”

“Inflammation can make organs larger or change their appearance.”

She glanced at Ri’nela. “The important thing is not memorizing every possibility.”

“It is learning what normal looks like first.”

“So when something is wrong, it stands out.”

Eventually Ri’nela asked, “What is different between this and the scanner?”

“The scanner uses multiple technologies.” (Y/n) adjusted the image. “It provides broad information quickly.”

“The ultrasound uses sound waves.”

“It gives detailed pictures of soft tissues.”

Ri’nela nodded. Then stopped. Her eyes narrowed. “What is that?”

(Y/n) followed her gaze. And froze again. Her heartbeat nearly stopped.

Ri’nela looked back at her. “(Y/n)?”

The healer swallowed. Her face felt warm. Very warm. “That is my uterus.”

Ri’nela immediately looked alarmed. “Is something the matter?”

“No.”

“No it is not.”

The younger woman stared. Clearly unconvinced. “(Y/n)…”

The healer continued staring at the screen. A smile was beginning to form.

“What is it?” Ri’nela asked. “Is something wrong?”

“Yes.” The smile widened.

Ri’nela looked horrified. "That is not something to be happy about.”

(Y/n)’s shoulders started shaking.

Ri’nela looked even more concerned. “What is it?”

The healer pointed at the screen. “It is a parasite.”

Ri’nela went pale. “A parasite?”

“Yes.”(Y/n) nodded solemnly.“A parasite that will continue getting bigger.”

Ri’nela stood so fast her chair nearly tipped over. “It gets larger?!”

“Steals all my nutrients.”

“(Y/N)!”

“And then I have to take care of it for eighteen years.”

Ri’nela looked moments away from having a complete panic attack. “(Y/n) should I get So’lek?!”

The healer finally burst out laughing.

Ri’nela stared. Completely lost. “(Y/n)?”

The healer pointed toward the test results. “The nCG on the blood test.”

Ri’nela tilted her head. “What is nCG?”

(Y/n) hesitated for only a moment before answering, her voice softer now. “It is a hormone.”

Ri’nela frowned slightly. “A hormone?”

“Yes.” (Y/n) nodded. “It is produced when someone is pregnant.”

Ri’nela’s eyes widened just a fraction.

“It is one of the earliest signs.” She pointed back towards the other screen. “When the levels are high like this… it means there is something growing.” She pointed towards the machine.“And the gestational sac on the ultrasound.”

Ri’nela’s eyes widened.

(Y/n) nodded. A grin spreading across her face. “I am about five weeks along.”

“A baby?!” Ri’nela launched herself at her. The hug nearly knocked both of them over. “You are having a baby?!”

(Y/n) laughed again. Wrapping her arms around her friend. “Yes.”

Ri’nela pulled back just enough to look at her. Still stunned. Still smiling. Still trying to process it. “So’lek is going to be so happy.”

(Y/n)’s smile softened immediately. The thought alone made her chest flutter. “Yeah.” She looked toward the direction where So’lek had gone to patrol. “I think he will.”

Ri’nela hugged her again. Even tighter this time. “I am so happy for you.”

(Y/n) squeezed her back. “Hold down the fort.”

Ri’nela blinked. “Where are you going?”

The healer laughed. “To tell my husband he is going to be a father.”

The Upper Plains stretched endlessly beneath Pandora's brilliant sky. Rolling hills blanketed in purple grasses swayed beneath the breeze, each movement sending waves of colour rippling across the landscape. Patches of orange wildflowers broke through the sea of violet.

(Y/n) moved quickly through it all. Her heart refused to slow.

A smile kept finding its way onto her face no matter how hard she tried to focus on tryong to follow her mates tracks. 

The grasses brushed against her legs as she followed the trail So'lek had left behind. A broken stem here. A bent patch of grass there. And beneath it all— His scent.

The familiar scent carried by the breeze.

He had passed through here not long ago.

She climbed another rise. The wind tugged at her hair. Then she saw him. So'lek stood at the crest of the next hill, bow slung across his back as he scanned the plains below.

Her smile widened.

"So'lek!"

His head snapped around. The warrior immediately recognised her voice.

(Y/n) did not slow. She practically ran the rest of the distance.

The moment she reached him he dropped his bow into the grass and caught her. Strong arms wrapped around her waist. The ground vanished beneath her feet as he lifted her effortlessly. A laugh escaped her as he spun her once before setting her down again.

"What has put such joy in your voice?" he asked, pressing a kiss against her cheek.

She grabbed his face and kissed him. Once. Twice. Unable to stop smiling.

The warrior looked immediately suspicious.

"You know how yesterday you were talking about how you would not mind having a baby with me?"

So'lek stared at her.

His golden eyes searching hers. His hand rose slowly. Almost cautiously. Cupping her cheek. "Ma yawne?" His voice was barely above a whisper.

(Y/n) nodded. Tears already threatening to form. "You are going to get your wish."

Her hand found his. Guiding it down. Resting it against her stomach. "I am pregnant."

For a moment So'lek simply stared at her.

His hand remained against her stomach. Motionless.

As though he were afraid moving would somehow make the words disappear.

Pregnant.

The word echoed through his mind.

His child.

Their child.

A family.

A future he had buried fifteen years ago alongside the ashes of his clan. Something he had convinced himself was gone forever.

His chest tightened so sharply it almost hurt. His vision blurred unexpectedly.

The warrior swallowed hard.

Then suddenly she was in his arms. Pulled tightly against him. Held so carefully and yet so firmly that she could feel his hands trembling against her back.

He buried his face against her hair. Drawing in a shaky breath.

Eywa. He had wanted this. Dreamed of it.

Thought about it during quiet moments when she was asleep in his arms.

Wondered if the Great Mother would bless their union. Wondered when.

Now it was real. Actually real.

His hand returned to her stomach. (Y/n) covered it with her own. "We are going to be parents."

The words nearly undid him.

A laugh escaped him. Then another. Disbelieving. Overwhelmed.

His forehead pressed against hers. His ears flattened slightly as emotion threatened to overwhelm him. "I am so happy, ma yawne." His voice cracked. "I barely have the words."

(Y/n)'s eyes shone.

His thumb brushed across her cheek. "I am happy." The warrior swallowed again. A nervous laugh escaped him. "So very happy."

His hand remained over her stomach.

His gaze lowered briefly. To the place beneath his hand. To the tiny life growing there.

So small. So vulnerable.

The thought made his heart race. Made every protective instinct inside him roar to life.

(Y/n) reached up and touched his face. "We will figure it out. Though I am still fearful."

His eyes met hers again. Softening immediately. "Have nothing to fear." He cupped her cheek. Leaning forward until their foreheads touched once more. "I will be beside you."

His voice was steady now. "I will be beside both of you."

Then— Gunshots echoed across the plains.

The sound shattered the moment instantly.

So'lek's ears flattened. Every trace of softness vanished. His body shifted. Placing himself between (Y/n) and the direction of the shots without even thinking about it.

The warrior's hand immediately found his bow.

His gaze locked onto the distant horizon.

Another gunshot rang out.

Closer this time.

His jaw tightened.

"So'lek?"

He was already reaching for his weapon.

"RDA."

His eyes never left the horizon.

"Go back to the field lab."

(Y/n)'s stomach dropped. "So'lek—"

"I will meet you there."

The warrior nocked an arrow.

Already moving.

His gaze flicked toward her briefly.

Just long enough to look at her.

To look at her stomach.

To look at the future he had been handed only moments ago.

The sight hardened his expression further.

There was something new in his eyes now.

Something fierce.

"I will be quick," he promised

(Y/n) felt her chest tighten as she looked at him.

She did not want him to go.

Why must he always rush toward danger as if it were calling him?

She grabbed his arm, fingers curling slightly as though she could keep him there if she tried hard enough.

"You always say you will be quick," she murmured, her voice softer now, edged with something fragile. Concern. Fear.

He looked down at her, and for a moment, the intensity in his gaze softened. "I will be."

His thumb brushed lightly over her knuckles. A promise. One he intended to keep.

Her grip loosened slowly. Reluctantly.

"Go," she said at last.

He leaned in, pressed a gentle peck to her cheek, and then turned, already moving toward the sound of gunfire.

The smell reached him before the sight did.

Burning waste.

So'lek slowed as he reached the edge of the ridge, crouching low in the tall grasses while the clearing opened below him.

RDA.

A transport truck sat near the centre of the site with its back doors open, soldiers unloading heavy black bags from inside and tossing them into a fire pit dug into the earth. Flames licked up around the waste, smoke rising in ugly dark columns that smeared across the sky and carried poison into the wind.

Beyond them, two AMP suits moved through the grass.

Shooting at a cluster of cloaked panthers.

The animals darted darted, hissing and scattering whenever gunfire tore through the earth around them.

One panther leapt toward the nearest AMP.

The machine swung its arm.

A burst of fire cut across the clearing.

The creature twisted midair and fell hard into the grass.

So'lek's jaw tightened.

His fingers curled around his bow.

The first soldier never saw the arrow coming.

It struck through the gap beneath his mask and dropped him beside the truck.

The second turned at the sound.

Another arrow followed.

The man hit the ground before he could shout.

The cloaked panthers scattered as So'lek moved through the smoke, using the chaos of their movement to stay low, shifting between patches of grass while the AMP suits continued firing blindly into the clearing.

One pilot finally spotted him.

"Contact! Na'vi!"

The AMP suit turned.

Its cannon roared.

Rounds tore through the grass behind him, shredding leaves and spitting dirt into the air as So'lek dove behind a fallen trunk.

The impact of the shots hammered against the wood.

Splinters flew across his arms and shoulders.

He felt one bite into his skin, sharp and hot, but he ignored it, rolling to one knee and loosing another arrow toward a soldier rushing for cover.

The arrow found its mark.

The soldier collapsed against the truck.

The AMP suit advanced.

Metal feet crushed the grass.

So'lek waited. Breathing steady. Listening.

The machine drew closer.

Closer.

Then he moved.

He slid from cover, sprinting across the open ground while the cannon swung after him, the first shots missing by a breath and tearing a line through the soil beside his feet. He dropped low, fired an arrow into the exposed joint of the AMP's knee, and when the machine staggered he used the opening to rush beneath its arm.

The pilot tried to turn.

Too slow.

So'lek climbed the machine like a predator scaling prey, one hand gripping metal tubing, the other driving his knife into the cockpit seal.

The pilot inside cursed.

A fist of metal swung toward him.

So'lek pushed away at the last second.

The blow missed him by inches and crushed the side of the AMP's own shoulder housing.

The machine lurched.

He landed hard,and rolled aside as the second AMP opened fire.

Gunfire split the air.

The remaining cloaked panthers fled into the grasses.

So'lek moved for cover.

A Scorpion gunship broke through the haze of smoke, banking sharply over the clearing as its guns locked onto him.

The first volley ripped into the ground.

So'lek threw himself sideways.

The blast of dirt and heat struck his back, driving the breath from his lungs as he crashed behind a cluster of stone. His ears rang. Smoke burned his eyes. Heat crawled across the skin of his shoulder where the shots had passed too close.

He forced himself up.

Move.

He had to move.

The Scorpion circled.

The AMP suit advanced.

So'lek sprinted toward the next stretch of cover.

His foot hit something hidden beneath the grass.

A metallic snap cracked through the air.

Steel jaws erupted from the earth.

Three metal arms snapped out from the ground, cables whipping tight as they clamped around him, locking his body in place with brutal force.

Pain shot up his leg.

So'lek hit the ground hard enough to drive air from his chest.

He thrashed immediately, muscles straining as he tested the strength of the trap, trying to wrench himself free before it could fully engage.

Before he could tear himself loose, more restraints snapped upward from the trap, metal bands whipping around his other leg and one arm, pulling tight until his body was forced half-kneeling in the grass.

Then the electricity hit.

White pain tore through him.

Every muscle seized.

His teeth clenched so hard his jaw ached.

The shock crawled through his bones, through his nerves, burning from the inside out until the world fractured into light, pain and the sound of his own strangled breath.

When it finally stopped, So'lek remained completely still.

Breathing hard.

The trap hummed around him.

Metal bands held his limbs in place.

One wrong movement and—

Another surge ripped through him.

His vision flashed white.

Across the clearing, soldiers started laughing.

"Got one!"

"Call it in!"

"Get another truck out here, we caught a blue!"

So'lek lifted his head slowly.

Hatred burned through the pain.

The humans were gloating now.

He forced himself to stay still.

To think.

To find the weakness in the trap.

There had to be one.

A cable.

A control panel.

A release mechanism.

Something.

Then he saw movement in the grass.

Blue.

His heart stopped.

(Y/n).

She was crouched low in the tall purple grass beyond the clearing, eyes wide, body half-hidden between the swaying stems.

Watching him.

Too close.

Too exposed.

Fear struck him so violently that for a moment the trap, the pain, the soldiers, the Scorpion, all of it disappeared.

She was here.

Standing out in the open where the RDA could see her at any moment.

She was right there—close enough that he could see the rise and fall of her chest, the way her eyes were fixed on him, fearful, unaware of just how exposed she was.

Every instinct in him screamed that she should not be there, not where weapons could be turned on her without warning.

He had lost everything once before.

He would not lose it all again.

He met her eyes, shaking his head, but she only looked back at him with fear.

Not for herself.

For him.

His head shook his head again

Desperate.

No.

Go.

She froze.

He shook his head again.

More sharply.

If he lost her, he would not survive it.

She retreated a little deeper into the grass.

So'lek lowered his head, breathing hard through his nose, every beat of his heart slamming against his ribs.

He needed to get out.

He needed to kill them.

He needed to reach her before they saw her.

A truck arrived, pulling out in front of him with a metal shipping container on the back.

One came close enough that So'lek could hear the grin in his voice.

"We'll be heroes. Capturing the dog tag warrior."

"Forget being heroes, think about the pay."

So'lek flexed his trapped hand slightly. Electricity sparked across the metal restraint. Pain bit into his arm.

He stopped.

Think.

He had to think.

Not too far away, a cluster of fire seeds ignited in the distance, bursting into sudden flares of bright orange and gold as they caught on dry brush. The flames spread quickly, crackling and snapping as they climbed higher, sending a fresh plume of smoke curling into the sky.

The soldiers swore.

"What the hell—?"

"Fire! Fire's spreading!"

Several of them broke away immediately, rushing toward the growing blaze.

"Move! Put it out before it spreads!"

The clearing fractured into chaos as attention split, some scrambling toward the fire while others hesitated, unsure whether to stay or follow.

"So'lek." The whisper came from the grass.

No.

No, no, no.

His head snapped toward her.

"(Y/n)." Her name came out barely louder than a breath. Filled with terror. "You need to get out of here."

She ignored him.

She was moving on her hands and knees through the grass, scanning the trap, looking for a release, looking for anything that might free him.

His pulse thundered.

Every instinct inside him screamed at him to move, to cover her, to put his body between her and the humans, but the trap held him in place and the smallest shift sent warning sparks over his skin.

"Ma yawntu," he breathed, voice strained. "Please."

She reached toward one of the bands.

The trap discharged.

The shock cracked across her hand. (Y/n) flinched back with a gasp.

So'lek's entire body went rigid. "(Y/n)!"

"I'm alright," she whispered through clenched teeth, shaking her hand once before forcing herself to focus. Her eyes darted over the trap, scanning desperately until she spotted a small panel half-buried near the base. She reached for it, fingers trembling.

The moment she touched it, another violent shock surged through her.

She gasped, jerking back sharply, breath hitching as pain shot up her arm.

"There must be a fault in this panel," she hissed under her breath, trying to steady herself. "It shouldn't be shocking me."

So'lek's heart pounded harder. "Do not worry about me," he urged, voice strained and urgent. "Get out of here."

Her gaze snapped back to him. "You know they'll kill you, right?" she shot back, her voice low but sharp.

For a moment, something flickered in his expression—grim, resolute."For some reason, they are taking me alive, (Y/n)," he said, forcing the words out between breaths. "I will find a way out. But if they see you—"

His voice broke, just slightly. "They will kill you."

She continued looking over the trap, searching for a way to free him.

They heard one of the humans shout something, not in their direction though, but toward the fire.

She kept looking.

"Please," So'lek said, and the word sounded like it had been dragged from somewhere raw inside him. "Yawntu, get out of here."

She looked at him, her eyes glassy with fear and tears "And leave you to die?"

"I will escape." His voice shook despite his effort to steady it.

"And if you don't?"

"I will escape."

He needed her to believe him. He needed her to go.He needed this one thing from her, just once, just now, because if they saw her—

A shout cut through the clearing.

"Na'vi!"

Gunfire erupted.

(Y/n) ran.

Bullets ripped through the tall grass around her, cutting purple blades apart, sending dirt and leaves spraying into the air as she bolted.

"No!"

So'lek threw himself against the restraints.

Electricity tore through him. His muscles seized. Pain exploded through his body, but the sight of her running beneath gunfire swallowed everything else.

He thrashed again.

The trap screamed with current.

His vision flashed white.

Still he pulled.

Metal bit into his limbs.

His shoulder wrenched painfully against the restraint.

He did not care.

He could not care.

He needed to get out of these restraints.

He needed to get to her.

To his mate.

Before they killed her.

Another volley echoed through the air.

So'lek roared.

The sound ripped from his chest, raw and furious, as he slammed his weight against the trap again and again and again.

Electricity flooded through him each time.

Burning. Blinding.

His heart hammered so hard it felt as though it might break his ribs.

Pain became meaningless.

Fear became everything.

Blood roaring in his ears.

The trap shocked him again.

And again.

And again.

His body stopped obeying before his mind did.

He kept fighting anyway.

Kept pulling.

Kept trying to reach her.

His vision blurred.

The clearing tilted.

Somewhere, voices shouted for him to stop moving.

He did not.

Could not.

His last conscious thought was not of the pain.

Not of the trap.

Not of the humans closing in.

It was (Y/n).

Then the next surge hit.

So'lek's body went rigid.

His head fell forward.

And the world disappeared.

So'lek woke drowsily.

For several long seconds he did not understand where he was.

There was only darkness.

A dull ache behind his eyes.

The taste of blood in his mouth.

The lingering sting of electricity still crawling beneath his skin, making his muscles twitch even though the shocks had stopped.

He tried to move.

Metal scraped beneath him.

His body protested  Pain flared through his ankle, his shoulder, his ribs, places he had not even realised had been struck until consciousness dragged them all back to him at once.

His breath came hard.

Uneven.

(Y/n)

His eyes snapped open.

"(Y/n)?!"

The name tore from his throat and echoed back at him off metal walls.

He forced himself upright too quickly.

The container tilted around him. His stomach lurched.

For a moment he had to brace one hand against the floor until the dizziness passed.

Then he saw where he was.

A black shipping container. Heavy metal walls.

Reinforced door. Only a few narrow barred openings cut high along one side, letting in thin slats of grey light from somewhere outside.

A cage.

His chest tightened. Because those walls were between him and his mate.

So'lek threw himself at the door.

His shoulder hit metal hard enough to send pain shooting through the joint.

The door did not move.

He hit it again.

Then the wall.

Then the bars.

Anything.

Everything.

The container rang with every impact, the sound crashing back around him until his ears ached, but nothing bent, nothing broke, nothing opened.

Panic surged through him, sharp and suffocating, clawing its way up his throat until he could barely breathe.

Every second he remained trapped felt like a death sentence for her.

His mind spiraled with images he could not stop—her falling, her calling for him, her bleeding out somewhere he could not reach.

The thought of her facing danger alone, while he lay helpless in this cage twisted something deep inside him until it felt like it might tear him apart.

He struck the metal again, harder, desperate, as if sheer force of will could break him free. Please, he thought, though he did not know who he was begging anymore.

*Let me get to her. *

Let me be in time.

He slammed his fists against the door until his knuckles split.

Again.

Again.

Again.

The only answer was metal.

Solid and unmoving

His breathing turned ragged.

Did she get away?

Had she reached the field lab?

Had the bullets missed?

Had they followed her?

Had she fallen somewhere in the grass while he was unconscious, while he had been trapped in darkness, unable to reach her, unable to protect her, unable to do anything inside this cage while she—

No.

He drove his fist into the door one more time.

Pain shot up his arm.

The door remained closed.

Something inside him cracked.

A slow, splintering collapse that hollowed him out from the inside.

His fists remained pressed against the door, but the strength behind them faltered. His blows slowed, then stopped entirely, leaving only the faint tremor of his hands against the cold metal.

Blood dripped from his knuckles.

Each drop hit the floor with a soft, sickening sound that echoed far louder in the silence than his strikes ever had.

He stared at it.

At the proof of how hard he had fought.

And how little it had mattered.

His chest rose and fell in uneven, shuddering breaths.

He had faced death before. Faced overwhelming odds. Faced enemies stronger, faster, better armed.

And he had never felt this.

This helplessness.

This suffocating, crushing certainty that no matter how hard he fought, no matter how much he bled, he could not reach her.

Could not protect her.

Not from in here.

His forehead dropped against the metal with a dull thud.

The cold seeped into his skin.

He was trapped.

And she was out there.

Alone.

His fingers curled weakly against the door, leaving faint smears of blood across the surface.

A low, strangled sound tore from his throat, something between a growl and a plea, raw with frustration and fear.

He had never felt so powerless.

Never felt so far from her.

And it hurt more than any wound.

So'lek sank down against the wall.

His head dropped into his hands.

His fingers dug into his scalp as his shoulders trembled.

He had never hated anything more than he hated this container.

It kept him from her.

His wife.

His mate.

His mate who was pregnant with their child.

His entire future could have been stolen in a single moment.

Everything they had dreamed of.

Could be gone.

And he had been powerless to do anything about it.

His breath hitched, chest tightening until it felt like iron bands had been wrapped around his ribs.

No.

No, no, no—

All he could feel was the pressure building in his skull.

A deep, throbbing ache that pulsed behind his eyes, growing worse with every second he imagined her out there.

Alone.

Unprotected.

His thoughts spiraled faster, sharper, cutting into him from every angle.

What if she was seen?

What if she was caught?

What if she didn’t come back?

The images came unbidden—her dragged away, her falling, her calling his name while he remained trapped here, useless, unable to reach her—

A low, broken sound tore from his throat.

“I need to get to her…”

The words were barely more than a rasp.

His entire body felt wrong being separated from her like this.

Every instinct screamed at him to move, to fight, to protect—

And he couldn’t.

He was trapped.

And she was out there.

"So'lek?" The voice was soft. Barely more than a whisper.

His entire body went still.

For one terrible moment he thought his mind had broken. That fear had given him her voice because he needed it so badly.

No.

Please, no.

This day could not become worse.

Slowly, he lifted his head.

"So'lek?"

His heart kicked violently against his ribs.

He scrambled to his feet and rushed to the barred opening, hands wrapping around the metal as he peered through.

(Y/n).

Alive.

Relief struck first, so sharp it almost hurt.

Then terror swallowed it whole. "You should not be here." The words came out as a whisper because anything louder felt dangerous.

(Y/n) looked up at him from the ground below the bars, face drawn with fear but stubbornness already hardening her eyes.

"And let them kill you?" She shook her head. "No."

So'lek reached through the bars as far as he could.

She stepped closer.

Their fingers found each other.

He took her hand. Held it tightly.

The touch should have comforted him.

Instead it made everything worse.

Because she here.

In the middle of an RDA base.

Surrounded by soldiers who would shoot her on sight.

His fingers tightened around hers. His eyes searched her face. "You got away."

"Barely."

The word punched through him. He closed his eyes for half a breath.

Barely.

He had been unconscious while she barely escaped.

His thumb brushed across her knuckles. A poor apology. A useless one.

She pulled her hand away before he was ready to let go and moved toward the front of the container, scanning the door, the lock, the hinges.

Her hands found the panel.

She tugged.

Nothing.

She tried the handle.

Nothing.

"Dammit." She looked over the access panel. "It needs keycard access."

So'lek moved to the front bars, forcing his arm through the narrow gap until his fingers could reach her cheek.

"(Y/n)."

She turned into his touch for the smallest moment.

Then she pulled away.

Too quickly.

As though if she let herself lean into him any longer she would not be able to keep moving.

"I'll be back."

"No."

"I'll see if admin has anything I can use to get you out."

"(Y/n)." His voice sharpened. "This place is crawling with RDA."

He pressed closer to the bars, every instinct inside him fighting the metal between them.

"They will kill you if they see you."

She looked at him. Scared. But beneath it was that same infuriating courage that had once made her walk into a battlefield to drag wounded strangers from the mud.

"Then I better not let them see me."

His hand gripped the bars. "(Y/n)—"

But she was already moving. Disappearing along the side of the container before he could finish the warning.

So'lek pressed himself against the bars until the metal bit into his skin.

He watched her vanish into the shadows of the base.

Every muscle in his body screamed to follow. To break through. To put himself between her and every gun in this place.

But the door remained locked.

The cage remained closed.

And somewhere beyond it, his pregnant mate was walking alone into the heart of the enemy.

He could feel his headache worsening, the throbbing behind his eyes intensifying until it blurred the edges of his vision.

Today was becoming worse and worse.

The container felt smaller with every passing minute.

So'lek paced from one end to the other, then back again, restless energy refusing to let him sit still.

His thoughts would not stay still.

They circled back to her again and again.

What if she had been seen?

What if she was already hurt somewhere in this place and he could not hear her, could not reach her?

His breath hitched.

His hands curled into fists so tight his nails bit into his palms.

He had faced death without hesitation before.

But this—

This helpless waiting, knowing she was out there alone, was worse than any battlefield.

A dull ache began to pulse behind his eyes, spreading slowly, steadily, until it throbbed with each beat of his heart.

Made his thoughts feel too loud, too crowded.

He pressed his fingers briefly to his temple, jaw clenched, but it did nothing to ease it.

If anything, it only grew stronger.

Because the longer she was gone—

The longer he did not see her—

The worse it became.

Every few steps he found himself stopping at the bars.

Listening.

Watching.

Waiting.

Nothing.

The sounds of the base drifted around him.

Engines.

Voices.

The distant rumble of machinery.

Every noise made his stomach tighten.

Every shout made him turn toward the door.

Every footstep made his heart jump.

Was it her?

Had she been caught?

The thought clawed at him.

If they spotted her...

And him trapped in here.

Unable to reach her.

Unable to protect her.

Unable to throw himself between her and the bullets.

The thought made his chest feel tight.

His breathing grew shallow.

He pressed his forehead against the cold metal wall and closed his eyes.

No.

She was clever.

Careful.

Quiet.

She would not get caught.

She would not.

But every second that passed made it harder to believe.s.

His shoulders felt tight.

His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides.

Waiting was its own kind of torture.

Then—

Click.

So'lek spun around.

A buzz followed.

The lock disengaged.

The container door slid open.

(Y/n) stood there. Holding a keycard. A grin spread across her face. "Swiped it from admin."

Relief hit him so hard his knees almost gave out.

The warrior crossed the distance in two strides and pulled her into his arms. Holding her tightly. Far tighter than he intended. His face buried against her hair.

Drawing a long breath.

She was safe.

For now.

When he finally pulled back his hands remained on her shoulders.

"Stay behind me."

The words left no room for argument.

His bow was gone. His knife was gone. Most of his weapons had been taken.

It did not matter.

Usually he would have torn through the entire base before leaving.

Today only one thing mattered.

Getting her out.

Getting her home.

So'lek peered into the next room, body angled just enough to keep himself between her and whatever might be waiting beyond the doorway.

His eyes swept the space in a single motion.

No movement. No voices. No enemies.

Only rows of parked vehicles and scattered equipment.

He lifted a hand and motioned for her to follow.

They slipped inside, weaving between the hulking shapes of transports and machinery, using them as cover as they moved deeper into the facility.

Then the massive roller doors ahead began to rise.

Metal groaned.

So'lek stopped.

His stomach dropped.

AMP suits marched through the opening.

Three of them.

Then four.

So'lek's entire body went rigid.

In one swift motion, he grabbed (Y/n) and pulled her behind him, placing himself fully between her and the advancing machines.

His stance widened Shoulders squared. Every muscle coiled tight, ready.

The AMP suits halted for only a fraction of a second—just long enough for their targeting systems to adjust.

So'lek did not hesitate.

As they opened fire, he moved instantly, grabbing her and pulling her behind one of the trucks. He positioned her between himself and the metal frame, his body forming a barrier as rounds struck the vehicle with sharp, echoing impacts.

"Stay close," he muttered, low and firm.

His eyes darted across the area, searching for an escape.

Then he spotted them. A stack of cargo crates nearby. "Those crates."

He grabbed her arm.

"Hide behind them."

"What about—"

"Go."

Something in his voice ended the argument.

(Y/n) darted for cover.

The moment she disappeared behind the crates So'lek moved.

The nearest AMP barely had time to react.

He hit it like a storm.

His shoulder slammed into one leg joint hard enough to throw the machine off balance.

Metal groaned.

The pilot cursed.

The AMP stumbled sideways.

So'lek smashed his fist through the glass of the nearest AMP cockpit, shards scattering as he seized the stunned driver and ripped him free, hurling him aside with brutal force.

A second machine swung toward him.

He dove beneath the arm.

The metal fist missed his head by inches and smashed into a truck behind him.

One of the AMP suits carried a grenade launcher.

The pilot fired.

The first grenade exploded nearby.

So'lek dove behind a truck just as the blast wave tore through the space where he had been standing moments before, debris clattering against the metal frame as he shielded himself from the worst of it.

A second detonation followed.

Then a third.

It forced him to move again

. Metal clanged loudly against metal, the sharp, jarring sound echoing through the confined space as one of the AMP suits collided hard with another.

He heard one of the operators snap in frustration, “You idiot, there are fuel tankers in here!” The warning carried panic.

Fire rolled across fuel drums and cargo pallets.

Alarms blared louder.

Smoke filled the air.

So'lek moved through it. Using their distraction and the smoke to his advantage.

Flames licked up the sides of the trucks as stray rounds and explosions ignited them, one after another catching fire and turning the entire area into a blazing inferno.

An AMP swung. He ducked.

Another fired.

He rolled.

The fuel trucks exploded in a violent chain reaction, fire and debris erupting outward as the shockwave tore through the room, sending the amp suits and So'lek hurtling through the air in the blast

The blast slammed into him like a physical force.

For a moment there was nothing but heat and pressure and a deafening roar that swallowed all sound.

A high ringing filled his ears as he hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the breath from his lungs.

Everything spun.

Smoke choked the air.

Fire crackled all around him.

So'lek lay still for half a second, vision blurred, body refusing to respond.

He forced himself up.

Shaking off the dizziness with a sharp inhale.

The entire room was on fire.

Flames crawled across the floor, devouring spilled fuel and shattered equipment.

The trucks burned like torches.

Metal warped and groaned under the heat.

He turned sharply toward the AMP suits.

They were down.

Twisted. Broken. Some still sparking weakly.

Others completely still.

Dead.

The pilots inside unmoving.

For a brief moment, relief flickered.

Then panic surged back twice as strong.

(Y/n).

His head snapped toward the crates.

"(Y/n)!"

He called her name again, voice breaking as he searched through the flames, eyes darting wildly through the smoke and fire.

"(Y/N)!" He called her name again, louder this time, desperation clawing its way into every syllable.

For a second nothing happened.

Then she emerged from cover, whimpering his name, limping.

His heart stopped.

Blood.

Her hand was pressed tightly against her side.

Blood seeped between her fingers.

Running down her hip.

Red against blue skin.

And something inside him snapped.

His chest tightened so violently he thought he had been stabbed. His heart slammed against his ribs, too fast, too hard, like it was trying to break free and reach her before he could.

She was hurt.

His mate was hurt.

The thought tore through him, sharp and unbearable, dragging fear up from somewhere deep l. It clawed at his throat, turned his vision narrow and unsteady.

His hands trembled, useless for a split second as panic surged through him, hot and suffocating. Every instinct screamed at him to fix it, to stop the bleeding, to make it right—but he couldn’t move fast enough, couldn’t think clearly enough—

His blood ran cold.

A horrible pressure gripped his chest.

He ran to her as a secondary, smaller explosion rang out behind him. Heat washed over them, but he leaned over her, shielding her body with his own, one hand pressing firmly over the wound.

His eyes locked onto it.

Trying to determine how deep. How bad. How much blood.

His mind raced through a hundred terrible possibilities in an instant.

His pulse thundered in his ears.

"(Y/n)..." The name came out strained.

Barely recognisable.

"Look at me." His voice shook despite every effort to steady it.

"Tell me." His eyes searched hers desperately. "How badly are you hurt?"

Because there was blood. Far too much blood.

Her legs trembled beneath her, the strength draining out of them as the heat and pain overwhelmed her senses. A weak sound left her throat as her knees buckled.

So'lek caught her before she could hit the ground, one arm wrapping tightly around her waist while the other steadied her shoulders, pulling her firmly against him.

His eyes flicked past her, scanning through the flames that roared around them, searching for any path that was not already consumed by fire.

Smoke thickened with every passing second.

The exits were disappearing.

And time was running out.

Next >

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[just-another-idk]

Gentle Hands

So'lek x fem!avatar driver reader inspired by Tsumuke written by @lvlypinkesworld

Part 21 > Part 22 < Part 23

Two Faced

Tamtey's ikran descended through the canopy before landing lightly outside the Resistance base.

Nor was already waiting.

The older Sarentu folded his arms as Tamtey climbed down.

"How are things in the Upper Plains?"

Teylan answered before Tamtey had the chance.

"We managed to treat all the rescued animals."

A smile spread across his face.

"The Direhorses are already looking better."

"And one of the Soundblasts let me pat it."

Tamtey pulled a map from one of his satchels.

"I also tracked down two RDA hunting posts."

He pointed toward a pair of marks he'd made.

"I'm going after the source tomorrow."

Nor nodded once.

His expression remained unreadable. "Ri'nela is not with you?"

Tamtey shook his head.

"No."

"She stayed behind to help (Y/n) some more."

"I think she still had questions about medicines and how they work."

"When we left they were finishing another batch of medicines."

He smiled faintly.

"They were arguing over what tea to drink during their afternoon break."

Nor let out a quiet breath through his nose.

"Sky People's ways."

His head shook slowly.

"Sky People's medicine."

"I do not understand why she insists on learning from (y/n)."

Tamtey's smile faded.

"I think what matters is that those animals are getting help."

His voice remained calm. "You know that, Nor."

"You know (Y/n)."

Nor looked away.

"Her people are the reason those animals needed help in the first place."

"If her people had never come..."

"They would never have suffered."

Tamtey studied him for a moment.

"If you dislike her so much..."

His brow furrowed.

"Why have you spent the last few weeks helping at the sanctuary while she's been away?"

Nor had no answer.

The heavy doors to the Resistance base slid open.

Alma stepped outside in her avatar body.

The moment she saw Teylan, relief crossed her face.

"There you are."

She walked briskly toward him. "I've been worried sick."

Teylan smiled apologetically. "I've been at the Archipelago Field Lab."

"Helping (Y/n)."

"I was installing some more medical equipment so she can treat the animals better."

Alma's smile faltered almost imperceptibly. "I see."

She looked him over. "You're spending a great deal of time with her lately."

Teylan nodded enthusiastically. "She's teaching Ri'nela medicine."

"And she's teaching me more about animals and treating them."

"It's really interesting."

Alma folded her arms. "Teylan..."

Her voice remained gentle. Measured. "You have to remember something."

He tilted his head. "What?"

"(Y/n) isn't Na'vi."

The words hung between them.

Teylan blinked.

"So?"

"So..."

Alma chose her next words carefully.

Tamtey's expression darkened, his gaze sharpening as Alma spoke, though he held his tongue for the moment.

"She sees the world differently."

"She solves problems like a human."

"Because that is what she is."

Teylan frowned.

"But she lives as one of us."

"And she's So'lek's mate."

Alma nodded slowly. "I know."

"But that does not change where she comes from."

"She can never truly understand what it means to rebuild a people."

"What it means to carry the Sarentu forward."

Teylan looked unconvinced. "What about So'lek?"

"He teaches us."

"He trusts her."

"He loves her."

"He does." Alma didn't deny it. "But So'lek is Na'vi."

"He understands your traditions."

"Your stories."

"Your responsibilities."

She stepped a little closer. "(Y/n) can help wounded animals."

"She can make medicines."

"She can treat injuries."

"I won't deny that."

"But at the end of the day..."

Her expression hardened just slightly. "She is not Na'vi."

"And she cannot teach you how to be Sarentu."

Nor spoke before Teylan could. "She is right."

He folded his arms.

"(Y/n) is not Na'vi."

Nor's gaze shifted to Alma, something sharper settling behind his eyes.

"And neither are you, Alma."

Tamtey's jaw tightened. He looked between the two of them.

"No." His voice remained calm. "But she has done more for us than most."

Nor looked at him.

Alma's gaze hardened further, her patience thinning.

"You all need to be cautious around her."

Her voice lost some of its softness, becoming firmer. "I don't want any of you becoming dependent on someone like her."

Teylan blinked, confusion clear on his face. "Why?"

Alma hesitated only a moment before answering. "Because she's more manipulative than you think."

The words landed heavily.

Teylan's brow furrowed. "Manipulative?"

Alma nodded. "She controls those animals with food."

"She feeds them, so they keep coming back."

"So they rely on her."

Teylan stared at her, disbelief creeping into his expression.

"That's not—"

"That's nonsense, Alma." Tamtey cut in sharply.

"She has been nothing but kind to us."

Tamtey could see it then—the hesitation in Teylan’s eyes, the way Nor’s stance shifted ever so slightly. Alma’s words were taking root.

Alma noticed it too.

A faint, knowing look crossed her face.

"You see?" she said quietly, her gaze flicking between them. "It's already working on you."

Her attention settled back on Tamtey.

"But what has she really done for you?" she pressed.

"Outside of making you tea?"

Tamtey's jaw clenched.

Alma took a step closer, her voice lowering, almost instructive.

"You have much to learn about the world, Tamtey."

Her eyes held his, unwavering.

"Learning how to recognize someone as two-faced as (Y/n)..."

"...will come in time."

Tamtey let out a sharp breath, disbelief flashing across his face as he looked between them.

"You don't believe this, do you?"

His gaze landed on Nor first.

Nor shifted slightly, his jaw tightening. "It would not surprise me," he muttered, voice low. "If the nice act was fake."

Teylan's eyes widened. "You really think that?" he asked, looking at Nor. "You think (Y/n) is just pretending to be nice?"

Nor didn't answer immediately.

Alma did. "She's so desperate to become Na'vi," she said coolly, her gaze unwavering. "That she seduced So'lek."

"I just hope," Alma continued, her voice steady, "that sooner or later you all realize she isn't a nice person."

Teylan’s expression shifted, uncertainty giving way to something firmer as he looked at Alma.

"Are you sure?" he asked quietly.

She took a small step forward, her voice gaining strength. "Teylan… I've known you all longer than (Y/n)."

"I've always been there for you."

"I've always tried to do what’s best for everyone."

Her brow furrowed. "But has (Y/n) ever done anything like that?"

"Or does she just… get you all to help her tend to animals?"

The words hung in the air.

Tamtey’s head snapped toward her, disbelief flashing across his face.

Alma didn’t answer right away. But the faint, satisfied curve of her lips said enough.

Tamtey adjusted the strap across his shoulder.

"I'm heading to prepare for tomorrow's patrol."

He glanced toward Teylan. "You coming?"

Teylan looked between Alma...

...then toward the field lab in the distance, almost as though he wished he were still there.

After a long moment, he lowered his eyes.

"No."

"I'll stay."

Tamtey nodded once.

A flicker of disappointment crossed his face.

Then he turned and walked away without another word.\

"Tamtey."

Alma’s voice cut through the air, sharp enough to make him pause.

He stopped mid-step, shoulders tensing before he turned back, only halfway, as if reluctant to fully face her.

"What?"

Alma held his gaze, her expression firm now, stripped of any softness.

"You are Sarentu."

"You are meant to be establishing an alliance with the Zeswa."

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"Not indulging in the fantasy work of someone like (Y/n)."

Tamtey’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

Alma took a step closer.

"You can learn about animals later."

Her tone left no room for argument.

"But right now, your priority should be clear."

Her gaze hardened.

"Uniting the clans."

"Strengthening the resistance."

"And taking down the RDA."

Tamtey’s fingers curled slightly at his sides.

For a moment, it looked like he might argue.

Might push back.

But instead, he gave a short, stiff nod.

Then he turned away again—

—and this time, he didn’t stop.

Alma’s words echoed in Tamtey’s mind long after he had walked away.

Manipulative.

Two-faced.

His jaw tightened as unease settled deep in his chest.

(Y/n) wasn’t like that… right?

His thoughts tangled, doubt creeping in where certainty had once been.

He had seen her laugh with Ri’nela, patiently explaining herbs and mixtures.

He had watched her stay up late tending to injured animals, even when she was exhausted.

That wasn’t fake… was it?

Or had he just… not noticed?

His brow furrowed.

He wasn’t being naïve, was he?

(Y/n) wasn’t Na’vi.

That much was true.

And yet…

She fit in so easily.

Too easily?

His stomach twisted.

And So’lek…

Tamtey’s gaze dropped to the ground as he walked.

She hadn’t… seduced him, had she?

The thought made him flinch.

No.

That didn’t sound like her.

But Alma had sounded so certain.

So sure.

And Nor hadn’t disagreed.

The doubts pressed in, heavy and suffocating, until he couldn’t tell what he believed anymore.

By the afternoon, the field lab had fallen quiet.

Most of the animals were resting.

Others grazed peacefully in the open spaces surrounding the lab.

The Arrow Deer mother and her fawn remained close together beneath a tree, the little one never straying more than a few steps from its mother.

One of the Soundblast Colossus had wandered to the nearby stream where it stood knee-deep in the water.

The Direhorses looked considerably more comfortable than they had that morning.

For the first time since arriving, there was nothing demanding immediate attention.

Tamtey had eventually taken Teylan back to the Resistance.

Ri’nela had insisted on staying.

Now the two women sat side by side on the field lab steps.

A cool breeze drifted through.

The sort of afternoon that made it easy to sit and simply exist for a while.

Ri’nela held a cup of tea between both hands.

Her gaze wandered across the recovering animals. “I can see why you enjoy this work.”

(Y/n) followed her gaze. A small smile appeared. “It's rewarding.”

She rested her elbows on her knees.

“I also do not feel any pressure.”

“I do not have to worry about whether I am saying the right thing or doing the right thing.”

A Soundblast made a content rumbling noise somewhere nearby.

(Y/n)’s smile widened. “I can just help.”

Ri’nela nodded slowly.

“That is how I feel ever since I first came across you and your sanctuary.”

The young watched the Arrow Deer fawn stumble after its mother.

“Animals are the most innocent of creatures.”

“And the most honest.”

She took a sip of tea.

“They do not wear masks the way people do.”

(Y/n) hummed in agreement.

Then Ri’nela glanced sideways. “What started your love of animals?”

(Y/n) laughed softly. “A scruffy old ginger cat.”

Ri’nela blinked. “A cat?”

“You know what a cat is?”

“We learned about them in TAP.”

The answer caused the smile on (Y/n)’s face to soften. A little sadness touched her eyes. “His name was Mr Boggins.”

The memory immediately drew a quiet laugh from her. “He used to sit with me while I did my homework.”

Ri’nela shuffled a little closer. Interested. “What was he like?”

“Fat.”

Ri’nela snorted into her tea.

(Y/n) grinned. “He stole food.”

“Constantly.”

“He judged everyone.”

“He hated children.”

“He only liked me because I fed him.”

The healer’s smile grew more distant. More nostalgic. “But every afternoon he would sit beside me while I worked.”

She remembered how that old cat would curl against her side, purring softly as she tried to drown out the distant sounds of shouting and the sickening crack of a fist hitting the wall in another room.

Then Ri’nela’s gaze dropped to her tea. “I hated the school.”

Her voice had become quieter. Smaller. “We had no choice in what we learned otherwise they’d—”

(Y/n)’s hand settled over her arm.

Immediately stopping her. “You do not have to talk about it.”

Ri’nela fell silent.

(Y/n)’s grip tightened slightly. “I know what it is like having a past so terrible it feels unspeakable.”

The healer’s voice remained soft. “I understand, Ri’nela.”

The younger woman looked up. “Do you?”

(Y/n) nodded. “In a way.”

“I understand how you are feeling.”

Her thumb brushed against Ri’nela’s arm. “So you do not owe me an explanation.”

Ri’nela stared down into her tea. “Alma says we should talk about how TAP made us feel.”

The words sounded uncertain. “That we should let our past become our strength.”

She swallowed. “But it does not make me feel strong.”

Ri’nela’s fingers tightened around the cup.

Her voice dropped even further.

“Sometimes… thinking about it reminds me of all the people we’ve lost.”

Her gaze unfocused, as if she were seeing something far away.

“My best friend… Telisi included.”

“I feel bad trying to draw strength from something that destroyed so many people.”

Her grip trembled slightly. “So much was taken from all of us.”

She swallowed hard.

“This freedom. It feels as if I am… taking something that does not belong to me.”

Her shoulders curled inward. “As if I am forgetting them.”

"Because I'm now free and they died in that cold and horrible place."

“What else does Alma say?”

Ri’nela hesitated. Then sighed. “She says we should not be listening to you.”

(Y/n)’s eyes closed briefly. A long, tired breath escaped her.

Of course she did.

“That you are not Na’vi.”

Ri’nela looked uncomfortable repeating it.

“That you pay no mind to traditions.”

“The way of life.”

(Y/n) stared out toward the recovering animals.

The sight distracted her for a moment.

Then she looked back. “I am not trying to teach anyone how to be Na’vi.”

“I know.” Ri’nela looked down. “Alma thinks you are.”

The words came faster now. As though they had been waiting a long time. “She says you are like TAP.”

The statement clearly hurt her to repeat. “Using ways from Earth to help the Na’vi when the Na’vi do not need your help.”

Silence settled between them. The breeze stirred the grass.

(Y/n) finally spoke. “What do you think?”

Ri’nela’s answer arrived without hesitation. “She is wrong.”

Emotion immediately followed. “Ever since we escaped TAP it feels like there is a crushing weight on my shoulders.”

Her voice trembled.

“Because Alma expected us to bridge the gap between the Resistance and the clans.”

The tears appeared suddenly.Without warning. “To be like our Sarentu ancestors.”

“To rally the clans.”

“To unite people.”

The young woman wiped at her eyes.

Frustrated.

“But how?”

Her voice cracked. “How do we do that?”

(Y/n) immediately pulled her into a hug.

Ri’nela folded into her arms. The tears came harder.

“It is okay.” (Y/n) rubbed slow circles across her back. “It is okay.”

“How do we even be Sarentu?”

The words broke apart halfway through.

“I do not know how.”

Ri’nela clung tighter.

“All I know is that our people were storytellers and diplomats.”

“I do not know how to be diplomatic.”

A tear slid down her cheek.

“The only story I have to tell is one of tragedy.”

Her voice dropped to a whisper.

“I do not know how to be Sarentu.”

(Y/n) held her.

Simply held her.

Allowing the young woman space to cry. Space to grieve. Space to say things she had likely been weighing on her for awhile now.

“I think you are doing a great job.”

Ri’nela shook her head. “It does not feel like it.”

“I know.”

(Y/n)’s voice remained gentle. Patient. “Learn at your own pace.”

Another slow rub across her back. “It is okay.”

“It does not feel okay.”

(Y/n) was quiet for a moment. Thinking. Then a small smile appeared. “I have a happy story you can tell.”

Ri’nela sniffed. “Hm?”

“You can tell others how you learned to care for animals.”

“What?”

“Or perhaps the one hundred and one stories of the viperwolf pups.”

A watery laugh escaped Ri’nela.

(Y/n) smiled. “There are many stories worth telling.”

“Your past is part of you.”

“It is not all of you.”

Ri’nela listened carefully. Every word.

“I came from a rough background too.”

The admission surprised her. 

“I did not have a family.”

(Y/n)’s gaze drifted toward the horizon.

“I was passed through foster homes and group homes.”

Her smile faded slightly. “Each one worse than the last.”

Ri’nela stared at her. “You never talk about it.”

“There is not much to say.” (Y/n) shrugged. “It happened.”

The healer looked down at her hands. “Eventually I made a decision.”

Ri’nela wiped her eyes. “What was it?”

(y/n) smiled. “I chose to be kind.”

“I chose to help any innocent soul that crossed my path.”

Her eyes drifted toward the recovering animals. “To leave things a little better than I found them if I could.”

“And because I wanted to look after animals when I grew up.”

Ri’nela laughed through her tears. “You do understand.”

(Y/n) nodded. “Yes.”

She did.

She really did.

“I can see your struggles.”

The healer looked toward the distant horizon.

Thinking about the others.

“Tamtey is terrified of letting people down.”

“He throws himself at the RDA because he would rather get hurt than fail someone.”

“Nor carries pain so heavily that sometimes it cuts him as much as it cuts everyone else.”

“And Teylan…”

A fond smile appeared.

“Teylan is still learning that the unknown does not have to be frightening.”

Finally her eyes returned to Ri’nela.

“And you.”

The young Sarentu looked up.

“You remind me of myself.”

The admission caught Ri’nela off guard.

(Y/n) smiled softly. “When I was your age, all I had were my studies. I threw myself into academia to escape. I was unsure of myself—my capabilities, my intelligence, where I belonged… just like you.”

“When I first met you all. I didn't know whether I should say anything or not, even though I understand your pain .”

“I am not an expert.”

A small shrug followed.

“I’m not really qualified to give advice on childhood trauma or rebuilding your identity after losing everything, so please don’t take this too seriously.”

(Y/n)’s hand squeezed hers. “But I want to tell you what I wish someone had told younger me.”

Ri’nela’s eyes filled again.

The healer’s voice softened. “You will be okay.”

"You will be okay."

Ri’nela held onto her tighter.

And cried.

(Y/n) simply let her.

She didn't rush to fill the silence.

Didn't search for the perfect thing to say.

One hand rested against the back of Ri'nela's head.

The other rubbed slow circles across her back.

The younger woman cried until her breathing finally began to slow.

When she spoke again, her voice was hoarse. "You're much better to talk to than Alma."

(Y/n)'s hand paused for only a heartbeat before continuing its slow rhythm.

Her heart broke for the young Sarentu.

She remained quiet. Letting Ri'nela find the words at her own pace. "Alma was our teacher in TAP."

"The only adult who looked like us."

A sad smile flickered across her face.

"I remember thinking that meant she would understand."

Her fingers tightened in the fabric of (Y/n)'s top.

"But..." She swallowed. "Looking back..."

"It feels like she never really saw us."

The words became heavier. "As children."

"As frightened."

"As people."

"She only ever saw..."

Ri'nela searched for the right word. "What we were supposed to become."

"The Sarentu."

"The diplomats."

"The ones who were meant to unite everyone."

Another tear escaped despite her efforts. "But we were just children."

(Y/n) felt her own throat tighten.

Still she said nothing.

She knew Ri'nela wasn't finished.

"You've done more for us than she ever has."

Ri'nela laughed weakly through her tears.

"I still don't understand why she says you're a bad person."

Her eyes lifted to meet (Y/n)'s. "You're more of my teacher than she is."

The words landed heavily.

(Y/n) froze. Not knowing what to say.

Ri'nela continued before she had the chance.

"I wish Telisi could have met you." Her voice cracked around her friend's name. "I wish everyone could have."

Her gaze drifted toward the recovering animals grazing peacefully outside.

"They would've liked you."

"They would've loved this place."

A trembling smile appeared. "They would've loved the pups."

"They would've laughed at Tamtey getting bowled over by the Soundblast."

A watery laugh escaped her.

Then it disappeared just as quickly. "They never got the chance."

Silence settled between them once more.

The breeze stirred the long grass around the field lab.

One of the Arrow Deer called softly to its fawn.

Ri'nela leaned into the embrace again.

"You're the one person who doesn't expect anything from us."

She shook her head. "You don't need me to be a diplomat."

"You don't need me to fight a war."

"You don't need me to become someone important."

Another tear slipped free. "You just..."

A shaky breath. "You let me be me."

Her voice became barely more than a whisper. "You're the best person I've ever met."

(Y/n)'s vision blurred.

She blinked.

Once.

Twice.

It made no difference.

Warm tears slid silently down her own cheeks.

She was grateful Ri'nela couldn't see them.

Because hearing those words didn't make her feel proud. They made her wonder how little kindness Ri'nela must have been shown for something so simple to mean this much.

Her arms wrapped around the younger woman a little tighter.

"You don't have to become the perfect Sarentu," (Y/n) said quietly.

"You don't have to become who Alma imagined."

She brushed a loose braid away from Ri'nela's face. "You only have to become Ri'nela."

Her smile was small. Gentle.

"And I think she's already someone worth knowing." Ri'nela buried her face against (Y/n)'s shoulder again.

This time she cried more quietly.

(Y/n) held onto Ri'nela a little tighter, worry coiling deep in her chest.

What nonsense, what crushing expectations and anxieties had been forced onto these young Sarentu—fledglings who should have been allowed to grow, to stumble, to simply be?

The thought of it burned hot and sharp inside her, a quiet, simmering anger directed at those who had burdened them so heavily.

She was starting to get fed up with Alma's bullshit.

The afternoon sun had begun its slow descent by the time Tamtey's ikran landed outside the Archipelago Field Lab once more.

He climbed down quietly.

His thoughts had been loud the entire flight.

Alma's words refused to leave him alone.

You are Sarentu.

You are meant to unite the clans.

Not indulge in fantasy work.

Then Nor.

She is not Na'vi.

He had spent so much time life trying to become what everyone else expected.

A diplomat.

A warrior.

The one who could convince clans to stand together.

The one willing to throw himself at the RDA if it meant somebody else made it home.

But...

When was the last time somebody had simply asked how he was?

Not how the negotiations went.

Not whether another base had fallen.

Just...

Tamtey... are you okay?

His footsteps slowed.

His mind drifted elsewhere.

He remembered the sanctuary.

The day (Y/n) had simply pulled him into a hug.

No questions. No expectations. Just kindness.

He hadn't realised how much he'd needed it until she'd let go.

Without really thinking about it, his feet had carried him back here.

He found them sitting exactly where he'd expected.

On the steps outside the field lab.

Ri'nela's head rested comfortably in (Y/n)'s lap.

The healer's fingers slowly combed through her hair.

Ri'nela looked exhausted. The kind of tired that came after crying until there was nothing left.

Tamtey didn't say anything.

He simply walked over.

Sat down beside them.

Then, almost absent-mindedly, lowered his head onto (Y/n)'s shoulder.

(Y/n) closed her eyes for the briefest moment.

A tiny, hidden breath escaped her.

Another Sarentu having a rough day.

Without a word she draped one arm around Tamtey's shoulders.

Her other hand never stopped moving through Ri'nela's hair.

Neither of them had to ask for comfort. She simply gave it.

"What is the matter?" she asked quietly.

Tamtey stared out at the scenery ahead. "You aren't... two-faced..."

"...right?"

(Y/n) blinked. "I do not think so."

He let out a quiet laugh.

One completely without humor.

"Alma stopped me outside the Resistance," he began, voice tight. "She said… she said you're not Na'vi. That no matter what you do, you can't truly understand us. That you shouldn't be the one guiding the Sarentu."

His hands clenched slightly in his lap.

"And Nor—he agreed with her. He said we shouldn't be taking advice from someone who isn't one of us. That we need to rely on our own people."

Tamtey swallowed hard.

"Teylan didn't say anything. He just… stayed behind with them."

His gaze dropped.

"It felt like… like everything I've been trying to do was suddenly wrong. Like I shouldn't have been going to you at all."

His voice grew quieter.

"And it made me feel… confused. Because you've helped us. You care. But the way they said it… it made it sound like none of that mattered."

He exhaled shakily. "I didn't know who I was supposed to agree with anymore."

(Y/n) listened without interrupting once.

When he finally fell silent, another question slipped out.

"So..." His voice had become much smaller. "Is that all everyone sees when they look at me?"

He swallowed.

"A diplomat."

"A warrior."

"The one who takes down RDA bases."

His shoulders sagged. "I want to be more than that."

(Y/n)'s arm tightened around him. "Alma?"

Tamtey nodded. "Alma."

Another long silence settled.

"And nobody ever checks if I'm okay."

His eyes remained fixed on the horizon. "If I die taking down one of those bases..."

The words caught in his throat. "...will anyone even notice that I'm gone?"

He forced himself to continue. "Or will they just miss having somebody who could destroy another base?"

(Y/n)'s heart sank. "Do not think like that." She spoke gently. Firmly. "Of course you would be missed."

She smiled sadly. "Ri'nela would miss you."

"Teylan would miss you."

She glanced toward the Resistance.

"Even Nor would miss you."

Her eyes returned to him. "I would miss you."

Tamtey's jaw trembled.

(Y/n) reached over and rested her hand against his forearm.

"You are far more than a diplomat."

"Far more than a warrior."

A smile touched her face. "You are bright." "You make people laugh."

"You care."

"You throw yourself into danger because you hope somebody else will not have to."

She squeezed his arm gently.

"You do not fight because you enjoy it."

"You fight because you want change."

"You bring people together from your willingness to help, not because you take down bases."

"You take the time to aid all that come across your path."

"It is not always about fighting the RDA."

"Sometimes it is investigating strange sounds."

"Sometimes it is helping a weaver find her confidence again."

She smiled softly.

"Have you heard about that?" Tamtey asked.

"When Nefika stops by, she tells me everything."

"And not once has she spoken about you destroying a base."

"She speaks about the lives you have touched along the way."

Her smile softened. "That says far more about the kind of man you are than any alliance you make."

"Or any RDA base you destroy."

Tamtey stared at the ground. "But..."

(Y/n)'s expression softened further, her voice dropping to something almost fragile.

"Tamtey… your life is being held together by the medicines I keep making just to keep you standing after everything you've endured in such a short time."

Her hand tightened gently around his arm.

"You have given so much of yourself already."

Her gaze met his, unwavering. "You are more than what Alma expects of you."

Tamtey took a slow breath, steadying himself.

"They're wrong," he said quietly, but with a certainty that hadn't been there before.

His fingers curled slightly against his knees. "They're wrong about you."

He lifted his head just enough to meet her eyes. "And they're wrong about what I need to be doing."

His voice didn't waver this time. "I know what it feels like when someone is pretending."

A faint, almost sad smile touched his lips. "You've never pretended with me."

He shook his head gently.

"If anyone is two-faced, it's Alma."

His voice tightened slightly. "All she wants from me is the diplomat TAP tried to turn us into. The diplomat the Resistance needs to fight back."

He exhaled slowly. "You always ask if I'm okay."

A faint, tired smile touched his lips. "Making tea is your way of checking I'm okay."

His gaze dropped. "Alma never does that."

He exhaled, tension easing from his shoulders. "I don't need someone who fits perfectly into what a Sarentu is supposed to be."

His voice dropped, quieter but stronger. "I need someone who sees me."

"You've never told me what I should be."

"You've never made me feel like I had to earn your kindness."

His voice grew quieter. "You just... care."

He looked down at his hands.

"I think..." He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "...I think that's what family feels like."

(Y/n)'s eyes filled before she could stop them. She reached over without a word. Pulled him into another hug.

Tamtey held onto her tightly.

"Can I stay here for a little while?" he asked quietly.

(Y/n) didn't hesitate. "Stay as long as you need."

He let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding and rested his head against her shoulder.

Her arm tightened around him instinctively.

Within moments, his breathing slowed. Evened out. He had fallen asleep.

Spent.

(Y/n)'s gaze softened as she looked over at him.

Her chest ached.

What was Alma doing to these poor young Sarentu?

What was she filling their heads with if Tamtey was wondering whether anyone would even notice if he disappeared?

Her heart twisted painfully.

They were so young.

So burdened.

Why the fuck were people just piling more and more onto them?

Her heart felt like it was bleeding.

Ri'nela remained where she was, her head resting comfortably in (Y/n)'s lap.

They were children.

Children who had everything taken from them.

Ripped from their lives.

Frozen away in cryo like objects to be stored and used later.

Then thrown back into a world that had moved on without them—

Only to be handed a war the moment they woke up.

Told who they were supposed to be.

What they were supposed to fix.

And Alma—

(Y/n)'s jaw tightened.

Alma stood there and pressed and pressed and pressed until two of them had already broken under the weight of it.

As if they were tools.

Her blood boiled.

They deserved time.

They deserved space.

They deserved to breathe.

Not to be molded into something convenient for everyone else's survival.

Her fingers tightened slightly in Ri'nela's hair, though her touch remained gentle.

Her gaze dropped to Tamtey, asleep against her shoulder.

Her chest ached.

They are not weapons.

They are not symbols.

They are not solutions.

They were just—

Children who needed someone to care if they were okay.

—and she was going to make sure they had one place where they could be free from their burdens.

They were so much like her.

Lost.

Carrying too much pain from the past.

With no one who had ever truly cared for them without expecting something in return.

She was in her thirties, and for the first time in her life, she understood what it meant to be loved without conditions.

To be seen.

To be held without needing to prove her worth.

Her gaze softened as she looked at them both.

She would not let them grow into their 30's wondering if anyone cared.

Not like she had.

If the Sarentu wanted it—

She would be there.

She would make sure they never had to question whether they mattered.

Because she would give them everything she never had at their age.

Night had settled over the Upper Plains by the time So'lek returned to the Archipelago Field Lab.

The stars had begun to emerge overhead.

The sounds of the forest had replaced the bustle of the afternoon.

As he walked toward the lab, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

He already knew what awaited him.

His mate would insist on staying just a little longer to make certain every animal was comfortable.

He would argue that they should return home.

She would counter with another dozen reasons why she should stay.

Eventually, after enough bickering, they would compromise and spend the night here instead.

It happened often enough that he'd stopped pretending otherwise.

That was why a bundle freshly hunted Arrow Deer meet was tucked under one arm.

If they were staying, at least she'd have a proper meal.

He rounded the corner of the field lab.

Then stopped.

His eyes softened immediately.

(Y/n) sat upon the wooden steps.

Ri'nela slept peacefully with her head resting in her lap.

Tamtey had somehow managed to fall asleep against her shoulder, his head tipped slightly toward hers, .

(Y/n) hadn't noticed him.

She sat quietly, staring out across the moonlit plains. Lost in thought. The breeze stirred her hair.

Neither of the young Sarentu moved.

They looked utterly spent.

So'lek remained where he was.Simply watching.

His gaze lingered on the woman sitting between them. One hand still slowly brushed through Ri'nela's hair. The other rested loosely around Tamtey's shoulders.

Something inside him softened.

She would be a wonderful mother, because caring for others seemed as natural to her as breathing.

She never asked whether someone deserved kindness. She simply gave it.

The warrior walked over quietly.

(Y/n) looked up.

The moment she saw him, she lifted one finger to her lips.

A silent request.

Quiet.

His eyes flicked to Ri'nela.

Then Tamtey.

Only now, standing close, could he truly see how exhausted they both were. Dark circles rested beneath their eyes.

Their breathing was deep. Heavy. The sort of sleep that came only after complete exhaustion.

He nodded.

Without a word, he crouched beside Tamtey.

Carefully supporting the young Sarentu's shoulders.

He lifted him slowly, mindful not to wake him, and carried him toward a nearby wind-bent tree.

Its broad branches sheltered a patch of soft grasses warmed by the day's sun.

He laid Tamtey down gently before returning.

(Y/n) eased Ri'nela upright just enough for So'lek to slip an arm beneath her knees.

He lifted her just as carefully, carrying her to rest beside Tamtey beneath the tree.

A far more comfortable bed than the wooden steps.

Ri'nela murmured something unintelligible.

Then settled again.

Still asleep.

(Y/n) knelt beside her.

A loose braid had fallen across the young woman's face.

She brushed it back gently.

Neither Ri'nela nor Tamtey stirred.

So'lek watched them.

"They must have been exhausted."

(Y/n) simply nodded.

She rose quietly and motioned for him to follow.

Together they wandered toward the nearby river.

Not far enough that they couldn't hear the sleeping pair if they woke.

Far enough to talk.

They settled side by side upon the riverbank.

The water drifted lazily past, reflecting the stars above.

For a while neither spoke.

Then (Y/n) quietly told him everything.

"Ri'nela told me, that she feels feel like she's always falling short... like no matter what she does, it will never be enough.'"

"She was crying, So'lek. She said she's afraid she'll never live up to what everyone expects of her."

"And Tamtey..."

(Y/n)'s voice faltered slightly.

"He asked me, if anyone even notice if he didn't come back from his next patrol?'"

Her hands tightened in her lap. "That... that scares me."

By the time she finished, the ache in her voice had become impossible to miss. "I'm worried, So'lek."

Her eyes remained on the flowing water. "I do not think being around Alma is doing them any good."

"Whatever Alma is telling them… it’s weighing on them, So'lek."

Her voice trembled with restrained emotion.

"It’s not just guidance or expectations—it’s pressure. Constant pressure."

She shook her head, frustration bleeding through.

"Every word she says seems to make them doubt themselves more. "

Her fingers curled tightly in her lap.

"They’re trying so hard to be what she wants, and it’s breaking them."

The warrior sat quietly. "They must find their own strength."

(Y/n)'s head turned so quickly he barely had time to react before she smacked his arm. Not hard. Just enough to make her point.

She was not happy with his answer.

"So'lek."

"They cannot find their strength while someone keeps convincing them they are never enough."

There was frustration in her voice. Heartbreak. "They need to find their footing first..."

She looked down at her hands. "...before they can ever find their strength."

He saw the tears gathering before she spoke again. "I was like them."

Her voice had become very small. "When I was their age..."

"I had no one."

She swallowed. "People walked over me for years."

"I didn't find an ounce of strength..." A tear slipped free. "...not until I had you."

She finally looked at him. "You became my footing."

"My rock."

Her voice cracked. "Can't we do something for them?"

So'lek was quiet for a long time. Thinking carefully. Then he reached over. Pulled her gently into his arms.

He knew his mate—endlessly kind, endlessly gentle—and watching the struggles of the young Sarentu was quietly ailing that tender heart of hers.

She folded against his chest immediately.

The warrior rested his cheek against the top of her head.

"You were stronger than you believe." His voice was soft. "You were strong long before you met me."

(Y/n) shook her head against him. "I wasn't."

Another tear dampened his chest.

"So'lek..." Her fingers curled slightly against him. "Tamtey truly believes no one would notice if he died."

The warrior closed his eyes. A slow breath left him.

This...

This was troubling. More than he wished to admit. His hand moved slowly across her back.

"We can only encourage them, ma yawne."

"They each have a path they must walk."

She pulled back just enough to look at him. The hurt in her eyes was unmistakable.

He cupped her cheek. "But that does not mean you stop doing what you are already doing."

His thumb brushed away a tear.

"When they are at their lowest..."

"You are beside them."

"When they are at their highest..."

"You celebrate beside them."

A faint smile touched his lips. "You are doing plenty to help them with their burdens."

(Y/n)'s shoulders relaxed ever so slightly.

So'lek looked back toward the wind-bent tree where the two Sarentu still slept peacefully beneath its branches.

"I shall keep a closer eye on Alma."

(Y/n) looked at him.

The worry that had weighed so heavily on her all evening eased, if only a little. Relief softened her features..

His gaze hardened slightly as he continued, quieter but firm. "If she is the cause of their strife… I will not allow it to continue."

"And what of Teylan? Nor? If this has been happening for some time… how many of them have been carrying this weight in silence?" (Y/n)’s chest tightened at the thought.

How long had Alma been slowly wearing them down?

How many small words, small looks, small expectations had chipped away at them until they no longer believed they were enough?

So'lek’s hand found hers, squeezing gently.

"You continue to be what you already are, ma yawne."

His voice softened again. "A place of comfort. Of patience. Of care."

His thumb brushed over her knuckles. "They need that more than anything."

His eyes flicked once more toward the sleeping Sarentu. "And I will do what I can."

There was quiet steel beneath his words now. "If Alma is harming them… I will see it stopped."

She leaned her head against his shoulder and nodded, feeling a little bit better.

They sat in silence. Quiet in each other’s company.

(Y/n) leaned in slightly as So’lek’s arms wrapped securely around her from behind, his presence warm and steady against her back. They sat silently for a bit longer, So’lek gave her a gentle squeeze.

His chin rested lightly near her shoulder, breath brushing her skin as he watched her quietly.

He thought back to earlier that morning—the way she had skirted around the conversation when it turned toward children, how she had stumbled over her words, never quite meeting his eyes.

She had tried to hide it.

She had not succeeded.

So he delayed that conversation, perhaps now was a good time to start it again.

“You would make a fine mother.”

(Y/n) froze.

A flush spread across her face, fast and bright, and she suddenly found the grass in front of her very interesting.

“I—”

She looked down. Then away. Anywhere except him.

“I do not think so.”

So’lek’s expression softened.“You would.”

To him, it was obvious.

(Y/n) stilled against him. “Why is this conversation coming up?”

Her shoulders tensed beneath his arms, and she let out a quiet breath, almost shaky.

“I… I do not want to talk about this right now,” she admitted softly, voice barely above a whisper.

Her fingers twisted together in her lap, betraying the storm of thoughts she was trying to keep contained.

“It is…” She hesitated, searching for the right words, then gave a small, helpless shake of her head. “It is terrifying.”

“But also…” her voice softened further, almost fragile, “…wonderful.”

She swallowed, gaze fixed stubbornly ahead.

“And I do not know what to do with that.”

“(Y/n), it is a natural conversation, one we must inevitably have.”

(Y/n) looked conflicted. “So’lek.”

“We are mated.”

Her face warmed further.

He continued, entirely unhelpfully.

“And we are very…”

Her eyes widened.

“So’lek.”

“…active.”

A horrified sound escaped her and she buried her face in one hand while the other remained loosely gripping his arm.

So’lek almost laughed. Instead, he tightened his hold slightly, gently pulling her hand away from her face.

The poor woman looked ready to vanish into the grass.

He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

“You are gentle.”

Another kiss.

“Nurturing.”

His hand brushed against hers.

“Intelligent.”

(Y/n) looked at him through narrowed eyes.

The warrior continued anyway.

“Patient.”

“Our child would be lucky to have you.”

The words quieted her.

Her gaze drifted downward.

“I would not know how to be one.”

Her voice had softened.

“My mother…” She hesitated. “I cannot remember her.”

So’lek’s amusement faded.

(Y/n)’s fingers moved absently over his arm.

“She was either cruel enough to give up a child for money…”

Her throat worked. “…or desperate enough that she had no choice.”

“Or irresponsible enough to lose one.”

So’lek did not let her sit with that thought alone. He leaned forward and kissed her gently. Then pressed another kiss to her forehead.

“I watch you.”

His voice had lowered now.

Serious.

Steady.

“With animals. With the Sarentu.”

His hand found hers.

“You stay awake for days trying to help them.”

His thumb brushed over her knuckles.

“You cry when you lose them.”

“You celebrate when they heal.”

The corner of his mouth softened.

“You treat them with more tenderness than many give their own kin.”

(Y/n)’s eyes lifted to his.

“You would be fine.”

For a moment she looked as if she wanted to believe him. Then another worry surfaced.

“What about the RDA, So’lek?”

The question settled heavily between them.

The reality of their lives.

The war.

“The world is dangerous,” she said quietly. “I did not have parents.”

Her hand tightened slightly around his. “I would never want to orphan my own child.”

So’lek grew very still.

Not because he had not thought of it.

Because he had.

More than once.

His hand rose to her cheek, calluses rough against her skin.

“My anger.”

His thumb brushed gently beneath her eye.

“My grief.”

Golden eyes held hers.

“They made me into a monster.”

(Y/n) shook her head at once.

But So’lek continued before she could argue. “I know what I became.”

His forehead rested gently against hers. “And I would become worse to protect you and our child.”

Her breath caught.

“If Eywa blessed us with a child during these dangerous times…” His hand slipped into hers. “…I would make sure you were protected.”

“I would not allow harm to come to you.” His thumb brushed across her knuckles. “Or our child.”

(Y/n) stared at him.

She knew his legend. The Dog Tag Warrior. The nightmare whispered about in RDA files.

Powerful. Terrifying. Merciless when he had to be.

And she had no doubt what extremes he would reach for her.

For a child.

Their child.

Her lips lifted into a small, warm smile. “So’lek.”

“Hm?”

She tilted her head slightly.

“Do you want a child?”

His gaze held hers for a long moment. Then his answer came quietly.“I would want one with you.”

His voice lowered further, almost thoughtful now.

“In the mornings,” he murmured, his breath warm against her skin, “when you are still asleep in my arms… I have imagined what it would be like to have a family with you."

"A future that I had once believed was taken from me when my clan was destroyed, a future you have returned to me.”

Her smile softened.

Then she leaned forward and kissed him.

So’lek returned it without hesitation, one hand settling gently against her cheek while the other remained wrapped securely around her.

“But I am afraid, So’lek,” she whispered against his lips as they parted, her voice trembling just slightly.

His hand stilled on her cheek, eyes searching hers.

“I am not Na’vi,” she continued, the words heavy with a vulnerability she rarely allowed herself to show. “What if our child experiences hardship simply because they have hands or eyebrows like mine?”

Her gaze dropped, uncertainty flickering across her features.

“What if they are seen as… different?”

So’lek did not hesitate.

His fingers gently lifted her chin, guiding her eyes back to his.

“Then our child will be as beautiful as their mother.”

There was no doubt in his voice. His thumb brushed softly along her cheek, grounding her.

“They will carry your strength,” he added quietly. “Your kindness. Your spirit.”

His forehead rested against hers once more.

“And if the world dares to see them as anything less…”

A faint, dangerous edge slipped into his tone. “…then the world will learn otherwise.”

“I cannot promise to make sure our child does not feel ostracized,” he admitted softly, his voice steady but sincere. “But I promise I will love our child fiercely… our child will know so much love that it will be a shield.”

So’lek’s gaze softened further, something deep and steady settling behind his golden eyes. He reached for her hand, his larger one enveloping hers.

“Our will never be alone,” he said, his voice low but unwavering. “Because they will have you… and they will have me.”

(Y/n)’s breath hitched, but this time it was not from fear.

Her lips curved into a small, fragile smile.

And she leaned into him again, letting herself believe him—if only for a moment.

“So… you want a baby?” she asked softly, though she already knew the answer.

So’lek’s gaze did not waver from hers. “If Eywa blesses us with one,” he said quietly, “with all my heart.”

His thumb brushed gently over her knuckles before he tilted his head slightly, studying her.

“But what about you, yawne?” he asked, softer now. “Do you want one?”

(Y/n) hesitated.

“I…” she exhaled slowly, her fingers tightening slightly around his. “The thought of being a mother still terrifies me.”

Her gaze dropped for a moment. “But…” she continued, voice gentler now, “…I think I would be alright.”

Her eyes lifted back to his. “As long as you are here.”

So’lek did not answer with words.

Reassuring.

His hand cradled her cheek and the warmth of him, the certainty of him, chased away the lingering shadows of doubt that had clung to her thoughts.

Everything she had feared—seemed to soften beneath the weight of that kiss.

He was here.

He would always be here.

(Y/n)’s fingers curled gently into his chestpiece, her breath catching softly when they parted.

And in that quiet moment, with his forehead resting against hers, something inside her settled.

Yes.

She wanted this.

She wanted a child.

She wanted a future.

She wanted it with him.

She let out a soft breath, her lips curving into a shy, almost bashful smile as she looked up at him.

“I think…” she hesitated, then huffed quietly at herself before continuing, “…I think you would be a pretty great father.”

So’lek stilled.

“You think so?” he asked, voice lower now, quieter.

(Y/n) nodded, her fingers tracing absent patterns against his chestpiece. “You are strong,” she said gently. “And stubborn. And a little terrifying when you want to be.”

His brow lifted slightly at that.

“But you are also patient,” she continued, her gaze steady on his. “You listen. You protect. You care more deeply than you let most people see.”

Her hand slid up, resting lightly over his heart. “And you love fiercely.”

So’lek’s breath slowed, his hand coming up to cover hers where it rested against him.

“Our child would be safe with you,” she added softly. “They would be loved.”

“It quiets my fears about the RDA, because I know you would do anything to protect our child.”

So’lek leaned forward, pressing his forehead gently to hers once more.

“And they would be loved by you,” he murmured.

Something inside him settled as he said it.

The thought of becoming a father was daunting, yes—but there was no hesitation in the certainty that followed.

He would love his child.

His thumb brushed along her cheek, lingering there.

He could not wait to have a family with her.

The thought filled him with apowerful feeling—something deeper than the fire of battle, something stronger than the grief he had carried for so long.

And as she looked at him, eyes soft and shining with that same fragile hope, he knew she felt it too.

She wanted this.

She wanted the life they could build together.

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[just-another-idk]

Gentle Hands

So'lek x fem!avatar driver reader inspired by Tsumuke written by @lvlypinkesworld

Part 20 > Part 21 > Part 22

The Question

So'lek's mornings had begun following a very particular pattern, one that had become so familiar to him over the past weeks that he no longer even thought about it.

He would wake first.

Then spend the next little while simply watching his mate sleep, allowing himself a rare moment of peace before the responsibilities of the day inevitably found him.

Even though he knew his mate would likely not feel particularly eager for responsibilities this morning after their activities two nights ago, he could hardly blame her. The faint marks he had left still lingered along her skin. The memory alone was enough to make his ears flick slightly with quiet satisfaction. She had certainly earned the right to sleep a little longer.

This morning was no different than every other morning since they had become mates.

The cavern remained quiet around them, illuminated by the soft glow of moss scattered across the ceiling overhead. Pale greens and blues painted gentle patterns across the stone walls while Pandora slowly woke beyond their home, distant sounds of wildlife filtering faintly through the entrance. The world was stirring, but here, wrapped in the warmth of their shared hammock, everything felt still.

(Y/n) remained asleep in his arms.

Her back rested comfortably against his chest.

One of his arms was wrapped securely around her waist while the other rested beneath her head. He had held her like this for so many nights now that it was as natural as breathing.

The warrior had no intention of moving. Not yet.  Not when moments like these still felt precious enough to make his chest ache.

His hand drifted lower.

Settling against her stomach.

His thumb traced absent circles across her skin. Slow. Gentle. Thoughtful.

For days now, perhaps longer than he cared to admit, he had found himself watching for changes.

Small things.

The sort of things he knew happened when women were expecting.

Changes in appetite.

Changes in energy.

Changes in mood.

Anything.

Every morning he wondered. Every morning he found himself calculating the passing days despite knowing there was little point in doing so.

Surely it could not be much longer.

The thought alone caused his heart to beat a little faster beneath his ribs.

A baby. His child. Their child.

Even thinking the words sent a strange warmth through him, one that settled deep within his chest and spread outward until he could feel it in every part of himself.

The warrior's arm tightened around her slightly. Not enough to wake her. Just enough to pull her a little closer.

A family.

The word carried a weight he had not allowed himself to feel for many years. For years he had convinced himself that dream had died alongside his clan.

Fifteen years.

Fifteen years of believing that part of his life was gone forever.

The RDA had taken his people. Taken his home. Taken the future he thought he would have.

There had been a time when he could not even imagine surviving long enough to grow old, let alone finding someone to love, building a home, or raising children of his own. 

The future had become something distant. Something meaningless. Something dangerous to hope for.

Yet here he was.

Lying beside the woman he loved.

Thinking about children. Thinking about a family. Thinking about a future that no longer felt empty.

Thoughts like this still caught him off guard sometimes.

There were moments when he would look at her and feel almost overwhelmed by the simple fact that she was real.

That she had chosen him.

That she loved him.

She had seen through him from the beginning.

Even when he had given her every reason to walk away.

He remembered those first weeks all too clearly. The clipped answers. The distance he had deliberately maintained. The coldness that had become second nature after years spent surviving alone.

He had not been cruel, but he had been guarded… maybe a bit cruel.

Suspicious is probably the better word.

At the time, he had convinced himself it was for the best.

Yet she had remained.

Patient in ways he had never understood. Stubborn in ways that still amused him.

She had looked past the silence. Past the sharp edges. Past the warrior who rarely smiled and spoke even less.

Somehow she had seen what lay beneath it all.

The grief he carried. The loneliness. The man who still mourned his people every day despite the passing years.

She had seen him long before he was ready to be seen. And instead of turning away, she had reached for him anyway.

Despite her own pain and struggles, despite the wounds she carried that were not always visible, she had taken him into her arms and given him warmth. Given him comfort when he had forgotten how to seek it. Given him patience when he had little to offer in return.

Little by little, she had become the place where his burdens felt lighter.The place where the endless ache of mourning no longer consumed every part of him.

The place that felt like home.

(Y/n) was the sort of woman people were drawn to without meaning to be. Kind. Gentle. Patient. Beautiful.

She treated others with a tenderness that seemed effortless, offering comfort where it was needed and kindness even when none was expected.

Once she got over her usual reservations about a new person of course.

And if he was honest with himself, he was likely not the first man to take a liking to her.

The thought should not have bothered him. Yet it did. Only a little. Enough that his ears flicked back briefly.

He knew she had chosen him. Knew there was no reason for jealousy. Still, imagining others noticing her smile, her warmth, the quiet strength beneath her gentle nature, made something possessive stir deep in his chest.

Perhaps because he understood exactly why someone would fall for her.

He had done so himself. Long before he had admitted it.

But she had fallen in love with a man he himself had nearly forgotten existed. Despite the years that had hardened him into someone he barely recognized from the young warrior he had once been.

She saw and loved him. All of him. 

His gaze drifted down toward her.

Her hair spilled across his arm. One hand rested near her face.

Because the next thought struck him immediately afterward.

What if she already carried their child?

The warrior's eyes returned to her stomach.

His hand remained there.

What if it was simply too early to know? 

His pulse quickened slightly at the possibility. He imagined a tiny life growing there, hidden beneath his hand where neither of them could yet sense it.

The thought was enough to make his throat tighten.

The image arrived before he could stop it.

(Y/n) holding a child. Their child. Tiny fingers wrapped around hers.

A tiny hand reaching for him.

His chest tightened so suddenly that he had to draw a deeper breath.

For a moment he could almost see it. Almost hear it.

A child who would know love instead of loss. A child who would never have to endure what he had endured.

The thought filled him with a fierce protectiveness so intense it bordered on painful.

His entire body reacted to it. His arms tightened. His heart pounded..

The desire to protect. To provide. To keep them safe. His mate. His child.  His family.

And if Eywa blessed them with that future, he knew without hesitation that he would devote himself to it completely.

Raising a child was not something he viewed lightly.

It was more than teaching them to hunt or fight. More than passing down traditions and stories.

It was guiding a life.

Protecting it.

Helping it grow into something strong and good.

The responsibility of it settled heavily in his mind, yet it did not frighten him.

Not truly.

Because if that day came, if he was given the chance to be a father, he would meet it with everything he had. It would be the greatest privilege he could ever be given. And the greatest task he would ever undertake.

He would do anything for his family.

The warrior lowered his head into her hair. Breathing in her scent. Closing his eyes.

For a few moments he simply listened. Her breathing. The faint sounds of Pandora beyond the cavern.

No.

He was getting ahead of himself. Far ahead of himself. Nothing had happened yet. Nothing had changed.

Not that he knew of.

The warrior shook his head slightly. Trying to push the thoughts aside. Trying. Failing completely.

Because every time he looked at her, he found himself wondering.

Every time she smiled at him. Every time she rested against him. Every time she laughed.

The thought returned.

Their family. 

For so long he had grieved a future stolen before it could happen. Now, for the first time in years, that future no longer felt impossible.

It felt close enough to touch. Close enough to hope for. And that hope terrified him almost as much as it thrilled him.

Because hope meant something to lose. Hope meant allowing himself to care again. 

Yet despite that fear, he could not stop himself from wanting it. From imagining it. From longing for it with every part of his being.

So'lek pressed a lingering kiss into her hair. Then settled back against the hammock. Holding her a little closer. Feeling the warmth of her body against his. Listening to the steady rhythm of her breathing.

Allowing himself, just for a little while longer, to imagine the future he had once believed would never belong to him.

And if he was being honest with himself, there was another reason his thoughts kept circling back to the possibility.

The zanke incident.

His ears flicked slightly at the memory.

What had begun as an unfortunate encounter with the potent drink had very quickly become something her would never have imagined,

(Y/n) beneath him.

His name on her lips.

The desperate way they had clung to one another.The complete absence of restraint.

Heat crept up the back of his neck.

If she had not conceived during the nights they had shared before that, then after the zanke incident...

Well.

The warrior found it difficult to imagine Eywa missing so many opportunities.

His hand remained spread across her stomach.

A faint, almost amused huff escaped him.

No healer was needed to tell him that they had certainly done everything possible to encourage the outcome.

Several times.

His tail gave a small twitch behind him.

Perhaps many times.

The thought left him feeling oddly pleased.

Embarrassed, perhaps, if anyone else could somehow hear the direction of his thoughts.

But pleased nonetheless.

If a child truly was growing there already, conceived during one of those fevered moments, then he would welcome that blessing with all his heart.

With a small little huff, (Y/n) turned over in his arms.

One moment her back was pressed against his chest. The next she had somehow rotated herself until her face was buried against him instead.

Her eyes remained firmly shut. One arm immediately wrapped around his waist.

So’lek looked down at her. Amused. “(Y/n),” he murmured.

A sleepy sound answered him.

“You cannot laze around for yet another day.”

“Nooooo.” The woman grabbed his arm and physically repositioned it around herself.

Apparently deciding the problem was that he was not holding her tightly enough.

So’lek lowered his head and pressed a kiss into her hair. “How are you feeling?”

“My muscles still feel stiff and achy.” Her voice came out muffled against his chest.

“Now shut up or I’ll bite that broad chest of yours.”

The threat carried absolutely no weight. Mostly because she sounded halfway asleep.

The warrior chuckled. A low sound that rumbled through his chest beneath her cheek. His arms tightened around her. Holding her a little closer.

“Just for a little while longer, yawntu.” His hand moved slowly up and down her back. “Then we really must begin the day.”

The unhappy sound she made told him exactly what she thought of that idea.

His smile widened slightly. “You cannot leave Tamtey and Ri’nela to tend to a wounded Direhorse on their own.”

“They’ll be fine.”

“Ri’nela has my notes.”

“And they can call if they have questions.”

So’lek studied her quietly. “You are good with them.”

(Y/n) cracked one eye open. “The Direhorses?”

“The Sarentu.”

Her eyes remained shut as she mumbled something unintelligible against his chest.

Clearly attempting a response without actually waking up.

After a moment, she tilted her head back just enough to peer at him through barely opened eyes. “They’re a good bunch.”

“I mean it.” The warrior’s voice remained gentle.

“You have done more for them than I have.”(Y/n) immediately frowned. “I’ve just been getting them to help me with the sanctuary.”

She yawned. “Nothing special.”

So’lek shook his head. Of course she thought that. His mate had always been remarkably skilled at seeing the good in everyone except herself.

Ri’nela had been painfully shy when they first met. Careful. Quiet. Unsure of herself. She once wouldn’t have ever spoken her mind. She was still hesitant but her confidence was growing, growing enough to be fearful but present her opinion to the Zeswa Oloekte.

Teylan no longer looked as though every shadow carried a threat, when (y/n) had been away he would help Nor tend to her animals in the Sanctuary,

Nor still carried his demons. The scars remained. But now the young man spent his days helping maintain the sanctuary instead of letting those thoughts consume him.

Even Tamtey.

The warrior smiled faintly.

The young Sarentu had become almost impossible to keep up with but  after spending enough time around (Y/n) the young man was starting to slow down a bit.

She had helped all of them. Quietly. Without asking for recognition. Without even realising she was doing it.

And somehow she had managed to do the same thing to him.

The lonely warrior who had spent years convincing himself he did not need anyone, on a lonely path he had to tread. Years convincing himself that grief was easier to carry alone.

And somehow cracked open the lonely heart he had guarded so fiercely.

Yet she called it nothing special.

The warrior stared at her for a long moment. Then simply leaned down and started peppering her face with kisses. Her forehead. Her cheek. The bridge of her nose. The corner of her mouth.

(Y/n) immediately squirmed. “Stop.”

Another kiss.

“No.”

One more.

“If this is meant to wake me up, it is not working.”

The statement lost credibility when she started smiling.

So’lek chuckled again. Then rested one hand at the back of her head. Holding her gently against him. His fingers slid through her hair.

The woman immediately relaxed beneath his touch.

A dangerous thing. Because every time she looked at him. Every time she smiled. Every time she curled against him like this.

The same feeling returned. The simple overwhelming urge to hold her a little longer. To keep her close. To enjoy this moment before the day inevitably found them.

The warrior lowered his forehead against hers.

Content to remain exactly where he was.

At least for a few more minutes.

He could not say he minded.

Enjoyed the rare chance to do absolutely nothing.

“I love you.” His gaze lowered to the top of her head. Waiting. Wondering if she had heard.

(Y/n)’s eyes remained shut.

She did not move. Did not lift her head. Did not even pretend to be awake.

Several moments passed.

“Good.” The answer came sleepily. “Then you’ll give me what I want and won’t go anywhere.”

So’lek huffed a laugh through his nose.

His hand continued moving slowly up and down her back.

“Sorry, ma yawne.” He pressed a kiss into her hair. “I cannot.”

An unhappy sound immediately followed. The sort of sound someone made when the universe was being deeply unreasonable.

“Just a little while longer.” She yawned.

Then nuzzled further into his chest. As though physical proximity might somehow convince him. Or perhaps trap him there.

The warrior suspected she was attempting both.

Her arms tightened around his waist.

His mate clearly had no intention of allowing him to escape.

Not that he was trying particularly hard.

Truthfully, if it were entirely up to him, he would have remained exactly where he was for another hour.

Possibly two.

The warmth of her against him. The soft glow of the cavern. The peaceful quiet. It was difficult to imagine a better way to spend the morning.

Unfortunately, reality had a habit of finding them eventually.

Animals needed tending. Medicine needed making. The world continued turning whether they liked it or not.

RDA didn’t stop for a sleep in.

(Y/n) yawned again. Then she settled. Comfortable once more.

So’lek looked down at the top of her head. Amusement tugged at the corner of his mouth. The woman’s ears flicked slightly.

Then lowered his head and pressed another kiss into her hair.

His arms remained wrapped securely around her.

Holding her close.

Holding her safe.

Allowing himself a few more moments before he inevitably attempted to convince her that the day had, in fact, already started.

Though judging by how firmly she was attached to him, he suspected that conversation was not going to go well.

(Y/n) finished checking the Direhorse's bandage one last time.

Her fingers traced gently around the splint, making sure nothing had loosened overnight before giving the bindings one final adjustment.

"There."

She smiled, rubbing beneath the Direhorse's chin.

"You are healing beautifully."

The animal answered by nudging her shoulder expectantly.

"I knew that was what this was about."

Laughing softly, she reached into one of her pouches and produced a nectar cube.

The Direhorse eagerly accepted the treat before resting its forehead briefly against hers.

(Y/n) scratched behind one of its ears.

Tamtey and Ri'nela had done an excellent job.

The swelling had already begun to ease, the wounds were clean, and the bones were holding their alignment well.

Another few days.

Perhaps a week.

Then it could begin bearing weight again.

She stepped back, satisfied.

Across the camp she caught sight of So'lek speaking with one of the Zeswa craftsmen.

He had been eyeing a beautifully woven bowstring since they'd arrived that morning.

Judging by the discussion and the handful of traded goods between them, negotiations were going well.

A small smile found its way onto her face.

He looked happy.

Children suddenly burst through the camp.

Half a dozen of them raced between the tents, laughter echoing across the plains as they dragged a brightly coloured kite behind them.

The woven fabric caught the wind, climbing into the sky before dipping sharply as the smallest child shrieked with delighted laughter.

(Y/n) stopped to watch them.

She smiled without even realising it.

They looked so carefree.

So full of life.

One little girl stumbled.

Another immediately doubled back to help her up before both dissolved into another fit of giggles and continued running.

(Y/n)'s smile lingered.

She wondered what it would be like.

To have one of her own.

A tiny hand reaching for hers. Little footsteps running around their home.

A child with So'lek's golden eyes.

Warmth bloomed quietly inside her.

The thought was so wonderful.

Then fear crept in beside it.

Would she even know how to be a mother?

She had never had one herself.

Not really.

She knew loneliness. She knew foster homes. She knew wondering whether anyone would come back for you.

Would those memories somehow become her child's?

Would she accidentally pass on wounds she had spent her entire life trying to heal?

The thought made her chest tighten.

Then another followed.

What if something happened to them?

What if their child grew up without parents, just as she had?

(Y/n) closed her eyes briefly.

No.

She caught herself before the thoughts could spiral further.

One slow breath.

Then another.

It would be a blessing.

She smiled faintly.

Because whatever happened... She would not be facing her fears, doubts and worries alone.

She had So'lek.

That thought steadied her.

Strong and reliable So'lek. Just thinking about him and a child that had his beautiful golden eyes calmed her thoughts

A yawn escaped before she could stop it. She covered her mouth. "Seriously how am I still tired?"

She rubbed one eye.

"I swear I slept like a log."

Maybe breakfast had simply been too large.

That had to be it.

"Or perhaps your mate has been wearing you out."

(Y/n) nearly jumped out of her skin.

Minang stood beside her holding out a carved wooden cup.

The Tsahìk's eyes danced with amusement. "I brought you some water."

(Y/n) accepted it gratefully her cheeks turning brighter. "Thank you."

Minang leaned lightly against the nearby fence. "I must admit..." A mischievous smile appeared. "I did not expect quiet sweet (Y/n) to become so... affectionate after a few cups of zanke."

(Y/n) froze. "Oh no."

"Oh yes." The Tsahìk laughed.

"I have never seen So'lek look simultaneously so pleased and so completely overwhelmed."

The healer's face immediately turned bright red.

"So..." Her words dissolved into embarrassed stammering. "So people... remember?"

Minang raised an eyebrow. "You expected them not to?"

(Y/n) buried her face in her hands. "I was hoping."

"The stories have become quite entertaining."

Minang smirked, clearly enjoying herself. "Half the clan believes you would have mated with So'lek right there in front of everyone had he not carried you off."

(Y/n) made a strangled noise behind her hands.

"Do not worry," Minang added with a teasing tilt of her head. "No woman could blame you. Not with a mate like that."

"Oh Eywa." The healer looked ready to disappear into the grass. "I am never drinking zanke again."

"I suspect So'lek may support that decision."

(Y/n) groaned quietly.

Minang smiled warmly before her expression softened.

"So..."

She glanced toward So'lek, still bartering across the camp.

"It seems you and So'lek have been mated for some time now."

(Y/n) nodded, yet suspicious of her tone. "We have."

Minang folded her arms. "I wonder how long it will be before there are little ones running around after the two of you."

(Y/n) froze. Then immediately turned an even deeper shade of red. "I..."

She looked toward So'lek instinctively.

Then back at Minang.

Her mouth opened.

Closed.

Opened again.

Nothing came out.

The Tsahìk's smile widened knowingly. "Are you and your mate... active?"

(Y/n)'s eyes became impossibly wide. Heat rushed from the tips of her ears all the way down her neck.

She hid her face behind both hands, unable to form words

Minang chuckled. "I believe that answers my question."

(Y/n) made a tiny, mortified noise from behind her hands.

Minang rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. "There is nothing to be embarrassed about."

(Y/n) slowly lowered her hands. Still very red. Still unable to meet Minang's eye.

"If Eywa chooses to bless your union..." Minang gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "A child is never something to fear."

Her gaze drifted toward the children still chasing the kite across the plains.

"It is one of the greatest blessings she can give."

"I'm surprised you're not showing signs already," Minang said with a teasing smile.

(Y/n) blinked.

"Signs?"

The Tsahìk's single eye sparkled.

"I believe when we first met, you were still wearing marks So'lek had left on your neck."

(Y/n)'s face turned scarlet.

"Minang..."

The Tsahik laughed. "I am merely making an observation."

Before (Y/n) could think of a reply, another familiar voice joined them.

"Sister." Nesim wandered over, curiosity already written across his face. "Are you teasing poor (Y/n)?"

"Yes..." Minang smiled innocently. "And no."

"We were simply discussing when there might be news that she and So'lek are expecting a child."

Nesim looked at (Y/n).

Then at the deep blush creeping all the way to the tips of her ears.

Then she grinned. "Clearly if she was not already pregnant..."

Her grin became positively insufferable. "...she certainly is after the celebration a few days ago."

Minang laughed aloud.

(Y/n) made a tiny sound of despair before hiding her face behind both hands yet again. "No one is ever going to let me forget that night, are they?"

"No."

Nesim answered far too quickly. "Never."

Minang nodded in complete agreement. "Absolutely not."

Another defeated noise escaped from behind (Y/n)'s hands.

The two siblings shared an amused glance before Minang's smile softened.

"But in all seriousness..." She rested a gentle hand on (Y/n)'s shoulder. "If such a happy occasion ever comes..."

Her expression lost its teasing edge.

"You have friends here."

"Nesim and I."

"The Zeswa."

"You will have support."

(Y/n) slowly lowered her hands. The embarrassment remained. So did the warmth those words brought. "Thank you."

Minang smiled.

"So..."

Her tone immediately became suspiciously light again. "Are there any signs?"

(Y/n) blinked.

"I..."

She thought about it. She had been a little more tired recently. Perhaps a little hungrier.

Then again, she had also spent the last few days treating injured animals, travelling across Pandora and... well...

Her face heated all over again.

"I do not think so."

A familiar arm suddenly slid around her waist.

She let out the smallest squeak before instinctively relaxing against the broad chest behind her.

So'lek.

He drew her comfortably against his side. His hand settling naturally against her waist. "I hope you are not teasing my mate too badly."

Nesim folded her arms. "We are simply wondering when you intend to make a mother of her."

Minang's smile widened. "And when she makes you a father."

The warrior looked from one sibling to the other. Then down at the woman tucked comfortably against his side.

A quiet breath left him. "If it is Eywa's will..."

His hand gave (Y/n)'s waist a gentle squeeze. "It will happen."

(Y/n) glanced up at him.

There was no frustration in his voice. No impatience. Just quiet hope.

Nesim smiled. "A fair answer."

Minang nodded. "The Great Mother has her own timing."

"I simply hope she does not keep you both waiting too long."

(Y/n) lowered her eyes, smiling shyly to herself.

She wasn't sure why.

Perhaps because the thought no longer frightened her quite as much. Or perhaps because So'lek's arm around her waist felt so steady.

"We must be off," So'lek said quietly after a moment, his voice gentle but firm.

Minang inclined her head.

"Go well."

Nesim gave them both a knowing grin. "And try not to think too hard about it."

(Y/n) let out a small, awkward laugh, offering them both a shy farewell before allowing So'lek to guide her away.

They walked in silence for a while.

(Y/n) kept her gaze forward, her thoughts anything but calm.

"So'lek..." Her voice faltered. She struggled to find the words.

Because what would a baby even mean?

A child between a Na'vi and her. Between her and So'lek.

Her chest tightened.

"I..." The words tangled in her throat.

So'lek slowed beside her, his hand still resting at her waist.

He glanced down at her, reading the storm behind her eyes with quiet understanding.

"We do not have to talk about it now," he said softly. "Not if you do not wish to."

(Y/n) nodded quickly.

Relief and guilt twisted together in her chest.

"Okay." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

She hoped—desperately—that delaying the conversation would quiet the racing thoughts clawing at her mind.

But they didn't.

Would it be cruel?

To bring a child into a world where its mother did not truly belong?

A mother who was not Na'vi.

A mother who had chosen this life—chosen him—over what might have been more... sensible.

Her throat tightened.

Selfish.

The word echoed louder than anything else.

Because no matter how much she tried to ignore it...She still felt like an imposter. 

All that was different about her was the skin she lived in.

It pressed in on her, heavy and suffocating, a truth she could not outrun no matter how deeply she tried to bury it.

She was not Na'vi.

That was the truth.

What does it even mean to be Navi?

And if she had to question what being Na'vi even meant—if she could not feel it as something instinctive, something rooted deep within her bones—then she truly wasn't.

Her chest ached.

Because if she felt this way...

What would that mean for a child?

Their child.

A part of her would always be there.

A part that did not belong.

Her breath hitched.

Would they be looked at differently?

Whispered about?

Would they feel the same quiet distance she carried inside herself every day?

Her stomach twisted painfully.

Because if that happened...

It would be because of her.

Because she had chosen this. Chosen him. Chosen this life.

Her fingers curled slightly at her sides.

Selfish.

The word settled deep in her chest, heavier than before.

Because no matter how much love she held for So'lek...

No matter how much she wanted this life with him...

A part of her feared she was asking too much of a child who had never been given a choice.

So'lek's hand tightened slightly at her waist, as if sensing the shift in her thoughts.

He said nothing.

But his presence remained steady. Unwavering.

And for now...

That was enough to keep her from unraveling completely.

A faint chime from her communicator broke through the spiral of her thoughts.

(Y/n) blinked, startled, her hand instinctively moving to activate it.

Static crackled for a moment before a familiar voice came through, slightly distorted.

“—(Y/n)? You there?”

“Tamtey?” she replied, relief flickering through her tone.

“Yeah,” he answered, the connection wavering. “I’m out at the archipelago field lab. We’ve got a few more injured animals brought in—nothing too critical, but… could use your help.”

(Y/n) exhaled softly, tension easing from her shoulders.

“Of course. I’ll head out now.”

“Good,” Tamtey said, voice fading in and out. “See you soon.”

The line went quiet.

(Y/n) lowered her hand, a small, grateful sigh escaping her.

It wasn’t that she didn’t care about everything weighing on her mind.

But right now…

This was something she could do to take her mind off these thoughts.

She glanced up at So’lek, offering him a faint, apologetic smile.

“I need to go to the field lab,” she said gently. “There are injured animals.”

He studied her for a moment, then gave a small nod. “I will come with you.”

(Y/n)’s smile grew just a little. “Thank you.”

She felt, for the first time since the conversation began, like she could breathe again.

As they approached Iley, So’lek’s gaze shifted subtly toward (Y/n).

He could feel it.

The hesitation still lingering beneath her calm exterior.

The way her thoughts seemed to pull inward, guarded and uncertain.

It was not fear of him.

But something she was not yet ready to give voice to.

His hand remained steady at her waist, thumb brushing lightly against her side in a quiet, supportive gesture.

He did not press.

Did not force the conversation she had already tried to set aside.

But he hoped…

That when she was ready—

She would let him in.

Because whatever doubts weighed on her…

Whatever fears she carried about the future—

They were not hers to bear alone.

It made his heart ache for his sweet mate, she was still quietly teaching herself she was not alone after a past filled with loneliness.

 He wondered, too, if she would even want a child at all.

 The thought lingered, because he knew—without doubt—that she would make a wonderful mother.

 The image of it stirred something warm within him, a quiet longing for a future where they might have a family together.

But only if she wanted it too.

And if she did not want that future than he was okay with that.

Iley landed just outside the Archipelago Field Lab. She had swung by the Zeswa camp on the way, checking on the Direhorse with the broken leg she had treated days before. The splint had held, the swelling had gone down, and the animal had even tried to stand when it saw her—stubborn and spirited as ever. The Zeswa had promised to keep it resting, though their amused smiles suggested that might be a challenge. Still, it had been healing well, and that small victory had eased her mind.

Before his feet had even touched the ground, So’lek was already at Iley’s side. He reached up, steadying (Y/n) with a hand at her waist.

“Careful,” he murmured.

(Y/n) rolled her eyes fondly but accepted the help anyway, letting him guide her down to the ground.

Iley nudged her shoulder insistently, letting out a soft chirp.

(Y/n) huffed a quiet laugh, reaching into her pouch.

“You want a treat, hm?”

She pulled out a small treat and held it up.

Iley snapped it up eagerly.

So’lek watched the exchange, one brow lifting. “You are spoiling him.”

(Y/n) glanced at him with a small smile. “I spoil his rider,” she said lightly, patting Iley’s neck. “May as well spoil him too.”

Iley chirped again as if in agreement.

So’lek’s ears flicked, but there was no real disapproval in his expression—only quiet amusement.

Then her eyes were already scanning the area.

Then she stopped.

Completely dumbfounded.

Animals were everywhere.

Arrow Deer occupied one corner of the clearing.

Direhorses rested beneath makeshift shelters.

Bladeheads lay on padded bedding fashioned from woven reeds.

Two Soundblast Colossus occupied the far end of the field lab grounds,.

Ri’nela was helping an arrow deer to drink, carefully tilting the bottle so the small creature wouldn’t choke, murmuring soft reassurances as its ears flicked nervously. Not far from her, Tamtey knelt beside a Bladehead, tongue caught between his teeth in concentration as he wrapped a clean bandage around a shallow cut along its flank, occasionally pausing to check his work like he’d seen (Y/n) do countless times.

Her eyes widened further.

A swell of emotion rose in her chest—pride first, fierce and bright. Together Tamtey and Ri'nela had cared for quite a collection of creatures. Every bandage, every shelter, every careful touch felt as though she had built this herself, they had listened to everything she had taught, shown, and written in her notes.

They were becoming healers in their own right.

But beneath that pride, something colder stirred.

Her gaze lingered on the animals again, counting, assessing.

So many.

Too many.

Her smile faltered just slightly.

Where had they all come from?

“Tamtey.”

The young Sarentu immediately looked sheepish. “Yes?”

“Did I not leave you with one Direhorse with a broken leg two days ago?”

“You did.”

“But I found more injured animals.”

(Y/n) stared.

The healer slowly looked around again. Six Arrow Deer. Three Direhorses. Four Bladeheads. Two Soundblast Colossus.

“Tamtey.”

“I can explain.”

“I am almost afraid to hear it.”

Tamtey shifted on his feet, suddenly looking far less amused.

“They were caught in traps,” he admitted, his voice quieter now. “RDA traps.”

(Y/n)’s expression hardened instantly.

“I found the first one near the river,” he continued, gesturing vaguely toward the treeline. “Then another. And another. Some had already freed themselves, but they were hurt… badly.”

His hands clenched slightly at his sides. “I could not leave them.”

(Y/n)’s chest tightened.“Where are these traps now?” she asked.

Tamtey hesitated. “I… disabled the ones I found,” he said. “But there are more. I saw signs of more of them across the plains.”

“I was waiting for you to get here,” he admitted. “So I could go back and find the rest. I wanted to make sure Ri'nela had some help around here.”

Nearby, Ri’nela pulled a baby Arrow Deer into her lap. "I would have been fine on my own Tamtey."

The tiny creature enthusiastically drank from a feeding bottle while Ri’nela calmly held it.

Ri’nela noticed her looking. “Once I got the hang of your handwriting, it was fairly easy to figure out what to do.”

(Y/n) sighed. “My handwriting is terrible, I know.”

Tamtey immediately snorted.

Ri’nela’s expression remained diplomatic.

A loud clang echoed from inside the lab. “Owwww.”

Tamtey glanced toward the doorway. “Teylan?”

“Sorry!” Teylan’s voice drifted back out. “I dropped something on my foot.”

The young man emerged moments later carrying a crate.

“What are you doing out here?” So’lek asked.

Teylan adjusted the crate. “Helping.”

“Apparently field labs need medical equipment.” He looked very pleased with himself.

“So I brought some from the resistance and the sanctuary, I'll put it all back later.”

So’lek sighed, though there was a hint of amusement in it. “Where is Nor?”

“Keeping the pups and Ulrr entertained.”

That was good. (Y/n) was glad there was someone to tend to the sanctuary whilst she was here.

(Y/n)’s attention returned to the injured animals.

The healer looked around once more, taking in the shelters, the supplies, the volunteers, and every animal receiving care.

Slowly, her expression softened.

“You did all of this?”

Tamtey rubbed the back of his neck. “Well… yes?”

“We tried,” Ri’nela said modestly.

“We followed your notes,” Teylan added proudly.

“So’lek,” (Y/n) said quietly, unable to stop smiling, “look at this.”

The warrior did. His gaze swept across the field lab. Across the recovering animals.

Across the young Sarentu filled with confidence and purpose.

Pride warmed his expression immediately. “They have done well,” he said.

That might have been the understatement of the year.

(Y/n) laughed softly. “You rescued half the upper plains in two days.”

Tamtey brightened instantly. “That is a compliment, right?”

“It is absolutely a compliment.”

The young Sarentu looked delighted.

Ri’nela smiled too, while Teylan stood a little taller under the praise.

“Have you eaten?”

Three guilty expressions appeared simultaneously.

The healer narrowed her eyes at them.

“No.”

Tamtey pointed at Ri’nela. “We were busy.”

Ri’nela pointed at Tamtey. “He was busy.”

Teylan pointed at both of them. “I don't know how to cook.”

(Y/n) nodded slowly. “Right.” A dangerous calmness entered her voice. “That settles it.”

The three Sarentu immediately looked nervous.

“I’ll get food started.” She pointed toward the lab. “Tea.”

“Then we are making charts.”

The collective disappointment was immediate.

(Y/n) ignored it.

So’lek’s gaze shifted toward the distant plains, his expression sharpening as he took in the direction Tamtey had indicated earlier.

“I will patrol the surrounding area,” he said, voice steady. “If there are more RDA traps, I will find them. And any sign of their activity.”

(Y/n) nodded, relief and worry mixing in her chest.

Tamtey straightened immediately. “I can come with you—”

“No,” So’lek interrupted calmly, though not unkindly. His eyes flicked toward the untouched supplies and the animals still needing care. “You will eat first.”

Tamtey hesitated. “…Fine,” he muttered.

So’lek gave a small nod of approval. “Once you have eaten, you may join the hunt.”

Tamtey crossed his arms but didn’t argue further.

(Y/n) smiled faintly at the exchange and then turned toward So’lek. Rising onto her toes to kiss his cheek. “Be safe on your patrol.”

The warrior’s hand settled briefly against her waist. “I will not be far.”

The promise eased something inside her. Only slightly.

Tamtey’s grin appeared.

“Oh no.” (Y/n) pointed at him. "Don’t you start.”

The grin widened.

“I do not have to say anything.” His eyes flicked toward her neck. Then back to her face.

“Those bruises say everything.”

A leather flask struck him in the head. Hard enough to make him stumble. Not hard enough to hurt.

“Next time I am putting poison in it.”

“You love me.”

The young Sarentu uncapped the flask. Took a drink. Then looked entirely pleased with himself.

Ri’nela tilted her head. “What is in it?”

“A tea.”

They didn't need to know it was a medicine to delay the effects of a life altering poison.

Tamtey took another sip.

“Can I try some?” Teylan asked.

“No.” (Y/n) answered.

The answer came so quickly that everyone stared at her.

Teylan blinked. “Why?”

“Some other time.”

The young man looked disappointed.

Then his eyes drifted toward her neck. Toward the fading bruises. Toward several marks that had not completely disappeared yet.

His brow furrowed. “Did you get into a fight?”

“Where did all those bruises come from?”

Tamtey nearly choked on what he was drinking.  The young Sarentu doubled over laughing.

Ri’nela covered her mouth. Failing spectacularly to hide her own amusement.

(Y/n)’s face turned bright red. The healer buried her face in her hands. “Never you mind.”

The answer only made Tamtey laugh harder.

Ri’nela looked entirely innocent. “Tamtey had some very interesting stories from when you were under the influence of zanke.”

(Y/n) looked like she wanted the ground to open beneath her.

Preferably before anyone could continue speaking.

Teylan looked between all of them. More confused than ever. “What happened?”

“No.” (Y/n) pointed at everyone. “No one is answering that.”

Tamtey was still laughing.

Ri’nela looked suspiciously close to joining him.

The healer groaned. Long. Tired. Resigned.

The sort of groan that came from realizing she would never escape this.

Ever.

“But seriously.” Teylan’s expression softened. “Are you okay?”

The question finally broke through the embarrassment.

(Y/n) lowered her hands. Then nodded. “Yes.”

“I’m fine.”

Teylan frowned, still unconvinced. “Then why are you covered in bruises?”

Tamtey made a strangled noise, trying and failing to hold back another laugh.

(Y/n) groaned, dragging her hands down her face. “We shall have this conversation when you are older.”

“But I am 18,” Teylan said, genuinely confused.

Tamteydoubled over again.

Ri’nela turned away, shoulders shaking.

(Y/n) looked at Teylan with a mixture of despair and fondness. “Sweet summer child…”

The healer clapped her hands together.

“Let’s get back on task before any more animals appear.”

Tamtey immediately pointed toward the horizon. “Actually…”

(Y/n) narrowed her eyes. “Tamtey.”

“I am joking.”

The young Sarentu wisely took another step backward.

Just in case she threw something else at him.

"Take a break, you two."

(Y/n) looked up from the medicine she had been grinding.

"You have both been helping all morning."

Ri'nela looked as though she intended to argue. "But—"

"No."

(Y/n) smiled.

"That was not a suggestion."

Teylan laughed. "I'll go then."

He wandered away from the field lab, stretching his shoulders as he followed the nearby stream until the sounds of the others faded into the distance.

The water flowed quietly over smooth stones.

He sat down beneath a tree, drawing his knees up.

His fingers closed around the small walkie-talkie.

He hesitated.

Then pressed the button.

Static crackled.

A familiar voice answered.

"Teylan." Mercer's voice. "I was beginning to wonder if I'd hear from you again."

"I've been helping."

"I figured." Mercer chuckled softly. "You always did like keeping busy."

Teylan smiled.

"I've been helping (Y/n)."

"The healer?"

"Yeah."

There was a brief pause.

"How is she doing?"

"Good."

Teylan's smile grew. "She's really nice."

Mercer listened quietly.

"Nice how?"

"She never gets angry."

"Even when I mess things up she just explains it again."

"And she's amazing with animals."

His eyes drifted toward the field lab in the distance.

"You should see her."

"She can calm creatures I've never even seen before."

"She knows everything."

Mercer hummed thoughtfully.

"Sounds like she's quite important."

"I think so."

"And she's So'lek's mate."

Another brief silence.

"The Na'vi that tried teaching you to hunt?"

"Yeah." Teylan nodded to himself. "That's him."

"I know all the reports say he's really scary..."

His brow furrowed. "But I think they got it wrong."

"He is really nice."

"He checks if we've eaten."

"He teaches us."

"He looks after us."

"It doesn't feel anything like what the RDA files say about the Dog Tag Warrior."

Teylan frowned. "I think they got the wrong person."

Mercer's voice remained calm. "Maybe."

"If he's looking after you, that's good."

Another pause.

Then, almost casually—"Does he have any weaknesses?"

Teylan blinked. "Weaknesses?"

"You know." Mercer's tone stayed conversational. "If we know what matters most to him..."

"...we can make sure he's well protected."

The explanation sounded perfectly reasonable.

Teylan relaxed. "Oh."

"Well..."

He thought about it. "He and (Y/n) are really close."

"They're mates."

"You know..." He smiled. "The Na'vi version of being married."

"Like Daniela and Jin."

Mercer made a thoughtful sound. "I see."

"They really love each other."

Teylan looked down at the stream. "You won't let anything happen to them..."

"...right?"

The question came quietly.

Mercer's answer didn't take long. "No."

"They're your friends."

"And your teachers."

"We're just trying to understand the best way to help protect them."

Teylan smiled.

"I knew you'd understand."

Mercer chuckled. "I'll speak with you again soon."

"Keep helping your friends."

"I will."

The line clicked dead.

Teylan lowered the radio.

He felt strangely proud of himself.

Mercer had listened.

He had been interested in hearing about everyone.

Maybe...

Maybe this really was helping.

Maybe if both sides understood each other a little better...

Things could finally start getting better.

Be diplomatic, the way his people were.

He smiled to himself and stood. Then he turned and headed back toward the field lab, eager to tell (Y/n) he was ready to help again.

The radio clicked silent.

Mercer remained seated for only a moment, staring at the blank terminal.

Then he stood.

"Bring me everything we have on one of the defectors."

One of the technicians looked up from their console. "Name, sir?"

"(Y/n)."

Fingers moved rapidly across the keyboard.

Rows of personnel files scrolled across the monitor before one finally stopped.

The photograph filled the screen.

Mercer's eyes skimmed the report.

"Graduated early..."

He continued reading.

"Youngest researcher accepted into the Avatar Program..."

Another page.

"Lead researcher in Pandoran fauna."

Recommendations.

Commendations.

Research papers.

A long list of achievements.

Mercer gave a quiet, humourless laugh.

"Eighteen-year-old prodigal genius."

He folded his arms.

"Another Avatar driver gone native."

His gaze lingered on the photograph.

Not because she interested him.

Because she had become useful.

"Harding."

A woman's voice answered almost immediately over the internal communications.

"Sir."

"I want a bounty circulated."

"Who?"

"A defector."

Mercer's eyes never left the screen.

"(Y/n)."

Another officer nearby looked over. "Sir..." He hesitated. "Why?"

Mercer finally looked away from the monitor. "Why?"

He walked slowly toward the operations table. "Because that traitor has two uses."

The room fell quiet.

"First..." He tapped the table lightly.

"She may provide intelligence on Resistance operations."

Another tap.

"Here."

A third.

"And in the East."

The officer nodded slowly. "And second?"

Mercer's expression remained unreadable. "Tell me..."

He looked around the room. "How do you catch a ghost?"

Nobody answered.

The officer frowned. "...Sir?"

"The Dog Tag Warrior." Mercer folded his arms. "You all treat him like some mythical creature."

"A nightmare."

"A shadow."

"A ghost."

He shook his head. "No."

His voice hardened. "He's Na'vi."

"And Na'vi are predictable."

Another officer frowned. "How, sir?"

Mercer smiled.

Not warmly.

The sort of smile that made several people in the room uncomfortable.

"You stop treating him like a ghost."

He reached over and tapped (Y/n)'s personnel file displayed on the screen.

"You identify what he values."

Another tap.

He looked back at the assembled officers.

"So'lek has an attachment."

Mercer's smile remained. Cold. Measured.

"And attachments become vulnerabilities."

Silence settled across the room.

He let it linger.

Then continued.

"We control the situation."

"We control her."

"And if the Dog Tag Warrior comes looking..."

Mercer's fingers closed the personnel file.

"...then he stops being a ghost."

His eyes narrowed. "He becomes just another dead memory in an RDA after-action report."

No one spoke. No one questioned the order.

One by one the officers returned to their terminals.

Harding's voice came back over the intercom. "The bounty will be circulated immediately."

Mercer nodded once. "Good."

His gaze drifted toward the image of Pandora displayed across the operations map. "Let's see how far a legend gets..."

"...when we start hunting the people he loves."

Next >

@whos-nin1 @lvlypinkesworld @loaf-with-jam @deepangelpartykid @itsfrenchxfrxes @quietlydecafinated @lovelyinthesunlitsky @lizzy91768 @bxxbeaxxb @twentysomethingwereyote @jillxty @rinitoshi13 @gvyknkj @nikomenom @intervitadatura @buckybluebarnes @theatregeek-247 @valinat @rinitoshi13 @sunshinescubagear @7leo7 @eeorrrr @layingintheloam @poppyw4 @marija4674 @miniverse-zen @ur-juno @sleepisfortheweakpooh @akamenaruto14 @pinkglittertaco @annoyingasexual @grcsbluepen @deepwaterdreams @cantaloupesoda @justhereiguess2 @idkmanimjstired @yaaraz @user153639937

[meltedevil]

from the instagram that ive maybe posted on twice. she’ll live on tumblr instead

[pandoranbox]

HAPPY PRIDE!!!

thinking of butch so’lek and her cute little femme mate

so’lek who is over the moon that she gets to call you hers. and you who are so in love in your big strong woman, who unfortunately has a hard time letting you do anything for yourself

“rest, i will hunt.” she says, day in and day out. you are not incapable, far from it. she just wishes to provide you every comfort this life has to offer. all the comfort you deserve

“so’lek, i can hunt.”

“i wish to know you spend your days without pressing duties. let me take on the burden, enjoy the sun.” and nothing more than a kiss to your lips as she flies off

the ever doting, dutiful so’lek. in every life

[sunmoonsweets]

Tail Play 18+

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AH i've been sitting on this one debating whether or not to post it - this is entirely smut, that's it, no plot. i've never written smut before nor posted it on here AH - go easy on me, lmk what you think

this was inspired entirely by this post by @crovvhaven; they create such beautiful artwork go check them out pls

i am not tagging anyone that's on my current taglist bc idk if you wanna be tagged in smut? like what if i tagged you and you don't wanna be tagged in smut? i do not wanna be disrespectful - but also lmk if you wanna be tagged in any smut fics

18+ below the cut, proofread

So'lek x fem!navi!reader

words: 2,045

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photo from @pistolpackinmama-art he's so yummy gimmie gimmie

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The air in Solek's cave was thick and warm, smelling of damp stone, sweet herbs, and the wild, clean scent of the high mountains beyond the waterfall entrance. Perched as you were on his powerful thighs, facing him, the low, flickering light of the firepit painted patterns across the blue expanse of his skin. Your own body, plush and yielding, felt a delicious heaviness against the firm muscle beneath you. You felt safe here, cradled in his embrace, the world of the Sky People's poison and the RDA's violence a distant, buzzing noise.

His long, elegant fingers were carding through your hair, a gesture that usually soothed you completely, but tonight there was a restless energy humming beneath your skin. A slight tremor ran through you, a shiver that had nothing to do with the mountain chill.

"Shhh, sevin," he murmured, his deep voice a gentle rumble in his chest. "Your thoughts are loud tonight."

He shifted one of those hands from your hair, tracing the line of your spine down, down, until his palm settled over the thick, muscular base of your tail where it emerged from your lower back. He began to rub in slow, firm circles. It wasn't a new gesture. He often did this, a grounding pressure meant to ease your anxieties, to anchor you to him and to the solid stone of their shared home.

But tonight… Eywa, tonight was different.

His thumb found that sensitive patch of skin just above where the vertebrae began, pressing and stroking with a maddening precision. A jolt, sharp and electric, shot straight through you. It bypassed your thoughts, your lungs, your heart, and landed like a lightning strike directly at the nexus of pleasure between your thighs. Your cunt clenched, a sudden, hard pulse that made you gasp and cant your hips forward against him.

"Ah!" The sound was small, broken.

Solek stilled, his head tilting. "Did I hurt you?"

You shook your head, unable to form words, the feeling still echoing through you. It was like he'd flicked a switch inside you you hadn't known existed. Your ears were flat against your skull, your breath coming in short pants. You could feel a distinct, slick heat blooming beneath your loincloth.

"Then… what is it?" He watched you, his golden eyes narrowed with concentration. He brought his other hand up, capturing his kuru, then gently coaxing your own into the open. He brought the delicate nerve bundles together, and the world sharpened instantly, the connection between you flooding with your confusion and a startling, burgeoning pleasure. He felt it, you knew he did. His ears flicked, a small tell.

Experimentally, he stroked your tail again. This time, he dragged his knuckles slowly down a few inches from the base, following the curve. The sensation was exquisite. A deep, rolling wave of heat washed over you, and your body answered in earnest. Your inner walls fluttered, your clit throbbing in tandem with the movement of his hand on your tail. You were perched directly over the ridge of his own loincloth, and you felt a definite, interested twitch from the cock housed within.

A slow, knowing smile spread across Solek's face. "Ah," he breathed, the sound a mix of surprise and delight. "I see."

His grip on your hip tightened, holding you steady as he began to move you. It wasn't a forceful thrust, but a slow, deliberate grind. He used the strength in his arms to guide your hips, rocking your clothed mound against the hard length of him. The friction was delicious, a maddening tease that did little to quell the fire he'd stoked.

His other hand, the one on your tail, never stopped its work. He was learning you, mapping your responses with a hunter's focus. He found another spot, a little lower than the last, and stroked there. The jolt was even more intense. A soft whimper escaped your lips, your head falling back as your fingers dug into his shoulders.

"Right there?" he rumbled, the vibration of his words traveling through your entire body.

You could only nod, your hips bucking against him, seeking more pressure, more friction, more of him. Your slick was soaking through the thin fabric now, making the glide against him impossibly smooth.

He obliged, pressing you down harder as he rolled his own hips up to meet yours. The combined pressure on your clit and the incessant, perfect stroking of your tail were too much. The coil in your belly wound tighter, tighter, your entire being focused on those two points of contact. His breathing was harsh now too, his pupils blown wide with a dark, hungry light as he watched you come undone.

"That's it," he urged, his voice low and rough. "Let go for me, yawne. Let me feel it."

And you did. Your orgasm crashed through you with the force of a flash flood. You cried out, a raw, unrestrained sound of pure bliss that echoed in the stone chamber. Your body convulsed, your inner walls clenching in rhythmic waves as pleasure flooded every nerve ending. Through your connected kuru, you felt a wave of his own satisfaction, a dark, possessive pride that he could unravel you so completely.

As the tremors began to subside, you slumped against him, boneless and panting. But he wasn't done. His hand on your tail slowed, becoming a gentle, petting caress, but it still sent little aftershocks of pleasure through you. His other hand moved to the tie of your loincloth, tugging it free with practiced ease. He did the same with his own, and the hard, heated length of his cock sprang free to press against your slick, sensitive folds.

He was big, beautifully so, and the feel of him against you was enough to stoke the embers of your arousal back into a roaring flame.

"I need to be inside you," he growled, the words both a statement and a question.

"Yes," you breathed, lifting your head to meet his gaze. "Please, Solek. Now."

He needed no further encouragement. With one hand guiding the thick head of his cock, and the other still resting proprietorially on the base of your tail, he slowly, deliberately, began to lower you onto him. The stretch was divine, a burn that melted into pure pleasure as he filled you inch by incredible inch. You were so wet, so ready for him, that he slid home until he was seated to the hilt.

You both groaned at the sheer perfection of the connection. Full. You were so impossibly, wonderfully full.

For a moment, you just sat there, adjusting to him, your bodies fused. Then, Solek began to move again. That slow, grinding rock of his hips started up once more, but this time there was no frustrating fabric between you. His cock dragged against your sensitive walls with every movement, and the pressure on your clit was direct and intoxicating.

His hand on your tail began its magic again, stroking and rubbing in that perfect, maddening rhythm that was synced to the roll of his hips. The dual stimulation was almost too much to bear. Every upward stroke of his hand was met with a downward thrust of his hips, and every drag of his cock out of you was paired with a teasing caress along the sensitive length of your tail.

You found your own rhythm, lifting yourself up and then sinking back down, taking him deep. His free hand moved to your ass, gripping the soft flesh there, helping you ride him. The sounds of your union filled the cave. The wet slap of skin on skin, your shared gasps and moans, the crackle of the fire.

Your pleasure was building again, faster this time, higher. You could feel his own climax approaching, too, through the frantic pulse of your tswin and the way his thrusts became deeper, more urgent. His grip on your tail tightened, his strokes becoming firmer, more demanding.

"Solek!" you cried, your body arching.

"Come with me," he commanded, his voice a strained snarl of pure need. He surged up, meeting your downward plunge, and his thumb found a particularly sensitive spot on your tail, pressing hard.

That was all it took. Your vision went white as your second orgasm tore through you, even more powerful than the first. Your body clamped down on him, your inner walls milking his cock as you screamed his name to the uncaring stone. You felt him follow you over the edge with a guttural roar, his hips bucking wildly as he spilled himself deep inside you, the heat of his release flooding you.

The pleasure was blinding, all-consuming, a supernova that erased everything but the feel of him and the explosive sensation in your tail.

When the last shuddering wave finally receded, all the strength left your body. You went limp, collapsing forward onto his broad, sweaty chest. His arms came around you immediately, holding you close as you both fought to catch your breath. Your face was buried in the crook of his neck, and you could feel the frantic pounding of his heart against your cheek.

Solek's chest heaved beneath you, a warm, solid anchor in the aftermath of your shared storm. For long moments, the only sounds in the cave were the crackle of the fire and your mingled, ragged breaths slowly evening out. You were a dead weight atop him, your body replete, your muscles liquid. His cock still nestled inside you, a gentle, warm presence.

His hand, which had been the instrument of your delicious undoing, now rested on your back, a comforting weight. But he couldn't seem to leave your tail alone. He began a slow, lazy stroking from base to tip, a possessive, tender gesture. Even now, softened and sated as you were, it sent gentle, pleasant tremors through you, little echoes of the seismic pleasure you'd just experienced.

He pressed a soft kiss to your temple, his lips warm against your skin. "Tired, my little storm?" he rumbled, the vibration of his deep voice a soothing balm.

You made a wordless sound of agreement, nuzzling deeper into him. The scent of him, clean mountain air, exertion, and something uniquely Solek, filled your senses.

A low chuckle rumbled through his chest. "Good." He shifted slightly, the movement causing him to shift within you, drawing a soft, involuntary sigh from your lips. "You were loud tonight. I think the banshees on the next peak heard you."

Heat flooded your cheeks, but you lacked the energy to even lift your head to glare at him. You just pinched the skin on his side lightly, a gesture he answered with another deep, rumbling laugh.

"I like it," he murmured, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. "I like knowing I can make you scream." He punctuated the words with another firm, proprietary stroke of your tail. "And I like this." His fingers traced the curve of your tail, mapping it as if memorizing a treasure map. "I did not know..."

He trailed off, but you knew what he meant. Neither of you had. This new pathway to pleasure, this direct line from your tail to your core, was a discovery, a secret just for the two of you.

"Mine," he breathed, the word a soft, possessive growl against your hair. His arms tightened around you, pulling you impossibly closer. You were enveloped by him, surrounded by his strength and the lingering scent of your lovemaking. Sleep began to tug at the edges of your consciousness, a heavy, welcome blanket.

He shifted again, carefully this time, rolling you both onto your sides without breaking your connection. You ended up nestled against him, your chest to his chest, one of his arms slung over your waist to hold you close. Your leg draped over his, and your tail curled to rest over his hip. His other hand continued its slow, mesmerizing petting of your tail, a rhythmic, hypnotic motion.

You lay there in the warm, flickering firelight, the cave quiet and safe around you. The wild energy had been spent, replaced by a deep, abiding contentment. His breath was a steady rhythm against your chest, his heartbeat a constant, reassuring thrum in your ear.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[just-another-idk]

Gentle Hands: Oneshot

So'lek x avatar!reader For @junebugonjupiter jealousy in June event. Prompt 29 'Keep Your Hands to Yourself' and Prompt 30 'Reader gets into a Fight'.

Word count: 1703

HANDS OFF!

So'lek was making his way through the Zeswa camp when he noticed the women watching him.

It was not unusual.

Since becoming more involved with the clans, he had grown accustomed to curious looks, whispered conversations, and the occasional attempt at flirtation.

Most stopped when they noticed the bracelet on his wrist or the odd mark blooming on his collarbone, jaw or neck.

Most understood what it meant.

Apparently these women did not.

The first approached with a bright smile.

The second followed shortly after.

By the time he realized what was happening, he found himself being slowly surrounded.

"So'lek," one purred, stepping closer. 

The warrior immediately knew where this conversation was heading.

Unfortunately.

"You are difficult to find."

"I am usually working."

The women laughed.

One moved closer.

Then another.

The warrior resisted the urge to sigh.

Normally this never became a problem.

Whenever (Y/n) was nearby, most women kept their distance.

Some because they respected the bond between them.

Others because they had seen the way So'lek unconsciously gravitated toward her, always finding some excuse to stand beside her, touch her hand, or rest a protective arm around her shoulders.

There was never any doubt where his attention belonged.

And if there was, one look from his mate was usually enough to remind them.

Today, however, (Y/n) was nowhere in sight.

Unfortunately, that seemed to have made certain people far bolder than usual.

One of them reached out and grabbed his forearm, her hand running appreciatively over the muscle there. "You are certainly strong."

So'lek glanced down at her hand.

Then back at her face. 

The woman either ignored or completely missed the warning in his expression.

"You are quite handsome," she continued. "Why not spend some time with me? We could get to know one another better."

"I have a mate."

The answer came immediately. Firm. Final.

The woman smiled anyway. "She is not even Na'vi."

The warrior's expression darkened slightly.

The woman either didn't notice or didn't care.

"She will not mind."

His eyes narrowed.

"And she will not know."

The amusement vanished from his face entirely.

"You are questioning my honour and loyalty." The words emerged cold. Sharp. "Doubt them again and I will take offence."

The woman laughed.

"As if it is truly dishonourable." She waved a dismissive hand. "Her kind has no honour anyway."

Something dangerous flickered behind So'lek's eyes.

The women finally noticed. Too late.

"Yes," another added. "And someone like you clearly knows how to treat a woman."

A third woman scoffed loudly. "Why waste yourself on her at all?"

The others murmured in agreement.

"You should choose a woman from your own kind."

"A true Na'vi."

"Not some demon from the stars."

So'lek went completely still.

The women seemed to mistake his silence for consideration.

One stepped closer.

"You are a warrior. Strong. Respected."

Another smiled.

"You deserve better than a sky demon in false skin."

The warrior's jaw tightened. His ears flattened against his head.

Still they continued. Oblivious.

"She does not belong here."

"She never will."

The air around So'lek seemed to grow colder.

His gaze swept over each woman in turn.

The smiles began to falter.

"You speak ill of my mate again," he said quietly, "and I will forget that you stand beneath this clan's protection."

Several women visibly paled.

But one stubbornly lifted her chin.

"Why?" she demanded. "Because we speak the truth?"

Before So'lek could tell them exactly what he thought of that statement—

A fist tangled itself into the hair of the woman hanging off So'lek's arm.

The Zeswa barely managed a surprised yelp before she grabbed the hand tangled in her hair, clutching at her attacker's wrist and yelling as she was violently dragged backwards.

So'lek froze.

Everyone watching froze.

The woman was being dragged through the dirt as (Y/n) repeatedly lost her grip on the woman's hair and grabbed hold again, hauling her farther each time.

"Hands."

Yank.

"Off."

Yank.

"My."

Yank.

"Husband."

Another vicious pull nearly sent the woman sprawling before (Y/n) finally snapped.

"And what part of 'mated' is confusing to you?"

The woman was flung with all of (Y/n)'s strength directly into a nearby pile of mud.

So'lek stared.

His jaw fell open.

For a moment, So'lek genuinely forgot how to speak.

Forgot how to move. Forgot how to do anything except watch.

Because surely he had not just witnessed his sweet, gentle mate grab a woman by the hair and throw her into a pile of mud.

So'lek rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't dreaming.

Surely not. Yet there she was.

If anything, the situation only became more unbelievable with every passing second.

Because standing between him and the Zeswa woman was his mate.

His sweet mate. His gentle mate.

His mate had just grabbed someone by the hair and thrown them into mud.

The warrior's brain stopped working.

The Zeswa woman scrambled upright. Covered in dirt. Furious.

She charged.

(Y/n) did not retreat.

The crack echoed across the camp.

The slap turned the woman's head sideways.

"How dare you question my mate's faithfulness to me."

Another slap.

Even louder.

The entire camp watched in stunned silence.

So'lek's heart did something strange. It lurched. Then swelled.

Then somehow managed to fall completely in love with her all over again.

He could not stop staring.

At the fire in her eyes. At the way she planted herself between him and anyone who dared disrespect their bond. Disrespected him. At the sheer outrage radiating from every inch of her.

She e was ready to wage war over him.

Something warm settled deep in his chest.

A feeling so powerful it almost hurt. Because beneath the fury, beneath the slaps and threats and righteous indignation, all he could see was how fiercely she loved him.

So fiercely she'd resort to violence to get her message across.

The realization struck him with enough force to leave him momentarily breathless.

A smile threatened at the corners of his mouth.

He was supposed to be stopping this but he couldn't get over the sight. 

"And how dare you suggest he is dishonourable enough to seek another woman while being mated to me."

Another slap.

The woman stumbled backwards.

(Y/n) advanced. Eyes blazing. For perhaps the first time in her entire life, she looked genuinely dangerous.

The Zeswa fell backwards into the mud.

Again.

(Y/n) lifted her foot— And suddenly found her arm caught.

She spun.

Ready to continue her rampage.

Only to find So'lek standing there.

The warrior looked torn between concern, amazement, fear and overwhelming affection.

The sight only seemed to annoy her further. "You."

Her finger jabbed his chest.

The warrior blinked. Honestly? It was adorable.

"You?!"

Another jab.

He took a step backwards.

Mostly on instinct.

His mate advanced.

"You ever so much as think about another woman—"

Jab.

"Or if I ever see one hanging off your arms again—"

Jab.

The warrior continued retreating. Not because he was afraid. Because he was desperately trying not to laugh.

She was furious. Absolutely furious. And somehow it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

(Y/n) pointed downward. "I will castrate you."

The camp collectively inhaled.

"You hear me?"

Jab.

"So nobody can have you."

The warrior stared.

Oh.

She was serious.

It filled him with such overwhelming affection that he thought his heart might burst.

Before she could continue her speech, So'lek stepped forward and wrapped both arms around her waist.

The woman immediately squawked in protest."So'lek—"

The warrior lifted her clean off the ground.

The protest died instantly.

Then he started laughing. Not mocking. Not cruel. Pure happiness.

"(Y/n)." He pressed a kiss to her forehead. Then her cheek. Then the other cheek.

The woman tried maintaining her glare. Failed spectacularly.

"There is no one else."

Another kiss.

"No other woman."

Another.

"There never will be."

Another.

"You are my mate."

His forehead settled against hers.

The smile never leaving his face.

"My only mate. For life."

The anger finally began to fade from her expression.

Replaced by embarrassment.

Then realization.

Then horror.

Because now she was becoming aware that the entire camp had witnessed everything.

Her eyes narrowed at him.

"Good," she muttered. "Because I may be a healer, but I can use my talents for harm."

"And I will use it to make you suffer."

So'lek's smile somehow widened.

The warrior who had faced armies and survived wars looked happier in that moment than anyone had ever seen him.

Because for the first time since meeting her, he had witnessed his gentle, endlessly kind mate become territorial.

And Eywa help him—He found it absolutely adorable.

"You would not," he said, entirely unconvinced.

"I would."

He kissed her nose.

"I mean it."

Another kiss landed on her cheek.

"You are not taking this seriously."

"I am."

He kissed her again.

The glare she shot him could have withered plants.

So'lek loved it.

Loved the way her ears burned with embarrassment while she continued trying to look intimidating.

Most of all, he loved that every threat came from love. From possessiveness. From the simple fact that she wanted him and no one else.

His heart felt impossibly full.

"You smile one more time and I will make good on my threat."

Another kiss.

The warrior's grin only widened.

"(Y/n)," he murmured affectionately.

"I am warning you."

A kiss to her temple.

"I have survived the battle of ayrum alysing."

"By my good graces."

Kiss.

"AMP suits."

Kiss.

"The RDA."

Kiss.

"But I do not think anything has ever frightened me as much as my mate when she is angry."

Then he kissed her again before she could continue.

The next threat died on her lips.

For a moment she simply stared at him.

And So'lek looked back with such open adoration that her anger faltered completely.

There was no teasing in his eyes now. Only love. Endless, unwavering love.

His thumb brushed her cheek.

"I love you," he said softly.

The words stole the rest of her fury.

Though she still narrowed her eyes stubbornly. "And I am still not done with you."

"I know."

He kissed her once more.

"And I love that too."

@whos-nin1 @lvlypinkesworld @loaf-with-jam @deepangelpartykid @itsfrenchxfrxes @quietlydecafinated @lovelyinthesunlitsky @lizzy91768 @bxxbeaxxb @twentysomethingwereyote @jillxty @rinitoshi13 @gvyknkj @nikomenom @intervitadatura @buckybluebarnes @theatregeek-247 @valinat @rinitoshi13 @sunshinescubagear @7leo7 @eeorrrr @layingintheloam @poppyw4 @marija4674 @miniverse-zen @ur-juno @sleepisfortheweakpooh @akamenaruto14 @pinkglittertaco @annoyingasexual @grcsbluepen @deepwaterdreams @cantaloupesoda @justhereiguess2 @idkmanimjstired @yaaraz @user153639937

[just-another-idk]

Gentle Hands

So'lek x fem!avatar driver reader inspired by Tsumuke written by @lvlypinkesworld

Part 19 > Part 19.2 (18+) > Part 20 > Part 21

Morning After

(Y/n) woke feeling as though something had crawled inside her skull and was attempting to hammer its way back out.

A miserable sound escaped her.

The movement alone made her regret existing.

Her head pounded.

Her stomach felt suspicious.

Not quite enough to be sick.

Enough that she was considering it.

The only pleasant thing in the entire world was the pair of arms wrapped securely around her waist.

She remained there for several moments, eyes closed, debating whether death might be preferable.

Unfortunately, So'lek noticed she was awake.

He sat up slightly, still cradling her securely in his arms.

One arm tightening around her.

"Are you feeling alright, yawne?"

The answer was obvious.

(Y/n) shook her head.

Immediately regretted it.

The motion sent another wave of pain through her skull.

His chest rumbled softly against her back.

The woman opened one eye.

Then the other.

"My head hurts."

A kiss landed against her cheek.

"Yes."

Another.

"You had a bit too much to drink."

Memory began returning in scattered fragments.

Firelight.

Music.

Dancing.

Zanke.

Tamtey laughing.

Nesim laughing.

Everyone laughing.

Her stomach dropped.

That could not be good.

Slowly she pushed herself upright.

Every muscle in her body complained.

A deep weariness lingered beneath her skin.

The sort that settled into bone.

Then she froze.

Her eyes dropped.

No clothing.

Not on her.

Not on him.

The familiarity settled in before the memory did. The marks scattered across So'lek's skin were one thing, but the deep ache lingering between her legs—and the pleasant soreness woven through the rest of her body—was unmistakable. She knew exactly what had caused it.

(Y/n) stared.

The warrior was absolutely covered in marks.

Some along his neck.

Others across his shoulders and chest.

bite marks and bruises that she had caused.

Lots of bite marks and bruises.

Far too many bite marks and bruises.

Her eyes widened.

Then widened further.

"Oh no."

So'lek's mouth twitched.

The woman looked genuinely horrified.

"What happened?"

The warrior reached up and brushed a loose braid from her face.

"Ma yawne."

A kiss touched her forehead.

"When you are under the influence of zanke..."

The pause was not reassuring.

"You were quite enthusiastic."

The woman made another miserable sound.

One somehow worse than the first.

Her face burned.

"No."

The denial was immediate.

Weak.

Hopeless.

The warrior chuckled.

A deep, warm sound.

"(Y/n)," he said gently, amusement dancing in his eyes. "You were whispering such things into my ears."

Her stomach dropped.

"Oh Eywa."

"How could I not give you what you wanted?"

The woman immediately buried her face in both hands.

A strangled noise escaped her.

The warrior's shoulders shook.

He was absolutely laughing at her.

"So'lek."

"You were very persuasive."

"Stop talking."

"You sat on my lap whispering how much you wanted me to mate with you until dawn."

"STOP TALKING."

His chest finally shook with unmistakable laughter.

"I learned a new sky person word."

(Y/n) immediately knew she was not going to like where this was going.

"Oh?"

"Two, actually."

The woman groaned and buried her face against his chest.

"Sexy and fuck."

The silence that followed had lasted all of three seconds before (Y/n) felt her soul attempting to leave her body.

"No."

The protest came immediately.

Horrified.

She buried her face in her hands.

"Please tell me I did not actually say that."

So'lek's expression was far too calm.

Far too amused.

"You did."

The woman groaned.

A long, suffering sound.

"Eywa take me now."

The warrior's ears flicked.

Barely concealing his amusement.

"You were very passionate about it."

"I hate you."

"No, ma yawne."

His smile widened slightly.

"You thought it was an excellent observation."

(Y/n) looked ready to throw herself into the nearest river.

"I cannot believe I said that in front of everyone."

"You said many things in front of everyone."

"That is not helping."

The warrior leaned closer.

Voice lowering just enough.

"For what it is worth, I was pleased to learn I am apparently sexy and that you wish to fuck with me."

The woman made a strangled noise and immediately hid her face again. "Please stop saying that."

So'lek finally laughed.

His poor mate.

Though if he was being honest, last night had been one of the most bewildering experiences of his life.

His thoughts drifted back.

To the way she had attached herself to his side the moment the zanke truly took hold.

At first he had assumed she was simply unsteady.

Then she had refused to let go of him. Not for a moment.

The memory made his ears flick slightly.

She had been shamelessly affectionate. Bold in ways she never was while sober. Complimenting him at every opportunity. Touching his face. Playing with his braids.

Informing anyone within hearing distance that he was handsome.

Repeatedly.

Tamtey had nearly injured himself laughing.

So'lek had wanted the ground to swallow him whole.

And yet...

A small warmth settled in his chest.

Because every word had been sincere. Every lingering touch. Every smile she had directed at him.

His mate had looked at him as though he were the most fascinating thing she had ever seen.

It had been terrifying.

And he had loved every moment of it.

Even when she had become outrageously flirtatious.

Especially then.

The warrior closed his eyes briefly.

Eywa help him.

She had climbed directly into his lap at one point.

In full view of everyone.

Then, apparently deciding that was not enough, she had marked his neck repeatedly while whispering words of seduction only for his ears to hear.

As though she were the hunter and he the prey.

The memory alone threatened to make him laugh.

Or hide.

Possibly both.

He had spent most of the evening trying to maintain some semblance of dignity while his intoxicated mate systematically destroyed it.

The memory of Tamtey nearly falling over from laughter surfaced.

Followed by Nesim.

Followed by Minang trying and failing to hide her amusement.

The warrior closed his eyes briefly.

He suspected those stories would survive for many years.

Especially the parts involving her compliments.

And how bold the usually shy and gentle healer had become.

The compliments.

The shameless flirting.

The way she had clung to him without a trace of embarrassment.

And, unfortunately for his dignity, the moment she had bitten his backside in full view of several very entertained clan members.

A faint smile threatened to appear.

He suppressed it.

Mostly.

(Y/n) eventually lifted her head again.

The movement was considerably slower this time.

Her eyes travelled around their surroundings.

Leaves.

Roots.

Soft grass.

Filtered morning light.

Recognition slowly dawned.

"We are not in camp."

"No."

"We are not home."

"No."

The woman frowned.

Trying to remember.

Failing.

Then she looked at the enormous hollow shelter pod surrounding them.

Realization flickered across her face.

"We slept here?"

The warrior's ears flicked slightly.

"You insisted that I mate with you."

(Y/n) stared. "What?"

"You did not wish to wait until we returned home."

His expression remained infuriatingly calm.

"You wanted me right there and then."

The woman looked as though her soul had left her body.

"So I brought you to a bushshelter pod where the branches would hide us from prying eyes and ears."

"You were very insistent."

(Y/n) slowly covered her face.

The warrior reached over and gently pulled her hands away.

A faint smile lingered at the corner of his mouth.

"And I find it very difficult to say no to you."

He leaned in and pecked her cheek.

The woman made a strangled noise. Somewhere between horror and disbelief.

(Y/n) covered her face again. "Please stop remembering things."

The warrior's shoulders shook slightly.

"You asked."

"I changed my mind."

The woman peeked through her fingers.

Then noticed something else.

No witnesses.

Just them.

The knot in her stomach loosened slightly.

Good.

Maybe nobody remembered. She prayed no one would remember.

The healer groaned and collapsed against him again.

The warrior wrapped both arms around her. Holding her close. His chin settled lightly atop her head.

For a while neither spoke. The morning remained quiet around them. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves overhead. Animals called somewhere beyond the shelter.

(Y/n) could have fallen asleep right there.

In fact she was considering it.

Then another pulse of pain reminded her she was still alive. Unfortunately.

"Take me home, So'lek."

The request came quietly. Miserably.

The warrior lowered his head and pressed a kiss into her hair.

"I wish to sleep the entire day away."

That sounded like an excellent idea.

His mate looked exhausted. Hungover. Embarrassed. And entirely done with the world.

The warrior carefully gathered her back into his arms before she could attempt standing on her own.

The woman immediately relaxed against him.

Not even pretending she intended to walk.

A wise decision.

The last thing he needed was his mate falling into a bush because she had consumed enough zanke to make a Zakru dizzy.

The memory nearly made him smile again.

"Wait."

(Y/n) lifted her head from his shoulder.

Then immediately regretted it when her headache reminded her it still existed.

"What about our clothes?"

So'lek's ears flicked.

For the first time since she'd woken, he actually looked slightly guilty.

The warrior shifted her more securely in his arms before turning toward a corner of the shelter pod.

"Unfortunately, yawne..."

His voice carried the unmistakable tone of someone who knew he was about to make things worse.

"I got carried away as well."

(Y/n) followed his gaze.

Then froze.

Their clothing lay in a small pile.

Or what remained of their clothing.

Leather strips.

Torn fabric.

Damaged fastenings.

One sleeve that appeared to have completely lost its battle with existence.

The healer stared.

Then stared harder.

Then covered her face.

"So'lek."

The warrior wisely said nothing.

"SO'LEK."

His shoulders shook slightly.

Not quite laughter.

Close.

The woman looked down at herself.

The only thing she still wore was the necklace he had given her.

That was it.

Nothing else.

The realization hit her all at once and she immediately wanted to crawl into the ground and remain there forever.

"I am naked and covered in bruises and bite marks. And look at my thighs, So'lek. Those are clearly YOUR fingerprints."

The words came out horrified. Completely horrified.

The warrior stepped closer and pressed a kiss against her forehead.

"There is no need to worry."  His hand settled against the back of her head.

"We are heading straight home."

So'lek's hand slid to her waist as he adjusted his hold again.

His expression softened.

"I am not ashamed of being seen like this."

His eyes drifted briefly across her face.

Then lower.

Then back again.

"But you..."

The warrior shook his head.

"This is only for my eyes."

(Y/n) narrowed her eyes immediately.

"Oh."

The healer pointed directly at him.

"And other women can look at you like this?"

The warrior blinked.

"I did not—"

"I think not."

Her finger remained pointed. Accusatory. Judgemental. Entirely serious despite the fact she looked moments away from falling asleep.

"See those marks, So'lek?"

The warrior glanced down.

There were many marks.

An alarming number of marks.

The healer folded her arms. Or attempted to. The effort lasted approximately three seconds before she yawned.

"I will bite harder."

The threat would have been significantly more intimidating if it had not been interrupted by a yawn halfway through.

So'lek stared at her.

The warrior decided that was not a conversation he wished to encourage.

"Which is exactly why we are going straight home."

(Y/n) looked entirely pleased with herself. As though she had won something. Perhaps she had.

A few moments later her head dropped against his shoulder again.

The fight left her as quickly as it had arrived.

The hangover was winning.

Her eyes were already closing.

"So'lek?"

"Hm?"

"If Tamtey remembers any of this..."

The warrior began walking.

"I know."

"I am moving to another planet."

His chest rumbled softly.

The woman groaned.

Then buried her face against his neck.

And before they had even reached Iley, she was asleep again.

The warrior climbed onto his ikran carefully, keeping one arm securely around her while settling her against his chest.

She made a small sound of protest when he adjusted her.

Then immediately relaxed again.

Content the moment she realised he was still there.

The morning breeze stirred her braids as Iley launched into the air.

Below them, the plains stretched endlessly toward the horizon.

So'lek watched the world pass beneath them.

His free hand drifted absently to one of the marks along his shoulder.

The skin still stung slightly.

His ears flicked.

"And other women can look at you like this?"

Her voice had lowered.

Possessive.

Protective.

Completely clear-minded.

"Because I do not think I like that, So'lek."

The warrior's mouth twitched.

Then came the threat.

"I will bite harder."

The threat itself had not been particularly intimidating.

Mostly because she had yawned halfway through it.

Still.

He found himself smiling.

His mate was normally gentle to a fault. Kind. Patient.

The sort of person who worried more about everyone else's feelings than her own.

Yet beneath all of that there had apparently been a possessive streak all along.

One she usually hid.

The zanke had made her bolder, loosening the restraint that normally kept such thoughts unspoken. And the mere idea of someone coveting something that was hers had revealed an entirely new side of her.

His fingers brushed another mark.

There were many.

There were far more than he ever would have expected.

His mate had certainly been enthusiastic.

The warrior shook his head.

She had been impossible.

Absolutely impossible.

And somehow even more difficult to resist than usual.

A sleeping (Y/n) shifted against him.

The warrior adjusted his hold without thinking.

One arm tightening around her.

Keeping her secure.

Her cheek pressed against his chest.

The necklace he had given her caught the morning light.

So'lek looked down at her.

The woman who had saved his life.

The woman who had turned his camp into a home.

The woman currently threatening exile to another planet because she was embarrassed by what she had said and done while drunk.

His thumb brushed lightly across her shoulder.

She did not wake.

Just moved a little closer.

The warrior looked away before the smile on his face could grow any larger.

His poor mate.

When she remembered more of last night she was going to spend the next week hiding from Tamtey.

And Tamtey was absolutely going to make that impossible.

So'lek had Iley land atop the floating mountain that housed their home.

The fresh mountain air greeted them immediately.

Cool. Fresh. Carried by a steady breeze that moved through the trees and hanging vines.

Exactly what his mate needed.

(Y/n) barely stirred when he climbed down from Iley's saddle. The woman remained tucked securely against his chest, her arms loosely wrapped around him, still half asleep despite the flight.

The warrior adjusted his hold and started toward the entrance of their home.

Then paused.

Near the edge of the top entrance to the cavern, they called home sat a small alcove nestled among the trees and roots that grew across the floating peak.

Thick branches curved overhead, forming a natural shelter. Curtains of vines hung between the the roots, their leaves creating shifting walls of green that filtered the sunlight into soft beams of gold. Blue flowers bloomed among the greenery, their petals swaying gently whenever the breeze passed through.

The ground was covered in soft moss, grasses, and fallen leaves.

Sheltered from the sun while remaining open to the fresh air. A place where the wind whispered through the leaves overhead. A place where someone could sleep for hours without being disturbed.

Perfect.

So'lek carried her inside.

The warrior  carefully lowered her into his lap before arranging her comfortably against him.

(Y/n) made a small sound of approval. Half asleep. Barely conscious.

Her head found his chest. One arm draped across his stomach.

Satisfied.

The warrior adjusted a few leaves beneath her shoulder. Moved a stray root away from where it might become uncomfortable.

Then pulled her a little closer.

Only once he was certain she was comfortable did he lower his head and press a kiss into her hair.

The woman sighed softly.

Already drifting deeper into sleep.

So'lek remained still. Listening to the breeze. Listening to the distant cries of creatures flying between the floating mountains. Listening to the slow rhythm of her breathing.

His eyes drifted across the landscape beyond the alcove.

A few short days. Perhaps a few weeks. He had honestly lost track.

Time seemed different now.

Before her, his days had been measured by patrols. Battles. Training. Plans.

The endless burden of responsibility to aid the resistance in the fight against the RDA.

Avenging his clan. Protecting what remained. Teaching the Sarentu.

Making certain the Sarentu would never suffer the same fate as his own clan.

Those things still mattered.

Always would.

Yet somewhere along the way another priority had quietly worked its way into his life.

A shy dreamwalker who collected injured animals. A healer who carried enough medicine to fill an entire camp. A woman who somehow managed to make every place she visited feel warmer.

His gaze lowered to her sleeping face.

The grief he carried for his clan had never disappeared.

He doubted it ever would.

Some wounds remained for life. But she had made it easier to bear.

Like a lantern carried through darkness.

Not removing the darkness. Simply giving him enough light to keep walking.

His hand settled against her back.

The warrior could feel her breathing.

He loved her fiercely. More fiercely than he had ever loved before.

His mate. His home. His future. His everything.

The woman shifted slightly in her sleep.

Instinctively moving closer.

Her fingers curled lightly against his chest.

So'lek's arm tightened around her.

The breeze moved through the hanging vines. Blue flowers swayed overhead.

The mountain remained quiet around them.

The warrior rested his head back against the ground and closed his eyes.

His last waking thought was the sound of her breathing.

A sound he suspected he would never grow tired of hearing.

Not for the rest of his life.

The Scorpion touched down just outside the Zeswa main camp.

Before the engines had even fully powered down, Ri'nela was already climbing out.

A journal sat open in her hands.

One of (Y/n)'s. The pages were covered in sketches of bones, muscle groups, handwritten observations and treatment notes gathered over years of caring for Pandora's creatures.

Ri'nela had spent most of the flight reading.

And worrying.

She usually watched (Y/n) tend to injured animals. Usually (Y/n) explained what she was doing. Usually (Y/n) was the one making the decisions and she’d be helping as an assistant.

Today was different. Today she was expected to help without the healer standing beside her.

The thought made her stomach flutter nervously. Worried she might get something wrong. 

Ri'nela closed the journal and stepped away from the Scorpion.

Almost immediately she spotted Tamtey jogging toward her.

"Ri'nela." The young man lifted a hand in greeting. Then winced.

Ri'nela narrowed her eyes. "You look terrible."

Tamtey pressed a hand to his forehead. "I may have had too much zanke last night."

Ri'nela looked entirely unsurprised. "Tamtey, if there is an injured direhorse, why not call (Y/n)?"

"(Y/n) already set the legs." He rubbed his temple. "I figured you would know what else to do to help it with the pain."

Another wince. "And mine."

Ri'nela sighed. "Yes, there is a tea recipe that should help your headache."

Tamtey looked relieved.

Then Ri'nela folded her arms.

"That does not answer my question."

The young man suddenly found the ground fascinating.

"Where is she?"

Tamtey's mouth twitched. Then he snorted. Then he started laughing.

Ri'nela's eyes narrowed further.

"I do not think we shall be seeing (Y/n) at all today."

"What do you mean?"

Tamtey looked delighted. The sort of delighted that only came from possessing information he absolutely should not have.

"Let us just say she is probably recovering from the influence of zanke."

Ri'nela frowned. "Tamtey?"

The young man grinned.

"She was all over So'lek last night."

Ri'nela blinked. Once. Twice. Her head tilted "(Y/n)?"

"Yes." He chuckled

"You should have seen it."

Ri'nela continued staring in confusion. 

Tamtey smirked "She was whispering things into his ears that made So'lek look like the happiest man on Pandora and the most terrified at the same time."

Ri'nela looked genuinely confused. "Are you sure we are talking about the same (Y/n)?"

The same shy healer who turned red if somebody complimented her? The same woman who occasionally hid behind her hands when flustered? The same woman who struggled to tell So'lek she liked him even though they're mates?

Tamtey pointed at himself. "Ri'nela."

"I was there."

The grin widened.

"She even bit his backside."

Ri'nela gave him a look that clearly said you are making this up.

Tamtey immediately shook his head. "I swear by Eywa."

"You cannot be serious."

"I am."

Ri'nela rubbed her face. The image refused to fit with anything she knew about (Y/n).

Meanwhile Tamtey looked like he might start laughing again. "Can you imagine her this morning?"

The young man was practically vibrating with amusement. "She may blush so hard she faints."

Ri'nela sighed. The sigh of someone already regretting the conversation.

"You know if (Y/n) finds out you are gossiping about her, she will poison your tea."

Tamtey considered that. Carefully.

For almost three seconds.

Then shrugged.

"It is a risk I am willing to take."

Ri'nela shook her head. "One day your confidence will be your downfall."

"Perhaps."

Another wince crossed his face as his headache reminded him it still existed.

The young man immediately regretted speaking so loudly.

Ri'nela watched him suffer for a moment. Then reached into her satchel. The small pouch hit him squarely in the chest.

Tamtey fumbled it. "What is this?"

"The herbs for your tea."

The Sarentu leader started walking toward the Pa'li grounds. "You can gossip after you help me treat the direhorse."

Tamtey looked down at the pouch.

Then back at Ri'nela.

Then sighed. Long. Tired. Resigned.

The sort of sigh that came from realizing he was about to spend the rest of the day working.

"Fine."

The young man hurried after her.

Though not before adding one final comment. "For the record, So'lek looked very happy."

Ri'nela groaned. "Tamtey."

"What?"

"Walk faster."

"I am walking."

"Faster."

"Yes, ma Ri'nela."

So'lek woke sometime later.

He did not know how much time had passed.

The sun had shifted.

The breeze had cooled slightly.

The mountain remained quiet around them.

For several moments he simply lay there, listening to the wind moving through the vines overhead.

Then he felt the familiar weight on his chest.

His eyes lowered.

(Y/n).

Still asleep.

Very asleep.

The healer had somehow managed to move even closer while he slept.

At some point she had practically climbed on top of him.

Her face was resting against his chest, her hands sprawled out..

And, unless he was mistaken—

The warrior glanced down.

Yes.

She had drooled on him.

A small wet patch sat on his chest.

So'lek at her. Then smiled.

The poor woman would be absolutely horrified if she knew.

His hand settled against her shoulder. His thumb rubbed slow circles against her skin.

A kiss found the top of her head.

She did not stir. Not even slightly.

The warrior's smile grew.

A sight he would never tire of.

The mountain could have crumbled around him and he suspected she would still be asleep.

His gaze lingered on her face.

The Great Mother had placed many things in his path throughout his life. Some good. Some terrible. Some painful enough that he still carried them years later.

But this woman...

The warrior lowered his head slightly.

A silent thanks passed through his mind.

For her. For the chance encounter that had brought a nervous dreamwalker into his life. For every argument. Every conversation. Every stolen moment. Every morning he woke to find her curled against him.

His eyes drifted across the alcove.

Then back to her.

The problem was that eventually she needed to wake up. His mate needed food. Water. A bath.

He needed those things as well.

Though he suspected she needed them more.

Especially after the amount of zanke she had consumed.

His eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

He should probably make certain her muscles were not overly sore. Make sure the marks he had left were not bothering her. Check whether the bites were stinging.

The thought brought his hand unconsciously to his neck.

A faint sting greeted him.

The warrior's ears flicked.

His fingers brushed over one of the marks she'd left behind.

A memory surfaced immediately.

"I do not think I like that, So'lek."

"I will bite harder."

The warrior closed his eyes briefly.

Yes.

He would definitely be more careful around zanke in the future.

His mate was dangerous.

Adorable.

But dangerous.

The problem remained.

He looked down again.

Wake her?

Or let her sleep?

The warrior studied her face. Her breathing remained deep and steady. The sort of breathing that came from complete exhaustion.

His hand moved to rest at the back of her head. She leaned into the touch without waking.

That settled it.

No.

He could not wake her.

The very thought felt cruel.

He thought of her opening those sleepy eyes only for her to realise he had disturbed her for food and bathing.

The warrior almost felt guilty just imagining it.

No.

Absolutely not.

Food could wait.

Bathing could wait.

His stomach could complain all it wanted.

She was asleep.

Properly asleep.

The kind that came after exhaustion finally caught up to someone.

The warrior shifted slightly.

Careful not to disturb her.

His arm tightened around her instead.

The woman immediately moved closer. As though she had sensed the movement even in her sleep.

A small smile appeared on So'lek's face. The warrior settled back against the moss.

The breeze continued to drift through the alcove.

He briefly considered getting up anyway.

The idea had merit.

He could cook something.

The smell alone might be enough to wake her naturally.

His mate rarely ignored food for long when it smelled good.

His eyes drifted down to the sleeping woman sprawled across his chest.

Who was he kidding?

She would absolutely ignore it.

The woman had once fallen asleep while waiting for food.

Another time she had forgotten to eat entirely because she was busy... or someone had ruined her appetite.

No.

The smell of food was no guarantee.

The warrior imagined himself carefully shifting her off his chest.

Immediately he disliked the idea.

Her head would no longer be resting against him. The warm weight of her would disappear. The steady rise and fall of her breathing would no longer be pressed against his chest.

His thoughts wandered toward the distant glimmer of the small lake further along the floating mountain.

The water would be cool.

Refreshing.

A bath would probably do both of them good.

Especially after yesterday.

His fingers absentmindedly brushed another mark on his collarbone.

The sting remained. Not unpleasant. Just noticeable.

The memory that accompanied it was considerably more distracting.

His ears flicked.

The warrior looked toward the lake again.

Then frowned.

Bathing alone sounded remarkably unappealing.

Normally he did not care.

Before (Y/n), he had preferred solitude. Sought it out.

Now the thought of sitting in that lake without her felt strangely hollow.

He imagined the water. The breeze moving through the trees. 

Then imagined her beside him.

Laughing. Talking. Leaning into his side.

The second image was considerably better.

His hand settled against her back.

No.

Waiting was the superior option. The most logical option.

Certainly not because he enjoyed having her asleep on top of him. Or because the idea of moving her made him feel guilty. Or because he liked waking up and finding her immediately within reach.

Those things were entirely unrelated.

A small smile appeared before he could stop it.

So'lek's fate was sealed. Food could wait. Bathing could wait.

The entire world could wait.

His mate was comfortable.

His mate was asleep.

And the warrior suspected he would happily remain right where he was until she woke on her own.

Tamtey had left Ri'nela and Minang discussing tea blends beneath the shade of the Zeswa camp and headed back to patrol through the Upper Plains.

The headache from the zanke still lingered.

Not enough to stop him. Enough to remind him every few minutes that drinking competitions against Zeswa warriors were terrible ideas.

The young Sarentu crested a hill and immediately dropped into a crouch.

Gunfire.

His hand tightened around his rifle.

Another burst echoed across the plains.

Then came a sound that made his stomach drop.

A Soundblast Colossus screamed.

The cry rolled across the grasslands like thunder.

Tamtey broke into a sprint.

The scene revealed itself as he reached the next rise.

The Soundblast Colossus was trapped inside a massive metal restraint that had been driven into the ground. Heavy steel supports surrounded its body. Thick mechanical arms locked around its torso and neck. Shock cables ran from the machine directly into the creature's hide.

Every movement triggered a violent crack of electricity.

The giant animal thrashed.

The trap answered with another surge.

Its roar shook the ground.

Around it were RDA soldiers and two AMP suits.

One soldier was attempting to secure additional cables while another directed a flatbed truck closer.

Several dead animals littered the area.

Arrow deer. Direhorses. Another Soundblast Colossus.

Blood stained the grass.

Tamtey's stomach twisted.

Then the nearest AMP suit turned.

Saw him.

Opened fire.

The Sarentu threw himself sideways.

Rounds tore through the grass where he'd been standing moments earlier.

The impact drove him behind a fallen log.

Dirt sprayed over him.

The AMP suit advanced. Heavy metal feet shook the earth with every step.

Tamtey's hand dropped to his belt.

Grenade. He pulled the pin.

Counted.

One.

Two.

Then hurled it.

The explosion ripped through the clearing.

Fire erupted beneath the advancing AMP.

The blast rocked the machine backward.

Soldiers shouted. Smoke filled the air.

Tamtey was already moving. The young warrior burst from cover. Rifle raised.

The first soldier fell before he even realised Tamtey had changed positions.

The second turned.

Too slow.

The third tried diving behind the truck. A burst of fire dropped him into the grass.

The surviving AMP suit emerged from the smoke.

Its cannon swung toward him.

Tamtey sprinted directly at it.

The AMP pilot fired.

The rounds chased him across the clearing.

Grass exploded around his feet.

One shot clipped the ground close enough to shower him with dirt.

The Sarentu slid beneath the machine's reach.

The AMP tried turning.

Too late.

Tamtey leapt.

His fist crashed through the cockpit glass.

The pilot's eyes widened.

For one brief second both of them stared at each other.

Then Tamtey grabbed him.

And pulled.

The pilot screamed as he was dragged bodily through the shattered opening.

The young warrior slammed him into the ground.

Hard.

The fight left the man immediately.

Silence returned. Broken only by the trapped Soundblast's frightened cries.

Tamtey's breathing slowly steadied his racing heart. Catching his breath.

The young Sarentu approached the trapped creature cautiously.

The giant animal's eyes followed him. Terrified.

Another movement triggered the shock system. Electricity crackled through its body.

The Soundblast screamed.

Tamtey's jaw clenched. He hurried toward the control panel.

The machine hummed beside him.

Lights flickered across its display.

He raised his rifle,  he brought the butt of the weapon down with all his strength.

The panel shattered. Sparks erupted. The restraint system groaned. Metal arms collapsed into the dirt.

The electricity stopped.

Immediately the Soundblast sagged.Its enormous body trembling. Exhausted.

Tamtey approached slowly.

Hands visible. Voice low. "Easy." Just like (y/n) had taught him.

The giant creature watched him. Breathing hard. Its body shivered beneath his touch when he finally placed both hands against its neck.

"It's over."

For several moments neither moved.

Eventually the Soundblast gathered itself. Muscles trembled. Legs shook.

Then the creature pushed itself upright.

Tamtey stepped back.

The giant animal looked at him once.

Then ran. Disappearing across the plains.

The young warrior finally turned.

And truly looked at the site.

The battle suddenly felt insignificant.

Dead Arrow Deer. Dead Direhorses. Dead Soundblasts.

Bodies scattered across the grass.

The flatbed truck sat nearby.

Several shapes lay beneath heavy tarps.

Wrapped.

Waiting for transport.

Tamtey's stomach sank.

Slowly he walked toward the truck.

One corner of a tarp had come loose.

Enough to reveal hide. Hide. Claws.

Pieces of creatures that should have remained where Eywa intended them.

The young Sarentu looked back toward the shattered trap.

Toward the cables. Toward the containment system powerful enough to hold a Soundblast Colossus alive.

The dead creatures suddenly made sense.

A thousand possibilities ran through his mind.

Trophies. Testing. Experimentation. Collection. And worse...

The trap had been designed to keep something alive.

Tamtey's gaze lingered on it.

A chill crawled up his spine despite the heat of the plains.

"What could you possibly want with living ones?"

Tamtey heard another cry.

Not the deep roar of a Soundblast Colossus.

Smaller. Weaker. Pain-filled.

The young Sarentu turned immediately.

A limping Arrow Deer emerged from the tall grass. One of its hind legs dragged awkwardly behind it.

The animal froze the moment it spotted him. Terrified.

Tamtey lowered his rifle. Slowly. Just as (Y/n) had taught him.

The Arrow Deer bolted. Three limping steps.

Then disappeared into the grasslands.

Another sound reached him. This one closer.

Tamtey followed it.

A Direhorse lay on its side near the edge of the clearing. Its breathing was shallow. There was a gash on it’s foreleg that made his stomach twist.

The animal tried to rise when it saw him. Collapsed almost immediately.

"What did they do to you?"

His voice came out quieter than he intended.

His eyes swept across the battlefield again. The dead creatures. The trap. The truck.

The wounded animals still wandering away from the site.

The RDA had not simply attacked these creatures. They had been capturing them.

Whatever it was, Tamtey did not have time to figure it out. Not yet. The living came first.

The young warrior activated his com.

"Alex."

Static crackled.

Then Alex's voice answered. "Go ahead."

"Are there any field labs near my position that can provide medical attention for some sick animals?"

"Give me two seconds."

Tamtey crouched beside the injured Direhorse. The animal flinched. Then relaxed slightly when he kept his movements slow.

Several seconds passed.

"The Archipelago Field Lab is nearby."

Tamtey nodded. "Thanks Alex."

"If this is for (Y/n), let her know it'll have basic medical equipment but probably won't have anything niche she may need."

A faint smile tugged at Tamtey's mouth. "Ri'nela and I are handling things for now. We should be okay."

"(Y/n) isn't helping?"

"No."

The smile widened. "She and So'lek have been... preoccupied."

"Wait." Alex sounded suspicious.

"Preoccupied how?"

Tamtey immediately regretted opening his mouth. "Just... busy."

Alex sounded very interested now. "What does that mean?"

Tamtey didn't answer him.

Alex sighed. "Well if you see them, tell them Priya and Alma have been looking for them."

"Give them a break." He rolled his eyes. "They're newly mated."

"WAIT." Alex practically shouted. "So'lek and (Y/n) got married?"

Tamtey winced. "Yes."

"Did (Y/n) not tell you?"

"No one has seen (Y/n) in weeks."

Tamtey blinked. "What?"

"Alex, did I hear you right?" A second voice appeared in the background. Priya.

Priya joined the channel. "Sorry, not sorry for eavesdropping, but did you just say (Y/n) married So'lek?"

"Yes."

"So, nobody has seen her in base for days," Priya continued. "Did she move into one of the field labs or something?"

"Uhh..." Tamtey suddenly realised just how little communication had occurred. "She transferred to live in her avatar."

Silence.

"Wait." Priya sounded completely lost. "So you're telling me that (Y/n) married So'lek, permanently transferred into her avatar body and has just been living with him this entire time?"

"Yes."

The answer sounded perfectly reasonable to Tamtey.

Apparently not to Priya.

"Tamtey—"

"Got to go."

"Tamtey you can't just—"

The young warrior immediately ended the call.

Then he opened another channel.

"Ri'nela?"

She answered quickly. "Tamtey."

"Could you meet me at the Archipelago Field Lab?"

"Why?"

"I found a handful of injured animals."

Ri'nela immediately became serious. "How badly injured?"

"Not too badly."

His gaze shifted toward the Direhorse. Then toward another limping shape moving through the grass."Most of them can still move. Think you can help?"

"I should be able to." She sounded thoughtful. "But if there are severe injuries, I am not confident handling them without (Y/n)."

Tamtey understood exactly what she meant. Neither of them was. "Hopefully it will not come to that."

"I will gather supplies."

"Thanks Ri'nela."

Tamtey rested a hand against the Direhorse's neck.

The animal's breathing remained uneven. Its entire body trembled.

"I'll come pick you up."

The call ended.

The plains suddenly felt very quiet. Tamtey looked across the battlefield one final time. The dead creatures. The shattered trap. The blood-soaked grass.

Then his gaze drifted back to the wounded animals still scattered throughout the area.

Whatever the RDA had been doing here...

He had a feeling this was only the beginning.

(Y/n) woke slowly.

Not because she wanted to.

Because her stomach had finally decided enough was enough. Hunger dragged her back to consciousness one miserable sensation at a time.

Her limbs felt heavy. Not injured. Not truly painful. Just exhausted. The sort of exhaustion that settled deep into muscle and bone and made even the thought of moving seem like an unreasonable request.

Her thighs especially protested when she shifted.

A quiet groan escaped her.

For several moments she simply lay there, eyes closed, enjoying the absence of the headache that had plagued her earlier.

Then she became aware of a familiar heartbeat beneath her ear. A familiar scent. A familiar warmth.

(Y/n)'s eyes opened.

She was still sprawled across So'lek.

The warrior was already awake. Golden eyes watched her from above.

There was always a particular look in his eyes when he looked at her. A look reserved only for her.

One that never failed to make her stomach flutter.

His hand slid through her hair. A kiss found her forehead. "Good afternoon."

The woman yawned.

The movement stretched muscles that immediately informed her they had opinions about yesterday. "How long did I sleep?"

"So long that I briefly considered leaving you here until tomorrow."

She snorted.

Then her stomach growled loud enough for both of them to hear.

The warrior chuckled. "I think you should get something to eat."

(Y/n) nodded . "I think you are right."

The healer pushed herself upright.

Immediately regretted it. Her legs wobbled the moment she put weight on them.

The world tilted.

Before she could even begin falling, strong arms caught her.

So'lek's heart lurched. The warrior's grip tightened around her automatically. His eyes moved quickly over her face. Searching. Checking. Making certain she was alright.

Only when he realised she was simply exhausted did the tension ease.

Then his gaze dropped lower.

The faint bruises along her thighs caught his attention.

The marks stood out against her skin.

His marks.

The warrior's jaw tightened slightly. His hand lingered at her waist.

A flicker of guilt followed.

(Y/n) noticed the direction of his gaze.

Immediately understanding. Her fingers found his chin and guided his face back toward hers.

"Remind me to never drink again." The complaint came with all the energy of a dying woman.

The warrior scooped her into his arms before her legs could betray her a second time. "That would be a very wise idea."

He started toward the lake.

After several quiet steps he spoke again.

Much softer this time. Almost hesitant. "Are you harmed?"

The question made her tilt her head in confusion.

(Y/n)'s hands rose to cup his face. "No." Her thumbs brushed his cheeks. "No, I am not harmed."

The warrior held her gaze. Making certain. Searching her face for even the slightest hesitation.

He found none.

The woman leaned forward and pressed kisses across his face. His cheek. His jaw. The corner of his mouth.

"I have many regrets about last night."

Another kiss.

"But you..."

One more.

"...are not one of them."

The tension finally left his shoulders.

Then she leaned closer.

The expression in her eyes immediately made him suspicious.

"I just wish I had the stamina to keep going."

So'lek froze. The warrior stared at her. Horrified.

The look made (Y/n) burst out laughing.

The warrior shook his head. "My terrible mate."

The woman looked entirely pleased with herself. "I mean what I said."

The statement did absolutely nothing to improve his situation.

(Y/n) rested her head against his shoulder. "My limbs may be sore."

"I may be covered head to toe in hickeys."

"But I do not regret how I got them."

The warrior looked toward the sky. Toward Eywa. Toward anywhere that might offer assistance.

None came.

Only laughter. Soft and delighted against his shoulder.

So'lek sighed. Resigned.

The sort of sigh that came from loving someone so completely that even when they were tormenting him, he could not stop smiling.

Yes.

This woman was absolutely going to be the death of him.

And somehow he suspected he would not mind.

By late afternoon, the Archipelago Field Lab looked less like a research station and more like one of (Y/n)'s emergency shelters.

Animals occupied nearly every available space.

An Arrow Deer lay near one wall while its fawn refused to leave its side.

Two Direhorses.

The Tetrapteron hung from a padded perch Ri'nela had improvised using straps and scrap.

The creature's injured wing remained folded awkwardly against its body.

Tamtey watched Ri'nela move between them.

She carried herself differently these days. More confidence.More certainty.

Though whenever she opened one of (Y/n)'s journals, he could still see the nervousness. The feeling that she was stepping into shoes far too large for her.

Ri'nela sat cross-legged beside a table.

One of (Y/n)'s journals rested open in her lap. Several pages were marked with folded corners. Sketches of bones. Treatment notes. Medicine recipes. Observations written in hurried handwriting.

Ri'nela traced one line with her finger. Reading carefully. Then reading it again.

Finally she nodded. "It looks like the worst injury is a sprain."

Tamtey relaxed slightly. The last few hours had been filled with enough uncertainty already.

Ri'nela flipped another page.

"We should be able to treat most of the wounds with the medicines from (Y/n)'s sanctuary."

The Arrow Deer lifted its head.

Watching them.

Its fawn remained pressed against its side.

The sight made Tamtey think of (Y/n) immediately.

"I'll fly back and get them."

Tamtey started toward the door.

"Wait." Ri'nela's voice stopped him.

The young warrior turned.

Something serious had settled across her expression. "Keep your eyes open."

Tamtey frowned. "For what?"

Ri'nela rested one hand on the cover of the journal.

"Minang warned me about something before I left."

Ri'nela rarely sounded uncertain. Now she did."The RDA have been setting traps for Na'vi."

Tamtey's expression hardened immediately."What kind of traps?"

"They steal weapons."She thought back to the conversation. "Personal belongings."

Her grip tightened slightly on the journal. "And some people have simply disappeared."

The room fell quiet.

Even the hum of the field lab suddenly seemed louder.

Tamtey remembered the trap. The Soundblast Colossus. The dead creatures. The wounded animals.

Now this.

A knot formed in his stomach. "They are hunting people." The words felt wrong. Wrong and dangerous.

Ri'nela nodded."We do not know why."The uncertainty bothered her.

Tamtey could see it.

It bothered him too.

The young warrior looked  the distant plains beyond.

How many traps had he walked past without seeing?

How many more were waiting?

"I will be careful."

Ri'nela gave him a look. "A normal person’s definition of careful."

Tamtey almost laughed. "I will."

The young warrior grabbed his rifle and headed toward the exit.

Behind him Ri'nela reopened the journal. Immediately returning to the notes.

As Tamtey stepped outside, the afternoon wind rolled across the grasses.

The young Sarentu walked toward his ikran. His gaze lingered on the horizon.

The RDA had been capturing creatures. Setting traps. People were disappearing.

The thought stayed with him as he climbed into the saddle.

Moments later his ikran launched into the sky. The field lab disappeared beneath him.

And for the first time since finding that trap, Tamtey found himself looking much more carefully at the world below.

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[just-another-idk]

Gentle Hands: Oneshot

So'lek x avatar!reader For @junebugonjupiter jealousy in June event. Prompt 26 and 7 Touch her and you die and Who did this.

Who Did This

(Y/n) had only been trying to enjoy the afternoon.

The Zeswa camp bustled around her, riders tending direhorses, children weaving between tents, the smell of cooking food drifting on the wind.

For once So'lek was elsewhere. For once she had ventured out alone.

"Dreamwalker." The voice made her pause.

(Y/n) turned.

A group of young riders were approaching. Their smiles immediately made her uneasy. Not friendly. Not welcoming.

The kind of smiles people wore when they had already decided they disliked you.

Her stomach tightened.

Still, she offered them the same kindness she offered everyone."Can I help you with anything?"

One of them grinned "We were wondering if you knew how to dance fight."

(Y/n) relaxed slightly. "Oh." She shook her head. "Not particularly. I am no warrior."

A few snickers passed through the group.

The feeling in her stomach worsened.

"You are our guest," another said. "You should learn our ways."

"Join the fun."

(Y/n) offered an apologetic smile. "I will have to politely decline."

"Why?"

The riders were closer now. Surrounding her without seeming to.

"I do not enjoy fighting."

"It is dance fighting."

"Even with the word dance in it, it is not really to my preference."

The smiles sharpened.

Something in their expressions changed.

"Mate of a great warrior." One rider looked her up and down. "And too frightened to even dance fight."

The comment drew laughter.

Heat immediately rushed to her face.

(Y/n) shifted uncomfortably. "I am not frightened."

"No?"

Another stepped closer. "Or perhaps it is disrespect."

More laughter.

"Maybe your kind have no respect for Zeswa ways."

"I apologise," she said quietly. The woman hated how small her voice sounded. "I simply am not interested. I mean no offence."

The riders exchanged looks.

The kind that made her wish she had never stopped walking.

Then they began circling. Slowly. Like predators stalking wounded prey.

Her heartbeat quickened.

One passed behind her.

Suddenly her tail was yanked sharply.

(Y/n) gasped.

She spun around.

"Please—"

Another rider grabbed her hand. Before she could pull away, they spread her fingers apart. "So it is true."

The rider laughed. "Demons really do have an extra finger."

More laughter.

(Y/n) tried pulling her hand free.

The rider refused to let go.

"You are quite a disgusting thing."

The words made her freeze.

"You walk around in that false body pretending you are one of us."

The camp suddenly felt very large. Very public. Very difficult to escape.

Her chest tightened. "I..."

The words wouldn't come. She hated this. Hated confrontation. Hated people staring. Hated feeling trapped.

The riders saw it immediately.

Saw her discomfort. Saw her fear. And enjoyed it.

"I am sorry." The apology slipped out automatically. The moment she said it, she hated herself for it. Because she hadn't done anything wrong. Yet she was apologizing anyway.

The riders laughed again. One spread his arms.

"Do not worry, sky person."

The mockery in his voice was unmistakable. "We shall help you learn to dance fight." Before she could react—

A spinning kick crashed into the side of her face.

Pain exploded across her cheek.

The force sent her sprawling into the dirt. The world tilted. For a moment all she could hear was ringing.

(Y/n) clutched her face. Tears welled in her eyes.

From pain From humiliation. From embarrassment. From the horrible realization that people were watching.

Watching her stand there. Watching her cry. Watching her be mocked.

"Run back to your own kind, demon." The riders burst into laughter.

(Y/n) didn't say another word. She simply picked herself up turned and walked away as quickly as she could.

One hand pressed against her burning cheek. The other shaking slightly at her side.

The laughter echoed behind her. Making her shoulders hunch. Making her wish she could disappear.

By the time she reached the edge of camp, tears were slipping freely down her face.

Not because the kick had hurt. Not really. It was everything else. The mocking. The stares.

The reminder that after all these years there would still be people who looked at her and saw only a demon wearing a stolen face.

And as she hurried away from the camp, head lowered and heart aching, (Y/n) could not remember ever feeling more ashamed.

So'lek had been looking for her for nearly half an hour.

At first he hadn't thought much of it. His mate often wandered.

Sometimes she was tending injured creatures. Sometimes gathering herbs. Sometimes sitting somewhere quiet with a cup of tea and her thoughts.

Yet something felt wrong.

A feeling he couldn't explain.

The warrior stopped a passing Zeswa hunter. "Have you seen (Y/n)?"

The rider nodded. "I believe she went toward the river."

The river wasn't far from camp.

Soon he spotted a lone figure kneeling by the water's edge.

Her back was turned.

One hand pressed against her face.

Something cold settled in his stomach.

"(Y/n)."

She flinched. The reaction alone made his heart begin to pound.

His pace quickened. By the time he reached her side, he already knew something was wrong.

Very wrong.

She kept her head turned away. The wet cloth remained pressed firmly against her face. As though she didn't want him to see.

It frightened him. Slowly he knelt beside her. "Ma yawne."

His voice was gentle. Careful. "What happened?"

The woman shook her head. "Nothing."

His stomach dropped. Nothing. The word had never meant something good.

Not from her. Not when spoken like that.

So'lek reached for her hand. Carefully. Patiently. His fingers closed around hers.

Her hand was shaking.

The warrior swallowed. Then gently removed the cloth. "Let me see."

For a moment she resisted. Only slightly. Then her shoulders sagged.

Defeated.

Slowly her hand lowered.

And So'lek's entire world stopped.

The bruise spread across her cheek and eye. Dark. Angry. Fresh.

Her eye was swollen. The skin around it already discoloured.

The sight hit him harder than any blow ever could.

For a moment he couldn't breathe.

His hand rose. Shaking. As though afraid touching the bruise would somehow hurt her again.

The warrior swallowed hard. His jaw tightening. Every instinct screamed for violence. Every instinct screamed to find whoever had done this.

And make them regret it.

Yet all of that came second.

Because first— She was crying.

Tears slid silently down her face.

The sight hurt more than the bruise itself.

So'lek gently brushed them away.

His thumb moving across her skin. Tender. Careful. As though she might break.

"Who did this?" The question was quiet. Dangerously quiet.

(Y/n) leaned into his hand. The simple act nearly broke his heart. "It is nothing." She said softly.

The warrior's eyes narrowed immediately.

"I tripped."

"I am not an idiot, (Y/n)." The words came sharper than intended. His voice rising. Frustration. Fear. Anger.

All spilling into the sentence.

The moment she flinched, regret hit him instantly.

The warrior closed his eyes.

Eywa.

No.

Not her.

Never her.

Without hesitation he pulled her into his arms. Wrapping both arms around her. Holding her against his chest. Shielding her from a world that had already hurt her enough.

"I am not angry with you." His voice was quieter now. "I could never be angry at you."

"I am angry with whoever hurt you."

His grip tightened slightly. "And I am angry at myself."

The woman looked up. Confused. "It is not your fault."

The warrior laughed bitterly. "No?"

His forehead rested against hers. "I was not there."

Golden eyes met hers. Filled with guilt. Filled with worry. "When I should have been."

"You cannot be everywhere."

"No. But I should have been there."

The woman sighed softly.

"So'lek."

"You will tell me who did this."

"No."

His eyes narrowed.

The woman's shoulders slumped. "Because you'll kill them."

"Yes."

The warrior didn't even try to deny it.

The woman groaned. "It is just a bruise."

His expression hardened. "Just a bruise?"

His voice dropped dangerously low. "You are my mate."

His thumb brushed gently beneath her uninjured eye. The complete opposite of the fury building inside him. "You are hurt."

"And it hurts me to see you hurt."

The woman looked away. Unable to meet his gaze.

The sight softened him immediately and he turned her face to him again.

So'lek rested his forehead against hers once more. "My job is to protect you."

"And I failed."

"You did not."

His eyes closed briefly. "I did."

The warrior exhaled slowly. Trying to contain the anger. Trying to remain calm.

For her.

Only for her.

"I wasn't there."

The admission tasted bitter. "And I shall ensure it does not happen again."

The determination in his voice was absolute.

(Y/n) already knew that tone. Already knew what came next. "Must it come to violence?"

The question earned a long look. The warrior almost smiled. Because of course she would ask that. Of course the woman nursing injured creatures and feeding orphaned animals would seek another path.

"If they did not wish for my wrath," he said quietly, "they should not have touched you."

The woman sighed. Then rested her head against his shoulder.

"What about Nesim?"

"What about her?"

"Could we ask her to make their lives miserable?"

So'lek stared at her in disbelief. If she had said outright, she wanted payback, he'd do it in a heartbeat, yet here she was trying to be diplomatic, trying to avoid violent.

Most people would want justice but not her... she just didn't want people to get hurt.

Then a reluctant laugh escaped him. Disbelieving.

The woman looked entirely serious. "Not kill them."

"Just make them miserable."

The warrior shook his head. Unable to help it. "You never cease to amaze me."

His hand moved gently through her hair.

The anger remained. The protective fury remained. But so did the affection. Because somehow, even bruised and crying, she was still trying to show mercy. Still trying to find kindness.

"When it comes to you and your safety," he murmured, "I am not a kind man."

"Please don't kill them."

The warrior sighed heavily. Long. Suffering.

The sound of a man being asked to do something profoundly difficult.

Then he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"I will try."

The answer was sincere. Which was perhaps the most reassurance she was going to get.

So'lek marched through the Zeswa camp like a living storm.

The usual noise of the camp seemed to dim around him. Conversations faltered. Riders stepped aside.

Even the direhorses and zakru seemed restless as the warrior strode past.

Anger rolled from him in waves. Cold. Terrifying.

(Y/n) hurried beside him, one hand still holding the damp cloth against her swollen eye.

Part of her wished she had never pointed them out. The other part knew he would have found them eventually.

The group of young riders were gathered near the pa'li grounds.

Laughing. Talking. Completely unaware of what was coming.

Then one looked up.

The smile vanished.

So'lek did not slow. He did not speak. He simply kept walking.

The riders immediately realized who he was.

And judging by the bruise on (Y/n)'s face, exactly why he was there.

One of them took a step back. Too late.

So'lek crossed the distance like a striking panther.

His fist crashed into the nearest rider's jaw.

The young Zeswa hit the ground hard.

Before he could recover, So'lek was already turning.

Another rider swung.

The warrior caught the arm, twisted, and threw him into the dirt.

A third attempted to rush him.

So'lek drove a shoulder into his chest and sent him sprawling backward into a fence.

Chaos erupted.

Shouts filled the pa'li grounds.

The riders tried to fight back.

They may as well have been fighting a thunderstorm.

Every strike they threw missed. Every mistake was punished.

So'lek moved with frightening precision and skill.

The riders were completely outmatched.

One staggered away clutching a bleeding nose.

Another hit the ground after a kick to the stomach stole the air from his lungs.

A third tried running.

So'lek caught him by the back of his riding harness and threw him face-first into the dirt.

The camp had begun gathering now. Watching. Whispering. Nobody intervened.

Because everyone could see the fury in the warrior's eyes.

The fury of a mate protecting his partner

A rider picked up a branch and swung.

So'lek caught it. Snapped it across his knee. Then shoved the stunned rider backward.

The young man landed hard and stayed there.

The fight lasted barely a minute.

Yet by the end of it every rider was bruised, battered, and terrified.

And So'lek still looked ready to continue.

"SO'LEK!" Tamtey's voice cut through the chaos.

The young hunter sprinted into the pa'li grounds.

Nesim close behind.

They arrived just as So'lek grabbed another rider by the front of his clothing.

The terrified young man couldn't even meet his eyes.

Tamtey immediately caught one of So'lek's arms. Not because he thought he could stop him. Because he had to try.

Nesim stepped directly between them. "What is going on?"

Neither answered.

So'lek's chest rose and fell. His hands curled into fists. His eyes burned.

The warrior looked less like a man and more like an angry cloaked panther preparing to strike again.

"If you did not want my anger," he snarled, "you should not have laid a hand on her."

The words silenced the entire crowd.

Tamtey and Nesim exchanged a look.

Then both followed So'lek's gaze. Their eyes landed on (Y/n). Standing a short distance away. One hand pressed a cloth beneath her eye.

A dark bruise blossoming beneath the cloth.

The sight made both of them go cold.

Because now they understood.

Tamtey felt his stomach drop.

Nesim's expression hardened.

These fools had touched So'lek's mate.

Hurt her.

And everyone present knew exactly how fortunate they were that Tamtey and Nesim had arrived when they did.

Nesim slowly turned toward the young riders.

The disappointment in her expression somehow looked worse than So'lek's anger.

"You are lucky."

Her voice was calm. Deadly calm. "You are lucky you are not meeting Eywa today."

The riders lowered their heads immediately. Ashamed. Terrified.

"Take your wounds." Nesim gestured sharply. "And think carefully on your stupidity."

The riders scrambled away as quickly as their bruises would allow.

The moment they disappeared, Tamtey released So'lek's arm.

The warrior didn't even look at him. Instead he immediately turned.And walked straight back to his mate.

His hand settled against her waist.

The other gently closed around the hand holding the cloth.

The contrast was striking. Moments ago he'd looked ready to tear through the entire camp.

Now every movement was careful. Protective. Tender.

He lowered his forehead against hers.

Closing his eyes. Making sure she was alright.

For several moments neither spoke.

Then Tamtey approached carefully. "(Y/n)?"

She lowered the cloth. The bruise was fully visible now.

Tamtey's expression darkened.

Nesim looked furious.

Quietly, (Y/n) explained what had happened. The comments. The insults. The tail pulling. The kick.

By the time she finished, Tamtey's jaw was clenched.

Nesim looked ready to go find the riders herself.

The Zeswa woman rested a hand gently on (Y/n)'s shoulder. "I am sorry."

"It is not our way to bring harm to an innocent."

(Y/n) nodded softly.

Nesim turned toward So'lek. "Has justice been satisfied?"

"Yes."

Yet his eyes never left his mate.

Not once.

Nesim noticed. A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth despite the situation.

"I will ensure this never happens again."

So'lek finally looked up. Only briefly. "Their wounds would be worse."

The warning was quiet. Matter-of-fact.

"Had you not intervened."

Neither Tamtey nor Nesim doubted it. Not for a second.

The warrior's arm tightened around (Y/n)'s waist.

"The only reason they are able to walk away is because my mate is overly kind."

The statement earned the faintest eye-roll from (Y/n).

The sight eased some of the tension in Tamtey's chest.

Then (Y/n) spoke quietly. "Can we go home, please?"

So'lek nodded.

The anger vanished from his face. Replaced once more by concern. By love.

The warrior pressed a gentle kiss to her bruised temple. Then another to her cheek. Careful of the injury.

"Yes, ma yawne."

His arm remained around her waist as he guided her away from the crowd.

And for perhaps the first time that day, So'lek's attention finally left vengeance behind. Because all he cared about now was getting his mate home.

Tamtey watched So'lek and (Y/n) disappear down the path.

Only when they were out of earshot did Tamtey finally let out a long breath. "That could have been far worse."

Nesim glanced toward the direction the mated pair had gone.

Then toward the battered riders limping away across camp. "Agreed."

The Zeswa Oloekte folded her arms. Her expression thoughtful. "Much worse."

Tamtey nodded.

What concerned them was what they had seen in So'lek's eyes before they intervened. Not anger. Anger was familiar. Everyone became angry.

That was a whole different kind of rage. Dangerous. Potent.

"I don't think those fools understood what they were doing."

"No."

Nesim's voice was quiet. "They saw a dreamwalker and let their foolishness get the better of them."

Her gaze drifted toward the horizon. "They did not realize the danger of being cruel ."

Because anyone could see how much So'lek loved her. The way his eyes always found her in a crowd. The way his posture changed whenever she entered a space.

The way he became gentler around her. Softer. Happier.

Tamtey had watched the infamous Dog Tag Warrior slowly transform into someone capable of sitting patiently while (Y/n) explained the science of her medicines when once upon a time he'd scowl at the mention of sky people tools medicines... he still did but she was an exception

The memory almost made him laugh.

Instead he shook his head."I thought he was going to kill them."

"So did I." Nesim did not even try to deny it.

The two shared a look. Because they both knew the truth.

If they had arrived a few moments later— The outcome would have been very different.

Not because So'lek enjoyed violence.

Quite the opposite.

It was because the love he carried for that woman ran so deep that protecting her was as natural as breathing.

And a love like that was dangerous when threatened.

Not because it sought violence. Because it would not hesitate to become violent.

Nesim watched the distant path where the pair had vanished.

"We were very lucky today."

Tamtey sighed. "Yeah, very lucky." Because Tamtey knew what So'lek was capable of. If his teacher wanted to he could have snapped all of their necks in the matter of seconds for her.

Then Tamtey grinned suddenly.

"What?" Nesim asked.

The young hunter laughed. "They should thank Eywa."

"For what?"

Tamtey's grin widened. "For the fact that (Y/n) is the kindest woman on Pandora."

Nesim barked out a laugh.

Because they both knew he was right.

If So'lek's mate had been even half as vengeful as her warrior husband— The young riders would have been in far more trouble than they already were.

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