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Italics: (Na'vi language, or Metkayina sign language, and Jake's inner thoughts)

A/N: Hello! Okay so this chapter has a bit of everything and I also added a scene inspired by one of my favorite shows and I really love how it turned out so hope you like it! :,)

As always, don't forget to comment and vote <3 I love reading and replying to all of your comments and they truly make my day 🤍 Without further ado, I hope you guys like it!
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You and Jake eventually parted ways. He went back to his hut and to his family while you, once again, headed towards your empty tent. If you were being honest, it was becoming easier every day to walk in there, and it's not nearly as painful as it used to be and even if it still hurt, you could manage. You two had talked about meeting up the next day again to hang out, but nothing was set in stone and if nothing else happened and things started to cool down, the kids could start to move on and everything would go back to the way it was when the family first arrived at the village.

As you walked back to your hut silently, you were already seeing that the lights in Sully's tent were almost out, which meant that either the kids were asleep now and Jake was the only one awake, or everyone is asleep and they forgot to blow out the last torch. You didn't blame them if they were too exhausted to even think about blowing out the lights the moment that they stepped on their mats in their home.

You were getting closer to the entrance of your hut and just as you were about to go inside, you heard a voice called your name. You stopped in your tracks and looked around, but didn't see anyone, so you continued walking. When you heard that same voice, you recognized it a lot more now and it clear that it was Vokan and his voice was getting closer. You turned around and saw that the warrior was approaching you with a smile. You reciprocated his expression, starting to feel more accustomed to being his friend rather than his arranged mate.

"Hey, Y/n. I've been looking over for you everywhere. I heard what happened to Toruk Makto's family" He said as he finally stood before you. You nodded at the words he'd said, remembering how many people of the village were actually gathered during the whole thing. "Yeah, but everything is alright now. Don't worry" You said and the watrior nodded, shifting in place a bit as he cleared his throat and fiddled with his fingers behind his back.

You noticed that as soon as the small talk was over, he had suddenly gotten very nervous. He was shifting in one place, clearing his throat, avoiding eye-contact with him. A few seconds later, he must have finally gathered the courage to say what he wanted to say. You don't know what could possibly make him that nervous, but whatever it was, you wouldn't judge him. You two weren't close, but you were not a heartless monster, so you'd treat him like your friend. Whether he was supposed to be your mate or not, you'd support him with anything.

"Are you okay? You seem tense" You said as you crossed your arms together in front of your chest, and looked at him with slight concern. He nodded immediately and he defended himself. "Yeah, I'm okay. There's something I wanted to ask you" He admitted and you nodded understandingly. What did he need from you that was making him this nervous?

"Take your time" You reassured him, and he smiled softly, grateful for your patience. Though he does have feelings for you, Vokan has noticed how close you've gotten with Jake, and what he wanted to ask you would just send him into a shameless and embarrassed spiral.

"Well, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out tomorrow. There's a hunting spot I just discovered and I wanted to show you" Vokan asked with a lot more confidence. Your eyes widened slightly with surprise at his question.

You were hoping to hang out with Jake tomorrow, even if nothing was really set in stone and the idea was just thrown into the air, but you also didn't want to leave Vokan alone and leave the poor guy to shame. He has been trying for a long time to get to know you, but you also didn't want to lead him on either. He most likely already knew you were spending a lot of time with Jake, and he wanted to have some time with you too.

You guessed it couldn't hurt to have one outing and see how it goes. You didn't want this man to be a second choice, and he probably already knew he wasn't, but he still wanted to try and get closer to you nonetheless for even a smidge of a chance you'll choose him. You wanted him to be with someone who truly wanted to be with him rather than it being an obligation.

Vokan noticed your hesitance and he could already tell that you were doubting, so he tried to defend his position. "It was Tonowari's idea, by the way. He's been wanting me to spend time with you and get to know you so I figured this would be a good way" He said, and suddenly it made sense. It probably had to do with his feelings for you, but the fact that Tonowari was the one that suggested that Vokan approaches you made a lot more sense. Tonowari had no idea about how you were feelings towards Jake, and probably thinks you have not found anyone, but you have. You've had someone in mind for a while now.

As you and Vokan talked, Jake had been listening from inside his hut, given how you and Vokan were speaking just outside of yours. He had a dejected look on his face. He didn't know what came over him, but now that the kids were asleep, he wanted to find you and hint the idea of a date, just you and him. As he was about to step out of his home, he stopped in his tracks and hid behind the wall of his hut the moment that he heard what Vokan asked.

He couldn't stop listening to hear what you'd say to the warrior, but if you said what his mind was convincing him to think, then his mind would trick him into thinking that maybe it was too soon. It was moments of agonizing silence before you finally replied and Jake felt discouraged, yet a bit more hopeful at the same time. It was weird and he couldn't explain it.

"Sure. I'll see what I can do. But I promised Jake to spend some time with him too first, so I can't make any promises" You said, and Jake couldn't help but smile to himself at your loyalty to him. He felt discouraged because he knew there was a chance your time with him would be cut short to be with Vokan, but he was hopeful because he'd have more time with you, even it was shorter than he would want.

"That's fine with me. And one other thing. Tonowari is organizing a party here in the village for returning warriors that left a couple months ago, and If you don't have anybody to take you, I would be honored to be your date. I know this is a lot to dump on you, so I will let you think about it" Vokan said, and you suddenly remembered when Tonowari mentioned this party to you a couple days ago.

You had forgotten completely. Behind the wall of his hut, Jake suddenly perked up and felt an opportunity coming in. Before he regretted it and let his mind wander to the worst possible outcome, he had it as a goal in his head to ask you to this party as soon as he got the chance.

"I forgot about that party, but if that says anything, I don't have a date. I'll think about it" You smiled and Vokan nodded with a hopeful look on his face. At the mention of this party, you had hopes in your mind that if Jake were to find out about it, he'd ask you, and it'd give you more courage and confirmation to get closer to him in a way that's not just friends, that is if he wanted to go to that party as more than just friends. But then again, that would just be opening a whole can of worms that will send you into a spiral of complications.

"That's more than enough for me. I guess i'll see you tomorrow," Vokan smiled as he began to walk away, leaving you alone with your thoughts. After he was gone, you started to think and you thought to yourself; What just happened? You pondered. Did you just agree to an outing with Vokan? What about Jake?

You were so confused. But, Jake on the other hand, was starting to feel a bit more hopeful and encouraged as he started to gain the confidence to leave his hut and settle a date with you before it was too late. Maybe that was all he needed to know if what he was feeling was real. Maybe that'll settle his overthinking once and for all and confirm that he truly felt something for you, and it wasn't his mind tricking him into thinking he was ready to move on. To go on a date. That was simple enough, wasn't it? You hadn't exactly assured Vokan about his suggestion for a date with him because of the plans you'd discussed with Jake for the next day, but now, he had a chance to take it a step further. He wanted to explore these feelings that are starting to feel less and less foreign the more he spent time with you.

As for the party, whether Jake continued to be confused about his feelings, he knew in his heart that he didn't want to go to that event with anyone else other than you. You hadn't confirmed Vokan for that either, and you didn't have a date so he had time to ask. As soon as Vokan mentioned the party and you said you didn't have a date, Jake started to wonder if you were in the same circumstance as him, afraid to approach the other in a manner that was way further than what friends did. To anyone else with eyes, you two were hopeless and until either of you got the courage to do something about it, the same cycle would happen over and over nonstop.

Jake wanted nothing more than to go outside of his tent and just ask you. You were right there, and he still had a chance to set in stone that hint to a date that he's been thinking about. He had a feeling that if he lost this opportunity, he wouldn't find someone like you in a long time. Tonowari didn't know that Jake liked you, and also didn't know that you liked Jake, which leads the Olo'eyktan to believe that Vokan is the only option. But as the days go by and things blur together, the realization comes crashing down to both you and Jake and after finally coming to terms that both of your mates will forever live in their hearts, it didn't mean that they couldn't find love again. Though, as complicated as it has become, neither you or Jake knew that everything would eventually just fall in to place when it needed to.

Jake decided against approaching you. It was late by now and with Vokan's sudden offer, he noticed you were probably already as confused as he was. Instead of formally asking on a date, this is what Jake would do. He'd stop by your place in the morning and casually ask to walk by the beach and just hang out, together, like you've done as friends over the last few weeks. He hoped you didn't catch his intentions, because he wants to slowly introduce the idea of a date and see what it feels like to be on one with you. By this tableau, this whole thing was just testing the waters a bit for him. In a way this was a test for both of you. In your case it was for Jake to see what it would be like to be on an outing just you and him, and for Jake, it would be a way to know how he really feels.

He peeked a bit to the outside of his tent, and saw you trudge into your tent and pull down the visor of your hunt. He sighed and leaned against the nearest pole next to him. He looked back to check on his kids and was startled to see Neteyam suddenly up, rubbing his eyes. He must've heard commotion from outside since he was sleeping in a place directly where the water was crashing against rocks. Jake noticed how his oldest son had a teasing smile on his face, making Jake cough awkwardly and look away. "What are you doing up? Go back to sleep" Jake said as he went to his mat across from Neteyam. The boy still didn't let up.

"Dad, we've all seen it. You like y/n" Neteyam said, making Jake's eyes widened as he suddenly sat up on his mat to face his son who was already laying on his side, away from Jake. "What? Don't be ridiculous" Jake said as he laid back down on his back, embarrassed that his kids have been able to figure out what was happening between you and him, but neither you or Jake had the guts to admit it to one another. Neteyam laughed softly, already managing to picture his dad's face. "Don't worry, dad," Neteyam started, trailing off as he yawned and then proceeded to continue.

"Don't let her go" Neteyam mumbled and finished speaking as he finally succumbed to his slumber and fell asleep, but Jake stayed stunned at his own son's words. It wasn't until Lo'ak spoke up all of a sudden, and it must be because he's sleeping right next to Neteyam. "Yeah, dad. We like her" Lo'ak said, not turning around but Jake knew it was meant for him. Jake let out a sound between a laugh and a scoff, in disbelief of his son's words. "Alright, enough out of you two," Jake said, hearing his son's laugh softly, even after events like what happened today. They smiled at the world.

They really did love you, didn't they? There was no denying it now. And maybe it was all in his head, but maybe he was the only one who's been struggling to let go. His kids were much stronger than he gave them credit for. Maybe Jake was the only one not seeing what was right in front of him, too blinded by what his family would think, what his mind tells him, and fear of getting his heart torn apart again. But he realized that with you, he'd take that risk, and he wouldn't regret it this time.

-

The sun mas much more brighter the moment that your eyes fluttered open. Even through the visor that served as a door for your home, the light was bright and forced you to wake up early. Begrudgingly, you sat up with a yawn and rubbed your eyes, trying to get ahold of your surroundings. Surprisingly enough, there were no nightmares the night before and you actually slept well enough. What was that about? Either way, you didn't complain.

Before you could even stand up, there was a knock outside your tent. You grumbled and waited a few seconds to see if it really was somebody knocking on your home at what looked like to be way too early in the morning. Then, a few seconds, you heard another knock. You groaned inwardly, and just when you were about to tell whoever was on that other side to go away, you heard a voice that made you perk up. "Y/n? Are you awake?" Jake asked in a small voice, and your heart immediately bounced with excitement, completely leaving your annoyance and grumpiness behind.

"Yeah! I'm here" You answered, standing up quickly and brushing your hair away from face to make yourself presentable. You could see his silhouette from the sun against the almost transparent visor, and when you approached the door itself, you grabbed onto it and began to push it to the side, and there he was. Jake was standing there with a gentle smile on his face, happy to see you. You reciprocated it and crossed your arms in front of you. "Hey" He said, and you said a small 'Hi', with a smile not leaving your face. Realizations were made last night, and now you two were looking at each other like oblivious and hopeless idiots.

"What brings you here?" You asked, and watched as Jake gestured with his thumb to the beach behind him, your eyes followed to where he was pointing and you immediately began to piece it together. You nod and smiled, giving Jake all the conversation he needed. He loved how you understood him and he didn't even need to say anything. He watched fondly as you rushed into your hut and he waited outside, seeing as you began to gather your things to head outside, putting your knife holster on your hips. You've been carrying that around a lot recently, you were never without it.

You rushed eagerly to the entrance and met Jake there. "Okay, I'm ready. Let's go" You said, taking a bold step and grabbing Jake's hand, intertwining them with yours as you happily began to lead him over to the beach. He was speechless by your sudden actions, but soon he started to melt into your touch. It just felt so right. His shocked and surprised expression was replaced with a joyful laugh, which was something that he hasn't done in a while. You brought that out of him.

No matter how many stares from villagers you two got, Jake didn't register them and neither did you. Both of you were just happy to be in the moment, and Jake didn't care about the mouth-open stares that both of you got, in fact, the sound of your laughter only made his hand tighten around yours. The warmth that was passing between the palms of your hands could last for an eternity and an entire lifetime.

By the time you reached the beach, you let go of Jake's hand (despite the loss of warmth) and happily began to stretch your arms out into the morning ocean air. You turned back to look at Jake and saw that he was looking at you, that to anyone would look like you were his whole world and there was nobody else but you. This realization has taken him for a bit of spin and he would not mess it up now by rushing things. But for now, baby steps to figure it all out.

"What did you want to do out here? It's so early" You asked, as much as you didn't get tired of the Awa'atlu beach in the morning. There was truly nothing like it. Jake stepped closer to you and towered over you, which is something you had failed to notice. He let a ghost of a smirk graze his lips and he chuckled. "I had an idea. Just you and me" He whispered softly, and the idea alone made you beam at him even if you didn't know what it was at all.

"What is it?" You asked curiously, and Jake shook his head, refusing to tell you. Once again  he grabbed your arm and began to lead you over to the place his idea would take place in. "It's not a surprise if I tell you" Jake chuckled, earning a deadpan look from you. That was obvious, but you were just so excited that on your way there, you continued to guess and Jake continued to deny until you gave up. Soon, you gave him the opportunity he wanted to just let it be a surprise like he wanted, as much as your curiosity told you otherwise.

Before you knew it, you and Jake were on a secluded place by the beach, right in front of one another. Just you and him like he said. You two were playing a game he proposed of who can stack the most sea shells without letting them fall down. The waves crashed in the distance while you and Jake continued to stay invested in this game he suggested.

He was laying down on his stomach on the sand, using his forearms to prop him up, while you were sitting in front of him with one of your legs splayed out and your other leg folded. Your seashells were in between your legs, so you stacked them with so much concentration that Jake almost laughed at your face of pure attentiveness to your task at hand.

Both of your towers were pretty high up, but that didn't stop either of you from continuing the game. It got to the point where you two got to talking, aside from competition and more things began to get out in the open. Jake loved to hear more about what makes you who you are. There are so many things that he likes about you, but he's always open to add more to that list. You two were comfortable enough to ask anything, within reason obviously because boundaries exist, and not have any hard feelings while also being honest. It's something special that your friendship has grown to have.

"I learned how to be on my own a little early" You said, answering Jake's question that he had inquired before, while also continuing to stack seashells both of you had collected for this game previously. That had also been a fun experience. Whoever got the most seashells could get a head start on the game, even if during the game itself, you'd just take from each other. Jake looked up at you attentively as you spoke, which was clearly something that was important and meaningful to you.

"I learned at a young age..." You started, pausing for a second to carefully place another seashell on your growing tower. "...so I adapted very quickly" You finished, referring to how you lost your parents when you were young and even if you had Tonowari and Ronal, it forced you to grow up independently. Jake looked up at you, letting his eyes run over your features before turning his attention back to his shells and stacking a couple more. He was giving you his full and undivided attention.

You laughed softly, finding it ironic to find yourself in a situation like this. "To be honest, this is more awkward for me. Coming to the beach with a friend, like you" You smiled, and Jake felt his heart fill with warmth at your words, even if he was slowly starting to realize that he wanted more. "What I mean is that I usually come here for lessons with the kids, guidance from warriors, or just catching up with Tonowari or Ronal. That's about it. Never to truly appreciate it for what it is" You sighed dejectedly, but also filled with nostalgia.

"How is it?" Jake said as he looked up at you, watching as your hair fell from your shoulders as a curtain for your face the more you leaned down to stack shells. After placing one more, you looked up at him and beamed at your friend. "It's really fun, actually" You admitted, and those single words really did make his whole day right there. That's all he wanted out of this. To see you in your element like this.

"It's so fun, that I'm actually bitter that I never knew about this" You laughed gently, inciting Jake to leg a chuckle of his own. "I used to be surrounded by warriors and people of higher rank in the village, and I still am, but it feels like I'm in another world sometimes" You said, hoping Jake comprehended what you meant, and you didn't know this, but it was ironic how much he could relate. He couldn't believe you have never had time to do something like this with all the responsibilities you were given from a young age. Like you said, you were forced to grow up quickly with expectations and to be a warrior like your parents was something always expected of you. He wished you'd have more of a chance to explore your home more, and he'd make sure you'd do that.

As you looked out into the horizon of the rising sun and the ocean in front of you, Jake was continuing to stack shells with concentration while still tending to what you were saying. "I'm glad" Jake said simply, and you knew he was referring to the fact that you finally got to have your own choices and do what you've always wanted and not what's expected.

A few more seconds of comfortable silence passed and you began to dive into a topic you and him had discussed earlier in the game. "Did I not tell you that my parents passed away?" You asked with inquiry as you watched Jake stack more shells onto his tower. He hummed in confirmation and repositioned his forearm since they felt uncomfortable to be in the same position for so long. "I talked to Tonowari one day after you had spoken with him, and he mentioned your parents. So I kind of guessed after what he said " Jake said, looking up at you to see your reaction but you nodded and smiled softly to yourself, as if nostalgically looking back in your youth.

"Oh, that's right. He did" You said as you remembered that conversation that you had finished with Tonowari and then Jake came in shortly after, so it must have happened then. In difference to Hahona, you actually had an idea of what your parents died from. They were with other warriors so they weren't alone and they had each other, and it wasn't a total mystery in contrast to Hahona's passing recently.

Just like that, there were no hard feelings and you two listened to what the other had to say with no judgment while getting to know each other. The more that this outing went on, Jake only realized that he had no problem in taking a chance on you, and on his once again, beating heart whenever you were around. Both of your past wounds were healing unknowingly and neither of you knew it, but it's because of how close and trusting you two have become.

As for the game, you were about to add the very last shell and hoping it wouldn't topple over. You already had too many stacked so it was only a matter of time, and the competitive side of you wished Jake's crumbled first. As you placed what you hoped would be the last shell, you carefully lowered it down to your stack and it seems that whoever was out there hearing your prayers was not listening, because as soon as you placed it down, your tower crumbled and Jake celebrated in victory. You gasped and looked down at your fallen tower with a pout.

You watched as Jake went from being on his stomach, to being on his back, pumping his fists into the air in celebration. "Yes! Yes!" He cheered and got up from his position, now sitting down in front of you like you were. "Why did it topple over? It was so steady" You said as you began to round up your fallen shells. Jake only continued to celebrate, and your eyes widened when you realized it was time for the lose to get its punishment.

It was a flick of the finger to your forehead. It's never been done to you, but Ao'nung said it hurt a lot so you weren't looking forward to this. Jake was shaking out his hands and prepared his fingers to be in the position that he'd use to flick your forehead. "Are you really going to hit me?" You asked incredulously, watching as Jake didn't let up from shaking his hands and stretching them out. He was really serious about it then. You groaned inwardly. "Don't do it so hard" You mumbled, loudly enough for him to hear it in front of you.

"Of course. A game is a game. I didn't take you for a sore loser, Y/n" Jake said, and you grumbled something under your breath, preparing yourself. You were one of the best warriors in the clan, so why were you nervous over a flick in your forehead? It's probably not that bad. "Fine. Do it, then. But I know you freak out if I get hurt even slightly" You said as you started to push your hair away from your face and anything that shielded your forehead.

As you continued to speak, as a way to deflect what was about to happen, you didn't pay attention to Jake standing up and towering over you while you stayed seated, about to flick your forehead. "Then, you'll say I have to go see a healers and- Ah!" You yelped and didn't even get finish your sentence as Jake flicked your head with his middle finger. The impact was so big that you stumbled back a bit and had to use your arm to keep you propped up as your other hand held your forehead littered with pain.

Jake laughed a bit as he watched you yelp in pain at him flicking your forehead. "You really hit me," You murmured. He was beginning to laugh so much that he didn't even know he was walking backwards, which resulted in him tripping and falling on his back and his butt. Your cries of pain suddenly turned into loud laughter once you witnessed that. You pointed mockingly at Jake on his back trying to recover from his fall. Even from his fall, Jake continued to laugh and got on one knee as you redirected your attention to the pain in your forehead.

"How could you? Is this what you call friendship?" You said with a bitter and petty smile and laughing in between words. Jake laughed at your dramatic comment and his laughter started to die down. He sat in front of you and raised his hands up in surrender. "Okay, let's play again. Rematch" Jake offered as a few laughs escaped him here and there, but you were speechless and not in the mood.

As Jake began to rearrange the shells, you spitefully kicked them over and began to walk and drag your feet around in the sand as your eyes searched the sand. He has never seen this playful side of you, and it made him fall for you even more. He watched with confusion and a smile on his face while you looked around in the sand. Jake chuckled and brushed away the debris on his hands, standing up and heading over to you. "Hey. Are you upset? Fine, you can hit me, too. Hit me" Jake said with an apologetic smile as he approached you.

He stopped walking towards you when he was close enough, and when you suddenly turned to look at him with a nonchalant expression on your face, he was feeling even more confused. His face dropped when you suddenly grabbed a branch and snapped it in half with your leg. Though, you dropped the branches, you bent down again to the sand. "What are you doing?" Jake asked, infinitely confused as to what you were doing. When he didn't get a response, he asked again; "Y/n, hey. What are you doing?" He was even more lost when he saw you grab two rocks and start to wind up your arm that had the rocks you picked up in your hand.

"What...?" Jake muttered, but then his eyes widened and started backing up and running from you as you began to run after him with the rocks in your hands. "Wait right there!" You yelled out, running after Jake and not helping but start laughing as you did so. "What are you doing?" He began laughing too as he ran from you and after he heard you were laughing as well the entire time.

You two chased each other, you after him, all over the beach. "I'm going to get you!" You yelled after him, but Jake continued to laugh and looked back at you, not looking where he was going. After a few seconds, it was less about the rocks and more about just the rush. You quickly forgot why you were chasing him.

"You'll never catch me!" He called out, but right on cue, since he wasn't looking where he was going, he tripped and fell on his stomach. Since you were running at full speed after him, you didn't have time to stop and you tripped over his body, rolled around a couple of times and you landed on your back onto the soft sand of the beach, along with exhausted laughs.

Both of you were laying in the sand on your backs as both of your laughs died down and you turned your head to look at one another. "Let's not play that game anymore, okay?" You chuckled, and Jake laughed too. He put his arm over his eyes to block out the sunlight. That was the most Jake had ever laughed in so long. His kids always made him laugh but it's been a while since he was laughing to the point he was breathless. It was really exhilarating.

"You weren't really going to kill me, will you?" Jake joked as he removed his arm from around his eyes and turned to look at you. You ended up shrugged innocently; "No, don't worry. I like you too much for that" You continued with his banter, but your words made him freeze a bit. And although it was true in a deeper sense for both of you that you liked him and he liked you, you were following his banter anyway so you hoped you didn't give away a whole lot. It was only a few seconds until the atmosphere was restored on its own, and you and Jake just stayed on the sand talking for a bit to rest, while discussing just about anything.

It was still rather early in the morning, and Jake hoped that be could spend the day with you if he could, but he knows that there are other people looking to be with you. Moments like the one you just had with him just proved how compatible and connected you two are. Its proof that you have grown to be so vulnerable with each other, knowing that you can be yourselves and have grown to almost be joined at the hip after just a few weeks. For Jake, if finally accepting and realizing what he was feeling meant that he got to spend more time with you like this every day, he'd do it in a heartbeat and wouldn't think about it twice. He'd take a chance, and risk it all for you.

As you and Jake continued to lay down on the ground, laughing and talking while laying on your backs, you were completely oblivious to the eyes set on both of you. Tonowari had gotten up around the same time you did, and was able to find you and Jake during the last few moments of the game you two had been playing. He has truly never seen you this happy before, and Tonowari knew he had Jake to thank for that. You were openly laughing and it was a sight he'd never see again since your parents passed and you lost your mate.

Tonowari wasn't dense. He already knew that you already had your sights set on someone else other than Hahona, and with this sight, he already started to get an inkling on who it was. If it was who he thinks it is, he only prayed you were being smart about this. Jake is a person that arrived here to escape war, and Tonowari did not want you involved in anything of the sort if things turned to hell again for Jake. If anything happened to you, he'd never forgive himself. You were a daughter to him and you had already suffered enough to last a lifetime, and now, he was worried you'd find yourself in a similar position if you weren't very careful enough. Or maybe just inching towards it.

Tonowari sighed and he leaned away from the pole he was leaning against, turning away and deciding to head back to the path he was going to where he'd complete the tasks he wanted. He hoped that if you ever had any doubts, that your father-daughter relationship with him would be strong enough for you to rely on him. He'd made a promise to your parents to take care of you, and that's exactly what he'd do. If you chose Jake as your mate, he would support you all the way and your happiness, but at least he hoped nothing bad followed it and that Jake meant what he said when he assured that he was done with war. He'd never forgive himself if you were at the recieving end of it all.

-

When it transitioned into the later on that morning, you and Jake had separated because you were needed for different things, but as for the kids, they had woken up and decided to get together in a much peaceful manner. They had all decided to try and make amends, leaving the incident of Lo'ak outside the reef behind them. As of now, near the barriers of the reef, the Metkayina kids and the Sully siblings were gathered together on a little island portruding from the reef area, with other fishermen out in the distance starting their day with their daily activities and routines, as they usually did.

After the day before, Lo'ak and Ao'nung had somehow gotten to an understanding and began to slowly understand that they had more in common than they had realized. They were going to be friends now, for real this time. On the island, the kids were all sitting together in a circle. It included Neteyam, Ao'nung, Kiri, Rotxo, Tuk, Tsireya, and Lo'ak. The young Sully brother had been talking to all of them about what he had endured the day before.

Somehow, he knew that his siblings and the Metakayina kids he had met were one of the only people who actually wanted to listen to what he had to say, and you too. It was hard to realize that his own dad didn't have that kind of trust in him, but if you were as influential as he thought on his dad's life, maybe things would be changing soon. You were open minded, and could help Jake see things in a different light when it comes to Lo'ak. But, the thing is that Jake is clouded by worry and stress over his son, and it doesn't let him see what his children are trying to tell him. You were definitely a turning point, and Lo'ak knew he could count on you to turn things around.

The kids continued to listen to what Lo'ak had to say, intently and with shock. Tsireya was right by Lo'ak side, sitting next to him while the boy himself held onto her forearms as she held onto his hand. Lo'ak was telling them all his unbelievable experience, that would sound like a fairytale to anyone else, but to the other Metkayina kids who already had experience with sentient creatures like the Tulkun, it was entirely possible. Upon hearing all of this, Kiri was nothing short of amazed and delighted by the story. She smiled and praised her brother.

Kiri sighed dreamily and with contentment. "I wish I'd been there. The ocean blessed you with a gift, brother," Kiri smiled, incredibly happy that Lo'ak was creating a bond with the ocean just like she was. It made her feel less alone about how alienated she was feeling with the strong bond with nature in Pandora, and Eywa. Although, as opposed to Kiri, Ao'nung didn't have the same reaction, given that he was more skeptical about what he heard from Lo'ak. What the Sully boy was saying sounded very suspicious because it didn't add up that the Tulkun he found was alone without its pod.

"Lo'ak," Ao'nung started, and the said boy turned to look at the prince at the mention of his name. "The Tulkuns have not returned yet. They only arrive once a year, and anyway, no Tulkun is ever alone," Ao'nung pointed out, moving from his spot leaning against the tree and crouching slightly. Lo'ak was suddenly filled with confusion, because what would it mean if it was all by itself? Was it stranded?

"Well, this one was. He had a missing fin, like a stump on the left side," Lo'ak pointed out, looking directly at Tsireya. "Poor Tulkun," Tuk said with a small frown. The little girl was so compassionate, especially about all of the creatures she has met the moment they arrived at the village. It was truly endearing for all who knew young Tuk Sully. She has never seen a Tulkun before in her life, yet cared so much.

After the Tsireya heard Lo'ak's statement, she started to search her mind until she made the connection and her eyes widened in fear and worry for what Lo'ak had described. "Payakan. It's Payakan," Tsireya said, her ears tipping back at the realization of who that Tulkun was. The girl looked at Rotxo and Ao'nung, who had mirrored Tsireya's expression. Lo'ak looked at the Metkayina kids, wondering why they had such concerned looks on their faces, as if the Tulkun was dangerous and has bad intentions. If anything, it was the exact opposite. If it weren't for Payakan, he would not be sitting with all of them in that very moment.

"Who's Payakan?" Kiri asked with sudden curiosity, not knowing what could've caused such a reaction from the Metkayina kids. "A young bull who went rogue. He is outcast, alone, and has a missing fin," Rotxo answered, and Kiri nodded in understanding. Lo'ak's eyebrows furrowed with confusion at what Rotxo said, not believing that the sweet Tulkun he met was dangerous and was exiled from his pod. There had to be a reasonable reason why.

Then Lo'ak's mind started to wonder, as much as he truly believed Payakan was innocent, what would a Tulkun with a reputation like that have to do with you? Why would Payakan ask for you? Is it part of the reason of why he is outcast from his pod? None of it made any sense. But, at least he'd get his answers soon. He didn't believe Payakan was outcast for a situation that was bad, but rather something that was not seen with approval from others when the Tulkun had simply good intentions.

"They say he is a killer," Tsireya warned with caution to Lo'ak, who immediately shook his head in denial. It cannot be true. "No," The Sully brother said, and then Ao'nung decided to speak, trying to explain in more detail. The Sully's didn't know the ways of the Tulkun yet, so to Tsireya and Ao'nung, Lo'ak was lucky to even get out of there alive at all, but they didn't know the truth. "He killed Na'vi and other Tulkuns. Not here, but far to the south," The prince said, earning a questioning look from Neteyam as he listened. Lo'ak's head was trying to piece everything together but it all came in jumbles. If that's true that he was related to Metkayina Na'vi being killed, then how exactly did that relate to you? Maybe it didn't and it's something entirely different. Is that really why Payakan wants Lo'ak to bring you to him?

"No, he's no killer," Lo'ak insisted, refusing to believe Payakan had something to do with that and it was just a misunderstanding, and that if something did happen, he was misunderstood. That's something Lo'ak knows about. Tsireya sighed, putting a comforting hand again on his forearm, looking at the Sully brother with her turquoise eyes. "Lo'ak. You were lucky to be alive," Tsireya said, but Lo'ak shook his head. He didn't believe Payakan is as dangerous as they were making him seem. It wasn't true.

Lo'ak stayed true to what he believed about Payakan. "I'm telling you guys, he saved my life. He's my friend" Lo'ak continued, putting a hand over Tsireya's that was on his arm. He owed that Tulkun his life, and he'd defend Payakan until the end. Neteyam suddenly stood up and moved to be behind his brother, placing his hands onto his little brother's shoulders. "My baby bro. The mighty warrior who faced a killer Tulkun and lived to tell about it," Neteyam teased, but deep down, the oldest Sully was feeling insanely proud of his little brother for making such a journey and connecting with such a spiritual animal.

It was incredible, and not many could see it. In annoyance that nobody was listening like he thought they did, he hissed and pushed his brother's hands away from his shoulders with irritation and frustration. Why couldn't he ever be listened to and taken seriously for anything?Lo'ak then stood up and looked over everyone one last time as he began to make his way away from them. He would go on to try and find you. You'd believe him. He knew and was sure that you would understand what he was saying.

Lo'ak truly believed that Payakan wasn't what they were describing. It seemed so out there and so far away from what he'd seen and gone through with the creature. That was not the friend he made the day before, and he was going to prove it no matter what it took.

Tsireya's eyes softened in sadness at Lo'ak, she wanted to understand but she worried about his safety and well-being. What were the chances that Lo'ak would encounter the Tulkun with a reputation as the one that it has? "You guys aren't listening," Lo'ak said, beginning to walk backward, and then turned to walk the other way and back to the village, making his way to find you and take you to Payakan.

"Lo'ak, I'm-I'm listening!" Tuk said, reassuring his brother that she believed him. She had a childlike sense of wonder, and that gave her the confidence to believe that Lo'ak was telling the truth. Tuk believed in the good of the world, despite having seen such destruction and gone through so much suffering. Even as a small 8-year-old, she didn't think it was completely impossible . "Lo'ak, come back!" Kiri called out to her younger sibling, but her brother was already too far away to hear what they'd say.

"You skxawng," Ao'nung muttered, but deep down, he did think that what Lo'ak said would be a possibility. Even if Payakan's reputation, the Tulkun way prohibited violence and killing of any kind, so if the sentieng creature that Lo'ak met was as noble as he said, then he'd try to understand. It was just a bit hard to believe considering how Payakan was all by himself when Lo'ak found him and that's not normal, Some things just weren't adding up. None of this was making any sense to any of them.

For Lo'ak, before he knew it, he was already back in the village and frantically searching around for you. He asked a bunch of people but nobody knew where you were, which made it even harder to find you. But, eventually he got an answer and someone said that you had gone to your hut a couple minutes ago so that was exactly where Lo'ak was headed to. He knew by heart that it was the hut right next to his family's home so it didn't take long for him to come around the corner, taking a peek inside your hut and seeing you there assembling a spear and a couple of other weapons of yours.

He was relieved to see you, and as soon as he stepped foot inside, you looked up and saw Lo'ak standing there with a bit of a complex and distressed expression. You suddenly filled woth concerned and left your weapons aside, to give the boy your full attention. "Lo'ak. What brings you here? Is everything alright?" You asked, and Lo'ak nodded after a few seconds, as if he was just now trying to figure out what he'd say and how he would bring this up.

"Uh, yeah. But there's something I need to tell you" Lo'ak said, and you tilted your head to the side in confusion and intrigue, a habit you had picked up from Jake, and you quickly nodded. You patted the spot in the mat next to you, and Lo'ak immediately took that invitation. He sat down beside you and as he looked up to face you, the expression you gave him told him to just take his time and compose himself. He took a deep breath and started to figure out what it is he could ever say, and he needed you to say yes. It was impossible that you did.

"Take your time" You said, crossing your legs together and putting a hand on his shoulder for reassurance. He nodded slowly, and took a few breaths before he finally decided to stop beating around the bush and tell you. If you knew about Payakan's reputation like most Metkayina people did, Lo'ak knew you would be reluctant and have the same reaction as Ao'nung, Tsireya, and Rotxo. That wasn't necessarily bad, because anyone would be scared to go into the open sea to face a 'Killer Tulkun', but he knew you'd go despite that. You were trustworthy, a warrior, and above all of that, you were understanding. Lo'ak just hoped you'd let him explain what he has to say, and believe his words when he says that Payakan is not a killer and that the rumors are not true.

"Please hear me out, but...there is somewhere I need you to come with me to" Lo'ak said, and your eyes widened a fraction. That was the last thing you had expected to hear from Lo'ak. You looked at him quizzically, wondering what he could possibly need you for or where he would need you to go with him. You wouldn't deny him what he'd asked, but you need to know what he means. Where does he need you to go?

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Okay! This is chapter 16! I don't know if this actually constitutes as a cliffhanger but I like to think it is because y/n will finally meet Payakan in the next chapter and I am so excited! Everything will be revealed soon so I hope you're all as excited as I am! 🤍

I also wanted to thank you guys, by the way. For sticking around. I have really grown a love for writing recently and writing for Avatar has been so much fun these last couple of months. I hope you'll all be here too for future stories so that we can continue to connect through our love for this franchise :,) Thank you all!

Also, I cannot believe that this chapter is nearly 9k words long- I am trying to divide the moments from the movie and my own plot and scenes well so I hope the flow is going well for this point in the book! For my other books, this part in the chapters would be where the final battle would begin so I guess that says about how prolonged this has become lmao shsjs I love it anyway.

As usual, there's not much I have to say now, but as always, I'll add other news in future chapters if there are any at all or if anything changes. Anyway, I'll see you all in the next one! 🤍 Have a good rest of your week everyone!
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