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“Daaad, stop!” Lo’ak complained with an exasperated groan. “Keep moving, boy.” Jake said in a deep, stern voice.
Neteyam smirked at his brother walking up front with his father, Lo’ak’s hand in Jake’s. “You don’t need to hold my hand the whole way home!” Lo’ak exclaimed.
“No, apparently I do.” Jake said as they continued to walk. “You refuse to listen to direct orders to stay close, so you clearly need a reminder on what that means.” He finished in a tone that left no room for questions or protests. Lo’ak persisted, though.
“Dad, this is embarrassing! That was yesterday! I’ve learned my lesson!” Lo’ak insisted.
“I’ll let you know when I feel you’ve learned your lesson, boy.” Jake said. “Until then, you just keep your mouth closed about it, and keep your hand in mine unless I say otherwise. Understood?” Jake asked.
“UghhhhHHHH!” Lo’ak huffed out of frustration and mortification. This was some bullshit!
“I said, do you understand?” Jake asked again, his voice firmer this time. Lo’ak glared daggers at the ground, gritting his teeth. “Yes, sir.” He said tightly. Jake nodded. “Good.” He said.
Neteyam walked beside Lo’ak, who was trailing a bit behind his father because he was mad at him for making him do this stupid punishment. Their hands remained locked, though. Lo’ak look and felt a lot younger than normal as this went on, much to his disdain.
“I told you not to test him yesterday, but you didn’t listen, skxawng.” Neteyam said with a smug smile. Lo’ak rolled his eyes as he listened to his older brother gloat.
“Yeah yeah, whatever.” He grumbled. “He’s just being overdramatic and petty. It wasn’t that serious…” Lo’ak trailed off in annoyance.
Neteyam shook his head at his brother’s stubbornness. “That mindset is exactly why you ended up in this predicament, Lo.” He said. “You gotta start taking orders more seriously when we are on missions. You are still really young, after all.” Neteyam said.
Lo’ak scoffed, not wanting to hear his brother lecture him. He had enough of that from his father.
“Oh, please. I’m not that young…” Lo’ak said. Suddenly, a lightbulb went off in his head. “...young…” He said to himself.
Neteyam raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Uh uh, no. I know that face.” Neteyam said. Lo’ak snorted. “What face?” He asked.
“The ‘I have an idea’ face. Whatever it is, it’s bad. Abandon ship, do not proceed, quit while you still can. You will regret it.” Neteyam said, placing a wise hand on his brother’s shoulder.
Lo’ak shrugged him off, a confident smirk on his face. “C’mon, bro! This is me you are talking about! When do my ideas ever backfire?” He asked.
Neteyam held up his hand, counting on his fingers. “This morning when you tried to use your bare hands to catch a fish and it bit your hand, this morning when you tried to impress Tsireya diving, only to belly flop, this morning when you-” Lo’ak cut off his brother with a narrow eyed glance. “Okay, I got it. Thanks.” He said sarcastically.
Neteyam chuckled, shaking his head. “I’m just trying to warn you, baby bro. Trying to outsmart dad just doesn’t end well.” He said. Lo’ak smirked confidently, the perfect idea firmly planted in his mind. “We’ll see about that.” He said.
When they got home, all had been well. The Sully kids chatted amongst themselves and hung out. Jake and Neytiri had some alone time as well, sitting with each other and talking with comfortable smiles.
Suddenly, out of nowhere and unprompted, Lo’ak walked over to his parents. Jake and Neytiri looked up at him.
“What is it?” Jake asked curiously. Lo’ak smiled innocently, sitting in between his parents. “Hi, mommy! Hi daddy!” He exclaimed. If the Sully siblings had been drinking water, they would have done a spit take. Their eyes widened, the conversation they were having completely forgotten about as they focused solely on what Lo’ak was doing.
Neytiri chuckled as Lo’ak snuggled up against her, his arms wrapping around her. “Hello, darling!” She said, returning the tender hug. Jake stared at Lo’ak, as if he were trying to read him. Clearly, something was different. He noticed, alright.
“How has your day been, hm?” Neytiri asked, playing with one of his braids. Lo’ak grinned, uncharacteristically beaming, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Really really good!” He exclaimed with a nod. “I swam with daddy and bubba!” Lo’ak exclaimed. “It was soooo much fun!”
Neytiri giggled, kissing him on the forehead. “Awwwh, I am very glad to hear that, paskalin.” She said, affectionately rubbing his back. Lo’ak’s attention fell to his father, very committed to the scene at hand.
“Daddy, daddy!” He exclaimed, moving to sit in his father’s lap. Jake stared at his son, knowing exactly what the boy was doing. “Yes, Lo’ak?” He asked, his tone controlled and calm.
Lo’ak wrapped his arms around his neck, resting his head on his shoulder and looking up at him with his big puppy dog eyes. “Can I go play outside, please?” He asked, voice sweet and pure. Jake felt all eyes fall upon him, awaiting his response. “Yes.” He said simply.
Lo’ak squealed, grinning. “YAAAAAY! THANK YOU, DADDY!” The teenager exclaimed, his cheek rubbing against his father’s as he cuddled him.
“You are welcome.” Jake said, watching the boy get to his feet and scurry out of the home.
Soon after this, the other Sully kids excused themselves and went after Lo’ak. They all had a lot of questions to ask him. When they saw him on the shore, they walked over to him.
“Lo’ak! What the hell was that about?” Kiri asked. Lo’ak smirked, shrugging. “Just a bit of trolling, sis. Since dad wants to treat me like some little kid, I’ll act like one.” He said.
Neteyam shook his head, rolling his eyes. “Bro, this is the dumbest idea you’ve had in a while.” He said truthfully.
Lo’ak scoffed. “Why?” He asked. “Cause daddy is gonna outsmart you at your own game! You know that!” Tuk exclaimed. Even she could see that happening!
Lo’ak wrapped his arms around Tuk, scooping her up into his arms as she squeaked, kicking her little legs.
“You hush up. You don’t even know what you are talking about, girl.” He teased, playfully tossing her up into the air and catching her. Tuk screamed and laughed as she was caught. “Lo’ak!~” She giggled.
“She’s right, baby bro. Dad is probably already planning on taking your idea and making it come back to bite you in the ass.” Neteyam said.
“Just apologize and promise to behave yourself so it doesn’t get worse, Lo’ak. You know that dad has caught on by now.” Kiri suggested, not wanting her brother to get into any more shit than he was already in. Their dad, when challenged, could be quite the petty one.
“Nah, I’m gonna do this for as long as he makes me hold his hand.” Lo’ak said. “Besides, what do I have to lose?” Lo’ak asked.
“I’m sure dad can think of something.” Neteyam said.
Ignoring his siblings advice, he set Tuk down and confidently smirked. “I know what I’m doing, guys! Don’t worry, dad won’t be winning this battle.” Lo’ak said confidently.
The Sully kids had gone swimming with Aonung, Roxto, and Tsireya, as they always had. Their friendship with each other had grown pretty strong, all of them getting along well.
After they made their way back to the sand on the beach, they built sandcastles, drew images in the sand, talked, laughed, and just enjoyed themselves on the warm and sunny day. All was well, and lunch time was soon.
Hearing his stomach grumble, Lo’ak decided to go and check on how long it would be for lunch to be ready. When he got closer to his home to find his parents however, he was suddenly pulled into a hug.
“Hey! There you are, Lo!” Jake exclaimed, a smile on his face. Lo’ak let out a soft gasp, not expecting this. His eyes widened, awkwardly returning the hug.
“U-uh, yep! That’s me!” Lo'ak exclaimed, forcing his voice into a tone of cheerfulness. He had a facade to keep up, after all.
“Lunch is ready! I bet you’re hungry, baby boy. Isn’t that right?” Jake asked, his tone tender and fatherly as he cupped Lo’ak’s cheeks in his hands. Lo’ak blushed, swallowing nervously. His dad was acting very…different. ‘Stay calm, just go with it.’ Lo’ak thought.
Lo’ak smiled and nodded. “I sure am, daddy! My tummy has been growling like crazy!” He exclaimed, committed to playing the part. Inside, this was absolutely mortifying, but Lo’ak refused to give in. His dad had a lesson to learn, damn it! If Jake wanted to treat him like a kid, he’d act just like one, and irritate the living hell out of him!
Jake didn’t miss a beat, smiling and suddenly scooping a surprised Lo’ak up into his arms, holding him on his hip as if he were a toddler. Lo’ak couldn’t shake the extreme feeling of complete humiliation, instinctively looking around to make sure nobody was looking. “D-Dad!” He exclaimed, voice cracking.
Jake lifted an eyebrow, giving his son an innocent look. “Yes, baby?” He asked. Lo’ak looked into his father’s eyes, everything clicking for him. His dad knew what he was doing, damn it. Jake decided to play the game as well, apparently.
Lo’ak was the most stubborn Sully kid, however. Therefore, he was never one to give up easily. So, he decided that he would swallow his pride and continue playing the game. “I was just wondering if I could play afterwards?” Lo’ak asked.
For a split second, Lo’ak could have sworn he had just seen a look of determination flash his dad’s eyes. It was quickly replaced with gentleness, though. “Of course, little one.” Jake smiled.
To Lo’ak’s relief, his dad carried him inside, away from any potential witnesses to Lo’ak’s infantilizing position. Oh, he’d just die of embarrassment if Tsireya or any of his friends had seen him like this.
Walking inside, Jake set Lo’ak down. Before Lo’ak could even begin to eat the fish, he watched as his father cut the fish into tiny bits and pieces with a shell blade. Just as he had when Lo’ak and his siblings were younger.
Then, Jake grabbed the wielded spoon and used it to scoop up some of the fish. Lo’ak’s eyes followed the spoon, his body tense as he had a feeling that he knew what was about to come next, and he absolutely loathed the idea. Unfortunately, he didn’t have many options.
As expected, Jake held the spoon to his son’s lips. “Say ‘aaaah’, buddy.” He gently cooed, smiling. Lo’ak felt his face grow even hotter, if that was even possible. “Dad, I-I think I can handle it by myself…” Lo’ak trailed off.
Jake shook his head. “Ah ah ah, no, sir. You are far too young to feed yourself just yet. I’m much more comfortable doing it for you.” Jake said as his eyes showed fatherly concern; the fucking skxawng…
“Go on, then. Say ‘aaaah’!” Jake repeated, uncharacteristically bubbly. Oh, Lo’ak was very much beginning to regret his decision to stand ten toes down about this.
Jake and Lo’ak had a silent stare down, neither of them willing to move or back down. Both of them dared the other to fall back and abandon the entire situation. Neither of them folded, however.
In true headstrong Lo’ak fashion, he opened his mouth. Jake smiled, putting the spoon in the teen’s mouth and feeding him. “Mmmm!~ Isn’t that delicious?” Jake asked.
Lo’ak didn’t respond, trying to practice self restraint. He was tempted to respond with a smart ass reply, but he forced himself to remain strong and not give in to the bullshit.
“Oh, that’s right. You are too little to know what that big word means.” Jake said, mentally noting Lo’ak biting back a groan. “It means really yummy.” Jake said, gently stroking Lo’ak’s hair.
Jake continued to feed the teenager his lunch, knowing that Lo’ak was definitely happy when it was over. “Okay, all done!” Lo’ak exclaimed, quickly shooting to his feet. “I’m gonna go play now!” He said, ready to get out of there as fast as his legs would take him.
Before he could leave however, he felt a hand wrap around his shoulders. “Wait a minute, little man.” Jake said. Lo’ak lifted an eyebrow, confused. What was the problem?
“Now that I think about it, I almost forgot that you need to take your after lunch nap. Silly me.” Jake said. Lo’ak audibly gasped this time. “What?!” He exclaimed. Okay, that was not fucking happening!
“Mmhm, you know that you need your naps or else you get cranky, Lo’ak.” Jake said with a calm nod. Seeing his dad so composed and clearly enjoying his act of pettiness just made Lo’ak even more pissed off.
“Dad, come on! I don’t need a nap! I’m not even tired!” Lo’ak complained. Jake let out a chuckle. ‘I see nothing’s changed.’ He thought to himself, amused at the boy’s tantrum. It was nostalgic, in a way.
“Hey, none of that, kiddo.” Jake cooed, effortlessly scooping Lo’ak up yet again and carrying him to his hammock. Lo’ak huffed loudly, crossing his arms over his chest in protest. “Dad, this is completely unnecessary!” He complained as he was laid in his hammock.
Jake gently stroked the boy’s hair, giving him a warm smile. “Wow, I see you’ve been learning big words lately.” He grinned. Lo’ak glared daggers at his father, gritting his teeth. ‘Self control, Lo’ak. Self control…’ Lo’ak told himself.
“Get some sleep, baby boy.” Jake said, leaning down and kissing Lo’ak on his forehead. Lo’ak blushed, hiding his face in his hands with yet another embarrassed groan.
Jake then got up and left, closing the curtains on the openings of their home to make it darker for Lo’ak to sleep. “Sweet dreams.” Jake said before leaving.
Lo’ak seethed in the darkness, glaring at the ceiling. “This is such bullshit! Why the hell did I think this was a good idea?!” Lo’ak ranted to himself, clenching his fists. He was realizing in real time that his father was not the one to try and plot against.
Unfortunately, he believed he was too far deep into it, and he refused to give in so easily. “I can still turn this around, I just need to make him more comfortable and annoyed than I am right now.“ Lo’ak reasoned. He was going to have to kick it up a notch.
“Dude, where have you been?” Neteyam asked as Lo’ak grumpily walked over to his brother sitting on the shore with his other siblings. “We were getting worried, but dad said you were fine and not to worry.” Kiri said.
Lo’ak scoffed. “Of course he’d say that.” He rolled his eyes. His siblings shared a confused look, all of them very interested. “Where were you?” Tuk asked. Lo’ak blushed, his face turning purple as he recalled what had happened.
“…Dad made me take a nap.” He said, clearly embarrassed. “What?” Neteyam said in disbelief. His dad hadn’t made any of them take a nap in years, Tuk included. “Yeah, it was ridiculous!” Lo’ak said.
“Wait, you slept through lunch? I thought dad used to make us take naps after we ate?” Kiri asked. Lo’ak went silent, feeling their eyes on him. He clearly didn’t want to talk about the next part. His siblings weren’t letting him off so easily, though.
“Did you eat lunch?” Neteyam asked. Lo’ak nodded, looking down at his feet awkwardly, unable to make eye contact with them. “Yeah…” He said. Kiri and Neteyam shared a knowing look, amusement now showing on their faces.
“Oh my gosh…” Kiri trailed off, a wide smile forming on her face. Neteyam began laughing, Kiri joining in with him as they realized what had happened. Lo’ak growled, glaring at them. “Oh, shut up!” He exclaimed, mortified.
Tuk frowned, confused. “What? What happened?” She asked. Before Lo’ak could answer, Neteyam responded.
“Dad fed Lo’ak because he’s acting like a little kid to try and make dad annoyed.” Neteyam replied, grinning at his brother’s growing irritation. “And now Lo’ak’s mad because dad caught on and is giving him a taste of his own medicine." Neteyam finished.
They all laughed while Lo’ak kicked sand, pissed off at being the laughing stock now. “Okay, okay! Ha ha ha, so funny!” He exclaimed sarcastically. Their laughter eventually died down, though Lo’ak’s ego was already bruised.
“Oh, c’mon bro. Just give up now.” Neteyam said, wrapping a sympathetic arm around him. Kiri nodded in agreement.
“Yeah, you already know dad is aware of what you are doing now. He’s just going to keep it going and make it worse.” She said. “You’ve got nothing to lose now.”
Lo’ak shrugged Neteyam’s arm off, huffing. “I can’t fold now! I made it a big point to piss him off; he’s just going to go back to treating me like a kid on missions again!” He exclaimed.
Neteyam frowned, moving closer. “Brother, you are too stubborn for your own good. I told you this would happen, but you didn't believe me. Dad knows what’s up now, there’s no shame in just ending this and apologizing.” He advised.
“He’ll go a lot easier on you if you do it now rather than later. Dad appreciates when we can own up to our mistakes.” Kiri said.
Lo’ak knew they were both right; that he should just throw in the towel and admit defeat. Their father was stern, but he wasn’t cruel. He’d forgive him, and then this would all be over with, besides maybe being grounded for a week for trying to outsmart him.
Unfortunately, Lo’al just wasn’t ready to give up. Deep down inside, he felt like he could win this little back and forth war. So, looking out into the distance, a serious and determined expression formed on his face.
“I won’t give up or surrender to the enemy.” Lo’ak said stubbornly. Kiri rolled her eyes and Neteyam shook his head, while Tuk took Lo’ak’s hand.
“Lo’ak, when dad puts you in a baby hammock, can I have yours?” Tuk asked sincerely.
Lo’ak narrowed his eyes down at his little sister, unamused while Kiri and Neteyam laughed. Tuk shrugged. “What? Your’s is bigger!” She reasoned.
Lo’ak smiled as he sat on a comfortable rock that poked its head out of the sea. Next to him say his beautiful girlfriend, both of them lovingly gazing into each other’s eyes.
“You are so pretty.” Lo’ak said. Tsireya blushed, flattered. “Oh, Lo’ak!” She giggled. Lo’ak took one of her hands in his, using the other to tilt her chin. “It’s true.” He said.
Tsireya smirked, giving him a flirtatious look. “You’re quite easy on the eyes, as well.” She said, Lo’ak smirked, leaning forward so their foreheads were touching. “Careful, Tsireya. You might influence me to kiss you if you keep saying things like that.” Lo’ak flirted back.
Tsireya grinned. “Well, I may just have to take that chance.” She said. Before they knew it, they were kissing. Lo’ak wrapped his arms around her waist, while Tsireya wrapped her arms around his neck.
They both leaned into the kiss, enjoying the moment. For a moment, Lo’ak had forgotten about all of his problems. Their passionate kiss continued, neither of them wanting it to end.
“Lo’ak! Oh, there you are, lil’ man!” A familiar and unwelcome voice said.
Both of the teen’s eyes shot open, their heads snapping over to Jake, who was treading water in the ocean. “DAD?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!” Lo’ak shouted.
Jake got up onto the rock with them. “It’s your bedtime, silly! Well, technically it’s past your bedtime. I decided to give you an extra 10 minutes since you’ve been such a good boy today!” Jake cooed, gently petting him on the head.
Lo’ak moved away from him, narrowing his eyes at him. He felt so humiliated to be having this talk in front of his girlfriend, though he supposed that was his dad’s intention. Well played; it was fucking working.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Sully! I didn’t know Lo’ak had a curfew!” Tsireya quickly apologized. Lo’ak shook his head.
“No no, I don’t have-I mean, I do have a curfew, but not a bedtime! It’s…it’s not the same! And-And it’s not at this time anyways!” Lo’ak quickly explained, sputtering as he tried to defend the little dignity he had left.
Jake chuckled, shaking his head. “You silly boy, you must’ve gotten sidetracked!” He exclaimed.
“It’s alright, you’re still my good boy.” Jake said, placing a kiss on top of the boy’s head. Lo’ak saw red, finally fed up with this entire situation.
“DAD!” Lo’ak shouted in frustration, pulling away from him. “Lo’ak, it’s okay. We can see each other tomorrow!” Tsireya interjected, trying to ease the tension. She could tell that something was going on between the father and son, and that her boyfriend was clearly upset.
“I…Tsireya, I swear I…” Lo’ak didn’t even know what to say. He was at a loss for words, the mortification overtaking him completely. Tsireya gently placed a finger to his lips, not needing an explanation.
“Shh, it’s alright. Tomorrow, we can spend all day together.” She said, smiling at him. Lo’ak didn’t know why she hadn’t just jumped into the water and swam off by now, never to speak to him again after his ‘daddy’ just interrupted their tender moment and completely embarrassed him.
“That sounds like a great idea!” Jake exclaimed. “Now then, say goodnight to Tsireya.” He said.
Lo’ak looked down at his girlfriend, eyes anxiously searching her features for any signs of discomfort or anger. He found none, which was completely mind boggling to him.
He didn’t know how much Tsireya liked him until this very moment, and he didn’t know whether to be touched or humiliated, but he did know that he had to say goodnight now.
So, with a sad glance, he took her hands into his. “I’m so sorry, babe. I swear I will make this up to you.” He apologized sincerely.
Tsireya gently cupped his cheek, smiling up at him. “You don’t need to apologize for anything, Lo’ak. You are perfectly fine. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.” She said.
Jake couldn’t help but to feel warm and fuzzy inside as he saw this. His son’s girlfriend was very sweet and understanding, even when something like this happened. That was a great sign, and he was happy that his son had her as a partner.
“Same here, you have no idea.” Lo’ak said, glaring back at his father momentarily. Tsireya placed a soft kiss to his cheek, hugging him. “Goodnight, Lo’ak.” She said.
“Goodnight, Tsireya.” Lo’ak said with a soft sigh. Tsireya waved at them before swimming off into the ocean, going to pay her sister underwater a visit.
Lo’ak turned around and gave his father an extremely unpleasant look, an angry frown on his face. “Let’s go, baby boy. Stay close, okay?” Jake cooed.
When they got back to shore, Lo’ak furiously stomped ahead of his father. “Lo’ak, wait up, little man! Geez, you are moving so fast these days! It seems like just yesterday you were learning how to walk!” Jake exclaimed, adding salt to the wound.
Lo’ak finally snapped, turning around with a look of pure rage. “I’M DONE!” He shouted.
Jake lifted an eyebrow. “What do you mean, kiddo?” He asked, feigning naivety. “YOU KNOW WHAT THE HELL I MEAN!” Lo’ak yelled before turning back around and running home.
Jake frowned. “Hey!” He called, running after him. When they got inside, Lo’ak ran to his hammock and hopped into it, angrily turning his back towards his father.
“That was quite a naughty word, baby boy. We gotta make sure you don’t say those ones anymore.” Jake said, sitting on the floor next to his hammock.
Lo’ak sat up, finally at his limit. “OKAY, YOU WIN! YOU FREAKIN’ WIN, DAD!” He screamed. “I’M DONE ACTING LIKE A LITTLE KID! I’M DONE WITH ALL OF THE BABYING, AND THE HUMILIATION, AND THE SHREDDING WHATEVER DIGNITY I HAD LEFT, I’M DONE!” Lo’ak shouted.
Jake’s expression became more serious, and Lo’ak didn't think he’d ever feel this way, but he genuinely felt relieved to see it.
“Good boy.” Jake said, though not in a ‘babying’ tone. It was back to his normal one, and Lo’ak couldn’t be happier.
“You should remember this as a lesson, son.” Jake said. “Trying to trick me and beat me at my own game will never work.” He said. Lo’ak sighed. “Dad, I just want a little bit of respect.” He said.
“That’s what this was all about; I was tired of you babying me and treating me like a little kid, so I just…” He let out a frustrated groan, covering his face with his hands. Jake gently grabbed his hands, moving them away from his face.
“Lo’ak, son, I understand that you were frustrated. Me holding your hand wasn’t going to be for every mission, it was a direct consequence of your own actions that day. I understand you want to be able to make your own decisions while on missions and you are eager to be out on the field.” Jake said, knowing exactly how that felt himself.
“However, you cannot just wander off during missions. When I tell you to stay close, I mean it. It’s not because I want to be a hardass for fun, it’s for your safety, and my peace of mind.” Jake said, placing a hand on Lo’ak’s shoulder and looking him in the eye.
“I love you, baby boy. I can’t bear the thought of you getting hurt or captured while we are on a mission. I have these rules set in place for a reason, and you have to start listening to me if you want to continue doing this. Do you understand?” Jake asked.
Lo’ak looked at his father, taking his words to heart and nodding. He could tell his dad meant what he said, and he was just happy that he was speaking to him like he was his actual age again. “Yes, sir.” He said softly.
Jake smiled, wrapping his arms around him and pulling him into a hug. “C’mere.” He said, rubbing the boy’s back comfortingly.
Lo’ak leaned into it, accepting his father’s hug. Despite everything, his dad’s hugs were always amazing.
When they pulled apart, Lo’ak sighed. “Tsireya probably thinks I’m the biggest loser that ever lived…” He said, running a stressed hand through his hair.
Jake shook his head. “I don’t think so. She seems pretty into you.” Jake playfully nudged him.
“Yeah, she was, anyway.” Lo’ak said. “Girls don’t like guys with ‘bedtimes’.” He sighed. “She said she was excited to see you tomorrow.” Jake pointed out. “She wouldn’t say that if she didn’t mean it.” He said.
“Cheer up, just explain to her what happened tomorrow. She seems very understanding.” Jake said.
“Besides, and you didn’t hear this from me; I heard her telling her brother that you were, and I quote, ‘The cutest guy ever.’. That has to count for something.” Jake teased.
Lo’ak’s eyes lit up. “Really? She said that?” He asked with a smile.
Jake nodded. “She sure did.” He confirmed. Lo’ak’s shoulders relaxed, really needing that confidence boost. “I can’t wait until tomorrow.” He sighed, a dazed smile on his face.
“You’re grounded for a week for what you tried to pull, by the way.” Jake said. Lo’ak groaned. “Dad, c’mon!” He complained.
Jake held up a hand, silencing his protests. “After your date with Tsireya.” Jake said.
Lo’ak smiled, appreciating his dad throwing him a bone. “Thanks, dad.”
“Oooh, I see! So, he was trying to teach you a lesson?” Tsireya asked, listening to Lo’ak explain what had happened the day prior. Lo’ak nodded. “Yep, it was a terrible idea.” He said.
Tsireya giggled, shaking her head. “I’m honestly surprised you didn’t break up with me and tell me you didn’t want to see me again after all that.” Lo’ak confessed.
Tsireya lifted an eyebrow. “Why would I do that?” She asked, confused.
“Because of all of that embarrassing stuff my dad did.” Lo’ak said. “I mean, bedtime? The other cringey shit he was saying?” He said.
Tsireya shook her head. “I didn’t care about any of that, Lo’ak.” She said.
Lo’ak smiled, taking her hand in his. “I know.” He kissed her on the back of her hand. “I really appreciate it, too.” He said. Tsireya blushed, grinning. “I really appreciate you.” She said, leaning closer to him.
“Oh, is that so?” Lo’ak asked, leaning closer as well. “It is so.” Tsireya smirked.
Before they knew it, their passionate makeout session from the day before had proceeded.
Back at home, Jake was speaking to Neytiri and filling her in on their youngest son’s antics. Neytiri, however, was confused. “He was acting like a baby? When?” She asked.
Jake lifted an eyebrow. “Remember, when he came over and sat in my lap? He was acting how he did when he was a little kid on purpose.” He said.
“Hm…I didn’t notice a difference.” Neytiri shrugged. Jake smiled, knowing that this confirmed Neytiri still saw their kids as their younger selves. It was sweet, and Jake knew exactly what she meant.
“Well, how about you notice this?” Jake placed an unexpected big kiss on Neytiri’s cheek as she tried to weave. Neytiri squeaked and laughed.
“Oh, you mischievous man…” She giggled, pressing her soft lips to her husband’s as they both leaned into it.