Description: Jake gets protective over what's his when he notices another man looking at you in Awa'atlu.
Content Warnings/tags: Possessive!Jake, Protective!Jake, Lo'ak and Neteyam are his little lackeys, Mother!reader, reader in place of Neytiri.
Author's note: Hehe, this was self indulgent, but also based off of this request! Thank you anon!
Thank you @lumilily for beta reading!
“And the anemone, can they be eaten or just used for medicine?” You asked the Metkayina woman in front of you, gesturing to the way she was slicing up different ocean creatures in her hands as if it was second nature.
“They can be eaten, although I do not recommend it. It can be hard to draw out the toxins and they can taste bitter,” she explained and you nodded along watching in fascination as she broke them open and started harvesting the insides.
You were standing in the communal area where the Metkayina liked to gather for meals and meal preparation. You had been trying your best to gather information and learn from the Metyakina since it looked like you would be here for a while. You had found a woman who looked nice enough and asked if you could help and the next thing you know, you’re sorting medical supplies as they are actively being harvested.
As the woman continued talking, you felt your husband's presence come up behind you. You would recognize the smell of him from across the room, woodsmoke, the clean smell of soil, and deep under that was something distinctly human, like the tang of metal.
As soon as his feet landed behind yours, his hands drifted around your waist, flattening as they traveled to the front of your stomach. “Jake,” you hissed, grabbing at his hands to swat him away with embarrassment, but he didn’t budge. The woman smiled knowingly and averted her eyes, focusing back on the knife in her hands.
“Ignore me, carry on,” he said, subtly grabbing the sides of your loincloth and shifting it to the center. He fixed it with so much smooth ease that you would not have noticed it if you were not the one wearing it.
Your face burned as you realized it must have shifted sometime after coming out of the water. “Thank you,” you muttered.
“Mmhhm,” he hummed, drawing his hands back and moving them up to your shoulders. “What I can’t figure out is how you guys open crustaceans, I can’t crack into those things.” Jake sighed, moving on from the situation with ease and making your knees weak for him as if it was your first year of marriage all over again.
“Because you need a mallet, not a knife,” she explained and he nodded.
“Huh, a mallet. That explains it,” he said, leaning over your shoulder to watch her as well.
But his easy, jovial mood shifted as soon as you got back to your marui.
He started fuming as soon as you crossed the threshold. “You should have seen him. If we weren’t here seeking Uturu, I would have beat his skull through his mouth,” he grumbled, eyes blazing as he shook his head.
You froze, starting to panic at the thought that something had gone wrong. “What happened? Are the kids-“ you asked but he stopped you.
“They’re fine, no. Some punk back there was looking at you,” he bit out, sitting on the low case he used to house his weapons he did not want the kids to touch.
“Oh no… and my loincloth was…” you trailed off, eyes widening.
His face swiveled to yours in a look of annoyed anger, but his eyes said the blame didn’t lie with you. “Was showing more than I’d like it too,” he shook his head again, jaw clenching. “He was one of the young warriors. Kids his age think they own the place. Some punk eyeing up my woman…” he muttered again, grabbing his knife on the bench and taking a whetstone to start sharpening it.
You didn’t mean to, truly you didn’t, but a laugh tumbled out of your lips and he heard you before you could suppress it.
“Oh is this funny?” He asked, brows raising as he paused for your reply.
“No,” you softened, but your lips still curved up in a smile. “No, well it is a little funny to see you get so bothered by this. You know that my eye is fixed only on you, Ma’yawne,” you said, sitting down beside him and resting your arm on his back as he rested his elbows on his knees. You leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his shoulder, laying your chin on it.
“I know that, I just don’t like him starin’ at you is all,” he grumbled like a child.
“I am sorry,” you cooed, not knowing what else to say to sooth him.
“It’s not your fault, just… I'll handle it.” He said, shoulder flexing under your chin as he sharpened his weapon.
You stilled, thinking of all of the times your mate had said he would “handle” something. Usually it ended in someone having a black eye or a broken finger. “Ma’Jake, do not jeopardize the home we have just found here. It is hard enough on the children, we cannot move again. Let it go,” you requested.
He just nodded, “I know, I got it,” he assured you, and you hoped you could believe him.
-
“Hey mom!” your youngest son called, walking over to you where you sat on the beach as you attached feathered plant fibers to newly made arrows. You figured you would need more in the coming days as the skypeople got bolder.
You smiled at your youngest son, “Hey baby boy, what are you doing here? I saw your friends heading out to swim,” you asked, not wanting him to miss out.
“Eh,” he shrugged, “I thought I’d hang with you. Mind if I practice my knots? Rotxo showed me some new ones,” he explained and your heart melted.
“Of course not. I love spending time with you, Lo’ak. Sit,” you offered.
The two of you sat together for most of the afternoon, laughing and cutting up. With all of the doom and gloom recently, it was good that you still saw your son could still crack jokes with his quick wit.
As fun as it was, you and you couldn’t help but notice the way he stiffened up every time someone walked past you on the sand. If anyone got too close, you saw that his hands stilled and he would watch them with critical eyes until they moved on.
After the fourth or fifth time you had to know, “What is it? Is something wrong?” You asked, knowing your son was more easy going than that.
His head whipped in your direction, “Nothing!” he said quickly before looking back to his hands, his eyes now fixed too intently on the rope.
Strange…
-
That night at dinner, Jake kept to your side like a bug stuck to nectar. He was touching you the entire time to the point you were ready to smack him just to get some space.
“Yawne, we talked about this. I need at least a little room to breathe,” you said under your breath as he was crowding your space, sitting so close to your side that you had to scoot over when he sat down so you did not get smushed.
“Right, baby,” he said, obviously distracted. Every few moments, he glanced up to a group of young adults, mostly hunters and divers who sat not too far from you. You honestly thought he was just being dramatic about this whole situation at first, but when you were about to lower your eyes back down to your food, you caught him.
A young man, maybe mid twenties, looked directly at you and smirked, canines flashing as he cockily got your attention. Your lip immediately curled up in disgust and his face faltered. The sight made you feel a little bit better.
You looked back to your plate, “I see who you’re talking about,” you said lowly. You raised food to your mouth as Jake’s head turned back to the group, but the man had already started to talk to someone else.
“What happened?” Jake demanded, eyes fixed intently on you.
“What’s going on?” Kiri asked from your other side. Neteyam glanced over too from where he was sitting beside Jake. His eyebrows were furrowed and you noticed all of your teenagers looked worried. Tuk was happily talking with her friend on the other side of Neteyam.
“Nothing,” you insisted, you turned back to Jake, “He just smiled at me, that's all.” Jake went rigid before he angled his body to be in between yours and the group of hunters, cutting off the man’s line of sight to you. It was painfully obvious that he wasn’t conforming to the same circles everyone else was in, but you did not mind. You felt safer with his body blocking yours. He always made you feel safer in his presence.
“Uh oh, dad has some competition,” Lo’ak muttered quietly to Kiri. She snorted but pressed her lips together when Jake sent her a disproving glare.
“I already had to win you once,” he said, perking up at the story. You rolled your eyes as he brought up this again.
“Wait, you really fought over mom?” Lo’ak asked doubtfully.
“Hey! I was quite the beauty among the Omatikaya,” you muttered playfully.
“Still are, baby,” Jake smiled goofily and you smiled back at his comment.
“Gross,” Kiri grumbled, “did you at least fight someone for her?” she asked, lips stuck in a grimace, but she still wanted to know more of the juicy details. Even Neteyam and Lo’ak stopped eating to lean forward and hear better.
“Several,” you muttered, looking at Jake who furrowed his eyebrows in thought.
“Maybe… maybe three men? They started not to mess with me after I became Olo’eyktan,” he shrugged.
“Three!” Neteyam barked out a laugh, and Lo’ak elbowed Kiri at his side.
“I did not even know it, I thought he was just showing off and being a skxawng (idiot),” you told Kiri conspiratorally.
“But I got you in the end, didn't I?” he said, leaning in to kiss your forehead.
“Hmm and haven't let go since,” you agreed.
-
The next day only led to even stranger behavior from your boys as suddenly Neteyam sidled up to you as you walked to the far side of the village to find Ronal.
“Hey mama,” he chirped as if this was normal for him to miss his lessons to hang out with his parents. You stilled your feet and he did the same, both turning to face the other as you stared critically at him.
“Neteyam… what is going on?” You asked, knowing your eldest looked far too nonchalant to be up to any good. He could not lie if his life depended on it, he would be the easiest of the boys to get through to. Something was happening without your knowledge.
“I can not spend time with my mother anymore?” He asked, eyes shifting as he deflected.
“You cannot when you keep secrets from me. Lo’ak hung out with me yesterday, and now you today. What is happening? The other kids have already left for lessons,” you point out.
“Nothing is happening!” He insisted, voice pitching too high.
“Neteyam,” you said firmly, leveling a look at your eldest child and he cracked like an egg.
He sighed, “Dad's gonna kill me if I tell you.”
You send him another glare, “worry more about what I will do if you do not tell me,” you threatened.
“Fine! Fine, me and Lo’ak are rotating on watch to make sure no one bothers you. That’s all,” he confessed.
Your eyes bugged out of your head, “On watch?” you demanded.
“Yeah, you know, keep an eye out,” he trailed off as he saw your annoyance rise.
“And who’s idea was that?” you asked, lips tight.
He hesitated before he said, “Uh, Dad’s.”
“Hmmm, right,” you sighed at your husband using your sons as his extended eyes. “Okay, then. You can help me with something.” If he was going to follow you all day, you were going to use this to your advantage.
-
“Is this good?” Neteyam asked, carrying the crates of wooden plates to set them beside the water tight baskets of clean water from the inland.
“That’s good,” you nodded, setting down your own crate on the floor. All of the plates needed to be washed from the morning meal and you had volunteered since you were still feeling a little guilty about placing the Metkayina all in danger.
You handed him a woven rag made of stalk shoots, already having one for yourself and started rinsing the plates off.
When your fingers started pruning and a bead of sweat rolled down your chest and another down your forehead, Neteyam turned to you and said, “Uh, I have to go use the bathroom.” He threw a thumb to the side gesturing to the outcropping of palms off a ways.
“Go, I got it here,” you said and nodded. He walked away and you turned back to the plate you were washing, wiping the sweat off your face before submerging your hands again.
A group of young adults rambled by and you wouldn't have normally noticed, except Jake’s concern had you more wary than normal. They passed without any fuss and you relaxed again.
Footsteps approached and you turned to tell Neteyam that his speed was to be commended but instead you saw the very hunter that had been watching you the past few days.
“Mrs. Sully, why do they have you here by yourself doing all the work?” he said, almost sounding as if he was deepening his voice on purpose.
You narrowed your eyes, pursing your lips before answering. “I am not by myself, my son will be back. Who are you? You have been watching me.” you asked, flicking the water off of your hands as it dripped onto the itchy, thin, beach grass under your feet.
“So you have noticed me,” he smiled smugly and you winced at how he made it sound, “I am Rakal,” he introduced himself, gesturing to you in the traditional Na’vi greeting. “Oel ngati kameie (I see you).”
You shook your head and raised your brow, “No, my husband noticed you and I would really prefer if you did not," you said, “I am mated and much older than you,” you explained, hoping that would be enough to deter him, but he just shrugged.
“I do not mind, I like older women,” he said, stepping closer and you stepped back in response. Bleh, his words made your skin crawl.
You narrowed your eyes again, hand edging closer to the knife at your belt as you said, “I will put it this way, my mate is Toruk Makto. He united the clans and drove the skypeople out, meaning you would be no threat to him. He will use your skull as a soup bowl if you do not leave me alone. I am not interested.”
His eyes widened the tiniest bit, mouth opening like a fish as he decided on words to say. Neteyam emerged from the outcropping of palms, steps becoming stronger when he realized who was talking to you.
“I believe my mother wants you to go,” his cool and calm voice came from behind the Metkayina and Rakal flinched as if the sound had scared him.
Rakal nodded awkwardly to you and then Neteyam, “Then I will… go,” he said, backing up before turning tail and crossing the community space to leave.
“Thank you son,” you huffed, deflating as he came to your side.
“Are you okay?” he worried, placing a hand on your shoulder.
You waved him off, “I am fine, lets just… not tell your father about this, yeah?” you asked, turning back to the plates and the water.
“Yeah,” he agreed after a moment, “I am starting to like it here. I do not want to have to leave if he gets us kicked out,” he smiled good naturedly, lightening the mood considerably.
newly mated with neteyam means he doesn't want you in the field anymore...
cw. : omitikayan!reader, jealous-protective-possessive neteyam, he calls you "baby" in this universe, angst with a happy ending
the morning had started quiet, the soft light filtering through the leaves, the patrol almost routine. but the tension had been simmering for days, and it didn’t take much to ignite.
“i’m serious,” neteyam had said, his voice clipped, the way it always got when his patience wore thin. “you need to be more careful. less in the patrols. less in the future battles. i can’t… i can’t risk you like this.”
you stared at him, jaw tight. the words stung—not because of his concern, but because they felt like a cage. “so what, i’m supposed to sit at home while everyone else fights?” your voice trembled with both anger and hurt. “the tsahiks before me—they battled while pregnant. they carried their families with them, and they didn’t hide. why should i?”
he shook his head, frustration flickering in the amber of his eyes. “it's not the same. i’m not just thinking of you, i’m thinking of us, of our future family. you don’t understand—this isn’t about tradition. it’s about keeping you safe, baby. i can’t lose you.”
“lose me?” you scoffed, the disbelief in your tone sharper than any blade. “i’m not a child, neteyam. i can fight. i can hold my own. you don’t get to decide where i go or what i do.”
he stepped closer, his voice dropping, firm and low. “i am your mate, yawne. i have a right to protect you. to keep you safe. and right now… that means staying out of danger more than you already do.”
“so you want me caged?” you spat, the hurt twisting into anger. “i thought you wanted a partner, not a possession!”
neteyam’s ears flicked back, his jaw tightening. “i want a partner alive. i want a mate who can grow with me, who can carry our children someday. and i’m telling you—your life is worth more than proving a point!”
the words hung between you, heavy and suffocating. you turned, storming away before he could say anything more, leaving him standing there, chest heaving, frustrated and helpless. the heat of anger and fear pressed in his chest, your retreat echoing in the emptiness.
hours later, the sun was lowering over the horizon, painting the world in gold and violet. you had wandered to the shore, seeking calm, seeking space to breathe and clear your mind. the rhythmic crash of the waves was soothing, and the presence of a metkayina male, teaching you the finer angles of spear fishing, drew genuine laughter from your lips. his instructions were careful, patient, and you leaned into the lesson, enjoying the friendly guidance.
until the shadow appeared.
neteyam paused at the tree line, silent at first, letting the distance give him clarity. he watched you, relaxed and laughing, unaware of him. his chest tightened, possessiveness knotting in his stomach like a living thing. he felt his ears flatten slightly in warning, eyes narrowing. the other male was close to you, too close for his comfort, and the casual intimacy of the lesson made his tail twitch in agitation.
“so this is what defiance looks like…” he muttered under his breath, taking a slow step forward. the waves masked his approach, but the tension he radiated was palpable.
you didn’t notice immediately. your focus was on the spear, on the lesson. until you felt it—a shift in the air, the tightening in your chest, the unmistakable weight of him standing there. you glanced up, rolling your eyes at his theatrics, thinking him a shadowy spectator at first.
the metkayina male stiffened, ears twitching, recognizing neteyam instantly. the moment stretched, silent, tense. neteyam’s gaze pinned him like a spear itself, eyes flaring with a possessive fire, ears back in warning. the male muttered an awkward apology, retreating, careful to give you space.
when the coast was clear, neteyam turned his full attention to you. the smolder in his gaze softened slightly—a smudge, a flicker of warmth—but the intensity remained, protective and firm.
“what… are you doing right now?” he asked, voice steady but heavy, carrying the weight of everything unsaid from this morning.
you exhaled, setting the spear aside, crossing your arms defensively. “learning to spear fish. he’s helping me.” your tone was casual, but you could feel the heat radiating off him, the tail flick, the tense stance.
“and you thought it was okay to laugh and be… so close with another male?” his voice dropped, low, possessive. the words weren’t angry—they were territorial, protective, marking a boundary.
“ma neteyam,” you began, voice calm but firm, “it’s not like that. he’s just teaching me. friendly. you’re overreacting.”
“friendly?” he echoed, tone incredulous, ears flicking slightly. “you’re my mate. i don’t care how ‘friendly’ it is, yawne. you belong with me, and it’s not just about this lesson—it’s everything. i can’t watch someone else—anyone else—laugh with you like that and think it doesn’t matter.”
you took a step closer, eyes narrowing. “so because you’re protective, i’m supposed to stay home? sit around waiting for you? that’s not who i am, neteyam. you can’t control me, even if you’re my mate.”
he took a breath, softening slightly, tail lowering a fraction. “i’m not trying to control you. i’m asking for caution. i’m asking for care. i can’t… i can’t lose you, not now, not ever. you’re everything.”
your heart thudded, half from anger, half from the unspoken weight of his words. “i know what you’re saying. but i’m not like what you’re thinking of. i won’t hide or retreat just because it makes you uncomfortable.”
“then we compromise,” he said, stepping closer, tail brushing yours lightly. “less in patrols, yes. more preparation, yes. but i won’t cage you, baby. i won’t stop you from being… you. just… let me protect you in the ways i can.”
you studied him, the fire in his eyes mingling with the smudge of tenderness, the way his jaw relaxed slightly, the way his hand twitched near yours as if wanting to reach out. “i… i don’t want to fight about this anymore.”
“then we don’t,” he said simply, voice still firm but softer now. he brushed a hand along your arm, light, grounding. “just… promise me you’ll be careful. promise me i’ll always know where you are. that’s all i ask.”
you exhaled, the tension finally easing slightly. “fine. i promise. but you have to trust me too, ma neteyam.”
he nodded, tail curling around yours briefly in a quiet, possessive affirmation. “i trust you. but… i can’t stop feeling this way. this—” he gestured vaguely between you, the sea, the world “—is mine.”
you rolled your eyes, but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at your lips. “yours. got it.”
he finally allowed himself a smirk, amber eyes glinting in the sunset, protective, possessive, and entirely yours.
Imagine: You were the one who took Spider in after Neytiti voiced her concerns. After raising your son on your own for over 14 years, you end up meeting his father in less than desirable circumstances.
Word Count: 5.6k
Warnings: light swearing
Masterlist Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
A/N: since it’s not really told what the exact timeline is for Quaritch and Spider’s scenes in the movie, I’m going to assume that the couple months the sully family live with the Metkayina is the time it takes Quaritch and the gang to travel to the islands as we know it takes a long time to travel there. If this is wrong I apologise but it’s what I’m using for this fic.
The troop was now airborne, Quaritch and his men had successfully bonded with the Ikrans. Lyle followed in his Colonel’s footsteps and fought for his spirit brother, then the others. Unfortunately, your hopes of the banshees eliminating the soldiers for you had been squashed. They had all survived the challenge.
You were given strict orders to position yourself in the middle of the formation as they flew, where it would be noticed immediately if you tried anything. Quaritch also refused to let you fly with Spider. “You think I was born yesterday? He flies with me, where I can keep an eye on him.” You’d hissed at him, squaring up to him but after a long minute of silence, glaring into each other’s eyes, you’d backed down only after Spider assured you he would be okay.
You’d pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Spider’s mask where his forehead was before jumping onto the back of Amay to fly. She was antsy as she flew, you could feel her irritation at feeling crowded in although you weren’t sure if it was your own feelings mirrored back to you through the bond. You kept your eyes locked on Quaritch and Spider, they were talking an awful lot.
That pang of hurt clutched at your chest once again. Your gaze hardened as you looked ahead, the vast area of land stretching out in front of you. The thick collar around your neck vibrated against your skin. Another condition. You’d been coerced into wearing a comms device so the team, mainly Quaritch, would be able to keep in contact with you.
Your hand came up to click the buttons as instructed to hear what came through. “Boss, long range patrol picked up a radar hit. A rogue gunship.” Wainfleet’s voice echoed through the device.
“Where?” Quaritch’s voice now joined in through the speaker.
“Eastern sea. Four hundred clicks north.” Your brow furrowed as you mapped out the area in your head. Confusion came over you, that was the metkayina clans. They had zero contact with the sky people. What was going on?
“Uh huh. Hang on.” You glanced ahead to see Wainfleet and Quaritch diving to the left and you followed suit. You realised after roughly ten minutes of flying that you were headed back towards the RDA base. Your teeth gritted at the thought of being locked up in that white room again. Everything was too small, too crowded, too human.
Eventually you reached the base, landing much more gracefully than the others. You hopped off Amay, placing a comforting hand against her thick neck and whispering for her to stay close. The hairs on the back of your neck stood up, a feeling of dread settling into the pit of your stomach as you walked towards Spider. Your son met you halfway, grabbing on to your outstretched hand. “It’s okay, he agreed not to let us be separated.”
You only nodded, letting Spider take the lead and increased your speed to walk up front. You found yourself between Wainfleet and Quaritch as they strode with purpose, faces hard and jaws clenched. Your eyes darted around the surroundings, seeing lots of sky people in uniforms staring at you, murmuring to each other. There was a lot of noise around you but you managed to pick up a few words, ‘practically naked’, ‘barefoot’, ‘dirty loincloth’, ‘savage’.
Savage. You’d heard that word before used to describe your species. It was ironic coming from the people who did nothing but destroy your planet. They heartlessly tore apart the homes of thousands of Omaticaya, hunted your sacred animals, polluted the air and waters, brought destruction and death with every move and yet because you did not conform to their idea of how someone should dress, you were the savage.
Your hand tightened around Spider’s momentarily as you were brought through to a large area, one tall enough you weren’t straining your back crouching over in thankfully. Wainfleet held his arm out in front of you effectively making you halt as Quaritch continued forward himself to stand in front of a blonde female human and a few others by her side.
Your ears strained as you heard them exchange greetings. A few beeps and a large holographic map of Pandora appeared, Quaritch navigating through to circle an area further past the oceans. He stepped into the projection, “The signal was intermittent and they lost it over open water, but… if you project the track, it hits this island group.”
The blonde general placed her hands on her hips as she argued back, “That’s hundreds of islands. That’s a big search box with lots of villages.”
“This is our guy. You give me ships and aircraft, I’ll bring you back his scalp.” Your brow furrowed in confusion, you knew he was talking about Jake Sully. What was he doing all the way out there amongst the Metkayina clans? Who had taken over as Olo’eyktan? What had happened in your time apart? It had only been a week.
The general sighed, “Alright, there‘s a ship heading that way, departing in about 45 minutes. Captain’s name is Scoresby, he’ll be your guide.” She turned to look at you and Spider over her shoulder. You tilted your head up slightly as you frowned at her, inching closer to Spider.
“You can take the kid, but it’s time to send the hostile back.” Your eyes widened at the thought of being separated from your son. Spider moved to stand in front of you, crossing his arms over his chest. Quaritch cleared his throat as he took a step closer to the woman. “Unfortunately General, they’ve made it clear they come as a package deal. I need the kid and he won’t cooperate without her.”
The general’s face hardened as she also took a step closer, your ears twitching as you could just make out her words. “He’s not your son, Colonel. Take them and go before I change my mind.”
Your eyes narrowed as you saw Quaritch’s jaw clench, his lips curling into a frown before standing up straight and walking away from the human woman. Her words clearly bothered him in a way you wouldn’t expect. Did he really see Spider as his son? It was getting harder and harder to form definitive opinions on Quaritch. He waved to his soldiers for them to follow and you hand your bicep grabbed by Wainfleet as he escorted you back outside. You yanked your arm out of his grip, hissing, “I know where I am going.”
You were herded back to ikrans, a thought niggling in the back of your mind. If Quaritch was every bit the heartless mission-driven soldier he claimed to be, he could have complied with the general’s orders. Spider, as much as you didn’t want to picture him like this, would not be strong enough to hold up against the recom soldiers should he disobey orders. You would not have been able to take them all down before most likely being shot with a tranquilliser dart. He could have sent you away, you held no extra leverage. That left two answers. One, he was trying to gain favour with Spider in allowing him to have his mom stay by his side. Two, Quaritch wanted/needed you around for some reason. The ridiculousness of the notion had you shaking your head. It was clear to you now, in the worst way you’d seen, Quaritch cared for Spider. He himself may not realise it but you did. You still didn’t like him but you couldn’t hate him for that.
The ride to the ship didn’t take long, Quaritch signalling all riders to land with a simple raise of his fist. You hopped off your Ikran and headed to Spider who waited at the edge of the roof for you. You jumped down onto the deck, turning back to offer a helping hand to your son but he was already dangling off the side, letting go to land the three feet distance only to jump straight onto the metal railing. You scoffed at his triumphant grin, shrugging his shoulders in a typical Spider way that said, ‘See? I can do anything you guys can’, you’d seen it too many times to count.
You playfully went to pinch at his shoulder but he successfully batted your arm away making you laugh softly. You saw Quaritch turn to look at you from the corner of your eye but when you raised your head he turned away, facing the skyperson who had his arms crossed.
“You Scoresby?”
“I am. Are you the arsehole that’s commandeering my ship?” Scoresby’s bluntness made you snicker, facing your head down so it wasn’t as obvious. Your laughing set off spider who turned his face against your stomach to hide it, though his shaking shoulders gave it away.
He glanced back at the two of you before turning back to face Scoresby, his hand resting on his belt. You expected him to get angry, make a harsh comment to the man. He only quirked his lip and replied, “That would be me.”
Spider came over to you as you sat on the railing, placing an arm around your shoulders to whisper against your ear, “Well at least he’s self aware.” You snickered again but was quick to compose yourself, masking your amusement with a blank expression as you once again found yourself under Quaritch’s intense stare.
Quaritch trailed Scoresby inside the ship while the rest of the recom troop stayed outside on the deck. Spider jumped off the railing, grabbing your hand and pulling you to follow them inside, “Come on.” You had to duck quite low to not hit your head on the ceiling. As the men gathered around the projection screen in the middle of the control room, you crouched down at the side behind the other skyperson you assumed was in charge. He looked to be a very anxious man.
Crouching was no good, you moved to kneel, your head still above all the sky people in the room but at least you wouldn’t have to worry about knocking yourself out by standing up too much. Spider left your side to peek at the projections.
“The targets pretty much this whole island group.”
“Never been up there. You know those waters doc, what kind of indigenous we got?” Scoresby nodded to the other man across the map.
“Uh Metkayina mostly. Some Ta’unui. Maybe fifty villages.” He seemed like a very anxious man, it was quite unsettling to be around.
“And you are who?”
“Oh. Uh Ian Garvin. Marine biologist.” Garvin lifted his hand for Quaritch to shake but he ignored him, waving away as he spoke. Garvin slowly lowered his hand down, probably embarrassed.
“Fifty villages. A hundred villages. I don’t care we’ll search ‘em all.”
“I hunt tulkun. It’s what I’m rigged for, it’s all my guys do. I’ve got quotas to meet.” Your face twisted into a scowl at the notion of these demons hurting more sacred creatures. Why couldn’t they just leave everything alone?
“I’ll be nice once. Then I won’t.”
“Well if you can’t get out of it, get into it. All teams to stations!” And with that, Quaritch had taken control over the ship. He turned to look at you, a triumphant smirk on his face but you just rolled your eyes. You weren’t impressed that he vaguely threatened some sky people into doing his bidding, just look at the size of him compared to them, of course they would listen.
Garvin seemed to realise your presence behind him and cleared his throat stretching out his hand after looking you up and down. “Uh, Ian Garvin. Marine biologist?”
You raised a hairless brow as you slowly wrapped your hand around his, “You do not seem so sure.” His hand was too small to embrace the width of yours so it felt awkward in comparison to the way Quaritch’s hand felt against yours.
“Sorry, I’m just nervous. I’ve never met an indigenous before. Are you from the Olangi tribe?” You gave him an amused half smile, slightly caught off guard by his interest in you.
“I am Omaticaya.” Garvin’s face lit up with awe, “Ah I should have guessed, the fibres of your top is made from rain thistle right?” You glanced down at your top and it was indeed mostly rain thistle. You scoffed in surprise, “Yes, that is correct. You know much for a human.” Garvin shrugged, “It’s all part of my job, ma’am.”
Ma’am. You’d heard Quaritch use it to speak to that blonde woman. Did it have any significance or was it just a formal term for women for these people? Either way you weren’t sure you liked it. A turn of your head and you caught Quaritch staring at the two of you, having watched your entire interaction. His face was blank but the way his knuckles were turning pale blue from clenching the railing so hard told a different story. You got up and walked out of the room starting to feel the need for fresh air and since you didn’t have a mask like Quaritch and Lyle did, you had to head out.
…
Two weeks. It had been just two weeks and you were ready to pull your hair out from stress, boredom, madness. Any of them could fit your situation. It brought your mind back to a phrase you’d heard Spider mention after a trip to the outpost to visit the scientists. Cabin fever. Your memory was vague but you were sure it had something to do with feeling caged in.
You were sat on the deck with your legs dangling over the side of the ship as your arms rested on the railing that came up to your lower chest height. You had the sudden urge to bang your head against the metal just to do something. You weren’t allowed to sit in with meetings; apparently your constant hissing and snarling at Scoresby for bragging about killing Tulkun was ‘scaring the others’. Good. They should be scared, if you had your way they would all be hung for their crimes against Eywa.
Quaritch was confusing you again. He was always staring at you even when you scowled at him, hissed at him, baring your teeth did nothing anymore. It just seemed to amuse him, stupidly grinning back at you like it was all some kind of inside joke he’d forgotten to tell you about. Even flicking your tail at him didn’t seem to have the same effect. In fact, you had to stop doing that.
A couple days ago you’d been walking around the far-too-short deck to try and stretch your legs when Quaritch strode over to you, Spider in tow. “I don’t like these people either, but you keep causing problems and we’ll have to throw you overboard, cupcake.” You’d hissed at him and brought your tail up to whip at his thigh when you walked past. Seconds later you’d felt a sharp sting against your hip as his tail smacked against your skin. You’d gasped and spun around, only to meet his smug smirk, “Tit for tat, princess.” You’d had no words, too stunned to speak and resorted to storming off to the other side of the ship. Spider had been conflicted, it wasn’t often he’d seen anyone who riled up his mom so much, he wasn’t really sure if this was a good or bad thing anymore.
So yes, you had decided to refrain from using your tail against him, not wanting him to think you wanted to play along with his silly game. But then, you thought, would you be giving control to him by not doing it? You placed your head in your hands, letting out a deep sigh.
Spider stood next to you, leaning his elbows on the railing backwards. “You okay mom?”
“I don’t know if I can take much more of this torment. It is horrible being stuck on this tiny ship! There is no space! The people are dreadful and Quaritch. Ugh, that man drives me to the brink of insanity!”
Spider chewed on the inside of his cheek before crouching down by your side. “What if I told you we could sneak out tonight?” You raised your head, eager but wary to hear out your son. He continued, “I’ve been spying on their rotations and I think I’ve figured out everyone’s schedules. Between 1 and 3 in the morning there aren’t any recoms keeping watch, just humans. If we can knock them out then we can escape!”
You brought your hands up to either side of Spider’s mask to pull his head forward as you pressed multiple kisses against his mask. “Oh my genius son. You are incredible! Let’s do it.” Spider grinned up at you and you grinned right back, feelings of hope and joy blooming inside you at the prospect of finally going home.
Spider sat by you for a little while longer before curiosity got the better of him and he walked over to one of the sky people using the guns to ask him lots of questions. You shook your head, typical Spider, always so curious, he was full of questions all the time. Even when he first learned to speak all he wanted to do was mostly point at different things and ask “what is that, mama?” It was adorable and you still thought so.
You’d not been able to sleep, well not even without the potential jail break. You’d been given a weird puffy rectangle to lie on in a very small room. It was uncomfortable and you woke up with a new crick in your neck every morning. You were very glad to be leaving.
It was now one in the morning, you could tell from the clock that was inside the room. Spider had pointed it out to you and told you that when the two lines pointed in certain directions that that meant it was time to go. You quietly got up, opening your door and closing it behind you. You had to crouch down very low in these corridors, even the tallest humans would feel claustrophobic in these halls. You took a breath from the mask around your neck that Spider had demanded you to be given when he found out you were to sleep inside the ship with the oxygen rich air.
You crept along the hallways, there was no one walking around but you heard some rustling inside the rooms to your left and right. You’d made it to the top deck and out onto the roof without any interruptions. Your dark blue skin blended in nicely with the night sky against the dark grey metal. Your yellow eyes were trained on the oblivious human guard walking up the opposite set of stairs to get onto the top deck. You crouched down low, shushing Amay so she didn’t alert anyone to your position. You watched Spider come up the same stairs behind him.
He was quiet but not quiet enough. You winced as the guard spun around, “Hey, Kid! You’re not authorised to be here at this time. Get back inside!” Spider smirked, lazily raising his hands in the air in surrender as he watched you silently step off the roof to creep up behind the guard. Spider tilted to the side, making it very obvious that the guard should look behind him. When he did, you slowly raised to your full height as you snarled at him, exposing your sharp fangs. The man stumbled back, arms flailing to reach for the gun at his hip but you grabbed him by his safety vest, yanking him off his feet.
“Make no sound and I will let you go.” Too scared, or too stupid, the man ignored your words and began to scream. You grunted in frustration, fingers going to unhook his mask leaving him struggling to breathe. “I said be quiet!” You shouted in a hushed tone. This man was proving to be incredibly useless and weak. He choked and wriggled to get his mask on. You hissed, placing his mask back on, only giving him enough time to regain consciousness before throwing him out overboard. Spider laughed behind his fist, “Damn mom, not quite the distraction I meant but I’ll take it.”
You shrugged your shoulders in a similar fashion to your son’s. You reached down to lift spider up onto the roof and watched as he walked over to Amay. Your ikran nudged him with her head, recognising him as your son through your bond. Spider smiled and petted her neck as you lifted yourself up to climb on top. Just as you brought your legs up, a strong hand wrapped around your ankle and yanked you back. You fell down onto the floor, groaning as your head hit the side of the wall.
“Oh fuck,” you cursed under your breath as you looked up at Quaritch from your position on the floor. He had his hands on his hips and his face told you that he was no less than outraged at the situation he’d caught you in. Spider rushed over to the edge, crying out as he saw you, “Mom! Are you okay?”
“Just what in the fuck do you two think you’re doing?” Quaritch’s voice had you gritting your teeth as you moved to stand back up. Before you could get in his face, he pushed a hand flat against your collarbone, slamming you against the wall to pin you there. “C’mon I ain’t got all night, cupcake.”
Spider quickly jumped down to push at Quaritch’s stomach to try and ease him off you. “Hey! Stop it, it..it was my idea alright?! We were getting restless being cooped up on this fucking ship so I asked my mom to take me for a little night ride. We were gonna be back in like an hour.”
“You expect me to believe that crock of shit? I expect better from you boy.”
“It is true! What’s the point in leaving, you’d just track me down anyway remember?” He tapped against his mask hoping that Quaritch wouldn’t remember he’d changed his mask when he got on the ship so it was no longer traceable. Quaritch kept his eyes on you as he questioned Spider but you remained silent. Just glaring, your hands twitching by your sides wishing you had your knife to dig into his ribs.
“And the overboard crew member? Explain that.”
“He was being an ass to me. Threatening me. He deserved it.” Quaritch’s jaw clenched as the corner of your mouth twitched upwards into a smirk. His lips pursed into a scowl before letting you go, taking a step back. He looked at you then down to Spider. He placed his hands on his hips and nodded once, “Alright then. I could use some breathing space myself. You want some freedom, then I’m coming wit’cha. Need to keep my eyes on you. No funny business.”
His eyes burned into your own, waiting for some kind of defiance, but you gave him nothing. You merely forced a smile, “Fine.” Quaritch let go of you, gesturing for Spider to climb back up onto the roof. Spider turned and gave you a worried glance before climbing up, you following and pulling your kuru over your shoulder as you walked to Amay.
“We’re taking mine. Any arguments with that and you can go back down into that closet for the night.” You gritted your teeth as you let your kuru fall from your hands, turning to look at Quaritch’s ikran. It screeched under the attention although you refrained from looking in his eyes. Quaritch reached back to grab his kuru, making tsahaelu. He jerked his head in the direction of his Ikran, Spider making the first move over. He jumped up to sit high up, near the base of the Ikran’s neck. You froze in place, trying to figure out if this was going to be worth it. Spider waved you over and your feet moved instinctively. You batted away Quaritch’s offered hand, placing one hand on the Ikran’s back to jump over. It had been a long time since you last flew on an Ikran other than Amay.
Finally, Quaritch threw his leg over to sit behind you and the ikran jerked forward to push all three of you closer to together. One arm wrapped around Spider’s waist while the other held on to the harness he’d tied around the ikran’s body. “Hiyah!” Quaritch cried out and the ikran shot off with another screech. You held your breath as the movement shot you back against Quaritch’s chest. No words came from his mouth though on instinct he moved to place a strong arm around your own stomach, between you and Spider.
The anxiousness of being in such close contact with Quaritch faded as you felt the wind through your hair and blowing against your skin. He brought his ikran higher and higher in the sky until you could barely make out the ship below. Spider cheered, holding his hands up in the air knowing he was safe with your hold on him. Your son started to yip and you couldn’t resist from joining in, shouting out into the air as the Ikran swooped down and around in a large circle motion before returning to its original height.
You’d almost forgotten Quaritch was there, having fun with your son had you reminiscing about all the times you’d taking him flying previously. “Man, this is so cool! Do a loop!”
Quaritch’s chuckle in your ear brought you back to reality as his grip tightened around your waist, “Hold on tight,” he spoke in your ear before you felt the Ikran turning straight up. Your arms locked around Spider as you were turning upside down before the world around you straightened out. Spider whooped, throwing his fists in the air. You were silent, your mind only focusing on the way his hand was splayed against your stomach, keeping you close to him. His palm was warm but to you it was as though it was burning into your skin to leave a permanent branding.
You could feel your heart race as you were overcome with nerves, but what for? You pressed your lips together to remain quiet but then his fingers started to move. It was slow and barely noticeable at first but you could feel his thumb brushing back and forth over your skin. You swallowed, gripping his hand to tear it off you.
You might have pushed his arm a little too hard, he wobbled as he tried to regain balance. His ikran felt his slight distress and shook as he tried to look back at his rider. You cried out as you were pulled to the side by gravity, hand slipping off the hardness. Suddenly the ikran quickly turned the opposite way to bounce you back up before levelling out. Quaritch’s hand was back, on your hip now, his ring and pinky finger laid against your thigh. He felt you tense under his touch. A cocky grin stretched over his lips as he pressed up against you. You weren’t hiding how much you hated this at all, so of course he had to try and push your buttons further.
“Relax cupcake, I’ve got you.” His voice was low, whispered directly into your ear, spider was unlikely to hear with no doubt the wind causing lots of noise against his mask. You recalled many times he hadn’t even heard you shouting at him to get his attention while riding in wind,
You turned your head, straining your neck to glare at him, channeling all your rage through your eyes. He only grinned at you. It made you all the more infuriated.
“You do not have me. You will never have me.” Quaritch still stayed smiling as if he was hearing something other than your actual words. It caused a hiss of frustration to slither out your mouth.
“I’ve got Spider. That means I’ve got you too. We’re still playing happy families right?”
Quaritch released his hold on you to reach ahead and hold Spider’s arm up higher, “That’s it son!”
Son.
It hit you hard. Especially as Spider looked back his face full of awe and joy as he whooped back to Quaritch, his father.
You frowned as the tears came rushing to your eyes. You blinked them away before the wind could force them out. You opted to stay silent. Soon after, the wind died down and the flight was peaceful. So peaceful that Spider had begun to slump in your arms. You peaked around his shoulder to see that he had fallen asleep. You scoffed in amusement, moving him into a more comfortable position.
Quaritch took that as a sign to turn back, you couldn’t recall how long you’d been out there perhaps maybe a couple hours, maybe longer maybe shorter, you had struggling to keep a focused mind while sadness consumed you. After landing, Quaritch made it clear to you that he had noticed. Quaritch got off the ikran then carefully took Spider from your arms so you could dismount as well. When you moved to grab your son back, he stepped back to gain your attention.
You hissed softly as your head turned up to glare at him, “I do not have patience for your games.”
“You wanna tell me what the hell that was about?”
You bared your teeth, “I do not know what you speak of. Give me my son.”
Quaritch chuckled, “Ah there we go. You’re jealous Spider’s warming up to me. You didn’t think he would want to know his own father.”
Your hurt reached its boiling point. “You are not his father! You have not been any kind of parent to him. He is my son! My.. my child.” Your voice cracked with emotion and you tried to swallow the lump forming in your throat. “I have taken care of him for his whole life and you think you can try to steal him from me. Eywa knows I would gut you inside out before I let that happen.”
Quaritch shifted Spider so he was only in one arm leaning against his chest. He placed his now free hand on his hip. “I ain’t tryna steal him from you. I’ll admit, I didn’t like the idea of a hostile raising my boy…but I’ve seen how he acts around you. He trusts you. Protects you just as much as you protect him. Loves you.”
He took a deep breath while you could feel your body heaving, too many emotions firing off inside you leaving you short of breath. He continued, “Hell, I don’t think he’d want nothing to do with me if I took him away from you.”
You frowned, “I do not understand what you’re saying.” You felt like there was more that wasn’t being said.
Quaritch took a step closer to you and grabbed your chin. His touch was unnaturally gentle given your past experiences. Your eyes widened. Frozen in anticipation, you couldn’t move, didn’t smack away his hand or anything. You just stood there, waiting. He grinned but it seemed softer somehow, gone of any malice behind it.
“He could be our son.” You recoiled, physically and mentally. What?! Your mouth hung open in shock, you hadn’t known what he would say but you would never have been able to guess that. He dropped his hand from your face, his grin dropping to a bemused smile as you stepped back. You acted on impulse, your ears pinning back as you bared your teeth at him, “Never speak such a thing to me again!” Your hands itched to do something. Take Spider, slap him, shake his head to straighten his thoughts, take his hand. Your eyes widened as you remembered the way his hands on you always sparked a warm feeling deep in your stomach. “Gah!” You snapped at him before jumping off the roof, storming down the stairs and practically having to crawl your way through the corridors to get back to your closet room.
As soon as the door shut behind you, you sat down with your knees up to your chest, head hitting back against the wall. Your eyes scrunched close before you covered your head with your hands. The Great Mother was relentless in testing your emotions. Images sparked in your mind from his words, visions of the three of you flying but this time all three of you were happy and laughing, you and Spider back in your hammock but both of you resting on Quaritch’s chest either side, a flash of a scene that began with you and Quaritch kneeling down together at the tree of souls. No. No. It was not to be. Never.
You needed to get away from this place. It was clearly driving you to madness, thinking such outrageous things.
Spider’s twitching went unnoticed in his father’s arms as he was carried inside. He had woken up in the middle of your shouting, hearing that you two had been arguing about him. He’d feigned sleep to hear what was being said, needing to feed into his curiosity. He was shocked by Quaritch’s move on his mom, but what truly surprised him was your response. The mom he knew four weeks ago would have jumped on Quaritch and tried to pluck his brain out through his eyeballs for such a thing. You barely yelled at him and stormed away. Concern filled Spider, things were getting complicated and the lines between pretending and reality, good and bad were getting blurrier.
Could you do a Tonowari x fem!Metkayina reader where she’s chosen to be Tsahik and his mate, but he thinks she only wants the title—then slowly realizes she genuinely cares in little, quiet ways?
Summary: You were chosen by Tonowari’s mother to be Tsahik and his mate but he never gave you a chance. Until he began to see the quiet ways you loved him.
Part I: The Choice
The reef glowed in the early morning light, beams of sun slipping through the water’s surface and catching on coral outcroppings, painting the village in soft cyan. You stood with your feet planted in the sand, arms at your side, the sea breeze brushing your braids back from your face.
You had never expected this.
“The Great Mother guides my choice,” the current Tsahik said solemnly, her voice echoing around the gathering space. “And she has whispered a name to me.”
A quiet hush settled over the Metkayina clan as eyes turned toward the platform. Beside you stood Tonowari, tall and composed, arms crossed over his broad chest. He didn’t look at you. He hadn’t since you’d stepped onto the dais.
Tsahik continued. “My son, the future Olo’eyktan, must walk beside a woman not only of strength but of deep heart. One who knows the sea, and its silence. One who will care for our people as surely as she cares for what is unseen.”
You swallowed, throat dry despite the salt air.
“I name her,” she said, reaching out and placing her hand on your shoulder, “as the future Tsahik of the Metkayina and as the one chosen to walk beside my son, Tonowari.”
Gasps spread through the gathered clan like ripples from a stone. Some were pleased. Some surprised. Some clearly… less than thrilled.
“She’s so young.”
“I thought it would be Neyla.”
“Tonowari will never agree.”
But it was done. The choosing was sacred.
You bowed your head in reverence, then dared to glance at Tonowari beside you.
His face was impassive, carved from stone. Not one flicker of surprise. No joy, no protest. Just a tight nod as he stepped forward and said, “As you wish, Mother.”
And then he stepped back again.
That evening, the firepit roared with celebration. Fish roasted. Elders sang old songs. Dancers wove across the sands in spirals of movement. You sat at the edge of the feast, untouched fruit in your lap, watching Tonowari.
He was surrounded by others warriors, friends, elders but somehow still apart. Like a reef too sharp to swim near.
You didn’t speak to him that night. And he didn’t seek you out.
The days that followed were quiet. At least, for you.
The clan welcomed you with the smiles they saved for duty. You were trained under the Tsahik, taught rituals, healing, the ways of Eywa. You excelled quietly, without need for praise. But whispers followed your shadow wherever you swam.
“She is clever, yes, but was she the right choice?”
“She doesn’t speak much. Perhaps she is unsure.”
“I hear Tonowari avoids her. Maybe there will be another choosing.”
You bore it all. Silently. Stoically.
Even when you passed Tonowari on the way to the reef, and he barely nodded at you. Even when he walked behind you during rituals but never beside you. Even when he allowed others to flirt and laugh and touch his arm as if you did not exist.
He was never cruel. But kindness? That was something else entirely.
You thought, once, of asking him outright: Why do you hate me so? But the words died on your tongue each time you met his distant eyes.
Still, you did what you were meant to do.
You watched. You learned. You remembered.
Tonowari liked grilled fish, not boiled. He dipped his sea fruit in crushed shell spice, never salt. He preferred silence after long swims, not chatter. His armband had three beads carved with his father’s crest he rubbed them when he was anxious.
So you cooked how he liked. Served him during communal meals without fanfare. You replaced the fraying sash of his wrap before he noticed it was worn. You wove a new loincloth for him and left it quietly on his platform, stitched with small green spirals the same pattern as the tattoo near his collarbone.
He didn’t thank you.
But he wore it.
Tonowari was a leader before he was a man. At least, that’s what the elders always said.
You watched him from afar more often than not giving orders before a storm, swimming at the head of every migration, holding the young warriors’ gaze with a kind of gravity that could pull stars from the sky.
And yet, he rarely looked your way.
The absence of hatred wasn’t kindness. It was just emptiness. A space between you wide as the ocean, made wider by every day you stood at his side in ritual but never in spirit.
You stopped expecting warmth from him. You started giving it anyway.
It began with a small basket of food.
The clan had returned from an exhausting dive, hunting large, armored reef beasts. You’d watched from the shore, preparing herbs and bandages in case someone came back wounded. When Tonowari emerged from the sea last, his face was drawn tight, and his shoulder bore a ragged slice along the deltoid.
You didn’t speak. You just approached, cleaned it with practiced hands, and rubbed in a cooling salve from sea anemone roots. He watched you in silence but didn’t flinch.
Later that evening, you prepared his meal separately. Not as Tsahik. Not as some ceremonial gesture.
But as a woman who’d watched him enough to know what calmed his nerves.
Grilled fish, citrus-glazed seaweed, fruit sweetened with crushed shells everything he favored, wrapped in soft cloth and left by his sleeping mat. No note. No fanfare.
The next morning, the basket was returned to your platform. Empty. Clean. Carefully folded.
And not a word was said.
You noticed small things after that.
He didn’t leave the communal fire as early anymore. Sometimes he lingered near where you sat with Tsahik, listening quietly.
He started walking closer beside you. Never touching, never lingering too long but no longer avoiding you either.
One night, a young woman from the weaving groups placed her hand on Tonowari’s arm, laughing brightly at something only she heard.
You expected him to allow it. To remain cold and still as always.
But he gently removed her hand. Said, “Respect the future Tsahik.”
The girl paled. Apologized. Walked away.
You were too stunned to speak. But Tonowari looked at you for the briefest of moments.
And nodded.
That evening, you sat alone by the reef, braiding sea thread into long cords for children’s charms. Your fingers moved from memory, your thoughts drifting like foam on the waves.
You didn’t hear him approach.
“You sit alone often,” came his voice, low and calm.
You blinked. Looked up.
Tonowari stood there, arms at his sides, expression unreadable. The moonlight carved soft lines into his cheekbones, his tattoos catching the blue hue of the night tide.
“It is quiet here,” you answered.
He sat down beside you. Not too close but not far, either.
After a moment, he said, “You knew I liked citrus.”
Your fingers paused in their braid. “Yes.”
“You made the fish perfectly. Even the texture.”
“I listen,” you said simply.
He turned to face you. “Why?”
The word struck deeper than it should have.
You met his eyes. “Because I care.”
He stared at you. Really looked. As if seeing you not as a duty or a name but as a person flesh and thought, desire and devotion, waiting patiently on the other side of silence.
He looked away then, brows drawn. “I thought… you only wanted the title. Like the others.”
You could’ve laughed. Or cried.
Instead, you said, “I never asked for this. But I never asked to be overlooked, either.”
The wind picked up. His fingers twitched on his knee.
“I see that now,” he said, quietly.
In the weeks that followed, the space between you began to close.
He didn’t become someone new overnight. But Tonowari started seeking your counsel more during clan meetings. Asked your opinion before the Tsahik had a chance to answer for you.
Once, he brought you a carved comb made of reefbone. It wasn’t fancy. But the teeth were wide enough for your thick braids, and it had a wave motif carved into the handle one you’d painted onto your sleeping mat as a child.
“How did you know I like this design?” you asked him, genuinely curious.
He shrugged. “I listen.”
You smiled, and this time, he saw it.
There were still bad days.
Tonowari was under pressure. From his people. From his own fears. You learned to recognize the way his shoulders tensed before a council meeting or how his jaw flexed when someone questioned his authority.
But on those days, you made sure his meal was waiting. You touched his arm briefly before a ritual. You whispered, You are enough, once, just before he walked onto the central platform.
He didn’t say anything.
But he took your hand in his when the chants began.
One night, a storm blew hard over the outer reef. Warriors were dispatched to anchor structures and bring in supplies from drifting platforms. Tonowari returned soaked to the bone, bleeding from a coral scrape on his thigh, his hair plastered to his face.
You were waiting.
You didn’t ask. You simply pulled him into your platform hut, dried his arms, and dressed the wound in silence.
He watched you the whole time.
Finally, his voice cracked the quiet. “I do not deserve this from you.”
You tied the last knot in the bandage. “Why not?”
“I doubted you.”
You met his eyes. “You’re not the only one who has.”
“But I was the one who mattered.”
He exhaled sharply. Reached for your wrist stopped. Then, slowly, he brushed your fingers with his.
“I see you,” he whispered.
You froze.
But your heart leapt. Because it wasn’t the formal greeting, the rote phrase of ceremony.
It was real. Raw. His voice broke on the words.
“I see you,” he said again, this time steadier.
You curled your fingers into his. “I’ve seen you every day, Tonowari.”
He bent his forehead to yours.
And for once, there was no sea between you.
Tonowari didn’t kiss you that night.
But something in the air shifted between you. A thick, unseen thing. Like the pause between waves soft, expectant.
After that storm, he no longer hovered near you like someone fulfilling a duty. He sought you. Sought your presence, your thoughts, your quiet eyes.
And for the first time, he gave in return.
It began with a cloak.
You’d woven him many garments before shawls, wrist wraps, satchels. But he’d never made you anything. Not because he was selfish. Because he didn’t know how.
So when he approached you holding a seafoam-colored wrap, edges uneven and clearly stitched by someone still learning, you nearly dropped the basket of dried herbs in your arms.
“I wanted you to have this,” he said, voice low and careful. “You get cold when the wind shifts.”
You took it with trembling fingers. The fabric was rough in places, but warm. It smelled like reef and him.
You pressed it to your cheek.
“Thank you,” you said softly. “This means more than you know.”
His throat bobbed with an unspoken word. But he only nodded and walked away.
That night, you slept wrapped in it.
Time passed gently.
Tonowari began joining you during morning meditations. Once, he helped you carry herbal satchels to the tidepool children. Another time, he braided your hair while you rested from a long healing ceremony, his fingers slow and reverent.
He didn’t speak much. But when he did, his words lingered like whale songs low and warm, felt more in the chest than the ears.
You began to laugh with him. To smile more openly. To touch his wrist when he looked tired, and not worry he would flinch.
And in turn, he looked at you like you were no longer just the Tsahik who was chosen for him
But the woman he would’ve chosen himself.
The clan noticed.
No one dared say anything too directly, but you heard it in their tones.
“Did you see how Tonowari looked at her today?”
“They speak without words now.”
“She softened him.”
And perhaps you had. But more truthfully, he’d let himself be softened. Like sea rock worn down not by force but by constancy.
One afternoon, while helping a young diver with her first healing session, you felt a presence at your back.
You turned and Tonowari was watching.
He hadn’t interrupted. Just waited.
When the child left with her parents, Tonowari came closer.
“You are gentle with them,” he said. “Even when they are frightened.”
You smiled. “They are still learning.”
He nodded. “So was I.”
Your eyes met. His meaning sank into your bones.
So was I.
That night, he kissed you.
It wasn’t planned. There was no ceremony, no prelude.
You had just returned from a healing outpost on the far reef. Exhausted, muscles sore, your hands still dyed with leaf pigments.
You climbed the platform where he stood, waiting.
“I heard you returned late,” he said. “I was worried.”
You looked up at him, too tired to speak, too full of love to hide.
And he kissed you.
Not hard. Not fast. Just sure.
The kind of kiss that said, I am no longer afraid.
Your hands curled into his waist wrap. His cupped your jaw like something fragile and sacred.
And when he pulled back, his forehead pressed to yours, he whispered:
“You were never a duty.”
You cried. A little. Quietly.
He held you through it.
From that day on, the world softened around you.
There was still war. Still storms. Still hard days. But now there was him. And he was no longer just someone you loved in secret.
He was someone who loved you back.
It bloomed slowly like everything between you had.
Tonowari was not loud in love. He didn’t make speeches or shout his feelings across the village. But you felt it in every gesture.
In the way he warmed your meal when you came home late.
In the way he carved a small water dish for your pet ilusa.
In the way he waited for you each night, only sleeping once he knew you were safe beside him.
He whispered I see you against your shoulder when the stars were high. You whispered I see you back, with hands curled over his heart.
One morning, you woke to find him gone from your sleeping mat.
He’d left something in your hands woven cloth, carefully folded. A ceremonial sash.
You opened it and gasped softly.
It bore the mark of Tsahik but also, stitched beside it, the symbol for mate.
Tonowari had made it himself.
He’d been learning in secret from the elder weavers. Practicing when you were away. You could see the imperfections, but you could also see the care. The patience. The intention.
When he returned, salt still in his hair from a dawn swim, you rushed to him.
You didn’t speak. Just held him.
He murmured, “I want you beside me. As my mate. As my equal. As the woman I love.”
You said yes before he could finish the sentence.
The Metkayina clan gathered at the edge of the reef beneath the setting sun. The tide was low, the sand damp and warm under your bare feet, and the sky was streaked in soft rose and gold.
The waters whispered to the shore, carrying gifts of foam and fragments of coral. And before the entire clan before Eywa, before the Great Mother’s sacred eye you and Tonowari stood across from one another.
He wore the ceremonial paint of Olo’eyktan, freshly renewed, but this time his chest bore something else: a small spiral inked above his heart. It matched your own. A symbol of the tide’s endless return.
You had drawn it for each other the night before. With his hand steadying your wrist. With yours trembling when you painted his.
Tsahik, his mother, stood between you, her voice strong, clear.
“Eywa hears all hearts. She knows when love is chosen, and when it is earned. She watches over those who walk beside one another not only in duty, but in truth.”
Her eyes met yours.
“You have walked this path with patience. With grace.”
Then she turned to Tonowari.
“And you, my son, have found what it means to love not from pride, but from seeing.”
You felt his fingers brush yours.
The final chant began. The clan joined in, their hum rising like a rising tide, resonant and deep. And when it faded, the old Tsahik stepped back.
Now it was your moment.
You and Tonowari stepped forward.
And he spoke first.
“I once believed you were chosen for me. That I had no choice,” he said, voice firm and low, carrying across the water. “But I was wrong. I see now that Eywa did not trap me. She gifted me someone I was too blind to understand. And now, I choose you. Not because I must but because I cannot imagine a single day without your hand in mine.”
The clan was silent. The reef wind stilled.
You swallowed the lump in your throat. “And I choose you,” you said, voice shaking. “Because even when you did not see me, I loved you. And now that you do there is no end to that love.”
His hands took yours.
Foreheads pressed.
And the wave rolled in behind you both, warm and gentle, lapping over your feet like Eywa’s blessing.
The clan cheered.
But all you could hear was the sound of his breath against your cheek, and the quiet, precious words that followed:
“You are my home now.”
Your joining was not grand, not ostentatious.
But it was true.
And in the days that followed, you found a rhythm in your lives that was soft and sure.
You slept together now, wrapped in the same woven cloths, his heartbeat under your ear at night.
He kissed your temple every morning before diving. You left small offerings fruit, polished shell, ocean stones by his weapons rack.
He brought you shells that looked like stars. You sang to him while brushing the salt from his braids.
Once, he surprised you by carving a small talon flute one you’d told him you used to play as a child, long ago. He had asked no questions then. But weeks later, the gift arrived on your mat, smoothed and tuned.
“I remember everything about you,” he said, brushing his fingers over your knuckles.
And he did.
Every day, Tonowari showed you that love did not have to roar to be strong. It could be steady. It could be patient. It could be quiet and still move the world.
You found joy in mundane things.
Helping children mend their fishing nets. Dancing in the tide pools when no one was looking. Singing while preparing salves.
Tonowari watched you in those moments like you were a prayer answered.
He laughed more now. Full, open. A sound you rarely heard before.
When the other clan leaders visited and commented on how much more grounded he seemed, he only said, “I have someone who reminds me what matters.”
One evening, after a long training day, you found him half-asleep on your shared mat, shoulders sore from leading dives.
You sat beside him, fingers working the tightness from his muscles, humming gently.
“You work too hard,” you said softly.
He cracked one eye open. “I work to make you proud.”
You leaned down and kissed his temple. “You make me proud when you rest, too.”
He smiled, slow and sleepy, and reached for your hand.
“Then stay,” he murmured.
You curled into his side, his breath deepening as sleep overtook him.
And for a long time, you simply lay there, the reef winds outside your home, the warmth of his body against yours.
A life not of ceremony or status.
But of belonging.
Of quiet, sacred love.
The seasons turned gently after your bonding.
Not with fanfare or sudden change but with the subtle certainty of the tide. The reef warmed. The young ones grew bolder in the water. Storms came and went, leaving the coral stronger in their wake.
And so did your life with Tonowari.
You became Tsahik not all at once, but gradually. The old Tsahik never stepped aside abruptly; she guided you, corrected you when needed, and most importantly trusted you. You learned to read the currents not just of the sea, but of people. To feel when a child’s fear was deeper than scraped skin. When a warrior’s anger hid grief. When silence meant more than words.
Tonowari watched you step into the role with a kind of reverence that still startled you.
He never interrupted your rituals. Never spoke over you in council. And when others questioned your decisions, he did not defend you loudly.
He simply said, “She knows what she is doing.”
And that was enough.
You learned, over time, that Tonowari carried guilt like a second spine.
Sometimes it came out in quiet ways how he lingered in doorways watching you work, how he reached for you at night as if afraid you might vanish, how he would grow unusually silent during celebrations meant to honor you.
One evening, after a long council meeting, you found him standing alone at the edge of the water, staring out into the dark sea.
“You’re carrying something,” you said gently, coming to stand beside him.
He exhaled slowly. “I think about how close I came to losing you.”
You frowned. “You never lost me.”
He turned to you then, eyes dark and honest. “I almost did. When I thought you were something you were not. When I let my pride speak louder than my heart.”
You reached for his hand, threading your fingers through his. “But you learned.”
“Yes,” he said. “Because you taught me. Without demanding anything in return.”
He lowered his forehead to yours. “I will spend my life being worthy of that.”
You smiled softly. “Then spend it with me.”
The first time a child ran to you instead of the elders for comfort, something settled in your chest.
The first time a wounded warrior thanked you with tears in his eyes, you understood the weight of your calling.
And the first time Tonowari introduced you to visiting clan leaders as my mate, my Tsahik, you realized how far he had come.
He was proud of you not because of your title, but because of who you were.
Your home filled with small rituals.
Morning swims together before the village woke. Shared meals eaten cross-legged on woven mats. Quiet conversations before sleep sometimes deep, sometimes silly, sometimes nothing at all.
Tonowari learned the rhythms of you the same way you had learned him.
He noticed when you needed solitude and guarded it fiercely. When you were overwhelmed, he pressed his forehead to yours and breathed with you until the world slowed.
Once, during a particularly heavy season, you broke down quietly while preparing herbs hands shaking, tears slipping free.
You hadn’t meant for him to see.
But he did.
He took the bowl from your hands, set it aside, and pulled you into his chest without a word. Held you while you cried. Kissed your hair. Stayed until the storm passed.
Later, you whispered, “I’m supposed to be strong.”
He answered, without hesitation, “You are. And strong people are allowed to rest.”
Years later, children sat at your feet during evening fires, wide-eyed as you told stories of the reef and the Great Mother.
They loved Tonowari’s stories best the ones where he pretended to be fierce but always smiled too soon.
And when one small child asked, “Tsahik, how did you and Olo’eyktan fall in love?” the whole circle leaned in.
You glanced at Tonowari.
He raised a brow, amused. “Tell them.”
You smiled. “It wasn’t loud. Or fast. It didn’t arrive like a storm.”
You reached for his hand.
“It came like the tide. Slowly. Patiently. Again and again. Until we realized it had always been there.”
Tonowari squeezed your fingers.
“And I was a fool,” he added, “for not seeing it sooner.”
Laughter rippled through the group.
But when the fire burned low and the children drifted off to sleep, he pressed a kiss to your temple and whispered, “Thank you for waiting for me.”
You answered softly, “I would do it all again.”
On the night you fully assumed the role of Tsahik, the sea was impossibly calm.
The old Tsahik placed her hands over yours, eyes warm with pride. “You were always meant for this,” she said.
Later, when the ceremony ended and the village quieted, you stood alone at the water’s edge.
Tonowari joined you, slipping his arm around your waist.
“I was wrong about many things,” he said quietly.
You tilted your head. “And right about one.”
He smiled. “Choosing you.”
You leaned into him, watching the moonlight ripple across the reef.
And there beneath Eywa’s stars, with the sea breathing steadily around you you understood something deeply, truly, finally:
Summary: So'lek has accepted his life as an outsider, no clan of his own to call home. For years nothing has consumed him more than the need to exact revenge on the RDA who stole everything from him. Yet somehow all of that changes when he meets you.
Warnings: explicit sexual content MDNI, trauma, mentions of death and war, angst, injuries, obsessive So'lek, lust, p in v, oral, swearing, marking, possessive thoughts, rough, jealousy, yearning, breast play, alcohol consumption, dirty talk, etc (not all inclusive)
You do not need to have played the game to read this story. I did my best to include context clues that make it clear enough.
Disclaimer: I am no So'lek expert so I made some educated guesses based on what I learned playing the game. If you see mistakes....no you don't.
The first instance is innocent. Something that So’lek can attribute to mere chance and furthermore nothing he expected to have any consequence on him. Meeting you is unexpected.
It happens after a long mission. He had drawn off firepower from the RDA so that one of the Sarentu could infiltrate and shut down one of the drill sites. Not only was the objective completed but it also seemed to have a positive effect on their relations with the Zeswa clan. They are impressed by the action, even more so drawn to a proper alliance between them and the resistance as the effects of Sky Demon technology has worsened on the their plains.
And so for the first time So’lek gets to witness the Zeswa home. Only there to discuss further relations with the Tsahik and Olo’eyktan, he tries to keep his curiosity to a minimum. However, it is difficult to not be swept away by the beauty of the upper plains. Even more so with the open comradery and community that is exhibited among the clan. The Zeswa are known for being a loud people, proud and brave while also fundamentally aware of possessing such skills.
They are a direct contrast to the Aranahe in that aspect. Everywhere he walks there are groups laughing boisterously, young warriors sparing while others cheer. Even when they fight there is not the usual demeanor So’lek is accustomed to. An air of playfulness is present. It is not weighed down by the same bitter thirst for revenge his own training exhibits.
There are colorful tents and kelku all positioned around caring for the hibernating Zakru. These giant beasts lay in the warm embrace of sunshine as their smaller counterparts laugh and rush around them. A foreign yet delightful relationship to behold.
His meeting with Minang and Nesim is short. No real negotiations are needed as they too are quick to join a fight. It is one of the things that So’lek has always appreciated about the Zeswa. Unlike the Aranahe they require no convincing when it comes to defending their home. If anything, they only wait to see which allies will be worthy of fighting alongside them. Fear is not a common ideal among them.
It is when So’lek has paid his respect to their leaders and begins making his long trek home, that he hears a voice.
“Are you going to leave it like that?”
So’lek’s ears perk, tail stopping midair. When a few seconds pass it becomes clear that the voice behind him is in fact addressing him and not a clan member. Slowly turning on his heels he looks down to find you. A female at least a head shorter than him wearing traditional Zeswa colors and looking up at him with an inquisitive brow raised. Despite your diminutive stature, you blink up at him without an ounce of concern.
“Your arm.” You clarify and much to his surprise he looks down to where you’re pointing and finds that there is a sizable gath along his bicep. It must have occurred somewhere between drawing the firepower out and taking down an amp suit with his bare hands. There is a tinge of pain now that you’ve brought attention to it, but it’s nothing in comparison to what he has endured in the past.
“It is minor.” He responds slowly, unsure of what answer you are expecting from him. Most clan members among the Aranahe barely acknowledge him. Not that they can be blamed. He is a stranger with a gun in hand and a permanent scowl in place. Neither has it ever truly bothered him. However, you seem to be in no mood to let him out of his impromptu conversation and it has him slightly on edge.
You scoff, soft features already laced into an amused expression. “Minor or not it needs to be stitched.”
Are you going to make him visit the healer’s tent? There would be no need. The hospital outpost within Resistance headquarters is sterile and inhabited by Sky People that barely understand the fundamentals of Na’vi anatomy, but it has always done the job before. Big or small injury, he has remained in one piece.
So’lek keeps a neutral expression, only allowing himself the release of shifting his weight from one foot to the other. “Minang has other responsibilities.”
You roll your eyes and a short laugh escapes your throat. “Men,” you mutter under your breath, just quiet enough that he starts to wonder if he has imagined it. “Come. I will fix it.”
He doesn’t immediately move at your command. After a few steps you turn over your shoulder to still see him standing there and it seems as if you are trying to hold laughter back at the sight of him. Although, So’lek can’t fathom what could possibly be funny about him.
“I do not bite. Come.” Voice fused with a playful laugh, you gesture once more for him to follow. So despite his better judgment, So’lek trails behind you, shortening his stride so as to not clip your heels, until he is gestured into a large tent. There are only a couple healers left in the tent. One woman is organizing the herbs while a male healer inspect a gash upon a man’s leg. Both of them turn to exchange a smile with you upon entering.
Smiles that waiver when they spot him towering behind.
“Sit down.” You command, pointing to a mat on his left. Reluctantly So’lek obeys, but his tail is already whipping with impatience. The others will be expecting him back soon. It is only a matter of time before Priya is bugging him over the radio for results on his talk with the Zeswa. It is not as if he is about to bleed out or lose his arm from waiting a few more hours for stitching.
Regardless, you keep an eye on him while gathering a needle, thread, and the proper ointments. You’re checking to make sure he doesn’t run off and you are nowhere near trying to hide it. In fact, when his eyes meet yours, you give a chipper smile. He holds back a sigh. There will be no escaping this tent soon.
The same upbeat attitude is not fully shared among the other Na’vi present in the tent. They remain polite but on guard. By the time you are kneeling next to him they have one by one created excuses for needing to leave. It’s just the two of you now.
“Let me see.” In usual fashion you demand, although voice soft. So’lek watches as you examine his arm, small fingers curling under his bicep carefully. The touch lights something in his stomach until once again he is wondering how long this visit will be. “My name is y/n.”
The sudden admission has him zoning back in. His golden eyes peek to see you from his peripherals. When the ointment is lathered over his wound So’lek is too busy turning the name over in his head to stop himself from flinching.
“This is the part where you tell me your name.” Your gaze has risen from where it was inspecting his gash to now inspect his motionless expression instead. So’lek bites back the urge to swallow the lump in his throat. Wonderful. This may be a waste of his time but that is no excuse to be rude, especially among members of a new alliance.
Social interaction, however, has never been one of his strong suits. He had spent years in the forest surviving alone after his clan was wiped out. Many days the only interactions he had with another being was the prey he hunted, diligently whispering the prayer of thanks over their dead bodies before preparing a meal for one. And even since then, So’lek is vexed to admit that a majority of his conversations have been with pestering Sky Demons at resistance headquarters who ask far too many questions and lag in recognizing his distaste for such interaction.
“It is So’lek.”
“I know who you are.” You shrug, back to focusing on spreading the ointment. His hairless brows pull together.
“If you know then why did you ask?” Except, you technically didn’t ask. You urged him to share, a distinction you graciously don’t correct.
“Because that is what people do when they meet each other. Just because I know who you are does not mean you shouldn’t share your name with me.” Yet another custom he has become out of touch with. Years away from a true Na’vi clan may have broken him in more ways than he had originally imagined. And yet, you don’t appear to be offended. There is a sparkle in your eyes, something he can’t quite analyze but it holds a lightness he’s unfamiliar with.
The ointment you spread smells sweet. Almost like the pod fruit he picks near headquarters for lunch. Or perhaps the nectar he can occasionally finds while traveling. Whatever it is, it’s far better than the usual stench of medicine used at headquarters. Those strangely packaged doses have a thick texture and sterile smell that always makes his stomach turn.
But this…this is almost nice. Even as the lathered touch burns along his wound.
“Your Sarentu friend comes to visit often. They stop by for a meal and materials, even socializing upon occasion. But I never see you.” The needle gracefully slips beneath his skin but So’lek can barely focus on the sensation. “I was starting to think that you were a myth created by them for a good story.”
So’lek is at a loss for words. What exactly is your point? Are you suggesting he should be spending more time among the Zeswa. It is the Sarentu that had received an invitation to help, not him. Up until now he has remained respectful of your clan’s space. It is only for an invited meeting that he finds himself here to witness your home for the first time. But the way you talk about it makes him almost feel guilty for not dropping by earlier.
Would the Zeswa people have welcomed him if he had? Give him a smile as he cooked a meal here or crafted a better bow as the Sarentu often do? He’s not sure if he would know how to respond if they did. Your attention has already proven to be hard enough to reciprocate as is.
“I attend to responsibilities at Resistance Headquarters.”
“So I’ve heard.” You hum. There is something else in your voice, some hidden message in your tone but So’lek can’t decipher it for the life of him. So once again he is caught wondering what your intentions are in bringing it up. Perhaps nothing. You are strangers to one another. Just because you have gone out of your way to heal him does not mean you care whether or not he graces the clan with his presence. For all he knows, making conversation is a polite practice for good bedside manner.
Your precision is admirable. A calm consistent draw and pull of the needle to create perfectly tight and even stitches sealing him up. Far better work than that done by flimsy Sky People hands at headquarters. And while their small faces often pinch in concentration when stitching, your features remain relaxed. Even tranquil, with just the softest of smiles present.
In a way it almost causes his own demeanor to follow suit. That is if it weren’t for your distracting appearance. It has been so long since he has witnessed true Na’vi crafted attire so he can’t really be blamed for running his eyes over your intricate top of bright reds and oranges. It’s only when you shift slightly that he realizes how scantily clad your chest is with only the decorative fabric. And it shouldn’t matter. It doesn’t matter.
Nudity is not a big concern among the Na’vi. They are not ashamed of their bodies. But it’s clear he has been hanging around tawtute far too much as he feels the need to shift his gaze away every time that flimsy covering slides one way or another. And where they land, however, is just as distracting. The soft curves of your faces, long dark lashes that blanket your fixated gaze. Even your hair that is entirely unrestrained with only a few flowers woven along your crown, allowing it to fall down to your waist in soft waves.
Staring isn’t a big deal. Or at least it shouldn’t be, but there is something about letting his eyes land for too long that puts him on edge. Perhaps it is some lingering adrenaline from the fight that still has him on alert. Even has his stomach twisting into weird knots. Usually by this point these effects have worn off, but So’lek tries not to read too far into it.
A hiss escapes his lips without permission when fingers suddenly press into his shoulder blade.
“By Eywa…” You marvel, now coming to press against the area harder even as he hisses his discomfort. “You are wound very tight. There is a giant knot here.”
So’lek’s teeth dig into the inside of his lips to keep back further hissing, but there is no controlling the writhing of his tail. Despite all of his efforts, however, it seems that none of this is of consequence to you. You are more than content to ignore his pain and dig further into the muscle in order to examine the damage better.
“It is just…tense.” He defends, finally veering away from your hands.
“That is a nice way of putting it.” You scoff, shaking your head as if he has told a joke. “It needs to be massaged.”
So’lek blinks back at you. Massaged? Of course it would be nice to stop having that blaring pain in his shoulder but what is he supposed to do about it? It is simply a consequence of pulling back his bow so many times, or even from slotting the stock of a rifle against that shoulder. But then you are reaching out and it hits him. This is you offering?
Out of reflex he pulls away. Bottom lip caught between your teeth, that amusement paints your features again as you glare back at him. It’s the same look a parent gives their child when they are misbehaving. It has his ears twitching, tailing curling in anticipation. For what, he does not know.
“It is fine.” So’lek assures you, holding a hand up when you try to reach him again.
“Do not be ridiculous. It is not fine. That is, unless you are okay with letting it go until you are unable to move your arm without pain.” You have him there and you know it, watching him patiently until he will finally give in to your superior logic.
You are being a good healer, no doubt far more observant of his state than anyone that has ever treated him among the resistance. And it’s true that restricted mobility would cause a direct conflict to his plans of revenge against the RDA. What point is infiltrating a base if he can’t even pull back the string of his bow? So So’lek can’t quite understand why the idea of conceding to this massage has his heart racing.
Perhaps there is a personal aspect to it that makes him weary. He does not know you and you do not know him, no matter what stories the Sarentu has supposedly shared. You’ve just about wrestled him into this tent to get mended and now you are fully prepared to massage his pain away. To let those delicately soft hands run over exposed skin, bring him relief in a way no one else ever does.
His heart rate is far beyond what it should be outside of battle.
“Are you afraid I will hurt you?” Brow bones raising, you give him a look that says you know exactly how that idea attacks his male pride. Regardless, So’lek can’t hold back a scoff.
“No.”
“Then there really is no reason to be stubborn now, is there?” It’s a rhetorical question because only a few seconds after you are settling behind him and grabbing a basin of massage oil.
For the first time since meeting you, you hesitate when your fingers just barely brush his tactical vest. Immediately that touch is pulled away and you fumble to find an angle that will reach the knot in his shoulder without touching the gear.
It’s not the first time he has witnessed this hesitation among the Na’vi. The vest is intimidating, tacked on with a radio, ammunition, and many other pieces of Sky People technology that is entirely foreign to you. He remembers that caution in himself the first time he tried to hold a gun. Despite your carefree and pushy nature, this mysterious article seems to put you on edge too.
“Do you want me to remove it?”
“What?”
“The vest.” Daring to peek over his shoulder he finds your bottom lips trapped again before a simple nod is given his way. He sets down the vest a distance away with his gun too. Anything to make you feel a little more at ease. Ironically, however, it is him that is left feeling vulnerable without the heavy piece, only a thin swooping necklace over his bare chest now. Has it really been so long since he has removed his armor? Some nights he forgets to unclasp the vest before exhaustion takes him, but he has always blamed that on pure circumstance, not any sign of associated comfort.
Your apprehension is washed away as if it was never there in the first place, now that you are facing only bare skin. The oil that you begin lathering over his shoulder smells strongly of dapophet but there is something else mixed in there that he can’t place. A strong essence that has memories long forgotten tugged to the forefront of his mind. Images of his clan, his family. Is it possible that the Zeswa use similar herbs in their medicine as that of his clan’s tsahik?
That thought is immediately interrupted when fingers begin to dig into the muscle again. A sharp agony pings through him, his muscles naturally tensing to protect the injured area. However, it is all for not when you continue to dig at the area mercilessly. So’lek usually considers his pain tolerance to be quite high but somehow this pain is so deeply rooted that he can’t stop himself from veering away. Even when you tug his shoulder back towards you, a hiss escapes his lips.
“Hold still.” You demand.
He tries. He really does try because squirming like this is borderline embarrassing. He is a trained warrior for Eywa’s sake! A little massage should not have him writhing like this. Regardless it seems this knot has gotten far worse than he could have imagined.
“It really is fine.” So’lek grits out between clenched teeth. Star above, it is painful! He’s about ready to let the injury worsen if it means escaping your merciless hands.
“Are you going to stop squirming like a child or will I need to pin you down to do this?”
He can hear the amused smile in your voice but that’s not what his mind fixates on. Instead So’lek is horrified to witness how quickly his trail of thoughts leads to sinful places. How fast he can conjure up images of your smooth thighs cinched around his waist, your long hair falling over one shoulder to tickle at his spine. How easily he could quickly flip you over until he is the one that pins-
No. He must stop! A seasoned warrior well into his adult years should not create such innuendos so easily. That is for children, perhaps his years as a teenager where his hormones were wildly out of control. Back then he had a reason, but what excuse does he have now?
“Better.” You murmur and it’s then that he realizes his dirty thoughts have somehow managed to distract him from the pain, autopilot keeping him in place.
His jaw still clenches as you prod at the muscle, but eventually pain gives way into something else. Skilled fingers slowly ring out the agony he did not realize was there until his shoulders are sagging in relief. Your technique is meticulous, methodic. For such small hands you have quite the plethora of strength, wearing down his body until it is going lax.
And then there is a tune. A song so quiet that it takes him a moment to realize it is you humming behind him. That foreign melody captivates him easily. Ears perking to catch every change of note, So’lek drowns in your sweet voice. And sweet it is, no better sound has he heard in years. So much of his daily life is accompanied by yapping tawtute and distant RDA bombs.
There are times where the lab tawtute put on records to play but that music is offending in comparison to the theme you weave now. It reminds him of home. Not even specifically of his clan per say, but just the feeling of having a home. Of having a community to bask in.
Rich melody and trained fingers working in kind, So’lek melts beneath you. For the first time in a long time he remembers the difference between surviving and healing. Pleasure radiates from every touch you bestow and So’lek begins to slump, limbs feeling like noodles. Lost in the tranquility of the moment he doesn’t originally catch how concerning his thoughts become. How easily his body starts to yearn for your touch in different ways.
How easily he starts to yearn for you.
The interaction was innocent. And So’lek stands by that fact. You were pulled away abruptly by others demanding your attention and although it took him a few seconds to come down from that strange high, he had gathered his things and left the Zeswa with only your rushed goodbye as parting.
He had shaken it off as a weird experience, just the shock of true Na’vi medicine after being corrupted by tawtute practice for so long. However, when days pass and his mind keeps dragging him back towards that event, So’lek knows he is in trouble.
Were it just about the exceptional effects of Na’vi healing he wouldn’t be so concerned. After all, his shoulder has never felt better, his mobility and flexibility far beyond what he has done in a long time. So it would only be natural to have a fixation on something that rendered such positive results.
But it’s the dreams that worry him. Dreams that start out as intangible images of your long hair, soft hands over his skin. Things that could be shrugged off as a wrong mix of hormones messing with his subconscious, potentially a faceless woman it imitates. But then they become more intense, uncomfortably vivid. Stories woven by his subconscious that are not only specific but inherently sexual.
He dreams of how your lips would taste against his own. He dreams of your body pressed against him, of an intimacy far beyond what he could ever describe in words. Even the way his scent would beautifully coalesce with your own upon scent marking his territory.
It is borderline madness. So’lek has only ever met you once! One time where you simply did your job as a healer. Creating fantasies out of such a small instance is truly pathetic. Of course it has been a while since he has been intimate with a woman but these feelings have not risen in years, especially not in a way so close to obsessive that it has his head reeling.
And yet the dreams morph into the tangling of his actual conscious thoughts as he tries to go about his day. When he is sneaking up on a sturmbeest he’s wondering if you even remember that short hour together. When he is trading materials with the Sarentu his mind trails to guessing what activities are filling your day. And when he talks to Priya, well he tunes her completely out because surviving your nervous rambling is only doable when he’s imagining how the sun reflected off of your hair. And frankly, anything to keep is patience while talking to the purple haired tawtute is approved as far as he’s concerned.
Maybe he really has been alone for far too long. He is at an age where courting and mating is a common motivation and so his body is pushing him towards the first female that has given him attention. It is biological. It must be. Once his hormones have died down all will return back to normal and he can forget you ever even met.
That’s what he tells himself for the first week. So’lek stomps down the day dreaming as fast as possible and concentrates on his true goal, riding this planet of the RDA. He is in cohorts with the Sarentu and takes down every RDA tawtute and vehicle in his line of sight. But that doesn’t stop a nasty urge from sticking. Just this tiny idea of an injury bringing him back to the Zeswa healer’s tent. It seems that your duties primarily reside there and so it would be more than likely that he would find himself under your tender care again.
And it’s hideous the way this fucked up idea becomes a fantasy for him. He is a warrior! A man of honor and courage. No warrior should ever long for an injury, no matter how minor. Especially when it could take him away from helping those who need him most, away from defending his home. So So’lek won’t say he falls from the tree on purpose.
He is collecting shell fruit up in the red trees. The proximity to Zeswa camp is only a coincidence. Of course his agility is usually far beyond letting himself get scrapped up and falling a few branches down, but everyone has bad days. The only sensible thing to do while so far away from resistance headquarters, is seek a healer from the Zeswa.
He can be quick. In and out with little interference on their daily activities.
So’lek maintains a neutral mask when he reaches the healer’s tent. His greeting is polite but detached with every clan member that passes him by. However, there is no stopping the disappointment that lowers his tail when it is a different female that ushers him in for treatment. You are nowhere to be found in the spacious tent. Just a few elderly Na’vi receiving care and one child getting a scraped up knee bandaged.
Truly he is grateful for the help received. Ka’xhori is the name of this healer and she does quick ,but quality, work on his bleeding thigh. Several times her curious stare is caught by the strange devices on his vest and even the darker stripes across his forehead. She makes conversation for a few minutes but when his answers become choppy and short, she silently resigns to his lack of interest.
It’s towards the ending of the wrapping that he spots you from a distance. Just through the opening of the tent he catches you returning with a group of friends, shortbow in hand. A male to your right carries a fresh kill and the female to your left exuberantly tells you a story.
Your eyes sparkle in delight, avidly drinking in the story. And then your friends says something that elicits the most beautiful sound he has ever heard. You laugh, a laugh quite different than the teasing one you had exposed him to the first time. This one comes from your gut, a belly laugh that has your eyes crinkling and teeth on full display. There is a vibrance to this demeanor that has him drawn like a moth to a flame.
You’re babbling back at your friend with that same enthusiastic energy until both of you are struggling to not collapse to the ground in a fit of giggles. Even the male carrying the kill can’t defeat such infectious sounds of joy. Complete unabashed delight. No pretense. No mask, just a blinding smile he may never be able to unsee.
“That should hold for a while.” Ka’xhori says, tugging on the leaf bandage for good measure.
“My deepest gratitude.” His deep voice responds on autopilot. Most likely it is not convincing enough but So’lek is already shuffling out of the tent before she can respond.
Despite the natural tugging in your direction, So’lek turns to the trail opposite. This obsession has gone on long enough. He thought that perhaps coming back here would only prove it to be some silly crush born out of dramatizing your first interaction together but now he sees this is only becoming more dangerous by the second. It’s best to cut himself off now while he still can.
With a bit of distance and discipline he will be back on track.
“Hey stranger!”
So’lek pauses at your call, turning around to find you already leaving your friends behind to approach him. It takes everything within him to not reflect on the sway of your hips, the confident yet eased strut you exhibit.
“Kaltxi [hello].” He murmurs, giving the proper touch to his forehead in respect.
A giggle catches in your throat at his formality. “Kaltxi.” You mimic his tone, but return the gesture. “How is the shoulder? I hope I didn’t rough you up too much.”
Only psychologically. Only planting some brain rotting disease he can not rid himself of.
“It is much improved.”
Hands placed on your hips, that response seems to do the trick. However, it does not satisfy you enough to allow him an escape from this conversation.
“So you’ve come back for more business, then?”
So’lek tumbles for a proper excuse.
“I was here for…” It’s too late you’ve already noticed his bandaged thigh.
“You are injured again?” You make a small tutting noise in disapproval, coming to circle him closer. “You know, So’lek I have found that it is better to dodge the sky demon bullets, not race right into them.”
You joke as if the two of you are old friends, even a hint of mischief present in your composure. So’lek is left feeling lost in how to navigate this playful environment you’ve created. Even more so unsure on how to avoid admitting he fell out of a damn tree to get this mark. It would only show his weakness. Perhaps even give you the idea that he is uncoordinated in hunting and combat.
Not that it matters. Why should he care to prove himself as a competent and athletic male?
When he doesn’t respond fast enough you beat him to the punch. “You are not actually shot, correct?”
“I am not shot.”
“Good.” And he may just be imagining it, but there is a flicker of relief in your expression. What would your reaction be if he was shot? He would be mortified to be caught so easily by poorly aimed sky demon bullets but would that have won him some sympathy? Would you have tended to his wound directly, stayed by his side as he was nursed back to health?
“Well then if you are not bleeding to death you should stay for a meal.”
So’lek flinches when you’ve suddenly grabbed his left hand and tug. This recoil is punished with your hand pulling back, regret immediately slinking through his veins. Despite his brash reaction there is no sign of embarrassment in your expression. Just a simple roll of your eyes.
“I could not impose.”
“You are not imposing. It’s an invitation, So’lek.” You correct him. “Which in Zeswa culture really means you have no choice but to accept.”
He’s tempted to ask what would happen should he refuse, but he bites his tongue. It’s important to keep his relations with the Zeswa friendly, being polite as he can manage with his little social skills. So So’lek trails behind you, watching as the skip in your steps sway that long hair back and forth across the curve of your spine.
Just as with the healer’s tent, your presence immediately has others joyfully expressing their own greetings.
“I am still waiting for that rematch, Niwin.” You call to male on their right, covered in red paint markings.
“I told you, tsmuke [sister]. No number of rematches will give you the victory you desire. It is a waste of time.” He calls back, pausing from his work on a spear.
“Spoken like a true coward. Is your tail truly still stuck between your legs?” Pearly whites on full display you only laugh when he sends back a teasing hiss. So’lek doesn’t miss the way Niwin’s eyes catch and track his frame. He is not the only one to silently wonder what you are doing with a man like him.
Exchanging waves and inside jokes along the way, the two of you finally reach the largest of the Zeswa tents. Inside are Na’vi sprawled out and socializing, some crafting weapons while others use the cook fire to prepare meals.
Trusting that So’lek is following behind obediently, you make a beeline for a certain male next to the cookfire. Long dreads falling over his shoulder he is fast at work, properly cooking meat over the fire. A savory scent fills his lungs.
“Novao, I have brought you another victim.” You grin, practically bouncing on the balls of your feet.
“Such little faith you have in my genius.” He mutters, but stops short when he notices who stands behind you. His brow bones raise.
“Kaltxi,” So’lek signs awkwardly.
“Kaltxi,” Novao returns, the response uttered on instinct. “Who is this?” He asks, turning to you.
“Who is this?” You scoff, pushing at his shoulder. “This is So’lek, of course. By the stars, Novao, you would forget your head were it not attached to your body.” You snicker coming to kneel beside him.
So’lek hates to appear as if he is mimicking your motions but standing above the two of you now feels awkward so he slowly kneels.
“Do I want to know by what means you have kidnapped this man?” Novao goads.
“You said you need a larger sampling audience for more diverse feedback. Look at how I deliver.” You quip, bumping his shoulder with a proud grin. So’lek’s ears flicker at the playful jesting, but he doesn’t allow a smile. “Do not question good things that come your way.”
“I will once you stop questioning the success of my soon to be famous dishes.”
Is this how you converse with everyone? If so, perhaps there is nothing special about the way you tease him. Just a general reflection of your boisterous personality that he is not accustomed to.
“I apologize in advance if this dish causes physical repercussions.” You hand over a leaf of cloaked panther meat crested with vegetables and some sort of seed. A recipe entirely new to him, but he accepts. “There is no telling when Novao’s new recipes will bring you to the heights of ecstasy versus the edge of an early grave. But he needs opinions, so we must do our part.”
You make a show of holding up your own portions, as if to prove you are in this together. Novao grumbles under his breath but prepares a plate for himself while holding back a smile.
The first bite is intense. It takes a second bite to fully interpret the burst of flavor in his mouth and once he has, So’lek struggles not to scarf down the entire thing. Even you can’t hold back an approving moan as you chew. A sound that damn near has him spiralling again.
“It is wonderful,” He says.
“You see, even this newcomer knows how to appreciate food better.” Novao is quick to jump in.
Giggling after finally swallowing, you concede. “It is one of your better dishes to date, brother.”
So’lek has a hard time understanding how this isn’t ranked as the best dish period. He himself is proficient in cooking but So’lek has never taken it up as an art as some do. Most of his dishes have just enough flavor to suffice. During desperate times he occasionally will dip into his small stash of disgusting RDA meals. Nothing, however, has compared to this.
“Do you claim to cook better?” It’s a genuine question but it has Novao rumbling with laughter immediately. Your brows raise.
“Oh, look who has a sense of humor after all.” Brows raised, you peer back at him with narrowed eyes and a swishing tail. “Not a very good sense of humor, but one all the same.”
He can’t tear his gaze away from your burning attention. So’lek’s own tail curls along the floor. It’s not even praise but your spotlight warms his skin just the same. It feels good to elicit some sort of response from you, instead of the other way around for once.
“Y/n burns everything she touches.” Novao jests between bites.
“You exaggerate,” comes your quick defense, although posture unbothered as you take another bite.
“She almost burned down this very tent last time she tried to cook a simple skewer.”
So’lek can see it now. Na’vi running to and fro out of the tent as you stand there looking perplexed by a raging cookfire.
“What can I say? I am not made to bother with this mundane task.” You shrug, leaning back on your elbow to lounge. The new position accentuates the dip of your waist until it curves out into full hips.
“So simple that you purposefully fail at such a boring task?” The questions pops out before he can stop it. But So’lek is slightly startled when you immediately clap a hand down on his knee.
“You see, So’lek understands!” That dainty hand does not immediately retract, resting upon his bare skin there. He hadn't realized how close you were already laying until now. When you cock your head to the side and continue to banter with the other male, that soft hair comes to tickle at his thighs.
Being in your space fills his senses with your scent. An essence so unique and addicting that So’lek once again gets the urge to run for the hills. Instead, he remains diligently unmoving, worried that any small shift will have you shuffling away from him. And basking in an entertaining conversation between friends and a good meal before him, So’lek finds that he is in no hurry to return to headquarters.
It becomes a bad habit of his, looking for excuses to return to the Zeswa home. So’lek had stayed far beyond finishing his meal last time. He blames it on good company, something that seems to be hard for him to keep nowadays. The Sarentu clan joining the resistance has brought him some comfort since but they like him are always busy with their own responsibilities, even further weighed down by scars that are far too fresh.
So’lek had only convinced himself to leave once your mouth watering essence and occasional friendly touches had become far too much for his body to handle. To his utter mortification there had been a stir in his tewng [loincloth] and he knew then that it was important to make a speedy exit.
He’s playing with fire, he knows it. So’lek should be doing everything he can to avoid temptation, not race back towards it. Yet, there is something within him that can’t seem to pass up any excuse there is to return.
“What is wrong?” So’lek reluctantly asks. He doesn’t know how much longer he can silently watch Priya mutter to herself and pace back and forth in front of the monitors. She is on the brink of a full meltdown and as luck would have it, he happens to be the only one in the vicinity as the others take lunch.
“Nothing,” comes her frazzled response. So’lek shrugs, good enough for him. At least he can say he asked. “Well I mean a little more than nothing I guess. Although that really depends on how you look at it.”
So’lek holds back a sigh. So they’re doing this after all.
“It’s just that I sort of forgot to send the coordinates of the new RDA drills sites to the Zeswa after I specifically promised to get it to them within a few days. But I somehow completely forgot, because that’s what I do. Typical Priya. I’m sure at this point they are already upset and-”
“I’ll do it.”
“What?”
“I will share the coordinates with Minang and Nesim. That’s what you need right?”
Priya’s mouth gapes like a fish out of water. She takes an annoying amount of time to gather herself from the apparent shock.
“Well…I mean yes but that would mean traveling all the way to the Zeswa camp you realize.”
“I realize. Give me the demon tablet.” So’lek snips, holding out his hand for the pad. So maybe it’s not that common for him to help Priya after a foolish mistake like this but he still can’t see how that is enough to elicit such a dramatic response. Nor does So’lek want to wait around for her to start questioning his motives.
“Wow um yeah of course. I will grab that for you and uh…” She trails off, spinning around as if she is chasing her nonexistent tail, while really just trying to locate the tablet. Priya finally hands it over with a smile. “Thank you, So’lek. I really appreciate it.”
“Yes. Goodbye.” He has never left headquarters so fast.
Furthermore he manages to make it to Zeswa camp in record time without trying. Walking through the camp he forces himself to make a beeline to Nesim, although a part of him wishes to check the healer’s tent for Minang first. Doing so, however, would only increase the chances of coming across you and getting entirely sidetracked.
Minang and Nesim are far more forgiving of the delay than Priya gives them credit for. It takes some time trying to properly explain the map on the tablet, as it’s their first time truly interacting so closely with these screens, but eventually he manages to relay the proper information and get all of them on track.
The beginnings of plans for certain amushes are made and So’lek is given detailed information to return to HQ. Nesim leaves immediately once the plans are made, anxious to get preparations under way. Minang however hangs back in the tent.
So’lek almost doesn’t notice her presence as he finds himself staring past the tent entrance to where you sit weaving a basket. It feels rare to catch you alone like this but you appear entirely at ease working the fibers together.
“She is one of my assisting healers.” Minang says, almost making So’lek jump out of his skin when she is suddenly by his side. His eyes immediately dart away, feigning a disinterest as he rakes over the scenery equally.
So’lek clears his throat before speaking. “That is good.” Despite the strength of his voice, Minang seems to find some sort of amusement in his response. She wears a neutral expression but even he catches the twitch of her lips.
“I heard the two of you have already met.”
“Briefly.”
“Great. Then she will be perfect.” Minang says with an assured nod.
“Perfect…for what?” A wrinkle settles between his hairless brows as So’lek’s mind races to understand at what point he became so lost in this conversation. Instead of answering his question directly, Minang turns to walk further into the tent. Already moving on to the next task she talks while starting to gather some of her cooking supplies.
“My sister and I have been talking and we’ve decided it would be beneficial for you to learn how to ride a pa’li [direhorse]. The Sarentu has already taken it upon themselves and has progressed immensely. As another ally of the Zeswa it only makes sense you learn some of our ways too. It may become necessary for any future ground attacks.”
She continues to gather her things without facing him, but Minang’s ears perk to hear his response. So’lek can’t remember the last time he has ridden on a pa’li. It would have had to have been briefly as a child, not actually making the bond himself but riding with his father. It was not a common experience among his clan and since then he has never had the opportunity to explore it further.
“I see. That is…logical.”
“Y/n will be happy to teach you. She is an experienced rider. A good karyu [teacher] I think.”
So’lek feels as if there is a rock lodged in his throat.
“I would not wish to lessen her availability in the healer’s tent.”
Minang gives a low chuckle, turning to look at him with a swishing tail and wide smile. “I have plenty of help for the time. Besides, since you two have already met, that would make her the ideal choice.”
“Yes, I see. Although I would not consider us more than strange-”
“I will give her word of this assignment. Return at noon tomorrow for your first lesson.” And with that she saunters out of the tent, leaving So’lek gaping for words and mind lagging to process the turn of events.
Despite having come all this way for the chance to see you, So’lek goes to slightly extreme lengths to escape the tent without your notice. Brisk walk taking him further and further away from your alluring scent, he asks himself how the hell he is supposed to survive lessons in your presence without going entirely over the line. It’s caught in this spiral that he almost misses Novao’s quick greeting. Just a simple wave before the male is turning back to his meal, but it still catches So’lek off guard. Which appears to be the theme of the day.
And perhaps it’s in his head but it feels as if less people shy away from him as he leaves the camp. A few other Na’vi even extend a goodbye nonchalantly.
“Did something happen?” Priya twists to meet So’lek’s far off gaze.
“I have already relayed the information.”
“I think she means did something happen to have you spacing out like that? You’ve hardly said anything since returning.” Anqa steps in, putting an arm around Priya’s shoulder’s as a comforting act.
So’lek stares down at the two tawtute. He’s not sure what they expect of him. Confiding with sky people is not a common practice of his. In fact, confiding in anyone is a rare occasion. Neither does he believe they would have any way of understanding his situation. Priya and Anqa are still so wrapped up in their honeymoon phase that giving them any piece of his love life would only set them off like fireworks. He would never hear the end of it. No doubt they would pry until his patience would run out.
“I will be gone tomorrow.” So’lek says instead.
“Oh, helping the sarentu again?” Anqa inquires.
“The Zeswa require my presence. I will return before eclipse.” And before they can question him any further he retreats to his small living quarters. Despite his quick retreat So’lek can still pick up their gossiping whispers behind him.
Keeping this under wraps may be more difficult than he anticipated. It feels impossible to keep a secret in a place like this, jammed together in a cave with so many tawtute. Then again, this can’t even be qualified as a secret. In order to do so there would have to be actually something to share, and there isn’t. Nothing has occurred between the two of you. It’s just his own imaginings that threaten to get him in trouble.
You, on the other hand, are just fulfilling the requests of your Tsahik and Olo’eyktan. Even doing a little more than asked by extending a friendly welcome to him. With any luck he will learn to ride a pa’li fast enough to stop this from spiraling out of control and involving other unwanted parties.
It’s with this attitude that he makes the trek out the next morning. A strong resolve to stay focused and complete the task at hand efficiently. After all, he’s always been a quick learner. Why should this be any different?
“Starting the day a little grumpy, hm?” He spins around at the sound of your voice. Sauntering from a nearby tent, today you wear a decadent feather top. Something so light and revealing it would only take the right gust of wind to have it shifting. So’lek’s digs his nails into his thighs.
“Um no, I am ready to learn.”
“Oh so that is your focused scowl. Hard to tell the difference.” With a pep to your step, you motion for him to follow. “Well then if you’re so anxious to learn, let’s get started, lazy bones.”
“Of course.” So’lek concedes with a nod, but he doesn’t miss the giggle you try to stifle in front of him. Perhaps he is a little formal, even stiff at times, but most people simply take it as a sign to leave him be. The same is not true in your case.
The sound dies down significantly once the two of you have made it away from the Zeswa camp. Gliding through the tall reeds and plants of the plains there are times where he can only get a glimpse of you through the foliage. So’lek shuffles to keep up. For someone with a significantly shorter stride than him, you sure move fast.
“There you are!” You call with glee before running forward into a clearing. Finally afforded a proper view of the open space, he spots you next to a pa’li, running a hand along its snout. The creature seems to lean into your touch, just as happy to see you as you are her. “I knew you’d be out here somewhere, girl.”
When So’lek steps out of the tall grass the creature immediately stiffens. He goes stock still in response.
“To ride a pa’li you must first show them you are not a threat. Soothe them into letting you approach.”
So’lek nods his head and takes a steadying breath. Unfortunately, it is only a few steps in before the pa’li is rearing back, trying to get out of your hold. You coo softly, giving comforting words and touches until she is back in your space once more.
“Perhaps let’s start without your bow first. Just for now.”
Reluctantly, So’lek slowly removes all forms of weaponry on him and places it on the grass. Try, try and try again, he does all he can to get closer. When you tell him to slow down, he moves at the pace of an insect. When he tries to imitate the cooing sounds you often make it not only has the pa’li running away entirely but also you struggling to hold back your own laughter.
Trying not to notice the way your tail curls in amusement, So'lek persistently continues.
“A pa’li is not like an ikran. There is no show of dominance to win over lifelong loyalty. Instead you must prove yourself to be caring and trustworthy every time you approach.”
It’s good instruction but none of it seems to be doing him any use. For whatever reason, he can not get within a few steps of the direhorse before she is running for the hills. Frustration blooming quickly, So’lek’s jaw clenches.
“You know, the problem is quite clear and simple to fix.” Head tilting to the side you draw forward to him a few steps and this time let the pa’li run off without interference.
“What is it?”
“That scowl. Not the most inviting demeanor.” You point out and a line forms between his brows. So’lek places his hands on his hips, nose scrunching at the remark.
“It is my face. There is nothing I can do to change it.”
“You could try to smile.” You goad, demonstrating a smile of your own. “I’m sure if you put your mind to it, you could manage.”
“I smile.” Apparently not enough considering you are not the first person to make this suggestion. Keeping a stern expression is not always on purpose, but with all that’s happened it somehow feels like a comforting guard set in place. He is not as vulnerable when others have a hard time reading him.
“Alright alright.” You concede with hands raised in surrender. “I believe you. It just would be nice to see.” There is a spark of mischief beneath that comforting smile. And something tells So’lek that you are no longer talking about this just in the context of soothing a pa’li. “Let’s try something different then.”
Air catches in his lungs the second your small fingers are wrapping around his palm. This time, So’lek doesn’t make the mistake of flinching and scaring you off. With rising curiosity he allows himself to be manhandled by your gentle grip. He is pulled along slowly until the pa’li is only a few steps away.
To his surprise the creature does not immediately shy away now that the two of you approach her together. Slowly his hand is coaxed to lay across her snout, but even once it is placed there your touch does not disappear. Your petite fingers remain calmly pressed over the back of his hand. They coax him to create long soothing strokes across the creature’s leathery skin but every now and then your thumb will run over one of the protruding veins of his hand.
Saliva gathers atop of his tongue. He should be focusing on this small success and creating a further bond with the pa’li but all he can feel is you. Buttery soft skin and dazzling eyes that peek up at him with praise on your tongue.
Getting so worked up over something so simple is truly ridiculous and he can’t quite figure out when or how you gained this power over him.
Soothing the pa’li is one thing but making the bond and mounting the creature happens to be another feat entirely. It takes at least a dozen times to make the bond and mount once but even that only lasts for a few seconds before he is bucked off. Once. Then twice. Then the third time he is catapulted into the lake.
Breaching the shallow pool, So’lek’s lips turn downwards and he can’t keep back a frustrated grunt. His eyes narrow when they settle on your form nearly hunching over from laughter. Wiping the mud from his brow his gaze is enough to have you trying to stifle your amusement weakly.
“You are laughing.” He deadpans.
“No no I am not,” You clear your throat in efforts to stop the giggles as you wade into the water where he sits. “I am not laughing.”
So’lek doesn’t know what comes over him. An action born from pure emotion, but when he accepts your extended hand of help he doesnt use it to hoist himself up but instead yanks on it hard. With very little force you easily go flying to the ground next to him and beneath the water. A shocked sound escapes your throat the second you resurface.
An apology is on the tip of his tongue but you don’t give him a chance.
“Oh I see how it is.” With a threateningly deep chuckle you are already rearing up and splashing a wave of water over him. Whatever amends he was ready to make are chucked aside as he shakes the water from his braids and his tail curls in excitement.
You are back on your feet and running before he is halfway up. Fast little thing, you are. But it’s no matter, with the adrenaline now racing through his veins it is only a matter of time before he catches up. Splashing, pushing and even tripping all go underway until both of you are covered in lake mud. It’s like being a child again, his hands grasping for your tail at every chance he gets, your own smaller hands managing to fling mud into his braids.
So’lek’s own deep laughter rumbles in his chest far before he realizes it. An insatiable thrill runs through him as the two of you indulge in play that he has not experienced since he was half this height. And when you tackle him back into the water he comes to find that for the first time in a long time he has forgotten about his nagging objectives.
He is drunk on your laugh, the way it rings like a beautiful chime in the upper plains wind. Lazily sprawled next to you he tries to reel back his own chuckling just as your chest heaves for air.
“I knew you could smile.” You manage between breaths. So’lek only has a second to understand your words before there is a distant boom. Head whipping towards the source of the sound he finds it comes from far east. One of the many drilling sites he had shared the coordinates of. He’s ready to shrug it off and continue, far accustomed to the dreadful noise and what it means at this point, but when So’lek turns back to look at you that feeling immediately shifts.
Your ears are pulled back, almost tucked beneath your hair. Tail limp beneath the water and blank stare fixated in the difference. For the first time since meeting you there are no traces of a smile, not a flicker or spark in those beautiful eyes. Something heavy hangs there in its place. And the breakneck change in demeanor gives him chills.
It’s as if you’ve forgotten he is there. That usually curving and free moving posture has now straightened into a locked position.
“It is a drilling site in the east. Several miles away.” So’lek says carefully. There is no telling whether or not his comment makes it better or worse, but with a smooth voice he continues. “It is from a drill that they use to make a hole in the ground.”
‘What?” You whisper, almost as if coming out of a daze.
“That is what you are hearing. It is an awful sound.” His muzzle wrinkles at the truth of his words. So’lek has come far closer to those dreadful machines then he ever would have liked but at least he now has experienced first hand how they can be stopped. Still, there are nightmares that echo with that Eywa forsaken sound occasionally.
With a hesitant hand he starts to reach out to place it on your shoulder. “It is alright to be scared.”
He doesn’t make contact before you are whipping back.
“I am not scared.” Hastily you spring up onto your feet and back towards the shore. It feels as if the moment has shattered like glass before he could even understand it, leaving him reeling to catch up. “Come, let’s get back to work.” Tone hard and words clipped, you are already out of his reach.
So’lek is careful not to bring up the drill again, or any RDA activity for that matter. He pretends not to notice that you’ve changed the location of his training further from the drill site. And when he enters the next day he is on edge, watching your features for any signs of distress.
Surprisingly, you seem to have switched back to your usual friendliness. It’s as if that conversation never happened and since So’lek is more than lost on what to do he easily follows your lead in not talking about it. In fact, as more lessons come and go it becomes easier to follow your lead in many things.
You are a talkative woman, always chattering about your opinions on different matters (big or small) or filling him in on the intricate inner workings of Zeswa clan gossip. At this point he could probably name just about every clan member from their pieces in your stories alone. When you’re sharing so much like this, it becomes only natural to divulge some information himself.
You ask about the resistance headquarters, about how many tawtute live there, what they eat. Even more personal things like where he manages to sleep and how he fills his days outside of his pa’li lessons. Although at first feeling a little put on the spot, So’lek eventually warms to this line of questioning. You are simply a curious individual and when you soak in every mundane detail he gives with a vibrant excitement and big wide eyes, it’s hard to not enjoy the attention.
Learning to ride a pa’li is exceedingly more trying than he had anticipated. Even once he has learned how to mount and start a smooth walk, navigating and getting up to a gallop feels like starting from ground zero again. Despite these difficulties, the extended lessons don’t bother him as he would have expected.
Some days you greet him with leftovers from Navao’s newest creations (letting him learn the hard way that you’re right about some of them having physical consequences) and other days it is him that brings back foraged fruit or random trinkets from HQ you might find interesting. Those meals are shared in the tall grass of the plains, stories filtering out of your lips faster than he can keep up with as he watches your long hair dancing in the wind.
There is one question, however, that you never ask him. Perhaps because you already know what happened to his clan. So’lek doesn’t share the story of his clan decimation by the RDA, but word travels. The memory of his people has become a cautionary tale. Not much more than a story to rile anger and motivation to bring the sky people down once and for all. The Sarentu clan shared a similar fate, but they have each other. Even a handful of people is a desirable clan in his eyes.
It’s a week into the lessons that So’lek finds himself at the Zeswa camp early. He had come across a patch of tsawksyul [pandoran ‘sunflowers’] earlier that morning and was gathering it without thought. He has no use for the delicate flowers but it seems right to leave it with you. Surely you are more than happy to find ways of weaving it into a new intricate top. He’s heard enough about your designs to understand it’s a passion of yours.
So with a little too much anticipation and haste, So’lek enters the camp early in search of your bright smile. It’s your voice, though, that he hears first. It filters from the healer’s tent. Lurking on the opposite of the doorway So’lek goes to round the structure and enter but he stops midway.
“Is this about the man from the tawtute clan?”
“His name is So’lek.” You remind the anonymous female, gently.
Every muscle in his body freezes at the sound of his name. This is wrong. Listening in on a private conversation is bad enough, even when it is not about you. Yet, his neck cranes to see if anyone else is around instead. Since he is on the opposite side of the tent there is not a soul to note his presence yet and So’lek simply can’t get himself to move from the spot.
“And why do you assume it would be about him? Does there have to be another man involved in order for me to take time to thoroughly consider Ra’vang’s courtship?” You challenge and the other female lets out a sigh.
“Of course not, but you have been spending an awful lot of time with him.”
“Naturally,” comes your simple reply, entirely unbothered. “I am teaching him as I was instructed.”
“Yeah I know and you’re very kind to do so but you have to admit he is a little…strange.”
“That is not true! He has simply been through shit that you haven’t.” All softness bleaches from your voice.
“Woah! Okay, retract the claws. I am sorry. I did not mean to insinuate anything negative by it.” He recognizes your little huff in response. “It’s just that the two of you are very different. That’s all I’m trying to say. He is very…stiff.”
A beat passes and through the tent material he swears he catches the shake of your head. “So’lek is selective when it comes to socializing. He may come off serious but there is a lot more beneath that hard exterior than you would realize. It’s simply not on show for everyone.”
It feels as if a wire has been tired around his heart, his lungs furthermore forgetting to take in needed oxygen.
“I admit I do not claim to know him as well as you do. But…I can not imagine living in such close quarters with sky people like that. Always surrounded by metal.”
“Of course you can not. Most people are not cut out for such a task. But we benefit from the Resistance’s aid, so perhaps we should be grateful that So’lek is capable of dealing with it.”
“Okay okay, I see your point, sister. Just…be careful what decisions you make right now. Ra’vang is a strong warrior and provider. Even if it’s not him you have other options, many good ones. Spontaneity may be your specialty but I’d hate for you to let a good mating pass by simply because you are not thinking this through properly.”
You give a small sigh but it’s light, void of anything but fondness.
“If there is one thing I do know it’s that love is not something to be analyzed and bash one’s own head over. I think things through, but I know how to listen to the song of my own heart too. I don’t make it a practice to question what it tells me.”
So’lek staggers away. Any longer in that spot and he risks being seen, or sending his thoughts into a further tangled mess. He looks down at the flowers in hand. You defended him, said a lot more than most people would have. It fosters an unfathomable fire in his chest and yet it’s tampered by a reality he wishes to not face.
You have suitors. Real men of the clan that are not only native to this culture and lifestyle but also expressing interest through real courting displays. If your friend’s words are anything to go off of, you’ve gathered many good prospects. And why wouldn't that be true? It’s easy to imagine what they would see in a woman like you. Easy because it’s everything he sees too.
But So’lek….
So’lek is not Zeswa. He hardly has traces of the lifestyle from his own clan within him. The years have shaped him into somewhat of a mut in Na’vi breeding. He does not know the way of any clan how he should and there is a darkness within him that rages for revenge. These men have been brought up to take care of someone like you. They are able to give you so much more than he ever could and yet here he stands with a courting gift in hand like a true skxawng [idiot].
Whether or not it was intentional is irrelevant. If he gives these flowers to you it will surely be a sign of interest. He will instigate himself as a competitor in this game that he has no right playing.
So’lek discreetly slips them into a basket of herbs in one of the tents. Someone else will find use for them, but it won’t be in his hands when you arrive.
The entanglement of his thoughts leaves his body buzzing with energy. So much so that even though he hardly hears a word you say during the lesson, he somehow manages to conjure up enough tenacity to stay atop the pa’li while in a gallop. And then faster and faster he pushes the creature with that racing adrenaline he sends down the bond.
The whip of the wind, the strain of his muscles, all of them work to offset the mental exhaustion that is quickly blossoming. And then his golden eyes finally take in the scene before him. Tall grass races beside him on every side. Trees of crimson leaves dot the open field where arrow deer scurry and Soundblast colossus nap near the sparkling river.
The plains are monumental. It settles a deep awareness of its grandeur.
Your celebratory yips and hollers echo from behind.
And rushing through this scene feels like flying for the first time again.
Completing the training finally gives So’lek room for a breather. He stunts the disappointment at not seeing you every day with the knowledge that this will only simplify the situation. Without being kept in close quarters he will be free to devote himself entirely to taking down the RDA and you will be free to explore courtings and potential matings without his interference.
Luckily there is more than enough work to keep him busy now that they are preparing to go up against the largest drilling site to date. When your laughter echoes through his mind, So’lek goes through the RDA rosters until his eyes burn and a headache clouds all thoughts. When his brain compulsively conjures up your teasing jests being directed at another suitor, he hunts feral viperwolves until he is covered in scratches and forced to the hospital wing.
And it is only once that he accidentally crushes a mug in his grip in front of Alex and Anqa as he envisions another man’s tongue running over your luscious curves. He chalks it up to tension created by the upcoming battle, but it’s clear Anqa has shared the occurrence when Priya gives him worried looks for several days after.
Despite his busy work, So’lek finds himself relieved when the day of the ambush finally arrives. It is the first time the Zeswa and the Resistance have worked together in combat and the air buzzes with excitement. He only thinks of you for a moment when he mounts a pa’li and joins the Zeswa in leading the majority of RDA firepower towards the hills.
A small band of Zeswa warriors, tawtute soldiers, and the Sarentu clan work together to infiltrate the base quietly, taking down the drill from the inside.
Hours feel only like minutes when his body is pumping with adrenaline. It begins and is over all before he can really process it and by some Eywa given miracle, not only do they succeed but there are only injuries to be accounted for. Muscles aching, forehead beaded with sweat, and entire body still pulsing from the intense vibrations of close range gun power, So’lek heaves a deep sigh of relief. A tangible weight lifts from his shoulders, a peace that is often fleeting but something he has learned to enjoy while it lasts.
There will be more to do tomorrow. The RDA are nowhere near exterminated, but for now he basks in the knowledge that they are one step closer to ridding them for good. The Zeswa holler and cry into the wind with a passion that seems to shake the very hills. Even those that are injured take part in celebrating this victory.
Watching the scene makes his chest swell with foreign feelings. So many times he has been left to reflect on the aftermath of his solo missions without another to share that moment with. Celebrations occasionally occur at headquarters but never has it felt like this. And his lungs seize, almost bursting with the need to let out his own cry in the mix of their allies. It calls to a part within him that often feels buried away, even forgotten. An instinctual part of him that is true Na’vi, a creature that has a place in Pandora’s beauty.
Years worth of turmoil releases in that guttural cry and to So’lek’s surprise, it is a sound of pure elation that rings from him.
It was within that spirit or triumph that So’lek had been extended an invitation by Nesim to join them in festivities. Although noncommittal in his response, he finds himself preparing to leave headquarters hours later. The tawtute and Sarentu work together to create their own party in the dinghy cave. A part of him feels as if he should be there for it, a party of outcasts that he has grown accustomed to associating himself with. But that primal cry remains trapped in his chest. It calls him to the plains.
And so for once, So’lek decides to let himself celebrate.
There are little memories left of clan parties, most just blurry images of firelight and dancing shadows. They are only mere facades in comparison to the burst of conviviality that So’lek can hear within a mile of camp.
Walking through the center of camp there are very few Na’vi still residing there, most simply rushing to and fro in search of supplies or friends before scampering back to where the real party is being held. Down the hill he can see towering flames and a gaggle of bodies dancing with fervor.
He takes a step, then pauses.
So’lek’s fingers are hesitant as they undo the clasps of his chest guard, but it eventually loosens and slides down his arms to rest in the grass. He sets aside his bow, his gun, and every piece that is made of metal or meant as a weapon. Even his arm guard is placed neatly in that pile.
The wind nips at his vulnerable form and So’lek is once again struck by how naked he feels without these things. This time though, he settles into that discomfort. This is a party. One night where he will not plot his revenge or sharpen his weapons. A single night where he can pretend to belong.
The last streaks of fiery red disperse from the sky and in their wake, eclipse conjures Pandora’s bioluminescent glow. Tahni [star-like freckles] light along his exposed skin. So’lek’s ears perk the closer he gets to the party. The very thrum of the heavy drums vibrates at the soles of his feet, reverberating to punch him in the chest.
There is a vibrance in the air, an energy so palpable it feels as if he can taste it on his tongue. Whatever drug has infused the scene, it seems to spread rapidly among the celebrating parties. Zeswa of all ages and stations are muffled together in a form of dancing that So’lek can only describe as pure frenzy.
Movement without direction. Feet atop the wind as if a fire has been lit beneath them.
It is unlike anything So’lek has ever witnessed before. His golden eyes flicker frantically across the parade before him, unsure of what to take in first. The very air in his lungs is filled with the hickory essence of smoked meat. Even his ears flutter across his braids, attacked by the onslaught of sound.
And then, there is you.
Right in the very heart of the festivities, as he could have guessed. His overstimulated senses finally find a target, settling entirely on the way you move within the crowd. Much like the rest of the Zeswa your body moves with unabashed enthusiasm. There is no rhyme or reason to the swivel and swish of your small form. You act on pure instinct, a reaction of feeling to the euphoric buzz around you. Pure elation.
It is a complete disregard of outside perceptions. There is nothing but your windswept joy and the music that moves you to and fro. Although the entire scene is curious by nature to him, there is something about you that constantly pulls him in. And that’s what it is. Your presence is magnetic. It draws not only So’lek in but everyone around you, it’s clear in every reaction he has witnessed.
You are a free spirit. You move through life as if nothing could ever clip your wings and for all he can tell, you may just be right. Because even in the midst of grief and war, your scars act as the embers to light a vibrant sun in your countenance, until that empathetic warmth seeps to those around you.
The female next to you, her name Ta’kuri he believes, leans over to converse with you over the pounding music. So’lek’s heart drops to his stomach when she points a finger in his direction and your eyes snag his form. Your responding smile is bright upon spotting him, but So’lek can only focus on the fact that he has potentially been caught staring.
Small form practically swallowed by the crowd it takes a moment for you to extract yourself from the mesh of bodies. Just enough time for So’lek to calm his heart and feign shown interest elsewhere to cover up for his flub. When you saunter to the outskirts he purposefully waits a beat before sliding his gaze in your direction.
“Well if it isn’t my star pupil, oeyӓ numeyu [my student]. You actually showed up.” You are all teeth, grin center stage as you pin him with those golden eyes.
“Kaltxi karyu [hello teacher],” The edges of his lips twist into a lopsided smile without permission. “Nesim invited me.”
“And now you are here. Finally ready to have some fun, yes?” Chin tilted downward and brow raised, you give him a look that suggests the only correct answer is yes. He feels the snap of a retort at the edge of his tongue. Something about how he is not the grumpy pants you always claim him to be and how he does in fact find time to enjoy himself on occasion. But those are words spoken far before he decided to leave you be. So’lek is trying to be good, desperately trying to be respectful and do the right thing.
“The celebration is very enjoyable.”
“Very enjoyable?” You scoff with a half laugh. “How could you even know? You have not even begun dancing yet.”
So’lek immediately staggers a few steps back, at the speed of a prey avoiding a lethal blow. “No no, I am content to enjoy the party here, paskalin [honey/sweetheart].” Shit! He can’t fathom at what point he gave his mouth permission to utter such an affectionate term. So’lek’s insides twist and for perhaps the first time in years his cheeks fill with heat. He thanks Eywa above that the darkness is enough to hide the new tint.
Despite his slip up, your grin never falters, in fact it seems to widen until dimples form in your cheeks. “So’lek you need not be stubborn every time I ask something of you.”
When you catch his wrist in a surprisingly strong hold he is left with no other option but to wobble behind you. “I do not know how to dance. I was never taught.” He shouts to you over the music.
Throwing a smile over your shoulder you do not respond until he has successfully been pulled into the edges of the crowd. “There is nothing to teach.” You say, dropping his hand to face him. “Dancing is the opposite of thinking, So’lek. You simply feel.”
“That is not the comfort you believe it to be.”
Your laugh is barely audible over the roaring drums. “What you need is some liquid courage then.” With a wave of your hand Novao is flagged over. His eyes roll but the swish of his tail is friendly when he comes over to hand two skins of liquor over.
“You are an angel.” You giggle, taking the containers with glee.
“So much more than you realize.” Novao snorts before giving your shoulder a teasing bump and sauntering back towards the cookfire. So’lek barely has his hand wrapped around one of the skins before you are chugging back the other.
When squinted eyes peek up at him over the rim you finally take a breath and push at his hand. “Novao is proficient when it comes to strong drink, I promise.”
Not wishing to feel out of place for any longer, he slants his lips over the rim and takes an ambitious guilt. Regret immediately stings his throat as it slides down like pure fire. The responding choke that comes from him immediately after is utterly humiliating. Eyes already welling with tears, So’lek does everything in his power to shut up the ridiculous sound and gain whatever is left of his composure.
“A little strong, huh?” There is a giggling shrill to your tone but a flicker in your gaze shows concern simultaneously. So’lek is shaking his head before you can even suggest a glass of water.
“No no it is fine just,” He clears his throat, “...different.”
And different it is in comparison to what he has had. It is only now that it hits him how long it has been since tasting anything even close to resembling alcohol. There are a few tawtute at headquarters that occasionally try their hand at brewing alcohol but it is nothing short of fowl and disappointing. There are no inebriating effects from such water down drink, especially consider he is the twice the height of the intended party.
So what comes next is completely out of his control. His body is rendered utterly unprepared for the strong drink that he continues to consume in spite of his better judgment and the fact that you don’t continue to urge him to drink. However, So’lek is no child. He is a man, and one that should be able to hold his liquor so when you occasionally blink up at him or catch a glance from the corner of your eye to make sure he is doing alright, it warps his pride to push him into foolishly drinking down even more.
“Okay I think that is enough.” It takes rising onto your toes in order to reach the rim pointed at his lips. That apparent show of height difference should not please him so much but there is no denying the thrill that tightens his chest. “Now you dance.”
Braids clinking together he is already resisting as you continue to pull him deeper into the crowd. “I truly do not know-”
“Yes yes, I heard you before. I will assist you.” Peering up at him through thick lashes, your hip bumps against his thigh softly as you tack on, “Or do you not trust me?”
That is the line that sinks him. Head already feeling floaty, So’lek lets you maneuver him into position.
Small hands skate across his shoulder blades, for a moment those talented thumbs press into the muscles there just as you had done upon your first meeting. “You are too tense. You must relax.”
Easier said than done when there is a line of electricity left behind every inch of skin you touch. But sooner than later he finds his shoulders loosening, starting to sway in a weird motion that seems pointless but actually fits with the rhythm of drums. A burst of confidence fills him when you step back to face him from the front again, trusting him enough to continue the motion.
“There you go! Learning already.” And just as the simpering student he feels like he is would, So’lek perks up at the praise. Those flirty smiles and encouraging words coupled with the strong drink running through his veins, it becomes all too easy to let his body go without thought.
Regardless, you continue to guide him. So’lek falls into line with whatever movement feels natural from your promptings. For the first time in years a fuzziness takes over that nagging voice of responsibility and he lets his body take precedence over his overactive brain. The more liquid fire he consumes the easier it becomes to not imagine what he must look like on the outside. Every fiber of his being gravitates towards the addicting pulse of those drums. Drowning in that vibrant energy until he is also engulfed in the crowd of Zeswa.
Other Na’vi surround him from every side but it’s your touch that pulses through him. A brush of fingers along his arm, his bicep. The zapping electricity every time that dainty hand clasps his own to pull him closer. Even the tickle of your hair in the wind brushing his chest has him fighting back a full body shiver.
Dancing is not a brash display, although some excel in that arena. No, dancing is the mechanism that pulls you closer to the touch you crave. The perfect opportunity to let hands wander, to mold bodies together without social consequence. And now, So’lek finally understands the rave over this activity.
So’lek doubts he could confirm whether or not his head is still attached to his shoulders with the amount of alcohol running through him. However, there is no more vivid memory than the one of his hands mapping your frame. They encase your sides, ribs, up to your shoulders over your collarbones, feeling the silky skin beneath as you curve into every brush of his greedy hands. It’s when one hand mindlessly curves around the nape of your neck, the two scents mingling in the most satisfying of ways, that So’lek finally catches the burn of another’s stare.
It radiates from a male off on the sidelines. Each hand holds a skin of strong drink while the male attempts to burn a hole into So’lek’s head through slitted eyes. Something rumbles at the back of So’lek’s head. A voice that tells him there is some reason he should be upset by this situation, but that caution is muffled. It rings out like a message shouted from the deepest part of the lake and So’lek can’t find it within himself to spend more than a few seconds trying to decode it.
It’s not just you that distracts him. Ta’kuri is suddenly on his left shouting some sort of encouraging words over the music. There’s no making sense of it but before he knows it there are more Na’vi that join the mix. Even Novao meshes with the crowd at some point, slurred conversation passing between him and every Na’vi he meets. Some friends lean on each other to stop from collapsing on the ground in their drunken state while others flourish in a flutter of moves that has the fields buzzing with cheers. So’lek’s own voice joins the other exuberant shouts.
To call the event hectic would be an understatement but every time So’lek feels as if he may be the one to topple over next, there is a small hand at the base of his spine. Gorgeous golden eyes and a bright smile peering up to remind him that you are watching over him.
So’lek dances until his ears ring. He dances until the very soles of his feet have grown bruised from landing on the hard ground. It is only when you are stumbling across the long grass, caught by his strong hands desperately trying to pull you back up that the two of you decide to trail off from the dance floor.
“Save some drink for the rest of us, sister.” Ta’kuri jests, tapping your nose once before helping So’lek pick you up from the ground. That sweet voice seems to be in a constant state of giggling, a sound So’lek is in no rush to rid himself of.
The two of you find yourselves back in the middle of camp around a fire thanks to Ta’kuri. Several other Zeswa stagger to the outskirts of the cookfire, some already sloppily rolling in the dirt with greedy hands wandering into dangerous territory. The outright display of lust hardly fazes So’lek when his attention is caught by a leaf of meat handed to him. Tender and sweet, it settles in his stomach heavily, finally starting to soak up the excess of alcohol consumed.
You are just as consumed by the food as he is, scarfing down the last bit with a delighted moan.
“Alright you miscreants, let’s leave some room for oxygen.” An older male grumbles fondly, softly nudging a couple with his foot who are engaged in a heated lip lock. He settles around the fire and after several minutes of squinting So’lek makes out the figure to be Kin. Although his thoughts still muddle through a haze, So’lek can finally feel his brain starting to come back online.
Kin engages the group in grand stories while offering milk to be passed around. From the corner of his eye So’lek tracks the way you sway to and fro as the stories continue, but that smile never leaves your tempting lips. Several times you sneak a peek up at him, causing his tail to wind against the floor.
“This story again.” Ta’kuri mutters from his left, quiet enough that Kin continues the tale without interruption.
“He has only told it a dozen times before.” Novao adds, sitting on the other side of you. “That is quite good considering how many times he has told the others.”
“I don’t remember this one.” Lips screwed into a pout and eyes squinted in concentration, you stare intently at the male in the middle. Ta’kuri lets out a short laugh before handing over another container of milk.
“You don’t remember any of them when you're drunk.” You accept the drink, ignoring her fond scoff and the way So’lek’s gaze is once again drawn in your direction.
“So rude,” you huff. He lends a steadying hand when chugging down the bowl of milk has you toppling backwards. A deep laugh rumbles in his chest with ease, even once you are back upright and sending him a heated glare.
Playful comments and quotes of the story are passed between the four in hushed tones until even So’lek is fighting back tears of laughter. Luckily the other Na’vi do not behave much better, half of them already on the brink of wrestling in the grass or laughing until on the verge of passing out. The entire scene is a messy jumble of comradery. It warms him from the inside out.
“I left it down by the lake.” Novao whispers urgently.
“You should not be so careless with your things. Who’s to say an arrow deer has not run off with it by now?” Ta’kuri quips back, still even So’lek can tell that she is going to go back and look for his spear with him as requested.
“I see it is not only Kin making up stories now.” The joke earns him a swift swat to the head with a few fond insults woven before the two are rising.
“Can I trust the two of you to survive until we get back?” She gestures between So’lek and you, a crooked curve of her lips present. It’s doubtful that you have understood even half of where the conversation is at this point but you do respond in a way that both shocks and amuses him greatly. Fingers together at your forehead you flick it out messily in the same way the sky demons do in salute. It’s imperfect and honestly he’s not sure if there is any true understanding of the action but it appears to be an inside joke that Ta’kuri is in on. She returns the gesture with a fond grin.
So’lek doesn’t try to break the silence once the pair has left. It’s hardly uncomfortable with such jovial ambience surrounding. Not to mention the fact that he’s not sure how of a conversation you can carry in this state. It makes no difference. Sitting here is nice. Being next to you is fulfilling in a way he could not have imagined.
“I lied.”
So’lek’s ears stand at alert. Your comment comes so abruptly that he takes a second to lean forward and make sure that you had meant to say it. Those beautiful eyes are transfixed off in the distance but there is no sign to say otherwise.
“About what?” So’lek shifts forward, propping an elbow on his knee as he veers forward to observe your strange expression.
“About not being scared.” It’s a miracle he can detect that whisper over the boisterous conversation around. A part of him wishes he hadn’t. It creates a knot in his stomach. “I am scared. I’m scared all the time. Even on days like this, I should be happy. But I still worry that it could all be ripped away. I don’t want to lose everything, not like…”
The end of that thought dies in the wind but So’lek catches it anyways.
Don’t want to lose everything like he did. One glance at your now pinned back ears proves his suspicions to be correct. Comforting others is not his strong suit. Heavy emotions have a way of winding his tail anxiously as he sputters to understand the right course of action. But tonight, he is grateful for the lowered inhibitions brought on by liquor. It’s what allows him to pause and simply feel the weight of your words.
So’lek’s rough hand, a hand battered by handling weapons in the face of war, settles over your knee. That warm touch has glistening eyes staring back at him.
“That is not going to happen.” It is a vow, one that is spoken deep from his chest. The Sky People have stolen everything from him. Everything. But he is not afraid to protect you from the same fate. To promise with the last meager supply of hope he has left that he can and will prevent this tragedy from coming your way.
A single tear cascades over your cheek. Then you’re suddenly curled up against him, resting that head of long hair against his shoulder, seeking refuge there. It bursts something new within him, something even scarier than he has experienced since meeting you. Never in his life has he been a safe place for another person. That honor has never been one he’s opened himself up to or has felt worthy of.
But you tuck against him, sigh into his neck and every form of tension in your tiny frame evaporates.
“Fuck, I’m so drunk.” Your half giggled slur coaxes out a deep chuckle from him but So’lek is careful not to move otherwise. This moment is too fragile. And if he’s not careful in a blink it will be tomorrow. A day where he puts that chest guard back on along with every other responsibility he has holstered alone for years. That yearning for revenge will return and clean out the softness that only you can supply.
So’lek can’t recall at what point he had fallen asleep. The last thing he remembers is Novao laughing so hard that milk came out his nose. Eyes as heavy as metal doors, he squints them open to find the sky still dark. He is not the only one to have dosed off in the middle of camp around the fire. Different groups of Na’vi are passed out in the greenery but there is a warmth at his side.
You are curled up into a ball, a ball that is slotted against his own body. Even your face presses at the bicep, your nose cold to the touch. Without the protection of tent walls, the breeze is free to brush over the gaggle of Na’vi. Somewhere in your slumber you must have sought out the first available source of heat. Him.
The wind comes from your direction. So’lek is hardly conscious enough to consider tucking you into a tent for the night so instead he does the next best thing. With careful precision, he lifts himself up over your curled frame and settles himself on the other side. This way the wind now hits him before you. Laying on his side then allows him to create a wall that you can hide from the wind behind.
A shiver sends down his spine at the first nip of plains of air, but So’lek doesn’t dare consider moving. Legs untangle and your tail splays out flat again. Although it’s clear this tactic has warmed you up nicely, he is shocked to see you turning over to face him once more. Breath caught in his chest, So’lek watches as you groggily tuck up against him and sigh with a smile.
How many years had it been since he has slept this close to someone?
So’lek has had occasional lovers, but only as means to an end. Nothing deep. Never anything on an emotional level for either party. And so naturally neither did they end in snuggling close to sleep afterwards.
Call it pride. Call it living in denial. But something pushes him to forget about tomorrow and cocoon you closer to his chest.
So’lek’s dreams don’t carry the strain of blood and terror that night.
“There you go, rise and shine sleepyhead.” That soft voice barely filters through the wind, let alone through So’leks head that now feels like the weight of a tank. Throat dry and eyes barely able to slit open to face the light, consciousness comes back slowly.
And when it does, it hurts like hell.
You lean over to block him from the scorching sunlight. When did the plains get so bright? And when did waking up feel like getting his head smashed beneath an AMP suit? The events of last night are still tucked in his memory, but it takes a moment for So’lek to recall the impact of them properly. And that last thing….the last thing he remembers is you snuggling up against his chest.
“How long did-”
“No talking, just drink.” You advise, handing over a bowl of water sternly. Although slightly embarrassing, he’s grateful for the way you help him slowly sit up. It’s hard to get his wits about him when the world is still spinning.
The cold water spears a painful path down his throat, but after several gulps it’s much easier to take in full breaths. The small hand gently placed on his shoulder is a surprising comfort. However, even in a foggy state, that simple touch immediately has him recalling what a true comfort it was to have you in his arms.
No time in his right mind would he have acted on his impulses so carelessly. But last night he had felt entirely detached from time, even more so distant from the side of him that served to do the right thing.
“I fear I owe you an apology.” Although your lips are quirked in a half smile, the comment has him stiff as a board. Here it is. The consequences of his actions. In no way did he have the right to act so intimately with a woman of a clan he does not belong to. And now you have finally come to realize that for yourself. “I did not warn you properly of Zeswa drink.”
A sense of relief bubbles up so fast that So’lek lets a half laugh slip from his lips. It is graciously accepted with a beaming countenance that makes his heart race.
“No it is fine, simply….different from what I have tried before.”
“Well if I knew you were such a lightweight I wouldn’t have suggested it.” You are never one to give up an opportunity to tease him. It is a routine that he has incidentally become quite fond of. Even more so now when there is a twinkle of sincere concern in your beautiful features.
You care. It’s not the first time you have shown it and So’lek prays that it won’t be the last, but it seems time has only made the impact of this truth hit him that much harder each time. It flushes through like fire in his veins, far more addicting than the rush of Zeswa alcohol could ever be.
“I have no regrets,” So’lek says, deep voice rich with sincerity.
Fingers twiddling in your lap, there is a switch in your demeanor that is hard to ignore. Looking at him through thick lashes and grin barely held by teeth snagging your bottom lip, for the first time a sliver of shyness twinkles in your expression. Although, it is clear that your higher tolerance has afforded a much less dramatic hangover leaving him to look like a mess in comparison, it feels as if he has the upper hand for once.
“Really? Even now that your head must want to split in two?” That radiant sunshine you hold has his already weakened composure splitting instead. His gravely chuckle intertwines with your own soft laugh and So’lek doesn’t even realize how close he has invaded your space until the next words leave his mouth.
“It was worth it. I wouldn’t trade last night for anything.”
The severity of his own statement hits like a boulder. Both smiles drop and So’lek is left grappling with the fact that he has meant every word.
Softened eyes peer straight through him, but these are not full of sympathy. There is no pity extended at now realizing how sad most of his nights must be. There is no squirming to find the right response or looking away with an uncomfortable grimace.
No, you face him with that excitement that feels like he is bathing in the sun after years of wallowing in darkness.
“I’m glad.” It’s a small whisper, very much unlike your usual robust calls. And just when So’lek’s eyes have wandered to watch the way your supple lips form those words, he finds that your stare has pinpointed on his own. Golden eyes dart back and forth between his parted lips and So’lek’s own stare.
There is still that voice that cautions to pull back now. It’s the same voice that screams to curl up and escape your attention before it’s too late.
But you don’t hide. There is only honesty in your curious perusal.
For once maybe he can find a way not to hide too.
So’lek breaches the space between you, leaning forward slowly until there is only a whisper of wind between him and the kiss he has desired for weeks. Your noses almost touch.
“Y/N! Where have you gone? You are needed.” A masculine voice calls from around the corner. There is no one else around the desolate fire where the two of you reside. You make no sign of responding to this call. If he veers forward there will still be enough time to capture what he has dreamed of before the two of you are found out.
However, So’lek recognizes this voice. It belongs to the same man that had tried to glare a hole through him last night as the two of you danced and so it’s easy to deduce that this must be one of your awaiting sutors.
A Zeswa male born and raised. A real viable prospect that So’lek is now on the edge of stealing you away from. This is exactly why he has stayed away. And yet all it has taken is one more night in your presence to lose every ounce of self control he has left.
So’lek veers back. The look of quiet disappointment that crosses your face is enough to twist a knot in his stomach.
The male rounds the tent, letting out an exasperated sigh upon spotting the two. “Ah there you are.”
“What is it?” You hiss, head snapping in his direction so fast that your hair flies over one shoulder.
So’lek doesn’t need to look to feel the way this man’s eyes dart between the two of you.
“Ke’ari is hurling his insides all over the healer’s tent.”
Soft features immediately pinch with irritation.
“Aim him towards a vase then. He is one of many who are suffering from over indulgence. I am still treating So’lek. He needs food.”
“I have brought him some.” Of course he has. A deep loathing for the other male may already be forming but So’lek can’t ignore the craft of this suitor. He did not come unprepared.
Hand running through your hair, you take a moment to look up at the sky and conjure the required patience.
“Fine.” The male is unperturbed by your snipped response. He does, however, glower when your expression melts once facing So’lek once more. “Wait here. I will be right back.”
It’s tempting to savor the longing in your voice, the way those honest eyes practically plead for him to stay.
But it’s too late. So’lek regains the reins of his own heart and forces himself to flee at the first chance. The frowning male has no time to implement his intimidation tactics before So’lek is rising onto wobbly legs and searching to retrieve his gear.
He slips that protective armor back on and leaves without taking a single bite.
So’lek’s eyes burn from staring at the bright screen, hardly blinking while trying to decode the mess that is RDA rosters. Little progress is made as he stares down at the shining pad in hand and tries for the fifteenth time to pay attention. Perhaps it was a mistake not eating the offered meal this morning. Even if your eager suitor had poisoned it, he doubts dying from it would feel worse than the egregious hangover he suffers now.
Leaning back against the table, So’lek’s eyes wander again without permission. Headquarters is unusually quiet today, a sign that the party they threw last night was successful enough to put many in the same state So’lek finds himself in the morning after. Priya and Anqa are up, however. Tucked into an alcove near the kitchen they seem to be under the impression that no one can see them here.
Priya’s giggling echoes through the cave and Anqa only shushes her several times before diving back in for another kiss. Usually this is the part where So’lek’s face scrunches in disgust before he flees to a place he won’t be forced to witness such displays. Today that isn’t the case. In fact today, for reasons unbeknownst to him, So’lek can’t seem to tear his eyes away from the scene.
“Suffering as well I see.” The voice startles him, almost enough to lose grip of the glowing pad in hand. Shuffling to avert his gaze from the two lovers and appear nonchalant, he looks over to find it is Ri’nela that approaches with an amused smile. “From the hangover.” She clarifies.
“Oh yes…you are unwell too?” The dark mark on his forehead pinches together when she comes to sit on the table beside him. Her new Na’vi attire is still as neat as ever but there is a drowsiness in her gaze similar to his own.
“You seem to forget that I was invited by the Zeswa too.” Although it doses So’lek with a tinge of guilt there is no ill will in her comment. However, it does leave his mind swirling to different concerns. If she was in fact at the party last night, how much of his interactions had she witnessed? More importantly, how much of it would she share?
“My mind is….clouded this morning,” comes his lame response. Graciously Ri’nela simply gives a hum of understanding before turning towards the direction he was caught looking earlier.
Priya and Anqa have moved on from swallowing each other’s tongues, but they remain lounged in a hanging chair together, Priya perched atop her lover’s lap as she yaps on and on about who knows what. Although Anqa is less animated in her responses, she listens intently. There is nothing but lovesick admiration in her eyes as she endures the endless jabbering, tucking her girlfriend’s purple hair behind her ear or drawing circles on her side occasionally.
“It must be nice.” Ri’nela sighs softly, a wistful air to her tone. When So’lek turns to raise a hairless brow at her she motions to where Anqa and Priya. “Having something like that.”
“You envy the tawtute?” So’lek can’t mask how ridiculous he finds the notion. Ri’nela has always struck him as a reasonable Na’vi. Even one that shows great potential as a leader. What do tawtute have for her to be jealous of?
“Well aren’t you?”
So’lek’s nose scrunches. “No.”
Despite the brunt response, Ri’nela is hardly put out. Her lips perk up slightly and she gives him a gentle look that one does when teaching a small child. “Are you saying you don’t want what they have? A partner? A mate?”
Calling Priya and Anqa mates feels wrong, like a bad taste on his tongue, but he can’t deny they must be something close. After all, they are committed to one another in similar fashion as one does their mate. They always have someone to run to.
“I have not thought about it.” If Ri’nela senses his lie, she doesn’t let it show.
“Hm well I have. It feels kind of impossible though considering our situation.” She sighs and it’s the first thing she has said in this conversation that immediately makes sense to him. Just like him, she is an outcast of sorts. There are only a few that survived in the Sarentu clan and all of them had been kept in with RDA like a lab experiment throughout their adolescence.
“Difficult indeed.”
Ri’nela lets out a sad laugh, something painful shifting in her features. It sets So’lek on edge, already mentally preparing to navigate a situation where he is expected to comfort another. “Sometimes I think that even being a tawtute would be easier than this. They may live on an alien planet, but even those who have left the RDA have found each other and created this place together. Those two have found love here. This is their clan for all intents and purposes.”
So’lek has never thought of it that way. Do Sky People form clans the way Na’vi do? If so this clan is by far the most peculiar one he has ever seen. Then again, they do work as a team. Everyone comes together to maintain their lodging and when dangers comes knocking there are always a group of former RDA military tawtute ready to act like warriors.
“We have nobody.” Ri’nela continues. “No clan, no place to call our own. Even our memories of the clan we once belonged to are hazy. This place is the closest thing we have to a refuge and even here no one can truly teach you what it means to follow your path in life.”
So’lek shrinks, fingers idly twiddling together. Of course things have not been easy for the Sarentu that escaped the TAP program but he didn’t know this is how she views the circumstances.
“And mating…” Ri’nela sighs again, “Mating becomes all the more complicated when you have no clan to pull from.”
“I do not believe now is a good time to mate in general. What is the point when the RDA can easily take away such a bond?”
“Do you really believe that?”
No, not really. If he had been asked a month ago, perhaps. Back then it had only seemed logical to avoid close ties when he is surrounded by death daily. It would be just another thing for the RDA to take from him.
But now…now the words are sour on his tongue.
Ri’nela has this quality about her that is hard to place a finger on. A certain calm vulnerability that somehow makes it difficult to lie to her. So instead of trying, So’lek simply shrugs.
“I think that if I was lucky enough to find something even close to what they have, there is nothing that could keep me from it.” Ri’nela’s gazes with a sad fondness at Priya and Anqa. There is a longing glimmer to true there that it has his own stare pulled back to the couple. “Someone to weather this storm with. A person that knows you in a way unmatched by any other, and still they choose you. A bond that reminds you why life is so precious, makes it more than just surviving.”
Is that what Anqa and Priya have? Something worth living for? On the surface it has always seemed like some gooey infatuation, a naive romance that he is forced to witness. But perhaps it is more than that. So’lek doesn’t often think about what life would be like as a tawtute, in fact he never does, but can imagine it not being the most comfortable of circumstances. They are not even able to breathe the Pandoran air around them without suffocating. Going back to their home planet is no good option either as it is already dead.
So then maybe Ri’nela has a point. Priya and Anqa find happiness in their day to day affairs, affairs that include risking their lives to fight against their corrupt former employers, despite the harrowing circumstances. They always have a reason to smile, something to laugh at. And it’s just hitting him now that this reason is each other.
“I’m sure you will find something like that, Ri’nela.” The hypocrisy burns So’lek’s throat. How can he claim to believe that when those rules don’t apply to himself? The survivors from the Sarentu clan are the people closest to having the same experience as his own. To have faith in Ri’nela finding a mate not himself goes against all logic.
“Only time will tell.” Although still melancholy, Ri’nela sends him a sympathetic smile. She rises from the table and goes to make her exit. So nonchalant in her retreat as if she has not induced a spiral of thought for him to wind into.
She pauses just before reaching the corner and turns to him again. “I know it is not any of my business, but you should know how lucky you are.”
So’lek’s heart drops to his stomach.
“Don’t let her get away.”
So’lek would prefer to blame Ri’nela for his inability to sleep that night. After all, she is the one that dropped a bomb on him with her speech about mating. Not to mention the only person in headquarters that has knowledge of his love life and the ability to make his feelings for you public domain.
However, that would be dishonest. And at the end of the day he knows that tonight was always going to end this way. He has been trying to get his mind off of you for weeks, in fact every time he has returned from the Zeswa camp, and it has always been unsuccessful. And now the fact that two of you had almost shared a kiss only amplifies that obsession more.
It was already hard enough to control his desires when he could believe that it was a one-sided longing. But now that he knows there is some interest on your side as well, fighting the demons in his head is borderline impossible. You knew he was going to kiss you. You knew and you not only were ready to let him but showed disappointment when he failed to do so.
How is he ever supposed to resist now that he knows the object of his desires is at his fingertips? That there is a chance he can have you.
Perhaps not as a mate. It would be naive of him to assume his ever growing feelings for you are reciprocated in the same manner. But even knowing you desire him in a physical manner is enough to have him rolling over in the hammock and biting into the material.
This is absolute madness.
What is his plan? Avoiding the Zeswa clan forever can surely not be it. He can try to reduce the amount of time spent there but they are still allies so there will always be occasional visits required. Even then, does he really trust that distance will be enough to get rid of these feelings?
No, this is not a phase that will pass.
And even if So’lek were to find a way of dealing with feelings without intervening in your courtings, what would that change? It would mean that another male comes along and makes you their mate eventually. And every day from then on he would be forced to face the fact that he is in love with a mated woman. He would have to witness that union every time he visits with indifference while everything within him would ache to rip this male’s throat out with his teeth.
So’leks stuff a growl down his throat. Eywa above, what is wrong with him? Never before has he felt so connected to the primal beast inside of him. For years he has been a master of not only his emotions but impulses as well. But you’ve awakened something else within him. Something that has laid dormant for years and now refuses to go back to sleep.
When he’s not echoing your perfect laugh in his head, he’s imagining the way you would groan his name. When he’s not recalling the silly story you told him earlier that day with a smile, he is crafting fantasies of his tongue lapping the sweet nectar between your legs. And when he is not pushing back every pulse of his heart that sings for you, he is grinding his teeth at the thought of another ever loving you the way he does, yearning for you the way does.
Everything circles back to you.
You have torn him apart from the inside out and the worst part is, he doubts you have any true inkling of this. At most, you understand there is a flirting atmosphere between you two.
So where does that leave him? It seems there is only one option that has the potential to lead him away from years of insanity. However, that means facing exactly what he has avoided for weeks.
Telling you the truth.
So’lek is a man. He can and will face rejection if necessary, although the idea of that somehow has his insides curling with dread. If it were only a matter of gaining the courage he would have unrooted his tail from between his legs and told you weeks ago. But that is not the main issue.
The real danger is having those feelings reciprocated, because that would then mean being open to mating. That would mean letting all of his hard work to protect you go down the drain and instead take you selfishly for himself. And he hasn’t done that. He hasn’t done that because…well because he is not worthy of you.
Then again, does that imply that your current suitors are the opposite? What do they possess that he does not?
They grew up in a clan, in your clan nonetheless. And So’lek didn’t. He has no clan.
His conversation with Ri’nela bubbles up again. Does he truly believe that not having a clan means being subjected to a life without a mate? He would not wish that to be true for Ri’nela’s sake. Or Teylan’s. Or really any of the other Sarentu that are left. If she were to come to him in a similar situation, having found interest in someone within the Zeswa clan he would approve of her going after that connection. So why does he not approve of that for himself?
He does not have a deep understanding of his culture or know exactly what it means to have People of your own. And somehow that makes him unworthy of you. Because one day, a long time ago, the Sky People rained hellfire on his home and took away his clan.
Does that one instance mark him as damaged goods for the rest of his life?
If so, that seems to be a lot of power to put in the Sky People’s hands. It means that the Sky People not only took everything he had with such ease, but also everything he could ever gain for the rest of his life. And So’lek…So’lek is so damn tired of having things stolen from him.
It is not fair for the RDA to steal you away from him too. If he is unworthy of you it is simply because of his shortcomings in character and light when compared to your vibrance. Not because of circumstances he did not choose. You are too good for him, So’lek can recognize that, however that does not mean he is not allowed to chase you like the others.
Ri’nela prays to find someone to spend her life with, a mate she can call her own, and So’lek can no longer deny that he wants the same too. He does not want to simply survive anymore, he wants to thrive. But unlike Ri’nela, he is lucky enough to already understand who he wants that with.
So he’s not willing to let you slip away.
Not before he has given it everything he has first.
It is only when So’lek hears one of the tawtute’s alarm go off that it becomes clear has had not slept a wink all night. And yet, So’lek has never been filled with so much energy. He dresses and grooms himself within record time, ignoring the puzzled looks that are sent his way. It seems that nothing matters besides getting to the Zeswa camp as fast as possible.
Wrestling his emotions all night has left him with a buzzing energy that threatens to make him explode. He needs to tell you and he needs to tell you now. Every second that this remains unresolved is another that has So’lek on edge.
And so the trip to the upper plains has never felt longer. Although he makes the trek with incredible speed, his feet don’t take a second to adjust their stomping pace once he enters the camp. In fact, they only drum faster against the long grass as he hunts you down among the bustle. No thought is put into the expression he exhibits or body language, so So’lek doesn’t pay attention to the Na’vi that drive out of his way in fear.
There is nothing but cold steel determination laced with an anxiousness that overtakes him.
Then there you are. Long hair blowing in the wind and basket in hand as you carefully weave the next row. So’lek’s lungs finally fill with air. Has it truly only been a day since he has seen you? How was he foolish enough to believe he could ever continue being around you without trying his hand at making you his? Heavy steps cross the space, almost on the brink of jogging to where you stand next to a tent.
When your tails perk and eyes finally clock the impending advance of his tall frame, there is a surprised glimmer in your expression. Even a shot of excitement in those beautiful golden eyes that has all of So’lek’s restraint depleting.
“So’lek, what are you doing here?”
He doesn’t answer with words. Instead he springs the last two steps into your space and immediately hunches to plant his lips against yours. His long fingers curl at the nape of your neck while his thumb caresses your cheek. Although your response is lagged from shock, it doesn’t take long for your lips to meld with his in perfect unison.
So’lek gives everything to that kiss. Every night that he has laid awake thinking about you. Every sputter that his heart has wrenched from your laughter as he has fallen off a pa’li over and over. Every ounce of desire that rushes through him like a river bashing against a dam ready to break.
Deepening the kiss, he refrains, however, from letting it get too vulgar. If he lets that primal creature inside of him lose now, he’ll take you right here and now before talking anything through. It’s difficult to remember this, however. Technically his plan was to speak to you then take his shot at a kiss but So’lek can find room for regret when you taste like everything sweet he has been missing for years. You are just as soft as he imagined. Even more addicting than he could have envisioned.
When So’lek breaks away your lips are already a pretty shade of pink, parted to release heavy breaths. Those golden eyes are now only a sliver of color as your pupils have dilated and eyes widened in disbelief.
“I should have done that yesterday.” That truth gives little explanation, but it’s the only words he manages to get out without sticking his tongue down your throat.
Your chest heaves and features morph into a delighted shock. Seeing you like this is more satisfying than he could put into words. You’ve always been the outspoken one between the two of you, but now it is him that renders you speechless.
So’lek almost goes in for another kiss before the weight of several gazes finally register. Turning over his shoulder he finds that you are not alone in weaving your basket. In fact there is a group of Na’vi sitting on the ground holding their own materials, watching with wide eyes and dropped jaws. It hits him then. You aren’t just sitting here working on your own basket. You are in the middle of teaching a class.
A class he has so dramatically disrupted.
“I apologize for the interruption.” And he should be, he really should be but So’lek doesn’t even believe his own words at this point. He stalks off simply out of respect for the class and the chance to remember how to behave in public.
It won’t matter though, not when he can feel the prickle of your wide-eyed gaze along his back.
So’lek lingers just outside of camp in an alcove of blood leaf trees. It’s just enough space for him to catch his breath, try to clear his head as he waits for your class to finish. Palms spread along the bark in front of him. So’lek drops his head between his outstretched arms and focuses on inhaling and exhaling. The exercise is borderline pointless when each inhale only sparks attention to your taste lingering on his tongue.
Never before would he consider himself this impulsive or irrational but even now that he has made a spectacle in front of everybody, So’lek fights the urge to turn around and do it all over again. He barely resists the aching need to stomp back into camp, throw you over his shoulder and carry you into the woods where he can finally have his way with you.
So’lek spins on his heel, leaning against the tree with his head thrown backwards now. This is insanity.
His nostrils flare the second there is a trace of your essence in the wind. So’lek almost wishes he wouldn’t have looked because now he is sucked in by the way your breasts bounce as you jog from the camp towards him.
Great Mother above, how is going to have a conversation with you while in this state?
Luckily, or perhaps not so lucky, you are in no mood for conversation either. So’lek doesn’t get out a simple hello before you are bounding into his chest and pulling him down for another kiss. This time there are no boundaries keeping the kiss from turning absolutely filthy. That devious tongue swirls around his own until So’lek is capturing your bottom lip between his teeth in retribution.
Fuck, you are so much trouble.
“Wait…mh...wait.” You don’t afford him the space for speaking so So’lek eventually catches your upper arms in a firm grip and establishes some distance. “Wait for one moment.”
“No, I’m sick of waiting.” Voice teetering on a whine, you brush off the hold and capture his lips back to yours. So’lek feels like he is being torn in two. It’s important to talk things through, make sure that you understand just how deep his feelings are, but with the way his tewng struggles to keep his hard cock trapped, it is only a matter of time before instincts overcome logic.
So you leave him with no choice.
With one graceful swoop he has you manhandled back against the tree, arms planted on either side of your head to keep you bracketed there. “You need to listen.” So’lek seethes and it comes out far angrier than he intended.
In spite of that, your eyes take on a new sparkle. Those beautifully swollen lips part and soft features morph into a dazed shock just as they had done after that first kiss. Except this time, the aroma of arousal thickens.
Fuck, you’re into this. You like the way he has wrestled you into place. You like how he towers over you now and demands to be heard. Perhaps it is the only reason your protests have immediately stopped. He needs to get this off of his chest before the ability to make full sentences leave him entirely.
So So’lek blurts it all out in a heated rush.
“I did not come here to fool around once. That is not what this is. I am here because it is physically impossible for me to stay away. There is not an hour that goes by where I don’t long to be with you, even in your presence if that is what I can get. I have no clan. I don’t know the customs of your people and I often have a disposition that makes people want to run away rather than draw near. I am not like your other suitors, I do not offer the same things. All of this I know and have tried to respect but it seems no iron will I construct is strong enough to keep me from wanting you all the same.”
You don’t dare to blink and disconnect his gaze from yours.
“And want you I do, paskalin. But not just once, not just in a way that satisfies our bodies alone. I yearn to have every part of you that can be offered.” One step closer and So’lek’s can practically feel the drumming of your rampant heart against his chest. “So if this is not what you want, then you need to tell me now. Because I know that once we cross this threshold, once I get one more taste of you there will be no going back for me. You will have my heart until my dying breath.”
Winds whips against his back. Second feel like years as dainty hands wind up his arms and clasp at the nape of his neck.
“Maybe if you weren’t so stubborn, So’lek, you would already know that I have been yours since the moment we met.”
The next connection of lips is softer, far more patient than the ravaging before. It allows So’lek to fall into your confession properly, to let it settle into his head and heart that this is real. That you are truly sunk into his embrace, candy on his lips, and heart open for him entirely.
So’lek pours every fiber of gratitude into this kiss. He winds his love into the tender brush of his fingers across your cheek. His tail curves around your thigh with the solemn promise to protect you until his heart stops beating. And you breathe in every silent promise he makes with one of your own.
Your long lashes tickle his cheeks and small hands rooted in his hair causes So’lek’s knees to weaken.
This tender moment can only last so long, however. That deep seated fire has not been forgotten and with every second the two of you remain entangled, the hotter it burns. That shift is prevalent in the way you go from running nails over his scalp to tugging on the long locks to pull him closer. So’lek’s own hands go from tender exploration to greedy groping down your hips and backside.
A part of him would question the harshness and vulgarity of his actions were it not for the way you now moan into his mouth. You take every crude touch delivered and beg for more in the same breath.
So’lek only departs from your lips to finally slot his face into the crook of your neck. Nose running along a vein of your throat, he is free to drown in the place where your aroma is most potent. But it’s not enough to breathe you in, not even sufficient to simply witness the way his scent now intertwines with yours. He must taste it, must run his tongue over every inch of perfectly delicious skin like he has dreamed of for weeks.
The flat of his tongue draws over from your collarbone to the edge of your jaw. You don’t hide your sound of delight, nor the obvious push of your pelvis to find his own. Bruising kisses turn into sucking deep marks at the vulnerable skin. So’lek only pauses when you manage to crane your head down and capture one of his ears carefully between sharp teeth. The tip of your tongue follows a smooth path at the shell of his ear. It taunts a deep rumble from his chest.
Pulling back, So’lek hardly gets a chance to witness your pleased smirk before he is caught in another kiss. Unlike the first day in the healer’s tent when you had been hesitant to touch his chest guard, you now use it as your personal leash to bring him closer. Those small hands dig into the tough material and yank without reserve.
Not that it’s needed. So’lek would gladly crawl at your feet if it means getting to devour you once more.
However, it quickly becomes not enough. His mouth salivates at the idea of tasting another sweet part he has been dreaming of. You give no struggle when his hand hitches behind your knee, allowing him to curve that long leg around his waist and press your pelvises together. It takes bending his own knees to account for the height difference but it’s worth all of the hassle when feeling the heat that literally radiates through your tewng.
So’lek suddenly becomes all too aware of how overdressed he is in comparison. That sentiment must be shared because your eyes dance with excitement when he is haphazardly shucking off the chest guards and gear attached. Your own chest piece does little to hide those perfectly shaped breasts, one nipple managing to slip out from under a feather, and even more so does not hide that now red hue over the area. It seems that all your grinding against him, has consequently rutted your chest over his radio and other hard gear.
Perhaps he should feel bad but all So’lek can think about instead is whether or not his teeth and tongue could exhibit a similar reaction along your perfect breasts. Is the other nipple as hard as the one that has slipped out?
It’s as if you can read his mind, or rather notice where his gaze has lowered to have him drooling, because without a single prompting you are undoing the clasp and letting the delicate top fall away.
So’lek would judge any other male for acting the way he does now. So easily reduced to a mouth breathing imbecile just from a natural part of female anatomy. But perhaps he simply didn’t get it until now. Staring at those beautifully pointed nipples and curved breasts the perfect size for his hands, he thinks he may just now understand why a sight like that never gets old. At least, not when it’s yours.
You grasp the hand not holding your leg, confidently guiding his palm to rest over the right breast. So’lek requires no further invitation. He squeezes and savors the squishy weight in his hand, drawing his thumb over that perky nipple that is begging to be sucked. Delight spikes his blood pressure when he witnesses how his calloused fingertips tighten the bud.
“So’lek please! I’m not fragile.”
His name has never sounded so beautiful. Those wicked eyes ensnare him without an ounce of bashfulness. Caught between two temptations So’lek eventually drops your leg in favor of using both hands to explore this new uncovered skin.
The first time he pinches one nipple between his fingertips and tugs it brings on a sound from your throat so sudden and lewd it makes his cock twitch in its confines.
“Harder.”
So’lek’s pupils dilate. What a little pain slut you’ve turned out to be and from the blissed expression you wear now, there is not an ounce of you that is ashamed of it. Nor should you be. Every new discovery is a gift So’lek delights in unwrapping.
“Always so demanding, paskalin.” Voice gravelly and thick with lust, So’lek bends down further until his lips are skating over the swell of your breasts.
“I’m actually quite a patient person.” Even with labored breath your quip doesn’t lose its whip.
“Is that so?” It is by no means playing fair, but So’lek latches his lips around your left nipple before letting you respond. He rolls the raised flesh between his teeth, biting down just hard enough to capture the peak and pull it back.
You have a handful of braids gathered in your grip tightly but they don’t stop the retreat of his head. You let out a guttural groan, rising onto your toes as if to enhance the sharp sting. And still, your determination to get out a response does not falter.
“I’ve waited for you this long, haven’t I? Agh Eywa mm…flirted with you for weeks waiting for you to take the bait.”
So’lek switches to the other side, snapping his teeth around the raised bud before muttering, “You poor thing.”
“Mock me all you want but you’re cruel for making me wait.” A gasp bubbles up your throat when he pinches the disregarded nipple while the other is nipped by his teeth. “A woman has needs, So’lek.”
Those words have his ears perking in interest, even lapping at the abused flesh so you have a better chance at finishing that thought.
“Thinking of you with my hand between my thighs is only good for so long before I start wanting the real thing.”
A string of saliva still connecting your nipple to his lips, So’lek pulls back to look up at you. “Is that what you do, paskalin? Touch yourself while you dream about me?”
Then with zero hesitation, “I was three fingers deep inside myself this morning while I pondered what your cock would feel like down my throat.”
Static fills his head, the only sound bouncing in his skull is your unabashed confession. This morning. You had been touching yourself to the thought of him this morning. Meaning while he was buzzing with adrenaline, thoughts wild and uncontained at the thought of what if, as he made the trek to the Zeswa camp, you were exploring the parts of yourself he had been dreaming of for weeks while conjuring dirty fantasies of him. So’lek had been spiraling and questioning all of his desires with no knowledge that you were already his for the taking.
And that’s what it has been. Weeks and weeks of him dreaming and wishing and overthinking while you waited patiently for him to untuck his tail and do something about it. How long has he gone on torturing himself while you’ve been right here?
Too long.
Way too fucking long.
But now, he is determined to make up for every second of lost time.
“You are trouble.” Voice rough with a rumbling depth, you are unbothered by his change in inflection.
“I’m just being honest.” You shrug, lips tempted into a crooked smirk. “Don’t ask the question if you can’t handle the answer.”
Your confident snip simultaneously delights and taunts him. It tugs at the part of him that no longer wants to be gentle or conscientious. You are coaxing out the beast in him that is nothing but teeth, and from your self satisfied smirk it’s clear you know it too.
So’lek rises back to his full height, dragging his muscular form along your sweet curves until his impressive frame is molded against your own. When you crane your neck to look at him he witnesses your dilated pupils even beneath the shadow that he has cast over you. It’s So’lek’s hand now that roots into your hair, yanking you forward into a demanding kiss.
He gives no room for air, slotting his nose along yours and devouring you with vengeance. So’lek has to hold back a vicious smirk at the moan you release once he begins sucking on your tongue. Dulls nails dig into his waist, clawing to bring him impossibly closer. They seek to draw blood in retaliation when he finally breaks the kiss.
“You are not the only one who has been waiting for a taste, paskalin.”
You grin and lean forward, interpreting that as another filthy kiss coming your way. However, it is not your lips that he speaks of now. Or at least, not those lips. Your tail whips in surprise when large hands begin undoing the string around it. So’lek tugs and digs at those knots without preamble, watching your pretty face as you realize where this is heading.
Once the offensive garment is ripped away he drops to his knees. His nostrils flare, greedily taking in your thick essence but it's not enough. So’lek roughly yanks one of your legs over his shoulder and his ears twitch to catch your pretty gasp. Now teetering on one leg while the other is curved over his broad shoulder, you are perfectly laid out for him.
So’lek barely has enough time to appreciate the view before his instincts demand a taste. Intricate stripes along your inner thighs and navel create an alluring path to the treasure between your legs. So’lek runs the tip of his nose along one stripe of your thigh before stopping less than an inch from your soaked cunt.
Eywa above, his vivid imagination could never compare to the beauty that lies before him now!
Your needy clit is already engorged, a pretty pearl that begs to be played with. He uses his thumbs to part your lips and get an unobstructed view. Hot breath tickles your sensitive core causing your now displayed entrance to flutter. Watching the way your pussy grasps at nothing has So’lek caught between wanting to drown himself in your juices or fill you with his aching cock.
“So’lek, you are such a fucking tease I-”
The end of that complaint is strangled into a whine when his lips close around your clit. A small hand pushes at the back of his head. As if he would need the encouragement. So’lek smothers himself in your warmth. Nose slotted between your lips his tongue runs up the sensitive cut of you, collecting every ounce of sticky arousal it can find. The tip of his tongue then circles around that pulsing bud until your clitoral hood is pushed back and he can attack the nerve dead on.
That action conjures a violent reaction. Hips buck back at him hard enough to have your one supporting leg struggling to remain planted. So’lek takes that as his cue to take pity on you. He slinks the other leg over his shoulder and wraps his arms around your thighs to support the weight. This way he has full control of wrangling your soaked cunt to his lips while you no longer have to focus on standing.
“Oh Eywa! More…more So’lek…I need more.” Although your voice has flitted into desperate gasps, it loses none of its conviction.
Your demands push him further, his tongue now spearing into your pussy with a desire to explore. Fuck, even around his tongue you are tight as a vise. So’lek rises to his feet, keeping you sat on his shoulders as your back glides along the tree trunk. If you have a fear of heights it is not voiced as you are pinned against the trunk and ravaged.
“Right there! Right there! Ah yes! Right-”
That constantly babbling has never been more beautiful than now. His tongue curves to hit that oh so special spot that has your thighs shaking around his head. So’lek’s nails dig into your ass to spread you wider as your own viciously claws into his scalp.
With the perfect combination of his tongue fucking up into you and his nose rutting along your clit, your first orgasm comes in no time. So’lek drinks up every last drop selfishly. He considers it a reward after all of this time he’s behaved, been patient and tried to get you out of his head. Now that you’ve broken his resolve, it’s only fair that you give him everything that you have. That he collects what belongs to him.
When So’lek finally peels away, he finds you catching your breath while one hand grips a tree branch above. He’s caught staring but even with a flushed hue over your cheeks, you simply let out a breathy laugh in a daze. Your legs are shaking as he lowers you back onto your feet but that isn’t enough to deter you.
Half of his face coated in your essence, So’lek graciously obeys the hands that yank him down for another kiss. It seems right that you get to taste how delicious you are too. His big hands wrap around either side of your neck, angling your face upwards and deeper into the kiss.
Meanwhile, it seems that even in the afterglow of a climax, you can’t refrain from being a minx. Confident hands map the territory of his slim hips and v line before one sneaks back to grab his ass. His dark chuckle is passed between his lips to yours as you hold back a devious smirk.
“Your turn.” You demand, tugging at the waistband of his loincloth with the patience of a child waiting to unwrap a present. The motion only increases the ache in his groin, somewhat surprised that the piece of fabric has managed to contain his boner.
So’lek practically jumps out of his skin when you slip past the waistband. His left hand slams against the tree trunk as he groans when you wrap around his base, thumb running up a thick vein. The fire in his eyes matches your own. This is a game of tug a war. Weeks of yearning and dreaming have left both of you utterly insatiable. Matched in intensity, you too are determined to take everything your desired mate has to offer.
And So’lek is going to deliver it to you on a silver platter.
That is, after he gets his own chunk of flesh.
Hastily undoing the string of his tewng, So’lek slots his face into your neck as you start a slow but firm pace stroking him. It is borderline torture, the way you already know how to apply the perfect amount of pressure at the right places while still having your fun sweeping a thumb over his head to collect the precum there. A sweat breaks out along his forehead. He finds himself wishing for a hair tie to wrangle his now messy braids out of the way as he holds back from exploding all over your stomach.
“You’re so pretty.” You marvel, aroused scent intermingling with his own as you stare down with blown out pupils. Fuck, you are going to kill him if you keep looking at him like that. It’s no wonder his feral instincts have taken over. When yours are already unleashed it’s impossible to hold back. He was a fool for ever thinking he could escape your taunting.
“No,” So’lek nearly barks when you try to sink down onto your knees. He quickly wraps a firm hand around your bicep to urge you back up. Those plump lips part, no doubt preparing to protest, perhaps say something about how unfair he’s been for once again making you wait. So’lek cuts in before you get the chance. “I need to be inside you. Now.”
It’s impossible to keep back the rugged timber that takes over his words. Even more so impossible to hide the desperation that fills him to the brim. As much as he is overtaken by the thought of your talented mouth wrapped around him, he knows there is no way he will be able to hold himself back from coming then. And when he reaches that high for the first time with you, So’lek wants nothing more than to be buried deep inside of you, feeling the way you unravel around him.
But his body is already far too close to the edge. A heat coils in his abdomen and every touch you deposit has his tip leaking more sticky precum. This needs to happen now before he loses it prematurely.
Luckily, your attitude appears to be put into check by his words. All signs of disappointment quickly shift into a raw fervor, hands grabbing for his shoulders. So’lek takes the cue in stride, hoisting your knee up to his hip and positioning himself at your entrance.
And then he hesitates.
So’lek is not small by any means and he has not properly prepared you for him.
“Oh Eywa,” You groan, “I stretched myself out this morning, So’lek just…please!”
That whine and pinched expression is borderline distressed and therefore all the encouragement he requires to slink forward. You’re his mate and as you’ve said, a woman has needs. From here on out he is going to be the sole provider for every single one of yours.
It takes a hand to your hip in order to keep control of his pace sinking inside. So’lek’s hairless brows furrow and muzzle wrinkles at the difficulty required to keep himself from plunging inside with one thrust. Sweet sounds wracking your throat, you provide no help as your hips keep trying to slant forward. At this point there is going to be an imprint of his fingers from where they press into your hip.
So’lek lets out a harsh breath.
Stars above, that thought has the potential to send him down a very dark hole. Just thinking about all the ways and places he can mark you has his ball drawing up against his body.
When he is finally seated all the way inside, pelvis flush against your own, both of you take a moment to breathe. Panted air tickles his chest from where you have your forehead slants against his collarbone. His own nose buries into that luscious hair that he has admired flying in the wind for weeks.
So’lek’s tail wraps around your planted leg and it’s then that he feels the way you are on the verge of collapsing. Hooking an arm underneath that knee he swipes it to his waist. The new angle makes both of you groan but you are quick to lock both ankles at the base of his spine and cling for dear life.
This moment is sacred.
The first of many times that he can feel what it means to be intimately intertwined with you in a way only inferior to making tsaheylu. So much distance he has kept between the two of you only to now gorge himself in a closeness beyond anything he has ever experienced. And someday, someday very soon, it will be even more. Once he has courted you properly, showered you with the love and attention has wanted to give you from the very beginning, the two of you will make the bond.
A permanent entanglement that he will cherish until the end of his days.
“So’lek,” You whisper. Nothing but his name against his chest until your right hand is reaching up to brush his cheek. He nuzzles into your palm without thought before ducking down until your cheek is sliding against his own. It’s in this primal act of scenting that his hips finally begin to move.
Long languid thrusts that have you shuddering against him while his teeth bite into his bottom lip hard enough to draw blood. In this state you are an open book. Every spike of your pleasure is indicated by the way you squeeze his cock, or dig your nails into his shoulder blades, or even nips at his pulse point. There is nothing demure about your exploration.
As his pace picks up, now figuring out where that sweet spot is to torment, your soft hands are mapping every inch of him they can reach. His neck, his shoulders, every rigid line of his abdomen. When one hand reaches to squeeze his muscular bicep his tail coils.
You are matched in desire perfectly, a fact that threatens to coax him into spilling inside of you instantly. So’lek has to grit his teeth to hold back even as your lips find his own again. This kiss is a mess of saliva and haphazard coordination as the increased speed of his thrusts have you jackhammering up the tree trunk. It doesn’t matter.
All So’lek can focus is your sweet sounds and how eagerly your body welcomes him in.
“Paskalin,” He groans, barely managing to tear away from your lips. “You are everything.”
He witnesses the way those words sink in, how long it takes for them to settle before you are able to smile back at him in your disheveled state. This smile is unique from the many others he has seen you wear. It is one not meant for the public eye, a rare form that one can only be seen in an intimate setting like this. A smile that now only shines for him.
A burst of adrenaline courses through his veins. Tired muscles renew tenfold, cock driving up into you now with uncontained zeal. This burst of energy has him entirely distracted so when a foreign touch suddenly scrapes his kuru, So’lek just about buckles and takes you both to the ground.
With a hiss he rights himself and pushes you harder against the tree. Nails glide over his protective braid with a featherlight pressure before sweeping over his shoulder and getting dangerously close to the exposed tendrils.
So’lek’s jaw clamps hard enough to make his teeth ache.
“Don’t do that, tanhi [star]. You’re going to make me come.”
“My thoughts exactly.” That devious hitch in your voice cracks when he sends a harsh thrust in reprimanding.
“I mean it.” He grits.
“So do I.” Baby hairs plastered to your damp forehead, you stare him down with a renewed fervor. “I want all of you, So’lek. Everything.”
The dancing tendrils of his kuru are dragged along your shoulder teasingly. His vision zeroes in on the sight, muscles of his abdomen tightening. Your forehead tips against his own, lashes almost kissing his cheek.
“Please don’t make me beg,” you whisper.
It’s intentional, the way your pussy clamps around him in a vice like grip as those words leave your lips. So’lek can no longer remember why he was trying to draw this out as he rickets his hips upwards and gets lost in the feeling of his kuru tendrils wrapping around one of your fingers.
Whatever composure you had temporarily regained becomes frazzled once more as the head of his cock knocks at your sweet spot over and over again with overwhelming accuracy. Your cries muddle together just as your orgasm comes to line up with his.
So’lek has felt no greater relief than releasing himself deep inside of tight heat. Stars dot his vision while you milk him for all that he is worth, panting against his neck. His kuru is dropped and So’lek’s knees wobble, for the first time finding difficulty in holding both of your weight.
He becomes a statue following that high. His brain rings with the same dead sound the computers at headquarters make. You are no better off, clinging to him for dear life as your breasts push against him with every rushed exhale. The first movement is your arms cinching tighter around his neck. A strangely innocent and endearing hug considering the lewd entanglement the two of you maintain.
Gently, So’lek slips out and guides you back onto your feet. He has to scramble when your knees immediately buckle. Swiping his arms beneath your own, he coaxes you to lean your weight on him.
“Are you alright?” His worried tone is in direct contrast to the breathy laugh you give.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” You giggle, clinging to his shoulders. “They’ll work again…eventually.”
Your eyes crinkle in the same way they do when watching him fall off of a pa’li. So’lek’s lips curve into their own grin. His lips are still stretched wide when he plants tender kisses to your hairline.
“You smell good,” You hum.
So’lek chuckles fondly before noticing the combined spend that trails down your inner thighs. He has nothing but his gear with him out here in the fields. The only fabric he carries is a small bundle of bandages but he used up the last of it a few days ago. His lips turn down. He will need to be more prepared than this now that he has a mate to look after.
“Paskalin, let me find something to clean you up with.”
“No no shhh,” You reach up and place a finger against his lips. “Stop thinking for one second and hold me.”
So’lek’s heart twists at your little antics, silently obeying your request, shifting both of you to lay on the long grass. Sweaty limbs tangle together, your smaller form messily sprawled across him until your hair is twisted over his abdomen. So’lek slings and arm over your back to cradle you closer.
This is always the part he has missed. Various partners over the years and yet not one of them holding the tender affection that radiates between the two of you now. The chance to just hold and bask in the other’s presence. Little touches that speak volumes louder than he ever could. So’lek is not good with words. He never says the right thing or in the right way.
But he can do this. He can drench the sweet brush of his fingertips over your skin with the weight of every confession he has ever been tempted to give you. He can radiate the deep love that blossoms in his chest with every soft kiss to your hairline and swipe of his thumb over your cheek. And he can feel the same devotion reciprocated every time you snuggle further into his chest or trace lines over his abdomen.
Before long your tail whips out to jest with his curious fingers. He swipes over the thin appendage, watching the way it flickers and circles around his wrist before letting go. The tuft of hair at the end tickles his forearm as it playfully taunts and bats away from his touch. This little game is more amusing than he cares to admit.
A muffled giggle against his chest tells him that his fixation is not concealed. However, for the first time in weeks he’s allowed to not care. There is no lingering regret at showing his cards to you or betraying his emotions to be analyzed. With you he gets to let that mask fall away, allowing you to see a part of him so vulnerable that So’lek thought it had died off years ago.
“I will be ready again in about ten minutes.” You state, smiling while tracing the veins of his left arm. The insinuation and expectation is clear and it shakes a surprised laugh from his lungs.
“And if I am not, paskalin?” So’leks goads with a smirk.
You shift onto your stomach, chin resting atop his chest so that you can look at him directly now. Your tail lashes behind you as you smirk up at him. “Then you better find a way to be.”
So’lek lets out a low chuckle, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. Your smile, however, falters when you notice something. Legs still shaky and weak, you try to climb up his chest to get a better look. He’s unsure what you are getting at but So’lek doesn’t hesitate in cinching a hand behind your knee and using that grip to slide you upwards.
Hairless brows furrowed and bottom lip on the verge of jutting into a pout, one dainty finger runs over the skin beneath his eyes. It is only then he realizes that he must have dark circles beneath his eyes from not sleeping last night.
“You did not sleep.”
It truly is of little importance but watching how genuinely concerned you are by it may just be the most endearing thing he has ever witnessed. It reminds him of the day you met. The first time was subjected to your insistent care as he writhed and tried to assure you he was fine. If only back then he knew what he knows now. You always take care of him, of anyone and everyone in your vicinity.
No matter what front he has put up. Regardless of every effort he has made to convince you and himself that he does not need this, it has never been a match for you. You who not only sees through his walls but knocks them down with that infectious grin. The Great Mother has blessed him with the only woman stubborn enough to break him the way he truly needed.
“I was up thinking.”
You scoff, rolling your eyes. “Of course you were. What am I going to do with you?” You give him a reprimanding glare but fondness seeps into your beautiful features before you are scooting upwards again.
So’lek expects a kiss, lashes already flutter over his cheeks in anticipation but then those lips are not touching his. Instead a delicate kiss is placed over each eyelid, as if to kiss the sleep deprivation away.
When So’lek opens his eyes you are already shuffling to tuck your face against his neck nonchalantly as if you have not made his heart overflow with one simple move.
This is what Ri’nela had been talking about. Not just surviving but thriving. Have a place to call home, or perhaps in his case someone. For years his sole drive in life has been to repay the RDA for the tragedies they have rained on Pandora, on his clan. That has been his purpose. There has always been something to fight for.
But for the first time in years he now has someone to fight for as well.
Please don't hesitate to share your thoughts! I spent way too much time obsessing over this so getting some feedback/interaction would mean the world to me<3
"Taglist" AKA peeps I thought might like this: @pandoraslxna @tallulah477 @eywaite
Summary: The eldest daughter of Jake and Neytiri finds out she may not be that special.
w/c: 1765ish?
a/n: hiii! hope you guys enjoy, please excuse any errors:3 I finished this while watching the boys, just started it actually and its pretty good! may follow up with a part 3 if this goes well haven’t rlly decided yet:3.
Part one, part two, part three
The first time she saw Neteyam, really saw him, she was in awe.
He was the most perfect shade of blue, his markings painting his features in the same way as their mothers. Tiny bioluminescent freckles glowed across his skin, lighting up in the darkness of their home.
And there was no hair, nothing. His browbones are completely devoid of even the slightest hint of fuzz, further untethering him from any trace of him being half human—half demon.
The same way she was the spitting image of Jake, he was the spitting image of Neytiri, down all the way to the very last detail. He was absolutely perfect—a true na’vi.
And she hated him for it. He was the complete opposite of her. Everything she wasn’t, everything she couldn’t be.
The realization struck her so suddenly it made her stomach twist with guilt so violently in a way it’s never done before. She knew he’d done nothing wrong, didn't deserve to be so hated by the very person who should've been sworn to protect him.
But she couldn't help it, because from the moment Neteyam was born, he already belonged in a way she never could.
From the very first day he was introduced into the clan, he was adored instantly. The women crowded around them as her mother held him so close to her chest, the same way she did the night he was born, wearing that same bright smile. Everyone cooed at his features and how beautiful he was, elders were praising Eywa for the healthy baby boy.
No one whispered harshly, no one stared at him weirdly. They all just looked at him as if he was the greatest blessing from Eywa, and it only made her angrier.
Her father had rightfully earned his way in the clan despite the human inside of him, proving himself worthy by guiding the people to victory against the RDA. Her brother Neteyam proved himself merely by being born, so where exactly did that leave her?
The days after his birth began to blur, muddling together.
Her parents spent most of their time with Neteyam, either resting beside him or tending to his needs. Which left (y/n) on her own more often than not. She knew it was to be expected, she knew once her sibling was to be born her parents would be busy taking care of him, she was prepared for that much at least.
But what she wasn’t prepared for was to be so angry—so jealous. Every time she watched as her mother held Neteyam so close smiling proudly at him, she felt something bitter weigh heavy on her chest. Every time her father would talk so excitedly about training him once he was old enough, she felt a sense of envy claw painfully at her ribs.
And when she was alone with him, watching him while their parents stepped out. She’d just stare. Letting her eyes roam over every single piece of him, hoping—praying to find some sort of flaw, something that at least made him imperfect. But there never was one.
She so badly wanted to scream out and shout. To curse her father for giving her these alien hands, her mother for ever choosing him, and Neteyam for being so—so perfect.
But how could she when she knew deep down no one was truly at fault. She knew she could never blame her father for simply falling in love with her mother. It is them that have given her life. How could she possibly blame her mother for these feelings? After all, the sky people destroyed everything. Took her home and those she loved, just for her to be reminded of it all within her own daughter. How could she possibly blame Neteyam? He was just an innocent child.
As days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, it never got easier.
The loud voices of her peers that she once used to ignore now bounced against her skull, rattling her brain until it was the only thing she thought about. Impossible to escape. The insults got louder, angrier. As if the presence of her younger brother and his normal na’vi anatomy only solidified her place as an outcast within her own clan.
She became hyper aware of her different features, her mind yelling at her to "fix herself", to be "normal".
It started out small.
When Neytiri would reach out to her she'd pull away, acting as if she never noticed her reaching in the first place. When Jake would ask if she wanted to play with the other children, she refused, blaming it on "being tired."
Time after time, she'd make excuse after excuse to avoid being touched, to avoid being seen. Jake and Neytiri noticed, of course they did, but between taking care of Neteyam and slowly going back to clan duties, neither had the chance to bring it up.
So it left her to wither in her thoughts, the hushed whispers and hatred radiating off her fellow clansmen. Following her everywhere she went, settling deep in her bones.
“He looks just like Neytiri.”, “Did you see? He looks like a normal na’vi.”, “Eywa has blessed them with the perfect child.”
Each comment felt like an arrow piercing her skin, striking her deep where it hurts. If Neteyam was what a normal child looked like, then what was she?
On the off chance she did find herself out with her parents, or with her grandmother, after relentless coercing. She'd keep her head down, curling her fingers into her palm. She'd drag her feet through the ground, braids loose falling over her forehead. Doing any and everything to hide her human features.
But the small things were never enough.
The stares only burned hotter, the voices got louder, and the people got angrier at her mere existence. And every time she found herself gazing at Neteyam, it only served as a painful reminder of everything she’d never be.
—
She found herself sitting at the river near base camp, staring at her reflection in the water. She hated what she saw, hated what she looked like. She was not a true na’vi—never was and probably won't ever be.
Shame curled in her chest, squeezing tightly against her heart until it almost hurt. Her fingers lifted towards her browbone rubbing harshly, almost as if she tried hard enough she’d force the hairs settling there to go away.
Then she heard a sharp laugh come from behind her. “Well if it isn't the demon child.”
(y/n) felt her body stiffen, head turning slightly to spot two na’vi children standing a few feet back.
“What do you want?” She muttered, fingers curling into her palm, feeling sharp nails piercing her skin. “Congratulations on your baby brother.” One spoke mockingly before another piped up, “He actually looks like a real na’vi.” The boys snickered, moving closer until they stood a few inches away.
She felt her jaw tightened, quickly rising from her position from the ground as she pointed a shaky finger at them. “Stop…Stop talking.”
They ignored her. The boys started to circle her, poking and prodding at her body.
“If Neteyam came out normal then…” One of the boys trailed off, hand roughly grabbing her own and spreading her fingers. “Then what happened to you?”
She felt something snap, all that anger and guilt she was bottling up finally surging forward, in rough waves.
She lunged at him before she could think, tackling him into the dirt. “Hey—Hey what are you doing?!” The other boy shouted, watching as her fingers began to claw at his friend's skin, his hands desperately reaching out and pulling at her braids in an attempt to stop her. "S-stop! You're hurting him!" She could barely register the sharp sting in her scalp, her teeth gritted in anger as she felt tears brim her eyes.
Her ears rang with the sound of desperate cries and screaming.
“I’m not a demon!” She cried out, feeling wet tears slide against her cheeks.
The boy beneath her screamed as he felt his skin being pierced by her nails. His arms flailing as he tried to get her off him—pleading and begging for her to stop.
But she didn’t stop—didnt want to. For months she’s had to deal with the shame, anger and guilt for being different, the different emotions festering deep in her stomach until it felt like she was about to explode.
She lifted her hand to strike again, but before she could do so a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her back.
She thrashed in his hold, twisting and turning as she attempted to pull away. He tightened his grip, walking a few feet away from the scene. “(y/n)!(y/n)! Stop!” The voice of her dad spoke against her ears, cutting through the haze. “That’s enough.” His voice came out firm, holding her for a few more seconds until she finally calmed down. Her chest heaved violently as he finally put her down, his hands grabbing her shoulders and giving them a firm squeeze. “Hey” He mumbled gently, eyes quickly raking over her bloodied and disheveled appearance. “Hey, just breathe ok?”
She blinked slowly, taking deep breaths before her eyes slowly drifted past his shoulder towards the boy on the ground, trembling and covered in his own blood. Her breath hitched, her gaze dropping to her hands and the warm stickiness that coated her fingers—all 10 of them.
“D-dad?” She stuttered out weakly, eyes zeroing in on the way his blood slowly dripped from her nails before coating the dirt beneath them. Jake slowly crouched in front of her, cupping her cheeks and forcing her to look at him. “Sweetheart, what happened?” He questioned sternly, watching as tears slid down her cheeks. “I-I.”
The sound of footsteps thundering against the ground could be heard as two warriors came into view with the other little boy in tow. She watched silently as they carefully pull the injured boy off the ground. One of them turned towards her for a moment, his face twisting in disgust before leaving quickly.
Her heart pounded violently in her chest, drowning out the voice of her father until all she heard was the rapid beating of her heart. Her eyes still stared in that same spot, the dirt covered in traces of blood. She felt her stomach churn, chest tightening until it was too hurtful to breathe at the sudden realization that maybe she really was the demon they made her out to be.
Summary: Your son was gone and you knew Jake wasn't going to help look for him, neither was Netiryi. They both never liked Spider and was often the cause of your fights with Jake. Now you were on your own to find your son. Meanwhile Spider tried to stay calm, despite everything thats happened, and finding out Quaritch is his biological father, he knew you were going to find him. It was just a matter of time.
Chapter Warnings: Arguments | Reader is very upset | mentions of torture | mentions of parental abandoning | Spider doesnt care for his biological parents lol | Switch of POV'S | shitty grammar in general | Quaritch is confused as shit
Author's Notes: I wrote this like 2 days after the first chapter, iv been switching between my 3 avatar stories so pay attention to the titles lol
Word Count: 7.9k
Series Masterlist
Chapter Two:
You have never thought about harming Jake, even when he destroyed your home, your mind was stricken with grief. When Jake came back with Toruk Makto you didnt want to harm him, afterall he got the clans together to fight the sky people.
When Jake told you how Spider was captured, you lost it.
You shoved the man harshly and hissed.
“If you treated the children more like children and not soldiers none of this would have happened!”
Netiryi did not hesitate to stand in front of Jake and hiss back at you, clearly not liking the way you are handling this.
“Do not put your hands on him! You watch your tone as well!”
You bared your teeth at the women as your tail lashed around.
“Po lu barely a eyktan let le'awtu a sempul!” (He is barely a leader let alone a father!)
Netiryi hissed again even louder as you hissed back.
“They took my son away and you won't do anything about it!? You asked me to care for him Jake!” You turned your head to look at the man standing there. “I cared for him! I care for him! And now he is in the hands of those sky demons! My son-”
You quickly looked away from the couple as your voice cracked, you tried to control your breathing. Spider was gone and no one knew where he was, not even you. He must be so scared.
“There is a reason I waited to tell you.”
Your head snaps over to look at Jake, who watched you with his ears pinned down. You felt the feeling in your stomach worsen.
“It was Quaritch.”
You stood there for a moment before scoffing.
“Impossible. I saw him dead on the ground with Netiryi's arrows inside of him. No Na'vi could live that, let alone a sky demon.”
You knew of Quaritch, how could you not? After his death, Jake took the time to explain everything. He explained that the Colonel was the only one who was nice to Jake, and how he watched over his own, about the promise he made to Jake about getting his legs back and how he actually came through with it. Quaritch, despite everything, sounded like a good man, he seemed to care for the soldiers under his care and helped them when no one else would. If only he wasn't one of the sky demons.
“The RDA found a way to transfer humans to Avatars.” Jake glanced at Netiryi, clearly unsettled.
You felt your heart drop. “That is impossible! You are the only one who passed through the eyes of Ewya!” You exclaimed.
“Listen, I don't know how they did it either, but however they did it shouldn't be our priority-”
“Getting Spider back is mine.” You cut the Olo'eyktan off, before looking out at the entrance of the floating mountain.
“My 'eylan rutxe! (My friend please!)” Netiryi grabbed your shoulder softly. “I understand your anger-”
You ripped your shoulder away from the women and backed up, ears pinned down and snarl on your face. “You don't understand my anger!”
You looked between them both.
“YOUR children are alive and here! Mine isn't! I'm going to look for Spider, I cannot sleep knowing that he is scared and alone with those sky demons!”
You did not hesitate to turn around and jump off the floating mountain, quickly calling your Ikran who caught you immediately. You brought your hand to the side of her neck and pet her gently.
“I hope you are ready Sa'tari, we are not stopping until we find my son.”
The Ikran screeched.
Spider was scared.
No, he wasn't scared of the squad of adult Avatar's that had taken him, one of them being his biological father that he was told died years ago. Sure it made him uncomfortable and he was in pain when the RDA scientists tried to get him to spill the location of the Omaticaya clan by putting him in some weird machine. Only for his father to stop them, only for him to be taken back out to Pandora, made him uncomfortable and confused but not scared.
He was scared because of his mother.
You.
Ever since Spider can remember, you have been there, you were the one who raised him and taught him everything regarding the Na'vi. You taught him the language, hand gestures, social cues, hunting and giving thanks, shooting a bow, etc. You were everything to Spider.
You were his mother.
Quaritch didn't know this. The young boy has kept his mouth shut about you, but he has been contemplating telling the Colonel about it. Not because Spider wants him to know but so when you come after him, because Spider knows you will, he can try and convince Quaritch and his friends not to shoot at you.
It seemed that his face wasn't as neutral as he thought it was as eventually he heard his name being called, by none other than Quaritch.
“You're never this quiet, wanna tell me what's on your mind?” The Colonel asks from beside the young boy.
Spider swallows down the nervousness building in him. “Thinking about my sa'nok. (Mother.)”
“Your what now?” Quaritch stops in a small clearing in the forest and turns to start giving his soldiers orders.
“My mother.”
All of them stop. Spider can see the others exchanging glances and even backing up, it looks as if they are uncomfortable.
“What about her? She flew back home not long after your birth if I was told correctly.”
“Not her. My real mother is here.”
The man stiffens before slowly turning around to face Spider, unfortunately the Colonel is hiding his emotions well but the stare makes Spider fidget. He hates when eyes are on him, except for yours of course.
“Oh really?”
Spider nods and he watches as a smirk appears on the Colonel's face.
“All of you know the drill, get a perimeter set up, ill stay here with him.”
Spider gulps nervously as he watches the others leave to do what Quaritch says, he knows he should keep his mouth shut but he can not risk them hurting you, or worse, killing you. The boy watches as the Colonel begins setting up a fire, his back facing the forest and he can see Quaritch take glances at him every now and again.
“So, you wanna explain exactly what you meant by that statement?” Quaritch asked calmly.
Spider sat down against a fallen tree log, his knees brought up to his chest as he wrapped his arms around them.
“A Na'vi woman took me in and raised me like I was hers, she taught me everything I know about the Na'vi. She was already seen as strange but after me she was practically outcasted. I dont think even her parents talked to her much after me but despite everything she never made me feel like it was my fault.”
Spider couldn't help not to talk about you, how could he not? You were everything to the young boy.
“Well it sounds like I need to thank her, for taking good care of you then.” Quaritch sits beside the boy, but not too close. “She sounds like a lovely woman.”
Spider couldn't help the small smile on his face. “She is, I love her more than anything. How could I not? She has given me an amazing life so far, she never makes me feel like an outcast despite me being human.”
The two of them stayed silent for a few minutes, Spider thinking about you and everything the two of you have done together.
While Quaritch was staring at his son's face, this woman seemingly had earned a place in his heart where he hadn't. The man couldn't help the small feeling of envy in his chest, this Na'vi woman has seen more of Spider's life than he has. The boy seemed to love her more than anything, which if Quaritch knew anything about Na'vi, and he knew very little about them, he knew that this woman would be trying to track them to get her ‘son’ back.
Quaritch crosses his arms and leans back against the fallen tree behind him as he glances back at Spider, who had now fallen asleep. Maybe he could use this boy to bring the woman to him, the man looks back at the fire in front of him.
The woman could tell him all about Spider's childhood that he missed out on, even if it wasn't a ‘normal’ human one, he wanted to know more about the kid. Of course more importantly he could get the location of Jake out of her since he didn't care much for her, he didnt want Spider suffering to that machine but a random Na'vi women didnt bother him.
The Colonel closed his eyes and began dozing off while trying to picture the women that raised Spider. Was she a soft little thing? An outcast who picked berries and taught Spider to sing songs about Kumbaya? Who was this mysterious Na’vi woman?
Jake was right.
It did not take you long to find evidence of Avatar's in the forest, lucky for you that while they were warriors, they weren't Na'vi warriors. They're wore boots that left deep tracks and they often had some kind of scent on them that wasn't natural. For being so powerful they were rather reckless and bold in territory unfamiliar to them. Were they using Spider to navigate the forest?
You shook the thoughts out of your head, it has already been about a week that you spent ambushing small RDA patrols and getting answers from them. Even the sky people were not loyal to one another as a small threat of a knife got them talking, you still killed them of course but you knew if it was a Na'vi in their place they wouldn't say a word.
You jumped silently from tree to tree, ears perked up and listening for the slightest sound of voices or footsteps.
That's when you heard it.
Whistling. It could have been mistaken for one of the many flying creatures in the forest but you knew better. The whistling had a tune to it, the same tune you would hum to Spider on some nights. Your son was near and calling for you.
You didn't hesitate to begin heading in that direction, still jumping from the trees towards the whistling. You felt as if your heart was about to burst out of your chest as you silently begged Ewya that this was your son and that he was unharmed.
You crouched down on a tree and could see a small clearing in the forest, where you could see what looked to be the four surviving Recom soldiers that Netiryi mentioned that had survived their previous skirmish. That's when you saw it, in between the large blue bodies, you could see blonde hair and pale skin with blue paint looking around as his mouth was in the shape of an ‘O’ as he whistled.
It was Spider.
You had found your son along with the man that was supposed to be dead, Colonel Miles Quaritch.
This was your clan. Your clan, your territory, your people, everything that covered this expanse was yours. And maybe you had gotten too comfortable with getting everything in sight being yours, but it wasn’t like you were going around exploiting your power. You were clan princess, the people liked to give you things and you never took more than you gave.
That being said, you were currently in the biggest of moral dilemmas, considering the thing that you currently wanted was a married man and his wife in your bed. A man who had brought his family to your clan in hopes of being spared refuge from the blasted sky people that had returned, and had been oh so grateful when you’d convinced your parents olo-eyktan and tashik of your clan to grant them their wish. You’d taught them your ways, saw to it that your siblings were as kind as possible, you yourself had even taught them how to ride their very own Ilu. And as it seemed developed a certain curiosity for the heads of the family,
A curiosity that left you wondering what other biological differences were hidden away from your prying eyes could see and how the differences you could see would take effect in the mating process. For instance their fingers, while thinner, were longer than those of the Metkayina people and believe you’d spent multiple nights trying to replicate how deep they’d be able to reach inside of you. The way Neytiri's breasts were smaller and firmer looking than yours, which were slightly more full and soft to the touch. It made for countless nights of trite replication of something you’d never experienced and days where you couldn’t look either of them in the eye due the prior night's activities.
Like today for instance, your people gathered around for festivities, celebrating the full moon that had blessed you with high tides and bountiful catches. But instead of being completely enveloped in the festivities of your people as you usually would’ve been, your eyes were glued to the pair of dark blue people sitting next to one of your many fire pits, secluded from the dancing that was happening all around them.
So you paused your dancing and made your way to them, acknowledging their children who had been dragged into the festivities by your little siblings.
“What are you both doing sitting here, so still.” You ask a smile toying on your lips, discreetly checking them you, You’d organized for them to be made traditional Metikayina clothing for the night. “Tonight is a night of celebration, you should be dancing.” Neytiri’s eyes bored into your own and her lips twitched upwards slightly, but she said nothing.
“We hate to be rude but you all dance a bit differently than we’re used to, kid.” Jake recipes looking around at the clusters of people and you couldn’t help but do the same, face wrinkling in confusion before sparking with an idea.
“Then I teach you! Come come it is easy I assure you!” Your face breaks out in a smile and you can see in Jake's face that that wasn’t what he’d hoped would happen in response to his comment, Neytiri on the other hand seems more than amused.
“Yes Ma Jake, go learn. You should learn all you can remember.” You laugh as the words leave her lips, missing the way Neytiri's tale thumps against the ground in response. ‘You should learn all you can.’ were words Jake often used against his own children when they complained of your different ways.
“Yes Jake see, you must learn. Be more like your mate with her eagerness to learn!” You say making Neytirir’s ears shoot up, eyes darting back to your face forming a small frown. Jake shooting her a shit eating grin and before either of them can deny your impromptu lessons you’ve grabbed them both by the arms to drag them towards the music.
Stopping in a less dense area that still thumbs with the vibrations of music you face them once more. The both of them standing a tad awkwardly still amidst the groups of dancing na’vi.
“ Come, Jake I teach you first.” You say ling yourself up with his side so you're both facing the same direction.Giving him the directions of stepping back then sliding forward slightly. “It is easy, see? Watch my feet.” Speaking as you guide him.
“Come Neytiri you do the same with your feet.” You keep at this for a moment letting them get the footwork down. Having to spend a bit of time coaxing Neytiri into trying at all, while Jake seems to be a more focused student. Eyes glued to your every movement in what you take to be an attempt to get down the moves, it really isn’t.
Eventually though Neytirirs stubbornness subsides and she begins to try the foot work, picking it up much quicker than Jake.
“Good, good! You are both doing very well, now it is time to add what truly makes this dancing.” You move to be in front and facing them going over simply the foot work again before speeding up and finally starting to move your hips. Shaking them rapidly, moving them side to side along with alternating the sides you tilt up and down. Even going as far as to spin in a circle while you move. “Your hips! Move with the rhythm, feel it in your bones. Let your body become fluid guided by the beat of your heart and music.” You say immediately realizing that the both of them have stopped dancing.
Without thinking you move towards Neytiri. “Move your feet and I will do the rest, hmm?” You ask and she obliges, aware of your every movement. Maybe that’s why she doesn't seem to move away or flinch in shock when your hands come to settle on her hips from behind.
You both move your feet but instead of working on the movement of your hips you focus on hers. Using your hands to guide their movement, slowly at first then spreading up slightly until you can feel her body beginning to move without your guidance. You let her take the reins, movements spreading up and though a bit clumsy and out of beat she catches on quick, you’ve yet to release her waist. Taking a few seconds to enjoy the way your skin feels below your fingerstips before letting the slide back to your sides.
Then moving onto Jake, his eyes move from the grip you had on his mate's waist to your face, eyes filled to the brim with an emotion you can’t seem to place. Still you surge on, grabbing his waist next and moving it the way you had neytiri’s before.
“The way men dance is very similar to our women. The only difference is the occasional move of hips which the women don't usually replicate. It’sthe rolling of hips. Look at the other men around.” You guide him and your voice has found a softer tone then the previously energy filled one you’d held. Watching as Jake's eyes glide across the crowds around you resting on multiple of the men, before rolling his hips experimentally before falling into the previous moves you taught him. “Good.” You urge him on and he continues as you correct his form here and there before you eventually pull away, letting the tips of your fingers graze the protruding bone of his hip as you pull away.
Maybe they weren’t dancing perfectly, like one of the natives might, but they were dancing. And eywa did look they good doing it. Neytirir had lost all previous restraint she’d had, letting herself fall into the way your people danced. Arms swaying in the air around her. Jake slightly more stiff yet seemingly enjoying the experience of it all, Locking eyes with you before his eyes slide to his mates moving form. Pulling her into dance closer, hips rolling and hand caressing her arm as she preened at the touch.
And all of a sudden you felt as if you were watching something intimate, something you could never be a part of. It left your chest tightening in yearning and a smile on your face faltering. You needed to get away.
“You are both wonderful students. I’ll leave you both to enjoy yourselves and continue to learn without me. It’s getting quite late and I must retire for the night.” You excuse yourself as quickly and politely as possible,missing the way the pair's eyes lock then darting you in concern. Leaving before they can try to convince you to stay.
You make your way through the crowds, smile wiped clean completely and instead replaced with a frown and glassy eyes. Heading towards the direction of your hut, before deciding you didn't want to go there quite yet, instead finding a closed off part of the beach, a place that had always offered your comfort in life. And that was what you needed the most now as your mind was flooded with thoughts on inadequacy and the prospect of living in solitude forever. A few tears slipping down your cheeks before you're able to wipe at your eyes.
“ Ma Tanhi? What is wrong?” For once it’s Neytirir’s voice that breaks the somber silence of your self wallowing, causing your head to snap in her direction. Seeing the mated pair standing a few feet away from where you’re sat on the sand. You promptly shoot up to be standing. Trying to remove any trace of sadness from your face. “What did we do that has made you run from us.”
“Yeah i didnt think our dancing was that bad.” Jake tries to lighten the mood but it does nothing to ease the sadness heavy on your chest. Neytiri smacks his shoulder, clicking her tongue while shooting him a warning glare. “Really though, what's got you so down all of a sudden kid?”
“It is nothing, do not worry yourself with silliness such as my problems.” You try and force a smile on to your face, waving off their concern.
“Hey, if you’ve got a problem it's not silly at all. We’re here to help baby girl, but we can’t do nothin if you don’t tell us what's wrong so why don’t you talk to us.” It’s almost stupid the way your stomach churns at the pet name that falls out his mouth, almost adding the hypocrisy of this all.
“Yes, what Ma Jake says is true. We care for you, let us ease your pains.” Neytiri urges you forth alongside her husband as they take steps closer. Still as kind as they are, what could you possibly say, that you had feelings for mated na’vi who also happened to be them. You shook your head wordlessly denying their help, though you can't help the way your eyes dart between them longingly. This doesn't go unnoticed
“Ah I see.” Your ears perk up at Jake’s comment. “Tiri, do you see what I see?” Your brows furrowed in confusion, watching them communicate wordlessly had become a norm when you’d become their guide, but it had never bothered you not knowing what they were thinking more than it did in this moment. And within a few seconds of wordless communication, Neytiri's body seemed to relax, all worry dissipating as her tale sways slowly behind her, eyes finding yours once more, gaze almost predatory as a smirk slid across her face. You clench involuntarily at the look in her eyes, arousal ill timed according to you
“I certainly do.” Neytiri almost purrs. “Shall we help her understand?” She raises a brow in Jake's direction as she moves around you slowly and you almost move to keep face with her.
“Understand what?” You try to follow her with your eyes, but that thought is thrown away when you find Jake suddenly incredibly close, fingers grazing your jaw before pinching your jaw between his thumb and index. Guiding your gaze to his own.
“Understand the fact that we want you too, baby.” Jake's eyes are hooded with lust, pupils blown wide as one of his canines digs into the meat of his bottom lip.
“what?” The words leave your lips in an airy whisper.
“Your feelings do not go as unreciprocated as you thought.” Neytirir’s voices husky and you’re suddenly very aware of how her lips brush against your shoulder with every word, breath fanning over your skin.
“I-i don’t-”
“You don't what?” Jake’s words are sharp as they leave his lips. “You don’t feel the same? Cause if thats it lets be real cause I can smell ya from here and I'm sure Tiri can too. Or do you not understand, because if that's the case we’d be more than happy to make ourselves crystal clear.” His last few words are intentionally slow yet pointed and they have you pressing your thighs together in an attempt to alleviate the need to be touched. “Just say the word and we’d be happy to show you just how bad we want for you.”
“Show me.” The words have barely left your mouth before his lips are slamming into yours, teeth nipping at your bottom lip in a silent demand for access to the inside of your mouth and you oblige without a second to waist. Neytiri on the other hand has found a job in leaving dark purple marks along your shoulders and neck as she caresses the side of your hip and letting a hand wander to the front of your waist moving to cup your barely clothed breast in her hand. Both of their movements have you keening between them.
Soon Neytiri's hand is moving from your breast to the side of your neck dragging your face away from Jake's hungry mouth so she can get a taste for you herself. You welcome the change wholeheartedly. While Jake kisses to consume, Neytiri kisses to savor. Hand on your jaw as she takes her time enjoying your taste. And whiles she's busy exploring your mouth Jake takes the opportunity to explore other things. Kissing down the side of your neck that’s exposed, even sucking a few marks onto the parts of your chest are exposed, that is before seemingly growing fed up with the barrier or needed cloth pulling it down so that it sits right below your tits. Giving him full access to what he wanted he surges forward taking one of them into his mouth while he grips the other in his hand, rolling your nipple between his fingers as he pulls at the other gently with his teeth. The action has you whimpering into Neytir’s mouth and she swallows the sound with a pleased hum, not missing a beat.
After you’ve been deemed sufficiently marked Jake does what he’s been imagining since the first time he’d allowed himself to acknowledge his attraction to you. Dropping to his knees in front of, nose almost pressing a kiss right on your pelvic area before untying your tweng, bringing himself face to face with your glistening folds and taking a deep breath through his nose. Groaning at the scent of your arousal. It’s only once Jake lets out a groan of anticipation that Neytiri pulls away, hand on your jaw now guiding you to look down at her mate.
“Look at him so eager to taste you Ma Tanhi, will you grant him the pleasure.” She says low in your ear while you gaze down into Jake's hungry eyes.
“You gonna let me eat this pretty pussy baby, hmm?” His hands massage the sides of your thighs and don't doubt that he probably saw the way your walls fluttered at the sound of his voice.
“Please, Jake.” It a quiet whimper of a plea but it seems to be just what he needs to hear, inhaling your scent once more before licking a stripe up your slip, flatting out his tongue as it comes to rub over your clit and your knees almost buckle at the sensation. His large hands brace you by your hips and ass while Neytiri holds you against her by the waist effectively letting you melt at their touch without collapsing to the floor.
Jake's assault on your pussy might start off slow but it certainly doesn't stay that way, not when your hands find roots of his locks tugging and pulling him impossibly closer. No instead he focuses most of his attention to your clit dipping his tongue into you here and there. And soon you feel a finger tip prodding at your entrance, sliding in ever so easy with how wet you've grown plus his own saliva. The intrusion has you gasping and you can't help but think about all those nights you tried to replicate what you thought this would be like.
The job you’d done had nothing on the way it actually felt. Thin but long fingers able to reach that spongy spot within you with ease, messaging it as he sucks and flicks at your clit.
“More Jake, more, more.” Your moans are no longer quiet or meek as you grind against his finger and tongue all at once. He’s quick to grant your request, slowly but surely sliding in another finger which has you throwing your head back onto Neytriri’s shoulder. Neytrir who had been watching oh so silently, free hand come up to pinch and tease at one of your tits now found herself moving so that her lips just barely touched the shell of your ear.
“Look at you taking Ma jake’s fingers so well, tell me how good it feels.” Her lips brush your lobe as she speaks and you can’t help the rapid nods that follow.
“So good, Jake’s tongue feels so good Tiri, so so good!” All comprehensible thought has left your mouth at this point and been replaced with repeated phrases of ‘so good’ ‘more’ ‘please’ . Your climax was growing closer by the second, you could feel it burning below your skin begging to see the light. And soon enough it did, Jake slipping in a third and final finger curling so perfectly inside of you as he pays attention to your swollen clit is what has you shuttering around him. Legs shaking and snapping rigid to hold him between them as you bucked your hips mindlessly against his face. Moans and whines of gibberish leave your lips as you ride out your high before slowly coming down. Releasing Jake’s head from between your thighs, chest heaving, eyes lidded as you watch him look up at you while licking his lips.
“You think you can take another for me babygirl?” The questing has you nodding numbly. There was no way you’d let this encounter over without having had his cock inside you or without having touched Neytiri the way you’d been dreaming of for ages.”Good girl, love. C’mon baby help me lay her back on the sand.” he instructs Neytiri and they do so easily. Once your back is touching the sand, they both remove their respective tewngs, before letting their lips meet and Neytiri hums at the taste of you still on Jake’s tongue.
“You’ve been good so far baby, why don’t you show us how good you can really be, yeah?” You're agreeing dumbly before you can even think to ask what he means, but something inside you registers it wouldn’t matter what either of them asked of you as long as they kept touching you. You don’t have time to think any harder about that, not when there’s a leg crossing over your face and your face to face with Neytiri’s core in seconds.
“Show me then.” It’s a demand the way it leaves her lips and it has you drooling over her. Neytiri’s hands gather your hair in her hands as she leans over you simply holding it in her hands as she braces herself on the sand. In the meantime you can feel Jake lifting one of your legs over his shoulder as he lines himself up with your entrance, head sliding between your lips and prodding at your hole a bit.
“Ready?”
“Yes.” You answer his question with total certainty and immediately they're both moving. Neytiri settles herself on your mouth and Jake slowly sliding into your warmth. Your walls quiver at the intrusion, but you don't get much time to focus on that, not when Neytiri is tugging at your hair in anticipation. Leaving no time to lose you lap at her cunt, drinking up everything she has to offer and she gives it all so willingly. Rocking against your head, he clit rubs against the tip or your nose as you consume her so completely, tongue diving as deep as it can into her core and it leaves her panting and groaning above you.
“Ah Ma Tanhi, so good.” Her words only encourage and you, you push on devouring her to the best of you ability. It's when you finally get the hang of pleasure Neytiri that Jake decides you’ve had enough time to adjust. Having slipped in his whole length while you were occupied. Sliding out leaving on the tip inside before slamming back in and the roughness of the move has you gasping into Neytiri’s cunt, that move causing a moan to rip through her.
“Shit, feel so good baby, damnit.” Jake continues drilling into you at an unforgiving pace that has you sucking and moving so unpredictably against Neytiri's pussy she can’t help the way she continues to pull at your braids. “Gonna mold this pussy to my cock, never gonna want anyone but me, fuck.” Jake’s words are rushed and his breathing is ragged and it has you clenching so tightly around him that he’s seeing stars.
Jake knows he won’t be able to hold on for all that long if you keep this up and he wants, needs you to cum first. His thumb finds your clit with ease, rubbing in tight circles that have your eyes rolling to the back of your skull and you feel another earth shattering orgasm nearing faster than ever.
Neytiri though, she’s right on the edge and all it takes is a few more dips of your tongue into her hole and ruts of her clit against your nose and she’s unravelling above you, back arching so much it has you raising your hands to her waist to help hold her up as you continue to lick her dry. Letting her ride out her orgasm until she’s lifting herself up and off your face. Straddling your head and moving to sit on her ankles, placing your head in her lap. Giving you just the right amount of elevation to see the way your cunt swallows Jakes dick with every thrust. The sight alone is what has you cumming again.
“Oh eywa, Jake!” Are the only real words you get out before its incoherent rambles and moans. Your orgasm is what begins to set off jakes but he holds for as long as possible. Letting you ride yours out for as long as he can bare before pulling out. Stroking himself once, twice, before he's spilling onto your stomach with a groan of both or your names.
Your orgasms leave you gasping for air, but soon as you all recuperate you aid each other in redressing. Walking to your hut, sweet kisses pressed to your lips with promises of visits come morning.