bound - avatar oc x oc

part 27

After a while, the newly mated pair gently separated themselves from Ronal and Tonowari.

"We have to go," Mak'korro said, glancing at Akaia. "We still need to tell her parents."

Ronal gave a soft nod of understanding while Tonowari simply sighed, watching his son take Akaia's hand and step out of the marui.

"I fear for our son," Tonowari muttered dryly. "Jake Sully might kill him."

Ronal chuckled, rubbing her belly. "He'll have to get through Akaia first."

———

Akaia's hands trembled as she stood just outside her family's marui. Mak'korro watched her with gentle concern.

"It'll be okay," he said softly, rubbing her back in slow, soothing circles.

She met his eyes, voice quiet and strained. "My father is very strict, Mak'korro. He's not going to take this well."

Mak'korro offered her a reassuring smile, squeezing her hand. Without another word, she took a deep breath and stepped inside, her mate following closely behind.

"Tuk!" she barely had time to react before her little sister launched into her arms with a squeal. Akaia hugged her tightly, her eyes already scanning the room.

Jake was staring straight at her—glaring, in fact.

Kiri rushed forward, her expression a mix of confusion and relief. "Where have you been, sister? We've all been so worried."

Mak'korro reached for Akaia's hand, lacing their fingers together in silent support. Akaia's gaze flicked from her sister to her father.

"Dad, I—"

Jake shot to his feet. "Have you learned nothing, Akaia? Would it kill you to let someone know where you are?"

Akaia's eyes briefly met her mother's. Neytiri stood silently beside Jake, her eyes scanning her daughter with quiet suspicion.

"Just let me explain," Akaia tried, voice firm but calm.

"We were up all night worrying about you," Jake continued, stepping closer. "You can't just disappear, Akaia."

"I'm sorry," she said truthfully. "But I need to talk to you—"

"No. Not this time." His voice was cold and final. "You're grounded. You don't leave this home unless we say so."

Lo'ak and Neteyam exchanged a look from across the room, sensing the storm building between their sister and father.

Akaia's hands curled into fists at her sides, shaking—not with fear, but fury.

She looked Jake straight in the eyes. "Mak'korro and I are mated."

A stunned silence hit the marui like a wave.

"Oh shit," Kiri muttered.

Jake's face twisted in disbelief. His gaze snapped to Neytiri, whose lips were already parted in silent shock.

"You are what?!" he barked.

"Jake, breathe," Neytiri warned, but Akaia stepped in again.

"We're mated," she repeated sharply, matching his tone. "It's done."

Jake's eyes darted to Mak'korro, then back to his daughter.

"Everyone out," he growled at the siblings. "Now."

Lo'ak, Kiri, and Neteyam didn't argue—they vanished out the flap in seconds, leaving behind a tense silence.

Jake's jaw clenched. "What were you thinking? You're too young to make decisions like this!"

Akaia stepped protectively in front of Mak'korro. "Don't be a hypocrite. You and mom were young too when you mated."

Jake faltered for a second, glancing helplessly toward Neytiri for support.

She met his gaze gently, placing a hand on his chest. "They love each other, ma Jake. Just like we did. They're following their hearts."

Jake's expression softened for a brief moment as he looked at her. Neytiri then turned back to Akaia, walking over to her daughter and brushing a hand along her cheek.

"I am proud of you," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "You both make a beautiful couple."

She pulled Akaia and Mak'korro into a hug. They folded into her arms without hesitation, the weight of the moment finally lifting.

Jake stood a few paces back, watching them in silence. His face was unreadable.

Then, without a word, he bowed his head and walked out of the marui.

Akaia pulled back from the hug and turned to the empty space her father had just left. Her smile faded.

"Why can't he just be happy for me?" she whispered.

Mak'korro placed a gentle hand on her back, his expression unreadable.

"I'll go speak to him," Neytiri offered, already turning.

But Mak'korro stopped her with a small shake of his head. "No. You should stay here with Akaia. I'll talk to him."

"You're sure?" Akaia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mak'korro smiled gently. "I'm sure, ma love."

He kissed her forehead softly, then stepped outside.

As the marui flap settled behind him, Neytiri looked at her daughter with a teasing smirk.

"Now," she said, folding her arms, "you need to tell me everything."

———

a/n

i have a question, where abouts are most of u from? I wanna figure out the best time to post for you guys :))

also i love neytiri so freaking much, i want a mum like her 🥲