bound - avatar oc x oc

part 13

By the time the pair landed Sar'zoo back in his dedicated spot among the other ikran, the sun had fully risen over the ocean.

As they slid off the creature's back, both teens wore wide, breathless grins.

Akaia walked to Sar'zoo's face and embraced him, silently thanking her soul-brother for not throwing Mak'korro off mid-flight.

The sound of Mak'korro's laugh — warm and unguarded — made her turn. He was still grinning, hands on his head in disbelief, clearly amazed by what he had just seen.

He stepped forward, grabbing both of her hands and completely ignoring the way Sar'zoo began huffing in jealous protest.

"Akaia, that was incredible! I've never felt so alive," he beamed, his thumbs gently rubbing the backs of her hands.

Akaia couldn't stop the blush that bloomed across her face as the boy caressed her. Her tail swayed behind her, and she became acutely aware of just how close they were standing.

Her heart thudded when she noticed his gaze flick briefly to her lips — then back to her eyes.

Was he going to kiss her?

Her mind raced. What if I'm a bad kisser? Oh Eywa—

Then, without warning, Mak'korro lifted one hand to her cheek, his palm soft and warm against her skin.

Akaia nearly fainted on the spot. Her tail wagged like crazy — and she wasn't the only one. She caught his flicking too.

Before anything could happen, a figure burst through the bushes separating the beach from the ikran nesting grounds.

Both teens jumped apart like they'd been struck by lightning.

Neteyam froze in place, eyes wide. His gaze darted between Akaia and Mak'korro, his mouth opening in shock.

"Have you found her yet, bro?" another voice called out — and Akaia groaned internally.

Please not Lo'ak. Please let it be Kiri. Or even Tuk.

But it was Lo'ak.

He appeared behind Neteyam, and his reaction was identical — wide eyes, gaping mouth, and a double take at the scene in front of him.

Awkward silence fell like a storm cloud. No one spoke. Mak'korro scratched the back of his head and turned to Akaia.

"Thank you for the ride," he said quickly. "I had a great time."

Neteyam and Lo'ak's jaws dropped even more as they looked between the blushing teens, their windswept hair and nervous smiles. Their imaginations ran wild.

"But I should probably get going. I'll see you later for lessons." Mak'korro gave a polite wave before retreating to the beach.

The brothers' eyes trailed after him, then snapped back to Akaia.

"Thanks for the ride?!" Lo'ak echoed dramatically, glaring at her.

Akaia rolled her eyes, striding up to him and smacking the back of his head.

"We were riding Sar'zoo, you moron. Get your mind out of the gutter," she muttered, brushing past the stunned boys.

But of course, they weren't done.

They trailed after her through the village, firing off questions rapid-fire.

"Why were you with him?"

"Were you guys gonna kiss?"

"Did you leave early just to see him?"

"Was Sar'zoo the only thing you were riding?"

Akaia stopped dead in her tracks. Slowly, she turned, her expression murderous.

Both her hands shot out, covering their mouths with a firm shove.

"Both of you. Drop it. Now."

She gave their faces a push for good measure, and the boys groaned, rubbing their cheeks as they followed her more quietly.

Akaia prayed no one overheard them. The last thing she needed was gossip about her and the future Olo'eyktan spreading through the reef.

As they approached home, she exhaled sharply, mentally bracing herself.

She stepped into the marui — and froze.

Her entire family stood in the center of the room, eyes locked on her.

Neytiri stormed forward, grabbing Akaia by the arm and pulling her closer.

"Where were you?" she demanded.

Akaia didn't meet her mother's eyes, instead staring at the floor.

"She was with Mak'korro!" Lo'ak blurted out — and was instantly elbowed by Neteyam.

Jake's eyes narrowed, flicking from Lo'ak to Akaia.

She glared daggers at her younger brother as he clutched his ribs in pain.

Jake stepped forward, his face unreadable, but his jaw clenched tight. Tonowari's son? Again? He looked to Neytiri, who was already exchanging a knowing look with him.

"What were you two doing?" Neytiri asked, her voice low and suspicious.

Akaia's eyes widened. "Mum, please stop. We just went for a ride on Sar'zoo!"

She yanked her arm from her mother and turned away, cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.

"That's debatable," Lo'ak muttered.

Akaia spun back around with fire in her eyes.

"Lo'ak, stop. Leave. Now," Jake ordered, pointing to the exit.

Lo'ak groaned and stalked out, followed by the others — all casting glances over their shoulders.

Now it was just Jake, Neytiri, and Akaia.

She sighed, still avoiding Jake's eyes.

"Akaia," he said firmly, "look at me."

She lifted her head reluctantly.

"Nothing happened, Dad," she repeated. "We just went flying. That's it."

Jake let out a slow breath. "Akaia, we're here to blend in. Flying around with the chief's son before sunrise is not blending in. I know you miss our old life, but we can't risk our safety."

Her brows furrowed. "How am I risking anything? I'm trying to make friends—"

"You're putting yourself and others in dangerous situations," he snapped, cutting her off.

Her eyes flashed. "Dangerous? Dad, what dangerous situation? I've ridden Sar'zoo a thousand times. You trusted me when I led scouting parties. When I fought in your war campaigns! What's changed?"

"Everything's changed!" Jake shouted. "Our lives are different now! Nothing is the same! From now on — no more rides on Sar'zoo. The same goes for your siblings. No more ikran riding."

Neytiri and Akaia both stared at him.

"Ma'Jake," Neytiri said sharply, stepping forward, eyes full of disbelief.

"Dad, you can't do that," Akaia said, stunned.

"I'll do whatever it takes to protect this family," he growled.

Akaia let out a humorless laugh.

"Get fucked," she snapped, storming out of the marui.

Jake flinched, his face hardening.

Neytiri slapped his chest, hissing in frustration before rushing out after her daughter.

———-

a/n

Mak'korro's love language is definitely touch

also a bit of beef with jake and akaia.... yikes

fun fact about me, i got in my first ever car crash today 😃