“What are you doing?” You asked Teylan as he sat cross legged on the floor, fidgeting with his old radio. He nearly jumped out of his skin when you peered over his shoulder, his back hitting your chest, “Whoa— easy” You chuckled softly, smiling as your hands rested upon his shoulders.
It wasn't necessarily new, Teylan had always been jumpy, but something in his demeanor worried you. “Sorry—” He breathed out quickly, clutching the small radio between his large hands, “Is that one of Mercer's?” You asked cautiously, reaching down to gently part his hands. You recognized it instantly, the yellow and black sticking out like a sore thumb, “Teylan— Why do you have this?” Your chest pressed firmly against his back, keeping him trapped in place.
You knew he'd run if given the opportunity, Teylan was never much of a fighter.
“It brings me comfort” He whispered, his tone pitching slightly higher as he clasped his hands back around the device, “It doesn't work anyway, I just... Like to hold it” His words didn't provide you much comfort, but you hoped to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“Fine” You sighed softly, arms slowly wrapping around his neck in a loose hug, “Just remember to keep it up when Nor is around, y'know how he is about this stuff” You warned as Teylan was quick to nod, his hair brushing against your cheek.
There was something more freeing about hugging him now, you didn't quite know why. Though memories blossomed in your mind, the way you'd get reprimanded back at T.A.P for getting too close to him or the others. Remembering how Mercer would have you dragged back to his office due to your show of disobedience.
Affection was never allowed back then, even between the four of you. So you took advantage of this moment, hugging him a little tighter before letting him go, “I'll be busy today, So’lek wishes to teach me more of our language” You said softly, gauging his reaction. Teylan's ears twitched, tail swaying just a little faster, “Maybe if you ask nicely, he'll teach you too” You chuckled.
“Yeah— I think I'd like that” Teylan's lips curled into a faint smile, but it was just enough to warm your heart, happy to see him shining through just a little more. Slowly you rose to your feet, playfully flicking his worn out hat before quickly scurrying off with a mischievous giggle. Teylan only huffed before looking back at you, gaze softening before his smile slowly faded.
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“Kaltxì” So'lek repeated and you had half the mind to throw something at him. “Kaltxì” You said for what felt like the millionth time already. So'lek had you working on Na'vi phrases, even the basic ones you already knew, it was aggravating to say the least, saying the same word over and over again.
“Your pronunciation needs work” He stated bluntly, your ears tipping back as you huffed through your teeth. “You’ve been around the twatue for far too long” So'lek continued as he reached for the shell fruit you brought with you. You knew he was right, having been taken by the humans at the age of two, all up until your 20's.
“But do not be discouraged, you are Na'vi” So'lek handed you a piece of the fruit that you happily accepted, “You will learn again” His lips curved into a faint smile, it was never rare, not for you at least. Part of his encouragement made your heart warm, knowing that he had faith in you.
“Right— so what word next?” You asked, eager to continue as you popped the piece of fruit into your mouth. So'lek shook his head with a small, huffed out laugh, “Well, we said greetings, now we say thanks—”
“I already know that one” You groaned out.
“Yes, but we practice” So'lek urged, his eyes meeting yours as he slowly started his pronunciation, “Irayo” He said carefully, watching you intently.
“Irayo” You repeated back slowly, the word rolling of your tongue in a soft purr. So'lek's smile widened just a fraction, clearly pleased, and it made your chest puff up with pride. “Good, your pronunciation of thanks is decent” Your ears flicked back briefly, “Decent” wasn't exactly what you were going for, but you suppose it was better than nothing.
This continued on for many hours, So'lek made sure to teach you many words and their proper pronunciations. It helped greatly, especially knowing that most Na'vi don't speak English like you do. It was helpful in a way, but it was forced upon you and the others, and unfortunately... You feel as if it'll always be a part of you.
Na'vi shouldn't speak English.
Na'vi shouldn't know their slang.
Those thoughts plagued you often. Even now as the minutes ticked by with So'lek teaching you proper Na'vi. That swirling doubt would always be there, always itching away at some part of you that you couldn't see. It ached. It reminded you of something So'lek said the first time all of you connected with Eywa, how he felt to human, how he didn't wish to taint her with it.
Are you more human than Na'vi?
“I heard that you're going to the Aranahe soon” Your gaze snapped up when So'lek spoke, ripping you from your thoughts. “Oh— yeah, Priya hopes we can get them on our side” You uttered out, trying to push back your previous thoughts to focus on now.
“You’ll have to tread lightly, their Olo’eyktan doesn't like the resistance” So'lek warned, slowly rising to his feet and holding his hand out to you. You nodded as you took it, letting him help you up, “How come?” You asked carefully, fingers brushing with his as you let go, your gaze searching for any hidden answers he may have.
“He lost his mate to the RDA, started hating anything human” So'lek sighed and your heart ached, you didn't fully understand the bond due to your lack of knowledge, but you understood that it was considered a great, great loss. “The dream walker blames herself for it” So'lek added, your mind racing until you finally understood who he was talking about.
“You mean Alma?” You asked carefully, walking side by side as he led you back to the resistance base. So'lek only let out a quiet hum of agreement, and while your thoughts raced with answers, you decided it'd be for the best to save them for another time.
When you both reached the base, So'lek turned to face you, “Travel light, they're not far but the journey can still be treacherous if you're not careful” He sounded worried, his gaze softening around the edges, “I hope your mission proves fruitful” He dipped his head in a small goodbye, leaving your side to call his Ikran.
“So’lek—” You called, watching as he climbed onto ìley, his gaze shifting back to yours, “Stay safe” You breathed out, watching as his lips curved into a faint smile.
“You too, Sarentu” He said before taking off.
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The travel to the Aranahe Hometree was not what you expected. Despite having military training from your time in the RDA and plenty of stamina, it didn't prepare you for what Pandora was really like. You had to duck and travel between dozens of twisting trees, pushing up leaves to maneuver through the foliage. You even had to avoid the Nantang’s along the way, those Viperwolves chasing you like prey.
But when the Hometree finally came into view, your breath caught in your lungs. The tree was massive, Na'vi everywhere, dressed in beautiful, hand woven loincloths and chest pieces. As you passed by, everyone's gaze passed over you before snapping back, their eyes widening at the mark on your cheek.
“Sarentu?” Someone said in a hushed whisper, hundreds following afterwards, their gazes feeling like needles in your skin. You hated being a subject, something for people to gawk at— but you had to push forward. You treaded onward, walking to the entrance— only to falter as the two hunters outside raised their bows, drawing back the string in warning.
“Wait— I mean no harm” You said as you quickly raised your hands in a placating gesture, trying to ease the situation the best you could. Though you watched as a woman came outside, dressed in bold yellow and light greens, the weaving of her attire was obviously done professionally.
Her golden gaze met yours, widening before her smile grew. “A Sarentu!” He laughed, making her way over to examine you, “Oh my— your attire is... Terrible” She said, looking over your basic Na'vi clothing that the resistance gave you. Your name narrowed with slight offense, ears tipping back,
“Ka’nat will not see you like this—” She stated, quickly telling the hunters to lower their bows as she urged you inside of Hometree.
“Wait— Ka’nat? You can help me see the Olo’eyktan?” You asked, quickly following after her.
“Yes, I am Nefika, a weaver in the Aranahe” She greeted herself with a warm smile, “We must get you looking like Sarentu before you talk to Ka’nat” Her words confused you slightly, not knowing what exactly it meant to look like Sarentu— but hey, if she could get you to see Ka’nat, then you'll go along with anything.
...Oh how you regret that now.
You grunted as Nefika roughly did your hair, twisting at the roots and rolling it between her hands. “How do you want your Kuru?” She asked as she stayed behind you, carefully fixing the sections of your hair as she started a new loc. For a moment you mulled over her question, lifting up the end of your kuru.
You watched as the pink nerves slithered and writhed, uncomfortable memories of T.A.P slowly flooding your mind. You could almost feel the phantom pains of what they did to you, what they did to the others. “Is it possible to make two braids?” You asked carefully, you could tell that your question caught her off guard with how Nefika paused, her fingers hovering over your head.
“Yes... Two” You said slowly, looking over your shoulder to meet her gaze. You were already properly dressed in Aranahe attire, that muted brown no longer clashing against your azure skin. “I suppose I can try” Nefika said, before getting to work. You applauded her for her patience because the amount of time it took for her to do it felt like forever.
Your eyes were dropping at this point, and your head slowly lolled to the side, feeling exhausted from sitting in one place for so long.
“There!” Your head snapped up, blinking away any drowsiness as you carefully reached for the braids. Pigtails, you have seen many human women wear their hair like this back at T.A.P, originally you thought it had no use other than “Fashion” but perhaps this will prove useful for you. “It’s different” Nefika hummed out, watching as you switched your kuru to your left shoulder and the regular braid to the right before switching them again.
“Thank you, Nefika” You whispered quietly, feeling a small sense of self that you haven't had before. Slowly feeling more like yourself instead of something else. “Shall we decorate it?” Nefika asked as she held up some hair accessories, beads of various colors in her hands, along with ones made of bone and leaves.
You thought back to Ri'nela, how she finally got to wear her hair accessories as she had always wished too. A way for her to finally express herself freely, “Yes—” You breathed out, “I’d like that a lot”.
Day 2 Orange
Emotion: Warmth
Pairing: Nefika (30) x Fem!Aranahe!Reader (28)
Other Character(s):
Word Count: 1,018
Rating: SFW
TW/Warning: A courting relationship between Nefika & Reader, Reader is touch starved, kissing
Note: POV is first person
I really love this one.
@xylianasblog
This is self beta read, any mistakes are my own.
I sat with my back to Nefika, her fingers working through my hair. I had asked her to help me with my hair and she warmly accepted. She was gathering some of my hair for the last section. A shiver fell over me, as her fingers caressed my scalp. She laughed warmly, and warmth spread through me, as she gripped my left arm with her warm hand. My tail softly tapped against the cloth under us.
“Are you alright, Ma’yawntu?” She asked softly, rubbing her thumb over my arm, before going back to work on my hair. I smiled softly, a soft blush adorning my cheeks.
“I am fine.” I was being honest, it just been a very long time since I was touched in any manner, and Nefika has made it her mission to help me get use touches. She she was always touching me in some way. Her touches have either been short and fleeting, teasing, or lingering and meaningful, warm and comforting. I like her touch.
Nefika hummed as she worked on my hair. As her fingers worked I pulled out the leaf wrapping I had prepared for Nefika. We have been courting for a while, and I have been wanting to gift her something for so long, but everything I thought of gifting her did not fit the reason. Till now. I held it in my lap. I wanted to give her something in thanks for sharing her creativity, her enthusiasm, and most importantly her warmth with me.
Nefika gripped my left arm, again. Squeezing the muscle in my arm. My body responded on its own accord as a purr rumbled out. Nefika chuckled.
“I am done, Ma’yawntu.” Nefika said close to my left ear. My ear moved closer to hear more of her voice. Always loud even when softly spoken, enthusiastic, and warm. I brought my hand to the back of my head and felt the braids she put in. I smiled knowing just by feeling them they were beautiful. Everything she makes is beautiful, my heart warmed as I turned to face her, seeing that she was smiling warmly at me.
I grabbed one of her hands and turned it so that her palm was facing up. I laid the leaf wrap in her hand. I kept my hand on top, as I looked at her. She was watching our hands with intent curiosity, her tail moving behind her as she waited.
“I want to thank you,” I started and Nefika’s eyes locked with mine, and her ears turned to focus on me. “For always brightening my days when I am ever in your presence or when you randomly pop into my thoughts.” She smiled at my words, tears formed in her eyes. “For sharing your creativity, your enthusiasm, and most importantly thank you for sharing your warmth with me.” As I said that Nefika led her free hand on top of mine as a tear rolled down her cheeks. I smiled softly at her. “It took me some time to figure out what I wanted to give you, that represents everything that I wanted to thank you for. With my last visit to a friend in with the zeswa, I was able to find the perfect thing that represents everything.” I said and I watched her face fill with excitement. I drew my top hand back.
Nefika's hand was shaking with excitement as she unwrapped the leaf. A soft gasp left her when the gift was fully presented to her. I felt my throat tighten as she looked at the orange feathers that I got her, tears rolled down her face as she held her hand to her mouth. My tail jumped wildly as I waited for her responses.
And what a response I got as she surged forward and kissed me. My ears and tail went straight up as my eyes widened, before they closed. This was not the first time we shared a kiss, but the force she put into the kiss caught me off guard. Her hand cupped my cheek and I felt my heart soar as warmth filled me. I lifted my hand to her neck and as my fingers brushed against her neck she pulled back. A soft whine left me, earning a small laugh from her. I opened my eyes and my tail wiped behind me as I saw the warmth and love in her eyes. She laid her forehead against mine.
“So… do you like them?” I asked softly, laying my hand fully against her neck.
“Oh, Ma’yawntu, I love them, thank you.” Nefika said as she rubbed her thumb over my cheek smiling at me warmly. “Oel ngati kameie.” She said with so much warmth and love, in her voice, in her eyes, and in caresses.
“Oel ngati kameie.” I said with everything that I felt for her, I nuzzled my nose against hers and she purred.
“Help me.” She said as she pulled back gesturing to the feathers. “Put them in, I want to be able to see them always.” She said as she laid them in her lap, and she worked on removing two of the blue feathers she had on her right side. I smiled as I laid my hand on top of hers.
“Mawey, let me.” I said softly, pulling her hands to my lap, as I moved my hands to her hair. Nefika laid her warm hands on my legs, she closed her eyes. I hummed softly as I braid the orange feathers into her hair, setting them in place with two red beads each. I smiled as I ran my fingers down them, down her cheek and down to her neck. I cupped her neck and ran my thumb over her jaw.
Her eyes opened and she looked at the feathers with love, she brought her hand up and touched the beads. Then she cupped my cheek and pulled me closer, she stroked my lips. “Thank you, Ma’yawntu” She said before kissing me.
She kissed me with warmth and love, and I kissed her with all my love for her.
Na'vi Word Bank:
Ma - O (vocative marker)
Yawntu - Loved one, Lover, Beloved (With Ma in front) O Love
Oel ngati kameie - I see you
Mawey - Calm
