HelloK1ttyCake

Lover of Anime YouTube games K-POP &ships. This is a trashheap of my inner mind

[lalaleeiillaa]

“yeah i read a lot!”

“oh awesome! What books do you read?”

[sweetsugarsassafras]

Tamtey crying : "So'lek said he doesn't love me anymore."

So'lek: "Ma Tamtey I never said such a thing."

Ri'nela and Nor, both mad: "what did you say then?"

So'lek: "That I would not teach them to take down a mech with a dagger, yet."

Tamtey: "That's the same thing!!!"

[solekpilled]

hehe

[soleks-syulang]

i can not get so’lek and tamtey out of my head! 😖 all i can think about is the painting scene from afop where she paints the sarentu mark on so’lek! i just know it parallels with neytiri and jake when she painted him, its just so romantic and intimate. i want to expand on that moment between so’lek and tamtey i just don’t know how yet 😔

[strawbdaq222]

From Behind the Trees

neteyam te suli tsyeyk’itan x fem!omaticaya!reader

tags: fluff/romance, angst if u squint

w/c: 3.8k

a/n: based on this ask!! thank u from this request anon, and thank u for your patience. Thai took way longer than it should have lol!! I’ve been a bit demotivated as of late 😔😔 oh well, I’m back to it now!! Liked and reblogs always appreciated, thank you for reading. Love you xx

𓆉 ˚ ｡ ⋆ ˚ ༊· ｡ ˚ 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

You sped off into the woodland, your heart and feet thudding in tandem, eyes burning.

You were sick of it. Sick of the rumours that pulled your stomach into your throat the second anyone mentioned them. You were sick of the way that every day, someone else would come to you with new information that proved your chances with Neteyam were steadily falling away from you, like soil slipping through the cracks between your fingers.

You knew your chances were slim anyway. What, Toruk Makto's son, heir to the Olo'eyktan, having any interest in you? How ridiculous to even hope that was true. You were well aware it was unlikely you would end up as his mate, impossible, even. You did not regularly speak to him, only when he had been around whilst you and Kiri were hanging out. You weren't part of the same hunting party, and he was always far too busy to talk to or spend time with due to his countless duties and responsibilities within the clan. You were sure he didn't even know your last name.

That didn't stop it from hurting, though. When you'd first overheard whispers from the girls in your hunting party that Neteyam had found himself a mate, your arrow sank as you were jolted out of concentration, flying and missing the Yerik by a landslide.

Since then, as the rumours developed, spreading like a bad strain of the hunter's cough throughout the youth of the clan, it seemed the frivolous speculation had become something of fact, and the small pit of envy in your stomach had grown into unadulterated longing. Now you could no longer stand a conversation on the subject. And so, when your friends had begun giggling over the suggestion that Neteyam's mate was one of the most sought-after girls in the clan, you took refuge in the thick growth along the floors of the forest, where no one could see your shaking shoulders, or question your pitiful cries.

You stopped running abruptly, placing your hands on your weakening knees as you panted heavily, choking back a sob. The tears pricking in your eyes began to blur your vision, threatening to spill over as your resolve crumbled, buckling your knees, sending you sinking to the floor.

Why did it have to be this way? Why couldn't you be the one he looked at? Why did you have to be so unremarkable, so plain and boring? Why did Eywa seem to create you like you were an afterthought, like you were worth less to her than the other girls? It was all so unfair. Your whole life, you'd been in the background of all of your friends' achievements or their courtships, never having seen any of the sort yourself. It made you anxious. Anxious the Great Mother had forgotten you were there, anxious you had done something to offend her. Anxious you were simply not grateful enough, and you had brought this unexciting life upon yourself.

If you weren't hopeless before, you certainly were now.

You cried into the dirt, covering your mouth to muffle your sobs. It was all you could do.

Kiri brought her hand to a stop as she brushed the thick grass, opening her eyes as her trance was interrupted by the sound of an animal snuffling nearby. She sits up on her elbows, surveying the area around her to find the source of the sound, to no avail. As far as she could see was the dense greenery of the grasslands, the occasional bug crawling or flying across her vision. She stands up, moving in the direction of the noise to check, hoping the animal isn't in any kind of distress.

Kiri only has to take a few steps before she finds where the sound has been coming from, and it’s not from an animal. It's you, curled in on yourself, your thick mass of dark hair trembling as you sob dolefully into your hand. A look of concern crosses her face, and she steps forward tentatively.

She says your name quietly, as if trying not to startle you. "Are you alright? What's the matter?"

Your stomach tightens when you hear a familiar voice call for you, your upset being replaced with surprise and a horrid wave of embarrassment all at once. You whip up into a kneeling position, wiping away the streams of tears along your face hastily. "What? Yes, I'm... fine," you reply, your voice shrill as you try to conceal the thickness in it from crying. You attempt to look nonchalant, and fail.

Kiri's brow furrows. "Really? I mean, it sounded a lot like you were... crying,"

You sigh shakily to diffuse the growing ache in your chest. "Did it? Well... I wasn't,"

Kiri's suspicious look turns into one of disbelief. She raises a brow. "Wow. Then you really need to see the Tsahik, there must be something up with your voice,"

You simply sigh in response, looking away from her.

Before Kiri can decide if she should leave you alone or not, your facade crumbles and so does your expression, and the tears force their way up once again. You cover your face with your hands and slump, resting your elbows on your knees, as another pathetic sob racks through your frame. Kiri leaps down from the tree root she was perched on, and brings an arm around you.

"Hey, you can tell me what's wrong,"

You continue to sob. "It's stupid," you say through your hands, shaking your head.

"It can't be stupid if it's making you cry," Kiri replies gently.

You peel your hands from your face and they land in your lap defeatedly. You turn your head to look at Kiri through wet lashes, your expression depressed and shameful. Your eyes don't quite meet hers.

"Is it true that Neteyam's found a mate?" you ask timidly, face growing hot with indignity.

Kiri blinks.

That's what's got you so upset? Her brother having a mate?

Part of her wants to laugh. Her stupid brother is that big of a deal to you that he's got you crying in the forest? It was almost silly to her. And where had you heard he'd found a mate? To Kiri, any girl who had interest in her brother must have some kind of mental illness, because it would take some serious chemical imbalance in the brain to make him appear desirable.

"What? Who- where'd you get that idea?" she questions, bewildered.

Your eyes widen, a flicker of hope passing through them, but it dies within the same second, as you crush it before it can grow. "Everyone's been saying he has,"

Kiri scoffs. "Who in their right mind would court Neteyam?"

From behind the trees, Neteyam freezes, arrow still poised in his bow, when he hears his name. He lowers them ever so slightly straining as he cranes his neck around the side of the tree in an attempt to listen in on the conversation.

Through the leaves, he can barely make out two figures on the grass, clearly discussing something. He narrows his eyes, focussing on them. His heart takes an unexpected leap into his throat when he realises one of the figures is you. With your shiny hair mussed and pulled away from your face, he can see your serene yet pained expression, tugging at your delicate features. You relay something to his sister, wiping at your wet cheeks and eyes, letting out another sob. His chest tightens a little, in both admiration and empathy. As beautiful as you are when you cry, he hates to see you do it. If he had his way, you'd never have any cause to cry again.

You give Kiri a sidelong glance. "Me?" you say, as if reiterating an obvious fact.

Kiri shakes her head, looking at you almost concerned. "Each to their own, I guess,"

"Kiri, don't," you implore. "I have not been able to stop thinking about your brother for weeks now, and this has been eating away at me. I know I stand no chance anyway, but it still hurts,"

"I mean, I understand why you'd be upset, but... Neteyam is... super lame. You're not exactly punching above your station with him,"

"Oh sure," you lament. "Neteyam, heir to the Olo'eyktan and eldest son of Toruk Makto, is in my league," you huff sarcastically, burying your face in your palms again.

Kiri sighs, turning to crouch directly in front of you, placing her hands on your shoulders.

"Look, I have absolutely no idea what you see in my brother at all, and, no offence, but I think you've got to be a little stupid to like him. But, what I think is even stupider, is that you assume you've got no chance with him. You are far prettier and more eligible than you think,"

You sigh heavily, not quite believing her, but still somewhat comforted.

She looks at you pointedly, giving you a little shake. "I'm serious,"

You roll your eyes. "I'd never have the courage to tell him,"

"When does anyone ever get anything, thinking that way?" she questions.

You furrow your brow defiantly, pouting as you fail to counter her point. You shrug.

Neteyam whips his head back around, eyes blown wide with shock.

There you sat, only a hundred metres away, confessing your love for him, to his sister. His heart pounded rapidly in his chest, his face grew hot, and his arms began to tremble slightly. All of those nights he'd laid awake, hoping and to Eywa that you would someday look his way, had finally manifested.

He swallows, trying to force the growing lump in his throat down. He could hardly believe what he'd heard.

Abandoning his hunt entirely, Neteyam withdrew his arrow from his bow and re-sheathed it, before hastily making his way down towards his family's mauri.

𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

As nightfall came and went, you laid awake on your sleeping furs, tossing and turning as the seed of hope that Kiri had planted in your mind stubbornly took root. You still told yourself it was stupid to assume you stood a chance, despite what Kiri had told you. However, your gut twisted with anticipation all night. You tried your very best to ignore it, fearful of indulging in a delusion that had a high likelihood of being tragically crushed.

You sat up as soon as the sun began to lighten the sky, bored of feigning sleep to yourself. The conflicting emotions sat low in your belly, like a sickness swirling before it came up hours later. You decided the best thing you could do was distract yourself, and perhaps they'd process themselves on their own, and not force their way up your throat and out of your mouth, leaving you knelt on the forest floor again.

𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

The day passed you by like an uninterested Prolemuris; as if you were not even there. You went about your duties amongst the clan, fulfilling your responsibilities as usual, reporting them back to your father, and it felt like you weren't present for any of it. You paid little attention to your surroundings at all, tangled in a mess of your own thoughts, as if ruminating would make you feel any better. It did not. If anything, you felt worse than you did before you spoke to Kiri, any semblance of hope being fought off by an equally growing fear, forcing you back into a bubble of insecurity that had grown even bigger than it was before.

By evening, your head was pulsing, a deep ache penetrating your skull and making it hard work to do anything other than sit with your head down in the mauris. But sitting with your head down meant not doing anything. And not doing anything meant thinking. And thinking wasn't doing anything for you right now.

You endeavoured to push through the pain, folding furs strewn around your sleeping quarters, helping your mother detangle the windchimes after the breeze had attacked them. But as you jumped to reach the storage shelf along the top of the mauris, it was like your brain had knocked against your skull. You came crashing to the floor, squeezing your eyes shut and digging the heels of your palms into them, trying to ease the harsh throbbing behind them.

"Ma'ite?" your mother called, concerned by the sudden thud from across the mauri.

"I'm okay!" you call back, rubbing your forehead.

Your mother pushes back the beads of the entrance to the mauri, peering over them and sighing when she sees you in a heap on the floor, the furs she had so meticulously brushed and folded strewn across the ground. She walks over to you, picking them up and huffing in annoyance.

"My child, what is the matter with you today? You have been moping around like you sense a storm coming,"

You groan in response, still massaging your forehead and temples.

"Are you ill?" she demands.

"No," you murmur.

"Then what is it?" she questions further, bending down to your level, hand on her hip. "Hmm?"

Before you can muster an excuse, the deep timbre of your Father's voice, hailing your mother, can be heard from outside, causing both of you to look in its direction. Your mother clicks her tongue in aggravation, muttering to herself before patting your shoulder and making her way in the direction of your Father's voice. Once the beads fall, concealing her frame from your view, you slump down again, running your hands through your hair.

Settled in Neteyam's clammy palms and bound in fine cloth, sat the largest piece of Opal he was sure anyone had ever seen. He had found it one sunny afternoon when he was thirteen, not long after his Iknimaya, after flying to the highest of the Hallelujah Mountains. It shimmered there on the flat top of the grassy rock, like it had been left there just for him. He scooped it up like someone was about to take before he had the chance, clutching it to his chest and flying back home.He had kept hold of it for years, not sure of why he was so attached to it. Despite its presumed pointlessness, serving as nothing but a shiny lump in the corner of his sleeping quarters, Neteyam could not bring himself to discard it. It was only that previous night, that he'd felt its purpose had been discovered.

He had spent the day filing down the rough, jagged edges, shaping it into a perfect, translucent sphere, resembling the many pearls your Mother admired when the Tlalmim arrived with their trade from the Metkayina. Then, he selected an elegant blue cloth, as deep and dark as a clear night sky, your mother's favourite colour, and wrapped it, as a courting proposal. Neteyam understood the weight a formal proposal held, far more than that of a childish romantic fling, though both arguably felt just as deep and substantial. Hence why, as he cleared his throat upon your mother's approach, his stomach seemed to turn over inside of him, and he willed himself to keep his evening meal down.

Your mother's anger softens as she notices Neteyam beside her husband, understanding this interruption must be of some importance. She stands before the pair, furs still draped over her forearm. She brings her free hand to her forehead in greeting.

"Ma Neteyam,"

Neteyam returns the greeting, his voice steady despite his nerves. He takes a deep breath.

"I bring you this," He starts, presenting the mineraloid to your mother.

She raises a brow, taking it from him, fingering the cloth. "A gift?" she observes.

Neteyam swallows, taking a step back to address both of your parents. "I am presenting you with... this," he curses himself internally for being so overly-formal, like he was presenting an event at a festival. "...As a proposal for your daughter's courtship,"

He presses his lips into a thin line to stop himself from rambling. The look he gives your mother is hesitant, eyes blown wide with anxiety as he awaits her response.

Your mother's jaw hangs and her brow raises as she takes in his words. Her eyes flick to your father, who appears equally shocked, eyes widened. He gives her a look back, and they seem to communicate through their eyes, your mother nodding in the direction of the mauri, where you are still nursing your head, and your father creasing his brow in confusion as he struggles to recover from the blow delivered by Neteyam's proposal, before his eyes widen in understanding and he turns back to face Neteyam.

"Thank you, Ma Neteyam. Your gift and proposal are greatly appreciated. We will speak with our daughter and allow her to consider it," Your Father responds.

Neteyam bows his head. "Thank you, sir,"

Your Father nods once in reply.

Inside the mauri, you have stood up, re-folding the remaining furs you had dropped earlier, blinking repeatedly to combat the dull ache behind your eyes. Your attention is diverted by the sound of the entryway beads clacking, as your Father barrels inside.

"Ma'ite?" he calls.

The urgency in his voice has you raising your head in concern. "Ma Sempul?"

He follows your voice into the mauri, head turning in every direction to find you, before he lurches toward you in a rush, placing a hand on your shoulder. Your mother appears a few seconds later, throwing the fur down from over her arm. Their expressions are somewhat excited yet nervous, as if they anticipate something monumental. This confuses you.

"What is it?"

"Neteyam Te Suli has proposed a courtship with you," your mother hisses frantically, holding up the Opal to show you. "He awaits your decision outside,"

Your breath seems to catch in your throat as you register what your mother has said, and your chest swells with sheer shock. Neteyam has asked to court you? Formally? Your thoughts run at a million miles per hour. What has led him to do this? Some kind of sick prank? What had Kiri told him? Your stomach squeezes as if someone had reached inside your mouth and tried to pull it upwards. Your jaw drops and your eyes fall to the floor, as if they search for an answer there.

You make a strained sound, like your words are stuck in your throat. Your parents look at you expectantly.

"May I... speak to him first?" is all you can muster.

"Your parents exchange looks, your mother nodding, and your father acknowledging. He turns back to face you, looking into your eyes.

"You may, Ma'ite. But please think very carefully about your decision. Do not make it simply to keep anyone but yourself satisfied,”

A small, comforted smile graces your lips as you look at your Father with a grateful fervor. He was always concerned with how you felt.

With your confidence renewed, you exited the mauri.

Neteyam stands down upon the pathway, his eyes downcast to where his feet nervously shift on a thick root. You let out a trembling breath, stepping forward to approach him. Your newfound courage seems to seep out of your pores, making your legs feel as if they have been weighted down with senses rock, like you are dragging yourself through thick sap. You resist every part of you that screams danger, willing yourself to calm.

Neteyam is alerted by your approaching footsteps, and his head jerks upwards, eyes meeting yours. They widen in surprise and his heart lurches, but he cannot help the small excited smile that forms on his face. Despite this, his shoulders remain rigid and tense, the small knot in his stomach still stuck fast.

The pair of you stand in silence for a few seconds, neither of you able to address the other. Your mind fumbles to find an appropriate statement, unable to bear the stiff awkwardness in the air.

“You have asked my parents for my hand in courtship,” you start, voice small yet surprisingly steady. You wring your hands behind your back.

Neteyam nods, eyes never leaving yours. “I have,”

You squeeze your hand into a fist, nails digging harsh groves into your palm as you urge yourself to form a response. “I was… I didn’t… I didn’t expect you to… take an interest in… me,”

The words come out slowly and quietly, like you were admitting something shameful. Your jaw tenses as you physically cringe at how pathetic you sound.

Neteyam softens ever so slightly, his nervousness seeming to ease as he hears the way you speak of yourself. The lack of confidence in your voice is not pitiful to him, but rather almost endearing. In his eyes, you should have been expecting this since your first meeting. You were everything he had ever wanted; never once had his eyes strayed to anyone else in the clan. Admiring you, loving you, was like gut instinct. Hearing how you thought so little of yourself wrenched on his heartstrings.

He stepped forward, just once, and reached out slowly, tentatively, for your arm. He encircles your forearm, bringing it forward from behind your back, his fingers tracing gently down until he meets your hand, clasping it firmly yet softly.

“You have always been in my interest,” he says, his voice thick with soft reverence. “I have always wanted you. For years, I have waited for this opportunity. And, yesterday… you presented it to me,”

Your hairless brows knit together in initial confusion. Yesterday?

Your mouth falls open as you come to the realisation.

You cover your mouth with your free hand, eyes squeezing shut in sheer mortification. “YOu were there?!” You exclaim.

Neteyam giggles. “I heard you talking,”

You gasp, face growing even hotter. You think back to the state you were in, crumpled up on the floor, face flushed and streaked with tears, sobbing ridiculously. You cover your face with your hand, smothering an embarrassed laugh.

You shake your head. “No, you didn’t. Please tell me you're joking,”

Neteyam’s smile grows. He shakes his head in response, laughing. “Nope,”

You let out a squeal in humiliation, feeling yourself grow hot all over. Neteyam squeezes your hand.

“I didn’t mind,” he implores, between laughs. “It’s what I wanted to hear,”

You huff, bringing your hand away from your face. You look at him through your lashes, your head dipped. A smile grows with mischief. “Eavesdropping is very rude, Ma Neteyam,”

He clicks his tongue. “I know,” he drawls jokingly.

HIs fingers spread out as he takes hold of your hand properly, intertwining his fingers with yours. He looks down at them.

“You are very pretty when you cry,”

A small huff of laughter escapes you as he says this. You place your free hand on top of your clasped hands.

“I accept your proposal,” you say, finally bringing your head up.

His pupils are blown wide, engulfing the bright yellow of his irises. His demeanour changes as his chest rises with excitement, straightening him up and instilling him with confidence. His smile softens.

“Thank you,” He breathes, the stiffness leaving his shoulders, the weight of his admiration for you finally falling away in sheer love, that envelopes the space around you both.

The Great Mother has heard you.

blue dividers accredited to @cafekitsune xx

[atokirinasprite]

Finding You (So'lek x Tamtey)

He has just gotten her back, yet he is here lying on the ground, rain pelting his blood-covered skin. So’lek blinks rapidly, for he cannot seem to keep his eyes open. Tamtey is the last thought on his mind as he drifts into unconsciousness.

Word Count: 4k!

An alternate ending to the From The Ashes DLC (CONTAINS SPOILERS). This takes place after Tamtey is saved by So’lek and after So’lek’s fight with Wukula. This is based on canon lore and storytelling, but I added my own thoughts and twists into how I wish/thought it should have been. 

Credit to the lovely @midiplier for this fic request/idea!!

All work is my own. I do NOT use AI, and it is not proofread by anyone.

Tags: So’lek x Tamtey, Sotey, Graphic Depictions of Injury, Blood, Healing, Angst, Fighting, Yearning, Romance, Fluff, Friends to Lovers, Mentor to Partner, Mentions of torture, Fear, Tension, Kissing, From The Ashes DLC Spoilers, Emotion, Crying, Mentions of Battle, James Cameron Avatar, Avatar Frontiers of Pandora

Taglist:

@idiashroudenthusiast @thelittlebats @eyecreation @wickedlyworthyvein @queens-peril @21-princess @ravenyia @yolo95otaku @cakedwithdesire @chatterpies @tamteytey @gensheredity @sosleks @2Wardens1Blight @sacn1te @rockyeatrock @cass-the-mess @solekpilled @tootstoots @booksandtitts-blog @coastalcowgirlie @grcsbluepen @midiplier @cottoncloudcake @tictacbirthdayrac

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

His breaths come in deep shudders, chest rising and falling as he gasps for air. Wukula had really gotten him this time. So’lek’s ribs ached, and all he could do was stare up at the dark sky above him. Raindrops fall from the curling depths of the clouds, splattering lightly against his face and arms. But So’lek doesn’t feel it. All he feels is pain–and misery. 

Is Tamtey alright? He had left her so quickly, eager to get rid of the threat to his new family. Now he feels a twinge of regret. What if leaving her had damned her? Is she awake? Breathing? She had been heavily injured, covered in open wounds and dried blood that made So’lek hold back gags. It had been obvious she had been through a lot while captured, but So’lek had tried to clear his mind of it. He had carried her, Tamtey’s limp body light in his hands and her head lolling against his shoulder. Now he hopes that the others have found her, taken her somewhere safe. To heal her and help her. He expects nothing for himself in this moment, darkness seeping into his vision. In this moment, he feels only sorrow, aching to see Tamtey again before he closes his eyes. But he is losing the battle–eyes are growing heavier, and the world spins above him. Darkness seeps in, starting from the corner of his vision until it finally crowds to cover his pupils. For a second, he knows only darkness, submerged in a world of black. He fights for just a moment longer, desperate. But he fails, and the last thing he thinks about before he succumbs to the abyss is the luminosity of Tamtey’s eyes. 

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

The first thing he sees is the flickering of lantern fire splashing against grey sheets of smooth rock. His eyes barely open, eyelids flitting to cover his yellow eyes as they meet harsh light for the first time. So’lek takes in a quick breath, urging his eyes to open fully. He squints, forcing his pupils to focus on his surroundings. He comes back to himself slowly, taking in the current state of his long body. He feels the ache in his chest, the burning of lacerations in the process of healing strewn across his arms and legs. His back is sore where it is propped up against upholstered cushions stuffed full of zakru hair, but even with the softness beneath him, he is positive that he is covered in a smattering of bruises from the way even the slightest shift of the fabric on skin makes him grit his teeth. He takes one more sweep of the room from where he lies on the ground, finding nothing but the familiar walls of his solitude. He is dazed, comforted to know he is home–he snuggles in deeper into the cushion despite his pain, tongue brushing over his fangs beneath his lips. He allows himself to rest, eyes closing–then the reality of his situation settles in. 

His eyes fly up, heart beginning to pound as he struggles to sit up. The bandages across his skin pull at the scabbing wounds as his muscles strain, but he does not stop. He manages to sit upright, breaths coming in shallow and rapid. He groans, clenching his abdomen, but still tries to push off the ground. 

Where is Tamtey? 

For a moment, he is delirious, pawing at the hard ground beneath him for any sense of support. He fails miserably. He throws out cusses, swearing into the air around him and growling in frustration–he is seconds away from screaming out when bodies begin to surround him, voices intelligible as they urgently encourage him to lie back down. So’lek refuses, jerking back when hands push against his shoulders–he hisses loudly, teeth bared and eyes focusing on the people in front of him. The soft eyes of the Aranahe tsahik find his, naked brows burrowed in concern. To her left is Rasi, wrinkled hands pulling the younger woman when she sees So’lek’s distress. 

“So’lek, please calm down,” scolds Etuwa, desperate to make the older man listen. So’lek’s eyes flicker between the two women, tail slashing in wide arcs behind him. Slowly, he complies, allowing himself to slow his heart and breathing–but he does not lie back down. 

“What happened? Where is Tamtey?” His voice is strained, words breaking between small gasps for air. Definitely broken ribs. He doesn’t dwell on it. Rasi and Etuwa just watch him, still trying to persuade him to lie down. It only angers him more. 

“Stop! Where is Tamtey?” He has never raised his voice at them before; he rarely does at anyone. Even he can hear the anguish in his expression. It is so desperate that he is certain the women hear it; there is nothing to hide it. The love. He doesn’t even attempt to tame it. Let the whole moon know. 

“So’lek, you need to calm yourself. We will tell you everything, but you must rest,’ says Rasi, her wisened voice soothing. So’lek rolls his eyes, impatient. He does not want to rest, he wants–no, needs to know if Tamtey is okay, “I am calm. Please speak.” Etuwa sighs, throwing her hands out in exasperation, “You are still so difficult even after all of these years!” So’lek doesn’t respond, looking up at her, disgruntled and aching. Etuwa drops to her knees in front of him on the floor, Rasi following slower. They share one glance, Rasi nodding for Etuwa to continue. 

“You have been unconscious for days. Only a few, but you are very hurt and dehydrated. You are stubborn even in your sleep; no water would move past your lips.” So’lek huffs, impatient, “I know that I am injured, you do not have to tell me. Just tell me about Tamtey.” Etuwa sends up a quick prayer to Eywa for her to find patience when dealing with this insufferable man, “We found both of you at the remnants of Hometree–well, the Sarentu found you. You were next to Wukula, and Teylan helped get you back. Ri’nela and Rasi found Tamtey just outside of the metal walls.” They were still avoiding telling him about Tamtey’s current state. Something must be terribly wrong, but he doesn’t voice his opinion, fervent to hear what else they have to say. Etuwa takes a deep breath, voice catching in her throat. The young tsahik looks to Rasi for help. 

Oh no.

“Tamtey is sleeping.” That is all the elder gives him. So’lek’s eyes narrow, “And what else?” Rasi sighs, a hand coming out to rest on So’lek’s bandaged arm.

“Are you sure you want to know this, So’lek?” The man flinches back, golden eyes searching Rasi’s own. She must see his misery, giving into his desires as she speaks again, “Tamtey was heavily injured. More than you. The explosion at Hometree surely did not help her wounds,” she pauses, licking her lips, “But that is not the worst of it. They did things to her–the RDA and…the Mangwkan. We cannot ask her since she has not woken up, but it is clear that they have tortured her.” So’lek doesn’t let Rasi get out another word, moving both of his hands behind him to push himself up onto his knees. The two women frantically try to push him back down, but he is having none of it. Even in his weakened state, he is stronger than the two of them. He growls at them lowly, “Let me see her!” His voice is rough, mangled. Rasi and Etuwa finally give in; So’lek knows he is a sorry sight. The two women lift him together, one arm under each of his shoulders. Lifting his arms to rest on theirs hurts terribly, but he doesn’t dare to make a noise, stumbling along. 

They help him up the small ledges to reach the area where his large map hangs on the wall. Just below it lies Tamtey, unconscious. At the sight of her, So’lek’s legs seem to give out, knees buckling to the ground at her side. Rasi and Etuwa let him fall. He sees no one else, not even noticing Ri’nela and Teylan on the other side of Tamtey. His breath is shaky as he inhales, hands hovering over the Sarentu’s supine form, never touching. He takes in Tamtey’s body, wrapped in more bandages and salve than his, the arm on the other side of him attached to a line leading into a bag of fluids. The humans had to intervene then. Her head has a healing gash on it,  a large scab, purple and swollen, where it rests above her right eye. His eyes trail lower to find layers of cloth wrapping around her chest, some spots dark with blood. He swallows as he searches her extremities. There, he sees multiple marks: burns, cuts, and bruises. They are like a new pattern on the light blue of her skin. Only her wrists are wrapped, likely injured from being in metal cuffs. The only thing they had left on her was her loincloth, torn at the edges and filled with holes from licks of fire. He can see everything, and he has never felt so scared. Slowly, So’lek lets one hand fall to the curve of Tamtey’s left cheek, rubbing his thumb over her Sarentu mark in absentminded circles. Feeling her. 

“Has she not awoken?” He sounds wrecked– so far gone for this woman, he cannot even begin to comprehend what he would do if he lost her. 

“No, ma So’lek,” states Ri’nela, voice barely above a whisper. She’s crouched on the other side of Tamtey, staring at him. He sees it from the corner of his eye, but he cannot look away from Tamtey.

“It is bad then?” 

There is silence at his words, and that alone is all the confirmation he needs, “I want to stay here. Next to her. I will rest, but it will be at her side.” He is firm. Final. He is not going to play petty games or argue back and forth, because Tamtey had to be in his line of sight at all times. In case she–when she wakes up. Ri’nela purses her lips, torn, “So’lek, I do not think that is a good–,” he cuts her off, “I do not care what you think. I am not moving.” It was barked. Snappish. He only takes a moment to feel guilty, just because Ri’nela is always so kind. But he can never control himself when it comes to Tamtey. Ri’nela does not even flinch, expecting him to lash out; she has seen the differences in treatment of Tamtey compared to the other Sarentu since the start. She cannot blame him for doing so. So, she nods, “Okay, So’lek. Okay.” Ri’nela stands, motioning for the others to follow her away from the two Na’vi on the ground, making the excuse of grabbing more supplies for So’lek’s reopened wounds. But really, she knows he needs a moment alone. 

Once they are out of sight, So’lek falls to the side from his spot on his knees, crumbling into a fetal position. From here, he can still see the gentle rise and fall of Tamtey’s wrapped chest. Seeing the evidence of her breathing allows him to finally fall into the chasm of sleep once more.

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

A few more days pass. So’lek does not leave her side, to the others' chagrin. He flitters around her, unwary of his own injuries, to check her bandages, put salves on her healing bruises and burns, and force water down her throat. The feeling of trepidation has not left his throat since he last woke up. According to the others, Tamtey has been asleep for a week. She has barely roused; the only movement they have seen from her has been beneath her eyelids. She is still there, yet So’lek’s worries only deepen. He hates seeing her like this: weak, sick, and vulnerable. It reminds him of his shortcomings. His failure to protect her. He had let them take her away and allowed them to torture her for days—he had not been fast enough. These thoughts plague his mind as he gently rewraps one of Tamtey’s angular wrists, making sure not to tighten them too much. He did not want her to be in any more pain.

Outside, it is dark, eclipse having long passed, and the others have long since gone to sleep for the night. They had quickly stopped pestering him to leave Tamtey’s side once they saw his determination. 

He ties off the edge of the bandage, tucking in its little tail. He settles back, butt falling into the pit of his knees. 

He lets his chin fall to his chest, eyes blinking closed. Quietly, under his breath,  he mutters a long prayer to Eywa. 

Please, Great Mother, let Tamtey rise from this. She is a warrior. And a leader. She is true of heart and fights not just for her people, but all of The People. She is the most deserving of life and living. She has had so much taken from her. Please do not take her from me. I cannot lose anyone else. 

He finishes, choosing to reflect. He sits in silence, taking in all of the sounds of the night. The crickets of insects, the quiet grumbles of the ikran outside, the small puffs of Tamtey’s breath. 

In and out. In and out. 

It hitches.

His ears flick back, honing in on the pattern of her breathing. It has returned to normal, but then a slight whimper breaks the silence. His eyes fly open, and he rocks forward, hovering over Tamtey. Her face is screwed up, eyes clenching, and lips puckering into a grimace. She is waking up. So’lek’s hands find her cheeks, centering her head as he moves his face over hers. He wanted to see her eyes so badly.

Please.

He waits, holding his breath. Then, slowly, Tamtey’s eyes bat open, long eyelashes brushing against the hollowed bags of her eyes. He feels a lump begin to form in his throat. His eyes meet hers, the vibrant mixture of colors in her irises so wide and encompassing. Slowly, her gaze focuses, finding him. She breathes out a quivering, “So’lek?” He cannot speak; his throat has seemingly sealed shut. He is not even sure if he is awake. He just swallows, nodding at her. She still looks confused, eyebrows furrowing, and one of her arms reaching up, shaking from the effort as she tries to reach him. He meets her halfway, one of his hands leaving her face to grab her fingers, bringing them to rest on her chest. At his touch, she seems to break, “So’lek.” Then tears are welling in her eyes, and she is suddenly sobbing beneath him. He panics, eyes widening, hands back on her cheeks, “Tamtey? Tamtey, it is alright.” She just stares up at him, her eyes filling with more tears as they continue to fall down the azure skin of her face. He cups her neck, letting his thumbs find the curve of her rounded jaw. He swipes his thumbs across her skin where they lie, “Tam tam, ma Tamtey.” He keeps the calloused pads of her fingers where he can feel her heart beat in her throat. 

Tamtey sniffles, sobs beginning to quiet, “Help me up, please.” Her voice is croaky. So’lek jumps into action, finding a nearby cup of water and bringing it to her, tilting her head and neck up enough for her to swallow the liquid. He tries to make her drink more, but she weakly bats his hands away, urging him to help her. And of course, he obliges, moving her to sit up and letting her lean against his side for support. They sit together, Tamtey taking a second to catch her breath from the struggle of moving on her own after so long. His hands don’t leave her body, one arm wrapped around her waist, the other resting in his lap, ready for action.

“I thought I was dead.” Tamtey’s words are soft, barely loud enough to be heard. But, So’lek does. He clenches his jaw, feeling the familiar stretch of scarred skin on his left cheek, “Luckily, you are not.” That earns him a chuckle, followed by a coughing fit that wracks Tamtey’s weakened body. He holds her sturdily, rubbing her back and feeding her water. As he goes to bring the water cup away, Tamtey’s hand wraps around his thickly boned wrist. He looks over to her, meeting her gaze immediately. She takes the cup from him without breaking eye contact, placing it somewhere behind her. He just watches her, waiting. 

“And…I thought I would never see you again.” He does not know what he was expecting her to say, but it definitely was not that. And he definitely is not prepared for the way his eyes begin to burn, “Do not say such things. You knew I would come for you.” He refuses to let the tears fall, but Tamtey sees them forming and frowns, “I knew you would, but the days were starting to blend together, and then th-the fire. They drugged me, and I had no idea what was happening, and I was so tired, ma So’lek.” Her voice is ragged and filled with heartache, only worsening as she continues, “And for a moment I thought I heard your voice, but I could not yell out to you. My lips would not move, and-and my throat was too tight, and I could not tell you that I–,” her voice cracks. So’lek feels his fragile heart cracking alongside it. He coos at her with a click of his tongue, as he would to an ailing animal, “You do not need to say any more, ma Tamtey.” She just shakes her head back in response, rapid enough to send the beads in her hair tinkling as they clack against each other.

“You do not understand, So’lek! I have so much left unsaid, and I thought you would never know it!” He reaches out a large hand to her face, cupping one cheek to bring her more into the present. One of his long fangs snags on his lip as he contemplates his next action, his tail thumping on the ground behind him. Tamtey doesn’t move or say another word, undoubtedly waiting for him to go on. As he stares into the glossy depths of her eyes, so full of anguish and regret, he feels the dam break, “I do understand. I understand more than you know. When you were taken, all I could think of was how I let it happen. How to get you back. After days had passed, I began to doubt myself, and I began to think–”, his last word is gagged out, jaw and throat muscles clenching, but he forces himself to continue, “I thought about how there was so much I had not told you, or showed you, or learned from you. I thought for just a moment–what if I do not find her? What if I am too late and she is gone by the time I get there? Hurting or dead? You, Tamtey! Dead! And I never would have told you how I felt–how I feel. Because I am a coward.” His words were all rushed, growing in volume until his last statement, which he practically roared out. 

He does not realize he is crying until Tamtey lifts one of her bandaged, shaking hands and wipes away a small accumulation of tears from beneath his eye, “You are not a coward, So’lek.” The tears in his eyes begin to burn anew with anger, “I am! I am older! I should be the wise and brave one. Not the one who hides!” He is sure the others can hear his yelling now, but they do not come rushing from their spots, opting to give him and Tamtey this moment for themselves. 

“You do not always need to be the wise and brave one, So’lek! You are still a person, and you still deserve the right to feel. You are not a coward for that.” 

Tamtey’s words are gentle. Soothing. He stares at her chapped lips, barely nodding as he responds, “You may be right about that. But I am still a coward for never telling you that I care for you.” At his words, Tamtey freezes in front of him, the thumb stroking his cheek sliding to a stop. For a breath, they just look at each other, yellow eyes locked on her moss-colored ones. Then, Tamtey leans into him, her nose only millimeters from his own, “Oel ngati kameie, ma So’lek.” 

So’lek sucks in a breath, heart stuttering beneath his healing ribs, but he does not waste a second, “Oel ngati kameie, ma Tamtey.” Then his hands are at her neck, thumbs brushing the base of her softened jaw as he pulls her into him the rest of the way. Their lips meet, both sets dry from dehydration as they slide against one another. But, So’lek does not mind, because to him it is still perfect. He savors it, the first time he tastes her, because she is just like how he imagined: sweet and something so undeniably Tamtey. In a wink, it is over, the two of them pulling back to rest their foreheads against one another, bare of gear or paint. Just skin on skin. They sit together, breathing each other in. So’lek relishes the moment, painting it into his memory. Eyes still closed, his plush lips part, “There is much to talk about, ma Tamtey. But you need rest.” He cannot see it, but still feels the warm breath that comes from the huff of annoyance Tamtey lets out, “You are such a sourpuss.” 

So’lek leans away from her, brow furrowing in confusion, “A what?” Tamtey just giggles at him, not giving him an answer. Instead, she pulls on his arm, hugging it to her body, “Let’s sleep then!” He cannot help the involuntary blush that rushes to his cheeks at the close contact. Even with this tension snapped between them, she still makes him so nervous. He has never met a woman like Tamtey before, and she was his. He slaps himself internally. Not his. Not yet. Maybe? 

He shakes his head to rid himself of the confusing thoughts swirling in the confines of his skull. 

Instead, he obliges, letting Tamtey’s playful personality win out against his grouchy one once again as he dramatically falls to the ground, pulling her down with him–gentle enough not to hurt her, of course–and she collapses onto him with an oof. 

They just lie there, arms encompassing each other in a tight embrace, Tamtey’s cheek resting on his naked chest. His eyes close, allowing himself to relax for the first time in over a week, when Tamtey’s snorting snicker breaks the peace. So’lek’s eyes peel open, neck tilting to look down at the woman resting on his pec. She is looking up at him, cheek squished against his muscle. Cute. 

He sighs, “What is it, Tamtey?”

She just snorts again, voice taunting him as she proclaims, “You like me!” So’lek groans, eyes rolling far into his head out of exasperation. 

“Go to sleep, Tamtey.” He cannot keep the fondness from his voice, one side of his mouth flickering into a smile. She just giggles again, smacking a wet kiss to his unclothed front, “Mwah! I can’t wait to tell everyone that you have a crush on me!” The shake of his chest is uncontrollable, Tamtey’s head flopping up and down on top of it from the strength of his laugh, “Tamtey!” She just cackles from her spot, chin digging into his skin. 

When they finally pull themselves together, So’lek presses a kiss to the crown of her head, “Goodnight, ma yawne.” She whispers it back, eyes falling closed.

The next morning, everyone finds them wrapped around each other like a large knot, snoring softly. Teylan sneaks a picture before they all decide to leave the two alone to sleep the day away. 

[milkandthistle]

Do you think Tamtey has imposter syndrome?

They’re basically the olo’eyktan of the Sarentu but they don’t feel like they deserve it-like this isn’t supposed to their position.

They feel like they stole something that was Aha’ri’s. They gravitated towards her back in TAP, they all did, like sunflowers following the sun. Now they feel like other sunflowers are just following another flower. A false impression of the real light. An imposter

Deep down they know if she were still here she would be their chieftain, not them. They feel like they’re wearing a mask that doesn’t belong to them

But they are Olo’yektan in ways they don’t realise, the reality outside of their cloud of fear they’re stuck with in their own head. They have taken charge since returning home.

They lead the charge into battle, sneak into bases to free Eywaveng(Pandora) from the poison Sky People pump into her. They uphold the diplomatic ways of their clan and brought three whole clans into the resistance in doing so-building deep bonds with each one. They learn the ways of their ally clans and respect them.

They have earned their place even if they can’t see it. Like a butterfly they can’t see the beauty of their own wings but those around them can. Everyone else can see them,all they’ve done, and they look to them as Olo’eyktan as a result because they’ve carved their rightful position

[spiderisbestboy]

So you know the scene where Neytiri allowed Spider to rest on her back?

After rewatching the movie I realized that Spider was actually in front of her when they escaped.

Spider was probably feeling tired mid-ride and she chose to switch positions. He didn't just fall asleep on her back and Neytiri just let him. She chose to be the front rider to block the wind so Spider can sleep peacefully 😭

[just-another-idk]

This isn't my usual thing that I say, I wanted to say this here to all y'all. BE CAREFUL. I've literally had this account for not too long and look at this.

The funny thing is that Tumblr would literally notify you if something was going to happen to your account if I'm not wrong....😮‍💨 this is just a pain, I wasn't even expecting this...

Oml wtf

Stay safe out there everyone this is freaky but who would have a tumblr profile similar to yours Loaf

This is just a red flag on so many levels

[arts-autistic-socks]

Tamtey: So'lek and I are dating.

Ri'nela: Yeah, I know.

So'lek: Pardon? We started dating a few days ago.

Ri'nela: The fuck were you doing before that??

[milkandthistle]

Let me glaze our collective Tamteys for a second.

You ever think about just how desirable Tamtey is? Like the amount of skills they have plus how they provide for the clans must make them such a sought after mate

They hunt, fight, weave, craft and paint (body paints plus the mural side quest) not to mention all the quests they go on to help the clans and their members? Bringing peace to a Aranahe in his final days and singing to him/opening the kinglor flowers and letting hometree strengthn, fighting to avenge a killed Zakru, bringing a clan’s greatest shame to light and allowing them to find the truth and heal?

Not to mention Tamtey is borderline Olo’eykte/Olo’eytan of their clan-they have a high standing position and they actively bring clans together like how their respected and beloved ancestors did? Upholding these values and traditions? Yes ma’am

This na’vi who comes out of nowhere and is making leaps and bounds to fight off the sky people and help the land heal from their poisons, who helps countless members of your clan etc. you cannot tell me every grandparent and parent isn’t trying to set up their kid with Tamtey whenever they stop by the clan

Everyone HAS to want a piece of Tamtey surely?

This mf wanted them to turn around again so badly I feel it in my BONES

[meepinmay]

The way he carried Tamtey?? His hand placements?? I'm sorry but the way he was caressing Tamtey's cheek is NOT platonic that shi is hella romantic. 😭😭😭 not to mention him leaning down before Wukula Interuppted. Bro was DEFINITELY gonna give us a smooch.

[milkandthistle]

HE WANTS THAT COOKIE LIKE NO ONE ELSE CAN

[mfcreature]

[just-another-idk]

The Eldest

Sully family x eldest daughter reader

Part 36 < Part 37 > Part 38

Low

Jake stepped into the mauri and immediately felt it.

Silence, suffocating silence.

The light filtering in from outside cast long shadows across the floor, but there was no movement, no sound—

Then—A quiet sniffle.

His head snapped toward it. And there she was.

Curled into herself in the corner, knees pulled tight to her chest, shaking.

And in front of her—

On the ground between her and the crate—

Her gun.

Jake’s stomach dropped. “Oh—God, no.”

He was moving before the thought even finished, crossing the space in seconds and dropping to his knees in front of her. “Hey—hey—”

He pulled her into his arms immediately, one hand coming up to cradle the back of her head, turning her away from it, away from the weapon.“Look at me—no, don’t look at that—look at me.”

She clung to him the second he touched her. “I’m sorry, dad,” she sobbed, the words spilling out over and over. “I’m sorry—I’m sorry—I’m sorry—”

Jake just held her, his arms tightening around her like he could physically keep her here, keep her safe.

His heart was pounding. His mind racing. Because he knew what that meant.

Knew what he had just walked in on. And it terrified him. “Hey… hey,” he murmured, voice low but urgent, trying to steady her. “Slow down—breathe, kid—just breathe.”

But his own breath wasn’t steady. Not even close.

Because one thought kept hitting him over and over—

Was she about to—

He couldn’t even finish it.

His chest tightened painfully. “How did it get this bad…” he whispered under his breath, more to himself than her.

She shook against him.

“What were you thinking?” he asked softly, not accusing, just needing to understand.

Her voice broke completely. “That… maybe they’re better off without me…”

Jake froze. His grip tightened instantly. “No—”

“I hurt Lo’ak,” she cried. “I’m a monster—I am as dangerous as mom says I am—”

“No,” Jake said again, stronger now, pulling her closer. “No, you are not.”

But the words felt too small. Too weak against what she was feeling.

For a second— He had nothing else. No plan. Nothing. Just fear.

Because his daughter—

His little girl—

Had been sitting here thinking the world would be better without her. And that thought alone made his chest feel like it was being crushed.

He pressed his cheek against her hair, holding her tighter than he ever had before. “I’m right here,” he said quietly, even as his own voice threatened to shake. “I’ve got you. You’re not going anywhere, you hear me? Not like that.”

His hand moved up and down her back, trying to ground her, even as his own mind spiralled.

How did I miss this?

How did it get here?

His eyes stayed wide, fixed somewhere over her shoulder, the reality of it settling in. His daughter had been contemplating ending her life.

And he couldn’t get that out of his head.

Not now. Not ever.

She clung to him harder, her whole body shaking as the words poured out of her in broken pieces. “I didn’t mean to,” she sobbed. “When he kicked the back of my knees—I didn’t see it was him, I didn’t—I thought—”

Her breath hitched violently. “I heard a crack,” she choked. “I hurt him—I hurt him—”

“I’m sorry, dad—I didn’t mean to—I really didn’t mean to—I wasn’t thinking—”

Jake didn’t interrupt her. Didn’t correct her. Didn’t even try to speak.

Because his mind wasn’t on the explanation.

It was on the gun.

On where she had been sitting.

On what she had just said.

They’d be better off without me.

His chest tightened so hard it hurt. He pulled her closer without even realising it, one arm wrapped tight around her shoulders, the other cradling the back of her head, pressing her into him like he could keep her together just by holding her there.

How did I let it get this bad?

The thought hit him over and over. Relentless.

He’d seen the nightmares. Seen the panic. Seen her breaking.

And still— He hadn’t seen this.

Hadn’t realised just how far she had fallen.

His jaw clenched, eyes squeezing shut for a second as the weight of it hit him.

I could have lost her.

Not in battle. Not to the RDA.

But like this.

Alone.

In her own head.

The thought made his grip tighten again.

His mind flashed back— Her asking if the nightmares would ever stop.

Her saying she didn’t want to go back.

The way she had leaned into him earlier, asking for reassurance like she was barely holding on.

And he had thought he understood.

He hadn’t.

Not fully. Not enough.

“I was blind…” he muttered under his breath, barely audible. Because he had been.

Too focused on keeping her physically safe.

Not realising how bad it had gotten inside her head.

Her sobs didn’t stop, her voice breaking against his chest. “I didn’t mean to…”

“I know,” he finally said, his voice low and steady, even as everything inside him felt anything but.

“I know, baby girl.” He didn’t pull back. Didn’t loosen his hold. He just held her tighter.

Like if he let go for even a second— She might slip through his fingers. And he wasn’t going to let that happen.

If he’d been a few minutes later…

His jaw clenched, and he pulled her tighter against his chest, pressing his cheek into her hair. “You’re not in trouble for this,” he said quietly.

Her shoulders shook. “But mom is mad…”

“I know,” he murmured. “I know she is.”

He shifted slightly, just enough to cup the back of her head and keep her held against him. “Baby girl, we’re not here to punish you,” he said gently. “We’re going to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

Her breathing hitched. “You’re going to apologise to your brother,” he continued, calm and steady. “And then we’re going to work on this. Train through it so those flashbacks don’t get the better of you again.”

His hand moved slowly along her back. “That’s it. That’s all.”

“You are not a bad person.”

She didn’t answer right away.

“…maybe I should just go back to the war.”

Jake stilled. “It’s all I’m good for,” she whispered. “Violence. Death.”

Jake’s grip tightened instinctively, his arms locking around her like he could shield her from the thought itself.

He didn’t answer straight away.

Because for a second— He didn’t have the words. Only the fear.bThe image of her sitting there alone. Thinking that. Believing that.

His throat tightened. “No,” he finally said, low and certain, his voice right against her hair. “That’s not who you are.”

He didn’t pull back. Didn’t force her to look at him. Just stayed there with her.

She pulled back just enough to look at him, tears still streaming down her face. “But it’s all anyone ever sees,” she whispered. “It’s all mom talks about… how my hands are covered in blood. How she’s worried about balance.”

Her voice broke. “She’s right, I’m—”

She swallowed hard. “I’m a monster, a killer, dad.”

Jake’s chest tightened, but he didn’t interrupt her.

“I could have killed my brother,” she said, her breath shaking. “A cold-blooded killer… that’s all anyone sees.”

Her gaze dropped. “That’s all I’ve become.”

Jake didn’t let her pull away. His hands came up, firm but gentle, holding her face so she had to look at him.

“No.” The word wasn’t loud. But it was absolute.

“That is not all you are.”

Her eyes flickered, but she didn’t argue.

“You’ve taken lives,” he said, not avoiding it, not softening it into something else. “Yeah. You have.”

“So have I.”

That made her still.

Jake’s expression didn’t change. “That’s part of war,” he continued. “And it’s ugly, and it sticks with you, and it should never feel normal.”

His thumb brushed lightly under her eye, wiping away a tear. “But that is not the only thing that defines you.”

Her lip trembled. “It feels like it is…”

“I know,” he said quietly. “Because it’s loud right now. It’s fresh. It’s all sitting right at the front of your mind.”

He leaned his forehead lightly against hers. “But I don’t see a cold-blooded killer when I look at you.” His voice softened. “I see my kid.”

“The one who tried to walk away from a fight today.”

“The one who’s sitting here crying because she hurt her brother.”

“You know who doesn’t cry over that?” His gaze stayed locked on hers. “Someone who doesn’t care.”

Her breathing hitched again.

“You care so much it’s tearing you apart,” he said. “That’s not what a monster looks like.”

Jake’s hands stayed steady on her face. “And your mom—yeah, she’s worried,” he added. “Because she knows how much weight you’re carrying. She’s trying to make sure it doesn’t take over.”

He exhaled slowly. “She’s not saying you are that.”

“She’s trying to make sure you don’t become it.”

(Y/n) was quiet, her shoulders still shaking slightly.

Jake softened his grip, one hand sliding back to the back of her head, pulling her into him again. “You are not just what you’ve done in the worst moments of your life,” he murmured. “You’re everything else too.”

“And right now?” he added softly. “You’re hurting. That’s what I see.”

He held her close. “And we’re going to get you through that.”

Jake pulled back just enough to look at her, his hands still steady on her arms. “…what were you doing with the gun?” he asked quietly.

She didn’t answer. Just shook her head, eyes dropping again.

Jake swallowed hard, the weight of it settling deeper in his chest, but he didn’t push her.

Instead, he pulled her back into him, one hand coming up to cradle the back of her head. “From now on,” he said softly, but firmly, “you talk to me.”

“Whatever’s on your mind. I don’t care if we’ve talked about it a thousand times.”

His hand moved slowly along her back. “I don’t care if it feels small, or stupid, or like it doesn’t matter.”

“Especially if you start thinking like that.”

Her breathing hitched.

“Talk to me, (Y/n),” he said, his voice dropping, something raw slipping through. “Please don’t do anything rash.”

His grip tightened just a little. “It kills me that you even thought that.”

She stilled against him.

“Don’t ever think you’d be better off gone,” he added quietly. “Don’t ever think we’d be better off without you.”

His voice softened further. “Because I would miss you.”

“We all would.”

He pressed his cheek lightly to the top of her head again. “You matter too much for that,” he murmured. “And I’m right here, every time it gets loud in your head.”

“Promise?” Her voice was small. Fragile.

Jake didn’t hesitate. “I haven’t let you down when you’ve needed me before, have I?”

She shook her head against him, just slightly.“No…”

His hand came up, gently brushing her hair back, steady and sure. “Then I’m not about to start now.”

He tilted his head so she had to hear him clearly. “You call me, you come find me, you talk to me—whatever it is, whenever it is. I don’t care if it’s the middle of the night or something we’ve already talked through a hundred times.”

His thumb rested lightly against her temple. “I’m there. Every time.”

“That’s my promise.”

Neytiri stepped into the mauri quietly. She stopped the moment she saw them.

Jake sat on the floor, his back against the wall, (Y/n) curled tightly in his arms, asleep—completely spent. And he was holding her like he was afraid to let go.

Not just protective.

Desperate.

Neytiri’s chest tightened slightly at the sight. “Jake,” she called softly.

His head lifted immediately.

Careful not to wake her, he shifted, easing (Y/n) down beside him. Only then did he stand.

His eyes flicked once to her— Then to the gun.

Without a word, he walked over, picked it up, placed it back into the crate, and carried it outside.

Neytiri followed.

Jake set the crate down harder than he meant to. The sound echoed.

“Jake,” Neytiri said, her tone sharpening slightly, “you have been soft on her again.”

That was it.

He turned, something in his expression snapping.“Because she’s hard enough on herself.”

Neytiri stilled.

Jake stepped closer, his voice low but intense.“Do you know what I walked into?”

“There was a thought there, Neytiri.” His jaw tightened.b“She was thinking about ending her life.”

The words hit like a blow.

Neytiri’s breath caught. She hadn’t—

She didn’t—

Jake shook his head slightly, disbelief and fear still sitting heavy in his voice. “And you expect me to deal with her? While she’s like that?”

Neytiri didn’t answer straight away. Because she hadn’t known.

And that—

That changed something.

Jake ran a hand through his hair, pacing once before turning back to her. “You talk about balance,” he said, quieter now but no less firm. “But you don’t see it when she needs comfort.”

Neytiri’s expression tightened. “And you don’t see it when your sons need it,” she shot back.

Jake didn’t argue it. Didn’t deny it.

“I know,” he said, after a moment. “And I’m working on that.”

A breath. “But right now—this—this is where she’s at.”

He gestured toward the mauri. “I’ve worked it out with her,” he continued. “She’s going to apologise to Lo’ak. Then we start working on her triggers, her reactions—teach her how to control it.”

Neytiri listened, arms crossed loosely.

“Jake,” she said, more measured now, “there is still a clan. There is still a war. You do not have the luxury of being with her all day.”

Jake’s ears pinned back slightly. “She’ll be helping me with those as well.”

Neytiri’s brow furrowed. “She is not ready for that.”

“She won’t be in combat,” Jake said quickly. “No patrols. No front lines.”

“But she’s not useless either.” His tone softened just slightly. “She needs something to focus on that isn’t her own head.”

Neytiri was quiet, considering that.

“She can help with logistics,” Jake added. “Reports. Planning. Controlled, safe work.”

Neytiri studied him.n“And if she is triggered again?”

Jake didn’t hesitate. “Then I pull her out.” Immediately. No question.

Neytiri’s gaze flicked back toward the mauri, where their daughter slept.

“…you should have told me,” she said quietly.

Jake’s expression softened, just a fraction. “I just did.”

Neytiri exhaled slowly, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. “I did not know,” she admitted.

Jake nodded. “I know.”

Silence stretched between them. Not as sharp now. But still heavy.

Neytiri’s voice came quieter this time. “I was hard on her.”

Jake didn’t answer immediately. Because yes—She had been.

But she was also trying. “…she needs you too,” he said finally. “Just… not like that.”

Neytiri absorbed that.

Her jaw tightening slightly, but not in anger. In thought. In adjustment.

“But Neytiri,” he said, steady and serious, “you need to fix this with your daughter.”

She looked at him, something tightening in her expression.

“Because right now,” he continued, “she thinks you see her as a monster.”

Jake didn’t stop. “She thinks she’s the person you’re warning about in those talks. That every time you speak about balance, about blood, about control—you’re talking about her.”

Neytiri’s jaw shifted slightly. “That is not what I—”

“But that’s how she hears it,” Jake cut in, not harsh, just firm. “She thinks all you see when you look at her is what she’s done.”

“That all she’s good for… is violence and death.”

Jake stepped closer, his voice lowering. “So yeah,” he said quietly, “I’m going to be soft on her.”

“Until she can see that she’s more than the destruction she’s caused.”

His gaze didn’t leave Neytiri’s. “And I’m going to keep a very close eye on her.”

There was no hesitation in that. No doubt.

Because now— He knew how bad it had gotten.

Jake’s expression shifted, something raw breaking through. “Because tonight…” he exhaled slowly, shaking his head just slightly, “…tonight could’ve been a very different conversation.”

Neytiri stilled.

Jake’s voice dropped even further. “We could have been burying our daughter.”

Whatever resistance had been there— Cracked. Neytiri’s breath caught, her eyes widening just slightly as the full weight of that possibility settled in. She understood what was at stake.

Jake held Neytiri’s gaze, his voice quieter now but completely unyielding. “So yeah,” he said, “I’m going to be gentle with her.”

He exhaled slowly, shaking his head just slightly “And I don’t care how the others see it right now.”

Its about priority.

“Because they’re not the ones sitting in her head,” he added. “They’re not the ones fighting what she’s fighting.”

“She needs me.”

His jaw tightened. “And I’m keeping her close.”

Not a suggestion. Not something up for debate.

A decision.

“She doesn’t get left alone like that again,” he continued, softer but no less firm. “Not until I know she’s steady.”

Jake’s voice dropped slightly. “I’ll fix what I can with the boys,” he said. “I’ll make sure they understand.”

His gaze stayed on hers. “But right now…”

“She comes first.”

Jake dragged a hand down his face, the adrenaline from what he’d just walked into still sitting heavy in his chest. “Neytiri… it’s bad, you need to see that,” he said quietly.

“So bad I’m pulling every gun out of the mauri.”

He gestured back toward the crate he’d just set down. “From now on they stay on the command deck. Locked. Out of reach.”

Neytiri’s eyes flicked to the crate, then back to him.

Jake stepped closer, lowering his voice further.“And while I’m doing that… I need you to hide the knives.”

That made her pause. Not out of disagreement—Out of realisation.

Because now she understood the level of risk he was talking about.

Jake didn’t sugarcoat it. “I’m not taking chances,” he said. “Not with where her head’s at.”

“I’m not saying she would,” he added, quieter. “But I’m not giving those thoughts any opportunity to turn into something else.”

Neytiri’s expression shifted, the weight of it settling deeper.

Jake’s voice softened slightly. “We control what we can,” he said. “Make the space around her safe while we help her get back on her feet.”

Neytiri’s expression hardened again, though the fear from earlier hadn’t left her. Something still felt wrong, that once again Jake wasn’t seeing all their children, just his first daughter. They both needed their guidance and attention. “You speak of protecting her,” she said, her voice quieter but edged, “but what of your son lying in that lab with a broken rib?”

Jake didn’t answer straight away.

Her eyes narrowed slightly. “You are playing favourites.”

Jake looked away from her, his jaw tightening, something conflicted flickering across his face.For a second, he didn’t speak.

“(Y/n) survived twenty-four of those.” His voice was low. Not dismissing Lo’ak— But putting it into perspective. “Lo’ak will be fine,” he added, still not looking at her.

Neytiri’s posture stiffened slightly at that.

Jake finally turned back to her, something raw in his expression now. “Don’t make me choose, Neytiri.” His voice dropped.b“Please don’t turn this into that.”

“Don’t make this into a choice.”

“Because I’m not abandoning her.” There was no hesitation in that.nNo room for argument.

“She’s barely holding on,” he continued, quieter now but just as firm. “You didn’t see her in there like I did.”

His chest rose and fell slowly.n“I almost lost her tonight.”

That truth sat between them.nUnavoidable.

Jake shook his head slightly. “I’m not choosing one over the other,” he said. “I’m prioritising the one who’s in the most danger right now.”

His gaze held hers.n“Lo’ak’s hurt. We deal with that.”

“But (Y/n)… she’s at risk in a different way.” A way neither of them could fight with weapons or strategy.

Jake’s voice softened just slightly.n“They both need us.”

“But not in the same way.” Jake wasn’t going to gamble with his daughter’s life.

Jake picked up the crate again, his grip tight around the handles. “I’ve got to go stash this,” he said, his voice back to that controlled steadiness, even if everything underneath it wasn’t. “Just… keep an eye on her while she sleeps.”

He hesitated for a second. “I don’t know how she’s going to react to you.”

Neytiri didn’t move.

Jake turned to go— Then stopped. “One more thing.”

He looked back at her, and this time there was no edge, no anger—just something sad and honest.

“She’s been putting on a front.”

Neytiri’s brow furrowed slightly.

“Smiling. Nodding. Holding it together for everyone these past few months.”

“Trying to piece herself back together.”

His jaw tightened. “And you didn’t see it.”

It hit her harder than anything he’d said before.

“You only saw what needed reigning in,” he continued, “not what was going on underneath.”

Neytiri’s chest tightened.

Jake didn’t look away. “And you were hard on her.”

“You’ve always been hard on her.”

Not accusation. Just truth.

“She can’t handle that right now.” His voice softened, but it didn’t lose its weight. “She’s not that strong, steady seventeen-year-old we raised, Neytiri.”

“She’s not the same person she was before all of this.”

Silence stretched between them. Jake shifted the crate slightly in his hands. “You need to change your expectations of her,” he said quietly.

His eyes held hers. “Or you’re going to lose her.”

Not to war. Not to the RDA. Something they almost didn’t catch in time.

Jake didn’t wait for a response this time.

He turned and walked off with the crate, leaving Neytiri standing there— With the weight of what he’d just said settling in.

Neytiri stood just outside the mauri, her hand resting lightly against the frame.

She didn’t go in.

She wasn’t sure if her presence would bring comfort…

Or make things worse.

Her chest tightened.

Jake’s words echoed in her mind.

She thinks you see her as a monster.

Neytiri closed her eyes briefly. Regret settled heavy in her chest.

She had meant to guide her. To correct her. To make sure her daughter did not lose herself to the violence she had stepped into.

But now— Now she wasn’t sure what her daughter had actually heard.

Not guidance. Not protection. But judgment.

Disappointment.

Her hand fell from the frame.

Quietly, she moved. Doing what Jake had asked.

She gathered the knives one by one, her movements careful, deliberate, making sure not to make a sound. Each blade she lifted felt heavier than it should have.

Not because of its weight— But because of what it now represented. Precaution.

Her daughter’s state of mind.

Neytiri swallowed, placing the last one out of sight.

She glanced toward where (Y/n) lay sleeping. Curled in on herself.

Not the warrior she had been holding in her mind. Not the leader the clan saw.

Just her child.

And Neytiri realised— She did not understand her.

Not the way she thought she did.

She had believed those conversations… those talks about balance, about blood, about restraint—

She had thought her daughter was brushing them off. Ignoring them.

Because she did not regret what she had done.

Because she was strong enough to carry it.

But now— Now it was clear.

She hadn’t been brushing them off. She had been absorbing them.

Twisting them inward. Letting them settle into something far darker.

Neytiri’s jaw tightened slightly. She had thought her daughter was stronger. Steadier.

Better equipped to carry what she had done. But she wasn’t.

Not right now.

And that— That frightened her more than anything.

Her gaze dropped. But there was something else. Something she could not ignore.

She had still hurt her brother. Badly.

That truth didn’t disappear. Didn’t soften. Didn’t become acceptable just because of what her daughter was going through.

Neytiri’s expression hardened slightly at that thought. There still needed to be balance.

Accountability.

But not like this. Not when her daughter was already breaking.

Neytiri exhaled slowly.

Maybe…

Maybe the best thing she could do right now—

Was step back.

Let Jake handle her.

At least until things settled.

Until her own emotions weren’t sitting so close to the surface.

Because right now— It seemed he understood her in a way Neytiri didn’t.

Jake paused beside Neytiri and rested a hand on her shoulder.

She didn’t look at him at first. “I’ve really let her down, Jake.”

Her voice was low. Heavy with it guilt and regret.

Jake shook his head gently. “No, you haven’t.”

She finally looked at him.

“You’ve just always seen what (Y/n) can be,” he said. “The best of her. And it scares you when she’s not that.”

Neytiri’s jaw tightened. “Jake… she flinched.” The words barely left her lips.n“She thought I was going to hit her.”

He sighed, the weight of it settling in his chest.“You two will work it out.”

He gave her shoulder a small squeeze. “You always do.”

Neytiri wasn’t convinced.

Jake’s tone softened. “I’ve got her.”

He glanced toward the mauri. “You should be with Lo’ak. He’s the one lying in that lab right now.”

“I’ll talk to him in the morning. Talk to all of them. Make sure they understand what sets her off so this doesn’t happen again.”

Neytiri nodded slowly.bBecause that— That was something she hadn’t considered enough.

Jake stepped back inside. “And right now…” he added quietly, more to himself than her, “I’m just gonna comfort my kid.”

He moved over and sat down against the wall beside (Y/n), settling in like he wasn’t planning on going anywhere.

One arm rested loosely near her, his presence steady, watchful—guarding her even in sleep.

(Y/n) stirred. Slowly. Disoriented. She sat up slightly, eyes scanning until they landed on him.“Dad…?”

Jake didn’t hesitate. “I’m right here, pumpkin.”

She moved to him without a word, curling into his side, arms wrapping around him. And he pulled her in like it was the most natural thing in the world, one arm tight around her shoulders, the other coming up to rest against the back of her head.

From where she stood, Neytiri watched.

Watched the way her daughter folded into him so easily.

The way he just… knew exactly what she needed.

Jake’s eyes lifted briefly, meeting Neytiri’s across the space. Not smug. Not dismissive.

Just a quiet see?

This is what she needs.

She needs to feel safe.

Loved.

Then his attention went straight back to (Y/n), his hand moving slowly along her back as she settled again, her breathing evening out.

And there was something in the way he held her—Unwavering.

Like he had already decided— He wasn’t letting her fall again. Not while he was there. Not while he could still reach her.

He’s got her.

Neytiri turned and started back towards the lab.

Jake’s arm tightened just slightly around her as she shifted closer, her head nuzzling into his chest like it had always done since she was small.

The movement was instinctive. Trusting.

And it hit him harder than anything else had that day.

Because she still came to him. Still reached for him. Still needed him.

After everything.

Jake let out a slow breath, his hand moving gently through her hair, careful, steady.

There was a quiet kind of relief in it.

Because as long as she was still doing this—

Still leaning on him— He hadn’t lost her.

He tilted his head slightly, resting it against hers.“Hey… I’ve got you,” he murmured, more to reassure himself than her.

She shifted closer in response, her grip tightening faintly around him.

And Jake felt it. That need and a desperation for reassurance.

That openness she had always had with him, even now, even when everything else was falling apart.

It made something in his chest ache. But in a good way. A protective way.

He loved this kid.

His kid.

His brave girl— Who had been through far more than she ever should have at her age.

Who had stepped up when she didn’t have to.

Who had been strong for everyone else— And now didn’t know how to be strong for herself.

Jake’s hand stilled for a moment at the back of her head, holding her a little closer.

“She’s just a kid…” he thought, the realisation settling deeper than it ever had before.

Not a leader. Not a weapon. Not the clan’s answer to a war.

Just his daughter.

Seventeen. And hurting.

Jake pressed his cheek lightly to her hair, his grip firm but gentle.

His brave kid.

Who had been through too much— Too young.

Next >

@animegamerfox @loaf-with-jam @bynxi @whos-nin1 @daemontargaryenwhore @liloumoreau5 @elliether @livingnotthriving @marija4674 @nanamiisbbg @lovelyinthesunlitsky @lizzy91768 @18lkpeters @sirscampi @pitypinkabyss @merklefish @kitten-blog12 @akamenaruto14 @seawavesss @poppyw4 @frey-williams @saibaxoxo @fleeingreality @luzziii-luvv @verona-aliyah @th3realslimb1tch @nxstqlgia @gypsiegoop @pandaquick @user153639937 @beneaththetides @canteloupesoda @7leo7 @any-maybe

[hellok1ttycake]

Just woke up to an update. Yay

[milkandthistle]

❀My son?…he is perfect❀

Pairing/content: romantic Quaritch x Mangkwan!Reader, familial Spider x Mangkwan!Reader. Quaritch introduces his new/gifted mate to his son-expecting the worse but being met with the best

Spoilers/notes: feed the voices feed the voices feed the voices. I can’t resist anymore I MUST

•it had been mere weeks after you and Quaritch officially mated with Varang’s blessing. he cant lie and say he's not enjoyed it ❀

•in recent days his son,Spider, had been captured again under his watch only to be carted off for test after test because he was able to breathe Pandora’s air without choking on it-from what he's heard and been able to see his boy has been giving them hell ❀

•at first he wasn't sure how to explain that the son he's talked about isn't na’vi at all but some newly mutated human from a situation ship he had when he was human ❀

•he had expected hostility or disgust or even outright hatred but not this ❀

•not you sitting in your shared yurt weaving and carving gifts for a boy you've never met insisting “i cannot meet my son without gifts-they need to be perfect ma Miles”❀

•from armbands to chokers to loincloths you were more than ready to spoil your new son rotten from the second you lay eyes on him ❀

•“Sugar, not that he wouldn't appreciate it-but ain't this a bit much? might overwhelm him off the jump” only his words fall on deaf ears as you work on fixing meals safe for consumption and his own sleeping spot in the yurt-he doesn't even want to start explaining how the chances of the science pukes letting him out of their sights is near impossible ❀

•but you look so happy. such genuine laughter and smiles as you both sit at the fire in your shared home, your even more affectionate with him since he brought up the possibility of bringing you on base to meet Spider face to face, looking at him like he strung up the stars for you ❀

•Varang had lightly mentioned you'd lost a child when your hometree burned,that you lost your mate. the second Varang had showed him off to you like a prized pony it had been infatuation at first site for you ❀

•he was strong, provided immensely for the clan, already had a child of his own, he was handsome it truly went on and on. if wasn't such a hardened bastard he probably would've been blushing as Varang went on the more and more you seemed to obsess over him ❀

•he cant lie that he was flattered by how into him you were (he likes em crazy…same bro-who said that??) ❀

•Once the clan was moved to live on base it became harder and harder to keep your enthusiasm at bay ❀

•You’d scuttle back and forth the new tent with a vigor he’d had yet to see before ❀

•The idea that your new son was merely a building away ramped up your ministrations ten fold ❀

•So when he finally brought you to where Spider was being held he knew the hell fire that would occur when you found out your boy was attacked by all manner of tubes, or ‘plastic vines’ as you called them, that were hooked up and into him all while he was poked and prodded like some display rather than a living thing… ❀

•He knew you wouldn’t be happy but he wasn’t expecting just how willing you were to straight up break the equipment ❀

•Spider had been escorted back to his ‘room’ which was little more than an interrogation room with a glass window between him and those white coats.But he could see when Quaritch entered with you in tow ❀

•You stood out like a silver thorn in a bed of feathers. White, red and black while dressed in points and spikes with a basket on your hip as you stood tall beside his technically dad ❀

•You were looking to and throw with those wide eyes of your (acting like you hadn’t tore multiple wires and tubes apart when the Colonel told you what they were used for) all while pawing at Quaritch whispering to him growing more and more insistent while he spoke to the scientists ❀

•He couldn’t hear what was said but from how he gestured to you with his head when talking to them and how your stared at them unblinkingly with a barely concealed hiss on your lips he could tell it must’ve had something to do with him when the doctors stood down and aside ❀

•You practically skipped after Quaritch, his hand on your hip when he guided you to Spider’s room, with your tail whipped back and forth as the door opened with a quiet swish ❀

•He instinctively placed himself so the table was between him and you two but that did little since you immediately hopped on the table and crouch hop/walk towards him until you jumped down next to him with what he could only describe as a joyous grin ❀

•Quaritch had tried to grab your arm to stop you but uhhh…yea no you were gone the second his hand left your hip to close the door ❀

•Setting the basket down on the table quickly your hands came up to his face-flinching and closing his eyes by habit he prepared for literally anything else except what you did ❀

•Your fingers first grazed his cheeks so lightly he almost didn’t feel them, then your palms slid to cradle his face so gently. Your hold was…kind. Sweet almost ❀

•When he hesitantly opened his eyes he was met with your watery ones and your smile as you moved your head around to look at him from every angle-like he was something beautiful ❀

•“Ma itan” your voice came out low and fragile, bringing one hand from his face to your mouth covering it. “Oh-you are beautiful”❀

•He felt confused until Quaritch spoke up with a groan when he sat himself on the edge of the table near the pair your “meet your stepmom kid.long story”❀

•Spider didn’t have a chance to snap at his dad before you turned your attention to the basket you had brought-Quaritch stepped out with a “you two get bonding. The white coats ain’t gonna be happy bout this” and the door closed in his wake ❀

•You had a hum in your throat as you pulled out what looked and smelled like jerky of some sort, you pushed it into his hands-he hesitated to eat it worried about what kind of meat it was ❀

•“Angtsik ma itan-hunted myself. Eat eat, they do not feed you right-look at them” you hissed and snapped at the air with a swish of your head in the direction of the window “small and weak. They do not feed you-“you turned your eyes back to him as he took a hesitant bite but quickly took more, thankfull for some actual flavour outside of the god awful rations he was given ❀

•“you are strong-growing. You need the right food-stupid tiny men. The ones in those metal skeletons-would not let me bring you a proper meal. Tch-stupid. Jerky was easy to hide” he just stared at you as you spoke in chopped English. You were most certainly missing a couple pebbles short of a river bank but…❀

•You weren’t malicious ❀

•He could see it in your eyes,your smile and how you ghosted your hand over his face but not quite touching him ❀

•“You will enjoy your home-your bed is already in the perfect spot. Not to close to fire but not to far from entrance, you will not overheat or catch a chill” ❀

•He did scoff at that “getting them to let me out of here is ätxäle si palulukanur tsnì smarit livonu (asking a thanator to release its prey/a futile attempt)” at his grumbling you tilted your head with a furrow on your face ❀

•“I kill them?” He was caught off guard by how genuine the question was-like you had offered him the larger cut of meat at dinner-he coughed on his snack making you lurch forward to rub his back ❀

•“No-no no, that wouldn’t uh-I mean your tsahìk wouldn’t be happy with you making waves with the humans right?” That got you on board (however reluctant) “hmm. You are right…ah-you are so smart, you will make a brilliant warrior” your apparently spout mood evaporated like smoke into the air as you cradled his face once more ❀

•The moment was broken by the door opening again, there stood Quaritch with a couple anxious looking scientists tailing him “alright sugar, time to split” you let out an offended noise “I have barely spoken to him! I still have not asked how he would like his paint-“ you cur yourself off when a scientist made the stupid move to grab Spider by the arm ❀

•The pair of you hissed at them, one more intimidating than the other though not by much, you lurched forward and the only thing that saved the idiot was Miles just valley being able to grab your arm to pull you back “oookay-easy spitfire. We’ll come back again tomorrow,how’s that sound?” One of the white coats looked like they wanted to say something against him but the already agitated Mangkwan woman who looked moments away from wrenching herself out the Colonel’s hold and mawling one of them ❀

•Back in your shared tent you were laying on Quaritch’s chest purring and rubbing your face against his neck, he must’ve earned some brownie points in getting you that meeting and promising another so soon ❀

•Spider sat on the table in his ‘room’…it wasn’t so cold now he had the cloak you had made for him. It was surprisingly soft and had a faint smell of smoke and burnt wood ❀

•It felt safe. ❀

•He laid down under the table with the blanket you had woven and for the first time since he was captured…he actually slept without waking up at the smallest noise ❀

[dollzstrology]

Happy Women’s History Month!! (and belated international Women’s Day). I loved this edit I saw with Avatar women so I wanted to post/share bc I love all the women characters bc they are sooo tea in their own wayyy☺️!!

[thefl3shm4id3n]

ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚'𝐯𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐞. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐛𝐨𝐲, 𝐚 𝐛𝐨𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚'𝐯𝐢 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞.

ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢ: ɴᴇᴛᴇʏᴀᴍ ᴛᴇ ꜱᴜʟɪ ᴛꜱʏᴇʏᴋ'ɪᴛᴀɴ x ꜰᴇᴍ! ᴀʟʙɪɴᴏ ɴᴀ'ᴠɪ! ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

Tw: Child/infant abandonment, reader is raised by a thanator, reader tries to kill Neteyam, reader is Tsundere, reader learns a bit more about herself, people being ignorant, A bit emotional, reader nearly kills Lo'ak this time, reader has a bit of social anxiety? (I tried describing it as best as I could. Correct me if I'm wrong) reader gets called 'Atokirina' for now, NOT EDITED, more to be added... (lmk if I missed anything)

A/N: I wrote this after work, hope yall like it.

Masterlist

You had difficulty sleeping, you'd wake up at almost every hour of the night. Thinking back on that vision you saw in the Spirit tree. It was like a memory you didn't know you had was unlocked. You tried to figure out who those people were. The man and that woman. You already hated her. She was the one who decided to throw me into the forest. To die. The man? He sounded spineless, no real fight in him. You would hate him too. For allowing that woman to decide your fate. As for your mother. You had no clue who she was. If she had a say on you or anything. She didn't. They decided to lie to her. Fake your death for her own good. You wondered if she believed them, if she thought of you.

You couldn't stop thinking. You wanted answers. You wished to go back but you no clue how to get there without Neteyam. Neteyam. That village boy who's been pestering you since that night you nearly killed you. That boy who often looked at you with those bright yellow sun like eyes. That boy who had decided to help you find the answers without wanting something in return. That boy you can't stop thinking about no matter how much you claim you didn't. That boy who held you when you burst into tears. That boy who didn't judge you for your appearance and called you beautiful the first night you met. Beautiful. You still remembered that night as if it happened hours ago.

"Neteyam." You whispered to yourself, while holding the songcord he gifted you. The one thing that had become precious to you now. You wished you had a name so that he could say it. You saw no point in names, until now. Hearing his voice, the way he talked made you feel all kinds of things. The way he spoke to you, as if he's known you for years. He was gentle, kind and very understanding. You on the other hand, were the opposite. Harsh, demanding and just wild. You were surprised he was still around despite you claiming that you didn't want him around. You wished for him to be around you more. You hated having to see him go back to his village. Maybe one day you'll go with him. To his village and meet his family. He talks very highly of his mother and father, plus his siblings. You wanted to meet them to see what was so special about them. Or maybe understand why he talks so highly of them. But mainly, you wished to be around him more.

Lo'ak had been noticing changes in his brother. He may be stupid, but he wasn't an idiot. His brother was seeing someone. The way he made that arrow head of stone instead of wood and how suddenly it was no longer with him or how he made a songcord for someone. It was more than clear that Neteyam was seeing someone. He would rarely ride his ikran, which was odd because flying was something his brother loved. Maybe that changed or someone is changing him. He wanted to know who it was. He was going to find out even if it kills him.

Good thing that Lo'ak and Neteyam were tasked to feed the Ikran, was the chance he'd maybe ask. As they feed the banshee, Lo'ak decided to poke the bear with a stick. "So, you've been going an awful lot to the forest." He commented, while he watched his brother's tai stand up straight in alert. He knew. "I have. I just been wanting some alone time." Neteyam answered, as he feed Sa'ata some meat. Hoping his brother wouldn't pester him anymore. "Oh really? Since when did you need alone time?" Lo'ak asked, as he grabbed more meat from the basket. "Since forever. I have my limits and wish to be alone to think. I have the right for privacy." Neteyam said, almost annoyed.

"Sorry bro." Lo'ak said, trying to deescalate and not annoy his older brother. "I just can't help but notice, you go to the forest an awful lot now and you come back all giggly and junk." He mentioned. "Are you seeing someone?" He straight up asked. Neteyam felt his heart drop. Fuck, he's noticed. There was no point in hiding it now. "Ugh, do you promise not to say anything? And I mean anything, do you understand." He told Lo'ak, who instantly nodded. "I swear, I won't say anything. Pinky swear?" He asked, holding his pinky. Neteyam looked at him with a 'really' look. He knew damn well. Lo'ak then laughed. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding. So, who's the lucky lady?" He asked, wiggling his brows at him.

Neteyam sighed, he knew he could trust Lo'ak. "She's... a girl who lives in the woods. She's different from the rest of us. She does not like people from the village. She tolerates me you could say." Neteyam paused, describing you as best as he could. "A girl who lives in the woods? Are you sure it isn't another clan that she's from?" Lo'ak asked. "I'm sure, she's alone expect for a Paluluka, who's her mother. That's all I'm going to tell you." Neteyam said, going back to feeding the ikran. "Hm, raised by a Paluluka. That sounds like a kids story. Are you sure?" He asked. Neteyam rolled his eyes. "Yes Lo'ak. I am sure. Why would I lie to you?" He asked his younger brother. Lo'ak raised his hands in defense. "Alright, alright. I get it. I believe you. So, when are we meeting this girl?" He asked.

"Not anytime soon. I'm trying to help her around the idea and other things." Neteyam added. "Bro come on. I can help you with whatever problem." Lo'ak begged. "No Lo'ak this is between me and her. If she saw you, she'd probably kill you like she nearly did me." Neteyam said. "Wait, she tried to kill you? Man, is that what it's like around here when it comes to meeting your mate?" Lo'ak asked. Neteyam rolled his eyes. "Like I said, don't say anything. Not even to Spider. No one can know about her until she chooses other wise." He reminded his younger brother who nodded in response. "Let's head back. We're done." Neteyam said, picking up the baskets and left. Lo'ak followed behind. He had a trick up his sleeve.

Neteyam left again after his chores, when he was gone. Lo'ak made his move, he followed Neteyam right behind. He wanted to see this mystery girl who had his brother wrapped around her finger.

You quickly spotted Neteyam from afar, already happy to see him even before you did. You could smell his scent from miles away. That was the benefit of being raised in the wild. "Are you okay?" Neteyam was first to ask, now face to face with you. "Sort of, I kept thinking about last night." You answered honestly. "What happened?" He asked, leaning closer. To maybe hear you better. "I could only hear voices, a man and a older woman? I couldn't see their faces at all. But I heard them talk." You mentioned.

This made his ears perk up. "What did you hear?" he asked. "That I was an abomination. That I nearly killed her. I have no pigment in my face and my eyes are strange." You listed, getting angry just remembering that cruel woman's words. Neteyam has heard a thing or two. How many centauries back the na'vi feared abnormality and such. Often leaving children in the woods and let Eywa decide what would happen to them. Some died and some lived, but who knows. "Anything elses that they mentioned?" He asked, now curious. "They lied to my mother, saying that they'll tell her that I was born with an abnormality and died. She had no say in what would happen to me." You finished, angry with them. Not at your mother, at them. For choosing for her, who did they think they were choosing for your mother?

'Abnormality, died.' Those words together sounded familiar to Neteyam. He's heard them before, but he can't really remember from where. He looked at you, seeing your angry and scrunched up nose. You had every right to be angry, what they did was not right. That tradition was long banned. And they should've known better. "I did wonder if, she thinks of me. Or at least a version of me." You commented, quietly. Almost vulnerable like last night. "If only I knew what she looked like." You said, now sad again. Before Neteyam could say anything, he noticed how your ears perked up in alert. Moving around to find a sound.

"Did you hear that?" You asked, now sniffing the air. Neteyam tried to listen to what you were listening to and sniff the air. But everything was normal to him. "I don't?" He said, confused. You then knocked him to the floor hard, lying on him like a protective Palulukan mother. "Someone followed you." You said, sniffing the air. "He's closing in." You whispered, with Neteyam still under you. Someone followed him? Great, now your secret would be exposed and this may cause for you to never speak to him or worse, see him again. "Stay here, I'll deal with it." You whispered to him, slowly getting up. "Wait, don't maybe I can talk to them to go away." He tried to protest, while sitting up. You nearly shoved him back down. "No, I'll handle it. I'll hide their tracks and leave no body to be found." You told him, leaving to find the fugitive. Hide tracks? No body? That was bad. Neteyam quickly got up and went to find you before you found the other person.

Lo'ak walked the same path as Neteyam did every day to find you. He tracked his scent and raw the very obvious foot prints. He was close. He was going to learn who this girl who lived in the woods was. He didn't notice the figure right behind him. You saw him, a boy younger than Neteyam. He watched him carefully, seeing him use the same skills as Neteyam did the first time you saw him. You slightly hissed to yourself. Seeing another boy, a village boy who looked like a bug. A funny looking bug. You watched him stop to see Neteyam's tracks that he left behind. That was when you decided to strike.

You grabbed a pretty big and heavy branch, slowly and carefully you walked behind Lo'ak. Your movements were slow and practiced. You lifted the branch above your head, ready to hit him right on the head. When you saw him about to turn his head to face you, that was when you striked. Whacking him right on the head and knocking him out. Or at least you thought you did. Lo'ak groaned, holding his head in pain. "The hell?" He hissed, holding his head which was ringing. You then took out your blade, ready to end him but where stopped by Neteyam's voice. "No! No! No! Don't!" He shouted.

He ran past you and towards his brother who was still lying on the floor in pain. "What are you doing? I told you I had it!" You told him, now angry that you couldn't show him your survival skills. "He's my brother!" Neteyam said, carefully helping his brother sit up. Dizzy. "Brother!? This bugged eyed village boy is your brother?" You asked. Seeing Neteyam really worried, Lo'ak groaned in pain. Holding his head. "Hey, who are you calling bug eyed?" He asked, annoyed now. "I'm calling you bug eyed, villager." You hissed at the dizzy na'vi. "This is bad, I need to take him back." Neteyam said, trying to help his brother by placing his arm over his shoulder to lift him up. But struggled to do so.

"Help me take him to the village." Neteyam said, trying to hold his brother. That freaked you out. "Me? Go to the village? I can't." You said, in a panic, not wanting to take that step yet. "Please, please help me take him back home." He pleaded. The look on his face, full of worry and even scared, did something to you. This was it, this is how you were going to meet his family, his village, by injuring his brother. "Ugh! Fine!" You said, going over, taking Lo'ak's free arm over your own shoulder. Both taking him back to the village.

The walk wasn't very far, you got there sort of fast. You both carried Lo'ak through the village hidden in what you assume was a large cave. It was a large cave. You began to quickly feel eyes on you, people gasped and pointed seeing you. Already whispering. You felt your heart sink to your stomach. Feeling sick by the looks and stares. You looked down, trying to avoid any kind of eye contact or just anyone. "Mom! Dad!" Neteyam called out to Jake and Neytiri who were talking to one another. They were shocked to see their son, with a mystery girl and a nearly unconscious Lo'ak getting carried. "What happened?" Jake asked, approaching them. "Long story, he hit his head." Neteyam said, while Jake took Lo'ak into his arms and took him to Mo'at, followed by Neytiri. Then his sisters, Kiri, Tuk and Spider asked what happened then they faced you.

You felt your heart stop, to many eyes on you. Why were they looking at you. You felt your heart skipping fast and hard, almost out of breathe. "Who is she?" Tuk asked, staring at you. She's never seeing anyone like you. Neither have Kiri and Spider, you've never seeing anyone like Spider either. Neteyam notice your breathing had quickened and how your hands began to shake. "I'll introduce you guys later, just give her a moment." He said, carefully taking your hand and guiding you away from them. "Is she going to be okay?" Tuk asked, now worried for you. And she didn't even know you.

Neteyam lead you to the back of his family's hut, sitting you down on the ground. "It's okay, just breath." He instructed you. "It's just you and me." He said, giving you space to breath. It was hard at first, this was too much. People already stopped to stare, already talking about you. Then those girls and that pinked skin dreamwalker. You took a few deep breathes, inhaling and exhaling shaking breathes. It took a moment, but you managed to regain yourself. Neteyam sat next to you, quietly. Waiting for you. "Are you alright?" He asked. You nodded, swallowing the lump in your throat you couldn't swallow earlier. "I am now." You sighed. Still a bit shaken.

"I'm sorry... I didn't know he was your brother... If I knew I wouldn't have..." You tried to explain youself. Stumbling on your words. "It's okay, you didn't know. He'll be okay, he's with my grandmother right now." Neteyam said, pulling you into a side hug. Trying to comfort you but also worried about his brother.

Mo'at was checking her grandson, seeing the already forming bump on his head. She also began to hear whispers about some girl in the village with white skin and purple eyes. "Do you think that's her?" Neytiri asked Jake. "It must be, who else could it be?" He said, while watching his Mother in Law tend to his son. "He'll be okay, he took a hard hit, but he'll be alright." Mo'at said, as she finished rubbing ointment on her grandson's goose egg on his head. "Great, now I'll look weird all because of Neteyam's girlfriend." He said. Annoyed. "Girlfriend?" Both Jake and Neytiri said at the same time. "Yeah, she's the girl that Neteyam has been sneaking off to go see. She did this." He said. Both Jake and Neytiri looked at one another. 'It was her.' The thought to one another. "Go talk to him and the girl." Mo'at said, still tending to her grandson to make sure he was alright.

Jake and Neytiri went out to find their son and the girl, they too heard about the small talk the other villagers spoke already. When they reached the girls and the pink boy they asked them if they were where they went. Kiri told them that they were behind the hut. That's where they went. They spotted both of you, sitting together. Neteyam side hugging you close. Jake cleared his throat, catching both your attention, but you looked back down at your lap. Neteyam let go of you and got up. "Is Lo'ak okay?" He asked. "He will be, he's going to have a goose egg for a while." Jake said. "Mind telling me what happened?" He asked. Neteyam didn't know how to form the words.

Until you got up and went up to where Jake was. "It was me, I hit him with a branch. I thought he was threat and I acted out of instinct." You told Jake in the face. Jake was almost surprised, you didn't know if it was because of your appearance or your honesty. But had no clue what to say. Neytiri stepped in. "I understand you didn't mean to harm him without knowing." Neytiri said. Trying to sooth things over. You looked at her. That's Neteyam's mother?! She looked exactly like him or he looked just like her. As for the dad, he looked liked bugged eyed boy. "How is bug eyed boy?" You asked. Jake nearly choked on his own air. "Lo'ak is alright. You hit him hard, but he's okay." Neytiri said.

It then got quiet, a bit awkward. Then Neteyam spoke. "Well, these are my parents. My mother Neytiri and my dad Jake." He tried to introduced. You looked at Jake up and down for a moment. "Your father?" You asked, looking back at Jake who looked back at you. "I thought he'd be taller." You said, while staring at him. Jake was caught off guard by your comment. But that made Neytiri giggled. "Mom, dad. This is my friend, the one I've been the past few days." He said, while you watch them do some greeting gesture with their hands. You just looked at them confused. "It's okay, I'll tell you about it later." Neteyam said.

Now here you were, in his family home, for dinner. Surrounded by his whole family. You properly met Lo'ak, who you apologized to him. But he was still upset about you calling him bug eyed boy. You met his sisters, Kiri and Tuk, plus his other 'brother' Spider. A dreamwalker, you've heard about them from the na'vi you'd watch. But you never thought you'd meet one in real life. You watched them interact, how Lo'ak and Spider messed with one another, Spider trying to poke at the lump on his head. Kiri was peacefully eating her food. Tuk was more focused on her toys than her dinner. Neteyam was sitting next to you, encouraging you to eat the food his mother and dad made. You did. You were almost overwhelmed by the spices and other stuff used to cook meet. You didn't even know you can cook it, you always ate raw meat and fish. This was new to you. You ate everything from your bowl, practically licking the entire bowl to savor the flavor.

"What's your name?" Kiri asked. "I don't have one." You said, she looked at you shocked. "You don't have a name?" She asked. You shook your head, licking your fingers which still had some juice from the meat. "We have to call you something." Kiri said. "I know what we can call her." Neteyam chimed in. "What's on your mind?" You asked, staring at him. "Atokirina." He said. "Atokirina?" You asked. Confused. "Atokirina. The seeds from the Spirit tree." He told you. So they did had a name, but you didn't. "Why Atokirina?" Kiri asked, curious. "Oh, because her skin and hair are white, like them. And her eyes, they're purple like the spirit tree. Atokirina." Tuk. "That doesn't sound bad. Make sense." Kiri shrugged. "What do you think?" Neteyam asked, turning to look at you. "Oh, I... I don't see why not. I like it." You told him. "Atokirina it is then." You added. Maybe his family wasn't so bad.

Taglist: @yomama2089 @frey-williams @channit @cookispark @lonely-nerd-sodaholic @haunted-haven @onlybells1 @jesssomegirl @xoxogospgirl @sela-gypsy @touriell @sweetvalyeol-blog @leaheclipse @sereinitysmind @stxr-lilac @nicaur @p0rpal @lostjuliette @armadildo12 @trash4changkyun @ynackerman9499 @18lkpeters @seawavesss @eliengoddes @oceanfyre @snore-3 @fizzywizzyglizzy