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(this is gon be a long one sry!!) but could i get a mako (lok) x fem hybrid reader where she is a hybrid of a human and a dragon (n she’s a airbender) n her kind has brought despair to most people in the past so they treat her like she’s unwanted but lin basically takes her in as her child then she gets like hurt really badly in battle,, sry if it’s confusing or anything!! i thought of this at like 2am so sry if it’s stupid

Mako with Dragon!Hybrid Airbender Reader (Legend of Korra Headcanons)

*GIF not mine* 

A/N: Honestly, this is one of the best things I’ve ever written. Thank you so much for requesting it, as it made me feel a lot more confident in my abilities. This idea was great, so don’t feel bad about it! I made it headcanons, but it turned into a scenario anyway, so I hope you enjoy! (Side note: Thanks for 1.5k followers!)

Word count: 2485

As a hybrid, you were used to the abuse. Abandoned on your streets by horrified parents, you knew how it felt to be abandoned and alone, hated for no reason. The horrible things your ancestors did somehow reflected onto you as you tried to live in the streets of Republic City.

Fighting for food or territory on the streets was always hard; people would take one look at you, see the telltale shifting eyes of a dragon hybrid, and scream at you till you ran for the hills. On your back was only your stolen airbending staff and your ability to shapeshift to keep you alive.

It was on a cold winter night that Lin found you at the age of fourteen, shivering and half-dead, with your eyes shifting rapidly with a plea to change forms to survive. You refused, and barely conscious, you had no will to fight when the Chief of Police led you back to her own home. 

From then on, it was like you had a mother again. Though she was hardened to most emotions and rarely ever provided a true warmth, she loved you in her own way. There were times when she would scold you to tears, only to come home later with a small charm or treat as an apology. 

She taught you how to use your abilities as best as she could, scouring up airbending scrolls and researching books in the city’s library to learn more about your kind. Lin was eager to be a mother, no matter how much she would deny it in front of others. Deep down, she wanted to make up for her own mother’s mistakes, and in doing so, she became fiercely protective over you. Boys, school, even the occasional social interaction kept Lin on the tips of her toes, wanting to keep you safe but also wanting you to become a strong young woman. 

It was four years later that you met Mako, and he was almost as aloof as Lin. Every time he saw you, he would either greet you formally with a head nod or completely ignore your existence. 

You spent your pastime at the police station, reading through cases or reorganizing files, doing whatever you could get your hands on really. In these times, that’s when Mako would watch you from the corner of his eye. Your eyes would flutter and gleam with excitement as you read through criminals’ stories, and he’d be lying if he said it wasn’t adorable. 

In the pit of his chest, he felt an urge to talk to you, get to know you better. So greetings turned into personal questions. Questions turned into lunchtime conversations. Lunchtime conversations turned into dates, and dates turned into a relationship. 

As the first guy you had ever really talked to, you were kind of nervous around him. Blushes and anxious glances weren’t uncommon on your end, but Mako loved to see them. 

One day, he returned from a particularly dangerous mission and stomped into the station looking like a mess. His hair was ruffled, his uniform was covered in dirt and dust, and his eyes were darting around in a frantic manner. It was only when they landed on you that you figured out what he was looking for. Not saying a word, he marched towards you and cupped your face in his hands. Your mouth opened in question, but before you could speak, he pressed his lips to yours in a passionate, desperate first kiss. 

Though Lin wasn’t particularly pleased about the two of you, she had grown to admire how protective Mako was of you. Him being a skilled firebender only helped her feel more reassured. You, meanwhile, had grown tired of their coddling. 

Both of them treated you like a baby bird that had fallen out of the nest. Whenever someone threw you dirty glances in the street, both of them had a nasty habit of glaring and sneering. Mako is never averse to throwing a ball of fire at someone who is particularly troubling. 

“I can handle myself.”

“I know, I know.”

But did they?

You wanted to prove yourself. Show that as a trained airbender who had fought for her life tooth and nail on the streets, you could handle taking care of yourself when it mattered. So one night, you joined them on a mission. 

“You’re not coming.”

“The hell I’m not! I can take care of myself-- I’m not a little girl anymore!”

Mako kept silent as you argued with Lin, but his teeth gritted at the thought of you being in harm’s way. If you were coming, there was no way in hell he was going to let something happen to you. 

“Fine. You can come. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Your eyes widened and you turned to your boyfriend with a victorious grin, only for it to falter at the sight of him avoiding your gaze and leaving the room. 

You wanted to ask, but deep down you already knew what he would say. Yes, you loved that he cared so much for you and your safety, but you really didn’t want Debby Downer to ruin your excitement for your first mission. After Lin’s reluctant acceptance, Mako avoided you like the plague, only acknowledging your existence with an outstretched hand behind him as you and the rest of the squad of police snuck up to the criminal activity. 

It was a gang, and one you had learned of quite a bit during your adolescent years in the cold city. They were benders trying to overthrow the government, starting first with robbing small homes and moving up to threatening local businesses with a “safety tax.”

“I can do this, I can do this, I can do this,” you breathed out, practically buzzing with excitement behind a frustrated Mako. In the sunlight of what was only twelve noon, you could see the tension between his shoulders so much that it urged you to lodge a stick between the blades. You didn’t, but God did you want to. 

“Get down!”

Your squadron had been spotted, peering out from behind an alley wall and peeking in on what was the gang’s main leaders divvying up their most recent haul.

Fire almost singed your skin before Mako tugged you to the ground, forcing your head against the pavement while he shot back his own flames. Lin, who had been at the front of the squad, had charged into the thick of it, arms raised and ready to fight. 

There were about fifteen enemies in all, and with your group of ten soldiers-- excluding you-- Mako felt like they could take them. 

Without warning, he rose to his feet and dashed into the fight breaking out in the intersection between four lines of buildings. The scent of blood and smoke hit you like a wave of nausea as soon as you lifted your head and scrambled to your feet. 

C’mon, YN, it’s your chance! Let’s do this!

Running into the battle was like diving into a murky pool headfirst. You should have known the water would be shallow. 

The pavement beneath your feet rumbles and lifts, taking you and your yelp along with it. Just before it crashes into the nearest building, you tap your staff once and take flight, soaring through the air while searching for the nearest predator. 

A man that seemed ten times larger than you blasted a line of fire right towards your form, but you blew it right back into his face with a laugh. 

“Haha, how’d you like that!”

When your feet hit the ground, you jumped into action. A man-- a waterbender according to the sliver of ice that almost impaled your stomach-- came at you first. You twisted your hands and twirled your staff just enough that a gush of wind pushed him back into an alley dumpster, knocking him unconscious at the slightest contact. 

“Damn, I’m good! Can anyone explain why I’m so good?” You beamed, jabbing the butt end of your wooden staff into another mobster that tried to sneak up behind you. He toppled into his friend like dominoes, and just when you pounced over to land the final blow-- oh.

Ouchie

A white, hot bubble of pain burst in your chest, forcing you to let out a bloodcurdling scream. Your eyes flickered, narrowing and widening uncontrollably. No, not here!

“Dirty hybrid piece of shit! Go back to hell where you belong!”

Evidently, this gang member had done his research. As a shifter, there was a little nick right along your spine, just below where your wings would grow, that was almost like a failsafe. This man had bullseyed it like no other. 

Your nervous system tingled enough to leave you paralyzed, dropping to the floor like dead weight and twitching face-first in your own puddle of pain. The only things you could do now were blink and whimper, but you cried out brokenly when he dug the pick of ice deeper into your back. 

“YNNN!”

The infuriated roar of your name almost distracted you from the liquid seeping out and painting the concrete a deep red. A wave of heat, so quick and harsh it blew the hair stuck to the back of your neck away and up into your face. 

Groans and screams of pain accompanied what could only have been the sounds of people being burned alive. A mewl of fright left your mouth at the sight of a charred body collapsing right across from your turned head. From the smell of it, that man was a little past well-done.

“YN!” Hands patted your face and felt down your body before their owner grunted at the feeling of cooling blood. “YN! Can you breathe? Please, say something!”

Mako’s face appeared in your blurring vision as he pressed two fingers in your neck, feeling the panic-stricken pulse. 

“LIN, GET HELP! CALL SOMEONE!”

The shout was so loud, so cracked up with fear that it was almost painful to listen to. 

Mako’s thumb then rubbed your cheek in what he must’ve thought was a comforting manner. Instead, you only cringed at the feeling of his uncontrolled body temperature making your forehead break a sweat. 

“You’re gonna be okay,” he cooed, but his orange eyes betrayed the words. It’s not that he thought they were wrong, it’s that he hated only getting to hope they were right. 

“Mako,” you whispered, disgusted at the mindless drool that pooled out after. 

“Shh, YN, you’re gonna be okay. I’m not losing you.”

“Mako,” you pressed, as loud as you could muster with your face weighed down against the scraping concrete. “I love you, okay?”

“No, YN, don’t say it like that.” You understood how he felt. With the way you said it, it sounded more like a goodbye than a confession. 

“I’m sorry.” 

Then the darkness consumed you.

~~~ (oops, this turned into a scenario)

Not-so-silent whispers tugged you out of your sleep like a fish on a hook. The first thing you felt was nothing. 

It’s true. Your body was numb from all feeling, even as you blindly waggled your toes and fingers. Then you opened your eyes and hissed at the blinding light that always accompanied a hospital room. 

Tingles, pricks like sharp nails filled your limbs as you moved them more and more, and when you turned your head to find the source of the whispers, you found another pressed against the cushion of your stiff bed. 

Mako was sound asleep, the idea given away by the steady inhales and exhales that forced their ways through the tissue-like material of your mattress every few seconds. And just when your fingers prickled too, you noticed his hand was up on the bed and was grasping yours tightly. 

You didn’t care enough to search through your surroundings for more; instead, you settled for smiling and reaching your other hand over to dip into his dark hair. 

A sudden rip of pain spread through your back at the movement, and you couldn’t hold back the yelp that came along for the ride. Without another word, Mako was up at attention, sitting with a straight back in his chair as his other hand slammed down on the bed. Two more bodies appeared on your other side, one of which being Lin. 

“YN, are you okay?!” 

“You’re never doing that again!”

Mako’s concerned face and Lin’s stern but worried one both added to the growing headache that pierced right through your temples. 

“Ugh, I’m fine, I’m fine. Just gimme some space, you guys.”

Neither seemed too eager to please, as they both stayed tight exactly where they were. 

“YN,” a gentler, calmer tone caught your eye, and a doctor just about Lin’s age gave you a pleasant smile, “how are you feeling?”

Where Lin’s skin was smooth and unmarked, the doctor’s was creased with years of practiced smiles and reassuring looks. 

“Just about as good as a sack of shit. Do I look as pretty as I feel?”

With a patient chuckle, the doctor dismissed the question and hopped right into things. Daily rewraps around the wound, combined with a bullet-biting pinch of disinfectant every twelve hours and Republic City’s newest horse pills, more bitter than the smell of dried sweat that hung in the air. 

The doctor encouraged Lin to follow him for the treatments, and after a kiss to your forehead and a little head pat, she did as much. When the door clicked shut after her was when Mako pounced. 

“Don’t scare me like that, YN. I thought I lost you.”

His arms were folded in an attempted scolding, but the slight tremble of his lower lip broke down the facade. 

“You can’t get rid of me that easily,” you snorted, reaching for his hand and trying not to tear your stitches. He did as you wanted and let you encourage him closer with a small tug. 

“Good,” he whispers, leaning down and cupping your cheek with the other hand. You lean into the hold, relishing in the comfort it provides. 

“Shit, Mako, why can’t you be colder? My skin feels like it’s on fire.”

“I thought hybrids like heat?”

“Yeah, well not this hot!” 

“But isn’t that what you like about me?” 

You smack his arm and he lets out a chuckle, leaning closer only to brush his lips against yours. 

“Cocky bastard,” you jab before pulling him into a real kiss.

Girlhood is screaming crying and throwing up when someone mentions princess Yue (I actually forgot to post this when it was originally made oopsie)

"Audiotune lies, she's still shinin' Like lightning, oh-oh Like lightning" - Carmen, Lana Del Rey

I made this while struggling with the other wip so enjoy the sad Azula crumbs

Got a sad one here, Azula reaction to learning Zuko died? e.g it's not even her fault, the gaang have to tell her, he just - - didn't make it through one of their adventures. How hard does that hit her?

Hii! So I FINALLY did this request after awhile because I was struggling so much with it 😭

I think Azula would first see it as a victory but later when she's alone she would break down

I wanted to make a fully rendered piece but I ended up just coloring sketches instead so I’m genuinely so sorry if that’s not what you wanted

hiiii could you draw future tyzula?? (like when azulas in the asylum or when she's redeemed)

Yes! I actually didn't get to azulas redemption arc in the comics yet so here's a little angsty asylum tyzula comic i promise im gonna make them happy again tho

"You were born reaching for your mother's hands, victim of your father's plans to rule the world, too afraid to step outside Paranoid and petrified of what you've heard."

- Billie Eilish (blue)

Screaming crying and throwing up because the first time I heard that part of the song I thought of azula ;(

Never meant to be

Sully family & Sully! Fem/Pronouns Reader

Words: 6,358

Summary: It does not matter who's fault it is right now. You're gone, it won't be the same any more. In the way to your eternal rest, memories come out and fill the sad enviroment.

Written Curse: Use of (__)-Third person- I'm not an english native speaker so I support on translators!--Sorry for any mistake-- I tried to relate the stories with something of the funeral and scenes before, I hope it makes sense. I hope this is sad/angst but fluff too. -(__) has different ages in each memory. 6 months for this is pretty wild. See ya Darlings!

It was weak but it was still there, the lullaby made by the waves, accompanying those who were grieving. The water a little warmer but cold for the Sullys, burning their skin as memories flowed over the surface of the reflecting form.

Her body floating softer now it was lifeless, being encapsulated between large leaves and flowers, taken away from the village to a place unknown to all of them even after living there for weeks; there was not their home, not with pain clouding their senses. She's not coming back and it will be a long road before they can be together again.

_________________________

Kiri did her best to find a flower that only grew in remote places and very well hidden ones. She spent her days trying, but it seemed she would not succeed and that frustrated her. Everyone noticed this and asked her if there was anything they could do, she simply said it was nothing and continued with her tasks.

One night, after noticed how distracted she was, again, (__) talked with Mo'at about the matter.

Reaching the tent after dinner, (__) announced herself before entering given the permission to, she greeted with her hand raising and descending --I see you, grandmother-- Mo'at reciprocated --I see you granddaughter,What brings you on these sides? You haven’t come here for a long time-- She grabbed a few herbs putting them in a bag to direct her attention to collect others, without taking off the eyes of them she heard --I know Grandma, I’m sorry-- (__) squatted and then took a more comfortable position.

--But Kiri has been different these days-- Now the tsahik turned to look in her direction with the same calm as she crouched down --different?-- she placed the herbs in a bowl and began to grind them for a few seconds neither of them spoke, concentrating on how the bundle turned into a pasty mixture, the sound of fire breaking the wood causing their ears to move, --And haven’t you thought about asking her?-- This question sounded very innocent but it was obvious how sarcastic too, --Of course Grandma!, but she didn’t say anything-- Mo’at stopped grinding and her eyes met those of (__) raising her eyebrows and tilting her head a bit --And I should know--.

With her ears pressed to her head she answered almost whispering --maybe-- but quickly continued --She spends a lot of time training and healing with you-- at the end the eldest shook her head laughing a little --You care too much granddaughter of mine-- And she went on to mix it again --If it helps you and Kiri, I think I know what’s going on. I told her about a very rare ingredient that I use in several of my mixes, but I no longer have it and I have not been able to find any, not even the pickers-- when she finished and saw that the texture was the best she stopped and picked up a few rags.

At the same time (__) came closer to her --How is it?-- Mo'at could see the determination in her eyes, after thinking a little about whether to tell her or not, she gave in and then gave her the details of said flower.

The days passed, (__) spent less time in the clan returning untidy and sometimes with cuts. Something that worried the Sully’s, another girl who behaved differently than usual, but this would not last long.

Kiri tended to several with their wounds, focused on making the right moves and putting in the right amounts that ignored a figure who walked beside her and sat a few feet away from her.  Mo’at, who was attending to another na’vi, spoke --When you finish with him, take care of your sister, I have already done it too much--- So Kiri looked up, first to her grandmother who with some seriousness saw (__) then to the same one who offered a small embarrassed smile lowering her gaze.

Without saying anything and keeping her eyes for a few more seconds she continued to heal the wound. At the end she grabbed her things and went with her older sister observing those that required more attention first --what happened this time?-- (__) frowned trying to disguise the satisfaction of the task that left her in such a state --MH?-- Kiri exhaled somewhat tired --You know what I mean and don’t try to deny it (__)--She ran her fingers through the mix and spread it on the first wound getting a few moans of pain --Didn’t you think about what might happen to you?-- Turning her eyes for the scolding she opened his mouth for the first time to speak not before making other sounds for the burning --Mom and Dad already scolded me enough … I’m fine, Thank you--. Kiri quickly took her arm and extended it so that she and her sister could see it and bending over to see her face. --Is this being fine?-- --Kiri-- now (__) had a tired tone, Kiri’s uneasy face relaxed and looking for her sister’s look tried to be more delicate --What do you think you were doing?-- Studying her face a little and looking for the words to explain herself and make the surprise a good surprise --Little sister it won't happen again-- --I hope so-- she returned to focus her attention on the wounds --If you continue this strange, I will be the one who will have to take care of you--.

--Now I am the one who acts weird?-- Again they connected glances but Kiri shook her head and attended another cut --I don’t know what you’re talking about-- (__) brought her face closer to hers --Really?-- --Ugh-- she took some bands and wrapped them around her sister's arm --You are the one who is acting weird I’m fine-- (__) nodded slowly with lips a little pressed but her tail somewhat restless, her head looking at some shops began her “little plan” --TUK!-- Without turning but her eyes focused on Kiri continued with a smile forming --Then I think I’ll have to see what I do with all this-- The steps became more audible as they got closer, soon after Tuktirey appeared holding a basket --Hi Kiri!-- When she was close she extended the basket, when she took it, the little Tuk just as she came she went --Goodbye Kiri!-- with some caution she opened the lid to meet several flowers, the same that she spent many days searching without success Her mouth opened a little, her eyes opened a little more, after a few seconds she looked at (__) with the same expression and then at Mo’at --she is quite persuasive, as stubborn-- with bowl in hand went to her tent. --And?-- Her face full of happiness and fun for Kiri's attitude, but only received a slap on the face --Auch!, what was that for?-- --For being a skxawng-- With hands running her arm and without erasing that smile from her face --I can show you where there are more-- taking the basket and putting it in another place she observed them for another time --they are beautiful … I like them-- (__) confessed --Thank you-- softening her expression --It is nothing Kiri, anything for my siblings-- now it was Kiri's mouth that curved to share the smile.

Kiri sat next to (__) and laid her body and head on hers. --I think you better collect more, grandmother will reproach you every time you approach to her the times she has had to attend you--. She exhaled amused since it was most likely --as you say-- her posture became rigid and made a military signal that her father had taught them. Giving another pat but on the back of the neck she rolled her eyes without losing her smile --I'll reserve some for you, you'll need them-- --You talk like I'm always in trouble-- her tail moved as she remembered the many times her brother had gotten in trouble and where she had to heal him.

--You behaved like lo’ak--. Kiri felt (__)’s head lying on hers, she closed her eyes and (__) answered --That’s why you scolded me? I am older, I am the one who should scold you--.

--I was worried-- settling more into the gap that she had in the neck of (__) and her chest, focused on listening to her heart. --You don’t need to worry about me-- and neither said anything, enjoying each other’s company. Kiri then thanked the great mother for giving her the family she has, for the support and love they gave her and give her, for being in the here and now. Her arms encircled her sister's figure and hers her shoulders.

_________________________

The cold wind caressed the face of Lo’ak who was still sleeping, the external activity diluted in his listening announced the morning, feeling the lack of body heat at his side, it took him a while to open his eyes that to his surprise the light was already abundant, he stretched as much as he could, he left his resting place and went to breakfast.

When he arrived he was greeted by his family, first by his mother who stretched his arm to his head and kissed it, then by his father --Did you sleep well son?-- Jake asked by taking a piece of food and Lo’ak settling down next to his mother and Neteyam answered --Yes Father-- by bowing he grabbed a few pieces of food, leaving no room for further conversation (__) continued to swaying and asking --Daaaaaaddd pleaasseeee--.

Neytiri, who helped Tuk to eat, replied --(__), your father already told you no-- with this the girl made a few grimaces, without stopping her action her dad interfered --What will you do there?-- Before answering Neteyam spoke --She's going with a boooyyy-- he didn't dissimulate the smile and immediately made sounds to imitate kisses --Puagh! I'm not!-- with disgust she pulled out her tongue while the other children laughed but her mother looked at them to stop and so they did but in a while the ones emerged a little, --Very good, but you take your brother, today Kiri and Neteyam have their trainings-- As if she had never been sitting, she started jumping around and then hugging her dad for a long time, --Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you-- and hastily sat down to eat, with a small look at Lo’ak. Neytiri who at that time had finished eating and was now focused on Tuk saw Jake with a smile that he tried to hide when he saw her along with Mo'at.

When they finished eating Lo’ak and (__) went to the spring, the wet grass as well as the weather made the road lighter, concentrated in the view that although it was not possible to see beyond 4 meters was abundant, the sounds of his own steps, insects or even the wind was enough to relax the little one and make his body feel sleepy but the grip of (__) hand with his hand was enough to keep walking. After several moments of the walk the water hitting and joining with another was already heard as well as several laughs and other movements.

Lo’ak watched his sister dive more and more into the spring, from time to time pouring water or dipping her head. --Lo’ak! Come!-- (__) called her brother with a sign, the one who was sitting playing with some toys just shook his head and continued with his game, the water was too cold for his taste but, (__) wouldn't take a no for an answer, she had come to have fun and wanted her brother to do it too. But as soon as she thought of something to convince the child she would enjoy the spring.

Dipping and dipping she noticed a close flash, curiously she approached, came out of the water to take a breath of air and dive again, extending her left hand and grabbing the object. This moved a little, when she opened her mouth by the surprise she had to leave to not take or breathe the water. --Lo’ak! Lo’ak!-- He raised his head and saw his sister walking quickly towards him. --Come, look what I found!-- Her face no longer reflected surprise but joy like her body language, again shook his head --I don't want-- (__) clasped her hands together and asked again --Come on Lo'ak! If you do then I'll play with you whatever you want, but come-- thinking about it for a few seconds, he accepted and took the hand of (__).

When he touched the water he moved back a little by the temperature but his sister gave him a squeeze with her hand and a look to encourage him, as he walked more and the water reached his torso he had already become accustomed to the cold. When they got to a certain point they stopped, the elder pointed her head and spoke --There it is, ready?-- She noisily breathed in and waited a little for Lo’ak to do the same, in doing so they both put their heads in and with their eyes wide open they searched for what had excited his sister so much.

When he saw a little figurine of pastel colors and that with the passing light shone, as (__) he tried to touch it, but when his hands did he felt a peculiar texture, without having the same reaction, he only pulled his hand and watched the little figure come out antennae and move slowly on the rock on which it rested.

It was a snail he had never seen before, a very nice one, smiling he came out to breathe and began to laugh, next door his sister saw him and just imitated him. Already in a less deep place both walked looking at the rocks and stones below and the leaves that had fallen and floated aimlessly, some of the na’vi were no longer there, they had returned to the clan so it was calmer.

As the child that is Lo’ak it occurred to him that it would be fun to surprise his sister. As slow as he could was approaching (__), he bent down and her hands formed small spaces, when she turned to hear her brother approach she was greeted by nonstop water splashes with laughter, she tried to shelter her face with her arms but it was quite difficult so she decided to fight back, thus initiating a battle that neither of them would be willing to lose.

Hours later the only thing they did was rest, when one said they had given up and the other believed they took advantage to throw water again, the other did it too. Her hair moved according to the waves, as did her garments that barely floated. The light was dim by the leaves that covered the spring.

Looking at her face, Lo’ak appreciated every detail of her sister, even how serene she was even seemed to have fallen asleep. Almost as a sigh Lo’ak said her name, she opened her eyes and waited --I thought you were sleeping-- she shook her head. --It is better that we go to the clan, surely we have passed the food-- Turning a little leaning on her knee and squeezing her hair to remove the excess water, his brother did the same and taking by the hand they collected the toys to leave.

Back his head followed a thought that had formed at breakfast time, at his father’s condition and decided to clarify it even if it hurt his feelings, --(__), did you want to come with me?-- For the sudden question she stopped the steps, the sister who saw the face of her brother understood what he meant --Hey… why wouldn’t I want? with brothers as “cool” as you-- she broke her grip and swirled his hair with a smile before it got serious --I'm here Lo'ak, ok?-- without much thought he nodded.

They grabbed hands again and continued their way home without looking back.

_________________________

Neytiri had already finished several of her tasks for the day, one of her last was to go hunting, walking among the hammocks and some roots she carried her bow and arrows with constant step, the eclipse was approaching remarkably so it was necessary to get something before the night covered every corner of the forest.

Before she could completely leave the clan and call her ikran’s attention, she was attracted by a creak that frightened her, turning around quickly she found nothing less than her eldest daughter holding her own bow, her own eyes open --sorry ma, I didn't mean to scare you-- calming down immediately she signalized to her to approach her --what happened darling?-- slowly shook her head as she shortened the distance, arriving Neytiri surrounded with her arm the head of (__) charging it at the end of her collarbone --no, I just wondered if... could I go with you?-- --Nothing would make me more happy-- before continuing she separated a little to take her face in her hands and observe it a while --My great hunter is not yet big enough to think that hunting with her mother is thing of the past-- the cheeks of (__) warmed up to remember how those last weeks she was alone or with other young na’vi --mom!!-- a smile crossed by both in a moment, --It is better that we go at once-- without another word they walked until they reached the place that seemed right to them and called their ikran.

Already in the place that Neytiri had planned both began with the task, as cautious as possible they roamed the forest, tracking and following the chosen prey.

The rope was stretched until the arm reached its ideal point, the tip centered in the sight and with one last breath her hand released the rope, the arrow accompanied by another giving in different objectives, without wasting time they approached and performed the prayer.

--You have improved a lot in your aim-- --Thank you-- when she met her eyes her mother nodded --when the time comes you will take my father’s bow-- (__) who was preparing the animals to be loaded stopped the action taking again her eyes to those of Neytiri with disbelief --But Mom-- Neytiri interrupted --A bow must be strong, endure all the times it is used and those that do not, the person who wears it must be as strong as one, is one more part of who wears it; just as important as the heart, it is decided-- she finished preparing the animals herself, turning just to make her posture clearer, (__) nodded and then helped with what remained to be done.

On the flight back, the girl's mind wondered why that decision, despite being honored and happy she was also confused and even a little worried because that bow was one of the few things that her mother kept from her own father and therefore from her old home but she would not question it otherwise as it was what her mother wanted.

After dinner averyone went to their hammocks to sleep and be ready for the next day, including the Sully’s, each to their respective but before Neytiri could go with Jake, her daughter asked to talk to her.

Already set aside for others to rest, (__) sat on a rock and waited for the moment she thought was most appropriate to ask by tilting her head a little towards Neytiri --how was my grandfather?-- She stood behind (__), she took a great inhalation as soon as she sat next to her, looked at the stars standing still in the sky, --He was one of the strongest people I have ever met, wise and determined, even though Oloeyktan, he was someone who inspired confidence, love.-- The memories crossed her mind good and not so good but made tears find place in her eyes --Sometimes you look a lot like him, I'm sure he would be very proud of all of you.--

(__) In her periphery saw how her mother's face changed according to her emotions, her hand rested on top of hers --so would he be with you-- Neytiri turned her head to see (__) that she did not look at her directly swallowed saliva and tried to say something, she took off her tears with her hand --I wish it was, it is time for us to return-- and so they did.

Before (__) lay in her hammock she pulled Neytiri into a big hug putting her ear on her chest --rest ma, see you tomorrow-- with a kiss on the crown of her head for the last time she spoke -- you too, ‘ite’-- that’s how the night ended, the clan resting quietly.

The bows rested one above the other in their designated place waiting for another use, while dreams visited everyone, Neytiri dreamed of her father, she was again a girl and he was as always a great man.

_________________________

The little Tuk ran from one side to another screaming, the na’vi and people around her gave small glimpses toward her direction somewhat confused by her actions, as she stopped she turned around with her eyes going through every possible corner, attentive to any suspicious movement. But for a while there was no action to alert Tuk, for a moment her face was covered in confusion.

But as she let her guard down, two arms surrounded her figure –-I got you!-- Tuk shouted again but it was mixed with laughter --not true!-- And tried to break free repeatedly until she gave up, when (__) let her go, she resumed her escape --Hey, that's not fair-- she shouted but the girl ignored and kept running toward the tent of the whole family, with the things that were there she tried to hide and keeping silent, she waited.

After several minutes she heard as someone approached and entered the tent, holding her breath she watched as the na’vi moved to the other side, that’s when Tuk noticed that it was not (__).

But lo’ak who squatted and pulled something out of a basket, but when he stood and turned around he realized that the little girl was in the same space, carrying a scared look for a moment he asked --what are you doing?-- --Shh-- without being quiet, Lo'ak asked again, raising his voice --Shhhh!,What do you not see that I am hiding?-- he immediately answered --No-- and without further, he left the tent.

Other minutes passed and Tuk was already more than bored, she thought that, since (__) had not entered there perhaps she had forgotten their game and that she could already leave and not worry too much so she did but as she walked toward the entrance she didn't notice the shadow that was expected on the cloth of the store, When she left, she was back between two arms, the same ones that had imprisoned her moments before – I knew you were here-- --(__)!-- She laughed a little, --I win-- at that moment she let go of her, but the girl didn’t move from her side-- it’s not true, you cheated, that doesn’t count-- Tuk pressed her lips and changed her posture so that her sister knew how she was feeling.

--Cheated? How I cheated?-- Her tone of voice reflected the confusion she presented at what her younger sister said --surely you pretended that you forgot that we were playing to distract me and sure Lo’ak told you where I was-- Now she was the biggest grimace – I didn’t forget anything and Lo’ak hasn’t even spoken to me since breakfast -- Tuk’s tail stopped moving abruptly, his ears just as still – really?-- -- promise TukTuk-- she took a hand to her heart to make it better understood what she was telling the truth, Tuk seemed quite satisfied with that and she accepted it --that’s good because others usually do it when we play--. So (__) knelt down to level with her sister and seeing her in the eyes --then I promise I will never forget when we play together-- Tuk smiled and with his hand imitated her sister’s previous action --And I… promise… never forget anything-- ----what?-- The expression was funny because of her sister’s somewhat vague promise --Yes, I will never forget anything, nor of this-- raising an eyebrow the kneeling Sully asked --Really? Then I hope you never forget that I am your sister-- she composed her posture rolling her eyes--it seems that Lo’ak and Kiri already did-- the latter was more for herself but Tuk managed to hear and laughed, without saying anything else they heard how her mother called them to eat, --Yeah, i promise--

_________________________

Neteyam had finished his practices for the day so he decided to go and walk to relax, he knew that his father expected that when he finished he would immediately return to the clan, half a year ago that the people of heaven had returned and Jake was more strict and hard on them, plus he was busier. So he tried his best not to stress his father and make him proud, just like anyone, he needed time to rest.

So thinking of returning to the clan before worrying anyone, he went on his way, observing the flora and fauna, eating from the fruit he found, memorizing the parts of the forest where he was. After a long time he remembered what he had planned watching as he was close the eclipse ran as fast as he could as his ikran was not close. When he arrived and was under the camp he called his ikran in a hurry, without having stepped on, first he heard the cry of his father and then his figure approaching with tense posture –-did you already realize the time you arrive!?-- --I’m sorry, sir.-- But this response only seemed to infuriate Jake who immediately thought of some punishment for his eldest son –-A sorry doesn’t help me when you don’t even seem to care!-- Neteyam lowered his head, biting his tongue to the point of drawing some blood.

What else could he say? He knew that if he told the truth he would only make things worse and if he didn't say anything else he would take his father out of his boxes, at that time to remain silent and Jake's to wait, (__) approached knowing what was going on from her father’s screams, and to try to help, she spoke –-Neteyam, did you get the stones?-- both turned to see her confused --What do you mean sweetheart?-- asked Jake, for a second the ears of (__) went down but quickly replied --an apology father, I asked Neteyam some things for a project I have-. --And the stones?-- Jake turned to Neteyam who stuttered a bit trying to give an answer that was credible –- I didn’t find any special for (__), sorry --Do not worry brother, another day will be–- with some doubt and without discomfort already some Jake accepted the fact and left everything with a warning that they should always warn with issues like this to avoid worries --it will not happen again father--, -It better not-.

When Jake disappeared from their field of vision, Neteyam spoke -– why do you lie to him? You shouldn’t have done that-– something tired (__) put her hands on her brother’s shoulders --did you see how he was? He almost takes your teeth out one by one-- he sighed – anyway, that was wrong – with one hand he pushed the hands away from (__) -- when he finds out that I never looked for anything, what will we do?-- She raised an eyebrow – what else could we do? Tomorrow you bring me any stone and I will pretend that I loved it–For a moment, Neteyam watched his sister in disbelief. Had she lied before? --We won’t do that-- she escoffed, --As you wish, so what do you suggest?-- --We won’t do anything, this was my fault.-- (__) turned her eyes and before turning around she said, --very well-- and finally marched to leave Neteyam with his thoughts.

The next morning, as if he was not between his father’s expectations, he woke up late, possibly it was already noon. He rushed out to apologize and start his arc practices immediately. But Jake did not recriminate anything, to the surprise of the boy and his mother - thank (__) who warned me of your great ability, this day you can rest as much as you want but I will not allow it to always be that way, did you hear boy?-- --Yes, father, thank you very much-- without further ado, he did. In the night when he saw the eldest, he thanked her but she shook her head and with a confessed smile – you earned it – she shook her brother’s head and finished –now rest Tey– –you too (__)--. And with that they went to sleep without seeing eachother in the eyes.

_________________________

It had been a busy day but full of fun and new discoveries with his friends, his family. Removing the mask that helped him move in Pandora, Spider opened the second control door, when Norm entered he received it as usual.

--Hello Spider! How did everythin went?-- --It was great Norm, Kiri showed me plants I had never seen before and then with Lo'ak, Neteyam and (__) we went to explore a place she found, There were a lot of bugs and they ate some-– Spider only laughed at what happened as they had also joked with each other but Norm made an expression of disgust thinking about their texture and taste --Very well I do not want to know more details, Go take a shower so we can eat-– Spider breathed out his shoulders and walked down heavily to where the showers were --ok-- without having moved too far he stopped and without losing another second he passed his hands on Norm’s clothes and ran to his room --Spider!-- he shouted with his hands outstretched seeing the dirt and what looked like drool on his shirt and some of his pants, with a sigh of defeat he went to change and make Spider bath.

Well into the night and after having dined Spider lay on his bed, just below Norm's and before he went up the boy asked why he never learned the ways of the Omaticaya to be one of them, he settled on the edge of the bed --well-- he squeezed his lips --Jake was the first, he was taught as he was not a scientist and I was a little jealous- Spider curved an eyebrow --Something?-- Norm frowned --Don't you believe me?-- The boy shook his head and denied, Norm forrowed his eyebrows and nodded slowly --I guess I was very jealous, I had spent many years learning so that someone who barely knew what photosynthesis was or knew what skxanwngg meant would have been accepted into the clan… but then Grace and I had the opportunity to live with the Omaticaya, everything seemed to improve.

After the war I still had the opportunity to ask and more with Jake being Oloeytktan but at that time I realized that it was really not something that was for me... plus-- he shook the hair of Spider --Someone has to take care of you-- --The other guys take care of me too-- he moved his hand away from himself --Yes, but I'm the one who does it most of the time-- Spider was silent thoughtfully and yawned, --I guess-- Norm shook his head with a smile, --Good night kiddo-- --Good night Norm--.

The next day Spider went out again to meet the Sully's near a river, even if (__) did not arrived yet he and the others started playing, Neytiri and Jake watching them, for a while they chased, they swooped down and the boy pulled their tail until being a little calmer the mud hit them right on their faces, with their mouths wide open they saw that the cause was her older sister --(__)!-- the children shouted while she laughed, they took off the mud and began to grab more.

When she saw this her tail tightened and ran away as quickly as possible --don't run coward!-- Lo’ak shouted --try to catch me fools!-- and as the challenge that was all came out shot in her direction – children!-- They barely heard how Jake called them, but they continued as they knew she would not return until it was safe and accelerated the pace further, just as if they were for the prey that runs away from the hunter. They all took different routes, Spider running on the ground just like Kiri, while Lo’ak and Neteyam took their route on the tree branches.

The further they advanced Spider recognized the way as he and Lo’ak sometimes passed by and had even made a shorter path, so he took it for the sake of everyone’s revenge.

After running a little more he managed to see the figure of (__) that now ran less, so as not to frighten her or to make her notice his presence he slowed down until he only gave step by step with caution when she had stopped completely, examining her surroundings for any alert that her siblings were nearby, she took a long time to notice Spider as lightning came out at her, when she did it was already falling and being muddy --Spider!-- (__) she shouted before removing the child next to her and the mud, when she stood up she asked --Do you think it's funny?-- --It is--Spider smiled and she gave him a bitter one, before he could walk a few beads and ties fell to the ground, as if she had never been blue (__) she felt the blood leaving her body --what is that?-- --Nothing-- she wanted to pick them up but Spider had already done it with some --this is for a songcord-- without being able to lie (__) exhaled and sat on the wet ground nearby,he did the same, she extended her hands to him and spoke --it's yours-- Spider remained silent for a while --mine?-- She nodded --I thought maybe you could make your own cord, I wanted it to be a surprise-- -- but I am not a na'vi -- she immediately answer -- you are, You are na'vi as much as me or my mother and every na'vi has their songcord-- she tilt her head to him grab the beads and the ties in her big hands and so he did --If you want I can help you--without giving answer Spider stood and hugged with all his streght to (__) who received it --Thank you.--

The sound of creaking branches and moving plants reached the ears of both who with just a glance and a smile grabbed mud and ran out to the cause of the noise.

Days later Norm analyzed samples when Spider passed at great speed but he noticed something hanging from the boy's waist, a musical string.

_________________________

The flora illuminated the night landscape in different colors, occasionally reacting to the outside activity of the still awake animals. In a hammock several meters from the ground one family rested peacefully, huddled on top of the other.

However one of the dreams was interrupted, Jake felt how some hands grabbed his arm and in periods squeezed or shook it but the state in which he was not paying much attention to this until he heard whispers calling him. He slowly opened his eyes until he got used to the darkness, highlighting the figure of his older daughter who was closer than he expected. Clearing his throat he spoke in a low voice so as not to disturb anyone else -- What happened my child?-- regulating her tone to her father's and without letting go -- I had a nightmare--

--Oh really?-- (__) nodded – And what was it about?-- -– We were in the mountains and mom and you were flying but I didn’t, so I wanted to fly and I tried to get on an ikran but none wanted and then – her tail swung in times – you left and I wanted to fly alone so you wouldn’t left me-- Still sleepy he listened to the story of his daughter that seemed to have really affected him since also the grip of his hands on his arm increased and decreased as it did.

-But I didn't fly-Focusing as much as possible on her even that it would not make much difference, he placed one of his hands on the girl's head to move her until he caressed her cheek. --And why did we leave without you?-- (__) moved her eyes until they reached their limit when thinking about it for a while --I don't know, but I didn't like it, you wouldn't leave me, right?-- Without taking away any of his hands that touched them both, surely Jake spoke --of course not, we would never leave without you--.

--Pinkie promise?-- Jake laughed a little but hooked his little finger to hers who was already waiting for him --I promise, now go back to sleep-- she pulled her hands off his arm, lay down and closed her eyes, Jake following took a deep breath settling down to sleep, He concentrated on reconciling this --Dad-- without moving and to let (__) know that he was listening to her although she looked at him he made a kind of murmur --MH?--.

--I would not leave without you either-- Sometimes the words, the innocence and spontaneity with which she said them made Jake form a big smile and in other desire to laugh, In this case even something tender --seriously?-- --Yes-- he gently scratched his temple --that's good, your mother and I will not let you go anywhere until you are your grandmother's age-- (__) covered her mouth to suppress the sound of her laughter that tried to come out even more when Jake leaned one of his arms against his figure --But now back to sleep--.

The sounds of the atmosphere returned to their place in the hammock for a few seconds --Dad?-- (__) put one of her hands back on his arm with a small squeeze waiting for some answer, this being another murmur --I love you-- --I love you more (__)-- He closed his eyes and losing the grip of his hand sleep and stillness came.

With the security that his father gave him little by little, she embraced the rest that her body asked him without thinking about anything else.

_________________________

Her body was now embraced with houndred of tendrils, dissapearing in front of the eyes of her loved ones, everything felt unreal for them. Because it was unreal. For years they fought to be happy but ir seems they were never meant to be.

I am on my knees

High Infidelity II

Adult!Neteyam x (f)Metkayina!Reader x Aonung

Warnings: cheating, aonung being an absolute dick, cursing, 18+ minors dni

Word count: 5.6k words

Notes: besties, you ate this up and i love you for it. seems we all love neteyam mr steal-yo-girl, and i get it, i get it so much. enjoy x

previous part (x)

Lock broken, slur spoken, wound open, game token I didn't know you were keeping count

Your picket fence is sharp as knives I was dancing around, dancing around it

“One day, you’re going to beg me to fuck you. And I’ll do it so well, you will never be able to get me out of your mind, never be able to touch yourself again without an image of my cock slipping in and out of you ingrained in your brain.” 

His words lingered in your mind as much as the aftershocks of the pleasure he took out of you lingered in and on your body. You were shaking, shaking with guilt and fear, at what you did, at what just happened, at thoughts of how you could possibly fix this, or hide this, but worst of all, at how much you wanted more. You needed more. You were shaking because it wasn’t enough. Reeling because, right now, even as fear and guilt pooled in you, they held no candle to the desire that settled deep within your soul, that seeped into every facet of your being, into every cell of your body. 

You wanted him. You needed him. You wondered briefly if there were any lengths you wouldn’t go to in order to feel this feeling again, to get him to do to you everything you knew he was capable of, everything you couldn’t even imagine, but wanted to find out. As you made your way back to your tent slowly, face flushed and weak knees, trying to adjust your disheveled figure and your wrinkled loincloth, you knew the answer was no. There were no lengths.

You were excited to be able to go to sleep tonight, excited to be able to leave your mind and soul to rest and weigh in the calamitous actions that have transpired in this fateful day, and felt anxiety fill you up as thoughts of the consequences of your actions started bearing down on you. What were you going to do? How would you ever be able to look Aonung or his family in the eye ever again? You were angry at him, so angry, so bitter and hurt at the way he has treated you for so long, at the way it felt like he almost pushed you into this scenario, pushed you to a point of breaking, a point you never thought you’d reach. You were a good girl. Kind, and happy and empathetic and understanding. That’s why you and Tsireya have always had such a strong bond - two girls with no ulterior motives, no underlying agenda, no mean spirit or facetious intentions. Just pure light, emanating and spreading around you to everyone you touched. You stood by Aonung his whole life, you allowed him to change and grow while he shrunk you into a shell of yourself, of who you were, who you could have been if he actually loved you enough, actually cared enough. 

Your tent was cold and desolate as you entered it, just like you felt. All alone. The longer Neteyam’s presence and his warmth and his words were removed from your own, the worse you felt, the worse the feelings pooling in the pit of your stomach, nagging at your mind and cursing you, admonishing you for your thoughtless actions and irredeemable mistakes.

“I fucked up again, didn’t I?”  

You jolted violently at the voice coming from deep within your tent, enveloped in a blanket of deep, unflinching darkness. You turned towards it, and as your eyes adapted slowly, you could make out Aonung’s body, and the tiny bioluminescent freckles glistening dimly and increasing in size as he moved closer to you.

Your heart thumped in your chest as the one person you didn’t want to see, the one person you couldn’t see without fumbling into a mess of broken heartedness and misery, stood in front of you, shoulders hunched and a forlorn look on his usually peppy and unencumbered face. 

“I can’t seem to be able to stop myself from hurting you, from making a mess of a good situation, a good person.”

You gulped silently at his words, trying to push the lump that formed in your throat, that didn’t allow you to speak or to acknowledge his presence, so you just watched him and waited. Waited, as he reached over and took your hand in his, his soft hands a striking difference to Neteyam’s calloused ones, and you cursed yourself for thinking of the Omatikaya boy even in this moment, when he should be pushed away from your thoughts, so far away he should be a dot on the horizon of your mind. His other hand found your cheek, that he was caressing carefully, softly, like you were a doll or a feather that would be blown away at the slightest push or breeze of the wind, which, in this moment, it felt like you were. 

“Please look at me. Please.” 

He willed your face upwards, putting pressure on your jaw as you refused to meet his gaze, and eventually you had no choice but to see his eyes, those beautiful sky blue eyes that you used to get lost in as a child, that used to shimmer and glow with childlike wonder when they looked at you, eyes that were now red and sad. You winced as you took them in, took him in, as the regret and sorrow almost rolled off of him and into you, amplifying your own pitiful emotions and your ever-growing self-loathing. 

“I’m so sorry. I know the words mean nothing coming from my mouth, I know that. I know that no words could ever make it up for the way I’ve been treating you all this time, and how much I have taken your love, your kindness, for granted. You know, you are the only one, the only person in my life that has always stood by me, that has seen me for more than I was, but who I could one day be. I’ve always felt like a failure. My whole life, I have lived in the shadow of my parents, who I have continuously let down by not being who they wanted me to be, who they thought I could be. I have lived my whole life knowing I was a disappointment to them, a stain on their immaculate track record, that was partially erased only by Tsireya’s presence, but was still there, no matter how hard they tried to hide it. But you, you’ve always seen me, you’ve always believed in me. I have loved you my whole life, but when they both ordered me, told me I had no other choice but to be your mate, that you were the only way I could redeem myself in their eyes, you became something else. A burden, another reminder of all the things I’ll never be, all the ways I’ll never be enough for my family. I blamed you for their shortcomings, and my own, and I am sorry.”

The tears were falling flawlessly down your face, like there was no other place for them to be than on your cheeks and on your chest, on his thumbs as he was brushing them away gently. 

“I’ll be better, I promise. You deserve better.” 

I don’t, you thought miserably. Not anymore. 

You barely got out of your tent in the next few days, dread filling you as the marui shook with every person who walked the common pathways that connected all the homes together, as you imagined it was Aonung or Neteyam, or Tsireya, or anyone else who you would have to look at and talk to and lie to. Your mate-to-be was busy, busier than usual with the Omatikaya, who were all getting better in time and as a result, needed more attention with more complicated matters, matters which took effort and patience, and you were glad. In a sick part of your soul, you hoped Aonung would have continued treating you like dirt, like he had for so long, as that would have diminished the guilt eating at you, guilt that now engulfed your every happy thought, every ray of light in you and replaced it with dark thoughts and heavy resentment for everyone involved. You tried so hard to stop thinking of Neteyam, of his hands and his lips and his words, and hated him for doing this, hated him for the effect he had on you, for turning you from an innocent soul into this, an adulterer, a liar, a mess of depraved thoughts and desires, pulsating through your body and settling in your core, that ached to be filled, that was dying to feel him, to be ruined by his touch, that was so powerful that it took everything in you, every ounce of focus and self-restraint to drown it, instead of letting it drown you. 

A few more days passed and you knew it was time to face the world, and face your fears. Your eyes settled on the new bracelet now adorning your arm, crafted by him with some of the most beautiful beads, pebbles and shells you have ever seen. An apology gift, he called it. As you thought about it, and about him, a revelation hit you, spreading its gleam all around you and bringing new breath in your lungs.

A new beginning. You both deserved a new beginning. You both deserved the chance to start over. You made mistakes. A big one in particular. But so did he. So many of them. You both screwed up, but you could move past. He wanted to, why shouldn’t you want to? He was your mate-to-be, he was your chosen one, your betrothed, your friend since childhood. You both deserved a second chance. You wanted to try. You had to try, you owed it to yourself and to him to try to give this a chance. 

And now was the best time to do it, as you knew from Tsireya that she was taking the Sullys to the Cove of the Ancestors today, which meant Aonung was most likely training with his father. 

“One day, you’re going to beg me to fuck you. And I’ll do it so well, you will never be able to get me out of your mind, never be able to touch yourself again without an image of my cock slipping in and out of you ingrained in your brain.” 

Neteyam was a mistake. A mistake you wouldn’t make again. You had to try. 

You had to try. 

As you suspected, Aonung was deep in training with his father, who looked up and smiled widely as his eyes fixated on your approaching form. You liked Chief Tonowari. He was kind and gentle, and he was excited about the prospect of you joining their family. You wondered briefly if he could ever understand, if he knew how much his excitement on the matter inadvertently caused you grief, and put strain in between you and his son and made the bond that much more difficult to deal with, the idea that much harder to swallow.

You greeted him, smiling in his direction and the smile faltered slightly as you and Aonung made eye-contact. He was still embarrassed about his actions, and still thought you were distant because you hadn’t forgiven him yet. You hadn’t, but your need for distance had dark undertones he could never even imagine, and you didn’t want him to. 

“Are you here to train with us?” The Olo’eyktan chuckled a little at his joke. You were no warrior and he knew that. You didn’t have the stomach for such things, preferring to keep to yourself and to help from the sidelines, the gift of the Tsahik running through your veins from a young age.

“Not quite, just here to see your son.” 

“If your parents don’t come back in time, you should join us for the celebration of the tulkun returning. We’d love to have you, and I’m sure my children would, too.”

“I’d love to. Thank you for the invitation.” 

Elation enveloped you as the horn that announced the return of the tulkun was blown, and you immediately left your tent and dove straight into the warm, clear-blue water and called for your trusty ilu, your good friend, hurrying towards your spirit sister, that you knew was waiting for you. It was a day of bliss, of celebration, of happiness in the clan, the most important day of the year, that marked the beginning of days of festivities and rituals, and you couldn’t wait. It was like the universe, like Eywa was giving you a chance, a clear sign that the tides were changing, and you could be changing with them, embracing the new and discarding the old. 

You heard her sooner than you saw her, her indistinguishable voice propelled through the water straight to your ears and through your body, filling you with relief and light. Her trills and stories allowed you to relax for the first time in so long, and you listened as she told you tales of her travels, of all the memories she’s made in the year you’ve been apart. When it was your turn, you did the same, stopping at the story you wanted most to tell, but knew you couldn’t, even to her. 

“There’s more that you want to say, isn’t there? I know you’re keeping something from me, something important, something life-altering.”

You winced and scowled in her direction, upset at how well she knew you, at how connected you were. You looked around you, trying to see if anyone would be paying attention to you, and noted all Metkayina were too busy with their own stories, their own reunions, for you to matter in the slightest. 

“I met someone. He makes me feel things I have never felt before. He makes me question my life, and everything in it. He treats me well, and says all the right things, but it’s wrong, it’s a mistake. He’s a mistake. I’m trying to fix it, but I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to.” 

“Sometimes, people come in our lives as mirrors to ourselves. Mirrors to our soul, allowing us to see the truth in who we are, the truth of what we want. To shine a light on the darkness within, on the deepest parts of us we would have never seen without them. Sometimes, that’s the only way for light to enter in places it would have never reached otherwise.”

You had no answer to that, and you hoped whichever mirror Neteyam held to your soul didn’t lead to so much darkness it would overtake you and the people you loved, the people you never wanted to hurt. 

The celebrations were as beautiful as they always were, surrounded by music and cheering, dancing and good food, love and friendship. You were happy if not a little nervous to spend this time with your soon-to-be in-laws, and that happiness quickly vanished as you realised you were to be joined by the Sullys. 

Aonung had a small smile on his face as he spotted you, and you tried your best to focus on him and not behind him, at the man staring at you with such intensity it was making you acutely aware of your own heartbeat, that now sounded painfully in your ears and against your eardrums. The whole world drowned around you, as it always seemed to when his presence was near yours, and Tsireya had to shake you, in order to bring attention to herself and back to the present, back to them. 

“Sister, are you alright?

“Yes, Tsireya. I am fine, sorry. I got lost in my thoughts.” 

She laughed a little at you, but then took your hand and guided you to the strangers who were eyeing curiously. 

“Sister, these are the Sullys. My dad invited them for the celebrations, as it is their first return of the tulkun. This is Jakesulli, the former Olo’eyktan of the Omatikaya and Toruk Makto, Neytiri, the former Tsakarem of the Omatikaya, and their children, Neteyam, Kiri, Lo’ak and Tuk.” 

You tried your best to force a natural smile out. 

“It’s nice to meet you. I have heard a lot about you all, about some of you more than the others.” You eyed Tsireya playfully and your eyes briefly moved towards Lo’ak, who you knew Tsireya took a liking to. The entire family laughed at your joke, and at Tsireya and Lo’ak’s bashful and embarrassed looks. You felt a small twinge of jealousy for Tsireya, who was able to freely choose her mate, to freely love a Sully without contention or judgement, or pressure, and was obviously loved the same in return, as the Sully looked at her like the sun rose in her eyes. You didn’t know what that felt like, at least not until you met Neteyam, a man who you couldn’t have, a man who you couldn’t keep your thoughts from gravitating towards, a man who was eyeing you like he was undressing you with his gaze alone. You swallowed harshly, trying to contend with his presence and the wetness gathering in your beaded loincloth.

After dinner, the adults dismissed you, knowing deep down you all would much rather go and enjoy your time with the rest of the Metkayina youth, who knew how to celebrate, especially on nights like this. You were young adults now, and young adults got to go off on their own, and got to have their own kind of parties that the adults could no longer prohibit you from enjoying. That’s where you were headed. It was wild, and it was hot. It was everything you were afraid of growing up, and everything you craved now, more so by the day, it seemed. Mates and prospective mates were dancing sensually with each other, cups filled with alcohol made of the plants growing in the mangrove jungles deep within the island and spilling on and around them with each undulation of their bodies. You loved it, loved your traditions that were unique within the Na’vi people, that no other clan knew about or experienced quite the same way. You smiled as Tsireya handed you a cup and watched as Rot’xo poured some of the drink into everyone’s cup, and you all signalled an I See You to each other before taking a small sip, enjoying the way the warm liquid left burning traces as it made its way down your throat. 

You watched as the rest of the your companions did the same, and chuckled a little at the way Kiri and Lo’ak and Tsireya reacted to the drink, clearly their first time trying something like this. 

“That’s all you get, youngsters. I don’t want to have to drag any of you back home in a couple of hours and have to face the wrath of either Olo’eyktan.” You heard Aonung say, as he removed the jug from Rot’xo’s hands and kept it for himself. “Now go, enjoy yourselves. Show the forest people how we, Metkayina, do things.” 

There it was again, that mischievous glint in his eyes, and you pondered how will the alcohol affect your mate-to-be this time. It was always a surprise, ranging from kind and sweet and loving, to aloof and despondent, to angry and wanting to pick fights with whomever was unfortunate enough to be close by. He took your hand and pulled on it gently, willing you away, away from sight, away from the others. You followed him, unable to stop yourself form glancing behind you one last time, and wishing it was someone else doing it instead. When your eyes met Neteyam’s, you knew he felt the same, and you tried to remove the image of the hurt flashing across his face from your memory, knowing he wasn’t yours to care for, and you weren’t his to take away. 

You and Aonung sat down on the warm, golden sand that now glowed with bioluminescent plankton whenever the water hit it, and you felt your body relax at the calming, rhythmic sound of the waves that cleared your mind and soul of the anguish that seemed to constantly plague it recently. A constant tug of war lived within you, between what you wanted, what you needed, and what you felt was the right thing to do. You didn’t know which was going to win, but you knew it was a lose-lose situation regardless. You either lost your innocence, and the trust of the people you loved, or yourself. You didn’t know which was worse. 

The Metkayina young man poured more alcohol in your cup and you welcomed it, welcome the opportunity for your mind to quiet, no matter how that was accomplished. You felt the alcohol going to your head quickly, making a mess of your thoughts and lifting your spirits. You and Aonung stayed like this, talking comfortably, just like you used to do when you were younger, and you felt grateful for the memories, and grateful that the drunk Aonung you got was this, the nice and charming version of himself you have always loved, you have always hoped for. 

“Remember when we were fifteen and I convinced you to sneak out and go outside of the reef to Three Brothers Rocks? It took forever for me to talk you into it, but I think you were happy once we arrived and you found pebbles and shells you never could on the beach. I remember looking at you admiring them, telling me how beautiful they are, and all I could think of is how beautiful you were.” 

You smiled at his words, and how slurred they were the drunker he got, and giggled when he let out a small hiccup. 

“You’re just saying that because you’re drunk.”

“Maybe, but I don’t think so. You’re still so beautiful, even more beautiful. M-more beautiful… every day.” 

Your back was laying on his chest and a warm feeling cloaked you as you lowered your head on him and looked up at the stars. Maybe you could do this. Maybe you could forget about Neteyam and allow yourself to remember what it was like to love this man you’ve known all your life, the man you may not be in love with, but you could be one day, if he continued speaking to you the way he was, the way you’ve dreamt about all your life. 

He started peppering kisses down your throat, sucking on your soft skin and licking where you could feel he left marks. Heat pooled in between your legs as he did, and so did the hatred in your soul when the only face that came to mind was not the one currently on you, and you pulled yourself away from him, trying to put some distance in between your bodies and some thought back into your head. 

“Not now, Aonung. Please. We’re so close to the Iknimaya.”

“Exactly, we’re so close. Why wait anymore? I want you. I need you, I have for so long, I need to feel your body on me, around me. Nobody has to know.” 

“Except we will know. I will know. If I am to be part of your family, to be your mate, I want to do this right. You’re drunk, very drunk, and I’m getting there, and this isn’t the way to do it, not the way I want to remember this moment for the rest of my life.” 

He scoffed and pulled you by your queue back on his chest and you yelped as the action sent pain through your entire body. 

“Can you just lighten up for once in your life? You have always been such a fucking killjoy. Do you think your friends aren’t fucking their mates to be? Do you think they’re all prudes like you, waiting and waiting until you’re good enough to pass your Iknimaya?”

The pain of his actions and his words overtook your entire existence, warped itself around you until there was nothing left of you but its echoes ringing in you and out of you, in the form of sobs and cries you wish you could drown in. 

“Let me go.” 

You got up and forcefully removed your queue from his grasp, trying to ignore how badly the pain combined with the alcohol was making your head spin, and started walking away. You didn’t get very far, as he ran in front of you and put his body in between you and your path, and you hissed loudly at him, the sadness blossoming into anger so powerful, you have never felt it before in your life. 

“I’m sorry, alright? That came out wrong. Just… let’s not let this ruin this beautiful evening. I feel like I’m just getting you back, you can’t leave me.” 

“Get away from me, Aonung.” 

You watched in your hazed state as Aonung’s body twirled like an underwater current, and you struggled to understand what was happening, until a deep voice filled your ears and your senses, the way it always did, the way it always will. 

“You heard what she said. Leave her alone.” 

Neteyam’s navy blue body was barely visible in the dark of night, but his eyes gleamed with fury and intensity and so did his freckles, and it was enough to know that he was furious, and he was ready to fight. 

Aonung could barely stand up straight, but laughed mockingly in Neteyam’s direction. 

“Oh, the tree hugger is coming to the rescue. She’s my mate, she doesn’t need saving from you. Isn’t that right, yawne? Tell him you’re fine, we’re just playing around.” 

As he reached his hand over to grab you, you flinched and put even more distance in between you, getting so close to Neteyam that you felt the warmth of his body on yours, making you feel safe again. 

“Come back here, you -“ 

One finger is all it took, one finger against Aonung’s chest for him to be pushed back to his place, back away from you. 

“Back off. Now.” 

Neteyam’s voice was menacing, and you knew Aonung felt it too, as a quick look of fear flashed in his eyes and he stayed put, unable or unwilling to push the Omatikaya, who you both knew would win this fight by a landslide. 

“Smart choice.” 

His warm hand found your lower back and you shivered at the contact. “Let’s go, I’ll take you home.” 

There were no words as you walked on the beach that was still beaming with life and laughter, no words that could ever describe the feelings you felt inside, each of them stronger than the other, all of them threatening to overtake you. You saw the village come into view and knew you couldn’t bear it, couldn’t bear the thought of your tent where he could find you, where even if he didn’t, you would be all alone again. 

“I don’t want to go home. I want to go to the beach.” 

The tears were rolling down your cheeks mercilessly and Neteyam’s eyes softened as he nodded and motioned for you to lead the way. You were grateful for his presence and his silence, grateful for how he was barely touching you so as to not make you more uncomfortable or remind you of the man you left behind, grateful that he knew exactly what to do and what to say, grateful that he was everything Aonung wasn’t and nothing that he was. 

You were dizzy still as you arrived to your beach and dizzier still as you fell on your ass unceremoniously. The amber of Neteyam’s eyes reminded you of the liquid the brought you here, that made you this way, and you knew you couldn’t look into them for too long without feeling nauseated. 

He sat besides you, but left space in between you, which you appreciated. 

“I’m sorry this happened. Are you alright?” 

You laughed bitterly, unable to help yourself. 

“Am I alright? Well, let’s see. I have been treated like dirt for years by the guy I thought I loved and that I am meant to give myself to forever, then I met a guy that makes my entire body convulse the second he comes close to me, I allow him to do things to me only my mate should ever be able to do, and I love it, and I can only think about more, about his words and the way I only feel the way I feel when I’m with him…” you took a deep breath and sighed, allowing every dark thought and secret, everything you’ve kept shackled within you come to light. 

“Then the first guy comes and apologises, and says all the right words, which makes me feel even worse, makes me hate myself and hate everything around me, hate that I’ve allowed two men to drive me to this point, but still, I think that I should try. I should try to do this, be the good girl I’ve always been, keep my promise and my word to him and his family, to the clan. And then this happens.” 

“So no. I am not alright. I’m so far from alright, alright isn’t even on the same planet as me.” 

“I am sorry. I’m sorry I made your life harder than it needed to be. But I want you, I’ve wanted you since the moment I laid my eyes on you. I’ve watched you in the clan. You’re always kind, and helpful. You always have a smile on your face, a real, authentic smile. You’re a good person, and you deserve better. I did what I did because I want you to be mine. I thought you should know there are options out there. That you don’t need to confine yourself to someone just because you feel like you have to, that it’s expected of you. I know all about the pressures of expectations, and while I'm forced to shoulder them, I don’t want you to have to.” 

Your breath caught in your throat and there was nothing to say in regards to the power with which this man controlled every fibre of your being, the pull that his voice and his words had on you. He so quickly managed to become the sun your soul orbited around. You felt your body slowly inching closer to his, even as whatever little conscious mind you still had available was screaming for you to stop, that this was wrong and two wrongs don’t make a right. It took everything out of you, but you eventually listened. 

“I need to go. I wanted to come here, I wanted you to take me here, but I can’t be around you. Not anymore. Aonung is an asshole, and I will deal with him tomorrow, but what we did was wrong. What I did was wrong. I should have broken up with him, I should have told him that it’s over, that he’s treated me wrong one too many times. But I didn’t. And regardless what he’s done, I’m no better, not if I do this again. Once is a mistake, twice is a choice. I’m going home.” 

Neteyam sighed and you saw there was hurt in his eyes, on his face. He didn’t say anything to you as you left him and whatever it was you had behind. 

You needed to clear your head, clear the hurt and drunk thoughts swirling in your mind. You knew of a secluded spot to which Aonung used to take you when you were younger, that you thought would be perfect to wash this night away from your body and hopefully forget it ever happened. You pushed through the tall greenery surrounding you in order to reach it and stopped in your tracks when sounds of panted breaths and mixed moans filled your ears. 

“Aonung, fuck. Right there!” 

“You feel so good, baby. So good.” 

You ran as fast as your feet could carry you, praying and hoping they didn’t hear you, and when you knew you were far enough, you stopped and curled your body forwards as you threw up on the ground in front of you, groaning as the alcohol tasted much worse on your tongue coming out than it did going in. You were having trouble breathing as this night, that was horrible to begin with, was now bordering on unbearable, as the lewd sounds floated in every corner of your mind, powering the next round of sickness that felt like it was being expelled from deeper within you than just your stomach, from the unsightly parts of your soul. 

He was fucking another girl. You told him no, you told him you wanted to wait, and so he fucked another girl. Was this the first girl? The only girl? The first time? The only time? 

So many questions, so few answers, so little time to think, so much grief to swallow. So much anger, and vindication, so much thirst for revenge, a thirst that you’ve never felt before, that consumed you until there was nothing left but it. You spent so much time feeling horrible about yourself, about what you did. And you didn’t even do the thing you wanted to do, the thing you were desperate to do. But now, there was no hesitation in you anymore as you ran towards the beach that you hoped Neteyam was still on, relief so powerful a drug it cleared your senses and focused them on the man you wanted, that you had to turn away, that you now got to have, that you hoped would claim you, would show you everything Aonung never could. 

He was there. Of course he was. His back was to you, to the forest, and he was looking at the beach, looking at how the waves crashed into the sand, and you couldn’t help take a second to admire him, admire his beauty and poise, admire his strength and character, admire the way he was everything you weren’t, everything you wished you could be. You wanted him to show you, and to teach you, you wanted him to help you see there’s more to this world than what you’ve known, there’s more to this life than what you’ve been confined to feel. And you knew he could, you knew he would. All you had to do was ask. 

“Neteyam. I’m here to beg you to fuck me.” 

three parts it is, besties x

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