Vahri’na

Mentally lives in Pandora 18+

[rotxo-te-rara-yaptoitan]

I wish that in afop we could find some of our mother's/ clanmates' belongings that we could for example wear ourselves, for example our mother's necklace, or that they would give us necklaces we could individually (separately from our chest pieces) choose and customize!!

[lunaemiliana]

Before they became lovers. Back then, they were only partners, fought RDA together 🔥

So’lek x Vahri’na

My instagram: Vahrina_pandora 🤍

[lunaemiliana]

So’lek x Vahri’na 💜

I can’t get enough of them

This took me almost 17h 😭

[lunaemiliana]

Pls enjoy 🫴🏻 a soaked relaxed So’lek 🩵

I fucking love this man 😩

[miss-aveline]

Avatar Covers from Dark Horse Comics

(various illustrators)

[nivieda]

So'lek! I love him sm he's so cool and badass. Love his lil braids 🥹 My first time drawing a Na'vi

[lunaemiliana]

🌼Vahri’na🌼

[sunmoonsweets]

You are not allowed to be jealous anymore

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------This is for @junebugonjupiter event jealousy in june! I live for a jealousy trope tbh

prompts used: 18. "You are not allowed to be jealous anymore", 20. "Did that really make you jealous?" and 28. There has been a major misunderstanding - I couldn't stick with just one and these all fit so well to me oops!

So'lek x reader (i try to keep my fics gender neutral)

live laugh love solek

words: 2,250 - proofread - lmk if i missed anything and what you think!

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my man my man my man my baby my babyyy

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The first night, you told yourself it meant nothing.

So'lek was talking to someone. That was allowed. He was a person who existed in the world and had people in it who mattered to him, and the arrival of the highlands resistance fighters at the base was a good thing. More allies, more hands, more people willing to stand between Pandora and what was coming. The woman who had made him smile from across the fire was one of those people.

That was fine. That was good, actually.

You finished your food and went to bed at a reasonable hour and did not think about it.

The second day, they trained together.

You were not watching. You were doing your own work, checking equipment, reviewing patrol routes with Ri'nela, existing entirely within your own responsibilities. But the training ground was not far, and So'lek's voice carried when he was focused, low and precise, calling corrections and adjustments. You had always liked the sound of it. You had made the mistake, some months ago, of telling Ri'nela that, and she had filed it away with the satisfied expression of someone building a case.

What you did not mean to see was the moment the highlands woman, Niara, someone had said her name was Niara, landed a strike that actually got through So'lek's guard, and the way his expression opened in surprise and then genuine unguarded delight. He said something to her. She laughed and shoved his shoulder and he caught her hand and shook his head and the whole exchange lasted maybe ten seconds and meant absolutely nothing.

You went back to the patrol routes.

"You're holding that map upside down," said Ri'nela.

You turned it over and said nothing.

-

By the third day you had made a decision.

It was not a dramatic decision. It was not even a conscious one, exactly. It was more the quiet arithmetic of self-preservation that you had been doing since long before you came to Pandora, the kind that said: you are getting attached to something that is not yours, and the longer you let yourself stand near it the worse it will be when it goes. So you stopped standing near it.

When So'lek came to find you that morning, as he always did, appearing at the edge of your space with that unhurried ease of his, you were already gathering your things.

"I have to check the eastern snares," you said, not quite meeting his eyes. "Ri'nela needs the report before midday."

A pause. You could feel him looking at you.

"I will walk with you," he said.

"It's out of your way."

"I don't mind."

"I'll be faster alone." You finally looked up, and immediately regretted it. He was watching you with quiet, focused patience, steady in the way he was steady about everything, and it made it very difficult to be sensible. You made yourself hold it for exactly one second. "I'll see you at the evening meal."

You left before he could answer.

-

The fourth day was harder.

He came back. Of course he came back. So'lek was not the kind of person who was easily deterred by things he didn't understand, and you had given him very little to understand. You were at the river when you heard him, and you stood up and said you had left something at the armory, which was such a transparent excuse that you saw something move through his expression before he smoothed it away.

He let you go.

That was somehow worse. He watched you leave and said nothing, and you felt his eyes on your back the entire way to the tree line, steady and quiet and patient in a way that made your chest ache with something you were trying very hard not to name.

-

The fifth day, he found you twice.

The first time you said you had a patrol. The second time you said you were tired. Both were lies and you were fairly certain he knew they were lies and you were also fairly certain, from the quality of the silence he gave you each time, that he was filing them away somewhere and deciding what to do with them.

What he did not do was push. He let you go, both times, with that stillness of his that was never indifference, never, but always felt like a door held open.

You told yourself this was good. This was what you needed. Distance was the only sensible response to a week of watching him be luminous around someone else, carrying things in his expression that you had foolishly come to think of as meant only for you.

Ri'nela caught you staring at the ceiling of your tent that night and said nothing, which was its own kind of commentary.

-

The sixth evening, you almost made it through the whole meal.

You had chosen a seat on the far side of the fire, close to Ri'nela, with your back to most of the base. It was a reasonable tactical decision. You ate steadily and kept your eyes on your food and participated in enough conversation to seem normal, and for a while it worked.

Then Ri'nela said something that made you laugh and you looked up without thinking, and So'lek was already looking at you.

He was across the fire, sitting with Niara and two of the highlands fighters, and he was not participating in whatever conversation they were having. He was watching you. Still and direct in the way he watched everything that mattered to him, with that intensity that you had come to understand meant he had decided something was worth his complete attention.

You held it for one second. Two.

Then Niara leaned close to him and said something low near his ear. He turned toward her, and whatever she said made the tips of his ears go dark. A surprised, unguarded laugh escaped him — low and genuine, the real one, the one you had thought belonged to you. You looked back down at your food and found you had completely lost your appetite.

You stood up quietly. Ri'nela glanced at you. You shook your head once. She let you go, and you walked away from the fire with your food still half-finished and did not look back.

You had not gone far. There was a fallen log at the edge of the tree line where you sometimes sat when the base felt too loud, far enough to breathe but close enough to hear if something happened. You sat there now and looked at the dark space between the trees and worked, carefully and methodically, on feeling nothing.

You heard him before you saw him. His footsteps were nearly silent, but there was a stillness that preceded So'lek when he moved with purpose, something in the air that changed. You kept your eyes on the trees and told yourself you were imagining it.

Then he sat down beside you and held out your bowl.

You stared at it.

"You didn't finish," he said.

"I wasn't hungry."

"You hadn't eaten since morning."

You looked at him then, which was a mistake, because he was looking at you the same way he had across the fire, steady and direct, except there was no fire between you now and nowhere to look away to.

"Niara is waiting for you," you said.

"Niara is fine."

"So'lek—"

"She told me to go," he said, simply. "She said, and I will quote her accurately, go get your food and go find her, I am tired of watching you watch her leave." A beat. "She is not subtle."

You had nothing to say to that.

He set the bowl in your hands anyway, gently, and then he did not move. Did not stand up to leave. Did not offer you an exit or manufacture a reason for the conversation to end. He simply stayed, present and immovable in that way he had, and waited.

"I'm fine," you said.

"You have said you are fine six times in as many days," he said. "Each time immediately before leaving."

"I've been busy."

"You checked the eastern snares on a day they didn't need checking. You went to the armory for something you couldn't name when I asked you about it later. You have taken the long path to the river every morning this week." He paused. "I let you go each time because I did not want to push you toward something you weren't ready for. But you left your food tonight, and I find I have run out of patience for letting you go."

The tree line was very dark. The sounds of the base were distant and warm behind you.

"So'lek," you said, carefully. "Whatever you think—"

"Tell me what I think," he said. "Tell me I am wrong."

You looked down at the bowl in your hands. "You're not wrong," you said, very quietly.

The silence that followed was different from the others. Softer.

"Did it make you jealous?" he said. "This week. Watching us."

"Yes." The word came out before you could decide against it. "Every single day. It was awful. I know I don't have any right to it. I was trying to get ahead of it before it got worse."

"Before what got worse."

You looked at him. His composure was still there, but something underneath it was tired and careful and very done with waiting.

"You know what," you said.

"I would like to hear you say it."

"That's not fair, you haven't—"

"I followed you across the base with your unfinished food," he said, quietly. "I have been finding reasons to be wherever you are for the better part of a year. I described you to Niara in enough detail that she knew who you were before we met." A beat. "I think that counts."

The bowl was warm in your hands. The fire was distant. So'lek was very close.

"She is my friend," he said. "Eleven years. She has a mate who arrives in two days, a woman from the far highlands who she speaks about the way—" he paused, "—the way I have apparently been speaking about you. What you saw at the fire tonight was Niara telling me that I had run out of time, and that if I didn't say something soon she would do it for me."

You thought about the ducked head. The dark ears. The laugh.

"She was teasing you," you said. "About me."

"She has been teasing me about you since she arrived," he said, with the weighted patience of a man who had endured significant amounts of this. "She finds it very entertaining."

A sound escaped you that was almost a laugh. He exhaled, and in the quiet of it you could hear everything he had been holding.

"You are not allowed to be jealous anymore," he said, low and certain. "There is nothing to be jealous of. There has never been anything." His hand came up and tucked your hair back from your face, slow and deliberate. "But I spent six days watching you leave and saying nothing, and knowing you felt it, knowing it was me you were feeling it about—" he stopped. "I find I am not as sorry about that as I should be."

"That is a terrible thing to say," you told him.

"Mm." Almost a smile. "And yet you are still here."

"You brought me my food," you said. "I couldn't very well leave."

"No," he agreed, and the almost-smile became something quieter and more real. "You couldn't."

He pressed his forehead to yours and the exhale that left him was slow and full, like something he had been holding not just this week but for a long time before it. The last of his clan, carrying things quietly the way he carried everything, until, finally, he didn't have to anymore.

"No more long paths to the river," he said.

"No more long paths." You pulled back just enough to look at him. "But you have to tell me things. Not just notice them in silence."

"That is a reasonable condition." A pause. "I will try."

From So'lek, that was a genuine and considered promise, and you believed him.

Across the base, not nearly far enough away to have been uninvolved in any of this, you heard Ri'nela say something triumphant. Niara's answering laugh followed immediately.

"They planned this," you said.

"Almost certainly," So'lek agreed, and did not move away from you at all.

You looked at him. He looked at you. There was a warmth in his expression that he rarely let anyone see, open and unhurried and entirely yours.

"Yawntu," he said, quietly. Like it was something he had been holding in his mouth for a long time and had finally decided to let out.

You didn't answer. You just closed the small distance between you, and he met you there, and the kiss was soft and unhurried and tasted like everything you had both been too careful to say. His hand came up to cradle the side of your face, gentle in the way he was gentle about things that mattered to him, and you felt him exhale against you like he had finally, finally put something down.

Behind you, distantly, Niara said something that made Ri'nela laugh loud enough to scatter birds from the canopy.

Neither of you pulled away.

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Taglist (comment if you wanna be added or removed!) :

@weeeeeeeeeeeeee2 @natwriteswords @ravenyia @feralcoffeecryptid @r4y-cr34t0r @goldentrenchtome @eesomee @zeebee44 @kekereads97 @iitstaylorme @kirjeela @a0-o @emneedshelp @theendlessvoidofdarkest

[moonnymphnebula]

Drew the king of the Western frontier, Solek ✨

[7wanne]

I didn't have the courage to make the clothes lol. I made this drawing a while ago, Imagining this: Tamtey completing a suicide mission, she is greeted with a warm hug from So'lek.

Happy Valentine's Day. (Brazilian version!) 🥰

[lunaemiliana]

So’lek x Vahrina (OC) 💜

[revelutionize]

Gentle Hands

Pairing(s): So'lek x Avatar! FemReader

Content(s): Smut! MDNI, unprotected sex (wrap it up people!).

(A/n) — Chapter for @just-another-idk ’s series called “Gentle Hands” !!

Four long fingers gently wrapped around her hand. A stark contrast to her five fingers, a noticeable difference that still made her chest ache. “Where are we going?” (Y/n) asked skeptically, ears twitching from the noise in the forest. Her gaze was fixated on So'lek, watching and following as he led her through the foliage.

“I wish to show you something” So’lek’s lips curled into a faint smirk, a rare sight that everyone cherished. Especially her. “Mhm, I think you're just planning my demise” She huffed out a laugh, tail swaying slowly from side to side. “Perhaps” His teasing tone was a balm on her heart, smooth and heavy like a weighted blanket.

She could listen to it forever.

The starlight illuminated the forest as they continued on their path, climbing over tree trunks and under the foliage. So'lek seemed determined, a tension in his shoulders that has been there for a while now, even moreso than usual. (Y/n) tried to get it out of him, to get him to talk about it, but he was far too stubborn.

But then again... They both are. Especially when it comes to each other.

“Close your eyes” So'lek instructed.

“That sounds sketchy—”

“Will you please not fight me this one time?” He groaned through his teeth, a slightly irritable sway in his tail.

“Fine—” (Y/n) huffed back, her eyes fluttering shut. Despite the noise around her, So’lek’s grip on her hand kept her grounded. He was her anchor, carefully leading her down the path that felt oddly familiar.

So'lek is a man on a mission— but this one is more personal than usual. They had been dancing around for a while now, their relationship full of love and respect for the other, but there was one thing missing. Tsaheylu. He had been thinking about it for a while now, wishing— aching to be bonded with her.

So'lek is not a man of many words, he doesn't quite know how he'd bring the topic up, so instead, he decided to use his actions. Helping you climb the rock up to the glade of light, making sure your eyes are still sealed shut. He knows you're anxious by the way your tail curls inward, but his heart thumped from the trust you put in him.

“Alright” He murmured, his hands falling to her waist to help guide her closer. (Y/n) Let out a heavy breath, anxiety and anticipation warring together. “Open your eyes, Yawne” So'lek whispered softly by her ear, watching as she opened her eyes.

She blinked once, then twice. “The glade of light?” She asked, her brows pinching together in confusion, her tail whipping softly. “I don't get it, why did you—” Her breath hitched the moment she looked at him. His yellow eyes looked like starlight under the bioluminescence of the tree, his attention fixated solely on her as his fingers curled around her side.

“I wish to make the bond with you” So'lek said carefully, his gaze searching hers for whatever she may be thinking in this moment.

“But I'd—” She swallowed thickly, heart hammering, “So’lek I'd have to connect with Eywa” She whispered breathlessly. The mere thought made her hands calm up, hell, she's been in her Avatar for so long, but never once dared to connect with Eywa.

“Yes— but I will not force you” So'lek said carefully as she turned her to face him. “I wished to make my intentions clear with you, that I want you” His words made her throat tighten, her hand on his bicep, trying to keep herself grounded as she processed the situation.

(Y/n) swallowed thickly, a small tremble in her hand as she looked at him, her gaze slowly shifting back to the tree. “I don't want to taint her” She whispered, her grip tightening by a fraction on his arm.

So’lek’s expression hardened, his hand reaching up to cup her jaw, turning her gaze back towards him. “You will not taint her” He stated firmly, his eyes locked onto hers, “You care for Eywa’s creations as if they're your own. You heal them, protect them— you fight for them”.

She was silent for a moment, her head leaning into his touch with a shuddered breath, “And... You're certain that it's me you want?” (Y/n) asked quietly.

So’lek smiled softly, his hand fully cupping her cheek, “I am more than certain, Yawne” He whispered. He leaned down, his forehead resting against hers, “I’ve known that it's been you” So’lek’s words soothed her worries, even if only a little.

He pulled back just enough to look at her, “Oel ngati kameie”. (Y/n)’s throat bobbed at the words, I see you, those words were worth far more than anyone else might think. Because to Na’vi, that meant love, that meant that they saw you— not just the front you put up, not even the way you physically present yourself, but that they saw you.

Body, mind, and soul.

It meant everything.

“Oel ngati kameie” (Y/n) repeated hoarsely, her eyes watery from emotion that threatened to wreck her.

So’lek gently wiped beneath her eyes, brushing away any tears that threatened to fall. “Come” He whispered softly, his hand falling to hers as he led her closer to the tree. He carefully grabbed his kuru, the pink tendrils at the end carefully connecting to the trees. His pupils expanded as he took a deep breath, reaching for (Y/n)’s hand, “We can connect together” He kept his tone soft, soothing— trying to encourage her.

With a heavy breath (Y/n) stepped closer, hesitantly grabbing her kuru. She pulled it over her shoulder, the pink tendrils reaching out, “Are you sure?” She asked again, a small tremble in her hand.

“More than” He whispered back, his hand resting on her arm. With another beat of anxiety, she finally pressed her kuru to his. The pink tendrils wrapped around his and the neurological vine, the air slipping from her lungs as her head rolled to the side, her pupils blown.

“Holy shit...” She breathed out, her body tingling from the sensation. So’lek kept his grip on her arm, helping steady her.

“Are you okay?” So’lek asked carefully, his thumb rubbing soothing lines up and down your arm. He watched your every move, every reaction. He knew this could be overwhelming, but he wanted to be there with you, helping you through it. “Yes, it's just a bit... overwhelming” She whispered softly.

So'lek smiled softly at her, nodding his head once, “It can be, especially when you've never done it before” He raised his hand to her cheek, his fingers brushing against her skin. He was gentle with her, he always was no matter the situation, but right now? he wanted nothing more than to worship her.

“Yawne...” He whispered quietly as he broke the connection, keeping his kuru over his shoulder. (Y/n)'s gaze shifted back to him, the look in his eyes making her skin prickle.

She couldn't help but wonder if there was a Na'vi equivalent to “Bedroom eye's”, because her body lit up like wildfire. Her blue skin flushing a warm purple. Slowly, she severed her own link, her gaze unable to stay on his for long with the sudden nervousness that coursed through her.

“Are you okay with this, Yawne?” So'lek asked carefully, wanting her thoughts and consent, “There is no rush if you're not ready—”

“I'm ready” (Y/n) stated quickly, her face still flushed but her eyes were determined, full of love and affection she held just for him. Even though her fingers trembled with nervousness.

So'lek smiled at her, carefully guiding her to the ground with him, “I will take care of you” He whispered softly, helping her lay back on the plush grass. His hands, much larger than hers, rested over her knees, pushing her legs apart to make space for himself.

“I got you” So’lek whispered before their lips pressed together. It wasn't rough or demanding— it was savouring, reverent. Her hands cupped his face, head tilting as their lips molded together, moving in a slow, sensual rhythm.

So’lek’s reached for his kuru, brushing the hair away at the end, “Ready, Yawne?” He asked quietly against her lips. (Y/n) Nodded slowly, grasping her own kuru and holding the end up. The tendrils slowly laced together, a ragged gasp escaping them both. “Fuck—” (Y/n) cursed breathlessly, a tingling sensation coursing through her body.

Every breath felt cold in her lungs, the lights of the tree were far more vibrant, and everything felt too much but so good all at once. “Easy” So'lek whispered against her skin, his lips trailing along her jaw, “Breathe, yawne”.

She focused on his voice, on the tingling sensation of his lips on her skin— it felt electric, she could feel his own heartbeat as if it were her own, a connection far beyond anything humans could imagine. It was the merging of spirit, body, and mind. “It’s... Definitely overwhelming” (Y/n) stated breathlessly, her heart pounding.

“I know” So'lek whispered, “Take your time, no rush”.

Steady breaths filled the air between them both while So'lek continued to press kisses along her jaw and throat, his hands brushing against the skin of her stomach, “So beautiful...” He whispered breathlessly, her back arching slightly as his lips traveled lower, “I’m ready” she whispered softly.

So’lek groaned, his lips traveling lower. He helped her out of her top, his head dipping down to start kissing the valley between her breasts. A shuddered breath slipped past (Y/n)'s lips, her hands resting upon So'lek's shoulders.

A moan ripped through her as So'lek's lips wrapped around her nipple, tongue lapping over it, feeling it pebble beneath his tongue. A rough sound left him, his hands traveling down her sides, “Yawne...” He whispered breathlessly, kissing down lower.

Through their connection, they could feel each other's desire, the heat coiling below their stomach, the rising temperature in their body that made them ache. So'lek's fingers trembled with anticipation— he wanted to strip her bare by simply ripping her clothes off, metaphorically, maybe. He waited for this moment, and dreamed of it— but this was your first time together as mates.

He needed it to be special, for her, for him. So he went slow as he removed the rest of her clothes. His pupils dilate at the sight of her pretty cunt, a heavy breath slipping past his fangs. “Let's get you ready...” he murmured, dipping his head down.

He pushed her thighs open with his shoulders, hooking them up and over. His lips trailed down her inner thighs, his gaze flicking upwards towards her. (Y/n)'s lashes fluttered, her chest rising and falling in anticipation.

“Hah—!” She gasped when his mouth finally connected to her, his lips wrapping around her clit to give it a careful suck before his tongue lapped between her folds. So'lek's eyes fluttered shut, a rough groan slipping past his lips as he buried his head deeper between her thighs.

(Y/n) felt her toes curl, pleasure surging through her veins, hot and mind numbing in the best way possible. “So’lek—” She gasped, her back arching as she moaned. The sound only spurred him on, his thumb coming up to roll her pretty clit in tight circles as his mouth moved lower. His tongue pressed against her hole before slowly pushing inside.

Her eyes rolled back a strangled noise slipping past her lips. The connection through their kuru’s made her feel everything tenfold. She could feel his desire, practically able to taste herself on her tongue, fuck it made her salivate. Which is what So'lek was shamelessly doing. His drool and her slick making it easy for his long tongue to drag in and out of her weeping cunt.

“Come on yawne... Cum for me” So'lek whispered against her folds, pushing his tongue back in deeper and deeper. Her thighs shook, her grip tightening in his braids. “Fuck— I'm so close” She choked out, gasping for air as her body tensed. So'lek curled his tongue, hitting that mind blowing spot that had her aching.

“Oh my—!” Her body quaked, a strangled cry leaving her as she came on his tongue. So'lek held her hips, drinking down every drop with a soft groan. “Sevin... So, so pretty” He whispered breathlessly, tongue lapping slowly between her folds to ease her through her orgasm before pressing a soft kiss to her clit.

So'lek pressed gentle kisses up her body until he captured her lips with his own, his hand cupping her jaw, tilting her head up. “I love you” So'lek murmured against her lips, his pupils blown wide. It made her breath hitch, she couldn't just hear his words, but she felt it— she could feel his love surging between them both, making her own heart race.

“I love you too” (Y/n) whispered breathlessly. With a small surge of confidence, she rolled them over, straddling his hips, his hands settling upon hers. “Ready?” She asked, as she slowly lowered herself, letting out a shuddering breath as she felt his cock against her core.

“More than” So'lek nodded, helping raise her over his length.

With a careful breath, (Y/n)'s hand slowly wrapped around his length, watching in awe as his tip flushed a purple hue. She swallowed thickly, gasping softly as she guided his tip through her soaked folds. So'lek hissed through clenched teeth, his head falling back as his hips jerked.

Finally, without more teasing (Y/n) guided his tip to her entrance, a gentle nudge against the tight ring before she finally sank down onto his cock. A sharp gasped ripped through her, hands gripping his shoulders with a drawn out whine.

“Fuck—” She panted heavily while So'lek's hands gripped her hips, thumbs carefully rubbing soothing circles on her skin. It felt incredible— her tight heat surrounding him like a velvet glove. As much as he wanted to take over— he'll let her start the pace, let her get comfortable.

“You’re doing beautifully, yawne” So'lek whispered breathlessly, his tail curling up between his legs to entwine with hers, connected at all angles.

(Y/n) nodded breathlessly, slowly lowering herself more. Once she was fully seated, she sucked in a shuddering breath. Her eyes met his, pleasure and desire burning at every nerve. With a small boost of confidence, she placed her hands on his chest and raised her hips— before sinking back down, over and over—

“So’lek—” (Y/n) whined, she could feel him everywhere, the purple glow of the tree casting soft shadows across their skin. Her lashes flushed as she continued to bounce on his cock, rolling her hips to take him as deep as she could with a sharp gasp.

So'lek's hands trailed up her sides, heavy breaths escaping him as his hands rested over her breasts, squeezing before rolling her nipples with his thumbs.

She looked beautiful, more than beautiful— So'lek couldn't help but stare. This is his mate, the love of his life— the one his soul is bound too. His tail curled tighter around hers, fangs barring with each groan of pleasure. She felt so good, too good.

Then his gaze shifted higher, his breath hitching as he caught sight of the atokirina. The seeds of the sacred tree hovering around them as if Eywa herself was blessing their union— it was all the encouragement he needed to flip them over, careful to set (Y/n) on her back, “Let me take care of you now, paskalin” So'lek whispered breathlessly.

She nodded quickly, her hands tangling in the loose strands of his hair, her forehead against his. So'lek gripped her thighs, hiking them up over his hips before dragging his cock out to the tip, only to rut deep back inside. (Y/n) moaned in his ear, her body trembling as she tilted her head to capture his lips. It was messy and desperate— filled with love and hunger that threatened to consume them.

“You feel perfect—” So'lek groaned, “My mate” he whispered sweet nothing's in her ear, hips dragging and pushing in an agonizing pace that left (Y/n) on the edge. “I got you, I have you—” He hissed, one hand leaving her thigh to move between them, his thumb pressing against her clit.

“Hah—! So'lek!” (Y/n) cried out, her pussy clenching around his cock, toes curling as every hit to her g-spot sent her closer to the edge. The added stimulation only provided more mind numbing pleasure, her body felt so hot and heavy, nails digging into his scarred back and dragging down.

He hissed again, the sting only making his cock twitch inside her. He picked up the pace, rutting into her harder now, his body pressing down firmly against hers, not wanting any space between them as he rolled her clit with his thumb.

“Cum for me, paskalin” He groaned, gently nipping at her ear before kissing her. Their tongues intertwined, teeth clinking together as her body shook, locking up as she cried out against his lips, “So’lek!” Her pussy spasmed around his cock, coming hard. It hit him quickly after— another drag of his cock, another rough drive into her until he stilled, groaning into her ear as he came inside her.

With heavy breaths he continued to fuck into her, slower than before, but drawing out every inch of her pleasure.

Finally after a few moments, So'lek rolled onto his side, his arm wrapping around her waist to drag her back against his chest. The grass was soft beneath them, his other arm going under her head to provide her with a pillow. They didn't rush to speak, not after all the energy they spent up, and So'lek certainly didn't rush to disconnect their kuru's.

(Y/n) was the first to break the silence, “That was...” she panted softly, her body aching in all the right ways, even with the slightly uncomfortable stickiness between her thighs, “That was the best thing I've ever experienced” She finally whispered.

She could practically feel his joy through their connection, his content, his love. It was a beautiful feeling, something that was reserved for the Na’vi body. “I'm glad, I wasn't too rough with you, was I?” So'lek asked carefully, his hand tracing gentle patterns on her stomach.

“No, you were perfect” She murmured, leaning into his touch.

“Good... You were even better, yawne” He hummed softly, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of her shoulder.

After another moment, he finally pulled out of her. He was careful as he got her on her back, he needed to clean her, it was necessary. He wanted her to feel comfortable, so as he carefully cleaned the mess between her legs, he peppered her with kisses. It was the most affectionate she'd ever seen him.

But like hell was she going to complain about it. Especially as he pressed soft kisses to her jaw and throat, lips brushing against the slope of her cheek and right against her temple.

He is hers, and she is his. Bonded in a way that went beyond physical and emotional. He'd protect her with his life, fight for her, learn for her— because he loves her.

He loves her in all shapes and forms, loves her heart, and mind, and he is more than happy to spend the rest of his days by her side.

[just-another-idk]

The Adult Edition of Ch 17

[just-another-idk]

Gentle Hands

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

Part 16.5 > Part 17 > Part 18 (18+ edition)

Dedicated to @grackyb and @yaaraz and @layingintheloam Keep your eye out because @revelutionize is writing the 18+ version of this chapter

Forever

The sun was setting. Golden light spilled through the trees of the sanctuary, turning every leaf to molten amber.

(Y/n) stood near the shelter entrance, trying very hard not to pace. Trying very hard not to panic. Trying very hard not to think.

Unfortunately, she was failing at all three.

Her hands smoothed over the outfit for perhaps the twentieth time.

Nefika's handiwork was breathtaking. Delicate woven flowers and petals wrapped elegantly across her form, trailing like living vines. Soft purples and blues reflected the colors of twilight.

The outfit felt beautiful.

And terrifying.

Mostly terrifying.

Because this kind of outfit was designed to be eycatching. She knew exactly whose eyes she wanted to impress.

The realization immediately sent another rush of heat into her cheeks.

"Oh god."

Her heart was pounding.

An ikran called overhead. Her head snapped upward instantly.

All thoughts vanished.

Iley descended through the trees. Landing at the edge of the sanctuary.

And suddenly her nervousness became something else entirely. Anticipation.

The warrior slid from Iley's back.

For a moment neither moved. Neither spoke.

So'lek had cleaned up as well. His braids had been carefully redone, every strand neat and orderly. A simple cord rested across his forehead, a pale bead at its center. Around his neck hung a carved necklace of beads and a tooth charm worn smooth from the time it took to fashion it. Instead of his usual armor, he wore woven shoulder pieces that framed his broad shoulders and chest. Deep violet fabric rested around his neck and upper torso, contrasting against the blue of his skin. The leather bracelet she had made for him sat proudly upon his wrist.

Then his eyes found her. And he froze. The world seemed to stop. The sounds of the sanctuary faded. The evening breeze vanished.

There was only her. Standing beneath the golden light. Waiting for him.

Beautiful.

Eywa.

Beautiful did not begin to cover it.

For a moment So'lek genuinely forgot how to breathe. Forgot what he had intended to say. Forgot every carefully planned word.

Because the woman standing before him looked like something out of a dream. Like a blessing gifted by Eywa herself.

The flowers woven into her clothing seemed to glow in the fading sunlight. Her hair had been carefully brushed and arranged. The necklace he had made for her rested against her skin. And her face—Her face was already turning red beneath the intensity of his stare.

It made his heart pull painfully in his chest.

His jaw tightened slightly. Because no one had ever looked this beautiful.

(Y/n) immediately became self-conscious beneath the silence. "So'lek?"

The quiet question finally pulled him back to reality.

The warrior swallowed. Still staring. Still looking as though he'd forgotten every language he knew.

The poor woman shifted nervously. "Is it bad?"

The question nearly broke his heart.

Bad?

The warrior crossed the distance between them before she could retreat into embarrassment.

One hand gently found her cheek. His thumb brushing softly across warm skin. His eyes never left hers. "Yawne."

The word came out rougher than intended. Filled with emotion. Wonder. Affection. Everything he could not quite put into words.

"You are beautiful."

(Y/n)'s breath caught.

So'lek looked as though he was seeing her for the first time. As though he couldn't quite believe she was real.

The warrior shook his head softly. Still stunned. Still trying to recover. "I do not think Nefika likes me very much."

Confusion immediately crossed her face. "What?"

His gaze slowly traveled over the flowers, the woven petals, the elegant craftsmanship. Then returned to her eyes.

"Because she has made it very difficult for me to think."

And suddenly she was blushing harder than ever.

The warrior's smile softened.

And as the last rays of sunlight painted the sanctuary gold, So'lek found himself thinking that every hour spent preparing for tonight had been worth it. Because standing before him was the woman he loved. And she was more beautiful than anything he could have imagined.

The compliment had left her flustered.

The way he had looked at her had somehow been even worse. Or better. She had not yet decided.

Possibly both.

Now, standing beneath the fading evening sky, she found herself staring at the large hand extended toward her.

So'lek's hand.

The warrior's golden eyes held hers. He took her hand gently. The touch immediately steadied her racing heart.

Only a little. Because what came next made it start racing all over again.

"Last chance to change your mind, (Y/n)." The words were quiet. Serious.

The warrior's thumb brushed across her knuckles. "If you come with me tonight..."

His voice lowered. "There is no going back."

He was giving her a choice. One final choice.

The woman looked up at him.

Really looked at him. At the warrior who had protected her. Comforted her. Loved her.

The man who had become the home of her heart.

Her answer came immediately. "There is nothing to change."

"I love you."

For a moment the warrior simply stared at her. The words striking him with the same force every time he heard them. As though some part of him still could not quite believe she had loved him.

Then he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Lingering there.

Eyes closed briefly.

Thanking Eywa.

Then he smiled. The genuine smile she rarely saw. The one reserved only for her.

"Come."

His fingers intertwined with hers. Guiding her toward where Iley waited.

(Y/n) followed willingly.

Though curiosity was rapidly beginning to outweigh her nerves. "Where are you taking me?"

The warrior glanced back over his shoulder. The moonlight caught in his eyes. "The Glade of Light."

For once, perhaps the first time since she'd met him— She felt no fear climbing onto Iley's back.

No dread. No nervous glances downward. No complaints about falling. Instead she settled behind him and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist.

The warrior's hand briefly covered hers. A silent reassurance.

Then Iley launched into the sky.

The flight was quiet. Peaceful.

The world below glowed softly beneath the moonlight. Pandora stretching endlessly beneath them. Floating mountains hanging like stars in the darkness.

Neither spoke much. Neither seemed to need to.

(Y/n) rested her cheek against So'lek's back. Listening to the steady beat of his heart. The familiar rhythm. The rhythm that always calmed her.

And before she knew it— The journey was over.

Iley descended gracefully. Landing among ancient trees bathed in bioluminescent light.

The Glade of Light.

The last remnants of sunset had vanished completely. Night had claimed the sky. The stars shone overhead. The glowing plants illuminated the forest floor in soft blues and greens.

So'lek dismounted first. Then turned. Offering her his hand.

(Y/n) took it.

Stepping down beside him.

The moment her feet touched the ground she noticed something.

The glade was empty.

Just the two of them.

The realization made her heart flutter.

The warrior squeezed her hand gently. Then began leading her deeper into the glowing forest. The deeper they walked into the Glade of Light, the quieter the world became. The glowing trees hung like curtains of violet stars. Soft streams trickled in the background. Every branch shimmered with bioluminescent light.

(Y/n) found herself slowing as they entered the heart of it.

The sight stole her breath.

Towering Trees of Voices stretched toward the night sky, their luminous tendrils swaying gently in the breeze. The glow reflected in her eyes. In the wonder written across her face.

So'lek watched her take it all in. And found himself smiling.

Because even now, after everything she had seen on Pandora, she could still be awed by its beauty.

"You know what these trees are?" His voice was soft.

(Y/n) nodded. "The Trees of Voices."

Her eyes remained fixed upward. "Where your people connect to Eywa."

The warrior's expression softened. "Yes."

Slowly he stepped forward. His kuru lifting.

The glowing tendrils drifted lazily around them.

So'lek connected first. Then he looked back at her. Motioning silently.

(Y/n) stepped forward. Her hands trembled slightly. Slowly she raised her own kuru. The connection formed.

And suddenly—Voices. Echoes. Memories. Laughter. Songs.

The distant sounds of countless lives that had come before.

The sensation washed over her like a warm tide.

Her breath caught.

The wonder on her face nearly brought tears to So'lek's eyes.

After a long moment, So'lek gently disconnected.

 (Y/n) did the same.

The warrior stepped closer. Until there was barely any distance between them.

His hands found hers. The other rising to cup her cheek. His forehead rested against hers.

The familiar gesture. The one that always made her feel warm inside.

"There are a few steps to make you my mate."

"And you mine."

(Y/n)'s heart raced.

So'lek lifted his queue. His eyes never left hers. "Bond with me."

Slowly—She joined her kuru with his. The connection formed instantly. And suddenly the world changed.

(Y/n) gasped. She could feel him. Not hear his thoughts. Not see memories.

Feel him.

The steady beat of his heart. The strength of his devotion. The overwhelming certainty with which he loved her. The fierce protectiveness. The tenderness. The longing he had spent months holding back.

His admiration. His affection. The sheer depth of emotion nearly overwhelmed her.

It was like standing in sunlight. Like being wrapped in warmth. Like discovering that every loving glance he had ever given her had only been a fraction of what he truly felt.

A soft sound escaped her.

Across from her, So'lek experienced much the same. He felt her racing heart. The warmth flooding her face. The nervous excitement.

Most importantly— No fear. No hesitation. No uncertainty.

Only love. Only anticipation. Only her heart reaching back toward his.

It nearly undid him. His eyes closed briefly. Relief washing through him. Because for all his confidence, for all his certainty, a small part of him had still worried.

Not anymore. Not now. Now he knew that she was as certain about him as her was of her.

When their eyes met again, neither could look away.

"Next?" The word emerged as little more than a whisper.

The warrior smiled. His thumb brushed across her cheek. "I mate with you before Eywa."

"And when the sun rises..."

His forehead remained against hers. "We shall be mates."

Then softly, "Muntxatan and muntxate."

His eyes shone in the glow of the trees."For life."

(Y/n)'s breath caught.

The enormity of it settled over her. Not frightening.Not overwhelming.

Right.

Somehow simply right.

A smile touched her lips. Then she looked up at him.

A little of her usual shyness returning. "I think..."

The warrior raised an eyebrow.

"...that should start with a kiss."

The laugh that escaped him was warm. Full of affection.

Then he cupped her face. As though she were something precious. And kissed her.

Beneath the glowing Trees of Voices. Beneath the stars. With Eywa as witness.

And for a little while, neither thought about tomorrow. Only about each other.

The connection between them made it impossible to hide.

Impossible to pretend.

Every emotion flowed freely across the bond.

His devotion. Her trust.

His longing. Her anticipation.

The certainty that neither of them wished to be anywhere else.

Without breaking the kiss, So'lek guided her gently down onto the soft moss and grasses beneath the Trees of Voices.

(Y/n) found herself laughing softly against his lips as the bond carried every feeling between them.

The warrior's affection washed over her like warmth. So much affection. So much love.

It made her heart flutter.

She lay beneath him, glowing branches framing the night sky above.

For a moment she simply looked at him.

Her eyes widened slightly. Because she could feel it. How much he wanted her, how long that want had ben building up for some time.

"You have been wanting this for quite some time."

A smile touched So'lek's mouth. "You are a beautiful woman."

He kissed her forehead. Then her cheek. Then the corner of her mouth. "And an attractive one."

Her fave flushed. The bond carried her embarrassment straight to him.

Which only made his smile grow.

Another kiss.

"It has taken much restraint."

His forehead rested briefly against hers. Golden eyes never leaving her own.

"Because I have wanted you since the first time I kissed you."

The confession stole her breath.

(Y/n)'s hand rose to his face. Her fingers tracing familiar features. The scar she knew so well. The line of his jaw.

The warrior closed his eyes briefly at the touch.

Leaning into it.

The bond carried his feelings clearly enough that words were hardly necessary now.

Love. Devotion. The desire to spend the rest of his life beside her. He desperate want for her.

Nothing hidden. Nothing withheld.

The woman smiled softly.

And through the bond he felt it. Felt the sheer depth of her love all over again.

So'lek kissed her again.

For a long moment neither moved. Content simply to remain there together. On the edge of a new chapter in their lives.

With the stars above. And Eywa as witness.

The moment his hands settled against her thighs, gently pushing them apart, (Y/n)'s breath caught.

Not because she was afraid.

That realization struck her unexpectedly.

There should have been fear.Once upon a time there always had been. Fear of being cornered. Fear of being trapped. Fear of hands that took rather than asked.

Yet as she looked up at So'lek, she found none of it.

Her heart raced so hard she was certain he could feel it through their bond.

Every glance he gave her carried the same question Are you certain?

Every touch carried the same promise I will not hurt you.

It settled deep within her chest. For perhaps the first time in her life, she felt completely safe being looked at.

Completely safe being wanted.

And somehow that made her want him all the more.

As he knelt in between her thighs So'lek's heart thundered in his chest.

Through their bond he could feel every flutter of her pulse. Every nervous thought. Every surge of affection.

Yet beneath it all he found something that nearly brought him to his knees.

Trust.

Because she was choosing him.

Freely.

Not out of obligation. Not out of fear. Not because she had nowhere else to go.

She was choosing him because she loved him.

The warrior closed his eyes briefly.

Thanking Eywa.

Thanking everything out there who had guided his path to this woman.

Desire still burned fiercely within him, but it was no longer the strongest thing he felt. Stronger than that was devotion.Stronger than that was the overwhelming certainty that he wanted every sunrise and every sunset that remained in his life to be spent beside her.

His mate.

His yawne.

His heart.

His forever.

(Y/n) woke with a sharp breath.

For a few precious seconds she did not know where she was.

She could still feel him. Still feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The warmth of his chest beneath her cheek. The strength of his arms around her. The feel of him emotions and body entwined with hers. The overwhelming certainty of his love.

It lingered like sunlight on skin.

Like the last notes of a song.

There.

Yet already fading.

The immediacy of it was slipping away with every passing second. Becoming a memory.

A ghost.

A beautiful one.

She sat up slowly inside the link bed. The movement felt wrong. Everything felt wrong.

Cold. Empty. Small.

Her hands rested in her lap.

Human hands. Fragile hands. Not the hands that had held his face only hours ago. Not the body that was claimed by him.

A strange ache settled in her chest. The kind of ache that came from missing someone who was still alive.

Someone who was waiting for her. Someone she would see again.

Yet somehow not soon enough.

Her eyes lowered to her hands. And suddenly she hated them.

Not because there was anything wrong with them. Because they reminded her where she was. Reminded her what she wasn't.

The realization struck her all over again.

Mated.

The word echoed through her thoughts.

Married in Navi tradition.

For life.

Her breath caught.

A small smile appeared. Then immediately vanished as the ache returned.

So'lek. Her muntxatan. Her husband.

For life.

The thought should have felt impossible. Ridiculous. Instead it felt right. Like something that had always been meant to happen.

Slowly she got up from the link bed.

The room felt unbearably quiet.

Every step away from it felt worse. As though she were moving further from him. Further from the place she belonged.

She exited the link room. Someone called her name. Perhaps Priya. Perhaps Nalin.

Perhaps someone else entirely.

She genuinely did not know. The words barely registered.

She offered some vague response. Or perhaps she didn't.

She couldn't remember.

Her thoughts remained elsewhere.

The walk to her room passed in a blur. The door closed behind her.

Finally. Alone.

Alone.

(Y/n) crossed the room quickly and practically collapsed onto her bed.

Immediately hugging her pillow. Holding it tightly against her chest. As though that might somehow help.

It didn't. Not really.

Because it wasn't him. Nothing here was him.

No warm laugh. No gentle rumble of his voice. No hand brushing through her hair. No heartbeat. No So'lek.

The realization hurt far more than she expected.

Her eyes squeezed shut.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow she would see him. Tomorrow she could return. Tomorrow she could be in his arms again.

The thought brought some comfort.

Then another thought surfaced.

One that immediately made her bury her face deeper into the pillow.

Tomorrow.

A violent blush spread across her face.

"Oh Eywa." The poor woman groaned.

Because now every memory came rushing back.

His smile. His voice. The way he had looked at her. The way he had spoken her name.

His touch lingered on her skin as if she could still feel every second his hands traced across her body.

Her face somehow became even hotter. She buried herself further into the pillow.

Hopelessly happy. Completely in love.

And desperately wishing morning would arrive faster.

Because for the first time in her life— She knew exactly where home was.

And it was waiting for her.

The moment her eyes opened the next morning, she was moving. No lingering beneath the blankets. No slowly waking up.

She was out of bed and halfway down the corridor before she was fully conscious.

The link room.

She needed the link room.

She needed—

"(Y/n)." Alma's voice cut across the hallway.

The woman stopped only because Alma was standing directly in front of the door.

For a moment they simply stared at one another.

"Where are you going so early?"

"Out."

Alma folded her arms. "I've been meaning to talk to you."

(Y/n)'s eyes narrowed.

That sentence never led anywhere pleasant.

"What about?"

"You and So'lek."

Immediately her patience evaporated. The woman sighed. Deeply. As though already exhausted.

"You've been getting close."

"And?"

Alma hesitated. "I think it's an inappropriate relationship."

For a moment there was silence.

Then (Y/n) laughed. Not because it was funny. Because it was ridiculous.

"Tell that to Jake Sully."

Alma blinked.

"Or Norm Spellman."

Another blink.

"Or any other avatar driver who married a Na'vi."

The older woman looked caught off guard. Then realization dawned. Her eyes widened. "You mated with him?"

The smile that appeared on (Y/n)'s face was small. Gentle. Thinking of him. "Yes."

Alma stared.

Meanwhile (Y/n) already looked done with the conversation.

"I know you'll have a problem with it." The smile vanished. Not angry. Just tired.

"You have a problem with everything I do."

Alma opened her mouth.

The younger woman continued.

"And I think it's because you're jealous."

That finally made Alma flinch. The truth often did.

"You are desperate to belong."

(Y/n)'s voice remained calm.

"You want what I have with the Sarentu."

"The Aranahe."

"So'lek."

"Everyone."

"And because you don't have it, you take it out on me."

Alma looked away first. For once, she had no answer. No criticism. No argument.

Nothing.

(Y/n) nodded. As though that alone confirmed everything. Then stepped toward the link room.

"I'm not putting up with that anymore."

Her hand found the door controls.

She smiled.One that instantly transformed her entire face. "I'm going back to my mate."

The word felt wonderful.

Mate.

Her mate.

She loved how it sounded.

"Unless you want me to tell him you're bothering me."

The threat wasn't even a threat. Just a statement of fact.

Alma immediately turned. And walked away.

(Y/n) waited exactly long enough to make sure she was gone.

Then practically threw herself into the link pod.

The lid had barely closed before she was already initiating the transfer.

The link engaged.

Darkness.

Then—Warmth.

Life. Pandora. And him.

The moment her eyes opened in her avatar body she rolled over. Straight into strong arms. Waiting arms. Familiar arms.

Home.

The sound she made was embarrassingly happy. Something between a sigh and a relieved laugh. She immediately curled against him. Holding onto him. Refusing to let go.

The ghost of last night still lingered.

It all returned the moment she touched him.

And suddenly the ache she'd felt upon waking vanished. Gone.

As though it had never existed. Because she was back where she belonged.

With him.

(Y/n) simply stared at him. Taking in every familiar feature. The scars.

The warrior she loved.

Her handsome mate.

The thought alone made her smile.

Mate.

It sounded better every time.

A moment later So'lek stirred. Slowly waking.

His arm instinctively tightening around her before he had fully opened his eyes.

The gesture made her heart melt.

"You returned early." His voice was rough with sleep.

(Y/n) immediately smiled. "I found it hard to stay away."

One eye opened. Then the other.

The warrior studied her. Then frowned.

"You did not eat." The accusation came instantly.

Of course it did.

(Y/n) groaned. "How could I?"

The warrior sighed. A long suffering sigh.

The kind she knew very well.

Then he leaned forward and kissed her. The sort of kiss that somehow managed to communicate both love and disapproval simultaneously.

A unique talent of his.

(Y/n) smiled against his lips. Then her expression softened.

The happiness fading slightly.

Something more vulnerable replacing it.

"I don't want to wake up anymore." The words slipped out before she could stop them.

Immediately So'lek's expression changed. Concern replacing amusement. "Yawne?"

His hand found her cheek. "What is it you mean?"

(Y/n) looked away briefly. Searching for the right words. "I don't want to wake up in my human body anymore."

The confession emerged quietly. Almost embarrassed. "I want to remain in this one."

Her eyes met his. "With you."

The warrior stilled. "(Y/n)..."

The sadness in her voice hurt. More than he expected.

Then she spoke again. The words striking him straight in the heart. "Wasn't it you who said I belonged with you no matter which body I inhabit?"

The reminder made his chest tighten. Because he had. He meant it now just as much as he had then.

The warrior leaned forward. Kissing her softly.

Holding her face between his hands.

Then again.

And again.

Trying to soothe something he could was hurting inside her.

"Please."

"I can't wake up without you anymore."

The confession nearly undid him. And suddenly So'lek understood.

Not because she had explained it.

Because he felt it too.

The morning had felt wrong without her. The space beside him had felt empty.

He had woken reaching for someone who wasn't there.

His mate.

The realization struck him with surprising force.

The choice was always yours. The words sat on the tip of his tongue.

But his thoughts had become tangled.

Because hearing her say it—

Hearing her admit she wanted to remain with him—

Filled him with something dangerously close to joy.

Not because he wanted to take her choice away. Never that.

Because she was choosing him.

Again.

The warrior closed his eyes briefly. Resting his forehead against hers.

Then he wrapped both arms around her. Pulling her tightly against his chest. As though he could somehow protect her from ever feeling alone again.

"Ma yawne."

The words were almost a whisper. Filled with affection. Filled with love."If you remain."

His hand brushed through her hair. "If you leave."

Another kiss against her forehead. "If you wake in this body or the other."

His arms tightened slightly. "You are still my mate."

The certainty in his voice never wavered.

Never could. Because there was no version of the world where he loved her less.

No body she could inhabit that would change what she meant to him.

He held her for a long moment. Simply enjoying the fact she was there. Back in his arms.

The warrior had spent years alone.

Years expecting to wake to silence.

Now he woke to her. Curled against his chest.

Looking at him as though he hung the stars above Pandora.

It did dangerous things to his heart.

He tenderly kissed her cheek.

"But first," he murmured.

(Y/n) blinked. "What?"

Before she could ask another question, the warrior rolled them gently.

The movement earned a surprised squeak from her.

A moment later she found herself beneath him. His arms planted on either side of her. Creating a wall between her and the rest of the world.

The position immediately made her blush.

The terrible man noticed.

His smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"So'lek."

"Yes, yawne?"

The amusement in his voice made her narrow her eyes.

A hopeless effort considering how red her face had become.

The warrior lowered his head.

Pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

Then another to her cheek.

"I wish to have my mate one more time."

The words were warm. Affectionate.

Filled with the kind of happiness that still felt new to him.

The wonder of being able to call her that.

Mate.

His mate.

(Y/n)'s blush deepened immediately.

The warrior laughed softly.

Then he kissed her. Gentle. Unhurried.

The kind of kiss that said everything words could not.

When he finally pulled back, he simply looked at her. Studied her. Memorized her.

The morning light illuminating her face. Her hair. The faint flush in her cheeks.

Every detail.

As though he feared forgetting.

His hand brushed lightly through her hair.

"You are staring."

"I know."

"Why?"

The answer came immediately.

"Because you are beautiful."

(Y/n) groaned.

The warrior's smile widened. "There is that face again."

"What face?"

"The one you make when I compliment you."

"I do not make a face."

"You do."

The woman immediately crossed her arms.

Or tried to.

The effort was ruined by the fact he was still leaning over her.

The warrior looked entirely too pleased with himself.

"You are impossible."

"So, you keep telling me."

He captured her lips in a kiss again, listening to the small sound she made as he gently grabbed her thigh and hooked it over his hips, settling in between her legs.

“You are impossible,” she mumbled against his lips, he silenced her by kissing her much more deeply.

And she let him because she wanted her mate as well.

(Y/n) lay sprawled comfortably across his chest.

Her head resting above his heart. Listening. The steady rhythm beneath her ear had become one of her favorite sounds.

For the first time in a very long time, she felt completely at peace.

A little breathless.

A little overwhelmed.

But peaceful.

Her fingers absentmindedly traced small circles against his chest. Back and forth.

Again.

And again.

So'lek watched her quietly.

Feeling the last of the nervous excitement slowly drain from her through their Tsaheylu.

The frantic energy she'd arrived with. The longing. The desperation to return to him.

All of it gradually settling.

Replacing itself with contentment.

The kind that came from knowing exactly where she belonged.

The warrior found himself smiling.

His hand drifted through her hair. As though he couldn't stop touching her.

As though he needed the constant reassurance that she was real.

That this wasn't some dream Eywa had gifted him.

The warrior lowered his head. Pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

Immediately he felt the response through Tsaheylu.

The little burst of happiness. The warmth. The affection.

The way she unconsciously leaned closer.

The realization filled his chest with warmth.

The bond was incredible.

Terrifying sometimes.

But incredible.

Because there was no guessing.

No uncertainty.

Only truth. Only feeling.

Only her.

After a moment, So'lek gently disconnected their queues.

The bond faded.

Then he wrapped both arms around her. Pulling her fully against him. Holding her tightly.

(Y/n) immediately made a content sound and snuggled closer.

His hand moved slowly up and down her back.

The repetitive motion soothing both of them.

The warrior closed his eyes briefly. Enjoying the warmth of her.

The weight of her. The simple fact that she was there.

He squeezed her. Tightly.

Without warning.

(Y/n) let out an undignified squeak. "So'lek!"

The warrior's shoulders shook with laughter.

"I missed you."

"You were without me for a few hours."

"It was terrible."

The answer came so seriously that she immediately burst out laughing.

The sound echoed through the morning. The kind of sound So'lek would spend the rest of his life chasing.

His mate.

His yawne.

In his arms as morning sunlight spilled across the floor. And for a little while longer, neither felt any need to move at all.

"I want to go see Etuwa as soon as possible." The words emerged muffled against his chest. (Y/n) sounded entirely serious.

Which only made So'lek smile. Because less than a minute ago he could sense she had been determined never to move again.

The warrior's fingers continued their slow path up and down her back.

"You do not have to rush, ma yawne."

His voice rumbled beneath her ear. "You should catch your breath first."

The woman huffed softly.

Then finally lifted her head from his chest.

Golden morning light spilled across her face. Across her hair. Across the faint flush that still hadn't completely faded.

Her hand rose. Cupping his cheek.

The gesture immediately softened his expression.

Without thinking, he leaned into her touch.

(Y/n)'s thumb brushed across his skin. Her gaze searching his face. "I mean it."

The warrior's attention sharpened immediately.

"I can't wake up in a body where you're not there."

The confession hit him squarely in the heart.

Not because it surprised him. Because he had felt something similar himself. The empty space beside him this morning.

The instinctive reach toward someone who wasn't there.

The realization that his mate wasn't beside him even though her body was.

The warrior's hand rose. Cupping her face gently.

His thumb brushing across her cheek.

Then he kissed her. Slowly. Tenderly.

The kind of kiss that was less about passion and more about reassurance.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers.

Their noses brushing lightly.

“Then we shall go and see Etuwa.”

A small smile touched his lips. "After I make sure you eat."

(Y/n) immediately sighed.

The warrior ignored it. "And have tea."

She sighed his name. "So'lek."

The warrior remained entirely unmoved.

"You did not eat this morning."

"I was busy."

"You would have sprinted toward the link room."

The accuracy of the statement was deeply unhelpful.

(Y/n) looked away. Caught.

The warrior smiled.

Victorious.

Then his hand found hers. Holding it gently between in his.

His expression softening once more. "There is no need to rush."

The certainty in them impossible to miss.

"I will always be by your side."

Every day.

Every morning.

Every night.

The same choice he would continue making for the rest of his life.

His mate looked at him for a long moment. The worry she'd been carrying slowly easing.

The warrior pressed a final kiss to her forehead.

Then rose to his feet. Offering her a hand. "Come."

The woman took it immediately. Allowing him to pull her upright.

"Tea first?" he smiled.

"Tea first."

"Then Etuwa?"

"Then Etuwa."

"And breakfast?"

"So'lek."

The warning in her voice made him laugh.

A deep rumbling sound that echoed through the cavern. "Breakfast."

The warrior was entirely unapologetic.

(Y/n) shook her head.

Hopeless.

Absolutely hopeless.

Yet as they left the glade of light together, her hand securely in his, she found herself smiling anyway.

Because breakfast meant more time with him.

Tea meant more time with him.

The walk to Etuwa meant more time with him.

And for the first time in her life, that thought felt less like a dream.

And more like forever.

Back at the sanctuary, the morning had settled into something peaceful.

The fire crackled softly.

Tea steamed from the carved bowls in their hands.

A small collection of fruit and dried meat sat forgotten beside them.

Mostly forgotten because neither seemed particularly interested in food.

(Y/n) sat comfortably between So'lek's legs. Her back pressed against his chest.

One hand wrapped around her tea bowl.

The warmth seeped pleasantly into her fingers.

Behind her, So'lek looked entirely content.

Which was a rare enough sight to be treasured. One arm rested around her waist. The other held his own tea.

The warrior occasionally took a drink.

Then went right back to holding her.

As though he couldn't quite stop himself.

Not that she minded.

The sanctuary was quiet.

Ulrr was asleep nearby. The pups lay in a tangled pile of paws and tails.

Everything felt calm. Easy. Comfortable.

So'lek lowered his bowl. Then leaned forward. Pressing a kiss against the side of her neck.

The gesture was simple. Affectionate. Entirely unprompted.

(Y/n) smiled into her tea.

The terrible man.

A few moments later another kiss followed.

This time just below her jaw.

The woman shook her head. Amused. "You know..."

She took another sip.

"I am beginning to suspect something."

So'lek hummed. The sound vibrating pleasantly through his chest.

"What?"

She tilted her head slightly.

Looking back at him.

"Are you trying to seduce me into a third?"

The warrior laughed. The deep sound rumbling through his chest.

"No."

He paused. "Though it would not be so bad."

(Y/n) chuckled.

The answer was exactly what she'd expected.

The warrior looked far too pleased with himself.

She pointed at him with her tea bowl. "Need I remind you that the Sarentu could visit at any moment?"

The warning was valid. Entirely valid.

Ri'nela certainly would.

Tamtey practically lived to appear out of thin air.

Nor appeared whenever he felt like complaining.

And Teylan wandered through often enough.

So'lek considered this information. Then nodded. "That is true."

(Y/n) looked victorious. For approximately three seconds.

"Then I shall simply have to settle for this."

Before she could ask what that meant, his hand found her chin. Turning her head gently toward him. And he pressed a kiss against the corner of her mouth.

The woman immediately felt her face heat up.

Again.

The warrior smiled. Entirely satisfied.

His arm tightened around her waist.

Pulling her back against him and she leaned into his hold in return, content to just slow down for a little while.

Hand in hand, they walked toward the Aranahe Hometree.

The forest was alive with activity. Gatherers returning with baskets of fruit. Hunters preparing to leave.

Children racing by while exhausted parents attempted—and failed—to keep up.

(Y/n) had changed back into her usual clothes. Comfortable. Familiar. Far less mortifying than the outfit Nefika had made for her.

Unfortunately, it would not save her.

Nothing would save her.

"Nefika is going to be unbearable."

The sigh that accompanied the statement was long and deeply suffering.

So'lek chuckled. The sound immediately told her whose side he was on.

Traitor.

Without slowing his pace, the warrior lifted her hand and pressed a kiss against her knuckles.

"Then simply tell the truth." His golden eyes flicked toward her. "There is nothing to hide or be ashamed of."

(Y/n) groaned. "I know."

A dangerous smile appeared on her face

The warrior was already regretting whatever she was about to say. "You tell Nefika exactly how much you enjoyed seeing me in that outfit."

So'lek immediately looked away.

The woman pointed accusingly. "See?"

The warrior remained silent.

"See!"

A faint flush appeared across his cheeks.

Victory. Sweet victory.

(Y/n) grinned.

"You tell her that and I'll go talk to Etuwa."

The warrior gave her a look.

The look.The one that usually translated to You are impossible.

The woman looked entirely too pleased with herself.

"See?"

She squeezed his hand. "It isn't so fun being interrogated alone."

The warrior shook his head,  the fondness in his expression ruined any attempt at appearing annoyed.

The pair continued walking. Hand in hand.

Until they finally stepped through the entrance into the dyers' circle.

The moment they entered, So'lek felt it.

The same feeling warriors felt moments before an ambush. The sensation of being spotted.

Nefika.

At the center of the dyers' circle stood Nefika.

Directing workers. Organizing dyes. Somehow doing the work of five people at once.

Then her eyes landed on them.

She froze.

Completely.

Her gaze immediately dropped to their joined hands. Then to So'lek. Then to (Y/n). Then back to their hands.

The smile that appeared was terrifying.

The Aranahe woman was already abandoning her responsibilities.

A nearby worker barely caught the basket she'd been carrying.

"Oh my goodness."

(Y/n) closed her eyes. Defeat. Complete defeat.

"So." Nefika stopped directly in front of them. Looking entirely too pleased with herself.

She looked between them.

Then her eyes narrowed.

A predator scenting blood.

The smile somehow became worse. Much worse.

(y/n) sighed, “yes we are now a mated couple.”

(Y/n) immediately pointed at So'lek. "He will give you all the details on how great I looked in the outfit you made."

Nefika's head snapped toward So'lek.

The warrior looked genuinely offended. "You said—"

"Nope. I am going to see Etuwa.”

She stepped away.

The Aranahe woman folded her arms. Waiting. Patiently. Far too patiently.

"Well So'lek?"

The warrior suddenly looked as though he would rather fight an entire RDA platoon.

And unfortunately for him—There was no escape route.

Nefika's eyes sparkled with mischief.

Dangerous mischief.

“Well?”

The warrior looked entirely unimpressed. Unfortunately Nefika had never once been intimidated by him.

Certainly not now.

Her grin widened.

"She looked very beautiful." He said simply.

"Just beautiful?" She looked scandalized. "Just beautiful?"

The woman pointed in the direction (Y/n) had retreated. "So'lek, your mate may be a dreamwalker but anyone with eyes can see she is a gorgeous woman."

"I do not think she was simply beautiful."

The warrior remained completely silent.

Which Nefika immediately interpreted as confirmation.

"Aha."

So'lek closed his eyes briefly. "I am not (Y/n)." His golden eyes opened again. "You cannot interrogate me for your amusement."

The Aranahe woman looked offended. Entirely fake outrage.

"No." She nodded thoughtfully. "You are not."

Then her expression softened. Just slightly. "I shall instead offer my congratulations."

The teasing disappeared. Replaced by genuine warmth.

The woman smiled. "We shall all have to celebrate sometime."

A small smile touched So'lek's face. "(Y/n) would like that."

The certainty in his voice made Nefika's expression soften even further.

"Yes." The Aranahe woman nodded. "She would."

Then she stepped closer. Her voice lowering slightly. "Take care of that one, So'lek."

The warrior's attention sharpened immediately.

"You do not find many with a heart as kind as hers."

Nefika knew exactly what kind of person she was. And how rare that kind of soul truly was.

The warrior's expression became serious.

"I intend to."

Nefika smiled. Satisfied.

"Hey So'lek!" Tamtey.

The young Sarentu rounded the corner carrying enough enthusiasm for an entire clan.

Then his eyes landed on So'lek's wrist.

"Oh!" His face lit up. "(Y/n) finally gave it to you."

The warrior looked down. The bracelet. Still wrapped around his wrist.

His expression softened instantly.

Nefika immediately spotted it.

"The bracelet?" Her eyes widened. "Let me see it."

The warrior reluctantly raised his hand. Turning his wrist.

The blues. The purples. The intricate threading.

The careful patterns.

Nefika's expression softened immediately.

"She has a steady hand."

The Aranahe woman traced the air above the stitching. Admiring the craftsmanship. "And a fine eye."

The woman smiled. "The threading is gorgeous."

"She stitched Etuwa without so much as shaking." Tamtey folded his arms proudly.

As though he'd personally taught her.

Nefika laughed. "That is because she has a perfectly steady hand."

Tamtey agreed immediately.

Then suddenly Tamtey's eyes widened.

The realization finally catching up.

His gaze bounced between So'lek.

The bracelet.

The expression on his face.

Then widened further.

"So'lek."

The warrior already knew what was coming.

"No."

"Does that mean—"

"Tamtey."

"Does it?"

Tamtey looked ready to explode from excitement,

So'lek sighed. The answer was inevitable. "Yes."

Tamtey gasped.

"You are a mated pair?"

"Yes."

"Finally!"

The young man threw both hands into the air.

Several Aranahe nearby immediately started laughing.

Nefika looked smug.

Tamtey looked delighted. "We have to celebrate."

"I agree." Nefika nodded instantly.

The two shared a look. The sort of look that usually ended with a gathering. Food. Music.

And an alarming amount of gossip as they drank (y/n)’s tea.

So'lek immediately became suspicious.

Then Tamtey's face lit up again. "Oh."

The warrior recognized that expression.

"I have to tell everyone."

"Tamtey—"

Too late.

The young man was already backing away.

Quickly. Very quickly. Like prey escaping a predator.

"Tamtey."

The warning came too late.

The hunter turned.

And ran.

Actually ran.

The warrior closed his eyes.

Then Nefika patted his shoulder.

Entirely unhelpfully.

"There, there So’lek he is simply telling everyone you and (y/n) know."

So'lek sighed deeply because by sunset everyone would know… and perhaps that was not a bad thing.

(Y/n) found Etuwa exactly where she expected.

At the very top of Hometree. Surrounded by kinglor.

The gentle creatures lounged amongst woven branches and flowering vines,.

Several immediately noticed her approach. Their heads lifted. Then came the familiar fluttering of wings.

One landed on her shoulder. Another on her forearm. A third attempted to climb onto her head.

She laughed softly. "Hello to you too."

The sound caught Etuwa's attention. A smile immediately spread across her face. "(Y/n)."

Etuwa turned Crossing the nest platform.

Then gathered her friend into a warm hug. "It is good to see you."

(Y/n) hugged her back."And you."

When they separated, her eyes immediately drifted downward.

Nothing remained. Not even a scar. The sight brought relief every single time.

Etuwa noticed. Her smile softened. "You always check."

"Force of habit." The healer laughed.

Then her expression became curious. "What brings you here?" Etuwa asked

For a moment, (Y/n) simply looked out over the forest. The endless green stretching beyond Hometree. The floating mountains in the distance. The sky.

The life she had built here. The life she loved.

Then she looked back at Etuwa.

"Well..." She took a breath."I would like to take you up on that offer."

The words hit Etuwa immediately. The Tsahik's eyes widened. Her hands instantly finding (Y/n)'s shoulders.

Searching her face. Making sure she understood. Making sure this wasn't an impulsive decision.

"You wish to remain in this body." The words were careful. "Permanently?"

(Y/n) nodded as soft smiled dancing across her face. "Someone made you realize something."

Etuwa studied her. The conviction. The peace.

"So'lek?"

The blush that appeared told Etuwa everything she needed to know.

She laughed quietly. Happy for them. Happy for the shy dreamwalker who had somehow stolen the heart of one of Pandora's most intimidating warriors.

Happy for the warrior who had finally found someone to remind him what love is.

Etuwa squeezed her shoulders. Gently. "Very well."

The Tsahik's expression became serious. Professional.

"I can arrange for it to take place at the glade of light tonight."

(Y/n) nodded. Her heart racing.

Then Etuwa's expression softened. A shadow passing briefly through her eyes. "(Y/n)."

The warning in her voice immediately caught attention.

"You must understand."

"There is a chance you do not come back."

Silence settled over the nest. Even the kinglor seemed quieter.

A risk. The kind that could not be ignored.

Etuwa watched her carefully.

Giving her every opportunity to reconsider.

To hesitate. To change her mind.

Instead (Y/n) smiled.

Small. The kind of smile people wore when they had already made peace with their choice.

"It's a chance I am willing to take."

The words came easily.

Because she had thought about it. Again and again.

And every time she reached the same conclusion.

Her family was here. The sanctuary was here. The Sarentu. The Aranahe. The creatures she loved.

And So'lek.

Most of all, So'lek.

Her mate.

Her muntxatan.

The man waiting for her.

The man she wanted to wake beside every morning for the rest of her life.

It was no longer a hard choice to make.

(Y/n) woke in her link bed.

For the last time.

The realization hit her before she even opened her eyes.

A smile spread across her face.

The woman sat up slowly. Looking around the familiar pod.

The machine that had carried her across two worlds. The machine that had allowed her to walk beneath Pandora's skies. To meet the Sarentu. To build the sanctuary.

To fall in love.

She got out, closing it for the last time.

Her hand brushed across the lid. "So long, old friend."

For fifteen years it had been her lifeline.

Now she no longer needed it.

She stretched The metal floor felt strangely foreign beneath her feet.

The Resistance base buzzed with life outside. Conversations. Machinery. Footsteps.

The sounds she'd lived with for years.

She stepped into the corridor. Looking around.

Taking it all in. The people. The walls. The lights.

She wasn't really leaving. Not entirely.

She could still visit. Still see everyone. Still help.

Yet she knew the truth.

After tonight this would no longer be where she came home to. No longer the place she laid her head to rest. No longer the place she woke each morning.

No more metal walls. No more recycled air. No more grey nutritional sludge masquerading as food.

The thought made her laugh softly.

The woman wandered toward an old desk. A cleared workspace tucked away in a corner. A few weeks ago she'd practically lived there.

Too exhausted to remain linked.Recovering from the seizure.

She ran her fingers across its surface.

Remembering.

Once upon a time she'd believed she'd never truly belong on Pandora. That she was merely a visitor. A scientist hiding behind a borrowed body. Using an avatar to conduct research. Observing. Recording.

Never belonging.

The thought felt absurd now. Because somewhere along the way Pandora had become home. The sanctuary. The forest. The creatures she loved.

The Sarentu.

The Aranahe.

And most of all—So'lek.

Her mate.

The realization settled warmly in her chest.

No doubt remained. Not anymore.

The woman stood.

Considering whether she should say goodbye.

Across the room Priya, Anqa, Nalin and Raj sat talking in the kitchen.

Laughing about something.

For a moment she considered joining them.

Then smiled.

Later. She would tell them later.

"You're not overworking, are you, (Y/n)?"

The voice made her turn. Alex.

Leaning against a wall.

Watching her.

"No."

The older man raised an eyebrow. "That's a new look."

"A new look?"

"Peaceful." Alex smiled. "I've known you for fifteen years."

His gaze softened. "And I don't think I've ever seen that look on your face."

(Y/n) looked away briefly. Thinking. Then smiled. "I guess you could say I've got a new outlook on life."

Alex barked a laugh. "You're happy?"

The question seemed almost disbelieving. As though happiness was something he'd never associated with her.

The woman nodded. "I am."

The answer was simple. Honest.

The older man studied her for a moment. Then smiled. "Then stay happy, (Y/n)."

The words carried surprising warmth. "If anyone deserves it, it's you, kid."

She rolled her eyes. "Not a kid anymore."

"No." Alex chuckled. "You're clearly not that skittish eighteen-year-old prodigy anymore."

His smile softened. "Best of luck, kid."

Emotion caught unexpectedly in her throat.

"See you around, Alex."

"See you around."

The woman turned. Walking toward the exit.

Toward home. Toward the rest of her life.

Louis passed her in the corridor.

The moment he saw her, he froze. Then immediately changed direction. Walking the other way.

(Y/n) couldn't help smiling.

Apparently So'lek's interventions had been effective. Very effective.

She pulled on a mask, The door leading outside slid open.

Then— "(Y/n)."

Alma.

The woman turned.

The older woman stood rigidly in the corridor. Arms folded. Expression unreadable.

(Y/n) sighed. "Figured out what you wanted to say after this morning?"

Alma's jaw tightened. "I have."

The older woman stepped closer. "You're making a mistake."

(Y/n) remained silent.

"You are human." The words were sharp. "You always will be."

Alma folded her arms tighter. "No matter what body you inhabit."

"No matter how much time you spend with them."

"No matter who you marry."

The implication hung in the air.

"You'll never truly be Na'vi."

The words might once have hurt.

Months ago they would have.

Once upon a time they would have shattered her.

Not today.Not anymore.

(Y/n) simply smiled. A small smile.

The kind Alma had never understood.

"You know what's funny?"

Alma frowned.

"I'm just a xenozoologist."

A small shrug.

"A healer."

"A tea maker."

Then her smile widened. "And the mate of So'lek."

Alma’s eyes narrowed.

(Y/n) continued anyway. "And you're wrong."

The words were calm. Steady. Certain.

"I belong here."

The older woman opened her mouth.

(Y/n) didn't let her interrupt. "I belong here more than you ever will."

The silence that followed was deafening.

Because they both knew exactly what she meant.

The Sarentu welcomed her. The Aranahe welcomed her. The clans welcomed her. Pandora welcomed her.

Not because she demanded it.

Not because she expected it.

Because she'd earned it.

Through kindness. Through sacrifice. Through love.

The woman's smile softened.

"And after tonight..."

A strange feeling settled over her. Relief. Freedom.

"I'm glad I won't ever have to deal with you anymore."

Alma stared. Speechless.

(Y/n) nodded politely. Almost kindly. "Goodbye, Alma."

Then she turned.

Made sure her mask fit perfectly  And stepped outside.

The door slid open fully.

Fresh air greeted her. Sunlight. The forest.

Freedom.

And waiting beyond it, Iley.

And seated upon the ikran's back was So’lek

The warrior looked up immediately.

Finding her.

His expression softened the moment their eyes met.

The sight alone made her heart soar.

Home.

He was her home.

And as she walked toward him, leaving the Resistance behind without a single glance back, (Y/n) realized something.

For the first time in her life—

She wasn't running toward something.

She was running home.

Next >

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

[broughtchaburger]

[barlukovart]

hmmm

[adeninee]

Etuwa

[lunaemiliana]

Used jeytiri reference for my edit of So’lek and my Oc Vahri’na 🥹💜