Merry Chérie🍒

They aren’t strict or anything, in fact they loved you. They loved you in the only way they knew how: through control.

But in their eyes, they werent being cruel, and were just preparing you for the life Eywa intended.

You were told not to rush through life. Taught not to seek a mate too soon, not to entertain the attention of boys just yet, and to devote yourself to the Tsahìk’s teachings.

Right now, it felt very far away as your body lay on the soft grass, breathing heavily after the intense orgasm Neteyam had just given you. His strong arms were wrapped around your waist from behind, spooning you as he pressed kisses behind your ear.

You squeezed his hand that rested on your waist in which he squeezed back. You turned onto your back and looked up at him. He leaned down and met your eyes before you pulled him into a deep kiss, arms wrapping around his neck.

You both sighed into the kiss. When you pulled away, he tried to lean in again but you placed a finger on his lips, stopping him. “...Neteyam,” you whispered, looking away while your arms stayed around his neck.

He hummed, before pulling you back into another kiss, and when he pulled away, he brushed the hair from your face gently. “I missed you, baby…”

You didn’t respond and just let him hold you even though you knew you shouldn’t. You had already ended things with him weeks ago. You told him it was over. Yet here you were again, letting him touch you like you still belonged to him.

You had heard the elders talking about pairing one of the huntresses in the clan with the Olo’eyktan’s first son for the upcoming mating ceremony in the next moons.

It hurt more than you wanted to admit.

That was why you gave Neteyam that stupid excuse, telling him you wanted a break because you had fallen out of love.

After all, it wasn’t as if your relationship was anywhere near actual mating; the two of you were strictly forbidden. Hell, you could get yourself killed if your parents ever found out that you hadn’t been a virgin for a long time, all because you had been secretly dating Neteyam.

At first, he didn’t believe you. He even laughed and said it wasn’t a good prank. But your face told him you were serious. The pain in his eyes that day still stayed with you.

After that, you started distancing yourself from him. You worked more with the elders knowing he couldn’t approach you easily when others were around.

But Neteyam kept coming back to you anyway. He would get himself injured on purpose just to have a reason to see you. Every visit was supposed to be quick and professional, but most nights ended with him fucking you senseless, your soul feeling like it was leaving your body.

Even though you kept telling him to stop being foolish, and warning him about the danger of getting caught, he never listened. He just refused to believe you really fallen out of love with him, not when his heart was still so ready to tear down the stars and give you everything you thought was impossible.

“You must stop this, sneaking me out into the forest like this… I told you that I—”

Neteyam cuts you off by pulling you into another sloppy kiss. He moved on top of you again, lifting your legs to wrap around his waist as he rubbed his cock against your pussy. You pulled away from the kiss and pushed his chest, sitting up.

“I said stop.”

Neteyam’s eyebrows knitted together in pain as he looked at you. You had to turn your face away because seeing him like that made your chest hurt too much. “I’m sorry… I don’t know what I did wrong. Why are you doing this, baby?” he whispered, reaching for your hands on your lap.

You swatted his hand away and grabbed your loincloth, fastening it around your waist. “I’ve told you already... I don’t feel the same anymore. It’s as simple as that.”

Neteyam sat up beside you, pulling on his own, his eyes never leaving your face. “I don’t believe you, not even a little,” he choked out, his voice cracking. “Please... tell me what’s happening. I’ll fix it, I’ll do anything you ask of me, just talk to me. You may tell me any lie, but don’t ask me to believe that your love has simply vanished…”

You fixed your hair and top with shaking hands then turned toward the village. But before you could walk away, he grabbed your wrist. When you looked at him angrily, he let go reluctantly, eyes dropping to the ground with trembling lips.

“Why won’t you tell me anything?” Neteyam asked, his voice thick with emotion as he stared at you. “We were whole before this... we never even fought, and I made sure to give you every piece of me that I could… whatever burden you’re carrying… let me bear it with you. Please.”

He stared at your back as you breathed, listening to every word he said. “What part of ‘I fell out of love’ do you not understand, Neteyam?” you replied. “We’re simply not meant to walk the same path. There’s a far better match for you out there—”

“I don’t want anyone else,” he cut in, raising his deep voice. “I only want you…”

You finally turned to face him, biting your lip hard. “Well, I don’t.” Your eyes met his golden ones, now glistening with unshed tears.

He looked like you had just stabbed him, his ears pinned back and his tail stopped moving completely. “Don’t say that… please,” he whispered, stepping closer to you. “You’re lying to me... I know you are. I can see it in your eyes.”

“Believe whatever you wish but you must stop coming to me. Stop sneaking into my hut. Stop… everything!”

Neteyam frowned. “I love you, y/n…”

You felt tears burning hot behind your eyes once again. You desperately wanted to tell him everything, about your endless worries, what you had overheard, and how you’d wanna be in his arms again. But the words remained heavily stuck in your throat, refusing to come out.

“I have to go. Do not follow me.”

You knew both of you had no real say in whatever the council decided for your futures. You told yourself you were doing both of you a favor, even if it was breaking you inside.

It wasn’t long before Neteyam found out about his own arranged mating. He sat through the meeting, nodding along to everything they said, but his mind was elsewhere. He was connecting the dots, realizing this was probably why you suddenly ended things with him.

After it ended, he left as fast as he could and went straight to look for you. He was lucky to find you alone. When you heard a footsteps, you already knew it was him, so you kept your back turned and continued wiping the jars.

“Is that it? You’re letting me go just because I’m to be arranged with another?”

You sighed, placing the jar down a little too hard against the wood before turning to face him, looking him straight in the eyes. “Yes.”

“Why?”

You scoffed, crossing your arms. “Why not? Do you really think we could go somewhere from this?”

Neteyam furrowed his brows and stepped even closer, braids swinging, his tall frame towering over you as his ears pinned back. “So you’re just going to throw me away? Throw us away? Just like that?”

“What else can I do?!” you shouted. “What can you do?! The Council of Elders has already spoken. You cannot defy them!”

“I can,” he stated, his golden eyes blazing. “And I will. If that’s the only hurdle between us, I’ll stand before them and end this arrangement myself.”

Your eyes widened i shock, you opened your mouth, but the breath caught in your throat, forcing yourself to speak. “…If you do that, you’ll never see my face or hear my voice again, Neteyam. I mean every word.”

You watched his eyes widen as he looked away, his throat bobbing as he swallowed hard, “What do you want me to do then? Just force myself into this? You know how much my heart belongs to you. Why won’t you let me fight for us?”

You turned your back to him completely, refusing to let him see the pain on your face. “There’s nothing left to fight for. This was bound to happen sooner or later anyway... I’ve been disobeying my parents for far too long already.”

Neteyam stepped closer and wrapped his arms around you from behind. He buried his face in your neck, whimpering as he breathed in your scent. “Please… do not do this. It hurts, baby. It really hurts.”

You swallowed hard, your eye twitching as you felt the warmth of his tears burning against your neck. You pried his hands from around your waist and turned back around to face him. “Go. You must meet the girl. And wipe those tears away.” You snapped your gaze aside, utterly unable to keep looking at his expression.

“I—”

You clenched your jaw and pushed him to the entrance. “Just go, Neteyam. Please. Stop making this any harder.”

It felt like your heart was disintegrating into a thousand pieces as you watched him walk away. His shoulders were slumped, his posture broken, looking like he had to drag the entire weight of the world just to take a single step away from you.

The two of you kept your distance from each other, against your will. He knew very well how much you still wanted him, just like you knew how badly he still craved you.

You later found out that the woman he was arranged to mate with was Reyna’lin. She was one of the best huntresses in the clan, beautiful, amd talented. You weren’t surprised she was chosen.

You often saw them together around the village, walking side by side, talking and getting to know each other. Sometimes they went deeper into the forest together.

However, his gaze always found you, even when you tried to hide. You looked for him too, only to make sure you could avoid him.

Right now, you were talking with the sky-traders who had just returned. And from the corner of your eye, you saw them together. She was holding onto his biceps, pulling him toward the offerings while smiling brightly. She looked perfect beside him, there was no doubt she was one of the most beautiful girls in the clan.

Visiting Mo’at more often for extra lessons helped distract you from thinking about him. You knew there was a possibility something was forming between Neteyam and Reyna’lin. You wouldn’t even blame her for he’s a good man. Majority of the girls in the clan would feel their knees weaken every time he walked by and smiled at them politely.

Your thoughts were interrupted when a female voice called from outside. “Is anybody here?”

You wiped your hands on a cloth and opened the curtain. Your eyes widened when your eyes landed at Reyna’lin and Neteyam standing there. “Good day,” she said, flipping her hair while squeezing his arm. “My boyfriend thought climbing a tree without looking was a good idea. Now he’s injured. Mo’at told us to go here, so I guess you’ll have to do it. Can you make it fast?”

You opened the curtain wider. “Ah— yes, come in.” For a second, time felt like it slowed down when your eyes met Neteyam’s. You quickly looked away. “Just lay him on the mattress then you can go.

Reyna’lin raised an eyebrow at you. “I’m not leaving my boyfriend here. Why can’t I stay while you treat him?” She crossed her arms.

You waved your hands. “We cannot show the herbs to anyone. It’s not safe for the wound if someone stays inside during treatment.”

She stepped closer, eyes narrowing. “Are you saying I carry dirt on me?”

“No! I’m only saying it’s safer this way. If he got injured from climbing trees, the wound might be serious.” You gulped.

Reyna’lin was about to argue again when Neteyam spoke up. “Reyna’lin, just go. It’s already hurting.”

She rolled her eyes, walked back to him, and kissed his cheek. “I’ll be back, okay?” She patted his shoulder before leaving.

You gulped again, ignoring the ache in your chest after seeing that. You nodded at her as she walked out. Then you approached Neteyam. “Where’s your wound?” He pointed at his chest, you examined it and saw it was a deep open wound, probably from tree bark.

You took your premade herbs and sat on the mattress beside him, keeping a respectful distance. Theb began wiping the wound with a clean cloth, making him hiss from the sudden contact.

Even after almost a week of silence, he couldn’t stop looking at you.

As you applied the herb, he bit his tongue to hold back a groan. You remembered the old days when you would scold him for getting injured so often. Back then your kelku was filled with banters and laughter when you were alone together, now it’s filled wit silence.

Neteyam took his time examining your face. He watched how your eyebrows moved when you focused on his wound, how your nose scrunched when you pressed the cloth against his skin, and how you bit your lip or gulped often.

He just couldn’t stop admiring you.

A strand of hair fell onto your face, so he reached out and tucked it behind your ear. You looked up at him and leaned in closer. His eyes widened, gaze dropping to your lips as he started leaning in too.

Just when he thought you were about to kiss him, you pulled away and grabbed the bowl behind him. His ears fell back in embarrassment. He mumbled, “...Sorry,” and bowed his head.

Your heart skipped a beat when he finally spoke after staying quiet since Reyna’lin left. You nodded your head, feeling heat rise up your neck from being so close to him.

Then, for some reason, you were glad you had finished treating his wound, wrapping the bandage tightly around his chest to cover the open cut.

You patted his forearms out of habit, like you always did when treating him. You ignored what you just did even though he noticed it too.

You stood up and went to your jars, then approached him again as he sat up. “Here. apply this every evening,” you instructed, placing the jar in his hands. “The paste will draw out heat from the wound and keep the flesh clean while new skin forms beneath it. If you neglect it, the cut will heal poorly and leave a thicker scar.”

He looked at the jar in your hand, then back up at your eyes. You gulped when your gazes met. “I will not.”

You flinched at his response. “Come again?”

“You heard me. I. will. not.”

“That’s not a suggestion, Neteyam. You must. The flesh won’t mend as it should otherwise.” You pressed your eyebrows together, not liking his stubbornness.

“Then let your own hands tend to it. Surely you wouldn’t leave your patient to dress his own wound. What if I were to do it poorly?”

You scoffed at his attempt and pressed your tongue against your teeth. “Then you’ll have only yourself to blame. Or have Reyna’lin tend to it. Surely she would not mind helping her boyfriend. I’ll be far too occupied once the others return from patrol anyway.”

Neteyam stepped closer, pushing the jar against your chest until your back hit the counter. “And I said no. Either you tend to it yourself or I shall let the wound remain open. If it scars, then so be it.”

You rolled your eyes. “Did you do this on purpose as well? Injure yourself again just to trouble me?”

A faint smile tugged at his lips. “Perchance I did. Is it working?”

“If you won’t take it, Neteyam, then stop wasting both my time and yours.”

He still refused to take the jar from your hand. “I would never call seeing you a waste of time, Y/n. I won’t let anyone tend to my wound. Not even my grandmother. If these hands are to heal me, I want them to be yours.”

You felt yourself getting pissed. “You cannot be this stubborn. Just apply the herb yourself. Why must you make this so difficult?”

He took another step toward you, leaving barely any space between your bodies. “Because I want you to… If you refuse, then I shall tell grandmother that my healer has neglected my wound.”

A humorless grin spread across your face. “Are you threatening me?”

“If that’s what it takes to see you…” His voice dropped to a whisper. “Then yes.”

You shook your head. “Stop this, Neteyam.”

His body pressed against yours, trapping you against the counter. He brought his mouth close to your ear, whispering. “I miss you so much, Y/n. Do you not miss me too?”

You bit your lip hard, trying not to moan when you felt his hard cock pressing against you through his loincloth. His hands moved down to your ass, squeezing gently while his fingers brushed your tail.

He sucked on your earlobe, knowing exactly how sensitive you were there. “Tell me you don’t miss my touch. Tell me you don’t miss me.”

Your thighs rubbed together, breathing getting heavier. “N-Neteyam…” you groaned, pulling on his hair to try and push him away. But your body arched toward him instead, wanting him closer.

He kept whispering against your ear, hands still on your ass. “Let me take care of you again, baby. Let me make you feel good like before, please…”

You were about to give in completely when you heard footsteps outside. Reyna’lin’s voice carried through the air as she bid farewell to her friends and headed toward your hut. You pushed Neteyam away, heart racing. “Move.”

Reyna’lin escorted him back to his family that night. She even gave you looks, implicitly telling you not to make any move on him.

You felt sick to your stomach, really.

-

You let out a hiss when the heavy grinding rock slipped, striking your finger instead of the medicinal leaves you were supposed to be crushing. Grimacing, you brought the finger to your lips, blowing over the throbbing skin, only to hear a sigh from a woman standing just behind you.

“Sorry, Tsahìk,” you murmured, ducking your head in apology.

Mo’at stepped forward, placing a hand upon your shoulder. “One whose thoughts wander far beyond the forest shouldn’t be tending to the wounds within it.”

You gave her a small, sheepish smile, leaning into her comforting touch. “It won’t happen again.”

She gently adjusted the lace at the collar of your top before speaking, “The clan gathers by the hearth in celebration while you stay here. Leave the returning warriors to the hands of the other healers for a time.”

“I insist. I want to help.”

“Your thoughts are elsewhere.“

You assured her it was nothing more than a simple lack of rest. Though she didn’t look convinced, she gave your shoulder a parting squeeze and urged you to find your sleeping mat the moment the opportunity arose.

But before you could slip away, your friends caught you by the arms, dragging you right into the village. The great communal campfire crackled, a group of young hunters had gathered right across from you, their laughter booming over the sparks.

“What about you, y/n?” your friend, Ayrein, asked from your right, her eyes gleaming as she pointed toward the young men laughing in front of you. “What do you think of those guys? Aren’t they handsome?” She nudged your side playfully.

Your eye twitched, “Uhhh…”

Ayrein let out an exaggerated groan. “There she is... Teyanä, I told you she’d dodge the question again.”

The two began arguing over their little bet, each insisting they had predicted your answer correctly and wagering tonight’s dinner as if you weren’t sitting right in front of them.

“I guess they’re.. okay,” you said, glancing toward the group of young men. Both of them looked at you, waiting for more, but you just shrugged your shoulders. “…That’s it.”

“That’s it?!”

“Don’t be boring, y/n,” Ayrein shook your shoulder and turned your head so you would look at the boys. “Just look at them! The finest warriors in the clan, and every one of them is unmated. They keep us safe, bring back our food, and you’re seriously telling me not a single one has caught your eye? Look again, they’re all fine!”

However, your gaze went to the side where you saw Neteyam talking to the children, smiling down at them as he gave them meat.

Your heart skipped at the sight. You had always known how naturally children gravitated toward him. Perhaps it was because he was the eldest, or the kindness simply came as easily to him as breathing. Watching him make them laugh warmed your heart in ways you wished it no longer could.

"...Really fine," you mumbled.

Ayrein covered her mouth to hide a giggle while Teyanä simply pouted, reaching over to steal a piece of roasted meat from her leaf-plate. “By the way, Tey,” Ayrein said between bites, “why aren’t ya with your hunter?”

Teyanä brushed a long braid over her shoulder, “He said we’re going out into the forest tonight. He has been planning something since sunrise and told me to just be ready.”

“Then why are you still here?”

Teyanä giggled, a deep blush rising on her blue skin. “I’m already prepared, sister. I believe we’re going to mate tonight. I told him I’m in my heat cycle, so I expect he’s going to do something about it.”

“Ma Eywa! Seriously?! Right in front of Y/n too?!” Ayrein glared at her, making a sound of mock disgust before wrapping an arm around you to pull you into a protective hug. “Ignore her. She’s a disgrace.”

Teyanä crossed her arms, a sly smirk playing on her lips. “Do not act so innocent, Ayrein. As if you didn’t just return from the brush of a male’s tongue between your thighs before you walked over here.”

“Hey! No vulgar words in front of Y/n!” Ayrein warned. You chuckled. “It’s alright, Ayrein.”

They looked at each other, before Teyanä finally broke the silence. “No offense, Y/n, but are you really not going to seek a mate anytime soon?”

Ayrein’s smirk faded into a frown, and she nudged your arm gently with her shoulder. “Yeah... Are your parents still... y’know?”

You offered them a small smile and looked on the dancing fire. “I suppose so. I just... I don’t see myself pursuing anyone right now. It’s not that my parents would forbid it, they would just rather I wait.”

“But do you want to? You’re already of age!”

You let out a sigh, your gaze drifting toward the group of young warriors sitting nearby, laughing as they stole food from one another’s plates. “I don’t mind the idea. I just don’t think any of the men you keep trying to pair me with are the ones I would choose.”

“Then go for my brother!” Ayrein said, making you and Teyanä exchange a glance before she continued with a wide grin, “He’s one of the clan’s cooks and I believe he prepared the very meat you’re eating right now, so if you choose him, he will surely keep your bowl full of it.”

You felt a drop of sweat at the suggestion, murmuring, “I don’t believe that’s a wise choice, Ayrein... I’m older than him.”

She tossed her hair over her shoulder with a huff. “Yeahvlike a year! He’s mature, skilled, and gentle, and the more I think on it, the more I see how well your spirits would match.”

Teyanä whistled, nudging your side. “This is the first time I’ve ever heard her offering her own blood to anyone. Ayrein, why the change of heart?”

Ayrein rolled her eyes, scoffing, “It’s just that the other young women here are too entitled, and my brother is one of a kind... he’s exactly the kind of man who could win you over, Y/n.” she winked.

The next day, Ayrein introduced you to her big brother, whose name is Eykxan. You were familiar with him as one of the cooks, but you weren’t really used to talking to boys since your parents didn’t recommend it. However, this guy immediately took an interest in you.

As Ayrein had said, he started giving you food. Every time he saw you, he offered you one of the meals before anyone else could get skme. He also let you taste his new dishes first, letting you try them before the others.

Eykxan was very gentle with you. He always made sure to give you what you wanted and looked for. He told you that before he courted you, he would first court your parents for their permission to take you as his mate.

You just kept nodding and giving him a warm smile, making him flush every time. He was actually serious about it. After two weeks, he already got your father’s approval for always bringing your family early dinners.

Your mother, however, didn’t share everyone else’s opinion of him. During meals, she would always send you looks whenever he sat too close, telling you not to encourage his attention.

Not that you ever did.

The very thought of someone trying to win your heart left a bitter taste in your mouth, for it had belonged to Neteyam long before Eykxan entered your life.

That only made the guilt worse as you hated thinking about him while another man was openly pursuing you, especially when Neteyam himself was meant to be spoken for.

Although Eykxan seemed determined to earn your affection. Every time he came to visit, he arrived with freshly picked flowers in hand, offering them with the same proud smile feeling that each and every gift brought him one step closer to your heart.

Yet every time you looked at them, you found yourself frowning instead. A good thing is that he remembered that you liked flowers, but never that you disliked seeing them plucked from where they bloomed.

Someone else knew how much you hated that.

You remembered the day Neteyam laughed when you told him you disliked picking real flowers because they withered too quickly and you hated stripping the forest of its living beauty. He had only smiled, calling you adorable that night.

Then the very next day, he returned with a bouquet of flowers woven from fabeics. Holding it out to you with that smile, he scratched the back of his neck and said, “You told me you didn’t like real flowers, baby. But you never said anything about woven ones.”

You forced a smile though, not wanting to hurt Eykxan’s feelings. “Thank you, Eykxan.”

“Of course, darling,” he said before grabbing your hand and kissing the back of it. You smiled awkwardly and pulled your hand back, placing the flowers on the grass.

“By the way, you should ease in with the... names. And the touching as well. My mother isn’t fond of either. I hope you understand.” You offered him a polite smile.

“I do understand,” Eykxan let out a chuckle. “But y/n, we’re alone. Surely you don’t think I would disrespect you.” His hand rested against your waist. “I’m only trying to make you feel comfortable, I would never do such a thing.”

Your eye twitched. “And I said no. I don’y like it when... you do that.”

He looked at you before withdrawing his hand. “Of course.” He smiled, “My bad. Thought we had grown close enough for something as harmless as that.”

A knot formed in your stomach. “Sorry.”

“Yknow, Y/n… we should—”

“Eykxan.”

Before he could finish his sentence, a voice called out from behind you. You both turned your heads to the source.

Your heart dropped when you saw Neteyam standing there. The boy beside you quickly sat up and bowed respectfully. “Sir!”

Neteyam looked at him with a serious expression. “The kitchens are short-handed and the evening meal begins soon. Tell me, what excuse am I supposed to give the Olo’eyktan for your absence?”

Eykxan looked nervous. “I’m sorry… I just—”

Neteyam cut him off. “Go.” He pointed toward the village, telling him to leave. Eykxan didn’t even glance at you before walking away fast.

When he left, you sighed then picked up the flowers and were about to leave too. Before you could take a step, Neteyam grabbed your wrist, you turned around, heart beating fast when your eyes met his.

“Are you okay?”

You pulled your wrist away and gave him a small smile. “Yes.”

Neteyam stepped closer. “He was making you uncomfortable.”

You shook your head. “No, he wasn’t, Neteyam. He just gave me flowers.”

His gaze fell on the flowers in your hand. He scoffed, braids swinging as he moved even closer. “Yeah? Are you trying to convince yourself?”

You frowned. “What are you implying?”

Neteyam tilted his head. “I’m implying how you dislike freshly picked flowers. That your tail lashes aggressively when you grow uneasy, and your left eye twitches every time you lie. Just as it is doing now.”

You looked away. “You don’t know me.”

Neteyam grinned. “I do. Far better than he ever will.”

You stepped back. “Just leave me alone, Neteyam. I refuse to see you—” Before you could finish, he gently pushed you against the tree and pulled you into a kiss. You stumbled into him, swallowing your words.

His hand held your jaw as he deepened the kiss. When his other hand moved to your waist, you gasped, giving him the chance to slide his tongue into your mouth. You felt his smirk against your lips when your hands moved to his biceps instead of pushing him away.

You pulled away first, keeping your head lowered as you stared at the floor with a deep frown, whispering, “We shouldn’t be doing this…”

Neteyam refused to step back, his warmth remaining flush against yours as he asked, “Why?”

You bit your lip, avoiding his gaze as you murmured, “Reyna’lin might see us, and I… I don’t wish to bring another woman such misery.” You tried to unwrap your arms from his shoulders, but his hands held yours in place, “Then don’t bring it upon me either.”

“What?”

You looked up at him with furrowed brows as he leaned in to press a kiss against your cheek, his breath trembling as he whispered, “Don’t make me miserable too… I cannot endure this life without you.”

“Oh, Neteyam…” You held his cheeks, he closed his eyes and leaned into your touch. He pulled you into another kiss hands moved from your waist down to your ass, squeezing and making you hiss.

You kissed him back just as hard, fingers tangling in his braids and pulling him tighter. The jealousy from knowing someone else could be having this made you kiss him even more possessively.

Neteyam groaned into your mouth, his hands gripping your waist before he pulled back to breathe, his chest heaving as he gasped, “I cannot stop thinking about you…”

You bit your lip, gulping hard as you stared up at him, “And what would your future mate think of this?”

Neteyam shook his head fast, ears pinning back as his golden eyes started to water, desperate to convince you as he choked out, “She’s not my future mate. I’ll never give her or anyone else that part of me... it’s all yours to keep.”

You looked away fromn his face, swallowing the lump in your throat as you whispered, “Don’t say that…”

“Please... Don’t push me away again.”

You felt your own eyes sting, heart dropping when you heard him sniffle. You didn’t like seeing Neteyam cry. Groaning in frustration, you pulled him back into a kiss. “You’re so irresponsible.”

Neteyam brought your face closer and kissed you, starting slow until you parted your lips. He responded by placing a hand on your leg and throwing it over his hip.

Your mouths were wet and slippery as he humped against you. You tightened your arms around his shoulders, pulling his hair for support as you could feel his hard cock bulging and rutting against your pussy desperately.

He whimpered into your mouth, hands sliding under you to squeeze your thighs. “May I taste you, baby?”

You hummed against his lips, too weak to resist. He dropped to his knees, looking up at you before biting his lip when his eyes fell on you rubbing your thighs together.

He looked up at you again with that pleading gaze, asking you to open your legs for him, so you did. His heart thumped louder than before. He was trying hard to keep himself together, not wanting to rush this moment with you.

He pushed your loincloth aside and examined your wet pussy, swiping his tongue across it before letting his fingers rub your clit in circles. You sighed, throwing your head back against the tree as your hand found its way to his braid.

He buried his face between your thighs and began devouring your pussy. “Fuck… missed you so much.”

Your hand tightened against his braids, moaning loudly. “Neteyam… oh fuckkk.”

His fingers pressed against your folds, rubbing your clit in slow circles again, then slid his tongue inside you. He looked up at you from between your thighs with teary eyes. “Tell me what you want.”

You whimpered. “Fuck… fuck me.”

He groaned and pushed two fingers inside you, curling them perfectly. “Shit… you want that?”

You nodded fast, thighs shaking. “Yes— hurry. I’m so close.”

Neteyam kept sucking and fingering you, making sure you felt every inch of his fingers and the way his lips wrapped around your pussy. “Fuck— Neteyam—”

Your eyes rolled back when you came on his tongue. Right then, he didn’t stop. He kept licking through your orgasm, making you whimper. “So hot and beautiful..”

You were shaking, pulling his hair, but still letting him lick you. “Noo, it’s….” He looked up at you with desperate eyes, lips shiny with your wetness. “Let me do it again. I missed making you feel good.”

You just sighed happily and gave in, legs trembling as he licked you thoroughly. You knew how much he loved eating you out and making you cum with his tongue, as every time you were together, he would always find a way to give you pleasure.

He was certain he could last a whole week without cumming if it meant he could eat you out from time to time.

When he noticed your legs shaking, he held your other leg and let it rest on his shoulder. Now you were fully riding his face, rolling your hips onto his tongue as he lapped at your juices.

“So wet… All this for me, right?”

You threw your head back against the tree, moaning shamelessly. “Mhmm yes…” He brought you to another orgasm, making him groan loudly against your pussy, addicted to your taste. And when you couldn’t take his tongue anymore, you removed your leg from his shoulder and pulled him up by his hair, kissing him hard and tasting yourself on his tongue.

Your pussy was still clenching and throbbing from the orgasm. You wrapped your arms around his neck as your tongue fought for dominance. He submitted to you, whimpering into your mouth as you pulled harder on his braid.

You pulled away, biting his lip while keeping your eyes on his half-lidded ones. Your lips moved down to lick his jaw, sucking on it gently. He whimpered, hands restless on your waist as you kissed your way to his ears.

When he felt your tail lashibg slowly against his legs, he reached for it and caressed it up and down. You sucked on his earlobe, making him sigh. Your hips swayed as your tail did, his own tail curling from your presence alone.

You pulled away and squeezed his cheeks. He smiled down at you. “I missed you, y/n…”

You whispered seductively against his lips. “Need you to fuck me.” You pulled his chin closer and kissed him before pushing his head to your neck so he could suck on your skin. You brought your hair to the side and turned your back to him, giving him more access while grinding your ass against him.

Neteyam groaned, licking your shoulder and grinding back against your ass, he held your waist. “Yeah? Need me to do what?” His hands guided your hips toward his aching cock.

You felt his hard length sliding against your ass. “Fuck me…” you begged before letting yourself fall onto the grass on all fours. He went down with you, squeezing your ass with both hands before smacking it hard, you hissed from the sting.

“Gonna let me fuck you raw in this forest while your new suitor prepares the clan’s feast?” he teased, making you whimper. He slid your loincloth aside and teased his tip against your hole. “He isn’t my suitor, Neteyam. We’re not together… I don’t even like—”

Your words were cut off when he licked your back, making your back arch from the sudden touch. You let your head fall onto the grass, hands fisting tightly in it. Your hips raised and rolled against his tip as his fingers rubbed your pussy.

You felt his lips pressing directly against the sensitive skin of your tail. Involuntary pleasure shot straight up your spine, causing your tail to twitch and brush eagerly against his face before you could even think to stop it. He let out a smug chuckle, “Glad to know you’re still hung up on me.”

Hot flush rushed to your cheeks as you scoffed furiously. “And are you not?” you fired back, glaring up at him from where you lay, your tail delivering a slap right against his bare chest.

“Oh, y/n… I know you know the answer to that.” He finally pushed his cock inside you slowly, watching how you took him. He threw his head back when he bottomed out, thrusting slowly to let you adjust.

Even though you had done this many times before, you still couldn’t get used to his size.

He was long and thick, fitting inside you perfectly. It felt like his cock and your pussy were made for each other. You clenched around his girth when the thought of belonging to each other crossed your mind.

Neteyam watched you thrust your hips back onto his shaft, taking your own pleasure when he wouldn’t move. He chuckled and leaned down to kiss your back. He grabbed a fistful of your hair and held your hips, thrusting deep into you.

You moaned louder when he pulled your hair, making your head tilt back. He kissed your cheek. “Oh Neteyam… so big…” Your legs trembled under you as his legs straddled yours.

“Nothing to feel sorry for. I know it’s big.”

You bit your lip at his arrogance, clenching around his cock as he groaned, biting his own lip to hold back another sound while keeping his hand gripped hard on your hip, and your hair.

“Fuck,” he whimpered, “missed being inside you like this.”

You moaned uncontrollably, pushing your ass back to meet his thrusts while whispering, “Neteyam… faster.”

He leaned over your back, pulling his hand away from your hair and reaching down to slide beneath your top accessories, lifting the piece to bare your breasts to the cool air while his palm massaged the soft weight of one breast, squeezing before rolling your nipple between his fingers.

You let out a gasp, your back arching into his touch as his other hand reached around to find your clit, his thumb rubbing it in tight, wet circles that had you weeping into the grass.

“Do you feel how wet you are?” he murmured, his thumb pinning your clit with pressure to make your thighs tremble before he increased the pace of his hips.

You nodded fast, whimpering a desperate yes against the dirt as he groaned again, thrusting faster while your nipples hardened under his rough fingers.

​“Want you to remember this feeling, okay? Remember exactly how you feel right now,” he said, hips driving relentlessly into you, holding you right on the edge of breaking.

You couldn’t stop the clenches around his cock, moaning his name endlessly as he buried himself deep inside you over and over. His breathing filled your ear, he then pulled his fingers from your nipple, pressing his broad palm flat against your lower back to guide your hips, his gaze locked downward as he watched himself sliding in and out of your soaking core.

“I feel so hot... everything hurts, please just fill me up…” you begged, the double stimulation of his cock filling you and his fingers working your clit making your vision blur.

You were utterly undone, his name spilling from your lips because your brain couldn’t process anything else. The universe narrowed down to this forest, the heavy weight of him, and his length rutting into you.

Neteyam groaned, his hand tightening on your hip as he slowed his thrusts to savour the tight pull of your walls, whispering, “Don’t say that, baby, or I’ll cum too fast… I don’t wanna finish yet.”

“Push deeper...”

“Kiss me…” he breathed, and you turned your head around, fisting your fingers into his braided hair to pull him down into a breathless kiss that he moaned into. “I don’t wanna stop…” he cried out against your lips, his grip on your hips tightening securely before your next words shattered his control.

“Fuck me like you missed me, Neteyam.”

Neteyam let out a loud, uncharacteristic cry, his hips snapping forward against you as he confessed, “I did miss you, so fucking much,” his thrusts turning wild and deep.

You were both breathing heavily, your bodies moving together as the risk of being heard in the forest made the friction feel bunch times more intense.

“Neteyam… I’m close again,” you moaned, and he rubbed your clit faster, demanding, “Come for me, let me feel you,” until you groaned, clenching hard around him as you came.

Neteyam bit his lip again, thrusting through your orgasm while his thumb kept heavily vibrating against your overstimulated clit, gasping, “Oh, shit… you’re squeezing me so tight, I’m g-going to cum too.”

You pushed back against him, whining, “Do it inside me,” until he collapsed against you with a trembling breath, his fingers digging into your hips as the last of his heat spilled inside you.

He leaned down to press his forehead against your back, his tail loosely uncurled on its own, letting you feel the frantic beating of his heart against your skin.

The bioluminescence on his whole body flared bright, glowing in sync with yours as you two shared the orgasm, the friction of his body leaving you done while your whimpers were swallowed by the humid night air.

When he finally moved to pull out, the slick liquid pooled down your thighs, making you shiver at the sudden loss of his cock inside you while you hissed in place, your tail curling when you felt his fingers push the cum back into your pussy.

You sighed as your top accessories fell back into place, covering your flushed chest. He then caught your jaw, tilting your head up to press a lingering kiss to your lips while murmuring sweet words to you, both of you staying like that for a moment before you finally collapsed into the grass, breathing hard.

He lay beside you, pressing gentle kisses to your cheeks until your breathing finally regained. The moment you sat up, he did the same, his worried eyes never leaving your face. He watched as you reached for your discarded loincloth, he took a hold of your forearm before you could stand. “Let me help you.”

You shook your head, avoiding his gaze as you gathered your things. “It’s alright,” you whispered. “I’ll take care of myself.”

“Y/n, please. Let me make this up to you. Let me fight for us…” His shoulders fell, before standing to adjust his loincloth around his hips, dragging a hand across his face, wiping away the tears he had failed to hide.

“Neteyam, clean yourself up.”

“Forgive me, baby...” he whispered, guilt can be heard in his voice, he’s regretting how everything had unfolded, pulling you into a sex session right after the guy who obviously had feelings for you just left, and especially after you had tried so hard to push him away.

You turned back to him, cupping his cheeks with both hands. Pressing a gentle kiss on his cheeks, you lingered for only a heartbeat before letting your hands fall away, the faint smile on your face disappearing.

“I’ll leave first. Follow after me... and don’t let yourself get caught, okay?”

-

After that, the two of you returned to pretending the other didn’t exist. It was easier that way anyway. At least, it kept suspicious eyes away from the truth the two of you had worked so hard to hide.

By the time you got home, your family had already begun the evening meal. It wasn’t long before Eykxan arrived at your family’s place as well, sending you an apology for leaving you alone in the forest.

Your mother scowled, questioning why the two of you had been alone in the first place, then turned to Eykxan and asked why he had left a lady on her own.

He mentioned having duties to attend to and couldn’t escort you back himself, though he insisted he had left you in the care of a trustworthy man. Your mother’s expression didn’t change, nearly growing angry at the thought of you being left alone with another male, until you intervened to calm her.

You assured her that everything had been perfectly fine, explaining that the Olo’eyktan’s eldest son had personally accompanied you safely back to the heart of the village.

As you inspected your pouches for any danages, the curtain was suddenly thrown back wherein an energetic voice pierced the atmosphere.

“You’re blooming, Y/n!”

You snapped your head toward the entrance, watching your friends stroll in with a trader’s bag slung over their shoulder.

“Did my brother finally make his move on you?” Ayrein teased, a wicked grin spreading across her face. “I mean, not that I would wanna hear the details of how he—”

“No, Ayrein,” you cut, shutting down the topic. The last thing your heart could handle right now was discussing men. You pointed a finger at the bundle in her hands. “What’s that?”

“We only hope we’re not disturbing you, but the sky-traders arrived at the outer camp earlier, and we managed to get some supplies for you.” Teyanä said, stepping forward and pointing to the bag.

“They arrived?!” you gasped.

“...Yes?” Ayrein blinked, exchanging a confused look with Teyanä. “Did you not hear the horns blowing across the canopy?”

“No!” Panic flared in your chest as you wiped your stained hands frantically on a cloth. “I didn’t hear anything. I needed to trade something to them before they packed up and headed back to the base.”

Teyanä sets the heavy woven bag down on your mat with a thud. “Well, you better hurry if it’s that urgent. They usually only stay by the lower platforms for a few hours to trade medicine and tools with the warriors.”

Your heart hammered against your ribs. You had been so completely lost in the memory of… him.

You cursed under your breath, quickening your pace toward the lower forest platforms where the late sky-traders usually set up camp.

Occasionally, you bowed your head to the passing elders who acknowledged your presence with nods, though your mind remained completely preoccupied.

Your eyes drifted down toward the Tlalim airships, where several people stood talking with the others and examining the newly brought offerings.

Taking another step forward, your heart suddenly dropped as your eyes widened at the sight unfolding just a short distance away.

Huh…

You spotted Neteyam’s broad back as he placed a beaded necklace around Reyna’lin’s neck, her hands resting on his biceps as she smiled up at him. The moment her gaze clashed with yours, her smirk widened maliciously as she stepped closer into his space, her body disappearing behind his large frame.

From your angle, all you could see was her head tilting and leaning deeply into his, making it look exactly like they were sharing something intimate that you wouldn’t even dare name.

Nausea surged through you, forcing you to avert your eyes instantly as you spun on your heel, abandoning the trading tents to head back toward your kelku.

You swallowed hard against the lump in your throat, your pulse throbbing painfully against your skin as you practically sprinted away from the scene.

You completely forgot about the items you had intended to trade, the vivid image of Reyna’lin’s triumphant grin before she leaned into Neteyam burned into your mind.

Hoeever, you tried to tell yourself you had no right to feel this shattered, especially since the council had already decreed their future together as leaders of the clan.

Yet, your heart still ached, ruined by the memory of his desperate confessions in the forest only days prior.

He had held you oh so tight, whispering about his undying love and how desperately he missed you, but now it all felt like a sickening lie.

You had never wanted to think of Neteyam this way, but the harsh reality staring you in the face proved he was likely just after your body.

The realization cut deeper than any physical wound, leaving you entirely hollowed out as you retreated into the shadows of the village.

“Oh my! Why are you crying, Y/n?!” Ayrein gasped, her eyes widening as she took in your flushed nose and trembling lips.

“I… I didn’t see them,” you lied, wiping away the hot tears you hadn’t even realized were falling until she pointed them out.

“It must’ve been that important for you to be crying over missing them,” Teyanä noted, crossing her arms before offering a reassuring shrug. “Don’t worry, they return by the next moon.”

Don’t worry…

It was the phrase you kept repeating to yourself like a hollow mantra, though it did nothing to stop the heavy grumpiness that took over you for the rest of the weeks. You intentionally pulled away from the village life, determined to avoid drawing any sort of interaction from anyone around you.

Your mornings were consumed by helping Mo’at prepare the winter poultices. You successfully avoided Neteyam, and whenever your paths did cross near the communal fires, you made sure your gaze never lingered on his face for more than a millisecond.

While avoiding most people had been easy, Eykxan had practically integrated himself into your daily life.

He constantly brought early meals to your family, laughed along with your father’s jokes, and brought fine fabrics for your beloved mother to gain her favor. He also saved the best cuts of roasted meat specifically for you, making sure your bowl was full before anyone else’s.

Eykxan had been there during the weeks when you were drained, noticing your sour mood and constantly bringing you flowers alongside neatly leaf-wrapped meals.

You wouldn’t really admit, but having an accompanist was exactly what you needed to silence the aching noise of heartbreak inside your chest.

You were currently sitting by the lower riverbanks, scrubbing the sticky residue of crushed herbs from your wooden medicine bowls. Then a shadow suddenly fell over you as the person slid down onto the mossy rock, its fingers brushing your jaw to tilt your face up.

Your entire body went rigid as you slapped his hand away with irritation, “Eykxan… you startled me.”

“You wouldn’t be so jumpy if you actually welcomed my presence, pretty,” he replied, shrugging with a grin that made your eye twitch before he let out a low chuckle.

He attempted to flirtatiously invite you to a secret meeting spot in the forest, claiming it is both of your spot away from the noise of the village. When you point out that you don’t actually share a spot tofether, he got a bit clumsy with his words before giving up and promising to just come and get you later.

You informed your friends that you wouldn’t be able to join them for dinner because Eykxan had asked you to meet him. They just giggled at your explanation, then began swarming you to help you get ready instead.

Soon enough, you were on your way into the forest with your hair unbraided, your friends had put in colorful decorations and hairpins to brighten your strands.

He had indeed come to you to fetch you, presenting you with yet another flower alongside a leaf-wrapped bundle of your favorite food. Throughout the entire walk, he made sure to guide your steps, keeping his hand resting against your waist.

You finally arrived at a secluded clearing near the lake that he claimed as your shared spot, even though you had never been here with him before. You simply ignored the comment as he spread a mat over the grass, taking a seat beside him as the two of you began to talk, slowly getting to know one another.

The conversation went from village gossip to your personal life, his questions gradually becoming more invasive as the twilight deepened around the lake.

“I mean, I’ve been courting you for almost two months now, Y/n, the least you could do is tell me about your past experiences. Surely a beauty like you had suitors.” he said, leaning back on his arms.

“I told you the answer already.”

“There’s just no way you don’t. Your parents are incredibly easy to please, especialy your father! Just tell me who else walked into your life and had him giving his blessing to court you in just a matter of weeks? I literally charmed him,” he grinned to himself, making you look at him offended.

“What did you say?”

“I said it’s easy to trick your father, it’s just your mother that’s stopping me from going full out on you. She’s so unnecessarily strict like? As if I’m going to impregnate you the second we’re alone. No offense, y/n, but how pathetic it is that she won’t let you be with the finest cook of the clan unless you sneak out,” he rolled his eyes.

“That’s because she cares about me, Eykxan. And you’re not courting me. I never gave you permission to,” you said, sitting up straight before he matched your stance, his expression hardening.

“What do you mean? I’ve been giving you a taste of what it feels like to be fed by the best in the clan. I have done nothing but show you the kind of life you’ll have as my mate. No other man can give you that, y/n.”

“You… never asked me to.”

“I don’t have to, that’s expected. The things I did for you, do you want me to count them?”

“Eykxan, please—”

He raised a hand, ticking his fingers one by one in your face. “One, I mend your father’s hunting gear, a difficult task for a weapon that was about to fail him by the way, yet I did everything to fix it. Two, I give your mother the rarest weaving fabrics, the ones you would never obtain easily unless the sky-traders came and you offered your own blood, you should know I have my connections. Three, I prepare the most exquisite meals specifically for your bowl, ensuring your whole family eats like royalty... Do you know how many women in this village wish they had someone like me providing for them every day? What even is courting for you?”

He leaned into your face, prompting you to scramble up from the mat, though he rose just as fast to loom over you. “Eykxan, I appreciate everything you do for us, you know that. I’ve always told you how grateful I am, but that’s not you courting me because I haven’t given you permission.”

“Your father did. He explicitly told me that he would be the happiest to have me as his son-in-law,” he said, stepping closer until you were forced to take a step back.

You moved uncomfortably at his suffocating closeness. “That’s… my father. My mother didn’t agree to anything, nor does she know about this. I didn’t even know your intentions were like this—”

He scoffed, “Are you serious? You’re telling me I made all those sacrifices of risking getting caught reserving the best meat and neglecting my own kitchen duties just for a woman who claims she did not know? You must be completely stupid to think a male of my status does all that for free!” He suddenly shoved your shoulder, the force making you stumble hard against the massive tree trunk behind you.

“Eykxan, t-that’s not—”

“You know what I learned while humbling myself to feed you and your family, Y/n? I learned that you’re nothing but a selfish, ungrateful woman who’s hungry for attention,” he stated, his gaze dropping to your lips as he stepped into your space, his hand caging you against the tree.

You swallowed hard, your left eye twitching as his eyebrows furrowed, your heart stuttering at the sudden toxicity rolling off him.

“Just so you know, I turned down two of the finest women who wished to court me this season. All because I chose to be loyal and waste my time on you. And yet you play the victim, refusing to let me get a single taste of what I’ve rightfully earned.”

You flinched violently when his hand clamped around your wrist like a vice. “E-Eykxan, I demand— it hurts—”

“Oh don’t be so dramatic, princess. It doesn’t hurt,” he dismissed sharply, tightening his grip as he leaned in until his breath hit your cheek. “Yoi’re the one hurting me. You won’t even let me touch you, acting like you’re too innocent for the best male in your circle. Do you have any idea how humiliating it is to cater to you while you give me nothing in return? You’re going to start showing me the respect I deserve, starting right now.”

“Let go... please,” you whispered, tears of frustration stinging your eyes as you tried to pull away, but he only pressed his weight heavier against your body.

“She said let go.”

His body went stiff, jaw tightening as he turned his head toward the darkness where Neteyam stepped into the moonlight, his yellow eyes pinned onto Eykxan’s hand around your bruised wrist. He removed his hand and knees from you, making you release the breath you were holding.

Eykxan chuckled, raising his hands and facing him, blocking you from the elder son. “Don’t worry, my girl and I were just doing—”

“Did you not hear what she said?”

“Huh?”

“She said let go.”

Eykxan shifted his weight, still shielding you away from the warrior. “Sir, I don’t think you understand, she and I agreed to meet here, her father already gave me his—”

Before he could finish the sentence, Neteyam moved with the lethal speed of a viper. He stepped into Eykxan’s personal space, his hand clamping around the front of Eykxan’s neck with enough force to cut off his breath instantly, slamming him back against the tree, making you gasp.

“I do not care what her father said,” Neteyam hissed, his face inches from Eykxan’s as his ears pinned flat against his head in pure aggression. “If someone tells you to stop, you stop. If I see your face near her again, I’ll personally ensure you never step foot in the communal kitchens again. Now, get out of my sight before I forget my position.”

You covered your mouth, watching the boy sprint back toward the village while clutching his throat. You let your knees collapse down the grass, letting out a breath, the release of tension making you give out.

Neteyam was by your side by then, dropping to his knees and grasping your shoulders. “Are you alright? Did he hurt you?”

Wiping the cold sweat from your forehead, you forced yourself up and shoved his arms away. You turned to walk back to the village, but he stepped into your path, blocking your escape. Your gaze snapped up to his, your pulse still racing. “Move.”

He shook his head, looking down at your troubled face with deep concern. You inhaled and tried to step around him, but he matched your movement, making you glare at him in pure frustration.

“Didnt you hear what I said—”

“I’m not moving until you speak to me.”

“There’s nothing for us to speak about,” you stated, twisting your arm to break his touch.

“There is. The fact that you have cast me aside for months… what’s the meaning of that?”

You let out a harsh scoff, your hair swinging over your shoulder. “Maybe the fact that you’re to be spoken for, and I refuse to stand between a future Olo’eyktan and his chosen woman?”

“What are you saying?” He raised an eyebrow, and his clueless expression only fueled your anger. “Stop tormenting me,” you snapped, attempting to push past him only to collide directly with his broad chest. “I said stop—”

“You always do this, you close yourself off and tell me nothing. How am I supposed to fix us if you won’t even let me—”

“There’s no us, Neteyam! Understand that. There’s no us now, nor will there be in the future. Everything we had, I left in the past along with your empty promises, so I suggest you—”

He seized your arm again, desperation bleeding into his features. “Why must you make things so difficult for us?”

Your eyes widened at his words, a bitter laugh escaping your lips as you stepped into his space, your voice dropping to a harsh whisper. “You mean, why must you always be the perfect son?”

His jaw slackened, his pupils contracting as the words hit him. He blinked, his mouth opening and closing before he could barely utter, “...What?”

“I believed you, Neteyam. When you swore you would fight for us, I trusted you. I never forced your hand because I believed you would protect our dream.”

Tears finally spilled over your eyelashes, your bioluminescent dots flaring in the dim forest light. He stood frozen, swallowing hard as he let you pour out your agony.

“y/n…”

“...I doubt you know how deeply ashamed I feel whenever our people praise your devotion as her suitor.” The suppressed rage of the past months finally broke free, spilling out of you unchecked.

His eyes widened in horror as the weight of your words crashed down on him, but before he could speak, you pressed on.

“When you told me you dreamed of mating with me under the Tree of Souls and raising a family... you have no idea the joy that brought me.”

He stood completely paralyzed, his heart shattering into pieces as he watched the tears stream down your face. He wanted nothing more than to reach out, to wipe away your sorrow and hold you against his chest, but your next words anchored him to the spot.

“The day you pulled me away from that starving creature and looked me in the eyes, my soul knew yours before my mind ever could. I saw my future there. I saw my husband... the father of my children. I knew that vision by heart, that’s why I risked a lot.

Every dream I ever dared to have had you in it. Every prayer I whispered to Eywa carried your name. I loved you long before I ever found the courage to say it aloud, and even before I knew your name.

But you’re just sooo perfect, aren’t you? So perfect that I kept wondering what someone like you ever saw in someone like me. I suppose that’s why I could never understand how we fit together. I should’ve known there was always going to be something wrong.

You’re the man every child looks up to. The one who never disappoints his father. You carry the weight of your clan so proudly, yet the moment it’s us standing before you, you set me down first.”

You didn’t fail to notice the way he swallowed hard, his eyes trembling as tears gathered along his lash line. His lips had flattened into a tight line, fighting to keep his composure, yet you couldn’t waste this moment without telling him what had been haunting your mind.

“You’re the finest warrior Omatikaya has ever known. But when it comes to us... You’re nothing more than a coward, Neteyam.”

Finally, you sniffled, turning your head away as your trembling lips pressed together. You wiped your tears, refusing to look at him. You couldn’t bear the thought of seeing the tears you knew were already slipping down his cheeks because of the words you had just spoken.

You never imagined you would say them to him. Not before, and certainly not now. If there was ever a future where those words left your lips again, you hoped it would never come.

Letting out a heavy sigh, you turned to leave, but his hand clamped around yours, pulling more tears from your eyes. “Let go, please..."

“You won’t give me a chance to talk?”

“No. I have a trial with the Tsahik at dawn and I must rest. If you have words to say, swallow them for I’m no longer listening.”

“Please... you know our ways better than anyone. I cannot— I must not—”

You whirled around, wrenching your wrist from his grasp. “When you spoke to Eykxan and told him that when someone says to stop, you stop. So now, I’m telling you this: Stop approaching me. Stop looking for a past that’s dead. From this sun down, Neteyam… we are nothing but strangers.”

Sleep didn’t come easily after that.

You spent the entire night muffling your sobs against your sleeping mat, your chest tightening as you struggled to catch your breath, tears streaming endlessly until you were exhausted from weeping.

The next morning, Mo’at noticed the way your eyes were swollen and heavy, but she made no remark on that state.

On the other hand, Neteyam was no better. She didn’t fail to see the lack of motivation in her grandson. But he still moved with that lifeless gait during his regular perimeter patrols, flying his ikran on scouting missions and checking the borders for any signs of the sky people, doing it all with no rests, tiring his banshee.

It was obvious to the Tsahik that he was desperately seeking extra duties and more duties to keep his hands occupied.

Whenever he returned from the dangerous hunts, he would hand the heavy tools and gathered goods over to the village cooks, giving a polite bow to the elders before retreating right back to his tasks.

Lo’ak had to constantly shake his older brother awake, as Neteyam no longer resembled the Olo’eyktan’s proud first son. He stopped smiling, barely touching his meals, and his mind wandered so badly during patrols that the other people with him literally had to yank him out of the path of a charging viperwolf.

His skin looked dull, the bioluminescent dots on his body barely glowing in the dark, and his tail trailed limply along the ground, while his ears drooped to express his misery.

Neteyam had been sinking into a place so dark that even hope struggled to reach him, your words from that night in the forest echoing louder than anything else, along with all the ones he never had the chance to say.

Your teary stained face haunted his thoughts, tormenting him from the moment he woke up until he tried to sleep. Your voice replayed in his mind, each word striking him just as painfully as it had the night you said them.

Reyna’lin practically had to force him out of his state, dragging him across the village grounds while leaning closely into his arm as she rattled on about their plans for the day. She tried her absolutw best to cheer him up, bringing him along to gather resources and whispering sweet things, but every single attempt failed.

He just allowed her to drag him along through the high forest canopy, following her across the massive branches to hunt and test his skills once again, yet no amount of physical distraction could fill the void inside him.

He went through each day like a puppet, for no duty nor pastime could soothe his aching heart the way your presence once did.

“You’ve been lazing around…”

Reyna’lin said, rubbing her hands on Neteyam’s lap. He just looked down from the tree, the two of them sitting 50 ft above the ground on one of the thick branches.

Reyna’lin held his cheeks, caressing them. “Would you ever tell me what’s going on inside that pretty head of yours?” Neteyam nodded, not really listening to her words, his mind was somewhere else.

She leaned up and pressed a soft kiss on his cheek, trying to get some reaction from her future mate. He didn’t pull away, nor did he lean into it. His body stayed numb as his eyes stared blankly past her shoulder.

Reyna’lin straddled his legs, taking his hands and placing them on her waist. She held his jaw and turned his head so she could kiss his neck. Neteyam’s hands just rested there, not moving at all.

His heart felt like it was breaking again. His ears stayed pinned back, tail not moving. His eyes were half-lidded, wanting nothing more than to fall asleep. He could barely hear her whispering seductively in his ear, her breath hot against his skin.

She guided his left hand up to the side of her breast, humping slowly against his leg, looking for any friction as she kissed his neck again. Neteyam stayed completely still, not responding to any of her touches.

Reyna’lin kept going, pressing her body closer and whispering more desperate things into his ear as she tried to force a spark from him. She buried her face in the crook of his neck, her hands tangling into his braids, sighing and begging his body to acknowledge her.

He just let his head fall back against the tree, staring up through the canopy at the distant stars with unblinking eyes. His hands remained limp where she had placed them, refusing to grip her, refusing to push her away, detached from the skin-to-skin contact.

Her movements grew more desperate until the whole lack of warmth from him became too loud to ignore. Slowing down, she pulled back from his neck and cupped his jaw, leaning in to finally connect her lips to his.

He could feel her warm breath brushing across his skin, causing his eye to twitch, but just before their lips could meet, she stopped herself. Pulling back to examine his face, she saw what he was trying so hard to hide.

She let out a low groan of frustration, shifting so she was simply sitting between his legs rather than straddling him, her hands dropping heavily into her own lap. She watched as a tear spilled over his eyelashes and rolled down his cheek, He looked away into the dark canopy as he sniffled to himself.

“Just spit it out, Neteyam.”

-

Weeks later, you managed to stay far away from both males after that night, as the ordeal had took the soul right out of you. The news of the incident traveled its way to the Olo’eyktan’s ears, and he immediately sent Eykxan out on a grueling, solitary hunt so he could reflect on the gravity of what he had done.

Your friends also found out what happened, and a devastated Ayrein went down to her knees to bow before you and your parents, sobbing as she begged for your forgiveness. She felt responsible for the mess, since she was the one who had insisted on pairing you up with her brother.

Relief washed over you when Jake decided to keep the issue confidential between your two families, making sure rhat no gossip would ruin anyone’s standing. You didn’t want to bring shame upon his family, especially since your best friend was only trying to help you experience life beyond your family’s expectaions.

“I told you it’s alright, please don’t drown in your guilt,” you murmured, chuckling as you tried to pull away from her tight embrace.

She shook her head, her hands still trembling against your shoulders as fresh tears welled up in her eyes. “No, y/n, I have all of you to thank for being so merciful… for not demanding my brother be locked away in the dungeons or shamed before the clan! You’re far too considerate, and you truly deserve nothing less than a proud warrior who gives you everything!”

Teyanä suddenly stepped forward and pinched Ayrein’s skin to silence her, her own tail flicking with sharp annoyance. “Hey, stop speaking of mates right now! That’s the exact reason why y/n was almost harassed! I now understand why auntie was so against this pairing from the very beginning!”

Ayrein pulled back, resting her hands on your shoulders as her eyes searched yours. “I’m just really glad that Neteyam was there to come to your rescue. I cant even imagine what could’ve happened otherwise…” she murmured with a deep frown.

You swallowed hard against a dry throat at the very mention of his name, a wave of heavy realization washing over you. You were grateful too, but you realized that you hadn’t even gotten to properly thank him that night, giving him nothing but a cold shoulder and harsh words when he was desperately just trying to communicate with you.

A sense of shame settled in your chest, knowing he always seemed to appear right when you needed saving, yet whenever he asked for just a moment of your time, you couldnt give it.

“Me too, y/n. we’re both so sorry for forcing you into this whole mess,” Teyanä sighed, stepping closer to pat the top of your head.

You shook your head, wanting to ease their guilt. “Id admit, a part of me had been curious to see what would happen if he kept this up. But there was another part that just knew something was off about him. Sorry, sister, for my soul didn’t see him.”

“You have nothing to apologize for, y/n,” Ayrein interrupted, squeezing your shoulders. “It’s all my fault for not taking the time to ask how you two were doing, I just assumed the best and thought my… brother was conducting a proper courting. I must apologize as well for making so many inappropriate jokes, I definitely made you uncomfortable.”

Your friends made sure you forgot all your negative thoughts, dragging you along with them down to the river for a swim. The water was cold, feeling incredible as the three of you sat with your backs to the rushing falls, letting the heavy pressure of the cascading water give you a free massage.

They even left their boyfriends behind for the time being, abandoning their usual day in a life just so they could protect your peace and hang out with you for the next few weeks.

Mo’at also made sure to avoid overworking you, going noticeably easy on you during your recent training sessions to give your spirit time to heal. She purposely assigned you lighter tasks, allowing you to focus on guiding the younger apprentices while she took full charge of leading the daily rituals for the clan.

You bid farewell to the young girls, sending them out after they hugged, and thanked you for the lessons today. Your heart felt full of warmth from their pure cuteness, bringing a genuine smile to your face.

You then began cleaning the Tsahik’s hut, clearing the tables and mats the children had used for the class before picking up the leftover materials to store them away safely.

Humming while washing the wooden cups and bowls was your usual hobby, but the melody died down when a rush of heavy, panicked footsteps echoed right outside the entrance.

“C’mon!”

“Over there!”

You dropped your cleaning cloth and yanked open the curtain, stepping back to let the frantic warriors carry someone inside. There were too many of them crowding around, blocking your view of the injured hunter as they rushed toward the medical mats.

“What’s going on?” you demanded, approaching the group as they laid the body down onto the soft mattress. The warrior closest to you turned, out of breath as he explained, “We need Tsahik… he fell from a very dangerous height.”

“Who is—”

Your voice caught as your eyes finally tracked down to the unconscious male covered in cuts and bruises, your lungs seizing up when you realized it was none other than Neteyam.

You shoved the males out of your way, kneeling beside him to look at his wounds while demanding a report. “What happened?!”

“W-We were assigned to the afternoon patrol at the high cliffs, but we didn’t realize he had drank some of the heavy ceremonial wine from today’s ritual,” the lead warrior admitted guiltily, his tail twitching.

“We only caught the scent of it once we were high up, and before we could ask, he fainted, lost his balance, startled his ikran, and plummeted straight down.”

You let out a gasp, your heart hammering against your ribs as you scrambled up to gather your emergency herbs. One of them added, “It was fortunate that he landed directly on the huge leaves… it absorbed the momentum and saved his life…”

“Fortunate?!” A hiss ripped from your throat, your ears pinning flat against your head as you glared at the reckless patrol team. “Get out of here! Go find Tsahik!” you snarled, enraged that they hadn’t even bothered to check on their fellow warrior before taking to the sky, knowing damn well he could’ve died if those giant canopy leaves hadn’t caught his fall.

When all of the warriors finally left, you pressed your palm against Neteyam’s forehead and then his neck, checking for his temperature. You turned his palm upward, placing your fingers on the thumb side of his wrist to gauge his pulse, counting the rhythm of his heartbeat.

You let out a sigh when you realized his vitals were stable, turning away to sit on the floor and begin grinding the healing herbs together. Your hands suddenly froze when a painful groan cut through the room, causing you to look back over your shoulder.

He began to sob, bringing a trembling hand up to clutch his head before shifting his entire forearm to cover his eyes. You felt the ache in your chest at the rare sight of him breaking down, his broad shoulders shaking with every ragged breath.

“Y/n…”

Your heart dropped at the vulnerable sound of him calling out your name beneath his arm. Quickly finishing the herbal paste, you crawled back over and sat beside him, gently reaching down to rub his tear-stained cheek. “Shhh…”

He didn’t take his arm off his face, sobbing even louder than before as he gasped for air. “I… I need to see y/n… Please bring me to her…” Your eyes widened, his body tensing up when you tried to pull his arm away. “Hey,” you whispered.

“Don’t— Don’t touch me, please… I don’t want anyone touching me but her,” he choked out, entirely blind to his surroundings.

“Neteyam, I’m here…” you said, finally prying his arm away from his face. He squinted hard against the light, his swollen yellow eyes blinking rapidly until they locked onto your worried face and the deep frown on your lips.

A smile broke through his tears before he abruptly bolted upright, startling you. “Y-you have to lay down before you hurt yourself—”

Neteyam threw himself onto your lap, crashing onto his knees right in front of you as he wrapped his arms tightly around your waist, burying his face against your skin to inhale your scent. He kept weeping against you, throwing you shock as you watched him ignore his fresh wounds just to jail you in his embrace.

“Y/n, forgive me please!” he cried out, squeezing you tighter against his chest. Your throat tightened, and you swallowed hard. “Stop it… you have to lay down!” You desperately tried to peel his arms off your waist, scrambling to your feet the second you broke his grip, but he immediately shifted and wrapped his arms around your thighs instead.

“Please… talk to me…” he begged, his ears pinning completely flat against his head in sheer desperation as he locked his hold around your legs. Your tail lashed violently from side to side in frustration. “Hey! Stand up right now—”

He didn’t listen, dragging his heavily bruised body forward across the mat, nearly causing you to stumble before you caught your weight. He looked pathetic, completely broken down by grief as he clutched the fabric of your loincloth, burying his wet face directly into your lap while his broad shoulders shook.

“I can’t do it… I can’t live without you— I’m so sorry... I’m a coward, you were right... I’m such a coward man.”

“You need to calm down! Your wounds are terrible, you’re not sober, and Mo’at might walk in at any moment!” you pleaded, placing your hands over his trembling shoulders to push him back. Instead, he pulled your hands down, gripping your wrists with a strength to press your palms flat against his wet cheeks before forcing himself to look up at you.

He was begging so hard he could barely catch his breath. “Let her see. I don’t care anymore. Y/n... I cannot do this, I cannot sleep… every time I close my eyes, I just hear you yelling at me and I see the look on your face.”

Your heart twisted in your chest, the anger you had carried for days now smothered by a wave of pure sorrow.

Your warrior was a mess.

You forced yourself to look away from his gaze, your eyes darting anxiously toward the entrance of the pod as you waited for the Tsahik to return.

“Please… look at me...” he whispered, “I’ll crawl through the mud for you, y/n. Just please don’t look at me like I’m nothing to you…”

“What’s going on here?”

Your eyes went to the entrance as Mo’at pulled back the curtain, her gaze taking in the sight of you gripping Neteyam’s cheeks while he’s on his knees before you. He didn’t even look back at his grandmother, ignoring her presence as he waited for you to meet his eyes again.

“He—uhm…” You swallowed hard, the words dying in your throat as you struggled to find an explanation before she stepped closer, then took her grandson’s arms away from your thighs and forced his weak body down onto the medical mattress.

“Hand me the herbs.”

Your feet stuttered over the woven mats as you retrieved the wooden bowl you had been mixing earlier, avoiding Neteyam’s longing eyes. “Sorry…” you mumbled, hands trembling, giving the remedy.

“You will tell me what’s happening here, y/n,” Mo’at spoke, her eyes locking onto you as she began to assess his injuries. “Why was my grandson on his knees?”

You inhaled, looking down at your lap as you prepared to speak, but Neteyam cut in before you could even form a syllable. “I’m in love with her.”

Your eyes widened, snapping up to look at him as he stared right back at you. His skin twitched in pain as Mo’at applied the stinging herbal paste to his wounds, but he didn’t care, making your heart beat fast in your chest as he continued.

“I have longed for y/n for so long, and I cannot… I will not walk the path with anyone else, grandmother,” Neteyam whimpered, he refused to break eye contact with you.

“Y/n?”

Finding it incredibly difficult to speak under the weight of her presence, you cleared your dry throat. “We… we were walking together in secret before, but I took matters into my own hands and severed our relationship so that… he could fulfill his duty to the clan,” you whispered, a hot blush of embarrassment creeping up your cheeks as you confessed your forbidden love to the highest authority.

“Y/n, I—”

Neteyam opened his mouth to protest, but he was suddenly pinched by Mo’at, forcing him to shut up as she looked up at you. “And how does all of that make you feel?”

“What… what do you mean, Tsahik?”

“Do you want him to fulfill his duty to the clan?” she asked directly, the blunt question making your chest tighten as you looked down at the woven mats, entirely unwilling to give a straight answer while Neteyam sat right there, desperately waiting for your words.

“It wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that I... wouldn’t wish for him to do such a thing... though I cannot exactly deny that I wouldn’t be opposed to the possibility of wanting him to. But should that ever happen, I’d wish that it be of his own choosing, rather than the consequence of any wish I may... or may not... have held.”

Neteyam tilted his head, his ears twitching in confusion as he tried to understand your words. His bruised brow knitted together as he looked from you to his grandmother, wonderjng whether the wine had finally gone to his head because not a single sentence you uttered seemed to make sense anymore.

Mo’at let out a hum, her eyes softening as she soon realized and saw right through your protective walls while her grandson remained baffled.

“What do you mean—” Neteyam began, before he was cut off by a hard smack from Mo’at.

“You brought this upon yourself, child, you knew very well that you had a patrol this afternoon, yet you allowed yourself to get drunk,” she scolded, “What kind of warrior are you behaving like, and what would your father say if he saw you right now? You had best be glad I ordered your patrol members to keep this foolishness away from Jake or you would be facing much worse than my medicine.”

He winced, scratching the back of his neck as he muttered an apology and looked down at his lap, thoroughly ashamed to be getting lectured like a child right in front of you.

Both of your hearts were still thumping wildly against your chest. Is this it? Out of all the people in the clan who could’ve discovered the secret between the two of you, it had to be the Tsahik herself.

Later that night, Mo’at instructed you to stay and watch over Neteyam, who had fallen into a deep, heavy sleep mostly due to the effects of the wine, informing you that she had urgent business elsewhere in the camp.

Before she could step out, you asked her to keep your secret safe, and she gave you a nod, saying that your truth was not hers to tell before patting your shoulder.

Left alone with your racing thoughts, you sat just outside the entrance, peeling the fibrous veins from a basket of medicinal leaves to keep your hands from shaking.

“Hey.”

You snapped your head up from your work, not having heard a single footstep approach, only to find Reyna’lin standing before you with a wave and a smile. “Is Neteyam inside?” she asked, her fingers pointing toward the curtained entrance.

You straightened your posture, a tight knot forming in your body as you gave her a nod. “Yes, he’s asleep though, but you may go inside.”

She nodded and went inside, leaving you alone with your thoughts again, as a pit formed in your stomach.

Of course she would visit her future mate.

Check on him.

Make sure he was alright.

You shook your head, swallowing the bitterness that threatened to surface. Out of everything, you refused to resent her for worrying about the man who was, by all accounts, meant to become her husband, even if a part of you still wondered whether Neteyam’s heart belonged to you too.

You let the frown stay on your face though as you resumed peeling the leaves and putting them in the bowl for tomorrow’s children’s lesson.

“Y/n?”

You looked up and saw her leaning against the wood before she approached and sat down beside you, purposely bumping your shoulder.

“Yes?”

“I suppose we haven’t had a proper meeting. I was such a bitch for some reason, so… sorry for that,” she said, pointing to herself with a grin.

You nodded. “It’s alright. I didn’t really... mind.”

“Well, that’s good to know, because next week me and Neteyam are to be mated under the Tree of Souls, before Eywa…” her voice trailed off as she looked at you. She saw the way you swallowed hard.

Then she burst into laughter.

You looked at her, confused. “What?” Reyna’lin wiped her eyes, still smiling. “I’m kidding! We’re absolutely not gonna be mated!”

Your eyes widened. “...What?”

“Oh please, cut it out, girl. I know you have a thing for him. Not even a thing, let’s be real. Who knows, you could be carrying his child already for how many times he has sneaked you out and fucked you!”

Rhe free way she spoke had a hot blush burning purple across your cheeks, your mind racing as you wondered how she could possibly know any of that. Did he actually tell her that?

“There’s no life growing inside me! We didn’t even mate.”

“Yet!”

Seeing your stunned silence, she finally let out a sigh, clearing her throat as she leaned her head dangerously close to yours. You instinctively flinched away, but she only gave a knowing smirk.

“He told me. Everything.”

-

“Just spit it out, Neteyam.”

He didn’t look at her, keeping his head turned away. He inhaled a deep breath, letting another tear slip down his cheek before he finally spoke. “I’m already in love with someone else.”

He expected her to gasp or slap him across the face evem but she only stared at him. “It’s the healer girl, isn’t it?” she asked, making Neteyam snap his gaze toward her.

“She isn’t just some healer; her name is y/n, and she saved my life. She’s the love of my life, so I cannot do this, and I absolutely won’t.”

He braced himself for her to scream and run straight to his parents to ruin his reputation, but insteaf, he watched her stand up, then flinching when she suddenly clapped her hands together and let out a cheer.

A massive, satisfied smirk spread across her face as she let out a happy groan, throwing her hands in the air “Greatmother, thank you!” she exclaimed, bouncing excitedly on her feet.

Neteyam blinked, “...huh?”

She rolled her eyes at him, her smirk only growing wider. “Do you have any idea how exhausting it has been acting like some lovesick maiden? Man, I’ve been waiting for weeks for you to finally grow a spine and refuse this arrangement.”

Hs was stunned. “...you’re not mad at me?”

Reyna’lin scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest as she asked why she would be mad. “Unlike you, I’m not some girl born with privilege, meaning I cannot just walk up to the council of elders and tell them ‘hell nah’ without bringing shame upon my family. I needed your ass to do it for me, ‘coz you have the bloodline.”

“Sorry…”

She raised an eyebrow at him, “Why are you apologizing for loving this girl?”

“I’m not apologizing for loving her, I’m apologizing for wasting your time.”

“Oh then, apology accepted!” she grinned, though her expression changed when she noticed he was still frowning deeply. “What are your plans then? Isn‘t that chick expected to be with someone else now? She could’ve already fallen for the cook before your jealous ass interrupted their so-called date.”

“That wasn’t a date, he was harassing her,” he said, “And I… I don’t want that. I don’t want her to fall for someone else… I want her to keep thinking about me, even after I return to Eywa… I don’t want her to fulfill our dream with someone else…” he cried out pitifully.

-

“—And I stared at him with wholeee disgust, I didn’t know the mighty warrior could get any more pathethic than that!”

You stared at her in pure shock, your mind spinning as you tried to process the wildly unexpected story she was telling.

“Oh by the way, sooo sorry too for almost initiating sex with him,” Reyna’lin said, giggled. “I was getting so bummed out that he wasn’t doing anything with that position of his! I had to rile him up… and you too, heh.” She winked at you. “Remember the day when the sky-traders were here? I made it look like I was leaning in to kiss him, when in reality I blew on his eyes because he was glaring like he was angry at me. We cannot let the elders see that, right?”

She laughed. “and before you panic, I threatened him to put the necklace on me.”

You stared at her, jaw slack as your mind scrambled to piece together the whirlwind of information. Reyna’lin leaned back, looking satisfied with herself. She was really talkative... you found yourself struggling to keep up with the pace of her words, your mind chasing after the details as she spoke far too fast for a mind already burdened with heartache to fully comprehend.

“I’m gonna be honest with you… I can’t imagine the depression I put you through! I mean, your man was in deep, girl. He must love that pussy of yours so much to not even give this huntress a chance to prove herself! I’m kidding by the way if you couldn’t tell.”

Earlier that day, you had fallen asleep on the woven floor mats that night, collapsing from exhaustion after changing his bindings and watching the rise and fall of his chest.

As the early morning light began to filter, you woke to the sensation of a large hand stroking your hair. You opened your eyes, and looked up to find Neteyam staring down at you with a stupid smile plastered across his face.

You sat up, rubbing the sleep from your eyes as your ears twitched in relief. “You’re awake…” you whispered.

“I am,” he rasped, his voice hoarse from sleep.

You nodded before standing up to tend to your morning routine. After washing your face with fresh water, you popped a crisp mint-leaf into your mouth, chewing on it to freshen your breath before gathering the freshly crushed herbs from yesterday. Settling yourself back down on the mat beside him, you caught sight of his wide grin. “Why are you… smiling like that?”

“Because I missed you. So much.”

The confession made your lips pout, a hot flush rising to your cheeks as you forced yourself to focus on the task at hand. You peeled away his old dressings to reapply the cool herb paste onto his wound.

Even though he knew his injuries were tko sensitive, he couldn’t bring himself to look away, his golden eyes tracking your movements as you worked over him.

You were so focused, your expression oh so serious, and the sight of your dedication only made his smile grow. Finally, as if overwhelmed by his own affection, he forced his gaze away, looking down and burying his face in one hand to hide the deep purple blush spreading across his cheeks.

When you finally finished tying the clean cloth, you patted his forearm. “All done,” you murmured, preparing to stand up.

Before you could even rise to your feet, Neteyam’s hand shot out. He caught you by the wrist, pulling you back down to the mats with a gentle tug. Before you could gasp, his hand traveled up your jaw, and he pulled your lips down to meet his.

A whine escaped your throat against his mouth, your tail curling, but you didnt pull away. Instead, you melted into him, kissing him back with a matching hunger born from the weeks you had spent apart.

His grip around your waist tightened, his large fingers digging into your skin as his other hand guided your captive wrist up to his shoulder, prompting you to drape your arms securely around his neck. He tilted his head, deepening the embrace, and you could feel the vibrations of his purr against your lips as you both smiled into the kiss.

Neteyam let out a groan when he tasted the fresh sting of a mint on your tongue. He caressed the smooth skin of your hip while your hand migrated to his cheek, pulling him closer, desperate to lose yourself in his warmth.

“Oh, Eywa.”

You tore yourself away, eyes widening in sheer horror as your gaze collided directly with Mo’at, who stood at the entrance carrying a heavy foraging basket.

Panicking, you scrambled to your feet, nearly tripping over your own tail as you rushed to take the basket from her hands to help her carry it inside. Your throat swallowed hard, your chest tight with the terrifying knowledge that the Tsahik had just caught you thoroughly mouthing her grandson.

Neteyam who was unbothered, bit his lip to hide his amusement, his tail flicking happily as he watched you nervously move around his grandmother.

Mo’at didnt say a word as she let you take the heavy basket from her arms. She stared at your clumsy actions with an arched eyebrow. Walking past you to check the shelf where the children’s lesson herbs were stored. “I trust the medicine was applied to the wound, and not just... swallowed?”

Your ears pinned flat against your head, a deep purple blush exploding across your neck. “I—yes. The poultice is fresh. He’s bandaged too.”

Neteyam let out a muffle chuckle, trying desperately to look innocent as he adjusted his blanket. He flonched when his grandmother turned a glare in his direction.

“And you. The Greatmother granted you a second chance at life, not a license to exhaust yourself before your ribs have even knit back together. Lie down before you bleed through those fresh linens.”

“Yes, Grandmother.”

Mo’at sighed, shaking her head as she began sorting through the basket you had set down. “The camp is already waking. Go, y/n. Wash the mortar and pestle, and prepare the courtyard for the youth, we’ll do the lesson there. We’ll not speak of what your mouth was busy with. Keep your mind on the healing arts today.”

“Noted. Thank you, Tsahik,” you squeaked out, bowing before you grabbed the dirty wooden tools and bolted out, your heart still racing.

As you stepped outside to the washing station, a familiar giggle made you freeze. Reyna’lin was leaning against a nearby tree trunk, idly braiding a piece of twine, a massive smirk on her face.

“Well well well,” She purred, strolling over to you with a swing in her step. “Judging by how your face is, I’m guessing you either saw a ghost... or the mighty warrior finally used his mouth for something other than crying.”

“It’s not what you think it is…” you stammered, your ears burning as you tried to focus on washing the residual herb paste from the wooden bowl. She just rolled her eyes, letting out a scoff. “Also… why are you even out here so early?” you asked.

“I came to get your man since we’re supposed to have training class together this morning,” she explained, casually tossing her braid over her shoulder. “But I completely forgot the idiot almost died thats why he’s cooped up in there!!!”

Over the following weeks, Neteyam’s strength returned, his wounds finally knitting together under your devotion until he was once again whole. He walked into the sacred council big tent, stabding at his side was Reyna’lin. Together, they turned down the arranged mating match, fulfilling the exact defiance Reyna’lin had desperately needed from him to save her own family.

The elders gasped in surprise, demanding to know who could possibly replace the match they had so chosen.

Before Neteyam could even open his mouth, Reyna’lin boldly stepped forward, slinging an arm around your shoulders and pulling you into the light. “My heart belongs elsewhere, my people. In fact, I introduce to you, y/n—my cute mate!”

You froze, your tail going completely stiff while your ears raised, the elders gasped. Neteyam’s head snapped toward her so fast his braids swung, murderous glare at Reyna’lin that could have pierced thr Great Leonopteryx.

Catching his deadly look, she quickly cleared her throat, clearing her hands with an innocent grin. “Ah—apologies, I mean his! She’s his girlfriend. My bad you guys!”

When you finally found a moment alone with Neteyam, away from the eyes of the clan, he looked down at you, examining the details of your face. He told you that he wanted to court you properly this time. Even when you insisted that he didn’t need to prove himself anymore, that your heart was already his, he remained too persistent though.

He took your hands, his eyes locking onto yours as he murmured that he would pursue you every single day, no matter what you said.

And he kept his word.

Knowing how much you disliked real flowers, always preferring to leave the living flowers untouched or saved purely for healing, he got creative. He would spend hours weaving artificial blossoms out of dried reeds, supple leather cords, and fibers, shaping your favorite medicinal plants into a permanent bouquet that would never wither.

If you so much as whispered a craving, even those rare fruit that only grew at the dangerous summits of the Hallelujah Mountains, he wouldn’t rest until it was in your hand, even if it meant flying through turbulent winds just to capture a taste you’d only mentioned yesterday.

He had become an inseparable part of your family dynamic too, perhaps too much. It wasn’t uncommon to walk into the family tent and find them arguing over who got to keep his company…

Your father was usually showing him the intricacies of a new weapon design, while your mother had him sitting knee-to-knee with her, teaching him the finer points of weaving. He didn’t mind at all, he had even taken it upon himself to craft the both of you a matching loincloths.

you often found yourself having to “steal” your own boyfriend away from your parents, who treated him more like their favorite child than a suitor.

Even when the day ended and you were long asleep beside him, his care didn’t cease. You’d wake up to find your kit transformed as he would spend his night re-wrapping the worn leather grips of your tools so they wouldn’t blister your palms.

And whenever the traders arrived, he was always the first at the stalls with you. He ignored the weapons and the pelts, his eyes instead scanning the wares for rare beads or iridescent shells that would catch the light just right against your skin.

It was really full of love.

For the first time, you both had the permisssion of your families to see each other freely. There was no more hiding in the shadows, no more burying your affection away from the people’s eyes.

You could finally sit across the campfire, lock eyes across the crowded circle, and share a longing look before ducking your heads with matching smiles.

Best of all, you could finally hold each other close, free of that old, bitter anxiety, knowing you didnt have to tear yourselves apart the second someone walked through the curtain.

You let out a ringing laugh as Neteyam nearly slipped right off his ikran when you suddenly swooped your own mount right over his head, startling it. He let out a booming shout of laughter that echoed through the open air before diving after you, pushing his to fly faster to chase you down.

Laughing breathlessly, you guided yours toward the highest, most secluded cliffside, landing gracefully and scrambling down from the saddle. A squeal escaped your lips when you heard the heavy thud of his own mount landing right behind yours, Neteyam giving chase across the rocky plateau.

Just as you thought you were going to escape, his large hand shot out and caught the very tip of your tail. You let out a playful hiss, spinning around on your heel to face him, in which he hissed lowly in return.

You both froze, biting your lips as you simply looked at each other, the rush of the wind howling around you. You let out a giggle, looking down with deeply flushed purple cheeks before stepping closer into his space. Reaching up, you looped your arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss.

You both let out a contented sigh against each other’s lips. Every single time you kissed him, it felt like the world around you was calming down, the howling winds of the cliffs fading into a murmur. Neither of you could fail to smile into the intimacy.

Slowly, you pulled away to breathe, resting your forehead against his as your eyes closed, simply soaking yourself in the reassuring beat of his heart. You opened your eyes and gave him a sly grin before leaning in again. Just when he thought you were going to capture his lips, you sank down to your knees on the grass. Your hands slid down the blue skin of his as you went down slowly.

Neteyam looked down at you, eyss blown wide and hungry as you gazed up at him from below. He leaned over, his large hands caressing your cheeks before his long striped fingers brushed against your lips.

You parted them, darting your tongue out to lick his thumb before drawing the two of his fingers into your mouth. A muffled moan vibrated in your throat as your tongue swirled around them.

He swallowed hard, a purr rumbling in his chest while his tail curled on its own. You wrapped your hands around his wrist, guiding his fingers deeper in your mouth making you gag. When you pulled his hand free, you let your tongue roll over every inch of his damp skin, your eyes never leaving his blown-out gaze.

You reached for the edge of his loincloth, tugging it slightly for a permission. A chuckle escaped his throat as he lifted it for you. Your breath hitched as you came face to face with his cock. Grinning up at him, you leaned forward and pressed a warm kiss to the very tip.

Your hands wrapped around it, stroking him up and down. He let out a whimper, his hand burying into your hair for support. He threw his head back, his ears pinning flat against his hair.

“Stop teasing, please…”

You bit your lip from him moaning and swiped your tongue across his tip, licking away the slick bead of pre-cum leaking out from him. You guided your tongue down the underside to wet him completely before finally taking him deep into your mouth.

Your cheeks hollowed around him as you sucked, your eyes locked on his face. Neteyam moaned at the sight of you, his hand in your hair guiding the bob of your head on his shaft. “Taking it so well… can you still fit it all?”

“Mhm… it got bigger, baby,” you mumbled around him. The vibration of your voice made him let out a hiss. He looked down, watching your tail wagging behind you, your ears twitching with satisfaction.

Just before the movement could push him over the edge, he let out a desperate groan and pulled your head away. He couldn’t risk spending himself just yet, especially since you haven’t come first.

Sitting down on the grass to meet your height, he cupped your jaw and pulled you into a deep kiss. His chest heaved against yours as he breathed you in, using the collision of your lips to ground himself and soothe the aching throb of his cock.

“Baby…” he breathed against your skin, pulling back to rest his head against your shoulder. You let out a hum as you felt his calloused fingers slide beneath the edge of your top. A shiver ran down your spine as his thumb brushed over your bare chest, his touch hot as he began to tease your nipple, making your tail curl in responsr.

“I wanna try something that we haven’t done before.”

“What is it, pretty boy?”

Neteyam looked up at you, cheeks flushed. “I want… I want you to sit on my face. If that’s okay?” You blinked, surprised by his request. Your face heated up fast as you processed what he just said.

“Are you sure? I don’t wanna suffocate you with my… weight.” Neteyam shook his head, hands resting on your thighs. “I’m sure. And you won’t.”

You bit your lip. “What if I hurt you?”

He squeezed your skin and leaned up to peck your lips. “Again, you won’t.”

You hesitated for another second before moving up his body. You positioned yourself over his chest, thighs on either side of his head. Neteyam untied your loincloth before looking up at you with wide eyes.

“Baby… I’m not sure about this. I don’t think I can behave.”

He smiled softly. “Trust me, okay? If you’rr okay with it, then it’ll be fine. I got you.”

You nodded before lowering yourself, not putting your full weight on him yet. “Tell me if it’s too much?” Neteyam nodded, hands holding your thighs. “I will. Just sit, please.”

You finally lowered yourself onto his face. Neteyam immediately held your thighs firmly and started licking your pussy, moaning against you. You gasped, hands gripping his hair as pleasure shot through you. “Oh… Neteyam…”

He held your thighs tighter, tongue moving eagerly. You tried to keep some of your weight off him, but he pulled you down harder. “Don’t hold back,” he mumbled against your pussy. “I want all of you. Suffocate me if you may.”

Neteyam knew he was losing it.

From the way your lips sucked him down had already left him hard and aching against his loincloth, but now that he’s tasting you again pushed him straight over the edge. He was practically mindless with need, his hips humping the air as he starved in your inner thighs.

You moaned louder, hips starting to roll against his face. Neteyam groaned, eyes rolling back as he tasted you. “So good… that’s right, use me.” You were breathing hard, trying not to crush him but losing control from how good his tongue felt.

He licked you hungrily, sucking on your clit while pushing his tongue inside you. “You’re so wet, baby...”

You grabbed his braids tighter. “Neteyam… fuck.”

He kept sucking and licking, still addicted to your taste. You were shaking, rolling your hips faster on his face. “Neteyam… I’m close.” He groaned against you, eyes rolling back again. “Go on… let me taste you.”

You came hard with a loud moan, thighs trembling around his head. Neteyam moaned too, drinking every drop as his eyes rolled back. “Oh shit…” You squeaked, quickly lifting yourself off him before falling onto the grass beside him.

Neteyam sat up and moved on top of you, pulling you into a kiss. You wrapped your legs around his hips and your arms around his shoulders, deepening the kiss. Your back arched against his chest as you both moaned into each other’s mouths.

You pulled away from the kiss, gazing up at him with almost heart eyes. Neteyam smiled down at you, and cupped your cheeks. Your jaw dropped, heart stopping for a moment as you had a feeling of wgat will happen.

“Y/n…” he mumbled, his voice cracking with an emotion so raw it made your chest ache. “Not once did I ever regret chasing after you. Everything that I did, I would do it again, a thousand times over.”

You smiled, your heart swelling to the point of tears. “Neteyam…”

“I’ve always known... ever since we were children, I knew that the woman I wanted to lead and raise this clan with was you. The day I saved you, I also knew. It’s you that I want for the rest of my days, y/n. I’ll choose you over and over again, in this life and the next.”

You couldnt bring yourself to utter a word. Neteyam noticed the tears slipping down your cheeks and used the pad of his thumb to wipe your wet eyes. “I know we always dreamed of mating beneath the glowing tendrils of the Tree of Souls, and I promise you, I’ll still take you there no matter how much you want. We’ll stand before the Greatmother and give her a show of our romance.”

You laughed and his eyes burned into yours, his hand traveled down to the base of his neck, carefully bringing his braided queue forward. “But I cannot wait another night to bind my soul to yours... Will you please let me choose you? Right now?”

“...Yes. We’ll do it again and again and again and… again,” Your heart hammered against your ribs as you brought your own in front, your hands trembling as you both looked at it. When the neural tendrils of your queues met, blooming and wrapping around each other, a violent gasp left both of your lips.

You felt the agonizing pain he went through when he thought he’d lose you, the pride he felt standing up to the elders, and the warmth of how consumed by you he was.

Neteyam groaned, the intensity of the bond sending a massive shriving through his long frame. He leaned down, burying his face in the crook of your neck as his unreleased length pressed against you, holding you so close like he wanted to press you directly into his skin.

He pulled away from your neck the moment you murmured for him to, his heavy breaths fanning over your skin. Reaching up, you cupped his high cheekbones, guiding his face down to capture his lips in another lingering kiss.

When you finally parted, you stayed close, your eyes tracing the breathtaking pattern of the bioluminescent dots glowing across his skin, pulsing in sync with his racing heart.

“I’m so in love with you, Neteyam.”

His breath hitched, his chest rising beneath your touch. “I—I’m soooo much in love with you more… y/n.”

You could feel his love flowing through your bond. You pulled each other back in, dissolving into a heated making-out session. He didn’t wanna pull away from your lips for even a second, his hands gripping you as your kisses were the very air he needed to breathe.

He guided his cock down, teasing the sensitive entrance of your heat. The sudden touch made you let out a breathless moan into his mouth. Pulling back from the kiss, you locked your arms around his broad shoulders, burying your face into the crook of his neck. “Put it in…”

He didn’t make you wait, sinking his hips in, he guided himself inside you. The slick warmth from your recent release combined with his own made the entering smooth, his thick length stretching you open completely.

Heat coursed through your shared bond the exact moment you were filled. Neteyam froze, holding himself perfectly still to let you adjust to his size. “Y/n…”

You could feel how much he wanted to move but was holding back for you. You wrapped your legs tighter around his waist, pulling him deeper. “Move, Neteyam… I need you.” He groaned and started thrusting, “You feel so good, baby. So warm around me.”

You moaned, hands running down his back as he moved inside you. He kissed your neck, breathing against your skin. “I’ve wanted this for so long…”

You tilted your head to give him more access, fingers digging into his shoulders. “Me too… missed feeling you like this.”

“Missed you more…” He kept his pace slow and deep, making sure you felt every inch. “You’re so tight.. I love it so much.”

“R-Right there…” Your back arched as he hit that perfect spot inside you. Neteyam groaned, burying his face in your neck again. “Right there? Does that feel good?”

You nodded, moaning his name. “Yesss… don’t stop.”

He lifted his head to look at you, eyes soft even as he kept thrusting. “I won’t. I love being inside you. Especially right now… I can feel almost everythng.”

You pulled him down for a kiss, tongues sliding together slowly. Neteyam broke the kiss to rest his forehead against yours again. “I missed you so damn much… I just really hope I won’t ever wake up from this dream.”

You bit your lip. “I don’t wanna wake up as well if that’s the case.”

Neteyam kept his weight balanced over you, chest pressed against yours as he moved inside you. His breath was hot against your ear with every slow thrust.

You moaned loudly, arms wrapped around his back. His golden eyes stayed locked on yours, darkening with heat as he watched your face. “You’re so beautiful like this,” he whispered, voice rough. “I cannot believe I get to have you. The most beautiful woman I’ve ever gazed upon.”

You blushed hard, cheeks turning deep purple as he kept praising you. “Neteyam…”

He grinned, still thrusting. “I’m the luckiest man alive. Getting to be inside you like this, feeling you clench around me… it’s everything I’ve ever wanted.”

You whimpered louder, legs tightening around his waist. Neteyam kissed your neck, still whispering against your skin. “I don’t know hwo many times I have to say this but you’re so perfect… I could stay like this forever with you.”

Your hands moved up to his face, pulling him down for a kiss. He kissed you deeply, hips still rolling slowly. You whined into his mouth. “Neteyam… I’m close again.”

He groaned, picking up the pace just a little. “Okay, baby. Let me feel you come around me. You look so pretty when you do, y’know.” You blushed even harder, moaning his name as the orgasm washed over you.

Neteyam kept moving through your orgasm, chasing his own release. His thrusts became deeper and a little faster as he kissed your face. “Fuckkk baby… you’re squeezing me so tight.”

Yor legs wrapped around his waist as you took every thrusts he gave you. Neteyam groaned against your neck, breathing hard. “I-I’m so close, y/n…”

You held onto his shoulders, nails digging in. “Go on, Nteeyam. I want to feel you.”

He whimpered, hips snapping harder as he got closer. “I’m going to fill you up. Going to cum so deep inside you. You want that?”

You kissed his neck, whispering against his skin. “Do it. I want it all. ​W-wanna be swelled with your children...” you cried out softly, your back arching up into his. “Wanna carry your life inside me, please...”

“F-Fuck...” He whimpered, thrusting deep one last time before he came hard. His body shook as he filled you, moaning your name against your shoulder.

A synchronized moan tore from both of your lips as your walls suddenly clamped tight, pulsing and clenching around him as you felt him cum inside you.

You heard his racing pulse, felt the thud of his heart, your minds bled into one another as you knew his thoughts, felt the devotion consuming his mind as he completely lost himself to you.

He stayed buried deep inside you, his breaths hot over your neck as the aftershocks of his release slowly calmed down. Sinking his weight over you, his large arms wrapped around you, pulling you so close against his chest.

“Forgive me, yawne…” he whispered into your shoulder.

You let out a tired chuckle, your fingers tangling into the beads of his braids. “I can feel you, Neteyam. You feel guilty?”

He seallowed, burying his face deeper into the crook of your neck, queues still connected. “I do. I feel like we spend so much of our time in heat... I don’t want you to think I only see you for this. I mean—”

Your heart swelled at his adorableness, pulling back to look into his eyes, you cupped his cheek, letting your thumb trace his high cheekbone. “But I love this with you, Neteyam,” you whispered softly, your thoughts bleeding straight through him that he could feel the truth of it. “It makes me feel so beautifully close to you. Especially now, knowing our souls are tied.”

“Did you mean that, too?” he asked. “When you talked about... yknow...” He couldn’tbeven finish the sentence, a dark flush spreading across his face as you laughed at how flustered he was.

“About having your kids?” you teased, your smirk widening. You caught his jaw, pecking his hot cheek affectionately. “Of course. I meant every word, baby. You’re the only one I want to bear children for.”

He smiled, pressing a peck to your jawline while still holding you beside him. “I see you, y/n.”

“I see you, too.”

Neteyam's shadow fell over the workspace.

"Really?"

You looked up and gave him a wry smile. A half apology and a half 'what did you expect'.

Lo'ak didn't twitch, just simply kept his focus on the task in front of him. Neteyam's mouth tightened into a thin line; one that said he was trying very hard to hold himself back. His anger filled the room with a thickness that made your movements slow but Lo'ak simply ignored it, the calm air around him repelling the daggers that were shot his way. Your eyes darted back and forth as you sat in the middle of the familiar dance between temperaments that you have been a spectator to for many years.

The silence lasted seconds that felt like days and nights coming and going. Eventually Lo'ak turned his gaze, finally looking away from the bead between his fingers and onto his brother who was wound so tightly he looked like he would snap in half.

"You mind?" Lo'ak said "you're blocking our light"

You pursed your lips as Neteyam grit his teeth. You turned away in an attempt to hide the subtle shake of your shoulders. Neteyam noticed anyway. He turned his ire onto you.

"This is funny to you?" His eyes narrowed. You looked down with a poorly hidden smile. "All i ask is for one—one day with my mate by my side, completely. One day without her being taken from me. And here you are, laughing at my misery" he leveled you with a stern look

"Dramatic much.." Lo'ak muttered, now grinding roots for more dye.

Neteyam snapped his head towards him.

"You" he pointed like a teacher scolding a rowdy child "Go.Away. Go back to the reef and leave her alone"

"Neteyam" you tried, but he ignored you.

"You're so possessive bro" Lo'ak raised a judging brow "No wonder she keeps running away"

"She is not running away, skxawng. She is just too nice to say no"

"Whatever helps you sleep at night"

Neteyam opened his mouth to retort but you stepped in "Ma 'teyam, do not be so mad. Lo'ak just needed help for today. You will have me tomorrow"

He scoffed "You say that now but tomorrow, if it's not this idiot, then it's someone else snatching you up"

"That's not true"

"Yesterday it was Tuk wanting to play by the river"

"Tuk is a child"

"The day before it was Kiri making you help grind herbs in the healers tent"

"Everyone else was busy"

"The day before that, it was my mother forcing you to bead a new curtain"

"I offered"

"Y/n "

"Neteyam"

Neteyam closed his eyes and took a deep, steadying breath. He felt like he was on the cusp of combusting into flames. The heat that swelled in his chest was suffocating.

"What’s all this?"

Neteyam jumped slightly at the hand now resting on his shoulder.

"I'm helping Lo'ak dye beads to carry back for Tsireya" you answered, happy for the change in conversation.

Jake hummed, eyes raking over the carefully lined beads that air dried. He crouched down to inspect it closer. "Looks good"

"Great, dad can help you now. Come (Y/n)" Neteyam beckoned, already half turned for you to follow.

At the questioning look on Jake's face Lo'ak supplied "He's just pissy she wants to hang out with me and not him"

"You—!"

"Y/n!" Tuk came rushing in, bypassing Neteyam completely and hopping right to the space next to you

"Tuk tuk!" You cooed, squishing her cheek against yours

She giggled "Y/n, we have to go to the river! Now! Spider said he saw viperwolf pups nearby and I want to see them" she yanked at your arm, try to lift you from the ground.

"Hey!" Lo'ak's brows furrowed "She can't. She's helping me with something"

Tuk stuck her tongue out at him.

"Hey (Y/n)" Kiri waltzed in "Can you come with me to the mountains? Mo'at needs dapophet pods"

"No! Y/n's coming with me!" Tuk's ears flattened.

"What? No way, she's already busy. Go by yourself" Lo'ak grumbled

"Umm.." Jake mumbled sheepishly "I actually needed her help to string some bows.." they all turned to him ".. your mother's busy and (Y/n)'s good at it"

"You've got to be kidding me"

"You can't be serious right now"

"All of you suck"

Everyone devolved into chaos. Voices climbed and teeth were bared. You sat there stunned by the whole ordeal, not knowing who to comfort and who to scold. Truthfully you didn't mind helping them all but knowing them, everything was a competition to be won and a tie would make them moan and groan, so you just kept silent. You forgot about Neteyam's presence until he made himself known again.

"That's it, I've had enough!" With lighting speed, Neteyam lifted you up and tossed you over his shoulder like a woven sack. You gasped, instinctively wiggling to escape his hold but it was no use, his grip was too strong. The rest of the family protested as he left without a word.

You hung uselessly as he stalked back to your kelku.

"You are not leaving my side ever again" he huffed.

You sighed, accepting your fate.

Lo'ak was right, he is dramatic.

a/n: i've got tons of stuff in the works just fyi. it'll probaly just take forever for me to finish them and be actually satisfied enough to post.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

As you got used to Tsu’tey being by your side, the nicknames you gave him started to get worse. However, you enjoyed the grumpy look on the warrior, it made you laugh.

“Where are we going now, Romeo?” You asked, trailing behind him through the forest, holding your bow.

You could hear his tall figure let out a ‘Tch’ before he kept going.

“Not even going to answer me, Romeo? Oh, you pain me.” You giggle.

“I do not understand what you are saying, woman.” Tsu’tey said, stopping and finally looking at you.

“That’s why it makes things more exciting, don’t you think? Since we’re spending all this time together.” You speak nonchalantly. Tsu’tey couldn’t believe how lively you were being.

And the worst part is? He’s enjoying it.

None of the young hunters he had trained had the personality like you, no. It was either they were too focused, which Tsu’tey liked, but the others were too scared or often other female na’vi would just flirt with him.

But he would rather feed himself to a viperwolf than let you know that he’d been enjoying this little game of nicknames of yours, even if he didn’t know what it meant. It made all the time spent with you more fun, like he said, lively.

Still, he was always reminded that you were one of the Sky People, another dreamwalker on their planet. But why was he feeling a certain way when you smile at him?

When you perfected something he taught you, why does he want to go to you and congratulate you by holding your hand and smiling at you?

Instead, what he does is nod at you, before making you do it again to make sure. He must remain professional, but why does his instinct crumble when it comes to you?

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

“Hold it.” Tsu’tey said to you as you held your drawn bow.

“Higher.” Tsu’tey commanded, but you didn’t follow. He bites the inside of his cheek before grabbing your elbow, your body inches away from his as he raised your elbow at the height it was intended. He never failed to notice the slight dark hue to your cheeks.

He backed away again, wanting to see your form. “ (Correct).”

You smile at him, and he almost smiles back at you.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

The game went on and soon you’ve called him a bunch of names.

It ranged from honey, sweetie, sweetheart, honey bun, and a bunch more that Tsu’tey couldn’t keep up with. It made him curious, why were you calling him like that?

So, there he was one night after a feast, his eyes trailed to you. You were wearing their clothes and you looked even beautiful. You were currently laughing about something with Neytiri when the curiosity of his mind got the better of him.

Thankfully, Jake was just right beside him.

“I have a question, JakeSully.” He said to the man who seemed quite busy stuffing his mouth with food.

“Oh, sure. What’s up?”

Tsu’tey suddenly debated whether he should really be asking Jake. But as since the two of you were from the same kind, he figured he knows much more a lot about it than the others.

“(Y/N) keeps calling me things- things I do not understand.” Tsu’tey said.

“Oh? What things?” Jake replied.

“What does ‘honey bunch’ mean?”

At that, Jake could swear he inhaled some of his food as he broke out into a laugh.

Tsu’tey frowned, does it mean something bad? Were you making fun of him the whole time?

“Man, didn’t know she had it in her.” Jake laughed.

“What does it mean?” Tsu’tey said, slightly tightening his grip on the strap of his holster, awaiting Jake’s answer.

“Well, it’s a nickname, I know you know that. But its you know, something you call your… how do I put this?” Jake thought. “Like its something you call your mate only.”

Tsu’tey then felt his grip loosen at Jake’s words. All this time you were calling him names that were meant for your beloved.

Tsu’tey’s mouth went agape for a moment, before gulping and nodding. “Ah, I see.”

“Its also a way for her to tell you that she likes you, trust me, I know her.” Jake said before going back to eating and talking with the other na’vi.

He inhales, his eyes finding their way back to you, to his surprise, your eyes met his.

Then you smiled and waved at him.

He didn’t know how to respond, so he moves away from your gaze, busying himself with his thoughts that he missed your frown at being ignored.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

You and Tsu’tey now sat in front of each other, under one of the highest branches in hometree.

He was teaching you how to speak na’vi.

“Nam’ake.” Tsu’tey said.

“Namate.” You repeated but Tsu’tey shook his head.

“Nam’ake.” He repeated.

“Nam’ake.” You said.

“Good.”

There was that smile of yours again. “You are learning well, tìyawn.” He smiles smugly at your confused face.

“What does that mean?” You ask him as he shrugged, smirking. “Hey, no fair, since when did you also start calling me names, huh?” You spoke.

“You started it first.” He was now being playful with you, which was a new thing , still, you enjoyed it, getting to see this side of Tsu’tey.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

You just finally had your first kill as you closed your eyes, thanking a silent prayer to Eywa before mercy killing the hexapede in front of you with your dagger.

Tsu’tey watched, a proud smile on his face as you learned well from him.

“You are ready, yawne.”

You open your eyes again to look at him. “You got to tell me what that means.” You say, standing up, sheathing your dagger back into its holster.

“Maybe one day.” He replies.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

After countless days, you were now ready to be signified as one of the people, one of the Omaticaya.

Tsu’tey and Neytiri traced the white liquid onto you and Jake’s body.

You could feel yourself shiver as Tsu’tey’s hand dips into the bowl then traced a line down your lips. You could feel his concentration. You didn’t miss how his fingers lingered on your lips before removing them.

Tsu’tey was proud of you. Once you walked out with Jake, you could see all of the Omaticaya turn their heads towards the two of you. It made you shiver, you heart spiking as you made your way down.

You and Jake were still beside each other as Eytukan was in front of you. “You are now a son and daughter of Omaticaya.” He spoke in Na’vi. You stare at his gentle gaze. “You are part of The People.”

Eytukan both laid a hand on yours and Jake’s shoulder. You could feel yourself becoming one with them. Not just a person in an avatar body, but as truly one of the people. You see Neytiri clasps her hand on Jake’s body, a proud smile on her face, making you smile too.

Then you suddenly feel two rough, calloused hands rest their place on your shoulder and you immediately recognize who it was.

Tsu’tey.

And then a big feast was yet again held, celebrating becoming one with the people as you and Jake were now warmly welcomed by the others.

“Come, come dance with us!” Neytiri said, pulling you up from your sitting position. Your eyes widened as you gasped. “Neytiri, I’m no dancer!” You said, dark hue tinting your cheeks.

Neytiri smiled yet she was persistent as you already found yourself standing and being pulled along with her.

Tsu’tey didn’t miss the scene as his eyes followed yours, he watched as you began to dance along with the Omaticaya women. His eyes only focusing on your figure. He watched how you went from doing small moves into finally feeling yourself as your hips dipped and swayed to the drumming.

His eyes were only pried away when one of his friends talked to him.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

After finishing the dance, you laugh, out of breath as you and Neytiri conversed, making your way back to your original spot. You had a few drinks in your system that you didn’t even realize was possible, leaving your face lightly flushed and feeling confident.

Reaching the destination giggling to yourselves, Neytiri playfully shoved you against Tsu’tey’s front. You gasped as your hands placed themselves on his broad chest to stop the impact as his arms instinctively reached out to catch you.

“Enjoy (Y/N).” Neytiri teases before going to Jake, pulling him up from his seat and dragging him somewhere. You gasp at her, laughing to yourself, not realizing a certain warrior was now holding your almost intoxicated self.

Your attention was now turned to Tsu’tey as you looked up at him. “Hi.” You greet with a sheepish smile, your hands still on his chest., lingering there for a few seconds before you retracted it, the same with Tsu’tey’s arms.

You then tried to move beside him to sit when he suddenly grabbed your arm, making you stop and look up at him again, your breath hitching in your throat.

“(Y/N).” He said your name with his thick accent, his voice almost lower than its usual tone. “Hmm?” You inquired. Before you know it, he was leading you somewhere away from the people… somewhere secluded yet beautiful as the bioluminescence glowed and you could hear the trinkling of water somewhere nearby.

Tsu’tey did not know what he was doing, but he guessed it was time to say it, before everything was too late.

But he feels his words melt away as he saw you standing there, your hair was down in cascading waves from them being trapped in a braid for too long, you were wearing a top adorned with little flowers and vines as they littered your chest. You were looking around, your face in awe, admiring the flowers that glowed and the ground beneath you glow as you stepped.

Think straight. Tsu’tey tells himself.

Moving towards you, he reaches for your arm.

You glance at him with a smile. “It’s beautiful here.”

“(Y/N).” He speaks again. You listen.

“You are one of the people now. You may make your bow from the wood of Hometree,” He began, but the next thing he was going to say felt heavy on his chest. He looks into your eyes to find you staring at him. He opens his mouth.

“And you may now choose a man. The Omaticaya has made men into fine warriors, protectors, like Atsìì.” He spoke.

You recognized Atsìì, also one of the fine warriors in the Omaticaya clan.

But the way your face lit up at the mention of his name made Tsu’tey regret mentioning him.

“I know him,” you say, making Tsu’tey’s ear twitch but he ignores the gnawing feeling in his stomach. “But I don’t see him that way.”

He instantly felt relieved that he almost let out a sigh, he almost gave himself away.

“But there is this fine warrior.” You spoke, never taking your eyes off him as he listened.

“A very fine warrior who has a strong heart.” The drinks you had were really taking its effect on you as you slowly smiled at him.

“And he has taught me many things,” You decide to push your luck and place your hands on his chest, feeling the pounding of his heart as you inch your face close to his. “He taught me how to love.”

Tsu’tey’s hand rests themselves on your hips as he fully realized who you were talking about. You were talking about him. Him.

A proud smile slowly makes its way to his lips, his fangs showing as his tail flicked behind him. “I taught you how to love, hm?”

You nod, smiling at him. “You did, tìyawn.”

Tsu’tey’s head tilt at you upon hearing the word. You giggle, coming closer as he leaned down, your lips almost brushing his.

He had barely just registered the clicking sound through the budge, but before he could even unsheath his knife, he was already seeing multiple strange creatures lunging for him. They were fast, with segmented limbs and jaws meant for crushing bone. They were the creatures who could swallow an adult Na’vi whole that his father’s scouts had warned them about.

Neteyam cursed under his breath. Unarmed save for his hunting knife, he ducked beneath a snapping jaw, grabbed a fallen, heavy branch and swung with all the force he could muster. The wood hit the creature with a crack, sending it flying yards away into the underbrush. But three more took its place, circling him, eyes gleaming with hunger.

Then, a familiar sound sliced through the chaos. An arrow pierced the eye of the creature, making it collapse instantly.

Neteyam blinked, snapping his head toward the ridge. Emerging from the mist was a rider on a direhorse, shrouded in a dark, heavy cloak. The figure moved with a fluid grace, guiding the mount while drawing another arrow. Two more of the beasts dropped.

When the remaining creatures swarmed, the rider drove the direhorse straight into the fray. As the animal leapt on a fallen log, the rider leaned off the side, pulling a blade and in one seamless motion, they sliced the throat of a leaping beast before landing perfectly back on the mount.

Neteyam stood frozen, a rare awe washing over him. The archery was flawless, the knife-work lethal, and the horsemanship... he had never seen anyone, not even the finest Omatikaya hunters, shoot a moving target from a galloping direhorse with that kind of precision.

The last of the beasts scattered into the jungle and he heard an anguished sound escape the rider. He immediately stepped forward, raising a hand in peace, his eyes locked on the rider’s back. “Warrior,” he began, his voice deep and breathless. “Thank you. I have never seen—”

“Do not thank me,” a voice hissed from beneath the hood. It was sharp, fierce, and distinctly female. “Do not wander around these lands again.”

Before Neteyam could even speak again, she wheeled her direhorse around and with a sharp kick, the beast galloped into the thick fog, leaving Neteyam standing by the waterfall, completely captivated by the ghost who had just saved his life.

As he watched the silhouette of the direhorse fade, the urge to give chase came both suddenly and too late. He wished he had brought his direhorse with him when he wandered... He tilted his head. Why? What will you do? he asked himself. He knew the answer. He would have followed her.

You took a sharp turn, pulling your direhorse’s reins to a full stop before you quickly dismounted. Your heart was still hammering against your ribs from what you thought would be an uneventful patrol. You had wounded and killed many creatures, though deadly and ferocious, they were still creations of the Great Mother.

You couldn’t help but look at the path leading back to where it happened, remembering how the man had called you warrior. It felt like a title stolen from a forbidden dream. No woman in your clan had ever been called one, for no woman was allowed to be. Your people placed a great belief in their men, taking pride in the fact that your clan had only ever produced male warriors and hunters, and how they protected the people from the horrors of the forest.

The wet leaves brushed against your shins as you led your direhorse to a hidden clearing, the silence of the forest doing little to calm your racing thoughts. If your father or mother ever discovered what you had done today, that you had picked up a bow or spilled blood, you didn't know what would happen to you.

In your clan, women were only ever allowed to be healers, cooks, weavers, wives, and mothers. These were sacred duties, and the elders firmly believed that such roles should never be tainted by blood and violence. You sighed heavily, quickly shoving your longbow and quiver into a hollowed-out tree trunk, covering it with ferns. You were pulling at the hood of your cloak when you heard leaves cracking behind you.

“You're late,” a voice sounded urgently.

You spun around to see Tarkul stepping out from the shadows. Your best friend, the clan’s youngest marksman and the only man who looked at you and saw a peer instead of a prize, looked pale. His eyes were wide with anxiety.

“Tarkul? What is it? I just did a patrol—”

“You need to leave. Right now,” Tarkul interrupted, grabbing your shoulders. “Your father... I overheard them. The Omatikaya are coming today—”

“I know that. Father told us to prepare,” you said.

“Yes, yes, they will come, but it wasn’t just for a regular treaty between alliances. Y/N, he has pledged you.”

Your head tilted back in surprise. “Pledged how?”

“He offered you to the firstborn son of Toruk Makto. That Neteyam,” Tarkul spat the name, his grip tightening. “An alliance sealed on your sacrifice. Your father is giving you away like property to ensure the Omatikaya’s loyalty. Your father’s warriors are already looking for you to prepare you for the arrival.”

Panic, cold and sharp, flooded your chest. Your father had spent your entire life treating you and your sisters like a curse. A disappointment because you weren't sons to carry on his warrior lineage. And now, he was using you as a political pawn, reducing you to a broodmare for a strong alliance.

“No,” you whispered, fury igniting in your veins. “No! I will not let him do this. I am not a prize to be traded!”

“Then we run,” Tarkul said, stepping back and whistling for his direhorse. “We’ll go east. They won't find us.”

You scrambled onto your direhorse, your mind a blur of rebellion and fear. You tore through the underbrush with Tarkul right beside you, heading for the boundary line. Freedom was just past the tree line when a familiar sound sliced through the thick morning air.

A whistle of an arrow and Tarkul cried out as a blunt-tipped slammed into his shoulder, knocking him clean off his mount.

“Tarkul!” you screamed, pulling back hard on the reins.

Before you could dismount, four of your father’s elite warriors emerged from the canopy, their spears leveled at you. Their faces were grim, devoid of sympathy.

“The Olo'eyktan demands your presence,” the lead warrior said coldly. “Do not make this more dishonorable than you already have.”

You were dragged back to the village in tears, screaming at them to leave Tarkul alone. In the communal longhouse, your father stood like a statue of stone. He had never looked at you with wamrth, but the stern disappointment on his face as he lectured you about duty, the survival of the clan, and honor still felt like whips on your skin. To him, your tears were just a childish tantrum.

The transition between his scolding to your mother and her ladies moving around you in a flurry of hushed, anxious whispers felt like a nightmare blurring into reality. They bathed you in heavy, floral-scented water that smelled of sweet orchids. They brushed out your long hair, braiding the sides intricately but leaving the rest to fall in a sleek, beautiful half-up ponytail.

They dressed you in the finest loincloth and a matching top made of delicate beads. You felt exposed. Naked. Stripped of the cloak and weapons that made you feel safe.

“He is a great warrior, daughter,” your mother murmured, trying to soothe you as she adjusted the choker around your throat. “They say this Neteyam helped his parents take down the sky people when he was just a boy. He is disciplined. Respectful.”

You kept your gaze locked on the floor, your jaw clenched. You didn't care about his prowess. You hated him on principle.

“And his mother,” one of elder women whispered in awe. “Neytiri. She is a warror who rode into battle alongside her mate, Toruk Makto.”

That detail struck a chord deep inside you. A female warrior. A woman allowed to bleed and fight for her people, recognized by Toruk Makto himself as an equal. A bitter spark of hope flared in your chest, only to be crushed by the reality of your own situation.

“What an accomplished family, then,” your eyes snapped up to your mother. “You’re expecting a man raised by Toruk Makto and his warrior wife to look at our clan, a clan that doesn’t even allow its women to hold a knife; to look at me... and see a mate? Father said he has rejected every other chieftain's daughter before this.”

Your mother’s eyes hardened at the same time the older women around her froze at your boldness. “You are a proficient healer and weaver, daughter. Do not underestimate our clan,” she said in a hiss.

So, not his equal, your brow raised in a protest you chose not to voice out.

A horn blew at the entrance of the village, signalling that the guests had arrived.

Your mother took your trembling hands, her eyes pleading. “Smile, my daughter. Walk with dignity.”

You swallowed the lump in your throat, nodding slowly. You stepped out of the tent, walking a few paces behind your father as he went to greet the legendary Jake Sully.

As the Omatikaya delegation walked into the central clearing, your eyes scanned the crowd. There was Toruk Makto, and beside him, his fierce mate, Neytiri. And right behind them walked their eldest son.

Your breath hitched.

The initial shock threatened to paralyze you. Your fingers dug into your palm, your heart hammering a frantic rhythm against your ribs. It was him. The reckless, broad-shouldered warrior who had nearly been swallowed whole by the forest's demons. His long braids and cummerbund were now flawless, as though he had not faced a grave morning.

As the Omatikaya delegation drew closer, you forced your features into a mask of perfect, passive composure. You lowered your chin, casting your gaze downward just as the women of your clan were taught to do. You were sure he didn’t see your face, because if he recognized you, everything would be forfeit. You are not certain what they would have done to Tarkul, the person who taught you everything you know.

Neteyam’s eyes swept over the welcoming committee, lingering on you. Jake had told him beforehand that the Olo’eyktan of this clan had also pledged his daughter to him, and although he’d had enough of all these unnecessary offerings of maiden daughters simply for alliances, he found himself thinking that he might actually entertain this outdated idea if this was the lady.

He waited for you to lift your eyes up, but your head remained bowed, the image of a delicate, heavily beaded prize meant to seal a treaty. A faint feeling of disappointment flickered across his regal face, and he fell into step behind his parents, his posture rigid and distant as they walked past to finally greet your father and mother.

Finally, you lifted your head a little, only to train your sharp eyes on his broad back. Good, you thought triumphantly. Be disappointed.

The welcoming feast in the communal longhouse was a suffocating affair. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meats, sweet root brews, and the underlying tension of two vastly different cultures trying to find common ground.

You sat precisely where your father had commanded: a step below him, off to the side, acting as the perfect daughter. You kept your shoulders hunched, your hands folded neatly in your lap, and your eyes trained strictly on the woven mat beneath you. You played the part of the timid, submissive maiden to perfection. You wanted to ick him. You wanted this celebrated warrior to find you so utterly dull, so hopelessly meek, that he would do what he had done to every other chieftain's daughter before you: refuse the match.

Across the fire, Neteyam sat beside his mother, Neytiri. He was polite, offering respectful nods to your father’s boasts, but his energy was entirely checked out. During a lull in the drumming, you allowed yourself a single, brief moment of weakness. You peered through the thick fringe of your lashes, tracking the movement of his hands.

Neteyam was lifting a carved cup of brew to his lips. But he wasn't looking at his drink. His intense gaze was locked entirely on you. A heavy, consuming stare of a hunter tracking each and every move the prey does. It was a man’s look, raw and focused, and to your utter fury, you didn't feel degraded by it. Instead, a sudden, treacherous spark of excitement flared deep in your belly, the thrilling realization that despite your best efforts to be as dull as you could, you had his undivided attention.

Annoyed at yourself, your perfect act slipped.

Your jaw clenched and you leveled a sharp glare straight at him, smoothly rolling your eyes before snapping your gaze back down to your untouched food. Across the fire, Neteyam choked slightly on his brew. His eyes widened in genuine surprise, a sudden smirk tugging at the corner of his lips at the realization that timid little ikran still had talons after all. He put his cup of brew down as he watched you slip back into your perfectly meek facade.

The traditional flutes began to play, signaling a time for the young people to mingle. You moved to stand up, and your eyes snapped up in front of when you saw the large figure moving to stand up, too. Your eyes locked with his, and for some reason, you couldn't take your eyes off as he rounded the fire to get to you.

You blinked when he was standing just a few feet away, coming to a sudden awareness of how large and tall he actually was. His hand reached out, his expression a maddening mix of formal politeness and hidden amusement. You clenched your teeth, feining a tremor before you looked fearfully at your father, who was already watching breathlessly. He gave you a firm, approving nod, and you placed your hand in Neteyam's.

As he led you to the edge of the clearing where the other youth were swaying, you purposely stumbled, letting your steps be clumsy and uncoordinated. “I apologize, formal dances are... not my strength,” you whispered, pitching your voice to sound soft and fragile.

“It is quite alright,” Neteyam said, his grip on your waist firm and steady, easily correcting your forced clumsiness. “The feast is grand. Your people make a strong brew. Though, I find the forest outside your walls far more interesting.”

You stiffened slightly. “Oh?”

“Yes. It is full of... strange, ferocious creatures,” Neteyam continued, his voice dropping to a low, conversational tone as he maneuvered you through the crowd. “I ran into a pack of them near the waterfalls this morning. Miserable things. Many legs. Very fast.”

You couldn't help yourself. The hunter in you took the bait before your mind could stop it. “Those were Agtik,” you said, your voice losing its timid edge as your wide eyes looked up at his. “They don't hunt in packs unless their head is wounded. And they are apex predators. If you hit them in the hide, your arrow will just bounce off. You have to strike the eyes, or beneath the throat where the thick plates separate.”

Neteyam stopped dancing. He stared down at you, his golden eyes burning with an intense focus, and you froze, realizing you had spoken far too much.

“Is that so?” he murmured, a slow, knowing smile spreading across his face as his fingers caressed the calluses on your fingers. “You seem to know a great deal about killing them...”

You quickly tore your hand from his, dropping your head back down. “I... I only know what the hunters say,” you lied breathlessly, stepping back into the crowd before he could press further.

The next morning, your mother burst into your sleeping alcove, her face flushed with excitement before the morning light even showed it. “Daughter... A betrothal has been struck. Neteyam has accepted the union. He wishes for you to return to the Omatikaya with them.”

You sat up in your woven sleeping mat, stunned. “What?!” you snapped carelessly, surprising your mother. You calmed down immediately. “That’s great...” you forced yourself to smile.

“I think he liked you last night, daughter. You were so prim and proper, a true woman of our lineage. You make me and your father proud, sweetheart,” she caressed your cheek.

You swallowed the dryness of your throat. You don't know what the man’s plan was... But he definitely didn’t like you because you were prim and proper. You looked down at your hands, hiding the calluses born from years of archery practice. Your initial shock had now faded, and a cold, calculating wave of relief washed over you. The Omatikaya. You’ve heard of their ways. In their clan, women were warriors. Neytiri rode into battle. If you went with them, you wouldn't have to hide in the shadows at dawn anymore. You could wield your bow. You could finally exist as more than what you were raised to be.

With newfound urgency, you helped your mother and sisters pack your things. When your mother turned her back, you swiftly retrieved your hidden longbow and quiver from where you had smuggled them into the yurt. You bound them tightly within your dark, heavy cloak, burying them at the absolute bottom of your deep leather travel box beneath layers of woven garments.

“I need to see Tarkul before we leave,” you muttered, heading for the exit.

“You are not permitted near the holding area,” your younger sister sneered, stepping into the yurt with her arms crossed, her eyes flashing with venom. “You should stop trying to see your lover. You are betrothed to the son of Toruk Makto now.”

“Tarkul is not my lover!” you snapped, your patience wearing thin.

“Please. You were going to run away with him yesterday,” she mocked, stepping closer. “If you hate this arrangement so much, why don't you just tell Father and back out? I can always replace you. I would gladly take your place beside Neteyam.”

“Armem, hold your tongue!” your mother’s voice barked from the entrance, sharp and commanding. “Neteyam agreed to this alliance because of Y/N. He would not accept a replacement if she backed out, and your father’s treaty would fall to ash.”

Armem huffed disdainfully, crossing her arms tighter. “Fine. But she was still ready to flee with another man. Who is to say she is even pure anymore? The Omatikaya might find they are receiving spoiled goods—”

“Armem!” your mother snapped, glaring at your sister.

“Do not speak of such nonsense,” you said coldly, staring your sister down. “Tarkul is a good friend of mine and I would not have you taint our friendship with your dirty mind.”

At dawn the next day, the Omatikaya delegation prepared to depart. You were allowed to ride your direhorse, your leather box secured to the pack beast behind you. Your parents stood at the gates of the village, offering stiff, formal nods of farewell, promising they would come for final mating ceremonies.

You didn't look back. You are leaving this clan, and those who believe in its sick ways can have the scraps that are left behind. You nudged your direhorse forward, and as the procession moved into the deep forest, a shadow fell alongside your mount. You looked up to see Neteyam riding his own direhorse beside yours. He looked at you, then down at the bulky, heavily wrapped leather box trailing behind you, a faint, amused glint in his golden eyes.

“Nice mount,“ he said jn a voice low enough so the others couldn't hear. “A lot of luggage, too, for a healer.”

You kept your eyes locked on the trail ahead, a small, defiant smirk playing on your lips. “A good healer always brings her most valuable tools, warrior.”

The journey to the Omatikaya territory took two days at most, a winding trek through ancient, massive trees that grew taller and wider than any you had ever seen in your home forest. When the delegation finally stopped in front of the largest tree you had laid your eyes on, you could barely breathe. Your lips parted as you looked up to its vast canopy.

“This is beautiful...” you murmured, craning your head to see all the huts perched on its thick branches.

“Do you have a fear of heights?” you heard a deep baritone speak and your head snapped to look at Neteyam.

He had already dismounted his direhorse and was now looking at you, his hand lazily holding his chest knife sheath. His head tilted as his eyes scanned your form on your mount before they settled on the beast. In the eyes of an outsider, like Jake and Neytiri who were now watching their son look at you as if you were the most interesting person in the bunch, this was just Neteyam staring.

But to you, it felt like he was trying to figure out where he had seen this beast. You quickly dismounted your direhorse, caressing its back as you cooed at it. “Are you excited to rest, boy? It was a long trek, I know, and you’ve gotten to rest some, but you’ve never travelled as far, haven’t you?”

Neteyam's head tilted slightly lower, a faint, knowing smirk playing on his lips as he watched your interaction with the beast. “He looks sturdy enough,” he noted, his deep voice laced with amusement. “You didn't answer my question. Are you afraid of heights? Hometree is a long way up.”

“I think I can manage,” you replied softly, peering up at him through your lashes with a quick glance.

Before Neteyam could press further, Jake and Neytiri approached. Jake’s sharp eyes darted between you and the direhorse, before he gave you a welcoming nod.

“Welcome to the Omatikaya,” Jake said, his voice grounded. “It has been a long journey. Your mount will be tended to and Neteyam will show you where you can rest.”

Neytiri stayed silent, but her piercing gaze lingered on you, evaluating the way you carried yourself. She was not one to doubt her children’s decisions, especially those of her eldest son’s, but she believed that Neteyam was deciding too prematurely on this union. There were previous matches made that suited her son better... The daughters whose parents had fought alongside them during the Great War, and daughters of clans with excellent reputations.

She didn’t want to judge you based on your parents or your clan, but she thought it a bold proposition when your father pledged a daughter to her son. In all honesty, your father was at the losing end of this alliance. Your clan was the one that needed allies against aggressive clans who might challenge your strength, and your people had very little military power, given that your clan only trains men to be warriors and hunters.

She had never expected her son to agree to this, and though she saw great beauty in you, she did not think that was reason enough for him to make such a choice.

Neytiri’s scrutiny did not escape you. You have felt it even on the night of the feast, have seen it in her eyes whenever she watches you... And the weight of it felt heavy enough to compress the air in your lungs. Now that she was looking again, you offered a respectful dip of your head, but Neytiri merely nod her head slightly before turning her shoulder, her long woven cloak swaying behind her as she stepped up onto the massive roots of Hometree.

“Do not let my mother's stare unnerve you,” Neteyam murmured, stepping into your personal space so seamlessly that his tail brushed lightly against your hip.

“What stare, warrior?” you mumbled, looking at him with a schooled face.

You do not wish to acknowledge Neytiri’s apparent dislike of you. You are going to earn your place even if she looks at you as if I have already failed a test. You know you haven’t really failed yet, because if she truly disapproved, you wouldn't even be standing here right now.

Neteyam shook his head, an amused smile lingering on his lips. “Come, then. Let’s see what you can manage.”

You pushed your lips forward, matching his pace as everyone began the long, winding ascent into the heart of the great tree. Up ahead, Jake paused on a wide branch platform, looking back down at the two of you with a knowing understanding. He, better than anyone, knew what it was like to be an outsider standing under the heavy judgment of the people.

As you rounded the final bend of the spiral pathway, the quiet atmosphere of the lower trunks gave way to sudden burst of light and noise. Your lips parted as your eyes wandered around the surrounding kelku structures and the sheer scale of the place took your breath away again. It was vast, so open and vibrant that it was a staggering contrast to the dim, claustrophobic atmosphere of your birth clan.

Dozens of people paused in their daily routines, their eyes instantly locking onto you. A heavy murmur rippled through the crowd and it was obvious that they know what you came here for.

“Neteyam!” a high-pitched voice squealed.

Before you could fully process everything you are seeing, a blur of energy came hurtling down a nearby woven walkway. A little girl crashed straight into Neteyam’s side, wrapping her small arms around his waist. “You're back!” the girl cheered, her bright eyes quickly darting up to look at you with unabashed curiosity. “Is this her? Did you finally choose a wife?!”

Neteyam’s ears twitched with slight embarrassment as he gently pried his little sister off his hip, placing a grounding hand on her shoulder. “Tuk, mind your manners. She is our guest.”

He introduced you to the little girl who had a bright smile for you, and suddenly, you felt the welcoming warmth you didn’t know you were looking for. Tuk walked with you two when Neteyam led you to the small kelku you were assigned, it was tucked into a quiet, upper tier of the village.

As you settled in over the next few days, you quickly realized that your new betrothed was an incredibly important figure here. Neteyam, as the Olo'eyktan's firstborn, was also his father's second-in-command, deeply involved in the daily strategy, security, and leadership of the clan.

Honestly, you secretly celebrated this fact. You figured his high status meant he would be far too busy to pay much attention to you, leaving you plenty of free time to slip away, unpack your hidden longbow, and explore the surrounding wilderness on your own.

You were wrong.

Before the sun had even fully risen on your third morning, you pulled back the woven flap to find Neteyam standing there, the early dawn light catching the beads in his long braids.

Your brows furrowed. “What are you... doing here?” you started your question hard, but catching yourself, you quickly softened your voice.

“I came to show you around,” he told you, his voice low and his eyes holding that same perceptive, curious glint from the feast, causing your cheeks to burn unbidden.

The crease on your forehead deepened, once again annoyed at your reaction to him. You couldn't find a reason to say no, and frankly, you were eager to see the layout of the village. As he led you through the pathways, he dutifully showed you the areas where the weavers worked their intricate looms, the communal hearths where the cooks prepared the daily catch, and the shaded pavillions of the healers. You played your part, nodding submissively and murmuring soft, polite words of appreciation.

But your true nature betrayed you when he led you past the training grounds.

You froze, your eyes widening in absolute awe. In the center of the clearing, young girls were standing in neat rows, laughing and competing as they drew bows and aimed at distant targets. Further back, older women warriors, some scarred from battle, were casually conversing with male hunters, checking their gear as equals before setting out on a scout.

You stared, your breath catching in your throat. It was a sight stolen directly from your wildest, forbidden dreams.

Neteyam paused, watching your face carefully. He didn't miss the way your jaw slackened, or how your fingers twitched at your side, instinctively mimicking the grip of a bowstring. His head tilted, a quiet, knowing smile tugged at his lips, but he said nothing, and when you turned to him, your talons subtly showed with your furrowed brows and sharp gaze, pretending you were not that amazed to the reality of a world where women were allowed to fight.

The days bled into one another until the day of the mating ceremony arrived. True to their word, your parents and a small entourage from your clan arrived, their faces proud and grim, and somehow, you felt ashamed at this. You know, that for the Omatikaya, this match felt less like a joining of two proud people and more like a political rescue mission. Neteyam was a prize, the future Olo'eyktan of a legendary clan who fought and defeated the demons who tried to seize Eywa’eveng for themselves.

And your father merely offered you up to secure a shield of Omatikaya warriors for his vulnerable borders. It was a cause of wonder why Neteyam agreed at all. Even you don’t understand.

The ceremony took place deep within the glow of the Tree of Souls. Even their sacred tree was breathtaking, its luminous, cascading tendrils rivaling the ancient, holy tree of your own homeland. The Omatikaya people gathered in a massive circle, their voices rising in a powerful, harmonic chant alongside the drums and flutes.

You were dressed in the finest Omatikaya fibers, your torso adorned with a stunning, intricately beaded top made of iridescent beads. Your long hair had been styled into a complex array of braids that cascaded down your back. As the chanting reached its peak, you and Neteyam knelt together beneath the glowing tendrils of the tree.

Neteyam turned to you. His large, warm hand reached out to gently cup your jawline. He leaned in, his forehead pressing firmly against yours in a quiet act of intimacy that seemed to shut out the noise around you two. His other hand reached for his kuru, bringing it forward and you did the same. He didn't waste another second to intertwine your kuru with his, as though he had no hesitation at all. Your entire body jolted. A sudden, overwhelming surge of raw energy and emotion flooded your consciousness as your body, mind, and soul  locked into a deep, profound bond.

It was a sensory overload. There were visions, feelings, and memories rushing between you like a bursting dam.

Through the bond, you caught a sudden glimpse of his past. You felt the crushing weight of his responsibilities, the fierce love he had for his family, and the desperate, bloody battles against the sky demons. But then, a sharp, cold spike of terror and pain ripped through the connection.

You saw a flash of yellow light, heard the deafening screams of Neytiri, and felt the agonizing sensation of a bullet tearing through his chest.

He had nearly died.

Your eyes snapped open, your breath escaping you in a sharp, panicked huff. Blinded by a sudden, fierce protectiveness you didn't fully understand, your hand flew to his bare chest, your palm pressing flat against the scar on the left part of his chest.

Neteyam's eyes opened, burning darkly as he gazed down at your hand on his chest. He felt the sudden spike of your fear through the bond and somehow, he had forgotten what he felt during that moment. The only feeling that mattered was your fear for him and the surge of strength you sent him. Without a word, he tilted your head up, his lips catching yours in a deep kiss.

Your heart hammered as you kissed him back, your fingers sliding up the smooth skin of his chest, tracing the line of his collarbone up to his broad shoulder, letting him deepen the kiss and consume you. When he finally pulled back just a fraction, his golden eyes were dark with an intense, possessive heat that made your breath hitch. The intimacy of the moment was so heavy, so entirely real, that you simply pressed your forehead back against his, trying to steady your racing pulse.

Neteyam leaned in and kissed you again, harder this time, causing your head to tilt back.

Slightly breathless, you pressed your palm firmly against his chest, gently pushing him back. “My parents are watching...” you reminded him in a hushed whisper, your cheeks flushing as you glanced toward the audience.

The Omatikaya had broken out into loud cheering and rhythmic clapping, celebrating the union. At the edge of the clearing, you caught sight of your father, his face tightly masked, while your mother looked on with a rigid smile.

The celebration back at Hometree was a raucous affair. Mo’at blessed the two of you with sacred oils, the healers chanting long prayers for fertility and strength before the feast and dancing truly began. You and Neteyam danced the mandatory mating dance, circled by couples who had been married for a very long time.

During a quiet moment in the festivities, your mother walked up to you and Neteyam to greet, but the purpose for it showed when she tried to excuse and pull you aside. Neteyam’s hold on your hand tightened, though, pulling you back to him. His eyes searched yours, and you didn't know where the sudden complete understanding of his subtle looks came from.

It was as if you have known him for so long now, you could practically read his mind. You squeezed his hand and gave him a small smile to let him know it’s okay, allowing your mother to pull you aside near the edge of the structure. “You must remember everything I taught you, daughter,” she murmured, her hands smoothing over your beaded top. “Serve him. Everything he wants to do, you will do. Tonight... You will submit to him. Do not anger a warrior of his status.”

You bit your lip, and before you could think of anything to reply, your father stepped up behind her, his posture imposing and cold. “You belong to a powerful line now. You must do with him as best as you can. Do not bring shame to my name by failing in your duties as a wife.”

You swallowed the bitter retort rising in your throat, lowering your eyes to play the part one last time. “I understand, Father.”

When you finally excused yourself to rejoin Neteyam, you found him standing near a pillar, carefully watching the interaction from afar. Your eyes snapped to Armem who was currently standing beside him, talking about something. As you approached, Armem looked at you, flashing a sly smile before she slipped away. You got distracted when you felt Neteyam’s hand reach out, his large fingers catching yours. You let him pull you to him, looking up into his face as his arms locked around you.

“Everything okay?” he asked, his eyes alert on your face.

You nodded, squeezing his hand. “Why wouldn’t I be okay?”

His eyes were snagged behind you one last time, and you had to force yourself to not look back, knowing you’ll see your parents. Your head snapped to the dais when you heard a beautiful rhythm of the laid gongs being played. The youth who had been dancing stopped, parting into two rows to clear a path directly toward you and Neteyam, their faces splitting into knowing, mischievous grins.

“What is that?” you asked, turning back to your husband, completely bewildered by the sudden shift in the atmosphere.

Neteyam glanced at you, and for the first time since you had met him, he looked entirely caught off guard. His hand came up to his face, his fingers scratching his temple awkwardly as a dark flush crept across his cheeks.

“Uh, it’s... it’s for the blessing of our kelku,” he mumbled, clearing his throat and refusing to meet your eyes for a split second.

You blinked, but before you could question his sudden bashfulness, some elder women bumped at your side and on his side were elder men. Your eyes tried to scan the crowd, but you only saw Jake Sully and Neytiri still sitting on the dais, laughing at the sight, and it was so rare it took some of your inhibitions away.

They chanted prayers for fertility and the realization hit you like a splash of cold water.

In your clan, this part was usually a cold, transactional event where the newly mated woman was practically marched to her husband's tent like a prize. But here, the Omatikaya made it a celebration of life and passion. The drumming and the crowd’s chants faded as you walked up a series of woven pathways leading to a cozy, elevated hut. Mo’at and a few elder women led the blessing of the small space.

When you two were finally left alone, your eyes snapped up to Neteyam who immediately moved to light the central hanging firepot. The kelku was modest, slightly larger than the one that had been your sanctuary in the past weeks. This was beautifully structured, just large enough for a newly married couple.

“If you have any preferences for how it should look, or if you need specific tapestries and mats,” Neteyam said, looking around, “we will go to the weavers tomorrow to get whatever you like.”

A huge smile cut through your lips, nodding. “Thank you. I would like that.”

Neteyam went quiet for a moment, his gaze turning intense as he stepped closer to you. The playful, amused glint from the feast was gone, replaced by something much deeper.

“I don’t know if you wanted me to know this... but when we did the bond...” His eyes locked onto yours, completely unblinking. “I felt it, Y/N. I felt your strong emotions against your parents... Your people. Your home. The anger you held.”

You blinked. He felt it. The same way you had seen his memories and felt all his emotions. Through the bond, both of your shields had dropped entirely. You wondered exactly how much he had seen.

“I understand why you might not have liked it there,” Neteyam continued quietly, taking a thoughtful step back. “But I thought... well, perhaps I was wrong—”

“What is it that you thought?” you asked, your voice barely a whisper as you stepped toward him, desperate to know what he had deduced.

Neteyam blinked, looking down at his hands before raising his head with a resolute expression. “It does not matter now. This is your home. My people are your people. My family is your family. Do you understand that? You do not have to think about everything you left behind.”

You tilted your head, studying the sincerity in his face, and gave a silent, genuine nod.

“And besides,” Neteyam mumbled, a sudden, boyish smirk breaking through his serious demeanor. “I have something for you.”

He turned and walked toward the shadowed back corner of the kelku, reaching behind a stack of woven mats. When he stepped back into the light, your lips parted in utter shock. In his hands, he held a beautifully crafted longbow, complete with a leather quiver full of freshly fletched arrows.

“I got it... just in case you wanted to learn how,” Neteyam said, his smile widening as he raised the bow, his eyes twinkling with a brilliant, knowing light. “And... I saw a flash of it in your memory during the bond. You were practicing this when you were young. You were doing it in secret.”

His conclusion depended solely on the emotions he felt through the bond, but he was right about that and a sudden, overwhelming surge of emotion overcame you. The sheer weight of your past, all the hiding and the fear of your father's wrath, shattered completely against the simple kindness of the man standing before you. He didn't want a submissive, silent maid. He saw your fire, and he was handing you the fuel.

Tears pooled in your eyes, blurring the sight of him. Giving up on every single act of restraint you had practiced since meeting him, you ate up the small distance between you and threw your arms around his neck, burying your face in his shoulder.

Neteyam let out a soft, surprised breath before his large arms wrapped securely around your waist, pulling you flush against him. His hand moved up, his fingers gently caressing your long hair as he held you close.

“Thank you,” you sobbed softly into his shoulder, a genuine, radiant happiness blooming in your chest for the first time in your life. “Thank you, Neteyam...”

He held you tighter as he stroke your hair, his deep voice vibrating against your collarbone as he whispered, “I’ll be the one to teach you. We can start tomorrow.”

You bit your lip and nodded. You didn’t know how to tell him that you already know how to use this so you resolved to just tell him some other time. “Tomorrow?“ you chirped as you pulled back, your hands sliding down his arms until your fingers brushed against the smooth wood of the longbow still resting in his grip.

Gently, you took it from him and set it carefully beside your travel box, placing the weapon that symbolized your future next to the secrets of your past.

When you turned back to him, a soft, determined smile was on your face. The initial rush of your relief had quieted, leaving a heavy awareness of the space between you. The fire was casting a long, amber shadow across Neteyam’s broad shoulders and the sharp angles of his face, and your cheeks burned at how handsome he really was.

No man in your clan could have rivaled against him even if they tried. You stepped closer and his eyes dropped to the delicate river beads covering your chest, a sudden flicker of hesitation crossed his features. He remembered what he’d seen and felt through the bond. Your strong emotions against your parents and your people, the harsh words and suffocating rules. The rigid command that you must submit.

Neteyam reached out, his large hands gently catching yours, his thumbs brushing over your knuckles. His eyes searched your face with an intense, fierce earnestness.

“Y/N,” he murmured, his deep baritone dropping to a rough whisper. “Listen to me. We do not need to do this tonight. Or tomorrow. Or any night soon if you are not ready.”

You blinked up at him, momentarily stunned by his restraint.

“Your parents no longer have a say on what you must do,” Neteyam continued, his jaw tightening slightly. “So, whatever yout mother told you or your father expects of you, none of that matters now. I want you to be comfortable here.”

A profound warmth bloomed in your heart, making your limbs all the way to your fingertips feel like it's made of jelly. The last lingering remnants of your defenses crumbled. This warrior, who had every right by your clan's rules to demand your compliance, was stepping back to give you a choice.

“Neteyam,” you spoke softly, your voice steady and entirely devoid of the timid persona you had faked for weeks.

You stepped into his space, breaking the distance he had purposefully created to give you room. You raised your hands, your palms pressing flat against his cheeks, your fingers sliding into the soft skin just beneath his ears. You tilted your head up, leaning in to press a lingering, warm kiss to the sharp line of his jaw, before moving to press another, softer kiss directly to his lips.

“I am not pressured,” you whispered against his mouth. You looked straight into his eyes, letting him see the fierce, unyielding certainty burning in your gaze. “And I am comfortable. I want to do this, Neteyam. I want you.”

A low, rumbling hum vibrated deep in his chest at your words. It was as if a switch had been flipped inside him. The carefully maintained restraint of a disciplined warrior giving way to the raw, possessive hunger of a man who had been captivated by you since the moment he saw you.

His hands moved to your waist, his grip tightening as he pulled you flush against his heat, his lips crashing down on yours in a deep, consuming kiss. You smiled against his lips, your fingers tangling in his long braids, the beads clicking softly. Slowly, he reached for the ties of your intricately beaded top and with a gentle pull, the garment loosened, and he caressed it off you, letting the beads click softly against the floor.

Neteyam’s breath hitched. His eyes darkened as his gaze swept over your naked upper body, tracking the elegant curve of your waist and the steady rise and fall of your chest. The raw worship in his stare made you feel powerful, completely untamed, and so excited.

His large hands slid up your ribs, his thumbs tracing the sides of your chest as he leaned down to press hot, branding kisses along your collarbone, making you gasp softly. Your hands scrambled for his own gear, your fingers working through the fastens of his intricate cummerbund. You pushed the heavy gear away, your palms immediately finding the broad, smooth expanse of his chest, tracing the jagged ridge of his scar once more before bringing your lips to his.

He gathered you into his arms, his mouth never leaving yours as his hands worked on the ties of your loincloth around your tail. He pushed the fabric off your hips, caressing your soft skin before fluidly guiding you down onto the thick, soft layers of the woven sleeping mat. The cool fiber of the mat met your back, but you barely felt it beneath the crushing, intoxicating weight of his body settling over yours.

You bit your your lip as he hovered over you, his thighs bracketing your hips. You pressed your palm against his muscled abdomen and when he took in a sharp breath through his gritted teeth, you smiled at him, moving your hand down to tug at the rim lf his loincloth.

His head tilted, “You want it off?” he asked, tugging at your hand when you nodded unabashed. “Take it off, then.”

You bit your lip before pulling yourself up, coming face to face with his chest as you did. You kissed the soft skin at the center of it before your hand circled to untie his loincloth. He lowered his head down, both of his hands cupping your face as he pressed a hard kiss on your lips.

His loincloth came off with a hiss and he gently pushed you back down on the soft mat, deepening the kiss. His hand moved from your jaw to the back of your head, gently wrapping around the thick braid of your kuru. He pulled away from the kiss to meet your eyes, bringing it between you before he grabbed his own, his fingers trembling slightly with anticipation.

You moved his hands to bring the tendrils together, and the moment the tsaheylu sparked to life, a gasp caught in your throat. The overwhelming flood of energy from the Tree of Souls was replaced by something soft, intimate, and profoundly deep, like a warm wave lulling both of your consciousness into a singular, shared heartbeat.

Through the bond, you felt his absolute adoration for you. The radiant warm was so tangible you could almost touch it, and to see it reflected in his golden eyes made your eyes sting with hot tears. Neteyam let out a low growl of satisfaction through the bond, his lips catching yours again. The kiss was deeper now, amplified by the bond, every brush of his tongue and every stroke of his hands on your body echoing straight through your mind.

You kissed him back with equal fervor. His hand firmly pushed your thighs apart, fitting himself between them as his kisses trailed down your jaw and neck. You chuckled to hide a moan when his tongue traced a long stroke over the soft skin of your neck. He hummed against your skin and repeated the motion, making you arch your neck with a giggle.

He pulled back a little, his humored eyes staring into yours. “You're ticklish here...” he murmured, dipping his head to softly suck on that skin.

“Neteyam...” you pushed his head back and he chuckled, moving further down, kissing the side flesh of your breast.

You took in a sharp breath, arching your back and he enveloped its peak with the warmth of his mouth, earning him a loud moan from you. He squeezed your waist as he hummed, sucking at your flesh as he fondled the other one.

“You’re so soft, fuck...” he grunted as his lips nipped at your pebbled tip, licking his way to the other peak to give it the same attention.

You felt a warm liquid gush out of you, making you squirm under him. His hand moved from your waist to your center and the tickle caught you off guard that you bucked against his fingers. He groaned against your breast, his fingers caressing your velvety folds languidly.

“So wet...” he said in a low, gravelly voice, propping himself on one arm to hover over you again.

His knee pushed one of your thighs to the side to spread you wider as his fingers parted your folds exposing your slick heat to his gaze. He looked down at you, his gold of his eyes swallowed almost entirely by desire that made your pulse race. His face heated up when he stared down at your flush face and found your wide, trusting eyes looking back up at him. You could literally feel the heavy pulsing in the bond, telling you that he was feeling so much it was physically overwhelming him.

He bent his head, kissing you softly at fit, but it soon turned deep and hard. His mouth consumed yours, and under the cover of that distracting heat, he slid a single, long finger into your tight entrance. You gasped against his mouth, your body tightening, startled by the sudden penetration. Neteyam instantly stalled his hand. He pulled back just an inch, his eyes searching your face with fierce intensity, looking for any hint of pain or discomfort.

Instead of shrinking away, you leaned up and kissed him, your tongue boldly sliding against his to show him you were alright. A low growl vibrated in his throat, slipping a second finger into you. The sudden stretch made you bite his lower lip in a tight grip and he grunted, kissing you hard in retaliation as his fingers began to move in a slow, deep rhythm inside your slick heat.

You wrapped your arms tightly around his neck and his other arm pulled your body completely flush against his muscled frame. The world narrowed down to the heavy friction in you and the overwhelming rush of his emotions pouring through the bond. Your kisses got sloppy and breathless as his fingers worked faster, making your hips tilt upward instinctively, your thighs quivering as the tension built.

Suddenly, Neteyam pulled his fingers away.

You let out a soft, frustrated whine, your hands immediately dropping to his wrist to pull his arm back down. “Neteyam...”

“I’ll give you something better,” he mumbled against your jaw, his breath hitching as he kissed his way down to your neck. You could feel his thick, rigid shaft resting heavily against your inner thigh, twitching with his own restrained need. He pulled back, his chest heaving as he looked down at you. “Are you sure about this, paskalin?”

You nodded quickly, reaching up to pull his head back down for a kiss, but Neteyam refused to budge. He held his ground, his face shifting into a deeply serious expression.

“I need your words,” he mumbled, his golden eyes locking onto yours.

You let your hands rest on his broad shoulders, your gaze turning just as serious, completely stripped of any games. “I am sure. I want to do this with you, Neteyam.”

The tension in his jaw broke, replaced by a dark satisfaction. He pressed a hard, bruising kiss on your lips, before his hands hooked firmly under your knees. He slowly pulled away, shifting his weight until he was kneeling directly between your spread legs.

Left exposed in the glow of the fire, you bit your lip, your eyes shamelessly tracing the powerful lines of his body. You reached a hand out, your palm sliding over his muscled abdomen again, feeling it contract beneath your fingertips. But you grew serious as soon as you felt the broad, blunt head of his shaft nudge against your warmth. You took a deep breath as he began to ease himself into you.

His thumb found the sensitive, swollen nub beneath your folds, softly and rhythmically caressing it to help him distact you. When your eyes rolled back and you helplessly bucked your hips upward to chase his thumb, Neteyam took the perfect opportunity to sink himself fully into you in one deep thrust.

A loud moan tore from your throat at the immense stretch of it, and at the exact same time, Neteyam let out a harsh, strained grunt through gritted teeth as your walls fiercely clamped and squeezed around him, resisting against his girth. He lowered his body down, desperate to soothe you with a kiss, but you were breathing in ragged, panicked breaths, your fingers digging tightly into the flesh of his back.

“Shh... baby, look at me. Breathe,” he hushed. Feeling how tightly you were gripping him, he made a slight movement to pull himself back out to give you relief, but you instantly wrapped your legs tightly around his waist, locking him in place. You hugged him closer, burying your face in his neck.

“You’re so big...” you mumbled.

Neteyam groaned, the sound vibrating against your chest as he wrapped his massive arms around you, burying his face in your hair. “Sorry...” he whispered roughly, entirely sincere.

A wet chuckle escaped your lips despite the ache. “Are you really saying sorry because you have a big di—”

“Only because it’s making you uncomfortable,” he cut you off, his voice thick with embarrassment as he pulled back slightly to look at you, his hand tenderly wiping the beads of sweat from your forehead.

“Nonsense,” you huffed, a small, defiant smirk returning to your face. “I remembered I will be pushing out babies anyway, you know? I can handle the father.”

Neteyam’s dark eyes instantly lit up, coupled with a soft smile cutting through his lips, and at the exact same moment, a massive, explosive jolt of pure, euphoric warmth shot straight through the bond, nearly making your head spin. The sheer joy of hearing you speak of a future with him, of carrying his children, completely broke the last of his restraint.

You smiled, welcoming the deep, possessive kiss he crashed down onto your lips. He began to move as he kissed you, pulling back almost entirely, before driving back into you with a firm intensity. You moaned against his lips, meeting him at his pace and welcoming every single hard, bruising thrust.

The pace grew frantic and the glow of the fire casted your joined shadows against the woven walls of your new home. His large shadow has completely enclosed you, your legs in the hair as he gripped the back of your knees tightly, pushing them up to angle you perfectly, driving deeper and deeper until he was bottoming out against your core.

The kelku was filled with slaps of your skin meeting, your ragged moans, and his deep, animalistic grunts. Through the bond, a sudden, blinding wave of heat erupted from him. Neteyam’s breath hitched, his muscles locking up hard as he let out a loud, guttural roar against your neck. He buried himself to the absolute hilt as he came deep inside you, the thick, hot rush of his seed filling your core.

Your head fell back, crying out as your own release crashed over you in violent waves, your walls squeezing him tightly. Neteyam collapsed softly over you, his breath coming in ragged gasps against your neck. Your own exhaustion lulled you to sleep just as Neteyam lifted his head to kiss you, making him huff in adoration as his eyes caressed your soft features.

“Out like a light,” he mumbled as he chuckled, kissing your cheek. “You’re so damn cute.”

The next day, the heavy, content silence of the morning was the first thing you registered, followed by the feeling of Neteyam’s large, muscular arm slung securely around your waist, pulling your body into a solid wall of heat that was his chest.

You shifted slightly and the gentle drag of your hair against his chin caused him to stir. Because the tsaheylu had remained connected through the night, the moment your consciousness cleared, a sudden, bright flare of pure excitement pulsed from his mind into yours. His eyes opened instantly.

“Good morning,” Neteyam murmured, his voice deep and rough from sleep. He pressed a warm kiss into your temple, his arm tightening around you. “How does your body feel?”

You took a long, dramatic breath and stretched your limbs, letting out a soft yawn that made his chest rumble with an adored chuckle. “A little sore,” you admitted, turning in his embrace to face him, a small, defiant spark in your eyes. “But I am still ready for the day. You promised me archery training.”

Neteyam smiled, his eyes sweeping over your face as he pulled you closer, burying his face in your neck. “Archery can wait. The forest isn't going anywhere. Let's just stay here today.”

“We can't,” you laughed softly. Right on cue, the ring of the communal bells echoed through the upper branches of Hometree. “See? We have to go.”

“They will understand if we are late,” Neteyam mumbled against your skin, his hands lazily tracing the curve of your waist. “We are newly married. Everyone knows we were... occupied.”

Your cheeks instantly burned hot. “Neteyam!” You reached down and pinched his arm, hard enough to make him grunt. “That is all the more reason we must show up on time! I have a reputation to build here, and I will not have everyone looking at me knowing why we slept in.”

“Baby, I hate to break it to you,” he chuckled, propping himself up on an elbow, his long finger caressing the base of your throat, “but they are going to know anyway.”

Your fingers touched your neck, your eyes snapping up to him in question. “What?”

His finger trailed down to your bare chest and you gazed down, finding a distinctly tender purpling spot right above the swell on your left breast. You glared up at him, your hand raising to pinch him again, but Neteyam quickly raised his hands in retreat, a boyish, unrepentant smirk on his lips. “I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It’s just that... you’re so soft—”

“Well, it looks like a bug bite,” you pushed your lips forward, touching the marks and examining it, before peering up at him. “By a big bug.”

He chuckled, pulling you back to him. “Do we have an issue with big stuff?” he mumbled, his lips brushing your neck.

You shrink away from the ticklishness of his lips, moving to get your top instead. Despite his teasing, Neteyam helped you prepare by grabbing your loincloth and helping you with it. At your stubborn behest, the two of you walked down to the communal clearing for breakfast. Neteyam carried his heavy warrior's bow, but slung over his other shoulder was the beautifully crafted longbow he had gifted you, along with both of your quivers

You thought walking into the clearing would make you feel embarrassed, especially with how the youth started nudging each other and how the older hunters gave Neteyam teasing looks, but you felt nothing but pride as he held your hand as he led you to the high dais where his family sits. Tuk grinned and waved at you, while Kiri offered a teasing a smile.

You pursed your lips and kept your gaze low in front of your parents who are now conversing quietly with Jake and Neytiri, looking entirely out of place in the vibrant, loud atmosphere. Once breakfast concluded, you paid respects to both sets of parents, and you startled a little when Neytiri gently squeezed your hand, making you snap your eyes up to her.

She smiled, “You looked radiant, daughter.”

You blinked, throwing a quick sharp glance at Neteyam who chuckled before seriously nodding at Neytiri. “Thank you...” you mumbled.

As you stand there, your father’s sharp eyes instantly dropped to the two bows slung over Neteyam’s shoulder, then to the quiver of arrows resting against your hip. His expression hardened into a mask of pure, rigid distaste.

“Neteyam,” your father spoke, his voice carrying a heavy weight as he pointed at the weapons. “I hope you are not teaching my daughter that. Weapons do not belong in the hands of a chief's daughter.”

The air around the dais seemed to drop in temperature. Your mother looked at you with the same piercing gaze your sister was giving you, as though you were doing something so embarrassing, while Neytiri’s side eye dropped a temperature as it locked onto your father. Meanwhile, Jake sat back comfortably in his seat, waiting to see how his son would handle this.

You felt a familiar, cold instinct to shrink back, but before the fear could even take root, Neteyam stepped slightly in front of you, offering your father a calm, polite smile.

“That is exactly what I intend to do, Olo'eyktan,” Neteyam replied, his tone grounded yet carrying the absolute firmness of a future leader. “My wife is now the woman of an Omatikaya warrior. She is Omatikaya as much as I am. And in this clan, our women are trained in archery much like the next guy.“

Your father’s face went entirely pale, but his jaw eventually tightened, utterly paralyzed by the younger warrior's sheer insolence. In your birth clan, no young man would ever dare speak to the Olo’eyktan this way, but here, Neteyam answered only to Toruk Makto. You pursed your lips as you felt warmth spread in your chest, making you squeeze Neteyam’s hand.

Seeing her husband silenced, your mother stepped in, “And you, daughter? Do you agree to this? Is this what you want?”

You looked at your mother, then at your father, and for the first time in your life, you didn't feel the need to lie. You took a step forward, aligning your shoulder perfectly with Neteyam’s.

“I am a wife of the Omatikaya now, Mother,” you said as softly as you could, it sounded like a mock in your own ears, but your parents won’t know that. “I will listen to the will of my husband, and I will do my absolute best to learn under him.”

You chose your words wisely, ensuring that the very obedience they had drilled into you since childhood was what’s staring back at them now. Your parents were left speechless, knowing they would sound like hypocrites to command you otherwise. You are a mated woman now, and in their eyes, your husband’s words hold more sway than their own.

Neteyam didn't give them a chance to recover. He gave a respectful, brief nod to his own parents, ignoring the faint, amused smirk playing on Jake Sully's lips. “If there is nothing else, we will take our leave.”

As he turned and led you away from the dais, his large hand snaked around your waist, pulling you tightly against his side as you walked down the winding ramp.

He leaned down, his lips brushing the shell of your ear as he whispered sensually, “You did well, baby. And there is indeed a lot of training under me.”

You blinked, your cheeks burning when you remembered last night. Once you were down the Hometree, Neteyam led you deep into a secluded clearing a mile away from Hometree, a training ground he had clearly set up just for you. At the far end of the clearing, several woven targets hung on trees.

“Alright,” Neteyam said, handing you your new bow. “Let me see your basics, baby.” He stepped behind you, his chest pressing against your back as his large hands guided your arms up.

You swallowed hard. This was the dangerous part. You had to play the part of a beginner. You had to act like you didn't know how to balance your weight, or how to gauge the wind. You pulled an arrow from your quiver, deliberately letting your fingers fumble slightly with the notch. You pulled the string back, purposely letting your left elbow sag, trying to remember what it was like when you were just learning.

“Like this?” you asked.

Neteyam didn't answer right away, his hands moving from your arms down to your waist, his thumbs tracing the alignment of your hips before he corrected your left elbow. “Yes. Try shooting,”

You gritted your teeth and pulled from your chest, keeping your elbow low again before shooting. Your arrow found its mark on the third tree, exactly as you intended. Neteyam’s hands tightened on your waist, lazily caressing.

“You know how to do this,” he whispered, low and entirely certain.

Your heart violently jumped into your throat, your hand gripping the bow tighter. He has a keen eye and it was your fault that you underestimated that. “I trained,” you mumbled.

“You’re not a beginner,” he replied, his head dipping low so his breath fanned across your neck, right over a dark mark he had left there.

Your lips twisted. “No, I’m not,” you said in a low voice, your head turning to him.

His eyes darkened as it looks through yours. His hand on your waist tightened, pulling you closer to him. “Look at the target... and show me who you really are.”

You held his dark, intense gaze for a second before turning back to the targets. With a fluid, practiced motion, you reached into your quiver and nocked a fresh arrow, planting you feet firmly into the ground. You aligned your shoulders and pulled the heavy string back past your chest in one smooth motion.

The arrow flew like a bolt of lightning across the clearing, passing the first two targets and striking the farthest one dead in the center. The woven target shuddered under the sheer force of the impact. Behind you, Neteyam watched with fascinated, wide eyes, a sudden rush of heat flooding his chest. You looked incredibly hot standing there, your posture unyielding and graceful.

He had always known you had fire in you. He had found you beautiful from the moment he first laid eyes on you, but seeing you like this, unapologetically in your element, made a massive swell of pride erupt through him. He had witnessed first hand what your parents were like, what your clan was like, and though he had initially thought that you were their perfect, submissive daughter, even then, he’d felt this spark in you.

It was only when you’d become one through the bond that he’d known the staggering depth of your resentment and anger toward your parents and your people. He had been determined to free you from their shackles and teach you whatever you wanted to know, but with this marksmanship you’re showing, you were already better than him and half the hunters in his clan, because you had achieved this excellence while being completely barred from it.

“Where did you learn?” he asked, his voice low as he stepped closer, suddenly realizing that a skill this sharp meant someone had to have taught you.

You turned to him, a genuine, fond smile breaking across your face. “My friend. Tarluk.”

The moment the name left your lips, Neteyam’s swelling heart staggered. A sharp, blinding spike of jealousy flared in his chest. Your sister had mentioned that name when she tried to corner him last night, but he was so worried about you, he’d paid little attention to it. Neteyam was never a jealous man, mostly because he had never been a lover before, and he had certainly never cared for anyone as fiercely as he cared for you. So, this sudden, possessive green monster rearing its head in his mind felt completely bizarre and unsettling.

“Tarluk...” he echoed, his jaw tightening slightly.

“Yes. He is a warrior back in my clan,” you said, your voice softening, turning mellow and tinged with a heavy layer of guilt. “He taught me everything he knows. And he is... imprisoned right now. That is how I repaid every bit of help he gave me.”

Some of his jealousy instantly evaporated, replaced by immediate concern. He smoothed his features, calming his racing heart. “Imprisoned why?”

“He tried to help me escape... on the very day the Omatikaya arrived,” you mumbled, looking down at your bow. “I didn't know my father was going to pledge me to you. In my clan, we have no say in who we mate with. My friends are alright with that life... but I was terrified. I tried to run away.” You stopped, swallowing the lump in your throat before looking up at him with soulful, vulnerable eyes.

Neteyam stared down at you, his heart beating incredibly fast against his ribs as he traced the absolute trust written across your features. “And... are you still scared?”

You smiled softly, the warmth in your eyes answering him before you even shook your head. “No... I am not scared.”

A heavy, breathless huff of relief left his lungs. The tension completely drained from his body as he melted into you, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you against him. He leaned down, pressing a deep, fiercely reassuring kiss to your lips. “You have nothing to be scared of, baby. Not here, and not as long as I am drawing breath. I will protect you from them. From everything.”

You smiled against his mouth, nodding against his chest. “There is something I want to show you once we are back home.”

You spent the next couple of hours in the clearing, completely shedding your facade. You showed him the extent of what you know, so he could gauge exactly what else he can teach you. By the time you walked back to Hometree, you were holding his hand, literally skipping cutely along the forest path, your old worries entirely forgotten. Neteyam watched you, a soft, lovesick smile on his face. Just as the two of you were about to break through the thick brush leading into the main clearing of Hometree, he caught your waist, pulling you back into the shadows for one more loving, deep kiss.

High above, standing on an empty platform, Neytiri stood beside Jake. She watched the two of you, a rare, incredibly soft smile touching her lips as she leaned into her husband's side, happy to see her eldest son so completely besotted.

Once you and Neteyam slipped back into the privacy of your kelku, you walked over to your leather travel box. You reached inside and pulled out the old longbow and the weathered quivers you had brought from your home clan, the ones you had kept hidden away.

Neteyam walked over, but the moment his golden eyes landed on the unique, intricate fletching of the arrows inside the quiver, he froze. His mind flashed back to the waterfalls near your clan’s lands, to the cloaked woman who had saved his life from an Agtik pack before disappearing into the mist just as he was gathering his wit.

He thought he was simply being irrational. He thought of the cloaked lady several times over the past moon, but his mind kept giving the lady your face. Even when he first saw you, he had a strong feeling that he knew whom he was looking at... It had surprised him, just as it had surprised his parents, when he decided to agree on your father’s plea for a betrothal before he had even heard the terms.

He was never one to decide on anything without thinking it through, but on this one, he had felt so certain it startled him.

“I knew it,” he breathed, his voice dropping to a whisper of absolute awe. “It was you.” He looked from the arrows to your face, his eyes wide. “The cloaked lady from the waterfalls... it was you.”

You offered him a small, sheepish smile. “You knew how?”

Neteyam let out a breathy, disbelieving laugh. “I was being imaginative, perhaps. But whenever I remember the lady at the waterfalls, I see your face. I thought it was just my mind reminding me that I am betrothed, but I almost felt certain it was you.”

You chuckled. “I wasn’t going to tell you... But I don’t want to hide anything from you,” you pushed your lips forward.

He felt like he was being allowed to walk through a secret passage leading into a room full of wonders. He had met you, had been saved by you, before he even officially knew your name. “Thank you for telling me,” he mumbled, pulling you to press a kiss on your temple.

Lo’ak had long found a mate among the Metkayina of Awa’atlu, and Neteyam had always wondered how easy it had been for him, that it had taken only one look. But now he understands. He understands what Jake and Lo’ak were talking about. You will see her and you will know. Thanking Eywa for the sheer providence and the incredible luck of hand she had given him would never be enough.

You were everything he had waited for.

A few days later, you watched your parents, your sister, and their rigid entourage finally prepare to leave the Omatikaya and was surprised to feel absolutely no sadness. Standing beside Neteyam as their direhorses turned back toward the woods, the only thing filling your chest was a profound, liberating sense of relief. You could hardly wait for the dust of their departure to settle.

As the days and weeks melted into moons, you and Neteyam fell into a beautiful, seamless routine.

Every morning, he would wake up before the dawn, his stolen kisses on your skin occasionally waking up up, but most times, he could successfully slip out for early border patrols without waking you up. And then, he would return hours later, waking you up with soft kisses before you both headed down for the communal breakfast.

Afterward, the two of you would escape to your private training ground. Because your archery and horsemanship were already flawless, Neteyam decided to teach you hand-to-hand combat skills instead. This was unknown to you. The Na’vis rarely fight using their bodies in close combats, but he explained that they were necessary skills taught by his father.

You took to it with a fierce, untamed focus, loving the feel of your body dodging his heavy frames, laughing whenever he used his weight to pin you to the soft grass, only to kiss you breathless as a penalty for losing.

By midday, when Neteyam had to report for scouting duties with his father, you spend your afternoons with Kiri and Mo'at, sitting in the quiet healing pavilion, learning the properties of healing roots, orchid poultices, and the spiritual songs of the Omatikaya. You found learning here much easier than learning under the rigid, highly paternalistic guidance of your mother.

Best of all, Mo’at listens to the healing knowledge and spiritual routines unique to your clan. These peaceful afternoons of study would bleed into quiet evenings that makes you feel that you were finally doing things to belong and not to conform.

When the next dawn broke, the rhythmic chirping outside filtered into the kelku, but you were already stirred by the familiar sensation of warm, soft lips pressing against your shoulder. A slow, lazy smile spread across your face, keeping your eyes closed.

When he sensed the shift in your consciousness, he lifted his head, his golden eyes dark and hooded with adoration. You felt his lips against yours and you kissed him back eagerly, your fingers tangling in the braids at the nape of his neck, pulling him flush against you. His large arm wrapped around you, almost lifting you to him as he deepened the kiss.

You broke away from the kiss to breathe, so his lips found the the sensitive column of your neck, trailing down over the slope of your breasts, lingering on your stomach, and finally, dipping lower. The past few moons had revealed this side of him, an obsession with your pleasure that bordered on reverent. In the beginning, you had been shy, overwhelmed by the fact that he would dare put his mouth there and the raw, uninhibited way he does so, but you had learned to love it.

Thus, you spread your legs, arching your back off the sleeping mat as he lapped at you like a man starved. His tongue and lips found your sensitive nub, sucking and licking until you couldn't help your moans, a sound that started low in your throat and grew sharper as the rhythm took you. You were biting your lip, trying to stay quiet, but it was impossible, especially when he presses his tongue flat on you.

When you finally came, the release was a shuddering wave that made you gasp, and he licked every lingering essence as if this were the desert and you were a well of water. You lay there, sweaty and weak, your breath coming in ragged hitches as he moved back up your body, his mouth settling on the pebbled tips of your breasts, suckling with a possessive intensity. He finally pulled away to press a loving kiss to your forehead, his eyes searching yours.

Your hand instinctively dropped, grabbing at the heavy ridge of his crotch, feeling the sheer hardness of him. You let out a soft, mewling sound, squeezing him, and he let out a harsh, guttural grunt, closing his eyes for a moment to fight for control.

“I'll save this reward for later, baby,” he growled, his voice gravelly. “If I start now, I'll never make it to patrol.”

True to his word, he left for patrol, and you managed to drift back into a light, contented sleep. You only woke again when the sun dappled through the kelku, with the rustle of his footsteps coming in not long after. You looked up and smiled at him, pulling the covers off you and he groaned at the sight of you still naked.

“I thought you’d be asleep,” he said as he lowered himself down, leaning over you.

You pressed a hand against his chest, caressing his skin damp with the morning's efforts. You craned your neck to kiss him, and his hand slid over your waist. “I’ve been sleeping in too much lately. I need to train myself to wake up early again,” you mumbled against his lips.

“I’ll ask Mo’at for spice tea,” he responded, his head rearing back a little, his eyes fixed on yours seriously. “But you could always just sleep in. You’ve been working so hard with the healers...”

You chuckled, “You’re so serious,” you nuzzled your nose against his. “Don’t worry about it. I’m just adjusting.” You pulled him down for a kiss.

He let you kiss him, but he pulled back again, “But do tell me if it persists—”

“Yes, yes, I will. Now, kiss...” you cut him off, pulling him close again and he kissed you with more intent now.

Just as the heat grew heavier, the bells for the communal meal echoed through Hometree. Neteyam groaned, dropping his forehead against your collarbone, his frustration vibrating through his chest. You laughed, a bright sound that made his heart flutter. You pushed against his shoulders, and he knew better than to argue when it came to your reputation, he knew how much you valued being seen as a proper member of the clan and appearances during meals were your top priority.

You pouted at him, “It’s because you talk too much,” you said, grabbing your top.

His head dramatically fell back on the soft mat and you chuckled, your eyes dropping to his hard-on tenting at his crotch, clearly ready to burst but he knows it would have to wait. Almost immediately after the meal, you both headed to your the training grounds.

Moons of practice had transformed your hand-to-hand combat skills, proving to him just how fast you learn. But today, the training was secondary. You sat between his legs by a large root, finding a comfortable patch of moss to sit on. He broke open some sweet, nectar-filled fruits, sharing them as you talked about your childhoods: the lonely, quiet years of your past versus the vibrant, chaotic, and loud upbringing he had experienced with his siblings.

“Lo'ak was a menace,” Neteyam chuckled, shaking his head as he bit into a yovo. “When he was no bigger than Tuk is now, he decided he wanted to ride a syaksyuk. He climbed all the way to the highest branch of a tall tree, got stuck, and started crying because a mama syaksyuk started throwing sour berries at his head. I had to climb up and drag him down by his loincloth while Dad watched from below, just laughing.”

You laughed loudly, remembering the photo you saw of them as children. It allowed you to imagine a tiny, stubborn Lo'ak and an annoyed little Neteyam playing vividly in your mind. “You must have been such a serious little boy.”

“I had to be,” he smiled, his eyes softening as he looked at you. “With Lo'ak trying to drown himself in puddles and Kiri talking to the plants, someone had to keep them alive. Kiri used to bury my daggers in the dirt because she said it ‘wanted to sleep.’ I spent half my childhood digging up the forest floor looking for my weapons.”

Your smile turned a bit wistful, a faint pang of envy twisting in your chest. “It sounds beautiful.” Your eyes dropped to the fruit in your hands, thinking of his youngest sister. “I feel a little bad for little Tuk, though. She didn't get to experience all of that chaos with you guys being so small together.”

“She makes up for it by being twice as loud,” Neteyam reasoned, his hand caressing a stray hair off your face.

You sighed softly, your fingers tracing the edge of the woven basket. “My sister... She was so much like my mother. I can’t remember a time we were ever... close,” you shrugged.

Armem is just one of the many women in your clan who think that everything about what is taught is right. The rules, the silence, the way women are expected to bend. She excelled at obeying everything and she knew you were just pretending, she just didn't know how to catch you in the act.

Neteyam’s arm pulled you tightly against him, his chest on your back rumbling with a deep, protective hum, his fingers sprawling over your hip.

“The night of our mating feast, moons ago,” he began softly, his voice dropping into a serious register, “I heard of Tarluk before you ever told me his name. Your sister told me about him when you were off talking to your parents.”

You froze, tilting your head up to look at him. “She did?”

“Yes,” Neteyam murmured, his jaw tightening at the memory. “She told me that you had run away with a warrior before the Omatikaya arrived. She told me Tarluk was your lover, and that you were coming to my bed dishonored.”

A heavy, mellow sadness settled over you. You rose slightly, propping your palm against his muscled chest to look directly into his eyes. “I can't believe she would tell you about it that way... Neteyam, Tarluk is not my lover.”

His large hand cupped your jaw with immense gentleness. His thumb stroked over your cheekbone, his gaze steady and unyielding.

“I know, baby,” he whispered fiercely. “I believe you. I did not believe her one bit. I told her she should have been more loyal to you.”

You let out a long sigh, the final ghost of your past clan fading into the forest air. You pressed your palm flat against the heavy beat of his heart. “I never want to go back to my clan again... I never want to see that forest again.”

A slow, devastatingly handsome smirk grew on his face. His hand slid from your jaw to the back of your neck, pulling you a fraction closer. “You can't go nowhere without me now, baby,” he whispered. “You'll never go back there. This is your home. You belong to the Omatikaya. You belong to me.”

Your heart swelled so painfully with love that you had to look away to catch your breath. You smiled, deliberately breaking the heavy romantic tension by lifting a piece of the sweet fruit to your mouth, just as he was leaning in to kiss you.

Neteyam groaned, his eyes narrowing in playful frustration with that block you did. You chuckled at his reaction, turning the piece of fruit and pressing it against his lips instead. He paused, watching you with an intense, heated gaze, before he bit into it, chewing slowly without ever breaking eye contact.

You raised a brow, completely untamed and bold under his stare. Leaning forward, you darted your tongue out, catching a single drop of sweet juice that was rolling down his chin. His breath hitched, his hands instantly gripping your waist as a dark, possessive hunger flared in his eyes.

“You are testing me today,” he growled softly, his hands moving to your hips to maneuver you on his lap.

You caught his hand. “I have a question,” you asked as you pressed your back against his chest.

“Hm?” He buried his face on your neck.

“Why do you like doing...” you trailed, gesturing vaguely between your legs, your voice teasing.

“Doing?” he asked, his hand going where you gestured.

Your hips bucked, grabbing his hand. “I mean, your mouth. On there.”

Neteyam paused, angling his head to look at you with a slow, amused smirk spreading across his face. “Is that really a question?” he asked as if it sounded like a joke.

“It’s an observation,” you barked but softly, cutely showing him your fangs. “It seems a bit... obsessive.”

He laughed, a rich, deep sound that made your skin tingle. “It’s like asking me if I love eating my favorite fruit,” he said, his gaze dropping to your lips. “It’s what I crave. It’s what sustains me.”

“That’s dramatic. It’s not food,” you frowned.

His hug around you tightened as if he were suddenly getting cuteness aggression. “I love it, anyway. And think of my cock. You said you wanted to do things with it, right?“

You nodded, your pulse quickening a sudden, visceral thrill run through you at the thought of finally exploring that part of him.

“Suppose I want you to kiss it,” he asked, his voice dropping to a low, challenging hum. “Would you?”

“Yes,” you whispered, licking your lips.

He raised a brow, reaching into the basket and pulling out an utumauti. He peeled it, the sweet, earthy scent filling the air, and held it out to you. You stared at it, and instinctively, you moved your head to bite into it, but he gently moved it away, laughing at your eagerness.

“No,” he said softly, his voice thick. “Put it in your mouth.”

You blinked, your breath hitching. You looked from the fruit to his eyes, then nodded, opening your mouth wide. You took the fruit between your lips, your tongue darting out to taste the sweet nectar before you wrapped your mouth around it, mimicking the depth he’d asked for.

He groaned, the sound raw and pained, as he watched you.

“Would you do that to me?” he asked again, his eyes searching yours for hesitation.

You pulled back, your heart hammering against your ribs. You looked at his loincloth, imagining the warmth and the power of him, and a desperate, hungry desire to give him that same level of pleasure he gave you bloomed in you

“I want to,” you breathed. Your tail, usually calm, began to wag behind you, a soft thump against the moss.

Neteyam let out a shaky breath, his expression softening into one of tender love. He leaned forward and kissed you, his hands trembling slightly as they went to the ties of his loincloth, stripping it away completely. Your breath caught in your throat. You had felt the sheer, heavy mold of him a hundred times over in the past moons, the thick, rigid heat that had driven you mad against your thighs and deep within your core, but seeing him completely bare in the daylight was breathtaking.

You pulled yourself up onto your knees between his legs, your hand reaching out, your fingers trembling slightly as you wrapped them around the base of his thick length. Neteyam drew in a harsh, ragged gasp as your thumb stroked up the underside of his shaft.

“Baby...” he choked out, his fists clenching into the dirt at his sides.

You looked up at him through your lashes, completely captivated by the power you held over such a powerful warrior. Slowly, you leaned forward, your lips parting as you pressed a soft, wet kiss to the very tip of him, catching the sweet, clear bead of his arousal on your tongue.

Neteyam let out a low, guttural roar that echoed into the canopy, his hips instinctively jerking forward at the agonizingly perfect warmth. You smiled against his hot skin, opening your mouth wider, and began to show him exactly how much you wanted to pleasure him.

You lost yourself in the rhythm of his pleasure, sliding your lips along the thick length of his shaft. Every dip of your head earned you a ragged, breathless praise from Neteyam, his fingers lightly tangling in your hair as he guided your pace. By the time your mouth filled with the hot, heavy rush of his release, his chest was heaving as a broken groan ripped from his throat. He pulled you up into a tight, crushing hug immediately after, holding you against his racing heart.

“Fuck...” he mumbled as he let out a broken chuckle. “You can’t do that again... I came so fast it’s embarrassing.”

You glared at him, but a naughty smile still cut through your lips. “But what if it’s my favorite now, too?”

The peaceful moons that followed seemed to blur into a soft, golden dream. You have now settled comfortably in the Omatikaya, especially among the children, that you spend some afternoons in the shade of the lower branches, watching Tuk and a few other children.

Tuk was in the middle of chasing a friend when she suddenly spun around, her tail swishing with sudden curiosity. “Y/N, are you pregnant?” she asked out of nowhere, her big eyes wide with innocent hope.

You blinked, a fierce blush instantly crawling up your neck. “No, Tuk, I am not.”

“Aww,” she pouted, kicking a soft patch of moss. “I thought you were. Leera’s mom is pregnant. She’ll have a playmate very soon!”

You watched her sprint away, but her words lingered in your mind like a persistent echo. You weren't exactly worried, but as the days passed, you couldn't help but wonder. It wasn't for a lack of trying; you and Neteyam were at it every single day, his possessive hunger never waning, yet your body remained unchanged.

To soothe your restless thoughts, you took up weaving again, a craft you deeply missed and hadn't practiced much since leaving your clan. Sitting alone in the kelku, your fingers worked mechanically, interlacing thick, soft fibers into a structured, sturdy pattern.

You were just finishing a section when the woven flap rustled. Neteyam stepped inside, his shoulders tight with a lingering trace of stress from a long council meeting. The moment his golden eyes landed on you, however, the tension visibly melted from his face.

Seeing the lingering exhaustion in his posture, you immediately dropped the what you were doing and stood up, reaching out to guide him down to the sleeping mat. Your fingers firmly moved on the tight knots in his shoulders, applying a soothing pressure to calm him down.

Neteyam let out a long, shuddering sigh, tilting his head back against your stomach. “What were you weaving, baby?”

“I am trying to weave a baby wrap,” you murmured softly, leaning down to press a quick kiss to his cheek. “But do not get too excited yet. I am not with child. I am just... preparing.”

A soft, boyish smile cut through his tired features, and his lips pushed forward, pressing a tender kiss into your temple.

“What is wrong?” you asked, your fingers slowing their movement on his shoulders. “You look heavy.”

“Nothing you need to worry about, baby,” he responded smoothly, reaching up to squeeze your hand. “Just a tense council meeting. Some border disputes. It is fine.”

In the weeks that followed, however, you realized it wasn't entirely fine. The reality of clan infighting across Eywa’eveng was beginning to seep into the edges of the Omatikaya. Yet, the Omatikaya were almost too chill about it, confident in their strength. You only noticed the subtle shifts: the increased frequency of hunters and warriors moving in and out of the boundaries, and the way Neteyam constantly seemed on edge.

The breaking point arrived on a stormy afternoon.

Shouts echoed from the lower canopy, frantic and laced with a terror you had never heard from the Omatikaya before. You rushed down to the lower platforms, your breath catching in your throat as a party of warriors moved through the crowd. They were carrying several severely wounded hunters.

And in the center of the frantic group, carried on a human-made stretcher, was Neteyam.

He was barely conscious, his skin a pale, sickly blue, his chest heavily stained with a thick, dark smear of blood. Your breath was knocked out of your chest as a suffocating, icy fear instantly seized your heart, dragging your mind back to the terrifying vision you had seen in his memory. Jake and Neytiri pushed through the crowd, their faces pale with panic. But as the healers began to move Neteyam toward the human biolab for emergency treatment, Neytiri suddenly stopped. Her fierce, golden eyes snapped to you standing in the crowd.

Before you could move, she lunged forward, her hand clamping onto your forearm in a brutal, iron grip.

“Did you know about this?” she demanded, her voice shaking, cold with an explosive anger.

“What?” your voice shook, your eyes wide with shock and confusion.

“Your people betrayed us!” Neytiri hissed, her fangs fully bared, her face inches from yours. “Your father shot Neteyam! He ambushed our patrol at the border! I knew this alliance would bring nothing good. My son dove into this headfirst, not even thinking, for whatever petty reason—!”

“Mama! Don't get mad at Y/N, please!“ Tuk screamed, sprinting through the crowd and throwing her small arms around Neytiri’s hips, crying.

Jake came rushing back out of the biolab doors, his eyes wide as he realized Neytiri hadn't followed the stretcher inside.

“Neytiri,” Jake called, his voice booming as he grabbed her elbow, pulling her away from you. He looked at your pale, trembling form, his expression turning into one of profound alarm. “Jesus, baby, what did you tell her?”

Neytiri let out a sharp, ragged breath, her chest heaving as she finally ripped her gaze from yours, staggering on her steps before walking away and going into the biolab.

Jake turned to you, his voice urgent but grounded. “Go inside, Y/N. Go see him. He’s alright, but you need to be in there.” He looked down at his youngest daughter. “Tuk, stay with her.”

You couldn't move. Your legs felt like lead, your ears ringing with the horrific revelation. Your father had shot him. The treaty of alliance, the marriage, the peace, it had all been a calculated deception to lower the Omatikaya's guard against other clans who wished to bring it down.

Tuk buried her face into your stomach, her little shoulders shaking with violent sobs. The sight of her grief broke the paralysis holding you. You slowly knelt on the damp wooden platform, pulling the little girl into a tight embrace, murmuring soft, comforting words against her hair until her crying began to slow into quiet whimpers.

Once she quieted down, you pulled back slightly, cupping her small face in your hands. You forced your voice to sound steady, invoking the very strength Neteyam always saw in you.

“Tuk, listen to me,” you said, your eyes locking onto hers with absolute seriousness. “Your braveness is needed right now. The Omatikaya is in chaos, and your brother needs a warrior to guard him. I need you to stay right here, by the laboratory doors, and make sure no one enters who shouldn't. Can you do that for me?”

Tuk sniffled, wiping her nose with the back of her hand, her small jaw tightening with a sudden, fierce determination. She nodded firmly. “I will guard him, Y/N.”

“Good girl,” you whispered, kissing her forehead.

You stood up, turning away from the laboratory. You didn't walk inside. Instead, you turned on your heel and moved swiftly, back up the winding ramps toward your kelku. The moment you stepped past the woven flap, the dam broke. Tears of unadulterated fear, pain, and burning rage spilled over your cheeks, hot and furious. You couldn’t even sob or wail. You wanted to be there for Neteyam.

Hold his hand and give him strength. But what you were about to do cannot wait. You moved with a cold, terrifying precision born of a lifetime of faking compliance.

You walked straight to the weapon rack. You gripped the smooth, dark wood of your old longbow and slung the weathered quiver over your shoulder, checking the heavy, sharp fletching of your arrows. Your father thought he had traded away a submissive pawn to buy himself time. He thought you were a weak, compliant girl who would weep in a corner while his treachery tore a clan apart.

He was going to find out exactly who you were.

You rushed down the hidden, less-traveled pathways of Hometree, bypassing the frantic crowds entirely. Breaking into the dark, rain-slicked undergrowth of the forest, you raised your hand to your lips and let out a sharp, piercing whistle.

Within moments, the heavy thud of hooves echoed through the brush, and your direhorse broke through the foliage. You vaulted onto its back, your fingers grabbing your kuru and connecting it to his in one swift motion. With a fierce tap to its flanks, you turned the direhorse toward the borders, tearing into the black, stormy night.

You were going back to your clan. And you were going to kill your father.

The wind screamed in your ears, tearing through your hair as the direhorse threw its powerful weight forward, kicking up wet earth and leaves. For hours, you rode through the stormy night without a single pause. The rain-drenched trees of the Omatikaya territory gradually gave way to the dark, clouded woods of the suffocating borders of your birth clan.

Your body ached, your muscles tightly coiled with exhaustion and a cold, lethal focus. By the time the distant glow of your old clan's cooking fires pierced the dark, the storm had settled into a heavy mist. You didn’t slow down to hide or sneak through the brush like a frightened girl. You rode straight into the heart of the main clearing, the heavy thud of your direhorse's hooves drawing the immediate, sharp attention of the night guards.

Several warriors stepped forward, bows raised, but they froze when the light allowed for a better view of you, drenched in rain and covered in mud. From the largest tent, a tall, imposing figure stepped out, a heavy mantle around his shoulders.

Your father’s sharp eyes locked onto you, but you could see in his eyes that he was not threatened. You gave that to him. But that will change. He stepped closer, stopping a few paces away, completely unbothered by the heavy bow in your hand. To him, you were still the girl who always had her head down, the girl who bent to her mother's rigid will.

“Is he dead? Is that what this visit is for?” your father taunted, a slow, dark smirk spreading across his face as he looked up at you. “If so, then that is good news for our council. Job well done, and you can finally come home, daughter.”

You remained mounted on your direhorse, your posture regal, unyielding, and completely still. Your eyes, normally soft and trusting, were now as cold and sharp as blade.

“I feel sorry that I had to sacrifice you...” he continued, his voice dripping with a sickening condescension. “Let you be defiled and used over and over again by that disgusting half-blood. I am glad to see that you're not pregnant... that is great. We can wipe away that stain, remarry you to a real warrior, and—”

“What a loud noise,” you interrupted quietly.

Your father paused, his brows snapping together in sudden fury at your insolence. “What did you just say to me?” He looked at the old longbow in your hand again, a mocking chuckle vibrating in his chest. “You dare bring a weapon into my presence? You think you can make an aim on me after your pitiful training sessions with that demon? The one I personally shot?”

“For the record, dear father,” you said, your voice entirely devoid of fear, a slow smile tilting the corners of your lips. “Neteyam didn’t teach me archery... I learned this from under your nose.”

In the blink of an eye, faster than any warrior in the clearing could even register, your hand blurred. You drew an arrow from your quiver, nocked it, and pulled the heavy string back past your chest in one fluid, terrifyingly practiced motion.

Your father's eyes widened a fraction, his breath catching in his throat as he realized, too late, the absolute precision of your stance.

“Look,” you whispered.

You let go of the string and the heavy arrow flew with blinding speed, striking your father dead in the left side of his chest. The exact, precise spot where he had shot Neteyam.

He let out a sharp, agonized gasp, staggering backward as his hand flew to the shaft buried deep in his flesh. His eyes bulged, filled with a sudden, overwhelming mixture of anger and shock. He opened his mouth to scream for his warriors, his foot stepping forward to lunge at you.

Before his foot could even plant into the dirt, another arrow tore through the air, piercing straight through his foot and pinning it deeply into the muddy ground. He shrieked, a raw, pained sound, his balance entirely stolen from him as he began to fall. Desperate, his hand flew down to the knife strapped to his thigh, trying to draw it.

A third arrow struck his wrist, completely shattering the bone and before he could even touch the hilt.

You looked down at him from the height of your direhorse, your expression completely detached as he writhed in the mud beneath you.

“My husband is not dead, but you will be.”

Without a single hint of hesitation, you nocked one final arrow and released the string. The final arrow struck cleanly between his eyes, causing his body to slump back into the dirt, his blank gaze staring up at the stormy sky.

                                                         ₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚

When the heavy sedation finally wore off, Neteyam opened his eyes to the harsh, sterile white light of the human biolab. His vision blurred, then sharpened, focusing on the rhythmic beep of a heart monitor. The sun of midday was already dawning through the windows.

His first thought was entirely instinctual. His eyes darted around the room, searching for the one face that always brought him peace.

“Y/N...” he grogged, his voice barely a gravelly whisper.

The lab doors hissed open, and Jake stepped inside, his expression deeply lined with fatigue. Behind him, Neytiri stood, her usual fierce posture replaced by a rare, heavy layer of visible guilt. Little Tuk was curled up on a chair in the corner, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

“Dad,” Neteyam breathed, trying to push himself up on his elbows. His hand flew to his chest, feeling the thick, white bandages binding his skin. “My wife?”

A heavy silence blanketed the room. Everyone had spent the last several hours frantically combing through every tier of Hometree after Jake had ordered a full-scale search, desperate to find you before his eldest son woke up, but no one had seen a trace of you. Even Neytiri, now that her blinding panic had subsided and her mind was clear, realized the catastrophic mistake she had made by cornering you and implicating you in the ambush.

For the past several weeks, the Omatikaya council had had intelligence about a brewing conflict. Your birth clan apparently part of a larger, aggressive faction of clans seeking to destabilize Toruk Makto’s influence, viewing his family as “half-bloods” who didn't belong with the true people of Eywa. Throughout those tense council meetings, Neteyam had staunchly, fiercely defended you.

When the elders and even his own mother suggested that your betrothal was a calculated set-up to make him vulnerable, Neteyam had never wavered. He knew your heart. He knew that you knew absolutely nothing about your clan’s movements, and he had begged his family to let him handle it, to protect you from the clan's suspicion.

But Neytiri's explosive grief at seeing her firstborn bleeding had shattered that protection.

“Neteyam,” Neytiri stepped forward, her voice trembling in a way he had never heard before. “The night you were brought in... I lost my mind,” Neytiri confessed. “I confronted her. I told her that her father shot you, and I... I accused her. Tuk said she left not long after. We think... maybe she went to find them. Maybe she'll come back...”

“Left?” Neteyam echoed, the word ripping out of his throat like a physical wound. The monitor beside his bed began to beep in a frantic, erratic rhythm. He tore the IV lines straight out of his arm, ignoring the sharp sting of blood.

“Neteyam, lay back down!” Jake barked, rushing forward to plant his heavy hands on his son's shoulders.

“No! She doesn't want to go back there! She told me she never wanted to see that place again!” Neteyam roared, fighting his father's grip with a desperate, wild strength, despite the pull on his stitched flesh. “I have to find her—”

“I’ve already sent out scouting teams to track her trail,” Jake argued, his voice laced with helplessness. “But the storm washed away the tracks. Some came back empty-handed. We don't know where to look, son.”

Neteyam’s chest tightened, a suffocating mixture of physical pain and raw, blinding panic making his head spin. He was hoping against hope that you hadn't gone back to your birth clan. He knew how much you hated it.

Just as he was stepping off the bed, the lab doors hissed open again. One of the clan's seasoned tracking warriors stepped into the room, drenched in mud and breathing heavily.

“Olo'eyktan,” Navem reported, bowing his head to Jake but looking directly at Neteyam. “Word has just come from the western border. Korto... is dead. He was assassinated in the dead of night inside his own camp. They said it was his eldest daughter.”

The warrior glanced at Neteyam. He felt the air completely knocked out of his lungs. He staggered, his knees buckling slightly as he stared at the warrior in absolute, stunned disbelief. His mind reeled, completely torn between two overwhelming realities: the terrifying fact that you had ridden alone into enemy territory in the middle of a storm, and the realization that you had executed a flawless assassination entirely on your own.

Neytiri gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, her eyes wide with shock.

It was Jake who broke the stunned silence, his tactical mind instantly kicking into gear. “Looks like we have a lead,” he said, his voice grim but focused. “Tell the aerial teams to scour every border between here and the plains. We need to get ahold of her before her father's loyalists do.”

Neteyam didn't wait for his father to finish. Ignoring the burning agony in his chest, he bolted out of the biolab. Jake and Neytiri chased after him as he sprinted up the winding pathways toward the ikran roost.

“Neteyam,” Jake called, throwing the comms through the air. Neteyam caught it with his good hand. “Wait for the scouts to give you an update!”

“Thanks, dad,” Neteyam yelled back, his voice raw.

“Come home safely. Both of you...” Neytiri begged from the platform below, her voice cracking.

Neteyam leaped onto his Ikran, his bond snapping into place with frantic urgency.

The flight was a blur of agonizing waiting. Neteyam cursed himself for choosing his Ikran over a direhorse, realizing too late that the thick canopy made it nearly impossible to spot a single figure from the air. For thirty agonizing minutes, he flew in erratic patterns, his heart hammering against his ribs, until the comms clicked to life.

“Neteyam, we have a visual. She’s at the rocky creek near the old boundary. We are moving to secure her—”

“No!” Neteyam barked into the mic, his voice leaving no room for argument. “Do not approach her. Give me the coordinates. I will deal with my wife on my own.”

Receiving the location, he drove his ikran into a steep dive, landing the beast in a clearing a short distance from the water. He threw himself off the saddle, his long strides breaking through the damp ferns as he sprinted toward the sound of rushing water.

And there you were.

You were sitting on a wet stone by the edge of the creek, looking incredibly small, pale, and exhausted. Your eyes were heavily swollen and puffy from a night of what seemed like endless crying. Your old longbow lay on the moss beside you. You were crouched low, scooping cold water into your palms to wash your mouth, when the rustle of leaves caught your attention.

Your eyes snapped up, locking onto his towering figure across the shallow water. You gasped, instinctively flinching and rearing back.

New, hot tears instantly swelled in your eyes as your gaze landed on the thick white bandages wrapping his torso, and the dark red spot of blood seeping through his chest. A wave of profound, crushing shame washed over you. Your father had done that. Your bloodline had brought that violence to his family. It didn't matter that you had killed the monster; the stain of the betrayal felt permanent.

“Don't come near me,” you sobbed, your voice breaking as you held up a trembling hand when he stepped straight into the freezing, ankle-deep water, his gaze brazen and unyielding.

“Why?” he asked stubbornly.

“It's just... you shouldn't be with me,” you sniffled, wrapping your arms around your own torso as if trying to hold yourself together.

He tilted his head, his expression softening into something intensely possessive. “Too bad. I want to be with you.”

“Neteyam, please,” you cried, shaking your head violently as the tears cascaded down your cheeks. “It is a disgrace! My people are traitors. My father wounded you, he almost took your life! My blood is that of a traitor’s... and I am so scared... I am so terrified that this life inside of me will take after my blood—”

“What?” Neteyam stopped dead in the middle of the creek.

The word hit him like a physical blow. You were rambling, your words pouring out so fast that his head began to spin, a sudden, loud ringing filling his ears. His golden eyes slowly dropped from your face, tracking down the length of your body until they rested on your flat abdomen. He closed his eyes for a single, heavy second, drawing in a long, deep breath through his nose to steady his racing mind.

The gravity of what you had just done crashed over him. You had traveled a distance that should have taken days in a matter of hours. You had risked your life, riding alone into a hostile camp, carrying out a flawless execution under the noses of an entire warrior council. You could have been captured. You could have been killed.

And through all of that terrifying danger, you were carrying his child.

“You are pregnant?” he asked, his voice dropping into a small, breathless whisper as his eyes snapped open again.

“I... I didn't know,” you whimpered, your fingers wrangling together in a fit of nervousness. “I just learned it now. I threw up so much... I don't know, I can feel it...”

“You are pregnant,” he repeated, a massive, overwhelming whoosh of air rushing out of his lips.

That's it. He lunged across the remaining stretch of the shallow creek, his powerful legs churning through the water until he reached your side. Before you could even take another step back, his large, good arm wrapped around your waist, pulling you forward until your body slammed directly into the solid wall that was his body.

He pulled back just enough to cup your jaw with his fingers, tilting your face up, and kissed you hard. It was a deep, fiercely possessive, and desperate kiss, pouring every ounce of his relief and love into your lips.

“Baby,” he breathed against your mouth, his forehead resting against yours as his chest heaved. “You are amazing. And you are lethal. You have always been. But I need you to never, ever do something like this again.” He let out a breathless, emotional laugh. “A bullet and an arrow haven't killed me yet, but you doing this might actually finish me off.”

You buried your face into his neck, sobbing uncontrollably as the immense weight of the last hours finally collapsed. “I wanted to be there last night,” you wept, your hands carefully gripping his shoulders, mindful of his injury. “I wanted to hold your hand so much... but I needed to catch my father at the very height of what he thought was his victory. I had to end it.”

Neteyam wrapped his arm tighter around you, burying his face into your hair, his own tears finally slipping down his cheeks. “I love you,” he mumbled fiercely into your skin. “I love you so much, baby.”

You pulled your head back, looking up into his golden eyes, your own twinkling with a mixture of exhaustion and profound love. You pushed up on your tiptoes, capturing his lips again, deepening the kiss as you mumbled, “I love you, Neteyam. I love you so much.”

When the kiss finally broke, Neteyam gently wiped the stray tears from your cheeks. “Do you want to go back home now?”

You nodded instantly, the word home finally feeling absolute.

“Are you... are you mad at my mother?” he asked softly, watching your expression carefully.

You shook your head, a soft, understanding smile touching your lips. “Mad? Why? I understood her anger, and I understood her reaction. She was simply a mother who was terrified of losing her firstborn child. I would have done the same.”

Neteyam’s chest swelled with an intense, overwhelming pride. The sheer capacity of your heart, after everything you had endured, left him entirely awed. He held you tightly against his good side as he guided you back toward his ikran. Your direhorse was left to be brought back by the Omatikaya warriors who had been tracking you from a distance.

When the ikran finally landed on the high platforms of Hometree, Jake, Neytiri, and Tuk were already waiting at the roost.

The moment the beast settled, Neytiri stepped forward, her face tense, her hands clasped tightly in front of her as she prepared to offer a formal, deeply humbled apology to you, but Neteyam didn't give her the chance. The moment he dismounted, his large frame moved directly in front of you, shielding your body from his family's view.

“I need to take her straight to Mo'at,” he announced, his voice firm, carrying the absolute authority of a mate protecting his own. “She needs to be checked immediately. Especially given her... sensitive case right now.”

Tuk tilted her head, her big eyes darting around Neteyam’s torso to look at you. “Y/N? Are you okay?”

You smiled warmly, stepping out from behind your husband's protective shoulder to look down at the little girl. “I am okay, Tuk. And I have some very great news for a brave warrior who guarded her brother so well.”

The family followed in a quiet, tense procession as Neteyam led you straight to the quiet upper tiers where Mo'at sat by the hearth. She didn't even need to touch you. The moment her wise eyes landed on your posture, and the subtle, protective way Neteyam’s hand was resting against the small of your back, a knowing, radiant smile broke across her weathered face.

“You are here to confirm a pregnancy? I had been waiting to be asked for moons.”

Tuk instantly let out a joyous shriek, jumping up and down and clapping her hands. “A playmate! I knew it!” she cheered, her laughter echoing through the quiet pavilion.

But while Tuk celebrated, the confirmation only made Neytiri’s chest tighten with a deeper, agonizing wave of guilt. She realized that your ride into danger had been undertaken at such a vulnerable state. Later that evening, as the stars began to blanket the skies, Neytiri found you sitting alone on the edge of the healing platform. She approached silently, her ears pressed back in true humility.

“Y/N,” Neytiri began, her powerful voice dropping to a soft, vulnerable register. “I have no words to excuse my behavior. I allowed my fear for my son to blind me and I am... deeply sorry for the pain I caused you.”

Your expression was entirely peaceful as you reached out, placing your hand over hers. “There is nothing to apologize for, Neytiri. We both had the exact same interest at heart. His safety amd protection. You reacted out of love for your son, and I reacted out of love for my husband. If I were in your position, I would have done far worse.”

Neytiri stared at you for a long moment, a profound respect cementing between the two of you as she squeezed your hand in return. “I have no doubt, daughter. I have no doubt.”

The rest of your pregnancy was a beautiful journey. Your bond with Neytiri had grown deeper as moons passed by, replacing the cold, rigid relationship you had with your mother. Although, there were times you missed her, there was no one in that clan you still wanted to see except for Tarluk.

The last of Neteyam’s intelligence reports regarding Tarluk said that he had escaped after your father’s assassination and the short period of anarchy that followed it. Neteyam assured you that he had sent word to allied clans to give him notice should a lone man wander near their borders.

You had refused to stress yourself further as your pregnancy progressed though. Not when Neteyam has became utterly insufferable in his doting. He refused to let you carry anything heavier than a piece of fruit and  followed you to every single healing lesson with Mo'at.

“You are leaning too far forward,” Neteyam murmured, his deep baritone vibrating right against your ear. His large hand reached around your waist, gently but firmly pulling your torso back against his solid chest. “Mo'at said you need to keep your spine straight so the weight doesn't strain your lower back.”

You let out a soft huff, a small smile tugging at your lips even as you tried to maintain your serious expression. “Neteyam, I am grinding roots, not fighting an ikran. My spine is perfectly fine.”

“I am just making sure,” he replied smoothly, completely unbothered by your teasing. He took the heavy stone pestle right out of your fingers. “Here. Let me do the heavy grinding. You shouldn't be straining your wrists.”

And he did not miss an evening without pressing his face against your growing belly, whispering long stories to the life moving inside you.

“Pea is quiet tonight,“ he whispered, his voice incredibly soft, a stark contrast to the commanding tone he used with the hunters. He flattened his large palm over your skin, his eyes closing as he felt the steady, rhythmic pulse of the life inside you.

“This little seed was kicking all afternoon while you were at the border,”  you murmured, your fingers gently tangling into the dark braids at the nape of his neck. “I think Pea misses the sound of your voice.”

Neteyam’s lips tilted into a proud, boyish smile against your skin. He nuzzled his nose against your stomach, clearing his throat quietly.

“Listen closely, little one,” he began, speaking directly to your belly. “Today, Papa flew high into the floating mountains. The wind was fierce, the kind that tries to steal your breath. I brought with me Mama’s longbow, and when you are big enough, I am going to show you the clearing where your mother showed me how fiercely she can shoot. She struck the farthest target dead in the center, the most beautiful sight I had ever seen.”

You felt a sudden, familiar flutter beneath his palm. A distinct, sharp little thump from the inside.

Neteyam’s eyes snapped open, his golden gaze lighting up with absolute, pure wonder. “Did you feel that? Pea heard me."

“As always,“ you whispered, your heart aching with a love so profound it felt heavy.

He leaned up, shifting his weight so he was hovering over you, his eyes dark with an intense, unyielding adoration. He pressed his lips to yours, a slow, deeply reassuring kiss that tasted of the sweet fruit you had shared earlier.

“You are everything,” he murmured against your mouth, his thumb gently tracing your cheekbone. “Both of you.”

When your labor finally arrived several moons later, he had completely lost his cool. He was so frantic, so entirely out of his element, pacing the pavilion and checking your vitals every two seconds, that Mo'at and Kiri eventually had to physically shove him out of the tent because his chaotic energy was stressing you out more than the contractions.

But when the final moments came, he was right there beside you. He held your hand with a trembling grip, his golden eyes wide with a mixture of terror and absolute reverence as you gave one final, powerful push.

A sharp, clear cry echoed through the kelku, cutting through the warm night air.

Mo'at smiled, carefully lifting the tiny, squirming bundle and wiping her down before placing her directly onto your chest. Neteyam leaned over you, his hot tears spilling onto your shoulder as he looked down at his newborn daughter. She was perfectly made, a beautiful little girl with your delicate features, but he can see how she got his defined stripes.

You found yourself discarding the remnants of the skin and leaves from the first fruit in order to grasp a second one. Your toes dug into the soft dirt below your feet in delight as you consumed this fruit as well. This was exactly what you had been wanting all day, this plant was surely sent by Eywa herself as a gift. 

You smiled, reaching for a handful of the small fruits and starting gathering them into the woven bag hanging at your side. These would be a delightful food for you to snack on throughout the rest of the day. Your cravings were fickle, but you had been wanting Yovo for a while, maybe this would be enough to satisfy you for now. 

“Are they good?” the voice cut through the peace of the forest and startled you. 

You flinched, dropping the fruit in your hand, and immediately whirled to find your mate leaning against a tree watching you with a smirk on his face. 

“Tsu’tey,” you groaned, going to pick up what you had dropped. 

“Eh, kehe (no),” he tsked, rushing forward to put his hand out, stopping you from bending down. 

“I am not fragile,” You reminded him as he kneeled down to hand you the fruit. His Olo’eyktan mantle brushed your legs, the feather-like plants it was made of tickled your skin.

“No, but you are pregnant with my child. You can allow me to pick things up for you,” he insisted. He looked up at you from where he still was on his knee in front of you and your heart melted. 

“Fine, thank you,” you relented, putting the fruit in your bag as he stood up. 

Your hand found Tsu’tey’s as if it was a magnet pulled in by the flux vortex. “What are you doing out here? I thought you were on patrol?” you asked. 

He shrugged, “I was, until I found this,” he held up the object in his fist that you had not noticed until now. 

You gasped, hands going to take the elongated fruit from him, “Utumauti (banana fruit)? I have only found one once in my entire life. Tsu’tey, this is a blessing,” you beamed, studying the fruit before pushing it back into his hands. 

“No, it is for you,” he explained, holding it back out to you. 

Your eyes widened, “Oh no, I could not take it,” you said, holding out your hands. “Eywa meant for you to have it.”

He shook his head, a small smile playing at his lips and making his canines glint in the sun. “Perhaps she meant for the baby to have it,” he corrected, pushing your hair away as a gust of wind blew strands onto your forehead which was sticky with sweat. 

“Tsu’tey,” you whined at his selflessness. “She showed it to you, I cannot take what was not given.”

“Well, I am giving it to you now,” he smiled at your stubbornness, a trait you both had in common and your baby would undoubtedly inherit as well. 

“I am still not taking it. How did you find me out here anyway?” you asked, brow lowering over your eyes in suspicion. 

His head reared back in mock surprise. “I am an expert tracker and hunter, you think I could not find my wife? I picked up your trail, and eventually your scent, a while ago,” he told you smugly, beginning to break open the soft skin to get to the fruit inside.

“What?” you scoffed, but the smile on your lips did not match the chastisement in your tone. “You cannot use your talents to spy on me, Yawnetu (beloved)!”

“I am not spying on you! I was looking for you and I found you. Is that so steep an offense?” he huffed, good naturedly, knowing you were not really upset with him.

“I suppose not, especially if you have such a prized gift to show me,” you pursed your lips, looking down at the fruit that was still in his hand. 

He offered up a chunk of the fruit after breaking it off, “Here, it would be cruel not to give it to my mate. I want you to have it,” he insisted. 

“No!” You groaned, “Please, eat it. You work hard.”

He scoffed, “You are growing our child, you are working harder,” he argued and you sighed.

You frowned and looked down at his hand as he waved it between you. “I will only eat it, if you also have some,” you mediated and his eyes narrowed, thinking over your offer. 

“Fine,” he agreed. You smiled and finally took the fruit from him, letting the sweet flavors settle on your tongue.

“Good?” he asked, his brow lifting as you nodded vehemently, eyes widening at the taste of the fruit you had not had in years.

“Very good. Eat,” you encouraged him, waving him on as he shook his head in amusement. He took some for himself, pressing it between his lips and humming in contentment at the perfect ripeness of it.

You smiled at the happy look on his face, before he handed you the rest of the fruit, 

“For the baby,” he explained and you rolled your eyes at his persistence. You took it anyway, growing weary of trying to argue with him.

You popped the last of the fruit in your mouth, chewing it carefully before saying, “Thank you, I believe your son likes Utumauti.” You watched his reaction carefully and were glad you did. 

His eyes bugged out before he stilled completely. “My son?” he asked slowly.

You nodded, not able to tamp down the dazzling smile that made its way onto your face. “It is a boy,” you stated.

For a moment, his smile was blinding, but froze when he said, “How do you know?”

“Norm and Max were able to do the examination they told us about,” your words faltered as his face fell. Your hands caressed your stomach as you continued, “I know you said you did not like human medicine, but I wanted to see. I am sorry if you did not want to know, I should have asked you first before telling you,” you said, rethinking even telling him about the strange monitors and devices the humans had hooked you up to this morning. 

You had meant for the news to be a surprise, but it was just dawning on you that Tsu’tey may not be pleased with you or with letting humans around your baby with their strange metal. 

He nodded slowly, mulling over the news. “Did you want the exam done?” he asked, 

You bit your lip before saying, “I did, I am glad to know what we will be having,” you confessed, suddenly feeling bashful, looking down to your round stomach as your hands ran across it. 

Tsu’tey’s knuckle found your chin, tilting your gaze back up to meet his. “If you wanted it done, then I am glad you had it done,” he said simply.

“Really?” you asked, a smile breaking across your lips like lightning.

“I am not pleased that you felt you could not tell me, or that you thought I would be angry, but that is my fault. I know that you are uncertain with how this new journey will go, but do not forget that I am also on this path with you,” he said. His hands found either side of your face as he continued, “I am here every step of the way, even…” his face screwed up in distaste, making your brow raise at his next words, “if you want human medicine,” he assured you. 

You sighed, “I did not tell you because I wanted it to be a surprise,” you explained and his eyes softened further. 

“That is a beautiful surprise, thank you,” he said, thumbs brushing over the skin under your eyes. “A boy,” he murmured with a smile. 

“A boy,” you agreed. 

“You will be a wonderful mother, Paskalin,” he affirmed, resting his forehead to yours. 

You grinned, “And you, a wonderful father. Our baby will be blessed.”

He closed his eyes, smiling fondly before he opened his eyes again. “Eywa has smiled down on me, and I do not mean for the fruit,” he teased. “That was nothing compared to the blessing I received when I met you.”

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Tsu’tey quickly ends training for the day, sending all his students away before walking over and grabbing your wrist and pulling you away from Ka’lan. “‘tey what are you doing? I was in the middle of a conversation!” You shout as he continues dragging you into a secluded area of the forest where no one would be able to intervene in your pending argument.

He doesn’t answer, just continuing to pull you away which annoys you. “Tsu’tey, answer me!” You pull away from him which forces your arm to release from his hold and Tsu’tey turns around to face you. “If this is about Ka’lan I have told you a million times me and him are just friends!”

“And how many times must I tell you he wants to take you from me? He does not want to just be your friend!” He hisses as he throws up his hands in confusion, wondering why you won’t believe him.

He knows his intuition was right, after all, he’s a male himself and he knows you are attractive so he understands other men will take a liking to you, he just doesn’t appreciate Ka’lan doing it so blatantly in front of his face.

Tsu’tey’s husky tone mixed with anger, his heightened voice, and possessive demeanor makes a heat spread through your core. You love him being protective over you, you find it sexy and the more he shows his anger the more you feel the need to clench your thighs to create some sort of friction to give yourself the slightest pleasure.

Even though he’s titillating with his actions, you’re still upset with his behavior. “Yes, he does! He tells me about other women he likes in the clan all the time!” It’s true Ka’lan does tell you about the women he was drawn to but he always left one out, the woman he’s head over heels for.

“What must I do to make you understand?!” With you and Tsu’tey going back and forth, it only makes his anger bubble over even more. He’s about to conjure up another rebuttal until he noticed the way your tail is moving behind you.

Being Na’vi, your tail is always moving subconsciously but when you are aroused your tail moves in a specific manner which Tsu’tey always takes notice of. When it clicked in Tsu’tey’s head he couldn’t help but let out a chuckle out of amusement.

Here he is upset that another man was making passes at you and you’re getting turned on from his anger, probably not even listening to a word he’s saying.

He walks up to you, wrapping his hand around your neck, causing your eyes slightly widen as you slightly bite down on your lower lip. “You like this don’t you?” He growls in your ear while slipping his free hand into your loincloth, moving his fingers along your folds that are drenched in your slick.

You hurriedly nod your head, silently gasping when you feel Tsu’tey’s fingers force their way into your pussy, his digits getting immediately soaked in your slick.

He maneuvers his fingertips and starts pressing against your sweet spot, making you grab onto his bicep to keep yourself steady. “Seems like I will have to make you understand another way.” You look up at him with half lidded eyes, watching his lips curl into a slight smirk. He tugs on your bra top, giving it a quick yank and ripping it in half, causing your breasts to pop out.

Tsu’tey has a plan in motion, a plan that consists of putting you in multiple positions, fucking you until your voice is hoarse, and making you scream his name so everyone roaming the forest knows that you belonged to him and no one else.

—

Ka’lan is walking through the forest trail with his bow slung lazily over his shoulder, half-listening to the rustling trees, and half-lost in his thoughts. He’s still replaying your laugh from earlier, the way your smile curled when you teased him by the tree, how your nose crinkled when he made that stupid joke about his hunting mishap.

Ka’lan has always liked you, ever since you both were teenagers chasing palulukan [thanator] pups after your parents told you not to. He’s always been able to keep his feelings at bay, but lately? That small crush has stretched into something much deeper than some sort of puppy love.

It’s the kind of wanting and desire that lingers behind his ribcage and causes his throat to tighten every time he sees you walking beside Tsu’tey, holding hands and being lovey dovey. For the last few weeks he’s been noticing something different between you and him.

You laughed at something stupid he said earlier, your fingers brushing his arm without a second thought. Just a small touch, light as a feather, but it lit something in him. ‘She doesn’t touch Tsu’tey like that’, he thought.

But that was a lie, a hopeful delusion and he knows it. Still… things felt different, he can tell. You linger longer when the two of you speak. You look him in the eyes when you speak, not past him like other women do. Sometimes, you let the silence stretch too long, as if something unspoken hung between you, which leads Ka’lan to believe there’s still a chance to win your heart.

Ka’lan has been telling himself to back off, that Tsu’tey is the future Olo’eyktan. A man who can decide his fate in the clan. A man who can make his living hell if he crosses him. But that feeling only lasted until he saw the way Tsu’tey gripped your wrist too tightly when he dragged you away earlier.

Seeing the way Tsu’tey’s eyes followed your every move in a possessive and controlling manner made Ka’lan angry. That moment made him realize that Tsu’tey didn’t deserve you. Simple as that.

When Ka’lan starts trying to think of ways he can woo you, he hears something strange. A noise, something that sounds similar to a muffled cry. He stops walking for a moment, allowing his ears to hone in on where the sound is coming from. His ears perk up at the sound of a particular voice, yours. It’s immediately recognizable. It’s sharp and breathy, echoing faintly through the trees.

At first it sounds like you're screaming and then it turns into a loud cry, causing a panic to flutter in Ka’lan’s chest. Was someone hurting you? Are one of the sky people torturing you? He doesn’t know what’s going on but if someone is hurting you he’s going to come save you.

He picked up his pace, following the sound deeper into the forest. As he walks, the voices grow louder. Your voice. Then another, one he can’t make out at first but it sounds much louder than yours, needier even.

Ka’lan’s chest rises and falls quickly now, his feet moving faster over the roots and moss-covered earth as he weaves through the trees. His grip on his bow has tightened, fingers flexing as instinct braces him for the worst.

He can hear you clearly now. Your voice floating through the air in waves, uneven and raw. “Please—” you gasp.

The word jolt Ka’lan’s heart, making him think you’re now begging your captors for your life. He breaks into a sprint. The trees thinned ahead, sunlight streaking across the clearing. ‘Just a little further’ he says to himself, scanning his eyes across the forest for the sight of you. ‘Just get to her. Get to her and—’

Out of nowhere he stops dead in his tracks. The sound of his breath caught painfully in his throat, as if the wind had been completely knocked out of him. Out of all the scenarios his mind created in his mind, this is the last thing he thought he would witness. The last position he would find you in.

You're bent forward on your hands and knees, body arching into each thrust of Tsu’tey’s hips as he grips your waist with a bruising force, making you claw your nails into the ground underneath you for support. Your mouth is wide open, and your eyes squeezed shut in overwhelming pleasure.

Tsu’tey’s behind you, his chest gleaming with sweat, the muscles in his back flexing with every deep roll of his body against yours, like he’s trying to fuck every ounce of his love into you while making sure you know that you’re his.

Ka’lan’s eyes widen at the sight before him, heart lurching violently inside his chest while the scene unfolds. He can see and hear everything: the way your breasts bounce with every harsh thrust, the wet slapping of skin, the creamy ring forming on the base of Tsu’tey’s cock, the possessive grip of Tsu’tey’s hands like he wants to mold your body to his forever.

You aren’t being hurt.

You aren’t in danger.

You’re being claimed.

“Oh, Tsu’tey—harder, please!” you cry out, and Ka’lan flinches at the desperation in your voice. At how your voice isn’t filled with any pain or discomfort, but pure desire. It sounds as if lust is leaking out of your pores.

His heart cracks clean down the middle as he watches the two of you move together like you’ve been made for this. Like you and him are made for each other. He tried to look anywhere but your face, but your eyes, even closed, somehow glowed with something Ka’lan believes Tsu’tey didn’t deserve but still owned completely.

He should turn around. Should walk away and give you and him privacy. But he can’t. He just stands there frozen, hidden partially behind a thick trunk, his large eyes wide with quiet heartbreak and shame. His ears twitched at every wet slap of your bodies meeting, at every moan you gave to the man who clearly had your heart. A man Ka’lan hated. Envied. Even secretly feared.

Ka’lan’s grip tightened on his bow, trying to keep himself together, not knowing what to do. He thinks he’s in the clear, that no one will see him here hidden away in the shadows… until Tsu’tey looks up and meets his gaze.

Ka’lan doesn’t know what he expected him to do. Maybe a flinch, a flash of surprise in eyes, him stopping his attack on your pussy and trying to cover your exposed flesh. But Tsu’tey doesn’t do any of those things.

Instead, Tsu’tey looks him right in the eye and smirks. That same cocky, knowing smirk that has always made Ka’lan want to punch a tree.

Tsu’tey isn’t one bit surprised to see Ka’lan because he knew he was there. Knew he would take this route on his way home, knew he would be nosy enough to come and take a look. He strategically set this up. Tsu’tey wanted Ka’lan to see him destroy your guts, see you in the same position Ka’lan wishes to have you in, and listen to you cry out his name in the process.

Without saying a word, he slips his hands around the front of your body, tightening one hand around your throat, lifting your head up and making your body press closer against his, driving into you deep enough to pull a broken cry from your lips.

He slows down just a tad, rolling his hips in a deep, grinding motion that makes you gasp his name again, unaware of the silent audience just beyond the tree line.

Tsu’tey smirks, leaning over your shoulder, his lips brushing the shell of your ear, cupping your breast and pinching your nipple until you spew out a moan. “Say it,” he growls. “Who does this body belong to?”

“You, baby.” you cry softly, feeling his cock press against the spongy spot in your core, your walls fluttering around him each time your ass slams into his pelvis.

Tsu’tey thrusts himself harder into your wetness, enough to make your knees buckle from the force. When he sees your stability falter he catches you with ease, huffing a dark chuckle as you mewl against him. “Say it louder, need the whole forest to hear you.”

“It belong to you, Tsu’tey! Just you!”

“And who do you love?” he asks, voice getting louder, not for you, but for Ka’lan so he can hear that your heart belongs to him.

“Tsu’tey… I love you.” you whimper, clawing at his arm that’s snaked around your pretty frame as he picks up the pace again.

“Tell me who is your future mate.” he demands, glancing up at Ka’lan one more time, a wicked gleam in his eye as he thrust hard, making your entire body jolt forward, practically knocking the wind out of your lungs.

“You! Tsu’tey… only you!”

Ka’lan swallows hard, his jaw locking so tight his teeth aches while his heart twists in his chest. Every word you speak, every moan he hears, is another arrow to his pride, another nail in the coffin of the wishful fantasy he’s been desperately clinging to.

For the final blow, Tsu’tey places soft kisses on the back of your neck before turning your head towards him and engulfing your lips in a sloppy, wet kiss, your tongue and his swirling around each other, fighting each other for dominance.

When he pulls away there’s a line of saliva keeping you and him connected, making everything unraveling between you two even hotter. His hand is gripping your jaw, making sure since you’ve opened your eyes, your focus is on him and him only.

When you look into Tsu’tey’s eyes you see they aren’t their usual golden color, they're much darker, filled with lust, jealousy, and other emotions you can’t put a name to at the moment. Tsu’tey’s voice is low, so low that Ka’lan almost misses it but you hear him clear as day: “No one else will ever get to touch you. Not in this life, not in the next. You are mine.”

Tsu’tey turns your head slightly to the side, giving him a clear view of your throat, the same one he loves shoving his cock in whenever you're giving him attitude. He grazes his tongue across his fangs, looking down at you with something primal in his eyes. His mouth hovers over your skin, then he lowers, biting the nape of your neck.

When you feel his teeth sink into your skin, you let out a sharp hiss, your tail instinctively wrapping around his thigh, and your body melts into Tsu’tey’s, enjoying the euphoria that fills your veins as he marks you.

Marking is one of the oldest Na’vi customs, meant to bind two souls together. A territorial act, born from a time when clans had to fight for their mates. It’s not done lightly. And once it’s done, it’s seen as a vow, a warning, and a claim all in one.

While Tsu’tey marks you, with the taste of your blood on his tongue, he’s looking Ka’lan dead in his eyes, sharp as blades, while he hides behind a tree like a cowering child. Tsu’tey holds Ka’lan in his stare like a warning: You will never have her.

Ka’lan’s heart pounds in his chest, shame and fury tangling together so violently it makes his stomach turn. He wants to fight. He wants to scream. But instead he leaves, not being able to stomach the sight of you being fucked by Tsu’tey any longer.

He turns and walks away, heart pounding so loud it drowns out the sounds behind him. The soft cries, the whispered praises, the wet rhythm of two people tangled in something too deep to ever be undone.

Once Tsu’tey sees that he’s gone, his lips curl into a smirk against your skin. When he’s satisfied, feeling like his point has been proven to Ka’lan and to you, he takes his fangs out of your skin, allowing your blood to settle on his tastebuds. It’s warm but somehow sweet, making him fall more in love with you than he already is, feeling like now your souls are deeply connected now that your blood runs through his veins.

After a while, you and Tsu’tey fall into a steady rhythm again; his thrusts are long, deep, and deliberate, each one pressing into the furthest part of your womb like he’s trying to carve his name into you from the inside. The way his hips roll, slow but firm, makes your thighs tremble with every stroke. His groans turn to curses in Na’vi, breath hot against your neck, voice hoarse and ragged with need.

You cling to him, moaning his name like a prayer, and just as your walls begin to spasm and squeeze around him, he lets out a sharp grunt and buries himself deep, hips locked against you as his hot seed spills inside.

Your back arches as your climax washed over you in thick, aching waves, your vision going white as he fills you, until the pressure is too much and his seed begins to leak out of you, smearing on your thighs, Tsu’tey’s groin, and soaking the earth beneath.

Tsu’tey doesn’t pull out immediately. He stays deep inside you, his breath slowing as he holds you close, one hand splayed possessively over your belly. He presses a kiss to your skin, heart still pounding, and you can feel the weight of something heavier in his touch.

Tsu’tey closes his eyes for a moment, lips brushing against your ear. He doesn’t say it aloud, but it pulses between you anyway. There’s a hope, a want, even a silent wish.

He secretly hopes his seed will take root. That maybe, soon, you will swell with his child. That your womb will grow full with proof you belonged to him, and that no one will ever dare to look your way again.

And beyond that: he wants a family with you, he always has. He wants little feet running through your shared mauri, braids tied with the same beads he once gifted you, a child that had your eyes and his temper, clinging to your hip. Raising children with you would be a greatest honor in his eyes.

Eventually, your trembling slowed, your breathing softened, and the two of you sank into the moss beneath you, limbs still tangled together.

Tsu’tey cradles your face and kisses you again, this time slow and sweet, full of warmth and affection. A stark contrast from earlier. You sigh against his mouth, smiling lazily as you look up at him with tired eyes. “I’m not going to speak to Ka’lan anymore.”

He exhales through his nose, forehead pressed to yours, happy to hear you’re finally seeing things his way. “Good.” It satisfies his soul to know that you’ve finally taken heed to what he’s been expressing to you and that he won’t have to worry about Ka’lan anymore after the show you both just put on for him.

Tsu’tey is never allowing a man to think they have a chance with you, he’ll fill your neck with markings to let every single Na’vi know that you’re bound to him until the end of time.

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓… @eme1hyst @o-kingston @erenjaegerwifee @Kaydoux @biaaaaaaaa1 @hikotaru @thisaintredwine @lexieeeeeeeei @that-gurl25 @Peanut713521 @anemonelovesfiction @jakesullyfatjuicypeen @makaylalovessmut @lustforlana4 @Anita @pandoraslxna @iris-xoxo-juhu @Domineezy @hc-geralt-23 @ikeyniofthetayrangi @hogwartsismyhome @himikoquack @strawberriesvt @wolfhowling5234 @t-wylia @emilymikado @atomicslimetoadstudent @shmaptainbonky @moonstidalwaves @rae @bigdikzaddy @roseblushpink1 @3xclusive-kylani @sussybaka10 @galactict3a @shima @deadgirlrin @Tssavatartey @buble787635 @normspellmann @em-x0 @sliqeramx @lexasaurs634 @simpformelissa @headsincloud9 @jane-3043 @bakugouswaif @Tssavatartey @shit-i-say-shit-i-think @savagemickey03 @yetanotherattemptatanaccount @neteyamsblog

Neteyam was respectful and sweet when it came to you. Gifts laid at you kelku every morning, after every hunt he gave you the choice cuts prepared by himself. In passing he would help you with whatever you needed, and almost every day he added new crafts to your growing collection.

As sweet Neteyam was, you also noticed certain things.

Like when you asked him to tie your necklace around your neck, he hesitated causing you to look at him confused before he complied. At dinners when you sat with him, he kept space between you two, never touching but near enough that you were aware.

Or when he would graze your hand accidentally, he would pull away, face flushing gold eyes looking anywhere but at you. Struggling to remain neutral, he would mumble a quick sorry and create more space between the two of you.

And whenever you caught him staring at you, whether it was beside you or from afar he would turn away. As if he was caught looking at something he shouldn’t have, as if you weren’t already his.

A thought circled your mind, but your suspicions weren’t confirmed until a certain communal dinner.

You sat beside Neteyam, that same space between you two as you ate the food Neteyam had given you moments prior. His gaze lingered on you longer than usual. Feeling the weight of it, you turned your head to ask what was wrong. But the question died on your tongue, as you watched Neteyam reach out thumb brush lightly against the corner of your lips, wiping away the excess grease from the meat you had eaten. Stilling under his touch, you stared at him, noticing the way his amber eyes linger on your lips.

You were silent under his attention, not wanting to scare him off. Then Neteyam realized, and yanked his hand back quickly, muttering rapid apologies and excuses to get you more water and food. His long stride carried him away from you, across the communal fire his golden gaze avoiding yours at all costs. Instead of feeling offended or overthinking the reaction you grinned to yourself.

He is shy.

You took this newfound information and ran with it.

“Teyam!” The nickname slipped from your lips easily, Neteyam straightening at the call of his name turning away from the other warriors who smirked and nudged at each other. In your hand was a meal prepared by Neytiri.

“Your mother asked me to bring this to you.” His eyes flickered to the wrapped meal before returning to you. “Thank you.” He said quietly, reaching for the meal completely missing the mischievous glint in your eyes and the bite of your bottom lip.

Quickly, your hand shot out to his bicep. Pulling him down easily, your lips meet his cheek in a lingering peck. Staying there against him you muttered a soft welcome before pulling away. Neteyam froze in shock, his friends cheered behind him while he noticed your teasing smile. Finally, he saw the mischief that radiated off you, tail swaying happily as you skipped away.

From then on you pushed his buttons trying to get him to see past his shyness.

When he created distance, you close it.

When his hand grazed your own, you were quick to take it.

Whenever he sat beside you busy, your hands would find his braids scratching his scalp softly behind dragging your hand through them. Each act caused the same reaction; his flushed ear tips—and you loved it.

It was late, the two of you were walking back after a late gathering session before heading home. Walking along the path, you noticed how Neteyam lagged just half a step behind—his protective nature.

“You know,”

Your voice filled the quiet, already having Neteyam attention from your first inhale. “You can touch me.”

Neteyam foot caught on an overgrown root, stumbling forward he was quick to catch himself. Hand tightened around the basket check the materials.

“What?”

You stopped walking facing him, hands clasped behind your back.

“You keep a distance, I notice it.”

“I am being respectful.” He stood tall still keeping a safe distance from you.

“It is really respectful if you go against my wishes?” Neteyam opened his mouth to reply.

“You like me do you not?” You cut in, taking a step closer.

“I—

“Because if you do, wouldn’t you want to be close to me.”

Neteyam mouth closed ears twitching against his braids. He mumbled something you couldn’t catch. Closing the space completely, you stood in front of him staring up, eyes telling him to speak again. Sighing he looked away from you, face growing steadily purple at your proximity.

“I do not want to be clingy.”

“What?” You chuckled in disbelief.

“I have to keep up my reputation. I can’t act on my every need to touch you.” He turned to you, golden eyes sincere and honest. “And if I did, I wouldn’t want to be rid of your presence at all.”

You giggled, forehead leaning against his chest ears catching his rapid heartbeat. “So, you refrained from touching me in general?” You said against him, feeling the way his chest stuttered as your breath fanned against his skin.

“Yes.”

Looking up, your hand moved to his neck holding him while your other moved to his free hand guiding it to your waist. His hand twitched instinctively, holding you before releasing, you kept him there, grip firm against his wrist.

“You are allowed to indulge Teyam.”

He swallowed, finally holding you more firmly, hyper focused on how it felt to have you in his hands. He wanted to toss the basket from his hip and hold you closer to his body, to feel you. Shaking his head, he attempted to clear his running thoughts.

“Even if I want this all the time?” He asked. Rolling your eyes, you got on your tip toes, planting a quick kiss to his lips sending his brain in a spiral.

“Whatever you want of me you can take.” Returning to moss floor, you noticed the bioluminescence glow of the forest burning brighter signaling how late it was. Intertwining your hand with his, you led Neteyam to the village.

“Can I have another?”

“Another what?” You tease, the urge to toy with him seemed to never go away. “You have to be clear Teyam.” He groaned, squeezing your hand.

“You know what I want.”

Giggling, you replied, “Did I not say you can take whatever you want of me?” Neteyam grinned, tail wagged behind him without control, excited for the endless things he could ask of.

—

“Come on bro, don’t you want to go out or something?” Lo’ak groaned standing at the entrance of your kelku.

Neteyam sighed against your shoulder. He sat in his usual place behind you, his face buried in the crook of your neck, chest pressed against your back. Strong arms encircled around your waist drawing shapes against your skin, while you worked on repairing his armband that had been worn down over the past few months.

“No, I do not. Now, leave me to be with my mate skxwang.”

Shaking his head, Lo’ak muttered under his breath something about Neteyam being clingy, he ignored it completely. Body relaxing against you, his tail now wrapped securely around your thigh.

Well at least he wasn’t shy anymore.

you had dreamed of pandora long before you ever set foot on its soil.

while jake had come here out of necessity, out of a need for purpose after losing his legs, you had come because every fiber of your being had been screaming for this opportunity since you first learned of the avatar program. xenobotany had been your focus, your obsession, your entire world back on earth. you'd spent years studying what little data had been sent back from pandora, pouring over grainy images of bioluminescent forests, reading and rereading every report about the neural networks that connected the flora and fauna of this moon. while earth had been dying, choking on its own pollution and greed, pandora had been thriving.. a living, breathing testament to what nature could be when left to flourish.

jake used to tease you about it, back before the accident that took his legs. he'd ruffle your hair and call you his nerdy little sister, asking why you cared so much about plants on some moon light years away when there was a whole life to live on earth. but you'd always known. you'd always felt it, deep in your bones, that pandora was where you were meant to be. that studying the interconnected ecosystem of this world wasn't just career ambition.. it was a calling.

when tommy died, everything changed.

your brother, the genius, the one who'd actually been selected for the avatar program, gone in a random act of violence. senseless. brutal. final.

and jake, lost and bitter and looking for anything to give his life meaning again, had agreed to take tommy's place.

the rda didn't care that jake knew nothing about xenobiology or botany or any of the sciences tommy had spent years mastering. they cared that his dna was a match, that tommy's avatar wouldn't go to waste, that they wouldn't lose their investment.

you'd pulled every string you had, called in every favor, leveraged every connection you'd made in the scientific community. if jake was going to pandora, then so were you.

you had the credentials, the knowledge, the passion that jake lacked. grace augustine herself had reviewed your research and approved your addition to the team. you weren't a replacement avatar driver, but you had your own avatar waiting, your own chance to experience pandora the way you'd always dreamed.

the first time you'd linked with your avatar, you'd cried.

not from fear or discomfort, but from the sheer overwhelming joy of it. your avatar body was tall, strong, powerful in ways your human form had never been. but more than that.. it was your ticket to truly experiencing pandora. to walking through those bioluminescent forests, to touching the plants you'd only seen in photographs, to breathing air that didn't taste of recycled filtration systems and human desperation.

grace had taken to you immediately. while jake had been cocky and dismissive of the science, you'd hung on every word she'd said. you'd spent hours in the lab, studying samples, learning the na'vi language with an enthusiasm that made even norm's dedication look casual. you'd memorised plant species, learned to identify animal calls, absorbed every scrap of information about pandora's ecosystem like you were starving for it.

because you were.

earth had nothing left for you. your parents were gone, tommy was gone, and jake.. jake was so lost in his own pain that he barely recognized the world around him anymore. but pandora.. pandora was alive in ways that earth hadn't been for generations.

the forests didn't just grow here.. they communicated, they connected, they formed networks of consciousness that defied everything humanity thought it knew about biology and neuroscience. the animals didn't just survive.. they thrived, they bonded, they lived in harmony with their environment in ways that seemed almost impossible.

and the bioluminescence.. god, the bioluminescence.

the first night you'd spent in your avatar body, walking through the forest after dark, you'd understood what people meant when they talked about religious experiences. every step had triggered a cascade of light beneath your feet, purple and blue and green spreading out in ripples. the plants had glowed at your touch, responding to the pressure of your fingers with bursts of color that seemed to pulse with life. you'd pressed your hand against the trunk of a tree and felt it.. not just the bark beneath your palm, but something deeper. a connection. a presence. like the tree was aware of you, acknowledging you, welcoming you.

you'd laughed with pure delight, spinning in circles as the forest lit up around you, and grace had smiled.. actually smiled.. at your enthusiasm. "you get it," she'd said simply. "you actually get it."

jake didn't get it. not at first. he'd been too focused on learning to walk again, on reveling in having a body that worked, on playing around like his avatar was just a new toy.

you'd tried to share your excitement with him, pointing out the helicoradian that retracted at the slightest touch, explaining the theory about pandora's neural network, showing him the samples you'd collected. but he'd just shrugged, more interested in running and jumping and being physical again.

you couldn't blame him, not really. he'd lost so much. but sometimes you wished he could see pandora the way you did.. not as an escape or a second chance, but as a miracle. a living, breathing miracle that humanity had stumbled upon and immediately started trying to exploit.

the rda wanted unobtanium. you wanted understanding. grace wanted to protect what was here. jake.. you weren't sure what jake wanted, beyond the freedom his avatar body gave him.

everything changed the day you and jake got separated from the group.

it was supposed to be a routine expedition. grace had wanted to collect samples from a region closer to the omaticaya clan's territory, and jake had been assigned to security detail. you'd been so excited, practically vibrating with enthusiasm as you'd catalogued specimens, your fingers gentle as you'd collected samples of plants that might hold medicinal properties. norm had been with you, equally enthusiastic, and even grace had seemed pleased with the data you were gathering.

then jake had to go wandering off.

you'd followed him, of course. he was your brother, and despite his marine training, he didn't know the forest. didn't understand the signs that a palulukan had passed through recently, didn't recognise the warning calls of the prolemuris in the trees. you'd caught up to him just as he'd stumbled into a clearing, and you'd grabbed his arm, hissing at him to be quiet, to pay attention, to stop treating pandora like it was some playground.

he'd ignored you, of course. because jake never listened, not when he thought he knew better.

and then the thanator had appeared, and everything had gone to hell.

you ran.. god, you ran faster than you had ever ran in your life, your avatar body crashing through the undergrowth as the creature's roars echoed behind you. jake had been ahead of you, his marine instincts kicking in, and you'd followed him blindly because there was nothing else to do. the forest had become a blur of green and brown, your heart pounding so hard you'd thought it might burst, your breath coming in ragged gasps.

jake had gone over a waterfall. you'd hesitated for only a second before jumping after him, because he was your brother and you weren't leaving him alone in this forest at night, no matter how terrified you were.

the water had been cold and fast, dragging you downstream, slamming you against rocks. you surfaced gasping, looking frantically for jake, finding him clinging to a rock a few meters away.

you both made it to shore together, exhausted and battered, and collapsed on the bank as the sun began to set.

that was when the forest had come alive with light, and you realised just how far from the link shack you really were.

that was when everything had changed.

that was when you'd first see him.

the viperwolves came with the darkness.

you'd been trying to make a torch, your hands shaking as you worked, your mind racing through everything grace had taught you about pandoran fauna. nantang. pack hunters. six-legged with bioluminescent markings. highly intelligent and extremely dangerous. you'd rattled off the facts to jake like they might protect you somehow, like knowledge could be a weapon against the creatures emerging from the shadows with their panting breaths and gleaming eyes.

"yeah, that's real helpful," jake had muttered, grabbing a branch and setting it alight with the makeshift torch you had managed to create.

there were so many of them. too many. they circled you both, their bodies low to the ground, the bioluminescent patterns along their skin pulsing in the darkness like a heartbeat. you pressed your back against jake's, your own branch held in trembling hands, and tried to remember everything you'd read about their hunting patterns.

they'd test you first, looking for weakness, waiting for one of you to break formation..

the first one lunged and you swung without thinking, the branch connecting with a solid thunk that sent the creature yelping back into the darkness.

the sound made you wince as a pang of guilt hit you.

"i feel bad jake, the poor thing."

you could practically hear his eyes rolling at your words.

adrenaline had flooded your system, your scientific mind still trying to catalog details even as you fought for your life. the way they moved, the coordination of the pack, the intelligence in their eyes.. it was fascinating and terrifying in equal measure.

"they’re trying to eat us al- on your left!" jake had shouted, and you spun, swinging again, your breath coming in harsh gasps.

you were going to die here. you were going to die in this beautiful, bioluminescent forest, and you'd never get to study the neural networks, never get to understand how eywa connected everything, never get to-

an arrow had whistled through the air, striking the nantang that had been about to leap at your throat.

then another. and another. the wolves had scattered, their hunting calls turning to yelps of pain and fear, and you'd stood there frozen, your branch still raised, your heart hammering against your ribs as two figures had dropped from the trees.

na'vi.

you'd seen them in videos, in grace's documentation, but nothing.. nothing had prepared you for seeing them in person. they were tall, impossibly tall, moving with a grace that made your avatar body feel clumsy and awkward in comparison. the first one, a woman, had landed in a crouch, her bow still raised, her golden eyes fierce in the bioluminescent glow of the forest.

but it was the second one who'd stolen your breath.

he was taller than his companion, his shoulders broad and powerful, his body marked with the scars of a warrior. his hair was pulled back in a traditional style you'd seen in grace's notes, adorned with beads that caught the light. but it was his face that had transfixed you.. strong features set in an expression of absolute fury, his eyes blazing as he'd looked at you and jake like you were something he'd found on the bottom of his foot.

he was the most beautiful thing you'd ever seen, in a way that was utterly terrifying.

"go away!" the woman had hissed at you both, her english accented but clear. she'd moved toward you with her knife drawn, and you'd stumbled backward, your mind still trying to process what was happening.

the male had said something in na'vi, his voice deep and harsh, and you'd caught enough words to understand the gist.

demons. sky people. leave them.

his body language had been clear even if you'd missed some of the words.. he'd wanted to leave you there, wanted to let the forest deal with you.

"wait.. wait, please," you'd gasped out, and then, struggling with the pronunciation, you'd tried the na'vi greeting grace had taught you. "oel ngati kameie.. i see you. we.. we mean no harm. we are lost."

your accent had been atrocious, you'd known it even as the words left your mouth, but you'd tried. you'd looked at them both with desperation and awe, your hands raised to show you meant no threat.

the male.. tsu'tey, you would later learn his name.. had looked at you like you'd just insulted his entire lineage. he'd said something sharp and angry to the woman, gesturing at you and jake with clear disgust.

but then the atokirina had come.

you'd seen them before, floating through the forest like tiny jellyfish made of light, but never like this. never so many. they'd descended from the trees in a cascade of gentle luminescence, and you'd watched in breathless wonder as they'd begun to land on jake. one on his shoulder. two on his arms. more and more until he'd been covered in them, standing frozen as the seeds of the sacred tree had chosen him.

"jake," you'd whispered. "don't move. these are atokirina.. seeds of the sacred tree. grace said they're a sign from.."

you'd trailed off as you'd felt the lightest touch on your own shoulder. then another on your hand. you'd looked down to see the woodsprites landing on you too, their gentle glow reflecting in your wide eyes, and you'd felt something in your chest crack open. tears had blurred your vision as more and more of them had settled on your skin, your hair, your arms.

it was the most beautiful thing you'd ever experienced.

when you'd looked up, both na'vi had been staring at you and jake with expressions you couldn't quite read. the woman's anger had shifted to something like wonder. the male.. tsu'tey.. had looked torn between awe and fury, his jaw clenched tight, his eyes narrowed.

he'd said something in na'vi, his tone making it clear he still wasn't happy about this development.

"it is a sign from eywa," the woman had said softly, watching as the atokirina had finally lifted from your skin, floating back up into the canopy. "we must take them to hometree."

tsu'tey had argued, his voice sharp and angry, but the woman had cut him off with a look.

you'd caught words here and there.. tsahik, sign, eywa's will.. and through it all, you'd just stood there with tears still streaming down your face, a smile breaking across your features despite the danger you'd just been in.

"this is incredible," you'd breathed, looking around at the forest with wonder. "the atokirina.. i've read about them but to actually experience.. and you.. you're omaticaya, aren't you? your hunting techniques, the way you move through the trees..it's exactly like grace described but so much more."

jake had elbowed you. "maybe read the room," he muttered.

but you couldn't help it. you were standing in front of actual na'vi, in the bioluminescent forest you'd dreamed about for years, covered in the blessing of seeds you'd only seen in grainy videos. even the near death experience couldn't dampen the sheer joy flooding through you.

tsu'tey had been staring at you like you'd grown a second head, his expression caught between confusion and irritation. the woman.. neytiri, she introduced herself.. had simply shaken her head and gestured for you both to follow.

the journey to hometree had been surreal. you'd tried to keep quiet, you really had, but every few minutes something would catch your attention and you'd gasp or stumble or crane your neck to see better. the way the plants lit up at their touch. the calls of animals in the darkness. the glimpse of what might have been a direhorse in the distance. everything was exactly as you'd studied and nothing like you'd imagined, all at once.

tsu'tey had walked behind you and jake, and you'd felt his eyes on you the entire time. when you'd glanced back once, you'd caught him watching you with an expression of deep suspicion, his hand never far from his knife. but there'd been something else there too.. a confusion, like he couldn't quite figure out what to make of you.

you'd given him a small, tentative smile, because even though he clearly hated you, even though he'd wanted to leave you to die, he was still the most magnificent thing you'd ever seen.

he'd looked away immediately, his jaw clenching tighter.

when the hometree had finally come into view, rising up through the forest like something out of a dream, you'd stopped dead in your tracks. your mouth had fallen open, your eyes wide, taking in the massive structure with its spiraling roots and the soft glow of na'vi moving through its branches.

"oh my god," you whispered. "it's real. it's actually real."

behind you, you'd heard tsu'tey make a sound that might have been a scoff or might have been something else entirely. but you hadn't cared. you were here. you were actually here, about to enter a na'vi hometree, about to meet the omaticaya clan.

you'd never been happier in your entire life, even with a furious na'vi warrior watching your every move like he was waiting for you to prove you were the demon he thought you were.

entering the hometree was like stepping into a living cathedral.

the interior glowed with soft bioluminescence, the massive trunk rising up and up until it disappeared into darkness above. na'vi were everywhere.. in the roots, on the spiraling pathways, watching from higher levels.. and the moment you and jake stepped inside, every single one of them stopped what they were doing to stare.

the hostility was immediate and palpable. hisses echoed through the space, and you heard the word "sawtute" spat like a curse. sky people. demons. you'd felt jake tense beside you, his marine training probably screaming at him about how outnumbered you were, how many weapons were suddenly pointed in your direction.

but you.. you couldn't stop looking around with wide, wondering eyes. the way the tree's interior was structured, the hammocks woven between branches, the central fire pit where families gathered, the children peeking out from behind their parents with curious eyes. it was everything grace had described and so much more. you could see the community here, the culture, the life that thrived in harmony with this massive tree.

"i should kill you," a voice had said, and you'd turned to see a na'vi man stepping forward. he was older, his body marked with the scars of countless battles, his presence commanding immediate respect. he'd worn the feathers and adornments of a leader, and even without introduction, you'd known this was eytukan, the olo'eyktan. "your kind has brought only pain to our people."

beside him, a woman had emerged from the shadows, and your breath had caught. she was striking, her presence almost otherworldly, wearing the ornate jewelry and clothing of the tsahik. mo'at. the spiritual leader. you'd read about the role, about how the tsahik interpreted eywa's will, but seeing her in person was something else entirely.

"the atokirina came to them," neytiri had said, her voice respectful but firm. "many seeds. it is a sign, mother."

mo'at had approached you both with slow, deliberate steps, her golden eyes sharp and assessing. she'd circled jake first, reaching out to touch his face, his arms, examining him like he was a specimen. you'd seen jake's discomfort, the way he'd tried not to flinch under her scrutiny.

then she'd turned to you, and you'd felt the full weight of her gaze. she was looking at you.. no, looking into you. seeing something deeper than just your avatar body. when she'd reached out to touch your face, you'd met her eyes steadily, your expression open and earnest.

"why are you here?" she'd asked, her english heavily accented but clear.

"to learn," you answered immediately, your voice soft but fervent. "to understand. pandora is.. your world is the most incredible thing i've ever studied. the neural networks, the way everything connects through eywa, the balance of your ecosystem.. it's beautiful. it's sacred. i just.. i want to understand. i want to learn to see the way you see."

mo'at's eyes had narrowed slightly, her head tilting as she'd studied you.

behind her, you'd heard tsu'tey say something sharp in na'vi, his tone making it clear he thought you were lying, that sky people couldn't be trusted.

but mo'at had held up a hand, silencing him.

she continued her examination, touching your hands, your arms, looking at the way you stood. when she had stepped back, she exchanged a long look with eytukan, some silent communication passing between them.

"it is hard to fill a cup that is already full," mo'at had finally said, looking at jake. "you have much to unlearn." then her gaze had shifted to you. "but you.. your cup is empty. ready to receive."

your heart had leapt with hope, but you tried to keep your expression respectful, waiting.

eytukan had looked like he wanted to argue, but mo'at had spoken again. "we will see if these dreamwalkers can learn our ways. if they can understand what it means to be na'vi."

he turned to tsu'tey and neytiri, his expression grave. "you and neytiri will teach the male. if he can learn to see, to walk as one of the people, then we will know eywa's purpose for bringing them here."

tsu'tey's face had transformed into a mask of barely controlled rage. "no," he'd said flatly, his english rough but understandable. "i will not teach a demon. i will not.."

"you will," eytukan had said, his voice carrying the weight of command. "this is my word."

the look tsu'tey had shot neytiri then had been complicated.. anger and something else, something that looked almost like betrayal.

neytiri had met his gaze steadily, her chin lifted, and you'd seen the tension crackling between them. there was history there, something significant, though you hadn't understood what.

"the female will learn from me," mo'at had announced, and your head had whipped around to stare at her in shock. "she will learn our ways, our healing, our connection to eywa. and.." she'd glanced at tsu'tey, something almost amused in her expression, "she will also train with tsu'tey, to learn our ways of survival. if she is to walk among us, she must know how to move through the forest, how to defend herself."

if possible, tsu'tey had looked even more furious. his hands had clenched into fists at his sides, his jaw so tight you'd thought he might crack his teeth. he said something in rapid na'vi that you'd only caught pieces of..

demon, sawtute..

but you.. felt overwhelmed with gratitude and joy and disbelief that this was actually happening. you stepped forward, pressing your hands together in the gesture of respect you had seen in grace's videos, and tried your best with the na'vi words you'd practiced.

"oel ngati kameie.. i see you. irayo.. thank you. i will.. i will learn. i will listen. i will respect your ways." your pronunciation had been terrible, your grammar probably worse, but you'd meant every word with your entire heart. "it is.. it is the greatest honor. thank you. irayo..."

mo'at had looked at you with something that might have been the tiniest hint of approval. eytukan had simply looked tired, like he was already regretting this decision. neytiri had smiled, just a little.

and tsu'tey.. tsu'tey had stared at you like you were a puzzle he couldn't solve, his expression caught between disgust and utter bewilderment. you'd met his gaze and smiled. your face bright with joy despite his obvious hatred.

he'd looked away sharply, turning his back on you, his shoulders rigid with tension.

that first night, they'd given you and jake a space at the edge of hometree, far from the main living areas. jake had passed out almost immediately, exhausted from the day's events. but you.. you couldn't sleep.

couldn't even close your eyes.

you pulled out the small journal you brought, the one you'd been keeping since before you even left earth, and started writing by the soft bioluminescent light of the tree.

your hand had moved frantically across the page, documenting everything. the structure of hometree, the social dynamics you observed, the way the na'vi moved, the words you learned, the plants you saw on the journey here.

you drew quick sketches of the atokirina, of neytiri's bow, of the patterns you'd seen on the na'vi's skin. you wrote about mo'at's examination, about eytukan's authority, about the way the entire clan had moved as one cohesive unit.

and you wrote about tsu'tey.

about the way he moved like violence and grace combined, about the scars on his body that told stories you wanted to learn, about the fury in his eyes and the confusion that flickered beneath it. about how even his hatred was beautiful, in a way that made your chest ache.

you'd been so absorbed in your writing, a small smile playing at your lips as you worked, that you hadn't noticed the figure watching from the shadows above.

tsu'tey had been unable to sleep, his mind churning with anger at the day's events.

he climbed to one of the higher levels, intending to check the perimeter, to do something useful instead of lying awake thinking about the demons.

but he found himself instead, looking down at where the two sky people had been placed, and he'd seen you there, still awake, bent over something in your lap. even from this distance, he could see the smile on your face, the way your tail swished back and forth with what looked like.. contentment. happiness.

what kind of demon smiled like that? what kind of sky person looked at the people who nearly left them to die and thanked them with tears in their eyes? what kind of dreamwalker sat in a hostile clan's home, surrounded by people who wanted them dead, and looked.. joyful?

he watched you for longer than intended, trying to understand, trying to reconcile what he knew about sky people.. their greed, their destruction, their disrespect for eywa.. with the strange female who looked at the forest like it was sacred, who stumbled over na'vi words with earnest desperation, who smiled at him even when he made his hatred clear.

you were a demon. you had to be. sky people were demons, and demons could not be trusted.

but then why had eywa sent the atokirina? why had so many seeds blessed you, if you were truly the enemy?

tsu'tey had gripped the branch beneath his hands until his knuckles had ached, his jaw clenched tight, watching as you finally closed your journal and laid back, your eyes still open, staring up at the tree above you with wonder written across every feature.

he turned away sharply, forcing himself to move, to patrol, to do anything other than try to understand the impossible contradiction you represented.

tomorrow he would begin teaching the male demon, and you would begin your training as well. tomorrow he would prove that sky people could not learn, could not understand, could not become one of the people.

tomorrow he would prove that your smile meant nothing, that you were just another demon wearing a false face.

he had to believe that.

the first week of training had nearly killed you.

not literally, though there had been a few close calls when you lost your grip on a branch fifty feet up or misjudged a jump between vines.

but your muscles had screamed, your body had been covered in bruises, and you’ve fallen asleep each night the moment you'd disconnected from your avatar, too exhausted to even eat.

and you loved every single second of it.

mornings were spent with mo'at, learning the ways of the tsahik. she'd taken you deep into the forest, teaching you to identify plants by touch, by smell, by the way they responded to your presence.

you learned which leaves could reduce fever, which roots could be ground into paste for wounds, which flowers held properties that could ease pain or induce sleep or strengthen the blood.

but more than that, you learned to listen.

mo'at had pressed your hands against the trunk of a tree and taught you to feel the pulse of eywa flowing through it. she had shown you how to quiet your mind, how to open yourself to the connections that bound all living things together.

"you have a gift," mo'at had said one morning, watching as you correctly identified a plant by its energy alone, your eyes closed, your fingers gentle against its leaves. "you feel what others cannot. eywa speaks, and you listen."

you ducked your head, embarrassed by the praise but glowing with it. "i just.. i want to understand. everything here is so connected, so alive. it's like.. like the whole forest is breathing together."

mo'at had made a sound of approval. learning from her was an honor you would never take for granted, and every piece of knowledge she shared felt like a sacred gift.

afternoons, however, were a completely different story.

tsu'tey had made it abundantly clear that he considered training you to be a waste of his time and an insult to his skills as a warrior. he started with the basics.. how to move through the forest, how to climb, how to maintain your balance on narrow branches.. and you’ve been absolutely terrible at all of it.

where mo'at's lessons felt natural, like you were remembering something you'd always known, tsu'tey's training made you feel like you'd been given a body made of lead and told to fly.

you've fallen more times than you could count, crashed through branches, slipped on moss, misjudged distances, and once.. memorably.. had gotten your foot tangled in a vine and hung upside down for five minutes while tsu'tey had stared at you with an expression of profound disgust.

"you move like a baby," he said, his english rough and sharp. "clumsy. loud. the forest knows you are coming from miles away."

you just laughed, working to untangle yourself. "i've only had this body for a few weeks. give me some grace.." you replied. "how did you learn? were you always this good at climbing or did you fall a lot as a kid?"

he'd made a sound like that of an angry cat and stalked away, leaving you to free yourself.

but you never got discouraged. every time you had fallen, you would get back up with a grin. every time you failed, you'd ask him to show you again. and every single time, you thanked him.. earnestly, profusely, like he was doing you the greatest favor in the world

"thank you, tsu'tey," you would say, your na'vi improving slowly but surely. "you are.. good teacher. patient." you stumble over the words, your grammar atrocious, but your smile had always been genuine.

"i am not patient," he'd snap back. "you are impossible to teach."

"but you keep teaching me anyway," you point out cheerfully. "so that's kind of patient, right?"

he looked at you like you'd grown a second head, his tail lashing with irritation, before turning away sharply.

the questions had started in the second week.

you couldn't help it. everything about the na'vi fascinated you, and tsu'tey.. tsu'tey was a wealth of knowledge that you desperately wanted to access. so you asked. constantly. about everything.

"what does that pattern mean? the one on your shoulder?"

"why do you wear your hair like that? is it a warrior thing?"

"that scar.. the one on your ribs.. what happened? was it a hunt? a battle?"

"how do you know which branches will hold your weight? is it just practice or is there a trick to it?"

"what's that bird called? the one with the blue crest? what does it eat?"

"can you teach me that word? the one you just used? what does it mean?"

at first, he ignored you.

then he would snap at you to be quiet. then, gradually, almost against his will, started answering.

short, curt responses that slowly became longer explanations. you noticed the shift, the way his shoulders would relax slightly when you'd asked about something he was knowledgeable about, the way his voice would lose some of its harsh edge when he'd explain a tradition or a technique.

you started to learn about tsu’tey, that he loved his people, his culture, his world with a fierceness that burned in everything he did.

and when he'd talked about it.. really talked about it, he looked beautiful in a way that made your chest ache.

not that you examined that feeling too closely.

jake's training had been different. you watched sometimes, when your sessions with mo'at ended early, and you'd seen the way jake approached everything like a challenge to be conquered. he'd been cocky, showing off, trying to prove he was strong enough, fast enough, good enough. and neytiri.. neytiri had responded to that with her own challenges, pushing him harder, demanding more.

but you.. you weren't trying to prove anything. you just wanted to learn. wanted to understand. wanted to be worthy of the gift you'd been given.

"you are different from your brother," tsu'tey had said one day, watching as you carefully examined a plant he'd pointed out, your fingers gentle as you felt the texture of its leaves, committing every detail to memory.

"yeah. jake's always been more.. physical. action oriented. i'm more.." you gestured at the plant, "this. learning. understanding. he wants to do things. i want to know things."

tsu'tey had stared at you for a long moment, something shifting in his expression that you couldn't quite read. then he turned away sharply. "come. we practice climbing again. you are still too slow."

you groaned good naturedly but followed, chattering away about something mo'at had taught you that morning, asking if he knew about the neural connections between certain plants, if he'd ever experienced it himself.

he answered, despite himself. he always answered.

the moment that had changed something had come in the third week.

you’ve been following tsu'tey through the forest, actually managing to keep up for once, when you heard it.. a small, distressed sound that had made you stop dead. you turned, searching, and spotted a young ikran caught in a tangle of vines, its wing bent at an awkward angle, its cries high and panicked.

"wait," you called to tsu'tey, already moving toward the creature.

"no," he snapped. "it is not our concern. we must.."

but you ignored him, approaching the ikran slowly, your hands raised, your voice soft. you'd been terrified.. the creature's beak could easily take your hand off.. but you remembered what mo'at had taught you about connecting, about listening.

you pressed your hand gently against the ikran's side, feeling for that pulse of life, that connection to eywa, and you felt it, the pain, the fear.

the ikran had stopped thrashing, its eyes fixed on you, and carefully, you begun untangling the vines, your movements slow and deliberate. when you freed its wing, you checked the joint carefully, relieved to find it strained but not broken.

"you're okay," you'd murmured, stroking its neck. "you're going to be fine. just be more careful, yeah?"

the ikran had made a soft sound, almost grateful, before launching itself back into the air with powerful beats of its wings.

you turned back to find tsu'tey staring at you with an expression you'd never seen before. not quite shock, not quite respect, but something complicated that had made your heart skip.

"mo'at teaches well," he finally said, his voice rough.

you beamed at him. "you both do. i'm learning from the best."

he looked away quickly, but not before you saw something almost like warmth flicker across his face.

after that, something had shifted. tsu'tey had still been gruff, still been demanding, still been quick to point out your mistakes. but there'd been less venom in it. more patience, even if he would never admit it.

he started correcting your na'vi more gently, showing you techniques multiple times without complaint. occasionally.. very occasionally.. offering something that might have been praise.

"better," he'd say when you made a jump cleanly. "you are learning."

and you light up like he'd given you the greatest compliment in the world. "really? thank you, tsu'tey. that means.. a lot. i know i'm not the easiest student."

he would make that frustrated sound in his throat and stalk away, but you noticed his tail wasn't lashing quite as aggressively anymore.

you also started noticing other things. like the way his hands moved when he would demonstrate a technique, strong and sure. the way his voice sounded when he spoke na'vi, flowing and musical. the way his rare smiles.. given to other clan members, never to you.. transformed his entire face.

the way your heart would skip when he'd steady you with a hand on your arm, when he'd move close to correct your grip on a bow, when he'd look at you with those intense golden eyes.

but you pushed those thoughts away. he was your teacher. he made it clear he considered you a demon, a sky person, something to be tolerated at best. the fact that he softened slightly didn't mean anything. it couldn't mean anything.

so you just kept smiling, kept asking questions, kept thanking him for every scrap of knowledge he'd shared. kept being yourself.. enthusiastic, curious, endlessly optimistic even in the face of his gruffness.

you never noticed the way his eyes tracked you when you laughed with other clan members, helped prepare food or weave baskets or play with the children. never noticed the way his jaw would clench when one of the young warriors would smile at you, would offer to show you something, would sit too close during evening meals.

never noticed the way he'd started looking for you in the mornings, the way his day felt wrong if he didn't hear your cheerful greeting, the way he started.. great mother help him.. looking forward to your endless questions.

tsu'tey had realised it one evening, watching you from across the fire as you listened with rapt attention to one of the elders telling a story. your face had been animated, your eyes bright, your whole body leaning forward with interest. you asked questions in your broken na'vi, stumbling over words but trying so hard, and the elder had smiled at you with genuine fondness.

you belonged there, in that moment. not like a sky person trying to infiltrate. not like a demon wearing a false face. but like someone who genuinely cared, who genuinely wanted to understand, who saw the people and not just the culture.

and tsu'tey had felt something in his chest twist painfully, a warmth spreading through him that he immediately tried to crush.

no. no, this was not.. he could not..

you were sawtute. a dreamwalker. the sister of the man who'd stolen neytiri's attention, who'd disrupted everything. you were everything he should hate, everything he'd been taught to despise about sky people.

but you looked up then, catching his gaze across the fire, and you'd smiled.. that bright, genuine smile that you'd given him every day despite his coldness.. and tsu'tey had felt his carefully constructed walls crack just a little bit more.

he looked away sharply, his hands clenched into fists, his jaw tight.

this was a problem. this was a serious problem.

because he was starting to look forward to your presence, to your questions, to the sound of your laughter. he was starting to notice the way you moved, the way you spoke, the genuine joy you took in every small discovery. he was starting to see you not as a demon, but as-

he couldn't finish that thought. wouldn't finish it.

but late that night, lying in his hammock and staring up at the glowing tree above, tsu'tey had admitted to himself what he'd been denying for weeks.

he was falling. slowly, against his will, against every instinct and belief he'd held.. he was falling.

and he hated himself for it.

because this weakness.. this softness growing in his chest. it was exactly what he'd sworn would never happen. not with a sky person. not with a demon in false flesh.

not with jake sully's sister.

tsu'tey's jaw clenched at the thought of the other dreamwalker, his hands tightening on the edge of his hammock until his knuckles went pale. jake sully. the warrior who couldn't even walk in his own body, who stumbled through the forest like a newborn, who disrespected their ways with his ignorance and his arrogance.

jake sully, who neytiri looked at with eyes that had never once softened for tsu'tey in all their years of betrothal.

it wasn't love he felt for neytiri. tsu'tey was honest enough with himself to admit that. it was duty. tradition. respect. she was to be tsahìk, and he was to be olo'eyktan, and their union would have been right. proper. the way things were meant to be, the way things had been arranged since sylwanin died.

he accepted it. been content with it. neytiri was strong, fierce, beautiful, a worthy mate for a warrior. he looked forward to their life together, to leading the people side by side, to the respect and honor their union would bring.

and then jake sully had fallen from the sky and ruined everything.

tsu'tey had seen it happening, day by day. the way neytiri's voice softened when she spoke to jake. the way she laughed at his mistakes instead of scorning them. the way she touched his arm to correct his stance, her hand lingering just a moment too long. the way she looked at him when she thought no one was watching.

the way she had never, not once, looked at tsu'tey.

it burned. not his heart- his pride. his sense of order and rightness. jake sully had come into their world and disrupted everything, taken what was meant to be tsu'tey's, claimed what he had no right to claim. and everyone acted as if it was eywa's will, as if it was meant to be, as if tsu'tey's feelings on the matter were irrelevant.

as if he didn't matter at all.

tsu'tey rolled onto his side, his eyes finding you across the hometree's interior. you were already asleep in your hammock, your face peaceful, your breathing deep and even. even in sleep, there was a slight smile on your lips, as if you were dreaming of something wonderful.

his chest tightened.

and then.. then an idea began to form. dark and petty and beneath him, perhaps, but satisfying in a way that made his blood sing with vindication.

jake sully had taken from him. had disrupted his life, his plans, his future. had waltzed into the omaticaya and claimed what wasn't his to claim, with no regard for tradition or respect or tsu'tey's place.

what if tsu'tey did the same?

what if he took something of jake's?

you were his sister. two halves of the same whole. tsu'tey had heard you speak of it, the connection you shared, how you'd fought to come to pandora together, how you always protected each other.

what would jake sully do if tsu'tey claimed you? if he pursued you, courted you, made you his?

the thought sent a dark thrill through him. it would be perfect revenge. poetic, even. jake would finally understand what it felt like to have someone take what was precious to him, to watch helplessly as his plans and expectations crumbled.

tsu'tey could make you fall for him. it wouldn't even be difficult. you already looked at him with those soft eyes, already sought his attention, already lit up like bioluminescence whenever he gave you even the smallest scrap of approval. you were already halfway there.

all he had to do was let you fall the rest of the way.

his stomach twisted.

because that was the problem, wasn't it? the complication that made this more than simple revenge.

he was falling too.

tsu'tey pressed the heels of his hands against his eyes, frustration coursing through him. he couldn't tell anymore where the revenge ended and the real feelings began.

did he want you simply because you were jake's sister, a way to strike back at the man who'd taken his future? or did he want you because of your laugh, your curiosity, your genuine joy in his world?

did he want to pursue you to hurt jake, or because the thought of not pursuing you, of watching you from a distance for the rest of your time here, was becoming unbearable?

maybe it was both. maybe it could be both.

maybe he could have his revenge and his.. whatever this feeling was. maybe he could make jake sully understand loss while also claiming something he genuinely wanted.

the rationalisation felt thin even to him, but tsu'tey clung to it anyway.

he would pursue you. court you properly, the way a warrior should. he would teach you, guide you, let you closer than he’d let anyone in years. he would make you smile that bright smile for him and him alone. he would learn what made you laugh, what made you gasp, what made your eyes go soft and warm.

and if it made jake sully uncomfortable, made him angry, made him feel even a fraction of what tsu'tey had felt watching neytiri slip away.. well. that was just a bonus.

tsu'tey's eyes opened, finding you again in the darkness. you shifted in your sleep, that small smile still on your lips.

his heart did something complicated in his chest.

revenge, he told himself firmly. this was about revenge. about balance. about making jake sully pay for his disrespect.

it had nothing to do with the way you looked at the world with wonder. nothing to do with your kindness to that injured ikran hatchling. nothing to do with the way his name sounded in your voice, accented and careful and sweet.

nothing at all.

the lie tasted bitter, but tsu'tey swallowed it down and began to plan.

you woke with the dawn, as you always did now, your avatar body naturally syncing with the rhythms of the clan. the soft sounds of hometree coming to life surrounded you. quiet voices, the rustle of hammocks, children's laughter already echoing from somewhere below.

you stretched, feeling the pleasant ache in your muscles from yesterday's training. tsu'tey had run you ragged, as usual, but you were getting stronger. faster. you could feel the difference in how your body moved now, more fluid, more confident.

speaking of tsu'tey..

you glanced across the space where his hammock hung, but it was already empty, tied up neatly. he was always up before everyone else, probably already out in the forest or drilling some other poor trainee.

the thought made you smile despite yourself. he was so serious, so dedicated. even when he was being harsh with you, you could see it came from a place of wanting you to survive, to be worthy of the people's trust.

at least, that's what you told yourself. it was better than thinking he just hated you.

after a quick breakfast of fruit and some kind of protein cake that norm had helped you identify as safe for avatars, you headed to the training grounds.

tsu'tey had told you yesterday. well, more like growled at you, to meet him at the clearing past the ikran rookery at dawn.

you were late.

shit.

you picked up your pace, jogging through the forest paths you'd started to memorise. the morning light filtered through the canopy in shafts of gold and green, and even in your rush, you couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of it. pandora at dawn was something else entirely. the bioluminescence fading as the sun rose, the forest coming alive with sound and movement.

you burst into the clearing, breathless, already forming an apology.

"i'm sorry, i know i'm late, i-"

you stopped short.

tsu'tey was there, as expected, but he wasn't scowling. he wasn't even frowning. he was.. was that a smile? not a big one, just a slight curve of his lips, but on tsu'tey's usually stern face, it was startling.

"you are late," he said, but his voice lacked its usual sharp edge. if anything, he sounded almost.. amused?

you blinked at him, confused. "i.. yes. i'm sorry. i didn't mean to-"

"it is fine." he waved a hand dismissively, and you nearly fell over in shock. fine? since when was anything you did fine? "you are still learning our ways. the people do not expect you to be perfect immediately."

who was this person and what had he done with tsu'tey?

"oh," you said, still staring at him. "um. thank you?"

he moved closer, and you noticed he'd already set up for training, targets arranged at various distances, practice weapons laid out on a woven mat, a waterskin hanging from a low branch. he'd.. prepared. for you. that was new.

"we will work on your archery today," tsu'tey said, picking up one of the bows. "your stance has improved, but your release is still too tense. you are thinking too much."

that sounded more like the tsu'tey you knew, at least. critical, pointing out flaws.

but then he stepped closer, much closer than he usually did, and held out the bow to you. when you reached for it, his fingers brushed against yours, lingering for just a moment longer than necessary. his skin was warm, slightly rough with calluses.

your breath caught.

"here," he said, his voice lower now, almost soft. "take it. feel the weight of it."

you took the bow, trying to ignore the way your heart had started beating faster. it was just tsu'tey. your teacher. who hated you. or at least strongly disliked you. this was normal. this was fine.

except it didn't feel normal at all.

he moved behind you, so close you could feel the heat radiating from his body. na'vi ran hot, you'd learned, their metabolism higher than humans, even higher than avatars. you'd never been quite this aware of it before.

"your stance," he murmured, and then his hands were on your hips.

you nearly dropped the bow.

"widen your feet," he instructed, his hands firm as he guided your hips into position. his palms were large enough to span from your hip bones to the curve of your waist, and you could feel each finger distinctly, pressing into your skin through the thin fabric of your training clothes. "like this. you need a stronger base."

"okay," you managed, your voice coming out embarrassingly breathy.

what was happening? tsu'tey never touched you during training unless absolutely necessary, and even then it was usually a quick correction, a tap on your elbow, a nudge to your shoulder. this was.. this was something else entirely.

his hands slid up from your hips to your waist, adjusting your torso position. "you are too stiff," he said, and you could feel his breath against your ear, warm and steady. "you must be like the trees, strong but flexible. rigid things break."

you were going to break all right. break into a million flustered pieces.

"relax," he said, and one of his hands pressed flat against your stomach, just above your navel. "breathe from here. deep breaths. feel your center."

you tried. you really did. but how were you supposed to relax when tsu'tey was pressed against your back, his hand on your stomach, his voice rumbling through you like distant thunder?

"breathe," he repeated, and there was something almost amused in his tone now. "or do sky people forget how?"

that sparked a little bit of your usual spirit. "i know how to breathe, thank you very much."

you felt more than heard his laugh, a quiet exhale against your ear that made your skin prickle. "then do it."

you took a deliberate breath, deep and steady, and felt his hand rise and fall with your stomach. his thumb brushed against your ribcage, almost absent-mindedly, and you nearly forgot to exhale.

"better," he said, and finally.. finally stepped back.

you could breathe properly again. sort of.

"now," tsu'tey said, moving to stand beside you instead of behind you, "draw the bow. show me your form."

you nocked an arrow with shaking hands, trying to remember everything he'd taught you over the past weeks. feet planted, core engaged, shoulders down, elbow high-

"wait." his hand wrapped around your drawing arm, adjusting the angle. his fingers trailed down from your shoulder to your elbow, then to your wrist, positioning each joint with careful precision. "here. you see? this angle gives you more power, cleaner release."

you nodded, not trusting your voice.

he was still touching you, his hand wrapped around your wrist, and he stepped closer again, his chest nearly brushing your shoulder. "your human body was weaker," he said, and there was something in his voice you couldn't quite identify. "smaller. but this body.."

his hand slid from your wrist down to your forearm, his thumb pressing against the muscle there. "this body is strong. you have trained it well."

was that.. a compliment? from tsu'tey?

you turned your head to look at him, and found him much closer than you'd expected. close enough to see the intricate patterns of his bioluminescent freckles, the flecks of darker gold in his eyes, the way his pupils dilated slightly as he met your gaze.

"you are stronger than you think," he said quietly. "you do not give yourself enough credit."

you stared at him, completely bewildered. "i.. thank you?"

the corner of his mouth quirked up again, that almost-smile that looked so foreign on his face. "you are welcome."

then he stepped back, and you could think again.

"shoot," he instructed, gesturing to the targets.

you did, and maybe it was the adjusted stance, or the way he'd positioned your arm, or just sheer dumb luck, but the arrow flew true and struck near the center of the target.

"yes!" you couldn't help the excited exclamation, turning to tsu'tey with a bright grin. "did you see that?"

"i saw." and he was smiling, actually smiling, not just that tiny quirk of lips but a real smile, small but genuine. "again. show me you can repeat it."

you did. and again. and again. and each time, tsu'tey offered quiet praise or gentle corrections, his hands guiding you, adjusting you, touching you far more than he ever had before.

it was confusing. it was flustering. it was making your head spin.

what had changed? had you finally done something right? proven yourself somehow? you'd been trying so hard for weeks, and he'd been nothing but harsh and critical and distant. and now suddenly he was.. this?

after an hour of archery practice, tsu'tey declared it was time to work on your climbing.

"climbing?" you repeated, looking up at the massive trees surrounding the clearing.

"yes. you are too slow in the trees. if you cannot move through the canopy, you cannot truly move through the forest." he was already walking toward a particularly large tree, its trunk thick and gnarled with age. "come."

you followed, and watched as he began to climb with effortless grace, his movements fluid and sure. he made it look easy, like the tree was made for him to climb.

"your turn," he called down from about twenty feet up.

you eyed the tree dubiously. you've done some climbing, but nothing like what tsu'tey was suggesting. still, you weren't about to back down.

you made it about ten feet before your foot slipped.

strong hands caught you immediately. tsu'tey had dropped down so fast you hadn't even seen him move. one arm wrapped around your waist, the other braced against the tree trunk, and suddenly you were pressed against his chest, your feet dangling.

"careful," he said, and his voice was rough, almost strained. "you must watch your footing."

"sorry," you breathed, acutely aware of every point of contact between your bodies. his arm was solid around your waist, holding you easily, and you could feel the rise and fall of his chest against your back.

"do not apologise. learn." but he didn't let go immediately. instead, he adjusted his grip, his hand splaying across your stomach again. "you are not using your core. you climb with only your arms and legs, but your strength comes from here."

his hand pressed firmly against your abdomen, and you felt your muscles contract instinctively.

"yes," he said, and was that approval in his voice? "like that. you feel it?"

you nodded, not trusting yourself to speak.

"good." he finally lowered you back to the ground, but his hands lingered on your waist even after your feet were planted. "again. this time, engage your core. climb from your center, not your limbs."

you tried again, and this time you made it fifteen feet before struggling. tsu'tey climbed up beside you, moving around the trunk with impossible ease.

"here," he said, positioning himself on the branch next to you. "put your foot there- yes. now reach up-no, higher. you have long arms, use them."

you stretched, your fingers just barely catching the branch above.

"good," tsu'tey said, and then his hand was on your thigh, pushing it higher. "this leg, bring it up. you are flexible enough."

his hand was high on your thigh, his fingers pressing into the muscle, and you nearly lost your grip on the branch above.

"tsu'tey-"

"trust me," he said, and guided your leg up to a higher foothold. the position stretched you, opened your hips, and you were suddenly very aware of how exposed you were, how vulnerable this position made you.

and how tsu'tey's eyes had darkened, his gaze traveling down your extended body before snapping back to your face.

"see?" he said, his voice rougher than before. "you are capable of more than you think. you simply need to.. push yourself."

there was something in the way he said it, some undertone you couldn't quite grasp, that made heat pool in your stomach.

this was insane. this was tsu'tey. he didn't even like you.

except.. maybe he did? maybe something had changed?

you made it to the top of the tree with tsu'tey's guidance, his hands steadying you, positioning you, touching you with a familiarity that felt both thrilling and confusing.

when you finally sat on a high branch, breathing hard from the exertion, tsu'tey settled beside you. close beside you. his thigh pressed against yours, warm and solid.

"you did well," he said, and there was unmistakable pride in his voice. "much better than i expected."

"really?" you couldn't keep the hopeful note out of your voice.

he turned to look at you, and his expression was softer than you'd ever seen it. "really. you are learning quickly. adapting. it is.. impressive."

your cheeks heated under his gaze. "i have a good teacher."

something flickered in his eyes, something complicated and intense. "do you think so?"

"of course. you're the best warrior in the clan. everyone says so."

"and what do you say?"

the question caught you off guard. "i.. i think you're amazing. the way you move, the way you fight, the way you understand the forest.. i've never seen anything like it."

his eyes searched your face, and you couldn't read his expression. "you see me clearly, then."

"i try to," you said honestly. "i know i'm just a sky person, just a demon in false flesh, but i want to understand. i want to see the way you see."

you were quoting his words back to him, and you saw recognition flash across his face.

"you are not just anything," he said quietly, and his hand came up to your face, his fingers brushing your cheek so gently you almost thought you'd imagined it. "you are.."

he trailed off, his thumb tracing along your cheekbone. his hand was so large that his palm cupped your jaw, his fingers reaching back to your ear. you'd never felt so small, so delicate, but not in a bad way. in a way that made you feel.. precious.

"i am what?" you whispered.

his eyes dropped to your lips, and your breath caught. was he going to-

"you are learning," he finished, but his voice was strained, and his hand lingered on your face for another long moment before he pulled away. "we should return. you need to eat, rest. we will train again tomorrow."

"oh. okay." you couldn't hide your disappointment, though you weren't even sure what you were disappointed about.

the climb down was easier, with tsu'tey guiding you, his hands steadying you at every step. when you reached the ground, you turned to him, trying to understand what had just happened.

"tsu'tey.. is everything okay? you seem.. different today."

his expression shuttered slightly, but not in the cold way it usually did. "different how?"

"i don't know. nicer? not that you're usually not nice, just-" you fumbled for words, feeling your cheeks heat. "you're just.. you're being really helpful today. and patient. and.. close."

something that might have been amusement crossed his face. "is this bad? would you prefer i go back to being harsh with you?"

"no!" you said quickly. "no, i just.. i'm trying to figure out what changed. did i do something right? finally prove myself somehow?"

he studied you for a long moment, and you couldn't decipher the look in his eyes. "you are proving yourself every day," he said finally. "perhaps i am simply.. beginning to see it."

your heart soared. "really?"

"really." he reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, his fingers lingering against your neck. "you are not what i expected, little dreamwalker."

the nickname should have annoyed you. it was diminutive, almost condescending, but the way he said it, low and almost affectionate, made your stomach flip.

"is that good or bad?" you asked.

his thumb brushed against your pulse point, and you knew he could feel how fast your heart was racing. "i have not decided yet."

then he stepped back, and you immediately missed his warmth.

"go," he said, gesturing back toward hometree. "eat. rest. tomorrow we will work on your knife work."

knife work. which would probably involve even more touching, more closeness, more of tsu'tey's hands on your body guiding you.

you were going to lose your mind.

"okay," you managed. "tomorrow. i'll be on time, i promise."

that almost-smile again. "i know you will."

you walked back to hometree in a daze, your mind spinning. what had just happened? tsu'tey had been.. sweet. attentive. almost flirtatious, if you were reading it right, which you probably weren't because why would tsu'tey flirt with you?

but his hands on your body, the way he'd looked at you, the gentleness in his voice..

you touched your cheek where his fingers had been, feeling the ghost of his touch.

something had definitely changed. you just had no idea what, or why, or what it meant.

but tomorrow you'd train with him again. and maybe, just maybe, you'd figure it out.

the thought made you smile as you climbed back up into hometree, your body still humming with awareness, your skin still tingling where he'd touched you.

tomorrow couldn't come fast enough.

the weeks that followed blurred together in a haze of training, touching, and confusion.

tsu'tey's behavior didn't revert. if anything, it intensified, becoming bolder with each passing day until you felt like you were constantly off-balance, never quite sure what was happening but unable to stop thinking about it.

about him.

the knife work lesson had been exactly as overwhelming as you anticipated. tsu'tey had stood behind you, his chest pressed against your back, his arms bracketing yours as he guided your hands through the proper grip, the correct angle of attack, the way to twist the blade for maximum damage.

"you must be close to your enemy," he'd murmured against your ear, his breath hot on your skin. "close enough to smell their fear. close enough to feel their heartbeat against yours before you strike."

his hand had splayed across your stomach, pulling you back more firmly against him. "feel my heartbeat," he instructed. "it is steady. calm. you must learn this control."

you were able to feel it, the strong, rhythmic thump against your back. your own heart had been racing, erratic, and you were certain he could feel it too.

"your heart runs like a prey animal," he observed, and you felt his lips curve into a smile against your ear. "why is that, little dreamwalker? are you afraid of me?"

"no," you managed, though your voice had been shaky. "i'm not afraid."

"no?" his hand had pressed more firmly against your stomach, his thumb brushing just below your ribcage. "then why does your body tremble?"

you had no answer for that. or rather, you had an answer but couldn't possibly say it out loud.

by the end of the second week, tsu'tey had started incorporating what he called "forest sense training" into your lessons.

"you rely too much on your eyes," he told you, leading you deep into the forest to a place where the canopy was so thick that even midday felt like dusk. "the forest speaks in many ways. you must learn to listen with all of yourself."

he produced a strip of cloth, soft, woven from some plant fiber you didn't recognize. "i will blindfold you. you will learn to sense what is around you."

"blindfold me?" you repeated nervously. "tsu'tey, i don't think-"

"do you trust me?" he asked, and the question had felt loaded somehow, weighted with more meaning than it should have.

"yes," you answered honestly, because despite everything, despite his initial coldness, despite not understanding what was happening between you, you did trust him.

"good." he'd moved behind you, and you felt the cloth settle over your eyes, his fingers brushing your temples as he tied it securely. "now. tell me what you sense."

in the darkness, every other sense had sharpened. you heard the rustle of leaves, the distant call of a bird, the whisper of wind through the trees. you smelled the rich earth, the sweet scent of some night-blooming flower, and underneath it all, tsu'tey's scent, something warm and masculine that made your head spin.

"good," he'd murmured, and you felt him move. his footsteps were nearly silent, but you tracked them by sound, by the displacement of air, by some instinct you hadn't known you possessed.

"where am i?" he'd asked, his voice coming from your left.

you pointed, and heard his approving hum.

"again."

he moved, and you followed, turning to face where you sensed him. this time, you felt the warmth of his body before you'd heard him, some awareness prickling across your skin.

"very good," he'd said, and his voice had been directly in front of you, close enough that you felt his breath on your face. "you are learning. your avatar body knows things your human mind has not yet accepted."

his hands had settled on your shoulders, warm and grounding. "now. i want you to find my heartbeat."

"what?"

"place your hand on my chest. find my heartbeat without your eyes."

your hands had trembled as you reached out, feeling blindly until your palms had met the solid warmth of his chest. his skin had been smooth under your touch, and you felt the firm muscle beneath, the rise and fall of his breathing.

"lower," he'd instructed, his voice rougher now. "here."

he guided your hand down, pressing it flat against his chest where you could feel the strong, steady rhythm of his heart. it had been beating faster than you'd expected, not quite as calm as he pretended during the knife lesson.

"do you feel it?" he'd asked.

"yes," you'd whispered.

"good. now. i will find yours."

before you could process what he meant, his hand had been on your chest, his palm settling over your heart with a confidence that had stolen your breath. his hand had been so large that his fingers had spanned from your collarbone to the swell of your breast, and you felt the heat of his touch like a brand.

"your heart runs fast," he observed, his thumb brushing against your skin. "like a small bird. so quick, so fragile."

"i'm not fragile," you protested weakly.

"no," he agreed, and his other hand had come up to cup your face, his thumb tracing your cheekbone. "no, you are stronger than you appear. but still.. delicate. breakable."

his hand had still been on your chest, and you felt your heart hammering against his palm. there had been no way to hide your reaction to him, no way to pretend his touch didn't affect you.

"tsu'tey.." you breathed, not even sure what you were asking for.

he was silent for a long moment, his hand still on your heart, his thumb still tracing your face. then he stepped back, and you felt the loss of his warmth like a physical ache.

"enough for today," he'd said, his voice strained. "you have done well."

when he'd removed the blindfold, you'd blinked in the dim light, trying to read his expression. but his face had been carefully neutral, giving nothing away.

by the third week, you started to notice things that made your confusion deepen into something more complicated, something that felt dangerously close to hope.

tsu'tey sought you out. not just for training, but other times too. he'd appear at meals, settling beside you with his own food, his thigh pressing against yours as he ate. he'd find you when you were studying na'vi with the children, watching from a distance with an expression you couldn't decipher.

once, you had been helping some of the clan members repair fishing nets, tedious work that required patience and careful fingers. you'd been concentrating so hard on the intricate knots that you hadn't noticed tsu'tey's approach until his shadow had fallen over you.

"you are doing it wrong," he'd said, but there had been no heat in the criticism.

"i am?" you'd looked down at your work, frowning. it had looked right to you.

"here." he settled behind you, a position that was becoming dangerously familiar, and reached around to take your hands in his. "the knot must be tighter. like this."

his hands had engulfed yours, guiding your fingers through the proper movements. but the lesson had gone on far longer than necessary, his hands lingering, his chest warm against your back.

"you have clever hands," he murmured, and you felt his breath stir your hair. "quick and nimble. good for delicate work."

one of the older women had been watching with barely concealed amusement, and when tsu'tey had finally left, she leaned over with a knowing smile.

"the warrior watches you," she said in simple na'vi that you could understand. "he sees you."

your face had burned. "he's just.. he's my teacher. he's making sure i learn properly."

her laugh had been warm and rich. "if you say so, child. if you say so."

but it had planted a seed of possibility in your mind that you couldn't uproot. did tsu'tey see you as more than just a student? more than just jake's sister, the dreamwalker he's been forced to tolerate?

the thought had been intoxicating and terrifying in equal measure.

it was during the third week that tsu'tey had started touching your tail.

you'd been walking through the forest, following him to some new training location, when you felt a gentle tug. you yelped in surprise, spinning around to find tsu'tey holding the end of your tail, examining it with apparent fascination.

"tsu'tey! what are you-"

"your tail," he'd said, running his fingers along its length in a way that had sent shivers up your spine. "it moves differently than ours. more.. expressive."

"does it?" you'd tried to pull it away, but his grip had been firm, not painful but unyielding.

"yes. it shows your emotions plainly. see? now it is trying to escape me. you are embarrassed."

"i'm not-" but you had been, your face heating as he continued to examine your tail like it was the most interesting thing he'd ever seen.

"the tuft at the end is softer than ours," he observed, his fingers stroking through the hair there. "like your hair. everything about you is softer."

the way he said it hadn't sounded like an insult. it had sounded almost.. appreciative.

"is that bad?" you asked.

his eyes had met yours, intense and unreadable. "no. it is.. different. not bad."

from then on, he'd seemed to find excuses to touch your tail. adjusting it when you sat, moving it aside when it was "in the way," running his fingers through the tuft absently while he explained something. each touch had sent sparks of sensation through you, the tail was more sensitive than you'd realised, connected to your spine in a way that made every brush of his fingers feel intimate.

you'd started to wonder if he knew. if he understood what his touches did to you.

"your hair is a mess," tsu'tey had announced one evening, appearing beside you as you sat by one of the fires.

you reached up self-consciously. your hair had gotten longer in the weeks since you'd arrived, and you'd been tying it back in a simple braid to keep it out of your way. "is it? i thought-"

"come." he gestured for you to follow him to a quieter spot, away from the main gathering.

when you settled on the ground, he positioned himself behind you and begun to undo your braid. his fingers had worked through your hair with surprising gentleness, careful not to pull.

"what are you doing?" you asked, your voice coming out breathier than intended.

"fixing it. you cannot walk around looking like you have been dragged through the forest."

"i didn't think you cared about my appearance."

his hands had paused for just a moment. "i care that you represent yourself well. you are learning our ways. you should look the part."

he sectioned your hair with practiced ease, his fingers brushing against your scalp, your neck, your ears. the sensation had been almost unbearably intimate, and you found yourself fighting the urge to lean back into his touch.

"how do you know how to braid hair?" you asked, desperate for distraction.

"i used to braid for the children, something i picked up." he replied.

“that’s so sweet.” you said, almost a little surprised.

he hummed, his fingers had continued their work, weaving your hair into a complex pattern that you couldn't see but could feel. he'd woven in small beads, feathers, things that clicked softly together.

"there," he'd said finally. "better."

you reached up to feel the intricate braids, amazed at the detail. "tsu'tey, this is beautiful. thank you."

"it suits you." his hands had lingered on your shoulders, and you felt his breath against your neck. "you are.. you are becoming more na'vi. less like a dreamwalker. more like one of the people."

you turned to look at him, and found his face closer than expected. "is that good?"

"yes," he'd said quietly, his eyes searching yours. "it is good."

from then on, he braided your hair regularly. it had become a ritual. every few days, he'd find you and gesture for you to sit, and his hands would work through your hair with that same careful gentleness. sometimes he'd talk while he worked, telling you stories of the clan, of hunts, of the forest. sometimes he'd be silent, and you'd just sit there feeling his hands in your hair, your heart aching with feelings you didn't know how to name.

by the fourth week, you forced to admit to yourself what was happening.

you were falling for tsu'tey.

it was a terrible, wonderful, confusing realisation. he was your teacher. he was na'vi and you were a dreamwalker. he’d been promised to neytiri before jake had-

you tried not to think about that. about jake and neytiri, about how tsu'tey must feel about losing her. was that why he was being kind to you now? some sort of.. you didn't know. compensation? pity?

the thought had made your stomach turn.

but then he'd do something that made you forget your doubts. like the time you'd been climbing and actually fell, not just slipped, but lost your grip entirely. you had a split second of terror before strong arms had caught you, and you found yourself cradled against tsu'tey's chest, his arms locked around you.

"i have you," he'd said, his voice rough. "i will not let you fall."

you looked up at him, and the expression on his face had stolen your breath. there had been something fierce there, something possessive, something that looked almost like fear.

"i'm okay." you muttered.

"you could have been hurt." his arms had tightened around you. "you must be more careful."

"i will. i promise."

but he hadn't put you down. instead, he adjusted his grip, one arm under your knees and one around your back, and carried you down the tree like you weighed nothing.

"i can walk," you protested weakly.

"i know. but i will carry you."

and he had, all the way back to hometree, ignoring the curious looks from other clan members. when he finally set you down, his hands had lingered on your waist, and he looked at you with such intensity that you forgot how to breathe.

"be more careful," he repeated. "i cannot always be there to catch you."

but the way he said it had sounded like a lie. like he would always be there, like he'd make sure of it.

another time, he'd been teaching you to track, showing you how to read signs in the forest. broken twigs, disturbed earth, the scent markers animals left behind.

"here," he'd said, crouching beside a tree. "smell this."

you leaned in, trying to detect whatever he was indicating, but you smelled nothing unusual.

"i don't-"

"closer." his hand had come to the back of your head, guiding you nearer to the bark. "breathe deep. let the forest speak to you."

you inhaled, and finally caught it, a musky, sharp scent that was definitely animal.

"yes," tsu'tey had said, pleased. "you smell it now. a hexapede, male, marking his territory."

you straightened, proud of yourself for identifying it, but tsu'tey hadn't moved back. instead, he leaned closer to you, his nose nearly touching your neck.

"tsu'tey?" your voice had come out shaky. "what are you-"

"you smell different," he murmured, and you felt his breath hot against your skin. "from when you first arrived. less like human, more like na'vi. more like.. the forest."

"is that.. is that good?"

"yes." his nose had traced along your neck to your shoulder, and you felt your knees go weak. "very good. you are adapting. becoming."

his hand had still been on the back of your head, his fingers tangled in your hair, and you were acutely aware of how close he was, how easy it would be to just lean in, to close the distance between you-

he pulled back abruptly, his expression shuttered. "we should continue. there is more to learn."

you were left standing there, your heart racing, your skin tingling where his breath had touched, wondering what the hell was happening.

the touches had become bolder, more frequent, harder to explain away as just teaching.

his hand on the small of your back as he guided you through the forest. his fingers trailing down your arm when he adjusted your grip on a weapon. the way he'd pull you close under the pretense of showing you something, his body warm and solid against yours.

once, during a lesson on pa'li riding, you'd been struggling to maintain your balance on one of the direhorses. tsu'tey had swung up behind you without warning, his chest pressed against your back, his arms coming around you to take the reins.

"like this," he said, his voice rumbling through you. "feel how i move with her. you must become one with your mount."

the pa'li had started moving, and you'd been forced to lean back against tsu'tey for balance. his thighs had bracketed yours, his arms had caged you in, and every movement of the direhorse had pressed you more firmly against him.

"relax," he'd murmured against your ear. "trust her. trust me."

you tried, but it had been impossible to relax when you’re so aware of every point of contact between your bodies. the ride had seemed to last forever yet not nearly long enough.

when you finally stopped and tsu'tey had dismounted, he reached up to lift you down. his hands had spanned your waist, and he lowered you slowly, so slowly that your body had slid against his. your feet had touched the ground but he hadn't let go, hadn't stepped back.

"you did well," he'd said, his voice low and rough.

"i didn't do anything. you were controlling the pa'li."

"you trusted. that is something."

his hands had still been on your waist, his thumbs brushing against your ribcage, and you looked up at him helplessly. the sun had been setting behind him, casting him in gold and shadow.

"tsu'tey," you whispered, not even sure what you were asking for.

his eyes had darkened, his gaze dropping to your lips. he'd leaned in, just slightly, and your breath had caught-

then he released you and stepped back, his expression unreadable. "it is late. we should return."

you wanted to scream in frustration.

tsu'tey told himself it was still about revenge.

he told himself that every touch, every lingering look, every moment of tenderness was calculated. strategic. designed to make the little dreamwalker fall for him so that when jake sully finally noticed, it would hurt.

he told himself this even as his hands lingered on your skin longer than necessary. even as he sought you out when he had no reason to. even as he found himself thinking about you at night, remembering the way you’d felt in his arms, the sound of your laugh, the trust in your eyes when you looked at him.

it was revenge. it had to be.

but the lie was becoming harder to maintain.

he watched you grow stronger, more confident, more na'vi with each passing day. you learned quickly, adapted readily, and threw yourself into every lesson with an enthusiasm that was both endearing and frustrating. you asked endless questions, pushed yourself past you limits, and never complained even when he knew you was exhausted.

you were nothing like he'd expected. nothing like jake sully, despite sharing his blood.

where jake was reckless, you were thoughtful. where jake was arrogant, you was humble. where jake took, you gave.

and you were beautiful. eywa help him, but you were beautiful. not in the way neytiri was beautiful, neytiri was fierce and wild, a warrior born. but the dreamwalker had a softness to her, a gentleness that made him want to protect you even as he taught you to protect yourself.

your eyes were too expressive, showing every emotion plainly. when you were happy, they lit up like bioluminescence. when you was confused, they went wide and uncertain. when you looked at him-

when you looked at him, there was something in your eyes that made his chest tight. something warm and hopeful and trusting that he didn't deserve.

because he was lying to you. using you. planning to hurt your brother through you.

except.. was he?

the plan had seemed so clear at first. make you fall for him. let jake see. watch jake suffer the way tsu'tey had suffered when neytiri had been taken from him.

but somewhere along the way, the plan had gotten muddied. confused. he no longer thought about jake when he touched you. he thought about the way your breath caught, the way your skin felt under his hands, the way you leaned into his touch like a flower seeking sun.

he no longer sought you out to further some revenge plot. he sought you out because he wanted to see you. wanted to hear your voice, watch your smile, be near you.

and that was dangerous.

he was falling, he realised with growing dread. falling for the one person he should not want. falling for jake sully's sister, the dreamwalker, the sky person in false flesh.

falling for you despite every reason not to.

the realisation should have made him pull back. should have made him end this before it went too far.

but he couldn't. eywa help him, he couldn't.

so he told himself it was still revenge, even as his touches grew more tender. told himself he was still in control, even as he found excuses to be near you. told himself it meant nothing, even as his heart called him a liar.

it was the end of the fourth week when things nearly crossed a line you couldn't uncross.

you'd been working on your vision, learning to navigate the forest after dark when the bioluminescence turned everything into a dreamscape. tsu'tey had taken you deep into the forest, far from hometree, where the darkness was complete and the glowing plants were your only light.

"you must learn to move in darkness," he said. "to trust your other senses. the forest is different at night, but no less beautiful."

he'd been right. the forest at night was breathtaking, every plant glowing in shades of blue and purple and green, the air thick with the scent of night-blooming flowers, the sounds of nocturnal creatures echoing through the trees.

you'd been so busy looking around in wonder that you didn’t watch your footing. your foot had caught on a root, and you stumbled forward with a yelp.

tsu'tey had caught you, of course he had, but your momentum had been too much. you'd both gone down, and you landed on top of him, your hands braced on his chest, your legs tangled with his.

"sorry," you gasped, trying to push yourself up. "i'm sorry, i wasn't watching-"

but his hands had come to your hips, holding you in place. "wait."

you froze, suddenly aware of your position. you were straddling him, your body pressed against his, your face inches from his. in the bioluminescent glow, his eyes had been luminous, his freckles standing out in intricate patterns across his skin.

"tsu'tey," you whispered, your heart hammering.

his hands had tightened on your hips, his thumbs pressing into the soft flesh there. "you are always falling," he'd said, his voice rough. "always needing to be caught."

"i'm sorry. i'm clumsy, i know-"

one of his hands had slid up from your hip to your waist, then higher, coming to rest on your ribcage just below your breast. "you are learning. growing stronger. but still.. you need someone to catch you."

his other hand had come up to cup your face, his thumb brushing across your cheekbone. you'd been unable to look away from his eyes, unable to move, unable to breathe.

"tsu'tey," you'd said again, and it had come out like a plea.

"you should not look at me like that," he murmured, his thumb moving to trace your lower lip. "like you want.. like you.."

"like i what?" you whispered against his thumb.

his eyes had gone molten, his pupils dilating. "like you want me to kiss you."

your breath had caught. "what if i do?"

for a moment, one perfect, suspended moment, you thought he would. his hand had tightened on your face, his eyes had dropped to your lips, and he started to pull you down-

then he stopped. his whole body had gone rigid, and something complicated and pained had crossed his face.

"no," he'd said, and it had sounded like it cost him. "no, we cannot."

he sat up, carefully moving you off him, and stood. you remained on the ground, confused and hurt and aching with want.

"why not?" you asked, your voice small.

he looked down at you, and the expression on his face had been tortured. "because you do not understand. you do not see clearly."

"see what? tsu'tey, i don't understand what's happening. you've been.. you've been different. touching me, being close to me, and i thought.. i thought maybe you.."

"you thought what?" his voice had been sharp, almost angry. "that i have feelings for you? that this means something?"

the words had hit like a physical blow. "i.. i don't know. i hoped.."

he closed his eyes, his jaw clenching. when he opened them again, his expression had been carefully neutral. "you are my student. i am teaching you. that is all."

"that's all?" you felt tears prick your eyes, humiliation burning through you. "all those touches, all the time we've spent together, the way you look at me- that's all just teaching?"

"yes."

the lie had been obvious, you'd seen the truth in his eyes, in the tension of his body, in the way his hands had clenched into fists. but he said it anyway, and the rejection had hurt more than you'd thought possible.

"i see," you said quietly, climbing to your feet. "i'm sorry. i misunderstood. it won't happen again."

"little dreamwalker-"

"don't." you held up a hand, unable to look at him. "just.. don't. can we go back now? i'm tired."

the walk back to hometree had been silent and miserable. tsu'tey had stayed close, as if afraid you would fall again, but he hadn't touched you. hadn't spoken.

when you finally reached hometree, you climbed to your hammock without a word, curled up, and tried very hard not to cry.

you'd been so stupid. of course tsu'tey didn't have feelings for you. he was just being a good teacher, and you read far too much into it. you let yourself hope, let yourself imagine something that was never there.

below, tsu'tey had stood in the darkness, watching the level where you slept, his hands still clenched into fists.

he almost kissed her. almost given in. almost ruined everything.

because if he kissed her, he wouldn't have been able to stop. wouldn't have been able to maintain the lie that this was about revenge, about jake, about anything other than the fact that he wanted her with an intensity that terrified him.

she looked at him with such hope, such open longing, and he'd wanted nothing more than to pull her close and never let go.

but he couldn't. because she deserved better than his lies. better than his revenge plot. better than him.

so he hurt her instead. pushed her away. told her it meant nothing.

the look on her face would haunt him.

but it was better this way. safer. for both of them.

he told himself that as he finally turned away, heading to his own hammock.

he told himself that even as his chest ached with something that felt dangerously close to regret.

the lie tasted bitter, but tsu'tey swallowed it down and tried to convince himself he'd done the right thing.

he failed.

you avoided him for three days.

it wasn't hard. the omaticaya were numerous, and there were plenty of other clan members willing to teach you. neytiri took over most of your training with barely concealed satisfaction, though her eyes held questions you weren't ready to answer. jake noticed, of course he did, but he didn't push. not at first.

you learned to weave from an elder named tsahey, your fingers clumsy with the dried reeds but improving. you practiced your bow with one of the younger hunters, a kind woman named se'txelu who praised your steady aim. you helped gather food, prepare meals, tend to the ikran.

anything to avoid the weight of tsu'tey's gaze.

because he was watching. you felt it constantly, that prickling awareness at the back of your neck. you'd glance up and catch him across the common area, his expression carefully neutral, before he'd look away with studied disinterest.

he was good at pretending. you'd give him that.

but you'd also catch him with his jaw tight, his shoulders tense. you'd see him start toward you, then stop. change direction. find something else that suddenly required his attention.

it was almost satisfying, seeing him struggle.

almost.

mostly it just hurt.

"alright, what happened?" jake finally cornered you on the fourth day, catching you as you returned from the river with a basket of water plants. his avatar body blocked your path, arms crossed, expression concerned rather than angry.

"nothing happened."

"try again." he tilted his head. "you've been avoiding tsu'tey like he's got some kind of disease, and he's been.." jake paused, frowning. "actually, i'm not sure what he's been doing. brooding? more than usual, anyway. which is saying something."

you tried to step around him. "it's nothing. we're fine."

"you're a terrible liar." but jake moved aside, falling into step beside you. "look, you don't have to tell me. but.. you know i'm here, right? if you need to talk. or if someone needs their ass kicked. i'm good at both."

despite everything, you felt your lips twitch. "i know."

"he didn't hurt you, did he?" jake's voice had gone quieter, more serious. "because if he-"

"no." you cut him off quickly. "no, nothing like that. he just.." you swallowed hard. "he made it clear he's not interested. that's all."

jake was quiet for a long moment. then, "huh."

"what?"

"nothing. just.. that's interesting."

you shot him a look. "what's interesting?"

"the way he watches you. doesn't really seem like 'not interested' to me." jake shrugged. "but what do i know? i'm just a dumb marine."

your heart did something complicated in your chest. "he said it meant nothing. that he's my teacher and that's all."

"and you believed him?"

"why wouldn't i?"

jake gave you a look that was far too knowing. "because i've seen the way he looks at you when he thinks no one's watching. and that's not nothing."

you didn't know what to say to that. didn't know if you could let yourself hope.

so you just carried your basket back to hometree and tried not to think about golden eyes and almost-kisses and the ghost of gentle hands.

it was that evening when everything came to a head.

you were helping prepare the evening meal, grinding seeds into paste with steady, rhythmic motions. the work was meditative, giving your hands something to do while your mind wandered.

you didn't notice tsu'tey approaching until his shadow fell across you.

"we need to talk."

your hands stilled. you didn't look up. "i'm busy."

"it can wait."

"i don't think we have anything to talk about." you resumed grinding, putting more force into it than necessary. "you made yourself clear."

there was a pause. then, "i was wrong."

that made you look up. tsu'tey stood above you, his expression carefully controlled, but there was something in his eyes, something raw and uncertain that you'd never seen before.

"wrong about what?" your voice came out sharper than intended.

he glanced around at the other clan members nearby, his jaw tightening. "not here. come with me."

"i said i'm busy-"

"please."

the word was quiet, almost rough, like it cost him something to say it. and maybe it did. tsu'tey didn't strike you as someone who said please very often.

you set down your grinding stone and stood, ignoring the curious looks from the others. "fine. but this better be quick."

he led you away from hometree, into the forest where the bioluminescence was just beginning to wake with the falling darkness. you followed in silence, arms crossed protectively over your chest.

finally, when you were far enough away that no one would overhear, tsu'tey stopped. he stood with his back to you for a moment, shoulders tight.

"i should not have said what i said." his voice was low, controlled. "it was.. untrue."

"untrue." you repeated the word flatly. "so you lied to me."

"yes."

at least he was honest about that. you waited, but he didn't continue. just stood there, rigid and silent.

"that's it?" you demanded. "that's all you have to say? you humiliated me, pushed me away, and now you're just going to stand there and-"

"i do not know how to do this!" the words burst out of him, sharp and frustrated. he turned to face you, and there was something almost desperate in his expression. "i do not know how to.. how to say.."

he made a sharp gesture, his tail lashing in agitation.

you stared at him. "say what?"

"that i-" he stopped. started again. "you are not just my student."

your heart was pounding. "then what am i?"

"i do not have words for it." he looked away, jaw tight. "in my language or yours. you are.. you make me.." another frustrated gesture. "this is why i tried to stop it. why i pushed you away. because i do not know how to- i cannot-"

"tsu'tey." you stepped closer. "just say it. whatever it is."

he looked at you then, really looked at you, and the intensity in his golden eyes made your breath catch.

"i want you," he said finally, the words rough and low. "i have wanted you since you stopped to help that pa'li. since you asked your endless questions. since you looked at our world with wonder instead of greed." his hands clenched at his sides. "i told myself it was wrong. that you were sky people, that i should not- but i cannot stop."

you couldn't breathe. couldn't think. "then why did you-"

"because you deserve better than my lies." the confession came out harsh. "better than someone who befriended you to hurt your brother. who planned to use you for revenge."

there it was. the truth.

"is that what this was?" your voice shook. "some kind of game? get close to me to get to jake?"

"at first." he didn't flinch from your anger. "yes. at first, that was my intention. to make jake sully pay for his disrespect by.." he stopped. "it does not matter. because then i knew you. and you were not what i expected. you were kind. humble. you saw our world, truly saw it, and you.."

he took a breath.

"you made me forget why i was supposed to hate you."

tears burned in your eyes. "you should have told me."

"i know."

"you should have been honest from the start."

"i know." he took a step closer, his voice dropping. "i am telling you now. i am telling you that my plan failed because i-" he stopped, struggling. "because when i look at you, i do not think of revenge. i think of how your laugh sounds like music. how you bite your lip when you concentrate. how you fit perfectly in my arms when i carried you."

another step. he was close now, close enough that you could see the faint pattern of his tanhì, the way his chest rose and fell with careful breaths.

"i think of how much i want to kiss you," he said quietly. "how much i want to teach you everything, show you everything. how much i want.." his voice roughened. "how much i want you to be mine."

your breath hitched. "tsu'tey.."

"i am not good with words," he continued, something almost helpless in his expression. "i am a warrior. i know how to fight, how to hunt, how to lead. but this.. you.. i do not know how to do this correctly. i only know that pushing you away felt wrong. that seeing you avoid me has been.." he paused. "painful."

you searched his face, looking for any sign of deception. but there was only honesty there, raw and uncomfortable and real.

"if you want me to stay away, i will," he said. "if you cannot forgive me, i understand. but i needed you to know the truth. all of it."

you stood there, heart pounding, mind racing. he'd lied to you. used you, at least initially. you should be angry. you should walk away.

but you'd seen the way he looked at you when he thought you weren't watching. felt the gentleness in his touch, heard the pride in his voice when you succeeded at something new. and you'd seen, just now, how much it cost him to be this vulnerable.

"you're an idiot," you said finally.

he blinked. "i.. yes. probably."

"definitely." you stepped closer, close enough that you had to tilt your head back to meet his eyes. "you should have just told me you liked me instead of doing this whole.. complicated revenge plot thing."

"i did not know i liked you when i started the revenge plot thing," he said, and there was something almost defensive in his tone that made you want to laugh despite everything.

"and now?"

"now i.." he swallowed. "now i.. more than like you."

your heart stuttered. "how much more?"

instead of answering, he reached out slowly, giving you time to pull away. when you didn't, his hand cupped your cheek, thumb brushing across your cheekbone with devastating gentleness.

"i see you," he said quietly, and the words held weight. meaning.

you knew enough na'vi by now to understand. i see you. not just the physical, though his eyes were definitely tracking over your face, your body, but deeper. the real you.

"i see you too," you whispered. "even when you're being an idiot."

his lips twitched. almost a smile. "especially then?"

"especially then."

he was leaning closer, his other hand coming up to cup your other cheek, tilting your face up toward his. "if you want me to stop-"

"don't you dare."

he kissed you.

it wasn't like the almost-kiss before. this was real, solid, his lips warm and sure against yours. his hands slid from your face to your waist, pulling you closer, and you went willingly, your own hands coming up to grip his shoulders.

he kissed like he did everything else.. with intensity and focus and barely restrained passion. when his tongue traced your lower lip, you opened for him with a soft sound that made him growl low in his throat.

the kiss deepened, turned hungry. his hands tightened on your waist, one sliding up your back to tangle in your hair. you pressed closer, feeling the heat of his body, the solid strength of him.

when you finally broke apart, both breathing hard, his eyes were dark with want.

"i have wanted to do that," he said roughly, "for so long."

"yeah?" you were breathless, dizzy. "what else have you wanted to do?"

his eyes flashed. "many things. things that are not appropriate for-"

"show me."

he made a sound that was almost pained. "you do not know what you are asking."

"then tell me." you slid your hands down his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart. "or better yet, show me."

"if i start," he said, voice strained, "i will not want to stop."

"good."

he stared at you for a long moment. then, with a muttered curse in na'vi, he kissed you again. harder this time, more demanding. his hands roamed your body, mapping you through your na’vi clothing, and you arched into his touch with a gasp.

"not here," he growled against your lips. "anyone could see."

"then take me somewhere private."

he pulled back just enough to look at you, his eyes searching. "you are certain?"

"very certain."

something heated and possessive flashed across his face. "then hold on."

he lifted you easily, your legs wrapping around his waist as he carried you deeper into the forest. you kissed his neck, his jaw, anywhere you could reach, and felt the rumble of his groan vibrate through his chest.

"you will be the death of me," he muttered, but there was something almost fond in his tone.

"hey!" jake's voice cut through the darkness, making you both freeze. "there you guys are. we've been looking for- oh.."

tsu'tey had set you down quickly, but not quickly enough. jake stood a few feet away, taking in your swollen lips, tsu'tey's hands still on your waist, the general state of both of you.

"oh," jake said again."okay. so.. this is happening."

you wanted to die. "jake- "

"no, no, it's fine." jake held up his hands. "i mean, i had my suspicions, but.." he looked at tsu'tey, his expression going serious. "you hurt her, and we're going to have a problem. i don't care if you're the next olo'eyktan. got it?"

tsu'tey's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "understood."

"good." jake's expression softened slightly as he looked at you. "you good?"

you felt your cheeks heat. "yeah. i'm good."

"alright then." jake started backing away. "i'm just gonna.. go. and maybe take the long way back. give you guys some.. time." he paused. "but not too much time. and keep it.. you know what, i'm leaving now."

he disappeared into the forest, and you buried your face in tsu'tey's chest with a mortified groan.

"that was.."

"humiliating," you finished.

"i was going to say 'inevitable.'" you felt his chest rumble with quiet amusement. "your brother is protective. it is.. good. you should have someone who watches over you."

you pulled back to look at him. "i thought that was your job now."

his eyes darkened again. "yes. it is."

"then maybe," you said, sliding your hands up his chest, "you should take me somewhere my brother won't interrupt us again."

tsu'tey's smile was slow and dangerous and made heat pool low in your belly.

"as you wish," he murmured, and kissed you again.

this time, there would be no interruptions.

he took you deeper into the forest, to a place where the trees grew so thick their branches wove together overhead, creating a canopy that blocked out the sky. bioluminescent vines hung like curtains, their soft glow painting everything in shades of blue and purple. the ground was carpeted in thick moss that gave beneath your feet, and the air smelled of night-blooming flowers and rain.

it was beautiful. private. perfect.

tsu'tey set you down carefully, but his hands didn't leave your waist. he looked at you for a long moment, his expression intense, searching.

"last chance," he said quietly. "if you want to stop, tell me now."

you reached up to cup his face, feeling the warmth of his skin, the slight roughness of his jaw. "i don't want to stop."

something fierce and possessive flashed in his eyes. "good."

he kissed you again, and this time there was no hesitation, no holding back. his hands moved over you with purpose, learning the shape of you, the places that made you gasp. when his fingers found the ties of your woven top, he paused, looking at you with a question in his eyes.

"yes," you breathed.

he undid the ties slowly, deliberately, his knuckles brushing your skin as he worked. when the fabric fell away, he made a low sound in his throat, his eyes tracking over you with undisguised hunger.

"beautiful," he murmured. "so beautiful."

his hands came up to cup your breasts, his palms warm and slightly rough. you arched into his touch with a gasp, and he made that sound again, deeper this time.

"so responsive," he said, his voice rough. "i have barely touched you."

"then touch me more."

his eyes flashed. "careful what you ask for, yawntutsyìp."

before you could respond, he dropped to his knees in front of you, his hands sliding down to grip your hips. he pressed his face against your stomach, breathing you in, and you felt the warmth of his breath through the thin fabric of your loincloth.

"tsu'tey.." your hands tangled in his hair, not sure if you were trying to pull him closer or push him away.

he looked up at you, and the sight of him on his knees, looking at you like you were something precious and wanted, made your breath catch.

"i want to taste you," he said, his hands already working at the ties of your loincloth. "i want to make you come apart on my tongue. will you let me?"

you couldn't speak, could only nod. but he shook his head.

"words. i need to hear you say it."

"yes," you managed. "yes, please."

he smiled, slow and dangerous. "good girl."

he pulled your clothing down, helping you step out of them, and then his hands were on your thighs, spreading them wider. you felt exposed, vulnerable, but the way he was looking at you, like you were the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen, made you feel something else instead.

"wait," you said suddenly, and he froze, his eyes snapping up to yours.

"what is wrong?"

"nothing, i just.." you bit your lip. "i want.. can i..?"

you gestured vaguely at him, at his body, and understanding dawned in his eyes.

"you want to touch me?"

"yes. i want.." you felt your cheeks heat. "i want to make you feel good too."

something softened in his expression. "you do not have to-"

"i want to." you dropped to your knees in front of him, bringing you eye-level with lower stomach. "please. let me."

he stared at you for a long moment, his jaw tight. "you will be my undoing."

you reached for the ties of his loincloth with shaking hands. he helped you, his movements sure and unhurried, and when the fabric fell away you couldn't help but stare.

he was big. bigger than you'd expected, though you supposed you should have anticipated that given his size overall. his cock was hard, flushed darker than the rest of him, and you felt a rush of heat between your legs at the sight.

"you do not have to-" he started again, but you cut him off by wrapping your hand around him.

he made a choked sound, his hips jerking forward involuntarily. you looked up at him, watching his face as you stroked him slowly, learning what he liked. his eyes were dark, his pupils blown wide, and his breathing had gone rough and uneven.

"is this okay?" you asked.

"yes." the word came out strained. "yes, more than okay."

you leaned forward, pressing a kiss to the head of his cock, and he groaned, one hand coming up to tangle in your hair.

"you do not have to-"

"i want to," you said again, and took him into your mouth.

the sound he made was almost pained. his hand tightened in your hair, not pulling, just holding, grounding himself. you took him deeper, as much as you could manage, and felt him shudder.

"eywa," he breathed. "your mouth.. you feel.."

you hummed around him, pleased by his reaction, and his hips jerked forward again. you pulled back slightly, looking up at him, and found him watching you with an intensity that made you clench.

"you like this," he said, and it wasn't a question. his free hand came up to cup your face, his thumb brushing your stretched lips. "you like having me in your mouth."

you nodded as much as you could, and he made a low sound.

"you are perfect," he said roughly. "so perfect. can you take more?"

you nodded again, and he guided your head forward, pushing deeper. you relaxed your throat, taking him as far as you could, and heard his breath hitch.

"good," he murmured. "so good for me. such a good girl."

the praise made you moan around him, and he groaned in response. his hand in your hair tightened, and he started to move, shallow thrusts that made you feel used in the best possible way.

"tell me if it is too much," he said, his voice strained. "tap my leg if you need to stop."

you hummed your agreement, and he took that as permission to move faster. his other hand joined the first in your hair, holding you steady as he fucked your mouth with increasing urgency.

"look at you," he breathed. "taking me so well. so beautiful like this, on your knees for me."

you could feel yourself getting wet, arousal pooling between your legs just from this, from pleasuring him. you shifted, trying to get some friction, and he noticed.

"are you wet, yawntutsyìp?" his voice had gone rough, almost feral. "does this make you wet? having my cock in your mouth?"

you moaned around him, and he groaned in response.

"i can smell you," he said. "sweet. you want this as much as i do."

his thrusts were getting less controlled now, more desperate. you could feel him getting close, could taste the salt of his precome on your tongue.

"i am close," he warned. "you should- i do not want to-"

you grabbed at his hips, pulling him deeper, making it clear you weren't going anywhere. he made a sound that was almost a growl.

"you want it?" his voice was rough, barely controlled. "you want me to come in your mouth?"

you hummed your agreement, and that was all it took. he thrust deep one last time, his hands tightening in your hair, and came with a groan that echoed through the clearing.

you swallowed, taking everything he gave you, and felt a rush of satisfaction at the way he shuddered above you.

when he finally pulled back, his eyes were glazed, his chest heaving. he looked down at you with something like awe.

"you.." he seemed to struggle for words. "that was.."

you wiped your mouth with the back of your hand, feeling pleased with yourself. "good?"

"good." he laughed, the sound rough and breathless. "yes. very good." he pulled you up, his hands gentle now, and kissed you deeply. "you are amazing. perfect. mine."

"yours," you agreed, and felt him shudder.

"yes." his hands slid down your body, cupping your ass and pulling you against him. "mine. and now.." his eyes darkened again. "now it is my turn to make you feel good."

he guided you down to the soft moss, his movements careful despite the hunger in his eyes. the ground was cool beneath your back, cushioned by layers of green that had probably been growing here for years. tsutey followed you down, caging you in with his arms, his braids falling forward to frame his face.

"i have wanted this," he murmured, pressing a kiss to your lips, then your jaw. "wanted to taste you. to make you shake the way you made me shake."

"tsutey.." your breath hitched as his mouth moved to your neck, finding that sensitive spot just below your ear.

"shh." another kiss, this one to your collarbone. "let me worship you, yawntutsyìp. let me show you how much i want you."

his hands were everywhere, sliding up your sides, tracing the curve of your waist, skimming over your ribs. each touch was deliberate, reverent, like he was memorising the shape of you. when his fingers brushed the underside of your breast, you arched into him.

"so responsive," he breathed against your skin. "i love how you react to me."

he took his time working down your body, pressing open-mouthed kisses to your sternum, the swell of your breasts, the soft skin of your stomach. every few inches he would pause, looking up at you with those intense golden eyes, checking that you were still with him, still wanting this.

"please," you finally gasped when his mouth hovered just above your hip bone.

"please what?" there was a teasing edge to his voice now, a hint of smugness that made you want to grab his braids and pull him where you needed him.

"you know what."

"i want to hear you say it." his breath ghosted over your inner thigh, making you shiver. "tell me what you want."

"i want your mouth on me," you said, past the point of embarrassment. "i want you to taste me."

his pupils dilated, and he made a low sound of approval. "good girl. so honest for me."

he spread your legs wider, settling between them, and for a moment he just looked at you. the intensity of his gaze made you feel exposed in the best way, like he was seeing all of you and loving every bit of it.

"beautiful," he murmured. "so wet already. is this all for me?"

"yes," you breathed. "all for you."

"mine," he said again, and then his mouth was on you.

the first touch of his tongue made you cry out, your hips jerking up involuntarily. he pressed a hand to your stomach, holding you down, keeping you in place as he explored you with his mouth. he was thorough, methodical, learning what made you gasp and what made you moan.

"tsu’tey, oh god-"

"not god," he said against you, the vibration of his voice sending sparks through your nerves. "me. say my name."

"tsu’tey," you obliged, and felt him smile.

he focused his attention on your clit, circling it with his tongue in a way that made your thighs tremble. when he sealed his lips around it and sucked, you nearly came apart right there.

"that's it," he encouraged, his voice rough with arousal. "let me hear you. i want to know what feels good."

he alternated between broad strokes of his tongue and focused attention on that bundle of nerves, reading your body like he'd been doing this for years instead of minutes. when you tangled your fingers in his braids, he groaned, the sound vibrating against you in the most delicious way.

"you taste so good," he murmured between strokes. "i could do this for hours. would you like that, yawntutsyìp? would you like me to keep you here, make you come on my tongue again and again?"

the image his words painted made you clench around nothing, desperate for more. "yes, please, i need-"

"what do you need?" he pulled back just enough to look at you, his lips glistening. "tell me."

"more," you gasped. "i need more."

he slid one finger inside you, slow and careful, watching your face for any sign of discomfort. when you only moaned and rolled your hips, he added a second, curling them in a way that made stars burst behind your eyelids.

"like this?" he asked, his mouth returning to your clit as his fingers worked inside you.

"yes, just like that, don't stop-"

he didn't. he kept that perfect rhythm, his tongue and fingers working in tandem, building the pressure inside you higher and higher. your thighs were shaking now, your breath coming in short gasps, and you could feel yourself getting close.

"that's it," he encouraged, his free hand gripping your hip hard enough to leave marks. "i can feel you getting close. you're squeezing my fingers so tight. are you going to come for me?"

"yes," you whimpered. "yes, i'm so close-"

he doubled his efforts, his tongue moving faster, his fingers hitting that perfect spot inside you with every thrust. the pleasure built and built, coiling tight in your belly, and you were right on the edge, so close you could almost taste it-

and then he slowed down.

"tsu’tey!" you practically wailed, your hips bucking in protest.

he looked up at you with dark, hungry eyes. "not yet," he said, his voice rough. "i want to feel you come around me. i want to be inside you when you fall apart."

he withdrew his fingers, and you whimpered at the loss. but then he was moving up your body, pressing kisses to your stomach, your ribs, the valley between your breasts. he took his time, savoring every inch of skin, his tongue tracing patterns that made you shiver. when he reached your neck, he bit down gently, then harder, sucking a mark into your skin that would definitely be visible tomorrow.

"mine," he growled against your throat, his voice possessive and rough. "everyone will see. everyone will know you belong to me."

"yes," you gasped, tilting your head to give him better access. "yours."

he pulled back to look at you, his pupils blown wide with desire, the golden amber of his eyes reduced to thin rings.

his cock pressed against your thigh, hot and hard and ready again. na'vi recovery time was something else entirely. even in your avatar body, the size difference was significant, he was na'vi, all lean muscle and height, easily over nine feet tall, and you could feel how much larger he was. his hand could span your entire waist, his body dwarfing yours in a way that made you feel deliciously small and protected.

"i'm going to fill you up," he murmured, reaching down to position himself at your entrance. the head of his cock nudged against you, and you could feel how thick he was, how much he would stretch you. "you're going to feel me for days. every time you move, you'll remember this. remember me inside you."

"please," you begged, trying to roll your hips toward him. "tsu’tey, please-"

"so impatient." he caught your wrists in one large hand, pinning them above your head with ease. his other hand gripped your hip, holding you still. "stay still. let me take care of you. i want to savor this.. savor you."

the first press of him against you made you gasp. he was thick, stretching you even at just the tip, and he moved slowly, watching your face with intense focus. his eyes never left yours, drinking in every expression, every flutter of your lashes, every parting of your lips.

"breathe," he instructed, his voice strained with the effort of holding back. he pushed in another inch, and you felt the burn of the stretch. "relax for me. let me in. i know it's a lot, but you can take it. you were made to take me."

you tried to obey, forcing your muscles to unclench, and he rewarded you by sliding in deeper. the stretch burned in the best way, pleasure and pressure mixing until you couldn't tell them apart. he was so big, filling you in a way you'd never experienced before, and you could feel every ridge, every vein as he worked himself inside.

"good girl," he praised, his voice rough with desire. "taking me so well. look at you, opening up for me. so perfect."

he kept that slow, steady pace, working himself deeper with each shallow thrust. his free hand gripped your hip hard enough to bruise, holding you in place as he filled you inch by inch. the heat of him inside you making you dizzy.

it seemed to go on forever, the slow press of him deeper and deeper, until you thought you couldn't possibly take any more.

"so tight," he groaned when he was finally fully seated, his hips flush against yours. "eywa, you feel perfect. like you were made for me. made to take my cock."

he stayed still for a long moment, letting you adjust to his size, and you could feel him trembling with the effort of holding back. his tail wrapped around your thigh possessively, the tip flicking against your skin. when you clenched around him experimentally, testing the fullness, he made a sound that was almost a snarl, his grip on your wrists tightening.

"careful," he warned, his voice dropping to a growl. "i'm trying to be gentle with you. but when you do that.."

"i don't want gentle," you said breathlessly, rolling your hips as much as his grip would allow. "i want you. all of you. please, tsu’tey-"

something shifted in his expression, something primal and hungry taking over. his eyes darkened, his pupils dilating further, and you felt a thrill of anticipation run through you. "you want me to have my way with you? to make you feel good? to use you the way i've been dreaming about?"

"yes, please-"

he didn't need to be told twice. he pulled almost all the way out, slowly, letting you feel every inch as he withdrew, and then thrust back in hard, hitting something inside you that made you see stars. you cried out, your back arching off the moss, and he did it again, setting a deep, powerful rhythm that had you gasping with every stroke.

"that's it," he growled, still holding your wrists pinned above your head. "let me hear you. i want everyone in the forest to know who's making you feel this good. want them to hear you screaming my name."

you were already so worked up from before, still riding that edge he'd denied you, and every thrust pushed you closer. the pleasure was almost too much, overwhelming, and you could feel tears pricking at your eyes. he was so deep, hitting spots inside you that you didn't even know existed, and the stretch of him was delicious torture.

"tsu’tey," you gasped, your voice breaking. "i can't.. it's so much.."

"you can take it," he said firmly, his hips never faltering in their steady, powerful rhythm. "you're doing so well for me. such a good girl, taking everything i give you. taking my cock so perfectly."

he shifted the angle slightly, adjusting his hips, and suddenly he was hitting that perfect spot inside you with every thrust. you sobbed, your whole body shaking, pleasure building so fast and so intense you thought you might break apart.

your legs wrapped around his waist instinctively, trying to pull him deeper, and he groaned at the change in angle.

"please," you begged, not even sure what you were asking for anymore. "please, please-"

"i know yawne," he murmured, and you felt his queue slide over your shoulder, the tendrils at the end seeking, glowing faintly in the darkness. "i want to feel everything with you. want to be inside your mind the way i'm inside your body. will you let me?"

you understood what he was asking. tsaheylu, the bond. it was sacred, intimate, something the na'vi only did with their mates. it was more than just physical, it was a complete merging of souls, of consciousness. and he was offering it to you, wanting to connect with you in the deepest way possible.

"yes," you breathed, your heart swelling with emotion. "yes, please, i want.. i want everything with you."

your own queue had fallen forward over your shoulder, and he guided the two together with his free hand, his movements reverent despite the desperate need you could see in his eyes. the moment the tendrils connected, intertwining and forming the bond, the world exploded.

suddenly you could feel everything he was feeling. the tight, wet heat of you around him, the pleasure coursing through his body with every thrust, the overwhelming need to claim and possess and make you his. and he could feel you too, the stretch and fullness, the way every thrust sent sparks through your nerves, the building pressure that was about to consume you. it was overwhelming, intoxicating, more intimate than anything you'd ever experienced.

"eywa," he gasped, his rhythm faltering for a moment as the sensation hit him. "i can feel.. you feel so good, yawntutsyìp, i can feel how close you are.. how much you need this.."

it was too much. the physical sensation combined with the emotional and neural connection was overwhelming, pleasure feeding back and forth between you in an endless loop. you could feel his possessiveness, his desire, his desperate need for you, and you knew he could feel your trust, your want, your complete surrender to him. every thrust sent pleasure through both of you, doubling and redoubling until you couldn't tell where your pleasure ended and his began.

he started moving again, harder now, almost frantic, and through the bond you could feel his control slipping, something primal taking over. "i can feel how good this is for you," he groaned, his voice rough. "feel how perfectly i fit inside you. feel how much you love being filled by me."

"yes," you sobbed, overwhelmed by the dual sensation. "yes, it's so g-"

his hand released your wrists, and for a moment you thought he might let you touch him, but instead both his hands moved to your hips. "turn over," he commanded, pulling out of you. you whimpered at the loss, feeling empty and desperate, but obeyed, rolling onto your stomach on the soft moss.

"that's my good girl," he praised, his hands running down your back possessively. "so obedient for me. now stay just like that."

you felt him position himself behind you, his hands gripping your hips and lifting them slightly. then he was pushing back inside, and from this angle he felt even bigger, even deeper. you cried out, your hands fisting in the moss beneath you as he filled you completely.

"perfect," he groaned, starting to move. "you take me so well like this. i can go so deep.. can you feel it? feel how deep i am inside you?"

"yes," you gasped, your voice muffled against the moss. "yes, i can feel everything-"

he set a steady rhythm, deep and powerful, and through the bond you could feel his satisfaction at having you like this, at being able to watch himself disappear inside you over and over. his hands gripped your hips hard enough to leave marks, holding you in place as he took his pleasure.

then, slowly, he began to lower himself down onto you. his chest pressed against your back, his weight settling over you, and you felt yourself being pressed down into the soft moss beneath you. more and more of his weight came down until you were completely pinned, your body flattened against the ground with him covering you entirely.

"oh," you gasped, the sensation overwhelming. you couldn't move at all, couldn't do anything but take what he gave you, and through the bond you felt his primal satisfaction at having you trapped beneath him, completely at his mercy.

"feel that?" he growled against your ear, his voice rough and possessive. his full weight was on you now, pressing you into the moss-covered ground, and every breath was an effort. "feel how deep i am? you can't escape me like this. you're mine, trapped under me, taking my cock so perfectly. completely helpless."

you could barely breathe with his weight on you, but you didn't want him to move. the pressure was intoxicating, the feeling of being completely dominated, completely owned. every thrust drove him impossibly deeper, the angle making you feel every inch of him. his hips rolled against yours in deep, grinding movements, and you could feel him in your stomach, stretching you, filling you completely.

"tsu’tey," you gasped, your hands scrabbling at the moss, trying to find purchase. "i can't..it's so much-"

"you can take it," he insisted, his hips grinding against yours in deep, rolling thrusts that had you seeing stars. "you were made for this. made for me. look how well you take me, how perfectly your body accepts mine."

through the bond, you could feel his pleasure mixing with yours, the sensation of being buried inside you, the tight grip of your walls around him, the heat and wetness and the way you clenched every time he hit that spot deep inside. it was dizzying, feeling both sides of the connection. feeling yourself stretched around him while simultaneously feeling how tight and perfect you felt wrapped around his cock. the feedback loop was intense, pleasure building and building with nowhere to go.

he stayed like that for long minutes, his full weight pressing you into the ground, his hips moving in slow, deep grinds that had you whimpering with every thrust. you were completely immobilised, completely at his mercy, and through the bond you could feel how much he loved it- the power, the control, the trust you were showing him.

"i'm going to come," you whimpered, your nails digging into the moss. "tsu’tey, i'm- i can't hold it-"

"yes," he hissed, his thrusts becoming harder, more demanding, driving you into the ground with each movement. "come for me. let me feel it through tsaheylu. let me feel you fall apart."

he shifted slightly, changing the angle just enough that every thrust dragged against that perfect spot inside you, and you shattered. the orgasm ripped through you with devastating intensity, your body convulsing beneath him, and through the bond you felt him experience it too. felt your pleasure crash over him like a wave, felt his awe and satisfaction and overwhelming possessiveness.

"perfect," he groaned, not stopping, not slowing down, continuing to grind into you as you trembled through the aftershocks. "so perfect. and i'm not done with you yet. not even close."

you were still trembling, oversensitive and shaking, when he finally lifted his weight off you. but before you could catch your breath, he was pulling out and flipping you onto your back again, then sitting back on his heels and pulling you with him, manhandling you into his lap with an ease that made you clench around nothing.

"come here," he commanded, his hands gripping your hips as he positioned you over him. "i want to watch you take me. want to see your face when i fill you again. want to see your eyes when you come apart for me."

he lowered you slowly onto his cock, and from this angle he felt even bigger, the stretch almost too much. you gasped, your hands bracing on his shoulders, and he held you steady, controlling your descent with his hands on your hips.

"that's it," he murmured, his eyes locked on where your bodies joined, watching himself disappear inside you inch by inch. "look at you, taking me so well. such a good girl for me. taking every inch like you were made for it."

when you were fully seated, you both groaned. through the bond, you could feel how tight you were around him from this angle, how deep he was inside you, and it made you dizzy with pleasure. you could feel his cock throbbing inside you, could feel his desperate need for friction, for movement.

"move," he ordered, his grip on your hips tightening. "show me how much you want this. show me how much you need my cock."

you started to roll your hips, finding a rhythm, but your legs were shaking from your first orgasm and you couldn't quite get the leverage you needed.

your thighs trembled with effort, and you whimpered in frustration. he noticed immediately, of course he did, he could feel your frustration through tsaheylu and his hands tightened on your hips.

"let me," he said, his voice dropping to that commanding tone that made you clench around him. and then he was lifting you up and down on his cock like you weighed nothing, using his strength to move you exactly how he wanted. the display of power made you clench around him, and he groaned. "you like that? like when i use you? when i show you how strong i am?"

yes," you gasped, your head falling back. "yes, please-"

he set a brutal pace, lifting and lowering you with ease, each thrust driving deep enough to make you see stars. you could do nothing but hold onto his shoulders and take it, let him use you however he wanted. one of his hands left your hip to wrap around your throat. not squeezing, just holding, a reminder of his control.

"mine," he growled, his thumb pressing against your pulse point, feeling your heartbeat racing beneath his touch. "say it. tell me who you belong to."

"yours," you managed, your voice breathless. "all yours, tsu’tey. only yours."

his hand tightened slightly, just enough to make you gasp, and through the bond you felt his satisfaction, his possessive pleasure at having you like this. he could feel how much you loved it, how the slight pressure on your throat made you wetter, made you clench around him, made you even more desperate for him.

"so perfect for me," he murmured, his hips snapping up to meet each downward pull, driving himself impossibly deeper. "taking everything i give you. you were made for this, yawntutsyìp. made to be mine. made to take my cock. made to be claimed by me."

the combination of his cock hitting that perfect spot inside you, his hand on your throat, and the overwhelming sensation of feeling his pleasure through the bond was too much. you came again, harder this time, your body going rigid in his arms as pleasure crashed over you in waves. you cried out, the sound strangled by his hand on your throat, and through the bond he felt every pulse of your orgasm.

through tsaheylu, you felt him experience your orgasm, felt the way your walls clenched rhythmically around him, felt his pleasure at making you come apart, and it nearly pushed him over the edge.

but he held back, his jaw clenched with effort, his muscles trembling with the strain of holding back his own release. he was determined to wring more pleasure from you first, determined to make you come until you couldn't remember your own name.

"so beautiful when you come," he said roughly, still moving you on his cock despite your trembling, despite your oversensitive whimpers. "i want to see it again. want to feel it again. you're going to give me more, yawntutsyìp. going to come for me until i decide you've had enough."

"i can't," you whimpered, oversensitive and shaking. every thrust sent sparks of almost-pain through you, the pleasure too intense. "tsu’tey, it's too much- i can't take anymore-"

"you can," he insisted, one hand leaving your throat to circle your clit with his thumb. "one more, yawntutsyìp. give me one more. i know you can do it. be a good girl for me."

you sobbed, the pleasure bordering on pain, but you couldn't deny him. your body was his to command, and through the bond you could feel his determination, his need to see you fall apart again, his desire to push you past your limits.

he worked your clit in tight circles while continuing to move you on his cock, and despite your protests, you could feel another orgasm building. this one felt different, deeper, more intense, like it was being pulled from somewhere in your core. the pressure was building in a way you'd never felt before, something overwhelming and almost frightening in its intensity.

"that's it," he encouraged, feeling it through the bond. "i can feel you getting close again. feel something different this time. let go for me. let me feel it. don't hold back."

when you came this time, it was with a scream that echoed through the forest. your vision whited out, your body convulsing in his arms, and through tsaheylu you felt his answering groan as your pleasure overwhelmed him. but he still wasn't done.

he gave you only a moment to catch your breath before he was moving again. "one more position," he murmured against your ear. "i want to feel you come apart one more time. want to make you fall apart completely."

before you could fully come down from your high, he was standing with you still impaled on his cock. you wrapped your legs around his waist instinctively, your arms around his neck, clinging to him as he rose to his full height. he supported you with one arm under your ass, holding you up easily, and the other hand came up to wrap around your throat again.

"hold on," he commanded, and then he was moving, thrusting up into you while gravity pulled you down onto him. the angle was devastating, driving him so deep you could feel him in your stomach, and you could do nothing but cling to him and take it.

"look at you," he growled, his hand tightening slightly on your throat. "suspended on my cock, completely at my mercy. you can't move, can't do anything but take what i give you. is this what you wanted? to be used like this?"

"yes," you gasped, your voice strained from the pressure on your throat. "yes, please, tsu’tey-"

he was holding you up by your neck and ass, using you like a toy, and through the bond you could feel how much he loved it. the power, the control, the way you trusted him completely. his thrusts were deep and hard, each one driving the air from your lungs, and you were so oversensitive that every movement sent sparks of pleasure-pain through your body.

"you feel so good," he groaned, his control finally starting to slip. "so tight around me. i can feel everything through tsaheylu. feel how full you are, how deep i am inside you, how much you love this. you're taking me so perfectly, yawntutsyìp. so perfect for me."

you could feel him getting close, his pleasure building through the bond, mixing with your own until you couldn't tell where you ended and he began.

his hand on your throat tightened slightly, and the restriction of air combined with the overwhelming fullness pushed you toward another edge you didn't think you could reach.

but this one felt different. through the bond, you could feel his curiosity, his awareness that something was building in you that was different from before. the pressure was intense, almost too much, and you felt a moment of panic.

"tsu’tey," you gasped, "something.. something's different- i feel-"

"i know," he said, his voice rough. "i can feel it. let it happen. let go. give me everything."

"come with me," he demanded, his voice rough and commanding. "one more time. i want to feel you come around me when i fill you. want to feel you fall apart completely."

"i can't," you sobbed, but your body was already responding, already climbing toward that impossible peak. the pressure was building, something intense and overwhelming, and you felt almost frightened by the intensity of it.

"you can," he insisted, his thrusts becoming erratic, his control finally slipping. "you will. now, yawntutsyìp. come for me now. give me everything."

his hand tightened on your throat, cutting off your air completely for just a moment, and that was all it took. you came with a silent scream, your body clenching around him so hard it was almost painful, but this time was different. you felt something release inside you, a gush of fluid that you'd never experienced before, and through the bond you felt his shock and then his overwhelming arousal as he realised you were squirting, your release coating his cock and dripping down both your thighs.

"eywa," he groaned, his voice breaking. "yes, yes, that's it- so perfect-"

the sensation of you squirting around him, combined with the intensity of your orgasm through the bond, pushed him over the edge. he came with a roar, his hips jerking as he spilled inside you, and through tsaheylu you experienced both sides of it. the overwhelming pleasure of his release and the sensation of being filled, claimed, marked as his. it was too much, the feedback loop of pleasure between you, and you felt yourself tip over into another smaller orgasm, your body milking him for everything he had, more fluid gushing from you as you came again.

"so good," he groaned, still thrusting through both your orgasms. "so perfect. you're perfect. mine. all mine."

he loosened his grip on your throat, letting you gasp in air, and carefully lowered you both to the ground. he was still inside you, still connected through tsaheylu, and you could feel his satisfaction, his possessive contentment, his overwhelming love.

you were both covered in your release, the evidence of your pleasure coating your thighs and his, and through the bond you felt his satisfaction at having made you come so hard you squirted.

"i’m yours and you are mine," he murmured against your hair, his arms wrapping around you protectively. "my mate. forever."

"yours," you agreed, your voice hoarse. "always yours."

through the bond, you felt his pleasure at your words, felt the depth of his feelings for you. he had fallen so hard, so completely, and now that he had you, he would never let you go.

TSU'TEY POV

It's late.

Tsu'tey doesn't know how late, but he knows that no respectable Omaticayan man should be awake at an hour like this. A soft hoot fills the empty silence, the occasional gust of wind rustles the thick leaves of the home tree, but the forest settles into serenity again.

Disturbances only elevate the soothing smell of the woodlands. With his arms slung over his weaving, his lidded eyes almost succumb to sleep.

Thoughts of you always manage to pull him out of his deadly trance. He turns to his side with a huff, feeling too hot. He throws the weaving to the floor and curses in Na’vi under his breath, shivering softly. 

An Olo’eyktan did not run away from the woman he loved. An Olo’eyktan did not run away from feelings. However, it seems Tsu’tey wasn’t a very good Olo’eyktan.

For the first time in his life, he was nervous about following his heart. Expressing his emotions has never been an essential factor in his life till now. He had thrust the notion of mating with you upon your hands when you had been vulnerable with him. Selfishly, he had left you alone in a panic of embarrassment right after confessing his desires for you.

He had tried to make it up to you by setting himself straight and courting you the way in the ways of his people. You deserved so much more, and he was adamant on providing all that he could. 

He offered you fruit and meat to show that he could provide for you. He displayed his physical prowess in front of you to showcase that he would be a desirable and strong partner. He even invited you to his kelku to show that he had prepared it for a second Na’vi. A mate. 

How could he not realize that you weren’t accustomed to the Na’vi mating rituals yet? He should’ve asked JakeSooly for sky-demon mating practices instead; surely that could’ve gone much better than this. 

It’s not entirely his fault, he keeps repeating to himself. It wasn’t in his task to teach you courting when you first arrived in the clan. He was more focused on keeping you alive rather than getting you mated.

He’s been an absolute fool. Eywa, help him. 

As he lies in bed, staring blankly at his woven ceiling, the past few days repeat in his head like a painful memory. 

After the mission,  he spent a sleepless night thinking of your sweet voice and plush body. The torturous hours stretched on until dawn broke, and he sprang up in frenzy to see you. His dignity was trampled on anyway, he was acting on pure instincts for once in his miserable life. 

You weren’t there, and your absence hit his heart more than he liked to admit. Throughout the day, he decided to hunt to clear his thoughts and decide on his next course of action. His hunting trip was occupied by thoughts of you, though. It occurred to him how similar the two of you were, remembering how whenever he made you particularly angry, you would always grab your bow and disappear into the forest. 

This reality only made the notion of spending his life with you fill through his entire being, and he was determined to make it a reality. He envisioned late-night hunting trips with you during lunch, and the fantasies grew worse as dinner followed. Before he knew it, it had been past midnight, and he was gathering yovo fruit to offer it to you the next day– and as he peeled and washed them on the nearby riverbank during the ungodly hours of the night like a madman, he felt the minute remnants of his dignity wash away as well. 

He huffs once again to stop the sad images of his desperation, kicking his silk blanket around. He had to do something other than take out his frustration on his bed. For the sake of his efforts weaving the nest, and his health, he decides he won’t pull through another sleepless night filled with thoughts of you. Finally giving up, he gets up, quickly puts on something respectable, and disappears into the Pandora night.

He memorized the route to your home when you first built it, days of hard work finally paying off when the kelku was sturdy and warm. It was unintentional, this habit of his. He knew the exact steps from his kelku to yours when he had to work with you regarding clan issues, hunting parties, sky-people issues, and many more. You were a team, whether he liked it or not.

His confusing emotions follow behind him like a shadow, always there to attack when the sky grows dark and weary. He needed to think of a plan; a solid one that didn’t involve him saying Please mate me or I will explode as soon as he saw you. Nothing comes to mind as he traverses the thick trees and woven bridges leading to your house. He needed to apologize for his behavior before he said anything else. At least it was a start.

It doesn't surprise him to find your house lit up from inside, glowing amidst the otherwise dark and camouflaged homes. How fitting. What surprises him, though, is the chuckles of a male voice coming from inside.

Your kelku. 

Occupied by a man. 

Heart dropping, he dreads continuing further. His legs fail to listen to the warning sirens going off in his head. 

He smells you before he sees you, ripping the curtains open. The view that greets him grounds his hunches to the wooden floor, and a wave of relief washes over him like a cool shower. You, Jake, Neytiri, and Takuk are sitting on the ground, drinking and snacking on fruit while discussing fervently. Your hands flail around as you explain something, eyes gleaming with mirth. He announces himself by clearing his throat, and you drop the bowl in your hands.

READER POV

Having Jake as your neighbor meant unannounced visits at 12. He had packaged Neytiri and Takuk with his little escapade and brought alcohol into the unplanned gathering. While you didn't prefer to drink this late, you found no harm in innocently sipping the fermented fruit mixture that strangely resembled wine. It must have been the fermentation process, you theorize, setting your cup down. Takuk was always quick to remind you of the name of the mixture, but you always seemed to forget and opt to call it wine.

No amount of non-wine could have prepared you for Tsu'tey showing up at your home, though. Flushed, he pants at the doorstep. 

"Tsu'tey!" you gasp. Jake, Neytiri, and Takuk's eyes follow. "W-what, are you doing here?"

"He's here to join the fun, that's what!" Jake beams, ploughing on. "Come on, man. Si'down!"

In the haze of alcohol, no one seems to realize that Tsu'tey did not know you were having a gathering. Albeit forced. 

He came to your kelku on his own accord with the knowledge that you were alone, in the middle of the night. The connotations of the sentiment are enough to make any Na'vi with common sense think he's courting you.

If you hadn't almost jumped his bones yesterday, you would've laughed at the thought. Now, though, as he stands completely still and looks entirely too uncharacteristic, you are finally certain that he desires you as well.

"I-" he clears his throat. "My finger hurts,"

"Oh, right. Of course," you nod, remembering the pricking incident. Had it caught an infection? "Maybe it's better for Neytiri to help. Since she's tsakarem and all."

Neytiri looks deeply offended. "You were the one aiding him. Do not pass on your responsibility."

Your tail lowers in shame. "Right, sorry."

With a nod, you stand up. Without bothering to tidy your bowl and cup, you approach Tsu'tey with tentative steps. "Must've been a helluva prick, huh? Maybe it's infected..."

Tsu'tey merely hums, stoic. His untethered gaze prickles your skin. "Lead the way, I guess."

Tsu'tey fiercely turns around and strides out the door. You look back at your friends, who all give you dubious looks. Jake raises his eyebrows, and if Neytiri and Takuk had them, you're sure theirs would be in action. With a deep breath, you follow him.

Tsu'tey wordlessly hurries before you. His clenched fists sway, and his tail matches his fervor. You make sure to keep a distance from him to avoid possible injury, trying to match his fast pace with silent maneuvers. 

When he doesn't turn in the right direction, you call out his name. He stops abruptly, turns around, and causes you to stumble into his chest. With a shrill yelp, your forehead meets his chest. Heart catching in your throat, it's difficult to look up into his eyes. “You’ve got to stop doing that.”

Tsu'tey suddenly grabs your hand and drags you deep into the dark forest. You merely try to avoid toppling over his strong body as he pulls you across the foliage. The bioluminescence is guidance enough, but the occasional hoot and yelp of the forest evokes gentle thrills up your spine. You ask where he's hauling ass once, twice, until you decidedly keep silent and let him drag you around like a rag doll. 

He walks with agile strides and finally comes to a halt near the riverbank. Nature's bath bubbles with thermal energy, stirring and churning water like it's an elixir. The warmth it emanates dizzies your head while the misty night hazes your senses.

You look at Tsu’tey in confusion. For the past week, his behaviour has been, undoubtedly, strange. You feel as though you’re being dragged along his schemes as he figures out his issues. It feels unfair to both your desires and your heart. 

“Tsu’tey…” you start with frustration. “I am exhausted. I have duties to attend to. I can’t keep doing this anymore.”

Tsu’tey merely stares at you, magnetized by your presence. You awkwardly stand in front of him next to the riverbank as you adjust the collar of your top. You feel exposed under his surveying gaze, and while Tsu’tey notices your discomfort, he doesn’t bother to cease his stare. 

“You did not come to see me,” he blurts. 

“What?” 

You watch him wince in amusement. After taking a deep breath, he takes a step closer. “After the mission. I waited.”

“Where, exactly?”

Tsu’tey’s tone is gruff when he speaks. You feel your cheeks start to flush, unsure if it’s because of the heat or him. “Tsahik kelku. You did not come.”

“I wasn’t aware that I was supposed to, big guy.” You pause. “Especially after you left without saying anything.”

Tsu’tey falters. “I am not good with words. I am stubborn. Like angstik.” 

You tilt your head in confusion as he rambles on. 

“I am not good with emotion.” He takes your hand and promptly spreads your palm on his bare chest. You feel his heartbeat thunder under your fingers. “But, I can show you. These days, I keep trying to show.”

The soft tuft of Tsu’tey’s rope-like tail trails up your leg until it coils around your thigh. He pulls you closer with this, until you’re flush against his chest. His arms follow his tail, encasing around your waist until you’re trapped between his strong arms. You surely can’t escape now, which is exactly what he wants. His smug smile tells you enough.  

“What? I don’t understand…”

Tsu’tey huffs out a breath of annoyance. “I made this.” He pulls an intricately woven armband from the small pocket of his waistband. “I hunted this morning to provide for you. My kelku, it is prepared for you, tawtute.”

“Oh.”

Oh.

His ears flicker. “JakeSooly told me that this is what you call love. Do you understand?”

You nod slowly. 

It’s taking every bit of strength left in your body to not throw yourself into his thick arms completely. Your heart is soaring inside your chest, and your kuru is aching to latch its tendrils to the man before you. Your entire body buzzes with animalistic instincts, which is quite a revelation on your part. Your human counterparts are trying to keep themselves calm, whereas the Na’vi blood…

You realize you have no reason to hold yourself back, and you pounce in anticipation. To hell with what he was planning on saying, you capture his lips in a heartbeat.

Tsu’tey splutters momentarily, unable to realize you’re kissing him. When the gears in his head turn back on again, he groans into your mouth in anticipation. He kisses you back fiercely, and fuck– it’s electrifying your entire body. His hands wind around your waist and greedily pull you into his chest as he licks his way into your mouth. 

Tsu’tey kisses like he hunts; assured, gentle yet merciless. He doesn’t spare you any mercy as you turn into a whiny mess beneath him. Your hands wrap around his neck to anchor him to your liking, and as stubborn as ever, he grins against your lips and careens his head away.

You ache to feel his lips on your again as he peppers kisses towards your ear. 

“You are very hard to impress, syulang,” he chuckles lowly.

You swat at his arm, trying to ignore the shivers that run down your spine. “I thought you hated me!”

“So demanding,” he whispers while his hands sneakily drift down to the soft flesh of your ass. He kneads the skin gently, causing your hips to bump together.

 It would be downright unfair to deny the thickness of his cock protruding from his tewng. You can almost feel it twitch.

“How can I hate you, vrrtep?” he almost sounds pained. “I am sorry, I have made many mistakes with you. I have never had…guidance with this.”

A soft smile graces your lips at his intimate confessions. Never in your Na’vi life would you have thought Tsut’tey, out of all assholes, would admit he was insufficient at something. “It’s okay, big guy. You made up to me with that kiss.” 

“If that is what it takes for your forgiveness…” he chuckles. He steals another drawn-out kiss from your lips, then pulls away to level his face with yours. 

“But, it is not alright. I was not a good prospect,” he sighs, not breaking eye contact. “I will spend the rest of our days making up. I will prove that I am deserving of you.”

The rest of your days. It would be an understatement to say that you almost exploded. 

“When I first saw you, I was…confused,” he admits, gently caressing your hair. You watch his eyes darken, seemingly replaying the first time you met. 

“How come?” you chuckle. 

“My body…it was reacting.” he catches your gaze again, and you almost shiver at the way he’s looking at you. With dilated pupils, he scans your face diligently, taking in every feature. “I did not know how to approach my feelings. I was scared.”

“So, you’ve decided to hate me instead.”

Tsu’tey groans. “Not hate, sxwang!” 

You chuckle at his struggle.

“This…” he scoffs, shocked. “I am funny to you?”

“Yes,” you answer curtly. 

Tsu’tey holds his heart in mockery. “My heart,” 

You can’t help but let out a loud laugh at his antics. It bubbles from your throat and makes you double over.

“Beautiful,” he whispers, and you realize he’s never turned away his gaze. Embarrassment is an understatement; you’ve felt the urge to hide your face. 

“Pretty syulang. So soft….” he breathes your skin softly, until he groans, then buries his head in the crease of your neck. He sucks in a deeper inhale this time, and you realize he’s scenting you. 

He’s become a slave to his Na’vi desires, and you were no better. “Do you…accept?” he softly kisses your skin– an obscene contrast to his hands that gradually become more and more aggressive. 

“Tsu’tey…” you breathe his name. “You’re an idiot.”

You feel him stop against your neck, then give you a small nip with his teeth. The action is meant to be in mock warning, and you giggle at the soft contact of his lips.

“Only for my muntxate,” he grins against your skin.

You throw your neck back in pleasure and gaze at the sky as he nips and prods at your skin— was this heaven? 

The sky is a maze of stars that glint back at you, and when your vision starts the blur from the searing desires that overtake your body from his welcome prodding, you seriously start to consider the notion. 

Tsu’tey’s languid, wet kisses start to trail down your neck, to the planes of your chest. His lips leave a gentle thrill wherever they touch—— somehow, someway, you’ve become much more sensitive to the feel of his soft lips. 

Even in your daze, it’s become impossible not to notice his labored breathing, and you’re no better. He’s inhaling your skin like it’s his lifeline, licking and engraving his scent onto every inch of you so that you would have no choice but to completely give yourself to him.

The attention is dizzying: having him all to yourself is dizzying. You don’t know what to do with yourself other than smile uncontrollably like a lovesick fool. “Tsu’tey…” you chuckle breathlessly, amazed at his lack of self control. 

How long was he holding himself back? It was most unlike Tsu’tey to lose control this easily. 

“Reytan, that sxkawng,” he growls, falling to his knees before you. “He will know his place.” 

You gape at him. “W-what?”

He looks up at you, and when you meet his eyes, you physically need to hold onto the rocky edge of the riverbed. Dark eyes staring up at you from between his lashes, glassy and yearning. He had gotten off solely on your scent, and the notion is enough to card your hand through his braids, admiring his intricate jewelry.

He purrs into your touch, chest rumbling. You watch his teary eyes flutter as he nuzzles his cheek into your thigh, dangerously close to the heat between your legs,

“Do not act like I have not noticed,” he almost growls, it’s erratic. “He follows you like a pathetic child.” 

“I turned him down,” you state. 

“Good,” he says, looking up again. Maintaining eye contact in classic Tsu’tey fashion, his hands trail up your thighs. Your knees buckle when he roughly grabs your hip, eyes raking around your body hungrily. 

“So beautiful. My strong warrior.” And when he whispers the words into the air, engraving them into your skin with his acceptance of your place in the clan, and in his heart, he carefully undoes the straps of your tewng.

The cold that greets your bare cunt makes you hiss in shock. You don’t realize how wet you are until you look down and notice the wet patch on the piece of cloth. Ear tips catching on fire, you snatch the garment from his hands and hide it behind you. 

Tsu’tey looks at you like you’ve taken his bow from his hands. You hold back a laugh.

He quickly stands up and towers over you with a glint in his glowing eyes.“Nothing to be embarrassed about, tawtute,” he taunts, mouth forming a wide smile. 

He’s all too prideful of his effect on you. “No! God, fuck—“ you have to heave a breath. “This is so humiliating. You didn’t even touch me…I—” 

Tsu’tey takes a small step forward to fully engulf you in his broad frame. His eyes peer down at you with an expectant grin. “You?”

“This just never happened to me before,” you finish lamely.

Tsu’tey’s tail takes flight again. “How sweet,” he coos. “But, vrrtep…” 

His hands carefully grip your hips, then down the small of your back until he’s fully cupping your ass with one, wide palm. He suddenly pulls you into him, pushing his thigh snug between your legs. Your slick folds meet his warm skin, and you have to physically hold onto his chest to keep yourself balanced. “Oh!” you gasp, clenching over nothing. 

He surely feels the movement on his thigh because the way his pupils dilate in pleasure is undeniable. With his big hand still caging your hip, he slowly pushes the soft of his thigh into your cunt. 

You have no choice but to move in suit, and your clit rubs against the slick of his skin just right that a gush of your arousal is imminent.

“I can smell you...” he whispers gruffly, nostrils flaring at the familiar scent. “I know when you are aroused. It is hard to miss.”

You look up at him, mortified. This only meant that…

He lets out a mocking “Ha!” into the air, then dips the palm that was handling your ass further down. His finger grazes against your wet, slick and you gasp. The tight hold on your tewng falters, and he quickly snatches it from your fingers. He plants a quick kiss on your lips, then lets the string clothing dangle between his fingers mockingly. 

“Do not be shy, vrrtep,” he laughs. “This is a smell I know well. I have spent many nights craving it.”

You’ve lost all strength to fight him at this point, falling victim to the warmth of his fingers and the skin of thigh sliding against your cunt. His digits are thick and long—oh so warm that you crave for him to plunge them deep in you and soothe the itch that you’ve been feeling ever since you’ve met him.

“You…you knew, all this time?” you whisper.

“I knew when you were wet,” he explains, “But not why.”

“Fuck– keep doing that…”

Tsu’tey hums, caressing your hair with his free hand, an obscene move to the vile position he has you in. After tossing your tewng somewhere forgotten, he gently rocks your hips, making sure to keep his rhythm torturous.

 “Your smell…it is…” he takes a deep breath, and his eyes flutter close. “It is hard to keep control, yawne.” 

Your eyes gloss over. “Then don’t, please,” 

Tsu’tey pulls away all too suddenly, and you whine at the loss of friction.

“Mawey, yawntutsyíp,” he soothes you. “I will take my time with you.”

You merely nod like an idiot, having no idea how to respond to the man telling you he will take care of you. He approaches you again with calculated steps, tail thrashing wildly in comparison, and when you look down, you gasp at the mouth-watering bulge he’s sporting.

“Tsu’tey! You-“

“My time will come. I will take care of you,” he tells you, grips your hips, and pulls you up to comfortably rest you on his hips. You squeeze your legs around his waist, feeling your pussy flutter by to the contact of his warm skin. Your hands wind around his neck, and you can’t help but cling to him in desperation. 

He keeps a steady hand on your back, occasionally rubbing small circles and soothing you whenever you get particularly impatient. 

He carefully enters the bubbling spring until he’s soaked to his hips, then wades his way through the thermal water towards the seating. With you now perched on his lap, he gently grabs your face and winds his hands around your hair. He connects your lips gently, this time biting your lower lip and watching it bounce back with dark eyes. Your kuru is still out of reach, but your pussy throbs at the prospect of mating him.

“I want you to sit,” he growls, hands gripping your hips when he’s done nipping at your lips. 

“What?” you ask breathlessly. At this point, you don’t trust yourself to form a single thought. 

Without a word, Tsu’tey lies down on the soft grass, legs still in the water. You’re seated on his hips, wondering what the hell he’s thinking as he gazes up at you ravenously. His nostrils flare at your scent, and he wretches you towards his face with two strong hands. 

“Tsu’tey!” you gasp. “Wait, I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Sit…please.” he groans, and you feel his body twitch in anticipation.

Who were you to deny such disparity? You cautiously lower yourself onto his face and— shit.

With a spluttering growl, Tsu’tey shoves his nose into the wet heat of your cunt and inhales obscenely.

“Smells sweet, tawtute…so sweet” he growls, forehead scrunching in an entirely new expression you’ve never seen on him before.

You try to find something to hold onto, but your efforts fall fruitless. You topple over in pleasure, and a moan escapes your lips to reverberate around the riverbank. 

“Yes! Shit–” You quickly muzzle your lips with a palm and pray to Eywa that no one is awake at this hour. Tsu’tey disapproves immediately, reaching out to remove your hand and grip it tightly as you ride his face.

Sizzles of fireworks start to flicker between your thighs and travel to your abdomen. You don’t know how or why a simple touch makes you feel this intensely. The only logical explanation is your Na’vi instincts that zero’d on Tsu’tey the moment you saw him. You abandon all logic when his tongue licks inside your cunt, though.

Tsu’tey’s wide arms cage your thighs to keep you at bay, his nose nudges into your clit while his skillful tongue works inside your cunt. It’s wide, you notice, and long. Of course, it is, you think., he fucks you like this—The curve of his tongue jutting into your spongy walls and tasting every drop you grace him with. 

Flashes of white dance across your eyelids when you throw your head back in a soundless gasp, and you feel like you’re levitating. Worst of all, when he sucks with his lips every so often at your clit, you swear a soft profanity at Eywa for not letting you experience this earlier. The friction is so delicious that you start to writhe, legs spasming around his head. 

When he feels you slip away, though, the grip he has on your thigh becomes brutal. You think of the marks his fingertips will most definitely cause, but before you try to imagine what your excuse will be to your friends, he pulls you into his face further. His tongue is so deep like this, you feel like he doesn’t even have to fuck you. You’re fine with just this, as long as he keeps touching you. 

Perhaps it’s the sheer size of Tsu’tey, or that he’s relishing you instead of seeking out his selfish pleasure. This is his pleasure, you realize, he’s getting off on the fact that you’re sitting on his face and fuck– it’s hot.  

A gush of your juices coats his lips, and the desperation to taste you is evident in the whine he lets out. He laps at you like it’s a reward; the action is nothing short of vulgar. He mutters a plethora of Na’vi curses you’ve never heard before, and you frankly don’t care to translate them when the rumble of his voice feels like that. It causes your clit to start throbbing when his caged biceps flex and the smooth of his tongue starts licking the bundle of nerves with rhythmic strokes. 

You’re desperately trying to ground yourself as you search for something to hold, to feel. The pangs of pleasure threaten to rip through your abdomen and blow your mind, but you want this to last. 

Your fingers find home in his delicate braids, desperate to touch him as if he wasn’t already fucking you with his tongue. When you throw your head back in pleasure, you anchor his head with your grip, pushing his nose back into your clit.

His chest starts rumbling in a purr, which breaks you. With a loud moan that reverberates around the clearing, your legs tighten around his head. “Mawey, syulang,” he rasps.  “I have you…” He raises his voice slightly to be heard over your increasingly louder cries.  

“Tsu-tey…ooh, fuck…” You shake obscenely as you orgasm, the pleasure rips through you and tightens your chest. You struggle to breathe, and the only factor that manages to ground you is the soft voice of Tsu’tey as he lets you ride out your high and laps at your release hungrily.

“Taste so good, yawntutsyíp,” his voice almost sounds like a plea to give him more, and lucky for him, your orgasm lasts.

When you’ve finally calmed down, his chest rumbles in satisfaction. Your head feels woozy, you don’t know quite what to think. Or what thinking was, for that matter. You feel cosmic, still sitting on his face.

You’re still sitting on his face. You’re a full-grown woman.

With a hiss, you quickly get up at the realization. Your legs wobble when you stand, and it’s humiliating; both the fact that he caused this with nothing but his tongue, and the fact that he caused this. Tsu’tey, the Omaticayan Clan Leader, who hated your guts for almost a year. 

Tsu’tey quickly gets up to his feet after you. The dark swirl in his golden eyes alerts you, you don’t see the calm and collected Tsu’tey behind his gaze. He becomes entirely unknown as he chases your scent desperately. His arms wind around your thighs once more to stabilize your weakened legs, and you’re almost grateful for it–almost.

 He lifts you with ease, carrying you into the water and pressing your body close to his. 

“Careful, Ma ___,” his head dives between the crook of your neck again.  “Your legs are shaking like an angstik in heat.” 

His tone isn’t gentle, though; it makes you feel humiliated. The words are merely whispered against your skin as he starts to bite and nip around your chest. “Was it good?” 

The question isn’t even rendered because of its pure absurdity. Was it good?

“Tsu’tey, I don’t think I’ve ever orgasmed that hard in my life.”

You feel his face stretch between your neck, and to cause your ruin further, the tanhi that cover his body glow bright. “Good,” he purrs, deep from his chest. “I will take care of you.”

And that, he does. His hands quickly undo the tie of your top, then toss it to the clearing. His face is so close like this, you see that his lips are coated in a thin sheen of your orgasm. The wetness of your release is all over his face, glossing his chin and his neck jewelry.  

The visual orgasmic on its own, 

“You make sweet noises, little syulang…” When he lingers, his eyes widen with a dangerous flash. 

The heavy rise and fall of his chest alerts you. You don’t wait for him to elaborate, merely look down at his tewng between your bodies and gasp. “Tsu’tey, that must hurt,” you whisper.

His tail comes up to brush on the small of your back teasingly. You jump at the sudden contact, arching your back and presenting Tsu’tey with a view of your chest that has his mind reeling. He dips down to suck in a breast, and when he hears the noises you make, he kisses his way to your other nipple to give it just as much attention Your hips jut forward at the feel of the soft feather and his needy kisses. 

Tsu’tey hisses, kissing up to your neck. “Such a thoughtful vrrtep, thinking about my cock like this…” 

In contrast to his calm voice, his cock throbs between your bodies– if you were to remove his tewng you’d feel the tip prod on your inner thigh. It’s right there, easy access if you just shove your hand between your bodies, and the flimsy piece of string that’s holding your self-control is about to snap. 

Your entire body buzzes with instincts. “Please,” you whine, eyes fluttering. “More…just fuck me already.” 

“Commanding little thing.” With that, he slowly undoes the string of his tewng. He’s making you wait, you realize, savoring every inch of your blown out eyes and buzzing body so he could use the obscene visual to fuck into his hand during late nights. 

When his tewng drops, you can’t help but mutter a soft profanity at the sheer size. He’s much more attractive than you initially imagined, saying Tsu’tey’s hung is an understatement. You rationalize that most Na’vi men are, but damn.

Purple veins compass the sides of his shaft, his tip an angry bright blue. Precum drips from his tip at the mere sight of your eyelashes batting up at him as you look between his pleasure driven face and his hard cock. 

“Do you see now, arrogant girl?” he hisses, then lays you down on the lush grass. “This is what you do to me.” 

Gripping your thighs, he spreads them apart. When he’s satisfied with the position he has you in, his tip slowly prods at your entrance. He throws his head back in pure bliss and mutters a soft Na’vi profanity under his breath. He never ceases his gaze, though, you realize he can’t, physically adamant on constantly watching your every reaction like a hawk.

The lust in his gaze devours your naked body whole as he gazes at your heat. His tail is swishing lazily, content.

“This,” he grunts, teeth gritted. He thumbs your clit while pushing into you patiently with languid strokes. “It is responsive.”

You realize he’s talking about your cunt, and you can’t help but laugh. “Is that— ah fuck, a good thing?” 

It’s hard to focus on anything other than his thick cock being buried to hilt between your walls, but alas, you try to keep your sanity intact. The stretch is delicious, you can’t help but throw your head back when he fully palms your clit lovingly, pressing his fingers into your abdomen and feeling the girth of him inside you. 

His thighs flex, abdomen clenched. He doubles over your body and grips the overgrown grass around you. His knuckles turn white, and the restraint he has is almost admirable. 

“Again, with—ahh, stupid questions,” he huffs, then grips your thighs tighter to fully pull you in. With a guttural moan, he buries his head between the crook of your neck, then has the audacity to fucking whine. A long, drawn-out, and needy sound that has your walls fluttering. Your body buzzes with pleasure. 

“What is it, pretty girl?” he drawls, chuckling deeply. “You always have something to say.” 

You let out a breathless “Tsu’tey,” in warning, then let your fingers rake over his braids lovingly. He purrs at the soft action, starting to hump into you impatiently. He’s aware of your pleasure all the while, leveling his face with yours once again to watch your reactions. 

“Oh—Fuck, yes!” you groan, hips jutting out to meet his thrusts. The movement is vile and messy, but it’s barely enough to fulfill your needy ache. He’s filling you up deliciously, and you dare to want more from him, eager to take whatever he gives you. 

Your instincts are going haywire, and if they aren’t soothed soon, you’re sure you’re going to lose your sense of reality. 

Cock-drunk and in a haze, you make grabby hands at Tsu’tey kuru. When he notices your actions, he chuckles breathlessly, then makes an almost comical attempt to stop his hips from thrusting into you. He fails, miserably so, then grips the sides of the lush grass and shuts his eyes tightly. 

You feel his cock throb around your gummy walls and whimper, then watch with blown-out eyes as he grabs his kuru and brings it forward.

“My love, I see you.”

It’s the significance of the English term of endearment that brings tears to your eyes. This time, he isn’t talking in mocking or disdain. He’s integrating your roots into his people’s most sacred ritual– an act that requires the utmost vulnerability and trust. 

“I see you,” you whisper, breathless.

He looks at you so lovingly that you freeze momentarily to embed this scene into the center of your memories, for it to later be on replay every night as you fall asleep next to him.

Quivering with excitement, you grab your kuru and bring it forward. The tendrils reach for Tsu’tey so naturally that you’re surprised you didn’t notice how much your body craved him when you first met him. He is no better, his breath ragged and quick. 

When you finally bring them together, all breath is knocked out of your strong blue lungs. Tsu’tey’s pupils dilate before you, mouth opening in a soundless gasp that has both of your bodies freezing. 

“Ma ___.” He whines, clenching the wildgrass that cushions around you. 

The feeling is unlike anything you’ve felt before, it doesn’t compare to your direhorse, nor your Ikrana. It's the drum of his rapidly beating heart that alerts you first, and your soul aligns in rhythm.

You can not only feel him, but feel with him. The intense desire he’s harbored for you, the torturous days he’s had in your mere absence. The jealousy, the hurt, the confusion, the love. 

The love that’s reflected in his eyes as he sees your soul with a wanton gaze. 

The pleasure that runs through you like wildfire makes you throw your head back and clench your body. Fuck— you needed to hold onto him more than ever now. This is what they mean, you realize, you’re existing as one. 

Tsu’tey watches you with glossed eyes as you try to fuck yourself with him, an action you’ve been doing unintentionally. 

“Ma-mawey,” he gasps, thighs clenching and twitching in pain. Your body is entranced by the plethora of feelings and instincts that surge through your veins. He’s no better; you can feel it. His cock is throbbing inside you, and his control is about to snap. 

“Demanding little–ohh Eywa!” 

You watch Tsu’tey’s eyes squeeze tight as he doubles over, and a wave of intense pleasure washes over you. You arch your back beneath him and realize it’s you causing this. His hysteria is yours, the manic animal inside him battling with his self control to burst free and fuck you into the plush grass until your imprint is on the soil. 

He thrusts once, slowly– it’s drawn out and numbingly torturous. Your legs quiver in anticipation, and you can’t even decipher why he’s making you both suffer, but you’ll ask him later. Later, when you’re collected and can think straight, because right now you don’t think you can formulate a cohesive sentence. 

He moves again, deeper and harder this time. His cock slides inside you slowly, the warmth filling you to brim and soothing the ache you feel in your abdomen. He’s working you both up to it, though painful, the pleasure is drawn out and deliciously anticipatory.

He captures your lips, then starts a rhythmic thrust into your cunt. It’s gradually merciless and raw, searing through your body. It works, you open deliciously, pushing you to feel toe-curling pleasure that has you grabbing and clawing at his back desperately. 

“What an obedient pussy,” he whispers between your lips. “I have you, muntaxte.” he soothes you, words slipping from his lips like honey

You can feel how he loves how desperately you’re trying to get off on what he provides you. He loves to see you, a desperate, cock stuffed fool. Cursing your attached kuru’s, he clicks his tongue when he realizes you’re annoyed. With an all-too familiar cocky smirk, he fastens his pace, this time starting to slam into your cunt with ease. 

“You can take it,” he grunts, “Be a good girl and take—” another hard thrust. “it!”

The press of his thighs to your ass makes the thick of his cock hit new spots, imprinting the shape within you so no one else can satisfy you the way he does. He draws back fully, then rams into you brıutally, hitting newer, deeper angles as groans rip out between his kisses. 

You feel your body give out amidst the pleasure, throwing your head back and clenching your thighs to calm the sizzles of your orgasm that threaten to run through your abdomen. Sensing your need, Tsu’tey thumbs your clit lovingly, then circles the small bud to coax sweet noises from your lips

He drowns them out with his lips, though, sushing you all the while and warning you to keep quiet. ‘These sweet noises belong to me, vrrtep.’ he tells you, his voice accompanied by the sinful squelching of his cock stuffing you full– and when you wrap your legs around his waist to pull him in deeper, you swear you see Eywa herself in the stars. 

“Such a demanding pussy– yes!” he chants. “Look at you, pretty girl.”

He cups your cheek gently as he grinds into you, “Look how obedient you get with my cock stuffed inside you.” 

“Fuck– s-shut up!” You clench around him like steel vice in frustration, and the whines that rip out of the man on you send a flutter through your cunt.

Before you can even react or warn him, your orgasm washes over you so cruelly that you have to hold onto Tsu’tey to anchor you back down to reality. The intensity has you gasping for air, until you realize it’s not just you, it’s him as well, that you’re feeling. The throbbing of his cock as he releases inside you, the warmth making you clench around him like vice. 

He lets you ride out your highs generously, holding you close to his chest and whispering sweet words in your ear in Na’vi. His cock stays stuffed in your fucked out walls, twitching occasionally and causing a spasm to shoot up your leg. You wince in overstimulation, both yours and his that’s thrumming from your connected kuru’s. 

“Mawey,” he kisses into your skin, then carefully pulls out. The immediate loss is evident, and no thanks to your Na’vi instincts, your chest starts to ache. 

Tsu’tey feels you immediately, hugging you tighter to his bare chest and kissing your temple sweetly. “It is okay, I have you,” he reassures you in hopes of calming your wanton ache. 

You almost bawl, how fucking sweet can he get? Did he always have it in him to be like this? 

You realize he’s been playing you this entire time. Nuzzling your face in the crook of his neck, you make a mental note to get back at him. Not now,  though. 

Now, you’ll enjoy every inch of his sweet attention. 

“Okay…” you say lamely, unsure of what to say to him. You have the rest of your life to figure that out, at least.

Tsu’tey reaches for a makeshift loofah and herbs near the edge of the hot spring, making sure to keep a stable hand on their back the entire time. Gently— you’ve never imagined Tsu’tey and gentle would be in the same sentence, alas, he gently starts to wash your body. He lathers the net on your lower back, then watches the hot water run down your muscles and skin he’s been gripping with desire moments ago.

The act in itself is so intimate, which is an obscene statement because Tsu’tey just fucked you into next week. 

“Take a picture,” you muse, “It’ll last longer.”

Tsu’tey makes a noise of discontentment. “What is picture?” 

Thankfully, your mate is too Na’vi to decipher the cliche line you’ve pulled on him. His questions are stubborn, though, just like him. “Where do I get one…do I have to grab it?”

You can’t keep your laughter at bay after that comment. It was just so easy to imagine him frantically barging into the science outpost, screaming about wanting a picture with you. The look of horror on your human friends’ faces would be priceless. 

Maybe you should put him up to it…

“Laughing at me again?” 

You realize you’ve gotten lost in your comedic fantasy, and god forbid Tsu’tey doesn’t have your attention for more than two seconds. 

You unlatch one hand from around his neck and start playing with his bead-adorned braids. “I’m smiling because you're funny.” 

Tsu’tey’s familiar forehead scrunch graces your eyes, and you let go of his braids to smooth it over with a thumb. “Stop, you’ll get wrinkles.”

Tsu’tey scoffs. “Sky people worry about weird things.”

You pause. “You’re right.”

After you’ve dried off and worn your clothes again, Tsu’tey makes sure to guide you both back to his home. Throughout your walk, he makes it very clear that you will be living together from now on; he will have it no other way. He even goes out of his way to grab your - albeit very minimal - belongings from your kelku and move them to his. 

When you make it to his home, though, you fight the urge to run back. 

“What the fuck, Jake!”

Jake, Neytir, and Takuk seem to have put the pieces together in your absence. To your horror, they’ve gathered the rest of your friends in Tsu’tey’s living room with more alcohol and food, happily expecting you to return home and embarrass you to pieces. 

“Congrats, brother!”

Jake stumbles to Tsu’tey and pulls him inside. “This calls for a celebration!”

The rest of your drunkard friends raise their glasses in a toast. Neytiri haphazardly stands up and pulls you into a hug. “You are a mated woman! Tsahik of our clan!” she cheers on, shaking you around with delight.