#junebugsjakesullyevent

Your husband was one to keep his word to you, if he said it would be 5 days, then something must have come up. 

You flinched at the way the little toddler, Mampey, dug her elbow into the inside of your arm, jolting the day old bruise that had formed. She settled onto your lap as she listened to the story teller weave his tale. 

You often kept the children while parents were away on hunts or working. You did not keep a school like the late Dr. Augustine had run, but this was something you had started doing casually because you enjoyed hanging around kids. You usually spent 2-3 days a week keeping the kids, not agreeing to more or else you would have to sacrifice your own duties.

You had asked a story teller to come share with the children, knowing you would like some time to relax today, feeling on edge from both Jake’s absence, and the incident from yesterday. It was stupid really, not even worth repeating. 

A weaver, Kelhoa, had attempted to embrace you at last night's evening meal. You were not an overly affectionate person with touch, especially for someone you did not know all that well, but you had obliged him, hugging him awkwardly. He had offered condolences about Jake’s departure, saying how hard it must be for you and how you must be lonely without him. He assured you that Jake would be just fine, but his words dripped with deceit and you felt icky at his tone. 

But when he had stuck by your side, patting your shoulder and sitting close enough that you felt you had to move away, you said something. “I do not feel comfortable with you being so close to me, I would not like you to touch me anymore,” you had said gently but firmly, so as to not embarrass him or yourself.

But he had paid you no mind, just laughed and bumped your shoulder with his. 

“I said, I do no-” you gasped as he grabbed your arm harshly and pulled you closer, making your balance go askew and you fell nearly into his lap.

“Woah!” he said in feigned surprise, as he helped you back up into a crouched, seated position. His hands laid across your arm and side, making your skin crawl as you scrambled to get away from him. “Careful there.”

You stood up and he smirked up at you from where he was seated. You backed away from him, turning with tears forming in your eyes, as you went home at a brisk pace. You only stopped when you had gotten into your shared Kelku with Jake, closed the animal hide covering over the entry way and latched it tightly as you melted to the floor. You cradled your barely there bump as a comfort, reminding yourself that ultimately you and the baby were okay and that was what mattered.

It was a powerplay, you realized now. He was trying to show he had the upper hand regardless of what you said. It was a message that he could do what he wanted. You should have been more clear, maybe done things differently, but you were still shocked by his bold actions.

The story teller finished weaving his tale and the kids clapped as Toruk Makto led the Na’vi to victory and the mean skypeople went back home, a story still fresh on many people’s minds. It helped sooth the prickly worry in your chest. Whatever Jake was currently facing, he had faced worse and had come out the other side. He was Toruk Makto, Eywa would not turn her back on him. 

The tiny Na’vi squirmed in your arms, wanting to be let down to rejoin her brother, and you released her to toddle off. You numbly thanked the man for sharing and gathered the kids around the fire to distribute lunch. You did this distractedly, feeling shame from not handling last night better and feeling nervous about possibly having to see him again. You should have pulled your knife and drawn blood, yet you ran away like a child. You wanted Jake to come home, then you would feel all was in its place. 

“Karyu (teacher)!” a voice called, a child came tearing through the village, stopping under the hung canopy of cloth that you used to shelter the children. Your body went rigid, your face twisting in worry as he panted for breath.

“What is it?” you demanded.

“The Olo’eyktan! He is home,” the child exclaimed, pointing to the village center where you could see ikrans flying overhead and people gathered, looking up as the warriors prepared to land.

“Jake!” the kids squealed, liking the Olo’eyktan very much despite his humanness. He would stop by the school often to see his wife, always saying hello to the kids and teaching them new things like a high 4 and how to fist bump.

“Jake,” you sighed in relief, before scooping up Mampey in your arms and motioning the other children to follow you. You walked quickly to the grounded Ikran, handing the girl off to her brother when you spotted Jake.

You let out a mild sob as he spotted you. He beamed, disrupting tsuheylu as he dismounted. You ran to him, lips smiling wide as he rushed towards you. 

“Baby,” he murmured as his soft eyes gazed upon you after a week apart.

“Ma’ Jake,” you sighed, crashing into his arms as he pulled you to him, holding firmly, but not harshly, making sure to avoid your stomach, where you both knew what would soon be your first child was growing. You had not shared the news with anyone yet other than the Tsahìk, knowing that it was so soon in the pregnancy. Plus, you liked keeping the secret all to yourselves for now.

His hand came to the back of your head, guiding it to rest in the crook of his neck. He still smelled the exact same as when he left and it brought you comfort that he had not changed. Your cheek rested on the top of his chest, smiling into his skin as his other arm wrapped around you.

Your arms cradling his middle, holding tightly to him as if he would evaporate if you did not hold him here.

“I missed you so much,” he said against your hair.

“I missed you more. I was so worried, Jake,” you muttered, squeezing him tighter.

“I know, I’m sorry. They needed some help rebuilding after a storm blew through on our third night there. It felt wrong to just leave,” he explained and you nodded. 

“That is honorable, I cannot be angry at you for that,” you smiled, pulling away to see his face.

“Good, I was angry enough for the both of us. I wanted to come home,” he groaned, a laugh running through the end of his sentence.

You smiled at his urgency to come back to you. “You are here now. That is what matters,” you reminded him.

-

That night, you and Jake ate together at the evening meal surrounded by friends and Jake’s team of advisors and warriors. The group was loud, rowdy, but you knew each one of them and trusted them with your life. It felt right for them to be home.

You had tried avoiding Kelhoa like a sickness, but when you had gotten up to get more food while Jake was speaking to one of the warriors, you had not seen him coming.

“Home at last, the dream walker chief has returned,” Kelhoa said bitterly from behind you. You startled, turning slightly to see him directly over your shoulder and you stepped forward, nearly knocking over a bowl.

“Stay away from me,” you warned before deciding you would not entertain an argument or conversation with this man. He smirked strangely at you as discomfort took over your senses. You walked away quickly, food forgotten as you sat back down next to Jake much closer than before.

He paused his conversation, muttering an “excuse me”, before his hands came to find yours. “What’s wrong, you look scared, baby. Did something happen?” he asked, looking concerned. He brushed the hair out of your face, tucking it behind your ear before cupping your cheek.

“I am fine,” you insisted, swallowing back your discomfort and embracing the safety of his presence. He was here to protect you now.

“Is it the baby?” he asked quietly and you shook your head. 

“No, it is fine,” you promised.

Jake glanced down to your stomach and his eyes snagged on your arm, causing him to do a double take. “What is this?” he demanded, bringing his hand to examine the faint purple bruises shaped like the size of three fingers on your arm. You winced as he gently prodded into the skin.

“Nothing,” you said, trying to pull away, but he held fast, leveling his gaze at you.

“Who did this to you?” he ground out, eyes blazing with barely bridled fury, his jaw clenched.

Your lips pursed and your breath left your lungs in one great exhale, “Last night, a weaver, Kelhoa… he got too close. He hugged me, touched my shoulder and arm. It is not a big deal,” you shrugged, but Jake shook his head.

“He touched you?” Jake repeated, eyebrows furrowing low on his forehead. 

Your eyes averted from his stare, looking down in shame. “I told him that I did not want him near me, but he knocked me off balance just so he could help me up again and have the opportunity to grab my arm, I think,” you admitted.

“Where is he?” Jake said calmly, too calmly.

You scanned the room, finding him against the edges of the area, talking with friends. “There, with the green cumberbund and the braids.” you said, nodding in his direction.

Jake did not say another word, just stood up, drawing the attention of half of those around him. He snaked through the crowd, pulling you behind him with a joined hand. When Kelhoa saw you coming, he visibly paled as the Olo’eyktan stalked towards him.

Jake let go of your hand when he passed Neytiri, basically dropping you off with her. Neytiri looked at you with wrinkles on her forehead, asking you a silent question.

“Kelhoa was too forward while Jake was away,” you explained, purple tinting your ears as Neytiri nodded.

“Then he must be addressed,” she agreed. “Why did you not tell me?” she asked.

You shrugged. “I did not think it was worth the trouble,” you muttered.

Jake moved like the wind, swift and sure, as he grabbed the creep and hiked him against a nearby tree. Jake’s arm held against Kelhoa’s collarbones prevented him from moving as he glared into his soul.

“You mess with my woman?” Jake demanded. Your face heated as you realized most of the people had gone silent as they watched the altercation.

“No Olo’eyktan!” Kelhoa sputtered, eyes blown wide with surprise. 

“That’s not what she says, and she had marks to prove it,” Jake pointed out, pressing his arm down harder. 

“It was just a joke!” Kelhoa exclaimed, looking at you. “Tell him! It was just a joke!” he pleaded.

You backed away a step, cradling your belly subconsciously. Neytiri clasped your shoulder protectively.

Jake slammed him into the tree again so hard that leaves shook and fell down, “Don’t address her, you talk to me.”

Kelhoa’s scared eyes flew back to Jake. “I did not mean any harm. Certainly not enough was done to move you to anger,” he said and Jake hissed, moving his arms just to bring his hands up to Kelhoa’s shoulders, and threw him to the ground. 

The people around you shrieked and gasped and Neytiri brought an arm around your shoulder to pull you closer to her side. Jake’s braids swung as he moved to stand above him with authority.

“If you mess with a pregnant woman while her mate is away, don’t be surprised when her husband comes looking for justice,” Jake ground out. 

Neytiri inhaled sharply at the word pregnant and looked to you for confirmation. You nodded, moving your hand across your barely showing stomach. To someone who did not know, it looked as if you had just had a big meal that day.

Kelhoa cowered in the dirt, “I did not know she was with child! I did not mean to insult you, Jake!”

Jake’s fists clenched, “You did worse than that, you insulted her. I don't care if you knew or not, you should treat every woman with respect, especially my wife.” 

“Jake,” you called softly, feeling embarrassed by all the attention being brought to the situation.

Jake’s shoulders lowered and he turned back to you, “You okay?” he asked. 

You nodded. “I am okay, let us forget about this and return to celebrating your homecoming. I do not want any more violence,” you urged.

He shook his head, “not until he apologizes.”

Kelhoa’s eyes widened, “I am sorry!” he insisted, looking up to Jake.

Jake rolled his eyes, “Not to me, Skxawng. To her,” he spat.

Kelhoa scoffed, “I’m not-” he froze as Jake hissed, the smooth sound made every hair raise on your arms. 

“Apologize!” He commanded with all of the ferocity of his title as Toruk Makto demanded. Neytiri tightened her hold around you and you squeezed her hand.

Kelhoa shrank back, “I am sorry, y/n,” he managed to get out.

You nodded, “I forgive you.” The words tasted wrong on your tongue.

“It is her kindness that you owe a debt to,” Jake said, stepping back, momentarily satiated with the apology. “You will not so much as look at her again or I will take it as a challenge of combat, understood?”

Kelhoa pursed his lips but nodded. “Yes, Olo’eyktan,”

“Good, get outta my sight,” he ordered, stepping back fully as Kelhoa scrambled back and rejoined his friends. The small group looked at him warily as he pushed through them towards the exit.

Jake approached and nodded at Neytiri who passed you back to him.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“Yes, but you did not have to cause such a scene? Now everyone knows what happened and that we are expecting,” you pouted, not really mad, but more put out by his dramatics.

“Yes, I did. He needed to be made an example so everyone knows,” Jake stated with no regret in his gaze. “No one messes with my girl, or I’ll mess right back.”

Jake Sully Taglist: @chaotickittenanchor @sleepilysworld @irinazatyk @up-l4te-4t-n1ght @yogirlminnie @superlegend216 @mrscadethankya @kodzuvk @saltedcoffeescotch @x-isha9 @earth2t @saibaxoxo @cherrysfruity @iconotfound @sillyfreakfanparty @dat-bit @coastalcowgirlie @loreyuv @leeaaahhhhhh23 @18lkpeters @sapphicdecay @fantasticxox @julietelysythe @pearly-pebble @itskekeelise @kklovescookies @omg-hellgirl

Author's Note: this took me ages to complete !! will i ever be able to write something short ever again? it was supposed to be a quick final submission to @junebugonjupiter's Jake Sully Event that ended over a week ago… oops ! i hope you all enjoy this labor of love !

prompts: 21. Your ex and Jake don't like each other and kind of 23. Everyone assumes you and Jake are dating even though you’re not (yet)

thank you, June, for your constant support and understanding and for making me a better writer !! i had doubts about this fic but you always encouraged me 🥹 you are the best twosin ever !

Na'vi to English Translations: Uniltìranyu: dreamwalker Tutan txe'lanluke: heartless man Nantang: viperwolves Velek: Surrender, give up Kehe: no Fwäkì ke fwefwi: Mantis doesn’t whistle Yayotsyìp: little bird Kä: go Kelku: home/house Wiya: expression of warning or frustration Iknimaya: Stairway to Heaven, a rite of passage in which Na'vi hunters capture and bond with an ikran Uniltaron: The Dream Hunt, a rite of passage in which Na'vi seek their spirit animal

The bioluminescence of the forest whipped by you in streaks of light as the drum of pa’li hooves beating against the ground filled the air. The steady sound resonated through your bones with each gallop and the cool of the night rushed over your skin like water. The smell of early spring filled your senses as the strength and sureness of the creature beneath you overtook your own testy emotions. 

Stroking the neck of your Pa’li, you urged him to quickly follow the group of hunters that had set out at Neytiri’s scout report. Night had fallen, but she had run back to alert her father and the other warriors that a uniltìranyu (dreamwalker) was in the forest and that Eywa had stopped her from taking action against him. A murmur had passed through the crowds of people gathering for the evening meal as Neytiri’s betrothed spoke loudly of his wish to leave the demon in the forest to die. 

However, at the behest of the Tsahik, he was forced to lead the charge of hunters to capture the human. He rode out just ahead of Tsu’tey, whom you respected greatly. Lek’ann by contrast, was an insulting sight you wished never to be subjected to ever again. You usually did your best to avoid him, but your eyes lingered on the back of his head as you followed. You scoffed at the sight of the colored beads you had given him adorning his braided hair. The nerve of the tutan txe'lanluke (heartless man).   

The beads and the many other gifts you had exchanged with him had been a constant reminder of your foolishness. In your despair, you had fled into the forest one night and burned them all, watching as months of promises turned to ash. Though it was you who had broken the courtship, the sting of his betrayal was still fresh. You had been so naive. Only Eywa knew why such a thing could pass and only Eywa could bring you through. You knew that she would, and so you shook off the wave of self-pity lest you fall behind, hoping your unease would not affect your sturdy direhorse.

Jakesully was not hard to miss. You saw him for the first time that night, waving a fiery branch at the many nantang that slunk in the shadows. With the press of your heel and your internal command, you rode directly toward a viperwolf as it crouched in preparation to pounce, ready to strike the human from behind. 

Your mount’s imposing body cut through the predator’s path and it shirked away. Jake whipped around and his eyes searched frantically in the dark until they landed on you just as the hunters surrounded him. “Oh shit,” he said, slowly holding up his five-fingered hands and the remaining nantang fled the scene.  

“Velek (surrender), uniltìranyu!” Lek’ann spoke and threatened Jake in his puffed up way that you once found handsome. A pointless display of dominance over a man who did not understand a single word spoken. His voice became noise as your eyes fixed on the victim, who began laughing in disbelief. His clothes were ripped and hair untamed but his eyes were sharp and attentive. There were no traces of fear in them. 

“Damnit,” Jake muttered to himself as Tsu’tey bound his hands and pushed him along. You rode beside him as others raced ahead. “Shit. Grace, you’re never gonna believe this.”

Jake was walked into Hometree like a beast led to slaughter. Eytukan awaited his arrival, standing fiercely on the dais at the foot of the spiral and Mo’at came down with bold steps just behind him. You couldn’t help but feel a twinge of compassion for Jake as he stood as a spectacle among the people. 

After her inspection of him, Mo'at’s voice rang out, saying, “Who among the warriors would teach him the Na’vi way?”

The crowd bristled. With no response, Mo’at posed the question again. You looked around and saw a range of hesitance and opposition in the faces of your brothers and sisters. It was the almost purple hue of Lek’ann’s face as it contorted in rage that spurred you to volunteer. 

“I will,” you said, stepping forward and raising your bow, heart loud in your ears. You fixed your eyes on Mo’at, whose gaze flicked between you and Jake as she considered the pairing.

“It has been decided,” the Tsahik nodded and turned to Jake. “Learn well, Jakesully, then we will see if your insanity can be cured.” 

“Kehe!” Lek’ann shouted, the muscles around his neck pulling tautly. “Tsahik! You should not trust her with a dreamwalker.” 

Your heart sank as he looked at you with incredulity and disgust. You feared he would approach you, but he quickly trailed after Mo’at and Eytukan, speaking with them urgently. Your grip on the arc of your bow loosened. You hated the feeling that weighed in your chest, it twisted your heart and made it hard. The opposite of love was not hate, and you prayed to Eywa that one day you would feel nothing for Lek’ann. That you would find respite, and be free, oh, great Mother, please. 

“Hey, uh, thank you,” Jake’s voice came suddenly from your side, almost making you jump. You looked up quickly to see that his head was tilted as he regarded you. He smiled and lifted a hand toward you in a strange gesture. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Jake.” 

“Y/n,” you nodded, eyeing his palm. When nothing happened, Jake clasped his hands together rather awkwardly. In the meantime you had begun to inspect his tattered clothes again and you made up your mind. “Please, follow me.”

You offered him a polite smile before you started up the spiral, leading Jake to the next level of Hometree. Just below, Lek’ann pleaded loudly with Mo’at. His grating voice traveling upwards after you: 

“Tsahik, if I may speak, we must deal with the demon swiftly. He is a danger to us all. You must cast him out. He is a mockery to the Na’vi way…” 

“What’s that guy’s problem?” Jake muttered, his shoulder bumping into yours as he leaned down.

“Do not mind him. Much of his words hold no real substance,” you advised, shaking your head and moving so your shoulders could not touch again. “Fwäkì ke fwefwi (Mantis doesn’t whistle).” 

“Mind translating that?” Jake asked, eyes round. 

Lek’ann’s voice grew smaller as you walked, but you still heard, “You know what they are capable of. Think of your daughter… Have we not suffered enough? Y/n is weak in spirit, extremely impressionable, she cannot…”

Speaking loudly to overpower Lek’ann in your own ears, you explained as the hollow in your chest deepened, “Do not expect someone to do something that is not in their inherent nature.” 

Jake nodded, but he looked displeased. “He just said your name,” he noted, “I might not know what he’s saying but I sure can make out an insult.”

“He is insulting us both. Do not worry about me,” you requested, trying to focus on the man in front of you and not the one below. “Worry about you.” 

Seeing Jake’s mouth open you quickly continued before he could protest, “Come, you must change out of your human clothes, Jakesully.” 

He held concern in his eyes, you did not know why. His mouth twisted down before a thought passed and the corners lifted up again. “You can just call me Jake.” 

“You have much to learn, Jake,” you attempted, mimicking his foreign inflection. “We must prove Lek’ann wrong.” 

“Oorah.” Whatever that sound had meant, Jake looked determined.  

The rest of the night passed in a blur, especially as you considered the reality of your decision. Eywa had placed the fate of this skyperson, the enemy, in your hands. The events of the day and the words spoken about you replayed in your mind as Jake settled in the hammock beside yours. You hoped he could not hear you cry. 

—

Spring had warmed Pandora and arrays of new growth were scattered across the forest in bursts of color. The distraction Jake’s training provided and the changing of the seasons were good for your soul. He learned quickly when he was not distracted, but even then, you could not be mad. The look of wonder on his face always made you smile. 

Today, like the many days before, Jake stood before you. His hair was braided away from his face in a way that suited his sharp, square features. You thought he looked quite Na’vi, though the hair on his furrowed brow gave him away. 

You pressed a hand against Jake’s abdomen, hoping to remind him to engage the muscles there as he drew his bow. Instead, he stiffened and his breath stuttered along with the movement. 

“Try again,” you encouraged softly, tapping against his core. “Use your breath. Speed will come, focus on the motion.” 

“Got it,” Jake said, a little breathlessly. Stepping back, you watched as he lifted his arms and pulled back on the bowstring. It pleased you to see your father’s bow in use again so many years after his passing. You were admiring it fondly when your ears perked toward sounds of movement behind you. 

You pretended not to notice, but you knew it was Lek’ann who prowled like a territorial animal. You had inadvertently invited his attention and invoked his wrath by taking on Jake as your pupil. He had been keeping an eye on you both, always hovering just nearby, like he had nothing better to do. Unless he decided to be intrusive, he was easy to ignore by keeping your gaze fixed on Jake. You did just that and prayed he would not disturb you today, but knew it was too late when Jake’s arms dropped and his ears pressed back. Jake drew himself up to his full height and you followed his gaze over your shoulder.  

“Give up, dreamwalker,” Lek’ann spit in his usual unpleasant manner, though his English words were choppy. He stalked closer as you turned fully, crossing your arms. “It is no use. Even small beasts of the forest will show no mercy to an unskilled warrior such as you. Return to your people.” 

“So you do speak English,” Jake observed flatly.  

Lek’ann glared at him and switched to Na’vi to address you. “There is no point, y/n. What are you doing this for? He does not belong here, you know it is true. You are smarter than this.”

Your brow rose in disbelief. “Do not–”

“Tsu’tey, Peyral, and many others agree with me,” he interrupted, gesturing to his chest with his hands.  

“And Neytiri? What does your betrothed think?” you bit back, your words dripping with venom. 

His jaw tightened and he looked away just briefly. “It does not matter what she thinks.” 

“Yes, it does,” you objected, lifting a hand to the sky. “Eywa gave her a sign, revealing her favor. It is your efforts to change her will that are in vain. Tsahik was very clear.”  

“Then Eywa must be mistaken.” 

You gasped, “Lek’ann!” 

Lek’ann stepped closer and his hand came to rest on your upper arm. His touch was warm and familiar and your resolve began to crumble. His voice softened, “Yayotsyìp, please—“

The sound of that name from his lips made you recoil. You remembered all the ways he had spoken it before. Often with laughter, with reverence, with sincerity and with what you were so sure was love. Your flesh might rot where his hand rested, but it was the term of endearment that made your blood boil. 

Jake’s hiss came from beside you as he stepped forward with his teeth bared. It was a frightful sound that snapped you out of your preoccupation as Lek’ann flinched backward, his hand withdrawing with him. Lek’ann’s eyes were full of surprise and indignation, but he quickly retaliated with a hiss of his own.

The men glared at each other, hackles raised, as you tried to gather yourself, blinking hard. The emotion that knotted your stomach rose in your chest and threatened to choke you. 

“Leave us, Lek’ann,” you demanded, more strongly than you felt.

“But–“

“Go!” you shrieked, throwing your body forward.

Lek’ann did not budge and Jake repeated your command in Na’vi, “Kä!” 

A sour mix of disbelief and defeat painted Lek’ann’s face as he regarded you both for a moment before retreating. Jake’s shoulders were tense until Lek’ann disappeared into the trees. 

“Yeah, that’s right,” Jake muttered, swinging back around to you. 

You deflated as all the strength in your body vanished, swaying on your feet. Your limbs were as heavy as boulders and you did not know whether to scream, or cry, or even laugh. 

“What would happen if I punched him?” Jake asked, squeezing his hand into a fist.   

You took a deep breath. “Big trouble.”

“Who does he think he is?” Jake scoffed, glancing in the direction of Lek’ann’s departure. 

“He is next in line to be clan leader,” you explained numbly, moving to pick up the bow Jake had set down. 

Jake eyed you thoughtfully, “There’s somethin’ else.” 

“I do not know what you speak of,” you tried to dismiss.   

He leveled a knowing look at you. “I wasn’t born yesterday. Yah-yow-tsip? What does that mean?” 

You winced and sighed, looking to the sky where the trees swayed in the breeze. “Little bird,” it pained you to confess. “You are right. He was once very dear to me.”

“What happened?” he asked, carefully moving closer to you.

You avoided his intent gaze and you traced the ridges and lines of the bow’s carved wood with your finger. Growing up you had stared at it where it hung in your family’s kelku, often wishing for your father’s strength, protection and wisdom in times of need. Would Lek’ann have respected your father enough to respect you? Could you have been spared heartbreak and humiliation? You would never know and nothing good came from imagining otherwise. 

“He pursued me,” you began, smiling wryly. “Courted me for many rotations. I was certain we would…” You paused, the word too intimate to say, and swallowed before you continued, “All the while, he had been promised to another woman.” 

Jake inhaled sharply through his nose and when you looked up, you could tell he was working very hard to control his expression. His jaw moved, clenching tightly to hide a grimace. 

“He knew this while I did not. We could not continue once I discovered the truth…That is what happened,” you concluded, trying to sound unaffected. You had never recounted the story aloud, not even to your closest friend, and your ears burned in shame. 

“That’s what happened,” Jake repeated quietly to himself in disbelief, hands closing and opening repeatedly. “What a piece of work.” 

He looked away and took a breath before nodding back toward you. “We’ve got a lot of words in English to describe a guy like that,” he shook his head, scowling, but he spoke softly when he added, “Thanks for tellin’ me.”

You nodded, pursing your lips. “It is maybe good that you know. Lek’ann does not give up so easily. He will be back.”

“Still a no on the punching? I’d be happy to,” Jake offered, and you couldn’t tell if he was joking. You didn’t think he was. 

“Still no, despite your honorable intentions.” You straightened, took another deep breath and held the bow out to him. “Shall we resume?”

“Are you up for it?” Jake countered as he took the weapon. He held your gaze until you shook your head and deflated again. 

“No, I am sorry,” you sighed. 

“I think a walk’ll do us some good,” Jake suggested. 

You nodded. A walk sounded nice, but you really wanted to ride. Or fly. It was a beautiful day to fly. It would help clear your head, and you would not be neglecting Jake’s training if you took him with you.

“This way, Jake,” you declared, gesturing with the tilt of your head. “There is someone I want you to meet.” 

You began your trek back to Hometree, reinvigorated by the thought of your ikran and introducing her to your pupil. Jake kept in step with you even though you knew his stride was greater than yours. His presence was comforting, the sound of each of his steps reminding you that you weren’t alone. You were glad Jake was with you to face Lek’ann, even if he was the reason for the unwanted attention. It felt good to have someone stand up for you, to be strong when you couldn’t. 

You took in the sight of his side profile for a moment before saying, “It was very good, by the way. Very natural.” 

“What was?” Jake turned to you with his head cocked to the side. 

You looked up at him and hissed playfully. 

His brow lifted with a laugh. “Did you see the way he jumped?” 

“Yes.” You smiled. “I did.”

—

The breeze was a welcome relief from the humidity that clung to your skin, it would rain soon but not quite yet. From so high up, the view of your beloved forest extended endlessly in each direction. You could almost make out the Ayram alusìng (floating mountains) which had made that particular tree your favorite spot when you found it all those years ago. 

There were still trees that towered over the one you were perched on and you smiled, admiring Hometree from afar and thanking Eywa for such a beautiful and strong dwelling. Finally peering down, you watched as Jake attempted to climb up the tree after you and laughed as he struggled, expressing his frustrations in grunts of effort and his new favorite word “wiya”. Your father’s bow was slung across his chest as he used his arms to pull himself up each branch. 

“He is slow,” a voice came from beside you. “He makes many missteps.” 

Your head snapped up toward the sound. “Lek’ann,” you sighed deeply, finding him leaning in the shadows against the trunk of the tree. The sight of Lek’ann’s face and the sound of his voice was an assault to your senses, now more irritating than heartbreaking. You should have known he would find you here. You had brought him in the early, rose-colored days of your courtship when you were excited to share parts of your life with him. The unwanted memory of how he had held you in his arms, just where he stood now, accentuated the emotional distance that lingered in the physical space that stretched between you. 

You knew he had waited until the rare moment you were alone to strike and you were growing tired of his persistence. Lek’ann was a ghost of your past you couldn’t seem to shake, who continued to torment you.  

“This has lasted long enough,Yayotsyìp,” Lek’ann said, speaking gently like he used to, but his tricks would not fool you anymore. “Putting the clan at risk to enact your revenge on me is rash and irresponsible.” He stopped in front of you and lifted his hand, brushing the back of his fingers against your cheek. “You have proven your point to me. End this foolish venture.” 

You tore your head away from his touch. “I am not seeking revenge,” you insisted, off-put by his feigned tenderness. “This is no longer about what transpired between us.” 

You would never be the girl that fell for his manipulation again. The bitterness and resentment you carried for Lek’ann had begun eating you alive. But Eywa provided, unexpectedly and in her own timing. It was easy to forget all your troubles when you were with Jake. Your obligation to him melted into delight in his company. He forced you to be present and see the forest through his eyes, pulling you up out of the dark valley of your past. You felt your shell of shame and sorrow melting away as you ran with Jake through the forest, laughed over his discovery of Na’vi delicacies, and guided his hands that held knife and bow. 

In your newfound reality, you saw a glimpse of what life could be without the pain of Lek’ann’s betrayal like a yoke upon your neck. Experiencing such a change made you realize how much power he had over you, power that he did not deserve. You knew there was only one way to rid him of it forever. Releasing Lek’ann from your unforgiveness would be to release yourself from his hold, even if he still lingered like a bad taste in your mouth. 

A wave of courage filled you now, even as his eyes narrowed and he took another step toward you. “I know you volunteered to spite me,” he accused. 

“You are right,” you admitted, ignoring the cocky glint in his eye. His accusation was somewhat true, at least in the moment you answered Mo’at’s call many weeks ago. Yet, you were beginning to see Eywa’s hand upon it all. “I did it because you think I am weak and have wronged me greatly, but Eywa has given me the strength to forgive you. I wish for all bitterness, malice, anger and slander to be put away from us.”

Lek’ann’s expression soured and he scoffed, pointing a finger at you. “You have wronged me, y/n,” he bit out. “Remember, you chose to break our courtship. You endanger our people with your naivete. You have caused enough trouble, it is clear you need me to fix your mistakes.” 

“You know that is not true,” you defended, incredulity threatening to shatter your calm. “I do not need you. There is nothing to fix!”

Lek’ann opened his mouth to speak but he quickly clenched his jaw shut and his brow lowered. He regarded you as if he had never seen you and his speechlessness made you pause. 

“Please, Lek’ann,” you said, reigning in your exasperation. “If you ever felt anything real for me, let us walk freely of each other, in peace. Do not seek me out. Do not interfere in my life any longer.”

His shock morphed into anger and he inhaled sharply, but you did not cower. 

“And leave Jake alone. Your prejudice only gives him reason to turn against us.”

“Do you hear yourself, Yayotsyìp?” 

“Stop that. I am no longer your yayotsyìp,” you ordered before your courage could run out and he sputtered. Waves of his fury seemed to roll off of him, boiling up from under his skin. “I will not argue with you anymore.” You offered a tight lipped smile that made his eye twitch before saying, “Goodbye.” 

He called after you as you hopped down to the branch below and swung to the next. Lek’ann would surely bother you again, but your burst of courage gave you confidence. Lek’ann may pose a threat to Jake’s training, but he was no real threat to you, not anymore. Your smile grew wider as you lowered to the next branch, feeling like a weight had been lifted off your shoulders. Just at that moment, Jake’s hands reached up and grasped the wood. 

Crouching, you leaned over to meet his face with a grin. 

“Woah,” he breathed in surprise, eyes wide. “Hi.” 

“Hi,” you replied, taking in the way his hair stuck to his wrinkled forehead. “I have changed my mind, we will climb another tree.”

“What?” Jake huffed, eyes widening and breathing hard. He let his arms drop. “We’re going back down?” 

“Yes,” you said as you looped your arms under the branch and flipped down, landing just beside him. You laughed as he deflated, shoulders slumping.  

He caught his breath and bent over, his hands on his knees. “What’s got you smiling like that?” 

“It is a beautiful day,” you answered, reaching out and tugging gently on one of his braids. His lips stretched into a smile and you regarded him fondly for a time before he straightened up. “Let us not waste it.” 

You began your descent, jumping down to the next branch and looked back to see Jake do the same. Though his footing was unsteady, he copied your movements perfectly.  

“Wait,” Jake said before you could continue and you paused. He looked up the tree before tilting his head to the side. “Thought I heard you talking to someone up there. Everything okay?” 

You nodded. Everything was okay, and for the first time in a very long time, you believed it. 

—

“Y/n!” Jake practically shouted from across the room, waving and making his way through clusters of people settled around the communal area. The room buzzed with chatter and the body of Hometree diffused the sun as it poured in, beams of light illuminating the space in a dreamlike haze. The sunlight reflected off the droplets of water that still clung to the ends of his hair. 

Ignoring the teasing smile on your friend Serunga'’s lips, you put down the leather in your hands and stood from your spot among the other weavers to wave back. Your hair was damp too, and flowed unstyled over your shoulders. A wash in the river had been much needed after Jake fell into mud earlier in the day. You might have avoided a similar fate if you had outrun him, but he was too quick and his arms crushed you into his mud-covered chest as you screeched in protest. 

As you wondered what had taken Jake so long to return, two children ran into his path and he paused. Looking down, his mouth moved in response to something they had said. The little ones then held out their hands, displaying their digits, and Jake did the same. You heard their squeals of wonder as their tails swished in excitement. Jake laughed as they compared their fingers with his. 

He regarded them so fondly as they darted off that a warmth spread in your chest. He shook his head and resumed his walk toward you, grinning when he found you were watching. At one point in time you might have looked away, but the feeling in your chest swelled under his gaze and a smile formed on your lips in return.

“Ma’Jake,” you greeted when he stopped in front of you, one hand hidden behind his back.

“I have something for you,” he said, skipping formalities in his excitement he took your hand between his and placed something in it. 

Jake pulled away to reveal a river stone as big as your palm, made round and smooth with its constant movement. The sedimentary layers that striped the stone glittered and the colors almost danced in the sunlight. You wondered, as you rubbed the surface beneath your fingers, if all the tumbling tribulations you faced would make you polished one day too. You looked up at the man who had carried the river stone back to Hometree to give to you. He was pleased, you could tell by his smile. 

You would have to find a special spot to place the stone among your belongings. The rack that held your things was becoming crowded with everything Jake had been giving you. Mostly small things, like strings of flowers or the vibrant feather he found while training the day before. However, sometimes his gifts surprised you. He had carved some beads for you out of a beautiful, rich wood and though they weren’t uniform in shape, you treasured them. You knew they must have taken him much patience to complete. The bracelet you had made with them hung around your wrist even when you slept. 

Yet, nothing was more surprising than hearing from the women you weaved with that Jake sometimes consulted their wisdom. Their knowing smiles as they giggled among themselves made your cheeks burn, though some did express their disapproval of the matter. You had firmly dismissed it all, but you could feel their watchful eyes on you now as you spoke with Jake and received another gift. 

“What is this called in Na’vi?” you asked, holding up your stone. “It is a difficult word for Skypeople.”

Jake scowled, his beautiful smile gone in an instant. “Does everything have to be a lesson?”

“Yes, because I am your teacher,” you squinted teasingly at him, but he was unamused. “Will you not try?” The look he gave you was so dry you gave in with a laugh. “Tskxe.”

“Do you like the… ts-kay?” Jake asked, butchering the word in a way you’ve never heard before. 

The eager look on his face returned as he waited for your reply and you smiled widely. “Your priorities are out of order.”

“But do you?”

“Yes,” you finally answered, running your finger over its surface once more. “It is beautiful. Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome,” he replied, nodding and looking very satisfied. “What are you working on?” he asked, gesturing down at the ground where you had been sitting. 

“None of your business,” you answered quickly, trying to push your basket behind you with your foot. You had forgotten all about what you had been working on before his arrival, and you tried to hide your panic.    

You felt in your spirit that he was almost ready, that he would undertake the iknimaya and Uniltaron soon. Eywa had been so faithful and you wanted to make something to mark the achievement. Jake had no family nor a beloved one here to do so and he deserved something that was truly his that he could wear proudly. Leather strips and small stones you had chosen for an armband and matching necklace sat there for Jake to see if he looked. If he saw now, the surprise would be ruined.

Jake’s eyes flicked to the ground again before focusing on your face. “That makes me think it is my business.”

“It is not,” you denied, feigning a calmness you didn’t feel. “There is nothing for you to see.”   

Jake smirked down at you, stepping closer. Your heart beat wildly like the wings of an ikran, but you refused to be moved and stood your ground. With another step, he came so close that his chest almost grazed yours. You tilted your chin up to see his face.  

“You say you're my teacher, but is that all you are?” His voice was low and his eyes dropped, half-lidded to meet yours.

“No,” you answered with the little strength you could muster and his brow lifted. You swallowed. “We are also friends.” 

“Friends…” He said almost like he was tasting the word. He nodded before concluding, “I can work with that.” 

You felt dazed as you carried your basket up to your hammock, toiling over when the nearness of Jake started feeling so different. After agreeing with him to meet for the evening meal, you gathered your things and parted ways, heart still pounding. 

Though your prayers were being answered with more and more Na'vi warming up to him the longer he lived among you, Jake seemed only to have eyes for you. You thought at first that he was simply a good student, hardworking and strong, spending most of each day with you to learn. He rarely left your side. The silly way he spoke, the way he made you laugh, and his thoughtful actions made you forget that he was free to go where he pleased. 

You couldn’t deny that he filled your empty cup and saw you in ways nobody ever had. The thought of what it might mean made your heart twist with nerves and swell with a bone-deep longing. You could never forget how his hands grasped your waist as he sat behind you on your ikran, the weightless feeling having almost nothing to do with flying. You shook your head to clear it, but stopped short with a startled “oh!” as someone came into your path. 

Looking up filled you with displeasure.  

“I must speak with you.” Lek’ann grabbed your wrist before you could react. Moving quickly, his other hand pressed against your back as he ushered you to a quiet corner of the room. “What is going on between you and Jakesully?” He asked severely, eyes piercing. “Do you not feel shame, Yayotsyìp?” 

“Do not call me that,” you hissed, trying to shake his hand from your arm, but his grip tightened. 

“Go to the Olo’eyktan at once and ask for Jake to be removed from your responsibility,” he demanded.

“Enough, Lek’ann,” you said firmly. “You spew nonsense. Leave me alone.” 

You attempted to push past him but he held you in place. “You must!”  

“I will do no such thing,” you stated, twisting free from his grip. “Eywa has put him into my care. Open your eyes, Le’kann. Jake is not the demon you make him out to be.” 

He exhaled impatiently. “My eyes are open, they see the truth. They see that there is more than care in your eyes as you gaze upon the intruder,” he accused and your eyes widened. “Tell me! What are your feelings?”

“My feelings are of no concern to you,” you said, regretting having ever looked upon the unsavory man before you with care. 

“Can you not see how he corrupts you? I knew this would happen,” he fumed, the beads on his braids mocking you as they swung with his intensity. “For your own good, cut this tie.”

“For my own good?” You scoffed. “Why is it that you suddenly care about me, Lek’ann?”

“It is not sudden, Yayotsyìp,” Lek’ann insisted, reaching a hand up to cup your cheek. “Do as I say.” 

“You are a thorn in my side,” you spat, pushing his hand away and his nostrils flared. He gripped your basket as you tried again to leave. Looking down into it lit his eyes with burning fury. 

“What is this? Is this for him?” He asked, ripping the basket from your hold and pulling out the half-finished armband. He almost laughed in deranged disbelief. “You are shameless! End this courtship at once!” 

“Courtship?” You sputtered, stunned as you grasped for the armband. “Lek’ann, give it back!”

“A Skyperson and Na’vi pairing is an abomination,” Lek’ann snarled, holding your things out of reach. “You have brought disgrace upon yourself. Eywa will surely turn her back on you, if she hasn’t already.”  

“Do not use Eywa for your personal gain!” Your voice shook and raised to a shout. “We are not courting, but I would easily choose a Skyperson like Jake over a despicable Na’vi like you!” 

He threw the basket to the ground and you gasped as its contents scattered. “Foolish, wanton woman! Are you so desperate for love that you would accept the affections of their kind?” 

“You are cruel and heartless!” You screamed, tears pricking your eyes as his words reopened wounds of heartbreak you thought long since healed. “How you deceived Olo’eyktan and Tsahik, I do not know!”   

Lek’ann seethed, watching as you stooped down to pick up the materials, desperately chasing the stones as they rolled in different directions. His leg swung back and you anticipated its trajectory, but even before you could snatch the basket to your chest, he faltered. 

You looked up to see Jake as he pushed through the crowd of onlookers that had gathered, drawn by the shouting. His eyes scanned the scene before locking on you. His expression darkened and Lek’ann drew back as Jake advanced with powerful steps. Though you were relieved to see him, your stomach dropped, sobbing as your hands shook, hastily hiding the rest of the basket’s contents inside of it.     

“Hey, you okay?” Jake asked urgently, crouching beside you. His brow furrowed with concern as tears poured down your cheeks. “You hurt?”

“I am not hurt…I will be okay,” you assured weakly, curling over your basket and squeezing it to your shuddering chest. 

“What happened?”

“He thinks we are courting and does not approve,” you explained softly. “Jake, it is best if we leave.”

Jake glanced up at Lek’ann and hesitated, before laying a hand on your shoulder. He shook his head, saying, “No. He’s done enough damage. You go, I’ll catch up." 

“Jake, please,” you begged, heart sinking lower. You grasped his hand as he straightened up, turning toward Lek’ann who lowered into a fighting stance, hissing unbecomingly. “Do not add fire to fire. He is not worth the trouble.” 

“But you are,” he said, looking at you from over his shoulder and squeezing your fingers. “Go.” The softness of his voice was underscored with a sternness you had never heard from Jake. You knew from the set of his shoulders that any effort to convince him otherwise would be in vain. “Someone’s gotta put him in his place.”

“Jake-,” you attempted and panic filled your hollow chest like a swarm of hellfire wasps as his hand slipped from yours. 

“I got this,” he reassured with a nod, turning fully to engage Lek’ann. “Hear me, Lek’ann,” he began and the hand that had held yours gestured back to you. “Leave this woman alone.” 

“Who are you to speak for her? Your kind holds no authority here,” Lek’ann spat, ears pressing back. “Demons who prey on the weak.” 

They spoke but you barely heard as arrows of dread pierced into you upon realizing that Lek’ann still held Jake’s armband. He crushed it within his fist and it felt like he crushed your heart in its place.

“I defend what’s mine,” Jake stated, taking a step forward. 

“And I, mine,” Lek’ann growled and you gasped as he tossed Jake’s armband on the floor beneath him. He drew his knife from its sheath that rested on the small of his back. “Y/n has turned her back against her people. You are the cause.”

Jake scoffed, “You really want to do this?”

“You Skypeople bring only pain and devastation,” Lek’ann accused.

Blood pounded into your ears as your eyes trailed after the armband by Lek’ann’s feet. You searched frantically for it as your view was interrupted by Jake and Lek’ann’s movements. It rolled under Lek’ann’s sidestep and a rush of violent desperation moved your legs forward to save it. 

But a hand slid onto your shoulder and another gripped your arm to stop you. Looking back you saw Serunga' who turned you away from the fight.

“What are you doing?” she asked in a loud whisper, eyes frantic. 

“You had your chance,” Jake’s voice came from behind you.

“The armband,” you cried, trying to shake out of her grasp.

“Leave it!” Serunga' urged and she pulled you with all her strength. Your feet stumbled as she pushed through the crowd of people. The room began to spin around you in a mess of limbs, shocked faces, Jake, Lek’ann, Serunga' and all of their voices combined into one cacophonous song.  

“I'm gonna show her how a real man treats his woman. She'll forget all about your sorry ass. Don't speak to her again," Jake said with finality but his words were overshadowed by Lek’ann’s shrill battle cry. You turned at the sound just as he lunged toward Jake. 

“Kehe! Jake!” you yelled over your shoulder as Serunga' ushered you up the spiral, watching as yells filled the air and other hunters attempted to intervene. 

“Come. Jakesully will be okay,” Serunga' assured, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and squeezing. “Trust that you have taught him well.” 

She led you to the next landing and sat you on the floor, plopping herself beside you. You knew her words were true, but your heart still raced with worry. Serunga' regarded you with her kind eyes and shifted to sit behind you, taking your hair into her hands. You shook with fresh tears as she began braiding. 

“Ma’ Y/n?” Serunga' gently inquired after a moment, brushing through a section of your hair with her fingers. She waited until you hummed in response to continue. “Did you hear what Jakesully said to Lek’ann just as we left?”

You shook your head in answer. “He had said many things. They both did.”  

Lek’ann’s words stung you deeply but the grief you felt over the loss of the armband you had been working so tirelessly on was immense, even if irrational. You wiped your eyes and began picking through the basket that sat in your lap with a frown, finding the river stone nestled among the other materials. You cradled it and smoothed a hand over it, praying that its giver was not hurt. 

“But there was one very important thing.” You heard the excitement in Serunga'’s voice and your brow furrowed. You twisted toward her and saw she was smiling coyly. 

“What was it?” you asked, unsure that there was anything to be excited about. 

“He called you his woman!” 

Your tired heart picked up in your chest and your eyes widened.

“You are surprised?” Serunga' giggled. “ We were all so certain you were already courting, even when you denied it. It was bound to happen, y/n. Though you may not speak of love with Jakesully, both of your actions overflow with it. He will surely ask you soon and you will no doubt say yes. Of this I am certain. Some will disapprove, of course, but I think he is quite handsome for a dreamwalker. I know you think this too.” 

Heat rushed to your face as she chattered away and resumed her work on your hair. His woman, Jake’s woman. Had he truly said that? How long had Jake felt this way? How long had you returned his feelings before confronting them today? Deep down you had known and you saw the signs that there was something more, something new and beautiful, and unlike anything you’d known. But were you ready for another courtship? Would it last? Would Jake really stay here for the rest of his life to be with you? Your mind reeled with questions and possibilities, your heart aching with the same longing from earlier for the future you might have with Jake. 

You and Serunga' were still sitting on the floor tying leather pieces into bundles and counting stones when Jake appeared. Your hands froze and your breath caught in your throat, scanning him for injury. Color was high in his cheeks and sweat glistened on his brow, but otherwise he looked perfectly fine. Relief flooded through you and you pushed off the ground. 

Jake smiled triumphantly when he spotted you coming toward him and you almost ran the rest of the way. You threw your arms around him and he caught you with a huff, squeezing you close. One of his hands moved up your back to cradle your head.  

“Thank you, Great Mother,” you breathed, closing your eyes and finding peace in the sound of his heart beating. 

“You don’t have to worry about Lek’ann anymore,” he spoke into your hair. 

“Do not say his name,” you requested. “You ruin the moment.” 

Jake’s laugh rumbled in his chest and he squeezed you impossibly closer, lifting you so your toes only brushed the ground.    

“Thank you, Jake,” you added softly.  

“Anytime.” 

All the worry and fear that had wound up so tightly within you melted away in the warmth of his embrace. He had held you before, but never like this. He was sturdy and strong like a fortress, enveloping you in the feeling of home, one that you would return to again and again. You were filled with gratitude that the blood that rushed through his veins remained unspilled. Jake’s breath tickled your ear when a thought suddenly crossed your mind. 

“Did you punch him?” you murmured curiously against his skin. 

“Yup,” he replied, resting his cheek on the top of your head. 

“Jake….” You tried to sound disappointed though you were secretly very pleased. You lifted your head and pulled back just slightly to see his face. Jake’s smile was unapologetic, eyes crinkling at the corners. 

“I only got one swing in before things got out of hand with everyone trying to stop us,” he said, looking a little disappointed. “Someone got Eytukan and it wrapped up pretty quickly after that.” 

Your brow shot up at the mention of the Olo'eyktan. “Then what happened?” 

“We got a good talking to,” Jake explained, lifting a shoulder in a half shrug. “Nothing I can’t handle. Eytukan let me go after some of the people there backed me up. They saw the whole thing and heard what Lek’ann said to you. He’s in a load of trouble.” 

You nodded solemnly, wondering what would become of Lek’ann. Such defensive behavior would not merit exile, but you knew deception would not be tolerated. Eytukan would finally see who Lek’ann was and finally put an end to his machinations. 

“And I think this is yours,” Jake added, bringing up a hand to reveal his armband. 

You gasped and took it from him, checking over the integrity of the interlaced leather until you were sure it had endured the rough handling. Overjoyed, you found there was minimal damage, nothing you couldn’t mend.  

“Is it still none of my business?” he asked, watching you intently as his hands shifted to rest at the curve of your waist. 

“It was supposed to be a surprise,” you lamented, holding the accessory against your chest. 

“Then I never saw it,” Jake declared with a nod and you beamed up at him.  

He smiled back at you with so much affection in his gaze that you could have cried. You felt a sureness in your heart, as it exploded with gratitude and love, that Jake would always be there for you. To fight for you, to comfort you, to hold you, and not just as a pupil nor just a friend. All of your questions and doubts were allayed by the look in his golden eyes. He would stand beside you for all your days if you would have him. And you would.  

“Jake,” you said, a bit shyly, eyes dipping away before lifting up again. You shifted your hands from your chest to rest on his. “Now would be a good time to ask to court me.” 

“Ask? Baby, I thought I was this whole time.”

You should have known something was wrong when it was quiet.

Not forest quiet. Kid quiet.

Which was worse.

You were sitting near the waterline, legs crossed, working small shells into a woven string, when Tuk appeared in front of you with the kind of smile that only meant trouble.

“Hi!” she chirped.

You didn’t look up. “That tone means a plan.”

“Nooo,” she said, swaying side to side.

Behind her, Lo’ak very obviously dove behind a rock. Neteyam turned his back like he was studying the horizon. Kiri sat nearby, pretending to braid a cord while watching everything.

You sighed. “What are you four plotting?”

“Nothing,” Neteyam said.

“Definitely nothing,” Lo’ak added.

Tuk leaned in and whispered loudly, “It’s about you.”

You closed your eyes. “Eywa, give me strength.”

Jake showed up five minutes later.

Alone. Slightly out of breath. Still in gear.

“Hey,” he said. “Uh… the kids said you needed help with something?”

You blinked. “I did not.” He stared at you. You stared at him.

Both of you slowly turned your heads.

Four Sully kids, badly hidden, staring like this was the most important event in Na’vi history.

Lo’ak gave a thumbs up. Kiri shoved his arm down.

Jake groaned. “They set us up.”

“Yes,” you said calmly. “Like prey.” Neither of you left. That was the problem.

This had been building.

Training together. Talking late. Arguing about patrol routes and laughing five minutes later. The way Jake’s voice softened around you. The way you found yourself looking for him without meaning to.

The kids had noticed long before either of you said anything.

Which meant you were doomed.

Dinner was worse.

You arrived and found one open space by the fire. Next to Jake. Of course.

You sat. He sat straighter than usual. Lo’ak elbowed Neteyam. Tuk was vibrating with excitement. Kiri watched with knowing eyes.

Jake leaned toward you slightly. “If they stare any harder, I’m calling a tactical retreat.”

“You’re Toruk Makto,” you murmured. “Be brave.”

“I’d rather fight a Thanator.”

Halfway through the meal, Lo’ak cleared his throat dramatically. “Dad.”

Jake didn’t look at him. “No.” “We were just wondering—” “No.” “—if you and Y/N—” “Lo’ak.” “—are ever gonna stop pretending—”

Jake finally looked up. “Finish that sentence and you’re on latrine duty for a month.”

You were trying not to laugh.

Then Tuk piped up sweetly, “But she already acts like family.” Silence. Jake froze. You did too.

Neteyam whispered, “That was not subtle.”

Kiri whispered back, “She doesn’t know the word.”

Jake stood abruptly. “Walk with me.”

You followed him down the shore, waves quiet, air cool. For a while, he just walked, hands on his hips, staring at the sand.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “They don’t know how to stay out of things.”

“I don’t mind,” you admitted softly. He stopped walking.

“That’s the thing,” he said, voice lower now. “I do. I don’t want you dragged into something unless you want it.”

Your heart sped up. “Jake—”

“I care about you,” he said, words careful but firm. “Not because the kids think it’s cute. Not because it’s convenient. Because when things go bad, you’re the one I look for. And when things go good, you’re the one I want to tell.”

Your breath caught.

“I don’t want to assume,” he added. “So I’m asking.”

You stepped closer. “Yes.”

The relief on his face was immediate, warm, real. He rested his forehead gently against yours.

Behind you. A loud gasp.

Then whisper-shouting.

“They did it!” “I told you!” “Pay up!”

Jake didn’t even turn around. He just sighed and raised his voice slightly.

“Go home.” Four groans.

You smirked. “Olo’eyktan voice.”

He huffed a laugh. “Yeah, yeah.”

You tilted your head at him playfully. “You know they’re never letting you live this down.”

Jake looked at you, eyes soft, teasing creeping in.

“Guess that means I’m taking orders from you now.”

You raised a brow. “Oh?”

He gave you a mock-serious nod. “Yes, ma’am.”

You burst out laughing, and he joined in, shoulders finally relaxed, like something had clicked into place.

From behind the stones: “HE SAID MA’AM!” Jake buried his face in his hand. You just smiled.

The look he gave you made your cheeks flush purple, ears tipping back in shyness as you quickly averted your gaze— but Jake wouldn't have that. His own eyes followed yours, trying to hold your gaze, “C’mon baby... Don't gotta hide” He murmured softly, his hand reaching up to gently cup your jaw, guiding you back to him. It always makes your heart skip a beat, the way he loves your eyes on him.

You puff out a breath, fighting back the natural urge to smile all wide and sweet for him, especially when his pupils dialated, expanding and focused straight on you. Looking at you as if you hung the stars, as if you were the most precious thing Pandora had to offer. “Back” You say playfully, one hand wrapping around his wrist while the other presses against his chest, “I know that look” You scolded gently, nose crinkling just a little.

Jake groaned through his teeth, head falling back as his shoulders hunched. “I know, I know—” He sighed, head lolling slightly as he finally looked back at you, watching the way you gathered more paste to apply to his wounds. “You have to court me properly—” You say, the words rolling off your lips with ease, having repeated these lines to him many times.

“And I must appease your father—” He finished the sentence for you, a hint of reluctance dripping from his tone as he looked away. “I would appreciate it if you tried, yes” You smiled warmly, your hand gently running up the side of his neck, feeling the way his pulse jumped under your touch.

“He doesn't approve of me—” Jake sighed heavily, head tipping back as he looked up at the blue sky. Your father is a well respected warrior in the clan and your mother was a weaver, was being the key word. It has been years since your mother passed, something you told him a while ago, how she had died in a thanator attack all that time ago.

You had mentioned how after that incident, your dad grew more protective of you. How he never lets you go on hunts alone, how no man or woman would be deemed a suitable mate for you in his eyes. However— Jake had a nagging suspicion that he was more disliked than any of your other potential suitors, “I wouldn't say that he doesn't approve” You finally replied, hand gently cupping his cheek with a warm smile.

“But he is... traditional, since you are courting me, he needs to make sure you can provide” You explained softly, as you had a dozen times before. While half of what you said was true— the other half was just a ploy to ease away the tension between his brows. You knew your father well, he didn't approve of Jake because he wasn't really Na'vi. Truthfully, you fear that maybe your father will never accept it, but your heart beats in sync with Jake's, and with your father's permission or not, it was Jake that you wanted.

“I know” Jake sighed, his hands coming out to gently tangle in your own. His head dipped down, forehead gently pressing against yours, “I’ll get him to like me” He murmured, “Everyone likes me anyways—” He grinned, his tone light and teasing as you laughed, smacking his chest with an affectionate smile. Jake caught your wrist, pulling you in to hug you properly, hearts beating together.

It felt right.

“Tomorrow is another hunt” You whispered softly against his ear, arms wrapping around him, “Join them, show my father you are worthy” Jake nodded slowly as he let your words sink in, his hand splayed out over your lower back as he basked in this moment with you.

“Yeah— I'll do just that.”

<-->

Oh he was so royally fucked.

Jake went with your father for the hunt, his heart beating erratically in his chest, blood rushing in his ears. He doesn't remember the last time he felt this nervous, maybe it was back when he waited for news on his condition, or perhaps it was when he got into the sleep chamber for the first time. Though none of that compared to standing beside your father.

One of the most respected warriors in the clan.

He shouldn't have felt this nervous— he's met other people's parents before, what makes this so different?

Well... Maybe it was the way your father was practically staring him down from his pa’li, not even trying to hide the disapproving frown on his face. “Pick up the pace, you are slow” Your father grunted out, his wrinkled more prominent in the way he frowned as the pa’li trotted onwards, almost as if sharing his disapproval.

“Sir, I—”

“Silence”.

Jake's mouth snapped shut, his brow twitching in irritation that slowly began to bubble up. So he took a deep breath, forcing it through his clenched teeth as he grabbed his bow. He needed to find a way to make conversation, but it was damn difficult when the man wouldn't even entertain a simple question.

Jake's ears tipped back, folding down as his tail nearly curled around him. Unbeknownst to him, your father had picked up on the change in Jake's demeanor, his green eyes glimmering as he watched the younger man with interest. The sun continued to beat down upon them as they tracked through the forest, their pa’li trotting along the worn trail.

Time ticked by and Jake grew increasingly impatient, something needed to happen, and it needed to happen now. Galloping ahead, he halted the pa’li in front of your father's, stopping him in his tracks. Your father's eyes widened briefly, but he couldn't get a word out before Jake did, “Listen—” Jake sighed, trying to think this through.

“I love [Y/n]” Jake stated it with conviction, head held high as he maintained eye contact. “I am courting them— and while I know I can with or without your permission, I'd still be honored to have it” Jake continued on, swallowing thickly as he tried to think of any other words that might sound remotely respectful.

“You are important to them, as they are to you— so I'd appreciate it if we can get along, because [Y/n] is my world” Jake said it all in one breath, his lungs burning by the end of his declaration. His nerves only spiked as your father slowly raised a brow at him, his gaze shifting briefly before surprisingly— “I see you've finally gathered your courage” Your father stated.

Jake blinked slowly, slightly surprised. “I do not like you” Your father said bluntly, his pa’li shifting slightly, and while Jake already knew that, the comment still stung just a little, “But my dear child adores you...” Your father hummed, lips slowly curling into a faint smile, “So... I suppose I can tolerate you. For now.”

Jake's lips parted, but any words he had were gone. His mind had blanked out, not expecting such a reaction from the man he could've sworn hated him. “Come now— don't let me think you're incompetent also” Your father smirked, urging the pa’li to continue onwards.

Jake and his pa’li stood still for a moment before he let out a breathless chuckle, “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Why not?” You challenged, and you hated the way your voice trembled. Hated that he could hear it.

You resisted the urge to step back. It would be pointless. All you would do was hit the cold metal wall behind you and prove how easy it was to make you fold. He didn’t stop.

His tail flicked once, agitated, the tip snapping in the air. He kept walking like he planned to walk right through you, and you lasted exactly two seconds before you folded. Your heel slid back. Then again.

Your spine and tail met the wall with a soft thump.

He was so close now you could feel the heat of him. His breath rushed over you. Your heart raced; traitorous and confused. Fear and longing tangled together until you couldn’t parse the two.

Jake’s hand slammed against the wall beside your head.

The metallic thud shot through your bones and you froze.

“Because I know what you did,” He snapped.

That was all it took.

Your stomach dropped so fast it made your head spin. The air left your lungs and refused to come back. For a moment you couldn’t even speak, because the past you had tried so hard to bury was suddenly here. Between you. Breathing.

“Please,” You begged, the word breaking apart as it left you. “I can fix this. We can figure a way out and—”

“Are you listening to yourself?” Jake snarled. Teeth showing.

You went still. Completely still. Ears dipped down. Instinct told you not to move, not to push, not to give his anger anywhere else to land.

“There’s no fixing this,” He continued, voice rough. “There’s no we in this. There is no more us.”

The words hit harder than the wall had.

You licked your lips, trying to slow your breathing, but a small whimper escaped anyway. You couldn’t stop it.

“I didn’t know they’d do that.”

His expression twisted. Pain cutting through the anger. He pushed off the wall abruptly, like touching it burned him, and turned away from you. He walked to the other side of the cell, putting as much distance between you as the cramped space allowed.

It hurt more than if he’d shouted again.

“I swear!” You'd said, louder, desperation clawing up your throat. “I was thinking about us. About the clan. About everyone we care about. I thought… I thought if I gave them what they wanted, they’d leave you alone. I didn’t know they would use it to track the camps. I didn’t know people would—”

You choked.

Faces flashed behind your eyes. Smoke. Screams. The realization that your secret had become a weapon.

Your words died when he turned back. The anger was gone and that was somehow worse.

A broken man stood in front of you, shoulders heavy, eyes no longer sparkling under the harsh light. And you had no way to console him because you were the reason he looked like that.

“I would do anything for this family,” He croaked. “But I would never do that. I would never gamble lives like that.”

Guilt tore through you. Hot. Suffocating.

“What you did was unforgivable,” He said quietly. “There’s no coming back from that.”

Your knees gave out.

You slid down the wall until you were curled on the floor, legs pulled tight to your chest, arms wrapped around yourself like you could hold your insides together. The metal was cold through your skin. You barely felt it.

Nothing you said would fix this.

Nothing would bring back the lives lost because of a choice you made years ago, before you knew him. Before you knew what love really meant.

You loved him.

And you were starting to understand he might never love you back after this.

The cell went quiet after that.

Jake sat on one of the cots, head in his hands. His braid hung forward over his shoulder. You stayed where you were, as far away as possible, even though every part of you ached to crawl into his lap and hold him. To let him hold you.

You wouldn’t survive it if he pushed you away.

Lights out came for you both eventually. The overhead glow dimmed to a dull blue. You waited until his breathing evened out, until his shoulders stopped moving so much, before you forced your stiff legs to uncurl.

Every step toward your own cot felt like too much effort. You buried your face in the pillow, trying to stifle the sob that escaped. Your chest hurt. Your throat hurt. Everything hurt.

Then you felt him.

Arms around you were warm and solid. Familiar.

“I’m sorry, baby,” He murmured against your neck. “I’m so sorry I put that on you. I’m sorry I didn’t protect you.”

Relief flooded you so fast you almost gasped. You leaned into him, clutching his arm, afraid he might disappear.

The lights flickered back on. Bright and unforgiving. You opened your eyes and found yourself alone in your cot.

Turning over you saw Jake in his own bed. His back to you, unmoving. You sat up slowly and rubbed over your face. Your fingers came away damp. Old war paint stained your hand. The colors lost to time.

His ear twitched. Just once. Otherwise he didn’t move.

You didn’t know what was going to happen next. If there was even the smallest chance to fix this, you were going to have to do it.

Something impossible. Something crazy and reckless.

While your sleep might be peaceful, Jake's is anything but. He's stuck in a war raging behind his eyes. His dreams have brought him back to one of the worst days of his life, he's in the heat battle, riding atop toruk. He can't hear the calming sound of the waves crashing against the shore, he can't hear the air bursting from your exo-pack with every breath you take. All he can hear is the gunfire, the crashing of the RDA aircraft as it slams into the mountains, the screeching of ikran as they are shout down, but the sound that sends terror straight to his heart is Neytiri's scream.

He can see it all unfolding in slow motion. Neytiri reels back from the force of the bullet entering her chest, only milimeters away from where Varang's hit her a few weeks ago. Jake's eyes widen in horror, his heart stopping and shattering, as he sees Neytiri let go of Sa'ata and fall into the water below.

"NOOO!!" Jake lets out an agonizing yell. There's nothing he can do. He can't leave to recover Neytiri's body. He has to stay and fight.

You're woken up from the shout that Jake makes in his sleep. You sit straight up and look over at him at your side. He's sweating, shaking, tears are streaming down his face as he whispers 'Tiri'.

He's dreaming about her again, it happens every so often, even after years passed, when his subconscious can't keep the trauma at bay. You'd been Jake's friend ever since he entered the Avatar Program to take over Tommy's work. You helped behind the scenes, helping the drivers maintain their links like Max, you also helped Jake learn about the Na'vi culture when Norm was frustrated with him. You were there for it all. The birth of every child, to test Kiri after her seizure underwater, to comfort the family after Neteyam's death, you were there for the reveal of Kiri's parentage, you were there when mycilium was creating symbiosis in Spider's body. And you were there for the Sully's in their time of need when Neytiri had died.

Somewhere between helping out around the marui where needed and consoling Jake and the kids the lines begin to blur and the two of you fell in love. Which is why it hurts you to see him this way. You bring your hand up to cup whatever you can of his cheek, to offer a comforting touch, but all it does is make him flinch. It makes your heart hurt to see him in such pain in a state where he should be able to escape it. Tears well up in your waterline as you turn your body to sit on your knees so you can take ahold of his arm.

"Jake," you whisper softly, begining to gently shake him. "Jake, c'mon baby, wake up. Wake u-"

Suddenly, Jake's eyes snap open, and when they shift to you he raises his giant hand to shove you out of the hammock. Your back hits the floor knocking the air from your lungs and quicker than lightning Jake is on top of you, trapping you between his legs.

When your gaze reaches his, fear washes over your body like ice cold water hitting your skin. His brow is furrowed, his mouth is drawn tight, and his ears are pinned so close to his skull. His eyes are filled with hatred. It's like he's not even seeing you, like the Jake you know has completely disapeared and has been replaced with someone else. You go to say his name again, hoping you can snap him out of it but before it can leave your lips his hand grips your neck and begin to squeeze.

"This is for my wife," Jake growls, baring his fangs. Jake isn't in the room with you he's still years in the past. All he can see is the fire on the water from the chemicals the wrecked ships have produced, he sees the person he has in his grasp, the face hidden behind the glare on their exo-pack mask.

Your tears are freely flowing now, your chest burns with lack of oxygen, and you struggle to get any words past your constricted throat. They felt like broken glass coming up. "Jake please-," your plea comes out croaked and it's cut off as his hand cinches tighter.

"Shut. Up." Jake seethes. You can't tell if it's the sound of his tail thumping against the floor or if it's your heartbeat in your ears. Your fingers find his hand and you try your best to claw at them, hoping to to pry it from your neck. You're scared, you're in excruciating pain, but you're trying with everything in you to free yourself. You bring your legs up and start kneeing and kicking into his sternum with whatever strength your body has left in it.

Wherever Jake is, whoever he's with, they must be fighting back just like you because his free hand shoots to your ankles and wrenches your legs down. It causes your hips to crack from the force and a scream to rip itself from your vocal cords.

Jakes hands leave your body immediately, like they came in contact with a flame. Jake reels back from your form and your exo-pack releases the loudest hiss as you gulp down the oxygen it provides and you're full-on sobbing. His pupils are the size of pin pricks as he takes in the sight of your body being wracked with emotion and he feels sick to his stomach. He can feel the bile rising as he realizes what he's done.

"Baby...," Jake starts to soothe, slowly reaching out to touch you.

"No!" You stagger back in panic, "Don't touch me!" Your mask has fogged with how hard you've been crying. Jake moves his arm back as quickly as before and with the space that's been granted, you slowly get up, sucking air between your teeth as the pain that darts to your pelvis. Jake flinches at that.

"Where're you going?" He finds himself asking as you limp to the door of the marui. You look back to answer and the sight that greets you breaks you a little more. Jake is sitting on his knees, his hands and arms frozen on his thighs, his dreads are framing his face, and his cheeks are stained with tears as well.

"I'm finding somewhere else to sleep tonight," our words are like a neurotoxin dipped arrow. Just like that you disappear from his sight. He's left there in the silence that his actions have wrought.

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@zzma-rs

Wainfleet’s eyes eventually land on me, eyes widening in recognition. His mouth transforms into a sickening smile. 

“Mrs. Sully, nice party trick. But your little forest friends won’t save you or your paramour.” His tone is antagonistic and demeaning. I just want to rip that smug look off of his face. 

Hissing in response “I’m going to be the last thing you see before I scalp your ugly bald head!”

He snarls, but before he can lift his gun to aim, the arrow that lies waiting in my bow releases. Striking the glass panel of the AMP suit, cracking the glass. The precious oxygen starts to escape from his suit. In a moment of panic, he rushes to put on his mask. His panicked movement causes the glass screen to eject, leaving him vulnerable. Unfortunately, his gun fires, spraying bullets everywhere. I manage to dodge most of them, twisting and turning my lithe body. In spite of this, two bullets graze along my left thigh and right bicep. 

A sharp sting erupts from where I was hit, warm blood trails down my legs and arms. Adrenaline courses through my veins as I make a mad dash out of the gun's range. I draw back my bow again, breathing in very strong and aiming true. The arrow makes a loud THUNK as it sinks into Wainfleets chest. His breath staggers as the AMP suit falls to its metal knees in a loud clang.

I approach his amp suit carefully. His hands are grasping the arrow, trying to pull it out. The burning pain of my injuries start to increase, but I don’t let myself falter. This must be done. His eyes, full of fear, gaze up into mine, full of fury. I unsheathe the dagger carefully from its home on my chest. 

I lean my head close, my mouth next to his ear. “Goodnight, Wainfleet”, I spit out. The dagger slices across his throat, rivulets of thick blood pours down his neck. He gargles for a moment then stops. His eyes go cloudy, and his jaw slackens. I jump out of the way when the AMP suit collapses into a heap on the grass. A loud breath escapes me as the pain starts to become unbearable, the adrenaline now wearing off. 

Fuck! Fuck! FUCK! 

Jake is going to reem my ass if he finds out I’ve been hurt. He only let me leave the Tree of Souls because I promised I'd be away from the action. Doing recon from afar. Fuck, he’s going to be so mad. I lied and got hurt. I can’t let him know. 

Anger flares in my chest at the thought. I don’t know why he can’t trust me! I am strong and capable. He looks at me like I’m fragile, that I’ll just break if anything touches me! I'm sick of it. I am strong in this form. A skilled warrior, I have been taught by Tsu’tey. The Olo'eyktan! 

“Whirlwind, Whirlwind do you read?” Jake's voice cuts through from my ear piece, causing my ear to twitch.

Shit, speak of the devil. I press my fingers to the comms on my neck. “Yes Jake, I’m here” I say breathlessly, trying not to moan from the stinging emanating from my wounds. I turn the comms off momentarily to hiss in pain. I even out my breathing, “I’m here” I say, voice strong.

“What’s going on?” He replies roughly, concern lacing his voice. 

“The forest animals are fighting back, Eywa has heard you my Jake. Most of the RDA ground teams are down” I reply, my voice giving nothing away. 

“Okay, fall back. Go to the Tree of Souls. I have to deal with Quaritch's plane” He responds, none the wiser. 

“I can help, I’m on m–” 

“No, fall back. That’s an order” he barks as he cuts me off. 

“But–” 

“Don’t make me repeat myself!” he yells as he cuts me off, again.

I hiss in anger, “Copy that, Whirlwind over and out” my voice is laced in venom as I reply.

“Baby, don’t be like that please” He begs, voice coarse. I don’t respond, far too angry to deal with him right now. He doesn’t try again. Probably annoyed or in the middle of a battle. 

My attention is drawn to the present when the pain becomes too much to ignore. I look down, blood coats my left leg and right arm. Shit, I need to stop the bleeding before I become too weak. 

I look around at my surroundings. I find a Yalna tree nearby, I remember Mo’at mentioning the bark stops bleeding. Shuffling my way slowly over to the tree, I use my dagger to cut at the bark. Taking only what I need. I use a long thin leaf to keep the bark on my wounds, wrapping it around my thigh and arm. Hoping it will stem the bleeding soon. 

I call for my Ikran, Tempest, a series of yips and clicks escape my mouth. She descends from the forest canopy and lands next to me. Roaring and growling as she does. “Tam tam Tempest, mawey” I whisper lovingly. “Take me to the sky” I made tsaheylu and hopped onto the saddle. 

We lift off, together as one. Our hearts are beating strongly. We both soar through the sky, heading back to the Tree of Souls.

---------------

After the battle was won, the remaining Omatikaya gathered at the Tree of Souls. Songs and dances of victory surround me as I weave my way through the crowd. As well as the wails of families who had lost their own. It’s hard to feel vindicated, not when so much death surrounds us all. 

I find bits of coloured fabric, wrapping one around my waist, like a sarong, to cover the wound on my thigh. Doing the same around my shoulder to conceal the injury there. I do my best not to limp, but every time I take a step – it feels like liquid fire emanating from my thigh. 

I find Jake amongst the crowd, Neytiri next to him. I walk as nonchalantly as I can towards them. His eyes are searching the crowd, looking for something. As soon as they land on me a smile graces his face. He’s so handsome when he smiles. A small blush rosies my cheeks at the thought.  

He rushes over to me, wrapping me in his strong arms and squeezing tightly. I can’t help the whine of pain that leaves my throat. Shit. He unwraps his arms around me, his hands resting on my shoulders. Eyes scanning me up and down, looking for anything amiss. 

“What was that? Are you hurt?” He voices in concern.

“N-no I’m not, you just squeezed me too tight.” I started to sweat, I was never good at lying. Jake always manages to see through me. His eyes squint as he looks at me unconvinced. His ears pinned back and tail lashing. 

“Why are you wearing this?” his hands fists the fabric around my shoulders. 

“Hey! Let go, I was cold” I bark back. In fact, the weather was so warm, it was impossible to feel cold. The sheer amount of dancing bodies made sure of that. He carefully takes off the fabric around my shoulder. I don’t bother stopping him, unable to maintain the charade. 

My ears flatten against my head as I look down, too afraid to meet his eyes. “Baby, how did this happen? You were supposed to stay away from the action” His eyes are filled with worry, but his tone is hinted with annoyance. 

I sigh, shoulders raising and deflating at the action. There is no point in lying anymore. 

“I didn’t do recon, I can’t just sit back and watch. You should know this! I am more useful involved in the fight than out of it!” My voice started to raise, earning attention from the surrounding people. Including Neytiri. She starts to head over to where Jake and I are.

“I am a strong warrior, I have passed my Iknimaya and Uniltaron. I killed many RDA soldiers, including Wainfleet.” My hands are shaking at this point. Unsure if it's from rage or blood loss. Neytiri places a hand on my shoulder. “Mawey, breathe”. I follow her instructions and take a deep breath in, and exhale out slowly. Jake's brows are furrowed, unsure if he should be angry, sad or proud. 

“Jake, she is right. She has a strong heart and an even stronger will. You must trust her” 

I look at him expectantly, waiting for him to say something. His eyes are darting between Neytiri and I, unsure how to proceed. He sighs deeply. 

“I’m just…” He starts, finding it hard to express how he feels. Jake has always struggled with this. Opening up is rare.

“I am so scared of losing you… You mean the world to me. If something were to happen and I wasn't there–” He stops, voice cracking towards the end. He looks down, ears flattening against his head, and his tail wraps itself around his calf. As if trying to soothe himself.

“My Jake, I don’t die that easily. You have to believe in me, as I believe in you.” I lift his head up by his chin and look into his eyes. I show him a small smile. “Oel ngati kameie Jake” I whisper softly. I place my forehead against his, wanting to comfort him, and myself. 

He breathes out slowly, our breaths intertwining. “Oel ngati kameie, I love you sweetheart”. He leans in and places his lips gently on mine. I smile into the kiss and place my good arm on his shoulder. 

Neytiri steps back, allowing us the space to reconcile. A smile on her face, happy that her students have reunited.   

I lean back, and look into his golden eyes. “Now, take me to Mo’at.” 

“Yes Ma’am” he says, winking in response. 

I roll my eyes, “C’mon big boy, lets go.”

@uzmacchiato

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it... As I said, this is my first ever fan fiction that I have written, and also published online. I want to thank @junebugonjupiter again for all their help. As well as @pinkpeonyabyss for responding to my ask with helpful tips for writing.

Lots of love,

darkblue