— pairing: pregnant!tsahìk!reader x tonowari (a mated pair)
synopsis: your mate just worries about you and the little one. but how far must you push yourself before you actually heed his advice?
content warnings: i don't think there are any, just fluff (soon...) and cuddles from a sexy big blue dilf, i want to be held by this man and told everything will be okay as we watch the sunset, oh how a girl can dream...
a/n: this one shot was based off of this request by the ever-talented queen @dollzstrology whose works you have to read, i'm not asking i'm COMMANDING cause they're that good. love, i have to let you know, i absolutely suck at writing dialogue but i tried.💔 i did have WAYYY too much fun AND about one scene, i based reader's headaches off a dizzy spell i had when i wrote the first half of the draft (on 1/24/26) cause...idk and idc but it was good inspiration for what i'm trying to achieve here so yah. i'm just yapping at this point but i really wanted to add a part about what i listen to for writing things and i realized that i listen to three songs no matter the content so...we're not gonna do that. does anyone actually read author's notes? cause i love little tidbits like these ( ´ ꒳ ` ) ♡ WHEN I TELL YOU I WAS SO HAPPY TO SEE A REQUEST LIKE THIS I NEARLY COMBUSTED WITH HAPPINESS BECAUSE THATS MY MANNNNNNNN DO YOU UNDERSTAND I HAVE LOVED HIM SINCE DECEMBER OF 2022 DO YOU HEAR ME-
i have to figure out how to speak in shorter sentences. lmk if you enjoy this one!
It was clear that nothing would be able to keep the Tsahìk of the Metkayina down.
Not even the nearing birth of a child. Your child, specifically. Iron-willed and hard headed, you were determined to show the elders and the People that you were very capable of handling your duties as a healer, shaman, warrior, and expectant mother simultaneously.
Much to the chagrin of your mate.
You were nearing the final weeks of your pregnancy, and showing no signs of slowing down or even thinking of settling down to nest. Though you realized your body was accommodating the growth of new life, if you were able, you were not going to be found stagnant for long. From preparing herbs and medicines with your apprentice healers in the nursing maruis, to assisting the young warriors with hands-on spear and knife training, you kept yourself busy, trying to retain some sense of normalcy before you were to become a mother. You were simply reluctant to accept the drastic change in your life that would come with a newborn.
Among the many who absolutely opposed your current way of life, was your mate, Tonowari.
The typically-level headed Olo'eyktan of the Metkayina had been stretched thin with worry for his very pregnant mate, who, on top of his obligation to the clan as their leader, was the main priority in his mind.
On this particular morning, the first thing that alarmed him was the absence of your body by his side. As of late, you had taken a liking to laying atop his chest, the both of you tracing the other's tattoos. The familiarity of the intricate waves and patterns calmed your mind and helped you to sleep. Specifically, tracing the pattern of the mating tattoo identical to yours on Tonowari's left strake as his hand rested atop your belly, round with child, reminded you of the life you had grown to create with none other than your true love. So the absence of your form on his made his body go rigid with worry.
Months ago, when you took Tonowari to your secret cove at eclipse, full of bioluminescent coral and reef lilies and told him you were with child, you couldn't help but shed tears as your saw the softness in your mate's gaze, the way his eyes slowly traveled down your torso, nor could you hide your smile as he peppered your face with kisses. Looking back, you knew in your heart, even then, how devoted of a father he would be, no matter what came to the shores of Awa'atlu.
Over the months, Tonowari had become extremely protective of you and your little one, always finding a reason to keep watch on your as you fulfilled your duty as tsahìk around the village. Days after giving him the news, he had you agree to a set of rules and promises to keep, 'if not for your sake, then for the baby's.' But he knew at the same time, how much you would insist you were well and capable if anyone even dared to ask if you wanted to rest. Even if it was not personally him, he had a few tsamsiyu [warriors] who had managed to evade your detection, staying far enough to gather information and report back to their Olo'eyktan.
At sunrise, you woke early and managed to sneak out before he arose, dressing in complete silence and making not a noise. So, per the daily morning reports Tonowari was given, you were currently on the eastern side of the village, down on your hands and knees in the flooded herb fields, harvesting koaktutral [medicinal flowers]. They were notorious for being difficult to harvest, because of the blazing summer heat in which they sprout, along with the fumes that could cause dizziness, nausea, and fainting spells in untrained Na'vi. But when mixed with water to form a thick paste, it cut healing time for even the largest wounds in half. These flowers were vital to the Metkayina, and as tsahìk, you were the most experienced to harvest them at full bloom.
Sitting fully upright on the edge of your shared hammock, Tonowari quickly got to tidying up slightly and donning his bright orange olo'eyktan garment, as well as his toa guard. Thanking the tsamsiyu before allowing them to leave, he decided to pay a visit to you, to quell the worries within his own heart.
Taking his spear off of the mantle where yours still lay, he took a quick inventory of the shared marui once more, noting the absence of your tsahìk headpiece and knife shell, indicating you had planned for another full day.
Chuckling to himself as he walked along the woven pathways, Tonowari wondered just how restless was the woman he mated with.
Greeting other members of the Metkayina clan, Tonowari realized that the warriors were not exaggerating at all. Part of him wanted their description to be overdramatized, that maybe you would have taken his words to heart and helped instruct the younger healers to gather the flowers instead.
He should have known better than that.
You were at the forefront of the gathering group, one hand resting beneath the swell of your belly to give it support while the other steadies the stem of the koaktutral [medicinal flowers] for one of your apprentices to cut with their knife. For a moment, Tonowari stopped and admired your working form, relishing in the determination and strength of his mate, how you did not let any sign of discomfort show on your face. It was admirable, but in the years that he had known and loved you, it was obvious to him that you were exhausted and desired a moment of respite. The façade you kept was purely for reputation.
You were so focused on your task at hand, giving firm but gentle instructions to each healer in your group, that as you crouched beside another, you did not understand the confusion that covered your apprentice's face until you felt two broad hands wrap around your midsection, settling on the familiar place atop your own underneath the taut curve that held your child.
"Leave us. You have done well for today." You already knew your mate was behind you, but the feeling of his body so close to yours, the scent of sea salt and sweet fruit enveloping your senses combined with the deep, rich tones of Tonowari's voice asking the apprentice to give you two some space almost made you fold into his embrace. But that was a luxury you would only afford yourself in private, in your marui or in the quiet respite of your secret cove near the seawall terraces.
"Ma txampay [my ocean], why have you come in the middle of the herb gathering? You know we need to have plenty on hand with akula hunting season beginning soon." Using the term of endearment you had given to your mate when he began courting you, the glowing hue of his eyes reminding you of the vast expanse of the sea you two loved to explore together.
"Because you said you should be resting, paysyul [water lily]. You left before I woke this morning. I was very worried."
Hearing the guilt in your mate's tone instinctively made you look at him, your eyes not wanting to meet his own yet. You subtly traced the markings he had earned one of the clan's most respected warriors and their current leader, thinking of a response. You had technically swore you would wait until he woke so Tonowari could help you get up and dress, something he enjoyed, and you reveled in the pampering and light kisses he would press to your belly, whispering stories and songs into your midsection while tracing your hip tattoo that wrapped around your midsection and legs.
It was still unnerving to you how easily you had fallen in love with this Na'vi, but as he waited for you to speak, you could see how much he really was worried.
"Ngaytxoa, tìyawn. I never mean to worry you. I just—" you paused, knowing that all Tonowari wanted was to ensure the safety of you and the baby, but remaining in one spot was simply not you. "I feel fine. I do not want to be seen as useless in the eyes of the People. I am their tsahìk. My responsibility is to heal, to guide, to be able to serve my clan and serve them well. Just because I am with child does not mean I am afforded the opportunity to be still. Besides, I wanted to get started with harvesting early. I have other things to tend to later."
"And you know that being still is exactly what you are allowed to do. Look at me." And you fully turned to face him, your head resting in the palm of your mate's hand as your eyes met, the familiar warmth of sea blue mixed with hard-set resolve, unwavering.
"You carry a child. Our child, and with all the new mothers whom you have told to rest, to not stress themselves or their little ones, you do not take your own advice. You do not even take mine. You have nothing to prove to me, or to anyone else in this clan by working yourself until you can go on no longer, yawntutsìp [darling]."
Hearing Tonowari's pleading tone, you could no longer keep your eyes up to meet his. He was right, of course. But the People still needed you to be there, no matter your condition. You took an oath before Eywa and the rest of the Metkayina clan, to uphold the law of Eywa'eveng and to lead the People faithfully.
Broken from a momentary trance, you faintly catch the tail end of what sounded like another, softer plea for you to go and rest. Looking back at Tonowari, you just catch the last sentence he says before unwrapping his arms and helping you walk back to dry land.
"I am going to take you home, and you will rest. I trust you, so I will not have guards positioned, but you must actually rest, my headstrong paysyul."
Giving him a scoff and a defiant yet acquiescent glance, you allow his large hand to envelope yours and lead you back to the west side of the village, just as High Noon began to set in.
You would be quiet and let him lead you back to your marui, just to appease him, then when he was gone, you would make your getaway.
A flawless plan. Or so you thought.
You found yourself sat inside your marui, watching the other clan members go on about their days as normal, wishing you could do the same. Your other half was currently helping you settle in, bringing you an assortment of different items to busy yourself with if the village elders or anyone decided to stop by. Tonowari insisted on the arrangement, saying something about 'having you available at necessity' but 'too comfortable to even think about leaving.' So once he grabbed his spear and made his way northeast to speak with the elders about village matters, you quickly removed your tsahìk headpiece and knife shell, taking up your spear and knife after removing your skirt and opting for a more breathable flowered tewng [loincloth] that sat comfortably below your belly.
You had made arrangements with other tsamsiyu [warriors] to help train the older boys of the clan, many of whom sought to tame their own tsurak and all of whom listened to you, some more than their own mother. You were the best tsamsiyu of the clan, unmatched by any man or woman, even those who dared to foolishly challenge you. It was a responsibility you held for years with pride, and one that your unborn child or their father would not keep you from.
Descending the large walkway that sunk slightly with the newly introduced weight, you kept your gaze down as the daylight shone brightly overhead. As you made your way to the shore, you felt a slight tugging at the front of your head and the smallest trace of acid clawing at your throat, symptoms that you knew, even with your years of experience, could come from inhaling too much of the koaktutral. Brushing it off and telling yourself you were only affected more because of the baby, the grip on your spear tightened and you pushed towards the shore. A group of twenty teen-aged boys, as well as four Metkayina tsamsiyu were gathered along the coastline, all turning and bringing one arm down from the forehead outward out of reverence and hints of fear you could barely catch as you walked past, returning the gesture.
"All of you, in one line facing the village. Spears up, as if primed for an attack. I will inspect your form." Your voice was strong, resolute. Full of authority. All twenty boys immediately obeyed, weapons at the ready. But the ache was back, and stronger. Clawing at the forefront of your mind, growing more prevalent and much harder to ignore. The four tsamsiyu assisting you with training exchanged glances with one another, but you already established that they were not to interfere with your teaching unless absolutely necessary.
Lowering your head and closing your eyes for a moment, you tried to keep your composure for as long as possible, taking great care to maintain a rigid posture. But as your eyes slowly opened, the boys and surroundings began to spin, hues of greens and purples lingering around the outlines of each of the Na'vi in front of you. Your steps faltered, and your spear became your crutch as you slowly fell to the ground, your breath becoming shallow with each passing moment as your hands immediately fell to your belly, finding some semblance of comfort at feeling the small presses in response to the warmth of your palms. The clawing began to get worse, creating dark spots in your vision as two of the tsamsiyu ran off.
"Where…are they going? Tell them…I am fine. I just need a—"
A sharp gasp took any remaining air out of your lungs, and your hands flew to your temple, trying to quell the pressure that was tearing into your skull.
Through the pain, you could barely make out the words one of the tsamsiyu said, in her attempt to help ease your fears. "Tsahìk, mawey. We are getting Olo'eyktan and a few healers to check on you and the little heir. I will stay with you until they arrive."
Not even willing to try to speak through the pain, you gave her a sharp nod and a resigned sigh, knowing how worried you were going to make your mate.
Either by luck or pure coincidence, Tonowari had begun to lead the elders out towards the shoreline, to help his mental clarity and discuss further stationing locations for hunters before the akula migrated back in. What he did not expect to see was your form propped against one of the female tsamsiyu, disoriented and clearly beyond your limit.
Discarding both respectful decorum and the group of elders behind him, the clan leader immediately ran to your side and knelt in front of you, taking charge from the woman accompanying you and taking your body in his arms. The feeling of a familiar body began to ground you, and the lack of rapid movement helped quell the gnawing pressure in your head.
It was — to your reluctant admittance — a welcome feeling.
"Are you alright, ma yawne [my love]? What happened?" Tonowari asked, and you could see just how scared and worried he was about your well-being. Placing one hand atop his chest and another splayed across your belly, you gave him a soft smile while burrowing into his embrace.
"I am better now. I think, I want to go home. And…rest."
That pulled a soft smile from the chief, happy to see you finally uphold the promises you made early in your pregnancy. Extending an arm, he helped you up slowly, and the two of you stood on the sand, Tonowari's arms resting on your hips while yours found their place, habitually, on his shoulders.
"Take me home, ma txampay."
The walk home to your marui is done in silence, your eyes tracing the ripples of the ocean as low tide set in for the second time that day while your hand rested in the palm of your beloved's. Word spread quickly of your health scare on the coast, and as you walked through Awa'atlu, many in the clan were relieved to see you were well again. Others exchanged knowing glances as they saw the relaxed gait you took, the pressure of leading the people momentarily off of your shoulders.
Once home, Tonowari quickly stepped up in front of you and lifted the woven flag to allow you entry, making sure to close it securely to allow privacy between the two of you.
This was not a conversation between the Olo'eyktan and Tsahìk.
"I left you here, in our home—"
"I know." You interrupted, guilt seeping into your tone. "And I should not have left. I just wanted to show the People that regardless of my condition, I will be able to do what is needed. What is asked. I have trained for this role since birth, and I would not let this child stop me from showing the village I am still meant for it."
Kneeling beside you, Tonowari takes your face in his hands, his thumb wiping away the tears that managed to escape your tired eyes.
"Oh, ma tanhì [my star], you were and always will be meant for this role. The People have flourished under your guidance and leadership. But this is not about the clan. This is about you," he pauses, a hand coming to sit atop yours where it rested against the taut shape of your midsection, feeling the flutters and kicks of the baby beneath your skin. "And our child."
"Every day, when I wake, the first thing I do is check on you and the baby. My priority is you, and I need you to understand that. Those promises we set months ago were not to cage you in or restrict you. But they were to protect you. What happened today, on the shore, I could not—"
You hear him inhale sharply, the slightest break in his voice becoming more noticeable, emotion threatening to take over.
"It was like seeing my worst fear play out in front of me. I know now that it was a spell of dizziness, but seeing you down and weak, the exhaustion in every fiber of your being, I was scared something had happened to the little one, even more so you."
Looking up to face your mate, you exhale slowly, pulling him into an embrace and flashing an appreciative smile.
"I am here now, and I feel better. I will relegate my duties in the nursing maruis to my apprentices, and will arrange for my other tasks to be taken up by tsamsiyu around the village. You were right, ma yawnetu. The baby and I will rest."
Bringing Tonowari's face closer to yours, your lips meet his, love and appreciation spilling through as your arms snaked around his neck and drew his body closer. He happily complied, matching your passion with a fire that had burned brightly since he first laid eyes on you.
Pulling you onto his lap to straddle his waist, Tonowari let his hands find the sides of your belly, smiling at the strong kicks of his future child within your womb, while his fingers traced the intricate patterns on your hips and thighs, committing them to memory like he was seeing them again for the first time.
"I am glad you finally listened, paysyul. It is well past time. And I think the baby appreciates it too."
You laughed, bringing your forehead to his, breathing in the scent of your mate. Of home.
"If I knew this is how I would be treated, I would have listened much sooner, ma txampay."
thank you for reading! reblogs and comments are always welcomed and appreciated <3
p.s. this would've been up yesterday, but the queen stays with headaches and could not look at her macbook for a solid hour yesterday with spots in her vision sooo... i also realized that i'm always starting some mess and making this poor man more worried than he has to be... oh well, i like my men worried and caring, sue me. and i also went into my pinterest board today to look for some scrumptious picture of big daddy and guys. i have 4.6k pins. on this man alone. i'm exactly where i want to be.
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