#teylan x reader

I also forgot to post this whoopsie, art for a fic I requested from @vitzi9 !!! AKA the GOAT of Teylan fics I would dedicate everything to them if I could

♡⸝⸝ content warnings: cute teylan, touchy affection, nosebleed, suggestive

♡⸝⸝ word count: 2.2k

art credit: @cakedwithdesire

You didn’t expect to find anyone in the small workroom, let alone him. The place is usually empty at this hour, quiet enough that you thought you’d slip in unnoticed, grab the small tool you left behind earlier, and slip out. Easy. Fast. Entirely uneventful.

Instead, you open the door and walk directly into the most unfair scene imaginable.

Teylan is on the floor, sitting cross-legged with his tools spread neatly around him, a half-disassembled device resting in his lap. He’s hunched forward a little, squinting at something delicate and complicated, lips purse-twitching with focus. A familiar sight—he tinkers whenever he gets restless—but today there is one detail that makes your brain detonate on impact:

His shirt is off.

Completely off.

Human!reader, a very important part of the resistance, age not yet confirmed, missions always completed, cool headed, ready to bite back when necessary and a kuruless ikran.

Your plan was to grant it mercy and send the bird back to Eywa, after all it was kuruless, a now wild animal even to its creator with no purpose other than to inflict pain, simple as that, but as soon as you took a weapon out a fucking brench fell on it, repeatedly.

You took it as a sign to not kill it. From it's features it was obviously a newborn ikran, with a sigh you walk away, but it follows.

And keeps on following.

The whole damn day.

Your eye start twitching, that bird was making everything more difficult.

Though, reluctantly, you must admit it was rather adorable and with a striking decision you take it in.

Luckily you had your own house, very small further away from the HC and hidden by the nature.

You took the ikran there, so one would question its appearance.

Every day you fed it, took it on walks like a dog on earth, tried to teach it tricks.. (as hard as it sounds)

Within months it grew, but it was so hella clingy, like a puppy.

It was funny, really, a human and a kuruless creature from Eywa slowly create a bond stronger than pain.

When the na'vi and resistance found out.. well.. questions everywhere, suspicion, fear spiked, but you didn't care.

I’d like to request a Teylan x Gn! Navi reader if possible, where Teylan introduces you to everyone else at the base for the first time and they’re just like “wait Teylan gets bitches??? 😭” and are even more surprised at how smitten they are for each other

You're Teylan's Mate To Be? - ONESHOT

words: 1.4k

notes: Gn!Na'vi reader, fluff and more fluff!! generally more 'chill' and 'confident' reader, (does not replace Tamtey) summary: Teylan, your future mate, introduces you to everyone at the base and things don't go the way you suspected!

thank you so much for the request!! I hope its to your liking it was so fun writing for him :"D he's so cute

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You and Teylan met at the Great Na'vi Games that the Zeswa held. It was there that you saw the curious young na'vi interacting with Kin. It amused you endlessly to see how he interacted with the others at the camp, how he interacted with Zakru. You even heard that it was here that he rode a pa'li for the first time. He was charming, seeing Pandora's wonders for the first time so purely. You met around the fire one night. He was sitting on a log, holding some sort of sky people 'technology' as they called it. Interested, you sat down next to him, holding some meat skewers from the hunt you had partaken in earlier in the day. He awkwardly fidgeted with something on his strange vest- must have been some sky person attire. "You must be Sarentu." you said to him with a smile, offering him a skewer. "Oh! Um- yes! I am! Wow, did this come from the hunt earlier? Thank you!" He gratefully accepted the skewer and started eating with you. You both ate in silence for a while, comfortably. He looked like like he wanted to tell you something, so you scooted closer and looked over his shoulder. "What is this... gadget you have? Why do you use it?" "Oh!" Teylan blinked, stunned. You had grown to realize that that was not common- but he swallowed with a grin "You're interested in what's on my tablet?" "Yes, I suppose I am." something about this strange Sarentu made your mouth curve into a smile. "Well- actually- right now I'm looking at the data of the comms of the RDA, so we can track them! And make sure they don't come back again-" Teylan went on and on. You barely followed while he spoke his sky people words, but you listened anyway. It was nice to listen, and you found it cute how invested he was in this, 'tablet' he called it. ⚬────────────────────✧─────────────────────⚬

The two of you grew closer through the games and even closer through the months you were apart. Since the games had ended, Teylan had given you comms and a holotablet to communicate. Teylan was worried that you wouldn't like to speak to him anymore, that you'd forget about him, or that you wouldn't like using sky people technology to talk to him. But you didn't feel any of those things. For the first month or so you two spent hours each day speaking to each other. Now, you had learned to enjoy the 'silence' with one another. You felt calm in each others presence, but you didn't lose the spark. You learned new things about one another every day, you both talked of your pasts, and you accepted each other wholly. The others had noticed Teylan being off on his own more, and they were somewhat worried about him at first- but soon enough they had realized, he seemed genuinely happier. Tamtey in particular was so intrigued by Teylan's strange happy moods, poking at him lovingly to tell them what was going on. It wasn't like he was usually sad- he was happy with the Sarentu family they had built, but he seemed so different, in a good way. "What has you smiling Teylan?" "Oh- Just some data!" he'd lie. It worked though. So'lek found him out on his one day, outside the base and speaking on a private comms line. He didn't overhear anything really- but he saw the look on Teylan's face, how content he seemed, and understood what must have been going on. ⚬────────────────────✧─────────────────────⚬

The Sarentu family, minus Teylan-- had naturally gathered to talk in the cave of their clouded forest base. Just as Ri'nela was about to ask where Teylan had gone, the group turned to see him, and you, walking from the cave entrance. None of the other Sarentu had ever met you before- not to mention anyone at the resistence. Tamtey squinted at you with a hand to their chin, perhaps they had seen you before and were trying to figure you out. Upon seeing their reactions, you turned to Teylan giving him a teasing smile, and whispered "You didn't tell them yet, did you?" "Well- I- uh.. I wanted to tell them today! But then you said you were arriving early and-" "Don't worry about it Ma' Teylan." You whispered back, a hand gently pressing against his elbow, guiding him towards the others. Teylan's cheeks burned bright purple. You met the Sarentu, the family Teylan gushed about so often. They looked confused, all but So'lek, who sported a small smile of recognition. Ri'nela smiled gently, "Welcome back Teylan, and who might this be?" she took her hand to her forehead in gesturing to the arrival of both Na'vi, her brother and this new friend. You did the same. "I forgot to tell any of you- uh.. I was going to say it today- but this is y/n! I am courting them!" Teylan kept clarifying, saying "well, we are courting each other-" but it felt like time stopped. Both Tamtey and Ri'nela's mouths dropped, their eyes blinking. Even Priya had heard it and practically fallen over from the shock. So'lek was the first to speak, replying straightforwardly, "It is nice to meet you, I am glad for you Teylan, truly." He clapped him on the back, and you couldn't help but chuckle. Ri'nela and Tamtey's mouths kept open, as other members of the resistance who had heard the news came over to say congratulations. "You're Teylan's mate to be?" Tamtey's mouth somehow opened wider, and you felt a flush over your cheeks. It felt so strange to hear it come from another person. "Yes.. I am." You took a hand around Teylan's waist and he placed his hand on yours, slightly shy, but plain in his affection. Without missing a beat, you turned your head and pressed a kiss onto his cheek. Teylan let out a small 'eek' and smiled widely. "Hey!" Tamtey was still blinking it disbelief, and Ri'nelas eyes winded slightly too. She could never have guessed this--you-- were what was putting Teylan in such a good mood in the past months. She shook it off with a smile "I am glad for you too, Teylan."

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You had resolved to stay for a while with Teylan. You had flown quite a long way by your Ikran anyway, and it would take at least a day or two for them to recuperate. Teylan opted to show you around, always lingering near you as he showed you all his interesting tech. He surprised you when you were bent over looking at some sort of table with 'holo-images', his tail wrapped around your leg and he bent over with you, his face close to yours. It sent a small shiver through your body. He whispered to you, "Um- Can I- Can I kiss you?" He looked nervous but resolved, to show his affection for the person he had spent so long with over comms. He always wondered what it would truly be like to hug you, kiss you, to be with you. You flushed, surprised by his initiative, but nodded, "of course." the two of you shared a gentle kiss, your hand reaching up to cup his face. You heard him let out a small joyful giggle as you did so, and you felt your tail lash in excitement. "So cute." you smiled, as you pulled away. Upon looking up, you realized half the resistance was staring at the two of you. You felt yourself sweat, blinking up at the many eyes that quickly turned away. Teylan didn't seem to notice, so you took that as a sign to keep touring the base with him, and listening to his passionate ramblings. ⚬────────────────────✧─────────────────────⚬

Teylan x Zeswa!Gn!Reader This is Part 1. Read Part 2 Here. Part 3 Here.

Masterlist if you want to read my others things.

Summary: Teylan wanted to pet a Zakru but fell in love instead.

TW/CW: idiots in love, fluff, smut, inexperienced x inexperienced, submissive Teylan, dry humping, reader has a vagina, p in v, my smut is so bad you might cry

I really like Avatar but I think I suck ass at writing. It's like there's no chemistry at all ??? I hope it's in my head.

Not proofread because I've been writing this shit for days and am genuinely losing it. If it is OOC, tell me and I'll send you my address so you can personally come kill me.

It was over 20k words so I had to divide it.

18/01/2026(11K words)

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Teylan was afraid he would never be able to fully adjust to life on Pandora.

Aranahae flew through the sky like stars falling from the clouds, Zeswas lived within the plains, following Zakru’s rhythm and wind’s flow. Kame’tire grew like mighty trees on the fertile ground and Teylan was still afraid of his own shadow. Mercer had spent years carving into his head how Pandora was dangerous, vicious and would perpetually try to harm him so much so that this land remained foreign to him : alien-like. It proved to be extremely difficult for Teylan to get rid of that mentality, despite Ri’nela, So’lek and Tamtey’s help. He could not help but notice his differences.

When the plain’s war ended and the RDA was chased, Na’vi celebrating their victory, Teylan’s own mind was all over the place.

He should have been happy with them, but somehow his mind couldn’t concentrate around positive feelings. Now that they were at peace, what was he to do ? The Resistance had set up camp near the Zeswa village in hope to learn about their land. The Na’vi did not appreciate it, but stayed silent : humans and Zeswas fought together, after all. Priya was on cloud nine, constantly discovering new elements about local fauna and flora. Teylan wasn’t as much excited. It could seem egoistic, but sometimes, he would miss the TAP times. They were all together, with Aha’ri, happy and far away from the problems they had to face today. He missed Nor, even sometimes Tamtey and Ri’nela even though they stayed close to him.

He was blaming himself both for daring thinking this way, like a coward, and for allowing Mercer to still have a grip on him despite his death. Na’vi were not scared, he would often think. They are always ready to fight, even if victory is a blurred vision. Upon seeing his distress, Alma and Priya would try to busy him with mindless tasks to not let him sink any deeper, to no avail.

Teylan didn’t like to leave the lab, he found the way others looked at him to disturb him greatly. Surely coming from insecurity deep inside of him, he still refused to socialize more than necessary ever since war was over. Yet, something about Zakrus intrigued him very much. The young Sarentu would constantly ask Tamtey about them, even Priya who seemed to know more than him and sometimes So’lek, when the latter was feeling generous.

It’s finally been weeks of isolation when Teylan decided he had to go see one up close. Gentle giants, he more than once meet them in the past, but scared of their somewhat sacredness, he always refused to pet them. Zeswas were nice, but they could be scary at times. They would tell him to caress Zakrus, to talk to them but the Sarentu couldn’t, not when they were looking at him.

The answer to his problems eventually manifested in front of him when Tamtey appeared in the lab, tired and silent like the night. They had spent the entire day outside, searching for Wandering Zakrus : beasts who were not lost whatsoever, but rather appreciated being by themselves . These animals were still getting tend up to by Zeswas who would occasionally run into them. Teylan was delighted to hear Tamtey had pined them all on their map. According to them, a wandering zakru had been spotted nearby, surrounding the Tumbling Waters. It wasn’t too far, nor too close from the lab which reassured him. Teylan didn’t like being alone in the wild, as weird at it might sound for a Na’vi.

It would guarantee him loneliness, yet protection and it was perfect. Teylan didn't want anyone to stumble upon him, scare him or bother him. He felt ashamed enough as it was. A fake Navi who didn’t even know his own land and customs: ridiculous, and Zeswa really didn’t know when to stay silent.

The sun was just rising outside the window when Teylan talked to Priya about it ; bean cushions scattered across the room to welcome every scientist tired enough to collapse right then and there. It was still dark and only the small scientist was awake. She looked at him, jumping around entirely unable to contain her excitement. She was cheering him up, insisting on how nice it would be for him to go out once in a while, how he should absolutely tell her everything when he gets back. The young Sarentu really wanted to, but peer pressure was melting him from the inside. He was terrified of judgement. His insecurity only grew. Weeks ago, he could handle enough interactions for him not to hide in the lab. 

But Zeswas were something else entirely, he discovered.

They could destroy your self-respect in one single sentence without even noticing it and Teylan sure could testify. His clothes, his voice, his hair : everything has been dissected away from him and offered to the hungry Zeswa appetite for despair. He learnt this the hard way.

Teylan stared outside and shuddered, still remembering clearly the warrior asking him, looking at him dead in the eyes, if he thought he was human. The Sarentu awkwardly answered that he didn’t, and that he just wore these clothes because he liked them best. The other man shrugged, and simply told him he was strange. The worst part of it is that Teylan is convinced he didn’t even mean it in a rude way.

Priya was still leaping behind him, trying to stay silent as to not wake the others up. Too much caffeine was the reason behind her outburst but she would deny it. Teylan couldn’t really shake off his smile either. The man, wanting to make the most of it while the sun was still half asleep, sneaked out of the lab with a last encouragement from the scientist. The last fluorescent light was still coloring the plants, the young Sarentu's body similarly painted. Zeswa's lands were peaceful.

He breathed in the pure air of Pandora, walking with one goal in mind. The huge tilted trees were framing the road leading to his destination. Perched on a hill, the lab allowed him to watch over the sleeping village below. A few warriors were already out, crafting supplies and taking care of Zakru. The clan was active at any time of the day, still, there was less of them at night which was the perfect opportunity. Teylan, observing them, wondered if this was the life he so desired.

He couldn’t see himself living like them, believing it was too late for him, now. After all, his humans habits were too well anchored in him. Teylan supposed he probably didn’t even deserve it, in a way. His debility killed people in the past, could he really be forgiven ? Ri'nela still believed him to be a child who must be protected from everything and everyone, Nor disappeared and Tamtey was constantly moving all over Pandora. 

Teylan closed his eyes shut, desperately trying to erase memories he couldn’t fully repress and decided to resume walking. It was fresh outside. The wind stung his cheeks in a way that made him feel alive, his feet were wet thanks to the nightly rain and equidius grazed peacefully somewhere behind him. 

The Wandering Zakru entered his vision a few minutes later and the man smiled when noticing nobody was there with her. He speeds up his walk, excited to finally be able to meet the animal. The small island on which she slept was colorful and a tuned Aeolian Wind Flute seemed to be soothing the big animal. The Sarentu felt complete knowing Tamtey was the one most likely responsible for this. Teylan was in awe, slowly decelerating upon approaching and admiring the brave beast. A brown almost grey skin tough as rock, a backside with hair Kame’tire-soft-silk like and a mighty helmet-like protection. Her four big eyes stare down at Teylan as her trunk reaches towards him. No doubt, it really is a Zakru.

Teylan tries advancing towards her, but the animal’s trunk gave him mixed messages. Did she want him to step back, or inch closer ? He was scared to bother the Zakru or worse, anger her ! He knew they were relatively calm and peaceful but he’s been with enough scientists to know that zero-risk doesn’t exist.

He thought about asking Ri'nela to accompany him, even Tamtey. He would have felt more reassured to know he wasn’t alone.

Except Ri'nela was tasked with Tsahik responsibility, a real life goal, and turned out to be so stressed but so happy at the same time that he would never dare bother her. It was truly an honor for her. Tamtey was helping as much as they could, it has always been their biggest wish : to bring clans together. So'lek was out, somewhere. They didn’t exactly need him. Everyone was just so busy these days and he was simply left alone.

Of course, he couldn’t allow himself to think this way. His child's days were long gone and he was an adult now. He must act like one, yes, but it was rough. Teylan found it so hard to navigate in this world. Everyone kept telling him: It's your home, you're a Na'vi. But what if he never gets used to it ? What if he's forever tainted by metal ? Like those animals Alma told him about, caged by humans so young that they are now incapable of surviving in the wild by themselves. He wasn’t Na’vi, but clearly wasn’t a human either.

Teylan carefully observes the Zakru in front of him. Her trunk is cuddled against herself and she is not gesticulating as much. She seems at peace, in drastic opposition to the inner sorrow affecting the Sarentu. Maybe Teylan is thinking too much. The animal probably doesn’t mind that he’s here, right ? The man sighs, holding his shirt to try and calm his trembling hands.  

"You can do this... " he whispered to himself.

Zakrus were huge, but inoffensive. Still, they were impressive, probably bigger than Na’vi by at least tree standing-adult body. She could crush him and wouldn’t even feel him under her massive foot. Slowly, Teylan approaches closer and closer, breathing in and out to soothe himself, until his reached hand managed to caress the beast. The sensation was rough and warm against his digits, yet, it was oddly pleasant. The Zakru rumbled, sending vibration all over Teylan who laughed openly while caressing her skin. He scanned the various drawings and colors present on her body, tracing them with his finger and the animal seemed to smile. Teylan admired the four-fingers hand-prints scattering her skin and felt at ease.

The Sarentu cooed at her, finding the Zakru endearing when looking at him with her big eyes. He talked to her : asking her if she’s happy, if she likes him and continues caressing her until she closed her eyes and trumpeted happily. She eased into his touch and Teylan’s heart has never been as full as it was at this moment. Scratching at her sides and admiring her might, Taylan believed for the first time in a while that he might be where he was supposed to be. 

The Zakru opened her eyes, staring at him then behind him to the landscape free of metal. Teylan was happy he could help restore the previous beauty of this place, even if just a bit, but then felt a great sense of shame to stand in front of her with the clothes of her predator.

"You're an early plant." Teylan's heart jumps out of its constraints and he yelps, almost throwing himself away from the Zakru as if it burnt him and turned his head so fast he might have strained a muscle. When his eyes landed on you, his throat dried. He didn’t hear you, fully absorbed in the animal. Unconsciously, he rounded his back to appear smaller. Standing a few distance away from him, you offered him a polite smile. Upon looking at you, he noticed the basket in your hand full of fruits. Slowly retracting, he's considering the fastest way for him to go back to the lab. "She just woke up, wasn’t expecting anyone so soon." You said nothing more for a while, eyes just scanning him curiously. 

You were surprised someone would come to see her now, but you’ve been staring at him for a few minutes now and judging by his childlike innocence, he probably ignored Zakru’s sleeping schedule. He was lucky: Na’kula could be grumpy when woken up. Teylan notices your Zeswa warrior’s clothes. He was not one to judge, but have seen enough of your friends lack of empathy to decide he had to leave. He wondered if you were here every day, or if today was an exception.

"Apologies, I did not mean to scare you. Your voice was soft, soothing him in a way he couldn’t describe. Teylan hesitated. He felt out of place next to a true native. His clothes were human made, he talked and acted like one and stood out like a sore thumb. 

- It's okay, you didn't... You did, and both of you noticed. Teylan stared you up and down, admiring your clothing and paints. Despite his inner monologue yelling at him to go back home, he couldn’t help but think about how beautiful you are. He knew who you were, having already noticed you in the past. Naively, he hoped to be able to talk to you but as a hunts-person turned warrior, you rarely were home. Then, his mental state worsened and he ended up not seeing you anymore. Nobody knew about his small admirational crush he had on you, not even Ri’nela.

You looked at him with the same curiosity he was displaying, yet Teylan felt uneasy. He didn’t think he would meet you here. What were you thinking about ? Did he look weak in front of you ? Surely the massive height of the Zakru behind him only served to reinforce his insignificance. Was he weird, off putting because of his strange attire ? Did you know how he betrayed his own friends over humanity, like Mokasa the exiled ? What if he wasn’t supposed to play with the Zakru ? What if he broke some sort of unspoken Zeswa rule ? Your silence was killing him. You thought he was the most beautiful man you've ever seen. 

- Here are berries",you simply said. "You can use them to paint Na'kula." And his inner voice silenced. The sounds of Pandora alone could reach him now, mind calmed. The wind slithering through the leaves, insects buzzing away and the flow of the nearby waterfall stabbing the stone. Teylan, with his big eyes and mouth agape, looked so frightened you might have thought he saw an equidius grow wings. He was confused, frowned for a bit before stepping back. 

"Na'kula ? His voice cracked, and he thought he was an idiot.

- That is her name. She is a really old girl but still strong."You pointed to the Zakru behind him and Teylan felt the stress evaporating from his body. He didn’t know why, but he felt he might just cry. Perhaps the pressure he’ve been putting on himself was finally getting to him, or the tension he never released ever since the big battle ended was slowly turning his brain to mush. Maybe it was just you.

The Sarentu observed Na'kula, laying on grass and absorbing the now glowing sun without a care in the world. All the paint on her body showed that she was deeply loved, that she belonged. Teylan could only wish to feel the same.

"So, do you want to try ? They love feeling pretty." 

He nodded shyly after swallowing saliva as heavy as an egg, approaching you like a scared animal. He walked slowly, expecting you to change your mind at any second but when you never did, he simply took hold of the berry and stood awkwardly next to Na'kula. You laughed, raising a brow at his stiffness. His lungs filled with fresh air for the first time in a while.

"Zakru do not bite, you know ?It was entertaining how he was all over her minutes ago, but ever since you arrived, forgot how to even breathe properly.  His usual absence in the village might be explained by this behavior, you concluded.

- I-I know. I just... 

Understanding his tremor, you decided to help him out. Whoever he was, painting Zakrus was a feeling everyone should experience. Taking his hands, Teylan startled. His fingers shaking as his heart threatened to explode inside of him, your fingers grab the berries held in his palms. Was he really this unaccustomed to physical touch ? Or was it because he once harbored a small crush on you ?

When you walked past him, Teylan was surprised to see he closed his eyes to catch a sniff of you in the wind. His hands still burnt where you touched them. Maybe this crush of his wasn’t so dead, all things considered.

- Here, look." He jumped, his cheeks and ears going purple. He prayed to Eywa that you didn't notice. "It's as simple as that." Not even detecting his inner turmoil, you showed him how to crush the berries before approaching the Zakru who looked at you with what appeared to be a smile. Looking above your shoulder, Teylan was stuck in place. His eyes on you, you motioned him to come closer and he did so after a few seconds of uncertainty. 

His eyes were so big you couldn’t find any words other than ‘adorable’ to fit him. You've never seen the man around before, you would have remembered him if you did. A face as pretty as his wouldn't be forgotten. Still, he was intimidated by somewhat everything here. Intrigued, you asked him his name. As he stuttered, he introduced himself and you vaguely remembered him being mentioned by the Sarentu warrior. Despite his strange clothing, he must be one too. In fact, that added up with their disappearance. The details were lost on you, but you do recall something along the line of RDA taking them to their base as children.

Sarentu were not the best warriors, he must not be used to war. They were diplomats, still their clan helped your people a lot in difficult times before. Like a teacher would to his student, you showed him how to paint Na'kula by dragging your finger all over her with the yellow extracted from the fruits. Teylan seemed enthralled as if you just turned the day in night. He smiled, eyes big and wet as he stared right back at you and your heart stopped in your rib-cage.

He thought he might be in love. 

Seeing his face, you couldn’t even think about going back home. That morning, you decided to spend the entire day together with Na’kula watching over you. Both of you got to know each other, laughing and talking about everything and anything. One moon later, when in the comfort of his own bed, Teylan couldn’t possibly believe it. Months prior, you were the cold unattainable warrior he admired from afar and all of a sudden you were talking like friends. Not once did you ask him anything about the RDA or the lab, only trying to teach him Zeswa ways which he was so keen to learn about. When he woke up that day, Teylan smiled, excited to be here with everyone. He started seeking you out every chance he got, hoping to catch you in the village when he previously would have stuck to Priya's side all day long. The little human was confused by the new-found vigor of the Sarentu but did not verbalize her worries. She was happy that he was finally opening up to this world, his world.

It was different for you. Despite his undeniable beauty, hope was long lost at the prospect of something with him. 

His stiffness around you was more than enough for you to catch a hint. Teylan was uncomfortable. Despite his passion for the plains, your teaching couldn’t seem to appeal to him. He was distracted, half-listening and avoiding your gaze. Moreover, if he had been interested, he would have tried making it known. He was a Sarentu, surely he must know the customs. You believed you being a warrior and him quite the weak man would cause an imbalance in your relationship. He seemed scared of you and you were not one to shy away from your own strength but if war was not on his mind then he did not need a warrior like yourself by his side. 

Teylan believed you found him weak. 

As he never saw you around after your encounter, he began to accept that you were deliberately avoiding him. Tamtey assured him that the Zeswas were relaxing after all that happened and that really few of them left the village. Time was festive, celebrations of their victory and tribute to the lost lives : the clan was staying united to enjoy their family. Yet, you were nowhere to be found. He wouldn't blame you. Maybe, with war still fresh on your mind, you needed someone who you knew could protect you. With his overall ignorance, it wouldn't be a reach to say you weren't even interested in talking to him at all. 

He figured he had been privileged enough to spend a day with you alone, found it almost intimate and had hoped some sort of relationship with you could have emerged from it but supposed he should have known better. He understood why everyone thought he was naive.

Still affected by your disappearance, he stayed close to Na’kula who was the only one to bring him comfort during these days. Deep inside him, he hoped seeing you come back with this smile of yours and that basket of berries he was so terrified of previously. Two days later, So’lek landed next to him, his ikran hissing happily. Teylan blenched, the man being the very last person on his mind. The Sarentu asked him what he was doing here, afraid there might be a problem. So’lek assured him everything was alright, yet his eyes kept darting over the island in search of something. He didn’t want to tell him, but he was worried as to what was Teylan doing alone here.

"Tamtey wanted to see you", he pretexted. "Tomorrow, hunters will come back from their hunts and Zeswas will celebrate it. The others Sarentus wanted you to come." Teylan thought about it for a while, found it strange that So’lek out of all people would come here just to tell him this but when weighting his words, understood his mistake. You were a hunts-person, too. Were you, all this time, simply away on duty ? Tamtey could have contacted him through their radio, Teylan thought that So’lek might have another reason to be here but didn’t press him about it, too excited at the prospect of you coming back.

The day had been long, terribly so for Teylan, well too joyful for his own good. His tail kept fluttering, smacking an annoyed Na’kula in the process. The throbbing of his heart was a new feeling he was afraid he'd never experience again. The more time he spent alone, the more he believed he had to at least try something with you. He spent the hours separating him from you laying tummy flat on the soft back of the Zakru as she strolled around. On his tablet, he would learn new words on fauna and flora of the heart of the plains, practicing his pronunciation with Na’kula who seemed to smile at his antics.

He was a sarentu, he decided. He'd learn your ways and study how to seduce you. 

All the way to the north with Tamtey by your side, you found yourself involuntarily exposed to their discussion with Teylan over the radio. The younger Sarentu calls their name and your tail flicker back to life, suddenly attentive. His voice is soft like a warm day and you'd want nothing more than to be on the receiving end of his affection. Tamtey answers happily.

Tasked with destroying the remains of RDA’s machines, you and the Sarentu rummage through stuff they left behind in abandoned bases. You pick up a metal weapon from under the debris and Tamtey takes it for examination.

"You went to the north, right ? I wanted to ask you something. Personal, actually. Sorry, I know I’m probably bothering you… Tamtey smiles, chuckles and assures him that he’s not. It’s actually been a while since Teylan contacted him, they asked So’lek to check on him but had not receive any news. No news is good news, thought Tamtey. The older Sarentu joined your squad at the last minute and Nesim was happy to welcome a friend among them.

You’re worried Teylan might be in trouble. You know he catches attention sometimes, regularly actually. People talk, and even if you didn’t know him prior, you linked two and two together enough to understand he was the bizarre Na’vi in question. He could be having problems with life here in the plains. Tamtey is well too polite to ask you to keep your distance, but you understand it might be private. Your feet guides you further away, careful as to not be noisy as you sneak out behind their back.

- What’s wrong, Teylan ?" They asked. But then the main concerned clears his throat and asks with the smallest voice you’ve ever heard from him, if you’re hunting too, shocking you to the core. Your ears stutter and you wonder for a while if you heard him right. Tamtey freezes, turning to face you. You can’t hide your shock, you look caught red handed for a crime you did not commit. Tamtey smirks, eyeing you scornfully before nodding even though Teylan couldn’t see it.

"Yes", they say. "We finished hunting and are now cleaning the plains up." They don’t say anything else, resuming work peacefully. You think Taylan sighs out of relief and chuckles to cover it up. "Just asking", he said but Tamtey mocks him. "Just asking, of course.". They never pressed for the reason of this inquiry, probably because you were here, but you know they wanted to. The Sarentu by your side smiled, not even bothering to hide it and somehow, you couldn’t seem to hide yours either.

You thought you may have a chance.

The next day, a group of ikrans fly above the village and Teylan feels his heart fall to his feet, instantly recognizing you. Na’kula is confused at his sudden outburst when he jumps off her back to run to the camp. The Sarentu ran, then stopped in his track to straighten his hair, fix his hat and reposition the tools on his harness (even though you never paid attention to them). Teylan doesn’t want to seem too eager, but he can’t help himself. He skipped to your ikran then called your name over the village’s jabber, everyone excited to welcome back their hunter home. When you saw him, surprise crossed your face before your warm smile heated up his heart. He excitedly closed the distance between you, tablet in hand.

"Teylan", you called, "glad to see you in one piece. Na’kula didn’t eat you ?

Teylan’s cheeks warm up, displaying a beautiful purple hue you wish you could bite.

- She didn’t ! He passionately answered, his tail flickering with violence behind him. She is the most adorable creature I’ve ever seen ! You don’t know he spent the last few days stuck to her side. The smile he offered you was the brightest you’ve ever seen and it was impossible for you to look anywhere else as if your body would punish you for doing so. Na’kula is incredibly smart ! The other day, I saw her grab a bush with her trunk to shake it ! When fruits fell down, she handed me one and seemed so proud of it, too ! Show off, you thought. You could shake a tree for him too if he asked you to.

- I think she likes you, too. She has a strong personality.

Teylan is lost in your eyes, his shine like stars. He realized he might be screwed when you smiled and started telling him all about your adventures and he couldn’t hear anything over the beating of his own heart. It was your meeting all over again, you politely teaching him and him unable to concentrate one bit. He was desperately trying to memorize your stripes, the shape of your nose and hair, the Zeswa mark on your face and your painting. His stomach churns but the feeling isn’t unwanted ; he feels warm, he feels good. He thinks you’re the one.

The man was too lost in you to realize the gazes he was attracting by simply talking to you, here. But as a Zeswa, you noticed and knew the reason of their interest. Further away, people whispered, staring at you sometimes with confusion, other times with warmth.

Two interactions only with you and he was living a fever dream. He’s searching in his memory to see if he ever felt something like this before but hasn’t. He’s not listening to you and you don’t know whether to feel offended or flattered that he didn’t blink once ever since you put feet on the ground.

- Teylan ? You finally call out. He snapped out of his world, stuttering apologies. His face burns, but he doesn’t want to hide it.

- I wanted to ask you if…" Your ears flutter, nervous and heart pounding in your chest. His tail stills, he suffers the same sensation, but he can’t finish his sentence because your friend arrives and playfully pushes your chest, almost stepping over him, and sending you stumbling a little. His heart breaks, saliva pooling in his mouth as it seems to sting him. His throat is burning and he realizes he was going to ask you something stupid.

"See how I shot down that ikran ? That’s how a Zeswa does it !" She’s mocking, playful but full of challenges. She was trying to provoke you and it was working, Teylan could see it. He looked at her attire, then everyone else and believed he was not fit to stand here, in a warriors gathering.

"Teylan ?" You called out, but no one answered. When your friend moved over, your Sarentu friend had disappeared. 

When Teylan returned to the lab, his temper couldn't possibly fall lower. It was so sour that Priya joked about him stealing away the vitality of flowers. Alma tried to brighten his mood, not knowing how nor why he felt this way but trying anyway. Teylan was tired of being seen like a child constantly being comforted. He wanted advices, not shoulders to cry on. He asked her where So’lek was, to which she said he was outside. Determined, he went after him.

It turns out, So’lek was waiting for him. He was well too observant for his own sake. Leaning against the cold wall of the lab, the warrior stared at him from his sitting position, bow set beside him. The older man straightened his back, one arch raised as he asked the younger one what he wanted. Teylan approached, slided on his knees in front of his teacher and exhaled.

- I want to be strong like you.

So’lek was confused, but did not let him know. He saw it coming the second Teylan started going outside. Tamtey regularly asked him to watch over the youngest who was disappearing without telling anyone. So’lek then had to break it to them that Teylan was seeing someone : horrible day. He put two and two together at his scent, and at the sight of Na’kula. Everyone may already know by now: the story of the Sarentu running up to his lover's Ikran. 

- Can I ask why ? Even though he already knew, he wanted to hear the truth from his mouth.

But when Teylan stays silent, eyes serious and set on him, So’lek knew he wouldn’t obtain any answer. He sighed, not understanding why he was always the one having to deal with those situations.

- Is it to impress someone ? Silence. This is ridiculous, Sarentu. 

- I am not ridiculous.

- I will not concern myself with this. If you need help, ask Ri’nela. So’lek was already getting up, bow in hand. He was headed to the village where maybe he would find some peace.

Everyone was passing him around like a child no one wanted to take care of. He needed advice, from man to man and he couldn't even provide him that. Some support could help him through this. 

- I am not a child. 

- Then stop acting like one.

Teylan sighed, his eyes digging holes into the ground. Maybe he would understand, the Sarentu reasons. So’lek is alone, Teylan is too. He wants a family, friends, and people he can trust after failing them so miserably. That is his desire and he thinks he can finally see it with you.

Even if it's all in his head, that you don't see him this way, he must try. 

This is the first time he ever asked for anything. He believes you are worth every trouble. 

- I just want to be normal, he pleads and that makes So’lek stop in his track. Slowly, he turns towards him and moves closer. So’lek’s hand lay down on his shoulder and Teylan puts his own above it. 

The truth is, he was terrified. Of you, of Pandora, of him, of everyone. Could you contemplate anything, even a mere friendship, with this human creation ? Despite your willingness to talk to him, your smiles and jokes, he was still the rootless Sarentu searching for his true self. Would Zeswas approve of this ? He didn’t even hear of mating between clans, but he was too inexperienced in this sector. Romantic relationship had never been on his mind.

- You are normal, Sarentu. You are Na’vi, but you still think like a tawtute. You do not need to impress anyone."Hearing these words from none other than So’lek warmed his heart and for the first time since his eyes landed on your form, he thought he might have a chance with you.

When Teylan left you and your ikran earlier, you returned home with your friend. Hunting was not hard as a squad, yet your body had suffered gashes and laceration during war that wouldn’t leave you both mentally and physically. Your body was exhausted. Nesim says laziness is the gateway to defeat, that if sawtute come back, your clan must be ready to counter anything. She is right, of course she is but you would love to breath once in a while. It still is a difficult time as lot of injured Zeswas need care and food, so you’re often sent to hunt for the village.

Minang assured you one more travel is required from your squad before rest is allowed. Strain is eating at your bones at the worst possible time. Teylan is here, now. You must be present, awake and healthy to be with him. They called these trips ‘hunt’ but everyone knew it was more some kinds of boring tasks nobody wanted to do. Cleaning (after the RDA), gathering (RDA’s weapons), destroying (RDA camps) and a small part of real hunt.

Although the evening weighted heavily on your shoulder, you couldn't stop thinking about him for the life of you. Even trying to distract yourself with chores didn't help, his smile was engraved behind your lids. The Sarentu ignored everything about Zeswa customs, he surely did not even realize how intimate of a spectacle he put up in front of everyone. Somehow, you didn't mind it and you were in fact quite proud of the agitation he caused. He ran up to you, pleased to see you alive and the perfect blue of his cheek was just too much for you. 

Overtime, the prospect of love couldn't reach you and you never tried to obtain it. It was not in your plan and you don't believe yourself to be the utmost catch. Only one of your peers approached you with love in his mouth. Your people fought war after war, sawtute after sawtute so much that priority was survival.

Teylan was sweet. Sickeningly sweet as to make you want to secure him definitely. 

It’s hard to behave around him, your heart panics, your eyes can’t concentrate and your thoughts mix up witch each other. At peace would be your mind only after he was yours. Would the others Sarentu approve of this ? Their people had been erased enough for them to put up with your Zeswa blood. What if you came on too strong on him ?

The wish to be in his head was potent. It was getting difficult for you to continue thinking by yourself when you could simply come up to him and ask him what he wanted. He wasn't far, you could do it after all. Your friend had been silent all day, adding to the suffocating atmosphere surrounding you. She wanted to ask you something but didn’t dare to and the tension was driving you crazy. 

It had been hours but her patience was finally wearing off. 

On the floor laid the arrows you already carved and put aside. She offers you new sticks that you’re quick to grab and cut. She clears her throat and you brace yourself for impact.

"Are you really courting the Sarentu boy ? She finally vomits and you’re almost relieved if not for the choice of conversation she wants to have. The necklace your crafted weight heavy on your heart, almost calling your name from its hiding position in the basket.

- I am. Not yet, not truly. But you were to start tonight and hoped he would catch a hint. Your friend was surprised by your defensiveness. Already confused as to what happened earlier: when it’s supposed to be your family welcoming you back home, the Sarentu came running at you. She didn’t say anything and by your aggression she was right not to.

- Is he really a Sarentu ? She didn’t want to seem mean, but Tamtey and Ri’nela had Sarentu’s behavior while Teylan just screamed human-experiment.

- He is", you snapped at the same time as your arrow, "and if you have a problem with that you either say it to my face or you get out of my house.

- He is cute, she said.You two are cute."You do not answer, continuing to busy your mind with arrows. You needed to see him.

Though, you ended up being free much later than you anticipated. Your friend had long gone home and the sky was already dark. Slowly, you stretched to relax your tired muscles and stood up, gathering all the arrows you’ve made in a single large basket. The bioluminescent greenery outside still as beautiful as the day you first opened your eyes. You miss Teylan’s white-dotted body in the night even if you’ve only seen it once for a short amount of time. Silently, you sneak out of your tent to bring your clan-participation to the common area. A few people were still awake, nodding in your direction when you passed by. It was calm and so peaceful you could just lay down and fall asleep.

Teylan paces back and forth, So'leks words echoing in his head. 

Your Ikran was flying somewhere a little further away from here. Tomorrow, you'll be sent away again. When were you supposed to have time to talk to him, when all you did was traveling again and again ? 

Zeswa way obliged, you still needed one task done before allowing yourself to rest. Your back hurt, but when you looked up to the giant rock above the village, the sight of the lab eased you. Quiet, waiting. Was it weird to think about him so much when you've only talked to him twice ? Probably, but you've done worse. 

Decided, you planned to go back home lay off your empty basket, and then run straight to him. Stretching once again, your joints pop as you amble easily to your tent. Though when you arrived, a pleasant surprise awaited your confused figure. 

Teylan stood in the middle of your tent, awkwardly waiting for you. He was eyeing your belongings, trying to stay polite yet failing miserably. His back facing you as he seemed oddly attracted to the rug you were sleeping on. Was he trying to understand you ? 

His back was firm, the sawtute sure knew how to highlight his shape with this top. It wasn’t offering much protection when compared to your firmly woven armor. It was an inviolable protection even by the mightiest arrows. Nothing could get through it. You wondered what was hiding under his hat and clothes and if he were to feel your hand if you placed it on his chest.

"Teylan, what brings you here ? He jumped, his tail stiffening as he greeted you with a small wave. When you stepped closer, Teylan smiled. His hands tightened together, meeting in front of his loincloth nervously. The muscles of his forearms contracting.

- I was… I was just walking by and I thought", he fidgeted with his hand, "maybe, we could go for a walk together.

Apprehensive, Teylan stared at your legs as you approached. He thought he wanted to lay his hand on them, but if you were to ask him the reason, he wouldn’t be able provide it.

- I am happy you came first, because I was actually planning to go see you. That woke him up instantly.  

- Me ? His ears are rigid, high and attentive just like his tail. His eyes are hopeful and so round you could just drown in them. 

- Who else ?"

He giggled, scratching as his neck. His tail is dancing despite him not noticing (but you do), his body betraying him for your greatest pleasure. The simple fact you thought about him, that he existed in your world, was enough to warm him up. If he knew the loneliness he ensured these past months would bring him here, he'd happily do it again. 

A light went on in your head when you remember the gift you were supposed to give him. Ever since Nesim sent you away, you have been working on it at night when everyone else was asleep. There was no way your friends were going to see you fall in love ! They would never let it go. You told him to close his eyes, he didn’t and upon walking next to him towards your baskets, Teylan starts following you as if you'd leave without him. Crouching, you rummaged through your stuff to finally retrieve your previous gift and also a bottle of zangke. Taking advantage of being here, you removed your headpiece for comfort.

"You kept your eyes open, didn’t you ?" The guilty smile on his face said enough. Although he didn’t see what was in your hands, too preoccupied by your face.

"Come." You said, reaching out your hand and he did not waste time in grabbing it. Teylan was deeply nervous but exhilarated at the idea of you guiding him away. Like lovers, he thought. Your palm is warm against him and he hums at the feeling of your rough skin against his softer one.

Pulling him behind you, the Sarentu enjoys the liberty of learning by heart everything about you from your hair to your ankle guards. He wonders if you two would have been friends if you had met as children. If you would have even noticed him if he never visited Na'kula, but for now, he was happy existing next to you. When he looked up, you had arrived at the small patch of island where Na'kula loved to hang out. She was soon to fall asleep, squinting her eyes open out of curiosity and closing them again once seeing you.

As you released his hand, Teylan began to regret your warmth. Quickly, you sat down on the rug where he ate several times waiting for you. You patted the area next to you and Teylan didn’t have to be told twice as he sat by your side. The plants surrounding your figures and your own dot-littered bodies were the only light in the dark world of night.

He was inching closer to you, face tilted towards yours as if he never was close enough and that probably was the case. He didn’t even notice you holding something in your hands. When you snapped your fingers in front of his eyes, Teylan came back to the real world. 

"I'm not the most crafty person, but I made you something. 

You could've handed him a singular rock that he would have been the happiest Na'vi on this planet. 

- It’s for you. You said, offering him a necklace. Teylan melted. 

- You did this ? Carefully, he scooped the jewelry in his hand and admired it, thumb caressing the fabric. You had woovened dried roots and stringed pearls on it. Teylan couldn’t believe it, fearing to close his eyes in case all of this was just a dream. A single circular metal piece decorated it right in the middle, clashing with the otherwise hand-made ornament. Teyland smiled, eyes brilliant with unsheded tears. He thought about you, going out of your way to find and touch metal for him even though you surely didn’t even know what it was. This small piece probably came from a destroyed AMP somewhere and you still used it. You looked embarassed, probably scared he might not like it but he was genuinely speechless at the time and energy you had spend on it.

The rocks and pearls used had both of your colors on it, yet he noticed more of yours. He wondered if it was part of the Zeswa courting, deeply wished so but tried to not get his hopes up. He gasped, thinking he may finally cry, when he noticed the Sarentu mark you had braided on it. A Sarentu, Teylan thought shakily, I am a Sarentu. You ignored of his profound identity confusion and couldn’t possibly imagine the weight it took off his shoulders.

"Thank you, he whispered. I love it, love it so much." Words couldn’t possibly express how much he wanted to kiss you. His eyes fell on the piece of metal, then on the Sarentu mark and then on your colors ; it was everything he ever wanted in this life. You had hoped he wasn’t lying to spare your feelings, but he genuinely looked moved. When you thought he was going to cry, you almost cursed and thought about jumping in the waterfall to die. The fear of having somehow offended him was haunting you.

When you knelt, he understood right away and presented you his back as you tied the necklace around his neck for him. Enjoying the feeling of his soft skin below your fingers, Teylan giggled as you took your sweet time in caressing as much as you could. The man was well aware of it, nuzzling his cheek against your arm. His shoulders were strong when you kneaded your digits in them and you could feel the shudders on his skin and the vibration of his purring reverberating through you. His fingers lightly caress the necklace, tracing his clan mark and feeling his heart beating as mightily as Zakru’s steps. The white dots scattered across his shoulders were beautiful, the thought of tracing them all, connecting them one by one crossed your mind. He thought the same as his eyes fell on your arms.

When you let go, Teylan suddenly reached out to grab your hand, keeping your palm on the necklace. The warmth of your body spread to his and his fingers slowly intertwine with yours. Silently, you rest your head on his shoulder, nuzzling his neck and inhaling his scent. Your chest piece snug against his back, you let your weight fall on him entirely as your free arm wrap around his waist.

For several minutes, you two stay like this. Feeling complete, at peace. Eyes closed and bodies together, sharing the same air and warmth in the cold nightly air. Na’kula was finally sleeping, yet he felt her presence watching over them like a guardian. When Teylan loosened his grip on your hand, seconds passed before you slid it leisurely along his clothed back before retreating completely. Teylan’s body was on fire. He didn't know what was happening to him, you being the closest he’s even been with anyone. His loincloth was itching him.

As he turned to you, eyes still tired from the break you took, Teylan’s fingers went to hold onto the necklace, thumb soothing over the pearls you had so meticulously chosen.

"What do you think about a good bottle of zangke, now ? You asked, loosening the said bottle off your belt. He didn't even notice it was here but again, he doesn't notice much around you. 

- Is it alcohol ? He slurred, already somewhat drunk out of your caresses. 

- It is. But I don’t like it, to be honest I drink it in front of everyone but I spit it when no one’s looking.

Teylan laughed at that, one last shudder crossed him, like a shadow of your touch, before finally easing back into you. He’s relieved because he doesn’t like alcohol either, though he never tasted this one. He is aiming to adapt to your culture as well, so he might try harder to like the drink.

As you put down two small wooden cup and filled them up, the Sarentu reached to grab it. In Zeswa customs, sharing your first drink with a good friend or partner is a blessing. 

- Wait, wait." Teylan freezes, as if a bomb were to explode if he moved. You laughed and told him to relax, placing your hand on his shoulder when you understood he liked it. Your palms warmed him up and he felt an easy smile creeps on his face. "Hold your cup", he does so. We have to intertwine our arms together when we drink.

- Why’s that ?

- Zeswa’s tradition. Come on ! Don’t question it, it’s fun !

Both of you take the cup to your lips as you mix your arms together, giggling when he almost dropped it to the ground. The smell alone told him he wasn’t going to like it, yet with you looking at him like this, he would drink the whole bottle if he had to. Teylan wasn’t stupid, he sensed all of this were leading you two somewhere. The gift, the shared drink ; he was just hoping it was in the right direction.

- Are you trying to court me ? He asked, desperately hoping you’d say yes.

- Depends, would you like me to ? You teased, eyes staring him down behind the rim of your cup.

- I want nothing more." Warmth spread through your bodies, hearts singing the same melody. Sharing one last smile, the liquid slid in your mouths before the atrocious taste made you grimace and together, you spat the drink on the ground. Teylan sticks out his tongue in revulsion and you burst out laughing at his disgusted face. He coughed, slapping his chest to help but to no avail. 

"Do not die on me now, Sarentu."

He liked it when you called him that, but he liked it better when it was his name coming out of your mouth. 

"Wow, it’s really…

- Horrible ?

- Strong…"His face was warm, he was trying to respect your clan by not insulting your alcohol but even he understood that you were on his side.

Teylan felt this drink was important to you in a way and was glad he could share it with you. 

Priya wouldn't believe it if she was here ! He was with you, a strong Zeswa, and talking easily like a Na'vi would ! Teylan was comforted by the thought of you appreciating his presence, it soothed him in a way you couldn’t even fathom.

Courting, was what you said. Which meant you were interested in him. Teylan was convinced his smile would never leave his lips ever again. The necklace around him was a proof of your relationship. Oh, how he would never take it off ! First thing he’ll do tomorrow is show it to Ri’nela, then Tamtey if they’re here, oh but he has to show Priya and Alma too ! Maybe even So’lek ! And Alex !

When you laid down on your stomach again, head supported by your hand, he copied you, or at least tried to, but his arm slipped and he almost fell face-first on the ground. He was nervous, horribly so. It was like those tests he had to study for back in the TAP. But you were not a teacher and he wouldn’t get scolded. 

At your giggle, every sense of embarrassment leave his body. His lopsided grin hit your heart with full force. The new jewelry lays heavy on his chest like a comforting presence, an intimate reminder of this dear link you now shared. He feel claimed, loved. Your eyes, predatory-like, were scanning his body newly decorated by your own creation. His stripes, collarbones ; nothing could get past your hungry gaze.

"Tell me, what do all of these tools do ? You asked with an almost playful grin, a glint in your eyes as they drilled holes at his chest. The harness he always wore was tawtute creation and even if you were not particularly interested in it, Teylan’s way of speaking could perhaps help you concentrate on their learning. All you truly desired right now was to hear his voice.

Teylan couldn’t shake off the shudders browsing his body every time you looked at him like this. Hooded eyes and lips so enticing he might just inch closer and peck them. He had no idea what was happening in his body, but he liked it. Heat was pooling down in his stomach and he felt something unwanted arise. Your eyes lay dreamily on his canine that his smile invoked. 

- Teylan ? 

- Yes, sorry !" He mentally slapped himself. Concentrating on the task at bay. Your tail flickered, happy to disconcert him in such a way. 

Ready to explain everything, his eyes light up as he started talking to you about some ‘screwdriver’ that you couldn’t quite less care about. Your eyes raking over his arms, his profile and everything you could possibly stare at. Excitedly, the Sarentu continued presenting his treasures.Various tools were displayed to you by a thrilled Teylan, who would put them right under your nose in order to impress you. Their names were not remembered as you just barely recognized some of them being black, others yellow and that was it.

The way he was so animated was pulling you closer and closer to him until your shoulders were touching. Each second passing by made you realize how little you knew about him and how much you wanted to learn. The thought of getting to talk to him, studying his hobbies and expressions was enough to bring comfort to your heart. You thought you might as well be in heat with the way you couldn’t shake your eyes off his body.

"And finally… My flashlight ! Teylan fidgeted with his gear for a bit before loosening up the thread holding the so-called ‘flashlight’. He played with the object, babbling some nonsense all the while, threw it in the air, spun it and then pressed a button on it and suddenly white light flashed straight into your eyes. You shut them close, putting your hand on your lids to protect them. Teylan squealed, the flashlight fell on the ground and he jumped to his knees, knocking your shoulder away with force.

- I’m sorry ! I’m sorry ! I didn’t mean to ! I swear ! His hand hovered above your shoulder, worried sick but never wanting to overstep by touching you. The light just surprised you, it’s all. But his reactions were always so cute you might just overreact from time to time if it meant having him this distressed over you. 

- It’s okay, Teylan. You rubbed your eyes slowly, opening them to discover his terrified face. I’ll live. 

- I-I know but still ! I’m sorry ! Ha, I’m so clumsy… Every blunders he made came back rushing to his head uninvited. The Sarentu sighed, falling back on his ass as his head hung low. The flashlight was long forgotten. He looked so defeated with his arms on his knees.

- But I like it. You lifted yourself up with your forearms and switched to a seated position as well. Teylan lifted his head up, eyes following each of your movements with a new interest that you happened to like a lot. His tail flickered and his leg opened ever so slightly. Despite the cool wind, Teylan still felt hot. Softly, you grabbed his hand and started drawing figures in his palm.

- You do ? His pupils dilated.

He shuddered right before you guided it to your cheek. He was breathless, big yellow eyes following his hand as if in trans. At a leisure pace, you smoothed your cheek against his palm, sharing warmth. Teylan gulped, pupils hesitating between your lips and your eyes. The plush of your mouth had never looked so enticing.

When it seemed like he was holding his own hand just fine, you let it go and the Sarentu pushed his thumb against your skin, caressing it with affection.

- Well, I almost lost my eyes but still, I like it. He chuckled, eyes leaving yours for a brief second before admiring your orbs once again. He saw the act in several people, the intimacy, the smiles they shared. Teylan desperately wanted to kiss someone, to kiss you. 

- I can’t believe I get to touch you like this…" Taylan whispered. Something exploded in your stomach akin to millions of shimmifly. A knot was forming in his stomach, hot and bothering him. Your hand slides from your leg, slowly going up to his body to grab onto his harness.

His heart is pounding, he’s never been this excited. He read books, know what’s going to happen and he’s never been this ready. When he doesn’t say anything, on the contrary looking at you with pleading eyes, you pull him to you, your other hand lifting up his hat to leave room for your face as your lips finally seal in a fierce moment of passion.

Teylan gasped, forgetting how to breathe. Your mouths colliding awkwardly : the Sarentu had never kissed anyone before, didn’t move his lips and rather kept still to not mess it up. Luckily for him, you were a good teacher, though with no knowledge either but you wouldn’t tell him. His soft skin caressed yours, his hand politely setting itself on the rug next to your thigh as his body was almost falling on yours to crush you. Closer, he must get closer was his thought. Angling your face, you deepened the kiss as your hand held his cheek. He whimpered when you separated from him, face searching for yours despite his closed eyes. Teylan was breathless, eyes hooded and the heat in his loincloth was worsening every passing seconds. His fingers touch his lips, feeling the ghost of your kiss.

"Wow",he whispered. "It’s like a dream.

- You dream of me ? You joked, trying to distract him from the fact you were as flustered as him, if not more.

- All the time."

Teylan stayed silent, observing your face with such a pure tenderness in his yellow eyes you could have thought he had been in love with you for far more longer than you’ve known him. His hat was still half-way put on his head, leaving just enough room space for your face to slot against him once again if you wanted to : he couldn’t even bother to fix it. Perhaps leaving it as an invitation. His lips tingled pleasantly, he wanted to kiss you again.

Basking in the afterglow of your intimacy, Teylan languorously smiles. Na’kula behind you, the Sarentu is more than ever thankful for her triggering your meeting. The man recalls seeing you in the village, alone like him, and wishing from the stronger part of his heart to talk to you. Eywa must have heard his prayer, he thought.

"Oh !I almost forgot !" His sudden renewed energy almost scared you as he blinked several times to get out of whatever world he was in and fixed his hat. "I wanted to give you something too, actually." His heart drummed so hard in his rib-cage he feared his body was trembling. "Because you often leave the village. I thought… I thought I could give you this. 

- What is it ? As he pulls a circular human technology out of his pouch, your curiosity is piqued.

- It’s a radio, a communication device. I-if you wear it, just like that." With trembling fingers, Teylan clasped the unknown machine around your neck. Confused, you pulled on it, scratching at your neck and trying to see it. Teylan giggled, his breath hitting your lips and you only now noticed your extreme proximity. Your ears flickered, his eyes fluttered. The tail behind him batted happily. "When you want to talk to me", his forefinger presses a button against his own radio and static sound emanates from your neck. "Just put your finger on this button."

Like Tamtey, you thought, even convinced So’lek had one as well. 

- It's not as pretty as the one you gave me but... 

- I can talk to you now, you said in a breath.

- Yes…

- That's all that matters." And Teylan was agreeing with you, that’s all that mattered.

Na’kula was snoring now, peacefully resting while her two friends resumed their conversation. Teylan was glad some baskets were left full as you snacked on sweets fruits and pretty flowers. The night was calm, still young and he wondered if you two would spend the night here, staring at the sky. You were chuckling, remembering your day and told him about the hunt once again. He was barely listening, on cloud nine since your kiss and believed the day couldn’t possibly get any better.

"Did you know that only family come fetch its hunters ?" It was a fun fact, a small piece of information that did not affect anything in him because, why would it ? He even thought it was cool that you’d teach him more Zeswas customs.

- No, why are you telling me that ? Almost in a dreamy haze, when you laughed and tried to hide your smile, Teylan frowned, then seemed to have grasped the weight of your message. As his thoughts turned and mixed, he clearly remembered running to your ikran in front of your clan, calling your name for everyone to hear.

- It’s an old tradition actually. So everyone knows about it, but nobody mentions it.

- Wait, did I… ? Teylan’s face slowly burns, changing blue in purple as his hands come to hide his face. At your chuckle, the Sarentu can’t help the smile appearing on his lips. He was mortified.

- Yes, Teylan. Everyone think we’ve mated or at the very least, that we are courting. This was probably the best and worst sentence you could’ve said to him at the moment. Best because you didn’t seem bothered at all at the prospect of you two being seen in public as a couple, worst because he didn’t realize his act appeared intimate to others. Eywa, he hoped he didn’t make too much of a fool of himself in front of your clan.

Was Tamtey present ? They were hunting, as well. This was so embarrassing.

- I am so sorry ! I didn’t know, I… I was just, happy, you know ? To see you.

- Don’t apologize. I liked it, actually.

- Liked what ? His mouth acted before his brain, the need to be sure of what you implied well too tough for him to stay silent.

- The idea of everyone knowing", your canine tightened around your lower lip and Teylan prayed you would do the same to him. Answering wasn’t necessary as he grabbed your hand, caressing each one of your fingers with his thumb, gliding it from up to down repeatedly. The atmosphere between you would be unbreathable for anyone stumbling upon you now as tension filled the air, like an invisible barrier was preventing both of you to go further despite your clear will to. Scooting closer, your shoulder pushed his gently and, amused, he smiled. Guiding your hand to his mouth, he kissed your fingertips with a fondness that made you want to stay here forever, trapped on this island with him as only company. His plush lips were soft against your skin, the feeling spread warmth in your lower belly. You desperately wanted to bite him, smell his neck and never let go.

He laid on his stomach, face turned towards you ; your hand still in his grasp. His arm supported his head while his fluttering eyes never left yours. His back bends and his ass has never looked so plump. He notices the black of your eyes dilating and smirks, a shudder walking down his spine.

He was so pretty it was genuinely unfair.

Teylan knows you're looking at him and he adores the attention, selfishly only want you to look at him. He feels desired. When everyone pity him, believe him to be too naive, you look at him like an equal. As your gaze rake over his muscles, the Sarentu can't help but to flex them for you, wanting to show them off. You grinned while Teylan’s cheeks colored, continuing his ministration. His legs are tight when you look at them, the man hopes you're satisfied but seeing your smile he might not need to worry. 

He is as gone as you, staring at your chest, wishing you would take off this stupid armor and let him see you, looking at your legs under that loincloth of yours. He couldn’t wait to see what was Eywa having in store for you. Maliciously, as if to taunt him, your tail delicately slides over his leg and tightens around his thigh. You don't miss the sharp breath Teylan took. He wants to hold you, to hug you so close you would feel the beating of his heart, his breathing on you but mostly the love he’s trying to convey. Want you to feel his skin, hear his thoughts and like him as deeply as he liked you.

But instead of telling you all of this, he simply say in a breathy voice how much he likes staring at you.

You’d leave the next day, yet Teylan didn’t feel dread whatsoever. You two slept on the ground that night, with Na’kula as only witness of your silent love.

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𝟏𝟖+, 𝐦𝐝𝐧𝐢 .ᐟ 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐫–𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧. 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐃𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐈 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐈 .ᐟ 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 :)

𓏲ּ𝄢 (18+, Nor × female!Sarentu!Reader × So'lek)

𓏲ּ𝄢 (So'lek × fem!Na'vi!Reader; pre–game/movies)

𓏲ּ𝄢 (So'lek × fem!Na'vi!Reader; pre–game/movies) ; 2

𓏲ּ𝄢 (18+, So'lek × fem!Na'vi!Reader; pre–game/movies) ; 3

𓏲ּ𝄢 (So'lek × female!Human/Avatar!Reader)

𓏲ּ𝄢 (18+, Teylan × fem!Na'vi!Reader)

𓏲ּ𝄢 (Tarsem × fem!Na'vi!Reader; pre–Avatar:TWOW)

𓏲ּ𝄢 (18+, So'lek Mating Headcanon)

𓏲ּ𝄢 (18+, Tarsem × fem!Na’vi!Reader)

𓏲ּ𝄢 (18+, Recom!Lyle Wainfleet × fem!Na'vi!Reader)

𓏲ּ𝄢 (Tsu'tey × fem!Na'vi!Reader × Tarsem; post–Avatar 1)

𓏲ּ𝄢

𓏲ּ𝄢 (18+, Varang × fem!Mangkwan!Reader × Recom!Quaritch)

𓏲ּ𝄢 (18+, Wukula × female!Na'vi!Reader)

𓏲ּ𝄢 (18+, Wukula × female!Mangkwan!Reader)

how afop characters would court you!

─────────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───────────

reader is implied to be tamtey

:not proofread im sorry if this is inaccurate</3:

characters: So'lek, Teylan

So'lek

- so very respectful!! When he asked to court you he made sure to do it privately, yet all of his displays of affection are in public. He may not necessarily be so cuddly, but he treats you so special compared to others that from one glance people would know that you're his. The way his eyes linger on your body, the way his pupils dilate anytime he hears your name mentioned, and how anytime you're facing each other he brings his hand up to slowly trace the bioluminescent freckles on your skin; they say it all.

Dating on Pandora is hard when you’re a human in the body of a 8.5ft tall blue skinned Na’vi, especially when you don’t fully understand the depth of certain Na’vi men giving you food

Or the trope where you accept gifts from Na’vi men and don’t realize they were courting gifts and congratulations you have a mate now!

Ao’nung x avatar!Reader — TBA — frenemies to lovers

Neteyam x avatar!Reader — Ongoing — Oblivious reader deny, deny, deny sneak peek

Teylan x avatar!Reader — TBA — Sunshine x grumpy

So’lek x avatar!Reader — TBA — undecided