Reciprocity

Chapter 5:

Waking up beside her mate, Neytiri takes in her family. Jake is in a deep sleep, like nothing in the world could wake him. It's a startling reminder of a time she'd rather not focus on. But at least this time is different. He's not rigid, instead he's relaxed and breathing deeply.

Behind him, Tuk has nestled her body against his back, face squished and oblivious as she snores in the strange position. Neytiri rises with ease, turning to see Lo'ak holding Kiri's tail. She can't help the smile that comes to her.

As for the other two, Kiri has draped herself around Spider. She listens to his chest thrum with life, and Spider surprises her. He lays eyes open, gingerly tracing Kiri's partners. When he glances at her, there's a pause.

He makes no attempt to move, though with Kiri's weight around him that may prove difficult. Neytiri sighs, she must try with this one. For her Jake, and her children. For Neteyam.

Outside she hears others going about the morning, the sun has already risen. Soon, the scientists will come. It would be best that she extract Spider from her daughter. Doing so without waking Kiri proves fruitless.

The moment Neytiri goes to lift Kiri's arm, Spider barely shifts before her eyes snap open.

"Hello, maKiri," she helps her sit. "It is time for Spider to change his mask."

"Oh," Kiri huffs. "Don't take forever, monkeyboy."

"I won't," Spider finally drags himself out of her embrace. "Good morning."

"You will grab a spare, we have plans for the day."

"Okay?"

Knowing this child, Neytiri watches him shuffle past the sleeping forms. They don't actually have any real plans, but Neytiri is certain if this is to work, then this family needs time bonding.

Considering the time she doesn't bother to move silently. As she begins to gather a small basket, she hears Tuk trying to wake Jake. The man only grumbles in return, reaching beside him. He grasps at the empty space, forcing himself up immediately.

"Fuck," he hisses, only for Tuk to chide him. "I know, I won't say that again."

"MaJake," Neytiri calls, smirking when Jake whips around to see her. "Prepare, we shall eat in the forest."

"A picnic?"

"Yes."

"Yeah!" Tuk's excitement wakes her older siblings.

With everyone finally rising, Neytiri continues packing. Jake is intent on staying beside her, quick to offer his hands. Their children giggle as they watch him rush about without their mother even needing to say a single word. Though she herself can't help the warm fondness that fills her.

Lo'ak goes to leave, but Neytiri isn't about to let that happen.

"My son, stay," she insists. "We shall all spend the day together."

"Can I at least get Tsireya?"

"It will just be our family," Neytiri sighs. "Perhaps you can arrange an outing tomorrow with her?"

"Fine," he huffs, sitting back with his sisters.

It's not long before Spider returns, a belt wrapped around his waist holding his spare and extra canisters.

"Come," Neytiri orders.

For the most part it is silent as they traverse into the trees. They go further than ever before. Even Jake looks curious as to where his mate will lead them.

In the shaded foliage they can see so clearly. The brightness of the sun hardly affects them. Even Spider manages to keep pace with everyone. Neytiri knows other humans would greatly struggle, even Tuk stumbles here or there. But Spider is quick, he moves in a strange way. It is the same as when he was younger, though much smoother. Apparently Jake says that an insect from his original planet moved similarly.

The hike is quite long, but Neytiri wants to share her little discovery. As they near, she slows allowing her family to take the lead. She waits to see their reactions to the massive tree and the alcove beneath its roots.

The children are bounding forward, ever so enthralled. Jake stands stiff, looking up and around. She knows why, it is vaguely familiar of her first home. As large as the tree is, it remains young compared to Hometree. Unlike the gigantic village, this would hardly fit their family.

But she can see it in his eyes when he looks back at her. The nostalgia and his concern. He approaches her gently, wrapping his arms around her frame. He says nothing, yet Neytiri feels her chest tighten.

"I will be okay, MaJake."

"I know," he hums. "It's beautiful."

"Yes," Neytiri is brought back to her children as they begin to scale it. "Be soft with this one. It is very young."

Her children readily agree. Unlike the others, Spider has chosen to stay near the den. He fades into the shadow; Jake moves to follow.

"Let them," she smiles. "We have much to prepare."

"Sure, let's take our time. Lunch isn't for a while."