Girl Nobody Looking At Them Lamelos

ao’nung is frustrated.

at least, that’s what you’ve deduced from watching him sharpen his knife for the past ten minutes straight. if he keeps going, it might get as thin as a wish bone; threatening to snap at the slightest bit of pressure. as much as you’d find amusement in the sight of that, you’d rather not be in the crossfire when it happens.

“what’s got you caught in its net?” you ask, finally, as you drop the gear you’ve been mending while ao’nung simmers.

“funny,” he mutters, but mirth is not something found in his tone. another scrape, another grating. he does not look over at you.

“i know. i’m the funniest person alive. you should be grateful you have the opportunity to bask in my presence.”

it’s a ploy—a tease. like waving fresh bait in front of a young ilu but never tossing it into the water for them to eat. your tactic with ao’nung is always the same. push and pull and prod just enough that he bites back with less venom and more demure. because sarcasm is better than spite, in all regards.

except now, he doesn’t take it. now, he simply keeps his head tucked down, his lips pressed in a hard line. whittling at his knife and spouting invisible steam out of his ears.

you stand up, make your way over to him and bend slightly at the waist to slide your hands along his sloped shoulders. his muscles go taut—just a bit—at the initial contact of your palms, but relax a second later. not to their resting state, no, but leaving the field of caught off guard at the very least. you hum, lean down further as you dip your hands over his clavicles, across the upper half of his sternum.

“what is wrong, ao‘nung?” its sincere, this time. your question. because despite the dynamic between the two of you, you really do care—jokes and jabs aside.

this silence is different. you can tell by the twitch of his ears that he’s thinking; mulling something over on his tongue before he decides whether to spit it out or swallow it down. you can never guess which one it will be, not with him. he acts on whims, never strategy. there is no speculating his next move, so you simply don’t try to.

“there has been talk among the reef.” it’s all he says; all he gives. such a shell of a man, forcing you to pry open his jaws to reach the pearl within.

it is good that you’ve always been so skilled with your hands.

“there is always talk among the reef,” you chuckle, begin to fiddle with the necklace that’s strung around his neck. hooking your chin over the top of his head, you look down to watch as he grinds his knife once again. “you know they like to keep their minds busy with silly things.”

“it isn’t a silly thing.”

“oh? then tell me, what is so dire that it could have the great ao’nung this tense, hm?”

his hands falter for the first time, a pause in his rhythmic grazing. your brows furrow at that, create a hairline crease in the middle that only smooths out as he resumes his motions. scrape, scrape, scrape again. it’s like he’s doing it in sync with his heart. if you shifted your hand over just a tad, you suppose you could test that theory.

“it is talk of you.”

quiet. a mere grumble under his breath. if you were not leaned over him like this you would not have even heard him. such an odd twinge to his tone; laced with something you can’t quite decipher. can’t quite pick up on. it isn’t necessarily anger, but something flirting along the lines of it.

“me? don’t tell me you have went around spreading rumors that i am possessed by eywa’s evil sister again. i thought you stopped that when we were kids.” you laugh through it, because the jagged edges of his timbre are making your fingers itch. “you’re going to ruin my reputation.”

he scoffs. condescending, dismissive. normally you’d take that as a good sign; a call back to his regular grating demeanor. at this specific moment, however, you find annoyance in it.

“your reputation is fine,” he tilts, gives a particularly harsh press of his knife that makes you think this just might be the time where it snaps. miraculously, it doesn’t. “so completely fine.”

“then what could they possibly find reason to speak of me for?” you press, rubbing your thumb over the cord of his necklace, twisting it around your fingers. “i have not caused any trouble lately. haven’t set fire to any maruis. why, there’s nothing that i can think of that could possibly warrant—“

“they speak of your lack of mate.”

his hands are working harder, less refined. jaw clenching, deltoids growing stiff below you. it’s all starting to air itself out, his jaws have cracked open just enough that you can finally see the pretty pink pearl that rests on the bed of his tongue. but it is not enough, not yet.

“then all they speak is the truth,” you shrug over him, keep your gaze locked on his movements. you want to be sure, before you jump to the assumptions that are creating hurdles in your mind. “there is no harm in speaking of public knowledge.”

“they—“ he hitches, twists his face up like his next words are sour on his tastebuds, “they are voicing their thoughts on potentials for you. they think.. rotxo is the best option.”

“oh, yes. rotxo would be a fine potential mate.”

and, ah. there it is. the coup de grace.

ao’nung snaps his head around towards you so fast you hardly have time to lean back to avoid getting smacked in the chin by his skull. there’s a fissure between his brows, his eyes have widened past the aggravated slits they were before. his mouth is cracked open in disbelief, of the fact that you agreed with him or another matter, you aren’t sure. either way, it is clear now what has been getting under the heir’s skin.

he's jealous. and you can't help but find that the slightest bit amusing. it's not often you have ao'nung in the palm of your hand like this; akin to a bug squirming under the pad of your thumb with no clear route of escape. you think you can play this up, just a little.

"you do not think that," he states, like he needs to speak it into existence. like if he says it then it will ring true, change your mind.

(he doesn't need to change your mind, but he doesn't need to know that right now).

"why would i not?" you hum, tip your head like you're truly contemplating it. "he is sweet. has a tender heart. and he is always so quick to help me. he doesn't even complain. i think taking him as a mate would be a good decision."

"the only thing good about rotxo is his hair," ao'nung spouts, rolls his eyes at you as his face fills up with indignation. "stupid, pretty boy goody two shoes."

"oh, you're right! and he's nice to look at," you agree, nod your head right along with it, "how could i forget?"

his cheek dips; he's sucking it in between his teeth. you've really done it, you think. setting him off has never been so easy. sure, it’s never too hard to get him riled up in the middle of a bickering match. but like this? aggravated over, what, exactly? the thought of you with someone else?

maybe you’re enjoying this a bit too much.

“he is not your type.” a bold proclamation, ao’nung spits out. grasping for straws; searching blindly. “you would not go well with him.”

“i think he is my type, actually,” you dispute, and he’s stopped all his movements now. knife long forgotten as he seethes over every word you speak. “kind. loyal. good morals. easy on the eyes. yes, definitely my type. that checks off the list.”

he purses his lips, knots up his brows. “that cannot be the list.”

“no?” you peruse, play into him. he makes this too easy, really. “what do you think is on the list, then? moody? messy? long hair? a tendency to be mouthy? being the chief’s son?”

that earns you a shove off of him; a click for him to realize you’ve been fucking with him this entire time. biting back your shit eating grin would be impossible so you don’t even try to. nor do you stop the laughter that bubbles out of you as he goes back to his knife work and curses you under his breath.

you reach for him again except this time you walk around until you’re in front of him. one hand on his shoulder, you lean down to shove the knife and sharpener out of his hands and plop yourself right into the slot his crossed legs have made. his gaze is narrowed at you, his lips jutted. you simply smile—innocent, sweet—as you slide your hands around to cup the nape of his neck.

“i don’t think rotxo could handle me,” you murmur, sickeningly saccharine in such a direct contrast from seconds before. ao’nung doesn’t budge. “and the good ones are always so boring. if he was my mate, when would i ever get the chance to get up to trouble?”

“you are trouble,” ao’nung scoffs; acting annoyed, fed up. but his hands give him away as they meet the dimples of your lower back, as they slide up your spine to hold you secure so you don’t fall backwards.

his facade of pretending to not care has never been too full proof. there’s been cracks in that glass since day one.

“your trouble,” you grin. your fingers begin to draw circles along the back of his neck, tease at his hairline. “you made me this way, you know.”

“i made you nothing,” he rebuts. “you are the one who always comes up with the pesky ideas that get us scolded.”

“ah, you’re right,” you agree with a faux sigh. “humor and brains. i guess i’m the funniest and smartest person alive. truly, you should be honored.”

ao’nung rolls his eyes, peels his hands off of you. “forget ability, i do not wish to handle you now. rotxo can have you, for all i care.”

“oh?” you quirk, begin to stand up. “should i go see what he is up to—“

“sit,” ao’nung orders before you can rise no more than a few inches off of his lap; hands gripping your waist to tug you back down. the playfulness drains from his eyes, that annoyance—jealousy—flashes across sea foam irises for just a moment. “you are not funny.”

you bite the edge of your lip, making your grin turn slanted. he is so fun to tease, to toss around. his palms are warm on the dip of your waist. sliding your hands further back, you skim your finger along the side of the braid encasing his queue. faint, light. he tries to hide the shiver it causes but you pick up on it regardless. and that only makes you grin wider.

“they will speak of me until i choose a mate,” you hum as you lean closer to him, minimize the distance between your faces. “rotxo is not the only name that will be paired with mine. they all like to place their bets, you know.”

“their bets are stupid,” ao’nung mutters; gruff and rumbling out of his chest as his attention flickers, falters, the closer you get.

being this close is nothing new. being this touchy is nothing new, either. but it’s almost like your skin is buzzing, your energies feeding off one another in the moment that sends you tumbling into a smug streak. or maybe, that’s just the power ao’nung holds over you and you’re scared to admit it.

“you only think they’re stupid because your name is being outnumbered in the betting pool.” maybe that’s a little mean, but it’s fun. your fingertips are heavier now, more directed as you trace the divots of his braid with one hand and gauge the rise and fall of his chest with the other. “if you were winning, would they be stupid then?”

“i am winning,” ao’nung conveys, so sure and lacking any sense of doubt in the slightest; a variance from a few moments before. and that, well, that actually makes you falter—for just a second.

“and how do you figure that?” you mumble out the question into the minute slot between the two of you. bated and breathy.

ao’nung hooks an arm around your waist, his other hand sliding up to grip the hinge of your jaw. not harsh, not rough, but firm. cradling you carefully but securely; solidly. your breath hitches, your fingers pause on their skimming across his queue encasing.

“because i am the only one who gets to do this,” he says. blunt and honest and certain as he closes the gap severing you.

he kisses you full and deep and warm. he kisses you like he has not eaten in days and you are the one thing that can sate his hunger. he kisses you like the ocean kisses the shore; yearning and all consuming, and rushing back once more as soon as their lips must part.

and he does; chase your lips as you pull back to catch your breath. places one, two, three pecks there before he deems it a safe retreat. his eyes are lidded, but no longer from frustration. that signature crooked, haughty smirk of his is curved into his pale lips. and instead of smacking it off, you’re considering how many more kisses it would take to wipe it away.

“oh yeah,” he chuckles, lips brushing over yours as he’s already leaning in again. “so winning.”

and you can’t help but agree.

likes & reblogs appreciated !

Masterlist

On The Run Series :

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

OTR Drabbles:

Breeding Season

Bed Warmer

Knock First

Clothing Preference

NEIGHBOR SIMON:

miss ma'am CALM DOWNNN

BFF's Brother's BFF

prompt: Trevor has a thing for Quinn's best friend

word count: 3,056

warnings: mentions throwing up

“You got everything,” Quinn asks closing the trunk of the car. I give him and nod and follow him up the driveway and to the lakehouse. This is my first year as a guest here, it only took months of begging Q for him to invite me. We met on a blind date set up by Brock that ended up just not working out. In just a few short weeks he had become my very best friend. I knew the reason he wasn’t over the moon about me being here had nothing to do with me, and all to do with his brothers and friends. 

He warned me that the guys were a lot and that if any of them did or said anything to let him know. Quinn very quickly settled into the role of big brother in my life, he could just be a tad overprotective. My thoughts were interrupted by yelling and a loud thud. I shoot him a look and he just shrugs and rolls his eyes. “Still wanna spend two weeks here with these idiots,” he asks opening the door and letting me step in first. 

It takes the guys a second to notice us, but when they do the room becomes eerily quiet. One of them smacked another,” Jack you didn’t say Quinner was bringing a girl home.” Quinn puts a hand on the small of my back and leads us to the staircase,” ignore them.” I take one more look at the couch full of guys and they all watch us go up the stairs. “Here we are,” he says ushering me into a room. After doing a quick look around I noticed a few framed pictures on the dresser. Dropping my bag on the bed, I pick up a picture of the three Hughes boys when they were younger. “Q you were so cute,” I gush showing him the picture. “What like I’m not now,” he jokes which results in me throwing a pillow at him.

“Sorry we have to share a room, it’s just I had no idea they were gonna stay longer,” he started but I quickly cut him off. “Quinn it’s fine. It’s not like it will be the first time we have shared a bed before. It may be the first time when we are both sober though,” I laugh and start unpacking some of my things. “Depending on how these goofs act I may not be sober tonight,” he sighs walking into the bathroom and turning on the shower. “I’ll be out in a minute,” he yells. “Okay sounds good,” I yell back. After thirty seconds I am bored and decide to check out the rest of the house. 

My steps on the stairs alert the packed living room and nine heads all snap in my direction. I give them a smile and walk into the room settling on the floor next to a guy wearing a habs hat. “So what are you guys playing,” I ask looking over at them. “Mario Kart. I’m Cole by the way. I’m one of Jack’s friends,” the boy next to me says holding his hand out and I give it a gentle shake. “I don’t know if Quinn told you but I’m Y/n,” I say more to the group. “He in fact did not,” the guy behind me said and I leaned my head backwards to see his face. He gives me a wide smile which I return. Even upside down, he was cute.

“Uhm no ma’am. Nope. Not happening,” Quinn says coming into the room and making a beeline for me. “What did I do,” I ask confused. “It’s not you. Quinn and Z have a love-hate relationship,” Jack laughs. “Yeah Trev loves Quinn and Quinn loves to hate Trev,” Luke jokes causing the whole room to erupt in laughter. “Trevor move,” Quinn says standing waiting beside the couch giving him a stern dad look. Laughing and rolling his eyes Trevor does get up and move but not before leaning down and whispering,” We will continue this later,” followed by a small wink. 

“No, you won’t. Anyway, Y/n these are the idiots you will be coexisting with the next two weeks. You already know Jack and Luke. This is Alex, Cole, Mark, Ethan, Dylan, and Mackie. And I see you’ve already met Trevor,” he sighs. Even though he may act like it, I can see a brotherly type of love between the two. After a couple more rounds of the game, we all decide to head outside and hang out. “C’mon Mackie be my partner,” Mark whines looking at the curly-haired boy who just laughs. “No way. Do you remember the last time we teamed up in beer pong,” he asked the tall blonde. Mark gives him a very confused face and shakes his head no.”Exactly. We were too drunk to remember because you suck.”

“I’ll be your partner. That is if that is okay with you,” I say walking up to the table. “Really,” he asks excitedly. I have enough time to nod my head once before he pulls me into a bear hug. I laugh and wrap my arms around him hugging him back. “You’ll have to excuse Mark. His love language is physical touch,” Ethan says coming up and standing by us. “No problem. Mine is too. It’s nice to be around someone else because it takes almost everything to get Quinny to cuddle with me,” I joke staying tucked into Mark’s side, more like trapped but I didn’t complain. “Whatever,” I hear Quinn grumbled from one of the lawn chairs near the table. I give him and smile and wink at him. He laughs along with Alex, Cole, and Jack who are all seated near him.

“Okay so me and Duker versus Y/n and Mark,” Luke says setting up the cups. I’m handed the ball first because “ladies first.” I laughed at a bunch of college hockey players being so persistent on the rule. Lining up my shot I take a deep breath and sink the ball into the red plastic cup. Everyone gives me a shocked look, except Quinn and Mark. Q knew that I was good at this and Mark was just happy about maybe winning a game for once. “She literally went to a party college,” my best friend points out. “Why didn’t you tell us that before,” Luke groans drinking the warm beer from the cup. There was no telling how long they had sat in the hot sun before we started the game. His older brother sent him a shrug,” You didn’t ask.”

After several scores from both sides, it was time for hopefully the final shot. Duker and Luke had two cups left in front of Mark and me, while we had one cup in front of them. Mark stands behind me and gives my shoulders a rub like a coach would his prized boxer. I couldn’t help but laugh at the younger boy who shushed me. “Hey, this is important Y/n. I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I have won one of these games,” he starts out with a serious face and then lets out one of the loudest laughs I have ever heard. Ignoring all the guys I move forward to take my shot and sink yet another ball. 

The cheering would have made you think someone had won the Stanley Cup. I am quickly picked up and swung around. “You are my permanent partner,” Mark jokes finally putting me down. “What about when school starts back,” I ask laughing at the boy. “You’ll just have to come back with me. You can take my room I’ll sleep on the couch.” I shake my head at him,” All to win a game of beer pong.”

After winning two more games I excuse myself from the guys and walk towards the house. I stop by Quinn on the way,” You need another beer while I’m up.” He just nods and gives me a smile while still listening to Cole tell a story. Stepping inside I head to the kitchen where I see Trevor sitting on the counter eating a piece of watermelon. “You plan on sharing that or just hiding in here eating it all,” I laugh scaring him. “Shit. You scared me I didn’t hear you come in,” he says putting down the fruit and placing a head on his heart. I roll my eyes at his dramatics and walk to the fridge grabbing out a drink for me and Quinn’s beer. Turning around I walk towards the counter Trevor is on and lean against it.

“I guess I’ll share with you. But just don’t tell the guys because it will be gone in like 0.2 seconds,” he laughs and his bright blue eyes crinkle when he does. I take a small piece from him and pop it into my mouth. “Oh my god. This is so good,” I almost let out a moan at how sweet it was. “Right. It has got to be like the top ten I have ever had,” he says handing me another. “More like top three,” I smile up at him. After staring at him for a second I nod my head towards the door,” I should get Q his drink before he sends a search party.” He nods and slides off the counter moving to hold open the back door for me. “Why thank you, kind sir,” I say with a terrible British accent. “What kind of gentlemen would I be if I let a pretty girl hold her own door,” he smiles down at me. 

Red rushes onto my cheeks as we make our way to join the group at the firepit. Quinn spots us walking up and pats the seat next to him. “Here you go,” I say passing him his beer while making eye contact with Trevor who was sitting directly across from me. “So Y/n you never told us how you and doofus met,” Jack smiles at his brother before turning his attention to me. I immediately laugh and try to cover it with my hand before anyone hears it. “Don’t you dare,” Quinn looks down at me and pinches my calves that are thrown over his legs. “C’mon Quinny. It’s not that bad. We’ve talked about this,” I tell him rubbing his arm. “Oh now we have to know,” Duker says leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees all zoned in.

I glance at Quinn, who is hiding his face behind his hands. “I live in the same apartment building as Brock right? So one day he told me about this teammate he has that he wanted to set me up with,” I started and was cut off by the oohing and ahhing of everyone around us. “Anyway he sets up the date and tells me when and where to meet Q. Everything was going fine, he was a total gentleman, made me laugh, and all that cutesy shit. After that is when it went downhill,” I say while locking eyes with my best friend, silently asking if I could continue. He nods and rolls his eyes preparing for the bullying.

“So we were walking around this park and all of a sudden I noticed Quinn stop. I turn around and see that he is super pale-looking and sweaty. As I reached up to feel his forehead, he tried to stop me from getting too close but it was too late. He puked all over my legs and shoes,” I laughed remembering the look on his face when he finally stopped. He was so sad and embarrassed. “I ended up taking him back to his place and taking care of them for the whole night and most of the next day,” I finish my story taking a sip of my drink. “Them,” Ethan asked from beside me. “Oh yeah, it ended up being some kind of bug that was going around the team. He and Petey were all miserable in their room while Brock was all laid out on the couch. Three grown men who were acting like babies,” I joke nudging Quinn with my foot. 

After five minutes of laughter and chirping from the guys Quinn finally stops them. “Okay okay, I get it. I ruined a date with a pretty girl by throwing up on her,” he sighed. “But you got a new best friend out of it,” I smile. He nods his head,” Yeah any person who will take care of a guy she just met who also puked on her is best friend material,” he jokes. “You are way too good of a person,” Alex says causing a chorus of agreement. “Seriously. I probably would have left him in the street,” Luke laughs. I shake my head at the guys. “Well if we are telling bad first date stories, let me tell you guys about Mackie’s last date,” Ethan laughs trying to take some of the heat off Q. I reach over and give his hand a squeeze as a silent thank you.

Slowly everyone started to turn in, leaving only Jack, Trevor, and I outside. “You know what. I’m glad my brother puked on you,” Jack exclaims swaying as he stands up. I lean forward in case he falls, he had just a few too many tonight. “Oh really why is that,” I ask watching the brunette slowly stumble towards the house. “Because without it we wouldn’t have met you duh,” he yells from the porch and says goodnight. Trev and I share a look and burst out laughing. “Oh my gosh, he was so far gone,” I say getting up and moving to the seat Jack had just left, right next to the ducks player. He turns in his chair to look at me better. “That is nothing. You should have seen him at his 21st,” he says telling me all about how they had to talk the cop out of arresting Jack for petting a police horse while drunk.

The later that we stayed outside the cooler it got. The fire was starting to die down but the conversation wasn’t. I was learning that Trevor was a really easy person to talk to and I was really enjoying getting to know him. I shiver and I lean down and set my drink on the ground wrapping my arms around myself. “You cold,” he asks concerned. “A little but it’s fine. I’m pretty much always cold. Ask Quinn he keeps blankets and jackets everywhere so he doesn’t have to hear me complain,” I try to laugh off the shivers. He leans forward shrugs off his Team USA hoodie and holds it out towards me. “No Trev I can’t take this. I don’t want you to get cold,” I say lightly pushing it back to him, “Either you put it on or I’m putting it on for you.” I think about his words almost telling him to do it, but hearing a small voice in the back of my head telling me this was a bad idea. The voice sounded a lot like Quinn's. 

“You know I’m really glad Q brought you,” he says looking out towards the dock and watching the water. “Yeah me too,” I smile at him. “You know even though he gives you a hard time he really does love you,” I say standing up and stretching. “Yeah,” he asks following suit and standing up checking the fire for any embers. “Totally. He gets so excited when you come to town and play him. Also, he talks about you just like he does Jack and Luke,” I confess as we walk into the house. “I don’t have an older brother, I’m the oldest. So he has kinda become that for me,” he whispers as we make our way into the kitchen throwing the empty bottles away from tonight.

“Yeah me too. He’s my best friend but he looks out for me like an older brother,” I say quietly washing the few dishes from dinner. Trevor slides in next to me bumping my hips with his as he takes them from me to dry. “So hypothetically if I wanted to see you again maybe when I come to town and play Q again what would you say to that,” he asks looking down at me. His eyes look even prettier in the dim kitchen light above the sink. “Hypothetically I would wonder why we have to wait that long when I am here now for two weeks,” I smile. He blushes and nods. “But that’s only hypothetical of course,” I lean up and give his cheek a small peck, then turn to walk upstairs. “Goodnight Trev,” I say turning around to see him in the same spot I left him in. “Goodnight,” he whispered almost too low for me to hear it.

I make my way into the room and climb into bed next to Quinn. He shifts in his sleep and throws an arm out pulling me into his chest and cuddling. I can’t help but smile at him and just let it happen, “Thank you for coming. The guys all really like you. Mom’s already texted asking to come down to meet you because of Jack and Luke’s praise,” his voice deep with sleep. “It would be an honor to meet Queen Ellen. I have so many questions,” I laugh into his chest falling asleep.

The next morning I wake up and head downstairs coming into the kitchen. “Morning,” I say to a room full of half-asleep hockey players. “Morning Y/n. Hey, who’s hoodie is that,” Quinn asks coming over to where I sat at the counter and handing me a cup of coffee. “Yours,” I respond with a quick glance to Trevor. “No. Mine is back in Van remember Milo used it as a chewing toy. His eyes look down at the hoodie and then over to the table. “Oh my gosh Y/n. Of all people Trevor seriously,” he whines hitting his head against the fridge lightly before looking up at me. “Guess you’ll be seeing a lot more of me during the year Quinny,” Trevor says walking over and throwing an arm around the Canuck’s player.

James: Knock knock

Regulus *rolling eyes*: Who’s there?

James: When where

Regulus: When where who?

James: Astronomy tower, 10PM, me and you ;)

Sirius:

Sirius: EXFUCKINGCUSE ME

Are u kidding me? My heart. Her sobbing in geno's arms

And ofc azzi just sitting down lmao

Congratulations Paige

i would just like to share this w the world🫠

Yall.

Stuck with me

Pairing- Ao'nung x Sully!reader

Summary- You didn't like violence, Ao'nung had the urge to protect you. He falls in love with you and seeing you protect him pulled him in deeper and then you get stuck with each other.

Warnings- blood, bruises, fighting

You didn't like violence, not even a little. You didn't even like to yell. You just wanted everyone to get along. And you were the best warriors going neck to neck with your mother Neytiri. But even as a warrior you try to get in as little violence as possible, but sometimes it is inevitable.

"Hey forest girl." Ao'nung said he had been trying to get under your skin for weeks. He has gotten all of your siblings but you. "Hi Ao'nung." You smile and his transparent eyebrows furrow. "So you call this a tail." He said pulling on your tail slightly. Pulling it from him, "Yes I do as you call yours a tail, would you like to join me in medicine making today?" You quickly change the subject and this confuses the boy even more. "No." He said quickly walking off.

After that day he tried everything to get you to even yell at him. But you didn't budge, you only gave him a smile and a few quick words. And finally he gave in. Walking next to you on the beach as you pick up shells that Tuk asked for. "Hey Y/N." Ao'nung said before you could speak another group of boys passed you. "Hey freak." One yelled out and Ao'nung looked offended for you and all you did was pick up another shell and continue walking. The boys scoff before leaving. He watched as you deflected every insensitive thing that a few people threw at you, how you continued to do your task at hand and not yell and fight back as he would, he admired you. And he had this urge to protect you.

And protect you he did.

You had been laying in the sand soaking up the sun as the group of boys from a few days ago came across you again. Ao'nung had been only a few feet away and may or may not have been keeping an eye on you. "Hey freak." One of them said you open your eyes and stand up brushing sand off of yourself before smiling at them. "So is it true?" One of them asked and you turned to him. "What true?" You ask. "That your father was a demon my mom said that all demons should be killed." He said and you shake your head side to side. "Well my father was of demon blood and then he became one of the people-" cut off by the boy again. "So you're a demon." He laughed and you began to walk away not wanting to start anything.

As you walked away Ao'nung walked behind you, "Call her a demon again and I'll skin you alive." He hissed. He caught up to you and you looked at him. "You know you did not need to do that." You say walking to your family's home. "Yes, I know but I wanted to protect you." He said as you shake your head walking into the marui.

As you walk in you smile at your family before sitting in the circle they had made. "Ao'nung said he wanted to protect Y/N." Neytiri laughed and you shook your head side to side as your family laughed along with her. "Ao'nung protect Y/N, she fought a thantor without a weapon I think she is good." Lo'ak laughed. "That was only because it was trying to eat all of you, I do not like violence." You say grabbing a piece of fruit your mother freshly cut. The laughter died down as they continued to talk about all kinds of things. Jake watched from across the hut watching as you looked around, a peaceful smile rested on your lips. You reminded him so much of your mother it made him so proud, but scared him a little.

-One week later-

Everyone was waiting at the dock searching for Lo'ak. Everyone stopped as they watch him ride to docks. Neteyam dragged Ao'nung by the arm, and put him in front of your parents. Lo'ak stomped toward Ao'nung before Jake stepped in front of him. "Tell them what you told me." Neteyam spoke loudly. "We took Lo'ak out to Three Brothers Rock and left him there." He looked ashamed, almost regretful to have done this, he avoided everyone's eyes but your gaze the most.

Tonowari sighed at this and you watched as Lo'aks eyes glazed over everyone. "It was my idea to go to the island, it wasn't Ao'nungs fault." Lo'ak said and the next thing your father spoke hurt. "I'm disappointed in you Lo'ak." Lo'ak looked taken back before he stormed off Ao'nung on his tail.

You hadn't known what was said between the two but what you couldn't get Ao'nung and the way he looked earlier that night. You silently step out of your mauri and see Ao'nung standing at the edge of the beach.

You walk up next to him and he turns his head, eyes widened as shocked to see you.

"Hello, Ao'nung." You say and he takes a deep breath in. "Hey Y/N, I'm sorry for what I did to your brother." He said quietly and you hummed. "I know." You say sitting on the sand. He followed with a bewildered expression. "You do."

"Yes."

"How?" He asked and you giggled which only confused him more.

"You are not as clever as you think you are Ao'nung, I see what others do not, I know that you take care of the people you care for, I know that you don't like bullying people but it makes you feel better about yourself if you make others feel just as bad as you. Am I correct or should I go on?" You ask and his face fell had he been that transparent?

"Don't please don't go on." He said, rubbing his eyes. "You're right, I do like feeling like that, Eywa have I always been a skwang?" He asked himself and you. You oat his shoulder before laughing a little. "Maybe but you can always change huh or do you still want to be a skwang?" You joke and his head shoots up and shakes it before laughing. "So Y/N friends?" He asked, putting his hand out and you pretend to think before connecting your hand to his shaking it. "Friends."

And that is how it went, you and Ao'nung somehow ended up being each other's best friends. Everyone found it strange, best friends with the person who left your brother for dead but they couldn't help but be grateful. Ever since he started hanging out with you, he's caused less and less trouble. In a situation where he would have just straight swinged you taught him just to ignore it. He admired you for your peaceful nature but it still confused him. He heard that you were the greatest young warrior in the Omaticaya but he hadn't seen you get into a fight once. He shakes the thoughts as he continues listening to your conversation.

"Yeah I did get into that fight and you just sat there sighing, maybe one day you'll have enough and beat me a new one huh N/N." He joked pushing your shoulder teasingly and you only shake your head as you continue to weave the basket you had in your lap.

From afar Ronal and Tonowari watch the interaction. "You know Tono I don't know why but they seem a lot like us when we were their age no?" Ronal said walking into their home. "Yes my love I see it too for some odd reason, Y/N though I think she is the nicest warrior I've ever met." Tonowari said as he settled into his and Ronal's cot.

Now it was the next day, as there would be this huge party to celebrate the entrance to a new season. It would be huge.

And it was everyone dressing up, loud music blasted into your ears, many danced, and alcoholic drinks went around and ran through most. It was pretty peaceful until someone yelled from across the land.

"I am the best warrior out here I could take on anyone." He yelled he was clearly drunk from the way his speech slurred and he took another swig of the drink. And you giggled a little from his statement as did many others. But Eywa seemed to be on the other side today, he clicked you laughing and stomped his way to you. You sat with Kiri on your left and Ao'nung on your right.

"So the little forest girl thinks she is better than me." You sigh as you ignore his persistent badgering. But that just wouldn't do for him. He slammed his hands on the table making you flinch from the loud sound so close to your ears and he yelled out insults about you left and right.

Ao'nung had seemed to have enough. He stood up. "Hey just leave her alone-" cut off by the man who just slammed his fist onto the side of Ao'nungs face. Everyone gasped as the man spouted insults this time to Ao'nung.

"Can't even protect yourself how come this little boy gets to be the next Olo'eyktan he has no right." The man yelled and just as they got up to diffuse the situation everyone stood shocked as you stood in front of the man with the same sweet smile painted on your face.

"He has no right? And I suppose you do? Ao'nung was born to be Olo'eyktan, he's trained, he's learned, he's grown, sure you know how to fish but do you know how to lead a clan?" You told the boy off and he was drunk and your words seemed to anger him, his hands ball into a fist and then he threw his hand towards your face. You catch his hand mid throw, the sweet smile now gone cold expression replaces it. Shivers run down the man's back as you speak in a low voice.

"I have given you a chance to back down, but it seems I'll have to give you one you'll never forget." You say and the last thing yelled was a loud, "Y/N don't!" From your younger sister Kiri.

It wasn't much of a fight as your tight fist landed on his face, a crunch heard from his nose. He held his nose as you punched him in the face again and again making him drop onto the ground. His face was black and blue with a hint of red running down his both nostrils. Pulling your bloodied hands up to your side you look down on him.

Ao'nung was looking at you, mesmerized you've never seemed so beautiful. Lo'ak was yelling "Get his ass Y/N punch him in the dick-'' he screamed, pumping his fist in the air. "We are so kicked out." Jake said rubbing his eyes and Neytiri watched you slightly proud.

Your turn to him and the blood running from his nose alerts you. But it seems the beating you gave the boy wasn't enough as he stands up on his knees not even fully still spewing insults and how he was going to beat you and you finally had enough. "Stand down!" You yell and everyone seems taken back as the bass of your voice booms. You've never yelled, hell you've never been angry but right now everyone seemed a little scared at the dark look in your eyes and the terrifying in your voice. Everyone backed down as you stood up, tilting their heads down for respect.

Tonowari stood shocked, mouth agape at what just went down, while Ronal had a quiet smile on her lips.

You turn back to Ao'nung and the scowl on your face softens as you walk to him.

"Ao'nung, Ao'nung." You say crouching next to him. "Are you okay? Were you injured anywhere else?" You ask, touching his head for a fever. "You're so beautiful." He whispers and only you hear. "He's delusional, come on get up, let's clean you up." You say grabbing his hands with your bruised knuckles strained pulling him from the ground. Ronal turns to Tonowari now they see how they saw themselves in you two.

Later that night after you cleaned Ao'nung up and took him home, Tonowari and Ronal had a conversation.

"She would make a great Tsahik, she is a great healer better than almost everyone in the island and did you see how she protected Ao'nung she is perfect, kind, and strong." Ronal spoke to her husband.

Tonowari was still stuck at the party how you fought that man with ease he was in awe. "She lived here for months and she didn't get into a fight, not even an argument even when bullied. And she only did it when she saw Ao'nung was in trouble." He whispered to himself, smiling a little. Ronal turned to him. "What?" She hadn't heard him. "She would make a great mate and Tsahik she doesn't make brash decisions like Ao'nung she's perfect for him." He replied to his wife who had a huge grin on her face. It was settled between the two of you and Ao'nung should be mates.

They wanted things to settle before they contacted your parents who now stand in front of them. Jake and Neytiri go to kneel down and apologize and ask to stay before Ronal stops them. "Let us sit." Tonowari said.

Ronal poured hot tea for everyone as she sat next to her husband. "We would like to discuss something important." Ronal started and Jake nodded. "It's about Y/N." She added and Neytiri straightened her back and Jake began to speak. "What about Y/N is it about the other day I know sometimes she is rash and doesn't think I had a conversation with her-"

"No it is not about that." Ronal stopped him and urged her husband into the conversation. "Me and Ronal had a talk and we decided that Y/N would be a perfect fit for Ao'nung and would like to discuss and arrange marriage." Tonowari ended.

Neytiri's eyes widened. She hadn't seen the love that bloomed between the two of you. And she knows what it feels like to be in an arranged marriage and she goes to speak. "I do not want my daughter in a marriage she does not want-" cut off by Jake. "We accept." Neytiri looked caught off guard by his acceptance. "Neytiri, you should truly see how they look at each other. They are in love, and I'm not talking about stupid teenage love, I'm talking about honest love. She beat someone to pulp for touching him and you know our daughter." He spoke softly to her and she shook her head up and down. "Then if she truly does love him," she said, pausing.

"Then we accept."

Jake and Neytiri left and went to go find you and there you were looking at your bruised hands. Jake coughs altering you he was there. "Oh hello father, mother." You say tilting your head down. "Y/N, daughter." Neytiri said in a soft tone tucking your hair behind your ear. "Mother." You say again. "Y/N you will be Ao'nungs mate. We have talked to Ronal and Tonowari and we came to the conclusion that the pairing of you would be best." Jake said quickly.

Blinking at the news just given to you, a small smile traces your lips. You shake your head up and down as you turn away looking at the setting sun. "Okay." Was all you said as you walked away from them. They looked at each other and only took a sharp breath collectively.

And as your parents told you if your arrangement Ronal and Tonowari told Ao'nung. He was ecstatic, he had never been so happy in his life. But what gnawed at him was this overwhelmed sense that you didn't feel as happy over your betrothal. So he sat at the ilu deck and looked at the water, happiness and sadness fighting over what controls him.

You see him and slowly sit next to him. "Hey." You say.

"Hey." He replies.

"So you hear," you say. "We're getting married." You say giggling a little after.

He smiles at you and laughs and he turns fully to you and takes a deep breath. "Are you happy with this arrangement you have a choice Y/N." Ao'nung says looking away from you. It was silent, the most uncomfortable silence he's ever been in.

"Guess I'm stuck with you Ma Ao'nung." You say his ears perk at your words and he smiles.

"Happy to be stuck with you Ma Y/N."

this is my abby anderson😋😋

emily engstler

alyssa naeher