Tags bc every fic needs them:
- Fem! Tamtey (She/Her pronouns and female anatomy) - POV Third Person - Mutual Pining - Courting Rituals - Itu wants that cookie so bad - Yearning like CRAZY - Some Na’vi phrases and names for things - Mostly based off in game Tamtey so sorry if it doesn't fit oc's - Itu and Etuwa's friendship - From The Ashes Spoilers!! - Mentions of other DLC's but nothing too in depth - Small amount of angst bc I hate it (like 2k words max) - Majority of the fic is fluff and yearning ngl - Mentions of wanting a family (like once) - Brief wet dreams - Tsaheylu Bonding - Mating - P in V sex - Oral Sex (fem receiving) - First Time (for Tamtey) - Scenting - Soft Sex -
Note: This is my first time ever posting my writing, also my first try at writing smut. Please feel free to leave helpful criticism or just lmk what you think
Itu felt crazy. He had to be, for him to be so focused on one person.
Ever since he met Tamtey, she had done nothing but continue to surprise him. She took to his bow lessons like a natural, she showed up to save him while he was stuck in that ugly metal bird, she protected Zomey to the best of her ability. Then she was there to help him grieve and slowly begin the process of accepting that his beloved ikran was gone.
She had freed the Kinglor Forest of the RDA’s influence, the flora and fauna all flourishing as the pollution vanished. She saved his forest, his Hometree, his people. The Aranahe owed her much more than they could ever repay, much like all the clans did.
She occupied all his thoughts nowadays. Her strength, her humor, her optimism, the way her pretty eyes sparkled when she laughed. How she had begun finding her own style that matched the Na’vi and not the Sky People, how her hair swayed when she walked, the way she always seemed amazed by Pandora.
He knew little of what she went through in the past, but he knew she had been stolen by Sky People. Raised in their metal walls. Plus other small things she told him when they were alone, like how she was forced to learn their weapons. How she was punished in ways that she “couldn't” tell him about, but he saw the faraway look in her eyes she would get before brushing it off.
How horrible of a life that must have been, yet she still looked to the future with hope. He envied that, really. How could one go through so much suffering, and their soul not be tainted by hatred and pessimism?
He realized he was drawn to her from the moment she came back from that first hunt. A big smile on her face as she told him about the slotsyal that landed and scared the talioang herd away, making her chase them. She did good for her first time ever hunting, which she said was due to his “excellent lesson”.
He struggled with his attraction to her for a while, because for the longest time, she was still technically considered immature among the people despite being of age. Simply because she did not know their ways. It was easier to deal with later, after she had traveled across the Plains and Clouded Forest, learning new ways and growing into herself.
Which led him to his current dilemma, which was wanting to court her. Did she know how traditional courting worked? Even if she did, would she accept him? He hoped so, it certainly felt like she liked him too.
He saw how her whole demeanor perked up when he was near, how she smiled at him, how she always made time for him. Surely, there was some level of reciprocation? He ended up asking Etuwa for advice. The two were good friends, and she knew Tamtey well.
“I do not know what to do. What would I give her? Would she even know?” He huffed, tail flicking behind him as he paced the upper part of Hometree while Etuwa listened.
“Mawey, ma’eylan.” Etuwa attempted to soothe him slightly. “I do not know if she is aware of how traditional courting works, but I am sure she would pick up the implications. Well, some things, not all of them.” The Tsahìk said. “Take her hunting, but not for a lesson. Show her your strengths, she is easily impressed, but I am sure it will still catch her attention if it is you. I do not think giving her food would immediately click as courting, but she would appreciate it anyway.”
Itu nods as he listens. Yes, he could impress her, he was a strong hunter.
“And gifts? I know she likes colorful things, she likes decorations and things for her ikran… I have to give her something to represent me, her, and her clan.” He says, stopping his pacing.
Courting consisted of multiple things. Showing you were capable and suitable, such as impressing with a chosen skill, was part of it. Then there was showing that you could provide by bringing them food and resources, that you wanted to give them what they deserved. Then the gifts.
There were typically three, not in any particular order. One is a representation of the pursuer. To express the desire to give themself to their chosen. Another is to represent the chosen, showing that the pursuer sees them, and they know who they are choosing well. Then one to represent the clan, saying that they will stand beside not only their chosen, but also those that their chosen cares for.
Then the chosen must show their answer. Usually through a gift of their own, a gesture, or both. If reciprocated, the two would then go before Eywa, make tsaheylu, and mate. He doubted Tamtey knew all the details of courting though, especially the gift part.
“I recall her mentioning she would need a new bow soon. Perhaps you could make her one? That would be a good gift representing yourself.” Etuwa broke him from his thoughts.
“But will she know? If I give it to her will she know the implications, the meaning? Or will she take it as just another gift?” Itu groaned, rubbing his hands over his face.
“I could talk to her. Gauge her knowledge of courtship. There are many people who seem to like her, surely she must know something. I have seen a dance-fighter from the Zeswa flirting with her, and a wood-shaper from the Kame’tire. Though she seemed to pick up on it, she politely turned them down.” The Tsahìk told him.
That did not make Itu feel better. Whether Tamtey turned them down or not, she was still desired by other people. He couldn't blame anyone for liking her, she was strong, pleasant to be around, not to mention beautiful. His ears pinned back as he thought about someone else pursuing her, his tail lashing anxiously.
He had no control over who attempted to court her, or if she reciprocated any of them, but it didn't stop the feeling of sickness that rose in him at the thought of another with her. He wanted her so badly it hurt. If she didn't like him back, of course he would leave it alone, but he knew it would take her being with someone else for him to fully move on.
Etuwa stood, walking over to Itu and putting her hands on his shoulders.
“Deep breaths, ma’eylan. You are strong, humorous, adventurous, and capable. You will be a wonderful mate, and I feel like the two of you would be an excellent match. Be confident, but not too proud. She already admires you, this is just to see if it could go further. The absolute worst that could happen is her saying no. Even then, she would not be cruel about it and I know she would still be your friend.” She told him, making him nod his head.
It pleased him to hear such things from her, since she was such a good friend to him. She had never led him astray in her advice.
“Yes. Okay. I can do this.” Itu was mostly trying to convince himself. “I will have to plan it out. You said you will speak to her?”
Etuwa smiled, patting his shoulder before stepping away. “Yes. Come find me when you have something planned, I will speak to her before then. I believe in you.”
Tamtey loved the rainforest. She loved all of Pandora, but the rainforest was amazing. The colors, the sounds, the animals, always finding something new, it was all perfect to her. If she weren't so set on exploring all of Pandora as her people once did, she would live in this forest forever.
She also loved the Aranahe. All the clans in the Western Frontier held a special place in her heart, but the Aranahe were different. They were the first to accept her (even if it took time), show her their ways, teach her. She loved their vibrant colors, their closeness and community, and their resilience.
She visited their Hometree often, having become close with many of their clan. She looked up to Nefika and Kitangi, she loved helping Kayì in the healing circle, and enjoyed weaving with Koranu and Neytu. However, compared to all of them, she was especially close to Etuwa and Itu.
Ah, Itu. Tamtey smiled at the thought of the hunter as she flew towards Hometree. She wasn't oblivious to her feelings for him, but then again, who wouldn't like him? He was wonderful. Smart, funny, handsome, strong, sweet. She sighed, shaking her head before she started daydreaming about him. Again.
Telisi, her ikran, screeched as they landed, the woman hopping off and tossing the beast a treat before it flew away. Tamtey wandered through Hometree, talking to everyone before she eventually found Etuwa at the top.
She gave the Tsahìk the ‘I See You’ gesture as she approached with a smile.
“Ah, decided to come see us again?” Etuwa teased, returning the gesture.
The Sarentu laughed, shaking her head a bit. “There has been a lot going on. You know I can never stay away for too long.”
They talked for a while, Tamtey telling Etuwa of her adventures and everything she had been doing, while Etuwa told her of everything recent in Hometree. The Tsahìk eventually broached the subject she had been wanting to speak of.
“So…” Her voice had a teasing edge. Tamtey braced for whatever question was coming. “I have seen you getting close to people. Those people from the Zeswa and Kame’tire who flirted with you.”
Tamtey felt her face get a little warm, her ears flicking in embarrassment. “Yes. I was flattered, but I could not accept either of their advances. The woman from the Zeswa was very pretty and good at what she does, but I preferred to keep things friendly. She did not seem offended, thankfully. The same happened with the person from the Kame’tire.”
“Ah, so they were attempting to court you?”
“I am not entirely sure. I knew they were flirting, at least. Especially the Zeswa woman, she was very forward.” The Sarentu laughed a little. “I do not know everything about courting, so I likely did not recognize it if they were.”
Tamtey paused, then spoke again. “How does courting work? I feel like I should know, and I am too embarrassed to ask anyone else.” She said sheepishly, ears flattening.
Etuwa giggled a little, shifting closer to explain. “Of course. There is the pursuer and the chosen. There is not a set order that it is done in, and courting can be anywhere from a week to a few months.”
“The pursuer will likely try to impress the person they have chosen. Showing off skills, bringing them things they need, providing for them, showing off their home so the chosen can see that the pursuer is making room for another. It is to display that they want something more, and that they will take care of their chosen.” She explains.
“There is also the gifts.” This makes Tamtey raise a hairless brow. She had received many gifts from a multitude of people from the clans, and had accepted all of them.
“Do not fret, ma’eylan.” The Tsahìk laughs. “Not every gift is a display of courtship. There are three big gifts, occasionally with smaller ones. One represents the pursuer, one represents the chosen, and one represents the clan. There is no particular order of them, but receiving all three is definitely someone attempting to court you. The smaller gifts are just at the whim of the two who are courting. Then, if you accept, you either give them a big gift in return, display an acceptance gesture, or both.”
Tamtey nods along. That seemed simple enough.
“Are you thinking of someone?” The dark haired woman sounded increasingly teasing, making the Sarentu’s face turn a shade of indigo as she blushed.
“Ah- well perhaps. I am unsure.” Tamtey stumbled a bit, clearly flustered.
“You are considering it though.” The statement made Tamtey nod. “Who is it?” Always one for a bit of gossip, Etuwa was. The other woman huffed softly, her tail swishing anxiously as she looked away.
“Itu.” She mumbled, making Etuwa clap her hands together excitedly.
“Oh this is wonderful! Absolutely fantastic news.” The Tsahìk was grinning like she won something, making Tamtey confused.
Etuwa waved her hand dismissively. “Do not worry about it. You will learn.”
Much to the younger woman’s relief, the subject soon changed, and the two continued on talking without the further embarrassment.
Itu had a basic idea for what he wanted to do. It would probably take a few weeks, provided Tamtey was actually in the Kinglor Forest. Longer if she kept leaving, which he knew she likely would. She had things to do, he was aware of this.
He spoke to Etuwa, and she said that everything would go fine despite not giving him any details. He had invited Tamtey to come hunting with him and was currently waiting at a camp for her. She had beamed a smile at him and promised to be there, relieving him, but now he was worried. He didn't know why, he knew she would come, it was pointless to fret.
He let out a deep sigh just as he heard wingbeats, followed by a screech from Telisi and Tamtey’s voice as she landed.
“Sorry I am late! Priya and Teylan were telling me about RDA activity in the Clouded Forest.” The woman said, smiling as she jogged to him.
Eywa help him, she was so pretty when she smiled. She was pretty all the time, but even more so when her face lit up like that. He swallowed hard, trying to compose himself and gather confidence.
“It is not a problem, ma’eylan.” He cringed at the friendly title, a force of habit. He didn't want her to think he only saw her as a friend. Itu cleared his throat. “Are you ready?”
The way she’s looking at him is making his palms sweat. Her smile is sweet and her gaze is on him. How was he supposed to focus on impressing her while he knew those pretty eyes of hers were watching?
“Of course, lead the way, oh mighty hunter.” She says, waving for him to walk ahead. He can see the smallest bit of her canine as her grin turns teasing and he has to shake his head to focus.
He purposefully leaves his back to her as he leads her through the trees, looking for tracks. He wants her to know he trusts her, that he would leave himself vulnerable to her, believing she would do him no harm. It is a very minor thing that is done during courtship, but he wants to do everything right. They spoke quietly as they walked, enough to be comfortable but not to scare away any potential prey.
Itu’s ears perk as he hears movement, pausing to focus on it. He picks up the scent before he sees the tracks, already turning in the direction he senses them in. ‘Angtsìk, a herd of them, maybe four or five.
He walks silently, crouching once close enough. He glances at Tamtey, watching as she stays a few steps behind him. She was letting him lead the hunt. The thought filled him with a sense of satisfaction, happy that she knew he could handle it.
He draws his bow, knocking an arrow and drawing it back, holding it there for a moment to get tension. He breathes out as he lets it fly, the arrow finding its mark in one of the creatures breathing holes. The rest of the herd flees and Itu pulls his knife as he approaches the animal, murmuring his thanks to it.
“Very impressive. I am surprised the rest of them didn't get aggressive.” Tamtey hummed, coming up to him.
He felt warmth bloom through him. Yes, it was good she knew he was capable. He subconsciously straightened a bit, his shoulders pulling back as a small bolt of pride shot through him.
He took what he needed from the animal, leaving the rest to nourish the forest before standing. He didn't want to go back yet.
“Do you want to keep going?” He asks, tilting his head towards the rest of the forest. The woman laughs, grabbing his hand to pull him through the trees.
“Of course I do. Come on.” She left her back to him the same way he did to her, making his heart thump against his ribs. Was it on purpose, to show him she trusts him? Or subconscious? Well, wouldn't it mean more if it was subconscious? That means the thought of him hurting her never even crossed her mind. Itu was shaken from his thoughts when he heard water, making him raise a brow.
“Where are you taking me?” His voice is light, his fingers intertwined with hers. He briefly lets his thoughts dwell on how perfect their hands fit together.
Tamtey glances at him over her shoulder, grinning. “Fishing! Telisi loves fish and I need some more. Then maybe swimming.”
He just nods, distracted by her smile. They get to the river, the water flowing gently as he hears a waterfall in the distance, plus the animals roaming and the fish splashing. He can hardly register anything going on around him when she's in front of him though.
Tamtey pulls her longbow, taking a few steps into the water then stilling and waiting until she sees movement under the water. Itu stands nearby, watching her. It almost feels like she's showing off for him now. Water laps at her ankles, the sunlight dappled over her skin through the leaves, her tail sways lazily behind her. He could stare at her for days and not get bored, everything about her was mesmerizing to him.
Suddenly she draws and shoots, her arrow slicing through the water. She wades deeper until the water reaches her knees, coming out with a large fish on the end of the arrow she retrieved. She tosses it onto a rock and catches a few more before coming out of the water.
“Telisi will be happy.” The woman hums, sitting cross-legged to prep the fish.
“Yes, you did good. I am glad some of my lessons were remembered.” Itu says as he approaches. She shakes her head a little as she laughs.
“Oh, I surely would have been clueless had you not shown me all that time ago. What would I do without you, hm?” She's messing with him, he knows, but it doesn't stop his heart from fluttering. She made it sound like she needed him- relied on him for what he had taught her.
He listens as she begins to hum while she works, the same song he always heard from her. Her voice is light and sweet, and he closes his eyes to simply take it in.
“What song is that? It is not one I have heard of.” He asks after a while, voice quiet to match their surroundings.
“It is a song of my people.” Tamtey says, cutting the fish meat into bite-sized pieces for her ikran. “I did not know the meaning of it until we found Rasi in the Spires. It tells of our clan's resilience and strength in uniting the people. I have not learned the words yet, but she is teaching us.”
Itu nods in understanding. “It sounds beautiful.”
Her speaking of Rasi reminded him of the rest of the Sarentu. He wondered how they would feel about him attempting to court Tamtey. He should talk to them. He's brought back to the present when he feels hands on him. Tamtey’s touch is always so nice. It leaves a warm tingling in its wake, making Itu wish it left physical marks on his skin so he could carry it with him everywhere.
“I want to swim. Come on.” She's smiling at him, tugging him to follow. Who is he to deny her?
“Swim?” He sounds amused, following her down the river that leads to the lake. Once their feet hit the soft dirt that leads to the water, he watches as she stops to consider something.
She pulls off the outer layer of her clothes, laying them out on a rock. She didn't want her armor to weigh her down or get messed up. In just the underpart of her tweng and bare-chested, she steps into the water.
“Come on, I don't want to be the only one in here.” She says over her shoulder. Itu huffs, following her lead by taking off anything extra and getting into the water. She waits until he's close enough before she splashes him, making him pause and wipe the water from his face.
“Seriously?” He tries to sound mad, but Tamtey sees the grin tugging at his lips.
She only snickers, swimming out further. “Yes, seriously. Have some fun.” She’s taunting him.
Tamtey lets out a high-pitched laugh when he's suddenly swimming after her, unprepared for him to give chase. Every time he gets close, she turns at the last minute to escape again while giggling. She pauses after a few moments of not hearing him, panting and looking around. She sighs when she doesn't see him, tilting her ears around to try and pick up something to hint where he is.
A yelp leaves her when his arms circle her waist, hoisting her out of the water and holding her up. Her hands grip his shoulders as she looks down at his grinning face where it's leveled with her sternum.
“Caught you.” He sounds smug, looking up at her triumphantly.
She huffs, but is smiling back at him. “You did.”
The air between them tenses, and Itu lowers her a bit. So so close like this, he can feel his breath stop for a moment. He’d just have to lean forward, and he'd be able to feel her lips against his. He was already dizzy, having his hands on her waist, holding her this close, feeling her skin against his. He’d likely pass out getting to kiss her.
“Sorry.” She sounds as breathless as he feels. Her face turns a lovely shade of indigo and she tilts her head down before gently pulling away. She gave him a mischievous look before pushing him into the water, breaking the tension but reigniting their play-fight. He pops back up with a scoff and a grin before chasing after her once more.
By the time they decided to head back, the sun had set. The soft glow of the forest’s bioluminescence lit the way as they walked. The sounds of the animals in the distance filled the air, creating a nice atmosphere.
“Thank you for inviting me out today. I had a lot of fun.” Tamtey’s voice is soft so as not to break the bubble of calm around them.
“Of course. I had fun too. We should do it again.”
She nods in agreement before they fall into a comfortable silence, the ambiance of the rainforest filling in for them. Their hands brush as they walk, but neither of them pull away. If someone else had been watching them from an outside view, the overbearing sweetness oozing from the pair would make them gag.
Itu is elated inside. This had gone exceptional, more than he had expected. He was sure she would accept his advances. He did want to talk to the other Sarentu before he continued though. Their approval also mattered, since they were important to her. He’d talk to them tomorrow, he decided as he and Tamtey split up for the night.
If this was considered “going well” then Itu foresaw many days being very, very tired.
“I knew you liked her! I was wondering when you would fess up! Oh, Priya owes me for this.” Ri’nela said. For a woman with such a calming disposition, she was very gossipy.
“You placed bets on if I was attracted to Tamtey?” Itu looked genuinely confused.
“No, the bet was on who would come clean first.” Ri’nela waved her hand dismissively, voice lowering to its normal tone. “I knew someone would break, and I figured it would be you. You look like the type to simply go for what you want. And you are not exactly subtle about wanting her.”
His face suddenly felt hot in embarrassment. Had he been so obvious? He thought he had been at least a little discreet in his feelings. He huffs, but doesn't comment on that further.
Overall, Ri’nela was very supportive, even giving him gift ideas. Rasi had done the same. Teylan seemed excited, wishing him luck. So’lek only patted Itu on the shoulder with a small “good luck,” which was likely the closest to approval he would get from the man.
This was good. He had the approval of those closest to the woman he had chosen to be his mate. She had already seemed accepting of his smaller advances, and he had a good plan for how to continue with courting her. If everything kept going like it was, then this would all be easy.
He left and made his way to Hunter’s Rest. He decided to work on the first gift he would give her while he was there. He took Etuwa’s advice and chose a new heavy bow as the gift to represent himself.
It took a while to acquire all the materials he needed. Good, sturdy root from the Heart of the Plains made for the base, a reed from the Spires he got from Rasi, and a Stormglider horn. He spent days carving and polishing, painting and stringing it together. He added a dyed cloth in her favorite color around the handle, and a small charm he carved for her.
This was probably one of the best bows he'd ever made. Simple looking in shape, but as long as it had pretty colors, she would like it. Perhaps he'd craft one similar for himself one day. He admired the finished product, taking pride in his work. Tamtey had been gone from the rainforest since after their last hunt, needing to take care of something in the Clouded Forest. But she was meant to return soon.
He’d take her somewhere different this time. Perhaps to a lookout point in the mountains to watch the sun set. She enjoyed simple things like that.
He tested the bow himself to make sure it would be good, but just to be entirely sure, he took it to Etuwa for her to examine. He was both confident and anxious, the mix of contradictory emotions making him second-guess himself.
“Itu. The bow is perfect. I do not understand your fretting over this. She will be back by dawn, is it not a bit late to change your mind?” The Tsahìk asked, passing the bow back to him after she looked it over.
Itu sighed, running his hand through his hair. “I know, I know. I just… I want it to go well. I need for her to understand the depth of how I feel, I-” He groaned, embarrassed.
“Tam tam.” Etuwa patted his shoulder, smiling a little. “Make sure everything you want done is ready. Come find her in the morning. If she does not find you first, that is.” She's teasing now, making him huff despite the smile forming.
Tamtey did, in fact, find him first the next day. He had just been preparing to leave for Hometree to look for her when he heard her voice behind him.
“Itu!” She's already smiling as she approaches, a small bounce in her step. She stops in front of him, rocking on her heels. “I was wondering if you wanted to hang out today. If you are not busy?”
He feels his lips pull up into a smile as well, his heart fluttering at the idea that she sought him out to spend the day with him.
“Of course. I was actually going to come find you to ask you myself. There is something I want to show you. It is a bit of a hike though. As in, we will be walking and climbing for a few hours.” He tells her.
Tamtey shrugs. “Fine by me. More time for us to talk that way.” She replies, unbothered. “Meet back here in a bit to head out?”
Warmth blooms throughout his chest at her words as he nods. She wanted to spend time with him. His tail flicked happily behind him at the notion, Itu having to will it to be still so he didn't give himself away. A little after midday, Tamtey finds him again, already excited based on the way she bounces on her feet.
“Ready?” She asks as he gets closer, him nodding in response. The path they were going to take was a bit longer, but it avoided places where Itu knew nantang and other predators resided.
She stayed close as they walked, telling him all about the other Sarentu and the things she had been doing in the Clouded Forest. She told him about how Priya had found an old mp3 player, had Teylan fix it and connect it to Tamtey’s comms so that she could listen to music while she travelled.
“Human music is super different from our music.” She says. “But I really like the songs that are upbeat and rhythmic. Priya says it is something called ‘white girl music’ but I have no idea what that means.” She shrugs.
Itu nods along with her. He did not know what a mp3 player or comms were, but he pretended to understand anyway. In return he tells her about the drama in Hometree. Nefika was always stirring trouble, she was the biggest gossip in the Kinglor Forest.
“She thinks Neyan and Aleymun have a thing for each other. She is trying to set them up.” He says, amused.
Tamtey chuckled softly. “Well, the two do have chemistry. I think if Neyan did like her, he would be much too proud to admit it though.”
The conversation continues smoothly throughout their walk, making the time pass much quicker than he expected. It was late afternoon now, only an hour or two before the sun set. Itu held his hand out to help Tamtey over the last rock before he showed her the small camp he had set up.
“Oh wow. The view from here is beautiful.” She gasps, walking closer to the edge to admire the forest from their vantage point. They could see everything from up there.
“Indeed it is.” Itu agrees from behind her, though his gaze isn’t on the trees or sky. The way the breeze pushes through her hair and clothes, how her eyes shine when she turns to look at him. Great Mother save him. He feels like all the air is gone from his lungs.
“Is this what you wanted to show me? It is so peaceful here.” Tamtey says as she comes back to him. He shakes his head, guiding her to sit on the woven mat in the middle of the small camp.
“Partially. I have something for you.” He feels the nerves creeping in. Now or never, he supposed.
He grabs the bow from a stash, bringing it over and sitting next to her, holding it out for her to see. Her whole face lights up as she looks at it, her hands gently running over the bow before she takes it.
“Oh wow.” She breathes, admiring it. The nerves ebb away as pride slowly seeps in the more she admires it.
“I heard you needed a new one.” His voice is a bit softer than it normally was.
“Itu, it is wonderful.” Tamtey thumbs the charm hanging from it, her smile never faltering as she takes it all in. “I do not know what to say.”
“Like is not a strong enough word. I love it.” She replies, looking up at him. She sees his shoulders relax as she speaks and pauses. She thinks back on one of the conversations she had with Etuwa. The one about courting. She swallows hard, was this a courting gift?
“Itu…” Her voice is quiet, and gets a hum in return. She feels like it would be awkward to outright ask if it's a courting gift, but she needs to know. But also, she needs a way to express her gratitude.
Itu can hardly breathe. One second he's waiting for Tamtey to say something, and the next she has her arms around him. He hugs her back, shivering at the feeling of her lips so close to his neck as she speaks.
“Thank you.” Her words are a murmur and Itu can do nothing but nod his head in reply. If he tried to speak, his voice would break. She pulls back enough to look at him, still sitting far too close for Itu to be able to think.
“This… are you trying to court me?” Her ears press back and he notices how her face flushes. “I just… want to be sure, you know, so I am not taking things wrong and-”
“Yes.” He doesn't mean to cut her off, but he doesn't want her to spiral. Also he’s trying to keep his words short so she doesn't notice how his voice shakes. Her shoulders relax and he sees the smile come back to her face.
“Good. That makes things easier then.” Itu wonders what she means but before he can ask, her lips are on his and suddenly nothing else matters in the world.
He can't focus on anything except her. The stars could fall from the sky and he probably wouldn't notice until one hit him. She's not the most experienced person with kissing, but that doesn't matter to him. Her lips are soft and she's so gentle, his head is swimming and he thinks he briefly passes out at the contact.
She pulls away after a moment, a small laugh leaving her as he leans forward to chase her lips. She indulges one more peck before sitting back, leaving them both in a daze.
“I See You.” She murmurs quietly, her hands cupping his face. Eywa help him, his heart is going to burst.
“I See You.” His reply is breathless and he can't take his eyes off her. She smiles and presses her forehead to his, basking in the closeness.
His head is in the clouds the rest of the time they're together. They eat and watch the sun set before heading back, happy conversation and shy touches making the time pass. Tamtey hugs him again before they part ways and he watches her practically skip back to Telisi before she takes off.
Immediately he finds Etuwa, the widest grin on his face as he tells her of how things went.
Tamtey sits on the ledge of a cliff, her legs swinging over the side as she carves a knife handle out of wood. While she knew a metal knife would be easier to get, she’s trying to lean more towards Na’vi ways to be closer to her culture. Who knew using a sharp rock to carve wood would be so irritating?
Her ears perk and swivel back as she hears someone walking up behind her, and she tilts her head to look. So’lek. She smiles as he comes to sit next to her, his eyes looking over her little project.
“What are you working on?”
“A knife. Or what I hope will resemble a knife when I am done.” Tamtey hums, holding out the chunk of wood for So’lek to examine. He takes it, looks it over, hands it back.
“Hopefully your ability to wield a knife is better than your attempts to make one.” Someone else would have thought he was being mean, but Tamtey could tell by the twitch in the corner of his lips and the look in his eye that he was kidding. She laughs and pushes his shoulder a little.
“I am trying to be better at it. I want to make something similar for someone else.” She admits, tail flicking as she gets a little embarrassed. So’lek doesn’t seem surprised, only nodding his head.
“It is for Itu, is it not?” Tamtey’s head whips towards So’lek at his question, making him let out a huff that sounded suspiciously like a laugh. She feels her face get warm at being so obvious.
“How did you know?” She fiddles with wood in her hands, suddenly a little nervous.
So’lek plucks the rock and wood from her hands, beginning to carve it himself to show her how. His movements are smoothed and practiced, basically second nature. “You are both not very subtle. I assume you are making this in return for the gift he gave you?”
Tamtey sputters for a moment. Sure, he was her mentor and knew a lot about her, but how would he know that? She tells him a lot of stuff, but she doesn't normally tell him about such personal things. The man glances at her out of the corner of his eye and shakes his head, amused.
“You are also not very quiet when you are happy about something.”
Tamtey forgot she had immediately come back to base after her night with Itu, showing off the bow and excitedly telling Ri’nela about what had happened. She’d practically been “bouncing off the walls” as Priya had put it. Tamtey puts her hands over her face and groans, trying to get the flush on her face to go away.
So’lek hands the wood back to her, having finished carving it much quicker than she would have. “Do not be ashamed. You are both young and figuring out what you want. If what you want is each other, then you should see where that path will take you.”
Tamtey nods, thanking him quietly. “So do you think he will like something like this?”
“Knowing Itu? He will treasure anything you give him.” So’lek pats her shoulder as he stands, leaving her to her thoughts. That makes her feel a bit better, the tension releasing from her body as she sighs.
She spends a few days working on it. Carving, polishing, sharpening, and wrapping. She had So’lek look at the final product, and he approved of it, making her feel better. It had a dark wooden handle, wrapped in sturdy leather, and the blade itself was a slotsyal tooth. She had sharpened the curved edge to a point, and the sheath she made for it was a pretty green that reminded her of his eyes.
It would be a while until she gave it to him, but it made her feel better to have it ready.
Itu wakes up in the middle of the night with his face burning. Actually, his whole body feels like it's on fire.
Dreams of Tamtey had become normal for him. Dreams of having her sleep next to him, her head on his chest and her body curled around his. Dreams of doing everyday tasks with her, of traveling Pandora with her, of having a family and growing old with her. He would dream of doing nothing but spending time in her presence, of having her near because the thought of her not being around him made his heart lurch painfully.
They had taken a different turn since the two of them kissed. These dreams always had a faceless person in them, but he knew it was her. The pattern on their skin, the shiny white dots that crisscrossed down their body, the flashes of pretty eyes and smiles.
He had spent enough time admiring Tamtey that he could trace her bioluminescence with his eyes closed and draw the lines that decorated her skin from memory. He had stared at her long enough for every part of her to be burned into his mind. The way her eyes crease when she laughs, how her canine flashes when she smiles wide enough, how her ears flick when she’s embarrassed, the curl of her tail when she’s pleased with something.
That being said, these new dreams left heat low in his stomach and his mouth watering because despite having no distinct face, the person featured in them was no doubt Tamtey.
Flashes of holding her in his hands with her legs around his waist, then his lips trailing down her body. Her hands in his hair, holding him close, her voice saying his name in a way that made him light headed. The thought of being able to connect his kuru to hers, knowing her inside and out. Visions of running his tongue over the flat planes of her stomach to her chest. Her soft skin and gentle touches, her hands starting on his shoulders then sliding down and tracing the lines of muscle leading to-
Itu shook his head harshly, shakily climbing from his hammock and stumbling out of camp to the river. He splashed water on his face, trying to gather himself. It was getting harder and harder to ignore these new dreams. Harder to be able to look Tamtey in the eye without the embarrassment seeping through him like she knew what he was thinking.
He had to be losing his mind. He hadn't felt this out of control of his hormones since he first started changing from a boy to a man. Surely he had some type of illness, who loses themself so quickly at the mere thought of someone else? He sighed heavily and went back once he calmed down, climbing into his hammock and attempting to sleep again.
He was supposed to see her tomorrow. He'd been continuing with normal courting behaviors anytime he was with her. Taking her hunting to show off, bringing her food from things he gathered and washed, getting her materials she needed for crafting. Typical courtship. She'd been very receptive to it all too, which only made him feel better.
It had been a week since he gave her the bow, and he wanted to give her the next gift. He had it made already, a new headpiece for her ikran. His mother had helped him with the idea. “You said she likes matching with her ikran? Make her something for her mount then. It will be perfect, maitan. You must bring this girl to meet us soon, she sounds very sweet.”
It made him feel good to know his family approved of his choice. They were traditional in many senses, which had been suffocating as he grew up. It was why he left Hometree so much, to escape the simple routine. He had thought they would prefer him to be with someone of the Aranahe, or at least someone who did not use Sky People weapons like Tamtey did. But they didn't seem to mind his choice, so he wouldn't complain.
The headpiece he made was woven to match the rest of the gear the beast wore, but he had carved a pendant with the Sarentu symbol in the middle and sewn it into the center part. This was his gift to represent her clan.
He closed his eyes with a sigh, trying to will himself back to sleep. Dwelling on all of that right now would do him no good. It eventually worked and the next time he opened his eyes was when the sun began peeking over the horizon, but he didn't see her until that afternoon, the sun still high in the sky.
“Itu!” The way she called his name, waving happily to get his attention, made his face heat up. Every time she said his name it reminded him of his dreams and made his face burn.
“Tamtey.” He replied, already feeling his lips pull upwards.
She sat next to him as he carefully cut the horn and hide from his most recent hunt. Close enough for him to feel her presence but not enough to disturb him. She simply watches him, her legs swinging over the side of the platform she sits on. He could get used to her presence like this, just having her near. It made him feel good to know that she simply enjoyed existing beside him.
“You know, I had something to ask you.” She says casually, still watching him work. He hums in reply, urging her to continue.
“If we were to ever be together, would you travel with me? Or would you want to stay here?” Her question hangs in the air for a moment before Itu looks at her. “I would not ask you to leave your people, but I also could not leave mine.”
It doesn't take him long to find his answer. “Yes, I would.”
As he says it, he knows it's true. He couldn't imagine going such long periods of time without her as she traveled. Couldn't imagine being so far from her. Even if it meant he left his home, his family, he would do it for her. Besides, he would always be able to come back if he got homesick, it wasn’t like his people were going anywhere.
She blinks, staring at him like she hadn't expected that. “Okay.” Her voice is much softer now, then she goes quiet.
Tamtey stays and eats with him, then after the sun sets, he asks her to come with him. She follows without question, her hand in his as he leads her through the dimly lit forest. It sends warmth through his body at her following him so willingly. He guides her to a cave, ducking under the low entrance before continuing on.
“Go through the water, I will follow.” He tells her as they come to a small pool, she can see the underwater tunnel through the surface. She nods, wading in before going under. She sits on the edge on the other side while she waits for him, watching him swim up to her a moment later.
He pops up in front of her, his hands on either side of her thighs. Her knees brush his chest as he looks up at her with such a soft gaze- she has to compose herself so he can’t tell how her heart thuds against her ribs.
“Comfortable?” She hums, using a fake confidence so he didn't notice how her breath stuttered at his closeness.
“Very.” He pulls himself up, propped on his arms as he leans over her a bit. It makes Tamtey lean back, laughing at the new proximity. One hand comes to his face, brushing the wet hair away before she kisses his cheek and stands, pulling him up with her.
He takes her further into the cave, until they come to a wide opening. It's dark, making both their bioluminescence glow and match the flora growing along the walls. As soon as they step into the cave though, it erupts in light. Small fluttering insects fly around them, each flickering with glowing light.
Tamtey lets out a delighted gasp, watching the creatures circle them. Itu, on the other hand, watches her. She was always so amazed by nature, looking at everything with wide eyes and awe. When he first met her, he thought it was due to her immaturity by Na’vi standards. As he spent more time with her, he realized her childlike wonder was because she never thought she'd be able to experience the world like this.
“What is all this?” She asks, turning to look at him. Light from the insects set a gentle glow over his features, making Tamtey stop to stare. He was so handsome, especially with how he was looking at her. His eyes were soft, with the smallest smile on his face as he admired her. It made her face feel warm, having so much attention on her.
“There is more up ahead. Come.” He doesn't answer her question, instead he gently guides her further, enjoying how willingly she followed him. The cave led to another opening, but this was to the outside. The stone beneath them created a platform, which made room for the small camp set up here.
It had a view over the forest, similar to the last place he took her. This was from a different angle, but it was just as breathtaking. The moonlight cast a gentle light over everything, the trees swayed in the wind, the nocturnal wildlife in the distance could be heard.
“It is wonderful.” She says, putting her hand on his arm. He relaxes a bit, tugging her to sit with him.
“I have another gift for you.” He tells her, his tail flicking anxiously behind him. He notes how she perks up at the words, her ears rotating towards him as she focuses. It makes him feel a little better, seeing how eager she was for whatever he had made her.
“Oh?” She sounds curious as she watches him pull out the ikran headpiece, setting it in front of her. Her eyes light up as she looks it over, carefully examining his work. Her fingers skim the silk and stitching, the carved and painted bone for protection, the pendant in the middle.
“Telisi will love it. I love it.” Her words make him relax, happy she enjoyed the gift. He watches as she stands, a yip leaving her as she calls for her ikran.
The large beast lands on the edge of the platform, talons scraping the stone as it lets out a chittering sound. Tamtey tosses her mount a treat beforehand, getting closer and taking off the headgear it already had, switching it for the one Itu just gave her.
He didn't expect her to want to put it on the ikran immediately, but couldn't help the pleased sway of his tail as he watched her fasten the ties. She patted her ikran’s snout before letting the creature fly off, then Tamtey made her way back to Itu and sat next to him once more.
She is quiet for a little while, and he doesn't say anything either because he feels like she's working up to saying something.
“You said you would come with me. If we were mated.” She begins, watching him nod. “I do not want you to make a rash decision. I would love for you to stay with me, but I also understand wanting to stay with your family.”
“I am hardly at Hometree as it is.” Itu shrugs. “And it would pain me to be far from you. I love my family and my people, but I do not think I could stand being away from you for so long like that. Wherever you may go, I will follow.” He says, grabbing her hand.
Tamtey stares at him for a long moment before moving closer to hug him. He hugs her back, pulling her into his lap and holding her close. Her head is on his shoulder with her arms around him, her legs bracketing his waist as she relaxes in his hold. His cheek presses to the top of her head as he leans it against her, one hand on her waist and the other running up and down her back.
“Are you alright?” He asks gently.
“Yes. I just wanted to be close to you. What you said means a lot to me.” She murmurs in return.
They stayed like that for a while, talking and simply enjoying each other's company until they eventually fell asleep. Tamtey woke the next morning against his side, her leg over his waist and her head on his chest while his arms still loosely rested around her.
She sighed softly, leaning into him to enjoy the moment. He was so warm, so comfortable. It was like she was meant to be right next to him. Itu slowly comes to not long after, blinking away the sleep that beckoned him back.
The first thing he noticed was how well-rested he was. He truly hadn't slept that nicely in a while. The second was that someone was in his arms. His heart jumped when he realized he and Tamtey had fallen asleep together, and that they were still cuddling.
“Well, good morning.” Her voice is still tired, and she shifts to face him, propping herself up on one arm to look at him.
“Good morning.” He hums, his hands falling to her waist so he could still hold her. Her free hand came up to his face, brushing away the stray hairs as she smiled at him. He was so handsome, even first thing in the morning like this. Tamtey briefly thinks that she would like to wake up like this everyday for the rest of her life.
“Sleep well?” Her question gets a nod in return, one of his own hands coming up to hold hers to his face. He liked the feeling of her skin on his.
“Very. You should sleep next to me more often if this is the outcome it will grant me.” He teases, making Tamtey’s heart jump in her chest. Both because he wanted her to spend the night with him and because his morning voice had a slight rasp to it.
“Hm. Perhaps. It may take some convincing.” She replies before getting comfortable again. Her head back on his chest and her hand dropping to his abdomen as his arms wrap around her once more.
“I can be persuasive.” His words made her snicker, but she didn't comment further. Honestly she could have fallen asleep again if she didn't want to savor the moment.
“Do we head back or stay here longer?” Itu asks, turning so he can hold her better. She makes no complaint, shifting to be close to him.
“Stay here. They can handle a day without us.” She sighs, her head tucked into his neck as she takes in his scent. He smelled like the rainforest, a spicy, citrusy scent, mixed with petrichor. It was comforting and made her relax. She would do anything to be able to be this close to him all the time.
Other people had begun picking up on Itu’s drastic change in mood. He'd been happier, more confident and relaxed. Ever since the day they spent doing nothing but laying together, he'd been in the clouds. It had been amazing, being able to have her that close. He truly thinks that he rested better with her there.
He had been planning his third gift for Tamtey, and was having trouble deciding though.
He knew the things she liked. She liked decorations, colorful things, pins and charms for her clothes. Her favorite food was a skewer of nantang meat and sage mushroom, and she loved to drink tea. Her favorite pastime was talking to people and learning things, her favorite animals were Sailfin Goliaths, and her favorite place was anywhere the people she cared about were.
So if he knew all this, why could he not decide on something to make her? He huffed, frustrated, as he sought out Ri’nela. The Sarentu woman was sitting outside Hometree, having come to talk to Etuwa. She looked up as he approached, giving him a greeting with the ‘I See You’ gesture. He returned it before speaking.
“I was wondering if you could help me.” He said, shifting a bit awkwardly. Ri’nela raised a hairless brow at him, gesturing for him to continue.
“I do not know what to give Tamtey as a final gift. The one to represent her.” Itu sighs. It was a bit odd to ask for help in deciding what to make someone for a courting gift, but he could not take fretting over it for much longer, lest he lose his mind. The woman hums in reply, seemingly thinking for a moment.
“Make her a piece of statement jewelry.” Ri’nela finally says. “Tamtey enjoys showing off, and she loves jewelry. She would like something like that.”
Itu nods along with her, already forming a new idea in his head. That would be good, something that would stand out that she could always have with her. A bracelet maybe? No, too likely to get in the way. Perhaps a necklace. Yes, but not something too loose. He could make the beads from flowers that come from all three clans, to show her connection to them all. She would like that. He shakes his head to get out of his thoughts.
“Okay. Thank you.” He doesn't mean to be rude with how quickly he leaves, but he needs to start working on this before the idea slips from him. Ri’nela probably wouldn’t mind, she was understanding.
He makes a rough prototype first, just needing an idea for what he wanted before he started on the real thing. Then he spends a few days collecting materials. Some of what he needed was in the Upper Plains and Clouded Forest, which meant it wasn't easy to get for him since he no longer had Zomey. He doesn’t linger on that thought too long.
But he was resourceful, and got what he needed one way or another. Tamtey had left the rainforest the day after they woke up together, needing to go back to her duties, which gave him time to work.
It took a week in total for him to finish the necklace. Well, he had finished it in four days and spent the last three worrying over the details of it. It was multiple strands of beads that created a somewhat thick choker, with a large, oval gemstone in the center. He had made the beads of resin and flower petals, then used stone to chisel the gem into the shape he wanted before smoothing it out and wrapping the edges.
The beads were multiple shades of her favorite colors, so it would match her outfits, with the gem being mostly white with small specks of color throughout it. It wasn’t too loose so that it wouldn’t be in her way while she went about her days, but not too small so as to not be uncomfortable. It was certainly eye-catching and he knew she would like it. He just needed a time and day, with somewhere to give it to her alone.
He gets the chance to talk to her on a random morning when she seeks him out. He's restringing his bow when her hand brushes his shoulder as she comes to sit next to him. He recognizes her touch immediately, and he thinks he’ll never get tired of feeling it.
“Sorry I have been gone so long.” Her voice is soft, and she sounds tired. He glances up from his work and she even looks tired. “There is… a lot that needs to be done. It is always something, right?”
He can tell she's trying to make light of the situation, but it's bothering her. “What happened?”
“It… It looks like the RDA is planning something big. Literally after I drive them from the Spires, from the Heart of the Plains, from every corner of this side of Pandora, and they still find a way back. It is just exhausting.” She sighs heavily, her shoulders dropping. “But I am not here to complain. I just wanted to see you.”
Her words about wanting to see him make warmth bloom through his chest, though he's also worried about her. “I do not mind listening. How you feel matters, and sometimes you just need to let it out.”
“Maybe next time, hm? I am hoping the Tlalim’s arrival will distract me from all the chaos.” She's changing the subject. He knows she is, but he doesn't want to push her too far. Itu finishes with prepping his hunt, putting his things away and cleaning his hands before rejoining Tamtey.
They spend the rest of the day together, conversation drifting from topic to topic as they do simple tasks in the small camp. It reminds Itu of the domestic dreams he has of her. Where they go about their days together, mundane things made better just by each other's presence. Itu is tempted to give her the necklace now, but he knows she's stressed and doesn't want her to make a rash decision based on that.
Night creeps in before Itu is ready for their time together to be over, and it seems Tamtey feels the same. She looks shy as she shifts where she stands, brushing her hair back before she opens her mouth to speak.
“Do you mind if I stay with you tonight? I do not want to sleep alone.” Her tail swishes anxiously behind her and Itu feels his heart throb. She would surely be the death of him, how would he ever refuse her anything she wanted? He wouldn’t want to deny her anyway.
They curl up together in his hammock, similar to last time with her head on his chest and his arms around her. Being close to her like this makes him feel warm and complete. Tamtey lets out a sigh as she relaxes against him, her stress melting away as she focuses on the present.
“Irayo, Itu.” She murmurs, pressing a kiss to his collar since it's the closest to her. What he would give to have her like this every night. Her scent mixing with his pleasantly and making them both relax. In his arms and feeling her heart beat in time with his. Eywa, he loves her.
“Kea tìkin, ma’yawne.” He kisses the top of her head in return, sleep already tugging at his mind as his eyes droop.
Itu doesn't know what to do. The Rookery was attacked by Na’vi and RDA. Neytu was nowhere to be found, and he dreaded seeing what happened to the poor girl. He likely would have shared whatever fate befell her had So’lek not come.
Despite his relief at seeing the warrior, a feeling of dread crept up his spine when he didn't see Tamtey. She would normally be with So’lek during things like these, he was her mentor after all. Where was she? Was she okay?
Itu stopped So’lek before the man left, gently grabbing his arm to get his attention.
“Is what they said about Hometree true? I heard the soldiers talking. They destroyed it?” Itu may have tried to avoid being there in his older years to escape the boredom, but it was still the only place he'd ever called home. A solemn look settles on the older warrior’s face as he nods.
“I am sorry. It is gone. Many are…” So’lek pauses, his ears flattening as he recalls what he saw. “Many have passed to Eywa. I am doing all I can to try and keep more from following the same end.”
Itu feels an ache deep in his chest. How many of his friends were dead? Was his family okay? He had so many questions about so many people including-
“And Tamtey?” His throat feels tight as he asks, scared for the answer. It was just the night before last that he had her in his arms.
The older man sighs, hanging his head. “I do not know. She was taken. I am searching for her and the other Sarentu.” At the panic on Itu’s face, So’lek speaks again. “I will not rest until they are returned. I refuse to have the RDA kill my family again.”
Itu can't breathe. How could this have happened? She can't be gone. He can't lose someone important to him again, not after Zomey. So’lek’s words do nothing to soothe the hunter, his mind already spiraling at the thoughts of what could be happening to Tamtey.
“Itu.” He's snapped out of it when So’lek grabs him. “Breathe. I will find her. You have my word.” Itu nods silently, face scrunched in worry.
So’lek leaves after that, and Itu makes his way to the camp the other survivors reside at. He cries when he sees his family, relieved that they were spared amidst all this death and destruction. They may have been very traditional and stifling, but they were still his family and he loved them dearly.
He’s also relieved to see some of his friends. He knows not all of them made it, which makes his heart hurt, but he’s glad that even a few were able to escape.
It takes a few days for his injuries to heal, and then Itu is back out searching for other people in his clan. And Tamtey. He’d been worrying himself to the point of sickness over her. If something happened to her, it would crush him. He searched for days, and found many dead. So many gone, for what? At least in Eywa they would no longer know the cruelty of the Sky People.
He had also heard what the Mangkwan had done to Etuwa. Tortured and killed her ikran, Talu, right in front of her. When he wasn't out looking for survivors, he was comforting her. He knew this kind of loss, and he would wish it upon no one. Perhaps one day, when they were sure the RDA could no longer torture them, he and Etuwa could go together to create another bond with an ikran.
He kept checking in with So’lek, to keep up information. The older warrior had found Nor, who had been gone for a long time now, then Teylan, and he believed he was close to Ri’nela and Rasi. There was still little information on Tamtey though.
Itu sighed, tossing and turning in the small camp some of the Aranahe were hiding out in. He’d hardly slept, plagued by nightmares of what had already happened, and even worse thoughts of what could happen. He got up slowly, rubbing his temples in an attempt to soothe the migraine forming.
He silently left the camp, his bow in hand. He needed to go somewhere, anywhere, to clear his head. He walked mindlessly until he found himself in a cave. He had subconsciously come to the cave he had given Tamtey the ikran gear.
He sat on the ground, looking out over the now scorched forest, the sky stained with ash and smoke. The once beautiful rainforest he called home, now mostly reduced to char and dust. It was heartbreaking. What had they done to deserve this? Were the Sky People truly so greedy and miserable that they needed to spread it to everyone around them? Why did they ever come here?
He felt his shoulders drop, closing his eyes and attempting to get clarity. It was a solid three minutes before his nose twitched as he picked up a scent, his eyes snapping open once he realized it was Tamtey’s. He shot up immediately, searching for the source. He paced back and forth before he pinpointed it.
He found it in a small bag, it was one of her armbands. He held it to his face, tears pricking his eyes as her comforting scent filled his senses. She smelled like a mix of mist from the clouds, flowers, and tart berries. He dropped back to the floor, holding the armband to his chest over his heart.
He missed her so much. He needs her back, he feels lost with her gone. She had become such a constant in her life, even when she was out doing things for the clans. Because he knew she would always return to him. He never needed to worry too much.
It was different when she was away dealing with the RDA, because he knew she was hardly ever alone. But right now she was stolen and he had no idea what could be happening to her in the hands of the Sky People and Mangkwan. The tears that he had felt were forming swell and fall, his shoulders shaking as he cried.
Oh Eywa. Why? His thoughts spiral. It truly always was something and it seemed like there was no end to the agony. They would never leave Pandora in peace, would they? His people and the rest of the Na’vi would never know serenity again. Sky People would always find a way to make things miserable so long as they were here. Why could they not go back to their own planet and let Pandora go back to its original ways?
Itu fell asleep in that cave, his thoughts carrying over into nightmares of any and everything that could ever go wrong. The last time he had been here, he had the woman of his dreams in his arms while he slept peacefully, this time he was cold and alone with tear-streaked cheeks as he clutched Tamtey’s armband like it was the only thing keeping him alive.
Tamtey woke up in a cell. She shot up, taking in her surroundings. Her eyes landed on a human man who stood on the other side of reinforced glass. Her ears folded back as she hissed at him, slamming her fist against the glass like she was testing if it would break.
“That's useless, young Sarentu.” The human said. He was the one who ambushed her and So’lek at TAP. The one who was working with the off-putting Na’vi. Bukowski, she thinks his name is.
“Why have you brought me here?” She snarled. Gone was her usual carefree and kind attitude, leaving only the ferocity and rage she saved for fights.
She never showed this side of her to any of the other Na’vi. She hated the rage she felt, mostly because she feared that if she gave into it too much, she would come to resent all humans. She was afraid her hatred would taint her. That didn’t matter here, though. All she could think about was wanting this man dead.
“I thought using TAP would lure all the Sarentu, but it seems they sent you as a scout. Do they always have you do their dirty work?” The human avoids her question, pulling something up on the tablet he holds. “You destroyed all the bases in the Western Frontier. With the occasional help of the other clans. And even they were not always with you.”
“You kill all our patrols, destroy smaller sites before they can ever come to fruition. You’ve managed to get rid of all our air support. You were even able to kill Mercer and Harding.” He lists things off, swiping through different screens on his tablet.
“It seems like they just leave you to deal with all their problems.” He says, looking up at Tamtey as she paces the cell like a caged palulukan. She says nothing, only glaring at him. If looks could kill, the man would have bursted into flames. Tamtey hates the look on his face. The fake understanding and pity. She wants to make his skull the new sheath for her knife.
“You know, it's a shame we're on opposite sides. Humans and Na’vi could help each other.” He continues. “I think there's a lot we could accomplish together.”
“You think the Na’vi will work with you?” She snorts like he just said a joke. “They would rather have your head.”
“Well, not you, you’ve made that clear. Not the clans here, and certainly not So’lek.”
“So’lek is alive?” Tamtey’s head snapped to the man as she turned to face him. A grin slowly spread across her face- but not the sweet one she normally gives people. The smile on her face was unsettling, even to a soldier like Bukowski. He felt the hairs on the back of his neck raise in alarm as warning signals went off in his head.
He watched her carefully, giving nothing away. His brows furrowed as he spoke again. “So’lek’s a survivor, through and through. Fortunately, our new Mangkwan allies are more than willing to see that change.”
Tamtey snorts another laugh, shaking her head as she walks towards the glass again. “You think any of them can stop him? He will kill anyone who stands in his way. You have made a grave miscalculation.”
“He will come for me.” She tells him, her hand coming up to the glass as she crouches to be level with him. If he were a less hardened soldier, the look in her eye would have him more intimidated. He understood why other soldiers called her ‘Death on Wings’.
“They’ll never find you.”
She tilts her head at him.”Is that a risk you are willing to take?”
“It’s not a risk- it’s a certainty.” His words make her eyes narrow.
She stares for a moment. “So’lek will make sure these are your final days.”
Bukowski talks some more, only furthering Tamtey’s anger as she hears him talk about her people, their stories, and songs. There’s nothing she wants more than to break the glass between them and rip him into pieces.
The days she spent in the cell were filled with her fits of rage. Throwing the furniture, clawing the walls and glass, snarling any time someone got too close. If any of her friends had seen her like this, they wouldn’t recognize her. She only hoped someone came for her soon, so she wasn’t stuck here.
She was back. Itu had never run faster in his life. His legs hurt as he dashed through the trees. New life had been growing back as So’lek took out bases and killed Mangkwan, but Itu didn't have time to appreciate it this second.
That new life began to disperse as he got closer to Hometree, scorched trees and burnt ground opening up to the nearly unrecognizable giant tree that once held the Aranahe. He had heard the news- the Mangkwan leader was dead, So’lek had won, and Tamtey was alive. He kept repeating it to himself as he got closer, ash dusting his skin and filling his lungs but it was the last of his worries.
When he finally found them, his shoulders shook from being out of breath. He made eye contact with Tamtey, and felt tears fill his eyes. She ran to meet him, throwing her arms over his shoulders as his wrapped around her middle.
“Oh Eywa, thank you.” He murmured into her hair, tears spilling as he held her tighter to him. He pulls away after a moment to hold her face in both hands, looking her over. She was crying just like he was, but other than that, she looked okay. A few bruises and ash on her skin, but alive.
“Are you okay? Did they hurt you?” He asks, brushing away a tear with his thumb.
“I am okay. They did not hurt me in any way I am not used to.” Tamtey replies. That did not make him feel better, his ears flattening in concern at the mere mention of them laying hands on her. “Are you okay?”
“I am fine now.” He breathes, pulling her to his chest again. “I just needed you.”
Once everyone returns, things slowly begin to go back to normal. Well, as close to normal as they can. Despite all the newer and stronger growth after what the Mangkwan did, there was little that could be done for Hometree. It had already been weakened from the Kinglor being there so long, and hadn't returned to its full strength before it was scorched and destroyed. For now, the Aranahe resided in the smaller camps around the forest, while Ka’nat figured out what to do.
Itu sat in one of those camps with Tamtey. Her bruises were gone now and she seemed better, but he was anxious to let her out of his sight. He had come too close to losing her. He still had nightmares about everything that happened, which usually resulted in him waking up in the middle of the night and Tamtey comforting him.
“Itu, I have to leave soon, to the Heart of the Plains to see the Zeswa. I want you to come with me.” Tamtey says, grabbing his hand.
“Of course I will, but is it good for you to already be throwing yourself into more work?” He asks, brows furrowed. He was worried about her. As soon as she was able, she was back to her normal routine. She needed rest, she had just been brought back from her captivity by the RDA.
“I cannot sit still if I am able to do something.” She states. She shifts closer to him, putting her other hand over the one she's already holding. “There is much to be done and I want to help.”
He knows it's pointless to argue with her once she's made up her mind, so he simply agrees. He flies with her, his arms tight around her waist as Telisi dips and twists in the sky, making Tamtey laugh. Little things like this reminded him of the good that still remained around them. The feeling of flying again was nice- the freedom of being in the air.
When they finally land, it’s on a cliff in the Upper Plains, still far from their destination but needing a break. Tamtey pets her ikran’s snout and gives the beast a treat before letting it go do its own thing for a while. She turns to Itu, who's looking out towards the Kinglor Forest. It looked significantly better, but was still far from what it had been. She put her hand on his back, getting his attention.
“It will just take time.” She murmurs, guiding him away so he didn't dwell on it.
“They will come back.” He says lowly, ears pinned. “I know they will. They will not rest while they can still torture us.”
Tamtey looks at him, then pulls him close to hug him. “If they ever come back, we will drive them away again.”
His arms slowly come up to hug her back, tucking his face into her neck so he could take in her scent. It was comforting to be able to have her in his arms like this, able to take in her presence however he wished. This was really all he’s done since she had gotten back. He had missed her so much that he could hardly stand to let her out of his sight. She hadn’t complained about it either, so he didn’t stop.
Tamtey slowly pulls away, still holding his hands. She gives him a little smile. “Come, I wish to show you something.”
She guides him further up the rock formation they were resting on. He can hear the slotsyal flying above the very top, but they don’t seem to be going that way. Instead she leads him to a flat ledge, and towards the back of it is a large Tarsyu Flower. Itu feels his heart in his throat as he looks at Tamtey. Any thoughts about the Sky People, about anything negative really, are immediately gone from his mind.
The giant flower blooms in the presence of the woman, the tendril like vines reaching out for her to connect to. She turns to Itu, pulling him closer. “This is what I wanted to show you.”
He feels like his heart is going to leap straight from his ribs to make a new home in her hands. Surely, this isn’t what he thinks it is. He hasn’t even given her the third courting gift. When he speaks, his voice is barely there- breathless and amazed. “Tamtey.”
“I know this is a little out of order, but I really cannot keep it in anymore.” She says softly. “You mean the world to me. I look forward to every moment I can have in your presence. I count down the minutes until I am done with the things that I need to do so that I can come back to see you. When I was taken, the only thing I could think of the whole time was that I might not get the chance to tell you how I feel.”
She looks like she’s on the verge of tears. Itu wants to hold her, he wants to keep her from crying- but he’s frozen in place, barely able to breathe as he takes in her words.
It seems like there’s more she wants to say, her lips parting but nothing coming out. After a moment, she’s finally able to say one thing. “Nga yawne lu oer.”
Itu just stares for a moment, trying his hardest to find a way to formulate a response. How was she always able to take his breath and words away like this? It was unfair. He needs to tell her how he feels, needs to give her that necklace that’s been sitting in the pouch he keeps around his waist, needs to let her know just how much she means to him.
“I adore you.” His words are barely a whisper, having to force himself to be able to speak. Finally, he got his mouth and brain on the same wavelength so he could get words out. “I dream of the time we spend together, of the things I want us to do in the future. I feel like nothing else would ever matter so long as I got to see you smile at me. Every time you turn to look at me and have that sparkle in your eye- the one you get when you are pleased with something- it makes me weak in the knees. It felt as though they had taken my heart straight from my chest when you were gone. I-”
Whatever else he was going to say is cut off when Tamtey wraps her arms around his neck to tug him close so she could kiss him. It’s just as uncoordinated as it was the first time, but she gets the hang of it quicker. Her skin is warm under his hands as they rest on her waist, his tail lashing as he bites back a whine at the feeling of her lips on his. Tamtey seems to be in the same boat, based on the way she’s pushing impossibly closer to him.
He pulls away when he remembers that he needs to breathe, both of them trying to catch their breath. He stares at her, at the way her cheeks have darkened with a blush, her pupils dilating the longer she looks back at him. He’s sure he looks the same. He laughs, breathless, pressing her forehead to his.
“I have something for you.” He says, voice softer now. He pulls away to reach into the pouch at his hip, hands shaking as he takes out the necklace he had made her. “It is my last main gift. I know how much you like jewelry and I wanted you to have something you could always have with you because I thought that you would like it-”
He’s rambling. He knows he is, but in his defence, he’s nervous. Tamtey is smiling at him like he hung the stars and his heart feels like it’s in his throat. Her hand comes to his, their fingers brushing as she takes the necklace. She looks at it, tracing her fingers over the beads, the gem at the center, the carved wooden clasps at the back.
“It is beautiful.” She breathes. “Put it on me?”
He takes the choker as Tamtey turns around, pulling her hair out of the way. He puts it on her, his fingers lingering on her skin a beat longer than necessary. She traces the necklace once it’s on as she turns to face him, the jewelry sitting comfortably around the base of her throat.
“You accept, then?” His voice is barely there, hardly able to think about anything else as his gaze zeros in on her neck where the choker is. It suited her perfectly, the colors and shape and size all complimented her just right.
“Of course I do.” Her smile and her words make his heart thump harshly against his ribs, his breath stuttering. He feels himself smiling back immediately, his whole face lighting up with it as he picks her up and spins her around in his happiness. She laughs, holding onto him at the sudden movement.
“You have made me more happy than you could ever imagine.” He tells her as he lets her down, pressing his forehead to hers to bask in the closeness.
“I am happy too. More happy than I know how to put into words.” Tamtey tells him, her hands coming up to cup his face. They stay like that for a moment before she speaks again. “I have something for you too.”
Itu raises a brow at her, curious. She unclasps the sheath around her waist. He’d noticed it before but hadn’t really looked too closely. Tamtey put it in his hands, watching closely as he pulled out the knife to look at it. It was beautiful. He tests the weight of it in his hand, looking over the craftsmanship and the way the blade caught the light.
His heart swells at the idea of her spending time to make him a gift in return. He wonders how someone can be so perfect. His opinion is probably biased, but she truly is wonderful in so many ways and he’s beyond grateful that she loves him the same way he loves her.
“I love it.” He says, still smiling as he looks at her again. He sheathes the knife, sets it aside. He wouldn’t need it just yet anyway.
Tamtey beams at his acceptance of it, unable to shake the elation thrumming through her. A deep sense of satisfaction flows through her at the sight of him accepting her gift. “So what do we do now?”
He lets out a soft sigh. “Well, you already gave me a big gesture to return your affections. Now we can form tsaheylu and become mates.”
Tamtey is just as endearingly nervous as he is. She gently pulls him closer to the Tarsyu Flower, tugging him into the soft grass that surrounded the plant. She’s sitting on her knees, Itu mirroring her position across from her. They were both laughing softly, hands and knees bumping every time one of them moved.
It gets serious when Tamtey reaches behind her, pulling her kuru over her shoulder. Itu swallows harshly, copying her. He was so excited and happy that he was shaking. Her pretty eyes meet his and he once again finds himself at a loss for words.
“Ready?” He can only nod at her question.
Their queues intertwine perfectly, and Tamtey lets out a shuddering gasp. Itu catches her when she falls forward, balancing himself against her as well as his mind spins. Her head is on his shoulder- her hands tight on his biceps while his own hands clutch her waist. Colors are bursting behind his eyelids as he tries to regain any semblance of control over himself.
It was different from any other time Tamtey had ever made the bond. With animals, it had felt warm and empowering, becoming one with the beasts. She had once formed tsaheylu with Alma for the sole purpose of exchanging information while the woman’s avatar was on its deathbed, but even that did not feel like this. Perhaps it was the emotions involved, the bond between them different than anyone else. She didn’t know, Tamtey could hardly focus on anything that wasn’t Itu.
He murmurs her name, voice bordering on a low whine. She responds by lifting her head, and when he meets her gaze all he sees is the color of her irises swallowed up by the dark of her pupils. The way she whispers his name back makes his breath catch.
She can see everything. His childhood in the rainforest, growing up with his family, making friends, learning to hunt, when he bonded with his ikran Zomey, his day to day with the clan. His friendship with Etuwa, where they both got into trouble. Then he met her. All the times he felt nervous, all the times he admired her when she didn’t know he was, the care and love that filled his very being every time he thought about her. The fear and worry that had taken over him while she was being held captive. Tamtey feels tears well up in her eyes, pleasantly overwhelmed with all of it.
He can see everything through her as well. Her time spent in TAP, losing her sister, being forced to learn the ways of the Sky People. Her escape, the pure joy she felt the first time she saw Pandora, So’lek teaching her how to do things like a Na’vi should, her love for the other Sarentu, her excitement at meeting the clans. Her excitement at meeting him. Every time her heart skipped a beat when he was near, the happiness she felt when she was around him, the way he invaded her every waking thought. Itu’s heart is beating wildly against his ribs.
He’s gentle when he pulls her to him, his hands around her waist as she adjusts in his lap. It’s dizzying to have her like this. His skin feels like it’s being set alight every time her fingers brush over him. Tamtey is in the same boat, her whole body is buzzing with warmth, shivering when she feels his lips on her neck. He kisses from her jaw to her collarbone, his hands running up and down her thighs and hips.
Her tail whips behind her when his hands slide up, over her waist, her ribs, to the edge of her top. Tamtey leans back to allow him to pull it off, the fabric rustling as it hits the ground next to them. Itu kisses down her sternum, laying her on the soft grass below them as his lips move down over her stomach.
She’s just as soft as he dreamt she would be. He hears the breathless sound that leaves Tamtey’s lips as that thought runs through his head, reminding him she would know anything he thought about while their kurus were connected. He sighs shakily, eyes hazy as he tries to get a grip over himself.
He was no blushing virgin, he’d had a few physical interactions with people before. But it was different because it was her. Tamtey. The woman that invaded his every waking and subconscious thought. The woman who had come into his life and practically turned it upside down with how infatuated he became with her. The only thing he could focus on was her.
Itu unties the tweng around her hips, letting the leather and cloth fall away from her body. His lips trail over the V on her hips, following the glowing white dots that create pretty designs across her skin. Tamtey’s fingers brush over his cheekbone, getting his attention.
Eywa have mercy. She’s beautiful. She’s propped up on one elbow, her eyes half-lidded and focused solely on him. Her face is flushed a pretty purple color, her lashes fluttering against her cheeks as she lets out a shaky sigh, her lip glossy from their kiss. Itu feels a sharp bolt of heat straight towards his gut. She says his name so softly, her hands sliding into his hair.
“Yes, ma’yawne?” Tamtey shivers as he speaks against her hip, swallowing harshly. He was staring at her like he wanted to eat her alive. She would let him.
He can see what she’s thinking about. How she’s picturing him between her legs. How it’s not the first time she’s imagined him like this. That piece of information makes Itu groan, pressing his forehead to her lower stomach. His hands smooth over the tops of her thighs, down the outside of them, finally wrapping underneath them to lift her legs up over his shoulders. Tamtey whines above him and he thinks the sound alone could push him to his end.
His eyes flutter as his tongue presses into her cunt. Even his most vivid dreams could not replicate the wonderful taste of her. He flattens his tongue to get as much of her as possible before closing his lips around her clit. He hears her gasp above him, and his ears twitch to try and pick up more of the sounds she makes. He moves down to push his tongue into her, smothering himself in her warmth as his thumb moves to her clit to keep the stimulation there.
He can feel her pleasure through the bond, making him shiver. It’s overwhelming, the pleasure that ricochets between them. Her tail wraps around his wrist, like she needs to be able to hold onto him in any way that she can.
Her heels press into his back as she arches her hips towards him, thighs pressing tighter around his head. He doesn’t mind, he’d gladly spend as long as she wanted between her legs. Tamtey moans and it’s one of the most gorgeous sounds he’s ever heard. The hand on her thigh squeezes as he pulls her leg wider to be able to push his tongue further into her.
Between that and the thumb he’s still using to swipe circles into her clit, her first orgasm washes over her in no time. He takes it all in greedily, lapping at her gently as she comes down from her high. There’s a scalding shot of arousal that shoots straight through him and he has to grind down into the grass to keep himself from finishing just from feeling her pleasure. Her fingers tugging at his hair is what pulls him from between her thighs, shifting to hover over her as he licks his lips. Tamtey has a dazed smile on her face, laughing breathlessly.
She can feel the adoration that he feels for her, reciprocated by the devotion that runs through her for him. Tamtey cups his jaw to pull him down to kiss her, a pleased sigh escaping her as he does so. She can taste herself on him, but she doesn’t mind. Her hands slide down his chest, tracing the patterns that decorate his body until her fingers grace his waistband. She unties it, letting it fall away the same way he had done for her.
Itu physically jolts when her hands wrap around his cock, breaking their kiss with the groan that falls past his lips. He can see the thought that runs through her head, how she wants to return the favor. He swallows harshly, grabbing her wrist.
“Later.” He promises, voice soft and shaky. Embarrassingly, it’s because he knows he wouldn’t last more than a moment if she took him into her mouth. He’s so wound up and desperate for her that he would hardly have the time to enjoy it. He briefly wonders how he’s going to manage to last once he’s inside her.
Tamtey can see what he’s thinking, and licks her lips as a small grin forms before she replies. “I am going to hold you to that.”
He only nods, his hands sliding down her body again until he reaches her thighs. He hooks her legs around his waist, sighing as his dick presses against her center. He’s gentle as he pushes into her, his forehead resting on her shoulder as his eyes roll back. Tamtey isn’t any better, one hand holding his bicep and the other in his hair, tugging at it. Her thighs squeeze against his hips, trying to draw him closer, and he had to hold her still so he doesn’t immediately lose himself in her.
Itu is panting, hairless brows drawn up as he clutches at her hips to keep her from moving. He presses his face into her neck, inhaling her scent to calm himself down. Tamtey whines, trying to urge him to keep going. He needs a moment otherwise this will be over far sooner than either of them want it to be. Tamtey seems to sense this through the bond, stilling and running her hands up and down his back to try and help.
He takes a deep breath, propping himself up on one hand so he can experimentally thrust into her. His tail wraps around her ankle, needing to anchor himself to her. The bliss that shot through him would be enough to bring him to his knees if he weren’t already on the ground. It bounces back and forth between them, making Tamtey shudder underneath him.
He miraculously is able to fend off his impending orgasm, setting an easy pace that makes it all too easy for both of them to feel everything. He watched her face, her body, noting every change. How she twitched when his hands tightened around her, how her eyes fluttered when he moved just right, how her hips pushed up into his to match his pace. He could see the thin sheen of sweat across her body, reflecting the light of the bioluminescence around them and bathing her in color.
One of her hands cups his face, her thumb brushing his cheek affectionately. He turns his head to lean into it, kissing her palm.
“Oel ngati kameie.” She murmurs, making his hips stutter at the words. He lets out a soft sigh, fixing his pace and leaning down to kiss her again. He thinks he’ll never get tired of the feeling of her lips on his.
He says it back like a prayer, trailing his kisses down her jaw and neck. He rubs his cheek against the crook of her neck where her scent is the strongest, mixing it with his own. The way he rolls his hips into hers is devastating, her back arching up towards him when he brushes her g-spot. He notices, mostly because he had felt both the way she clenched down on him and the pleasure that flowed through the bond.
Itu shifts slightly, so he can better target that spot. The responding moan that escapes Tamtey’s lips makes him shudder. He’s holding back his end very well for someone who nearly came while eating her out. Though he’s not sure how much longer he’ll be able to keep it up- not with how beautiful she looks under him, the sounds she’s making, the bliss that’s felt and doubled through the connection of their kurus.
His thumb moves back to her clit to rub circles over it that matched his pace, earning him a high pitched whine from Tamtey. It’s not long before she’s falling off the edge again, eyes shut tight and head tilted back as she gasps and pants through it. The feeling pushes Itu to his orgasm as well, a deep groan escaping him. He pushes through the sensitivity to make sure she rides out the high before she gently taps his shoulder, to which he slows to a stop. He lays over her, not wanting to separate just yet.
Tamtey moves to hold him once she regains feeling in her limbs, one hand running through his hair while the other rubs comforting circles on his back. Her lips trail over his neck and shoulder, briefly stopping to rub her cheek against him to scent him the same way he had done her. When he can finally get his body to respond again, he props himself up on his elbow to look at her. He kisses her again, cupping her face. He rests his forehead against hers when he pulls away, eyes closed.
“We are one now.” He murmurs. She hums in reply, pecking him on the lips again.
“You cannot get rid of me anymore.” Tamtey replies, smiling a little. He huffs a small laugh.
“I would not want to anyway. I would follow you to the ends of the world, and do anything to stay by your side.” He says, rolling them onto their sides so they could rest more comfortably. Their kurus were still connected, the love from both of them thrumming back and forth. There was a feeling of warmth and satisfaction, like they had found something missing.
The sun had long since set, leaving them in the glow of the plants around them with the sounds of nature far off. It was peaceful and made both of them start to drift off to sleep. They would be able to deal with anything else later on, but for now all they needed to focus on was each other and their new bond.
