Forgiving love (Aonung x reader)
Description: Despite him pestering your twin and siblings, you couldn’t help yourself - you fell for the tall Metkayina. You didn’t expect it to be that hard.
Warnings: insecure reader, a lil angst (but happy ending as always) and danger, suggestive but no smut, Aged!up characters, Aonung is about 20 here and reader 18
You really missed your home dearly, but you had to admit it was getting easier to bear the more you adjusted to the Metkayina way of life. At first you and your siblings had a hard time adjusting, but you were slowly getting the hang of it. Tsireya was a wonderful teacher, she was always so patient with all of you and really gave her best to help you, which wasn’t always easy.
Your bodies were different and not made for the reefs, and that was something she couldn’t change with her kindness, eventhough your twin looked at her as if she could move the stars. You thought it was cute, Tsireya seemed like the perfect match for your reckless and rulebreaking brother. He was your complete opposite, but that’s what made you two work as twins, your calm and gentle nature grounding him and his outgoing character pulling you out of your shell.
Tsireyas brother was a different story. He was also assigned by his father - the Olo’eyktan - to teach you the way of their people, but he hated you all from the start. He called your brothers and Kiri demons, bullying them with his friends and acting like a total skxawng. And your heart still sped up everytime he was near you. He had never actually insulted you or anything though, your siblings just as confused about that as you. Maybe it was because he knew that Neteyam and Lo’ak would beat him for messing with their little sister - yes, Lo’ak insisted you were his younger sister, being born ten minutes before you.
You thought of the way Aonung had looked at you when you first arrived in Awa‘atlu, his pretty blue eyes piercing yours with an intensity that still made your knees weak. He kept his distance, not being mean but also not being nice, just staring at you. It made you nervous, not being able to interpret what he meant with his stare - was it curiosity or disgust?
What you didn’t know was that you had captured Aonungs attention from the moment he first laid his eyes on you. He thought you looked different, but he thought you were beautiful right away. He would never admit that of course, no matter how much his skin heated up when you looked at him, or how much his heart fluttered in his chest. He tried to deny and suppress any feelings that were blossoming, instead busying himself with harassing your siblings. Not you though - he couldn’t bear the thought of you being sad because of him, no matter how much he hated himself for it.
They were supposed to teach you how to ride Ilus today, Lo‘ak went first, probably trying to impress Tsireya. That didn’t go the way he wanted it to though. You were standing in the water next to Tuk and Rotxo, giggling a little when your brother fell off his Ilu ungracefully. Tsireya had to laugh too, but the way she convinced your brother to try again assured you that she really liked him.
You couldn’t stop your own eyes from finding their way to her brother, he was standing a little farther from you, laughing about your brother with his friends. It was in a different kind of way though - not in a happy, nice one, he was being mean. Your smile fell and when he met your eyes, you looked away quickly.
He hated how the smile faded on your face when you saw him and his friends laughing about your stupid brother, his own laugh stopping as well. The way you refused to meet his eyes made his chest feel constricted, and he decided just this once he would be nice to you. He left his slightly confused friends behind and made his way over to you, Rotxo seeing him and ushering away your little sister. That boy noticed more than he thought.
You were wondering why Rotxo took Tuk away, when suddenly you felt another presence next to you. „(Y/N)“, his voice was deep and the way he said your name sent a shiver down your back. „Aonung“, you couldn’t help but smile shyly, your body betraying your mind.
His speech was momentarily disabled, his eyes wide while taking in your beautiful smile and blushed cheeks. „Come on, I’ll teach you“, he kept it short, nodding his head to a spot a few meters away and turned around to go there. He could feel you following him, unconsciously clenching his back muscles with a smirk - he could feel your eyes roam over them.
You were confused - why was he offering to teach you? He hadn’t been happy to help you all from the start, and now his sister was already teaching you - he could’ve easily gotten out of this one. So why was he anyway? He moved his hands through the water, pulling clicking noises from his throat to call for an Ilu. Eywa, why were the smallest things he did so attractive. When one of the Ilus stopped infront of him, he beckoned you over and you slowly made your way to stand next to him.
The tall Metkayina was towering over your small frame, placing his large hand on your back to push you in the direction of the animal. The Ilu turned its head, your hand automatically raising carefully to stroke its soft skin, happy noises leaving its throat. A smile spread across your face, the Ilus were really sweet. Suddenly two big hands grabbed your waist, completely engulfing it and picked you up without effort, setting you down on top of the large animal.
You let out a startled gasp, your small hands grabbing onto his and he couldn’t help but chuckle at that. Eywa help him, you were so cute. It was so hard to pull his hands back, already missing the feeling of holding you before he even let go, but he did let go and stepped next to you. He couldn’t help but lay one of his hands on your back, the more he was touching you the less he could control his feelings.
„Make tsaheylu and hold on sevin“, you felt the blush spread down your neck when he called you pretty, you were so whipped for this man. You did as you were told, feeling the animal underneath you and holding on tightly. „You need to hold on with your thighs at first, otherwise you’ll fall like your brother“, he explained gripping your thigh firmly and putting it in the right position.
Your were speechless, where was all this affection and touchiness coming from? Your heart really couldn’t keep up with this and your Ilu was consequently also restless underneath you. „Mawey (Y/N), you need to calm down“, he told you, but the smirk on his face was telling you he enjoyed this. His hand snuck to your waist to keep you steady and your face got even hotter.
„Aonung“, you could only manage to whisper, your voice not quite working and he enjoyed every second of your reaction to him. „What is it?“, he grinned and squeezed your waist, his big hand covering most of your back. „I can’t“, you were shocked by how frozen you were under his gaze, you were shy most of the time, but he had you completely at his mercy.
„You can’t calm down? Why?“, he played dumb with you, stepping even closer and peering into your eyes from above. „You’re touching me“, you pressed out, ashamed by admitting he made you nervous, but you were never good at lying. One reason why Lo’ak didn’t like to take you with him when he did something he wasn’t supposed to.
Aonung chuckled at your confession, he loved your soft and innocent nature. „Alright pretty girl, let’s see what you’ve got“, he squeezed your waist one last time before letting you go, and after a few deep breath (that seemed to go in and out easier now that he didn’t have his hands on you) you gently urged your Ilu to move.
Unbeknownst to you your brothers were looking at the both of you with a scowl. „Why the fuck is he touching her like that“, Lo’ak seethed, Tsireya was occupied with Tuk, and Kiri just rolled her eyes at her brothers. „You two are really blind“, she didn’t like the Olo’eyktans son either, but he was obviously enamored with you, and maybe that would help them get accepted here faster. „What? What do you mean?“, Lo’ak was on high alert, after all you were his little twin sister he had to make sure you were okay. Kiri just walked over to Tsireya. „Hey! Don’t walk away!“, he called out and followed after her, Neteyam on his heels - he wasn’t as loud in his concerns but he was just as wary about Aonung.
You needed a break from your brothers constant questioning, you were just glad that your father hadn’t heard them yet, you would probably never be allowed to go anywhere without an escort again. You had found an empty stretch of beach after dinner where you could have some peace and quiet for a while, just trying to process Aonungs touchiness over the last few days.
You were unsure what to make of it, he wasn’t mean before but you still weren’t convinced he was being genuine. Maybe he just liked to get a rise out of your brothers, he was always bullying them anyway. You were actually scared that he was messing with you, you really liked him, your feelings had only grown over the last few days with all that touching and calling you pretty. Your heart would be seriously broken if he would’ve been playing with you, but it was your fault - you were playing right into his cards with your reactions.
Before you could sink into you dark thoughts too much, you heard footsteps in the sands and your ear twitched in annoyance. If Lo’ak was telling you to stop talking to Aonung again, you would kick him in the shin. „Why so unhappy pretty girl?“, your heart skipped a beat when you heard Aonungs voice, his large body sitting down next to you at the shore.
The ocean was spending some light with its bioluminescence, and when you looked at him his freckles were glowing so prettily you couldn’t help but blush. Eywa, your body was such a traitor. „Just my brothers“, you mumbled, looking back at the horizon, but his eyes didn’t leave you.
Aonung just couldn’t resist when he saw you sitting there all alone, since he had helped you with riding your Ilu, he couldn’t keep his hands away from you. He was less and less annoyed with his own feelings, brushing off his friends when they asked about his behavior. He loved your reactions to him, just like your pretty blush and glowing freckles right now, your disgruntled brothers were just an added bonus. You looked different than the Metkayina women, but he loved it.
„Yes they can be annoying“, he chuckled and moved a little closer to you, your arms almost touching. You only sighed and rolled your eyes at his statement. „Why are you out here all alone?“, you asked him, wondering why he wasn’t with his family or his mean group of friends - except for Rotxo, he was a sweetheart.
„Ah“, he sighed, remembering why he fled his family’s marui, „my parents are constantly talking about me choosing a mate, discussing the best options and I needed a break.“ When he tried to think of the options his parents were discussing he suddenly came up blank, the only woman in his mind was you - and that startled him for a moment.
„Oh“, you were shocked by his honesty, you didn’t think he would talk to you about serious topics, „you don’t want to choose a mate yet?“ You we’re looking at him with curious eyes, he was so handsome and he was one of the best warriors and hunters, not to mention the future Olo’eyktan, he could probably choose whoever he wanted, so why didn’t he? A constricting feeling took a hold of your chest.
„That’s not it“, you’ve never seen him look so conflicted, the crease between his eyebrows deep and worried, „I want someone I love, someone I see, not the best in that or the strongest in whatever.“ You hummed in agreement, you knew how he felt, your oldest brother was supposed to choose a mate before you left aswell, and he was conflicted too. You yourself hadn’t put too much thought into choosing someone yet, you had only just become an adult when you left your clan, but Aonung was two years your elder and the pressure was harder on him.
„Is there no one in the clan that you like?“, you wondered, but the thought of seeing another girl in his arms made you swallow down the lump in your throat. He didn’t answer, instead opting to gaze into your eyes, making you incredibly nervous and flustered. „Do you have your eyes on someone?“, he countered your previous question and you looked away when he leaned forward.
He had to admit he was a little worried you would say the name of another male, the thought of you being another’s mate made his instincts go crazy. Just like him you didn’t answer, but he interpreted the way you gazed up at him through your lashes in a positive way. He grinned to himself, grabbing your hand and enjoying how your thin tail moved behind you nervously. You still leaned into him a little, and interlaced your fingers with his almost automatically, his skin tingling pleasantly and the two of you just enjoyed the silence.
You and Lo‘ak were strolling around the beach and talking about what he could make for Tsireya to convey his feelings when you heard it. „What are you? Some kind of freak?“, you instantly recognized the voice - and so did Lo’ak - and your heart dropped. You both turned around and saw Aonung and his friends stand around Kiri, taking her hand and laughing about whatever.
Lo’ak immediately started to stomp over there and you broke out of your stupor you followed after him with delay. Your sister looked annoyed and - eventhough she would never admit it - a little hurt by their comments and ridicule. Lo’ak immediately pushed Aonung back with his hand on his chest, the older boy holding his hands up in mocking defense.
He hadn’t seen you yet, but you had to make sure your sister was okay first before dealing with the Olo’eyktans son. „Are you alright Kiri?“, you grabbed her hand and spoke quietly, her hand squeezing yours in comfort and a nod confirming her well-being. You met Aonungs eyes when you looked back to the scene in front of you, and his face fell when he realized you witnessed this.
He didn’t even know why he made fun of you sister, or your siblings in general, but the look of disappointment in your eyes made him want to hit himself for his actions. But before he could do or say anything, your older brother was already on him. „Leave her alone“, Neteyam had enough of Aonung and his friends, his finger pressing into the other boys chest firmly.
„From now on, I need you to respect my siblings“, he growled and again, Aonungs hands went up in a mocking way. He couldn’t help the smirk that made its way onto his face, he couldn’t show weakness infront of his friends, even if he was sorry to have upset you. Neteyam rolled his eyes and stalked back to you and his siblings and you turned to walk away, when one of his friends said: „They’re all freaks, the whole family.“
The hurt look that flashed across your face was enough to make his fists itch with the need to punch his friend, but suddenly Lo’ak turned around again and walked towards him. „Yeah, yeah that’s real funny“, you knew your brother was about to do something stupid, „look I have five fingers I’m a freak!“
He was standing infront of Aonung, the other boys laughing at him. „But I can do something real cool with it, first I fold them, like this and then…“, Lo’ak hit Aonung square in the face with his fist, the taller Metkayina falling into the sand and all hell broke loose. Lo’ak and the other boys were fighting, your brother landing a couple of nasty punches, but when they started to overpower him Neteyam next to you sighed and joined his brother.
„Stop it you skxawngs!“, your sister called out, but she was laughing too so she didn’t really care if they stopped. You on the other hand were worried, your father told you not to get in trouble and here you were, your brothers beating up and getting beat up by the Olo’eyktans son and his friends.
„Lo’ak, Neteyam stop it!“, you shouted moving towards the piles of fighting Na‘vis. One was on top of Lo’ak, punching him in the jaw and you winced in empathy. „Hey stop it! Please!“, but he didn’t seem to hear you in the commotion, and when you tried to pull at his arm it happened so quickly you didn’t realize until you were laying in the sand, looking up at the sky.
Your lip was hurting and you could taste some blood, and in retrospect you chided yourself for being so stupid as to go in the middle of two fighting Na‘vi, especially ones that were way larger than you. No wonder that boys elbow seemed to have hit you in the face. But it seemed like your little injury atleast stopped the fighting, the boy and Lo’ak looked at you frozen in place and once your sister yelled „(Y/N!)“ in shock, everyone froze.
„You asshole!“, Aonung was in rage and everyone was absolutely shocked to see him tackle his friend off of Lo’ak, landing punch to his nose before the other started to defend himself. You were the first one to act, standing up and locking eyes with your older brother. „Stop him!“, you didn’t know why he suddenly attacked his friend, but he seemed so furious that he probably couldn’t be stopped with words. Lo’ak jumped up too, and together they pulled Aonung off the other boy, whose nose was bleeding profusely.
He felt himself being hauled up and tried to break free again, but it was no use. And when he saw your shocked face, he stopped completely, wincing when he saw the blood trickle down your chin slightly. He took in the shocked looks of his friends, and felt a little guilty for beating up the one on the ground, but when he saw you hurt in the sand he felt like he couldn’t control his actions. Eywa, he was way more screwed than he thought.
There were a few moments of tense silence, before you decided it would be a good idea to break this up so everyone could cool down a little. You walked over to your brothers still holding Aonung and gently gripped his biceps, urging him to follow you and he moved from your brothers hold to where you maneuvered him without resistance. „Get him to the Tsahìk“, you gestured to the Na‘vi still laying on the ground, spitting blood onto the sand.
Your brothers were reluctant to let you leave with Aonung, but you could hear your sister scold them while you were leading Aonung away. He was still following you silently, you two weren’t talking until you entered your family’s marui, which was thankfully empty. You sat him down in the corner where you had stored your healing supplies, you and Kiri both were taught by your grandmother.
„I’m sorry“, he broke the silence first and you sighed, dipping your fingers in the paste you had made just yesterday, before softly applying it to the bruises on his face. „You need to tell Kiri, not me“, you didn’t look into his eyes, you were nervous enough being this close to him. „I didn’t mean for you to get hurt“, he sounded really guilty and you set the paste down to talk this out. He took the chance to pick it up, carefully putting some on the cut in your lip and you looked at him wide-eyed, before you shook yourself out of it.
„I was hurt before your friends elbow hit my face Aonung. I have five fingers too you know, doesn’t that mean I’m a freak?“, you held up your hand and wiggled your fingers, a sad smile on your lips. He had never directly insulted you, but didn’t everything that applied to your siblings also apply to you? He frowned, taking your hand into his carefully, your hand completely swallowed by his big ones.
Fuck, he was so conflicted. His feelings for you were so intense, his heart racing just because you had applied some paste to his face and his stomach in tingles when your pretty eyes looked at him. But then there was the pressure from his friends, they loved to make fun of your family and eventhough he still thought all of you were different, he didn’t really mind anymore. You proved yourself to be quick learners after all. He was just afraid of their reaction when he would tell them to stop making fun of your family - or if he told them he liked you.
„No, no you’re not, never think that okay? I’m sorry, I really am, it’s just…“, he couldn’t finish the sentence, he was really bad at talking about his feelings. „Your friends?“, you hummed, gently putting your other hand on top of Aonungs, your other still engulfed between his. The size difference between them was almost comical.
He was astounded by how easily you could read him, another thing that made him fall harder. „Yeah“, he breathed looking to the ground in shame. He hated himself for hurting you just because he couldn’t be brave enough to stand up to his friends. „Maybe punching your friends wasn’t the best plan then“, you squeezed his hand and his skin felt slightly rough under your fingertips.
„Why did you do that anyway?“, you were curious about that since it happened. Aonung still didn’t look up, his posture stiffening and his hand holding yours tighter. You tried to ignore your blushing cheeks. „He hurt you“, he mumbled and you nearly didn’t hear him. „It was an accident“, you were confused but also flattered he defended you - but why? „Aonung why would you defend me anyway? I thought you didn’t like my family“, you sighed, his behavior confused to no end.
He was still silent, but he hesitantly pulled one of his hands back from where they were entangled with yours and finally looked up to meet your eyes. You were surprised to find that he looked a little insecure, but there was another emotion you couldn’t quite decipher. His hand gently gripped your cheek, your freckles already glowing from his close proximity and your ears moving nervously.
Eywa, he didn’t know what he was doing, he just knew it felt right. He would deal with the consequences later, emotional or social. You were blushing so beautifully and your eyes looked surprised by his actions, but he still felt you lean into his hand. When he leaned in closer your tail moved serenely behind you, and he couldn’t help but smile. „Aonung“, you basically whispered his name, and the feelings he got when you said it sent a shiver through him. Without further warning he softly but firmly pressed his lips to yours.
You were frozen for a second, before his hand on your cheek pulled you closer and you melted into him with a sigh, your eyes closing. Your wound burned a bit but you didn’t care, you couldn’t resist him if you tried, you were so in love, Eywa have mercy. Your hands untangled from his and you interlaced them behind his neck, his now free hand pulling you closer by your waist.
„Seems like the fight wasn’t that bad after all“, you winced when you heard your fathers voice behind you, quickly scrambling to stand which proved a little challenging, your legs felt like jelly after that kiss. „Dad!“, you shrieked, your face burning in embarrassment when you saw both your brothers standing next to your father with angry faces.
Aonung was quick to stand next to you, and if the situation wasn’t so bad you would’ve found his little blush cute. „Your father wants to speak to you, go boy“, your father was gesturing for Aonung to leave and you were glad this wasn’t turning into an uncomfortable conversation right away, „don’t think I’m done with you though.“
„Sorry Sir“, Aonung lowered his head and quickly rushed out of the marui. „What the hell (Y/N)!“, Lo’ak was scolding at you, just like Neteyam. Kiri just laughed instead. „I knew that boy had a thing for you“, she giggled and walked over to you. Your father was still silent, which scared you even more than if he would’ve been yelling.
The scolding you hat gotten from your father had been expected, but when he heard that the others were bullying Kiri he had atleast let you go, with the exception of you and Lo’ak. „What happened to your face babygirl?“, your father took your chin in his hand and looked over you in concern. „She tried to stop us and took and elbow to the face“, Lo’ak answered for you. Your father sighed, kissing your forehead.
„I need you to go apologize to Aonung“, he was talking to your brother again, who looked insulted by the idea of saying sorry to the Metkayina. „He’s the Olo’eyktans son, doesn’t matter who started it“, your father had that tone that didn’t leave any room for disscussions and Lo’ak just huffed, crossing his arms in annoyance.
You were sitting outside your marui alone, it was already dark and everyone was busy. Your twin had gone off to apologize with a scowl on his face, and Kiri had questioned you about Aonung before your mother told her to help with dinner, giving you the chance to flee outside. You were still thinking about the feeling of his lips on yours, unsure of what the future would bring. Aonung seemed to be so influenced by his friends, how could he ever admit that he liked you - if he even did like you. You were scared he was just messing with you.
You didn’t get to sit in peace and quiet for long, your father joining you after awhile. „You wanna tell me about him?“, your father was uncharacteristically gentle and you looked up at him with a small smile. „I really like him“, you admitted and your father nodded in understanding.
„Mhm seems like he feels the same way“, Jake told you, but he couldn’t help the unhappy tone his voice took on. You were the first of his daughters that he had to watch fall in love and he realized he got older too. „Don’t say it like that Dad“, you giggled a little, guessing how your father felt and you hugged his arm in comfort.
„I just don’t like seeing you grow up“, he grumbled kissed your temple. You sat in silence for a few moments, before you decided to share your worries with him. „I’m not sure he likes me too“, you said and your father shook his head with a smile. „From what Neteyam has told me, he definitely does“, your dad chuckled. „What did he tell you?“, you frowned, suspicious of your brothers interpretation of the last months.
„Aonung never bullied you right? And Neteyam told me he always stuck close to you during lessons, being patient with you while scolding your brothers for the same thing“, your dad grinned as he remembered the annoyed face on his oldest son. „And he fought his friend in your defense didn’t he?“, he smiled down at you and you looked away with a blush.
„Yeah he did“, you admitted with a coy smile, but before you two could continue your conversation, it was interrupted by Neteyam dragging Aonung towards you two. „Tell them what you told me“, he pushed Aonung forward and what he admitted next - with a guilty look in his eyes and avoiding your gaze completely - shattered all hope you had gathered previously.
„Lo’ak!“, you called out in relief and hugged your twin tightly. You were so incredibly glad that he was alright, and you were still absolutely devastated that Aonung did this. Your father pulled you aside and then stopped Lo’ak from going after Aonung, who was standing next to his father. „Let’s have a look at you“, your Dad gave your twin the once over to make sure he was alright, but Lo’ak didn’t really care, his eyes still on the guilty looking Aonung.
„He’s fine, he’s fine“, your father told the others, you know he was trying to play this down to keep the peace, „just a few scratches.“ Your mother joined the crowd and you know she was concerned, but she was still scolding your twin. „I pray for the strength that I will not pluck the eyeballs out of my youngest son“, she hissed and you felt really bad for Lo’ak, this wasn’t even his fault!
„No! My son knows better than to take him outside the reef“, Tonowari spoke with a disappointed and firm voice, pushing his son down to one knee authoritatively. You almost felt bad for Aonung, but you were really angry with him yourself. „The blame his his“, you took in the words and took ahold of your mothers arm for comfort.
„Okay, let’s go“, your Dad wanted to leave this behind as fast as possible, but Lo’ak stopped him, and now you were praying for the strength not to pluck his eyeballs out. „No. This is not Aonungs fault. This was my idea“, you looked just as unbelieving as Aonung, „Aonung tried to talk me out of it, really. I’m sorry.“
„Come on“, your dad was a little firmer now and Lo’ak finally moved. „I got this“, your father reassured Tonowari and he pulled up Aonung, while you and your mother followed your father. You could hear him getting scolded, but you were too far away already.
„Dad, you told me to make friends with these people, that’s all I was trying to-“, your brother wanted to defend himself, but your father interrupted him. „I don’t want to hear it.“, he looked several disappointed. „Dad…“, your twin tried again. „You brought shame to this family“, you winced and your ears layed flat when your father said these words, and you could see Lo’ak was holding it together - like he always was.
„Can I go now?“, your twin asked in defeat and your father frowned. „Any more trouble, I jerk a knot in your tail. You read me?“ „Yes sir.“, your dad nodded and your brother was off, Neteyam getting a scolding too. Your father was way too hard on them since the sky people returned.
You gave your twin a little time to cool down, before going out to search for him. He was sitting on the beach alone, fiddling with a shell and only looking up when he felt you sit next to him. „You okay?“, you quietly asked, eventhough you knew the answer. „Yeah“, he just said and you sighed, leaning your head against his arm.
„You know Dad didn’t mean it, he’s just worried about you and about us getting thrown out or something“, you whispered and you heard him huff in annoyance. „Whatever“, he tried to play it cool, but you felt his arm pulling you closer by your shoulder. „For what it’s worth, I don’t think you brought shame to our family, I know this wasn’t your idea anyway“, you rolled your eyes when you remembered how he took the blame.
„They said they would take me hunting“, he opened up about what really happened, „I know we shouldn’t go outside the reef, but I thought if I went with them we could finally leave this all behind and be friends or something. But when I turned around they were suddenly gone.“ Your tail was tucked around your waist and you frowned with empathy. Your brother just wanted to make friends and was basically left for death.
„I’m sorry Lo’ak“, you squeezed his arm in comfort, and he just sighed, looking up at the nightsky. „I met someone out there, a Tulkun“, he started to smile and you were glad. „Really? But Tsireya told me they didn’t return yet“, you wondered. „He was all alone and he saved me from an akula“, your breath hitched as you thought about the danger your twin was in.
„Thank Eywa he was there“, you voice cracked a little and Lo’ak looked down at you in worry. „Hey, hey don’t worry I’m still alive am I not“, he kissed your temple softly and you hit his chest playfully. „You skxawng“, you smiled slightly. „You have to meet him“, Lo’ak grinned and you nodded in agreement. „I’d love to“, you told him, glad that he was in a better mood already.
You helped your mother with preparing dinner the next day, your sibling being out with the others and you knew Lo’ak wanted to tell them about the Tulkun. You didn’t go because you weren’t ready to face Aonung yet, instead opting to hide in the marui.
After a while of silently cutting vegetables and fruit, your mother told you to go outside and enjoy the sun, because she was almost done anyway, so you decided to collect a few shells. Your mind was thinking over the situation with Aonung constantly, your feelings for him were still as strong as ever and the kiss replayed in your mind constantly but you were also still shocked that he could be so mean.
Calling your siblings freaks was a different level of bullying than honestly endangering your twins life and making him think they could be friends before leaving him alone. Your chest felt constricted when you thought of the way Lo’ak must’ve felt. You knew Lo’ak and the others had basically made peace with Ao’nung - he was allegedly nice to them now, his other friends forgotten, but you still couldn’t bring yourself to forgive him. Could you be with someone like that? Assuming he wanted to be with you, you still weren’t convinced the kiss wasn’t a prank too.
You had just spotted a pretty blue shell and bend down to pick it up, when you were interrupted by the Na‘vi you really wanted to avoid the most calling your name. „Leave me alone Aonung“, you stood up straight again, the shell long forgotten, and didn’t even look at him before walking further down the beach. „(Y/N)! Wait, please!“, he sounded desperate and you weren’t quick enough, so he grabbed your wrist and pulled you around to meet his gaze.
Aonung hated the way you looked at him, he hated himself for what he had done and he was praying to Eywa you could forgive him one last time. He didn’t even know why he did that to your twin, he had panicked after he kissed you and ran back to his stupid friends - wanting to prove himself in their eyes after feeling guilty for kissing you.
He was so dumb, he was scared he fucked it all up and that that one kiss was all that he would ever get from you, his friends were long forgotten after the reality check he received yesterday. It really didn’t matter what everyone thought. „What do you want“, you asked and the hurt look in your eyes made him feel like the biggest skxawng on the moon. It was crushing him.
„I’m so sorry (Y/N), I don’t really have an explanation, but believe me I regret what I did so bad“, he started apologizing and you looked away, trying to hold in your tears, „I just- I panicked after I…kissed you and did something really stupid and I really am so sorry.“ „It wasn’t stupid Aonung, it was dangerous and it was so…mean“, your voice was trembling and you tried to pull your arm out of his hold, but he wouldn’t let you.
„I know, I know“, he sighed, his head tilting down and a frown on his face, „I promise I will never do anything like that again, Eywa I will never stop being sorry for this, I can’t lose you (Y/N), please can you forgive me?“ You wanted to believe him, you really did. „I’ve forgiven you for everything you’ve done to my siblings before Aonung, but this? I can’t- I don’t think I can trust you anymore“, you whispered the last part but he heard you as if you yelled right into his ear, „I don’t even know if you were serious when you…kissed me.“
He felt like he was punched square in the face, his ears folded against his head and his heart cracking slightly. Was he really losing you? Before he even really had you? „Of course I was serious, (Y/N) I know I fucked up but I have never and will never mess with you like that, I have had feelings for you since you landed here all those months ago, and eventhough I tried to fight them I can’t. You make me feel like you really see me, the real me not the one I was trying to be. And I’m sorry for making you doubt me. I really want to be with you, if you can forgive me. I see you, your gentle nature, the way you always make sure everyone’s alright and watch out for your family and I love our differences - your five fingers and your cute tail, everything. Please“, he took a deep breath, „please forgive me (Y/N).“ He felt a heavy weight lift off his shoulders, his forehead pressed against yours and your eyes locked onto his.
„Aonung“, you were speechless, your heart was hammering in your chest and you felt so warm and fuzzy. But you still weren’t sure about all this. „I…I see you“, you answered honestly, because you did, you couldn’t deny it, „but I need some time, okay? I can’t just…forget this and trust you again.“ He looked like you hit him in the face and your heart ached at the thought of hurting his feelings, but you had to protect your own.
He understood where you were coming from, but that didn’t stop it from hurting, eventhough you said you saw him. „Yeah, of course. I promise I’ll do anything to make you trust me again yawne“, he vowed to himself he wouldn’t rest until you were his mate, no matter what it took. Your heart skipped a beat at the loving name he called you and you managed to nod, before pulling yourself out of the tall Na‘vis grip and quickly fleeing the scene before your tears started to fall.
The battle of three brothers rock was over three weeks ago, and you were still almost crying when you thought about how you nearly lost your oldest brother. He was only able to be saved because of Norm and Max, their skypeople technology stopping Neteyam from bleeding out. And it has also been three weeks since Aonung started courting you, like really really seriously. He gifted you selfmade jewelry, went hunting for your family and brought you the biggest catch and he really, really tried to spend time with you. You weren’t wearing his bracelet and necklace yet, not wanting to give him false hope if it didn’t work out and you could see it hurt him.
You had been successful at avoiding him the last weeks though, always fleeing into the forest or taking your Ilu to go diving somewhere, anything to delay the inevitable conversation you would face when he managed to corner you. You hated the disappointed look everytime he saw you slip away again, you felt so bad but you just couldn’t bring yourself to accept his advances yet. Not because you didn’t trust him again, he really proved himself - he was so sweet with little Tuk and grew close to your other siblings too, never bullying them again.
But now that his intentions became serious, you panicked. If you would mate with him, you would be the next Tsahìk of his clan. Would his parents ever approve of this match? By Eywa, would the Metkayina even tolerate a foreigner as their Tsahìk? And did you even have what it takes to be one after all? You weren’t outgoing, of course you were caring and you were a decent healer, but when you looked at Ronal you had to admit you would never be like that.
But you still loved Aonung, you were sure. And the thought of anyone else being your mate made you panick just the same. Why did he have to be the next Olo’eyktan? Silently sighing you pushed your chopped vegetables in the big bowl and your mother cleared her throat. Uh, oh, she looked like she wanted to breach a serious topic. Oh no.
„Ma‘ite, don’t you think you’ve held out the poor boy enough? He’s so obviously in love with you, and I can see you love him too“, your mother peeled the fruit in her hand without looking away from you. You blushed, if even your mother felt bad for him, he must really be sad. „I do love him“, you were speaking so quietly Neytiri almost didn’t catch it. „What it is then? Tell me, Mhm?“, she urged you to finally spill what’s going on inside your mind and you folded.
„I’m just…I’m worried you know“, you started and put the knife down, you couldn’t concentrate anyway, „if I accept him I’ll be the next Tsahìk sa’nok, I’m not sure I’m even remotely suitable for that…considering Tonowari and Ronal would even approve the match, and I don’t even want to think about the clans opinion on a foreign Tsahìk.“ There, you admitted your worries out loud. And you felt a little better about it already.
Your mother was silent for a moment before getting up and sitting down next to you. „Love, don’t talk about yourself like that. You would be the perfect fit. You are one of the best healers I know and Ronal would teach you, they would be snumìna to not accept you. And from what I’ve seen the people here adore you, especially the children and elders“, she hugged you close and kissed your temple softly. (stupid)
„You need to speak to him ma‘ite“, she smiled down at you but she also looked a little strict about it. You sighed and pulled away a little, going back to preparing dinner. „I will, I’ll do it…tomorrow“, you had no intention of doing that and she knew it too.
You really couldn’t catch a break, as soon as you had left the marui the next morning you were cornered by your brothers and Tsireya. You could guess what they wanted. „(Y/N) don’t you think you can forgive him? He’s been groveling at your feet for weeks sis“, Lo’ak was - as always - the first and most insensitive to start the conversation. You were glad Tsireya hit him over the head for it.
„What he means is, that Aonung is miserable. I really have never seen my brother like that, please free us of this despair“, Tsireya looked at you with her big eyes and you almost caved, they reminded you so much of Aonungs. „I will, I will, I’m busy right now, but I’ll do it later“, you forced a smile on your face. You pushed past them quickly and in your attempt of a quick escape you collided with a strong chest.
„I’m so sorry“, you gasped and your heart plummeted when you looked into Aonungs face. This was the first time you’ve seen him up close since that night he confessed and you had to admit - though he was still incredibly handsome - he didn’t look to good. He had dark circles under his eyes, a few scratches on his cheek and shoulder that were untreated and the spark in his eyes was dimmed down. You were sure you didn’t look much better, you missed him dearly but it was your own fault after all.
Eywa you wanted to cry, you weren’t ready for this and this was too sudden. „(Y/N)“, his voice sounded rough and he started to raise his hand as if to touch you and that made you snap out of your frozen state. „I’m sorry“, you pressed out in a whisper before quickly slipping past him and vanishing between the maruis. You didn’t miss the way he flinched and the way his ears layed flat against his head. You wished you weren’t such a coward, another reason why you wouldn’t be fit for being Tsahìk.
You were avoiding everyone now, all of them - the whole bunch! - was pestering you about Aonung, as if you didn’t feel bad enough already. You were sitting in your family’s marui, your mother had thankfully thrown everyone out because she knew it wouldn’t help to pressure you, and you were gently holding the bracelet and necklace Aonung had gifted you, an ankle bracelet had been added to that today.
But you knew you really couldn’t avoid this any longer, the hurt you felt from being away from him for so long and the guilt you felt from hurting him was by far overpowering all your insecurities and worries by now. You were just gathering the courage to put on the jewelry and seek him out. What gave you the final push was a scowling Ronal that was suddenly standing in your home.
You felt like prey being cornered by a predator when she stalked over to where you were sitting, firmly joining you on the ground, her pregnant belly sitting on top of her thighs. „Tsahìk“, you inclined your head and gestured I see you, glad you didn’t completely forget your manners. „How long do you plan on torturing my son?“, she looked so scary and frightening like that, and you shrunk back a little.
„I didn’t mean to“, you whispered clutching the jewelry tightly for comfort. „Then what is your reason?“, she demanded, „Why won’t you accept him? It would be a good match.“ You were surprised she thought so. „You…you think so?“, your voice was quiet and the frown lightened a little when she saw how insecure you were.
She wasn’t angry with you per se, at least not seriously, she knew her son wasn’t innocent in all of this but she was still worrying about her eldest. She could see he tried so so hard for you, coming back shattered every day you didn’t at least talk to him. But she liked you, she saw that you were a great healer, caring for her people and your gentle nature fit perfectly with her sons hard and rough one and she was concerned about your worries too. „What is it child?“, she cocked her head a little and penetrated you with that intense gaze, you couldn’t lie to her you knew that much.
„I’m just…I was worried you and Tonowari wouldn’t approve of it. And what about the clan? Im still a foreigner after all. Do you even think…I mean I’m not even sure I am fit to be Tsahìk…“, Ronal had to admit she was a bit shocked by your dark thoughts. „You and your family are Metkayina. You are the daughter of Totuk Makto (Y/N) and you are an overly talented healer, your mother told me you were taught by the Tsahìk of your clan. The clan loves you aswell, you are caring and gentle with the children, helping everyone that needs it. And most importantly, my son is absolutely in love with you“, she gave your shoulder an encouraging squeeze, your heart unbelievably happy that she quenched all of your worries just like that. You should’ve probably talked to her sooner.
„Thank you Ronal“, you grabbed her forearm carefully in gratitude, a rare smile on her face. „And now put on that jewelry and free my son from his misery“, she got up and pulled you with her, ushering you out the door once she had helped your secure everything, „we will start lessons soon!“ Eywa, this was really going to be it. Hopefully Aonung wasn’t fed up with your behavior yet.
It was past eclipse already when you found him. Ronal had given you a general direction, but he was nestled between a few rocks, mending fishing nets in silence and it had taken you a while to find him. He seemed deep in thought when you reluctantly approached him, your heart hammering in your chest, on one hand you were nervous and on the other you were so in love with him. „Aonung“, you spoke up when you were standing a few meters next to him, the ocean breezing ruffling your hair slightly.
He froze when he heard your voice. Was he that desperate that he started hallucinating? You couldn’t really be here, right? When he heard someone shuffle closer to him in the sand, he finally looked up and nearly let out a pathetic whimper when you were really standing in front of him. Please Eywa, don’t let this be the part where you reject him.
The past weeks had worn him down unbelievably. At first he was so motivated to win you over, and he still kept that up, but with every day that he saw you basically run away from him, his heart cracked a little more. Did you really think he was that bad? „(Y/N)“, his voice sounded raw, not having been used much today. He tried to avoid the others, they always looked at him so pitifully and he hated that. He hated how weak he felt without you.
You swallowed down the lump in your throat and hesitantly sat down next to him. Now was the moment you had to be brave. „I’m sorry Aonung“, you started, not really knowing where to go from there. You had it all planned out in your head, but in front of him with his eyes looking at you so hopefully it was all gone.
With your words his eyes turned sorrowful, his head hanging low and you could hear him take a shaky breath. „Please, don’t say it, I-I can’t…“, he paused and his fists clenched tightly. You were confused now. „If you reject me make it quick please“, he whispered, not looking up and you felt your heart break at the sight. Eywa, you hated yourself for doing this to him.
„No! No, Aonung I’m not rejecting you“, you panicked a little, grabbing his biceps and forearm firmly continuing your rambling, „I was apologizing for not facing this earlier, I didn’t mean to make you wait so long I just…I was worried“, you paused a little and he was looking at you again, „but your mother made me realize I was being silly.“
„What does that mean? Do you forgive me?“, Aonung was still reluctant to hope you wanted to seriously be his mate, but he couldn’t help the way his heart was mending itself a little already, your hands on him helping tremendously. He watched your ears move nervously and your tail wrapped around your thigh in comfort, the blush on your cheek making him choke. You were so beautiful, he missed seeing you up close and he needed to fight the urge to touch you again. Suddenly he noticed you were wearing his gifts and his heartbeat and hope skyrocketed. He couldn’t wait until everyone saw you wearing them, preferably when you agreed to be his.
„Of course I forgive you! I actually forgave you about two weeks ago, and I hope you can forgive me for being such a coward and avoiding you for so long“, your cheeks were burning, you normally never were this forward, but you knew you had to make this right. You moved even closer to him, your knees touching his thigh and you were a little relieved when his hand moved to your cheek.
„Always, for you I would wait forever (Y/N)“, he smiled shyly and it was weird to see the strong warrior like this, but you couldn’t help the smile that made its way onto your own face. Before you could lose your courage, you move one hand to his cheek, the skin a little rougher than yours, and the way he leaned into it gave you the last push to finally kiss him.
His breath hitched when you pressed you soft lips to his. This was worth all the weeks of uncertainty and heartbreak before, to finally hold you in his arms and having you kiss him was making his heart whole again and his life worth living. His skin prickled pleasantly, his hands gripping your waist and pulling you into his lap, the net he was mending long forgotten.
You held onto his neck when he moved you and were so relieved he reciprocated your kiss. How could you have ever thought about any other life than one by his side. You pulled back to breathe - you couldn’t hold your breath as long as he could after all - and giggled a little when he chased your lips. „(Y/N)“, he looked at you heavy-lidded, your stomach clenching with an unfamiliar feeling.
„Mhm“, you were distracted by the freckles that were glowing on his face, tracing them with your finger softly, a lazy smile forming on his lips. „Does that mean you accept me as your mate?“, his heart was fluttering, his stomach in a nervous knot still worried you wouldn’t be sure. „I would love to be your mate Aonung, Oel ngati kameie“, you pressed your forehead to his, and the smile on his was making your stomach all warm. „Oel ngati kameie“, he grinned and you were so, so relieved the spark was back in his pretty eyes.
He pulled you back in for another kiss, he couldn’t believe he finally had you, all of you. But what he still wanted to know was what you talked to his mother about and what obviously held you back the past two weeks if you had already forgiven him back then. „(Y/N)?“, he asked between kisses and you just hummed, completely lost in his embrace and affection, the way his strong arms held you close made you feel like you’ve never felt before.
„What did you talk to my mother about?“, he almost regretted the question when you pulled back with a coy smile, your freckles glowing even brighter in embarrassment. „It was just…the thing holding me back from accepting was uhm…I was scared I wouldn’t be fit to be your Tsahìk“, you mumbled, a little embarrassed to lay your insecurities out in the open, but he deserved to know, „and I thought your parents and the clan wouldn’t accept me anyway.“
He was stunned into silence for a moment, how could his perfect, gentle and caring love think she wasn’t enough? „I hope you realized that that’s bullshit“, he basically growled at the way you doubted yourself, „you’re perfect yawne, I couldn’t even think of anyone else, if it’s not you, it’s no one. You’re a gifted healer, always caring for everyone and Eywa, I love you so so much tanhì please, never doubt yourself okay? And if you do, always talk to me, never shut me out again“, he was so caring and genuine you pressed a short kiss to his lips appreciatively, „promise me.“
„I promise Aonung, I will never shut you out again“, your voice was soft and his ears moved happily. He grinned blissfully and couldn’t resist your soft and slightly swollen lips anymore. This kiss was a little more passionate, his tongue gently stroking your lips before you opened them and hummed contently when his tongue found yours. His taste made you fall into him even more, and the way he kissed you made some new feelings arouse in your body.
He pulled back a little and you almost protested, but his lips wandered down to your neck and you felt like you were in heaven. Suddenly he stood up with you in his arms, a yelp leaving your mouth and you held on tightly. „Where are we going tìyawn?“, you were completely at his mercy. The loving name made him groan and he kissed your lips again.
„I’m taking you to the Cove of the Ancestors to mate with you, I can’t wait anymore I need to make you mine (Y/N)“, he said between kissing you and maneuvering you onto his Ilu that he had called. „Please make me yours Aonung“, you whispered and it sent his instincts into overdrive. His perfect, pretty, small and soft mate asking him to take her was almost too much.
He got on behind you, holding you close to his chest, immediately departing. „Eywa, I can’t wait to be your mate, you’re going to my perfect Tsahìk“, he groaned into your neck and you shivered at his possessive tone. When he felt you lean into him in submission, something more primal awakened in him. „Can’t wait to make you swell with our child“, he growled into you ear, both of them twitching adorably, and he only urged his Ilu to go faster. He thanked Eywa for giving him such a perfect mate.
Took me a little longer this time but I’m not completely satisfied with this…but I have to fight my perfectionist ways it’s not getting better! Let me know what you think, and let me know if it makes sense I was strugglingggg love y’all!! If you wanna be added to my Taglist (just avatar, everything, a specific character let me know)
