Still Don’t Know

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Latest Oneshot: What if (y/n) wore Tarsem's Hand Print into battle

Latest Gentle Hands Update: Chapter 22

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Disclosure: A/n: I do not use ai and never will. When I write I am locked in and am trying to write out a scene and get a mind blank for the best thing to call what the Navi wear so I default to shirt and leggings and go back and edit it… I forget to edit it but now you know what I mean.

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The Eldest

AO3 Link

Word count: 454,530

Born 12 months after the battle of Ayrum Alusing (y/n) is the first born daughter of Jake and Neytiri.

Chapter Summary (wip)

Summary of what happened in the chapters in case anyone is looking for a certain moment or just wants to quickly recap on what's

One Shots

Requests open: Whatever doesn’t make it into the main plot or if I think of it later will end up here

Considered to be cannon to the main story

The What if Series and Alt Endings

Not canon to the story

A bunch of what ifs that won’t or didn’t happen in the main story or in a oneshot, such as the human Sully family Au Alt endings such as swapping Neteyam’s death for (y/n)’s Ikran’s death will appear here

Avatar Frontiers of Pandora

(Y/n) will eventually go west and may eventually write some one shots based in the western regions of Pandora

Fan Art

Art from a bunch of talented artists from across tumblr about the eldest series and a bunch of interpretations about (y/n) and some really emotional art that will have you crying for days

Search #EldestFanart for more

The Survival Guides

Something I wrote for a bit of fun and what some characters recommend doing in oddly specific situations

Crossover and Collabs

When pumpkin's au and other mc's from other au's meet or cross paths (with permission of course)

Gentle Hands

AO3 Link

So'lek x fem!avatar driver reader What if a quiet xenozoologist and carer of sick and injured animals meets the last of the Trrong

Chapter Summary (wip)

Summary of what happened in the chapters in case anyone is looking for a certain moment or just wants to quickly recap on what's happened I'll even summarise a few AFOP characters and what's going on in terms of the main game for those not familiar with AFOP

Oneshots

Requests open: Canon to the story so did happen

J-IDK's Novel

They say death cannot be fought—only held at bay. A thousand years after the first cataclysm swallowed the North Eastern Lands, and eighty years since the second shattered the dwarven capital and left the sun stones dimming, the world stands on the edge of darkness once more. Only the long-lost Thraedard—keepers of the old runes, the only ones who know how to drive back the cataclysm—can restore the light. But when an ordinary pyxis unexpectedly awakens the power of runes, he is thrust into a desperate race against time: master a forgotten magic to reignite the failing stones, or find the last of the Thraedard before the light goes out… and the darkness finishes what it began.

photo of my sarentu glaring at Alma to express how I feel

Don’t worry there will be a moment when healer is going to throw hands

Especially when Alma tells healer “the closest she’s ever been to being Navi is sharing So’lek’s bed.”

Gentle Hands

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

Part 21 > Part 22 < Part 23

Two Faced

Tamtey's ikran descended through the canopy before landing lightly outside the Resistance base.

Nor was already waiting.

The older Sarentu folded his arms as Tamtey climbed down.

"How are things in the Upper Plains?"

Teylan answered before Tamtey had the chance.

"We managed to treat all the rescued animals."

A smile spread across his face.

"The Direhorses are already looking better."

"And one of the Soundblasts let me pat it."

Tamtey pulled a map from one of his satchels.

"I also tracked down two RDA hunting posts."

He pointed toward a pair of marks he'd made.

"I'm going after the source tomorrow."

Nor nodded once.

His expression remained unreadable. "Ri'nela is not with you?"

Tamtey shook his head.

"No."

"She stayed behind to help (Y/n) some more."

"I think she still had questions about medicines and how they work."

"When we left they were finishing another batch of medicines."

He smiled faintly.

"They were arguing over what tea to drink during their afternoon break."

Nor let out a quiet breath through his nose.

"Sky People's ways."

His head shook slowly.

"Sky People's medicine."

"I do not understand why she insists on learning from (y/n)."

Tamtey's smile faded.

"I think what matters is that those animals are getting help."

His voice remained calm. "You know that, Nor."

"You know (Y/n)."

Nor looked away.

"Her people are the reason those animals needed help in the first place."

"If her people had never come..."

"They would never have suffered."

Tamtey studied him for a moment.

"If you dislike her so much..."

His brow furrowed.

"Why have you spent the last few weeks helping at the sanctuary while she's been away?"

Nor had no answer.

The heavy doors to the Resistance base slid open.

Alma stepped outside in her avatar body.

The moment she saw Teylan, relief crossed her face.

"There you are."

She walked briskly toward him. "I've been worried sick."

Teylan smiled apologetically. "I've been at the Archipelago Field Lab."

"Helping (Y/n)."

"I was installing some more medical equipment so she can treat the animals better."

Alma's smile faltered almost imperceptibly. "I see."

She looked him over. "You're spending a great deal of time with her lately."

Teylan nodded enthusiastically. "She's teaching Ri'nela medicine."

"And she's teaching me more about animals and treating them."

"It's really interesting."

Alma folded her arms. "Teylan..."

Her voice remained gentle. Measured. "You have to remember something."

He tilted his head. "What?"

"(Y/n) isn't Na'vi."

The words hung between them.

Teylan blinked.

"So?"

"So..."

Alma chose her next words carefully.

Tamtey's expression darkened, his gaze sharpening as Alma spoke, though he held his tongue for the moment.

"She sees the world differently."

"She solves problems like a human."

"Because that is what she is."

Teylan frowned.

"But she lives as one of us."

"And she's So'lek's mate."

Alma nodded slowly. "I know."

"But that does not change where she comes from."

"She can never truly understand what it means to rebuild a people."

"What it means to carry the Sarentu forward."

Teylan looked unconvinced. "What about So'lek?"

"He teaches us."

"He trusts her."

"He loves her."

"He does." Alma didn't deny it. "But So'lek is Na'vi."

"He understands your traditions."

"Your stories."

"Your responsibilities."

She stepped a little closer. "(Y/n) can help wounded animals."

"She can make medicines."

"She can treat injuries."

"I won't deny that."

"But at the end of the day..."

Her expression hardened just slightly. "She is not Na'vi."

"And she cannot teach you how to be Sarentu."

Nor spoke before Teylan could. "She is right."

He folded his arms.

"(Y/n) is not Na'vi."

Nor's gaze shifted to Alma, something sharper settling behind his eyes.

"And neither are you, Alma."

Tamtey's jaw tightened. He looked between the two of them.

"No." His voice remained calm. "But she has done more for us than most."

Nor looked at him.

Alma's gaze hardened further, her patience thinning.

"You all need to be cautious around her."

Her voice lost some of its softness, becoming firmer. "I don't want any of you becoming dependent on someone like her."

Teylan blinked, confusion clear on his face. "Why?"

Alma hesitated only a moment before answering. "Because she's more manipulative than you think."

The words landed heavily.

Teylan's brow furrowed. "Manipulative?"

Alma nodded. "She controls those animals with food."

"She feeds them, so they keep coming back."

"So they rely on her."

Teylan stared at her, disbelief creeping into his expression.

"That's not—"

"That's nonsense, Alma." Tamtey cut in sharply.

"She has been nothing but kind to us."

Tamtey could see it then—the hesitation in Teylan’s eyes, the way Nor’s stance shifted ever so slightly. Alma’s words were taking root.

Alma noticed it too.

A faint, knowing look crossed her face.

"You see?" she said quietly, her gaze flicking between them. "It's already working on you."

Her attention settled back on Tamtey.

"But what has she really done for you?" she pressed.

"Outside of making you tea?"

Tamtey's jaw clenched.

Alma took a step closer, her voice lowering, almost instructive.

"You have much to learn about the world, Tamtey."

Her eyes held his, unwavering.

"Learning how to recognize someone as two-faced as (Y/n)..."

"...will come in time."

Tamtey let out a sharp breath, disbelief flashing across his face as he looked between them.

"You don't believe this, do you?"

His gaze landed on Nor first.

Nor shifted slightly, his jaw tightening. "It would not surprise me," he muttered, voice low. "If the nice act was fake."

Teylan's eyes widened. "You really think that?" he asked, looking at Nor. "You think (Y/n) is just pretending to be nice?"

Nor didn't answer immediately.

Alma did. "She's so desperate to become Na'vi," she said coolly, her gaze unwavering. "That she seduced So'lek."

"I just hope," Alma continued, her voice steady, "that sooner or later you all realize she isn't a nice person."

Teylan’s expression shifted, uncertainty giving way to something firmer as he looked at Alma.

"Are you sure?" he asked quietly.

She took a small step forward, her voice gaining strength. "Teylan… I've known you all longer than (Y/n)."

"I've always been there for you."

"I've always tried to do what’s best for everyone."

Her brow furrowed. "But has (Y/n) ever done anything like that?"

"Or does she just… get you all to help her tend to animals?"

The words hung in the air.

Tamtey’s head snapped toward her, disbelief flashing across his face.

Alma didn’t answer right away. But the faint, satisfied curve of her lips said enough.

Tamtey adjusted the strap across his shoulder.

"I'm heading to prepare for tomorrow's patrol."

He glanced toward Teylan. "You coming?"

Teylan looked between Alma...

...then toward the field lab in the distance, almost as though he wished he were still there.

After a long moment, he lowered his eyes.

"No."

"I'll stay."

Tamtey nodded once.

A flicker of disappointment crossed his face.

Then he turned and walked away without another word.\

"Tamtey."

Alma’s voice cut through the air, sharp enough to make him pause.

He stopped mid-step, shoulders tensing before he turned back, only halfway, as if reluctant to fully face her.

"What?"

Alma held his gaze, her expression firm now, stripped of any softness.

"You are Sarentu."

"You are meant to be establishing an alliance with the Zeswa."

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"Not indulging in the fantasy work of someone like (Y/n)."

Tamtey’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

Alma took a step closer.

"You can learn about animals later."

Her tone left no room for argument.

"But right now, your priority should be clear."

Her gaze hardened.

"Uniting the clans."

"Strengthening the resistance."

"And taking down the RDA."

Tamtey’s fingers curled slightly at his sides.

For a moment, it looked like he might argue.

Might push back.

But instead, he gave a short, stiff nod.

Then he turned away again—

—and this time, he didn’t stop.

Alma’s words echoed in Tamtey’s mind long after he had walked away.

Manipulative.

Two-faced.

His jaw tightened as unease settled deep in his chest.

(Y/n) wasn’t like that… right?

His thoughts tangled, doubt creeping in where certainty had once been.

He had seen her laugh with Ri’nela, patiently explaining herbs and mixtures.

He had watched her stay up late tending to injured animals, even when she was exhausted.

That wasn’t fake… was it?

Or had he just… not noticed?

His brow furrowed.

He wasn’t being naïve, was he?

(Y/n) wasn’t Na’vi.

That much was true.

And yet…

She fit in so easily.

Too easily?

His stomach twisted.

And So’lek…

Tamtey’s gaze dropped to the ground as he walked.

She hadn’t… seduced him, had she?

The thought made him flinch.

No.

That didn’t sound like her.

But Alma had sounded so certain.

So sure.

And Nor hadn’t disagreed.

The doubts pressed in, heavy and suffocating, until he couldn’t tell what he believed anymore.

By the afternoon, the field lab had fallen quiet.

Most of the animals were resting.

Others grazed peacefully in the open spaces surrounding the lab.

The Arrow Deer mother and her fawn remained close together beneath a tree, the little one never straying more than a few steps from its mother.

One of the Soundblast Colossus had wandered to the nearby stream where it stood knee-deep in the water.

The Direhorses looked considerably more comfortable than they had that morning.

For the first time since arriving, there was nothing demanding immediate attention.

Tamtey had eventually taken Teylan back to the Resistance.

Ri’nela had insisted on staying.

Now the two women sat side by side on the field lab steps.

A cool breeze drifted through.

The sort of afternoon that made it easy to sit and simply exist for a while.

Ri’nela held a cup of tea between both hands.

Her gaze wandered across the recovering animals. “I can see why you enjoy this work.”

(Y/n) followed her gaze. A small smile appeared. “It's rewarding.”

She rested her elbows on her knees.

“I also do not feel any pressure.”

“I do not have to worry about whether I am saying the right thing or doing the right thing.”

A Soundblast made a content rumbling noise somewhere nearby.

(Y/n)’s smile widened. “I can just help.”

Ri’nela nodded slowly.

“That is how I feel ever since I first came across you and your sanctuary.”

The young watched the Arrow Deer fawn stumble after its mother.

“Animals are the most innocent of creatures.”

“And the most honest.”

She took a sip of tea.

“They do not wear masks the way people do.”

(Y/n) hummed in agreement.

Then Ri’nela glanced sideways. “What started your love of animals?”

(Y/n) laughed softly. “A scruffy old ginger cat.”

Ri’nela blinked. “A cat?”

“You know what a cat is?”

“We learned about them in TAP.”

The answer caused the smile on (Y/n)’s face to soften. A little sadness touched her eyes. “His name was Mr Boggins.”

The memory immediately drew a quiet laugh from her. “He used to sit with me while I did my homework.”

Ri’nela shuffled a little closer. Interested. “What was he like?”

“Fat.”

Ri’nela snorted into her tea.

(Y/n) grinned. “He stole food.”

“Constantly.”

“He judged everyone.”

“He hated children.”

“He only liked me because I fed him.”

The healer’s smile grew more distant. More nostalgic. “But every afternoon he would sit beside me while I worked.”

She remembered how that old cat would curl against her side, purring softly as she tried to drown out the distant sounds of shouting and the sickening crack of a fist hitting the wall in another room.

Then Ri’nela’s gaze dropped to her tea. “I hated the school.”

Her voice had become quieter. Smaller. “We had no choice in what we learned otherwise they’d—”

(Y/n)’s hand settled over her arm.

Immediately stopping her. “You do not have to talk about it.”

Ri’nela fell silent.

(Y/n)’s grip tightened slightly. “I know what it is like having a past so terrible it feels unspeakable.”

The healer’s voice remained soft. “I understand, Ri’nela.”

The younger woman looked up. “Do you?”

(Y/n) nodded. “In a way.”

“I understand how you are feeling.”

Her thumb brushed against Ri’nela’s arm. “So you do not owe me an explanation.”

Ri’nela stared down into her tea. “Alma says we should talk about how TAP made us feel.”

The words sounded uncertain. “That we should let our past become our strength.”

She swallowed. “But it does not make me feel strong.”

Ri’nela’s fingers tightened around the cup.

Her voice dropped even further.

“Sometimes… thinking about it reminds me of all the people we’ve lost.”

Her gaze unfocused, as if she were seeing something far away.

“My best friend… Telisi included.”

“I feel bad trying to draw strength from something that destroyed so many people.”

Her grip trembled slightly. “So much was taken from all of us.”

She swallowed hard.

“This freedom. It feels as if I am… taking something that does not belong to me.”

Her shoulders curled inward. “As if I am forgetting them.”

"Because I'm now free and they died in that cold and horrible place."

“What else does Alma say?”

Ri’nela hesitated. Then sighed. “She says we should not be listening to you.”

(Y/n)’s eyes closed briefly. A long, tired breath escaped her.

Of course she did.

“That you are not Na’vi.”

Ri’nela looked uncomfortable repeating it.

“That you pay no mind to traditions.”

“The way of life.”

(Y/n) stared out toward the recovering animals.

The sight distracted her for a moment.

Then she looked back. “I am not trying to teach anyone how to be Na’vi.”

“I know.” Ri’nela looked down. “Alma thinks you are.”

The words came faster now. As though they had been waiting a long time. “She says you are like TAP.”

The statement clearly hurt her to repeat. “Using ways from Earth to help the Na’vi when the Na’vi do not need your help.”

Silence settled between them. The breeze stirred the grass.

(Y/n) finally spoke. “What do you think?”

Ri’nela’s answer arrived without hesitation. “She is wrong.”

Emotion immediately followed. “Ever since we escaped TAP it feels like there is a crushing weight on my shoulders.”

Her voice trembled.

“Because Alma expected us to bridge the gap between the Resistance and the clans.”

The tears appeared suddenly.Without warning. “To be like our Sarentu ancestors.”

“To rally the clans.”

“To unite people.”

The young woman wiped at her eyes.

Frustrated.

“But how?”

Her voice cracked. “How do we do that?”

(Y/n) immediately pulled her into a hug.

Ri’nela folded into her arms. The tears came harder.

“It is okay.” (Y/n) rubbed slow circles across her back. “It is okay.”

“How do we even be Sarentu?”

The words broke apart halfway through.

“I do not know how.”

Ri’nela clung tighter.

“All I know is that our people were storytellers and diplomats.”

“I do not know how to be diplomatic.”

A tear slid down her cheek.

“The only story I have to tell is one of tragedy.”

Her voice dropped to a whisper.

“I do not know how to be Sarentu.”

(Y/n) held her.

Simply held her.

Allowing the young woman space to cry. Space to grieve. Space to say things she had likely been weighing on her for awhile now.

“I think you are doing a great job.”

Ri’nela shook her head. “It does not feel like it.”

“I know.”

(Y/n)’s voice remained gentle. Patient. “Learn at your own pace.”

Another slow rub across her back. “It is okay.”

“It does not feel okay.”

(Y/n) was quiet for a moment. Thinking. Then a small smile appeared. “I have a happy story you can tell.”

Ri’nela sniffed. “Hm?”

“You can tell others how you learned to care for animals.”

“What?”

“Or perhaps the one hundred and one stories of the viperwolf pups.”

A watery laugh escaped Ri’nela.

(Y/n) smiled. “There are many stories worth telling.”

“Your past is part of you.”

“It is not all of you.”

Ri’nela listened carefully. Every word.

“I came from a rough background too.”

The admission surprised her. 

“I did not have a family.”

(Y/n)’s gaze drifted toward the horizon.

“I was passed through foster homes and group homes.”

Her smile faded slightly. “Each one worse than the last.”

Ri’nela stared at her. “You never talk about it.”

“There is not much to say.” (Y/n) shrugged. “It happened.”

The healer looked down at her hands. “Eventually I made a decision.”

Ri’nela wiped her eyes. “What was it?”

(y/n) smiled. “I chose to be kind.”

“I chose to help any innocent soul that crossed my path.”

Her eyes drifted toward the recovering animals. “To leave things a little better than I found them if I could.”

“And because I wanted to look after animals when I grew up.”

Ri’nela laughed through her tears. “You do understand.”

(Y/n) nodded. “Yes.”

She did.

She really did.

“I can see your struggles.”

The healer looked toward the distant horizon.

Thinking about the others.

“Tamtey is terrified of letting people down.”

“He throws himself at the RDA because he would rather get hurt than fail someone.”

“Nor carries pain so heavily that sometimes it cuts him as much as it cuts everyone else.”

“And Teylan…”

A fond smile appeared.

“Teylan is still learning that the unknown does not have to be frightening.”

Finally her eyes returned to Ri’nela.

“And you.”

The young Sarentu looked up.

“You remind me of myself.”

The admission caught Ri’nela off guard.

(Y/n) smiled softly. “When I was your age, all I had were my studies. I threw myself into academia to escape. I was unsure of myself—my capabilities, my intelligence, where I belonged… just like you.”

“When I first met you all. I didn't know whether I should say anything or not, even though I understand your pain .”

“I am not an expert.”

A small shrug followed.

“I’m not really qualified to give advice on childhood trauma or rebuilding your identity after losing everything, so please don’t take this too seriously.”

(Y/n)’s hand squeezed hers. “But I want to tell you what I wish someone had told younger me.”

Ri’nela’s eyes filled again.

The healer’s voice softened. “You will be okay.”

"You will be okay."

Ri’nela held onto her tighter.

And cried.

(Y/n) simply let her.

She didn't rush to fill the silence.

Didn't search for the perfect thing to say.

One hand rested against the back of Ri'nela's head.

The other rubbed slow circles across her back.

The younger woman cried until her breathing finally began to slow.

When she spoke again, her voice was hoarse. "You're much better to talk to than Alma."

(Y/n)'s hand paused for only a heartbeat before continuing its slow rhythm.

Her heart broke for the young Sarentu.

She remained quiet. Letting Ri'nela find the words at her own pace. "Alma was our teacher in TAP."

"The only adult who looked like us."

A sad smile flickered across her face.

"I remember thinking that meant she would understand."

Her fingers tightened in the fabric of (Y/n)'s top.

"But..." She swallowed. "Looking back..."

"It feels like she never really saw us."

The words became heavier. "As children."

"As frightened."

"As people."

"She only ever saw..."

Ri'nela searched for the right word. "What we were supposed to become."

"The Sarentu."

"The diplomats."

"The ones who were meant to unite everyone."

Another tear escaped despite her efforts. "But we were just children."

(Y/n) felt her own throat tighten.

Still she said nothing.

She knew Ri'nela wasn't finished.

"You've done more for us than she ever has."

Ri'nela laughed weakly through her tears.

"I still don't understand why she says you're a bad person."

Her eyes lifted to meet (Y/n)'s. "You're more of my teacher than she is."

The words landed heavily.

(Y/n) froze. Not knowing what to say.

Ri'nela continued before she had the chance.

"I wish Telisi could have met you." Her voice cracked around her friend's name. "I wish everyone could have."

Her gaze drifted toward the recovering animals grazing peacefully outside.

"They would've liked you."

"They would've loved this place."

A trembling smile appeared. "They would've loved the pups."

"They would've laughed at Tamtey getting bowled over by the Soundblast."

A watery laugh escaped her.

Then it disappeared just as quickly. "They never got the chance."

Silence settled between them once more.

The breeze stirred the long grass around the field lab.

One of the Arrow Deer called softly to its fawn.

Ri'nela leaned into the embrace again.

"You're the one person who doesn't expect anything from us."

She shook her head. "You don't need me to be a diplomat."

"You don't need me to fight a war."

"You don't need me to become someone important."

Another tear slipped free. "You just..."

A shaky breath. "You let me be me."

Her voice became barely more than a whisper. "You're the best person I've ever met."

(Y/n)'s vision blurred.

She blinked.

Once.

Twice.

It made no difference.

Warm tears slid silently down her own cheeks.

She was grateful Ri'nela couldn't see them.

Because hearing those words didn't make her feel proud. They made her wonder how little kindness Ri'nela must have been shown for something so simple to mean this much.

Her arms wrapped around the younger woman a little tighter.

"You don't have to become the perfect Sarentu," (Y/n) said quietly.

"You don't have to become who Alma imagined."

She brushed a loose braid away from Ri'nela's face. "You only have to become Ri'nela."

Her smile was small. Gentle.

"And I think she's already someone worth knowing." Ri'nela buried her face against (Y/n)'s shoulder again.

This time she cried more quietly.

(Y/n) held onto Ri'nela a little tighter, worry coiling deep in her chest.

What nonsense, what crushing expectations and anxieties had been forced onto these young Sarentu—fledglings who should have been allowed to grow, to stumble, to simply be?

The thought of it burned hot and sharp inside her, a quiet, simmering anger directed at those who had burdened them so heavily.

She was starting to get fed up with Alma's bullshit.

The afternoon sun had begun its slow descent by the time Tamtey's ikran landed outside the Archipelago Field Lab once more.

He climbed down quietly.

His thoughts had been loud the entire flight.

Alma's words refused to leave him alone.

You are Sarentu.

You are meant to unite the clans.

Not indulge in fantasy work.

Then Nor.

She is not Na'vi.

He had spent so much time life trying to become what everyone else expected.

A diplomat.

A warrior.

The one who could convince clans to stand together.

The one willing to throw himself at the RDA if it meant somebody else made it home.

But...

When was the last time somebody had simply asked how he was?

Not how the negotiations went.

Not whether another base had fallen.

Just...

Tamtey... are you okay?

His footsteps slowed.

His mind drifted elsewhere.

He remembered the sanctuary.

The day (Y/n) had simply pulled him into a hug.

No questions. No expectations. Just kindness.

He hadn't realised how much he'd needed it until she'd let go.

Without really thinking about it, his feet had carried him back here.

He found them sitting exactly where he'd expected.

On the steps outside the field lab.

Ri'nela's head rested comfortably in (Y/n)'s lap.

The healer's fingers slowly combed through her hair.

Ri'nela looked exhausted. The kind of tired that came after crying until there was nothing left.

Tamtey didn't say anything.

He simply walked over.

Sat down beside them.

Then, almost absent-mindedly, lowered his head onto (Y/n)'s shoulder.

(Y/n) closed her eyes for the briefest moment.

A tiny, hidden breath escaped her.

Another Sarentu having a rough day.

Without a word she draped one arm around Tamtey's shoulders.

Her other hand never stopped moving through Ri'nela's hair.

Neither of them had to ask for comfort. She simply gave it.

"What is the matter?" she asked quietly.

Tamtey stared out at the scenery ahead. "You aren't... two-faced..."

"...right?"

(Y/n) blinked. "I do not think so."

He let out a quiet laugh.

One completely without humor.

"Alma stopped me outside the Resistance," he began, voice tight. "She said… she said you're not Na'vi. That no matter what you do, you can't truly understand us. That you shouldn't be the one guiding the Sarentu."

His hands clenched slightly in his lap.

"And Nor—he agreed with her. He said we shouldn't be taking advice from someone who isn't one of us. That we need to rely on our own people."

Tamtey swallowed hard.

"Teylan didn't say anything. He just… stayed behind with them."

His gaze dropped.

"It felt like… like everything I've been trying to do was suddenly wrong. Like I shouldn't have been going to you at all."

His voice grew quieter.

"And it made me feel… confused. Because you've helped us. You care. But the way they said it… it made it sound like none of that mattered."

He exhaled shakily. "I didn't know who I was supposed to agree with anymore."

(Y/n) listened without interrupting once.

When he finally fell silent, another question slipped out.

"So..." His voice had become much smaller. "Is that all everyone sees when they look at me?"

He swallowed.

"A diplomat."

"A warrior."

"The one who takes down RDA bases."

His shoulders sagged. "I want to be more than that."

(Y/n)'s arm tightened around him. "Alma?"

Tamtey nodded. "Alma."

Another long silence settled.

"And nobody ever checks if I'm okay."

His eyes remained fixed on the horizon. "If I die taking down one of those bases..."

The words caught in his throat. "...will anyone even notice that I'm gone?"

He forced himself to continue. "Or will they just miss having somebody who could destroy another base?"

(Y/n)'s heart sank. "Do not think like that." She spoke gently. Firmly. "Of course you would be missed."

She smiled sadly. "Ri'nela would miss you."

"Teylan would miss you."

She glanced toward the Resistance.

"Even Nor would miss you."

Her eyes returned to him. "I would miss you."

Tamtey's jaw trembled.

(Y/n) reached over and rested her hand against his forearm.

"You are far more than a diplomat."

"Far more than a warrior."

A smile touched her face. "You are bright." "You make people laugh."

"You care."

"You throw yourself into danger because you hope somebody else will not have to."

She squeezed his arm gently.

"You do not fight because you enjoy it."

"You fight because you want change."

"You bring people together from your willingness to help, not because you take down bases."

"You take the time to aid all that come across your path."

"It is not always about fighting the RDA."

"Sometimes it is investigating strange sounds."

"Sometimes it is helping a weaver find her confidence again."

She smiled softly.

"Have you heard about that?" Tamtey asked.

"When Nefika stops by, she tells me everything."

"And not once has she spoken about you destroying a base."

"She speaks about the lives you have touched along the way."

Her smile softened. "That says far more about the kind of man you are than any alliance you make."

"Or any RDA base you destroy."

Tamtey stared at the ground. "But..."

(Y/n)'s expression softened further, her voice dropping to something almost fragile.

"Tamtey… your life is being held together by the medicines I keep making just to keep you standing after everything you've endured in such a short time."

Her hand tightened gently around his arm.

"You have given so much of yourself already."

Her gaze met his, unwavering. "You are more than what Alma expects of you."

Tamtey took a slow breath, steadying himself.

"They're wrong," he said quietly, but with a certainty that hadn't been there before.

His fingers curled slightly against his knees. "They're wrong about you."

He lifted his head just enough to meet her eyes. "And they're wrong about what I need to be doing."

His voice didn't waver this time. "I know what it feels like when someone is pretending."

A faint, almost sad smile touched his lips. "You've never pretended with me."

He shook his head gently.

"If anyone is two-faced, it's Alma."

His voice tightened slightly. "All she wants from me is the diplomat TAP tried to turn us into. The diplomat the Resistance needs to fight back."

He exhaled slowly. "You always ask if I'm okay."

A faint, tired smile touched his lips. "Making tea is your way of checking I'm okay."

His gaze dropped. "Alma never does that."

He exhaled, tension easing from his shoulders. "I don't need someone who fits perfectly into what a Sarentu is supposed to be."

His voice dropped, quieter but stronger. "I need someone who sees me."

"You've never told me what I should be."

"You've never made me feel like I had to earn your kindness."

His voice grew quieter. "You just... care."

He looked down at his hands.

"I think..." He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "...I think that's what family feels like."

(Y/n)'s eyes filled before she could stop them. She reached over without a word. Pulled him into another hug.

Tamtey held onto her tightly.

"Can I stay here for a little while?" he asked quietly.

(Y/n) didn't hesitate. "Stay as long as you need."

He let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding and rested his head against her shoulder.

Her arm tightened around him instinctively.

Within moments, his breathing slowed. Evened out. He had fallen asleep.

Spent.

(Y/n)'s gaze softened as she looked over at him.

Her chest ached.

What was Alma doing to these poor young Sarentu?

What was she filling their heads with if Tamtey was wondering whether anyone would even notice if he disappeared?

Her heart twisted painfully.

They were so young.

So burdened.

Why the fuck were people just piling more and more onto them?

Her heart felt like it was bleeding.

Ri'nela remained where she was, her head resting comfortably in (Y/n)'s lap.

They were children.

Children who had everything taken from them.

Ripped from their lives.

Frozen away in cryo like objects to be stored and used later.

Then thrown back into a world that had moved on without them—

Only to be handed a war the moment they woke up.

Told who they were supposed to be.

What they were supposed to fix.

And Alma—

(Y/n)'s jaw tightened.

Alma stood there and pressed and pressed and pressed until two of them had already broken under the weight of it.

As if they were tools.

Her blood boiled.

They deserved time.

They deserved space.

They deserved to breathe.

Not to be molded into something convenient for everyone else's survival.

Her fingers tightened slightly in Ri'nela's hair, though her touch remained gentle.

Her gaze dropped to Tamtey, asleep against her shoulder.

Her chest ached.

They are not weapons.

They are not symbols.

They are not solutions.

They were just—

Children who needed someone to care if they were okay.

—and she was going to make sure they had one place where they could be free from their burdens.

They were so much like her.

Lost.

Carrying too much pain from the past.

With no one who had ever truly cared for them without expecting something in return.

She was in her thirties, and for the first time in her life, she understood what it meant to be loved without conditions.

To be seen.

To be held without needing to prove her worth.

Her gaze softened as she looked at them both.

She would not let them grow into their 30's wondering if anyone cared.

Not like she had.

If the Sarentu wanted it—

She would be there.

She would make sure they never had to question whether they mattered.

Because she would give them everything she never had at their age.

Night had settled over the Upper Plains by the time So'lek returned to the Archipelago Field Lab.

The stars had begun to emerge overhead.

The sounds of the forest had replaced the bustle of the afternoon.

As he walked toward the lab, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

He already knew what awaited him.

His mate would insist on staying just a little longer to make certain every animal was comfortable.

He would argue that they should return home.

She would counter with another dozen reasons why she should stay.

Eventually, after enough bickering, they would compromise and spend the night here instead.

It happened often enough that he'd stopped pretending otherwise.

That was why a bundle freshly hunted Arrow Deer meet was tucked under one arm.

If they were staying, at least she'd have a proper meal.

He rounded the corner of the field lab.

Then stopped.

His eyes softened immediately.

(Y/n) sat upon the wooden steps.

Ri'nela slept peacefully with her head resting in her lap.

Tamtey had somehow managed to fall asleep against her shoulder, his head tipped slightly toward hers, .

(Y/n) hadn't noticed him.

She sat quietly, staring out across the moonlit plains. Lost in thought. The breeze stirred her hair.

Neither of the young Sarentu moved.

They looked utterly spent.

So'lek remained where he was.Simply watching.

His gaze lingered on the woman sitting between them. One hand still slowly brushed through Ri'nela's hair. The other rested loosely around Tamtey's shoulders.

Something inside him softened.

She would be a wonderful mother, because caring for others seemed as natural to her as breathing.

She never asked whether someone deserved kindness. She simply gave it.

The warrior walked over quietly.

(Y/n) looked up.

The moment she saw him, she lifted one finger to her lips.

A silent request.

Quiet.

His eyes flicked to Ri'nela.

Then Tamtey.

Only now, standing close, could he truly see how exhausted they both were. Dark circles rested beneath their eyes.

Their breathing was deep. Heavy. The sort of sleep that came only after complete exhaustion.

He nodded.

Without a word, he crouched beside Tamtey.

Carefully supporting the young Sarentu's shoulders.

He lifted him slowly, mindful not to wake him, and carried him toward a nearby wind-bent tree.

Its broad branches sheltered a patch of soft grasses warmed by the day's sun.

He laid Tamtey down gently before returning.

(Y/n) eased Ri'nela upright just enough for So'lek to slip an arm beneath her knees.

He lifted her just as carefully, carrying her to rest beside Tamtey beneath the tree.

A far more comfortable bed than the wooden steps.

Ri'nela murmured something unintelligible.

Then settled again.

Still asleep.

(Y/n) knelt beside her.

A loose braid had fallen across the young woman's face.

She brushed it back gently.

Neither Ri'nela nor Tamtey stirred.

So'lek watched them.

"They must have been exhausted."

(Y/n) simply nodded.

She rose quietly and motioned for him to follow.

Together they wandered toward the nearby river.

Not far enough that they couldn't hear the sleeping pair if they woke.

Far enough to talk.

They settled side by side upon the riverbank.

The water drifted lazily past, reflecting the stars above.

For a while neither spoke.

Then (Y/n) quietly told him everything.

"Ri'nela told me, that she feels feel like she's always falling short... like no matter what she does, it will never be enough.'"

"She was crying, So'lek. She said she's afraid she'll never live up to what everyone expects of her."

"And Tamtey..."

(Y/n)'s voice faltered slightly.

"He asked me, if anyone even notice if he didn't come back from his next patrol?'"

Her hands tightened in her lap. "That... that scares me."

By the time she finished, the ache in her voice had become impossible to miss. "I'm worried, So'lek."

Her eyes remained on the flowing water. "I do not think being around Alma is doing them any good."

"Whatever Alma is telling them… it’s weighing on them, So'lek."

Her voice trembled with restrained emotion.

"It’s not just guidance or expectations—it’s pressure. Constant pressure."

She shook her head, frustration bleeding through.

"Every word she says seems to make them doubt themselves more. "

Her fingers curled tightly in her lap.

"They’re trying so hard to be what she wants, and it’s breaking them."

The warrior sat quietly. "They must find their own strength."

(Y/n)'s head turned so quickly he barely had time to react before she smacked his arm. Not hard. Just enough to make her point.

She was not happy with his answer.

"So'lek."

"They cannot find their strength while someone keeps convincing them they are never enough."

There was frustration in her voice. Heartbreak. "They need to find their footing first..."

She looked down at her hands. "...before they can ever find their strength."

He saw the tears gathering before she spoke again. "I was like them."

Her voice had become very small. "When I was their age..."

"I had no one."

She swallowed. "People walked over me for years."

"I didn't find an ounce of strength..." A tear slipped free. "...not until I had you."

She finally looked at him. "You became my footing."

"My rock."

Her voice cracked. "Can't we do something for them?"

So'lek was quiet for a long time. Thinking carefully. Then he reached over. Pulled her gently into his arms.

He knew his mate—endlessly kind, endlessly gentle—and watching the struggles of the young Sarentu was quietly ailing that tender heart of hers.

She folded against his chest immediately.

The warrior rested his cheek against the top of her head.

"You were stronger than you believe." His voice was soft. "You were strong long before you met me."

(Y/n) shook her head against him. "I wasn't."

Another tear dampened his chest.

"So'lek..." Her fingers curled slightly against him. "Tamtey truly believes no one would notice if he died."

The warrior closed his eyes. A slow breath left him.

This...

This was troubling. More than he wished to admit. His hand moved slowly across her back.

"We can only encourage them, ma yawne."

"They each have a path they must walk."

She pulled back just enough to look at him. The hurt in her eyes was unmistakable.

He cupped her cheek. "But that does not mean you stop doing what you are already doing."

His thumb brushed away a tear.

"When they are at their lowest..."

"You are beside them."

"When they are at their highest..."

"You celebrate beside them."

A faint smile touched his lips. "You are doing plenty to help them with their burdens."

(Y/n)'s shoulders relaxed ever so slightly.

So'lek looked back toward the wind-bent tree where the two Sarentu still slept peacefully beneath its branches.

"I shall keep a closer eye on Alma."

(Y/n) looked at him.

The worry that had weighed so heavily on her all evening eased, if only a little. Relief softened her features..

His gaze hardened slightly as he continued, quieter but firm. "If she is the cause of their strife… I will not allow it to continue."

"And what of Teylan? Nor? If this has been happening for some time… how many of them have been carrying this weight in silence?" (Y/n)’s chest tightened at the thought.

How long had Alma been slowly wearing them down?

How many small words, small looks, small expectations had chipped away at them until they no longer believed they were enough?

So'lek’s hand found hers, squeezing gently.

"You continue to be what you already are, ma yawne."

His voice softened again. "A place of comfort. Of patience. Of care."

His thumb brushed over her knuckles. "They need that more than anything."

His eyes flicked once more toward the sleeping Sarentu. "And I will do what I can."

There was quiet steel beneath his words now. "If Alma is harming them… I will see it stopped."

She leaned her head against his shoulder and nodded, feeling a little bit better.

They sat in silence. Quiet in each other’s company.

(Y/n) leaned in slightly as So’lek’s arms wrapped securely around her from behind, his presence warm and steady against her back. They sat silently for a bit longer, So’lek gave her a gentle squeeze.

His chin rested lightly near her shoulder, breath brushing her skin as he watched her quietly.

He thought back to earlier that morning—the way she had skirted around the conversation when it turned toward children, how she had stumbled over her words, never quite meeting his eyes.

She had tried to hide it.

She had not succeeded.

So he delayed that conversation, perhaps now was a good time to start it again.

“You would make a fine mother.”

(Y/n) froze.

A flush spread across her face, fast and bright, and she suddenly found the grass in front of her very interesting.

“I—”

She looked down. Then away. Anywhere except him.

“I do not think so.”

So’lek’s expression softened.“You would.”

To him, it was obvious.

(Y/n) stilled against him. “Why is this conversation coming up?”

Her shoulders tensed beneath his arms, and she let out a quiet breath, almost shaky.

“I… I do not want to talk about this right now,” she admitted softly, voice barely above a whisper.

Her fingers twisted together in her lap, betraying the storm of thoughts she was trying to keep contained.

“It is…” She hesitated, searching for the right words, then gave a small, helpless shake of her head. “It is terrifying.”

“But also…” her voice softened further, almost fragile, “…wonderful.”

She swallowed, gaze fixed stubbornly ahead.

“And I do not know what to do with that.”

“(Y/n), it is a natural conversation, one we must inevitably have.”

(Y/n) looked conflicted. “So’lek.”

“We are mated.”

Her face warmed further.

He continued, entirely unhelpfully.

“And we are very…”

Her eyes widened.

“So’lek.”

“…active.”

A horrified sound escaped her and she buried her face in one hand while the other remained loosely gripping his arm.

So’lek almost laughed. Instead, he tightened his hold slightly, gently pulling her hand away from her face.

The poor woman looked ready to vanish into the grass.

He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

“You are gentle.”

Another kiss.

“Nurturing.”

His hand brushed against hers.

“Intelligent.”

(Y/n) looked at him through narrowed eyes.

The warrior continued anyway.

“Patient.”

“Our child would be lucky to have you.”

The words quieted her.

Her gaze drifted downward.

“I would not know how to be one.”

Her voice had softened.

“My mother…” She hesitated. “I cannot remember her.”

So’lek’s amusement faded.

(Y/n)’s fingers moved absently over his arm.

“She was either cruel enough to give up a child for money…”

Her throat worked. “…or desperate enough that she had no choice.”

“Or irresponsible enough to lose one.”

So’lek did not let her sit with that thought alone. He leaned forward and kissed her gently. Then pressed another kiss to her forehead.

“I watch you.”

His voice had lowered now.

Serious.

Steady.

“With animals. With the Sarentu.”

His hand found hers.

“You stay awake for days trying to help them.”

His thumb brushed over her knuckles.

“You cry when you lose them.”

“You celebrate when they heal.”

The corner of his mouth softened.

“You treat them with more tenderness than many give their own kin.”

(Y/n)’s eyes lifted to his.

“You would be fine.”

For a moment she looked as if she wanted to believe him. Then another worry surfaced.

“What about the RDA, So’lek?”

The question settled heavily between them.

The reality of their lives.

The war.

“The world is dangerous,” she said quietly. “I did not have parents.”

Her hand tightened slightly around his. “I would never want to orphan my own child.”

So’lek grew very still.

Not because he had not thought of it.

Because he had.

More than once.

His hand rose to her cheek, calluses rough against her skin.

“My anger.”

His thumb brushed gently beneath her eye.

“My grief.”

Golden eyes held hers.

“They made me into a monster.”

(Y/n) shook her head at once.

But So’lek continued before she could argue. “I know what I became.”

His forehead rested gently against hers. “And I would become worse to protect you and our child.”

Her breath caught.

“If Eywa blessed us with a child during these dangerous times…” His hand slipped into hers. “…I would make sure you were protected.”

“I would not allow harm to come to you.” His thumb brushed across her knuckles. “Or our child.”

(Y/n) stared at him.

She knew his legend. The Dog Tag Warrior. The nightmare whispered about in RDA files.

Powerful. Terrifying. Merciless when he had to be.

And she had no doubt what extremes he would reach for her.

For a child.

Their child.

Her lips lifted into a small, warm smile. “So’lek.”

“Hm?”

She tilted her head slightly.

“Do you want a child?”

His gaze held hers for a long moment. Then his answer came quietly.“I would want one with you.”

His voice lowered further, almost thoughtful now.

“In the mornings,” he murmured, his breath warm against her skin, “when you are still asleep in my arms… I have imagined what it would be like to have a family with you."

"A future that I had once believed was taken from me when my clan was destroyed, a future you have returned to me.”

Her smile softened.

Then she leaned forward and kissed him.

So’lek returned it without hesitation, one hand settling gently against her cheek while the other remained wrapped securely around her.

“But I am afraid, So’lek,” she whispered against his lips as they parted, her voice trembling just slightly.

His hand stilled on her cheek, eyes searching hers.

“I am not Na’vi,” she continued, the words heavy with a vulnerability she rarely allowed herself to show. “What if our child experiences hardship simply because they have hands or eyebrows like mine?”

Her gaze dropped, uncertainty flickering across her features.

“What if they are seen as… different?”

So’lek did not hesitate.

His fingers gently lifted her chin, guiding her eyes back to his.

“Then our child will be as beautiful as their mother.”

There was no doubt in his voice. His thumb brushed softly along her cheek, grounding her.

“They will carry your strength,” he added quietly. “Your kindness. Your spirit.”

His forehead rested against hers once more.

“And if the world dares to see them as anything less…”

A faint, dangerous edge slipped into his tone. “…then the world will learn otherwise.”

“I cannot promise to make sure our child does not feel ostracized,” he admitted softly, his voice steady but sincere. “But I promise I will love our child fiercely… our child will know so much love that it will be a shield.”

So’lek’s gaze softened further, something deep and steady settling behind his golden eyes. He reached for her hand, his larger one enveloping hers.

“Our will never be alone,” he said, his voice low but unwavering. “Because they will have you… and they will have me.”

(Y/n)’s breath hitched, but this time it was not from fear.

Her lips curved into a small, fragile smile.

And she leaned into him again, letting herself believe him—if only for a moment.

“So… you want a baby?” she asked softly, though she already knew the answer.

So’lek’s gaze did not waver from hers. “If Eywa blesses us with one,” he said quietly, “with all my heart.”

His thumb brushed gently over her knuckles before he tilted his head slightly, studying her.

“But what about you, yawne?” he asked, softer now. “Do you want one?”

(Y/n) hesitated.

“I…” she exhaled slowly, her fingers tightening slightly around his. “The thought of being a mother still terrifies me.”

Her gaze dropped for a moment. “But…” she continued, voice gentler now, “…I think I would be alright.”

Her eyes lifted back to his. “As long as you are here.”

So’lek did not answer with words.

Reassuring.

His hand cradled her cheek and the warmth of him, the certainty of him, chased away the lingering shadows of doubt that had clung to her thoughts.

Everything she had feared—seemed to soften beneath the weight of that kiss.

He was here.

He would always be here.

(Y/n)’s fingers curled gently into his chestpiece, her breath catching softly when they parted.

And in that quiet moment, with his forehead resting against hers, something inside her settled.

Yes.

She wanted this.

She wanted a child.

She wanted a future.

She wanted it with him.

She let out a soft breath, her lips curving into a shy, almost bashful smile as she looked up at him.

“I think…” she hesitated, then huffed quietly at herself before continuing, “…I think you would be a pretty great father.”

So’lek stilled.

“You think so?” he asked, voice lower now, quieter.

(Y/n) nodded, her fingers tracing absent patterns against his chestpiece. “You are strong,” she said gently. “And stubborn. And a little terrifying when you want to be.”

His brow lifted slightly at that.

“But you are also patient,” she continued, her gaze steady on his. “You listen. You protect. You care more deeply than you let most people see.”

Her hand slid up, resting lightly over his heart. “And you love fiercely.”

So’lek’s breath slowed, his hand coming up to cover hers where it rested against him.

“Our child would be safe with you,” she added softly. “They would be loved.”

“It quiets my fears about the RDA, because I know you would do anything to protect our child.”

So’lek leaned forward, pressing his forehead gently to hers once more.

“And they would be loved by you,” he murmured.

Something inside him settled as he said it.

The thought of becoming a father was daunting, yes—but there was no hesitation in the certainty that followed.

He would love his child.

His thumb brushed along her cheek, lingering there.

He could not wait to have a family with her.

The thought filled him with apowerful feeling—something deeper than the fire of battle, something stronger than the grief he had carried for so long.

And as she looked at him, eyes soft and shining with that same fragile hope, he knew she felt it too.

She wanted this.

She wanted the life they could build together.

Next >

Gentle Hands

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

Part 20 > Part 21 > Part 22

The Question

So'lek's mornings had begun following a very particular pattern, one that had become so familiar to him over the past weeks that he no longer even thought about it.

He would wake first.

Then spend the next little while simply watching his mate sleep, allowing himself a rare moment of peace before the responsibilities of the day inevitably found him.

Even though he knew his mate would likely not feel particularly eager for responsibilities this morning after their activities two nights ago, he could hardly blame her. The faint marks he had left still lingered along her skin. The memory alone was enough to make his ears flick slightly with quiet satisfaction. She had certainly earned the right to sleep a little longer.

This morning was no different than every other morning since they had become mates.

The cavern remained quiet around them, illuminated by the soft glow of moss scattered across the ceiling overhead. Pale greens and blues painted gentle patterns across the stone walls while Pandora slowly woke beyond their home, distant sounds of wildlife filtering faintly through the entrance. The world was stirring, but here, wrapped in the warmth of their shared hammock, everything felt still.

(Y/n) remained asleep in his arms.

Her back rested comfortably against his chest.

One of his arms was wrapped securely around her waist while the other rested beneath her head. He had held her like this for so many nights now that it was as natural as breathing.

The warrior had no intention of moving. Not yet.  Not when moments like these still felt precious enough to make his chest ache.

His hand drifted lower.

Settling against her stomach.

His thumb traced absent circles across her skin. Slow. Gentle. Thoughtful.

For days now, perhaps longer than he cared to admit, he had found himself watching for changes.

Small things.

The sort of things he knew happened when women were expecting.

Changes in appetite.

Changes in energy.

Changes in mood.

Anything.

Every morning he wondered. Every morning he found himself calculating the passing days despite knowing there was little point in doing so.

Surely it could not be much longer.

The thought alone caused his heart to beat a little faster beneath his ribs.

A baby. His child. Their child.

Even thinking the words sent a strange warmth through him, one that settled deep within his chest and spread outward until he could feel it in every part of himself.

The warrior's arm tightened around her slightly. Not enough to wake her. Just enough to pull her a little closer.

A family.

The word carried a weight he had not allowed himself to feel for many years. For years he had convinced himself that dream had died alongside his clan.

Fifteen years.

Fifteen years of believing that part of his life was gone forever.

The RDA had taken his people. Taken his home. Taken the future he thought he would have.

There had been a time when he could not even imagine surviving long enough to grow old, let alone finding someone to love, building a home, or raising children of his own. 

The future had become something distant. Something meaningless. Something dangerous to hope for.

Yet here he was.

Lying beside the woman he loved.

Thinking about children. Thinking about a family. Thinking about a future that no longer felt empty.

Thoughts like this still caught him off guard sometimes.

There were moments when he would look at her and feel almost overwhelmed by the simple fact that she was real.

That she had chosen him.

That she loved him.

She had seen through him from the beginning.

Even when he had given her every reason to walk away.

He remembered those first weeks all too clearly. The clipped answers. The distance he had deliberately maintained. The coldness that had become second nature after years spent surviving alone.

He had not been cruel, but he had been guarded… maybe a bit cruel.

Suspicious is probably the better word.

At the time, he had convinced himself it was for the best.

Yet she had remained.

Patient in ways he had never understood. Stubborn in ways that still amused him.

She had looked past the silence. Past the sharp edges. Past the warrior who rarely smiled and spoke even less.

Somehow she had seen what lay beneath it all.

The grief he carried. The loneliness. The man who still mourned his people every day despite the passing years.

She had seen him long before he was ready to be seen. And instead of turning away, she had reached for him anyway.

Despite her own pain and struggles, despite the wounds she carried that were not always visible, she had taken him into her arms and given him warmth. Given him comfort when he had forgotten how to seek it. Given him patience when he had little to offer in return.

Little by little, she had become the place where his burdens felt lighter.The place where the endless ache of mourning no longer consumed every part of him.

The place that felt like home.

(Y/n) was the sort of woman people were drawn to without meaning to be. Kind. Gentle. Patient. Beautiful.

She treated others with a tenderness that seemed effortless, offering comfort where it was needed and kindness even when none was expected.

Once she got over her usual reservations about a new person of course.

And if he was honest with himself, he was likely not the first man to take a liking to her.

The thought should not have bothered him. Yet it did. Only a little. Enough that his ears flicked back briefly.

He knew she had chosen him. Knew there was no reason for jealousy. Still, imagining others noticing her smile, her warmth, the quiet strength beneath her gentle nature, made something possessive stir deep in his chest.

Perhaps because he understood exactly why someone would fall for her.

He had done so himself. Long before he had admitted it.

But she had fallen in love with a man he himself had nearly forgotten existed. Despite the years that had hardened him into someone he barely recognized from the young warrior he had once been.

She saw and loved him. All of him. 

His gaze drifted down toward her.

Her hair spilled across his arm. One hand rested near her face.

Because the next thought struck him immediately afterward.

What if she already carried their child?

The warrior's eyes returned to her stomach.

His hand remained there.

What if it was simply too early to know? 

His pulse quickened slightly at the possibility. He imagined a tiny life growing there, hidden beneath his hand where neither of them could yet sense it.

The thought was enough to make his throat tighten.

The image arrived before he could stop it.

(Y/n) holding a child. Their child. Tiny fingers wrapped around hers.

A tiny hand reaching for him.

His chest tightened so suddenly that he had to draw a deeper breath.

For a moment he could almost see it. Almost hear it.

A child who would know love instead of loss. A child who would never have to endure what he had endured.

The thought filled him with a fierce protectiveness so intense it bordered on painful.

His entire body reacted to it. His arms tightened. His heart pounded..

The desire to protect. To provide. To keep them safe. His mate. His child.  His family.

And if Eywa blessed them with that future, he knew without hesitation that he would devote himself to it completely.

Raising a child was not something he viewed lightly.

It was more than teaching them to hunt or fight. More than passing down traditions and stories.

It was guiding a life.

Protecting it.

Helping it grow into something strong and good.

The responsibility of it settled heavily in his mind, yet it did not frighten him.

Not truly.

Because if that day came, if he was given the chance to be a father, he would meet it with everything he had. It would be the greatest privilege he could ever be given. And the greatest task he would ever undertake.

He would do anything for his family.

The warrior lowered his head into her hair. Breathing in her scent. Closing his eyes.

For a few moments he simply listened. Her breathing. The faint sounds of Pandora beyond the cavern.

No.

He was getting ahead of himself. Far ahead of himself. Nothing had happened yet. Nothing had changed.

Not that he knew of.

The warrior shook his head slightly. Trying to push the thoughts aside. Trying. Failing completely.

Because every time he looked at her, he found himself wondering.

Every time she smiled at him. Every time she rested against him. Every time she laughed.

The thought returned.

Their family. 

For so long he had grieved a future stolen before it could happen. Now, for the first time in years, that future no longer felt impossible.

It felt close enough to touch. Close enough to hope for. And that hope terrified him almost as much as it thrilled him.

Because hope meant something to lose. Hope meant allowing himself to care again. 

Yet despite that fear, he could not stop himself from wanting it. From imagining it. From longing for it with every part of his being.

So'lek pressed a lingering kiss into her hair. Then settled back against the hammock. Holding her a little closer. Feeling the warmth of her body against his. Listening to the steady rhythm of her breathing.

Allowing himself, just for a little while longer, to imagine the future he had once believed would never belong to him.

And if he was being honest with himself, there was another reason his thoughts kept circling back to the possibility.

The zanke incident.

His ears flicked slightly at the memory.

What had begun as an unfortunate encounter with the potent drink had very quickly become something her would never have imagined,

(Y/n) beneath him.

His name on her lips.

The desperate way they had clung to one another.The complete absence of restraint.

Heat crept up the back of his neck.

If she had not conceived during the nights they had shared before that, then after the zanke incident...

Well.

The warrior found it difficult to imagine Eywa missing so many opportunities.

His hand remained spread across her stomach.

A faint, almost amused huff escaped him.

No healer was needed to tell him that they had certainly done everything possible to encourage the outcome.

Several times.

His tail gave a small twitch behind him.

Perhaps many times.

The thought left him feeling oddly pleased.

Embarrassed, perhaps, if anyone else could somehow hear the direction of his thoughts.

But pleased nonetheless.

If a child truly was growing there already, conceived during one of those fevered moments, then he would welcome that blessing with all his heart.

With a small little huff, (Y/n) turned over in his arms.

One moment her back was pressed against his chest. The next she had somehow rotated herself until her face was buried against him instead.

Her eyes remained firmly shut. One arm immediately wrapped around his waist.

So’lek looked down at her. Amused. “(Y/n),” he murmured.

A sleepy sound answered him.

“You cannot laze around for yet another day.”

“Nooooo.” The woman grabbed his arm and physically repositioned it around herself.

Apparently deciding the problem was that he was not holding her tightly enough.

So’lek lowered his head and pressed a kiss into her hair. “How are you feeling?”

“My muscles still feel stiff and achy.” Her voice came out muffled against his chest.

“Now shut up or I’ll bite that broad chest of yours.”

The threat carried absolutely no weight. Mostly because she sounded halfway asleep.

The warrior chuckled. A low sound that rumbled through his chest beneath her cheek. His arms tightened around her. Holding her a little closer.

“Just for a little while longer, yawntu.” His hand moved slowly up and down her back. “Then we really must begin the day.”

The unhappy sound she made told him exactly what she thought of that idea.

His smile widened slightly. “You cannot leave Tamtey and Ri’nela to tend to a wounded Direhorse on their own.”

“They’ll be fine.”

“Ri’nela has my notes.”

“And they can call if they have questions.”

So’lek studied her quietly. “You are good with them.”

(Y/n) cracked one eye open. “The Direhorses?”

“The Sarentu.”

Her eyes remained shut as she mumbled something unintelligible against his chest.

Clearly attempting a response without actually waking up.

After a moment, she tilted her head back just enough to peer at him through barely opened eyes. “They’re a good bunch.”

“I mean it.” The warrior’s voice remained gentle.

“You have done more for them than I have.”(Y/n) immediately frowned. “I’ve just been getting them to help me with the sanctuary.”

She yawned. “Nothing special.”

So’lek shook his head. Of course she thought that. His mate had always been remarkably skilled at seeing the good in everyone except herself.

Ri’nela had been painfully shy when they first met. Careful. Quiet. Unsure of herself. She once wouldn’t have ever spoken her mind. She was still hesitant but her confidence was growing, growing enough to be fearful but present her opinion to the Zeswa Oloekte.

Teylan no longer looked as though every shadow carried a threat, when (y/n) had been away he would help Nor tend to her animals in the Sanctuary,

Nor still carried his demons. The scars remained. But now the young man spent his days helping maintain the sanctuary instead of letting those thoughts consume him.

Even Tamtey.

The warrior smiled faintly.

The young Sarentu had become almost impossible to keep up with but  after spending enough time around (Y/n) the young man was starting to slow down a bit.

She had helped all of them. Quietly. Without asking for recognition. Without even realising she was doing it.

And somehow she had managed to do the same thing to him.

The lonely warrior who had spent years convincing himself he did not need anyone, on a lonely path he had to tread. Years convincing himself that grief was easier to carry alone.

And somehow cracked open the lonely heart he had guarded so fiercely.

Yet she called it nothing special.

The warrior stared at her for a long moment. Then simply leaned down and started peppering her face with kisses. Her forehead. Her cheek. The bridge of her nose. The corner of her mouth.

(Y/n) immediately squirmed. “Stop.”

Another kiss.

“No.”

One more.

“If this is meant to wake me up, it is not working.”

The statement lost credibility when she started smiling.

So’lek chuckled again. Then rested one hand at the back of her head. Holding her gently against him. His fingers slid through her hair.

The woman immediately relaxed beneath his touch.

A dangerous thing. Because every time she looked at him. Every time she smiled. Every time she curled against him like this.

The same feeling returned. The simple overwhelming urge to hold her a little longer. To keep her close. To enjoy this moment before the day inevitably found them.

The warrior lowered his forehead against hers.

Content to remain exactly where he was.

At least for a few more minutes.

He could not say he minded.

Enjoyed the rare chance to do absolutely nothing.

“I love you.” His gaze lowered to the top of her head. Waiting. Wondering if she had heard.

(Y/n)’s eyes remained shut.

She did not move. Did not lift her head. Did not even pretend to be awake.

Several moments passed.

“Good.” The answer came sleepily. “Then you’ll give me what I want and won’t go anywhere.”

So’lek huffed a laugh through his nose.

His hand continued moving slowly up and down her back.

“Sorry, ma yawne.” He pressed a kiss into her hair. “I cannot.”

An unhappy sound immediately followed. The sort of sound someone made when the universe was being deeply unreasonable.

“Just a little while longer.” She yawned.

Then nuzzled further into his chest. As though physical proximity might somehow convince him. Or perhaps trap him there.

The warrior suspected she was attempting both.

Her arms tightened around his waist.

His mate clearly had no intention of allowing him to escape.

Not that he was trying particularly hard.

Truthfully, if it were entirely up to him, he would have remained exactly where he was for another hour.

Possibly two.

The warmth of her against him. The soft glow of the cavern. The peaceful quiet. It was difficult to imagine a better way to spend the morning.

Unfortunately, reality had a habit of finding them eventually.

Animals needed tending. Medicine needed making. The world continued turning whether they liked it or not.

RDA didn’t stop for a sleep in.

(Y/n) yawned again. Then she settled. Comfortable once more.

So’lek looked down at the top of her head. Amusement tugged at the corner of his mouth. The woman’s ears flicked slightly.

Then lowered his head and pressed another kiss into her hair.

His arms remained wrapped securely around her.

Holding her close.

Holding her safe.

Allowing himself a few more moments before he inevitably attempted to convince her that the day had, in fact, already started.

Though judging by how firmly she was attached to him, he suspected that conversation was not going to go well.

(Y/n) finished checking the Direhorse's bandage one last time.

Her fingers traced gently around the splint, making sure nothing had loosened overnight before giving the bindings one final adjustment.

"There."

She smiled, rubbing beneath the Direhorse's chin.

"You are healing beautifully."

The animal answered by nudging her shoulder expectantly.

"I knew that was what this was about."

Laughing softly, she reached into one of her pouches and produced a nectar cube.

The Direhorse eagerly accepted the treat before resting its forehead briefly against hers.

(Y/n) scratched behind one of its ears.

Tamtey and Ri'nela had done an excellent job.

The swelling had already begun to ease, the wounds were clean, and the bones were holding their alignment well.

Another few days.

Perhaps a week.

Then it could begin bearing weight again.

She stepped back, satisfied.

Across the camp she caught sight of So'lek speaking with one of the Zeswa craftsmen.

He had been eyeing a beautifully woven bowstring since they'd arrived that morning.

Judging by the discussion and the handful of traded goods between them, negotiations were going well.

A small smile found its way onto her face.

He looked happy.

Children suddenly burst through the camp.

Half a dozen of them raced between the tents, laughter echoing across the plains as they dragged a brightly coloured kite behind them.

The woven fabric caught the wind, climbing into the sky before dipping sharply as the smallest child shrieked with delighted laughter.

(Y/n) stopped to watch them.

She smiled without even realising it.

They looked so carefree.

So full of life.

One little girl stumbled.

Another immediately doubled back to help her up before both dissolved into another fit of giggles and continued running.

(Y/n)'s smile lingered.

She wondered what it would be like.

To have one of her own.

A tiny hand reaching for hers. Little footsteps running around their home.

A child with So'lek's golden eyes.

Warmth bloomed quietly inside her.

The thought was so wonderful.

Then fear crept in beside it.

Would she even know how to be a mother?

She had never had one herself.

Not really.

She knew loneliness. She knew foster homes. She knew wondering whether anyone would come back for you.

Would those memories somehow become her child's?

Would she accidentally pass on wounds she had spent her entire life trying to heal?

The thought made her chest tighten.

Then another followed.

What if something happened to them?

What if their child grew up without parents, just as she had?

(Y/n) closed her eyes briefly.

No.

She caught herself before the thoughts could spiral further.

One slow breath.

Then another.

It would be a blessing.

She smiled faintly.

Because whatever happened... She would not be facing her fears, doubts and worries alone.

She had So'lek.

That thought steadied her.

Strong and reliable So'lek. Just thinking about him and a child that had his beautiful golden eyes calmed her thoughts

A yawn escaped before she could stop it. She covered her mouth. "Seriously how am I still tired?"

She rubbed one eye.

"I swear I slept like a log."

Maybe breakfast had simply been too large.

That had to be it.

"Or perhaps your mate has been wearing you out."

(Y/n) nearly jumped out of her skin.

Minang stood beside her holding out a carved wooden cup.

The Tsahìk's eyes danced with amusement. "I brought you some water."

(Y/n) accepted it gratefully her cheeks turning brighter. "Thank you."

Minang leaned lightly against the nearby fence. "I must admit..." A mischievous smile appeared. "I did not expect quiet sweet (Y/n) to become so... affectionate after a few cups of zanke."

(Y/n) froze. "Oh no."

"Oh yes." The Tsahìk laughed.

"I have never seen So'lek look simultaneously so pleased and so completely overwhelmed."

The healer's face immediately turned bright red.

"So..." Her words dissolved into embarrassed stammering. "So people... remember?"

Minang raised an eyebrow. "You expected them not to?"

(Y/n) buried her face in her hands. "I was hoping."

"The stories have become quite entertaining."

Minang smirked, clearly enjoying herself. "Half the clan believes you would have mated with So'lek right there in front of everyone had he not carried you off."

(Y/n) made a strangled noise behind her hands.

"Do not worry," Minang added with a teasing tilt of her head. "No woman could blame you. Not with a mate like that."

"Oh Eywa." The healer looked ready to disappear into the grass. "I am never drinking zanke again."

"I suspect So'lek may support that decision."

(Y/n) groaned quietly.

Minang smiled warmly before her expression softened.

"So..."

She glanced toward So'lek, still bartering across the camp.

"It seems you and So'lek have been mated for some time now."

(Y/n) nodded, yet suspicious of her tone. "We have."

Minang folded her arms. "I wonder how long it will be before there are little ones running around after the two of you."

(Y/n) froze. Then immediately turned an even deeper shade of red. "I..."

She looked toward So'lek instinctively.

Then back at Minang.

Her mouth opened.

Closed.

Opened again.

Nothing came out.

The Tsahìk's smile widened knowingly. "Are you and your mate... active?"

(Y/n)'s eyes became impossibly wide. Heat rushed from the tips of her ears all the way down her neck.

She hid her face behind both hands, unable to form words

Minang chuckled. "I believe that answers my question."

(Y/n) made a tiny, mortified noise from behind her hands.

Minang rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. "There is nothing to be embarrassed about."

(Y/n) slowly lowered her hands. Still very red. Still unable to meet Minang's eye.

"If Eywa chooses to bless your union..." Minang gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "A child is never something to fear."

Her gaze drifted toward the children still chasing the kite across the plains.

"It is one of the greatest blessings she can give."

"I'm surprised you're not showing signs already," Minang said with a teasing smile.

(Y/n) blinked.

"Signs?"

The Tsahìk's single eye sparkled.

"I believe when we first met, you were still wearing marks So'lek had left on your neck."

(Y/n)'s face turned scarlet.

"Minang..."

The Tsahik laughed. "I am merely making an observation."

Before (Y/n) could think of a reply, another familiar voice joined them.

"Sister." Nesim wandered over, curiosity already written across his face. "Are you teasing poor (Y/n)?"

"Yes..." Minang smiled innocently. "And no."

"We were simply discussing when there might be news that she and So'lek are expecting a child."

Nesim looked at (Y/n).

Then at the deep blush creeping all the way to the tips of her ears.

Then she grinned. "Clearly if she was not already pregnant..."

Her grin became positively insufferable. "...she certainly is after the celebration a few days ago."

Minang laughed aloud.

(Y/n) made a tiny sound of despair before hiding her face behind both hands yet again. "No one is ever going to let me forget that night, are they?"

"No."

Nesim answered far too quickly. "Never."

Minang nodded in complete agreement. "Absolutely not."

Another defeated noise escaped from behind (Y/n)'s hands.

The two siblings shared an amused glance before Minang's smile softened.

"But in all seriousness..." She rested a gentle hand on (Y/n)'s shoulder. "If such a happy occasion ever comes..."

Her expression lost its teasing edge.

"You have friends here."

"Nesim and I."

"The Zeswa."

"You will have support."

(Y/n) slowly lowered her hands. The embarrassment remained. So did the warmth those words brought. "Thank you."

Minang smiled.

"So..."

Her tone immediately became suspiciously light again. "Are there any signs?"

(Y/n) blinked.

"I..."

She thought about it. She had been a little more tired recently. Perhaps a little hungrier.

Then again, she had also spent the last few days treating injured animals, travelling across Pandora and... well...

Her face heated all over again.

"I do not think so."

A familiar arm suddenly slid around her waist.

She let out the smallest squeak before instinctively relaxing against the broad chest behind her.

So'lek.

He drew her comfortably against his side. His hand settling naturally against her waist. "I hope you are not teasing my mate too badly."

Nesim folded her arms. "We are simply wondering when you intend to make a mother of her."

Minang's smile widened. "And when she makes you a father."

The warrior looked from one sibling to the other. Then down at the woman tucked comfortably against his side.

A quiet breath left him. "If it is Eywa's will..."

His hand gave (Y/n)'s waist a gentle squeeze. "It will happen."

(Y/n) glanced up at him.

There was no frustration in his voice. No impatience. Just quiet hope.

Nesim smiled. "A fair answer."

Minang nodded. "The Great Mother has her own timing."

"I simply hope she does not keep you both waiting too long."

(Y/n) lowered her eyes, smiling shyly to herself.

She wasn't sure why.

Perhaps because the thought no longer frightened her quite as much. Or perhaps because So'lek's arm around her waist felt so steady.

"We must be off," So'lek said quietly after a moment, his voice gentle but firm.

Minang inclined her head.

"Go well."

Nesim gave them both a knowing grin. "And try not to think too hard about it."

(Y/n) let out a small, awkward laugh, offering them both a shy farewell before allowing So'lek to guide her away.

They walked in silence for a while.

(Y/n) kept her gaze forward, her thoughts anything but calm.

"So'lek..." Her voice faltered. She struggled to find the words.

Because what would a baby even mean?

A child between a Na'vi and her. Between her and So'lek.

Her chest tightened.

"I..." The words tangled in her throat.

So'lek slowed beside her, his hand still resting at her waist.

He glanced down at her, reading the storm behind her eyes with quiet understanding.

"We do not have to talk about it now," he said softly. "Not if you do not wish to."

(Y/n) nodded quickly.

Relief and guilt twisted together in her chest.

"Okay." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

She hoped—desperately—that delaying the conversation would quiet the racing thoughts clawing at her mind.

But they didn't.

Would it be cruel?

To bring a child into a world where its mother did not truly belong?

A mother who was not Na'vi.

A mother who had chosen this life—chosen him—over what might have been more... sensible.

Her throat tightened.

Selfish.

The word echoed louder than anything else.

Because no matter how much she tried to ignore it...She still felt like an imposter. 

All that was different about her was the skin she lived in.

It pressed in on her, heavy and suffocating, a truth she could not outrun no matter how deeply she tried to bury it.

She was not Na'vi.

That was the truth.

What does it even mean to be Navi?

And if she had to question what being Na'vi even meant—if she could not feel it as something instinctive, something rooted deep within her bones—then she truly wasn't.

Her chest ached.

Because if she felt this way...

What would that mean for a child?

Their child.

A part of her would always be there.

A part that did not belong.

Her breath hitched.

Would they be looked at differently?

Whispered about?

Would they feel the same quiet distance she carried inside herself every day?

Her stomach twisted painfully.

Because if that happened...

It would be because of her.

Because she had chosen this. Chosen him. Chosen this life.

Her fingers curled slightly at her sides.

Selfish.

The word settled deep in her chest, heavier than before.

Because no matter how much love she held for So'lek...

No matter how much she wanted this life with him...

A part of her feared she was asking too much of a child who had never been given a choice.

So'lek's hand tightened slightly at her waist, as if sensing the shift in her thoughts.

He said nothing.

But his presence remained steady. Unwavering.

And for now...

That was enough to keep her from unraveling completely.

A faint chime from her communicator broke through the spiral of her thoughts.

(Y/n) blinked, startled, her hand instinctively moving to activate it.

Static crackled for a moment before a familiar voice came through, slightly distorted.

“—(Y/n)? You there?”

“Tamtey?” she replied, relief flickering through her tone.

“Yeah,” he answered, the connection wavering. “I’m out at the archipelago field lab. We’ve got a few more injured animals brought in—nothing too critical, but… could use your help.”

(Y/n) exhaled softly, tension easing from her shoulders.

“Of course. I’ll head out now.”

“Good,” Tamtey said, voice fading in and out. “See you soon.”

The line went quiet.

(Y/n) lowered her hand, a small, grateful sigh escaping her.

It wasn’t that she didn’t care about everything weighing on her mind.

But right now…

This was something she could do to take her mind off these thoughts.

She glanced up at So’lek, offering him a faint, apologetic smile.

“I need to go to the field lab,” she said gently. “There are injured animals.”

He studied her for a moment, then gave a small nod. “I will come with you.”

(Y/n)’s smile grew just a little. “Thank you.”

She felt, for the first time since the conversation began, like she could breathe again.

As they approached Iley, So’lek’s gaze shifted subtly toward (Y/n).

He could feel it.

The hesitation still lingering beneath her calm exterior.

The way her thoughts seemed to pull inward, guarded and uncertain.

It was not fear of him.

But something she was not yet ready to give voice to.

His hand remained steady at her waist, thumb brushing lightly against her side in a quiet, supportive gesture.

He did not press.

Did not force the conversation she had already tried to set aside.

But he hoped…

That when she was ready—

She would let him in.

Because whatever doubts weighed on her…

Whatever fears she carried about the future—

They were not hers to bear alone.

It made his heart ache for his sweet mate, she was still quietly teaching herself she was not alone after a past filled with loneliness.

 He wondered, too, if she would even want a child at all.

 The thought lingered, because he knew—without doubt—that she would make a wonderful mother.

 The image of it stirred something warm within him, a quiet longing for a future where they might have a family together.

But only if she wanted it too.

And if she did not want that future than he was okay with that.

Iley landed just outside the Archipelago Field Lab. She had swung by the Zeswa camp on the way, checking on the Direhorse with the broken leg she had treated days before. The splint had held, the swelling had gone down, and the animal had even tried to stand when it saw her—stubborn and spirited as ever. The Zeswa had promised to keep it resting, though their amused smiles suggested that might be a challenge. Still, it had been healing well, and that small victory had eased her mind.

Before his feet had even touched the ground, So’lek was already at Iley’s side. He reached up, steadying (Y/n) with a hand at her waist.

“Careful,” he murmured.

(Y/n) rolled her eyes fondly but accepted the help anyway, letting him guide her down to the ground.

Iley nudged her shoulder insistently, letting out a soft chirp.

(Y/n) huffed a quiet laugh, reaching into her pouch.

“You want a treat, hm?”

She pulled out a small treat and held it up.

Iley snapped it up eagerly.

So’lek watched the exchange, one brow lifting. “You are spoiling him.”

(Y/n) glanced at him with a small smile. “I spoil his rider,” she said lightly, patting Iley’s neck. “May as well spoil him too.”

Iley chirped again as if in agreement.

So’lek’s ears flicked, but there was no real disapproval in his expression—only quiet amusement.

Then her eyes were already scanning the area.

Then she stopped.

Completely dumbfounded.

Animals were everywhere.

Arrow Deer occupied one corner of the clearing.

Direhorses rested beneath makeshift shelters.

Bladeheads lay on padded bedding fashioned from woven reeds.

Two Soundblast Colossus occupied the far end of the field lab grounds,.

Ri’nela was helping an arrow deer to drink, carefully tilting the bottle so the small creature wouldn’t choke, murmuring soft reassurances as its ears flicked nervously. Not far from her, Tamtey knelt beside a Bladehead, tongue caught between his teeth in concentration as he wrapped a clean bandage around a shallow cut along its flank, occasionally pausing to check his work like he’d seen (Y/n) do countless times.

Her eyes widened further.

A swell of emotion rose in her chest—pride first, fierce and bright. Together Tamtey and Ri'nela had cared for quite a collection of creatures. Every bandage, every shelter, every careful touch felt as though she had built this herself, they had listened to everything she had taught, shown, and written in her notes.

They were becoming healers in their own right.

But beneath that pride, something colder stirred.

Her gaze lingered on the animals again, counting, assessing.

So many.

Too many.

Her smile faltered just slightly.

Where had they all come from?

“Tamtey.”

The young Sarentu immediately looked sheepish. “Yes?”

“Did I not leave you with one Direhorse with a broken leg two days ago?”

“You did.”

“But I found more injured animals.”

(Y/n) stared.

The healer slowly looked around again. Six Arrow Deer. Three Direhorses. Four Bladeheads. Two Soundblast Colossus.

“Tamtey.”

“I can explain.”

“I am almost afraid to hear it.”

Tamtey shifted on his feet, suddenly looking far less amused.

“They were caught in traps,” he admitted, his voice quieter now. “RDA traps.”

(Y/n)’s expression hardened instantly.

“I found the first one near the river,” he continued, gesturing vaguely toward the treeline. “Then another. And another. Some had already freed themselves, but they were hurt… badly.”

His hands clenched slightly at his sides. “I could not leave them.”

(Y/n)’s chest tightened.“Where are these traps now?” she asked.

Tamtey hesitated. “I… disabled the ones I found,” he said. “But there are more. I saw signs of more of them across the plains.”

“I was waiting for you to get here,” he admitted. “So I could go back and find the rest. I wanted to make sure Ri'nela had some help around here.”

Nearby, Ri’nela pulled a baby Arrow Deer into her lap. "I would have been fine on my own Tamtey."

The tiny creature enthusiastically drank from a feeding bottle while Ri’nela calmly held it.

Ri’nela noticed her looking. “Once I got the hang of your handwriting, it was fairly easy to figure out what to do.”

(Y/n) sighed. “My handwriting is terrible, I know.”

Tamtey immediately snorted.

Ri’nela’s expression remained diplomatic.

A loud clang echoed from inside the lab. “Owwww.”

Tamtey glanced toward the doorway. “Teylan?”

“Sorry!” Teylan’s voice drifted back out. “I dropped something on my foot.”

The young man emerged moments later carrying a crate.

“What are you doing out here?” So’lek asked.

Teylan adjusted the crate. “Helping.”

“Apparently field labs need medical equipment.” He looked very pleased with himself.

“So I brought some from the resistance and the sanctuary, I'll put it all back later.”

So’lek sighed, though there was a hint of amusement in it. “Where is Nor?”

“Keeping the pups and Ulrr entertained.”

That was good. (Y/n) was glad there was someone to tend to the sanctuary whilst she was here.

(Y/n)’s attention returned to the injured animals.

The healer looked around once more, taking in the shelters, the supplies, the volunteers, and every animal receiving care.

Slowly, her expression softened.

“You did all of this?”

Tamtey rubbed the back of his neck. “Well… yes?”

“We tried,” Ri’nela said modestly.

“We followed your notes,” Teylan added proudly.

“So’lek,” (Y/n) said quietly, unable to stop smiling, “look at this.”

The warrior did. His gaze swept across the field lab. Across the recovering animals.

Across the young Sarentu filled with confidence and purpose.

Pride warmed his expression immediately. “They have done well,” he said.

That might have been the understatement of the year.

(Y/n) laughed softly. “You rescued half the upper plains in two days.”

Tamtey brightened instantly. “That is a compliment, right?”

“It is absolutely a compliment.”

The young Sarentu looked delighted.

Ri’nela smiled too, while Teylan stood a little taller under the praise.

“Have you eaten?”

Three guilty expressions appeared simultaneously.

The healer narrowed her eyes at them.

“No.”

Tamtey pointed at Ri’nela. “We were busy.”

Ri’nela pointed at Tamtey. “He was busy.”

Teylan pointed at both of them. “I don't know how to cook.”

(Y/n) nodded slowly. “Right.” A dangerous calmness entered her voice. “That settles it.”

The three Sarentu immediately looked nervous.

“I’ll get food started.” She pointed toward the lab. “Tea.”

“Then we are making charts.”

The collective disappointment was immediate.

(Y/n) ignored it.

So’lek’s gaze shifted toward the distant plains, his expression sharpening as he took in the direction Tamtey had indicated earlier.

“I will patrol the surrounding area,” he said, voice steady. “If there are more RDA traps, I will find them. And any sign of their activity.”

(Y/n) nodded, relief and worry mixing in her chest.

Tamtey straightened immediately. “I can come with you—”

“No,” So’lek interrupted calmly, though not unkindly. His eyes flicked toward the untouched supplies and the animals still needing care. “You will eat first.”

Tamtey hesitated. “…Fine,” he muttered.

So’lek gave a small nod of approval. “Once you have eaten, you may join the hunt.”

Tamtey crossed his arms but didn’t argue further.

(Y/n) smiled faintly at the exchange and then turned toward So’lek. Rising onto her toes to kiss his cheek. “Be safe on your patrol.”

The warrior’s hand settled briefly against her waist. “I will not be far.”

The promise eased something inside her. Only slightly.

Tamtey’s grin appeared.

“Oh no.” (Y/n) pointed at him. "Don’t you start.”

The grin widened.

“I do not have to say anything.” His eyes flicked toward her neck. Then back to her face.

“Those bruises say everything.”

A leather flask struck him in the head. Hard enough to make him stumble. Not hard enough to hurt.

“Next time I am putting poison in it.”

“You love me.”

The young Sarentu uncapped the flask. Took a drink. Then looked entirely pleased with himself.

Ri’nela tilted her head. “What is in it?”

“A tea.”

They didn't need to know it was a medicine to delay the effects of a life altering poison.

Tamtey took another sip.

“Can I try some?” Teylan asked.

“No.” (Y/n) answered.

The answer came so quickly that everyone stared at her.

Teylan blinked. “Why?”

“Some other time.”

The young man looked disappointed.

Then his eyes drifted toward her neck. Toward the fading bruises. Toward several marks that had not completely disappeared yet.

His brow furrowed. “Did you get into a fight?”

“Where did all those bruises come from?”

Tamtey nearly choked on what he was drinking.  The young Sarentu doubled over laughing.

Ri’nela covered her mouth. Failing spectacularly to hide her own amusement.

(Y/n)’s face turned bright red. The healer buried her face in her hands. “Never you mind.”

The answer only made Tamtey laugh harder.

Ri’nela looked entirely innocent. “Tamtey had some very interesting stories from when you were under the influence of zanke.”

(Y/n) looked like she wanted the ground to open beneath her.

Preferably before anyone could continue speaking.

Teylan looked between all of them. More confused than ever. “What happened?”

“No.” (Y/n) pointed at everyone. “No one is answering that.”

Tamtey was still laughing.

Ri’nela looked suspiciously close to joining him.

The healer groaned. Long. Tired. Resigned.

The sort of groan that came from realizing she would never escape this.

Ever.

“But seriously.” Teylan’s expression softened. “Are you okay?”

The question finally broke through the embarrassment.

(Y/n) lowered her hands. Then nodded. “Yes.”

“I’m fine.”

Teylan frowned, still unconvinced. “Then why are you covered in bruises?”

Tamtey made a strangled noise, trying and failing to hold back another laugh.

(Y/n) groaned, dragging her hands down her face. “We shall have this conversation when you are older.”

“But I am 18,” Teylan said, genuinely confused.

Tamteydoubled over again.

Ri’nela turned away, shoulders shaking.

(Y/n) looked at Teylan with a mixture of despair and fondness. “Sweet summer child…”

The healer clapped her hands together.

“Let’s get back on task before any more animals appear.”

Tamtey immediately pointed toward the horizon. “Actually…”

(Y/n) narrowed her eyes. “Tamtey.”

“I am joking.”

The young Sarentu wisely took another step backward.

Just in case she threw something else at him.

"Take a break, you two."

(Y/n) looked up from the medicine she had been grinding.

"You have both been helping all morning."

Ri'nela looked as though she intended to argue. "But—"

"No."

(Y/n) smiled.

"That was not a suggestion."

Teylan laughed. "I'll go then."

He wandered away from the field lab, stretching his shoulders as he followed the nearby stream until the sounds of the others faded into the distance.

The water flowed quietly over smooth stones.

He sat down beneath a tree, drawing his knees up.

His fingers closed around the small walkie-talkie.

He hesitated.

Then pressed the button.

Static crackled.

A familiar voice answered.

"Teylan." Mercer's voice. "I was beginning to wonder if I'd hear from you again."

"I've been helping."

"I figured." Mercer chuckled softly. "You always did like keeping busy."

Teylan smiled.

"I've been helping (Y/n)."

"The healer?"

"Yeah."

There was a brief pause.

"How is she doing?"

"Good."

Teylan's smile grew. "She's really nice."

Mercer listened quietly.

"Nice how?"

"She never gets angry."

"Even when I mess things up she just explains it again."

"And she's amazing with animals."

His eyes drifted toward the field lab in the distance.

"You should see her."

"She can calm creatures I've never even seen before."

"She knows everything."

Mercer hummed thoughtfully.

"Sounds like she's quite important."

"I think so."

"And she's So'lek's mate."

Another brief silence.

"The Na'vi that tried teaching you to hunt?"

"Yeah." Teylan nodded to himself. "That's him."

"I know all the reports say he's really scary..."

His brow furrowed. "But I think they got it wrong."

"He is really nice."

"He checks if we've eaten."

"He teaches us."

"He looks after us."

"It doesn't feel anything like what the RDA files say about the Dog Tag Warrior."

Teylan frowned. "I think they got the wrong person."

Mercer's voice remained calm. "Maybe."

"If he's looking after you, that's good."

Another pause.

Then, almost casually—"Does he have any weaknesses?"

Teylan blinked. "Weaknesses?"

"You know." Mercer's tone stayed conversational. "If we know what matters most to him..."

"...we can make sure he's well protected."

The explanation sounded perfectly reasonable.

Teylan relaxed. "Oh."

"Well..."

He thought about it. "He and (Y/n) are really close."

"They're mates."

"You know..." He smiled. "The Na'vi version of being married."

"Like Daniela and Jin."

Mercer made a thoughtful sound. "I see."

"They really love each other."

Teylan looked down at the stream. "You won't let anything happen to them..."

"...right?"

The question came quietly.

Mercer's answer didn't take long. "No."

"They're your friends."

"And your teachers."

"We're just trying to understand the best way to help protect them."

Teylan smiled.

"I knew you'd understand."

Mercer chuckled. "I'll speak with you again soon."

"Keep helping your friends."

"I will."

The line clicked dead.

Teylan lowered the radio.

He felt strangely proud of himself.

Mercer had listened.

He had been interested in hearing about everyone.

Maybe...

Maybe this really was helping.

Maybe if both sides understood each other a little better...

Things could finally start getting better.

Be diplomatic, the way his people were.

He smiled to himself and stood. Then he turned and headed back toward the field lab, eager to tell (Y/n) he was ready to help again.

The radio clicked silent.

Mercer remained seated for only a moment, staring at the blank terminal.

Then he stood.

"Bring me everything we have on one of the defectors."

One of the technicians looked up from their console. "Name, sir?"

"(Y/n)."

Fingers moved rapidly across the keyboard.

Rows of personnel files scrolled across the monitor before one finally stopped.

The photograph filled the screen.

Mercer's eyes skimmed the report.

"Graduated early..."

He continued reading.

"Youngest researcher accepted into the Avatar Program..."

Another page.

"Lead researcher in Pandoran fauna."

Recommendations.

Commendations.

Research papers.

A long list of achievements.

Mercer gave a quiet, humourless laugh.

"Eighteen-year-old prodigal genius."

He folded his arms.

"Another Avatar driver gone native."

His gaze lingered on the photograph.

Not because she interested him.

Because she had become useful.

"Harding."

A woman's voice answered almost immediately over the internal communications.

"Sir."

"I want a bounty circulated."

"Who?"

"A defector."

Mercer's eyes never left the screen.

"(Y/n)."

Another officer nearby looked over. "Sir..." He hesitated. "Why?"

Mercer finally looked away from the monitor. "Why?"

He walked slowly toward the operations table. "Because that traitor has two uses."

The room fell quiet.

"First..." He tapped the table lightly.

"She may provide intelligence on Resistance operations."

Another tap.

"Here."

A third.

"And in the East."

The officer nodded slowly. "And second?"

Mercer's expression remained unreadable. "Tell me..."

He looked around the room. "How do you catch a ghost?"

Nobody answered.

The officer frowned. "...Sir?"

"The Dog Tag Warrior." Mercer folded his arms. "You all treat him like some mythical creature."

"A nightmare."

"A shadow."

"A ghost."

He shook his head. "No."

His voice hardened. "He's Na'vi."

"And Na'vi are predictable."

Another officer frowned. "How, sir?"

Mercer smiled.

Not warmly.

The sort of smile that made several people in the room uncomfortable.

"You stop treating him like a ghost."

He reached over and tapped (Y/n)'s personnel file displayed on the screen.

"You identify what he values."

Another tap.

He looked back at the assembled officers.

"So'lek has an attachment."

Mercer's smile remained. Cold. Measured.

"And attachments become vulnerabilities."

Silence settled across the room.

He let it linger.

Then continued.

"We control the situation."

"We control her."

"And if the Dog Tag Warrior comes looking..."

Mercer's fingers closed the personnel file.

"...then he stops being a ghost."

His eyes narrowed. "He becomes just another dead memory in an RDA after-action report."

No one spoke. No one questioned the order.

One by one the officers returned to their terminals.

Harding's voice came back over the intercom. "The bounty will be circulated immediately."

Mercer nodded once. "Good."

His gaze drifted toward the image of Pandora displayed across the operations map. "Let's see how far a legend gets..."

"...when we start hunting the people he loves."

Next >

Eldest or Gentle Hands?

There’s going to be a bit of a drought coming up

I have most of it written so may be able to get a few chapters of GH out since last week I could write not post

Then I’ll be around on tumblr just not updating since I have to lock in for uni

It’s it a work in progress but I hope u like it so far, Mother ^^

For some reason isha I didn’t see this til now