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seen you apologize if your writing was bad and just wanted to let you know it’s amazing and i’m already in deep for your mini series and excited to see where it goes, like genuinely on the edge of my seat ready for more!! you’re doing amazing!!

oh wow thank you so much. i really needed to hear this. ive been rereading my old stuff and losing my shit over how i cant write the same anymore. this motivated me to keep trying!!

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after rereading the lotr books i just realized that legolas was the spotify of the fellowship. wherever they went, he sang about something in every place lmao

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*googles Harry Potter fanfic*

*Matteo Riddle x heir of slytherin lovechild of Voldemort and fucking Merlin himself Reader comes up*

Yes this is exactly what I was looking for

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i’m legit so excited for the tsutey content you have no idea 🫣🫣🤗🤗🤗 the sneak peak u posted looks soooo good 🫣🫣🫣

Does it count if I reply to this a year late 😭 IM SORRY. I hope the mini series is up to par so far. I haven’t written in a good year (fiction, anyway. I’ve been writing thesis papers ✌️🙈 because sacrificing my soul to get an university education). I’m a bit dusty when it comes to writing, hopefully I’ll return to the level I was as I keep writing. Okay what I’m tryna say is sorry if the writings shit 🥹

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Since tiktok is gettind banned in the land of the americas (💩) it is vital that I link my edit account on here. This has my blood sweat and tears (it was a 2 month phase and then i lost motivation)

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I honestly feel like nobody in lotr mentions how fucking weird Legolas is. He stays up pacing the floor and singing to himself in the dead of night. He deadass stares straight into the tree line in the absolute pitch black when no one else can see anything. He yells goodbye to a river he has heard about in songs. He's so strange and not one character mentions it AT ALL. I absolutely love him.

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[sunsents]

Tsu-tey - The Age of Arrogance (4)

CHAPTER 4

MINI SERIES MASTERLINK

almost finished with this series 😎 i realize that I tend to use a loottt of na'vi language. lmk if it gets confusing or just...too much. i do it to reflect the culture/language/world building or whatever u wanna call it. (I hope its doing what I intend it to lolz)

➵ chapter summary: You and Tsu'tey are sent on a dangerous mission. Let's just hope your rivalry won't intervene with the goal...

➵ pairing: enemies to lovers, tsu'tey x fem!reader(no use of y/n)

➵ word count: 4k

➵ warnings: cursing, angst(?) but it's just tsutey being emotionally unavailable/confused/sexually frustrated

DON’T REPOST MY WORK

chapter dictionary

eylan - friend

palulukan - thanator

syaksyuk - prolemuris (monkey-like animal) 

tewng - loincloth

torukspxam - octoshroom/fungus

yomhì'ang - insect eating plants used for medicine

tawtute - demon

yawne - beloved

tsamsiyul - warrior

skxawng - idiot

syulang - flower

"The elders are calling for you."

Neytiri stands cross-armed in front of you, expecting you to finish your early dinner.

"For what?" chewing on poorly done teylu, you lick your fingers.

"I do not know." she sighs.

"Alright...am I in trouble?"

When she doesn’t respond, you have no choice but to trail behind her similar to a guilty child. Mo'at, Ateyi, and Tunak sit in a circle in the middle of Hometree. It’s currently dinner time, and the members of the clans are seated in their designated places as they eat their weekly gatherings. You can feel a plethora of gazes linger on you when you approach the elders with cautious steps. 

Strangely, Tsu’tey is in front of the bunch, chatting with his signature stoic expression. His eyes display clear respect, but it's noticeable that he'd rather be somewhere else during late afternoons. His stiff posture and impatient tail are almost laughable, he makes it evident. If you’re going down, it seemed he was going down with you, whatever the reason may be. 

It was common knowledge that the clan elders were a grumpy bunch. Specifically, Tunak and Mo’at. They were constantly unsatisfied, always complaining or criticizing the life around them, and giving unsolicited advice. Neytiri pats you on the shoulder to show her support, but your nerves start to spread through your body when you stand next to Tsu’tey. Mo'at surveys you and hums, announcing your arrival. When Tsu'tey turns around to see who has just interrupted them, he takes a step back.

It was only this morning that you two had a strange and intimate interaction in the Tsahik tent. Having not spoken to him since, the uncomfortable atmosphere stretches on. You don't know what to say to him, shuffling your weight between your soles. You settle on silence, standing next to him, "Err..you wanted to see me?"

"Now that you're both here," drawls Tunak in his elderly, hoarse voice. He seems appeased by your late entrance but only makes it evident through his tone. "Tsahik Mo'at thought it best if you both venture to cave Kelkuk'tal."

You furrow your brows, and Tsu'tey maintains his stoic front. "But, why?"

Mo'at raises a hand before Tunak can answer. "The clan is out of yomhì'ang, child. Zeir and Takuk are tasked with guarding the night gatherers. Jake and Neytiri...it is best to let them enjoy the fruits of their companion." she rolls her eyes. Mo'at, as much as she loves her son-in-law, has always found Jake's rebellious attitude an unnecessary measure during duties. "Eywa has spoken. You shall go."

"Tsahik," Tsu'tey steps forward. "Cave Kelkuk'tel is palulukan territory. It is dangerous, I will go alone."

Mo'at and Tunak bark out a laugh. Ateyi's warm eyes give you a pitying look, excusing her companions' behavior. Tunak holds his chest as he speaks. "You're still far too independent, eylan. Because it is dangerous are we suggesting you go together. You cannot do this on your own."

Tsu'tey scowls. Having his ability doubted hurts his pride. Nonetheless, he bows his head in respect. 

"The palulukan’s sleep at nightfall. Ateyi will give you clothes for camouflage," says Mo'at, keeping her head high.

You bow your head, "Thank you, elders."

Bidding your farewells with two fingers on your forehead, you and Tsu'tey walk away until it's a reasonable distance from the circle of people. He stops abruptly, turns around, and surveys you with disdain. You get physically dizzy by his confusing attitude. He was gripping your waist and softly looking up at you as if you were the most precious thing this evening. Now though...

Tsu'tey's voice is monotone and rough as he speaks. "We leave tomorrow nightfall. Come early."

"Roger, big guy."

You expect him to hurriedly take off and ignore you for the better half of the day—his strange antics all point in that direction, and you've got plenty good at reading him. It’s frustrating how easily he disregards what passed between you two. Electricity was zapping around—your pent-up feelings were ready to burst.

However, he doesn't leave. Pausing, he takes a tentative step toward you. You adamantly don't shy away from eye contact, challenging his next move because you itch to see it. He opens his mouth, then closes it. You blink, tilting your head questioningly. 

"Do you have...something to say to me?"

Instead of answering you, he audibly gulps while his pupils dart around. You’re rendered speechless– Tsu’tey rarely lets his emotions show, lest they're confidence, anger, annoyance, or all of the above. "Yes..." his thick voice drips with a rasp. "Do not forget to bring arrows"

He takes off without looking back, leaving you motionless and confused, contemplating what the hell happened for the rest of your night. You were getting exceptionally tired of him leaving without a word– it was becoming a problem, and for the sake of your sanity, you determined to hold onto him the next time he attempted his…strange demeanor. 

The next day passes too quickly for your liking. Your day is spent running from one thing to another, and before you know it, you and Tsu'tey are geared up and walking towards cave Kelkuk'tel in silence. Ateyi had kept her word and adorned you both in gear only fit to be worn by important warriors, with arm and leg pieces composed of palulukan fur, and the animal's hind skin encapsulating the better half of your legs. Not only was it a genius camouflaging technique, but the hide was sturdy and quality.

The sun has already set, leaving a purple and turquoise hue clouding the afternoon sky. The bioluminescence has started their nightly lookout, you notice, coming alight as you walk through. Tsu'tey has the habit of stopping abruptly, twitching his ears for possible danger, and when he deems it safe to continue, gesturing his hand in an overly dramatic gesture only Jake used to do back in your RDA days. He must've rubbed off on the man, you think, jumping over a log gently to keep up with Tsu'tey's agile strides. 

His legs carry him effortlessly while you curse your own, trailing behind him. It was humbling how you couldn’t keep balance, even after months of training. Thankfully, your steps are quiet enough because Tsu'tey doesn't disapprove like he always does with a disgruntled scowl.

As the syuksak come alive and start their nightly bicker, Cave Kelkuk'tel comes into view. You watch Tsu'tey's back stop moving, stretched well with muscle and resembling the blue Adonis that he is. His bow is slung across his squared shoulder, down his small waist shaped by his protruding v-line. It's incredibly lewd, how you can see the line of it jut out with his every step, curtained by his intricately weaved tewng you're sure the clan women must've crafted in hopes of attracting his attention.

"____?" he whispers your name, turning.

"Y-yeah?" you clear your throat as quietly as possible. "I'm here."

"Don’t get close to torukspxam." he crosses his arms, beckoning you to stand next to his tall frame.

You roll your eyes. "Okay, that happened once. And I had the antidote with me."

"No, I don’t. I was busy covering my ears from your screeching," he smirks, proud of his comeback.

"Can we focus, I'm not in the mood for all this right now," you whisper.

"Demanding little tawtute." 

Ignoring his comment, you slowly approach the cave entrance. "Let's recount the plan again, then we'll start."

"Do not forget. I am in charge."

"How can I? You remind me every single day."

"Do not get sassy with me," he grunts, then kneels. "I will go first."

You nod, "Mo'at said the yomhì'ang grows deeper down the entrance."

"Yes, but it is not very deep. Don’t wake up the palulukan." when he says this, he gives you a knowing look that appears almost scolding.

"I'm quiet…" you grumble.

Tsu'tey merely hums, then cautiously enters the cave. Darkness envelops his frame with each step until he’s fully sheathed. After a reasonable amount of time passes, you hear the yelp of Tsu'tey's imitation. With a deep, calming breath, you advance. The darkness is strong as you enter, your eyes take a few beats to adjust. Your Na'vi features assist you quickly, and you can feel your pupils dilate as Tsu'tey's smug grin becomes visible. "Ugh," you retch, quietly.

Tsu'stey gestures his head towards the deeper part of the cave. You nod, following behind him closely. The hard mossy walls cause the inside of the cave to feel much damper than the outside forest, and the strong smell of natural herbs and shrubbery cloud your senses. 

As you go deeper, the bioluminescence starts to become rich and soiled, growing obscenely in size. In a matter of few steps, small glowing flowers turn into large thick roots surrounding the sizely walls of the cave. The soft buzz of the cave critters sends chills down your spine—this place is scarier at night.

"Here," says Tsu'tey, so quietly that you almost don't pick it up.

With a nod, you kneel and open your satchel that’s hung across your hip. Tsu'tey makes quick work with his skilled fingers, cutting the herb. The plant keeps its radiant glow as you collect it into your satchel, the hue bursting through the loose weavings. You glance at Tsu'tey's satchel and realize he's collected more than you. You fasten your knife with determination.

Sooner or later, which is approximately 3 seconds because you counted, Tsu'tey catches onto what you're doing and scowls. He also picks up his pace, glancing back and forth between your satchel and his.  You both exchange burning looks as you collect the herb, however, you play dirty. Tsu'tey grunts in protest when you reach over to his side and snag some of his plants, then push them into your satchel. "Sxkawng!" he whispers, then applies your dirty tactic against you. 

"Loser carries it all back to Hometree," you retaliate, bumping his shoulder to throw him off balance. It doesn't work, of course. You're half  Tsu'tey's body weight. The new deal is enough motivation for both of your piles to double in size in a matter of minutes. 

"Stop trying to win against me, tawtute." he grins.

"I could say the same for you."

You lose and as expected, Tsu'tey has no mercy on you. He dumps all the shrubbery into your bulging satchel, then tosses his empty bag at the top of the pile as well. With wobbly legs and arms tucked under the bottoms of the heavy satchels, you slowly start to make your way to the entrance. You seriously consider never competing against him again. Whenever you’re with Tsu’tey, the situation always ends up with you carrying something obscenely heavy. 

The cave is quiet otherwise your deep pants, quiet shuffling, and the armory of Tsu'tey crinkling due to his swaying, muscular hips. Awkwardly angled behind him, you try to dodge small rocks alongside your struggle to carry the herb. You think it's good that you’ve gathered an obscene amount, you won't have to go back to this godforsaken cave for another nine years. Falling deep in thought, you don't notice Tsu'tey glance behind ever so often to check how you're holding up. As you take another step, you watch Tsu'tey's eyes widen. Confused, you follow his line of sight.

You come face to face with the dawning reality that you’ve stepped on a cave vine. The thing about cave vines is that - you had to learn this the hard way - they are simply too fragile. This is ironic because their entire purpose is to hold up rocks; it's an otherwise mutually exclusive relationship. You feel the thin plant wriggle and snap out, then coil up with an echoing wizz. The rumbling sound that follows is bone-chilling and loud, warning that you stepped on the mother vine which acts as a vessel for the rest. 

The cave starts shaking slightly, getting more rabid as the seconds pass, and when you look at Tsu'tey, the horror in his eyes makes you live the moment in slow motion. He's suspended in time as he tackles you to the ground, rubbles falling from the ceiling and collapsing around you. You hit the ground with an oomph and hold on for dear life, and in that very moment, you start to understand why everyone seems to pray for Eywa whenever they're in dire need of help.

Smoke clouds fill the cave in its mist. Your heart pounds in your chest, and after a few moments, everything stills. It's unusually quiet except for you and Tsu'tey's heavy pants. It seems the cave critters hurriedly hid away, stilling all life. Tsu'tey's heavy body presses you to the floor, satchels tucked between your bodies. His arms cage your sides as he lays there, breathing heavily with eyes screwed shut. 

You stay like that while trying to process what the fuck you've just gotten yourself and your subordinate into. With a swift move, Tsu'tey pulls you both and the sack of herbs up. Your legs wobble like a newborn deer, and he's quick to put an arm around your waist and take the satchel from your hands.

''Are you injured?'' Tsu'tey asks in a hush. His voice drips with concern and fear.

''Tsu'tey, I'm so sorry. I wasn't watching my ste-''

''Are you injured?'' he asks again, tone now sharp and just above a whisper.

You grimace, feeling awful. He was the one who valiantly jumped between you and the rocks. Just what a respectable Omatican warrior should be, he valiantly protected you, who was under his wing.

You, who caused him trouble and made a fool of yourself.

''No! No, are you?'' you're quick to ask.

''We need to leave'' he demands, completely ignoring your question.

You take a deep breath, quickly wipe away the small drop of tear that was forming from pure shame and terror, then push away from him to stand on your own. Tsu'tey starts to navigate the big boulders and large, lush greenery. As you follow him towards the exit of the cave, your stomach churns.

What if the nantang nest had woken up? What if the rocks that fell weren't as small as they were?

You would have been dead, either as big cat chow food or boulder mush. It would have been months before they found your bodies, and when they did, they would only recognize you from Tsu'tey's stupidly attractive Olo'eyktan jewelry. Or perhaps they would distinguish your poorly made head and neck pieces that took you ages to weave.

Worse, you would've brought the Omaticayan Olo'eyktan down with you. The Olo'eyktan you saved in war. The man you carried on your back for miles, wailing and gritting your teeth with sweat and tears just so he could live. All because you were trying to prove to him that you were strong and independent. You felt shame. Why were you so determined to gain his approval? How far were you willing to go? Far enough that you would both end up being killed?

Throughout your self-destructive pattern of wallowing, you had reached the exit of Kelkuk'tel. The fresh air that hit your nose calmed your nerves only slightly. You're alive. Everything was okay; you kept reminding yourself. However, you didn't notice how Tsu'tey kept looking back to check if you were okay. The worry on his face only became evident when he turned around to face you and put the satchel on a nearby tree trunk. 

You quickly surveyed his body without touching him; he had a few minor scratches around his arms, but other than that, he appeared okay. He was okay. You thanked Eywa for the first time in a long time that night. You had done so when you won the war; when Tsu'tey's heart was still beating when you found him with a gunshot wound on his chest; and now, when he barely had any scratches.

Meanwhile, Tsu'tey was busy searching your body for injury. It's only now, when you're out of the suffocating cave and able to breathe that you realize his urgency. The Olo'eyktan is shaken, you notice. Watching his pupils dart around your body, you try not to react to his soft yet fervent touch. He's breathing heavily, his chest shaking with fear as he searches.

''Tsu'tey'' you call out, hoping to pull him out of his panicked state.

Your voice doesn't quite reach him, though. You call out his name again, before stepping away from his hold and grasping his wrists. Tsu'tey flinches at the contact but doesn't pull away. You can't tell if your method of soothing is effective, alas, you keep going. With a thumb stroking his palm, you repeat a mantra of "I'm okay." and "We're safe.".

You don't know why Tsu'tey's reacting the way he is, you can't quite put a finger on it either. Almost as if he'd been in this situation before; lost someone he cared for. You halt your train of thought.

Did he care for you?

You watch as his breathing turns regular. His eyes focus on your face, and he closes his eyes with a deep sigh. "I'm sorry, yawne." he whispers.

Taken aback by the unnatural name, you merely repeat "It's okay.".

"I was careless of your step." he breathes, fists squeezing. "Careless to let you carry the yomhì'ang ."

"Hey, I should've watched where I was going.". You tell him softly. "It's not your fault, big guy."

Tsu'tey finally decides to meet your eyes after what feels like minutes. Though, his expression is uncharacteristically expressive. His eyes glisten teary under the fluorescence of the surrounding shrubbery. The glow of the magnificent Pandora moon caresses his navy skin gently. The vulnerability Tsu'tey's handing out to you with his bare hands makes you stumble against your deeply suppressed emotions. It's hard not to match his honesty, and before you can stop yourself, the words pour out from your lips. "I wanted to prove myself to you. To make you accept me as one of the people."

As you go on, Tsu'tey's face morphs into one of confusion. "Why?" he asks. ''Why?'' he repeats, getting seemingly annoyed. ''I am mean to you.''

"So?" You're offended he's asking you that question. "How could I not? Mean or not, you're the Olo'eyktan of the clan."

Your eyes watch as the gears in his head start turning. He hangs his head low in shame, realizing the severity of his actions. The severity of the situation he put you under. Your chest aches with fear and fury, trying to let every single emotion get out of your system so you can finally breathe. "Ever since I've come here, I've tried so hard to be a worthy Omaticayan." You say, letting go of his hands. "Approval of the Olo'eyktan means approval of the clan. Every day, you did well to remind me that I was a tawtute. A fraud."

Your voice cracks. "And now, I-" You suddenly turn away when you feel teardrops threatening to spill. It's been well over months of you living your life in Pandora, and you realized getting Tsu'tey's approval mattered very little amongst the many tasks and relationships you've nurtured in your life. Though, you're mature enough to acknowledge your mistake. A mistake that reminds you where you came from. What you truly are; "I almost got us killed. I made a fool of myself. You were correct."

A quiet shuffling of feet; slow, calculated steps; a clash of limbs and breaths, until Tsu'tey sneaks up behind you and wraps you in his arms. His bicep presses your back deep into his chest, his heart. Your na'vi ears flicker when you hear his thundering heartbeat— the storm that's been within him ever since you and Jake entered his clan.

"I am sorry, yawne,'' he whispers. ''I am sorry.'', again and again until you feel a warm teardrop run down your cheek. ''You are one of us. I did not know you felt…this. I didn’t…” he panics. “Please, do not cry.''

He nuzzles his romanesque nose in the crook of your neck, inhaling your scent deeply. Surely, he can smell your sorrow; he can sense the teardrops that threaten to spill from your eyes. The skin-to-skin contact just feels so good. So comforting and long-awaited. You realize you're crying tears of relief because his closeness and sweet words were what you've been hoping for all this time. You close your eyes and rest your head on his chest, where your ear meets his heart. 

''My strong tsamsiyul. I am a skxawng. Not worthy of my title for making my syulang feel this way.''

Your eyes quickly open at his words and you pull away from his grasp to face him. Because what else could you have done when he called you this endearingly? You search his face for hints of mockery but all you find is glistening, yearning eyes. "What?" you call out in a voice that sounds unlike your own. 

When Tsu’tey realizes his words, he quickly turns on his heel and strides to the discarded satchel that’s lying limp near the tree bark. He hastily throws the woven bag over his shoulder and clears his throat. "Mistake," he mutters in English, then takes off. 

You scramble to catch up behind him in the glowing forest. He wasn’t getting away this time. "Wait!" you yell, sound reverberating around the quiet night. "Tsu'tey! You big oaf-"

Thump.

Tsu'tey's sudden halt causes you to crash head-first into his firm back. His lithe muscles ripple when he repositions the satchel. “Will you stop running away!”

"I misspoke."

"How could you misspeak...that."

He gives you no answer– simply continues his hurried strides towards Hometree. "We talk about this after the mission is complete." he commands in his gruff voice, and you realize that's all you're getting out of him verbally. In a haze of confusion and nerves, you try to read his body language. His white freckles seem to be glowing more than usual, and the tips of his ears glow a deep purple. He's embarrassed, you realize, and the notion is enough to make you chuckle. 

You sport a shit-eating grin throughout the entire walk, of course– your mind entertaining hopes of a more intimate relationship with the Na'vi man walking ahead of you. He had called you his flower, his strong warrior. His own.

 His. 

Remembering the interaction causes an embarrassing rush of butterflies to flood your stomach, yet again. Your face feels hot, and the forest breeze does nothing to cool off your disposition. This would surely mean that he desires you as well...surely. 

With silent steps and lingering glances, you finally arrive at the common area. With bated breath, you wait for him to say something. In classic Tsu’tey fashion, he quickly leaves towards the tsahik tent without saying goodbye, or goodnight, or anything, for that matter. As you watch him get away from you like his life depended on it though, you fight back another heart-clenching wave of tears try to wash over you. 

Have you disgusted him so much that he irked to get away from you this relentlessly? You can hear your heart shattering into a million pieces. The shards travel through your body and sting your insides; because your body wanted him. Your na’vi instincts yearned for his care, and the physical distance he constantly put between you was painful. 

You wistfully watch his figure fade away until the night is still and serene. You crave a sense of stability on your own, so, then and there, you decide to give up on him. 

[sunsents]

Tsu-tey - The Age of Arrogance (3) (M)

CHAPTER 3

MINI SERIES MASTERLINK

➵ chapter summary: Things become heated between you and Tsu'tey after his awkward apology.

➵ pairing: enemies to lovers, tsu'tey x fem!reader(no use of y/n)

➵ word count: 3k

➵ warnings: mature themes, hints at masturbation, cursing, banter, depictions of injury and blood (very minor)

DON’T REPOST MY WORK

Tsawl Pamtseo Tsko Kllte - a large musical instrument that stands on the ground

tawtute - demon

nantang - viperwolf

skxwang - idiot

angstik - hammerhead titonathere

TSU'TEY POV

Every respectful Omaticayan man starts his day off with a morning hunt to soothe their hunger and provide for their clan. Tsu'tey is no different.

This time around, he's limping to the riverbank to have a nice bath and ease his aching shin with hot water and a message– because clearly, he's underestimated your strength.

As he lathers himself up with herbs, he realizes how he's underestimated you. You, with your strange tawtute words, four fingers, and hairy forehead. The attitude that carried itself so effortlessly and dripped off of your every move and every word made him want to stick his head into a nantang nest.

After the forced apology deep in the forest, and after discoverşing Reytan's efforts of courtship, the following week has been torture. He feels the tiredness and ache drip off his firm muscles with every brush of the makeshift loofa JakeSully weaved for the people. As much as he hated to admit, the strange sky-demon inventions sometimes worked well. He still looks at it with distaste though, even after using it countless times and having made a habit to demand a new one every two weeks.

As the thing brushes against his arm, he thinks back at the last few days and the utter agony of arguing with you incessantly. He was familiar with you now, though the familiarity consisted of arguing and bickering about the most insignificant topics. He passed it off as tawtute arrogance first, but you were adamant about proving you were no longer one of them.

The ball of woven silk glides onto his chest smoothly, and his heart picks off at the thought of your smart mouth. Why was it that you had an answer for everything? Why were so adamant about going against his commands? 

He huffs, closing his eyes and throwing his head back as the water runs down his chest to his abs. It was only yesterday you fought about where the musicians were to be seated in the upcoming hunting festival.

"They should be in the heart of the fun, not up at some pedestal!"

Tsu'tey groans, gritting his teeth. "Why be in the middle? That is stupid and distracting. The people dance in the middle! If we put Tsawl Pamtseo Tsko Kllte in the middle, you will bump into it."

You ignore Jake's weak 'G-guys, I'm sure there's an alternative.' and roll your eyes. "How in god's name do you accidentally bump into a gigantic flute?"

Tsu'tey's face contorts in annoyance. "I refuse to answer your unnecessary questions, tawtute."

You clench your fists."They're rhetorical, you jerk.”

The lingering traces of your gritted voice carry a smirk to his lips– one of many 'fights' he's had with you after his so-called apology. It was easy to anger you; at first, you pushed his buttons just as much as he pushed yours, but after your relationship got into a rhythm where he said something and you made it your mission to counteract it, he started enjoying the strange arrangement. Especially seeing your flushed face and large eyes, peering up at him between your dark lashes. You would always march right up at him with clenched fists and a quip dripping from your tongue, and in those moments, he imagined harshly grabbing your face and pulling you into a heated kiss until your breaths became one.

He groans into the open air, the loofa brushing against his hardening cock ever so gently. He grits his teeth and squeezes his eyes shut to calm his urges–his instincts that light a fire inside his abdomen and make him act unlike a respectable man. 

No, ever since you looked at him with those fearful, haunting eyes he ceased to be a respectful man. Those very eyes that slowly became unwilling and sparkling with mirth.

Yearning for a dream-walker mate was never in his plans. He supposes you were one of the people now, but you despised him. Especially after he masked his attraction with spiteful insults.

Then, of course, there was that skxwang who was shamelessly courting you.

Tsu'tey remembers Reytan as a bright kid who was eager to learn how to hunt the biggest plays and where to filet his fish first to appeal to the softest meat. Not as an adult Omaticayan man ready to court a woman and settle down into domestic bliss - with you, no less. 

Reytan would have it no other way, Tsu'tey realized. This past week, his pathetic courting attempts worsened– Tsu'tey could laugh. You didn't enjoy angstik meat, nor did you like scaling through trees as a means of spending time together.

What a failure, surely Tsu'tey could have wooed you much easier. It seemed as though you just needed some affection— some attention and cooing. Tsu'tey smirks, he would turn you into a stuttering, blushing fool if he so wished.

At least that's what he says to soothe his ragged ego. After being saved by you, almost losing his position as Olo'Eyktan, and having to deal with the tasteless fruits of his injuries, his pride is in the depths of Eywa, and pulling it back has proven to be painstakingly difficult.

After rubbing his body clean and ignoring his hardening cock at the thought of you, thoughts he's done his best to deny while his Na'vi instincts buzzed his entire body, he carefully steps out of the boiling water. Glancing around, he quickly gets dressed and makes his way to Hometree in undignified haste.

Like every morning, the people are in a scurry to start their morning duties; the stomach-grumbling scent of fresh fruits and the fumes of sizzling meat; mates scrambling after their little ones to calm them down and perhaps convince them to wear their clothes properly; teenagers rubbing their eyes to rid their tiredness and aching bodies. 

The atmosphere is as lively as always, accompanied by the chirping and squawking of neighboring birds. The chatter resonates around the large community and beautifully accentuates the morning beat of drums and strings.

People greet Tsu'tey as he walks, but he's a man on a mission. His stomach gurgles in warning, and he has no choice but the start a jog fueled by nothing but his hunger. He spots Jake and Neytiri amidst the morning chaos, with Jake trying to weave a new armband and Neytiri sharpening her bows. They're chatting animatedly as they work. Stopping next to Jake, when the man offers him breakfast, he fights the urge to grab his face and kiss his strangely thin lips. 

"Someone's hungry." Jake chuckles, abandoning his poorly done weaving.

Tsu'tey grunts, shoving fruits into his mouth. "I hunted this morning."

"I see."

"The forest becomes prosperous when the cycle reaches hot temperatures." Neytiri chimes in, looking up from her skilled fingers making quick work of the piece of wood.

"Oh, so it's summer now?" Jake asks.

Tsu'tey and Neytiri look at each other. "What is that?"

"Never mind," Jake shakes his head, then picks up his weaving again when Neytiri throws him a look.

Zeir and Takuk soon join their circle of calm conversation and sharing of food. Tsu'tey feels himself relaxing in the calming atmosphere brought on by his trusted aides—something he needed after weeks of stress and restrained sexual desires. He distracts himself by starting a weaving of his own as well but soon realizes it's a pattern you adorn yourself in. As the thoughts of offering the piece of cloth to you surge in from the depths of his heart, his hands start to shake.

Your smell follows the panic, and he realizes you're near. The unfamiliar stench that accompanies you is enough proof that Reytan will follow in your wake and fuel the anger building inside of Tsu'tey.

"Morning party people," you stand next to Neytiri and thank her when she offers you a leaf of food. "Reytan was showing me good hunting spots. I had no idea we had a literal waterfall."

Your eyes sparkle as you dig into your food, completely oblivious to Tsu'tey's thumping heart that demands your attention. How dare you.

Reytan is quick to add on, and Tsu'tey just now realizes he's also here. "Yes, it is quite a young one."

Neytiri and Takuk are quick to join the conversation about Eywa's gift, but the only gift Tsu'tey can think of is the one being weaved unconsciously between his fingers. You're avoiding his gaze and infuriating Tsu'tey for no apparent reason.

Reytan looks at you. "I can show you other places if you want."

You smile. "Of course, I'd love that."

Tsu'tey almost snarls.

The grip on his weaving tightens and the pointed drums of wood are dangerously close to his skin.

"I am glad we are spending time together," Reytan shyly looks down, tail twitching.

You chuckle. "You're a good friend."

Tsu'tey pricks his finger. It was inevitable and strangely grounding. He feels the sting of the sharp tool imprinted on his cut skin. Deep crimson pools on the tip of his finger and slowly drizzles down his veins. With a hiss, he puts the digit in his mouth.

"Tsu'tey!" you gasp, and swat at his hand. Embarrassment causes him to lower his ears and purse his lips— he was getting jealous over a vrrtep and this notion caused the stinging burn on his finger to worsen. His collected and menacing persona was broken by a mere demon– only children got hurt like this. He was supposed to be Olo’eyktan. 

His tail trashes behind him but he does nothing to control it. He needs to make his anger evident. Needs to protest against your will to help him. He doesn't need anyone's help.

You tut at the small cut. "It's small, I'll bandage you up."

"No-"

"Brother, go and get treated. We have an important hunting day tomorrow."

Unfortunately, Jake is right. Grumbling, he follows you into Mo'at's kelku and doesn't glance back at the sullen Reytan watching you walk away.

READER POV

While the kelku is otherwise empty, the intense gaze Tsu'tey has on your face makes you feel suffocated. With a thumping heart and a flushed face, you gently apply a bead of paste with nimble fingers on the small cut.

The silence is loud, filled with your thoughts.

The past week Reytan has been diligently courting you, and you were diligently rejecting his advances. The countless 'no's' and the 'please, I see you as a friend' repeated to the younger man inevitably caused the feelings inside of him to diminish. 

However, they were not completely gone. They would never be fully gone unless you mated with another man, or he was to find someone else, you realize. And as you think this, you glance at Tsu'tey, feel your heart drop, and then swear under your breath.

It wasn't that you didn't consider Reytan, you truly tried. But trying wasn't enough. The attraction you've had for Tsu'tey was undeniable, and seeing the man almost every day made your urges almost impossible to ignore. 

After his apology, you've fallen into a strange rhythm of friendship(?) with the man. You had love for him, this was a given. Did he have love for you? Maybe sometimes when you weren't being particularly nit-picky. He rendered you speechless every day—with abstract strategies, insults with absolutely no filter towards clan members he has distaste, and the way he simply looks.

Determined to argue with him on everything and push his buttons, you had to simultaneously fall prey to his eye contact. Tsu'tey liked to hold intense eye contact, as he was doing now and staring at two gaping holes on your head. You were entirely too focused on his finger, but how interesting could a finger be? Surely not more than him.

No sooner than you could say 'it could be much worse', your stomach takes the reins into her own hands and thunders. The waterfalls were quite mesmerizing, and as you dumbly admired falling water for almost an hour, you neglected breakfast. The gurgling noise breaks the serene quiet of the kelku as you apply a darker ointment around the edges of his finger.

Tsu'tey doesn't say anything, but it's no doubt he heard. If he didn't, your stomach reminds him again. Watching his ears flicker is a giveaway that he's picked up the abominable sound and itching to comment on it. When it happens again (bless your poor heart, was this punishment for the pranks you have been pulling on Jake during your hunting parties?).

Tsu'tey snorts. "Are you okay?"

"Shut up," you grumble, or gurgle.

Tsu'tey cackles, slapping his knee with his uninjured hand. Would a prick even count as an injury, after nearly dying? "Eywa! I thought it was going to rain. I was about to warn the others!"

"Just...shut up." you hiss through gritted teeth, unable to hold your smile at bay. Fuck, as if a stomach gurgle wasn't embarrassing enough, it had to grace your day in front of Tsu'tey.

With tears in his eyes, Tsu'tey's laugh booms around the space. The raspy timbre bubbling from deep within his chest tickles your ears—he laughs with his entire body, chest bobbing and eyes crinkling. Your heart takes flight and flutters around Tsu'tey's laugh before landing right on the left side of his chest.

It was inevitable, his laugh was contagious. "Not another word from you." you giggle.

Tsu'tey gives you a pointed look.

"Speak for yourself." he cackles, his head careening towards your stomach. With his eyes shut and face pinched, he doesn't realize he’s digging his head into your navel and causing you to squirm.

Having never touched his firm skin lest you count saving his life, you merely freeze and hope intimacy is common amongst Na'vi.

Tsu'tey's shoulders stop bobbing. With no warning, his body becomes slack and hot under your soft touch—merely his forehead grazing against your navel. You can feel him take a deep breath when his chest expands and his nose almost flutters.

Short-cutting is an understatement. The soft breath Eywa lets out amongst the sunny afternoon rustles the intricate chimes hung loosely outside the half-opened flap. The breeze peeks inside to rush across your skin gently, to softly raise the hair until it prickles like needles. 

Tsu'tey raises his head, and in doing so, lights fires inside you when his braids tickle your stomach. The beads in the skilled weaving of his hair chime in warning to Eywa—almost butting heads, and the reward is ear-ringing silence.

His eyes slowly roll up, until they settle on you. You think he's lit up from the inside when his freckles glint and eyes glow. He makes it hard to look away as if he's daring you with his intense gaze. You can't, anyways.

Your tail mimics your heartbeat beautifully, swaying from side to side with unintentional thumps on the wooden floor. You watch Tsu'tey's eyes turn half-lidded and hazed as he observes you. The intimacy is settling around your bones and enhancing his irresistible pull. As though he's testing the waters, pushing to see how much you'll let him until you pull– his tail gently wraps around your thigh. Your breath hitches because it's possibly the softest thing you've ever felt, like velvet or fresh grass after fruitful rain.

He pulls you forward until you have no choice but to hold onto his shoulder for support, then look down at him with wide eyes. Your heart beats throughout your entire body as the waves of pleasure run through your veins in deep crimson. 

Cursing his large eyes, you struggle to catch your breath. His hand slowly settles on your hip– Tsu'tey touch is soft and never what you've imagined it to be. He's a callous man with sharp edges that stab if you try your luck, but the man gazing up at you with lidded eyes is nothing but. He's beautiful and warm, you relish.

"Vrrtep..." he breathes a secret whisper, like a reminder. But it does nothing of the sort. Guiding his other hand on your other hip, he can now steer you however he wants and you'd probably let him take the reins with no protest. He mindlessly pulls you again until your knees bump against each other. He's clinging onto you which is an obscene scene. Especially when he was itching to get away from you last week and on his deathbed. Succumbing to his mindlessness, you lean forward when he urges you with the tightening of his tail.

"Tsu'tey, are you okay?"

Jumping away from Tsu'tey in panic, you scramble to gather yourself and the medicinal tools scattered about the floor. Jake struts into the marui with large steps and surveys Tsu'tey. You don't know what he sees because you refuse to look, but it must be something interesting enough to pull out an awkward chuckle from his lips.

Standing straight with heaps of objects clutched in your shaking hands, you struggle to keep your composure. "He's all patched up...I need to go water the uh, waterfalls."

Quickly running out of the kelku causes a gust of cold wind to hit your face and realize the severity of the situation. If Jake hadn't interrupted you, what would he have done? What would you have done?

His lips were right there, and if you had leaned in just an inch-

Stopping your sprint, you kneel to your hunches and hold your head. You've mindlessly run into the forest, hoping to escape your feelings, but they're attached to your heart with a mighty strong grip. You huff out a breath, then stand up. Starting a slow walk, you think about the past month with these new revelations.

Tsu'tey's always been indifferent but the ache of being ignored dulled after two weeks, then merged into hatred. The thin line between aggravation and romantic feelings blurred—well, you don't know when or where, but it did. 

Perhaps your feelings stemmed from the admiration you've had for him or the hidden fantasies you entertained every night with your hand between your legs.

Frustrated, you decide to walk to Hometree and finish your duties for the day early.

[sunsents]

pulling up to the function after a year of inactivity and then being surprised that my fics aren’t getting as many notes

[sunsents]

Tsu-tey - The Age of Arrogance (2)

CHAPTER 2

MINI SERIES MASTERLINK

➵ chapter summary: After avoiding Tsu'tey for a week, he finds you alone in the woods to discuss important matters.

➵ pairing: enemies to lovers, tsu'tey x fem!reader(no use of y/n)

➵ word count: 2.7k

➵ warnings: playful banter, cursing, tsu'tey is an a*shole again

DON’T REPOST MY WORK

You don't see Tsu'tey the next day. Nor the day after, or the other.

Before you know it, it's been a week since he graced you with his scowl and insults. It's good like this, you try to convince yourself. It was better to not see him at all rather than be at each others' throats– it was healthy for your nerves. After Tsu'tey had made it crystal clear that you were aggravating and a factor of chaos in his life, you felt nothing but shame.

Even after your heated argument, you continued to admire him from afar with lingering glances. The realization was humiliating enough that you didn't leave your kelku for an entire day, kicking and punching things around to blow off steam. Your child-like outburst was sufficient in clearing your head, and it helped you decide on your next course of action; hunt until your arms drop. You had decided if you were a constant aggravation in his life, why not conquer his stomach as well? 

For the past week, you've been the one providing the clan meat - unless you count the young adults eager to court their prospective mates. After the raw meat stacks in the storage room had doubled, Mo'at kindly asked you to slow down since you didn't need that much meat, and that you were messing with Eywa's balance. The wizened healer was more than happy to hear your apology and your eagerness to provide.

The all-consuming feeling of being useless can only deter you so far, and now, as you crouch behind a large bush, you realize why Mo'at demanded you to stop in panic. The herd of nantang pups roughhousing with their siblings is a view that would melt any grown Na'vi's heart—yours included.

You've been tracking them all morning, having stumbled upon their mother during your routine of bathing in the riverbank, and curiosity did always kill the cat. You don't know what pushed you to track the feline animal that almost killed you during your first night in the forest, yet deep down, you wanted them to be misunderstood.

You always thought that Tsu'tey would turn out to be kind and understanding, perhaps even funny when he warmed up to you– that it was all a big misunderstanding, on both of your parts, if not yours. You were colossally wrong.

Before you knew it, your lean legs carried you until you fully started trailing the pups, gawking at them with a wide smile when they settled near their nest and started a game of who can bite harder. Their mother is not far, you note, probably looking for food in the clearing. You debate on offering them your meat, snug in your pocket, but decide against it. Eywa's balance, and all that. Moat had been rubbing off on you. 

A crack in the otherwise silent forest ruins the moment and sours your mood. Puppy-like creatures playing with each other would have been therapeutic and made you forget about a certain scowling man, but it seems getting some peace of mind was not possible. 

"_____?" Tsu'tey's voice whispers, and you fight to urge to physically recoil. Decidedly staying hidden in your position, you watch his broad frame kneel beside you from the corner of your eye.

It's been a week since you saw him and it seems he has been busy. Not only were his wounds healed, he regained his muscle, if not, bulked more. You wonder what Mo'at had to say about him doing physical exercise, then quickly try to wipe the sweaty images of him working out from your mind. 

Your flushed state alerts the man before you further; his ears perk up, his tail swishes, and his nose wrinkles. "Why are you watching nantang pups?" he asks, almost dumbfounded.

Why should be your question, you would argue.

Why, after a week has he come to see you, deep in the woods no less? It had to be something urgent, you doubt he would apologize after all this time. Your chest aches but the feeling of being utterly useless and humiliated doesn't settle. While it used to wash over you and ground your hunches to the core of Pandora, you only feel pity for Tsu'tey now—he was a strong warrior but his judgment would always keep him from reaching his highest potential as a leader.

With this in mind, you don't feel too bad about not sparing him a glance. He closes the distance between your bodies and kneels fully, face coming beside yours. Side by side like this, not only can you smell you, you can feel him. His warmth exudes like a summer wave and you question why his body's always so hot. Your lashes flutter against your cheek when you secretly gaze at his chest, the rise and fall of his firm pectorals, and the accessories that seem to be adorning his neck again.

They're new. The thought makes your skin prickle with anger and desire. Out of respect, the clan members evidently prepared him jewelry all the more glorious than his previous set, and they've done a mighty good job. His neck isn't covered anymore, rather, an intricate tooth and stone choker surround the thick of his nape. How pretty, you think, too bad his attitude isn't.

He's looking at you from the corner of his eye, careful not to alert your fun. He doesn't speak, merely looks, and the side of your cheek tickles where his eyes gaze.

"What do you want?" you ask in a whisper, but your agitated tone is noticeable and lest you weren't whispering, Tsu'tey sure would have winced.

He gulps, then averts his gaze. "I wanted to," he pauses, gripping his waistband.

You roll your eyes, "Insult me more? Talk about my hands? Yell at me for not leaving you to die?"

Tsu'tey groans softly, hanging his head low. "No, no. You-" he starts. "You have been avoiding me."

You scoff. "Yeah, thought it would be a good idea for the both of us. I'm sure the past week has been bliss, I know mine was." you hiss, scrambling your brain for any insulting line to stab him with. It's satisfying, if not making you feel less of a loser amongst strong Na'vi warriors.

Tsu'tey grits his teeth, agitated. You smirk.

"I wanted to apologize."

Your head snaps to him, wide-eyed and jaw gaping. "Sure," you snort, not believing him in the slightest.

He growls lowly, then shuts his eyes tight. He seems to be in battle with himself and you don't know which side wins until he opens his eyes and sighs. "I'm serious. I would like to apologize for my...behavior. I should not have insulted you after you have saved my life. I am...grateful."

He doesn't quite meet your eyes but his tone is truly sincere, so much so that you have to blink twice and pinch your leg to check if you aren't daydreaming again. Was there something in your tea this morning?

"Oh," you gape, "You're serious. Huh,"

Tsu'tey crosses his arms, then shakes his head in a small nod. His braids crinkle around and you can't help but admire the style change. Rather than a straight line of tight-knit braids, they now adorned the whole of his head and were pulled back into a small bun. It would be outright wrong to deny this suits him, he looks devastatingly handsome.

You clear your throat, having forgotten about the nantang herd altogether. They've surely scrambled to their mother by now, but you don't seem to care—you can't take your eyes off of Tsu'tey in hopes of catching a small crack in his expression.

"I'm speaking from the heart. I am truly sorry."

Your brows furrow, "Okay, I'll believe you, and accept your apology. This doesn't mean we're friends though."

Tsu'tey chuckles, a deep timbre from his chest. It sounds raspy and heart-stopping that you take a deep breath. "Likewise, vrrtep. What are you doing here anyway? Have you not accustomed to the forest after all this time?" he asks mockingly.

"No," you shake your head and cross your arms, matching his stance. Your elbows touch ever so slightly but neither of you pull away. "I was just having some me-time, that's all."

"What is this, me-time?" he grunts, clearly finding the activity laughable.

You fight the urge to nudge his hip with yours to knock him off his hunches. You decide against it. "Time spent alone to relax and stuff." you retort, raising your voice higher.

Tsu'tey gives you an incredulous look. "How nice. And what do you do in this me-time? Sing with the syaksyuk and frolic in flowers?" he snorts.

You swat at his arm but he pulls away quickly enough that you hit the bark of a big tree instead. The smirk he gives you is infuriatingly attractive though, and you groan in annoyance.

"I'll have you know," you start firmly, putting one leg up and then the other to stand with harsh stomps. "Everyone should have some me-time! It makes you relax and turns you into a happy person. Maybe if you took some me-time, you wouldn't be so scowl-y."

Tsu'tey follows suit in stepping into the clearing after you. He puts his hands on his hips and scowls, you almost laugh.

"Look, scowling again!"

He humphs and neutralizes his face, then offers you a smile that's nothing short of fake and forced. "You are right, this me-time you were having made me incredibly happy in your absence."

You gawk, "So much of an apology,”

"You're very aggressive today, is the me-time not working?" he quips, taking a closer step towards you. You take one back in retaliation.

"It was working before you showed up." you hiss. "What, you came here to apologize then annoy me some more? How fitting."

Tsu'tey's lip turns into an expression that's all too fake in expressing his sadness. "You have already accepted my apology, you cannot take it back."

"I won't." You say, turning and inspecting some sort of flower plant. "You have too many things to apologize for anyway,"

Tsu'tey lets out a surprised "Ha!" and then closes the distance between you two to see what you're so carefully inspecting. "And what are those?"

"The flowers or your actions?"

He gives you a dubious look.

"Hmm, let's see. Almost making me fall off my Ikran for once."

Tsu'tey rolls his eyes. "That was a skill issue."

"You putting my saddle on backward is hardly a skill issue."

Tsu'tey's smile tells you that he knew exactly what he was doing, and that he was proud of his little prank nonetheless how irritated you are. "I shall have you know tawtute, your skills have turned-"

The view that the intervener is presented with is surely comical. You and Tsu'tey's heads whip around in synch.

"Who is there?" shouts Tsu'tey, unsheathing his dagger and holding his arm up in a protective manner that has you questioning how he truly feels about you.

"Tsu'tey, brother." Reytan greets his superior with two fingers dripping with respect. He carries out the gesture to you as well but softens his smile.

Reytan has been a new addition to your life—a surprising one but not unwelcome. He claimed he'd been mesmerized by your bravery in the war and had requested to hunt together several times, to which you happily agreed because fuck, he was attractive.

With lean muscles, piercing eyes, and a dominating aura that dulled down into a nurturing persona and a soft voice at times, he was the epitome of a proud Omaticayan man. These factors made it all the easier to relax in his presence and simply enjoy the mundanity of your duties.

"____, I was looking for you," he announces, standing straight.

You clear your throat and quickly step away from Tsu'tey. He surveys you, then Reytan, finally settling his eyes back on you.

"Did we have anything planned for today?" you reluctantly ask, scattering your mind for forgotten conversations.

He shakes his head, "No, I simply wanted to be with you." he grins, tail swaying from side to side.

"Oh," you think. "Oh!"

Ignoring Tsu'tey's noise of protest, you stride towards Reytan. "I see, erm...what did you want to do?"

"I thought we could take a flight together, the eclipse sky is quite pretty with Ikran." he says softly, completely ignoring Tsu'tey in the heat of it all.

Awkwardly shuffling between your feet, you debate whether going with him will spite Tsu'tey or make him heave a breath of relief. The inner turmoil causes a wave of chills to run through your body, like someone had poured cold water down your body, froze your past, present and future then suspended you in time to realize the dawning realization.

You care about what Tsu'tey thinks. You care about who Tsu'tey talks to. You care about how Tsu'tey reacts to your presence. Your heart beats for Tsu'tey.

Even after all that he's made you endure.

Your breathing turns ragged, hands clammy, hair standing up. With an unnaturally straight posture, you shudder a quiet exhale and fight back the urge to scream until your lungs burn.

"____?"

Reytan's voice snaps you out of it. "Oh, yes?" you clear your throat. "Yes, of course. Y-you," with shaky hands, you usher him forward. "You go ahead, I'll be right behind. Just need to finish up here."

You lost your composure for a quick second, but those ticking moments were horrifying enough to let you glimpse into what would happen if you entertained feelings for Tsu'tey. 

Reytan nods reluctantly, but leaves without protest. After he's out of view, you hurriedly scamper around the area to retrieve any personal belongings you forgot. You don't dare look at Tsu'tey, not after the realization.

You hear him hmph, or perhaps it's your ears playing tricks on you again. When he does it again and you don't answer, Tsu'tey is annoyed.

"I do not like him."

You whip around. The 'search' for personal belongings was fruitless—a mere excuse to spend more time in his presence but not interact.

"Why?" you croak, smoothing down your hair.

His eyes follow the movement. "He is too...not for you," he grunts.

You furrow your brows. "Are you saying I'm not good enough for him!"  your heart clenches. Turning around, you refuse to look him in the eye when he inevitably answers. You dread his voice at this very moment.

"The opposite," he says curtly, stomping towards your form.

Your head whips back around again, yet he's too close for comfort. His breath fans your cheek. "That's...he isn't even courting me."

Tsu'tey scoffs. "Of course he is! Did you not see his tail? His invitation to ride Ikran together?"

You roll your eyes and shuffle away from his presence. "He's just being friendly," you say curtly.

Tsu'tey barks out a laugh that makes you want to crawl into a hole. "You are being naive. He is courting you," he says, tone all too low.

"And why exactly is that a problem?" you grit your teeth, snatching your satchel from him when he offers. In your frenzy of anger and unadulterated denial, your satchel had somehow ended up on the lush greenery. "What if I want to be courted, wooed, and romanced, huh? I don't see why it's any of your business."

He growls, shoulders squaring with his large step towards your frame. "That is not the problem here...someone else can do that for you!"

You shake your head in disbelief. "Reytan is a kind and strong warrior. Anyone would be stupid to refuse his advances, now if you'll excuse me,"

You step around him with your head held high. His grip stops you full force, "Do not go to him." he hisses.

"And why not?"

Tsu'tey pauses, his grip on your arm tightening painfully. "Just do not, why are you so stubborn?"

You try to pull your arm away. "You're the stubborn one!"

His grip is unwavering, eyes piercing into your very being. The hair on your arms prickle. "Ugh– if you don't let go of my arm I'll hurt you."

Tsu'tey scoffs, finding the threat all too humorous. "I'd like to see you try, syulang."

"Oh yeah?"

And with that, you kick his shin as hard as you can and take off into the bushes. The groan Tsu'tey lets out reverberates around the forest and echoes into the afternoon glow. You're making too much noise as you walk away, grumbling and complaining about his incessant behavior, but no children of Eywa dare get in your way.

[sunsents]

MINI SERIES MASTERLIST (M)

ENEMIES TO LOVERS Tsu'tey x Fem!Reader

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3 (M)

Chapter 4

Chapter 5 (M)

➵ series summary: ❝Ever since you looked at him with those fearful, haunting eyes he ceased to be a respectful man. Those very eyes that slowly became unwilling and sparkling with mirth. ❞

➵ pairing: tsu'tey x fem!reader(no use of y/n)

➵ word count: TBD

➵ warnings: This series contains depictions of war and injury, swearing, angst, and alcohol consumption. Rated mature (M), will contain sexual themes and content. Minors DNI

DON’T REPOST MY WORK

[sunsents]

Tsu-tey - The Age of Arrogance (1)

CHAPTER 1

MINI SERIES MASTERLINK

➵ chapter summary: Despite your best efforts, being rejected by the clan Olo'eyktan to be is painful and infuriating. Yet, what happens when you rescue him from death? Will your clashing worldviews finally be set aside?

➵ pairing: enemies to lovers, tsu'tey x fem!reader(no use of y/n)

➵ word count: 3.1k

➵ warnings: descriptions of war and injury, near-death experience, cursing, angst, pining, tsu'tey is an asshole but he redeems himself later :/

DON’T REPOST MY WORK

On your first encounter with Tsu'tey, he pointed an arrow at your head, threatened you with a rock during the entire ride back to Hometree, and then proceeded to ignore your existence for the rest of your stay. 

It was comical how the sight of your face immediately triggered his sneer. His scowl had become infamous amongst your peers, and Dr. Augustine had even gone out of her way to print 'TSU'TEY IS WATCHING YOU' posters to hang around the science outpost.

Ever the hard-headed warrior, becoming accepted amongst the people was not enough for him to acknowledge your presence, let alone an ounce of your skills. He laughed hysterically at you during your Iknimaya - which, you admit, wasn't a very graceful sight, however, you were still better than Jake, who barely made it out alive. During your acceptance ceremony, he stubbornly refused to extend a hand to your shoulder, until Moat, the clan elder, gave him a good smack.

It wasn't like you craved the future Olo'Eyktan's approval, and it didn't matter when the best warrior in the clan scowled at you when you acclaimed the largest play during your first hunting party.

At first, you thought it was a gender issue until Grace and Norm intricately explained that gender roles didn't exist in Na'vi culture. Now, you were certain Tsu'tey hated you.

When the tall, majestic blue man with lithe muscles and glistening skin does nothing but sneer at you, insult your wonky bow work, and talk smack about your human features, you have no choice but to stop trying to get his attention. A woman could only go so far, you had to remind yourself.

Now though, as you run away from the whizzing RDA machine, you wish Tsu'tey was here to fend it off. His skills never failed to raise goosebumps– he would surely collapse the robot in one swift move. Dodging burning trees and giant leaves, your legs ache for some rest. You heave a breath, collapsing on your knees when the buzzing sound of the engine fades away. Your body burns in painful throbs, but you're safe for now. You take this opportunity to get up with a grunt and push your earpiece for some reassurance.

Your plan is simple; locate Jake and Neytiri, kill Quaritch like a badass, win the war (and maybe gain the favor of Tsu'tey).

The painful moan that echoes off the earpiece makes you freeze. Chills run down your spine at the prospect of someone being hurt, or worse, dead.

"Help, agh - Sooly, Neytiri?" the voice croaks, pained and muffled. Your heart drops further down - all of the pain you previously felt diminishes in an instant. Tsu'tey was hurt and calling for help.

You raise two fingers to your neck and press, slow and cautious. "Where are you?"

When silence meets your ears, the thumping of your heart fills the space. After a long pause, Tsu'tey whispers, "Near cave Kelkuk'tel. Quick,"

As adrenaline surges through your body, your objective echoes loud in your head; find Tsu'tey. Your legs, once in pain, become numb while you sprint through the tall trees. Tsu'tey, Tsu'tey, Tsu'tey.

The view that meets your eyes makes your blood run cold; He's lying on the ground with his head propped on a rock, a bullet wound on his chest and blood drizzling down his intricate accessories. You quickly kneel before him and examine his wounds.

"Don't," he heaves for a moment, wide eyes darting around your face. "touch."

Your vision blurs with tears. You always regarded Tsu'tey as strong, beast-like, untouchable, and undefeatable. Seeing him in such a vulnerable position causes you to falter in your determination regarding the ongoing war. 

Quickly wiping under your eyes, you chuckle to hide the pain in your voice. "Fucking hell, Tsu'tey. You're unbelievable,"

He pinches his face, signature scowl decorating his features. You smile fondly, keeping a hand on his chest. "I will die here, it is the way."

"No, I'm not letting you die."

"No!" he grunts with gritted teeth. His pain is etched on his face as he struggles to breathe.

"You're so goddamn stubborn," you chastise, breaking off one of the large leaves that surround you and carefully wrapping his wound. It will have to make do for now until you get him to Mo'at.

Tsu'tey struggles to stop you, trashing around with the little remaining strength he has left. "Just let me save you, you utter asshat!"

"I do not know this," he starts, about to attempt the alien words when a coughing fit overtakes his chest. You panic, springing to action. You wrap his arm around your neck, position yourself so he's on your side, and pull him up with a raspy heave.

"Come on big guy, you're gonna be fine," you reassure, sweat running down your forehead. He's heavy, which was expected. You thought you could handle it, but as you struggle to walk through the heavy foliage, it becomes painful to ignore just how heavy he is. You push through though, groaning and moaning with wobbling legs ready to give out. Your entire body aches as you take a step - your back hunched and your face in a painful grimace.

"Ma ____?" the voice of Neytiri speaks through the earpiece. You curse under your breath, letting go of Tsu'tey's leg that you had perched on your waist for extra support.

"Yes, Neytiri. Do you copy?"

"____, we are victorious. We won against the sky people!"

The joy in her voice washes away all of the pain and exhaustion that held you captive moments ago. With a huge smile and surprised chuckle, you simply gawk at the surrounding forest.

"He's dead, ____! The bastard got what was comin' for him."

Jake's voice accompanies your earpiece and his smile is evident in his voice. With newfound motivation, the walk back to Spirit Tree feels all the easier. "Did you hear that? We won, big guy."

Tsu'tey makes no noise, you realize he passed out. Wincing, you quicken your step, the burn of your legs coming back to haunt you.

Living in a community where traditions are drastically important, saving Tsu'tey meant you snagged a title on your own; the privilege to be a member of Olo’eyktan’s right-hand soldiers– commandeered by yours truly, of course.

Yours truly, who is still passed out cold.

It has been exactly two weeks since Jake decreed that humans were to leave Pandora, and life has been nothing but peaceful. You accompanied Jake in his body transfer and were now a full-fledged Na'vi. You even had a kelku of your own, high in the trees. Jake insisted that you be neighbors.

The flow of life still seemed strange to you. The people would say you've adapted well to your duties and established a routine for your everyday life. However, whenever you closed your eyes, you still expected to wake up in the cold pod with the lingering blue lights and the muffled whizzing noises of the machine. It made you lose sleep, which was a problem because life started early in the Omaticaya.

In the crack ass of dawn, you would be in the nearby riverbank, washing your body for a fresh start of your day, and stretching your muscles for the upcoming work. The work, assigned to you by none other than the clan's tsahik, Mo'at. Saving Tsu'tey also meant that his recovery was partially your responsibility. The Na'vi believed that lest he didn't survive, you would have failed at saving him and shamed his honor. It was harsh, but it was the life of the most important warrior in your alien hands.

This morning is no different. Your responsibility is snoring softly next to Mo'at as she grinds some herbs into a fine paste.

You would rather be anywhere else than here, truly. However, Mo'at insisted that today was the day Tsu'tey would wake up. Not only that, but he would 'most definitely' want to thank his savior.  You firmly argued against the idea, because Mo'at hadn't seen you two interact.

Apparently, the Great Mother is an avid enjoyer of Tsu'tey's disinterest towards you, and she insisted to Mo'at that you be near him when he regains consciousness. Not being able to argue with the stubborn woman further, you complied.

Mo'at gently rubs the paste below Tsu'tey's nose, then chants some sort of a prayer. To your surprise, Tsu'tey's flat nose wrinkles, and after a pained groan leaves his body like it's been stored in there and irking to get out for weeks, he slowly cracks his big eyes open. They're still the same shade of beautiful amber, you note, like honey and gold. Calling them yellow eyes did him no justice.

"Couldn't you have done that earlier?" You say to Mo'at, gesturing the paste.

Tsu'tey sniffs, eyes darting around the kelku. Seemingly picking up a scent, your scent, his eyes land on you. You scramble towards him, kneeling beside his body and touching his arm, "Morning, big guy. How are we feeling?"

"Not bad, healed." He grunts, eyes darting to your palm encasing his shoulder. His muscles have deflated only slightly, but it was an easy fix for Tsu'tey. His body's warmer than usual, pliant under your fingertips.

You look at Mo'at and raise your brows. "Well, that's good to hear. Right?"

Mo'at nods once, then sits down next to you for some checkups. She asks him all sorts of questions and all the while he answers them, his eyes never leave you. You have no choice but to shy away from his gaze, the eye contact beginning to prickle your insides and cause your ear tips to grow hot. Tsu'tey still keeps looking though, burning your nape with nerves.

"You will rest for the next four days, no physical exercise - but you're free to go to your kelku."

Mo'at's all-knowing eyes survey you, "_____, help him."

Both you and the warrior’s eyes widen at the obscurity of Mo'at's request. Tsu'tey finally snaps his gaze away from you and gives the elder woman an incredulous look. "No! I can go on my own."

"The man says he can, who am I to argue?"

Tsu'tey scowls. "Finally, something we agree on, tawtute."

Your ears fold against your head when you hear the nickname. Mo'at notices and is graceful enough to intervene. "Arrogant child!" she chastises with a firm tone. "She is not a tawtute, but an important warrior of the people. Her effort will not be in vain by your rivalry - you will do well to acknowledge this."

Tsu'tey's head lowers as he mumbles out an apology. You've never seen the man look so small before, it feels weirdly satisfying. "It's fine, tsahik. You should've seen the-" You quickly stop, not wanting to dig Tsu'tey into a deeper hole. Mo'at narrows her eyes as she looks at the two of you, then ostensibly reaches a conclusion and ushers for you to leave.

You have no choice but to throw Tsu'tey's arm over your shoulder, contrary to his never-ending complaints. He insists that he can walk by himself, but when you let him, his legs wobble and he holds onto a nearby plant. 

"You'll recover eventually," you tell him, holding onto his arm that's over your shoulder again. "There's nothing to be ashamed about."

"There is," he hisses. "You do not get it. I should have been left to die an honorable death."

"Oh, I'm sorry," you faux innocence. "I must’ve misheard your cries for help."

Tsu'tey grumbles; a low sound in his chest. "I do not know what you speak of..."

You scoff, gently nudging his hip with yours. The expression he wears almost makes you snort, he looks deeply offended. Gritting his teeth, he nudges you back, though a little more harshly. You scoff all the same and nudge back once more.

The walk back to his kelku reminds you why you decidedly stopped acknowledging him. The childish hip nudge game between you never ceases as you try to heave him to his home. The man who’s leaning the entirety of his weight on your much smaller frame seems to have forgotten all the shame he was feeling moments ago– all too comfortable in your arms and determined to make you stagger.

Fumes of vetiver and smoked leather hit your nose when you enter through the flap of his home. Quick to direct Tsu'tey towards his unmade bed, you try your best to not glance around the interior and intrude any further. You're most likely an unwelcome guest in his intricately designed house, yet the itch to explore becomes almost unbearable.

Self-restraint has never been easy for you, but you manage to hold your head high and immerse yourself in the wellness of Tsu'tey. He's sitting on his nest, cross-legged, and gulping down the medicinal herbs Mo'at pre-admonished he drank. Your heart squeezes in your chest at his complete lack of decency. While you expected some sort of gratitude from the Na'vi man, he doesn't even look in your direction as you stand there.

The Na'vi prided themselves in their manners, and a proud Na'vi like Tsu'tey seemed to abandon all tradition when he was with you. You huff out a breath and put your hands on your hips. Tears threaten to spill, "You're horrible, Tsu'tey."

The crack in your voice alerts the man far more than you've expected. He's looking at you now, bandaged up and entirely too arrogant with his wide-eyed expression. Seeing him taken aback calms your aching chest, but his disapproval of you has already settled into your bones and has been eating away at your insides.

"Eywa, are you going to cry?"

Your lip wobbles when you hear his soft tone - a tone he never used with you before. The unfamiliarity of it all feels painful. "No..." you mutter, but the hot tears are already streaming down your face. "I saved your life and you didn't even thank me."

"I didn't ask for you to do that," he grunts, his scowl resurfacing again

"Yes, you did." You point a finger at him, gritting your teeth. "If it was Jake or Neytiri who saved you, you wouldn't be pulling this bullshit, would you?"

"I do not know this word, bullshit." his thick accent is evident when he attempts the unfamiliar word. In any other situation, you would laugh and make fun of him just as he had when he was teaching you Na'vi. Now though, your anger's consuming you - starting from your chest and growing until your blood turns a deeper shade of hot red.

You scoff, "You're avoiding the question."

Tsu'tey has the audacity to scoff back, standing up with a grunt. He makes no inclination to need your help, ever so stubborn-- so you merely watch him struggle. The visual is disturbingly satisfying. "I'm not wanting to answer." he answers in English.

You gawk at him, absolutely aggravated, and seconds away from wrapping your hands around his throat. It would be much easier to choke him out without his accessories...

In the earlier days of your Na'vi training, Tsu'tey wouldn't speak Na'vi with you unless it was completely necessary. It was his way of rejecting you amongst his people, and the action hurt much more than his scowls and hisses of discomfort. Reluctantly accepting you in his clan prompted him to abandon this habit, but it seems old habits die hard.

You swallow down the lump in your throat then take a deep breath to hold yourself back. "Will you stop being stubborn and act like an adult!"

Tsu'tey relents back to Na'vi. "Ha! Look who's talking."

The noise of frustration you let out makes his ears flicker. A smirk adorns his face, and the remains of his scowl make his expression seem devilish. 

He's proud, you think. He's making you angry, which is exactly what he wants.

"I'm talking, and you'll do well to answer me! What the hell is your issue, man?"

It's Tsu'tey's turn to gawk. He looks deeply offended that you're questioning him, yet impressed by your bravery. Nonetheless, he's angry. "How dare you take that tone with me! Do you not know who I am?"

You grimace at his pride -  it didn't matter to him that you saved his life and took care of him because his ego will always be in the way of his gratitude.

With this realization, you remove your filter of cordiality. "At this point, everyone knows who you are. You do well to remind them every single fucking day."

"Gah!" Tsu'tey stands up, but his wounds are a quick reminder of why he shouldn't. Stubborn that he is, he strides towards you and stops when your breaths intermingle intimately. "Watch what you say, it almost sounds like you're insulting my pride." he seethes.

"Wow! You're so smart, Tsu'tey." you say sarcastically.  "That's exactly what I'm doing." you finish obnoxiously. Tsu'tey hisses and you fight the urge to flinch.

"I was going to thank you ____," he spits your name like it's venom on his tongue. "But I've changed my mind. I don't thank immature girls who throw tantrums."

The irony of the situation makes you scoff and turn your head away. You bite the inside of your cheek, fighting back tears. "I don't want your thanks, asshole. You know," you face him again, gritting your teeth. Your frustration makes your voice crack. "You're not all that. You don't get to insult me just because I wasn't Na'vi before."

He seems to be brooding, turning your words over and over in his mind until the edges are dull. "If you weren't Na'vi before, this wouldn't have happened." he points to his wounds, voice low.

"That's not my fault and you know it!" you poke a finger into his uninjured pectoral. It's firm and the action makes Tsu'tey's oh-so beloved scowl return.

"Watch where you touch girl," he warns, grabbing your hand.

You fight against his hold, squirming and desperately trying to break free. "Ugh, you're so frustrating!"

He grunts at your struggle then pulls your hand until you stumble upon his chest. The proximity of his face makes you gulp, you can smell the vetiver, the woody musk, and the medicine. All working together to dizzy your senses - the anger, the sadness, the yearning. His tone is hissed and low as he speaks. "Ever since you came to our clan you've been a constant aggravation."

"Good.". You stare back at him just as fiercely. "Re-dress your wounds yourself, since you're oh so resourceful."

With that, you turn on your heel and sharply close the flap of his marui. A much-needed breath enters your lungs and dizzies your head. You needed to clear your thoughts, ASAP.

You run to your kelku to grab your bow then stomp deep into the woods.

[sunsents]

guess whose alive! me 😎

ive been away because…life, basically. i dont know whose still here since ive been inactive for a year, BUT

i feel like i owe it to you guys to publish the fics/drabbles ive written and just kept away to rot in my archives.

there’s a BUNCH. and when i say bunch, i mean like; something for nearly every harry potter character including james, sirius, remus, ron, harry, fred and even oliver wood

I also have Lo’ak and Neteyam drabbles. A whole ass 90% done Tsu’tey fic, and more.

I also want to keep writing as it’s an incredible escape for me. I’ve been getting into LOTR so expect some Legolas action. 😮‍💨

Let me know (if anyone’s still here) what you would like to see regarding the HP content. I will most probably publish the Avatar content I’ve written nonetheless.

[sunsents]

➶ ambivalent — series ; prologue

➴ neteyam x human!reader — “the end of the beginning”

“The greatest adventure is to have no fear for the blaze that lies ahead.” — Robert M. Drake

synopsis: a woman loses her way in pandora’s forest, but meets a man of the night. they couldn’t be more different, yet fate has a way of turning the impossible, possible.

genre: slow burn, hurt/comfort, enemies to lovers, 18+

tags/warnings: some violence (fighting off predators), mention of wounds, nothing too graphic, fluff and character death(s)

word count: 10k

↳ notes: wow. it feels so weird to be posting again like it feels like it’s been months since i’ve dropped anything on here and some of you (after reading this) will go “uh…is this what i’ve been waiting this long for? nahh” LMAOO and you would be right but to be fair, this is just an introduction ! i never really got descriptive with the reader’s background so i thought this was a cool way to go about it! plus, as a prologue, you never really get much anyway so i wanted to take advantage of the opportunity and give you a little peek of the past <3

↳ p.s. ok you know the drill. schedule, schmedule. jkjk. i honestly would like to post once/twice a week but man, life can be so unpredictable. then again, as a writer, it’s normal to disappear for weeks to months and come back with some wild story of what’s happened between then and now right? y’all are used to that so maybe old habits are gonna have to die hard. anyway! let’s just say…i’m going to pretend like i’ll be posting a chapter a week but do not hold me to it lol

disclaimers: writing is my hobby so i am in no way a professional. another thing, the chapters will always vary between 8-10k+ so be prepared for that ;)) btw, proofread by me so if you see a mistake…no you didn’t

need to know info: the na’vi speaking will only be in italics when they are speaking it around her, otherwise it’ll be presented in normal text. they will also be speaking in na’vi throughout the entire story unless said otherwise, which will be made very obvious, dw

↳ word bank:

natxu – “disapprove of”

nantang - "viperwolf”

tza’wey – “a debt; owe your life”

tawtute - "sky person/human”

kuru – “a neural queue”

ꕥ okok, enjoy n pls like/reblog! it is much, much appreciated ꕥ

» series masterlist ➳ chapter i

“Come, gentle night; come, loving, black-browed night;

Give me my Romeo; and, when I shall die,

Take him and cut him out in little stars,

And he will make the face of heaven so fine

That all the world will be in love with night…”

— William Shakespeare, ‘Romeo and Juliet’

“How pretty…”

Jane brushed the pad of her finger along the underside of a purple flower that was adorned with glowing dots all over its petals. There were more just like it that surrounded her, but something about this particular flower caught her eye. Maybe it was the unique shape of it. Its stem was thicker than the others, petals significantly larger as well. It was draped over to the side like it’d been previously stepped on or blown hard enough by the wind that it couldn't straighten itself back out. It was also a bit separated from its siblings but either way, she found it to be remarkably breathtaking.

She preserved her squatting position, debating on whether to meet the beautiful flower eye to eye and risk getting dirt smudged all over the front of her shirt or play it safe by admiring its beauty from a short distance as she subconsciously found herself doing already. The answer was painfully obvious, but it didn’t make the decision any easier. 

With a grim sigh, she stood back up and gave her back a freeing stretch that made the fluid in between her tired joints groan approvingly. Affirming a sense of relief from a little self-chiropractic session, she knew that it was time to head back to the lab site before it got too dark out. Although she packed her usual survival kit in the small backpack on her back, along with rations and a few other miscellaneous items, it was still imperative that she made it back no matter how prepared she was to get caught under Pandora’s beautiful but lethal moonlight.

She wasn’t the only one in the forest and made quick note of that as she gained a pep in her step, trying to race against the remaining daylight.

It was bad timing for her to remember the horror stories of past scientists getting lost in the forest after nightfall. Her mother wasn’t shy of the details, either. Most were torn apart by what hid in the dark shadows of the pandoran night while others found themselves forever lost and never found again. They overestimated their ability to survive the night on their own, something she knew she couldn’t bet against when she barely knew how to fend off mosquitoes. Dare she say, those tiny blood-sucking demons were more of a challenge than people knew. Especially without her peppermint and lavender oil mix with her. Though, sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t. Pandora’s insects were a tad different from the ones back home on earth. 

She almost sighed again.

Perhaps she wasn’t as prepared as she originally thought.

It was fairly easy to tell that Pandora wasn’t made for humans. Possibly other beings, but she had yet to meet any other life forms besides the animals. Despite that, she was well aware that she lived amongst the na’vi, the natives of the land. She’d never met or seen one, but they were out there. 

Or so she was told. 

It was as if the forest was taller and bigger than what had once been on earth. She could hardly see what was above the tops of the trees, but she knew that she was losing daylight. The shadows had become her friend overtime, able to judge when the day was going to shift into night. From that, she could tell that her pacing wasn’t good enough. At the rate that she was going, she would have to set up camp soon and pray until morning came back around again. However, she didn’t have much faith that she’d even last an hour before the nightly creatures came out in search of her. As quick of a death as she hoped it would be, she had no plans on dying just yet.

A snap of a twig towards her left caused her to drive both of her heels into the dirt, ears on alert. While she was someone that didn’t mind  getting lost in Pandora’s transcendent flora from time to time, there was a slight interest in its inhabitants as well. So far, none of the animals had been brave enough to come close enough for her to examine them, but she often caught some peering at her from a distance while she was out and about. It was gratifying until she began to lose daylight. She became aware that the animals knew to go into hiding at a certain time, and understandably so. Predators tended to hunt at night, using the shadows as their first wall of camouflage. Despite the bioluminescence to keep the forest from becoming pitch black, it still wasn’t enough to silence the worry and fear that began to bubble up at the pit of her stomach. Was she going to make it?

Her mother always made it abundantly clear to Jane that she could never allow herself to stay out past a certain time. That she needed to stay aware of her surroundings, and not get lost in it. She had a transmitter around her neck, but she couldn’t let her mother or the others know that she could hardly tell where she was going now. That she might’ve gotten lost. The last thing she wanted to do was worry everyone to death. Especially her mother. Had they noticed her prolonged absence yet?

Another snap pulled her away from her thoughts, body as rigid and as stiff as a tree. She let her eyes roam the area, trying to find what kept making such an eerie noise but she couldn’t find anything. An intake of breath kept her focus steady, but it didn’t quell her anxiety. She knew she wasn’t supposed to be out in the forest so late, and she figured that she was about to pay the price for that.

For a split second, she closed her eyes and tried to ground herself. She was going to make it back home, safe and sound. Under her breath, she repeated that into a mantra over and over, letting her own voice try and soothe her as she began to walk forward again. Each step felt watched from the shadows, but she couldn’t pay any mind to it. To start, she didn’t want to give whatever it was that was out there watching her the satisfaction of acknowledging it, but she also couldn’t stop walking. She had to keep moving because the longer she lingered, the more likely she was to get stuck in the forest.

She could feel the fatigue pawing at her subconscious. She was tired, and wanted nothing more than to throw her body onto a soft bed. That was another reason why she couldn’t stop. Everything she’d need for a forest sleepover was in her survival kit, but there was a reason why she never used any of it. It was because she couldn’t settle for sleeping on the ground when there was a bed waiting for her back at the lab. However, her legs felt like jelly. It was like she was basically running on fumes. Her vision was getting blurry, and the sounds around her weren’t helping. If something wanted to come out and gobble her up, there was a 99% chance she’d let it happen. At this point, the forest felt never ending. She couldn’t go on for much longer.

Jane had an excellent imagination. She practically lived in her perception of how the world looked to her, but she also had the skills of a realist. She could come back to earth—well Pandora—and see the situation for whatever it was. She knew what her chances of making it back before nightfall was, and couldn’t sell herself the story anymore. She had to be realistic, and set up camp. 

And so she did.

There wasn’t a lot she needed to do, but it wasn’t like she was up to the task of doing much anyway. Her body couldn’t handle the stress so she became content with a small fire a few feet in front of her and a blanket laid out underneath her. She chose an area that was open, void of all the shrubbery and thickened plants. In case of an emergency, she would need a fast getaway or if something came out of the shadows, she’d see it. Plus, it was ample enough space to go toe to toe with anything that’d try and kill her. Or worse, eat her. She wasn’t exactly trained to fight a thanator but something smaller, she could possibly handle.

With all of her weapons, tools and rations laid out, she exhaled, and was leaned up against a tree that had become her designated spot for the night. It was strategic because if anything wanted to sneak up on her, she’d catch it before it could get to her which went hand in hand with the open space. Plus, sleeping upright felt better than laying down. She didn’t feel comfortable in the slightest so up against a tree seemed like the better way to go. 

As she munched on a granola bar, she began to wonder why no one had tried getting in contact with her yet. It looked like it was nearing the late evening which surely warranted concern. Were they still hoping that she would turn up soon? Following the swallow of her food, she frowned in thought. Was it a good idea to stop and rest for the night? Should she have kept going until she got close enough to the site for someone to come out and help her back inside? It wasn’t quite dark out yet; she still had a ways to go. Maybe she could still make it…

Suddenly, Jane wasn’t as hungry as she was a second ago. 

Thoughts of continuing the journey back to the lab circled her mind as something in the form of a human stealthily moved through the shadows, unbeknownst to her. Footsteps as light as a mouse, toeing around her campsite; right under her nose. It was quiet until she caught the sound of a deep growl past the fire, behind an expanse of thick leaves. Her nerves instantly went into shock. She snatched the knife from the holster attached to her hip, and raised it right below her eyesight, shifting up onto her feet to prepare for an attack. It was an animal, she was aware of that, and it sounded big. She’d mentally told herself that she was ready for anything, but didn’t think it would happen so soon (or, at all).

“Fuck,” her eyes darted around the area, trying to scope out what was watching her as it continued to stalk its prey. Whereas she couldn’t see it, it could see her and that made her want to crawl up a tree and never come back down. A part of her wished she had just kept walking until her feet bled across the forest floor. That she hadn’t stopped for rest at all. Now, she felt like she was paying the price. 

Her knife shook, still raised in the air. Her breathing pattern was just as erratic as her heartbeat. Maybe passing out would save her from the utter humiliation of getting eaten alive by whatever was circling her camp. It was her fault. She shouldn’t have been out past dark. She should’ve been back at the lab by now, but she’d gotten distracted earlier. She had no one to blame but herself. She could hear Matt now. 

“See, I told you. I told you a hundred times that Jane shouldn’t be allowed back outside again. She never listens when we tell her to come back at a certain time. One of these days she’s going to get caught past dark, and learn the hard way.”

And learning the hard way, she was.

If she managed to make it through the night, still in one piece, then she’d consider taking Matt up on never coming back out again.

Another growl rolled through the eerie silence, forcing her back to the present situation. The lit up plants weren’t doing her any favors illuminating the area enough for her to see her possible assailant. If she was to die here, she would never forgive herself. Not even in death. It was an indefensible way to go out. Her mother would never let her hear the end of it.

“Come on,” she muttered, able to hear its heavy footsteps now, “Come on.”

Just as she was about to run out and make the first move, it showed itself. A viperwolf launched itself out of the bushes and rushed towards her with its claws stretched out and ready to tear into her tender flesh. Caught off guard by the immense speed of its jump, she staggered backwards, backing into the tree behind her. A sharp pain jolted through her shoulder blade but without much thought, she pushed her body sideways to dodge getting her face ripped off. Tree bark littered the ground as she scooted away until she was able to get back on her feet. It hissed and snarled at her before taking another lunge. The moment she held up her knife, she realized that it was too late. The viperwolf smacked the weapon from her hand, the blade skidding across the dirt. It pounced on her, one massive paw on her chest to hold her down and the other trying to scratch at her. She held it back by its jaws, screaming and struggling to get away. It snapped and kept trying to get at her, tearing through her flimsy shirt and gashing up her skin in the process. 

Jane knew she was going to die. She’d seen it many times before, but nothing as clear as this. Death had never been so close. She could almost taste it, but that was probably just fear. There was something else underneath it all, trying to claw its way out.

She realized that she didn’t want to die. That she was fighting because she wanted to stay alive. 

Before, she was deluding herself that she was going to make it till morning so that she didn’t hyperventilate herself into a panic attack, but she knew what the biggest probability was going to be. She knew there was a good chance that she wasn’t going to make it. Now she was positive she was because the last thing she planned on doing was laying down and dying.

With that new resolve rushing through her veins, she kicked the beast off of her with the last bit of strength she still had, and quickly got back on her feet as it rolled across the dirt. Angry, it got back on its six legs and snarled loudly at her. That was when she heard similar growls around her. There were more of them?

“Shit.”

She forgot. Viperwolves traveled in packs. There was never just one.

She couldn’t win. Not when there was more than one watching her, waiting to find the right moment with her guard down to attack her all at once.

There was no other option. No other choice.

She had to make a run for it.

And she had to do it now.

The figure in the trees above her was considering whether to help her or let her become the viperwolves supper for the night. It was a difficult decision because the figure was well aware of the dangers of sky people. The people within the clan were trained to either kill on sight or stay out of sight when near them. The figure could have walked away, but... The woman below did not appear to be as vile as the legends about her sort suggested. Perhaps preserving her life will not doom the people. Perhaps she was intended to be saved. The figure had to admit a faint sense of duty in the air. It was wrong to allow someone so defenseless to die without obtaining the necessary abilities to survive. Especially in a forest like Pandora’s.

And so, it was decided. 

The moment she made the decision to turn and make a run for it, she heard something jump out of the tree above her. Scared that it was another viperwolf, she ducked and backed away, getting closer to the fire in hopes that the bright hot flames would scare them all off. Just as she picked up a log from the fire, she was able to see just what had leapt from the branches above.

A man stood tall and strong in front of the attackers with a bow as big as him gripped tightly in his hand. Once a long arrow was set, he pulled back and shot it towards one of the vipers. It tried to dodge and lunge at him but clearly wasn’t fast enough. Not faster than the arrow. With a weak howl, it flew back into the bushes, an arrow lodged deep in its belly. Several sprung out of the night, claws ready to avenge their brethren but were served similar fates. Right after the other, they went down but some managed to scatter, running for their lives. 

Jane sat there, speechless as she watched him walk towards his first kill. Still stunned by the heroic display of coming to her rescue and fending off the beasts, she’d forgotten how to speak. Who was this man? His height and blue skin along with his clothing signified that he wasn’t one of her own. He appeared to be one of the Na’vi that she had heard about. She’d never crossed one of them before, but perhaps it had something to do with her being human and living on land that didn’t belong to her. She almost cringed. His silence was expected. She couldn’t imagine how annoyed he must’ve been to go out of his way to save her like that. She wasn’t prepared for the animals that stalked the forest at night. She wasn’t properly equipped nor skillfully trained to fend off viperwolves. The Na’vi were. 

He bent down, and muttered something in his language before he pulled the arrow out. He did that with the other dead viperwolves until his eyes were finally set on her. She swallowed roughly, and struggled to her feet. The more he stepped closer, the more she stepped back. He stopped once he was next to the fire, a slight frown on his face. He looked displeased about something. He wasn’t speaking to her so she couldn’t understand what the issue was. He’d just saved her life. Maybe he was waiting for a thank you? Although, she wasn’t sure if that was something his people harbored on. Either way, she was confused.

“Natxu,” he hissed before smothering the fire with dirt. Then, he snatched the log of fire from her hands, and put it out as well.

“Hey, wait!” She stumbled forward to stop him but it was already out. She sighed, shoulders fallen in defeat. “I needed that.”

He looked down at her, confused by the somber expression on her face. He looked around, and was pleased that he could see the sight of the bioluminescence that surrounded them. She stopped pouting once she realized the same. It was beautiful. Of course, she was used to seeing it by now but after a close brush with death, she saw it all in a new light. She also realized why he had put the fire out. There was no need. The forest supplied enough to see just as effectively. Without the danger of almost dying looming over her head, that is.

“Pretty,” she whispered, and his eyes were back on her now. 

“Hm.”

He grunted, and began to walk away. Too scared to be alone again, she reached out to try and touch his wrist to get his attention. Quick with his reflexes, he had her tiny arm in his hand before she could even make contact. He didn’t say anything, but he bared his sharp teeth at her which made her speak first.

“Sorry, I just…” She looked elsewhere, feeling embarrassed. Of course he was on guard. She was a stranger, and a human at that. He was one of the Na’vi people she had heard so much about before. She never came across one since her time in the forest so she didn’t particularly know how to act or what not to do when in the presence of one of them. Clearly, their customs were different and that touching them without their consent was off limits and disrespectful. She felt embarrassed. “Don’t leave,” she looked back up at him, finding it difficult with the extreme height difference. “I won’t make it out here alone without you. Please.”

His eyes narrowed, lip pulled back in a grim snarl, “You should not be out here at all. Why?”

She blinked, slightly confused by the question and thrown off by hearing him speak english. His accent was thick, but she could still understand him. Where had he learned the language? “Why?”

“Yes.”

“I study plants,” she explained, but saw by the lack of change in his expression that he still didn’t understand, “I lost track of time. Before I knew it, it was getting dark and I knew I wasn’t going to make it back so I set up camp here. Then, I was attacked.”

He stared at her for several moments until he dropped her arm, taking a step back. “You are noisy. The nantang hears you from far away. You, making noise and not knowing what to do.” She deflated at that, feeling ashamed that she was so unaccustomed to how she was supposed to act while in the forest. Obviously, she lacked more knowledge than she thought. “You do not belong here. Go back.”

Jane bit into her lip, tears threatening to fall. She hated to feel like a burden to anyone. It was why she liked being by herself. She could’ve had someone come out with her that knew the forest better than her, but truthfully, she liked to be alone most of the time. Not to mention that if something happened and it was because of her, she wouldn’t be able to live with herself. She was prone to accidents, and was a magnet for danger. She always knew what she was getting herself into the moment she stepped out of the lab. She just felt sorry for needing the help. She was weak, and couldn’t fend for herself. As embarrassing as it was for her, she’d rather take the humility over the chance of getting attacked again.

In his eyes, she was the smallest thing he’d ever seen. She’d surprised him when she got back on her feet and looked ready to take on that viperwolf earlier, despite her size and incapability. It was one of the reasons why he had chosen to help her. Now, she was indebted to him and he hoped she would never realize that because the last thing he needed was her following him around everywhere like a lost puppy, and having to explain to his parents and to the people the situation. However, his honor kept gnawing at him. She didn’t know about tza’wey, owing a life debt. It wasn’t fair that he was aware of what that entailed, and she wasn’t. She had to be given the choice, even though it would only make his life that much harder. He knew that she deserved the right to know about it. 

When he opened his mouth to speak, he noticed how watery her eyes were. Was she trying to not cry? Was it something he’d said? 

He didn’t realize how harsh he might’ve been towards her. Unprovoked, at that. It wasn’t necessarily her fault for needing his help. She was on a planet that she couldn’t survive well on as naturally as him and his people could. She wasn’t born on the land and taught how to hunt and survive here. Though he didn’t believe she was meant to even come here in the first place, she was here and because of that, she needed protection. 

Feeling a sense of regret, he bent down and raised a large finger up to her cheek. It caught a tear before it could fall all the way down, startling her in the process. She sniffled.

“Sorry. Please don’t worry. I’m okay. I shouldn’t be crying. Because I couldn’t protect myself, you had to help me. I’m thankful that you were close by to do so, but I’m sorry that I needed the help. I will try not to be a burden again.”

He sighed, dropping his hand back to his knee, looking at her with a softer and more understanding gaze, “You are not strong enough. That is not a weakness. Do not be sorry. You are very fragile…” his voice was low and gentle, as if he was approaching a wounded fawn so as to not scare it away. She stood in front of him, having to still crane her neck up to make eye contact. He would’ve found it cute if not for the tears in her eyes. “You must be careful, understand? The forest at night is not safe for you.”

“I know,” she replied, wiping away the remaining tears, “Thank you for saving me.”

He shook his head, “Do not thank. It is my duty as a warrior to help soft, vulnerable little things such as you.”

“Vulnerable…” she played with the word on her tongue, flipping it over, trying to decipher his meaning to it, “Am I the first human you’ve come across?”

He nodded, “Yes...and no.”

That made her giddy. She had so many questions, but it wasn’t exactly the right time. She was bleeding, and needed to bandage herself up before she could start making her way back to the lab. The thought of everyone losing their heads once seeing her wounds was enough to strike up an intense headache. She wasn’t dying, she just needed a little medical attention. The stitching was going to be the worst part. She’d never needed stitching, but she saw someone get them and didn’t want any part of it. However, it was necessary and perhaps a little pain was due for the amount of idiotic decisions she managed to make within a few hours. 

Some still called it karma back on earth.

The man’s eyes darted down to the wound that she was covering with her hand, nose wrinkling up, “You are wounded.”

Jane nodded before she hobbled to her backpack to find her trauma kit, “Yeah, I am. Nothing to worry about though,” she winced as she bent down to rummage through the bag, “Just need a little bandaging and then I can try and make it back to the lab.”

“La-b.” The Na’vi man let the foreign word settle on his tongue, unable to put a meaning to it. “What is this ‘la-b you speak of?’ You cannot leave. The wound is too deep,” Even though her back was turned, she could tell that he was walking towards her. “You must be treated.”

“I know. We have medicinals and everything else I’ll need back at the lab. I just need to stop the bleeding so I can– ah! Found it.”

She pulled out a fresh pack of bandages and was about to peel it open when the man pulled her back on her feet, hand wrapped around her arm again. Confused, she stared up at him as he stared back. There was that look again. The one he’d worn when he stepped towards the fire a few minutes ago. He looked irritated about something. 

“What?” She asked, wondering what was on his mind. 

His face displayed several different emotions, desperately trying to pin down one to focus on. It was hard to concentrate on the conversation when she kept looking at him like that. Those long, dark lashes of hers. They casted tiny shadows across her cheekbones, eyes lit up by the fire as well. It was incredibly distracting. It was like she was doing it on purpose even though he knew that she wasn’t. He never could find humans all that visually appealing but this woman… She was different. She held some sort of an effect on him, whether he was ready to admit that or not. Perhaps there was another reason he saved her…

He mentally shook his head. That could be dissected later. Right now, her wounds needed to be treated and fast.

He stood there looking at her a few moments more before he grunted again, and tugged her along, “Come.”

Jane rose a brow, and took a glance back at her backpack that they were leaving behind, “Hey, wait—”

He stopped, and set his eyes back on her again, “You will die if you stay here. I can take care of you. Come.”

“I’ll go but I need my pack! We can’t just leave it there,” she exclaimed, pleading him with her eyes. They did seem to have an effect on him, she noticed. Why not continue to use it to her advantage?

His face was blank. Then, he blinked. In a gruff tone, he responded, “Unnecessary,” and swiftly turned around, walking forward again with her in tow.

She spent the next two minutes fighting against him but he was much stronger than her, and kept pulling her with him. Her resistance was beginning to claw at the most impatient parts of his brain so to rectify the situation, he stopped walking. Believing that she had finally gotten through to him, she wore a proud smile and was prepared to tell him to take her back to go and get her pack when she was caught off guard, feeling his arms slide under her thighs, picking her up. She yelped, realizing that she was now 9ft or so off of the ground, in the arms of a tall blue man that looked extremely annoyed. 

“What are you doing?!” She shrieked, causing his ears to twitch back.

His nose wrinkled again, glancing from her to the mass of trees in front of him, “You are very noisy.”

She’d noticed his ears flick back, and almost wanted to touch them. But, she realized that she was supposed to be upset with him. Not curious. 

“Everything I need is in that pack back there. We have to go back.”

His face remained unchanged. He looked forward, chest puffed in stern resolution. “No.”

She huffed. She wasn’t going to get anywhere with him. It wasn’t like she could force her way out of his hold. He was at least three times bigger and several times stronger than her so it’d be wasted energy that she didn’t have much of in the first place. Still, she mentally remembered where her pack was and planned on going back for it one way or the other. If it was still there, that was. Perhaps after getting treated by his people, she could sneak off for it. 

Boy was she going to have a good story for her mom and the others. 

“You are quiet now,” He commented, drawing her focus back onto him. When their eyes locked again, she didn’t miss the tiny pull of his lips as his eyes flickered back to what was in front of him, “You should stay that way.”

She crossed her arms, and looked away from him too, lips pulled downward, “Yeah, maybe I will.”

He could tell by her tone that she was upset with him, but he couldn't bring himself to inquire or try to rectify the problem. He was doing the right thing, whether she wanted to recognize it or not. Perhaps she’d feel better after getting treated. He could only hope that this was not her typical demeanor. There was only so much he could take in one day. He wasn't familiar with human behavior, but he figured she'd give him a one-on-one, up-close-and-personal lesson in all of it. He could feel a nagging headache coming on. She didn't appear to be making things simple for him, that was for sure. 

“Hm,” he acknowledged, and continued to walk in silence. 

She kept herself preoccupied by thinking about other things, and getting caught up in her surroundings. If only she’d brought her camera. The forest was incredibly beautiful at night. It seemed to come to life around her. Everything lit up, from plants to insects to even small animals that were still out and about. She’d been fascinated by Pandora’s wonders ever since she saw pictures of the planet, and sketches of its plants and animals. Even the rocks underneath the water in ponds had their own source of light. It was something she’d never seen before. She couldn’t remember a place on earth that was half as extraordinary as Pandora.

Her mind fell back onto the man that was carrying her across the forest, pondering something. 

“Hey.”

If he’d heard her, he didn’t make it obvious. His ears made the slightest twitch, but for the most part, he looked like he was off into his own world of thoughts. She didn’t let that stop her from annoying him by opening her mouth again.

“I never got your name.”

When he glanced down at her, he found her staring at him. For some reason, he couldn’t hold eye contact with the human. He quickly blinked, and stared at the forest in front of him, stepping through the wide leaves and around the tall plants that surrounded them.

He sniffed, chest puffed and responded with a proud, “Tsu’to.”

She smiled, “Tso’to.”

At that, he quirked a brow down at her, disapprovingly, “No. Tsu’to.”

“Yeah,” she nodded, confused, “That’s what I said. Tso’to.”

Tsu’to stopped walking for a moment, hellbent on fixing this situation before it made him do the unthinkable and toss her weightless body into a nearby pond. 

“It is Tsu’–to. Not Tso’to. There is only one ‘o’ in my name.”

“Ohhh,” she exclaimed, voice a bit too shrill for his taste but at least she understood her mistake, “Tsu’to!”

He almost smiled, but didn’t allow it to stretch across his face. Instead, he swallowed it down and gave her a firm nod before he started walking again, looking ahead. Jane smiled to herself.

“Tsu’to. I like it.”

She wasn't looking at him when he looked down at her. She had a slight smile on her face as she looked forward. He found himself unable to look away. Her smaller features, her smile, and her hands. Everything about her was so petite and delicate that he should've been scared to hold her this way, yet a part of him preferred having her in his arms to having her walk behind or in front of him. She was small enough to be captured by the forest's predators. She was as light as a feather and could simply be taken from the ground and sent off into the sky. In any case, he couldn't let it happen, so she was better off in his grasp, safe from harm.

A weird tingle ran down his spine as she murmured his name. At first, he mistook the sensation for a wind chill. The night air had cooled slightly, but not much. It was something about the way his name sounded on her tongue. She didn't quite understand how to pronounce a Na'vi name like his, but even with her unusual accent, she made his name sound like a gift from eywa. It caused his tail to swish from side to side until he caught the ridiculous act and swiftly stopped it. His tail hung low in humiliation as he traveled forward, refusing to allow the small human to get to him so easily.

He reminded himself of her wounds, and focused on that as they neared the village. 

Thankfully, when they finally reached the village, he’d found her sound asleep. She must’ve been tired. Not just from her wounds but surely from wandering through the forest for who knew how long. He almost didn’t want to take her to the tsahik to get treated, only because that would mean waking her from her slumber but her wounds were a priority. 

He gave her a silent apology before he took the necessary steps into the village that instantly attracted attention. Every eye was on them as he walked through the grounds, headed straight for his mother’s tent. Being the tsahik and oloeyktan’s son, he attracted attention wherever he went but with a human curled up in his arms like some feline—he’d garnished more looks and whispers than any other time else in his life. It was almost annoying, but he could understand the curiosity. He’d never been a fan of humans, and made that abundantly clear amongst the people as they all shared the same sentiment. However, to see him carrying one through the village, a woman at that, it surely brought talk. 

He almost sighed. He wasn’t sure how he was going to explain this to his mother and father or how he was going to get the woman treated, but it was worth the try. If push came to shove, he’d have to see after her himself. 

With that resolution, he marched further on until he made it to the tent, and cautiously stepped through being sure to lift the flap up as he entered inside.

Medicinal herbs and such infiltrated his nose, but nothing that he wasn’t already used to. Then his brother’s pained noises came next.

“Ow! Ow, ow, ow,” he winced, feeling a slight sting as his mother tried to finish cleaning the wound.

She frowned in concentration before she moved to lightly flick at his ear. He whined again, covering his ear and giving her a look of hurt over his shoulder. She shrugged.

“Don’t be such a baby, Zatxu. This is what happens when you stay past dark and come back with a wound as deep as this. Now turn back around so I can finish this. You don’t want to miss dinner do you?”

Zatxu reluctantly turned to face the fire again, head hung low as he groaned, wishing it was over quickly.

Tsu’to stepped further in, holding the little human in his arms tighter like hidden treasure. He wasn’t sure how to approach his mother with something like this, but if she were to react the way he had a feeling she would, then it was best to present the human as carefully as possible.

“Where are we?” Jane mumbled, rubbing at her eyes.

Tsu’to watched his mother and brother glance up at the sound of her voice before they both were on their feet. 

“Son, what is that?!” His mother hissed, keeping her youngest son behind her with an arm, eyes fixated on the woman her oldest was holding so protectively against his chest. “What is the meaning of this?”

“Whoa,” Zatxu stared at the small woman in his brother’s arms, all the more curious to get a better look. “Cool.”

Tsu’to sighed, looking from Jane back to his mother who looked frightened and on alert. She had every right. This wasn’t like him. He’d made it his mission to stay away from the humans that had arrived on their planet, and had always displayed his disdain for all of them. It must’ve been a complete shock to see him cradling one in his arms like some wounded innocent animal seeking medical attention before it was put back on its way home to the forest. This was a human that they were talking about. Not some wounded animal. 

He knew she needed the medical attention, but how he was going to convince his mother to help, he wasn’t sure.

Jane could sense the tension in the air, and even though she didn't understand the language, she could tell by the woman's expression and the way she kept the shorter child behind her that she had to be Tsu'to's mother or someone close to him. Her hatred towards Jane made her feel a little uneasy. She definitely didn't belong there, and she wanted to go even if it meant she wouldn't get treatment for her injuries. She was much further away from the lab, yet despite her injuries, she'd walk all the way back on her own. She didn't want to come into their home and make anyone feel obligated to help her.

Her gaze returned to Tsu'to, who was wearing a sorrowful grimace. He appeared conflicted. This was clearly as difficult for him as it was for her. He wasn't sure how to handle the matter, but he was trying to get her help. Suddenly, she felt like a burden again. She couldn't help but want to hide in a corner. If only to avoid the woman's fearful and judgmental glare.

“Mother, she needs help. If you could just—“

“I will do no such thing,” his mother retorted firmly, eyebrows pinched, “You will let that thing back into the forest and scrub your body clean of its filth before I do it for you,” she hissed, sharp teeth poking at her bottom lip, seconds away from snarling in anger, “Tsu’to, how dare you bring one of those demons into our home! What possessed you to do something like this? You know that we are not allowed anywhere near them and if so, it’s kill on sight. You, of all people, know this!”

“Mother, please,” Tsu’to stepped forward, stretching out a hand to let her know that he meant no harm, “She is harmless. She’s wounded, and needs treatment. After that, I will happily send her on her way back to wherever she came from but she—“

“Why do you expect me to help her?” She asked him, unable to understand where he was coming from, “She is not one of us. Her kind can help her. Take her back, Tsu’to. I will not say this again. If you continue to stand here and argue with me, I will have your father do it for yo—“

“This is a matter of Tza’wey.” 

His mother stood bone-straight, arm still raised in the air to keep Natxu away from the little human. She felt her breath get caught in her throat as the word sunk in.

“Tza‘wey,” she breathed, eyes wide open, “You mean…”

Tsu’to nodded with a firm grunt, “Yes. I saved her life. She is indebted to me.”

“Go back to the village.”

“No,” she said stubbornly, strolling behind him, “I’m walking with you.”

“….”

He chose to cut the conversation there, if not for the sake of his sanity that seemed to be hanging off of a very thin thread.

She grinned, and peeked around his body to see his face. His ears twitched at the sound of her giggling, “You’re brooding.”

He frowned, and glanced down at her, “I am not.”

“You are.”

“No. I am not.”

“Yes you are,” she repeated in a sing-song voice, irritating him even further.

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, mumbling to himself, “I should have tossed you in the river. Been done with you.”

“You’d miss me,” she said, picking up the pace and passing him.

He watched her trek forward, chin in the air with a smile on her face. He growled to himself, and quickly looked away. 

“I would not,” he said to himself, nostrils flared.

Her smile widened.

Tsu’to didn’t snoop. He wasn’t a snooper, and he didn’t care about Jane. 

Not at all.

He was just sitting ten feet away from her, watching her from the corner of his eye as she sat hunched over with her back turned to him, doing something that got his curiosity sparked. Humans, and their penchant for always doing useless things. He never could understand her people. He deemed the entire lot strange, and unnatural. It didn’t quite explain what he was doing sitting in the same space with her when he had other pressing matters that needed his attention, but he was an important man. He didn’t need to explain himself.

Ever.

Still, there were better things to do with his time.

Like training young warriors, attending boring meetings about the village’s needs and border security or organizing the next hunting party. There were a handful of things that needed to get done and yet, he chose to share his company with a burdensome human woman. 

Perhaps he’d fully lost it this time. 

After moments spent sitting in silence and feeling the curiosity successfully eat at him, he growled, “What is taking so long, tawtute? Are you not finished yet? What are you doing over there?”

She gave him another miserable minute of silence until she broke it by giggling and turning around with her hands behind her back now. He eyed her suspiciously, eyes narrowed at what she was hiding from him. Unfortunately for her, he wasn’t a fan of surprises. If she had something substantial to show him, then it was best to get it over with and not make a big deal about it. 

“I started working on it yesterday, with your mother’s help, of course,” Jane said, smiling, “I hope that you’ll like it. She said that this is normally something the women of your village will do when they…” He noticed the way her face started to scrunch up a little, and how she fidgeted in place. Even how her eyes dropped from his, suddenly finding the ground very interesting. He grew even more suspicious, especially at the mention of his mother. Didn’t she dislike her? When did that change? “Anyway! Here.”

When she shoved whatever she’d been hiding behind her back in his face, he was forced to blink in order to let his eyes focus on what was in the palm of her hand. It looked tiny, so he used two long fingers to pick it up and put it in proper lighting to see it. The sunlight reflected against the messily wrapped cording, showing the braiding pattern and the colors she chose to use for it. It was a bracelet, but not just any bracelet. 

A courting gift. 

For him.

Before he could catch himself, his face darkened. Thankfully, due to his complexion, it was hard to see. Especially with her tragic human eyesight. 

This just wasn’t what he was expecting for her to show him. At all. 

Her face fell a little at his silence, teeth worrying at her bottom lip, “Do you…do you like it? I know it’s a little messy. It was my first time…”

Tsu’to looked at her, then at her lips. He swallowed, still holding her gift in between his fingers. He desperately tried to steer his focus back to the conversation, but her lips… He’d never admit it out loud, but it was his favorite part about her. Lush, soft lips, wet with a nervous swipe of her tongue, small teeth biting into them like she were trying to tempt him to move closer and take them for himself.

It was safe to say that it was working, if so.

“You don’t like it,” she stated, letting her lip go with a sigh, “I knew it. I can take it back,” she reached for it and he quickly moved it from her grasp, taking her wrist in his hand.

“I…I did not say I don’t like it…” he mumbled, frowning at her before going back to staring at the corded bracelet, silently admiring it again, “It is…nice.”

She raised a brow, lips tugging at the corner, “Nice? That’s all?”

“Hm,” he dropped her hand, and began to fiddle with the bracelet while she sat next to him, annoyingly closer now, eyes bright and wide with suffocating eagerness, “This is small. Not sure it will fit.”

Without glancing at her, he could tell that she was pouting. He almost smirked. Of course she didn’t consider making sure that it was the correct size for him. She was much too busy with trying to make it to think about fitting it to him. Usually, it was unnecessary since they could be made as a one size fits all for his people but since she was human and he was Na’vi…there was a pretty big difference. She forgot to take that into consideration.

His tone was teasing but there was a tinge of worry at the pit of his stomach, unsure if it would actually fit him. He felt her eyes still on him, and decided to give it a try anyway. 

When he slid it on, he had to wiggle and contort his fingers in order for it to have a chance at going through. It took him a minute or two, but finally, he managed to get it on. He had a feeling that it was never going to come off, but for some strange reason, he was okay with that.

Especially when she threw her arms around his neck, telling him how happy she was that it fit. That he’d accepted her gift, which ultimately meant that he also accepted her courting advances. 

As the son of a clan leader, he was going to have to deal with having a human for a mate but with a strong woman like her by his side—he felt like he could take on anything and anyone.



One of the best moments of Tsu’to’s life was meeting Jane. 

After a year of knowing her, courting her and finally taking her as his mate, he felt like all was right in the world. He’d led a team of his best warriors out to battle against one of their rivaling tribes, but after winning and coming back home to her—the wounds he’d suffered were well worth it. He’d do it all over again.

Despite meeting her and witnessing his life change for the better, he had to admit. 

Finding out that she was pregnant took over as the best moment of his entire life.

No one thought that it was possible. The people of his village took a while before they came around to accepting his chosen mate. Not everyone was on board, but they didn’t bother him. They just didn’t understand how it would work between them because she was human. She couldn’t give him what a Na’vi woman easily could.

Except, she’d done the impossible.

She was going to give him a child.

Eywa had blessed their union by giving them a baby, and Tsu’to couldn’t have been happier. He worked on expanding their hut, weaving and making what they would need for the arrival of the baby and worried the women of the village with questions and even sat in on a birth just to prepare himself for what was to come. 

From his eagerness to learn and get the things that they would need, Jane could tell that he was going to be a good dad. Filled with bursting excitement, he did what he could…up until it was time for her to give birth.

He was told by his mother that the baby would likely come in a few days time so to celebrate the coming birth of his child, he put together a small hunting party. Before leaving, he kissed her stomach and cradled her against him, telling her that he would be back. To rest until he got back. Before the day he left, she told him of her dream. That she’d dreamt of his death. That if he left…he wouldn’t be coming back.

Tsu’to tried to calm her with soothing reassurance, reminding her that he was strong and that he wouldn’t be going alone. That he was doing this for the celebration, and wouldn’t be gone long. Still, she worried and became frantic, begging for him to stay. 

He kissed the top of her head, and simply told her to keep thinking about a name for the baby.

Then, he was off.

“...what happens when you return

and find nothing

but a hollowed shell,

shingles and floor,

walls and echoes

and the light that led you here

has now burned out

and the ones who built it

have traveled afar

and you can't go to them,

no matter what shoes you wear.”

— Kellie Elmore, ‘Magic in the Backyard’

Word of Tsu’to’s death forced Jane into labor.

When she collapsed, she was with his mother, explaining how anxious she felt about him leaving after she’d told him about her dream. 

There was no time to grieve the loss of her son. She had to help his mate deliver their baby or she would lose them too. 

Hours and hours of staggering around the hut, providing her with encouraging words and a hand on her back to help her cope, Jane was finally able to give birth to a healthy baby girl. Her final push was done laying down, which the mother saw as a good thing considering she had been wobbling while standing up. 

“Here she is,” the mother whispered before she handed the baby to Jane, smiling softly, eyes full with tears, “She…she looks just like…”

She turned away, unable to finish her sentence. Jane held back her own onslaught of tears, and tried to give her full attention to her child. She let her daughter wrap her little fingers around her pinky, taking notice of her faded stripes and pointed ears. She lacked a tail, a kuru, the amber eyes, the average size of a full Na’vi baby and had four fingers and a thumb as well as a human number of toes. If she squinted at the child, she wouldn’t be able to tell that she was even half Na’vi. 

As much as she tried her best to ignore it, her daughter was identical to Tsu’to. It was like she carried a chunk of him in her, appearance wise. It was almost like looking in a mirror, if she looked past her human features. There was no mistaking it. She was his daughter.

If only he was alive to meet her.

After spending a bit more time with her and breastfeeding her, Jane handed her back to Tsu’to’s mother, wanting to rest for a few hours or so. She was eager to take the bundle of joy away for a while to show her off to the clan, and give Jane some time alone. 

Once she left, Jane broke down and turned on her side, crying and choking on her own tears as the wash of realization hit her. Her mate was gone. She’d heard some of the people talking. There wasn’t a body to bring back either. He was gone, and she was never going to see him again. She would have to raise their child alone, without him. 

It was too much to bear. She couldn’t handle the loss of her mate.

When Tsu’to’s mother came back to check on her, she found Jane unresponsive. She wasn’t breathing, and had been dead for hours. 

She felt Eywa’s pain for the first time of her life as the clan’s tsahik. 

The death of her son and his mate all in the same day took a toll. 

After keeping their baby in her care for six months, she decided to head to the only outpost she knew of. Fortunately for her, Jane’s mother was stationed there. It was good timing because when Tsu’to’s mother arrived, she was able to understand that they were packing up to go. 

Jane’s mother heard from her team that there was a Na’vi woman standing just outside of the post with a human baby in her arms. She looked out of the same window that everyone else was looking out of, and saw that it was true. The woman made eye contact with her then glanced down at the baby. That was when she knew. It had something to do with her Jane.

She threw on her exopack, and hurried outside.

“Human. You are Jane’s mother, yes?” The woman asked and by the significance of her clothing, Jane’s mother could tell that she was the tsahik. 

“Yes, I am. My name is Gemma,” She answered and looked at the baby, watching her smack her lips and whimper in her sleep. She frowned, “How is she… No mask?”

The tsahik raised a brow, not understanding what she meant until she watched the woman point to the mask that she was wearing.

“Ah. She is one of us. Half Na’vi.”

Gemma’s eyes widened at the new information. Her eyes swept over the sleeping child, finally noticing her striped skin and pointed ears. She understood now.

Then, she looked back up at the tsahik, heart wrenching in her chest, “So…what happened to…?”

The tsahik instantly looked away, face torn and twisted up in a frown. She shook her head, and it took everything in Gemma not to fall to her knees. Her body was washed over in a wave of grief, trying to hold herself together for the child. 

“I see.” Was all she said before her eyes landed on the child again, “I assume that you are bringing her to me because of her death.”

“And the death of my son,” the tsahik added, inhaling deeply, “Please. She belongs with your people. I cannot raise her as my own. My son is dead. He is not here to protect her right to remain in the village. They will not allow her to stay. I cannot protect her.”

Gemma nodded, fully understanding, “Okay.”

“Thank you,” The tsahik smiled, but it didn’t look like a full smile. Almost a grimace as she transferred the small child from her arms to Gemma’s. She sighed, head bowed, “You are leaving this planet, yes?”

“Yes, we are.”

“Good.” The tsahik looked at her again, eyes hardened with a straight spine, “Whatever you do. Do not come back here. Ever. I cannot explain why, just please. Do not return. For the child’s sake, she must not know where she came from–” She held back tears, taking in another sharp breath, “Or who her father…was. You have to be her mother. Can you do this?”

It took a moment for it all to register but after a few strained seconds of silence, Gemma nodded. The tsahik stood there, and stared at the child before she bent down and pressed her lips against the child’s forehead. Then, she was gone. 

Gemma stood there after she disappeared back into the forest before she looked down at her granddaughter with a solemn smile, “You just don’t know how special you are, do you?” The child finally cracked her eyes open, and looked up at the woman with twinkling eyes. She stared at her for a moment before she reached out to touch her face. Gemma chuckled before she turned around, and started heading back inside the outpost. “You have no idea.”

The baby giggled and made her laugh even more.

“You’re going to love earth. I just know it. We’ve got apple pie, chocolate milk, applesauce, jello…”

The tsahik stayed in the shadows until the woman safely made it back inside the lab before she sighed, and started to officially make her way back to the village, having bidded the sweet child her final goodbye.  

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