Jake Sully x Daughter!Reader
this is a part of a series of continuation scenarios following part 1 part 2, and part 3. enjoyyyyy xx.
A gentle gust blew against your long, dark hair. Loose strands swept in front of your face, slightly disturbing your view as you gazed at the sky. At the tender hour before eclipse, the sky darkened, gaining a rich pigment that resembled the skin of a salmon. Tucking a few strands behind your ear, you sighed, trying to slow your breathing as your heart rate began to climb.
"This used to be my favorite time of day," you whispered to yourself, lowering your gaze to your feet.
"Y/N?" a voice called, snapping you from your thoughts.
Aonung, walking steadily against the elastic material that led to your family's quarters, gave you a polite smile.
"Aonung," you greeted, a small smile tugging at your lips, "Hi."
As he grew close, your gaze fell to his hands, noticing his careful grip on a small, woven pouch. Curious, you raised your eyes to his when he reached a stop.
"Oel ngati kameie," he spoke deeply, raising his hand to his forehead before motioning outwards, "How are you tonight?"
"Oel ngati kameie," you replied, repeating the motion, "I'm alright. You?"
He shrugged, lowering his gaze. "Alright," he replied before meeting your eyes, once again, "A bit better now, I suppose."
A familiar feeling, one that you only felt in Aonung's presence, made itself known in your stomach. Your smile widened as you broke from his gaze, looking down before eyeing the ocean.
"I--well, my sister, actually," he began, causing you to turn back to him, "wanted to gift you with this. She said something about you losing the first one you had."
Lifting his hands, he handed the woven pouch to you, spiking your curiosity. Acting gently, you loosened the tie and opened the bag. Aonung watched you carefully.
Before reaching in, you peeked up at him. "What is it?" you teased.
When his shoulders relaxed, and a playful smile danced over his lips, your heart swelled. Raising his eyebrows, he gestured to the bag and answered.
"You must open the surprise to find out for yourself."
A giggle escaped your lips as you looked back down. Once your eyes fell on the small object inside, your heart soared.
"Oh," you gasped, reaching inside and lifting the object small out, "Yes I--my anklet! I lost it when . . ."
As you trailed off, Aonung nodded, a silent assurance that you didn't need to explain further.
The woven accessory, soft against your touch, contained various shades of green--ranging from dark forest greens to lighter, leafier greens. At the ends, dainty green beads dangled loosely.
"The colors," you breathed, turning it over in your hands, "they remind me so much of--"
"The forest," Aonung finished, making you look up and nod, "That was done intentionally."
For a moment, you stared at him silently. Under your gaze, he shifted slightly, looking away before speaking again. "Well, she hopes you like it."
Another smile, wider this time, pulled at your lips. "I do," you replied, glancing down at the gift in awe, "I really do."
Upon hearing your words, Aonung peeked back down at you, his lips briefly turning upwards. "She will be glad to hear it."
Aonung barely had time to face you before you closed your arms around his waist. His eyes widened as he stepped back once, balancing himself as you embraced him. For a moment, his arms hovered in the air, unsure of how to react to your sudden act of affection. However, as he looked down, taking in the sight of your head resting against his chest, he felt something shift internally.
Releasing a breath, he carefully wrapped an arm around your back and placed his other hand on your head.
"Very glad that you like it," he spoke lowly, preparing to rest his head over yours.
However, he halted his actions as his eyes fell on Jake, who had suddenly appeared from behind the hut. Jake, who had initially been looking down, raised his head before freezing. Their eyes met for a split second before Aonung released you, moving as though you'd burned him.
Taking your hands, Aonung patted the anklet a couple of times. "You keep this. My father needs me. I must be going."
Slightly startled, but nonetheless grateful, you nodded gently before sending him a brief smile. The boy lowered his gaze and hurried in the opposite direction, accelerating his pace to a slight jog.
Jake, who had since snapped from his brief state of shock, narrowed his eyes as he watched Aonung flee from your side. Then, after taking a few steps forward, keeping his eyes on the teenage boy, he rested a gentle hand on your shoulder.
When you jumped, Jake snapped his gaze down to you.
"Oh, I'm sorry," he breathed, placing his other hand on your shoulder and squeezing gently, "I'm sorry, sweetheart."
"It's okay," you answered, chuckling dryly as you looked up, "I'm sorry. It's me. I'm just so--"
"Hey," Jake cut in, shaking his head as he turned you, "It's not you. It's never you, alright?"
Sighing, you nodded, fiddling with the anklet in your grasp. A smile ghosted his lips as he cupped your chin for a moment before releasing you. "What did Aonung want?"
"Oh!" you responded, as your lips turned upwards, "Look! You know how I lost my anklet? Tsireya made another one for me!"
Jake's heart swelled at your visible excitement. "Really? Is this it?" he asked, holding his hand out for you to place it in, "Huh, lots of green."
"For the forest," you replied, turning it over in his hand, "See, even the beads match."
Jake nodded before glancing back in the direction where Aonung disappeared. Unable to withhold his burning question, he spoke again.
"And Tsireya couldn't deliver it to you herself?"
"She probably got caught up helping her mom," you answered, gently taking the anklet from his hand, "Besides, I haven't seen Aonung in a minute. It was nice to have a run in with him."
Jake's eyes still gazed past you. "Uh huh."
Finally catching where his mind was at, you looked up at your father. Then, feeling a subtle strike of delinquency, you tucked the anklet between your upper lip and nose. Frowning up, you pursed your lips and crossed your arms.
"Are you gonna threaten Aonung for acknowledging my existence?"
This broke Jake from his thoughts. After his eyes landed on you, he looked you up and down, taking in your comical pose before a smirk tugged on his lips.
"Not unless you want me to," he answered.
When your face fell, the anklet fell from your lips. Jake caught it before it landed, chuckling as he straightened back up. "Come on," he said, nodding towards the hut, "I'll knot this for you."
Pouting teasingly, you edged your way towards the hut. Jake, who had looked out at the water for a moment, did a double-take when he glanced at you. Narrowing his eyes playfully, he reached out, growling threateningly as you dodged his grasp and ran inside. You let out a minor yelp as you ran, making Jake tilt his head back with a laugh as he followed you inside.
"Oh, and for the record," Jake spoke up, settling himself on the floor, "A hug is more than acknowledging someone's existence."
"It wasn't for him," you countered, sitting across from him, "It was for Tsireya. I just asked him to pass it to her."
Raising an eyebrow, Jake didn't bother to hide the skepticism in his eyes. Releasing a sigh, you shook your head before breaking your gaze from his.
"It was harmless, Daddy. I swear it."
Relaxing his face, Jake glanced out the hut one last time, before turning his attention back to you. "Alright, sweetheart," he breathed.
When you didn't respond, he leaned forward, placing a hand over your knee. "Alright," he emphasized, with a tilt of his head.
Looking up, you connected your eyes with his and gave him a gentle smile. He flashed one in return before leaning back.
"Okay," he said, patting his lap, "Which ankle do you want? Same as last time?"
"Mhm," you hummed, "Right one please."
When you lifted your right leg, he took your ankle and placed it on his thigh. Then, handling the anklet with gentle hands, he wrapped it just above your foot and began knotting it. For a moment, you watched him in silence. Then, as the hut suddenly grew darker, your head snapped towards the opening. Outside the wide arch, you had a slight view of the eclipsing sun.
Jake glanced up, finishing his last knot as he watched you carefully. He didn't miss perturbed expression that crossed your face. Finishing with one last pull, he patted your ankle.
"Good to go," he said, grabbing your attention.
When you looked down at your ankle, a small smile pulled at your lips. "Thanks, Dad," you whispered, pulling your foot close.
He watched you for a moment--watched as you tucked your knees to your chest, wrapped your arms around your calves, and placed your chin between your knees. He began to reach out, but stopped himself as he decided on another course of action.
As he stood up, your eyes followed his movements, curiosity overtaking your gaze. He smiled briefly, nodding towards the doorway. Once he sat back down, facing the outside of the hut, his hand motioned you over.
With a quick jump, you raised yourself to a squat before straightening up and walking up to him. However, rather than sitting next to him, you settled yourself behind him, wrapping your arms around his neck and resting your chin on his shoulder. Jake released a breathy chuckle, placing his hands over your forearms and pecking your temple.
"You remember what I told you? About letting me know when things are bothering you?"
Tucking your head down, you nodded. "Mhm."
Sensing your hesitance to open up, Jake released a small breath. Shifting his gaze from you, he stared at the sky, deciding it was time to be more direct. "Tell me about the eclipse."
You were quiet for a moment, before a dry chuckle escaped your lips. "You catch everything, don't you, Dad?"
His hand reclaimed its place on your forearm. Turning his head, he spoke closely to you. "Always," he replied, "You're my little girl. It's my job."
As his words lingered in the air, your mind wandered back to the moments before your first death. Being sprawled out on the rock, the blood running down your chest, the devastation in your father's tearful eyes--all things that made your chest constrict.
Recognizing the shift in your mental state, Jake immediately unwrapped your arms from his neck. "C'mere," he instructed softly, pulling you around him, "Let's switch."
Once he plopped you onto his lap, he wrapped his arms around your biceps, engulfing you completely. Closing your eyes, you took a moment to enjoy the feeling of being held. His arms, muscular signs of security, anchored your swirling mind. Then, after a long moment, and a long breath release, you reopened your eyes.
"It was the last thing," you whispered, making Jake tilt his head to get a glimpse of your face.
"What was the last thing?" he asked, rubbing a thumb over your arm.
"Just like your voice was the last thing I heard, the eclipse was the last thing I saw," you whispered, closing your eyes and lowering your head, "It haunts me every time I see it."
Jake's ears folded back as he released a small breath, his mind tortured by the agonizing vision of your dying expression. Then, pulling you closer, he began placing multiple kisses on your head--moving from your hair to your temple to your ear to your cheek. After running a brief hand over your head, before wrapping it back around you, he prepared to respond. However, you spoke up before he could.
"It used to be my favorite time of day--eclipse," you continued, shaking your head as your gaze remained low, "but now . . . every time I see the sun disappear . . . I can't escape it--the unease, the fear, the flashbacks. Every time I think I'm moving past it, eclipse comes and reopens the wound, and it's fresh in my mind every night."
As Jake listened, he quickly made the connection between your ongoing nightmares and eclipse.
If eclipse brings the memories back in a fresh wave every night . . . Jake thought to himself, No wonder she's dealing with these night terrors.
"Every time the sun disappears, I feel as though my return to the Great Mother is among us," you finished, shivering in his arms.
Though he knew your chill wasn't from coldness, for a brief moment, Jake subconsciously rubbed his hands over your arms before wrapping them around you again. Looking up, you stared out to the horizon. Jake processed your words and shook his head, closing his eyes as a searing pain shot through his heart.
"Baby girl," he began, speaking in a hushed voice, "I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am. For all of this. It was my fault. It was my job to keep you safe--it still is--and to make sure that nothing in this world hurts you. I'll . . . I'll never forgive myself for failing you the first time around."
Frowning, you turned to face him, cupping his cheek with your smaller hand. "Daddy . . . Daddy," you called, making him open his eyes to look at you, "Not once have you ever failed me. What happened that night was beyond your control. Quaritch was beyond your control. The sky people returning was beyond your control. In those last moments, you and I--" You paused, feeling yourself grow choked up.
Jake's eyebrows creased as his gentle eyes held your gaze. Though he knew that you were the one trying to offer him words of comfort, he could never disregard his paternal instinct to console you anytime you grew dewy-eyed.
Cupping your cheek, he began rubbing his thumb over your prominent cheekbone. However, you quickly removed his large hand from your skin, holding it with both of yours.
Your voice came out as a pained whimper, but you forced yourself to get the words out. "You and I both knew what was happening--what was going to happen," you said, making Jake blow a breath out of his nose and lower his head briefly, "B-But you--"
Cupping your father's cheeks, you forced him to meet your eyes, once again--an action he'd done with you countless times. When he did, you pressed your palm against his chest. "When that realization hit me, and I grew panicked, you gave me peace," you continued, "Because of you, I wasn't afraid to let go. You had the strength to make sure that I wouldn't be afraid to die."
Jake shook his head, eyes filling with tears as he let out a sob. He cupped both of your cheeks before pulling you into his chest, folding his arms around you.
"My sweet girl," he choked, squeezing you against him and running a shaky hand over your hair, "God . . . . God, my sweet angel."
"P-Please don't call yourself a failure, Daddy," you whimpered, squeezing your eyes shut as you pressed into his skin, "It hurts me because you're my heart, and I don't blame you for any of this." A small sob escaped your lips now, though you tried to hold it back. "I'm just so frightened now. Not of dying, or joining the Great Mother, but frightened of losing you again."
Jake let out another breath, wishing only to squeeze you tighter, but restraining himself--knowing that he had the potential to hurt you.
"We share the same fear, baby," he answered, placing his chin over your head, "I can't lose you either. Never again."
Then, after a moment spent in thought, he tilted his head down, placing the pads of three of his fingers against your chin and gently coaxing your head up. When you felt his tender touch, you instantly obeyed his silent command, connecting your eyes with his.
"And you and I--we're many things to each other. I'm many things to you. But 'your heart'?" Jake continued, shaking his head, "I can't . . . I can't let you give me that title. I, alone, don't deserve a title so generous."
Pressing your lips together, you leaned up, taking his hand from your chin and holding it. "Who wanted to take me back home? Who wanted to give it a try, even though I had already joined the Great Mother?"
The tension in his face eased, though the solemnity never left his eyes. His lack of answer was enough for you. Smiling slightly, you placed his hand over your heart.
"It's beating because you demanded it to beat again. You are my heart, Daddy. It is decided."
The two of you held each others' gazes for a long moment. Then, after releasing a breath from his nose, a smile began to tug at Jake's lips. Cupping both sides of your head, he pulled you close and kissed your forehead. However, rather than pulling away, he closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against yours. You mirrored him, closing your eyes, as well.
After a long moment of comfortable silence, you gathered the courage to share another burden with your father--one that you'd been holding for days.
"Daddy?" you whispered, making him open his eyes.
"Hm?" he hummed, focusing his gaze on you.
Your eyes remained closed as you spoke. "Can I tell you something else?"
A minuscule spark of joy spread through him. Nothing made him happier than seeing you let your walls down to him. "Anything that's on your mind, sweet girl."
Pulling back, you opened your eyes. However, you kept your gaze low, focusing on Jake's necklace, rather than meeting his eyes.
"I'm afraid I've brought our family shame."
Jake frowned. "What?" he breathed, beginning to shake his head, "No. No, no, sweetheart, you haven't. What happened might have been beyond my control, but it sure as hell wasn't in your control, either."
"That's not what I mean," you replied, looking away briefly.
Jake's shoulders sunk as his frown eased. "Oh," he spoke, "Then, how do you mean?"
You sighed, feeling embarrassment creep up your spine, swirling around your chest and stomach. "I've lost my connection to the water."
Jake blinked at you. His lack of response made you fumble into a series of excuses. "I-It's just--ever since--I just look at the water and I can't bring myself to--I mean, I haven't swam properly since it all--"
Jake reached out, gently cupping the back of your neck. "Y/N," Jake hushed you, "Y/N."
For a brief moment, he placed a finger on your lips, silencing your rambles. Once you fell silent, receiving the message, he adjusted his hands to hold your chin, gripping it between his thumb and forefinger.
"Sweetheart," he began, looking away briefly as a chuckle pushed its way through his lips, "I swear, I'm gonna get this through that thick skull of yours, if it's the last thing I do."
Your lips parted as you absorbed his words. Jake looked back at you, his pointer gently rubbing against the skin beneath your chin.
"None of this is on you. Absolutely none of it. You got that?" he continued, waiting for you to nod.
When you did, his gaze remained unmoving.
"You sure?" he asked, raising his eyebrows and tilting his head, "I know you can be as stubborn as your mother, sometimes."
"I got it," you answered meekly, keeping your gaze down.
"That was pathetic," he replied flatly, briefly using his finger to tickle the skin beneath your chin, "C'mon, a little more feeling."
A giggle spilled from your lips as you pulled away, gripping the hand that held your chin.
"I got it," you replied, louder this time as you met his eyes with raised eyebrows.
"You gonna stop worryin' that pretty little head of yours about it?"
Embarrassment crossed your face. Leaning down, you shoved your face into his chest. "Yes," you mumbled, feeling him shake as he chuckled.
"Good," Jake answered, a smirk fading from his lips, "Now--hey, look at me."
Jake tried to lean you back up, but you dodged his hand. Then, rolling over, you laid your head against his left thigh, bending your knees and placing your feet down to support yourself. Smiling softly, Jake reached down and cupped your chin with both hands, rubbing his thumbs over your skin.
"Between you and the water," he continued, "you're just dealing with some PTSD."
When your face fell, he released a sigh. "I'm afraid things like this are inevitable, baby. They're gonna happen. But, we can always find ways around them. And, you and I, we're gonna deal with it together. Alright?"
As you looked into his eyes, relief seeped into your veins. Without saying a word, he communicated your safeness with him. With his eyes, he let you know that, even if the Metkayina had thoughts on your temporary disconnect with the water, he would be the first to jump in front of you, guarding every blow before it could touch you.
Nodding your head, you released a breath. "Thanks, Daddy," you whispered, reaching up to grip one of his wrists, "Truly. I can't thank you enough for always being . . . here. For always listening. For caring."
He shook his head. "I don't like that you're thanking me for doing the bare minimum," he answered matter-of-factly, "You're mine, and I'll always be here, whether you like it or not."
"Even if you have to go off, and be Toruk Makto again?"
Jake removed a loose strand of hair from your forehead. Then, he leaned in slightly, raising his eyebrows in the process. "Being your heart is more important to me than being Toruk Makto, angel."
Giving him a close-lipped smile and shutting your eyes, you said nothing in response--fulfilled by his weighted words.
As endeared as Jake was--with your head lying in his lap--he wanted you closer. "C'mere," he rasped, patting his thighs.
Opening your eyes, you gave him a confused look. "I'm here."
"Well, I can't hold you from down there," he retorted, raising his eyebrows as you snorted.
"Hold my face," you sassed, closing your eyes again, "I'm comfy."
Jake tilted his head, narrowing his eyes. A mischievous snarl crossed his face. "Is that so?" he asked, his tone a little too sweet for your liking.
Barely having time to open your eyes, he gripped your midsection and yanked you up. Gasping, you broke into a fit of laughter as he closed his arms around you. It was the same position he had you in earlier, however, his grip was much less relenting, this time.
"I said I wanna hold you," he growled, pressing his face against your twitching ear as you laughed, "You gonna make me pull out the old tricks?"
"Old tricks?" you attempted to hiss, "Please."
"Is that a challenge?" he inquired, raising an eyebrow, before leaning in to blow in your ear, "How much're we bettin'?"
Your eyes widened as you tried to lean away. "No!" you hollered, fighting giggles as you tried to distance yourself from him, "No, stop it, Dad! I'm not five anymore!"
He shook his head in your neck, making you cackle as your cheeks burned with embarrassment. However, your embarrassment spiked as a large shadow fell over your face, making you open your eyes.
With your head leaned back, you had an upside down view of Tonowari. Gasping, you leaned up, gazing at your lap as your face blazed with fire.
"Apologies," Tonowari spoke up, unable to hold back his chuckles, "I do not mean to intrude."
Jake shook his head, chuckling with him. "You aren't."
Swallowing your pride, you looked up at the Metkayina chief, preparing to greet him properly. "Oel ngati kameie, Olo'eyktan Tonowari."
Jake looked down at you, pride spreading across his face. Tonowari gave you a fond smile as he took a knee. "Oel ngati kameie, young one," he replied, before turning to Jake, "Oel ngati kameie, Jakesully."
"Oel ngati kameie," Jake replied politely.
Tonowari, then, turned to you, once again. "Are you well, my child?"
Your shoulders sunk as the tension within your body eased. "I am . . . as well as I can be."
Jake ran a hand over your hair as Tonowari nodded once. "I understand," he answered, "On behalf of The People, my children, my wife, and myself, we are grateful to have you back with us."
Your heart swelled at his words. Visibly lighting up, you placed a hand on your heart. "Thank you, sir. I am overjoyed to be back with you all. Thank you for continuing to provide our family with sanctuary."
After nodding again, he replied. "You will always have a place here."
Upon hearing his words, your organs warmed, feeling as though a swarm of glowfish were traveling through your veins. Though Jake was always your primary paternal figure, you couldn't help the pleasure you felt in pleasing the chief of the Metkayina--and father to friends you held dear.
"If you don't mind, may I borrow your sempul for a moment?" Tonowari asked, raising his eyebrows in question.
Turning your head, you looked to Jake. Jake met your eyes, smiling softly before nodding towards the hut. "Go on. I'll be there in a minute."
Nodding, you turned to Tonowari before nodding politely. Tonowari nodded, watching with a smile as Jake helped you off of his lap before you walked into the hut. Before you left his sights, however, his eyes fell to the anklet.
Jake and Tonowari stood up before edging away from the hut. As both men walked, they stood tall--each carrying himself regally.
"She likes the gift Aonung made for her?" Tonowari inquired, making Jake turn to him in confusion.
"I thought Tsireya made it."
Tonowari frowned. "Tsireya? No. She's been working on another gift for your 'ite."
"Oh," Jake replied, turning his gaze forward.
Coming to a stop, Tonowari turned to face Jake. "I am here to check on the child's state--on behalf of my mate, as well. She has experienced something beyond our comprehension."
Pressing his lips together, Jake released a breath from his nose. "Yeah. I know."
Reading Jake's emotions, the chief tilted his head. "Is she struggling?"
Jake looked away, closing his eyes for a moment before answering. "Yeah. A lot. There's a lot that she's . . . struggling to bounce back from--which is only natural. Still, though, I hate seeing her in so much pain."
"It has left her troubled?"
"Mm," Tonowari hummed, "Well, I will allow you to aid her with her recovery, in any way you see fit. However, do not be afraid to come to us--should you seek other methods. Ronal wishes to assist her in any way she can."
Nodding gratefully, Jake answered him. "Thank you. We will definitely keep that in mind."
The two men gripped forearms, acknowledging one another respectfully, before separating.
"Go on," Tonowari said, nodding towards the hut, "I know you are eager to return to her."
Jake scoffed lightheartedly, glancing back, not denying the chief's words.
Jake nodded. "You, as well."
hiiii my loves sorry it's been so long. the semester has started so my priorities have shifted. however, I will still write when I can because I need to visit this universe to keep myself sane. so don't fret bc I'm not abandoning you ! all my love ! I hope you enjoyed xx
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