Fear Of Falling ... Masterlist

*Baby Dust to Myself*🌠 👶🏼🥰👶🏼

what if it all worked out

In Your Eyes

Tamaki Amajiki x Gn!Reader

Summary: When two people meet eyes for the first time.

Warnings: Fluff, a little hostage situation, ProHeroAU, Togata has his quirk back, mentions death but no one dies,

When his eyes met yours it felt like the world had come to a stand still.

You had been walking down the street to go into work like normal, an everyday routine. A Villain had other plans though and had taken you hostage. You're unsure why it had to have been you, it could've been any other person, of course life loves to throw screw balls your way.

Hanging upside down in the air was terrifying, more so from the fear of being dropped. Someone had called that the Heros were on the way and you could only close your eyes in a silent prayer that they'd capture this guy before something worse happened.

"You all will bow before me! I dare anyone to try and stop the great Anpu!" Wait did this guy really call himself Anpu? "Uh sir, have you killed anyone?" You couldn't help but ask, I mean the name did mean God of Death.

It seemed like your question had stumped him, "U-uh well..no..no I haven't, BUT IM WILLING TO," he yelled at you. You could only roll your eyes, your fear from before completely gone at this armature Villain.

"Stop right there!" A voice had interrupted the conversation and caused you to look, there were two Heros down on the ground, one with bright blonde hair and a red cape, the other wearing a large white cloak, the hood pulled up to cover his face. Wait, was he shaking?

"Don't worry citizen, we'll save you!" The Hero, now recognized as Le Million from what other people called out, had shouted to you and you called out, "Take your time, no rush," this had taken everyone back. We're you not terrified?

The guy standing next to Le Million, now announced as Suneater had suddenly sent out a large Octopus tentacle and it wrapped around your waist as you were tugged in his direction, Le Million appearing out of no where and punching the Villain back onto the ground.

Closing your eyes due to the sudden pull, you felt two arms wrap around you. The feeling was tight yet not so snug you couldn't get out.

"You okay?" The deep voice asked, you opening your (e/c) eyes to look up into a pair of dark eyes that stared back at you.

The whole world seemed to have gone silent as you stared at eachother in wonderment. His eyes were dark but warm, reminding you of a dark stary night sky somewhere in the quiet of the mountains. You felt your face flush as you found your hands on his chest and his hands still around your waist. Was this a dream?

Tamaki on the other hand couldn't find it in him to pull away from you. Beautiful (e/c) eyes stared into his soul. He wanted to shy away from your eyes and your hands that lingered on his chest but at the same time he wanted to stay looking to your eyes.

The rich color was warm and inviting, pulling him in deeper as if it would quench the thirst of curiosity he now possed about you. Your eyes to him seemed to hold the whole world, reminding him of a sunrise where hope for a new day started.

He heard nothing, no more Villain or cheering citizens. Just you and him. Him and you. Two people alone in this world. Was this a dream?

"T-thank you," you smiled at him, your eyes seeming to glimmer even more with gratefulness and the sunlight hitting them just right that had his heart stopping.

"Y-You're wel-welcome," he stammered, his face now flushing yet you found it enduring, almost cute. His eyes drew you in more, causing you to unconsciously lean in closer to the flushing Hero who you felt squeeze you tighter.

Who knew the day could start out this amazing.

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Ayee a little shorter but wanted to focus more on the feelings than the plot. Let me know what yall think

👀☀️⭐🌕❤👀

This is so cute

"you grabbed the wrong lunch"

bakugo x fem!reader

Your back was turned, facing the class as you wrote on the chalkboard. Your concentration broken as you heard mumbling coming from behind you.

Turning around you saw a couple of your students in the back whispering and exchanging looks as they looked towards yourself and back to each other.

With your hands on your hips you got the groups attention. "What are you guys whispering about back there?" you asked raising your eyebrows.

"Miss, are you married?" one of them asked.

Every student perked up once they heard that. Murmurs of agreements and head nods go around the class.

Realizing their attention isn't going to stay on the topic learning, you sighed giving in. "To answer your question, yes I am happily married." you answered flashing them your wedding ring.

Your students started getting louder in excitement, some shouting out questions about your marriage and compliments about your ring. "Where did you and your husband meet?" a student asked.

You couldn't help but smile at the memory, "We both met in our first year of this very school."

Some students started speculating who your husband could be. One brought up that you'd often walk in with Midoriya, asking if it was him. That suggestion made you chuckle and explained that you guys are close friends and colleagues.

Many started going through the list of hero's that graduated from UA, hoping it was someone they knew.

"I-" You were about to explain before a knock interrupted you.

"Come in?" you said with a confused tone, as you weren't expecting guests.

In walked the man of the hour, your husband.

"Hey doofus, you grabbed the wrong lunch." he said holding up your lunch bag.

"Oh!" you said in surprise as you grabbed it from him, giving him a kiss on the cheek as a greeting.

"Your husband is ProHero Dynamight!" your students yelled in surprise.

"Dynamight is married?!" shouted another.

Katsuki gave you a kiss on the head in return before before turning to the class. "Yeah and, you brats got a problem with that" he said with a glare.

"Oh leave them alone Kats, they just found out I was married and to you of all people." You said smiling as you grabbed his lunch.

"Hah, what's that suppose to mean" his glare now directed at you, though less fierce.

"Nothing" you winked, "Wanna stay and eat, it's almost their lunch?" you asked with a smile. "Tsk why not, I'm here anyways." He mumbled sitting down in an extra chair you pulled up.

"Can we ask you questions!" one of your students asked. "Can I have your autograph?" someone else said. "Wait where's your ring?"

You could tell Katsuki was starting to get irritated from all the questions, you were about to silence the class when he answered them.

"I keep it around my neck so it doesn't get damaged." He said pulling out the chain from under his shirt. A gold band with intricate detail that you designed for him.

The class "oooed" and "awed" as they studied the ring, noticing it matched yours.

Soon the bell for lunch rang, "okay extras beat it so I can have time with my wife." grumbled your husband.

Everyone leaving, talking amongst each other about what they just witnessed and learned about their fave hero and teacher.

~~~

Didn't like this one that much

I'm in love, I want giant blue man 💙💙

Charming Killer: 2

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Pairing: Neteyam x reader

PART ONE

Summary: Neteyam confronts his fears of the scientists compound in his attempts to reach you. He’s all over you the second he see’s you and while you don’t really know what he’s saying it doesn’t fail to have an effect on you.

Warnings: I basically turned him into a cat unintentionally. 

Word Count: 3.8k

A/N: I did not proof read this very well cause I was working on multiple fics then realised I had nothing to post! She’s as good as it gets rn kids sorry.

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Keep reading

Someone better call a cop. Cause this fic is robbing me of my feelings CAUSE ITS TOO DAMN CUTE. 😍

This Is a Family

dad!neteyam x fem!metkayina!reader

→ warnings: slight angst, neteyam doubting himself, aged up neteyam for the sake of him being a father (nothing sexual), one mention of being shot (pass tense).

→ summary: neteyam has doubts about his parenting, and he fears that he’s going to raise his son the way his father raised him.

→ i ??? love ??? him ??? so ??? much ??? he deserves the world.

→ 1.0k words

Neteyam always masked his fear. Growing up, he figured the best way to keep his siblings together during the war with the Sky People was to pretend he was never scared. It worked especially well with Tuk, and in turn, she felt herself feel less worry.

And people never questioned whether he was actually scared or not. Partly because he got so good at acting, but mostly because he was the oldest child of the great Toruk Makto. Apparently that meant he had the inability to feel regular Na’vi emotions.

It became a part of him. He never showed his fear to anyone, even in fearful situations. He buried it so deep down that he never once thought that maybe, just maybe, it would end up coming back to bite him in the ass.

Like it was in this moment.

He was sat down in your shared Marui, head held low in the palms of his hands, elbows resting on his knees with his legs crossed. His breathing was rapid and his chest was rising and falling like he just ran twelve miles. He couldn’t stop the racing thoughts in his head.

Pregnant. You’re pregnant. He’s going to be a father.

That in itself isn’t a bad thing. Don’t get him wrong, he was ecstatic when Ronal confirmed both of your suspicions. He kissed you so hard the moment the words left her lips, and he cuddled you tight that night (and every night after) with his palm resting on your tummy, where your son was growing everyday. God, he was so happy. So fucking happy. But there was still that overwhelming fear he felt when he thought about it some more.

Because no, he doesn’t think his dad was a bad dad. No, he doesn’t think ill of his dad. But he knows that his parenting method had affected the way he grew up in such a way he couldn’t even explain. And Neteyam was always scared that the way his dad raised him was so engraved into his brain that he would subconsciously raise his son to be the same.

It scared him so much, but like usual, he never let it show. Unbeknownst to him, however, you were always able to see right through him. Since the moment you two met, you were able to tell he was not only nervous to be around an entirely new clan, but also scared.

And he always wondered how you always knew when to comfort him, but he just thought that was some weird coincidence. You never mentioned it to him. Because admittedly, you thought the look of confusion he showed when you comforted him was cute. You always thought Neteyam was cute. Since the moment you saw him.

You were walking by your Marui to get to your friends’ when you heard sniffling inside. When you peaked your head in and saw that the sniffling was coming from Neteyam, your heart cracked. You’d barely ever seen him cry before. Only a handful of times; once when he got shot during the war with the Sky People; and once when you found out you were with child. Each time, he had people there to comfort him, but this time, as he sat alone inside the Marui, he had no one.

You quickly rushed over to his side, putting your hand on his shoulder gently. Neteyam jumped at the feeling of your hand on him, not knowing anyone was even there in the first place.

“Yawne, what is wrong?” Your voice was gentle, soft. It was one of the many things Neteyam lovrd about you. “What has happened?”

He sniffled again before answering, “Nothing tiyawn, do not worry.”

You let out a scoff at that and moved to kneel in front of him, hands finding their way on his thighs, moving up and down to comfort him. You wanted him to look at you and repeat it, because you knew he couldn’t lie to you like that. And when he didn’t meet your eyes, it was basically confirmed right then that something was wrong.

You took his face in your hands and tilted his head up, finally looking each other in the eyes. Neteyam placed his palms on the back of your hands and sighed.

“What is wrong.” It was more of a demand for him to tell you rather than a question this time.

He debated whether he should say it or not, but he ultimately decided he should. “I am scared.”

“Of what, my love?”

Again, he sniffled and placed a hand over your now very prominent baby bump, “Of becoming a father.” When you didn’t answer, he took it as a silent tell for him to elaborate. “I am scared that I will raise him the way my dad raised me. I do not want our son to feel the amount of pressure I felt growing up. I do not want him to feel like his siblings do not get the same amount of… attention, from his parents.”

To lighten the mood, you smirked, “‘His siblings’,” you repeated, seeing the smallest of smiles form on your husband’s face, “you want more, huh?”

“Well, yes. It is inevitable, I cannot just stop making love to you.”

A light cover of blush appeared on your cheeks, and Neteyam’s smile only grew wider. Though you kept as serious as you could in order to reassure him of his thoughts. “Mayawne, you will be the greatest father known to man. You will raise your son, and his siblings, with the amount of love anyone would only wish they’re parents had showed them. You will be an amazing father, no matter what your thoughts are telling you.”

He visibly relaxed at your words, shoulders dropping and chest loosening with a deep breath. “Besides, if you step out of line, I will be right there to slap you so hard you will forget you are even a father in the first place.”

Neteyam laughed, but nodded. Even if you were joking in the moment, he knew you would keep to your word. He leaned forward and kissed you lovingly. And though the kiss tasted of salty tears, you loved it. You loved any kiss your husband would give you.

“I see you.” He whispered against your lips, eyes closed and forehead against yours.

You smiled, “I see you.”

YALL HELPED ME FIND IT. 👏🏻😭🥺❤❤

Voice [Katsuki Bakugo x Fem!Reader]

Warning for super angst! This wasn’t requested, but I was in another mood and there needed to be some more angst on here. (adding this in late, but warning for blood)

(I guess I only write for Bakugo now *shrugs* (OoOoOpppppss)) Sorry, I’m latterly and utterly in love with him.

As always, I hope you enjoy the content, and please do send in requests! I’m making my way through them and doing my best to fulfill them all! I love you all. 

Side note, I cried writing this.

“Good morning, Bakugo!” you cheerfully greeted. You waved to the boy as he grumbled something under his breath. He walked past you without a care, not even sparing you a glance. But you didn’t care. You bounced after him and fell into step with him, clapping your hands together and never losing your smile. You gazed up at him with practical hearts in your eyes. You couldn’t help it, you had the biggest crush on the biggest jerk in the school. Everyone knew it, even 2nd and 3rd year students. It didn’t bother you, there was no one else to show him any affection. Not at school at least. He had friends, sure, but none of them liked him how you did.

Your heart swelled whenever you saw him in the hallways and you always greeted him, every morning! Your eyes were practically glued on him all day, small sighs of longing leaving your lips. You always attempted small talk with him. He never had much to say, not that he ever gave you responses or answers you were looking for. He usually told you to fuck off or to leave him alone, which you would. You believed in personal space and if he wanted it from you, then who were you to deny him that? Sometimes you brought him and his friends gifts. The most famous one his friends liked to receive were cookies and other baked goods. Though you never spied him taking a bite of any of your homemade snacks, you always showed up with some.

“Did you get the answer to number seven on the homework last night? I didn’t understand it all that well, but I know that you more than likely did. You’re so smart,” you complimented him. You could ramble on forever about how perfect her was. From his intelligence to his defined muscles. You could compliment him on anything he did.

“Would you shut up?” he grunted, seeming to slouch more at your presence. You didn’t seem to let him forget that you were there. He hated how you came around to bug him every morning. He had to hear your voice everyday, talking about something stupid that he didn’t care for. He had tried to ward you off so many times, but you were a persistent leech. He was only happy that you were physically touching him, then he’d really lose it. Kirishima and Kaminari told him that it was just a little crush, nothing to make a fuss about, that it would pass. He was ready to blast their heads off because obviously they had been wrong. Mina had said that you had to be “hard core in love with him” and that was why you were so persistante. Well he wanted nothing to do with it!

You shut up immediately, nodding your head. You followed him all the way to class, making your way happily to your seat. You were stopped when you heard your name though and turned, smiling to the group of friends seats in the middle of the room. “Good morning, Kaminari!”

He smiled at you, but not in that flirty way he had. He was so nice to you, you assumed that it was mostly because of those cupcakes you made. He was by far the biggest fan of your baking skills and he always wanted more. “Got any treats for us today?”

“Afraid not, but I can bring some in tomorrow if you really want some,” you beamed, clapping your hands together. His smile widened and if he could hug you, he probably would. The only thing stopping him was a row of desks. He sent you a thumbs up with a shining smile. “That’d be great!”

You felt yourself get all bubbly inside. You did a little dance before continuing to your seat and unpacking your supplies. Once situated, you opened your sketchbook and started on a new drawing. You always drew in class, it was a lot more productive to you. You could listen to the lesson and keep your hands occupied. It made perfect sense to you, though you were sure Aizawa sensei wouldn’t agree. It was part of the reason why you hid your work from him and from everyone else, and made it look like you were taking notes. The other reason you hid your artwork from everyone was because the entire sketchbook, save for one or two pages, was all full of Bakugo. You couldn’t help yourself, he was just so gorgeous and handsome. He was a work of art himself, and you wanted to capture that. You did, everyday. You worked so hard on every sketch, pouring your heart into every line and shade spot. It was now to the point you didn’t have to look at him for reference, you knew every detail of his face from memory. You swore to yourself it wasn’t weird, really. You just had such a huge, mega crush on him.

Class went by as usual. Aizawa taught some stuff and slept, your classmates worked, and you drew Bakugo. There were no interruptions throughout the entire day. Lunch went pretty smoothly. Your friends started the same spiel about liking such a hot head, “especially one that doesn’t like you” they’d say, and how you needed to get over him. This was because they swore that he would either never acknowledge your huge crush on him and act on it or he would find someone he does like and leave you in the dust. Either way, they were afraid you were going to be crushed. Their pleads fell upon your deaf ears, though, as you were always dead set on Bakugo and no one seemed to be able to change your mind.

When the end of the day finally rolled around, you were at your locker making an exchange. There were a few supplies you needed to restock on and a few books you could return to the library. Both needed to be done as soon as possible, and you were planning on getting it all bought up and returned before you went home that evening. The halls were clearing fast, as no one wanted to be at school when they could be playing video games or listening to music or doing anything else. You closed your locker and spotted the ash blonde making his way to the exit. You felt your smile widen.

“Oi! Bakugo! Wait up!” You called after him. He didn’t, but you caught up to him anyway. You slowed your pace once coming to his side and giggled. “Didn’t you hear me? I want to walk with you!”

Oh, he heard you! He always heard you! Your voice always made alarms go off in his head, telling him that he needed to be ready for whatever word vomit you were about to throw at him. He always found it easier to ignore you than to start yelling at you, (1) because you weren’t worth the sore, scratchy throat, and (2) because you weren’t leaving him alone. He was endlessly annoyed by your voice, which sucked because he couldn’t help but growl every time he heard it. You could be 20 feet across the room, laughing with your friends, and he would get this cloud of annoyance laid over him like a blanket. He hated it, and he was pretty sure he hated you.

You were holding your sketchbook to your chest, your backpack too full of everything else to hold it. You didn’t mind, though, as you loved carrying it close to your heart. Your art was like a piece of you, and it always made you smile. Even if you were having a bad day, going through your work was always uplifting. Or just doodling made you the happiest girl in the word.

“So, are you planning on doing anything fun?” you giggled.

“I’m going home, and if you follow me there, I won’t hesitate to blow your ass up,” he muttered coldly.

You laughed, not exactly finding his threats or insults funny, but rather cute. He glared at you for laughing at him, looking away sharply. He stuffed his hands into his pants pockets with a huff, actively ignoring you more - if that were even possible. He knew he shouldn’t have said anything to you, but he wanted to make it clear that he did not want you knowing where he lived.

Your burst of laughter stopped when you tripped on a rock in the middle of the sidewalk. You hit the ground rather hard, scraping up your knees and hands. Your sketchbook feel from your grasp as you went to catch yourself, and it fell open on the concrete. And Bakugo couldn’t help but to look at it, and he stopped dead in his tracks. He felt as though he blood was running cold and boiling at the same time, because staring back up at him was a drawing of himself. He was horrified, realizing that this was what you did all day rather than play an active role in classes. He picked up the book with lightning fast speed and flipped through it. One after another was a drawing of him. His face, his eyes, his hair, all of it was drawn with such precision and accuracy. He fucking hated it.

“It’s worse than I thought,” he grumbled, looking at you with full rage in his eyes. “You’re a stupid stalker bitch!”

You looked at him, down on your knees and feeling the seething pain of blood soaking into the sidewalk from your skin. You shook your head, waving your hands around viciously. “I’m not! I swear!”

“Then what the fuck is this!?” He couldn’t stop yelling. He felt violated almost, his opinion of you drastically changing from annoying kid with a school girl crush to crazy stalker who wouldn’t leave him alone.

“I just couldn’t help it,” you told him, standing to your feet. The blood started running down your legs, but you didn’t care. You reached for the sketchbook, but he held it over your head where you couldn’t reach it. “Please, give it back!”

“Like hell I would!” he shouted in your face. He stepped away from you, taking the book in both his hands. He suddenly set off tiny explosions, burning the surface and everything within the pages. It felt like something inside of you died the moment he did that. He threw it at your feet as tears started pooling in your eyes. “You need to leave me the fuck alone! I don’t like you, not even a little bit! If I could have it my way, you wouldn’t even be here, you hear me?! So just fuck off and stay out of my life, ‘cause I don’t need stalker extras like you dragging me down! And if I find out you draw me one more time, I’ll make sure you won’t be able to draw anything ever again!”

You picked up your sketchbook, that now looked like it had gone to Hell and come back to your. Your blood seeped into the cover and a few pages. You could only stare at it as you let silent tears fall. You gripped it tightly, your knuckles turning white. Bakugo was already walking away from you, but you couldn’t stop your voice before you could think.

“You really think you’re gonna become a hero acting like such a jerk!? You’re a monster! A horrible one! I promise you, I won’t draw you again! I never want to see you again!” You turned and ran away from him, tearing blurring your vision. He had destroyed something so close to your heart, something that defined you. It wasn’t him, it was your drawings. Everything else, you weren’t so good at, but drawing and baking was all you had. Everything else amounted to nothing, and he had just plummeted your dreams of love.

Bakugo had stopped when he heard the first thing you said. It didn’t hit him as hard as being called a monster, though. It shook him, but he didn’t let it show. He turned, half expecting to see you running to him even though he had heard you run away. But all he saw was your blood sprinkled on the ground where you had fallen. Nothing else of you remained and he felt a weird panging in his chest, like he had just stabbed himself in the heart.

The following morning, he didn’t hear your voice at all. You weren’t in the hall to greet him nor in the classroom. He didn’t see your smiling face anywhere and your friends were huddled in a corner talking to themselves. He didn’t think twice about it, as he were sure you had told them everything that had happened. How he burnt your book and about how much of a monster he was. He had stayed up all night thinking only one thing.

“How can I become a hero if I’m a monster?”

He sat down in class without a word. Even when his friends spoke to him, he didn’t even look at them. He didn’t say anything to them. He didn’t even really pay attention to the lesson. All he had running through his head was the look of pure pain on your face and the words you screamed at him. He was slowly realized that he hated your voice when you said those words, because they had been filled with hurt and hatred. It wasn’t like the loving and sweet voice you used when greeting him and telling him about your passions. He missed that voice. So. Damn. Much.

When lunch break came, he marched up to Kaminari and demanded his phone. “Dude, you have your own!”

“JUST GIVE IT TO ME, DAMMIT!”

Kaminari didn’t object again. He nearly slapped the device into Bakugo’s open hand and watched him with curiosity as he scrolled through the contacts list.

When Bakugo found your name, it had a cute flower emoji beside it. His heart filled with despair as he hit the call button beside it and held the phone to his ear. Each ring made his stomach clench, but it was the cut off that made it drop. You had sent him (Kaminari) to voicemail, where your bubbly voice filled his eyes.

“I missed you, but I promise to call you back later! If it’s important, leave a voicemail!” There was the beep, signalling the beginning of the message recording. He felt himself inhale sharply, and he held it for a few seconds. Those seconds suddenly felt like minutes as he realized he only had a short amount of time to say what he wanted to say.

“(name),” he paused for a moment, bowing his head shamefully as he felt his throat become sore and scratchy, “I’m sorry.”

Cuuuute 🔥🥰🥰🥰🥰

DRAGON SHOUTO AU | DRABBLE SERIES MASTERLIST

tags/warnings: fantasy au, interspecies relationship, aged up characters, possessive behavior, fem pronoun + afab reader, some implied western fantasy au sexism (not from our mans tho), 18+ mdni!

prequel (0.3k)

As a child you come across what you think is a weird fat lizard the size of a cat, playing in the fields just outside of your village.

part i (0.5k)

Shouto comes into his majority, and with it, his full powers. You end up with something far trickier than a dragon on your hands.

part ii (1k)

Shouto has shifted into human form in order to achieve a very specific objective. (nsfw!)

drabbles will be posted under the tag #dragon shouto au

Hear Me

Neteyam x Metkayina!F!Deaf!Reader

Summary: Neteyam thought you were the most beauitful thing in the world, yet you never seemed to respond to him.

Warning: Reader is Deaf!, Fluff, Angst (went you squint)

*not my best work, I've just had this in my head for the last few days and needed to get some form of it out*

When you had been born, the first child of Tonowari and Ronal, a great celebration had been held. They sang songs of what you would accomplish in the future, praised your name to Eywa for a blessing of a child. It didn't take long for your parents to notice you were, different.

You never reacted when someone approached or called your name. You never flinched from loud noises, only when something jumped out or you turned to suddenly see something you didn't know.

Your speech was different too, only able to make simple noises than actually talk. Able to communicate through the Clans Sign Language, but never completely with words.

Ronal prayed to Eywa for an answer, visiting the Spirit Tree to seek help. Only for a vision of silence to flash behind her eyes when she had made the connection to the tree.

You were deaf. Eywa blessed you with many things, beauty, grace, compassion and kindness.

But not the ability to hear.

Never able to hear the beautiful songs of the Tulkun, never to sing in tune with your brothers and sisters, yet you were an amazing dancer.

It took many months and years of everyday practice and routine for you and your clan to adjust to you. What you lacked in hearing, you made up in sight and touch.

You could feel the slightest change in area, quick to take others down with a elegance to it that had many young Na'vi boys swooning. You could feel the vibrations in the sand, the netting, the water. Able to change course and react before something happens.

When the day of the Sully's arrival had happened, you had been out on the Ilus with your sister, Tsireya. You lounged in the water, eyes closed as you felt the waves caress your body before shadows flashed your eyelids, eyes opening to see five Ikran's flying overhead to the main village.

Reya motioned for your attention, your eyes meeting her figure as she signed to you, 'We must hurry, they've signaled an arrival'

You nodded, connecting with your Ilu and both of you racing to the beach front. Exiting the water, you noticed six dark blue Na'vi standing there.

Reya seemed to have caught the attention of the second oldest son, his eyes quickly averting from her figure. You smiled, nudging her slightly as you made your way through the crowd that had gathered.

Many men and boys quickly moved aside for you, a smile in return you graced them.

Your brother Ao'nung had been pointing at them with a cocky smirk on his face, his friend Rotxo laughing along. Although, you could only tell he was laughing from the way his shoulders and diaphragm moved.

Feeling that it was something bad being said, you went between the both of them, slapping the sides of their arms as a warning. Reya had also slapped them, both boys quickly stopping their verbal assault.

You made eye contact with the oldest boy, a Na'vi around your age. His eyes were so bright, you could see the flecks of gold against the yellow. He made a gesture of hello, you smiling and slightly nodding your head in acknowledgement.

Your Father's sudden appearance beside you made you slightly jump, too caught up in the boy to notice the sand shifting beside you.

Meeting his face, his eyes read for you to back up so you did, your Mother soon making her way to the crowd aswell.

You could only watch as the exchange happened, the father of the other group seeming to plead with your own father. Ronal poked and prodded at the family, pulling the second sons hands into the air to show his five fingers.

Looking to Reya for help, she simply signed, 'They seek to stay, wanting refuge with us' causing you to become confused, your eyes narrowing toward the group. What could be happening that forest Na'vi come here of all places?

Seeing your father and mother start to dismiss them, you reached out for your fathers arm, his eyes snapping to you, your Mother also looking intently as you signed one thing.

'Help' and gestured to the family.

Your parents made eye contact, seeming to understand. They turned back to the other family, nodding and exchanging words before addressing the rest of the clan.

Your Father gestured to your siblings, his hand coming onto your shoulders as you assumed he introduced you. You smiled, slightly bowing your head in greeting.

Your brother of course didn't like whatever was being said, stepping forward to speak out but your father quickly shut him down.

'Show them the way' he told you, Reya grabbing your hand and leading the family away.

You glided next to your sister it seemed, your eyes casting out to the open blue water, the air gently touching your cheeks as the wind blew. Neteyam wondered about you.

You haven't said anything, yet you and your family communicated using, hands? It confused him, water Na'vi. Tsireya had explained to them how and when things would happen, she was the only one talking to them out of the pair of siblings.

Maybe you were just being nice? Nice hello gesture and that's it? You wouldn't talk to them, would look at them. We're you freaked out of their "Demon Blood"? Was being a different type of Na'vi really that off putting?

"Here we are, I hope its to your liking," Tsireya smiled, stopping at the new home of the Sullys, you accidently bumping into her as you hadn't been watching where you were going. You laughed silently, a hand on her back as an apology.

"Lessons begin this afternoon! I hope you all settle quickly," Tsireya bid goodbye, taking your hand and motioning for you to follow. You waved goodbye to the family and followed your younger sister, both of you a vision of beauty in the sunlight.

~.~

You had already been down in the water when you felt the splashes nearby, turning to see your siblings and Rotxo dive in, swimming over to you. You greeted them, looking past to see the Forest Na'vi trying to follow but kept going up to the surface.

The four of you were confused so you followed them up, motioning to them confused. They began to talk, but you waved your hands, unable to hear them.

Tsireya came up, asking for you aloud what was wrong and why they weren't just breathing.

The youngest sibling, a little girl, struggled to keep up so you took it upon yourself to help steady her in the water, the oldest boy watching you closely with Tuk.

Tuk began to thank you, your eyes meeting Rotxo who was closer, 'Tuk says thank you,' you smiled at the girl as Rotxo told her she was welcome. Tuk and Neteyam looked at eachother, both confused on why you wouldn't answer yourself.

Neteyam and Lo'ak had told them they didn't understand anything they were doing. "What is this...finger, hand motion thing you guys do? We have no clue, yet you always speak it, especially with her," Gesturing to you who was spinning Tuk in a circle in the water, the youngest one laughing in joy. You didn't acknowledge them, even though you were the center of the conversation now.

"Don't bring her into this," Ao'nung growled, teething baring. "I will teach you, as will (Y/n), believe me, you'll learn it quick with her," Tsireya assured, splashing water at you to gain attention.

You stopped, Tuk giggling as you turned to face them. Eyes dashing at each of the siblings, they all just stared making you nervous. Did you miss something important? Were you supposed to say something?

Ao'nung waved you off with a soft smile, making you return it. Your Father appeared on the shoreline, waving his hand to signal for you.

Letting out a yell in acknowledgement, you handed Tuk off to Neteyam. His eyes stayed trained on you as you swam off, your body cutting through the water like a sharp knife, but yet it didn't disturb the water. The water seemed to bend around your body.

"Beautiful, isn't she?" Tsireya asked, smiling at Neteyam, "yeah," he trailed off before realizing what he just said outloud. "I mean, for a water Na'vi," he added quickly, Kiri rolling her eyes at her stupid brother.

'Morons, all of them,' she thought.

"So why doesn't she respond?" Lo'ak asked, his eyebrows contorting in confusion.

Ao'nung and Tsireya shared a look, Rotxo simply shaking his head.

"That is not our information to share, but please be patient with her," Tsireya pleaded, her big eyes making Lo'ak melt, "she is very bright and smart, but please, just be patient as you learn more about her,"

The Sully siblings looked at eachother before confirming with a nod to the water Na'vi.

~.~

Neteyam stared at you from a distance, you currently teaching some of the younger children how to dance. The way your hands moved, elegantly and flowing, like water. A smile on your face, eyes focusing on a child who grabbed your attention, their hands moving. You did it back, again, no verbal reply.

"Is there a reason you're staring at the Olo'eyktan's daughter?" His father gained Neteyam's attention back, his eyes wide. "I wasn't staring at her," Neteyam replied, looking back down at the fish they were currently gutting and cleaning for dinner.

"I mean I can see why, your age, beautiful, good with kids, anything else you wanna add?" Jake joked, Neteyam feeling his face get warm. "He hasn't said a word to her," Kiri chirped, Neteyam glaring with sharp eyes, his teeth bared in warning.

"Oh? Now you're telling me my oldest son can't talk to a girl?" Jake pressured, Neytiri sending him a look, a look to tread lightly.

"Its not that, it's that she never responds," Neteyam clarified, but he knew it really was because he was worried to talk to her.

"That's cause she's-" Neytiri slapped a hand over her mates mouth, her eyes basically shutting him up.

"She's to tell them, not you," Neytiri warned, Jake nodding, Neytiri releasing him.

~.~

At the clans dinner, many banged drums and danced to the beat. Chanting and singing drawled out into the night sky, footsteps marking in the sand by a large bonfire.

At the center of it was you, your head bobbing as you felt the vibrations through the sand, your feet and your spirit. Tsireya beside you as you guided her through the movements, her eyes suddenly catching the oldest son, turning you toward him and motioning for you to grab him.

You did just that, teething gleaming from a smile as you grabbed his hand, gesturing for him to come dance. "No thanks," he tried, but you just pulled him up and dragged him out to the sand.

"No, (Y/n), I don't dance!" He tried to explain but you just carried on, smiling and waving at him to join. He was soon grabbed by other Na'vi who had started a dance circle, hands and arms linked as they jumped and chanted. You laughed, a weird chortle but Neteyam could only grin back.

When the ceremonies had started to die down, you grabbed his hand and gestured him to follow, his eyes trying to find his family to see if they were watching him slip away.

"So where are we going?" He questioned, of course you didn't hear, you just kept running through the bushes, leading him somewhere special.

"Is there a reason you never respond?" He tried again, still nothing.

Finally having enough of a one way conversation, he grabbed your hand, stopping the movement going forward. You turned, face showing confusion.

"Where are we going?" He annunciated slowly, you waving your hands, pointing to your ears.

"What? If you're listening then reply," he urged, frustration growing. You hummed, trying again.

'I can't hear you,' you signed, but he only groaned, eyes rolling. "What are you saying," he growled, angry at himself and you. This was all so annoying.

You took his hands, placing them on your ears and pushing them down. "What you don't wanna listen? Don't wanna hear?" He raided an eyebrow, you looking at him with a quirked eyebrow, hinting at something.

He just shrugged, so you placed your hands on his ears, smashing them down. "Ow! Now I can't hear-" it dawned on him, mouth dropping open as his eyes stared into yours.

All this time you hadn't meant to ignore or be rude. You were oblivious or an airhead. You just couldn't hear. He grabbed your hands softly, bringing them off his head and holding them close to his chest as you both stared at each other.

'Understand?' You signed, Neteyam still struggling to figure out all the signs your clan had but nodded slowly, almost like he knew what you did say.

"You can't hear? Nothing?" You had learned to read lips a little over the years so you briefly nodded, Neteyam looking at you in a different light.

He'd always thought you were beautiful to begin with. Your smile alone could distract him, make him weak in the knees. The way you cared for your clan and his family even, made him feel warm inside. Of course, not many words were expressed between you two, but he couldn't help an attraction, a pull almost, towards you.

You could say the same. His strength that was displayed everyday was very invigorating, his protectiveness over his family made you feel safe as well. The way he seemed to go with the flow even if he didn't want to reminded you of water. The softness of his hands squeezing yours brought you out of your day dream.

He smiled at you, your eyes bright with warmth as he allowed you to continue the way you had been trying to go moments before.

Coming to a open pool of water, hundreds of jelly like fish swam. All glowing bright, iridescent colors.

Neteyam looked around in awe, turning to you in amazement as you let out a chortle, him finding it the most beautiful sound ever.

He watched the way your skin glowed in the light of the fish, your eyes reflecting both the light and the night sky. 'Beautiful' he signed, one thing he did remember from Tsireyas instruction earlier.

You felt your face grow warm, suddenly bashful under his gaze as you looked downward. Many boys had told you you were pretty, but hearing it from Neteyam, a boy from another clan. Someone who had just stayed learning your ways was different. It made you feel nervous, yet excited.

He reached his hand out, cupping your chin to make your eyes met again. "Don't hide from me," he grinned, you not hearing his words but felt the love behind them from his hand on your face that you leaned into as it moves up to your cheek, cradling you softly.

"I know you can't hear me," he let go of your face, his turning inward as he tried to remember everything Tsireya taught him earlier. "I see you, (Y/n)" he gestured, you suddenly beaming as you titled your head giddy like.

"I see you, Neteyam," you signed back, his arm coming around you to pull you in close. Maybe you couldn't hear his words, but you sure did feel them.

Oh god I'm hooked. ❤💋💯

Part one. Master list for plus one can be found here.

Just a nice fic I decided to write for fun. Please enjoy!

Asshole!

He was nothing but a huge, giant fucking ASSHOLE for the entire two years the two of you were dating and he decides NOW is a good time to break up with you?

Two days before your cousin's wedding and over TEXT MESSAGE?!

That fucking asshole.

He knew how you felt. Exactly how you felt about going alone to your cousin's wedding after your family begged to meet your boyfriend and teased you for "probably making him up." Which hell, he may as well have been made up considering how absent he was in the relationship. Using work as an excuse to come home late but forgetting to turn off his snap location when he showed up at the bar.

So you did what any rational woman in her upper twenties would do.

You drowned your sorrows in booze, tonight red wine as it was the only thing around, and you scrolled through your socials in hopes of distracting yourself from your suffering.

Alas the devil that is Instagram only amplified your sadness and irritation. Showing couple after couple, your friends on hikes kissing on the mountain top, kissing in the flickering light of candles at a fancy dinner or, worst yet, getting proposed to. The video showing her in hysterics screaming, "YES I DO I DO!"

And it feels terrible to feel this way. Especially about your friends, the people you love and want to support, still it stings. You hadn't told anyone about the breakup, you weren't even sure your friends even remembered that asshole's name.

A teardrop lands on your screen, magnifying all the magical lights of the led beneath the glad. You wipe away the tear and with that the feed refreshes. A new post has come in at the top, Res Riot's official account.

Kirishima stands with a fat white cat in his arms. He dwarfs the animal with his large stature that looks larger as he still has his Red Riot gear on. The caption reads something along the lines of "missed my precious baby."

Red wine is a dangerous thing as your body acts on its own. You go to his page to hit the little arrow to DM him. Typing out and backspacing your message as you struggle from the booze, you decide to say fuck it and use the voice memo feature. Before you know it your sniffling voice is playing back to you after you've hit send.

"My ex broke up with me before this stupid wedding. It's in two days and my family is going to roast me big time when I show up alone. They think I made that asshole up. I don't know why I'm even in your dms. Your account is probably run by some dick head who can't even capture your kindness. I guess I'm here cause my first thought seeing you on my timeline was Red Riot has always been my hero…"

Ugh totally fucking cringe.

There is no surprise as you see the three normally ominous dots pop up, probably his social media manager about to ask you to stop your "advances" as Kirishima is too busy to date and he'd hate to block you or some other bullshit.

But there it is a surprise to see a little bubble with the play button and some vertical lines in various heights. It takes your sluggish brain a moment to realize you've been sent a voice memo. Odd. Your thumb smashes the screen faster than you can think and a deep voice rumbles through the speakers of your phone.

"Actually I run my official and personal socials. And I'm sorry to hear about your ex doll. He sounds like a real ass. I'll be your hero, I'll go with you to the wedding."

Your heart stutters, no way, no way in HELL this was Red Riot. You had read about the horror stories before or pervy account managers taking advantage of women who so desperately wanted to talk to their hero.

Hell, it's happened to Dynamight plenty of times.

You swallow quickly but the bile rushes up your throat. Not just from the anxiety of a possible con but from drinking an entire bottle of wine with nothing on your stomach after months of sobriety. Quickly you stumble to the bathroom, abandoning your phone on your bed. You barely make it in time to praise the porcelain Gods before you fall onto your back. Looking up at the light in your cramped bathroom, the orb doubles and spins as you feel the Earth turning on its axis. You curl into your side using your bathmat as a pillow as you drift off into sleep, totally forgetting about the voice memo on your phone.

As you sleep peacefully on your memory foam bath rug, Kirishima settles into his nightly routine. One giant hand grabbing strands of long dark red hair into a towel while another sits snugly around his Adonis belt and the thick, black happy trail that follows up the center of his abs before spreading out onto his chest. He tosses the towel over the open door of the bathroom before sitting in his favorite armchair with phone in hand. Diamond, his beautiful white cat he rescued a few years ago, jumps onto the arm of the chair, purring loudly when Kirishima's free hand scratches her ears absentmindedly.

He chuckles to himself as he realizes exactly what he's done. Acting on a feeling instead of logic all because he heard a "damsel in distress." Starting off his rare vacation with spontaneity starting with an impromptu date with a stranger. He really isn't sure what you look like and it's obvious your handle doesn't have your real name in it, just PrincessPeach with some random numbers at the end. He takes the time to scroll through your profile. Seeing pictures of food, of many sunsets, a friend's dog that guest appears often, your own cat and plenty of strays.

It takes him a while before he sees a photo of you. His heart stutters in his chest as he looks you over. Laughing with a friend, soft lighting from strings over head that blur like little fireflies. Your smile is wide, half hidden by your hands as your eyes seem to smile with you. Sparkling as if they held stars.

For a moment Kirishima forgets how to breathe, it isn't until Diamond jumps down from the armchair does he inhale. He smiles softly to himself before he drops his towel, puts his phone on charge and promptly falls asleep in his bed.

Kirishima rises before the sun even has a chance to filter through his blinds. He sighs softly, getting up to a sitting position disturbing a fluffy white ball that lays beside him.

"Mmrow." Moon stone eyes blink slowly as they look at the mountainous man hogging the bed.

"I didn't mean to wake you sweet baby." He says softly, going to pet the soft white fur only for her to get up stretch and give him her butt before plopping back down.

"I know, mean ol' daddy woke you up too early again." He says softly, his hand falling onto her back before he rises from the bed. Fishing for his running shorts, socks, headphones and shoes. He makes his protein shake, leaning on the counter as he drinks it, looking at how you read, or better yet, listened to his message but still no reply. It was late and there was a small slurring of your words, he figures you've passed out. He just hopes you're okay.

His run goes as usual, up before anyone else unless they were the normal avid runner. Passing by the usual array of people. An old man holding onto his youth by jogging through his daily five mile morning run, Kirishima knows he runs another five in the evening while the sun is setting. He hopes he can embody some of this man's commitment when he is older. Then he passes a middle aged woman, who gives him the biggest smile as she pases, jogging backward to send him a wink before plowing ahead. Occasionally he'll see a running group or a few teens training to be heroes, they always ask if they can run his route. "It's long." He always warns in a kind, warm voice. They assure him they will be fine so far only one other person could handle his 12 mile morning run. A young woman in her second year of hero courses at UA. Since then Kirishima put in a word with his boss and so every time internships roll around she's in the office.

By the time Kirishima is rounding back towards his high rise apartment, the city begins to stir. Slowly waking as men and women in business suits rush towards the train, parents flinging open the doors or curtains fussing at their children who cling to an extra few minutes of sleep before school.

This was always his favorite part of the run, not because it was almost over, oh no it was because he had a chance to glimpse at everyday life. Of nine to fives, of school hours and after school hangs outs at snack bars or the library.

What most would call the mundane but Kirishima would never call it that. It's why he worked so hard to protect it.

Diamond greets his sweaty form at the door. Glaring angrily with her moon stone eyes. Tail swishing before she goes to the kitchen by her bowl. Waiting impatiently.

"I'm not late, sweet cheeks." He coos, and she glares, "I know I know. You're hungry now."

He opens the fridge, gets out the highest quality food there is and places it on her dish, sure to keep it all in the middle or she'll claim her bowl was empty. He added a splash of water too since the weather was starting to get hot.

He sucks down a water or two, demolishes a protein bar and then heads to the apartment gym.

A few hours roll by and without hearing from you yet his worry over your well being begins to cloud the forefront of his mind. He pauses his music, picks up his phone and talks out a voice memo.

A loud DING echoes from your room and around your skull as you rise with a throbbing headache.

"Fuck." You hiss to yourself grabbing at your head as you shakily rise to your feet. Yanking the handle of the faucet to drink from the stream before looking at yourself in the mirror.

"Ugh." You grunt ignoring your swollen face and eyes, yanking the mirror door open to snatch at the bottle of aspirin. Swallowing THREE extra strength pills before slamming the door shut and turning off the faucet. You make your way towards your bedroom, more than ready to sleep the rest of your day away. Grabbing at your phone to charge it you see the push notification of an Instagram message from Red Riot.

The fucking Red Riot.

Internally you scream before it bubbles up your throat and escapes. You fumble to unlock your phone before looking that it's a voice memo.

Mortified you realize you sent one too. And first at that.

"Fuck MEEE!" You plop onto the bed. Nervous this second voice memo is probably about how you're a weirdo or something as you relive the memory of asking him to be your plus one.

Hesitantly your thumb hovers over the play button before you find the strength to press the cool glass. A soft thunderous voice plays out.

"Good morning sleepy head. I haven't heard from you yet, I hope you're okay. Be sure to drink some water and eat something greasy. Trust me, late nights with Denki and Bakugou taught me something. Since the wedding is tomorrow I'll need a picture of your dress for the color and style so I can match you Sweet pea. Contact me soon so I can know where to pick you up."

Did he… did he just call you SWEET PEA? Your heart pounds in your chest before it registers he's asked for your dress color and lowkey asked for your address. This couldn't be real. It sounded like Kirishima, his voice familiar from interviews you've watched but it very well could be a prank. Defeated you hit the small microphone and reply.

Kirishima hears a sharp DING in his headphones over his music as he finishes his set. He wipes the sweat from his face on his shirt giving the few people in the gym a lovely view of his sweaty and thick torso. One woman trips on the treadmill but it goes unnoticed by Kirishima. He pauses his music and hits play on the little memo. Your beautiful yet groggy voice comes in through his ear buds causing Kirishima to bite his lip. It causes such a flutter of butterflies in his stomach he has to listen a second time to actually hear what you said. Although he understand, he cannot help but feel hurt by your reply.

"How do I know you're not just some pervy guy using Kirishima's Godly looks to prey on unsuspecting people."

Your phone chirps at you from the bed stand and you growl reaching for it. You had hoped your message would have been clear. An unspoken of you know they're a fucking creep taking advantage of their PR job.

"What can I do to prove it to you, Sweet Pea?"

You hate how that cute nickname sends your heart into a somersault and your stomach in delightful knots. Still your doubt pulls a harsh tut from your lips before you reply.

Kirishima doesn't need his phone to alert him that you've messaged him, he's been looking at his screen for far to long without having to restart his set. He listens to your voice as if it were music.

"Fine, you wanna prove it to me so bad. Take a picture of yourself shirtless with the word 'Sweet pea' you love so much and send it to me. No photoshop I know what my favorite hero looks like!"

For over an hour you don't hear back and you figure you showed that perv.

But now you can't sleep so you nurse a water, door dash a "greasy" breakfast all before cranking your shower as high as it can go. Your phone dings and you try to ignore it. You really do but as the saying goes curiosity killed the cat. Opening the message you see a classic guy mirror selfie. Kirishima is clear as day in the photo, his large hand pointing to his bare, hairy chest where sweat pea is scrawled in his adorable handwriting. He winks at the camera as his kissable lips wear a dangerous, almost cocky eyes travel down his bulk following his happy trail that dives under a pair of black shorts, the best part of the view getting cut off by the vanity. At first you try to rationalize that this was fake but damning evidence was sitting on the vanity. A fluffy white cat in a diamond and ruby encrusted collar sits on the counter giving her owner an odd look.

His cat Diamond that everyone knows he loves and adores. Slick begins to collect between your thighs and especially so after you listen to the voice memo that comes through shortly after. His normally friendly and soft voice comes out a bit dark, husky as he says in a playfully annoyed tone.

"Now send me a picture of that dress, Sweet Pea."

AGGHHHH 😍😍😍

*ೃ༄ 𝐎𝐁𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃 | 𝟑

pairing: ao’nung x fem!metkayina!reader

warnings: aged up ao’nung (20), aged up reader (19), slowburn, enemies to lovers, cussing, possessiveness, tensionnnn, future smut

summary: you partake in your clan’s coming of age ritual.

word count: 2.8k

chapter index: you wish | leave me alone | jealousy looks good on you

note: this one is a little short ;(

taglist: @melsunshine

“uh, y/n..” araia whispered, glancing behind you. flashing her a confused look, you turned to see ao’nung walking in your direction. “can we talk.” he stopped in front of you, blocking the sun. you sighed, only being reminded of how your last conversation went. “i don’t think that’s a good idea-” you started, only making ao’nung pull you up by your arms. “hey! i’m working on something!” you argued.

he picked up the unfinished top, shoving it into your hands before dragging you away to his pod. “what has gotten into you?!” you nearly lost your footing as ao’nung pushed you inside. “where’s your parents, where’s tsireya?” you looked around. “out making preparations.” he flipped down the cloth at the entrance, obscuring everyone from your view. “i have nothing to say to you, ao’nung. what could you possibly want to talk about right now?” you stepped back.

“look. things got a little out of hand, alright? can we agree on that?” he held his hands up defensively. you stayed quiet. “you know, for someone who insists that they don’t know how to be nice, you can start by not dragging me away whenever you feel like it.” you narrowed your eyes at him. he looked away, a knowing expression overtaking his features.

“i’m sorry.” he muttered. were you hearing things? “what was that?” you asked him to repeat himself, moving your hair out of your face. “i’m not saying it again.” he huffed. you smacked your lips, shrugging your shoulders. “suit yourself then.” you began walking past him. for a second, he was going to give up and let you leave, but he knew that wasn’t going to help making peace with you any easier. he grabbed your wrist. “i’m sorry, alright?” he gritted his teeth.

you surveyed him, his eyes downcast as he let go of you. “was that hard?” he scoffed at your words. “why am i here, ao’nung? what do you want?” you asked. “look..” he started, “i’ve been thinking a lot about what you said last time we spoke, and even though you’re the last person i’d ever go to for help, i want to change, truly.” ao’nung paced back and forth.

“i don’t understand what that has to do with me.” maybe you were being harsh, but some nerve he had bringing you over here. he groaned, balling his fists at his sides. “y/n.. you’re making this difficult when it doesn’t need to be.” he glared at you. “what then? you want me to show you how to be kind?” you stood in front of him, unintentionally waving around your top as you spoke to him. “yes.” he looked defeated.

you huffed out a breath, eyeing him closely. “ao’nung..” he shushed you. “just until i choose a mate. it hasn’t gone unrecognized that the people, particularly women, are far too timid to approach me.” he swallowed thickly. “have you tried initiating something?” you don’t know why you felt the need to ask, but his explanation alone was enough to make your heart race in your chest.

“no-” you cut him off, “well, why not?” you shot back. he smiled teasingly before shaking his head. “why do you want to know so bad?” he laughed. you scoffed, rolling your eyes. “oh, please. i just need to know what i’m working with.” you waved him off. “so, you will help me?” ao’nung was persistent. you groaned, “yes, okay? now just answer the question.” he sighed. “no, i haven’t.” you were confused about his answer. how does that explain the girl on his arm at the bonfire the other night? whatever.

“well first and foremost, if you’re not the one seeking out a woman, how are they supposed to know you’re looking for a mate?” you took a seat. “no one’s caught my attention.” he shrugged, joining you on the marui. he had to be joking right now. “there is hundreds of women here, you just haven’t looked.” you quipped. ao’nung glanced away, resting his head on his hands. “there’s a coming of age ceremony today for maiä’s younger sister, eligible women will be performing in celebration, let the people see you’re there and you’ll have someone in no time!” you stood up, making your way towards the entrance of the pod.

“now, interrupt me again and the deal is off-” ao’nung ran after you. “will you be taking part?” he stopped you before you could leave. you looked up at him, a confused expression on your face. “well, yeah. i’m eligible.” you walked away without another word, waving at araia as you neared your original spot in the sand. “what did he want?” she whispered, getting close to you as you resumed making your ceremonial clothes. “oh, nothing. just tsahìk stuff.” you felt bad for lying to your best friend, but araia would never let you hear the end of it if you told her exactly what was said.

she nodded, both of you moving onto a different subject until it was time to get ready. by the time it was eclipse, the celebration was already well underway. “oh, y’all look so beautiful!” your mother pulled you and araia into a tight hug. “mom, you’re going to mess up our hair!” you laughed, pulling away from her as she sighed. just then, your ears perked up at the slow thrum of beating, the sound of drums filling the air.

“we must go now! i’ll see you soon.” you and araia left your pod in a haste. thankfully no one was dancing yet, but you and your best friend still glanced at each other nervously as eligible men circled around the fire. you two met with the rest of the women, everyone buzzing with excitement as you all raved about your hairstyles and clothing. your mother insisted on changing your hair for the occasion, shells and sea glass adorning the crown of your head.

“iskxeo is looking over here.” you whispered to araia, both of them smiling bashfully at one another. “tonight’s the night. i feel it.” she fiddled with her necklace. you took a moment to scan the crowd, finding ao’nung immediately as his eyes were already fixated on you. your heart was racing at the intensity his gaze held, but eventually you blinked away, getting in line as ronal lead the group of women to the center.

“tonight we celebrate yìru as she is now of age, and by tradition; we will dance. this is eywa’s way of divine connection. i wish you all the best.” ronal stared at you for a second too long before turning to ao’nung. “you will be successful.” she bidded her farewell with a nod. once she was gone, and the music returned, no one wasted time in beginning the ritual. “you look absolutely stunning.” maiä walked up to you, your hands taking hold of her’s as you two started dancing.

“oh, please. you look stunning.” you returned her compliment, both of you breaking out in laughter as men began standing up to approach the women who caught their eye. “who are you hoping will sweep you off your feet?” you asked her. “ngolo has been hinting at me for a while now.” maiä moved both of you over to a less crowded space. “and you?” she smiled. “i guess i’ll just have to see-” you laughed nervously as you noticed ao’nung was no longer in his original spot.

you couldn’t help your wandering eyes, searching nearby couples to see if they’d find the man in question. after a few seconds, lo and behold, he was hands in hands with the same woman from the bonfire. “you alright?” maiä noticed the smile drop from your face. you shook your head, waving her off. “yes, of course! i better get to it now.” you gathered yourself together, now determined to get someone to dance with you.

prior to you and araia arriving, your mother spent the day giving you both advice for tonight. “do the dances i showed you if you really want to reel them in. works everytime.” she winked at the two of you. after making sure you were in an open space, you stood tall, your shoulders back as you began moving your hips rhythmically to the drums. from the corner of your eye, you can see movement as if someone was making their way over to you.

ao’nung came into your view, the woman’s back turned towards you as both of your stared each other down. he looked irritated, almost angry that you put yourself out there. continuing to move your hips, you felt bold enough to turn, allowing ao’nung to see your movements from a rather different angle. running your fingers through your hair, you spun around slowly, ngolo’s brother, loiotx, approaching you confidently.

“hey.” he towered over you, offering a hand. flashing ao’nung a look, you took loiotx’s hands in yours, the action enough for him to pick up on your advances. “i’m surprised i caught you by yourself.” his hands were on your waist in an instant, both of you moving in perfect sync. “the celebration just started.” you laughed. he nodded his head, “exactly.” loiotx reasoned. both of you had a visible flush on your cheeks.

“i’ve wanted to talk to you for awhile but i’ve seen recently that you’ve had a lot of interested suitors.” loiotx bent down slightly to whisper in your ear. at this, ao’nung felt himself growing annoyed by your close proximity with, well, an actually possible mate. the woman he was dancing with, had gone up to him while you were talking to maiä, and deciding to take a step in the right direction, he reluctantly agreed. it was safe to say he regretted it now.

what made loiotx different from the last two jerks ao’nung had to put in check, was that he wasn’t a bad guy. sure, he was the one supplying the kalin at your hang outs, but he was a good person. that’s what made ao’nung feel relatively uneasy. your laugh could be heard from where he stood, no longer entertaining the woman in front of him. ao’nung can count on one hand the amount of times he made you laugh, and he didn’t like it when anyone else made you do it.

not being able to hold back, he politely excused himself before marching over to where you and loiotx exchanged words. “mind if i take her from you?” you glared at ao’nung as loiotx pulled away slightly. looking down at you momentarily, loiotx sighed as he handed you over to ao’nung. “i guess it’s only fair,” he tilted his head, “i’ll see you around?” you nodded, feigning a smile as he walked away. heads were turned, so you remained cordial and continued dancing.

“what do you think you’re doing?” your lips were tight as you spoke, stepping on ao’nung’s foot on purpose before flashing daggers at him. he scoffed. “was that supposed to hurt?” he pinched your side, eliciting a quiet ‘ouch!’ before you relaxed in his hold. “seriously, aonung. what are you doing? me and loiotx were hitting it off really well.” you told him matter of factly.

“yeah, i could see that.” his jaw ticked, hoping you didn’t notice. “besides, weren’t you dancing with whatever her name is?” you’ll admit it, you were being petty right now, but who did he think he was taking you from loiotx when he was already with someone?

ao’nung let out a breath. “i don’t even know her name.” at his words, you rolled your eyes. “whatever. she’s the same girl from the bonfire.” it slipped from your mouth before you could stop it, and now you were sure ao’nung would catch onto your obvious display of jealousy. trailing his hands down to the small of your back, your breath hitched in your throat as he spun you around, your back now flush against his chest.

“do you like loiotx?” his voice low as he spoke into your ear, a shiver doing down your spine as his nose pressed into your temple. “i don’t know, do you like that woman who’s been all over you for the second time now?” you were fast with the remark, ao’nung’s face morphing into one of amusement. “who said it’s only the second time?” you felt heat pass through you.

“if it’s not, then go get her.” you pulled away, both of you standing mere inches apart. why was the tension so thick right now? how did you two even get here? ao’nung looked down at you briefly before laughing to himself. “jealousy looks good on you.” you were far from caring about what he thought anymore. “yeah? i guess that makes two of us.” you tried to push past him, but instead collided into his chest.

“you’re not being very nice right now.” you taunted, referring to your earlier conversation today about him wanting to change. ao’nung sighed. “that’s a low blow.” he shook his head, grabbing your elbow before storming off to somewhere a lot more quiet. “you obviously have a problem with me dancing with someone else. tell me why.” he backed you up against a nearby rock.

you crossed your arms. “you took me away from a potential partner, explain that first.” you voice was unwavering, your hair blowing past your shoulders gently. ao’nung’s chest was rising and falling with every breath, his eyes trailing down your face and landing on your lips. you caught on, feeling your heart accelerate with each agonizing second.

something was happening, and you couldn’t quite place your finger on it. gone was the irritation that came with ao’nung being so close to you, and gone was the hardened gazes. with the way you two were looking at each other right now, enemies just wasn’t something that would come to anyone’s mind upon first glance. “ao’nung?” you whispered his name, eyes darting across the glowing freckles on his cheeks as his large hand enveloped your small one.

flattening your palm over his chest, your mouth fell open slightly at the sporadic beating you felt from deep under his skin. “is this good enough of an explanation?” ao’nung’s voice was low, the sound alone making your knees weak. maybe it was the way he felt underneath your fingertips, or the warmth radiating off of his body that made you forget about absolutely everything outside of this moment, but you couldn’t restrain yourself any longer, throwing your arms around his neck and pulling him down to feel his lips against your own.

he returned your kiss immediately with the same vigorous manner. you felt as if your skin was on fire, both of you holding onto each other so tightly, you swore you’d leave marks for the next day. ao’nung’s eyes shut, moaning at the taste of you on his tongue. this couldn’t be happening right now, right? every fiber in your being was yelling at you to stop, yelling at you to push him away and never face him again, but you just couldn’t.

before you knew it, you two were in the sand, hands roaming each other’s bodies as if to make sure this was real. in an attempt to pull him closer, you grazed his queue, ao’nung’s movements suddenly coming to a halt. “what?” he blinked down at you, his eyes widening slightly as he got up. “this shouldn’t have happened.” he said it more to himself, but you still heard his declaration.

“what are you talking about?” you reached out, but he retracted before you could touch him again. you felt hurt, and arguably rejected as he held his head with both hands. “this isn’t- can’t happen again.” ao’nung faced you, his heart jumping at the confused expression on your face. you stood in silence, crossing your arms over your chest as you felt more exposed to him now than you did just a minute ago.

“okay,” you nodded, feeling your eyes well with tears, “this never happened.” you walked away before ao’nung could see you cry. humiliated, used, angry, every emotion you can name, you felt it. instant regret filled you as you neared the celebration, your friends smiling and looking into the eyes of their partners. you were sure your parents were off celebrating with the elders of the clan, your suspicion proving true when you walked into your family’s empty marui pod.

now that you were alone, you fell to your hammock, yelling into your palms as you cried. the one time you give into him, he turns around and, metaphorically speaking of course, smacks you in the face. he pulled you away to a secluded place, he put your hand over his heart, and yet, he pushed you away when you reciprocated? if this is what he wanted then you vowed to make him eat his words.