The Bond of The Forest - Lo'ak X Reader

Chapter 6

BACK TO MAI'S POV

I was being called to the Sully's tent during dinner and the clan stared at me as I made my way through the crowd to attend to Toruk Makto.

I felt embarrassed yet sad as the clan did not yet know that their leader was going to be leaving. I grew worried at what the clan would think of him for leaving them behind. I'm sure they will understand as they all have their own families to protect.

I entered the tent to see the whole Sully family on a knee in a circle. Lo'ak smiled at me as soon as he locked eyes with me. He seems to have perked up. Maybe they aren't leaving after all.

'Sir' I nodded at Jake who nodded back as if to tell me to sit, so I took a knee next to Kiri who was the only one sat with her knees tucked into her chest.

'Mai, we have something important to discuss with you' Jake tells me, his face grave. 'As you know we are leaving to seek another clan overseas, it's not safe for our family here anymore with the Sky People returning to Pandora' I took a deep breath as he continues, 'my sons brought to my attention that your parents are now with Eywa as a result of the battle that I lead, now I know my children have become extremely fond of you, and as it was the battle that I had lead, I will hold that responsibility on my shoulders. Now I know that my family would be happy for you to join us on our next venture.'

I could barely believe what I was hearing. My heart felt full at what Jake was saying, the leader of the Omatikaya clan was asking me to join his family on their next adventure and I could not be happier.

'Now Mai, this family is our fortress and I would do anything for them, I understand if you say no and don't want to leave the clan, but you proved yourself on your dedication to protect this family when you saved my children with us. I will leave now and give you time to think about it.'

Jake and Neytiri stand up picking a smiling Tuk up to I assume, bed. I glanced round the room at the boys and Kiri.

Kiri looked back at me and said 'what're you going to say?' I studied Neteyam and Lo'ak's happy faces and broke into a grin.

'A million times yes, I feel honoured.'

The three Sully's cheered in unison and jumped on me giving me a hug. When we broke apart I couldn't help but notice Lo'ak's lingering hand squeezing my arm in excitement.

'I'm off to bed,' Kiri announced, she yawned after all of the excitement, 'I'm glad you're coming with us Mai, I wouldn't wish it was anyone else. I'm heartbroken to go though.'

We were all thinking the same thing, we were deeply connected to our forest, it was going to be like grieving a loved one.

Kiri left the room leaving me, Lo'ak and Neteyam in the main tent. Neteyam put his hands behind his head leaning on them with a smirk on his face.

'So, who said what. Who do I have to thank' I grinned at them. I was still in disbelief at what I had just heard from Jake. Lo'ak opened his mouth as if to speak but Neteyam butt in before he could say anything,

'It was all Lo'ak, he asked Dad if you could come with and explained your whole family situation and whatnot, I was a mere bystander, but I'm glad you're coming with us, it's going to make it a whole lot more fun than just being with these moody lot.'

I beamed a smile at Lo'ak who was looking in surprise at Neteyam,  Neteyam reached over and squeezed me before producing a somewhat fake yawn,

'Right bro i'm off to bed, seems like we got a big ass day tomorrow, get some shut eye soon, don't stay up too late you two,' he winked at us before exiting the room leaving Lo'ak and I sitting opposite each other.

The room fell still, juxtaposing the buzz that was previously in here just minutes ago.

'Thank you, Lo'ak'  I spoke to him softy. He stood up and pulled his hand out away from his forehead. I see you too Lo'ak. I looked up at him and smiled doing the same back and standing up beside him.

'Why so formal Lo'ak give me a hug,' I say pulling him into my arms. I couldn't express in words or I see yous how grateful I was that I wasn't being left behind, but a hug will do. He seemed startled at first, shy almost. But nonetheless he wrapped his arms around me and hugged me.

His head rested on the top of my head, and his hands were wrapped around my waist, whilst mine wrapped around his neck. We stood there for a minute peacefully, nothing could ruin this moment.

'Fuck bro, have you seen my-' Neteyam burst through the tent causing Lo'ak and I to spring across the room breaking the hug.

We looked guilty, like deers in the headlights even though it was just a hug. My cheeks flushed as I stared wide eyed at Neteyam who was looking flushed aswell.

'I-uh-never mind I'll definitely be leaving the room now' Neteyam stuttered backing out of the room. I see in my peripheral vision Lo'ak bring his hand to his head, pinching his eyebrows and squeezing his eyes shut. I laughed quietly. Nice one Neteyam.

I go to walk out the room and off to bed when Lo'ak calls my name

'Mai?'

I turn around by the door and wait patiently for what Lo'ak was about to say,
'Nevermind, night see you tomorrow for the big day I guess.'

I wondered what he was wanting to say and what he was thinking, sometimes he can be so mysterious and such a closed book.

I smile and leave the room to get to my leaf pod ready to start my next chapter with the Sully family.

A/N
I hope you're enjoying the story if you're reading :) I have a lot planned for this book <333