⋆˙⟡ Grace .⋆

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If you saw the last paragraph of Misfire not in the small font no you didn’t

[grcsbluerpen]

could I request a neytiri x fem reader (jake and neytiri rnt a thing here) where maybe they're out hunting or something and either neytiri accidently fires a shot at reader or reader jumps to protect neytiri from something (I know its a bit dramatic for just hunting...) and its fluff where neytiti rambles and lectures reader while reader thinks neytiri is hot whe shes mad

Misfire - N.

╰ Neytiri x Fem!avatar driver!reader

✵ Word count: 9.6k

✵ Summary: After weeks of learning under Neytiri, she decided you were ready to try hunting on your own. That decision may have been made too quickly.

✵ CW: flufffff, reader is kind of a dumbass but Neytiri loves it, blood, very brief mentions of gore but nothing terribly intense, injuries, medical use of a needle (I doubt na’vi really use stitches but they’re going to today), mild swearing, Tsu’tey and Mo’at guest star

✵ Translations:

- Skxawng: idiot/moron | - Yawne: beloved

✵ Notes: so I’m actually incapable of writing short fics oops. I just had so much fun writing this one it had to go on for a few thousand extra words. Neytiri, this was a little too natural to make for you babe I think yuri is your calling

You were always hot-headed. Stubborn, reckless, and inherently human. There were some traits that even the many weeks spent in your avatar body couldn't get rid of. But they were also some of the reasons Neytiri had grown so fond of you.

It was slow-moving at first. When she had agreed to teach you the Omaticaya ways— maybe agreed was too generous a word. Acceptance was more accurate— she was harsh with you. Ears always pinned and tail always flicking. You did your best to learn from her, but you were just as strong-willed. It's safe to say that it took time to truly find a rhythm with her.

Slowly, chronic irritation gave way to something else entirely. She was softer with you, her shoulders losing that tension she carried when watching you try to complete even the simplest of tasks. In turn, you began absorbing her lessons quickly, even beginning to pick up her language. It was still broken, of course, your human accent slipping through constantly. But then again, she sounded the same way trying to speak your language.

So your tense relationship suddenly turned to friendship, lingering on something more. She still thinks you're a skxawng, which was a deserving title at times. You hadn't even known what the word meant until recently, when one of the scientists mentioned it in passing. But it was different now. When the name fell from her lips, it came with an almost soft edge to it. Like she meant it with affection rather than annoyance.

These thoughts swirled in your mind as you regained your lost focus, crouched nimbly over the bow in your hands, and staring down at it with frustration. You had broken the thing on your last hunting lesson in a poor attempt at a long-range shot. It wasn't the only weapon available, but Neytiri had insisted you learn to fix it yourself. Ideally, before the next time you would need it.

But it was hopeless. The bow's string was frayed at the edges after you had messily tied it back onto the wood, where it currently hung on by a thread. Literally. On top of this, when it snapped, it damaged the intricate weaving on the grip. That part you hadn't even tried to touch yet.

With a deep sigh, you turned the bow over, examining it carefully and determining what would be needed to fix it. Just start with rewrapping the grip. You thought, glancing over your shoulder at the basket of materials Neytiri had left you with. At least she spared you from having to search for your own, likely knowing you would choose things she would not.

You reached for the little basket, digging through it to gather anything you thought would be useful. At first, it was just a few long strips of leather and twine, but as you spotted more colorful pieces, something creative sparked in your mind. Soon, you had a pile of feathers, beads, and braiding string in front of you. If you were going to fix the bow, you may as well make it pretty.

Your tail swished once at the idea, brows pinching in focus as your fingers started working diligently. It took forever, but eventually the weapon was restored, maybe even better looking than what it started as. Feathers dangled from its limbs while beaded braids hung from the grip, just below where your hand would sit.

As you admired your work, holding it up to your face for a better look, you heard the approach of soft footsteps behind you. Your ears flicked in their direction as you quickly recognized who they belonged to. Neytiri came up beside you, strides fluid and steady.

"I think I did it." You announced as she crouched beside you, close enough that you felt the warmth radiating off her body. It made your tail curl just slightly.

Neytiri leaned in to examine the work, braids slowly falling over her leading shoulder. Her lips tugged into the makings of a smile upon seeing your bow. She knew if she left you long enough, you would figure it out on your own. "It is good," She praised, brushing one of the feathers between her thumb and index finger. "Perhaps it will be faster next time." Your head tilted just barely to read her expression. There was no hostility in the words, only a playfulness you were starting to see more of lately.

You exhaled slowly, eyes falling to the weapon. "It would've been if the string didn't keep snapping." You muttered the reply, setting the weapon down on the floor in front of you. In the most horribly perfect timing, the frayed spot where the string clung to the bow's limb split in two, causing a recoil that barely missed the skin of your leg. It whipped backwards with such force that you were sure it would have left a nasty mark had it struck you.

An irritated groan left your lips, your head dropping into your hands. No matter how much practice you had at this, it felt like you'd never get it. Neytiri's tail flicked once, eyes calculating, probably preparing the inevitable lecture. But as you sat there waiting, it never came. Instead, you felt a hand slide across your shoulder. The touch was so tender, it caught you by surprise. Your head tilted up and gaze flickered to hers.

There was a moment of stillness, as quiet and intimate as the forest around you. You were so close, leaning in toward each other like gravity was pulling you there. It was almost easy to forget the frustration of your broken weapon. But Neytiri didn't forget. She must have also realized the proximity, because her gaze suddenly fell back to the bow, scooping it up in her palms. It was a quick movement, similar to when one changes the subject to avoid addressing what's right in front of them.

"It is an easy fix," She assured, falling back into that teaching demeanor she used with you. But it was gentler today, comforting in a way. "Watch carefully." Your eyes followed her nimble fingers as they strung up the bow. Each motion was skilled, reflecting a lifetime spent practicing this.

"The way you tie it, it will always break." She explained, pulling the string tight. "Knot it like this." You did your absolute best to follow along, but she lost you somewhere in the intricate knot. As she held it up to show it to you, you were sure you wouldn't be able to repeat it. You would just have to make sure not to break the bow again.

"Could you show me again, but slower?" You asked, softening the question by flashing her a teasing smile, sharp canines visible past your lips. Her tail lashed in response, but there was no true irritation behind it. Either Neytiri was in a great mood today, or your smile was beginning to work on her.

"I will show you again if it breaks again." She promised, suddenly rising to her feet with your bow still in hand. "Come, we do not want to miss the day." As she agilely passed behind you, not even bothering to make sure you were following— probably because she knew you would— her tail brushed along your shoulder in the lightest touch. You shuddered at the contact as her skin crossed your shoulder blades. Was that intentional? It was hard to tell, but nothing seemed an accident with her.

An ear flicked in her direction, her footsteps slowly quieting with every moment you spent contemplating the interaction. Before she disappeared from view entirely, you hopped to your feet, practically gliding across the woven platform with an agility you still weren't used to.

"Where are we going?" You asked casually, falling into step at her side. Neytiri paused for a brief moment, only to slide your freshly repaired bow over your shoulders. You fought the urge to let your breath catch as her fingertips slid across the back of your neck to free your hair from the weapon.

"We are hunting." She told you simply, hand withdrawing from your skin. You gazed at her for a moment longer than you should have, unable to resist taking in the way her eyes looked there. They were somehow always the perfect mix of intense and gentle. She noticed. Of course she did. The moment you saw her brows pinch together, only by a hair, your gaze fell away and ears tilted backward involuntarily.

All she did was snicker, lips pulling together into a playful smirk. "Come on, skxawng." She teased, making sure to put all her effort into pronouncing the name. Before you could come up with a clever enough reply, you felt her fingers suddenly curl around your forearm to lead you across hometree, aiming for the wide opening in the roots. She didn't have her bow, which was curious, considering the task at hand required one. But she rarely did things carelessly, so it must have been for a reason. You decided not to ask.

Neytiri only released your arm once you were out in the forest, pausing to drink in her surroundings as if it was her first time seeing this. That was the thing about Pandora. No matter how many times you came out here, you just never got used to it. Everything around you filled your senses. From the vegetation below your feet, curling and brushing your skin, to the warm breeze whispering around your body, to the millions of colors taking up as much space in your large eyes as they could. You always felt like you needed an extra few minutes just to adjust to it all.

You obviously needed way more time than Neytiri, who had already started off deeper into the woods. She fully expected you to keep up with her, knowing you were physically capable by now. So without much thought, your body sprang to life and bounded through the undergrowth at a speed that still felt jarringly fast.

She didn't make it easy for you. All you could see was her backside somewhere in the distance, her tail swaying as it followed along with her movements. You did your best to mimic her, sprinting across logs, weaving through trees and every other manner of plant that grew here. All the while, the sound of her laughter filled your ears, making you feel like a child again. She knew exactly the game she was playing.

Just as you thought your legs had adjusted to the test of speed and agility, Neytiri gracefully slid to a stop. Surprised, although you really shouldn't be by now, you skidded several feet past her, narrowly dodging a large growth of plants that definitely didn't look okay to touch.

You groaned dramatically, dusting yourself off as you regained your balance. When you turned to face Neytiri in complaint, you found her standing poised as nimble as a cat. Her ears pointed forward and eyes scanned something in the undergrowth. "What did you find?" You asked, abandoning the prepared words of protest.

She turned to you quickly, though an ear remained pointed in the direction she had been looking. One of her hands lifted to the side of your face, thumb brushing across your nose. "Use your senses, hunter." She replied, emphasizing the name in a voice that sounded like a sort of purr to you. Did you hear that right? You replayed the words in your mind as she slid her fingers to one of your ears and then down to your jaw. They found your chin, tilting your head toward the mystery target. "What do you see?"

Your eyes surveyed the brush, trying to find what she had so easily spotted at a full sprint. Nothing. Just leaves, vines, flowers in every manner of color, but nothing out of the ordinary. Then your eyes landed on it so quickly, it seemed silly you didn't notice it before. Right in a dense tangle of plants was an unnatural break. Something had definitely crossed through there.

Neytiri's tail flicked with pride as your shoulders loosened a little. But that wasn't enough. Anything could have broken a path through the bushes. Hell, you just did on your run out here.

You swished your tail slowly back and forth as you worked through this. She must have sensed your thought process, bringing her fingers back up to the slope of your nose. It was a hint. And you understood immediately, breathing in deeply. Her hand slid gently to your shoulder as your eyes fluttered closed, channeling all your focus to what your nose picked up.

It took a few moments to pinpoint what you were looking for, but Neytiri was patient today. She waited there as steady as the trees that towered overhead. You found the scent eventually, but you still had to shuffle through what wildlife you knew to try and identify it... Hexapede! That's what it was. A group of them at that, at least three or four.

"It's hexapede." You announced suddenly, head turning to meet Neytiri's gaze. Her lips tugged into the prettiest smile you'd ever seen, her hand giving a slight squeeze at your shoulder.

"We will make a hunter of you yet," She teased with the slightest tilt of her head, eyes searching yours for a fleeting moment. Then they were gone. You felt her fingertips drag down your skin to curl around your elbow. "Come, we will follow it." She told you, tugging gently at your arm.

Off you went through the forest again, but slower this time. You took the time to carefully examine the trail, every break in the leaves, each footprint. But it was your nose you relied on the most, doing your best to keep the scent in the forefront of your mind, which was working beautifully.

Your ears flicked, trying to pick up even the smallest of sounds around you. Though you could not yet detect any movement, the scent was starting to grow stronger. You were getting closer. Neytiri noticed this too, suddenly coming to a stop behind you. "You will hunt this one on your own." She told you, flashing you that subtle smile of hers.

"Is that why you don't have your bow?" You questioned in realization, a hand gripping around the string of your weapon that still sat slung across your chest. She took a step forward to remove your hands from it gently, probably out of worry that you would snap it again.

"Sharp eyes." Neytiri teased, tail playfully flicking the skin of your leg.

"That's why you had me fix mine this morning." You thought aloud, realization continuing to set in. She had planned this. All you got in response was that smile again.

"Remember your nose, and keep your eyes up." She spent the next few minutes reminding you of the most important things she'd taught you about hunting, preparing to send you on your own.

Once she had filled your head with as much information as it could hold, she turned you toward the trail and gave you a subtle nudge that way. You could already feel her absence, even if she was still only standing a few feet behind you. It's not that you were clueless, you definitely weren't. Neytiri was a great teacher, and when it came to textbook knowledge, you knew exactly what to do. But it was different out in the forest, alone, without Neytiri's careful guidance.

"Where will you be?" You questioned, momentarily turning back toward her. You were met with her knowing eyes, sparkling with a sort of affection you couldn't quite place. But you could tell she was fond of this. You. The idea made your tail swish subtly, back and forth.

"I will not be far, yawne." She told you, lips once again pulling into that distracting smile, brighter than all of Pandora. It hit you quickly that you didn't recognize the word she used. Yawne. It rolled off her tongue so easily, as if it had always been there.

"What does that mean? Yawne?" You asked, slightly mispronouncing the term in your human accent. Her nose scrunched just slightly at the sound, paired with the smile that stayed glued to her face. The expression looked beautiful on her, making your ears lower a hair as you absorbed the sight of it. The look she gave you told you she was not going to answer your question. At first, you thought it could be another word like skxawng. Maybe a sort of affectionate insult? It wasn't far-fetched for Neytiri, but it was such a soft-sounding word that it seemed wrong as an offense.

"You will learn someday." She assured simply, a hand reaching across the short distance between you to brush her fingers along your forearm.

"I thought you were supposed to teach me your language?" You countered, trying not to focus too hard on the feeling of her fingertips against your skin. An amused expression pulled at her features. There was clearly something about the situation that you were not let in on.

"Go," She laughed out, giving you another shove and nodding her head in the direction of the trail. "Before you lose your hunt."

You gave a playful shake of your head before setting off, doing your best to focus on the things she'd told you. At first, it was easy. The scent was strong, singled out from any other in the area and steadily getting closer. Between that and the hoofprints left in the softer patches of dirt, you could confirm your number from earlier. Definitely four of them.

As you travelled along the forest floor, gaining with every stride of your long legs, your confidence swelled. Probably a little too much, but you assumed it would continue being this simple. It was not hard to picture your success, returning to Neytiri with a clean kill. The image of her proud smile sat perfectly on her beautiful face, flashed in your mind, making your tail swish in anticipation. Suddenly, you were determined to get the job done.

You were doing a fantastic job, that is, until you detected a second scent mingling in with the hexapede. This one was sharper, intense in your nose, making it scrunch a little. There was familiarity in it, but you couldn't place it. Viperwolf maybe? No, that wasn't it. It didn't match the viperwolves you'd encountered before. You took in a deep breath of air, trying to catch it again. Definitely not a viperwolf, but you were positive it was a predator.

Great. That meant you weren't the only one trying to hunt here. Your ears folded a little in a mix between irritation and determination. You were not going to lose the hexapede to another creature.

Although you probably shouldn't have, you continued on without identifying the competitor, switching to your sharp eyes and ears as defense. In less than a few minutes, the mingled scents of both the predator and prey jumped in potency. It was strong enough to be unpleasant, mixing with the metallic smell of blood. Your first, very human instinct was to hold your nose. Although you didn't act on it, trying to decipher the scene you were approaching.

Your hand gripped tightly around your bow, sliding it up over your head and fitting an arrow to the string. So your opponent beat you to it after all. A disappointed huff left your lips as you dropped into a crouch, staying carefully hidden as the scene came into view.

Most of what you found was just blood, but there were also remains of what looked like a single hexapede. Your eyes scanned the area, but there was no movement. Whatever had killed the creature had moved on. Warily, you approached it, just close enough to confirm it was only one.

Pity washed over you, surprising you, considering you were still currently seeking out the same creature to hunt yourself. "Go with Eywa," You whispered. The sentiment felt natural, even in your human tongue. Neytiri had taught you well.

Confirming one dead meant three were still nearby. You focused your nose again, trying to bypass the chaos around you to find what you sought out. It was a mess. Whatever hunted them must have done a fabulous job of scattering the group. It was difficult to single out one trail, but eventually you settled on it and started in that direction.

Not once, as you tracked the group, did it dawn on you that it may have been foolish to try and hunt the same prey as another creature in the area. If Neytiri were here, would she continue on? No, she would likely abandon the hunt to avoid conflict. But again, the thought didn't cross your mind.

You seemed to be successfully tracking them again, even finding evidence of the hexapede's presence on the trail below your feet. Tiny spots of blood and breaks in the brush. There was sudden movement in the distance, your ears flicking in that direction. You still had an arrow perched to your bow, hands gripping it tightly in preparation. Another sound, footsteps maybe. It was so quiet, you could hardly tell.

Finally, your eyes found it. Just barely visible through the thick undergrowth, you could make out what looked like a shoulder. Your brows pinched a little in concern. Were hexapede usually that dark in color? You could swear you'd never seen one look like this. The skin was almost black.

Suddenly, every hair on the back of your neck stood straight, your body responding with an instinct you were not familiar with. You could only confirm one thing. There was definitely danger. Your eyes darted back to the spot where the hexapede stood, only to find it had disappeared. Fear involuntarily clawed at your chest. This wasn't right.

You frantically scanned your surroundings, but found nothing. So you moved on to your ears, placing all your effort into detecting the sound of movement. But your heart pounded so loudly, you could barely hear past it. Why were you scared? You tried to think logically, but your response was some sort of built-in instinct. Your body knew to be scared, even if your mind didn't.

Everything suddenly went silent, as if your heart stopped beating. You pressed two fingers to your pulse point to double-check, confirming that it still was. Okay, maybe it was gone then. But silence didn't equal safety. With every muscle tense, you slowly rotated, ears pinned flat to your skull. You were met with a massive creature, crouched low in the brush in preparation to leap.

"Shit," you muttered, springing to life off that instinct alone. It launched and you rolled to the side just in time to miss massive claws and even more massive teeth. It followed, of course, whipping around with an agility that surpassed your own. As it turned, planting its large paws in the ground for another strike, you got a good look at your attacker. Oh. Suddenly, the familiarity of the scent made sense, memory resurfacing from when you had been taught about this particular creature. Thanator. You specifically remembered the warning she gave you not to go anywhere near it, and to turn tail and run if you ever caught even just the trail of one. It may be a little late to take that advice now.

It leapt again without warning, powerful hindquarters pulling it forward and pointing directly at you. You ducked, sliding to the side again and spinning around to point your arrow directly at it. Just as you released the string, it countered with a swipe of its front paw, arrow grazing the skin there.

A snarl left its mouth. The kind that confirmed you were utterly fucked. A string of human profanity left your lips every few seconds as you whipped around to give that running plan a try. You ducked again, launching into a sprint. But the thanator was ready. Its claws caught the braid of your kuru, somehow missing the skin beneath, but tugging it painfully all the same. You gasped at the assault on such a place as your neural queue, crumbling automatically to the floor.

The predator was right there, practically on top of you as you tried pulling yourself back up and out of its way. How you managed to return to your feet without catching something sharp, you weren't sure, but the next thing you knew, you were at a dead sprint, flying through the forest at a pace that beat any you'd ever managed before.

Neytiri. Neytiri. Neytiri. Was all you thought as you dodged dense forest growth, trying to keep ahead of the Thanator, which maintained a steady pursuit. As soon as you approached the spot where you had left her earlier, you called out her name.

She came into view quickly, jumping up with wide eyes at the panicked manner in which you approached. "What is—" She started, but was cut off immediately by the thanator jumping out behind you. It came way too close this time, just barely missing your skin. Knowing Neytiri was far more talented with your weapon, you tossed it in her direction along with an arrow, narrowly sliding out of the way of the creature again.

It took notice of Neytiri now, turning toward her with barred teeth. She skillfully slotted the arrow to its home against the string, drawing the bow back. A mix of panic and dread washed over you, picturing the worst as it targeted her. Your stomach dropped at the thought. What would you do if she were wounded by it? You didn't even want to think about it. In sheer determination to draw the predator's course away from her, you sprang forward just as Neytiri took aim, passing directly in front of its muzzle to guide its focus and maybe give her an easier shot to take.

But Neytiri's weapon, your weapon, failed her again. The string, which you had both attempted to carefully repair, completely snapped at the exact moment her fingers released the arrow. Too much pressure on such an unreliable bow. But even breaking, it couldn't stop the momentum of the arrow. Only stagger it. The feathered blade shot from the bow messily, losing much of its power in the process, but not nearly enough.

The timing could not have been worse. That arrow, which was previously meant to sink into the thanator's shoulder, instead found your arm, just close enough to slice evenly across the skin. A pained hiss passed your teeth, a hand grasping at the wound as you met the dirt, somehow again managing to roll away from pointed teeth.

All the color left Neytiri at what she had just done, momentarily forgetting the predator entirely. She had just shot you. That reality twisted her stomach in a way she was not prepared for. As horrified as she was, it only took one swipe from its massive paw near your head to snap her out of it. Almost mechanically, as if she let instinct alone drive her forward, she lunged for you. In seconds, she had an iron grip around your uninjured arm, dragging you to your feet.

You glanced down at your arm for just a split second before Neytiri was tugging you harshly away. She pulled both of you out of the way of another far-too-close attack from the massive creature. It allowed you just enough time to come to your senses and spring into action. With all the speed you could muster, you sprinted from the scene, half running, half being dragged by Neytiri's locked grip. Your assailant followed closer now that you were injured, but you could tell it was losing interest. It would not follow you far from its territory.

Suddenly, you were being hauled up into a tangle of roots, higher and higher until you were far above the thanator. Once Neytiri had deemed you out of its reach, she allowed you to collapse down with your back against the wood. She hissed at the creature below, who stalked back and forth, growling in frustration. The sound was similar to the thanator's in meaning, a defense for something that belonged to her. The mere suggestion of that would have made your chest warmer if it weren't for the active gash in your bicep. Neytiri watched her competitor for a few moments with a lashing tail before deciding it was safe to turn her attention away.

"Tiri," You gasped out, peeling your hand away from your arm just enough to finally get a good look at it. The cut was not deep, but it was painful, its sharp sting making you wince. The sound made her chest tighten.

"I know, I know. I am so sorry, ma yawne." She breathed, rushing to your side with a hand hovering over your arm. A pained expression crossed her face, and she reached into the small pack at her hip for something to treat it with. "Let me see it."

Reluctantly, only because it was Neytiri asking this of you, you pulled your hand away. It revealed a slow trail of blood smeared by your palm. Good, it was not bleeding heavily anymore. She could patch this well enough that you would not bleed out before reaching home. In her hands were a pair of leaves, likely packed for an emergency like this. What they were exactly, you couldn't remember, but Neytiri knew what she was doing.

You slowly recovered your breath as she prepared it into a paste, eyes wandering across her face. There was a whirlwind of emotion there. Focus, guilt, irritation, even fear. "This will soothe and close it until home." She told you, glancing briefly in your direction. But the look lasted longer than intended, as she was surprised to find what stare you gazed back with. It seemed such a silly thing to think about now, but you couldn't help but notice how captivating she looked there. Maybe it was the way the sun caught the sharp patterns that curled around her skin, or her lush green eyes that seemed to reflect the light around her. Foolish as it felt to admit, the sight of her alone soothed the pain in your arm. Or at least distracted you from it.

But there was conflict in her stare as she fought the horror from accidentally shooting you, the irritation that you had somehow managed to be attacked by a creature such as the thanator, and the affection she felt from your gaze, arriving at such a strange time as this. "Why did the thanator attack you? She questioned steadily to distract her from sending that affection right back. You needed your wound tended to first.

Neytiri gently took your arm, and as she spread the paste across the wound, it did exactly as she said it would. The cooling effect took hold immediately, taking away most of the pain. You sighed in a mixture of both irritation toward the thanator and relief for the arm. "I tried to hunt it," You said bluntly, adding to the statement quickly before she could say anything. "On accident."

"You tried to hunt a thanator?" She asked slowly, calculating how in all of Pandora you could have managed to get into such a situation. Only you.

You sighed again, bracing for the lecture that awaited you. Calmly, eyes focusing on her work at your arm, you explained the whole story. About how you picked up the thanator's scent, found the dead hexepede, and somehow mixed up trails. "I thought I was still tracking the hexapede." You finished, gaze finally lifting to her face.

What you found there was a version of that conflict again. She wanted to smack you upside the head for such stupidity. But under that, there was an intense temptation to cup your face and tell you just how relieved she was that you were alright. But the latter thought was abandoned. "You should have come back to me when you found the second trail." She muttered instead, holding your arm gingerly in place as the paste dried. "It was foolish to follow. You could have been killed."

Her lecture was the same as any other you'd received, but there was a different meaning behind it this time. Was it worry? If it was, it was beyond just the regular kind. "I wasn't, Neytiri." You told her quickly, although it came at the wrong time. She wasn't finished.

"And when you found the thanator? What did I tell you about them?" She asked, a meaningless glare on her face. Neytiri was irritated, absolutely, but you could tell she wasn't truly mad. There was a different, softer motive hidden beneath the words. "To leave." She finished for you after taking too long to answer.

You didn't know why, but a smile tugged at your lips. As she rambled about your mistake, you couldn't help but notice the way the skin between her brows creased together, or her fingertips that traveled across your arms affectionately, despite the harsh words. Eventually, your smile split into a grin, drawing her eyes to you immediately.

"Why do you smile?" She paused her lecture to ask, tail flicking back and forth. Why were you smiling? You considered the question for a short moment before answering.

"Because you're beautiful." You told her with absolutely no shame. It caught her off guard, ceasing the movement in her tail.

It returned to its lashing state quickly as she recovered. "This is hardly the time for such words." She told you, eyes dropping to your arm to confirm the paste had set. As she saw that it had, her grip on your skin released.

"Why not?" You asked, sitting yourself up to be more level with her. The position naturally leaned you in closer. Though Neytiri seemed surprised by the sudden proximity, she did not recoil from it.

"Because I just shot you, skxawng." Neytiri spoke quietly now, a pained guilt laced in her voice. It was not often that she missed a shot, and she had never once struck someone in consequence to it. She would likely blame herself for this for a long time. Your gaze softened significantly, sending her all the reassurance you could put into it. That seemed to work.

Slowly, as if she was afraid to, both hands found either side of your neck, giving in to that earlier temptation. You both tensed at the touch. Physical contact was normal between you, yes, but this felt different. The way her fingers curled around the back of your neck and thumbs traced the line of your jaw. The way she just barely pulled you in closer. Yes, this was entirely different.

"You were trying to protect me, Tiri. It's not your fault the damn bow snapped again." You said as if to distract you from how it felt to have your hands pressed to your skin, a subtle laugh added in at the mention of that horribly unpredictable weapon. You were really starting to get sick of it.

This drew the slightest laugh from her chest, eyes returning to yours with such a stare, it felt like your heart leapt right out of your chest. "I think it is time we get you a new bow." She mumbled softly, thumbs continuing the line of your jaw. There was silence between you as the situation settled, but there was an intense warmth as well. The air felt charged with something that so impatiently waited to be addressed.

Suddenly, Neytiri leaned in. It was such a careful, slow movement, you could hardly detect it until you felt her breath fan across your skin. The feeling made your heart thump repeatedly against your ribs. Her lips just barely brushed against yours, as if testing you, waiting for the signal that she could continue. All at once, you understood what yawne must have meant when she said it. You closed the remaining distance.

When your lips met hers, it felt like a confirmation. Like something that had always been meant to happen finally came to be. Oh, how the kiss was soft, like the warm feeling of sunlight against skin. It practically had you begging for more. She was slow to withdraw, reluctant as if she wished this would never end. But neither did you.

Before she could get more than a few inches away, you captured her lips again, an arm sliding around her torso. "Skxawng," She said, muffled against your mouth. Despite the teasing name, her head tilted to lean in closer. A huff of laughter escaped you.

"Ma yawne," You returned, confident that you understood it enough now to use it. Her tail curled and brushed the skin of your forearm in response to the name. Good, then you did use it right. A hand slid up her side, ready to pull her body in, but she stopped you.

"Let us not reopen the wound," She told you teasingly, a wide smile showing off her pointed teeth. Despite the temptation to protest, you knew she was right. "Home first." You were a little dazed from the kiss, but you managed a dumb nod. That wound was the farthest thing from your mind now. Although when she stood you up, you were reminded of it.

You winced before you could stop it, holding your arm up against your chest as you stood. Slowly, with Neytiri staying right beside you, you eased your way to the edge of the roots, eyes scanning the forest floor below for any sign of the thanator. Nothing. As far as you could tell, it was long gone. "It looks safe." You told her as she leaned over you with a protective hand on your shoulder.

"Yes, come." She agreed simply, leading you down to the ground the same way you had gotten up, although notobly calmer this time. Clearly, since you were no longer being chased by a thanator.

Once safely on the ground, she scanned the area several times, then turned to check you over. "Are you alright to travel?" She asked, examining your arm again, satisfied that it had remained closed.

"I'll be fine," You told her. And you would be. You managed just fine, despite the constant ache in the pierced muscle, each step threatening to disturb the thin seal of herbs. It was safe to say the walk back would be slow.

Each time you winced, a little more guilt tore at Neytiri, mixing in with both the affection of the intimate moment you had just shared and the mild annoyance that you decided competing with a thanator for a kill wouldn't have consequences. "It is getting worse," She said without even having to look down at you. It was an observation more than it was a question.

"Just needs proper treatment." You assured, risking a glance at the area. The paste was dry, but all the movement had put cracks in it. It would not be long before it began bleeding again.

Neytiri fought the temptation to call you out on your stubbornness, glancing down at you again for a brief moment. "We will arrive soon," She replied instead, sliding a hand around your good arm as support. Even if you'd insist you didn't need it. There, she rubbed soothing circles with her thumb, momentarily distracting you from your injury.

No more than a few minutes later, just as you were recognizing the forest around you again, you detected the loud rhythmic sound of hooves. It didn't sound exactly like horses you'd seen on Earth. These were much louder. That would be because the horses on Earth didn't have six legs. You considered, just as a trio of direhorses came into view.

It was a small party, two younger hunters and- "Tsu'tey." Neytiri greeted politely, dipping her head briefly in his direction. He returned the sentiment before his eyes fell on you with amusement. You ignored the urge to roll yours.

It wasn't that you didn't get along or that you didn't like each other as people. You could admit that Tsu'tey was an impressive warrior, a born leader. And he could admit that... well, no, he probably wouldn't admit anything he noticed about you. At least, not to your face. Tsu'tey believed very strongly that you could not succeed out here, and you had a particular determination to prove that he was full of shit.

"Injured?" He inquired with a terrible smile, eyes falling to the cracking seal at your wound, which was now wide enough to allow the tiniest bit of blood to seep through.

"Now what makes you think that?" You replied with as much sarcasm as you could inject into the words, flashing your pointed smile back at him. His tail lashed once, but there was amusement in his expression. The first time you had used sarcasm with him, it went right over his head, but it seemed now he understood it better.

"What did this?" He turned to ask Neytiri directly, avoiding your comments altogether.

"She was pierced by my arrow." The woman replied, shame peeking out through her voice as she clung a little tighter to your good arm.

"Ah, come to your senses then?" He jabbed, sending you a smug glance. As the words left his lips, a warning sound left her mouth, akin to a mild sort of hiss. One that was meant to show her distaste for the comment. It surprised both you and Tsu'tey, heads turning toward her.

You shook it off quickly, returning your attention to the warrior. His words didn't offend you at all. "Was that a joke, Tsu'tey?" You questioned, watching his head shake in response. "I'll have you know, I fought off a thanator to earn this." With your words, you flexed the muscle in that arm to show it off, not really thinking of the consequences this would cause to the paste.

What little was still secured there was completely broken open with a painful sting, blood dripping down your arm again. Before you could come up with another witty thing to say, Neytiri was at your side, rambling in Na'vi a lecture you could only half understand as her hands flew to your wound.

"Fought is not the word I would use," She said, momentarily switching back over to your human tongue to acknowledge your previous statement. Tsu'tey laughed atop his direhorse. Whatever she said must have been a real treat to hear for those who were fluent in Na'vi.

The warrior casually offered Neytiri an extra strip of cloth. A particularly kind gesture for him. Where he pulled it from, you didn't see, but she took it without hesitation. "Be still," She instructed you, lifting your arm to position the fabric beneath it.

"Well, I would offer you a Palí, but you struggle to ride with two good arms." The comment came with another bark of laughter, eliciting a not-so-subtle eyeroll from you.

"Two jokes in one day, I'm impressed. You're a fast learner." You countered cleverly, receiving a firm tug from Neytiri when you moved too much. She tied the cloth tightly above the wound, remarkably similar to a human-style tourniquet. It would hold for the final stretch home.

"You are a poor influence." He said in a tone that almost approached friendly, eyes returning to Neytiri, who seemed pleased with her work. It was able to stop the heaviest blood flow for now. Hopefully until you return to Hometree. Without releasing your arm, she turned to face Tsu'tey.

"Warn Tsahìk." She instructed calmly. Tsu'tey spoke another Na'vi phrase you did not recognize to the two hunters behind him, who had been relatively quiet for most of the interaction. That was all the signal they needed to start toward home, hoofbeats slowly dying as they put distance between you.

Once you and Neytiri were left alone again, she turned her attention back to you fully, eyes glued to the wound you so foolishly reopened. "Stupid." She muttered. You couldn't help but snicker at the human insult passing her lips. It was so foreign on her tongue.

"You love it." The words came out as an observation, but almost an accusation. Even if she would not admit it aloud, it was clear now how fond she had become of your particularly loud personality. Your hand, the one attached to your injured arm, slid free of her firm grip to slide up her forearm, completely disregarding the still fragile wound. She allowed the contact, despite the flick of her tail and ears that showcased she would have preferred you use the other arm.

"I do not," She claimed, falsely, as she leaned in just a hair closer. The action didn't back up her words. Your eyes drifted across her gorgeous face, catching the way her lip tugged upward. Neytiri was a terrible liar.

"Your smile says otherwise." You noted, your good arm finally participating in your scheme, reaching up to brush a thumb over her smiling lips. She shook her head just barely at the statement, trying with all her will not to let her amusement be written across her face. If that was the goal, she was failing.

Your fingers slid to her chin, and you leaned in to find her lips for a second time that day. However, before you could make contact, she stopped you with a hand on your chest. "I will not kiss you again until you are not bleeding." She stated in a knowing voice, head tilting slightly to emphasize the words. You glanced down at your arm, which was in fact, still bleeding. However, it had slowed considerably after the cloth was tied on.

“After, then?” You concluded, earning another, less subtle shake of her head. It was still in amusement rather than annoyance. 

A quiet snicker left her throat. "Come, skxawng, before you run out of blood," Neytiri instructed teasingly, returning her firm but protective grip to your arm, just above your elbow. You could only hope her touch would remain there for the rest of the trip.

It did. Neytiri was not planning on letting go of you until you were walking through the loose flaps of the healer's tent. Whether it was affection or fear of you doing something else to loosen the wound on your arm, you couldn't tell. But with her fingertips pressed into your skin, somehow both gently and firmly, you really didn't care about the motive.

As you approached, her grip tightened around your elbow. She must've guessed your next move. "It's not that bad, Tiri. Do I really need to see your tsahìk?" You questioned, which immediately earned a stern look similar to the way a mother scolds their misbehaving child. It had you retracting the statement with an audible huff.

"If you are fond of having two arms, you will see tsahìk." She told you simply, tugging at your arm to ensure you continued following her at the same pace. You stepped through the opening without further complaint, but Neytiri, not fully convinced you wouldn't pull something, slid her hand away and placed it across the small of your back. It was meant as guidance more than anything else, but that didn't stop the shiver that traveled up your spine.

What greeted you instantly was the calm yet knowing voice of Neytiri's mother, Mo'at, who also happened to be the Omaticaya tsahìk. "Ah, it is the palulukan hunter!" She called from within the tent. Surrounding her was a wide array of herbs and other healing supplies you couldn't name if you tried. The scent wafting from them filled your nose and calmed your senses. She was prepared for your arrival.

"I would not yet award her that title." Neytiri quipped, tail flicking your leg as she sat you down on one of the mats. An amused laugh came from the older woman. She crouched nimbly in front of you, leaning in and taking your injured arm in both hands. Her grip held you firmly but practiced, that of someone who had the wisdom and experience far beyond your understanding. She caused no extra pain, despite how close her skilled fingers pressed near the wound.

Mo'at's eyes scanned your skin for only a few seconds before glancing back up at you, somehow already knowing what treatment would be needed. "It appears the beast may have hunted you." She teased, releasing your arm and turning to reach for what must have been a specific group of herbs. You watched her as she carefully gathered each ingredient, leaving you there for a moment as she prepared them.

"I'd call it mutual." You offered with a casual shrug of your shoulders. The motion sent a rippling ache through the injured arm, reminding you once again to keep still. Even though a secondary reminder was not needed, Neytiri was happy to provide. Her hand landed softly on your shoulder, squeezing there in a silent statement. When you glanced up to gauge her expression, you were almost surprised at the warmth there, a sprinkle of amusement mixed in. Your brows tugged together just slightly as you calculated, while at the same time, Neytiri's fingertips dragged across your shoulders in slow, calming motions.

Your body slowly lost all tension. Maybe it was the strong variety of herbs that had god knows what effect, or Mo'at's distant humming while she worked like there were no more troubles left in the world. Or maybe it was simply Neytiri's soft touch at your back that carried far more weight than you knew to admit. But for a moment, you forgot about your arm entirely. Though it only lasted just a moment.

Mo'at, who seemed to have prepared all she needed, returned with her mixture of what looked like a Na'vi version of medical tools. Shit. That won't be pleasant. Right on cue, Neytiri's hand slid all the way down your uninjured arm to hold your palm between both of hers.

"Hold tight to Neytiri," Mo'at instructed calmly, purposefully not allowing you time to examine the tool in her hand. You should have listened to her earlier. The stitching felt like fire stinging your skin, arguably worse than the wound itself. Your nose scrunched in pain, grip involuntarily tightening around Neytiri's hands.

Each pierce of the needle brought another wince from your lips, tail flicking harshly. "You are almost done," Neytiri assured, thumb brushing across your knuckles. The move likely would have stolen your attention entirely if you weren't actively having your wound sewn back together. Thankfully, she didn't seem to mind the death grip you had on her.

After a few more torturous minutes of this, Mo'at finally put the herb mixture to use. You felt the paste spread evenly across the spot and sighed immediately in relief. It was relatively cool in temperature and effectively soothed the sting of both the wound and the stitches. Whatever was in it, it had the injury feeling several times better already.

"You will not lose the arm," Mo'at told you in a tone that left you unable to tell if she was serious or not. Judging by Neytiri's suppressed smile, it had to be a joke. You shook your head in amusement, already preparing to stand, but Mo'at stopped you. "Remain here until night, then you are free to go. We do not want that coming undone, do we?"

"We do not." Neytiri added in support, sending you a look as you sat back down with a dramatic sigh. Both of you thanked Mo'at for the treatment, eyes following her as she made her exit from the small tent.

The first thing you did was glance at Neytiri, calculating just how quickly she could stop you if you tried to move. “Do not think about it.” She told you knowingly. Apparently pretty quick, considering she just stopped you before you even tried. In acceptance, you settled back down onto the mat.

A few long minutes passed after that. You, of course, tried to stand a couple more times, even just to get a closer look at these herbs that did their job so well. But Neytiri was having none of that, standing just a few feet away and ready to stop you at a moment's notice. After the third or fourth time you acted on your restlessness, she caught you by your forearm, suddenly turning and leading you to the other side of the tent. There lay a spread of sleeping mats, meant for patients who required a longer stay.

"Sit. You need rest." She insisted softly, refusing to let go of you until you obliged. You sighed in protest, though it was fruitless. If her steady voice wasn't convincing enough, her fingers briefly caressing your cheek were.

"I do not need rest," You argued almost under your breath. It was in contradiction to the fact that you were sitting yourself down anyway. Slowly, you settled onto the mats, allowing the thick fur to brush your skin.

Satisfied, Neytiri partially turned her attention elsewhere, leaning her shoulder against a structural wooden formation just a few feet from where you sat. She would have seemed completely at ease to you, body still and muscles loose. But every few moments came the swish of her tail in long fluid motions. This, paired with the occasional flicking of her ears, gave away her thoughtful state.

''What are you thinking about?" You questioned casually, propping yourself up on your good elbow. Her tail flicked once at the question before returning to the previous flowing movements. You tilted your head to the side as she glanced in your direction, body shifting just slightly to better face you.

The expression on her face was that of someone considering their words very carefully. "How you tried to get yourself killed tracking a thanator." She responded. The hurried way the words left her mouth gave away that they were not the ones she originally wanted to say.

"It was impressive at least." You told her, pushing yourself up to your knees. The statement made her whole body turn toward you.

"It was not impressive. It was stupid." She responded quickly, already making a move toward you as you stood. "If you do not rest, this will only open again." Her fingers ghosted the wound, careful not to touch. Before she could sit you back down again, you placed a hand against the curve of her waist, catching her off guard. All she could do was gaze at you, words vanishing from her tongue.

“Let’s make a deal.” You suggested, flashing her a grin at he reaction to your touch.

"I am listening," Her tail lashed once as she replied.

"I'll stay down, and I won't move an inch until night, if you'll lay with me."

Her expression was unreadable for a moment, eyes drifting from you to the plush sleeping mat. The thought of you two curled up there for the next several hours was tempting beyond measure, but she would not admit that aloud. So instead she sighed, wordlessly guiding you down to the furs as if she wasn't just as happy about the arrangement.

"I believe there was also a promise made." You reminded her, pulling her toward you the moment your body hit the floor. She looked confused for a brief moment, so you continued. "I am no longer bleeding."

Recognition flashed in her eyes, the thought putting a smile on her lips. "Skxawng," she called you affectionately as you leaned toward her, mere centimeters from her face. Carefully, as if allowing time to confirm she still wanted this, you placed the lightest kiss to her perfect lips.

"Yes, but I'm your skxawng," You teased, making Neytiri's head swirl with all the different meanings behind those words. Before you could pull too far away, she dove back in and captured your lips again.

Your hand slid up her back instinctively, slipping beneath her hair to cup the back of her neck. The more your touch pressed into her skin, the further she melted into you, her body curling to slot perfectly against yours.

The kiss was a confession of all the tension and affection shared between you since the very first moment you met. It felt like relief to finally have a name for everything you felt for her. And based on the way she kissed you, deeply and fully, you could argue she felt the same way.

Once the kiss finally broke, it was only from lack of air. She flashed you that smile you so adored, heavy breath fanning over your face as her hands lifted to cup your cheeks.

"I should follow thanators more often." You told her, pressing another kiss to the flat curve of her nose. The words immediately earned another flick from her tail, although much softer this time.

"No, you should not." She said steadily, thumb brushing the skin just below your eye. That touch alone was captivating. The slow back and forth across your cheekbone. As you thought your heart might just burst, you slid your arm back down her torso, wrapping it around her tightly and pressing your forehead to her shoulder. Finally, that rest she had so insisted on started to creep forward.

As you lay there, breathing in the scent of her skin, all you could think about was the intimacy of the moment. In truth, you would happily take on another thanator and even the arrow to the arm a hundred times over if it meant getting to stay curled up with Neytiri like this. As your eyes slowly closed, the last thought on your mind was to thank Eywa for the misfire.

✵ Find my masterlist here

[grcsbluerpen]

I need the avatar fandom to get back here, I have so many wips in my drafts y’all gotta read before disappearing for the next three years

[grcsbluerpen]

Southbound - E.

╰ Etuwa x Fem!Aranahe!reader

༺ Word count: 5.5k

༺ Summary: Rumors were floating around that Etuwa was courting you, little did they know it was far more than that

༺ CW: 18+, MDNI, making out, explicit sex, oral reader!receiving, scissoring, biting, fingering, yes talk us through it Etuwa, kinda drawn out but this is yuri so that tracks, literally over 4k words of smut

༺ Translations:

- Kelku: home/house | - Yawntu: lover/loved one

- Yuey: beautiful | - Yawne: beloved

༺ Notes: guys this song has a fucking chokehold on me. Etuwa is literally the hottest character I’ve ever written for I’m obsessed

The plants felt warm beneath your fingertips, having spent the entire day in their small clearing baking under the sun, which was now starting to creep downward in pursuit of the horizon. Time was ticking before the bright forest around you would descend into the soft glow of nighttime on Pandora. Beautiful as it was, you had no plans of spending the night so far from Hometree.

You scooped up the patch of carefully harvested herbs, laying them thoughtfully in the pack that slung over your shoulder. It wasn't exactly organized, only just enough not to mingle with the already cleaned and wrapped meat you'd spent the morning hunting for. But you already had plans to fix that, en route to one of the Aranahe camps before heading home. Once there, you could pass off some of the load and repack it for the return trip.

Once the pack was secured around your shoulders again, tucked beneath the string of your hunting bow, you turned and made for denser trees in the direction of the camp. You walked with a built-in navigation that could only be made by the lifetime you'd spent here. The forest was just as familiar to you as the back of your hand.

Soreness started to kick in, only a compliment to your well-used muscles. The day had been long, yes, but not fruitless. It was evident in the dull ache that made itself known every few steps. Etuwa would have an herb mixture that could soothe it. You made a mental note to ask her upon your return.

Etuwa. The thought of her stole your focus quicker than you'd care to admit. As you walked, all you could see was the image of your mate impatiently waiting for your arrival. Mate. A word you were not yet used to using. It had been a few precious weeks now, but everything still felt like a dream.

As you walked, your thoughts suddenly drifted through some of your most recent memories; the view of her strong body pressed flush to yours, the shameless sounds she made in your ear, the feeling of her open mouth on your neck. The thoughts made your tail lash harshly, having to snap yourself out of it. There would be plenty of time to relive those memories once you were safely home.

Quicker than you expected, you found yourself climbing the tangled tree roots and up onto the first woven platform of the camp. There were a few polite words of greeting upon your entrance, smiles shared as you passed off a portion of your haul to remain here.

"You are always a welcome face," One woman told you, taking particular interest in the herbs you had just gathered. "These will be useful."

You nodded in agreement, making sure to leave a couple extra for her. "There is a healthy growth not far from here. Just south." You said, watching her ears perk at the information. "Could be worth another look." She thanked you for both the herbs and the location, turning to bring them inside the open shelter.

You kept mostly to yourself after that, quietly rewrapping and repacking your day's findings so it would be more suitable for travel. Your fingers worked diligently, redoing each little bundle with care. This way, you would not have to unpack them again the moment you returned home. There were other priorities you planned to address first.

This was another little reminder of the woman who waited for you at Hometree. You glanced up at the sun to judge its position, which was getting increasingly lower. Etuwa would likely beat you back to the kelku.

Try as you may to hold onto your focus, your thoughts kept slipping. It was difficult not to let them. You felt lovesick, being so freshly mated with the woman you love so deeply. She took up a huge portion of your mind, even now as your hands began working in autopilot.

You stopped trying to prevent your mind from wandering, telling yourself it was by choice and definitely not because you had failed. And you failed horribly.

But how were you to succeed when everything reminded you of her? Even the way you tied up the small bundle of plants surfaced the memory of Etuwa undoing the same ties on your waistcloth. Her nimble fingers always made sure to drag extra slowly across your hips.

Just as you had the final bundle packed away, hushed voices pulled your attention back to reality, drawing your pointed ears in the direction they came from.

"I heard that Etuwa is courting her." The statement was so quiet that it just barely reached your ears. But the confidence with which it was spoken told you that they were completely oblivious to your presence.

"Where have you heard this?" A second voice asked. "Have you seen it with your eyes?"

“Have you seen her?” Countered the first. “Every time that young warrior is around, she behaves differently.”

That was another thing. Neither of you had said a word about mating yet to the rest of your clan. Not because it was a secret, but because you agreed to simply enjoy each other first before worrying about clan responsibilities involved with the tsahìk taking a mate. It seemed word was going to reach their ears sooner or later. They weren't wrong, technically, you were courted by Etuwa. But that was no longer the appropriate word to describe your relationship. You snickered quietly at the thought.

"Well, she does spend more time with her now." The second voice chimed in again, still completely unaware that you were hearing this. "I swear I am starting to smell her on Etuwa."

You pressed a palm to your mouth silently at the words, a blush subtly creeping from your cheeks to the tips of your ears. That part was true. But simply spending more time together was not the reason for your scent lingering on your mate.

As hard as it was to, you stood yourself up and gathered your pack and bow, slinging them both over your shoulder. An ear stayed pointed in the direction of your gossipers to hear if they would say anything more, but it seemed another topic had become more interesting. With the shake of your head, you strode across the platform and down onto the forest floor. There was still a long walk home.

Roughly half an hour had passed before you reached Hometree, and your pack was starting to feel heavier. You shifted its weight a little to relieve your shoulder. Inside, it was particularly lively this evening, every last Aranahe member who had been out enjoying the warm weather now gathered together, not quite ready to let the day come to an end. They were all calm, peacefully speaking and laughing amongst themselves as if they had nowhere to be anytime soon. It was the opposite if you, who strode past toward exactly the place you wanted to be.

Without much thought past putting one foot in front of the other, you climbed the twists and turns of Hometree in the direction of Etuwa's kelku, which was now yours as well. Something about the thought of seeing her there in mere moments made your feet move a little quicker.

The noise of the cheerful Aranahe gave way to quiet as you approached the woven entrance to your kelku, sliding it out of the way to duck inside. You found exactly what you were looking for there. Etuwa was lounged casually in your shared pile of furs, limbs stretched out comfortably, and body angled to face the small fire that lived on one end of the home. Your eyes fell over her nearly completely exposed body, armor having been abandoned and switched out with an intricate beaded top and a thin little waistcloth. Judging by the heap her armor was left in, she hadn't arrived very long ago.

It was hard not to take advantage of the moment to run your eyes over her strong frame, drinking in the image of every curve and muscle. The top she chose made them unbelievably easy to see. But it didn't take long before you were caught, Etuwa's head tilting to meet your gaze.

"Ma yawntu." She purred, pushing herself up to her feet to greet you. It only took a few seconds before she had you, hands curled around your arms and sliding up slowly toward your shoulders. "Long day, I assume?"

All the tension left your body the moment you felt her touch against your skin, so you sighed into a smile. "Very." Was your simple response, making up for it by leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth.

You were foolish if you thought you'd get away with just that. Etuwa immediately pulled you back in until your lips met. The kiss was gentle, but there was a hunger beneath it, one that sparked to life your first night together and still refused to be satisfied.

She must have felt this on you, because she decided to tease you with it. You felt her tongue swipe slowly across your lower lip before pulling away, retreating even as you tried to lean back in. You groaned dramatically in protest, only putting a smirk on her face.

"Come, make it all the way inside at least." She told you, sliding your bow and pack up over your head. "That way, I can rid you of this armor properly." The words were so blunt, you were stunned for a moment, heat jumping to your cheeks. You shouldn't be surprised by now. This was Etuwa. She had always been fond of seeing you blush for her.

All you could do was follow as she crossed the small space to lay your things near a pile of supplies. Instinctively, you reached for a basket with your clothing to select a more comfortable outfit, but Etuwa had beaten you to that too. With a hand settling at your hip, she handed you a pile of clothing she had already laid aside. You recognized it immediately as one of your favorites. The waistcloth was thin and simple, but cut just right to show off the muscles along your hips and rear. The top was mostly large feathers, placed just well enough that you weren't considered naked, but only just. This particular outfit was one you would wear when you wanted Etuwa to see.

She handed it to you, but you did not take it. "I thought you were undressing me." You challenged with a sly smile on your lips, the words making her tail swish in contradiction to the growing smirk on her face.

Etuwa set the clothes down beside her with precision, leaning in to brush her lips against the spot just below your ear. "I will undress you as many times as you would like." She assured, tilting her head so her teeth could graze the edge of your ear, satisfied by the shudder that ran through your body.

You slid your hands up her toned back until you reached her neck, slipping a couple of fingers beneath the strap of her top. "Then let us start now." You muttered just as her mouth pressed firmly to the skin below your ear. With your words, you watched her tail lash and felt her lips part, allowing her teeth to graze your neck. The feeling sent a shock through your body, undeniably pleasurable, but not enough. You wanted her on your mouth.

As you felt her lips travel upward, you cupped the back of her neck, tilting your head to speed up the process until her lips slotted firmly against yours. You couldn't help but groan into the kiss, heat pooling in your abdomen.

It was messy, so different from the slow and deliberate movements you had used before. This was bolder, more desperate, all that hunger starting to creep toward the surface. Mouths moved in almost a staggered rhythm, constantly fighting to be closer, to deepen the kiss further.

One of Etuwa's hands slid down your clothed chest, hurriedly maneuvering you backward until your back pressed against the wall and your chest to your lover's. You felt your heart thumping repeatedly in your ribcage at the sudden excitement. She was everywhere. Hands roaming your body with only your armor to block her way. But all the places you wanted her were hidden beneath it.

You broke the kiss gasping, only just long enough to breathe. "Etuwa, take this off me." You instructed between breaths, growing steadily more impatient with each passing second. She huffed a breathless laugh, hands sliding back behind your neck to fumble for your ties.

The sight of her swollen but smiling lips, sheen with your saliva, would have been enough to make your knees buckle if she didn't still have you caged between her and the wall behind you. Naturally, your reaction was to lean in and capture her lips again, making sure they stayed looking that way. This made her task of ridding you of your clothing slightly more challenging, her hands pausing momentarily at the tie to grip the garment tightly.

As much as you begged for her to strip you of your armor, you didn't make it easy for her. Just as you felt the tie come undone, revealing the bare muscle of your back underneath, you tilted your head just barely to suck on her lower lip, teeth grazing skin. The feeling was agonizingly good, her whole body shuddering as a muffled groan left her mouth.

"I thought you wanted this off," She barely got out, cut off by you pulling her in closer, brows pinching at the feeling of her lips so firmly set against yours. Etuwa had to work around, leaning away just enough to let your chestpiece fall from your body and move it carefully to the side. The moment it was gone, she positioned herself against your bare chest. The feeling of your breasts pressed to hers, only separated by the tiny details of her top, was absolutely dizzying.

Suddenly, her hand dipped lower, dragging down your side to hook a finger under the strap of your waistcloth. She tugged at it just enough for you to feel it. Your breath hitched, mouth parting from hers to lean your head back against the wall behind you. "Etuwa," You warned as her fingertips slowly wandered across your hips.

Wordlessly, she latched her mouth onto the side of your neck, lips parting to let her tongue press flat to the skin there. The move sent your tail lashing behind you. She repeated this in several places, slowly working her way down your neck and chest, tongue traveling skillfully all the way down your abdomen. Eventually, she had dropped to her knees, arms holding your waist in support rather than control. It was needed, given that your legs felt like collapsing now.

"I want to taste you," She mumbled against the skin of your hip, one hand falling to grip the strap of your waistcloth. Just as you managed to open your mouth for a reply, you felt her teeth sink into your skin, replacing your words with a sharp hiss. Etuwa immediately swirled her tongue over the bite to soothe the sting. A very clear mark was left in her wake.

"You are such a tease." You muttered, bringing a hand to her temple and brushing a few loose strands of hair out of her face. Etuwa smiled into your skin, clearly pleased by the effect she had on you.

Slowly, reluctantly, as if she wished to kiss your skin forever, she removed her mouth and rested her chin against the dip between your hip and thigh to gaze up at you. "How could I not be, when I have you for my mate?" She purred the words with a swaying tail, fingers still teasing the strap at your hip.

Before you could even blink, she had a second hand reaching around to find the ties above your tail. In one quick, practiced movement, she had it undone, both hands coming to either side of your hips to drag the garment down your legs. Once you were free of it, Etuwa let out a low groan, immediately pressing a firm kiss to one of your thighs.

You could tell she wanted to savor you by the patient way her hands slid up your thighs. It was slow and unhurried, a contrast from the sloppy kisses you had shared just moments ago. "You choose now to take your time?" You questioned as her lips teased your glistening folds, hovering just close enough but just far enough away to be agonizing. A subtle smile appeared on her face.

"Patience, my love." She cooed, tracing soothing circles into your thigh. The tone she used made your heart do a flip, voice somewhere between soft and seductive. You hummed in response to it, feeling your body light up every time she came close to where you needed her.

Her desire must have won out over her self-control because her hands suddenly curled, pressing her fingertips into your skin. In the slowest, most agonizing move ever, she slid her tongue through your folds, licking a long, hot stripe all the way to your clit. A string of Na'vi curses left your mouth at the sudden stimulation, unable to stop your hips from rolling forward.

The pace she set was slow at first, allowing you to adjust to the pressure of her wonderful tongue before increasing in intensity. All you could do was take it, a hand reaching up to grasp a fistful of her hair for stability. But stability was something you were failing horribly at. With each lick and swirl and suck from Etuwa, you felt your legs weakening, succumbing to the sensation constantly delivered between them. She noticed this immediately, one hand spreading wide to hold you comfortably at your lower belly. The other continued tracing patterns at your hip.

With each movement, you felt the coil slowly being wound in the pit of your stomach. Oh, how she knew just what it took to undo you. As if she wasn't already buried between your legs, she pressed herself in closer, pulling at your hips until she had you rocking into her. You were in pure bliss, each and every movement hitting just the right spot to bring that familiar heat to your core. She was fully aware.

Her pace suddenly increased, using her strong arms to guide your hips, helping you chase your high. "Etuwa—" You gasped her name quietly, mouth agape and head thumping back against the wall. Only a few more fiery strokes from her tongue, and she had you. Pleasure rocked through your body in shockwaves, stealing what little strength was left in your legs. This time, she let your body slide down the wall, guiding you to straddle her lap. Her fingers were quick to replace her mouth, rubbing circles against your clit to ride through your orgasm. Your arms came to wrap tightly around her shoulders, burying a whimper into the curve of her neck as your hips rolled into her hand.

“That is it, yawntu.” She purred in your ear as your body began to relax, fingers gradually slowing as you came back down. “You are so good, my love.” 

You slumped against her breathlessly, taking advantage of the position to press a few featherlight kisses to the skin of her neck. Her response was immediate, scooping you up in her arms as she brushed her cheek against the top of your head.

You searched for words to say, but none seemed good enough for that moment. So all you did was giggle happily, nuzzling your nose into her shoulder. Etuwa was right there with you, squeezing you tight in her embrace as a symphony of blissful laughter passed her lips. Once the fit had ended, you lifted your head and brought both hands up to cup her face. Your heart twirled at the wide grin spread across her lips.

She leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to your lips, peppering more all over your face until your giggling fit started over. Each one was filled with affection so strong, you could swear you had died and gone to the ancestors. It was hard to believe a love so strong could exist on Pandora, but it did, and it was yours. Warmth bloomed across your skin at that.

Etuwa finished at your lips again, lingering there for a moment longer. You could taste yourself on her, tail flicking at the subtle reminder of what had just occurred moments ago. It drew a sigh out of you, blocked and muffled against her mouth.

She broke the kiss only when your lungs demanded air. Silently, she reached out in the direction of the abandoned outfit she had chosen for you earlier. Before her hands could reach it, you caught her gently by the wrist, pulling her back to press a kiss to her palm. "We do not need those, yuey." You told her, eyes finding hers through your lashes. She understood your words immediately. You were not finished yet. That perfect smile returned to her face as the meaning sank in, a hand sliding up to cup your neck in the perfect mix between firm and gentle. She wasn't finished either.

Slowly, you pushed yourself up to your feet, hand grasping her forearm to guide her toward the thick pile of furs across the kelku. She followed you more than willingly, letting you lead her wherever you wanted. You stopped just as you reached the thick bedding, turning around to face her.

Your hands trailed up her arms, finding the intricate straps of her top. "Let us get rid of this, hm?" You teased, locating the ties easily. "You are far overdressed." A smirk crawled onto your lips at the swish of her tail your words earned.

It took almost no effort to rid her of her top, letting it fall to her feet and revealing her bare chest beneath it. Eywa, she was beautiful. Next, you kneeled down to work at her waistcloth, undoing it and removing it just as quickly as the top. But before you could do anything further, she followed you to the floor and snaked her arms around you, pulling you down with her into the soft furs. The moment you hit the bedding, she had you pulled flush against her, a hand under your thigh to hook it over her legs.

You two lay like that for a moment, Etuwa's eyes searching yours in nothing but raw affection. "I adore you," She whispered, smiling at the way your ears pointed forward.

"I am yours forever, Etuwa." You told her, rolling onto your stomach so that you were practically on top of her, draping a bent arm over her chest. Her response was to tighten her hold around your torso, making sure you stayed pressed right up against her.

"Well, that is good news." She teased with a short laugh, placing a long kiss on your forehead. Patiently, you wandered into the curve of her neck, nuzzling your cheek against the skin there. Her scent was muddled a little, so strongly mixed with yours that you were sure she would never lose the smell of you. If they hadn't before, others would definitely notice it this time.

The reminder of the conversation you had overheard earlier drew out the tiniest laugh, really no more than a puff of air. It was still enough for your lover to notice. "What is it?" She inquired, tilting her head to try to get a better look at you.

“They talk about us,” You informed her, tail thumping lightly against the furs. “The rest of the clan.”

“Do they?” She replied, dragging a hand knowingly up your spine. Her tone was lower, giving away that she had likely overheard her own conversations. 

“I heard a pair of hunters speaking about us.” Your lips wandered down her neck, brushing the skin but not yet kissing it. 

“And what do they say, yawne?” Her fingers reached your neck, trailing up and down it slowly.

"They think you are courting me, but they do not know we have mated." You explained with the slightest smirk, just wide enough to reveal the points of your fangs. A brow raised as you lifted your head to gaze at her knowingly. "They also say you smell of me."

You watched her expression as she calculated your words, going through the same thing you did when you first heard the conversation. "They do not think we have made it official?" She asked in confirmation, head tilting just slightly. You shook your head slowly, drinking up the sudden tension that bloomed between you. Without warning, Etuwa rolled you over until your back was flat against the plush pile of bedding. She climbed aboard your lap, straddling your hips and leaning forward until her face was mere centimeters from yours. "Should we make it official?" Her lips ghosted yours as the words were spoken, gazing at you through half-lidded eyes.

You tilted your head back to allow her mouth to find your pulse point, just under your jaw. "We will make it official as many times as you would like." You mimicked her statement from earlier in the same seductive tone, sending her tail lashing at the air behind her.

Etuwa let out something like a groan, leaning down on one elbow to support herself as her hand slid behind your head. As she rested her weight on one arm, placed right beside your head, the muscle in her bicep flexed naturally in your peripheral. The sight of it drew a shudder up your spine, ears pinning softly.

Her steady fingers brushed the base of your kuru gently, carefully bringing it over your shoulder to meet it with hers. Tendrils embraced, locking and connecting you by a force that ran deeper than the roots of Pandora. All you could do was smile, like you did every time you made tsaheylu with Etuwa. It felt as if the very essence of her soul was washed over you. It filled you with peace, yes, but also intense affection and, below that, the same strong hunger that stirred in your body. She hummed, leaning her head down to press a long kiss to your temple. Everything you felt from the connection, she did too. It was truly a blissful thing.

You hooked a couple of fingers under her chin, dragging her mouth back to yours. When they met, you felt her whole body melt into you. It was intoxicating, having her body so close to you, every curve fitting into place like pieces of a puzzle.

Eventually, Etuwa broke the kiss, slowly sitting up onto her knees. You followed her there, quick to place both hands on either side of her hips. "Want to touch you." You muttered, leaning in to place several open-mouthed kisses across her chest. She had other plans, you could tell, but she still allowed you to indulge in this, sighing as a hand curled inward to swipe a finger through her folds, finding the slick waiting for you there.

Her hands cupped your neck with all the gentleness she could muster, head right beside yours to make sure every sound she made went right into your ear. You did a fantastic job of drawing those sounds out of her. Etuwa moaned shamelessly as your fingers circled her clit, throwing away any self-control she had left.

Slowly, you ran your fingers down to her entrance, hooking one inside her. It was quickly followed by a second as her hips rocked forward. While your fingers worked diligently, your mouth resumed its task at her chest, lips and tongue trailing to the side of her breast. You sucked at her skin, making sure it was enough to leave a little mark before moving on, dragging your mouth to her nipple to use your tongue there.

Your thumb resumed circling her clit, slowly building heat inside her. It was easily shared through the bond, the gradual approach of her high. But before you could chase it for her, she took you by the wrist and pulled your hand away from her. The loss of contact was a strong feeling, one that even you protested. But she still had her other plans.

Etuwa leaned forward, gently laying you back down against the furs. They were soft below your body, wrapping you in its warmth as your lover positioned herself over top of you once again. "I think it is time they all know you are mine." She told you, head tilting so her lips could easily find the skin of your neck. Slowly, savoring every second, she let her mouth fall open, sucking intensely at your skin until there was a fresh mark. You couldn't help but moan at the feeling.

One of her hands came up to hold the other side of your head, bracing you as she moved onto the next spot, lower on your neck now. This time, her pointed teeth participated, leaving a bite mark that perfectly matched the one on your hip. The moan was replaced with a subtle hiss, one of your hands moving to grip at her waist.

She repeated this process until she was satisfied, a trail of visible marks blooming across your skin. Her gaze raked over them before finding your face, a grin on her lips that showed the teeth responsible for the handywork. "We will see now if they still believe I am only courting you." She told you, thumb brushing back and forth along your jaw.

You breathed a blissful laugh, watching your mate as she slid down your body to position herself between your legs. Your body felt as if it was on fire, sensing how close her heat was to yours. All it would take is the slightest movement at her hips to make contact.

That is exactly what she did.

While her strong arms embraced you, half supporting, half pinning your body against the floor, she sank herself down onto you. Skin met skin in the most euphoric way, drawing out a mixture of gasps and moans from both of you. You would never get used to this feeling.

"You are perfect." She mumbled, voice drunk off the sensation that ran between your bodies. Once you had caught your breath—or more accurately, once your need had grown too strong to ignore, she began a slow grind against you, heat sparking with every movement. You could do nothing but relish in the feeling of the sensitive contact, clit rolling and sliding against hers in a way that stole what air was left in your lungs.

The powerful sensation of her rhythmic thrusts, mixed with the shared pleasure through tsaheylu, brought that knot back to your stomach. You could feel it in hers as well, building at the same steady pace. "We are close, ma yawntu. You are doing so well." She breathed out between moans, eliciting the sharp thump of your tail against the ground beside you.

Her weight suddenly shifted to intensify her angle, significantly amplifying the pleasure that bloomed in your body. It was everywhere; through your legs that fought not to tremble, in your pelvis that continuously took on the strength of hers, across your skin that felt touched by the sun itself. Your hips bucked upward instinctively to chase the feeling.

"Yawne," You spoke almost weakly as the heat between you approached its head. She somehow maintained her pace, even increasing it despite the way you could feel her coming undone. You felt her movements grow a little messier with each passing second.

"Finish with me, ma yawntu." She encouraged you, uttering the words directly into your pointed ear. There was something like a whimper laced into her words, truly losing any last shred of her composure. You took no convincing beyond that.

The climax crashed over both of you, muscles tensing and hips stuttering. The sounds that fell from both of your lips were a reflection of the pure ecstasy that rolled through you, moans and cries mixing into a perfect melody. Etuwa rode your core through all of it, until your bodies came back down and every last ounce of fluid was mixed and dripping down your thighs. When you finally did recover, she practically collapsed on top of you, body still firmly pressed to yours.

"Do you think they will notice now?" She teased suddenly, face buried in the curve of your neck. You could feel her satisfied grin at the work she had done. Thanks to the obvious marks left across your body and the overwhelming combined scents of you and her, anyone who saw you within the next few days would know exactly what had happened.

You breathed a final sigh, unable to help but let a few breathless laughs bubble to the surface. "Yes, I think they will notice." You assured, pulling her in to hold her tightly against you. Even if they didn't, you would make it known now that Etuwa was yours. Rumors could continue if they wished, but that would always be true.

⋆˙⟡ Find my Masterlist here

[grcsbluerpen]

Painted skin - S.

╰ So’lek x Fem!Sarentu!reader

༺ Word count: 6k

༺ Summary: The night before a strike mission, preparation included applying your favorite paints. However this time, you were determined to have So’lek be the one to paint you

༺ CW: 18+ MDNI, fluff, explicit smut, established relationship, soft So’lek again, god this is so sensual, handjob, oral m!receiving, dry humping, unprotected p in v, swallowing, biting, So’lek is subby for a sec if you squint a little, sexual and nonsexual nudity, there’s paint involved clearly

༺ Translations:

- Yawne: Beloved | - Nga yawne: My love

- Yawntu: Lover/loved one | - Yuey: Beautiful

༺ Notes: Thank you so much for the all the love on my last So’lek fic, I love you guys 🥹 this could technically be read as a sotey fic, but Tamtey’s name isn’t used. I accidentally gave this more plot than intended so maybe it’ll get a second part. I already have ideas 😏

You stood calmly at the holotable, tail swishing slowly as the sound of familiar voices filled your ears. Everyone was there, completing the final briefing for a carefully planned strike mission against another RDA base. This particular one happened to be one of the largest in the region, and the only one that hadn't yet been disturbed by the Resistance or other Na'vi. They were fully aware of this fact, which meant security had been greatly increased on-site.

What they didn't know was that you had planned for this. Over the past few weeks, the number of amps on base nearly doubled, with supplies and soldiers flying in daily. You took immediate advantage of it, striking every small camp, drill, anything you could get your hands on. It was almost effortless to reclaim them now that they were left nearly abandoned.

The plan worked beautifully. Between you and So'lek, the RDA were successfully driven to their central base, tense and restless in wait for your attack. There was one downside to this, which had been thoroughly discussed long before even the first stage of the plan was executed. The sky people in this region were all trapped in one location, which meant that it would be twice as difficult to down the base now that the time had come.

There was a solid week of silence between the RDA and the Resistance. You could feel the tension brewing like a terrible storm. It felt like one wrong move could bring down the full force of its fury, which is what you were planning on doing. Both sides kept busy during the temporary calm, preparing for what had become an inevitable battle. And now, the evening before, plans were coordinated and finalized.

Your gaze landed on So'lek, who stood beside you calmly, eyes locked on the map projected from the circular table. He was laser-focused on the approaching task, body rigid and eyes hard in calculation. It was the usual demeanor he took on when he was in combat mode, developed from many years of it.

Every few moments, you felt his tail brush silently against your lower leg, just low enough to remain out of the others' view. It was his way of showing you a little bit of affection, privately and intimately, even in a setting like this where his instinct was to be anything but affectionate. But that instinct seemed to disappear when it came to you.

Ever since you had officially mated, nearly two months ago now, something had changed in him. He was gentle with you before, of course, but that night had completely rewired his mind. It was as if you were truly the other half of him, the piece that had been missing in his life. His priorities suddenly shifted, putting you right at the top. He made you a part of everything he did, a portion of his focus always devoted to you. It was evident now, standing around the holotable with his tail against your skin.

Your eyes wouldn't leave him, even when Priya asked him a simple question. One of his arms reached out to point at a portion of the map, his voice firm as his tail slid up your calf. You had to force down a shiver at the feeling of it there.

It was Teylan's turn to speak. He stepped forward with a human tablet in his arms, gaze flickering between it and the table. "More sonic units were placed this morning... here." He spoke as he sent the image from his little screen to the map. It was suddenly littered with dozens of small squares, meant to symbolize the very real machines. There were many more dots than there were before. "It shouldn't be a problem, as long as we stick to the plan."

So'lek noticed your gaze, eyes softening just a hair as they found yours. You could have stared at them for the rest of the meeting if it weren't for Teylan's words forcing you back to the present. "If you and So'lek can get into the central control room, I'll have access to all of them." He pointed out, marking the room on the map. You studied it for a brief moment. It would be a hard trek in and an even harder one out.

"That is a big if." Ri'nela added in grimly, worry subtly painting her features. Nobody dared speak the words aloud, but the sheer number of humans and machinery was concerning. While yes, you had been an absolute nightmare for the RDA on your own, let alone with So'lek at your side, this was far more than you had ever taken on at once.

"Yes, well, it's important." Teylan continued without missing a beat. "If you want your ikrans, you'll get into that control room."

You nodded slowly, doing a spectacular job of hiding any worry. "Then we'll get into the control room." You repeated, confirming that piece of the plan. This wouldn't be your first time doing this, and you doubted it would be the last. You'd get the job done.

Teylan turned to Ri'nela to discuss her role in this. You listened for a few moments, but your mind began to drift to tomorrow, and more importantly, tonight. Your eyes wandered to your arms, which rested against the edge of the table in front of you, currently washed clean of any paint.

Ever since your first encounter with the Aranahe, where you had been adorned in the most colorful paints that swirled and stretched across your skin, you fell in love with the tradition. Any chance to decorate your skin, you took it immediately. Every ceremony. Every battle with the sky people. You'd developed a skilled hand for it, having plenty of practice on yourself and even Ri'nela, who was not difficult to convince to participate.

Now your skin was bare, washed, and stripped of the extra color you often carried there. There was no doubt, you would be painted again before the night was over. You just hadn't decided what you would do yet. Or, better yet, who you were hoping would do it. Tonight, you were determined to persuade So'lek to do the job, whom you had never painted before, and who had never painted you.

It could be considered quite an intimate act to paint another Na'vi. Sure, you had helped Ri'nela reach difficult-to-reach places before, but that was different. You intended to ask So'lek to paint you fully and to paint him in return. This shouldn't be something difficult to ask of him, he was your mate after all. But something about the thought made your heart tap lightly against your chest.

The rest of the briefing went smoothly. You continued tuning in and out, thoughts circling between the plan for tomorrow and your plan for tonight. Just as you thought you could put those thoughts on hold, So'lek reached out an arm to gesture toward something on the holotable. The image of his practiced fingers gliding paint across your body suddenly sat in the forefront of your mind and demanded your attention. It made your cheeks just barely change color, enough that you were sure someone would notice if they looked closely enough.

Final words were spoken, and soon enough, everyone began to disperse, off to make final preparations before the sun was gone. You and So'lek were the last to leave, his hand sliding to your side and squeezing you there gently.

"Worried, yawne?" He inquired, noticing the sudden shift in your mood. You wondered if he could sense that it wasn't from anxiety.

He took a gentle step closer so that your bodies brushed lightly. You welcomed the warmth, leaning into it. "No, I'm not worried." Was your simple answer, your head tilting up to gaze at him. "This isn't our first time doing this together."

"No, it is not." So'lek agreed with a soft hum in his voice, a free hand lifting to brush his fingertips against your temple. The feeling of his touch lowered your ears just a hair.

You both stood there for a moment, simply drinking in each other's closeness and the contact against your skin. It was almost enough to forget the task at hand. Almost, but not quite.

"So'lek," You began softly, a hand finding where his lay with care on your waist, resting it on top.

"Hm?" He hummed in response, fighting the urge to lose himself in the sight and scent of you alone. The gentleness in his tone was such a contrast in comparison to the one he had just used with the others around this table. Seeing this version of him, saved exclusively for you, made your heart feel as if it were twirling within your ribs.

You pulled back for a short moment, hands sliding up his forearms. They were just as clean a canvas as yours were. A slow breath escaped your lips as you glanced back up at him, ears perking. "Would you paint me tonight?" You asked, jumping straight to your point.

His tail swished once at the words, watching your genuine expression as you asked this of him. He wanted to jump at the thought and grab it with both hands. There was such significance in painting another's skin. It was undoubtedly something he'd wish to do for you.

"Only if you would paint me as well, nga yawne." His answer was so sure, it seemed silly that you ever worried about asking him for this. A wide smile pulled at your lips while an airy giggle crossed them. You wasted no time wrapping a hand around his to lead him out of those metal doors.

It was a short walk away from base and up into the cave system where your paints had been prepared and stashed that morning. There was a place there you had discovered not long ago, a completely hidden ledge tucked into the stone, lush with greenery. So'lek was particularly fond of its view of eclipse. Ever since discovering it, you were quick to visit whenever there was an opportunity.

Your hands slipped from his as you stepped into the little space, nimbly crossing it to the nook where your supplies were safely hidden. A breath of relief escaped you when you found the paint had held its condition through the day.

As you turned with the bowls in hand, you found So'lek near the ledge, eyes falling on the slowly darkening sky. The planet inched closer and closer to night, revealing the glowing and flickering life that stayed concealed in the forest during the day. You laughed softly at the sight of him admiring it, setting your paints down in the moss and stepping up beside him. His hands slid to both sides of your waist, affectionately pulling you into him until your body was flush against his.

"The evening is beautiful, ma So'lek." You purred, your mind not even close to focused on the view now. Warmth ran through your body at the feeling of your skin against his, still blocked, however, by the bulk of your tactical vests. He leaned in to press a few slow kisses to your temple, earning a very obvious tilt of your head in response.

"It would be nothing without you," So'lek replied tenderly, voice filled with adoration. He leaned in again, this time for your lips. But just before they made contact with yours, you slid away from him with a playful grin on your face.

His gaze followed you, clearly taken by surprise by the sudden lack of contact. Your laughter was bright as you bounded back to the center of the clearing where your paints lay waiting.

Tail swishing, you took advantage of his moment of surprise, turning your back to him and sliding your vest up and over your head. Happy to be rid of it, you discarded it across the small space. So'lek's eyes softened as they fell over the bare skin of your back. He gazed at you as if he wanted to memorize every detail of it; every curve and crease of your muscle, every curling pattern in your skin.

He wasted no time in following you, ridding himself of his own vest before sliding his arms around your waist to pull your back up to his chest. A sigh escaped you as his lips found the back of your neck, trailing slowly and gently down its curve and onto your shoulder. It took everything in you to think of the paint.

"Yawne, do not forget why we came up here." Your words came out in a seductive purr, with none of the seriousness you intended them to.

He replied without removing his mouth from you, words slow and intentional. "Is this not why we came up here?" He teased with the question, lips parting to bring his tongue to your skin, sucking gently there. You tilted your head back slightly in response, losing your determination with every passing second.

"The paint first, So'lek." You whispered, tail curling up to brush along his thigh. He gave in to your request with that, turning you around slowly to face him. His hand came up to the side of your face, stealing that kiss you escaped from earlier.

You sat yourself down by your paints, removing their coverings and spreading them out so each bowl was within reach. So'lek followed quickly, sliding a few bowls aside to allow more space for you.

He examined the colors, eyes drifting across your bare skin as he considered what to put there. "Did you have a pattern in mind?" He asked, scooping up the first bowl and opening an arm for you to sit closer.

You obliged, sitting yourself right in front of him and giving a casual shake of your head. "I've seen your talent with paint." You spoke in admiration, thinking of the masterpieces on the walls of his camp. It was something he showed very few people. "I am your canvas."

His tail swished behind him at the words of praise, considering for a few moments before he began. A hand went up to the side of your face, thumb under your chin and fingers around your neck for stability. The touch was so gentle, you couldn't help but lean into it, letting him take advantage of the opportunity with a slow kiss.

You giggled at the move, pulling him back down for another. The way his lips felt there, soft and light as a feather, made your chest ache for more.

He swiped a finger through the paint, reaching up to begin at the bridge of your nose. He was slow at first, leaving patterns there, tracing in a way that highlighted your natural features beneath the picture.

Nothing was left untouched; everything given the proper attention it deserved. The slope of your nose, your cheekbones, the curve of your lip, down your jaw and neck. He placed every touch of paint slowly and deliberately.

So'lek placed kisses to each spot on your skin before placing the paint down, as if to keep the touch carefully trapped beneath it. All you could do was watch him as he adored your face with both his hands and lips, warmth blooming across your skin as if the sun itself was doing this to you.

You hummed as his mouth moved to prepare your neck for paint, kissing every sensitive spot. His ears pressed forward at the sound, only encouraging him to continue on.

"Ma So'lek..." You sighed as he found your throat, testing the waters by sucking lightly there. Despite that quickly growing desire between you, he remained focused, placing a swirling shape at the base of your neck. The final piece before moving onto your body.

His skilled hands slid down your shoulders to place a painted handprint on your biceps, positioned in a way so that your armor would not cover them. You liked it that way. Anyone who saw it would know quickly who had marked you.

So'lek leaned in again, trailing his lips along your collarbone before dipping lower. Your breath hitched as he travelled down your chest, into the hollow between your breasts. Oh, how he tested your patience, your ability to remain still under his knowing touch.

His mouth was replaced with his fingers, sliding them across your chest. Your ears flattened as he swirled patterns along your breasts. "So'lek," You breathed through the sensation. "This will be hidden under my vest."

He paused momentarily to reach back up and press another kiss to your lips, careful not to disturb the still-drying paint on your face. "You and I will know it is here," He replied simply, unwilling to leave this area of your body untouched. You hummed at that.

Warmth ran through every inch of your body, akin to your warmed skin after time under sunlight. It was gentle, yes, but it yearned for more. You were aware of every single touch on your skin, the way his hands ran over every curve of your body.

So'lek set the bowl down briefly to lay you down in the soft moss, allowing him easier access to the lower half of your body. You rolled your head to the side to gaze at him. His expression was focused but so full of adoration. He enjoyed every moment of this, practically worshipping your body as he decorated it.

He worked his way down your stomach, hands finding the thin straps of your waistcloth. He hesitated there, fingers still coated in a layer of paint that would surely stain the fabric. So you helped him, untying and removing the covering, tossing it to the side.

Once freed, So'lek resumed his work, carefully running his fingers down your hips and across your thighs, curling inward. He stopped just before reaching the most sensitive place between your legs, avoiding placing any paint there. But just because he couldn't paint you there, didn't mean he couldn't tease you a little, placing delicate kisses that made your belly ache.

"So'lek," You breathed, ready to ask him to abandon the rest of the paint. He seemed to sense this.

"Paint first, ma yawne." He repeated your words from earlier, drawing a sigh from you. Your tail thumped lightly against the ground to exaggerate the noise. All it did was bring a quiet laugh out of him while he peppered kisses along your inner thighs.

He moved thoughtfully down your legs. Each stripe, each swirl of paint was placed with care. You gazed at his skilled hands as they reached the end. It was breathtaking, truly the most beautiful paint to ever touch your skin.

"This is beautiful." You breathed out in awe, lifting your arms to get a better view of them. So'lek's tail curled in pride as he admired you, marked by his hands. As you shifted, you could feel the paint yet to finish drying. The last thing you wanted to do was smudge his work while he painted your backside. "But it is still wet."

"We will wait for it to set before continuing." He assured, reaching forward to caress your cheek. That part had already dried.

You nuzzled into his touch, breathing in the strong mix of his scent and the colorful paint. "Let me begin yours while it dries." You spoke after a moment, holding a hand out for the bowl of paint. So'lek placed it gently in your grasp, sitting back a little to allow you access to his body.

You hesitated for a moment before following. It had been easy to imagine painting him. You had longed to do it for a long time now. But now that you were finally here, paint in hand, choosing a pattern wasn't as easy as you assumed it would be. It felt significant to you, having him out on the battlefield wearing your markings. You wanted him to wear something just as beautiful as what he gave you.

"Why do you hesitate?" He asked with all the sincerity laced in his voice. Your gaze found his, which was warm beyond measure.

"I am choosing a pattern." You spoke as casually as you could. But So'lek knew you well. Even the smallest of secrets would not go under his nose.

He leaned forward again, hand cupping the back of your neck to pull you into an agonizingly slow kiss, melting your worries away quickly. That was likely his intention. When he pulled away, his words matched the gentleness of his kiss. "You are skilled, nga yawne, do not doubt yourself."

Your shoulders relaxed as you let out a little sigh. "You always know what to say." You told him, swirling a couple of fingers through the bowl of paint in your hands.

He nuzzled his nose against yours, momentarily distracting you from the paint. "I know you." Was his easy reply, one he stated as a simple fact.

You hummed at the words, taking your paint and positioning yourself on top of him. There was a brief moment of surprise as your thighs came to lightly squeeze his hips, but he relaxed into it. Well, as much as he could. You brought your hands up to his face to begin just as he had. So'lek's eyes never left yours as you worked, caressing each portion of his skin as you painted. It was difficult not to give in and just gaze at him.

The strategy you had settled on was simply turning your mind off, allowing your hands to move by your heart instead. It was easier this way, worked better, when you didn't think too hard about the patterns you were putting down.

He was clearly enjoying the feeling of your hands on his skin, his tail swishing and ears flicking as you reached a sensitive spot. You decided to test him a little, give him the same treatment you received earlier. Your mouth came up to kiss the spot just under his jaw, beginning with quick pecks. But as you felt his content demeanor begin to waver, you let your fingers drag toward the back of his neck and your mouth slip open.

You felt a rumbling sound begin in his throat, a response to the feeling of your hot tongue coming to press against his neck. It was hard now to keep the paint bowl in your hands. You had to give credit to your lover for staying so focused when he was painting you, because it wouldn't take much convincing to abandon the project now.

As tempting as it was, you pulled through, kisses trailing slowly down one shoulder as your painted hand began its work on the other. Each time your lips touched his skin, you could feel his muscles tensing beneath you.

Somehow, you both remained focused as you worked your way down his arms and chest. Soon, you had to shimmy down his legs to access his torso, leaving behind your comfortable seat aboard his lap. On instinct alone, he reached a hand out for your waist in silent protest. But he quickly let it fall, using it to prop himself up instead.

Your hands slid down his torso, heat reappearing between you at the action. Eywa, you couldn't take much more of this. And judging by the repeated shift in his weight and flick of his tail, he couldn't either.

Your fingers reached his hips, rubbing firmer circles into the soft skin there. He let out something low between a sigh and a moan, a noise you took pride in bringing out of him. "Ma yawntu," You teased him. But So'lek did not carry an ounce of shame for the sounds he made, for he knew they were music in your ears.

"You will need to paint faster, yawne." He teased you, almost weakly. You were a little smug to know you had lasted longer through his paint than you had through yours.

"Impatient?" You asked, a finger curling under the strap of his waistcloth. The fabric felt tighter around him now.

He hummed in confirmation, the sound choking in his throat as you tugged the strap, sliding it down an inch across his skin. "Possibly," He breathed, having no way to deny it when he was already a mess under you.

You untied the strap of his tewng, sliding it free from his body. He took a harsh breath as his already hardened length met the cool air, waiting tensely as he tried to anticipate your next move. But you didn't touch him. Not yet. Instead, you swirled your fingers across his hips, leaving paint in their wake.

Even as you reached the base of him, color stopping there, you passed right by and dragged your hands down his thighs. "Nga yawne, please." He groaned, a hand coming up to curl around your chin. He was met with your teasing smirk. You thoroughly enjoyed it when he got like this.

You finally obliged, hands sliding slowly up his thighs to wrap loosely around the base of his cock. His grip on your chin tightened significantly as you made contact with him, all desire to be painted flying out the window. You began slowly, with a few simple strokes from base to tip, thumb swiping each time you reached the end.

His tail flicked harshly against the ground, hand falling away from your jaw to brace himself. You sent him a smug grin as a second hand came to wrap around him, intensifying the sensation. Immediately, he sucked in a sharp breath.

Your hands quickened a little, stroking in a way you knew he liked. So'lek was tense beneath you, muscles taught as he lay back against the mossy curve of rock. Every noise, every twitch of his body was like fuel for the growing fire between you.

So'lek reached a hand up, brushing softly against the side of your head and slowly trailing toward the base of your kuru. Your tail flicked. "Do not ruin my paint, So'lek." You purred, eyes finding his. Gently, he pulled the length of your braid over your shoulder.

His lips parted for a response, but you cut it off with your head dipping down, suddenly taking his length into your mouth. A groan replaced his words as his ears pinned flat against his head, momentarily dropping your braid from his grip.

Your tongue swiped over the underside of his cock, drawing out a string of Na'vi curses from your mate. You couldn't help but hum a very muffled laugh at the profanity, it so rarely came out of him.

Somehow, he recovered from the sudden sensation, hand returning to your braid to find the tip of it. In a gentle movement, he brought it to meet his, tendrils locking together in an intimate embrace. Your pace staggered at the connection, suddenly met with the full force of the pleasure he felt.

"Not easy, is it?" He teased you lovingly, your tail flicking the skin of his leg at the question. Your eyes found his, only to be met with the messy expression of your lover; brows pinched tightly and cheeks flushed. It was hard not to giggle again.

You reached just the right pace and movement, having to pin an elbow against his thigh to prevent his hips from bucking. This wasn't a total success, though. He still managed to rock forward as carefully as he could, chasing his high.

"Yawne," he warned you, though you could feel his orgasm approaching swiftly through tsaheylu. You were diligent, bringing him right up to the edge and over. A symphony of moans and whimpers passed his lips as he spilled into your mouth. You swallowed what you could, but the rest coated your lips and chin as you removed yourself from him. So'lek watched you wipe your mouth with the back of your hand, sighing blissfully and reaching for your arm to guide you back above him.

As you returned to your spot atop him, chest pressed to his and legs tangling, he was quick to pull you into another deep kiss. His tongue swiped across your lower lip, tasting himself on you. The move made your whole body shiver.

You two lay like that for a few moments, bodies pressed together and mouths connected intimately, before So'lek slid his hands down your back. They trailed across the curve of your ass and planted themselves against your hips. In a careful, intentional movement, he guided your hips forward and back agonizingly slow.

"So'lek... the paint..." You struggled to get the words out, moaning them against his lips.

He broke the kiss gently, rubbing his cheek affectionately against yours. "I will redo it." He assured, voice low in your ear as he continued the movement with your hips. With his words, you joined in on the effort, rolling into him in a way that made your tail flick sharply.

An arm slid to wrap around your back and suddenly So'lek rolled you over, laying you gently in the moss and positioning himself above you. Your eyes searched his adoring expression, pulling a smile across your lips. Something about the way he looked there, lean body hovering above you and a strong arm propping himself up, stole your breath and colored your cheeks.

With a hand crawling behind your neck, his head dipped into the hollow just under your jaw, firmly pressing open-mouthed kisses to the skin there. "So'lek," You sighed, arms reaching to run up his back. The feeling of the shiver that crossed his skin tugged at the corners of your lips.

"Beautiful, Yawne," He spoke into your skin, hands sliding down your body unhurriedly. He took his time downward, running his palms over every inch of your painted skin. You gasped as his fingers drifted across your thigh and curled inward, only inches from where you needed him most.

His mouth moved to kiss your cheek slowly, breathing in deeply. There was nothing on Pandora he loved more than your scent, especially when it was so strongly mixed with his. As he fought the temptation to lose his focus in it, his fingers continued wandering up your thigh, suddenly brushing over your glistening folds.

Your breath hitched at the featherlight touch. It was almost teasing. The reaction must have been loud because you could feel So'lek smiling into the skin of your cheek. "Very funny," You groaned, hips rolling forward to find any sort of friction. An amused huff of laughter escaped his lips as he gave in, his hand leaving you to wrap around his cock and guide it to your entrance.

It took almost no effort to seat himself inside you, your walls already slick. The sudden stretch drew a little gasp out of you, mouth finding the skin of his shoulder to graze your fangs there.

There was a moment of stillness, nothing but the feeling of pure connection in both mind and body. It was the feeling you craved every time he was with you like this. It felt as if you were one being, tangled and joined by a force greater than both of you. So'lek savored it too, his lips pressing to your forehead while a free hand smoothed down your hair in soothing motions.

Every passing second, heat grew between you in burning waves, weakening your self-control. So'lek tested a little, pulling himself partially out and rolling back into you. The movement drew a loud moan out of you, one you had to muffle by lightly biting down on his shoulder. That heat suddenly felt like a dozen little fireworks going off simultaneously. He continued this, patience wavering and desire growing with every rock of his hips against yours.

Your fingers dragged up and down his toned back as you removed your teeth from his skin, replacing them with your tongue. It was hot, pressed flat against him to soothe any discomfort your sharp fangs may have left behind. Although if he felt any, he did nothing to show it.

His rhythm was fluid, practiced even after only a few months of being mated. He already knew your body like it was his own. It didn't take long to feel that coil begin to tighten in your belly. "I am close, ma yawntu." You breathed out, tilting your head to steal a glimpse of his body above you. Your eyes trailed up every inch of his messily painted form, from his lashing tail to the flexing muscles in his shoulders. The sight was only interrupted by the sudden shift in movement. One of his hands curled under your thigh to wrap it around his waist, allowing him deeper inside you. The feeling made your head thump back against the moss, brows pinching together from the sudden sensation.

"So'lek," You whined, arms snaking around his neck to pull him down to you. He could feel you inching closer and closer to the edge, every subtle movement amplified through the bond.

His hand released the skin of your thigh, reaching between you to rub tight, sudden circles against your clit. The moment his skilled touch was there, it was all over. You squeezed him in your arms as waves of pleasure rocked through your body, drawing out So'lek's favorite symphony of whimpers and moans. The feeling of your orgasm through tsaheylu was enough to trigger his, hips stuttering as he spilled inside you.

It was pure bliss to ride down from your highs together, lips entangled and mouths joined. Only once your bodies began to relax again did your rhythm slow, eventually coming to a gentle halt, So'lek still seated deep inside you.

Your lover removed his lips from yours to press a slow and intimate kiss to your forehead. "Oel ngati kameie, ma yuey." He spoke against your soft skin. Each word fell from his lips quietly, hushed as if to ensure they only travelled to your ears.

You smiled softly at him, paint smudged around the corners of your mouth. "Oel ngatie kameie." You whispered the words back as So'lek placed another kiss to the bridge of your nose. He removed himself from you gently, scooping you up in his arms to make up for the lost connection. With a blissful sigh, you settled in there, legs draped over his lap and arms wrapped around his waist.

This was the first real glimpse you got of his paint— or what remained of it. A little smirk tugged at the corners of your lips at the sight of your bodies. What was once two intricate and detailed designs was now a blended mixture of color, spread messily across your chests, legs, necks, everywhere.

"We can redo it." You said with a snicker, admiring the colorful hues spread across his abdomen.

So'lek breathed out the softest laugh, eyes dragging across your neck and collarbone. Aside from the cleanly mixed colors, there were also very clear swirls of paint in several places across your skin. It would be obvious that they were placed there by his tongue.

"I may prefer it this way." He teased, tail flicking the ground at even the thought of someone seeing you like this, marked somehow more obviously as his.

You mocked a gasp, setting your chin on his shoulder to glance at the break in paint your mouth had made. It was tempting to imagine So'lek with you tomorrow, bearing your bite marks as if they were a trophy he'd won. You giggled at the thought. It was truly tempting.

But the more reasonable side of you won out. "We should just alter it a little." You suggested, fingers brushing over the spot your mouth had been. "At least conceal the most visible marks."

He agreed to this, laying you down again and reaching for one of the bowls. You felt his hand begin at your neck, correcting what had been smudged without concealing it fully. This time, you swore you would last longer.

⋆˙⟡ Find my masterlist here

[grcsbluerpen]

Flowers and Feathers - E.

╰ Etuwa x Fem!Na’vi!reader

༺ Word count: 3.3k

༺ Summary: It had been a few days since officially mating and you just couldn’t keep your hands off each other. Tonight was no different

༺ CW: +18, mdni, established relationship, lovesick fools, tsaheylu, soft but explicit smut, dry humping, oral etuwa!receiving, fingering, oral reader!receiving, face riding, this is pretty indulgent sorry not sorry

༺ Translations:

- ‘eylan: friend

- Yawntu: Lover/loved one

- Yawne: Beloved

- Yuey: Beautiful

༺ Notes: it’s devastating how little content there is for Etuwa, but I’ll fix that don’t worry 😌 If you have requests for her, hand them over

The sky was alive with color, filling your eyes with the vast hues of oranges, pinks, and purples as the sun closed in on the horizon. There were shades up there that you were sure had no names yet. The sun’s final hour of light set a warm glow upon the floating mountains, leaving everything beneath it a golden color.

You couldn't help but smile at the sight, a comfortable breeze twirling through your loose hair. It wasn't often that it hung down like this. Normally, you'd be found with complex braids, beads, and feathers to decorate your head, but the last few days had been an exception. Ever since arriving at the temporary camp Etuwa had set up, you had allowed your locks to flow freely down your back and take their natural shape somewhere between waves and curls. All that decorated it now were a few harmless flowers, tucked in carefully here and there. Etuwa would be fond of them when she saw.

You smiled at the thought of your lover, who was likely awaiting your return eagerly. It had only been an hour or two since you had left to gather food for a meal, but it already felt too long to be apart from her.

Now that you were mated, officially, something seemed to shift between you. Etuwa felt like gravity to you, the only thing holding you to the surface of your beautiful world. There was no other feeling like being so deeply connected to another soul. And you were permanently bound to hers now.

Your ikran brought you quickly to your camp, sensing your anticipation. The moment her nimble body landed atop the rock ledge, your feet were on the ground, a hand sliding across her head in a silent thank you.

You turned to bid her farewell, but she leaned forward, her head pointed toward the cave entrance. It must have been your suddenly heightened affection for Etuwa rubbing off on your winged companion through tsaheylu. Her eyes were fixed on the opening in the rock.

You breathed an amused laugh, resting a hand against the side of your ikran's head. "You will see her soon, ma 'eylan, I promise." You assured her. She seemed satisfied with the words, purring a goodbye before kicking away from the ledge, her massive wings carrying her easily away from your camp.

A hand lifted to support the small bag of ingredients you brought home with you, turning quickly to enter the narrow tunnel. What you found on your hunt wasn’t exactly the most luxurious, but you hadn’t planned on having to go out at all. Etuwa had prepared a few days' worth of meals, anticipating an extended trip, but it seemed even that wasn't enough. Neither of you were in much of a hurry to leave the secluded cave, tucked perfectly into the floating mountain.

The first thing your eyes fell on as you stepped inside was Etuwa's lean form, perched casually in front of what was soon to be a fire. Her tail swished gently behind her in focus, as her hands worked diligently.

You breathed an audible sigh at the sight of her, watching her ears flick the moment the sound left your lips. Her head turned quickly, and she was on her feet the moment she spotted you.

"Ma yawntu," She greeted with a wide grin, crossing the short distance to you in a heartbeat. One hand went out to take the bag from your arms, as if she thought you had been carrying it far too long already. Etuwa, ever the caring lover. Her other hand found your arm to guide you away from the tunnel entrance. "How was your trip? Nothing unexpected?" The questions left her lips gently, eyes finding yours in an affectionate gaze while she walked.

You stopped her short, setting a hand on her waist, fingers spread across the curve of her body there as you tugged her into you. Her response was quick, dropping the bag by a pile of supplies and sliding both hands up the skin of your back. Your muscles shivered under her touch there. "All went well," You assured her, using a free hand to cup the side of her face.

It was easy to take advantage of the moment there to simply gaze at her, examining every little detail you could take in from your newly bonded mate. Her sleek black hair, usually tied up neatly to remain out of her face, was now only half let go, a portion remaining in a loose knot to support the pink and purple feathers atop her head. The armor she normally wore had also been discarded, replaced with something much more decorative. And revealing. It was nice to see her like this, so free of worry. Safe enough to wear nothing but feathers and beads as clothing.

"I am fond of this," You informed her, hand sliding down her neck to find one of the thin straps of her top. Her lips curved into a smile at the compliment, having selected the garment only for you. As your head tilted to better examine it, you gave her a quick view of the flowers you had adorned yourself with earlier.

"Your hair, yawne." She purred, tilting her own head for a better view of yours. "These are beautiful." Your heart twirled at the words, guessing her reaction correctly when you had chosen the colorful plants. You knew her well.

The smile you gave her was warm, akin to the golden light you had just basked in a few moments ago. "I knew you would like them." You replied, leaning in to press a featherlight kiss to her cheek. As you pulled away, however, Etuwa was swift to bring you back. She captured your lips in the sweetest kiss, her hand continuing up your back and under your hair to cradle the back of your neck. The move caught you off guard, and you leaned into her to close any remaining space between you.

The feeling of your bodies pressed flush together was electric, every curve perfectly fitting into place like puzzle pieces. You could feel it like lightning blooming beneath your skin.

Etuwa hummed against your lips, her other hand wandering upward to caress the skin of your shoulder. You pressed into the noise and vibration, mouth beginning in a steady rhythm that was perfectly in tune with hers. It still felt like you could be closer to her, even if there was no physical distance left between you.

Eywa, you hadn't even made it a few feet into the camp before you were all over each other. It had been like this ever since the first time you had mated, and it felt like it would never end. Before coming up here, you had heard of how bad it could be during those first few days together, whether it was from sly comments or suggestive stories between friends. You could easily believe them, especially now when emotions from that night were still fresh and stirring between you. It was enough that you questioned whether or not you two were worse than most pairs. You were glad that you had decided to run off to such a secluded place as this one.

The hand that still firmly supported the base of your skull gathered a few locks of hair, fingers tugging in just the right way to make your knees weak. A low sound escaped your throat, tail flicking in response to the sensation. Etuwa noticed this instantly, arms tightening around you.

"My love," She pulled away from your lips to whisper the words, mouth pressing immediately to your jaw. There was a question on her tongue, one that didn't quite make it out before she met your skin again. But you didn't need it to; it was no secret what you both wanted.

"Yes, ma Etuwa." Was your breathless response as her mouth found the sensitive spot just below your jawline. In an immediate response to your words, her lip parted to allow her tongue to press against the skin there. The feeling of it, hot and slick against your neck, brought an involuntary moan out of you. Her tail swished sharply at the sound.

A strong arm slid down your torso and under your rear to support you as she hauled you up into her arms, easily carrying you deeper into the cave. But she was so lost in the kisses and marks she decorated your neck with, you could tell she wasn't paying attention to the path in front of her.

"Focus on your feet, yawne." You scolded with a low bit of laughter. Her mouth finally parted from your skin with a frustrated huff, just in time to save herself from tripping on a large stone. A giggle left your lips as she dodged it.

"Do not tease, yawntu." She responded, eyes finding yours with that loving stare she seemed to carry permanently. Every time it found you, it was as if you were put into a trance, no choice but to fix your gaze back.

After another round of teasing, Etuwa eventually reached her destination, lying you down in a bed of the softest moss. She was quick to position herself over top of you, resuming her work at your neck that had been interrupted moments ago. You sighed, head tipping back as she sucked gently at the skin.

As her mouth moved skillfully, your hands began to wander, one finding the base of her kuru and guiding it gently over her shoulder. You could feel her entire body shudder at the contact against such a sensitive spot, momentarily stuttering the movement from her lips.

Wordlessly, you brought the end of your kuru to meet hers, tendrils locking in a meaningful embrace. The pupils in your eyes dilated as the bond was secured, every sensation she felt suddenly combining with your own. Out of your peripheral, you spotted her ears pinning a little at the feeling of tsaheylu, betraying her thoughts.

Your lover was quick to action, nuzzling her nose against your skin, as if drinking in her scent that was so intensely mixed in with yours. It was thrilling to have you smell this strongly of her. She was sure it would not be easy to wash away at home after all the time spent here. You would be so obviously presented as her mate.

"Beautiful. I do not deserve you." She whispered into your skin, switching suddenly to leaving a trail of slow kisses all over your face. The words felt like honey in your ears.

"You deserve the world, Etuwa." You assured her, glancing up to find her round, warm eyes waiting there. She reached a hand upward, finding the side of your head and massaging the tip of your pointed ear. The feeling drew a gasp out of you, two hands planting firmly on her waist.

She was intoxicating, stronger than any Zangke that had ever touched your lips. You let her scent fill your nose as sighs left her mouth, muffled still by the skin of your cheek. Slowly, her hands trailed down to your intricate chest piece, fumbling messily for the ties. You couldn't help but softly giggle, a hand leaving her hips to assist her. The melodic sound of your mixed laughter as you freed yourself of the top made your heart tap lightly against your ribs. Eywa, you were so in love with her.

The moment the garment was gone, she trailed her lips and tongue down your chest, landing at the side of one of your breasts. You tightened your grip on her waist, fingers pressing into the skin there. It was patient and intentional, the way Etuwa moved, working her way to your nipple to swirl her tongue around it. The noise that left your throat was somewhere between a sigh and a moan, absolute music to her ears.

Your hands slid up the curve of her waist as she switched to your other breast, feeling the shiver you left behind in your wake. As slowly as you willed, your fingers landed on her decorative top, finding the ties much faster. "This is almost too pretty to take off." You purred, brushing your cheek against the top of her head.

She hummed against your skin, pulling away for the briefest moment to press another kiss to your mouth. "Take it off." The words ghosted your lips, sending a wave of heat through your body, intensified by the bond secured between you. You wasted no more time removing the garment, gently tossing it to where yours lay. With both tops out of the way, you pulled her down to you, meeting her lips deeply as she pressed her chest firmly to yours.

In slow and unhurried movement, you slid your hands back down to her waist and lifted a knee to give her a comfortable spot to support herself. She was quick to respond, hips giving the slowest roll to test the waters. It earned her the lightest hiss from your throat as pleasure shot between both of you.

The beading of her waistcloth draped perfectly across your hips as you guided her movement, each rock against you like fire touching your skin. You gripped her tightly, mouth meeting her collarbone to begin licking and sucking there. The sounds that left her were like a symphony, a perfect mix of moans and whimpers as she pleasured herself against your thigh.

Just as you felt her movement grow more staggered, giving away her approaching high, you sat her up and followed with a gentle hand to lay her down below you. Etuwa groaned in protest, tail flicking sharply at the loss of contact.

"Want to feel you finish." You mumbled hands messily freeing her of her tewng in a pathetically desperate movement. She lay back against the mossy cave floor, chest rising and falling heavily with each breath.

There was no hesitation as your tongue began with a single agonizing swipe right across the heat of her. The taste was heavenly, and you were quick to go in for more as you hummed against her slick skin. A low, barely there growl vibrated in Etuwa's throat, ears pressing flat against her head in pleasure.

Your tongue worked skillfully, having had plenty of practice in the recent few days. Between swirling and sucking, you quickly had her back to her previous state, approaching her finish again.

Catching her off guard, you slipped a finger through her entrance, a second following swiftly. Her tail lashed, thumping against the ground as you pumped in and out a few times. The combined pleasure between that and your ever-diligent mouth was enough to bring her to the edge and quickly over. Her walls spasmed around your fingers while you lapped up every drop you could, guiding her through the orgasm.

"I will never grow tired of that." You told her as her body relaxed, a hand reaching up to find hers and squeeze gently. Even through her breathless state, she managed a blissful laugh, tugging at your hand to guide you back up to her. You obliged, crawling back up to straddle her hips.

The sight you found there sent a flutter through your heart. Your lover lay against the ground, hair disheveled and cheeks full of color. Even in her messy state, the one you put her in, she looked so breathtaking to you. You found yourself wondering how you could have been so lucky to call her yours. A wide grin painted her lips at your extended gaze, so full of love and adoration.

After a moment of this, Etuwa sat up a little, reaching for your waistcloth, the last article of clothing left between the two of you. "Your turn, yuey." She said with a purr laced in her tone, discarding the garment to reveal you fully, already slick and waiting.

A mischievous sort of smirk suddenly formed on her face, causing the slightest tilt of your head as you assessed what she was thinking. Without warning, she shimmied further between your legs, positioning her head directly beneath you.

"Sit." She instructed casually, a hand caressing the skin of your thigh. Your heart jumped at the single word. "And do not hold your weight from me, I will take it." She took the hand that was still entwined with yours and pressed her lips to your knuckles, eyes never leaving yours.

"Do not let me suffocate you, ma Yawntu." You teased with the swish of your tail. Her eyes rolled playfully as you leaned down to oblige her request. A sharp whimper left your lips as her tongue found your clit swiftly, beginning in unrushed movements. It poorly reflected the desperate need that was intensely exchanged through tsaheylu.

As much as you tried to remain patient, it was growing increasingly difficult with the skill of her mouth working into a faster rhythm. You couldn't help but let your hips roll forward to ride through it.

She suddenly sucked in just the right way, causing your hips to buck and tail to lash. "Etuwa," You groaned her name between whimpers, tail curling around one of her arms for extra stability. Her hands rubbed soothing circles into your thighs in response.

It didn't take much longer to bring you to the edge, feeling that coil tighten low in your belly. She could feel it too, your rhythm growing sloppy all of a sudden, giving you away. Her only response was to increase her pace, chasing your high for you.

All it took was her tongue hitting you in the perfect spot for you to come undone, pleasure rocking through you in heavenly waves. You rode her face through it, still avoiding pressing too firmly against her as if she wasn't exactly where she wanted to be.

As your body returned to normal, you slid off of her swiftly, eyes darting to her face to ensure she had survived. All you found there was her affectionate gaze and smug smile. A little relieved sigh escaped your lips. "Enjoy yourself, hm?" You teased, lying down beside her and tucking in perfectly against her side.

Etuwa took your hand into hers again, rubbing her thumb across your knuckles. "You speak as if you were not singing my name a moment ago." She replied with a chuckle, tilting her head to press a long kiss to your temple. The words put a purple hue in your cheeks.

You let out another sigh in pure relaxation, turning your body to wrap an arm loosely across her torso. She welcomed this, bringing a hand up to caress your cheek. "You know, we're going to have to go home eventually." You informed her with a smile, thoughts wandering to life back at Hometree. The Aranahe would not do well without their young Tsahìk for much longer.

"They will survive without us for another night.” She assured with the softest laughter you had ever heard. "Besides, we are having so much fun here, are we not?"

Another wave of color crept to your cheeks at the statement, mind drifting across the past few days spent in this cave. You hummed in satisfaction, settling your head against hers. The two of you took advantage of the moment to relax, recharging for what would likely end up being another long night.

༺ Find my masterlist here

[grcsbluerpen]

Longing - S.

╰ So’lek x Fem!Na’vi!readrer

༺ Word count: 5.7k

༺ Summary: You had been away for quite some time, and that meant you had plenty of it to think about your feelings for So’lek. What you hadn’t considered is that so would he

༺ CW: 18+ MDNI, smut, mating rituals, Tsaheylu, oral fem!receiving, unprotected p in v, this is soft af, no use of y/n, your ikran is referred to as female

༺ Translations:

- Sìltsan: Well done | - Yawne: Beloved

- ‘eylan: Friend | - Yuey: Beautiful

- Tìyawn: Love | - Nga yawne lu oer: I love you

- Nga Yawne: My love

(Translations may not be 100% correct as I ofc don’t speak Na’vi)

༺ Notes: This my first time really writing smut so go easy on me guys. Maybe I wrote So’lek a little too soft but I feel like he’d be such a quiet yearner

Evening was slowly approaching, the beaming sun inching toward the horizon with each passing second. It glowed to your left as if it were sitting just off the tip of your ikran's massive wings. You basked in what remained of its light, only a few precious hours before it would vanish for the night.

After a long moment, your attention returned to your bonded, who ever steadily continued across the orange and pink sky. She flew as if she were the wind itself, strong and fast, but also reliable. Nothing but you could convince her to the ground now.

"Sìltsan," You murmured in praise, earning a soft rumbling response from the creature. She had carried you a long way, and even now she showed no signs of fatigue.

Your destination was closer now. It would only be minutes before you landed at the resistance headquarters. It had been a long few weeks since last you'd been there, and all you longed for now was the familiarity of that place, but more importantly, its people.

One person in particular.

So'lek had wanted to accompany you on your mission, insisted on it. But you talked him out of it with the gentle reminder that stealth was better with fewer bodies present. Besides, it wasn't always his first choice when it came to infiltrating RDA bases. He preferred it when the plans involved letting an arrow or two fly.

But this mission required patience, absolute silence, and zero evidence left behind that you were there. So only having one pair of feet on the ground meant greatly increasing the chance of success. After the others added in their words of agreement, it was quickly settled. You would go alone.

You were beyond successful. With Teylan's computer guidance and So'lek in your ear the whole way, you accomplished your objective in record time. So now you found yourself making the long, quiet return journey home.

You expected to feel the exhaustion of a hard-won mission to set in, but it never came. Your thoughts were too tangled with what awaited you at home to allow for any sort of sleepiness. The image of So'lek, greeting you with that quiet smile of his, circulated in your mind.

In recent weeks, something had shifted between you. What was once a tactical partnership had blossomed into something more intimate. Romantic even. Touches lingered for a heartbeat longer, becoming more intentional with each passing day. A light brush of your shoulders here, your fingers grazing his arm there. Always quiet and undetectable from the outside.

He was always the quiet type of lover, steady in himself. So every touch and tender word was private, given as a gift only to you. It was endearing to have something between you that no other eyes had seen. And it made it that much more meaningful.

The last time you had seen So'lek, he had given you a gentle send-off. It was late in the night, with only the murmuring sounds of Pandora to fill your ears. He stood beside your ikran while you sat atop her, ready to cue her takeoff. She rumbled softly below your touch, eagerly anticipating the flight.

So'lek had a hand resting on her head to keep her calm for a moment longer. His other reached up to brush across your temple in a touch so light, your entire body loosened beneath it. Even your Ikran below you seemed to settle.

"Be safe, yawne." He said in the softest voice you had ever heard from him. It was practically a whisper. He had never called you by that name before, but the way it fell from his lips made it feel natural. As if it belonged to you just as much as your birth name did.

It took every ounce of your will to depart for your mission after that. 

So now, on your way home with a pathetic excitement that caused your ikran to pick up speed, all you could think about were those three words, and the feeling of his touch forever burned into your memory. It consumed all your focus.

As the thoughtfully hidden base came into view, that excitement only grew, your heart fluttering with anticipation. Ears perked forward, your eyes scanned your landing area for So'lek, despite knowing he would not be there. You hadn't sent any notification of your arrival yet.

Your next priority was to do this, radioing in as your ikran nimbly touched the ground. After dismounting, a hand slid softly up her neck in a silent thank you for carrying you the distance. She purred affectionately in response, tilting her head to get a better look at you.

One of your ears flicked backward at the sound of soft footsteps, a tiny flicker of hope running through you that it was the Na'vi you awaited seeing. But it relaxed as you identified who the sound belonged to. Teylan was the first to find you, likely because he was closest in location.

"There you are!" He greeted enthusiastically, a tablet gripped in one hand and a radio in the other. He held the latter up as a gesture. "I was just about to call you. All went well?"

Better than well, 'eylan." You replied, bidding farewell to your ikran before being whisked away by Teylan to debrief. Although it was tempting to, you did not protest this. It would be futile to.

"Where is So'lek?" You asked simply, trailing along behind Teylan, who led you innocently by your wrist. He must have sensed that your priorities were elsewhere.

"Across base, I think." He responded casually, letting go of you as you approached the circular computer table. Teylan tapped the comms around his neck. "But we all heard your call. I'm sure he's rushing here as we speak." Your tail flicked as you caught the subtle meaning in his words.

Teylan dragged you through several minutes of debriefing, asking a multitude of questions and taking notes in great detail. You remained patient with him, although it was clear your mind was drifting.

Just as you thought you'd have to request to resume in the morning, your keen ears picked up the soft padding of footsteps. This time, they were immediately recognizable, belonging to the Na'vi you had grown to become so in tune with.

Teylan knew he had lost you when So'lek came into view, his frame soft and welcoming. Something so unlike the usual rigid form he'd taken on for many years.

"Ma So'lek," You greeted, unable to keep your lips from pulling into a smile. He allowed the corners of his mouth to subtly copy it upon seeing you.

He turned to address Teylan first. "May I borrow her?" So'lek asked, though it wasn't really a question. He picked up on this, so he nodded, slightly disappointed. As if he hadn't already gathered a books worth of information from you.

So'lek led you out the sliding metal doors, eyes scanning you from top to bottom. It was a gentle gaze. He used it to check for signs of injury, satisfied when there were none. "How was your return journey?" He inquired, every word leaving his lips like silk. It put a longing feeling in your chest, settling itself on your heart.

"Uneventful," You answered in the same tone. "My ikran has always taken care of me." You never missed an opportunity to brag about her. As you stepped into the open air, your eyes were drawn across the forest, which now shone in the light of the setting sun. Soon, that golden hue would be replaced with the much more subtle bioluminescent glow featured in Pandora's nights.

"She is strong, like her rider." He praised, a steady hand going to your elbow to stop your walk. You turned to face him.

This was the first time you noticed his body language. His ears were lowered slightly below the normal, and his tail swished in almost a nervous way. The behavior was so unusual for him, even though it was so subtly present. You were sure none other than you would have noticed it.

"Is something wrong, So'lek?" You questioned, wasting no time in addressing it. The words seemed to lower his ears another degree.

There was a pause before his response as he carefully calculated it. "Will you fly with me?" He asked eventually, voice filled with sincerity. Your heart jumped at the thought, until you were reminded of the long journey your ikran had just taken. And while you may not have felt fatigued, she did not share your excitement for So'lek. So she likely would by now.

“My Ikran,” You started, developing a little frown. “She will be tired. It would not be fair to ask more of her.” 

His gaze softened as he offered a hand out to you. "We will take mine, Yawne." He told you. It took no other persuasion beyond those words, the weight of the name crawling toward your heart again. Somehow, it made you feel lighter.

So'lek called for his bonded companion, greeting him affectionately as you approached. Ìley purred a greeting to you as well, having grown fond of you in recent weeks. You wondered if this was because of So'lek's growing affection.

His hand stayed wrapped softly around yours as he climbed aboard, helping you up and into a seated position behind him. Instinctively, your arms slid around his torso, just in time for the creature to leap into the air.

Above the trees, the golden rays had reached their final few moments, setting you aglow beneath their touch. You admired the way So'lek's skin looked like this. It reminded you of sunlight on the surface of water. Absent-mindedly, your fingers went to his arm to brush over the patterns there.

Although he said nothing, you felt his body relax further into each touch, until you were shown a side of him that was reserved for you alone. All traces of tension were gone from his body, leaving him lighter and several years younger in appearance. The shift into this demeanor made you hum in satisfaction. It was rare to see.

Ìley began to descend gently, not enough to disturb you as you leaned into So'lek's steady body. Your eyes drifted to the world below, which had begun springing to life now that the sun had gone to sleep for the night. Realization settled as you understood where he was taking you.

You were in the deepest part of the Silk Woods, slowly approaching the Glade of Light. It was a sacred place. A place you had only ever been to once before. Your mind rotated through conversations you’d had on the topic before, piecing together why he would bring you here now.

A little glow of warmth spread through your chest as the pieces fit into place, heat crawling to your cheeks to turn them a shade of violet. Thank Eywa he could not see you now, still seated behind up aboard his ikran.

Your eyes flickered to the side of his face, attempting to read if your assumptions were correct. His expression was practiced, intentions safely hidden beneath it. Perhaps you were wrong to leap to such conclusions. Though you would not admit it to yourself, you hoped you were not.

With a steady flutter of his wings, Ìley was on the ground, just outside the glade. So'lek was first to slide off, turning to take hold of you by your waist and help you down. Suddenly, he took on that barely there nervousness from before. To assure him, you set a hand on his forearm, fingers brushing the skin there in a silent message. There is nothing to fear.

He understood this, shoulders releasing a little. You took the lead, hand sliding down to his to intertwine your fingers. "I have not seen this place in many moons." You announced quietly, turning toward the circle of glowing trees. "Why have you brought me here?"

So'lek was used to your boldness by now. He welcomed it. You were not one to dance around a subject, even one so important as this would be. "Come, yuey." He spoke, leading you through the outer edge of the trees. Another name you had not been called by before, but it felt just as correct as the last.

Beneath the tree of voices, everything glowed with a purple hue. It was gentle. Calming. Inviting you to take another step further beneath its branches. Your free hand went out to run your fingers along its tendrils, gazing up as atokirina' floated delicately above your heads.

So'lek's tail swished low to the ground as he carefully gathered his words of explanation. There was a little doubt present, stirring deep inside as the weight of what he was preparing to ask settled in his chest. Not because he was scared it was the wrong choice, but because he knew it was the right one. And he wanted it to be done right with you. He wanted to build something to last the rest of your lives.

This was a huge step to take.

"So'lek?" You called, head tilting slightly as you noticed tension begin to stiffen his muscles. Just hearing his name on your tongue was enough to break him free of his thoughts. With a gentle concern mixed in with curiosity, you stepped toward him, sliding your free hand to his arm.

He glanced down at where your fingers brushed his skin, savoring the sensation they left behind. With a deep and careful inhale, he found the right words. "I have thought about this for some time, yawne. About you." He spoke calmly, leaning in toward you. Soft, round eyes met him there, seeming to glow under Pandora's lighting.

He watched your ears press forward, understanding that he had your complete attention. Nothing on this world could stop him from sharing these words. These words that seemed to come straight from his heart. "I feared what I feel for you. How strong it is." So'lek admitted, his thumb brushing over the back of your hand, which still lay settled in his. "But I was foolish to."

The forest was alive around you. Tendrils swayed, roots creaked, even the moss below your feet had its own faint glow. It was as if Eywa herself had taken audience to his words, humming along through the flora around you. "Why is that?" You asked quietly, no louder than a whisper.

So’lek brought your hand up to place a gentle kiss to the back of it. “You were made for me, tìyawn, and I for you. It was time that taught me that.” The meaning in his words felt like the warmth of an embrace swaddled around your heart. 

Your lips pulled into a smile that lit up every corner of your face. He may have been talented at controlling his expression, but you were not. Your joy was written plainly across your features. "Ma So'lek." You responded with an airy giggle, pulling closer again so there were only inches of space left between you.

The atokirina' glided down a few feet to stand witness while the trees hummed around you. There was an unspoken request in his words, one you understood immediately. The significance was not lost on you either.

A hand slid to your side as if to ground you there. You felt electrified having his touch there. "You must understand, this is not a decision to take lightly." He began again, reading your response. "What could be done here is something that can not be undone. I understand if you need time to consider."

The sincerity in his words made your body feel like melting. If you asked him to leave, he would not hesitate in doing so. But even the mere thought of sending him away sent an unpleasant shudder through your body. It would be the exact opposite of what you wanted now.

"I do not need time, So'lek." You assured, sure in your words as they left your lips. You had never been more sure of something than you were now. "What you feel, I feel too. Every hour I was away, all I could think of was returning to you."

His ears lowered a hair. Not out of nerves this time, but understanding. The emotions that ran between you, it connected you. So much so that it was as if you were already bonded.

Your eyes flickered down to his lips for the shortest moment, but he caught it immediately. "I want this to be permanent. I want to be connected to you, body and soul." You told him, and it was all the assurance he needed to cross those last few inches, resting his forehead against yours. "I am sure of this." You added.

In those few moments, your bodies stilled. It felt like the last breath before plunging into deep water. His previous words rang true in your head. What happens here will not be undone. You will be permanently and intimately bound to him, and he to you. Though maybe it should have, the thought did not intimidate you. It only made your heart lurch, begging to take the dive and face the waves below.

It was only seconds before you gave in. And with a deep, slow breath, your lips met his. The response you earned was immediate and completely instinctive. So'lek melted into you, coming undone in only the first few moments. All this time, all the doubt, the love, it all came down to this moment. It felt as if every small touch and every word led you here.

Your hand traveled up his arm, slowly and deliberately, taking your time to trace patterns in his skin as you went. A new feeling began to stir deep within your body. It was born from affection, but it was more than that. It was this longing to be closer, entwine your very being with his.

The kiss broke only long enough to breathe, So'lek pressing one to your cheek, just beside your nose. The pressure of it felt like a small lick of flame upon your skin.

He pulled back just enough to gaze at your face while a strong hand slid up to lay comfortably at your neck, stabilizing your head. The way he looked there, his carefully guarded demeanor having given way completely, it was something you'd never truly seen until now.

"I see you." The words left your mouth before you even knew they were there, but as you said them, it felt as if all the weight had been stripped from your bodies. He didn't waste a moment before kissing you again.

So'lek was the only thing keeping you grounded, like gravity had completely forgotten its purpose. While his thumb brushed back and forth over your jaw, his free hand moved to your waist to guide you closer to him. You obliged, body now pressed to his, while your mouths moved in a rhythm that felt natural.

When his lips left yours a second time, it was only to press another to your cheek, then your jaw, trailing down to your neck slowly and methodically. You sighed his name, earning a tail swish in response.

Without removing his mouth from your skin, he guided you both down to your knees, hands passing your bulky vest to place them both on your waist.

For the first time in your life, you felt truly alive. It was as if every one of your senses had sharpened, making you alert to every movement, every touch. It was electrifying and unlike anything you'd experienced before.

Instinctively, as if your body knew what to do before your mind did, you reached behind you for your kuru. The motion pulled his attention away from your neck, sitting up without putting much distance between you.

So'lek watched you pull the braid over your shoulder, admiring the sight like this moment was a gift from Eywa. Like he couldn't quite believe it was really happening, "Are you certain?" He asked you, already aware your mind was made up.

The significance of this moment made the air between you feel thick with meaning. After this, you would not be separate again. But that was exactly what you wanted. To tangle your soul with his. "I am certain." You confirmed, words sure as they settled the decision. It felt final now. "I want to be one with you."

So'lek reached over his shoulder, exposing his own carefully braided kuru. There is a pause he takes as anticipation sets in. You would have access to all of him. Everything that made him him. It wasn't an easy thing to share, after he had so carefully hidden it from the world for so long. But one look at your adoring gaze and all doubt vanished. If he were to share this with anyone, it would be you.

Both of you released a breath, guiding them forward until the tendrils met gently. searching for hold. When they locked into place, connecting the two of you, it was as if a veil was lifted from your eyes.

You truly saw him. Him. Suddenly, it seemed that everything you'd ever learned about him had barely scratched the surface. For the first time, you understood him, every emotion he's felt running through your veins.

It came on intensely, so much so that you leaned forward to let him bear your weight. He caught you without question, going through everything you were. It felt like stepping into your soul. He saw everything. Felt everything. Your fierce loyalty, passionate love, immense strength, all of it.

"Tìyawn," So'lek breathed, his strong arms tightening around you in a steady hold. "I see you." Your forehead came to rest on his shoulder as he returned your sentiment from moments ago. You pressed your lips to the skin there.

After a few moments, the initial shock and intensity dissipated, leaving you exposed to each other's combined emotions. That heat, the longing in your body, never left. It was only amplified now that you could feel his as well.

So'lek pulled you closer to his clothed chest. The bulk of both your tactical vests bothered you now far more than it did before. You knew what was coming, and both of you were sure.

You initiated it this time, unable to fight the growing feeling in your stomach. As your lips came together again, it was with a new hunger. A hunger that stirred deeply, waiting to be satisfied.

Your hands slid to his sides, searching slowly for the ties on his vest. He understood your intentions immediately, reaching to help you first. His top was slid away, revealing the lean body underneath. The sight of it alone intensified that hunger, sharing it with him through your kuru.

So'lek moved next, hands trailing up your waist to undo your vest. He was quicker with it, growing less patient from the sensation of your quickly growing desire. The moment your chest was exposed to him, he let out something like a sigh, mouth swiftly resuming its job at your neck. wandering slowly lower now that clothing was not an obstacle.

Your head tipped back as he kissed down your throat, sucking gently as he reached your collarbone. The sensation made you gasp, ears flattening in pleasure as his fangs grazed your skin.

The sound undid something in So'lek, immediately noticeable. He let a hand travel down to your back, leaning forward to lay you down against the forest floor. "Yuey," He spoke, muffled against your skin. He inhaled your scent deeply, growing more intoxicated by it.

You gazed down his strong back as he hovered over you, careful not to put too much of his weight down. Finally, he let his mouth wander, placing intimate kisses down your chest, to the sides of your breasts, down your stomach. The further down he went, the more heat that pooled between your legs. Feeling this through Tsaheylu lit up his body.

You propped yourself up on your elbows as you watched him reach the beading of your waistcloth, only pausing a brief moment to let his hands hover there before tugging it undone, revealing you fully to him.

He would have seemed remarkably unfazed to you if it weren't for his kuru sharing every ounce of his arousal with you. He wanted all of you, and he had all the time in the world to take it.

You lowered yourself back to the ground as he kissed just below your belly button, slowly trailing his mouth and tongue across your hip, finding a sensitive spot on your inner thigh to leave a mark on.

Your first instinct was to tighten your legs around him, but it only took one of his strong arms to hold them open, using a gentleness you didn't know was possible. You shuddered as he moved his lips to your other thigh, rubbing his cheek slowly against the first.

His name rolled off your tongue like a music note, causing his tail to flick and mouth to press just a little harder against your skin. "Please, So'lek." You spoke a little shakily, need overtaking his desire to draw this out. The two words undid him swiftly, and he knew he wouldn't be able to tease you longer with this.

With an arm holding your legs apart and a hand spread wide over your belly, he moved to kiss just above your most sensitive spot, thoroughly enjoying your reaction to that alone. Your hands flew to his hair, fingers finding home tangled in his braids.

So'lek's touch felt like fire against your skin. Such an extreme contrast to the cool forest floor beneath your body. In one slow, agonizing lick, his tongue traveled along the heat of you, tasting you for the first time and savoring every second of it. Your head pressed back against the ground with a soft thump as your back arched involuntarily.

He began slowly, in a rhythm that was unrushed and undoubtedly patient. How he already seemed to understand your body so well was unknown to you, but it proved his previous words true. You were undeniably made for each other.

Pressure built up quickly, coiling low in your belly. So’lek could feel it, low groaning sounds leaving his mouth, still muffled by your skin. You were just as vocal, sighing and moaning as his tongue caressed every sweet spot.

As the coil threatened to snap, you lifted your head just enough to gaze at him, his head buried between your legs and eyes flitting to yours. The sight of it alone was enough to tighten the knot completely.

Pleasure rocked through you in waves, tightening your grip in his hair as your hips rolled upward. You couldn’t help but ride it out on his mouth, not that he would ever complain. So’lek allowed you to pull his head closer into you, his tongue still rolling and sucking as he brought you down from your high.

He slowed in pace but only pulled himself away when he felt your body relax. “Nga yawne lu oer, Ma So’lek.” The words were like honey on your tongue, escaping naturally as if your voice existed solely to speak them now.

He repeated the sentiment, emphasizing each syllable between the kisses he trailed along your skin, working his way slowly back upward.

Your hands slid down to his neck, gently guiding his body until he hovered above you once again, lips pressing firmly against your shoulder. He earned a sigh for that, your head tilting enough to expose your neck, calling his mouth to that spot as well.

Heat radiated between your bodies, lighting up your skin. Your fingers trailed down his back deliberately, noticing the careful effort he put into propping himself up, once again making sure not to put all of his weight on top of you. 

But you wanted it, wanted his body pressed down to yours. And you were more than strong enough to take it. So’lek, however, was gentle, cautious of giving you too much too quickly. 

Your hands along his back sent shivers across his skin, weakening his hold with each brush of your fingers. His arousal was obvious, shared through the link. As they reached his waist, your fingertips found the straps of his waistcloth, tugging them gently at his hip.

“You are overdressed, yawne.” You spoke in his ear, satisfied by the sharp flick of his tail this earned, his body betraying his thoughts. A free hand went to his forearm, which was carefully placed on the ground beside you to hold his body up. You felt it weaken momentarily upon laying your touch there.

The words in his ear made his head feel fuzzy, so you acted for him, pushing him upward with a hand on his chest until he was on his knees. There was no protest from him as you leaned in, sliding your hands along his waist, toying with the garment until you found where it was held in place. 

With graceful fingers, you undid the straps, tugging the waistcloth free and discarding it near your own. So’lek gazed at you the entire time, eyes round and full of unmistakable love. He seemed to come back to life in that moment, bodies fully exposed and vulnerable to each other.

With the lightest touch, he placed a hand on your shoulder, guiding you back to the ground. You went there willingly, a hand returning to his neck to pull him down with you. Once there, you met in another kiss. Hungry and absolutely divine. 

But he still kept slightly above you, just enough to be frustrating. “You do not need to be cautious with me, So’lek.” You told him between kisses. The words seemed to help, as his body relaxed a hair.

To drive home your point, you lifted your hips, rolling them agonizingly slow against his. Heat exploded within both of you at this, a soft growl escaping So’lek’s throat. The move was enough for him to drop what little guard he had left.

You took his weight easily, not enough to cause discomfort, but enough to feel the pressure of his body against yours. Nothing was left between you.

So’lek’s hands found your waist, grounding you there. Though it was more for himself than it was for you. “Are you ready, nga yawne?” He asked you, as if he didn’t already have the confirmation he needed.

You nodded, tilting your head to press your cheek to his. “Yes,” was your simple but breathless response. It was all he needed. Slowly, patiently, he guided his length to you, all the while keeping one hand steady against your hip. In one careful but purposeful thrust, he was inside you. 

All went still for a moment as you both adjusted to the feeling. It was like a sacred line was crossed, different than Tsaheylu. This was entirely different. It was as if you were one body, one soul connected for eternity. 

Your name fell from his lips as they met yours again. It had you sighing already.

After he felt the tension wash away from your muscles, he could tell you had adjusted to the sensation. He began to move slowly, just as he had with you before. Every roll of his hips was intentional, nothing wasted. Soon, your hips fell into the same rhythm and met his every movement. 

So’lek grew steadily more vocal as he lost himself in you. His lashing tail had to wrap around your thigh, as if for extra stability. But each growl, each moan against your lips sounded like a song in your ears.

Heavy breathing and the sound of skin meeting skin filled the small circle around you as movements grew more desperate. So’lek’s mouth suddenly pulled away from yours, only to press firmly against your temple.

Pleasure built slowly, and with it that knot began taking form. His forehead met yours while words of praise fell affectionately from his lips. You could feel your end approaching quickly, which only encouraged his to do the same. With each thrust hitting the perfect spot over and over, you only had moments left in you.

His ears flattened as he felt it, eyes squeezing shut. “Yuey, I am…” He trailed off, every effort seeming to go toward keeping his hips moving. You brought a hand up to cup his face, only assuring him further. 

With only a few more thrusts, you both came undone, orgasms rocking through your bodies in intense waves of pleasure, amplified tenfold through Tsaheylu. So’lek was quick to guide you all the way through it as he filled you, staying true to that steady rhythm you were lost in. 

Once you did come back down, everything slowed to a halt. So’lek’s eyes scanned over you delicately, ensuring that you were still ok. All he found there was your adoring gaze and soft smile.

“We are as one, Ma So’lek.” You purred, thumb brushing over the skin of his purple-tinted cheek. He smiled, leaning back down to press a long kiss to your nose. 

In a swift movement, he scooped you up, careful not to disturb where you were still connected, as he lay you on top of him. His strong arms wrapped around your body, as if still needing you somehow closer to him. 

You nuzzled your face into his neck, pressing gentle kisses there as you got comfortable, curled up in his arms. 

The forest seemed to come back to life as you settled, glowing softly all around you. You let the sounds fill your ears: the slowing breathing of So’lek beneath you, the breeze calmly rustling the canopy above your heads. It seemed that time itself had slowed down for you.

You thought back to your earlier words, considering the weight of what had just been done between you. This truly could never be undone. You understood now what that meant. But still, it wasn’t intimidating. If anything, it only made you more sure. This was always going to happen. If not now, then another night beneath these trees.

Your head turned to glance up at him with all the affection fixed in your gaze. The world suddenly felt whole. Like something had been missing that you weren’t aware of until now, completely filled like the final piece of a puzzle fitting into place. It was always him who belonged with you, and him who showed it to you.  And no amount of time could have prepared you for that.

⋆˙⟡ Find my masterlist here

[grcsbluerpen]

I have a James Potter request.

She is a painter and draws all the boys all the time. But she has never once drawn james in the 5 years she's known him. The only things she's done with him in it, is when she draws a picture with her and the boys and it's always his back that's seen. He finally asks her for a photo and that's when she admits she likes him because she has tried drawing him and he's just too pretty for her to draw. He carries too much sun and warmth for her to capture it.

Blank canvas - J.P.

╰ James Potter x Fem!gryffindor!reader

✵ Summary: James is the only person you just can’t draw well. Try as you might, you’re never happy with the result. Eventually, you’ll have to learn that your favorite things aren’t always meant to be captured.

✵ CW: Nothing but fluff, I missed writing the marauders era

✵ Word Count: 3.1k

Notes: Thank you for the request! Sorry for such a delayed response, the holiday season really kicked me this year. I hope you enjoy!

The sound of laughter and cheerful voices filled your ears, acting as a tempting distraction from the task at hand. What would normally have been a quiet morning to study in the great hall was now anything but that. It was the perfect combination of the liveliest students, spread out across the four long tables.

You glanced to your left down the table you sat at, spotting James engaged in whatever story Sirius was very expressively telling. Peter sat right beside them, eagerly inserting himself into the conversation whenever the opportunity arose.

Sirius reached the climax of his story, suddenly throwing his hands up dramatically. The move caused a chain reaction among the three of them. James laughed uncontrollably, a hand clamping down on Peter's shoulder for stability. The boy was quick to mimic the response.

Beside you, you sensed Remus lean forward to follow your gaze toward whatever caught your attention. A breathy little laugh escaped his mouth in response to the sight. It was enough to remind you of the little book that lay open in front of you. On its pages, your half-finished sketch waited for completion.

Remus glanced here as well. "Looks like it's coming along," He complimented, turning back to his own work. The boy was sat to your right, wrapped up in a cozy-looking sweater, while he only half-heartedly worked on studying.

“It’s getting there,” You agreed and gazed down at the picture, your lips pursing as you examined the organized mess the pencil left behind. This was going to be one of your favorite pieces, you were sure. But you were still stuck on the last figure. 

You had started the sketch the previous morning. It was the first warm day in months, and everyone was taking advantage of it. As the sun inched toward the top of the sky, you found yourself down by the lake, watching water wash over smooth stones as it pulled into shore and back out. In your arms was your most current sketchbook, wrapped up in a leather binding with a pencil tucked into the cover.

The boys were all knee deep in the still-cold water, enjoying everything about the lake you normally couldn't this time of year. You watched them fondly, laughing with them every time a joke was made or scolding when one of them threatened to splash you.

At one point, James began wrestling with Sirius, who fought back valiantly but came out unsuccessful. James had him in the water in under a minute. He looked to you immediately, as if to check that you were watching. A grin found his lips when he confirmed you were, his brown curls appearing a shade of gold in the sunlight.

You made a face and shook your head playfully, which made him forget all about Sirius, who was regrouping to retaliate. James sent you a little wave, but it was quickly put to an end. And suddenly, both of them were in the water. Laughter escaped your lips as they climbed to their feet, cursing.

The scene before you filled your chest with warmth that couldn’t fully be blamed on the weather. It reminded you of the little book that still sat pressed to your chest. 

That's how this particular sketch came to be, and it was almost perfect now. The only thing in the way now was the same person you were always stuck on. James. It was a frustrating pattern. In every single sketch, without fail, you always had a hard time with James. And no matter what you tried to improve, you had no luck.

There were no issues when it came to the others. You could draw an intricate sketch of anyone at this table and impress with the results, but when it came to James, you felt like all your skill vanished right before your eyes. You just couldn't capture him.

So that's why you now sat at the table, staring frustrated at the paper in front of you. It seemed like the not-quite-right figure of James was aiming to mock you. 

During your many failed attempts in the past to sketch him, you resorted to simply making his back turned whenever a mistake was made, which was exactly what you were about to do to this one.

You finally gave in, taking an eraser to poor James and adjusting the positioning to be faceless. An audible sigh left your throat as you finished and set the pencil down. It was good enough to satisfy this particular drawing, but you couldn't help but feel a sharp edge of irritation that you had to add another failed try to your sketchbook.

Suddenly, the indirect source of your frustration sat himself right beside you. "What's bothering you, love?" James asked, having heard your dramatic sigh. The nickname threatened to put a little color in your cheeks, but you fought it well.

"Sketchbook drama," You answered casually, gesturing down to the still-unfinished artwork.

He wasted no time pulling the book toward him, examining the open page. An admiring look appeared on his face. It was the same look he got whenever he saw your work. Something about the care you put into every pen stroke, or just the fact that it was you who created it, made each piece dear to him.

"This?" He asked, pointing down to the drawing. He couldn't even imagine how you could have a problem with it. "This is what you're upset about?"

“Don’t flatter me, James.” You told him, reaching for the book. But he held it just out of reach.

"No, seriously. There's nothing you could improve here." He said, sending you a playful smile. James examined the book again. "Actually, just one thing. My back's facing us. You should be drawing more of my pretty face."

You shook your head at his words, watching his head tilt to emphasize them. "I think we see quite enough of your pretty face." You told him sarcastically, giving up on trying to reclaim your sketchbook and just resting an elbow on the table.

"I disagree," He stated, setting the leather-wrapped book down on the table and flipping through a few pages. "Look, I'm hardly in here!"

James was likely right. You could only recall one or two sketches of his face that you didn't hate enough to get rid of. And who knew if they were even still around. Still, you wouldn't admit that to him yet.

"Oh, come on," You started, pulling your book back in your direction. "You have to be in here." After a few moments of page-skimming, you proved yourself incorrect. James gave you an I-told-you-so look, eyebrows slightly raised above his glasses.

"They're probably just in the other books." You defended yourself weakly, but he wasn't one to let something like this go.

"Alright, I believe you." He said, to your surprise. But after a moment of silence, he sprang to his feet and offered his hand to you.

“I thought you believed me?” You questioned with a brow raised, already setting your hand in his. The moment he had you, his fingers closed gently around yours, helping you to your feet. 

"We'll find which books I'm in." He assured in a tone that was all the persuasion you'd ever need. So you followed him easily as you let you out of the hall, hand still comfortably wrapped around yours.

It was an amusing walk up to your common room. A mix between determination and playfulness radiated off of James, putting a little more energy in his steps and a smile on your face.

Once you had crossed the common room and begun climbing the steps to your dorm, you could feel him back off a little to let you lead the way. "What? Scared to take a girl to her bedroom?" You joked with him, catching the boy off guard.

James faltered momentarily, but recovered gracefully. "This particular girl, sometimes." He replied, following behind you as you approached your dormitory's door. You weren't quite sure what to make of that.

"Do I make you nervous, Potter?" You asked as the door slid open to let you inside. You stopped just short of the doorway, letting him in first.

"In your dreams, love." He replied, gently brushing his fingertips to the side of your face as he passed, like it was the most casual thing in the world to him. You found yourself instinctively reaching for that spot on your cheek, mimicking the touch.

Inside the currently empty dorm room, it wasn't hard to spot which bed was yours. Tried as you might to keep your work organized, it wasn't your strong suit. Books lay stacked at your nightstand, the foot of your bed, and in a box underneath it. Surely James wouldn't want to go through all of them.

"We'd better get to work." He stated, proving your previous thought wrong. That's exactly what he wanted to do.

"You can't be serious." You said with an airy laugh in your voice.

“Of course, I’m serious.” He replied, passing you the closest book within reach and then grabbing one for himself. James hopped onto your bed, his long body lounging carelessly across it as he began flipping through the pages. 

You sighed and gave in, sitting down beside him and pushing one of his legs out of your way so you had room. Digging through your books took just as long as you thought it would, but. longer than he expected it to. You could tell by the hurried way he started searching the pages that he was realizing the difficulty of his task.

After what must have been nearly an hour, every single book was looked through, and to his surprise, there wasn't a single sketch that fit what he was looking for. Each one that was found was faceless, just like the first one.

"Not one drawing of me," He said, sitting up to face you. Your gaze followed him the whole way, trying to gauge his reaction. There was no true offense in his expression, only curiosity. "I'm hurt, love." The words held little weight when followed by a goofy smile and the nudge of his elbow.

"I swear, I had a few in here." You tried to soften the situation with your words, but he didn't believe them for a second.

James gazed at you with a contemplative look as he considered. “I don’t buy it.” He said simply, finally setting down the last book beside him. It landed with a small thump against the pile that had already been formed there.

"What don't you buy?" You asked, fully aware you were going to lose this conversation.

He leaned a little closer, turning on that James Potter charm he knew worked so easily on you. "You know exactly why there aren't any pictures of me in these." He told you confidently, as if it were a fact as sure as the sky is blue.

You knew you shouldn't indulge in his persuasion; it would only go to his head. But with the way his hazel eyes locked softly with yours and his curls fell messily atop his head, it took a shameful matter of seconds before you folded. "Fine," You huffed, standing from the bed and crossing your arms. "I don't draw any pictures of you because I can't."

His brows tugged inward in confusion. "What do you mean you can't?" He didn't quite believe your words, having witnessed firsthand the talent you had with a pencil. James waited for a smile or laugh or anything that told him you were joking, but it never came. Your serious expression never faltered. So he smiled for you. "Like, physically or?" He started in jest.

“No, I mean, I can’t draw you well.” You admitted, leaning against the wooden bed frame. “I don’t know what it is. It just never looks right.” He must’ve sensed the frustration in your tone, because his expression softened a little. 

“Oh, easy, you just need more practice.” He stood, taking the couple of steps to stand right in front of you, taking one of your hands into his. 

You glanced down at them, watching his thumb brush affectionately across your skin. The sensation of it made your heart flutter. “I’ve had plenty of practice.” You replied in complaint, your eyes finding his. They met yours with something warm and inviting, drawing you closer. 

“Well, clearly not enough, darling.” His lips tugged upwards at his own words, clearly aware of what he was doing. “What you need is a model.” He stated, and you were suddenly all too aware of how close he was to you. It made your heart perform the lightest little tap against your ribs. 

Before you could do anything about it, James pressed a quick kiss to your cheek, reaching down for your most current sketchbook and passing it off to you. He then hopped back onto your bed, sitting comfortably against the pillows. “You get more practice and a free excuse to stare at me.”

Taken aback, you glanced down at the book that now lay comfortably in your arms, doing a very poor job at hiding the blush in your cheeks. “For artistic purposes only, Potter.” You said, finally snapping out of your daze.

“Of course, love.” He said with an obvious smirk on his lips. “What other reason would it be?” 

You shook your head, sitting yourself down in front of him. The blank page in front of you was daunting, with potential for both the greatest success and failure. You had yet to discover which it would be.

Your hand went up to his chin, adjusting his head to your liking. He smiled down at you as you did this, completely full of himself.

“Don’t let this go to your head.” You told him, making the first few shapes appear on the paper. A slow laugh escaped him as he focused on holding still.

The first attempt was just like any other. The figure was technically correct, but there was still something there that just didn’t look right. It just didn’t look like him.

“It’s really not bad,” He assured, leaning closer to get a better look.

“But it’s not right.” You replied, that frustration creeping up again. It grew more noticeable once your second attempt began. The pencil moved quicker, and your grasp on the book tightened by a hair. 

He glanced at your hands while they worked, trying to understand what it was you thought was missing. Sympathy crossed his face when you held up the finished product, which was arguably worse than the last. It was a direct result of your frustration with the work.

“You’re thinking about it too hard,” James suggested suddenly, during your third attempt at the drawing. You glanced up at him at the words, cueing him to continue. “You’ve got to loosen up a bit.”

“I was loose,” You argued. “I just don’t know what’s making this so hard. Your face really is just too pretty.” Your tone was meant to be teasing, but the delivery was off. That really was the problem. You just couldn’t capture the way he looked in your eyes.

The comment put that smirk back on his face. “Did you just call me pretty?” He questioned.

“James, we both know you’re pretty.” You told him, placing a hand on both sides of his face to readjust his head again. You could practically feel the comment boosting his confidence.

“Have you ever heard that saying?” He asked, surprising you that he dropped your reply so quickly. The tone he used gave away that there was meaning to his words.

“What saying?” You asked, hands sliding gently toward his neck. The touch lit up his skin, only convincing him to lean in closer.

“That you can’t ever capture someone you love.” He stated as casually as he would a topic in class. The bold words froze you in place.

“Love is a strong word.” You added, but didn’t pull back from him. In fact, you found yourself closer.

The air between you was suddenly tense, like the sky just before lightning strikes. “Maybe.” James’ voice softened with the word, sensing it. “I just mean, you’ll care too much to ever consider one of your drawings a perfect capture of me.”

You stole a quick glance toward his lips, gaining the sudden urge to forget this drawing issue. “You’re right.” You admitted, thumb brushing against the skin of his cheek. “How do you suggest I care less?”

James’ smile grew, the look you made not avoiding his notice. He leaned in so his lips just barely brushed yours, waiting there for your permission. You gave it to him without a moment’s hesitation, leaning in the rest of the way to meet him in the softest kiss. 

Maybe he was right, maybe you did care too much. Maybe it was your affection for him that caused your artist's block. But none of it seemed to matter in that moment. James’ hand found your waist, pulling you towards him, your sketchbook falling carelessly from your lap in the process. You let it fall, forgetting your frustration with it.

He kissed you so gently, as if he was only imagining this and it would disappear in an instant if he moved too quickly. All it did was make you want more, but you didn’t dare take it.

When he finally pulled away, it was only to place another kiss on your cheek, and then your forehead, and then the bridge of your nose. You giggled like a little kid throughout the entire process, putting a grin on his face.

James put a hand to your cheek, gazing at you with affectionate eyes. It took everything in him not to kiss you again, but the issue at hand still needed resolving. You watched him locate the abandoned sketchbook and hand it to you. “Try one more time.” He suggested.

You reluctantly agreed, sitting back a little to get a better view of his face. Every feature there was softer, and there was a new bit of color in his cheeks. The sight of it gave you all the motivation you needed.

This time, when you finally held up the finished page, it was something you were happy with. Not because it was a perfect copy of the boy in front of you, and not because you cared about it less. But because it was yours, and so was he. And in the end, that was all you needed.

⋆˙⟡ Find my masterlist here

[grcsbluerpen]

Avatar Masterlist

✧ So’lek

Longing - 5.7k

(18+) Summary: You had been away for quite some time, and that meant you had plenty of it to think about your feelings for So’lek. What you hadn’t considered is that so would he

Painted skin - 6k

(18+) Summary: The night before a strike mission, preparation included applying your favorite paints. However this time, you were determined to have So’lek be the one to paint you

To grow wings - (WIP)

⋆˙⟡ Requests open

✧ Etuwa

Flowers and Feathers - 3.3k

(18+) Summary: It had been a few days since officially mating and you just couldn’t keep your hands off each other. Tonight was no different

Southbound - 5.5k

(18+) Summary: Rumors were floating around that Etuwa was courting you, little did they know it was far more than that

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✧ Ri’nela

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✧ Nesim

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✧ Teylan

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✧ Okul

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✧ Neytiri

Misfire - 9.6k

Summary: After weeks of learning under Neytiri, she decided you were ready to try hunting on your own. That decision may have been made too quickly.

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✧ Kiri

Beneath the waves - (WIP)

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✧ Neteyam

⋆˙⟡ Requests open

⋆˙⟡ If you have any requests for an Avatar character not listed here, feel free to ask! This list is who I have already written and have wips for. I always love your ideas! ⋆˙⟡

⋆˙⟡ Requests page

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[grcsbluerpen]

All the small things - P.

☆ Powder x Fem!reader

☆ Summary: You’d slowly fallen in love with your best friend, and as determined as you were to keep it a secret, you were never good at hiding things

☆ Warnings: Allllll fluff, mild swearing, I’m obsessed with the au, girldad Silco and Vander have to be my new favorite things

☆ Word Count: 8.9k

You were never good at secrets. Even back when you were a kid, you couldn't keep one to save your life. There was one time, many years ago, Vi had this big party planned for Powder's birthday. You begged her for days to let you help with it, but when she did, it only took a few hours for you to let the surprise slip. Vi never did let you forget about that one.

Fortunately, you had plenty of practice since then. And not being a child anymore sure helps. While you could now keep the average secret safe, hiding things was still one of your weakest traits. Especially when it came to keeping it from those closest to you.

Powder was a fantastic example. You'd known her for long enough now that there was very little that wasn't shared between you. She was undoubtedly the hardest person to hide things from.

So when you developed one of the most important secrets of your life, a secret that was hidden from Powder in particular, you knew it would end disastrously.

Nearly three weeks ago, you had an unusually quiet night at the Last Drop. You sat comfortably at one of the tables against the wall, feet propped up on the rough wood. There was a leather-bound notebook in your lap and a pencil in your hand, which tapped in a careless rhythm against your leg.

The notes, which only a few moments ago you were scribbling in fervently, had been almost completely abandoned. A familiar figure took its place for your attention. All the way across the maze of tables and chairs, Powder was behind the bar, helping Vander clean up for the night.

Something about the way she looked there sparked a round of thoughts you had purposely been avoiding. It was difficult to pinpoint exactly when it started, but over the past couple of weeks, you had begun to see your best friend differently. You noticed every little thing about her; things that, a month ago, you wouldn't have thought twice about. The way her hair fell in small waves at her shoulders when she took it down at night. The little curve she got in her lips when she's concentrating. Although you had previously refused to admit it, you began to see her as something more than just your best friend or even your lab partner. Subconsciously, you started wanting to see her that way.

The one thought always chewing away in your mind was the consequences of Powder discovering these feelings. The classic "what if a relationship ruins our friendship?" Powder has always been the most important person in your life. You'd been friends for nearly as long as you'd been alive. All that time together meant she knew you inside and out. Hell, she probably knew more about you than you did yourself. It wouldn't surprise you.

The friendship you shared was perfect. Was that worth risking for romantic endeavors?

Your weak solution to this problem was shoving your feelings as far down as you could, hoping to bury them far away. But each passing day you spent with her, it grew harder and harder to keep up with. And as you sat at that empty table, watching her wipe down one of the counters, it was all resurfacing at once.

You sighed, finally setting your pencil down on top of your notebook. With one last glance at what you were working on, you officially abandoned it, wrapping the leather cover and string around the papers.

There was a sudden laugh that drew your eyes back to the bar. Powder still held the little towel, leaning on the counter for stability as she reacted to what was probably a terrible joke of Vander's. The proud look on his face confirmed it.

The sound of her warm laughter lit something in your chest, calling all of your attention to her like there was nothing else in the world. As she recovered from her fit, Vander continued talking, just far enough away that you couldn't hear the exact words. not that they mattered much to you in that moment anyway.

Powder's eyes drifted in your direction, the once-fading smile suddenly brought back to life at the sight of you. She must've noticed that you were very obviously staring because her head tilted a little as she saw you. The way she stood there, practically glowing under the bar lighting, it was like a switch was flipped. Suddenly, any effort to fight your feelings vanished right in front of you. There was far too much to bury now.

There was a silent question written on her face, which you responded to a moment too late. Powder was already walking over, crossing the room to you in no time. Your gaze followed her all the way there until she sat herself down right beside you.

"Ok, what is it?" She asked, shuffling through the possibilities in her head. After a moment of calculating, she landed on your notebook and reached for it. "Did you run into an issue?" You lifted your hands from the little book, allowing her to take it.

You hesitated in responding, not really having a decent explanation. "No issues," You breathed out, folding your arms casually in front of your chest. "Just tired is all." It was a weak excuse.

You could tell she wasn't convinced, but she didn't press further, suddenly noticing a detail in your notes worth discussing. Powder quickly dove into it, pointing out and praising anything she hadn't seen yet.

Once you got her talking, it was difficult to stop her. But you had no intention to. You tried your best to absorb her words, but every time her blue eyes flickered in your direction, your attention was diverted.

Ever since that night, the night you truly admitted to yourself you feelings for Powder, you weighed the question in your mind over and over again. Was it worth risking your relationship just to tell her you love her? While you worked hard to find that answer, your crush on Powder grew worse by the second. Every small thing seemed to make you crazier about her.

Suddenly, this was the best-kept secret of your life. That is, until the two just about worst people in the world to let in on it found out.

You had just gotten back to the bar with Mylo after a trip bringing a couple boxes of Junk down to Benzo's. He was talking at rapid speeds as you led him through the large doors, immediately hit with a familiar song that was playing. It was busy that night, so Powder and Claggor offered to help out Vander while you were gone. The moment you were inside, your eyes naturally searched for her.

There she was behind the bar, hair tied up loosely and arms leaning casually on the countertop. Your lips pulled into a smile at the sight of her, momentarily blurring anything around. Once your eyes caught up, you noticed her lips moving, most likely taking an order. As you noticed who she was serving, your smile left your face.

There was a girl, absolutely gorgeous, leaning way too far over the counter, her mouth turned into a flirtatious smile. The sight made you stop dead in your tracks, Mylo running right into the back of you. "Hey, what's that about?" He asked, dusting himself off. When you didn't move he glanced up at your face, noticing the hard expression. "What's up your ass?"

Over the past few weeks, the feelings you experienced for Powder were all new to you, but this was different. Jealousy like you'd never felt it before. Despite the girl managing to lean somehow closer to her, you managed a few words. "Who's that?"

Mylo followed your gaze to the girl, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. He shrugged. "I don't know, she started coming here a few nights ago. Pretty, huh? I think she's got a thing for Powder." He explained with a childish smirk. The words made your jaw tighten. "Why do you care?" His question snapped you out of your irritated fit. You had let way too much slip already.

Before you could come up with a smooth response, the gears clicked in Mylo's head. "You have a thing for Powder?" A huge, exaggerated gasp escaped his mouth, tearing your gaze away from the girl. "You like—" He started as loudly as possible. You barely saved it, clamping a hand over his mouth.

"Mylo, I swear to god if you want to wake up tomorrow morning, you'll shut up right now." You threatened him, but all it did was confirm that his statement was true.

Claggor, who was nowhere to be seen until now, suddenly came up behind you, drawn by the sudden outburst. "You like what?" He inquired, a brow raising at the sight of you two, your hand still firmly pressed to his mouth.

You shook your head at Mylo, who was carefully calculating his next move. He glanced between you and Claggor and then yanked your hand away, just quick enough to surprise you. "Someone's got a crush on Powder." He said smugly, in a volume that was much more manageable.

You threw your hands up in the air dramatically and then pinched the bridge of your nose. Apparently, keeping secrets was never going to be your thing.

"You didn't already?" Claggor responded to the statement, earning a quick glare from you. Mylo laughed like this was the most amusing situation he's seen in a long time.

"Look," You started carefully, stealing a quick glance at Powder, who was now talking to Vander. The distance from the girl released a little tension and brought you to your senses. "Neither of you are going to say anything."

“I don’t know…” Mylo teased, glancing sideways at Claggor. “This one might be too good to keep quiet.”

A small flash of panic hit you at his words. “Please, Mylo. If you care about me at all—”

The boy was quick to interrupt, leaning an annoying arm on your shoulder. “Alright, let’s make a deal.” He proposed, taking in a breath before continuing. Claggor stopped him before he could make his offer, shoving him out of the way.

“No deals.” He said, giving Mylo a hard look. His mouth fell open a little in protest, but Claggor turned to you and continued. “We won’t tell her.”

“Anybody.” You corrected.

“We won’t tell anybody.” Claggor Emphasized. You'd never been more grateful for him than in that moment.

Both of you turned to Mylo, who rolled his eyes and sighed. “Fine,” Your body relaxed as the threat passed. “But she’s gonna find out.”

“I know,” You said, eyes searching for her again. When you found her, she had already spotted you, sending you a wave and a big smile. You were well aware of your predicament, but you were still going to stall. “I’m going to delay it as long as possible.” 

To give the boys all due credit, they meant every word they said. Neither of them told a soul about your situation. At least, to your knowledge. But that doesn't mean they ever shut up about it when it was just you around. Every time they saw you, they seemed to have a new, creative way of bringing up your secret. Your secret that was growing more pathetic by the moment.

Still, other than the slip-up with Mylo and Claggor— and you never did get much past them— You seemed to be cruising under the radar. By now, you had nearly perfected acting natural around her. If you kept this up, you could probably get away with this for a while longer.

But you didn't keep it up. At least not well enough. Powder had begun to notice the difference in behavior, even as slight as it was. Again, she knew you inside and out. Even the slightest of shifts would be detected by her. But she still didn't press, chalking it up to stress and fatigue from all the time spent in the hideout lately, working almost nonstop on projects.

She even suggested taking a break for a while, but you insisted that you were fine. It wasn't really the projects that prompted the change in dynamic, of course. It was the constant hum in your mind, always filled with her.

You had a particularly long night, poring over notes and putting them into action. By the time you did sleep, it was nearly morning already. So, approaching noon, you were up and back at it, both with messy hair and whatever pajamas you left accessible in the hideout.

Powder hummed a song beside you, leaning over the table with a propped-up magnifying glass guiding her eyes and hands. Your eyes darted across the mess of papers, pointing out adjustments here and there while she worked away with the tools.

You took the opportunity to sneak a glance at her through your goggles. Her hair had halfway fallen from the two little buns she had it in the night before, flyaways sticking out in every direction. On her smooth skin were black smudges, matching yours from several hours' worth of work. The sight of her put a smile on your lips.

Powder broke you out of her trance with a raised hand, asking for another tool. You obliged. quickly, trading the previous one out and setting it in her palm. She began a thank you, but a sudden yawn interrupted her mid-speech.

You sank down onto one elbow, examining her work. "You know, I think we may need that break after all." You suggested and earned a breathy little laugh from her.

"You think?" She asked, pausing momentarily to glance at you. As the conversation caught her interest, she set the tools down gently and turned toward you. "You look like you haven't slept in days."

A hand went to your chest as you feigned offense. "Me?" You asked, lifting your goggles to the top of your head. Powder mimicked your movement. "Have you looked in the mirror recently?"

She giggled, gently shoving your arm. "Ok, fine. I think we can agree, we both need to take a break."

You nodded in agreement, glancing down at your unfinished project. "How about we finish this up and sleep the rest of the day?" The suggestion sounded wonderful to your tired ears as you gestured to the gadget on the table. It was anything but finished, so a more accurate goal would be to get it stable.

Powder turned back to it, picking up her tools again. "How about the rest of the week?" She muttered, sliding her goggles back over her eyes. You did the same, giving her a light "hm" in response.

It took nearly an hour of adjustments and switching back and forth between your notes and the physical project, but the function part was finished. Powder took the object in her hands, holding it up to the lamp to see it better. "Well, it's not pretty." She stated. Your usual projects tended to have a certain theatrical flair to them, but you couldn't tell that by looking at this one.

You stood dramatically from your chair, placing a hand on her shoulder. The smooth fabric of her shirt and her soft skin met your palm there, making your touch briefly hesitant. All you could do was hope she didn't notice. "There'll be plenty of time for paint after we've gotten a full eight hours." You told her, suddenly feeling the heaviness in your eyes from the lack of sleep.

She let out an exaggerated sigh, her lips curling into that easy smile of hers, and abandoned the project on the desk. Just when you thought you were in the clear, heavy footsteps came from below. Both your heads turned to see Vander step up into the hideout.

"Hey, Dad." Powder greeted him, leaning an arm onto the desktop.

"Morning, girls." He responded cheerfully, a hand going out to lean on one of the railings. His mouth turned into a smirk. "Or should I say afternoon?"

You laughed sarcastically and practically threw yourself onto the small sofa. Just lying down on the thick cushions felt like heaven. "We had a late night." You muttered, shutting your eyes and covering them with your forearm.

"I can see that," Vander replied simply. You peeked out of one eye at him. The way he stood there told you he wanted something, which would be very poorly timed with your upcoming nap. "Hope it wasn't too late, I've got a job for you." Bingo.

Powder frowned, both of you watching the chances of getting more sleep fade rapidly. "Now?" She asked, sliding her goggles off her head and dropping them onto the table.

"I'm afraid so," Vander said with a shrug, far more amused than you and Powder were. She glanced at you, sending a look that was meant for Vander to notice. He chuckled breathily as you groaned in complaint. "At least hear me out first."

You sat up to rejoin the conversation, draping your upper body over the back of the sofa. He took the movement as his cue to continue. "I've got a couple of boxes for Silco. He can't get out here for a few days, so I need you two to bring it to him."

At the mention of Silco, the interruption of your plans was suddenly less devastating. Neither of you got to see him often, since he's been so busy with his own work lately. "Ok, you win." Powder muttered, already abandoning the idea of your nap. "We'll take them."

"Good," Vander responded, satisfied with the outcome of your conversation. "They're sitting on the bar."

Powder stood from the desk and crossed the couple of feet to where you still sat, reaching a hand out for yours. "Come on, sleepy." She said with an airy giggle in her voice. You grasped her hand and let her tug you to your feet.

Your head tilted to one side as you watched her head to the pile of extra clothes you brought up the night before. Powder tossed yours to you, which was previously laid messily beside hers, and started changing into her fresh clothes.

A little heat tickled your cheeks, so you quickly turned away to avoid her noticing. The reaction was unusual for you, considering you couldn't even count the number of times she's changed in front of you over the years. Thankfully, it seemed to go unnoticed.

Mid-fixing one side of her hair, Powder started for the doorway, being sure to grab your arm as she passed. You wasted no time following her downstairs.

Down in the bar, it was a quiet afternoon, which was unusual for the time of day. Powder let go of your arm, bounding over to the counter where two wooden crates sat side by side. You paused at the bottom of the stairs for a moment to watch her curiously peek inside one of them.

Maybe it was just that Powder was the center of your focus lately, but she looked gorgeous there; the warmth of her skin, the chunks of blue hair sitting at the base of her neck that didn't quite make it into the updo. You couldn't help but stare like an absolute idiot.

Unfortunately, it was noticeable this time.

"For someone who doesn't wanna spill her secret, you sure like to stare." Mylo told you, pulling your attention to your left, where he was leaning on one of the tabletops. You didn't have to look at him to visualize the smug expression on his face.

Claggor was kinder to you about your affection for Powder, but Mylo never felt the need to hold back. You sent him a look, taking a few steps away from the staircase as you snapped to your senses. "For someone who agreed not to meddle, you sure like to stick your nose in my business." You muttered in response. He didn't take your comment with an ounce of seriousness.

The boy shot up from his chair, crossing the few feet between you to throw an arm on your shoulder. "I agreed not to tell Powder, not to stay out of it." He happily reminded you. You rolled your eyes, shoving him off of you and stealing another quick glance at the bar. Claggor, who had previously been engaged in a conversation with Powder, took notice of your situation, eyeing you from where he leaned on the counter.

Mylo, who knew he had briefly lost your attention, brought a hand up to shake your shoulder. But you were quicker. "Well, 'not telling Powder' includes not acting in a way that'll make her notice." You snapped, catching him by the wrist. He shot you a half-hearted glare, calculating for a moment before ducking under your arm, making for your other side.

You were quicker again, your hand clamping on his upper arm this time. "Ok, ok! Let go!" He complained. Once you released your grip, he dramatically rubbed the spot where your hand had been. "Fine, I'll lay off." His tone wasn't even a little convincing, but you were satisfied with the words for a moment.

Your eyes flickered back to the bar once again and, to your surprise, met Powder's there. She had a puzzled look on her face, brows pinching inward and lips pursed as she tried to read the exchange. You'd likely be hearing questions about it later. To play it off the best you could, you gave her a wide smile and a shake of your head. Even if she was still suspicious, she couldn't resist returning the expression.

You reached over and shoved Mylo playfully, making peace with him for the moment. When you crossed the room, she waited there with the smile still visible on her soft lips. "Ready to go?" You asked her before she had the chance to ask questions.

"Mhm," She responded, the tone giving away that you were right about her being suspicious. She slid one of the crates off the table and placed it gently in your arms, then took her own and led you out the door. She called a farewell behind her to everyone else before exiting.

Suddenly, a little guilt tugged at you. She must have thought you were hiding something from her, and knowing Powder, the truth likely wouldn't be her first guess as to what. You glanced in her direction to find her lost in thought. Her expression made that guilt a little stronger. The last thing you wanted was for her to dwell on something that wasn't even the real reason.

Dropping everything there and telling her you were in love with her was obviously not the solution, but you couldn't sit there in silence. "We haven't seen Silco in a while." You said in a weak attempt at small talk.

Powder exhaled softly, letting her thoughts fade from her mind. "Almost three weeks now." She said, turning her head to read your face. She wasn't one to hold a grudge, especially not against you. So her usual lighthearted tone quickly returned to her words. "I looked inside the boxes. There's nothing important in here. I think Vander just wanted to get us out of the hideout.

You snickered in response to her discovery, peering down into the crate in your arms as you walked. "It's probably for the best," You started, leaning subtly in her direction. "We haven't exactly seen the sun recently. I mean, look at me! I'm losing color by the minute."

This comment drew out her laughter and big smile. The sight and sound of it made your heart twirl in your chest. "Come on, we had a good living situation going!" She defended you both, leading you around a corner and out onto the street.

"If you call rotating through the same clothes and sleeping on the couches good, then yes." You teased. Powder bumped you gently with her shoulder, careful not to disturb the cargo she carried.

You seemed to have successfully returned the situation to normal, and by the time you arrived at Silco's, she was back to chatting away about whatever was on her mind. You gave her all of your attention, focusing more on her than on where your feet were going.

Powder led the way up to Silco's office, not even hesitating before bursting through the door. "Knock, knock!" She called, turning to use her back to push the door open. Inside, Silco was seated at his desk, poring over a mess of papers not unlike the ones you and Powder were taking a break from. It was safe to say you inherited the obsessive studying trait from him.

He glanced up from his desk as you both crossed the doorway, greeting you with a warm smile. "What a surprise," He said, setting his pen down in front of him. "What did I do to earn such a visit?" The second you were in his office, you deposited your crate onto a coffee table, giving your arms a little shake now that they were free of it.

Powder did the same on his desk, wiping her brow with the back of her arm and setting a hand on her hip. "Vander said you might want these." She explained, gesturing to her box. "Really, I just think he wanted us to take a break."

"He thinks we're working too hard." You added, leaning on his large desk, far enough not to disturb any of his notes.

"My girls? Working too hard?" He said in jest, referring to his mess of projects that lay right in front of you. It very much mimicked the mess you two just walked away from.

"Well, you know who we got it from." Powder replied, passing you a sideways glance with that perfect smile of hers. You couldn't help but repeat it on your face.

Silco responded with a simple laugh at her comment, standing and brushing his papers out of the way so he could reach for the first crate. "Let's take a look then, shall we?" He said. Powder slid it to him, and all three of you sifted through the items.

After picking through it all, everyone came to the same conclusion. "Powder's right," You started, leaning a hand down on the desk. "I don't even think we could use it."

"I'm sure I'll find a use for it," Silco replied, defending Vander's decision to send you here. Powder subtly rolled her eyes, thoroughly convinced he would not. Silco noticed this. "Vander's scheming aside, I am glad you two are here. I have my own boxes for you to take."

Powder perked up at the proposal, following Silco across the room to where a couple more crates, about the same as the ones you just dropped off, were waiting with the lid on. You were the first to break one open, finding all sorts of gadgets and parts inside. Unlike the load you brought, everything in here would be beyond useful in your and Powder's projects.

You glanced over at Powder, who was already starting to calculate what you could do with it. "This is great!" She exclaimed, picking up a couple of bits here and there to examine them closer.

“At least you can leave with better than what you arrived with.” Silco responded warmly, an arm resting on the back of a sofa. All three of you could agree on that.

After another round of thank yous, you found yourself hauling crates across the city for the second time that day. You followed closely behind Powder, letting her take the lead through the winding streets. Every step she took seemed to have an extra spring to it, likely a direct result of your outing. You definitely needed it.

When you arrived back at the bar, it was quieter than when you left. Vander waved a greeting from behind the counter, mid-conversation with Benzo.

“I wonder if Ekko’s around.” You mentioned to Powder, who followed your gaze to the bar. Benzo’s arrival meant he was likely not far.

“With the guys, maybe?” She suggested, following you to the stairs. In the hideout, you dumped the crates onto an empty desk. Empty enough, at least. The last thing your poor workspace needed was more supplies. 

Powder sat down to break into the boxes, not even pausing to catch a breath. You wandered over to grab another chair, dragging it up the single step to sit near her. The chair scraped the metal floor as you pivoted it to face her, sitting in a way to allow you to rest your feet on the back of Powder's chair. Her blue eyes flickered down to them, then sent you a look that was combined with her trademark smile.

"Anything in there that'll help us with that?" You jabbed a thumb over your shoulder to point at your current work in progress, still sitting on the table from earlier. She followed your gesture.

“I thought I saw something,” She muttered, rummaging through the first crate. “Give me a second.”

You watched her, your hands resting carelessly in your lap. Maybe now wouldn't have been the best time to let your mind wander freely, but who were you to deny an opportunity to take her in, every feature perfectly placed on her face, every curve of her body. She was hard to look away from.

Powder breathed a quick and almost silent laugh, making you wonder if she noticed your stare. Her head tilted slightly in your direction without her hands leaving the box. "What was this morning about?" She asked casually, having mostly forgotten any negative feelings she had towards it.

You panicked, convinced that anything you said would sound suspicious. After a split second too long of silence, her eyes looked for yours again. This was it. All the effort you put into keeping your secret would mean nothing now. 

Still lacking a halfway decent answer, you returned the question to buy a few seconds of extra time. “What about this morning?” The moment the words left your mouth, you knew how it sounded. You were still terrible at secrets, and Powder knew. 

She stayed patient, but that was all she needed to confirm you were hiding something from her. “You and Mylo. He looked like he had a lot to say.”

“You know Mylo,” You responded, narrowly dodging her question. “He never does know when to shut up.”

A little frown began to form on her face, just subtle enough that she likely didn't even realize she was making it. The sight of it there, pulling her lips downward, made you feel awful. How worth it was it to keep your secret?

There was a moment of silence before she replied. Her hand went out to your leg, which still rested on the back of her chair, to give it a soft squeeze. “If there’s anything wrong, you know you can tell me.” Her tone was gentle, but laced with hints of disappointment. Who knew what she guessed the problem was?

“Of course, Powder.” You responded. The guilt was quickly building.

She gazed at you for a moment longer before turning back to the crate she was digging through. In those few seconds, you finally came to a conclusion. It wasn’t worth it. Not anymore. You were going to have to tell her.

The words felt scrambled in your mouth while you tried to form them, heart thumping against your chest. You opened your mouth to speak, but your tongue suddenly felt like sandpaper. Why was this so hard? You’d known Powder your entire life. Surely you could tell her something as important as this.

But that was the exact reason it was so hard. You’d known Powder your entire life. Telling her this would change your relationship forever. And you were yet to find out if it would be for the better or worse. 

You swallowed hard and tried again. “Powder,” You started as calmly as possible. She tilted her head in your direction, eyes finding yours again.

God, this was ridiculous. You inhaled deeply, finding your words. “Powder, I—” The moment you found your bravery, you were interrupted. A sharp knock on metal came from the stairs, pulling your attention in its direction.

A moment later, Ekko came into view with a cheerful expression on his face. “Hey, I was looking for you,” He started his greeting, but paused when he saw the serious looks on both of your faces. “Shit, Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

You turned to glance at Powder, who seemed slightly frustrated that she didn’t hear what you had to say. But it was only a split second before her expression softened. You turned back to Ekko. “You’re not interrupting anything, Ekko. What’s up?” You lied smoothly.

He relaxed a little at your statement, fully entering the hideout and planting himself down in a chair. “Not much.” He said casually, leaning back against his seat. “I came up earlier, but the guys said you went to Silco’s.”

Powder seemed to let the previous conversation go for now, sending Ekko a smile. “Vander had us bring him a bunch of junk to get us out of the hideout.” She explained, leaning an elbow down on the desk behind her. “We did get a bunch of parts out of it, though.” Her hand gestured to the two half-unpacked crates.

Ekko’s eyes followed her to them. “So, are you guys going to spend the night unpacking those, or can I convince you out of the hideout again?” He asked.

“Depends,” You chimed in, lips curving into a smile. “We’re not taking any more boxes across town.”

Powder giggled a little beside you, bringing a little color to your cheeks. It was an involuntary reaction and one you couldn’t take back. Ekko, just like everyone else, noticed this. But thankfully, he didn’t react other than a slight crease between his brows. He broke out of this quickly. “Mylo and Claggor want to go down to the docks…” He started suggesting, trailing off as he anticipated your next question.

The harbor was strictly off limits to anyone without business there. Especially at night, and especially to all of you. This would be far from your first time going down there, though. You guys learned how to sneak by pretty early on. Eventually, they caught on and doubled the ammount of enforcers to scare you off. It did work for a while, considering you haven’t been there in a couple of months. 

“How are the enforcers?” You questioned. Ekko seemed already prepared with an answer.

“Mylo went out to look. He said they’ve really backed off on security.” He responded quickly. 

You glanced at Powder to get her reaction, although you could already guess. As much as she loved her work, she never missed an opportunity for something exciting like this. “I think we can afford another break, don’t you?” She asked.

You nodded slowly as if considering, but you were sold on the idea a long time ago. “It couldn’t hurt,” You replied. Ekko smiled, popping up out of his seat. 

“Ok, get ready. The guys are downstairs waiting.” He said, already headed toward the stairs. Before you could even respond, he was down the steps, shouting something to Mylo and Claggor that faded before it could reach your ears.

Powder sprang up, headed for your makeshift living space across the fan blade. “Don’t think you’ve gotten out of our talk.” She said, sending you a smile. You followed her, leaning against the back of the sofa as she dug through the little dresser.

“I know,” You said, admiring her from where you stood. “We’ll talk, I promise.”

Powder seemed satisfied with your words, pulling out her favorite white dress. Your lips curved into a subtle smile at the sight of it. It was one of your favorites as well. She changed into the new outfit while you looked for something similar. It was a good thing you kept such a random array of clothing up here. 

“How does my hair look?” She asked you while you changed into your fresh clothing. You pursed your lips, calculating the best words to respond. After the whole day, her updo had all but fallen out. 

“Come here,” You told her, planting yourself on the couch and patting the spot in front of you. She obliged quickly, settling against your legs and allowing you easy access to her hair. 

With the gentlest of touches, you pulled down her hair and began to detangle it. “Up or down?” You asked her, more than willing to redo her hair if she wanted.

She considered for a second before responding. “You choose,” She practically hummed. Her voice sounded like music in your ears, soft and velvety. You twirled the blue locks in your fingers as you decided. Down it is.

You worked on the back, brushing and refluffing it until you knew it was to her liking. “Ok, turn,” You instructed with a soft giggle. She spun around to face you, now kneeling in front of you with her arms resting on your knees. Your hands gingerly went to work on her bangs.

While you worked, Powder’s blue eyes were locked on yours, studying your face. It was unbelievably distracting.

“Have I told you lately how pretty you are?” She said suddenly. The question caught you completely off guard, heat rushing to your cheeks and lips parting as you thought of a reply. That was a normal thing for a friend to say, right? Maybe. But the tone in which she said it seemed to edge into something different.

“I-I don’t know, probably.” You replied with a stutter. A stutter? Really? 

She noticed immediately, one brow arching slightly. “Are you flushed?” She asked again, referring to the color in your cheeks.

“Don’t distract me, Powder.” You told her. The words made her lips turn upward into a smirk. She knew exactly what she was doing. You probably just gave her the answer to your strange behavior right there.

“So sorry,” She said slowly, her smirk turning into a grin. Oh yeah, she definitely knew.

You finished her bangs and then playfully shoved her off of you. She acted offended for a brief moment, but it was quickly replaced with amusement. With a laugh, she reached for your arm and pulled you to your feet. Before she let you go, she returned the favor, straightening up your hair. It had fared much better than hers throughout the day. 

“Alright, come on.” You said, sliding out of her grip to clasp a hand around hers. “Before they try and leave without us.” 

She giggled as you led her down the stairs and out into the bar. All three of the boys were waiting, their heads turning as you entered. Your eyes fell on Mylo’s who had a smug look on his face. You calculated the reason for it until you realized Ekko had the same one. Of course, he had to be roped into the situation, too.

You released Powder’s hand to let her jump into the conversation, crossing the room to the bar. Vander waited there with a Reddish brown bottle. “Take this with you,” He said, pushing the bottle towards you. “But don’t go wild.”

You rolled your eyes playfully, taking the bottle into your hands. The contents were non-alcoholic, and even though you were of drinking age, Vander still preferred to serve the orange drink from your childhood. It was sentimental for him, in a way. “Thanks, Vander.” You told him, your eyes finding Powders naturally. She spotted the bottle in your hands and sent you a smile.

You sent it right back to her. Maybe it was the look in your eyes, or the way your grip tightened around the bottle, but Vander became well aware. “It’s nice,” He started, cleaning out a cup. You turned to glance at him. “You and Powder.”

“Oh, Powder and I aren’t—” You said quickly, a little hesitation in your voice. “We’re just friends. Always have been.” 

Vander gave you a thoughtful look. He must have sensed the panic in your words because he didn’t press further. Although he wasn’t really one to do that anyway. “Whatever you say,” He said with a breathy laugh. That response wasn’t exactly settling either. “Go on then,”

You shook your head and slid the bottle off the counter, passing it off to Claggor, who was glad to be in charge of it. 

Powder linked an arm around yours, following quickly behind the others with you in tow. They were already out the door. “Be careful!” You all heard Vander call behind you, breaking out a laugh amongst the group.

It was a miracle you weren’t stopped just on the trip down to the water. The five of you talked and laughed loudly the whole way there, drawing way too much attention to yourselves. The thrill of the outing and the bite of the cold night put an extra helping of bravery and carelessness in you. 

It wasn’t until you approached the water that Ekko silenced everyone. “Mylo, go see where they are.” He instructed. The boy split off from the group, climbing up to get a better vantage point.

The harbor was set up in a way to allow for minimal enforcers and maximum security. There were generally only guys set up by the entrance, since that was the only way to the larger docks. If this was true tonight, you just needed a way past them. And you already had plenty of options when it came to that.

You waited with your back against a brick wall, Powder kneeling beside you, and the other two taking turns getting a look around the corner. A breeze blew down the alley, just cold enough to cause discomfort. “Warm enough?” You checked on Powder.

She nodded. “Toasty,” She told you, but you watched her shiver at the next gust of wind. It was definitely colder by the water. 

“Pow, come here.” You offered, reaching a hand down for hers. She took it, and you pulled her right up against you, sliding an arm around her waist. 

She seemed a little caught off guard by the move, but leaned into it. “Thank you,” Powder muttered into the fabric of your shirt. You smiled a little wider than usual as she buried her face there. 

You watched the other two boys, who waited impatiently for Mylo’s return. Ekko turned his head back to check on you, noticing your embrace and nudging Claggor with his elbow. Thank God it was Mylo who was sent to spy. 

Only a few minutes later, he returned with a grin plastered to his face. Powder perked up, momentarily forgetting about the cold. 

“There’s only two of them. Both at the gate.” He announced, suggesting that your usual way in would work tonight. 

Everyone’s focus was back to the task at hand as Mylo led the way through the maze of buildings and fences. The entrance into the harbour, which Ekko discovered a couple of years ago, spat you out just past the gate. It was nothing more than a small tunnel through the debris of a once-demolished building, but it was hidden just well enough that nobody bothered to investigate.

As you approached the opening, Ekko stepped out enough to see around the corner. His body relaxed subtly in relief when he was met with nothing but the empty docks. “All clear,” He whispered, and Mylo sprang past him right out into the open. The other two boys followed quickly behind, but you were glued to Powder’s side.

“Shall we?” You asked in a stupid tone that put a smile on her face, offering her your arm.

She obliged immediately, linking hers around it. Once you had her, you led her out of the opening, both of your heads turning to double-check for enforcers. Nothing but quiet.

“You planning on telling me what’s wrong?” She asked suddenly, her eyes finding yours. In the warm lighting, her blue hair was practically glowing, framing that perfect face of hers. It was hard not to tell her how much you loved her right there.

“Yes,” You answered as casually as possible, glancing down the dock to the boys, who were already breaking open the bottle.

“That was convincing,” She replied, sliding her hand down your arm to entwine her fingers with yours. It was a slow, methodical movement. Probably a play to get you talking. It would have worked if it weren’t for your sudden loss of words.

You inhaled sharply, but came to your senses quickly. “Good, that’s what I was going for.” You said, giving her hand a little squeeze. All the way down the dock, you held her like she’d disappear if you let go. It wasn’t until you reached the group and had been roped into a card game that she parted from you. 

You planted yourself between Ekko and Mylo, Powder ending up across from you. Both of you were passed a cup and a handful of translucent, plasticky cards. 

All was well until Mylo brought up your trip with him to Benzo’s. You hadn’t been paying attention so far, having been distracted by the girl sitting a few feet away from you. But then he let it slip that you had a moment of jealousy.

“Then that girl riled her up and ruined the whole mood,” He muttered, sending Claggor a sudden glare as he played a move that set him further back in the game. Your eyes snapped to him at the words. He must’ve realized, since a sliver of guilt flashed over his face.

“What girl?” Powder asked, a crease appearing between her brows.

“Oh, uh…” Mylo was horrible at lying. 

“Just a girl at the bar that night.” You said, hoping your smooth tone would prevent further questions. It didn’t, of course. You were almost as bad as Mylo.

“And what about her riled you up?” Her eyes were on you now, directly asking for your answer. Your lips parted as you tried to come up with an answer.

“Oh, she just…” You had nothing.

“She was pretty,” Mylo offered up. You were seconds away from strangling him.

“Mylo, shut up.” You muttered with a tightened jaw. “That’s not it. I mean, yes, she was pretty. But that’s not…” Everyone’s eyes were on you.

There was a short moment of silence, and then Powder spoke up. “You and me.” She started, pushing herself to her feet. Your eyes followed her as she approached you. “We’re talking.”

She extended a hand to you. “Right now?” You asked, still taking it without question.

“Right now.” She said and pulled you to your feet.

You didn’t protest as she led you to the next dock over, crossing a narrow walkway to get there. Her hand grasped yours tightly as she walked, and you could feel the determination in her step. She was going to find out what was up.

You came to a stop near the end of the dock, water sloshing a few feet below the edge. Anticipation announced itself through the tapping of your quick-paced heart. No more secrets. You were going to tell her your feelings right now.

“Are you going to tell me what that was about, or should I guess?” She asked, freeing your hand to cross her arms. Your eyes drifted from the water to hers, only to find them waiting there with a soft gaze.

“What’s your guess?” You asked. She tilted her head and made a face as if she was considering her answer. Although you were almost positive she already knew it.

“Hmm,” She started in a voice that put warmth in your cheeks. “You don’t have a secret girlfriend, do you?”

The question was the last thing you expected her to say. You opened your mouth to respond, but she beat you to it. “This girl visiting the last drop? The one that’s pretty?” The velvety edge to her tone made you realize she was pulling your leg. You relaxed a little.

“Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?” You asked, turning your whole body to face her. A smile broke through her lips.

“Yes, cause you could never hide something like that from me.” She spoke calmly, her gaze locked with yours. “So out with it. I want the truth.”

As you stood there, admiring the girl you loved, your worry started to fade. This was Powder. The Powder you’ve known your entire life. The Powder you’ve loved your entire life. Even if she didn’t feel the same way, she would never hate you for it.

You took her hands in yours, breathing in deeply. “The whole truth?” You asked.

“All of it,” She replied, her expression warm and filled with anticipation.

A sudden wave of bravery washed over you. You couldn’t tell if it was from the thought of her sharing your affection, or the relief of no longer carrying the secret, but the words didn’t seem so difficult anymore.

“Powder,” You started, brushing one of your hands up her arm to rest gently on the side of her face. Her eyes widened a little at the move, but she soon leaned into it. “A few weeks ago, I realized for the first time that I love you. I think I always have, but just didn’t know how.”

Her lips parted at the bold words, and she took a turn being speechless. You continued. “I thought I could hide it from you, which is stupid cause I never have before.” You paused for a moment to watch her expression soften. “And within weeks, everyone knew.”

“Everyone?” She asked.

“Just about,” You said, brushing your thumb across the soft skin of her cheek. “Even Vander knows.”

You felt the tapping start up again in your chest at the realization of what you just did. You just admitted that you were in love with her.

Powder’s soft smile grew into a grin, and suddenly it was her turn to make the next move. She lifted her arms to cup your face in both hands, allowing yours to fall to her shoulders. 

“You’re not upset?” You questioned, your skin buzzing under her touch.

“Upset?” She said softly, eyes drifting across the features of your face.

“That I hid this from you, and possibly just ruined things for us.” Nothing about Powder’s current demeanor said you ruined anything, but the thought still gnawed at you.

Her brows pulled together lightly as her eyes fell back on yours. She could likely sense the nerves off you, as your sudden boldness had begun to fade.

Suddenly, catching you completely off guard, she closed the space between you. Her soft lips brushed against yours and placed the lightest kiss there. Your heart lurched against your ribs at the touch, your entire body suddenly feeling like liquid.

“No, I’m not upset.” She said, still close enough to ghost your lips with her words.

“Powder,” You whispered pathetically, leaning back into her. She gave it to you, pressing her lips to yours in a kiss that could stop the entire world from spinning.

Your free hand slid to her waist, the other stuck firmly at her shoulder. All your effort to keep this a secret suddenly felt ridiculous when this was the result of admitting it to her. 

Powder kissed you like she had been waiting her whole life to. You had to place both hands on her waist to steady her as she pressed against you, her agile fingers sliding to the back of your neck. Your heart was racing. So quick that you were sure she could feel it against your chest, but she did nothing to acknowledge it if she did.

You could’ve kissed her forever, but of course, you two weren’t the only ones out on the docks. There was a sudden cheering coming from your left that pulled you apart. Both of you glanced in that direction to see the others had taken notice of your situation and applauded it.

Mylo cupped his hands around his mouth so the sound would reach you. “Hey, why don’t you just make out all night and leave us hanging!” He called, pointing to the cards you had abandoned.

“Fuck you, Mylo.” You called back, hands still planted on Powder’s waist. She spun you around to kiss you again, positioned just perfectly so all three of them could see.

“Go find another dock!” Ekko chimed in with a grin on his face. It was clear you weren’t the only one hoping for this outcome. Powder left one more peck on your lips for good measure before finding your eyes again.

“Did you know?” You asked her, unwilling to release your hold on her.

“Of course I did,” She replied with no remorse, a permanent smile on her face.

Your brows creased, causing a giggle from her. “How long?” You questioned.

Powder smoothed a loose chunk of your hair out of your face, letting her fingertips brush your skin. “Probably longer than you did,” She told you, those blue eyes making your body feel ten times lighter.

You considered this for a moment. “How?”

She pressed a soft kiss to the bridge of your nose, unable to contain her elation. “Because you, love, are horrible at keeping secrets.”

⋆˙⟡ Find my masterlist here

[grcsbluerpen]

Main Masterlist

Below is the current list of all fandoms/universes I write or have wips for. All writing you find here is my own work ⋆˙⟡

✧ Avatar

✧ Marvel

✧ Arcane

✧ Hunger Games

✧ Wizarding World

✧ Star Wars

✧ Tolkien/Middle Earth

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ

⋆˙⟡ Request are open! Find the rules/info here

[grcsbluerpen]

Requests Page

My requests are open! I’m currently writing for all the characters I have listed in my masterlists. if you have one not on there but from the same universe/fandom, feel free to ask! Send me your ideas, they’re always welcome ⋆˙⟡

There are some things I may say no to writing! This is either because I don’t think I’d be able to portray it well or because I’m generally not comfortable with writing it. There is absolutely no judgement, I simply believe I write better for certain topics than others!

Some examples of what I will not write for:

✧ Male reader

✧ Sexual assault/themes of it

✧ Characters/fandoms I’m not familiar with

Some examples of what I will write for:

✧ Nsfw and sfw content

✧ Any female reader (w|w, w|m, etc.)

If you have an idea you’re not sure about, it’s always worth an ask! I’m a little particular about what I think I can write well and what I can’t, so I reserve the right to decline a request if needed ⋆˙⟡

⋆˙⟡ Find my masterlist here!

[grcsbluerpen]

Arcane Masterlist

☆ Jinx:

⋆˙⟡ Requests open

☆ Powder:

All the small things - 8.9k

Summary: You’d slowly fallen in love with your best friend, and as determined as you were to keep it a secret, you were never good at hiding things

Space girl - (WIP)

Bad things - (WIP)

⋆˙⟡ Requests open

☆ Violet:

⋆˙⟡ Requests open

☆ Ekko:

⋆˙⟡ Requests open

⋆˙⟡ If you have any requests for an Arcane character not listed here, feel free to ask! This list is who I have already written for and have wips for. I always love your ideas! ⋆˙⟡

⋆˙⟡ Back to main masterlist

[grcsbluerpen]

Star Wars Masterlist

☆ Din Djarin:

Into your arms - 1k

Summary: You failed at your task and barely made it out with your life. Now you have to face the consequences

As long as I’m here - 1.2k

Summary: Moff Gideon sent troopers to retrieve you, but Mando isn’t letting that happen

Brown eyes - 1k

Summary: After being separated for almost two years, you were finally reunited with Din

Little clan - 0.7k

Summary: You find out that you’re pregnant and have to tell Din

⋆˙⟡ Requests open

☆ Poe Dameron:

⋆˙⟡ Requests open

⋆˙⟡ If you have any requests for a Star Wars character not listed here, feel free to ask! This list is who I have already written for and have wips for. I always love your ideas! ⋆˙⟡

⋆˙⟡ Back to main masterlist

[grcsbluerpen]

Hunger Games Masterlist

Haymitch Abernathy:

⋆˙⟡ Requests open

Finnick O’dair:

⋆˙⟡ Requests open

Katniss Everdeen:

⋆˙⟡ Requests open

⋆˙⟡ If you have any requests for a Hunger Games character not listed here, feel free to ask! This list is who I have already written for and have wips for. I always love your ideas! ⋆˙⟡

⋆˙⟡ Back to main masterlist

[grcsbluerpen]

Middle Earth Masterlist

✵ Elrond:

Sunlight - 1.1k

Summary: You always had a certain fondness for the sun, for it reminds you of your lover

Gravity - 1.5k

Summary: Nothing was the same after Eregion’s destruction. But you had yet to discover just how difficult it had been for Elrond

Doe eyes - (WIP)

⋆˙⟡ Requests open

✵ Galadriel:

⋆˙⟡ Requests open

✵ Legolas:

⋆˙⟡ Requests open

⋆˙⟡ If you have any requests for a Tolkien character not listed here, feel free to ask! This list is who I have already written for and have wips for. I always love your ideas! ⋆˙⟡

⋆˙⟡ Back to main masterlist