thinking about statues of Grace being built all around Erid years after his passing so he can continue to watch over Eridians as they sleep
sheepfilms
Sweet Seals For You, Always

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Not today Justin

Kaledo Art
Mike Driver
we're not kids anymore.

Discoholic đȘ©
Lint Roller? I Barely Know Her
occasionally subtle

â
NASA
cherry valley forever
Today's Document

⣠Chile in a Photography âŁ
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Xuebing Du

JVL
PUT YOUR BEARD IN MY MOUTH
Claire Keane

seen from Singapore
seen from Brazil
seen from Brazil
seen from Brazil

seen from United States
seen from United States

seen from United States
seen from United States

seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from TĂŒrkiye

seen from United States
seen from United States

seen from TĂŒrkiye
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seen from Malaysia
seen from Pakistan
@projectile-bile
thinking about statues of Grace being built all around Erid years after his passing so he can continue to watch over Eridians as they sleep
itâs my borthday :)
we've all heard "he would not fucking say that" which i know has some nuance to it, but what about the fanart version, "He would not fucking have defined abs and gym-toned muscles"?
i pulled you out of the icy depths, why are you still so saturated in blood? better yet, where the hell did you come from?
(quick sketch inspired by this post by @spotforme)
Ava drowning in the boiling pressure of the blood ocean that burns her eyes and is thick to move through to thinking she must be about to die because the blood is getting colder and her eyes burn, she can't feel the thick, heavy waves of her hands and legs struggling to surface anymore. her body starts to burn.
Ava goes from struggling in the blood ocean to drowning in the ice sea
Eva Stratt traveling on the secluded off-grid cargo ship has to take care of this scar-ridden, half-blind, hypothermic, intimidating woman who she just fished out from beneath the rudders of the ship that inexplicably started leaving a trail of red behind them (that's where she spawned)
Grace Rocky Save Stars
My latest obsession
Please look at my drawing I'm actually so proud of it
(Also if any of u could like it in my other socials thatd be great I'm stuggling to get more people to see my art đ„ș
cuteness aggression
Gentle Hands: Oneshot
So'lek x avatar!reader
YAWNE!
So'lek was carrying supplies back toward the sanctuary.
Nothing unusual.
Just another peaceful afternoon.
His thoughts were already occupied with his mate. Which, admittedly, was becoming a recurring problem. As soon as he left her proximity his thoughts always drifted back to her even when he was helping her around the sanctuary.
He was halfway past her whenâSmack.
The warrior spun around so fast he nearly dropped what he was carrying.
"Yawne!" The word escaped him in a shocked gasp. Absolute disbelief written across his face.
(Y/n) stood there. Trying and failing. To look innocent.
The snicker escaping her ruined any chance of that.
So'lek simply stared.
His mate.
His sweet.
Shy.
Easily flustered mate.
Had just smacked his backside.
On purpose.
The woman immediately bit her lip. Trying not to laugh.
The warrior could actually feel himself becoming flustered. His heart rate picked up as he felt a heat rush to his cheeks, he looked away before she could notice.
He had not been prepared for this.
At all. Not even slightly.
The look in her eyes confirmed it. She knew exactly what she'd done.
"So'lek?" she asked sweetly. Far too sweetly.
The warrior steadied his heat, narrowed his eyes and turned to face her.
"You did that deliberately." But there was a smirk pulling upwards from his lips.
The snickering intensified.
That was all the confirmation he needed.
Before she could escape, his arm shot out. Catching her around the waist.
The woman squeaked. Immediately realizing she may have miscalculated.
"Oh no."
The warrior pulled her against him.
Still looking mildly scandalized.
Because honestlyâHe was.
His mate was usually the one becoming flustered.
Not him.
This felt deeply unfair.
The woman was still laughing.
Which wasn't helping.
"You thought that was funny?"
The grin on her face was answer enough. The mischievous woman.
"Very funny."
"I see."
The warrior nodded slowly. Thoughtfully. As though considering something.
Then leaned down and kissed her.
Stealing every bit of laughter from her immediately.
When he pulled back, she was smiling. Entirely pleased with herself.
So'lek shook his head. Hopeless. Absolutely hopeless. "What has gotten into you?"
The woman shrugged. A terrible attempt at innocence.
"Two can play this game," he warned.
Before she could retreat, he caught her in another kiss.
The kind that immediately stole her next remark.
His arm shifted lower trailing down her waist, trailing down her skin until he found the smooth curve of her backside and pinched.
It earned a surprised squeak from her.
He grinned into the kiss.
Victory.
For approximately three seconds.
Then her arm moved, snaking around and grabbing his tightly.
And suddenly it was So'lek's turn to freeze. His heart rate immediately picked up.
The woman looked up at him. That look in her eyes was dangerous.
Too dangerous. For someone usually so shy.
"Yes," she said, a smirk tugging at her lips.
"They can."
The warrior stared at her. His mate. His sweet, shy, endlessly flustered mate.
Who apparently woke up this morning and chose chaos.
The realization left him completely caught off guard.
"Yawne." The warning came out far weaker than he intended.
Because she was laughing. At him.
And Eywa help him, seeing her this happy made it impossible to stay annoyed.
The woman rested her forehead against his chest.
Still grinning.
Still victorious.
Meanwhile So'lek was trying very hard to remember what he'd originally been doing before she had completely derailed his afternoon.
Unfortunately all he could think about was the fact that his mate had become entirely too bold.
A development he both appreciated and feared in equal measure.
So'lek kissed her again.
Mostly because his brain had stopped functioning properly.
The warrior had faced RDA gunships.
Amp suits.
Just about every dangerous thing someone could think of.
Things that should have terrified him.
None of them had prepared him for this.
For her.
For this version of her.
His normally shy mate was looking up at him with a mischievous smile. Entirely aware of the effect she was having.
And by Eywa, it was dangerous.
When the kiss ended, he rested his forehead briefly against hers.
Trying to regain some semblance of composure.
And failing
Spectacularly.
Because she was still standing there looking pleased with herself.
And to make things even worse for him her grip tightened. His breath hitched and she let out a burst of laughter.
His heart was pounding.
His thoughts a complete mess.
And the worst part?
She wasn't even trying very hard.
She was simply being playful. Flirtatious.
So'lek laughed softly. Shaking his head.
"You are incredible."
The woman immediately smiled.
The warrior narrowed his eyes.
Because she knew. She absolutely knew what she had done to him.
And that was a dangerous amount of power for one woman to possess.
Especially this woman.
The one he'd never expected to be bold enough to start a flirtation like this.
Years ago?
Impossible.
Even months ago?
Unthinkable.
Now?
Now she was standing in front of him looking entirely too proud of herself.
And he found that he loved it.
The warrior sighed dramatically.
The kind of sigh that suggested he was suffering greatly. "I was supposed to be the intimidating one."
The woman burst out laughing.
And somehow that only made him smile more.
Yes this woman was dangerous, perhaps even more dangerous than the entire rda because what she did to him was nearly heart stopping
And he wouldn't have it any other way... even if his knees felt like they were going to give out underneath him from shock.
@whos-nin1 @lvlypinkesworld @loaf-with-jam @deepangelpartykid @itsfrenchxfrxes @quietlydecafinated @lovelyinthesunlitsky @lizzy91768 @bxxbeaxxb @twentysomethingwereyote @jillxty @rinitoshi13 @gvyknkj @nikomenom @intervitadatura @buckybluebarnes @theatregeek-247 @valinat @rinitoshi13 @sunshinescubagear @7leo7 @eeorrrr @layingintheloam @poppyw4 @marija4674 @miniverse-zen @ur-juno @sleepisfortheweakpooh @akamenaruto14 @pinkglittertaco @annoyingasexual @grcsbluepen @deepwaterdreams @canteloupesoda @justhereiguess2 @idkmanimjstired @yaaraz
Gentle Hands
So'lek x fem!avatar driver reader inspired by Tsumuke written by @lvlypinkesworld
Part 16.5 > Part 17 > Part 18 (18+ edition)
Dedicated to @grackyb and @yaaraz and @layingintheloam Keep your eye out because @revelutionize is writing the 18+ version of this chapter
Forever
The sun was setting. Golden light spilled through the trees of the sanctuary, turning every leaf to molten amber.
(Y/n) stood near the shelter entrance, trying very hard not to pace. Trying very hard not to panic. Trying very hard not to think.
Unfortunately, she was failing at all three.
Her hands smoothed over the outfit for perhaps the twentieth time.
Nefika's handiwork was breathtaking. Delicate woven flowers and petals wrapped elegantly across her form, trailing like living vines. Soft purples and blues reflected the colors of twilight.
The outfit felt beautiful.
And terrifying.
Mostly terrifying.
Because this kind of outfit was designed to be eycatching. She knew exactly whose eyes she wanted to impress.
The realization immediately sent another rush of heat into her cheeks.
"Oh god."
Her heart was pounding.
An ikran called overhead. Her head snapped upward instantly.
All thoughts vanished.
Iley descended through the trees. Landing at the edge of the sanctuary.
And suddenly her nervousness became something else entirely. Anticipation.
The warrior slid from Iley's back.
For a moment neither moved. Neither spoke.
So'lek had cleaned up as well. His braids had been carefully redone, every strand neat and orderly. A simple cord rested across his forehead, a pale bead at its center. Around his neck hung a carved necklace of beads and a tooth charm worn smooth from the time it took to fashion it. Instead of his usual armor, he wore woven shoulder pieces that framed his broad shoulders and chest. Deep violet fabric rested around his neck and upper torso, contrasting against the blue of his skin. The leather bracelet she had made for him sat proudly upon his wrist.
Then his eyes found her. And he froze. The world seemed to stop. The sounds of the sanctuary faded. The evening breeze vanished.
There was only her. Standing beneath the golden light. Waiting for him.
Beautiful.
Eywa.
Beautiful did not begin to cover it.
For a moment So'lek genuinely forgot how to breathe. Forgot what he had intended to say. Forgot every carefully planned word.
Because the woman standing before him looked like something out of a dream. Like a blessing gifted by Eywa herself.
The flowers woven into her clothing seemed to glow in the fading sunlight. Her hair had been carefully brushed and arranged. The necklace he had made for her rested against her skin. And her faceâHer face was already turning red beneath the intensity of his stare.
It made his heart pull painfully in his chest.
His jaw tightened slightly. Because no one had ever looked this beautiful.
(Y/n) immediately became self-conscious beneath the silence. "So'lek?"
The quiet question finally pulled him back to reality.
The warrior swallowed. Still staring. Still looking as though he'd forgotten every language he knew.
The poor woman shifted nervously. "Is it bad?"
The question nearly broke his heart.
Bad?
The warrior crossed the distance between them before she could retreat into embarrassment.
One hand gently found her cheek. His thumb brushing softly across warm skin. His eyes never left hers. "Yawne."
The word came out rougher than intended. Filled with emotion. Wonder. Affection. Everything he could not quite put into words.
"You are beautiful."
(Y/n)'s breath caught.
So'lek looked as though he was seeing her for the first time. As though he couldn't quite believe she was real.
The warrior shook his head softly. Still stunned. Still trying to recover. "I do not think Nefika likes me very much."
Confusion immediately crossed her face. "What?"
His gaze slowly traveled over the flowers, the woven petals, the elegant craftsmanship. Then returned to her eyes.
"Because she has made it very difficult for me to think."
And suddenly she was blushing harder than ever.
The warrior's smile softened.
And as the last rays of sunlight painted the sanctuary gold, So'lek found himself thinking that every hour spent preparing for tonight had been worth it. Because standing before him was the woman he loved. And she was more beautiful than anything he could have imagined.
The compliment had left her flustered.
The way he had looked at her had somehow been even worse. Or better. She had not yet decided.
Possibly both.
Now, standing beneath the fading evening sky, she found herself staring at the large hand extended toward her.
So'lek's hand.
The warrior's golden eyes held hers. He took her hand gently. The touch immediately steadied her racing heart.
Only a little. Because what came next made it start racing all over again.
"Last chance to change your mind, (Y/n)." The words were quiet. Serious.
The warrior's thumb brushed across her knuckles. "If you come with me tonight..."
His voice lowered. "There is no going back."
He was giving her a choice. One final choice.
The woman looked up at him.
Really looked at him. At the warrior who had protected her. Comforted her. Loved her.
The man who had become the home of her heart.
Her answer came immediately. "There is nothing to change."
"I love you."
For a moment the warrior simply stared at her. The words striking him with the same force every time he heard them. As though some part of him still could not quite believe she had loved him.
Then he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Lingering there.
Eyes closed briefly.
Thanking Eywa.
Then he smiled. The genuine smile she rarely saw. The one reserved only for her.
"Come."
His fingers intertwined with hers. Guiding her toward where Iley waited.
(Y/n) followed willingly.
Though curiosity was rapidly beginning to outweigh her nerves. "Where are you taking me?"
The warrior glanced back over his shoulder. The moonlight caught in his eyes. "The Glade of Light."
For once, perhaps the first time since she'd met himâ She felt no fear climbing onto Iley's back.
No dread. No nervous glances downward. No complaints about falling. Instead she settled behind him and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist.
The warrior's hand briefly covered hers. A silent reassurance.
Then Iley launched into the sky.
The flight was quiet. Peaceful.
The world below glowed softly beneath the moonlight. Pandora stretching endlessly beneath them. Floating mountains hanging like stars in the darkness.
Neither spoke much. Neither seemed to need to.
(Y/n) rested her cheek against So'lek's back. Listening to the steady beat of his heart. The familiar rhythm. The rhythm that always calmed her.
And before she knew itâ The journey was over.
Iley descended gracefully. Landing among ancient trees bathed in bioluminescent light.
The Glade of Light.
The last remnants of sunset had vanished completely. Night had claimed the sky. The stars shone overhead. The glowing plants illuminated the forest floor in soft blues and greens.
So'lek dismounted first. Then turned. Offering her his hand.
(Y/n) took it.
Stepping down beside him.
The moment her feet touched the ground she noticed something.
The glade was empty.
Just the two of them.
The realization made her heart flutter.
The warrior squeezed her hand gently. Then began leading her deeper into the glowing forest. The deeper they walked into the Glade of Light, the quieter the world became. The glowing trees hung like curtains of violet stars. Soft streams trickled in the background. Every branch shimmered with bioluminescent light.
(Y/n) found herself slowing as they entered the heart of it.
The sight stole her breath.
Towering Trees of Voices stretched toward the night sky, their luminous tendrils swaying gently in the breeze. The glow reflected in her eyes. In the wonder written across her face.
So'lek watched her take it all in. And found himself smiling.
Because even now, after everything she had seen on Pandora, she could still be awed by its beauty.
"You know what these trees are?" His voice was soft.
(Y/n) nodded. "The Trees of Voices."
Her eyes remained fixed upward. "Where your people connect to Eywa."
The warrior's expression softened. "Yes."
Slowly he stepped forward. His kuru lifting.
The glowing tendrils drifted lazily around them.
So'lek connected first. Then he looked back at her. Motioning silently.
(Y/n) stepped forward. Her hands trembled slightly. Slowly she raised her own kuru. The connection formed.
And suddenlyâVoices. Echoes. Memories. Laughter. Songs.
The distant sounds of countless lives that had come before.
The sensation washed over her like a warm tide.
Her breath caught.
The wonder on her face nearly brought tears to So'lek's eyes.
After a long moment, So'lek gently disconnected.
 (Y/n) did the same.
The warrior stepped closer. Until there was barely any distance between them.
His hands found hers. The other rising to cup her cheek. His forehead rested against hers.
The familiar gesture. The one that always made her feel warm inside.
"There are a few steps to make you my mate."
"And you mine."
(Y/n)'s heart raced.
So'lek lifted his queue. His eyes never left hers. "Bond with me."
SlowlyâShe joined her kuru with his. The connection formed instantly. And suddenly the world changed.
(Y/n) gasped. She could feel him. Not hear his thoughts. Not see memories.
Feel him.
The steady beat of his heart. The strength of his devotion. The overwhelming certainty with which he loved her. The fierce protectiveness. The tenderness. The longing he had spent months holding back.
His admiration. His affection. The sheer depth of emotion nearly overwhelmed her.
It was like standing in sunlight. Like being wrapped in warmth. Like discovering that every loving glance he had ever given her had only been a fraction of what he truly felt.
A soft sound escaped her.
Across from her, So'lek experienced much the same. He felt her racing heart. The warmth flooding her face. The nervous excitement.
Most importantlyâ No fear. No hesitation. No uncertainty.
Only love. Only anticipation. Only her heart reaching back toward his.
It nearly undid him. His eyes closed briefly. Relief washing through him. Because for all his confidence, for all his certainty, a small part of him had still worried.
Not anymore. Not now. Now he knew that she was as certain about him as her was of her.
When their eyes met again, neither could look away.
"Next?" The word emerged as little more than a whisper.
The warrior smiled. His thumb brushed across her cheek. "I mate with you before Eywa."
"And when the sun rises..."
His forehead remained against hers. "We shall be mates."
Then softly, "Muntxatan and muntxate."
His eyes shone in the glow of the trees."For life."
(Y/n)'s breath caught.
The enormity of it settled over her. Not frightening.Not overwhelming.
Right.
Somehow simply right.
A smile touched her lips. Then she looked up at him.
A little of her usual shyness returning. "I think..."
The warrior raised an eyebrow.
"...that should start with a kiss."
The laugh that escaped him was warm. Full of affection.
Then he cupped her face. As though she were something precious. And kissed her.
Beneath the glowing Trees of Voices. Beneath the stars. With Eywa as witness.
And for a little while, neither thought about tomorrow. Only about each other.
The connection between them made it impossible to hide.
Impossible to pretend.
Every emotion flowed freely across the bond.
His devotion. Her trust.
His longing. Her anticipation.
The certainty that neither of them wished to be anywhere else.
Without breaking the kiss, So'lek guided her gently down onto the soft moss and grasses beneath the Trees of Voices.
(Y/n) found herself laughing softly against his lips as the bond carried every feeling between them.
The warrior's affection washed over her like warmth. So much affection. So much love.
It made her heart flutter.
She lay beneath him, glowing branches framing the night sky above.
For a moment she simply looked at him.
Her eyes widened slightly. Because she could feel it. How much he wanted her, how long that want had ben building up for some time.
"You have been wanting this for quite some time."
A smile touched So'lek's mouth. "You are a beautiful woman."
He kissed her forehead. Then her cheek. Then the corner of her mouth. "And an attractive one."
Her fave flushed. The bond carried her embarrassment straight to him.
Which only made his smile grow.
Another kiss.
"It has taken much restraint."
His forehead rested briefly against hers. Golden eyes never leaving her own.
"Because I have wanted you since the first time I kissed you."
The confession stole her breath.
(Y/n)'s hand rose to his face. Her fingers tracing familiar features. The scar she knew so well. The line of his jaw.
The warrior closed his eyes briefly at the touch.
Leaning into it.
The bond carried his feelings clearly enough that words were hardly necessary now.
Love. Devotion. The desire to spend the rest of his life beside her. He desperate want for her.
Nothing hidden. Nothing withheld.
The woman smiled softly.
And through the bond he felt it. Felt the sheer depth of her love all over again.
So'lek kissed her again.
For a long moment neither moved. Content simply to remain there together. On the edge of a new chapter in their lives.
With the stars above. And Eywa as witness.
The moment his hands settled against her thighs, gently pushing them apart, (Y/n)'s breath caught.
Not because she was afraid.
That realization struck her unexpectedly.
There should have been fear.Once upon a time there always had been. Fear of being cornered. Fear of being trapped. Fear of hands that took rather than asked.
Yet as she looked up at So'lek, she found none of it.
Her heart raced so hard she was certain he could feel it through their bond.
Every glance he gave her carried the same question Are you certain?
Every touch carried the same promise I will not hurt you.
It settled deep within her chest. For perhaps the first time in her life, she felt completely safe being looked at.
Completely safe being wanted.
And somehow that made her want him all the more.
As he knelt in between her thighs So'lek's heart thundered in his chest.
Through their bond he could feel every flutter of her pulse. Every nervous thought. Every surge of affection.
Yet beneath it all he found something that nearly brought him to his knees.
Trust.
Because she was choosing him.
Freely.
Not out of obligation. Not out of fear. Not because she had nowhere else to go.
She was choosing him because she loved him.
The warrior closed his eyes briefly.
Thanking Eywa.
Thanking everything out there who had guided his path to this woman.
Desire still burned fiercely within him, but it was no longer the strongest thing he felt. Stronger than that was devotion.Stronger than that was the overwhelming certainty that he wanted every sunrise and every sunset that remained in his life to be spent beside her.
His mate.
His yawne.
His heart.
His forever.
(Y/n) woke with a sharp breath.
For a few precious seconds she did not know where she was.
She could still feel him. Still feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The warmth of his chest beneath her cheek. The strength of his arms around her. The feel of him emotions and body entwined with hers. The overwhelming certainty of his love.
It lingered like sunlight on skin.
Like the last notes of a song.
There.
Yet already fading.
The immediacy of it was slipping away with every passing second. Becoming a memory.
A ghost.
A beautiful one.
She sat up slowly inside the link bed. The movement felt wrong. Everything felt wrong.
Cold. Empty. Small.
Her hands rested in her lap.
Human hands. Fragile hands. Not the hands that had held his face only hours ago. Not the body that was claimed by him.
A strange ache settled in her chest. The kind of ache that came from missing someone who was still alive.
Someone who was waiting for her. Someone she would see again.
Yet somehow not soon enough.
Her eyes lowered to her hands. And suddenly she hated them.
Not because there was anything wrong with them. Because they reminded her where she was. Reminded her what she wasn't.
The realization struck her all over again.
Mated.
The word echoed through her thoughts.
Married in Navi tradition.
For life.
Her breath caught.
A small smile appeared. Then immediately vanished as the ache returned.
So'lek. Her muntxatan. Her husband.
For life.
The thought should have felt impossible. Ridiculous. Instead it felt right. Like something that had always been meant to happen.
Slowly she got up from the link bed.
The room felt unbearably quiet.
Every step away from it felt worse. As though she were moving further from him. Further from the place she belonged.
She exited the link room. Someone called her name. Perhaps Priya. Perhaps Nalin.
Perhaps someone else entirely.
She genuinely did not know. The words barely registered.
She offered some vague response. Or perhaps she didn't.
She couldn't remember.
Her thoughts remained elsewhere.
The walk to her room passed in a blur. The door closed behind her.
Finally. Alone.
Alone.
(Y/n) crossed the room quickly and practically collapsed onto her bed.
Immediately hugging her pillow. Holding it tightly against her chest. As though that might somehow help.
It didn't. Not really.
Because it wasn't him. Nothing here was him.
No warm laugh. No gentle rumble of his voice. No hand brushing through her hair. No heartbeat. No So'lek.
The realization hurt far more than she expected.
Her eyes squeezed shut.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow she would see him. Tomorrow she could return. Tomorrow she could be in his arms again.
The thought brought some comfort.
Then another thought surfaced.
One that immediately made her bury her face deeper into the pillow.
Tomorrow.
A violent blush spread across her face.
"Oh Eywa." The poor woman groaned.
Because now every memory came rushing back.
His smile. His voice. The way he had looked at her. The way he had spoken her name.
His touch lingered on her skin as if she could still feel every second his hands traced across her body.
Her face somehow became even hotter. She buried herself further into the pillow.
Hopelessly happy. Completely in love.
And desperately wishing morning would arrive faster.
Because for the first time in her lifeâ She knew exactly where home was.
And it was waiting for her.
The moment her eyes opened the next morning, she was moving. No lingering beneath the blankets. No slowly waking up.
She was out of bed and halfway down the corridor before she was fully conscious.
The link room.
She needed the link room.
She neededâ
"(Y/n)." Alma's voice cut across the hallway.
The woman stopped only because Alma was standing directly in front of the door.
For a moment they simply stared at one another.
"Where are you going so early?"
"Out."
Alma folded her arms. "I've been meaning to talk to you."
(Y/n)'s eyes narrowed.
That sentence never led anywhere pleasant.
"What about?"
"You and So'lek."
Immediately her patience evaporated. The woman sighed. Deeply. As though already exhausted.
"You've been getting close."
"And?"
Alma hesitated. "I think it's an inappropriate relationship."
For a moment there was silence.
Then (Y/n) laughed. Not because it was funny. Because it was ridiculous.
"Tell that to Jake Sully."
Alma blinked.
"Or Norm Spellman."
Another blink.
"Or any other avatar driver who married a Na'vi."
The older woman looked caught off guard. Then realization dawned. Her eyes widened. "You mated with him?"
The smile that appeared on (Y/n)'s face was small. Gentle. Thinking of him. "Yes."
Alma stared.
Meanwhile (Y/n) already looked done with the conversation.
"I know you'll have a problem with it." The smile vanished. Not angry. Just tired.
"You have a problem with everything I do."
Alma opened her mouth.
The younger woman continued.
"And I think it's because you're jealous."
That finally made Alma flinch. The truth often did.
"You are desperate to belong."
(Y/n)'s voice remained calm.
"You want what I have with the Sarentu."
"The Aranahe."
"So'lek."
"Everyone."
"And because you don't have it, you take it out on me."
Alma looked away first. For once, she had no answer. No criticism. No argument.
Nothing.
(Y/n) nodded. As though that alone confirmed everything. Then stepped toward the link room.
"I'm not putting up with that anymore."
Her hand found the door controls.
She smiled.One that instantly transformed her entire face. "I'm going back to my mate."
The word felt wonderful.
Mate.
Her mate.
She loved how it sounded.
"Unless you want me to tell him you're bothering me."
The threat wasn't even a threat. Just a statement of fact.
Alma immediately turned. And walked away.
(Y/n) waited exactly long enough to make sure she was gone.
Then practically threw herself into the link pod.
The lid had barely closed before she was already initiating the transfer.
The link engaged.
Darkness.
ThenâWarmth.
Life. Pandora. And him.
The moment her eyes opened in her avatar body she rolled over. Straight into strong arms. Waiting arms. Familiar arms.
Home.
The sound she made was embarrassingly happy. Something between a sigh and a relieved laugh. She immediately curled against him. Holding onto him. Refusing to let go.
The ghost of last night still lingered.
It all returned the moment she touched him.
And suddenly the ache she'd felt upon waking vanished. Gone.
As though it had never existed. Because she was back where she belonged.
With him.
(Y/n) simply stared at him. Taking in every familiar feature. The scars.
The warrior she loved.
Her handsome mate.
The thought alone made her smile.
Mate.
It sounded better every time.
A moment later So'lek stirred. Slowly waking.
His arm instinctively tightening around her before he had fully opened his eyes.
The gesture made her heart melt.
"You returned early." His voice was rough with sleep.
(Y/n) immediately smiled. "I found it hard to stay away."
One eye opened. Then the other.
The warrior studied her. Then frowned.
"You did not eat." The accusation came instantly.
Of course it did.
(Y/n) groaned. "How could I?"
The warrior sighed. A long suffering sigh.
The kind she knew very well.
Then he leaned forward and kissed her. The sort of kiss that somehow managed to communicate both love and disapproval simultaneously.
A unique talent of his.
(Y/n) smiled against his lips. Then her expression softened.
The happiness fading slightly.
Something more vulnerable replacing it.
"I don't want to wake up anymore." The words slipped out before she could stop them.
Immediately So'lek's expression changed. Concern replacing amusement. "Yawne?"
His hand found her cheek. "What is it you mean?"
(Y/n) looked away briefly. Searching for the right words. "I don't want to wake up in my human body anymore."
The confession emerged quietly. Almost embarrassed. "I want to remain in this one."
Her eyes met his. "With you."
The warrior stilled. "(Y/n)..."
The sadness in her voice hurt. More than he expected.
Then she spoke again. The words striking him straight in the heart. "Wasn't it you who said I belonged with you no matter which body I inhabit?"
The reminder made his chest tighten. Because he had. He meant it now just as much as he had then.
The warrior leaned forward. Kissing her softly.
Holding her face between his hands.
Then again.
And again.
Trying to soothe something he could was hurting inside her.
"Please."
"I can't wake up without you anymore."
The confession nearly undid him. And suddenly So'lek understood.
Not because she had explained it.
Because he felt it too.
The morning had felt wrong without her. The space beside him had felt empty.
He had woken reaching for someone who wasn't there.
His mate.
The realization struck him with surprising force.
The choice was always yours. The words sat on the tip of his tongue.
But his thoughts had become tangled.
Because hearing her say itâ
Hearing her admit she wanted to remain with himâ
Filled him with something dangerously close to joy.
Not because he wanted to take her choice away. Never that.
Because she was choosing him.
Again.
The warrior closed his eyes briefly. Resting his forehead against hers.
Then he wrapped both arms around her. Pulling her tightly against his chest. As though he could somehow protect her from ever feeling alone again.
"Ma yawne."
The words were almost a whisper. Filled with affection. Filled with love."If you remain."
His hand brushed through her hair. "If you leave."
Another kiss against her forehead. "If you wake in this body or the other."
His arms tightened slightly. "You are still my mate."
The certainty in his voice never wavered.
Never could. Because there was no version of the world where he loved her less.
No body she could inhabit that would change what she meant to him.
He held her for a long moment. Simply enjoying the fact she was there. Back in his arms.
The warrior had spent years alone.
Years expecting to wake to silence.
Now he woke to her. Curled against his chest.
Looking at him as though he hung the stars above Pandora.
It did dangerous things to his heart.
He tenderly kissed her cheek.
"But first," he murmured.
(Y/n) blinked. "What?"
Before she could ask another question, the warrior rolled them gently.
The movement earned a surprised squeak from her.
A moment later she found herself beneath him. His arms planted on either side of her. Creating a wall between her and the rest of the world.
The position immediately made her blush.
The terrible man noticed.
His smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"So'lek."
"Yes, yawne?"
The amusement in his voice made her narrow her eyes.
A hopeless effort considering how red her face had become.
The warrior lowered his head.
Pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
Then another to her cheek.
"I wish to have my mate one more time."
The words were warm. Affectionate.
Filled with the kind of happiness that still felt new to him.
The wonder of being able to call her that.
Mate.
His mate.
(Y/n)'s blush deepened immediately.
The warrior laughed softly.
Then he kissed her. Gentle. Unhurried.
The kind of kiss that said everything words could not.
When he finally pulled back, he simply looked at her. Studied her. Memorized her.
The morning light illuminating her face. Her hair. The faint flush in her cheeks.
Every detail.
As though he feared forgetting.
His hand brushed lightly through her hair.
"You are staring."
"I know."
"Why?"
The answer came immediately.
"Because you are beautiful."
(Y/n) groaned.
The warrior's smile widened. "There is that face again."
"What face?"
"The one you make when I compliment you."
"I do not make a face."
"You do."
The woman immediately crossed her arms.
Or tried to.
The effort was ruined by the fact he was still leaning over her.
The warrior looked entirely too pleased with himself.
"You are impossible."
"So, you keep telling me."
He captured her lips in a kiss again, listening to the small sound she made as he gently grabbed her thigh and hooked it over his hips, settling in between her legs.
âYou are impossible,â she mumbled against his lips, he silenced her by kissing her much more deeply.
And she let him because she wanted her mate as well.
(Y/n) lay sprawled comfortably across his chest.
Her head resting above his heart. Listening. The steady rhythm beneath her ear had become one of her favorite sounds.
For the first time in a very long time, she felt completely at peace.
A little breathless.
A little overwhelmed.
But peaceful.
Her fingers absentmindedly traced small circles against his chest. Back and forth.
Again.
And again.
So'lek watched her quietly.
Feeling the last of the nervous excitement slowly drain from her through their Tsaheylu.
The frantic energy she'd arrived with. The longing. The desperation to return to him.
All of it gradually settling.
Replacing itself with contentment.
The kind that came from knowing exactly where she belonged.
The warrior found himself smiling.
His hand drifted through her hair. As though he couldn't stop touching her.
As though he needed the constant reassurance that she was real.
That this wasn't some dream Eywa had gifted him.
The warrior lowered his head. Pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Immediately he felt the response through Tsaheylu.
The little burst of happiness. The warmth. The affection.
The way she unconsciously leaned closer.
The realization filled his chest with warmth.
The bond was incredible.
Terrifying sometimes.
But incredible.
Because there was no guessing.
No uncertainty.
Only truth. Only feeling.
Only her.
After a moment, So'lek gently disconnected their queues.
The bond faded.
Then he wrapped both arms around her. Pulling her fully against him. Holding her tightly.
(Y/n) immediately made a content sound and snuggled closer.
His hand moved slowly up and down her back.
The repetitive motion soothing both of them.
The warrior closed his eyes briefly. Enjoying the warmth of her.
The weight of her. The simple fact that she was there.
He squeezed her. Tightly.
Without warning.
(Y/n) let out an undignified squeak. "So'lek!"
The warrior's shoulders shook with laughter.
"I missed you."
"You were without me for a few hours."
"It was terrible."
The answer came so seriously that she immediately burst out laughing.
The sound echoed through the morning. The kind of sound So'lek would spend the rest of his life chasing.
His mate.
His yawne.
In his arms as morning sunlight spilled across the floor. And for a little while longer, neither felt any need to move at all.
"I want to go see Etuwa as soon as possible." The words emerged muffled against his chest. (Y/n) sounded entirely serious.
Which only made So'lek smile. Because less than a minute ago he could sense she had been determined never to move again.
The warrior's fingers continued their slow path up and down her back.
"You do not have to rush, ma yawne."
His voice rumbled beneath her ear. "You should catch your breath first."
The woman huffed softly.
Then finally lifted her head from his chest.
Golden morning light spilled across her face. Across her hair. Across the faint flush that still hadn't completely faded.
Her hand rose. Cupping his cheek.
The gesture immediately softened his expression.
Without thinking, he leaned into her touch.
(Y/n)'s thumb brushed across his skin. Her gaze searching his face. "I mean it."
The warrior's attention sharpened immediately.
"I can't wake up in a body where you're not there."
The confession hit him squarely in the heart.
Not because it surprised him. Because he had felt something similar himself. The empty space beside him this morning.
The instinctive reach toward someone who wasn't there.
The realization that his mate wasn't beside him even though her body was.
The warrior's hand rose. Cupping her face gently.
His thumb brushing across her cheek.
Then he kissed her. Slowly. Tenderly.
The kind of kiss that was less about passion and more about reassurance.
When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers.
Their noses brushing lightly.
âThen we shall go and see Etuwa.â
A small smile touched his lips. "After I make sure you eat."
(Y/n) immediately sighed.
The warrior ignored it. "And have tea."
She sighed his name. "So'lek."
The warrior remained entirely unmoved.
"You did not eat this morning."
"I was busy."
"You would have sprinted toward the link room."
The accuracy of the statement was deeply unhelpful.
(Y/n) looked away. Caught.
The warrior smiled.
Victorious.
Then his hand found hers. Holding it gently between in his.
His expression softening once more. "There is no need to rush."
The certainty in them impossible to miss.
"I will always be by your side."
Every day.
Every morning.
Every night.
The same choice he would continue making for the rest of his life.
His mate looked at him for a long moment. The worry she'd been carrying slowly easing.
The warrior pressed a final kiss to her forehead.
Then rose to his feet. Offering her a hand. "Come."
The woman took it immediately. Allowing him to pull her upright.
"Tea first?" he smiled.
"Tea first."
"Then Etuwa?"
"Then Etuwa."
"And breakfast?"
"So'lek."
The warning in her voice made him laugh.
A deep rumbling sound that echoed through the cavern. "Breakfast."
The warrior was entirely unapologetic.
(Y/n) shook her head.
Hopeless.
Absolutely hopeless.
Yet as they left the glade of light together, her hand securely in his, she found herself smiling anyway.
Because breakfast meant more time with him.
Tea meant more time with him.
The walk to Etuwa meant more time with him.
And for the first time in her life, that thought felt less like a dream.
And more like forever.
Back at the sanctuary, the morning had settled into something peaceful.
The fire crackled softly.
Tea steamed from the carved bowls in their hands.
A small collection of fruit and dried meat sat forgotten beside them.
Mostly forgotten because neither seemed particularly interested in food.
(Y/n) sat comfortably between So'lek's legs. Her back pressed against his chest.
One hand wrapped around her tea bowl.
The warmth seeped pleasantly into her fingers.
Behind her, So'lek looked entirely content.
Which was a rare enough sight to be treasured. One arm rested around her waist. The other held his own tea.
The warrior occasionally took a drink.
Then went right back to holding her.
As though he couldn't quite stop himself.
Not that she minded.
The sanctuary was quiet.
Ulrr was asleep nearby. The pups lay in a tangled pile of paws and tails.
Everything felt calm. Easy. Comfortable.
So'lek lowered his bowl. Then leaned forward. Pressing a kiss against the side of her neck.
The gesture was simple. Affectionate. Entirely unprompted.
(Y/n) smiled into her tea.
The terrible man.
A few moments later another kiss followed.
This time just below her jaw.
The woman shook her head. Amused. "You know..."
She took another sip.
"I am beginning to suspect something."
So'lek hummed. The sound vibrating pleasantly through his chest.
"What?"
She tilted her head slightly.
Looking back at him.
"Are you trying to seduce me into a third?"
The warrior laughed. The deep sound rumbling through his chest.
"No."
He paused. "Though it would not be so bad."
(Y/n) chuckled.
The answer was exactly what she'd expected.
The warrior looked far too pleased with himself.
She pointed at him with her tea bowl. "Need I remind you that the Sarentu could visit at any moment?"
The warning was valid. Entirely valid.
Ri'nela certainly would.
Tamtey practically lived to appear out of thin air.
Nor appeared whenever he felt like complaining.
And Teylan wandered through often enough.
So'lek considered this information. Then nodded. "That is true."
(Y/n) looked victorious. For approximately three seconds.
"Then I shall simply have to settle for this."
Before she could ask what that meant, his hand found her chin. Turning her head gently toward him. And he pressed a kiss against the corner of her mouth.
The woman immediately felt her face heat up.
Again.
The warrior smiled. Entirely satisfied.
His arm tightened around her waist.
Pulling her back against him and she leaned into his hold in return, content to just slow down for a little while.
Hand in hand, they walked toward the Aranahe Hometree.
The forest was alive with activity. Gatherers returning with baskets of fruit. Hunters preparing to leave.
Children racing by while exhausted parents attemptedâand failedâto keep up.
(Y/n) had changed back into her usual clothes. Comfortable. Familiar. Far less mortifying than the outfit Nefika had made for her.
Unfortunately, it would not save her.
Nothing would save her.
"Nefika is going to be unbearable."
The sigh that accompanied the statement was long and deeply suffering.
So'lek chuckled. The sound immediately told her whose side he was on.
Traitor.
Without slowing his pace, the warrior lifted her hand and pressed a kiss against her knuckles.
"Then simply tell the truth." His golden eyes flicked toward her. "There is nothing to hide or be ashamed of."
(Y/n) groaned. "I know."
A dangerous smile appeared on her face
The warrior was already regretting whatever she was about to say. "You tell Nefika exactly how much you enjoyed seeing me in that outfit."
So'lek immediately looked away.
The woman pointed accusingly. "See?"
The warrior remained silent.
"See!"
A faint flush appeared across his cheeks.
Victory. Sweet victory.
(Y/n) grinned.
"You tell her that and I'll go talk to Etuwa."
The warrior gave her a look.
The look.The one that usually translated to You are impossible.
The woman looked entirely too pleased with herself.
"See?"
She squeezed his hand. "It isn't so fun being interrogated alone."
The warrior shook his head, Â the fondness in his expression ruined any attempt at appearing annoyed.
The pair continued walking. Hand in hand.
Until they finally stepped through the entrance into the dyers' circle.
The moment they entered, So'lek felt it.
The same feeling warriors felt moments before an ambush. The sensation of being spotted.
Nefika.
At the center of the dyers' circle stood Nefika.
Directing workers. Organizing dyes. Somehow doing the work of five people at once.
Then her eyes landed on them.
She froze.
Completely.
Her gaze immediately dropped to their joined hands. Then to So'lek. Then to (Y/n). Then back to their hands.
The smile that appeared was terrifying.
The Aranahe woman was already abandoning her responsibilities.
A nearby worker barely caught the basket she'd been carrying.
"Oh my goodness."
(Y/n) closed her eyes. Defeat. Complete defeat.
"So." Nefika stopped directly in front of them. Looking entirely too pleased with herself.
She looked between them.
Then her eyes narrowed.
A predator scenting blood.
The smile somehow became worse. Much worse.
(y/n) sighed, âyes we are now a mated couple.â
(Y/n) immediately pointed at So'lek. "He will give you all the details on how great I looked in the outfit you made."
Nefika's head snapped toward So'lek.
The warrior looked genuinely offended. "You saidâ"
"Nope. I am going to see Etuwa.â
She stepped away.
The Aranahe woman folded her arms. Waiting. Patiently. Far too patiently.
"Well So'lek?"
The warrior suddenly looked as though he would rather fight an entire RDA platoon.
And unfortunately for himâThere was no escape route.
Nefika's eyes sparkled with mischief.
Dangerous mischief.
âWell?â
The warrior looked entirely unimpressed. Unfortunately Nefika had never once been intimidated by him.
Certainly not now.
Her grin widened.
"She looked very beautiful." He said simply.
"Just beautiful?" She looked scandalized. "Just beautiful?"
The woman pointed in the direction (Y/n) had retreated. "So'lek, your mate may be a dreamwalker but anyone with eyes can see she is a gorgeous woman."
"I do not think she was simply beautiful."
The warrior remained completely silent.
Which Nefika immediately interpreted as confirmation.
"Aha."
So'lek closed his eyes briefly. "I am not (Y/n)." His golden eyes opened again. "You cannot interrogate me for your amusement."
The Aranahe woman looked offended. Entirely fake outrage.
"No." She nodded thoughtfully. "You are not."
Then her expression softened. Just slightly. "I shall instead offer my congratulations."
The teasing disappeared. Replaced by genuine warmth.
The woman smiled. "We shall all have to celebrate sometime."
A small smile touched So'lek's face. "(Y/n) would like that."
The certainty in his voice made Nefika's expression soften even further.
"Yes." The Aranahe woman nodded. "She would."
Then she stepped closer. Her voice lowering slightly. "Take care of that one, So'lek."
The warrior's attention sharpened immediately.
"You do not find many with a heart as kind as hers."
Nefika knew exactly what kind of person she was. And how rare that kind of soul truly was.
The warrior's expression became serious.
"I intend to."
Nefika smiled. Satisfied.
"Hey So'lek!" Tamtey.
The young Sarentu rounded the corner carrying enough enthusiasm for an entire clan.
Then his eyes landed on So'lek's wrist.
"Oh!" His face lit up. "(Y/n) finally gave it to you."
The warrior looked down. The bracelet. Still wrapped around his wrist.
His expression softened instantly.
Nefika immediately spotted it.
"The bracelet?" Her eyes widened. "Let me see it."
The warrior reluctantly raised his hand. Turning his wrist.
The blues. The purples. The intricate threading.
The careful patterns.
Nefika's expression softened immediately.
"She has a steady hand."
The Aranahe woman traced the air above the stitching. Admiring the craftsmanship. "And a fine eye."
The woman smiled. "The threading is gorgeous."
"She stitched Etuwa without so much as shaking." Tamtey folded his arms proudly.
As though he'd personally taught her.
Nefika laughed. "That is because she has a perfectly steady hand."
Tamtey agreed immediately.
Then suddenly Tamtey's eyes widened.
The realization finally catching up.
His gaze bounced between So'lek.
The bracelet.
The expression on his face.
Then widened further.
"So'lek."
The warrior already knew what was coming.
"No."
"Does that meanâ"
"Tamtey."
"Does it?"
Tamtey looked ready to explode from excitement,
So'lek sighed. The answer was inevitable. "Yes."
Tamtey gasped.
"You are a mated pair?"
"Yes."
"Finally!"
The young man threw both hands into the air.
Several Aranahe nearby immediately started laughing.
Nefika looked smug.
Tamtey looked delighted. "We have to celebrate."
"I agree." Nefika nodded instantly.
The two shared a look. The sort of look that usually ended with a gathering. Food. Music.
And an alarming amount of gossip as they drank (y/n)âs tea.
So'lek immediately became suspicious.
Then Tamtey's face lit up again. "Oh."
The warrior recognized that expression.
"I have to tell everyone."
"Tamteyâ"
Too late.
The young man was already backing away.
Quickly. Very quickly. Like prey escaping a predator.
"Tamtey."
The warning came too late.
The hunter turned.
And ran.
Actually ran.
The warrior closed his eyes.
Then Nefika patted his shoulder.
Entirely unhelpfully.
"There, there Soâlek he is simply telling everyone you and (y/n) know."
So'lek sighed deeply because by sunset everyone would know⊠and perhaps that was not a bad thing.
(Y/n) found Etuwa exactly where she expected.
At the very top of Hometree. Surrounded by kinglor.
The gentle creatures lounged amongst woven branches and flowering vines,.
Several immediately noticed her approach. Their heads lifted. Then came the familiar fluttering of wings.
One landed on her shoulder. Another on her forearm. A third attempted to climb onto her head.
She laughed softly. "Hello to you too."
The sound caught Etuwa's attention. A smile immediately spread across her face. "(Y/n)."
Etuwa turned Crossing the nest platform.
Then gathered her friend into a warm hug. "It is good to see you."
(Y/n) hugged her back."And you."
When they separated, her eyes immediately drifted downward.
Nothing remained. Not even a scar. The sight brought relief every single time.
Etuwa noticed. Her smile softened. "You always check."
"Force of habit." The healer laughed.
Then her expression became curious. "What brings you here?" Etuwa asked
For a moment, (Y/n) simply looked out over the forest. The endless green stretching beyond Hometree. The floating mountains in the distance. The sky.
The life she had built here. The life she loved.
Then she looked back at Etuwa.
"Well..." She took a breath."I would like to take you up on that offer."
The words hit Etuwa immediately. The Tsahik's eyes widened. Her hands instantly finding (Y/n)'s shoulders.
Searching her face. Making sure she understood. Making sure this wasn't an impulsive decision.
"You wish to remain in this body." The words were careful. "Permanently?"
(Y/n) nodded as soft smiled dancing across her face. "Someone made you realize something."
Etuwa studied her. The conviction. The peace.
"So'lek?"
The blush that appeared told Etuwa everything she needed to know.
She laughed quietly. Happy for them. Happy for the shy dreamwalker who had somehow stolen the heart of one of Pandora's most intimidating warriors.
Happy for the warrior who had finally found someone to remind him what love is.
Etuwa squeezed her shoulders. Gently. "Very well."
The Tsahik's expression became serious. Professional.
"I can arrange for it to take place at the glade of light tonight."
(Y/n) nodded. Her heart racing.
Then Etuwa's expression softened. A shadow passing briefly through her eyes. "(Y/n)."
The warning in her voice immediately caught attention.
"You must understand."
"There is a chance you do not come back."
Silence settled over the nest. Even the kinglor seemed quieter.
A risk. The kind that could not be ignored.
Etuwa watched her carefully.
Giving her every opportunity to reconsider.
To hesitate. To change her mind.
Instead (Y/n) smiled.
Small. The kind of smile people wore when they had already made peace with their choice.
"It's a chance I am willing to take."
The words came easily.
Because she had thought about it. Again and again.
And every time she reached the same conclusion.
Her family was here. The sanctuary was here. The Sarentu. The Aranahe. The creatures she loved.
And So'lek.
Most of all, So'lek.
Her mate.
Her muntxatan.
The man waiting for her.
The man she wanted to wake beside every morning for the rest of her life.
It was no longer a hard choice to make.
(Y/n) woke in her link bed.
For the last time.
The realization hit her before she even opened her eyes.
A smile spread across her face.
The woman sat up slowly. Looking around the familiar pod.
The machine that had carried her across two worlds. The machine that had allowed her to walk beneath Pandora's skies. To meet the Sarentu. To build the sanctuary.
To fall in love.
She got out, closing it for the last time.
Her hand brushed across the lid. "So long, old friend."
For fifteen years it had been her lifeline.
Now she no longer needed it.
She stretched The metal floor felt strangely foreign beneath her feet.
The Resistance base buzzed with life outside. Conversations. Machinery. Footsteps.
The sounds she'd lived with for years.
She stepped into the corridor. Looking around.
Taking it all in. The people. The walls. The lights.
She wasn't really leaving. Not entirely.
She could still visit. Still see everyone. Still help.
Yet she knew the truth.
After tonight this would no longer be where she came home to. No longer the place she laid her head to rest. No longer the place she woke each morning.
No more metal walls. No more recycled air. No more grey nutritional sludge masquerading as food.
The thought made her laugh softly.
The woman wandered toward an old desk. A cleared workspace tucked away in a corner. A few weeks ago she'd practically lived there.
Too exhausted to remain linked.Recovering from the seizure.
She ran her fingers across its surface.
Remembering.
Once upon a time she'd believed she'd never truly belong on Pandora. That she was merely a visitor. A scientist hiding behind a borrowed body. Using an avatar to conduct research. Observing. Recording.
Never belonging.
The thought felt absurd now. Because somewhere along the way Pandora had become home. The sanctuary. The forest. The creatures she loved.
The Sarentu.
The Aranahe.
And most of allâSo'lek.
Her mate.
The realization settled warmly in her chest.
No doubt remained. Not anymore.
The woman stood.
Considering whether she should say goodbye.
Across the room Priya, Anqa, Nalin and Raj sat talking in the kitchen.
Laughing about something.
For a moment she considered joining them.
Then smiled.
Later. She would tell them later.
"You're not overworking, are you, (Y/n)?"
The voice made her turn. Alex.
Leaning against a wall.
Watching her.
"No."
The older man raised an eyebrow. "That's a new look."
"A new look?"
"Peaceful." Alex smiled. "I've known you for fifteen years."
His gaze softened. "And I don't think I've ever seen that look on your face."
(Y/n) looked away briefly. Thinking. Then smiled. "I guess you could say I've got a new outlook on life."
Alex barked a laugh. "You're happy?"
The question seemed almost disbelieving. As though happiness was something he'd never associated with her.
The woman nodded. "I am."
The answer was simple. Honest.
The older man studied her for a moment. Then smiled. "Then stay happy, (Y/n)."
The words carried surprising warmth. "If anyone deserves it, it's you, kid."
She rolled her eyes. "Not a kid anymore."
"No." Alex chuckled. "You're clearly not that skittish eighteen-year-old prodigy anymore."
His smile softened. "Best of luck, kid."
Emotion caught unexpectedly in her throat.
"See you around, Alex."
"See you around."
The woman turned. Walking toward the exit.
Toward home. Toward the rest of her life.
Louis passed her in the corridor.
The moment he saw her, he froze. Then immediately changed direction. Walking the other way.
(Y/n) couldn't help smiling.
Apparently So'lek's interventions had been effective. Very effective.
She pulled on a mask, The door leading outside slid open.
Thenâ "(Y/n)."
Alma.
The woman turned.
The older woman stood rigidly in the corridor. Arms folded. Expression unreadable.
(Y/n) sighed. "Figured out what you wanted to say after this morning?"
Alma's jaw tightened. "I have."
The older woman stepped closer. "You're making a mistake."
(Y/n) remained silent.
"You are human." The words were sharp. "You always will be."
Alma folded her arms tighter. "No matter what body you inhabit."
"No matter how much time you spend with them."
"No matter who you marry."
The implication hung in the air.
"You'll never truly be Na'vi."
The words might once have hurt.
Months ago they would have.
Once upon a time they would have shattered her.
Not today.Not anymore.
(Y/n) simply smiled. A small smile.
The kind Alma had never understood.
"You know what's funny?"
Alma frowned.
"I'm just a xenozoologist."
A small shrug.
"A healer."
"A tea maker."
Then her smile widened. "And the mate of So'lek."
Almaâs eyes narrowed.
(Y/n) continued anyway. "And you're wrong."
The words were calm. Steady. Certain.
"I belong here."
The older woman opened her mouth.
(Y/n) didn't let her interrupt. "I belong here more than you ever will."
The silence that followed was deafening.
Because they both knew exactly what she meant.
The Sarentu welcomed her. The Aranahe welcomed her. The clans welcomed her. Pandora welcomed her.
Not because she demanded it.
Not because she expected it.
Because she'd earned it.
Through kindness. Through sacrifice. Through love.
The woman's smile softened.
"And after tonight..."
A strange feeling settled over her. Relief. Freedom.
"I'm glad I won't ever have to deal with you anymore."
Alma stared. Speechless.
(Y/n) nodded politely. Almost kindly. "Goodbye, Alma."
Then she turned.
Made sure her mask fit perfectly  And stepped outside.
The door slid open fully.
Fresh air greeted her. Sunlight. The forest.
Freedom.
And waiting beyond it, Iley.
And seated upon the ikran's back was Soâlek
The warrior looked up immediately.
Finding her.
His expression softened the moment their eyes met.
The sight alone made her heart soar.
Home.
He was her home.
And as she walked toward him, leaving the Resistance behind without a single glance back, (Y/n) realized something.
For the first time in her lifeâ
She wasn't running toward something.
She was running home.
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Gentle Hands
So'lek x fem!avatar driver reader inspired by Tsumuke written by @lvlypinkesworld
Part 15 > Part 15.5 > Part 16
With Great Love Comes Great Fear Part 2.
When (Y/n) opened her eyes in the sanctuary, she was immediately greeted by the smell of tea and laughter.
The kind that only came from people completely comfortable with where they were.
She blinked.
Then followed the sound.
A fire had been built near the center of the sanctuary.
Around it sat the Sarentu. Ri'nela. Teylan. Nor. And Tamtey.
Tea cups rested in their hands.
Ulrr was sprawled across Teylan's lap upside down demanding attention.
One of the viperwolf pups had stolen Nor's cup and was attempting to investigate its contents.
The other two were wrestling nearby.
"I see you've all made yourselves at home."
Four heads turned immediately.
(Y/n) couldn't help smiling.
She crossed the clearing and settled down beside them, dropping into the space between Ri'nela and Teylan.
The fire crackled softly.
Ri'nela reached over and squeezed her arm. "We were worried."
(Y/n)'s smile softened. "I'm alright."
"Alma hit you."
The blunt statement made Teylan frown.
Nor's expression darkened.
Tamtey looked confused. "Wait." He looked between them. "Alma did what?"
Right. Tamtey had been hunting RDA patrols when everything happened.
The silence that followed felt dangerous.
The Sarentu warrior slowly looked toward (Y/n). "Alma struck you?"
(Y/n) immediately knew she was in trouble. Not because of Alma. Because everyone suddenly looked offended on her behalf.
"It was handled."
Tamtey looked unconvinced.
"How handled?"
(Y/n) opened her mouth. âSoâlekâ" Then immediately shut it.
Because at that exact momentâTwo massive blue arms appeared around her waist.
Pulling her backwards. Effortlessly. A familiar chest against her back.
A familiar warmth. A familiar presence.
The devil himself.
(Y/n) laughed. Unable to help it. "Speak of the devil and he shall appear."
So'lek settled behind her. As though appearing from the shadows and collecting her was perfectly normal behavior. Which, unfortunately, it was becoming.
Tamtey immediately handed him a cup of tea.
"Thank you." The warrior accepted it. Then immediately settled one arm around (Y/n)'s waist.
Tamtey pointed at him. "What happened? I donât think youâd let Alma just strike (y/n) and let her get away with it."
The entire group looked toward him.
So'lek took a slow sip of tea.
Then answered.
"I didnât."
"I informed Alma that touching her again would be a mistake."
Tamtey raised an eyebrow. "You informed her?"
(Y/n) immediately hid a smile behind her tea.
Because they all knew that So'lek had been one bad decision away from throwing Alma through a wall.
Tamtey shook his head. Then looked at (Y/n). "You know."
"Oh no."
He pointed at So'lek. "He likes you." Everyone knew that, Tamtey just enjoyed teasing (y/n).
The entire group burst out laughing. Including Nor.
(Y/n) buried her face in her hands.
So'lek looked completely unbothered, the warrior simply sipped his tea. One arm still around her. As though being hopelessly obvious wasn't something he cared about in the slightest.
And judging by the amused looks around the fireâ Nobody was buying the act for even a second.
(Y/n) turned her head to catch him staring at her, she leaned back against So'lek's chest.
The warrior's arm remained around her waist while she drank her tea. His presence had become so familiar that she barely thought about it anymore. Which was probably dangerous.
Because every now and then she would remember she was currently sitting in the lap of a ten-foot-tall warrior and immediately become embarrassed all over again.
Ri'nela took another sip of tea. Eyes lighting up.
"You quite enjoy my blends, don't you Ri'nela?" (y/n) asked, trying to change the subject.
The Sarentu nodded immediately. "Yes."
"I wish to try all of them."
(Y/n) laughed softly. "There are a lot."
"Good."
"I have been making them for fifteen years."
"Excellent."
Tamtey took a drink from his own cup. Then remembered something. "What kind of tea did you give Itu?"
"A spicy one."
"A spicy tea?"
"Yes."
"Will that help?"
(Y/n) nodded. "Spicy foods and drinks have been known to help with grief."
"Not because they remove it." She turned her cup slowly in her hands. "But because they force your mind to focus on something else for a little while."
Tamtey nodded thoughtfully.
"Once the heat dies down though..." A faint smile appeared. "That blend is incredibly calming."
"I am suddenly worried for Itu."
Ri'nela giggled.
"He will survive."
"Probably."
That earned another round of laughter.
Then Tamtey remembered something else. "Oh."
(Y/n)'s eyes widened.
Tamtey pointed at her. "Did you finish making theâ"
She shot him a look.
A very specific look.
The kind that said Do not finish that sentence.
Or else.
Tamtey immediately closed his mouth.
Ri'nela looked between them suspiciously.
Nor raised an eyebrow.
Teylan looked curious.
UnfortunatelyâSo'lek noticed.
The warrior looked down at her. "What were you making?"
The question was innocent. The answer was not.
(Y/n) instantly became interested in her tea. Very interested.
"I did not know you paid a visit to the Aranahe yesterday." Soâlek inquired.
Traitorous heart. Why was it suddenly beating faster?
"Oh." She cleared her throat. "You know."
Nobody knew.
"Just checking on Etuwa's stitches."
True.
"Having tea with Nefika."
Also true. Technically.
The warrior looked unconvinced. "You should have called me."
(Y/n) groaned internally.
"So you would not have walked the entire way on your own."
"I am perfectly capable."
So'lek sighed. "You are."
"But."
(Y/n) closed her eyes.
The others were trying not to laugh. Failing. Badly.
"So'lek."
"It was a long walk."
"I have legs."
"I am aware."
"I use them frequently."
"I am aware."
"They work."
The warrior nodded. "They do."
She pointed triumphantly.
"See?"
The giant warrior remained completely serious. "I still would have flown you."
The entire group burst out laughing.
(Y/n) buried her face in her hands.
Again. This was becoming a recurring problem.
Beside her, So'lek looked entirely unbothered.
In fact, there was the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes.
The terrible man.
"You are impossible."
The accusation came from behind her hands.
The warrior's smile softened.
And judging by the way his arm tightened slightly around her waistâHe was quite content remaining impossible.
So'lek smirked.
The expression immediately put everyone on alert. Particularly the Sarentu.
Because the warrior rarely looked that pleased with himself.
Then he leaned down. And kissed her cheek.
Slowly.
The sound that escaped (Y/n) was somewhere between a squeak and a gasp.
The entire tea circle erupted into laughter.
"SO'LEK." She scolded.
The warrior looked entirely unapologetic.
In factâHe looked amused.
Then, as though embarrassing her once wasn't enough, he rested his forehead briefly against the side of hers.
His cheek brushing against her own.
The gesture strangely affectionate.
The sort of thing that suggested he'd been wanting to do it for a while.
(Y/n) was quite certain her soul was attempting to leave her body.
The warrior's voice rumbled softly beside her ear. "Impossible, you say?"
The amusement in his tone only made it worse.
"Yes." Her answer came from behind both hands now. Because if she looked at him she would absolutely die.
The warrior chuckled. The sound vibrating through his chest. "And yet you continue to spend time with me."
The tea circle had become utterly useless. Nobody was helping. Not one person.
Ri'nela was smiling into her cup.
Tamtey looked moments away from falling over laughing.
Teylan had given up pretending not to listen.
Even Nor looked amused.
Traitors.
Every single one of them.
(Y/n) peeked through her fingers.
Just enough to turn and glare at the warrior.
The attempt failed immediately.
Because So'lek looked entirely too pleased. His golden eyes softened the moment they met hers. And suddenly the teasing disappeared.
Leaving behind something warmer.
Affection. Pure and uncomplicated.
The kind that made her chest flutter every time he looked at her like that.
"There you are."
"What?"
"The woman beneath all the blushing."
"I hate you."
The words carried absolutely no conviction.
So'lek's smile widened. "No." His arm tightened slightly around her waist. "You do not."
The certainty made her blush harder.
Which only confirmed his point.
The terrible man knew it too.
Tamtey groaned dramatically. "Please."
"Either kiss properly or stop looking at each other like that."
(Y/n) immediately buried her face in her hands again.
While So'lek laughed outright. A deep genuine laugh that rolled through the sanctuary.
"I think that is our cue to leave." Ri'nela stood, still smiling into her tea.
The Sarentu had clearly decided they had witnessed enough embarrassing affection for one morning.
Tamtey immediately rose as well. "A wise decision."
Teylan nodded. "Extremely wise."
Nor looked relieved.
"Wait." The single word froze them all.
(Y/n) sat upright. Immediately catching everyone's attention. "I could actually use your help."
Nor's shoulders slumped.
(Y/n) stood.
The moment she left his lap, So'lek remained perfectly composed.
Not a single expression crossed his face.
Not one.
Except for the very brief look of disappointment that lasted approximately half a second before vanishing.
Nobody commented. Because they enjoyed being alive.
"These three monsters need to learn tracking and hunting."
Immediately all three pups perked up. As though they somehow knew they were being discussed.
One barked. Another tripped over a root. The third attempted to bite Teylan's tail.
"And?" Nor asked suspiciously.
(Y/n) smiled. The kind of smile that usually preceded chaos. "I am going to need a hand."
Nor immediately began backing away. "No."
She ignored him.
Turning instead toward So'lek. "Could you get me another small hexepede please?"
The warrior nodded. "I can."
Then she looked toward Tamtey. "Could you actually go get my thing from Nefika?"
The Tamtey raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "The thing you definitely are not making for a certain warrior?"
(Y/n) gave him a look.
Tamtey grinned. "I can."
Soâlek rose smoothly to his feet. Before leaving, he leaned down. And kissed her cheek.
Again.
The terrible man.
"I will see you later, yawne."
The blush returned instantly. Like it had never left. "You too."
Nor made a gagging noise. "You two are sickening."
Ri'nela smacked his arm.
Hard.
"Ow!"
"Be nice."
"They make me want to throw myself off a cliff."
"Nor." He immediately shut up.
(Y/n) pretended she wasn't blushing.
Then she turned. Slowly. Toward Nor.
The smile returned. The dangerous smile. The one that always preceded terrible ideas.
Nor immediately pointed. "No."
"I did not even say anything."
"I know that smile."
The others stepped away. Experience had taught them caution.
(Y/n) crossed toward the cool storage area beside one of the shelters. Returning moments later with a large chunk of meat.
Nor stared. "Why do you have that?"
(Y/n) ignored him. Instead producing a rope.
"Oh no."
The smile widened. "Oh yes."
Nor immediately attempted to leave.
Riânela caught him.
"Wait."
"No."
"You are helping."
"No."
"Yes."
Before he could escape (y/n) then looped the rope around his waist. Then tied the meat securely behind him.
The pups lost their minds. Three sets of eyes immediately locked onto the prize. Tails wagging furiously. Little growls emerging. Predatory instincts awakening.
Unfortunately for Nor.
They were awakening in his direction.
"I didn't agree to this."
"Too late."
The pups crouched. Ready. Watching. Waiting.
"Oh Eywa." Nor looked toward Ri'nela. "Help."
"No."
"Teylan?" The younger Sarentu immediately took several steps backward.
Traitors. Every single one.
(Y/n) pointed dramatically toward the forest. Then dropped the rope. "Run."
Nor took off at full speed.
The pups exploded after him.
Three tiny furry missiles. Yipping. Barking. Howling.
The chase tore through the sanctuary. Nor vaulted over a log.
One pup followed. The second crashed directly into it. The third got distracted by a leaf.
(Y/n) laughed so hard she nearly doubled over.
The sanctuary echoed with the sounds of pursuit.
"THIS IS NOT HOW TRACKING WORKS!"
"KEEP RUNNING!"
"YOU ARE ENJOYING THIS TOO MUCH!"
"PROBABLY!"
The pups barked excitedly.Convinced they were participating in the greatest hunt in history.
"Come on."
(Y/n) was still laughing as she started after the chaos disappearing through the trees.
Ri'nela smiled and followed.
Teylan shaking his head as he trailed after them.
"I cannot believe that worked."
"It worked perfectly."
"It was barely a plan."
"It was an excellent plan."
The younger Sarentu looked unconvinced.
Ahead of them they could hear Nor shouting.
The pups barking.
Branches rustling.
And occasionally something that sounded suspiciously like Nor tripping over something.
The group eventually caught up just in time to see Nor attempt to outmaneuver them.
He  doubled back. Cut through a cluster of roots. Leapt over a fallen log. Then darted between two trees.
The pups immediately lost the trail. For approximately three seconds.
Then one found the scent again.
A triumphant bark echoed through the forest.
The pups surged forward. Tails wagging furiously.
Their excitement clearly outweighing their skill.
âMake it harder for them Nor!â she called out.
Nor groaned. "You are encouraging them!"
"That is the point. Keep moving."
He rolled his eyes. But he did. Taking a less obvious path. Trying to lose them.
Trying to force them to think.
Which, admittedly, they were beginning to do. One pup followed the scent. Another began looking for disturbed plants.
The third was still mostly guessing.
But at least it was an educated guess now.
"Don't make it easy on them, Nor."
The hunter glanced over his shoulder. "I hate that you are all enjoying this."
(Y/n) grinned. "Try and encourage them to outthink you."
"They are pups."
"They are clever pups."
Nor sighed
Then immediately regretted it. Because at that exact moment one of the pups launched itself at the dangling meat.
The others followed. All three at once. The combined assault proved effective.
Nor's feet left the ground.
Then he hit the forest floor.
The meat vanished beneath a pile of triumphant viperwolf puppies.
The forest went silent.
ThenâThe pups abandoned the meat entirely. And began enthusiastically licking Nor's face.
The hunter stared at the sky.
Defeated.
"No dignity."
The pups disagreed. The licking intensified.
Ri'nela burst out laughing.
Teylan nearly doubled over.
Even (Y/n) was laughing hard enough that she had to hold onto a tree.
Eventually the pups remembered the meat existed.
The trio immediately abandoned Nor. Returning to their prize.
Nor remained sprawled on the ground. Questioning his life choices.
"That was fun to watch." Teylan wiped tears from his eyes.
Ri'nela crossed over and offered Nor a hand.
He accepted it with exaggerated suffering. "You are all terrible people."
"Thank you."
"That was not a compliment."
(Y/n) looked entirely too pleased with herself.
Nor brushed leaves from his clothes. "Was that really necessary, (Y/n)?"
The woman looked toward the pups. One was dragging the meat away. Another was trying to steal it. The third was attempting to mediate.
Poorly.
Then she looked back at Nor.
"Yes."
Nor stared.
Ri'nela and Teylan laughed.
The pups barked happily.
And somehow, seeing the satisfied look on (Y/n)'s face as she watched her little predators learn to hunt, Nor suspected she would absolutely do it again if given the opportunity.
Which was deeply concerning for everyone involved.
"Good."
(Y/n) smiled proudly as she watched the pups tear into their reward.
The peaceful moment lasted all of ten seconds.
A shadow passed overhead.
Everyone instinctively looked up.
At first nobody understood what they were seeing.
A massive shape descended from the clouds.
Wings spread wide. A flash of blue and silver.
A powerful gust of wind blasted through the clearing. Leaves exploded into the air.
The pups scattered.
Ulrr screamed and launched himself into a tree.
And before anyone could reactâA pair of enormous talons closed around (Y/n).
The woman vanished from the ground.
Her scream echoed across the forest.
The Stormglider beat its wings. Once. Twice. Then shot upward.
Taking (Y/n) with it.
"(Y/N)!" Ri'nela's scream echoed through the trees.
Nor's eyes widened. "What theâ"
Teylan looked horrified. "A STORMGLIDER HAS HER!"
The creature was already high above them. Far too high. Far too fast.
The giant predator climbed effortlessly into the sky.
(Y/n)'s scream continued.
Another beat of its wings. The Stormglider climbed higher.
Nor stared upward in disbelief. "It is taking her!"
Ri'nela looked moments away from having a heart attack. "We have to help her!"
"How?!"
The Stormglider was already becoming smaller against the clouds.
The three Sarentu immediately started running after it anyway.
Above themâ (Y/n) was clutching one of the Stormglider's talons.
Absolutely miserable.
The creature chirped happily. Recognizing her. Pleased to see her.
(Y/n) knew exactly who it was.
The giant menace.
The same Stormglider she'd raised since it was a baby.
Unfortunately.
Knowing the Stormglider wasn't going to eat her did absolutely nothing for her fear of heights.
She squeezed her eyes shut. "THIS IS NOT FUNNY!"
The Stormglider made a pleased sound.
Clearly disagreeing.
Below.
Ri'nela was still running.
Nor beside her.
Teylan not far behind.
All three convinced they had just watched one of their closest friends get carried away to become lunch.
"DO SOMETHING!"
"I AM TRYING!"
"TRY HARDER!"
Above them.
(Y/n) considered every decision that had led her to this moment.
Every single one.
And regretted all of them.
So'lek was halfway through tracking the small hexepede.
The animal had left a trail through the undergrowth.
Easy enough to follow.
He had almost caught sight of it when his com crackled.
"Ri'nela?"
The young Sarentu sounded breathless. Panicked. Terrified.
Immediately his stomach dropped.
Because Ri'nela did not panic. Not like this.
"So'lek!"
The fear in her voice sent ice through his veins.
"What happened?"
There was a moment of static.
"A Stormglider just took (Y/n) and is flying northeast!"
Everything stopped. For one horrible heartbeat he simply stood there.
The words refusing to make sense.
Then fear hit him.
His blood ran cold.
A Stormglider. The largest aerial predator on this side of Pandora.
And it had taken her.
The warrior abandoned the hunt immediately.
His heart hammered painfully against his ribs.
He called for hus ikran
A moment later the ikran burst from the trees. Landing hard.
So'lek was already moving. Already mounting. Already airborne before Iley had fully stabilized.
The ikran sensed his fear. His urgency. And responded instantly.
Wings beating hard. Climbing rapidly.
Ri'nela's voice returned.
"Tamtey should be right behind you."
So'lek barely heard her. His eyes were already scanning the horizon. Searching. Looking for any sign. Any clue. Anything.
The com crackled again.
A different voice.
Alex.
"So'lek."
"What." The single word came out like a growl.
"We've been monitoring Stormglider activity. Near the floating mountains."
So'lek's grip tightened.
"Where?"
"Near Toruk Point."
The answer felt like a knife.
Because it made sense. A nesting area. A hunting territory.
The sort of place a Stormglider would take prey.
His chest tightened painfully.
"That's where we think it's taking her."
The words nearly stopped his heart.
The warrior pushed Iley faster. The ikran screeched. Wings beating furiously. Clouds rushed past.
The floating mountains appeared in the distance.
The thought of being torn to pieces threatened to overwhelm him.
He crushed it immediately.
No.
Panic later.
Find her first.
A familiar cry echoed nearby. Moments later another ikran appeared. Tamtey.
He quickly matching pace beside him.
The Sarentu's face was grim.
Gone was the usual teasing. Gone was the laughter.
This was family.
And family was in danger.
"You heard?" So'lek asked.
Tamtey nodded. "Ri'nela called."
"We'll find her."
The certainty helped. Only a little.
The warrior's eyes never stopped searching.
Scanning every cloud. Every mountain. Every shadow.
Looking for one small figure.
The woman he loved.
And for perhaps the first time in yearsâSo'lek was afraid. Truly afraid.
Because he could fight soldiers. He could fight AMP suits. He could fight the RDA.
But right now?
He was racing against the sky itself.
Praying to Eywa that they were not already too late.
In the distance they spotted it.
The Stormglider descended.
Its enormous wings cut through the air before folding against its body as it landed atop one of the floating mountains.
"There!" Tamtey pointed.
So'lek's heart nearly stopped.
Because from this angleâIt looked like the creature had something blue hanging from its jaws.
Something small. Something limp.
For one terrible moment his mind supplied the worst possible explanation.
His blood turned to ice.
Iley surged forward.
The warrior's entire focus narrowing onto that distant shape. Every horrible thought imaginable flashed through his mind. The fear was so intense it physically hurt.
Beside him, Tamtey had gone silent.He looked just as horrified.
The two ikran circled.
Coming around the mountain. Trying to get a better angle.
 Tto see.
ThenâSo'lek blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Certain he had imagined it.
Because what he was seeing made absolutely no sense.
The Stormglider wasn't eating her. It wasn't tearing her apart. It wasn't even hurting her.
The enormous predator wasâNuzzling her.
Its massive head rubbed against her shoulder. Purring. Actually purring.
And (Y/n)...
(Y/n) was holding its face.
Both arms wrapped around its snout. Completely unharmed. Completely unconcerned.
The warrior stared.
Tamtey stared.
Neither spoke. Neither seemed capable of speech.
They landed carefully a short distance away.
Approaching slowly.
The Stormglider immediately noticed them. Its head snapped up.
A warning hiss echoed across the mountain. The sound was powerful enough to shake loose stones.
Tamtey froze.
"Enough." (Y/n)'s voice scolded. Gentle. Patient.
The same voice she used on frightened animals.
Immediately the Stormglider relaxed. The predator leaned back into her hand.
Nudging her affectionately. Like an oversized child seeking attention.
So'lek stood there. Still trying to recover from nearly dying of fear. Still trying to process what he was looking at. Still trying to lower the panic racing through his veins.
"(Y/n)?"
The woman looked up. "Oh." She smiled sheepishly.
The sight alone made his knees weak.
Because she was alive. Not injured.
The warrior closed his eyes briefly.
Thank Eywa.
When he opened them again, the Stormglider was pressing its face against her shoulder.
Demanding attention.
"This is Caesar."
The introduction somehow made the situation even more absurd.
Tamtey looked between the giant predator and the woman petting it. "This creature has a name?"
"Of course he has a name."
The Stormglider chirped proudly.
(Y/n) scratched beneath its jaw. "I hand reared him after the RDA destroyed his nest a few years ago."
The explanation came so casually. As though hand-raising one of Pandora's most terrifying aerial predators was completely normal. "He was very small."
Tamtey looked at the creature. The creature looked back. "That?"
"Yes."
"Small?"
"Very."
The Stormglider nudged her again. Demanding more attention.
(Y/n) laughed. "Stormgliders are very familial creatures."
She rubbed the side of its face. "He missed his mama."
The giant predator immediately leaned harder into her. Almost knocking her over. "And apparently decided to give her the scare of her life."
"Yes." So'lek's answer came flatly. Dangerously flat. The warrior was still recovering. Still processing the fact he'd spent the last twenty minutes imagining her being eaten.
(Y/n) winced slightly. "Sorry."
The Stormglider made a happy sound. Completely unrepentant.
"Who's my silly big baby?"
The predator chirped. Pleased.
"You are."
Another affectionate nudge.
Tamtey looked awestruck. "I cannot believe this."
He slowly approached. Carefully.
The Stormglider immediately hissed.
Tamtey retreated. "I believe it now."
Meanwhile So'lek stood motionless. Still coming down from the fear. The adrenaline. The absolute terror.
(Y/n) finally noticed. The way his shoulders were rigid. The way his hands were clenched. The way his eyes had not left her since landing.
The warrior looked exhausted.
Not physically.
Emotionally.
Because for a little while thereâHe had believed he was losing her. And that realization struck her straight in the heart.
Slowly she stepped away from Caesar.
Crossing the distance between them.
The warrior didn't move. Didn't speak. Then she wrapped her arms around him. "I'm sorry."
For a moment So'lek simply held her. Holding on perhaps a little tighter than usual. Relieved. Overwhelmed. Grateful.
Behind them, Caesar made an offended noise.
Clearly unhappy his mother was paying attention to someone else.
Tamtey laughed.
The Stormglider hissed at him.
And somewhere between the terror, the relief, and the absurdity of the situation, So'lek finally let out a long breath.
The kind that came after surviving a nightmare.
Because his yawne was safe. And that was all that mattered.
She stepped back from him and turned back towards Caesar, âIâm sorry you big baby,â and she threw her arms around him again and the storm glider seemed to relish in her touch.
So'lek stood quietly for a moment. Watching.
The Stormglider was resting its enormous head in (Y/n)âs arms.
Its eyes half closed.
The giant predator looked almost tame.
Almost.
Only because she was beside it.
Because the moment anyone else moved too quickly, Caesar's eyes opened immediately. Watching. Evaluating. Protective.
So'lek found himself smiling faintly.
Because somehowâ Somehow this woman had done it again.
Another creature.
One that should have feared her. Or ignored her. Or flown away.
Yet here it was looking at her with the same affection Ulrr did.
The same affection the pups did. The same affection every creature she cared for seemed to develop.
The warrior's gaze softened.
She was gentle with all of them. Patient. Kind.
And somehow they always seemed to know it.
Even the fiercest among them adored her.
"Come."
(Y/n) looked over at him.Motioning him closer.
The warrior obeyed.Still slightly suspicious of the enormous predator.
"Caesar." The Stormglider's head immediately lifted. Attention focused entirely on her. "This is So'lek."
The predator blinked. Watching him.
"He's very important to me."
Something warm settled in So'lek's chest.
"So be nice."
Tamtey immediately smothered a laugh.
The warrior ignored him. Mostly.
Caesar tilted his head.
Then to So'lek's surprise, the Stormglider shuffled forward.
The enormous head lowering.
The giant predator nudged him. Gently. Almost curiously.
So'lek blinked.
The Stormglider blinked back.
(Y/n) smiled. "He likes scratches."
The warrior raised an eyebrow. "You are serious."
"Very."
Cautiously. Slowly. So'lek reached out. His hand settling against the side of Caesar's jaw.
The Stormglider immediately leaned into it.
A deep rumbling sound echoed through his chest. Content. Happy.
The giant predator practically melted.
The sight made (Y/n) laugh. "There you go."
The warrior found himself scratching beneath the jaw. The exact spot she indicated. The rumbling immediately intensified.
So'lek looked mildly offended. "He likes me."
"Youâre very likable."
The warrior gave her a look.
(Y/n) immediately pretended innocence.
Behind them Tamtey called out. "I want to pet him."
He sounded like an excited child.
(Y/n) laughed. "Come on over, Tamtey."
The Sarentu approached cautiously. Very cautiously.
The Stormglider watched. Evaluated.
Then apparently decided Tamtey was acceptable.
The hunter reached out.
Touched the stormgliders neck.
Immediately grinned. "By Eywa." Another scratch.
The Stormglider chirped.
Tamtey looked delighted. "He is soft."
"He is not soft."
"He is."
The Stormglider practically purred. "He is soft."
(Y/n) laughed again. The sound carrying across the floating mountain. Bright. Happy.
The kind of laugh So'lek loved hearing.
The warrior found himself watching her once more. The way she smiled. The way she spoke to Caesar.
The way she looked completely at ease sitting beside one of Pandora's most fearsome predators.
The way the predator trusted her without question.
It should not have surprised him anymore. Yet somehow it still did. Every time.
The warrior shook his head softly. A smile pulling at the corner of his mouth. "You really are extraordinary."
(Y/n) immediately flushed.
The woman still hadn't learned how to accept compliments.
"Oh no itâs not all that."
"Yes."
"I hand-fed him bugs and fish."
"You raised a Stormglider."
"He was very small."
Tamtey laughed. "That does not make it less impressive."
Meanwhile So'lek simply watched. The warmth in his chest growing. Because she truly believed any of this was ordinary.
The sanctuary. The animals. The Stormglider. The lives she'd saved. The people she'd helped.
The love she gave so freely.
To her, it was simply her normal, a part of who she was.
To So'lekâIt was one more reason he loved her.
And as Caesar nudged her shoulder demanding attention again, the warrior found himself smiling.
Because even Eywa's fiercest creatures seemed determined to prove his point.
(Y/n) smiled up at Caesar. "How is Athena?"
Tamtey blinked. "Athena?"
"His mate."
"The Stormglider has a mate?"
Tamtey looked at Caesar.
Then at (Y/n).
Then back at Caesar.
The giant predator chirped proudly. As if pleased somebody had finally acknowledged this fact.
A distant call suddenly echoed across the floating mountains. Deep. Powerful. Beautiful.
Everyone looked toward the sound.
On a nearby floating island stood another Stormglider. Slightly smaller than Caesar. Elegant. Graceful.
Behind her rested a nest woven between the rocky outcroppings.
And insideâ Movement. Small shapes. Tiny wings. Tiny heads.
Stormglider hatchlings.
Tamtey's jaw dropped. "No."
(Y/n)'s eyes lit up immediately. "Oh my goodness."
Caesar made an excited sound. The equivalent of a child bouncing on their toes.
She looked at him. Then toward the nest. Then back at him.
Realization dawned. "Is this what you brought me up here for?"
The Stormglider chirped loudly. His tail flicking. Pleased with himself.
"So I can see your pretty missus and babies?"
Another happy sound. Almost smug.
Tamtey looked astonished. "He kidnapped you."
"He did. To introduce you to his family."
(Y/n) laughed. The sound bright and warm. She reached up and cupped Caesar's face.
The giant predator immediately leaned into her touch. "You did all this just to show me?"
A proud chirp. "Oh Caesar."
Her voice softened. Filled with affection. "I am so proud of you."
The Stormglider practically glowed beneath the praise. Then immediately ruined the moment by gently nipping at her shoulder.
(Y/n) laughed again. "I know what that means."
She reached into one of her pockets. Producing a strip of dried meat.
Caesar's eyes immediately locked onto it.
The giant predator suddenly looking very interested. "Nothing like a treat, huh?"
The meat vanished in one bite.
Tamtey snorted.
The Stormglider made another pleased sound.
Then nudged her again. Hoping for another treat.
Greedy creature.
(Y/n) shook her head. "No."
Another nudge.
"No."
A larger nudge.
The equivalent of being hit by a small vehicle.
So'lek silently caught her before she toppled over.
Caesar looked entirely unrepentant. The giant menace.
(Y/n) smiled.
Then wrapped both arms around the front of his neck.
Hugging him.
The Stormglider immediately stilled. Accepting it. Enjoying it.
The sight left Tamtey in complete awe.
"You should go back to your family."
Caesar's gaze shifted toward the nest. Then back to her. Reluctant. Almost.
The giant predator looked toward So'lek.
Then Tamtey.
(Y/n) immediately understood. Sweet foolish creature.
"You do not need to worry." She rubbed the side of his face.
The Stormglider's attention remained fixed on the two males. "They are my family."
The words made So'lek's chest tighten. Warmth spreading through him.
(Y/n) smiled. "I'm not lonely as I once was."
The Stormglider made a quieter sound. Almost thoughtful. Almost relieved. As though that had been what he needed to hear.
The confirmation.
That she was safe. That she had people who cared for her now.
The same way she had cared for him.
"Go home to yours." She kissed the side of his jaw. "You know where to find me."
For a long moment Caesar remained where he was.
Looking at her.
Memorizing.
Then finallyâ The Stormglider threw back his head and roared. The sound rolled across the floating mountains. Powerful.
A farewell.
Then his wings spread. Massive. Magnificent.
The gust nearly knocked Tamtey over.
With a powerful leap Caesar launched himself into the air. Wings catching the wind. The giant predator soaring toward the neighboring island. Toward Athena. Toward the nest. Toward his family.
The female Stormglider called out. A greeting. Caesar answered immediately. The pair touched heads. The hatchlings bouncing excitedly around them.
(Y/n) watched with a soft smile.
Beside her, So'lek found himself watching her instead. The woman who had raised a Stormglider. The woman who had taught it kindness.
The woman who somehow left pieces of her heart everywhere she went.
And judging by the way Caesar kept glancing back at her even after reaching the nestâ The Stormglider still carried a piece of it too.
The moment Caesar disappeared across the gap toward his mate and hatchlings, So'lek stepped forward.
Then pulled her into his arms.
(Y/n) immediately wrapped her arms around him in return.Resting her forehead against his chest.
The warrior lowered his head, breathing in slowly. Trying to finally calm the fear that had gripped him ever since Ri'nela's call. "When Ri'nela said you had been taken..."
His voice was quieter than usual.
 "It scared the life out of me."
The admission made her heart ache. (Y/n)'s arms tightened around him. "Sorry."
She looked up at him. "I couldn't respond."
The memory immediately made her grimace. "His claws grabbed me at an awkward angle."
She demonstrated with one hand. "There was no way I could reach my com."
So'lek sighed. Not angry. Just relieved.
Relieved she was standing here explaining it. Relieved she wasn't hurt.
Nearby, Tamtey awkwardly cleared his throat. "I am going to head back."
Neither of them looked away from each other.
He rolled his eyes. Hopeless. Both of them.
"I'll drop off whatever Nefika sent at the sanctuary."
"Thank you, Tamtey."
"Try not to get kidnapped by anything else."
"I'll do my best."
The Sarentu laughed. Then mounted his ikran and departed.
Within moments he was gone.
Neither of them had truly noticed. Too occupied with one another.
(Y/n) rested her cheek against So'lek's chest again. "I'm okay."
The warrior's hand settled against the back of her head. "I know."
"I promise I'm okay."
"Just..." She looked over the edge of the floating mountain. Immediately regretted it. The ground was so far away it might as well have been another world.
Her stomach flipped violently.
She turned straight back into So'lek. "Just a little shaken up about how high we are right now."
His shoulders shook with laughter.
"Do not laugh."
"You befriend a Stormglider."
"Yes."
"You are unafraid of one of Pandora's greatest predators."
"Correct."
"But heights terrify you."
"They absolutely do."
The warrior chuckled again.
(Y/n) narrowed her eyes. "Do not let go of me."
"I was not planning to."
The warmth that spread through her chest made her smile.
After a few moments So'lek glanced toward the distant nest.
Watching Caesar settle beside Athena and their hatchlings.
A thoughtful expression crossed his face. "Are all your former wards like that?"
(Y/n) laughed softly. "The grown-up babies are."
The warrior looked amused. "The grown-up babies?"
"Yes."
She nodded seriously. "They occasionally come back and visit."
"Or in Caesar's case." She pointed toward the nest. "Kidnap me."
The warrior sighed. A very long suffering sigh. "You will have to warn me of such occasions, yawne."
"I did not know he was planning it."
"You scared me."
(Y/n) reached up and kissed him. Softly.Tenderly.
The warrior immediately melted.
Every remaining tension leaving his shoulders.
"I apologize."
Another kiss.
"I did not mean to."
His forehead rested against hers.
"I know."
The warrior lingered there for a moment. Then finally pulled back. "Come."
(Y/n) immediately became suspicious. "What?"
"Let us get you home."
The color drained from her face instantly.
So'lek watched the transformation happen in real time.
Her eyes widened. Her posture stiffened. Every ounce of confidence evaporated.
"No."
"Yawne."
"No."
"We cannot stay on this mountain forever."
"We can try."
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Unfortunately for her, he was already reaching for his ikran.
(Y/n) stared at Iley.
Iley stared back.
Completely innocent.
"So'lek."
"Yes?"
"Carry me because my brain just realised that there is 1000âs of feet under me and I canât move.â
The warrior laughed. The sound echoing across the floating mountains.
"You are serious."
"I am very serious."
He scooped her up "Unfortunately, yawne."
His eyes gleamed with amusement. "The only way down from here..."
(Y/n) already knew where this was going.
And hated it.
"...is to fly."
The horrified expression on her face nearly sent him into another fit of laughter.
Which was deeply unfair.
Because she was about to suffer.
And he was clearly enjoying it far too much.
Next >
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Your shadow is tired of waiting
fem!reader x male!monster | word count 1575
TW: smut, stalking, squirting, weird c*m
Thereâs something wrong with your shadow. You noticed it randomly one day. From the corner of your eye, you saw that it messed up, didnât follow your movements. And you keep noticing it. Split seconds where it moves on its own or doesnât mirror you. Your friends tell you youâre crazy, but you swear⊠It feels like someone is watching you. Fuck, maybe you are crazy. Or, maybe itâs just been a long day. You need sleep.
Itâs already dark by the time you get home, and all you can think of is crashing into your mattress. The moment you step through your bedroom door, it slams behind you and you scream.
SomeoneâŠsomeone? Yes, someone is here. In your room. The lights are off, itâs too dark to make out the details, but you see a shape in the opposite corner of the room. A tall inky blackness, a void with no reflection, no contrast, is just standing there. You quickly reach for the lightswitch.
âDonât.â
You flick them on. Thereâs nothing there. Jesus fucking Christ, you are crazy. You chuckle to yourself, about to flop into bed, and then you freeze, watching, as your shadow slowly stretches, climbing up the wall to the switch. Flick.
âBoo.â
You felt it whisper the words into your ear. You scream and make a break for the door, but a hand jerks you to a stop. Another covers your mouth.
âPlease donât scream when I take this offâ, the voice is low and surprisingly calm.
You bite down at the palm, but all it does is make the hand squeeze. It feels inhuman, larger than any personâs and have what feel like claws at the fingertips. You let go, clearly not getting anywhere, and it lets your mouth free.
âWhat are you?â, you ask quickly.
âI think you know. Youâve been eyeing me all day. Iâve been watching you too for a very, very long time.â It pulls you closer as it speaks, its body surprisingly warm behind you. You stay silent.
âYou have no idea how hard itâs been to hide from you. To hide and watch you bring stupid, useless boys home. Selfish boys home,â itâs claws grow and tighten their grip around you. You can feel the anger in its voice, âAll they ever did was take and take and take from you! Not one of them ever gave you what you wanted, what you needed.â
It strokes your hair, taking deep breaths, trying to calm down. Its hands and claws shrink as it relaxes. âBut I can,â it whispers.
âWhat do I need?â you scoff.
You wish you could swallow the words back up. Itâs silent at first, then lets out a low laugh, laced with sin.
It pushes you face down onto the bed. You flip over quickly. This is finally your chance to catch a look at this thing, except itâs impossible to see. His massive figure stands over you, swallowing any light. You squint your eyes but nothing gets any clearer.
âDonât worry. I make up for it in personality,â he says, gesturing at his face as he kneels down in front of the bed.
Was that a joke? You feel your face flush.
His hands reach up your skirt. You pull it down. He tsks.
âYouâve been teasing and flashing me with this all day. Just admit it.â His fingers stroke up and down your thighs.
Youâre mortified at the thought of your own shadow catching glimpses of your panties. âYouâre a fucking pervert.â
âYou donât even know the half of it,â you can hear his grin. He hooks his arms underneath your thighs and drags you to the edge of the bed. âNow lift up your skirt.â You cautiously listen.
He slides a claw under both straps of your panties and cuts them off with a quick âsnapâ, exposing you to him. He claws into you, and starts kissing along your thighs. You feel the texture of his skin changing, shifting between rough and soft, as if heâs trying to hold something back. He bites down, teeth feeling sharper than normal, and you wince.
He loosens up, and keeps kissing down until he reaches your pussy. The first lick of his tongue drags softly through you. You shudder. He groans against it, âYou taste just as good as I imagined.â The next one is rougher and rougher until heâs barely containing his arousal.
One hand reaches up to your tits and kneads them in his palm while his thumb rubs over your nipples. You grip onto his arm, feeling the muscles of his forearm flex while he plays with you. You canât help but get drenched.
He shoves his tongue inside you, wanting to taste it all. Itâs long and muscular, licking every ridge like itâs trying to memorize you, and you clench around him, begging to be known. He trades his tongue for two fingers, and they make a sticky noise as they slide into you. You can feel him trying to make them softer for you in an act of self control. He rubs them gently against the roof of your pussy in a âcome hereâ motion. Thereâs no holding back the moan that escapes from you.
His tongue laps at your clit, and you can feel him pushing you closer to the edge. Your legs tense and your breaths grow sharper. He stays at the pace that you fucking love, and you come around his fingers. You hear him sucking them hungrily after he pulls out.
Youâre still panting when he grabs one of your legs and spins you closer to the middle of the bed. The bed creaks and buckles from the size of him as he climbs on. Your heart pounds in your ears.
âDonât be scared.â You feel the thick head of his dick rub between your folds, teasing your swollen clit. You squirm and spread your legs wider for him, inviting his cock inside you.
âMmm, no.â, he says nonchalantly. He pulls off of you and gets off the bed, standing next to it.
âWait. What are you doing?â, you cry out.
âYou have to admit it.â, he barks back.
You canât see, but you can hear his hand stroking his cock. The sound of it fills the room. He strokes from the plump tip all the way down to the base.
âStop!â, you beg.
The stroking gets wetter, sloppier. He starts to groan. âFuck, Iâm gonna come if I keep going.â His breathing grows harsher.
âPlease, donât!â You canât control it but you feel like youâre going to cry.
âSay it. Say it or I spill it right here and waste it all!â
You relent. âPlease fuck me! I need you inside me!â
He stops and you can feel the smug ass grin he has in his face. âCould you clean this?â, he says cutely, right before shoving his precum soaked fingers in your mouth.
He wastes no time getting back on top of you. He places your legs over his shoulders, gripping your hips tightly as he holds them in the air. âThis is just because you said pleaseâ, he teases right before he slams into you.
Fuck, heâs hung. Every thrust feels like heâs trying to overcome your anatomy. You moan as he drills into you, and he growls in approval. You feel his cock pushing the skin of your belly. He rubs at the bulge with his thumb. âHa- look at that baby- might just tear through you,â the words stagger out.
He guides your hips into his length, plunging your pussy with hard thuds that make your ass and tits bounce. Once he decides youâre stretched enough, he picks up the pace.
He loses it as he fucks you. Every moan that comes out of him is gruff and animalistic. It feels like his skin ripples as it fluctuates between textures. He slams you down into him, pushing apart your soft, squishy walls with a squelching noise that just makes him want to drive it deeper.
His giant cock pressing all the right spots, combined with your already pulsing clit makes you grip around him tighter. Fuck. You come again, this time squirting all over his shaft. The sight sends him feral. Heâs close. He claws the headboard, still holding you up with his other hand, and groans, âYou- want my cum?â
âPlease,â you whimper.
âBeg,â he spits back.
And you do. You cry and tell him how badly you need it, how he knows you so well, better than anyone. He unloads. Deep, forceful pumps of cum shoot so hard inside you they make you cramp. You can feel each hot rope traveling up his shaft with every thrust.
When heâs finished, he pulls out with a âpopâ and you feel him spilling out. He lets out an annoyed grunt and flips you to your side. He spoons you, corking you up with his dick for the night, not letting another drop go to waste.
Light pours through the blinds. You donât remember falling asleep, but when you wake up, youâre the only one in bed. âIt- it was a dream,â you think to yourself. You pull off the sheets and gasp. Damp, black stains cover the entire bed and between your legs. From the corner of your eye, you can see your shadow, waving slowly.
imagine forcibly sending your second in command to space and erasing his memory and having made peace with it for 26 years but then you finally get the back the information that will save the world and you find out that he woke up all alone because the other two died on the way and he didn't know what was going on and he was so scared but he manages to make first contact and he figures it all out anyway AND he might be able to go home with the astrophysics the alien gives him and you feel a part of your heart that hasn't felt alive in decades start to beat again because he might come back in just a few months if what he's saying is right and then you watch the last log and it turns out he needs to go back to save an alien species and he is going to starve to death and you feel the grief all over again.
Stratt: Oh no.
Stratt: I donât have the time or emotional capacity to be sad or stressed about this.
Stratt: GRACE!
Grace: On it!
Grace: *starts sobbing and going into a full panic attack*
Fan art for Tamteylovebot on Twitter ^^