#solek

[sunmoonsweets]

You are not allowed to be jealous anymore

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------This is for @junebugonjupiter event jealousy in june! I live for a jealousy trope tbh

prompts used: 18. "You are not allowed to be jealous anymore", 20. "Did that really make you jealous?" and 28. There has been a major misunderstanding - I couldn't stick with just one and these all fit so well to me oops!

So'lek x reader (i try to keep my fics gender neutral)

live laugh love solek

words: 2,250 - proofread - lmk if i missed anything and what you think!

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my man my man my man my baby my babyyy

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The first night, you told yourself it meant nothing.

So'lek was talking to someone. That was allowed. He was a person who existed in the world and had people in it who mattered to him, and the arrival of the highlands resistance fighters at the base was a good thing. More allies, more hands, more people willing to stand between Pandora and what was coming. The woman who had made him smile from across the fire was one of those people.

That was fine. That was good, actually.

You finished your food and went to bed at a reasonable hour and did not think about it.

The second day, they trained together.

You were not watching. You were doing your own work, checking equipment, reviewing patrol routes with Ri'nela, existing entirely within your own responsibilities. But the training ground was not far, and So'lek's voice carried when he was focused, low and precise, calling corrections and adjustments. You had always liked the sound of it. You had made the mistake, some months ago, of telling Ri'nela that, and she had filed it away with the satisfied expression of someone building a case.

What you did not mean to see was the moment the highlands woman, Niara, someone had said her name was Niara, landed a strike that actually got through So'lek's guard, and the way his expression opened in surprise and then genuine unguarded delight. He said something to her. She laughed and shoved his shoulder and he caught her hand and shook his head and the whole exchange lasted maybe ten seconds and meant absolutely nothing.

You went back to the patrol routes.

"You're holding that map upside down," said Ri'nela.

You turned it over and said nothing.

-

By the third day you had made a decision.

It was not a dramatic decision. It was not even a conscious one, exactly. It was more the quiet arithmetic of self-preservation that you had been doing since long before you came to Pandora, the kind that said: you are getting attached to something that is not yours, and the longer you let yourself stand near it the worse it will be when it goes. So you stopped standing near it.

When So'lek came to find you that morning, as he always did, appearing at the edge of your space with that unhurried ease of his, you were already gathering your things.

"I have to check the eastern snares," you said, not quite meeting his eyes. "Ri'nela needs the report before midday."

A pause. You could feel him looking at you.

"I will walk with you," he said.

"It's out of your way."

"I don't mind."

"I'll be faster alone." You finally looked up, and immediately regretted it. He was watching you with quiet, focused patience, steady in the way he was steady about everything, and it made it very difficult to be sensible. You made yourself hold it for exactly one second. "I'll see you at the evening meal."

You left before he could answer.

-

The fourth day was harder.

He came back. Of course he came back. So'lek was not the kind of person who was easily deterred by things he didn't understand, and you had given him very little to understand. You were at the river when you heard him, and you stood up and said you had left something at the armory, which was such a transparent excuse that you saw something move through his expression before he smoothed it away.

He let you go.

That was somehow worse. He watched you leave and said nothing, and you felt his eyes on your back the entire way to the tree line, steady and quiet and patient in a way that made your chest ache with something you were trying very hard not to name.

-

The fifth day, he found you twice.

The first time you said you had a patrol. The second time you said you were tired. Both were lies and you were fairly certain he knew they were lies and you were also fairly certain, from the quality of the silence he gave you each time, that he was filing them away somewhere and deciding what to do with them.

What he did not do was push. He let you go, both times, with that stillness of his that was never indifference, never, but always felt like a door held open.

You told yourself this was good. This was what you needed. Distance was the only sensible response to a week of watching him be luminous around someone else, carrying things in his expression that you had foolishly come to think of as meant only for you.

Ri'nela caught you staring at the ceiling of your tent that night and said nothing, which was its own kind of commentary.

-

The sixth evening, you almost made it through the whole meal.

You had chosen a seat on the far side of the fire, close to Ri'nela, with your back to most of the base. It was a reasonable tactical decision. You ate steadily and kept your eyes on your food and participated in enough conversation to seem normal, and for a while it worked.

Then Ri'nela said something that made you laugh and you looked up without thinking, and So'lek was already looking at you.

He was across the fire, sitting with Niara and two of the highlands fighters, and he was not participating in whatever conversation they were having. He was watching you. Still and direct in the way he watched everything that mattered to him, with that intensity that you had come to understand meant he had decided something was worth his complete attention.

You held it for one second. Two.

Then Niara leaned close to him and said something low near his ear. He turned toward her, and whatever she said made the tips of his ears go dark. A surprised, unguarded laugh escaped him — low and genuine, the real one, the one you had thought belonged to you. You looked back down at your food and found you had completely lost your appetite.

You stood up quietly. Ri'nela glanced at you. You shook your head once. She let you go, and you walked away from the fire with your food still half-finished and did not look back.

You had not gone far. There was a fallen log at the edge of the tree line where you sometimes sat when the base felt too loud, far enough to breathe but close enough to hear if something happened. You sat there now and looked at the dark space between the trees and worked, carefully and methodically, on feeling nothing.

You heard him before you saw him. His footsteps were nearly silent, but there was a stillness that preceded So'lek when he moved with purpose, something in the air that changed. You kept your eyes on the trees and told yourself you were imagining it.

Then he sat down beside you and held out your bowl.

You stared at it.

"You didn't finish," he said.

"I wasn't hungry."

"You hadn't eaten since morning."

You looked at him then, which was a mistake, because he was looking at you the same way he had across the fire, steady and direct, except there was no fire between you now and nowhere to look away to.

"Niara is waiting for you," you said.

"Niara is fine."

"So'lek—"

"She told me to go," he said, simply. "She said, and I will quote her accurately, go get your food and go find her, I am tired of watching you watch her leave." A beat. "She is not subtle."

You had nothing to say to that.

He set the bowl in your hands anyway, gently, and then he did not move. Did not stand up to leave. Did not offer you an exit or manufacture a reason for the conversation to end. He simply stayed, present and immovable in that way he had, and waited.

"I'm fine," you said.

"You have said you are fine six times in as many days," he said. "Each time immediately before leaving."

"I've been busy."

"You checked the eastern snares on a day they didn't need checking. You went to the armory for something you couldn't name when I asked you about it later. You have taken the long path to the river every morning this week." He paused. "I let you go each time because I did not want to push you toward something you weren't ready for. But you left your food tonight, and I find I have run out of patience for letting you go."

The tree line was very dark. The sounds of the base were distant and warm behind you.

"So'lek," you said, carefully. "Whatever you think—"

"Tell me what I think," he said. "Tell me I am wrong."

You looked down at the bowl in your hands. "You're not wrong," you said, very quietly.

The silence that followed was different from the others. Softer.

"Did it make you jealous?" he said. "This week. Watching us."

"Yes." The word came out before you could decide against it. "Every single day. It was awful. I know I don't have any right to it. I was trying to get ahead of it before it got worse."

"Before what got worse."

You looked at him. His composure was still there, but something underneath it was tired and careful and very done with waiting.

"You know what," you said.

"I would like to hear you say it."

"That's not fair, you haven't—"

"I followed you across the base with your unfinished food," he said, quietly. "I have been finding reasons to be wherever you are for the better part of a year. I described you to Niara in enough detail that she knew who you were before we met." A beat. "I think that counts."

The bowl was warm in your hands. The fire was distant. So'lek was very close.

"She is my friend," he said. "Eleven years. She has a mate who arrives in two days, a woman from the far highlands who she speaks about the way—" he paused, "—the way I have apparently been speaking about you. What you saw at the fire tonight was Niara telling me that I had run out of time, and that if I didn't say something soon she would do it for me."

You thought about the ducked head. The dark ears. The laugh.

"She was teasing you," you said. "About me."

"She has been teasing me about you since she arrived," he said, with the weighted patience of a man who had endured significant amounts of this. "She finds it very entertaining."

A sound escaped you that was almost a laugh. He exhaled, and in the quiet of it you could hear everything he had been holding.

"You are not allowed to be jealous anymore," he said, low and certain. "There is nothing to be jealous of. There has never been anything." His hand came up and tucked your hair back from your face, slow and deliberate. "But I spent six days watching you leave and saying nothing, and knowing you felt it, knowing it was me you were feeling it about—" he stopped. "I find I am not as sorry about that as I should be."

"That is a terrible thing to say," you told him.

"Mm." Almost a smile. "And yet you are still here."

"You brought me my food," you said. "I couldn't very well leave."

"No," he agreed, and the almost-smile became something quieter and more real. "You couldn't."

He pressed his forehead to yours and the exhale that left him was slow and full, like something he had been holding not just this week but for a long time before it. The last of his clan, carrying things quietly the way he carried everything, until, finally, he didn't have to anymore.

"No more long paths to the river," he said.

"No more long paths." You pulled back just enough to look at him. "But you have to tell me things. Not just notice them in silence."

"That is a reasonable condition." A pause. "I will try."

From So'lek, that was a genuine and considered promise, and you believed him.

Across the base, not nearly far enough away to have been uninvolved in any of this, you heard Ri'nela say something triumphant. Niara's answering laugh followed immediately.

"They planned this," you said.

"Almost certainly," So'lek agreed, and did not move away from you at all.

You looked at him. He looked at you. There was a warmth in his expression that he rarely let anyone see, open and unhurried and entirely yours.

"Yawntu," he said, quietly. Like it was something he had been holding in his mouth for a long time and had finally decided to let out.

You didn't answer. You just closed the small distance between you, and he met you there, and the kiss was soft and unhurried and tasted like everything you had both been too careful to say. His hand came up to cradle the side of your face, gentle in the way he was gentle about things that mattered to him, and you felt him exhale against you like he had finally, finally put something down.

Behind you, distantly, Niara said something that made Ri'nela laugh loud enough to scatter birds from the canopy.

Neither of you pulled away.

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Taglist (comment if you wanna be added or removed!) :

@weeeeeeeeeeeeee2 @natwriteswords @ravenyia @feralcoffeecryptid @r4y-cr34t0r @goldentrenchtome @eesomee @zeebee44 @kekereads97 @iitstaylorme @kirjeela @a0-o @emneedshelp @theendlessvoidofdarkest

[txasunulvr]

another ver of fem so’lek but with different hair bcs i realized i didnt like the last one

[just-another-idk]

Gentle Hands

So'lek x fem!avatar driver reader inspired by Tsumuke written by @lvlypinkesworld

Part 15 > Part 15.5 > Part 16

With Great Love Comes Great Fear Part 2.

When (Y/n) opened her eyes in the sanctuary, she was immediately greeted by the smell of tea and laughter.

The kind that only came from people completely comfortable with where they were.

She blinked.

Then followed the sound.

A fire had been built near the center of the sanctuary.

Around it sat the Sarentu. Ri'nela. Teylan. Nor. And Tamtey.

Tea cups rested in their hands.

Ulrr was sprawled across Teylan's lap upside down demanding attention.

One of the viperwolf pups had stolen Nor's cup and was attempting to investigate its contents.

The other two were wrestling nearby.

"I see you've all made yourselves at home."

Four heads turned immediately.

(Y/n) couldn't help smiling.

She crossed the clearing and settled down beside them, dropping into the space between Ri'nela and Teylan.

The fire crackled softly.

Ri'nela reached over and squeezed her arm. "We were worried."

(Y/n)'s smile softened. "I'm alright."

"Alma hit you."

The blunt statement made Teylan frown.

Nor's expression darkened.

Tamtey looked confused. "Wait." He looked between them. "Alma did what?"

Right. Tamtey had been hunting RDA patrols when everything happened.

The silence that followed felt dangerous.

The Sarentu warrior slowly looked toward (Y/n). "Alma struck you?"

(Y/n) immediately knew she was in trouble. Not because of Alma. Because everyone suddenly looked offended on her behalf.

"It was handled."

Tamtey looked unconvinced.

"How handled?"

(Y/n) opened her mouth. “So’lek—" Then immediately shut it.

Because at that exact moment—Two massive blue arms appeared around her waist.

Pulling her backwards. Effortlessly. A familiar chest against her back.

A familiar warmth. A familiar presence.

The devil himself.

(Y/n) laughed. Unable to help it. "Speak of the devil and he shall appear."

So'lek settled behind her. As though appearing from the shadows and collecting her was perfectly normal behavior. Which, unfortunately, it was becoming.

Tamtey immediately handed him a cup of tea.

"Thank you." The warrior accepted it. Then immediately settled one arm around (Y/n)'s waist.

Tamtey pointed at him. "What happened? I don’t think you’d let Alma just strike (y/n) and let her get away with it."

The entire group looked toward him.

So'lek took a slow sip of tea.

Then answered.

"I didn’t."

"I informed Alma that touching her again would be a mistake."

Tamtey raised an eyebrow. "You informed her?"

(Y/n) immediately hid a smile behind her tea.

Because they all knew that So'lek had been one bad decision away from throwing Alma through a wall.

Tamtey shook his head. Then looked at (Y/n). "You know."

"Oh no."

He pointed at So'lek. "He likes you." Everyone knew that, Tamtey just enjoyed teasing (y/n).

The entire group burst out laughing. Including Nor.

(Y/n) buried her face in her hands.

So'lek looked completely unbothered, the warrior simply sipped his tea. One arm still around her. As though being hopelessly obvious wasn't something he cared about in the slightest.

And judging by the amused looks around the fire— Nobody was buying the act for even a second.

(Y/n) turned her head to catch him staring at her, she leaned back against So'lek's chest.

The warrior's arm remained around her waist while she drank her tea. His presence had become so familiar that she barely thought about it anymore. Which was probably dangerous.

Because every now and then she would remember she was currently sitting in the lap of a ten-foot-tall warrior and immediately become embarrassed all over again.

Ri'nela took another sip of tea. Eyes lighting up.

"You quite enjoy my blends, don't you Ri'nela?" (y/n) asked, trying to change the subject.

The Sarentu nodded immediately. "Yes."

"I wish to try all of them."

(Y/n) laughed softly. "There are a lot."

"Good."

"I have been making them for fifteen years."

"Excellent."

Tamtey took a drink from his own cup. Then remembered something. "What kind of tea did you give Itu?"

"A spicy one."

"A spicy tea?"

"Yes."

"Will that help?"

(Y/n) nodded. "Spicy foods and drinks have been known to help with grief."

"Not because they remove it." She turned her cup slowly in her hands. "But because they force your mind to focus on something else for a little while."

Tamtey nodded thoughtfully.

"Once the heat dies down though..." A faint smile appeared. "That blend is incredibly calming."

"I am suddenly worried for Itu."

Ri'nela giggled.

"He will survive."

"Probably."

That earned another round of laughter.

Then Tamtey remembered something else. "Oh."

(Y/n)'s eyes widened.

Tamtey pointed at her. "Did you finish making the—"

She shot him a look.

A very specific look.

The kind that said Do not finish that sentence.

Or else.

Tamtey immediately closed his mouth.

Ri'nela looked between them suspiciously.

Nor raised an eyebrow.

Teylan looked curious.

Unfortunately—So'lek noticed.

The warrior looked down at her. "What were you making?"

The question was innocent. The answer was not.

(Y/n) instantly became interested in her tea. Very interested.

"I did not know you paid a visit to the Aranahe yesterday." So’lek inquired.

Traitorous heart. Why was it suddenly beating faster?

"Oh." She cleared her throat. "You know."

Nobody knew.

"Just checking on Etuwa's stitches."

True.

"Having tea with Nefika."

Also true. Technically.

The warrior looked unconvinced. "You should have called me."

(Y/n) groaned internally.

"So you would not have walked the entire way on your own."

"I am perfectly capable."

So'lek sighed. "You are."

"But."

(Y/n) closed her eyes.

The others were trying not to laugh. Failing. Badly.

"So'lek."

"It was a long walk."

"I have legs."

"I am aware."

"I use them frequently."

"I am aware."

"They work."

The warrior nodded. "They do."

She pointed triumphantly.

"See?"

The giant warrior remained completely serious. "I still would have flown you."

The entire group burst out laughing.

(Y/n) buried her face in her hands.

Again. This was becoming a recurring problem.

Beside her, So'lek looked entirely unbothered.

In fact, there was the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes.

The terrible man.

"You are impossible."

The accusation came from behind her hands.

The warrior's smile softened.

And judging by the way his arm tightened slightly around her waist—He was quite content remaining impossible.

So'lek smirked.

The expression immediately put everyone on alert. Particularly the Sarentu.

Because the warrior rarely looked that pleased with himself.

Then he leaned down. And kissed her cheek.

Slowly.

The sound that escaped (Y/n) was somewhere between a squeak and a gasp.

The entire tea circle erupted into laughter.

"SO'LEK." She scolded.

The warrior looked entirely unapologetic.

In fact—He looked amused.

Then, as though embarrassing her once wasn't enough, he rested his forehead briefly against the side of hers.

His cheek brushing against her own.

The gesture strangely affectionate.

The sort of thing that suggested he'd been wanting to do it for a while.

(Y/n) was quite certain her soul was attempting to leave her body.

The warrior's voice rumbled softly beside her ear. "Impossible, you say?"

The amusement in his tone only made it worse.

"Yes." Her answer came from behind both hands now. Because if she looked at him she would absolutely die.

The warrior chuckled. The sound vibrating through his chest. "And yet you continue to spend time with me."

The tea circle had become utterly useless. Nobody was helping. Not one person.

Ri'nela was smiling into her cup.

Tamtey looked moments away from falling over laughing.

Teylan had given up pretending not to listen.

Even Nor looked amused.

Traitors.

Every single one of them.

(Y/n) peeked through her fingers.

Just enough to turn and glare at the warrior.

The attempt failed immediately.

Because So'lek looked entirely too pleased. His golden eyes softened the moment they met hers. And suddenly the teasing disappeared.

Leaving behind something warmer.

Affection. Pure and uncomplicated.

The kind that made her chest flutter every time he looked at her like that.

"There you are."

"What?"

"The woman beneath all the blushing."

"I hate you."

The words carried absolutely no conviction.

So'lek's smile widened. "No." His arm tightened slightly around her waist. "You do not."

The certainty made her blush harder.

Which only confirmed his point.

The terrible man knew it too.

Tamtey groaned dramatically. "Please."

"Either kiss properly or stop looking at each other like that."

(Y/n) immediately buried her face in her hands again.

While So'lek laughed outright. A deep genuine laugh that rolled through the sanctuary.

"I think that is our cue to leave." Ri'nela stood, still smiling into her tea.

The Sarentu had clearly decided they had witnessed enough embarrassing affection for one morning.

Tamtey immediately rose as well. "A wise decision."

Teylan nodded. "Extremely wise."

Nor looked relieved.

"Wait." The single word froze them all.

(Y/n) sat upright. Immediately catching everyone's attention. "I could actually use your help."

Nor's shoulders slumped.

(Y/n) stood.

The moment she left his lap, So'lek remained perfectly composed.

Not a single expression crossed his face.

Not one.

Except for the very brief look of disappointment that lasted approximately half a second before vanishing.

Nobody commented. Because they enjoyed being alive.

"These three monsters need to learn tracking and hunting."

Immediately all three pups perked up. As though they somehow knew they were being discussed.

One barked. Another tripped over a root. The third attempted to bite Teylan's tail.

"And?" Nor asked suspiciously.

(Y/n) smiled. The kind of smile that usually preceded chaos. "I am going to need a hand."

Nor immediately began backing away. "No."

She ignored him.

Turning instead toward So'lek. "Could you get me another small hexepede please?"

The warrior nodded. "I can."

Then she looked toward Tamtey. "Could you actually go get my thing from Nefika?"

The Tamtey raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "The thing you definitely are not making for a certain warrior?"

(Y/n) gave him a look.

Tamtey grinned. "I can."

So’lek rose smoothly to his feet. Before leaving, he leaned down. And kissed her cheek.

Again.

The terrible man.

"I will see you later, yawne."

The blush returned instantly. Like it had never left. "You too."

Nor made a gagging noise. "You two are sickening."

Ri'nela smacked his arm.

Hard.

"Ow!"

"Be nice."

"They make me want to throw myself off a cliff."

"Nor." He immediately shut up.

(Y/n) pretended she wasn't blushing.

Then she turned. Slowly. Toward Nor.

The smile returned. The dangerous smile. The one that always preceded terrible ideas.

Nor immediately pointed. "No."

"I did not even say anything."

"I know that smile."

The others stepped away. Experience had taught them caution.

(Y/n) crossed toward the cool storage area beside one of the shelters. Returning moments later with a large chunk of meat.

Nor stared. "Why do you have that?"

(Y/n) ignored him. Instead producing a rope.

"Oh no."

The smile widened. "Oh yes."

Nor immediately attempted to leave.

Ri’nela caught him.

"Wait."

"No."

"You are helping."

"No."

"Yes."

Before he could escape (y/n) then looped the rope around his waist. Then tied the meat securely behind him.

The pups lost their minds. Three sets of eyes immediately locked onto the prize. Tails wagging furiously. Little growls emerging. Predatory instincts awakening.

Unfortunately for Nor.

They were awakening in his direction.

"I didn't agree to this."

"Too late."

The pups crouched. Ready. Watching. Waiting.

"Oh Eywa." Nor looked toward Ri'nela. "Help."

"No."

"Teylan?" The younger Sarentu immediately took several steps backward.

Traitors. Every single one.

(Y/n) pointed dramatically toward the forest. Then dropped the rope. "Run."

Nor took off at full speed.

The pups exploded after him.

Three tiny furry missiles. Yipping. Barking. Howling.

The chase tore through the sanctuary. Nor vaulted over a log.

One pup followed. The second crashed directly into it. The third got distracted by a leaf.

(Y/n) laughed so hard she nearly doubled over.

The sanctuary echoed with the sounds of pursuit.

"THIS IS NOT HOW TRACKING WORKS!"

"KEEP RUNNING!"

"YOU ARE ENJOYING THIS TOO MUCH!"

"PROBABLY!"

The pups barked excitedly.Convinced they were participating in the greatest hunt in history.

"Come on."

(Y/n) was still laughing as she started after the chaos disappearing through the trees.

Ri'nela smiled and followed.

Teylan shaking his head as he trailed after them.

"I cannot believe that worked."

"It worked perfectly."

"It was barely a plan."

"It was an excellent plan."

The younger Sarentu looked unconvinced.

Ahead of them they could hear Nor shouting.

The pups barking.

Branches rustling.

And occasionally something that sounded suspiciously like Nor tripping over something.

The group eventually caught up just in time to see Nor attempt to outmaneuver them.

He  doubled back. Cut through a cluster of roots. Leapt over a fallen log. Then darted between two trees.

The pups immediately lost the trail. For approximately three seconds.

Then one found the scent again.

A triumphant bark echoed through the forest.

The pups surged forward. Tails wagging furiously.

Their excitement clearly outweighing their skill.

“Make it harder for them Nor!” she called out.

Nor groaned. "You are encouraging them!"

"That is the point. Keep moving."

He rolled his eyes. But he did. Taking a less obvious path. Trying to lose them.

Trying to force them to think.

Which, admittedly, they were beginning to do. One pup followed the scent. Another began looking for disturbed plants.

The third was still mostly guessing.

But at least it was an educated guess now.

"Don't make it easy on them, Nor."

The hunter glanced over his shoulder. "I hate that you are all enjoying this."

(Y/n) grinned. "Try and encourage them to outthink you."

"They are pups."

"They are clever pups."

Nor sighed

Then immediately regretted it. Because at that exact moment one of the pups launched itself at the dangling meat.

The others followed. All three at once. The combined assault proved effective.

Nor's feet left the ground.

Then he hit the forest floor.

The meat vanished beneath a pile of triumphant viperwolf puppies.

The forest went silent.

Then—The pups abandoned the meat entirely. And began enthusiastically licking Nor's face.

The hunter stared at the sky.

Defeated.

"No dignity."

The pups disagreed. The licking intensified.

Ri'nela burst out laughing.

Teylan nearly doubled over.

Even (Y/n) was laughing hard enough that she had to hold onto a tree.

Eventually the pups remembered the meat existed.

The trio immediately abandoned Nor. Returning to their prize.

Nor remained sprawled on the ground. Questioning his life choices.

"That was fun to watch." Teylan wiped tears from his eyes.

Ri'nela crossed over and offered Nor a hand.

He accepted it with exaggerated suffering. "You are all terrible people."

"Thank you."

"That was not a compliment."

(Y/n) looked entirely too pleased with herself.

Nor brushed leaves from his clothes.  "Was that really necessary, (Y/n)?"

The woman looked toward the pups. One was dragging the meat away. Another was trying to steal it. The third was attempting to mediate.

Poorly.

Then she looked back at Nor.

"Yes."

Nor stared.

Ri'nela and Teylan laughed.

The pups barked happily.

And somehow, seeing the satisfied look on (Y/n)'s face as she watched her little predators learn to hunt, Nor suspected she would absolutely do it again if given the opportunity.

Which was deeply concerning for everyone involved.

"Good."

(Y/n) smiled proudly as she watched the pups tear into their reward.

The peaceful moment lasted all of ten seconds.

A shadow passed overhead.

Everyone instinctively looked up.

At first nobody understood what they were seeing.

A massive shape descended from the clouds.

Wings spread wide. A flash of blue and silver.

A powerful gust of wind blasted through the clearing. Leaves exploded into the air.

The pups scattered.

Ulrr screamed and launched himself into a tree.

And before anyone could react—A pair of enormous talons closed around (Y/n).

The woman vanished from the ground.

Her scream echoed across the forest.

The Stormglider beat its wings. Once. Twice. Then shot upward.

Taking (Y/n) with it.

"(Y/N)!" Ri'nela's scream echoed through the trees.

Nor's eyes widened. "What the—"

Teylan looked horrified. "A STORMGLIDER HAS HER!"

The creature was already high above them. Far too high. Far too fast.

The giant predator climbed effortlessly into the sky.

(Y/n)'s scream continued.

Another beat of its wings. The Stormglider climbed higher.

Nor stared upward in disbelief. "It is taking her!"

Ri'nela looked moments away from having a heart attack. "We have to help her!"

"How?!"

The Stormglider was already becoming smaller against the clouds.

The three Sarentu immediately started running after it anyway.

Above them— (Y/n) was clutching one of the Stormglider's talons.

Absolutely miserable.

The creature chirped happily. Recognizing her. Pleased to see her.

(Y/n) knew exactly who it was.

The giant menace.

The same Stormglider she'd raised since it was a baby.

Unfortunately.

Knowing the Stormglider wasn't going to eat her did absolutely nothing for her fear of heights.

She squeezed her eyes shut. "THIS IS NOT FUNNY!"

The Stormglider made a pleased sound.

Clearly disagreeing.

Below.

Ri'nela was still running.

Nor beside her.

Teylan not far behind.

All three convinced they had just watched one of their closest friends get carried away to become lunch.

"DO SOMETHING!"

"I AM TRYING!"

"TRY HARDER!"

Above them.

(Y/n) considered every decision that had led her to this moment.

Every single one.

And regretted all of them.

So'lek was halfway through tracking the small hexepede.

The animal had left a trail through the undergrowth.

Easy enough to follow.

He had almost caught sight of it when his com crackled.

"Ri'nela?"

The young Sarentu sounded breathless. Panicked. Terrified.

Immediately his stomach dropped.

Because Ri'nela did not panic. Not like this.

"So'lek!"

The fear in her voice sent ice through his veins.

"What happened?"

There was a moment of static.

"A Stormglider just took (Y/n) and is flying northeast!"

Everything stopped. For one horrible heartbeat he simply stood there.

The words refusing to make sense.

Then fear hit him.

His blood ran cold.

A Stormglider. The largest aerial predator on this side of Pandora.

And it had taken her.

The warrior abandoned the hunt immediately.

His heart hammered painfully against his ribs.

He called for hus ikran

A moment later the ikran burst from the trees. Landing hard.

So'lek was already moving. Already mounting. Already airborne before Iley had fully stabilized.

The ikran sensed his fear. His urgency. And responded instantly.

Wings beating hard. Climbing rapidly.

Ri'nela's voice returned.

"Tamtey should be right behind you."

So'lek barely heard her. His eyes were already scanning the horizon. Searching. Looking for any sign. Any clue. Anything.

The com crackled again.

A different voice.

Alex.

"So'lek."

"What." The single word came out like a growl.

"We've been monitoring Stormglider activity. Near the floating mountains."

So'lek's grip tightened.

"Where?"

"Near Toruk Point."

The answer felt like a knife.

Because it made sense. A nesting area. A hunting territory.

The sort of place a Stormglider would take prey.

His chest tightened painfully.

"That's where we think it's taking her."

The words nearly stopped his heart.

The warrior pushed Iley faster. The ikran screeched. Wings beating furiously. Clouds rushed past.

The floating mountains appeared in the distance.

The thought of being torn to pieces threatened to overwhelm him.

He crushed it immediately.

No.

Panic later.

Find her first.

A familiar cry echoed nearby. Moments later another ikran appeared. Tamtey.

He quickly matching pace beside him.

The Sarentu's face was grim.

Gone was the usual teasing. Gone was the laughter.

This was family.

And family was in danger.

"You heard?" So'lek asked.

Tamtey nodded. "Ri'nela called."

"We'll find her."

The certainty helped. Only a little.

The warrior's eyes never stopped searching.

Scanning every cloud. Every mountain. Every shadow.

Looking for one small figure.

The woman he loved.

And for perhaps the first time in years—So'lek was afraid. Truly afraid.

Because he could fight soldiers. He could fight AMP suits. He could fight the RDA.

But right now?

He was racing against the sky itself.

Praying to Eywa that they were not already too late.

In the distance they spotted it.

The Stormglider descended.

Its enormous wings cut through the air before folding against its body as it landed atop one of the floating mountains.

"There!" Tamtey pointed.

So'lek's heart nearly stopped.

Because from this angle—It looked like the creature had something blue hanging from its jaws.

Something small. Something limp.

For one terrible moment his mind supplied the worst possible explanation.

His blood turned to ice.

Iley surged forward.

The warrior's entire focus narrowing onto that distant shape. Every horrible thought imaginable flashed through his mind. The fear was so intense it physically hurt.

Beside him, Tamtey had gone silent.He looked just as horrified.

The two ikran circled.

Coming around the mountain. Trying to get a better angle.

 Tto see.

Then—So'lek blinked.

Once.

Twice.

Certain he had imagined it.

Because what he was seeing made absolutely no sense.

The Stormglider wasn't eating her. It wasn't tearing her apart. It wasn't even hurting her.

The enormous predator was—Nuzzling her.

Its massive head rubbed against her shoulder. Purring. Actually purring.

And (Y/n)...

(Y/n) was holding its face.

Both arms wrapped around its snout. Completely unharmed. Completely unconcerned.

The warrior stared.

Tamtey stared.

Neither spoke. Neither seemed capable of speech.

They landed carefully a short distance away.

Approaching slowly.

The Stormglider immediately noticed them. Its head snapped up.

A warning hiss echoed across the mountain. The sound was powerful enough to shake loose stones.

Tamtey froze.

"Enough." (Y/n)'s voice scolded. Gentle. Patient.

The same voice she used on frightened animals.

Immediately the Stormglider relaxed. The predator leaned back into her hand.

Nudging her affectionately. Like an oversized child seeking attention.

So'lek stood there. Still trying to recover from nearly dying of fear. Still trying to process what he was looking at. Still trying to lower the panic racing through his veins.

"(Y/n)?"

The woman looked up. "Oh." She smiled sheepishly.

The sight alone made his knees weak.

Because she was alive. Not injured.

The warrior closed his eyes briefly.

Thank Eywa.

When he opened them again, the Stormglider was pressing its face against her shoulder.

Demanding attention.

"This is Caesar."

The introduction somehow made the situation even more absurd.

Tamtey looked between the giant predator and the woman petting it. "This creature has a name?"

"Of course he has a name."

The Stormglider chirped proudly.

(Y/n) scratched beneath its jaw. "I hand reared him after the RDA destroyed his nest a few years ago."

The explanation came so casually. As though hand-raising one of Pandora's most terrifying aerial predators was completely normal. "He was very small."

Tamtey looked at the creature. The creature looked back. "That?"

"Yes."

"Small?"

"Very."

The Stormglider nudged her again. Demanding more attention.

(Y/n) laughed. "Stormgliders are very familial creatures."

She rubbed the side of its face. "He missed his mama."

The giant predator immediately leaned harder into her. Almost knocking her over. "And apparently decided to give her the scare of her life."

"Yes." So'lek's answer came flatly. Dangerously flat. The warrior was still recovering. Still processing the fact he'd spent the last twenty minutes imagining her being eaten.

(Y/n) winced slightly. "Sorry."

The Stormglider made a happy sound. Completely unrepentant.

"Who's my silly big baby?"

The predator chirped. Pleased.

"You are."

Another affectionate nudge.

Tamtey looked awestruck. "I cannot believe this."

He slowly approached. Carefully.

The Stormglider immediately hissed.

Tamtey retreated. "I believe it now."

Meanwhile So'lek stood motionless. Still coming down from the fear. The adrenaline. The absolute terror.

(Y/n) finally noticed. The way his shoulders were rigid. The way his hands were clenched. The way his eyes had not left her since landing.

The warrior looked exhausted.

Not physically.

Emotionally.

Because for a little while there—He had believed he was losing her. And that realization struck her straight in the heart.

Slowly she stepped away from Caesar.

Crossing the distance between them.

The warrior didn't move. Didn't speak. Then she wrapped her arms around him. "I'm sorry."

For a moment So'lek simply held her. Holding on perhaps a little tighter than usual. Relieved. Overwhelmed. Grateful.

Behind them, Caesar made an offended noise.

Clearly unhappy his mother was paying attention to someone else.

Tamtey laughed.

The Stormglider hissed at him.

And somewhere between the terror, the relief, and the absurdity of the situation, So'lek finally let out a long breath.

The kind that came after surviving a nightmare.

Because his yawne was safe. And that was all that mattered.

She stepped back from him and turned back towards Caesar, “I’m sorry you big baby,” and she threw her arms around him again and the storm glider seemed to relish in her touch.

So'lek stood quietly for a moment. Watching.

The Stormglider was resting its enormous head in (Y/n)’s arms.

Its eyes half closed.

The giant predator looked almost tame.

Almost.

Only because she was beside it.

Because the moment anyone else moved too quickly, Caesar's eyes opened immediately. Watching. Evaluating. Protective.

So'lek found himself smiling faintly.

Because somehow— Somehow this woman had done it again.

Another creature.

One that should have feared her. Or ignored her. Or flown away.

Yet here it was looking at her with the same affection Ulrr did.

The same affection the pups did. The same affection every creature she cared for seemed to develop.

The warrior's gaze softened.

She was gentle with all of them. Patient. Kind.

And somehow they always seemed to know it.

Even the fiercest among them adored her.

"Come."

(Y/n) looked over at him.Motioning him closer.

The warrior obeyed.Still slightly suspicious of the enormous predator.

"Caesar." The Stormglider's head immediately lifted. Attention focused entirely on her. "This is So'lek."

The predator blinked. Watching him.

"He's very important to me."

Something warm settled in So'lek's chest.

"So be nice."

Tamtey immediately smothered a laugh.

The warrior ignored him. Mostly.

Caesar tilted his head.

Then to So'lek's surprise, the Stormglider shuffled forward.

The enormous head lowering.

The giant predator nudged him. Gently. Almost curiously.

So'lek blinked.

The Stormglider blinked back.

(Y/n) smiled. "He likes scratches."

The warrior raised an eyebrow. "You are serious."

"Very."

Cautiously. Slowly. So'lek reached out. His hand settling against the side of Caesar's jaw.

The Stormglider immediately leaned into it.

A deep rumbling sound echoed through his chest. Content. Happy.

The giant predator practically melted.

The sight made (Y/n) laugh. "There you go."

The warrior found himself scratching beneath the jaw. The exact spot she indicated. The rumbling immediately intensified.

So'lek looked mildly offended. "He likes me."

"You’re very likable."

The warrior gave her a look.

(Y/n) immediately pretended innocence.

Behind them Tamtey called out. "I want to pet him."

He sounded like an excited child.

(Y/n) laughed. "Come on over, Tamtey."

The Sarentu approached cautiously. Very cautiously.

The Stormglider watched. Evaluated.

Then apparently decided Tamtey was acceptable.

The hunter reached out.

Touched the stormgliders neck.

Immediately grinned. "By Eywa." Another scratch.

The Stormglider chirped.

Tamtey looked delighted. "He is soft."

"He is not soft."

"He is."

The Stormglider practically purred. "He is soft."

(Y/n) laughed again. The sound carrying across the floating mountain. Bright. Happy.

The kind of laugh So'lek loved hearing.

The warrior found himself watching her once more. The way she smiled. The way she spoke to Caesar.

The way she looked completely at ease sitting beside one of Pandora's most fearsome predators.

The way the predator trusted her without question.

It should not have surprised him anymore. Yet somehow it still did. Every time.

The warrior shook his head softly. A smile pulling at the corner of his mouth. "You really are extraordinary."

(Y/n) immediately flushed.

The woman still hadn't learned how to accept compliments.

"Oh no it’s not all that."

"Yes."

"I hand-fed him bugs and fish."

"You raised a Stormglider."

"He was very small."

Tamtey laughed. "That does not make it less impressive."

Meanwhile So'lek simply watched. The warmth in his chest growing. Because she truly believed any of this was ordinary.

The sanctuary. The animals. The Stormglider. The lives she'd saved. The people she'd helped.

The love she gave so freely.

To her, it was simply her normal, a part of who she was.

To So'lek—It was one more reason he loved her.

And as Caesar nudged her shoulder demanding attention again, the warrior found himself smiling.

Because even Eywa's fiercest creatures seemed determined to prove his point.

(Y/n) smiled up at Caesar. "How is Athena?"

Tamtey blinked. "Athena?"

"His mate."

"The Stormglider has a mate?"

Tamtey looked at Caesar.

Then at (Y/n).

Then back at Caesar.

The giant predator chirped proudly. As if pleased somebody had finally acknowledged this fact.

A distant call suddenly echoed across the floating mountains. Deep. Powerful. Beautiful.

Everyone looked toward the sound.

On a nearby floating island stood another Stormglider. Slightly smaller than Caesar. Elegant. Graceful.

Behind her rested a nest woven between the rocky outcroppings.

And inside— Movement. Small shapes. Tiny wings. Tiny heads.

Stormglider hatchlings.

Tamtey's jaw dropped. "No."

(Y/n)'s eyes lit up immediately. "Oh my goodness."

Caesar made an excited sound. The equivalent of a child bouncing on their toes.

She looked at him. Then toward the nest. Then back at him.

Realization dawned. "Is this what you brought me up here for?"

The Stormglider chirped loudly. His tail flicking. Pleased with himself.

"So I can see your pretty missus and babies?"

Another happy sound. Almost smug.

Tamtey looked astonished. "He kidnapped you."

"He did. To introduce you to his family."

(Y/n) laughed. The sound bright and warm. She reached up and cupped Caesar's face.

The giant predator immediately leaned into her touch. "You did all this just to show me?"

A proud chirp. "Oh Caesar."

Her voice softened. Filled with affection. "I am so proud of you."

The Stormglider practically glowed beneath the praise. Then immediately ruined the moment by gently nipping at her shoulder.

(Y/n) laughed again. "I know what that means."

She reached into one of her pockets. Producing a strip of dried meat.

Caesar's eyes immediately locked onto it.

The giant predator suddenly looking very interested. "Nothing like a treat, huh?"

The meat vanished in one bite.

Tamtey snorted.

The Stormglider made another pleased sound.

Then nudged her again. Hoping for another treat.

Greedy creature.

(Y/n) shook her head. "No."

Another nudge.

"No."

A larger nudge.

The equivalent of being hit by a small vehicle.

So'lek silently caught her before she toppled over.

Caesar looked entirely unrepentant. The giant menace.

(Y/n) smiled.

Then wrapped both arms around the front of his neck.

Hugging him.

The Stormglider immediately stilled. Accepting it. Enjoying it.

The sight left Tamtey in complete awe.

"You should go back to your family."

Caesar's gaze shifted toward the nest. Then back to her. Reluctant. Almost.

The giant predator looked toward So'lek.

Then Tamtey.

(Y/n) immediately understood. Sweet foolish creature.

"You do not need to worry." She rubbed the side of his face.

The Stormglider's attention remained fixed on the two males. "They are my family."

The words made So'lek's chest tighten. Warmth spreading through him.

(Y/n) smiled. "I'm not lonely as I once was."

The Stormglider made a quieter sound. Almost thoughtful. Almost relieved. As though that had been what he needed to hear.

The confirmation.

That she was safe. That she had people who cared for her now.

The same way she had cared for him.

"Go home to yours." She kissed the side of his jaw. "You know where to find me."

For a long moment Caesar remained where he was.

Looking at her.

Memorizing.

Then finally— The Stormglider threw back his head and roared. The sound rolled across the floating mountains. Powerful.

A farewell.

Then his wings spread. Massive. Magnificent.

The gust nearly knocked Tamtey over.

With a powerful leap Caesar launched himself into the air. Wings catching the wind. The giant predator soaring toward the neighboring island. Toward Athena. Toward the nest. Toward his family.

The female Stormglider called out. A greeting. Caesar answered immediately. The pair touched heads. The hatchlings bouncing excitedly around them.

(Y/n) watched with a soft smile.

Beside her, So'lek found himself watching her instead. The woman who had raised a Stormglider. The woman who had taught it kindness.

The woman who somehow left pieces of her heart everywhere she went.

And judging by the way Caesar kept glancing back at her even after reaching the nest— The Stormglider still carried a piece of it too.

The moment Caesar disappeared across the gap toward his mate and hatchlings, So'lek stepped forward.

Then pulled her into his arms.

(Y/n) immediately wrapped her arms around him in return.Resting her forehead against his chest.

The warrior lowered his head, breathing in slowly. Trying to finally calm the fear that had gripped him ever since Ri'nela's call. "When Ri'nela said you had been taken..."

His voice was quieter than usual.

 "It scared the life out of me."

The admission made her heart ache. (Y/n)'s arms tightened around him. "Sorry."

She looked up at him. "I couldn't respond."

The memory immediately made her grimace. "His claws grabbed me at an awkward angle."

She demonstrated with one hand. "There was no way I could reach my com."

So'lek sighed. Not angry. Just relieved.

Relieved she was standing here explaining it. Relieved she wasn't hurt.

Nearby, Tamtey awkwardly cleared his throat. "I am going to head back."

Neither of them looked away from each other.

He rolled his eyes. Hopeless. Both of them.

"I'll drop off whatever Nefika sent at the sanctuary."

"Thank you, Tamtey."

"Try not to get kidnapped by anything else."

"I'll do my best."

The Sarentu laughed. Then mounted his ikran and departed.

Within moments he was gone.

Neither of them had truly noticed. Too occupied with one another.

(Y/n) rested her cheek against So'lek's chest again. "I'm okay."

The warrior's hand settled against the back of her head. "I know."

"I promise I'm okay."

"Just..." She looked over the edge of the floating mountain. Immediately regretted it. The ground was so far away it might as well have been another world.

Her stomach flipped violently.

She turned straight back into So'lek. "Just a little shaken up about how high we are right now."

His shoulders shook with laughter.

"Do not laugh."

"You befriend a Stormglider."

"Yes."

"You are unafraid of one of Pandora's greatest predators."

"Correct."

"But heights terrify you."

"They absolutely do."

The warrior chuckled again.

(Y/n) narrowed her eyes. "Do not let go of me."

"I was not planning to."

The warmth that spread through her chest made her smile.

After a few moments So'lek glanced toward the distant nest.

Watching Caesar settle beside Athena and their hatchlings.

A thoughtful expression crossed his face. "Are all your former wards like that?"

(Y/n) laughed softly. "The grown-up babies are."

The warrior looked amused. "The grown-up babies?"

"Yes."

She nodded seriously. "They occasionally come back and visit."

"Or in Caesar's case." She pointed toward the nest. "Kidnap me."

The warrior sighed. A very long suffering sigh. "You will have to warn me of such occasions, yawne."

"I did not know he was planning it."

"You scared me."

(Y/n) reached up and kissed him. Softly.Tenderly.

The warrior immediately melted.

Every remaining tension leaving his shoulders.

"I apologize."

Another kiss.

"I did not mean to."

His forehead rested against hers.

"I know."

The warrior lingered there for a moment. Then finally pulled back. "Come."

(Y/n) immediately became suspicious. "What?"

"Let us get you home."

The color drained from her face instantly.

So'lek watched the transformation happen in real time.

Her eyes widened. Her posture stiffened. Every ounce of confidence evaporated.

"No."

"Yawne."

"No."

"We cannot stay on this mountain forever."

"We can try."

A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Unfortunately for her, he was already reaching for his ikran.

(Y/n) stared at Iley.

Iley stared back.

Completely innocent.

"So'lek."

"Yes?"

"Carry me because my brain just realised that there is 1000’s of feet under me and I can’t move.”

The warrior laughed. The sound echoing across the floating mountains.

"You are serious."

"I am very serious."

He scooped her up "Unfortunately, yawne."

His eyes gleamed with amusement. "The only way down from here..."

(Y/n) already knew where this was going.

And hated it.

"...is to fly."

The horrified expression on her face nearly sent him into another fit of laughter.

Which was deeply unfair.

Because she was about to suffer.

And he was clearly enjoying it far too much.

Next >

@whos-nin1 @lvlypinkesworld @loaf-with-jam @deepangelpartykid @itsfrenchxfrxes @quietlydecafinated @lovelyinthesunlitsky @lizzy91768 @bxxbeaxxb @twentysomethingwereyote @jillxty @rinitoshi13 @gvyknkj @nikomenom @intervitadatura @buckybluebarnes @theatregeek-247 @valinat @rinitoshi13 @sunshinescubagear @7leo7 @eeorrrr @layingintheloam @poppyw4 @marija4674 @miniverse-zen @ur-juno @sleepisfortheweakpooh @akamenaruto14 @pinkglittertaco @annoyingasexual @grcsbluepen @deepwaterdreams @canteloupesoda @justhereiguess2 @idkmanimjstired @yaaraz

[luminosaamorosa]

Chibi So'lek 💙 (⁠.⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)

I've had these chibi sotey WIPs since January but couldn't decide what Ivl CHONK I wanted for Na'vi bodies

anywho as you can see on the the far right I'm very versatile when it comes to my chibi art styles

⁽⁠⁽⁠ଘ⁠(⁠ ⁠ˊ⁠ᵕ⁠ˋ⁠ ⁠)⁠ଓ⁠⁾⁠⁾

yes that's kitty Leon Kennedy and Ashley Graham + baby Oliver from invincible

when it comes to my art I'm too shy for my own good, idk why it takes so much for me to show it off ತ⁠_⁠ತ

[txasunulvr]

so’lek

[pistolpackinmama-art]

HI

Have a little So'lek 👍

HI I died but I lived

Small rant! These past few months have been ass and I'm soooooo tired 💤 💤

Anyways hehe ☝️

[txasunulvr]

and more so’lek

[txasunulvr]

a bit of so’lek