#zesty tail

[maxarat]

I'm making an SI masterlist mostly so stuff is easier for me to find lol. I'm only listing familial, romantic, and queer platonic FOs cause otherwise it's too many

Ariel Brown

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

He/him

Tags: #ariel brown #niciel

FOs: Apollo and his kids (Familial), Nico di Angelo (Romantic)

Automedon

Hades (Supergiant)

He/it/thon/they

Tags: #automedon #autopatrochilles

Conrad Curtis

FOs: Achilles and Patroclus (Romantic)

Fullmetal Alchemist

They/he

Tags: #conrad curtis #conal #ishvalan anarchism

FOs: Sig and Izumi Curtis (Familial), Scar (Found Familial), Alphonse Elric (Romantic)

Diklah Chaikin

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

Thon/hit

Tags: #diklah chaikin #chaise #fierrochasechaikin

FOs: Magnus Chase and Alex Fierro (Queerplatonic)

Diomedes Gutman

The Owl House

Anything but she/her

Tags: #Diomedes Gutman #The Tholomules #Blightguts

FOs: the Tholomules (Familial), Edric Blight (Queerplatonic)

Ganymede

Stray Gods

They/he

Tags: #ganymede stray gods #ganyhermes

FOs: Hermes (romantic)

Goblin Princess (Gavrel)

Adventure Time

He/they

Tags: #Goblin Princess AT #GoblinFlame #SnowGoblin

FOs: Flame Princess (Queerplatonic), Simon Petrikov (Romantic)

Li Huan

Lego Monkie Kid

He/she

Tags: #Li Haun #booksmartshipping #freecookbookshipping

Yasuda Kichiro

FOs: Tang, Pigsy (Romantic)

Sk8 the Infinity

Pronouns vary, they/them is always safe

Tags: #Yasuda Kichiro #Matchablossom family

Leo

FOs: Nanjo Kojiro and Sakurayashiki Kaoru (Familial)

Pokemon (Sword and Sheild)

He/they

Tags: #Trainer Leo

Mikael Johansson

Yuri!!! On Ice!

He/him

Tags: #Mikael Johansson

FOs: Katya (Yuri) Plisetsky (Queerplatonic)

Miri Ellys

Ouran High School Host Club

They/he/she

Tags: #Miri Ellys

FOs: Renge Houshakuji (Practically Familial)

Nicky Geyer

The Spiderverse

They/he

Tags: #Nicky Geyer #Spider-Lass #punklass #flowerlass #punkflowerlass

Nakano Shion

FOs: Hobie Brown and Miles Morales (Romantic)

My Hero Academia

They/he/it

Tags: #Nakano Shion #Serokano

FOs: League of Villians, especially Toga Himiko and Sako Atsuhiro (Familial), Sero Hanta (Queerplatonic/Romantic)

Soup Campbell

Gravity Falls

They/them

Tags: #Soup Campbell #the Pines Family

FOs: the Pines Family (Familial)

Zesty Tail

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

They/xe

Tags: #Zesty Tail

[joyboyish]

i know a fruit when i see one

[itsnice2haveafriend]

You can drown in a cup half empty just as well as you can in a cup half full.

(Pessimistic suspicions will not always protect you and optimism is not the same thing as naivety.)

[tiredmamaissy]

Ralak te Sepawn ieyk’itan: Special Episode V

Something is Brewing

Masterlist ; Rut/Heat/Knotting Info

🔞 minors, do not interact 🔞

Hyperlinks are attached to specific paragraphs that when clicked on will lead you to its illustration by Ralak's insanely talented creator @zestys-stuff. Thank you so much for allowing me to play around with your characters!

Characters: Metkayina!Ralak (25) x Sully!Omaticaya!Reader (20)

Warnings: explicit pregnancy smut, pregnancy fluff, pregnancy angst [for the plot], pregnancy [this chapter is entirely about pregnancy if you haven't caught my drift, just giving you guys a proper warning], age gap, mood swings, cravings, nausea, vomiting, reader is very clumsy, intimate/invasive medical treatment, rut cycle, sexual tension, pregnant sex, p in v, titty fucking, cum eating (m and f), oral sex (m and f), masturbation, exhibitionism (kinda, not really), lactation kink

Word Count: 17.5k (this takes the cake, i apologize)

Requested: Yes || No

Author’s Note: Hey guys! Thank you all for being so patient with me as usual. I had planned to post this chapter earlier, but with the help of @zestys-stuff, we made a last minute change to the chapter. This will definitely cause some changes in the next chapter, so I’m going to work on that right away. I won’t lie, I’m really nervous to publish this one. It's been a while and I’ve ventured into some new territory where I’ve introduced a couple of new themes and -drumroll- a new character. There are parts of this chapter that can possibly cause discomfort (technically, all of this could), so I urge you guys to proceed with caution and click off if you do feel uncomfortable in any way. Aside from that, it’s good to be back (again, lol) and I hope you enjoy!

Synopsis: A timeline of your pregnancy with Ralak’s child, shown through a series of flashbacks of your most prominent milestones—some of which foreshadow something bigger to come…

<- Previous -> Next

Pregnancy is tough. 

A beautiful blessing, but tough nonetheless. With its own set of hardships, uniquely tailored to your own being. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. A sore back, chest, ankles…the list is seemingly endless. The shift in moods, the fatigue. Adjusting to an entire new being growing inside you—one that sucks the nutrients straight from your bones and blood—has your body overcompensating.  

At first it was a dream. 

No life-changing symptoms. It was smooth sailing for the first few weeks. Life went on as usual. If anything, others were more reactive to your pregnancy than you were. Your skimwing became aggressive towards Ralak, snapping at him and whipping her tail, treating him as a threat rather than a companion. He was more than understanding, as it’s common for the protective instinct to kick in when the tsurak senses their rider is with child.  

More importantly, it was an urge that Ralak shared with the beast.

—

You watch as your tendrils intertwine with your skimwing, and how they come together with a rough tug. You let out a rugged breath and the beast beneath you starts to writhe. Ralak instinctively grasps at the harness to steady you and— 

Slash. 

Your trsuak whips her spiked tail at your mate, who blocks it with his strake.

“Shit.” You gasp, tugging at the leather strap and patting her neck to subdue her. “I thought I was in control. Are you alright?”

Ralak nods, his hair now soaked and plastered to his chest. He simply chuckles, respectfully and cautiously approaching the beast with an open hand. Despite this, your tsurak continues to thrash, repeatedly snapping her snout open and shut. Ralak clicks melodically a few times, and her pupils blow and constrict as she calms down. He strokes her snout with one hand, and lays his other on your thigh, gripping it lightly.

“She senses that you are with child.” 

“She does?”

“Yes. That is why she protects you. I understand the feeling.” His accent is thick on his tongue. 

——

Then the nausea came. It was… unbearable. Insufferable. It was almost frightful, actually. Not being able to stomach anything really brought down a sense of dread upon your shoulders. Most days, you found yourself worried about the budding life inside you more than yourself. 

Was he getting enough? Would he develop properly if you went another day without eating? 

Ralak was more worried about you, of course. Going to great lengths to find something you could stomach. Spoon feeding you as you laid down all day from the gut churning nausea. Washing the sick out of your hair when you missed the bucket at your bedside. Detangling and braiding it for you to keep it clean and out of your face. Releasing his pheromones—your only relief—just to put you to sleep at night. 

—

t.w. nausea, vomiting.

In the crisp night, a wave of nausea washes over you, waking you from your sleep. Typically, this is the only time you have a break from the nausea—your slumber. That, and the first ten minutes after throwing up.

You quickly hurl over, grabbing and heaving into your bedside bucket, something that's rightfully earned its spot at your side. Ralak jolts awake, sitting up behind you to gather your hair into his fist, rubbing your back as you retch. 

“Alrigght.” He hums lengthily. “Get it up.”

Finally, you stop. You gasp and pant for air, sitting up only to collapse back into him. “I h-hate this–haah.”

“I do, too.” He grits, reaching over you for the rag at your bedside, and wiping your mouth.

He hates seeing you so sick. He’s tried it all, and though he’s found a few foods that you can stomach, nothing seems stops the nausea. Well, that’s not entirely true.

Ralak relaxes his body, focusing on opening his scent glands to release his his pheromones. They slowly become stronger, calming you down and dulling the waves of nausea. He pulls you close to his warm body, reaching behind him for his kuru. 

“Tsaheylu.” He whispers yearningly, making the bond slowly. He sets a steady breathing pattern, slipping his hand over your tiny bump to caress it. The sickening feeling eases up enough for you to drift back to sleep, Ralak along with you.

——

Thankfully, Eywa lifted you of your säspxin [sickness] when you were about to come upon your third month of pregnancy. Cravings increased ten-fold almost instantly. On the occasion where you couldn’t keep it down—when the desperation was too much—you’d volunteer Ralak to eat it for you so that you could satisfy the craving vicariously through him.

—

“Eywa, that’s so good. One more bite.”

“Tanhí. Enough now.” He grumbles, feeling overly stuffed and almost queasy. 

You glance down at the purple hue of your connected kurus.

“Please...” Your eyes burn as they threaten to well with tears, and your bottom lip quivers, “…last one, promise.”

Ralak sighs, shoveling in another bite of boiled squid, chewing it slowly so you can savor the taste. You keep your eyes closed as he eats, tongue swirling in your mouth to swish your pooling saliva in your cheeks. And when he swallows, you swallow too, gulping down your spit. 

“Thank you.” You say shyly as you open your eyes, feeling bad for making him overeat now that you can really feel his fullness. 

It is my pleasure. Never feel bad. His accented voice tickles your brain. A smile spreads across your face, just as one does on his. 

——

And when you could keep it down, they were delightful when satiated. Keyword being satiated. It posed an issue when they were what Ralak called, ‘forest food’, or on a more rare occasion—‘sky people food’. Those were the insatiable ones. The ones he couldn’t just whip up for you. The times he'd come to you with his ears laid flat to his skull, admitting his defeat. Those were the moments where you felt something stronger than just disappointment. 

It left you gutted. 

—

You can’t stop the tears from flowing down your cheeks. They’re hot and leave a sticky film on your skin, clumping your eyelashes together. It’s stupid. They’re stupid. Stupid tears, from a stupid cause. All because you want your grandmother’s stupid soup. Another thing the blessing of pregnancy has bestowed on you—big, intense feelings. 

As you soak in your bath, Ralak cooks dinner and you just know that whatever is in the pot is something that will make your stomach churn. You bury your face in the palms of your hands, trying to keep your snotty sobs to a minimum. It’s ridiculous, sobbing over something like this. It’s shameful, even. How can you be so ungrateful when this man goes to such lengths to care for you?

“Tanhì!” You hear his rough voice echo from the pod. 

You quickly wipe your face clean, and scramble for your loincloth and top, slipping them back onto your body. Finally, you fix your hair and force a smile to your face. As you get up to the marui, you’re met with the sight of Ralak stirring the soup pot over the firepit. Then the smell hits you. Typically the first thing to set off your nausea to begin with. It smells like—

Grandmother’s soup.

You stare at your mate wide eyed, taking a deep breath to savour it in your lungs. Outside of Ralak’s scent, nothing has smelled this good in months. And you swear you can already taste it on your tongue, the savoury flavour with the sweet aftertaste. 

“I asked your mother. Hope that is okay.” Ralak speaks casually as he serves you a bowl.

As you let out a harsh breath, your eyes burn as the tears come back with a vengeance. You sniffle once, twice—thrice, whimpering quietly as they roll down your cheeks. Ralak looks up at you, concern and honestly a smidge of confusion fixed to his face. Putting the bowl down, he stands and comes over to you, enveloping you in his arms. 

“I do not like to see you cry.” He hums, kissing the crown of your head. “Is it the smell? I will make you something different.” 

“N-No, no. It’s… it smells great. I’m sorry. I—I” You sputter, burying your face into his chest. 

“Then what is it, tìyawn [love]? What do you need?” Ralak cups your face and gently tilts your head upwards so he can look you in the eyes. “Tell me and it is yours.” 

“Thank you.” You croak, feeling your bottom lip curl over and kiss your chin. Now his facial expression is just pure confusion. He tuts in a comforting manner, pulling you back in close to his chest as he waits for you to settle, rocking side to side. 

“Alright, my little one. Shh–shh.”

——

Soon after, that soup pot made quite an appearance. It became your favourite dish, your favourite craving. Ralak made it just like grandmother, for the most part. There were a few omaticayan herbs missing, but outside of that it tasted like…home. At that point, you felt like you had this pregnancy thing down pat and could return to a semi-normal life. 

Everything was relatively the same, except a few obvious things—your growing bump and lack of heats. That was also a blessing, not having to go through a torturous heat every month. Though, you couldn’t say that for Ralak. 

As you neared the end of your third month of pregnancy, his pheromones grew stronger, wafting by you at random times of the day. At first you thought he was just doing it for you. Or, perhaps it was your heightened sense of smell. 

But the day came when his scent was so potent, it was as if it had stained your lips. There wasn’t a moment where you couldn’t smell the scent of your mate under your nose. That was the night you realised it was out of his control. That it was his rut coming. That was the night you confronted him at the bonfire. 

The night he looked at you like you were something to eat. 

— 

Right…there.

You catch the flicker of his eyes just before he lowers his head, shifting to that deep shade of blue. He keeps stealing a glance or two. Maybe even three, or more. It’s hard to keep count when he’s looking at you like this.

is piercing eyes, sultry and alluring, tempting you to crawl through these roaring flames just to get to him quicker. His demeanour. His stance and posture. His domineering leer. Whatever he—or his body—is doing, is working. 

He sits on the boulder, elbow perched on one thick thigh and a hand propped on the other. His hair covers his chestpiece, curled ends barely brushing against his defined ribcage. His bioluminescent freckles dance under the moonlight, his turquoise skin almost golden from the cast of the fire. It’s all so intimidating. He’s exuding dominance, practically looming over you despite him being seated. But there’s something about his aura, something darker.

“I can feel it, you know.” You speak casually, uncrossing your legs.

Ralak’s eyes snap up, boring into yours. He cocks a brow, keeping his eyes locked on you as you stand and walk towards him.

“Your rut. It’s close, isn’t it?”

This would be your first, real rut with him. Without the influence of your own heat. Ralak huffs a sigh, his eyes falling to the small bump that’s in his direct line of sight. Ralak watches as it seemingly grows bigger the closer you get. 

“You are showing.” His hands gently rest on your lower abdomen. Holding his shoulders, you slowly straddle him. 

“Answer me.” You whisper as you cup his face, tilting it upwards to make him look at you. “I want to be with you… and before you say it—” Ralak grits his teeth as he turns his head away, out of your hands.

“No.” 

“Ralak. I am your mate.” You retaliate through tight lips. You knew this would pose an issue. 

“Y/n.” He growls, turning his head to look you in the eyes. “You know my rut. Must I remind you that you are with child? It is final.” 

“I do know, and that’s why I won’t let you go through that alone, ever again.” Though your voice is stern, he can hear the tenderness in it. That this comes from a place of concern and love.

“I will not be in control.” Ralak admits as he shakes his head firmly, flicking his gaze back down to your belly. 

“Look…I made a plan.” You basically confess that you’ve been conjuring up ideas on how to endure this together all day. Although his eyes and hands remain fixed on your tummy, Ralaks ears perk up. He’s listening. 

“How do you feel about…being tied up?” 

Now you’ve got his attention, eyes snapping up to meet yours. The idea of being tied up isn’t entirely foreign to him. It’s something that his people use as a punishment for those who do wrong. He’s not opposed to it. Having a rut so intense is probably something to be punished for, anyways. 

“Hands behind your back…bound to the marui stilt. I will be the one in control. I will take care of you.”

You take his hands from your stomach and tuck them behind his back, your face now millimeters from his. Ralak fights the urge to kiss you. To free his hands from his back to grab your hips and shove your further down onto his growing bulge.

“...feed you…water you…bathe you.” Your voice falters as you swallow your spit. “...fuck you.” 

“...that so?” He whispers against your lips, heart thudding wildly behind his ribcage. 

You look in his eyes, and see that they tremble with constraint. He can’t hide it, the look on his face gives it away. He’s really struggling to think straight. To keep his answer as a firm no. And it doesn’t help that he’s on the cusp of his rut. He yearns to accept. Every fibre of his being wants this–wants you. You see it in his eyes, as they flicker like the flame behind you.

He just needs a little push. 

“We’ll take it slow…gently.” You roll your hips into him and feel his cock straining against his tewng. You lean in close, lips brushing against his as you speak into his mouth. “And, if anything happens… we’ll stop. No knotting.” 

His ears twitch. He’s considering it. Really, actually considering this. But how could he? How could he expect this of you in your state? He squeezes his eyes shut, frustrated and conflicted. And aroused. So fucking aroused that when he feels your lips drag against his cheek, your tongue tasting the lobe of his ear…your breathy whisper, “Pänutìng [Promise].”, he lets out a heated, shaky breath of defeat. Of surrender. 

That seals the deal.

—

Not now. Not yet. Ralak thinks to himself, fighting his urges.

The urge to mate—to pin you down and drive himself inside you. He must remain in control. For you. For your unborn. He sits on the floor, slumped against the stilt of the marui, bowed shoulders and a heavy, hung head. His skin, flushed, and eyes swollen—glowing a vibrant mauve. His hair haphazardly sticks to his sweltering skin as his hands lethargically twiddle with the braided twine behind his back. 

Groggy, you strain to open your eyes and quickly scan your surroundings. Ralaks pheromones cloud the room, engulfing you with their overpowering scent. As you sit up, the bed creaks and Ralak lifts his head, allowing it to flump limply back into the stilt. Extra lidded eyes and tensed brows, he breathes through his mouth. He wills himself to speak, but he’s heavy and sluggish as if he were three bottles deep.

“Ralak.” Your voice is wary and full of concern. Your eyes continue to trail down his body, landing on the undeniable, taut bulge in his loincloth. His cock strains against the fabric, precum completely soaking it through. “How long have you been like this?” 

“Few hours.” He croaks out a dry throat. 

“And you didn’t wake me?” You hastily make your way behind him, slipping to your knees to take the twine from him. 

Fuck. There it is. Your scent...driving him over the edge. Wafting past his nose and making him woozy in the head. 

“Tie me.” He demands. For a moment, you’re frozen in place by his tone, unable to move your hands and fingers. “Quickly.” 

The edginess in his voice startles you, causing you to fumble with the twine. You take a breath and begin tying the knot as he taught you, weaving the twine with itself, tugging at the ends to close it.

“Tighter.” He snaps at you, making your ears lay flat. You pull the ends even tauter, witnessing the twine pinch the thin skin on his wrists. 

“Shit—sorry. Didthat hurt?” You go to loosen the knot, but he pulls at the restraints, making it even tighter.  

“Leave it.�� He grumbles, tugging yet again, ensuring it’s unyielding.

Because the closer you get, the harder he finds it to resist. He needs to know that he can’t get out—that he can’t hurt you—before he loses it completely. And with that delicious scent seeping from your neck, he feels himself slipping under. 

“Are you sure? I can tie you after you drink some water and have a—” 

“No...haah—now.” He growls, dropping his head causing the rest of his hair to flow forward and cover his face. “…need you now.” 

Blood rushes to your cheeks, heating them up and flushing them over. You can even feel your heart pumping it harder–faster. It’s hot in here, but even hotter now that you feel yourself heating up too. It’s his rut, influencing you like some sort of drug. You can barely control your breathing, much less think straight. But you told him that you’d be the one in control, the one to care for him. 

“Mawey, ma’ muntxatan [Calm, my husband].” You whisper close to his ear, giving the knot a final tug. “What kind of mate would I be if I did not care for you first? Hm?”  

You shuffle to your feet, and walk away, newly widened hips swaying side to side with temptation. He’s taking in the show through the cracks of space between his clumped together strands of hair, unable to look away no matter how hard he tries. Knowing this, you bend over, lifting your tail to expose your clothed mound to him. You swear you can hear a hiss seep from his lips, and that brings a smile to yours. 

Teasing him is one of your favourite things to do. 

You scoop up some water into the cup, and bring it over to him. Using two fingers to his chin, you tilt his head back, revealing the famine in his inebriated eyes. They’re glossy with need and desperation, begging you to take his ache away. 

“Alright, alright.” You coo softly, sinking back to your knees. “I’m going to make it go away. Now, drink for me.” You bring the cup to his lips, tilting it carefully as he gulps it down thirstily. A few drops dribble down his chin and onto his already glistening chest, rolling down his unflexed stomach. 

Tossing the empty cup to the side, you bend forward and lick the beads of water up his stomach, to his throat, to his lips. His arms jerk reflexively, wanting to cup your face as your lips lock with his.

Throwing a leg over his lap, you straddle him, pressing against the bulge in his sticky tewng. You cup his face instead, deepening the kiss to have a taste of the potent desperation on his tongue.

When you pull away, your noses brush against one another and you feel woozy in the head. His rut is beginning to affect you now. Which isn’t all a bad thing if you want to be able to keep up with him for the next couple days.  

Your hand smoothes over his jawbone to the nape of his neck, where you gently grip the base of his kuru. His ears immediately lay flat to his head, reddening at just the tips. Running your hand along its length, you bring the end of his kuru in front of him. 

“Going to make the bond.” You warn him breathily, bringing forth your queue as well. 

At this point, Ralak is huffing for air and sweating profusely. It looks as if he’s nearing his peak already. This only reaffirms that you’re making the right decision by making tsaheylu—you need the direct influence of his tìsom [heat]. 

When the tendrils intertwine, you come together with a sharp tug and gasp. Instantaneously, you sink into a hazy state, heating up from within. Your breath syncs with his, and suddenly you’re panting too. 

“Ralak.” You moan softly, grinding into him for a bit of friction.

You can’t stop your hips from snapping, and your loincloth is almost completely soaked. He throws his head back into the wooden stilt, looking at you through lidded eyes as he lets loose subtle groans. He looks more than hungry. He looks starved. 

With trembling hands, you search for the knot of his loincloth at the base of his tail. After a bit of scuffling, you untether it and shimmy his tewng down his hips and off of him. Up springs his aching cock, veiny and swollen. It’s so obviously neglected, glossy and sticky with his slick, so uncomfortably hard that it’s already pulsing as it stands firmly pressed against your clothed cunt. 

“Fuck. It’s… even bigger.” You’re taken aback, unsure of how exactly you managed to take this inside you last time he was in rut. Then you notice the red tinge of colour on his cockhead, especially where his ridges stand erect. “D-Does that hurt, karyu?” Bump in the way, you shift your hips back to reveal what exactly you’re talking about. “Need your numeyu to take away the pain?” 

The giant remains silent, but his cock jumps in response, oozing out another large bead of precum. Using your pointer finger, you trace the length of his cock, swollen balls to his pointed tip, collecting that fresh bead of slick on the pad of your digit. He watches intently as you pop your finger into your mouth and suckle, swallowing his semi-sweet essence. His brows knit tightly together. 

You know this is nothing short of torture to him. And though you have every intention to take the ache away… when would you get another opportunity like this? Where this giant is tied down and unable to resist the pleasure you bring him. Where you’re completely… in control. Fuck, you’ve never felt like this before. It's exhilarating. It’s a feeling of power. Of dominance.

A smirk pulls at your lips.   

You begin to pull yourself to your knees, brushing your swollen breasts against his lips. His tongue darts out, eager for a taste. Looking down, you cup one breast with your hand, and guide your stiff nipple into his mouth. His lips pucker over it, closing once they make contact for a vacuum seal.

Your breath hitches when you feel his tongue tickle the sensitive tip of your nipple. His teeth graze against them as he tries to do this handsfree, and you let out a low hiss. Soon his movements grow erratic, being bound to the marui stilt is starting to frustrate him. 

“Ah-ah. What do you need, karyu? Just tell me.” Your voice is feigned with innocence. He breathes heavy against your chest, keeping quiet as his focus is purely on getting his fill. “You won’t get anything from them.” You tsk, tugging away little by little, until eventually you pop off his mouth. 

You continue to rise to your feet, dragging his lips along your swelling tummy, until he’s eye level to the band of your tewng. You can feel his eyes pierce into you, his stare is anything but discreet. It’s intimidating. Your hand flies to the back of your loincloth, fiddling with the knot to untie it. 

“Is it this?”

The cloth drops to your ankles, exposing your flushed cunt to him. It’s pink and hot to the touch, undeniably aroused. Your scent grows stronger with each passing second, filling his lungs. It’s driving him insane—being able to see and smell, but not touch. His rut is only making him more irritable. He just needs to fuck into something and spill himself inside. 

His eyes glisten over an even brighter shade of purple, locking onto their meal. He wets his bottom lip with a quick swipe of his tongue as you take a step closer. You cup his jawbone, tilting it upwards to look down at him. The sight is… intoxicating. His lidded eyes, blown pupils that are threatening to roll to the back of his head. Tensed brow bones and damped, slightly parted lips—not a drop of composure left in his features. 

That new feeling rushes through you again, making you take two more steps forward. Your bare cunt brushes against the tip of his nose, officially branding it with your scent. He leans into you, closing his eyes and straining his neck to indulge himself. 

Your thumb smoothes over his jaw before your hand slips to the back of his head. You fist his hair and yank his head back, sending his eyes flying open. With your free hand, you spread your pussy lips, exposing your swollen clit. It’s sticky and in need of attention, throbbing occasionally as you tug your hood back. 

“Now, suck.” You demand breathily, slowly guiding him by the head to bring his lips to your clit.

You clench around nothing when you feel his heated, slippery lips pucker over the stiffened nub, sucking gently. Sharp eyes bore into yours before they roll back, leaving nothing but the whites exposed. Lids finally fluttering closed, he sucks a little harder, tips of his canines accidentally nipping your supple skin.  

“Ss—fuck.” You hiss, hips snapping back with force, popping off his mouth with a sharp sting. Frantic fingers rub away the tingling sensation as you grit your teeth. You shuffle your feet to ground yourself as you tighten your grip on his hair and hold his head still. 

“I know you’re in rut, but be good to your muntxate [wife].” You warn through your teeth before shoving his face back into your cunt.

This time he feasts with greed, groaning like a starved man. Eating, like a starved man. He’s slurping and sucking, lapping up your slick as it coats his tongue and lips, enjoying every second of your reign.

“Oh—oh shit. Fuck. Right there—” You moan breathlessly, free hand flying to his head to fist his hair, using it as leverage to keep him just where he is.

Before you know it your hips are moving on their own, humping at his face as you hold him tightly with both hands. With each thrust you shove him further back into the stilt, until the back of your hand is repeatedly hitting its surface. 

Until you’re hunched over him, looking him deep in the eyes as you grind into whatever part of him your clit is rubbing against. He expertly holds his breath as he allows you full control to fuck his face as if you were the one in heat.

Because with each roll of your hips he feels it too.

He feels the jolt of pleasure that shoots through you when his tongue hits your clit in that special spot. When the tips of his canines graze your swollen folds. The feeling is all consuming and he’s whining into your cunt from the over—and under—stimulation. His cock shifts to a shade of purple, jumping each time you thrust into his mouth. 

‘Sorry, Ralak. ‘m sorry.’ You think to him through tsaheylu, feeling the burn in your own lungs now. 

“Haa—ah, fuck. Thrust. Fuck. Thrust. F-Fuck! I’m gonna cum—in your—ngh!” Your voice quavers as you come suddenly undone in his mouth, holding him firm and still as you rock your body into him. 

His eyes slam shut and his brows knit tightly together as he grunts repeatedly into your cunt. He tugs harshly at his restraints and his heels dig into the woven floor. Yet still, you hold onto him even tighter until your pussy stops fluttering. 

With a loud, shaky gasp, you yank him away, letting go of his hair to grab the marui stilt to stop your trembling legs from giving out beneath you. Ralak wheezes loudly, shoulders heaving harshly as he frantically pants for air. His face is bright pink, flushed and glazed in a layer of sweat. He opens his eyes but they’re so heavy that you can barely see the colour in them. 

“Rutxe [please].” Ralak begs through a desperate groan, flicking his stare downwards. And when you look, you’re met with the sight of his still-throbbing cock, covered in his sticky, thick cum. Shiney beads still ooze out and dribble down his length and onto his swollen, firm balls. 

His first word was a plea of help. 

Your heart aches in your chest. How could you let yourself go so far with your little bit of power? To be so selfish. And here he was, in so much discomfort and yet you put your needs first. Leaving him so neglected to the point his body makes the release for him. Is this how he felt after he unleashed six pent up years on you in a couple days? 

Pent up years of suffering. 

“Shh. You’re okay, my love. You’re okay.” You whisper as you slowly squat down. “I got you. I’m going to make it…” you hold eye contact with him as you lower yourself onto his cock, aligning his tip with your sopping entrance, “…all better now.” 

You wince when his cock slowly penetrates you, mewling a little higher with every inch you manage to take. The stretch is almost unbearable. This is the first rut you’ve spent with him without being in heat. 

No foggy haze to dull the ache. 

No emptiness to be filled. 

And it doesn’t help that your womb is already so full. 

Your mewl quickly turns into a whimper when your bodies become flush to one another. Ralaks head slumps back into the marui stilt and he heaves a loud, lengthy moan of relief from being buried deep inside your warm cunt. You feel so good around him, making his cock heat up and twitch inside of you. 

Snaking your arms around his neck, you hold onto him as you frantically try to adjust to his size. It’s dawning on you exactly what you’ve gotten yourself into, and that you’ve seriously underestimated his rut. A sense of uncertainty begins to tighten your stomach but it quickly dissipates when you hear Ralak’s second plea. 

“Rutxe, ma’ tanhì..” Ralak mutters with a pained, gravelly voice. 

Without another word, you move your hips up and down, dragging his length along your gummy, slick walls. Your movements are sloppy and uncoordinated, you’re not used to doing most of the work much less all of it. With his hands tied behind his back, you can already feel the burn in your thighs and the throb in the tips of your toes. 

Regardless, you keep moving your hips. 

Bouncing up and down on his cock, pressing your forehead into his in a poor attempt to steady your position. That little sting slowly morphs into something of pleasure the more your hips meet his with a slap. And soon all you can hear is smack, after smack, after smack. The noises that split his lips tell you all you need to know. He’s feeling good and that’s all that matters. 

But exhaustion hits you quickly—unexpectedly. His cock is buried to the hilt inside you, and the more tired your legs get, the deeper it drills inside you, pressing harshly into your cervix. Your legs are trembling uncontrollably and you can barely catch your breath, leaving you no choice but to lazily rock back and forth on his cock. 

Ralak lets out a grunt and bucks his hips. 

“Haah!” You yelp.

Ralaks ears lay flat, lips pursed tightly into a thin line. He can’t hold back his frustration any longer. He’s growing impatient. If he didn’t get his real release soon he may really lose it. He’s grunting through his nose and tugging at his restraints, bruising his wrists. You feel him shift his hips up and shove his cock as far as he can inside you. 

“Ngh! I-It won’t go any deeper!” Your voice strains as you try to lift yourself up. But he just keeps pushing until his feet are grounded. And then his hips drop, pulling his cock half way out of you. 

Thrust.

Ralak slams his cock back inside you, drilling deeper than he was before. Your mouth falls open as all the air is forcefully expelled from your lungs. As you suck in a gasp of air he thrusts inside you again. And again. And again. Until he’s rutting into you in a feverish frenzy, chasing his climax as if it were prey. His thrusts turn relentless, leaving you breathless with each buck of his hips. 

“Fuck—fuck—fu—” Your voice bounces with his thrusts. 

You look down, met with eyes that are empty yet heavy with appetite. He’s in the thick of it and he’s no longer all there. He’s purely instinct now and the only thing holding him back from pinning you down and having his way with you is the twine wrapped around his wrists. 

You can’t lie and say that you aren’t enjoying the look on his face and the break from the burn in your thighs. Stars sprinkle your vision as you’re overwhelmed with the immense pleasure he’s slamming into you. He’s fucking you into submission and you’re mind is borderline blank. His groans are primal and guttural, and they grow louder with each hysteric thrust. 

“Want to knot.” He huffs suddenly—desperately. You can feel his thick knot poke and prod at your entrance, his thrusts now sloppy and erratic. 

“Fuck, I—” You know you shouldn’t, no matter how hazy his rut is making you feel. “W-We can’t. I’m still ea—rly.” But he’s too busy watching himself fuck you in a daze, drenched with sweat. “Ralak…” You grab his face, tilting his chin upwards so he looks you in the face. His gaze is hollow yet his features are tense. “…are y–ou hear–ing me, la–k?”

“Need to breed.” He growls as he fights against his restraints. He doesn’t ease up on his tussle with the twine, sweating and panting as he desperately tries to force his knot inside you. 

“Shit.” You mutter, coming to the quick realisation that he can’t stop himself. “Wait, wait, wait—” 

Your hands fall from his face to his stomach, pushing down in a panicky attempt to lift yourself off him. But his rut is making you sluggish and weak, so you make the quick decision to sever the bond with a rough yank. 

Snap. 

“Oh, fuck.” You curse under your breath. 

The twine breaks, and his arms fly forward, hands making impact with your hips, fingernails digging into the thin skin. His grip is unyielding as he holds you down firmly on his cock. You feel him throb inside you as he attempts to plug you full with his knot. 

“Lak! Ralak, h-hold on!” As much as you actually want to, you can barely take what’s inside you as it is.

“Submit.” He rasps, top lip curled tight to his teeth, baring his canines. 

“I—I’m pregnant.” You whisper quickly, voice hoarse and strained. 

Immediately, his movements cease and his eyes flick down to your tiny bump, then widen when he finally realises. In one swift, sudden move, he lifts you off him and uses your swollen pussy lips to hug his cock and finish himself off. He rocks you back and forth like a rag doll at the mercy of undying grip, growling and grunting. 

His head drops forward when he outright howls. You look down and witness his mushroomy head pulsating feverishly, spurting out his load in thick ropes, all over his stomach and chest. All whilst his engorged, throbbing knot pulses against your slit as he cums, earning some well deserved comfort and warmth.

Ralak sputters as he tries to catch his breath, hands still glued to your hips. The fog still clouds his mind but it’s less blinding now. He’s just about capable of acknowledging what just happened. To acknowledge that this was risky, and could’ve ended badly. That, if you hadn’t said something to him, he would have knotted you without mercy.

An uncomfortable silence passes between you, where you’re both breathing heavily and staring at one another. You both share the same thought—the same realisation. His rut is too aggressive for you to handle right now. 

“I must go.” Ralak looks away as he breaks the silence, wanting to take advantage of his release before the pressure builds yet again. He’s clear headed enough to leave without turning back and pouncing on you. 

“No, don’t… we can try again.” You say softly, hand cupping his jawbone, turning him to face you. You feel terrible that he may have to spend this rut alone, that you couldn’t fulfil your promise—your duty as his mate. 

“I almost knotted you, y/n.” His eyes gloss over with guilt, his hands finally peeling away your bruised hips. 

“But… you didn’t. You stopped yourself—” 

“And if I do not leave now… I will.” Ralak growls inches away from your face.

You’re a little taken aback by his bluntness, but you know it’s the truth. And it’s final. No matter what you say. No matter how it makes the flesh between your legs throb a little more. You nod, keeping yourself quiet. 

“I will see you in a couple days. I love you both.” Your lips meet briefly before he carries you to bed and readies himself to leave. You watch in silence, murmuring an “I love you, too” under your breath when he exits the marui.  

—

As time passed you grew more angsty, unable to keep in one spot or focus on a single task. All that ran on your mind was Ralak and how he was probably suffering all alone. All because you failed to do your duty as his mate. The guilt was almost sickening, having you dry heaving into your bedside bucket a few times for the rest of the day. 

Until later that night. 

You rub in the thick, oily concoction on your belly, getting ready for bed. The sound of the marui door flapping open startles you, making you jump in your skin and clutch your stomach. You’re not expecting Ralaks return so soon. 

A silhouette stands tall at the door, his bioluminescent star pattern unmistakable. 

“Ralak? Oh, Ralak. Eywa. You’re back. I should have made dinner. I thought you'd be gone for a while longer. You must be so hungry. You—” You speak urgently, eyes flicking down to his tewng, which is seemingly damp, “—was it too much? …are you alright? Let me help you, lak.”

“Tanhì.” Ralaks cuts you short, voice trembling slightly, yet full of relief. “It is done.” 

“…what?” The question is breathy. 

“My rut.” Ralak says as he makes his way towards you, scooping up a glob of your special concoction. He sits next to you, and begins massaging it into your back. “You have fixed me.” 

You come to the realization that he's talking about his rut finishing earlier than usual—like that of an average na'vi.

“You were never broken, my love.” You moan softly, closing your eyes to enjoy the massage.

Ralak then rests his chin on your shoulder, smoothing his hands down your back and around your abdomen—rubbing what's left on his hands onto your swelling belly. His touch prickles your skin, sending the tip of your tail swishing. 

“I live for you.” He mutters with a thick accent, nuzzling his face into your neck. “I will die for you.”

Your heart skips a beat when you hear his words, he must have really been suffering for the past six years. You feel your face heat up, and you try to fight the smile balling your cheeks. You opt to drop your head and hide your face instead, resting a hand on his thigh. 

“Well. We won’t have you doing that.” You giggle, rubbing his upper thigh as you turn your head to glance at him. “…the last part, that is.” 

But he just looks at you, face still as stone. He speaks sternly.

“I will.” He speaks sternly.

You swallow your spit, tempted to drop your head again as you take in the gravity of his two words. You nod, searching his eyes with yours as you close the space between you. You hover open mouthed against his lips. 

“Me too.”

——

Time waits for no one. 

At least that’s how it felt. You had ballooned overnight, round and a little heavier as you embarked on your sixth month of pregnancy. His kicks grew stronger and more uncomfortable. But it was Ralaks favourite thing to feel before bed.

You found yourself spending most of your days bouncing between your marui and your family’s marui—paying your family visits more often. They grew fond of the idea that there would be an addition to the family and it became a regular thing for you to seek refuge there when Ralak was roped in for his ‘duties’. Which seemed to increase in number the further along you progressed. 

Ralak had his daily duties—tending to the ilus, a few lessons, fishing... These were just the simpler tasks that you could say you knew for certain he did. But there were his ‘fkxaranga’ [stressful] duties’, as you liked to call them.

The ones where Tonowari would summon him with nothing else but a simple nudge or glance. The duties that were spontaneous. That stole precious hours of his time. Duties that left Ralak spent and on edge, reaching for his top shelf when he came home. Those were the ones you dreaded the most. 

The ones like last night. 

——

With a huff, Ralak chucks his gear onto the floor and roughly unclips his chest piece. His pointed tools are covered in some sort of thick, iridescent muck, shifting from green to orange as they rock side to side on the floor. It’s something you’ve been seeing recently with no idea as to what it is. 

Ralak grunts, bringing your attention to his lips, which are slightly downturned. The more you take in the sight before you the more it occurs to you how exhausted this man is. His eyes are hollow, ears droopy, tail dragging heavily behind him. His muscles are seized up despite the bow of his shoulders—he looks as if he could use a massage. 

“Manga [Hey, you].” You get up to meet him at the door, taking the chest piece out of his hands to hang up on the wooden stand. “Tonowari is working your tail off. Do I need to have a word with that man?” 

He only works up a grumble as you lead him over to the bed. “That bad? What is he making you do? Hunt akulas? Eywa.”  

Ralak sits down, face sinking into his hands before two fingers slip down to pinch the bridge of his nose. You climb up and settle behind him, huffing and puffing along the way. Your hands smooth over his back, thumbs pressing firmly into his muscles, kneading the flesh until you feel him loosen up. 

Though the question sounded rhetorical, he knew it wasn’t. He knows you’re awaiting a response, the silence is loud and clear. You always want to know more about his day, fine details and all. And he’s usually reluctant to speak of it, but insisting it’s nothing for you to worry your head over. But recently, your inquisitivity is… well founded. And he knows it.

“Not quite.” He mumbles wearily into his palm, ears laid flat to his skull–although it wasn’t uncommon for him to encounter an akula or two whilst fulfilling the olo’eyktan’s orders. 

You open your mouth to question him further, but you can tell that he’s more than tired. And it didn’t help that you were constantly needing his help, especially now that you’re growing heavier.

Going down the stairs is a struggle considering you can no longer see your own feet or keep your balance. You had been waking him up almost twice a night to help you down the marui stairs just to pee. He’d always be happy to help, though. He understands that this is what comes with the changes that are happening to your body that’s giving life to his child. 

“Rest. Please.” You say softly, tugging at him to lie down in bed with you. 

To your surprise, he actually lays down, assuming his typical position before dozing off for the night—on his back with a hand on your belly. You expected him to resist a little, insisting something or another.

He really, really must be tired. Your heart fills with something heavy. Something that makes you almost feel sick. Your brows pinch as you look beside you to see his tensed face relax into something of tranquility. 

And a smile pulls at your lips when his eyes fall shut. 

Dinner’s over the firepit—his favourite stew with extra mushrooms. The sound of it bubbling becomes louder as it thickens. With a quick, final stir, you take it off the fire and cover it to let it sit. You hope that this will help lift his mood when he wakes. You look over to him as he lays stockstill with softened features, breathing tidally. 

Holding onto a supporting beam of the marui, you bring yourself to your feet and waddle your way over to him. You extend a hand to wake him for dinner but you hesitate. He needs this. And that’s when you make the decision to allow him however long it takes to rest. Even if it means that you speak to Tonowari yourself. 

Night falls and the temperature falls with it. The glowing firepit keeps the stew and marui warm for the time being as you prepare for bed. You draw the curtains and glance over to your mate, who still remains in a deep sleep, tucked cozily under the blanket you covered him with. You drape the shawl he wove you over your shoulders, and make your way to the door. 

A silent yawn splits your lips just before you lift away the flap. Your eyelids are heavy and the drowsiness is weighing on you tenfold. You have one last step of your nightly routine before you can crawl into bed next to your husband. And that's emptying the bladder that your son uses as a footrest. Plus, if you didn’t do it now, it would just be an additional trip in the middle of the night. 

As you make your way to the door, the need to go becomes urgent. Perhaps it was all the water you thirstily chugged whilst eating, or maybe it's just the fact that you're already on your way there. Either way, you can’t seem to get there quick enough. Your movements turn hasty the second you get to the top step, hands clutching on the only thing available—your bulging belly. You’re looking down despite the fact that you can’t even see your feet.

Leaning forward slightly, you try to shift your stomach to the side to see your next step. You step down and feel your bare foot make contact with the slippery wood. Your toes press into its surface to ground you as you take your next step. You wobble when you get to the last step, and sigh in relief when you feel the cold, wet sand spill between your toes. 

After wasting no time and doing what you came to do, you quickly make your way back to the marui. The tips of your ears and tails are just going numb from how cold it is and the night dew is beginning to form. You get to the bottom step, fixing your shawl so that it’s out the way. You make your way up the first, second and third step, but when you get to the fourth your shawl falls forward. 

And so do you. 

A blood curdling shriek rips from your throat when you feel your feet give out beneath you. Your hands splay out to grab onto whatever’s around you to break your fall but before you know it you're tumbling back down the stairs at a frightening rate. You keep on your side as best you can, landing into the sand with a muffled thump. 

“Fuck. Shit—oh, great mother—” You mutter as you hyperventilate, clutching your stomach as you wait for your son to kick—to show you some sign of life. Your eyes well with tears as you rub your bump vigorously. Your heart is slamming violenting against your rib cage, so hard you can hear it over the ringing in your ears. “Please, please, please.” 

…but nothing. 

“Y/n?!” You hear Ralaks worried voice boom behind you, then his hurried footsteps down the stairs. 

Maybe it’s his fathers voice, but your unborn son gives you one of the biggest kicks yet. You sob out a laugh, rubbing your stomach as relief flows through your body. You take a few deep breaths through your mouth to calm down, feeling another reassuring kick. 

“Y/n. Y/n.” Ralak chants your name, eyes rapidly darting side to side to assess you as he kneels beside you. Concern’s etched deeply into his features as he lifts your arms and legs, searching for injuries. 

“I’m alright. I’m alright.” You repeat urgently, but he continues to look, even taking off your shawl. His eyes are wide and he seems to be in some level of shock, especially after coming straight out of a deep sleep. “Ralak. Really. I’m fine. We’re okay.” 

Ralaks features soften at your two final words. His stare falls to your swollen belly, hands taking the place of yours as he waits. After a few seconds of stillness, his eyes snap up to yours—refilling with worry. He begins to shake his head, and you reassure him with a hand to his face. 

“Talk to him.” You whisper with trembling lungs. Ralak looks back down to your stomach.

“Maitan [My son].” Your mate says in a low, steady voice, ensuring not to allow even a hint of fright slip through. Just then, he feels a little nudge against the palm of his hand. Ralaks gaze snaps up to you and his expression relaxes, hands rubbing your belly gently. “How did this happen, tanhì?”

“I…needed to pee.” You say shamefully, avoiding eye contact. “…and I tripped going up the steps.” You glance up at him to see what you perceive to be a face of disappointment. “I’m sorry. I know, I’m so stupid.” 

“No. Do not say that.” He interjects, tensing his jaw. “...you are heavy with child—why did you not wake me?” 

“You were so, so tired. You needed to rest, and I did not want to disturb you.” You turn to your side to get up, wincing when a sharp pain shoots down your back. 

“Careful.” He clears his throat, stopping you from trying to get up on your own. He watches your contorted face relax, but the heart wrenching guilt just gets worse. “You should have. Wake me for anything.” He says sternly, snaking his arms underneath you to lift you up. “Everything.”

“You really don’t have to—” Ralak continues, scooping you in his arms and holding you close to his chest. “I can walk. I’m all right, Ralak.”

You try to reassure him, shuffling in his arms to get down. But he only muffles out a sigh, glancing down at you with downturned brows and droopy ears. He then walks away from the marui stairs, to the direction of the water. 

“Where are we going?” You ask quickly when you realise that you’re walking away from home. Ralak clicks for his tsurak, taking his time as he mounts it with you tucked to his chest. “Ralak.” 

“To tsahìk.” He states, making the bond with his beast.

“Ronal?” You sound almost panicked as the idea of everyone knowing you fell up the stairs clouds your mind. It’s almost mortifying to think about. “We don’t need to do that, it’s really late too, and—”

Commanding his beast to go, you both take off at full speed. It doesn’t take long to arrive at the tsahìk’s healing pod. Many healers gather at the door when they hear the sound of Ralak’s low pitched call. And they rush out to meet him as he carries you towards them in a hurried manner. They usher you in, hushed murmurs growing louder and clearer as they bring you to Ronal. 

You didn’t even notice the burning pain in your lower back until you were about half way here. 

The Tsahìk stands upon your entrance, her crystal blue eyes widening when she sees Ralak with you in his arms. You wince as he lays you down where the healers instruct him to. She strides over to a woven basket filled with an array of herbs and needle-like wooden sticks, and quickly props it on her hip—just out of the way of her own bump. She settles herself beside you, feeling your stomach as she channels Eywa. 

Ronal throws a look to Ralak, whose hands are on his hips as he waits patiently for the verdict. 

“She fell.” He says, only for Ronal to cock an eyebrow. “Stairs.” He finishes. Then both her eyebrows raise, and she reaches for a jar of a ground up, purplish herb. She pours half of it into a wooden bowl, and activates it with a few drops of water from the spirit tree. 

“Baby is strong. Very strong.” The Tsahìk announces, and both you and Ralak heave a loud sigh of relief. “But—” Ronal props your legs up on the makeshift table, spreading them slightly. Embarrassment flushes your cheeks as you look over to Ralak. “You are still at risk.”

Ralak moves closer to you, taking your hand in his to keep you calm. You both watch as Ronal rolls the fabric tightly into a small cylindrical shape. You swallow your spit when you realise exactly where that’s going. 

“This ensures he stays. It will also help with the pain.” She states, glancing at Ralak to see the glare he’s trying to hold back. She shakes her head slightly and hands you the precautionary apparatus. “Insert. Rest…and remove at sunrise.” Ronal continues, drawing back the curtain to give you some privacy. 

“Sunrise?” You whisper to yourself as you watch her step out.

Your eyes dart up to Ralak who is clearly concerned, staring down at you with worry in his eyes. Embarrassment heats up your cheeks and your nerves fray. Why are you so shy all of a sudden? He’s your mate. Your husband. 

You sit up a bit more and try to see over your stomach to get the task done with shaky hands. You fumble and struggle with the flimsy cloth, blindly doing your best. But each time you lean forward the pain in your back burns hotter.

Ralak’s supporting you with a hand on your upper back, patiently waiting for you, noticing your trembling fingers and little grunts. He uses his free hand to cup yours, stilling your hurried movements.

“Mawey [calm]. Breathe.” He hums, gently taking it from you and helping you lay down. 

You look him in the eyes as he inserts it carefully, wincing when the concoction stings a bit. Ralak gives your hand a light squeeze, speaking as if he had access to your thoughts. You nod, trying to smile through the burning sensation, but he picks up on your discomfort. 

“What is it? Is it your back?" His voice quavers with worry.

“No… just burns a little.” You say quietly. You watch his jaw flutter and his shoulders droop as he huffs out a sigh. “Not to worry. It’s going away now.” 

As he’s about to speak, the curtain is drawn to the side and Ronal comes in and stands at the arched entrance, hand on her hip. Ralak averts his attention to her, his eyes glancing down at her unborn moving in her belly. Although you were both six months pregnant, you were noticeably bigger than her. 

“A word.” Her serious tone of voice brings him out of deep thought, and her nudging head tells him that it’s something urgent. 

Ralak looks at you, not wanting to leave you alone but you smile and reassure him with a light nod. He clenches his jaw but you give him a gentle push towards Ronal. He squeezes your hand before letting go and leans in to plant a firm kiss on your forehead. You watch as he leaves, laying back and taking in the ripples in the curtain as you strain to hear their hushed conversation. 

“Ronal. Oe irayo si ngaru. [Thank you]” Ralak begins, bowing before the shorter na’vi.

“I worry for your mate.” Ronal cuts to the chase, using her hand to guide him further away from the curtain. 

“For what reason?” He asks, keeping his head hung to hear what she has to say. They walk until they’re nearly at the entrance of the healing pod. 

“Your son is fast growing.” She speaks calmly but quickly.

Ralak is a little puzzled, although he doesn’t show it. Is that such a bad thing? He continues to look down at her with the same expression, listening intently to what the tsahìk speaks of.

“Her body will struggle. Birth will be hard. Very long and painful.” Now Ralak is having a hard time keeping his emotions concealed as they chisel themselves into his features. Yet he remains silent. “You must warn her about mun’i [the cut].”

“Pxasìk [no way/fuck that]” Ralak curses through a hiss in his native tongue as he stands at full height, figuratively and literally taken aback. How dare she call that upon his mate? Ronal returns a low hiss as Ralak moves away from her, staring down at her with a mixture of emotions. 

Concern. Surprise. Fear. 

Mun’i [the cut] is rare and risky. Only three have been performed since the birth of this clan, all done in desperation when hope was gone. The last one was performed by Ronal's mother herself. It is an extremely invasive procedure where the mother is cut and the infant is removed. It’s only done in dire situations, where the mother is incapable of giving birth to their young naturally, and risks dying in the process.

Ralak can’t help but feel a burning anger amongst the sea of emotions flooding him at once. How could she suggest such a thing to him? Something so dangerous and grave? All because you will give birth to ‘a different kind’. He’s more than confident that you’re capable of this, despite the murmurs circulating the clan. 

He has always been aware of Ronal's perception of you, and her opinion about the mating. It was no secret, though she never outwardly told Ralak as he is like a son to her. She often insisted that you two were not compatible in more ways than one, and always saw you as the forest girl who needed special training. But to know that Ronal doubts your capabilities to give life ignites a flame in his chest. 

One that he must quickly put out. 

“Ralak!” 

He hears you call out for him, prompting him to quell the flame and shoot Ronal a glare of displeasure. “She is stronger than you know.” Ralak speaks through his teeth before turning his heel to tend to you. 

Heart pounding, he makes his way through the curtain to be met with the joyous sight of you cradling your stomach with a smile plastered to your face. That only further calms the flicker of the flame in his chest, making a smile tug at his lips. He sees you glance up at him, pearly teeth glistening in the luminosity of the night. 

“Sorry if I startled you, it’s just—he’s kicking so hard. Come, come feel!” You blubber excitedly, reaching out for his hand to place it on your belly. He slowly takes a knee, staying still as stone to soak up each movement. “He is so strong, Ralak. Like you.” You whisper, looking down at your mate doting on your bump. 

Though he should be proud of your words, he can’t help but feel a little nervous by them. If this child is really like him, then what Ronal said may have some truth to it. Yet he smiles, smoothing his thumb over your protruding belly button. 

“He is strong like his sa’nu [mummy].” He says softly, perhaps in attempts to reassure himself and calm his own nerves. Your smile only grows and you place your hand on top of his. 

“What did Ronal say?” Ralaks eyes snap up to yours, wide and almost panicked, wiping the smile off your face instantly. “Oh, no. Is it bad? Is something wrong?” 

“No, no. She says…” He drops his head, watching his unborn move as he contemplates telling you. You need rest, and this would further stress your mind and body. Ralak urges himself to smile—to create a new mask—one of feigned happiness. “…you must rest. Wait until sunrise.” 

“Oh, okay.” You exhale a sigh of relief, “Good. I—I can do that.” 

—— 

After such an eventful night, sleep found you easily. Ralak carried you up the marui stairs, tucked you into bed and watched as your eyes fluttered shut. And even so, he remained at your side for some time, ensuring you were deep in sleep before embarking on his new task. 

It began with a ‘quick’ trip inland for the right kind of wood. The kind that holds up well against the elements and the saltiness of the water. The kind that doesn’t have a slip to it when it's been wet for more than a few hours. It took a few trips to get it all back to the beach but it was more of an irritable task than a difficult one.

Ralak tried to keep as quiet as possible, spending the rest of the night—until sunrise—cutting and carving the wood, binding them together with twine, sap and wooden pins. And by the time the first few rays of sunlight beamed in, he was engraving his finishing touches. 

—

Ralak chucks down the tool and it lands into the sand with a muffled thud. Using the back of his strake to wipe his forehead clean of sweat, he looks up at his work for a final time—railings for the marui stairs. Then the bright ray of sun shines before his eyes, standing between his two new creations. 

You.

You’re surprised to see him out this early, still in his gear from last night. The realisation dawns on you that he’s been up all night, doing this. You can actually feel your chest warm up as your heart pumps the blood through your veins at an insane rate. It rushes to your cheeks, making them hot and flushed. 

“Is this what you’ve been doing all night?” You ask the question under your breath, dragging a hand along the railing. It’s smooth under the pads of your fingers, and warm to the touch, as if they’ve just been filed down. You notice a small carving on the side of the railing—your son’s initial.

R. 

“Mm.” He grunts, not that he could have slept anyways. He glances at the initial that you’re staring at. “I should have done it long ago.” The shame in his voice is loud and clear. You look down at your feet, unsure of what to say, noticing that he’s redone the steps too. 

“Ralak—”

“You must still wake me. Understand?” He cuts you off, already knowing what you’re about to say. 

You take a step down, holding tightly onto the railing with one hand and the other tucked under your bump. He rushes up the stairs and supports you by the arm. You lean into him for a hug, nuzzling your face into his chest. “… thank you, my love.” 

“Kea tìkin [no need (for thanks)].” He presses his lips onto the crown of your head, words muffled by your hair. His hand slips down your arm and rests on your lower back. “Still feeling pain?” 

“No. I feel good. Like new.” You smile, watching his features soften and his lips pull into a subtle smile. “Your son, too. He kicked me all night.” 

“Is that so, young one?” He leans down to speak to your belly as you watch intently, “you must be gentle with your sa’nu [mummy].” 

As he looks back up to you, your eyes follow his every move. And suddenly it’s just the two of you, before the orange glow of the sunrise, sharing this intimate gaze with one another. 

“Ralak… I see you.” You say softly, witnessing his pupils blow until there’s nothing but thin rings of blue.

He swallows, you see the lump in his throat undulate, and the balls of his cheeks stain a light pink. He blinks a few times, leaning in until his lips brush against yours. He lingers there for a bit, jaw fluttering as he grits his teeth a few times. He can’t help but feel a pang in his chest. 

How could he keep this from you?

“Oel ngat kame, ma’ muntxate.” He husks the words before locking his lips with yours.

But as he pulls away, you see the glint in his eye. When he sees your lowered brows and inquisitive eyes, he attempts to fix his mask of indifference—no, happiness. But you see right through it—

The glint of guilt. 

“What is it?” You ask, reaching behind him for his kuru. It’s your way of saying, 'no secrets'. He’s quiet. Uncomfortably quiet. Unsure of how to say what he should say. You urge him with a light tug to his queue, creating a little more distance between you to look him dead in the eye. “Ralak.”

“Ronal doubts…you.” He says plainly, trying hard to rid himself of the thought of childbirth taking you away from him.

“I don’t understand. What—what does that mean?” You ask, confused and worried. 

“I should have told you about it when you asked.” Ralak says, shaking his head. “But…you were already under so much stress. In pain. Our son—” 

“Ralak. Tell me about what?” You whisper quietly—quickly. Ralak looks at you, allowing a few seconds of silence to pass before he speaks. 

“Mun’i [the cut].” Ralak’s voice cracks with pain as the dreaded thought floods his mind. 

Ralak goes on to explain mun'i, giving you a brief lesson on its history and typical…outcome. He explains why Ronal urged him to warn you about it. And exactly what he told her in return. That he is confident that you are more capable of doing this. 

It ends with a comforting embrace and the both of you coming to the conclusion that a conservation with Jake is needed. If the cut were to happen, the sky people’s medical advancements would be…useful. 

——

Since then, Ralak adapted a very strict agenda when it came to the preparation of the birth. In some ways, it reminded you of the beginning of your relationship with him as teacher and student. Karyu and Numeyu. A revision of previous lessons, such as breathing lessons. 

—

“Deeper breaths, tanhì. Slow.” Ralak instructs you with his hand on your round belly. 

“It’s hard…” your voice is strained, “when his feet are in my lungs.” 

Ralak chuckles, nodding in understanding. “Right. Do your best.” 

You attempt to follow his demonstration a fifth time, inhaling deeply through your nose, holding it, and then slowly letting it out through your mouth. “Light headed now.”

“You did well.” Ralak praises you, snaking an arm around you as he lowers you onto your back. “You all right?” 

“Just fine.” You mutter, grateful for the new position. 

Ralak looks at you for a while, taking in a sight that may be similar to the one of you giving birth—giving life. The reality that you will soon be a family quickly dawns on him. The reality that… Ronal's words still weigh heavy on his heart.

“And when you bear down…” Ralak pulls your leg back, your knee now grazing against your cheek as they flush with embarrassment. “…shallow, fast breaths. Do not hold it.” 

He then demonstrates, emphasising the sound of the breathing technique to ensure you’re doing it properly.

'…hee—hee—hoo…'

You mimic his sounds, looking down to see nothing but your protruding bump. It may be strange to some that Ralak is teaching you a lesson on something such as childbirth. But with his mother-figure being the tsahìk, there were just certain things he grew to have knowledge of. 

“Ronal says there are times where it is best to allow your body to take over. Focus on breathing him out. Let your body do the work for you…” You nod slowly as you practice deep breathing in this new position, “…she will show you some positions in your lesson tomorrow.” 

"What?" Your ears perk up. For some reason one on one interactions with Ronal always make you nervous. 

“The other expecting women of the clan will be there.” 

Your ears relax, and you feel a little more at ease knowing you won’t be alone, even if it’s a sea of gossiping women. At least they were more discreet about it. 

——

As you neared the final months of your pregnancy, Ralak was called out more frequently. The aches and pains that came along with being so big were just as frequent, it seemed. They’d hit you at the strangest times, during your sleep or whilst on your tsurak.

But when the pain spread to your abdomen is when Ralak urged you to take things easy. But they didn’t stop him from going anywhere. No matter how badly he wanted to stay home and tend to you. It was more complicated than that. Something that you were blissfully unaware of. Something he wanted to keep that way until it was the right time to tell you. 

—

“Must you go?” You ask hopefully, tugging at his bicep. “You just got back.” 

“Tono will have my head, tahnì.” He states, buckling his chest gear yet another time for today. 

“It’s not fair. Not even the warriors back at home tree were called out so much. Especially if their mate was this far along.” You huff, letting go off his bicep to clutch your protruding belly. He cups a hand over yours, leaning down to kiss your forehead.

“Ah. I know, I know. I want to stay, I do—” He’s cut off by your sudden gasp, and your face screwing with discomfort. “Are you alright?” His voice turns fills with concern, head tilting even more so that he can look you in the face. It felt as if your back set ablaze and your stomach hardened into rock. It eases up within a few seconds and you take a quick breath before answering. 

“Yeah, I think so.” You feel around your bump, taking note of how it’s softened and back to normal. “…that’s the second one today.” 

“Hm. It is. See Ronal while I am gone.” Ralak insists, tucking a couple loose braids behind your ear. You nod in response, gritting your teeth from the reminder that he’s leaving again. “I will speak with Tonowari today.” 

He’s quick to kiss you, lingering longer than he should. You savor his tender touch, breathing him in until you’ve gotten your fill to last you until he’s back. He pulls away, a grimace fixed to his face as it’s almost painful to do. He rubs your belly a final time, clicking for his beast. Reluctantly, he leaves, and so do you.

—

‘Practice Contractions.’

Ronal’s diagnosis of your pains. 

You’re not entirely unfamiliar with the concept. Mom calls them something different, but it all means the same thing at the end of the day. The body’s way of preparing to give birth. The constriction of your stomach, accompanied by intense pain, at random times with no rhythm. 

It’s normal, and expected. Ronal was particularly pleased to see your body do this early in your pregnancy. It typically occurs a couple weeks prior to birth, and both of you weren’t due for another month. 

They’re nothing to worry about, but she advises to rest if they get too intense. You waddle home with your tail dragging behind you, unhappy to see no sign of your mates return. 

—

“You are late.” Tonowari speaks monotonously, back turned to Ralak as he keeps his eyes on his task—forging a new tool. Ralak has to swallow his frustration and maintain his confidence. 

“It will happen soon.” He responds in a similar tone, his eyes following as the olo’eyktan stands. “I must be with her.”

“I understand. I do. But—” Tonowari finishes up the last touches, giving the tool its final inspection. “This is your duty, son.”

“She, is my duty.” Ralak snaps, his frustration slipping through. 

Feeling challenged, Tonowari turns to face him, now eye level with Ralak as he slowly nears his subordinate—chest to chest. But with a pregnant mate of his own, and the fact that Ralak is like his own son, Tonowari huffs a sigh and gives this a pass.  

“This is for her, too. For the people of the clan. You know what we are about to face. You will do this.” The olo’eyktan states sternly. “When the horn sounds… you come. And that…” he shoves the tool into Ralak’s chest, “…is an order.” 

Holding the tool against his own chest, Ralak looks away from Tonowari, grinding his back teeth hard enough to file them flat. He breathes heavily, attempting to recenter himself and stamp out the flame flickering in his chest. Tonowari gives him space, going ahead and mounting his skimwing, readying himself to embark on their journey. Whilst Ralak is left behind to let out a sluggish, shaky breath, closing his eyes when it dawns on him...

…what he must do, where he must go and who he must see. 

All before coming home this evening. 

—

“Zu’té.”

Ralak calls his name outside of the secluded, dim marui pod. It’s familiar, yet so unknown. It’s an eerie feeling to be standing here. It’s as if no one’s home. Not a single flame burning, nor the residual heat of a smothered fire pit. But Ralak can sense his presence. It’s thick. Aggressive. Just as it’s always been. It’s only intensified since the incident. 

The silence is deafening now. A message loud enough to have Ralak reconsidering his actions—rethinking his feelings. No part of him really desired to ask anything of this man, much less this. But in the case Tonowari really doesn’t budge with his decision, it is something he must do. No matter how many years have passed. Ralak has moved on…come to terms with what’s happened, and is in a much better place in his life now. Because of you.

You.

He’s doing this for you. Or is he? The fact he’s fathered a child has a major influence on his decision to be standing here to begin with… perhaps it’s something within him driven by nature—by instinct. The further you’ve progressed, the more he’s thought about rekindling this relationship. But he always brushed off these passing thoughts, until they were no longer just thoughts that passed. They became thoughts that lingered and kept him awake some nights. 

Showing their faces the most when Tonowari reminds him of the imminent danger the clan may face.

They reminded him of the good times when they were children. Teasing the ilus when no one was looking, sneaking off to the reef where the adults went to hunt just to see what it was like. But it also reminded him of the more unfortunate moments they shared. Those that will forever leave a scar on their souls, branded by pain and suffering. Since then, Ralak took an oath to never allow his own family to suffer the way he did. 

If this is what he must do, he’ll do it.

“I am in need of a favour.” Ralak finally admits, witnessing a tall, thick silhouette emerge from the marui. 

At this angle, its darkness looms over Ralak ominously. Green glowing eyes peer down at Ralak as the figure's hands cross defensively over his chest. He steps out of the darkness, revealing his inked face and intricately up-kept hair. He looks as if he’s been disturbed or rudely interrupted, evident in the way his eyes pierce fearlessly into Ralak. But Ralak simply returns the leer. 

“Zu’té.” Ralak speaks his name again, a little more sternly this time.

“Brother. To what do I owe this visit?” His tone is sarcastic with undertones of hostility. 

Ralak sighs, turning his head away from his older brother, fixating his gaze elsewhere. His jawbone flutters as he struggles to figure out what words to string together next. This isn’t easy for him—being here with his tail tucked between his legs. 

“It is no way easy for me to ask you of this…I know we have not spoken for some time.”

“Really? You think so? I would say it has been a little more than ‘some time’, no?” Zu’té’s irritation is shining through now.

“Agreed.” Ralak speaks sharply, dropping his head, gaze piercing into his own feet. He swallows and sighs once more, finally lifting his head to look his brother in the face. "I need your help, brother."

“Hm.” Zu’té scoffs, meeting his stare flagrantly. “Let me get this right. You come here, wake me out my sleep, speak to me like this for the first time in over forty-eight seasons…and demand my help?”  

“You are the only one I trust with this.” Ralak grinds out the words, they are hard to admit. 

This quietens Zu’té, causing his features to soften and his fixed stare to falter. To hear this after twelve years, straight from his brother’s mouth has him a little taken aback. There’s only one thing that it could mean—that could bring the golden child before him, begging for a favour. 

War. 

“What does our ‘mighty’ olo’eyktan have you up to now, baby brother?” Zu’té’s tone is especially sardonic when speaking of their father-figure. 

“Plenty.” Ralak chuckles quietly, shaking his head in amusement. His curved lips fade into a thin line, returning his grim expression when he’s reminded yet again of his exact reason for being here. “Look…” Ralak exhales, “...it is nowhere likeable for me to show my face like this. Trust me, I have thought of every possible solution. But…" he shakes his head, hesitant to share what he must say next. "My mate...she is pregnant."

Zu’té’ sighs when he realizes the gravity of the situation, eyes narrowing as they look behind Ralak to scan his surroundings. He’s far from all of the neighbouring marui pods, being the last pod along the mangroves. But if someone were nearby, they could eavesdrop with ease.

Zu’té lightly nudges his head, giving Ralak the silent signal to enter his marui. Ralak moves slowly, a little surprised by his change in...heart. Annoyed with Ralak's sluggish movement, Zu’té rolls his eyes.

“What? You expect an invitation?" Zu’té asks the rhetorical question loud and clear, watching in awe as his not-so-little brother stands almost eye to eye with him. "...you've grown."

"Surprised?" Ralak mutters, ears spasming from his brother's comment—shuffling past him.

"Don't get smart with me, little brother." Zu’té snaps with his ears pinned to his skull, automatically slipping back into disciplining his younger brother like he once used to. Ralak fights the smirk pulling at his lips, making his way further into the neat, well-decorated marui.

——

Ralak came home that night, as he does most nights nowadays with a heavy tail and tensed muscles. That night he broke the news that he had no luck with Tonowari. That he remained tied to his duties as a warrior, teacher, hunter and evidently more…that you had no knowledge of. 

But he made it clear that none of them came before you—his most important duty of all. He promised not only to your father, but also to you, to put you first, no matter what. That he will do whatever he needs to ensure your safety is never compromised. Even if it means putting his pride aside, and asking for help, as he did that night. 

The desire to prepare for your son's arrival grew with each passing day, making you nest like an expecting ikran. You smoked enough meat to last for the next couple months, and gathered as many herbs and fruits that you could manage.

Weaving has been one of your more frequent tasks, making a couple slings and a few more blankets. Ralak was quick to build the cot when he got into a nesting frenzy, too.

But regardless of what your next task was, it was always a little bit harder…a little bit more tiring. Until you were so round and heavy that most of them became unachievable. Your size started to affect you in more ways than just physical. It started to affect you mentally, too. Playing tricks on your mind, making you think negatively about yourself.

And Ralak picked up on that very quickly. 

——

As you wait for his return, you give the marui another deep clean. You take small breaks often, sitting down whenever you become short of breath.

Whilst you sweep the patio, you see your mate trudge up the stairs, ears pinned back and exhaustion wrinkled into his forehead. Ralak sees you and wastes no time to take the broom from you and pull you into his chest. 

He holds you in silence. Comfortable silence. Savouring how you feel against his body. The thud of your heartbeat, the warmth of your skin. You’re his safe place. His home. As he is yours. His embrace is what you look forward to the most after a long day apart. 

Perhaps this is what you both need. A moment of peace and quiet, where your focus is purely on the person in front of you. A break from the mayhem that life can entail, from the pull and push of the rough tides. Serenity. All to be interrupted by Ralak pulling away, holding you by the arms to create some distance between you two. 

Furrowed brows and beaded eyes stare back at you when you look at him. He’s staring at you, but not at you. His eyes pierce into your chest, and then peel away to flick down at his stomach. A smile creeps on his face, and a huff of air through his nostrils as he chuckles softly. His gaze finally meets yours, and he lets go of your arms.

“Your milk is in.” He almost whispers, his fingertips grazing against your stomach. 

“What?” You breathe, caught off guard to say the least. Your head snaps down, eyes searching every inch of your shawl to find two large, growing wet spots on it. “O-Oh.” You stutter, looking back up at him, catching sight of the glistening liquid on his stomach. “Oh.” 

Your cheeks grow hot when blood rushes to them from embarrassment. Just another thing pregnancy has bestowed upon you. “Sorry, Lak.” You turn to reach for the nearby cloth that hangs by the window. 

“What for?” He asks innocently—a little confused. 

He watches as you wipe him down in an almost frantic manner. He stills your movements by grasping your wrists, causing you to drop the cloth. He brings your hands to his lips.

“Mawey [Calm]. Nothing to be ashamed of.” He speaks into the palm of your hands. You hear his words, but you still can’t bring yourself to look at him. “Hey.” 

He lets go, and cups your cheek, urging you to look at him. When you finally do, he’s smiling down at you, allowing his hand to slip down to the bow of your shoulder—his fingers hooking underneath the hem of your shawl. “Let me clean you up, hm?” 

“Oh—okay.” You stutter shyly, feeling his fingers slip under the woven fabric to slip it off your shoulders. “W-Wait.”

And when the material hits the floor, a shiver shakes your spine. Your breasts are exposed to the cool air, sticky nipples hardened into peaks for him to see. They’ve darkened in colour, and are even a little more puffy too.

Honestly, you weren’t the biggest fan of them anymore. You wore thicker tops or shawls to conceal them, just as you did your stomach with your new…stripes. But Ralak loves them, always stealing a glance at every given chance. 

But to know that they’re full with milk makes him feel…on edge. 

His eyes bore into them, unapologetically taking in every detail. His smile falls into a slight smirk, which then droops into a thin line. His jaw flutters as he grits his teeth, biting back his urges. 

“Don’t stare.” You whisper shyly, covering your chest with one arm and your belly with the other. He looks at you, and reaches for your arms, peeling them away from your body. 

“Beautiful.” He states as a fact, intertwining his fingers with yours. “So beautiful, carrying my child.” 

“‘m really not.” You mumble, looking away in shame. You feel his hand move to your face, two fingers tugging at your jaw to have you look up at him. When you finally give in to his nudges, you see the look on his face. It was as if you had deeply and personally offended him.

“You are.” He insists softly. 

You simply shake your head, arms instinctively wrapping around your chest and belly once more. “I don’t feel it. I don’t even know how you can look at me and say that.” 

Ralak almost feels angered by your words. It hurts him to hear you speak of yourself in such a way, especially when it’s far from the truth. If anything, he’s even more attracted to you. Knowing that this is what your body is going through to bring his child into the world has made him even more appreciative of you. 

“Never say such things.” He husks firmly, removing your hands from your body and keeping them in his grasp. “Do not hide.” 

“You have barely touched me.” You retaliate, voice cracking with hurt. 

“Not for that reason.” He’s quick to cut you short, making sure you know that the last thing stopping him from pouncing on you every chance he gets is the way you look. Absolutely not. 

“If that’s what you need to tell yourself, then—”

Frustrated, Ralak shoves your hand onto his loincloth, pressing it firmly against the bulge that strains against the material. “You feel that?” 

You do, you feel every inch of it, hard and warm against your palm. Your face heats up even more, cheeks staining a bright red. Your breath turns raggedy as you struggle to find the words to say. 

“Hm?” He grunts as he presses himself even harder against the palm of your hand. 

“Y-Yes.” You stutter. Ralak turns you around, pressing himself into you from behind. His heated lips are flush against your ear, hot breath prickling your skin. 

“This is what you do to me.” Ralak husks into the shell of your ear, grinding his bulge into the swell of your ass. “Day after day.” He groans almost painfully, filled with all sorts of emotions. He holds you firm against his body, grazing his bottom teeth against the lobe of your ear. “All it takes is a single glance.” His words have your clit pulsing under your tewng and your thighs rubbing against one another. “The sight of you…of your swollen breasts… your swollen womb…” he hisses, on edge and high strung as he caresses your belly, “…it makes me lose myself.” 

“Fuck.” You breathe, reaching behind you to tug his loincloth down in a frantic manner. You feel his lips nibble and nip at the skin behind your ear, making their way down the back of your neck. You can’t help but moan from the feeling, your already stiff nipples tingling from his gentle touches. 

You feel his hands wander over your stomach and under your tewng, his fingers fondling your folds as he gently parts them. He grunts against your neck, inhaling your scent deep in his lungs as his hips stutter into you. Your stickiness coats his fingers as they slip and slide over your hardened nub. 

You tug even harder at his loincloth, struggling to get the annoying thing off him. You let out a frustrated grunt, and he lets loose an amused chuckle, peppering soft kisses down to the bow of your shoulder.

“What is it? Need me to take you right here?” He husks low, voice muffled by his continuous kisses. “…where someone may see?” 

Right, you’re on the patio. 

Out in the open, under the light of the moon. Ralaks marui pod is far from the village on a cul de sac. The only thing further than here is sand, open water and a couple smaller islands off in the distance. However, there' is's always the slim chance of a na’vi or two going for a late night swim or on a romantic adventure far from the village.

But you simply didn’t care. 

If anything it only riles you up more—the riskiness of it all, the thought of being caught. The need to be sneaky and quiet, when all you want to do is moan his name until your voice goes dim. It seems that Ralak feels similarly as you feel him throb against you, excited to take you where you stand. 

“I don’t mind.” You huff shakily, finally tugging the cloth down enough for his cock to spring out. “Do you?” 

You feel him smile against your shoulder when you grip it in your hand, smooth teeth bumping into your skin as his free hand cups your full breast. 

“Not at all, my tanhì.” He breathes, gently kneading the soft flesh, feeling the trickle of your milk flow over the back of his hand. 

“Good.” Your lungs tremble beneath his touch, hand desperately stroking his length. Yet he remains gentle with his touches, pinning your clit between his two fingers as he rubs you slowly. “Then hurry…I need you inside.” 

Ralak quickly moves his kisses back up your neck, and you feel the tip of his tongue tickle the lobe of your ear before he suckles on it lightly. Tingles ripple up your spine, sending your head into a shiver as you lean into his mouth. His fingers dip into your soaking core just as he rolls your tender nipple between his other two digits. 

It’s all too much. All-consuming. Making you gasp for air in lungs that won’t seem to fill. Fog clouds your head. How did you get here? How did this happen? Fuck, it doesn’t matter. Not when you feel like this.

You’re already so sensitive as it is, so tender and delicate, like silk under his fingers. He pushes his two fingers even deeper inside your aching pussy, curling them and earning a whimper from your lips and quiver of your tail.

“Not too loud, oeyä sevin muntxate [my pretty/beautiful wife]”. Ralak whispers the hushed praise, knowing it’s what you need to hear. 

You’re so much warmer around his fingers than usual, so much softer. Wetter. With each curl of his digits comes out a squelch as he works you open for his cock that he’s been dying to plunge inside you. 

You wrap your leg around his, perching your heel on the side of thigh as you lean all your weight back into him. He steadies his knees, supporting you with ease. Your head slumps back into his shoulder, opening up your neck to his hot breaths, an arm reaching behind you to fist his hair. 

His brows are tense and his breath is heavy. He’s overcome with arousal and he can’t keep his composure as your scent grows stronger now your throat is directly under his nose. Truthfully it’s been too long, he knows that. He knows he’s been too protective, too cautious. Depriving you and him of the touch that’s necessary between a mated pair. 

His fingers slip out of you, now expertly unravelling the loose knot just barely keeping your tewng on you. As it drops to the floor his fingers are back where they were, rubbing sloppy circles into your clit before spreading your pussylips apart. His hips stutter as he attempts to align the crown of his cock with your slit and finally buck forward when he senses your little, exposed hole. 

His cock sinks inside you at an achingly slow pace—inch by inch. You let loose a lengthy moan when you feel him fill you completely, no longer caring if anyone hears you. 

“Hnng—I missed you.” The gruff words slip out as he bottoms out inside your cunt. He has longed to feel your gummy walls squeeze oh-so tightly around his cock. “You alright?” He checks on you in a daze, voice thick with want—with the desire to pummel your little pussy until your voice is hoarse. But the last thing he wants is to hurt his heavily pregnant mate. 

“Mhm, ple-ase.” You purr with need, closing your eyes and relaxing completely into him. Trusting someone this much feels too good. Ralak moves slowly, pumping his cock in and out of you in a languid haze, tickling your sensitive clit with just the tips of his fingers. 

“Tanhì—haah—you are squeezing me so tight.” Ralak moans as his strokes grow with intent. His hips roll deep, shoving and forcing his cock inside your sensitive cunt until his swollen balls kiss your clit. 

He’s unapologetically coaxing out the orgasm you’ve been denied for so long with only a few lazy thrusts. And he knows it. He can feel it from the way you clench around him. From the way your thighs tremble a little more after each deep stroke…from the sweet, filthy noises that shamelessly drip from your lips. 

“Oh my—Ralak! I-I’m gonna—” You sputter the words between choked sounds, eyes welling with tears from the burn between your legs. 

“I know, I know.” He huffs, dragging his hot tongue along the length of your throat. The truth is, he’s close too. But he can’t allow himself to finish inside you. He can’t risk letting himself go and pounding recklessly into your poor, tender pussy. He’s already had a long day. “Let it out, tìyawn [love].”

Its almost cathartic. 

Weeks of pent up frustration released in a few minutes, leaving you near convulsing in his grip. You can’t stop the flutter of your pussy walls if you try, it’s out of your control, much like the surge of white fire going right through you. Your legs fight to stay open and you hold onto your mate to keep you standing. Gurgled noises spill from your lips as your body shudders under him. His hips still, keeping his cock buried to the hilt inside your quivering cunt as he holds you tight, supporting you until you finish riding out your high. 

“Good girl. Good girl.” He praises you in a hushed, shaky voice, extremely wound up from feeling you flourish so beautifully under his touch. It's a miracle that he didn't empty himself inside you right then and there. 

“But you—but you haven’t—” You sputter, collapsing into him as your legs give out. 

“I know. It is alright..” He hums, carefully leading you inside the marui to lay you on the bed. 

“Thought you were c-cleaning me u-up. Not mak-king m-more of a mess.” Your breath is relentlessly hitching as you watch him hastily remove his tewng that’s been digging into his thighs. A reminder of exactly how quickly things happened. 

“You are right.” Ralak tsks, cocking a brow as he stares down at you with a predatory leer. “I did say that, didn’t I?” 

Ralak situates himself between your legs, crouching over you, ensuring there’s plenty of space between him and your stomach. His cock presses between your sticky folds as his lips press against your clammy neck. He tastes the faint saltiness of the thin film of sweat on your skin as he drags his lips down your chest—between your breasts. 

“Lak…” You whisper, back bowing against the bed. 

You’re way too sensitive right now, like an exposed nerve. His eyes snap up and lock with yours, responding to you moaning his name. His tongue darts out, sampling a taste of the spilled milk on your breast. Then his eyes slam shut, tensed brows and scrunched nose telling you that he’s unsure of the flavour in his mouth. 

Eyes widening, you’re taken aback by his actions, feelings of shyness and embarrassment creeping back in. Fisting his hair, you pull gently at his head to pry him off your chest, only for him to resist your tugs. 

“You shouldn’t have done—why’d you do—” You struggle to find the right words at this moment, flustered and nervous that he’d do that. 

But what leaves you even more speechless is when he opens his eyes to reveal dots for pupils, a look you only see when he’s high strung. And then he eagerly takes your nipple into his mouth, latching on and ensuring the suction is airtight. The tip of his tongue flicks at your hardened nipple a few times before he gently suckles at your breast.

A tingling sensation radiates your chest and you feel it in the pit of your stomach. Your breath catches in your throat, a little surprised by his lewd behaviour. And soon, all you can hear are the repeated, muffled gulps of your warm milk flowing down his throat.

“W-What are yo-ou d-doing, my love?” You mewl, squirming underneath him from the strange feeling. He unlatches harshly with an audible pop, leaving your pointed nipple misshapened and exposed. 

“Cleaning you.” He huffs quickly as he catches his breath, diving back in to lap up the milk leaking from your other neglected breast. Your head throws back in what is undeniably pleasure now, legs tightening around his waist. You look down in a daze, watching him feast greedily, feeling his hips begin to stammer against you. 

“Fuck—I didn’t know this i-is what you meant.” You’re finally calming down from your orgasm now, already feeling your body gearing up to have another. His desperation is pungent. Evident in the way his cock grinds between your soft, slippery folds, scenting your cunt with it. 

He pulls off you with yet another pop, his tongue swiping his bottom lip so not to let the bead of milk dripping off of it go to waste. He’s huffing and puffing against you, trailing his wet kisses down your curved stomach as he tucks your legs back. You feel his hot breath against your thighs and your legs tremble in anticipation. 

“Kalin, kalin [sweet, sweet].” He mumbles, kissing your pulsing clit. “Oeyä kalin [My sweet].” 

“Oh shit.” You let loose the breathy curse when you feel his lips pucker around your over sensitive nub, and squeal when he begins to suck on it too. Your hands fly to his head, grasping at his hair to shove his face further into your cunt. He devours you with exhilaration, lapping at your leaking slit to savour your sweetness. 

His cock is aching now. He’s so hard it’s painful. He can’t stop throbbing and his cock strains so hard it’s swollen. He wants to shove himself back inside you— your warmth—and hump at you until his marked you with his essence. 

He can’t help but touch himself as he pleasures you. Stroking his cock with every lick of your pussy. Thrusting into his hand when he feels you throb against his tongue. He’s groaning and grunting into your cunt, urgently chasing his own release as he sucks on you for his own pleasure. 

Too busy to realise that you’ve been begging him to slow down a bit. That you’re too sensitive. That you feel like you may explode if he continues. 

“Ralak! I just came! F-Fuck—” You yank his head away, hurriedly rubbing at your sore pussy.

Ralak pants for air, pulling back into a standing position to reveal that he’s been fucking his hand this entire time. It’s glossy with his precum as it dribbles down his strake. He’s frantically stroking himself, staring brazenly down at your pussy—taking in how it’s flushed and swollen, glistening with his spit and your slick. It’s a delicious sight, tempting him to go in for another taste. 

He’s close and you can tell, his hips are stuttering erratically and he’s groaning like a dying man. You sit up slowly, bringing yourself to your knees as you shuffle your way closer to him. Your chest is level to his cock and you cup your full breasts with both hands, pushing them together only inches away from him. 

He seems a little confused, unsure of what your next move may be. Fuck, you aren’t even sure of what your next move is. But you’re going with your instinct, pinching your nipples until they begin to leak milk. His brows jump, the sight of that sends his hips stammering into his hand. With each huff and thrust sends his cock a little closer to you, until his swollen cockhead is poking at your breasts. 

You shuffle a little closer, moaning softly from watching him get off like this. Then you feel his sticky cock slip in between your breasts, and his hand falls to your shoulders. 

Now he’s fucking your tits in a frenzy, his leaking tip prodding at your lips. You stick your tongue out for a taste, allowing his cockhead to slip and slide against it. He’s groaning and moaning, eyes fixed in the sight beneath him. The pressure from his fat cock between your breasts only makes you leak even more, and that’s when he loses it completely.

“Oh, fuck.” He growls, thrusting hard enough to shove his cockhead into your mouth. You feel him throb violently against your tongue, his thick, hot load coating your cheeks until they're full to the brim. He pulls out as soon as he realises what he’s down, immediately reaching for your bedside bucket to spit in. 

But you shake your head, glossy eyes staring up at him as you swallow his cum with a singular, loud gulp. His eyes bulge, his hands flying to cup your cheeks as he quickly searches your eyes. You simply smile, using a thumb to swipe the single bead of cum on your chin and pop it into your mouth. 

Features softening, he returns the smile, chest heaving wildly as it swells with pride. 

——

[hippolotamus]

okay im very curious about witch!eddie and familiar!buck 👀 pretty please if you don't mind :)

Zesty! I do not mind at all. In fact, for you, the world if you so desire it 💖

also asked by @wikiangela @daffi-990 @theplaceyoustillrememberdreaming

official title: the darkest fairytale (named after a line from Gabrielle Aplin's song Salvation)

the premise:

AU contains a mix of magical and non magical beings who coexist peacefully. Parents don’t have to be magical to produce a magical child. No schools like Hogwarts but it is the responsibility of the parents to teach or provide a mentor. 

Witch!Eddie: born to magical parents. Learns most of what he knows from Abuela because his parents are too busy being... well, Them. Marries Shannon when she conceives Christopher. Pretty much canon except magical. 

The Wars are a period of fighting between the magical and non magical. Eddie doesn’t like using his magic after he comes home. 

Christopher: magic but his abilities don’t present when he’s younger. Eddie tries to teach him but it’s not as effective as he thinks it should be at first (he’s wrong of course. It’s more to do with Shannon being gone)

Buck: Born to non-magical parents. Maddie and Buck both have magic but Daniel didn’t. Maddie was forbidden from telling Buck about his magical abilities. He figures out he has them by accident when he gets upset and transforms into a cat one day as a teenager after Maddie announces she's leaving with Doug.

The time period is somewhat ambiguous. It's somehow modern and not, and the story itself has tried to convince me it should lean into the Fantasy genre. We'll see.

A snippet (occurs just before teenage Eddie and Evan meet for the first time):

Evan is- well, he’s a lot of things right now. Scared. Confused. Pissed off. Cornered. Not human. Maddie isn’t around, having moved to Boston six weeks ago, and their parents are worse than ever. If that wasn’t all bad enough, he’s stuck as a goddamn cat.  It’s not the first time, but the whole transitioning phenomenon is still new enough that he hasn’t figured out the trigger – or how to turn back. The first change was about four months ago, right around the time Maddie said she was moving away with… well, with him.  One moment he was himself, a thirteen year old boy, angrily pacing back and forth, repeatedly listening to Welcome to My Life on his Discman. The next, his headphones were in a heap with the CD player and his clothes. The music became overwhelmingly loud and he assumed the volume got bumped when it fell. Until he saw himself in the mirror and realized the reason was because he didn’t have ordinary hearing anymore. Because he had four legs, paws, black fur and a tail.   The dark coloring is helpful for hiding, the way he spends most of his time until he changes back. Staying tucked away is his most useful asset because otherwise all he can do is helplessly meow or hiss. No surprise that apparently not a single soul can understand him. And, at the moment, that’s a big fucking problem.

npt some beloveds who've shown interest (it's been a really long time since I've done anything with this WIP so my apologies if I incorrectly tagged you or did not) @diazsdimples @tizniz @ladydorian05 @wildlife4life @bi-buckrights

@slightlyobsessedwitheverything @loveyouanyway @elvensorceress @spotsandsocks

@monsterrae1 @thekristen999 @bidisasterevankinard

[jakexneytiri]

can you just imagine a tiny lo'ak following around a tiny neteyam and tugging on his tail like a baby elephant with its mama :( baby lo'ak idolizing his big brother :(

baby lo'ak going, "i wanna be a warrior like teyam!" 😭😭😭 and baby neteyam going, "i wanna be like dad when i grow up!" 😭😭😭😭 GOOD LORD

okay. this is an ask i can get behind 🥹🥹

i’m such a simp for @zestys-stuff so i’m just gonna include this adorable art they created 🥰 (it’s not a mini neteyam and lo’ak, but their personalities are very similar)

[angstsfordays]

I will go to you like the first snow [2/?]

Pairing: Coriolanus Snow x OC! femreader

Summary: "I liked it so much. Watching over you, my heart (is) fluttering." Coryo realizes that loving you and having you are two separate things.

Warnings: Coriolanus Snow is a warning. Pre-signs of toxic! and possessive! Coryo!

Notes: For new readers to my work, the genre of my writing is usually more angst, sometimes fluff and slightly melodramatic. So if you are expecting anything sexy, I forewarn you that you ain't getting any. If you want sexy in terms of emotions, maybe I will try! Here's another chapter while I still on a writing roll! Happy new year everyone! 🥳🎆

Love, Angstsfordays 🫶🏼

Link to part one here

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This is the last place Coriolanus thought he would spend his last break before his final and senior year at the Academy. The grand Carnell estate was a sight to behold and the privilege of having a chance to step foot into the home ground of the most distinguished family in Panem is one most could only dream of.

Unlike most of the elite in Panem who lived in penthouses, your family is the rare few who gets to live on an entire estate land belonging to themselves aside from the President.

He didn't expect a simple comment he made about roses would actually grant him this privilege.

The two of you were having a short break at your special spot under the Burning Ash tree before your next class was about to begin. While penning down your study notes, you felt that your hair was starting to get in the way as the wind was picking up.

Grabbing a hair tie from your bag, you gathered your loose hair and tie them into a loose tail. Coryo's eyes were fixated at how you held your hair tie between your lips and wondered since when they looked so lovely. The kind that were looked soft and inviting that he would love to just kiss over and over again.

Once you were done tying your hair, Coryo noticed how your already beautiful features stood out even more. His eyes then went down to the mole that rested halfway on the right side of your neck and wondered if he were to kiss that spot, what kind of reaction would you give him?

A particular scent then wafted to his nose as the wind blew once more. It was feminine yet zesty, comforting and making him want to get closer to you to get more of the delicious scent. It then clicked for Coryo why your scent was comforting.

"You smell like roses." Coryo's voice got you to look at him when you barely returned to your notes after tying your hair.

"Oh, you noticed?"

"And something else." His voice was deep and eyes were intent on you. You were starting to feel butterflies again, oh boy. You cleared your throat to avoid sounding like you were nervous.

"Apples."

"Apples?" It came off as question rather than a statement and you chose to elaborate further.

"When my parents moved to District 11, they lived and worked on an apple orchard. I grew up surrounded by apples." This was news to Coryo as you seldom mentioned anything about your father. Rather than being ashamed, Coryo thought you did not want to say anything as it would have triggered deeper emotions within you. Your glassy eyes proved his point.

"My mother has been interested in perfumery lately and she just created this scent. She always liked roses and the apples reminded her of the happier times she had with my father." You were trying to not look at Coryo as you spoke, fearing that you could break down any second. Taking a deep breath to calm yourself, you willed yourself to look at Coryo for a second before looking down at your notes again.

"I sprayed a little after gym class to not smell. Hope you don't mind."

"No not all. My mother loved roses too." Coryo rarely spoke about his any of his parents. You did know both passed on, his father died from a rebel shooting during the war and his mother in childbirth. Hearing him speak about her to you made you feel special.

Throwing a small smile his way, he caught it and returned one in kind. "She has this compact powder that smelt of roses, sometimes I will take it out when I think of her more on a particular day. " You didn't miss the look of nostalgia and longing in Coryo's eyes as he spoke. Reaching over to cover his hands in yours, your thumb brushed against his knuckles in a comforting effort. Coryo moved his fingers over to engulf your hand in his, tightening his grip to show that he did not want to let your hand go anytime soon.

"My grandma'am also likes to grow roses in our home's rooftop garden. She's rather possessive of them but would sometimes give me one for important occasions." He tried to lighten the mood. A sudden idea popped in your head.

"You should come over to my house!" Coryo's eyes widened at your statement as you excitedly continued on.

"My mother has an extensive personal garden and she has grown many types of flowers including roses! I will ask her if I can have some for your grandma'am!"

"No, I couldn't impose-" Coryo started sputtering which was very unlike him, but why wouldn't him be? It felt so intimate having you invite him over to your home. He had never visited any of his classmates' home ever since his family went into poverty.

"No, you're not. What's the point of so many flowers if you do not share it with someone? I will talk to my mother, she will be more than happy to! She's maybe my grandfather's daughter, but she's the furthest thing from him." Coryo grinned at your child-like excitement before nodding.

"If you insist."

"It's a date then!" You said excitedly not knowing the subtle impact of your words on Coryo. A date with you? Coryo felt like his fantasy just came true.

-----------------------------------------------------

So here he was, decked out in his finest clothes to impress. After giving his name to the guards at your front gate, he was let in no more than a minute later. Once he reached the front porch, a handsome ginger haired man who looked around to be in his mid-twenties was waiting for him.

"Greetings, Mr Snow. I am Rowan, a butler to Miss Y/N. As an esteemed guest of Miss Y/N, please allow me to escort you inside." Coryo nodded and muttered a word of thanks before walking through the grand doors that were held opened for him.

The inside of the Carnell estate was truly a sight of marvel, his family penthouse even back in its glory days was nothing in comparison to your family manor.

Greeted by the doubled sided grand stairs at the center, Coryo took the time to drink in the posh interior.

"Coryo, you're here!" His attention was taken by your voice. Coryo looked to see you dressed in mid length flowy dress with a knit sweater. Your hair was different as it was curled in looser waves and it seemed light as it bounced in the air when you made quick steps down the grand stairs.

"Miss Y/N, you know that you're not supposed to run in the manor."

"Please Rowan, grandfather's not here." You rebutted in jest.

"He has eyes and ears everywhere." Rowan reminded you in response. You sidled up closely to your butler and playfully poked him before speaking.

"And I supposed you're one of them? Are you going to tell on me?" Rowan remained unfazed at your childish behaviour although Coryo could tell he was trying to hold in a smile.

Coryo knew you could be playful sometimes but never would he have thought you to behave the same towards your own staff. Afterall, you are the dignified young lady of the house Carnell.

But then again, you were never one for formalities so seeing you acting so casually to your butler was not too surprising either. However, he did not know if he liked that you acting this way to this Rowan.

"I am but a humble servant in service to the honorable Chief Commander Carnell." Rowan placed his right hand over his left chest before offering you a kind smile. You scoffed before turning to Coryo and grabbing his arm. Giving him a wide smile, you were excited at having your best friend over at your home for the first time.

"Come on, let me give you the quickest house tour before we head over to the garden!" Coryo brought a hand to rest on yours and then noticed how Rowan's eyes narrowed in at the physical contact.

'Harboring feelings for your young miss, Rowan?', Coryo's brows raised slightly at this unexpected discovery.

You waved off Rowan who offered to escort the both of you to the garden, reassuring that you knew your way around and wanted him to take a break.

As you started to ramble on about the house tour, Coryo turned back to see Rowan still looking on at the both of you and proceeded to twitch his mouth into a wired smug look.

You can't and never will have her, Rowan.

Once the house tour which was cut short to just the main living areas due to its sheer size (it would have taken half a day to go over the entire estate) was over, you led Coryo to have a meal at the your mother's garden.

You then brought him to where the rose beds laid and to see Coryo's face light up at the sight of the roses made your heart soared. With your mother's permission, you got the gardener to pick some roses and kept them for Coryo's grandma'am later.

Picking up a small budding rose bud that fell from the bunch, you blew off the invisible dust and beckoned Coryo over. Gesturing him to bend closer to your height, you then broke a part of the stem and tucked the flower above his ear and into his golden curls.

Giggling at your work, you brought Coryo over to the fountain nearby and stared at both of your reflection in the water.

"As pure as the driven snow." Crinkling nose at how cringey you came off, you looked down and away from Coryo who was still looking in the water at your shy expression. His hand rested on your shoulder to prevent you from turning away and nudged you to turn towards him.

His fingers then moved to find your chin and tilted it up to have you face him. As light his eyes were, you were able to find yourself in the reflection of those blue orbs.

"Look into my eyes. That is the person who's the real definition of being pure as as the driven snow." His husky voice spoke and your heart trembled at how attractive you found it.

He was very close. You two have never been this close. "Coryo...."

Coryo grinned at seeing how your ears were turning red- a telltale sign of you being embarrassed.

MY little blushing rose.

Your eyes fluttered shut as you held your breath in anticipation of what might happen next. Coryo smiled at your little action and decided that the time was now to make you his. Just one more inch and he will be able to find out if your lips were as lovely as he thought.

"Y/N! My darling, you in here?" An outsider's voice broke the spell between you and Coryo as you took a few steps back. The both of you looked around awkwardly and pretended as if nothing was about to happen just a few seconds prior.

The voice that called for your name spoke again and you realised it was your mother!

"Mother!" You responded to her call as you moved forward. Coryo was disappointed at what transpired but his feeling quickly dissipated and changed to one of nerves when he saw your mother stepped into sight.

Your mother was a gem of a beauty and one might not have believed that she had bore a teenage daughter with her how youthful she looked. She carried herself well just like any elite lady of the Capitol. But what differentiated her was the kind and approachable disposition she also carried, making her even more charming to the heart.

Coryo thought the apple did not fall far from the tree. The only difference that you had from your mother was the energy you gave. If Coryo were to describe you to be warm and bright like sunshine, your mother exuded a calmness like the moonlight.

"There you are, dear. Oh, you must be Y/N's friend." You greeted your mother in a tight hug before letting go.

"I'm Coriolanus Snow. It's nice to meet you , ma'am. Thank you for having me." Coryo saw how your mother looked over his features before forming an affectionate smile.

"You do look alot like your father."

"You knew my father?" His words came out hoarser than he realized.

"Yes, he was once a pupil under my father. I met him and your mother at their engagement party once. She was such a lovely person. It's a shame." She looked at Coryo with sad eyes but they were not pitiful.

"I'm sorry to bring up painful memories, my dear. If there’s anything you ever need, I’m here to help." Your mother reached over to hold both of Coryo's hands. The warmth she radiated was the same as yours, Coryo thought.

"Are the roses enough? Y/N here told me your grandmother grew roses too."

"Yes, more than enough. She would be thrilled." Coryo's answer caused your mother to smile widely, one that mirrored the smile he adored so much.

"That's wonderful. I can't say enough thanks for you taking care of Y/N in school. I was honestly so worried when we moved back to the Capitol and she enrolled in the Academy. It's a rather big adjustment since she lived most her life in an entirely different place. I'm just so glad she has a friend that she can trust."

"I'm very grateful for her too."

"Grateful that I'm keeping you on your toes? You better be prepared for the new school term if you still want to be on top!" You taunted cheekily, trying to cover up how tense you were still feeling from that almost-kiss from earlier.

"Y/N, be nice to Coriolanus here!" Your mother chided you softly. You crinkled your nose in an attempt to be innocent to your mother.

"I am! I always am!" Coryo chortled at your act. "Not when you try to pelt me down with those dodgeballs during gym class just the other week-"

You immediately brought a hand over Coryo's mouth in an attempt to shush him as you didn't want your mother to hear of your 'unlady'-like behaviour in school. Your mother shook her head while giggling at the two of you engaging in a childish fight as Coryo tried prying your hands off and proceeding to aim and tickle for your weak spot.

Coryo just managed to wrap his arms from behind you in a hold to stop you from running away. Your tummy was feeling weak from the laughing so much and Coryo relished in having you snugged in his embrace.

"Miss Esme,” Rowan came in to the garden in hurried steps and greeted your mother first before greeting you. His eyes looked at how Coryo was holding you before meeting the young Snow's with an almost defiant look.

You didn't catch it but was wondering why Coryo was still holding onto you tightly, (not that you didn't like it) but you didn't want to show such intimacy in front of others.

"Master Carnell has returned home." Your eyes furrowed in confusion before speaking, "But he was not to be back until the day after?”

"Apparently, his trip out has been cancelled early due to unforeseen circumstances from the other party." Letting out a deep sigh, you can't believe that your grandfather had returned earlier than expected. You planned for Coryo to come over today, knowing he was making a trip out of the Capitol to provide consultation at the peacekeepers headquarters in district 2.

"Then I guess I have to go, I'm sorry Coryo. I wished you could have stayed longer." You started pouting at the fact that your day with Coryo has to be cut short. Rowan ceared his throat to get your attention.

"Master Carnell is aware that you have a guest and wishes to see all of you in the main foray." Your eyes widened in fear, why would your grandfather want to see Coryo, absolutely not! Who knows what he would say and do to scare Coryo off!

"No no, you do not want to meet him. He's absolutely hor-" Your mother uncharacteristically called your name in an almost shrilling tone.

Pursing your lips tight after your mother's chiding, your eyes wandered to see Coryo biting his lip to hold back his amusement.

"Miss Y/N, we do not want to keep Master Carnell waiting." Letting out a big exhale, you stomped off ahead of the rest to face the music.

-----------------------------------------------------

As Coryo entered the main reception area, he first saw the back of your grandfather which stood tall and imposing in his uniform. Hearing the sound of your footsteps, your grandfather turned around and Coryo was immediately reminded of how he used to look up at his father back then.

Your grandfather nodded to Rowan who made his exit shortly after everyone entered the room.

"Esme, Y/N."

"Father." Your mother's voice was polite and sweet.

"Grandpa." You also tried to your best to sound as cordial as your mother.

"What a nice welcome home indeed." Your grandfather was known to be feared by most that knew him but he always reserved the rare warm side of him for the dearest women in his life- his wife, daughter and granddaughter.

This was shown by the small smile (which already meant a lot) on his face as he looked over both you and your mother. The smile immediately dropped however when his eyes moved over to glance upon the young mister Snow.

"I see you brought a guest."

"This is Coriolanus, my friend from school." Usually you would act more of like a brat in front of your stern but albeit forgiving (only towards you) grandfather but you kept in mind that you wanted him to be nice to Coryo and decided to go against your usual routine.

"Mr Snow is it?" Coryo stood a little taller and puffed his chest slightly more to give off a more confident stance at your grandfather's address. He definitely wanted to make a good impression not because he was the great Chief Commander Carnell of Panem but your grandfather too- if he were to ever want you, this was the man he needed to make an impression on.

"Yes sir."

"I heard many things about you." Your grandfather's tone was steadfast.

"I don't remember sharing about Coryo before." You were puzzled as to your grandfather's words before he looked over to you with an almost mischievous glint in his eyes.

"I have my ways." Your grandfather finally let a wide smile as seeing how your eyes widened in astonishment. You wanted to retort before your grandfather continued.

"I trust Y/N was a good host."

"The best, sir." Coryo answered truthfully.

"Hmm, Y/N- would you give us the room to talk?" Your grandfather tilted his head towards you and you furrowed your brows at his statement.

"Grandpa..." You spoke in a slight warning tone. Your grandfather nonchalant to your expression and instead told you he just wanted to have a short chat with Coryo.

With a reluctant step, you walked over to Coryo to pat his arm gently as a form of support. You nodded to him and he responded in kind to ease you of your worry.

"Grandpa, please be nice. Please." You had a love-hate relationship with your grandfather ever since you returned to live with him. While sometimes you were upset whenever you thought of how he treated your parents in the past and his over-demanding tendencies, the moments of tough love he gave you could not be ignored.

You were the only person that could get away with talking back to him and he was always trying to make up to for not being present ever since you were born. Once your mother and yourself were out of sight, your grandfather swiftly addressed the elephant in the room.

"Mr Snow, what are your intentions with my granddaughter?" Coryo had somewhat expected your grandfather to ask this question but it still unnerved him the same.

"I have no other intentions other than being her friend."

Your grandfather didn't seem to take kindly to the politically correct answer that Coryo gave.

"It's funny how you think you can lie to me. I hope you don't think you can use her to your benefit." Coryo started to panic at how direct your grandfather was being. His words were uncompromising and his tone was resolute.

"Never. I would never do that to her. She's too important to me." Coryo justified himself and your grandfather took a short pause before he continued speaking.

"You father was a great man, one of the finest generals I ever got to work with. Your family name is also not one to look over, the Snow is a prominent name." Dread fell upon Coryo as he was being once reminded of how far his family had fallen from the glory days and for your grandfather, a prominent figure in Panem to point them out only served to increase the heart wrenching feeling he always held in his heart.

"My daughter once fell in love with a talented man with no name. And so it seems my granddaughter seems to like a boy that comes with a great name but yet to prove himself worthy of that name." Hearing Master Carnell bluntly saying you liked him sounded too good to be true but of course, Coryo was in high spirits hearing that. He had to control his excitement before responding.

"I don't think Y/N likes me like that, sir." Your grandfather smiled in amusement as he shook his head.

"I may have only reunited with my granddaughter not long ago but I know her well enough. The fact that she acted so cordial with me in front of you which is really unlike her usual self showed me plenty on how she regards you and how she wanted me to like you." Master Carnell took several steps closer to Coryo and the young Snow swore he had to use every fibre of his being to stop his legs from trembling in an obvious manner as the old gentleman stopped a few feet from him.

Your grandfather's eyes instantaneously switched and sent chills down Coryo's spine.

"Mr Snow, you are not worthy. I will tell you this and foremost. Y/N is my only granddaughter. She might not be my successor but I will not doubt she is able to achieve great things and bring glory to the Carnell name." Seeing how Coryo has paled, your grandfather backed up to take it easy on the young man.

"It's a shame what your family has come to after the first war." Coryo sucked in his breath and let out an exhale to give himself the confidence to speak up after all of your grandfather's contempt.

"I am ambitious Sir. I plan to bring my family name back to its glory days." Coryo's answer caught the attention of your grandfather who turned back to face him.

"Are you?" Your grandfather held Coryo in a death stare to see if he truly meant his words and Coryo did try to his best to unyield to your grandfather's micro-aggression.

"Prove it to me and perhaps I shall consider giving you my blessing to even court my granddaughter." It was then that it dawn upon Coryo that wanting you and having you were two separate things. If he ever wanted to have you, your grandfather would be a big obstacle for him to overcome. And for that to happen, Coryo had to gain more power- far more than he initially dreamed of.

Coryo mustered up all the confidence he had before voicing up.

"I will do my best, sir. For Y/N." Your grandfather just nodded before calling for Rowan. It was then you burst into the room like you were on fire.

"Everything is good? Are you alright?" You immediately went over to Coryo's side and placed a hand on his arm. Coryo felt the intense stare that your grandfather was sending and just nodded curtly to you. He added a reassuring smile which relieved you of your worries.

You looked over to your grandfather and spoke, "Thank you for being nice."

"If I knew you would act so demurely whenever your friend is around, I would have invited him sooner." Your grandfather chuckled before looking over at Coryo once more, "feel free to come over whenever you like, Mr Snow."

"Thank you for the hospitality, sir." Coryo replied before your grandfather took his leave. Once the two of your were left alone, you turned to Coryo with both your hands on either side of his arms.

"He didn't say anything to scare you right?"

"I would be lying if I say he's not intimidating but I can tell he loves you very much." Coryo was heartened to see you care so much for him. You scoffed at what your friend said and replied, "He has an odd way of showing it."

"I would do the same if I had such a beloved granddaughter myself." Your face crinkled at how cheesy Coryo was but you didn't give it too much thought.

"But I think everything seemed to go well, he even said you could come over next time. Thank goodness. You did well." Coryo preened at your praise and you stretched your hand to place it on his head affectionately.

Coryo leaned in and felt his heart fluttering as he watched over you looking at him with such pure fondness. You were the only one who ever watched him with such pure adoring eyes.

I will do whatever it takes to have you, Y/N. Nothing and no one will get in my way.

-----------------------------------------------------

Thank you for the support through the likes and reblogs! ♥️ Do let me know what you think of this chapter in the comment section!

I will open up a tag list for anyone who's interested to follow this series! 😆

[makoodles]

Hello again my zesty bestie ):3 I am here with the previously mentioned fluffy scenario! I’ve always pondered what Navi would think of certain human holidays, I can’t get the specific idea of Tsu’tey learning about Mother’s Day from Jake, and bc we all know Tsu’tey loves to spoil his little tawtute mate, he is all up on it! He’d even rope Spider into it too to help him treat his mama to a lil special day! Getting her favorite fruits and nuts for breakfast, maybe Tsu’tey took some time off/later hunting shift(?) so he could spend the day with reader and Spider, going on a lovely walk/sightseeing through their favorite spots in the forest, maybe play some homemade card games Spider managed to scrounge up from the science guys lab, have a big family cuddle-puddle in a warm sunny spot like the cats they are, and perhaps for dessert Spider stays the night with the Sullys so Tsu’tey and reader can get some alone time? Do with this what you will my delightful friend :3

THIS IS SO CUTEEEEEEEEE

tsu'tey is definitely the kinda guy to insist that it was all spider's idea, but you can see the way his tail is wagging all proudly, like an excited puppy as he waits for your reaction.

tsu'tey learns about the sacred human art of card-making from norm, and he tries his best at it in an attempt to show his little human mate how much he appreciates her. thing is, he's terrible at it. spider very quickly takes over, and tsu'tey is banished outside to go and look for some pretty flowers or something

the thought of a family cuddle puddle in the warm sunny spot has my heart melting oh my god

[maxarat]

I made a Ponysona! This is Zesty Tale, a Crystal Pony who goes to Twilight's School of Friendship in season 8! They use they/xe pronouns and their special talent is storytelling. Xe are kind of a Spike figure in the Young Main Six. Not a main member, but still good friends with all the members and hanging out with them together

@supermansbisexualson

[iratempestatis]

Pretty.

Kaeya x gn!reader

Just a bunch of fluff, reader is bad at showing their emotions and Kaeya's just shooting his shot lmao. Apologies for being too specific at times, I wrote this with someone in mind <3

Throwing food at pedestrians was generally frowned upon, whether you were a normal citizen or the esteemed captain of the Knights of Favonius. You're fairly certain your captain is aware of this, and yet-

You whip your head around and glare at Kaeya as another sunsettia makes an elegant arc and bounces off your shoulder, onto the ground. What was wrong with this man? Why was he wasting food like this?

Your captain had very thin hair already, curving over his shoulder like a rat’s tail. He didn't need to give you incentive to rip it all off. You're sure it would fall off on it's own by the time he was forty. You’re certain he'd still look as lovely as he did now.

But enough of that! He wasted food!

“Captain!”

“So sorry.” He grins and bites into a sunsettia. The bright morning sky brings out the cool blue tones in his eyes. He's pretty. “Please don't scold me, now.”

You only curse and turned away. It was impossible to remain angry with Kaeya Alberich for too long.

✦—————————————✦

You used to think you were quite clever.

But honestly, only a fool would graduate from the Akademiya with honours and end up working as a cavalry knight in a city full of drunkards (imagine being in love with one, the horror! It could never be you), far away from home, devoid of any fresh spices save for some fucking snapdragon. And the cost of shipping actual spices? Veritable insanity! 450 Mora for just shipping the stuff you could buy for 120 back home?

And only an even bigger fool wouldn't check if the cavalry had any horses before signing up. Because it's stupid to expect the cavalry to own a horse or two, yes?

It never seemed to bother anyone but you. These madlads managed life without sumpter beasts and Tri-Lakshana Sigils.

Mondstadt City didn't even have any slopes, just stairs! What if someone used a wheelchair? What if someone was too goddamn lazy to climb up all those stairs??

You'd bitched about the infrastructure nonstop at first. Kaeya had only laughed. He had a pretty laugh. Everything he did was pretty. He was pretty.

You could feel your friends rolling their eyes at you.

You were often tempted to take their advice and confess your feelings to him. How embarrassing, to not leave a city purely because he occupied it? To smile because he smiled and grin because he looked content? You didn't even like skewers until he threw some at you. They tasted as zesty as he looked.

But confessing to your boss? Unprofessional. You weren't a coward, you were just married to your job! (A rather toxic relationship. You barely spent any time together.) Besides, imagine getting rejected. It could never be you. That would be almost as terrible as crying in front of everyone as an Akademiya professor tore your essay to shreds. In your first year. (Maybe Alhaitham was right and you really did need therapy.)

Speaking of your job, however-

“Captain, I'm going to Springvale. Old Finch-”

“Surely you don't mean to walk there.” His eyes widen in mock horror. “We don't even have any Tri-Lakshana Sigils!”

You roll your eyes. “Old Finch told me-”

“Finch? Who would name their only child Finch of all things? At least there are slopes in Springvale-”

You groan.

✦—————————————✦

Of course you didn't fucking walk to Springvale like a plebian. You begged Nantuck to row you there. Kaeya tagged along as well, but you didn't question why. You were one flirtatious answer from giving your crush away. Or one pretty, pretty smile. Or even just one Kaeya elegantly stepping out of the boat and holding out a hand to you.

“I'm good,” you mutter as you step off on your own. Kaeya chuckles.

“My, someone's in an especially terrible mood today. Did someone anger you? When are you telling me what you're here for on your day off, anyway?”

The audacity of this bitc-

“I tried,“ You scoff. “Someone kept interrupting me-”

“How uncouth of them.”

“You piece of-” you hurriedly bite back the insult. “I'm here because Old F- someone told me there's a group of whopperflowers on the cliffs behind the spring. I'll deal with them and meet up with you… where?”

“So eager to meet up with me, even on our days off,” he muses as you rolled your eyes. (Wasn't he the one who started harassing you? No matter. Any time spent with Kaeya was time well spent, in your opinion.) “Very well, then. I'll be at Brooke’s. It's a date.”

Your face flushes. What the fuck? “Don't wander off.” You sigh, hoping you don't look like you're on fire. I need to get out of here.

“That's all you'll say to me? Hey, at least say goodbye as you run off!”

✦—————————————✦

Goodbye, you think as you plummet off a cliff and to your death (you hope.) The whopperflowers had been endless and honestly you'd rather fight a Regisvine than a dozen of these overgrown mist flowers together on a goddamn cliff. You could see the light (probably the sun.) You could feel Alhaitham chuck your clown wig and clown nose at you (in spirit, of course, although him actually doing that wouldn't really surprise you.)

You could also feel your body jolt as the cold waters of the spring abruptly shock your system. You're not conscious enough to feel yourself sink, though.

✦—————————————✦

Were you to die, you wanted death to cradle you close, carry you off and gently lay you to rest on the sands or the grass, whichever you were in the mood for that day. And you didn't want it to be fucking bony and jostle you as it carried you, no matter how nice it smelled. You also didn't want it to be so goddamn damp, and the least it could do is magically stop your head from hurting, maybe hand you a towel and some warm soup-

“There you go,” you hear Kaeya softly murmur as he sets you down on some grass. You can hear Finch and Hopkins frantically calling for help. Warm hands securely wrap a blanket around you and start gently drying your hair.

I won't be able to go on that date, you think deliriously. The ensuing embarrassment is enough to make your eyes snap open.

You're on the grassy banks of the spring, wet and rather cold. Brooke is rubbing your arms through the blanket and- you crane your neck to see Kaeya gently drying your hair. He smiles when he sees you turn. He smiles very often. You wonder if this is one of those rare times when it's genuine.

“You never fail to surprise me,” he says fondly as he lets go of the towel and ruffles your hair. “Forever reaching for new heights of stupidity. What idiot runs off to kill a dozen cryo whopperflowers with a cryo vision?”

This bitch.

“I didn't know they were cryo,” you rasp. “Asshole.”

“Is this how you speak to your superiors?”

“You're not exactly supposed to ask your underlings on dates either.” Shit.

He grins at that (you should never have acknowledged the date, now he'd make you commit) and heaves an exaggerated sigh as he begins combing through your hair with his fingers. His nails gently scratch against your scalp. “Very well, dearest. No dates.”

Your dismay apparently shows on your face, because his grin only widens with delight. “Alright, one date, because you're pretty. And not today.”

Your face flushes. “It's not like I want one, anyway.” What do you mean, not today?

He shrugs. “Then you're welcome to walk away from rather delectable free meal. Brooke promised she'd give us only her best.”

As if you needed any additional motivation. “Fine, then. Only for the food.” When? The food sounded almost as good as Kaeya. “So. Er.” You cough. “When exactly are we…when are you taking me on that-?”

Kaeya laughs (asshole, you think affectionately) as you trail off with a flushed face. “Hey, since you're not so opposed to the idea,” he says “maybe you can stand me after all.”

Oh, Kaeya. Your face softens. “I've never disliked you, captain.” You have no need for insecurities. I know what you almost did to Collei. I know you have a complicated past.

I wish you'd tell me about it. Maybe one day you'd muster the courage to ask.

“Oh?” He tilts his head. A bead of water trickles off his hair, on his nose, then past his cheek. It catches on his jaw. You fight the urge to wipe it off. “So does this mean you like me, then?”

You blink rapidly, then turn away. “That's for you to find out.”

He smiles at you then, just a small smile. The sort of smile he gives stray cats when he thinks nobody is looking. The sort of smile he gives Klee when she shows him a drawing she made of them together. The sort of smile he gives Jean as he helps her home after a long day. Or the sort of smile he gives Lisa when she gently pats his shoulder and tells him to take care before she heads home.

“Like I said though, not today.” He boops your nose and stands up, holding out a hand to you. You take it this time. He doesn't let go even as you start to walk back towards Nantuck’s boat, and your heart joyously skips a few beats. You hope he can't feel your pulse through your intertwined fingers.

“You need to rest, and archons forbid you catch a cold. It's no fun without you around. I almost miss you, even. How about we reschedule that date for next Saturday, hm?”

[broken-clover]

Sol and Ky get lost in the woods for a few days and Sol catches Ky roasting a rat and biting its head of. "Its good protein!" Says Ky, a rat tail hanging from his lips before he slurps it up like a noodle. Dizzy had a habit of burning food but didn't notice for a long time because the Jellyfish pirates had Leap cooking for them and when she cooked for Ky he'd just eat anything she put in front of him and say it was good. Both because he loves her dearly and because the standards of military rations during the crusades was "barely more edible than mud"

Sol who grew up in the era of microwavable takeout food and FDA standards vs Ky in the era of 'we're in a fucking war just eat whatever that doesn't literally kill you.'

Most people assume that he's immune to food poisoning thanks to the Gear cells but actually he was immune beforehand, he's eaten so much weird shit that all the weird foodborne illnesses just bounce off of him. Once someone attempted a political assassination by poisoning his food, but Ky didn't even notice and just remarked that it wasn't as zesty as Dizzy's burnt seafood surprise. Sin is an absolute gourmand in comparison to his father

[crypticjackal13]

could I request for wukong and macaque (seperate or poly is fine!) x reader who is super physically affectionate? like they rlly enjoy cuddling or just random touches, and can get quite protective if the person they care about is ever in danger? ty!! and no worries if you don’t want to either haha

I'm feeling zesty so you can have both

Shadowpeach, SWK, and Macaque x GN!Affectionate!Reader Romantic Headcanons!

Shadowpeach - you have the combined force of two celestial monkeys to keep you company, so rest assured you’ll never be without at least a tail to hold. Most of the time what will happen is you’ll start out just doing your own things, then Wukong will stop by for a random hug or smooch but then he gets comfy with you(even if he’s in the way…he’s like a cat). Eventually Mac will come along and join in, and by then no one’s going anywhere for at least an hour. They love seeing you get all protective over them, even though they can definitely handle themselves just fine. Their favorite thing, though, is just laying down with you and chattering while grooming each other and you. It’s almost serene—these two terrifying beings are suddenly calm and purring as they aren’t causing chaos for once. 10/10

SWK - he’s very, very touch-starved so I think he’d vibe very well with you! He tends to pop up out of nowhere and kiss you for a little bit, before zooming off again— unless you stop him and insist that he stays. His absolute favorite thing is coming home after a long day of training with MK, getting into some comfy clothes, and then falling asleep cuddled up with you. He lets you do your thing being protective of him; all the while knowing that if something were to happen he would gladly take care of it. 10/10

Macaque - he is also super touch-starved but it will still take him some getting used to when it comes to receiving physical affection. But soon enough he finds himself looking forward to when you come around, because that’s when his face will be kissed ever so sweetly and his hands won’t be as cold as they usually are with you holding them. He’s extremely gentle with you when he gives affection simply out of habit. He also has a habit of retrieving you through a shadow portal, taking you back home, and wrapping you up in blankets with him so he isn’t lonely. It’s honestly cute, if it weren’t an inconvenience sometimes. Also, he is just as if not more protective over you than you are over him--see below comic 10/10

(credit to the original artist)

[orphic-musings]

Welcome home! dear…fungus?

Characters: Dehya, Tighnari, Cyno, Alhaitham, Nilou x gn! reader (separately, established relationships)

Genre: Fluff, crack

Warnings: None I think? I kept switching between fungus and fungi bc idk what’s correct, (does cyno’s humour count as a warning?)

Summary: Sumeru characters react to you bringing home a new pet… fungus?

Notes: Got this idea after playing the fungus event and thought it would be a good chance to write some Sumeru characters! I’m sorry if it seems rushed I just wanted to get this out there since I haven’t been posting regularly. ㅠㅠ Inspired by my slime fics which you can find here: Part 1 — Part 2 (pls forgive me im so bad at naming slimes and fungi)

Dehya:

“Ah there you are!” Dehya sports a warm grin the moment she sees you. She stands at ease, not on high alert like she normally is. You are more interesting than anything in the background, and she prefers giving you her undivided attention. Of course, should any threat arrive she would be ready again before you could blink.

“I was looking for you everywhere- Is that fungi following you?” In an instant her tone drops into pure confusion. If the two of you were in any situation she would be springing into action, smiting the poor fungi before you even knew it was there. But this isn’t just any situation. The small capped creature is spinning around you, and your face is bright and content as you stand in the middle of Sumeru city.

“Yes! He’s my new companion. I called him Zest! There was an event down in Port Ormos where I trained him for a week, but the little guy didn’t want to leave my side at the end!”

“So… now we have to take care of a fungi.” Her expression is unimpressed, but her voice indicates that she’s intrigued, a little amused even.

“I can take care of it myself if you don’t want to-“

“No! I mean, you don’t have to do everything yourself. We do things together, yeah?” Her sudden interruption makes you giggle, and when she sees your face scrunched up in glee warmth rushes to her cheeks.

“At least it’s not a spectre.” She shakes her head, but your smile is contagious, and she can’t help the twitch of her lips. “Well we’d better go show lil’ Zesty his new home,” she says. With a delighted smile, you link your arm with hers and affectionately push into her side, while your fungi bounces along beside you. Dehya glances at the fungi one more time, before looking at your smiling face. She shakes her head again, but her smile only grows wider. The things love makes you do.

»»————-　♡　-————««

Tighnari:

Tighnari steps into his hut while rubbing his neck, his eyes almost drooping to the floor. He had an insanely busy day, and all he can think to do is have some well deserved quality time with you. He looks up expecting to see you all settled into bed, but instead he finds an electro fungi in his spot and you giving it cuddles. Subconsciously his tail flicks with irritation, but he’s more curious than upset.

“Am I in the right house?” He asks, and though it’s intended to be a joke, his stress seeps into his tone. So much so that it jolts you, and you sit up alert on the bed. The fungi also stops its wiggling, as if mimicking you. He notes that, somewhere in the back of his mind.

“Tighnari! I um… this is, well I found… no I mean I got her from Port Ormos. There was an event and they let me keep her.” Your body is stiff as you attempt to explain the situation. Your words get all tied together, as if you were caught red-handed and were reaching for an excuse.

“I’m sorry if I startled you. Just relax and, well, let’s find this little fungi somewhere else to sit other than my side of the bed.” His tone is no longer taut, only tired, but he still gives you a gentle smile. You get up from the bed and walk over to where he is, the fungi following you. The two of you sit together on the couch, while the fungi twirls merrily on the rug.

“I think I understand the situation, but I’m sure you’re aware of the danger it poses. While it seems very tame now, it’s still a wild creature and can be unpredictable.” He glances between your gentle face and the energetic fungi while talking.

“I know… you’re right. Maybe we can watch it for a few days, and if it seems too unsafe or it’s unhappy we can release it.” You give him a hopeful smile, and since your argument is fairly sound, and he’s too tired to discuss it further, he agrees.

“We can spend more time with it tomorrow but for now, let’s get to bed.” You take Tighnari’s hand and lead him to bed, but he stops and looks at the fungi. It wiggles expectantly and he sighs. “Alright Jitterbug, I suppose you can come too.” He turns to follow you, but you just stand there in shock. Now it’s you being pulled along to bed as you laugh at the nickname and sudden fondness for the fungi. He smiles to himself seeing your joyful face, and he already feels all his stress melt away.

»»————-　♡　-————««

Cyno:

“Cynooo! I’m hoooome!” You call into the empty entryway. Your voice is full of energy, but doubt creeps into your heart as your voice echos off the walls. It’s not unusual for you to arrive to an empty house, but you always call out just in case. You walk further in, a small dendro fungus hovering behind you. As you step into the living area you immediately freeze.

Cyno lays on his back, chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm with an utterly peacful look on his face. Your heart dances at the adorable sight, but only for a moment as he seems to stir from your presence. He pushes himself up a bit and rubs a hand across his face. When he turns to you he smiles, and it fills you with warmth. With how early he gets up in the mornings, his sleepy face is a rare sight, but a beautiful one indeed.

“Oh hello dear, I guess I must have dozed off… and hello there fungus.” He sits himself fully upright on the couch, still waking up it seems. But he soon becomes fully alert.

“Wait… what am I saying?” His gaze drifts from your face to over your shoulder. “Wait! Behind you!” You just stand there and sigh.

“Are you awake now?” You giggle a bit when you see his baffled face.

“I- What?”

“This is our new pet! I got the little guy from an event in Port Ormos! If he behaves well we’ll keep him!” You beam at him while the fungus slowly emerges from behind your shoulder, curiously floating towards Cyno. He blinks at it.

“I’ve never given much thought to keeping pets, but if it’s with you I’m sure it will be fun.” You smile wider and do a little jump with joy, as if having won a prize. In all honesty, and it might only be because of his sleepy daze, you had expected him to deny the creature to even enter your home. When you refocus out of your thoughts you find him slightly poking the fungi, who doesn’t seem to mind, with a slight smile.

“We’re calling it Bud. Get it? Because it’s like a flower bud, but also a companion.” He grins and pats the fungus on the head. And while you’re glad they’re already getting along, you can’t help but sigh at your partner’s blunt humour.

»»————-　♡　-————««

Alhaitham:

The sun casts a peach glow over the city and you walk hand in hand with the Akademiya’s scribe. A cool breeze blows, a sign on the oncoming night. You had surprised Alhaitham at his office just as his work ended, ready to walk him home.

“I have a surprise for you when we get home!” You grin, nearly unable to contain your excitment. You remind him of a pot about to boil over, but he refrains from pointing that out. He merely raises an eyebrow at you, ever the cynic.

“If it’s that Kaveh has finally moved out I’ll be over the moon,” he jokes. You lightly hit him, a slight pout on your face, which quickly changes into a devious grin.

“I suppose it does have something to do with roomates.” To this he finds a slight concern wash over him, but also you lean into him playfully he decides to trust you.

The sun is about to disappear beyond the horizon when you arrive home, and Alhaitham nervously unlocks the door. He instantly notices the lack of signs of Kaveh, and relaxes a little. Until you stand in front of him and call out ‘surprise!’ He shuts the door behind him then looks up, and is met face to face with a floating hydro fungi.

“Is this fungus.. the surprise?” His voice is questioning, reasonably so he would argue. But your grin doesn’t falter.

“Yes! I got her from an event in Port Ormos, so I suppose you can consider her your new roomate!” He stands and watches the fungi float around him, like it was checking him out. It strangely makes him feel out of place in his own home. A part of him wants to lecture you on the nature of fungi, and how they wouldn’t be suitable for keeping as housepets. But truthfully, he can’t think of much evidence to support that, seeing as there hasn’t been much, if any, research done on the subject. He looks back at you.

“Well?” You pry. Alhaitham perceives the slight falter of your smile, the way you seem to be holding together your enthusiasm, and he can’t help but feel his heart swell at your passion for this creature, and your desire for him to accept it into his home.

“I suppose it’s much favourable to that nosy architect. Say, maybe we should train it to pester Kaveh.” Suddenly he finds the idea of keeping a fungi quite intriguing.

“Hey! You can’t just use it for nefarious purposes!” You pout at him again, and he has to raise his hands in defeat. As he does, the hydro fungus nuzzles into his cheek and you laugh at his suddenly flustered expression. He pats it awkwardly before it floats back over to you, and you welcome it with a nuzzle and a warm smile. Maybe it’s not such a terrible idea after all.

»»————-　♡　-————««

Nilou:

The lights at the Grand Bazaar just begin to turn on as the sky darkens. Their soft glow illuminates the stage, making it seem even more magical. Although evening has fallen, a crowd steadily forms, filling the Bazaar with chatter and life. Some people browse, while others just stand and chat, but your focus is solely on the graceful and lithe movements of Nilou’s dance.

It’s merely a practice, but since you finished your errands early you had to come see her. There was nowhere you’d rather be. The moment her dance ends time seems to stop, as she holds her elegant pose in the soft lights, looking ethereal. Then she relaxes, and her eyes find you. Her cheeks heat up and she appears ready to burst with both glee and fluster.

“You’re absolutely stunning, as always. I think I fell in love all over again! Craig loved it too!” You gush with rapture in your voice when she comes down to greet you. Her heart soars at your praises.

“Thank yo- who’s Craig? Did I miss something?” Her glee falters a little, replaced by puzzlement. You swallow, realizing your slip-up. Her gaze follows yours as you cast it to the ground, where a small geo fungus stands.

“Um, Nilou, meet Craig!” You smile sheepishly, finally bringing your eyes back to her. But she keeps staring at the lithic creature, watching curiously as it begins to roll around her feet before settling back beside you.

“A fungi?” She questions, and you begin to fear that this was a bad idea. With bated breath you wait as she intently observes it. Suddenly a smile spills across her face.

“He’s adorable! I didn’t know fungi could be so well behaved!” She giggles, and you feel your whole being relax at her enthusiasm. The creature begins to jump around too, excited by her positive tone.

“I was hoping we could look after him together, if you’d be alright with that.” She meets your gaze and beams brightly, her face nearly glowing.

“Of course! Ooh, maybe I can teach it to dance! It could join the theater!” She giggles again and latches onto your arm, settling herself into your embrace. The fungi leans itself into your leg too.

“It seems I might need to compete for your attention,” she says, noticing the fungi. You smile between the both of them, enjoying being surrounding by their affections. Nilou laughs as you struggle to give them exactly equal attention all the way home.

“Home sweet home,” you say once you finally arrive. The fungi and Nilou enter together, and it warms your heart seeing them already adjust to each other. But what warms it even more is how they both cuddle into you once you’ve settled into bed, and you can’t help but feel that this moment is the definition of contentment.

[tiredmamaissy]

what would you say are ralaks turn ons 👀

I feel like Ralak is a simple man, but he’s also a little bit blind to the whole flirting scene so it would definitely be things that are straight forward. So what I’m trying to say is, so long as he’s into you (aka reader hehe) then anything is a turn on for him 👀 simple but sensual touches - a gentle caress of his tattoo, a quick stroke of his queue, prancing around without your tewng, a simple swish of your tail (one of his most favourite parts of reader) 😋

Im also interested to hear @zestys-stuff answer to this!

[headsincloud9]

Summary:The Sullys arrived to what they are hoping a new home; the Metkayina clan of Awa'atlu. Seeking uturu they are forced to adapt to a life at sea Foreign to her family but to Kílsyí it feels like home.

Note: Kílsyí is my original oc. Ralak belongs to @zestys-stuff and this story was inspired by @tiredmamaissy love you both!!!

Warning: suggestive hint at NSFW but mostly nothing

Chapter 2: First Breath

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Kílsyí made her way to her family but for some reason she felt a lot of eyes on her more than usual and that made her anxious and she wanted to hide and disappear from sight. Her tail slapped at the sand in frustration then swayed with irritated movements. Her body language said one thing ‘stop fucking looking at me’ most around her did focusing on her father her sibling her mother but there was still that burning feeling of being watched, it wasn’t unpleasant but it was noticeable like something at the edge of you mind you can’t quite recall or an itch you couldn’t quite scratch. She looks around her head coming up from the ground for the first time, her bicolored eyes scanning the people. Her eyes landed on one that unapologetically held her own head tilted in curiosity that was guarded behind a neutral expression. Her tail went rigid as her ears flicked and she felt her body grow hot. She didn’t like the feeling she got or rather how fast it occurred. She looked away though the feeling of being watched and the heat didn’t. ‘Click..pop..click’

What snapped her back into focus was one word “uturu, sanctuary” she looked to her father as the Tsahik of the clan Ronal looked them over the clan leader Tonowari coming from the shore as well. Kílsyí watched as she criticized them for how they looked and she felt their pain and a hiss slowly rose from her throat taking everyone by surprise including herself. She looked around at Jake giving her a look and Tiri doing so as well. But what she didn’t expect was Ronal to look at her not with offense but with curiosity, shock, and was that sadness “Naya?!” She whispers out in disbelief tears in her eyes as she reaches out for her face. Kílsyí was frozen in place..that was her mothers name. “ Naya passed………when she gave birth to a baby girl” Tonowari said to his mate softly. “You knew my mom,” Kílsyí murmurs, shocked as she knew little to nothing about the other half of her blood. “Uturu has been asked” his voice echoes and with a soft nod Ronal consents to let them stay. “ We will talk soon but first you need to rest and learn the way of your people.”

Kílsyí was reeling her body moving on its own; the only thing on her mind was how the tsahik had looked at her with such happiness and sweet sorrow like reuniting with an old friend or even loved family member. “Kílsyí!!!” She jumped hearing her name and finally snapped out of her trance having stared at the floor of their mauri pod for 5 entire minutes unmoving. She looked up seeing Jake and Tiri looking at her concerned while her siblings were outside the door eavesdropping of course but just as worried “I’m fine” she blinked her eyes were blank almost muted her tail was twisting in ways that showed different “i think i need air, i'll go start learning “ she says

Jake tried to stop her to tell her that she'd be training with someone closer her age and as she was one of the people by blood Tonowari selected someone for her. But Kílsyí continued until she ran, letting her body take over as she saw the clear blue, she attracted eyes as she ran and dove off the walkway into the water with perfect diving form. She let the water envelop her and she felt her heartbeat slow and her body relax, her mind calm, she was at peace. She swam around taking in the beautiful reef it was nothing like the forest rivers and streams it was teaming with life and colors. She smiled and looked around, spotting her brothers with the clan leaders' kids. She swam closer seeing Kiri first and she touched her chest smiling happily that she was doing so well before she saw Neteyam and Lo'ak and swam to them. She waves and stuck out her tongue blowing bubbles in his face much more at ease now she was in the water. Aonung and Tsireya watched in shock as the eldest of the Sullys took to water as if she was born here. They all went to the surface and Kilsyi pants a little more so from laughing "Kilsyi how are you so good at breathing" aonung asks a bit rude but it was more curious. She sighs softly and looks away. "My father took me swimming every day since I was an infant. It's where I feel my safest, I suppose , and flying" she says "the way water lives in you Kílsyí, you are one of us" tsireya says. She smiles to the girl "thank you.....Neteyam Lo'ak you'll do fine don't rush that pain you feel is panic calm accept it" she swims off to take some more time on her own.

She had no idea that she was being observed by someone sharp eyes assessed her as he took her time and explored the reef. She lost track of how long she was under, unlike home this was lol new to her and she didn’t have to worry about being under to long this clan lived and breathed water. Above water Tonowari was talking to Jake with a impatient Ronal close behind “ she has a right to know where she came from she is one of the people, her mother is with our ancestors.” Ronal insisted as Naya Kílsyí’s mother was the closest thing Ronal had to a sister before she died. Jake looked back out at the water seeing that she had not come up for air. “And who’s going to teach her the way of her people she has has been an omatikaya her entire life.” Jake says worried that she would struggle after getting overwhelmed with her past and her training. “30 minutes she been under the water for 30 minutes she is not just omatikaya she is metkayina and it shows” Tonowari reminded him. Kílsyí came up for air this time gasping she had been so invested in what was below she didn’t come back up for air black spots in her vision and her heart starting to pound was her indication. She swam to shore and sighs laying back on the sand listening to the waves crash on the beach.

Her tranquility was short live as a shadow had taken the place of the sun. She opens her eyes and looks up seeing Jake and the Olo’eyktan Tonowari and the warrior from before the one that looked at her oddly. He had the same look on his face now as before and she still couldn’t put an emotion to it. She turned her attention back to Jake who looked like he was struggling to find the right words “we’ve decided to switch up your training as you already can swim better than any of us so you will be learning to be a hunter with one of tonowari's best warriors and hunters and you will be learning healing from Ronal she knew your mother personally and this is your home by blood it's only fair” he says hoping she would understand. Kílsyí sighs, biting her bottom lip, lacing her finger together, popping the joints she had picked up from a scientist and it became a nervous tick. She noticed the warrior to Jake’s left seemed to be put off by the sound and she instantly stopped putting them behind her back. She watched as his eyes widen ever so slightly shocked she had that keen of perception. “I’d rather just learn it all together with you, not the family” she mutters. It's not that she didn’t want to learn, it's just that she didn’t want to get special treatment. She got lost in how a few of the others would say it wasn’t fair for her to she pass or fail like the rest of them.

She sighs softly as she remembers the words Jake had said in the pod as she had aimlessly moved around “don’t cause trouble and learn fast. ‘Pop..click..pop’ she popped the joints in her fingers her lip disappears between her teeth “ alright then” she conceded closing her eyes taking a deep breath, it was clear to the 3 that she wasn’t feeling at all at home despite having some connection here a sentiment 2 of the 3 Navi with her could understand. “I promise it won't be bad lsyi” she gave a genuine smile and holds back a laugh “ that is my line” she says as that was what she said to him when she saw him get thrown into mud when he was training years ago. Jake seemed satisfied giving a smile and stands leaving her with the other na’vi.

She couldn’t bring herself to say anything and she couldn’t give him the greeting she squeezed her hands knowing that if he started to pop her joints she wouldn’t stop. Her tail wrapped around her own leg as her eyes bored into the surf and sand and she began to jerk her knee back and forth moving her body, she cursed how many sky people mannerisms she picked up she may have not had 4 fingers or be part human but she might as well been with her peculiar movements. But it grinded to a halt as she felt it again that burning stare she felt when she first arrived and the heat that made her heart race. But this time she heard a soft sound, was it a chuckle? She looked up at him making eye contact and her face confused. She let her eyes look him over her own words caught in his throat he was huge in all manner of the word

As she looked upon the tattooed Metkayina Na'vi warrior with long, wet hair, she couldn't help but feel her thoughts begin to wander through the nervousness still reigned strong in her body. With each passing moment, her gaze lingered longer upon his rippling muscles, enjoying the way his tattoos seemed to come alive upon his skin, reminding her how water would change the pattern of the river bed at home. It was a welcome comparison her mind made. And as her mind began to wander, she pictured herself running her fingers along his tattoos, tracing the lines and curves until she found herself lost in a haze of- well she didn’t know what it was it reminded her of the burning need she felt when she hadn’t swam in so long, that burn she felt when she held her breath too long, it was sharp hard to swallow.

But it wasn't just his tattoos that held her attention - it was the way he moved, the way his body seemed to flow with an easy grace that left her breathless. She found herself imagining what it would be like to feel that body pressed against hers, his arms wrapping tightly around her as she lost herself in his embrace.

As she continued to stare, mesmerized by this striking warrior before her, her thoughts grew increasingly inappropriate. She couldn't help but picture him completely devoid of clothing, baring all his secrets to her eager eyes. It was a heady almost mind crushing fantasy, one that left her heart racing and her body aching for more, like a shot of adrenaline .

And as she finally tore her gaze away, she knew that she could never quell the burning that this tattooed warrior had sparked within her to the point it made her stomach churn as if she would lose her stomach all together. In that moment, she was trapped, unable to breathe air, completely and utterly lost. “Are you okay?” She heard his voice. Her ear flicked as she finally registered his voice. It was deep husky and it made her nervous in a way she couldn’t pinpoint. She swallows again for the second time finally able to get words out “yes” she says looking down again unaware of the amused look on his face as he had caught her completely eye fucking him.

She sighs, closing her eyes under his watchful yet confused ones. She slowly calmed down the movement and with a deep breath relaxed although she couldn't place there was something rooted now. And she was not prepared to figure out what.

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[blythebewitched]

Sunshine Phoenix Headcanons:

These headcanons are for my AUs in my Discord Server. There are ships. No human kids or Canon game lore are associated with the toys.

Tales From The Playcare AU:

Many toys were made by Playtime Co. Including Poppy, Mommy Long Legs and Huggy Wuggy. The Smiling Critters originally was meant to be one critter to add to the toy roaster before TSC became a side franchise.

Sunshine "Sunny" Phoenix was meant to be "The Smiling Critter" of Playtime Co., but failed. Sunny was scrapped and labeled as Prototype 1006.

1006 was meant to be destroyed but survived. Hiding, he witnessed multiple sun pendant holders be scrapped until Dogday. The company soon decided to make TSC a side franchise and gave DD a team.

Sunny held complicated feelings toward DD due to being the only one to know the poor dogs pain. Still, he was jealous and vengeful of the dog.

A little while later, as he planned his escape from the humans, he ran into the moon character, Catnap. The little cat had been abused by some employees and during an experiment gone haywire, 1006 gave up his freedom to help the cat. Finally revealing himself in the process.

He and Catnap spent the next few years learning more about each other while under punishment. They had a lot in common and Sunny noticed the little cats love for him. He intended on exploiting that. For both their sakes.

Together, they planned to take vengeance on the human employees and The Prototype promised Catnap he would save everyone. This event was called "The Hour of Joy".

When Catnap became leader, 1006 kept his eye on the Playcare. His attention caught onto Dogday yet again. He could still see the decline in Dogdays mental health. And noticing Cats affection for him, he gave Cat permission to have Dogday as partner despite the dog being a heretic. (Sunny would never admit it, but he cared for both of them).

Basic Headcanons:

Sunny's scent is Smoky Cedar Wood. Very masculine.

Despite his masculine scent, he loves to dress fancy. He has ballet heels.

His body was destroyed due to being scrapped and experimented on. He's very self conscious about his looks. So much so that he uses parts to make himself a "mech amalgamation" that he hides in.

His feathers are flame resistant. He can even breathe fire. I mean . . . He IS a Phoenix.

He's VERY charismatic. His voice was originally deep and smooth like silk. He bordered on being zesty. Either way, he's extraordinarily talented at public speaking and being convincing even if he's lying out his ass.

Don't be fooled by his calm and collected charm. He's still an arrogant asshole. It doesn't help that he has HORRENDOUS anger issues. Seriously, pick at his nerves enough, you'll get burned. (Just look at what happened to Catnap).

He'll never admit how much of himself he sees in Dogday and Catnap. (He won't admit feeling sadness seeing the other SC "leaders" parish either).

He was meant to be a happy and deeply friendly toy . . . If you squint, its still there.

His tail has little ocean blue gemstones clipped on. He also has a a blue scrunchie for his long ass hair.

Outside The AU:

Sunny is my oc so here are some headcanons of him NOT being the Prototype.

In the cartoon, Sunny would've been the older brother of Dogday and Kickin.

He'd be a VERY LOVING older bro. Granted they'd get on his nerves more than anyone else. Siblings do be arguing.

He 💯 started a band and lead it with his lil bros as his band mates. (The Band was called Dying Light).

Sunny is THE WORST at keeping any kind of romantic relationship. You would think with so much charm and zestiness he'd have rizz, but NOPE. Women hate him. Men hate him. The nonbinaries put a warrant out for his arrest.

Old people really like him tho. Especially grannies . . . Probably because he eats like a fat ass horse. (Hearty Hoggy I'm lookin at you).

In the cartoon, the Leaders Pendant (Sun Pendant) was passed down to Dogday by Sunny.

All three brothers play guitar btw. Sunny is bass. Dogday is acoustic and Kickin is electric. Tho Kickin plays more than one instrument.

He left the band at some point and became a model . . . Mf still has those damn ballet heels . . . How tf does he walk?