#pat manske

[americanahighways]

REVIEW: Joe Ely "Driven To Drive"

REVIEW: Joe Ely "Driven To Drive" @joeely_official @americanahighways #driventodrive @thirtytigers @springsteen @jeffplankenhorn #newmusic2024 #musicreviews @jmichaelantonio #writtenbyahuman @thepatmanske #americanahighways #americanamusic

Joe Ely – Driven to Drive   On his latest album Driven To Drive, legendary Texas rocker Joe Ely once again demonstrates why he is and has been one of the most adept and charismatic  purveyors of American music for decades. His music has always been an eclectic and distinctly original mix of Tex Mex,  country, blues, folk, rockabilly, and flat out rock and roll. Driven To Drive finds Ely…

[mechformers]

Ma Miles - Ch. 20

3.8k words

Chapter warning:

Food? Nursing Ja back to health and all that that entails? Lyle's pov if that needs a warning lol

As promised, Chapter 20! The last of the double update. We're checking in with the boys as Ma Miles progresses, waiting patiently for their roads to we've together again. Who knows, maybe they'll all see each other soon? Anyway, please leave me a comment and make me the happiest writer in the world :3

(If you want to be tagged with the updated chapters, please leave your @ myusername in the comments!)

Previous chapter | Masterpost | Chapter 21

Getting Ja off the beach had been a nightmare. Lyle didn’t have any memories, old or new, of anything being more difficult. Leaving Mansk with Ja, he had gathered everything he could think of to make a gurney for their friend, only for the fucking weaving to cripple them. Y/n had taught them all how to weave the leaves of trees, just in case they ever wanted to settle down or whatever, under the disguise of making daybeds. Well, Lyle figured he should have paid better attention. 

Luckily for them all, Ja had paid attention and through his wheezing breaths managed to guide them through it until Mansk got the gist of it and told Ja to save his strength. Mansk had the worst take on teaching Lyle had ever had the displeasure to be under, but in the end, they managed to make the gurney. To everyone’s surprise, it actually held Ja’s weight when they lifted it between them. 

Navigating the jungle had been another problem entirely. With the stiff gurney between them, moving through the trees and undergrowth was a slow journey, making them easy targets for the natives, if there were any of those around. By the time the eclipse started bathing the jungle in its dangerous shadows, Lyle reckoned they hadn’t moved far at all. He could still hear the sea even though they couldn’t see it. Turning to stare at Mansk, he saw the same thought reflecting back at him. 

“When the eclipse comes, you must find shelter,” Your voice rings through Lyle’s head as the shadows grow deeper and deeper. He knows they’ll have to find shelter soon. These were new territories, with new animals and potentially new threats all around them. Stopping, Lyle takes a short moment to assess their surroundings. 

“We gotta get him up, man,” The sigh that leaves him is one of utter defeat. They should have stopped an hour ago, he knew that, but he had hoped that… If he’s honest with himself, he doesn’t know what he hoped for. For Quaritch to find them? Hell, the bastard was probably dead at the bottom of the sea if that animal had her way.

“Okay,” Mansk hums, and just for a moment, Lyle thanks his lucky stars that it’s Mansk he’s stranded with. Anyone else would have questioned his leadership, but Mansk had always been easy like this, always trusting that somehow, they would get wherever safely. They didn’t have time to braid a rope, hell, they didn’t even have the material for it. 

“Got any cord on you?” Hopefully, Mansk would carry a bit of cord, a bracelet, anything. But as Lyle watches Mansk pat down his body, checking pockets and whatnot, that hope diminishes rapidly. “Fuck…” 

They would have to find another way to get Ja up into the tree. Desperately looking around them, Lyle didn’t see anything they could use as a rope. The leaves of the underbrush were too brittle, something in the back of his mind helpfully told him. Probably something Y/n had mentioned while she taught them about the flora. Just then, Lyle watches as Mansk’s eyes grow big, only for the man to quickly step up to Ja and start rummaging through his pockets. A few seconds later, a wide grin spreads across Mansk’s face and right then, it’s the most beautiful sight Lyle has ever seen in his life. Well… 

“I could kiss your ugly mug, Ja!” Lyle chuckles as he helps Mansk unbraid the wristbands that they had all refused to wear before leaving the Bridgehead. 

Ja just rolls his eyes the best he could before wincing. Looking up at Mansk, Lyle saw that the younger man already had his eyes on him, the same worried expression painted on his face. It made them work that much faster and in no time, they had managed to unbraid the twelve wristbands Ja had carried with him. It made for the best fucking rope ever. 

“So uh, you gonna do it or am I?” Mansk just looks at him as if the answer was somehow obvious, which in hindsight it kind of was. 

Sighing at himself, Lyle starts climbing, looking out for the clearest route to hoist Ja up with. They would have to do it in different places, the branches of the tree changing the further up he climbed. Backing down again, he found the easiest place to balance Ja’s gurney, the length fitting perfectly between two branches. Maybe, if they were lucky, it would be enough for tonight. 

“Ready?” He spoke as loudly as he dared to, relieved to see Mansk nod his head. 

Letting down the paracord, he watches as Mansk ties a sturdy knot to the two cords he had attached to the gurney. Only when Mansk pulls on the paracord, does Lyle start pulling. For once in his life, he’s grateful for wearing tactical gloves as even with the layer, the cord bites into his skin. Ja was heavier than he had thought. 

Mansk climbs below Ja’s gurney, making sure it doesn’t spin too much, pulling it out of the way of obstacles as Lyle struggles. Eventually, when they’re high enough off the ground, does Mansk climb higher to help him hoist Ja up. There’s a shit-eating grin on Mansk’s face, but the man doesn’t say anything as they get Ja’s gurney up to rest between the branches. Winded, they both sit down against the trunk of the tree, breathing heavily. 

“What have you been feeding him, bro?” Lyle wheezes exaggeratedly, earning a hard punch to his bicep. “Dude, not cool,”

Mansk only chuckles, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he does so. It was still so weird to see him without his sunglasses, but at the same time, it was kind of nice to see what the other man was thinking. Because shit, was Mansk easy to read without his sunglasses. For a split second Lyle wonders if that was the reason Quaritch gave them all sunglasses, to help Mansk blend in. It was a nice thought, one that didn’t necessarily fit Quaritch’s narration, but still. 

“Here,” Mansk hums, offering a fruit that looked oddly like a greenish testicle. “It’s a yovo fruit,”

“I knew that,” Lyle defends, immediately. 

He hadn’t known that. 

“How are we gonna feed him if he can’t chew?” Lyle asks Mansk as he digs into the juicy fruit, humming at the sweetness of it. “Where’d you find these?”

Mansk points to a tree just off the path that they had taken and Lyle winces. As their new leader, he should have noticed that, should have provided, just like Quaritch did. Hell, Quaritch would have never overlooked the fruit tree if he was here. He’d always made sure that his unit was tended to before he took care of himself. 

“Stop overthinking,” Mansk hums from beside him, his kind eyes piercing into his when Lyle turns to look at him.

Mansk is already dicing the fruit into tiny cubes in a leaf and once he finishes, he starts squeezing them. It’s a process all in itself just to watch it, but as Mansk mashes it into a thick, slimy paste, Lyle eventually gets the gist of it. Getting to his feet, Lyle figured he might as well make Mansk’s life a helluva lot easier by making a spoon for him. Grabbing a broad enough branch, he cuts it off before sitting back down again, only to have Mansk look at him oddly. 

“What?” He grunts as he starts working on the spoon-like utensil. 

“You just said the prayer,” Mansk comments lightly, his words bearing nothing but genuine surprise. 

It takes Lyle a moment longer than it should have to realize that he had, in fact, said his thanks to the tree for giving him the branch. Huffing a snort, he lightly shakes his head as the spoon quickly takes shape in his hand. Guess Y/n left deeper traces of herself than he had first realized. 

“So, who’s gonna change him?”

The question is thrown out there so mindlessly that Lyle doesn’t really realize that the question left his own lips. When he turns to Mansk though, the younger man just smirks at him and immediately, Lyle knows that he pulled the shortest straw. 

“Oh, hell no!” He hisses as loudly as he dares, “I ain’t touching his shit, bro,”

Mansk just shrugs his shoulders as he continues to mash the yovo fruit into a smoother  purèe like substance. Closing his eyes, Lyle sighs in defeat. It’s just his luck to be stuck with the dirty work. If he’s going to be on do-do duty until Ja can take care of himself, then he sure as hell isn’t going to clean the man’s cammies. They gotta come up with something else - fast - or they will surely be discovered by their stench alone. Snorting to himself, he shakes his head when he sees Mansk turn his head toward him. 

This was a helluva situation to be in…

Somehow though, they made it work. The very next day, they had set out to gather as many leaves as they could without venturing too far from their base. While Mansk tended to Ja, Lyle took care of what he could until they switched and Mansk took over. By the end of the week, they had managed to build a semi-decent hut up in their tree. The area around them, even though they hadn’t walked very far from the beach, was quiet. There hadn’t been any signs of the natives around them and even the predators seemed to have other territories. It almost seemed too good to be true, something it most likely was, if Quaritch’s voice in the back of his mind was right. But for right now, all they had to worry about was getting Ja put together and bringing food to the table. 

Something they manage quite well. As the weeks pass them by, turning into two and then four months, they manage to integrate as well as they can with the knowledge that Y/n taught them. Ja was getting better, his wheezing while breathing all but gone, though his bones would need longer to heal. Their little camp was starting to come together quite nicely, so it comes as no surprise to Lyle when one day, while they’re sitting in their hut around lunchtime, they’re surrounded by angry-looking Na’vi. Their spears are pointed straight at Mansk at him, completely ignoring Ja, as if they already knew that the man posed no threat. 

“Come peacefully and no harm will become you,” A stern-looking man says in Na’vi, directing his words at Lyle. 

“Slow, please,” Lyle stumbles through the little Na’vi he knows, cursing himself for not paying more attention when Y/n was trying to teach them. 

Mansk, however, has no such problems. 

“We will come with peace,” He tells the man slowly, eyes never leaving his. 

With a huff, the Na’vi lowers his spear and takes a step back on the branch. How neither one of them had heard them coming was beyond Lyle. These were sea people, they shouldn’t have been able to sneak up on them, especially not this far up into the trees. 

“Our friend is hurt, he can not run,” Mansk continues, and although his Na’vi is slow, the leader understands them well enough. 

“We have seen this. No harm will come to him if you do not fight us. Our Tsahìk will take a look,” The leader says, nodding his head. 

“Thank you,” Mansk replies before turning to Lyle. “Don’t fight them, you hear me?”

“Only word I got was Tsahìk,” Lyle offers instead, brows furrowing with confusion about the situation. 

“The leader says their Tsahìk will take a look at Ja if we come without a fight. I agreed,” Mansk’s voice is so calm it immediately sets something ablaze within Lyle. How could he be this calm when they were just taken prisoner by the enemy? 

“Sure, why don’t we offer our hearts for them to impale too while we’re at it,” He can’t help the sarcasm dripping from his lips, his nerves just about ready to make him explode.

“Don’t be an idiot,” Ja rasps from below, apparently agreeing with Mansk. 

“Okay, sure,” Lyle throws his hands up slowly, “It’s not like we got anything better to do,”

They watch as Ja is lowered to the ground in the gurney they made. The soldiers are speaking too quickly for Lyle to understand, but he catches this and that odd word, enough to understand that they’re making fun of their creation. Still, as they lead them through the jungle, towards the beach, they use the gurney to transport Ja’s body. 

In the end, they’re taken down to the beach where they washed up all those weeks ago. Two soldiers are paddling a canoe that was no doubt meant to bring them wherever they were going, had it not been for the fact that Ja had to be carried. For two or three hours, they walked down the sandy beach until suddenly, around the corner, something started to look awfully familiar to Lyle. 

“Aw shit,” He mumbles when eventually, they round the corner fully to reveal a partly burned-down village. 

Mansk says nothing as he walks by Lyle’s side, but casting his eyes to the side is enough to see that the younger man is nervous. And with good reason too. This is the village where Lyle shot that sea creature, the one where Quaritch threatened to kill the very Tsahìk that were going to help Ja. Still, they walk willingly through the partially rebuilt village, through the masses of people that now gawk and hiss at them as they’re led further down the beach. In the end, they kneel before the chief and the Tsahìk. 

“Do they understand?” The chief asks the leader, his soldier. 

“That one does, but the bald one is slow,” The leader of the soldiers hums as if bored. 

Lyle can’t help the growl that leaves him at being called slow, not even Mansk’s elbow in his ribs is enough to shut him up. But in the end, he has to think of Ja, has to think beyond himself and however butthurt the comment made him. So in his best Na’vi, he addresses the leader. 

“We have been taught,” The pronunciation and wording must have been damn near perfect as the chief's eyes widen for just a second. 

“Then you understand the situation you are in?” The chief hums as he looks down at them, face the very picture of seriousness. 

“We understand, Olo’eyktan,” Mansk answers before Lyle can somehow screw this up any more than he already has. 

“Ah, at least this one knows how to address the clan leader with respect,” The Tsahìk huffs, her arms folded tightly across her beaded chest. Lyle can’t blame her uneasiness. 

“We had planned to kill you,” The chief starts, staring each one of them in the eyes, “But you thanked the tree when you cut off her branch on your first day here. And you said thanks when gathering fruit for your survival,”

“You have shown that you can learn, that you have been taught. With time, you honored the Great Mother with everything that you did,” The chief continues as his Tsahìk huffs by his side, “We have decided to let you live, so that you may have the chance to repay the people damage you have caused,”

“We thank you, Olo’eyktan,” Mansk replies as his tense shoulders visibly relax. 

“Your friend can not move, what has caused this?” The chief asks, pointing at Ja’s still body. 

“He is squeezed by tulkun,” Lyle offers to the chief's utter surprise. 

“A tulkun did this?” There’s mumbling around the soldiers, some names being offered, but none that Lyle catches. 

“Yes, it attack the…” He’s not sure what ‘boat’ is in Na’vi, but the chief seems to fill in the blanks either way. 

“Payakan,” Nodding to himself, he turns to his Tsahìk, whispering something. “We will take your friend to the healers,”

“What of us, Olo’eyktan?” Mansk asks, but the chief just smiles at him. 

“You will help rebuild the village,” 

And well… looking back, that could have been a helluva great way to start a story of some kind. Three bros lost in the jungle on a foreign planet, in new bodies. But hell, their life with the Ta’unui hadn’t been bad at all. Sure, they still got the odd stink eye or the hissed ‘demon’ thrown after them sometimes, but for the most part, they had been accepted in a way no alien ever would have been back on Earth. For all purposes, they lived a free life while working for the people’s forgiveness. 

“Whatcha grinning at?” Ja asks as he walks over, his therapy for the day over.

“Nothing, kiddo,” Lyle just chuckles as he turns back to the sunset. 

“Have you seen Mansk?” Ja finally comes to a stop before him, grunting as he slowly sits down on the sand. 

“Nah, he’s probably somewhere off preparing food for the communal meal. It smells delicious all the way over here,” He can’t help the grin that crosses his face. “How’s your limp? Looking better each day I see you now,”

The compliment made Ja’s chest puff while a huge grin spread across his face. The younger man had worked hard to get where he was. As soon as the Tsahìk knew what was wrong with him, she made sure that he got the help he needed. The right kind of help. With bone-strengthening supplements and stinky pastes, she had wrapped the entirety of his body in seaweed as she burned algae or whatever over his body. 

While Lyle worked on rebuilding the village, Mansk helped with the food. Apparently, the grill master had more than a knack for preparing food the Na’vi went nuts about, which, to him anyway, was the easier of the two tasks. Hell, he was sure he’d cut his fingers open or skinned his leg so many times by now that he might as well have lost all feeling in the area. Still, as he turns his head to look over the rebuilt village, he can’t help but feel proud. In fact, he had even asked Ok’umu, the Olo’eyktan, if he could lend his help to the other villages they had burned down. It would be his way of giving back to the people. 

“I asked Ok’umu if we could stay today,” Lyle hums, as Ja quiets down in a comfortable position. 

“What’d he say?” Ja hums back, seemingly calm. But if Lyle had learned anything in the past months they had spent with the Ta’unui, it was to read his friends.

“That we could stay,” Well, more or less. The Olo’eykatan did say a lot more than that, but the bottom line was that they could stay. 

“Just like that?” Ja asks, turning to face Lyle. 

“Just like that,” Lyle hums back, but of course, he should have known better. 

“What more did he say?” Ja presses just as Mansk’s footsteps approach them in the sand. 

“He said that thanks to Lyle pulling his weight, we have not suffered the shame of being useless,” Mansk adds unhelpfully as he comes to a stop before them. 

Immediately Ja goes quiet, his ears drooping as his tail twitches behind him. He’s as much an open book as Mansk is. Leaning up, Lyle grabs a hold of his head and ruffles the unruly mop that has been growing there. He knows Ja feels as if he isn’t doing anything, but when Lyle or Mansk has come to get him after therapy, to take him home to the kelku Lyle had built for them, he had often stopped right outside the Tsahìk’s marui pod and listened to Ja ask about different medicines and methods. Without him knowing it, the Tsahìk had been teaching Ja about healing from the moment he was well enough to stay awake for more than half an hour. 

“Stop thinking you’re useless just because you’re healing. Hell, kid… you broke every bone in your body and you’re still walking,” Lyle chuckles as Ja tries to get out of his hold. 

“He’s right, you know,” Mansk hums, unwrapping a huge piece of meat from a leaf before handing a piece out to each of them. “Tsahìk’s been teaching you healing medicine for weeks,” 

That seems to be enough for Ja. With a bit of food in his belly and peace around them, it seemed that life was smiling at them for real this time. They wouldn’t take this third chance of theirs for granted, holding onto it with arms and legs. As long as they were allowed to stay, they would continue helping out, continuing being helpful until their numbers were called. Sighing contently, they sat in silence as they watched the sun setting over the horizon. Soon enough the communal meal would begin and then there would be dance and laughter until it was time to retreat. 

Nah, life with the Ta’unui wasn’t bad at all, so what could possibly happen to disrupt that peace? 

Chapter 19 | Masterpost | Chapter 21

[avatarrecom]

A part of me has departed with you

Pairing: Poly!recoms x Recom!reader

Warnings: Death, injuries, hurt/no comfort, grief, begging to be killed.

Word count: 1699

A/N: I'm on a roll now lol, guess that's what happens when you have the flu and are running on 2 hours of sleep. Gotta keep that in mind for when my school year starts again next week.

_____________________________________________________________

After the battle on the Sea Dragon you managed to get yourself to safety and regroup with the other Recoms. Slowly your unit, your family became more complete. First you found Prager, his bandana soaked in blood from his head wound. Then Brown, Fike, and Lopez stumble into you two, following your voices. They’re tired, but happy to see you and Prager. The five of you moved further inland.

Eventually, you spot Ja, Walker, Z-dog and Mansk at a small stream. Ja is already tending to the various wounds of the other three recoms. They freeze and aim their guns at you, wary in case you are enemies. They lower their guns with relief when they see who you are. Ja gets up and jogs towards your little group. "You're okay," he laughs with relief as he pats Lopez on the shoulder. He orders you all to sit by the stream so that he can tend your wounds as well. Before you can sit down, you're pulled into a tight hug by Z-dog and Walker. "You're alive," Walker whispers in your ear. "When we stopped seeing you, we were afraid something had happened to you," Z-dog adds. You lightly pull away from the embrace and give them a small smile, "Someone had to make sure Sully's crazy wife didn't do too much damage." You kiss Walker's lips, then Z's.

"Do you have any idea where the Colonel and Lyle are?" asks Mansk, from where he stands with his arm around Prager's shoulders. Fike shakes his head, "No, I haven't seen them since the ship started sinking." You look at each other uncertainly. To distract yourself from the uncertain fate of Lyle and your colonel, you pull yourself completely out of Walker's and Z's warm embrace. "Can I help?" Do you ask Ja. "Help me wrap Brown's leg," the medic replies. You go straight to work, helping Ja treat everyone present.

When you're done, Ja gently takes your face in his hands. "Now let me look at you," he says. "I'm not hurt, I'm okay," you try to reassure Ja. He raises an eyebrow, "then why is half your face covered in blood." You look at him confused and raise your hand to your face. You feel something moist and when you look at your hand there is indeed blood on your fingers. Only then does a dull ache register in your brain. "Ouch," you mumble softly. Ja lets out a snort, "Yeah, ouch."

While Ja treats your head wound, you look around tiredly. Brown, Lopez and Fike are huddled together. Walker sits with her back against a rock, gun in one hand, while her other hand runs through Z's mohawk, who rests her head on Walker's thighs. Mansk has Prager pulled against him, while the latter tiredly rests his head on Mansk's shoulder. You yourself are about to collapse, Ja notices this, for as soon as he has finished with your wound, he lifts you on his lap and makes you rest, stroking your side with his hand.

'It would be a strange sight,' you think to yourself. "A bunch of blue marine aliens brought from the dead, huddled together." It's a weird relationship you all have with each other. After the colonel gave his speech on the spaceship, everyone fell silent. All human staff had left the room to give the recoms time to adjust. When you were human, there had always been an attraction between you all. No one had ever acted on it, because of the rules and the consequences. But now? You noticed yourself that you no longer cared what the rules were. Apparently the other ten felt the same way. One thing led to another and you are all now connected for life. Tsaheylu, according to the Na'vi. You don't really care what the blue monkeys call it, you just care that you belong to each other now. You're pretty sure General Ardmore had a fit when she found out about your relationship, but it's not like she can stop it. Tsaheylu is for life and it's not like she can fire any of you. In the end, she saw the benefit herself, because you were much more protective of each other, which would help in the field.

You all jump up when you hear footsteps in the trees. You carefully aim your rifle at the tree line. Then the colonel and Lyle stumble onto the clearing. You sigh in relief. Everyone was safe. Ja immediately leads the two to your resting place, to take care of them. Of course, the silence didn't last long before Lyle makes a vulgar remark, with his stupid grin. Everyone lets out a relieved laugh, glad that even now Lyle hasn't changed, despite looking like a pathetic blueberry.

"What do we do now?" Ask you as soon as Ja finishes treating the injuries again. "We'll go back to Bridgehead, recover, and then hunt for Sully again," the colonel replies. Everyone chimes in agreement, eager to get back on the hunt. Recent events have only increased our hatred for Sully and his deranged wife.

"But now," adds the colonel, "we rest first, to restore our energy for the journey to Bridgehead." Everyone nods in agreement. "Who has the most energy? For the first watch." Mansk raises his hand, "I'll take the first watch." The colonel nods in agreement. Brown speaks up, "If you wake me up in a few hours, I'll take over." Mansk gives a curt nod and takes a seat on one of the rocks, gun in hand.

Walker and Z pull you in to lie between them. You turn on your side. Z-dog puts an arm around you from behind and presses herself against your back. Walker slides closer to your front and you put your arm across her waist. With your better hearing, you can hear that everyone else is also getting comfortable with each other for the night. With a small smile you fall asleep.

-

You are awakened by a loud cry. "Na'vi!" shouts Mansk. But it's already too late. The Na'vi surprised you and your wounds made you slow to react. Walker tries to grab you when someone grabs you at the base of your neural queue and drags you away. You fight back, but your head throbs with pain, both from your head wound and from the hand pulling at your queue. You see the others getting the same treatment. You are all being forced to your knees. You still try to fight back, but stop when you feel cold metal on the base of your queue. You've heard that it's extremely painful when your queue is cut, you're not sure, but you don't take the risk.

Then Sully, his wife and children enter the clearing. You see the anger in Sully's wife's eyes and you hiss at her. "He did it," says one of the kids, pointing to Lyle. You look confused and suspicious at the kid. "He shot Neteyam." "What are you talking about brat." snaps Lyle. "It's true!" says the kid again. "I saw it myself."

"You don't know what you're talking about," snaps the colonel. "We may be murderers, but we never harm children." The crazy woman lets out a cruel laugh. "Do not lie, you people killed my sister." "Yes, those were my men, but they didn't do it on my orders," the colonel claims. "We executed the bastards ourselves," you add, desperate for the blue monkeys to release us. "Lies," she sneered, before throwing herself at Lyle and slashing his throat. "NO," you scream, hearing the others yell as well. You struggle into the grip of the Na'vi, but he presses the knife closer to your queue. Tears stream down your face as you weep for your mate, feeling the pain of his death.

"Why?" Miles yells, trying to get to Lyle. You can see from the facial expressions of the others that they feel the same way that you feel. "Shut up, demon," Sully's wife snarls again. "He didn't kill your son!" Miles yells, "He would never hurt a child." "Enough!" shouts Sully. "You must pay for what you have done," he added. Before you can do anything about it, arrows are fired. One in Mansk's eye, shattering the material of his sunglasses. One in Prager's forehead, right through his bandana. One in Brown's chest, then Walker, then Z. One in Fikes throat and one in Ja's. Then a knife pierces Lopez's chest. You fight your captor harder, your mates pain your own now, as Miles screams. Sully looks at you confused. "You act like you're mates," his eyes widen in surprise. Your and Miles' silence says it all. You can see that Sully is starting to have doubts. "Please," you beg. "We didn't hurt your son."

"Let them go," Sully orders, gesturing to the other Na'vi not to let you escape. The moment the cold metal disappears from your queue, you are in Miles' arms. You hold him as if he could disappear at any moment. Sully still seems puzzled by your relationship.

"Neytiri-" Sully begins. "No," she cuts him off. "We kill the woman and let Quaritch live, the pain of the death of his mates is punishment enough," Sully suggests. His wife sneers, before throwing herself forward again. Miles makes a choking sound, before blood pours from his mouth. "No, Miles!" You scream. "No, please, stay with me," You beg, crying.

Miles doesn't respond, he's already dead. You start screaming and can't stop. The pain you feel is overwhelming. You see someone walking towards you and you pull your mate's dead body closer to you, protective over his body, hissing at whoever dares to approach. You look up crying at Sully, who is now crouching next to you. "Please kill me too," you beg him. Sully gives you a cold look. "No, now you must pay for everyone's crimes."

"Please! kill me!" You keep screaming, while the Na'vi capture you. They drag you away from the dead bodies of your mates and lock you in a sound proof mobile link station, so that your screams and pleas for death are not heard by anyone but yourself.

[shu-box-puns]

This brainworm is lovingly called ‘Who’s your daddy?’ in my avatar prompt word doc.

Note: This is a potential fic idea if people are interested in seeing it in full. 

DO NOT steal or I’m crawling under your mattress tonight.

Summary: Tuk wraps the recoms around her little finger. A play date with the enemy.

Context: The recoms got revived and sent into the forest. Mansk got briefly separated from his squad, he could still hear them close by, but he couldn’t see them.

Tuk got separated from her siblings and was wandering aimlessly around the forest until a recom stumbled across her (probably Mansk) who was scared shitless by her. Despite her tiny stature, this man has to have some form of PTSD after dying to the na’vi.

Tuk doesn’t give a shit that this weird man is dressed in RDA military wear or that she can’t see his eyes - those sunglasses are GLUED to his face, no wind could possibly remove them - nor that he carries a gun longer than she is tall. All she sees is an adult that’s capable of protecting her and helping her back home. Close to tears, she holds her hands out and makes grabby hands up at Mansk who is just furiously backpedalling trying to get away from her.

His panic makes her panic and she runs after him assuming there’s a thanator or something that spooked him. Still crying. Still grabbing at his pant legs or tail. Whatever is in reach.

Mansk trips on a root or something, and Tuk flings herself down into his lap, latching on tight and squirming to get his arms around her and the soldier is just frozen solid. He’s not breathing. He’s not blinking. He doesn’t know what the fuck to do. He doesn’t do kids. He doesn’t have a fucking clue what to do with them, let alone how to comfort one. His nieces back on earth wanted nothing to do with him. And here is this na’vi child sobbing into his bullet proof vest like he’s her dad or something.

Hesitantly, he brings up his hands and awkwardly pats her on the back, which just makes her cry harder and he wants to disappear. 

One thing leads to another and he manages to get his feet back under him and has the little na’vi cradled to his chest. She’s stopped crying, cheek pressed into his shoulder with her fingers curled tight into his shirt. 

Just Mansk regrouping with the squad cradling a literal child. 

Wainfleet is like: when did you have the time?

And Quaritch is a tired Dad, now Grandpa.

Anyway, within hours, Tuk has the entire Deja Blue Squad wrapped around her little finger. They’re bringing her fruit. Z-Dog has discovered all the ways to make her laugh. Fike is just as confused as Mansk because Tuk has decided he must also hold her because her feet got tired.

And the whole time, she pretends not to know English, just grins evilly as these adults scramble to figure out a plan since the RDA is going to want to confiscate her if she goes back with them. Then there’s a full blown argument about taking her back to her clan and how long it would take. Not even Tuk knows the answer to that one. 

I wanna say that Wainfleet tucks her into his jacket and with the help of the other recoms surrounding him, they manage to successfully smuggle her into the recom quarters. Mansk finds her a little breathing mask and she’s all set. 

At some point, she definitely breaks into someone’s wardrobe and demands the recoms play dress up with her like she does with Neteyam and Lo’ak. She’s definitely dressed in someone’s labcoat - Mansk has no idea who she stole it from - complete with scientist goggles. Meanwhile some poor recom is dressed in various weird clothing combinations with all sorts of leaves in their hair. 

Tuk: “Do you, or do you not feel bonita?” Some unsuspecting recom: “I feel bonita.” Tuk: “Wonderful because you look bonita.”

Mansk is probably her favourite because he’s quiet like Neteyam. Always listening to her endless narrating. And even if it seems he isn’t, as in he’s cleaning something or multitasking, she knows he’s paying attention because one of his ears is always pointed towards her and he nods and grunts in all the right places. 

Wainfleet gives me fun uncle vibes. If she comes up with some sort of prank, he’s definitely the go to man to get it sorted.

Meanwhile Quaritch sees her as a means to get to the na’vi, but gradually softens and develops some sort of soft spot for her. I call him grandpa because he gives me old man, too tired to run after the kid vibes. And he definitely considers Tuk Mansk’s responsibility since he’s the one who found her.

WAIT: You know how I said about Mansk’s sunglasses never coming off. Maybe he’s holding her at some point, and Tuk just casually steals them for herself and plops them on her little head. They’re way too big for her and don’t grip onto her tiny nose, but her ears wiggle so happily and her tail is wagging that Mansk doesn’t have the heart to take them off her. He definitely prefers wearing them because he’s got baby eyes and doesn’t look as intimidating as the older marines without them, but while Tuk wants them, he doesn’t take them back. He just tries to scowl extra hard during meetings to make up for it - it doesn’t work, he looks like an angry toddler.

Cue the Recoms going back into the forest and Tuk being all happy to show them all the cool stuff she knows. Telling them which fruit they can eat. Showing them how to navigate judging by the way the flowers face and which plants grow on which side of the trees. The recoms are quite literally absorbing all the wisdom of this eight year old and she’s LOVING it.

Only for the Sullys to find them and cut the playdate short. 

Little Tuk just peeking out from behind Mansk’s leg and going, “Mummy!” Then ZOOMING over to Neytiri as Z-Dog and Wainfleet try to catch her. She dodges them effortlessly, winding herself around her mum’s waist.

Quaritch is sweating, having flashbacks: “Mummy, huh.”

Neytiri looks royally pissed. Teeth bared, bow drawn.

All the recoms are just backing away, slowly, carefully. 

Mansk is straight back to square one, scared shitless and convinced he’s gonna die again.

[imliketheiceifreeze]

Miles Quaritch x OC

My Little Scientist- Chapter Four

Warnings: Smut themes, violence, swearing, minors DNI

And here's chapter four, this ones a little spicy....hope you all enjoy! And be sure to let me know any suggestions/scenarios you have for future fics featuring daddy Quaritch. Peace out 😘

Chapter 5

2,596 Words

She awoke with a gasp, smacking her head against a hard object, realising that she was alone in a pod, not nestled in the Colonel's arms. Instead, he was alone out there. it almost made her feel sick and she scrambled to push open the lid and jump out of the plastic coffin, leaning over the edge, she could feel herself begin to hyperventilate. It was as though she'd forgotten she hadn't always been an Avatar, that she even had a human form, how had she lost herself so quickly to the beauty of Pandora, and more pressingly, how would she ever be able to return to this world? A rush of footsteps and panicked voices could be heard down the corridor.

"Gaia!"

her arm was jerked roughly, forcing her to face the various scientists and army officials in front of her.

"What happened out there, is your avatar still alive?"

The same scientist from before was crouching down to look at her.

"Hasn't any of the squad returned?"

She whispered, tears forming in her eyes at the though of Lyle, Mansk, Z-dog being mercilessly ripped apart by the thanator, or maybe drowning like her avatar almost did.

"All of the recombinant soldiers have survived so far, they were evacuated not long after the attack. But the colonel is still unaccounted for as well as your avatar."

A sigh of relief slipped past her lips, glad for the safety of the squad she had only known for a few hours yet had become especially fond of.

"The Colonel is with me,"

she breathed before correcting herself.

"With my avatar I mean, we fell into a river, washed up on a sand bank at the edge of the forest..."

"Good, that's good, he will be able to protect your avatar, we'll send out a rescue team at first daylight, it's too risky in the forest at night."

A woman clad in army gear decided abruptly, leading the audience of people away from the cold, tiled room

"But, what if something happens?"

She all but whispered, capturing the attention of the man still kneeled down in front of her.

"I'm sure the Colonel will protect your avatar, besides we have plenty more avatars at our disposal if we need you for another mission."

He patted her leg, walking out of the room before calling behind him

"And get some sleep, we'll need you linked up for the retrieval mission."

But it wasn't her avatar's safety she feared for, all she could think of was Miles out there, alone in the Pandoran jungle.

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It was 4am when she was forced awake by rough hands, water and food forced down her throat before being pushed down into a pod like some kind of lab rat.

"We can see what you see through this screen, we'll use it to identify your location and get you both out of there."

Was the last thing she heard before she laid on her back, closing her eyes, excitement filling her core as she envisioned herself back in the Colonel's arms once again.

Before she knew it, she had jolted awake for what felt like the nth time, looking down, she inspected her blue skin before remembering the words of the team-

"we can see everything you see."

Shit! her shirt was lying by her side from the previous night, larger blue hands providing a firm grip to her waist and abdomen, her blood running cold as she realised she had essentially flashed the entire team of higher-ups and scientists. Prying Miles' hands off of her took some effort considering every time she managed to remove one, the other simply hugged her in closer; face nuzzling into her shoulder. She wondered if it were possible to die from embarrassment.

"Colonel,"

she groaned, attempting to wiggle out of his hold.

"Colonel."

"Mmm go back to sleep sunshine,"

he mumbled half asleep, sharp fangs grazing her neck as he spoke

"Colonel!"

She jabbed an elbow into his ribs, finally causing him to awaken with a grunt, quickly removing his arms from around her as she suppressed a shiver at the feeling of his thumb brushing a little to close to the curve of her breast. Once she was released from his hold she scrambled for her shirt, hoping to retain a sliver of modesty and once she was fully covered, turning to Miles.

"There's a rescue team coming"

He quirked a brow, confusion obvious on his face.

"I told them our location when I unlinked...and they can see us now."

His ears stood to attention at this information, seeming to understand what she was implying, grabbing his own tactical vest and fastening it against his bare chest.

"Well then darling, better show 'em around."

he stood cockily as he motioned to the relatively small expanse of sand bank in front of her. Ignoring his demeanour she walked slowly around their little island, being sure to look towards every object that could be recognisable.

"They should be here soon,"

she pondered, turning to Miles once more, both opting to stand in silence observing one another. His hands were rested on his belt loops as he leant his weight on one leg, she thought he looked striking against the jungle background, wind causing his braid to sway gently behind him. Thus, a sense of unease settled between them both, knowing that the things they truly wanted to do and say were being observed, and that this was possibly the last time they would be in avatar form caused her heart to ache.

"Real soon darling."

His words sounded almost melancholic, maybe she wasn't the only one thinking that way, at least it's what she hoped.

Eventually the sound of aircraft ahead was apparent and she and the Colonel were shipped off from your isolated paradise, back to the RDA base where they were both forced away from one another and bombarded with questions, tests, food, clothes, without so much as a goodbye.

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"Soooooo, how was your trip with the colonel? I heard you two were stranded together for a whole night, you guys do the dirty yet?"

June's usual perkiness, which would ordinarily bring a playful fondness to Gaia's heart, seemed to grate against her ears like nails on a chalkboard.

"I don't want to talk about it,"

was all her hoarse voice could let out, tears brimming in her eyes as she turned her head away.

"Gaia?"

June sounded worried, pulling her friend's face in her hands to face her

"Oh my gosh, what happened, are you okay, is it the Colonel, did he do something?"

her register became higher with every word she spoke, as her eyes darted across her face nervously. Gaia couldn't help the tears that slipped down her face, a pathetic sight in the middle of the dining hall, nevertheless, June took her in her arms, cradling her. she never deserved her kindness.

"Come here, it's okay, don't cry,"

she shushed her as she battled to keep her feelings at bay. Eventually Gaia was released, feeling embarrassed and biting her lip, she tried to explain herself,

"I don't know why I'm crying,"

laughing halfheartedly.

"It's okay, you sure you don't wanna to talk about it?"

She enquired, head tilted as if she didn't quite know what to make of her emotions.

"No, it's okay, it's something I have to figure out myself I think..."

She concluded assuredly, hoping she would be able to keep to her own wishes.

"Alright, but if he hurts you, I won't hesitate to cut him,"

She lifted a butter knife in her hands, imitating how she would slice his skin making her giggle sincerely at last.

"You know what you need?"

June spoke suddenly, the knife previously in her hold clattering to the table.

"No, what's that June?"

she asked with curiosity.

"To get drunk!"

She declared passionately as if she were revealing the cure for cancer.

"I can agree with that"

Gaia laughed once more as they both made plans to go to the RDA bar later that night.

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"Hey, June, what're you wearing?"

Gaia shouted from the drawer she was rifling through.

"I was gonna wear just a thong actually, I think that'll be enough to make Mike look my way,"

she laughed, posing in the mirror in nothing but the red lacy garment making her roommate cough out a laugh through the toothbrush held between her lips.

"June, be serious, you know that boy has been in love with you since he first laid eyes on you!"

"Really? You think?"

she sighed, flopping down on her bunk, twirling her hair in her fingers wistfully.

"Yes, are you blind? he stares at you like a lovesick puppy. I promise if you made even the slightest move he would go for it."

Gaia spoke with fervour, hoping to reassure her that he would be the lucky one if he ever had the chance, not the other way round.

"What about you, are you planning on seducing the Colonel? Oh, you know there's this rumor going round that you two fucked on that mission... "

she sighed, knowing exactly what she was referring to.

"Look, we didn't do anything it's just..."

she trailed off, a blush starting to form on her cheeks.

"Oh my gosh tell me!!"

she jumped up, leaning on her hands excitedly.

"Well when we were there it was so cold... and I may have been topless and he may have also been, and possibly cuddling me in my sleep.. only so we didn't get hypothermia and die. But I think the scientists saw my tits on the link."

She spoke shamefully, rubbing the back of her neck to quell her anxiety.

"Pahahah, so he totally copped a feel then, how ripped is he?"

At least she found it amusing, though Gaia were surprised that she didn't seem at all shocked with her news.

"No, he wouldn't do that, he's really respectful you know, I feel like he actually cares about me...but yes he's sooo ripped, I literally couldn't stop looking,"

she confessed wickedly, meeting her eye as they both laughed together like the old days.

"Okay, so you're definitely wearing this then, that'll get him looking for sure."

She pulled out a silky black dress that reminded Gaia of lingerie, with a back low enough to see her ass crack, making her eyes bulge out of her skull.

"Don't you think it'll be too much?"

She implored, wondering what kind of impression a dress like that could give, not that she was a prude.

"Absolutely not, this will be just enough,"

she smiled devilishly, pulling out her own, equally revealing outfit as they both continued to get ready to be stared at like a piece of meat at the RDA's very own bar.

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

When she finally stepped into the bar, arms linked with June, she immediately felt eyes boring into her ass, not surprisingly, the dress was barely decent and she wondered why she were even doing this, knowing she didn't have to dress up to get Miles' attention. Although at the back of her mind she wondered if he was only attracted to her avatar body, maybe her puny human form couldn't suffice.

"Two vodka lime soda's pretty please"

June batted her lashes boldly at the bartender who quickly obliged, not before stealing a glance at her cleavage, Gaia noted amusedly.

"Wow, you really know how to work men up."

She mused, eyes wondering round the bar, saddened to find the Colonel wasn't anywhere to be seen amongst the congregation of other recombinant troops.

"You see mike anywhere?"

She asked, hoping they hadn't both got dressed up for nothing,

"yeah, he's right over there, is he looking?"

she asked, sipping her drink as if she hadn't noticed his presence.

"Oh yeah he's definitely looking alright,"

she choked down a laugh as she downed your drink, watching as mikes eyes raked up and down her body like he'd never seen a woman before.

"I swear if you don't go over there now he'll go feral."

She snorted, the liquid courage in her system agreeing with her plan, and giving her a quick hug before moving towards her target, leaving Gaia alone. She ordered drink after drink in boredom, sipping them as quickly as the first and before she knew it she was more than tipsy.

"Sunshine, what're you doing here alone?"

She heard a cheerful voice from behind her, turning to see Mansk, a few bruises littered his face, she presumed from the previous mission.

"Mansk!"

She hopped up gleefully, engulfing him in a hug that seemed to catch him off guard.

"Whoa there, are you drunk?"

his eyes crinkled at the sides as lips drew into a smile, holding her steady by the waist as she swayed.

"Absolutely not, you wanna dance?"

She smiled softly at him to which he complied, bringing her to the centre of the floor and twirling her in a circle before swaying slowly with his hands on her waist.

"I'm not sure the Colonel's gonna be too happy with this,"

he gulped, eyes shifting nervously between her and the door as if he was ready to run at any moment.

"What is he? my owner? I'm an adult I can do what I want,"

she smiled lazily, placing her head on his chest as they both continued to sway together to the sound of the music and chatter from the bar. She noticed the sound of heavy boots seemed to be drawing nearer but decided to ignore it, feeling comfortable in her current position; that was until she felt Mansk still, hands withdrawing from her hips at the speed of light.

"She's all yours boss,"

she heard him say with a slight tremble in his voice.

"I'm aware of that Mansk, you're all mine aren't you sunshine?"

Her stomach dropped, recognising his voice as she lifted her head to meet the eyes of the one and only Colonel Quaritch, his teeth bared whilst his tongue ran over the sharp fangs that were exposed as he eyed her slowly. Letting go of Mansk she stood awkwardly as though she'd been caught committing some sort of crime. Before she could protest, one hand placed on her naked back dragged her into his chest. She craned her head to meet his eyes, expecting to find fury and anger, instead she was met with a soft almost teasing look dancing on his features.

"Look at you sunshine, all dressed up like this, you trying to distract my whole team hm?"

He took the lead swaying her with more confidence than Mansk ever dared.

"No,"

she chuckled, the alcohol going to her head when she pressed a kiss between his pectoral muscles.

"It's for you Miles,"

she kissed up his chest between each word, standing on her toes attempting to reach his neck. God if that rumor wasn't true before she was certainly going to try to bring it to reality tonight. A groan rumbled through his chest and she watched his face contort in frustration.

"Shit, you're so drunk sweetheart."

His hand moved to the curve of her ass when he said this, eyes twinkling as he watched the mess she was making of herself, making him feel ever more powerful above her.

"Miles,"

she mewled into his broad chest, fingers reaching to wrap around his belt buckle, giving it a tug, causing their bodies to come crashing together.

"Okay sunshine, lets go,"

he said, voice bordering on panicked as he scooped her up and over his shoulder with zero effort, reasonably deciding to save her the further embarrassment she was about to cause herself, or possibly to save himself the difficulty of having to restrain himself when he looked down at her desperate posture and doe eyes, staring up at him so sweetly. Hand resting over her ass, he slapped lightly at her thigh when she tried to struggle off, walking out of the bar completely. She was at his mercy which made her wonder, with legs pressed tightly together, what he would do with this new found opportunity.

Taglist:

@ab-haya

@isabellekenway

@mechformers 

@jayedillon

[totesnothere04]

According to Plan Pt.3

Recom!Quaritch x F!Na'vi!Reader

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the fanart, screenshots, or gifs used with my stories.

Warnings: Tsaheylu, smut (so minors beware avert thine eyes if you wish not to be corrupted), and betrayal.

Part 2 Part 4

After you had decided to show your "trust" to earn their trust, you went straight to your marui. Your plan was already hatching in your head and all you had to do was follow it through. You set to work on the food for lunch for the men you're training and to apologize to your brother. When you finish and have the food wrapped in leaves and it's all packed into your baskets you head out. You approach the group and find your brother leading the group with breathing exercises. Tirea'eylan is guiding Mansk to breathe from his stomach, but Lyle seems irritated by something since he's glaring at the two.

"I brought second meal." You tell Tonowari who smiles at you. He sniffs the air and gets up quickly to be by your side.

"You spiced the fish the way I like didn't you?" He asks and you nod.

"It is an apology for my actions earlier. Not only to you but to them." You tell him and he pats your shoulder.

"It is time for second meal." Tonowari tells the group and they exhale the breaths had just taken and relax back. You hand out food to each person and finish by sitting next to Miles. He looks at you warily but you frown and look down.

"I'm sorry for my actions earlier. I allowed emotion to control my actions." You tell him and he starts unraveling his food.

"I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have tested your authority. Your brother explained that you are an important figure in the clan." Miles says and you smile at him. He pokes your ears and chuckles when they fold back further. "No need for your ears to droop sweetheart. We were both in the wrong." He looks back over his group and chuckles watching Mansk and Lyle continuously shooting glares at one another.

"Why are they upset with eachother?" You ask him.

"I think they're both interested in your friend there." Miles tells you and you nod.

"Tirea'eylan has a beautiful singing voice and she dances just as well." You tell him.

"I'm sensing a but is following that." Miles says and you nod.

"But she loves to hunt. She is not our best hunter but she loves it." You tell him and he hums in thought.

"So women in your clan aren't seen as lesser than the men?" He asks and you look at him surprised.

"Why would they be?" You ask him.

"On Earth women are seen as weaker than men and are often overlooked for most jobs because of it." He tells you and you grimace.

"Your planet sounds awful. Here men and women are seen as equal unless it is the Olo'eyktan and Tsahík. High Warrior is right hand to the Olo'eyktan." You tell him.

"And who is the High Warrior?" He asks you.

"We have two currently." You tell him and plan to stop the conversation there, but Tonowari cuts in.

"I have Ralak and JakeSulí. They work together very well especially during war." Tonowari says and Miles frowns.

"You ain't afraid of Sully betrayin' you?" Miles asks and you shake your head.

"Why would we be afraid when he has given us no reason to be? Everyone here lives a peaceful life, Jake and his family are no exception." You bite your tongue to keep from pointing out the obvious but Miles surprises you.

"That's why he came out here?" Miles asks with visible surprise written on his features.

"Yes. Last year we refused to join the war because it was on the mainland and there was no need for us to get involved. One condition of his living here was that he must give up war in exchange for sanctuary for his family. It was a trade he was eager to make." You tell Miles who frowns and his ears droop back.

"He was dropping the war for his family and I took that from him?" Miles asked and you hesitated but nodded slowly.

"Growing is learning from your past mistakes. Perhaps this is your new start and we are here to guide you." You suggest and he seems to think as he finishes his meal. He smiles at you when he puts his leaf with the others.

"Maybe, but there's one thing I know for sure. You're one hell of a cook sweetheart." Miles says and you smile. You look over at Tonowari and he gestures that second meal is over.

"This is where I must depart. Enjoy the rest of the day of training." You turn around to walk away into the water calling your tsurak. When she wiggled right up next to you, you made tsaheylu and rode off.

Week 2

You spent the majority of their training sessions on land this week since you were teaching them the Na'vi language, and showing the sign associated with it. The only one who seemed to struggle with the language was Miles. However, you found out he learns the language better without people there to witness his failure. So you and Spider would teach him in the privacy of the forest or your marui. You started to see a softer side of him when Spider was around but he was still somewhat guarded around you.

Week 3

It was a celebration of the end of the stormy season, and the beginning of the calm season. As tsakarem it was your place to start the clan dance with Tsireya. Both of you were dressed in some of your best clothing. Your chest piece was a net with coral and sea glass woven throughout it, your tweng was a bright orange coral color with shells on the ends of the strings. Your hair had been teased to make it bigger and wilder and it was held back with a hairpiece made of the same netting as your top. Where you're ensemble represented to stormy season, Tsireya's represented the calm season.

You waded into the water to where it was just below your knees and started the first wave of the performance. Your voice rolled wildly over the clan in a haunting song to show the turbulent ocean. A few women of the clan joined you as you all splashed the water in rhythm with the song. Unknown to you the newest members of your clan were entranced by the performance, but Miles's eyes didn't leave you. When your part of the performance started to show the suffering of the people, Tsireya's voice rang out. She sang in a calm beautiful melody that signaled for you and your girls to calm.

Tsireya swayed to the front of the performance with her arms held in a benevolent gesture. Eywa's mercy and love are shown in her part as she and her girls came in. They twirled around your group and when they came to a stop infront of you. Your group dropped into the water and swam to the side to exit the performance.

"That was a performance to remember sweetheart." You hear Miles say and turn to find him staring at you with a small smile. A small head of blonde hair ran around him and latched onto your waist.

"That was amazing!" Spider said excitedly. You blushed at the compliments.

"Wait until you see the performance for when the tulkun return. Tsireya, Ronal, and I start the celebration that lasts until first light of the next day." You tell them. One of the younger girls you performed with hissed quietly at Spider as she passed. You responded with a louder one and a growl that rolled out of your chest. She immediately bowed her head with her ears drooped in shame as she apologizes and speedily walks away.

Week 4

You were positioning Miles on his ilu to ensure he wouldn't fly off of it.

"Hold onto the handle tightly. Position is important. This is not like riding an ikran because the resistance will tear at your grip." You tell him and he turns to look at you. When your eyes lock it's intense as he seems to look directly into your soul. You inhale and step back.

"Remember to breathe before you dive." You remind him and the ilu takes off. He is able to stay on and when he surfaces he punches the air the way Jake does and you chuckle at him.

Week 5

The week's lessons had been difficult since you started teaching them to hunt. So you took them deeper into the island for a day to relax in the warm water pools. Spider was the first in the water and he relaxed when he made contact with the warm water. Everyone followed him in quickly as you relaxed next to him. Miles sat next to you and he tickled your side and you jerked away from him while giggling. He chased after you continuing to attack your sides with gentle torture when Spider jumped on his back.

Week 6

You ran into their marui with a wide smile across your features. Miles matched your smile when he looked up at you.

"The tulkun have returned!" You exclaimed and dragged Miles behind you. He chuckles at your excitement as he allows you to drag him with you. You dove into the water with him right behind you as the two of you mount your tsurak to go greet the tulkun. You find your spirit sister and swim to her.

"Rìnä!" You sign excitedly and she responds with similar excitement.

"(Y/n)! You look beautiful this season!" She tells you and you smile at her.

"Thank you. You always look beautiful." You tell her. "Rìnä, I want you to meet Miles. I am teaching him." You sign to her and she looks at the man next to you.

"He looks very strong and would make a good mate for you." She suggests and you shake your head.

"You know why I haven't taken a mate." You sign to her. You turn to tell Miles to get some air, but he's gone when you look. "Did you see where he went?" You ask Rìnä.

"He went toward Käni. He had a rough season." She tells you. You become interested and swim after him. He's signing to Käni and they seem to be communicating. It still comes as a bit of a surprise when Käni offers to bond and Miles accepts. When he surfaces for air you pull him onto your tsurak and parade him around.

"We have a new bond!" You call out and you stop at your marui. "For tradition, we celebrate newly formed bonds between a Na'vi and a tulkun. Soon you will be allowed to tame a tsurak to complete your iknimaya." You tell him and his ears perk forward in interest.

"So I'll be an adult in the eyes of the tribe?" He asks and you nod. He smiles but a confused expression takes over his features. "Why did you bring me to your marui?"

"So that I can prepare you for tonight." You tell him and make him sit. "How do you want your hair?"

Week 7

You grasped the edge of the rock as you waited with bated breath. Today was the day that Miles and his group would be allowed to tame a tsurak. Miles was the last in the group to go and you were nervous for him. However, Miles resurfaced riding his tsurak and you cheered out as you hopped onto your own.

"New tsurak makto follow me!" You call out to the group and all of them rode after you. You led them to the cove of ancestors with Ronal and you all dismounted your tsurak. You all swam down to the tree and showed them to connect to it. When they did each of them had smiles that grew on their faces and you felt your chest swell with pride. Ronal patted your shoulder and gave you a small smile and a nod. One by one the new group swam up and soon everyone was back on the surface.

"Now we go back to celebrate." Ronal told them and when you all returned the festivities kicked off. The new adults danced and drank and ate. At one point you spotted Tirea'eylan sneak off with Lyle and Mansk and you smiled. There would be a new addition to the clan during the next storm season. At one point you spin right into Miles and wind up dancing with him. As you dance you think about the last couple of months. You had read the group completely wrong and had even grown to love Miles. So you trust in Eywa and take a leap of faith.

"I think I finally found someone strong enough to be my mate." You tell him and his full attention is now on you.

"And who might that be?" He asks you.

"I choose you Miles. If you want me as well we can mate infront of Eywa tonight." You tell him and he smiles a toothy grin.

"Lead the way, sweetheart." He says and offers you his hand to grab. You grab it and leave the party to go to your favorite spot on the entire island. You climb the never-ending roots that make the walkways to the pods that are higher up. Your favorite spot is the highest point at the front of the island. The view during sunrise is beautiful and watching the people from above during the night is surreal. When you stop and turn to Miles you become serious.

"I do not want you to make this decision lightly, because once it is done we are mated for life. The only way to undo the bond is the death of one or both people." You tell him and he sets his hands on your hips pulling you closer to him.

"I've never wanted anything more my entire life." Miles says as he leans down and starts kissing your neck. "You're so good to Spider. You're a fair tsakarem. And you are so damn gorgeous." He rattles off the reasons and he presents his tswin to you. You bring yours up and the light pink tendrils of both of your tswins dance in search of eachother. Once they're close enough they connect and you feel his emotions. He means it when he says he's never wanted anything more than you. You slowly wrap your arms around his midsection and he wraps his arms around you as well. The hug is comforting and intimate as you both start feeling the arousal of the first bond.

You run your hand over the front of his tweng to find that his cock is already unsheathed. He's semi-hard under your palm and he moans as your hand rubs him. His fingertips ghost up your arms and he cups your cheeks. Finally, he brings your lips to meet his in the middle. His hands move from your cheeks to the ties of your tweng while yours undo your top. You're fully bare infront of him and he pulls away to look at you.

"I knew were beautiful, but damn you're gorgeous." He allows his hands to gently grope your breasts and your stomach. Your hands find his toned abdomen and he bites his lips as your fingers glide over his abs.

"You are truly beautiful Miles." You tell him as you look up into his eyes. Your hands find their way to the ties for his tweng and you undo it. Even just being semi-hard he's very large and you wonder if you'd beable to take him.

"Don't worry princess. I'll make sure your ready f'r me." Miles says as he gently guides you to lie down. He starts peppering kisses down your jaw, throat, breasts, stomach, and finally stopping right above your heat. "Betcha never even touched your pretty pussy huh princess?"

"No I haven't." You admit to him and his chuckle erupts from his chest.

"'S all f'r me isn't it?" He asks as his fingers finally run over your entrance and you moan from the contact.

"Yes. All for you." You tell him and his mouth finally makes contact with your entrance. He hums as he continues to lap at your heat like a man starved. You feel one of his fingers prod at your hole before it pushes in and you allow your legs to open wider to invite him in. His finger hooks inside of you and you see stars.

"There it is. Just relax princess and I'll take good care of ya." He says with a voice full of lust. Two more fingers slither into you and you're a moaning mess. He works his fingers in and out of you at a good pace to draw out that euphoric feeling you've only ever heard of. "There ya go. Such a good girl f'r me." You feel your climax roll through you like a wave and your body shakes from the intense pleasure. When you come down from your high and look down at Miles he has his chin resting on your thigh as he watches you with love in his eyes.

"Think y'r ready f'r me?" He asks and you nod.

"Yes, please." You say and he chuckles as he scoots to sit on his knees between your legs. His cock is now fully erect and you bite your lip in anticipation. You knew he was big but you didn't expect him to be this big. He took his length into his hand and pumps himself a few times. He lines himself up with your heat and sinks into it. You both moan as he slips into you and his jaw clenches shut. Through tsaheylu you could feel he was holding back from pounding into you. When he's fully sheathed into you he waits for you to tell him to move.

"Please move, yawne." You almost beg him and he pulls out until just the head of his cock remains. Then he pushes back into you and you whimper. "Faster... Please!" You feel his restraint break as he pulls out completely and turns you over onto your hands and knees. He pushes back into you at a feral pace and doesn't break his rhythm.

"Been dreamin' o' this f'r weeks." He stops to moan. "Nev'r gonna beable to use my hand again. Not when 've got you." You're moaning uncontrollably as he pounds into you. "'M gonna put a baby in ya. Mmm~ You want that? Want me to get ya pregnant?"

"Yes, yes, yes. Please. Please give me a baby." You beg him as he hits a specific spot inside you.

"My princess... Gonna give ya want you want." He says as he kisses and sucks on your neck. One of his hands leaves your hip and starts rubbing circles on your clit. You cry out as another orgasm rips through you and Miles releases a guttural moan as you clench around him. "Ya ready? Ready to be a Mama?"

"Yes, please Miles!" You cry out and he delivers a few more thrusts before he stills inside you. You feel him release his hot thick ropes of cum inside you and you whimper at the feeling. After a few moments and both of you have come down from your highs, he pulls out of you. He puts on his tweng and helps you redress, but lays down next to you. He offers you his tswin once more and you connect yours to his again. You both drift off to sleep in the post-mating haze and in the comfort of eachothers arms.

The next morning when you both wake you don't move for a while. Relishing in the feeling of being in the arms of your mate... That was good to say after not having been able to say that your entire life.

But every dream must come to an end. You both sit up abruptly when you hear loud chatter from the clan members below. You look at eachother and get up quickly and run off to find out what was happening. You find a good majority of the clan in the public meeting marui. You and Miles push into the middle and find his people on their knees before Tonowari and Ronal. You become confused and raise your voice to be heard over everyone.

"What is happening here?" You ask your brother who casts an enraged look at your mate.

"Bind him." Tonowari tells Jake who does as he's asked, but you won't be ignored. The moment Jake is within arms reach you grab his wrist and use your body to throw him off balance. Which was difficult because he was taller than you, but you had taken on bigger. You throw him over you and he rolls for a few feet, before he's up with his knife in hand.

"I will not be ignored. What is the meaning of this?" You ask with authority, being Tonowari's older sister had advantages. He grits his teeth and finally sighs.

"They have betrayed us to the sky people." Tonowari says and you turn to Miles with a hurt and confused expression.

"What is he talking about?" You ask him and Miles' ears pin back in shame and he looks down and away from you.

"My team and I were sent here to gain your people's trust. So that we could get close to Jake and kill him." Miles said and you gasped as you took a step away from him. "But it was just orders at the start. But then I got to know the ocean and I fell in love with it. With the Metkayina... And with you."

"I was right. I knew it in the beginning and still allowed myself to forget that and trust you." You said quietly and folded your arms over your chest. Miles gently grabs your arms trying to get you to look at him.

"I fell in love with you and your way of life. I love you." Miles says and the tears start to flow freely.

"The two of you mated?" Neytiri asks and you nod. She gives you a sad look of understand as she looks to Jake, who looks the same way.

"Please-" Miles tries to get back on track but you push him off of you.

"I trusted you! I trusted you enough to give myself to you before the Great Mother!" You yell as you wrap your arms around yourself trying to hide your body away as you back up to your brother. Miles tries to advance but Ronal stepped infront of you and hissed at your mate. Her fury and disappointment shown through the most terrifying sound you'd ever heard.

"Miles... You and your people will leave and never return." Tonowari says with complete authority. "Ensure that they leave without a problem." Tonowair tells the nearest group of warriors who nod and drag Miles and his people away. Out to where their ikrans are still perched and they will make the trip back that way. By the time they're all gone, you're still huddled behind Tonowari with your arms still woven over your body. Neytiri approaches you to try and comfort you but the moment her hand lands on your shoulder you back away.

You keep your head bowed as you leave to your marui but you find Tirea'eylan waiting for you. She sniffles and opens her arms for a hug and you accept it. You both disappear into your marui to start grieving your mates.

Taglist: @hatislust, @drinking-tea-and-be-obsessed , @kenzi-woycehoski.

[go-river-flows]

The "Happy Ending" Treatment

Summary: This is based on a Character AI scenario I ran. I've been so obsessed with it lately and running so many prompts through it like a mad woman. This is the most recent one with a little suggestive language because the Character AI has an NSFW block.

There is no smut, but suggestive language. But still, it is an 18+ story. The first one that I've written.

Warning: 18+ only! Suggestive language

As a Recom, I can't help but witness how stressed the other Recoms are. Both before and after missions. A few times, I had given Mansk and Ja massages to help calm them, but when Z-Dog, Walker, Fike and Prager caught me giving Ja a massage, they began asking for them. I was more than happy to give them shoulder rubs and the occasional head and back rub, but I could tell that some tensions were rising as a result. And when I mean tension….I mean sexual tension. At first, it was coming from Z-dog and Ja. What was worse was that I had always found them attractive. Not to mention, Mansk, Walker and Fike too, heck, even Lyle Wainfleet. The only two avatars I haven't given massages to were Lyle and the Colonel, who I think needs it the most being the leader and the busiest. 

One evening after a particularly rough mission, I found Lyle sitting at the desk in the avatar only rec room. The other recoms were chilling inside when I entered. Lyle was reading some paperwork when I slowly approached him from behind. His bald head enticing me to play the bongos on it, I chuckled lightly at the sudden urge and caved pretty quickly. Lightly patting my fingers on his head. 

“What the…?” Lyle was startled by the light pats on his bald blue head. I giggled a little bit before scratching behind his ear. “Do you think I'm a dog or something?” I glanced up to find Ja enjoying the scene, though that didn't stop me as I just continued, Lyle’s ears flicking slightly, “I will put a stop to this nonsense. Get your hands off me.”

Okay, okay….I instead started rubbing my fingers on his head, massaging his bald blue scalp.

“This is your last warning, get off me!” Lyle growled. I retracted my hands, giving up. Sighing and slumping my shoulders, I walked over to Mansk who was sitting on the high chair watching the television, giving him a head rub. Mansk moans lightly from my touch, leaning into my hands. In the corner of my eye, I noticed Lyle had looked up from his paperwork and was watching me, with a slight blush whilst pretending to look angry. I moved my hands down Mansk’s neck to massage his shoulders, the avatar purring a little. In the corner of my eye I see Lyle with a slight jealous expression.

As I continue to massage Mansk with my strong hands, he starts falling asleep. When Mansk does fall asleep completely, I move onto Fike who was nearby and watching, waiting for his turn. Giving Sean (Fike) the same massage treatment, he lightly moans as the tension from the day released. Though again in the corner of my eye, I could see Lyle’s jealousy rising a little, a small pout on his face. I moved through the room, giving Prager a shoulder and upper back massage, then moving onto Walker whose problem areas were her arms and hands. Finally moving onto Z-Dog; I do her usual shoulder, neck and arm massage which left her a moaning mess after, as she flopped on the sofa. I try to avoid Lyle’s watchful eyes as he continues to pout. 

Finally stopping in front of Ja, I give him a neck and shoulder massage too as his hands find my hips, returning the favour. I watch Ja’s eyes shift to where Lyle was sitting as a smug smile curls onto Ja’s lips. From where I stood was a mirror nearby and I could see the reflection of Lyle who was silent with jealousy, whilst glaring at Ja hatefully. When I am done with massaging Ja’s shoulders, Ja spins me around and gives me one in return, which was a normal occurrence for us. But now, I could see the whole room as well as Lyle who was still pouting and silently seething. 

Not long after, Mansk rouses and wakes from his nap, taking a moment to collect his thoughts, Mansk calls me over. Ja releases me and I make my way over to Mansk, Lyle continuing to watch.

“Yes? Are you alright?” I speak quietly to Mansk. 

“Come’ere, let me return the favour,” Mansk whispers out to me, I was about to refuse but Mansk stands and sits me in the high chair he was just sat on, he took three steps behind me and began rubbing my shoulders, easing away the stress of rough mission.

“This alright?” Mansk’s gentle voice asks in my right ear.

“Mhmm…” is all I could say as my head lulls back a little as Mansk’s strong hands kneads my muscles. My eyelids droop a little, But in the corner of my eye I see Lyle gazing longingly, as his jealousy rises a little more.

Walker who was watching Lyle’s expression shoots Lyle a smirk, which catches Lyle’s attention who looked at Walker with a glare, releasing an angry huff. Mansk’s hands work up to my head, giving me a head rub that relaxes me fully, and before I know it I have fallen asleep.

“It's not fair that I get no attention while everyone else does. I'm an equal team member. I should be treated the same as everyone else. It is time to put this nonsense to an end!” Lyle finally speaks up. Ja is quick to shush Lyle.

“You had your turn, and you rejected her…”

Lyle glares at Ja with a mix of confusion and anger.

“When?!”

“Earlier! You were first!” Ja whisper-shouted to which Lyle blushed and became flustered, not knowing what to say.

“I- I… I'm not sure what to say…” Lyle’s eyes fell back to my sleeping form as Mansk was still giving a head rub. After Mansk had finished the head rub, he gently woke me. Not before whispering a soft “thank you”.

“That's it, I've had enough!” Lyle says loudly, pulling out his knife out of nowhere, “You’re all going down!” And with that, everyone is alert and stressed. Mansk stayed next to me as the Recoms in the room rushed Lyle, wrangling his knife away from Lyle. Though Lyle attempts to keep hold of his knife. 

“No! You can't have it!” he yelled, snatching his knife back and pointing it at everyone, “Who’s the boss now?!”

Z-Dog, Walker, Fike, Prager, Lopez, Fike and Warren release all their anger and frustration all at once.

“SERIOUSLY LYLE! WE WERE ALL CALM AND RELAXED AND NOW OUR STRESS IS BACK!!!”

“I- I WAS FEELING LEFT OUT! Everyone was having fun with their shoulder rubs and I got nothing! You can't blame me!” Lyle tries to justify his actions.

A mix of “You had your turn” and “You rejected her” were thrown around, as Mansk remained at my side rubbing my cheeks to wake me a little more. Lyle glares at everyone.

“Shut. Up.” He spoke through gritted teeth, he exhaled through his nose before he lowered his knife, pretending like nothing happened he plopped his butt back down in his seat. I had woken up a bit more and saw Lyle’s moping face before giving in. Standing up from the high chair, I walked over to the crowd of avatars, pushing through the crowd. I cocked my head, with an understanding look on my face I offered my hand to Lyle. He looked at it before he gently took it. 

“I- I'm sorry for my outburst… I let my emotions get the better of me,” Lyle spoke softly with a disappointed tone. I couldn't help but feel bad, since I was the one who started messing with him. Cautiously, I slid behind Lyle and began rubbing his shoulders, upper back, neck and head. I could feel Lyle stiffen a little having been caught off guard but quickly relaxed from the massage. I could hear him gently sigh  before speaking.

“This is nice. Who knew this would feel so nice?” the others rolled their eyes before returning to their seats grumbling about being stressed and tense again, quietly seething, “Thank you…” Lyle moaned. I worked on Lyle, finding a few problem areas and knots, releasing the tension from them. Lyle even leans into the massage, relaxing further and even enjoying it.

“You're a good masseuse, you know that?” Lyle rolls his head back smiling as he looks into my eyes. I gave a gentle smile before finishing up. Though my hands are a little sore from massaging the team’s shoulders, I was glad they were relaxed before Lyle ruined the peace.

I returned to Mansk again, giving him another shoulder rub, realising that his shoulders had once again tensed up from the stress he accumulated from Lyle’s outburst.

“You like being spoiled like this huh, Mansk?” Lyle spoke again dripping with jealousy, his eyes on the two of us as he watched. Mansk scoffed under his breath. After a few minutes I went to Prager, giving him the same massage treatment I gave Mansk. It was quiet until Lyle spoke again.

“Everyone gets their turn huh? I don't see me getting any attention?” Lyle sighed, “I guess I’ll have to wait…” I glance at Lyle who had seemingly forgotten his outburst form earlier, and he catches me looking to which he averts his eyes, crossing his arms. I sigh and return to Lyle, massaging his back.

Lyle seemed happy as he sighs and leans into the massage.

“This is nice. Why can't our days always be like this, everyone being nice and getting along?” I let out a bewildered chuckle as Lyle flops his head back again, looking up at me with an appreciative smile. It's not long again when I finish and move onto Ja. Massaging his shoulders and arms.

I can feel Lyle’s eyes on me before he broke the silence once again.

“I just had a great idea…what if we all got together and just had a massage circle, everyone massaging the person in front of them? That would be pretty fun.”

There's a throng of laughter before Fike piped up.

“Nah man! (Y/N) gives the best massages, I'm waiting for my turn with her…”

Lyle sighs, “Fine then, if you're all gonna be selfish.” He falls silent again, then speaks once again, “Well if that's the case, who wants a massage from me?” Lyle gives the crowd a smug smile. No one says anything and looks away, except for Warren who raises his hand to Lyle’s surprise.

“Well, it's your lucky day, come here!” Lyle gestures to Warren who apprehensively stands to approach Lyle for a massage. Lyle stands and gives a big smile, “How about a nice massage, big guy? You look like you need the attention…”Lyle gives Warren a quick wink, much to Warren’s disgust.

“Just the massage, thanks…” Warren looked at Lyle with a slight disgust.

As all this was happening, Ja rested his head on my shoulder as I massaged his shoulders from the front of him as his arms rested around my hips, essentially hugging me loosely, his hand caressing my hip just above my butt. I could hear his gentle moans as he gave light kisses on my shoulder. Slowly and gently peppering up to my neck as the few watching Avatars chuckled. Lyle, who doesn't seem to see what is happening was giving Warren a ‘nice relaxing shoulder rub’ finally looks up at us.

“Do you two always get this close with each other? Not that I'm complaining, you're a good looking couple,” Lyle says.

“No. No, we are not a couple. Why? You jealous?”Ja speaks with his lips hovering over my neck.

“A little…but who could blame me? You two are pretty close together there…maybe I could get the same treatment?” Lyle snarks to which Ja laughs. Ja’s full attention was now on Lyle.

“Oh! You want the happy ending treatment, eh?” Lyle blushed at this.

“Well, what's wrong about seeking the attention of a pretty girl?” Lyle gives Ja a playful wink.

“Oh Lyle wishes,” I finally speak up.

“So, what do you say? Think you could give me more of that happy ending treatment that you give to Ja?” Lyle giggles, “After all, I am a soldier who’s been workin’ hard all day,” at this, Warren began pulling away from Lyle’s grasp and making space between them with a mortified expression, “I think it wouldn’t be too much to ask for a nice massage from a pretty lady, would it?” he smiled playfully, all whilst trying to hide how anxious he actually feels.

Z-Dog chuckled at that, “Ooh! I want that too! Give me the happy ending treatment!!”

“I’d like that too,” Mansk chipped in.

“I guess the happy ending treatment is more popular than I realised…” Lyle said, before the barrage of “me too’s” started. “And who is gonna give all of us this happy treatment then, if all of us want it?”

Everyone fell silent as I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck. After a moment of silence, Lyle speaks up again.

“It seems like this situation may have taken an unexpected turn…Is no one up to the task?”

Apparently this was a trigger as the group started arguing who gets the so-called “happy ending” with me, and I am instantly dragged into the argument, quite literally being yanked by multiple recoms at once.

“What have I started…?” Lyle stood by as he watched the chaos unfold, with a mixed display of amusement and concern.

Through the chaos, Mansk manages to grab me from Z-dogs grasp and carries me running for his own bedroom. Everyone hot on his tail, fumbling over each other as Walker trips on her own feet from being shoved by Lopez.

“What the hell just happened? We were all getting along just fine! How did you all change at the mention of ‘happy ending treatment’?” Lyle questioned whilst following behind the group, not wanting to join the dog fight. Ja charges towards Mansk’s door just as it was about to close, managing to grab the door and frame, holding it open as Mansk is trying desperately to close it. At that moment Lyle moves around the group to get to Ja, grabbing his arm.

“What the hell are you doing?! This is going way too far! Are you all just going to try and tear each other’s heads off just to get a happy ending?!” Lyle turns to everyone, speaking to the recoms, “All this fighting over a nice massage from a pretty lady? We’re better than this!”

“Do you even know what ‘happy ending’ means?” Ja growls at Lyle, to which Lyle blushes slightly, not expecting that question to be asked.

“Erm…yeah, who doesn’t know?” Lyle sighs, “Yes. I know what it means.”

“It means that one of us gets to fuck her! And it’s me! I’m gonna fuck her!” Z-Dog yells over the noise. Lyle stares dagger at Z-Dog whilst his blush grows even more prevalent. 

“I don’t even know what to say to that…” Lyle shakes his head in disbelief. In the meantime Ja kept his hands on the door, finding his strength to pry Mansk’s door a little wider, as the group continued fighting.

“Okay! Okay…Can everyone please calm down? This is getting out of hand! What happened to working together and acting like mature grownups! Are we going to solve this like adults, or are we gonna resort to childish and immature behaviour by fighting for some ‘prize’?” Lyle raises his voice in anger.

“Oh we’re handling this like adults! We’re not letting Mansk have his way with (Y/N)! Open the damn fucking door Mansk!!” Z-Dog yells, to which exhales through his nose, thinking for a bit.

“Why doesn’t (Y/N) get to decide what happens? She should be the one that gets to have a say in this,” an idea pops into Lyle’s head, “Why don’t we all take it to a vote?” This seems to calm the group down for a moment, ja’s hold on the door weakens and Mansk takes the opportunity to close the door and lock it, spurring a fury with the group outside.

Lyle sigh’s addressing Mansk from outside, “Mansk what are you doing? Let’s be civil about this and decide this with a vote!  Come on! We’re all adults here, this isn’t a zoo where we resort to violence and fighting to get our way!” He glances at the others who are desperately banging on the door.

“She likes all of us, idiot! And we all like her!! You just gave them an opportunity to fuck!” Ja spits out.

“What do you suggest we should do then, if you're so smart?” Lyle sighs, looking to everyone for answers, “Should we all try to kill each other for a prize? Or should we try to get along and let (Y/N) decide who she wants to be with?” Surely we should be civil and let it be decided by a vote, no?”

What was unexpected for everyone outside the door was the sounds of moaning and groaning coming from inside Mansk’s room. They stop banging on the door for a moment, digesting the sounds coming from in the room.

“It seems like the discussion has ended…” Lyle looks at everyone before speaking again, “Now the next question is, what do we do…? Should we leave them be…?” And apparently it was the wrong thing to ask as now everyone has changed their motives as they begin to break down the door.

“Woah! Hey!” Lyle tries stopping the group of furious avatars, hearing the door splinter and break, “That doesn’t sound good…” The group manage to break the door off it's hinges, revealing Mansk balls deep between my legs with his head lolled back in pleasure and the group riots.

Lyle, who looks horrified at the scene, screams out, “Mansk! What the hell are you doing? You’re gonna hurt her!” He runs into the room and tackles Mansk to the floor before he has a chance to continue. Ja who spots his opportunity pulls me into his arms whilst I’m still naked to take me to his room. Lyle who sees this yells out again.

“No! Stop that!” Running after Ja and pulling me out of Ja’s arms, speeding down the hallway clutching me tightly, but we don’t get far as Lyle is instantly jumped. The two of us are thrown onto the floor, as Lyle scrambles over me to cover my naked body, shielding me from the group.

“WHAT THE EVERLOVING HELL IS GOING ON!” Quaritch’s booming voice echoes through the hallway. Everyone is instantly frozen and silent as they all turn to find an angry half naked and groggy Quaritch standing at his open bedroom door. There was a pregnant pause before I found my own voice.

“Colonel…help…” I say from beneath the pile. 

“(Y/N)?” Quaritch looks at the pile of avatars, finding the top of my head peeking out from beneath the pile, Quaritch waves his hand at the pile of avatars who silently remove themselves, sans Lyle. Revealing me naked on the floor. The shift in Quaritch’s expression was quick, he instantly swooped me into his arms bringing me into his room and covering my body with a blanket.

“Stay here sweetheart, I’ll go deal with the others…” he moved quickly to deal with the situation, returning a measly ten minutes later. Closing the door, he locks it to my surprise. Turning with a smirk.

“Well now…how bout you give me that ‘happy ending treatment’…?”

Taglist:

@drinking-tea-and-be-obsessed @cumikering @ducks118 @writerfromcz @dyingofcookies @dreamaboutpinkk  @roseannecaiwan @llamaredpyiama

[dumbass-tumbler-cryptid]

Can you give a snippet of Cabin Spider interacting with Deja Blue?

Sure!

*************************************************************

Over a week later, Miles was holed up in his room, the windows opened wide, letting in the hot summer air. He was hyper focused on the landscape he was drawing when a knock at the front door startled him, making him fumble his oil pastel. He listened intently as his father greeted their guest. “Where’s our graduate?” That was Auntie Z’s voice. 

    “In his room.” Said Pa

    “Well, call him out!” Uncle Lyle.

    “Can’t we unload first? Uncle Mansk

    “What, you can’t talk and walk?” Said Lyle.

    “Shush. We’ve got some things that M.J shouldn’t see just yet.” Uncle Ja

     “Yeah Lyle. You're gonna ruin the surprise.” Uncle Fike.

      Miles was intrigued. His aunt and uncles had all come up individually before, but never in a big group like this. Quietly he crept out of his room, lurking in the hall to spy. He watched them as they unpacked their huge backpacks, removing gift wrapped parcels and piling them on the kitchen table. Mid motion Uncle Mansk caught Miles out of the side of his eye, stilling for a moment before smiling wickedly. “Hey! Little creep, get your ass out here.”

     Miles grinned entering the living room to a chorus of indignant shouts. All his relatives were on him at once patting his back, ruffling his hair, giving him a playful shove here and there. “What are guys even doing here?”

    Auntie Z was the one to answer, rolling her eyes. “You finished school! This is your graduation party kid!”

    “You guys came all this way just for that?” More disgruntled yelling that made Miles laugh and feel like he was glowing.

    “Of course we would!”

    “You deserve a celebration.”

    “We’re proud of y’a kid.”

      Pa pulled him into a side hug, positively beaming. “You did a really good job, son. Now how’s about we get this party started!”

[idkjupiterdraws]

More baby recoms with dad quaritch

Bad dreams

Quaritch was trying to sleep until he felt someone climb into his bunk. He looked down to see who it was and it was Lyle.

“Lyle why are you up?” He asked his small recom soldier. Lyle just crawled up to him.

“I had a bad dream.” He said as he pulled the covers over him and snuggled into quaritchs side. Quaritch sighed and patted his head softly. Even though Lyle was a toddler he still didn’t have no hair. Just as soon as quaritch was about to go back to bed he saw z-dig climbing into his bunk too.

“I also had a bad dream.” She said as also snuggled into quaritchs side. It wasn’t too long until the whole recom Team was his in bunk because they all had a bad dream. Hell Mansk just said he couldn’t sleep good and joined in the cuddle pile. Quaritch stared at the ceiling wondering about how this could all go wrong. He had ja and Warren on his chest and had the push two of the bunks together so the others could have room to sleep.

In the end they all managed to fall asleep peacefully without any nightmares.

(If only I was in the cuddle pile)

[outstandingblue]

Promises to Keep

Fourteen - Your Fault

recom!miles quaritch x fem!na'vi oc

| Masterlist | Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three | Chapter Four | Chapter Five | Chapter Six | Chapter Seven | Chapter Eight | Chapter Nine | Chapter Ten | Chapter Eleven | Chapter Twelve | Chapter Thirteen | Chapter Fifteen |

Things can turn dark real quick.

cross-posted on ao3 here content warning: massive blood loss, surgery, old wounds, passing out, angst angst angst (i’ve been listening to too much noah kahan while writing) word count: 6.9k (nice)

“You ready?” Miles called out to Jiniraa, reaching out to grab her wrist and pull her towards his newly tamed ikran. Miles was unbelievably proud of himself, chest puffed out and chin held high as they approached his new mount. 

Compared to the Colonel, everyone else got their ikran with relative ease. No one was thrown off a cliffside, but there were a few scrapes and cuts. Mansk took his sunglasses off while getting his ikran, not wanting to break the precious shades Renia gifted him all those weeks ago. On the contrary, Lyle managed to keep his shades on, even when his ikran slammed him into a rock face.

Jiniraa didn’t even try to hide her excitement as she approached Miles’ ikran, she averted her eyes, showing the creature she respected him. The creature raised its head up, pulling its wings back as it stood on its hind legs for a moment before returning to the ground. 

Miles approached, giving a firm pat to the ikran’s neck before turning around, “Sweetheart, meet Cupcake. Cupcake, meet Sweetheart.”

Jiniraa rolled her eyes in annoyance, but the smile said otherwise. “Your ikran is going to think my name is sweetheart.”

“And?” Miles raised his eyebrows, a small smirk challenging her complaint. 

The ikran extended its leathery snout towards Jiniraa as she approached, deeply huffing in her scent. She giggled as the hot air tickled her arm. It chittered, chest reverberating as it pushed its head into her torso. The force of it moved Jiniraa from her place, she laughed louder regaining her balance

“He’s beautiful, Miles.”She brought her hand up, rubbing her palm against its muscular neck, tracing along its coloring. Her touches were light so as to not spook the creature. It was amazing enough that he let her stroke him in this manner, it usually was reserved for the person they bonded to. 

“Yeah. Beautiful.”

Sure, his ikran was incredibly eye-catching, but he wasn’t looking at the ikran. His eyes were trained on Jiniraa, listening as she murmured to the ikran in Na’vi. He was only able to pick up a few words, skxawng being one of them. They had been lacking in the language lesson department recently, spending more time focused on hands-on experience on the forest. Miles made a mental note to make more room in their schedule for language; while knowing the language would be helpful to their greater mission, he enjoyed watching her throughout their lessons. He enjoyed the way she would move closer to show the movement of her mouth as she made certain sounds or slapping his chest when he repeatedly got something wrong. 

“I hope you’re not trying to turn him against me already,” Miles slid past her, making tsaheylu and mounting Cupcake in one fluid motion. He reached down, extending an arm to the woman, “c’mon, wanna go for a ride?”

She wanted to, but she hesitated for a moment. Spider was awkwardly standing on the outskirts of the Recom circle, all of them making jokes and talking about their different experiences. They were already making bets on who would be the fastest. It was a familiar sight - Spider wasn’t able to contribute or participate because of his body. Culturally, he was more Na’vi than any of the Recoms could ever be - all he knows is life with the Omaticaya. Physically, he would never be one of them. A sentiment Neytiri reminded him at every opportunity. 

“I’ll go with you next. You should take Spider - he’s been down lately. A little bonding time could do him well,” she offered, gesturing to the lonely human. She almost said father-son bonding. Luckily she caught herself just in time. 

Miles agreed - he’d noticed a downturn in the kid’s attitude recently. He was clearly homesick, missing his friends and life.

“Kid!” Spider turned, a little shocked hearing Miles calling out for him, “c’mon, you’re my first passenger.”

Spider couldn’t hide his elation as he practically ran over to Jiniraa and Miles. He was familiar with ikran, having gone on countless rides with Kiri and Lo’ak, so he didn’t need any help climbing up. Once he was settled, Miles flicked his hand at Jiniraa, motioning her to shoo. 

She didn’t move, if anything she stepped closer. There was a stark dichotomy between the light hand on his thigh and the threatening snarl on her face, “anything happens to him while you’re in the air, I will bleed you dry.”

“Yes ma’am,” Miles shot back. She narrowed her eyes before stepping back to give them space. He slung a hand across Spider’s chest, “hold on.”

She watched as they rose a few feet in the air before soaring around. Their takeoff was a little rough, Miles and Cupcake had a lot of practice to do. He didn’t want to wander too far away, still getting used to the whole flying a Pandoran dragon thing, but he was a natural. 

Spider was smiling behind his mask, gripping onto Cupcake’s queues as he looked down, “can you go any faster?”

“You asked for it.” Cupcake instantly took a dive, making Spider’s hair fly back and hit Quaritch in the face. After a few seconds, the ikran leveled out before beginning to circle back. The pair listened to how the ikran’s wings sliced through the air as they enjoyed the moment. 

“Do you miss it?” Miles asked out of nowhere. 

“Miss what?” Spider didn’t turn around as he offered his own question back. 

“Home.”

Spider sighed, subconsciously scooting forward on Cupcakes neck to put distance between himself and Miles. He only noticed because of the neural link between himself and the ikran. Having shared physical sensations was freaky - to an extent, he could feel everything the ikran felt and vice versa. He felt the wind as it brushed along Cupcake’s wings. Cupcake felt the heat radiating off Spider through Miles.

“I mean…” Spider trailed off, scratching at his arm - a nervous tick he developed years ago, “of course I miss home. I miss my friends, especially Kiri. And Norm and Max.”

Miles hummed and accepted that answer. He didn’t expect Spider to continue after a brief pause.

“It’s nice having Jiniraa with me. It makes this all easier.”

Miles cleared his throat, “yeah, she cares about you a lot, kid. It’s nice to see you’ve been taken care of.”

“She’s always been there for me. She made me feel like I had a family,” Spider laughed, making fun of his own situation, “she’s my only family. Sometimes she acts like my mom, other times she’s more like my sister.”

They went silent for a few minutes. Miles didn’t know how to continue the conversion after that - small talk wasn’t his forte. They slowly descended, moving closer towards the tree line. They could see a herd of titanothere watering in a spring just below. 

“Quaritch?”

“Yeah, kid?” 

“What happens to Jiniraa and I if you guys, you know, complete your mission,” Spider stumbled over his words. 

“When,” Miles corrected. When they complete their mission. 

“Whatever,” Spider rolled his eyes. 

Miles didn’t want to think about that - it was a thought that he would actively dismiss from his brain. If he didn’t think about it, then he didn’t have to accept the reality that one day he would part ways with Jiniraa and Spider. He knew there was no way the General would let them just saunter back to the Omaticaya after all this was done. Hell, if they succeed in their mission and kill Sully, the Omaticaya won’t want the pair back. It’s a lose-lose situation and they’ll probably end up dead either way. 

There’s also the question of what happens to the Recoms after Sully is killed. They were brought back for the sole purpose of killing Sully. They weren't scientists who had both human and Na’vi bodies. What are a half a dozen semi-Na’vi, semi-human Recoms supposed to do in Bridgehead? A place being specifically built to keep Na’vi out. Knowing the RDA, they worked to tie up loose ends in neat little bows, so if they don’t die trying to kill Sully, they’ll be put down soon thereafter. A reality none of them wanted to face. 

This was their second chance at life, literally. They’ve all been exposed to the wonders of Pandora over the past month and they’re just beginning to see the world as Jiniraa and Spider do. As they experience more life in these new bodies, they’re changing - changing for the better in the eyes of Jiniraa, but for the worse in the eyes of the RDA. Ardmore saw how the Recoms weren't making progress on schedule as they began to spend more time learning about the flora and fauna from Jiniraa than actively hunting Sully. 

“Hey kid?” Miles asked. He never answered Spider’s earlier question, so the teen was less than receptive.

“What.” He all but snapped back. If he wasn’t wearing the mask, his saliva probably would’ve gone flying towards Quaritch as he bit back.

“Where’s Jiniraa’s family?” Miles began, “I know she don’t got a husband.”

“Why?” Spider bit back once more, a little more refined. He was curious why Quaritch would propose such a question. 

“Just curious, that’s all,” Miles prodded.

“She doesn’t have one.”

“Anything else?” Miles coaxed, trying to squeeze every little bit of information out of the teen while he could. 

“Not my business to share,” Spider jeered, “if you want to know, you’ll have to grow a pair and ask her yourself.”

The conversation died there. Cupcake’s touchdown was a little shaky, something Miles definitely needed to work on. He lifted one of the ikran’s queues and allowed Spider to slip down, watching as he ran to Jiniraa, “did you see that?”

Jiniraa smiled at the teen, brushing a chunk of hair off his mask, “oh I did, sweet boy. Say, Miles, what was that dive?”

Miles shrugged. He thought they’d be out of her eyesight when he did that. Her eyes were narrowed, but there was a sparkle behind them. She fought to suppress the playful smile that so desperately wanted to grace her lips.

“I dunno what you’re talkin’ about, sweetheart.” He cheekily smiles and winks, letting his tail hit her leg as he walks by. “Saddle up. I want everyone to get used to their banshees-”

“Ikran,” Jiniraa interrupted. Miles turned to her, eyes narrowed. His left eye twitched ever so slightly.

“-I want everyone to get used to their ikran,” he emphasized for good measure, waiting for Jiniraa’s nod of approval before continuing, “and flying a formation. One of you can ride with me.”

“Spider can go with you,” Jiniraa called out, already walking away, “I want to ride with Lyle.”

“Oh hell yeah. I second that.” Lyle pumped his fist into the air, holding it out to Jiniraa for a fist bump. She stared back at him, not knowing what to do. He grumbled and reached down, forming her hand into a fist before lightly tapping their knuckles together.

Miles narrowed his eyes, nostrils flaring ever so slightly in jealousy. She’d been quick to jump on that, not even thinking for a second before yelling out. 

Lyle reached down and threw Jiniraa over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. She winced slightly as her stitches pulled, but laughed nonetheless. Miles was seething at this point, watching his second-in-command come over and manhandle Jiniraa with such ease. She didn’t even flinch at his touch, like his touch was a normal occurrence.  

Lyle’s ikran snapped its jaw a eversolightly at Jiniraa, making her recede for a second before moving forward as Lyle pulled her wrist. Miles moved forward quickly, only to have a tattooed figure quickly move in front of him.

“Zdinarsk, I suggest you think very carefully and move out of my goddamn way,” Miles seethed out - his anger was dripping.

“Colonel, all due respect, sir,” Zdinarsk attempted to begin as formally as she could. She was stepping into dangerously insubordinate territory, “but I think you should think about your next move as well. She’s fine. Lyle won’t let anything happen to her - no matter how much of a fucking moron he is. He isn’t that stupid or careless.”

Her words did little to calm Miles down as he looked past Zindarsk’s shoulder, watching Lyle pull Jiniraa back so she was flush against his chest as he made tsaheylu with his ikran. Even from this far away, he was able to see how Lyle leant forward and whispered something in Jiniraa’s ear, making her giggle incessantly. That should be him.

Miles scoffed and turned on his heel. He didn’t wait for Spider to climb up before making tsaheylu, “let’s go, kid.”

Everyone mounted their ikran, slightly struggling to place their feet comfortably on the protruding rib cages. Miles made sure everyone was ready, pressing his fingers to his throat comm. A chorus of ‘yessir’ or a thumbs up answered his question before they took off into the air. 

Their formation was as expected: Miles took point and Lyle flew to his left while Zdinarsk was to his right. The rest of the team filtered in behind.

Zdinarsk was a natural, moving as one with her ikran below her legs. Ja was a little shaky, but the thought was there. Lopez and Prager had already taken to trying to cut each other off, ikran playfully snapping at the other. Mansk’s face was unreadable under the sunglasses, but the way he gripped the dual queues of his ikran showed how terrified he was.

Jiniraa pressed her comm, not looking away from Mansk, “Mansk - are you okay?” 

Miles and Lyle looked over their shoulders to the stoic heavy lifter. As he flew longer, he felt a little better. He already knew his ikran wouldn’t just buck him off like a horse, so that was a little comforting. 

“Want me to come back there?” Jiniraa asked. If he needed, she’d somehow find a way to get back there midair. She was nothing if not determined. 

“No, I’m okay,” he assured her, but his voice was less than convincing. Mansk felt pathetic, having Jiniraa offer him comfort mid-flight as he was unable to suppress his anxieties. The only person who knew about the full extent of his fears was Renia, who would need to work out the tension knots already forming in his shoulders at how stressed he was. He could already imagine the way she’d bat her eyes, giving him a surly smile and asking if there was anything else she could do to relieve his stress. And well…he wouldn’t turn down an offer like that. 

The team soared around for a while. No one was really keeping track of the time as they enjoyed their newfound freedom. Lyle watched as Jiniraa turned back front, bringing a hand to rub at the gauze on her left hip. 

“Move your hand,” he snapped.

“What?” She asked, not realizing what she was doing until Lyle slapped her hand.

“Move your fucking hand,” he barked out. Jiniraa did as she was told, mouth dropping open as she pulled back a hand covered in a thin sheen of blood. It seems her wound only opened more since they reached the nesting grounds. Lyle grabbed at her hand, growling under his breath as the smell of blood hit his nose. With a careful finger, he pulled at the slit in her pants, only to find a completely blood soaked gauze pad. “Shit, princess. That’s not good.”

He went to press at his comm, but Jiniraa hastily grabbed his wrist, seething out a threat, “you do that, I slit your throat.”

Her quick movement jostled her around, Lyle quickly worked to steady her before responding, “what is wrong with you, woman? You keep movin’ like that and you’re gonna slip off.”

The commotion had caught the attention of Miles, who was only flying a few yards away. Had they not been flying, he would’ve easily heard the argument, but the rushing wind made it a little harder. Lyle’s eyes flicked over to the Colonel, not expecting him to already be looking over. Lyle quickly looked away under the scrutinizing gauze. 

He lent down and kept his voice quieter than before. His voice was tight, no room for debating. “Why do you not want me to tell Quaritch?”

“I don’t need him worrying about me. He needs to focus on Spider right now.”

“Jesus fucking Christ. Don’t try to be a martyr, princess. If you’re hurt, you’re hurt. You’re makin’ me worry right now. Can’t have you bleedin’ out and passing out on me. Colonel will fuckin’ kill me and I rather enjoy life.”

Jiniraa paused. He had a point, but she was more stubborn than Lyle expected, “I’ll be fine until we land. Ja can deal with it then.”

He curtly nodded, agreeing to the statement. They would have to be landing soon. 

That did in fact not land anytime soon. They flew for almost an hour, much longer than Lyle expected when he made that deal with Jiniraa. After fifteen minutes, he took it upon himself to apply pressure to her wound, a feeble attempt to keep her blood where it should be. Rather than slow down, the blood only seemed to come quicker. 

Lyle kept his word and did not verbally tell the Colonel something was wrong, but she said nothing about eye-based communication. He kept glancing over to the Colonel, hoping to catch his attention but the Colonel didn’t once look to his side. 

When they finally did land, Lyle practically flew off his ikran, moving to help Jiniraa slide down. Miles’ rage had only intensified over the past hour. He wouldn’t look at them directly, but he watched Lyle through the corner of his eye as he glanced over every minute or two. Miles assumed he was trying to brag about his current predicament: Jiniaa fused back to his chest as his arm gripped onto her hip. Miles couldn’t have been more wrong. Lyle was panicking as he felt Jiniraa going limp against his chest, growing more alarmed when her head would roll forward every few seconds.

Miles almost growled at Lyle as he gripped her waist and moved her towards the ground, but once he saw the trail of blood her body left behind all anger resolved instantly, replaced with bone-chilling fear. 

“What the fuck, Lyle,” Miles jogged over towards his Corporal, trying to figure out what happened.

Lyle ignored him, directing his voice towards their medic, “Ja, get your shit.”

“Wainfleet.”

“Colonel.”

“You have three seconds.”

“Just help me get her on the ground,” Lyle pleaded. Miles growled as he supported her head as her body towards the ground. She didn’t react at all.

Miles pressed his index and pointer fingers against her wrist, stomach dropping as he only felt a faint pulse. He tried again at her jugular, but got the same result. Miles lightly slapped the side of her face, trying to get her eyes to open a little wider, “hey, hey, let me see those pretty eyes, yeah? Just like last night. Baby, open your eyes. Please.”

His voice trailed off, quieting down to a whisper as he whimpered out the last word. If only human Quaritch could see the state of his clone right now - bitching out over a goddamn native. He’d be disgusted.

Miles was too engrossed in watching Jiniraa’s eyes flutter closed to notice Ja squatting next to them. His fingers hovered an inch away from her nose, trying to feel her breathe. It was faint, like her pulse, but still there. Barely hanging on. How had she deteriorated this quickly? Gone from laughing and joking with Lyle to her deathbed in an hour. 

“Sir, I need you to step back.” His voice was distant, unable to press past the painful ringing in Miles’ ears. Miles swung a fist at Ja, but failed to make contact as the medic moved out of the way. Rage was making Miles’ movements sloppy and easy to predict.

“Maybe if you did a better job she wouldn’t be in this situation.”

Ja didn’t take the words to heart, knowing the Colonel was reacting rather than thinking about his words. He was frustrated. Scared. 

Ja pursed his lips, “Colonel, I need room to work.”

Spider laid a hand on Miles’ shoulder, watching Jiniraa with glassy eyes. Miles' head snapped up towards the human, thinking it was Lyle for a second. He instantly softened his gaze and stopped baring his teeth as he saw the distraught on the boy's face.

“Sir.” Ja repeated once more.

Miles shot Ja once last glare before standing, grabbing Spider by the shoulders and herding him away from the scene. Ja instantly got to work, calling Prager and Mansk over for assistance. Zdinarsk, Lyle, and Lopez stood a few feet back, trying to give Ja room, but their morbid curiosity began to get the best of them. The sight of blood didn’t bother either of them anymore. They had grown disgustingly passive as the sight of it after years of military duty and life on Pandora. The sight of Jiniraa on the ground, skin sickly pale and limp? That did bother them. The blood was okay. The body was not. 

“What happened?” Spider asked, trying to look past Miles’ body at the scene. Miles stepped in front of the kid to protect his gaze. 

“I don’t know, kid.” Miles admitted. He didn’t like being in the dark. Not knowing was dangerous. Knowledge was power and right now he was powerless. 

“Is…is she going to be okay?” Spider asked, lip already quivering. 

I don’t know, kid.

“Yes, she will,” Miles was trying to be reassuring, trying to take over for Jiniraa in the kid’s time of need. He’d seen Jiniraa comfort Spider on numerous occasions. Brilliantly and radiantly maternal, even though she didn’t have her own children. It didn’t come as easy to Miles.

Even though it might’ve eased Spider, he wouldn’t promise she would be okay. He had no control in the matter. He didn’t know if it was a promise he could keep. She noted how he was haphazardly tossing out that sacred word recently. He needed to be more conservative in his use. Protective and controlled. 

“Prager, put pressure there,” he ordered his fellow Recom around, taking full control of the situation. “Mansk, how far away from Bridgehead are we?”

Mansk took a moment to think, “I dunno. Probably like forty, forty-five clicks. We’re pretty far out.”

Ja cursed, biting at his lip, “god fucking damnit.”

Masnk’s sunglasses had fallen down his nose. He quickly pushed them back up before asking Ja what was so wrong.

“She needs actual medical care right now. Not the shit I can do. Her bleeding isn’t slowing down.” Ja was beginning to run out of options. He didn’t know what else he could do, but his only option seemed to be letting her bleed out on this cliff. 

Prager continued to hold pressure, gritting his teeth together as he pressed harder, “should we call it into command? Get a chopper here?”

“No, that’s going to take too long.”

“Then is she alright to fly?” Prager inquired, trying to find a solution. 

“No,” Ja snapped back, a little more harshly than intended. “I don’t think she is. But…”

“Ja, spit it out,” Mansk growled.

“She’s losing a lot of blood,” he rubbed at his forehead, feeling the perspiration that had accumulated in a few minutes. 

“Great fucking observation,” Mansk rolled his eyes. Her blood loss was pretty evident, staining the soil below her. 

“No,” Ja faltered, “her bleeding isn’t slowing at all.” Mansk stared back at him through the sunglasses, face unreadable. He raised his eyebrows, hoping for further elaboration. “aren’t you the one fucking that surgeon? It’s not a good sign.”

Mansk’s ears set back at Ja’s bite. He too was reacting through emotion, not thinking clearly. Prager tried to sit back a little, awkwardly averting his gaze while pressing harder against Jiniraa’s hip, feeling the blood worm through his gloved fingers.

“So, what do you want us to do?” Mansk asked, voice steady and calm.

“She needs to be moved now. We cannot wait for a pilot to reach us,” Ja ultimately decided. There would be no backing out now. He reached up, grabbing Prager’s headband and used it to make a tourniquet with a loose stick he found on the ground. Better than nothing. Given the location of her wound, it made it much harder to treat. 

“Wainfleet,” Ja pulled the attention of the Corporal, “she needs to go to Bridgehead or she’s going to die.”

Lyle looked over towards Spider and the Colonel. Miles was trying to distract the kid, showing him a chem light and how he can balance his knife on his finger. Miles was clearly trying to distract himself as well and it wasn’t working very well. 

“Colonel,” Lyle called over. Both Miles and Spider jumped up at Lyle’s voice. His massive body was blocking the frantic scene behind him as Ja worked to prepare Jiniraa for transport. “Colonel, she’s bleedin’ out. Ja says she needs to go to Bridgehead. Now.”

“Jesus fuckin’ Christ,” Miles pushed past the Corporal, watching as Ja tried to pack the wound with all the gauze he had, wrapping a thick layer across her hips to apply as much pressure. “That gonna hold?”

Ja sighed, tying it into place, “it’s the best I can do right now, sir.”

Miles nodded, reaching down as Ja sat back on his haunches. He carefully slipped his arms under her shoulders and knees, pulling her to his chest. Her head limply rolled over to rest against his shoulder as he rushed towards his ikran.

Words didn’t need to be spoken as everyone hurried to mount their newly bonded ikran. Miles didn’t wait for everyone to fully mount before he took off into the air. His emotions were getting the best of him and it was passing through his bond with Cupcake, making the ikran release anxious, high-pitched chitters.

Miles’ pulled out a small tablet from his vest, keeping Jiniraa tucked in his opposite side as he mapped out the route back to Bridgehead, taking them straight there. No time for detours. 

Miles was silent the entire ride. He was listening. His ears weren’t on their normal swivel. No, they were focused on one thing: Jiniraa. He waited for Jiniraa to produce any sound. He didn’t care if it was in pain, in anger, in sadness. He wanted something. Any proof she was still even breathing. But there was nothing. He didn’t have the guts to check if she was still alive. 

●●● 

Technology never works when you need it to. It was an upsetting truth Renia just had to accept one day or another. Nevertheless, it didn’t stop her from bubbling over in rage as her trial failed for the fourth time. Today. 

“You piece of shit,” Renia slammed her hands on her desk, seething in frustration. Her movement made papers float down to the floor. That would be a problem for later. When her hands made contact with the metal desk, the sound of her pager was almost completely suppressed. 

Mansk despised that thing, especially what it signified - she would need to leave immediately upon hearing it. He’s spent many nights on tour thinking of intricate ways to destroy that cursed device. Smash it. Shoot it. Use it as a baseball. Throw it in boiling water. Feed it to an ikran. Anything.

Renia hated her pager for a different reason altogether. That little ringtone meant emergency - someone needed her so desperately they were willing to call her from the depths of a secluded Bridgehead laboratory on her day off. 

The sound of that pager could bring her back from the dead, that’s how finely tuned her ears were to it. She quickly grabbed it, frantic eyes reading over the message as she darted out of the lab, not bothering to clean up whatsoever.

Code Blue - Tarmac

Renia sprints out of her office, taking four steps at a time. Having a body with legs the length of the average human came in handy sometimes. Other medical professionals flocked into the corridor at the same time, all having received the same message. 

Among them was Bly - Dr. Blythe Campbell. She was one of Renia’s closest (and only) companions on Pandora. They were forced together as members of the miniscule team of scientists who were rebuilding the avatar program, but they grew closer over time. 

Bly was shorter than most, both in her human and avatar form. Growing up, she was a military brat. Her parents met in the Navy and all three of their children carried on their legacy. Bly didn’t want to join the Navy at first, but she ended up serving as a corpsman before using the GI Bill to get her medical degree. All that time serving as a medical specialist in the Navy certainly prepared her for life on Pandora, especially having worked with so many Marines since Navy corpsmen double as medics for their units.  

“Any idea what it is?” Bly asked, keeping up with pace. 

“If they paged both of us, it’s the Recoms,” Renia answered. They’re not supposed to be back for three more days. 

Bly sharply nodded her head. She only met a few of the Recoms before, most notably Lopez and Ja. Lopez came in with a laceration that needed stitches and Renia wasn’t available, so Bly provided her services. She knew Ja a little more. She helped him gather supplies every time before they left for the field, trading stories of their time as the military or life back on Earth to pass the time. 

Renia pushed the gurney as Bly opened the doors. Screaming banshees were not on their list of what they expected to see, let alone seven of them. Although they were terrified of the monsters, they didn’t let it slow their pace. Renia quickly scanned over the group, trying to find who was injured. Everyone seemed to be accounted for. She let out a breath of relief seeing it wasn’t Mansk.

Miles’ ikran leaned over, lessening the distance he would have to slide off with Jiniraa in his arms. He was shaking, visibly shaking as he approached the two physicians. Renia’s eyes widened at the lifeless body of Jiniraa in his arms. Was this going to be a surgery or an autopsy?

“Oh my god…”

She didn’t have time to question Miles before he set the woman on the gurney, slowly backing away unblinking. Ja came up between the two women, both noticed the bloodstained gloves. He nodded, signifying they needed to move. The clock was ticking. 

As they quickly moved through the medical wing, Ja filled them in on what happened the past day. The viperwolf attack. Where they bit her. How he stiched her up and how they seemed fine in the morning. The trek to the ikran nest. How quickly she deteriorated. How he was unable to stop the bleeding once it started.

Renia growled, “I fucking told him she should stay back.”

Ja didn’t say anything, not knowing what she was referring to. He made an educated guess - Miles was in deep shit with the doc. Renia ordered her attendings around as they warmed around her feet like cats. Her human body would be much better suited for surgery - nimble fingers - but there was no time for that. Jiniraa was prepped for surgery and unfortunately Renia and Bly were going in blind. There was no time to get x-rays or internal scans. They would have to act on the fly, relying only on what technology could provide at that moment. 

They quickly scrubbed their hands before carefully putting every element of their surgical garb. A rush of adrenaline pushed through their veins upon entering the operating theater. Jiniraa looked upwards, a small red dot in the corner of the ceiling told her she was being watched. By the RDA, by General Ardmore, and most importantly by a few nervous Recoms and their monkey mascot as they gathered around a monitor. 

“Miles, I don’t think the kid should be in here for this,” Lyle quietly suggested to his superior. Lyle never called Miles, Miles. It was always boss, Colonel, or Quaritch. Nothing else. Lyle wasn’t a first-name type of guy, so his use of Miles’ was bizarre. 

Miles didn’t respond to the Corporal before turning and approaching Mansk. Miles pointed a finger at his chest, pressing in deep as Mansk’s face remained emotionless, “she better fix her or so help me.”

Mansk’s lip curled back at the thinly veiled threat. He wasn’t one to react to much, choosing to remain passive as life passed by. He was okay with being threatened, but that sentiment did not extend to Renia. “Sir, Dr. Cox is a very capable surgeon. I am sure she will do everything in her power to reverse what happened.”

What you caused. That’s what Miles heard, even though it wasn’t at all what Mansk meant. In a blinded rage, Miles took a swing at one of his own for the second time today. This time he actually made contact, sending Mansk and his sunglasses towards the ground. He thrashed around as Lyle and Zdinarsk fought to halt his movements. Each had their arms around one of his own, tightening their grip at every movement. They yelled in his ear, trying to get him to calm down, but it did nothing. 

He didn’t calm until he saw how Spider stood in front of the monitor, mouth agape and tears running freely. The anger continued to course through Miles’ blood, but instinct took over as he shook off Wainfleet and Zdinarsk and moved towards the human.

Miles squatted down to eye level, grabbing Spider’s shoulder to turn him away from the monitor. He didn’t see a teenager staring back at him. He saw a scared little boy. A scared little boy who had already lost so much, but still had so much more to lose. And right now? That so much more was laying half dead on an operating table, unable to fight for her own life. 

“Is Jiniraa going to be okay?”

Miles wanted to lie to the kid. It would make it so much easier. Just lie. He’s lied hundreds, maybe even thousands of times throughout his life. Just lie and tell the kid everything will be okay. Give him that comfort. Lying would make everything so much easier. They could pretend for just a little longer.

“I don’t know, kid. I really don’t know.”

Miles couldn’t lie to Spider. He would just be lying to himself. 

●●● 

Spider fell asleep after an hour. He cried himself to sleep, quietly curling himself into a small ball on one of the avatar-sized chairs. Miles sat next to him, knee bouncing up and down as his restlessness tried to find an outlet. The floor was cold against his bare feet, a sensation he hadn’t experienced outside the comfort of his own apartment. He laid a soft hand against the human's back, trying to see if he was still asleep. It was probably better that way.

Miles wanted nothing more than to sleep. His body begged for it, screamed for it. He couldn’t let himself sleep at a time like this. Not when Jiniraa was still in surgery. Miles had no clue what was happening. Everyone was completely in the dark. Renia had ordered the camera to be turned off in her operating theater, feeling the piercing gaze of Miles Quaritch watching her every move. She couldn’t work properly if she was distracted. 

None of the Recoms had left their waiting area. After fighting beside her last night, they were starting to see Jiniraa as one of their own and they would never abandon one of their own. Miles fists clenched as he thought about everything. This was never supposed to happen. Not just Jiniraa getting wounded, but everything. 

She was never supposed to weave herself into the very fabric of Deja Blue, yet she somehow managed to connect with each individual.

She was never supposed to make them See the forest through her eyes. They were supposed to use her knowledge for their mission, not for personal enjoyment.

She was never supposed to make Miles feel the way he did right now. Chest tightening. Heart pumping. Gaze blurry.

He was scared. More scared than he’d been in a while. Paralyzed by the thought that she might not survive this. She could’ve lost too much blood. His thoughts terrorized his mind. She was never supposed to infiltrate his mind, yet here she was. She set up her own corner and everything. Her smile easily came to mind, the way one canine was slightly longer than the other ingrained itself into his mind. She said she’d fallen as a child, chipping it on a rock. He could hear her little laugh if he tried hard enough.

Lyle stretched out in his chair, joints popping from not moving in a while. He nudged Zdinarsk in the next chair. She raised her head out of her palm, looking over at the disturbance, “what.”

“Don’t you think this is takin’ long?” Lyle wondered, fingers dancing across his legs.

“How long do you think surgery lasts?” Zdinarsk rolled her eyes, trying to lean back in her hand.

“I dunno. Normally asleep for it.” Lyle replied back without a second’s thought.

Zdinarsk couldn’t help the face she made. How fucking stupid was the Corporal? “Seriously, how have you survived this long? Being this moronic?”

“Don’t you think that’s a little harsh, Z.” Lyle frowned, crossing his arms like a child. 

“Not harsh enough, Ly.”

Miles wanted to snap at everyone as they started holding their own conversations, no longer suffering under the heavy silence. He decided against it. He could see the toll the stress was taking on them.

The push of a door brought everyone to attention, making them jump up. The movement didn’t wake Spider, which was good, especially if they were about to receive bad news. Dr. Cox stood in the doorway, stepping through the threshold to let another woman step through. There was a slight familiarity on her face, but besides Ja, no one had met her before. At least not in her avatar form. 

Their faces were unreadable, unable to discern if they were about to deliver amazing or awful news. Renia took a deep breath, running her hand against her face. Everyone could smell the antiseptic that loomed through the air.

“Jiniraa is still in critical condition, but she’s stable. I’m hoping she’ll be awake by the end of tomorrow, but I can’t make any promises.” She pulled two little clear bags from her pocket, holding them to the light for the Recoms to see. “These were embedded in her tissue. One is a viperwolf tooth, probably broke off during that attack. All the movement from yesterday must’ve made it slip and puncture an artery - that’s why she started bleeding so much so quickly.”

“Is that a bullet?” Lyle’s voice lifted at the end in surprise.

Renia nodded, tossing the bag to the Corporal, “Yup. By the looks of it, her body healed around it. My guess is that’s what caused all of her pain in that region. I’ll have to wait to get better scans in a day or two, but it looks like she was shot while still growing and it completely shattered the socket. It healed incorrectly and the bullet was basically fused to her bone at this point.”

Renia approached Ja, seeing how he hung his head. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, “Ja, you did everything right. This wasn’t your fault at all.”

Ja quickly nodded before pulling away. He still doubted his skills, but it was reassuring to hear it from an actual doctor.

“Colonel,” Renia spun on her foot, pointing an accusatory finger into the chest of the Colonel. Mansk took a step forward, moving to stand behind his woman. He didn’t know how lose of a cannon the Colonel was right now. “This is all your fault. She could have died because you did not listen to me.”

Renia was speaking out of protective anger. It wasn’t just Miles’ fault, there were a multitude of factors that played into Jiniraa getting injured the way she did - General Ardmore, Spider, fucking Pandora itself. Miles was just the easiest one to blame. 

He took her words to heart, internalizing it so he would never forget.

Your fault.

Your fault.

Your fault.

There was only one way he knew how to keep people safe. Leaving. Running. Miles Quaritch had run from so much before. He ran from Paz when she was pregnant. He ran from Spider when he was born. He ran from Earth. He continues to run from the old Quaritch everyday. 

Distance was safe. He was not.

She would be safer without him.

My fault…

Next: Fifteen - Oel Ngati Kameie

●●● 

you guys are about to hate miles for a little bit tbh

I promise this story will have happiness soon. It feels wrong to rush into a story and just do it for the smut (it's coming soon, you horny bastards) but I need to set the stage first.

taglist - please let me know if you'd like to be added (or if it just isn't working for you, i promise i'm trying my best but tbh idk how to use tumblr at all)

@drinking-tea-and-be-obsessed

@oceandeepthirst2

@bolggerist

@mxddymay

@ttreader

@luciddasher

@sofiebstar

@azilove

@fairycaitlin

@graysonmalik2550

@quaritchxx

@dakotali

[pearlsinmyhair]

༄ breath of venus ༄

chapter six ~ eye of the storm

summary: venus bullies lopez a little. she and mansk have another moment. quaritch and venus find a little bit of calm. quaritch and lyle start to coparent. venus speaks spanish.

word count: 5.4k

warnings: cursing en español

authors note: ok guys, i’m so sorry if this spanish is not up to par. i cross referenced so many different sources, especially about the use of ‘chocha.’ remember how venus patted lyle’s head when she was a baby?

glossary

¿hablás español? - (do) you speak spanish?

Sí, lo estudié durante muchos años. Sin embargo, mi acento está fuera de práctica. - yes, i studied it for many years. however, my accent is out of practice.

Tu acento está bien. Sólo un poco rígido. - your accent is fine. just a little stiff.

Tus tatuajes son un farol, ¿verdad? - your tattoos are a bluff, right?

¿Qúe? - what?

chocha - pussy

eres terrible, niña - you are terrible, girl

Y eres crédulo. - and you are gullible

“all sins are attempts to fill voids.” - simone weil

“I don’t believe you.” said Ja from the bank of the spring they had stopped at. Venus was knee deep in said spring cooling off, and she laughed softly at his words.

“You can refuse to believe it. That doesn’t mean that it is not true.” she replied as she waded to the sand. “I swear to you, on all that I hold dear, that they are like my siblings.”

They had been traveling non-stop for nearly two weeks now, and their bodies ached with cramps and knots that never seemed to ease. It was Venus’s suggestion that they stop.

She knew the area by description, not experience. The Omatikaya had close connections with the Tawkami due to the latter clan’s trading outposts and routes. As tsakarem, Venus was given the responsibility of diplomacy and hospitality and was charged with greeting the visitors. Neteyam occasionally accompanied her, but his age made him quick to annoyance and uneasy with the tentative nature of alliance. She had not seen a trader since before the war, and she personally believed that they had hidden, at least from the Omatikaya and other clans of close proximity to Bridgehead.

Many of the marines had taken the opportunity to empty their packs and wash clothes. Venus even showed them some plants they could use to clean, not wanting to pollute the stream with the harsh soap they carried.

Quaritch notably did not participate, instead keeping watch whilst leaning against a nearby tree. He seemed determined to disassociate from anything Venus involved herself in, and it was beginning to irk her.

“What are their names, then?” Zdog butt in, and Venus waved a dismissive hand at her.

“It’s my turn now. You’ll have to save your question.”

It took three days for someone to break the silence of the group as they traveled. Quaritch had given Venus a throat comm and ear piece, but there hadn’t been much talking besides orders and directions. It was Lopez who had snapped whatever invisible tension that rested between her and the recombinants when he suggested a game.

It was simple: Venus and the squad would each have five questions that they would ask a day. Ten questions total over the span of twenty-four hours. He called it ‘trade’. Quaritch called it a waste of time. But they had tried it anyway, and it was working so far.

The squad had already asked her two questions: the one at which Ja showed disbelief of was if she had animal mounts besides her ikran. She had explained Pali, and then added that she had a close familial bond with a few thanators.

Venus pulled her songcord from beside her ear as she asked her question.

“Can I see your tattoos?”

She figured that it wasn’t too much to ask.

That was another rule: no deep questions. None that would entail revealing secrets, at least, both personal and war related. Said rule had been instilled by none other than the grumpy Colonel not twenty feet from where she stood.

Most of the squad had removed their tops to rinse off, so she got a pretty good view of most of their tattoos. The few that hadn’t stripped were Ja, Mansk, and Quaritch.

Zdog went first. The female recombinant hadn’t exactly minded taking off her shirt and standing in a sports bra. Next to Venus you look like a nun, Brown had joked. Venus whacked him with her tail and Z whipped his shoulder with her rolled up tank.

Unlike most of the others, Zdog’s tattoos were colored, and she even allowed the girl to trace the honeycomb-like structures across her arm. When her finger wandered to the snake with the inscription of ‘deathless’ on its scales, she met Z’s eyes and raised a brow.

The woman just chuckled, and Venus moved to the others. She deliberately saved Quaritch and Wainfleet for last. She lingered at Mansk, whose tattoo was covered by his shirt. He had flipped his sunglasses atop his head, showing his different colored irises.

“Eventually.” she said to him, referring to his covered tattoo. He nodded. “Eventually.”

When she moved on to Lopez, she had to bite back a grin. She had been waiting for this moment for some time now.

There was a human woman that had stayed after the war. She was beautiful, with dark curly hair and bronze skin, and her voice tilted with an accent that sounded delightful to young Venus’s ears.

The woman’s name was Lilliana, and she was one of the first avatars who interacted with her without fearing Neytiri’s wrath. Venus grew attracted to her and often went with her to the avatar tent, something that Neytiri greatly appreciated when she had Neteyam and Kiri, with Lo’ak on the way.

It was there that she got introduced to Reggaeton. She could still remember the moment that she heard the strings of a guitar and the bump of electronic bass when she was seven.

Long story short, she demanded that Lilliana teach her spanish, mostly so she could sing it, and partially so she could understand. Norm was able to procure language books and work pages while Lilliana helped instruct her and fill the gaps.

And it was for that reason that she easily translated the tattoo inked across Lopez’s chest.

Sepulturero.

She had nearly curled her lip in disgust when she first saw it, but then she decided that the irony of it was amusing.

“Gravedigger.” she uttered as she stood in front of Lopez, studying the way the word arched under his collarbones.

He raised a brow, eyes widening in slight shock. “¿Hablas español?” he asked softly.

“Sí, lo estudié durante muchos años. Sin embargo, mi acento está fuera de práctica.” she said as she shifted her attention to the tatted brass knuckles on his hand.

“Tu acento está bien. Sólo un poco rígido.”

She nodded at his words. As much as she’d love to sit and talk with him, she had much more pressing matters to attend to.

“Tus tatuajes son un farol, ¿verdad?” she said, allowing her voice to rise slightly in volume. The marines conversations had died down, now attuned to the way that Lopez’s expression shifted from surprise to anger at her words.

“¿Qué?” he questioned, his eyes hardening as her face shifted towards amusement.

“Your tattoos, they must be a bluff. There is a saying from a human book: any man who says ‘I am king’ is no king. I believe it to be the same with these markings. Why would you need to write it on your skin if your actions did not already prove them true?”

Lopez practically snarled at her, but this was not the first time that a man taller and older than her had shown such hubris. Having brothers honed her skills at humbling others, and she applied them when needed.

She smiled up at Lopez mockingly, cocking her head to the side in a silent challenge.

This was a common occurance between them. Lopez was the only one who truly entertained her antics, so she pestered him when she needed to let off steam. Be that through ikran chases or arm wrestling or death diving.

She knew she had touched a nerve, but she had learned Lopez’s emotions well. He was pissed, yes, but he wouldnt hurt her. He frequently insulted her back, so this verbal repertoire was relatively tame.

It was Quaritch’s insistence upon her stopping that angered her. And now was no different.

“Venus, Lopez, knock it off.” he called from the shade. Venus’s tail lashed as she glared over her shoulder at the Colonel. Every time she had any semblance of relaxation or fun, he was breathing down the back of her neck, treating her like she was some spoiled brat that he’d been stuck with.

Lopez followed his orders, though he shoulder checked Venus as he passed. It was that action that made her realize that she may have bruised his ego a bit more than intended, but she couldn’t find it in herself to care.

These were her captors, after all. She had no need to feel sorry for them.

At least, not about immature insults about tattoos.

She carefully removed the woven jewelry from around her waist as she stepped to the water once more. She set the strands and her armbands down on her bag before she reached up and untied her chocker from her neck.

She passed the piece to Ja, explaining how each little dark point was a claw or a tooth from one of her siblings when they were babies, and his eyebrows shifted up as he handled it with care, studying the necklace.

Venus walked over to a ledge that wasn’t far from where Lopez and Brown were now conversing good naturedly. Lopez’s shoulders still knit from her insults, and she smiled to herself. She checked to make sure that the water was deep enough as she stood on the edge of the rock.

She turned to them and took a deep breathe, recalling what Lilliana had always said.

‘If a boy or a man every gets a big head, you set him right. you plant your feet in the ground, turn to him, and call him una-‘

“chocha.”

Lopez turned to her so quick that she barely had time to squeak before he leapt at her, tackling her right into the water below.

For a moment there was nothing but splashing and churning white, and the recombinants watched in amusement as a blue foot appeared before slipping below the surface. When the water calmed and neither Venus nor Lopez rose to the surface, that amusement turned to slight panic.

“They’re gonna drown each other.” said Brown, who leaned over the edge to gaze into the deep water below. Due to their blue skin, he couldn’t pick out any figures. “They won’t drown each other. Venus will drown Lopez.” said Z confidently.

The soldiers turned to the woman, and she simply raised an eyebrow. “She’s really very strong, and she’s lived here for longer than we have. I’m just saying that you shouldn’t underestimate her.”

Quaritch walked up to look over the ledge, standing next to Brown.

“Ten seconds and we’re going in to get them.” he said, brow knitting as he too searched to no avail.

“We? Who’s we?” called Lyle, who stepped towards the bank of the river. “I’m not going to get Lopez’s sorry ass if he drowns. He tackled her, so he’s going to face the consequences.”

“Since when is everyone so confident in the kids skills at drowning people?” Quaritch asked, smirking at Lyle. His corporal looked to him with his head cocked to the side.

“If you paid attention to her, you’d not-“

Before he could finish his sentence, Lopez burst from the water, coughing and sputtering like a drowned cat. He looked like one, too, wet and pissed off. For a moment, the squad waited with baited breath for Venus to emerge.

“Im right here.” came a voice from one of the pools behind them.

And there she was, squeezing water from her hair like she had gone for a nice swim rather than wrestling a marine a foot taller than her.

Zdog was the first to break the silence.

“Who won?”

Venus flashed her canines in a quirked smile.

“Who do you think?”

Zdog fist bumped her, and Quaritch scowled. Z’s ears folded back, backing down, but Venus seemed to rise under his glower.

“He tackled me.” she said as she walked past him, making sure to sling some water from her hair onto his back.

She stepped to Lopez, who was catching his breath on his back on the sand. She reached out a hand.

“Eres terrible, niña.” he said as he took it. Venus pulled him up with a smile. “Y eres crédulo.” she replied.

As he walked away to his pack to get a clean shirt, Venus turned back to the Colonel and Wainfleet.

She wasn’t surprised by Quaritch’s tight jaw or tense posture, no. It was Wainfleet’s look of disappointment that seemed to cool her blood, but she became irritated just as quickly. What right did he have to be disappointed at her?

She simply scoffed and moved to a patch of sun to dry off and comb through her hair, refusing to acknowledge anyone for the rest of their time at the spring.

༄

Venus shifted against the bark of the tree, thinking that when she got the chance, she was going to hibernate on her mat at home.

While she never had qualms about sleeping in trees, constantly doing so was taking a toll on her spine. She practically had to wring herself out every morning to stretch, and the cracking that ensued made her cringe.

But being a hostage wasn’t a luxury, so she took it in stride. There were worse things.

Mansk had taken first watch, sitting a few feet from where she was. His sunglasses sat in his lap, so she was able to study his face. The way that his ears flicked told her that he knew she was looking.

“What are their names?” he asked, voice quiet as to not disturb some of the sleeping soldiers.

Of course he had remembered. Mansk paid close attention to things around him, and he must have mentally saved Z-dog’s question for later.

His eyes shifted to meet hers, and this time she didn’t shy away. He had grown comfortable with her over the past days, peeling back the layers that he concealed himself with as a defense mechanism.

Under all the stoicism was uncertainty and some insecurity. While they hid it well, the recombinants were not happy with their body switch. Venus could empathize: if she woke up in a human body tomorrow, she’d be devastated. So she didn’t push them to talk too much about the change.

She tilted her chin in question, and he gestured for her to come closer. She did, scooting her butt until she sat beside him, listening to his breathing as she thought of her answer.

She registered that Quaritch was awake and listening, though he tried to pretend otherwise. His ears pricked up, swerving to listen to their conversation as his eyes remained closed.

“There were five in the litter.” she said softly. “But only three live. A boy, Armua, died when the sky people returned, burned up in the fire of the ships thrusters. And a girl, Wa’su, died giving birth to her first litter.”

Mansk hummed, looking down at her without fully turning. She was thankful for it. While the wound of Wa’sus death had healed, Armua was still fresh. She remembered searching for him for weeks. He had been the one that was closest to her, having territory not far from the villiage.

She had found nothing but ash.

Some of the marines had risen now, woken by their voices. Lyle yawned widely as he shifted to look at them. Quaritch had given up his little ruse and took a sip of water before handing the flask to Lyle.

“The three are Tamar, Salínu, and Ke’muntxa.” she said, turning to address them as well.

Brown’s ears pricked up. “No mate.” he translated, and Venus’s brows raised in surprise. So they had been listening to her language lessons.

“Yes. She’s a female thanator who lives not too far from here. We flew over part of her territory. She’s the eldest of the group, though not by much. She is my favorite.”

“And she has no mate?” asked Mansk.

“Nope. She rejects every male that tries, fighting them and chasing them off her territory.” Venus answered, smiling fondly at the memory of her sister chasing her brothers away from her, viciously protective from a young age.

Lyle smirked. “Remind you of yourself?”

Venus’s smile sharpened. “Piss off.”

He raised his hands in a ‘I surrender’ gesture, laughing softly. “Just saying. I don’t see you with a mate either, V.”

Something about him smiling made her soften, like the grip around her chest loosened slightly. Lyle had all but ignored her this whole time, outright refusing to talk about the first three years of her life and the last three of his.

She couldn’t exactly blame him. It wasn’t the conversation to have lightly over their comms, but still. The way he looked at her, with his brow furrowed and words behind his eyes, hadn’t exactly helped the tension.

This was the first time that he really spoke to her, looking directly at her and smiling. He joked easily with the others, even the Colonel. But with her, he was distant and cold, only acknowledging her when necessary.

But just as quickly as the mask slipped off, he put it back on, and the warmth of his eyes vanished. Her smiled dropped as well, and she retreated back to lean against the tree. She settled back, and Mansk’s arm brushed hers softly.

She looked to Quaritch, meeting eyes with him. “I meant to tell you earlier, but we’ll be traveling straight through Tamar’s territory. He’s highly aggressive and very protective, so we may want to remain above ground for as long as we can.”

Quaritch nodded, laying back down on his back, stiff as a board. He didn’t like taking advice from Venus, but he was learning that her knowledge was useful when it came to protecting his squad. It was a silent truce of giving him morsels of information and him taking it like a child forced to swallow medicine herbs.

She watched him for a while, and after a few moments his eyes turned to meet hers. The shift in his face was barely visible, but his ears dropped, jaw relaxing as his eyes softened. It was odd to see his inner turmoil, and if Venus had been any less aware of others emotions she would have missed it entirely.

He broke the staring contest first, and she looked away.

The rest of the soldiers settled down, burying themselves in their packs to try and get some sleep before their own watch shift came.

She turned back to Mansk, opening her mouth when-

“Lights out, Venus.” came Quaritch’s low but stern voice, and her tail flicked irritatedly as she turned to look at him.

“You’re not my father.” she uttered, so low that only he and Mansk heard. Mansk inhaled sharply, pointedly turning his face away from whatever father-daughter confrontation was happening.

Quaritch leaned up once more to look squarely at her. “Fine, kid. I’m not, but I am the person in charge of keeping you in line. So get in your pack before I make you.” he practically hissed. Venus barred her teeth, ready to bite back when Lyle’s sleepy voice interrupted.

“Quaritch, let her do her thing. She’ll be fine.”

Venus turned to him, surprised at the casual ignorance of authority. Lyle was feircely loyal to Quaritch, following and respecting his orders always. But now he interviened on her bahalf?

Lyle’s eyes shifted to meet hers before glancing at Mansk, then back once more.

He winked.

Oh, Great Mother.

Her ears burned viciously and heat prickled the back of her neck.

Quaritch glared at the corporal before sighing and rolling over so that his back faced them.

She glanced around to see if anyone else had witnessed what just transpired, but everyone seemed asleep.

Seemed.

She leaned back against the truck of the tree, giving Mansk a disbeliving look. His shoulders shifted in a silent laugh, and she bumped her elbow against his in mock annoyance.

Mansk was…easy. Quiet. Now that she knew him, she hesitated to call him shy. He was more contemplative, not as brazen or cocky as the others. He could be when he got loose enough, but most of the time he was wound tighter than a bow string.

And she had made it her mission to loosen it. She didn’t know why.

Well, maybe she did.

“Your turn.” came his opening.

She reached up and rolled the beads of her song cord thoughtfully as she debated. She had two more questions to ask per Lopez’s rules.

“How old are you, really?”

Mansk leaned his head back to look up at the stars just peaking through the leaves. The stretch moved his shirt slightly, and Venus took a moment to admire the peek of his chest tattoo that poked through.

“Well, I was sent to Pandora when I was sixteen.”

Her eyes snapped up to look at his face. “That hardly sounds ethical.” she replied tentatively.

He hummed thoughtfully, putting the memories together in his mind. “I had an aunt who was pretty high up in the RDA, and she personally recommended me to the Colonel. I needed the money, so I took the offer. When I got to Hellsgate, I was technically twenty-one, but no one ages in cryo sleep. I was on there for four years before I died.”

“Twenty.” she murmured, thinking it over. How it would feel to have lost all that time but at the same time having no repercussions for it.

“Is it the same feeling now, having been gone for sixteen years?” she asked.

Mansk’s ears lowered, and she immediately regretted asking. But as soon as she opened her mouth to apologize, Mansk lifted a hand, silencing her.

“Kind of. I know that it should feel like a gap, but it feels like i was asleep. But then…that man isn’t me. I just house his memories.” he replied, and Venus had to fight the urge again to reach to him.

So that was how they felt? Like corpses, carrying on someone else’s lives.

She supposed that was what an avatar was. A vessel.

But they were not avatars. There was no body in the distance piloting them.

Words sat on the tip of her tongue, begging to fill the quiet between them. But she clenched her jaw and held them in.

Instead, she gently took Mansk’s raised hand.

He flinched, the touch unexpected, but she just cradled his hand in the palms of hers, spreading the fingers and studying them.

A beat of silence, only filled by the soft breathing of the soldiers around them, all asleep.

Mansk’s question filled the air without him having to say it.

What are you doing?

She didn’t answer it, instead tracing the lines that flowed down to his wrist. He shivered as her fingertips traced his veins. She pressed her thumb against the center of his hand, and his fingers curled reflexively.

“You are not him.” was all she said before she let the hand go. He retracted it slowly to his lap. Only then did she notice that he had fully turned to her and that their knees were brushing.

“I used my last two questions. You have two to ask.”

She didn’t look up into his eyes, she was afraid of what she might see in them.

It is much harder to kill something when you see it, granddaughter.

But sometimes it needs to be killed, regardless of its thoughts.

You have much to learn.

“How do you know english so well?”

Ah.

“My father always suspected, at least a little, that the war was not over. It was for that reason that he kept his english sharp. And as the eldest, I learned it as well. I understood it could be useful diplomatically.” she murmured, gesturing between them as if to say ‘see?’.

“And my vocabulary comes from reading and speaking to the scientists that stayed back. I love books, but I had to use a magnifying glass to see the letters without holding the pages up to my face.” she chuckled, swallowing awkwardly as silence filled the space between them again.

The thing about Mansk was that when he thought, you could feel it. Like a cloud of static enveloping you if you were close enough. And with his breath teasing the hairs on her forehead, she was easily close enough.

She studied the camo of his pants, tracing the designs with her eyes as he put the words together in his head.

“Why are you doing this?”

She looked up at that, only to be met with Mansk’s heterochromic irises.

The intensity of the stare made her swallow, and she was once again hit with the same feeling of being seen that she had tried to ignore weeks before.

“Doing what?” she asked, trying to play innocent.

“Talking to us, teaching us, warning us.” he asked, voice barely above a whisper.

It was a question that had haunted her many sleepless nights. A fight of her heart and her morals. They are the enemy, they are people. They are redeemable, they will never be uncorrupt. She had not yet solved it.

So she answered honestly.

“I don’t know.”

His eyebrows knit at her response, and she could tell that he was unsatisfied with that answer. But he didn’t push it. Instead, he reached forward and gently traced his thumb along the veins at her wrist.

“Let me know when you do.” he said, with a note of finality that let her know that the conversation was over.

She let out a breath of air as she stood, unsettled with it. But she went to Quaritch’s bag, where he kept a spare bed roll for her.

“No complaining, you hear me?” he had said as he handed it to her.

She was grateful for it, but she decided to mess with him a bit. “Does Ardmore know that you took an additional roll for the savage girl?”

His eyes hardened, and he clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, mumbling something about “taking the high ground” as he stalked away.

The only available space around was next to Wainfleet. Otherwise, she’d have to climb, but the her head swam with exhaustion in a way that suggested certain death if she even tried to get higher up.

So she unrolled her pack along one of the intertwined branches and laid down, determined to get as much shut eye before sunrise.

As she stared up at the sky, Lyle rolled over, wide awake and bright eyed.

“That was a fucking train wreck.” he said, and she had to fight the urge to slap him. “You talk to everyone you’re interested like that?”

“Oh and i’m sure you were a real lady killer back in your day, huh. It’s not like that, anyway.” she responded, voice low as she turned to face him.

His smile was sharp. “Oh sure. And i’m still spry enough to kick you off that branch.”

“You won’t. You like me too much.” she said, chuckling.

The weight of her words thudded in her chest, too late to take them back.

He looked…frozen. Like he had been caught by a predator in the forest, deciding if he should run or fight.

She didn’t know exactly how long they stared at each other, but it was long enough for her stress to turn into frustration.

Now or never.

She reached her hand forward and set it on top of his head.

It was ludicrous, borderline comical as she sat up on her elbow with her hand on top of a killer marines bald head.

When he didn’t slap her palm away, or bite an insult, or kick her off the branch, she opened her mouth to speak.

“I’m her, Lyle. She’s still here.” she murmured, watching his expression carefully.

The moisture pooling in his eyes must have been a trick of her eyesight and the light of the bioluminescence around them.

She swallowed, pulled her hand away, and rolled so that her back faced him, begging the Great Mother to give her the sweet mercy of sleep.

༄

She awoke to the soft cooing of an ikran.

Her eyes fluttered as she took in her surroundings, checking each bed roll to see who was here.

The only one missing was Quaritch.

Go figure. He had taken the last watch, pressured by the others to get some rest. Now, as the sun began to rise over the horizon, she found herself searching for the man she was so determined to avoid.

The cooing sound rose through the branches again, and Venus stood to follow it to one of the branches on the opposite side of the tree.

She had instructed the recombinants on what branches to sleep on, and she had deliberately made sure that they slept on the side opposite the rising sun.

She rounded the tree trunk to find Quaritch trying to give Cupcake a tumpasuk.

She let out a soft whistle to alert them of her presence, and their heads both snapped to her. Cupcake let out a low hiss as she took a step forward, and Quaritch turned to the ikran and tutted her.

She watched as his ears suddenly shot forward, and he reached a hand to her.

Ah, so he had been paying attention to her and Mansk at Bridgehead.

She carefully grabbed his forearm, allowing him to pull her to Cupcake. The ikran hissed again before sniffing at her. She let out a snort of approval, and Venus raised her hand.

Cupcake snapped at her halfheartedly, but Venus had dealt with temperamental banshees all her life. She carefully slid her hand past the orange comb at the base of her jaw, finding the dip of skin along the underside of her head and itching.

Cupcake’s head dropped against her chest with a soft squeal, nudging her in a silent demand for more. She looked at Quaritch to find him staring at her wide eyed.

“How come she acts like a hardass to me, but shes all sweet with you?” he said softly, the question mostly rhetorical.

“Because i’m listening to her.” she responded anyway, rubbing her hands along the various divots that were hard for the ikran to scratch. She carefully grabbed the banshee by her chin and turned her to Quaritch, gesturing for him to continue her actions. When he did so, the banshee cooed gratefully.

“I was trying to feed her.” he told her as she settled down next to him, and she studied the fruit that he showed her.

She smiled. “Ikran do not eat tumpasuk. They prefer meat, always.” The colonel rolled his eyes.

She watched him try to bond with Cupcake, but there was something wrong.

“You’re hesitating to fully become one with her. It is why you struggle when you fly.” she said, resting a hand to his bicep to get him to stop. He turned to her in surprise at the touch, but she was already sliding under Cupcake’s neck to stand by her side.

She gestured for Quaritch to follow, pressing her ear to the banshee’s ribs. “Feel her breath, and then breathe with her. Start to become one with her before you even make tsaheylu.”

Quaritch did as she instructed hesitantly, pressing his own cheek to Cupcakes skin, feeling the pattern of her breath before trying to match it.

In and out.

She felt the coils of the ikran’s muscles loosen, and she gradually relaxed against her rider. Quaritch himself seemed less tense. Or, as less tense as he could possibly get.

“When you are ready, make the bond gently. Allow yourself to really feel her thoughts, her lungs, her strength.” she whispered as Cupcake lowered her queue to Quaritch.

The colonel brought his braid over his shoulder and carefully made tsaheylu. The ikran shuddered, and he whispered little reassurances. Venus watched as Quaritch slowly unfurled, allowing his mind to fuse with his ikran’s.

She had instructed many before him, but the change in him was the most drastic of all. His shoulders dipped, and she watched as the pairs breathing became simultaneous and connected.

She wasn’t sure how long they sat like that, but after what seemed like a century Quaritch opened his eyes.

“I’m still not letting you indoctrinate me into your little insurgency, kid.” he grunted, still pressing his face against Cupcake.

She sighed in mock disappointment. “I know.” she said, taking a step around the ikran back to the trunk. “But it was worth a shot.”

As she began to round the corner, Quaritch called out to her.

She turned, wondering if he was going to insult her.

“Thank you.” was all he said, and Venus nodded, retreating to the rest of the squad to wake them up.

previous | masterlists | next

taglist:

@xstarsmvxz @lisedanie @avatar4eva

[briefalpacashark]

They fall for you

==========================================================

Age: 21

Name: Toni

Recoms falling for there medic.

===========================================

=Z-dog=

She would stare, simple as that. 

She found her eyes constantly following you around. And why not, fine art should be appreciated, she thought. She loved watching you, loved waiting for that bright smile you would flash every now and then.

Just like every day she sat at the table, her eyes flickering to the doors where you would walk through. 

And then you did. Her whole body straightened up as she nudged Lyle.

“Give me your glasses,” she demanded. Lyle frowned following her gaze only to smile and shake his head.

“Can you be any more obvious?” Lyle chuckled. 

“Shut up,” she whispered, snatching the sunglasses off his head. Sliding them on her face she shamelessly followed after you as you gathered some food smiling politely as you conversed with the cafertian woman. Then you turned to them with a bright smile spreading across your face as you walked up to join them.

Now you had noticed some of her glances, yet you couldn't see anything through those reflexive glasses. You also found yourself sneaking a glance at her. She was stunning, and the very air around her screamed badass. And you loved her tattoos.

Over the next few weeks you had found she had started to come to you with all sorts of little bumps and bruises. Any excuse to see you really. You found her talking to you more and more.

Z-dog realized she had it bad when she went out of her way, getting to the canteen two hours early just to get you your favorite drink that usually sold out. 

When Lyle heard about it he laughed, patting his friend's shoulder.

“You are whipped,” he said simply. 

==========================================================

=Lyle=

Lyle was the sort of person that pulls the pig tails of the girl he likes. He loved seeing what expression he could get out of you. Which ment he loved teasing you. Seductive comments, teasing quips. The more lewd the more he seemed to get a reaction out of you.

He loved how your face would flush red as you would sputter a response.

He would constantly hang around you.

He was also a gym rat so he would come to you constantly claiming he strained a muscle. In order to check if he really had strained a muscle you would have to put your hands on him. Which he loved. He wasn't really used to gentle friendly touches. And the way you would fuss over him in slight worry. He yearned for it.

One day Lyle had just completed a body destroying workout that he does every month. His knees were slightly shaky as he walked back.

"Lyle hi," you spoke up as you walked into each other.

"Well hello, beautiful," his signature flirty grin stretched over his face as he took in your gym attire.

"You headed to the gym? I'm on my way there to, mind a gym buddie?" you asked with a sweet smile.

"Beautiful if you want to watch me workout you just need to ask," you blushed at his suggestion ducking your head as you chuckled slightly.

"That's uh. That's not what I was. Anyway, yes or no?" you cleared your throat at your stuttered response, straightening up to look him in the eyes. His smile seemed to widen at the small ting of red muddled up with your freckles.

"Of course beautiful," he said without hesitation.

That poor man absolutely killed himself. You who had a bit more energy than usually did the whole nine yards. Running, weights, strength training. 

The next day Lyke could not move from his bed. Every muscle screamed at him. Z-dog took full advantage of it, pissing him off the entire day. When she found out why he was in so much pain she simply laughed and shook her head. 

As he laid there in utter agony he realized that he was indeed whipped.

==========================================================

=Mansk =

Mansk was a quiet person. He simply hung around reading or cleaning weapons. He had to keep his  hands busy at all times. Since you were constantly doing stupid jobs you hardly had time to look after your equipment. The last time you started cleaning your pack you had fallen asleep face first into some ammo camo netting.

The next time you went to service your gear you found it all completely sparkling clean. You started to look around for who had done it. You did some searching and one day found out it was Mansk cleaning your gear. 

You found him helping out more and more. And everytime you went to thank him your conversations would last a bit longer. He was more of a listener so when you needed someone to rant to he was always there. 

How he realized he liked you was one day he entered the rec room to clean his weapon. There were many empty seats, in fact his favorite spot in the corner was empty. You sat at the main table doing some paperwork for a report. Now Mansk likes his personal space. He liked his quiet time alone. 

Without realizing he found himself walking over to sit beside you.

"Hey," your bright smile earnt a small smile of his own. A feature that was very, very rare on his face. When he caught himself doing it hit him.

He fancied you. He fancied you a lot.

[pandorafallz]

Vampire AU | Returning to Site 26

Grace’s return back to the Shack was…uneventful aside from the matter that she had Paz drop her off but her mind was still buzzing a little from what she had heard from Mansk.

For two days, she was away handling the aftermath of the Quad’s escape, she had worked with Mansk to help him out with the loss to the SciOps there, going over the details of possibly sending Molly up there if Walker was being sent back. Checked in with the others, except Hale who had been overseeing the mine more personally and Mansk had the gall to drop the news of the IVS Destiny on her in passing when talking about Dr Solis. Not that Mansk knew. She never told anyone aside from Paz and Hale about her daughter.

Her daughter could be alive.

If her heart was beating, she knew she’d be in a flutter and anxious about it; waiting to know when the ship came in planetary range but even then, she knew there was no guarantee she would have survived the trip. RDA protocols and all that bullshit.

If Ridley was alive, she had a chance to…reconnect with her long-lost daughter. If not…. Grace wanted to find the best place possible for her to bury her daughter’s remains. She couldn’t hope… but there was that spark and it was uncomfortable to have.

“You fed before you left, right?” Paz asked suddenly.

Grace nodded airily, the question pulling her attention thankfully away from her daughter. “Should be good for a few days.” She knew better than to return here on all three empty stomachs. She’d welcome the chance back to Hell’s Gate when possible as well so helping with Mansk was a fulfilling trip, so to speak.  She didn’t have to break into another bag tonight. “How’s Miles?”

Paz’s expression pulled in. “Sitting up, ready to start crawling. Not denting his iron teething ring I made but he’s chewed through rubber bottle teats now. I think he needs solids now.”

Grace’s head tilted. “He’ll need blood then… and meat.”

“I’m going to have to start hunting local game. Maybe a viperwolf might sustain him but… I don’t know where to store it if he can keep it down.” There uncertainty was very palpable in her tone ad with how she gripped the stick.

“The void space where our meetings used to be. Since we’re all scattered, we can’t use it.” Grace offered. “It’s far closer than our lab.”

Paz hummed, “I’ve considered the lab. I’ll use it when we can’t hide Mile’s Vampiric habits but.. I hope to hold out for another two months.”

“Try and wait till after the radiation storm week,” Grace suggested, “we can’t leave when that hits and you won’t have the supplies.”

Paz let out a redundant sigh to emphasise her wordless frustration.

Grace patted her arm lightly. “Look, I still have my avatar. I could still get you stuff if you have to ditch before then… but it’ll just be a long goddamn walk.”

Paz’s grip on the stick slacked a little. “Thank you.”

-

Arriving back at Site 26, Grace bid her farewell to Paz, jumped out of the Samson with her bag and headed towards the shack. She couldn’t hear anything questionable, which was a relief. There was no mistake that flame between Norm and Trudy and no doubt they had been waiting until she was gone to properly fuck each other raw. She didn’t need to cross into their minds to know they were both horny and waiting for an opportunity. At least she hoped they’d get it out of their system. She doubted they’d miss it given it was two days and Trudy had been very eager to return, after all.

Boy, she was gonna have to vent that shack to air it out. A lot.

Inside, Grace was proven right but the lingering smell was hours stale, nonetheless, she headed straight to the air con to up the venting system and then tossed her bag into her bed. Norm was in the bathroom, showering if the sound of the water running was any indication.

Trudy was reading on her bed though frowned as she realised who it was. “Shit, why didn’t you let me know to pick you up?” She scrambled out of bed, dressed in a simple tank and shorts.

“I considered it but I figured you were too busy doing something,” Grace spoke, unpacking her clothes and shoving her night clothes under her pillow.

“Shit…” Trudy worried, shaking her head, eyes darting around for her clothes. “I’m going to get into so much trouble.”

“Relax. I told Quaritch you were out with Norm running a sample gathering.”

“Wh-oh.” Trudy blinked in surprise. “Wait, you lied?” She sounded genuinely surprised

Grace raised an eyebrow at the pilot “Did you, at any time, take Norm to get samples in the two days that I was away?” She couldn’t help the slight exasperation because surely they were actual professionals out here to do their jobs.

“Yes,” Trudy said. “He got more of that resin-plant stuff.”

Grace relaxed, giving a satisfied nod. “Then I didn’t lie. I didn’t just specify timings.” Grace Left her bag where it was. “I need to link up. Are the samples in the lab outside?”

Trudy nodded, “I’ll let Norm know when he’s out.”

Grace left her at that without another word, happily starting up her link bed and slipping inside before she opened her big yellow eyes.

Boy, her avatar was complaining. She had linked up once at Hell’s Gate to feed it and take care of its needs but that had been brief since she had work to do elsewhere. Now, her stomach panged with hunger, her mouth dry with thirst and oddly enough, she actually enjoyed the unpleasant sensation as she weakly clambered out of the hammock, not bothering with shoes as she padded out to the fridge for some food. Coming across water first, she drained the bottle quickly then continued her fridge raid.

Grace knew, in some ways, it was wrong to enjoy the unpleasantness of her avatar’s discomforts but… it was the only way she could feel the differences. This body felt alive and screamed for it when needs weren’t met. Her…native body not so much. She missed that, oddly.

She missed how the thirst for water was just a dry mouth and the innate desire for water to saturation that mild sensation, not the horrible burning that grew hotter and hotter and could only be saturated by blood. Or the act of holding her breath, the relief of it when she released it. In her vampire form, she could hold her breath for as long as she wanted and the only discomfort she got was the lack of sense of smell. No relief.

Still, she’s never purposely do anything to harm her avatar and deny its needs when she could easily provide it. It wouldn’t last forever but she had to make sure it lived long. Only body she could age in and live through. It made eating that jello pot all the more delicious to the point she remained crouched in front of the open fridge as she ate. Contemplating another pot or granola bar when a voice rang out…

“This sight would be far funnier at 4 am.”

Grace’s head turned, spoon in mouth. “Hm?”

Norm was sitting up in the hammock, grinning a little as he pulled himself out. “Nothing, nothing.” He waved his hand, taking a second to roll his shoulders and pop something. “How’s the trip?” Norm moved to change his shirt and shorts so she turned away to focus on her quick meal.

She pulled the spoon from her mouth, snagged a granola and tossed the empty jello pot into the trash. “As expected. Selfridge is fuming about it. Quaritch… well I heard very little from him actually. I last heard he was in his office doing research on the defectors.” Grace spoke. “Quaritch has never done that so intently. Honestly, I debated on sending the chapel priest to his office instead. With Salt.”

Norm snorted loudly.

Grace chewed through the bar quickly, taking the moment to grab her day clothes and detoured for the loo but returned happily feeling far more refreshed and Norm was already prepping the lab and the samples he had taken were laid out on the central desk.

It wasn’t just resin samples, she realised but there were a few pots so clearly his sample gathering had been fruitful. She didn’t recognise the sealed container but it looked like it contained a water moss of sorts, a pale white with blue threads of colour. There was a Tsawksyul Petal (also known as  a sun lily), some sort of large orange-sized berries and an Acrid pod.

“You’ve been busy,” Grace noted, pleased.

Norm chuckled softly. “they weren’t easy to get.”

“I’m surprised you found an acrid pod, they don’t tend to be this far out East, they prefer the West’s temperature and biomes, water mostly.”

“I can only assume they grew from animal droppings.”

Grace pursed her lips as she took the pod first, pulling out one of her equipment to gather the oil from one of the twelve pods.

“What was the environment of the acrid pods? Riverside or pond?”

“A stream, actually. It wasn’t alone, there were three more on the rock it was on but I left it at that. The others looked immature.”

“Acrid pods are filled with this crude, thick oil,” Grace explained, watching as the yellow, pus-like liquid filled the syringe. “It can be used as a form of explosive at high speeds or ignited. Some na’vi clans can add these to their bow to increase firepower.”

“Oh, wow” Norm looked at it curiously, “I knew they were flammable but… I didn’t realise they’d be part of Na’vi’s arsenal like that.”

“They don’t use these ones often. I’ve never seen it in action but with this, we can run the chemical composition and see how it works and what it eats through. Once we empty the pods, the seeds, we can study but we can replant them by one of the nearby streams so we shouldn’t have to go too far. Also, the skin looks fascinating. I wonder if it has an internal mucus-like membrane to sustain itself against its oil like a human gut or if it’s immune to its own effects…”

-

Together, they worked for hours and the afternoon was soon becoming closer to twilight, taking apart the samples but setting aside the berry and resin into the sample fridge for another time as they broke down the samples, getting chemical compositions running and Grace took the time to get some people at Hell’s gate to look over what they couldn’t complete in the lab.

Grace set aside the physical samples she’d need to be delivered to Hell’s Gate SciOps lab for tomorrow for that as well, so Trudy was going to be busy tomorrow. They unlinked after their avatar’s dinner and Grace left Norm and Trudy for their meal and settled primarily to sit on her bunk. She didn’t change, even as the two humans finished, washed up, kissed and clambered into their bunks then the lights went out

She just lay there but in the darkness, her mind resurfaced this morning’s news again now she was no longer busy or occupying her mind with work. At least conversation had been a distraction. She didn’t have that now. Left alone with her thoughts and all her work was in the lab and she didn’t have the luxury be able to sleeping through it. Times like this, she damned the vampire’s inability to sleep.

Grace remained still, listening out as the two humans fell into sleep; their heartbeats slowing down and their breathing falling into a relaxed pattern of light sleep but even then, it didn’t offer a sustainable distraction despite trying to track each of their sleeping stages.

Noise outside did however pull her attention. Vampire hands and feet scaling upwards. Grace slipped from her bed and out, snagging a last last-second but didn’t put it on—on the off-chance she was seen coming back in.

The familiar sight of Hale appearing over the edge was a surprise but welcome.

“Katherine?”

Hale’s contacts were out, showing off the red hue that was tinged with darkness but she looked… uncomfortable. “I wished you popped over to MineOps before you left.” She said, leading the way from the front to the far side which covered any view from the shack.

“Everything alright?” Grace followed her though she could smell the dirt on her still and the metallic undertone that somehow lingered in her scent.. She could see the clothes were changed still and clean.

Hale let out a frustrated sigh. “I need some of your blood.” She said and the younger vampire peeled off her gloves and shrugged off her jacket, dropping them to the grass.

“Oh shit.” Grace reached for Hale’s arm.

Burgundy Splotches, almost like dust-patterns coated her skin like a horrible rash. Clear as anything with their eyesight despite the darkness of night. Hale pulled her hands away, only to pull down the collar of her turtle neck where more irritated skin was there as well and no doubt more underneath

“Unobtainium rashes,” Grace noted in concern, her hand touching the long curve of discolouration along her jugular, noting how it traced under the mask line. “I thought you were able to handle it.”

“We need to upgrade the filters in the refinery but we have no due-cause just yet for me to just do it. Nothing’s flagged up yet. Our other filters are struggling but keeping up. The downside is we need Selfridge’s stamp of approval to implement the upgrades both prompted and unprompted” Hale said, “The mask protects my face but the dust particles are settling into my clothes now. I shower every night but this keeps happening after I do my visit. It aches but doesn’t itch. Thankfully.”

Grace examined the rash. “These are more like blood spots, you’re body’s trying to heal from the exposure. How’s your thirst?”

“Not the best,” Hale admitted. “I’ve had to feed a little more than usual but it’s not enough. Since we’re MineOps, we can wash and decom our clothes as much as we want to avoid contamination but it’s hard to keep up.”

Within their group, Grace came to learn that while unobtainium was an irritant to vampire biology, not as bad as silver which flat-out burned on contact but this, with contact their bodies seemed to react with a rash instead which took time to go down once the source of the flair was removed from contact without fresh vampire blood. The flair was gone, now but the marks were still healing.

Now, younger vampires didn’t quite have the same vampire blood reserves as a mature vampire would. It took years after the transformation for a vampire’s heart to create enough of their Vampiric blood cells to fill their body and saturate through the current supplied in their veins. The blood cells would act as stem cells; to heal and grow for what the body needs. A mature vampire has blue blood to show their biological maturity (and the fact vampire blood was by nature unoxygenated). A younger would have red which would darken over time.

Henrik, being the youngest had a dark red, Paz and Hale had become burgundy, and baby Miles had a darker shade than his mother’s (and clearly non-human to outsiders). Since her turning, Grace’s blood had darkened to an egg-plant purple now and the rest of their group were at the shade of navy blue.

This meant that healing was also age-subjective as their vampire blood was a key factor to healing. A mature vampire would certainly heal more rapidly than a newly-turned. A Sire’s blood was more efficient than mature blood from another vampire. The closest ‘genetic’ match for vampire biology. It also means they couldn’t risk spilling blood in front of humans; that’d sell them out for sure.

From what she could see, Hale’s body was struggling to heal. If this carried on, the rashes would start to leave marks. Permanently.

Grace silently rolled up her sleeve and pushed it up her arm. “Have at it.” She said, there was no point delaying this, she still had a responsibility to maintain care over those she turned, even if it was the ever-prominent reminder of what they were. At least in her avatar, she could have moments to pretend.

There was no hesitation or awkwardness over it as Kathrine closed the distance and bit straight into the brachial artery at the crook of her elbow. Graced hissed out a little at the pain but it didn’t last too long. She twisted to better look Katherine's arm as she fed but gladly noted as the red spots began to fade out.

“You’re done,” Grace said, as the last few marks began to disappear entirely however, Hale didn’t stop or release so she yanked the fellow red-haired by the ponytail. “Stop.”

Katherine hissed, pulling back and baring her jaw with sharpened teeth in an irritable manner but Grace matched her, her teeth sharpening into fangs. She yanked her head back by the pony again, having not let go to remind the young vampire of her position. There was still a hierarchy between sires and their childes.

She best remembers that.

It took a few seconds before Katherine’s teeth reverted back to blunt-human-like teeth before Grace let go to heal her arm, glad to see that she hadn’t gotten blood on her clothes at the very least. Not something she wanted to talk to Norm about if she didn’t wash her clothes in time.

Hale licked her lips clean, taking a further second to compose herself. “Thank you.” She looked sharply towards the shack. “Your colleague’s woken up and wondering where you are.”

“Damn it, Norm.” She listened out, hearing him slowly clambering out of bed. It was 2 am, probably confused. Just what she needed right now. Grace slipped on the mask, glad for once she hadn’t removed her contact lenses.

“Why don’t you sit outside the shack, say you’re star gazing. New constellations?” Katherine suggested, adjusting her attire back, her jacket back on and gloves.

“Try and hold out but come to me if the rashes are that bad again.” Grace nodded to her arm as she said this. Katherine saluted and then jumped very casually off the mountain, her clothes rustling loudly in her descent.

With the lesser gravity, she was still falling by the time Grace moved and flittered back to the shack, sliding to sit outside the shack steps and ten seconds later, the airlock door opened before a very groggy-sounding Norm spoke.

“Grace? What are you doing? It’s 2 am. It’s not safe at night”

“Couldn’t sleep,” Grace said, not technically lying and letting out a sigh. “Insomnia is very common with avatar drivers…long-term.” She added. Again, not a lie. “Sorry… I didn’t want to wake you up.”

Norm stared at her for a long moment, frowning at her behind his mask. “Are you okay?”

Grace hummed. “Of course.”

Norm didn’t look convinced. “You know, you can talk to me if there’s something on your mind. Me and Trudy are here.”

“I know.”

Norm stared for a long moment then let go of the door, passing out and slowly sunk down beside her, taking a moment to look around, then up.

Silence fell between them for a few minutes.

“It’s weird to think Earth is upwards. We came from so far away and now, we’re looking up at our home world and…can’t even see it.”  Norm chuckled softly. “Has the RDA done any astrology studies from Pandora?”

“Not really. We travel through space, we don’t need to study the constellations again.” Grace admitted. “RDA won’t fund for it either. A redundant science.”

“I wonder what clans chart the sky.”

“From what Dr Harper told me of the clan, the Anurai clan have astrologists, or as they say, Stargazer,” Grace spoke.

“You know, if we ever get to meet one of the Na’vi, we should ask, right?”

Grace peered at him softly but said nothing. She could see where his question was coming from; to know the Na’vi’s perspective on space and how they saw the outside world. It was interesting, from a cultural standpoint but she’d leave those questions for him to ask.

After a moment, Norm sighed again, twitching a little in discomfort and his knee gave a quiet pop as he stretched out a little.

Her gaze turned up to the sky for a moment. She could see so much more but didn’t want to point anything out. She couldn’t remember the limit of human eyes. Even her avatar eyes were better than human eyes. Still, there was little to no light pollution in the mountains so even Norm had a spectacular view of the sky.

It was weird to think that… soon there would be another ship coming. Another ship coming that had her daughter on. Alive…dead… but here all the same.

“Ridley might be alive,” Grace stated quietly.

Norm’s head turned to her suddenly, eyes widening. “R-Really?”

Grace shrugged. “Just…rumour someone from higher up mentioned that…the IVS Density was located…and on its way. No passenger confirmation. She might be dead still.”

Norm looked a little startled before he let out a huff. “No wonder you’re out here.” He remarked, “Sorry if that sounded off...” He realised a second later.

Grace shook her head. “It’s fine, Norm.”

“No, it’s not but thanks, I guess.” He looked up to the stars as well. “If…you don’t mind me asking but…what’s she like? Your daughter?”

Grace let out a deep, redundant breath. “Honestly… I wish I knew. Before I left, she was this adorable, clingy two-year-old who tried to hide in my luggage or sneak into my bed. She absolutely loved water.” She smiled softly. “After the umbilical stump finally fell off, I started to let her float in the kitchen sink for me to study. She loved simply floating. She had this inflatable neck support that kept her head out of the water but… it allowed me to work and study beside her. I still had to get through avatar training and my Ph.D.s. Doing that with a new-born… really difficult”

Norm smiled softly, “Sounds adorable.”

“Ridley cried every time I had to pull her out.” She remembered how it used to tear at her heart to hear her cry so hard and her father had to stop her putting the baby back in the sink. Post-partum had not been easy but with her father’s support, she never would have made it in either her work or child-rearing.

“What was she trained in?”

“Well… Xenobotanist but she chose a speciality in water-based plants and life forms. I’m not surprised.” She had been following her daughter’s career the best she could in Pandora. “She’s trained in Xenoanthropology and Xenolinguistics. Dr Harper accepted her application into the Avatar program but I bet a lot of people are gonna make assumptions...” she wasn’t looking forward to that. If Ridley had become anything like her, she was probably gonna be equally annoyed about it. Ridley didn’t get a free pass to Pandora because of their relation. She earned it like everyone else (except Sully but she didn’t count him). She hadn’t been head of SciOps for nine years, only three and a half years but they weren’t gonna remember that now, would they?

“She’ll have an avatar?”

Grace nodded gently. “If it’s and she’s still alive, yes.”

Norm hummed softly, his tone gentle. “I hope she’s okay.”

“I hope I get to know her again. It’s… I know there’s a chance she won’t remember me but I hope she’ll talk to me.” That worried her the most really. What if Ridley wanted nothing to do with her? While they shared the same family name…a face even, they could be too different to get along. Or maybe Ridley just wanted to keep things at a professional distance. What if Ridley resented her for leaving?

“I hope so too, Grace. I really do.” Norm reached a little awkwardly, patting her on the shoulder but he took a sudden intake of breath, jaw clenching and nostrils fared as he tried to suppress a yawn, his eyes watering a little.

“Bedtime,” Grace decided, rising to her feet.

Norm shook his head. “It's fine, I can stay up a little longer. You can…keep talking. It’ll make you feel better.”

Grace shook her head but offered him a tired smile of gratitude. “Tomorrow…maybe.” She reached for the airlock, holding it open for him to clamber to his feet and head in first.

She did feel a little better, now that she realised it. Lighter, even but it was no guarantee the weight wouldn’t come back.

She just hoped Ridley was alive. It would be nice to be a mother again.

Masterlist

[defodisturbed]

at the gala - Zdinarsk x reader

Synopsis: You and your lover, Zdinarsk, attend the Phoenix Gala, organized to celebrate the grand release of Project Phoenix.

inspired by "At the Gala" from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

You were getting ready for the Phoenix Gala when Lyle walked in. "Gosh, Y/N, you look beautiful! You'll definitely be the most beautiful person at the ball," He commented. You had on your most beautiful dress, one your mother had made for you to remember her by. It sparkled and shined in the light, and your heels were white and graceful.

"Oh, thank you, dear. I hope Zdog likes it. This was made for me by my mother before I headed out to Pandora. These heels also cost like a gazillion dollars." You replied, putting said heels on. You wanted to look your best for your lover, who you adored so much.

"I think Z will love it. Because she loves you." Lyle said, sitting next to you and patting your exposed shoulder. You smiled as he looked at you with a proud expression on his face. He always was proud of your relationship, since he had never seen such love before.

"I think you two will be the most beautiful girls at the ball." Lyle added.

At the gala...

Your bestie was on the microphone, crushing it at the karaoke. You were part of the recombinant squad, so you got a special entrance.

"Please welcome the Deja Bu Unit. Miles Quaritch, Lyle Wainfleet, Sinjin Brown, Ryan Ja, Lopez Hernandez, Manuel Prager, Sean Fike, Melissa Walker, Han Warren, Leo Zhang, Liam Mansk, and the real gals of the gala, Alicia Zdinarsk and Y/N L/N!"

People cheered as the others entered, and then it was time for Alicia. She walked down the big entrance stairs, in her beautiful dress.

I suddenly felt overdressed, as I walked down the same stairs. She was already sitting with the others, until she noticed me and her eyes widened. "She's so beautiful..." she thought.

I walked down, fingers intertwined with each other.

I sat down next to Zdog. "You look so... beautiful, Y/N. Like a goddess." She said. "Oh, well, thank you. This isn't really my best dress. My mom used to make dresses for me back on earth and I took one with me."

"Well, you look amazing." Quaritch complimented. I thanked everyone for their compliments and talked with them while we ate.

Now it was time to dance. Quaritch paired up with Lyle, Norm with Trudy, and Zdinarsk paired up with you. Slow, romantic music played as you two danced. You kissed her, her returning it. This dance went on for a while, until the music faded and you felt sad you couldn't continue. You loved romantic, soft moments with your partner. Moments like that dance.

"I liked that. Thank you." You said to her, placing another kiss on her cheek. She smiled at you, before gently holding your chin and pulling you in for a kiss. The others instinctively went "AWWWWW" even though it happens so often.

It hit 2AM and so everybody went home. You walked with your lover back to your room. You went to bed cuddling with your lover, legs and arms intertwined.

hope you enjoyed mwah!!

@dyingofcookies

[americanahighways]

REVIEW: Parker Bradley "Certain Days"

REVIEW: Parker Bradley "Certain Days" @parkerbradley @americanahighways #americanahighways #americanamusic #newmusic2024 #certaindays #parkerbradley

Parker Bradley – Certain Days Parker Bradley has a new album Certain Days, which was recorded between August and November last year at The Zone Recording Studio in Dripping Springs, Texas. It was produced by Pat Manske and Parker Bradley; and engineered and mixed by Pat Manske. Everything about this album, every riff, every tone, and every song, is a tug at your heartstrings in the intensive…

[goalhofer]

Famous May 24, 2023 birthdays.

Tommy Chong (Canadian-American comedian & actor), 85

Bob Dylan (American singer & guitarist), 82

Gary Burghoff (American actor), 80

Patti Holte aka Patti LaBelle (American singer & actress)(pictured), 79

Priscilla Presley (American actress & businesswoman)(pictured), 78

Albert Bouchard (American drummer & singer), 76

Mike Reid (American singer & football player), 76

Waddy Wachtel (American guitarist & record producer), 76

Jim Broadbent (British actor), 74

Sir Roger Deakins (British cinematographer), 74

Alfred Molina (British actor), 70

Rosanne Cash Leventhal (American singer & guitarist), 68

Prof. Richard B. Bernstein (American historian & lecturer), 67

Guy Fletcher (British keyboardist & guitarist), 63

Kristin Scott-Thomas (British-French actress), 63

Alain Lemieux (Canadian hockey player & executive), 62

Rich Rodriguez (American football coach), 60

Pat Verbeek (Canadian hockey player & executive), 59

John C. Reilly (American actor & singer), 58

Carlos Hernández (Venezuelan-American baseball player & analyst), 56

Rich Robinson (American guitarist & singer), 54

Kris Draper (Canadian hockey player & executive), 52

Bartolo Colón (Dominican-American baseball player), 50

Kobayashi Masahide (Japanese baseball player & coach), 49

Dr. Heinrich Manske (German biochemist & software developer), 49

Will Sasso (Canadian actor), 48

Alessandro Cortini (Italian keyboardist & singer), 47

Brad Penny (American baseball player), 45

Johan Holmqvist (Swedish hockey player), 45

Kareem McKenzie (American football player), 44

Jason Babin (American football player), 43

Rian Wallace (American football player), 41

Guillaume Latendresse (Canadian hockey player & coach), 36

Sgt. Monica Brown (American soldier), 35

Artem Anisimov (Russian hockey player), 35

G-Eazy (American rapper), 34

Kalin Lucas (American basketball player), 34

Mattias Ekholm (Swedish hockey player), 33

Cody Eakin (Canadian hockey player), 32

Jarell Martin (American basketball player), 29