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Could you write a Miles Quaritch x Na’vi!fem reader fic, where she’s Varangs shy/sweet twin sister (smut maybe?? Only if your comfortable!!”
—The manager for the insanes
GENRE: Fluff || Smut
WORDS FROM RXSIL: "Thank you so much!!! I heard someone"
WARNINGS: Unorthodox rough na'vi sex because Quaritch and Mangkwan reader...? NSFW content, MDNI. Varang being a soft yet sadistic sister to reader. Injury from a palulukan attack. Mentions of birth, blood, burning. Reader is gentler version of Varang? Not entirely compliant with request, I'm sorry for that. Degradation. Fingering. Groping. Grinding. Finger-sucking (is that a thing?). Spanking. Tail pulling. Doggy (?). Praising. Choking. Kuru pulling. Breeding Kink. Might have some mistakes or the smut might not be good.
SYNOPSIS: "Varang, the epitome to Mangkwan's ideals..she was also a sister, unfortunately. A sister who she barely let out of her sight, It always goes according to Varang's wishes. But now? The pink-skin in na'vi body who joined was ready to skip any boundaries and get the shy sister in his arms!"
VOCABULARY: -
|| Tsahìk: spiritual leader || Olo'eykte: chieftain || kuru: neural-tendril system || pa'li: direhorse || Toruk Makto: toruk-rider || uniltìranyu: dreamwalker/avatar || tsmuke: sister || Oel Ngati Kameie: I see you || syuratan: bioluminescence || Eywa'eveng: Na'vi name for Pandora meaning 'Eywa's child' || Ayhìgokx: Trash/Dirt people || tweng: loincloth ||
DURATION・・・・・8.8K
Warmth and purity of fire is worshipped by Mangkwan almost as much as they worship their Tsahìk AND Olo'eykte, Varang. Ruthless and ran by her strong, tyrannical, iron fist, Mangkwan do not dare to step out of line with their leader. Considering she has no worries killing anyone off, including having poisoned her own father to gain the position.
This was added on by the fact around 50% of the clan was not, in fact, Mangkwan by birth. Most are captured Olangi, Tlalim, Tayrangi, Aranahe and other clan na'vi who wandered a bit too far and got captured. True Mangkwans tend to not be alive for long with their sacrificial-to-their-cause demeanor.
Hence, Mangkwans who have been alive the longest, the oldest and the most closest to Varang happened to know one special fact about their leader: she had a younger sister.
The sister who she clung to like a fucking vine.
Most have never seen her, most never get to. You were almost never allowed outside the yurt belonging to the Tsahìk-Olo'eykte. Varang was..she never cared for family all that much. She had killed your elder sister, but you? She kept you around like she always used to, when you were young.
Before the accident.
Somehow, she still managed some form of feelings and emotions in her heart, some form of care. Only for you, though. Only for you. You'd accepted not being allowed outside, it was just life and you'd rather not anyway. The Mangkwan outside were no less brutal. You'd rather not see the cruel, brutal and bloody lives they led, you'd much rather have the softer aftermath of it all, benefit of it all without the guilt on your consciousness. It's how you survive.
That is, until your sister's newest recruit, an uniltìranyu who brought your clans weapon of thunder and fire. Loud and burning which your sister adored, even if she did not let you touch them for your safety. You still bore in your mind how you met the man your sister called Quaritch.
Hah...what a vrrtep he was. You remembered your sister talking about him to you many times, how he was a soldier who promised weapons of thunder for the clan to bring their domination to all of Eywa'eveng.
The day you met the dreamwalker had also been one of interest and point of concise alliance. Though, you knew your dead mother wouldn't have approved of it.
Not that Varang cared with how easily she killed your father and elder sister, she only seemed to love you. One of the elders said it came from the fact after your birth, your father had happened to be busy so your weakened mother had immediately handed you to Varang.
Varang, small as could be, had been told to remove her beaded top as she held you against her chest, rubbing your back to calm you down. She hadn't been the na'vi she was now, she didn't like pain or fire nor did she revel in sadism. She was a gentle soul once, but promising warrior for her clan. Her eyes would sparkle, they especially did while she held you against her. Bare flesh to flesh.
You'd been so tiny, so trusting to her. Her bare flesh against your thin and tender one, your tail swishing. You cried against your sister's skin and took your first breathe. Your elder sister had claimed you looked like a 'shrivelled' fruit, which Varang had not appreciated. You and her had become two phases of the same moon.
Sometimes you still saw the sister who carried you in her arms around the forests to hunt the swamp creatures while you were strapped in a carrier against her back. But that was rare, only when she was excited. It came out for the first time in a while when she told you about the uniltìranyu that day.
A bright morning and Varang had been administering and teaching you to make a basic salve, one which would burn less for you and you only. That is when you heard a loud, almost excited war cry which made both you simultaneously whip your heads up and towards the entrance flap of the yurt.
Varang hummed, stroking your cheek and pinching your cheek roughly before crouching and crawling into a stand. She moved like a wave, you wondered how your sister did that.
Her hands gently pushed her knives onto the sheath on her back, pushing the yurt's flap pouring in a sheen and sliver of sunlight, which you habitually avoided, shifting and crawling backwards on your palms and feet. You had grown the habit to avoid sunlight or any light from outside, being inside so long.
Your eyes were more used to the fireplace inside than the sun outside, hence you'd been rather rendered useless through your vision by your sister's insistence to keep you to herself and your own safety net being in the yurt rather than being an active member of Mangkwan. You heard your sister's approval humming and words.
It is only after a bit, did she re-enter and shot her eyes towards you, "Clean and stay good, we have a new...guest," she hummed, her sharp eyes glancing behind her as she strode in while you gathered the beads, turning to fix your own hair while Varang hummed, smiling at you. Her hand brushing past your hand, in a very subtle manner of love.
A guest? Seriously..since when did Mangkwan have guests?
But your words stayed in your mouth when in-strode a..uniltìranyu. You've only ever heard of those creatures, the Toruk Makto was one of those. Your sister called this uniltìranyu a guest..?
You didn't think she'd bring him inside, she trusted him that much? To see YOU?! Hah! You almost felt disgusted seeing the man, no one can put their eyes on you like that!
Your sister said so and you believed her!
But your eyes scanned the creature up and down, your palms flat alongside your heels as if you crouched like a predator. He wore no shirt, but long pants and something strapped across his body, a large..metal thing.
Those were poisonou–....according to Eywa.
But you didn't listen to that thought, more busy scanning him to ponder what sort of creature he was. All while his tail swished when he caught his eyes on you,
"You didn't tell me you had some toy, sweetheart," he hummed in that weird way in a weird language mixed with the one you spoke yourself. Varang turned, realising what the uniltìranyu meant, and hissed loudly, "Eyes OFF," she pushed him back.
The man grinned, his tail swishing and cropped off ear twitching, hands raised as if he surrendered.
You felt a satisfaction hum in your chest with your sister's protection, your tail waggling before you stood up. Varang hummed, gently pushing you back to keep distance between the uniltìranyu and you, "Quaa-ritch, this is my tsmuke," Varang hummed, her tail wrapped subconsciously around your thigh, "Speak." she demanded to you.
You scoffed, but still gently motioned with your hands, "Oel Ngati Kameie." Quaritch hummed, returning the gesture. You snorted at how awkwardly wrong-right it was, but ignored it as you shifted away. Varang hummed, turning to chart her raid plans or something and gently tugging him closer by the strap of that metal thing. You silently looked at them, tail swaying in interest of the dreamwalker.
"You keep an eye out for us, don't you?" Varang hummed. Quaa-ritch—was that his name?—smirked silently, while his eyes turned to you, "Hell yea, sweets. Your sister, is she? Guess I have two women to serve," he smirked, scanning you up and down.
You hissed a little bit, but Varang hummed, "Hm. She is a soft heart, soft foot and soft palmed one. She has not fought nor experienced the purity like you or I–"
Varang slid close, tugging you close by your waist to her with a fond grin which almost looked unusual to the dreamwalker, judging by how his eyes widened slightly and one of those furry things above his eye rose. You copied subconsciously what would be muscle on your own clean face, but then only rolled your eyes,
"I do not need any such protection or servitude," You huffed, tail swaying but getting caught with your sister's, which wrapped tightly around yours.
"Quiet, do not speak nonsense or lies to me, tsmuke. I know what you are." She scoffed a little, tugging your ear as your ear twitched. Your eyes still trained angrily upon the man, when he stepped close. Offering a five-fingered hand to you, "Miles Quaritch, sweetcheeks," he hummed, confidently.
Most never had confidence around you or ever around Varang. Mangkwan, while more animal than na'vi, had understanding and never smiled more than necessary. Why would you with such a life? But seeing this dreamwalker who spoke in his broken na'vi? He seemed so much more..endearing with his confidence, like a pet acting strong infront of it's owner before it's leash is pulled to make it submit.
It still held strength in your mind while you thought firmly of it. Today was another morning, another day of preparation for raids. But preparation wasn't entirely lead by Varang's hand, so she had time which she was using by being uncharacteristically domestically.
Varang sat behind you, silently and very gently-roughly tugging your braids open to braid new bone beads in them. Newly made with bone skeletal outsides and amber encasing blood of some poor na'vi girl who she had just killed a few hours back. She was a particularly rowdy and strong girl. Cutting her kuru was a achievement in it's own right.
Varang hummed, "I cut her," she explained, voice firm but hands uncharacteristically fond of you. You silently hummed, pulling your knees to your chest, "Her kuru bled strong, I made these from her blood. You'd be strong too, yes?" she hummed, tilting her head and making her necklace gently click against her clothing.
"I would, if you ever let me walk," you whispered back, but she gently tugged your head back by pinching your ear. In response, you hissed back at her. Loudly. None would dare.
Varang scoffed a laugh, her grin spreading as the ashen from the fireplace smoked the yurt in that sensorily heavy way, "See? You're no different from a scared pa'li. Quiet." She hummed, letting go of your ear. Your ear twitched and a quirk borne through her lips.
'like a child's'
She hummed to herself, folding her knees beneath her, tail swishing gently and making rustling on the beaded mat, the mat stinging under your knees and calves, digging in your flesh. A way to produce pain. No matter how much she loved you, no way were you escaping Mangkwan traditions and customs.
Varang gently placed the beads, but braiding roughly and tightly making you grunt, "Your hands work like stone, have you no heart?" you winced back, squeezing your eyes shut in pain. Varang rolled her eyes, "You have no backbone, no thirst to prove. You're still like HER child, grow up." she hummed, but didn't mean it cruelly. More so like a mother worried her kid was growing stunted.
You knew who she meant by 'her'..
Eywa.
You never spoke of her again after the mountain spewed fire. After Eywa turned her back and never responded. You knew better than to do it, not infront of Varang. You loved her, but did not ever want to face her wrath or sadistic demeanor which she already inflicted on others. You liked her subtle care and fondness, you loved your sister in the only way you know how.
You were going to respond with a quip somewhere along the lines of, 'yes, well–'. That is when a familiar squawk of ikran came to Varang's ears. She immediately looked up, her beads clicking gently. Her palms gently and quickly braiding one last bead without a hint of fond, gentle sadism she inflicted on you before she stood up fluidly.
Immediately, you crawled back to not let the sunlight against your skin. Your sister grinned brightly and manically at the sight of the man you'd come to know. Quaritch strode in, followed by his right-hand—who you later learnt was Lyle. Quaritch's arm was slashed and back and face busted.
Looks like someone faced some consequences.
Varang smiled manically, as if your sister would recount how she could make those wounds pain more while letting Quaritch in. But she hissed the moment Lyle took a step even close, "Wha–?" Lyle barely got a look at you as Quaritch covered you with his body,
"Out, Lyle."
"Ugh–come on..fuckin' local tails and–" he muttered off while Varang walked closer. Quaritch slumping down on the beaded mat before groaning at the tough beads digging in his skin, "Ugh, sugar. You can't put some softer fuckin' mats in here? Those other na'vi do." he groaned.
You rolled your eyes, Varang scoffed in tandem with you. "It is small pain, it's helpful. It's pure," she said simply, grabbing salves and balms from a hanging metal and amber holder and gently putting them down on the mat near the fireplace, just enough to warm some of them up.
Her fingers dipped into flesh when she grabbed Quaritch's arm, pulling him up and roughly scanning his wounds with a hum. Gathering some blood and purposefully being rough, she gently hummed, smelling it, "How did you get injured?" she asked firmly, but curious.
You crawled close, ears twitching while you tilted your head and scanned Quaritch's wound yourself, "Those stupid thanators..Fuck, you didn't tell me those roamed here–AGH!" he groaned louder when Varang grinned and pressed her fingers deeper when she tightened her grin around his bicep, into the wound. "The Sky-man defeated by an animal? How...Interesting." she grinned.
"Let go of me–shit!" Quaritch wrangled his arm out of Varang's grip while she rolled her eyes, "You fucking sadistic woman. You like ruining people's wounds worse or something?" He hissed. Knowing varang, she probably did. Varang hummed, turning to gently swat him with her tail while he groaned, mumbling a pathetic excuse of an apology which Varang wouldn't have accepted from anyone else. But she found this asshole enjoyable. You were silently watching with a smirk before Varang was, again, turning to you, motioning for you to check the salves and warming up medicine. You nodded, snorting at Miles' reaction but grabbed one of the vials.
Your fingers dipped in gently, gathering a little on your last finger, checking the temperature by pressing it against your thumb. feeling the sting, you bit down on your lip with an approving hum, "Warmed," you told your sister. Varang gently sat down, fixing your hair and gathering supplies, when she finished gathering the supplies.
You began arranging them for her while she sat back watching you, her hand gently on the back of your leg, stroking for minimal casual comfort to herself.
After you finished arranging it. You moved to do something else, "Stay." Your sister demanded, gently tugging your kuru forward and stroking it across her palms. You looked at her, tail waggling before you shifted back closer.
Letting your sister gently tugging you to sit beside her, your chin hooked on her shoulder as she gently snuggled her cheek against your face–your temple and eye admiring the amber flames, the paint of blood ruined against the bead of the mat since Quaritch kept squirming in discomfort.
Quaritch gently stumbled close, crossing his legs and shifting close. The fireplace blazed loudly and high. Animalistic and brutal, much like the wielders of it.
The only source of light you've had permanently since you were..what? Seven? The sun was unreliable source of warmth and light with how close Varang kept you, you were practically stuck in this yurt, never stepping out unless absolutely desperate or at dead night with Varang to accompany you.
Varang hummed, a grin on her lips as she pulled a long strip of gauze. She and Quaritch talked about plans and simple conversations, you didn't think your sister could actually speak normally and not about carnage, blood, corruption, etc. with someone other than you. But she seemed to actually treat this Quaritch with equality. Something your sister didn't have aside from you, the only one who she considered equal to her.
Varang was busying herself with her plans, her eyes working over some salves, balms and medicine she worked on simultaneously while speaking. Miles' eyes moved to yours. Your eyes gazing at the fire, cheek squished against your sister's jaw and round golden eyes and despite the half-done braids, Varang tucked them gently with a thin chain carved out of bones.
Glow of the blazing fire warming up your skin and your syuratan glowing brighter. Varang tugged you closer against her, her hand gently stroking your tail fondly as she always did while she spoke about her plans which Quaritch only half-listened to.
She used her fingers to put some herbs and salves, a balm. Then finally draw some long string solution, laying it across the gauze and grinning. You swore you felt heat radiate from the gauze with the heatened medicine. You silently bit down on your lip, still staring into the fire. You knew the heated medicine was Varang's sadism again bleeding through.
You knew how much she'd revel in the glee when Quaritch would scream in pain from the heat against his wounds, but your sister was still a Tsahìk. Her medicine, while painful, was effective. You almost felt the giddiness of his reaction in you while your sister prepared the gauze. Varang gently nudged you subtly with her tail while she was attempting to wrap it.
She'd almost gotten half-way done when you heard a loud horn blow from outside. Varang's eyes snapped lividly at the entrance of the yurt, but she tilted her head. A subtle patterning of flesh onto the stone as she someone ran upto the yurt, "Tsahìk, we've found Ayhìgokx crossing the territory!"
Varang looked at you then back out. You hurriedly gathered the supplies, getting off Varang. Varang stood up, "The raid must start. You–'' She pointed at Quaritch with a finger. "My sister shall care for you, do not try anything." Before turning her head to you, "You know enough. Be smart, if you don't." she said simply, putting the gauze on your lap.
Before grabbing her knives, sheathing them alongside her cloak and striding off. Your eyes glared at your sister's back while Quaritch sighed, "You sisters–ugh!" he groaned as his wound seemed to sting worse. You scoffed, rolling your eyes, "Guess we shall be acquainted.." you mumbled.
While not much different from your sister, you had always tended to be the shy and quiet..Unsurprisingly gentle and sweet for a Mangkwan, Varang didn't like that a lot, but accepted it as a part of your demeanor long back and didn't attempt to change it anymore.
"Yeah, you like your sister..?" He asked you, propping his foot up, his wounded arm resting upon his knee while his other palm planted firmly a bit behind his body to support himself and not slump. You hummed, "I do," you paused, looking at the gauze. Still warm, but you felt bad for the pain it might inflict now that your sister wasn't there to unapologetically be sadistic.
You felt your usual shyness wash upon you, cursing it inside your chest. You took a deep-breathe, "I shall work on your wounds then," you said simple. Quaritch looked at you, his eyes scanning upon and down with a grin on his lips, "Yeah..? You're good at this medicine shit?"
"I'm a Tsakerem, of-course i am." you said firmly, lifting your chin up in pride. One hand gently grabbed his arm where a large slash was, scanning it. You hummed silently and your palm reached into the fireplace, gathering some ash from the edges of the fire while attempting to handle the silent burn.
Gathering enough, you held a fistful gently mumbling something. Miles' eyes narrowed at the sight, "What are yo-AGH!" Quaritch groaned when your palm brushed the ash across his slashed wound, over the blood. The pain and warmth stung deep, "Ugh–what the fuck is wrong with you?! Ugh..I could cut you—you little–!" he groaned when you rubbed the ash in deeper.
"Breathe, it shall help. It is painful, yes. But you can endure," you whispered softly, feeling soft and upset it hurt so. You gently picked the gauze, the salves, balm and whatever on it stayed firm, "Turn your arm like this–" you whispered, gently twisting. He followed it, creating space between his abdomen and arm, while you began wrapping it.
"Hold on this," you said, before grabbing his other hand and placing it upon the end of the gauze on his shoulder. As you did, his eyes met yours and yours his, your palm held upon his own, "You're touching my hand." Miles pointed it out, awkwardly.
You immediately pulled it back, "Yes, I was fixing you!" you said, adamant and feeling the burn flare in your stomach. You began wrapping it tighter, your palm holding on down and gently pressing, "Breathe," you whispered again. Voice low. Heat from the fireplace increasing, sweat beading upon his back and brow.
You learnt that's what the hair above his eyes was called by him. He gently held upon his shoulder, his fingers grazing yours when you wrapped gently. The gauze held down. Miles paused, watching you work silently, when you occasionally rubbed more medicine.
Your palms gentle, round eyes focused firmly on fixing his wounds. Gentle hum, the kindness found among the cruelest beings of this planet. The bare softness found in place where sadism, cruelty and pain was more important. Where beings more wild animals were na'vi. Quaritch would be lying to himself if he said he hasn't been sneaky.
He knew during nights you wanted to go out, Varang would accompany you. Your tail waggling excitedly while your sister brutishly played around with you like you were children again.
Her laughter almost beautifully kind compared to the kind of soul she was. Her palms layed flat as she stayed on all fours, much like you. Both of you prowling gently like playful predators while you wrestled her.
She won, dragged you back to push you against the ground. But occasionally? Varang would let herself be defeated for the gentle and kind soul she called her sister. She knew she had corrupted you to an end, but you were still the baby she'd performed skin-to-skin with when she was a mere child herself. You were her everything.
Miles watched it all, from the shadows. Watched how you giggled when your sister would gently tug your tail back, how your eyes would soften for the fresh air and stars and Naranawm, gossiping against the ground. Twirling and dancing for fun, dragging the epitome-of-demons-and-death to smile like the world was covered in flowers and brought light to life, like she was actually your sister.
Miles has never seen anyone have as much affect on people as you do. Your kindness was rare in the areas of Mangkwan, you came out as rare as a thread of blonde in the inky black. A brighter star rare among the sky of beauty of Pandora. Miles had to admit, he was rather moved by how you stayed kind despite the behavior which swirled around you, more beast and animalistic than comforting or even fostering.
His eyes moved up, again scanning the red top of flower petals waxed to create them immortal, three long flowy strands moved from one of your shoulders. One right around your collar, like a low choker, one across your chest and one dangled loosely across your right upper arm to right across your ribs, under your arm and side of your abdomen.
Your tweng beading and gently clicking with movement, shells and unusually well-kept, ash-clean shells and translucent seeds strewn across your kuru with small spines braided through alternately.
You were clearly loved.
Miles knew that, he saw the proof of it infront of him. He would've kept staring obnoxiously, but then you snapped the gauze tighter. The dire urge to make the man infront of you groan just a little in pain—
"I never knew tsumke's pet would be so disrespectful," You hummed, sadistically playful. The same things you learnt form your sister, from the women around you when they flirted with men. But yours..? Well, Miles would guess you were somehow still gentler and more tender than some other women here.
He groaned, wincing and sucking his teeth, squeezing his eyes to regulate the pain to not cry out pathetically. "Still staring? Or do I need to do something to the eyes, hm?" You asked, leaning your face close, pulling the gauze now swiftly and tightly, almost painfully to wrap around his wound.
The blood yet still, somehow, soaked through, gently dampening your hand in crimson while you grinned against his face. He tilted his head and gently leaned it back, "Come on, you're puttin' on a show," he whispered. His na'vi broken and messy, but somehow still retained his smugness.
"Am I? What kind of show, hm?" you asked, your tail swaying and grin spreading till your fangs showed. Giddily and playfully sultry, yet shy. Your hands coyingly straightened while they placed upon one another on his shoulder as if hiding yourself from view subtly, smartly.
"Let me show ya what sorta–" Quaritch grinned, removing his uninjured hand which held the gauze down previously to slide right behind your thigh. Your tail snapped, gently hitting the back of his hand to deter him off but—
"–show you got, baby." he hummed, grabbing your thigh roughly and tugging forward till you sat in his lap. You, caught off guard, hissed loudly. Apprehensive, but quieted down when you realised what happened. You scoffed, tugging the gauze tighter and making him groan,
"Hands off, Quaaritchh," you cooed out, a smirk spreading across your lips again, before you gently pressed them together in pride as his hand on your thigh scrambled off.
You gently loosen your hold, smiling at his wound, your tail moving until it grazed his stomach, "Come–on..shit–" he winced, calming down when the pain stung less, "Damn, lady." he scoffed but still seemed impressed, looking at you again. His ears twitched while he kept the grin on his lips. Somehow, that wouldn't leave.
Not even with the warmth rising in the yurt, the fire blazing brighter as if sensing the desire pooling. You'd lie to yourself and while you didn't care for Eywa, you knew even Varang would agree with Eywa on this one thing that you had been less than subtle since you've met this man. Your eyes moved upon his physique, admiring the strong muscles and bicep, lean like the na'vi you lived among.
Yet bulky and fleshy unlike your species. His tail moved—no, waggled—against the mat while one hand moved. From it's position on top of your right hand which held the end of his gauze, your left hand moved across his collars to pick at his necklace.
"Come on, you and I both know," he whispered, his face leaning against yours, till your nose nudged but you pulled your head back, "Ya've been starin'."
"Have I?" You rolled your eyes, tail swaying, as if enjoying the sight of the man sat under your thighs. Your thighs moved and you shifted your weight upwards till he used his free and uninjured arm to prop himself up while he leaned back. Your thighs straddling while you sat gently just below his waist yet right above his pelvis.
The discomfort did little to stomp the new swirling movements in his abdomen, your hand gently tugged at his necklace, "I never knew I had such an interest in my sister's pet. So why do you?" you asked, till your eyes stared back at his. As if to intimidate. "Am I really so blind to not notice my own actions or are you so above me?"
Your voice gentle, your hand moved from tugging his necklace to around his neck, gently thumbing at his nape and hair at the very bottom and even gently swiping your thumb gently on his kuru. your eyes softened when he leaned back even further, ensuring you were comfortable, yet his words still jolted whatever stupid things swirled in your stomach,
""Don't deny the truth when it's staring you in the face, atleast" He grinned, his fang poking his bottom lip, "I've been too—starin' at ya, I mean." He spoke.
You froze in your place with his words. To retaliate, you gently tugged the gauze tighter, but so taken off guard by his words, it almost didn't hurt more or less felt almost nice. He chuckled, while wincing, which made you break out of your trance.
You scoffed, rolling your eyes but loosened your hold again. He grinned, "Is that so..?" You asked, gently tugging his kuru forward and stroking it while he hummed. You smiled back at his own reaction, your tail swayed faster but you forced it to calm as if twirled around your hip and side, gently stroking Quaritch's abdomen. Your thigh forced down, gently kneaded his own, before you turned your knee gently down.
You knew what you're doing what anger Varang. She'd be livid. You're weak, you're hers and you're her everything. If she saw this..You do not know what sort of fate shall await this either dreamwalker..nor you.
Yet you do not stop your movements, putting pressure between his legs and playfully pressuring the gauze till the pain mixed and blended with pleasure. Quaritch threw his head back, already feeling his insides twitch and tail reveal every thought. His hand again moved till it sat on your hip. He squeezed before stroking it on your spine and lower back and back on your hip again.
The heat getting unbearable, swirling against you both, the fireplace doing little with how much your palms needed to touch upon one another.
He reached to again squeeze then rub consistently over your hips and sides, his lips reaching up to get yours in a roughly tender kiss.
Lips moving against one another, you hadn't expected it. But you didn't stop, especially since the passion that came with it send the burning, flaming desire similar to easy affection down to your own loins.
You hummed approvingly, kissing back. His hands gently stroking your sides while you held onto his bicep gauze, holding it down while holding the top of his bicep. Your hips gently grinded down against his in lazily yet painfully pressuring circles, making him groan as sparks of pleasure shot up his spine.
He'd throw back his head, but you refused to let him pull away from the kiss, grabbing his jaw tightly till Quaritch's lips puckered. You doubted you've ever seen him so..pliable, but you didn't complain. Your shyness would overtake this entire moment and the shyness washing over you was an experience you did not like emulating more than necessary.
Your lips pressed and moved against his, you tilted your head to angle better. Quaritch leaned up to hold your own jaw, kissing back. Having not expected that, you were caught off guard when he bit down. Hard. And you, in response, let out a moan. Hearing it, he hummed in pride, chuckling against your lips,
"Good, good. Yeah–" he squeezed your cheeks, swatting your hand off his own face till you rested your palm on his shoulder. His hand gripped your face and jaw gently, while the other turned to twine behind your top. Gently thumbing the feathers and your chest before he reached back.
He tugged at it, his hand moved from your job to your chest, gently cupping your underbreast and stroking his thumb across the valley. You stuttered a bit in your movements, your hips grinding down while you stifled a whimper, "Ug–", "Feeling good?", "–hm-mhm.." you hummed.
You grinded more, hands turning to gently scratch on his neck and card the back of his hair, his tongue gently swirling against your lips. With your clumsy movements, you'd been caught more like attempting your first movements with shyness of a newborn, rather than the woman you pretended to be.
You weren't your sister, not by miles. You were, in fact, as she spoke of you. Clumsy-footed, soft hearted and shy demeanor. And now, apparently? Even inexperienced risk-taking. You sighed out, still not willing to show how shy you actually happened to be. His hands gently tugged at the strings of your top.
He kept fumbling with the top, deliberately taking time to open let alone touch the strings which held it together. You were going to reach back and tug your top off on your own to save yourself the embarrassment of being caught wanting Miles so bad. But mid-kiss, he pulled away—
"Come on, your sister won't like this." He panted, licking his lower lip to wipe off the drool you left behind from clumsy kissing, "Better hurry up."
He quickly shifted closer while you crawled back, your tail swaying. Your ash-paint smudged against his weird clothes. The sight made you shimmy back into your own shell, especially the bulge already hardening and getting obvious in his pants.
You cursed inwardly, your shyness shouldn't be oozing or pouring out now. You couldn't afford the control, you couldn't afford to feel the giddiness in your chest or the swirling heat blazing hotter and singing your skin. You hadn't been with a man before. Mangkwan men, like every other part of their life, tended to be rough in courting.
But it wasn't just that. Varang, also, never let you be close enough to a man to get like this. Sure, you've helped couples with their intimate issues should they might stumble upon it and come to you or when your sister asks for it. But you've never personally felt any of it. Didn't help that no matter how silently uncanny the dreamwalker was, he was uncloyingly attractive.
You panted out, cheeks flushed and wiping your mouth with the bank of your hand before feeling your cheeks with the back of your fingers. Warmed and then your hand moved to your chest, feeling your heart-beat, "I never took ya for a shy woman. Not seeing who ya share blood with."
It didn't stop him from crawling while you were just shifting backwards till you found a good enough pile of furs. He positioned himself in between with your thighs on either side. the gauze unfastening, but he didn't seem to care for it any longer. His palm gently kneaded your thighs, before he used one thigh to drag you back against him. Till you were slotted against the bulge.
You wanted to deny the allegation of shyness from the dreamwalker, but what could you say? That you weren't shy? You'd be lying, he could easily see how affected you seem from just a stupid kiss. "Move your hips," he hummed.
Voice ordering and firm, like he used to do with his recoms. But it doesn't seem to work, not when his palm tightens around your thigh when you silently hissed. He chuckles, leaning close and his hand holds your thigh, "Fuckin' hissing back at me. You lot really are like animals, ain't ya?"
You scrambled back a little, but he pushed you down, pinning down. His knee moves to dig into your thigh, still doesn't help with the haziness you can'y seem to realise floats the air. The pain blurred into pleasure, so in response to his thigh digging down. You whine a bit, ash from the fireplace loud and smell blurring your senses.
Quaritch grabs you by your feathery top, tugging you closer. He looks you up and down, while you looked away, shutting your eyes in the unbearable tension. "You local tails really seem to not care, huh? Your tits just be out?" he asked.
Though he didn't wait for a response. His fingers pull and tear the top apart, the waxed flowers and fathers spilling as you gasped. Now the top sat in thin strings and twine in tatters and few surviving decorations. The ash paint covering your chest did little to conceal your nipples.
Your protests were sitting dead on your lips, but you still tried to speak "You–!" and before you could, he grinded just perfectly against you.
His hand holding your thigh moved upto your lips, stroking. "Open your mouth, whore." he hums. You nipped at his fingertips, before up your lips and wrapping around his pointer and middle.
Miles hummed, coating his fingers in your saliva and pressing down on your tongue. You sucked in a failed breath, before his fingers pushed past upto to the back of your throat.
You gagged, tail thrashing in excitement and arousal. Your hand moved to hold onto the waistband of his pants, the other gently digging into the fur, beneath your own legs and between your thighs. Gently thumbing your fingers as naturally as your body demanded it where it wanted to. Your thumb pressed down on your clit, while the fabric gotter damp.
Quaritch curled his fingers, his free hand moved to the back of your head. Making sure his fingers sat snug while you gagged louder, "Taste good, eh? Yeah, suck." You gently grazed your teeth against his skin, sucking. Your own fingers gently grazing and stroking the patch in your beaded tweng.
Once he deemed it good enough, he pulled his fingers back from your mouth. Your fingers gently began to rub and stroke your cunt through your loincloth, the fabric dampening as the seconds passed while Quaritch pulled you in another kiss. His hand held the back of your head, digging into your braids.
His saliva covered fingers gently reached on your waist and around your tweng, before dipping infront. His fingers pushed against your clit, teasing, "Hm-get louder." he smirked. You whined, arching your back till your nipples sat snug against his own chest. The ash paint dusting onto his own skin, while his hand moved from the back of your hand to your hip.
His soaked fingers was gently encircling your clit now. Your own fingers scrambling over Miles to tug his human clothes off. His lips moved against your lazily now, your hips moved in irregular and subconscious circles with the heel of Miles' palm pushing against your nerves.
The hand from the back of your head travelled down till he palmed at your tits, "Your whinin's gettin' louder. You gettin' fucked over that good?" he whispered. A condescending smirk on his lips. You only whimpered, throwing your head back and eye squeezing shut when his palm roughly palmed, before his palm collided with the flesh of your tits.
His palm landing a harsh blow on your tit, the pain shot up your back, but it still made you moan. Your tweng got even more wet, you almost felt embarrassed. Your body moving on itself. Covering your face with the back of your hand swooned over your forehead and eyes. That sight would've matched the softness of a na'vi from Kami'tire, not the sister of the cruel Tsahìk of Mangkwan.
Miles groaned, louder at the sight. Too arousing as he grinded his hardening cock aganist the furs. "come on, angel. Don try and hide from me–"
You never felt such sensitivity before. Never. Then the other, "Ngh–I haven't done this–mhh—never did this before!" you whined out, your ear twitching. "Yeah—can tell, u'pposed with a sister like that insane bitch," His fingers tugged at the strings of your loin cloth. It's tied tightly, he tries a few times before he simply tears it off.
The sound of the fabric ripping is so densely loud in the yurt, your arousal was slicking up your inner thigh rapidly at the sound and how fast and tightly he held your hip did not help. His hand still stay buried between your thighs, circling your clit as sparks shot up your tummy. He clicked his tongue, "Tsahìk doesn't let anyone near ya, does she?" You shook your head, leaning back.
"Though so."
"Men and pleasure do not mean anything," You countered, even with your teeth biting down on your inner skin of your lower lip to stifle noises. Your hips moved back against his fingers, the slick dripping down onto the furs. Varang was going to end you..
"Oh," His fingers immediately moved downwards, now encircling the labia before dipping a little. Till his fingers grazed and teased your hole, slipping in the tight rim just a little before pulling out. And again and again and again. Your whimpers turned up a pitch in desperation, eyes shot to him. Glowing with raging desire and tension you needed him to release now that he has started this,
"Does this man's pleasure that you're moaning and whining like a slut for mean something?" His middle gently prodded before coaxing itself past the rim of flesh.
You whine, tail swishing in response, purposefully pushing against his bulge, making him groan lowly. You hummed in pleasure when his fingers quickened faster and faster, thumb putting pressuring circles on your clit. His other hand moved to put on a pressuring force on your lower tummy while his fingers curled deeper than you expected them to.
Your soft whines turned into soundlessly louder at the increasing and escalating pleasure. Hotness surged through your veins and your hips bucked up in the air. "-Ah-yess..right there, Miles. Do not move," you whimpered.
Your head threw back, burying in the furs while your palms clenched tighter, toes curling while his fingers quickened. Slick practically sloshing with his rapid movements, "Here?" he asked. His fingers suddenly curled into that one spot. Somehow he knew you better than yourself in ways of pleasure.
"Ye—Ah-yeah!" Your whines got louder. The vibrating hums and movements turning to accumulate more and more. Building and surging and hotness ran through your veins. One of your own fingers gently to tug him onto you.
Your breasts brushing and tight against his chest, cushioning and his metal necklace cold and dangling on your throat. His fingers began moving while your tail purposefully brushed right where his cock strained painfully. His palm from your lower tummy moved to unbuckle his own belt.
His fingers began slowing in tandem. You did not like the loss of the extreme pleasure, so much so that you could not breathe. A relieving gasp left your throat when his fingers began dragging in and out painfully and delightfully slow.
"Yes-more..Please, more." you whispered out, your ears twitched a little, before turning downwards. Eyes blinking through haziness of smoke and tears. Miles hummed, "I know, sugar. Just a sec–fuck." You threw your head back, eyes closing to calm your heart.
Telling yourself to breathe while his fingers pushed you to oblivion and blinded the boundary between pain and gratification.
He hummed, you heard clacking until his hand roughly plunging deep till your whine got particularly loud and then he pulled out roughly with a loud 'squeealch!' from your cunt trying to keep his fingers still in. Your eyes immediately shot open at the loss of contact, but you didn't say anything. Not when Miles sat up, away from you either.
Not even when his hand roughly grabbed your arm and turned you onto your tummy, your tail swayed quickly at the sudden roughness. Slick dripping down your inner thighs and staining the crotch of his pants. You kept quiet, face buried into the furs and cheek squished and wiping the drool from the corner of your mouth. That is, until, you felt a blunt sort of tip pushed just at the edge of your cunt.
You whimpered, Miles' cock straining hard as he stroked it a few times, your tail swayed subconsciously, as if trying to deter him off. Not that you wanted him to, not with the way you practically sobbed.
Your voice was loud enough for the somewhat empty clan yurts as he sunk in, perfectly filling you with every inch. Your hands clawed in front, while he huffed, gently using your half-torn tweng to tug you back to push himself in deeper, "Good shit–" he groaned.
His cock practically twitched when you moaned, tightening and clamping down till his cock fit snugly inside. Miles' hand held your hips, squeezing as if to calm himself.
All while you tried to adjust with his cock inside you. This wasn't how it was described, how do the clan comes to you while begging for help during such an experience?! Your clan is rather unwell, you guessed. Your eyes rolled back while your thighs shook, trying to adjust as the pain tore in your tummy from trying to take him entirely.
Slicking bubbling out almost audibly that it made you humiliated, which in turn, did not help with how slick you were. Miles sighed out, "Gods–mhh fuck—...you're so fucking wet, sugar.." he hummed. You blinked, finally adjusting somewhat and grinding back, "You like t-this?" Miles' voice almost cracked.
It made you sighed out a little grin, "Yeah.." You whined, eyes rolling while you wiggled back. Miles hand gently landed a blow on your ass, making you jerk ahead as his cock slid out slightly. Your head snapped up. You hissed loudly and attempted to crawl slightly away when—
Miles roughly tugged you back, using your tail. His grip on your tail tightened painfully while you groaned, face burying into your fists which laid to prop yourself into a somewhat position. His other hand gripped tightly, landing another spank, "H-hahh..Bet those other bastards can't do—fuck..do this, can they?"
You could barely speak, but you shook your head just to satiate. Your lack of pleasure was burning in your veins, your impatience whine of, 'Move!' only made Miles hum in delight.
Miles smiled, gently but almost with difficulty slid out—and plunged back in. Your loud groan muffled into the furs while you moved your ass back against him.
Hotness seared into your throat and flesh moved up your spine while he kept yanking you back onto his cock by pulling on your tail. The sensation overwhelmed your urges alongside the smell of his clothes which were close to you. What was it? Mud? Hahhh..Who knew mud smelt so nice, especially when it came from a handsome dreamwalker?
When his hand reached ahead and grabbed your shoulder to pump his cock inside your squelching and clinging pussy, your moans got whinier. The pleasure hit through with every movement of his cock wrenching itself deeper into your walls and cunt was helped by the ashiness and the sultry and scorching heat from the fireplace.
"Yeah–fuck..good, good. Move yer hips–mmm!—come on, don't run from it," he groaned. You huffed, "So..good-hahhh.." You panted out, the heat burning and searing into your skin. Miles groaned, his hips thrusting deeper. Balmy skin cushioned against your own.
He gently pushed one thigh ahead to create more space to slot himself, hands wrapping around your thighs and tugging you back. Shoving and plunging his cock to the hilt in your cunt. His precum mixing with your slick and practically dripping.
As if your cunt was drooling. Your vocal and noisy mouth kept itself muffled by Miles shoving your head into the furs. All while tugging your ass higher in the air for pushing his cock in. He let go of your tail and slowed his thrusting hips while you whined louder. "Move... f-faster!" you panted out, pursing your lips.
"Shhh," he hummed simply, all while wrapping your kuru gently around his hand and using it to tug your head back. "What a pretty slut, eh?" Miles countered. His cock thrust in and out, pumping faster while he leaned ahead.
Miles' body was practically swallowing your own and pressing down as his hips thrust his cock into your cunt wildly, harsh slaps resonating in your and Varang's respected yurt and his metal necklace cold between your shoulder-blades. Miles threw his head back, the gash on his shoulder barely hurt.
Now when your cunt felt this good. He didn't think your cunt would suck him in so well, so fucking tight and wet. The slick was even drooling out, spurring him to move his cock faster. Wildly, like an animal.
Varang would definitely have our head..But oh fuck, his cock was too good for you to care..!
"Yeah, that's right—" he groaned loudly, "Feels good, doesn't it?" his fangs grazed before digging into your collar roughly, drawing blood. You hissed, tail swayed and hips and thighs shook with pleasure. Every push of his cock against that spot made you screw your eyes shut in pleasure, cunt clenching in pleasure.
Miles groaned into your shoulder, his teeth biting down and leaving marks. His cock twitching as pressure began to build up in his gut, his cock raw and wet leaking precum and a ring of slick gathered at the base of his cock while he moved. His face buried into your shoulder while he began moving mindlessly.
He groaned when you clenched down with a moan with a high-pitched, 'Agh–I feel so close!'. The words kept spurring him on, it's like you were doing this on purpose. He growled, teeth barred and jaw clenched while he moved, "Fuck—say it."
He demanded. Loudly, his grip on your hips was bruising, "Ya want me to breed this cunt? Yeah..? Milk it?" His voice cracked, but his hips didn't stutter as they drilled into you, not even when you clamped at the thought. You groaned, eyes now screwing shut, even tighter. Wanting it is one thing, but admitting it?
No..That would be too much, you could barely speak to counselor elders sometimes. But Miles groaned when you took too long, his hips moving while his left hand moved from your hips to under your tummy and between your legs. His right hand moved to your tits, roughly groping them before it moved to your throat.
His left hand's fingers carelessly almost roughly rubbed your clit between his fingers. While his right hand's fingers wrapped tightly and squeezed till it blocked off just enough air to make it hazy, your tail tensed while wrapping around his upper thigh.
You almost screamed out under him, eyes watering even more and blurring your vision while pooling down your cheeks, "Fuck–come on, angel," he groaned, "Say it! Come on, slut–!" He whined. You whimpered, unable to hold it in—"Cum in me–Hah! Pleaseplease–mhhhm!" you whined, your fingers wrapped around his wrist which choked and pressed down on your throat.
Miles chuckled, his teeth gently biting down on your neck as his cock pumped in, "Come on–yeah..cum. Cum on my cock–!" He huffed, his cock plunging in and his hand tightening around your throat.
His palm slammed ahead roughly in a rough slap against your clit, making a loud sound tear from your throat. Your cunt immediately was left gushing around his cock as you came all over him. Your juices and cum travelling down and soaking the furs underneath while he kept pumping to get you through your hair. His cock stuttering when it came inside you. Cumming hot and sticky, mixed with your juices while Miles stayed buried inside you, groaning into your back.
While he worked you through both your orgasms, his hand released your throat while you gasped in and took air to your lungs. The pain and pleasure buzzed in your blood and flesh, thighs shook while you slumped onto your side, thanks to Miles pushing you from your tummy.
You winced a little when he pulled out, crashing down beside you. He leaned over you to grab his useless little tanktop and wiped your face and wiped away the ash-paint from your skin before slumping back. Your tail swayed against yourself to comfort you, his tail searched for your own.
He wrapped his arm around your abdomen.You sighed out when he pulled you against his face, cheek squished against his shoulder. His palm gently lifted your thigh, till it hooked over his hip and using his tank top, wiped whatever mixture of juices and cum was between your legs or dripping down. Your eyes were heavy and chest moving up and down while you panted.
The air felt cold against your hot blazed cheeks, the fire suddenly too hot for once.You hummed softly, biting down gently at his neck occasionally to mark him as he did to you. Miles gently let you lay your head on his bicep while he sighed. His metal necklace a comfort while you played with it, occasionally gently tapping it on your fang to test the metal for the fun of it.
The sun somehow stayed blazing in the sky and even in broad-daylight, you somehow felt the sun on your skin from just the man's skin against yours.
Varang will be livid when she comes back and when she does? You will manage your insane sister, even for the insane dreamwalker by your side..
I am half-way done with a request, so sorry. AGAIN. I won't go back on my promise, I've just suddenly become way more productive in more than just one aspect of my life. I'm turning into opposite of depression, super excited to wake up every day!
But, I WILL try by tomorrow to upload another request, hopefully you all will like ittt!!!
I will work hard, please pray for me and wish me good luck in completing the requests!!
Hiii! I am absolutely in love with how your write for Ao'nung and the metkayina characters in general!
I've read your rules and was wondering if I could request a fic of Rotxo x Jake sully's daughter? Where she thinks she's strange, even though she looks like Neytiri and doesn't have the 4 fingers or eye brows like her father and two of her siblings.
And she has large feelings for Ro, and she is scared to confess to him but adventully does, maybe a little NSFW or kinda sensual? Nothing crazy, mainly Rotxo just showing her he doesn't care for her "demon blood"?
Much love!!!🫶🫶
—"Demons" are actually pretty!
GENRE: Hurt/Comfort || Fluff
WORDS FROM RXSIL: I am so grateful for all the love on my previous two posts. I'm also so so so SO glad you like my writing!! Anyways, still need improvement on how to write emotionally depthful scenes such as insecurity.
WARNINGS: Fem!Reader. Reader has braids like Neytiri. Insecurity. Reader is spooked by her own reflection. Burns. Injuries (Rotxo), nothing too serious. Sibling moments. Self-depreciation. Not proof-read.
SYNOPSIS: "Rotxo has always been admiring the middle-most daughter of the Sullys. But in order to pursue her, he has one obstacle he believes he should help her cross."
VOCABULARY: -
|| marui: Metkayina living hut-like structures|| Ä'ä: sound meant to convey emotions from sounds such as 'eh?', "Ahhh!', etc. || Mawey: 'calm down' || vrrtep: demon || stxeli: gift (nickname) || tow'ta: Pandoran crab || atokirina: woodsprites || tsahik: spiritual leader ||
DURATION・・・・・6.6K
Rotxo has never be the brightest or boldest when surrounded by big personalities like his cousins. Not bright like Tsireya who lit up maruis and surroundings with her smile and excitement, her beauty and complexion of happiness. Her days filled and practically tasted like sunrise and fresh air. Salt and fruity.
Nor was the boldness of Ao'nung settled in his bones. Ao'nung with his words and protectiveness, the initiative of strength to test new waters the way he did with his prized crossbow. Rotxo did not have either of those big shining personalities to drag him into the light.
But he did not mind it. At all. He was frankly happy being on the side. His life was never a whirlwind of drama like Ao'nung dragged his own by being dramatic and taunting. Nor has his life been put in danger more times than he can count like any of the Sullys. But like him, there is another one on the opposite side of the coin. Who, while like him, is more familiar with the background, does not like it.
You have never been one for big rambunctious decisions like Lo'ak nor were you particularly the responsible one like Neteyam nor were you the bright-eyed, still enjoying childhood despite the throes of danger like Tuk. But your dad loved you just the same, you were a carbon copy of your mother, much like your brother, Neteyam. Same large golden eyes, same piercing gaze and yet your personality fit neither Neytiri's nor Jake's.
You behaved more subdued, more calm. Your mother said you acted like your late aunt, Sylwanin. Your father said you're like his late twin and your one-in-a-million xenobotany prodigy of an uncle who went to college at 17, Tommy Sully. Responsible, calm, silent and far too deep into thinking about things that should not be given thoughts for more than twice a moment if Eywa allows for it.
You disagreed. You thought you looked like neither your mother nor like your brother despite the literal proof of it being the quite literally your face. Clearing the doubt to anyone as that doubt of yours as the opposite. You thought you looked rather..uncanny. More times than you can count you have spooked yourself due to somewhat uncanny face you believed you have. Whether it be late at night, super early in the rivers while you had been half-asleep, even once as when you were young and Jake had held you up to a suspended high mirror.
The scream you had let out that day was gotten your father and Max slightly hard of hearing for a while with your dad getting a bloodied ear. Frankly, it was quite obvious. You felt you did not look, in a way, anything like a na'vi or dreamwalker.
Not like your father or Lo'ak or Kiri. They somehow looked natural as any na'vi with their avatar hybrid features.
Despite only three fingers and no hair above your eye that your father calls his eyebrows, you somehow looked like a dream-walker despite looking like a proper na'vi. With something so slightly yet prominently out of place, you can never understand what made you so.. off.
But you've learnt to be with it. Especially when your life expects more from you than you to just pay more attention than appropriate to your looks. Your hands jammed and clammy. Helping Tsireya with something she was teaching you about a local artistan creation Eywa blessed them to create after seeing underwater caves.
Your hands pulled the hide and sea-grass wider as she helped by clipping and weaving the threads and seagrass through it, using shells as placeholders to keep the threads and seagrass straight and clean. You two had not talkedbeing more busy with the work in your palms. You were close to her age and closest to being her friend.
No offense to Kiri, but she was.. not as compatible with Tsireya, not that they hated or disliked one another. They just could not find a common ground between them. While both were amazing, they were rather different in terms of interest and hence did not have a common ground. They chose to be friends in the more civil sense, friends by proxy, almost.
You, on the other hand, had interests slightly similar to her. So Tsireya had begun to seek you out more than she would admit. While being bubbly and bright and having friends all around, she did not have a consistently strong group of friends until you and the Sullys.
So she was quite attached to you, her voice gently humming as you pulled the strap and seagrass tighter. The hide thinning and turning malleable under your palms, using your foot to hold them down even more so they'd not escape and ruin the progress.
Tsireya kept humming softly, before her voice spoke up with a slight interest, curiosity and even excitement,
"So.. Have you seen anyone interesting?" she asked. You looked up, not sure what to reply with. Interesting? Well..There's your unique creature of a brother, Lo'ak. He is interesting, especially to her. But you didn't say anything to not tease the girl infront of you, but still spoke with a lilt of joking and pleasant mischiviousness,
"I am interesting myself. I look out of place and weird." You spoke as Tsireya gently chuckled.
"No, you don't. You're pretty and that is not what I have meant," she said gently. Then she pulled another hide strap tighter causing a small 'thump' when it gently sat on the other end of the braided floor,
"I meant, have you gotten your eyes on anyone yet? Someone.. you could be with, under Eywa's eyes..?" she said.
Her voice had turned the atmosphere almost gently teasing, domestic but in a shy way now. You paused, thinking back. You had limited access to boys and your dad said 'at this age, boys should be gross to you' like that mattered. You had two brothers, neither of whom made it particularly thrilling to like a guy with how idiotic they both got.
"There's Ao'nung–" you started but shook your head. "Not him." Tsireya and you said simultaneously, agreeing. Ao'nung was not someone you could handle for long. "How about Mo'unyu..?" Tsireya asked gently.
You remembered that na'vi, bright smile and cute face. Chubby cheeked despite their lithe and lean body and they were kind and sweet. But..not your type. "No–Not them. I mean–they are cute, Eywa blessed them with a face to remember."
You sighed, pushing back your braids, the beads in them gently clicking when they swayed over your shoulders. The tiny beads made from shells or seaglass stayed cool pinpricks upon your warmed back. Tsireya hummed in thought, weaving another thread before placing a shell to hold it down,
"How about..Rotxo..?"
Her voice held that slight anticipation like she expected something small, but possibly deep. You paused, you hadn't thought too much on boys of Metkayina. Rotxo, you were the closest to him in the group after Tsireya, of-course. He was always beside you with a swishing tail and bright smile to teach you.
His patience galore as he gently guided you to breathe with him during swims, his hands gentle and kind while teaching you the na'vi hand speak. His eyes glowy when he swam close with everyone to the Cove of Ancestors. Rotxo..He was kind. But you doubted he would've strayed his gaze to you. Again, your look seemed to put a blockage infront of you. You were, frankly, weird looking. Rotxo likely is not that interested in you.
Tsireya cleared her throat, getting your attention broken through the streams of thoughts and back to her, "Uh–" you paused. She smiled gently, "Have you thought of Rotxo like that?" she asked sweetly.
"I–I admit that I have not put much thought into any romantic interest," You paused, "—though he does seem kind."
"Exceptionally kind to you, especially." Tsireya shook her head with a small laugh, one knee pulled to her chest, the threads clamped underneath her feet. You paused, blinking a little, "huh..?"
"Yes, he's exceptionally kinder to yo–oh my." Tsireya paused, blinking in slight disbelief, "Don't tell me you don't notice it! It's practically has to be the Great Mother's will or doing that you don't notice him being so much nicer to you!" She said brightly, quickly gathering all the threads and tying a simple but tight knot which she can undo later to continue working but keep all threads locked in place for the meanwhile.
Tsireya stood up, gently swaying over to your side, her cool legs gently brushing yours. Then she brightly put a hand on your shoulder after sitting down, "Rotxo seems to put his eyes on you as if you are a gift from The Great mother herself! Ä'ä, please!" Tsireya giggled brightly, between squealing and shaking you.
"..No, I– I doubt it's that." You said with a slightly confused look, your round eyes silently pausing. Tsireya paused, her tail swishing. She tilted her head curiously, your body language didn't seem to say you were silently brushing it off in coyness, rather..confusion, even surprise.
"And why do you think that?" she asked curiously. You paused, clearing your throat. You did not hope your voice or words sounded rather artificial in your own feelings about yourself. You sucked in a breath, holding it in before letting out. Another breath to smell your surroundings to calm your nerves.
Tsireya, watching your face morph into rather disgruntlement and almost saddened, like it was something you expected rather than hope. Her eyes blinked a little, face furrowed into gentle coaxing like that of a kind soul gently bringing out a wounded animal.
"Well–I do not–.." you paused, your hands tightened hers as you squeezed your hand, "Don't tell me it is about your appearance. You're gorgeous!" She said, tilting her head. Somehow that made things a bit more apparent to you.
"Well, this is not out of self-deprecation. Rather, I do look kinda..wrong, don't I?" You say, you expected her to pause and agree in the silent admission you had—
"No."
..What?
"Oh.." you paused, but didn't say much. Tsireya smiled, "You do not look wrong. You look like your mother, like a copy of her. But..gentler?" She said brightly, her pointer finger gently twirling in her own hair. You sighed, pulling your knees to your chest.
"You believe that?" Your words seemed to ring in your own head. Your face was always a sore spot, not entirely too sore. You just never thought you looked right, like some part of your face was just minutely wrong and you couldn't figure out why. Tsireya smiled, nodding gently.
"Of-course. So–back to Rotxo," Tsireya said, a smile gracing her lips. You paused, blinking a little as you rested your chin over your folded arms, which stayed on your pulled up knees. Your knees tighter against your chest, the shells of your top gently pressing in like a very thin armour.
You sighed out defeatedly which made Tsireya gasp brightly, "Oh my Eywa, that's so nice!" she said brightly. You motioned to her, "Mawey, I do not know if he likes me."
Tsireya smiled, gently putting her arm over your shoulders. Her eyes scanning the shoreline for his brother. Where-ever his brother was, Rotxo was sure to be beside him. "uhm–hmmm.." Tsireya scanned.
You looked around, also trying to find him when Tsireya silently pointed, Rotxo stood there as Ao'nung was showing him his spear as they sparred. "THERE!" she said, a bit too loudly. You winced, when Rotxo and Ao'nung's heads snapped to your direction.
Tsireya gasped, covering her mouth, "Oh, sorry!" She quickly replied, but it was too late. She shot a sheepish smile to her brother and cousin and waved her arm brightly, both of whom waved back to her and Tsireya. Rotxo's eyes may have been upon Tsireya, but they immediately seemed to clambour over you when he called your name brightly.
You suddenly felt shy and self-conscious. His smile and happiness at seeing you seemed to burn some form of fire inside your stomach, the floating of atokirina mixed with almost shame but so much more happiness. You waved back with a smile too, one you hoped was beautiful.
It was almost comical to your own self how saddening it was to you when he turned his gaze away, back to Ao'nung to spare again. You wanted him to keep looking at you, smiling at you. Call you 'beautiful' and 'incredible' and be as romantic and gentle as your father was to your mother. Tsireya leaned her face against her fist propped upon her knee, watching you with a knowing grin.
But she shook her head, you'd be embarrassed if she pointed out how happy you were and clearly how much in love you were with Roxto. She'd much rather go the opposite route.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ༄.° ——————————————————— ༄.°
Tsireya smiled brightly, thanking you when you both were done. She rolled up the large piece of fabric and wiping the last bits of coral paint from her fingers. While waving you bye in the process, "Are you sure I shouldn't walk you to your marui? I'd be happy to," she said sweetly. But you shook your head, "No, it is quite alright. I don't want to keep you away from any duties."
"Alright, if you say so." Tsireya smiled, gently waving you bye as you walked on the weaved walkways, bounce in your step and salty-fruity air in your sway. Your feet walking off while Tsireya gently gathered up the supplies she'd been using. Once sure you were gone, she stood up straight.
She peeked her head out of her marui, watching your retreating back as she waited, before she hurriedly rushed out of her marui. Feet sprinting fast as she jumped off the walk-ways onto the warm sand, ushering around until she caught up to Rotxo and Ao'nung.
Ao'nung sighed out, "You get something for us to use?" He asked, his arm around Rotxo, who also stared keenly. Gently thumbing at his akula tooth necklace in slight excitement and nervousness. Tsireya had been the one to initiate it, and while it is not that she was using you solely for Rotxo. She did genuinely love you, she wanted some information for her cousin.
Tsireya nodded brightly, but she subdued herself, "Well, see. The thing is, Rotxo might have a chance. But, just to be safe. I believe you should do this on your own," Tsireya said and Rotxo's panic heightened, "Wha-no! I don't have the damn guts to do that!" he said.
Tsireya motioned with her hand. Ao'nung scoffed, speaking silently, "Mawey, bro. Literally–calm down." He sighed, "So what are you saying? Can you be less cryptic or something?"
Tsireya sighed a little, rubbing her abdomen for a bit of courage and hope for everyone in this moment. Ao'nung and Rotxo's eyes boring into hers waiting for her to speak. Well, if anything. You might just get a mate out of this.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ༄.° ——————————————————— ༄.°
Lo'ak stood beside you, stitching a new top for you silently while Kiri was busy braiding beads into your hair. Neteyam, all the while, stood infront of you. Tuk on his back in a piggy-ride, "–and take deep breaths. That is important." Neteyam told you with a smile, bouncing Tuk who grinned.
"Yes! Whenever I feel nervous, I dig my feet into the ground if I can and wrap my tail around my knees!" Tuk said brightly, in response you nodded to her, "I will try that if I get nervous, thanks Tuktuk." Her smile brightened as she squealed excitedly. "I can't believe you have a crush!"
"Yeah, me neither. I mean–" Kiri spoke up, scoffing as she grabbed a few more beads, "–no offense, of-course. You are just so quiet. I didn't think anyone in the Metkayina captivated you." She mumbled, measuring your long hair, cutting the slightly dry ends to re-braid it back with beads.
"Just so you know, I won't allow Ao'nung here." Lo'ak spoke up, silently trying to make you the top and make it pretty. He'd gathered some shells for you this morning when you told them that you wanted to confess to your crush. Hearing him, you shook your head, "It's not–someone else." you mumbled softly.
Neteyam gently let Tuk off, sitting down beside you as he put his hand on your shoulder, "Ugh, move your hand!" Kiri reprimanded. "Shut it.", "You shut up!"
Neteyam rolled his eyes, before gently moving his hand and his position, so you'd look into his eyes without moving your head. Kiri would get on his brain for that too, but he spoke, "Take a breathe. If it is meant to be, it will be. Besides, a small crush rejecting is nothing when you're older,"
Neteyam stroked his jaw with his thumb. You were still the little girl he would carry in his arms when he was young, but now things were kinda different. "But whoever it is, will NOT reject you. I hope so." He assured, sighing out. He realised his motivation speech might not be as effective as he hoped. Mo'at would've given better advice.
"Thanks, bro." You mumbled with a small smile. Lo'ak sighed a little as Tuk clung to one of your arms, "You don't look weird, you know that, right?" Lo'ak spoke up. That brought down the marui's temperature.
"Is that what all this nervousness is..? About your looks again?" Kiri asked, leaning ahead as Tuk tilted her head, her large ears twitching in worry. You waved your hand, "It isn't that..Not entirely atleast."
"But it is a part of your worry, isn't it?" Neteyam sighed. Tuk gently laced her small fingers with yours, "Don't worry! You don't look weird, you look very nice!" she spoke to comfort. You smiled, gently patting her head.
"Tuk isn't wrong, you don't look weird. I don't know who ever put this thought in your head. You never looked weird," Kiri sighed, leaning back and stretching her arms to relax and give your neck a break too,
"No one did."
"Well someone did, because people don't tend to get spooked or scared of their own reflection."
Kiri said, remarking in her memory about the multiple instances you'd gotten scared of your own reflection. You paused, looking away. Your tail waggling in irritation. Lo'ak scoffed, crossing his arms and Neteyam shot you a look, "yeah, I mean–I have never screamed while looking at my own reflection."
Lo'ak scoffed a small, sarcastic laugh, "Yeah, it's like you see some form of vrrtep when you look in a mirror.",
"It's not like that!" You shot back to Lo'ak, "Then what is it like?" Lo'ak snapped.
"..Just– just..—ugh! SHUT UP." you hissed loudly at all your siblings. Tuk didn't flinch—pulling back, but other three scrambled back a little. You weren't the oldest, nor the youngest. But the way you looked like your mother tended to scare them a little bit. You sighed, sucking in a breath as everyone went back to whatever they happened to do before.
"Look–I'm sorry," you sighed out, "I'm just nervous I'll be a moron for expecting him to like me."
"Well, sad news. When you're in love, it all comes out in moron. The language of love is moronic, stitched in it's very being." Kiri pointed out, voice cold and firm, but fond. Putting a hand on your shoulder from behind you and tugging you back to lay against her. Your back against her chest as she hugged you. You sighed, covering her arm with your palm to hold her close.
Tuk swallowed you and Kiri in a hug from your left side, making you two lean a bit. Neteyam gently shifted close to you two, "Come on, this is making the Might Warrior feel left out." He whispered and then his arms hug you two from the right, straightening you and your sister. Tuk giggled brightly.
Kiri chuckled, gently kissing your temple as you smiled, finally turning to Lo'ak. He stared, his arm propped up on his knee and cheek against his fist while he stared, unimpressed. His lips quirked to break in a sweet smile at the sight.
Lo'ak hated sappiness and this was plenty sappy.
"Come on, skxawng!", "Yeah, come on, bro!", "Lo'ak, just suck it and get here." all calls gently brought him to abandon the top he was working on for you to walk over and swallow you four in a tight hug, "Yeah. Go one, moron. You'll be fine and if he doesn't accept it and mentions your face and you want revenge?"
"I'll beat his ass–", "We'll ALL do." Kiri whispered, correcting. Lo'ak rolled his eyes at her, but snuggled his cheek against your collarbone as you kissed his head. "Me too!" Tuk perked up, as you leaned to cheek her chubby cheek, making her squeeze you tighter to a painful degree, but you didn't mention it.
"I don't need you to beat him, he's a nice boy. But–" you sighed out, feeling warmth, "–thanks guys."
"Anytime, stxeli." Neteyam whispered, gently smothering you all in a tight hug. Despite also looking the closest to you and your mother after you, he had the built and strength of your dad, Jake. Lo'ak hummed, snuggling close and pressing an almost non-existent kiss to your collarbone where his face was buried, "You be brave, you hear me?"
You hummed, "I will be." You promised, your cheek on top of Lo'ak's head. Tuk giggled brightly, which made Kiri chuckle, before you and Neteyam and Lo'ak joined. All smiling
"Okay, everyone. Big squeeezee!" Tuk said, squeezing tightly, making everyone groan before everyone pulled back. Lo'ak scoffed, crawling back to where the top lay, "So fuckin' sappy–"
"Language!" Neteyam called, making Lo'ak roll his eyes as Kiri shifted back, pressing one last kiss before turning to do your hair.
You had a feeling that maybe for once? You wouldn't have to matter upon your looks and that you could speak. Confidence and Eywa would help all the same.
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ༄.° ——————————————————— ༄.°
Okay..
You were a fucking liar to yourself.
Rotxo sat just a few feet apart. It was one of those nights where the teens or everyone about to do iknimaya would stay up. The just-adults and just-about-to-be-adult and just-became-adults. All those, meaning it was just friend groups and no parents or annoying tiny siblings badgering you.
You sat against Lo'ak, his arms wrapped around you, but his face more busy staring at Tsireya. Tsireya spoke brightly while they cooked snacks over the one of the many open fires. Like you all didn't just have dinner. Kiri was laying her head against Neteyam's shoulder.
Neteyam was silently overwatching Ao'nung who somehow was supposed to teach Neteyam, Rotxo and Kiri how to debone a fish.
This sort of fish was the particularly boney one, but made of really good snacks. There was silent badgering and quiet. Rotxo leaned over Ao'nung's other shoulder, watching him use his akula-tooth dagger, "And make this cut here." He cut a tiny 'v' before gently squeezing the flesh to make the bones slip out on their own, "Aha!"
"Woah, they teach this at baby's 'first cooking' school?" Kiri asked. Ao'nung snapped his head up and glared at her, "Says you, do you even know how to season a fish?"
Neteyam snorted, gently ruffling Kiri's hair while Rotxo sighed out a small laugh, gently turning over some tinier creatures and tow'ta.
"Enough, you two." Your gut did a little somersault when Rotxo told them off. His sigh and even his cheeks which puffed with his smile was beautiful.
While he looking up again, mashing something in a bowl in his lap. Others spoke over one another in their groups, so thankfully your own was sort of silent compared to others.
Suddenly, you felt weird again. Lo'ak gently tugged you closer, but his eyes still trained upon Tsireya. Tuk was thankfully not around—having been taken to bed after dinner—otherwise she'd be blabbering on how you kept oogling and staring at Rotxo.
It made your gut feel uneasy how simply he captured your attention and practically controlled your mind and emotions.
Shaking your head, you turned back to gently watch Lo'ak and Tsireya gossip, before gently butting in to make way for yourself in the conversation. Which was fairly easily, Lo'ak loved you and Tsireya had become your best-friend, so it didn't matter when you three talked brightly.
Rotxo sighed out, gently tugging Ao'nung to lay back again when Kiri made another jab, "Come on, guys–don't fight." He sighed, pushing back his curly hair as Ao'nung gave a stabbing motion with his knife, only for Kiri to stick her tongue back at him.
Rotxo silently turned back to the spices and batter in his lap, mixing them and soaking the fish before putting them on the shell bowl kept upon the fire. Taking the food off when it was ready and passing it around on the plates. His eyes kept straight against the warm and amber fire, when his eyes caught light. He silently glanced up and froze.
Whoa..
You were pretty–hell, that's an understatement. You looked too nice. The new beads in your hair gently clinking and subtly glowing in the firelight and almost throwing beautiful colours across your azure skin. A few shells joint to make a flower attached to your newly done braids, gently tucking the braids whimsically, thin seagrass pulled and cut to curl in soft spirals.
The top gently pressed against your skin, the flowers silently capturing his attention. Your neck looked longer and your bracelets jingled with every movement of your hands. Smile seemed even more so when you spoke on whatever topic your brother and Tsireya and you were discussing. His hand reached forward, but of-course he couldn't reach out.
There was so much space between you–why was there so much space between you two? Did he choose to sit her, himself? On purpose? That's unusual, he swore he was the most excited to be sitting beside you when the evening after-dinner plans were told by Ao'nung.
His hand reached out more, but it stayed on the ground. Warmth spreading past his hand, warm and cool but why–
"SKXAWNG!" Ao'nung yelled loudly, grabbing Rotxo's wrist and yanked his palm back. Suddenly, the warmth turned into a burn and it hurt.
"GAH!" Rotxo scrambled back, holding his palm to his chest, whipping his body backwards against the log as Ao'nung hissed loudly. Everyone immediately standing to their feet. Rotxo looked down, pausing when he realised what happened–
He burnt his hand while staring at you.
He burnt his hand. While STARING at you.
Ao'nung quickly ushered over, along with Tsireya, skipping over the log before walking across and round to his side, "What is wrong with you!? This is sad!" Ao'nung yelled at his cousin. "Your hand was going to cook!" Ao'nung hissed, his tail swishing in agitation.
Ao'nung continued to berate him out of concern while Tsireya tried to calm her brother, "Ao'nung, it was a mistake! He didn't want to hurt himself!"
"Obviously!" Ao'nung sighed, grabbing the water they had on the side, pouring it over Rotxo's burnt palm. You gently ushered, getting down and moving close to his other side. His heart-beat skipped a few beats, he knew it did when he could practically smell you.
Other teenage Metkayinas all turned to look, some also walking close to see what happened.
"Ugh–should we shut this down?" Tsireya whispered to Rotxo, her ears twitching in worry. Rotxo shook his head, no way was he going to pour water over the other's hangout.
"It's fine, I'll go to Aunt Ronal–", "You shouldn't have to go alone!" Tsireya insisted as Ao'nung and Neteyam nodded. "Yeah, take someone with you." Kiri whispered while Lo'ak shifted close.
"I'll go–!"
Heads turned and Rotxo paused. His eyes moved to stare up at you. You blinked, suddenly humiliation pooled into your mind and tummy. "I'll take him, besides. My fish needs to cool down a bit, I'll get him done and then come back."
"...Yeah, that works." Ao'nung said, a silent grin on his lips. Then he began to gently help Rotxo stand up. Rotxo groaned, nodding to your words like they didn't affect him to his entire being. Ao'nung nudged his shoulder. Tsireya covered her mouth with her fingers, trying to stifle her own grin.
"Yeah–come." You gently grabbed his forearm, "Oi–!" Lo'ak leaned forward before Tsireya gently pushed him back with her tail, "Go quickly, 'kay?"
"Yeah-yeah.." Rotxo sighed, when your grip loosened. Bummer. But you walked close, enough so that if his tail was swishing, it'd graze you and he was sure it was on the verge of grazing your own. Rotxo swore he could feel his tail moving side-to-side as he followed you, wordlessly.
Rotxo and you neither knew how to start this conversation, watching the fire lights dim as you walked through the foliage and towards the village. Na'vi either silently already turning to sleep or doing some last minute chores or fixing something for tomorrow. You walked past, gently walking, the bounce of the weave-walkway under your feet not helping the atokirina in your tummy.
You cleared your throat, choosing to be the one to break the silence. Silently thumbing the bead of your braid, suddenly, being beside him? The self-consciousness again rose. Rotxo just seemed so nice and so perfect.
You'd been a liar to yourself earlier with your siblings, the confidence was short-lived and the strength half-done. You still felt the same uncanny, weird-looking na'vi who didn't think Rotxo could love you like that. He had plenty female Metkayina friends, he might like one of those. You wouldn't blame him for it either.
But rather than letting the hate swallow you till you ruined your this entire interaction. Since you might've done plenty times before with other due to self-pity—you shouldn't let that lead this one conversational opportunity Eywa had granted you, "How did you get burnt anyway..?"
Rotxo sucked in a breath, before sighing heavily and pursing his lips. His teal-skin seemed to glow with the glowy water under the walkway, "I wasn't paying attention, I suppose–I should've been," Rotxo paused, turning to look at you as if he expected you to fill the gaps with himself,
"I don't know..I should've been better? Smarter? More self-aware?! That's not it–" Rotxo paused, snapping his other hand's finger, but groaned when he couldn't come up with something.
Taking in the salty air, he sighed. The humiliation of having burned himself infront of you when he'd done so well the entire week with his nervousness around you? This was his peak of stupidity and moronic, he really should've let these feelings go.
"I don't know. This was stupid."
You paused, something was familiar about this situation. Was it how he seemed so frustrated with an action that wasn't even his fault? The action which didn't result in anyone's hurt, but rather hurting himself? If anyone else had been hurt? That— you could understand—could be a point of embarrassment. You would've been yourself.
But this seemed different..as if the entire night which had gone so well was ruined by one simple accident. Your mind ran thoughts through-and-through and nothing came up for you to say back to him. Why was this so familiar to you and why was this so incredibly..painful..?
You walked beside him, hearing him speak bad about himself all for a simple mistake. "This was stupid and I was weird and dumb for this."
..He was acting like you do...
You realised and you stopped walking, standing frozen. Rotxo took two more paces, before stopping and turning around. His face flushed and slightly saddened, but confused as to why you stopped, "What's wrong?"
"Don't say that."
"..What?" Rotxo's face morphed and furrowed into confusion. You sucked in a breath—you couldn't handle him saying bad about himself. Not when he seemed so perfect and out of reach for you. He was acting like you. How lowly and bad you thought of yourself, that is how he was speaking on himself.
And even if he never returned your romantic feelings, you couldn't let him say that about himself..
"Don't say that about yourself. You aren't stupid or weird and you didn't ruin anything." You said, looking down and voice firmer. Rotxo paused, "You don't have to–", "No."
You shook your head, running hands down your face to gather yourself, "I can't let you say that about yourself. You are nowhere near..anything you said about yourself," You stepped close as Rotxo's shoulders sagged as if tension released inside him. His eyes watering a little, looking away.
"I–" You sighed out, "I won't let you say that about yourself.",
"Please..it's fine. You don't need to–"
"I want to." You said, but the air was punched out of you when—"Why?" His voice cracked and you watched him wipe his eyes with his normal hand. His burnt still clutched against his chest,
"Because I love you! You're SO perfect! I've seen you smile and seen how many people's faces light up at you!" You spoke before thinking, before freezing. Eyes unable to look into his. Rotxo paused, "You do..? Oh–" he sucked in a breathe again. Suddenly, it all felt so small in comparison to the profession of love infront of him by the girl he loved the most.
"I do! And–I don't..I don't want you say those bad things, you're so amazing,"
"Then why don't you stop saying those bad things about yourself first?"
You tensed up, eyes flashing upto his. His eyes bore into yours with sadness and fondness, "I know–" Rotxo paused when your eyes showed betrayal. He gently walked close. So close, you could feel his warmth and watched him hold up a hand to your chest and collarbone, calming you and getting to feel your heart-beat,
He licked his lips, biting down before speaking again, "Tsireya told me. Don't blame her, I made her tell me. I loved you too.." He spoke and watched you freeze, eyes widening in surprise, lips moving but no word or noise coming out.
Your throat seemed to choke up. You watched Rotxo take a step back and you missed his warmth already. He turned to face the water, before shifting and sitting down. His feet dangling and grazing the cool and glowing water, as he patted the space with his burnt hands,
Noticing his injury, you gently reached ahead, "You're still hurt! Let's go to the tsahik first then we can–"
"Sit..Please." He sighed. You'd ask again, but something compelled you to sit. You sat, palms between your thighs and eyes on the water like his own. He liked you..
that was still new.
He loved you. "I don't think I ever told you–i think you're pretty too. Very beautiful," he whispered, looking up and you turned your head to meet his eyes. His gaze and words seemed to take your breath away. As much as it sounded cliché like the stories your told you. You thought those were just jokes or exaggerated stories for you and your siblings.
You didn't know you'd be such a sap. You felt giddiness and smile seemed to just refuse to leave your lips. Seeing your own, he smiled too. Out of nowhere, you chuckled silently, "I suppose I should stop speaking like that about myself too."
"You should. I do not want to hear you think you look bad, you're so beautiful!" Rotxo insisted. The gentle childishness and love poured while you listened to him. You gently reached up and touched your cheek, "You think so..?"
"I know so." Rotxo whispered, his eyes boring deeply into yours. You tilted your head, "You're kind, truly–", "This isn't compliments. They're the truth. Please, don't think you're so unworthy of things solely for your looks." He whispered, "Your face doesn't matter to me. Your soul always did. You're so kind and patient and you seem to love deeply."
"But your face matters too, if you want me to think like that. And even then, your face is beautiful. Incredibly so." He whispered, gently reaching and placing his hand over yours. You sighed out, eyes watering and stinging a little. It is not as though someone has never been kind, many have complimented you. But they never meant more than just simple words.
Rotxo's words..they seemed to really hit inside you. You sniffled a little, closing your eyes and trying to not sob. Your upper teeth biting down on your lower lip to contain. Rotxo gently put his arm over your shoulders, his injured hand over your arm, gently stroking with his thumb. He didn't say much, but his presence meant everything in the moment.
You, without a thought, shoved your face in his shoulder and cried silently. Words have never been more precious, more important. You needed to hear that, desperately. Your family usually comforted you, but this..somehow, felt more. You sobbed gently, his arm rubbing your back.
Your sobs wrecked your body, your muscles tense. But you somehow relaxed when you felt a kiss on top of your head, warmth and smell of salt and spices from Rotxo against your nose. "I–I have not done this before. I'm sorry if I make mistakes with our relationship." He whispered.
You laughed wetly, through your tears. Somehow he injected and brightened the atmosphere, shaking your head while you sobbed. Gently pulled away, he looked at you worried. You couldn't move, but when he wiped your tears gently with his knuckles and fingers. You immediately reached out, gently hugging him and pressing your lips against his.
You felt his body paralyse, not a hint of movement. But it seemed to warm up. Rotxo swore he was on cloud nine or this was some dream, he almost didn't feel the pain of his hand. His injured hand gently reached to pull you against him, the other cupping your cheek while he kissed back, awkwardly.
It moved a bit fast, a bit..messy and sloppy. Dorky. It made him embarrassed, but since you didn't stop. He didn't dare to either.
Clearly he was melting against you. The wetness from your tears gently rubbed against his own dry cheeks. His sighs soft against your lips. Either of you refused to move until the kiss deprived you of air to breathe, compelling you to move.
Even then, you both moved away a second later. You sighed out, wiping your cheeks rapidly. But you both sighed out heavily. Rotxo wiped his lips where drool had managed to escape out, embarrassed and shy. But then you shifted,
"We should get you to the tsahik, you're injured," You whispered, standing up and fixing yourself up. Offering him a hand to gently help him stand up. Rotxo wondered if he made a mistake, but he still spoke, "so..Are we–?"
"I know what we are. I want you to confirm you feel the same way." You whispered, awkwardly meeting his eyes. Hesitant. But Rotxo sighed out in relief, sagging as he stood up with your help, "Always and obviously."
You grabbed his uninjured hand and smiled back, squeezing gently and tugging along to the tsahik's marui. Sighing out in relief, your tail gently moved as if it's own mind worked differently, your tail grazing his, attempting to lace or being just playful to simply touch. To simple feel the one you loved close and his tail moved in tandem.
His ear twitched when you smiled and his heart lost a beat.
It's hard to think just a day earlier you and Rotxo thought either of you had no chance with one another. It was thanks to the hate inside that forced out love. While he'd do anything to make you think you're beautiful and remove those insecurities, he can't help but thank his stupidity you became his and he became yours.
Thank you so mucchhhh!! I am SO sorry this reply came so late, but i'm so glad you loved this fic!! I was up and about reading and re-reading and re-writing this!! I'm so glad for your feedback, thank you so much again!!
Hiii! I am absolutely in love with how your write for Ao'nung and the metkayina characters in general!
I've read your rules and was wondering if I could request a fic of Rotxo x Jake sully's daughter? Where she thinks she's strange, even though she looks like Neytiri and doesn't have the 4 fingers or eye brows like her father and two of her siblings.
And she has large feelings for Ro, and she is scared to confess to him but adventully does, maybe a little NSFW or kinda sensual? Nothing crazy, mainly Rotxo just showing her he doesn't care for her "demon blood"?
Much love!!!🫶🫶
—"Demons" are actually pretty!
GENRE: Hurt/Comfort || Fluff
WORDS FROM RXSIL: I am so grateful for all the love on my previous two posts. I'm also so so so SO glad you like my writing!! Anyways, still need improvement on how to write emotionally depthful scenes such as insecurity.
WARNINGS: Fem!Reader. Reader has braids like Neytiri. Insecurity. Reader is spooked by her own reflection. Burns. Injuries (Rotxo), nothing too serious. Sibling moments. Self-depreciation. Not proof-read.
SYNOPSIS: "Rotxo has always been admiring the middle-most daughter of the Sullys. But in order to pursue her, he has one obstacle he believes he should help her cross."
VOCABULARY: -
|| marui: Metkayina living hut-like structures|| Ä'ä: sound meant to convey emotions from sounds such as 'eh?', "Ahhh!', etc. || Mawey: 'calm down' || vrrtep: demon || stxeli: gift (nickname) || tow'ta: Pandoran crab || atokirina: woodsprites || tsahik: spiritual leader ||
DURATION・・・・・6.6K
Rotxo has never be the brightest or boldest when surrounded by big personalities like his cousins. Not bright like Tsireya who lit up maruis and surroundings with her smile and excitement, her beauty and complexion of happiness. Her days filled and practically tasted like sunrise and fresh air. Salt and fruity.
Nor was the boldness of Ao'nung settled in his bones. Ao'nung with his words and protectiveness, the initiative of strength to test new waters the way he did with his prized crossbow. Rotxo did not have either of those big shining personalities to drag him into the light.
But he did not mind it. At all. He was frankly happy being on the side. His life was never a whirlwind of drama like Ao'nung dragged his own by being dramatic and taunting. Nor has his life been put in danger more times than he can count like any of the Sullys. But like him, there is another one on the opposite side of the coin. Who, while like him, is more familiar with the background, does not like it.
You have never been one for big rambunctious decisions like Lo'ak nor were you particularly the responsible one like Neteyam nor were you the bright-eyed, still enjoying childhood despite the throes of danger like Tuk. But your dad loved you just the same, you were a carbon copy of your mother, much like your brother, Neteyam. Same large golden eyes, same piercing gaze and yet your personality fit neither Neytiri's nor Jake's.
You behaved more subdued, more calm. Your mother said you acted like your late aunt, Sylwanin. Your father said you're like his late twin and your one-in-a-million xenobotany prodigy of an uncle who went to college at 17, Tommy Sully. Responsible, calm, silent and far too deep into thinking about things that should not be given thoughts for more than twice a moment if Eywa allows for it.
You disagreed. You thought you looked like neither your mother nor like your brother despite the literal proof of it being the quite literally your face. Clearing the doubt to anyone as that doubt of yours as the opposite. You thought you looked rather..uncanny. More times than you can count you have spooked yourself due to somewhat uncanny face you believed you have. Whether it be late at night, super early in the rivers while you had been half-asleep, even once as when you were young and Jake had held you up to a suspended high mirror.
The scream you had let out that day was gotten your father and Max slightly hard of hearing for a while with your dad getting a bloodied ear. Frankly, it was quite obvious. You felt you did not look, in a way, anything like a na'vi or dreamwalker.
Not like your father or Lo'ak or Kiri. They somehow looked natural as any na'vi with their avatar hybrid features.
Despite only three fingers and no hair above your eye that your father calls his eyebrows, you somehow looked like a dream-walker despite looking like a proper na'vi. With something so slightly yet prominently out of place, you can never understand what made you so.. off.
But you've learnt to be with it. Especially when your life expects more from you than you to just pay more attention than appropriate to your looks. Your hands jammed and clammy. Helping Tsireya with something she was teaching you about a local artistan creation Eywa blessed them to create after seeing underwater caves.
Your hands pulled the hide and sea-grass wider as she helped by clipping and weaving the threads and seagrass through it, using shells as placeholders to keep the threads and seagrass straight and clean. You two had not talkedbeing more busy with the work in your palms. You were close to her age and closest to being her friend.
No offense to Kiri, but she was.. not as compatible with Tsireya, not that they hated or disliked one another. They just could not find a common ground between them. While both were amazing, they were rather different in terms of interest and hence did not have a common ground. They chose to be friends in the more civil sense, friends by proxy, almost.
You, on the other hand, had interests slightly similar to her. So Tsireya had begun to seek you out more than she would admit. While being bubbly and bright and having friends all around, she did not have a consistently strong group of friends until you and the Sullys.
So she was quite attached to you, her voice gently humming as you pulled the strap and seagrass tighter. The hide thinning and turning malleable under your palms, using your foot to hold them down even more so they'd not escape and ruin the progress.
Tsireya kept humming softly, before her voice spoke up with a slight interest, curiosity and even excitement,
"So.. Have you seen anyone interesting?" she asked. You looked up, not sure what to reply with. Interesting? Well..There's your unique creature of a brother, Lo'ak. He is interesting, especially to her. But you didn't say anything to not tease the girl infront of you, but still spoke with a lilt of joking and pleasant mischiviousness,
"I am interesting myself. I look out of place and weird." You spoke as Tsireya gently chuckled.
"No, you don't. You're pretty and that is not what I have meant," she said gently. Then she pulled another hide strap tighter causing a small 'thump' when it gently sat on the other end of the braided floor,
"I meant, have you gotten your eyes on anyone yet? Someone.. you could be with, under Eywa's eyes..?" she said.
Her voice had turned the atmosphere almost gently teasing, domestic but in a shy way now. You paused, thinking back. You had limited access to boys and your dad said 'at this age, boys should be gross to you' like that mattered. You had two brothers, neither of whom made it particularly thrilling to like a guy with how idiotic they both got.
"There's Ao'nung–" you started but shook your head. "Not him." Tsireya and you said simultaneously, agreeing. Ao'nung was not someone you could handle for long. "How about Mo'unyu..?" Tsireya asked gently.
You remembered that na'vi, bright smile and cute face. Chubby cheeked despite their lithe and lean body and they were kind and sweet. But..not your type. "No–Not them. I mean–they are cute, Eywa blessed them with a face to remember."
You sighed, pushing back your braids, the beads in them gently clicking when they swayed over your shoulders. The tiny beads made from shells or seaglass stayed cool pinpricks upon your warmed back. Tsireya hummed in thought, weaving another thread before placing a shell to hold it down,
"How about..Rotxo..?"
Her voice held that slight anticipation like she expected something small, but possibly deep. You paused, you hadn't thought too much on boys of Metkayina. Rotxo, you were the closest to him in the group after Tsireya, of-course. He was always beside you with a swishing tail and bright smile to teach you.
His patience galore as he gently guided you to breathe with him during swims, his hands gentle and kind while teaching you the na'vi hand speak. His eyes glowy when he swam close with everyone to the Cove of Ancestors. Rotxo..He was kind. But you doubted he would've strayed his gaze to you. Again, your look seemed to put a blockage infront of you. You were, frankly, weird looking. Rotxo likely is not that interested in you.
Tsireya cleared her throat, getting your attention broken through the streams of thoughts and back to her, "Uh–" you paused. She smiled gently, "Have you thought of Rotxo like that?" she asked sweetly.
"I–I admit that I have not put much thought into any romantic interest," You paused, "—though he does seem kind."
"Exceptionally kind to you, especially." Tsireya shook her head with a small laugh, one knee pulled to her chest, the threads clamped underneath her feet. You paused, blinking a little, "huh..?"
"Yes, he's exceptionally kinder to yo–oh my." Tsireya paused, blinking in slight disbelief, "Don't tell me you don't notice it! It's practically has to be the Great Mother's will or doing that you don't notice him being so much nicer to you!" She said brightly, quickly gathering all the threads and tying a simple but tight knot which she can undo later to continue working but keep all threads locked in place for the meanwhile.
Tsireya stood up, gently swaying over to your side, her cool legs gently brushing yours. Then she brightly put a hand on your shoulder after sitting down, "Rotxo seems to put his eyes on you as if you are a gift from The Great mother herself! Ä'ä, please!" Tsireya giggled brightly, between squealing and shaking you.
"..No, I– I doubt it's that." You said with a slightly confused look, your round eyes silently pausing. Tsireya paused, her tail swishing. She tilted her head curiously, your body language didn't seem to say you were silently brushing it off in coyness, rather..confusion, even surprise.
"And why do you think that?" she asked curiously. You paused, clearing your throat. You did not hope your voice or words sounded rather artificial in your own feelings about yourself. You sucked in a breath, holding it in before letting out. Another breath to smell your surroundings to calm your nerves.
Tsireya, watching your face morph into rather disgruntlement and almost saddened, like it was something you expected rather than hope. Her eyes blinked a little, face furrowed into gentle coaxing like that of a kind soul gently bringing out a wounded animal.
"Well–I do not–.." you paused, your hands tightened hers as you squeezed your hand, "Don't tell me it is about your appearance. You're gorgeous!" She said, tilting her head. Somehow that made things a bit more apparent to you.
"Well, this is not out of self-deprecation. Rather, I do look kinda..wrong, don't I?" You say, you expected her to pause and agree in the silent admission you had—
"No."
..What?
"Oh.." you paused, but didn't say much. Tsireya smiled, "You do not look wrong. You look like your mother, like a copy of her. But..gentler?" She said brightly, her pointer finger gently twirling in her own hair. You sighed, pulling your knees to your chest.
"You believe that?" Your words seemed to ring in your own head. Your face was always a sore spot, not entirely too sore. You just never thought you looked right, like some part of your face was just minutely wrong and you couldn't figure out why. Tsireya smiled, nodding gently.
"Of-course. So–back to Rotxo," Tsireya said, a smile gracing her lips. You paused, blinking a little as you rested your chin over your folded arms, which stayed on your pulled up knees. Your knees tighter against your chest, the shells of your top gently pressing in like a very thin armour.
You sighed out defeatedly which made Tsireya gasp brightly, "Oh my Eywa, that's so nice!" she said brightly. You motioned to her, "Mawey, I do not know if he likes me."
Tsireya smiled, gently putting her arm over your shoulders. Her eyes scanning the shoreline for his brother. Where-ever his brother was, Rotxo was sure to be beside him. "uhm–hmmm.." Tsireya scanned.
You looked around, also trying to find him when Tsireya silently pointed, Rotxo stood there as Ao'nung was showing him his spear as they sparred. "THERE!" she said, a bit too loudly. You winced, when Rotxo and Ao'nung's heads snapped to your direction.
Tsireya gasped, covering her mouth, "Oh, sorry!" She quickly replied, but it was too late. She shot a sheepish smile to her brother and cousin and waved her arm brightly, both of whom waved back to her and Tsireya. Rotxo's eyes may have been upon Tsireya, but they immediately seemed to clambour over you when he called your name brightly.
You suddenly felt shy and self-conscious. His smile and happiness at seeing you seemed to burn some form of fire inside your stomach, the floating of atokirina mixed with almost shame but so much more happiness. You waved back with a smile too, one you hoped was beautiful.
It was almost comical to your own self how saddening it was to you when he turned his gaze away, back to Ao'nung to spare again. You wanted him to keep looking at you, smiling at you. Call you 'beautiful' and 'incredible' and be as romantic and gentle as your father was to your mother. Tsireya leaned her face against her fist propped upon her knee, watching you with a knowing grin.
But she shook her head, you'd be embarrassed if she pointed out how happy you were and clearly how much in love you were with Roxto. She'd much rather go the opposite route.
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Tsireya smiled brightly, thanking you when you both were done. She rolled up the large piece of fabric and wiping the last bits of coral paint from her fingers. While waving you bye in the process, "Are you sure I shouldn't walk you to your marui? I'd be happy to," she said sweetly. But you shook your head, "No, it is quite alright. I don't want to keep you away from any duties."
"Alright, if you say so." Tsireya smiled, gently waving you bye as you walked on the weaved walkways, bounce in your step and salty-fruity air in your sway. Your feet walking off while Tsireya gently gathered up the supplies she'd been using. Once sure you were gone, she stood up straight.
She peeked her head out of her marui, watching your retreating back as she waited, before she hurriedly rushed out of her marui. Feet sprinting fast as she jumped off the walk-ways onto the warm sand, ushering around until she caught up to Rotxo and Ao'nung.
Ao'nung sighed out, "You get something for us to use?" He asked, his arm around Rotxo, who also stared keenly. Gently thumbing at his akula tooth necklace in slight excitement and nervousness. Tsireya had been the one to initiate it, and while it is not that she was using you solely for Rotxo. She did genuinely love you, she wanted some information for her cousin.
Tsireya nodded brightly, but she subdued herself, "Well, see. The thing is, Rotxo might have a chance. But, just to be safe. I believe you should do this on your own," Tsireya said and Rotxo's panic heightened, "Wha-no! I don't have the damn guts to do that!" he said.
Tsireya motioned with her hand. Ao'nung scoffed, speaking silently, "Mawey, bro. Literally–calm down." He sighed, "So what are you saying? Can you be less cryptic or something?"
Tsireya sighed a little, rubbing her abdomen for a bit of courage and hope for everyone in this moment. Ao'nung and Rotxo's eyes boring into hers waiting for her to speak. Well, if anything. You might just get a mate out of this.
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Lo'ak stood beside you, stitching a new top for you silently while Kiri was busy braiding beads into your hair. Neteyam, all the while, stood infront of you. Tuk on his back in a piggy-ride, "–and take deep breaths. That is important." Neteyam told you with a smile, bouncing Tuk who grinned.
"Yes! Whenever I feel nervous, I dig my feet into the ground if I can and wrap my tail around my knees!" Tuk said brightly, in response you nodded to her, "I will try that if I get nervous, thanks Tuktuk." Her smile brightened as she squealed excitedly. "I can't believe you have a crush!"
"Yeah, me neither. I mean–" Kiri spoke up, scoffing as she grabbed a few more beads, "–no offense, of-course. You are just so quiet. I didn't think anyone in the Metkayina captivated you." She mumbled, measuring your long hair, cutting the slightly dry ends to re-braid it back with beads.
"Just so you know, I won't allow Ao'nung here." Lo'ak spoke up, silently trying to make you the top and make it pretty. He'd gathered some shells for you this morning when you told them that you wanted to confess to your crush. Hearing him, you shook your head, "It's not–someone else." you mumbled softly.
Neteyam gently let Tuk off, sitting down beside you as he put his hand on your shoulder, "Ugh, move your hand!" Kiri reprimanded. "Shut it.", "You shut up!"
Neteyam rolled his eyes, before gently moving his hand and his position, so you'd look into his eyes without moving your head. Kiri would get on his brain for that too, but he spoke, "Take a breathe. If it is meant to be, it will be. Besides, a small crush rejecting is nothing when you're older,"
Neteyam stroked his jaw with his thumb. You were still the little girl he would carry in his arms when he was young, but now things were kinda different. "But whoever it is, will NOT reject you. I hope so." He assured, sighing out. He realised his motivation speech might not be as effective as he hoped. Mo'at would've given better advice.
"Thanks, bro." You mumbled with a small smile. Lo'ak sighed a little as Tuk clung to one of your arms, "You don't look weird, you know that, right?" Lo'ak spoke up. That brought down the marui's temperature.
"Is that what all this nervousness is..? About your looks again?" Kiri asked, leaning ahead as Tuk tilted her head, her large ears twitching in worry. You waved your hand, "It isn't that..Not entirely atleast."
"But it is a part of your worry, isn't it?" Neteyam sighed. Tuk gently laced her small fingers with yours, "Don't worry! You don't look weird, you look very nice!" she spoke to comfort. You smiled, gently patting her head.
"Tuk isn't wrong, you don't look weird. I don't know who ever put this thought in your head. You never looked weird," Kiri sighed, leaning back and stretching her arms to relax and give your neck a break too,
"No one did."
"Well someone did, because people don't tend to get spooked or scared of their own reflection."
Kiri said, remarking in her memory about the multiple instances you'd gotten scared of your own reflection. You paused, looking away. Your tail waggling in irritation. Lo'ak scoffed, crossing his arms and Neteyam shot you a look, "yeah, I mean–I have never screamed while looking at my own reflection."
Lo'ak scoffed a small, sarcastic laugh, "Yeah, it's like you see some form of vrrtep when you look in a mirror.",
"It's not like that!" You shot back to Lo'ak, "Then what is it like?" Lo'ak snapped.
"..Just– just..—ugh! SHUT UP." you hissed loudly at all your siblings. Tuk didn't flinch—pulling back, but other three scrambled back a little. You weren't the oldest, nor the youngest. But the way you looked like your mother tended to scare them a little bit. You sighed, sucking in a breath as everyone went back to whatever they happened to do before.
"Look–I'm sorry," you sighed out, "I'm just nervous I'll be a moron for expecting him to like me."
"Well, sad news. When you're in love, it all comes out in moron. The language of love is moronic, stitched in it's very being." Kiri pointed out, voice cold and firm, but fond. Putting a hand on your shoulder from behind you and tugging you back to lay against her. Your back against her chest as she hugged you. You sighed, covering her arm with your palm to hold her close.
Tuk swallowed you and Kiri in a hug from your left side, making you two lean a bit. Neteyam gently shifted close to you two, "Come on, this is making the Might Warrior feel left out." He whispered and then his arms hug you two from the right, straightening you and your sister. Tuk giggled brightly.
Kiri chuckled, gently kissing your temple as you smiled, finally turning to Lo'ak. He stared, his arm propped up on his knee and cheek against his fist while he stared, unimpressed. His lips quirked to break in a sweet smile at the sight.
Lo'ak hated sappiness and this was plenty sappy.
"Come on, skxawng!", "Yeah, come on, bro!", "Lo'ak, just suck it and get here." all calls gently brought him to abandon the top he was working on for you to walk over and swallow you four in a tight hug, "Yeah. Go one, moron. You'll be fine and if he doesn't accept it and mentions your face and you want revenge?"
"I'll beat his ass–", "We'll ALL do." Kiri whispered, correcting. Lo'ak rolled his eyes at her, but snuggled his cheek against your collarbone as you kissed his head. "Me too!" Tuk perked up, as you leaned to cheek her chubby cheek, making her squeeze you tighter to a painful degree, but you didn't mention it.
"I don't need you to beat him, he's a nice boy. But–" you sighed out, feeling warmth, "–thanks guys."
"Anytime, stxeli." Neteyam whispered, gently smothering you all in a tight hug. Despite also looking the closest to you and your mother after you, he had the built and strength of your dad, Jake. Lo'ak hummed, snuggling close and pressing an almost non-existent kiss to your collarbone where his face was buried, "You be brave, you hear me?"
You hummed, "I will be." You promised, your cheek on top of Lo'ak's head. Tuk giggled brightly, which made Kiri chuckle, before you and Neteyam and Lo'ak joined. All smiling
"Okay, everyone. Big squeeezee!" Tuk said, squeezing tightly, making everyone groan before everyone pulled back. Lo'ak scoffed, crawling back to where the top lay, "So fuckin' sappy–"
"Language!" Neteyam called, making Lo'ak roll his eyes as Kiri shifted back, pressing one last kiss before turning to do your hair.
You had a feeling that maybe for once? You wouldn't have to matter upon your looks and that you could speak. Confidence and Eywa would help all the same.
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Okay..
You were a fucking liar to yourself.
Rotxo sat just a few feet apart. It was one of those nights where the teens or everyone about to do iknimaya would stay up. The just-adults and just-about-to-be-adult and just-became-adults. All those, meaning it was just friend groups and no parents or annoying tiny siblings badgering you.
You sat against Lo'ak, his arms wrapped around you, but his face more busy staring at Tsireya. Tsireya spoke brightly while they cooked snacks over the one of the many open fires. Like you all didn't just have dinner. Kiri was laying her head against Neteyam's shoulder.
Neteyam was silently overwatching Ao'nung who somehow was supposed to teach Neteyam, Rotxo and Kiri how to debone a fish.
This sort of fish was the particularly boney one, but made of really good snacks. There was silent badgering and quiet. Rotxo leaned over Ao'nung's other shoulder, watching him use his akula-tooth dagger, "And make this cut here." He cut a tiny 'v' before gently squeezing the flesh to make the bones slip out on their own, "Aha!"
"Woah, they teach this at baby's 'first cooking' school?" Kiri asked. Ao'nung snapped his head up and glared at her, "Says you, do you even know how to season a fish?"
Neteyam snorted, gently ruffling Kiri's hair while Rotxo sighed out a small laugh, gently turning over some tinier creatures and tow'ta.
"Enough, you two." Your gut did a little somersault when Rotxo told them off. His sigh and even his cheeks which puffed with his smile was beautiful.
While he looking up again, mashing something in a bowl in his lap. Others spoke over one another in their groups, so thankfully your own was sort of silent compared to others.
Suddenly, you felt weird again. Lo'ak gently tugged you closer, but his eyes still trained upon Tsireya. Tuk was thankfully not around—having been taken to bed after dinner—otherwise she'd be blabbering on how you kept oogling and staring at Rotxo.
It made your gut feel uneasy how simply he captured your attention and practically controlled your mind and emotions.
Shaking your head, you turned back to gently watch Lo'ak and Tsireya gossip, before gently butting in to make way for yourself in the conversation. Which was fairly easily, Lo'ak loved you and Tsireya had become your best-friend, so it didn't matter when you three talked brightly.
Rotxo sighed out, gently tugging Ao'nung to lay back again when Kiri made another jab, "Come on, guys–don't fight." He sighed, pushing back his curly hair as Ao'nung gave a stabbing motion with his knife, only for Kiri to stick her tongue back at him.
Rotxo silently turned back to the spices and batter in his lap, mixing them and soaking the fish before putting them on the shell bowl kept upon the fire. Taking the food off when it was ready and passing it around on the plates. His eyes kept straight against the warm and amber fire, when his eyes caught light. He silently glanced up and froze.
Whoa..
You were pretty–hell, that's an understatement. You looked too nice. The new beads in your hair gently clinking and subtly glowing in the firelight and almost throwing beautiful colours across your azure skin. A few shells joint to make a flower attached to your newly done braids, gently tucking the braids whimsically, thin seagrass pulled and cut to curl in soft spirals.
The top gently pressed against your skin, the flowers silently capturing his attention. Your neck looked longer and your bracelets jingled with every movement of your hands. Smile seemed even more so when you spoke on whatever topic your brother and Tsireya and you were discussing. His hand reached forward, but of-course he couldn't reach out.
There was so much space between you–why was there so much space between you two? Did he choose to sit her, himself? On purpose? That's unusual, he swore he was the most excited to be sitting beside you when the evening after-dinner plans were told by Ao'nung.
His hand reached out more, but it stayed on the ground. Warmth spreading past his hand, warm and cool but why–
"SKXAWNG!" Ao'nung yelled loudly, grabbing Rotxo's wrist and yanked his palm back. Suddenly, the warmth turned into a burn and it hurt.
"GAH!" Rotxo scrambled back, holding his palm to his chest, whipping his body backwards against the log as Ao'nung hissed loudly. Everyone immediately standing to their feet. Rotxo looked down, pausing when he realised what happened–
He burnt his hand while staring at you.
He burnt his hand. While STARING at you.
Ao'nung quickly ushered over, along with Tsireya, skipping over the log before walking across and round to his side, "What is wrong with you!? This is sad!" Ao'nung yelled at his cousin. "Your hand was going to cook!" Ao'nung hissed, his tail swishing in agitation.
Ao'nung continued to berate him out of concern while Tsireya tried to calm her brother, "Ao'nung, it was a mistake! He didn't want to hurt himself!"
"Obviously!" Ao'nung sighed, grabbing the water they had on the side, pouring it over Rotxo's burnt palm. You gently ushered, getting down and moving close to his other side. His heart-beat skipped a few beats, he knew it did when he could practically smell you.
Other teenage Metkayinas all turned to look, some also walking close to see what happened.
"Ugh–should we shut this down?" Tsireya whispered to Rotxo, her ears twitching in worry. Rotxo shook his head, no way was he going to pour water over the other's hangout.
"It's fine, I'll go to Aunt Ronal–", "You shouldn't have to go alone!" Tsireya insisted as Ao'nung and Neteyam nodded. "Yeah, take someone with you." Kiri whispered while Lo'ak shifted close.
"I'll go–!"
Heads turned and Rotxo paused. His eyes moved to stare up at you. You blinked, suddenly humiliation pooled into your mind and tummy. "I'll take him, besides. My fish needs to cool down a bit, I'll get him done and then come back."
"...Yeah, that works." Ao'nung said, a silent grin on his lips. Then he began to gently help Rotxo stand up. Rotxo groaned, nodding to your words like they didn't affect him to his entire being. Ao'nung nudged his shoulder. Tsireya covered her mouth with her fingers, trying to stifle her own grin.
"Yeah–come." You gently grabbed his forearm, "Oi–!" Lo'ak leaned forward before Tsireya gently pushed him back with her tail, "Go quickly, 'kay?"
"Yeah-yeah.." Rotxo sighed, when your grip loosened. Bummer. But you walked close, enough so that if his tail was swishing, it'd graze you and he was sure it was on the verge of grazing your own. Rotxo swore he could feel his tail moving side-to-side as he followed you, wordlessly.
Rotxo and you neither knew how to start this conversation, watching the fire lights dim as you walked through the foliage and towards the village. Na'vi either silently already turning to sleep or doing some last minute chores or fixing something for tomorrow. You walked past, gently walking, the bounce of the weave-walkway under your feet not helping the atokirina in your tummy.
You cleared your throat, choosing to be the one to break the silence. Silently thumbing the bead of your braid, suddenly, being beside him? The self-consciousness again rose. Rotxo just seemed so nice and so perfect.
You'd been a liar to yourself earlier with your siblings, the confidence was short-lived and the strength half-done. You still felt the same uncanny, weird-looking na'vi who didn't think Rotxo could love you like that. He had plenty female Metkayina friends, he might like one of those. You wouldn't blame him for it either.
But rather than letting the hate swallow you till you ruined your this entire interaction. Since you might've done plenty times before with other due to self-pity—you shouldn't let that lead this one conversational opportunity Eywa had granted you, "How did you get burnt anyway..?"
Rotxo sucked in a breath, before sighing heavily and pursing his lips. His teal-skin seemed to glow with the glowy water under the walkway, "I wasn't paying attention, I suppose–I should've been," Rotxo paused, turning to look at you as if he expected you to fill the gaps with himself,
"I don't know..I should've been better? Smarter? More self-aware?! That's not it–" Rotxo paused, snapping his other hand's finger, but groaned when he couldn't come up with something.
Taking in the salty air, he sighed. The humiliation of having burned himself infront of you when he'd done so well the entire week with his nervousness around you? This was his peak of stupidity and moronic, he really should've let these feelings go.
"I don't know. This was stupid."
You paused, something was familiar about this situation. Was it how he seemed so frustrated with an action that wasn't even his fault? The action which didn't result in anyone's hurt, but rather hurting himself? If anyone else had been hurt? That— you could understand—could be a point of embarrassment. You would've been yourself.
But this seemed different..as if the entire night which had gone so well was ruined by one simple accident. Your mind ran thoughts through-and-through and nothing came up for you to say back to him. Why was this so familiar to you and why was this so incredibly..painful..?
You walked beside him, hearing him speak bad about himself all for a simple mistake. "This was stupid and I was weird and dumb for this."
..He was acting like you do...
You realised and you stopped walking, standing frozen. Rotxo took two more paces, before stopping and turning around. His face flushed and slightly saddened, but confused as to why you stopped, "What's wrong?"
"Don't say that."
"..What?" Rotxo's face morphed and furrowed into confusion. You sucked in a breath—you couldn't handle him saying bad about himself. Not when he seemed so perfect and out of reach for you. He was acting like you. How lowly and bad you thought of yourself, that is how he was speaking on himself.
And even if he never returned your romantic feelings, you couldn't let him say that about himself..
"Don't say that about yourself. You aren't stupid or weird and you didn't ruin anything." You said, looking down and voice firmer. Rotxo paused, "You don't have to–", "No."
You shook your head, running hands down your face to gather yourself, "I can't let you say that about yourself. You are nowhere near..anything you said about yourself," You stepped close as Rotxo's shoulders sagged as if tension released inside him. His eyes watering a little, looking away.
"I–" You sighed out, "I won't let you say that about yourself.",
"Please..it's fine. You don't need to–"
"I want to." You said, but the air was punched out of you when—"Why?" His voice cracked and you watched him wipe his eyes with his normal hand. His burnt still clutched against his chest,
"Because I love you! You're SO perfect! I've seen you smile and seen how many people's faces light up at you!" You spoke before thinking, before freezing. Eyes unable to look into his. Rotxo paused, "You do..? Oh–" he sucked in a breathe again. Suddenly, it all felt so small in comparison to the profession of love infront of him by the girl he loved the most.
"I do! And–I don't..I don't want you say those bad things, you're so amazing,"
"Then why don't you stop saying those bad things about yourself first?"
You tensed up, eyes flashing upto his. His eyes bore into yours with sadness and fondness, "I know–" Rotxo paused when your eyes showed betrayal. He gently walked close. So close, you could feel his warmth and watched him hold up a hand to your chest and collarbone, calming you and getting to feel your heart-beat,
He licked his lips, biting down before speaking again, "Tsireya told me. Don't blame her, I made her tell me. I loved you too.." He spoke and watched you freeze, eyes widening in surprise, lips moving but no word or noise coming out.
Your throat seemed to choke up. You watched Rotxo take a step back and you missed his warmth already. He turned to face the water, before shifting and sitting down. His feet dangling and grazing the cool and glowing water, as he patted the space with his burnt hands,
Noticing his injury, you gently reached ahead, "You're still hurt! Let's go to the tsahik first then we can–"
"Sit..Please." He sighed. You'd ask again, but something compelled you to sit. You sat, palms between your thighs and eyes on the water like his own. He liked you..
that was still new.
He loved you. "I don't think I ever told you–i think you're pretty too. Very beautiful," he whispered, looking up and you turned your head to meet his eyes. His gaze and words seemed to take your breath away. As much as it sounded cliché like the stories your told you. You thought those were just jokes or exaggerated stories for you and your siblings.
You didn't know you'd be such a sap. You felt giddiness and smile seemed to just refuse to leave your lips. Seeing your own, he smiled too. Out of nowhere, you chuckled silently, "I suppose I should stop speaking like that about myself too."
"You should. I do not want to hear you think you look bad, you're so beautiful!" Rotxo insisted. The gentle childishness and love poured while you listened to him. You gently reached up and touched your cheek, "You think so..?"
"I know so." Rotxo whispered, his eyes boring deeply into yours. You tilted your head, "You're kind, truly–", "This isn't compliments. They're the truth. Please, don't think you're so unworthy of things solely for your looks." He whispered, "Your face doesn't matter to me. Your soul always did. You're so kind and patient and you seem to love deeply."
"But your face matters too, if you want me to think like that. And even then, your face is beautiful. Incredibly so." He whispered, gently reaching and placing his hand over yours. You sighed out, eyes watering and stinging a little. It is not as though someone has never been kind, many have complimented you. But they never meant more than just simple words.
Rotxo's words..they seemed to really hit inside you. You sniffled a little, closing your eyes and trying to not sob. Your upper teeth biting down on your lower lip to contain. Rotxo gently put his arm over your shoulders, his injured hand over your arm, gently stroking with his thumb. He didn't say much, but his presence meant everything in the moment.
You, without a thought, shoved your face in his shoulder and cried silently. Words have never been more precious, more important. You needed to hear that, desperately. Your family usually comforted you, but this..somehow, felt more. You sobbed gently, his arm rubbing your back.
Your sobs wrecked your body, your muscles tense. But you somehow relaxed when you felt a kiss on top of your head, warmth and smell of salt and spices from Rotxo against your nose. "I–I have not done this before. I'm sorry if I make mistakes with our relationship." He whispered.
You laughed wetly, through your tears. Somehow he injected and brightened the atmosphere, shaking your head while you sobbed. Gently pulled away, he looked at you worried. You couldn't move, but when he wiped your tears gently with his knuckles and fingers. You immediately reached out, gently hugging him and pressing your lips against his.
You felt his body paralyse, not a hint of movement. But it seemed to warm up. Rotxo swore he was on cloud nine or this was some dream, he almost didn't feel the pain of his hand. His injured hand gently reached to pull you against him, the other cupping your cheek while he kissed back, awkwardly.
It moved a bit fast, a bit..messy and sloppy. Dorky. It made him embarrassed, but since you didn't stop. He didn't dare to either.
Clearly he was melting against you. The wetness from your tears gently rubbed against his own dry cheeks. His sighs soft against your lips. Either of you refused to move until the kiss deprived you of air to breathe, compelling you to move.
Even then, you both moved away a second later. You sighed out, wiping your cheeks rapidly. But you both sighed out heavily. Rotxo wiped his lips where drool had managed to escape out, embarrassed and shy. But then you shifted,
"We should get you to the tsahik, you're injured," You whispered, standing up and fixing yourself up. Offering him a hand to gently help him stand up. Rotxo wondered if he made a mistake, but he still spoke, "so..Are we–?"
"I know what we are. I want you to confirm you feel the same way." You whispered, awkwardly meeting his eyes. Hesitant. But Rotxo sighed out in relief, sagging as he stood up with your help, "Always and obviously."
You grabbed his uninjured hand and smiled back, squeezing gently and tugging along to the tsahik's marui. Sighing out in relief, your tail gently moved as if it's own mind worked differently, your tail grazing his, attempting to lace or being just playful to simply touch. To simple feel the one you loved close and his tail moved in tandem.
His ear twitched when you smiled and his heart lost a beat.
It's hard to think just a day earlier you and Rotxo thought either of you had no chance with one another. It was thanks to the hate inside that forced out love. While he'd do anything to make you think you're beautiful and remove those insecurities, he can't help but thank his stupidity you became his and he became yours.
Hello, I was wanting to make a request, but I have no idea on who to pick tbh. I was thinking you get to pick a pairing for a F! Reader (dreamwalker or avatar/recumbant) who somehow ensnared them when they were found singing while weaving thinking they were alone. I thought of this while listening to Mean Mary and other deep south/Appalachia folk music while making a new hooded cowel for winter.
— Pretty dreamwalker and pretty knitting
GENRE: Fluff
WORDS FROM RXSIL: Thank you so much for this request, I hope this was good enough, I wasn't sure what to write. But I did my best anyway!
WARNINGS: Fem!Reader. Reader mentioned to have dangly hair accessories. Lo'ak and Reader stuck between puppy-crush, friends and lover border, not sure where to head. They don't head anywhere after this either, btw.
SYNOPSIS: "Lo'ak has a dear dreamwalker that he adores, while nothing more has been done, no courting nor any mating. He adored them nonetheless. A little cultural exchange occurs between a na'vi and an uniltìrantokx of weaving."
The sun had warmed down to make the forest just cool but warm enough to relax in. You gently felt the air and warmth on your skin as you removed your covering over your top and tweng. Your skin warming to soak up the warm sun, a smile gracing on your lips. Your fingers held onto yarn you'd been hoping to use for a while now.
You've finally got the chance, actually to return to your hobby of weaving as you used to do. You sat, taking in a deep breath and hearing the nature around before you began to start. Soft chittering from possibly Pandoran birds loud in your ears, ikrans and na'vi speaking brightly.
You eyes again travelled down to the little book on weaving Max Patel had lent you from the lab. It was after your recent check-up at High Camp since you seemed to have it as a hobby before you had left Earth. You had unfortunately left all your supplies back on Earth, expecting to return. Except you didn't and they stayed on Earth.
You gently pulled a stitch back from your middle-finger, turning to deftly turn the one on your ring. The feeling of tight but soft strings seemed to ground in the moment. You stretched your legs on the wooden beams of what was a suspended plaid, sitting walkway. The soft jingles and glass, sap and wooden beads from above seemed to shine below while the wind gently waved through them, creating gently hymns and songs of nature.
Your ear twitched when you gently finished another line and held up your creation. Excitement was starting to spike up when you realised how nice it would look once finished. Usual na'vi weaving is not the same as the one done on Earth. Na'vi weaving and crocetching and others were rather more complex than the ones you've seen on earth. Not to mention, you could never really understand them, watching them is different and attempting to make it, even more so.
To make what should be normal two hours work of human weaving might've taken you multiple days of na'vi weaving because of how different they seemed to be. Being an avatar—an uniltìrantokx—you had gotten the chance to study na'vi weaving on multiple occasions. You tried, but alas..Too complicated for you.
"How unfortunate." you mumbled to yourself with a heaving sigh, fingers not stopping. As if trying to calm themselves by hurrying with your handiwork. Faster and faster.
Fingers accelerating for no reason except to calm, which seemed to, quitely obviously, do the opposite. You paused when you realised the one end was missing on, before silently sighing and sucking in a breath. You'd redo it, but this was no way to relax if you keep trying to be hasty, you realised.
You gently began unravelling, the sound of laughter and wind against your cheeks and back, your arms felt free-er despite the garment you seemed to be working on. The air was fruity and smelt of summer and warmth. Of cold drinks and river swimming.
You sighed, your song-chord tugged against your tweng. The voices of music and song of nature mixed with your own humming, which carried lilt of relaxation and small waves to na'vi children who would rush past, often yipping for your attention to simply wave.
They'd listen to your songs and singing, humming your song chord on the chorus they knew to speak. Or they'd ask what is it you were doing, this weaving wasn't the one they learnt. It was new..
it was refreshing and it was something simple, before they'd rush off to play once more or train. It was sweet in your atmosphere, your ambient nature held by Eywa kept silent to hear you sing.
Kept it peaceful —
"And what is this?" A voice asked. Immediately knowing who it was, you grinned, "It's weaving from Earth, done by sky people," you explained gently or atleast had begun to when, "I'm making a gar–"
"This is not how weaving is done..!" You huffed a little when he interrupted you, softly your tail swished to show your exasperation, "Lo'ak, this isn't weaving done here. Like I said, it's from Earth and it is done by the Sky people. By the humans," you said gently.
Lo'ak sighed, gently squatting on the suspended plaid sitting walkway to watch you closely, "This is..so different from the ones Kiri or ma does," he hums gently, "Yeah, it is–" you said.
Lo'ak grins, gently holding your hands and pulling them up until you shifted, so your legs were folded under you since he pulled your hands, which were joint due to the weaving up and above his head. Until he could see the sun rays through them as if he scanned it, gently turning your palms around gently to watch how your fingers did the weaving.
"Hm, well..it's–uh," Lo'ak watched curiously, he doesn't know what to say. He hasn't done weaving in a long time, he doesn't have a firm opinion on it. It's just something he does, like one baths or washes their hand. But this is different.
You're doing this weaving, he has to bring up some compliment. It's you!
"It's pretty, woa," he whispered. Your chuckled a little, gently spreading your blue palms wider to show the weaving more delicately,
"It is, isn't it? I'll make it prettier with some beads though."
You hummed, looking up at the suspended walkway and the beads decorating it, often made of shiny seeds or pieces of naturally found ember or shells of lakes.
Lo'ak looked at you for a second, before softly humming and looking up to look in the direction you were looking at, "Like those?" Lo'ak asked gently. His hands still cupping yours which stayed stationary, eyes still admiring the walkway for a second.
His tongue gently grazed over his lower lips, before he pursed and rubbed his lips gently, looking down again. "Hey, can I– Can I sit beside you? You can show me the sky people's weaving..?" Lo'ak said, looking up to meet your eyes. When they met, his ear twitched a little, tail swishing as if your attention was making him bloom on the inside.
"I can show you the na'vi weaving again, you said you wanted to–you wanted to learn. Let–let me like, join you." he said quickly.
You paused, as if debating when you knew the answer. You just couldn't deny this beautiful boy. You smiled, before shrugging and nodding to the place beside you. Lo'ak gently jumped off, making the walk-way swing wildly, making your jerk a little, your ears pinning against your ear. Lo'ak quickly stabilised it for you,
"Shit–uh..m'sorry," he whispered, fixing you and your supplies, "Don't go now and get mad at me, paskalin." He whispered, almost teasingly.
"Just go, skxawng."
You whispered, despite the little insult. There was fondness you couldn't shield from him.
His tail swished even more, his ears gently twitched and his eyes shifted downwards. Despite his teasing, he felt slightly nervous. But he rushed off to look for some supplies.
Lo'ak's feet dug in the cooling soil, rushing up the tree of High Camp, towards his family's pod. Thankfully, only Tuk was there, napping the summer heats away. Lo'ak huffed, gently shifting her head before digging around.
Kiri wouldn't mind if he took some of her stuff for weaving with you, would she? Eh, who cares anyway?
He grabs the stuff, before hurrying down. When he reaches back, your hands were stilled. You waited for him to come back before you started your weaving again. He pushed his supplies close to yours, similar but distinctly different before he hopped onto the sitting with you.
It swung a little, but Lo'ak stopped it by digging his foot into the ground. He gently pulled the string, already began to weave it the only way he knows how, the na'vi weaving his mother and other adults did and taught to their young ones to carry on the tradition.
"Hey, uh..how does your look so..big?" He asked. Na'vi weaving was far more thin, which is what made the process so complex and difficult since na'vi obviously had larger hands. Your eyes shot to his work and then your own,
"Your work is gorgeous. Eywa seems to have blessed you with talent," you whispered, shifting so you'd face him. Your eyes met his, both of you freezing. Your tail gently waggled as if it wanted to wrap around him and drag him closer.
His right ear twitched, his ears could hear his own heightened heart-beat. Eywa, did you always look this beautiful? You couldn't tell if he always seemed so.. undeniably untouchable, like you had to have him. But then you both looked down, "Uh..Okay–" you paused, clearing your throat.
"Uh–right. Like, wait–" you fixed your hands a bit, "You weave through your fingers like this, then move these strings back and–" you showed gently, "these ones–you see? These ones–yeah," he pointed it out, as you gently pulled it under the opposite string and over your finger.
After a few more seconds of repeating the motion, you spread your fingers wider, showing a new line which appeared on your work, "See?" you smiled. Lo'ak hummed,
"That's kinda awesome. You do this every time you wanna calm down?" He asked softly, his tail waggled side to side, gently thumping on the rope of suspension. You nodded to his statement, smiling silently as he gently prodded his own fingers apart. You both had four fingers—you being an avatar and him being a child of an avatar and na'vi.
It took some time to understand how weaving worked for Lo'ak too, and he never really did anything much with it. Except make a tweng or top or two for himself or for his family members or something. But he felt the need to put his entire focus on this weaving. You were watching and you wanted to learn. He'd offered, he can't be messing up now.
"See, I guess the difference between both styles is like–" he paused, showing you as he held the four points on his four fingers. All fingers shifted in alternate positions, his other hand was free to pull strings to and fro from the four places. It made the strings and weaving thin and extremely precise.
"Your fingers work like your skeleton for you to weave in na'vi weaving. Your Sky people weaving is quite simple, but it seems effective–wow–yeah. Why don't we use sky people weaving anyway?" He joked,
"Would've saved hell of a time for us," he mumbles, "but I guess the attacks didn't help." He whispered, before shooting you a look, your eyes staring keenly at him rather than his work.
Like he was some art work. Eywa must've taken quite some time making him, he came out beautiful, after all.
"That was a joke..by the way!" he added quickly, in case you felt offended. You blinked before smirking and shaking your head, "No, I got it. The attacks certainly didn't help." you recounted silently, eyes glancing behind your shoulder in case someone was hearing,
"Otherwise we could've used this weaving. Human hands are smaller, it would've been easier to do for sky people," you hummed. Lo'ak hummed,
"They do have tiny hands. Tuk has bigger hands than most humans and she's a kid–"
"Humans are super tiny."
"Super tiny."
"And smart, though it doesn't help their brains. They're just greedy."
"I know, right? Eywa knows how greedy they can get! Hah!"
Lo'ak agreed as he stared with a small scoffing laugh, shifting closer. He followed your words like a puppy excited to see it's first friend or something. But he was no puppy and were not just friends. Atleast, that's what it seemed. You two hadn't defined it further than friends, but it was clear to both of you.
You two liked each other.. Sort of.
Ignoring that, he cleared his throat, "Uh..Should we–", "Yeah!" You added quickly. Clearing your throat as he sat beside you. Both of you doing your own weaving, but watching each other every other second. Lo'ak silently sighed, the breeze gently flowing, the beads in his braid clicked gently.
He softly hummed a little. You looked up, which made pause, "..Sorry." He grinned sheepishly, "No–No, come on. It's great, your humming–I don't—I don't think I've heard you hum or rather.. sing, at ALL."
"I don't tend to," Lo'ak whispered, pushing back a braid of his, "It's not really my thing—But, if you say so.." He said, sighing a little.
You turned back to your work, not glancing at him. Knowing staring would not help a nervous person. Lo'ak settled a bit, after a few seconds, his humming began again. His voice cracked, but his humming got confident. You sat silent, trying to recognise the song from his humming while your fingers worked deftly.
Judging from the little hums and yips, you guessed it was a seasonal song before you finally scored down to the song he was humming. You smiled a little, watching his fingers work to pull the tiny threads through and back again, before pulling them straight to show a pattern of waves.
His humming gently relaxed your heartbeat, calming your stomach and nervousness around him. His humming gently loudened. Even more so when you hummed along, the same songs you were taught.
While you learnt it at the lab by the scientist and Lo'ak learnt it in the forest by his mother. You both hummed to emulate the spirit of season, the one to bring everyone happiness and Eywa's help to bring upon the season and wishes for good memories.
Lo'ak's finger gently sighed, stopping his work half-way before he pushed back a your dangly hair-accessories you seemed to wear, before he pulled back. He turned back to his work after it, your tail gently swished.
Your ears twitching as if they were desperate to hear more of his humming. Just to hear his darling voice upon the malleus of your ears. To calm your heart and stomach. To blow away any spirit of restlessness because he sat beside you.
The humming and songs, alongside your works sat upon your palms and forests of Omaticaya for others to find comfort in. Comfort of togetherness, of shared love and hobbies. Of love.
Even as your tails sat entertwined while your fingers worked. A pretty dreamwalker and a pretty na'vi. Sat against each other, in embrace of simple moments of weaving and spending time because what is better than just being there with your friend who is bit more than a friend..?
I NEEDDDDD Tonowari fics..PLS PLS PLS PLS PLS!!! I need that man like one needs oxygen in they throat. I NEEEEED HIMMMMM!!! Tonowari would be so nice to have as a husband, Ronal is such a queen and tea for grabbing that man by his throat likely the first chance she got..
fine i took that bait….omg girl i just want like a part 2 maybe they start dating but that girl still keeps trying or or netayem maybe a lil crush and aonung gets jelly?? also this is my first time dming anyone on here it feels scary
— Indifference faded by its own..?
GENRE: Fluff.
WORDS FROM RXSIL: Thank you SO MUCH for this request!! Sorry it came out sorta late. I've been busy!
WARNINGS: Fem!Metakyina!Reader. After AFAA, so..dead Ronal, but chubby baby Pril! Mentions of death, mourning, etc. Not proof-read.
SYNOPSIS: "The iknimaya begins and ends in a flash, so does the second war brought upon the Metkayina. People are healing, months are passing without fear of war becoming daily-life. Ao'nung has responsibilities now, especially as now a protector, hunter and mate. Except, he keeps tripping over a hurdle created by a so-persistent na'vi named Tu'iloy because of his loyalty as a mate."
The soft clinking of shells have created for a soothing backdrop for the premature-newborn in your arms. Not your own child, no. You were still too young. But rather Ao'nung's newborn sister, Pril. You were rocking her gently while getting your tolu administered on your back, this time.
Rocking her gently, her tiny tail wrapped around yours. She was..slightly bigger than than first time you held her in your arm. Ao'nung, Tsireya and your olo'eyktan, Tonowari, had been mourning and grieving Ronal's death heavily. No one could bare to hold the baby in their arms.
So Neytiri had ended up handing the newborn Pril to you and Pril got attached to you. Ao'nung claimed it's because you were just so perfect. But on top of it, you didn't mind. The newborn needed stability. You were happy to provide some of it while the family was in mourning, even now.
Two or so months having passed. But you didn't blame anyone, you yourself were in mourning paint. The white stripe across your nose. Mo'unyu, who while also learning to enhance their tattooing skill was also finishing a tattoo on your back.
"And..how is everything? Are you alright?" they asked, voice gentle and tender as if carefully opening scales to see how delicate everything was underneath it.
While you laid Pril across your lap as you sat criss-cross on the knitted mat, bouncing the thigh where Pril's head lay. She'd grown in sizes after feedings, so that was some good news. You smiled, "..things are looking up."
"Did you and Ao'nung..—?" their voice suggested, almost teasing. That made you smile, "Mhm.." You nodded, letting Pril hold your last finger. Mo'unyu softly squealed, pausing their work as they applied some more numbing paste on your back, letting it dry.
Mo'unyu and you sat in silence, while they wiped their hands clean before dipping it in water to wash off any residue from numbing paste before speaking again,
"Oh, that's lovely!..How long?" they asked curiously, gently offering you relief and respite by crossing their legs and extending arms for you to hand over Pril.
You did so, gently supporting her head and back, while Mo'unyu laid the toddler against her lap, rocking her gently, playing with her tiny tail. Handing her some sort of shell-rattle.
"..Since our iknimaya.." You whispered with a gentle smile, "I suspected so, you seem to be glowing since you got paired with our tulkun." Mo'unyu smiles. "Oh, Eywa seems to really be helping you. What a good yet dangerous time you seem to have taken," Mo'unyu whispers gently.
You sighed, nodding when you heard the loud trumpet that claimed the return of warriors and hunters of Metkayina returning after their hunt. You gently reached back for Pril, taking her in your arms.
Mo'unyu quickly grabbed a sea-sponge, dipping it in fresh water and wiping your back clean, all excess ink and numbing paste cleaned to reveal your new tattoo and slightly purpling skin. Just as Tsireya popped her head in,
"Ao'nung is back!" she said brightly, despite the mourning paint on her as well, she seemed to be optimistic for life. You were too as you pulled a beaded shawl over your hair, placing Pril in the wrap you wore for her since you seem to be carrying her 24/7 these days. Before following Tsireya out,
"I shall see you later, Mo'unyu!" you called, hearing a loud 'mhm!' in return as your feet hurried down weaved floors, then onto warm sand. Pril was gently cooing, playing with your waxed orchids, playing with it as you placed a hand on the wrap, patting her back to calm your ownself alongside the little one. Tsireya gently peeked in, smiling.
"She seems to be growing so big, I'm glad." Tsireya hummed, she'd be excited to take Pril off your hands to take her swimming and paddling. Metkayina children are taken swimming are mere days old. Swimming is an innate part of Metkayina lifestyle, you're not surprised.
"I am too, Eywa's blessings." you mumbled, eyes scanning the crowd, when they caught onto a pair of dark blue skin talking brightly with a tall figure you've come to love. You let out a slightly loud call, making Lo'ak and Ao'nung's head turn as they both rushed over.
Ao'nung engulfing you in a sweet hug while Lo'ak gently pressed a kiss to Tsireya's head. Ao'nung's arms wrapped tightly, but safe enough sohe wouldn't squeeze his baby sister. Gently pulling the top of the wrap back, he smiled at the baby against your skin,
"She didn't trouble you, did she?" Ao'nung asked. You gently got Pril out of the wrap, holding her in your arms as Ao'nung smiled, kissing your head then hers as she cooed, babbling and reaching for her brother already. Ao'nung picked her up, bouncing her in his arms to illicit reactions from her, be they anything; laughing, coos or even fussiness.
He gets his wish fairly easily with Pril softly babbling and smiling, her tiny tail moving, "She's learnt to move her tail too, she'll be a swimming warrior in no time!" Ao'nung said with pride, rocking her.
You smiled, watching the washed out white paste still clinging to his nose bridge, he may be in mourning, but he has to provide. You're glad you've chosen a boy well enough. Ao'nung gently blows kisses against Pril's cheek, before looking up at you, admiring you silently.
"Oh, look at the lovebirds." Lo'ak smirks, making Tsireya giggle and Ao'nung rolled his eyes. Lo'ak and Tsireya get busy, turning to quickly help elsewhere while he turns back to you.
"And you, yawne.. How was your day? She trouble you?" he asked, reaching for your hand and tugging you closer, you smiled, patting Pril's tiny tummy as she kicked her tiny feet,
"She was a dream. So sweet," you hummed, wincing a bit when Ao'nung's finger brushed your back and new tattoo. He paused, before gasping, taking your hand to twirl you around to admire your back tattoo. "And new tattoo? It's like present after present." Ao'nung smirks, nudging you with his hip.
"Ah, Ao'nung!! Y/N!" You hear a certain voice called as you turned your head. Tu'iloy was there, rushing upto you both. A bright smile on her face, but you know that sort of brightness isn't for you. Absolutely not.
Ao'nung grumbles, before tensing up as Tu'iloy catches up, "i saw your catch today, Ao'nung. Amazing, Eywa really has blessed us with you as a warrior!" she said brightly, sweetly. Ao'nung nods, humming softly, "Thank you." he whispers, rocking Pril who babbles gently.
"Your sister, oh..She's just adorable!" Tu'iloy says wagging her finger infront of the baby's face, catching her attention. Pril gently tries to tug on her finger, but Tu'iloy pulls her hand back before that can happen, resulting in the baby to get slightly disgruntled.
Ao'nung gently bounced her to calm her, making Pril tuck her head against her brother's shoulder, gnawing on his salty, sea-slicked skin instead. Must be nice being a baby's never-ending snack. You mumbled.
Tu'iloy seemed busy talking to Ao'nung, batting her eyes brightly and swishing her tail while talking to Ao'nung about the plans they had for a upcoming celebration, on which Tonowari had put Tu'iloy's family in charge of helping with. Everyone was mourning someone.
"And I was wondering if you wanted me to make space special for your sister? Have you thought of the decorations?" Tu'iloy asked brightly, her eyes softening at the sight of Ao'nung who smiled awkwardly. You sighed, gently patting Ao'nung's shoulder,
"I'll head back. I have some work to do anyway," you whispered. Ao'nung smiled fondly and nodding, he would kiss you but you walked off before that could happen. Leaving Ao'nung with Pril in his arms and Tu'iloy on his nerves.
Ao'nung didn't hate her, don't get him wrong. She was a fairly nice na'vi girl.. And she was sort of pretty and nice. Except, it was pretty clear she was in love with him. Clear to everyone, even to Ao'nung who always tried to and somehow manage to dodge her confessions or anything that could lead up to a confession.
Like..right now?
"Uh, so..How about we go see anteng Utralti after the festival? You can hand your little sister over to..maybe your sister?" Tu'iloy offered, her hands clasped brightly behind her eyes. Her eyes longing, but almost persistent. It was like she was blind to how much Ao'nung connected himself to you.
Besides, he can't leave Pril with Tsireya to go to anteng Utralti that night. Tsireya plans to leave with Lo'ak. Ao'nung wondered if it's because she was also ready to mate with the Sully. If she was, he doesn't really want to hand over caring for Pril to her sister who has been looking forward to this since their mother's death.
"I can't hand Pril over.. Tsireya shall be busy with things during that time. Being under Eywa's gaze," Ao'nung whispered, voice stiff but trying to be polite, as much as possible. Tu'iloy deflates, but speaks up again,
"Oh...so how about any time you choose? I'm free whenever, so I'd—" Tu'iloy kept speaking while Pril was gumming on Ao'nung's shoulder as he bounced her gently. Ao'nung wasn't sure what to say next, what to think of next. He'll be a skxawng if anything if he acts all oblivious.
"I can't, Tu'iloy." Ao'nung said firmly, "I am already..taken with duties." He said, hoping that'll be enough to break it to her. Except it isn't, "Oh..come on. I'm sure you shall be able to shelf them for a little while, yes?" Tu'iloy said, taking a step close. Ao'nung's ears pin back when he sucked in a breath to calm himself.
"Tu'iloy—", "Please, Ao'nung. I'd love to spend some time with you. I know we aren't as close..but I'd like to be," Tu'iloy whispers, desperation in her voice. Ao'nung almost felt bad for the heartbreak she'll be facing once he speaks up,
"Tu'iloy, I know you like me." Ao'nung whispers, watching her stiffen a bit. Nervous, but her tail swishes softly in excitement. Ao'nung sighs, knowing the impact his next words shall have, but he's also annoyed. How persistent does someone have to be to ignore all signs?
"But I can't reciprocate that."
Firm. Tough. Ao'nung's words can't be taken any other way, Tu'iloy realised that. Her tail stopped moving, her ears pinned back and she looked down, "Is it because of me—?"
"No. No..But, yes. I mean—" Ao'nung sighs, not sure how to phrase his words in a way that aren't rude. he isn't just Ao'nung te Tsika'u Tonowari'itan he used to be before his iknimaya anymore. He is the next olo'eyktan of the clan.
"Tu'iloy, I'm mated. Under Eywa's gaze."
Ao'nung speaks, shifting Pril's chubby body in his arms more comfortably, low but enough for Tu'iloy who softly gasps in embarrassment, despair but also surprise as her head whips up to meet his eyes.
"You—but I didn't hear—" she spoke, hurt but also confused.
"My mate doesn't want to reveal it entirely to the clan. Not until I am ready to be olo'eyktan, or until it comes out on it's own. Be it Eywa's will." Ao'nung explained, knowing how you wanted to keep it all private. "..but..Who?"
"...Hah," Ao'nung sighs in exhaustiveness, "Y/N." He whispers, watching the realisation wash over Tu'iloy. The reason you also wore the mourning paint and stayed so often around olo'eyktan's family. You were a part of olo'eyktan's family.
You were mated to Ao'nung, you were practically Ronal's daughter-through Eywa.. You mourned her as not your tsahik, but also a mother figure you lost too soon. You took care of Pril cause she was your responsibility as much as she was everyone else' in the family, Tu'iloy realised.
How did she miss such blatant signs? Love does make someone blind to hopelessness..doesn't it?
She sighed, her ears pinning back in despair, but also understanding as she nodded, "I apologise for..coming off to strong, I didn't realise, Ao'nung." she whispers, a small smile gracing her lips. Ao'nung nods, sighing in slight guilt of hurting someone, but he keeps firm. He loved you dearly.
"I know, I apologise, Tu'iloy. I understand this can be painful. i'm mated, I love her.. But we shall be friends, worry not." he said, encouragingly. "Besides, I also respect you and believe in you. You will be the one making sure our festival shall shine through our grief." He said.
His voice seemed almost sovereign, like a proper chief who was guiding and encouraging his people. His clan. Tu'iloy sighs, wiping her teary eyes but nodded. She knew she'd grieve, but thankfully she feels pride in herself that she did not do anything to go against someone's boundaries.
"I'm glad, Ao'nung. I'm sorry..I shall need time to myself, do forgive me." She said, before smiling again, "Thank you for entrusting these responsibilities to me. You're a great na'vi and a great man." She whispers, fondly..lovingly before turning around and walking off.
Tu'iloy knew she couldn't have him and that was fine.. Ao'nung showed his loyalty and love to you. His duty to you but also his growth to her, he upholds his duties beautifully. Tu'iloy could only smile, no wonder you love him.
It's easy to ignore fading indifference of a couple when you're so blinded by such beauty. You truly were blessed. Tu'iloy smiled, turning to gaze at Ao'nung again, except he was know walking towards the marui where you were.
His smile fond and loving and oh-so in love with you.
I’m starved for some good Protective/Neteyam x Fem/Injured/Reader fics. Inspired by the new trailer for AFAA showing an injured Neytiri being rushed on a stretcher (I’m thinking to the lab/surgery/etc) and seeing spoiler clips of her injury, I’ve been craving something similar for a Neteyam x reader fic!
Scenario: Reader is injured on a mission while flying on her Ikran. Neteyam is stationed somewhere else but he goes against Jake’s orders to get to her as he hears she’s been hit over the coms. But Reader is a very strong Navi warrior and insists on flying back on her own to report to Jake before showing the severity of her injuries. Maybe she ends up collapsing the second her Ikran lands and is rushed to the lab by Neteyam and Jake? Heavy emphasis on protective Neteyam seeing her hurt!! Would love to see the bond with her Ikran also emphasized!! Can be AFAA or ATWOW!! Hope this makes sense I am STARVED for some angst and injury fics
— To be strong, but hurt
GENRE: Angst || Comfort
WORDS FROM RXSIL: Thank you SO much for this request!! I absolutely ADORED writing this one, I couldn't even keep myself from squealing while writing, so I HOPE I did this one to justice. I think I got messed in the head by the end, I have no idea what happened in the middle. Stale bits of writing, kill me. PLEASEEE! Release me from this torment. Loved this request though!!
WARNINGS: Fem!Reader. Blood. Racism against na'vi? Reader gets shot. You use your arrow to attack. I named Neteyam's ikran. She/they pronounces for reader? Implications of an ikran killing a human? Tell me if I missed something. Jake loves you like a daughter.
SYNOPSIS: "Neteyam believes anytime he has to stay away from you, he is punished by Eywa to do so. So when you're DYING to prove yourself to Jake, that belief is pushed to the edge of truth when you end up getting yourself attacked."
In Pandora, every being relies on something. Similarly, the clan and na'vi individuals rely on each other; for safety, for food, for necessities, for even fighting and against danger. The clans of forest, closest to the interactions with humans are always relying on each other for going against any sign of weird sky-walkers and avatars.
You understood your part in the clan; it was a simple task. Be careful, spy silently, keep out of trouble and attack only if you deemed it was necessary, Jake Sully trusted you knew when it was because you had good judgement unlike Neteyam and Lo'ak. You followed Jake's rules to an exact TEE, not just because he was the olo'eyktan and the Toruk Makto.
But perhaps also because he was your father-figure in a way, he trusted you. You were a good kid in his eye and since Neteyam and Lo'ak were stationed elsewhere, you promised him you'd do good and take over for eastern side.
And for this reason, you were trusted alone. Neteyam's intercom had recently broken, so all he had to contact you was to depend on his father or brother to contact people or you. His radio wasn't getting fixed up until a few days later.
So you knew you'd be alone too. No help from your yawntu, not in the moment. But you had to trust them and know they'll be here when you need them.
Your feet gentle padded against the grass as you bent down, radio around your throat tight and active. Face and body warpaint covering your skin so it'll camouflage you to the best of ability, your bow held tightly in one hand. You softly held in a breath, your kuru attached to your ikran, Hufaê's.
She softly growled, keeping quiet but also snuggled softly as if to comfort you into being more confident. You could feel her encouragement through the tsaheylu, her heartbeat as you patted her gently. You needed her around you, and she knew you did. You two were best-friends, since you'd chosen each other for your iknimaya.
You gently crouched, your tail softly flicking. Your footsteps silent while you scanned your golden-eyes around, looking at the opposite side of where humans had paused a huge vehicle of sorts. Another way to transport their resources and weaponry.
"What in Eywa's name—" you paused, watching a human jog past in what seemed to be fake pair of legs and arms to match upto your sizes. What were they going to do? Physically wrestle? Hufaê softly snorted. You shushed her gently. "We need to check them out and leave unless we need to attack, Hufaê." You whispered.
A human walked past, wearing a weirdly patterned suit—military print. Jake explained that print was worn by 'fighters' or people in excharge. They seemed to be speaking grievously, the human's voice tense, serious and steely. "Alright, eastern side, all clear." they said loudly. Everyone seemed to be guiding silently.
But, you saw the numbers, it was slightly more than you expected to see in the Eastern side.
You had to fight, nothing else could be done.
You softly took in a breath, eyes glancing up for a few seconds at the other na'vi who'd been stationed on this side of the forest, you sucked in a breath, heart-beating faster. Hufaê softly bumped you with her head, making you nod as you gently pulled your kuru away from hers, breaking the tsaheylu, but gently motioning for her to stay down and stay quiet.
Your eyes again scanned every place, hearing very subtly call of the other na'vis, which would usually be taken off the radar under the assump that they were the sound of Pandorean birds to the humans, a static hit your throat and ears,
"Eastern wing, how is everything?" Jake's voice asked. You were going to answer, when the rustling of leaves caused you to freeze, making you move a bit deeper in the foliage to stay silent. Jake received answers from others, you could hear them, but when he didn't hear you, he asked again—
"Kid. Answer, you good?" he repeated. You sucked in a breath, but hummed, "Yeah—yes, sir." you whispered. "Alright." before the static was gone. Everyone stayed silent, waiting for the signal to start the attack. It wasn't too far off, you sucked in a breath, arrow and bow in your hand.
"And NOW!"
You whipped your body quickly together as you notched your arrow before shooting, hitting two separate humans together as they groaned in pain, while Hufaê chose to stamp over, snapping her jaws as if to drive back any human she could.
Other na'vi's joined the attack in the exact moment your arrow hit the glass of a flying mobile, the glass cracking before digging into the pilot as it began descending, sending frenzy among the humans, who began garnering their weapons and guns.
The fight was no small thing. While, yes, it was smaller than the main place the Sullys were stationed in, you had BEGGED to be in this spot and it was smaller movement.
Some RDA humans seeing the attack, immediately ducked into their helicopters or air-crafts, buzzing them into life and using the attached guns to attack. You ducked, grabbing another arrow and shooting it up. Hufaê softly howled, using her size to nudge a human off their feet, while you shot the arrows.
The arrows flew through, the coloured springs on them signs of the defenders. All while the arrows dug themselves into vital parts of the humans, while the other na'vis were busy attacking the cargo for transporting their resources and weapons. The defenders yelled the fighting and battles cries loudly overhead, their weapons accurate as you tugged on another bow from your back.
Notching it and you pulled the string, before shooting. The arrow's seeding past with air almost vaporising for a second before they hit their targets with uncanny preciseness. Neytiri would've been proud, Neteyam even more so.
Your held on your arrow tightened, knuckles tight and swung it roughly against the back of a human, causing them yell loudly before crumbling infront of you, falling against the grass roughly, scratching their skin. Your snarled loudly at the ones who tried to approach you, if they even tried to, or swung as much. You sucked in a breath, trying to calm your breath, grabbing your arrow and aiming it at the blades of the aircrafts, hitting it and breaking the metal, causing the Kestrels to fall.
Your hand reaches back, grabbing mindlessly for an arrow, only you feel nothing come up at all— "Pxasìk!" you hissed under your breath, turning your head but clearly seeing it empty, as you shifted back, letting out a loud cry to alert others that you needed help in being covered.
It was responded to within a second, a large ikran and a na'vi, Mo'unyu, your friend, slammed down on the ground beside you, rolling before standing beside you, their ikran loudly roaring and pushing back the beings, snapping their sharp teeth.
You and Mo'unyu immediately crouched, falling back as they handed you a few arrows, before listening in to another cry of na'vi, "Shall you be fine here?"
"Yes! Go, help them." you hummed, nodding while you counted the arrows and began planning how to use them efficiently. Mo'unyu would insist on staying, but you seemed tense, so they climbed back on their ikran before flying off.
Your hand counted them, before silently putting them against your back.
when you heard it—
A large robotic groan came from your side, your head whipped to your side to notice another robot holding a gun. You grabbed your arrow, but before that, you heard a loud whistle of bullet as you got down on the grass.
"AGH—! Hufaê, GO! Cover!" you hissed, crawling as fast as you could away from the clearing, before standing up and running round the side of the clearing. You could hear Hufaê fly up, her wings rustling tree tops, but you ran faster. You knew these forests like the back of your hand, but right now? It felt like it was looming over you. You hoped to lose the human while your feet patterned on the soft grass and mud, a tiny stone or two sometimes piercing your foot as you winced, but didn't stop.
But the human seemed to persist, even if at a bit of distance, you could hear them yell orders back to some comrades through communication device.
"Oh, Eywa..please work." you silently mumbled, crouching, before climbing up the tree, your hands held tightly on the bark before climbing higher, you hoped the flora disguised yourself well enough..
When the branch beside your head broke apart, splinters hitting as you hissed under your breath, whipping your head to see the human smirk, "Come on down, buttercup..We'll be nice!" he hollered softly, as you snarled loudly, before turning behind the bark, and silently going up,
"No..? Tch," the human clicked their tongue, before you heard another bullet. In an acrobatic arc, you jumped onto the vine of another tree, getting higher, before settling up. You got a view, before you moved higher and onto another tree, a large arc of your arms supporting you before somehow launched yourself onto another pointed branch, rustling the plants around gently.
Luckily, the rustling confused the human a bit, with how it occurred rapidly around on different points as they shot bullets whenever the rustling of plants occurred, but didn't come up with your body.
You finally got a vantage point behind their robotic body's glass back and grabbed an arrow, notching and hitting it directly at the upper leg of the robot, another arrow onto the back and a final one, right as they moved their head to you—!
CRACK!
It hit right through the glass, right into and against their collarbone. Blood spewed and they screamed in pain before they slumped forward in their robotic contraption... You were okay.. Finished.
"Oh Eywa.." you sighed in relief, breathing out heavily, the warpaint across you smeared with grass and mud and dirt and blood, splinters and others. You took in and let out breaths you didn't know you held in.
You jumped down from the tree, grabbing on the leaves and gently sliding down before standing straight on the grass, you took in a breath. You had one or maybe two arrows more, you sighed out in relief. You took steps back away from the body of the warriors, and turned around.
You looked down, pressing your intercom, "Sir! I'm here!" you called over softly before immediately—
"Kid—?! you okay—! Shit, your team is already heading over! They said they couldn't reach you!" Jake's voice called, you could already hear somewhere in the distance a bit of arguing, and then Neteyam's voice, "Dad! Is she—Is she okay?" he asked, panicked before you heard some murmurs.
"You alright, kid?"
"Yes, sir." you replied back, looking down and taking a step ahead, a soft rustle of grass and the soft clink of your jewellery, you didn't pay much attention, more busy listening in on the instructions.
"Alright, head back. Quickly." Jake said, voice concerned but keeping warmer like he does with Tuk or Kiri, like you were already his daughter. You felt warmth in your neck, a soft smile on your lips and another jingle from your tweng's dangles.
The warmth on your neck, silently made you stretch your head, you let out a loud cry, calling onto Hufaê, hoping she was still around. Cause you weren't sure how far was the walk back to the clan. You hummed, another soft clink—wait..
That wasn't you—! Your hand grabbed your arrow, notching it and whipping around, "Sir Jake Sully, wai—!"
BANG!
Your head whipped not in time, right before the wind was knocked out of you as you fell back roughly, head hitting the bark of a tree roughly as you jerked backwards, falling behind and sitting down hard. Breathed knocked out of you, like it somebody hit your throat, your body jolted from where the pain came from, shockwaves hitting you roughly.
A bullet hit you. The vrrtep shot you—!
Pain shot through you like hot metal held against your skin and peeled back roughly, ripping skin off.
Your finger let go of the arrow, again hitting the glass of amplified mobility platform and the human in it, again it only hit their upper arm, the junction near their shoulder, and they screamed in pain like you, but again tried to mobilise their gun using their good hand. Your dazed head literally felt like it was choking you on it's own, you took a desperate shaky breath, attempting to crawl back, but red was staining the floor.
"Damn fuckin' local tails like ya really think you can overpower me?" the human treaded closer, the robotic arms holding the large gun as he began aiming it at you, the crackled glass did little and so did the arrows.
"Kid, what's going on?!" you heard over the intercom, but your mind had already begun to cloud over, your panic and adrenaline didn't do much to help.
You squeezed back, sucking in a breath to not cry, the warpaint smeared further, blood dripping into the soil and into Eywa's earth, the man had somehow managed to click the gun's safety lock, you somehow pushed yourself against the tree bark.
"Kid, ANSWER!" the intercom said, but all that came out your mouth was a lowly groan, trying to sit up, but still lolling down, eyes felt painfully sore and throat even more so.
The wetness of whatever fluids gushed out, ran through your veins. The bullet felt messy, you could feel the pain, the way it wasn't masking itself, unable to, from the way the adrenaline in you was lowering now..
But still, you tried to move away somehow. You managed to crawl aside a bit more, the tree now no longer your support, but the human was already somehow gathering it's bearings, quicker and easier than you. With two of your arrows embedded in them.
"Kid?! We're SENDING SOMEONE OVER!" You heard before the static moved off, you groaned in desperation as if saying 'don't leave now! NO! please—please..no..' but nothing came out except a slurring groan and some drool this time too. Your hand moved to wipe your mouth quickly, as the man took another step ahead
You tried to drag yourself away again, this time, your feet and one side of upper arm got tangled in thing strangly web-like vines descending from the tree.
"Fuckin' blue monkeys." he hissed, venom coating his words. In response, you snarled back, baring your canine and attempting to intimidate. It didn't seem to intimidate the man, as you snarled again. One last attempt. You controlled your breath, garnered strength as much as you could. So you could be heard. Scare and be strong. and most of all, BE LOUDER.
Of-course, your snarled almost resonated nearby trees, in the energy spent, your head slumped back, revealing your neck as you moved one hand to cover your throat, again gaining control in your neck and bringing your head straight.
but the man chuckled, "Fucking mutt, you all really do act like savages." he hissed, taking a step ahead. Your head straightened with remaining strength, your golden eyes glared at him. Your eyes were blurring over, your arms giving out. Help would be too far..
He took steps ahead, his stronger arm holding the gun as he tried to garner strength in the other. You eyes squeezed shut, blurring over and throat convulsing and watering sourly. You can't die, not like this—! NO!
And that's when your heard it. A roar. A road which was loud and strong.
Your eyes opened, another figure hitting your hazy eye, too blurry but you swore you heard a small yip of joy in yourself, the figure descended right on top of the human, crushing the glass even more, before the snapping jaws of the random arial creature grabbed the human before throwing them across the forest floor, causing a deep incision in the soil itself , roaring loudly.
That had to hurt.
You couldn't tell though, your eyes were blurred with tears, throat choked up and mind dazed out. You could barely comprehend one moment to next, the adrenaline ran too high, so you swore you kept twitching. One hand held your side where the bullet had embedded itself.
The creature yipped loudly, it's wings flaring brightly. Your eyes admired the colors, even if clouded over by the sole tiredness you provided yourself, head lolling backward or slumping ahead like you could barely support yourself, but you swore your lips lilted in a small smile, before you slump back.
Thankfully the web-like vines tangled themselves, holding you up. You still looked at the beautiful creature with dazed and bleary eyes, softly crooning in weak voice, body feeling like a marionette with no strength in muscles so your joints were giving up.
"..Hufaê.."
—
"Kid?! We're SENDING SOMEONE OVER!" Jake yelled over the intercom. Neteyam's eyes widened in worry, as he urged his ikran to fly ahead further. They were almost over Hallelujah mountains. Lo'ak also seemed to be calling over his intercom, "Contact her on your own, I'll try from this side." he grabbed what was supposed to be a walkie-talkie he handed you, tugged onto his necklace, it was small, black.
"Y/N, can you hear us?.. Y/N!" he called, before shaking his head nervously, "What..? What's wrong?" Neteyam asked, voice cracking with him unable to control his throat constricting,
"She's not responding, sir." Lo'ak told Jake, almost unable to look at Neteyam's almost broken face. Neteyam softly motioned for his ikran to fly faster. He can't stand this, he shouldn't have let you go on this mission..
Jake, Lo'ak and Neteyam swooped in the underside of the mountain, entering in vertically. Neteyam lands his ikran, Oaytokx, who growled and simmered in extreme worry he was feeling from Neteyam. Neteyam disconnected his tsaheylu, patting his ikran.
"The war party is back!" Tuk came running over and pulling Kiri behind her, hugging Neteyam tightly. Neteyam forced on a smile, while Kiri frowned seeing the look on her brothers and father's faces,
"What's wrong?" Kiri asked, silently prying Tuk off Neteyam, who clearly needed space in the moment. Lo'ak gently calmed his ikran, letting him land peacefully. He didn't get off, when he answered,
"Y/N hasn't returned, she's not responding to calls either. Her last intercom seemed to have some gun noise." Lo'ak whispered. "What." Kiri's eyes darkened when she spoke, worry and concern already swirling in her as she turned to watch Neteyam walk off without a word, when Neytiri's ikran also landed beside theirs.
Upon learning of the news, Neytiri softly snarled, but she also seemed worried. She got off, pulling her kuru away as she stood straight, slightly bruised on her back, but overall fine. "Kiri, take your sister and head back inside." Neytiri ordered firmly. Kiri nodded, gently tugging Tuk away with her.
Neteyam silently waited around a bit, hoping that your intercom just got broken and nothing more. But after a while, his worry and panic was overriding his patience, so he tried to connected to you through his mother's intercom, before asking around if anyone saw you come in.
Every 'no' seemed to spike his worry, and trouble. By the time, he returned, Jake was already getting off Bob, who yipped softly at Lo'ak's ikran. Lo'ak followed their dad, disconnecting the tsaheylu from his ikran gently.
"Where is she? Dad, she-she could be in SO MUCH trouble-or hurt-or-!" he kept talking in worry. Jake took steps ahead quickly, now wasn't the time to play commander, but dad.
Jake gently grabbed Neteyam's shoulder, "She's strong, They'll be fine. Take a breather, boy, I've already sent people over." he said softly. Walking over. Your squad had returned, the ones you accompanied, but you weren't around. No one could reach you..
Jake himself doesn't want to think bad or wrong, he trusted you. You were a good kid and you trusted him, he can't be breaking your trust like this—no!
"Any news?, "No, Toruk Makto." Jake silently groaned at response from the warriors. Neteyam pacing the High Camp, despite his own injuries, his face worried. You'd be fine, he trusts you, yes. You are a great fighter, you're strong and you're smart and you're resourceful in a way he thinks is amazing of you.
But Neteyam also wants you to be as safe as possible. As safe as he can allow things to be for you.
Neteyam's tail flicked and swished in worry, ears twitching in tandem. His hand gently pats Oaytokx's head, as if trying to distract himself. Jake gave strict directions, "Both of you, stay down here. I'll go on rounds to look for them." He said, climbing back on Bob, connecting tsaheylu before Jake took off.
Lo'ak gently rubs his back, "bro, it's going to be fine. She'll return to us, the humans can't capture her!" he said. Lo'ak tried to convince him, rubbing his back. Neteyam only shook his head gently, picking at one of his braids before he silently sat down as to not pace himself and panic even more. Lo'ak also seemingly kept trying to comfort him, though he also seemed worried that you hadn't returned.
Neytiri, after being bandaged quickly, returned to her children's sides, "She shall be fine, Eywa won't let such a girl be harmed." she whispered, gently rubbing Neteyam's back. Lo'ak rolled his eyes, but tapped his feet silently. Everyone seemed to be heading in, and they had already sent four to five people to look for you, not to mention, Jake was patrolling around to look for you as well.
Neteyam's eyes were now starting to sting, even as he tried to not cry. Thoughts and conclusions were becoming worse and worse and he felt nauseated, like he was going to empty the contents of his stomach if he didn't get some news soon. His mother sat beside him, Lo'ak kept talking to him about how good they had done in the mission, Lo'ak's own tactic of comforting Neteyam.
"And remember when we ACTUALLY were called in? Woah!"
Lo'ak motioned with his hands, as if showing how they dove in. It did little to comfort Neteyam, but even that little meant something when he felt devastated that you haven't returned from your only mission away from him.
Eyes starting to grow swollen as he kept rubbing them to remove the tears before they got out, "You'll hurt your eyes." Neytiri whispered, gently pulling his hand away, hugging him against her side and kissing his head.
A genuine spot of affection from his mother.
Neteyam had protested against his father to send you around without him with you, but you had promised you'd be careful and that you both needed to built independent skills as well. Depending on each other can only do so good, right? He remembers smiling brightly at how strong and firm and confident you seemed.
Look how well that turned out.
Neteyam sighed, stretching his neck and arms slightly, even as Lo'ak kept talking and his mother sat, murmuring comfort or humming in agreement to Lo'ak's words. His eyes again trained to the sky, Jake's ikran descended back. Jake got off, face buried in his hands as Neteyam stood up,
"Dad, anything..?" he asked, nervously, hands tightening till his knuckles felt pained. Jake sighed, as Neytiri sighed in worry, "Nothing. Nothing at all, I've kept a lookout, we have to wait." he mumbled.
Neteyam looked away, before anything could happen, wiping his eyes again. Eyes stinging as he tried to not cry, he can't lose you. Absolutely not, you were one thing in his life he doesn't have to perfect for. Nothing could keep him away from you, but he didn't want to cry..It felt humiliating enough.
Lo'ak softly turned to him, "Bro, maybe—"
"Not now, Lo'ak." Neteyam said, voice more sharp than he intended it to be as he sighed out, shakily. Voice cracking and eyes stinting with blurred up tears. As if to combat them, he looked up, wiping his eyes with his palms and blinked to clear his eyes. That's when he saw a soft shadow flying, he paused, squinting his eyes.
"You were being a douche, maybe she already called for help, but we seriously—"
"Lo'ak, shut up for a second."
Neteyam barely said anything more and stood up, walking to the edge of the edge and looking to make sure he's seeing it right. Catching Neteyam's line of sight, Neytiri blinks and squints and Lo'ak follows their gaze,
"HUFAÊ—!" Neteyam's voice got caught in his throat in near relief, "That's Hufaê!" he called. The ikran roared back loudly in response, flying faster as it descended before landing. Neteyam ran over, but froze when he saw the sight in it's entirety.
His heart sunk down to his feet. He was almost buckling over and falling in his own pain at the sight of you.
You were barely holding on, your kuru wasn't even fully connected to Hufaê's, warpaint smudged, blood seeping down Hufaê's back and wings, onto her abdomen from where a large gaping wound lay.
You barely blinked and looked up, "..I-did—" before your body lost it's balance as you fell over. You luckily didn't hit the floor. Neteyam's arms quickly held onto you, gently helping you off, laying you down. Hufaê loudly snarled, as if she needed you awake. Neytiri turned to calm the ikran, while Lo'ak ran to get Mo'at, Norm and Max. ANYONE who could help.
Neteyam held your hand, holding down on the bullet wound, while Jake gently hit your cheeks, "Kid, kid you awake? Get up!" he hissed. Neteyam's voice was crumpling in itself, "Yawne, yawne! Get up. Y/N, can you hear me?" he called, gently shaking you from your shoulders.
Your eyes barely moved, barely open and slipping in and out of consciousness, "..Did my duty—" before you coughed violently. Jake rubbed your back, holding you against him on one side while Neteyam held your hand tightly.
"Shhh, yeah. i know..I know, kid. You did well. You did amazing. Great, in-fact." Jake shushed you, pushing back your braids. Tears of pain and to clear out your blurry eyes, Jake's fingers gently wiped them. Neteyam's hand held down on your wound.
"Yawne, you did so well on your mission." Neteyam whispered, even though he had no idea what actually occurred, he just needed you to hold on. Your hand gently moved around his, tightened for a second, "yeah..?" you asked, despite your eyes closing.
"Yeah, definitely." He said softly, your eyes closing as you fell unconscious, "Y/N...? Y/N!" Neteyam shook you when Neytiri pulled him back gently,
"She shall be fine, she's in Eywa's hands now, be patient." Neytiri whispered gently. Jake gently pulled off the body-came he put on you, to record in case something EXACTLY like this happens. It comes in use.
By the time Norm, Max and others came over with stretcher and whatever they needed. Neteyam could barely pull himself away from you, his sobs wrecking his body while he tried to stay strong, even if his voice cracked whenever he spoke.
"Yawne, you hear- shit," he sucked in a breath, "You hear me? You're okay-You're okay. Norm's here, you'll be okay. I promise, just...don-don't let go." His grip tightened on your hand, before he reluctantly let go to move you. Jake helped Neteyam get up on the stretcher, as he again returned to your side, to hold your hand while you were being rushed inside the High Camp.
Neteyam's hands held your tightly, while he sobbed. But after a bit, Norm and jake did have to convince Neteyam to leave so you could be treated in a sterile condition. It took a lot of convincing, not to mention Lo'ak and Spider basically wrestling him out of there. He sat the entire time outside, with Hufaê, your ikran, who seemed rather devastated herself that you were hurt.
Neteyam gently stroked her head with the back of his nails, seeing how she softly whined or let out yips of sadness since she happened to miss you so much. That sort of bond was rare between a na'vi and ikran. Neteyam felt glad that even if not him, you had someone who cared for you as much as he seemingly does.
—
"Neteyam, she'll be fine. It's okay. They're fine now." on top of soft sobbing, your mind could barely comprehend anything. Like you were physically glued and stuck to the ground. Nothing moved, even if you used your entire capability to, like a web on top of you was stopping you.
Besides, your one hand was physically held by someone. It was soft, someone's soft hand. You guessed, when you finally began pulling yourself together, stirring silently.
"Neteyam. Breathe, boy. She's fine," Jake's voice carried over, before your vision opened to reveal blinding lights. The blinding lights made you immediately clamp your eyes shut again. "They returned, didn't they?"
Jake whispered, gently wiping Neteyam's tears as he held Neteyam's head to his chest. It was a bit out of the ordinary to be so soft nowadays for Jake, but right now. Jake wasn't playing commander, but rather dad to his kid. His first born.
"Yeah, returned while shot! She almost died!" Neteyam whispered, wiping his face haphazardly and then leaning his head back against Jake. Jake gently fixed your fan which was above you, watching over silently. You stirred softly, which made Neteyam perk up to sit. His eyes swollen, reddened from hours of crying.
"Y/N—Y/N. Are-are you alright?" he asked, your eyes blinking open tiredly, while you coughed a bit. Neteyam's grip on your hand tightened, while your other hand was grabbing onto the nearest thing for support which was wires from the machines.
When you grabbed onto them, Jake grabbed your wrists, gently prying them off the essential wires and held your hand in his own.
Jake's finger rubbed small circles on your hand while Neytiri was rubbing some ointment into your side, before packing it up tightly in bark-made bandages. "Your wounds were strong. By Eywa's blessings, have you seem to survive." Neytiri mumbled, voice soft but still proud of you.
Neteyam's large hand hooded over your eyes to block out some light from your eyes. Your eyes blinked, clearing up as you took in a breath, attempting to sit up,
"No..Lay there," Neteyam whispered, hand on your shoulder to just push your back. You were going to protest, but his swollen, tear-ridden eyes made you stop,
"Please, Oaretsyìp.. Just-just stay and heal."
He said it, like it'll be difficult to let you actually walk around and be active. So you silently laid back, taking in breaths for yourself while Neteyam silently played with your fingers.
Laying back down, being treated, you softly sighed out before speaking up,"What happened..?" you asked yourself, before pausing and remembering all that happened,
"right—got shot. Yeah."
You nodded to your own memory trying to teach you and remind you of everything that happened since this morning. Jake looked up, smiling silently as he fixed your hair, his own large fingers tracing tiny circles on your palm.
"You took quite a hit kid. I saw the recording, you busted some ass." He said, voice proud while you grinned, winking one eye. But paused when you realised the state you were in, hooked up to machines, bandages of both human and na'vi manner around you. Warpaint wiped clean off, but bruises spotting around. You were supposed to come back with minimal damage to yourself, now?
You looked like you got eaten by a palulukan and then spat out when it decided it was enough to use you as a chew toy. You cleared your throat, before speaking up,
"I'm.. sorry, sir. For getting in the fight. I should've stayed out of it, like you told me to." you whispered.
You always were a bit of a unintended rebel, you didn't mean to disobey when you knew it should do you good, but it felt better to do things your way sometimes.
"It's fine. You aren't the first and you won't be the last and this won't be your last ride either. You did quite well for your first solo mission than I expected, that would deserve you a drink back on Earth."
"...Earth?" you blinked in confusion, what the hell was that?
But Jake shook his head with a fond look, "Forget it." but Neteyam gently looked up, gently placing a kiss to your cheek, "It's where dad's from, where all sky-people are from." He said, softly stroking your cheek. You looked up at him, his arm propped up on his elbow and face against his palm as he watched you.
"Ah.."
Neteyam smiled, wiping his eyes lastly, even if eyelashes glistened with remnants of tears which he was unable to wipe away,
"You did great.." he whispered to you, a soft smile finally reaching his lips, "You fought amazing, even with how badly you were injured, you stayed consciousness long enough to reach us."
Neteyam's voice was warm, as he gently stroked your cheek with his knuckles or hands, before snuggling his cheek against yours to get his scent on you for a second. Your voice cracked when you responded,
"..You think so?"
"I know so. Also, Hufaê was crying while you were treating, you should go see her since she's not allowed inside here." Neteyam said gently, chuckling fondly at the idea of the ikran and how direly it was trying to enter when Neteyam was allowed in. "I'll go see her right after this."
Jake clicked his tongue, "Oh, but you're grounded on my end. No flying until you heal, you hear me, kid?" , "But, sir—", "no arguments." Jake put down his foot, firmly but in his own loving manner for you. You sighed, but nodded your head.
For your own good.
"I really didn't do a well enough job though. I was supposed to come back with minimal damage." You whispered, but Neteyam simply leaned close, kissing your lips and then cheek,
"All i'm glad for is that you came back AT ALL. You did what you thought was right, help them as much as you could. And you helped immensly. You fought like a true warrior," he whispered, his cheek gently nuzzling on top of your head, while your cheek snuggled against the side of his jaw and throat,
And Neteyam sighed. You're back, in his arms and completely okay for a while now. "And that's your personality to the core, to be strong, even if hurt."
The length!? The characters? I love how the writer included EVERY SINGLE THING from the request. SULLY FAMILY FEELS WAS THE CHERRY ON TOP! AND SOME IKRAN ACTION UGH I LOVE THIS. It’s def going into my favorite folder ❤️
I'M SO GLAD YOU LIKE IT!! I seriously thought I wasn't going to be able to complete it in my goal time, but I finished it!! I'm SO GLAD this worked out. I really thought I wrote Neteyam OOC.
But I hope to continue writing for as long as avatar movies come!! I LOVE the avatar movies!! I'm so glad I also got to write for Hufaê. It was this plush ikran my ma made when the movies first came out for me, when i was a baby!!
I’m starved for some good Protective/Neteyam x Fem/Injured/Reader fics. Inspired by the new trailer for AFAA showing an injured Neytiri being rushed on a stretcher (I’m thinking to the lab/surgery/etc) and seeing spoiler clips of her injury, I’ve been craving something similar for a Neteyam x reader fic!
Scenario: Reader is injured on a mission while flying on her Ikran. Neteyam is stationed somewhere else but he goes against Jake’s orders to get to her as he hears she’s been hit over the coms. But Reader is a very strong Navi warrior and insists on flying back on her own to report to Jake before showing the severity of her injuries. Maybe she ends up collapsing the second her Ikran lands and is rushed to the lab by Neteyam and Jake? Heavy emphasis on protective Neteyam seeing her hurt!! Would love to see the bond with her Ikran also emphasized!! Can be AFAA or ATWOW!! Hope this makes sense I am STARVED for some angst and injury fics
— To be strong, but hurt
GENRE: Angst || Comfort
WORDS FROM RXSIL: Thank you SO much for this request!! I absolutely ADORED writing this one, I couldn't even keep myself from squealing while writing, so I HOPE I did this one to justice. I think I got messed in the head by the end, I have no idea what happened in the middle. Stale bits of writing, kill me. PLEASEEE! Release me from this torment. Loved this request though!!
WARNINGS: Fem!Reader. Blood. Racism against na'vi? Reader gets shot. You use your arrow to attack. I named Neteyam's ikran. She/they pronounces for reader? Implications of an ikran killing a human? Tell me if I missed something. Jake loves you like a daughter.
SYNOPSIS: "Neteyam believes anytime he has to stay away from you, he is punished by Eywa to do so. So when you're DYING to prove yourself to Jake, that belief is pushed to the edge of truth when you end up getting yourself attacked."
In Pandora, every being relies on something. Similarly, the clan and na'vi individuals rely on each other; for safety, for food, for necessities, for even fighting and against danger. The clans of forest, closest to the interactions with humans are always relying on each other for going against any sign of weird sky-walkers and avatars.
You understood your part in the clan; it was a simple task. Be careful, spy silently, keep out of trouble and attack only if you deemed it was necessary, Jake Sully trusted you knew when it was because you had good judgement unlike Neteyam and Lo'ak. You followed Jake's rules to an exact TEE, not just because he was the olo'eyktan and the Toruk Makto.
But perhaps also because he was your father-figure in a way, he trusted you. You were a good kid in his eye and since Neteyam and Lo'ak were stationed elsewhere, you promised him you'd do good and take over for eastern side.
And for this reason, you were trusted alone. Neteyam's intercom had recently broken, so all he had to contact you was to depend on his father or brother to contact people or you. His radio wasn't getting fixed up until a few days later.
So you knew you'd be alone too. No help from your yawntu, not in the moment. But you had to trust them and know they'll be here when you need them.
Your feet gentle padded against the grass as you bent down, radio around your throat tight and active. Face and body warpaint covering your skin so it'll camouflage you to the best of ability, your bow held tightly in one hand. You softly held in a breath, your kuru attached to your ikran, Hufaê's.
She softly growled, keeping quiet but also snuggled softly as if to comfort you into being more confident. You could feel her encouragement through the tsaheylu, her heartbeat as you patted her gently. You needed her around you, and she knew you did. You two were best-friends, since you'd chosen each other for your iknimaya.
You gently crouched, your tail softly flicking. Your footsteps silent while you scanned your golden-eyes around, looking at the opposite side of where humans had paused a huge vehicle of sorts. Another way to transport their resources and weaponry.
"What in Eywa's name—" you paused, watching a human jog past in what seemed to be fake pair of legs and arms to match upto your sizes. What were they going to do? Physically wrestle? Hufaê softly snorted. You shushed her gently. "We need to check them out and leave unless we need to attack, Hufaê." You whispered.
A human walked past, wearing a weirdly patterned suit—military print. Jake explained that print was worn by 'fighters' or people in excharge. They seemed to be speaking grievously, the human's voice tense, serious and steely. "Alright, eastern side, all clear." they said loudly. Everyone seemed to be guiding silently.
But, you saw the numbers, it was slightly more than you expected to see in the Eastern side.
You had to fight, nothing else could be done.
You softly took in a breath, eyes glancing up for a few seconds at the other na'vi who'd been stationed on this side of the forest, you sucked in a breath, heart-beating faster. Hufaê softly bumped you with her head, making you nod as you gently pulled your kuru away from hers, breaking the tsaheylu, but gently motioning for her to stay down and stay quiet.
Your eyes again scanned every place, hearing very subtly call of the other na'vis, which would usually be taken off the radar under the assump that they were the sound of Pandorean birds to the humans, a static hit your throat and ears,
"Eastern wing, how is everything?" Jake's voice asked. You were going to answer, when the rustling of leaves caused you to freeze, making you move a bit deeper in the foliage to stay silent. Jake received answers from others, you could hear them, but when he didn't hear you, he asked again—
"Kid. Answer, you good?" he repeated. You sucked in a breath, but hummed, "Yeah—yes, sir." you whispered. "Alright." before the static was gone. Everyone stayed silent, waiting for the signal to start the attack. It wasn't too far off, you sucked in a breath, arrow and bow in your hand.
"And NOW!"
You whipped your body quickly together as you notched your arrow before shooting, hitting two separate humans together as they groaned in pain, while Hufaê chose to stamp over, snapping her jaws as if to drive back any human she could.
Other na'vi's joined the attack in the exact moment your arrow hit the glass of a flying mobile, the glass cracking before digging into the pilot as it began descending, sending frenzy among the humans, who began garnering their weapons and guns.
The fight was no small thing. While, yes, it was smaller than the main place the Sullys were stationed in, you had BEGGED to be in this spot and it was smaller movement.
Some RDA humans seeing the attack, immediately ducked into their helicopters or air-crafts, buzzing them into life and using the attached guns to attack. You ducked, grabbing another arrow and shooting it up. Hufaê softly howled, using her size to nudge a human off their feet, while you shot the arrows.
The arrows flew through, the coloured springs on them signs of the defenders. All while the arrows dug themselves into vital parts of the humans, while the other na'vis were busy attacking the cargo for transporting their resources and weapons. The defenders yelled the fighting and battles cries loudly overhead, their weapons accurate as you tugged on another bow from your back.
Notching it and you pulled the string, before shooting. The arrow's seeding past with air almost vaporising for a second before they hit their targets with uncanny preciseness. Neytiri would've been proud, Neteyam even more so.
Your held on your arrow tightened, knuckles tight and swung it roughly against the back of a human, causing them yell loudly before crumbling infront of you, falling against the grass roughly, scratching their skin. Your snarled loudly at the ones who tried to approach you, if they even tried to, or swung as much. You sucked in a breath, trying to calm your breath, grabbing your arrow and aiming it at the blades of the aircrafts, hitting it and breaking the metal, causing the Kestrels to fall.
Your hand reaches back, grabbing mindlessly for an arrow, only you feel nothing come up at all— "Pxasìk!" you hissed under your breath, turning your head but clearly seeing it empty, as you shifted back, letting out a loud cry to alert others that you needed help in being covered.
It was responded to within a second, a large ikran and a na'vi, Mo'unyu, your friend, slammed down on the ground beside you, rolling before standing beside you, their ikran loudly roaring and pushing back the beings, snapping their sharp teeth.
You and Mo'unyu immediately crouched, falling back as they handed you a few arrows, before listening in to another cry of na'vi, "Shall you be fine here?"
"Yes! Go, help them." you hummed, nodding while you counted the arrows and began planning how to use them efficiently. Mo'unyu would insist on staying, but you seemed tense, so they climbed back on their ikran before flying off.
Your hand counted them, before silently putting them against your back.
when you heard it—
A large robotic groan came from your side, your head whipped to your side to notice another robot holding a gun. You grabbed your arrow, but before that, you heard a loud whistle of bullet as you got down on the grass.
"AGH—! Hufaê, GO! Cover!" you hissed, crawling as fast as you could away from the clearing, before standing up and running round the side of the clearing. You could hear Hufaê fly up, her wings rustling tree tops, but you ran faster. You knew these forests like the back of your hand, but right now? It felt like it was looming over you. You hoped to lose the human while your feet patterned on the soft grass and mud, a tiny stone or two sometimes piercing your foot as you winced, but didn't stop.
But the human seemed to persist, even if at a bit of distance, you could hear them yell orders back to some comrades through communication device.
"Oh, Eywa..please work." you silently mumbled, crouching, before climbing up the tree, your hands held tightly on the bark before climbing higher, you hoped the flora disguised yourself well enough..
When the branch beside your head broke apart, splinters hitting as you hissed under your breath, whipping your head to see the human smirk, "Come on down, buttercup..We'll be nice!" he hollered softly, as you snarled loudly, before turning behind the bark, and silently going up,
"No..? Tch," the human clicked their tongue, before you heard another bullet. In an acrobatic arc, you jumped onto the vine of another tree, getting higher, before settling up. You got a view, before you moved higher and onto another tree, a large arc of your arms supporting you before somehow launched yourself onto another pointed branch, rustling the plants around gently.
Luckily, the rustling confused the human a bit, with how it occurred rapidly around on different points as they shot bullets whenever the rustling of plants occurred, but didn't come up with your body.
You finally got a vantage point behind their robotic body's glass back and grabbed an arrow, notching and hitting it directly at the upper leg of the robot, another arrow onto the back and a final one, right as they moved their head to you—!
CRACK!
It hit right through the glass, right into and against their collarbone. Blood spewed and they screamed in pain before they slumped forward in their robotic contraption... You were okay.. Finished.
"Oh Eywa.." you sighed in relief, breathing out heavily, the warpaint across you smeared with grass and mud and dirt and blood, splinters and others. You took in and let out breaths you didn't know you held in.
You jumped down from the tree, grabbing on the leaves and gently sliding down before standing straight on the grass, you took in a breath. You had one or maybe two arrows more, you sighed out in relief. You took steps back away from the body of the warriors, and turned around.
You looked down, pressing your intercom, "Sir! I'm here!" you called over softly before immediately—
"Kid—?! you okay—! Shit, your team is already heading over! They said they couldn't reach you!" Jake's voice called, you could already hear somewhere in the distance a bit of arguing, and then Neteyam's voice, "Dad! Is she—Is she okay?" he asked, panicked before you heard some murmurs.
"You alright, kid?"
"Yes, sir." you replied back, looking down and taking a step ahead, a soft rustle of grass and the soft clink of your jewellery, you didn't pay much attention, more busy listening in on the instructions.
"Alright, head back. Quickly." Jake said, voice concerned but keeping warmer like he does with Tuk or Kiri, like you were already his daughter. You felt warmth in your neck, a soft smile on your lips and another jingle from your tweng's dangles.
The warmth on your neck, silently made you stretch your head, you let out a loud cry, calling onto Hufaê, hoping she was still around. Cause you weren't sure how far was the walk back to the clan. You hummed, another soft clink—wait..
That wasn't you—! Your hand grabbed your arrow, notching it and whipping around, "Sir Jake Sully, wai—!"
BANG!
Your head whipped not in time, right before the wind was knocked out of you as you fell back roughly, head hitting the bark of a tree roughly as you jerked backwards, falling behind and sitting down hard. Breathed knocked out of you, like it somebody hit your throat, your body jolted from where the pain came from, shockwaves hitting you roughly.
A bullet hit you. The vrrtep shot you—!
Pain shot through you like hot metal held against your skin and peeled back roughly, ripping skin off.
Your finger let go of the arrow, again hitting the glass of amplified mobility platform and the human in it, again it only hit their upper arm, the junction near their shoulder, and they screamed in pain like you, but again tried to mobilise their gun using their good hand. Your dazed head literally felt like it was choking you on it's own, you took a desperate shaky breath, attempting to crawl back, but red was staining the floor.
"Damn fuckin' local tails like ya really think you can overpower me?" the human treaded closer, the robotic arms holding the large gun as he began aiming it at you, the crackled glass did little and so did the arrows.
"Kid, what's going on?!" you heard over the intercom, but your mind had already begun to cloud over, your panic and adrenaline didn't do much to help.
You squeezed back, sucking in a breath to not cry, the warpaint smeared further, blood dripping into the soil and into Eywa's earth, the man had somehow managed to click the gun's safety lock, you somehow pushed yourself against the tree bark.
"Kid, ANSWER!" the intercom said, but all that came out your mouth was a lowly groan, trying to sit up, but still lolling down, eyes felt painfully sore and throat even more so.
The wetness of whatever fluids gushed out, ran through your veins. The bullet felt messy, you could feel the pain, the way it wasn't masking itself, unable to, from the way the adrenaline in you was lowering now..
But still, you tried to move away somehow. You managed to crawl aside a bit more, the tree now no longer your support, but the human was already somehow gathering it's bearings, quicker and easier than you. With two of your arrows embedded in them.
"Kid?! We're SENDING SOMEONE OVER!" You heard before the static moved off, you groaned in desperation as if saying 'don't leave now! NO! please—please..no..' but nothing came out except a slurring groan and some drool this time too. Your hand moved to wipe your mouth quickly, as the man took another step ahead
You tried to drag yourself away again, this time, your feet and one side of upper arm got tangled in thing strangly web-like vines descending from the tree.
"Fuckin' blue monkeys." he hissed, venom coating his words. In response, you snarled back, baring your canine and attempting to intimidate. It didn't seem to intimidate the man, as you snarled again. One last attempt. You controlled your breath, garnered strength as much as you could. So you could be heard. Scare and be strong. and most of all, BE LOUDER.
Of-course, your snarled almost resonated nearby trees, in the energy spent, your head slumped back, revealing your neck as you moved one hand to cover your throat, again gaining control in your neck and bringing your head straight.
but the man chuckled, "Fucking mutt, you all really do act like savages." he hissed, taking a step ahead. Your head straightened with remaining strength, your golden eyes glared at him. Your eyes were blurring over, your arms giving out. Help would be too far..
He took steps ahead, his stronger arm holding the gun as he tried to garner strength in the other. You eyes squeezed shut, blurring over and throat convulsing and watering sourly. You can't die, not like this—! NO!
And that's when your heard it. A roar. A road which was loud and strong.
Your eyes opened, another figure hitting your hazy eye, too blurry but you swore you heard a small yip of joy in yourself, the figure descended right on top of the human, crushing the glass even more, before the snapping jaws of the random arial creature grabbed the human before throwing them across the forest floor, causing a deep incision in the soil itself , roaring loudly.
That had to hurt.
You couldn't tell though, your eyes were blurred with tears, throat choked up and mind dazed out. You could barely comprehend one moment to next, the adrenaline ran too high, so you swore you kept twitching. One hand held your side where the bullet had embedded itself.
The creature yipped loudly, it's wings flaring brightly. Your eyes admired the colors, even if clouded over by the sole tiredness you provided yourself, head lolling backward or slumping ahead like you could barely support yourself, but you swore your lips lilted in a small smile, before you slump back.
Thankfully the web-like vines tangled themselves, holding you up. You still looked at the beautiful creature with dazed and bleary eyes, softly crooning in weak voice, body feeling like a marionette with no strength in muscles so your joints were giving up.
"..Hufaê.."
—
"Kid?! We're SENDING SOMEONE OVER!" Jake yelled over the intercom. Neteyam's eyes widened in worry, as he urged his ikran to fly ahead further. They were almost over Hallelujah mountains. Lo'ak also seemed to be calling over his intercom, "Contact her on your own, I'll try from this side." he grabbed what was supposed to be a walkie-talkie he handed you, tugged onto his necklace, it was small, black.
"Y/N, can you hear us?.. Y/N!" he called, before shaking his head nervously, "What..? What's wrong?" Neteyam asked, voice cracking with him unable to control his throat constricting,
"She's not responding, sir." Lo'ak told Jake, almost unable to look at Neteyam's almost broken face. Neteyam softly motioned for his ikran to fly faster. He can't stand this, he shouldn't have let you go on this mission..
Jake, Lo'ak and Neteyam swooped in the underside of the mountain, entering in vertically. Neteyam lands his ikran, Oaytokx, who growled and simmered in extreme worry he was feeling from Neteyam. Neteyam disconnected his tsaheylu, patting his ikran.
"The war party is back!" Tuk came running over and pulling Kiri behind her, hugging Neteyam tightly. Neteyam forced on a smile, while Kiri frowned seeing the look on her brothers and father's faces,
"What's wrong?" Kiri asked, silently prying Tuk off Neteyam, who clearly needed space in the moment. Lo'ak gently calmed his ikran, letting him land peacefully. He didn't get off, when he answered,
"Y/N hasn't returned, she's not responding to calls either. Her last intercom seemed to have some gun noise." Lo'ak whispered. "What." Kiri's eyes darkened when she spoke, worry and concern already swirling in her as she turned to watch Neteyam walk off without a word, when Neytiri's ikran also landed beside theirs.
Upon learning of the news, Neytiri softly snarled, but she also seemed worried. She got off, pulling her kuru away as she stood straight, slightly bruised on her back, but overall fine. "Kiri, take your sister and head back inside." Neytiri ordered firmly. Kiri nodded, gently tugging Tuk away with her.
Neteyam silently waited around a bit, hoping that your intercom just got broken and nothing more. But after a while, his worry and panic was overriding his patience, so he tried to connected to you through his mother's intercom, before asking around if anyone saw you come in.
Every 'no' seemed to spike his worry, and trouble. By the time, he returned, Jake was already getting off Bob, who yipped softly at Lo'ak's ikran. Lo'ak followed their dad, disconnecting the tsaheylu from his ikran gently.
"Where is she? Dad, she-she could be in SO MUCH trouble-or hurt-or-!" he kept talking in worry. Jake took steps ahead quickly, now wasn't the time to play commander, but dad.
Jake gently grabbed Neteyam's shoulder, "She's strong, They'll be fine. Take a breather, boy, I've already sent people over." he said softly. Walking over. Your squad had returned, the ones you accompanied, but you weren't around. No one could reach you..
Jake himself doesn't want to think bad or wrong, he trusted you. You were a good kid and you trusted him, he can't be breaking your trust like this—no!
"Any news?, "No, Toruk Makto." Jake silently groaned at response from the warriors. Neteyam pacing the High Camp, despite his own injuries, his face worried. You'd be fine, he trusts you, yes. You are a great fighter, you're strong and you're smart and you're resourceful in a way he thinks is amazing of you.
But Neteyam also wants you to be as safe as possible. As safe as he can allow things to be for you.
Neteyam's tail flicked and swished in worry, ears twitching in tandem. His hand gently pats Oaytokx's head, as if trying to distract himself. Jake gave strict directions, "Both of you, stay down here. I'll go on rounds to look for them." He said, climbing back on Bob, connecting tsaheylu before Jake took off.
Lo'ak gently rubs his back, "bro, it's going to be fine. She'll return to us, the humans can't capture her!" he said. Lo'ak tried to convince him, rubbing his back. Neteyam only shook his head gently, picking at one of his braids before he silently sat down as to not pace himself and panic even more. Lo'ak also seemingly kept trying to comfort him, though he also seemed worried that you hadn't returned.
Neytiri, after being bandaged quickly, returned to her children's sides, "She shall be fine, Eywa won't let such a girl be harmed." she whispered, gently rubbing Neteyam's back. Lo'ak rolled his eyes, but tapped his feet silently. Everyone seemed to be heading in, and they had already sent four to five people to look for you, not to mention, Jake was patrolling around to look for you as well.
Neteyam's eyes were now starting to sting, even as he tried to not cry. Thoughts and conclusions were becoming worse and worse and he felt nauseated, like he was going to empty the contents of his stomach if he didn't get some news soon. His mother sat beside him, Lo'ak kept talking to him about how good they had done in the mission, Lo'ak's own tactic of comforting Neteyam.
"And remember when we ACTUALLY were called in? Woah!"
Lo'ak motioned with his hands, as if showing how they dove in. It did little to comfort Neteyam, but even that little meant something when he felt devastated that you haven't returned from your only mission away from him.
Eyes starting to grow swollen as he kept rubbing them to remove the tears before they got out, "You'll hurt your eyes." Neytiri whispered, gently pulling his hand away, hugging him against her side and kissing his head.
A genuine spot of affection from his mother.
Neteyam had protested against his father to send you around without him with you, but you had promised you'd be careful and that you both needed to built independent skills as well. Depending on each other can only do so good, right? He remembers smiling brightly at how strong and firm and confident you seemed.
Look how well that turned out.
Neteyam sighed, stretching his neck and arms slightly, even as Lo'ak kept talking and his mother sat, murmuring comfort or humming in agreement to Lo'ak's words. His eyes again trained to the sky, Jake's ikran descended back. Jake got off, face buried in his hands as Neteyam stood up,
"Dad, anything..?" he asked, nervously, hands tightening till his knuckles felt pained. Jake sighed, as Neytiri sighed in worry, "Nothing. Nothing at all, I've kept a lookout, we have to wait." he mumbled.
Neteyam looked away, before anything could happen, wiping his eyes again. Eyes stinging as he tried to not cry, he can't lose you. Absolutely not, you were one thing in his life he doesn't have to perfect for. Nothing could keep him away from you, but he didn't want to cry..It felt humiliating enough.
Lo'ak softly turned to him, "Bro, maybe—"
"Not now, Lo'ak." Neteyam said, voice more sharp than he intended it to be as he sighed out, shakily. Voice cracking and eyes stinting with blurred up tears. As if to combat them, he looked up, wiping his eyes with his palms and blinked to clear his eyes. That's when he saw a soft shadow flying, he paused, squinting his eyes.
"You were being a douche, maybe she already called for help, but we seriously—"
"Lo'ak, shut up for a second."
Neteyam barely said anything more and stood up, walking to the edge of the edge and looking to make sure he's seeing it right. Catching Neteyam's line of sight, Neytiri blinks and squints and Lo'ak follows their gaze,
"HUFAÊ—!" Neteyam's voice got caught in his throat in near relief, "That's Hufaê!" he called. The ikran roared back loudly in response, flying faster as it descended before landing. Neteyam ran over, but froze when he saw the sight in it's entirety.
His heart sunk down to his feet. He was almost buckling over and falling in his own pain at the sight of you.
You were barely holding on, your kuru wasn't even fully connected to Hufaê's, warpaint smudged, blood seeping down Hufaê's back and wings, onto her abdomen from where a large gaping wound lay.
You barely blinked and looked up, "..I-did—" before your body lost it's balance as you fell over. You luckily didn't hit the floor. Neteyam's arms quickly held onto you, gently helping you off, laying you down. Hufaê loudly snarled, as if she needed you awake. Neytiri turned to calm the ikran, while Lo'ak ran to get Mo'at, Norm and Max. ANYONE who could help.
Neteyam held your hand, holding down on the bullet wound, while Jake gently hit your cheeks, "Kid, kid you awake? Get up!" he hissed. Neteyam's voice was crumpling in itself, "Yawne, yawne! Get up. Y/N, can you hear me?" he called, gently shaking you from your shoulders.
Your eyes barely moved, barely open and slipping in and out of consciousness, "..Did my duty—" before you coughed violently. Jake rubbed your back, holding you against him on one side while Neteyam held your hand tightly.
"Shhh, yeah. i know..I know, kid. You did well. You did amazing. Great, in-fact." Jake shushed you, pushing back your braids. Tears of pain and to clear out your blurry eyes, Jake's fingers gently wiped them. Neteyam's hand held down on your wound.
"Yawne, you did so well on your mission." Neteyam whispered, even though he had no idea what actually occurred, he just needed you to hold on. Your hand gently moved around his, tightened for a second, "yeah..?" you asked, despite your eyes closing.
"Yeah, definitely." He said softly, your eyes closing as you fell unconscious, "Y/N...? Y/N!" Neteyam shook you when Neytiri pulled him back gently,
"She shall be fine, she's in Eywa's hands now, be patient." Neytiri whispered gently. Jake gently pulled off the body-came he put on you, to record in case something EXACTLY like this happens. It comes in use.
By the time Norm, Max and others came over with stretcher and whatever they needed. Neteyam could barely pull himself away from you, his sobs wrecking his body while he tried to stay strong, even if his voice cracked whenever he spoke.
"Yawne, you hear- shit," he sucked in a breath, "You hear me? You're okay-You're okay. Norm's here, you'll be okay. I promise, just...don-don't let go." His grip tightened on your hand, before he reluctantly let go to move you. Jake helped Neteyam get up on the stretcher, as he again returned to your side, to hold your hand while you were being rushed inside the High Camp.
Neteyam's hands held your tightly, while he sobbed. But after a bit, Norm and jake did have to convince Neteyam to leave so you could be treated in a sterile condition. It took a lot of convincing, not to mention Lo'ak and Spider basically wrestling him out of there. He sat the entire time outside, with Hufaê, your ikran, who seemed rather devastated herself that you were hurt.
Neteyam gently stroked her head with the back of his nails, seeing how she softly whined or let out yips of sadness since she happened to miss you so much. That sort of bond was rare between a na'vi and ikran. Neteyam felt glad that even if not him, you had someone who cared for you as much as he seemingly does.
—
"Neteyam, she'll be fine. It's okay. They're fine now." on top of soft sobbing, your mind could barely comprehend anything. Like you were physically glued and stuck to the ground. Nothing moved, even if you used your entire capability to, like a web on top of you was stopping you.
Besides, your one hand was physically held by someone. It was soft, someone's soft hand. You guessed, when you finally began pulling yourself together, stirring silently.
"Neteyam. Breathe, boy. She's fine," Jake's voice carried over, before your vision opened to reveal blinding lights. The blinding lights made you immediately clamp your eyes shut again. "They returned, didn't they?"
Jake whispered, gently wiping Neteyam's tears as he held Neteyam's head to his chest. It was a bit out of the ordinary to be so soft nowadays for Jake, but right now. Jake wasn't playing commander, but rather dad to his kid. His first born.
"Yeah, returned while shot! She almost died!" Neteyam whispered, wiping his face haphazardly and then leaning his head back against Jake. Jake gently fixed your fan which was above you, watching over silently. You stirred softly, which made Neteyam perk up to sit. His eyes swollen, reddened from hours of crying.
"Y/N—Y/N. Are-are you alright?" he asked, your eyes blinking open tiredly, while you coughed a bit. Neteyam's grip on your hand tightened, while your other hand was grabbing onto the nearest thing for support which was wires from the machines.
When you grabbed onto them, Jake grabbed your wrists, gently prying them off the essential wires and held your hand in his own.
Jake's finger rubbed small circles on your hand while Neytiri was rubbing some ointment into your side, before packing it up tightly in bark-made bandages. "Your wounds were strong. By Eywa's blessings, have you seem to survive." Neytiri mumbled, voice soft but still proud of you.
Neteyam's large hand hooded over your eyes to block out some light from your eyes. Your eyes blinked, clearing up as you took in a breath, attempting to sit up,
"No..Lay there," Neteyam whispered, hand on your shoulder to just push your back. You were going to protest, but his swollen, tear-ridden eyes made you stop,
"Please, Oaretsyìp.. Just-just stay and heal."
He said it, like it'll be difficult to let you actually walk around and be active. So you silently laid back, taking in breaths for yourself while Neteyam silently played with your fingers.
Laying back down, being treated, you softly sighed out before speaking up,"What happened..?" you asked yourself, before pausing and remembering all that happened,
"right—got shot. Yeah."
You nodded to your own memory trying to teach you and remind you of everything that happened since this morning. Jake looked up, smiling silently as he fixed your hair, his own large fingers tracing tiny circles on your palm.
"You took quite a hit kid. I saw the recording, you busted some ass." He said, voice proud while you grinned, winking one eye. But paused when you realised the state you were in, hooked up to machines, bandages of both human and na'vi manner around you. Warpaint wiped clean off, but bruises spotting around. You were supposed to come back with minimal damage to yourself, now?
You looked like you got eaten by a palulukan and then spat out when it decided it was enough to use you as a chew toy. You cleared your throat, before speaking up,
"I'm.. sorry, sir. For getting in the fight. I should've stayed out of it, like you told me to." you whispered.
You always were a bit of a unintended rebel, you didn't mean to disobey when you knew it should do you good, but it felt better to do things your way sometimes.
"It's fine. You aren't the first and you won't be the last and this won't be your last ride either. You did quite well for your first solo mission than I expected, that would deserve you a drink back on Earth."
"...Earth?" you blinked in confusion, what the hell was that?
But Jake shook his head with a fond look, "Forget it." but Neteyam gently looked up, gently placing a kiss to your cheek, "It's where dad's from, where all sky-people are from." He said, softly stroking your cheek. You looked up at him, his arm propped up on his elbow and face against his palm as he watched you.
"Ah.."
Neteyam smiled, wiping his eyes lastly, even if eyelashes glistened with remnants of tears which he was unable to wipe away,
"You did great.." he whispered to you, a soft smile finally reaching his lips, "You fought amazing, even with how badly you were injured, you stayed consciousness long enough to reach us."
Neteyam's voice was warm, as he gently stroked your cheek with his knuckles or hands, before snuggling his cheek against yours to get his scent on you for a second. Your voice cracked when you responded,
"..You think so?"
"I know so. Also, Hufaê was crying while you were treating, you should go see her since she's not allowed inside here." Neteyam said gently, chuckling fondly at the idea of the ikran and how direly it was trying to enter when Neteyam was allowed in. "I'll go see her right after this."
Jake clicked his tongue, "Oh, but you're grounded on my end. No flying until you heal, you hear me, kid?" , "But, sir—", "no arguments." Jake put down his foot, firmly but in his own loving manner for you. You sighed, but nodded your head.
For your own good.
"I really didn't do a well enough job though. I was supposed to come back with minimal damage." You whispered, but Neteyam simply leaned close, kissing your lips and then cheek,
"All i'm glad for is that you came back AT ALL. You did what you thought was right, help them as much as you could. And you helped immensly. You fought like a true warrior," he whispered, his cheek gently nuzzling on top of your head, while your cheek snuggled against the side of his jaw and throat,
And Neteyam sighed. You're back, in his arms and completely okay for a while now. "And that's your personality to the core, to be strong, even if hurt."
this year i will be chopped and cringe and anxious and disappointing and embarrassing and corny and lazy and dehydrated and a quitter and a procrastinator and depressed and bored and angry and stupid
I apologize in advance if anything is confusing or wrong in my writing. English is not my first language.
HELLOOO! I was wondering if you could do an Ao'nung x male reader, something cute and maybe heartwarming!
→ M!Reader is Kiri's twin brother (If this seems too weird, he could just be another child, without being a twin) and he is very oblivious, being very kind even with acidic comments against him. I like to think that Ao'nung would eventually get tired and embarrassed when his insults and comments don't have the effect he wants, being bombarded with kindness, consequently falling in love with the boy and sometimes protecting him.
Sometimes it's really hard to find cute male reader content without some of it being sexual </3.
Take your time and feel free to not write this if you don't want to! Take care of yourself and drink water! — 🌻
— Too sweet for his own good
GENRE: fluff.
WORDS FROM RXSIL: Thank you so much for this request!! I'm so glad I could write another one
WARNINGS: male!Reader. Reader has one earring.
SYNOPSIS: Ao'nung isn't one to sugarcoat things and you're a fucking cavity to him. Too sweet and his words barely have an effect on you, he's left feeling baffled and all he has to do now is admire you and fall in love.
"You know you can tell me if he's bullying you, right?" Kiri mumbled, gently pacing around the marui, pulling you with her as you blinked, tilting your head and your tiny earring softly jingles,
"Sure! I mean, he isn't bullying me. But if he does, I will!" you nodded to your twin, who cupped your cheek in worry, pausing and looking at you, fixing your arm guards and tweng in constant worry because you told her you have a hang-out day with Ao'nung.
AO'NUNG.
Why Ao'nung of all na'vis?? And right after he just apologised for leaving Lo'ak to die at the hands of an akula..
You smiled obliviously to your sister, silently whistling and waiting for her to be done putting on some sun-saving salve or something. Lo'ak stood aside, worriedly but didn't say anything as Kiri nervously shot him a look, but smiled awkwardly.
"Right, well..Be safe, yeah?"
"Mhm! Yeah, sure. Yes!" you nodded approvingly with a giddy smile as you hurried down the marui lanes, softly humming some song to yourself as you headed down to the beach.
Ao'nung was skipping shells onto the waves with Rotxo, his friends were no help and clearly Kiri didn't want them around you. But Rotxo was nice enough. Rotxo turned, hearing jingling, he expected to see Tsireya or you.
His guess ended up being right as he gave a somewhat ncie smile as you excitedly waved, tail swishing as Rotxo nudged Ao'nung who grumbled,
"Ao'nung-" Rotxo called,
"Quit it, i'm going to win." Ao'nung hissed.
"Again, Ao'nung, Y-"
"Yeah, whatever."
Ao'nung shoved his hand over Rotxo's face as threw his shell horizontally till it skipped around eight times before sinking in as he whooped, "Hah!" he laughed silently.
"Wow, Ao'nung. Nice throw!" You said as Ao'nung froze, finally realising you were there. "—Oh, Eywa! You—forest people really don't know manners?!" he asked, a hand on his chest to calm his heart or something.
"Oh! Uh.. We do. We forest people also have manners!" you said confidently as Ao'nung paused, waiting for something for him to tease you about, except you left it there. He had hoped for some banter, perhaps a squeezy tone he'd like to hear when he troubles people, perhaps some sassiness back. But—...nothing.
Only kindness.
Rotxo smiled softly, enjoying you being oblivious to his 'rude' comments and more so happy in your own world as you scanned the clear waters, picking up a shell. Admiring it as Ao'nung sighed.
"Oh my Eywa, they will die and won't even notice." Ao'nung hissed to Rotxo who silently smiled, "I think it's good to see someone who sees positive." he mumbled.
You smiled, picking up another shell putting them in your arm-band pouch, "Thanks!" you said brightly as Rotxo nodded, turning to Ao'nung with a look which clearly said 'see? They're amazing'.
"Come on. Let's go already!" Rotxo said as he hurried down, running towards the wave and diving down, as you smiled, "You wanna come?" extending your hand to him, "And can you hold my hand?" you asked, without fear.
"Why, forest boy? You too scared?" He asked, sneering but all the same put his hand in yours. "No. Just want to hold hands." you said, without a point if awkwardness as if it was that easy to just ask for something without worrying what it made others think or feel.
Ao'nung scoffed, taking your hand and running at full-speed, pulling you as you ran awkwardly before catching up to his pace, as you dived into the waves.
Gosh, did you feel calm around him.
None of the fidgeting Lo'ak got annoyed with, nothing of the swinging back and forth in your place which made Kiri go dizzy sometimes just by your movements alone. No point of restlessness when around Ao'nung.
He was so nice, so calming.
As you dove in the waves, your hand tightened around his as the cold water blew over you as you swam deeper, using your tail to somewhat push you ahead. Your tail definitely wasn't as strong as Ao'nung's or any Metkayina's, but you'd been learning and swimming to improve yourself.
That's good enough. Your tail was very cute and unique too! It's skinny and kinda bushy at the top and strong enough to hold up upside down a tree branch back with the Jarhead clan.
Ao'nung swam ahead, his hands gathering a random shell. Admiring the purple-brown pattern on it, turning around on his back to look back at you. Your eyes admiring everything in sight, as he rolled his eyes, looking at Rotxo who watched with a smile. Ao'nung sighed since Rotxo wasn't paying attention, turning back as your smile widened at a tiny fish swimming past you, brushing against your cheek, making you giggle and make soft bubbles from air.
Ao'nung silently stayed under-water, his breath felt weirdly..tight? Was he loosing his own breath? His hand gently turned to check his own pulse, heart beating faster than it should, he looked up just as you met his eyes and flashed a smile.
Ao'nung's heart genuinely skipped a beat. He felt it in his own pulse, watching your soft, short hair gently flow with the beads glittering in the teal waters. Lean and toned muscles strong as they flexed to keep you afloat. Gorgeous fingers—even the extra one— endearing as they cradled around the tiny tow'ta.
Your tail moved behind your thighs, eyes scanning up and down. Kindness isn't found in everything being, it's usually protectiveness and anger and hostility which marks one's strength in Awa'atlu at times. But Ao'nung never thought the strength you might just carry to be kind despite his and his friends' comments. He aspired to have THAT sort of strength.
The strength to move on, to hold onto your patience and be so happy it makes others falter in their own cruelty. How wonderful shall it be for whoever ends up being your future mate to have someone so loving and so nice? Eywa clearly had spent long time in creating you, you were too nice and too beautiful for someone who—Ao'nung believed— wasn't a real na'vi initially.
Ao'nung's eyes couldn't stop scanning up and down, the very slight plush that came to your cheeks when you smiled brightly at the tow'ta, tail endearingly swishing back and forth faster than it should to keep you floating. You shifted, turning to swim to put down the creature in your open and loose palm. His eyes again going down to travel to admire your thighs flexing as you swam deeper, moving them to propel yourself further as you gently looked for a place to put the tow'ta down.
All that initial annoyance and hostility seems to wash away slowly with every wave, with every second, with every moment like it was slowly being polished down till his hostility with it's sharp edges are softened down to a soft budding pearl.
His hostility being softened down into soft tinging with atokirina in his stomach. Heart swelling with how gently and caringly you put down the creature on the sand, so tiny it wouldn't survive if you hurt it in some way. His eyes reverently looked at you, so see how you changed in the months to assimilate in his people, to learn the WAY of his people.
Heart beating faster than he liked with how quickly the respect that had grown in him was changing into something deeper..something more serious and something far more divine than he'd like to admit. Something he didn't want to name so quickly.
Something the na'vi called so beautifully.. love.
Ao'nung rolls his eyes, pushing him upto the surface, his cheeks burnt warmer than he wanted to, his ears flushing and breath tightened as he broke the surface, taking a HUGE gulp of air, running a hand down his face—
"Oh Ewya.. I'm seriously turning into a skxawng. This is very wrong." he sighed, panting as he took a deep breath before going underwater again. He knew your future mate would be lucky to have someone like you, someone who's kindness oozes out as easily as breath in one's lungs.
But it'll be easier for him if HE was that future mate too. How embarrassing it is to admit, but you have to be honest to oneself and Ao'nung had nothing else to say except— He has fallen in love.
—
Finally being done with little bit of hunting, practicing for perhaps future iknimaya, playing games. You, Rotxo and Ao'nung got out of the water. Rotxo kept talking brightly about the shells he liked and which shell means what to na'vis in awa'atlu during courting. As you nodded, walking ahead, feeling the warm sand between your toes as you squeezed the water out of your hair, beads braided in softly twinkling in the setting sun.
Ao'nung was left to silently listen in, as he held up the net filled with the tiny fishes they hunted over his shoulder. Rotxo had to leave earlier so he'd be taking any animal they hunted to be cooked,
"Mhm and if you want. We can go get shells as a gift to whoever you'd court once you're done with your iknimaya!" Rotxo offered, taking the net of fishes from Ao'nung, slinging it over his own shoulders and walking off as you waved excitedly to him,
"Bye Rotxo!!" you called as he smiled, waving back, rushing off before his mother got mad at him. Hearing your voice, you garnered just a bit of attention since your voice was kinda loud as Ao'nung groaned, "Oi, quiet down, forest boy." he mumbled as you turned to him, making a motion of zipping your lips shut.
"Got it."
While you brushed off any more of sand which could've gathered on you, Ao'nung stretched his shoulders, his ears twitches as he paused when he heard words he isn't sure he's supposed to hear—
"Gosh..why did the olo'eyktan even let such..weird sky demons in our clan?"
"Can he even swim? Look at his tail—"
"Shhhh, the son of olo'eyktan is beside him, what if he hears us?", "He won't."
A group of na'vi Metkayina kids stood a few feet away, a bit younger than you and Ao'nung yourselves. Likely not meaning to, but having been taught or learnt such language through hearing adults a few months or so prior to when the entire Sully family arrived for uturu. Ao'nung didn't mean to overhear it, didn't want to.
But then something seemed to bubble inside him, his jaw clenched and a hiss in his throat. His neck snapped and he turned his head so fast, the kids flinched a bit, stepping back,
"Oh shit, maybe he heard us..", "shhh!", "Oh Eywa—"
"What'd you say, skxawngs?"
Ao'nung hissed, tail whipping and his voice sharper than he intended as he took steps closer to them. The na'vi kids took steps back, most of them scrambling up straight and hissing silently like a pair of annoying pests realising they're caught and using the scare tactic. Didn't work on Ao'nung though.
"Uh—..We just—just."
"Just-just what? Who are you talk on them like that, hm?" Ao'nung stepped closer, towering over them. A bit of smugness in him because of his height. Seeing him threaten the kids, you'd gathered up what they said.
You've heard the comments quite often—they didn't bother you as much—so you cleared your throat, "Ao'nung, you don't—"
"Quiet!" he hissed at you, before glaring back them, "Now..What was that?"
"We-...Uh-..We're sorry!" One of the na'vi squeaked out loudly, already finding way to abandon their friends and run off, followed by others, leaving the one who'd begun this, likely their 'leader'.
"What are YOU waiting for?! SCRAM!" Ao'nung snarled loudly, making the kid flinch and stumble back, falling on their butt in the sand before they somehow got away. Not wanting to fight the olo'eyktan's son. Ao'nung realises he is SO going to be yelled at for this by his mother.
You sighed, quickly yelping, "He's sorry!" to the kid running off, not that it mattered, he was already off. You took steps ahead, "Thanks for that, you didn't have to! They don't bother me, I think my tail is cute!!" your chirped brightly.
Ao'nung sighed, turning to face you, frowning a bit "..You're better than me. I would've swatted them." he mumbled, digging ins his ear with his last finger, his tail swishing because you smiled at him.
"Thanks! Anyway, that's nice of you. We're such great friends now!!" You smiled, putting your arm around his shoulder as he tensed for a second, before sighing fondly.
"Sure, whatever. We're friends."
Ao'nung sighs and you both began walking back to the village while you chattered on. Ao'nung truly gets a realisation, he doesn't mind being your future mate, you just made the idea sweeter.
𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒… Today marks your Iknimaya, your chance to prove yourself worthy and claim your place amongst the Metkayina. But the celebration that follows brings a challenge far more dangerous. Tonowari has waited many months to claim you as his mate, and one dance is enough to unravel every ounce of restraint you both swore to hold until marriage. With his hands on your hips and your body pressed against his, the only thing keeping you from devouring each other right there in the sand is the clan watching. You promised to wait until tonight… but the real question is whether you can survive the wait.
𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓… Chapter Seven [Part One] ᝰ Pre-Atwow, fluff, comfort, anxiety attack, mention of fears/doubts, suggestive content, sensual/sexual content, grinding/dancing, sexual tension, softness between reader & Tonowari, kissing, public displays of affection, nervousness, possessiveness, mention of mating, mention of past relationship w/ Jake & Neytiri, reader’s age is implied to be late 20’s, na’vi language used w/ translations.
𝐃𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍… 13.2k words
𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑… The newest addition to the series is finally here!! I can’t believe this is the last chapter to Volume One! Since this is the finale for volume one chapter seven is really long (overall around 20-30k words) so I had to break it into two parts. This chapter is what yall have been waiting for, smut!! I really enjoyed writing reader and Tonowari’s relationship/bond in this chapter so I hope you guys love what I have written. I hope y’all enjoy and always feel free to comment and reblog, I can’t wait to read y’all reactions!
𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐊𝐒… Series M.list ・Series Taglist・Main M.list
The west side of the island hums with life as families gather on the shore, friends offering words of encouragement, and warriors giving their trainees last minute pointers. You can hear the distant cries of the cluster of Tsuraks [skimwing] in the waves, making your skin prickle with nerves.
This moment should feel beautiful, exciting, even comforting since you’re one step closer to becoming one of the people; but your hands are clammy and your stomach is twisted into knots.
You’re standing alone, tucked near a large boulder covered in salt-worn moss, watching the others prepare for the Iknimaya [rites of passage] that’s happening in less than ten minutes. Everyone is much younger. Stronger. With bodies built for the sea.
None of them are like you. Not like someone who once belonged to the forest, whose age is at least ten years everyone’s senior, and whose limbs are thinner than they should be. Each time you think about all the advantages the Metkayina have compared to you, your mind spirals with retched thoughts.
“What if I fail a challenge?”
“What if the Tsurak throws me off?”
“What if I make a fool of myself?”
Because if you fail, that’s it. You won’t have an official place in the clan. You won’t be able to mate with Tonowari. Won’t be able to work toward eventually becoming the Metkayina’s next Tsahìk [spiritual leader]. All your hard work will be for nothing. It will turn into months of waiting until the next cycle of iknimaya comes around, being forced to dwell on the life you could’ve had if you passed.
You press a hand against your stomach, trying to calm the twisting sensation deep in your gut. The ocean breeze cools the sweat beading at your brows, but it doesn’t stop the pounding in your chest.
You close your eyes and try to keep yourself calm. Try to remember the several months of training you put in. The way you’ve learned how to ride the ilu, how you’ve adapted to holding your breath underwater for minutes longer than you thought possible. The countless hours spent with Tonowari in the water, relearning the world as if you were a child again.
But all that feels far away now, drowned beneath the roar of your growing fear. The ache behind your ribs grows tighter with each passing second, your breath fluttering too shallow to calm your racing heart.
You squeeze your eyes shut and move your trembling hand to press against your sternum, trying to force yourself to take a steady breath, but for some reason you can’t. The thoughts keep flooding your mind. You can hear the echo of Neytiri’s voice from years ago, impatient and disappointed: “You are too soft. You do not fight like a warrior. You are like a child.”
Jake’s voice wasn’t any kinder, he always knew how to put just enough venom in his words to tear down your self esteem: “You gotta be stronger than that,” Jake would sneer. “You think bein’ soft is gonna keep you alive out there? You think the kids needs a mother who cries when things get hard?”
The words settle in your heart like stones, anchoring you to the sand as your throat begins to close up. You can still feel the sting of those days, the constant pressure to be someone you weren’t, how whenever you were in their presence you had to make yourself seem small and couldn’t vocalize your true feelings and opinions without earning a slap to the face or bruise to your skin.
Your nails dig into your palms as your breathing quickens again, lungs fighting against your ribs, your chest beginning to rapidly rise and fall and your vision becoming blurry. You bend down, moving closer towards the sand, trying to bring yourself back to the present but all you can hear is the thump of your heart pounding in your ears.
You don’t realize tears have started to sting your eyes until a tall shadow falls over you. “Syulang, [flower]” Tonowari’s voice cuts through the storm in your mind like a warm current.
You open your eyes, startled, but thankful because he’s the only person who's able to calm you down when you get in this state. His large form is crouched beside you, the edges of his toa guard catching the light, and his colorful cape blowing in the breeze.
Tonowari doesn’t speak right away. He just places a large, steady hand against your thigh and another gently under your chin, grounding you with his presence. His skin is cool from the air, the pads of his fingers calloused but tender against your trembling jaw.
He leans in until his forehead is nearly touching yours, eyes locked on you. The same ocean-blue eyes that have never once looked at you with disappointment, only care. “Breathe with me,” he says softly, in that deep, melodic voice that always relaxes every muscle in your body. “In and out… slowly. Like I showed you.”
You follow his instructions, doing as you're told. Your first breath is shaky, barely more than a gasp, but he doesn’t flinch. He just nods, gently stroking his thumb along your skin in a steady rhythm, a way of him telling you that you’re doing well. “That’s it. Breath through your nose. Allow the air to fill your lungs.”
Tonowari takes some deep breaths so you can match his rhythm, and slowly, breath by breath, his calmness bleeds into your chaos. The pounding in your chest begins to ease. Your hands, still trembling, now rest in his as he takes both of them and brings them to his chest, right over his heart. “Feel that?” he murmurs, looking directly into your golden eyes, allowing you to feel his heartbeat. “I am here. You are not alone. Just breathe with me.”
Feeling his heart, seeing how he’s so calm and relaxed in this moment, how he knows exactly how to anchor your mind when you’re overwhelmed, helps you come back to reality. You slowly rise to your feet and Tonowari moves with you, both of you standing at full height.
Once you're standing, a few more tears spill freely down your cheeks but Tonowari quickly wipes them away. The weight pressing on your chest begins to lift as Tonowari shifts closer, pulling you into his chest, a place you’ve grown to love being in. His arms wrap fully around you, sheltering you from the pressure in your mind as the waves crash softly behind you.
Tonowari doesn’t speak for a while, he just holds you. Rocks you back and forth, his chin resting on your head, the scent of sea salt surrounding you as he holds you like you’re the most precious gift he’s ever received.
When your breath finally evens out and the tightness in your chest loosens enough for words, he leans back slightly and tilts your chin up again so he can see you. “There you are,” he whispers, voice heavy with relief, no longer seeing the storm behind your eyes and seeing that normal shine he’s grown accustomed to.
You nod faintly, eyes fluttering closed for a moment, just soaking in the peace his presence brings to your soul. The shame and panic have faded to a quiet hum in the background, and all that’s left now are the soft sound of waves and the man who holds you like you’re the center of his world.
He pulls back slightly, scanning your face, trying to get a sense of what’s going through your mind before you say anything. “What is troubling you, syulang?” His voice is gentle but firm. “Tell me what is bothering you.”
You hesitate, swallowing down the lingering tremor in your throat, before you murmur, “I’m scared.” Your voice is barely audible, as small as you feel in that moment. “What if I fail, Tonowari? What if I’m not strong enough? Not fast enough? just… not enough.”
His face knit together as he listens, the weight of your words sinking into him. “I’m not like them. I wasn’t raised for this, I’m barely built for it. Everyone here is much younger and equipped for this. I just…” You look down for a moment, not being able to say the words with his eyes looking into your soul. “I just don’t want to fail you or Lo’ak.”
His expression softens. Without a word, he reaches out and places his large, calloused hand over yours, his thumb rubbing a slow circle over your knuckles. “You are not meant to be like them. You are you. That is what makes you special. That is who Lo’ak looks up to.”
You try to keep looking away from him, but he gently guides your eyes back to his, wanting you to see the look of love in his eyes as he speaks.
“I know being a sky person and then living in the forest for many years has shaped you differently. I know the voices in your past taught you to doubt, to shrink. But they do not live here. You are here, with me. With the Metkayina. You are not too soft. You are mighty. You are mine.”
A shiver runs through you, not from fear, but from the gravity of his words, the certainty in them. You are mine. You've heard the words used before in a possessive and controlling manner, but never in a way that makes you feel safe and secure.
His thumb never stops moving against your knuckles, helping your anxiety melt away with every pass of his skin. After a few moments pass his voice lowers, as if he’s sharing words of wisdom that are meant only for you. “Yes, the others are younger,” he murmurs. “But youth is not the same as strength. It is not the same as readiness.”
He tilts his head, eyes searching yours with a kind of gentle intensity that makes your breath hitch. With him looking at you like that, for a moment his words no longer register in your brain. All you can comprehend is the handsome features Eywa has blessed him with.
However, you quickly snap out of your daze and allow the truth of his words to sink into your mind like sunlight through water. “You are wiser,” Tonowari continues, voice a little firmer now than it was earlier. “More mature. More experienced in ways they have yet to learn. You’ve known sorrow, pain, and heartbreak, and still you wake up each day and keep going. You don’t allow the darkness of your past define you. To me that is not being weak. That is courage.”
You feel the warmth of his hand shift, fingers lifting to brush a braid of hair from your face before resting tenderly against your cheek, making you lean into his gentle touch. “Do you think I chose you because I wanted someone like everyone else? Do you think Eywa would guide you to me if you did not belong?” he asks softly, wanting you to know how much of a blessing you are to his life. “I chose you because I saw the strength in you even when you didn’t. Because you love fiercely even after being hurt, and because of your beautiful spirit.”
Tears gather again in your eyes, but this time it’s from happiness and the sweetness of Tonowari’s words. “I know what it took for you to leave the forest. To bring your son here. To start over,” he says. “And I know how heavy it must feel, carrying the weight of proving yourself, showing that you belong. But, you do not need to prove anything to me.”
His hand drifts downward, calloused fingers coming to rest over your heart, his thumb resting on your cleavage while his palm presses against your chest, right over your heart. “This,” he murmurs, the warmth from his hand making your chest feel fuzzy. “this is enough. You are enough.”
Your breath catches, looking up at him with unshed tears, trying to figure out how you were able to get this lucky and become the future mate to the best man on Pandora. He always has this way of talking you off the edge, bringing your mind back at ease, a skill no one has been able to master except your own parents.
Him speaking life into you, encouraging you, letting you know that you’re capable of passing every obstacle you’re going to be up against gives you a newfound confidence that wasn’t here a few moments ago.
You wrap your hand around his wrist, your thumb gliding across his teal skin, a sign of your thanks and appreciation. “I don’t deserve you,” you whisper, the words trembling out of your mouth while a smile curls onto your lips, stemming from the way he sees greatness in you even when you can’t.
Tonowari’s lips curve into a soft smile while leaning forward, pressing a tender kiss on your forehead that unravels the last shred of tension in your chest. “Eywa thinks otherwise,” he says simply, along with a teasing expression, causing your smile to widen.
Before you're able to respond, the sound of the ceremonial horn cuts through the air, echoing across the reef. It rolls over the island, stirring the gathered crowd into movement and towards the reef’s edge. Trainers begin guiding initiates into formation for the first challenge, families leaning forward to watch, and children climbing on top of boulders so they can get a better view.
Tonowari senses the shift in your body, your gaze darting toward the challenge ahead, but he doesn’t let go. He just reassures you that you’ll do great out there. “I will be watching,” he says. “Cheering you on with the children.”
You nod, happy that you have his support along with the kids. Seeing them on the sidelines will help you stay motivated. Tonowari takes his hand off your chest and extends his hand toward you, deciding to walk you down to the shore.
You slip your fingers into his, the familiar feeling of his rough palms helping your mind stay calm. When he lifts your joined hands and presses one final kiss to your knuckles, you feel the courage you’ve been searching for begin to take root in your chest.
He releases your hand slowly, reverently, as if he’s handing you over to something greater than both of you. The others glance your way as you join them. Some with surprise. Some with curiosity. But no longer do their eyes make you want to shrink.
You aren’t here to prove them wrong, you are here to prove yourself right.
—
The sun blazes high in the blue sky, casting sharp, glimmering reflections off the endless ocean. The ceremonial grounds echo with the steady beat of hand-drums and the low chants of the elders. This is the day you’ve trained for, the day you’ve dreamed about for months
This is your Iknimaya.
You stand at the edge of the shore, surrounded by other initiates, young Metkayina, some in their late teens and others a few years younger. All of you are painted with bright tribal colors across skin, your hair braided tight against your backs, and with your carved spears in hand.
You can feel eyes on you: warriors, healers, mothers, children… and Tonowari, standing at the highest point of the beach with his arms crossed and his expression unreadable. He’s wearing his ceremonial cape and chest, the ensemble making him look majestic.
When your eyes meet his, he gives you a subtle nod, communicating with his eyes that ‘you got this’, making you smile before turning around and looking ahead, tightening your grip on the spear Tonowari helped you carve.
The first challenge is announced with a single drumbeat.
The Hunt.
It’s one of the most important trials, because being a warrior means being an excellent hunter first and foremost. The whole clan relies on its hunters to bring food to the people. Today’s task is to hunt a specific fish, the flat skate fish. An animal that is known for being fast, clever, and quick to vanish. All participants must hunt their prey and return within record time.
Every participant is given the opportunity to use their spear or grab a crossbow before stepping to the edge of the reef. Tonowari’s voice easily carries over the waves, drawing the whole clan’s attention. “Speed. Precision. These are the marks of an excellent hunter. Today you will show us if you are worthy of becoming a true warrior. Choose your technique wisely.”
Once the last word is spoken from the Olo’eyktan’s lips, the signal is given. You dive headfirst into the water, the world above dissolving into the shimmering blue of the sea. Schools of small fish scatter in bursts of silver around you. The flat skate fish appears just ahead, its body slicing through the water as it darts for the cover of coral, looking for a hiding place.
You swim harder, body moving swiftly while the cool currents rush past your skin. Your target zigzags through the narrow passages, trying to lose you, but your eyes stay locked on it. You attempt to strike it once, seeing that its trying to hide underneath a nearby rock, but you miss. You internally hiss, needing to catch the fish in under two minutes to be able to advance to the next challenge.
Your chest begins to burn from the effort, not wanting to lose sight of it because you aren’t failing the first challenge. After watching its movement for a while, you start seeing a pattern. You predict its turn and then, bam! You thrust your spear forward in one clean motion, allowing the tip to strike clean through its body, and your prey’s struggle ends in a swirl of sand.
You break the surface with your catch, lungs dragging in deep, salty breaths, making them burn a little but you’re too excited to care. You passed the first challenge. The sound of approving shouts and low, satisfied murmurs reaches you from the shore.
“Go, mama!” Lo’ak’s voice carries over the waves, filled with excitement. He’s grinning wide, eyes bright, and the pride written across his face makes your chest warm. Tsireya and Ao’nung call out their own cheers, their voices layered with encouragement. The sound makes you straighten your spine, lifting the fish a little higher, saltwater dripping from its scales, and the elders exchange approving nods.
To your right, a young man surfaces with a catch, but not the one you were tasked to capture. His face flushes when the elders shake their heads, immediately disqualifying him.
To your left, a young woman swims desperately, her spear cutting the water in quick strikes, but the horn sounds before she can succeed. She surfaces empty-handed, disappointment written plainly in the slump of her shoulders, knowing that she’ll have to try again next cycle.
For hours the next challenges continue. One trial after the next, all of them testing to see if you’re worthy to be called an official member of the Metkayina.
So far, you’ve passed them all with flying colors and now it’s time for the last and final challenge. Riding a Tsurak, also known as the warrior's mount. It’s the one challenge you’ve been most worried about, the one that makes your stomach tie in a million knots every time it crosses your mind.
You’re standing knee-deep in the water, mentally preparing for the challenge ahead. Around you, the other initiates shift with nervous energy, some of them bouncing on their toes, others tightening their hair or shifting their shoulders like they’re already preparing to wrestle the beasts waiting for them.
Tonowari’s voice carries over the group once again, his commanding tone causing every eye to turn toward him as he stands along the shoreline. “You have hunted,” his voice booms, steady as the tide. “You have swam with the Tulkun and faced their judgment. You have shown your breath, your strength, and your patience. Now, you face the mount of warriors. The Tsurak will not yield easily. They will fight you, test you, and do all they can to shake your confidence.”
Your throat tightens as you listen, his words coiling through you like a current. “To tame a Tsurak,” Tonowari continues, eyes sharp and proud as they sweep over the line of initiates, “you must show them your courage. Your strong spirit. If you waver, they will throw you. If you fear, they will not listen. To succeed, you must ride as one.”
A ripple moves through the crowd as he steps forward, shoulders squared, the full authority of the Olo’eyktan radiating from him. His voice rises, powerful and resonant, striking the air like a drumbeat. “Stand firm. Face this trial with the heart of a warrior.” His jaw sets, his chest expanding with a breath that feels like it pulls the ocean with it, lifting a balled fist into the air. “Sivako [rise to the challenge]!”
The shout echoes across the water, a command that fills everyone with a sense of confidence. The initiates respond in unison, voices rising like a wave, mirroring their Olo’eyktan’s movements and throwing up their fists. “Sivako!”
A warrior at his side lifts a carved horn to his lips, but before the note sounds, you can feel your nerves beginning to bubble over. While you draw in slow, steady breaths to settle your racing pulse, you glance back and spot Ralak, watching over the trial. His expression is firm, but his eyes soften when they meet yours. “You’ll do well,” he murmurs low enough for only you to hear, resting a large, grounding hand on your shoulder. “The Tsurak will see your greatness.”
The horn sounds—deep and unmistakable. It’s time. The moment the call fades, every initiate, including you, lunges forward into the waves. The cool bite of salt envelops your skin, and you drive your body downward with powerful strokes, the sea swallowing your nerves and sharpening your focus.
Farther out in the water, the Tsurak thrash and snap, warriors forcing them into an orderly fashioned line so each initiate has an equal starting point. Their massive wings slice through the water like blades, their jaws snapping with flashes of teeth, all of them clearly wild and untamed.
Your assigned mount fights harder than most. Four warriors strain against it, holding ropes lashed to its body to keep it in place. Its wings thrash with brutal force, sending whirlpools spiraling through the water, and you can feel its fury like a living pulse in the ocean.
Tsurak are instinctively ferocious creatures. They are meant to be strong, resilient, and intelligent animals. Most of all they are high maintenance and are very picky when it comes to who rides them so it takes the strongest, bravest Na’vi to successfully tame them.
You mount the beast, heart hammering inside your chest as you throw your legs over its wide frame and get in a comfortable position. You grab your kuru from behind you and connect it with the Tsurak’s, needing to make tsaheylu [bond/neural connection] for a successful ride. When its neural tendrils intertwine with your own, your body becomes overwhelmed with the animal’s emotion.
You can feel its anger, its defiance, how it wants nothing to do with you and wishes for nothing more than to swim away and hunt for food. You can tell it doesn’t want a rider, how it doesn’t want to become bonded and then have to succumb to its masters every move.
If this was a few days or weeks ago you would allow these feelings to shake your confidence but today, with Tonowari’s amazing pep talks, your son watching you in the crowd with bright eyes, and the support of the clan, you feel more prepared and relaxed than ever. Today you will tame this Tsurak no matter how much it rebels against you.
Once the horn blows, the warriors release the Tsurak’s and the final challenge begins. With a sharp kick, you propel yourself forward, reaching for the reins, the rough leather cutting into your palms as you keep yourself balanced. Immediately the Tsurak thrashes, jerking violently, and you nearly lose your grip and fall off.
As you ride it underwater, trying to gain momentum for when it’s time to fly, The Tsurak bucks with all its strength, trying to throw you off as it’s done to Metkayina before you. You don’t allow it to phase you, you know it’s all a part of the Tsurak’s test to see if you're worthy to ride.
The Tsurak dives deep, a sudden lurch that yanks the breath from your lungs and sends a burn into your chest. Your ears pop with the pressure, but you cling tighter to the reins, thighs clamped hard around the creature’s slick body. Through the neural bond, its fury pounds into you, wild currents of instinct and rebellion, but beneath the rage you sense something else: a spark of curiosity.
The Tsurak has never met a na’vi from another clan, let alone one from the forest region. You’re interesting to the creature. The female Tsurak is curious about what you have to offer. She wants to see if you are different from the many others who have tried to bond with her.
“I am not afraid,” you project through the neural link, not in words but in the steady rhythm of your heart and the iron of your will. “I am with you. I want to be your friend, not your master.”
The Tsurak bucks again, spinning in a spiral that makes your body feel like mush. Your muscles scream, not enjoying all of these sudden and sharp movements. As the creature continues to thrash, you force your mind to quiet for a moment. You remember Tonowari’s steady voice correcting your stance, reshaping your fear into purpose. ‘Breathe with the water. Move with the creature. Control does not come from force, but from resolve.’
You center yourself, breathing through the sharp feeling in your chest. The Tsurak’s rage pulses through the bond, a wild drumbeat pounding against your skull, but you don’t flinch. Instead, you let your will push back, steady and unshaken.
You assert your dominance with the creature, letting it know that you won’t be overthrown but willing to find a compromise. Gradually, the creature’s thrashing slows, but it doesn’t stop.
The Tsurak thrashes one more time, rolling sharply onto her side, still giving you resistance and fighting back. The world spins in a blur of blue and bubbles, your ribs slam against her slick hide, making you groan but you hold on tight, legs clamped, jaw locked, not allowing the Tsurak to defeat you. She screams, a furious, high-pitched keening that rattles your teeth, but no matter what you stay on.
Gradually, almost reluctantly, the thrashing slows. Her anger doesn’t vanish, but it does shift, focused on creating a balanced relationship between you and her. The bond between your queues hum in unison, a throb that melts away the hostility into something new, respect.
The female creature likes your courage, your ability to endure even when things are tough, and your bravery. To the Tsurak you are worthy to ride.
Its massive wings spread, and you feel its strength bleeding into you, mixing with your own until you can’t tell where you end and she begins. You run your hand along the Tsurak’s rough, ridged skin, glad that it has chosen you to be its lifetime rider. And now, with you and the animal finally seeing eye to eye, it is time for the final test. A successful flight.
The Tsurak doesn’t wait for you to prepare. With a surge that rattles your bones, she powers upward, rocketing toward the surface in a blistering, breath-stealing charge. You grit your teeth, grip the reins, and lean into her momentum as the water thins around you.
You burst through the surface, riding the force of her rising body, while the sunlight shines against your skin. You immediately jump and crouch low on her back, balancing with instinct sharpened by sheer adrenaline, tightening your grip on the reins, positioning yourself just like Tonowari showed you.
You both begin to move as one entity instead of two. You no longer feel like two beings fighting for control, now you feel like one creature learning to breathe for the first time. Together you skim across the waves at a blistering speed, the crystal blue ocean shimmering beneath you.
Wind tears through your braids, while saltwater sprays across your skin. Every powerful shift of her body answers the subtle tilts of your own, your balance becomes her direction, your breath her rhythm.
When your muscles loosen and the world around you stills, you realize you’ve finally succeeded in riding a Tsurak. After failing so many times during training, you didn't think you would pass but by having the heart of a true warrior, you’ve passed the Iknimaya with flying colors.
A cry rips out of you, half laugh, half triumphant roar. The Tsurak matches you with a shrieking screech of her own, sharp and proud, making you grin at how you and her are already bonding.
Up ahead, you’re beginning to see the shoreline. You guide the Tsurak in a smooth arc, riding the crest of a wave until you enter shallow waters. Sand and water swirls around you as the Tsurak slows, then stills, breathing in great, resonant huffs. You press a hand against its side, gratitude pulsing through tsaheylu [bond/neural connection] before you gently release the connection.
When you unmount the creature and step into the water, your meet with a roar of cheers. As you look out into the crowd, you see the person who you wouldn’t have been able to pass the rites of passage without. Tonowari is standing in the sand, broad shoulders shining in the sun, with pride blazing in his eyes.
Without thinking, you sprint toward him, your legs carrying you faster than your mind can process. When your close enough, you leap into his arms, so excited that you could burst. Tonowari catches you effortlessly, arms locking around your torso as you wrap your legs around his waist, and your arms loop around his neck, pulling him into your embrace.
His massive hands grips the back of your thighs, holding you perfectly in the perfect position while your lips claim his in a fierce, joyful kiss, the taste of saltwater and victory falling on your tongue. When you finally pull back, breathless and smiling, he presses his forehead to yours, his voice a low rumble only you can hear. “You did it, my love. You are one of the people now.”
Your smile widens when those words ring in your ears. You’ve been wanting to hear that for months now and the time has finally come and your happier than ever.
You aren’t only excited because your officially apart of the clan, it’s the perks that come with it, like mating with the man you love. You and him share another kiss, quick and loving, before he sets you down, knowing that others will soon be swarming to congratulate you.
As soon as your feet hit the sand, the children rush forward, Lo’ak running ahead of the others. “That was amazing, mama!” he shouts, practically vibrating with excitement. “You were better than half of the others out there!” His grin is wide, his golden eyes glowing with joy, so happy that you passed. With you excelling through every challenge, Lo’ak will definitely earn some cool points with the fellow village children.
Seeing him so proud of you, makes an even brighter smile on your face. All you’ve ever wanted in life is to make your son proud and today you’ve accomplished that. “Thank you, ma ‘itan [son]. All of your special snacks helped Mama win.” You say, tousling his hair, referring to the fruits he picked for you to eat because he heard from his teacher that they can give you great energy if you consume them.
Tsireya quickly joins the forest boy, her joy mingling with Ao’nung’s proud smirk as they both vocalize their congratulations. The warmth of their words surrounds you like sunlight breaking through clouds. Your chest aches, but not from fear anymore. It stems from a place of joy, from finally having a place to officially call home.
Looking at Tonowari, the children, the clan gathered around you, makes you feel whole in ways you haven't felt in years. This is your home now. You are Metkayina. You are one of the people.
—
Your marui is hushed except for the faint hiss of the tide below and the rustle of woven mats as Padma moves around the open space. You stand in the center of the marui, bare feet on the cool, springy floor. Padma kneels beside a basket with an assortment of beautiful outfits for you to wear to the celebration tonight.
It’s been hours since you’ve passed the Iknimaya. After you and the others completed the final trial, you received three new beads for your songcord to mark your adulthood within the clan. A soft cheer rose from the clan as the interim Tsahìk placed the beads into your palm, her voice steady as she spoke a blessing amongst all of you.
She traced a line of ceremonial paint across your forehead and murmured a prayer for strength, wisdom, and for the Great Mother’s guidance as you step fully into the Metkayina life. One by one, you and the other newly recognized na’vi were presented a special garment, fine reef-silk and delicate pearlwork that shimmers in the late-afternoon light. In the coming days, you’ll receive your first tattoo, a permanent mark of belonging. With all of the ceremonies being completed, the only thing left to do is celebrate.
The sun has fallen behind the horizon, and the celebration will soon begin. Tonowari and the children have already gone ahead to the Iknimaya festivities, leaving you and Padma alone in the quiet marui for a little “girl time” as she helps you prepare for one of the most important nights of your life.
Padma tilts her head, considering which of the spread of fabrics in the woven basket she should pull out first. “So,” she says, pulling a coral colored top out of the pile, shimmering with pearls, “we need something that says ‘I just tamed a Tsurak but I can also make the Olo’eyktan weak in the knees’.”
You laugh softly, nerves fluttering under your skin as you think of the night ahead of you, especially when it comes to Tonowari. “That’s… a lot to say with one outfit.”
“That’s why we try a few.” She drapes the wrap that goes with the outfit around your shoulders, squinting as she looks at it against your skin, wanting to see if it works with your look. “Pretty, but maybe too proper.” She takes it from around you and tosses it aside and begins to digs again, pulling out a smoky-blue skirt threaded with pale beads. “This one’s lovely, but still a bit on the safe side.” Her eyes flick to yours, sly, a mischievous spark in her eyes. “You know tonight isn’t just about celebrating the Iknimaya, right?” She says, giving you a little nudge. “You and Tonowari can finally become one.”
Heat floods your cheeks at the mention of what’s going to happen later tonight. You’ve thought about it many times but just the mention of it makes you feel flustered. “Padma…”
“What?” she teases, a little devious smirk on her face as if the intention behind her words are innocent. “You’re mating tonight. You should be bouncing with excitement.”
The word ‘mating’ makes your stomach tighten. You try to brush it off, try to paint an expression on your face that portrays that your excited for tonight but your silence says otherwise. But don’t mistake your silence for something negative. Your excited to mate with Tonowari of course, it’s something you’ve been wanting since he started courting you but now that the day has come and your insecurities are plaguing your mind.
When Padma sees that you aren’t reflecting her playfulness she pauses, noticing the way you’re twisting the decorative strings on your tweng [loincloth], causing her grin to soften. She sits down beside you and lets the piece of clothing in her hands fall across her lap as she turns toward you, resting a warm palm on your knee. “Hey,” she says quietly, “what’s going on?”
You swallow, fingers tightening around the stringy material, feeling your heart thump inside your chest as you decide to vocalize your feelings about tonight. “I’m… excited,” you admit, voice barely above the hush of the tide. “But I’m nervous too. I don’t want to—” you exhale, running your hand through your braids and tossing a few over your shoulder. “I don’t want to embarrass myself tonight. I want him to love what he sees when everything’s… gone.”
Padma tilts her head, her thumb drawing a slow, comforting circle against your skin, holding her tongue before giving any advice, giving you the space to say whatever else you desire to share.
Since you and Tonowari began courting, things have stayed beautifully careful: lingering kisses, breath prickling against the other skin from close contact, and hands wandering each other's bodies. Anytime you and him kiss and things begin to get intense, either of you always pull away before it can progress into something more.
Tonowari is a traditional man, everything he does is the way of the Great Mother and the traditions set in stone by many Na’vi before him. So, you weren't surprised when he told you that he wanted to wait for the night of your official mating to become intimate.
You didn’t mind waiting. You’ve been grateful for the time. It allowed you both to connect emotionally and build a solid foundation of your relationship. His patience gave you room to breathe, to trust, and to fully understand what this new marriage will bring to your life.
And even though you’ve had months to mentally prepare for tonight, to bring yourself to terms that you’ll be giving him your body, that your souls will become tied to one another, it still sends a ripple of nerves through your stomach. “I keep wondering if I’ll measure up, if I can even remember how to be with someone in that way.” you continue, cheeks warming at the mention of sex. “It’s been so long since anyone’s touched me like that.”
In your past relationship, sex dried up years before you left Jake and Neytiri. They no longer included you in their sexual rendezvous, leaving you to either please yourself or just suffer through your urges.
Since it’s been so long, you’re afraid you’ve forgotten how to please a man, how to be sexually enticing with all the sexy talk, different positions, or even the simple act of allowing Tonowari to see you naked. It’s the one thing that’s worried you the most.
You're hoping that once you and Tonowari are in the romantic atmosphere, your anxiety will fade and you won’t be so in your head about what’s going to transpire.
Padma thumb strokes a gentle circle against your knee, her soft voice hitting your ears while she nods her head slowly, understanding your nervousness. “You’ve been thinking about this a lot, haven’t you?”
You nod almost immediately, the admission catching in your throat. “Yes. I want him so much. I just… want to be everything he hopes for.” You can’t deny that you’ve been wanting to take things to the next level with him, that your body has been aching for his touch. But, you can’t help but feel anxious about having to be so vulnerable with him, not just physically but emotionally too.
Padma squeezes your knee, a small smile curving her lips, knowing how it feels to want to live up to your future mate’s fantasies. She has been in that same position with her own mate. “He already loves what he sees, inside and out. Trust me, when the time comes, it won’t be about the perfect moves or knowing exactly what to do. It’ll be about the two of you, sealing your lifelong bond. That’s what matters.”
You draw in a slow breath, Padma’s steady touch helping you stay relaxed. “I know you’re right,” you say, voice soft but sure. “It’s just… every time I think about him seeing all of me…” your words wander off for a moment, gesturing your hands to the areas of your body that are hidden behind your clothing. “...it feels like my heart is gonna jump out of my chest.”
Padma’s eyes warm, a hint of mischief sparking back to life inside her. “That’s called desire, sister. Perfectly healthy.”
You laugh quietly, realizing that it could just be all of the built up tension and unchanneled emotions that are begging to be released. “Well, it feels a lot like panic sometimes.”
“Only because you care.” She says, giving your knee a gentle squeeze. “And he cares. You think the Olo’eyktan himself isn’t pacing in his head right now, wondering how he’ll keep his composure when he finally has you all to himself?”
A tiny smile tugs at your lips, thinking about how your fiance could be feeling his own set of atokirina [woodsprites] fluttering in his stomach. “You really think he’s nervous?” Tonowari is the most relaxed man you’ve ever met. Almost nothing breaks his calm and stoic manner. You can barely imagine something like this making him nervous.
Padma leans closer, reassuring you that you’re not the only one worried about what’s going to be unraveling tonight. “I know he is. I saw the way he looked at you after the Iknimaya today. Like he wanted grab you and disappear. If anything, he’s probably the one afraid he’ll embarrass himself.”
You can’t help the soft laugh that escapes your lips. An image of Tonowari flashes into your mind, his calm and commanding ways being brushed to the side as he loses his steady control because of you, sends a warm flutter through your chest. “That… actually makes me feel better.” Knowing that you aren’t the only one feeling flustered about tonight makes you feel more relaxed. It calms your jitters… at least for now.
“Good.” Padma pats your knee, then stands and walks over to the basket of clothing. “I’m glad we’ve settled that you’re both ready to jump each other’s bones.”
You laugh so suddenly it comes out as more of a snort, enjoying this dirty yet amusing side of your best friend. “Padma, you’re a mess,” you say, covering your mouth with your hand. “You’ve been spending too much time with the hunters.” You allude to the fact how some of the warriors speak with a foul tongue when they are amongst themselves.
Padma just shrugs, eyes gleaming with mischief, not seeing anything wrong with what she’s said. “There is nothing wrong with the hunter’s choice of words.” She leans closer, lowering her voice to a whisper but giving you a teasing look. “And you know I’m right.”
When you see her face you try to fight the smile that tugs at your lips but you can’t but allow it to appear, knowing that in fact she is right and you’re more than ready to jump Tonowari’s bones. “You’re shameless.”
“Proudly,” she says, lifting her chin and beginning to rummage through the basket of clothes once again. “Now, stand up. Let’s find something that’ll make the Olo’eyktan stutter when he sees you.”
You rise and join her, the tide’s hush beneath the marui matching the new steadiness in your heartbeat. “Alright,” you say, a spark of excitement flooding your veins when you think of becoming intimate with Tonowari. Your confidence in your ability tonight is slowly growing, so now you need a beautiful outfit to match. “Show me what you’ve got.”
Padma flashes you a triumphant smile, glad that you’re feeling better about the whole situation and ready to conquer the night. “That’s the spirit. Tonight, sister, you’re going to take his breath, in more ways than one.” She says before tossing you some bra tops to look at, giving you some options that she thinks will appeal to your taste.
The two of you start looking at different pieces of clothing, laughter and teasing flowing easily as the soft light of the marui wraps around you both. For the first time in hours, the nervous fluttering in your chest settles into a warm, eager anticipation. With a nice pep talk from your closest friend, you’re now ready to face what’s to come.
—
The celebration drums throb through the village like its the heartbeat of the clan, each note carrying across the water. Along the crescent of beach, bladder lanterns are tied to wooden poles, casting light across the sand.
The entire village gathers in a widening circle, drawn by the melodic music and the scent of delicious food. Skilled musicians sit close to the main bonfire, fingers moving with practiced grace over their reed flutes. Drummers keep a steady rhythm with wax-coated bones, the rounded end striking in layered beats that pull fellow na’vi into the act of dancing.
The air is rich with the aroma of roasted fish, spiced sea greens, and sweet fruit. Hunters carry in nets of fresh catches of the most delicious delicacies, laughing as they pass the nets to the designated cooks for the night, while clusters of families share shell platters piled high, dipping strips of warm cooked meat into fragrant sauces.
Children chase one another between the low tables, their laughter rising above the music as they leap and tumble in the sand. Closer to the tide line, young adults drink from carved gourd cups filled with fermented fruit, wanting to enhance their enjoyment and gain some liquid courage.
Couples move together in the center of the circle, bodies swaying to the rhythm, beads and shells in their hair clattering with each calculated movement.
Tonowari is standing with a group of elders at the fire’s edge, receiving their warm congratulations on your behalf. Everyone has had nothing but kind words about your Iknimaya; your strength, your grace, your ability to rise to the challenge, they are honestly in awe of your progress here.
While the majority of Metkayina have embraced you as their own, there are still a small percentage of people you haven’t been able to win over.
Tonowari remembers the wary glances when you first arrived, the quiet doubts spoken in private: “A sky demon cannot master the sea.” “She will not pass the Iknimaya.” Those whispers carried a sharp edge, but today you proved them wrong and Tonowari is glad you were able to silence your doubters.
“She completed the Iknimaya as though she was born of the sea,” one elder says with a proud smile deepening the lines at the corners of her eyes.
“A fine addition to our people,” another agrees.
Tonowari dips his chin in respectful acknowledgment, giving them a soft smile. “She sure is.” he says in agreement, the deep rumble of his voice almost lost beneath the loud beat of the drums. “I know she will serve our clan well.”
The elders exchange pleased glances, their approval warm as the firelight flickers across their faces. They switch gears in their conversations, speaking of the coming season’s hunts and other important events, but their voices fade to a low murmur in Tonowari’s ears.
Hearing the clan’s compliments towards you, makes his chest swell with pride, both as your future mate and your karyu [teacher]. He pictures you cutting through the waves earlier that day, how you excelled in every trail, despite all the issues you faced during your months of training. Tonowari knew that once you were able to let go of your nerves, you would execute all of his teachings perfectly, and you did just that.
When Tonowari’s eyes flicker to the couples near the musicians, dancing together with love in their eyes, he thinks about what’s taking place tonight. Soon, he will no longer be labeled a widower, he will be a husband, your husband. If someone would've told him years ago he was going to become re-mated after Ronal he would’ve laughed in their face, telling them they must be crazy, but here he is, waiting for the arrival of his wife to be.
The Olo’eyktan wouldn’t say that he’s nervous about tonight, at least not out loud, but the truth drums beneath his calm demeanor like a second heartbeat. It had been many seasons since he shared the intimate closeness that happens between mates.
Ronal has been the only woman to know the sexual side of him, and after her passing he believed that chapter of his life sealed since he believed sex shouldn’t happen outside the marital bed. But now, with him finding love again, that chapter has reopened.
The thought sends a quiet tremor through him, not of fear, but a tenderness so sharp it almost aches. He can still remember the steady familiarity of Ronal’s embrace, the trust that grew over many years together. To share that closeness with someone new feels both amazing and scary, like standing on the edge of an uncharted waters.
He wonders if his hands will remember how to move with the softness that comes with sex. If his body, shaped by years of duty and loss, can still speak the language of intimacy. He wants tonight to be a gift to you, not a fumbling attempt of him trying to find his way.
You were once a part of the Sky People, with a past he’ll never fully know, and he sometimes wonders if your experiences hold expectations he might not understand or be able to execute. Would you want things he’d never thought to give? Would he see everything you do as a subtle cue of yearning for something more?
Even as uncertainty lingers in his mind, desire can’t help but flow through him. Every glance you’ve given him these past days: soft, knowing, and with a hint of lust, has only deepened the ache to be near you with every waking moment.
He imagines tracing every curve of your skin, learning the map of your body as if it were a sacred ground, and placing kisses on parts of your flesh that are only meant for his eyes. The thought alone stirs a warmth inside his core that he’s pushing back with a slow exhale and lots of restraint.
Tonowari lets out a breath to ease the tension from his chest, allowing the night air to cool against the heat rising under his skin. He is a man that has many roles; chief, father, warrior, hunter, but tonight, above all, he is simply a man awaiting the woman he loves.
Right when he’s about to zone back into the conversation that’s taking place in front of him, he catches it. Your scent, flooding his nostrils. It threads through the smoky air like a ribbon of sweetness, distinct against the crackle of fire and the salt of the sea.
It reaches him in waves; first the body oils you press into your skin, their fruity sweetness and soft warmth carrying like nectar in the breeze. The richness of it teases his senses, honeyed and ripe, clinging to his tongue as though he could taste it.
Then comes the bloom of flowers, light and delicate, but insistent. A floral note that is so deeply you it steals the strength from his chest. Beneath all of the sweet aromas, he still finds the earthiness of the Omatikaya, that faint trace of forest and soil, damp moss and woodsmoke.
It clings stubbornly, a reminder of where you came from, and the contrast makes the sweetness of your chosen oils all the more intoxicating. Together, it is a blend no other being could carry, an irresistible scent that belongs to you alone.
Tonowari’s jaw flexes as he forces himself to remain composed before the elders, despite the urge to seek for you is overwhelming. After a few moments of trying to keep up his cool, attempting to repress the temptation your flesh brings him, he gives up. He can no longer ignore the impulse to find you, his body is telling him he must follow his keen senses to guide him to you.
“Excuse me,” he says, giving the elders a respectable nod paired with a low tone of voice that’s been roughened by the effort of control. They give their Olo’eyktan a nod of understanding, knowing that he’s a busy man and has other obligations to attend to tonight.
He turns away from them and starts moving with a purposeful stride, his nostrils flaring as he follows the invisible trail you’ve left through the air. The scent leads him down to the outskirts of the celebration. Each breath draws him closer, each inhale fuels a deeper ache, until the pull in his chest is almost unbearable.
The drums seem distant now, the laughter of his people a blur, because all he can hear is the rush of his own pulse in his ears, pushing him onward despite the knots in his stomach.
Once he gets closer to the tide line, your scent becomes stronger than ever, letting him know you're only a few steps away. When he turns the corner, that’s when his eyes settle on you. When he scans you from head to toe, his breath leaves his chest in one sharp exhale.
You’re standing near the crystal blue waters, bathing in moonlight and lanterns glow along the beach, the ocean’s foam curling at your feet. And in Tonowari eyes, you are nothing short of ethereal.
The orange of your outfit glows like fire against your blue skin, a woven skirt loincloth that clings to your hips before spilling down your thighs, slitted at the sides so the fabric flutters when the sea breeze catches wind.
Every curve of your body is framed, celebrated, and put on display for the world to admire. The top you wear is daring in its simplicity: thin strings knotted at your neck and ribs, holding polished, iridescent stones that catch the light with each subtle movement.
It covers you, but leaves the swell of your breasts half-bared, the soft curves pushed upward so that the gleam of moonlight traces their shape, allowing your cleavage to spill over.
His gaze lingers on your breasts longer than it should, his throat tightening as the heat inside him sharpens and spreads to his loins. The Metkayina women usually have a strong yet slender physique, but you bear a generous shape due to your human genes within your hybrid body.
The roundness of your breasts, the full curve of your hips, the strength in your thighs; everything about you is lush, tempting, and abundant. Tonight, you have chosen to show it off, something that you don't normally do.
Your hair, usually bound in braids, spills freely down your back like a waterfall, swaying when the breeze stirs. There's a shell headpiece resting above your brows, assisting in drawing attention to your beautiful features. On your arms, cuffed around your biceps, are iridescent beads that sway with your every movement, chiming together like soft music.
The cherry on top, the one thing that completes your ensemble is the choker at your throat, the one Tonowari gifted you early in your courtship. Seeing you wear it with such grace and beauty strikes him right in the heart. Seeing it nestled against your skin is a declaration to all that you are his, something that makes his chest puff up with pride.
As Tonowari digests the sight of you, he swallows hard. Awe and lust slam into him all at once, his body betraying the restraint he is trying to uphold. Seeing your assets on display, not even mentioning your natural beauty, makes his cock stiffen, swelling thick and urgent, straining against the fabric of his loincloth until the pressure is almost painful.
You are breathtaking tonight, sacred and sinful all at once. For a moment, all he can do is stare, his chest heaving as if he has swam miles without coming up for air. The Olo’eyktan is undone in an instant by the sight of his mate-to-be and doesn’t know how he’ll be able to contain his urges until later tonight where he’ll be able to act on them.
Tonowari moves toward you, his massive frame casting long shadows across the sand. The lantern light flickers across his body, illuminating the ceremonial adornments he’s wearing tonight. His ceremonial cape drapes across his shoulders and down his back, while his Metkayina cummerband is wrapped firm around him. It highlights his narrow waist, only making the expanse of his chest and the width of his shoulders more imposing.
His loincloth rests snug over his meaty thighs that flex with every step, powerful enough to swim against even the harshest currents. His arms are thick, corded with muscle, veins pressing against the surface of his skin. The broad shelf of his chest gleams in the light, each deep breath expanding it in a way that helplessly draws your eyes.
And then, the tattoos etched into his skin. They stretch in elegant, sweeping patterns across his chest, curling over the broad rise of his shoulders and climbing the strong column of his neck. Another band runs along the line of his jaw, sharp and dignified, accentuating the chiseled angles of his face. Intricate designs coil across his face, framing his eyes and cheekbones.
You’ve always loved those tattoos. You love how they look when he flexes his muscles and they make him look achingly handsome. Every swirl of ink draws your hunger deeper, each intricate design capturing your attention. You can’t look at them without wanting to trace them with your fingertips, to press your lips to each tattoo until he shudders under your touch.
You feel your throat dry, your core heating up while your thighs press together instinctively, trying to create some sort of pleasurable friction. When his eyes meet yours, the world seems to narrow to the two of you. His gaze drinks you in, hot and unrestrained, making your face begin to warm.
“You are…” His voice is low, rough like gravel carried on the tide. His lips twitch upward, almost a smirk, but softened by the awe that still clings to him at the sight of you. “…stunning tonight, syulang. Nothing on the reef could compare to your beauty.”
Heat blooms across your face and chest, your heart skipping at his compliment. You can see how much you’ve enticed him with your choice of clothing tonight and that was exactly how you wanted things to be.
What you didn’t expect was for Tonowari to look so breathtaking tonight. He always looks handsome but tonight it’s like your eyes are seeing him a whole new light. “And you, ma yawntu [lover/beloved],” you breathe back, your voice tinged with a teasing lilt, “you look every bit of a mighty Olo’eyktan. Strong, muscular…handsome. If we stand here any longer I might faint.”
His chest rumbles with a laugh, but his eyes do not leave yours. He tilts his head slightly, taking a step closer, closing the gap between you. “Careful, yawne [beloved]. You speak so highly of me, I may not let you leave my side tonight.”
“As if I’d want to be anywhere else,” you answer softly, lips curving into a smile. For a long moment, you simply stand together, the heat of his body brushing yours though he has not yet touched you. The pull between you is magnetic, your hearts already swaying to the same rhythm long before the music takes root in your body.
There’s this quiet tension that fills the silence that words can’t provide. The sexual tension that’s been slowly building from the time you shared your first kiss months ago outside your mauri. Neither of you have fully acknowledged it yet, but it hangs thick in the air, almost acting as a shield between you both.
And then, as if the world itself recognizes the storm brewing between you, the musicians strike up a new song. The tempo rises, more upbeat and playful than the last, a lively beat that sparks the Metkayina around the bonfire to leap and sway along with the rhythm.
The crowd’s enthusiasm rises with it, the firelight flickering across their faces, highlighting their smiles and joyful expressions. The music's rhythm echoes the pulse of your own heightened senses. Every note seems to vibrate through your chest, every beat in sync with the thumping of your hearts, making it almost impossible to ignore the fiery tension simmering just beneath the surface.
You glance over Tonowari’s shoulder and look out towards the distance, watching the drummers beat against their instruments with passion, the na’vi dancing without a care in the world, and then you look back at the man in front of you. A small, daring smile tugs at your lips, feeling the music call you over to join your fellow clan members in a dance.
You tilt your head slightly, the corners of your mouth curving into that teasing little smile that always seems to unravel Tonowari at the seams. His gaze is already fixed on you, his eyes steadily moving between your face and physique, the corner of his mouth curved in that faint, knowing way that always makes your stomach flutter.
The drummers strike harder, the rhythm quickening, and something inside you loosens. The air feels thick with movement and sound, the sea breeze tasting faintly of salt and fruity alcohol. Your fingers twitch at your sides, aching to move, to give in to the pull of the music. “Would you like to dance?” you ask, voice soft but carrying a teasing lilt, as if this isn’t just an invitation, but a challenge.
He blinks once and then his teeth flash you as he gives a quiet, low laugh. “Dance?” His voice is a deep rumble that you feel more than hear, hitting you directly in the chest. “You know the ways of my people’s dances now?”
You arch a brow, raising your hand close enough that your fingers brush his forearm. “I’ve been practicing,” you say, chin lifting in playful defiance, thinking it’s amusing how Tonowari is trying to underestimate your dancing abilities. “Padma and the other women have been teaching me.”
All Na’vi clans are unique in their own ways, dancing being one of them. The Metkayina people dance much differently than what you learned from the Omatikaya and nowhere near what you know from your life on Earth.
Dancing is a large part of Na’vi culture whether it’s rituals or ceremonial functions, or even just a social occasion, the Na’vi people will express themselves with their choice of dance. Learning the Metkayina ways of dancing was important. Leading to this day you’ve worked for many weeks understanding and practicing their dance styles, movements, and even learning the lyrics that go with their songs.
You didn’t share with Tonowari that you’ve been taking lessons, you wanted to surprise him with knowing the dances of his people. You wanted to show him that you still have a few tricks up your sleeve despite him knowing you like the back of his hand.
Tonowari studies you for a long moment, his gaze trailing over your face with a softness that almost undoes you. The bladder lantern light dances in his eyes, casting a soft glow over his ocean blue colored irises as the faintest smile curves his lips.
There’s a flicker of surprise there, soft and fleeting, before it melts into something warmer like pride, affection, a hint of wonder. He has always admired your determination, that spark in you that refuses to be dimmed, and here it is again, taking yet another step.
He hadn’t expected you to ask him to dance tonight. Not after the long day you’ve had, but hearing you ask, hearing the cadence in your voice and seeing the spark of mischief in your eyes, how could he say no to you?
You’ve always had this way of catching him off guard, of pulling the ground out from under him in the most unexpected ways. He tilts his head slightly, the corners of his mouth twitching as if he’s trying not to let his fondness show too easily.
You can tell by the subtle shift in his posture, the way his shoulders ease and his tail moving rapidly behind him, that he’s more than just amused, he’s charmed.
A soft breath escapes him, almost a sigh. He can feel the pulse of the music beneath his feet, but the rhythm that draws him in isn’t from the drums, it’s you. The curve of your lips, the teasing edge in your tone, the daring glint that says you know exactly what you’re doing to him. Tonowari hums, the sound reverberating in his chest, looking down at you with those handsome eyes. “Then I must see if they have taught you well.”
You smile wide as Tonowari offers his hand, his large, calloused fingers wrapping around yours with reverence. The contact alone sends a shiver up your spine, making your body warm all over. Tonowari guides you gently but firmly toward the celebration and into the heart of the dance circle, the beating drums vibrating in your chest as you and him get closer.
The crowd shifts almost instinctively as the two of you approach—eyes following your every step while whispers ripple through the sea of bodies. The air grows thick with anticipation, and though the music continues, it seems to bow to your presence, each beat deepening in power, echoing through your veins.
Tonowari walks beside you, his steps steady, proud, his hand surrounding yours in a touch that feels both grounding and electric. His thumb strokes lightly over your knuckles to reassure you, to calm the atokirina [woodsprites] fluttering in your stomach, and to steady the thumping in his own chest.
Beside him, you hold your head high, your heart drumming in rhythm with the beat of the music. There is pride in your stride, but not from arrogance, it’s from the sheer, overwhelming emotion of the moment. You walk in step with the Olo’eyktan of the Metkayina, your mate-to-be, and though your stomach flutters with nerves, you feel nothing but belonging. Having this perfect man by your side fills you with happiness more than anything else.
The crowd begins to part before you both, a wave of admiration sweeping through the circle as they allow you two to walk through with ease. The older women murmur softly, smiling to themselves, while some of the hunters look on with jealously, wishing they had the ability to court you. Children peek from behind their parents’ legs, wide-eyed as you and Tonowari pass by, curiously admiring your appearance.
When you reach the center of the circle, the drummers slow a bit, allowing the tension to build. The fire at the heart of the gathering crackles louder, sparks leaping into the night sky as if it’s welcoming you both into its light.
Tonowari turns to face you, still holding your hand, his thumb tracing small circles over your skin. His eyes glimmer as he lowers his head slightly in invitation, silently asking if you’re ready to dance.
You nod, take a deep breath, remembering the multiple Metkayina dances you’ve been practicing with your friends, how their more fluid and than Omatikaya traditions, and filled with playful sways of hips and jumps that mimic the movement of the sea.
The drummers pick up again, their rhythm pulsing through the sand and into the soles of your feet. The song rises, rippling like waves over a reef, and that’s when the dance begins.
You move first, letting your body find the rhythm. Your hips sway slow, mimicking the tide as your arms lift gracefully, the beads decorating your armbands clinking softly.
Tonowari watches you for a breath, his gaze intense but filled with admiration, as if he’s seeing you for the first time all over again. Once he’s finished watching you with heart-filled eyes, he joins you. He moves with a commanding grace that makes your pulse stutter.
His body rolls with the music, each motion precise yet fluid, his chest rising and falling in perfect sync. The sight of such a large, powerful man moving so effortlessly is captivating, causing his presence to consume every inch of space between you.
You turn to face him, your movements light and teasing, hips swaying perfectly with the melody of the bone flute. Tonowari mirrors you, the corners of his mouth curving upward as he follows your lead, his eyes glinting with quiet challenge, enjoying how you're slowly testing the waters with your movements.
The dance becomes a conversation of movement, your body daring him closer and him answering by closing the distance between you until your breath catches.
The crowd begins to cheer softly, their voices blending with the music, but all you see is him. The music doubles in sound as others join in, pairs circling around you, laughter and song rising like a call of the reef. With swarms of people around you, you and Tonowari remain locked in your own rhythm, as if the rest of the world is just an echo.
As the rhythm deepens and music speeds up, your movements grow bolder. You twirl, the shells at your hips jingling as your hair fans out around you, falling along your shoulders and cascading down your back.
When you spin back, his hands find your waist, steading your body to where you and him are only an inch apart. This dance is not meant to be possessive, yet there’s something unmistakably intimate about the way his hand grazes the small of your back, guiding your movements along with the music.
The music builds, quickening like a heartbeat, and the space between you and Tonowari disappears. The crowd moves around you in waves, laughter and song blending with the crash of the waves, but it all feels far away.
Here in the center of the circle, there is only him. His warmth against yours, the grounding weight of his touch, the pull of his gaze that keeps you rooted even as the rhythm calls you to move.
You turn, your body following the rise and fall of the melody. He mirrors you, every motion steady, his steps heavy with power, yet somehow graceful. When you spin again, instead of returning to the position of facing him, you turn your back towards him.
Tonowari's eyes travel down your spine, seeing the natural curve in your back, and then his eyes settling on the roundness of your backside. You feel his hand find your hip and instead of stepping away, you let yourself lean back into him.
His chest is solid against your spine, his breath slow and even, brushing the side of your neck. The air between you hums with a charge that makes your pulse skip. Your hips sway to the rhythm, and his hands follow, guiding your movements in sync with his. With your bodies being pressed together, your ass becomes flush with his crotch, over the space of his tweng [loincloth] that holds his manhood.
The first brush of your backside against his groin makes him choke back a groan from the sensation, feeling a spark shoot through his veins. Tonowari has never been in a compromising position like this with you before, his and your flesh so close they could practically fuse together. Feeling you pushed up against his body only makes his thoughts run wild, sexual ones to be exact.
While you and him continue to move on one accord, his hands tighten around your hips, squeezing your flesh a little firmer than his usual gentle touch. Before you can question his motives, you feel something pressing against the flush of your ass, the feeling becoming more prominent with each gyration of your hips.
Ah, you understand now. Your sensual dancing has caused Tonowari to become aroused. You can’t say you’re surprised, being this close with the ample amounts of sexual tension humming between you, it was bound to happen. Feeling his length pressed against you makes you smirk, then a wide smile curls at your lips that you quickly cover with your hand so you won’t draw attention to yourself.
You’ve never seen Tonowari undressed before, but from the feeling of his print pressing against you, you can tell he’s well-endowed. Tonowari pulls you closer to him, if that’s even possible at this point. The longer his hardened cock weighs against you, you can feel a warmth blossom within your core, while your slick begins to produce a puddle between your thighs.
Things have never progressed to this level of closeness before. Not during your long months of courtship, not in any stolen glance or brush of fingers. This is a new aspect of your relationship that’s both dangerous and intoxicating. You can feel every inch of him, the steady thrum of his heartbeat syncing with yours, and the heavy warmth of his arousal pressed firmly against you through the thin fabric of his tweng [loincloth].
Your hips move again, slow, teasing, rolling in time with the pounding rhythm of the drums. You turn your head slightly, enough to catch a glimpse of Tonowari over your shoulder. His eyes are hooded, darkened by something unspoken, but beneath that intensity lies a deep restraint.
His thumb traces the curve of your skin, lingering just long enough to make your skin tingle before he exhales slowly, mentally reminding himself to keep his composure.
When the music slowly begins to fade, neither of you slip out of the other's embrace. The crowd’s cheers swell around you, but their voices and claps fall on deaf ears. You and the Olo’eyktan are too busy in your own world, your minds consumed with the thought of one another, visualizing images so naughty that Eywa herself would blush.
Tonowari lowers his head until his forehead nearly touches the side of yours. His voice, quiet but firm, his voice a rough whisper that stirs the small hairs at the back of your neck. “Easy, syulang,” he says, his words almost lost to the musicians beginning another melody. “Keep moving like that, and I will forget we are not alone.”
A shiver runs through you, both from his warning and the thrill behind it. There’s hundreds of eyes on you, getting a front row seat of the budding intimacy overflowing between you and Tonowari, but your mind isn't focused on them or their gaze, its on the thickness of Tonowari’s girth pressing against your flesh, making your knees buckle at the sensation building inside you.
You tilt your head back just enough for your temple to brush his jaw, your lips curving into a sly smile. “Maybe I don’t mind if they see,” you whisper, soft enough that only he can hear, not wanting your words to be heard by anyone else. “They already know who I belong to.”
While speaking, the hairs of your tail brush against Tonowari’s skin. The light sweep of it across his thigh draws a quiet reaction, one he buries almost immediately beneath his dancing. But you feel it—the way his body stiffens, the faint hitch in his breath as the tip of your tail curls and grazes again, slower this time, deliberate, wrapping around his leg like an anaconda choking its prey.
The contact awakens something primal in him. The movement is small, almost imperceptible, but Tonowari feels it like a spark running beneath his skin. The muscles in his abdomen tighten, and his hand on your hip flexes, fingers pressing deeper as if he’s trying to anchor himself.
He exhales through his nose, steady and measured, but his control is slowly faltering. The corners of his mouth twitch, not in amusement but in quiet disbelief at how easily you can make him unravel.
To anyone else, it might look like a simple touch, a usual exchange between a couple. But to Tonowari, it’s a whisper of trust, a wordless form of affection meant for him alone.
Tonowari’s voice is low when he finally responds to your comment, his voice is rough, sharp around the edges, causing each word to prick your heart. “Do not tempt me,” he murmurs, lips pressed against the shell of your ear. “or I will show them what belonging to me truly means.” There it is again, that possessive edge that lies beneath his calm exterior. Roaring like a palulukan [thanator] ready to claim what’s his.
He’s always kept that side of himself buried, masked by the patience and composure of a leader. But when it comes to you, the woman who awakened the part of him that could fall in love again, he cant suppress his need to mark his territory. To show the clan that he’s found the perfect woman to mate with.
Tonowari can feel his pulse hammering beneath his skin, every beat echoing the faint rhythm of the drums lingering in the distance. He shouldn’t want you like this—not here, not when neither of you can slip away to finally succumb to your desires. And yet, there’s an undeniable pull, an irresistible force woven into the very marrow of him by Eywa herself.
The heat in his gaze sends shivers through you, matching the ache pooling deep in your core. His body presses against yours with a need so fierce it steals your breath, and every nerve in your body ignites with anticipation.
The patience you and your future mate once shared begins to unravel, thread by thread, until all that remains is the raw, magnetic tension between you.
Time itself feels like it has slowed, teasing you, drawing out the delicious torment. The world fades: only his heat, his strength, his gaze, and the promise of what will come remain in your mind.
Tonight, there will be no restraint. No pauses, no holding back—only the raw, hungry pull of bodies desperate to become one. Every inch of him against you sets your skin on fire, every heartbeat echoing your own. The edge of tonight hovers so close it burns. Teasing, tormenting, promising release that feels just out of reach.
You ache for him and he aches for you, making the air between you crackle with a hunger neither of you can deny. For now, all you can do is cling to him, press yourself into the warmth of his body, and pray that you can hold back long enough for the celebration to end.
ON GOD, HELP MEEEE!!! I got my tag WAYYYY TOOO LATE. Anyways, I was ready to read it. I got on my flight, opened tumblr for a quick check, found i got tagged and i SWEAR. I have never screenshotted shit faster in my life just to read it!
The tension is too yummy, the relationship is blooming! My babies are coming together, I LOVE THIS!! I love the fear reader has with being an older na'vi getting her iknimaya without any other older na'vi, most are teens. This was just TOO GOOD!!
Lord, take me!!!
Gonna re-read this when I landddd!!! WHOOOO!!! What are they feeding you, how do you write SO GOOD???
