Cherreads

Chapter 7 - Break between lessons.

(POLL at the end of the chapter! and feel free to check out my Patreon at Noahkiller05)

*A few days prior*

Y/n was typing away at the computer, finishing up an email he was working on and attaching some data he had gathered during his free time. Letting out a sigh, he turned in his chair toward another person in the building.

Y/n: You know I'm still concerned about you hanging around here. Especially this time, since unlike the past few days when you had visited at night, this time you came during the day.

Kiri was walking around the room, checking out the place since, unlike the other times when they started right away, Y/n had to take care of the email, which gave her time to explore the lab.

Y/n: You sure people won't come looking for you?

Kiri: You don't need to worry your little head, my grandmother sent me out looking for more herbs that we need.

Y/n: "Scoffs." I may be smaller than you in my current body, but I can still pin you down.

Kiri: "softly giggles," I would love to see you try~

Y/n: Don't try to tempt me, Kiri, or else one of Sully's daughters will be returning to high camp looking a little messy~

Kiri instinctively stepped back and quickly looked away, trying to hide the burning blush on her face since she wasn't expecting him to tease her back… she couldn't help but compare him a little to Spider.

The way he acted around her was… a lot bolder than Spider, who acted more childish and clingy with her.

Chuckling to himself, Y/n stood up and walked over toward the building's entrance. Beside the door was a holder for his masks and exopacks (the air-breather, you know, the thing Spider had).

Y/n: "Coughing." You ready to head out?

Kiri, whose hands covered her face as she was lost in thought, finally looked up, realizing that y/n was standing close to the door and was putting the mask on his face.

Kiri: Wait, heading where?

Y/n: You mentioned your grandmother sent you to gather some herbs, right? So I thought, instead of staying cooped up in this building for our entire Na'vi language class, we could look for herbs together.

Kiri: You wanna help me?

Y/n: Yeah, of course, after all, you're also helping me.

A small smile crept onto Kiri's face before she lowered her head and walked over toward him.

Kiri: Then we should get moving... Thanks, Y/n.

Nodding his head, Y/n walked through the airlock door, and the pair started to leave the cave, but not before Y/n stopped to look around the open area in front of the cave entrances.

Kiri: What's wrong?

Y/n: Nothing, just... checking if I'm about to get gang on again by your brothers.

Kiri: Hehe, you dummy, I already told you they don't know I'm here. "Na'vi language" And besides… I want to keep this place… and you to myself.

Y/n: Hmm, well, if you say so. So, how about you lead the way? After all, you're the one who knows where the stuff you need could be found.

* Time skip brought to you by Y/n and Kiri walking along tree branches as Kiri tries to teach Y/n more Na'vi words.*

Before they realized it, hours had passed as the pair searched through a small field of what Kiri calls archer thicket, which sadly Kiri had assigned to him to gather. It wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the fact that the plants had sharp edges that poked him a few times, even drawing blood.

Y/n: Tell me again why you need these? F-fuck man these plants.

Kiri: Usually, Father would send my brothers and me out here to gather these so the others could use them to make arrows. 

Y/n:... He doesn't want you guys anywhere near the fighting, does he?

Kiri: He means well, we can all see that... but…

She doesn't finish her sentence, leaving him to wonder what she might say next.

Y/n: "Coughing." So, why are we gathering these now?

Kiri: O-Oh, uh, well, you see, I thought that during your next break you get from Neytiri, we could spend some time together back at high camp… "quietly," just me and you. "Normal," and so that I would be available, I thought we could gather these now since the herbs I need are here as well. 

Y/n: Oh, I see, for sure. I think I have a break in a few days, but why the suddenness? It just kinda came out of nowhere.

Kiri: "Slight blush." Uh, well, I thought we could hang out for a bit, and I could introduce you to our Tsahìk.

Y/n: Hmm, meeting your Tsahìk, huh? Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.

Hearing those words, Kiri ducked out of sight behind some archer thicket, as Y/n assumed she must have spotted some of the herbs she was gathering. However, unbeknownst to him, she was actually ducking down, giving a little fist bump, excited that she'd gotten him to agree.

While that was happening, Y/n kept grabbing the archer thicket until he stopped with his hand on one when he noticed a strange purple-looking thing in the brush among the plants.

Pushing the archer thicket aside to get a better view, he finally saw that the purple thing was, as it appeared, some kind of plant. It reminded him of the extinct purple roses beside the fact that it was bigger.

That moment when the small idea entered his mind, which could give him better leverage with Kiri.

Carefully, he removed the plant from its roots, making sure the stem would be long enough for his needs.

Walking toward the other side of the brush, he noticed that Kiri was still on the ground, slightly hunched over.

Y/n: Are you okay there?

Kiri: H-huh? Y-Y/n! When did you get over here?

She was so lost in her daydream about what they could do together that she hadn't heard his footsteps. 

Y/n: Don't worry about that, but could you close your eyes for a moment? Just for a second, I promise.

Confused, Kiri tilts her head slightly with a questioning look, but she reluctantly listens to him and closes her eyes.

Kiri: Y-you better not try anything!

Y/n: Oh? I thought you wouldn't mind if I got... close~

Suddenly, she felt a quick touch against her face as his hands brushed through her hair. She didn't know how to respond, so she kept her eyes closed until he told her when she could open them.

Y/n: Alright, you can open them now.

Her eyes flutter open as she looks back at y/n. The first thing she notices is how close they are, which makes her heart race even faster, already pounding because of his hand brushing against her.

Reaching out to where y/n had been playing with her hair, she felt something soft there. Her eyes looked back at him, but y/n just pointed toward the nearby river.

Walking over, she looked into the flowing water to see her reflection and saw the purple rose Y/n had carefully tucked into her hair. Instinctively, her hand softly touched the flower as she kept gazing at her reflection, unable to look away. 

Y/n: You look beautiful.

Upon hearing those words, she glanced over her shoulder then quickly looked away, her face flushing with embarrassment. Meanwhile, her tail wagged happily, revealing her true feelings.

After a few seconds, mustering some courage, she turned to him, placing her hand behind her back, puffing out her chest slightly, and smiling brightly.

*Image here*

* Yes! I found a spot to include this image in the story. Also, imagine she has a purple rose in her hair, right above her left ear in the picture.*

Kiri: I-I love it, it looks beautiful… Thank you.

Y/n: Heh, of course. Now, come on, we should finish this before nightfall.

Kiri: H-hold on, y/n... "Na'vi," you're really an incredible person. I hope we can get closer someday because y/n... I think I-i-i like you.

Y/n:... So, will you explain what that means? I could only understand parts and pieces.

Kiri: Heh, hmm~ no, you'll understand when the time comes.

Kiri walks past him and then back toward the archer thicket, leaving y/n a bit confused. But judging by the way she was smiling, humming, and tail wagging, he was convinced it had to mean something good, which was what he was hoping for.

*Present day*

Reopening his eyes, he looked at his wooden soup bowl, then glanced up and realized he must have been lost in thought for a while, as many of the people around him were now gone.

Not only had those people left, but the light shining through the opening of the Hallelujah Mountains was also much brighter than before.

He was initially eating to pass the time while waiting for Kiri, since they had agreed to meet at noon. Given everything, she should have already arrived by now, which left him somewhat confused.

While he was contemplating what might have caused her to be late for their meeting, he suddenly felt a strange, intense stare coming from somewhere behind him. The odd feeling he experienced wasn't murderous but instead felt… off.

 

Quickly looking over his shoulder, he narrowed his eyes, trying to spot where he was being watched from. However, he couldn't tell exactly, since when he looked, the feeling he felt disappeared.

Returning his focus to his food, he quickly ate up the rest of the stew, even if it wasn't hot anymore.

Afterward, he stood up, picked up the bowl, and set it with the other used bowl before walking around. But that only lasted until he was sure of something, then slipped between a few tents/huts.

*2 years later and I still don't know what they are called* 

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A small pair of hands clung to the side of one of the huts as a child carefully peeked through the narrow passage from where he had slipped in between the huts.

They had expected to see Y/n somewhere inside the passage, but he was nowhere to be seen. Closing their mouth, they swallowed a bit of built up saliva as they tried leaning further to the side to get a better angle, hoping to see if he would show up. But no, he really wasn't there.

Taking a deep breath, they finally stepped out from cover and hesitantly began walking through the passage, trying to see where he went.

But suddenly, they felt a hand land on their shoulder, causing them to jump and turn around, but in doing so, they turned too fast and fell on their butt.

???: Ow.

Y/n: Sorry if I scared you there, but if you're going to stalk someone, maybe you should consider doing it more discreetly. 

The Na'vi before him stare at him, their mouths opening to speak, but no words come out.

Y/n: Are you okay? I won't hurt you if that's what you're thinking… wait a minute, you look a bit familiar. Haven't I met you before?

???: N-n-n-No… you haven't.

He couldn't help but smile slightly as he crouched down to the Na'vi child's height, trying to appear less intimidating.

Y/n: Oh, really? Now, aren't you, Tuk, Jake, and Neytiri's daughter?

Hearing those words, she looked away, avoiding his eyes, either from embarrassment at being caught or shyness, like when they first met.

???: Tuk! Tuk, where are you? Ugh, where did she go? Hm? Ah, Y/n!

Hearing someone call his name, Y/n stood up and turned to look back, realizing the voice was none other than Kiri.

Kiri: Y/n, you wouldn't happen to have seen my sister, would you?

Y/n: Speaking of your sister.

Y/n stepped to the side, revealing Tuk still sitting on the floor.

Kiri: Tuk! There you are. Do you know how long I've been looking for you? What are you even doing here?

Y/n: Well, from the looks of it, she was watching me.

Kiri: Huh?

Y/n: Yeah, I was while waiting for you when I felt someone watching me. So I decided to lead them somewhere I could confront them, and that's how we ended up here.

Tuk: N-No, I wasn't watching you eat or anything like that!

Y/n smirked as he raised an eyebrow at the young Na'vi kid.

Y/n: Oh, and who said anything about me eating?

Her face flushed slightly with red as she realized she had been caught in her own lie. She turned her face away, trying to look elsewhere while closing her mouth, seemingly pouting.

Kiri: Ugh, Tuk, you know they don't want you near him.

Y/n: Me?

Kiri: Yeah, Neytiri doesn't want to be near you, which is why I wanted us to hang out today since she and her father are gone.

Y/n: Oh? Where are they off to?

Kiri: I think they went off with some of the other hunters to check some places out. I'm not really too sure. Ugh, you're getting me sidetracked.

Y/n: Heh, my bad.

Kiri: "Coughing," so what do you think you were doing, Tuk? You know, when the parents are gone, you're supposed to be around me.

Tuk: I just wanted to find out why everyone was talking about him.

Y/n: Whoa, I knew I was getting stares and gossip about me, but am I really that much of a news?

Kiri: Sorry, I'm sure you understand why they're talking about you.

Y/n: There's no reason to apologize, it's normal. From what I understand about Na'vi culture, you guys basically act as one big family since you know each other well, so when a new "sky demon" person comes, it's all good.

Kiri: Hey, come on, you're not a "sky demon" in my eyes.

Y/n: "Smile softly." Now then, since you've seen me, are you satisfied with witnessing what the talk of the town was?

Tuk: I guess….

Kiri: Come on, Tuk. Neteyam said he would watch over you for the rest of the day. I was supposed to bring her to him, but since she was missing, that's why I was late for our meeting, sorry y/n.

Y/n: Hey, it's no big deal. Things happen, and I can wait for you as long as you need.

Kiri stepped toward him, patted his face, and smiled. He was surprised by her boldness, but if she could be this forward, maybe he could be too.

Kiri: Now then, Tuk, come-

Tuk: No!

Kiri: Huh?

Tuk: I'm not leaving, and if you make me go with Neteyam, I'll be sure to tell mom and dad that you're hanging out with him.

Kiri: W-What! Why?

Tuk: B-Because it's unfair, why do you get to play around with the sky demon when the rest of us can't?

Kiri: Tuk, please don't talk about someone like that. It's mean and hurtful. Besides, I-i-i uh, I'm just watching over him, yeah, that's it.

Y/n: Hah, smooth.

Without warning, Kiri elbowed him in the ribs, causing him to wince in pain, while Kiri rolled her eyes.

Tuk: Then why can't I help watch him too? That's not fair!

Kiri: Ugh, you just can't Tuk, and if you tell the parents, they'll know you were also watching Y/n even though you knew you shouldn't have.

As things began to heat up between the two sisters, Y/n let out a sigh and suddenly placed his hand on Tuk's head, catching her off guard. She didn't know how to react as her face turned red from embarrassment. Despite this, she didn't dislike the gesture, especially as her tail swung back and forth.

Y/n: Come on, Kiri, why not just let her join us this time?

Kiri: B-but it was supposed to be just us.

Y/n, not wanting Tuk to overhear, leaned in towards Kiri so only she could hear the words spoken from his lips.

Y/n: How about this, then? Next time we're both off duty, we can just hang out back at the lab. 

Kiri:... "sighs" Y-you mean it?

Y/n: Yeah, of course. Besides, how could we turn away this cute child?

He walked back over and resumed stroking her head like a cat, but this time she tried to push his hand away.

Tuk: Stop it! I'm not a little kid. I'm 12!

Y/n glanced at Kiri, who just shrugged her shoulders.

Y/n: Sure thing… kid.

Tuk: ugh! "pouting".

Y/n: So, Kiri, what comes first? Meeting the tsahìk or just hanging around?

Kiri: Hmm, I believe now is a good time to introduce you to our tsahìk. She isn't busy with anything right now.

Tuk: Wait, are we going to see Grandma?

Y/n: Wait, the tsahìk is your grandmother?!

Kiri: Oh, uh, did I not mention that before?

Y/n: No, not really.

Kiri: heh uh my bad then.

She closed her eyes, sticking out her tongue, then playfully bonked her own head. Which Y/N couldn't help but shake his head at, trying to hold back a small laugh as he finally took steps to leave the passage, which Kiri followed with Tuk quickly getting up from the ground and chasing after the two.

Kiri initially attempted to lead the group because she knew where Tsahìk lived, well, she and Tuk knew. But still she wanted to be the one to show Y/n where to find her, since it was supposed to be just him and her.

But as they continued walking, she gradually fell a bit behind, so Tuk gladly took on the role of leading the group.

Kiri couldn't help but think back to something she saw earlier… something that made her… angry?

Seeing Y/n pet Tuk's head made her angry, and she wasn't sure why. She knew she shouldn't be upset since it was just her younger sister, but still… she secretly wished he would pet her too.

Y/n: Kiri?

Kiri: H-Huh?

Kiri was brought back to reality as she realized she was walking side by side with y/n, who looked at her with a slight concern.

Y/n: I asked if you were okay. I thought you were upset because I suggested bringing her along so she wouldn't tell Jake and Neytiri about our meeting. But you weren't really responding to anything I said.

Kiri: Oh, I'm sorry, I'm just... thinking about something that has nothing to do with this, so don't you worry.

Y/n: Well, if you say so... By the way, I couldn't help but notice that you still have the flower in your hair.

Kiri: Oh, that? Heh, I really liked it, so as soon as I left your place, I went to get some preservatives to make it last a little longer.

Y/n: I meant every word I said about you, and just so you know, I still think you look beautiful with it. But even without it, you're still just as beautiful.

Kiri glanced to the side at some of the Na'vi who were busy doing things, but her eyes softened, and a small smile appeared as she raised her hand to touch the flower.

Tuk: Ugh! I'm tired.

Without warning, Tuk suddenly spoke up, breaking the moment the two were sharing, as she suddenly fell forward onto the ground.

The two gazed for a moment at Tuk's seemingly lifeless body before exchanging a glance. Kiri simply rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, while Y/N appeared confused about what had just occurred.

Y/n: You know, for a kid, I thought you would have a bit more energy. 

Kiri: Come on, you were just begging to join us, and now you're too tired?

Tuk: "Triedly," it's because you made me help you with your chores.

Kiri: Oh… right, heh, I forgot about that.

Y/n: I thought we had already taken care of your clan duties when you had me gather those archer thickets. I'll have you know, those archer thickets were very pointy, kiri, and hurt… a lot.

Kiri: W-We did, "sighs," but father suddenly gave me another task that I needed to finish, so I brought Tuk along to help me get it done faster so we could spend more time together today... Don't be such a baby. 

Y/n: Oh yeah, how about I insert something long and hard into you and see how you like it, hmm~

Kiri: Hmm~ I would like to see you try~

Y/n smirked, crossing his arms and looking at Kiri, who stared back. Before they could continue their small banter, Tuk let out a small groan, turned onto her back, sleepily rubbed her eyes, and looked up at the two, completely unaware of their conversation.

Kiri: "sighs," but speaking of a kid, I think it really would be better to take her to Neteyam.

Tuk: "sleeplishly" No, I don't want to.

Thinking for a moment, Y/n clasped his hands together before walking around the dead Tuk, crouching down on one knee while looking over his shoulder.

Y/n: Here she can piggyback on me while we walk to your grandma.

Tuk, who was lying on the ground just a second ago, suddenly shot up with sparks in her eyes, raising both fists together to her chest, looking excited.

Tuk: R-really, you mean it?! I can?

Sadly, unknown to y/n at this moment, they would later come to regret it…. Well, not the action itself, but anything related to involving the small Na'vi child and his back moving forward.

Giving a nod, an excited Tuk carefully climbed onto his back. Y/n positioned her arms slightly backward to support her legs and prevent sliding down. Tuk gently wrapped her arms around his neck, but not tightly enough to choke him.

Y/n: Alright, you good?

She gave a very excited nod as she shook her head rapidly, which y/n couldn't help but smirk at slightly before standing up.

Tuk: Whoa, I'm so high up!

While that was happening, Kiri once again remained silently watching the entire scene, but while doing so, the strange feeling returned as she watched. 

Kiri finally speaks up, exhaling some air from her lips.

Kiri: Come on, we're not far from the tsahìk. We should hurry if we want some free time before Father and Neytiri return.

* A slight time skip as Tuk stretches her hands out like an Ikran while riding on top of Y/N.*

After walking for a while longer, the group approached a hut that looked slightly different from the rest, smaller, as if it were made for only one person to live inside, though compared to his it was way smaller.

Through the entrance to the hut, y/n spotted a Na'vi woman with her back turned to them, sitting near a collection of what appeared to be many different herbs.

Though he couldn't see what she was doing, from her arm motions and the way she would randomly grab a herb from the stockpile, he assumed she was grinding and mixing them.

Her ear twitched slightly, probably noticing the approaching group of people. But instead of turning toward the group, she stayed still, likely out of respect and waiting until they called to her.

Tuk: Grandma!

While still a couple of feet away from her place, y/n could have sworn he heard a small chuckle coming from her, since those words and voice could only come from one person.

She stood up and finally turned to face the group with a warm grandmotherly smile, stretching her arms open as Tuk hopped off Y/N and ran toward her.

???: Ah, Tuktirey, Kiri, my sweet child, it's good to see you. What brings you here, child?

Although she had noticed Y/n standing there, she probably waited until one of them decided to mention him.

Kiri: Sorry to intrude on your time, Grandmother, but I wanted to introduce you to Y/n.

???: Oh, so this is the Dream Walker you've been telling me… nonstop about.

Y/n glanced over at Kiri, whose ears and tail were both standing up straight, her face lit up brighter than ever expected when the tsahìk shared something that Kiri didn't want y/n to hear.

Y/n: "coughing" I, uh, guess you like talking about me… heh.

Kiri: I-It isn't like that, I swear!

Kiri stepped closer to him and started thumping her fist against his chest, her face lowered to hide the heat rushing to her cheeks. Meanwhile, Y/n just softly chuckled and scratched his cheek.

???: Calm yourself, child, I was just simply joking. Now, come here, dream walker. I wish to take a closer look at you.

With no reason to refuse the request, Y/n approached the older woman until he stopped a few feet away. As she slowly got even closer to him. He could feel her eyes as they traced along his body as if searching for something deeper.

Raising her hand, she placed it along his collarbone, slowly circling him while feeling his skin and muscles.

However, as she did that, he couldn't help but notice the fine details of the woman in front of him. Although it was clear she was many years older than him, he couldn't help but say that she was actually pretty hot?

This was probably one of the strangest lines of thought he had ever had. Was he actually not only into MILFs, but could it be that he was also into GILFs as well???

His eyes flicked downward briefly, noticing a bulge in his loincloth. God, this must be one of the strangest boners he's ever experienced. And he wasn't the only one to notice, as after fully inspecting him, the older woman also caught glimpses of the bulge.

Her eyes briefly closed for a second as a smile cracked up from the corner of her lips before disappearing.

???: "Chuckles." You are merely a child compared to me, so don't even consider it. However, I might give you one chance, child.

(Weirdest thing I've ever written, though it will probably be even weirder if the poll wins.)

Before he could even formulate a response to her, for quite literally giving him the opportunity by the actual tsahìk at a one-night stand, or at least that's what he believed she was saying, she grabbed hold of the white end of the roll sheet thing near her chest. She pulled the white thing out and poked it into his skin, drawing blood from the cut.

Now that the white object was exposed, he could finally recognize it as a bone needle covered in his blood. She brought the bloody end close to her mouth and licked the blood, seemingly washing it around in her mouth for a couple of seconds before narrowing her eyes at him.

???: Hmm, there seems to be more to you than just a handsome face, child.

Y/n: Thank you?

Handsome? That was the last thing he expected to be called, especially by someone of a different species. Especially since… well, he was nothing special, he was just… average.

???: No need to thank me, child, as you should be thanking the All Mother for giving you such a body. After all, I can think of one other who is thankful to her.

Even without mentioning who, y/n could easily guess just from the way the woman glanced over his shoulder toward Kiri, who was simply watching the two interact, while tuk, on the other hand, was messing around with the pot on the ground using a rock to grind… nothing.

Suddenly, the woman places her hand on his shoulder, causing him to glance at her hand before looking at her.

???: Child, you have much to learn if you're going to follow our ways, but more so, you must learn to love yourself, otherwise the darkness around your heart will only grow.

Instinctively, he stepped back from the woman as his calm breathing turned heavier, as if he had just heard something that frightened him to his core.

He wanted to run and could have, but something held him back. Instead, he chose to stay in place and tried to distract himself from the horrible feeling by clenching his fist, with his nails digging into his skin.

Y/n: I…. I understand.

With his free hand, he rubbed his shoulder.

???: Now then, my sweet Kiri, is there anything else my dear grandchild needs? As you know, I must be prepared for your father's return.

Kiri: Sorry, grandgrand, I just wanted to introduce you to my friend so he knows who to turn to if he needs serious help.

???: Hmph, you kids only visit me when you need something or when you need me as your backstory when your father asks where you were. I'll have you know that I'm more than just the healer, but also our clan's spiritual leader.

Kiri: Sorry, grandmother, but you know I always come to you for spiritual help with my... things.

???: … Ah, I can't stay mad at you, honey, after all, you're my favorite grandchild. Hah, just don't let the others know I said that.

Kiri: "smiling" Of course, grandmother.

Tuk: Hey!

???: Ah, sweet Tuktirey, you know I have no favorites.

Tuk: That's not what you told me when it was just the two of us!

???: "Coughing," You all should get going. I need to have my medication ready for when the hunting party returns.

She gently nudged the group towards the entrance of her hut, clearly trying to tell them to leave so she could focus on her herbs.

Y/n:... It was nice meeting you… tsahìk.

???: Oh, child, you don't need to use my title, just call me Mo'at.

Mo'at: Also, I am still thinking about what I said earlier, but once I consult with the great mother, I'll tell Kiri whether I need you or not, child.

Instead of responding verbally, he simply responds by nodding his head.

After nudging the group outside, they stood there for a moment before Y/N, without saying anything, began walking away.

Kiri couldn't help but look at him with a worried expression, though she couldn't quite grasp what their conversation was about. The whole idea of giving him a chance and the darkness thing just didn't make much sense to her.

She thought everything was going smoothly between them until Mo'at made that remark, when Kiri noticed Y/n clutching his hand very tightly.

She glanced back at Mo'at before chasing after Y/N. It didn't take long to catch up, as he was simply walking toward his hut, probably planning to return to his human body at the cave.

She slowed down and walked beside him, her eyes stealing glances, trying her best to see what kind of expression was on his face.

Kiri: You okay? 

Y/n: I'm fine.

She could hear it in his tone, he was, in fact, not fine, as his voice carried a hint of venom, but he was clearly trying to suppress it and avoid speaking more harshly.

Kiri:.. W-What do you think she was talking about, when-

Y/n: Drop it, Kiri!

Taking a step back, Kiri watched him with an almost frightened look, surprised because every time they met, he was relaxed, happy, and cheerful. However, this was the first time she had ever heard or even seen this side of him.

Kiri… I'm sorry. Maybe it was a bad idea to introduce you to her.

Y/n's eyes soften as he realizes what he did, and he looks away for a second, trying to take some deep breaths to fill his lungs with as much air as possible, hoping to calm himself down a little.

Eventually, he glanced over at Kiri, who had one hand resting on her shoulder, rubbing it like a kid who got in trouble… looking very much like him only a moment ago, when he was in front of the Tsahík.

He stretched his hand out toward her, but for a second, he stopped, hesitating whether or not he should. After staring at her, he finally placed his hand on her shoulder, making her look up from the ground and back at him.

Y/n: No, no, look, it wasn't your fault, Kiri. I was the one who agreed since I thought it would be a good idea to get to know her, and you just want to help me out.

Y/n: I… I shouldn't have snapped at you like that… It's just that it's a really touchy subject for me, and… I'm just not ready to talk about it with anyone.

Kiri: Well, whenever you're ready to talk about it and need someone to listen, I'm here. I care about you a lot, okay?

Her eyes briefly flick to his hand, which was dripping blood onto the ground, he must have done it without realizing it.

Y/n: "Chuckles" this? Don't worry about it. It will heal on its own, alright?

His words did not convince her at all, which he could tell. Letting out a sigh, he scratched his head before swooping in, wrapping his hand around her waist, and pulling her closer while grabbing her chin to make her look at him.

Blood rushed to her face at the action, and she was taken aback by it. However, she didn't pull away. Her tail flicked slightly, almost as if it were excited by the moves he had just pulled off.

Y/n: You know something interesting I thought we could do together?

Kiri: W-What?

A smirk appeared on his face as he narrowed his eyes. It was like a predator playing with its prey.

Y/n: Well, I thought that you and I could…

Her heart felt like it could explode at any second. She used to read about these kinds of things, where a man would sweep the woman into his arms and take her to his bed… to mate… or, well, sex.

But still, this… this was moving very fast. She wasn't even sure if he was into her. Sure, they did some teasing, but it was just that teasing.

Kiri: "Swallowing some saliva, c-c-Could?"

Y/n: Well, I thought we could... "Grining" make my very own bow together.

Every thought rushing through her head came to a screeching halt as the words began to register.

This was just another one of his moments of teasing her. She couldn't believe her head was rushing with all those kinds of thoughts.

With her face now burning red, she began thumping her fist against his chest while he just laughed.

Kiri: Y-Y-You skxawng!

Y/n: Haha, calm down, it was just some light hearted playing around.

After taking a moment to calm down, Kiri and Him still hadn't moved from their spot. 

Kiri: Well, since a certain skxawng can't do anything without me, I might as well help you, hmph! I'll have to ask Neteyam. Unlike my skxawng younger brother, Neteyam prefers the old ways, so he might know the best places to gather the materials you need to make one.

Kiri: ...You realize I really dislike this, don't you?

Y/n: Oh? What is it exactly that you hate?

Kiri: W-When you tease me like this.

Y/n: Well, maybe if you were a bit bolder when you try to tease me, I wouldn't feel the need to escalate my teasing of you.

Her ears twitched slightly as she stared at him with an almost intense gaze, as if she were taking it as a challenge.

???: Hey! What do you think you're doing to her!

The two moments were eventually disrupted by a third party as they both looked toward the source of The Voice, seeing that it, of course, came from the only person who wouldn't want whatever was happening in that moment to continue.

Y/n: Well, I believe that my cue to head out.

Kiri: R-Really?

Y/n: Yeah, he and I aren't exactly on good terms because, you know, he wants to kill me and stuff.

Without warning, he withdrew his hand from her waist, leaving behind a cold sensation now that she no longer felt the heat from his touch.

She watched him walk toward his hut and disappear behind the opening. Now, only she and the other person, who had finally reached Kiri, were left.

Spider: Are you okay? He didn't do anything weird to you, did he, Kiri? If so, I would go right after him and kick his a-.

Kiri: No, leave it alone, spider. We were fine until you showed up.

Spider: W-what? But weren't you uncomfortable with him being that close to you and with his hand touching your body?

Kiri: Did it seem like I was uncomfortable, Spider! Did it seem like I was trying to push him away?!

Spider: W-well, no, but-

Kiri: But nothing, spider. You need to calm down. You've been acting weird for a while now, but now that he showed up, you've been even more of a jerk. 

Spider: I-I was just watching out for you, that's all.

Kiri: I'm old enough to watch over myself.

Not giving him time to say anything, Kiri began walking away while Spider tried to follow to explain himself.

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Y/n was sitting on his bed back at his cave base, staring down at the ground with the lights turned off, leaving him in complete darkness with nothing but his thoughts.

Word count: 6494

Happy Avatar fire and ash release, everyone! (I know I'm late)

Oh! And just so everyone knows, I'm still deciding whether to fully remake the chapter as it was, redoing the whole chapter with better grammar and continuity, or to introduce completely new story elements, like how the comics are set right before the movie. If I did it that way, I could add them in, but they wouldn't be mentioned in the way of the water arc, since I don't plan to redo those ones.

If anyone wants to give their thoughts, let me know!

POLL.

One night stand with Mo'at?

Yes, we love, GILF

or 

No, too old, we like them young

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