The Stars in Your Skin

CHAPTER 21

A.N.
Just a bunch of fluff.

Naawri is his moonlight. She doesn't shine like the sun. The sun’s rays could be harsh sometimes. Never the moon. Cold? To those that didn't appreciate its light, but also gentle and soothing.

This runs through his mind as he watches her laugh next to him. He pulls a face. “It’s not funny syulang.” She looks down at him still giggling.

“It kind of is.” Once her giggles die down she slides a look to him. “You’re not upset are you?”

He sits up and wraps an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. He presses a kiss to her forehead. “Not at all syulang.” He breathes  in the scent of her hair oil.

She tells him about the time she and Noney fell in the dye pit and were dyed red for an entire week. He laughs at the thought of her hiding in their home because she was the color of fireweed.  “Wait how did you fall in the dye pit?”

She shakes her head. “Nope, too embarrassing.”

He smirks at her. “Now, I really want to know.” The sound of footsteps catches his keen ears. In a few smooth movements he’s on his feet bow and arrow at the ready. He hears Naawri pull her knife.

Seconds later the intruder enters the clearing. He breathes a sigh of relief. It’s Ha’ew. The older Na’vi holds his hands up. “I could have shot you,” he chastises. “Is someone looking for me?” He’d only had an hour with her tops today and he deeply wanted more.

“Yeah. I covered for you with your dad but your mom… Your mom is kind of scary, dude.” He scratches his cheek. “Kiri said that she’d stall her but you should probably get back.”

He turns to her, an ache forming in his chest. “I’m sorry my seze.”

The lop-sided grin she gives him is loving. “It’s fine. We agreed to this.”

He cut Ha’ew a glance prompting him to give them some privacy. Then, he draws her close and gives her a traditional Omatikaya kiss, the pressing of the faces together. She smiles against his lips. He reluctantly departs, leaving Ha’ew to walk her back to High Camp.

The more time he spends with her the deeper his feelings run.  She sees him, not only his titles or his achievements but him. She listens when he reveals the inner emotions he keeps hidden away in a small box and doesn’t judge. Merely, being with her relaxes him. He’d protect with his very life. Which is why when she says: “Tsifanu called on me again today,” ferocious anger spikes through him.

“What did he want?” He nearly growls.

“The same thing he always wants.” Even though her eyes remain on the sash she’s weaving for Kiri he sees her roll them.

He sits up, ears flattening. That vonva.

She regards him then. “Don’t worry. It’s handled.” She reassures him, but it does nothing.

“Nawri you said that last time.” His tail thrashes behind him.

A wicked smirk lights her lips. “Well, last time I was nice.”

At any other time he may have returned her smile. But this was annoying. Tsifanu was persistent and this was his fourth time calling on Naawri with romantic interests in mind. If their relationship was not secret this wouldn’t be happening. He gives her his attention when she calls his name.

“It’s handled.” She catches his eyes with hers.

He scowls. “I hear you, but if he comes back I’m going to have a talk with him. You’re my yawnetu and he has no right to harass you. I don't care what past honors he has.” This he says with a sneer, voice hard.

She cants her head. “Firstly, mawey mighty warrior. Secondly I’m yours?” Her lovely eyes sparkle.

He blinks. “I said that?”

“Yeah.”

He tilts his head skyward to the afternoon sun. He said that? He brings his attention back to her, heart fluttering in his chest. What would she do? “I mean it. I don’t see anyone beyond you.” He holds her gaze, sincere in every word.

The smile that breaks over her mouth is radiant. He swallows. She puts the half finished sash aside carefully and draws close, close enough to kiss.

“Then does that mean you’re my yawnutu?” She drawls.

The way she looks at him, like he’s the only thing existing in this moment swells his heart.  “Yes.” Was that his voice sounding that hoarse?  A second later she joins her mouth to his.

Mawey- calm
Seze- blue flower
Syulang- flower
Yawnetu- loved one
Yawnutu- loved one
Vonva- butthole