bound - avatar oc x oc

part 10

Akaia stood waist-deep in the water, eyes trained on Ao'nung as he demonstrated how to summon an Ilu.

"These are Ilu. If you want to live here, you have to ride," he explained as the creatures gracefully surrounded him.

"For this activity, we'll need to split into pairs," Tsireya added, drawing everyone's attention.

"Lo'ak and I, Neteyam and Ao'nung, Kiri and Rotxo, and last but not least... Akaia and Mak'korro," she finished, glancing at Lo'ak with a warm smile.

"What about me?" Tuk piped up from Neteyam's arms with a frown.

"You'll come with me, Tuk. We'll learn together," Neteyam reassured her with a smile.

As the group began to pair off and drift toward their Ilu, Akaia lingered. She kept a watchful eye on her siblings, making sure everyone was okay. Ripples in the water alerted her to an Ilu swimming beside her. She reached out gently, stroking the creature's smooth skin.

From the corner of her eye, a figure approached. Mak'korro, careful not to startle the animal, stopped beside her.

"He likes you," he said, smiling at her.

She looked at him, returning the smile before glancing down at the Ilu who nudged against her affectionately. "Well, he has great taste."

Mak'korro laughed—a loud, genuine laugh that made Akaia turn with a grin of disbelief.

"What's so funny?" she asked, splashing water at him.

He turned away, shielding himself. "Nothing! It was just... a funny joke."

Akaia clutched her chest in mock offense. "Are you saying he doesn't have great taste?"

The Ilu rubbed against her again, nudging her for more affection.

Mak'korro grinned. "Nope. Didn't say that."

She squinted at him playfully before splashing him again. He stepped closer, his eyes flicking to the faint bruises on her neck again before he spoke.

"Come on, I've got to teach you how to ride an Ilu." He smiled as he reached for her hand, guiding her into deeper water. The Ilu followed closely behind.

From a distance, Neteyam and Lo'ak watched, frowns etched into their faces.

⸻

With Mak'korro's help, Akaia climbed onto her Ilu. Once she was steady, he nodded.

"Make the bond," he said softly, "gently."

Akaia reached for her queue, her biceps flexing as she brought the braid forward. Mak'korro watched, momentarily stunned.

She connected the bond slowly. The Ilu shuddered beneath her as both their pupils widened. No matter how many times she had bonded before, the sensation always stunned her—the synchronicity of heartbeats, the sudden flood of understanding and strength.

Akaia closed her eyes, exhaling deeply, allowing herself to adjust.

Mak'korro gently placed his hand over hers. She opened her eyes, and he guided her hand to the Ilu's saddle.

"Hold here. Tight."

She nodded, leaning forward to lie flush against the creature's back. Mak'korro stepped away, eyes scanning her position one final time.

"You're ready," he said. "Stay close to the Ilu. Keep your body low—it helps with the current."

Akaia inhaled deeply and gave the silent command.

The Ilu launched forward, diving under the surface with Akaia clinging to its back. She tightened her grip, legs secure, her body moving as one with the creature. She banked hard, steering back toward Mak'korro.

The Ilu breached, spraying water as it surfaced. Akaia laughed breathlessly, grinning from ear to ear.

"That was amazing!" she shouted.

Mak'korro's eyes lit up. "You did great!"

He extended a hand, helping her slide down from the Ilu. Her breathing was heavy with excitement as she landed in front of him, their hands still clasped.

Neither of them moved.

They stared down at their intertwined fingers—until someone cleared their throat behind them.

Akaia spun, blushing, to find Lo'ak standing with arms crossed and a very obvious glare aimed at Mak'korro.

"Come on, sis. Tsireya's about to teach us how to breathe properly," he said, extending a hand.

Still holding Mak'korro's hand, Akaia turned back to him.

"Thank you for the lesson, Mak'korro," she said softly.

Lo'ak reached out, grabbing her hand and tugging her away. She offered Mak'korro one last smile before being pulled off.

Mak'korro gave a small wave, then turned and walked toward his brother.

Akaia looked over her shoulder, a goofy smile on her face before Lo'ak delivers a sharp elbow to her side.

"Elbow me again and I'll drown you," she warned.

"What?" Lo'ak asked innocently, still frowning.

"That elbow? It hurt."

"Oh. My bad. Must've slipped." He looked away.

Akaia rolled her eyes.

—————

a/n

Mak'korro and Akaia are so fucking cute i love them with all my heart 🫠

967 words.