In Heat [VI]
Lo'ak Sully x Fem!Omatikaya!Reader
Previously: Chapter I, Chapter II, Chapter III, Chapter IV, Chapter V
The rundown: Blessings from Jake and Neytiri + pre-date night fluff <3
Warnings: 18+ content, language, mention of reader's deceased parents, characters are aged up, minors do not interact!! please
WC: 9.0k
A/N: This one was long, but one more chapter to goooo
The early evening light cast deep hues of orange and purple upon the landscape as it retreated, gracefully surrendering to the impending darkness of night.
After spending the entire day basking in each other's company, blissfully unaware of the outside world, you and Lo'ak finally prepared to leave your sanctuary high in the canopy of Hometree.
In a lovesick-fueled, spur-of-the-moment decision, the two of you planned to visit Jake and Neytiri, eager to share the news of your budding relationship with them.
Lo'ak, fully intent on doing things the right way when it came to courting you, was aware of the long-held tradition that called for a guy to seek permission from the girl's parents before pursuing their daughter.
However, given that you no longer had your parents by your side, Lo'ak knew this aspect of the courtship ritual would need some improvisation.
You felt eternally grateful for how Jake and Neytiri welcomed you into their lives with open arms, knowing that you shared a close bond with their children. Their warm, loving nature made you feel like you had found a second family as they took you under their protective wings–always ensuring that you felt safe and supported.
Jake and Neytiri's genuine affection for you was palpable in every caring interaction, every warm hug, every shared laugh. Each moment solidified your connection with them, showing just how deeply intertwined your lives had become. They wholeheartedly embraced you as one of their own, and it meant the entire world to you.
So when it came to Lo'ak expressing his interest in pursuing a relationship with you, it only felt right to suggest that he seek the blessing of his own parents.
As the last bit of light faded from the sky, you and Lo'ak finally reached the entrance of the Sully family's tent.
With hearts beating boldly in your chests, you prepared yourselves for whatever awaited inside.
Lo'ak was undeniably a bundle of nerves as he contemplated the seemingly monumental task of seeking his parents' approval to court you.
The entire situation was just so, so important to him.
He knew his parents held you in high regard, knew that they shared his deep affection for you. Yet, despite the mutual admiration, Lo'ak couldn't shake the persistent anxiety that lodged itself in the recesses of his mind.
He found himself plagued by nagging doubts and unsettling questions. What if his parents thought he was unworthy of your companionship? Shit, what if they'd already planned for you–the epitome of perfection in their eyes–to be paired off with his brother Neteyam, the perfect son?
Just the thought of it filled him with dread.
As you both neared the tent, you couldn't help but sense a disquieting tension filling the air. You observed how unnervingly quiet Lo'ak had become–a drastic departure from his typically talkative demeanor. Attempting to reestablish a connection, you sought out his gaze, only to be met with disappointment as you discovered that his focus was fixed intently on the ground beneath him as if it held the secret to some unanswerable question; his lips pursed into a thin line across his face–a classic sign of anxiety that you had come to recognize over time.
It was clear to you that Lo'ak's thoughts wandered far beyond the immediate vicinity, consumed by worries of what-ifs and maybes.
You were acutely aware of Lo'ak's continuous struggle with self-doubt. You were sure that his overactive mind must have been racing at breakneck speed, conjuring up all sorts of scenarios that involved his parents flat-out rejecting his courting proposal.
As these thoughts crossed your mind, you were filled with an unyielding sense of determination—a steely resolve to spend every waking moment of your intertwined lives helping Lo'ak see just how truly remarkable he was. You wanted him to understand and embrace his strength, intelligence, and caring nature, not to mention the depths of your unwavering love for him. Firm in your resolution, your heart burgeoned with affection as you thought of your future together.
Chancing a glance at Lo'ak, your eyes danced with delight as you visualized regaling your future children with tales of how his self-doubt once got the best of him. Children who would most likely roll their eyes and say, "Not this story again, Mom," yet they'd listen intently all the same because deep down, they cherished hearing about their father's journey to confidence.
With your heart brimming over, you gently took Lo'ak's hand, delicately entwining your fingers like two lives beautifully twined into one destiny. You then raised your hands toward your lips. You planted a swift yet tender kiss on Lo'ak's knuckles, mimicking his earlier gesture back in the canopy of Hometree.
Your gaze was fixated on Lo'ak with great intensity, your eyes wide with anticipation.
After what felt like an eternity, Lo'ak's intense gaze finally found yours, and the creases of concern etched on his face gradually faded away.
A subtle, heartwarming smile sneaked onto his lips, melting your heart and dissolving your own anxiety. You reached out your other hand and gently clasped his, squeezing it reassuringly before letting go and unraveling your intertwined fingers.
Your unspoken words hung in the air as if bound by an ethereal thread of invisible, mutual understanding.
Finally arriving at the tent, you cautiously pulled open the entrance flap and peered inside to find the entire Sully family hard at work.
Your earlier apprehension evolved into a sense of excitement–you loved visiting everyone and hadn't seen them all under one roof in days. The family was engaged in the aftermath of dinner, the children tidying up as Jake and Neytiri sat together with watchful eyes.
Tuk was busy doling out empty bowls to Kiri one after another, almost as if she was testing Kiri's multitasking abilities. Still, Kiri kept up effortlessly with her unmatched speed and precision. Meanwhile, Neteyam found himself stationed on the opposite side of the tent, focused intently on his task of slicing and storing their leftover meat in an improvised smoke pit on the tent's floor.
As Lo'ak and you ventured inside, every single eye was drawn to you–the two missing faces at their dinner table.
Caught by surprise, Tuk couldn't help but exclaim in delight, "y/n!"
It had been a long time since you last laid eyes on the girl–not since before you started your heat. With Tuk's passionate outburst, your heart began to swell with joy, almost as if it were about to burst.
The sound of Lo'ak's little sister's voice was music to your ears, and the palpable excitement emanating from the girl intensified the happiness brewing within you. Tiny footsteps pitter-pattered toward you as Tuk sprinted over and enveloped you in a fiercely warm hug.
Flashing a smile at her, you lovingly cooed, "Hey there, TukTuk."
As you gently ran your hand over Tuk's short braids, which always seemed to have a life of their own, you asked playfully, "How's my favorite little warrior doing?"
The fondness evident in your tone could've melted anyone's heart. However, Tuk wouldn't let the 'little' remark slide without making her case.
In an act of bold defiance–or so she wanted you to believe–Tuk pulled away from you with an exaggerated pout plastered on her face.
Balancing precariously on the tips of her toes, she tried to stand taller despite gravity working against her. "I'm not little anymore!" She whined, though the way she had to tilt her head back almost entirely to look at you from her position kind of mitigated the strength of her declaration.
You gave in to Tuk's relentless persistence, staging an elaborate performance of being utterly mistaken. You grasped her firmly by the shoulders and studied her from head to toe with feigned amazement in your eyes.
"No, you're not so little anymore, are you? When on Pandora did that happen?"
Tuk responded in kind by playfully sticking her tongue out at you. "Probably during the ten thousand days you disappeared! You missed our hunting lesson this week, y/n."
Ouch. The playful jab struck a chord with you.
Though you realized the importance of the hunting lesson, you had no choice but to miss it. In the throes of your first heat cycle, you knew that you were in no condition to handle a bow and arrow yourself, let alone guide an overly enthusiastic and rambunctious child like Tuk in mastering the weapon. However valid the reason, hearing Tuk's innocent complaint still stung.
You offered Tuk a warm, apologetic smile, bending down to be at eye level with the spirited little girl.
"Don't worry, Tuk. I promise we'll have two lessons next week to make up for it, okay yawne?" you said gently.
While still maintaining your warm grin directed at Tuk, you couldn't help but sneak a furtive peek at Jake and Neytiri, who were observing the unfolding conversation with great amusement. You directed a sheepish smile toward the young girl's parents before continuing hesitantly, "Only if it's okay with your amazing parents…"
Catching on to your subtle cues, Neytiri exchanged a knowing glance with her husband before the pair nodded in agreement.
Jake flashed you a reassuring smile that made his eyes sparkle as if to say, "We trust you with our little one."
Turning his attention towards his daughter, he asked tenderly yet authoritatively, "What do you have to say to y/n, Tuk?"
Upon hearing her father's consent to let her participate in the extra hunting lessons with you, Tuk's ears perked up like excited antennas. She couldn't contain herself anymore; an ecstatic squeal escaped her lips as she jumped up and down.
"Yay, yay, yay!" Tuk chanted gleefully, her entire being radiating pure joy and excitement. Grinning from ear to ear, she thanked you by enveloping you in a bone-crushing hug that was impressively strong for such a tiny person. You chuckled at the little girl's boundless energy.
Lo'ak had been diligently observing your interaction with his younger sister, sporting what he was sure must have been the dopiest lovesick grin anyone had ever seen. He stood there, arms folded across his chest as he absorbed the tender exchange between you two.
You and Tuk had always shared an incredibly close bond, with you taking on the role of an older sister for Tuk, despite not sharing a drop of blood. Tuk was smitten with you, looking up to you as if you were a ray of sunshine that could do no wrong.
Initially, Lo'ak found himself struggling with frustration in those moments when Tuk managed to steal away your attention from him–something he begrudgingly admitted he envied. But over time, as his feelings for you grew stronger, so did his appreciation for the happiness you and Tuk shared with one another. The sight of you together made his heart swell with an almost uncontrollable warmth.
You both meant the world to Lo'ak.
At last, Tuk released herself from your embrace and skipped back to her assigned chore of collecting dishes alongside Kiri.
Seizing the moment, Lo'ak casually closed the distance between himself and you, feeling a sense of comfort and assurance as he neared your presence. Your eyes met for a brief instant–time seeming to pause–before you hastily turned away from one another, trying in vain to hide the infatuated expressions on your faces.
Lo'ak finally mustered the courage to meet the curious gaze of his parents, who had been keenly observing the unusually affectionate exchanges between him and you. The unusual air of intimacy between you that did not escape their observant gazes.
Standing under their watchful eyes, Lo'ak felt a wave of nerves wash over him. He tried to gulp them down before slowly nodding at his parents.
In an attempt to be casual, he said, "Uh, do you think we could speak to you two alone for a minute?"
The moment the words left his mouth, the once lively tent was suddenly engulfed in silence. Everyone within earshot seemed to snap their attention to you and Lo'ak, their stares burning holes into the pair of your souls.
Neytiri and Jake exchanged a glance. It was as if they were effortlessly deciphering their son's request through a silent conversation filled with unspoken thoughts and the tiniest of head movements.
Sensing the escalating tension in the room, Lo'ak felt the need to clear his throat rather conspicuously while attempting to put everyone at ease. "Just need to ask you something. But it's kind of important."
The awkwardness seemed to hang in the air for a few more beats before Lo'ak took a deep breath and awaited his parents' response.
Lo'ak could feel the heat rise to his face as he stood there, awkward and nervous. Kiri and Neteyam exchanged a smug, knowing look.
Finally, Jake decided to show some mercy to his youngest son. Turning away from his wife, he gave Lo'ak a firm, reassuring nod.
Trying to regain some semblance of composure, Lo'ak rubbed his clammy hands against his thighs in anticipation. Meanwhile, Jake's attention shifted to the rest of the children as he motioned toward the entrance of their tent.
In a tone that brooked no argument, he ordered, "You three go help each other wash the dishes."
Neteyam responded with immediate obedience, nodding and uttering a determined "Yes, sir."
Kiri, on the other hand, appeared puzzled by the unfolding events. She hesitated for a moment, trying–albeit unsuccessfully–to catch your eye to gain some sort of insight into the perplexing situation unfolding before her.
And poor Tuk just wanted to be in on the action; she let out an exasperated groan at Jake's directive. "But I want to hear what Lo'ak has to ask!" She whined dramatically, her face scrunching up in despair.
Neytiri, with an expression of mild exasperation, cut her eyes at her youngest child. "Tuk," she uttered firmly, "go with your siblings. Now."
Tuk whirled around on her heel, making a grand effort to conceal her overly dramatic eye-roll at her mother's insistence. With a slight huff, she resigned herself to following her mother's wishes.
As the trio of siblings ambled towards the tent's exit, Neteyam, unable to resist the urge to poke fun at his brother, gently placed his hands on Lo'ak's shoulders, squeezing him jokingly before joining their sister. The laughter of Lo'ak's siblings filled the tent as Neteyam gently nudged Tuk ahead of him with a hand on the top of her head, effectively pushing her out of the tent.
With a final giggle from Tuk as she ducked under the entrance flap into the luminescent night outside, the tent fell silent again.
Only Lo'ak, you, Jake, and Neytiri remained within. You were all waiting for someone (cough cough… Lo'ak) to break through it all and speak up.
Lo'ak had always struggled when it came to matters of the heart, but today was the day he needed to suck it up and put an end to his nervousness.
Mustering up all of his courage, he closed the gap between himself and his parents. But before taking that crucial step, he instinctively reached out for your hand as if it were a magical source of support.
Your grip sent a comforting warmth throughout his entire body, filling him with newfound confidence.
He scrutinized his parents' faces, not missing their keen observation of his move. His father's eyebrows slowly rose in realization while his mother tried her best to suppress her emotions. Taking in a deep breath as if vacuuming all his underlying fears away, Lo'ak exhaled forcefully and let the words tumble out:
"I'm asking for your permission to court y/n y/l/n. She means everything to me, and I can't see myself spending my life with anyone else by my side."
He dared to sneak a glance at you, anxious about your reaction.
Much to his relief, he found you already looking at him with a heart-melting tenderness that radiated from your golden eyes. He smiled back at you, feeling swept up in your affectionate gaze.
The tender moment made it almost impossible for him to tear himself away from you and refocus on his still-silent parents, who were looking at him with unwavering attention.
With hesitant anticipation, he continued, "You two were close with y/n's parents, and you practically raised y/n as one of your own, so…. we thought it'd be good to ask for your blessings."
Holding his breath, Lo'ak nervously awaited their reactions, observing how his parents exchanged a glance filled with a myriad of emotions.
It was his mother who broke the facade first.
A brilliant, heartfelt smile graced her features, and she raised a trembling hand to her lips as an overwhelming surge of emotions threatened to spill over.
Meanwhile, Jake spoke up first.
Though he didn't appear outwardly as gripped by emotion as his wife, anyone could tell that he, too, was immensely proud and overjoyed that his son had found someone who brought such deep and meaningful love into his life.
"Wow. Jesus. I mean, I don't think there's anyone out there that'd be a better match for either one of you," Jake declared, gazing back and forth between you and Lo'ak with rare affection crossing his features.
Neytiri, her eyes glossy with emotion, rose to her feet, gracefully making her way toward the young couple. "Za'u," she beckoned softly.
That caused you and Lo'ak to exchange puzzled glances, each unsure which of you Neytiri was addressing.
Your curiosity was promptly answered when Neytiri enfolded both of you within the warm sanctuary of her arms, pressing your heads gently against her shoulders as a surge of happiness washed over her. Neytiri closed her eyes in contentment, savoring the tender moment.
"I'm so happy for you," she whispered. "Eywa has blessed you both."
Neytiri carefully disentangled herself from the warmth of the double embrace, only to draw you back into a warm one-on-one hug of her own.
Gently, she planted an affectionate kiss on your forehead, the gesture carrying the love of a million mothers.
A rush of emotion surged through you at her affection.
Blinking back tears that threatened to spill and blur your view, you were reminded of how your mother used to shower you with the same tender love before her passing.
As Neytiri cradled you in her arms, she noticed the emotional turmoil wracking through your body through your shaky, uneven breaths. She stroked your head in an attempt to soothe you, letting her nimble fingers dance through your hair. Leaning in, Neytiri tenderly pressed her cheek against the top of your head as a silent testament to your bond.
When Neytiri pulled back, she had a watery smile playing on her lips.
Her eyes lit up with rare humor as she delivered her following words in a low voice–retaining the severe undertones that showed how deeply she meant them: "If my youngest son ever so much as causes you the slightest torment…"
The way Neytiri trailed off was a threat in and of its own.
Her eyes honed in on the boy she spoke of, who was locked in the middle of a warm paternal embrace with his father.
The powerful glare she sent him should have made the hair on the back of his neck stand up, but Lo'ak seemed surprisingly unphased. It was as if the notion that he could ever cause harm to you was so insane that it didn't warrant a reaction.
"That's not gonna happen," Lo'ak confidently stated, unwavering certainty in his voice. "Care too much about her." As he directed a tender, love-struck smile toward you, there was no mistaking just how much he meant those words.
His parents didn't need the divine intervention to understand their son's feelings for you. They knew exactly how deeply rooted the connection was between you and Lo'ak—an undeniable bond formed in your childhood that only continued to strengthen as you grew.
The knowledge brought a slight chuckle from Neytiri and her husband as they recalled Lo'ak's younger days.
Getting him to utter two sentences without bringing you up was practically impossible. No matter what the topic, he'd somehow always steer it right back to your name–"y/n did this," "y/n said that," "Guess what y/n and I did today!"
Little Lo'ak just wouldn't shut up about you.
Even Jake, who was undeniably a tad awkward and unsure of how to navigate this kind of conversation with his son, as well as the girl he'd witnessed grow up alongside his boy, couldn't help but grin at Lo'ak's passionate proclamation of love for you.
Honestly, Jake hadn't anticipated having to address matters of courtship for at least a few more years–and he certainly didn't foresee having to tackle it with Lo'ak before addressing it with Neteyam.
The entire situation left him feeling woefully unprepared when Lo'ak initially sought permission, yet he soon realized that your innocent love was so pure and natural that it effortlessly sidestepped any potential awkwardness. He observed the spark in both of your eyes, especially when you glanced at each other shyly from time to time.
For all intents and purposes, you were already an integral part of the Sully family.
Jake took that fact in stride, stepping away from his son with a final squeeze to his shoulder. He moved towards you, opening his arms and enveloping you in a warm embrace.
You were such a great kid, full of kindness and talent and good spirits–truly exceptional in every way. The fact only became more evident as you gently disentangled yourself from Jake's hug, gratitude shining in your eyes as you expressed your thanks for allowing his son to court you.
"Thank you, Jake," you said earnestly.
With a twinkle in his eye, Jake shook his head and playfully patted you on the top of your head. His grin widened as he replied, "No, thank you," he said, feigning great relief.
With a comical tilt of his head and an exaggerated sigh, he gestured toward Lo'ak.
The boy had by now found himself trapped in his mother's grasp and was being forcibly tucked under her protective chin. Her arms locked tightly around his head–the quintessential motherly embrace.
Jake continued, "Finally have this knucklehead off my hands." Jake barely suppressed a chuckle as his smile threatened to split his face in half.
For a brief moment, Neytiri detached herself from Lo'ak and directed a sharp hiss at her husband. The sudden change in demeanor caused Jake's eyes to widen in terror, his hands flying upwards in an attempt to appease his angered spouse.
Hastily, he clarified, "Just a joke, honey," ensuring that he steered as far away as possible from evoking Neytiri's wrath.
After casting her scrutinizing gaze on Jake, Neytiri opted to continue hugging her son with bone-crushing enthusiasm. She gently swayed Lo'ak from side to side, demonstrating the depth of a mother's love for her child.
With a playfully exasperated expression, Jake glanced toward you with exaggerated wide eyes and an almost comical air of disbelief. However, you were oblivious to Jake's silent banter. Your attention was focused entirely on Lo'ak.
You were utterly captivated by the scene unfolding before you, a smile adorning your face as you marveled at the love and affection emanating from Neytiri towards her son.
The boy valiantly tried to appear unbothered by his mother's enthusiastic hugging, maintaining an aura of toughness in your presence despite being completely smothered in affection.
It was common knowledge that Lo'ak had always been, and would forever remain, a complete momma's boy.
Despite the countless death glares and faux threats she'd send in the direction of her youngest son, Neytiri couldn't help but be utterly tender-hearted when it came to him. You found this charming trait of their relationship to be incredibly endearing.
Lo'ak usually loved the attention (but he'd never admit that out loud).
Now, however, he was far from enthused about his mother's public displays of affection.
He grumbled into her loving embrace, "Alright, Mom." His voice unintentionally took on a higher pitch as his embarrassment grew while being cradled by his mother like a toddler, especially since his brand-new girlfriend was standing right there witnessing it all.
As endearing as it was, you found the entire scenario absolutely hilarious.
Lo'ak just looked so adorably dorky hunched over, his head pressed to his teary-eyed mother's chest.
You tried your best to maintain a straight face but eventually had to place a hand over your mouth to hold back the peals of laughter that threatened to break free at any moment.
Finally, Neytiri reluctantly pulled away from the embrace, holding her son out at arm's length. With tender affection, she placed both hands on either side of Lo'ak's cheeks, gently squeezing them as she cherished the heartfelt moment.
Lo'ak closed his eyes in mortification at the sound of both his girlfriend's and his father's hushed laughter.
He had half a mind to flip you both the finger over his mother's shoulder.
You sat in your tent the following night, meticulously combing through your hair.
You had always been particularly attentive to the care of your hair, finding solace in the repetitive motion that reminded you of how your mother used to tend to it during your childhood.
A snippet of memory flashed through your mind–you, young and energetic, fearlessly training to be a skilled warrior, constantly pushing yourself to new limits. With such an active lifestyle, it was no wonder that your hair frequently suffered the consequences, transforming into an entangled mess by the end of most days.
Your mother, a tender-hearted woman with caring hands, was the only person you felt comfortable entrusting with the delicate task of caring for and braiding your hair.
The memory of her gentle touch still lingered in your mind—her delicate fingers gliding effortlessly through the tangled strands of hair. It was almost therapeutic for you, sitting in your mother's lap as she skillfully braided each section while sharing tales of wisdom and laughter.
You refused to let anyone else handle your hair when she passed away.
Despite numerous heartfelt offers from Omatikayan women around you to braid and aid in grooming as a show of support, you simply couldn't bring yourself to accept them. You just couldn't bear the thought of someone else's hands on the same hair your mother had once lovingly tended to.
You meticulously pulled the front portion of your hair away from your face, fastening it securely at the back of your head with a durable leather band.
You stared intently at your reflection, your gaze lingering on your mother's eyes, your father's nose.
Despite the familiar features, their absence weighed heavily in your heart. You couldn't help but wonder what they would've thought about you, about who you've become, if only they were still there to see you now as you prepared for your first date.
A bittersweet mix of emotions swirled inside you as you gently brushed your hair forward until it cascaded over your shoulders and down your chest. Out of habit, you drew free two strands from the half-ponytail that you created, delicately framing your facial features.
Pausing to critically assess your overall appearance, you cast a discerning eye over your body, slightly adjusting the newly woven top you had painstakingly labored over until it achieved the perfect fit.
Your chest rose with pride as you took in the iridescent beads that tastefully accented your creation, subtly shimmering when caught by the light.
Your loincloth paired flawlessly with the eye-catching top, featuring similar beading that dangled gracefully from its front. The beaded strands ran down the length of your long legs, striking just the right chord between elegance and allure.
You never really paid much attention to your appearance–after all, you were a fierce warrior in a world where looks held no clout on the battlefield.
However, as you gazed at your reflection on this particular night, you felt a surge of beauty and confidence.
Your eyes were naturally drawn to the vibrant yellow flower Kiri had hand-picked for you earlier that day when you told the girl that Lo'ak had nervously asked you out on a date.
You smiled, reminiscing about Lo'ak's clumsy demeanor during the encounter–fumbling over his words and blushing like a smitten teenage girl as he barely managed to stammer out an invitation for a late-night rendezvous of sorts.
As you delicately plucked the brilliant yellow flower from its resting spot on your dresser, you felt a thrill run down your spine.
Tonight's date meant more to you than you cared to admit. You stood poised with the flower in hand, ready to adorn yourself with the token of affection and begin the new chapter in your relationship with Lo'ak.
Then came the knock, the gentle rapping at the entrance of your tent accompanied by Lo'ak's familiar voice calling out your name.
"You can come in," you announced as you anxiously peered over your shoulder.
A smile spread across your face as you observed Lo'ak's crouched form gently pushing aside the tent's flap and emerging into your home.
He made a gallant attempt at entering; however, his feet became rooted to the ground halfway in, his mouth hanging open a bit in astonishment upon seeing you. His eyes roved up and down your body, overtly analyzing every little detail of your entire essence. You sent his mind into a frenzy, and for a moment, words escaped him.
"Hi, Lo'ak," you greeted him warmly, flashing him an infectious smile that seemed to light up even the darkest corners of the tent.
It was evident that your presence had thrown Lo'ak off balance as he desperately fumbled for words while attempting to regain his composure.
Lo'ak swallowed hard, his pupils dilating as he focused back on your face.
It finally dawned on him that his grip on the tent's flap had intensified–it seemed like he had been hanging onto it as if it was his lifeline while processing the sheer beauty standing before him.
Realizing just how crazy he probably looked, he self-consciously released his grasp on the flap and cautiously stepped into the safe haven of your home.
As Lo'ak tried to nonchalantly re-familiarize himself with the tent's surroundings, you could barely stifle a snicker at his disarray.
Finally somewhat composed, Lo'ak began to speak, "You look…" but his voice faltered as his eyes betrayed him once more.
They darted across your figure involuntarily, leaving him both stunned and in awe. You were still the same breathtakingly beautiful girl he had always known and admired. However, tonight, you seemed to shine in a new and enchanting light–literally.
Your presence was almost ethereal as the silver beams of moonlight snuck into your tent and surrounded your form in a mesmerizing halo-like essence.
The glistening beads adorning your chest seemed to dance with the light, casting a dreamy glow upon your lithe frame.
Lo'ak tried valiantly to regain control of his words and emotions but found himself anchored by the unexpected enchantment of the moment. Attempting to form words of admiration, Lo'ak stumbled over his speech like awkward footsteps on uneven ground.
Unable to articulate his thoughts clearly, he barely managed to stutter out, "Shit. I mean—Wow…"
He locked eyes with you as if seeking solace from his own bewilderment. After a fleeting quietude, he finished his sentence with newfound determination, "You look beautiful."
His actions manifested his flustered state even further when he raised a shaky hand to his forehead and trailed it downwards through the air in a long overdue–yet still adorably charming–greeting.
He'd finally come to his senses enough to realize that maybe he should stop embarrassing himself in front of you.
Banishing any lingering awkwardness, Lo'ak consciously steadied himself.
"Thanks, Lo'," you mumbled, your cheeks taking on a familiar pink-purple hue as you glanced away from Lo'ak's gaze and down at the flower that was still cradled in your hands.
Even though you desperately attempted to hide it, the warmth of shyness spread through your chest like wildfire.
Lo'ak closed the distance separating you by taking a few deliberate steps closer. It might have been the potent allure of your subtle beauty or the infectious nature of your timidness, but either way, he found himself compelled towards you. He stood just inches from you, close enough that he could practically feel the heat radiating off your body.
With a hint of playfulness in his eyes, he whispered softly, "Do you have any idea how perfect you are? How lucky I am?" He knew that his words were cheesy and gross, and his siblings would never shut up about it if they ever heard about it, but he was convinced that no mortal realm could produce something so divine as your blush-flushed face.
A grin threatened to stretch across his face as he took in your reaction.
His hands reached out gingerly to cradle your face, gently caressing your soft skin as they traveled down the curve of your neck and over your delicate shoulders. And then, with the tenderness of a caring lover, he took your hands into his own and clasped them tightly.
Your fingers intertwined effortlessly as if they had been crafted specifically for one another's grasp–a lifetime of emotions passing between you both in a single moment.
Though you rolled your eyes at his cliché words, you were painfully aware that your cheeks were glowing under his adoring gaze.
Pretending to be unaffected, you playfully wrapped your arms around his neck while gently brushing your nose against his, giving him a teasing grin.
"Shut up," you replied, a hint of laughter in your voice, "I'm the lucky one."
And as you spoke the words, you couldn't help but wonder if the incredibly surreal moment was just a figment of your imagination.
As if there was no way the boy you'd been in love with for your entire life reciprocated feelings for you. You felt warm all over. It was like a group of woodsprites was performing a magical dance inside your stomach, their delicate arms fluttering with each beat of your heart.
Lo'ak found himself completely captivated by your charming smile–so much so that he could only blink down at you in disbelief as if attempting to comprehend how such an extraordinary moment could be happening to him.
His half-lidded eyes fixated upon the enticing allure of your lips. It was at that precise moment that whatever had been the topic of your conversation seemed to vaporize into thin air.
Lo'ak leaned in, hesitating just a hair's breadth away from your tantalizing lips. And then, with unbridled intensity, he pressed his mouth against yours, wasting no time before deepening the passionate connection as he felt you eagerly reciprocate.
A sweet sigh escaped from your lips, reverberating into Lo'ak's very soul. Your hands cupped his face with an urgency that coaxed him to close the already minute distance between your bodies–a task that seemed impossible and yet one you were both determined to conquer.
The chemistry between the two of you pulsated like a current, undeniable and completely intoxicating.
Lo'ak circled his arms around your waist, drawing you close as you finessed your way onto your tiptoes in an effort to bridge your height difference. With your chests pressed together, your hearts seemingly beat together as one.
You were the first to begrudgingly break away from the heated kiss, the burgeoning passion of it all causing your breath to come in little more than shallow gasps.
As you fought for air, elation danced across your features; Lo'ak's eyes were drawn to the hypnotic way your chest, adorned with all the little shimmering beads of your top, rose and fell like waves on a storm-tossed sea.
Lo'ak tugged at your bottom lip with his teeth before releasing it slowly, breathlessly whispering words that seemed simultaneously incredulous and euphoric: "You're not real…"
You still had no idea how to accept the compliments that continually flew from Lo'ak's lips, so you pushed him lightly in the chest–though some might argue it was more of a loving shove.
After a lingering moment, you slowly pulled away and carefully handed the delicate flower you held in your hands to Lo'ak before pivoting away from him, your back towards his front. "Can you put this in my hair for me?" You asked, catching his eye in the polished stone in front of you.
Lo'ak's eyes met yours in the reflection, and you both shared a smile before he acquiesced with a gentle nod of assent.
Lo'ak grinned from ear to ear, his heart swelling with warmth at such a simple yet intimately domestic request. He gathered himself together, consciously straightening his posture and adjusting his stance.
He wove the fragile stem of the flower through the portion of hair you had previously tied back. Using the tenderness of his fingers, he tied your hair and the flower stem together in a knot to ensure it stayed secure.
The artistry of such a simple gesture wasn't lost on him–this was akin to securing his place in your life with every twist and turn of the stem.
After ensuring that his handiwork was secure, he used his fingers to tilt your head to the side, glancing back into the reflective surface so that you could appreciate his masterpiece.
Lo'ak was pleasantly surprised to find that you were already stealing glances at him through the reflection. Your sparkling eyes, ripe with amusement and a dash of affectionate mockery at his antics, shone brightly as you clearly struggled to suppress your laughter.
From his position behind you, Lo'ak grasped the underside of your chin and carefully tilted your head back until your eyes met the tent's ceiling. You squinted in bewilderment, eyes narrowing even further as a mischievous smile spread across Lo'ak's face.
Lo'ak leaned in closer until his lips brushed against your forehead, leaving a tender kiss that lingered for just a moment.
You exhaled sharply, your eyes crinkling shut while you reveled in the sheer bliss of the moment. You beamed at Lo'ak's endearing display of affection.
It was becoming increasingly apparent that forehead kisses were Lo'ak's thing, and it made your heart lurch every single time.
Your connection was palpable, transcending language as your hearts seemed to communicate all on their own.
Bringing your head back to its forward-facing position, you were quickly enveloped in Lo'ak's arms as they wrapped around your front.
His chin lovingly rested in the crook of your shoulder, and his warm breath cascaded by your cheek and neck like an enchanted breeze coaxing delicate goosebumps to dance across your skin. He pressed a fleeting kiss onto your cheek, a domestic little gesture that sent your nerve endings alight with sparks of sensitivity and made your once-even breath catch in your throat.
Your hands instinctively reached up to clasp onto Lo'ak's arms, tracing the contours of his sinewy muscles through entwined fingers. Your thumb made small circles on his warm skin as if penning words of adoration only your hearts could read.
There you stood, intertwined and basking in the unparalleled closeness for what felt like an eternity.
For those precious moments, nothing else mattered. The two of you were lost in a world entirely your own.
As you absentmindedly traced your fingers along Lo'ak's forearm, you spotted an unfamiliar band wrapped around his arm. It immediately caught your attention, as it was different from his usual simply woven armband.
Unable to restrain your curiosity, you gave Lo'ak a gentle nudge and pointed to the new accessory, casually inquiring, "When did you get this?"
Lo'ak seemed to be suddenly jolted back to reality by your unexpected query. His eyes darted toward the band adorning his arm, and a sheepish grin slowly crept onto his lips.
He removed the armband from himself and proudly presented it to you. His demeanor brimming with a mix of anticipation and nervousness, he uttered with an uncharacteristically shy tone, "I made it for you. Yesterday."
As his outstretched fingers reached toward your arm, you found yourself willingly pliant under his hands.
His touch was feather-light as he allowed his fingers to skate up the length of your arm, carefully wrapping the leather band around your bicep. He tightened it, ensuring it hugged you snugly like a second skin.
His fingers may have lingered just a moment longer than necessary, but neither of you seemed to mind.
He took a step back to observe his work, his probing gaze nervously flickering back and forth between the armband and your face in a bid to gauge your reaction to his first courting gift.
"Lo'ak…" you began, your voice barely a whisper as you stared in sheer wonder at the extraordinary gift that adorned your arm. Unable to leash the surge of euphoria that washed over you, a radiant smile stretched across your face as you meticulously inspected every detail in the craftsmanship.
It was an incredibly intricate weave, with methodical rows of tiny cerulean beads meticulously embedded along the center. Dangling from the forefront of the band was a stunning azure feather, swaying gently with each movement of your arm.
The thought that Lo'ak had not only taken his valuable time but also poured his heart and soul into creating such a beautiful gift just for you was utterly mind-blowing.
Your cheeks began to ache from the relentless grinning, but you genuinely couldn't help yourself.
Imagining Lo'ak hunched over the delicate materials late into the night, painstakingly threading bead after bead, all for you, brought unprecedented warmth to your heart. You could practically envision him cursing under his breath, an endearing grimace on his face as he unraveled yet another misaligned row of beads.
"Kiri and Tuk had to teach me how to get all the beads lined up straight, but still."
Lo'ak's face blushed an even deeper shade of purple as you closely examined the painstakingly crafted armband, your expression filled with a particular fondness that seemed to make time stand still.
Attempting to regain his composure, Lo'ak continued, trying his best to keep his voice steady, "Just wanted to make something special for you," he said, a palpable warmth–similar to that of a comforting fire on a cold night–permeating his words.
Now resting snugly on your bicep, the armband was more than just a simple gift. Each cluster of beads spiraling around your arm symbolized friendship and love, telling the story of how the two of your lives had imperfectly intertwined.
At last, you raised your gaze and met his eyes, a spark igniting between you. Your expression undoubtedly revealed the full force of emotions his gift had stirred within you.
You'd fallen for him hard; the sensation nearly swamped you in its intensity.
As if pulled by an invisible force, your hand reached out for Lo'ak and gripped his arm, pulling him closer to you gently but firmly. There was something pleasing in the way he immediately sensed your intentions and effortlessly tilted down to bridge the distance between your lips.
Your lips intertwined in a passionate dance, each kiss a familiar step in an ever-evolving choreography. Each touch sent your senses aflame. Your fingers tightened around his arms, and you felt giddy with desire as you practically drank Lo'ak in.
Lo'ak slowly broke away from you, gazing into your eyes with a lazy smile spreading across his lips.
"So, you like the gift?" he inquired, his deep voice barely above a whisper while a playful light danced in his eyes.
He enjoyed how eagerly you reached out for him, unable to resist pulling him back into your tight and loving embrace.
"Shut up," you mumbled for the second time that day, your tone filled with affectionate annoyance. Without wasting another moment, you reconnected your lips to Lo'ak's once more as if you were drawn together by an irresistible magnetic force. Your fingers found their way through the mess of his braids, gently caressing and teasing.
You eagerly swiped your tongue against Lo'ak's, and a low groan of satisfaction resonated from the depths of his throat as he became lost in your enthusiasm.
The sensation sent shivers down your spine as the sound resonated against your lips, fusing together with every captivating touch and connection between the two of you.
Gradually, almost imperceptibly, Lo'ak started guiding you further into the tent. With each step, his presence felt more magnetic, drawing you in closer until the back of your legs made contact with your dining table. All the while, your lips remained locked in a passionate–bordering on messy–kiss.
Lo'ak gently took hold of the backs of your thighs and lifted you with an ease that spoke volumes about his strength until you found yourself seated upon the table's edge, anticipation coursing through your veins.
A shiver of delight raced down your spine as you were acutely aware of the intimate position you found yourselves in.
Lo'ak stood firmly between your legs, his warm hands resting securely on the tops of your thighs. His fingers occasionally tightened and released their grip on your soft flesh, almost like an instinctive response to the intensity of the moment.
Using your new position to his advantage, Lo'ak broke away from your lips.
His mouth began exploring new territory, leaving a smoldering trail of kisses starting from your flushed cheek before continuing slightly lower along the delicate line of your jaw. With each tender brush of his lips, it felt like he was both adoring and claiming you simultaneously.
With no intention of stopping his tender assault on your senses anytime soon, Lo'ak continued to leave a line of heated kisses down your neck. You could feel his breath on your skin, warm and tantalizingly close. It felt so good; you didn't know what the fuck to do with yourself.
The potent spell that seemed to surround you both only grew stronger with every caress from Lo'ak's lips against your sensitive skin.
As if by instinct, you tilted your head to the side, allowing him better access to your neck. A broken moan escaped your lips, embarrassingly louder than you intended, when he tenderly bit at the sweet spot where your neck met your shoulder.
You could feel the corners of his lips curving into a satisfied grin against your skin, evidently taking pleasure in the extent to which he was able to produce such a response from you.
Over the course of several days, during which you slowly began to explore one another's bodies, the two of you seemed to have acquired an almost complete understanding of one another's desires and sensitivities. It wasn't exactly surprising, considering that before all this happened, Lo'ak had always been–and would continue to be– your best friend.
He was the one person who truly knew you inside and out.
Now that your relationship had evolved into something more intimate beyond mere friendship, it made sense that Lo'ak also possessed a profound knowledge of the delicate parts of your body–the places where tender kisses and gentle touches could reduce you to a quivering mess.
He knew exactly where to plant his kisses and caresses, how to hold and embrace you in a way that made you lose any semblance of control and unravel in his arms. And there you were: completely surrendering yourself to him, falling apart in his warm embrace as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Lo'ak refocused his attention on the tender spot on your neck, an area that he knew was hyper-sensitive to the touch. He pressed gentle kisses and nips into the skin, causing your body to tremble with each electrifying sensation.
You were gripped by a whirlwind of intensity. Your heart raced as your legs instinctively circled around his waist, trapping him closer to you.
Your hands seemed to move on their own accord as they wandered down the sides of Lo'ak's body, leaving a trail of light scratches etched into his skin. Your delicate touch actually caused Lo'ak to whimper against the crook of your neck—an almost inaudible sound that only heightened your desire for him.
Breathless and more than a little out of it by the intensity of it all, you managed to muster a question laced with curiosity and amusement.
"So, is this the date?"
The question hung in the air as you added, "Because I really don't mind–"
Before you could finish that thought, Lo'ak abruptly paused–your words bringing him back to reality in an instant. His sharp intake of breath broke the spell that had previously engulfed him in a lustful haze.
He yanked his mouth away from your neck, staring back at you with dark eyes and an indescribable expression etched across his face.
"Fuck, y/n," he mumbled under his breath; all the while, a grin threatened to conquer the entire expanse of his face.
He couldn't help but take note of your disheveled state, and his chest swelled with pride as he spotted the rapidly forming bruise near your collarbone–a mark of his doing. He shamelessly took in the sight of you, ragged and raw, completely enamored as if you were the most captivating being he'd ever encountered.
His lungs labored for air; he was breathing heavily from the intensity of the experience shared between you two. Yet, even so, it appeared as if there was still more to be said or done–a lingering craving that hadn't been fully quenched.
As if driven by an unspoken instinct, Lo'ak wasted no time closing the distance between you once more. However, this time, his approach was gentler: a brief, tender press against your lips that held all the sweetness and promise of future love.
As he stepped back, his fingers circled around your wrist, securing a gentle grip before gingerly tugging you away from the table's edge–back into reality.
"No," he responded, shaking his head emphatically but with a beaming smile remaining on his face. "I planned it all out. You're just… really distracting."
As if to confirm his statement, Lo'ak's eyes helplessly wandered over your figure once again, taking in every detail as you stood there before him.
A gentle, tender look filled his eyes as he extended his arm and readjusted the position of your top, which must have shifted out of place in the excitement of all that had just transpired.
Lo'ak's careful touch and earnest words effectively conveyed the profound connection that had formed between the two of you. There was an undeniable feeling surrounding you–a bond that exceeded mere physical attraction and delved into the realm of the emotional and unspoken.
Lo'ak paused for a moment, allowing both of you to exchange a look teeming with intimacy and understanding before you spoke up.
"So, it's my fault then?" Your question came out half-jokingly as you tried to divert attention from the increasingly warm blush tinting your cheeks in response to Lo'ak's sincere affection.
Lo'ak laughed at your unyielding nature. He was well aware of just how stubborn you could be at times, and this had become one of those instances where your resilience never ceased to amaze him.
Taking a few measured steps backward, he tried to suppress the burning temptation of getting sidetracked by your infectious energy yet again. Lo'ak knew that if he didn't act now, the date night he had meticulously planned would be nothing more than a distant dream.
Lo'ak gradually inched toward the exit of your tent, a mixture of anticipation and excitement bubbling up inside him, fueling his desire for the evening to be completely memorable.
As he extended his hand towards you, an inviting smile lingered playfully on his lips–a silent invitation for you to take a leap of faith into the evening that awaited the two of you. Lo'ak knew all too well how much you loved exploring the forest and uncovering its secrets alongside him, and tonight would be no exception.
"C'mon, I wanna show you somewhere cool," he enticed, emphasizing his offer by subtly nudging his head toward his outstretched hand.
The moment the idea was proposed, your eyes widened in excitement, and your entire being became enveloped by a childlike sense of joy.
The thought of venturing into the late-night forest alongside Lo'ak sent jolts of anticipation through your body. After all, embarking on these nocturnal escapades had grown to become one of your most treasured pastimes with your best friend.
You could feel the magnetic pull between you and Lo'ak, who stirred within you an eagerness that made any resistance utterly hopeless. He possessed a unique kind of charm that made it genuinely impossible for you to say no, even if you'd wanted to.
Honestly, if Lo'ak asked anything of you, you would probably oblige without hesitation.
It seemed almost instinctive for your fingers to reach out and intertwine with his in a display of trust and camaraderie that seemed to transcend words or even conscious thought.
As Lo'ak gently pulled you forward and out of your tent, the familiar sensation of adrenaline coursed through your veins–a fierce brightness against the inky blackness of the night that seemed to beckon you further into its embrace.
Taglist <3:
@vanillawhale, @strawberryclouds22, @countryandsweetbabygirl, @kurogxrix, @yunonaneko, @ahsatan785, @lauratstrange, @lwesodra, @kaealowri, @starboyloak
Previously: Chapter I, Chapter II, Chapter III, Chapter IV, Chapter V
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