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whatsthethinking · 2 years ago

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Beauty and the Beast (2)

Jake Sully x Fem!Reader

All Jake wants is a chance to prove that he’s good enough.

↦ Word count: 3.5k

↦ Warning: Nothing that I caught but let me know if there is,, ooc Tsu'tey

↦ Note: Bold italics = speaking Na’vi.

↦ Part 2 of ?

[Part 1] ⟡ [Part 3]

The move from Hell’s Gate to Site 26 was as hectic as Jake expected. Especially with Grace watching his every move. As Norm and Trudy were loading the rotorcraft and Grace had her back turned, Jake was pulled to the side by Quaritch who asked, demanded, that Jake continue to keep giving updates on the Na’vi along with hinting that he will be watching any vlogs he records. Jake halfheartedly agreed as he felt eyes lingering on him.

“So, where we going?” Jake questioned, removing his bag.

“There’s a mobile link up at Site 26, way up in the mountains,” Grace replied, not looking up from whatever was on the desk.

“The Hallelujah Mountains?” Norm’s voice cut through the air, laced with curiosity and wonder.

“That’s right.”

“Seriously? Are you serious?”

Yeah,” Grace confirmed.

Jake looked at Norm, confusion on his face as he waited for an explanation.

“The legendary mountains of Pandora?” Jake continued to look blankly which seemed to upset Norm further. “Useless. Maybe you should stay here.” With that, Norm walked off with Jace close behind, rolling his eyes.

The skies of Pandora were clear, with barely any clouds. Looking down, Jake was fascinated by how the landscape changed. From the grey grounds and smoke fumes surrounding Hell’s Gate to the luscious green forests. Seeing the change, an unusual feeling settled in his chest, one that he would liken to guilt. The guilt of what he became a part of.

Suddenly, Trudy jerked the aircraft to the side slightly. Grace looked out of the side. The wind tousled her hair. She nodded her head toward a group of purple flying creatures passing by. “The Na’vi call them Fkio, it’s rare to see them flying this far from the wetlands. They must be migrating.”

Norm looked ecstatic hearing this information, Trudy did too. Jake hummed in interest as he looked out beside him.

“We’re getting close,” Grace announced.

“Yeah,” Trudy agreed, with a chuckle, “look at my instruments.”

Suddenly, it was as though all the clouds appeared at once. Trudy announced that the aircraft had to fly blind which caused the look of excitement to vanish from Norm’s face as it paled. As Trudy broke through the clouds, the sun hit Jake’s face and he was presented with a sight he doubted he would have thought of on a good day.

“Oh, my, god,” Norm managed to articulate as Trudy flew between two enormous mountains. Trudy had made a comment that went unnoticed as everyone drank in the sight.

“If you behave, I’m sure y/n will give you a tour.” Jake scoffed at Norm’s mumbling, shaking his head and continued to watch the mountains as they passed by.

–

As Jake got out of the aircraft and into his wheelchair. He paused to take a look around. The sheer scale of everything around him was breathtaking yet intimidating. There was no feeling like it.

Being exposed to Pandora without his avatar was a daunting experience for Jake. He felt exposed, vulnerable. As much as he was enjoying the sites, Jake was glad to be getting inside.

“Catch up, Jake.” Trudy shouted ahead of him, “You have an important date!”. Jake’s lip quirked up at the side as he slowly rolled himself forward. The terrain proved to not be that wheelchair friendly but with a lot of upper body strength, Jake managed to get himself into the lab and was greeted to the site of Grace marching around checking all the equipment.

“Your beds over there, put your stuff down and come eat,” Grace instructed, not giving him a second look.

Jake followed her orders and threw his bag onto an empty bed and rolled his way in between Grace and Trudy. The group sat and ate in silence, listening to nature just outside of the window. A complete change to sitting in Hell’s Gate, listening to the mines drilling away, the consistent scratching of the speakers overhead.

“So…” Jake started, dragging out the vowel, “How do I get y/n to like me?” Jake spooned what he thinks is soup into his mouth, and when he didn’t get a response, he looked up to see Grace, Norm and Trudy looking at him with unrecognisable expressions, “What?”

“Why do you wanna know that?” Norm questioned, his voice having a certain edge to it.

“I don’t wanna piss her off and get dropped again.” Jake shrugged, “I could use all the help I can get.”

“I’m not telling you how to butter her up.” Grace started, “You need to get her to like her on your own.”

“One little hint won’t hurt though, will it?”

Grace sighed and put down her spoon, her face growing serious. Jake was sure he was about to be scolded again. “Just act like you want to be there, listen to her. The rest will come naturally. Y/n’s a good girl, she’ll make sure you’ll learn something.” Grace paused to look at her watch, “Right, you’ve got 20 minutes until you need to be in your avatar. Finish eating.”

Jake nodded and focused on eating, taking in Grace’s advice.

–

Y/n sat patiently at the base of Home Tree waiting for Jake to wake up, she had gone to check on his avatar body not too long ago but she got no response. For the first time in a long time, y/n felt nervous. She had felt it during the night which kept her awake and the feeling had carried over into the next day.

Y/n felt as though she was suddenly under pressure to make sure Jake learnt enough so that he could be accepted by her people. She felt like not only was she doing this for Jake but for Grace too.

Y/n sighed, crouching beside the skull of Toruk, she wasn't sure how long she had been waiting but boredom was starting to set in. She watched the different clan members go about their day, some asking if she would play with them which she softly declined stating that she was busy, “You don’t look very busy.”

“Not right now, but I will be.”

“Please y/n.” The children pleaded in unison, y/n was about to agree since she wasn’t sure when Jake would turn up but she was stopped by the sound of someone stumbling down the stairs to her right.

“Hi. Sorry, I'm late.” Jake apologised, coming to y/n’s side, “it won’t happen again.”

Standing up gracefully, y/n nodded, dismissing his apology, “No need to worry. Shall we go?”

“But y/n.” One of the children voiced, standing between her and Jake. Y/n reassured them that they could all play together when she got back and with some convincing the children agreed.

–

As they left Home Tree, Jake caught Neytiri’s eye and looked down sheepishly, feeling the disapproval of him rolling off of her in waves.

Y/n and Jake walked in silence, side by side. Jake noticed that wherever they were heading was becoming less and less populated.

“Where are we heading?” Jake asked nervously, “Shouldn’t we be heading to where all the training is done?”

“We will get there,” y/n started, brushing away a large leaf that was in their path, “but we should get to know each other first, shouldn’t we?”

“Uh, yeah. We should.” Jake agreed awkwardly.

It was silent before y/n started telling Jake what she enjoyed, “there is so much to, so many people to meet. I love the forest, it is home but there is so much to explore.”, the passion was evident in y/n’s voice as she explained this to Jake. It was clear that y/n had a thirst for life, something Jake was yet to feel.

“What do you like to do?”

This stumped Jake, what did he like to do? If he really thought about it, he didn’t really like anything. He wasn’t good at anything. So in response, all Jake could do was shrug.

“What does that mean?” Y/n voice was laced with curiosity as she mimicked his action, “You must like to do something? You work with ma sa’nok, so you must like flowers?”

“Ma who?” Jake questioned but was met with a shrug from y/n, a small smile on her face. “But no. I don’t really like flowers.” Jake admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Oh… So why are you here? Working with people who like flowers if you don’t?”

Jake hesitated before he answered, “My brother died? And they needed someone to take his place and since we’re identical twins, I was their first option.”

“What is a idenical twin?”

“Identical,” Jake corrected, “it is when two children are born at the same time.”

“Hm, we don’t have that here. Do you have that a lot on Earth?”

“I think so. My dad was a twin and so was his dad. I guess if I ever have kids, they might be twins too.”

“Would you like that? To have children? Twins?”

“I think so, I don’t think I’d be the best dad though. What about you? Do you want kids?”

“I would like to travel more before I find my mate and have children. I would like to show my children this world…” Jake watched as a smile danced onto y/n’s face which made him smile also, but he wondered why he was discussing the idea of having children with a stranger from another planet but it felt right.

“So, what has Neytiri taught you?” Y/n questioned.

“Shooting and climbing? Both I’m bad at.” Jake admitted with a chuckle. “I also tried riding a direhorse but I landed face-first in the mud every time.”

Y/n looked to the ground and watched Jake’s feet as he spoke, she noticed that he slightly dragged his feet. So she stopped, allowing him to walk ahead slightly. Once Jake noticed, he turned around, an eyebrow raised, “are we stopping?”

“No, no. I am just watching. I think we should work on pon.”

“Pon? I don’t know what you mean?”

“This,” y/n stretched her arms out and took a few steps forward until they were an arm’s length away from one another, “like this.”

“Balance?”

“You walk as though you’ve only just gotten your legs. I hear you before I see you.”

“You’re partially correct,” Jake mumbled.

Jake stood awkwardly as y/n circled him. She stood behind him and put one of her hands on his shoulder and one on his lower back, “stand straighter and when you walk, do not drag your feet, it is noisy.” Jake took in the correction and the two set off again.

For the next hour or so, the pair spent just walking directionless. Y/n would often correct his posture and point out different plants or animals they came across. It was refreshing. Jake found it comforting that they hadn’t started with anything extreme and that if he asked to take a break, y/n would stop without any questions.

Jake became lost in thought, thinking about what he was going to tell Quaritch when he demanded an update and hadn’t noticed that y/n was no longer by his side until he reached a body of water surrounded by twisted vines and branches. Jake spun on the spot but could not see y/n anywhere. A part of him felt concerned, had something happened and he didn’t notice? Another part of him knew that if something did happen, y/n would be able to defend herself. But overall, Jake was lost. Had y/n abandoned him? Did he do something wrong?

As Jake was about to leave, and retrace his steps, he heard rustling behind him.

“Come on Jake, catch up!”

Jake watched as y/n emerged on the other side of the lake, a smile decorating her face.

“Across this?” Jake pointed to the narrow tree trunk beside him, it stretched the whole way across but did not look like it would be strong enough to support his weight.

“Yes, come on!”

Jake hesitated, but stepped up to it, walking across. He held his arms out to the sides for balance but kept his eyes down, making sure he didn't fall off the edge.

“Eyes up!”

Jake followed the instruction but as soon as he did, he lost his footing and toppled off of the side, straight into the water. As he resurfaced, wiping his eyes, he could hear the sound of laughter. He looked up to see y/n covering her mouth. Jake chuckled standing to his full height, the water settling just below his waist. Jake slowly waded through the water to the shore where y/n was still laughing quietly.

“Where did you go?” He questioned, brushing away the wet hair falling into his face. “How did you get over here so fast?”

“I’m sorry, Jake.” y/n began with a giggle, “You were doing so well with your walking, I didn't want to interrupt. And I walked. Up there.” Y/n pointed above their heads where a large winding tree trunk stretched across. “I was watching you, I won’t let anything eat you before your lessons are over.”

“How lovely of you,” Jake responded sarcastically, y/n nodded along, ignoring his comment. Jake wondered if she even knew what sarcasm was.

“Shall we try again?” Y/n asked enthusiastically, reaching forward to brush wet leaves and grass off Jake’s arm. “I won’t leave you this time.”

“What happened to just walking?” Jake’s hand followed the path that y/n’s had taken, “that was more than walking.”

“We can do more walking later, I want to see more of your, uh, balance. You will need it later.”

So Jake tried again, he walked along the tree, hands out to his side, and once again as soon as he looked ahead and not down at his feet. He landed in the water with y/n laughing above him.

–

Norm shuffled around at his new desk, trying to push down the ever-growing feeling of envy that would bubble to the surface every time he thought about Jake being taught the ways of the Omatikaya. To him, it wasn’t fair. Norm had spent years upon years studying and learning about the Na’vi and put everything on hold to come all the way to Pandora but it was Jake who was given the experience. Norm knew that Jake didn’t come to Pandora for research and science and yet he is the one getting the best benefits.

Lost in his jealous thoughts, Norm had knocked a stack of Grace’s notebooks to the floor. He quickly dropped down and began to gather them before Grace came back inside to see the mess he had caused. As he reached for the final spiral notebook, a handmade envelope fell out. Norm stared at it before picking it up cautiously. He turned it over to read ‘y/n’s Iknimaya, first try ✓, June 13th, 2144’. Now he was curious.

Standing to his full height and quickly looking over his shoulder to check if anyone was approaching when he spotted Grace speaking animatedly with Trudy, he took his chance and opened the envelope. Sitting neatly inside was a card that held 4 photographs, all showcasing y/n different other Na’vi from the clan.

The first and second photos showed y/n standing with who Norm assumed was Tsu’tey and another girl he did not recognise. He turned it over and saw Grace’s writing in the middle, ‘y/n, Tsu’tey, Sylwanin :)”

The third photograph was of y/n and an older Na’vi man, comparing the faces, Norm assumes that this was y/n’s father. The proud look on his face helped him conclude this.

The last photograph showed y/n and Grace in her avatar. Y/n was on Grace’s back with a large smile on her face, Grace had one to match. There was a certain look on Grace’s face, it matched the man in the previous photo.

“What are you doing?” Norm was started by the voice behind him and almost dropped the envelope again.

“Nothing, nothing.” Norm cleared his throat, placing the envelope on the desk, “it fell and uh.”

Grace nodded, walking forward and putting the gifted shell in the corner. She then picked up the envelope, took out the card and opened it for Norm to see.

“Thank for beliving in my.” Written somewhat messily in pencil.

“Y/n made me this card the day after she passed her iknimaya, she was so happy when she tamed her ikran, she couldn't wait to take to the sky and explore. She was so young, one of the youngest.”

“Wow, did you watch?”

“I did, she begged me to be there. But I would've gone regardless.”

“What was it like? To watch?”

“It was,” Grace paused as she thought back to the rite of passage, “I was worried for her, scared even. She had worked so hard towards it, preparing almost every waking moment but she was so young. Just about to turn 12. But watching her complete it, tame her ikran and fly for the first time without her father, it was breathtaking to see.” The fondness in Grace’s voice was easily detected. “I’m so proud of her.”

Norm couldn’t hold his tongue, looking over in the direction of Jake’s linkpod, “will Jake get to do his iknimaya?”

“With y/n as his teacher, I’m sure she will consider preparing him for it.”

“Oh.” Norm’s shoulders deflated at the thought of Jake gaining another experience from his time on Pandora, Grace must’ve seen his face fall because she placed a gentle arm, “Don’t feel too discouraged at this, Jake’s a fool and somehow got lucky. I’m sure your time will come.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah, I don’t see why not. Y/n will most likely come here soon, you can ask her to show you around.”

“Really?” Norm’s face seemed to brighten.

“Y/n is a sweet girl and she loves to make friends so I’m sure she would be happy to.”

Norm opened his mouth to ask a question about Grace’s relationship with the Na’vi but he didn't think it would be appropriate just yet since they did not know each other very well. Instead, he nodded with a smile before going back to organising his desk.

—

After a long afternoon of walking and falling into the water, Jake and y/n had moved to y/n testing his balance while running, well jogging. Jake had found this much harder, tripping over his feet any time the terrain changed which y/n may’ve tried to hide her laugher at.

Overall, Jake would say that this had been the best day he’s had in the Pandora forest this far but of course, good things must come to an end.

“We can meet tomorrow? Get you running higher off of the ground?”

“Ugh. So much fitness.” Jake joked, bringing a smile to y/n’s face, “My feet hurt.”

“Stop whining, you sound like a baby.” Y/n poked Jake’s arm as they went their separate ways.

“See you tomorrow, y/n.”

“Bye bye, Jake.” And with that, y/n was gone, disappearing into the crowd. Jake manoeuvred his way around the edges, being stopped by a clan elder as they placed a wrapped leaf package into his hand, assuming its food.

Jake made his way back to his hammock, sitting on the branch overhead and ate the food in the leaf, not questioning what it was.

“Jake Sully,” Neytiri appeared almost out of nowhere, “y/n came back in a good mood, you did not disappoint her.”

“I’m glad, y/n’s great,” Jake commented.

Neytiri did not say anything in reply, she just nodded and walked away. Shrugging his shoulders, Jake finished his food and settled into the hammock and closed his eyes.

–

“How was your day with Jake Sully?” Tsu’tey asked as he sat beside y/n, facing the fire.

“It was good, I like him. He is good company.”

“You like him?” Tsu’tey scoffed, “Of course you would.”

“Do not be this way, Tsu’tey. It is not a good look for you.” Y/n joked, elbowing him softly, “He has shown me today that he has some willingness to learn, he deserves a chance.”

“Hmm, if you say so.”

“I do say so.”

Tsu’tey huffed, taking some food off of y/n’s food but y/n returned the favour, taking the whole leaf from Tsu’tey and walking off.

“Y/n!” Tsu’tey jogged after her, “Come back! Skxawng!”

“No! You’re a thief!”

“Me?! You stole my food!”

“You stole mine first!”

The pair continued to argue until they got to y/n’s family tent. Y/n walked in and Tsu’tey stormed in behind her.

“Sit down, dear cousin of mine.”

Tsu’tey sat down opposite y/n, snatching his food back.

“Be nicer to him, for me.”

Tsu’tey stopped chewing and looked at y/n who was staring at him.

“No.”

–

Jake sighed as he settled into his bed, getting himself comfortable.

“How was it today?”

Jake opened his eyes slightly to see Norm standing in the doorway.

“Good.” Jake closed his eyes again but didn’t hear Norm leave so he opened his eyes again, “Did you want something?”

“Don’t mess this up, for Grace.”

Jake looked at Norm blankly before rolling onto his side, “Don’t worry, I’m not planning on it.”

Translations:

Pon - balance

Iknimaya - treacherous but fundamental rite of passage in which a young Na'vi hunter must select, capture, and successfully bond with one of the ikran who nest in the Hallelujah Mountains.

Taglist: @dorck26 @tangles711

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whatsthethinking · 2 years ago

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Beauty and the Beast (1)

Jake Sully x Fem!Reader

All Jake wants is a chance to prove that he’s good enough.

↦ Word count: 4.2k

↦ Warning: Neytiri and Jake aren’t getting along. Slightly ooc Tsu’tey. Not sure what else rn.

↦ Note: Bold italics = speaking Na’vi.

↦ Part 1 of ?, mini series pending

[Part 2]

“Again,” Neytiri demanded as she held up another arrow. His previous one soared into the distance, missing its target completely.

Jake reached towards it before his hand faltered, “can’t we take a break?”

Netytiri looked taken aback, offended by the idea of stopping.

“No,” she began, “I was told that I will teach you, so that is what I’m doing. You can stop once you’ve hit the target.”

Jake creased his eyebrows, his frustrations growing along with the Na’vi beside him.

“A five minute break won’t kill anyone.” Jake grumbled, snatching the arrow from Neytiri.

“Fine, then let us stop. I will not teach you any longer.” Neytiri’s words are firm. She had already decided.

“That’s not what I-” Jake started but Neytiri had already disappeared from his sight, “meant.”

Taking a deep breath, Jake tried to get his bearings, all he felt like doing right now was eating dinner and sleeping. Slowly but surely, Jake made it back to Home Tree, passing all of the clan members gathering to eat dinner. Some of the children had tried to stop him, begging Jake to eat with them but he declined stating that didn’t have an appetite but promised that he would eat with them next time, when that would be, he wasn’t sure.

—

Y/n dismounted her ikran, gathering her belongings and giving it a gentle pat on the neck before it took off again and she leisurely strolled towards Home Tree. Many clan members who passed greeted her enthusiastically which she reciprocated.

As she neared the centre, y/n spotted Neytiri entering, a scowl set deeply onto her face. Marching in the direction of the Healer’s tent. As she watched, Tsu’tey approached her, a pleasant look on his face.

“You have missed a lot during your time away, cousin.” He informed, resting his weight on his bow, “I almost felt the need to come and fetch you myself.”

“Is that so? And what is the big event I have missed?” She questioned, turning towards him slightly.

“Another sky person has come, he wants to learn the way of the people.” Tsu’tey’s voice was full of disdain as his eyes danced across the people around them. “And the Tsahik has instructed Neytiri to teach him.”

“Ah, I see. That’s why she looked so displeased.” Y/n hummed.

“I guess it is the result of another failed lesson. It is hopeless, he will not learn.” Tsu’tey scoffed.

“With attitudes like that around, of course, he won’t,” Y/n concluded, pointing a finger at Tsu’tey, which he knocked away.

“Well, we know how this will end, won’t we?” Tsu’tey questioned, his voice growing dark.

“Oh, stop it.” y/n said, rolling her eyes, “there’s no need to be like that. Not all humans are the same.”

“I’ll agree with you when I am proved wrong.”

Rolling her eyes at him again, Y/n bid him farewell. Not wanting to have this conversation with him. Again.

She walked through Home Tree, to the healer’s tent where she hoped her father would be so that she could show that she had returned in one piece and only one or two scratches. As she approached the tent, she noticed that a few healers were waiting outside trying to keep themselves busy.

Y/n slowed as she heard Neytiri desperately asking her mother to somehow change her mind about something, she also heard Eytukan being the voice of reason between the two women. Hesitantly, y/n entered the tent to see Neytiri standing before her parents with a look of pleading on her face but her mother looked unmoved. In the corner, she noticed her father tending to an unconscious hunter whose arm was bandaged from his hand up to his chest.

Y/n silently greeted the family by raising her hand to her forehead and moved out of their way over to her father whose back was currently facing her.

“I’m back, Father.” She announced, keeping her voice low to not interrupt the conversation happening.

In one swift movement, y/n’s father stood to his full height and brought his daughter into a warm hug. Which y/n reciprocated.

“I missed you,” He said into the crown of her head.

“I missed you too.”

Y/n’s father ended the hug and held his daughter at arm’s length, his eyes scanning her body for any sign of injury.

“I am well, Father, I promise,” Y/n reassured, smiling at her father.

“I know but I need to see for myself.”

Y/n smiled again before pulling her father into another hug.

“Tonowari sends his regards.” She mumbled against his chest, “he is well also.”

Y/n’s father nodded again, a faint smile gracing his lips at the mention of his daughter's friend. “I am glad to hear it.”

On the other side of the tent, Mo’at could feel her patience wearing thin with her daughter's incessant pleas to not teach the human their ways.

“You brought him to us, Neytiri. It is your responsibility.”

“I bought him because there was a sign from Eywa.”

“Exactly, a sign from Eywa that can not be ignored and since it was you that brought Jake Sully to us. It is your responsibility to teach him our way.”

“But it is not fair Mother, please.”

“You are the future Tsahik of this clan. You should not be giving up so easily.”

“But if I no longer want to teach the sky person, I will have more time to learn all that I need to be Tsahik.”

“She is not wrong, my love.” Eytukan chimed in, “If Neytiri steps away from being Jake Sully’s teacher, she can spend more time learning how to be a Tsahik.”

Mo’at took a deep breath and looked at her daughter earnestly, “Very well, and who do you suggest will take your place?”

Neytiri’s back went rigid at the thought, “I have to choose?”

“Yes. You don’t want to teach Jake Sully, so you must choose who is taking over your responsibilities.”

Neytiri took a deep breath and started going through the list of names in her head but she knew none that she thought of would want to teach a human the way of the people. She momentarily stopped at Tsu’tey. He is the clan’s best warrior and is well respected but he has proven that he has a strong dislike for the humans and has been making snide comments at Jake every time he made a mistake in his lessons. Neytiri was sure if she left Jake in his care, there would be no more Jake Sully.

Reaching the end of the list, she got to y/n who was coincidentally standing across from her family, held in her father’s embrace. Neytiri knew the girl well enough. Her late sister's best friend, the pair would spend a lot of time together along with Tsu’tey and little Neytiri would beg to tag along. As the four of them grew up, y/n floated around the clan making friends. A social butterfly who seeks adventure.

After Sylwanin died, y/n seemed to be away from the clan more. Travelling to different parts of Pandora. She would return with a bag full of things she had collected and stories that the younger clan members would climb over one another to hear. She continued to be friendly with Tsu’tey, which was understandable since their families were extremely close but she had slightly drifted away from Neytiri but was still very kind. Although they weren’t particularly friends, her presence was missed.

Would it be appropriate to ask her to take over teaching?

Taking another deep breath, Neytiri’s eyes flickered to y/n before meeting her mother’s eye, “I’ll ask y/n.”

“Very well then.” Mo’at nodded, before turning to the father and daughter behind her. “Y/n, if we could have a moment of your time.”

Y/n nodded and stepped away from her father. Meeting her eye, Neytiri asked the question, asking if y/n could teach Jake Sully the way of the people. Y/n looked at the family in front of her and then back to her father before slowly nodding.

“I think I can do that.”

Neytiri nodded before making a quick escape from the tent but y/n was close behind. Once the pair were a distance away from any prying ears, y/n grabbed Neytiri’s wrist and made the younger girl face her.

“I feel like there is more to me just teaching our guest, I agreed but I want to know why you can not.”

Neytiri hesitated slightly, “I can’t do it anymore. I tried to follow my mother’s instructions, but he just isn’t learning. All he does is complain, he is slow, he-.”

“Is learning.” Y/n added, cutting off Neytiri’s complaint, “How long has he been here.”

“Seven days?” Neytiri mumbled, feeling shy. She felt like she was a child being scolded.

“Seven? Seriously? He needs more time.”

“I know but being around him makes me feel sad. Angry? I don’t know. Every time I look at him, I see them and I see her.”

Understanding Neytiri’s implications, y/n nodded with a sigh. Neytiri bit back a sad smile but still tried to express her gratitude, “thank you y/n. Truly.”

“It is no problem.” Y/n reached forward, taking Neytiri’s hand in hers and giving it a gentle squeeze, “so, what’s his name?”

—

“Jake Sully?” Jake’s head shot up at the sound of his name. He hadn’t made it into his hammock, just sitting on the branch above trying to figure out how to tell Grace (and Quaritch) that he doesn’t have a teacher within the clan anymore. He felt useless.

“Me?” Jake pointed to his chest, looking at the Na’vi woman standing above him. She nodded and sat next to him.

“I am your new teacher. You can call me y/n.” y/n announced, holding out her hand for him to shake, remembering that that’s how humans introduce themselves.

Jake shook her hand awkwardly, “Jake Sully.”

Y/n nodded, retracted her hand and placed it in her lap, “We can start your lessons the day after tomorrow. I already have plans tomorrow. We can meet at the practice field at, uh, in.” Y/n stopped speaking and started to move her hands around, muttering to herself. Jake watched curiously, waiting to hear what the Na’vi woman was going to say next.

“In the midday?”

“At midday?” Jake corrected.

“Yes,” y/n beamed, “at midday. At lunchtime. Is that good?”

“Yes. Yes, that’s good for me. Thank you.”

“It is not a problem, have you eaten? I can get you something to eat if you would like.”

Jake was slightly taken aback by the question. In the week he had been here. Neytriri hadn’t asked if he was hungry or thirsty, Jake ate when she ate. “Uh, no I haven’t but it’s okay, I’ll eat when I go back.”

“Okay, if you are sure. I will see you the day after tomorrow, Jake Sully.”

“See ya.”

Y/n flashed a warm smile at Jake and then she was gone. Jake stayed seated for a few moments longer trying to process the events of the day. He sat thinking about what to say in that stupid log Grace is going to force him to do the second his eyes opened. He also sat thinking about what to report back to Quaritch, as far as he knew, y/n wasn’t a core part of the clan. Jake hadn’t seen her before or heard her name in passing so would he be able to gain any information that would be beneficial to the RDA.

He also felt embarrassed. He wasn’t good enough so the chief’s daughter dropped him, not exactly something he wants the lab to know.

–

As the linkpod slowly opened, Jake lay still with his eyes tightly closed. He could feel eyes on him but didn’t dare to look.

“Wasn’t expecting you for a few more hours, Marine.” Grace voiced, bringing Jake’s wheelchair closer.

“Yeah, Neytiri had clan duties so I was let go early,” Jake responded, opening his eyes and allowing his eyes to adjust to the harsh lights above him. Once he felt ready, he lifted himself into his chair, Grace watched him settle.

“How did it go today? Learn anything new?” Grace questioned with a fond smile on her face. A sight that Jake was seeing more often which made the idea of confessing that Neytiri dropped him (and he had a new teacher) harder to admit.

“Yeah, yeah, it was fine. I’m gonna be here all day tomorrow though. I have a day off.”

“A day off.” The smile had vanished from Grace’s face, “what do you mean ‘a day off’? What happened?”

“What? Do the Na’vi not believe in rest days?” Jake questioned, lightheartedly, rolling over to his desk so that he could get the log out of the way.

“Not when it comes to teaching. Did something happen?”

“Nothing happened, Grace, don’t worry about it.”

Jake watched as Grace looked at him skeptically before nodding, “alright. Finish up your video and come and get something to eat.”

“Yes ma’am.”

At dinner, Jake sat next to Norm who was asking every question under the sun about the Na’vi and what they were teaching him which Jake responded to with little effort and interest. Eventually, Norm got the message and started to speak to the other scientists.

Later the night on his way to his room, Jake was stopped by Quaritch, the last person he wanted to see.

“Sully, anything to report to me?” Quaritch questioned in his usual condescending tone.

“No sir, not today. I was away from camp.”

“Did ya hear anything? See anything?”

Jake paused to think, “Not that I can think of.”

“Uh-huh.” Quaritch didn’t believe him and it was clear on his face. “Okay. I’ll leave you to wind down for the night.”

Quaritch stepped to the side, allowing Jake to pass. As he did, he could feel Quaritch’s eyes follow him until he was out of sight only to be stopped by Max.

“Everything okay, Jake?”

All Jake could do was nod and continue on his way, missing the way Max watched him suspiciously.

—

The next day, as soon as the sun rose, y/n was dressed and ready for the day ahead. She quickly ate breakfast with her dad and made her way through Home Tree.

“You shouldn’t be going, it isn’t safe.”

“You tell me that every time, Tsu’tey and yet, I come back unharmed.”

Tsu’tey stood in front of y/n with his arms crossed, y/n copied his stance until he relaxed.

“I tell you every time because I want you to be safe.”

“I can keep myself safe. But if you’re so concerned, you should come too.”

“No.” Tsu’tey objected flatly, “Very well, if you are not back by eclipse, I’m coming to get you.”

“Please don’t.”

Tsu’tey sighed before pulling the girl into a hug that was very unlike him. Y/n stood awkwardly for a few moments, “Hug me back, skxawng.” Tsu’tey mumbled. So y/n complied, patting the older Na'vi on the back, “Stop that.”

“This is nice to see.”

The pair jumped away from one another at the sound of the Tsahik’s voice.

“Be safe,” Tsu’tey muttered before disappearing.

—

Y/n skillfully climbed through the hole in the fence behind the longhouse that she made many years ago. The nature surrounding it had grown enough to hide it from view. Over the years, y/n had come accustomed to the human’s routine. Learning where to go and at what times while being safe. That’s why she sat down, legs crossed by the locked door of the longhouse. She knew that soon, someone from the avatar program would come and unlock the door and hopefully tell Grace of her arrival. And soon that moment arrived. An avatar scientist slowly walked up the stairs, yawning and stretching his arms out to the side, he hadn’t noticed y/n just yet but y/n still stood up and made space for him. At the movement, his eyes snapped to her rising figure and he froze before raising a small black box to his face.

“Tell Dr. Augustine that she has a guest.”

A voice crackled back and the scientist unlocked the door slowly and walked in. Y/n peered around the doorway, spotting Grace’s avatar at the far end ‘asleep’, y/n waited for any movement but the avatar stayed completely still. The scientist walked back over and motioned y/n to follow him.

“Dr. Augustine is finishing her breakfast and then she’ll meet you in the link room. I’ll take you there.” The scientist paused once he finished explaining, he had an uncertain look on his face but as y/n nodded with a soft ‘okay’, the scientist seemed to relax. “But you can not bring that in with you.”

The scientist motioned to her hip. Y/n nodded understandingly before spinning on the spot and walking into the longhouse, removing her knife and placing it beside Grace’s ‘sleeping’ avatar.

“That too.”

Y/n looked down at the woven bag hanging off of her shoulder and shook her head, “It is a gift for ma sa’- Grace. A gift for Grace.” The scientist looked at her suspiciously, y/n following but trying to keep a distance. All around her, Hell’s Gate was waking up, she could feel eyes on her as she passed groups of humans. Finally, y/n and the scientist reached a doorway that was big enough for her to fit through without bowing her head. As they walked through the door, lights above them turned on one by one until they were finally inside a brightly lit room.

“Wait here, I’ll get you a mask.”

Y/n followed the scientist's instructions and watched as he walked through a smaller door, and out of sight. Looking around, y/n looked at the two empty tubes that she knew the avatars came from. She heard a crackle and turned to look at the window behind her, recognising a familiar face. Which brought a wide grin to her face.

“Good morning, Max!”

“Good morning, y/n. Long time no see.”

“Yes.”

The scientist came back through the door and handed y/n a mask, he quickly explained how to use it, instructing her that she would need to use it about every five minutes or so. Y/n nodded along, not listening fully, she was just excited to see Grace. Once the scientist was satisfied and with the approval of Max, y/n entered the link room where she just about fit. Inside she saw all the scientists getting ready for the day, some whom she wasn’t familiar with giving her a scared, questioning look but y/n didn’t care one bit. As she watched them all stream in, y/n clutched her bag tighter.

“Y/n! What a lovely surprise.”

Y/n stood up straight and turned towards the voice. She quickly spotted Grace’s auburn hair through the small crowd and a tall unfamiliar man stumbling behind her.

“Sa’n- Grace!”

Grace approached the na’vi with a steaming mug in her hand and a fond smile on her face, a rare one to see around Hell’s Gate.

Grace’s eyes trailed up and down the na’vi, just as her father had done the day prior

“Y/n, this is Norm, he came to work with me.”

“Nice to meet you, Norm.” At the sound of his name, Norm seemed to snap out of his trance, clearly his throat brushing off any dust that may have settled on his clothes. “It is a pleasure to meet you, y/n.”

“How does he sound?” Grace questioned, taking a sip from her mug, “he’s been practicing.”

“He speaks well, a bit formal but it is fine.”

Norm’s face lit up at the compliment and Grace gave him a knowing look. Behind Grace and Norm, y/n noticed a man pass through the door, seated in a chair with wheels. Once he made eye contact with y/n he quickly disappeared. Y/n didn’t think much of it.

“I got you this.” Y/n handed Grace, anticipation clear on her face. Grace reached into the bag and pulled out a parcel. She placed it gently on the metal table behind her, Norm looming over her shoulder to get a peek and what the colourful wrappings were hiding. Grace slowly pulled the wrappings away to reveal a large shell that she had to hold in both hands. “Wow.” Both Grace and Norm voiced as Grace moved the shell around under the light causing different colours to show

“I found it while visiting Awa'atlu, I went swimming with Ronal,” Y/n explained proudly. “It reminded me of a picture from your Earth books. She told me what it’s called but I don’t remember.” She confessed.

“It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

“Phenomenal.” Norm gasped, which made y/n laugh, even though she didn’t know the exact meaning of the word.

—

Grace and y/n spent most of the morning together in the lab, Grace showed her the different samples she had found with Norm and y/n explained what their properties were. Selfridge had heard of her presence in the lab and came to ask questions about her life. They had only ever met once when y/n was younger, she didn’t like him then and she certainly didn’t like him now but y/n didn’t see him as a threat. To y/n, the biggest threat to her and her people was Colonel Miles Quaritch, just by looking at him, y/n could tell that he was plotting something but she wasn’t sure what.

Y/n and Norm, still in his human body, walked out of the lab and towards the longhouse. Grace said that she needed to speak with Max and then she’ll meet them there. On the walk, y/n watched all of the avatars run around the courses and y/n was quite amused. Some of them were struggling which told her that they were new to this.

“So… You and Grace are friends?” Norm started, trying to catch up with her.

“She is family. I have known her for a long time.” Y/n explained, watching as two avatars threw basketball between one another, missing Norm’s astonished face, “my whole life.”

Soon, Grace joined y/n and Norm outside of the longhouse in her avatar form, holding y/n’s hunting knife. Y/n exchanged a few more words with Norm before he rushed off, Grace informing her that he’ll probably record their meeting in his log.

“I missed you. I have so much to tell you about my trip.” Grace pulled y/n into a tight hug, resting her cheek on the younger girl's head, “I wish you could’ve joined me.”

“I wish I could have too,” Grace admitted, pulling away from the girl and allowing her to take a step back. The pair sat on the stairs of the long house catching up. Again, different scientists would walk passed and watch y/n with unease in their eyes. Y/n told Grace about how her father was doing along with her trip to the reef, “Tonowari is to be Olo'eyktan, he invited me to the ceremony.”

Y/n prepared herself to leave, stating that she had planned to have dinner with her father. “Before you go, I’m moving my team to the lab in the mountains tomorrow. Hopefully, I’ll get to see you more often now.” Grace confessed, hope evident in her voice, “It has been so long since I’ve spent time with you.”

Grace watched as y/n’s eyes lit up at the idea, “That is good! But, I don’t know. Neytiri and Mo’at asked me to teach, uh, Jake Sully? I said yes. Is he your friend?”

Grace looked at the girl with slight confusion on her face before nodding, “I would not say friends but he’s on my team.”

The answer seemed to be good enough for y/n as she nodded along and continued with her stories, occasionally adding in how much Tsu’tey annoys her.

Once y/n had left, Grace unlinked with her and walked briskly around Hell’s Gate until she saw who she was looking for.

“Why the hell didn’t you tell me that Neytiri wasn’t teaching you?” Grace questioned without greeting the man before him. Jake looked stunned opening his mouth to speak but Grace beat him to it. “You better not mess this up.”

“You seem to be taking this personally, doctor.” Jake joked, trying to ease the ever-growing tension.

“I am. Don’t mess this up, Jake. I'm serious. Don’t waste her time.” Jake nodded awkwardly, and Grace’s shoulders dropped as she sighed, “Don’t forget, we’re out of here tomorrow. 9am, you have somewhere to be at 12.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Grace stared at Jake a few moments more before turning on her heels and left, muttering under her breath. Jake let out the breath he was holding and wheeled himself towards the vehicle storage where he knew Quaritch would be waiting.

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