bound - avatar oc x oc

part 20

After finishing her conversation with her brothers, Akaia returned to where Tuk and Mak'korro were sitting.

"Sorry about that—they just had a question," she said, brushing the hair from her face.

"All good, sis," Tuk replied cheerfully. "Me and Mak'korro were having a nice chat."

Akaia glanced at him and noticed a subtle blush rising to his cheeks. They shared a momentary look before Mak'korro cleared his throat.

"I should probably get going. My mum wants help getting ready for the Tulkuns' arrival," he said, though his tone was reluctant.

Akaia nodded in understanding. Tuk, on the other hand, was far less accepting.

"But we're not finished playing!" she whined, giving him her best pleading eyes.

Mak'korro looked to Akaia for help.

"Tuk," she said gently, "Mak'korro's busy. He's the future Olo'eyktan—he has responsibilities."

Tuk let out a dramatic sigh, then turned back to him. "Can we play again sometime? You're way better than Lo'ak. He sucks."

Mak'korro chuckled. "Of course we can. I'd like that."

Akaia felt her stomach flip as his gaze flicked toward her. "I'll see you both around," he said, offering a wave before turning to leave.

She couldn't help but watch him go, a dopey look on her face.

Tuk rolled her eyes. "You are sooo in love with him."

Akaia's head snapped toward her sister. "Who told you that?" she asked, heart skipping.

"No one. I just know," Tuk said smugly.

Akaia groaned and returned to carving the toy. Definitely spending too much time with Kiri.

"Are you going to mate with him?" Tuk asked suddenly.

Akaia nearly dropped the carving knife. "Tuk! You're way too young to be asking questions like that."

"Well, are you?"

"Tuk. Drop it," Akaia said firmly.

A few moments of silence passed before Tuk spoke again, this time softer. "If you do... would he live with us? I like playing with him."

Akaia let out an exasperated sigh and stood. "We're going home."

"Why won't you answer me?"

"Because those are questions you shouldn't even be thinking about yet," Akaia muttered, taking Tuk's hand. "I swear, you've been hanging around Lo'ak too much."

⸻

When they returned home, Jake and Neytiri were sitting by the fire preparing lunch. Jake spotted Akaia almost immediately, and she quickly busied herself putting away her carving supplies.

He exchanged a glance with Neytiri. She gave him a firm nod in Akaia's direction. Jake sighed and cleared his throat.

"Akaia. I need to talk to you."

Her head turned. "Sure. What's up?" she said cautiously, unsure what mood he was in after their last argument.

Jake avoided her eyes. "Let's talk outside."

Akaia followed him onto the dock. They both sat on the edge, the ocean breeze brushing past them.

"I just wanted to say... I'm sorry for how I've been acting lately," he began. "I forget sometimes that you and your siblings are still young. You deserve to live your lives—not just survive."

Akaia blinked. She hadn't expected that.

Jake shifted uncomfortably. "Now, your mother is forcing me to have this next conversation," he said with a groan, still staring at the water. "I don't know what's going on between you and that boy, but I need to know that you're... being safe."

Akaia's entire soul left her body. "Oh my Eywa. Dad, no."

"I mean, you're responsible. He seems responsible. I just... I don't want to be a grandfather anytime soon," he mumbled with a nervous laugh.

"Dad, we're not even together!" she said, mortified. "We're just friends!"

"Right. Okay. Good. Still—just keep this in mind for the future. Be safe."

Akaia covered her face. This had to be the worst moment of her life.

"And you do know how to be safe, right? I don't need to explain anything, do I?"

She jumped up. "That's it. I'm done."

"I was just making sure!" Jake called after her, slumping in defeat and running a hand down his face.

Back inside, Akaia was met with smug grins from all her siblings. She pretended not to notice, grabbed a portion of fish Neytiri had just finished cooking, and retreated to her mat like it was her last safe haven.

A few minutes later, Jake walked back in, looking equally humiliated as he quietly whispered something to Neytiri. She rolled her eyes, then glanced at Akaia—still sitting alone.

She stood and made her way over.

Akaia groaned as she approached. "Please, Mother. Not you too."

"I'm not here to talk," Neytiri said, sitting beside her. "That was your father's job." She smirked. "I just didn't want you to eat alone."

Akaia gave her a tired smile. Together, they sat in silence, sharing a quiet meal—finally free of lectures, questions, and blush-inducing awkwardness.

———-

a/n

this and the last chapter were both kinda filler updates but i swear some fun stuff and drama will be coming soon.

i might even update again tonight because im so freaking bored rn

also

jake is so fucking funny lmao