The Eldest- One Shot Collection
Sully family x eldest daughter reader
An: The Tag list is being completely redone comment here to be added
Also there will be a oneshot collection dedicated to (y/n) and her siblings
(Y/n) around the age kids start teething
From the moment she was born, Jake had used any excuse imaginable to scoop her up.
She sneezed? Clearly needed her dad.
She blinked? Probably disoriented—better hold her.
She made a noise that sounded vaguely like the beginning of a cry? Emergency cuddle.
If she was asleep and he was home, he would either sit nearby and wait for her to wake, watching her like she was the most fascinating thing in existence, or he would lie down beside her and very carefully slide her onto his chest so she could sleep there instead.
That man loved his daughter.
That was when love came with risk.
The first time it happened, she had been barely more than a bundle with oversized ears and curious eyes. Jake had been pacing the mauri with her in his arms while Neytiri tried to rest, murmuring nonsense to her about how she was going to conquer the world one day.
She had been fussy, drooling excessively, chewing on the edge of his leather strap.
“Got something to say, huh, mini me?”
She grabbed his finger with surprising strength.
Just a small clamp of gums.
Jake froze mid-step. “…Oh.”
He looked down at her in mild betrayal as she gnawed experimentally, drool pooling at the corner of her mouth.
“Is this how it’s gonna be?” he asked softly.
He winced but refused to drop her. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”
A few days later, he had been seated just outside the mauri, her perched on his knee while he showed her the world as if she could already understand politics and clan matters.
He held up a carved wooden bead in front of her face.
Instead, she lunged forward and sank her newly erupted tooth directly into the base of his thumb.
Not loud enough to alarm anyone .
But loud enough that several nearby hunters turned their heads.
Jake tried to gently pry her mouth open.
“Okay, okay—let go—let go—”
She stared at him while biting him, wide-eyed and stubborn.
Neytiri, watching from a distance, tried very hard not to laugh.
Jake finally managed to free his thumb, staring at the neat crescent indentation forming in his skin.
He looked at his daughter.
“You are so dam cute, you know that ?”
By the time her front teeth had fully come in, cuddles had escalated into an active danger zone .
Jake still refused to adjust his behavior.
He would carry her through the village proudly, her head tucked under his chin.
Or the fleshy part of his wrist.
Any bit of flesh she could reach.
Once, she caught the edge of his finger just as he shifted her position and clamped down with such sudden ferocity that he nearly dropped his bow.
She squealed in delighted triumph at the reaction.
He stared at her in disbelief. “You are a menace.”
There were mornings he would wake with a fresh bite mark because she had rolled toward him in her sleep and found the nearest available surface.
He would glance down at the faint red indentations along his knuckles and sigh.
One afternoon, when her teeth were sharp enough to leave actual bruises, Jake had been foolish enough to let her chew on his finger while he spoke with Norm outside the lab.
“She’s teething,” he explained casually.
Norm nodded sympathetically.
The next second, Jake’s expression changed entirely.
His shoulders went rigid.
Norm blinked. “You good?”
Jake stared at the horizon, voice strained. “Perfect.”
Tiny fangs had latched onto the side of his index finger with full determination.
Norm leaned closer. “Is she—”
He would not give her the satisfaction in front of witnesses.
Later, he would examine the small half-moon bite and shake his head.
Over the weeks, the bites grew sharper.
Her little teeth, once soft nubs, became precise instruments of destruction.
She developed a particular fondness for biting the webbing between his thumb and forefinger.
It was always when he was distracted.
Always when he least expected it.
He would be mid-sentence in council—
He would not show weakness.
He would simply finish his sentence while internally questioning every life choice that had led to this moment.
By the end of her teething phase, Jake Sully walked around the clan with tiny crescent-shaped bite marks scattered across his hands and wrists like trophies.
“Toruk Makto,” one had said once, eyeing the marks. “You have been in battle?”
Jake glanced down at the neat pattern of baby teeth on his knuckle.
Every time she reached for him, drooly and irritable and biting everything in reach, he still opened his arms without hesitation.
Because even when she bit him hard enough to make his eyes water—
She would immediately curl into his chest afterward.
And he would kiss the top of her head, examining the latest injury to his pride and his skin.
That man loved his daughter.
Even when she treated him like a chew toy.
By the third straight week of being used as a living teething ring, Jake’s patience—and skin—were wearing thin.
He stood just outside the mauri, (Y/n) perched happily on his forearm, her tiny hands gripping his hair. She looked innocent. Adorable.
He shifted her slightly, trying to free his already bruised fingers from her reach.
She lunged with surprising accuracy and latched onto the side of his knuckle with a sharp little grunt of effort.
He tried to gently pry her mouth open.
“Oh no, that’s skin, sweetheart,” he muttered through clenched teeth.
Jake inhaled sharply and peeled her off with care, inspecting the small row of fresh indentations blooming red across his hand.
He turned toward Neytiri, who was calmly weaving something a few paces away, entirely too peaceful for his current suffering.
“Hey,” he called lightly, masking his desperation. “Think she needs her mom for a bit.”
Neytiri didn’t even look up at first. “Does she?”
“Oh yeah,” he said quickly. “Definitely a mom moment. Very urgent.”
He approached and tried—very gently—to transfer their daughter into Neytiri’s waiting arms.
Neytiri shifted at the last second.
“Um,” she said sweetly. “I have to finish my weaving”
He tried again, this time from a slightly different angle.
She leaned forward and clamped onto the edge of Jake’s thumb again as if protesting the transfer.
Neytiri definitely saw that.
“Seems she prefers you,” Neytiri said mildly.
“She prefers my blood,” Jake corrected through gritted teeth.
Neytiri rose gracefully to her feet.
“With my hands occupied,” she said, holding up her the basket she was weaving, “I would not wish to risk dropping her.”
Jake stared at her. “Risk dropping—?”
As if summoned by the conversation, (Y/n) turned her attention to Neytiri’s wrist.
Neytiri subtly stepped back.
Jake caught that. “Oh no,” he said slowly. “You’re scared too.”
Neytiri lifted her chin. “I am not scared.”
(Y/n) made a tiny sound and reached out toward her mother’s fingers.
Neytiri withdrew them with impressive speed.
Jake barked out a laugh despite himself. “You are absolutely scared.”
“I am cautious,” Neytiri corrected.
He looked down at his own hands—marked, bruised, one with a faint crescent that might actually break skin if she kept at it.
“She is a predator,” he muttered.
(Y/n), apparently pleased by the attention, leaned forward and sank her teeth into the fleshy part of his palm again.
Jake’s entire body stiffened.
“Perhaps,” she offered thoughtfully, “this is your consequence for never putting her down.”
“Oh, so this is karma?” he shot back.
“She is your mini me,” Neytiri said serenely. “It is fitting.”
Jake adjusted his grip, cradling his tiny menace closer to his chest, keeping his fingers carefully out of range.
“You know what?” he said, kissing the top of (Y/n)’s head. “That’s fine. I can handle it.”
(Y/n) promptly bit his collarbone.
He made a strangled noise.
Neytiri laughed openly this time.
“Strong warrior,” she teased. “Brought down by a baby.”
Jake shot her a glare, though it lacked heat.
“She’s lucky she’s cute,” he muttered again.
(Y/n) pulled back from her latest assault and grinned up at him with drool-slick lips and sharp little teeth gleaming proudly.
Neytiri softened then, stepping closer at last.
“Give her here,” she said gently, unable to resist entirely.
Jake hesitated. Then carefully passed her over.
(Y/n) immediately reached for Neytiri’s finger.
Jake folded his arms smugly. “Told you.”
Neytiri tried to maintain composure as her daughter gnawed enthusiastically.
“…Perhaps,” she admitted tightly, “we should find her something else to chew.”
Jake grinned. “Now you’re thinking, I’ll go see Mo’at and ask if she recommends anything, my poor fingers need a break.”
He turned and started toward the doorway of the marui.
Behind him, Neytiri shifted the baby more securely in her arms, still trying to maintain some dignity while their daughter enthusiastically worked her gums around her finger.
“…Yes,” Neytiri said carefully, easing her finger free. “An alternative will be needed.”
Jake gave them one last amused look over his shoulder and started to step away.
He made it about three paces.
Then— “Mmm—!” A small, little sound came from behind him.
(Y/n)’s face had scrunched into a very familiar expression. Her little mouth puckered. Her ears twitched.
Her tiny hands began to open and close. “Mmm!”
Jake glanced back. “…Uh oh.”
Neytiri adjusted the baby against her. “Your father needs a break,” she told the child calmly.
(Y/n) was not listening. Her eyes had locked onto Jake like a homing beacon.
Neytiri tried again, gently bouncing her. “You will chew his fingers off if you are not careful.”
Jake snorted. “Already working on that.”
The baby let out another frustrated little whine.
Jake gave Neytiri a look to ask if she’s got this.
Neytiri sighed. “She is fine.”
Jake started walking again.
Behind him the fussing grew louder. (Y/n) twisted in Neytiri’s arms. Her little body leaning forward, stretching toward Jake.
Both hands reaching. Grabby fingers opening and closing desperately.
Neytiri held her more firmly.“You will not chase him,” she said firmly. “You can stay here with mama.”
The baby leaned farther. Her tiny body practically tipping out of Neytiri’s grasp as she stretched toward her father. “Mm—!”
Jake turned halfway around. “Oh no.”
The baby’s lip began to tremble.Her eyes widened.
Jake ‘s eyes widened immediately. “No no— hey—”
Neytiri tried to settle her again. “You are being dramatic.”
The baby leaned even farther forward. Now fully reaching for Jake. Tiny hands waving urgently.
Jake rubbed a hand down his face. “Oh please don’t cry—”
Too late.The baby let out the beginning of a very dramatic wail.
But it came out strangely delayed. Like she had paused mid-scream.
Because now she was simply staring at Jake. Waiting. As if he had personally betrayed her. Warning him that she was one second off crying and this was his one chance to fix it.
Neytiri looked unimpressed. “She believes she has been abandoned.”
Jake rubbed his face. “Kid, I moved like three steps.”
The baby’s lip quivered harder. Her eyes filled with offended sadness.
Jake groaned. Alright alright—” He walked back over. “Dad will save you from your crisis.”
Neytiri didn’t even resist when he reached for her. She simply handed the baby back. “Your daughter, your problem.”
Jake scooped (Y/n) into his arms. The moment she was against his chest— Her tiny hands grabbed him.
Jake jerked slightly. “Ow!”
The baby gnawed happily on his finger like nothing had happened.
Jake stared down at her. “You little gremlin.”
Neytiri folded her arms. “You let her get away with too much.”
Jake winced slightly as she chewed enthusiastically. “Yeah yeah.”
He shifted her higher against his shoulder, a different grip so she couldn’t gnaw at his fingers.
The baby hummed contentedly.
Jake shook his head. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”
She bit him again. “Ow— okay!”
Neytiri watched them for another moment. Then shook her head slowly. “…Little traitor.”
A group of hunters and a couple of new parents were gathered near the cooking fires, passing around cups and talking in that loose, half-laughing way people do when they’re sleep deprived and trying to make sense of their lives.
Jake was walking by when one of them called out.
He turned, already suspicious. “Yes?”
The youngest of the new fathers grinned nervously. “You have five children. Most of them girls. Be honest—who are easier to raise? Boys or girls?”
The other parents leaned in.
Jake folded his arms and didn’t even hesitate. “Definitely not girls.”
The group burst into laughter.
“I’m serious,” he continued. “In the beginning they’re all cuddles and big eyes and they’ll snatch your heart clean out of your chest if you’re not careful.”
A few knowing nods from the mothers.
“They wrap around your finger before they can even walk,” he added. “You think you’re in charge? You’re not. You’re done. Finished.”
“And then,” Jake went on darkly, “they get older. And they realize they can use that against you.”
“Oh no,” one of the fathers muttered.
“Oh yes,” Jake said firmly. “They’ll tilt their head just right, give you the saddest look you’ve ever seen, and suddenly you’re agreeing to things you swore five minutes ago you would never allow.”
A mother snorted into her cup. “And then,” he continued, “they start calling you old.”
Now they were laughing outright.
One of the men wiped tears from his eyes. “She really calls you that?”
“Daily,” Jake said flatly. “I have fought sky people. I have ridden Toruk. I have led warriors into battle. And somehow I am still ‘old man.’”
The new parents were grinning now.
“And that’s not even the hard part,” Jake went on.
He leaned in slightly. “They are harder to keep out of fights than boys.”
That earned a few raised brows.
“Oh, my sons will scrap,” he admitted. “They’ll shove, they’ll shout, maybe swing a punch.”
He paused. “But if I don’t keep an eye on (Y/n), there would be more broken limbs in this clan.”
The hunters laughed knowingly.
“She doesn’t go halfway,” Jake added. “My boys? They argue. She goes for blood.”
“Sounds like her father,” someone teased.
Jake gave them a look. “Don’t encourage that.”
Then he sighed. “And don’t even get me started on boys giving her attention.”
“I unfortunately have a very pretty daughter,” he said dryly. “I don’t go a single day without catching someone staring at her like they’re calculating bride price.”
The new fathers winced in sympathy.
“And the proposals,” Jake continued, rubbing his face. “You’d think she was a diplomatic alliance instead of a child.”
“So,” one of the hunters pressed, still grinning, “you’re saying daughters are more stressful?”
Jake didn’t even blink. “I’ve aged more trying to keep (Y/n) alive than I did fighting sky people.”
That earned a few more laughs.
He paused then, glancing toward where his children were playing in the clearing.
His expression softened just slightly. “But,” he added quietly, “I wouldn’t trade it.”
The laughter settled into warm smiles.
He shook his head. “Just be warned,” he finished. “They are very hard to say no to.”
A knowing silence fell over the group.
One of the new fathers groaned softly. “I’m doomed.”
Jake clapped him on the shoulder. “Yeah,” he said with a crooked grin. “You are.”
“You knew you weren’t supposed to be out that late.”
Jake tried to keep his tone steady.
(Y/n) stood in front of him with her hands clasped loosely behind her back, shoulders slightly rounded . She looked up at him through her lashes. “I know,” she said softly.
Neytiri, standing a few steps away with her arms crossed, watched the shift happen in real time.
Jake exhaled slowly through his nose. “Pumpkin, you can’t just disappear without telling anyone. We worry.”
“I wasn’t that far,” she murmured.
He opened his mouth to continue the lecture.
That was when she did it.
Her chin dipped just a little. Her eyes widened. Her lower lip trembled faintly, like she was holding back disappointment instead of tears. “I just… didn’t think it would matter that much,” she said quietly.
Jake felt something in his resolve fracture.
She just looked… wounded.
He rubbed a hand down his face.
Behind her, Neytiri’s ears flicked over to Jake in warning. “Jake,” she said evenly.
He ignored her for a second, still looking at his daughter.
She shifted her weight, toes curling slightly into the floor. Her tail wrapped around her ankle — a nervous habit she’d had since she was small.
That sad little face that turned his heart into a mess of knots
“Never mind,” Jake sighed finally, the fight leaving him in one long breath. “Go on. Just… next time, tell us.”
Her expression changed instantly — but only for half a heartbeat.
She bit back the smile that wanted to break across her face and instead nodded solemnly. “Yes, sir.”
She turned quickly, walking toward the exit with what she probably thought was a neutral expression.
The moment she crossed the threshold, her tail flicked with unmistakable satisfaction.
Neytiri stared at Jake. “You cannot let her get away with everything,” she said flatly.
Jake watched the doorway a second longer before turning to his mate.
He stepped closer, reaching out and brushing his fingers gently across Neytiri’s cheek, thumb lingering near her jaw.
“When I look at her,” he said quietly, “I see me.”
Neytiri arched a brow. “But when she puts on that sad little face…” he continued, a faint smile tugging at his mouth, “I see you looking right back at me.”
Neytiri blinked. “That is not fair.”
“It’s exactly fair,” Jake replied softly. “How am I supposed to say no to that?”
She huffed lightly, though there was the smallest hint of amusement beneath it.
“One day,” Neytiri said, stepping back, “she will use that power against you in ways you are not prepared for.”
Jake shrugged slightly. “She already does.”
He glanced toward the doorway again, where faint laughter could be heard drifting from outside.
“And I still wouldn’t change it.”
Jake crouched to tighten one of the lashings on a supply crate and—
The cracking of his bones just so happened to make that crackling sound at the worst moment.
Behind him there was a sharp inhale — then a beat of silence.
Someone burst out in laughter.
He didn’t have to turn around to know whose voice that was.
Slowly, very slowly, he looked over his shoulder.
(Y/n) was standing there with her arms folded, head tilted, eyes gleaming with malicious delight.
“Did your skeleton just surrender?” she asked sweetly.
Jake straightened up carefully, trying to pretend nothing had happened. “It was the wood.”
She walked closer, inspecting him like he was a fragile artifact. “Uh-huh. Sounded like your spine is in need for retirement.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Keep talking. See what happens.”
“Dad… should I call Mom? Or do I need to fetch grandmother? I think something just turned to dust in there.”
Or at least, he tried to.
The moment he pushed off his back foot—
She howled. Full-body laughter, clutching her stomach, nearly falling over.
“Oh no—” she gasped between laughs, pointing at him. “It’s contagious! It’s spreading! Rapidly aging as we speak.”
Jake tried to move again and winced just slightly, which only made it worse. “You are enjoying this way too much.”
She wiped at her eyes dramatically. “I can’t believe you tried to chase me. Dad, you need a warm-up routine. Maybe a nap. Maybe some soup.”
He straightened to full height, trying to salvage dignity. “I carried you on my shoulders for most of your life.”
“Feels like last season.” He stepped toward her again, slower this time.
She backpedaled instinctively. “Careful,” she teased, holding her hands up defensively. “Don’t want throw a hip out.”
“You are on very thin ice.”
“We live in a rainforest.”
He made a grab for her again — more successful this time — catching her by the forearm.
She squealed, twisting, but he hooked an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into a loose headlock.
“Say it again,” he warned.
She tried to wriggle free, laughing breathlessly. “You’re— you’re ancient—”
He tightened his hold slightly. “Ancient and still faster than you.”
He shifted his weight to pin her better.
She smirked up at him. “Careful. Your knees, they might break from over exertion.”
He barked a laugh despite himself and released her.
She stumbled back a step, still grinning.
“Admit it,” she said, folding her arms again. “You’re old.”
She squinted at him. “Mm. That sounded like something someone old would say.”
He rolled his eyes and turned back to the crate, bending carefully this time.
Behind him she stage-whispered loudly to Neteyam: “Someone get the old man a cane.”
Jake straightened instantly. “Okay, that’s it.”
He followed — slower, but determined — and she darted around a tree, laughing as he gave chase.
His back gave one last small protest.
Because even if his bones cracked—
He could still catch her… he’d make sure to catch her so she wouldn’t have a need to tease him.
(Y/n) is about newborn age
The night was quiet in the Sully home.
The jungle beyond the woven walls murmured softly with the sounds of Pandora—distant insects, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, the quiet breathing of the forest that never truly slept. But inside the hut everything was warm, dim, and still.
Jake lay on his side, awake. He had been awake for a while. Sleep refused to come when something far more important had captured all of his attention.
His precious, new, daughter.
His eyes were fixed on the small bundle resting in Neytiri’s arms.
Neytiri slept on her side, one arm curved protectively around their newborn, the other tucked beneath her head. Even in sleep she held their daughter close, her instincts refusing to loosen their grip. Every now and then Neytiri’s tail flicked slightly, the subtle movement of a mother who could sense every shift in the room.
Between her arms was the smallest Na’vi Jake had ever seen.
Sometimes he could barely believe it. Jake’s chest tightened every time he looked at her.
She was barely bigger than his forearm. Tiny fingers rested against Neytiri’s chest, curled loosely like she had simply decided the world was comfortable enough to sleep through for now.
He couldn’t stop watching her.
He had stared down death more times than he could count.
None of that compared to this. This feelings that his baby now relied on him. That he was a father now and his job was to protect her, this tiny little person who had somehow taken his entire heart and squeezed it.
Jake shifted slightly, careful not to make the sleeping mat rustle.
His eyes drifted to Neytiri’s hands. Still wrapped around their daughter. Still holding her.
Jake’s brow furrowed slightly.
Well… He could do that too.
In fact— His hands were bigger.
Way bigger. Which meant he could probably keep their baby warmer.
And if he was being honest…
His pumpkin loved cuddles and he loved giving his pumpkin cuddles because she was just the cutest and most precious thing.
He watched the two of them for another minute, debating with himself.
On one hand, Neytiri looked peaceful.
On the other hand… He really wanted to hold his daughter.
A small cuddle wouldn’t hurt.
Jake slowly reached forward, moving like someone trying to steal treasure from a sleeping dragon.
Very carefully… very slowly…
He slipped his fingers under Neytiri’s wrist. Her grip loosened slightly in her sleep.
He gently lifted one of her hands away from the baby. Then the other.
His movements were slow, cautious, like he was disarming a bomb.
The moment Neytiri’s arms loosened, Jake moved.
Quick—but still careful. He scooped the tiny bundle into his arms and pulled her against his chest.
(Y/n) stirred. Her tiny face scrunched slightly as she woke for a few seconds, blinking slowly at the world like she wasn’t quite sure why it had interrupted her sleep.
Her eyes barely opened before she let out a small sleepy sound.
His entire body locked up like a soldier waiting for incoming fire.
(Y/n) looked up at him with sleepy confusion.
Then— She yawned. A tiny, big baby yawn. And promptly fell back asleep.
Jake’s entire body relaxed.
He grinned down at her, whispering softly. “Yeah… that’s right.”
He brushed his thumb gently across the top of her head. “It’s your daddy’s turn for cuddles, my little munchkin.”
She made another tiny sleepy noise but didn’t wake.
Jake shifted until he was laying on his side the same way Neytiri had been.
One arm curved beneath the baby. The other rested protectively over her.
He tucked her close to his chest. She fit perfectly in the cradle of his hand.
Her warmth spread across his chest.
Jake stared down at her again.
Her tiny ears twitched occasionally. Her breathing was soft and steady. One little hand rested against his chest, fingers barely curling against his skin.
His heart did something strange in his chest. It swelled. Fluttered. Like it might burst.
He had never felt anything like this. Not even close.
Carefully, Jake leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head. “My little pumpkin…”
He whispered the words like they were the most important thing he had ever said.
For a long moment he simply lay there, watching her sleep.
Listening to the tiny rhythm of her breathing. Feeling the warmth of her small body tucked against his.
Outside, the jungle continued its endless whisper.
Inside, the Sully home was peaceful.
Jake closed his eyes, holding his daughter just a little closer. And with his baby girl tucked safely in his arms… Jake Sully drifted off to sleep.
The happiest man in the world.
RIP (Y/n) you will be missed
The day (y/n) became taller than Neytiri
Neytiri had always been taller than her daughter.
For years it had been that way.
When (y/n) was small she had to tilt her head back just to look up at her mother. Neytiri could rest her chin on the top of her daughter’s head. She could guide her by the shoulders, scold her properly, loom when necessary.
It was the natural order of things.
But lately… Something had changed.
Neytiri stood in the clearing watching her daughter speak with Neteyam and Lo’ak, arms crossed as she observed them from a distance.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
(Y/n) stood straight, shoulders broad, posture confident. The girl—no, the young woman—had grown into her limbs with the grace of a hunter. Long legs, strong arms, and a height that now rivaled many of the warriors in the clan.
Had to look up. She did not like it. Not even a little.
The moment had first happened earlier that morning when (y/n) had stepped close during a conversation and Neytiri had instinctively lifted her chin to meet her daughter’s gaze.
The realization had hit her like an arrow. Her daughter was taller.
Neytiri had stared at her for a long moment afterward, eyes narrowing in quiet suspicion like perhaps (y/n) had somehow grown overnight just to spite her.
Now later that afternoon, the two of them stood outside the family hut while Neytiri was deep into one of her familiar lectures. “You leave before the sun rises, you return after dark, you forget to eat—”
“You picked at your food,” Neytiri corrected sharply.
(Y/n) sighed, shifting her weight as Neytiri continued pacing slightly in front of her.
Neytiri stopped pacing and turned back toward her daughter. “You think because you are grown you no longer need guidance?”
(Y/n)’s lips twitched. That was a dangerous expression.
(Y/n) stepped forward slightly.
And then— She reached out.
And patted Neytiri on the head.
A soft, gentle, completely disrespectful little pat. “Calm down, mother dearest.”
Silence. Utter silence followed.
Neytiri froze. Her ears flattened. Her tail went rigid. Her eyes slowly lifted to meet her daughter’s face.
(Y/n)’s grin vanished instantly. “…Uh oh.”
Neytiri’s voice came out low. Dangerously calm.
“Did You just… pat my head.”
(Y/n) took one slow step backwards.
“You… speak to me like I am a child.”
“And you tell me… to calm down.”
(Y/n) turned. And bolted.
She took off across the clearing like lightning.
Behind her— Neytiri exploded into motion.“GET BACK HERE!”
The clan barely had time to react as the two of them tore through the village.
(Y/n) ran like her life depended on it. Because it very well might.
She darted around huts, leapt over a cooking pit, slid around startled clan members who jumped out of the way as Neytiri chased her with the fury of an enraged thanator.
Jake looked up just in time to see his daughter sprinting toward him at full speed.
Her braids flying behind her. Eyes wide. “Dad!”
Jake blinked. “Why are you running like an angry thanator is after—”
(Y/n) dove behind him instantly, grabbing his shoulders and using him like a shield.“Dad save me!”
Neytiri stormed toward them like a thundercloud.
Jake scratched the back of his head nervously. “…What’d you do?”
(Y/n) clung tighter to his back. “I made a small mistake.”
“What kind of small mistake?”
“I patted her on the head.”
Jake went completely still. “…You did what.”
Neytiri was almost there now.
Jake could see the murder in her eyes. He reacted instantly. Jake grabbed his daughter and shoved her fully behind him like a protective barrier. “Okay— alright— let’s just—”
Neytiri stopped a few steps away, breathing hard, eyes blazing.
Jake held up his hands defensively. “Let’s all calm down for a second—”
Behind him, (y/n) whispered desperately. “Don’t let her take me.”
Jake glanced over his shoulder briefly. “…Kid you might deserve this one.”
Neytiri took another step forward.
Jake shifted slightly, blocking her path again. His tail flicked nervously. “Hey now… let’s talk this out…”
Behind him, (y/n) peeked around his shoulder.“Please save me.”
Jake sighed heavily. “…I’m gonna regret this.”
He squared his shoulders. And tried to look brave.“Neytiri… honey…love of my life….”
Her eyes narrowed. “Yes?”
Jake slowly gestured behind him. “She’s still technically our baby.”
Behind him (y/n) whispered again “Dad please don’t let her kill me.”
Jake winced. “…I am doing my best.”
Neytiri’s tail lashed. “Move.”
Jake stayed exactly where he was.
“We may be dead here kid,” he whispered to his daughter. Jake planted his feet firmly in the dirt.
Behind him, (y/n) had a death grip on the back of his shoulders, practically glued to him like he was the last tree standing in a storm.
Across from them stood Neytiri. Arms crossed.Tail lashing slowly behind her. Eyes narrowed in a way that would make even seasoned warriors reconsider their life choices.
Jake cleared his throat. “Neytiri… sweetheart…”
Her gaze shifted to him. It did not soften. Not even a little.
Behind him, (y/n) whispered urgently. “Don’t call her sweetheart right now.”
Jake whispered back out of the side of his mouth. “I am trying diplomacy.”
“You are going to get us both killed.”
Jake ignored her. He raised his hands slightly in a calming gesture. “Okay. Let’s just take a breath here.”
Neytiri took one step forward.
Jake immediately took one step back. Which unfortunately meant (y/n) had to shuffle backward with him like a terrified shadow.
Neytiri’s eyes flicked between them. Her voice came low and dangerous. “She insulted me.”
Jake nodded quickly. “Right. Absolutely. That was— that was not great.”
Behind him (y/n) muttered. “It was a little funny.”
Jake elbowed her backward without looking. “Not helping.”
Neytiri’s ears flattened. “She patted my head like I am a child.”
Jake nodded again. “Yep. Yep that’s bad. Very bad. Super disrespectful.”
Neytiri lifted her chin slightly. “And then she runs.”
Jake glanced over his shoulder briefly. “Well… you did start chasing her.”
“She deserved to be chased.”
Behind him (y/n) whispered again. “I really didn’t.”
Jake sighed. Then he tried another tactic. He straightened slightly and gave Neytiri his most reasonable expression. “Look… how about we just… let it go?”
Jake continued quickly. “I mean she knows she messed up. Right?” He jerked his thumb behind him.
(Y/n) peaked around his shoulder and nodded vigorously. “So much. Huge mistake.”
Jake turned back to Neytiri. “And I’ll make sure she never does it again.”
Neytiri’s gaze flicked past him.
(Y/n) immediately raised a hand. “I swear. No more head pats.”
Jake nodded firmly. “See? Problem solved.”
Neytiri did not move. Did not blink.
Jake swallowed slightly. “…And I’ll make it up to you.”
Now her head tilted slightly.
Jake pressed forward. “Whatever you want.”
Behind him (y/n) froze. “Dad.”
Jake ignored her. “You want something done? I’ll do it.”
Neytiri’s tail stopped moving.bHer eyes slowly narrowed.
Jake suddenly felt like he had just stepped into a trap.
Behind him (y/n) whispered urgently.b“Dad.”
He still ignored her.b“I mean it,” Jake continued bravely. “Anything.”
Neytiri’s gaze locked onto him now.bSlow. Calculating.
Jake suddenly felt a chill crawl up his spine.
“Oh no,” (y/n) whispered behind him.
Jake gave a nervous chuckle. “Within reason of course—”
Jake immediately shut up.
Jake stayed still this time.
Her golden eyes never left his.b“You promise… anything.”
Behind him (y/n) whispered again. “Dad don’t.”
Jake glanced at her briefly.
She shook her head rapidly.
Jake looked back at Neytiri.b“…Yes?”
Her expression didn’t change.bBut something very dangerous sparked in her eyes.
Jake felt the exact moment he realized he had made a mistake.bA very large mistake.
Behind him (y/n) slowly leaned closer to his ear.“You just sold your soul.”
Jake sighed quietly.b“…Yeah.”
Neytiri stood there for another long moment. Her golden eyes moved between the two of them—Jake standing firm like a very nervous wall, and (y/n) half-hidden behind him like a child who had absolutely learned nothing.
Then, without another word, Neytiri turned.
Just… turned. And walked away. Her tail flicked once behind her as she disappeared between the huts.
Silence lingered in the clearing for several seconds.
Jake didn’t move. Didn’t breathe.
Behind him, (y/n) also stayed perfectly still. They both listened to Neytiri’s retreating footsteps.
Waiting.bJust in case she changed her mind.
When the sound finally faded completely, (y/n) slowly leaned around Jake’s shoulder to check.
No angry Na’vi mothers. No incoming death.
She exhaled dramatically.n“Oh thank Eywa…”
Jake finally relaxed. His shoulders dropped as the tension drained from his body.
(Y/n) stepped out from behind him and stretched her arms slightly.n“Thanks dad.”
Jake turned slowly to face her. He stared at her for a moment.bThen he crossed his arms.b“Kid…”
He tilted his head. “Why did I just save you?”
(Y/n) immediately gave him the most tragic, exaggerated sad eyes she could possibly muster. The kind that had worked on him since she was small. She clasped her hands together dramatically.b“Because you love me.”
“And you don’t want mom to pluck my eyes out.”
Jake huffed out a laugh despite himself.
“Yeah… that’s a fair point.” He reached out and grabbed her by the shoulder, pulling her into a quick, firm hug.
(Y/n) hugged him right back.
Jake squeezed her once before releasing her.“Yeah I do love you.” Then he pointed a finger at her. “But you need to stop testing your mother’s patience.”
(Y/n) grinned sheepishly.
Jake shook his head. “I’m serious. One day you’re gonna push her too far.”
He hooked a thumb over his shoulder in the direction Neytiri had gone.“And I might have to abandon you to your fate.”
(Y/n)’s eyes widened in mock horror. “You wouldn’t.”
The exact same look he used when she was little and had absolutely pushed her luck too far.“If it’s life or death, pumpkin…”
He crossed his arms again. “I might have to.”
(Y/n) gasped dramatically. “Betrayal.”
Jake smirked. “Self-preservation.”
She nudged his shoulder. “You’d save me.”
Jake shrugged. “Depends.”
He leaned slightly closer. “How mad your mom is.”
(Y/n) groaned “You are the worst.”
Jake grinned “Yet somehow still your favorite parent.”
(Y/n) paused. Then muttered under her breath.“Don’t tell mom but yeah.”
Jake barked out a laugh. “Smart kid.”
They stood there for another moment before Jake suddenly remembered something. His grin slowly faded. “…Oh no.”
Jake rubbed the back of his neck. “I just promised your mom anything she wants.”
(Y/n)’s expression shifted instantly.“Oh.”
Jake sighed. “Yeah.” (Y/n) patted his shoulder sympathetically. “Well… good luck with that.”
Jake narrowed his eyes. “You are not allowed to be amused.”
(Y/n) backed away slowly, already smiling.n“Sounds like a you problem dad.”
Jake pointed at her again. “You started this!”
(Y/n) turned and began walking off casually.“Love you!”
Jake called after her. “You are lucky I love you!”
Her voice drifted back toward him. “I know!”
Jake shook his head, muttering to himself as he watched her disappear. “…I’m gonna regret this.”
The crying had started hours ago.
Soft at first. Just a little fussing in the basket near the sleeping mat.
But by the time the sun began to dip behind the trees, the fussing had turned into full, miserable wailing.
Baby (y/n) was not happy. Not even a little.
She kicked her tiny legs, little fists clenched tight as she cried with all the power a baby could manage.
Neytiri lifted her gently from the basket. “It is alright, little one,” she murmured softly.
She rocked her. Paced slowly across the hut.
Neytiri tried humming softly.
The baby only wailed louder.
Neytiri frowned slightly and bounced her a little.
Mo’at had even stopped by earlier to check on the child. “She may simply be restless,” she said.
But hours later the crying still hadn’t stopped. (Y/n)’s tiny face was red now, her little body wriggling as she sobbed.
Neytiri adjusted her grip again, gently rubbing small circles on the baby’s back. “You are fed. You are warm.”
Still crying. She tried laying the baby back down. (Y/n) wailed immediately.
Neytiri picked her back up again.
Outside, the light faded into evening. And the crying continued.
The sound of footsteps approached the mauri.bThe flap opened.bJake stepped inside, tired from the hunt.
He had barely gotten both feet in the doorway before— The baby cried louder than before.
He set down his gear quickly. “What’s going on?”
Neytiri looked up at him with mild exhaustion. “She has been crying for hours.”
Jake’s eyes widened. “Hours?”
(Y/n) let out another sob.
Jake stepped closer. “Hey hey…” He reached out and took the baby carefully from Neytiri’s arms.
The moment she felt the shift—nThe crying faltered.
Jake tucked her gently against his chest. “Alright pumpkin… what’s all this about, huh?”
(Y/n) hiccupped. Her little face scrunched again.
Jake adjusted his hold and bounced her slightly.“Dad just got home.”
She made a small whimper.
Then— She nuzzled her tiny face into his chest. The crying slowed.
Jake rocked her gently.b“There you go.”
Her little hands grabbed the front of his chest piece . Jake chuckled softly. “Yeah… that’s it.”
Within seconds the crying stopped completely.
(Y/n) let out one last sleepy little hum. Then went quiet.
Jake glanced down. She had already relaxed against him, her breathing soft and steady.
He gently brushed a finger across her tiny head.“Guess she just needed her dad.”
Neytiri watched the scene with crossed arms and an amused flick of her tail. “She cried for hours.”
Jake looked mildly proud. “Yeah?” He rocked the baby a little closer against his chest.
(Y/n) made a soft content little sound.
Jake grinned. “Kid just missed me.”
Neytiri huffed quietly but couldn’t hide the small smile.
Jake continued gently swaying with the baby tucked securely against him. “Next time just send someone to drag me home sooner.”
(Y/n) snuggled deeper into his chest.
Jake looked down at her and murmured softly— “There you go, pumpkin.”
The next days started the same way. And Neytiri noticed.
Because once again— Baby (y/n) was crying Not the small sleepy fussing kind. Full volume. Red face. Little fists clenched. The kind of crying that echoed through the mauri and made anyone nearby wince in sympathy.
Neytiri stood in the center of the mauri holding her daughter, gently bouncing her. “It is alright,” she murmured.
(Y/n) wailed louder. Neytiri shifted her on her shoulder.b“You are fed.”
(Y/n) sobbed dramatically.
Her tiny lip pushed forward in that unmistakable baby pout.
Neytiri narrowed her eyes slightly. “…Ah.”
She knew that pout.bShe had seen it before.bYesterday.
The moment Jake had walked through the door.
Neytiri stared at her daughter thoughtfully.b“You are doing this on purpose.”
(Y/n) hiccupped.bThen cried again.
If the child wanted her father so badly…
Minutes later— Jake was standing near the training area speaking with a few warriors when he heard hurried footsteps.
He turned just in time to see Neytiri approaching. And she was carrying a very unhappy baby.
(Y/n) immediately spotted him. Her crying hit a new peak. Her tiny arms stretched toward him desperately.Her little lip quivered.
Jake’s heart melted instantly.“Oh hey pumpkin—”
Before he could finish—Neytiri placed the baby directly into his arms.
Jake barely had time to catch her.“Whoa—”
(Y/n) immediately latched onto the front of his chest piece like she had been rescued from the worst tragedy imaginable. Her crying dropped instantly into little hiccuping whines.
Jake blinked.b“Hey hey… it’s okay.”bHe instinctively began rocking her.b“Dad’s here.”
Neytiri handed him something.
Jake blinked again.b“…What’s this for?”
Neytiri’s voice was calm.b“She wants you.”
(Y/n) was already nuzzling her face into his chest, little fingers gripping his chest piece tightly.
Her crying had almost completely stopped.
Jake smiled softly. “Yeah… looks like it.”
Neytiri folded her arms briefly.b“She has done this all morning.”
Jake looked mildly impressed. “Shes been waiting for me?”
Neytiri’s tail flicked. “Impatiently.”
Jake chuckled quietly and adjusted the baby more comfortably against him. “There you go.”
(Y/n) made a tiny satisfied little hum
Jake looked up again. “So… the sling?”
Neytiri stepped closer and placed it in his hands. “You will carry her.”
Jake opened his mouth. Then closed it.
Because Neytiri was already stepping away. “I am going to have peace and quiet.”
Jake stared.b“…You’re leaving?”
Neytiri nodded once. “Yes.”
Jake looked down at the baby.
(Y/n) was happily grabbing his chest piece again, completely calm now that she had her father.
Jake looked back up. “…For how long.”
Neytiri began walking away. “Until she deviate wants her mother.”
Jake watched her leave. Then he looked down at his daughter again.
She blinked up at him with big happy eyes. Completely content.
He began tying the sling around himself. “You played that pretty well, kid.”
(Y/n) made a soft little baby noise.
Jake secured the sling and tucked her carefully against his chest.
She immediately curled into him like she had been waiting for it all day Jake shook his head. “…You got your mom’s patience, she’d give hours to you, whatever you needed.”
Then he gently bounced her. “But you definitely got your dad wrapped around your finger—yes, you can have whatever you want.”
It had been an ordinary afternoon.
The village was calm, the air warm, the sound of children playing drifting across the clearing while hunters prepared gear nearby. Jake walked along the path with his toddler daughter perched comfortably in his arms.
(Y/n) was at that stage where she never wanted to walk when she could be carried. And Jake rarely said no. She sat on his hip, one arm looped lazily around his neck while the other hand played with his hair.
Jake talked to her absentmindedly as he walked.“You’re getting heavier, kid.”
She hummed happily and tugged his hair.
“Yeah yeah, I know.” He adjusted his grip slightly.
That was when she started wriggling. At first it was just the normal toddler shifting. Then she twisted harder.
Jake tightened his hold automatically. “Hey—easy.”
But she had decided she wanted down. She leaned back suddenly.
Jake’s grip slipped. “Whoa—!” He tried to grab her again.
But toddler limbs were slippery and unpredictable. She slipped through his grasp. And tumbled.
Just from his arms to the ground.
But the moment she landed— She cried. A loud, shocked wail burst from her tiny chest.
Jake’s heart nearly stopped. “Oh god—!”
He dropped to his knees instantly and scooped her up. “Hey hey hey—!”
His voice was panicked now. “Pumpkin—hey—”
She clung to him immediately, still crying, her little face buried into his chest.
Jake checked her arms. Her legs. Her head. “Are you hurt?”
Jake’s mind immediately jumped to the worst possible conclusions. “Oh no no—”
He stood quickly and began moving through the village. “Mo’at!”
People turned as he hurried past.
The panic in his voice was obvious.
Mo’at was near the healing area when Jake arrived. “I dropped her.” He placed (Y/n) carefully into Mo’at’s arms, his own hands shaking slightly.“She fell—she slipped—I tried to catch her—”
Mo’at raised a calm hand. “Jake.”
The baby was still whining softly now, a big pout on her face. Her little arms stretched immediately toward her father again.
Jake hovered nervously beside them as Mo’at examined her.
Mo’at gently checked her limbs. Her head. Her back.
The toddler sniffled dramatically the whole time, reaching for Jake.
Mo’at finally looked up. “She is fine.”
“She is simply frightened.”
(Y/n) made a sad little whine, her lip trembling as she reached toward him again.
Mo’at passed her back to him. “She is has a tendency for theatrics.”
Jake hesitated before taking her. “…I dropped her.”
Mo’at gave him a patient look. “And she was startled.”
Jake slowly gathered his daughter back into his arms.
She immediately tried burying her face into his chest again, clinging tightly to his chest piece.bHer small sniffles continued.
Her eyes were glassy. Her lip trembled again.
And Jake felt like his heart was about to combust. “Oh kid…”
He brushed a gentle hand over the back of her head. “I’m so sorry.”
She sniffled softly and held onto him tighter.
Jake kissed the top of her head. “Dad’s got you.” He still looked shaken as he turned to leave.
He bounced her slightly. “You can have anything you want.”
Her sad little face stayed pressed into his chest.
Jake continued walking through the village, murmuring to her quietly.
“You want dad to carry you all day?” She nodded into his chest
Mo’at watched them go, shaking her head slightly.
Jake Sully walked away looking like the most guilty father on Pandora— While the very unharmed toddler sniffled dramatically against his chest.
The afternoon sun filtered through the trees in soft golden streaks, lighting the clearing where Jake had set up a few targets made of woven bark and leaves.
The bow in (y/n)’s hands was bigger than the training one she usually used. Not by much.
But enough. Enough that stringing it properly was a struggle for small arms still growing into their strength.
Jake crouched on the ground in front of her, holding the bow steady while adjusting the string. “Alright,” he said, voice calm and patient. “You see where the loop sits right here?” He hooked the string back into place and pulled it taut to show her. “You gotta keep pressure on the limb while you slide it into the notch. If you just try pulling it straight you’ll lose tension.”
The bow had gone slack halfway through her attempt, and now he was walking her through fixing it. “Watch your grip when you do it,” he continued. “Your wrist’s gotta stay steady or it’ll snap back on you.”
He glanced over his shoulder.n“You following me?” He felt something flop across his back. Two small arms wrapped around his neck. A small weight settled comfortably against him. Her cheek pressed against the top of his head.
Jake shook his head. “…Are you even paying attention?” he asked.
Her voice came from right beside his ear. “Maybe.”
Jake huffed quietly. “Kid.”
She tightened her arms around him, her chin resting on his head. “Can’t you just do it for me?”
Jake shook his head gently. “No, baby girl.” He adjusted the string again. “You have to learn to do it yourself.”
Clearly not concerned with the lesson.
Jake tried again. “You’re not always gonna have someone around to fix your gear.”
She shifted slightly on his back. “But you’re here.”
Jake smiled faintly at that. “Yeah.” He pulled the string tight and checked the tension. “But that’s not the point.”
He could feel her cheek pressed against the top of his head again Comfortable. Content.
She wasn’t even trying to look at the bow anymore.
“Don’t you have anyone to play with?” He glanced back slightly. “You should spend the day having fun with your friends.”
For a moment she was quiet. Then she said something so casually it almost sounded like nothing. “I thought you were my best friend, dad.”
His hands stopped moving completely. “…Come again?”
She shifted on his back like she had just said something obvious. “You’re my best friend.” Her voice was soft and certain. “So why do I gotta hang out with anyone else?”
Jake stared at the bow in his hands. But he wasn’t seeing it anymore. His chest tightened.
Hard. That simple little sentence hit him like a punch straight through his ribs.
His daughter. Eight years old. And she thought he was her best friend.
His throat tightened. Because all he could think about were the promises.
All the times he had told her later.
Later we’ll practice flying.
Later we’ll spend the day together.
He remembered the way she’d looked at him every time he said it. Bright. Trusting.
Believing him completely.
And how many of those “laters” had never happened.
How many times had she waited?
How many times had she gone to sleep disappointed because he had gotten busy.
Problems that always seemed more urgent.
He had broken that little heart more times than he wanted to admit.
Calling him her best friend. Jake felt his vision blur. Damn.
His chest tightened again. He swallowed hard and forced his hands to keep working on the bowstring.
Thank Eywa she was slung across his back. She couldn’t see his face. Because his eyes had filled with tears.
His daughter. Still believed he was her best friend. After all the times he hadn’t shown up. Jake blinked quickly, trying to clear his eyes without letting his voice change.
He pulled the string into place and secured it carefully. The bow was restrung Ready.
He sat there for a moment longer, breathing slowly until the tight feeling in his chest settled enough that he could speak normally.
Then he wiped the corner of his eye quickly with the back of his wrist.
He finished checking the bow and set it upright in the dirt.
“You want to go on a hunt?” he asked quietly.
Then her head lifted from his shoulder. “…Really?”
Jake turned slightly and looked back at her.
Jake smiled softly. “Yeah.”
He stood up slowly, letting her slide off his back.
Then he took her hand. Her small fingers wrapped around his immediately.
“Let’s go on a hunt then.”
Jake squeezed her hand gently. “And how about we go on a fly with Bob?”
“We’ll be deadly predators from above.”
Jake started walking with her toward the edge of the clearing.
And for once— There would be no later.
Night had settled over the village by the time Jake returned to the marui.
The hunt had been simple—nothing dramatic. Just enough tracking and flying to make an eight-year-old feel like the fiercest hunter on Pandora. (Y/n) had talked the entire way back, proudly describing how she would one day be the most dangerous hunter in the clan while Jake pretended to be appropriately impressed.
Curled on in her mat, one arm flung over her head, the bow she had practiced with earlier resting beside her like a treasured prize.
Jake stood in the doorway for a long moment, just watching her breathe. Every rise and fall of her chest made his own chest ache a little.
Eventually he stepped quietly outside.
Neytiri was sitting near the fire pit, finishing some work with a woven strap when he approached. She didn’t look up immediately. “You are staring at her again.”
Jake blinked. “…Was it that obvious?”
Neytiri tied off the last knot and set the strap aside. “You do it often.”
Jake sat down beside her with a long exhale, leaning his elbows on his knees.
For a moment he didn’t say anything.
Then Jake rubbed a hand down his face. “…She called me her best friend today.”
Neytiri looked over at him.
Jake let out a quiet laugh that didn’t sound very amused. “She just… said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.”
He shook his head slowly. “You’re my best friend, dad.” His voice cracked slightly as he repeated it. Jake stared at the ground. “And she meant it.”
His shoulders shifted as he tried to breathe around the sudden pressure in his chest. “Eight years old and she thinks I’m her best friend.”
Neytiri remained very still. Her face calm.
Jake swallowed hard. “Do you know how many times I’ve told that kid ‘later’?”
His voice dropped lower. “Later we’ll hunt.”
“Later we’ll go somewhere.”
He rubbed at his eyes roughly. “And then something else comes up.”
Clan problems. Training. Meetings. Responsibilities. “There’s always something more important.” Jake’s voice broke completely. “And she still thinks I’m her best friend.”
Tears slid down his face before he could stop them. He laughed weakly through it. “That kid…”
His chest shook as he wiped his eyes again. “…she has no idea how badly I’ve let her down.”
Neytiri watched him quietly.
Jake leaned forward, elbows on his knees, pressing his hands over his face. “I made promises to her I couldn’t keep.”
His voice muffled behind his hands.
Neytiri watched him quietly.
His voice cracked again. “Still says I’m her best friend.” Jake sat there crying silently now, shoulders shaking as the weight of it finally hit him fully.
That little girl still believed in him. Completely. Unconditionally. And the thought of breaking that trust again made his chest feel like it was splitting open.
Beside him, Neytiri watched for another moment. Her face perfectly composed. Then she said calmly,n“She is correct.”
Jake looked up, confused and red-eyed. “…What?”
Neytiri tilted her head slightly. “You are her best friend.”
Jake blinked at her. “I just told you I keep disappointing her.”
Neytiri shrugged lightly. “She does not see it that way.”
Jake sniffed, wiping his nose with the back of his hand. “That’s because she’s eight.”
Neytiri stood slowly. “She sees the father who listens to her complaints.”
“The father who fixes her bow.”
She stepped toward the marui. “The father who takes her flying when he has the time.”
Jake shook his head. “I should be doing more.”
Neytiri glanced back at him. “You will.”
Jake frowned slightly. “How do you know?”
Neytiri’s expression didn’t change. “Because now you are crying about it.”
Jake let out a weak laugh. “…Fair point.”
Neytiri stepped inside the marui.
Jake sat there for another moment. Then he glanced through the doorway at the sleeping form of his daughter.
And muttered quietly to himself, “…Best friend huh.”
His chest tightened again. But this time it came with a small smile.
Then— A soft shuffle behind him. Bare feet on woven mat. Jake glanced over his shoulder.
(Y/n) stood in the doorway, half-asleep. Her eyes barely open. Hair a mess. She yawned, small and quiet, rubbing one eye with the back of her hand.
Jake’s expression softened instantly.n“Hey…”
Just walked toward him slowly, like she was had no idea where she was going .
Jake didn’t move. He already knew what was about to happen.
She reached him. Paused for half a second.
Then— Flopped. Right across his lap. Curled into a small ball like she had done a thousand times before.
Her head rested against his thigh. Her arms tucked in.nHer body immediately going slack. Already drifting back to sleep.
Jake let out a quiet breath through his nose. “…Yeah.” His hand came up automatically, brushing gently through her hair.
Careful not to wake her again.
She made a small sleepy hum. Nuzzled slightly closer. And that was it. Out again.
Jake shook his head softly, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I almost forgot how this kid could be as clingy as glue.”
Neytiri stood just inside the doorway, watching them. Her arms folded loosely.
Jake kept brushing his fingers through (y/n)’s hair. Each pass slower than the last. “She just… attaches herself.”
His voice was quiet now. Fond.
Like he was remembering something he didn’t want to ever forget.
(Y/n) shifted slightly, pressing her face more into his leg.
Jake adjusted his posture so she’d be more comfortable.
One hand resting protectively across her back now. “…Doesn’t even wake up for it.”
Neytiri’s tail flicked once. “She never did.” Remembering the many times when she could never get her first infant daughter to settle and her father could. How their daughter could sleep through a storm as long as her father was there
Jake huffed a quiet laugh. “Yeah.” He looked down at her. Small. Curled up. Completely trusting. Like the safest place in the world was right there. With him.
Jake’s chest tightened again. But this time he didn’t fight it. His thumb brushed lightly over her hair. “She still does it.” Still always looked to her dad for comfort.
Neytiri stepped a little closer, looking down at their daughter. “…She always will.”
Jake didn’t answer right away. He just sat there.
One hand in her hair. One arm resting over her back. Keeping her clos . “…Good,” he said quietly.
He hoped his little girl would never change.
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