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Spider saw the signs, Jake keeping Tuk around him and Neytiri, making Lo'ak stay with Neteyam to train as the boy was still recovering, he saw the way he hang back whenever him and Kiri rushed into the water on Ilus as Tsireya and Rotxo swam with them.
But he also hovered over him, which wasn't to out of order for the signs, but it was just different this time around.
Whenever he helped Rotxo with fishing since his arm and chest was still healing from the poisoned darts he was hit with, Jake wouldn't be to far away, talking with Tonowari or helping a child with shell collecting. Eyes never leaving the area he was at.
Whenever he sank into the deep blue water to test his breath like Tsireya told him to, he would come up to Jake standing just above the walkway with a stern look on his face.
He didn't know how to react. Maybe Jake just felt guilty for the forest incident. He still couldn't fully look Jake in the eye, he knew it was for the people. For his friends that he sees as siblings, knew it would keep the whole of Eywa'eveng (pandora) save from the RDA.
But a large hidden part in him wanted to live, to breath the air and feel the ocean water hit his face, wanted to feel the forest breeze and bushes on his face as he ran past, wanted his eyes to hurt from the wind when Kiri or Lo'ak took him on their Ikrans (banshee).
But Jake had said he loved him. With his whole heart, and he felt the large fire in his chest dwindle.
He could give up his life, for the safety of everyone. Even if he wanted to run and hiss and hide. But Jake didn't do it. Couldn't bend his hand to cut his throat and end his life.
Neytiri had held his face and said she saw him. Had felt them cradle him for minutes before they had to keep moving.
But it didn't feel enough. It was all he wanted, For Neytiri to see him for more then his father's spawn. For Jake to admit that even with Neytiri's hate he had loved him.
He felt fear but understanding when Neytiri said she'd cut. Had felt tired when Varang had threatened his life for Kiri's belive and love in Eywa, but he felt shame and loneliness when Jake had pushed him to kneel on the rock.
So when Jake kept tugging his family closer and tail flicking in annoyance when his children ran around without a care, he felt a slight pitt open over the fire in him, Jake had said he loved him, Neytiri saw him, but not like that.
Not in the way they loved Neteyam and Tuk, not the way they all but clung to Kiri as she spoke of the great mother, not in the stern way Jake treated Lo'ak, or Neytiri pulling Lo'ak close and holding into him with her heart open on her face.
So here he was, trekking up the woven trails to the Olo'eyktan (clan leader) and Tsahiks (spirit leader) Mauri. He was walking with Ao'nung as he helped carry a few nets and baskets for the tsahik.
"Stay with us tonight" Ao'nung spoke again, tattoo shining from the near dark sky. Spider huffed and shifted his hold on the basket that was filled with somewhat difficult herbs to collect, he had managed to sneak away from Jakes watchful eye and Kiri's begging to go walk around the village together.
"The tsahik (spirit leader) needs her rest, same with Pril. Plus it's not every night I get to sleep under the stars" he looked up to the darkening sky and Ao'nung gives a laugh as he shakes his head, eyes looking over with a grin.
"You are one strange tawtute" (human) Spider just places another net into Ao'nungs hand.
Tonowari was waiting outside, his son having disappeared early morning and yet to return for meals.
"Ao'nung!" Tonowari's voice filled the near quiet village and Spider watches as Ao'nung ears flick down and he doesn't hold back the snort as they walk towards the angry Olo'eyktan. (Clan leader)
"I pray to Ewya you have good reason ma'itan" (ma son) the scowl made Spider duck his head down as the man looked over to him, Ao'nung just sighs and lowers his head too.
"Apologies Olo'eyktan" (clan leader) he met the man's eyes and gives a guilty look "I pulled him with me to find some herbs, I am still learning where to look for such things and Ao'nung was very helpful. We lost track of time" Tonowari seemed to calm at that and looked at the things in their arms.
"Come, bring them in"
The two where quick to rush inside and stick the nets in the respected baskets, a few broken or loose ones going in one and the few intact nets going in a larger basket, Spider places the full herb basket near Ronal who has a feeding Pril on her chest.
"What is this?" Tsireya asks as she crouch walks over and kneels next to him, he stays standing.
He opens the basket as Tonowari cupped a large bowl in hand as he filled it with fish and soft fruit that he knew Tsireya and Kiri picked earlier.
Torukspxam Roots, Panopyra (tawtsngal), Pāua Shell, Coral and some other general ocean herbs where inside, a few new puncturing quills filled the basket and Ronal shifted to see it better.
Spider saw her calculating stare before looking to Ao'nung. "And how did you get these?" Ao'nung looked sheepishly at Spider and Spider looked over to Tsireya who held back a smile.
"Spider is very small, he fit in between stubborn rocks" Tonowari places the bowl into Ao'nung's hand who bowed his head in thanks as he began eating, "are you hungry, spider?" Tonowari asked and Spider looked over to Ao'nung and at boys soft nod, he did too.
"Maybe a little" he admitted and Tonowari was cupping up a smaller bowl and filling it as Tsireya kept rummaging at the basket.
"Come" Tonowari nodded towards where Ao'nung was eating and he sat quickly.
"You can eat flate skate, yes?" Tonowari asked as he filled the bowl, if the boy couldn't eat, he would give more to Tsireya who kept eyeing the cook fire.
"Yes, never had it before though" Tsireya gasps and rushing over, "never? How could you never have flate skate? It's so good" she looked almost worried.
Spider and Ao'nung couldn't help the laughter and Ronal nerves calmed at the sound of children's laughter.
She didn't feel to comfortable with the boy in her home for long. Not with her new prrnen(baby) in her arms.
Spider took the bowl with a deep bow of his head, a soft muttered thanks leaving his lips.
With some leftover, Tonowari gave the last bit too Tsireya who sat next to Spider quickly.
Tsireya never held any fear for him like most. Maybe a small bit of weariness but with how they met she didn't have much time to be afraid of anything but her bleeding friend.
Ronal and Tonowari had to keep back amusemed faces from the children as Spider made a sound of surprise, before quickly taking another bite.
"See! Now you'll never go back" Tsireya laughed out and Spider nodded. The family spoke quietly of their day as Pril was passed to Tonowari who held his too young born ite (daughter) to his chest as Ronal took a look at the herbs herself.
"Thank you, Spider, Ao'nung" she seemed pleased with their finds. If Ao'nung held his head higher and Spider let his legs relax as he continued eating, it was just for them to know.
"The nets, are to be fixed" she pointed out and Spider nodded sheepishly "I got it caught of a sharp coral bed, I will fix it tomorrow" she nodded as she slowly dragged the herb basket to her working station. Ao'nung was fast to help her, her arm still in pain from the dart.
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"Si irayo ngaru" (i thank you) he thanked as he walked towards the exit, "Kea tìkin" (no need) Tonowari spoke sternly "always happy to fed my people" Spider let the soft fire grow in his chest.
"txon lefpom" (good night) Tonowari gave a small smile and responded with a soft "hivahaw nìltsan" (Sleep well/good night) he nodded deeply before turning to walk away
But Ao'nung had to open his mouth.
"Sleep well under the stars, Spider" Ronal stopped her cleaning, eyes snapping to her sons face then to the boys frozen frame that was only a few feet away from her Mauri.
"Are you not sleeping with the Sullis?" She called out, and Spider cursed Ao'nung in all three languages he knew.
"Wanted a change in scenery tonight" he says politely, turning back to the family, Tsireya looked at him with confusion, Ao'nung with a smug face that he wanted to strangle, Tonowari face held a stern expression as Ronals held tiredness, Pril grabbed onto Tonowari's chin.
"Children sleep inside Mauri's Spider" Tonowari reminded him like Kiri and Rotxo hadn't said the same thing when he tried sleeping on a comfortable log in their small ocean forest.
"Yes- but I've never slept under the stars so it should be fun!" that was a lie. He had slept under the stars on multiple occasions with the Recoms.
But he could imagine just him and the air around him, not needing an adult nearby in case his mask malfunctions in the night, It would just him and Eywa'eveng (pandora).
But with Tonowaris sharp almost father like stare, he knew it wouldn't be happening.
"I will walk you back to your family Mauri" Tonowari spoke like a leader now. And Spider shifted on the soft walkway, "Jake-"
"Jake must be worried. If you've been with my Itan (son) all day then he must be anxious to see you are alright" Ronal quipped and he let his hand curl at his side.
How the hell was he ment to get out of this?
"Jake said it was alright" a lie, a rather large lie to put words into Toruk Makto's mouth. A somewhat feral lie at that.
Jake was probably swarming his family and refusing them access to the outside, probably laughing at a joke Neytiri said or telling stories of Jakes time learning the way of the people again.
Spider had never been apart of that, always barley hearing it as he ran through the forest and jumping and playing with kenten (fan lizards) and jumping at Loreyu (helicoradian) as atokirina (wood spirts) pulsed nearby as he ran back to hells gate.
He always remembers the day Jake had come to collect a young Kiri from the lake they were at, not to far from the Ometikaya home, but Jake had rushed like they were miles away, he had looked up with a smile but Jakes eyes were only on Kiri who was holding a few trinkets they collected.
She went to show her father when he had picked her up quickly, Spider went to ask what was wrong when Jake had hissed at him and stepped back.
He remembers the tears in his eyes and the way his fingers dropped the few trinkets he was holding as he ran back to hells gate.
He wasn't much of a hugger to the scientists, always in white coats and busy, so when he had rushed inside after the air lock let him in, mask ripped from his face as he cried, running over to where Norm and Max where testing a plant.
he had barreled into Norms hip, and Norm was quick to hand the things occupying his hands to pick up the boy.
It was only then was he told about the affect Toruk made on Jake Sully.
But it only made him cry harder, he was protecting his family, keeping then close and he had hissed spider away.
Spider learned fast when the moods where coming and when to back away, and now would be no different.
So maybe it wasn't as much of a lie as he had originally thought.
"Jake said his child could sleep alone on cold sand?" Ronal had almost hissed the words out.
"He- its not like that" he didn't know if the leaders of the Metkayina knew about Jakes issue with riding the beast. Toruk having altered jakes mind as much as jake altered his.
"Is this because of Toruk?" Tsireya asked quietly, and Spider almost melted into the weaved walk way
"Yes." Ronal and Tonowari looked at one another, Pril held tightly to his chest and Ronal had stepped closer to the boy, still just outside her home.
"Then you must be brought home" she insits. She had yet to forget when Lo'ak had kept around Tsireya during one of Jakes moods, the way Jake walked screamed one of the glides Toruk had made as he landes onto the Sullis Mauri just hours before.
He had not rested till Lo'ak was limp in his arms as he held on finger at the end of Lo'aks Kuru, pressing just gently on the end to make the boys body loose some of its mobility.
Most parents only 'scruffed' their evi (children) if it was necessary for their children's safety, or due to harmful meltdowns.
The whole village had watched as Jake held his son close and hissed at anyone who got in his way. Eyes never stopped looking for anyone who would come in his way and try and hurt his eveng. (child)
And now Spider, who Jake had laid a hand on the boys shoulder and said he was apart of his family, was now standing just outside her families Marui, his scent no doubt in her home, the scent Jake would most likely follow to find the tawtute. (Human)
Jake would find out they housed the boy then let him run into their village alone at night.
"If you refuse to go back" she started, her eyes pinning the boy as her tail swished slowly "then stay here"
"I can't ask that" the boy spoke politely, Ao'nung and Tsireya sharing glances at the way the night was turning.
"No child sleeps outside a Marui, Spider. It has come to our attention that you intend to do so. We as your tsahik (spirit leader) and Olo'eyktan (clan leader) cannot allow such thing" she spoke sternly, eyes landing onto the eveng (childs) own brown ones, saw the way the boys eyes widen slightly and face flushed in a soft pink, hands un curling and the werid hair above his eyes relaxing.
"Stay for the night. And I will speak with Jake Sulli in the morning" Tonowari added last.
The two adults watched as the boys fight died as a soft yawn came from the eveng (childs) as he looked out to the communal cook fires before the warm Marui that was offered and slowly nodded his head.
"Si irayo ngaru, Tsahik, Olo'eyktan" (I thank you, spirit leader, clan leader) his hand raises to his brow before moving down and out to them.
Ronal nods and Tonowari gives a soft smile as Tsireya walks over and pulls him inside.
"We have a spare snonivi (hammock) you can use" Ao'nung added as he digs it out from behind a basket.
"Skxawng" he softly hisses and Ao'nung gives a grin. "all in good health" he mocks, hand on his chest like he cared that much.
"Ao'nung! Enough" Tsireya slapped his hand and Spider grinned out.
"You'll be set near Ao'nung, but I must warn you, he does snore" Tsireya says with a sly grin as Spider walks with her to near the back of the Marui, a small cot set on the steady woven floor for Pril, Tonowari and Ronal tending to her as she looked around the Mauri before landing on Spider.
Her soft smiles and reaching hands made the boys heart flutter, he always had a soft spot for prrnens (babies)
He made a funny face and she gave a soft airy sound of laughter and Ronal smiles widley at her ite (daughter).
"I do not snore" Ao'nung called out as him and Tsireya set up his snonivi (hammock) just a little away from the family own beam that held their sleeping quarters.
He didn't mind, he was guest here tonight and he was sure he would find something to repay them for in the coming days.
"Irayo" (thanks) Tsireya just smiled widley, her tattoo and dimples making her face seem all that more pretty as she began taking off some of her extra jewellery, Ronal and Tonowari doing the same. It was weird to Ronal without the large shell on her forehead and Tonowari with his Leader shawl off his shoulders.
He never took his own jewellery off, only having the tooth wrapped around his neck and the bands on his biceps and the one ankle braclet he kept on during the whole nearly two years.
"hivahaw nìltsan" Tonowari called out as he climbed into his snonivi (hammock) Ronal climbing in after him, head on his chest as his hands embraced her closer, a gentle smile on his face.
Ao'nung called out his own goodnight as he turned away from him, his hair let down and covering his shoulder, Tsireya said her own as she was the last of the family to crawl in, facing her brother.
Spider crawled in his own, he gave a soft goodnight in case it wasn't ment for him, but no one said anything.
He slept on his back, arms over his chest and leg as he let sleep take him to the soft sounds of the ocean and the family's breathing and moving.
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Spider had to be a light sleeper. Wasn't always, Eywa no. He slept through a few many alarms at hells gates and it took Kiri or Max waking him up to coax him up.
But after he was taken he slept lightly, or rarely slept at all. Had to stay awake in case anyone decided they would take him back to that machine. Make him answer questions he would die denying.
He would sleep lightly as Quaritch's breath was heavy behind him as he was cuffed to a tree branch or Quaritch himself.
So when he heard a somewhat heavy step nearing his snonivi (hammock), his eyes snapped open. hands going to the blade at his waist, he was quick to pull it out, but the figure was faster.
Large five fingered hands that where edging on harsh as they grabbed his wrists, pulling him from his sleeping spot and keeping his feet off the ground, he couldn't stop the yell that filled the Marui, pain blooming on his wrists. His mind was racing, Quaritch. It had to be Quaritch. He had survived the fire, the wound he gave him not enough to keep him away for longer and he was going to take him away again.
He heard Ao'nung and Tsireya startle awake and Ronal hiss as she rushed to Pril, Tonowari grabbing his spear as Ao'nung was fast to light a torch.
The family had to blink at the sight.
Jake Sulli holding Spiders wrists that held a blade strongly, his feet hovering over the floor as he kicked out to reach the floor.
Jakes face only remained on the boys, yellow eyes slightly red like the oceans water had touched his eyes too long, he was wet, dreadlocks dripping water, which made the red eyes make sense.
Spider, with the new found light thanks to Ao'nung- could see Jakes face not far from his own.
He let his fighting slow as Jakes eyes scanned over him then to the blade in his hand.
Jake just held tighter to the hand that held the blade, spider cried out at the pain and his hand dropped the weapon without his permission.
"Jake! Brother what are you doing?" Tonowari stepped closer, spear held tightly. He knew of Jakes issue with the bond he shared with Toruk. But the child's cry made his heart flutter, he would not let him harm the eveng (child) under his care.
But Jake just took a large step towards the entrance of the Marui, pulling the boy to his chest, hands moving from Spiders wrists to the back of his knees and his back, head over Jake's right shoulder, Jakes eyes flicking over them all then to the exit.
Spider tried pushing on the man's chest and shoulder but Jake just swayed his tail, Spider watched it from where he was stuck in a weird hugged position.
"Let me go, Jake." he grunted out, this was bad. Jake had left his family to come find him. He never left, even with Toruk and Neytiri's ever watching eye. So why by Eywa was he here, with him and not his family?
Jake let out a strong hiss, hands tightening on his back and legs as Tonowari got closer.
It wasn't till Pril who had began to cry at the hissing sound- was handed to Ao'nung and Ronal's hands found Tonowaris arm and chest, though Spider couldn't see them due to his back facing them, he felt and saw as Jake took another step back, hand moving on his back, his kuru and locks of hair being shifted as Jakes hand moved.
It just rubbed his back, his heart beating fast as he started to struggle back. He had stayed away, he did everything Norm had said to do.
So why had Jake come? Was it to finish what he started in the forest? To kick him away from the village, far away from his children? But why was he rubbing his back? Why was he holding him and not dragging him out? Why was he hissing at the Olo'eyktan? (Clan leader)
"Jake put me down! I can walk!" He hissed out, hands straining as he pushed and hit at the man's shoulder and neck.
He didn't want to hurt Jake, last thing he wanted, especially now- but he wanted to be down on the floor, he wanted to stop being held. He had legs for Eywa's sake.
"Let him take the boy, ma Yawnetu. (Ma beloved) He will not harm him" Ronals voice spoke that of when she helped her people. She believed in her words.
"No- Jake put me down!" He tried scratching at Jakes back but Jake just pulled him closer, another step away from his fallen knife.
"Mawey (calm) Spider" Ronal tried but he just kept thrashing, Jakes face turned to hurt as the boys nails dug into his thick skin, legs hitting his thighs as he tried to wiggle out from his tight grasp.
"Spider" Jake's voice was rough, hissed out as he tried calming the thrashing ever tired boy.
"Let me go!" He basically screamed it into Jakes ear, but Jake just took a step back, finally outside the Marui.
"No, Jake take me back" his voice was cracking with how much his heart was pounding. Jake was finally going to throw him away.
"Mawey!" (Calm!) Tonowari called out, but for once spider just let himself yell as Jake kept walking back, till Jake turned and he saw Ronal having a hurt expression on her face, Tonowari looking at him helplessly, spear held tightly like he wanted to stop his thrashing, Tsireya was shushing Pril who had kept crying at his yells, and Ao'nung just looked on with regret.
Yes, because if Ao'nung did not speak he could of hid in his small crevice and stay out of everyones way till morning hit and he could go to the forest to test his new bow.
"Argh!" He yelled out as he kept up his struggling even as Jake tried shushing him again.
He kept up his spitting of 'jake let me go', you don't know what you're doing so put me down" "at least let me walk!" for the whole trip back to the sullys Marui.
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Neteyam looked up from where his Sa'nok (mother) was checking his wound, he felt just fine, but everyone was still like fish out the water with him.
He heard Toruk shrill as his Sempul (father) got closer with a yelling Spider.
His father hadn't been calm all day, once they all woke up that morning he knew today would be the beginning, so him and the rest of his sibling took in the walk they had before Toruk had flown and yipped out in the air, landing on their Marui making most gape once again. As if they hadn't seen Toruk twice before.
The first time was two weeks after their uturu (safe harbor/refuge) had been granted. Toruk had flew fast and on a mission, hating the new change as much as his mother did.
They were stuck inside for five whole days, Tuk was beyond bored and Lo'ak had started a few arguments.
The second time was when Ao'nung had left Lo'ak beyond the Reef. His father hadn't let them go for two whole days.
Both times Kiri just looked at the sea, praying to Eywa that Spider was okay out there.
He would never admit it to Spider, -he would never let him forget it- but he too prayed. When everyone was asleep or when he was eating, he prayed that Spider had been given food, water. Had prayed that no one had put a bullet through his weak tawtute(human) skin.
He was beyond relived much to his disgust when he heard Spider had been used as a translator when a far neighbouring village was targeted by Quaritch and his team.
Seeing Spider, even if all three of them was fighting for their life's had a part of his heart calming.
But Spider had never been here or any other times when his father and Toruk got like this. He had heard his father's guilty voice many years ago after he came down from one of his moods, soft words to Spider who held tightly to the new trinkets Jake gifted him, saying he never ment to hiss and scare Spider away.
But yet here his father was, holding spider in an air hug, hands tight on his back and legs.
His father's thighs were already a darkish purple, and by the scrunch of his eyebrows the boy hadn't held back.
"Put me down!" Spiders consistent fighting made him want to chuckle at his silliness. The moment his father wanted someone somewhere in this state, then they'd be there.
In this case, Jake wanted Spider in his Marui with his family, because in Jakes mind that's where he always belonged.
His mother huffed, her tail swaying as she walked over as Jake finally lowered Spider, the boys nails were red, the metallic smell of blood made his ears pin.
"Bah!" She gave a muted yell as she got closer, her eyes traveling over the pair, Neteyam saw the way Spiders eyes widened as he turned to face the whole family, Kiri and Tuk were asleep, Lo'ak was on the verge, but now something more exciting was happening.
"Where have you been, Spider?" Her tone was that of worry, Spider had left when it was still dark, Neteyam had saw him with Ao'nung as they went into the water on Ilus. But he was not one to snitch.
"I was sleeping!" Spider grumbled, side stepping closer to the exit. He watched in bemusement and so did Lo'ak, oh Spider was good.
The slight relaxation on his father's tense body, at what he deemed his whole family in one place, made him just a bit under prepared for how sneaky Spider was.
"Sleeping? Where?" Sa'nok (mother) questioned, his mother was too new to caring for the boy to see the way his shoulder turned to the exit, Neteyam felt his tail flick and he held down a smile, tuk turned and snuggled into his leg, a large soft woven pallet under them, it was mostly used for these moments, where the family slept on the floor on a soft pallet instead of their own snonivi (hammocks).
"With Ronal and Tonowari, they let me stay for the night" Jake let out a hiss, eyes scanning Spider despite the fight his back now holds.
Toruk shifted on top the Mauri, could hear the way his tail swayed slowly, it was like Toruk could smell the boys plan.
"Why not come here?" Neytiri stressed, taking a few steps away, closer to Jake, it created a distance between Spider and them. He caught Spiders eyes and gave a knowing look, but Spider just shifted his feet, before turning and sprinting off without a glance.
He couldn't help the grin and Lo'ak didn't hold back the snickers as Neytiri yells out to Spider, but Jake is already sprinting after the running Spider.
Jake could not understand why his son was running, could not understand why he was refusing to be held and taken back to the safety of their home.
He smelled like them. Of Ao'nung and Tsireya, could smell Ronals herbs on him, could smell Tonowaris cooking whenever he yelled out to drop him.
As if he would. As if he'd let go of the boy he'd been searching the whole dam village for. He didn't start looking till the sky was getting dark, Neytiri and Tuk keeping him as busy as they could, Lo'ak said he would be back soon. But Spider did not return. So he had set off, after taking in the sight of his almost full family safe.
He had looked at the communal cook fires first, one of the boys favourite places to hide. But he was not there. He had then checked the small crevice the boy could fit into but his smell wasn't even there. Had taken to walkjng near the forest, he caught Spiders smell near a soft opening by the forest, but he lost it as it led to the water.
It wasn't till an hour later did he walk near the leaders Marui. He had not thought to check other families Marui's, no one would keep his eveng (child) from him and him not know. But the boys smell was strong on the walkway leading up to Tonowari's and Ronal's home.
And when he neared, mind stuck on getting his son and bringing him back so he can be safe- did he spot the boy, sleeping, in someone else's family Mauri, someone but his and Neytiri's cooking on his lips and herbs that was not Neytiri's or Kiri's on his fingers. Other children's smells then his own on his itans (sons) skin made any little control he had ditch.
So here he was, chasing his surprisingly fast human son down the walkway, he knew he was growling, yelling the stubborn boys name as he ran faster. Why was he running away? Why did he feel the need to run away instead of into him? Why did he stay with another family? Was his family not enough? Of course they are. Maybe he has been blind, maybe he should of dragged the boy back the night before.
Why couldn't he be easy to keep safe? If he tripped now he could snap his neck, he could fall and break a bone. If he didn't catch him, who would? Who else would make his son smell any further then his own?
It made his legs faster, tail lashing for balance as he reaches out for the boys never slowing frame.
he manged to grab Spiders arm, Spiders blonde locks flying around as he yanked the boy back as his itan (son) yelped in surprise at being caught.
He didn't wait till the boy was steady, he would fight against him more. his other hand rushed down to press on the top of the tendrils of the boys Kuru. He was fast to pick the boy up as his body went almost completely limp while keeping his hold on the boys kuru.
He looked up at Jake confused and angry, Jakes heart hurt at the boys face. He could only keep him safe inside the home. Where he couldn't find ways to smell further from his family, so he couldn't be taken by the RDA once again.
Spiders hands barley moved on his chest ,heaved deep breaths leaving Spiders no doubt burning lungs.
He cradled him like a prrnen(baby), he tried to give the boy some decency when he carried him earlier, but after the stunt he pulled Jake couldn't find any care on if the boys pride was hurt.
Spider made an almost crying sound as jake turned back to their Marui.
His itan (son) was a fast runner, he could've out run him any other night. He let himself calm at that thought, his son could hold his own, but not against him. He should never do it against him like that again.
"Shh, Spider" he hushed, eyes racking the quiet village as he held back from rocking him, he may be as small as Tuk, but he did not like being treated as such.
When their Marui came back into view he let a small purr of happiness leave him, Toruk bent his head down to look at the boy in his arms, and he felt Spider almost shift his weight into him as if trying to hide from the animal. But all Toruk did was nudge at Spiders shoulder, a small sniff and exhale making the loose hair Jake had yet to retwist into Spiders locks flew as his brown eyes screwed shut as Toruk began chirping like a baby Ilu.
Spiders eyes opened wide at the sound. body barley able to move from the scruff he had him in.
What if someone else had got him? What if someone else had got the boys Kuru on their hands and made him as stunned as he had him now? Spider was so small compared to them. He was fast, strong and resilient, but it would mean nothing if he was caught and someone got his Kuru.
He growled lowly and Spider made an attempt to speak but he saw the way his brown eyes widened and his brain went almost empty as if he couldn't do anything.
"It's alright, I just want to keep you safe" he mumbles as he walks back inside.
Kiri had woken, Neytiri trying to hush her back to sleep as Lo'ak now drifted off to sleep in between kiri and Tuk. Tuk was next to Neteyam, who was watching him as he walked in.
"That was fun" Neteyam spoke quietly, tone soft and teasing as Tuk huffed in her sleep. Kiri gave a sleepy hum as Neytiri rubbed the back of her neck, Spider tried moving again, a soft heat taking to his cheeks, the hidden part of Jake was sad his son was embarrassed, but right now with his mind clouded he thought it served him right for trying to run.
"You knew?" He grumbled, tail flicking and ears twitching as he moved closer to his second eldest, Neteyam rested his head down as Jake got closer.
It was easy for Jake to forget that Spider was the eldest child. He knew Tuk would be taller then him by the end of the year and knew Spider would grow angry and most of all embarrassed at the reminder he was human. He held onto him tighter, the tendrils of his kuru tickling at his finger as if trying to connect but trying to pull away all the same. "Of course." Neteyam nodded seriously and Jake twitched his lip. Secrets hidden from him about his children made them harder to keep safe, Spiders trick just now showed that.
"Why not tell me?" He grunted out as he kneels down before sitting down, spider still cradled in his arms, his eyes trying to look for a way out of the werid feeling no doubt.
"It would not of been fun" it was not often Neteyam acted like a child, but as he looked at his itan(son), the scar that would follow his him for the rest of his life because he couldn't protect his family-
Spider made a pained sound and he released the finger holding the kuru but cupped his head, dread locks thick in his hand as he pulled the boys head to his chest and collarbone, the other arm resting on the boys leg as he gently patted the boys thin but muscled blue striped skin.
"What the hell what that?" Spider whispered out, mind still dazed from the feeling.
Neteyam just shuffled closer to Jake, who moved his leg to let his sons head press against his purple thigh.
"He scruffed you" Neytiri spoke as she wanders over, kiri asleep, hand thrown over lo'aks shoulder as she breathed deeply.
"Scruffed? I'm not five!" His hands were trying to pull away. But all Jake could think off is the boy would run again, he would have to wait the boys energy out.
So he leaned further into the Marui wall and held onto him closer, Neytiri checking Neteyams scarring wound once again.
'Sa'nok, it's fine please" (mother) Neteyam grumbled as Spider hit at Jakes chest.
Jake saw the way Neytiri was holding back from stopping him. Her tail thrashing and ears pinning at the sound of her mates skin being brusied.
"Spider-" Jake had tried to soothe him again when Spider sharply turned, shocked, his grip broke, all Spider manged to do was place one knee on the ground trying to stand before Jake grabbed him again, growl loud and unforgiving. Tuk had lifted her head but Neytiri wss quick to shush her back to sleep. Neytiri looked on in a shocked face after Tuk had whined back as she coverd her ears as she tried sleeping again, she had no idea why Spider was fighting so hard.
"Enough!" his voice was barely heard through the barking growl he let out, hands tight on the boys torso and the front of his knees as he tugged him back to his lap. It seemed he would have to keep this one close tonight.
"Enough Spider" Neytiri hushed, eyes worried as she knelt in front of the huffing boy, "just let me go" he tried but Jake just pulled him closer, head on top of the boys, even Neteyams hand was on Spiders thigh.
"No one wants to hurt you Spider" Neteyam soothes, and Spider stops his quiet begging to look at him.
Jake watches as Neteyam offers a sleepy smile, Spiders bite loosing some force.
"Do you think dad would of dragged you here, where his children were, to hurt you?" Jakes mind racked in pain at the thought of hurting Spider. But he had, hadn't he?
In that forest, warm sun and unknowing trees as he forced the boy to kneel on cold stone as he held Neytiri's sea glass knife on the boys neck.
"Oh- no, no Spider I would never" he manhandled Spider to rest his head on his right shoulder, feet tucked near Neteyams stomach as Neytiri placed a hand on the boys own.
Spider looked at no one.
"You belong here" Neytiri's voice was calm, a strong wave in the dark, his eyes met hers and he let out a shakey breath. "you always have" Jake finishes, placing a soft kiss to his sons dreaded hair that followed after his own.
Spider all but slumped into him, the fight ditching even before the kiss on his head finished.
"You will stay?" Neytiri said it like a question, but with Jakes strong but caring grip now that Spiders fight was done, tired to the bone, and with Toruks whipping tail as if waiting for the boy to try running again, he wasn't going anywhere.
But still Spider still huffed as his eyes filters over all of them, landing on Jakes purple chest from his hitting, "why?" He grumbled jake felt a quiet laugh in his chest, the boy grumbled more which made Neytiri smile, Neteyam was falling asleep, now that he knew his older, little brother was staying around.
"Because you are mine. Ma'itan.(ma son) you ran too early for me to realize you was gone" Jake hissed out, his mind was still fizzing, his heart had calmed now his whole family was here, finally safe.
But who knew if something would happen in the night, or if Spider woke early like yesterday and decides to run off again?
What if his bond broke if he bonded with an ilu and he was left at the bottom of the ocean with no breath? What if he took kiri with him and a net came and swopped them up? What if his little Tuk was hurt while shell hunting with Tsireya? What if Lo'ak got injured while playing with Payakan? What if Neteyam had some unknown bleeding and he collapsed and died? What if Neytiri never comes back from one of her hunts?
He tugged Spider closer with a hand wrapped around his back and waist, his other finding Neteyams head, Neytiri gave his head a soft kiss before making her way over behind Kiri.
Spider huffed when he tried to move and jake just hummed and moved him back.
Neteyam was just nearly asleep when he had to get something of his chest.
"Dad?" Jake opened his eyes fast, spider had finally fallen asleep just a few moments before, head nuzzled into his chest and neck, both his pale hands limp in his lap, Neteyam has moved just a bit closer, head almost lying near Spider thigh.
"Neteyam?" He softly spoke back, the beast in his mind quiet for once.
"I didn't say what Spider would do because I knew you'd keep him safe." The words hit jake even passed the fog over his mind. He let his lip catch on his tounge, Neteyam had no idea what he had nearly done.
"Irayo, ma'itan" (thank you, ma son)