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vivid-ink · 10 months

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"To Know You Again" Chapter 4 - The Great Mother's Blessing

Pairing: Neteyam x fem!Omatikaya OC

Summary: “Do you remember our last night here? The night before my family left?” The warm, rumbling timbre of Neteyam’s voice washed over her. “Yes,” Naia whispered. How could she forget?... She had replayed the memory of his lips over and over numerous times. One corner of Neteyam’s mouth lifted in a small smile as his eyes tracked over the delicate bridge of her nose and over her steadily flushing cheeks. His gaze stopped to rest on her lips, “You gave me something that night. I think it's time I returned it."

An exploration of what if Neteyam had to leave a girl he was close to behind when his family fled to the reefs to seek refuge. AU - Set 7 years after TWoW, exploring the many emotions and the eventual romantic reunion between Neteyam and his love.

Warnings: Adult content 18+, MDNI Content: Romance, drama, angst, fluff, sexual content, smut, soulmates, bonding. Word Count: 10.3k

Previous Chapter 3 - A Choice Already Made

The crisp morning air always carried with it the invigorating scent of the forest flora around them. As light began to grow across the horizon at the end of eclipse, the sweet blooms and fragrant flower pods that had closed for the night re-opened to greet the new day. Naia knelt in comfortable silence with Mo’at and Leylani among the luminous leaf-vines at the sacred site of Vitrautral (Tree of Souls).

They had flown down from High Camp earlier this morning as Mo’at had decided to hold their weekly prayer session here instead of in her hut, which was their usual place of prayer. There was an important matter being held in discussion at the clan council currently, Mo’at had remarked to Naia, and the Great Mother’s guidance was vital to achieve the right outcome.

Naia did not know what was being deliberated over by the council and in truth, she was so engrossed in her bliss from the previous night that she did not care to even ask. The subtle weight of the pendant that now adorned her chest was a beautiful reminder of why. Thank you Great Mother, for this path that you have blessed me to walk…

The comforting rush of their ancestors’ voices swirled through the bond she had made with the hallowed tree, and Naia relaxed into her meditation. Eyes closed in contemplation, she smiled a silent smile to herself. Neteyam loved her. They had made love last night and it was everything she had ever dreamed of.

Neteyam had been exceedingly gentle with her at first, but once Naia had convinced him that he had not caused her any hurt, he had been urgent and impassioned in his desire. He had been generous and attentive to her pleasure and Naia had discovered, in turn, that she too enjoyed watching him respond to the pleasure she brought him. After a short catnap following their initial lovemaking, they had been unable to stem the fervour of their newfound need for each other and they had tangled with each other one more time.

Overjoyed was not an adequate enough word to describe how idyllically happy Naia felt.

Chanted words spilled from the tsahìk’s lips and Leylani’s own murmurs mirrored Mo’at’s as they prayed. Leylani did not fail to notice the silence to her left where Naia sat though. Cracking open an eyelid, she peered at her friend out of the corner of one eye. A serene smile was dancing across Naia’s lips, and all over face and body, her syuratan (bioluminescent spots) twinkled and shone brightly against her cobalt skin. Naia’s tail was relaxed and lay in a gentle curl at her side, but the little tuft at the end was dancing to and fro.

Happiness radiated from Naia in an unspoken glow and Leylani felt tender kindliness burst in her own chest at the sight. Her friend was blessedly happy today and it was the kind of joy that Leylani knew came only from that of an amorous affair. The beautiful necklace around Naia’s neck was new too. Leylani studied the elegant piece of jewellery, noting that the materials it had been made from were foreign and not anything she had seen here before. She grinned, full of gladness for her friend. She did not even need to guess who had gifted Naia the piece of jewellery.

As discreetly and soundlessly as possible, Leylani shuffled closer to Naia and gave her a playful nudge with a bump of her hip. Naia’s eyes flew open in question at Leylani who emitted a poorly stifled giggle.

“What are the two of you doing over there?” Mo’at’s chanting stopped and her voice was a drawl as her amber eyes peeled open to dissect her two students.

Giggling uncontrollably now, Leylani peeped out between her tittering, “Manaia’s distracted. She’s not even praying.”

Naia’s jaw dropped and she goggled at being called out by her friend, “Yes, I am! I was giving thanks and reverence to our Great Mother.”

Leylani’s response was a teasing retort, muttered quietly through a closed mouth as she elbowed Naia naughtily, “Giving thanks to Eywa for the handsome man with broad shoulders and rippling muscles you were exploring last night, no doubt.”

“Leylani!” Naia hissed, teeming with embarrassment at the salacious remark. Leylani dissolved into hoots of laughter. For all her demure demeanour, Naia knew Leylani could be mischievous if she wanted to be.

There was no irritation in Mo’at’s expression as the older woman appraised Naia, the beginnings of a smile starting to etch its way across her aged face. The girl was flushed with mortification at being singled out. However, despite this, she was absolutely luminous in her joy. Whatever had occurred the previous night between her and Neteyam must have been deeply meaningful.

Mo’at’s gaze fell to the necklet around Naia’s neck and she recognised it for what it was: Her grandson had made his choice; Naia was his intended and he would wed no other.

“It’s alright.” Mo’at chuckled, regarding Naia with gentle eyes that sparkled with endorsement, “The Great Mother has blessed you. Be happy, child.”

Naia was unable to contain her bright smile at Mo’at’s words and she laughed, covering her face with both hands in an attempt to shield her embarrassment. Giving Naia one last parting poke in the ribs, Leylani scooted back to her position and they resumed their prayers.

Taking a deep and purposeful inhale, Leylani willed her mind to settle into a prayerful state. Eywa had blessed Naia and Neteyam with their reunion, and hopefully she would guide the clan’s councillors to the decision she hoped for and bless the Omatikaya too with the successor the they needed.

Silently, Leylani offered her prayers of intention to the Great Mother. If Leylani was truthful, she had been relieved when Tupou had first expressed his wish to step down as successor upon Neteyam’s return. As much as Tupou was a good friend of hers, he had his flaws and he could be difficult to deal with. Neteyam was a stronger candidate by far. She would do her duty as future tsahìk regardless of who was appointed successor, but Leylani would be lying if she did not admit to preferring Neteyam. They would work well as a leading pair and she could easily see herself growing to love him as a husband too.

However, the happiness of her friends outweighed her own desire for an easy partnership. Neteyam and Naia meant the world to each other and she was not going to step in the way of that. Neteyam would be a formidable olo’eyktan in time, but the Omatikaya would never see that day if the councillors denied him his wish to mate Naia.

A tendril of worry unfurled within Leylani at the thought. Tupou did not want to be successor and he would be miserable to deal with if forced into a mould he did not fit into. And there were no other suitable candidates. There really was only one ideal outcome.

Suppressing a sigh, Leylani beseeched the Great Mother to reveal her path and guide her towards it. Her duty was first and foremost to her clan. She wanted only what was best for the people and she would play whatever role she needed to ensure that. Strengthening her entreaty, Leylani focused all her being into her prayer, willing the Great Mother to show her the way.

A sharp intake of breath from Naia drew Leylani’s attention then and she opened her eyes to look at her friend. A gasp of her own left her at what she saw.

Dozens of atokirina (seeds of the sacred tree) were descending from the canopy of trailing, radiant vines overhead. The graceful seeds undulated towards Naia, flocking to her and enveloping her in an incandescent picture where she sat. The atokirina floated around her, resting on her head, shoulders and lap, their rippling wisps skimming across Naia’s skin in a gentle caress.

Leylani pressed the fingers of one trembling hand to her lips as a wave of emotion overcame her. She had asked the Great Mother for guidance and her prayer had been heard. The Great Mother was showing her the way.

***~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***

“Sa’nok, no!” Naia cried, swatting her mother’s hands away as Ayepni made a renewed attempt to slather some sweet balm onto her face.

“Men appreciate it when a woman takes pride in her appearance and looks after herself.” Ayepni chided lightly, grabbing hold of Naia’s arm to halt her escape and smoothing a dollop of the balm onto her daughter’s forehead, “You keep frowning like that and these crinkly lines on your forehead will stay there forever.”

Naia was cantankerous now after her mother’s various attempts to spruce her up. Earlier, her mother had chased her around their family shelter armed with a small bottle of scented oil, determined to spritz some on her. And even before that, Ayepni had tried to thread some sun lily blooms into Naia’s braids. As annoying as it was that her mother was fussing over her and assailing her with all these feminine things, there was no real heat behind Naia’s annoyance. She knew it was because her mother was happy for her.

When Naia had joined her parents for breakfast at the beginning of the day with her new necklet adorning her chest, it had provoked a barrage of questions from them about it. After the affable ribbing Leylani had given her during their morning prayer session, Naia had been ready for more interrogation and she had bashfully, but gladly, shared the news of her new association with Neteyam with her parents.

“I’m already late, mother. It’s well past the start of eclipse now.”

“Now, now, it never pays to be too eager to see a man.” Ayepni clucked, chortling away in good spirits, “Leaving him waiting is a good thing. Let him crave you a bit. It’ll be all the sweeter when he does finally get a taste.”

Naia rolled her eyes and made a face of disgust at her mother’s remark. She was not about to start taking romantic advice from her mother, nor was she about to enlighten her that Neteyam had technically already had a taste. She felt her cheeks heat at the thought.

“You sure you don’t want to try some more scented oil?” Ayepni queried, holding the bottle up. She grinned impishly at her daughter, “I know your father rather enjoys it when I wear it.”

The thought of her parents getting amorous made Naia gag and she exclaimed her repulson, “Yeugh! I don’t want to know! Goodbye, I’m going now!”

Taking the opportunity to escape her family home before her mother got any more ideas, Naia disappeared out of the entry flaps to the cackling of her mother.

Jogging through the stronghold and loping across the arching boughs that led towards the mount of the ikran rookery, she cursed the perfume of the scented oil as it tickled her nose. It seemed to be getting stronger as she ran, the light perspiration on her skin mixing with it and amplifying the scent. She recognised the fragrance well. It was the same sweet cologne she often scented on Leylani. Great, now she smelled all girly…

By the time she reached the flat summit of her destination, the skin of her cheeks felt tacky from the balm and the scented oil was all that permeated her nostrils.

Neteyam was waiting for her by the storage hut, his ikran’s saddle in hand as he checked its straps and buckles for signs of wear and tear, “It’s very unlike you not to be on time.” His voice was mirthful despite the censure of his words.

“Sorry. My mother got a little over-exuberant over our ah, relationship?” Naia apologised, testing out the word that represented their new connection to each other on her tongue. She closed the distance between them upon her approach and fitted herself against him in a hug as his arms closed around her. She took a purposeful inhale against the warm skin of his neck. By Eywa, she loved the way he smelled…

He pressed a kiss to her temple, “So, your parents approve of me?”

Naia’s eyes bugged out of her head at his question, and she stepped back to look at him, “Are you kidding me? My parents have always thought highly of you. My mother loves you! Honestly, I’m surprised she didn’t make an entire batch of utumauti (banana fruit) cake for me to bring to you after I told my parents this morning.”

Neteyam grinned as he recalled the sweet treat that Naia’s mother often used to make for him in their younger years. Ayepni made the best utumauti cake. It was even better than his grandmother’s though he would never say that to her face.

A delicious fragrance floated around Naia and his nostrils flared as he nuzzled her cheek, “No, she just sent along an even sweeter treat for me to enjoy tonight instead. You smell good.” He punctuated his statement with a light nibble to her ear and he smirked in satisfaction when he felt her shiver at the contact.

“You like the scented oil? It’s so overly feminine.”

Seeing the uncertain expression Naia wore, Neteyam chuckled softly, “It’s nice, but I like the way you smell with or without it.”

Ready now for their evening flight, they let out their usual chirruping calls, summoning their winged familiars. Neteyam’s beast, Tompa, soared over a nearby cliff, landing to perch before them in a regal display of turquoise and yellow. Naia waited for Lortirea, and her brow knitted deeper and deeper in a frown as the moments continued to pass with no sign of her. Strange.

Naia let out an ululation again, scanning the stony cliffs and vines for her ikran. Tompa gave an odd squawk, shifting anxiously on taloned feet. Cocking his head, the ikran nudged Neteyam’s shoulder, emitting yet another cautionary skreich.

“Something’s wrong.” Naia breathed, her worry rising, “Lortirea has always come when I’ve called.”

Neteyam scratched Tompa’s snout in an attempt to calm his familiar, who appeared uncharacteristically agitated, “Maybe she’s out hunting?”

“No. She always hunts during the day when she knows I’m busy working.”

Tompa head-butted Neteyam’s shoulder again, more insistently this time, causing Neteyam to stumble a few paces to the side. The winged beast screeched and bowed his head, extending a neural whip towards Neteyam, encouraging his rider to make the bond.

Naia looked on apprehensively as Neteyam bonded with Tompa, whose talons clawed nervously at the ground. She watched as Neteyam frowned at Tompa, interpreting the exchange of information through their bond. Tompa trilled out several sharp notes and settled his yellow eyes firmly on Naia, which caused her to look away instinctively, knowing never to look another’s ikran in the eyes.

“He wants to us to go with him. Now. He said he’ll take us to Lortirea.” Neteyam said, urgency informing his actions as he slipped the saddle onto Tompa’s back and adjusting the straps.

“What? What’s happened to her?”

Neteyam mounted Tompa in a supple leap, holding his hand out to Naia, “I don’t know, but Tompa wants you to come up here with me and he’ll fly us to her.”

Clasping his forearm, she sprang up onto Tompa’s back to settle herself in front of Neteyam. Naia felt one of his strong arms loop itself around her middle and she grasped on to one of Tompa’s neural whips, bracing herself for take-off. With a murmur by her ear to hold on tight, Neteyam urged Tompa to the sky before letting his familiar lead them where he wanted them to go.

Tompa sailed over the frontage of crags and overhangs at the summit, sailing past scores of other ikran as he took them towards the wooded area of the rookery. They were enveloped by lush greenery as they flew deeper into the timberland towards a large tree which had a trunk the width of several ikran’s wingspans.

Naia had never been this far into the banshee rookery and as she surveyed the colossal tree that Tompa was circling, she realised the trunk had big niches notched into it and she could see other ikran as they rested in the various recesses. Tompa alighted on a bough before one of the niches and Neteyam gracefully slid off his back, helping Naia off in turn.

Tompa twittered gently, looking towards the mouth of the niche. In the dim environment of the recess, Naia could just make out the mottled blue and purple of Lortirea’s wings and she padded in slowly with a soft call of her ikran’s name. Neteyam lingered by the entrance of the niche, patting Tompa’s neck to soothe him when he gave another edgy squawk.

Lortirea was curled on her front and she appeared to be unharmed and resting, her deep breaths blowing from the air inlets at the front of her chest. Her wings were relaxed at her sides and she perked up at the sight of Naia.

“What’s wrong, Lortirea? Are you alright?” Naia queried, coming to stop by her familiar’s head and giving her muzzle an affectionate stroke.

A placid trill of notes burbled from Lortirea who blinked eyes of deep gold at her. The ikran extended a neural whip towards her and Naia made tsaheylu with her beast. A rush of emotions swathed her through their bond and Naia mentally rifled through them, searching for any sign of harm or illness. She was relieved to find none, only feelings of tiredness, apology for being unable to come when she was called, and an overarching feeling of great joy.

Naia’s ikran was exultant about something and she probed deeper, trying to ascertain through their unique connection exactly what the reason was. Lortirea chirruped and shifted her body, lifting one of her wings slightly so Naia could peer under it. Naia sucked in an astonished breath.

“What is it?” Neteyam’s troubled voice sounded from a few paces back, “Is she injured?”

Naia let out a relieved laugh as her own delight mingled with Lortirea’s at the discovery, “No, she’s great. She’s laying. She’s having babies!”

Nestled in the crook under Lortirea’s wing lay a pair of polished sky-blue eggs. They were quite large, almost the length and width of Naia’s torso, though given the size of an ikran, she supposed they were about right. Neteyam’s hearty laugh of happiness followed Naia’s as he caught sight of them, and he stepped into the niche to join her. Winding his arms around Naia from behind, Neteyam pulled her into an embrace against him, relishing the sound of her husky laughter.

Realising then that Lortirea laying eggs meant that she had found a mate, Naia caressed her familiar’s elegant neck, “I’m glad for you, sister. Who have you mated?”

A rumbling chuff came from Tompa and he edged forward to rub his head demonstratively against Lortirea, who stretched her neck to meet him with an affectionate trill.

Chuckling under his breath, Neteyam gave his ikran several jovial slaps on the shoulder of the wing closest to him, “This is your doing, is it? Blessings on you both and on your offspring.”

It was not uncommon for two ikran belonging to two mated Na’vi to bond with each other. Then again, just because two Na’vi were mated did not necessarily mean that their ikran would pair-bond either. Ikran were free to mate whoever they wished regardless of their riders’ own relationships.

Neteyam smiled at the thought of Tompa and Lortirea’s mating, and he joked silently to himself that his own ikran was working faster than he was. He and Naia were not mated. Yet. But Neteyam was determined to change that, hopefully one day soon.

A wave of approval rolled through Naia’s bond with Lortirea and she watched as her ikran fixed her and Neteyam with an acute look. Lortirea communicated her happiness for Naia, warmth and light pouring through their bond and Naia beamed in return. She felt a little guilty then. Lortirea must have been so happy too to have found a mate in Tompa, and Naia wondered if she would have perhaps realised this sooner had she not been so engrossed in and stuck in her own head about Neteyam.

Sensing her rider’s thoughts, Lortirea sent a trickle of reassurance to Naia that it was alright that she had not noticed. A deep, puffing breath blew from Lortirea then and an aching discomfort reached Naia, clenching low in her abdomen. Naia understood her familiar’s message. She was not done laying. She was expecting another egg soon.

“We should go.” Naia murmured to Neteyam, “Let’s give them some peace. She’s still laying.”

Breaking the bond with Lortirea, Naia bid her ikran goodbye and even managed to give Tompa a congratulatory pat on the snout. She joined Neteyam on Tompa who then took to the skies again to return them to the edge of the rookery.

***~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***

Having had to abandon their plans of an evening flight due to the happy surprise, Naia and Neteyam retired to their grotto. Relaxing by the firelight, the raspy chafe of a blade against a sharpening stone mingled with the crackling of the fire as Neteyam deftly sharpened Naia’s dagger.

Glancing down at her own task, Naia pulled a needle and thread through the purple fabric of the old flying shawl, carefully patching a hole in it. She smiled gently to herself, overjoyed at her ikran’s impending motherhood. Lortirea would be out of action for a few days while she recuperated after laying. Her eggs would not hatch for a couple of moons, but ikran were social creatures with complex flock structures. While the care of young was primarily the mated pair’s responsibility, other closely related ikran would often step in to rear the younglings too.

“I can’t believe they’ve mated.” Naia breathed, still elated by the discovery.

Neteyam grinned in agreement, nodding, “And Eywa has blessed them with offspring too.”

His eyes met Naia’s across the hearth and her glee was apparent in her lash-framed eyes. He quietly wondered if their ikrans’ mating was a sign of good fortune for their own bond. Perhaps the Great Mother would bless him and Naia too; bless them so the council would vote to allow him to mate Naia and still reclaim his birthright.

The council vote around his requested condition was taking place at tonight’s meeting. They were likely deliberating at this very moment.

While Naia was his priority, Neteyam had had plenty of time over the last two weeks to mull over the situation of the proposition. He had never envisaged leading the Omatikaya again after forfeiting his birthright, but faced with the opportunity now, he felt hopeful prospect bloom in his soul. He wanted to make his parents proud and succeed his father like he had prepared to for most of his life, but it did not change the fact that Naia was the deciding factor. He would still walk away from the offered position if the council did not grant his request.

Focusing on the scrape of the dagger against the whetstone, Neteyam battled the urge to tell Naia about the council’s proposition. He had tamped down the urge several times before already. Part of him felt bad for keeping her in the dark and another part of him justified his decision because he knew Naia, and he knew how she would react.

Naia was loyal to her clan and she loved her people dearly. She disliked Tupou and her outlook on the entire matter would mirror everyone else’s. She would push him to accept because he was the best candidate. If things did not unfold in their favour, Neteyam knew there was a high chance she would withdraw from him and throw what they had aside for the greater good of the clan. He was not having that, which is why he would make this decision on his own and tell her after.

Naia’s next words broke the comfortable silence they shared and her words were uncanny considering Neteyam’s inner musings, “I received a blessing from the Great Mother this morning.”

Neteyam glanced up and cocked his head with a raised brow, “You did?”

“Yes. We were saying our prayers at the Tree of Souls. Your grandmother wanted to go down there. She said there’s an important matter before the clan council and she wanted to beseech Eywa to guide them.”

A niggling lump of unease stuck in Neteyam’s throat and he swallowed it down quickly, “Did my grandmother say what the matter being discussed was?”

Naia shook her head with a sheepish laugh, her fingers moving subconsciously to caress the pendant at her chest, “I didn’t even think to ask. I was too stuck in my own head, still riding the high of last night.” The smile she directed at Neteyam then was equal parts bashful and bold. He winked and blew her a cheeky kiss in return.

Giggling, Naia continued, “I was thanking the Great Mother for bringing you home safe, for bringing you back to me. And then all these atokirina wafted down from the canopy and they came to rest around me. Your grandmother says it’s Eywa’s blessing on us.”

Naia’s words heartened Neteyam, renewing the hope in his chest for a favourable outcome from the clan council. He hoped she was right and he briefly sent his own prayer of intention to the Great Mother. There was a meeting planned for dawn tomorrow morning, where the council would deliver their verdict to him, Tupou and Leylani. Tarsem would be present as olo’eyktan and his grandmother as tsahìk. “I’m blessed to have you, Naia. Oel ngati kameie.”

Naia’s response was a wide smile and she returned the sentiment by performing the gesture with one hand. “It doesn’t have to be lethally sharp,” She remarked then as he returned to honing the blade of her dagger, “I only use it for cutting stems and fruit when I’m working.”

Neteyam shook his head, unimpressed, “Yeah? Well you might need it one day to defend yourself and then what? The blade isn’t completely blunt, but it definitely isn’t sharp enough to penetrate if you had to stab something.”

Naia gave a sceptical snort in response. She narrowed her eyes at him, admiring the flexing muscles of his forearms with the quick strikes he was making with the blade against the whetstone. She was in a frisky mood now that they were alone and in the privacy of their hideaway. The sensual memory of their previous night together replayed in the forefront of her mind and she felt flutters of anticipation in her stomach at the thought. It was as if Neteyam had awakened a previously dormant side of her. Her body burned to feel his touch again and her mind was curious to explore him further.

Setting her work down, Naia crawled on all fours to join him where he sat across the fire from her and she pressed her side against his, “And who exactly am I defending myself from, hmm? From strange men who swoop down on me unsuspectingly after being away for many years?”

Neteyam’s lips peeled back into a smirk at her reference to his first night back when he had found her asleep and vulnerable here in the grotto. All jokes aside though, that was exactly the kind of situation he was warning her about, “Yes. You never know what ill intentions people have or when they’ll spring them on you.”

Trailing her fingertips slowly down his arm, Naia’s hand came to rest on his wrist, stopping his movements. Deciding her dagger was more than sharp enough, she carefully took it from him and returned it to its sheath on the ground. Taking both of his hands in hers, she squeezed them and massaged her thumbs against his upturned palms, “Did you have ill intentions for me, Neteyam? Should I have used my knife on you that night?”

Naia’s tone was coquettish and her flirting was rapidly heating Neteyam’s blood. A playful smile was dancing on her lips and her golden eyes sparkled impishly in their depths. A corner of his lips upturned at her mischief and he murmured, “You might not have stabbed me with it, but you certainly showed intention of using it.”

She stroked a hot hand over his chest and leaned in to purr by his ear, “Somehow that’s not the kind of penetration I have in mind when I think of you.”

An audible gasp left Neteyam at her unabashed remark, the points of his ears springing upright in keen attention. The floodgates of his desire flew open and it sent unbridled lust coursing through his system. Turning to face Naia, he clasped her jaw with one hand and brought his lips to hers in a scorching kiss. The resulting moan that left Naia was so wanton that he felt it like a lascivious stroke over his cock. He coaxed her mouth open and her tongue swept against his in a sensual tango. However, when he tried to manoeuvre her to the ground beneath him, she pulled away with a teasing nip to his bottom lip.

Chuckling at the growl Neteyam emitted when her teeth snagged on his lip, Naia pushed away from him and rose to her feet. She backed away from him leisurely, her eyes never leaving his as he watched her hungrily from his lowered stance kneeling on the ground. She felt a rush of confidence when she realised how aroused he already was. His breaths were deep, breathing roughly through parted lips. He was not even trying to conceal his need and his blistering gaze raked down her body.

She turned around then, continuing forward towards the nest of blankets on the other side of the grotto, accentuating each step with deliberate sway of her hips. Naia cast him an enticing smile over her shoulder and Neteyam sprang up in the next moment, tackling and tumbling her onto the softer surface of rug rolls and throws. Naia could not suppress the squeal of laughter that escaped her at the contact and they wrestled excitably for control.

Neteyam aimed several nips and kisses at her face and neck, his fingers ghosting over her ribs where he knew she was ticklish. Naia squirmed with laughter, trying and failing to roll away from him while he attempted to pin her down.

Clasping a hand over Neteyam’s mouth to halt the gratifying assault he was wreaking with his lips, Naia stopped him with a coy shake of her head, “You took the lead last night. It’s my turn. I want to explore you at my leisure.”

“You want to explore me?” Neteyam’s voice was a muffled murmur, his lips obscured by her palm. He was tickled by her choice of words.

Naia giggled before she schooled her expression into one of mock seriousness and said, as evenly as possible, “Yeah, for educational purposes you know? As a healer.”

Neteyam snorted in response. She sat upright then and he felt her place one of her hands against his chest, urging him to lie flat on his back with a deliberate press downward. Intrigued by whatever she was up to, he let her position a soft roll beneath his head and lay still, peering up at her expectantly with a quick retort, “I’m sure you’ve seen many naked men before as a healer.”

Kneeling alongside him, Naia ran her fingers over his muscular torso. She tested the firm pectorals of his chest and trailed appreciative fingertips over the grooved definition of his abdominal muscles. She grinned naughtily at him as her fingers trailed lower to toy with the fabric of his loincloth, “Yes, but my patients don’t come to me like this.”

Neteyam’s hips jerked violently when Naia’s next action was to deliberately palm his erection, and he grunted through gritted teeth. She added, “Usually, they come to healers when things don’t work, not when they work perfectly.”

Undoing the garment at his pelvis, she pushed the fabric out of the way and sat back to look at him. In the flickering firelight of the grotto, she could see him much better now than when compared to the gentle bioluminescence of the cavern the previous night. Naia felt a creeping heat prickle all over her and she was sure she flushed violet to the tips of her ears when her mouth watered. He was beautiful there too, like the rest of him, cerulean blue and standing proud with a delicately pink tip.

“Anything of concern, zeykoyu (healer)?” Neteyam teased, “Taking good notes?”

Naia was struck dumb in her appreciation of his body and all she managed was a blushing eyeroll in response. Great Mother, he was perfection… and this man was hers? Her own body hummed with carnal anticipation at the memory of how they had joined previously, the perfect hardness of him filling her to a satisfying fullness. She was a bit taken aback, if she was honest. He was impressive in size and she wondered that she had not felt more discomfort than she had last night.

Reaching out to touch him, she felt gratifying empowerment when Neteyam whined in pleasure at her touch. She noted the strokes and caresses that elicited the noisiest responses from him, marvelling at how she had reduced such a powerful creature to a writhing state before her. The feel of him hot and hard in her hands was an exercise in patience for her. Her desire pulsed tantalisingly between her thighs and pricked at the tips of her nipples. Her own body yearned to be breached.

One of Neteyam’s hands maintained a rigid grip on her thigh, his fingertips digging into her supple flesh while her hands wound him closer and closer to his breaking point. If she wanted him tonight then she was going to have to stop or everything would be over before it started.

As if reading his thoughts, Naia purred out a question, “How do you feel? Is that good?”

Nodding tightly with a grimace, his answer was strangled as he fought to maintain control, “Eywa, yes. You make me feel like a wild animal.”

She ceased her stroking and her hands moved to undress herself. The covering over her breasts went first and then she stood to shimmy out of her loincloth. This left Naia bare with nothing but his soul-gift adorning her neck. Neteyam had to bite down hard on his bottom lip to stop himself losing control and succumbing to climax at the sight.

Eager to have him now, Naia gingerly stepped over him and lowered herself to straddle his hips. She felt a flurry of nerves seize her and she thought to herself that she did not really know what to do next. She knew they could join this way, had heard women talking of different positions, but her inexperience made her uneasy.

Facing him now with the throbbing heat of his erection nestled against where she ached most, Naia gazed upon his handsome face. A sheen of perspiration sat on his skin and his phosphorescent spots glowed brightly against the lightly flushed cobalt of his cheeks, but it was his eyes that made Naia pause. His pupils were dilated wide and dark, leaving only a thing ring of his green-gold irises around them, and in their depths Naia could see his barely reigned desire.

Another wave of empowerment and fulfilment rolled through her when she realised he was being obedient and letting her have control because she had requested so. Neteyam respected her as an equal and cared for her wishes; again, something that a man like Tupou would never have done in such a situation. Naia imagined Tupou liked to be in control, especially in matters often considered a man’s domain.

Grounding herself with two hands against his chest, Naia licked her lips and repositioned herself anxiously, “I don’t really know what I’m doing. I hope I’m not doing this wrong.”

Neteyam gave a husky chuckle, settling warm hands on her hips, “You could never do this wrong. Not when you’re so perfect the way you are, wearing nothing but my soul-gift around your neck.” He guided her nonetheless, coaxing her to raise her hips a little while he positioned himself with one hand at her core.

Naia felt his flesh slip against her easily and when the tip of his cock settled into place at her entrance, she sank down slowly until she was fully seated, her mouth falling open in silent awe. There was no burning discomfort this time, just a delicious stretch as she coupled them in the most intimate of ways. A ragged groan came from Neteyam beneath her and his face was a sensual grimace. She tested out some movement, lifting her hips up and down gradually, and savouring the muted curses from the man beneath her.

Neteyam guided her hips and he hissed out between panted breaths, “Just move how it feels good for you.”

Naia found rolling her hips back and forth was much more pleasurable and she did as she was told, grinding herself against his pubic bone. A throbbing beat of pleasure soon overtook her as she settled into a rhythm, and soft whimpers gurgled from her involuntarily. Her fingernails scored the skin of Neteyam’s chest, but the light pain only served to heighten his own enjoyment further.

Neteyam observed Naia through half-lidded eyes, adoring the way the soft globes of her breasts quivered with each deliberate push and roll of her hips. He reached out with a hand to squeeze one breast gently, flicking his thumb over the stiff point of her nipple. She whimpered in delight, grinding her hips down harder while she chased her pleasure. Her movements became more frenetic then and her gasping breaths increased in pitch.

Naia was so close. Her pleasure was teetering on the precipice, tormenting her with the promise of a rapturous plummet and yet, she could not quite get there. The muscles in her thighs burned from the exertion and her knees were starting to hurt. She needed more. She wanted to be surrounded by all of Neteyam and drown in the masculinity of him.

Perhaps it was testament to their bond, because Neteyam shifted then, sitting upright to wrap both arms around her. The heat of his mouth and tongue branded her nipples as he venerated each breast in turn. Deciding he needed to taste more of her, Neteyam rolled them in a graceful flip so that he was nestled above her and between her thighs. So fluid was their change in position that his body never broke the intimate fusion with hers.

Naia sighed in gratification as the new position relieved the strain in her thighs. Neteyam’s strokes were long and deep as he thrusted and his mouth sought hers again. He surged over her, his hard flesh stoking Naia’s pleasure onward, hurtling her towards the burst of ecstasy she yearned for. Her hands clutched at his jaw and her senses were saturated by the passion of the kisses he gifted her between groaning breaths.

With an uninhibited cry, Naia soared over the edge and for several blissful moments everything detonated in a flurry of sensation around her. The flutter and clench of her core around Neteyam’s cock brought on his own orgasm, and he erupted inside her with a strangled growl punctuated in-between by heaving breaths.

Unadulterated joy burst inside Naia’s heart and she stroked soothing hands over the slick muscles of Neteyam’s back while they both caught their breath. There were not enough words or declarations of love to express how much she loved him, and after the Great Mother’s blessing earlier that morning, Naia felt certain that nothing could tear them apart.

***~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***

The clan council had voted to deny his request.

If Neteyam thought he looked disappointed, Tupou looked even more dour by his right side. Leylani’s sigh was quiet on his left and she cast Neteyam a fretful expression, knowing what his imminent response would be to the half-circle of six council elders gathered before them.

“Tradition must be upheld! All have voted in support of this and it shall be so.” Boomed one of the wizened councillors, Tama, the braids of his hair a sable mix of salt and pepper now in his old age, “We Omatikaya have come from a long line of ancestors where the olo’eyktan and tsahìk have led us, mated for life in the name of our Great Mother.”

Another elder cast an unceremonious stare at Mo’at and Tarsem who were seated to the side, “One extenuating circumstance is no reason to abandon tradition entirely.”

Mo’at scowled at the jab towards her daughter and Jake. Had Neytiri been present, she would have spoken out and reminded the council of Jake’s many sacrifices and his great honour of being Toruk Makto, but Mo’at knew to hold her tongue lest she rile the council further.

Tarsem’s shoulders sagged in frustration. His son was loathe to continue his role as successor, but Tupou would have no choice in the event that Neteyam declined. While Tarsem did have an executive vote as clan chief, it was not often that the olo’eyktan would decree to overturn an entire council’s unanimous decision. Even that seemed one step too far.

Thrusting a wrinkled hand out towards Neteyam, Tama addressed him, “Neteyam te Suli Tsyeyk’itan, what is your answer?”

After the blessed contentment of the last couple of nights with Naia, and especially after she had told him of her blessing from Eywa, this was really not how Neteyam had envisioned this morning to unfold.

With a deferential bow of his head, Neteyam spoke, “I thank the council for their proposition and for considering my request in turn. However, in light of your verdict, I would like to respectfully decline the proposal to reclaim my birthright. My condition was a non-negotiable for me. I apologise if this isn’t the outcome everyone hoped for.”

Tupou suppressed a curse under his breath, but his impudence did not go unnoticed.

The loud clucking of a disapproving tongue resonated through the shelter as a female elder, Sanuri, shook her head. Her gaze was censorious as she regarded Neteyam and Tupou, “Such wilfulness in the younger generation! One refuses to better himself to take on the responsibility, and the other is the ideal candidate but refuses to reclaim his birthright and serve in the role. Where is your loyalty? Where is your love for this clan?!”

“Indeed, I would like to better understand your objection to Leylani who would be your betrothed tsakarem, that you even made such a request, Neteyam.” Tama added.

Leylani’s head was shaking in time with Neteyam’s as he too shook his head to refute the statement. The elders were misunderstanding his position. He responded, “I don’t have any objection to Leylani, elder Tama. It isn’t the prospect of being mated to her that I find objection with. It’s that I’ve already chosen another.”

Neteyam’s admission caused silence to fall among the elders and several of them cocked their heads in confusion.

Tama frowned, “You are not mated. You did not return from the Metkayina with a mate. Will you leave us again and return to the reefs for this woman?”

“No, my intended is here. She is Omatikaya-”

“Hah!” Sanuri’s laugh was emphatic and full of cynicism, “You have not even been back one moon cycle and already you think you have a found an Omatikaya woman to take as a mate? You will throw away your birthright for this woman you have romanced for mere weeks?”

Several other elders chortled in agreement and Tarsem held a rigid arm up to silence them, “Quiet, mawey! Perhaps you would better understand Neteyam’s reasons, Sanuri, if you let him speak? This proposition was a choice after all.”

Sanuri snarled austerely and rolled her eyes, “He has already displayed wilful disregard for the greater good of our people, I can’t see how-”

Frustrated at being interrupted, and affronted by Sanuri’s insinuation that he had made his choice of mate so flippantly, Neteyam’s ire broiled over within him. His voice rang out as he spat in return at the female elder, “You speak of wilfulness and my lack of loyalty, and you ridicule my decision without fully comprehending my place! I disagree! My loyalty has never wavered.”

Mo’at’s heart swelled with pride as she watched her grandson command the attention of the entire shelter. Great Mother bless him, and bless our clan… He is the future leader we need.

As quiet befell the space again, Neteyam seized the opportunity to continue, “Before my family was forced to leave this clan, when my birthright was still mine, I was promised to another. There was no formal betrothal announced, but it was understood that tradition would be upheld and that I would one day mate my tsakarem. My loyalty to that woman has never wavered. I did not return to the Omatikaya to reclaim my birthright, I returned to claim her.”

Stunned silence ensued as understanding washed through the councillors.

“Manaia?” Tama queried softly.

Dipping his head to acknowledge the elder’s answer, Neteyam took a deep breath and reiterated his standpoint, “Yes, so with the utmost respect, if the council won’t allow me to reclaim my birthright with Manaia as my intended, then I must decline.”

Sanuri gave a dramatic sigh and massaged her temples like a headache had spontaneously bloomed at the mention of Naia’s name, “Ugh, all this defiance started with Manaia in the first place! It was why we had to formally appoint Leylani as tsakarem in her stead because Manaia relinquished her position!”

Leylani watched with rising irritation as the other elders chimed in again with similar complaints, collectively griping over the dangers of the younger generation forfeiting tradition amidst their wilful ways. The meeting had derailed entirely. It had become less about finding a suitable successor now and more about stamping disobedience out of the young.

There was a simple solution and Leylani saw it clear as day. Albeit Leylani was the only one who could propose it. She was the only one present with the right to do so. She could achieve what the clan needed.

She knew in the depths of her heart what she had to do.

***~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***

Naia diligently gathered the soiled mats and cloths from around the tsahìk’s hut, piling them into the designated laundry pail for washing later. She smiled to herself at the whispers and quiet coos of the new parents as they enjoyed their time with their new baby behind a wooden partition that had been erected at one side. The earthy smell of blood and afterbirth was piquant in her nostrils, but Naia maintained that it was the joyous smell of new life.

Little Amiria had been born quickly after a precipitous labour, rushing into the world with the dawn of the new day. The little one had been jubilantly received by her mother and father, Mere and Teira, and she had arrived just in time for Mo’at and Leylani to still attend the council meeting that had been planned for early that morning. Naia did not mind being left to clean up; she found washing laundry oddly therapeutic and she enjoyed the verdant serenity of the small spring near High Camp which the clan used as a washpool.

Teira stepped out from behind the partition and his eyes were bright, his toothy smile even brighter. He was bursting at the seams with the euphoria of newfound fatherhood and he approached Naia to give her a hug, “Irayo (thank you), Manaia. My daughter is here safe and my mate is as well as she can be.”

“Congratulations, brother. Amiria is absolutely beautiful. May Eywa bless your family abundantly.”

“I’m hard-pressed to leave my girls, but the day’s hunting party will be leaving soon.” Teira lamented with a slight pout, “I’ll leave them in your capable hands.”

“They’ll be here waiting when you return. Eywa ngahu.”

Setting the pail of dirty laundry down, Naia stood by the hut entrance and waved Teira off on his way. She turned to clean her hands in a washbowl nearby before picking up the wooden bowl of mixed grains, seeds, fruit and pa’li milk that Mo’at had prepared for the new mother before she left. Knocking softly with her knuckles on the wooden partition to signal her arrival, Naia stepped around it and seated herself before Mere.

“Oel ngati kameie, sister.” Naia breathed, feeling tender emotion swell in her chest at the sight of her friend, cradling her baby close to her bare chest, “You were so strong, Mere. You did so well!”

Mere’s face was drawn from exhaustion, but her joy shone vividly in her golden orbs, “Irayo. I’m so glad she is here now and I’m glad that ordeal is over. It’s the hardest thing I’ve had to endure. Even my trials as a warrior through the Long War can’t compare.”

Naia burrowed a small wooden scoop into the bowl of food and gingerly lifted it to Mere’s lips, “Here, eat. You must be hungry and the nutrition will help your milk to come in.” The spoonful of food was gratefully accepted and Mere groaned in satisfaction, eliciting chuckles from them both.

The baby snuffled gently at her mother’s breast, her tiny limbs still wrinkled and scrunched tight from the many moons spent compacted in her mother’s womb. Naia looked on with affectionate awe at the downy hairs on the baby’s head that surrounded a neural whip that was tucked against Mere’s forearm. Amiria’s little tail was curled adorably against her back, complete with a signature tuft at its end.

Mere grinned through a mouthful of food, “Would you like to hold her?”

Naia grinned, but shook her head. Truth be told she did want to cuddle the little one, but her healer’s knowledge told her now was not the best time, “No, she needs to be kept against you. Skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby is important during the first several hours.”

“You’ll have your own baby one day, sister.”

Mere’s pronouncement took Naia a little by surprise. She had never really given having children any thought. After all, it was not long ago that she thought she would never mate anyone, much less have children of her own. However, the thought of what she shared with Neteyam now and the sight of little Amiria caused a fresh frond of hopefulness to unfurl.

Warmth fluttered in her tummy and Naia’s lips upturned in a shy smile; she would gladly welcome little ones of her own if Neteyam fathered them. She would give him as many children as he wanted, Eywa willing.

Soft snickers from Mere brought Naia back to the present, “Judging by the lovestruck look on your face, I daresay maybe one day in the not-so-distant future?”

Naia’s automatic reaction was to roll her eyes and she offered her friend another mouthful of food with a sheepish expression.

Carefully reclining a little more against the cushioning of rolls behind her, Mere readjusted her baby on her chest and reached out to pluck the bowl of breakfast from Naia, “Come, I can feed myself. I’m starting to feel decrepit with you feeding me. You have other work to attend to, sister. I’ll call out if I need anything.”

“Alright,” Naia chuckled, “Leylani and tsahìk Mo’at won’t be long, I don’t think. Tsahìk will want to check you and the baby again when she returns.”

Leaving the new mother in peace with her baby, Naia wandered to stand by the hut entrance again where she had left the pail of dirty laundry. Smoke was still billowing out from the top of the council meeting shelter in the distance. She wondered what was of such importance that a morning meeting was called. The council’s usual routine was to meet in the evenings at the end of the work day.

A lone figure exited the shelter then, lean legs taking long strides away from it with purpose. Naia cocked her head in surprise; she would recognise Neteyam’s strapping frame anywhere. He had not mentioned anything to her about attending this morning’s council meeting. She could see that a frown marred his features and the set of his shoulders was tense.

A second figure rushed out of the meeting shelter a moment later, a woman this time; Leylani. Naia watched as Leylani quickened her pace to catch up to Neteyam and she caught his wrist to halt his departure. He turned to face her and they struck up a conversation. Squinting to see them better, Naia saw Neteyam’s expression morph into one of astonishment before he shook his head. Naia’s curiosity was instantly piqued. What were they speaking about? Something to do with the council meeting probably…

Naia knew she was being nosy, but she really wished she could hear what they were saying. She saw Leylani take both of Neteyam’s hands in hers, speaking animatedly to him. She appeared to be trying to convince him of something. Leylani released one of Neteyam’s hands to settle one of her hands on his broad chest and she smiled at him warmly. His face mirrored hers then in a beaming smile of his own and he enveloped her a tight hug.

Their warm hug ended with Leylani snagging Neteyam’s wrist again and leading him keenly back into the meeting shelter. They disappeared back through the entry flaps and Naia’s brow furrowed in puzzlement. Green envy began to simmer low in Naia’s belly and she quashed the feeling, rebuking her insecurities and chastising herself for being silly. Leylani and Neteyam were friends and there was nothing wrong with friends hugging each other.

The doubtful part of Naia added a final quip about Neteyam not being allowed to hug his friends if they were exceedingly beautiful women…

Naia made a mental note to ask Leylani how the council meeting went when she returned to the healers’ hut. Council affairs were generally confidential, but that was not going to stop Naia fishing for any titbits to satisfy her curiosity. Failing all attempts at wheedling information out of Leylani, she would have a second go at prying with Neteyam tonight.

***~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***

The day had only gotten stranger since Naia had first spied Leylani and Neteyam speaking outside the meeting shelter. She had not noticed at first, but as Naia went about her business during the day laundering cloths and gathering more herbs, she saw several people cast abject looks at her. Some people even suspiciously stopped their talking and whispering as she went past. Weird.

Leylani and Mo’at had returned to the healers’ hut in good spirits. Leylani appeared most cheerful, almost springing about the place with quiet optimism. Naia had tried to squeeze information out of her about the council meeting and what the reason was for her high spirits, but all she had received in return from her friend was a glowing smile and a retort that it was not her place to say, and that Neteyam would tell her about it tonight.

The high heat of the day was starting to get to Naia and she ran the back of her wrist over her forehead to sweep away beading spots of perspiration. She made her way to the area behind the stronghold where woven lines had been nailed and strung between jagged rocks so the clan could put their washing out to dry. Eclipse was not due to begin for several hours yet, but the warmth of the day would have more than dried the cloths she had washed earlier that morning and it was best to take them down now before they dried to stiff crisp.

A group of giggling and conversing young women were standing a short way away from Naia as she began collecting her clean washing, and her sensitive ears pricked as she caught wisps of their conversation.

“… maybe he’ll finally ask me to be with him… this is what he’s wanted for a while…”

“You think so?”

“… the council hasn’t announced anything…”

“… it’s pretty much confirmed… he said Neteyam has accepted the proposition…”

“… everyone is talking about it now anyway…”

“… they would make such beautiful babies together… can you imagine?”

“… Neteyam’s eyes and Leylani’s lips…”

By now, Naia was staring outright at the cluster of young women. Eavesdropping was rude, but she could not help herself especially after hearing Neteyam’s name thrown around. One of the women caught Naia’s eye and she quickly swatted her friends about their thighs sheepishly. Their soft conversation ground to a halt as the other three pairs of eyes followed their friend’s gaze to land on a perplexed Naia.

The knit between Naia’s brows was deepening as her brain replayed the fragments of their words. What was going on? What were they talking about? The sickening feeling of being left out of the loop was creeping up her spine and Naia felt pins and needle start to tingle in her hands and legs. She hated feeling like everyone else knew something that she did not.

“What are you talking about?” Naia’s lips formed the words before she could stop herself.

Four pairs of bashful eyes flitted about, looking at each other uncertainly before one of the girls, Kikuna, piped up, “Haven’t you heard? Neteyam accepted the council’s proposition this morning.”

“What proposition?” Naia’s words produced even more doubtful glances from the group, and there were those apologetic looks again, as if there was something awful about to happen that Naia was unaware of.

“Neteyam has apparently agreed to reclaim his birthright as successor. That’s what this morning’s meeting was about.”

Numbness began to overwhelm Naia and her heart began to pound in her chest. An unsettling buzz whined in her ears and she blinked in bewilderment at Kikuna’s response. What? Neteyam had reclaimed his birthright?

Swallowing the build-up of saliva in her cheeks, Naia posed yet more enquiries, “Who did you hear this from? What’s happened to Tupou?”

Kikuna’s lips pursed and her expression contorted into a rueful moue, “Oh, I heard this morning from Tupou. He wanted to step down when Neteyam returned. The council has been deliberating over this for the last couple of weeks. There’s been no formal announcement, but Tupou said it’s all done and Neteyam has agreed.”

Kikuna was close to Tupou. There had been rumours swirling around the clan for many moons now that the two were close in the romantic sense of the word. There was no reason for Tupou to lie to her. If Kikuna had heard the news from Tupou then what she said must be true. If Neteyam had reclaimed his birthright, it meant he would succeed Tarsem as olo’eyktan, and as clan chief he would be mated to the tsahìk; to Leylani.

Naia felt completely blindsided. She was stunned into silence. Part of her wondered if she was dreaming. Neteyam had said nothing to her about any of this. She felt a cool hand touch her arm then and she realised Kikuna had approached her, a look of concern colouring the girl’s face.

“Are you alright, Manaia?” Kikuna asked quietly, “I’m surprised you don’t know. I thought Neteyam would have-” Kikuna did not get to finish her sentence.

Snatching the woven basket of clean linen from the ground, Naia swivelled on heel and began marching away, ignoring the calls of the woman behind her. An aching pain had begun to worm its way through her chest and she was dimly aware that her breaths were starting to hitch. Her panic was rising rapidly as she strode quickly back towards the healers’ hut.

Suddenly, her heart felt like a frenzied battleground of emotion. Naia was confused, alarmed and distressed, among many other feelings she could not tack down and identify in that moment. Beneath it all, the sharp sting of betrayal made itself known. Why had Neteyam not said anything to her? Was it true? Had he agreed to mate Leylani to reclaim his birthright?

Stumbling into the healers’ hut, the basket of laundry tumbled out of her arms and Naia met Leylani’s startled gaze at her sudden re-entry.

Leylani was rocking a sleeping baby Amiria in her arms and the image sent a woeful pang through Naia. Was she looking at Leylani’s future? Would she and Neteyam lead this clan as a mated pair and make beautiful babies like the women before had said?

Naia thought of Leylani’s cheerful demeanour and her unconcealed happiness from earlier this morning. Of course, she would be happy at Neteyam’s acceptance of the proposition. She would be rid of pig-headed Tupou as a prospective mate and olo’eyktan. It made her life as future tsahìk much better. Neteyam was all-round a much better choice of successor…

Through rapidly blurring eyes, Naia gathered her little sling-bag of personal belongings from her work station and fled the hut without a backward glance, her prickling ears deaf to Leylani’s troubled calls of her name.

Great Mother, Naia needed to get away… Her world was crumbling around her, just like that fateful day all those years ago when Neteyam had left for the reefs. Right now, she just needed to be anywhere else but here. High Camp felt suffocating in the wake of her mounting horror. Now that she knew the reason, she would not hang around and suffer the pitiful glances any longer.

Streaking through the stronghold, Naia ran as fast as her legs would carry her. She did not know where she was going or whether she would return home tonight.

By Eywa, if the news was true and Neteyam had forsaken their love, Naia did not want to return home at all.

***~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***

Author’s Note: OMG poor Naia... Are you all confused?? What is happening???! I promised you all some angst, so angst I give you! Thank you all for your support, reblogs and likes!

Chapter 5 - Doubt No More

#neteyam #neteyam sully #atwow neteyam #avatar james cameron #avatar twow #avatar neteyam #neteyam x oc #avatar movie #avatar #avatar the way of water #atwow #neteyam smut #neteyam fic #neteyam x reader #thewayofwater #vivid-ink works

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esta-elavaris · 6 months

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Flufftober Day 22: Picking - Boromir/OC [1,366 words]

My Flufftober '23 masterpost can be found here, and my currently ongoing main fic about these two is here 💜✨

Sybil cast a sidelong glance in Boromir’s direction for the hundredth time that day – and, for the hundredth time that day, was promptly caught.

“If you keep looking at me thus, I’ll begin to think you suspect me of planning a sneak attack,” he teased.

“I only worry that you’re-”

“I am not bored.”

He had been sitting on the same boulder for some time now – watching her pick her way through various patches of flora, discerning what she might take and what she would leave. Ordinarily she wouldn’t have been too concerned, but this was the fourth or fifth such perch he’d had to find so far, as they’d come here in the pale morning and now the midday heat was finally easing up. None could blame him if he sought a more exciting venture.

“And watching someone pick herbs and flowers is a source of fascination for you, is it?” she asked.

At present, she was picking her way through a patch of delicate red berries, depositing handfuls here and there into the wicker basket at her elbow. Her hair rebelled against the braid she’d bound it into that morning, and the knees of her breeches muddy from kneeling so frequently on the damp earth.

“When the one doing the picking is the most beautiful maid in all of Middle-earth, it most certainly is.”

She scoffed at him, but the flush that took over her cheeks ruined the effect rather.

“You think I jest?” he prodded as she worked.

He had to find his fun somewhere, and evidently he had decided that place would be in teasing her.

“When a man who has looked upon the Lady Galadriel says such things, he must know his words have the sound of a lie when he speaks them,” she replied.

“I should think that only proves the point in my words,” he countered lazily. “I looked upon the Lady of the Golden Wood, and in comparison to you, I found her wanting indeed.”

Sybil laughed. How could she not, in the face of such absurdity. It seemed her mirth was something he was hoping to pry out of her, for he grinned in turn as she dropped her hands to her lap and knelt back as she responded.

“Do not let Gimli hear you say such things. He’d challenge you to a duel on the spot.”

“I would take that challenge in a heartbeat - against any who might suggest my lady love has an equal that walks under this sun.”

“You are a dreadful flirt.”

As she levelled her conclusion his way, she stood and straightened.

“I speak the truth and she calls me dreadful,” he sighed fretfully to himself – with no shortage of melodrama. “What hope have I in winning her heart?”

“Plenty, considering you’re married to her.”

“Ah, but it would not do to grow complacent. I won your hand once, tis true, but I mean to never stop winning it.”

Sybil felt her smile soften.

“You do that solely by breathing, you do realise?”

“Come now, you mustn’t make it too easy for me. Name your challenge and I will take it on, all for the honour of your hand.”

Giggling a little, she shook her head and then looked up. Her progress across the course of the morning had brought her to the foot of a steep rocky outcropping, so steep that what was as good as a cliff face towered over her. There was a small patch of weeds, huddled together on a small shelf a few feet above her head – but she didn’t much fancy trying to climb while wielding sharp implements. Not least because if she fell, she’d land straight into the plants she’d just been sifting through, and most of them had thorns.

“Use your great height to fetch me those plants, then?” she suggested.

It looked as though he’d truly meant it when he sought a challenge from her, following her gaze and nodding readily as he stood.

“Here, take my shears – don’t pluck them, but cut them. At an angle, like so.”

As she spoke, she made to show him the ones she’d already collected, but he scarcely glanced at them, eyeing the shelf.

“I have a better idea. Set the basket down. I’ll lift you.”

“Lift me?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure?”

“One would think I’d never done so before.”

Her face heated. For she knew what occasions he was referring to, and they weren’t the ones that had occurred on their travels – not based on the lopsided grin that tugged at his lips.

“That is very different.”

“True – on those occasions I’m far more distracted. So if you can trust me then, you can trust me now.”

“I trust you always,” she snorted. “I’ve just no wish to fall while holding sharp, pointed objects.”

“Then do not fall,” he said with a cheeky grin.

Sybil huffed a laugh, but relented and set the basket down – out of fall-breaking distance, should she go toppling. It was unlikely that she would, he was right, but a basketful of squashed spoils would be poor reward for a day of gathering.

“How do you propose we do this, then?” she asked.

Rubbing at his jaw, he cast his gaze up towards the plants, considered them a moment, and then her.

“Here,” he said. “Stand straight, and keep your lower body tensed. Are you ready?”

Following his instruction, she turned to face the rock face and nodded. Boromir crouched down low – stupidly low, as he had to in order to wrap his great strong arms around her legs. Then, slowly, he stood, lifting her as he did so. Sybil wobbled.

“See, when I said to remain tense, I did not mean that you should go lax and do that. But it was an easy mistake to make, I suppose,” he teased.

“Oh, shut up.”

He barked a boisterous laugh in response, nudging his head against her hip, his arms wrapped securely about her legs, hands gripping her thighs. It was tempting to accuse him of having far too much fun – but it wasn’t as if she wasn’t enjoying it, either. After a moment she managed to gain her bearings.

“Steady?” he asked, upon feeling her muscles tense beneath his grip.

“A little higher, if you can?”

“If I can,” he echoed with a scoff as though offended.

Perhaps he had a right to be, too, for he obeyed with alarming ease – his strength never failing to thrill her as he heaved her upwards another foot or two. The move put her perfectly face to face with her quarry, and a few seconds were all she needed to snip what she needed.

“I’m done,” she said. “You can put me down.”

“What if I have no wish to?”

“Then your arms will grow very tired.”

“Is that a challenge?”

“Absolutely not,” she said emphatically – for she knew better than to level challenges his way.

“Cast the scissors aside a moment,” he jerked his head, indicating where she should throw them.

“Why?”

“Because your lord husband commands it.”

And he should have known better than to say things like that to her. Sybil got her revenge by taking up a handful of grass from the shelf and sprinkling it down atop his head. He seemed woefully unbothered by her sophisticated method of attack. With a sigh – and the knowledge that she’d be up here ‘til sunset if she didn’t concede – she cast the scissors aside.

It was a good thing, too, for one moment he held her aloft and the neck she was plummeting down, some alarmingly swift manoeuvring on his part had him catching her in a bridal style carry before she could even cry out or brace for the impact of the ground.

“How did you do that?” she breathed a laugh.

The hand that hadn’t come to cling to his shoulders of its own volition still grasped her prize – and they weren’t even all that wilted in the fall. In response to her question, he merely grinned and then offered a very self-satisfied wink. The effect was not ruined by the grass that still clung to his hair.

Links: AO3 -- FF.net -- flufftober masterpost -- dividers by cafekitsune

#esta's flufftober '23 fills #flufftober2023 #flufftober 2023 #boromir/sybil #boromir x oc #boromir/oc #boromir fanfiction #lotr fanfiction #lotrfic #lotr fanfic

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honeynclove · 5 months

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It’s your turn pookie 🫵 tell me about your favorite ships for each character 😍😍😍😍

IM SO GLAD YOU ASKED TEEHEHEHEHEH (ships underneath the read more bc lord can i blabber) also the formatting of this one turned out odd for some reason random letters r bold n I am too lazy to fix it so

heartslabyul riddle - azurid‼️‼️‼️ GUYS THEYRE SO CUTE IDK their moments in book 6 were everything to me n also this fic sold me on them they’re so cutie rahhh. special shout out to the oc I ship him with ace - adeuce r my annoying little brothers however I want the best for them n think their relationship is funny deuce - ^^^^ and also epeldeuce bc ain’t no way they went on a beach side date and thought I wouldn’t call their gay asses out 🙄🙄🙄 trey - auhmm. hhhrmmmm. well. I do like riddle cater n trey as poly but I wldnt say it’s my favorite 🥱 cater - IDEKEI 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈 chronically introvert online discord mod x chronically online extrovert instagram user ITS SO GOOD GUYS (for fic recs strongly recommend anything Adverb_Slut on ao3 writes) special shout out to the oc I ship him with savanaclaw leona - malleona is funny to me but like. I don’t ship it idk. same w/ leovil they’re just comedic to me. LEONA X ROOK THO IDK I REALLY LIKE IT IDK WHY ruggie - rugs too busy getting cash to be in love /j 🙄🙄 idk I do find kalim x ruggie and ruggie x silver to both be cute jack - epeljack is rlly cute to me but other then that I’m not a fan of any other jack ships. I LOVE LOVE LOVE him and vil PLATONICALLY tho <333 oh and ig someones yuusona w him is cool or whateverzzzzz octavinelle azul - besides azurid, which I adore, I alsoooo love love love idiazul smth about those two LOSERRRSSS in love makes me happy 💕💕💕 I also enjoy him with rielle but like… my very specific interpretation of rielle that’s basically an oc 😭 jade - will y’all kill me if I just say myself bc that’s the truth. like I’m sorry guys me n Jade r so madly in love it’s actually wildly insane and crazy and we will have joint tombstones 😁💕💕😍😍😍🏳️‍🌈🙄🏳️‍🌈 we r madly in love and also both on the spectrum (which one? all) I also like siljade bc I think it’s silly floyd - FLOJAMIIIIIIIIIII 💞💞💞💞 GOD. that ship is so silly I wanna shake it like a snow globe rhhhhahahahahha. i also love FLONEI bc it’s SILLY N IDK 😭😭😭 I just like it guys. also myself sorry I’m sorry scarabia jamil - ^^^^ n I also enjoy azujami in a comedic sense but outside of that I lowkey dislike it lmao. WAIT AS IM WRITING THIS I AN REMINDED OF JAMIL X RUGGIE WHICH I HIGHKEY ENJOY TBH kalim - Again don’t have any specific ships for him, but Silver x Kalim is v v cute I would squish them my cuties pomefiore vil - alr mentioned leovil but I am also casual rookvil enjoyer I just think they’re silly. shout out to the oc I ship w him tho rook - mentioning rookvil n rook x leona again just bc they’re silly ‼️‼️ honestly love rooks lil freak self epel - epeldeuce epeljack and uhhhh SEBEPEL ignihyde idia - I think I’m running out of idia ships to mention tbh. I DO LOVE IDIASIL AUGHHH. Idk his chronically online ass is so good w so many different ppl it’s crazy diasomnia malleus - I ship him w myself duh 🙄🙄🙄 malleyuu specifically I love seeing everyone w him it’s so cute. ALSO I find mallerollo rlly funny n interesting tbh silver - silidia n siljade <3 sebek - just sebepel rlly tbh lilia - LILIBAUL😍😍😍😍🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈‼️‼️ I LOVE OLD MAN YAOI GUYS /j n I also rlly enjoy him x levan n meleanor the angst is crazy and insane and I love it RAHHH. I also ship him w my oc Fleur who’s based on Flora from sleeping beauty. Also most ppl who make Lilia a bf get my support I love that old man staff trein - him x his wife ig crowley - him x meleanor x lilia only in the crowley = levan theory vargas - I ship him w an oc based on lefou from beauty and the beast ‼️‼️ sam, crewel - no ships for them :(( other neige - FLONEI ‼️‼️‼️ I just wanted to mention them again tbh. I’ve also seen cheneige which is v cute chenya - kinda fond of him poly w/ Trey n Riddle ☹️☹️ I think it’s cute rollo - ROLLO X AUGUST (vice president npc) FOR THE WIN GUYS I COULD TALK AB THEM FOR DAYS. YEARS EVEN. fellow honest - more weird silly ships I’m the second fellow x aces big brother shipper literally ever

OKKK I think that’s everyone 😍😍 feel free to leave opinions on my opinions idk

#twst #twisted wonderland #twst ships #adeuce #idekei #azurid #i don’t wanna tag all of these ships now that I think ab it #flonei #Just bc I like them rhahahgh #💕!- asks #💛!- Z

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mareenavee · 7 months

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WIP Whatever ~

Hi, all. Sorry I'm late. I finished a piece yesterday so I was scramblin' a bit and didn't have my braincells in one place for enough WIP to share (that I haven't already or that which does not contain spoilers lol)

Tagged by the fantastic @thequeenofthewinter, @kookaburra1701, @throughtrialbyfire, and @ladytanithia!

Tagging the amazing: @paraparadigm, @changelingsandothernonsense, @polypolymorph, @elfinismsarts, @gilgamish, @snippetsrus, @archangelsunited, @thana-topsy, @dirty-bosmer, @wildhexe, @oblivions-dawn, @saltymaplesyrup and of course YOU, yes you. You who haven't posted a WIP in a while. You're tagged! Yeet one on here and tag me, too!

This is part of a challenge I'm doing this month. The prompt is 'Summoning' and @snippetsrus has encouraged and inspired me to try the isekai genre. (: I'm also severely, severely inspired in all things, but not least about how to handle Isekai, by @paraparadigm's OC, Vera. <3 Ya'll and your uncanny ability to have me reaching way off my path here for stories. I love it. I appreciate it. A prompt challenge is a perfect time to try this. This is inspired by a PVRIS song called Separate, and in fact the title is a whole line from that song. Super, super fresh from the braincells but SO MUCH FUN. Under the cut!

WIP: As Long as It Won’t Separate You From Me, I’ll Be Fine A hedge witch from (a version of) Earth conducts a ritual to recover a spirit from beyond the veil. In her reaching, Aubrey is taken by something other, pulled through the veil, and finds herself freezing to death in a different world entirely. This story begins when she feels her theory and research will finally send her home.

The Hall of Attainment had been Aubrey’s home now for almost a year. It was where she was found, and, she supposed, where she would leave—if there was anything left to return to. She leaned into the wind as she ascended to the rooftop, summoning circle laid out before her and dotted with melted stubs of candles. Everything felt raw from the bite of the weather off the Sea of Ghosts, from the salt, and from the gravity of what she was about to do. But she’d long since run out of tears. Or so she thought.

“Durant, wait!”

A familiar voice, and one that ached to hear. She’d told him she had to go. The entire goal of all this research and all this time was to find a way back home. He knew this. News of her and her research was why he traveled all the way to this snowbank of a town to begin with, and…well. She knew why he stayed.

Aubrey tilted her head back as if the motion would prevent the tears from falling. Her braids, unbound and held by strength of will and third-day grime alone came unraveled in the wind, dark curls flying every which way. She pulled the hood of her mage robes up and tried to ignore his voice and the sound of his footsteps echoing as he ran up cold stone steps. Ignoring him as best as she could, Aubrey stood in the center of the circle and wiped away the stray tears that had managed to escape.

Professor Gestor had found her here, curled in on herself, protecting her head, freezing to death in the scrap of white cotton dress that had survived her crossing. They thought she’d been imprisoned in Oblivion, narrowly escaping some horrible death by the hand of some nightmare or another. How very close to the truth that had been. That was the story the College proliferated on her behalf while feelers were put out for any resources that could help at all. That was the story that attracted the attention of Neloth. That was why Talvas was still here, calling her name and weakening her resolve. Gods, but he wouldn’t leave, would he?

She pushed her sleeve back and ran her hand down the black rose-and-bramble tattoos on her left arm, fingers pausing at each white ink starburst interspersed within illustrated flora. She had sixteen now—had earned the last one on her wrist bone before the summoning. Maybe she hadn’t earned it at all, considering the result.

The memory was like a slash from a razor, still too raw, still open to infection.

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noodlecupcakeswritings · 1 year

Text

A Royal Affair - Chapter 2 (Kylo RenXOC)

The First Order is looking to expand its allies and Corellia is known for its great Starships and the royal family. Princess Cora Ardmore is less than thrilled about her future marriage to General Hux, and even less thrilled to have Kylo Ren as her temporary bodyguard.

AN: I just want to warn people that this is definitely a darker fic from me. Plus I do not hate General Hux at all regardless of how I’m portraying him in this fic, I love him but have some dark headcanons about him. I also want to thank @neeharlow and @kittyofalltrades for helping bringing this fic to life with our roleplay thread :D I also want to thank my incredible fiance @mk-vi for allowing me to use his OC Varidun.

Warnings: Violence, Character deaths, Hux is still an asshole, Kylo is also an asshole, Slight horror elements

Chapter 2

Cora Ardmore

It had been a full rotation since The First Order had invaded my home and it already felt like I was suffocating. Stormtroopers seemed to be everywhere, Officers were coming and going as they pleased and worst of all was their precious General and Commander. Although I hadn’t quite determined which of the two were worse at the moment. Kylo Ren, the Jedi killer, was silent, more of a looming, foreboding presence. He was intimidating to everyone and anyone that came into contact with him, including those supposedly on his side. The only person who didn’t seem bothered by Kylo Ren’s brooding was General Hux. My fiancée.

Showing him around the palace had been gruelling and infuriating. The way he eyed me up like some prize to be won was repulsive. And whilst I had encountered that look many times before from princes and politicians, there was something about the way Hux did it that made my skin crawl. Perhaps it was his determination and arrogance. I had attempted to protest the marriage not only with him but my parents, but it seemed there was no wiggle room. Whilst I was worried about my own fate, I was also worried about what this would mean regarding Corellia’s alliance with Kuat.

My former fiancée, Prince Jax Grespa, was someone whom I had gotten along with. Whilst the marriage would have also been purely political, it still had somewhat been my choice. I’d had plenty of time to get to know Jax previously and we were at least friendly and had trust for each other. I just had to hope he wouldn’t see it as a betrayal, that he would see the truth of this new arrangement. Well, more hostage situation. And it was made worse by being a hostage in my own home.

Hux was already acting like he owned the place and the staff. And my handmaidens and personal guard were already as sick of him as I was. My chief handmaiden, Flora, had already been very vocal about her distaste for the man. But she always had been very vocal regardless of the situation. Hux’s quarters were down the hall beside Kylo Ren’s. I would have preferred to put more distance between my bedroom and theirs, so it didn’t feel like they were breathing down my neck constantly. But Hux had made it clear that he didn’t trust me quite yet. Nor should he. I was determined to fight him every step of the way.

Retreating to my quarters, which were the only safe place in the palace, I took a few moments for myself. Other planets must have heard about the invasion by now, and they had to be arranging forces to help us. At least, I hoped they were. After only having ten minutes to myself, there was a hurried knock at the door. “My lady?” Came Varidun’s voice. He sounded tense, understandably so when The First Order was scrutinizing everyone within the palace. Yet I was worried about what news awaited me on the other side of the door. I ushered my personal guard inside, making sure nobody was around to eavesdrop.

“What is it?” I asked. I couldn’t help but notice the bulk of his armour under his greatcoat and that just gave me more questions. Varidun held out a bag for me to take. “I have come with orders from your mother. You are to change into these and then accompany me through the lower levels to a waiting speeder,” Varidun explained. I felt a small glimmer of hope at what he was implying. Taking the bag from him, I looked inside to find handmaiden robes and a hooded cloak. Without further question, I went behind a screen to change into the clothes provided. I trusted Varidun with my life and I had since I was a little girl.

“Are we going to Kuat?” I asked in a hushed whisper. “It’s one of the locations I have been authorized to take you. Your mother did not wish to know, should anything happen.” Nerves bubbled inside my stomach, neither of us would be safe until we were off the planet. Once dressed, I stepped out from behind the screen. “I suppose I can’t even say goodbye to my parents?” I asked solemnly, already knowing the answer. Varidun shook his head, my heart sinking at the realization not only would I not be able to say goodbye to my parents, but I also would likely never be able to return home.

Varidun opened the door to my room and once he deemed the coast was clear, he ushered me over. “Stay close to me and keep your head low,” he instructed. Nodding gently, I did as I was told and followed him out of my quarters. Keeping my eyes on the floor, I remained silent, although my heart pounded with every step. We passed a group of stormtroopers, but thankfully, they didn’t seem to notice us. Only once we turned a corner did I release the breath I had been holding. My stomach was a mixture of nerves and excitement and I had to reign in my hope just in case the worst happened. Once we were clear of the planet, then I could celebrate.

Varidun led me down a staircase that took us to the lower levels. We eventually stopped at a bookcase, Varidun looking around to check the coast was clear. Once he deemed it was safe, he lifted a book to reveal a small pin code panel. Punching in a string of numbers, the bookcase opened with a hiss to reveal an old service elevator. I had known the palace was filled with various secret tunnels and doors in case my family needed to escape for a number of reasons, but I had never come across them myself. Stepping inside, Varidun pressed a button for the level three sub-basement.

The lift eventually stops, the doors sliding open to reveal a service tunnel. The walls are coloured a faded silver durasteel, although a pipe had burst somewhere causing a small ankle-deep flood. Stepping out of the lift, my shoes and the bottom of my skirt were immediately soaked. Varidun opened a small box that was mounted on the wall and produced two small clip-on flashlights. Once his was attached, he handed me the other one. “Here, it won’t light up much, but they will stop us from tripping over,” Varidun spoke. “Thank you.”

The torch looked old; I wondered if it would even work, let alone have a beam big enough for use. Turning it on, the light was dim, but it was better than nothing. Varidun led me down the tunnel, the water splashing noisily with each step we took. “I had no idea all this was down here,” I mused. “It’s been here longer than the palace itself. From my understanding, Corellia, much like Coruscant, is built upon several sub-layers of infrastructure that keep the city running,” Varidun explained. He took another left turn before a right turn. Not once did he hesitate, seeming to know exactly which path to take, as if he had frequently been down here.

“Is it just you and my mother who know? Or has a decoy been put in my place for the time being?” I asked. It wasn’t uncommon for the royal family to have decoys should there be any attempts on our lives. I remembered being fascinated by my decoy as a child, and even now I wondered how they found women that looked so similar to me. “Yes, a decoy has been put in place,” Varidun finally answered. “I see.” I wondered how long it would take before Hux noticed a decoy had taken my place. We couldn’t have much more time before someone noticed I was gone, as was my personal guard.

“It’s not much further, once we reach the main pumping station, our path back to the surface begins,” Varidun broke the silence. We took a few more twists and turns before Varidun came to a dead stop before me quick enough that I almost bumped into him. I could hear the familiar hum of a saber before I saw the red crossguard illuminating the tunnels. Dread pooled in my stomach and tears pricked at my eyes at the sight of Kylo Ren. He must have been down here the entire time, lurking in the shadows and waiting to ambush us.

“Princess, your fiancée was getting worried about you,” Kylo said, the sarcasm unmistakable even through the voice modulator of his helmet. Varidun remained between us, drawing his vibro-sword, “the princess isn’t allowed to go for walks on her own land anymore?” I cowered behind Varidun, completely useless in this situation. All my previous hopes were gone, replaced with the dread that I was going to die. “Not to the speeder waiting for the two of you at the end of the tunnel, no. Now, either we can escort her back together or I can do it myself,” Kylo offered.

“I don’t think her royal highness wishes to return with you,” Varidun replied. Varidun readied himself, his free hand on his blaster. He didn’t move, however, he wouldn’t until Kylo did. I, on the other hand, prepared myself to run. Kylo sighed, the sound coming out as static before advancing on us. Varidun stepped forward, ready to meet him in the middle. He drew his blaster, firing a few rounds at Kylo as the gap between them continued to close.

I turned and ran, losing myself in the twists and turns of the tunnels. Only once I had run out of breath did I stop, straining my ears to listen for movement. Another blaster shot rang out before hitting the water with a splash, meaning Kylo had likely deflected it with his saber or the force. Every sound echoed off the walls, and Varidun suddenly cried out in pain. My heart sank at the sound, and I froze, unsure what to do next. The more time that passed with only silence, the more I thought that Varidun was dead.

Another pained cry echoed through the tunnels, confirming that he was still alive. For how much longer, however, I had no idea. It wasn’t until Varidun howled with pain again that I realized just what Kylo was doing. Kylo was a force user, he could have killed Varidun easily, but he had chosen not to. Now torturing him in the hopes of luring me out. Tears pricked at my eyes, and I covered my ears, trying to drown out Varidun’s screams. But no matter how hard I pressed down, I could still hear him, the sound engrained in my mind now.

“Princess, you can end his pain by surrendering. Come out and I’ll spare what’s left of him,” Kylo called. I couldn’t be sure if Kylo was telling the truth, but a part of me wanted to believe I could save Varidun even if I sacrificed my freedom. I knew Varidun wouldn’t be happy if I did so, but it felt wrong to let him die at Kylo’s hand. Whilst it was a part of Varidun’s job to give his life to protect my family and I that didn’t mean I didn’t care about his safety and well-being. But I knew Varidun, and I knew if I surrendered, he wouldn’t be happy at all. He’d want me to run.

“Or you can keep hiding and listen to me kill him. Then I’ll have no choice but to hunt you down and drag you back to the palace,” Kylo threatened. The last thing I wanted was the Jedi killer hunting me, I could only imagine the things he’d do to me before taking me back to the palace. I needed to move, try, and find another exit before Kylo could reach me. Glancing down at the light in my hand, I knew I had no choice but to turn it off so it wouldn’t give away my position.

With shaking hands, I killed the light, plunging myself into complete darkness. Taking a few deep breaths for courage, I took a small step forward, water splashing around my ankles. My heart leapt in my throat at the sound, now afraid that it had given away my position. Glancing around, I looked for any signs of the red blade and listened for its familiar hum or any footsteps. Nothing but silence. Placing my hand on the wall, I used it as a guide as I gently shuffled forward, desperately trying to not make a sound.

Taking the next turn, I prayed internally for some kind of light up ahead, but I was just greeted with more darkness. My heart was pounding hard against my chest, and I was afraid of every step I took, but I had to keep going. I couldn’t just sit around and wait for Kylo to find me. I took a few more turns and there was still no end in sight. My fear was starting to win out, I was lost. I was stuck in this maze of tunnels with a man who might kill me, and I was never going to find my way out.

Hearing a noise from behind me, I whipped around, trying to search the darkness for the source. There were a few seconds of silence before the angry red of Kylo’s saber cut through the darkness. It only illuminated his helmet, which was now advancing on me like some kind of bodiless apparition. I couldn’t help but let out a small yelp before turning and running blindly into the darkness. I barely made it a few steps before Kylo reached out with the force and froze me in place.

No matter how hard I willed my limbs to move, they remained still. Now the sob that had been building in my throat spilled free, crying like a frightened child. Kylo reached me, now standing before me and looking down at his captured prey. “P-please, don’t hurt me,” I pleaded. “I have no interest in hurting you, only returning you to your fiancée. However, I cannot say for certain that he will be so merciful.” Kylo wrapped his hand around my upper arm and practically dragged me back through the tunnels and to the palace.

Even as he pulled me into the throne room, I couldn’t stop my tears, crying for my lost freedom, the loss of my friend and now in fear of the consequences of my actions. Hux was waiting in the throne room, as were my parents. Stormtroopers stood behind my parents, making sure they didn’t make any sudden movements. My decoy lay at Hux’s feet, still and silent. There wasn’t even the soft rise and fall of her breaths. He’d killed her, choked her to death, judging by the red and purple marks across her neck.

Kylo released me, knowing I had nowhere to run. My mother looked panicked by my return, likely having already put the pieces together regarding Varidun’s demise. Hux turned his attention to me, smiling as if glad to see me safely returned. Although his smile was bordering on a smirk. “Ah, Cora, we were just wondering where you were. You had us all worried,” he said with false concern, “good thing Ren found you.” Hux pulled me closer, grasping my chin hard. His smile faded, replaced with a look of contempt.

“You really thought I’d be stupid enough to not foresee an escape attempt? You thought you could get away from me?” He hissed, “you are mine-“ “Not yet, she’s not,” my mother snapped, cutting Hux off, “you may think you have control over my planet and my people because you outgun us but until the wedding and coronation you are nothing, you are entitled to nothing, least of all my daughter.” Hux released his hold on me, slowly turning to face my mother. She had stepped forward, ignoring the threatening stormtrooper behind her.

“And I suppose it was you who was behind her escape attempt?” Hux asked. My mother scoffed, ready to lie, but Hux cut her off. “I saw the panic in your eyes when Ren brought her in here, you were the one who told her guard to take her through the tunnels,” he continued. “I didn’t even know the tunnels existed.” Hux smirked, seeing through her lie, “if not you then it must have been your husband.” He glanced over at the stormtroopers behind my father and nodded. The troopers forced my father down to his knees, their blasters trained on the back of his head.

“No! Please don’t,” I pleaded. Kylo placed his hand on my shoulder, pulling me back and keeping me still. No matter how much I struggled, he wouldn’t release me. Hux pulled out his own blaster and fired at my mother, hitting her with a fatal shot to the chest. I cried out in anguish as my mother fell to the floor, lifeless. My father watched on helplessly with tears in his eyes, he knew there was nothing he could do or say with Hux turning his wrath on either of us. “And that is what happens to traitors. Have I made my point clear, Cora?” Hux asked.

I was too distraught to speak, unable to take my eyes off my mother. As if enough hadn’t been taken from me today, now these monsters had to take my mother. Annoyed with my silence, Hux stepped closer, now forcing my gaze on him. “Have I made my point clear, Cora?” He repeated, determined to get a response from me. “You’re a monster,” I managed through my tears. “You have no idea.” Hux gave a soft nod to Ren, who released me, and I ran to my mother, cradling her.

My father was also released, coming to console me and mourn his wife. Gently, he pried my arms from my mother so he could properly embrace me, stroking my hair and hushing me in the way only a parent could to their child. This was all my fault, if I had been faster through the tunnels, if I had tried harder to escape, then Kylo never would have found me, and my mother would have been spared. Not only my mother, but perhaps Varidun too. Both of them were gone to protect me. How many more would I lose under the watch of The First Order?

Taglist: @jana-banana-fana, @kittyofalltrades, @sweetfictionalworld

#kylo ren #kylo ren fic #kylo ren fanfic #kylo ren fanfiction #kylo renxoc #kylo ren au #kylo ren angst #kylo ren smut #kylo ren feels #kylo ren fluff #star wars #star wars fic #star wars fanfic #star wars fanfiction #star wars feels #star wars fluff #star wars smut #star wars angst #star wars au

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sleidog · 1 year

Text

Learn about my OCs! post #3 Rui!

Rui's turn! my sweet, gentle flower boy who also happens to be, quite by accident my strike/raid/dungeon main

[ Name ] Ruisehart/Rui

[ Species ] Sylvari

[ Height ] 6'4"

[ Age ] 18-28 [36-46 by more normal age conventions]

[ Class ] Necromancer Reaper

[ Cycle ] Dusk

[ Gender ] Male, He/Him

[ Status ] Married

[ Orientation ] Demisexual

When Mordremoth appeared, he concocted a potion that was intended to put himself into a suspended state of animation for 5 years, hopefully, when the threat of the dragon would have long passed over, not wanting his advanced knowledge of minion creation and preservation to fall into the wrong hands. However, with the whispers already starting to creep into his thoughts, his ratios for his potion failed, resulting in his death through poisoning. Prior to this, Rui was a simple funeral director, skilled in making bodies presentable for open caskets, complete with deeply complex floral displays to honour the dead. How close he could work to a specification and how meticulous he can be are his biggest assets. He would also frequently handle pet burials and occasional taxidermy, which briefly led him to meet Slei during his rougher days.

After the events of Heart of thorns, Rui is found in his death state by Tai. Unwilling to see such a fate befall a well loved companion, despite it being extremely one sided, Tai shares their lifeforce with Rui, skirting the lines of the Necromancers code to not bring back the dead in the form that they died. Rui is led on to believe that his potion worked by Tai [who thumbed through his research notes] and doesn't find out the truth until much later. [LIKES & DISLIKES] ✔ Tea ✔ Flora ✔ Good manners ✔ Peace and quiet ✖ Loud noises ✖ Needless death ✖ Wastefulness [ A b i l i t i e s /p e r k s] Empathetic Rui is very well tuned to his fellow sylvari before his eventual loss of connection to the dream after he poisons himself. Mild mannered Able to keep a level head even around the most destraught greivers and in generally perilous situations, his even temprament tends to be quite infectious and helps others around him calm down. It's speculated that the delicate scent from his flower assists with this. Patient Rui is a funeral director and mortician, his work is slow and methodical and he has patience in spades! he's a very good listener as well. Speaks to the dead A more controversial thing that Rui can do, is temporarily raise the dead and speak to them about their cause of death [in the event that theres no witnesses and the resulting body from an incident is in fair enough condition to be reanimated and speak, similarly to the DnD ability!] or, in the event a body isn't claimed by friends or family, he'll raise them to make sure they get closure and the ceremony they would have wanted, free of charge. [Trivia] He has odd horns that stick out of the back of his head, they feel like thorns

He gets quite dry easily. He has a healthier glow and more color to his leaves after a drink.

He lacks a shine in his eyes that is hard to notice, post death. His general appearance in his hands, feet and general leaf shapes across his body are slightly reptilian in appearance, yet still textured like leaves. Rui shares some of Tai's power post resurrection and as a result he can no longer speak to the dead because they just stay reanimated and don't eventually go back to 'sleep'. He has only made this mistake once and is too scared to try it again because of the consequences. Despite being an absolute pacifist, Rui is a reasonably skilled fighter and the reason and origin of this is unknown. I cornered and unable to get out of a confrontation it's very likely to end badly for the aggressor. Rui's minions have little outfits, and names! They also have a mummified appearance and less fleshy than the standard GW2 minions. Buddy, flesh golem Buster and Georgie, bone minions Squiggles, blood fiend Ripley, Bone fiend sometimes he also has jagged horrors that assist him with things, however these minions are temporary and wither away too quickly for him to bother naming them. standing illustration of rui is by https://twitter.com/lohenwolfe

#gw2 #gw2 art #sylvari #gw2 screenshots #rui #ocs #worldbuilding #long post #sinigh

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aininx · 1 year

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Flora Truth: Dragonfly wings and Lily dress

Saxa Materiel: Troglocladius hajdi and Pilea cavernicola dress

Helios Dazzle: Butterfly wings and Poppy dress

Realta Ursa: Dung beatle wings and Iris dress

Ophelia Amore: Ladybug wings and Allium dress

Neph Rapids: Banded demoiselle wings and Psathyrella aquatica dress

Kinoko Toad: Bee wings and Stropharia aeruginosa dress

Lalu Mirage: Lead insect wings and Butterfly dress

Brute Fawn: Hawk moth wings and Orange Peel Fungus dress

Nina Lilin: Firefly wings and Firecracker flower dress

#fairy oc #oc: flora truth #oc: saxa materiel #oc: helios dazzle #oc: realta ursa #oc: ophelia amore #oc: kinoko toad #oc: lalu mirage #oc: brute fawn #oc: nina lilin #oc #oc: neph rapids

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floofgryph · 5 months

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Third OC for the Liam & Co Universe

Name: Lóegaire Ó Caoindealbháin

Species: Human

Birthday: May 31st

Age: 28

Sexuality: Demisexual

Occupation: Owner of a printing business called The Cockcrow Gazette, professional photographer, weapon smuggler, interspecies trafficker

Abilities: He has taught himself to wield a few destructive spells through a grimoire that one of his men obtained. Lóegaire might be a clairvoyant that can discern objects, people, locations, and physical events through extrasensory perception. However, he isn’t entirely sure as his supposed clairvoyant abilities are inconsistent to say the least.

Personality: Lóegaire is able to put up a convincing facade of being a thoughtful, compassionate, and down-to-earth person. He’s able to sympathise and empathise with other individuals, but that greatly depends on their relationship with him and if they’re deemed worthy enough for his compassion. However, he usually shows no regard for morality and prefers to ignore the rights and emotions of most people. He often takes into consideration how his consequential actions affect him personally and others, but it’s to ensure that nobody is onto his secret plan. Lóegaire has a readiness to engage in talk and is quite fond of conversing with people as it makes him feel less lonely and socially awkward. He can be somewhat generous, but only if he’s in a particularly good mood or it’s directed towards those he actually cares about. Other than that, he has an intense, selfish desire for material gain and social value. He has a persistent worry that he will never accomplish his dream of finding a wife and overthrowing the Aicexutis Kingdom.

As a megalomaniac, he has an obsession with power and is often prone to delusions of grandeur about him being more relevant than others. Lóegaire has inflated self-esteem and he has the tendency to overestimate his powers and beliefs. He puts a lot of his unyielding confidence into his hard work and moral ethics. He takes pleasure in inflicting pain and psychologically deceiving people into doing his bidding. For a man who usually gets everything he wants, he’s quite the manipulator and isn’t afraid to control people in order to facilitate his personal aims. Through his almost hypnotising words, he can easily hide the truth and promote numerous beliefs and ideas that are quite misleading. Lóegaire is fairly chauvinistic, only viewing women as sexual objects and he believes that men hold greater superiority over the other sex. He has a flirtatious, yet uncomfortable attitude towards women, which makes finding a wife difficult for him. He’s quite cynical, believing that there is no good in humanity and that they’re only capable of being crudely selfish.

Likes: Bird-watching, language arts, philosophy, scented candles, hunting trophies, books about history, flora, and medicine, journalism, misty weather, how unique human anatomy is, and his weapon collection.

Dislikes: People who go against his beliefs and commands, liars, loneliness, boredom, getting dirty, rodents, mid-winter, the limitations of human anatomy, the prickly stems of roses, and feeling powerless.

Physical and outfit appearance: He’s close to 5’ 6” (167.64 cm), and he has a mesomorphic body type with slightly broad shoulders and a somewhat sturdy frame. His skin is limestone and he has reddish-brown freckles on his face and hands. He also has three noticeable moles: one on the lower left side of his neck; one near the upper middle of his neck; and one below his right eyebrow. His eyes are a lovely jade with flecks of hazel and his curly quiff hair is a strawberry blonde with sideburns. His right eye is a lighter shade of pure jade because it’s made from glass, which can be indicated with a vertical scar. He has another scar, which reaches from the left trapezius to the top of the right pectoralis major.

He wears a teal blue long frock coat and a pair of laced up ankle-length boots that are a dark coffee brown. He occasionally wears a mulled wine medium-brimmed hat with a dark veil that looks like a walking garden. It’s decorated with various artificial garden flowers, a high rooster’s feather, small pieces of chrysocolla, rhodonite, and pyrite, a fake dragon fruit, and a wisteria satin ribbon. He also wears checkered trousers of mulberry wood and disco, and a button-up astral waistcoat with a left-side pocket as well as aqua island and powder blue stripes. Underneath the waistcoat is a long-sleeved alabaster cotton shirt with decorative cuffs with a white rock jabot. He occasionally wears alabaster silk gloves, but prefers his three rings: a gold solitaire ring with a radiant diamond on his right ring finger; a ring with his emerald birthstone on his right middle finger; and a filigree on his left index finger.

Equipment: A golden pocket watch, an Apache revolver, his great-grandfather’s small sword, a hand-shaped amulet with three eyes in a vertical row, a stolen ancient grimoire, a bellow camera, a journal, a duffle bag, and his inherited combat blimp that has a shimmering gold envelope with purple and teal, and a bronze gondola with part of a unicorn protruding in the front.

Family:

Unnamed maternal great-grandfather

Dubhshláine Ó Caoindealbháin (father)

Blodeuwedd (mother)

Arianrhod Ó Caoindealbháin (older sister)

Lughaidh Ó Caoindealbháin (older twin brother)

Rígbarddán Ó Caoindealbháin (younger brother)

Biography: On May 31st, Lóegaire and his twin brother, Lughaidh, was born during a blue moon and into a wealthy family from the Aicexutis Kingdom. Lóegaire was a spoiled, yet well-respected high achiever amongst his family. As a result of this, he would become the heir of his father’s printing business located in Arcastein, The Cockcrow Gazette. Everything was relatively normal and he enjoyed living a successful, generous life with his family until he turned 15. He received his first vivid vision that depicted from his great-grandfather detailing the potential downfall of his family. This weird dream made him suspicious of his family, especially his father who supposedly had big plans for him and his two brothers. Three days before he turned 18, he poured a lethal dose of arsenic in his father’s wine glass without notice. With Lóegaire’s father out of the picture, he was able to claim his inheritance to the business and the money that he was saving for him on his birthday. By 20, he received his second vision that depicted total chaos around the world and the Aicexutis Kingdom was the source of the ensuing discord. He believed that the Aicexutis Kingdom was secretly corrupt and slowly worked towards gathering a group of underworld criminals and other people that would help him in his cause. Behind closed doors, he would establish himself as a professional weapon smuggler during that in order to grab the attention of other criminals. When he was close to 24, he received his third vision about a girl with great tidal and electric powers that might aid him in his quest to overthrow the Aicexutis Kingdom. He sent his most trusted men to go searching for the girl of his dreams, which eventually led him to Fulgora. Lóegaire tried to brainwash Fulgora and even psychologically tortured her to join his cause, but she managed to successfully escape from his grasp. Knowing that it would most likely be futile to chase after her, he became an interspecies trafficker in order to enhance the likelihood of “future success” as he likes to call it. One day, he hears word about an unorthodox, yet attractive female merchant with unique magical abilities coming into Arcastein. He plans to track this person down and encourage her to marry him.

@ask-liam-and-co

#writerscorner #writing #creative writing #original character #printing industry #photographer #criminal #might go through a couple of changes and add-ons but let's see

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thegreatwicked · 7 months

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After the Storm: Part Two

After the Storm

Summary: An emergency crash landing on an isolated island on an alien planet leaves Hux, and a rebel spy stranded and trying to reach an emergency beacon before the local flora and fauna kill them. Hux/OFC.

Is it really fanfiction without a sex pollen story? No! Of course not! You’re not here for intense character development or an intricate plot! This is a slightly unconventional sex pollen story so enjoy because we all know you’re here for smut and I will supply so here it is! Don’t ask me what Hux and a rebel spy are doing on a shuttle, I don’t know and I don’t care I’m just here for smut. He just is. If Disney doesn’t have to justify their shitty fanfiction then neither do I. If you’ve ever seen Six Days Seven Nights that’s what I’m loosely basing this off of. This is a fun little sexy story that exists in the world of the story I am currently writing that explains my OC, Sola Vex a little better. If you’d like to read it, it's called Armitage and it’ll be on my profile and my Tumblr, keep an eye out for it as I will be posting it very soon, it’s a long one!

Part Two

Hux woke up to find Sola already up and moving, a rare occurrence considering her non-morning person nature. She was in the midst of getting dressed pulling on her boots. He hurried to catch up, his stomach too twisted to bother with breakfast, his mind consumed with how he was going to explain himself. As he finally found the courage to ask Sola about her sleep, her response—using the dreaded word "fine"—revealed that all was not well. He inwardly groaned, knowing that the chasm between them had only deepened. However, before he could even broach the subject of the previous day, Sola already had her mask on and had shut down any attempt at conversation.

Hux was determined though, that maybe a conversation while they hiked might prove more productive. His gait returned to its usual rhythm, but Sola's pace remained swift and purposeful, surpassing him with little regard. He called out her name multiple times, but her responses were limited to grunts or curt replies, mirroring the distance Hux had established the previous day. The day wore on and his attempts to bring a resolution to their situation saw little acknowledgment, and by mid-afternoon Hux reached his breaking point. He refused to be a man who chased after a woman to an absurd degree, even if he was in the wrong. Even if he wanted to chase her.

Enough. This was enough. He swiftly closed the distance, his hand clapped her shoulder and gave it a decisive twist to make her face him. A surge of irritation coursed through him, he was poised to resolve this standoff immediately. The commanding sound of his voice cut through the jungle, full of urgency and frustration. He was done with this little temper tantrum she was throwing.

"Stop!"

This silent stalemate could no longer persist; he was determined to confront the truth and mend what he had damaged. The air around Hux and Sola crackled with tension as his voice reverberated through the dense foliage with the confidence of a man who had commanded many. He didn’t command Sola though, he just needed her to hear him. The vibrant greens of the jungle seem to fade into the background, their colors washed out and overshadowed by the intensity of the emotions on display.

She was only caught off guard by his outburst for a second before she responded with a sharp, "What?"

"We need to talk, and it can't wait any longer."

His voice grew softer but still held an authoritative edge, he didn’t want to yell, didn’t want to sound like he was ordering her around.

"Well, that's unfortunate. I'm not exactly in the mood for conversation." She threw off his hand and turned away eager to return the distance between them. Oh, no she didn’t. Hux reached out once more, his grasp gentle yet unshakable, halting her departure.

“I'm not asking you if we can speak, I'm telling you we will!"

Sola faced with her hands on her hips, a challenge threatening to immolate him burning in her angry gaze. "Is that so, General?" Her emphasis on his former rank was bitter and meant to twist him like a knife in a wound. "What could you possibly have to say now that’s so damned important?”

Trapped in a maelstrom of guilt and frustration, Hux couldn't ignore the profound anguish he'd inflicted on Sola, he had to face the storm. Their conversation, inflamed by wounded emotions and hurt pride, rapidly devolved into a tumultuous shouting match. Each of his attempts to clarify his actions, to convey the reasoning behind his behavior, was met with Sola's relentless interruptions—her words stinging, laden with blame. It appeared that his hope for a diplomatic resolution had crumbled.

"I know why. It's because you're a pretentious, self-absorbed ass who is more interested in his own survival than anyone else."

Taken aback, Hux felt her words pierce through his defenses, and for a moment he was truly speechless. Then came the anger, he couldn’t stop it. Memories of every time he couldn’t defend himself against those who held power over him came rushing up and spilled forth. In a split second of madness, he angrily ripped off his mask, and he roared back, his voice raw with emotion,

"I care more about you than I've ever cared about myself!”

As he continued his outburst, it was met by Sola screaming at him to put his mask back on, calling him an idiot, demanding to know what he was doing, but he didn’t hear her words.

“I can't stand that you're angry with me, even if I deserve it! I don't want you ignoring me or trying to leave me in the dust of this accursed jungle. I want you to talk to me, hear me! I don't want you sleeping on the other side of the kriffing tent; I want you sleeping with me! If you need to punish me for yesterday, then do it! Hit me until your arms grow weak, but just hear me and let me apologize!"

His outburst hung in the air, a mix of frustration, anger, and a longing for understanding and the jungle was silent once more. Sola stood there, her mouth agape, unable to form a coherent response. The silence that settled between them, the intensity of their argument gave way to a fragile calm. It seemed he had finally reached her, his word shaving surprised even himself. However, he didn’t have long to process his ill-timed confession, when his expression suddenly fell, his face draining of color and his eyes widening in unmistakable terror. Her heart quickened, and a chill ran down her spine, instinctively telling her that something dangerous lurked behind her.

With a slow, cautious turn of her head, Sola's eyes widened at the sight that unfolded before her. Rising from the foliage like a coiled serpent, the I Vino Posy revealed itself in all its menacing glory. Its petals, large and vibrant, resemble the scaled skin of a venomous snake, while the spines protruding from its center mimic wicked fangs.

The plant's stem, adorned with fine hairs, quivered with an eerie sentience, attuned to the slightest movements and vibrations. It had no eyes but it seemed to see them, it seemed to watch them with a predatory intent, as if ready to strike at any moment. Its presence exuded danger, sending primal fear through Sola's body.

Hux slowly took hold of Sola's hands, fingers wrapping securely around her wrists. With deliberate, measured steps, he guided her away from the lurking peril, his gaze fixed on the I Vino Posy, vigilant and ready to act.

Their progress was slow, and each movement was calculated to avoid provoking the dormant beast. Sola kept her eyes locked on Hux, her trust and reliance solely placed on him. Every instinctual response kicked in and told her to run, but Hux's words cut through her thoughts. His tone was both authoritative and gentle, commanding her attention, and providing the reassurance she needed.

"Keep your eyes on me, Sola," Hux whispered, his words barely audible. "Don't look back, just focus on me."

With every step, she felt a growing weight of anticipation and uncertainty. The instinct to survey her surroundings conflicting with Hux's directive. Yet, in his voice, she heard a plea for her to trust him in this critical moment, and for all the nonsense that had occurred in the past two days, she knew if he said to listen to him then she could trust him. Sola returned her focus to Hux's face, locking eyes with him once more, counting all the shades of green deep in them, counting the subtle freckles that she had always overlooked.

A flicker of relief passed through Hux's features as he saw Sola complying with his request. "Good girl," he murmured softly.

Step by cautious step, Hux's voice was a constant easement, constantly urging her to keep her focus on him, to trust in him. The dangers of the jungle retreated to the periphery of their consciousness. With each step, the terrain beneath them became increasingly treacherous, the dense foliage and tangled roots posing constant obstacles, obstacles that Hux seemed to anticipate with each well-placed step as though he was somehow aware of everything around them. Maybe he was.

They both froze in place as a deafening snap shattered their silent retreat. It echoed through the dense jungle as loud as an explosion. Before Sola could process the source, Hux's instincts and training kicked into overdrive, and all pretenses of stealth were abandoned.

They broke into a dead run.

The I Vino Posy sprung into action, unleashing its deadly arsenal. Small, thorny, dart-like barbs shot through the air, aimed at Hux and Sola like venomous projectiles. Whizzing dangerously close to their bodies. Sola's heart skipped a beat as one of the lethal projectiles grazed past her head with a hair's breadth of distance, its presence leaving a chilling sensation in its wake. The sounds of their frantic footsteps mingled with the rustling of leaves and the snapping of vines. The once-peaceful vegetation around them came to life with a vengeance.

Vicious tendrils lashed out from neighboring plants, their thorns sharp and unforgiving, aiming to ensnare Hux and Sola in their deadly embrace. Branches whipped through the air, seeking to trip them up, while grasping roots emerged from the earth, eager to entangle their legs.

Hux's mind raced, searching for a path to safety amid the chaos. He maneuvered with agile precision, his every move calculated to avoid the onslaught of nature's wrath. With Sola's hand still firmly in his grasp, he led her through the treacherous maze of foliage, their only goal to outrun the pursuing threats.

As they pressed on, the cacophony of the awakened jungle intensified. Shrill cries of unseen plants reverberated through the air; like wild animals or predatory beasts, joined the chorus of their frantic escape. Hux and Sola were but fleeting figures amidst the unforgiving wilderness, their survival teetering on a razor's edge with no room for any margin of error.

Their labored breathing filled the air, intermingling with the symphony of death that followed them. The entire environment seemed to conspire against them, with heat and an unyielding density that made every step a struggle.

Higher ground became their singular goal, the promise of a temporary respite from the relentless pursuit of the deadly jungle. As plant life grew sparse the ground became harder and larger rocks replaced the lush undergrowth, it finally came into view. The rocky terrain unfolded before them, and their eyes were drawn to a steep embankment, their only hope for safety. With a surge of determination, they raced up the rugged slope, the adrenaline pumping through their veins.

Every step upward was an arduous battle against gravity, the steep terrain demanding more from them than they could give. Every muscle strained against them, their hands clawing at the loose soil and jagged rocks for purchase. With survival-fueled desperation, Hux pushed Sola forward up the embankment, putting her before him.

But their momentary relief was shattered as Hux's agonized scream pierced the air.

There, lurking at the base of the embankment, was the Pal Vents Fury—the one plant they had managed to evade until now. Its presence was menacing, resembling a monstrous hybrid of a Venus flytrap and a ravenous creature. The barbed whips of the plant had ensnared Hux, wrapping tightly around his leg, bicep, and shoulder. He struggled against the whips, desperation etched across his face as he fought to free himself.

With each flex, the whips dug deeper into Hux's flesh, causing him to cry out in excruciating pain. Blood trickled from the wounds, dripping into the ground beneath him. The Pal Vents Fury, sensing its trapped prey, began to stir, its maw-like structure opening to reveal rows of barbs resembling menacing teeth. Hux clutched at the vines in pain, trying to wrench them off but every movement on his part brought new waves of pain. The plant's deadly intention was clear—to pull him toward a slow and agonizing demise.

Sola's heart raced and her blood turned to ice in her veins, torn between her desire to save Hux and his own desperate plea for her to go. The terror in his voice and the silent plea in his eyes mirrored the unspoken fear of being left behind.

Hux's face contorted with pain, his voice raw and full of fear.

Her hands reached for her vibroblade and pulled it from the scabbard, her fingers finding solace in its familiar grip. Fueled by rage, she lunged forward, her movements guided by a desperate sheer determination. The blade pierced the air, slashing at the thick, encroaching whips of the Pal Vents Fury.

The barbs of the vines recoiled slightly but as they did so they dug further into Hux, he seethed with pain but seeing Sola return to his side gave him the will to keep fighting, to push past the pain. The Pal Vents Fury however trying to deter her from her mission, didn’t stop at just the barbs. The plant began emitting a low, rumbling noise reminiscent of a frog or toad's croak, and its body convulsed as if preparing for something. Before Sola could fully comprehend the situation, the plant erupted, projecting a viscous, ichor-like substance in her direction. It splattered on the ground near her feet, and while most of it missed her, a portion of the corrosive material landed on her mask. A pungent and toxic odor filled her nostrils as the scent of melting plastic assaulted her senses. She couldn't help but cough, and a searing sensation on her neck forced her to momentarily pause her frantic assault. The corrosive ichor had inflicted significant damage to her mask, gradually eating away at the life-supporting device that had shielded her.

She flung the damaged mask to the ground, now left with no means of protecting her face from the jungle's perils. Unable to know if the plant could replicate the attack again right away it pushed her forward in her attack. Through pure stubbornness and unwavering resolve, Sola's relentless assault paid off. Each thrust of the blade was met with a hiss from the plant, ignoring the pain, she persisted, hacking away with relentless force.

With each successful strike, the whip’s hold weakened, and the plant reluctantly conceded that the struggle for this meal wasn’t worth the risk. They began to recoil in pain and defeat, their barbs retracting in a show of reluctant surrender against the superior force. Hux collapsed to the ground, gasping for air and clutching his wounds.

Not satisfied with their victory over the hostile plant, Sola reached for the blaster that had been on Hux’s belt and fired at the plant in anger, listening to its shrill cries as it burned and suffered the agonizing fate it had intended for Hux. The once vibrant and formidable plant curled in on itself, shriveling as the blaster fire scorched it from the inside out, it produced the smell of burning mulch and its shrill shrieking grew weaker until all that was heard was the sound of sizzling.

Pulling his arm over her shoulder, the sounds of the plant's torment faded into the background. She strained under his weight, summoning every ounce of strength within her. Together, they began their arduous ascent up the embankment, each step a painful reminder of their recent ordeal.

As they reached the top of the embankment, their eyes caught sight of an opening that resembled a cave— that offered a semblance of shelter. Her body trembling with exhaustion and relief. Finally, they collapsed onto the rocky floor, their bodies craving respite from the physical and emotional strain.

Inside the cave, the air was cool and still, providing a momentary sanctuary from the perilous jungle outside. Sola's breaths came in ragged gasps. Hux too had collapsed and he lay a few feet away from her, she reached out for him, but her arm was so heavy that she couldn’t quite reach him. The scent of dirt and dampness filled the air, and as the adrenaline faded from her body, Sola couldn’t hold out against the pull of unconsciousness and the world around her went soft, her eyes grew weak and a weightlessness set in as she too lost consciousness.

~~~

Hux’s eyes opened and all he knew was pain. His attempt to push himself up, resulted in his injured arm giving way, sending him crashing back down to the ground. His lungs clawed for air as any additional movement only resulted in excruciating agony. His breaths came in short, labored gasps, and it felt as though his lungs were going to collapse in on him.

His chest constricted with each attempt to regulate his breathing, with immense effort, he managed to roll onto his side, his muscles protesting every order given to them. From there, he maneuvered himself onto his back. Blood seeped from his shoulder, arm, and his leg.

If it was as bad as it felt he struggled to find a way to pull himself up and out of this. But memories of beatings and the pain of being kicked with steel-toe boots rose to the forefront of his mind; he’d survived those. The sizzling burn of the blaster that nearly killed him, he’d survived that. The tumultuous crash of the shuttle, if he’d survived all of that he could certainly survive this too. With some renewed determination to not let the thing that killed him be… a plant, he forced himself up and away from the pull of unconsciousness.

Taking stock of his surroundings his heart sank. Sola lay motionless, her arm extended towards him as though she had tried to reach him. Concern flooded his thoughts, but he knew he couldn’t help her until he assessed his own condition.

The surviving pack was within reach, and his trembling hands extracted the emergency medical kit. Its contents were minimal and not meant for injuries of this nature. A survival tool, vibrobalde, bacta patches, sedatives, bandages, antiseptic, and a dose of some type of pain medication. He didn’t know exactly what it was but knew what he was about to do would be excruciating, he wasted no time and jabbed the syringe into his leg.

Positioning himself against a cave wall he reached into his pocket and pulled out a single leather glove. The blood had dried, adhering his shirt to his skin and peeling it away producing fresh waves of pain that made his stomach lurch.

He was a mess. Lacerations on his left bicep and shoulder were fairly deep and jagged. He set his jaw and bit down on the leather glove, inhaling deeply several times in an attempt to steady his nerves before he began.

His hand was still shaking as he used the pliers on the survival tool to grasp at one of the barbs sticking out of his arm. He whimpered slightly and he trembled as he counted to three in his head, when he reached three, he pulled. All sound went away, replaced by the unsettling ringing of tinnitus, and fresh crippling shockwaves of pain coursed through his body and he cried out into the glove clenched between his teeth.

One down.

With a methodical precision, he repeated the process over a dozen times, extracting barbs from his bicep, shoulder, and leg until his knuckles were white. His body was covered in a thin sheen of sweat and his jaw ached from biting down. The survival tool fell from his grip, clattering on the ground, its task completed and he spat out the glove taking in lungfuls of air trying to force his body into a state of disassociation. His nerves were crying out for something to ease the pain and he fought slipping back into unconsciousness.

The soothing relief provided by the bacta patches washed over him like gentle waves. Its adhesive would seal the wounds and protect them as its cooling gel began to assist in the healing process. Throughout the process, Hux glanced at Sola, his concern for her well-being gnawing at him. He shifted putting his back to her, unable to look at her seeing the repercussions of his own actions.

With the worst of it behind him, a new sensation began coursing through him; anger. Outright fury at the whole fucking thing.

It raged through his veins like a magmatic river, fueled by a litany of frustrations. The storm. The crash. The heat. The lost gear. The kriffing Pal Vents Fury. The pain. All of it. Then the final thing. The cracked o-ring of his mask. The thing that started all of it. It all boiled upwards inside of him until it exploded like a reactor, unleashed in the form of a scream.

Damn, this kriffing island.

He screamed until his lungs burned and his voice cracked. Finally spent, he had nothing else to expel. The numbing effect of the contents of the syringe began to take over and the pain finally began to fade, a sense of euphoria swept over him bringing a comforting numbness. He began to feel a bit tipsy and light-headed As silence began to take over once more his anger shifted inwards directed to himself and his failures. Every decision he’d ever made that led him to this moment. But amidst it all a realization hit him, one that surprised him. When he had stupidly removed his mask and made that confession to Sola, he hadn’t felt regret or fear. Not at all. Instead a strange sense of liberation, and a flicker of something else. Hope? He didn’t know.

Now what?

~~~

Jolted to consciousness, Sola’s eyes snapped open to the sound of a scream, it cut through the haze of her disoriented state, bringing her back to the harsh reality of her dire situation. As her vision became clear she saw Hux leaning against the wall, his fists clenched and unclenched on nothing as though he were struggling to control his anger. His entire body was seemingly driven by a quiet rage that pulsed through him, she’d seen this before. Hux wasn’t an outwardly violent man, he didn’t shout, scream, or throw things when he was angry. Instead, his rage would turn inward and he would go silent and rigid. She’d only seen his rage unleashed once and he’d left a considerable dent in the side of an x wing.

A wave of panic washed over Sola as she tried to make sense of the scene before her. Time seemed distorted, and she couldn’t discern how long they had been in the cave, unconscious and vulnerable. Her gaze remained fixed on Hux, his hunched form consumed by a wave of fierce anger. The depth of his breathing, like an enraged bull, resonated with the intensity of his emotions. Sola's heart clenched with a mixture of concern and fear as she watched him. His distant stare and detached demeanor were as if he was lost in a waking nightmare or trapped within the confines of his own mind. It was a side of Hux she had never seen, and the unfamiliarity filled her with a deep sense of dread.

The cave felt suffocating like she was awaiting an eruption that may come at any moment. She remained alert, her senses attuned to the slightest shift in Hux's demeanor, ready to respond, though she had no idea what she would do.

There had been no real information available on the symptoms of the Pax Reaver, so there was no way to tell what symptoms he would be exhibiting if he had been affected. Hux had taken off his mask in the jungle, exposing himself to the unknown effects of the Pax. She couldn’t recall seeing any of the dual-natured plants themselves when they made their getaway, but the spores may have been carried through the air, potentially affecting him.

The realization that they were not out of danger was close by. She remained rooted to the spot, shunted by the two most terrifying words in existence.

What if?

What if he had been affected by the Pax? What if he was seconds away from turning into a mindlessly violent beast?

She stood little chance against him, even in his current condition. His military background, combat skills, and physical prowess dwarfed her own capabilities. She lacked weapons, any place to hide, and making an escape seemed near impossible. Hux would easily overpower her, and the consequences would be dire.

Her thoughts instinctively turned to survival.

She couldn’t overpower him, she couldn’t hide, and escape wasn’t an option, she had no means of protecting herself out there any more than within the confines of the cave.

An insane thought entered her head.

She began to consider the possibility of a different reaction from Hux, one that the data she had read days ago hinted at—an amorous response. This triggered a shift in her thinking, opening up a new avenue of potential influence over Hux's state.

Sola contemplated her options, it couldn’t work, it was too stupid. But what other choice did she have? Waiting to die wasn’t her preference.

Sola's mind raced, weighing the risks and possibilities. Desperation fueled her determination, leaving her with little choice but to act, even if her plan seemed reckless and fraught with uncertainty.

The prospect of the Pax taking hold of him, amplifying his aggression and rendering him a danger to himself and herself, loomed ominously in her mind. She understood that her safety and their chances of survival depended on finding a way to neutralize the threat he unwittingly posed.

Her heart pounded in her chest, she braced herself for the enormous gamble she was about to take—an attempt to influence Hux's state.

Her movements were deliberate, a slow crawl that maintained control and ensured her eye contact remained more general than direct. Hux turned and his tired and distant eyes met hers, momentarily interrupting her advance. He finally seemed to reconnect with reality and notice her close proximity. As she carefully inched closer, her movements measured, every fiber of her being was attuned to Hux's reactions, keenly aware that any sudden or threatening gesture could trigger an uncontrollable outburst.

~~~

The plan. What was the plan?

Get to the mentoring station. Shut it down. Submit the Resistance distress frequency codes.

It was deceptively simple but that didn’t mean it was easy. He broke it down further in his head; get to the station. How?

Think you blithering idiot.

His mind drifted back to the academy once more, in battle everything is broken down into the simplest of steps so that even the simplest fool can obey instructions. His mind sharpened as he drew on his years of military experience switching to a tactical outlook.

Sitting in the dimly lit cave, Hux's mind raced with a jumble of thoughts, emotions, and pain.

Focus, Hux. Prioritize.

He clenched his jaw, trying to push through the haze of exhaustion and the adrenaline crash that threatened to overwhelm him. His military training kicked in, allowing him to compartmentalize his thoughts and analyze the situation.

Objective: Reach the monitoring station, and send out a distress signal.

Hux repeated the words in his mind, the clarity providing a temporary respite from the chaos. He knew that rescuing Sola and himself hinged on reaching that station and alerting the Rebel forces. But there were obstacles to overcome.

First, the wounds.

He was able to at least check one item off the list.

Second, the route.

The absence of wildlife or enemy forces was a small relief, but he couldn’t let his guard down. They had to tread carefully, avoiding any pitfalls or treacherous terrain that could impede their progress. Neither of them had their masks anymore. A problem. His mind raced, taking into account his own injuries and Sola's limited mobility.

Third, resources.

Hux surveyed their surroundings, the pack that had survived their mad dash through the jungle didn’t hold much; the medical kit, the data stick with the frequency codes, the survival tool, vibroblade, a few rations, a torch. What they had left was minimal, laughable really.

The weight of anger and fear crept into Hux's thoughts, threatening to undermine his focus.

Don't succumb to emotions. Stay sharp.

He took a deep breath, the cool air filling his lungs, and exhaled slowly, allowing a momentary calm to wash over him.

Fatigue crashed against him like relentless waves, urging him to succumb to sleep. His eyelids grew heavy, threatening to seal shut.

Stay awake, Hux. Don't let exhaustion consume you.

He shook his head, attempting to clear the fog in his mind.

They needed to mobilize as soon as they could and make for the summit. Yes, that was it. Simple as that. He just needed a few minutes…

A subtle sound of movement disrupted his inner struggle, compelling him to reopen his eyes. There, before him, Sola crawled towards him with deliberate slowness and an oddly calm look on her face. She came to settle in his lap, her hands resting on his shoulders then moving up his neck. She carded a hand through his hair and his eyes fluttered at the sensation after everything they had been through in the last twenty-four hours, the gentleness of her touch was a welcome one.

Sola.

Those stormy eyes locked onto him, there was an intensity in her stare that he’d never seen from her before but perhaps it was the culmination of the last few days. Just as he was about to ask what was wrong, her soft, cool fingers brushed against his lip so simplistically that it was hypnotizing. The intimacy of the gesture left tingling trails of fire across his lips that he both loved and hated yet left him craving more. Her voice, softer than usual, resonated in the stillness of the cave, uttering a reassurance.

“It’s alright.”

Was she talking about how they both survived? Was she talking about what he’d told her in the jungle? He had no idea but the depth of her calmness silenced all thoughts that had been previously consuming his mind. The soft pads of her fingertips danced over his lips, over the hard stubble of his jaw, and delicately down his neck. His heart was beating to the cadence of an imperial march inside his chest as his eyes followed her hand. Gently caressing his wounded shoulder and arm with a silken touch that began to erase all memories of pain.

His mind was still trying to process the unexpected turn of events, not noticing how her lips had drifted closer to his until they were on his. He had expected an equally soft touch but Sola had no such plans, her kiss was firm and left no room for misinterpretation. This was a kiss to convey desire, lust, and a desperate need to touch.

He had so many questions but the warmth of her lips was causing his mind to short-circuit like a damaged droid. His muscles tensed and twitched as though all impulses couldn’t agree on what to do.

The lightheaded euphoria that often accompanied a kiss made everything seem so far away as his lips began to move against hers. Sola breathed a sigh of relief at his passivity and how quickly he reciprocated. She was caught off guard at how much she enjoyed the sound of his breathing, the way it hitched in his chest at first then slowly came down like he had finished running a marathon.

His initial shock had worn off and a combination of instinct and personal preferences rose up making him a more active participant in this intimate moment. He’d ignored sexual desires for a long time and now with Sola’s warm tongue coaxing his mouth open, it was waking things in him he’d pushed down for literal years. But while he enjoyed it, he craved something more leisurely and laid back.

Hux’s desire to savor the moment was met with unexpected resistance. Sola's assertive mouth moved hungrily over his as if she was trying to rile him up and he’d be damned if it wasn’t working. Her hands splayed over his chest, gently stroking his wounds, slipping around him, mindful not to hurt him.

He felt that urge rise up in him, the one from a man who hadn’t known a woman’s touch in a very long time. The one that demanded he tear off her clothes, throw her down and sink his cock deep into her until she cried out his name. It threatened to spill over and consume him. But he didn’t want that, he wanted to savor every taste, every touch, every kiss, and every thrust.

His attempts to guide their lips into a more sensual rhythm and establish a slower tempo were met each time with resistance, in the form of unexpected urgency from Sola. When he pulled back, she nipped at his lips, sucked on his tongue, and licked his lower lip. When he was gentle, she was aggressive. She pressed herself against him, tugged on the hair at the back of his neck, and shifted in his lap so that there was tantalizing friction between them that drew soft moans from both of them.

A flicker of unease tugged at the back of his mind.

This isn't like Sola. What's happening?

The cloud of lust constantly threatened to derail him, tempting him to just give in to the moment and ignore what his instincts were trying to tell him.

Wait. Is this the Pax?

The pieces of the puzzle finally fell into place within his mind, understanding dawning upon him.

The air grew charged with a mix of apprehension, desire, and guilt. He could feel her hands tugging on his unruly, messy locks. Conflicted between his rational understanding of the situation and the overwhelming sensations that were quickly engulfing him. Hux didn’t have many relationships, mostly out of his desire to remain unattached and unburdened by emotion and weakness. But he was still a man and Sola was having an effect on him each time she ground against his lap, his cock ached and strained against his trousers.

Despite realizing Sola wasn’t in her right state of mind, he struggled to bring himself to stop her. The selfish part of his brain told him to just shut up and be grateful that she wasn’t displaying aggression; to just let her touch him. When he felt her teeth on his lower lip again, he drew in a sharp breath allowing Sola access to his mouth once more, and he groaned as she clenched his hair in between her fingers.

He could easily overpower Sola. He knew the techniques and strategies that would allow him to swiftly separate himself from her and ways to restrain her. With a surge of determination, and using considerable force he wrenched his mouth away from hers and hating himself for it. Hux gathered his strength and tried once more to speak, to reach her, breaking the spell of the moment. He looked into Sola's eyes, searching for a glimmer of recognition, hoping to reach the real Sola hidden beneath the influence of the Pax.

“Sola, what-?”

His words died before he had a chance to utter them completely when he felt her scrape her nails against his scalp, and her lips move down his jaw to his neck.

Again, she cut him off. “Hux, it’s me.” It sounded like she was trying to reassure him. Her words were breathy and full of desire.

He was quickly losing the battle.

Lust clouded his judgment, she sucked hard on his neck, leaving marks that sent primal desires through all men, quickly wearing away his frayed resolve. The sensation was almost too much for him; he sharply seized her jaw, forcing a hard kiss to her mouth. In the midst of his dying internal struggle, he realized that he was no longer just reciprocating Sola's kiss, he had taken over it. It was no longer just a brushing of lips but a growing fire of lips, tongue, and teeth.

~~~

As his tongue swept into her mouth with a ravenous hunger, he rationalized that staying with him was the safest course of action in Sola’s condition. If he were to forcibly remove her from him and attempt to reach the station alone, she could be exposed to various dangers. The hand that gripped her jaw, threaded into her hair and pulled hard enough that her head jerked back, exposing her throat to him. Would she wander back into the treacherous depths of the jungle they had narrowly escaped? His arms locked tightly around her digging into her hips, keeping her firmly where he wanted her in his lap. Or would she relentlessly pursue him, driven by the altered state of her mind, bringing injury to both of them? He inhaled deeply and dragged his lips up her neck, tongue darting out to taste her skin.

This is the only logical way to keep her from further harm.

Coherent thoughts continued to slip further from his grasp, like grains of sand.

In the midst of his dying internal struggle, he realized that he was no longer just reciprocating Sola's kiss, he had taken over it. It was no longer just a brushing of lips but a growing fire of lips, tongue, and teeth.

Her insane plan seemed to be working, his aggression had dissipated as he began to respond to her advances.

His brief spell of hesitancy had disappeared and now sounds she never imagined she could hear from the stoic former general came tumbling past his lips in between each hungry kiss. Sounds that she would keep stored away tightly for a rainy day if she survived this.

It was a relief to see him no longer consumed by anger, but judging by the hard bulge in his trousers Sola realized quickly that she had unwittingly stepped into another precarious situation.

Those same arms she’d slept in quickly pulled her shirt overhead and tossed it aside. It was then that Sola saw the flaw in her plan: she didn’t plan beyond her initial objective. She also hadn’t considered the consequences of her plan, those being; what if it worked?

She didn’t know how long the Pax Reavers effects would last or if there would be any adverse reactions. She realized that what she meant to be a quick but exhaustive encounter was actually becoming much more. She’d seen the sedatives from the medical kit, they weren’t so far that she couldn’t reach them, but all thought of grabbing it began to fade, each time she tried to grab for it he redirected her hands somewhere on his body. His chest, his back, his shoulders, up into his hair, showing her exactly where he wanted to be touched and something about that forwardness was arousing. It seemed that although Hux was a quite man in most regards, the bedroom wasn’t included in that.

One of his calloused hands cradled the back of her neck and with a very suspicious finesse from his other hand saw the clasp of her bra undone, then it was gone. Her bare skin against his and just like that, Sola had forgotten about furthering any plans of regaining control of the situation, and she was fine with that.

All internal conversations about the morality of what they were doing had completely fallen silent. The alarm bells that should have been sounding in both their minds were dormant, clouded by immediate pleasure.

They became a tangled mess of hands pulling and clawing at one another. No longer burdened by pain with each movement, Hux surged forward pushing Sola onto her back, moving his hungry mouth down her neck, dipping his tongue into her collarbone.

There were still far too many layers between them and he struggled to focus on taking the rest of her clothes off without tearing them. If they survived what came next it would be difficult to explain why, upon rescue, Sola was naked. Unfastening her pants one-handed tested his patience, but he managed to ease it down her hips, while she worked to kick her boots off.

A deep groan resonated within his chest when he felt the jerking sensation of Sola’s hands working to unclasp his belt brought an amused smirk to his face, he lifted his hips slightly, just enough for her to pull them down over his hips.

Regrettably, placing more distance between them, Hux rose up to his knees and hurriedly shoved the garment down his legs. He didn’t have to mourn the loss of her touch though: his heart nearly stopped and his head lolled back when he felt her hot tongue dancing across his skin. Accompanied by the blissful sting of her nails raking from his chest down his thighs, and he found himself briefly powerless.

His eyes went dark and only a stream of syllables tumbled from his lips. He struggled to remember how to breathe as the wet heat of her mouth engulfed his cock, lips darkened and wet with saliva. He couldn’t remember the last time he'd had a woman’s lips wrapped around his length, all practical thought had ceased and all he could do was process the immense pleasure she was giving him.

His strangled moan shattered the relative silence of the cave, and his breath came in shallow bursts. The way her tongue swirled around his head, dipping into his slit and the gentle scraping of her teeth against his shaft sent jolts of ecstasy that coursed through his body.

He shuddered, she was too good at this, it felt too good. He was struggling against the sensations that threatened to overwhelm him, knowing all too well that if he didn’t find a way to calm down, then he was done for.

“Fuck!”

The harshness of his words tore right through her, but the way his body jerked against her touch only made Sola want him more. Her fingers wrapped around his shaft and firmly stroked him as she hollowed out her cheeks and sucked hard. Hux wasn’t a man to really swear or raise his voice, so to hear him losing control of himself in the throws of passion gave her chills and the sense of power she held over him intoxicated her.

He couldn’t even manage her name. Each time she swallowed him a little more, his hips rocked forward bringing him closer and closer, his hands were gripping her hair; half pushing her down onto him, half trying to pull her off. The moan that reverberated in the back of her throat when he did this, nearly sent him over the edge.

As predicted, Sola was sorely outmatched when it came to physical strength against Hux. He used his grip on her hair pulling, removing himself from her mouth, pushing her onto her back again. Frantically pulling the last of his clothes off, the sound of his boots hitting the walls punctuated the silence. He seized her hands, forcing them above her head, and there was nothing Sola could do about it. Several days without shaving had left a five o’clock shadow that was bringing a painfully delicious burn to her lips each time he kissed her. He swallowed every sound she made, his tongue rolling over hers, sucking her bottom lip into his mouth.

He left her lips swollen and red while he licked a wet trail down her neck, flicking his tongue over her collar. His teeth nipped at her skin as he worked his way down, her breath becoming more shallow and her murmurs more needy.

A sound that was meant to be his name came out a needy gasp when he wet his lips and wrapped them around her nipple, tongue swirling in a torturous fashion. He’d finally established the slower pace he wanted and there was nothing Sola could do to stop him. Although based on how her hips and back arched against him she wasn’t objecting. He took his time languidly tasting her, working her up into a needy mess before switching to her neglected breast and fresh whimpers began anew.

Lost in the haze of lust, Hux was vaguely aware of someone calling his name but the words were incoherent and all he could hear was his own heart pounding in his own head. The sound became more desperate, it was only when it was nearly pleading that he managed to pull himself away from her saliva-slicked nipples to realize that she was trembling and panting his name. Her chest heaved against him and she was struggling against his grip, pleading with him to let her go, uttering the word ‘please’ again and again.

Suddenly unsure of why he’d restrained her in the first place he let her go and his hands began a frantic exploration of her body, one gripping her hip and the other seeking out her other breast to continue his torment. He returned to tease her hard nipple, determined to pull as many sounds from Sola Vex as he possibly could. He could feel her hands in his hair again, nails raking over his scalp and down the back of his neck and it sent chills down his spine. Her heavy breathing and the occasional utterance of his name made for a sound he’d hoped that he would die before he forgot.

“Fuck Hux!” She finally managed to string together more than two syllables when she felt his knee between her thighs.

With a nudge of his knee, her legs parted, one wrapping around his waist pulling him closer. His hips rolled and he groaned, being close enough that he could just sink into her and chase his orgasm until he collapsed. The battle of maintaining the discipline necessary to not be such a selfish lover was monstrous but compartmentalization was valuable in any situation. Even when lying naked atop a woman who had clawed at your clothes like they’d personally offended her.

He brought his fingers up to her mouth and she didn’t hesitate to wrap her lips around them sucking hard, enjoying the look of desire that washed over him. Her tongue licked from his knuckles to his fingertips mimicking how she’d sucked his cock. Withdrawing his fingers from her lips he watched her expression as his hand trailed down her body slipping between her legs and teasing her slit.

He wore a grin of satisfaction, watching her mouth attempt to form words, his touch barely grazing her so close to where she wanted it. He didn’t make her suffer long, he wasn’t cruel, her eyes fluttered closed and she positively whimpered at the feel of his finger penetrating her. He shuddered. Tight. Hot. Wet. Perfect.

For him.

All of it was for him. The sound of Sola’s breathing mixed with gentle moans was all the encouragement he needed before he added another finger, continuing to stroke her. Her legs trembled slightly and hips back canted into his hand.

This snapped him out of his reverie long enough for a firm jerk of his hair to pull him closer to her mouth, her tongue parted the seam of his lips with no resistance aside from a groan.

The last tenants of guilt made a final stand for Hux’s conscience.

“Tell me, tell me you want this.” His words were far more composed than hers and it just wasn’t fair, his heart rate was wild and he sounded like he was on the brink of madness.

This wasn’t real consent, this wasn’t what she really wanted but he was too far gone to be able to stop. His desire to hear her say it only served to alleviate his guilty conscience.

Every inch of him ached yet he refused to move until he heard the words, his muscles ached for pleasure and his cock wept, unbearably hard.

First, he heard a frustrated groan, and she threw her head back in exasperation. His breath on her lips was heavy and needy, she was shaking.

She took his hand and wrapped her lips around his fingers one at a time, sucking hard, and felt him tremble against her as his body locked up. “Want you.”

She continued to mumble back her desire for him in broken words but Hux had already heard what he needed to hear. And he offered no further words or suggestions, gripping his cock and jerking slowly for a moment catching his breath. She pulled him down for a kiss, her hips ground against his and her hands gripped his arms. Hux groaned and aligned himself with her entrance, he waited a perfectly painful moment before pushing forward.

Worth it.

His body pulsed and he couldn’t contain the sound he made at feeling her crush him. He shuddered at the intensity, she wrapped her legs around him and her back arched against him trying to pull him closer. Her chest heaved and her nails dug into his back.

Hux his body shook. Years. It had been years. Every muscle was firing erratically, triggering spasms and waves of pleasure.

“Fuck- Fuck-!” He grunted against her lips while he tried to manage his breathing. He kissed her hard enough to bruise her lips and licked his way inside her mouth far outpacing her own assertiveness from earlier.

The realization was that this wouldn’t last long hit him and he hated himself for it, he’d wanted to make it last. He told himself he’d make it up to her later, he promised himself, if she let him, he’d have her thrashing in bed while he pulled orgasm after orgasm from her till she begged him to stop.

She whimpered his name against his lips, almost pleadingly. He braced himself on his forearms and finally started to move, thrusts starting slow and deep. Sola released a half sob, a half gasp in relief and she clutched into him.

“Faster, harder.” She grunted against his mouth again, it came out like a plea. “Hux,” the way she said his name there was no argument.

He complied, increasing his pace, hips snapping forward each time giving him more of those sounds he never wanted to forget. But it wasn’t enough for Sola, she wanted more and he was holding back. In a motion that surprised both of them, she forced enough leverage and rolled the two of them so that Hux was now on his back.

She sunk down on him hard, watching his eyes roll into the back of his head and his jaw-dropping, a visual she’d enjoy for years to come.

“Fucking hell Sola!” He hissed, finally letting go of some of his control.

Each time she rocked her hips against him saw new tremors race through him as he saw stars. When he started to gain his bearings, she rose up on her knees and then slammed down hard on him. His moan tore through the cave and he was lost again, only able to manage a string of curses. Each time he felt he had the strength to rise up and switch their positions she’d slam down on him and take his breath away, in a torturous cycle. It was fucking perfect.

He didn’t have much longer, it felt too good, too hot, too tight, too perfect. Fuck, it had been too long. All he had to do was lie back and let the sensations overtake him. Let her use him.

Sola couldn’t fight the smirk that tugged at her lips, kirff; he looked good like this. Hair a proper mess, chest heaving and glistening with sweat, delirious with pleasure, naked underneath her. Their new position gave a depth to his lazy upward thrusts that hit differently. Deeper. It was just enough of a distraction for Hux to make one final power play.

With adrenaline coursing through him and a desire to see her fall apart before he did, he snaked his arm around her waist and threw her off of him, and in a surprising display of strength he growled the word “Up.” He roughly pulled Sola to her shaky feet and hoisted her up into his arms “Wrap your legs around me.” She immediately followed the command unprepared for how much she enjoyed that tone in his voice then cried out when he slammed back into her as her back hit the wall of the cave. The rocks scratched but it was less than a tickle compared to the dizzying pleasurable intensity with which Hux was now fucking her.

He buried his face into her neck and licked at the salt on her skin, he didn’t hold back now he slammed hard and deep into her with her against the wall while she desperately clung to him. She cried out with each hard thrust hitting her clit and she bucked back against him to prolong the sensation. Impossibly tight grew tighter, strangling his cock, the waves of an orgasm began lapping at him, and with how her legs tightened around him and her cries became more frantic, her nails raked his back she wasn’t far off.

When the waves finally crashed against him, he grunted against her mouth wanting to feel her lips and tongue on his. He drank in all her cries and bucked hard as her own orgasm wracked her body and she sobbed into his mouth.

The eruption of pleasure coursed through his body, rippling through his aching muscles. He shook almost violently as he pumped every last drop into her not caring for consequences, not caring for how she might hate him later. For now, he’d had her, made her scream and cry out with a need for him, made her cum, and he felt fucking good. His lips slowed against hers as the sensations began to fade and tiredness replaced lust. He couldn’t imagine being in a state of mind where this was all he felt, that wasn’t to say he didn’t want her again, he did. But he was sure it was all Sola could feel and he didn’t have long until she was presumably crawling back on top of him.

Gently as he could, he set her down on her feet, nearly collapsing, relying only on the resistance of his feet against the rough floor to keep them from crumping to the ground. They sunk down to their knees, unable to support themselves any longer. He disentangled himself from her, reluctantly pulling himself from her warmth and almost passing out from the excessive pleasure and overstimulation. Sola wore a look that painted her in a similar light to that of a sated cat, he smirked knowing he’d done that to her. Sure enough, Sola was pushing herself up toward him.

It did wonders for his ego even if he knew it wasn’t genuine desire. He couldn’t possibly take her again so soon, as much as he wanted to, he’d need a few minutes at best. Instead, he eased her onto her back again, gentler than last time, kissing her much softer but still deep enough that she didn’t fight him for control.

He cradled her neck with each kiss, and his other hand slipped down her body and settled between her legs, again her hips bucked when his calloused fingers brushed against her lips still hot and dripping with his cum. He applied devilish pressure against her clit with his thumb while tasting her mouth again and drinking in the sounds she made for him. He hesitated, what kind of a bastard would he be if he denied her what he was building up to, especially after how he’d just taken her? Hard and rough, granted she didn’t complain.

He sucked hard on her neck listening to the noises she made, continuing those small right circles. Her breathing became more labored once more and moans poured from her lips. Just a bit more and she’d fall apart again for him.

“Another, give me another.”

Every gentle stroke of his thumb made her want to cry, her whole body tightened as he pushed her closer and closer, and every twitch of her hips against his hand served as a reminder that it wouldn’t take much to push her just a little further. Hux’s talent and insight were something to marvel at, when her second orgasm hit her, harder than the first, his fingers were barely brushing her sensitive clit. Her back arched and her toes curled, she cursed and moaned his name over and over while she clutched onto him for dear life. As soon as the pleasure began to subside something else replaced it, a sharp sting in her neck, then warmth, and a sleepiness she didn’t expect. Her eyes grew heavier and the world grew softer and she couldn’t fight it. Her eyes fluttered closed barely registering something that looked like the sedative and she slumped into unconsciousness once more.

Chest heaving with labored breath, Hux flopped over onto his back eager to catch his breath for the first time all day. He really wanted a cigarette.

~~~

The haze of sedation clung tightly to Sola, her senses met with a blur of light and movement. She was lying in a reclined position on a stretcher, surrounded by the sterile walls of a medical shuttle. The soft hum of machinery filled the air, accompanied by the distant murmurs of hushed conversations.

Her eyelids were heavy, she struggled to focus, her mind grasping at fragments of memories from the recent events. The flickering images of the cave, the rain-soaked jungle, and the intense intimacy with Hux danced at the edge of her consciousness, like elusive dreams slipping away.

As Sola tried to piece together her surroundings, the voices of the shuttle crew reached her ears, muffled and distant. Their words are garbled, swirling in her foggy mind. She caught snippets of conversation, fragments of concern.

"...severe injuries to his arm, shoulder, and leg..."

"...showing signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration..."

"...they've been missing for almost a week..."

The crew's words faded in and out, blending with the gentle hum of the shuttle's engines. Sola's brow furrowed as she attempted to make sense of the fragments, her memory still clouded. It was as if her mind was swimming through a thick fog, struggling to find clarity.

A particular mention caught her attention, a sentence that cut through the haze like a ray of light.

"...He's condition is worse than her. He'll need time in a bacta tank to fully recover."

The words lingered in Sola's mind, mingling with the flickers of memories. Her gaze shifted towards Hux, who lay unconscious nearby, his injuries evident even in his unresponsive state. She tried to summon her voice, to call out to him, to reassure herself of his presence, but her words came out as slurred whispers lost in the expanse of the shuttle's medical bay.

"...need to keep her sedated until we reach the medical facility..."

Before she could fully process the implications of their condition, she felt a gentle prick in her neck again. A wave of drowsiness washed over her as the sedative took effect once more, wrapping her in a comforting veil of unconsciousness.

As Sola's consciousness began to slip once again, she clung to the remnants of the conversation she overheard. There was a subtle undercurrent of surprise in the crew's voices, begrudging respect for Hux's act of saving her despite his own injuries. With a heavy sigh, Sola succumbed to the pull of unconsciousness once more. The world around her faded to black, leaving her thoughts suspended in the shadows of her mind.

~~~

Sola's eyes fluttered open, greeted by the sterile surroundings of the medical bay. She felt groggy and disoriented. She remembered glimpses of her and Hux's arrival and the sight of him submerged in a bacta tank, still unconscious.

A medical droid approached her bedside, its metallic voice cutting through the silence.

"How are you feeling, Sola?" it inquired, its tone devoid of emotion.

Sola rubbed her temples, feeling the weight of confusion pressing upon her. "I... I can't remember anything. What happened?" her voice filled with frustration and apprehension.

The droid responded calmly, "The sedatives you received can cause temporary memory loss. Your recollection should improve with time. You've been unconscious for two days while we assessed your medical condition and treated your injuries."

She tensed up, panic flickering in her eyes. "Hux. What about Hux? Where is he?" Sola attempted to sit up, but her weakened state betrayed her, leaving her vulnerable on the medical table.

Medical personnel rushed over to assist her, gently easing her back into a more comfortable position. The droid stepped in to address her concerns. "Armitage Hux is alive. His injuries were severe, requiring an extended stay in the bacta tank. He suffered lacerated muscles, hairline fractures, and significant blood loss. But he is stable now, and we expect him to regain consciousness soon."

Relief washed over Sola mingled with lingering worry for Hux's well-being.

Sola's weariness intensified as the weight of the past days bore down upon her. With a lingering sense of unease and longing, she raised her hand to her temple, her tired eyes meeting the gaze of the medical droid. "I feel... like I drank too much," she admitted.

"That is a side effect often associated with heat exhaustion and dehydration, both of which you and Hux suffered. That sensation will pass soon. In the meantime, I have brought you a change of clothes. You can get dressed now,"

Sola took the neatly folded clothes and slowly began to dress, her movements somewhat sluggish. As she finished slipping her boots on, the door slid open, and her eyes widened at the sight of Hux entering the room. He appeared exhausted, his hair still damp from the bacta treatment. Clad in white medical scrubs pants and an open-fronted robe, his expression filled with visible relief upon seeing her in the form of a nod

Hux followed the guidance of the second medical droid, allowing himself to be led to a nearby table. Sola's attention drifted between their conversation and Hux's presence, her mind still grappling with the haze of her own recovery.

The second droid addressed Hux, and asked about his pain levels and if he was able to move without discomfort. Hux nods and replies in a tired voice, "It’s manageable, now. I can move without significant discomfort."

The droid proceeded to examine his arm and chest, observing the light scarring and informing Hux that the scars might fade over time but there would likely be some permanent discoloration. It confirmed that his fractures had been fully healed, the muscle tissue repaired, and that he received necessary blood transfusions.

Meanwhile, the droid attending to Sola approached her, emphasizing the importance of caution in her recovery.

"Due to the multiple sedatives you were given, it is crucial for you to avoid any strenuous physical activity for now. They can have interactions that require careful monitoring," Its synthetic voice loosely mimicked a tone of concern.

Sola nodded absentmindedly, absorbing the information. As the conversation between the medical droids continued, Sola's attention drifted back to her surroundings.

Sola's brow furrowed as she fully processed the droid's explanation. "Sedatives?" she repeated, her voice filled with confusion. "I only remember the shuttle."

The droid responded with a calm and matter-of-fact tone, "Indeed, you were given a sedative by the medical team upon realizing you were conscious again. However, Hux also administered a sedative to you."

Sola's eyes widened, her confusion gave way to a mix of exasperation and slight outrage. "You drugged me?" her voice tinged with disbelief.

Hux avoided meeting her gaze, his eyes shifting uncomfortably. He cringed slightly as if anticipating trouble. "I sedated you," he corrected her, his voice barely above a murmur.

The droid stepped in to offer clarification, sensing the tension in the room. "Hux informed the medical team about your injuries and expressed concerns about potential further harm. As a precautionary measure, he administered a sedative to ensure your safety."

Sola's mind raced, connecting the dots between Hux's actions and their intimate encounter in the cave. Suddenly, a vivid memory of their passionate moment flashed before her eyes. Her mouth dropped open slightly in realization, but she quickly snapped it shut, choosing not to voice her thoughts.

A brief silence settled over the room, filled with unspoken questions and a hint of tension. The medical droids, sensing the need to shift the focus, engage in their own conversation, discussing the progress of Sola and Hux's recovery.

The droid first addressed Hux. “Your fractures have successfully healed, and the muscle damage has been fully repaired. The blood transfusions were effective in restoring your health, and you should not be experiencing any pain. However, it's important to avoid engaging in heavy physical activities for a while to ensure a smooth recovery.”

“Understood.” The droid now turned to Sola.

“Sola, your recovery has also been successful. The sedatives administered during your treatment may cause temporary memory lapses, but your memory should return to normal soon.” Sola nodded as well. “Furthermore, the medical scans indicated recent sexual activity, but all the results show a healthy status. Also, the pregnancy test came back negative, so you are not pregnant. Lastly, your implant has been replaced, and it should function properly for another seven years.”

“Thank you,” Sola replied rather stiffly.

“Both of you are cleared to leave the medical bay but do keep in mind the precautions mentioned earlier. Do you have any parting questions before you are released?”

Hux spoke up. "Are there any lasting effects from the biological stimulants we need to be aware of?."

The droid seemed momentarily confused by the question and asked Hux to clarify. "I am not sure of your meaning.”

Hux's gaze met the droids, his voice carrying a tinge of concern and hesitancy. "Are there any potential long-term effects on our physical or mental well-being caused by exposure to the Pax Reaver?"

The droid processed the inquiry for a moment, its metallic form calculating data. After a brief pause, it delivered its response. "According to our analysis, neither of you show any signs of exposure to the Pax Reaver. There are no indications of lasting effects related to that particular substance."

As the droid left the room, a profound silence settled between Hux and Sola. They sat in contemplation, their eyes occasionally meeting before quickly diverting away. Sola, feeling a mix of emotions, including embarrassment, avoided Hux's gaze.

Suddenly, a soft chuckle escaped Hux's lips, a sound that grew in intensity until he was fully overcome by rolling laughter. His unrestrained amusement filled the room, a release of tension brought on by the sheer absurdity of the situation. Sola remained silent, still trying to process the information that neither of them had been under the effects of the Pax Reaver, and that their encounter in the cave had been consensual. Just sex.

Neither of them uttered a word to the other, Sola got to her feet and quickly walked out of the medical bay at a brisk pace albeit a bit unsteady. Hux followed a moment later, delayed slightly by his inability to stop laughing. He called out for her to wait and urged her to talk to him.

“Sola, wait!”

~~~

Finally, within the confines of their quarters, Hux caught up with Sola, suddenly feeling quite a bit better. He leaned against the doorway, watching her pace with restless energy. Amusement danced in his eyes as he observed, her usual cool and detached demeanor now replaced with agitation and what he interpreted as downright embarrassment.

Hux couldn't contain his laughter any longer and chuckled softly. "You know, Sola, I've never seen you so rattled before. It's quite amusing," he remarked, his tone laced with hilarity.

She snapped back, her tone laced with frustration,

“What exactly is so damn funny?”

Hux stood with his arms folded across his chest, still finding the situation beyond entertaining. “All of it. The sheer absurdity of it.” Sola’s state was hard and unyielding. “Oh, come on, Sola. You have to admit it's hilarious.”

“I fail to see the humor in almost dying multiple times.” Her tone was sharp but he just couldn’t help it.

He couldn’t help but chuckle, not bothering to hide his mirth, and responded, "Oh, it's hilarious. But trust me, it's not half as amusing as your adorable embarrassment.” Sola's face flushed, and she instinctively hid behind her hair, insisting that she wasn't embarrassed. Hux's laughter continued, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Sola," he said, teasingly. "You're blushing like a starlit sky."

Sola simply shook her head as though her understanding of everything that had happened simply didn’t make sense. But it really was that simple. Hux had somehow come to the conclusion that she was under the influence of the Pax. She thought he was under the same influence. But neither of them were. Nothing morally gray had happened, and neither of them was in any danger from the other.

Something still felt like it was missing though. Why would he think she was affected? She wasn’t the idiot who took her mask off in the middle of the jungle.

Unable to contain her restless energy, Sola continued to pace, her movements becoming a source of frustration for Hux. Unable to bear it any longer, he reached out and physically stopped her from pacing, gently but firmly holding her by the shoulders. "Enough, Sola," he insisted, his voice filled with playfulness and exasperation. "You're going to wear a hole in the floor at this rate. Just stand still for a moment and talk to me." He tilted his head slightly and asked, "What are you so upset about?"

Sola's expression turned indignant as she stuttered slightly “I’m not upset.” She insisted, throwing her hands up, thus throwing his grip off.

Hux raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "Oh, no, of course not. You're clearly just giddy with laughter."

“I’m confused.” She explained. “Why would you think that Pax had affected me?”

Hux straightened up, placing his hands on his hips and giving her an incredulous look. "Are you serious?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "You really don't understand why I thought you were affected by the Pax?

“No, I really don’t.” Her frustration was evident so Hux suppressed his smirk.

Hux closed the distance between them, his face a mix of confusion and realization. "Sola, you crawled across a cave floor, looking at me like you wanted to eat me," he explained, his tone very matter-of-fact. “You sat in my lap and shoved your tongue down my throat.”

Sola's eyes widened as she processed how her actions must have appeared. She opened her mouth to respond but then hesitated, realizing that Hux might not fully understand her perspective. In that sense, yeah she could understand it and it might have even been funny. But the reality of it was a bit more… complicated.

"Hux, I woke up to your scream. You were in pain, and I thought you were heading towards an aggressive response. I was trying to sway you away from potential violence until I could sedate you and get help," she explained, her voice carrying a hint of urgency.

A wave of understanding washed over Hux's face as he finally grasped Sola's intentions. He nodded slowly, his expression shifting from amusement to a more serious demeanor. "I see," he murmured, his voice tinged with empathy. "That does make more sense." He paused and added trying to keep things light, “So it wasn’t my charm that had you swooning?”

Sola couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, the tension in the room easing slightly. "Well, I suppose I should have come up with a better plan than... that," she replied, her voice holding a touch of self-deprecating humor. "But in the heat of the moment, it seemed like the only option."

Hux's lips curled into a small smile, appreciating Sola's ability to find humor in the situation. "So you tried to distract me from anger... with sex?" he quipped, a hint of playfulness in his voice.

Sola raised an eyebrow, “It seemed to work, didn't it?" she replied, her tone lightening up.

The tension between them eased further as they both recognized the misunderstanding and found common ground. They shared a moment of shared amusement, the gravity of the situation momentarily set aside.

Hux and Sola's perspectives had swapped. Hux had initially found amusement in the absurdity of the situation, while Sola had been serious and focused on their safety. Now, Hux adopted a more serious tone, understanding the gravity of Sola's actions, while Sola found humor in the unexpected turn of events.

Sola scoffed, her frustration still evident as she turned away from Hux, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. "There's something we haven't addressed," she said, her voice slightly strained.

Hux furrowed his brow, concerned by the tension in her voice. "What is it?" he asked, stepping closer to her.

Sola turned to face him, her gaze steady but guarded. "You said some things back there before it all went to hell," she stated, her tone laced with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Hux's expression softened as he remembered the confession he had made in the jungle. "I meant every word," he admitted, his voice gentle. "I know it was an ill-timed revelation, and I put us in danger with my actions." He looked at the ground, “I just needed you to know what happened.”

Sola's eyes widened slightly, surprised by his sincerity. She had expected defensiveness or justification, but Hux's genuine remorse caught her off guard. She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "You never did tell me what happened back there,"

The room fell into a brief silence, the weight of their unspoken words hanging in the air. Hux met Sola's gaze, a mix of regret and determination in his eyes, as he prepared to reveal the truth behind his sudden change in behavior.

Hux took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before he began to explain the reasoning behind his sudden change in behavior. "Sola, that morning, I discovered my mask had sustained damage to one of the seals," he started, his voice tinged with a mixture of regret and vulnerability.

Sola's eyes widened in surprise, her mouth slightly agape as she absorbed his words. She had expected an explanation, but the revelation of the cracked o-ring caught her completely off guard. She remained silent, allowing Hux to continue.

Hux continued, his voice steady but filled with remorse. "I discovered the cracked o-ring just before we left, and panic took over. I couldn't be certain if the mask was compromised, and I didn't want to place you in danger unnecessarily, but we couldn’t split up. It seemed like the best course of action was to carry on with the mission and not burden you with my fears until there was a clear reason to do so."

Sola listened attentively, her eyes locked on Hux as he shared the truth behind his actions. A mix of emotions flickered across her face—surprise, understanding, and a hint of hurt. She had no idea that he had been carrying such a burden, and the weight of his words left her momentarily speechless.

Hux's gaze remained fixed on Sola, his expression a mixture of regret and sincerity. He continued, "I wanted to keep you at arm's length to ensure your safety, or at least give you time to react if things went… badly. It wasn't easy for me, but I felt that splitting up wasn't an option, and I couldn't risk jeopardizing our mission or your well-being."

As Hux finished explaining, Sola struggled to find words to respond, her mind still processing the revelation. The depth of Hux's concern and his willingness to prioritize her safety left her both moved and conflicted.

As the seconds stretched on in silence, Hux interpreted Sola's initial reaction as a surprise, his brow furrowing with a mix of confusion and concern. However, the shift in her expression was unmistakable. Her narrowed eyes and clenched fists betrayed her growing anger, and she approached him slowly, her steps deliberate and filled with pent-up frustration.

"You pushed me away like that for my benefit?" Sola's voice was laced with anger, her tone biting and accusatory. Hux could only nod in confirmation, realizing the gravity of his actions and how foolish they seemed in hindsight.

But before he could fully comprehend the weight of his mistake, Sola reared back and delivered a powerful punch to his jaw. The impact sent a shockwave of pain through Hux's face, causing him to stagger backward, his hand instinctively reaching to grip his throbbing jaw.

"What the hell is this?" Hux's outrage mixed with a hint of confusion as he tried to make sense of Sola's furious assault. The pain in his jaw was secondary to the sudden surge of emotions welling up within him.

Sola's anger radiated from her as she continued to strike at him, her punches landing on his shoulder, arm, and stomach. Though the blows were weaker with each subsequent hit, they still carried the force of her frustration. Each strike seemed to drive her point home, fueling her rage.

"You're an idiot!" Sola's voice quivered with a mix of anger and hurt, her words laced with a raw vulnerability. "You made me think you were going to cut me loose and save your own skin! You made me think, even for a second, that you weren't the man I know you are! You made me doubt everything I felt about you and every good thing you've ever done!"

Her voice cracked with a hint of anguish, and Hux could sense the deeper pain beneath her anger. Sola's words echoed in his mind, and he understood the gravity of his actions. The realization washed over him, washing away his own indignation and leaving behind a profound sense of remorse.

"You made me sleep alone!" Sola's voice wavered, she seemed particularly upset about that one. her anger momentarily giving way to a raw vulnerability. The weight of that statement hung in the air, emphasizing the depth of her hurt.

Driven by a mixture of regret and concern, Hux moved swiftly, gently grabbing hold of Sola's wrists to stop her assault. His grip was firm as he guided her movements to a halt. With her back against the wall, he pulled her closer, enveloping her in a protective embrace, his own anger dissipating in the face of her pain.

Hux maintained his tight grip on Sola, preventing her from continuing her assault, but she persisted in her attempts to wrench free, her anger still evident in her struggle. Frustrated, he finally implored her to stop, his voice tinged with a mix of exhaustion and understanding.

"Sola, you've made your point," Hux said firmly, his grip firm yet non-threatening. "Will you stop hitting me?"

Sola snapped back with a biting retort, reminding him of his own words. "I seem to remember something about you telling me to hit you until my arms got weak." Her tone dripped with a hint of resentment, and Hux's regret deepened at his ill-conceived choice of words.

He sighed inwardly, realizing that allowing her to continue her assault, within limits, might be a necessary act of catharsis for her. "Fine," he relented, his voice laced with a mix of resignation and remorse. "If it makes you feel better, keep hitting me. Although I must say, you need to work on your form."

Sola's struggle against him gradually ceased, her anger momentarily subsiding. Hux observed her closely, taking in the redness and slight glassiness in her eyes.

Her words took Hux by surprise, resonating with an unexpected depth. "The next time you watch my back, tell me so that I can watch yours." Her voice quivered with anger and a newfound understanding. It was a sentiment he had not anticipated, a glimpse of reciprocity in the midst of their conflict.

Hux's eyes widened in astonishment, his expression softening. He hadn't expected her to comprehend his intentions, however flawed they may have been, nor did he anticipate her willingness to reciprocate the sentiment.

Sola turned away sharply from Hux, her hand running through her hair in a display of frustration. Her anger was palpable, but underneath it, Hux could sense the hurt that lingered. She muttered under her breath, unable to hide her disappointment. "I can't believe you didn't trust me enough to tell me..."

Hux nodded, his expression filled with remorse. "You're right," he admitted, his voice tinged with self-reproach. "I should have trusted you enough to confide in you. I was- am- an idiot."

He reached out to her, hoping to bridge the growing distance between them, but she jerked away, her pride not yet ready to let go of the anger. Hux understood her reluctance to forgive him so easily and decided on a more direct approach. He firmly pulled her back into his arms, meeting her resistance for a moment before she gradually slowed her struggle. It was then that he offered her a genuine apology, his voice full of sincerity.

"I'm sorry, Sola," he said softly, his gaze focused on her. "I never wanted to hurt you. I should have trusted you and let you in, even if the timing was less than ideal."

Sola remained quiet, the tension slowly dissipating from her body as Hux held her. He broke the silence with a question, gently probing for her thoughts. "Do you still want to punch me?" he asked, half expecting a renewed outburst.

To his surprise, Sola shook her head. "No," she responded, her voice softened.

Hux continued his inquiries, needing reassurance. "Do you hate me?"

Again, Sola's answer was a resolute "No."

Hux took a deep breath, his eyes searching hers. "Do you wish I hadn't said anything? About all of it?"

Sola pulled back slightly, her gaze downcast. "You could have picked a better time," she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration.

Hux countered gently, his tone filled with apathy. "You didn't exactly give me much of a choice," he pointed out.

Sola's gaze flickered up to meet him, acknowledging his point. She realized that her own impulsive reactions had played a role in the chaotic events that unfolded. There was a glimmer of understanding between them, a shared recognition of their mutual culpability.

As Sola's arms found their way around Hux, a sense of relief washed over him. He welcomed her tentative embrace, feeling a renewed connection between them. He exhaled softly.

"What in the hell is wrong with us?" she asked, her voice laden with confusion.

Hux chuckled and shrugged playfully. "I think all couples have their little problems," he responded, his tone lightening the mood. He sensed Sola's exhale of breath, a weak laugh escaping her lips. He called them a couple.

“What happened between us wasn't what I had in mind for our first time," he confessed, a hint of longing in his voice, "but I don't regret it."

Sola pulled back slightly, looking at him incredulously. "You thought there was going to be a first time?"

Hux shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. "I was working up to something," he explained, "and I did mention that I preferred a slower, more romantic pace."

"You move too slowly."

Hux raised an eyebrow, accepting her challenge. "Well, slower can be quite a bit more enjoyable," he countered, his voice laced with suggestion. "I’m more than willing to show you what I had in mind.”

Sola's anger and hurt continued to dissipate, replaced by the familiar spark of the Sola that Hux knew so well. He was doing it again, being ruggedly charming and that voice of his made her forget how angry she was.

“Did you strand us there just to set a romantic mood to get laid?" she asked her tone both teasing and challenging.

Hux vehemently shook his head, his expression earnest and adamant. "No, absolutely not," he insisted, his voice carrying a hint of indignation. "If I were ever going to do something that stupid, I would have stranded us someplace far colder, so that you would need my body heat to stay warm."

They drifted a little closer as Hux delivered his response, the hint of a playful smile tugging at his lips..

"That's a cliché,"

Hux chuckled softly, his gaze fixed on her. "Clichés are clichés for a reason,"

He hesitated for a moment, then leaned down to kiss her and was pleasantly surprised when she didn’t slap, kick, punch, or push him away. It wasn’t like the kiss they shared on the island. It was slow, sensual, and dizzying in its intensity, she could smell him and taste him, feel the warmth of his arms and the subtle rise nad fall of his chest, and hear his breathing. When Hux pulled away, he left a space for Sola to voice her objections or desires. His amusement flickered in his eyes as he observed her slightly breathless state. "Still think I move too slowly?" he asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

"I didn't think you were such a tease,"

Hux leaned in for another kiss, the intensity between them building with each passing moment. As he pulled away once again, a confident smirk graced his features. "You have no idea what you're in for," he informed her, his voice low and husky.

Sola's lips curved into a mischievous smile against Hux's mouth. Her head felt light, her senses overwhelmed by the connection they shared. When they finally broke apart, she playfully remarked, "You're lucky you're so damn good-looking. It's the only thing stopping me from rightfully kicking your ass for that stunt you pulled in the jungle."

Hux chuckled, his gaze locked with hers as he backed her gently toward the bed. His hands found their way to her waist, a touch both possessive and tender. "I look forward to the challenge," he replied, his voice thick with desire. "But until then, I'll just have to distract you."

Eh, no the smuttiest thing I’ve ever written but it was still fun. Maybe someday I’ll write a legit sex pollen story. Whatever another WIP bites the dust and now onto the next one!

#i have too many stories #original character #fanfiction is life #star wars #alternate universe #star wars au #hux survives #armitage hux #general hux #hux smut #hux #sex pollen #another wip #I finished a wip #onto the next one #i need more smut in my life #sex pollen kinda

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