#hunter is an oblivious boy

[clarissasbakery]

LAST BIT OF HAWKLEAF BRAINROT I PROMISE <- (she might be lying)

[letssetsailor]

How he looks at you when you take on his slaying quest

[edoro]

i think Luz deserves to have an “oh no, he’s hot” moment about Hunter in s3. do i think it’s going to happen on-screen, absolutely not. is it going to happen in my heart, though? absolutely.

Willow and Gus have already both gotten to have at least one of these moments each, probably during whatever undoubtedly hilarious dress-up montage led to him showing up in his 47th costume change during the last two episodes of s2, and now it’s Luz’s turn to experience the simultaneous curse and blessing of bisexuality.

[adelheidvonschicksal]

The Love and Deepspace Boys Trying to Get You to Sleep ⋆｡°✩

Tags: Fluff, teasing, needy boys, mild sexual content, gender neutral reader (I had to re-write so please let me know if I messed up.)

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Xavier is surprisingly softer than you expected when you first met him on your mission together. He’s an incredibly powerful hunter but possesses a quiet and gentle, almost oblivious, aura when navigating everyday life, like a ghost floating through the space he takes up. It should also be understood that this very nature of his makes him affectionate, so much so, that he won’t unwrap his arms around your waist and stop pressing his head to your shoulder as you sit at the kitchen bar, typing on your laptop.

“Are you planning on staying up later than the stars?” he mumbles.

There’s a gentle yawn against your skin from the sluggish man, highlighting just how long he’s been trying to coax you into going to bed.

“I wanted to finish this report for work.”

“The report will be there tomorrow,” he says. You swat away his hand that reaches for the power button on the laptop causing him to pout. He grumbles. “You should go to bed. Otherwise, I can’t sleep.”

Smiling to yourself, you decide to tease him. “Oh, so you’re really trying to get me to go to bed for your own benefit?”

“Well, you can’t very well expect me to do it by myself anymore.” Xavier nuzzles his head into the slope of your neck, cuddling you. “It’s your responsibility since you ruined my sleeping habits.”

“Ruined?”

“Ramshackled,” he repeats quietly, causing you to giggle. With an airy sigh, he presses his weight into you more. “How do you expect me to sleep when I can’t hold you?”

Defeated, you save your work and close the laptop. You swivel in your chair, enough to meet his eye, and cup a hand to his cheek. It never stops being endearing to you how he cutely closes his eyes and angles his head to snuggle your palm.

“Alright, alright, you don’t have to beg.”

His eyes flutter open, and the smile on his face grows as he wraps his fingers around yours. Carefully, he pulls on your hand to bring it up enough to begin to lace your wrist with affectionate kisses, tracing your pulse.

“I thought you enjoyed my begging.”

“That’s different.”

“It isn’t,” Xavier mutters into your skin, pressing another light kiss.

“It is.”

“So, you're resolute about that position?” he questions “innocently”. There’s something mischievous about the glint in those arctic eyes, which makes your face warm. You find yourself breaking eye contact, or else you’d lose it.

“Yes.”

Xavier chuckles then begins to lead his kisses down your arm. “In that case, care to explain the difference in detail, love?”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

“Sleep.”

“But—”

“Sleep.”

Zayne narrows his eyes at you from his side of the bed. You can’t blame him for being a little annoyed right now but the movie you put on to fall asleep was much better than you expected; and instead of falling asleep, you were more awake than ever at a very late one in the morning.

“I’m almost done with the movie,” you tell him, hoping he’ll cut you a little slack this one time.

“Everyone dies at the end of their own stupidity,” he bluntly states and grabs the remote. The television turns off with an overly loud click, and you pout. “Now, sleep.”

Crossing your arms over your chest, you huff. “You’re the worst.”

“I’m fine with that title if it gets you to rest,” he explains with a smooth yawn. “Poor sleep habits lead to bad decision-making later. You’re more likely to develop high blood pressure, and with your heart in particular—”

“I get it. I get it,” you say, wanting to be spared the lecture. Zayne is a good person and a better doctor, but you wish he didn’t worry about you so much just because you might have a little big heart problem. Sighing, you squiggle onto your back and pull the sheets up to your collar, kicking them a little childishly in the process (totally not to let him know that you were not pleased with his spoiling). “I hope you’re proud of yourself.”

“Very.”

Zayne turns over onto his side, away from you, and you frown at the loneliness. Softly, you poke him in the back, once, then twice then a third time before you finally get a hum in response.

“Am I really not getting a good night kiss?”

“Do you need one to sleep?” he asks, his voice deeper from the lack of sleep, urging you to convince him to kiss you even more.

“Duh,” you explain. Slowly, he turns back over to look at you, propping himself up on one arm with a look that says “Is that so” as you continue to ramble. It makes you a little flustered when he watches you so intently. He’s always had this silent dominance that makes you obedient, but you could get what you want from him just as easily with the exact opposite strategy. Cutely, you puff your bottom lip out at him. “There has to be some health benefit to it. Kissing makes people all happy. Happy is good, right?”

It takes a second for him to take in what you say, those smokey eyes closing in on you with thought before he climbs over you. He places both hands at your sides and quickly boxes in your upper thighs with his knees.

“You’re thinking of dopamine,” he says.

“Huh?”

“That makes you “all happy”,” he explains and presses a deep kiss to your lips, leaving you thoughtless and breathless all at once. He moves to your jaw, and you begin to squirm from the pressure of his impassioned lips.

“And Serotonin.”

Another kiss, lower.

“Oxytocin.”

He’s at your shoulder when he starts to nip your skin, and one of his hands moves to ski up the back of your thigh.

“Reduced cortisol.”

Flustered, you grip his arms.

“Zayne, stop, it tickles,” you whine, but it’s the last thing you actually want as he readjusts his position and hovers above you.

His usually neat hair is messier and his breathing a little heavier judging by how his chest laboriously rises and falls. Groaning, you bite your bottom lip as he knowingly leans in and whispers,

“You need it to help you sleep, isn’t that what you said?”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

“Why don’t you just say you don’t love me anymore?”

You look up from your phone screen at the sudden accusation. You’re resting on the couch, your back propped up by the armrest and legs splayed out on the other cushion while Rafayel looks down at you with crossed arms and a less-than-pleased scowl on his face. You’re entirely confused as to what you could’ve done to make him think something like that.

“Huh?”

“You’ve been playing video games for what—the last two hours?” he says, uncrossing his arms to grab your phone. It’s too late to warn him as he glances at the screen, clicking a few times. “What are you playing anyway? An…otome? Sheesh, go ahead and say you want me gone. Come on, tell me you actually hate me.”

Holding in your smile, you shake your head and affectionately roll your eyes. It takes an enormous amount of effort to not laugh as he continues to rant. “So, it’s one of those things. I thought I was actually in trouble.”

And by those things, you mean his dramatics.

“Hush, my complaints are perfectly legitimate,” he demands as he pushes your legs aside and sits on the couch. Leaning over, he flashes the screen at you to show the evidence he has that you’re completely unfair, unfaithful, and downright mean. “What’s this game giving you that I’m not? Are my dashing good looks and even better personality not enough? Is that it?”

Gently, you take the phone from his hand and set it down on the end table. “You’re plenty, perfect even.”

He scoffs and refuses to look at you. “Apparently not. Don’t you ever think about anyone else? What if I want to cuddle with you one day but you’re too busy to notice because you’re playing silly games?”

Ah, there it is. His real want. You never know why he can never just come out and say it.

“Rafayel, do you want me to come to bed and cuddle with you?”

“Want is a strong word,” he remarks but you can see his resolve (can you call it that when he planned to give in all along?) crumbling as he slowly turns back to meet your gaze, “but I wouldn’t be opposed to it. Not that you deserve it or care.”

Humming, you sit up, wrap your arms around his shoulders, and pull him down onto you. Lovingly, you snuggle him, stopping to only take in how red his neck and ears start to get when you squeeze him and start to stroke through his hair. You’re not sure if Lumerians can blow happy bubbles like he claims, but he definitely hums and relaxes his entire body weight to lay on top of you like he wants to sink into your skin.

Teasingly, you coo at him. “You’re so needy.”

“I’d rather say you humans aren’t needy enough,” he fires back as he wraps an arm around your waist and kisses the corner of your lips. “Ah, the sweet taste of victory.”

Giving out a gentle and short laugh, you lightly tap his back. “Go to sleep.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

[wanderer-six]

THE GALA - A Clone Dating Sim

You are a Jedi General. The Council has assigned you a very important mission: the infiltration of a Separatist gala on Raxus. But you will not be going alone--you are allowed to bring a date on this adventure. In the heart of enemy territory, who will you count on to watch your back?

PLAY HERE: THE GALA

Ideal play experience is on desktop! (I think you can play on mobile it just looks a lil yuccy)

Clone bbs x Fem!Jedi player FEATURED CLONES: Sergeant Hunter, Tech, Crosshair, Wrecker, Captain Rex, Commander Wolffe, and ARC Twins Fives & Echo

RATING: 18+ MINORS DNI - The paths can be SFW or NSFW depending on your choices (2nd option is always the NSFW one!) - general warning for smut if you make those choices, more specifics below the cut!

Additional (less relevant) info beneath the cut!

HAPPY MAY 4TH! ENJOY MY LOVES~~

COMPREHENSIVE WARNINGS LIST: In general, lots of flirting, innuendo, pet names. Established relationship for all

Hunter: LOTS of flirting (he is a whore), p in v sex

Tech: Oral (f receiving)

Crosshair: Fingering

Wrecker: Not much for him honestly, implied canoodling (p in v), oblivious boy ♥

Captain Rex: dirty talk, praise, oral (m! Receiving)

Commander Wolffe: rough! p in v

Fives & Echo: Multiple clones (no clonec*st), lots of flirting, Echo is self conscious!

-ART ASSETS I drew all of the Clone art! I found the most nakedest screencap I could of any of them (SURPRISINGLY DIFFICULT) and then traced the base, then looked for Star Wars Male Fashion (WAY FUCKING HARDER) to draw on them and dress them up! I think for Hunter and Fives/Echo I just went crazy but for all the rest lmk if u can spot who I stole the outfits from, i deadass dont remember at this point For Background art I found them all on google images - from what I recall, it's mostly concept art and screenshots from games! -ENGINE I made this in Twine, an incredible tool for making text-based games! I highly recommend looking into it. It's really easy to use and there are a ton of tutorials online!

AN: Thank you so much for playing! Please let me know what you think, I had so much fun making this✨✨ it is so phenomenally cringe but I hope you all enjoy ♥ (also if you spot any bugs or typos, please feel free to let me know and I will fix!!)

TELL ME YOUR FAVORITE PATH I like Rex Crosshair Wrecker the best I think

"""taglist""" - @shinyshayminflower @starrylothcat @pb-jellybeans @jediknightjana

[teyamsilly]

dark red

pairing: neteyam x metkayina! reader

tags & warning: arguments, short tempered reader, soft spoken neteyam, neteyam has emotional intelligence, a bit angst

summary: neteyam missed your dates four times in a row because of his ikinimiya training— that he insisted on having because your father wants yourself a mate who's done ikinimiya the metkayina way. you brushed it off, but when you saw him smiling at another girl at the time your date is supposed to happen, you snapped.

index paskalin - honey

word count 1.2k words

a/n posting this at midnight and half asleep because i suddeny had an idea 💪🏻

Sighing, you gently took off the shells Tsireya attached to your hair for decoration. The top you wore was especially meant for special occasions. You wanted to appear nice for Neteyam since you spent shorter and shorter periods with him.

This was the fourth date that he couldn't come to, and he sent Lo'ak to tell you. Neteyam told you the first time that he was preoccupied with last-minute training. He told you the same thing the second time. However, on the third occasion, Kiri informed you that he had been engrossed in training yet again. And it was his brother this time.

Something bad is 'bout to happen to me

I don't know it, but I feel it coming

Neteyam would be so worn out thereafter that he would immediately fall asleep. You sympathise with what he's going through because you've been there yourself. Complaining made you feel insensitive and unreasonable, also he was doing this for you. It never felt right to voice your concerns about the amount of time you're spending together lately.

But you miss him so much. The warm touch of his skin against yours, his lips pressing against yours, and his warm smile that never fails to make you fall for him all over again.

You huffed, deciding to meet him halfway when he goes home and give him the longest hug, because it finally hit you: you missed him too much.

You left your marui, feeling the net dipping slightly at each step you took. However, you stopped your movement when your ears twitched at a particular sound.

Neteyam's voice.

You peered ahead, brows pinched together, as his figure approached. He wasn't alone, though. He was with a girl you knew. Ila'yu was one of the best hunters in the clan. She's strong and bold. The two of you trained together and completed ikinimiya at the same age, there was no competition whatsoever.

Yet you cant help but feel possessive.

Ila'yu said something, making gestures as she did so, and Neteyam broke out a laugh. They didn't notice your presence until they were five feet away from you.

Might be so sad, might leave my nose running

I just hope she don't wanna leave me

Neteyam's eyes brightened up at the sight of you, oblivious to your harsh demeanour. Ila'yu noted your expression and remained firm on her spot as he approached you happily.

"I will see you tomorrow, Neteyam," says Ila'yu. She sent a nod towards your way, but you didn't return it.

He nodded, and grinned, "Thank you for today."

Once she was gone, Neteyam looked back at you with every intent to put all of his attention on you. He cupped your face with his rough hands, thumbs carressing your cheeks softly. "I haven't seen you in a while, paskalin." The boy leaned in for a kiss, but you pulled away and left him there standing, dumbfounded.

Neteyam was stumped. He was processing what had just occurred and began to recount all of the things he had done to you that would have hurt you. His sole thought was that he had missed another date, so he rushed inside your marui.

You were fuming, ears pinned against your head. You looked so much like your mother, it intimidated him a bit.

"What was that?" you seethed.

"What was what, paskalin?" he asked softly, stepping closer to you but you walked farther away from him. 

"What were you doing with her?"

Neteyam attempted to hold your hand, but you just slapped his hand away. "She assisted me with training. Your father couldn't observe the people in training, so he assigned her to teach us. Nothing happened," he explained.

You scoffed, "And you just happen to walk home together?"

"She accompanied me-"

"Right."

"Paskalin," he exhaled gently.

"We haven't spent time together anymore, and I was fine with it because you had training. Each time, I asked for Kiri and Tsireya's opinions on what to wear because you work so hard. And then I see you with her? Are you fucking kidding me?" you raised your voice. "You two look so happy together, must be nice to spend some time together! Oh, why don't we invite her to our mat? She can sleep with-"

Neteyam pursed his lips, exhaustion setting in. He knew that he had neglected you for a while within reason, but it still felt wrong. Every time he tried to make amends with you, something would get in the way. With your ferocious outburst, he wondered how long you'd kept to yourself.

Don't you give me up, please don't give up

Honey, I belong with you, and only you, baby

"Paskalin," he cut you off with the same gentle tone. "I don't want to argue with you. You're angry, I understand. But I don't want us to speak to each other like this. Why don't we take the moment to calm ourselves and then we talk about it?"

You blinked when he responded softly. He didn't appear upset or enraged, but simply patient. Neteyam interpreted your silence as agreement and gently grasped your hand in his. You couldn't deny the butterflies bursting in your stomach.

Neteyam sat down with crossed legs, and you followd his actions hesitantly. His thumb brushed the top of your hand delicately. You forced yourself to look away and focused your glare on the ocean, your lips slightly pouting.

You were so stubborn, and that's what Neteyam found about you so endearing. You're driven and hold yourself with confidence.

After a while, Neteyam noticed that you looked more relaxed than you were earlier. "Are you ready to talk?" he asked carefully.

You sighed, "I just… I miss you 'teyam. It feels like everyone sees you more than I do lately, and I don't like that. I know I sound selfish and ungrateful, but that's how I feel. Then when I saw her, I just snapped."

"Paskalin, I promise you that she's only been nothing, but a good friend to me. She gives me tips about my ikinimiya because she knows how much I want to be with you. If I knew it would bother you this much, I would have put my distance a bit. I'm so sorry for missing our dates, and that you had to feel this way. It was never my intention."

Only you, my girl, only you, babe

Only you, my girl, only you, babe

Tears welled up in your eyes. Now, you feel stupid.

"Please don't apologise, yawne. I'm sorry for yelling. I'm not angry or jealous that you were with her, I just felt really sad." You leaned closer, and pecked his cheek. "I feel foolish now for shouting."

Neteyam shook his head and brought your face closer to his, pressing his lips against yours. You sat on his lap and locked your legs together at his back, arms snaking around his neck. He deepened the kiss, before he pulled away.

You whined at the loss of contact.

"Don't feel foolish, my love. I'm glad that you told me this even if it wasn't in the way I expected it to be." He stared deeply into your blue eyes. "Is the problem resolved now?"

"Definitely." 

You pulled him for another kiss, and Neteyam couldn't help but chuckle against your lips for how needy you are. But he was just the same, maybe even worse.

He wouldn't want it any other way.

support banner by @cafekitsune <3

[sokkas-first-fangirl]

If you’re still taking prompts, how about Eda taking bets with the other Owl House parents on which kids will be proposing first?

"Willow," Darius said, like it should have been obvious. "Of course it'll be Willow."

"You're betting against our son?" Camila demanded, eyebrows raised.

"Yes," Darius said.

Alador nodded. "Yeah, my money's on Willow," he said.

Camila threw her hands up. "Am I the only one who has any faith in him!?" Camila vs Hunter's sort-of-dad and sort-of-step-dad; it wasn't a battle of wills that Eda expected, but it was one she enjoyed watching.

"I agree," Perry said. "I'd say Willow."

Raine looked contemplative. They hummed, tapping a rhythm on the table, but didn't offer a side yet.

"Actually, I side with Camila," Lilith said slowly. She looked like she was thinking hard. Weighing the pros and cons would be Eda's bet. "Hunter is shyer than Willow, but he loves her dearly and he's brave. He can be very determined. I can see him proposing."

Darius and Alador exchanged dubious glances. Camila smiled smugly.

"Well, what about Luz and Amity?" Raine asked, tapping their chin.

"Luz," Camila and Eda said.

"Amity," Lilith said.

"Honestly, considering their track record, I expect them both to propose on the same day," Alador said with a shrug. "Or they'll try to anyway. Hopefully without Hooty's involvement this time."

"Is something wrong with Hootsifer?" Lilith demanded.

"You don't want me to answer that."

"Okay," Darius cut in quickly. "What about Gus and Matt?"

Perry snorted. "They'll need to actually date first," he said. "And my hair will be entirely grey by the time those boys sort themselves out. They're both painfully oblivious."

"Are they still calling it a rivalry?" Camila asked sympathetically.

"Unfortunately," Perry sighed.

Alador snorted into his apple blood. Eda gave him and Darius her most shit-eating grin.

"Yeah," Darius sighed. "We'll all be waiting a while on those two."

[avatarkv]

Uh-oh! I think you're holding the heart of mine!

Synopsis ! You should have known better than to love someone so cruel.

Content and warning: Ao'nung x Reader! Ao'nung is a mean IDIOT, his friends too. BULLIES >:[ he comes around tho (2.6k words of angst to comfort hahah)

You’ve been in love with Ao’nung since you were little kids, always trailing behind like a second shadow and mimicking even the smallest gestures. To you, he was the sun; so bright and achingly alluring, but like the sun, he was cruel— oh so cruel. He’d burn you every chance he gets and you’d take it willingly, grateful for even the slightest touch of warmth. 

You never took it to heart. Never. This was a challenge that you’ve accepted with great pride thinking that you could crack his mean demeanor; you were convinced that the reason he had this seemingly tough exterior was because he was future clan leader— of course he needed to be strong. It would be bad for his image to falter, let alone to a girl who held no title whatsoever. You were nobody. 

Tsireya would say otherwise. though. She was your number one supporter; always urging you to do better and to continue with your cute antics towards his brother. She knows you’d be great for him— heck, you were the only one she deemed suitable for Ao’nung. How could she not think so? You were a great hunter, always quick on your feet and vigilant. On top of that, you were resilient. You never knew when to give up. 

You were believed to have been loved, regardless of his very actions. You remember crying to Tsireya one afternoon, showing her the graze on your forearm. The sight of it alarmed her— anything bloodied, even in the smallest of form would worry any kid so she rushed you to her mother. 

Ronal cooed while she tended to your wound and you unconsciously poured your heart out about how Ao’nung had pushed you harshly down the sand, scraping your skin on scattered rocks in the process. His friends had laughed at you, pointing their fingers to your fragile form, cowering. 

“Maybe he’s being aggressive because he likes you back!” Tsireya reasons, oblivious to what really was the case— but you were only kids, rough housing and games like these were normal so you didn’t know any better either. You wiped your runny nose and took a deep breath. 

“You really think so?” and still you were hopeful. 

Tsireya nodded enthusiastically, taking your hands near her chest. Ronal softly smiled, rubbing your back in soothing circles. “I’m sorry about Ao’nung, ma __. I’ll be sure to give him a good scolding later when he gets home.”

“And who knows, maybe he does like you. Boys just don’t like to talk about their feelings.” What Ronal said only burned your hopes higher— encouraging your heart to push for a longer run.

It wasn’t always like this. You and him were best of friends, inseparable and kind. You were a trio along with Tsireya and you absolutely loved spending time with them; swimming, exploring the ocean– being kids. Ever since, you knew he was the one, almost like it was the great mother’s own will. The feelings blossomed every spent time with him and you cherished it wholeheartedly. 

“You should eat plenty so that you grow up to be strong, Ao’nung!” You’d force bits of fish near his lips, urging him to open up. He was throwing a tantrum after being scolded by Ronal, arms tightly crossed and refusing to eat anything. “I don’t want a lanky mate!”

And of course it had been a joke. You’d love him regardless of what he looked like and you knew it, but it was so forward of you and it would always catch him off guard. His cheeks would burn bright red and he’d turn into a stuttering mess. 

“Mate?” He asked incredulously which you returned with an eager nod. ”That’s grown up talk! Don’t say things like that until we’re older.” 

“You’re gonna have so many pretty children!” Tsireya would comment and you both would squeal, oblivious to the frantic young boy. 

After he had started to train, Ao’nung was naturally introduced to other warriors. He fit in perfectly. As much as you were happy for him, that was also when things took a turn and before you know it, it was only you and Tsireya left. 

Ao’nung thought that what you had for him would be harmless– a silly crush your young heart couldn’t comprehend yet, but you had now grown into a fine woman and the said love had developed just as much. The people weren’t blind to see how you’ve matured so beautifully– but the men your age knew better than to even try to talk to you. Everyone knew you had eyes for Ao’nung and him only, and the way he grew himself had women dote for him. 

It drove him crazy; the sly comments, the lingering touch, the gifts– your very presence. He didn’t know how to handle it, so when his heart beat turned frantic everytime, he’d call it frustration. How his face would burn, how his chest would tighten. Ao’nung was conflicted and his mother was right– boys don’t like to talk about their feelings and he never will. 

He’d push you away harshly. Snapping the countless bracelets you’ve carefully crafted for him, embarrassing you regardless of eyes watching, and belittled you any chance he gets. Every woman would cry there and then, immediately running off in embarrassment– but you stayed everytime and it infuriated him. Ao’nung couldn’t shake you off, even if you weren’t around. You were everywhere he went, even in dreams. 

You sat with him as he sharpened his fishing spear, not even sparing a glance at your presence. “Oel ngati kameie, Ao’nung.” 

The silence didn’t falter you. In fact, it was inviting you to continue. You were surprised he hadn’t even got up to leave so you gratefully took the opportunity and handed him a present wrapped in leaves. He dropped his weapon and begrudgingly took it, opening it in one go. 

It was a pretty tie with various beads along the strings. His hair was sometimes unruly and he disliked braiding it, so you figured you’d make him something to wear. For a minute, he stared, admiring it– but the way your smile grew every second had embarrassed him. Ao’nung snickered, throwing it carelessly on the ground and you immediately scrambled to look for it.

“I’m not interested.” He emphasized every word as if he tried to make you understand, harshly kicking the sand towards your kneeling body. Ao’nung left and you could only stare with a sigh.  

So maybe this time, you were to blame. After all the years he’d push you away, embarrass you in front of his friends, you were still the same stupid shell of a girl who thought he had finally changed– he had finally cracked and you were confident. It was afternoon when they approached you, asking for your presence while they hunted further the reefs. Ao’nung had asked you– Ao’nung.

Nothing else mattered, not even the obvious snickers from the background. You nodded enthusiastically, tripping on your heels as you hurriedly ran back home to get ready. They had already mounted their Ilu when you returned and without a word, you followed them. 

So maybe this time, you were to blame. You should’ve known better than to be so trusting– so gullible and naive. Night was approaching quickly and Ao’nung or any of his friends were nowhere to be seen. The thrashing waves would unmercifully shove your small body on the very rock that helped you keep afloat, its harsh and sharp edges scratching your skin. The ocean was reprimanding you, you’ve concluded after trying to hold on for hours– the blame was yours and yours only. Stupid, stupid girl.

They had left you and this time, you knew well enough it had been their intention. 

They were laughing back at shore, applauding themselves for a successful prank. You were to return later all disheartened and the sight would be the cherry on top, but Ao’nung grew restless every minute. This was wrong and he knew that well. 

His friends had already bid their goodbyes but he stood there, waiting. He started to walk in circles while fidgeting his fingers– something was wrong. Perhaps it was a sibling thing for Tsireya to start feeling uneasy as well, so she excused herself from her mother and seeked for his brother. It wasn’t hard to find him and when she did, her panic only worsened as she approached him. 

“What’s wrong, brother?” Tsireya asked, eyebrows knitted together. 

“__” He immediately answered, “__ is outside the reef.”

Tonowari and a few warriors immediately ventured out to search for you. Tsireya couldn't even be enraged at his brother as she was busy worrying herself– but Ronal was a different case. She had been biting his ear off the very moment he told her what happened but Ao’nung easily tuned her out, only hearing his rapid heartbeat. 

It felt like forever, but the moment his father had returned, he ran towards him straight away. There you were, a warrior propping you up gently as you limped. You were bloodied and out of breath– he winced at the cuts coating your skin. Before he could even approach you, you had flinched. 

The look you gave him made him shudder. It was so unlike you to look at him differently, so empty and void of any admiration. Suddenly, his throat was awfully parched and he was entirely unmoving– all the apologies that were begging to be spat out from the tip of his tongue, gone. You stood there, staring with your teary doe eyes. 

His presence made you nauseous and you would’ve cowered in instinct, if not for the warrior’s hold on your shoulders. You could’ve died– you almost did; you were already slipping and numb.

Your parents had immediately ran to you, crying as they held you near. They rushed your weary body to Ronal in a heartbeat. The clan spoke in whispers as Tonowari dispersed the growing crowd. 

Ao’nung could only watch at your retreating figure. He visibly gulped. This was it, he thought, this was what he wished for. 

And it had only hurt him terribly.

He stayed near the hut regardless and heard how you whimpered– how you’d sniffle and cry. The paste burned against your skin and you couldn’t help but squirm. You felt so ugly, so humiliated and little. 

Ronal finally walks out, the sound of the flap waking Ao’nung’s drowsy state. “Mother, how is she?” He receives only a scornful glare as she walks past him. 

“Mother, please.” 

“I am deeply disappointed in you, Ao’nung” She said, clearly holding back. The tsahik sighed, “but for her sake, I will save you from any more scolding. It is what she asks for.” 

And it was so like you to think of him before yourself. It applied more pressure on his already beaten heart and he could only drop his head in shame. This was his fault and he had to face the consequences he so begged for all these years– so where did this sickening desire to hold you close come from? It was bittersweet on his tongue and no water could get rid of the taste. 

“I know that look, brother.” Tsireya didn’t have to glance to see his troubled state. It’s been days– no, weeks. He couldn’t get to you; skilfully blending in with your surroundings and out his sight, scurrying quickly towards another direction– it was clear you wanted nothing to do with him. 

It pained him– absolutely shattered him to pieces. 

“I can’t reach her, Tsireya.” His frown deepens as he frustratingly tugged on his hair. 

“And you will never again!” Ao’nung flinched. As much as Tsireya enjoyed the torment of his brother, she still rooted for the both of you– still standing firm with the fact that you’d do good for him, but she thought of you and knew you also deserved better. With a dejected sigh, she whispers,  “If.. you don’t hurry.” 

“Her hideout. Now. Go make things right.” Tsireya hoped she was doing the right thing.

Ao’nung darted in a heartbeat– disrupting the busy clan and accidentally bumping into them. He couldn’t waste any time anymore, he had to get to you or else he’d forever hold his peace. Every step he took was an image of you with someone else; someone else willing to make you happy, someone else to be your mate. 

And he hated that. It only fueled him to go faster, eventually reaching a pond surrounded by trees. The place was hidden and only the three of you knew where it was located– it was your safe place.

There you were, relaxed and unknowing. It was cruel like this; for Eywa to strikingly illustrate you in a different light– in a different point of view, or perhaps it had never changed and he just chose to never look at you the way he’s staring now. You were absolutely beautiful, basking in the glow of the dusk. The water swayed you gently and the calm on your face was inviting. 

This was his only chance. 

Ao’nung approached you, allowing the water to swallow him near you. He called out your name in a whisper and you immediately turned to him in surprise. Before he could even get another word out, you tried to hoist yourself up to escape, but he was quick to grab your wrist. 

You hissed in return, his touch burning the healing cuts on your skin. “You don’t get to be sorry.” 

You had turned your back on him and only then did he see the same tie that you tried to give him around your hair. It was gut-wrenching– the taste of his own medicine. 

“I knew you wanted me off your skin, but I didn’t realize you wanted me gone.” And he knew what you meant, immediately wincing at the thought.

“I’m sorry, __” The apology came out almost in a desperate manner. Ao’nung was aching to touch you– to hug you close. He was willing to apologize forever, if it meant that you’d finally turn around and look at him, but when you did, his body went rigid and he wanted to swallow his words. “Fuck, I’m so sorry.”

You were crying and you looked everywhere but him. He took a step forward and when you didn’t retreat, he took the chance to hold your cheek, caressing it with his thumb. You absolutely hated it– hated him. Even after everything, he was warm. “You don’t get to be sorry.”

“How could you be so,” You hit his chest harshly, the water splashing along your movements, “How could you be so mean?”

“I am young, __” Ao’nung softly said, his eyes on you unmoving. “Young and absolutely stupid.” 

“Damn right you are.”

He let out a breathy chuckle. “I never had anyone love me the way you do. Anyone who paid me any mind wanted me for my status– they only wanted the olo'eyktan’s son.” 

You turned your head with a click of a tongue, only for him to grab your chin to look at him again. Of course you never wanted him because of his or his parent’s title– you loved him genuinely and he was a coward to not see that. His expression was nothing but sincere and you hated it.

“I am young and stupid, __, so please.” He takes another step forward and you were sure the small gap between your bodies had cut your inability to breathe. The water had gone cold and you couldn’t move. You stayed there, looking up at him. “Let me grow old with you and I promise to be wiser.” 

“I see you, __.”

☆ mauve here! FINALLY DONE W THIS AO'NUNG PIECE, JESUS CHRIST. this was actually the first thing i've originally written prior to making this account because the lack of aonung content was >:(((( so here i am, giving him my long awaited attention. finding pictures of him were so hard as well! i enjoyed writing this though, i love aonung and his sibling dynamic w tsireya

i left this in a cliffhanger, i think, BECAUSE personally i wouldn't let that slide. i wouldve left aonung to beg FOR DAYS but eh

© avatarkv, do not repost.

[circyexistforcontent]

Ok ok sagau boys walking you to your mansion and seeing just a shitload of love letters and flowers at your doorstep, how whould they react?

LOVE LETTERS AND OVERLOOKED JEALOUSY

❀ synopsis: after taking a lovely stroll with one of your acolytes you both made it back to your mansion but an unexpected surprise waits at the foot of your door, quite literally.

❀ notes: I didn't make it to sumeru or Liyue yet so please be a bit lenient. And also request are open, send an ask if you like :]

❀ pronouns: none specified

VENTI/BARBATOS:

The afternoon breeze always brings people in the mood for a nice walk, and you've been working hard so why not take a break? He would insist on this idea and would be overjoyed if you agreed, if you were currently residing at Monstadt he would bring you to Good Hunter to try their Fisherman's toast. Then he will bring you to Flora's flower shop to buy you a bouquet of your favorite flowers before the both of you just rest on his statues hands while enjoying yourselves.

You won't be able to shake him off until the sun is setting and you have to go back to your mansion. Of course Venti would trail behind you, hopping on each step until you both saw your front door. The entrance was piled with Love letters and flowers that can fill at least 1/4 of a room. Imagine a shocked person, then multiply it by 5.

He most likely took some of the letters in secret while you're looking around for anyone who might've left a letter or flower: "What? When did they give me this much? Don't they know my shrine is just over there???"

After calling some servants to move the flowers and letters to your shrine you noticed that Venti was nowhere to be seen. You didn't mind his disappearance because you finally have some time to finish your piled-up paperwork and answer the prayers of your people. However, your personal space was short-lived because after a few hours Venti came by knocking at your window with a big smile on his face.

Wait, why is his bow floating on his back?

XIAO:

Xiao prefers to observe you from afar and to kill any nearby fatui members or hilichurls when you decide to take a stroll outside Liyue Harbor. Though it seems he's lacking in stealth because every time he follows you outside your mansion, you would turn your head in his direction and try to persuade him to walk with you. He was hesitant at the beginning, but soon he follows your orders and hovered over your shoulder every time the both of you are outside. Ready to pull out his polearm when something happens.

Sometimes the two of you would indulge in a picnic on one of Liyue's cliffs with the perfect view of the nation's city. At these moments he felt like he was really nothing but a human, feeling his karmic debt slowly fade away when you placed a flower behind his ear. He has to stop himself from leaning on your palm when your hands brushed against his cheek. His disappointment was hidden well when the both of you had to go back to your mansion, oblivious to what the both of you would see.

He is bewildered at the number of love letters and flowers at your doorstep before he becomes just as frustrated as you by the situation. While he did sign a contract to protect the city of Liyue he won't hesitate to smack some sense into the citizens residing in the nation. The shrine is only several minutes away, why did they decide to take a few more minutes to make it through the gates of your mansion and leave the letters and flowers on your doorstep?

He offers to help the servants in sending the letters and flowers to the shrine, which you and the servants were more than grateful for the extra pair of hands. But one bouquet caught his eye when he saw the tag attached to it.

"From: Childe"

Childe? What is his business with you? He looks at the bouquet with disdain before teleporting to the nearest empty hilichurl camp and throwing it on the bonfire. You don't need Childe when you got Xiao as your protector.

TIGHNARI:

Tighnari needs a day off, and you need a day off. Why not have a day off together? Collei insisted that he takes a break and Tighnari (incredulously) did so just for his student. While walking you so happen to just manifest out of thin air which has him stumbling backward out of shock. Meanwhile, you were just trying to escape the crowd of believers and decided to teleport to the farthest nation to have some fresh air.

After some explaining, Tighnari put it upon himself to protect you from any sort of wild species or harmful plant to make your stay in Sumeru as enjoyable as possible. Even if it's just for a few hours. While walking Tighnari would ramble about Sumeru's plant life while you just beside him smiling at every word you may or may not know. Soon enough the both of you took a small break from walking and decided to sit down on a near by rock.

It seems you were pretty tired during the day because shortly after you ask TIghnari if you can rest on his lap. Tighnari, flustered and surprised, agreed since he isn't one to deny your word. After all, your word is sacred. Feeling you rest your head on his lap made him feel like he was about to faint, but it also made him feel sick to see you in such a state. The afternoon passed and the moon was rising above Sumeru, how long have you been asleep? Hours? He didn't know why but time seemed to pass by too fast for him to comprehend. But he can ponder on that later, right now he needs to wake you up.

You sat up from his lap and started groaning that it's only been 20 minutes until you saw the stars shining brightly above you two. Oh yeah right, time here passes differently from regular earth. You quickly teleported with Tighnari back to Liyue since you wanted to spend just a little more time with him, TIghnari felt like he was on cloud nine the entire time he was holding your hand. That was until he saw Ganyu at the entrance of your mansion holding a pile of love letters and flowers. When you let go of his hand to help Ganyu he felt something dark and murky swirling inside of him. Who is she? Why is he feeling like this?

[beansandsprouts]

I'm Not Jealous

Dean Winchester x fem reader

Fluff with a sprinkling of angst

Summary: While on a hunt, you and the boys bumped into another hunter working the same case. You decide to join forces, but you and this new hunter get along too well for Dean's liking.

Warnings: descriptions of violence, blood, little bit of angst, implication of sex

Dean watched as you giggled at something that hunter, Ian, had said. His jaw clenched when you touched Ian's arm and moved in closer to him.

He huffed as he turned his attention back to his array of weapons as Sam gave him a knowing look.

"You know she wouldn't be flirting with someone else if you'd made a move sooner."

"What the hell are you talkin about?"

"Come on man, it's obvious how you feel about her." Sam pushed.

"She's our friend, Sam. I just don't want her to get taken advantage of."

"Uh huh."

You were hunting a werewolf, it had killed four people in the last few days and you all intended on putting an end to it.

You'd tracked it to an abandoned farmhouse a few miles outside of town, and were preparing to make a move.

"Y/n! You ready?"

You turned to face Dean, giving him a bright smile and a thumbs up.

"Alright, let's move!"

The four of you walked back out to your cars, the werewolf having been taken down without too much trouble. There would definitely be some bruises but nothing too serious.

You were leaning back against Ian's car, chatting. Dean watched, brows furrowed as he put away his weapons. His blood boiled when Ian reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear.

"Dean, you can't keep angrily staring at them."

"I don't know what you're talking about." He grumbled, averting his eyes and slamming the trunk shut.

"Hey! Ian and I are gonna go grab some dinner. I'll see you guys back at the motel, kay?"

"Yeah...whatever." Dean grumbled, not sparing you a glance.

Sam side eyed him before turning to you, "Yeah no problem. Be safe, call if you need anything."

"Will do Sam." You smiled and turned back towards Ian's car.

"You just cannot stand the thought of her with someone else." Sam chuckled.

"I just...shes never been the type. She doesn't do one night stands."

"What makes you think it's a one night stand?" Sam raised a brow.

"You can't have relationships with this job Sammy. It just doesn't work."

"Maybe not with a normal person. But two hunters? That would work better."

"You don't think she's seriously considering dating that...that...prick?"

"Ian's a nice guy Dean."

"He's not good enough for her."

"You don't think anyone's good enough for her." Sam snorted.

Dean glared at him.

"You are seriously oblivious to how much you like her, aren't you?"

"What're you on about?"

"Do you not see the way that you look at her? The way you light up when she walks into the kitchen in the mornings? How she's always the one you check on after a hunt? You've always guarded her against guys at bars. You've always taken care of her Dean."

"She's family Sam. We take care of family." He growled.

Sam sighed, "Whatever you say."

When you returned later that night, Dean was sitting up in bed watching TV next to a sleeping Sam.

"Hey!" You whispered.

Dean glanced at you, "You have fun?"

You smiled, "Yeah, Ian's great."

He grunted in response, shutting off the TV and sliding under the covers. You bit your lip, you'd kinda hoped he'd have more of a reaction to you going out with someone.

You'd had feelings for Dean for years, but either he didn't notice or he chose not to. Eventually you'd resigned yourself to being his friend, his hunting partner. But you'd always wished for me. Maybe that was why you never pursued someone, you'd always kinda hoped something would happen.

But Ian was funny and cute, and you figured maybe it was time to move on. You'd tried to have a good time tonight, but all you could think about was what it'd be like to be with Dean. You'd come clean about it to Ian, not wanting him to get too involved with someone who was in love with another man. But he'd said it was okay, he was willing to wait for you to fall for him instead. He'd even asked you out again next week. It felt good to be wanted, to have someone want to be with you.

A week later and you're getting ready for your date with Ian. He'd invited you out to this nicer restaurant. Definitely a lot nicer than you were used to. You'd put on a form fitting black dress that came down to the mid thigh and accentuated your curves, the neckline plunged, showing off your chest a bit. You'd left your hair down for once, letting it frame your face nicely. And youd put on some nice perfume Mary had gifted you awhile back. You felt good and you looked good.

You walked out into the main room and the boys looked up as you did, Sam and Cas raised their brows and Dean choked on his beer.

"You look nice." Cas said.

"Really nice. I think I've seen your hair down like...twice." Sam said.

You grinned, "Thanks guys. Its definitely a change from what I'm used to but Ian's taking me to some fancy place in town so the usual jeans and t-shirt weren't an option."

Dean was staring at you, looking you up and down, seemingly in shock.

You heard a knock at the door, and shouted for him to come in. Ian came in, a bouquet of flowers in hand. He came down the stairs and his eyes widened when he saw you.

"Wow."

"Thanks." You smiled at him.

He wordlessly handed you the flowers, still staring. You left the room to try and hunt down a vase.

"You better treat her right." Dean said. Not even looking at Ian.

"Oh like you have?"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Dean growled, standing and whipping around to face him.

Ian had a look of contempt on his face, like he was disgusted by the mere sight of Dean, "Nothing."

"No what the fuck-"

"I found a vase," You said as you entered the room again, "Put them in my-what's going on in here?"

"Nothing! You ready to go?"

"Uh yeah, sure." You said, eyes on Dean's clearly irritated face.

The evening was wonderful, Ian was lovely to be around. And the food was great. You entered the bunker again later that night with a smile on your face, which was quickly gone when you saw the pissed off look on Dean's.

"Dean? You ok?"

"Why are you going out with him?"

"Because I like him? What do you mean?"

"You've only ever needed us. Why has that suddenly changed? What could he possibly give you that me and Sam and Cas and Jack can't?"

You looked at him, shocked. He had stood and turned to face you.

"You can't have seriously expected this to never happen?"

"Why not? We've given you everything you need. A home, protection, family. What else is there?"

You blinked, "What?"

"What does he give you that we cant?" He growled.

You shook your head, "I want to be loved, Dean. I want to be held and kissed," your voice rising, "I want to be taken on dates and brought flowers. And God damnit I want to have sex!"

He just looked at you in shock.

"Listen," you continued, "I love you guys. You mean the world to me. But you all can't give me that. You can't give me what I want." Your voice broke.

"Why not?"

Your face contorted in confusion, "What do you mean?"

Dean's jaw clenched, "Why cant I be the one to give you that?"

"What?"

"Why not me y/n? I know I'm not the ideal partner, I drink a lot, I'm not the most emotional, and I know I don't deserve you, but I can try. I want to try. I want to give you that. I want you to smile at me the way you smiled at that schmuck."

You took a step back, ran your hands through your hair. You'd wanted this for so long. You'd imagined it, imagined what he'd say, what you'd say. But suddenly it was actually happening and you didn't know what to do.

Dean stepped forward and took your hands into his rough ones.

"Can't you give me a chance to do that for you?" He pleaded.

"God damnit Dean. I finally try to move on from you and you drag me right back in."

He drew in a breath as you looked up at him, teary eyed.

You stepped forward and leaned up, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.

Dean felt his heart flutter at the small action, he stared at you wide eyed.

"You just...you..."

"I kissed you Dean." You said with an amused look on your face.

He broke out in a wide grin, "Wow."

"Wow?" You snorted.

"Shut up." Though you could tell he really didn't mean it.

"So are you gonna just stand there grinning like an idiot or are you gonna kiss me?"

"I'm gonna kiss you." He said as he leaned down, wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling you flush against his body, and kissed you.

You sighed happily, reaching to wrap your arms around his neck, kissing him like you'd been waiting to for thousands of years. And in some ways, it felt like you had.

He pulled back and began pressing kisses to your jaw and neck, you giggled. The feeling of his stubble brushing against your neck sent butterflies fluttering in your stomach. His lips moved down your neck nipping and sucking, leaving marks along the way.

"Dean..." You breathed, your hands gently tugging at his hair.

"You're mine now. And I'm gonna make sure everyone knows it. Especially that wussy little prick you went out with tonight."

"He's not wussy and hes not a prick." You snorted.

"Seriously?"

"At least he was open about his feelings from the beginning. It didn't take him years to realize how much of a catch I am." You grinned.

Dean groaned, "You're not gonna let that go are you?"

"Oh definitely not. It took you three years to finally tell me you wanted me. Three years and me dressing up to go out with someone else."

"God when you walked in...I just couldn't believe it. I'd never seen you like that. Most beautiful woman I've ever seen. And then when I realized it was for that pr-" He paused when you gave him a look, "For that man. It pissed me off. I wanted you to dress like that for me."

"Oh Dean, you lovely oblivious idiot." You cooed.

"An oblivious idiot that you fell for." He teased.

"Damn right I did." You said and pulled him down to press little kisses all over his face.

As you moved to kiss his cheek he turned his head to catch your lips.

"Now, let me show you something Ian definitely can't do." He grinned, picking you up and carrying you off to his room.

The next morning you wandered out sleepily in one of Dean's t-shirts. Sam looked up at you, taking in the way you looked before grinning.

"Finally figured out his feelings huh?"

"Took him long enough." You laughed.

"Damn right it did. I've been watching you two pine after each other for way too long."

"It only took that long because he's an idiot."

"Who's an idiot?" Dean asked, walking into the kitchen and pressing a kiss to the top of your head.

"No one." You said as you and Sam shared a knowing look.

Dean narrowed his eyes, "Uh huh."

"Nothing to worry about love, eat your bacon." You chuckled.

Dean shrugged and sat at the table, loading his plate with eggs and bacon.

You smiled, a cup of coffee in your hand. You felt satisfied. And happy, and you knew you'd only feel happier as time went on.

[naffeclipse]

Hey Naff! I just saw the ask about what Cryptid y/n would be and your response about a mothman one, and I present to you something I just thought would be really funny:

Following along the delicious obliviousness of the main fic, mothperson y/n just not having that sixth sense all cryptids have that lets them detect other cryptids or even demons. So they find the "abandoned animatronic" and feel bad about their vulnerability and obviously burnt state (plus are drawn to the glow of their eyes!) and approach asking if they might need help. They know this forest like the back of their hand, it would be no problem directing them somewhere a human settlement could help them!

Meanwhile the boys are internally like ?? are they not? Afraid? Why is this other supernatural entity talking so casually to a demon, can they not feel what they are?

And y/n is just like all proudly declaring how they are a very good hunter (of what they eat) and well respected in the woods and how nobody will get away with hurting them as long as the local mothperson watches over them, and smiles at them just super earnestly.

And so amused they just go along with it. Wondering when they'll eventually realize what they're dealing with. Because surely they will sense it soon, right? But then they don't, and Eclipse no longer wants them to, because this cryptid can very much fly away, and they find themselves really not wanting that to happen the more time they spend together.

Heya, babe! About this post, EEEE, I LOVE THIS! Oblivious Y/N strikes again in mothperson form!

That's so sweet to think of the possessed animatronic's pale eyes becoming a familiar and welcomed light in mothperson Y/N's life, and how easily they seek out the boys with their glow. It's also a bit of a strange role reversal with Y/N sleeping during the day and fluttering around at night.

Gah, I love the boys' confusion, too! They're not necessarily concerned or hostile towards another cryptid, expecting this one to become aware that they're much, much more dangerous than what their vessel appears as, so they certainly don't expect this polite offer from the mothperson to help them hide in the woods.

Then promising to protect them. That's new. Eclipse has no idea how to take the rather sweet cryptid except to follow them into their woods.

I imagine there are a few moments where the boys almost trip themselves up when Y/N returns with a varmint for their dinner and happens to not eat the heart. Either Sun or Moon almost comments about them wasting the best part of the innards before—whoops gotta keep that to themselves.

OH OH AND ANOTHER THING mothperson Y/N believes that they're the tol in the relationship friendship because the animatronic doesn't pass their feathery antennae in height, only to be proved very very wrong when Eclipse finally emerges and is taller than them.

[mizutenshii]

KISS MY BLOODIED LIPS.

— pairing ; kaneki ken x human!gn!reader

— summary ; you never expected to kiss one of the hated humanoid monsters, yet here you were. or: first kiss with him.

— cw ; don't worry he doesn't actually have blood on his lips, fluff, awkward first kiss, slight making out? est. relationship

only god knew why and how you ended up in a dark alley behind anteiku, but you were there and something was about to happen. you weren't dense, you could feel it in the way kaneki was looking at you – or rather, the way his gaze had dropped down to your lips more than once already. a gesture you reciprocated eagerly, until at some point you were just awkwardly staring at each other's lips.

you didn't know how to go from there, as you never kissed someone before. you weren't one to put much thought into what your first kiss would be like, but you always assumed it would be with a human. yet here you were, cornered by the ghoul you grew to adore.

no, kaneki didn't verbally tell you he wanted to kiss you, but you weren't oblivious; there was only one possible outcome to the position you were currently in, and you were afloat on the tight atmosphere. you couldn't wait, although you were incredibly nervous just as much.

"i-is this okay?" the half-ghoul asked, bringing up his hand to cup your cheek. kaneki gazed at you full of worry, as if one wrong move would break the spell and scare you away.

"mhm," you hummed, tilting your head to lean into his light touch a little more. you offered him an awkward smile, not knowing what else to say.

"i never did this before," kaneki confessed. "i guess i'm afraid of messing up, afraid of losing control, i don't know, i just–"

"only one way to find out, right?" you shrugged, trying to come off calm and collected. but your voice was a little shaky and uneven, giving away how nerves got a tight grip on you.

the boy with hair as pale as the moon visibly gulped, but something in his gaze hardened resolutely. it was as if he made up his mind, bringing up his other hand to cup your face completely and tilting your head to his favor. all physical distance was slowly being eliminated, the heavy anticipation palpable in the air between you. kaneki moved closer to you, barely daring to breathe as his eyes fluttered closed. you shuddered when his lips ghosted over yours, a fleeting touch that made both your breath hitch in your throat.

but the ghoul hesitated, froze in his movements, even drew back a little as his eyes opened anxiously. he was nervous, and it wasn't hard to figure out what was on his mind. after all, behind his soft lips rested the teeth of a deadly predator, and right now the hunter brought its teeth close to its prey. 

"we can wait if it doesn't feel okay yet," you reassured him as fear rose in his grey eyes. "we don't have to do it right now, there's no rush."

"no, i want this," kaneki sputtered, a slight frown falling upon his features. "i'm just afraid of hurting you, one way or another."

"i trust you," you solemnly told him.

"you shouldn't," the ghoul shook his head.

"but i do," you countered. "kiss me, ken."

kaneki sighed, muttering something under his breath before he finally gave in. the final distance that separated you was eliminated as his lips met yours – tentative, brief, lingering for but a second before he pulled back. he watched you, and as you showed no signs of dismay he dove right back in. this time he kissed you with more fervor, more courage, his lips moving against yours in a somewhat uncoordinated rhythm.

but god, you were enjoying it. your hands found his sweater, fingers clawing at the soft fabric to pull him even closer to you. he was being careful, he was holding back, you could feel it. but you weren't going to ask for more – not now. you were beyond happy with what he was giving you already.

when he pulled back, he was panting lightly – and so were you. kaneki looked at you, grey eyes full of adoration. you couldn't help but break into a full smile, looping your arms around his neck and hugging him close. the half-ghoul was quick to reciprocate the gesture, pressing a chaste kiss to the top of your head as he held you lovingly.

"see? i can trust you," you giggled lightly, resting your cheek against his shoulder as you clung to him.

"just not too much, okay?" kaneki muttered, his breath rustling your hair. "i'm a monster, and as much as i love you, you'll never know when i mess up."

it was a peculiar love story the two of you had. humans were supposed to despise ghouls, their only enemy. and yet you fought through the natural boundaries, getting too infatuated with one of the hated humanoids and erasing the line that naturally stood between the hunter and their prey.

but it was okay. maybe kaneki didn't trust himself, but you did. and you knew you wouldn't regret it, ever. after all, love was stronger than his hunger, right?

mizutenshii — O3.1O.2O23 — masterlist

help i never write kiss scenes this was a struggle and i hope it's not a pain to read ><

[privitivium]

*appears in front of you wearing a suit* my good sir, may i offer you some flirtatious&dombot enmu x oblivious&subtop reader?:3 if dat dont peak your interest, allow me to descwibe the deal a bit better! see, not only is the reader as dense as bricks, he's also never had dreams befor!:0 (or sex but dats unrelated(⁠；⁠^⁠ω⁠^⁠）) enmu is shocked and appalled, not only by how dum reader is, but also by the fact they've never dreamed!!:00 so, enmu decides to not only make reader fuck him, (woahza, i jus got some deja vu from the first time i gave u an anonymous askO_o) he also decides to give reader an unforgettable dream!!!:3 so, what do you say, good sir?:33 *gibes you badly written contract*

:3 anon (but im in a suit now:D)

flirty dombot enmu x oblivious-ish,, subtop m reader

utterly enticing deal :3 in a suit... i sign thr contract with a single piece of macaroni. darlin is a demon hunter,,, meeting on a train but not mugen train arc! also amab enmu. ahemhrm. a bit rushed,,, apologies for that and any mistakes

meeting under rather,, strange circumstances… it was normal, which was the only thing strange about it! you treated enmu as though he were a human..! which usually he would have qualms about, being the superior race and all.. but you seemed charming enough to be given the chance of conversation as he studied you from afar - smiling to himself like an idiot… come to find out how utterly dense you were. i mean, he figured something had to be wrong if you thought he was human with his eyes and all,, upper moon one? come on, now.. you were something to be admired.. his object of his affection, disregarding muzan for the plot… staring at you, across you in the now empty train car.. all by your lonesome..

wondering.. why don't you dream..? staring at you hard, exploring your mind - delving deep in the darkest pits.. trying to feed off the horrors of your memories like the other passengers of the train - trying to find something that would utterly mess with your head, to make you submit easier… just to find that your life seemed to be relatively full of merriment,,. is every idiot this happy and full of bliss? an idiot who so happened not to dream; which was enmu's expertise?

eagerly moving to sit next to you, to feel you next to him now that he's materialized - all for you, he'd tease.. enmu already felt so familiar with you - as though you go way back.. his thick thighs pressing against yours - immediately thinking about the feeling of your cock down his throat.. nothing too serious besides milking you dumb and telling you what a good father you'd be,,. shaking his head back into place as he feels you stir - smiling happily and a little too close for comfort as he waits patiently, gleefully,,,

“ah, wow, you have a hand on your mouth..” you yawned loudly, and he wonders how strong you must be to be an actual demon slayer if not for your smarts. enmu snickers gently, a hand to his lips. “ a-a mouth on your hand.” you correct, awakening to the warmth of a body - it was as if time skipped, and you had merely been resting your eyes for a mere second.. blinking the sleep from your eyes - a comfortable sleep, no less. glazing over your slip-up, regarding his delicate hand in wonder and a little odd that your senses were not picking up that he was a demon. wondering what color your blade is..

“yes, sweetie, a mouth on my hand..” he giggles - a melodious thrum, “i'm enmu.” a grin slips along his lips - fangs poking out - not bothering to ask as he already knew your name from deep diving throughout your mind.., “do you wanna see it up close?” he teases, reaching over and offering his hand out for you to kiss, imagining himself as victorian royalty.. ”oh, boy.. would i ever..” you trail off, reaching you and gently taking his grey toned hand in yours - admiring the fully functional mouth on the back of enmu’s hand, running the pad of your thumb over the lips and slowly closing in - enmu's face erupting in a dull red color as you kiss his hand so sweetly,,, being an idiot makes you much charming that your average person, he thinks, feeling his hand tongue being licked at messily - what were you doing, trying to makeout with his hand and making his cock ache…??

“it's real? oh.. jeez. I thought it was a tattoo.” you remark, pulling away with a shy grin - a trail of saliva following your lips that you mindlessly wipe off with the back of your hand. you introduce yourself, before you forget to. enmu hums gently, shivering as he crosses one leg over the other ; pressing against you a bit obnoxiously, invitingly draping his hand on your inner thigh -

“of course it's real… how did you sleep, hun?” he questions gently, turquoise eyes half-lidded and batting his eyelashes,,, unable to contain his merriment.

you shrug, leaning back against, “pretty good actually.” you nod, cracking a grin at the effeminate man pressed against you so shamelessly, “did you sleep good too? oh.. and where is everyone?”

“no dreams? nothing notable?” he teases - answering your question with one of his own; a hazy blush dusting his face, eyes half-lidded. what, you just fall asleep and wake up? just like that? how.. boring. enmu purses his lips, tilting his head at you while wrapping his arms around your thicker, muscular arm,,, you can dream.. he can show you. “w-well,, no..” you squint, eyes narrowing as you try to recall.. before the man at your side disappears and the motion of the train slows to a stop..,,,

“how utterly saddening,” he murmurs with a frown, feigning sadness as he delicately cups your face - you, simply staring into his turquoise eyes without a care as he was suddenly placed atop your thighs,, in his dream realm,,., glancing around briefly in curiosityㅡ“not one to dream? so very interesting…” enmu continued, nonchalantly sitting atop your very obviously hardened groin - pegging you for a bit of a virgin and taking it as a compliment.., “interesting?” you question him curiously, eyes narrowed as you take a moment to actually look at him, taking in his soft, pink cheeks with odd square markings.. lifting your hand to his cheek and totally not taking notice of the change of your surroundings… “what's so interesting about it..”

“so adorable..” enmu snickers softly behind his free hand, daintily covering his mouth,, “...it's interesting that you don't dream is all.. i like dreaming.. succumbing to a realm where you can mold reality to your liking..” you seemed to not be paying attention, as you suddenly grip his thighs - startling him briefly and accidentally showing you something horrific, that makes your eyes water - he wasn't opposed to seeing you in such disarray, but for some reason, scaring you didn't seem as fun as messing with others did.. the urge to hold you in his arms, a person much bigger than him,,. “noㅡnono, it's okay..! you're okay, silly..!” He laughs delicately, coddling your face with his hand before pressing the back of his palm to your flushed cheek and began licking away the tears akin to a cat; the scene switching to something lovely, something you were sure to relax in… resting upon a cloud in a setting sky,,, enmu surprises even himself sometimes, being so chummy with a human..

“this is what a dream is.. you see?” he hums gently, taking the time to slowly unbuckle your belt and eager to see your pent-up cock,, rubbing his thighs together,,, his pre-cum soaking through the fabric of his pants and all,, “isn't it fantastic, my dear? you'll be seeing and feeling.. much more of this..” he drags his palm along your cock over your underwear - you squirm, fidgeting as you squint at him, huffing mutely,.. you did have some experience with.. sex and whatnot.. but not with someone as weird looking as enmu, as you saw it. you definitely weren't opposed to being touched by such a person as this pretty guy.. enmu, knowing exactly what you liked, as he leaned upwards and caressed underneath your jaw, humming gently - before he was naked, and bare for you to marvel at,, feeling himself smiling giddily to himself as he catches how you leer at him;; pre-cum pearling at the slit of your flushed tip that he stripped bare seconds before,, “this is a dream?” you murmur, in confusion; hands clenched into fists before tracing on enmu's bare thighs - the same square pattern on his cheeks, trailing down his thighs.. and his cock, leaking so prettily just at the sight of your own,,, inhaling deeply, feeling drunk off the scent of your sex -

“y-yes.. a dream..” grinding his ass against your bare cock, “isn't this lovely, my darling?” his own dick bobbing with his fluid movements as he holds himself up with his hands stationed on your shoulders - sharp nails every so slightly digging into your skin, not that you seemed to mind - and rather rutted upwards, into him - tip briefly poking against his puckered hole. “a-ah,, what a wonderful idea,,,” enmu murmurs aloud, shivering at the feeling, daydream of feeling your cum settle inside him. he cant help himself,,, just so eager to feel you,, taste you,,, what a silly little guy you were, just so eager to feel a demon fuck on you, huh? not that your idiot mind could comprehend such a thing.. not having any qualms as you were having such a grand time of having such a pretty guy grind himself into you - practically cumming on yourself just from that - “uhah.. wah.. you're good at this.” you murmur, feeling embarrassed as your thighs begin to twitch - legs squirming.

“,,, pathetic,,,” enmu voiced sweetly, affectionately as he leaned downward, his lips catching yours and teeth pricking your lips; blood which he eagerly laps up - “but ever so cute,,” he had the urge to degrade you horribly,,, taking your human dick up the ass like a champ - insulting you for your blood.. but ,,, ur just so cute,,, how could enmu ever treat you like that? perhaps he could .. just… feet you some of his blood… “enmu..” you try his name on your tongue, admiring his features once more as you grip the flesh of his plump ass in your hands. you'd.. take advantage of this supposed dream… he coos gently,, a soft awwh,,,, before reaching downward and lathering your cock in your fluids - jerking you off briefly before aiming your cock to lineup with his hole,, to push onto you, himself, as you were too busy admiring his face.. making him feel all fluttery.. ugh, how dare you.. “yes, my dear?” he hums affectionately, inching himself downward onto the tip of your cock, before stilling - trying to relax as he presses downward onto you, barely making it passed the neck before he was whimpering softly and paying you no mind - utterly focused on feeling you in him the thick girth of your cock - tip reaching deeper than any toys he's fucked himself with, grazing his prostate so sweetly as he's fully pierced himself with your cock,,,

rendering you speechless.. your form,,, your eyes glistening, glazed over with tears and a face darkened with the heat of arousal,, he could feel your fat cock throb inside him,,, he grinned, feeling so proud of himself as he sloppily, skillfully begins bouncing himself at a slow pace along your girth, whining softly as tears of pain and pleasure prick his turquoise eyes - not that he was complaining,,

“feels good, hrm?” he grinned widely, breathlessly. you seem to he big on eye contact - tensing around you deliberately as he slides himself up and down, slamming down and grinding into your crotch - “a-ah, yes.. yes, uh.. enmu..” you manage, staring teary-eyed and breathless at the demon riding you,,, cum coating your naked abdomenㅡenmu's cum,,, that he was sure to swipe off with his digits and shove in your mouth,,, tensing as you shift upward, hands gripping his hips as you pull him downward onto your cock - pushing your face into his shoulder - body reacting without your mind as your lower intestines coil, hole clenching around nothing before you positively releasing your load unto his gummy walls,,, gasping softly as you bury your face into his surprisingly not sweaty flesh,, “again..” enmu smiles bashfully, slowly beginning to bounce himself,,, showing no signs of stopping. he was sure to drag this out,, make you relive your first time ever having an orgasm,,, so politely,,,

[mayhemories]

Obvious x oblivious trope Neteyam and reader

Uncomfortable

Ok so, did this but sprinkled in some jealousy trope too? It’s short I’m sorry :( 

Pairing: Neteyam Sully x Reader (James Cameron’s Avatar) 

Requested: Yes | No

Warnings: none? Swearing. Characters are aged up!

Words: 2.5k

Author’s Notes: Characters are aged up! Omaticaya!Reader, they live happily in high camp because I'm a wuss and I don’t want anything bad to happen to Neteyam and the rest of the Sully Family. 

Taglist: @lilprettypetite @nyotamalfoy @weasleytwinwheezes @aonungs-tsahik @rainbowsocks @glitterandgoldfinds @bluealiensimp @melsunshine @ussoppl @wondxrgurll @luvlykrispy @myheartfollower @gloryavila @itssiaaax @mashiromochi @punkrockrogers

Read Below the Cut:

Being a hunter provided you with so much purpose. You provided food, safety, pelts, strength and everything in-between to your clan. And in turn they provided you with love and support. You had felt this way since you were eighteen and finished the rites of the hunter, since you technically became an Omaticayan woman. 

Being a spoter in the war party provided you so much more. You felt adrenaline, you felt responsible for all your brothers and sisters in the fight. You felt like you were personally making a difference against the enemy. 

And besides, by taking this life path you were able to meet your best friend. 

“Neteyam!” You squealed as he picked you up, throwing you over his shoulder, spinning you both around. Despite your squealing and protests he did not put you down, until he threw you onto the plush moss bed of your secret hideout. 

A glen a few clicks away from high camp, nestled between caves and vines in an adjacent, floating mountain. It had been a secret refuge for the two of you growing up. A place where you could come and get away from it all, simply be best friends alone. 

You laid there, looking up at the glow worms that littered the roof of the cave. Neteyam by your side, this is how it always was and probably would always will be. You don’t know what would come between you and Neteyam. Potentially his mate, you thought. Though you found posessiveness to be lame, especially between friends. That’s all you were, and if a female respected Neteyam she would show the same respect to you too, no? 

“What’s cooking in that pretty little head of yours?” Neteyam asked, bumping your arm with his own. 

“Nothing really, just life.” You sighed, placing your hands behind your head and crossing your ankles over eachother. “Do you think I should start trying to court someone or just let it happen naturally?” You asked. 

Neteyam rolled his eyes. You were so fucking dense sometimes it hurt. He loved you, always has, always will. He often felt like you were the only person who saw him, really saw him. And yet at the same time, you didn’t. How oblivious you were to Neteyam’s crush was astronomical. He constantly called you beautiful, highlighted your intelligence and talents. The boy couldn’t go longer than ten minutes without skin to skin contact for Eywa’s sake. Out of his twenty-one-years of life, he’s sworn that he has loved you for nineteen. 

And you were none the wiser. 

“Well, who would you court?” Neteyam asked, trying to remain calm and steady, but everytime the two of you toe this topic he wanted to rip his own brain-stem out and have Lo’ak stomp on it. 

“Yeah, good point.” You sighed, frustrated. You didn’t think you were ugly or untalented. You had no idea why the males in your clan showed no real interest in you. You turned your head, your best friend looked grumpy. Neteyam had his plush lips downturned, face willed into a scowl. You pushed him in the arm, he smiled gently. “Maybe I should just court you, huh.” Neteyam laughed in response, shaking his head. 

“Maybe you should.” 

You didn’t bring it up after that, sensing that Neteyam was obviously uncomfortable thinking on his future. You couldn’t blame him being the eldest son of Toruk Macto is a life of insurmountable pressure. 

Instead, you enjoyed Neteyam’s presence. He always calmed you, provided you with such comfort and solitude. Your best friend, your partner in crime (although Neteyam was often the one pulling you out of the crimes). The two of you had always, always been attached at the hip and you did not want to sever that relationship. Not for any girl. 

“C’mere,” Neteyam said, opening his strong arms, gesturing for you to take your usual position- your head on his warm chest, his arms holding you close, tails intertwined, legs following suit. You felt like home in between his muscle and sinew. “Spend time with me, my lovely girl.” 

The two of you laid there for hours, but as the night grew darker you knew time was running out, you had to get home, you had to sleep, so that you could wake up and do it all again tomorrow. 

You went home, he went to his. And you could not help but to think about who Neteyam would court, who Neteyam would mate with, who Neteyam’s Tsahik would be. As you settled in for bed, willing for sleep you could not help but to feel uncomfortable, too. 

Today was a training day, you and Neteyam were helping younger hunters master some archery. And you had no idea what was wrong with you. Your eyes would not stop finding Neteyam. His eyes, his smile, his strong back, broad shoulders. 

You shook your head, as if to get the thoughts out, refocusing on the boy in front of you. 

“Tighter, hold it tighter, do not be afraid.” You said, adjusting his grip on the bow. The teen, Ayue, sighs, dropping the stance entirely.

“I am scared, (y/n), I’m never going to do it right and I’m never going to pass trials.” He sounded so genuinely defeated and your heart hurted for him. You remember admitting the same thing to Neteyam years ago. And you remembered fondly how he had helped you. 

“Well, let’s pick a new target.” You said, smiling, hoping to help the boy refocus. 

“I did it Neteyam!” Lilä, the young female hunter that Neteyam had been helping successfully got three bullseyes in a row.

Neteyam smiled at her enthusiasm, but he knew he had to be careful with the girl. She had a crush on him, which he could understand. Not because he was handsome or anything like that, Neteyam did not like to think of himself like that. He just recognised that it’s so easy to like people that are nice to you, especially if they’re older and have some kind of status. Being Jake Sully’s son had its moments. But Neteyam also knew that Lilä was not as cautious of the boundaries that existed between them. He tried his best to remind her that he was her teacher, nothing more. But when she ran her hand up and down Neteyam’s arm he knew he had failed. 

You and Ayue looked around the archery field, trying to find something new the boy could hit. Your own bow and arrow ready to shoot with him. 

“There,” Ayue said softly, taking aim. “That little gap in Lilä’s target.” 

You looked to where the boy had said, indeed noticing the little gap between arrows in her target. But that was not what you were aiming at, yourself. 

Lilä had her hand running up and down Neteyam’s muscular arm, fiddling with his armband. She was sixteen. Why were you jealous of a child? It was not that, that sent you over, rather, it was Neteyam’s uncomfortable eyes, his tense posture. He did not want to be touched. Furthermore, you did not want to watch another touch him. 

You let the arrow fly. 

Lilä screamed, jumping back from Neteyam. He stood, glued to the spot. Staring at the arrow buried in the ground at his feet. Absolute inches away from where Lilä’s feet had been. The purple feathers with mottled yellow gave you away. 

He looked up, found your striking eyes from across the field. You were tense, but silent like an assassin. 

“Neteyam do something!” The teenage girl squawked at him, rapidly gesturing between herself, the arrow and the love of his life across the field. “She could have killed me!” 

Neteyam laughed, shaking his head. 

“Trust me, if she wanted to kill you, she wouldn’t have missed.” He smiled at you, sending a small wave. You returned the gesture, but Neteyam did not miss the glare you sent his pupil.

Something like hope grew in his heart. While something strange, that you could not name bloomed in your own. 

“So,” Lo’ak started at dinner. You sat between him and his brother, his two sisters and parents across from you. “Why did you nearly kill Lil-” 

You groaned, rolling your eyes and cutting him off. “Do not mention her name to me, I’ll be sick.” 

“Woah, woah, woah, what’s this about nearly killing someone?” Jake questioned, smirking. He liked to treat you like one of his own girls, teasing included. 

“Forget it, Sir, it was not like that.” You said piling more food onto your wooden disk. 

Lo’ak scoffed at you, shaking his head. 

“Lilä said that (y/n) almost shot her today during training.” Kiri pipped up. You glared at the girl, knowing that she was not your ally tonight. Jake laughed, and you noticed Neytiri graced a small smile at the sound. You let your mind briefly wander, did you make Neteyam smile like that?

“Almost? Doesn’t sound like you kid, you don’t miss.” Your Olo’eyktan pushed the conversation along, and you could not help but blush at being the centre of attention. You did not enjoy the spotlight, despite your actions today. 

But before you could answer, Neteyam spoke:

“Lilä was being inappropriate towards me during training today, I did not know how to quickly shut down the situation. I was quite grateful (y/n) reacted when she did.” Neteyam shot you a quick smile, and you felt it again, that strange blooming in you chest. “Besides, it was an impressive shot, Love.” Neteyam said, holding your eyeline. 

“Good girl.” Neytiri said, reaching out to pat you on the thigh afew times, before going back to attending little Tuk. 

You smiled, relieved that you were not in trouble. Though you knew the chances of that were going to be low anyway. 

You felt uncomfortable, as all the Sully’s shared a similar look with one another, with Neteyam. You felt left out on an inside joke. Or worse, like you were at the end of one. 

You swallowed the feeling down, with your food and decided not to dwell on it. Rather, you listened to Tuk recount the Na’vi folk-story she heard during her lessons today. 

You laid on your back, the moss of your spot squelching beneath your shoulder blades. Waiting for Neteyam was rare, as he was always prompt but Jake requested a word with his eldest after dinner, so you made yourself scarce. 

What was this uncomfortable feeling that you could not shake? You though back on the last twenty-four hours. 

And suddenly, it clicked. 

“Pretty little head of yours”

“Maybe I should just court you, huh?” 

“Maybe you should.” 

“My lovely girl”

How Lilä had touched him. How you had felt when she had done so.

“It was an impressive shot, Love.”

“Oh fucking shit.” You said aloud, pulling your legs to your chest, smooshing your hands into your face. 

You went back further in time in your catacombs of memory: Every smile, every touch, every flower, every gift, every soft word spoken, every big event, every mundane day everything. 

It was all Neteyam. 

“Oh fuck me!” You cursed out into the glen, hearing your own voice echo around the walls of the chamber-like cutaway. 

“When and where my sweet girl?” Neteyam chuckled as he entered your spot.

You sprung to you feet. You were uncomfortable, you were overwhelmed. Uncomfortable, uncomfortable, uncomfortable.

“No!” You barked, pointing at him. Neteyam raised his arms in mock surrender. He was confused, but always let you call the shots. “No! You do not get to say that to me.” Your voice wavered, your eyes filling with tears. You didn’t know why, you didn’t know what you felt or what was going on. He had been teasing you. And that was the secret joke they had shared, he had been teasing you for years and the whole family was in on it.

Neteyam saw your eyes brimming with unshead tears and he felt rage, who had hurt you? He made a move towards you, gripping your shoulders, pinning you to the spot. 

“My love, what is the matter?” He asked softly, after he confirmed that you had no external injuries. 

“Do not call me that, Neteyam.” You couldn’t bear to look at him, you looked at the moss under your feet, wishing it would open up and swallow you. 

Neteyam felt his heart sink. You had never, ever told him off for the pet names. He was certain you didn’t even register them most of the time. You were just too oblivious. 

That obliviousness was obviously gone. 

“(y/n)”, Neteyam spoke softly, but his voice was commanding, full of purpose. It was how he talked to his students. You refused to look at him. Grabbing your chin he coaxed you to look at him, look at him in his beautiful eyes and you felt your knees go weak. “Can you explain to me what is upsetting you?” What is upsetting you, my beautiful girl? Died in his throat. 

“What is upsetting me is that you have teased me, my whole life, with your pet names, and you do not actually love me or want me, at all!” You could not help but sob as Neteyam held you still. 

He felt like his stomach swallowed his heart, the acid burning it away. You were so wrong. So, so wrong. How could you even think that? Think that of him? 

“You’re always so oblivious, aren’t you?” He asked. His hand remaining firm on your chin. “I have tried to make it obvious to you our entire lives, I have tried to make it obvious how much I love you, how much I want you.”  

You felt shame and stupidity burn across your face like a brand. 

“Honey, I thought you made your reciprocative feelings obvious today,” His hands moved from your shoulder and chin respectively, finding their usual home on your cheeks. “I thought you made it really, really obvious when you nearly killed my sixteen-year-old student out of jealousy.” 

You giggled at him, shaking your head at how stupid the whole thing sounded aloud. He always knew what to fucking say. You wish you could hate him for it, but all you do is resent yourself. You had time to make it right.

“My beautiful Neteyam,” You bought your lips closer to his own, a hairsbreadth apart. “I am so sorry for not realising your love sooner, we have wasted so much time because I’m so fucking dense.” 

You kissed him, and that uncomfortable feeling left. It was right, everything was right and normal and as it was supposed to be. 

It was the best moment of Neteyam’s young life. 

“We will have time in the rest of this life and the next.” He whispered against your lips.

[theyoungeragrippina]

🫶🏻 15 gentlebeard/blackbonnet fic recs

(17 if you squint)

hey legends, in this bittersweet period where a lot of a us are feeling gutted but simultaneously, rebelliously hopeful, i've emerged from my reading den to showcase to you all some of the brilliant talent we have in this fandom! these fics are some of the best of the best, and i hope you love them just as much as i do! <3

they are all complete, do not feature any ongoing steddyhands/edizzy/stizzy, and are above 20k words.

peruse part 1, part 2, and part 3 at your leisure if you want to compare our tastes/devour more fine literature, or check out my masterlist as an ao3 collection.

adrift between the dreaming seas by @dandy-pirate-time

49k, mature, locked

stede lives a cursed life on a moving island, until the monotony of his days is suddenly interrupted by the fearsome kraken.

this was such a fascinating & incredible idea! i love how it manipulates aspects of the original story and transforms them into parts of the cursed island <3 sweet & unique & magical. i want to hug poor stede.

Five Birthdays and a Funeral by @bizarrelittlemew

58k, explicit

"When Ed and Stede's friend groups merge, they meet at a birthday party, and Stede's life is turned upside-down. As they collide again and again, he not only has to figure out what Ed means to him, but what he means to himself."

stede gets to be oblivious and a bit of a silly goose as a treat. also: treasure hunts, lucius is the best, ed has a cat whom i would die for, such a sweet & heartfelt fic. you will be so unbelievably fond of this version of every character.

The Ghost of Frigate Point Lighthouse by @piratecaptainscaptainpirates

53k, explicit

"When history professor Stede Bonnet goes to investigate rumors of a ghost haunting the local lighthouse, he's thrust into a mystery centered around the ghost of one of the most famous pirates of all time."

was SO eager to read this and it did not disappoint!! it has everything - fun, magic, mystery, tired TA lucius, and a lil bit of seduction. good enough that i am worried the author may actually just be a sea witch recollecting events he personally witnessed.

Haunted by @thepirateroo

60k, explicit

"The Kraken is a famous spiritualist, working the music halls of 1920s London to help families communicate with their dead. But Stede Bonnet knows that underneath the fame and illustrious title, Edward Teach works as a ghost hunter, debunking the spirits he makes his living off."

this is, genuinely, in the top 5 fanfics i have read for any fandom EVER. i wouldn't bat an eyelid if i read this exact work as a published novel in a bookstore. the mystery is so good and had me guessing and re-theorising constantly, the characterisation is brilliant, and the emotions are perfect. i cried, i laughed, i felt sick with worry for the characters, and i couldn't stop reading until i was done.

haunt me, then by @hyruling

28k, explicit

"He releases the ropes slowly, barely registering the burn as they slip through his fingers. Then, fallible as Orpheus, turns to meet his ghost."

post s1 fixit fics ily. everyone needs some therapy. really VERY well written and a joy to read.

Homeward Bound by mari_who

51k, explicit

"In the long-ago year 2000, bouncy blonde boy-band member Stede Bonnet is 17-year-old Edward Teach's gay awakening. Decades later, Ed hears a voice he could never forget."

i said 'ohhh no poor ed/stede' so many times while reading this. a lovely exploration of emotion and human connection, and finding yourself when everyone else has always defined who you are on your behalf.

I just need some air by @cuddlytogas

26k, teen

"Stede Bonnet's been having panic attacks for almost as long as he can remember, suffocated by pressure and expectation... When [he] finally takes his life back — divorces Mary, moves to Melbourne, starts his own event management business — things get better, but he's still no good at parties. He still needs some air, even at the very events he's brought to fruition. Meanwhile, Edward Teach, renowned chef and owner of Blackbeard's Catering, is wondering why the newest bigwig in events still hasn't hired him."

zoomed through this faster than lightning mcqueen. such a lovely writing of stede, ed and the whole crew - it feels like there's depth in every character, even background ocs.

also fantastic australia rep (i was jumpscared by mention of the cotton on group) AND i've been to the bar the final scene takes place at!!!! most exciting reading experience of my life.

i'll be your treasure by @monksofthescrew

48k, mature

"Wasn't the Dread Pirate Blackbeard rumored to have a hoard hidden somewhere near Essex? It's a metal detecting AU. They're detectorists. They fall in love."

i LOVE this fic so much it is just,,,, so sweet. stede does self-discovery and is seduced. ed is a bit of a goose and i'm obsessed with him. doug and mary are lovely. alma is so cool and i love her.

+ the sequel! drift o'er the rolling hills, swim through the briny sea (made me cry. btw. doug keeps being the best.)

The Kraken's Sacrifice by @trinityofone

22k, explicit

"Every year, a person is chosen—supposedly at random—to be sacrificed to the Kraken, to quell the sea's worst storms and to stop the taking of ships... Stede discovers that there is much more to the creature than he was led to believe—and that they have a deeper connection than he could have ever dreamed."

i LOVED this okay. it was funny and sweet and gave an interesting spin to the ed-is-the-kraken genre. get both of these boys some self-esteem asap. also comes with art by @avatoh!!!!!

lovers in a dangerous time by @veeagainsttheday

52k, explicit

pacific rim au - "Edward Teach becomes a jaeger pilot, first with Izzy Hands and later with Stede Bonnet. It’s not easy trying to save the world and falling in love with your drift partner…"

made me feel every emotion under the sun, including foaming at the mouth jealous that i don't have a drift partner. absolutely, masterfully written. i've popped this link first since its the fic that focuses on stede & ed, but it was written as a prequel for:

+ catagory five: a shatterdome romance by @owlinaminor (27k, mature), which focuses predominantly on jim & oluwande, and which i also massively recommend reading (first). it's told through lucius' words and made up of journalistic notes and transcriptions, and its really terribly clever. i knew nothing about pacific rim before this, and now i'm really very invested. if i wrote something this fantastic (& creative & wildly unique) i would never shut up about it.

More of the Gravy Basket than of the Grave by @veeagainsttheday

36k, explicit

"Ed and Stede’s ‘unorthodox friendship’ ended four months ago when Stede left Ed without a word after Ed asked him to run away to a parallel universe with him. They’re thrown back together when they’re summoned to perform a supernatural exorcism at the Hillside Hotel during a blizzard."

this has got to be one of the coolest and most creative fics i have ever had the pleasure of reading. genuinely kept me guessing and so so intrigued, PLUS the most sweet stede & ed dynamic!!!

Nothing Missing in My Life by @semisweetshadow

63k, explicit, locked

"Hollywood action star Ed Teach is bored with his celebrity life. Everything changes when he meets Stede, a sweet extra working on the set of his latest film shoot. Stede doesn't know who Ed really is and treats him like a real person and Ed can't help wanting to keep him."

ed plays an action hero called jeff the accountant, and if that's not immediately the greatest synopsis ever idk how else to win you over. hilarious, clever, & so heartfelt. i gasped and said 'oh no' with a hand over my heart nearly as many times as i laughed out loud.

not pickles by smallestchurch

84k, explicit

"Ed's minding his business when the new neighbor's kid comes around holding a human puppet. It's creepy as hell, but as soon as the kid's father rounds the corner, Ed doesn't mind."

i actually feel a bit ill when i think about this fic because i love it so overwhelmingly. there's family, and healing, and good food and friends, and ed teach and louis bonnet become the dynamic duo they always had the potential to be.

Our Fangs Mean Death by @flawedamythyst

87k, teen, locked

"Master Vampire Blackbeard's afterlife is enlivened by the arrival of a new coven in town, lead by the self-styled Gentleman Vampire. Now here's a Master who doesn't mind shaking things up by wearing clothes 300 years out of date, buying a massive gothic mansion for a lair, and leading the most eclectic coven Blackbeard has ever seen."

ridiculously fun. this is the vampire novel/fic i didn't know i needed and i loved every silly second. stede really gets to fulfil his dad-ness. i'm furious i can't join the gentleman vampires coven irl, will just need to embrace the gothic vampire aesthetic in my own life.

Wayfaring by @justkeeptrekkin

35k, explicit

"The downside to being stuck on a desert island is that Stede's not awfully good at adapting. The upside is that he and Ed can finally have some peace and quiet– that is, if Ed ever wakes up from the gunshot wound in his stomach."

the sweetest desert island fic, feat. the cutest piglet in the world, a little bit of pining, a helpful skeleton named dusty, and some of the best & most accurately written stede and ed content ever (imo).

[teyamskxawng]

What Once Was [I]

Lo'ak Sully x Fem!Omatikaya!Reader

Neteyam Sully x Fem!Omatikaya!Reader

Part II here

The rundown: The once unbreakable bond between you and Lo'ak is tested as a newfound connection develops between you and Neteyam

Warnings: language, love triangle, jealousy, miscommunication, angst (i think?), Lo'ak can't handle change, Lo'ak is emotionally immature, everyone is kind of oblivious, characters are aged up

WC: 5.0k

A/N: love triangle fic bc i was feeling messy but i'm kind of struggling to write this... i have absolutely no idea how it's going to end, but we're sticking with it i guess

For as long as you can remember, you and Lo'ak have always been inseparable. Born just days apart, it's like you were destined to grow up side by side, practically attached at the hip. From your most embarrassing moments to your proudest achievements, there was, and still is, rarely a time when the two of you aren't together. 

Once a wide-eyed, lanky little girl, you've blossomed into a strong and capable young woman. And it's no different for Lo'ak. The wayward and reckless boy from your childhood has matured both physically and emotionally (sort of) into a man. Neither of you are children anymore. You've outgrown those naive days, stepping into the world of adulthood.

It's all still new and bizarre to you—your sudden awareness of the terrifying looming task of finding a mate, the unexpected influx of second glances and prolonged conversations with the other guys in your clan, the near-constant gossip that there's more to your relationship with Lo'ak than meets the eye. But you figure these little sprinklings of oddities are simply part of the ever-changing journey of growing up. 

And throughout all the confusing changes and inexplicable hormones, Lo'ak continues to be your rock. His enormous smile and infectious laughter remain the same; they still possess the power to brighten even your gloomiest days.

To many, he's the olo'eyktan's son; a direct descendant of the esteemed Toruk Makto; the antithesis of his older brother; some four-fingered anomaly to stare at and whisper about. But to you? You've never defined him by any titles or labels. In your eyes, he's simply Lo'ak: the first person you ever called a friend. Stupidly reckless yet fiercely loyal, easily the most annoying person on Pandora yet the one soul you could never live without—you wouldn't have him any other way.

You're forever intertwined through idyllic shared moments: climbing your way up towering trees until your palms were raw with blisters and hurt like hell, egging each other on to reach risky new speeds and daring new heights while soaring through the sky atop your ikran, spending nights wide awake in adjacent hammocks while trying to hold in your childish giggles over idiotic jokes that no one else could possibly understand. The friendship between you and Lo’ak is steadfast and unwavering; nothing can shake the bond you share.

At least, that's what you thought until Neteyam entered the picture.

In all fairness, Neteyam has always been around. He's like a constant presence, just sort of hovering on the periphery of your life. With him being a year older, it used to seem like an entire lifetime separated you during your childhood years. He bore so much responsibility on his shoulders at such a young age yet still held so much respect and admiration from everyone around him. Destined to become the olo'eyktan of your clan and recognized throughout Pandora as an extraordinary hunter, Neteyam grew up as a literal prodigy in every sense of the word.

And despite growing up alongside him and his siblings, Neteyam's awe-inspiring reputation often still makes him seem larger than life—like an ethereal figure rather than someone deeply connected to so many of your childhood memories. 

You and Neteyam have always been on friendly terms, but you never reached the same level of closeness as you did with Lo'ak, Kiri, or even Tuk. Your interactions with him typically consist of simple hellos whenever you pass each other in the Sully tent, aimless lighthearted conversations during your joint training sessions, or joining forces to playfully (not really) gang up on Lo'ak in a mutual spirit of camaraderie. Even though these moments are undoubtedly positive and enjoyable, they're also few and far between compared to your experiences with the other Sully kids. 

Neteyam always has so much shit to do, so many things to train for, so many duties to obey. You'd be lying if you said you didn't feed into Lo'ak's 'perfect little warrior' quip about Neteyam behind his back.

And when Jake decides to send all of the warriors in your training group on paired week-long hunting trips to put your acquired skills to the test, he doesn't even think twice before shooting down your and Lo'ak's mutual request to team up because he's a heartless, cruel old man he has first-hand experience of the way you and Lo'ak seem to revert back to children in each other's presence. 

Lo'ak gets paired with some stony old head who's over twice his age, while you get paired with Neteyam, which actually is alright with you. Neteyam sends you a warm smile when his father points you his way, and you, in turn, shoot a massive grin back at Lo'ak's sad little face.

The hunting trip goes even better than you could've imagined. Throughout the week-long journey, not only do you make a handful of clean kills, but you also manage to break through some of the emotional barriers that Neteyam has always maintained around himself. Behind his protective walls, when he lets his guard down, he's just like any other Na'vi your age—he's witty, charming, and endearing in his own distinctive way. 

He's also objectively nice to look at.

So it's really no one's business if you find yourself mesmerized by the muscles rippling across his back as he draws his bowstring, aiming at a fish you should be helping him track. Or if you're too busy admiring the way his tanhì glow in the moonlight to register that he's called your name three times in a row without receiving your response. You're an adult; you’re allowed to admire other men. Besides, Neteyam seems to be blissfully unaware of the fact that he's a heartthrob. He's kind of introverted and shy, yet arguably one of Pandora's most genuine and kind-hearted souls. And honestly? You feel kind of stupid for not taking the time to peel back each layer of his carefully crafted facade and build a deeper friendship with him sooner. It's an unexpected companionship that blossoms during those days spent side by side with Neteyam in Pandora's mesmerizing beauty, and it'll forever be a treasured part of your shared memories. 

Upon returning from your week-long hunting trip, it's apparent to just about everyone that something has changed between you and Neteyam. Your bond has deepened, and every moment spent together is more meaningful than before. Your laughter booms louder; your conversations last longer; your shared glances become more playful. To say the experience has brought you closer would be the understatement of the century.

Lo'ak quickly picks up on the not-so-subtle changes in your friendship with his brother. 

The shift in dynamics has left him feeling a confusing mix of emotions—anger, hurt, and maybe even (definitely) a tinge of envy. As he watches his brother grow closer to you, he can't help but feel like he's losing the one stable thing in his life—the one person who never mocked him for his avatar blood, never made him feel like an outcast, never picked his brother over him. 

Not until now. 

It's bullshit. It's like Neteyam doesn't have enough blessings already, like he doesn't have his choice of any other person on Pandora. It just had to be you. With each passing day, Lo'ak feels himself becoming more distant from you and his brother, unsure how to navigate those choppy waters. 

Which brings him to today.

The three of you are together, riding your ikran to scout out an uncharted waterfall that you stumbled across while on a solo hunt earlier that week. You practically begged Lo'ak to go back to the waterfall with you, and despite all the emotional commotion clouding Lo'ak's mind, he still decides to join you, hoping that maybe things will return to normal. Just you and him. What he doesn’t know, however, is that you also invited Neteyam to tag along. It’s a surprise Lo'ak discovers only when he arrives at your meeting spot and finds his brother already there, leaning on his ikran and chatting away with you like the two of you are best friends. Neteyam has a stupid smile plastered on his face as he holds your attention, completely oblivious to his brother’s arrival.

He never intended on slipping into this role—the one left behind. But here he is, grappling with feelings he can't totally name or understand; vulnerability mixed with longing, anger chased by guilt.

Childishly, Lo'ak stands there in silence for a good ten seconds before either of you notice his arrival and finally make room for him in your little group.

"Hey," you greet him, a wide grin spreading across your face. But it goes entirely unnoticed by Lo’ak, whose eyes are dead set on his brother. Maybe if he tries hard enough, he can telepathically tell Neteyam to go away. 

"You didn't say he was coming," Lo'ak mutters, finally glancing in your direction. Because you didn't. He doesn’t even need to say his name; it’s obvious. The two of you never include his brother in your outings.

Your enthused expression falters at Lo'ak's noticeable lack of excitement or even a simple 'hello' in response to your greeting. 

"No…" you begin hesitantly, your eyes darting back and forth between the two brothers before settling once more on Lo'ak. "But Jake got called to High Camp and canceled Neteyam's training session, so I figured he could join us instead."

It must be obvious that your words haven't exactly won Lo'ak over because, at his continued silence, you add, "You know he never gets a break."

Lo'ak's jaw clenches as he just stands there, motionless and marinating in his stubborn silence. In his head, he's cussing out his dad and Max and Norm and everyone else in High Camp for ruining his afternoon. Lo'ak frustratedly bites the inside of his cheek to keep the expletives in before calling out to his ikran. As he waits for his ride, he's still silent and brooding and completely ignoring both you and his brother.

The high-pitched shriek of his banshee echoes off the trees as it approaches from a nearby cliff. It swoops down and lands gracefully in front of Lo'ak, and he reaches out to scratch it behind the ear without a word. Only then does he finally lift his gaze to find you and Neteyam staring at him in bewildered silence.

Neteyam's previously wide eyes squint in confusion when Lo'ak locks eyes with him. Struggling to find the right words, Neteyam asks carefully, "Is that okay with you?" His voice is slow and cautious, as if one wrong move might set Lo'ak off.

Lo'ak responds with a deep sigh that echoes through the air, not even bothering to hide his irritation. Reaching over his shoulder for his queue, he connects to and mounts his ikran in a flash of silent, swift movements. After settling on its back and letting the tense silence steep for a few moments, Lo'ak answers his brother's inquiry with an annoyed shrug of his shoulders and an uptight "Sure."

So, to say that Lo'ak was pissed would be an understatement. 

A bubbling cauldron of jealousy and resentment brewed inside him throughout the entire flight to the waterfall. And as all three of you land your ikran onto a nearby patch of grass, his blood continues to seethe with envy. Lo’ak grabs his queue and separates the connection between himself and his ikran. Immediately after doing so, the ikran emits a sharp hiss directly in his face. The creature then abruptly shifts its gaze, evidently fed up about sharing Lo'ak's unnerving emotions through their bond. Lo'ak knows it's immature to be so upset over something so seemingly insignificant, but it still gnaws at him relentlessly. So much so that the prospect of seeing the waterfall doesn't even excite him anymore. The entire outing feels overshadowed by the looming presence of his brother. 

Clearly though, you feel the complete opposite way. You're practically vibrating in anticipation, each beat of your ikran's wings drawing you closer to the ground. As soon as you land, you hurriedly shower your ikran in affection with a few loving pats on its flank before quickly dismounting and happily leading the way toward the waterfall.

Lo'ak and Neteyam have to jog a little to keep up with your enthusiastic pace as you navigate through the dense forest landscape. You're a good ten steps ahead of them, deftly bobbing and weaving beneath low-hanging branches while simultaneously working to untie the armband from around your bicep. Your figure keeps disappearing from Lo'ak's view—vanishing behind veils of cascading leaves one moment and leaping over boulders the next as you determinedly forge ahead. It’s like you’ve never been outside before.

Finally, he catches sight of you, standing triumphantly at the base of a colossal rocky wall. Rising above you is a mind-blowing waterfall that makes Lo'ak pause in his tracks. It stands so tall and roars so loud that he momentarily forgets all about his shitty mood. No amount of grumbling or sarcasm can compete with, or diminish, the raw power of the wonder that lies before him. A thick mist envelops the base where the water comes crashing down, blurring the boundary between the waterfall and the pool below. Beams of daylight pierce through the airborne water droplets, casting vibrant spectrums of color that seem almost alive as they dance across the expanse of the creek.

Using both hands, you gather your braids away from your face and retrieve the armband from its position clenched firmly between your teeth. Your back faces Lo'ak as you drink in the mesmerizing sight before you, and your excitement is practically bubbling over as you shout over the roar of the waterfall, "Isn't it amazing? I told you, I've never seen anything so beautiful." 

The blend of mist, light, and color casts a glowing halo around your figure as you secure your hair with the band, and Lo'ak is momentarily entranced. His breaths are a little shallow as he nods wordlessly at your back, not really processing your words, but fully convinced of them nonetheless. 

Your head tilts back as you crane your neck to further examine the sprawling wall of rock. "It's kind of a climb to get to the top," you warn. Lo'ak can practically see the gears turning in your head as you map out the best route up, the strategic warrior in you taking over. When your focused attention finally returns to Lo'ak and Neteyam, there's a mischievous twinkle in your eyes. "We should race," you challenge them with a grin.

The rugged, nearly vertical incline is intimidating but definitely doable. Lo'ak knows you're a skilled climber; the two of you spent your childhood scaling trees together. He fondly recalls days spent scrambling up trees and challenging each other to reach the highest branches. It felt like the biggest accomplishment in the world when you'd both reach the summit of Hometree. You'd bask in the view of the forest from the canopy until your parents inevitably tracked you down and scolded you for your reckless behavior.

You practically made climbing trees your entire personalities until Lo'ak's dumbass had to go and fall out of one. It left him with a nasty purple bruise that was way too big to hide, and when he went to his grandmother for healing, you were both unceremoniously banned from your cherished little hobby. It wasn't even that high up, but you've never let him live it down—constantly (and only half-jokingly) claiming that the accident is the sole reason he's a little off in the head.

The memory makes Lo'ak's lips twitch into a grin, and he's about to remind you of that nostalgic day when Neteyam speaks up.

"I guess it's good we didn’t invite monkey boy," Neteyam says, entirely serious. He's gazing up at the rocky enclosure in determination, raising a hand to shield his eyes from the harsh daylight before turning back to face you.

Your face scrunches up in confusion as you ask, “Who?”

Neteyam just nods at you before clarifying, “Spider.”

Lo'ak watches as you're silent for a few beats before you break out into a slow, wide grin and let out a loud snort of laughter. 

Lo'ak has to physically restrain himself from rolling his eyes, because nothing that Neteyam said warranted that kind of reaction. The remark wasn't even supposed to be funny; their whole family has been calling Spider by that nickname ever since he was little. But of course, the first time you hear that piece of information, it has to come from none other than Neteyam. And Lo'ak just has to stand there in silence like a third wheel for the umpteenth time that day. 

You’re barely able to string together words through your uncontrollable bubbles of laughter. "My Eywa," you gasp out, your eyes squeezed shut as you shake your head in disbelief. Finally catching your breath, you implore him lightheartedly, "You need to tell jokes more often, Neteyam. I’m serious."

Lo'ak knows that you're probably being a little sarcastic and a little serious at the same time, but either way, it's not like Neteyam knows that. He's just beaming back at you with that same dopey look on his face as he basks in your amusement. 

"I will…?" comes Neteyam's response, almost as if it were a question or a statement requiring some kind of validation. Lo'ak watches as you extend an arm to playfully nudge the back of his brother's head. This time, Lo'ak does roll his eyes as the two of you fall into a cycle of tugging on each other's braids and tails like a pair of five-year-olds. 

And it's been like this more and more often lately: Neteyam showering you with attention, you grinning from ear to ear and laughing at every single word that leaves his lips. It's irritating. And it gets even worse.

You finally manage to sneak out of Neteyam's reach, refocusing your sight on the towering wall ahead. 

"I'll go first," you declare confidently, surveying the wall from top to bottom as you adjust the bow and arrows securely fastened to your back. You locate a small protrusion in the rock's rough surface and firmly position your foot into the crevice, your fingers searching for a higher ledge to grip. Finding one, you propel your entire body upwards with a determined leap.

Lo'ak, unable to suppress his competitive inner child, is soon hot on your heels. From the moment you both mastered your bow and arrow, taking down your prey with clean precision, to the day you tamed and forged a bond with each of your ikran, your combined spirit of friendly competition has fueled a relentless desire to outdo each other. 

And today is no different.

"Bro, wait up!" Lo'ak shouts, his voice cutting through the cool mountain air. "I thought you said we were racing!" He scrambles onto the wall beside you, his eyes locked on your every move. Your quick hands and feet expertly navigate the rough, uneven surface of the rock wall, leading the way up.

"We are," you retort, not even sparing a glance at him as you carefully calculate each handhold and foothold. You keep your focus on the task at hand, stretching your arm out to grab a rock to your far left. 

Lo'ak extends his arm to grip the same rock you just occupied. He's well aware and not at all ashamed of the fact that he's blatantly copying your every move now—anything to keep up with your quick pace. 

"Then why'd you start without us?" he manages to ask, a little bit out of breath.

"So you can watch and learn," you reply confidently, a smug smile playing at the corners of your lips. Your outstretched foot reaches over just enough to give Lo'ak's shoulder a teasing little nudge. 

"Txanfwìngtu," Lo'ak mutters under his breath, but clearly not quiet enough. The unmistakable sound of his brother's disapproving "Lo'ak" reverberates through the air behind him. You whip your head in Lo'ak's direction before half-heartedly hissing at him. Your attempt at intimidation quickly dissolves into barely-contained laughter as you revel in the look of pure irritation on Lo'ak's face. 

You're still laughing as you resume climbing, but as you take your next step, you miscalculate your foot's placement on the rugged surface and momentarily lose your balance, whispering a soft "shit." But before you even have a chance to panic, you quickly catch yourself and regain your footing like it's nothing. Because it isn't. 

But Neteyam, the picture-perfect angel that he is, doesn't hesitate to reach out and steady you from his spot standing right behind you, even though you're barely as high off the ground as Tuk's height and it's obvious you're not going to fall. 

Lo'ak’s brows furrow as he watches your entire body tense up the instant Neteyam's hands wrap around your waist.

Something ugly swirls in Lo'ak's stomach as he notices the way his brother's eyes are practically glued to your waist, his fingers lingering on you for a few beats too long for it to feel friendly anymore. It's not until you turn your head over your shoulder to meet Neteyam's gaze that he actually has the presence of mind to shift his eyes up toward yours and let go of your middle.

"Sorry," he mumbles, so quiet and timid that you'd think he was lying if he told you he was the future leader of the entire clan.

"No, no, it's okay. Thank you," you say with a smile, clearly trying to brush it off and diffuse any lingering awkwardness from the situation. You turn back around and resume your ascent like nothing, but it doesn't escape Lo'ak's notice that he can detect the distinct scent of your arousal in the air, as clear as day. 

It's a natural reaction, something Lo'ak has noticed before in various situations without any cause for concern. He'd usually just tease you about it, and that would be that. But today is different. Seeing his brother so close to you and knowing how easily those kinds of emotions can rise to the surface because of his presence makes something ugly swirl in Lo'ak's stomach. 

Lo'ak has become increasingly agitated by your budding friendship with his brother ever since that week-long hunting trip you shared with him. And now? Now he's just confused. Everything feels so different. He's almost positive that there's something more going on between you and Neteyam—something deeper than just a normal, platonic friendship. The nagging feeling inside him refuses to go away, and he can't understand why it hurts so much.

You and Lo'ak have always been best friends—nothing more and nothing less. He's watched you talk to other men in the clan. There were countless instances where guys would boldly make a pass at you, even with Lo'ak standing right there by your side. But he'd always just laugh it off or poke fun at you. Because deep down, he's confident none of them are truly worthy of you, and nothing serious will ever come out of those flirtations.

But things are different now. Along came Neteyam—the perfect little warrior son who defies each and every one of those odds. Lo'ak can't ignore the fact that his brother is more than good enough for you. In fact, Neteyam is probably one of the few clan members who could actually be considered suitable for someone like you. This harsh truth strikes Lo'ak like a massive weight dropping on his chest.

Because of this, it's increasingly difficult for Lo'ak to shake off the nagging suspicion that something must've happened between the two of you. His mind is practically racing as thoughts of what could have transpired between you and Neteyam play over and over again inside his head like a dissonant, never-ending loop. Because what the fuck was that back at the bottom of the waterfall? Even now, your scent lingers in the air like a constant reminder of how Neteyam put his hands on you, cruelly etched into Lo'ak's memory.

He tries to focus on anything else but that moment: the lush forest surrounding the waterfall, the light filtering through the rustling leaves above, a stingbat hanging from a tree branch. He even tries taking deep breaths to calm himself down, but nothing works. It's like the soundtrack of his thoughts can't be silenced. He's a swirling vortex of anger, confusion, and betrayal, demanding an outlet to release all the pent-up turmoil.

So as soon as the little waterfall outing is all said and done and you all return to Hometree, Lo'ak swiftly grabs Neteyam's arm, pulling him aside. A puzzled expression sweeps across Neteyam's features, which only fuels Lo'ak's rising frustration over the entire situation. But the tense silence hanging in the air is cut short by your concerned voice.

"Is everything okay?" You inquire, your wide eyes dancing back and forth between the two brothers, searching for some kind of explanation.

​​Lo'ak's eyes, previously burning with rage, soften as they shift from his brother to your worried face. You just have that effect on him. 

With a brief nod of his head and a forced grin, Lo'ak tries to casually address your concerns. "Yeah, don't worry about it. I just need to talk to Neteyam about something." Sensing the tension ebbing away, he loosens his previously iron grip on his brother's arm, finally allowing it to drop altogether. "We'll catch up with you later."

Lo'ak holds his breath as you narrow your eyes at him, your face a clear mask of suspicion given his not-at-all-reassuring response. Your eyes dart toward Neteyam, who only offers you a shrug and a half-hearted smile. But clearly, he doesn't fully understand what's happening either.

Lo'ak doesn't let out the breath he's holding until you give him a reluctant nod in agreement before walking away.

Lo'ak's eyes are glued to your retreating form as you walk away, pushing past a group of low-hanging vines and disappearing into the distance. He refuses to tear his gaze away until he feels confident that you're far enough from him and his brother. With his heart pounding in his chest, he turns to face Neteyam, his eyes filled with accusation.

Without bothering to offer any preamble or context, he bluntly demands to know: "Did you fuck her?" This question has consumed him for what feels like an eternity—days melting into weeks.

Neteyam just blinks at Lo'ak, caught off-guard by the explosive confrontation. His forehead wrinkles, and his eyes squint towards his younger brother, clearly puzzled by the unexpectedness of the question. As shock gives way to disbelief, all he can muster in response is an incredulous "Are you serious?"

Lo'ak shoots back with a sarcastic huff of laughter, but his expression is anything but amused. "Dead serious, bro," he confirms, punctuating the statement with a firm nod of his head.

Neteyam's hands reach up seemingly unconsciously as they rake through his braids in clear frustration before rubbing at the sides of his temples. His eyes squeeze shut as he takes a moment to process the incredulity of it all before shaking his head and sighing heavily in exasperation.

He finally opens his eyes again and answers with unwavering certainty. "No," he replies with conviction, locking eyes with his brother to drive home the sincerity of his words.

Although Lo'ak finally feels a hint of relief surge through him at Neteyam's denial, the rage he's been harboring toward the entire situation continues to seethe just beneath the surface.

"But you want to, right?" he questions, his voice laced with a touch of hysteria, his frustration boiling over. "You just can't help yourself from taking the one person in my life who actually cares about me? You're that fucking selfish?" Lo'ak's mind races as he rambles on, his heart pounding wildly in his chest. His fists clench tightly at his sides, just itching to find their way to his brother's face.

Neteyam seems genuinely taken aback by Lo'ak's sudden outburst. He actually has the nerve to look like he's in disbelief. "That's not fair, and you know it," Neteyam says, his voice carrying a hint of hurt.

Lo'ak scoffs at Neteyam's defense, shaking his head in frustration. "Not fair? You're so full of shit," Lo'ak fires back. Because Neteyam will never understand. His life is picture-perfect. He doesn't have to carry the burden of being the second-born son—always the second thought, always living in someone else's shadow. He'll never get it.

Neteyam tries to reason with Lo'ak, his voice calm and pleading as if he's carefully picking each word to tread lightly on volatile ground. "Look, Lo'ak," he begins, his words measured like he'd practiced them already. It wouldn't really shock Lo'ak if that was the case.

"Y/n and I appreciate each other's company, but it's never crossed the boundaries of friendship. Still, I don't see why that matters. You told me the two of you are just friends, right?"

Lo'ak's silence hangs heavy in the air, as if the weight of the truth is finally sinking in. Neteyam's words weren't untrue; Lo'ak can't deny them. There were rumors floating around about you and him supposedly courting each other, barely over a year ago. You and he just laughed about it before mutually shutting everything down because you weren't anything more than friends. Aren't anything more than friends. But now the memories of those rumored whispers haunt him, like they're laughing at how stupid and confused he is about everything concerning you all of a sudden.

Lo'ak hesitates for what seems like an eternity, drawing a knowing smile from Neteyam, who then places a firm hand on top of Lo'ak's head like he's a little kid. The gesture only serves to intensify the fire burning within Lo'ak. Neteyam doesn't know anything about his friendship with you. 

Frustration and anger bubble up within Lo'ak as he forcefully wrenches his brother's arm away from him. "Get your hands off me," he mumbles, taking several steps back to put some distance between them. "And keep your hands off y/n," he adds as an afterthought, his voice bitter with resentment.

The air between the two brothers is thick with tension and unresolved emotions. It's like a storm, just waiting to break loose. Their bond has always been iffy, but at this moment, it feels like it could be severed altogether by the thin thread barely keeping them connected. 

It's too much.

Without another word, Lo'ak turns and walks away, each of his footsteps heavy with the weight of his tormenting feelings.

A/N: This feels so dramatic?? Lmfao this is exactly why I don't write angst, but I do have a second part sitting in my drafts 😼

Next part here