#Metakyina oc

[nin3kyuu]

Commission for @nessa-harp

I enjoyed drawing this beauty so much ♡ ♡ ♡

Comms are open folks!

[wheneclipsefalls]

Forever My Babygirl pt.4

Part 3 I Masterlist I ao3 I

Pairing: 16 year old Tuktirey x Male Metakyina OC

Summary: Safe under the florescent glow of the ocean, Tuk and Teeysal share a special moment. Unfortunately, keeping secrets is a dangerous game to play. 

A/N: To everyone that has stuck around while I’ve struggled to put together the trajectory of this story: you’re a true one, thank you! I’m already working on part 5 and I’m really excited about it so hopefully the next update won’t take as long this time

Warnings: Light angst, swearing, aged up characters, forbidden love

Yawne - beloved 

Tsireya delicately looped the strands back and around one another, careful not to pull too hard on Tuk’s scalp. Her fingers struggled to keep hold of the various sections of hair while intertwining small shells into the woven work. Tsireya always had a hard time turning down Tuk’s request to do her hair, especially when she wove precious flattery into the pleas. Besides, Tsireya was simply happy to see Tuk finally recovered from being sick and back to her old self. 

“Such pretty shells.” She murmured admiring a particular speckled blue crescent shaped one that shimmered in the light. “Where did you find them, Tuk?” The innocent question made Tuk’s smile drop. 

She couldn’t tell Tsireya where they had really come from. Teeysal had spent hours scouring different beaches and coral reefs for the perfect shells, gathering them in a small netted bag that was sneakily presented to the Sully girl when her parents were out. The proud smile on his face when she expressed awe and approval still made her heart flutter fondly. 

“J-just been collecting them for a while.” The jumbled response came out hastily. Neytiri always said that Eywa had blessed her with an honest heart and a desire to do good, but now Tuk felt that these gifts were becoming a curse as it made every lie she told sink deep into her chest. A weight that was slowly bringing her down. 

“Well you will have to show me all the good spots to find them. I’ve been working on this choker for Lo’ak but it’s missing something. Can’t quite tell what yet.” Tsireya let out a light huff in frustration, her voice somehow still carrying the soothing softness that always had Lo’ak melting. 

Tuk had always found Tsireya’s gentle nature so calming. She was the best person to rant to with problems or concerns. Her large blue eyes had a great capacity to hold genuine empathy. It astonished the younger Sully girl. And yet it was just another reason that keeping her romance with Teeysal a secret was incredibly difficult around her sister in law. 

“Even if there is, you know he won’t notice. He’ll just be happy it's from you. Lo’ak doesn’t know much else when it comes to attire.” Tuk scoffed teasingly. Tsireya’s soft laugh flitted across the wind as she continued to tightly incorporate the strung shells into the intricate dark braids that finally flowed down into loose waves. 

“Now, is that any way to talk about the mighty warrior that is bringing home this bad boy for dinner?” Lo’ak appeared at the mouth of the marui, hands proudly holding up the dangling fish half his size.  Tsireya affectionately awed at the size, congratulating her mate on the impressive catch but Tuk’s mind was elsewhere. Lo’ak home meant Teeysal would be back with the hunting party too. Tsireya’s absence of handling indicated her hair was completed. 

“You look so pretty, Tuk.” Tsireya cooed, helping Lo’ak to set down the fish in preparation. 

Tuk ran her fingers through the hair, a small giggle lacing her features as she beamed at the compliment. The change in hairstyle made her feel rejuvenated after days of squirming on the marui floor half awake. The thick braids leading into the free flowing waves reminded her of Tsireya’s own hairstyle and the comparison made her beam with a new confidence. The confidence of a woman, not some silly little child. 

“Thanks ‘Reya.” Tuk pulled the older na’vi into an eager hug before gathering her stuff to dart off. Lo’ak shot his sister a strange look at her hurried actions. 

“What? That’s it? You’re not even going to stay for the best meal of your life, baby sis?” Lo’ak crossed his arms, feigning a stern look that was sure to be imitating Jake. Tuk giggled at the hidden joke but shook her head regardless. Her window of opportunity was quickly closing.

“I can’t leave mom and dad alone for dinner.” 

“They’ve had you for five days, surely they will survive your absence for one night.” Already feeling caught in a lie, Tuk avoided her brother’s merciless gaze. She fought the urge to nervously fiddle with hanging beads on her loincloth. Still, the electric excitement prompting her to see Teeysal overcame the small trace of guilt at lying to her brother. There was no other way she would get to see the handsome Metkayina male otherwise. 

“You know how Dad gets.” She shrugged while subconsciously playing with the threads of her new hairstyle. It seemed that the excuse was enough to appease Lo’ak as he rolled his eyes and gave her a knowing look. He did in fact know how protective and even selfish Jake could be when it came to his littlest baby girl. Tsireya was already preparing the fish diligently at the corner of the marui. 

“Yeah yeah, I know. Fine, get out of here.” Lo’ak snorted with a playful shoo of his hand. Tuk wasted no time, quickly bidding them goodbye before running across the wovens paths of the village. The moon was inching closer and closer to overcoming the shine of the sun, luring the clan members to start settling in for dinner and tucking their small Na’vi into bed. 

Her eyes jumbled back and forth across the crowds of approaching figures to smoothly slot herself around or in between them to get by. She let out small squeaks and apologies at the appropriate times but never slowed down her pace. Tuk’s excitement only grew when she was able to see the last stragglers from the hunting party up ahead. She was just about to sprint haphazardly towards them and track down the handsome male when her father’s voice broke through her focus. 

“Tuktirey!” Jake called from her right, pulling in a small canoe with one hand. “Where you going, babygirl?” Jake questioned with a slight undertone of fond laughter. He flicked the thick dreadlocks out of his face to see his daughter better, canoe landing on the sand with a hollow thump.

“Hey Dad, just going out one more time before dinner.” Tuk despised how easy the white lie flowed from her lips. The distant chatter and laughter from the hunting party prickled at her urge to glance over and find Teeysal. Still, she wiggled her toes and focused on paying attention to her father. Jake Sully was a smart man that knew how to pick up on clues. His time in the military had only increased his awareness of the world around him and the importance of picking out tiny details. This attribute had always been one of her favorite things about her father, showing how useful it had been by sharing endless war stories. Now, however, it was becoming a nuisance. 

“Yeah I know you’re anxious to get back out there, kid.” Jake chuckled before gracefully heaving his body up onto the woven pathway. His smile held tender kindness and affection as he looked down on his maturing daughter. “How about I take you out? It’s been a while since the two of us have had some real daddy daughter time together.”

Tuk gulped. The sincere crinkles of his smile coiled her guilt in her gut, but she had been looking forward to this all day. Teeysal had his own responsibilities to tend to and there were few times that Tuk’s time left unsupervised aligned with his leisure hours. She knew it had been a while since her father and her had gone out like usual, but she was growing up and Tuk didn’t always have the same cravings as she used to. 

“I’ll tell you whatever consolation story you’d like to hear.” Jake had a plethora of stories he had produced and related to the stars for his children. There was of course his own story of Earth and how he had come from a star, but further stories consisted of simple fairy tales he had adapted and edited for his kids. Out of all his children, Tuk clung on to the stories the most. There was a whole year where she had Jake tell her the mashup of Rapunzel and Top Gun he had created over and over again. For a story that the ex marine had made up on the fly it became difficult at times to repeat perfectly, especially when his small daughter had memorized every detail. Whenever he would go off script or forget one of the lines, she was known to jump in to correct her daddy. 

Tuk’s sharp teeth nippled at the inside of her bottom lip. The last thing she wanted was to disappoint her father but there would be other nights she could listen to his far fetched stories. 

“Actually Daddy, I kind of was looking forward to going out alone. To be with my thoughts and all that.” Tuk’s soft voice was barely heard above the coastal wind. Jake’s smile wavered and his brow pulled together, accenting his creased forehead. She knew that look. The reminiscing look of a parent that was no longer needed by their child. Being the last one to leave the nest had gotten her very familiar with these poorly masked solemn expressions. 

“Right, of course.” Jake cleared his throat before nodding firmly. The ex marine naturally pieced together a touch front. For a man of such gruff demeanor, he failed horribly at maintaining that composure when it came to his daughters. 

Tuk’s heart ached at the sight of her father, Toruk Makto, softening in front of her eyes. 

“But we will have to go on a different night for sure!” Tuk piped up, grabbing her father’s wide wrist between her dainty hands. “It’s been ages since I’ve heard about the lost princess pilot, afterall.” Her father’s lips quirked up at the sound of her excitement, no matter how feigned it may have been. 

“Of course, babygirl. Whenever you want.” He chuckled before placing an endearing kiss along her stripped temple. Her muscles relaxed at the reassuring gesture. “But make sure to be back before dinner. I don’t want you out too far past eclipse.” 

 She beamed up at him, giving her promise before turning to dart off again. 

“Goodbye Daddy!” Tuk called behind her, hoping the remedial nickname would soften the blow. 

Her father’s wellbeing slipped to the back of her mind smoothly as she refocused on searching for Teeysal amongst the other hunters. Luckily, he was around the bend away from the potential onlooking gazes of Jake and nosy clan members. Teeysal’s cerulean orbs lit up instantly at the sight of Tuk. She took this as her sign to bound over, toppling into his arms. His toned arms pulled her body against his chest tightly and spun them around. Her shorter legs swung out into the air as soft giggles wracked her lungs. 

Teeysal smelt like fish and saltwater but it was an essence that the Sully girl had come to positively associate with his presence. She marveled at how easily he lifted her and twirled their bodies in place, her stomach doing somersaults at the thrilling momentum. The loose curls that had escaped his bun tickled the apples of her cheeks as she pressed her face close to his broad shoulder. 

“There you are.” Teeysal warmly smiled after setting the small Omatikaya girl back on her feet. His broad hand cupped the side of her face sweetly causing Tuk’s heart to skip a beat. 

Ayte cleared his throat, awkwardly third wheeling the interaction. Tuk’s head finally snapped to the side to notice the other Metkayina male. A light blush painted her cheeks when she realized they were in fact not alone, she sent him a gracious smile regardless.

“Hi Ayte.” 

 She tried to detach herself from Teeysal, worried that their cover was completely blown. Tuk went to wiggle her way out of his strong arms and give Ayte a hug as a cover but Teeysal only held her tighter.

“It’s ok. He knows.” He chuckled into her ear while enfolding her in an embrace from behind. Ayte noded and rolled his eyes to confirm the claim. Her cheeks remained a glimmer of pink but she relaxed in his arms at the information. Teeysal’s newfound confidence had come with more frequent physical displays of affection. Small moments that the pair managed to steal away throughout the day were always accompanied with tender forehead kisses and prolonged hugs that allowed her to seep into the warmth of his chest. 

This uncharted territory spun her nerves into a tumbled mess but Tuk couldn’t be more delighted. This intimacy had always been something she had observed in others and yearned for herself. Even as a small child she beamed whenever Jake tucked his head into the curve of Neytiri’s neck or intertwined their mismatched hands together fondly. 

“Yeah and I know when I’m being a third wheel.” Ayte grumbled but there was an undertone of friendly mirth in his tone. A small smile twitched at the corners of his mouth whenever he saw that dumb dopey grin on his friend’s face. “I’ll bring these back myself. See you later, lovebirds.” He chuckled, dragging off the baskets of fish. 

Teeysal and Tuk called out their respective thank yous while watching the male disappear into the village. It was then that Tuk felt the soft sensation of fingers tracing over her new woven hairstyle and embedded shells. 

“Wow, look at you. They are so much prettier on you.” Teeysal marveled reverently. She couldn’t contain her grin at the compliment. She had been itching to show him since Tsireya had put the first shell in her hair. Warmth flooded along her skin, sending pleasant tingles down to her toes. 

“You like it?” Tuk asked although she already knew that answer as he gently guided her to do a twirl for him. Their eyes met and it was difficult to keep the gleeful giggle from her throat.

“Very much.” Teeysal’s warm voice filled her to the brim with happiness. He always seemed to hold a special kindness in his aurora, especially when around her. Those ocean blue eyes could easily put her into a trance, so crystalline and pure. Every glimmer of emotion visible. 

“Come, come. I want to show you something.” He eagerly grabbed her hand and dragged the girl towards the nearest ilu. The covering moon had begun to signal the beginnings of bioluminescence, bringing a dim glow to fauna and coral underneath the surface. The two didn’t bother finding another ilu, instead opting to ride together. 

Tuk wrapped her arms around his shoulders tightly and blushed as Teeysal hooked one hand around the back of her thigh before they dove into the water. An instant calm settled around her as they were encompassed by the pressure and weight of the ocean. Here in the place where the outside world was deafened and the boy she cared for held her tenderly, Tuk couldn’t think of anywhere else she would rather be. 

They soared along the reef, diving in and out of curved structures of corals and sponges. The sizzle of sloshing water tickled at her flicking ears. Everything was in its full glow, bursting the sealife into radiant colors that danced through the water medium.  No matter how many times Tuk saw it, she never tired of marveling over the beauty of the ocean, especially during eclipse. The sea was a different place entirely, feeling like another planet she could step into within a moment's notice. 

The two na’vi only had to breach for air a few times before reaching the desired spot. 

“Deep breath.” Teeysal instructed. She filled her lungs slowly until they had expanded to the point of pushing against her ribs. The ilu dragged them down towards the substrate until Teeysal released him and motioned for Tuk to follow. Curiosity rose like a swell within her. Whatever it was, Teeysal could not keep the giddy grin from his face. 

She mimicked his smooth undulations, following after him. Despite the commotion of marine life around them, Tuk found herself swerving to catch glimpses of those loose curls that had escaped his bun and were flowing with the water. She had always been fascinated with the Metkayina curly hair, having little representation of its texture in the Omatikaya clan. However, for biased reasons, she believed Teeysal’s hair to be the prettiest. The soft strands were an enchanting contrast to his sharp jaw and high cheekbones. It seemed that Teeysal's entire form was a walking contradiction. Sharp lines and features mixed with gentle eyes and a caring smile. 

Teeysal finally signaled for them to stop, each holding on to the nearest coral structure. Her golden globes swept across the area, in search of the wonder he promised to show. A large hand on her shoulder caught her attention once more. Teeysal pointed up ahead under the curve of a concave rock. It was then that she finally spotted what had him all excited.

Intelligent eyes peeked out from under the rock. The octopus was easy to miss in the haze of marine activity, perhaps its purpose in seeking refuge in the tight space. However, once it had deemed the surroundings clear it began to stretch forth its tentacles in differing directions. Its motions were fluid and controlled as the creature crept from the dark hole. 

It had not been her first time seeing an octopus but her wonder was still ablaze. They were such simple yet intelligent creatures, making them hard to catch on most days. She was satisfied with this surprise, turning to Teeysal and giving him a wide grin that expressed this sentiment. He seemed to almost chuckle underwater, shaking his head softly. 

‘Keep watching.’ He signed.

With a perplexed expression she obeyed. The octopus was out from the makeshift cave and for the first time she spotted a glimpse of something else behind it. More textured skin peeking out from behind different tentacles. Tuk squinted in concentration. Small eyes peeked out from behind the octopus. Their black dots were barely noticeable as the tiny creatures emerged. A plethora of baby octopus blanketed the backside of the mother. 

Were she not already holding her breath, Tuk knew it would have caught at the sight. The juvenile creatures were so small, almost reminding her of the glowing fauna that laced their reefs. They followed the mother, finding refuge and protection between her outreaching limbs. Her heart warmed at the sight. Just like a Na’vi mother sings lullabies and tucks her children away in the marui for the night, this mother had found a safe home for her children underneath the rock. In moments like these, Tuk couldn’t help but recognize how similar they truly were to every other living creature on Pandora. They were all brothers and sisters, looked after by the Great Mother. 

With diligent caution, Tuk reached out one hand, inching closer and closer to one of the tentacles. The mother seemed to watch her for a moment, deciding whether or not the imposing digits were a threat. One tentacle furled out and immediately suctioned to Tuk’s hand. Gleeful excitement raced through her. The texture from the tentacle almost tickled. She was always surprised by how strong their suction truly was. 

Tuktirey turned to the Metkayina boy in victory to show him the accomplishment, but he wasn’t looking at the octopus. Those blue orbs intensely watched her reaction with a fond demeanor. Accentuated by the sparkling freckles around the creases, Tuk couldn’t help but stare back into Teeysal’s eyes. She was oblivious to the retracting arm of the mother octopus, even missing as the mother and juveniles swam away. 

They drew closer, pulled by the intensity of the other’s gaze. However, the depleting supply of oxygen in Tuk’s lungs shattered the moment. She was tempted to ignore the strain in favor of playing out this scenario, but the harsh contraction of her muscles told her there was no choice. Teeysal was quick to understand what was going on.

Grabbed by the wrist she was pulled through the water quickly. Teeysal’s thicker paddle-like tail swished with his body in a pattern that quickly had them gaining speed. The beat of her heart obediently slowed to the soothing thoughts that floated through her mind. Whenever Tuk would feel inclined to take a breath she had learned that distracting her mind with sweet melodies and memories overpowered the urge. 

Teeysal successfully dragged her through the water and up into the bulbous plant, finally giving them each access to an air pocket. Oxygen surged through Tuk’s lungs in an audible gasp, but her lips still curved into a smile. The bioluminescence of the plant painted their skin a cool shade of green as they caught their breath. 

“Tuk! Are you alright?” Teeysal’s worried tone was only white noise to the joy that tickled at her heart. 

“That was so amazing! Did you see all the little babies?!” Tuk words tattered on the edge of a squeal as she beamed back at the Metkayina boy. His troubled expression softened into that of fond chastisement as he fought back a laugh. 

“Yes I saw them Tuk, but-”

“They were so tiny! Barely bigger than megafauna and yet they still have these beautiful little eyes!” The excited shrill echoed along the walls of the bulbous flower, magnifying her voice. Tuk fondly babbled about the beautiful creatures till her lungs were fighting for oxygen again. It was then that Teeysal finally deemed it time to step in. 

“Tuktirey!” He urgently caught her attention, wide golden eyes staring back at him. “You can’t scare me like that. If you need to breathe you have to tell me.” Although stern, his voice carried a vulnerable tremble to it, showing how much he truly cared for her wellbeing. 

“Sorry.” She mumbled, biting her bottom lip. 

His ears dropped back and a heavy sigh left his lips. 

“It’s my job to take care of you. I don’t know what I would do if something were to happen to you.” Despite the sad words, Tuk’s heart raced as she saw the pure adoration and concern gleaming in his ocean eyes. Butterflies swarmed her stomach as she saw that vulnerability. 

Tuk was used to having people watch over her, whether or not she asked for it. Her father and brothers in particular were constantly protecting her from any harm that could come her way. She was used to watching them scold her for reckless behavior or circle her into their arms in order to shield the small girl from potential threats. On more than one occasion she would roll her eyes at the dramatics and pout at their concern that sometimes felt like a leash. 

However, with Teeysal, it was different.

His protective nature wrapped her in a warm glow, tinting her cheeks pink. A new feeling of admiration settled over her. It was the same feeling that surfaced when she would watch him carry nets full of fish or drag a canoe along the sandy shore. He was a provider and protector and Tuk was more than happy to allow him to fulfill that role in her life. 

“You do take care of me.” Her slim finger cupped his cheek softly. Teeysal relaxed under the touch, apprehension sizzling away with the current. She swam closer and was quickly received in his loose embrace. A strong arm wrapped around her waist, effortlessly helping her stay above the water’s surface. With their bodies so close to one another, Tuk swore he must’ve felt the charged prickle along her skin and the pounding of her heart. Still, she didn’t shrivel away or try to hide it. 

Idle dark blue fingers thumbed at his loose baby hairs, bringing the curve of a smile to his lips. Lips that suddenly caught her attention, her gaze heavy and reluctant to pull away from them. The heat of his own stare bore along her flushed face. When yellow finally met blue again Tuk suddenly realized how close they were. They shared the same warm breath. 

“Hold still.” Teeysal whispered softly. 

Anticipation climbed higher, yanking at her raging heart, but Tuk obeyed as he leaned in even closer. Their noses brushed and the gentle touch had the Sully girl’s eyes fluttering closed. Soft lips met her own, a tender and gentle caress. Tendrils of electricity rippled underneath her skin, breath caught in her throat as he kissed her. She followed his lead, tentatively moving her lips against his. 

It was short, barely more than a few seconds but it still left Tuktirey feeling breathless. Teeysal let out a slight exhale, corners of his lips perking up into a crooked smile. The sight made shuffle closer into his embrace, hands resting on his broad shoulders. 

Tucked away deep in the sea, they had found a sanctuary away from protective fathers and courting expectations. Tuk yearned to stay there forever. Safe and warm in his arms. Her first kiss forever on Teeysal’s lips. 

Tuk stood on the ilu, hands gripping Teeysal’s shoulders to steady herself as they glided along the water’s surface. Teeysal’s lips pulled back into a dumb grin, revealing his sharp canines as Tuk’s carefree singing continued. Her sweet melody held no trace of shame, openly singing for him as they neared the village. Occasionally he would reach back and fondly squeeze one of the hands placed on his shoulders. This action was always met with a slight giggle to intermix with her singing. 

The stars were vibrant, the ocean warm, and the girl of his dreams clinging to him while filling the air with unbashful melodies. Teeysal was confident this was the best night of his life. His heart felt like it could burst at any minute as he recalled the kiss they shared. The soft movement of her hesitant lips against his own. The trust she showed while easily fitting herself into his awaiting arms. He was sure there was no Na’vi happier than him tonight. 

“Your turn, you sing.” Tuk insisted suddenly. Teeysal immediately shook his head. 

“I’m not much of a singer, yawne.” The pet name flowed from his lips effortlessly and Teeysal wondered if she noticed the endearing term as much as he did. 

“That is no excuse.” Tuk giggled mischievously. “I demand you sing.” She feigned a stern tone, using the same unyielding timber her father possessed when telling them off. However, it was anything but intimidating as her light voice strained to deepen into something unnatural. Teeysal’s chest heaved as he laughed freely. 

“Oh really? You demand it, huh?” His neck strained to look up at the Sully girl who still pouted firmly in efforts to exert her power. “And what are you going to do if I don’t, hm?”

“I will…take you down.” Her confidence was slowly slipping between the cracks but Tuk was not one to back down from a game. Even growing up she found herself wrestling with her much older brothers only for them to pin her down over and over again and tickle her till she giggled out pleas for mercy. 

She squealed as Teeysal suddenly reached back and flipped her body over his shoulder. She landed messily on his lap. He latched one arm around her waist before she could try and wiggle away. A playful triumph glimmered along his blue orbs, smirking down at her.

“You sure about that, yawne?” A gleeful chuckle slipped into his tone causing the infectious laughter to yank at Tuk’s own amusement till she was fighting back the urge to giggle. Tuk lunged for him. Pushing his broad shoulder back until he was laying on the ilu. They giggled and shot back firing challenges as they wrestled one another. 

The two Na’vi were oblivious to the closing distance between them and shore, too enraptured with overpowering the other. 

A sharp whistle cut through the night air. 

Limbs entangled in the middle of Teeysal pinning her down against the ilu’s back, they strained to see where the noise came from. 

“Tuktirey!” Jake’s voice shocked the two enough for Teeysal to loosen his grip causing Tuk to unintentionally slide off into the water. She barely let out a squeak before hitting the water. Tuk quickly resurfaced only to spot her father’s ominous figure looming in the moonlight on the beach. Lo’ak sat on a rock beside him, watching Teeysal with a frown. 

“Out of the water. Now.” The deep rumble of his voice effectively prompted her to swim frantically towards the shore. Once back on the sand, Lo’ak helped her up and used his body to block her from Teeysal’s view. The Metkayina boy was already washing up onto shore, hands raised and ready to explain the situation. 

The submissive approach didn’t seem to matter as Jake’s jaw clenched in anger. His rigid posture and heavy breathing was a clear indication to the boy that he had pushed the male too far. Lo’ak’s beady eyes followed his frame while simultaneously stopping Tuk from getting past him to see what was happening. 

“Dad, it’s not what it looks like!” Tuk’s soft voice drawed out in desperation. Jake turned his attention to his youngest daughter with a raised eyebrow. The youngest Sully tried not to shrink under his domineering gaze. 

“You and I will talk about this later.” The words might have well been a threat the way it made Tuk’s stomach do a summersault. Teesyal could just barely make out the shift of her ears pinning backwards. His first instinct was to gather the pouting girl in his arms and find a way to bring her out of the spotlight but Jake was already turning back on him. 

“You seem to have no respect for me or my family, kid.” Jake glowered down at the younger male with a heated intensity, tail swishing violently behind him. 

“No sir, that’s not i-”

“Did I or did I not tell you to stay away from my daughter?” Jake’s clipped tone hung heavy in the air. Tuk was now pushing at Lo’ak to try and get past but her efforts were in vain. 

“You did.” There was no way to lie himself out of this one. Still, Teeysal refused to show any more weakness than was necessary. His blue eyes held Jake’s stony glare with an unyielding determination. This strength went unappreciated as Jake let out an angry huff. 

“Have you or have you not been sneaking off with her behind my back?” 

Teeysal’s heart skipped a beat and the back of his neck broke out into a sweat. How did he know? They had been careful, perhaps not perfect but there was never anyone around when the two set off on their adventures. Tuk peeked over Lo’ak’s shoulder, standing on her tiptoes, and their eyes caught. It was clear she too was confused as to where they had gone wrong. 

But then his eyes grazed past Lo’ak’s expression. 

There was an air of cockiness surrounding that devious smirk and within an instant Teeysal knew who had figured it out. 

“You’re not as sneaky as you think, cuz.” Lo’ak scoffed. 

Jake no longer needed a verbal confirmation. A guilty composure was enough to validate his concerns. A protective wave of emotion washed over him until he was holding back a growl deep within his chest. This boy had the audacity to sneak his babygirl away without permission to God knows where. There was no telling what could have occurred between them. How many ways she could have gotten hurt with Jake none the wiser. 

Worst of all, this boy could hurt her in a way no one else could. 

A broken heart is one of the few things a father’s embrace and protection can not fix.

He knew it was time to intervene before things went any further. 

“I don’t like repeating myself, boy. I warned you once to stay away and now here we are again.” Jake’s gravelly voice deepened into an ominous snarl. Teeysal felt his mouth run dry, trepidation dancing along his nerves till his ears were cautiously flicking against his curly hair. Retaining eye contact had become a true struggle, Lo’ak’s unfaltering attention only added to its difficulty. 

“Daddy it was my fault.” Tuk pleaded, but Jake only held a hand out to signal her silence, his eyes never straying from the Metkayina boy before him. Tuk knew better than to push her father when he entered military mode. 

“I’m only going to say this one more time.” Jake’ jaw clenched roughly like hard steel. “Stay away from my family or there will be consequences.” Teeysal’s gaze finally lost the battle and drifted to stare down at the damp sand. A few stray curls curtained over his temple, ear pinned securely against his head. 

“Do I make myself clear, boy?”

“Yes sir.” He muttered out the phrase half heartedly but Jake didn’t seem to care, he was already ushering Tuk and Lo’ak back up the expanse of the long beach. Reluctantly following with Lo’ak’s arm over her shoulder, Tuk managed one last glance back at the Metkayina male.

Teeysal tried to quirk the corners of his lips upwards into a reassuring smile but he knew the action looked forced. Even with the increasing distance he could see the clear glimmer of unshed tears hazing over her beautiful eyes. He vowed to not have this sigh of her distraught face be their parting image. Call it foolish hope or unyielding stubbornness, but Teeysal was determined to earn his place by her side. 

This time, he would do it the right way. 

Taglist: @valentique​  @creepytoes88​