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Chapter Text

A bullet nearly hit Quaritch as he leaped behind a corner, that was too close. 

He and Lyle were in the process of running to the deck, where their ikrans were waiting for them. Damn good luck or maybe Eywa had something to do with it.

They had just arrived from a mission that led them no closer to catching Sully. Nothing was found and no progress was made. To be frank, he didn't give a rats ass where Sully decided to hide out. Secretly he hoped that he would never find him. Not that he would say that out loud, but he had something else to live for now. 

Spider.

The boy had wormed his way into his heart, a thing he didn't know was possible. And in such a short time. Maybe his new and improved biology had something to do with it, he didn't care to search his brain for an answer. Not now anyway. 

The others had seen it too, of course. How could they have not? The Recoms especially. They did share a common room after all. And it was easy to feel lonely when everyone around you were different species. 

Most of the free evenings everyone did their own things, but never completely alone. Everyone would have two or three companions. Something in their Na'vi brains made them feel uneasy if they were alone for too long. Maybe they missed the feeling of tribe. 

So they started to spend more time in the common room, everyone doing their own thing but now still together. Spider seemed to enjoy it too, no wonder since he had grown up with the Sully family and other Na'vi. He had always someone around. Not that Quaritch left him alone for hours at a time anyway. He tried to stay as close to him as he could at all times. Maybe not physically but more like a cat that always lingered in the same room as its owner. 

The other Recoms also seemed to at least tolerate his sons presence. More often than not he left Spider with one of them when he had to go to a meeting where Spider couldn't come or he was needed elsewhere. Lyle never seemed to mind, he looked almost happy when ever he was on babysitting duty. Quaritch didn't know if he had any kids in his past life. He was close to the man but never asked anything too personal. He trusted him with his life but in this job death was always close, no use getting attached to anyone if they might lay dead at your feet in a heartbeat.

Z-Dog also looked like she enjoyed herself with Spider. Spider usually watched them train or was learning something new about their weapons. At first Quaritch had seemed wary of teaching Spider about them but the boy looked so happy whenever someone talked with him. Even for a few minutes. And it wasn't always about weapons, they did watch tv too or play sports. 

So he let it continue, no harm done. If it meant that Spider was laughing more and could take care of himself, he could allow it. 

It broke his heart to see such grief on his sons face when they narrowly escaped. He saw the team get gunned down as he was pulled away from the room. An ambush. 

General Ardmore was a tough sonuva bitch, Quaritch could admit that. 

She had warned him what would happen if she didn't get the results she wanted. What her supervisors wanted. 

So, after they had arrived back to base. She said a few words about her disappointment in Quaritch's team. Her disappointment in him. 

Then she turned to walk away and said "Shoot them all. We will start over"

When the soldiers started firing it was Mansk who pulled Spider behind him, sheltering him and pushed him towards Lyle. Lyle happened to be closest to the back door. 

Quaritch had no time to understand what was happening. He only saw that the soldiers who had become closest to him past these months were now using their life to guard their escape. With no weapons and no shelter they charged the soldiers, making sure that he and Spider could make it out alive. 

Lyle was pulling him through the doorway with Spider on his shoulder. Just as he was turning to run he saw his Fike get shot with Z-Dog--fuck!

Someone was screaming at him, it was Lyle

"Colonel! We have to run! We can escape by flying- but we have to go now!"

That's right, this was no time for this. He had to survive, Spider had to survive. He couldn't do it on his own but as he ran he felt an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for the man clearing the  way. He knew he could count on his right hand man in any situation. Even in such horrible times as these. 

He had gotten soft, hadn't seen what was surely obvious. He should have seen this coming, he should have...saved them.

He could have saved them all if it wasn't for his stupid feelings mixing it all up in his brain. 

He was a failure. 

But he couldn't fail Spider, no. He had so much to live for, he couldn't squander his sons life just becuse he had ruined his own a lifetime ago.

He could hear his son, pleading, screaming at them to turn around. To save the rest. But there wasn't anything to save, they were gone. He ran faster, he had to get out. 

Finally they were just about to be free when Lyle basically threw Spider at him. Quaritch and Spider both started to shout when Lyle seemed to stay behind

"Wainfleet! Get your ass up here!" Quaritch just about pleaded his right hand man.

Spider screamed at the man trying to reason with him

"We're so close! You cannot die now! We can make it! We'll fly low and fast. When we reach the tree line they cannot follow us! Their machines are too slow so come on!"

Lyle seemed to hesitate but turned around, hand on his gun.

"No, I'm giving you a chance. There is no way I'm letting you die here.."

Quaritch felt something crack, he imagined Lyle getting shot and bleeding out on the floor as soldiers ran over him. He couldn't let that happen.

So he put Spider down and briskly walked the short distance between them and forcefully turned Wainfleet around. He seemed surpirised at the contact but he also looked a little relieved. At what? He didn't have time to wonder about it. 

"We. are . not. leaving. without. YOU." He said slow and stared into his eyes. His tail was swinging from side to side and his ears were pressed down, clearly agitated.

He growled

"Ly, I -I cannot do this without you, don't do this to me."

He used the nickname he had created for him, usually while drunk, laughing about something. He never used it with others, just when they were alone. It was unfair to play favourites as a leader but hey, he was just a man. Well, a Na'vi but thats not the point. 

Lyle looked at him for a second, it wasn't usual for his colonel to let his emotions show. Maybe he was making a mistake.. 

His decision was made for him when they heard running from the end of the hallway. He swore under his breath and started running, once again leading but now free of Spider and able to use both of his arms. Quaritch felt like a weight was lifted from his shoulders. He didn't have to lose any more of his people, and he would try to keep it that way. 

Their steps echoed loudly, they didn't care if they made noise. They were fugitives now anyway, Ardmore probably made sure that everyone knew what to do if the situation went south. Bitter taste of betrayal was all the could think about at the moment. How dare they, how dare she. He would like nothing more than have the Generals head on a spike right now but he had to focus on his son now. 

When they saw their ikrans they also saw soldiers who were trying to capture the beasts. Not a smart move.

Their flying companions were already trashing and flapping their wings, ready to take off. They had either heard the commotion or they sensen their masters distress through their bond.

Quaritch's ikran Cupcake grabbed a soldier and threw them overboard. The others were alarmed but they had no time to do anything about it when he and Lyle killed them. Few soldiers were nothing to him if they stood in the way of freedom and his sons life. 

Quickly Quaritch got on his ikra and pulled Spider with him. Not waiting if he was secure he took off and held Spider to his chest tightly. They would make it, they had to.  

Lyle was not far behind, they rode low and fast, not caring about the waves that almost swallowed them. When they passed the treeline Quaritch chanced a look behind him, no sign of movement yet. Had they been lucky? Still, it was no time to relax.

They kept on flying for hours it felt like, there were smaller and smaller islands and then just ocean. Spider looked like he was ready to collapse, tired and hungry. Quaritch called Lyle on his radio

"Do you think we're able to land soon? The boy could use some rest." He didn't feel safe just yet but it was no use to keep running till they collapsed. If they were found then, they would have no chance. 

"Yeah, was thinking along the same lines sir" Lyle confirmed. He peered down for a moment seeing a larger island and then pointed to it

"I think this'll do, for now."

Quaritch nodded and started to descent. Spider seemed to notice the change

"Are we landing?" He mumbled. 

Quaritch looked down, he had given Spider his military jacket since the night was getting chilly. He looked pale and tired, probably from both stress and the escape. He looked so vulnerable that he felt the need to hold him tighter and never let go. He tightened his hold and answered, 

"Yeah son, we're landing and resting for now. we need energy and there is no use running till we drop. Lyle spotted an island so that's where we're going."

Spider nodded and yawned, not questioning it further. 

He felt almost proud that he had built a strong relationship with his son in such a short time. No longer did he question every single decision and move. He started to trust that he knew what he was doing and where he was taking him. 

He pulled down near the trees and hopped down, almost lifting Spider down too. He grumbled that he got it but Quaritch helped him still. Then he shooed his ikran away,

" You need to hide, if they see you they'll find us. Stay away for a few days, then come see if we're still here."

The animal seemed to understand, taking off and flying to the opposite direction where they were going. Lyle did the same with his ikran. 

Quaritch wasted no time leading them further into the forest, hand holding spider by his arm. Not trusting that he could protect him if he didn't hold him. When they couldn't see the water anymore they started to look for a place to camp and rest.

"No fire I think sir, we don't want to make any signs that we were here." Lyle said quietly while looking around, his hand on his hip, ready to shoot. They both had their handguns with them and ammo for a few days. They weren't exactly planning this trip but they would have to make due with what they had. Quaritch nodded along, agreeing. He finally let Spider go as they found a small clearing

"This looks like it will do, I'll go look for something to eat, you-" As Quaritch was speaking he turned to Lyle but was interrupted by him. 

"No Colonel, I'll go. You stay with Spider and look for something to help us build shelter." Lyle said sternly.

Quaritch raised an eyebrow at his command. He did see the logic though, he would be too worried about Spider if he left him now. It was more uselful for him to stay and keep an eye on Spider. He nodded again but added

"Alright, and no need to use honorifics anymore. We ain't on their payroll and I'm no longer your Colonel." It was only fair, they were on the same page now and there was no use in using their ranks. There were no ranks for them now. Just names

Lyle nodded "Alright, Quaritch. I won't be gone for long."

And then he disappeared into the bushes. 

Silence settled over them, now alone. Spider got up and started to look for strong dead trees or other material that could be used for shelter. Soon they did have a shelter of some kind. Mostly thanks to Spider. Quaritch himself wasn't much of a builder, he usually didn't sleep at all or just took a quick nap against a tree or a rock. 

They had found a large tree that had fallen over a long time ago. Creating a cave like hole under it against the uneven forest floor. They then used tree branches and sticks to make it more hidden and weather resistant. 

"Good job son" Quaritch praised Spider as he passed him. He didn't see if Spider heard him or gave any reaction to the praise but he didn't need to. He knew the kid enjoyed getting praise, he must have been used to being ignored. The Sullys too busy taking care of their biological children and not their so called adopted child. Quaritch felt no gratitude for them, the kid clearly didn't feel the love of a parent from them. He got used to living from the sidelines. At least the children were his friends, they cared. 

Quaritch threw his backpack down near the corner where it was dry. It had started to rain slighly, making the forest humid and wet. 

As soon as he sat down he could hear rustling from the forest. Spider heard it too so whatever it was must be close. He pushed Spider behind him and bent down a bit. Ready to attack, hand on his gun and other on his knife. When the rustlng got even closer he could feel himself start to growl low and his tail sway from side to side nervously.

When a familiar head of Lyle appeared he felt himself relax. He did realize that Lyle would be returning soon but he wasn't ready to take any risks right now. 

Lyle raised his hands in a mock surrender, holding fish and some fruit. 

"Wow there officer, it's just me your kind neighbour." He chuckled

Quaritch went back to sit down and huffed "Asshole"

Spider also sat down suddenly feeling even more tired than before. Energy seemed to flow out of him and he could feel his head start to dip and his eyelids felt heavy. The escape had taken all of his energy, not to mention the mental exhaustion he was feeling because of it. He was ready to just sleep forever and forget this whole day. 

Quaritch noticed this and quickly gave the kid some fruit

"Here, eat this and then you can rest. We'll eat the fish since we can stomach it raw. I don't want to risk food poisoning right now." He nudged Spider trying to cheer him up. 

Spider rolled his eyes as he ate the fruit smirking slightly. Soon however he started to nod off while eating so Quaritch ordered him to sleep. The night was getting colder and they were not going to build a fire so the only solution was to lay down next to Spider. It was the only option and the closeness didn't bother him. He could keep him safe the closer he was he kept telling himself. But he could understand if Spider was not too fond of the idea. He didn't voice his opinion and he only layed down next to him silently, too tired to complain at the moment perhaps.

Spider seemed to still be shivering even with the jacket on and Quaritch laying next to him. There was one more option

He turned his head around and looked at Lyle who was still eating his fish.

"Hey, come lay down too. The kid is freezing even with my jacket on" He whispered harshly so the other could hear. He wasn't too worried about disturbing Spider, kid was out cold.

Lyle only looked at him eyes wide and seemed to freeze mid bite.

Quaritch rolled his eyes

"Look I might not be eye candy but I'm not letting the kid freeze to death. Now come.here." He was starting to get annoyed. Tail thumped against the ground to signify his frustration.

Lyle shook his head and got up.

"Yes sir, I heard you. I mean Quaritch.-" He stuttered. 

He got down so that Spider could lay between them. Bending his legs so he could feel Spiders bare feet on his legs. He couldn't let them feeze either, no use in escaping if the kid couldn't walk. 

Quaritch turned to his side so he could lay a hand over Spider and looked at Lyle who was trying to avoid his eyes. Clearly a bit awkward but he was dealing with it for the kid.

"Thank you" Quaritch whispered after a while when it was certain that the kid was asleep. 

Lyle looked at him then 

"Of course Miles,  no need to thank me."' He said while looking at him, speaking softly, touching his arm and holding it.  Then he added

"I'll always have your back, and his now too. Don't ever doubt it"

Quaritch smiled and then closed his eyes, still listening to the sounds of the forest for danger but quickly loosing his battle to stay awake. 

He could feel Lyles tail touch his legs at some point during the night, curling over them in a protective hold.

Quaritch noticed that he didn't mind it. He didn't feel jealous that Lyle too was protective of the kid. He felt protective over them both, Lyle and Spider. It was only fair that Lyle could feel that way too. They did escape together and Lyle is the reason they made it out alive. He felt glad that he could trust a man like that.

His tail also curled over them and touched Lyles thigh. Crossing over Spider, the kid couldn't be safer. Laying between two soldiers.

Finally then, he fell asleep. 

Chapter Text

When Spider woke up it was still early. Waking up early was never a problem since back at home, someone was always awake. Either watching the fire, planning something, guarding, who knows. He also realized that he was rather warm. That didn't make sense. He remembered it being quite cold on the back of the ikran and on the ground. He remembered the Jacket Quaritch gave him, still it shouldn't be this warm. He layed down for a few minutes more, enjoying the quiet. He knew that the next few days, hell, maybe weeks, would be anything but easy. They had to figure out what to do and where to go next. He could hear someone breathing next to him so he froze. He didn't open his eyes, what if it was an enemy and he needed to stay still? He tried to remember what happened before he went to sleep. They ate fruit and fish, well he ate only fruit and Quaritch and Lyle ate fish. Then.. oh right. Quaritch is sleeping next to him. No wonder he didn't wake up a single time from cold.

Spider was used to waking up feeling slightly cold and having to either shift closer to the person sleeping next to him or move closer to the fire. More often than not he slept alone, the Sully family sleeping near by. He did feel jealous of them. Of course Na'vi bodies ran warmer so they didn't perhaps even feel cold. Still, he could appreciate the closeness to family when sleeping. He felt safe sleeping next to them it's not that. But it did get lonely. 

When Spider thought about getting up he could feel something moving to his right side, near the fallen tree. He froze again. Was it a predator this time? Why isn't Quaritch waking up. He took a breath and thought about it. He was sure that if they were in any danger Quaritch would have woken up and protected him. He opened his other eye to see if Quaritch was awake. He wasn't oddly enough. Huh, the run must have taken a lot more effort than he imagined. He looked relaxed and was breathing slowly. It was then that Spider noticed the arm draped over him. He felt his heart move at the protective display. Even his ears were relaxed. They always seemed to be pulled back in anger or stress, or both. So seeing him so quiet and docile made him wonder. If it wasn't danger and if it wasn't Quaritch on the other side of him, then who.. There was only one option left. 

Spider opened both of his eyes and risked a glance behind him, since he slept on his side facing Quaritch. Spider just about hit himself as he realized how stupid he had been. Of course it was Lyle, there was three of them. How on earth did he not think of him? Well. at least he knew that he was safe during the night. Not even an earthquake could have disturbed his sleep he mused smirking. 

He didn't realize that the two were so close. Lyle and Quaritch. They clearly felt safe sleeping close to each other. They both were out cold and their tails had been over Spider as he slept between them. He didn't have to worry about betrayal he guessed. Either one of them would kill the other if he was harmed in anyway. 

He didn't know if they knew what they looked like. Usually in Na'vi tribes only close family slept next to each other. Mates and or their children. Of course the situation was different, they were hiding and in unknown territory so danger was always close. He let himself feel the parental hold though, even if feeling guilty about it. They didn't know. They were only trying to keep him safe and from freezing to death , thats all. 

He did finally get up silently to relieve himself. He wrapped the jacket he still had around him closer, it was still chilly as the sun had not risen. He looked behind him as he creeped away from the sleeping men. He didn't want to wake them up, they would need the sleep. He also felt guilty about needing to use them as his personal heaters. 

What Quaritch realized first was that he was warm. He rarely felt cold as a Na'vi but this warmth was different. It was like he was under blankets and wrapped up in something soft. He tried  to listen to the sounds around him before he opened his eyes. His arms was still draped over the now missing Spiders form. So his hand actually was very close to Lyle who seemed to be asleep. Their tails had also found each other during the night. his was over Lyles thigh and Lyle's tail was touching his shin. They weren't used to sleeping next to someone thats all, he pondered. He was used to sleeping alone so he didn't realize in his sleep that maybe he should respect the others personal space. 

Wait, Spider was indeed missing from between them- where-

Just as he felt himself start to panic Lyle spoke while opening one eye

"Kid is just around that tree, he got up a few minutes ago. Don't worry I've been looking out for any danger."

Then he closed his eye and stretched a bit before sitting up. Quaritch was still laying down, unnerved.

How could he not realize Spider was gone as he left their "den"? He should have- 

Lyle could see the wheels turning in Quaritch's head so he stopped him from blaming himself too hard

"You were tired sir, I think we all were. I almost didn't wake up but he kinda almost fell on me so I woke up." Lyle sniggered. 

Quaritch still didn't fully forgive himself but he could admit that he must have been tired. He didn't remember even tossing or turning in his sleep. That was what he ususally did the whole night, trying to fall asleep. Not last night it seems. Maybe the escape and fresh air really did tire him out. 

He shook his head and also got up to a sitting position, brushed off some dirt from his hair and yawned. He could feel Lyle looking at him se he faced him and raised an eyebrow

"What, is there something on my face?" 

Lyle just shook his head as a no, then smiled slyly and said

"I just never thought I would see what you looked like after spending the night together." He then clasped his hands together and did an absurd kissy face. Ha, so he could make a joke at a time like this. Well..

"Oh you've seen me after just waking up plenty Wainfleet. I mean, after every briefing Ardmore used to give us. I was actually napping but don't tell anyone." 

Quaritch added and lowered his voice as he spoke, as if their General would pop up at any moment. Like kids telling secrets.

Lyle laughed and got up. He reached down and did a grabby motion with his hand. Quaritch then huffed and grabbed the arm, letting him pull him up as well. 

Just then Spider returned and looked at them, surprised that they were awake. 

"Sorry did I wake you guys up, I tried to be quiet.." He said scratching the back of his head 

"Nah you did fine kid" Quaritch waved an arm 

When he noticed that Spider was holding a small branch with blue-purple-ish berries on it he raised his eyebrow again 

"What are those, you hungry?" 

Spider seemed to remember the berries in his hand at that moment and it looked like the thought about hiding the branch behind him but then decided not to. 

"No uh, these are berries that I mush and uh.. I use them to paint my stripes..These are really pigmented so they stay on for a long time..." He answered looking mildly awkward. 

Quaritch knew of course that the kid did paint his own stripes but he somehow forgot it. He was so used to seeing them on a daily basis now he hadn't even thought about their origin. 

"I thought that I would add colour to them as you slept so i didn't take up any time.. but I can do it another time.." Spider added almost whispering. He was ashamed. That would not do. 

Quaritch huffed and said 

"Don't be ridiculous, you can paint them now if you like. We aren't in a hurry." He then turned to Lyle to get his opinion on it and Lyle just shrugged his shoulders, why not. 

Spider seemed to lit up and held the branch a bit tighter in his hand. His smile didn't quite reach his eyes but anything was better than seeing sadness on his sons face. Then without really thinking about it oo hard Quaritch asked

"Do you, need help?"  He wasn't sure if the boy was even comfortable with him that close but it seemed like the right question as Spider smiled even wider and nodded. 

"Yes, please. I can't really reach by back that well." 

There were no mirrors or water close by without leaving their camp so Spider painted the areas he could see and Quaritch painted his face and back. Spider was looking at his as he started to paint his face,

"Wait"

Quaritch stopped immediately, paint on his fingers. 

"Can you, can you paint them like yours? So they look the same I mean.." The boy broke the eye contact and started to dig the dirt with his heel. That warmed his heart. His son was not yet comfortable with calling him dad on father. Maybe he would never be. That was allright. A small thing like this did tell him that Spider did want to try to have some resemblance to him. His heritage wasn't that obvious now that Quaritch was blue and over 9 ft tall. The stripes seemed to be something that close family did share, not completely the same but there were tells. 

When Quaritch hadn't answered in a few seconds Spider backtracked

"Not that you need to, it was stupid, I'm sorry-"

"No it's quite alright. I was just wondering since I can't see myself either.." Quaritch said. If he was feeling emotional he didn't show it. Spider let out a breath, feeling relieved

Quaritch turned around to face Lyle who was cleaning his weapon. He was wearing his sunglasses so of course he could be looking at them. Quaritch had a feeling he was being watched and Lyle may have been the source. 

"Lyle" He called

Lyle's head snapped up as he heard he was called

"Can I borrow you for a minute. Paint Spider's stripes to look like mine, I can't see them myself so.."

He trailed off while handing him a small cup that was filled with mushed berries. Lyle took it and smiled

"Yeah of course sir, I can do that" Quaritch rolled his eyes at the sir but ushered Spider to sit on the ground next to him so Lyle could see both clearly. Lyle got on his knees and seemed to try to memorize his face stripes. He brought his clean hand close to Quaritch's face and asked

"Can you close your eyes for a second I need to see if the marks on your forehead, if they're connecting.." He drifted off

Quaritch furrowed his brow but did so. He tried to relax his face as he could feel Lyle lightly trace the markings on his forehead and cheekbones. Then it was gone and he heard,

"Okay thank you sir, let's see" Lyle starter to paint Spiders face. Spider looked, like he was laughing? 

Spider had been glad that his fath- Quaritch. Yes, Quaritch for now, had accepted his request so easily. It wasn't a big thing but amongst the Na'vi similiar face markings between family are common. So if he wasn't ready to call him, his father, he could at least show it in some way. Quaritch even got Lyle to help him, which wasn't that weird. He remembered Lyle helping him even with simple audio settings on his tablet when he was watching the death of his human body. So it was abvious that they helped each other a lot. 

When Lyle asked Quaritch to close his eyes he got curious and looked over at them. Lyle touched softly at his face, tracing first his eyebrows and then remembering his mission. Quaritch seemed to relax even further under Lyle's light touch and his ears bent back a little. His tail was slowly swinging against the ground. If he were a cat he would probably be purring Spider laughed in his head. These two were either like brothers or..closer.

It wasn't any of his business and quite frankly he didn't want to think about his fathers love life. If he had any, he hadn't spoken of anyone to him. Maybe when he has human but now? He had no idea. 

Spider took a deep breath and took off his mask. Lyle said to tell him if he needed air and to not worry about it. Spider nodded as a sign that he understood.

"I'll try to be quick" Lyle added

When Lyle started to paint his face he still was smiling. From happiness that he could have his stripes painted again, and maybe he was feeling like he was now holding a secret that only he knew. 

Quaritch raised an eyebrow again, a thing that he did a lot Spider noticed, and looked at him. He tilted his head and just looked at him. Spider closed his eyes as Lyle got close to them but kept smiling. 

If the boy was this happy about getting his stripes back Quaritch was sure that he would paint them for him every single day if needed. It seemed like a simple thing to him but obviously to his son this was very important. The least he could to to keep that smile on his sons face. 

Even Lyle noticed that the boy was in high spirits and smiling, probably slept well. As long as he didn't cause any more trouble the better. What he knew about kids was that if they didn't sleep enough, there was hell to pay. He did feel glad that he was able to help the boy sleep and keep him warm. He was worried when they escaped, that he would be of no use to Quaritch and his son. Maybe even they wanted him gone, to stay out of their way. When Quaritch had called him over last night however that feeling changed. He did feel protective over the boy sure, and over Quartich of course. He is- ..was his boss. He also respected him and considered them friends after knowing each other for a long time.

Lyle was brought out of his thoughts when Quaritch said,

"You don't have to keep calling me sir y'know I told you that." He didn't seem angry or mad. Maybe he felt uncomfortable being called sir or colonel because he felt that he failed the team. He could understand that

Lyle nodded

"Yeah, I hear you. Quaritch or Miles it is then" He said and got up as Spider was ready. 

"Now you look more like this old man here" Lyle laughed and stepped further away to look at the job he did. 

Spider was smiling from ear to ear now, so was Quaritch. 

Just at that moment Spider felt his hunger hit him and his stomach made a loud grumbling sound

Both Lyle and Quaritch looked over to him ears raised. Quaritch looked slightly worried

"Shit kid I forgot I'm sorry. We don't need to eat as often so I completely forgot son." He lowered his ears, he really did look like he was sorry

Spider waved away his concern

"It's alright I'm used to it. Lo'ak and Neteyam don't need to eat as often as I do either. I'll go find something-" He was interrupted by Lyle

"Those bastards didn't think that you would need food? No, we'll go look for something together. Youcan teach us what to eat and what not to eat. Two birds with one stone and what not. Right Miles?" 

Lyle looked at Quaritch and he was almost surprised at how angry he got when Spider belitteled his own needs. He had an opinion of the Sullys but Jake was a human once. He if anyone should have known that Spider needed food more often. Too busy with his biological children no doubt..

Quaritch looked at Lyle when he interrupted Spider, also feeling angry for him. He was surprised and a little glad that Lyle too was not happy with how the Sullys had treated Spider. His tail was moving quickly and he looked like he wanted to punish someone. It warmed a place near his heart. Also the use of his first name caught hi off guard. He noticed he didn't mind it. He didn't like when people used his first name, he wasn't close to anyone. But, maybe, he could let Lyle use it. Maybe that was his Na'vi brain telling him that this man was a great potential guardian for his child. He was strong, reliable, and they could communicate without words easily. Just quick looks were enough. 

Spider had once called it their "telepathy time" and how it wasn't fair since he couldn't read their minds to know what they were talking about. It reminded of Spider of Jake and Neytiri. He did keep that observation to himself since he knew neither of them would appreciate it. The Sullys being a sore subject. 

"Yes" Quaritch finally answered and got up. 

"Let's go while we stll can before we too get hungry." He said smirking. Lyle continued the joke,

"Yeah, who knows, maybe we have to eat your tasty human leg if we won't find food soon enough." Then he dramatically laid a hand on his forehead

"Oh, I can already feel it, the hunger" Then he playfully lunged at Spider who got out of the way laughing.

Quaritch looked at this smiling openly

Maybe his Na'vi brain wasn't speaking nonsense after all.

Chapter Text

Lyle and Quaritch walked behind Spider as he pointed out things and jumped on rocks and fallen trees. He didn't like to walk on the ground. that probably showed how he was raised, up in the halleluja mountains somewhere. Or maybe he just wanted to feel tall. Standing next to each other the height difference was obvious. Lyle and Quaritch being twice as tall as Spider. Not walking on the ground didn't slow the boy down, instead he had to wait for them most of the time. Quaritch didn't mind it, he let the boy climb and jump wherever he wanted. As long as he stayed in sight. 

They did manage to get fish and fruit again. He didn't feel like trying to hunt big game right now, as they still weren't too familiar with their surroundings and could get lost. Spider never seemed to get lost however. He acted like a true Na'vi. No wonder the humans on the ship hadn't liked him much. He was more Na'vi than Lyle and himself he thought. Maybe not physically but in other ways. He even spoke fluent Na'vi, it was like a second language to him. He tried to teach Quaritch and Lyle every now and again. Their accent's were absolutely horrid according to the kid. They had made some progress. He could speak more and didn't butcher the language completely. Lyle on other hand had learned only how to introduce himself and a few other words. Most of it flew over his head, but Quaritch felt that if he put some effort into it he could master it. Maybe he needed to learn the language as best as he could and then he would teach Lyle? He was certain that maybe then he would play around less when learning. 

They continued to walk back to the camp when Spider passed by a bush and pointed at it

"These are the berries that I use to paint my stries with." He smiled and snapped a branch with a lot of berries on it. Then he ate a berry while exlaining

"These are fully edible too. Not too tasty but they'll take the edge off it there is nothing else to eat. It does colour your tongue though" He smiled and ate another, then showed his tongue which was now blueish. 

Quaritch hmphed and said

"Maybe you should take a few and store them in a small pouch? That way you won't run out if you need to re-paint your stripes later?" He suggested. 

Spider nodded and immediately broke off a second brach and kept walking. Quaritch could see Lyle popping one berrie into his mouth and making a face at the taste

"They taste like shit! How do you eat these??" He asked while he was chugging his water, probably trying to wash out the taste. 

Spider just shrugged

"You get used to it after a while, that's why I won't really eat them. I just use the for paint." 

The forest looked like there had been someone walking through it. It had a path that was worn out, just dirt and sand in a thin line. Like those paths near a road where people walked and rode teor bicycles on earth. So it didn't look like it was used anymore but it had been used a long time ago. Maybe someone passing by this island? 

When they got back to their temporary camp nothing had changed or been taken. So it was safe to say that yet they had not been found. He hadn't scented any familiar smells out in the forest, not even their ikrans. Good birds, he laughed in his head. Staying away till it was safe just like he ordered. 

Spider sat down on a smooth rock and started to pick the berries from the branches. Stuffing the berries into a small pouch that the RDA had given him. Well, Quaritch gave it to him when he asked for something to hold the things he found since he didn't have any pockets and didn't want a backpack. He said it was too annoying and restricting to wear all the time. So they had made a compromise and he had given Spider a small leather pouch to carry around. 

Lyle sat next to the tree which they slept under and took something from his backpack. A small lighter. 

"You figure we could start a fire this time? I don't think they'll find us during the day since it's so bright. I don't really fancy the raw fish even if I can stomach it."

Lyle looked at Quaritch and had started to already stack a few logs (Quaritch had no idea where or when he had brought them). He didn't wait for his permission really, just a habit. He did feel like he needed to still tell Quaritch his plan so neither of them forgot to put it out before it got too dark. Quaritch didn't really care either way, food was food. 

"Yeah, do what you want I don't mind." He answered before sitting down a few feet next to Lyle. He wasn't that hungry, he just wanted to be sure that Spider got enough food. He was still young and growing to he needed to get enough food and rest if he wanted to survive out here. He didn't doubt that the Sully's had good intentions with him but he couldn't overlook how they neglected his son. There was no excuse for Jake. He should have known. He hasn't been a Na'vi that long that he would forget his basic human needs. Neytiri he could understand. Still, it didn't sit right with him. 

Lyle tossed a few more sticks to the fire to make sure it wouldn't go out. He glanced att Spider noticing he had now abandoned the half picked berries and was eating fruit. Luckily now that they had a fire he could eat some fish. The boy needed his meats too, they couldn't expect him to survive just on fruit and berries alone. He then felt Quaritch get anxious. He saw his tail moving more and the tip of his tail was swinging back and forth. He sighed, he really sometimes hoped he would just tell him and not bottle it up inside him. No matter how small it was. It would fester and grow if he let it. And he knew Quaritch got anxious easily and took on a lot more stress and responsibility than was necessary.

"What is it?" He asked

Quaritch seemed to snap out of his thoughts and before he could answer with oh its nothing  Lyle beat him to it

"And don't say nothing, you really can't hide your emotions now like you used to. Your ears and tail tell me everything I need to know" He said, trying to cheer him up a little. 

Quaritch looked at him for a while, contemplating, and sighed releasing the tension on his shoulders. 

"It's just-" He began and stopped

"It's the Sullys" Lyle raised his eyebrow at that. Yes they were originally their mission, but didn't they have more to worry about right now? 

Quaritch saw Lyle's face and raised his hand

"It's not what you think, it's about him too" Quaritch said quietly and looked at Spider. Lyle also turned to look at him, smiling slightly as Spider bit the fruit and got juice from it in his eye. 

"They, they completely neglected my boy. He said that the Sully boys knew that he needed to eat more. Of course they're kids but that meant that Jake and his woman knew about it. And they still forgot. Jake was a human for fucks sake, he should have known to feed and watch after my boy" He whispered and got angrier and angrier as he spoke. Lyle laid a hand on his shoulder to calm him down. 

"No wonder he thinks that every goddamn thing he does is annoying and that he's being a bother. Those damn-" He then growled

Lyle then decided to speak

"Miles, I'm not too happy either with how they've treated the boy. But he's young and we can still do something about it. But now's not the time. We have to make sure that he stays alive and well at this moment. Let's worry about the Sully's later, okay?"

He hoped that he got through that thick skull. He understood where Quaritch was coming from but it would do no good to bicker about it infornt of the boy. 

Quaritch breathed slowly in and out, hung his head and nodded.

"yeah, yeah..sorry about that I know." He then looked up and raised his hand to squeeze Lyle's hand on his shoulder as a thank you. They did have a sort of code between them. They slapped a hand on anothers shoulder for a job gone well and squeezed. It could be as small as lightly touching shoulders together while walking past each other or a full blown side hug. They only did it as humans for big  things, like a mission that could have killed them gone well. Now as Na'vi or Avatars they did it more often. 

If they hadn't seen each other for a full day they would do it immediately when they saw each other. It was usual that Quaritch had days when all he did was sit at meetings or talk about tactics. It hadn't been a problem at first when they had been awoken. But after a while the feeling that they needed to stick together made them more touchy. So after every meeting or a mission where the other didn't go they usually spent some time together. The other Recons jokingly called it their relationship therapy time. They were more irritable if a few days went by without them being able to see each other. 

Neither of them had read too much into it. They both just figured it had something to do with their new biology, and that they're the few familiar faces to each other. Pretty much every human was new in the RDA. So it made sense for them to seek out each others company. They were so in sync that there was jokes of them being each others shadow depending on the mission. Lyle could answer for Quaritch if he was too busy and Quaritch was trusted to know Lyles where abouts at all times and vice versa. 

Spider looked over at the two talking. He couldn't hear everyhting, just something about the Sullys before Quaritch lowered his voice. He knew that Quaritch possibly hated them. More like he hated Jake or at least clearly disliked him. He didn't like that he wasn't included in the conversation. He wondered if he could've heard their speech if he was also a na'vi. He had always felt like he was different from the other kids. And he clearly was, he was human. The other kids were Na'vi. He lowered his head, brought his knees together and rested his head on them. It would do no good wondering the what ifs, he would just end up more unhappy. 

"What are you two talking about?"

He decided to interrupt the two, breaking their moment. He had noticed that Lyle was good at calming Quaritch down from whatever he was feeling. Anger, Stress.. other emotions he hadn't seen on his father but he was sure Lyle could handle those as well. 

They both snapped their heads up and looked a bit sheepish. 

"Nothing that you need to worry about. Sorry kid I just got too much into my head" Quaritch again waved away his question. That didn't bother Spider too much. He had to admit most of their technical talk got over his head anyway...

Lyle let go of the other mans shoulder and faced Spider as he poked at the now well burning fire. 

"I was thinking that we'll roast some fish so you'll be able to eat fish too tonight. You might like them fruits but you need something with meat in it too." He said as he layed out a smooth stone that he found near the fire and put the fish on it. 

"Oh so you're a chef now?" Quaritch asked with humour in his voice. But he did appreciate the thought. The kid did need more to eat than fruits. Again his stupid brain was finding it interesting that the other Na'vi tried to take care of their kid.

wait-

their, no his. Well, Lyle had helped out a lot these past few months. Still Spider was Quaritch's flesh and bl- well no. His humans flesh and blood. Now he was a Na'vi grown in a lab. Well maybe the kid might only have a little bit of the same dna but it still was enough. Lyle did act like an uncle of a dad. He would let it continue, as long as Spider was happy he didn't really care. Best not to get stuck on it. The answer would not be what he hoped anyway. That is if he knew what he hoped for, best to let it all just be to avoid confusing himself even more. 

He smiled as Spider let out a small "sweet, thanks!" Yeah, Lyle did all right by him. 

Soon with Spiders belly full it was time to figure out where they were. More or less. 

"We did fly quite a bit out of the forest after loosing those RDA dickheads. I'm sure they haven't figured out that we left the forest. They would've flown over us by now and found us if they did?" 

Lyle said thinking about it. That was true. They hadn't heard anything during the night (more like they didn't wake up to guns and shouting) and today was no different. Just forest sounds mostly. 

"Could we be close to those island groups that we tracked Jake Sully into? I mean it was a big are.." Lyle again spoke while looking at Quaritch. 

Quaritch thought about it for a minute

"Well let's hope so, it looked like it was pretty steady going on the map. Of course it would be best if we didn't run into the Sully's and their kids.." Quaritch wondered.

Spider raised his voice then

"Why, you don't want to find him? But I thought.." He was confused and a little hurt. That was the whole point of his being taken, of the RDA. They were supposed to find the leader of the Na'vi group Jake Sully. 

"I don't understand?" he asked

Quaritch looked at the map in front of them for a few seconds looking like he was deciding what to say and what to leave out. He raised his head and looked at Spider. Emotion on his face that he couldn't really read

"Kid.. look. I know that is, was, our mission. But to be honest, I don't give two shits what that man does. As long as he stays out of my way then fine. My head is filled with memories that don't feel mine and.. I know it might sound odd to you I know- " Then he turned to face Spider again,

"I'm only really mad at him for how he treated you. That's all I care about now, Fuck the RDA they're not going to win this war anyway. You've seen it. They cannot defeat people who've lived here as long as the Na'vi have. I mean, hell, I really don't believe in Eywa or whatnot," 

Spider frowned a bit at that, Quaritch continued

"But, I know that something is connecting all living here. I didn't think that I'd be able to fly with an ikran, I didn't know how connected I would feel while- I know it's not fair of me to say this but.. "

He seemed to struggle a bit not knowing how to really put his feelings into words. But Spider seemed to understand.

"So you won't harm him. Or his family, his kids?" Spider asked, ready to defend them even if they hadn't treated him fairly. They still had given him a place to grow up in. 

"Kid I cannot promise you that I'm not going to absolutely beat the shit out of the man, but I will not kill him. That is not what I want." Quaritch answered.

Lyle hadn't heard Quaritch speak so much in a long time. So freely.

He had known that this version of Quaritch was more connected to the nature around him. But still it surprised him to hear it so openly. It did strike a cord with him though. He did hate Sully for betraying them in the past life, but Sully did so much more than that. He was starting to see it. He saved people who had been driven out of their homes, their land. He hadn't understood it back then, war hungry and drunk on power. Now, that he was one of them so to speak. He understood him. 

Still, he was not happy with them either. He nodded along as Quaritch spoke. Touching the back of his leg with his tail as he stood next to him. Showing his support. That was what family did. 

Spider looked like he didn't fully believe him but accepted his answer anyway. 

"I know that I've been difficult. But the fact that you saved me, both of you shows that you're not the same man Jake might've known. You're not the demon from his stories."

Then he curled his hands into fists

"But understand that I am still loyal to Jake and will always be. I don't know and cannot know if the two of you can make peace, ever, but I'll support you too."

Spider looked like that statement was a difficult one for him to say but he still said it. He trusted Quaritch to not kill Jake. They didn't have to like each other, just understand that they could co-excist. 

Quaritch nodded "that's fair kid. That's what I respect in you, you defend those who you care about." He smiled a little. A compliment, he didn't get those often. 

Spider smiled in return and muttered a small thank you that his heightened ears baarelyy heard. 

As they sat around the fire, Spider now eating the first fish and Quaritch reading a map. Lyle seemed to take over the role of Chef for now, as he had nothing else to do. He was silently taking small pieces of the fish and giving them to Quaritch as he was busy with the map. He was determined to figure out where they were so he didn't feel the need to eat. Lyle knew better though. Many nights after busy days, Lyle would be in the commonroom kitchen drinking and watching something as Quaritch made his way to the freezer. he never learned that if he ran around all day in different meetings his hunger would return by evening with a vengeance. Often Lyle would say something and Quaritch would respond with "Shut up I swear." before escaping back to his room. 

Quaritch didn't even seem to notice that Lyle was handing him food, too invested in the map. He just took the piece of fish with his teeth as if he himself was holding the piece. Lyle didn't seem to mind it either. As long as he ate he was happy. Soon three fish were eaten and Quaritch finally seemed to realize that he had been fed the whole time. 

"I can do it myself soldier" He growled, little embarassed

"Don't worry sir, I got it. " Lyle answered in mock respect and offerend the last piece of fish to his lips. Quaritch mumbled something but still took the piece with his teeth. Spider seemed to be watching them but they bid him no attention. He had a habit of silently listening to whatever happened on the RDA base. So they might have even forgot that he was there momenterally.

Spider was indeed watching with growing interest. He earlier had thought that it was no business of his what these two men did with their free time. But. They seemed to be oblivious to what they looked like. So open were they with their affectionate gestures that they had to have no idea. No Na'vi would stand so close to one another if not mates. No Na'vi would sleep next to each other with a child between them if not mates. No Na'vi would offer food to be eaten from their hand if not mates. It was infuriating to see it yet they had no idea. They even smelled a bit like each other. Now Spider did not have the nose of a Na'vi but he could smell that Quaritch and Lyle shared a distinctive smell. Like Cologne. 

He noticed it first when Lyle walked into him while talking with Quaritch back in the early days of his capture. He had apologized till he noticed it was Spider and then offered just a "You should have a bell around your neck kid" Spider still had faceplanted his shirt and gotten a scent. 

The Recoms didn't really have a scent to him, just their usual Cologne or perfume in Z-Dogs case. 

He followed Quaritch around a lot and flew with him so he had gotten used to his scent. The dots only connected when he had found a shirt and wondered whos it was. He had carefully taken a whiff to determine whos it was when he was met with two choices. Quaritch or Lyle. The relevation had struck him out of the blue but he thought it must have been a general army smell. Now he knew that they all did have their own "scent" As much as his human nose could tell. And Quaritch and Lyle just shared a scent. It made sense thought. Now that he sees how close they are, like literally, all the time. If Quaritch is somewhere it's almost concerning if Lyle isn't with him. 

Now that he's seen how they act on their own for a few days, it makes sense. The smell he means. The behaviour? Not so much. But if they're not going to talk to him about it he'll let it be. It's not his business really.. 

Then his thoughts were interrupted by a yawn, he was tired.

"Looks like it's time for bed for you mister" Lyle said from across the fire. Quaritch also turned to look at Spider. Then he got up,

"C'mon kid. Off to bed, we'll be up early to see if we can call for our ikrans in the morning. Let's see from high up if there's somewhere better where we might camp at."

Then he walked over to the cave like crack that they had hidden more with sticks and branches. 

"You too Lyle, the night's going to be cold again I think."

Quaritch added.

Spider thought that it wasn't really that cold, at least not yet? To be fair he was sitting next to the fire so maybe that gave him the false sense of security. 

Lyle put out the fire and got up to walk to Quaritch who was waiting for Spider. 

As Spider lay down on his side he felt Quaritch lay down next to him and Lyle on the other side of him. He did find it a bit uncomfortable now that he was more awake than lastnight but he didn't want to change places either. He did feel safe between them, so he closed his eyes and tried to sleep. Soon enough he was asleep and breathing deeply. 

Quaritch was facing him and Lyle also slept on his side facing Quaritch. Lyle had closed his eyes and had now himself put a hand over Spider, protecting him. Quaritch smiled before also putting a hand a bit higher over Spider. He would like to see the poor soul who tried to harm the kid between them. He was pretty sure that even here, in the middle on butt fuck nowhere, the kid was the safest he had been up to this point. 

Soon he also was asleep.

Chapter Text

This time it was Lyle who woke up first. Nothing in particular had woken him up he thought as he lay there for a few minutes. He did try to fall asleep again but then he was met with the reason he woke up. 

Spider between them had turned around during the night so his feet were where his head had been last night. So because of this Lyle was met with a kick to the head. And that kick was quite powerful, he would have to congratulate the kid if he didn't get a black eye from this. He sighed loudly and tried to wake the kid up. Spider was at the moment holding his tail hostage as he slept, so he tried to sit without him pulling at it. 

"..kid, hey. Kid? c'mon you gotta let go of my tail and maybe stop kicking me." He tried to shake the boy slightly so he wouldn't freak out. When that didn't work out and the kid only turned his head away from him he deccided to shake him a bit harder. When that only resulted in his tail being pulled when the kid tried to turn around it still in his hands he spoke louder. He also grabbed one of his feet for good measure and started to shake it. That worked

Or rather, it did wake up Spider but also someone else who was far more dangerous.

Quaritch was awoken by someone speaking softly. So softly he thought it was a dream, so he tried to block out the noise. When it was obvious that the noise couldn't be ignored he also noticed that the ground shook slightly. Or was it him that was shaking. Or was it Spider? That made him take a peek as he tried to understand what had disturbed his sleep. As he had more or less just awoken his sight was a bit blurry. That didn't matter, he managed to see a hand holding his sons foot and shaking it. Spider's foot? Why was it up here? That didn't matter right now. The only thing that was in his mind was that someone was trying to take away his kid.

 So he growled deep and lunged at the offender. 

There might have been shouts but he didn't care

He would protect his cub

He growled at the being now pinned under him and his ears were bent back so far that if you were looking at him straight on, you could barely see them. His tail was raised behind him, in a batle position, swaying slightly. He flashed his fangs and stared with his eyes wide open ready to strike, bite, ready to do whatever to defend his son. 

Then there was a blur infront of him, his son. 

Spider threw himself on the offender and was speaking fastly. So fast that Quaritch's furious mind couldn't make sense of it at first. So he hissed. If he had been completely in control he would deny he had ever hissed at anyone. He wasn't a "wild animal" as the soldiers at RDA liked to remind him. 

But he started to make sense of the words his son was saying, calming down a bit. Listening..

"Dad, you have to let him go. He didn't mean to harm me. You have to calm down." 

Quaritch didn't even notice that Spider called him dad, too confused to notice that remarkable milestone in their relationship. He stopped growling and looked at the man under him, now certain it was a familiar shape.. 

Shit

Lyle

"Lyle??" He only could gasp "what-"

Lyle smiled under him now that he knew Quaritch was back in control

"I don't know about you but I'm getting a Deja Vu" He laughed

Quaritch released his arms, put them on Lyles shoulders absentmindedly looking around. Spider saw his evident confusion at the situation so he explained.

"I toss and turn in my sleep a lot, so I had turned around and mayyybe might have kicked Lyle in the face. To be fair! I'm used to sleeping alone so I didn't realize it wouldd be a problem. The first night went fine so I thought.. Well anyway so he tried to wake me up. Then you woke up instead before me.. and.. well you kinda attacked Lyle." 

Spider looked anywhere but Quaritch as he was embarassed that he was the main reason for this. He couldn't have known that he would feel safe enough to toss and turn in his sleep. He glanced at Lyle who was looking only at Quaritch on top of him. He didn't seem to mind Quaritch sitting on him. Seriously they could do that privately he didn't want to see his dad and his to-be-boyf--

Wait, dad? 

Hell, Spider hadn't even noticed that he called Quaritch his dad. Sure it was early but that was the first thing that came into his mind at the moment. He wasn't sure if Quaritch even noticed it so he would not be bringing it up. At least, not yet.

Quaritch listened to Spider and was now mortified at his reaction. He turned to Lyle who was still laying on the ground and took one of the arms that he had been holding tightly when he restrained him. Hopefully he didn't squeeze so hard there would be a bruise... He took pride in being always in control of his emotions. In every situation he could imagine. But this? This was too out of character. The fresh air really must be getting to him..

"You don't feel any pain?" He asked Lyle as he continued to search his arms for marks

"Nah, you didn't hurt me. I got the feeling you were only trying to scare me more than actually hurt me." Lyle answered.

Quaritch didn't seem convinced but nodded along. He also now saww thee position they were in, him sitting on Lyle who now was resting with his free hand under his head and his other hand in his grip. He quickly got up and apologized while pulling up Lyle with him. 

"I'm so sorry, it won't happen again. I don't know what got over me-" Lyle didn't seem to be offended

"It's fine. At least we know now that Spider is safe even when you're dead asleep. Ain't no one going to get him at night"  He laughed it off. Quaritch still frowned but nodded again. Still totally not over his freak out. 

Lyle rolled his eyes

"Seriously Miles, I'm fine. You can stop beating yourself up about it." He didn't really see what the big deal was. If anything it showed that Quaritch was ready and able to defend his men under any circumstances.

Quaritch let out a sigh and said

"I know I know, just, try not to do whatever you did today" 

Spider broke the awkward silence by saying

"So!..Ikrans?"

Both men started to gather their things in a hurry, happy to have a distraction. Spider sat on a rock as he didn't really have any belongings with him. Just what he had on him. 

He was just glad that someone cared about him that much. He could have that as his secret. 

The ikrans had either heard them across the whole ocean or were just in the neighbourhood. Not even 10 minutes went by after their whistling and there they were. Flapping their wings and making loud croacs. Clearly happy to see them.

Quaritch had surprised himself at how much he cared for the flying creature. He couldn't understand their speech, (if they were capable of speaking like we understand it) But emotions and simple gestures did come through their bond. Quaritch had learned that his ikran that he named Cupcake likes to be skratched below the chin. Cupcake released short higher sounds when she was  pleased. So he of course did it the first thing to relay how glad he was that she had found him and returned to him. Lyle also greeted his ikran "Whiskey" with a few pats. He wasn't as close as Quaritch was with his ikran. He did think that thee bond Quaritch shared with his ikran wass rather sweet. He didn't imagine that a tough and rough soldier like Miles Quaritch had a softer side to him. He now knew it was false, seeing his love for his son first hand. 

Quaritch continued to speak softly to his ikran, while Lyle was content just watching him. 

Spider rolled his eyes so hard that if they broke out of his skull he wouldn't be too surprised. It was painful to see these two idiots dance aroud each other. Just then he heard a loud caw sound and something casted out a large shadow on and over him.

He looked up

He was met with Cupcakes "beak" Softly nipping at him, like a small brid. She would preen his hair and she kept doing those high sounds.

"Yeah yeah I missed you too" He smiled and pet the bansheee. He would never have one of his own so he hadn't even dared to really touch one. He didn't have the Na'vi body that was necessary to create the bond. It saddened him so he didn't like to think about it often, happy to share one with Quaritch. 

He looked at Quaritch who was standing on the beach looking at him. He too was smiling. He really should smile more often, it suited him. 

Soon they were in the air again, leaving the small island they found behind them. Quaritch had set his sights to find a larger island with a beach big enough so they could set up camp near it. The beach gave them the advantage of seeing anyone who would come close and they could escape just as fast. They didn't have to search long, maybe after 20 minutes they were landing on an island that looked like it would prove useful. Spider jumped down even before they had landed, making Quaritch almost miss a heartbeat. Spider just laughed at his expression and took off running near the waterline. Quaritch shook his head, that kid would give him gray hairs long before he was 50 again. 

They did end up setting up their camp just a couple of feet away from the beach. Behind a boulder and between the forest and the beach. The trees would give coverage and they would still be able to survey their surroundings.

When Lyle sat down after a while he looked out at the ocean. It was pretty calm. A few birds that he could see. A couple of small Na'vi girls, just their heads visible from the water. A rock that was sticking out. A fish jum-

wait

The girls now noticed that he had seen them quickly dove under the surface 

"Hey Quaritch!" Lyle shouted

Quaritch raised his eyebrow again. First it's Quaritch then Miles, now it's Quaritch again

"What?" He still ased over his shoulder. He tried to set up a tarp so that it would protect them from the wind and the water. If they were going to be heere longer they might as well make it as cozy as they could. 

"I saw two girls, swimming!" What

Quaritch growled, not sure why Lyle talking about girls got him angry 

"Did you hit your head on the way down?" He decided to ask. 

"No! You have to believe me I saw- There!" As Lyle pointed at them Quaritch got up and walked over to him. Trying to see what Lyle was pointing at and then he saw it. 

There were indeed two small, maybe 12 year old girls, just standing there, in the ocean.

"Get something warm- what the hell are they doing out there" He yelled at Lyle while he started to run to save the girls. They could be swallowed by a wave in a second. And secondly, what the hell were they doing here?? They didn't see anything that would be a sign of habitation when they flew over this area. And why hadn't the ikrans alarmed them?

As he got closer to the girls who were standing there waist deep in the water, and seemed to be completely happy in the water, he slowed down. He was now knee deep in the water, not yet so close to them that he could touch them but close enought to see that they were not the Na'vi he had ever seen. He knew that there were multiple different Na'vi tribes all around the planet, but..

These girls were a different shade of blue, more green. They also had bigger eyes and thicker arms. He continued to look at them since they weren't running away. Were these girls from here? If so, where did they live, and where were their parents?? 

Spider was now also waist deep in water, he ran after Quaritch as soon as Lyle started shouting about seeing girls.

The other girl who had shorter hair looked at Spider questioningly. Then she pointed at him and said

"you are not Na'vi. You're a dreamwalker without a body?" Spider thanked Eywa that she spoke the same Na'vi that he was fluent in. Albeit in a different accent. 

Quaritch raised now both of his eyebrows and turned to Spider

"Please say that you understand these girls" He spoke silently as if the girls would spook if he spoke too loudly. 

Spider nodded at him and then answered the girl

"No I am not Na'vi. I am not a dreamwalker either. I am human, but I was raised as a Na'vi." Spider could also hear Quaritch say something like "Thank Eywa" or something like that. He almost laughed at the situation. 

"What did you tell theem?" Quaritch asked, probably worried that he was giving them too much information.

"They asked if I was a dreamwalker but I explained I only grew up around Na'vi." He explained. 

Lyle also had joined them in the water, now that he was sure he had infact seen two girls and had not hallucinated them. 

The girls stayed silent a while longer. Looking first at Spider, then at Quaritch and then Lyle. They seemed to be interested in Spider's stripes. The other girls now decided to ask.

"You are human yet you wear our stripes. Why is that? Are you half- Na'vi half human?"  

Well, Spider could dream

"I uh, no. I painted them on me so I could feel closer to Eywa. To look like, a true Na'vi."  He said sheepishly scratching the back of his head. 

The girl looked at him and then Quaritch, speaking again.

"Are the similiar markings on your face intentionally the same as the man's next to you? What is he to you? Can he not speak our language? Why are you with him?"

Well that was a lot of questions. He could feel Quaritch looking back and forth between the girls and him as she spoke. 

"It's a long story why I am with him.. But yes, the markings are intentional. He is..my father. I am his son." 

There, he said it. 

The girls looked at him with surprise clear in their faces. Quaritch looked uncomfortable at the attention the girls were giving him. Not knowing what was said. He trusted Spider to not say anything foolish but, he did clearly say something about him. 

"What is it why are they looking at me?" Quaritch whispered to Spider. Spider waved him off

"As to why he cannot speak.."

He didn't know what he could tell them. A small white lie didn't hurt anyone. He wouldn't probably see these girls again

"My father was raised with humans, he only knows a little bit of our language. He is here to learn about his heritage."  He hoped that didn't give them any false ideas or that it didn't givee away too much information. 

When Quaritch again asked what he told them he said

"I told them that you were raised with humans and that you're here to learn. That's the reason why you cannot speak Na'vi." 

Quaritch frowned but nodded, accepting that story. To be fair he was raisedd with humans, for a few months. He only had been alive just under a year. So it was kind of true anyway.

Spider could hear the girls whispering while looking at Lyle. Then they decided to ask

"The one standing behind you, why does he not have a scent. Is he a dreamwalker? Can he speak?"  They both asked and it took a second for Spider to know which asked which question. 

Ah right, they could only smell Quaritch and him, and were confused since it seemed like Lyle didn't have a scent at all. In reality they were smelling him just fine, they were just fooled by their likeness. 

"Ah yes, I should probably introduce you first. My father is called Miles Quaritch, or just Quaritch-"  Quaritch nodded as a hello to the two girls, figuring out that Spider was introducing them.

"And I am Spider" He pointed at himself

"The man behind us is called Lyle Wainfleet, or just Lyle. He does have a scent, it's just really similiar to my fathers so it might seem like he doesn't have a scent at all." He explained while gesturing Lyle to come a little closer.

"Ah! So they're mates? I'm sorry for the confusion!"  Other of the girls shouted out bowing her head a little

"No! No, I mean-" Spider tried to correct 

"I mean they are not mates..yet. I have a feeling that soon they might be" He explained, embarrassed.

"I see, in that case I must give him a gift. For good luck, for the proposal" The other girl who was silent suddenly exclaimed and took something from a small net-like bag she had on her.

She held a small pink-blue-purple hue gem that changed colours when light hit it in different angles. Quaritch seemed confused why the girl was now offering a pearl at him while smiling.

Spider saw that Quaritch was doubting if he should have the gem so he explained

"She wants to give you a gift, ffor good luck" He copied what the girl had told him. He did leave out the end part. He figured that they didn't need to know that.

Quaritch looked at Spider for a moment then at the girl and then finally at the pearl. He shrugged his shoulders, why not. If the girl wanted to give him this shiny rock as a present, why not.

As he took the pearl gently from her hand he said, or tried to say 

"Irayo"  thank you.

She giggled, then smiled and answered

"Kea tíkin"  you're welcome

Quaritch smiled at the girl, happy that she understood him. Even with his horrible accent. He looked at the pearl for a while, wondered where to put it. Lyle did have a small breast pocket in his vest, he did not. The decision was simple. So he turned to Lyle who was now almost beside him. 

"You wanna hold on to this for me? I think I'll loose it." Then he dropped the pearl to Lyle's out stretched hand who took it with a "thanks" and pocketed it. 

The girls who had been watching giggled and clapped, Quaritch turned to look at them, confused.

Spider was fighting a smile and said

"Uh they're just happy that you kept their gift. I think." He looked anywhere but at Quaritch and Lyle. 

Quaritch had just kind of proposed to Lyle, in a way. Gift giving between two adult Na'vi usually meant that they were either mated or that they were interested in mating. The girls had made it easier to bear the obliviousness of these two. If the girls who they just met thought that they were mates, maybe that should tell you something. 

Quaritch decided to let it go, no harm in two girls laughing. He could admit to himself that he had been glad when the girls Lyle spoke of were just kids. No need to get jealous. None at all. Who would even get jealous, surely not him. no way. 

Then a question popped into his mind

"Wait, how did they find us?" He asked.

He waited as Spider translated and then spoke

"She said that we make a lot of nois, so it was easy to find us and then follow us here."

Then Spider turned to the girls

"Wait you followed us? But we were flying for a long time?" 

The girls just smiled and said "We have our ways, and we are fast swimmers" then they giggled

Spider then relayed it

Quaritch just raised his eyebrows, again and said

"Allright, I know who to call out to if I'm ever drowning" 

"Me?" Lyle said suddenly from very close behind him wagging his eyebrows up and down. Quaritch turned around fast and almost managed to hit his first hand man for scaring him

Spider just laughed, they really did act like a married couple and bickered like one too.

"Allright, whatever, are the girls hungry? I think we're about to get food anyway so.."

Quaritch asked Spider while turning half way to show that he was about to return to the beach. Wanting to get on land quick since he wasn't made for water and could feel the chill in his legs already. He didn't really like water all that much. He was sure Lyle could find the joke in that also if he shared that detail.

Spider asked the girls but they said that they have to get home soon, they would be missed if they weren't home by sunset. Just then the other girl noticed their ikrans who were laying on the beach, of to the side. 

"Are those? Banshees?" She asked, clearly interested. 

Spider turnedd his head to look at their ikrans who indeed were there

"Yes, me and my father ride on one. Do you want to see them closer before you go?"  He would have to confirm from Quaritch that it was okay of course but he had a feeling that he wouldn't care enough to say no. 

"Can we??" They both asked loudly. 

"Hey can they look at Cupcake and Whiskey a little bit closer? They have to leave soon so they won't eat but they're like really exited about our ikrans? Please?" 

Spider asked Quaritch, he hoped that his father would give the go ahead. These girls seemed to be so nice to them so it's really the least they could do?

Quaritch stopped and looked at Lyle, wanting his imput. Lyle shrugged and said " Yeah why not, if they get hurt though it's on you kid" Quaritch then nodded at Spider and turned around. 

Oh so Lyle could make decisions for him now? Alright 

Spider told the girls the news and soon all three of them were near Cupcake, admiring her skin and wings. Cupcake even opened her mouth to let the girls see her sharp teeth. 

Quaritch huffed "Figures, the bird tries to kill me but now is a lapdog" Lyle laughed at that and then more at the frown Quaritch formed at his response

"Hey you have to be as mad as I am, we're a team now" He threw a small rock at Lyle. Not trying to hit him but to get his point across

Lyle laughed at him again before having a fakee frown on his face

"Ah yes sorry. Yes fuck that bird" He growled, trying to mimic Quaritch

"That's not what I meant have respect for her!" 

Lyle just kept laughing.

The girls did end up staying for a bit after that. It wasn't that dark yet, they said. They could sit around to see what they were like. So they wanted to sit where they were seated around the fire. They had eaten the fish they caught yesterday since they weren't all that hungry. Quaritch and Lyle listened as Spider and the girls talked for hours it felt like. Swapping stories of the forest and they were probably talking about the ocean. 

Quaritch noticed the obvious differences as he looked at them, their tails for example. His was slender and long, made for balance. Theirs was just as long, but thick, like a fin. Not all the way around but it clearly was used for swimming. Also as he earlier noticed their arms were thicker too. Another sign that they lived either fully in water or just about. He wondered how they lived under the sea. Or over? He watched at the ocean and listened to the waves. He would let Spider speak as long as he could, maybe he would bother him and Lyle less then. 

When their conversation was brought to a stop he turned back to look at Spider and the girls who were looking at him. 

"What"

Spider struggled a bit

"They want to know why your ears are so sharp." 

Huh?

"I don't know, probably why our tails are different. They're living in the ocean and I was created based on the Na'vi living in the forest" Spider nodded and translated it 

The girls looked confused and said something more, pointing at Lyle and then back at him. 

Spider also looked back at Lyle and then him, studying him.

Quaritch felt his eyes go back, feeling a little self concious. Who cared about their damn ears? They were oveer 9 feet tall and had tails for fucks sake. 

Spider then translated what the girl had told him

"She says that they're different than Lyles, she wants to know how she can get ears like that" He looked a bit awkward. The girl doesn't mean no harm, she's just curious. 

Quaritch frowned, "Why? Tell her that hers are just perfect the way they are." Then he added, thinking later that maybe he shouldn't have.

"If she wants ears like mine tell her that she has to find someone cut your ears and then burn the edges. Hurts like a bitch but then you'll get them to look mean like mine" 

It did feel ridiculous that the shape of his ears might make him more scary. They had wanted a scary Colonel, as if he himself hadn't gotten a reputation of being ruthless. His past human self had round ears, why did it matter now. Just some army bullshit that the next generation had invented. 

He hadn't looked at Lyles ears that closely, or anyone elses on the recom team. Well, he had glanced at their ears and came to a conclusion. 

Only he had cropped ears. 

He wasn't sure why they singled out him, he just remembered them burning like a bitch a few weeks after waking up. He had asked General Ardmore about it, wondering if something went wrong. She had just aswered "Yeah we had an operation on them, gives you the extra edge you need." no further explanation. Like he was some thing that they could do anything that they wanted to. 

Silence had fallen after he spoke, Spider translating parts of the sentence. 

Lyle was looking at him and asked almost like he didn't even intend to.

"They what? They cut your ears?" He sounded angry. Why was he angry, it wasn't like his ears were reshaped. 

Quaritch looked at Lyle and joked to release the tension

"Yeah, I was wondering if they might take my tail too but that part is apparently too important for my balance"

Lyle didn't laugh. Neither did Spider or the girls who looked like they were sorry for him. 

"What, it's not that bad, hardly remember it" He waived at Lyle

"Best not to get hung up on it, it's done, it hardly matters now" Quaritch then said softly when Lyle looked like he was about to start a new rant about it. 

Lyle looked at him and then nodded. Not happy about it but accepting it for now. 

Spider said then 

"She says that she's sorry that it was done to you but if it makes a difference, she thinks you look realy cool" Spider smiled a bit while he spoke. Almost like he too meant it

Quaritch smiled at the girl as a thank you 

Soon the conversation picked up again, Quaritch feeling a little uncomfortable that he was the cause of the low mood. He wasn't used to talking to kids. He was lucky that Spider was here or he would have ruined the mood completely.

He could feel Lyle's hand slightly brush against his as he lay his hand next to his on the sand. It was a silent "I got you" show of support. He looked at Lyle who was talking with Spider and the girls like he was born to do it. 

He didn't have to worry about his short comings as a person when he had Lyle next to him. 

He moved his pinky over Lyle's on the sand and focused on the conversation.

Spider had a wide smile on his face and food in his belly, that was enough for him. 

Chapter Text

Every day for the past few weeks Spider had met up with the girls, (Now they know their names to be Kio and Tirä) and spent time with them. They taught him about the sea and told him what to eat and what to stay away from. Spider did appreciate the company. There is only so much that you could talk about with two full grown adults. They were great company, but Spider did miss hanging around people his age. The girls were a few years younger than him, but it didn't cause any problems. 

Quaritch had been nervous about letting Spider go further away with the girls. He had promised to stay careful and keep an eye if his mask broke. He did have a spare one back with Quaritch and Lyle, but it would be of no use if he was miles away. The girls also had promised to stay in places where there was no danger and they could return quickly if they needed to. So Quaritch had allowed it. He did feel that if he had not, Spider would still go explore but now secretly. So it was safer to let him go and trust that he stayed safe. Lyle had been more open minded about it, he had said that they too would gain from the information Spider learned. 

Spider had also studied the accent that the girls spoke with. It wasn't too different, but it was nice to have someone to speak Na'vi with. Quaritch and Lyle could now with Spider's teaching speak basic sentences. But mostly it was just basic "hi how are you" And "what is this" level stuff. Spider wasn't aware if Quaritch had a plan for them for the future. He hadn't asked and Quaritch hadn't spoken anything about that. Right now they were on the island and that was fine..

But what about if the Sully's somehow find them? 

Spider missed his other family too now and again. Even if he felt like he was left behind. It's been months and they hadn't found him, if they were even looking for him in the first place. He wanted to see Kiri, Tuk, Lo'ak and Neteyam again. He feared that they would never be able too see each other. Hopefully Quaritch and him could live somewhere where he was close enough that he could visit them. Right now he feared that if they were to meet, no matter what Quaritch had said, there would be chaos. Jake wasn't a man who forgot his anger just like that. Now that he had a family, there would be no stopping him. 

Spider was so lost in his own head that he hadn't heard or seen the girls wave to him. Lyle who was closest to him saw the girls and when Spider didn't seem to stand up or respond to them he picked up a small rock and threw it at Spiders head. The rock missed, instead hitting his back. Spider turned around and raised his eyebrow at the man, looking confused. Lyle wouldn't say it out loud but the kid looked just like his father when he did that. 

"The girls are waiting for you, don't make them wait too long." Lyle said and turned back around.

He was sharpening his knife since there wasn't much else to do. Quaritch was again reading the map and using a marker to write short descriptions on it. Probably making sure that he knew what was around them. He could've just gotten on his ikran and looked from high up if there were any landmarks he could recognize. Lyle guessed Quaritch wanted to stay near by in case Spider needed help. That man was like a motherhen these days. Always one ear pointed at the boy if he was nearby and making sure he never felt hungry. It was kinda sweet in it's own way. He probably tried to make up for the years that Spider lived with the Sully's. 

Spider whipped his head to the direction of the girls and there they indeed were. 

"Shit! I'm going to go- I'll be back before it gets dark!" He shouted as he started to run to meet the girls. Laughing as he heard something like "language" from Quaritch. He was a bit embarassed that he hadn't noticed the twins earlier.

Kio smiled at him when he was in hearing range and asked 

"Did you fall asleep with your eyes open?" 

Spider laughed a little, scratching the back of his head

"Ah, no. I was just thinking and I got distracted I'm sorry."

Tirä shook her head and took his hand, leading him towards the sea

"Don't worry about it. Come, we found a cool rock that I want to add to my necklace. It's green and really smooth. I didn't want to get it earlier because I wanted to show the place it's in to you."

Spider didn't mind rock collecting or other tasks that the girls wanted him to join on. It did give him an excuse to get away from their camp for a while. And the enviroment was really pretty under water. It was like a whole new world that he wasn't aware of. He was used to trees and rocks on the surface, growing up in the forest and the hallelujah mountains. The world under the surface was unlike anything he had imagined. The mask helped so he didn't have to hold his breath, it also gave him a clear view of the ocean floor. There were so many colours that he hadn't seen before. He hadn't thought that there could be so many fish with so many different colours and shapes. Hours could go by in a blink of an eye while the girls showed him around their home. 

Well not their home to be frank, they lived a short swim from here. Across the ocean and on a reef like structure that their ancestors had built. They shared stories of the Na'vi living there and of their leader. A tall man with a fierce mate, a tsahik. Spider wondered if he'd be able to meet them someday. 

When Spider started to run towards the girls Quaritch hoped that nothing heavy was on his sons mind. He had been distracted lately, staring off into the distance and thinking about something. He hadn't asked, if Spider wanted to tell him he would. Or so he hoped. 

"Don't worry about it, I'm sure it's nothing" Lyle told him when he saw the troubled look on Quaritch's face. Frowning he turned to Lyle

"Has he said anything to you?" 

Lyle shook his head, that's a no then. 

"He's been.. off for a few days. I'm sure you've seen it too?" He asked Lyle

"Yeah I've seen it. He just probably misses home, this is a new place and he has been on a quite of a trip for these past few months." Lyle added knowingly. He did realize that in between the RDA base and the escape, Spider hadn't had time to really settle down. He was probaby waiting to be rescued for the first month but as time went on.. well. 

"Look Miles, you're doing fine. The kid's a teenager, he has bad days and good days. But he is smart, so if it's something that is really bothering him, I'm sure that hell tell you." 

Quaritch nodded, not convinced but maybe too tired to argue about it. He got up and started to check the saddle that he used on his ikran. Lyle rolled his eyes, he had been checking that every day for the past week. As if something would go missing during the night. Quaritch was nervous, or stressed. Something was eating at him and he didn't know what it was. Of course it could be multiple things but Quaritch did have a habit of sharing the cause of his sress. This time, he hadn't. It did make him too nervous. Had he done something and Quaritch didn't want to remind him of something? Had he crossed a line? He hoped that whatever it was he could make it right. Quaritch was the closest friend he had, and also the longest friendship that he might have ever had. He didn't want to mess it up...

What Lyle didn't know was that he himself was the cause of the stress. Maybe stress is the wrong word, more like anxiety? Quaritch hadn't talked about it with him because, well how could he. How could he tell his friend, best friend even,  that he was maybe interested in him? The realization had blindsided him, it just happened during the night when he couldn't sleep. He was laying there, awake, thinking of their situation, what to do and what could happen. He thought how lucky he was that Lyle was with him. He opened his eyes slightly and watched as the other was sleeping on his side. Spider was curled again between them, now facing Lyle instead of him. Lyle slept with an arm under his head so that Spider was also leaning on his arm. He was surprised when he didn't feel any jealousy towards the man. Sleeping so close to his son. He was content watching the two sleep. He was surprised however whe he recognized the warm feeling he felt now that he thought about the man. It was, affection? No, stronger than that. He didn't dare to think the word, as it that would make it more true. 

Love

He had fallen in love with his best friend, and he didn't want to ruin it. Sure they were close already, but this... This could and no doubt would cross the line. 

So he had made attempts at distancing himself from the man. But it didn't work, it really did not work. 

Lyle kept coming close to him, maybe out of habit and he couldn't help but feel affection. When ever they ate Lyle made sure that he couldn't isolate and ate with him even if he insisted that he should maybe check the bags or read the map. He tried to excuse himself with the excuse that he needed to make sure that nothing was strange about their surroundings. Lyle followed him and even Spider was with him sometimes. The reason being, he didn't want Quaritch to wander off on his own when they weren't sure what out there could harm them. As it they weren't both soldiers for Eywas sake. He was always close by if he needed anything, even if he didn't need anything at all. He was there when he needed company and a shoulder to lean on. 

He didn't want Lyle to get the idea that he was angry at the man, he wasn't. He just didn't want to ruin whatever it was that they had between them. He would be glad even if they stayed just as friends. The option that Lyle would grow angry at him for his feelings and might leave was more painful.

Since he was too in his own thoughts he hadn't seen the bee like insect that now stung him as he was checking the saddle bags. He growled and brought his hand closer to examine it. It really wasn't a big deal but this did anger him, adding to his growing distress. 

Lyle had been watching him from the corner of his eye. He noticed that the others tail was swinging wildly, a second sign something was off. He was huffing and examining the saddle more agressive than before. Then he heard him growl and hiss through his teeth.

Quaritch brought his hand closer to himself to examine it while muttering to himself 

"That's just what I needed.. a fucking.. shit"

Lyle decided to abandon his knife, it was plenty sharp already and walked over to Quaritch. 

"What is it?" He asked while taking a hold of the arm turning it around. There seemed to be a small area where blood was dripping. Not much but enough to show that the stinger had been quite big.

"It's nothing, fucking stupid bug stung me. It's fine you don't have to help.." He murmured, annoyed and now embarassed as Lyle was still holding his hand and cleaning the blood. It didn't help that they were so close to each other now. Quaritch could clearly see the other frown his eyebrows behind his sunglasses. That intrigued him a little 

"What is it" He also now looked more closely at his hand

"The stinger is still in, hold on I'll remove it." Lyle brought a hand to his face to raise the sunglasses on his head to see better. Quaritch nodded but was stuck looking at the others now bare eyes. Lyle seemed to almost always be wearing those sunglasses, he thought it made him look cool Quaritch mused. Now that his eyes weren't covered and he was examining his hand so closely he could look at them without getting caught. They were normal Na'vi eyes, nothing too fantastic. But to Quaritch, they were warm, and so familiar. How his eyes gave him crow feet when laughing, how they seemed to be always vigilant, catching every little movement. He could have stared into them forever but then Lyle was looking back at him. Huh, did he miss something?

"Huh?" He asked. How elegant, a tough soldier who has been in battle for most of his life-well ,lives, gets dumbstruck by a pair of eyeballs. Fucking hell.. 

Lyle smirked, then asked again

"The stinger is gone, do you know if it was venomous, do you need to take any medicine orrr..?" He himself didn't know much of anything about the insect life here on pandora. What didn't kill you immediately, would maybe kill you later. So you better just stay away from everything in his opinion.

He had felt like Quaritch was watching him as he removed the stinger and put some antiseptic cream on it that he had on his belt pouch. (You never knew when you needed it) He was proven correct when Quaritch didn't answer his question at first so he raised his eyes to look at him. And there he was, just looking. He looked like he was trying to memorize what his eyes looked like. He did wear the shades a lot so maybe Quaritch was just surprised to see his eyes again. 

That was what he told himself.

When Quaritch just kept staring he repeated the question, again nothing. That seemed to however break whatever spell Quaritch had been under.

"I- uh- no. I mean I'm fine- It's fine it's not venomous. I think, it was small, red and blue dots on it.." Then he coughed and removed his hand while avoiding Lyles eyes. That reaction was strange so Lyle began to worry

"Are you sure? You're acting kinda odd, it might be a delayed reaction.." He then placed the back of his hand on Quaritch's forehead to get his temperature. Quaritch shut his mouth with a click as his teeth hit together. He was screaming in his head, this was too close, too close too close! He wasn't sure if Lyle could sense the battle in his head but let a breath out as Lyle lowered his hand. He seemed to be wondering if he could believe him or if he needed to do more research. The trust won and he stepped away, giving him more space to breathe.

He did breathe deeply to relax himself and boy was that a mistake. He could almost literally feel Lyle's scent fill his nostrils and he felt dizzy. Maybe that bug had been venomous after all, that could explain this reaction.. There was no way that Lyle smelled good to him. Him, who had been living on an island with him for a few weeks, hadn't had a shower in a longer time, ate whatever they happened to find, smelled so good to him that he almost followed the scent. 

Stop it! He told himself, this was too much. He was a man for fucks sake, he could control himself. He led women and men in a battle, he was a soldier, he... was..-

So doomed.

He felt Lyle take his hand and start to steer him towards the camp. Was he so deep in his own head that he had missed something Lyle said, Again??

Lyle was seriously starting to worry when Quaritch didn't seem to be able to focus on him for more than a few seconds. Something was wrong, did he have to search for help?

"Alright, I believe you. But you need to tell me if you start to feel weird..er."

Quaritch just huffed at him and started to walk towards their fire pit. Lyle did keep a close eye on him, just in case he passed out or something. He was aware that Quaritch could take take care of himself just fine when it came to wounds. But actually listening to his body and taking it easy when it needed to was all hebrew to him. He just kept going untill he dropped or someone else forced him to rest. He was ready to be that someone if it came to that. 

Quaritch sat down heavily, not bothering to silence it at all. He brought his hands up to his head, massaging his temples. Now that he thought about it, his head was quite sore. Like he took a good hit to the head. Lyle also noticed this

"Head bothering you?" Lyle asked as he sat down next to him

Quaritch didn't open his eyes but nodded

"Yeah, like someone hit me with a baseball bat. Earlier it was fine but now.." He lowered his hands and now opened his eyes, squinting and staring straight ahead. Lyle mentally added that to the list of symptoms he had seen or noticed. 

Quaritch felt bad for making Lyle worry

"It's possibly nothing, I just need food or rest. I'll be fine" He tried to reassure Lyle who again looked like he didn't believe a word he said. Still, he left him alone about it. 

Around the evening, before it got dark Spider returned with the girls. They seemed to be in a good mood but Quaritch noticed that one of the girls, Kio, was holding her hand oddly. He nodded at Spider when he waved at them and raised his hand to waive back at the girls who were now too walking closer to their camp. Which wasn't that unusual in itself, they did visit their camp from time to time. Usually to see their strange equipment or ask if they could pet their ikrans. Spider also looked from time to time behind him at the girls, as if to see if they're keeping up. 

When they got closer the reason for the visit was revealed. Kio had scratched her arm on the sharp corner of the rocks and Spider had promised that Lyle and Quaritch would be able to help. Swimming with an open wound didn't sound too enjoyable, that was probably why they even agreed in the first place. Otherwise they would have returned home to treat the wound. Also they possibly wanted to see if they had more strange equipment that they hadn't seen. 

"Kio scratched her hand pretty bad while we were looking for rocks. Can you help her?" Spider asked them while he showed the scratch on Kios hand. It was a pretty deep scratch, but nothing to loose sleep over. When Lyle and Quaritch glanced at each other they seemed to have a conversation that Spider couldn't understand. Again talking with their minds. 

Quaritch had sent Lyle a look that said "can you take over this time, I really don't feel up to it today" Seemingly his headache was getting worse. He did look a bit paler and was leaning his head on his arm which he had propped against his knee. Lyle raised his eyebrow at him and sent a questioning look back to ask if he was okay. Quaritch appreciated the worry but smiled and assured him that it was fine. He softened his eyes and nodded. That being settled Lyle stepped forwards Spider while taking gently Kios hand in his.

This was actually the first time he had touched either of the girls. There hadn't been a reason to before this. He was pleasantly surprised to find her hand really warm. Maybe that was how they survived being in water almost 24/7, how they didn't get cold. He recalled Spider complaining that he was feeling cold during the evening after a whole day of swimming. These girls were tougher than they looked. 

He cleaned her hand and tried to not poke at the wound too much. He did notice Kio grimacing when he cleaned around the wound, Tirä taking her sisters other hand and squeezing it. Fortunately he was a fast medic when the situation needed it and he walked over to his backpack and took out a gauze roll. He wrapped it around her hand gently, and tied the end to a neat ribbon like knot near her wrist.

Spider was relieved when Lyle stepped up almost immediately after telepathically talking with Quaritch. He was almost surprised to see how gentle the ex marine was being with Kios hand. He almost scolded himself for thinking that the man couldn't be anything but a serious soldier. He had seen first hand how nice he was to him and how he acted towards Quaritch. Kio seemed to be in pain but he knew that Lyle would do an exellent job at bandaging her hand up. She would feel nothing in a few hours and in a few days, maybe a week, the scratch would be nothing but a memory.

He did also see Quaritch looking at Lyle with a fond look on his face. To be clear Spider could only see half of his face since the hand keeping his head up was covering the other half. But from what he could see he clearly held something for the man. Spider almost laughed as he pictured Quaritch with heart eyes and a swishing tail. But for Eywas sake he hoped that one of them would do something about the tension already. He was only a teenager but a blind man could see the tension between the two.  

Still, it wasn't his place and none of his business. For starters he was not against Lyle in any way, he did find the Recom good company. So for now, he just had to..endure it. 

Quaritch indeed had been looking at Lyle the second he stepped forwards. He found it alarming how much he liked seeing how good Lyle was with the girls. He could feel something like pride for the other man. A man who was good with kids and acted wonderfully with his kid warmed his heart.

Not that he had had any thoughts like that ever in his life prior to this moment but now that he recognized the feeling, it wouldn't go away. 

So, he just kept looking at him and let his mind run. He was basically already raising a child with the man anyway. So the feelings could be totally logical. It was just nice to see that this gentle side of the man wasn't just for him and Spider. How would he be with their kids..

STOP!

Now he went too far. He could not have these kinds of thoughts. Not now not ever. 

Quaritch shook himself to get rid of these thoughts and rubbed his face with both of his hands. He would have to get it together before he fucked it all up. 

Kio looked at the hand that Lyle bandaged and seemed to be impressed. She turned her hand back and forth and her and Tirä let out a sound that could be described as "whoa". 

"Thank you so much, it feels much better already!" She thanked the man. 

Lyle thought for a few seconds but decided to try his luck

"You're welcome. I hope that you...happy, with my job" He hoped that the meaning was clear. She smiled at him and nodded almost furiously. Happy that the man tried and was making progress in speaking their language.

"You have learned much, great job"  She smiled and said

Lyle gave the girl a thumbs up and before he could take it back the girl copied it. He hadn't remembered that Kio probably had absolutely no idea since even on earth it had multiple meanings. The meaning in this context seemed to get through though just fine.

Tirä seemed to notice Quaritch sitting a bit further away, looking not like himself. She grew worried since she was used to the man always being next to the other man and in good spirits. Not once had she seen the man in any distress. Now however it looked like he might be ill.

So she she got Lyle's attention and asked

"Your Muntxatu, is he well?"  The meaning behind that word, "spouse"  went over his head. He got what she asked when Spider also turned his head to look at Quaritch, furrowing his eyebrows. 

"Is he alright?" He too asked

Lyle turned to look at Quaritch who waved away their concern. As he had done with Lyle.

"I'm alright, just feeling a bit under the weather today" He assured Spider who was now standing closer and examining him. He didn't seem convinced, like Lyle earlier he raised his eyebrow at him. He really did look just like him when he did that, did he really do it so often that these two had also started doing it. 

Tirä felt like she wanted to help but didn't know how. These men and their son had been so kind to her, she felt ashamed that she couldn't be of help to the sick man.

Quaritch noticed the girls sadness, saw how her ears bent down and how she looked at the ground. Damnit, this was what he wanted to avoid. He didn't like people worrying over him, he could handle himself. He tried to cheer up the girl anyway.

"I'm okay. Do not worry. You can visit tomorrow and..see that I'm feeling better" He finished in english and Spider translated. He was actually glad now that Spider had been teaching them more Na'vi. He felt relieved when the girl started to smile and agreed. 

The girls felt that it was their time to head home since they would be missed soon. They waved as they left and made Spider promise that they could come visit tomorrow. Spider wasn't against the idea, of course he would let them visit. Since Quaritch himself had offered it in the first place he felt fine making that promise. 

When Quaritch couldn't see the girls anymore he let a breath out and brought his hands to shield his eyes. His head was really now aching. Spider immediately got closer when he was sure the girls couldn't hear them anymore. 

"Are you okay?" He was worried, he hadn't seen the man be in pain before so this side was unknown to him. 

Quaritch really could feel Lyle and Spider both watching him with concern. He sighed for the nth time and was ready to assure them once again that yes, he was just fine. A little headache every now and again wouldn't kill him. 

"Yes. I am totally fi-" He was interrupted then by Lyle

"No, you've been odd this entire day. You need to take some medicine and go to sleep. It has only gotten worse from the moment I first asked about it. No ifs and butt's." Lyle said sternly. Over this whole macho man act that Quaritch tried to keep up. He was hurting for fucks sake. He did feel a bit hurt that Quaritch couldn't show his hurt infront of him. They basically lived together now, you'd think that they were past this act. Damn him for making him worry so much. 

Quaritch and Spider were both surprised at the no nonsense voice Lyle spoke with. Other was better at hiding it, Quaritch far too tired to even care about the order. Spider felt it was better that he kept his mouth shut. He had learned from Lo'ak that it was better to stay out of the way when Jake and Neytiri fought. Best to let them argue and settle it how they saw fit.

He did feel a surprising warmth when he realized he compared this to a family argument. Like they were a true family. You could appreciate the strangest things when you've been left out of the "norm" for the most of your life. He remembered the feeling that he had when Quaritch had treathened to give him an "old school ass whipping" if he tried to run away. Sure, the moment and situation was far from normal, but.. He felt what it was like to be reprimanded by a father figure. His father. Jake had never bothered to. Thinking that it wasn't his job since Spider wasn't his kid. That thought did sting. He absentmindedly started to massage the area close to his heart. As if that would remedy the pain that he felt in his heart. 

Quaritch didn't usually take it well when someone tried to tell him what to do. This time he could feel the stubborness in him rise when he heard Lyle order him but he managed to keep it down. He didn't mind it as much when it was Lyle. He trusted the man enough to take it seriously. He knew the man wasn't really the type to give people orders for the hell of it. He must really look like hell if Lyle felt the need to take control. He was about to snap something back when Lyle sent him a look that said shut it or there will be trouble. Quaritch closed his mouth, message received loud and clear. 

Lyle motioned at Spider who was looking away and still was almost anxiously massaging his chest. He did look like he was uncomfortable. He was, but for other reasons than Lyle thought. He thought that Spider felt unsafe at the moment, caused by their not quite argument but it was getting there. He didn't want the kid to shut them out, not when they were beginning to really get close. 

Quaritch got the hint and also looked at Spider, regretting his reaction. He felt something like remorse for being so difficult. He could admit that he was a stubborn ass when he really felt like it. So he made up his mind, sighed and finally nodded. 

"Alright, but don't think I'll come crying to you in the middle of the night because my head still hurts." He added, smirking. 

Lyle also let out a breath, relaxing now that Quaritch was agreeing with him. He answered with a huff and motioned Quaritch to hurry it up and get to bed. Not a situation that he would have imagined himself to ever be in now that he thought about it. 

Sspider snapped out of it when he noticed Quaritch getting up. He walked over to him and stayed close, to catch him if he fell. Quaritch found it adorable, not believing that Spider actually had the strenght to catch him if he fell. But he did appreciate the gesture nonetheless. 

When he got down and closed his eyes he was out cold long before Lyle and Spider had even laid down. Spider seemed to struggle for a few seconds before speaking in a low voice

"Is he.. really okay?" He looked up at Lyle who was also looking at Quaritch as he slept. He really did hope so.

"I hope so kid. He was complaining about his head earlier but.. you know how he is" He answered also in a low voice. Not wanting to accidentally wake Quaritch. 

Spider looked up at him and thought about it, then dropped his eyes to Quaritch and said.

"Well what ever the case, I'm glad.. that you're here. You know, to.. take care of him I guess." He muttered the last bit. Feeling a little embarassed to talk about his emotions so openly.

Lyle looked down at the kid who wasn't meeting his eyes. Huh, well it would seem like he had won the boy over. He pet the boys head as he walked past him, messing up his hair that he seemed to want to lay in a certain direction. 

"You're doing a fine job of that yourself kid. Let me handle mister grumpy over here, you focus on growing up. Maybe you'll grow up to be at least my waist height one day" He added to lighten up the mood. 

Spider smiled as he felt his cheeks warm up at the compliment. He fixed his hair before following Lyle and laying down between them again. Quaritch seemed to shift in his sleep closer to them once they were settled. Wanting to feel them close even in his sleep. 

It wasn't really that bad being stuck on this island now that he thought about it. He closed his eyes and drifted to sleep. 

--- elsewhere

Kio ran towards her mother and showed her bandaged hand

"Look mom, the man I was telling you about, the one who lives with his mate and their son, healed my hand!" She was proudly showing her how neatly the man had bandaged her hand and tied it off with a ribbon like knot. 

Her mother, who was cutting fruit to eat stopped and put the knife down so she could look at her daughters hand closer.

She had listened as her daughters told her about these pair of parents on a near by island, just outside of their home. She was nervous at first, and wondered if she could allow them to meet the men. When she learned that they had a son who was few years older than them she felt relieved. She still had warned that if they felt unsafe in any way they should return home immediately. 

Now that she saw the white cloth on her daughters hand, she grew nervous again. She knew this material. It was the same material humans used, how did they get it. It smelled like it was fresh, like it was not found. Unused.. 

"Listen Kio, I need you to be careful."  She had a feeling that the pair weren't from here. They apparently  flew with banshees, like the Na'vi that lived in the forest. She might have to tell their Olo'eyktan about this...whatever it was

Tirä rolled her eyes at her mother. She was worried for no reason, really. 

"Mom they're good people. See how well the other man helped me? You have to stop worrying."  She felt like there was no getting through to her mother. 

"Their son Spii-der is really nice too. His father did feel sick today but he promised we could visit tomorrow to make sure that he's okay"  She told her mother. Really, she couldn't understand where this worry is coming from. 

This caught her mothers attention,

"Sick? How so?" She couldn't in good conscience leave the pair to survive on their own if they needed help. She had wondered why they hadn't tried to join their clan if they lived so close to them. Maybe they wanted to live peacefully, just them. 

Kio answered for her sister

"He looked ill and like his head hurt. Probably from a bug bite or sun sickness."  She looked like she wasn't sure. 

So nothing too serious then, she could rest easy. She then insisted

"You can visit them tomorrow then. But, if they need help you need to come home and tell me immediately. We cannot let a family suffer." 

She made sure that the girls understood before sending them off to find something to do.

She couldn't help but feel like she was missing something, something big. She would have to ask the opinion of their Olo'eyktan tomorrow...

Chapter Text

The night wasn't any easier. Quaritch kep turning and tossing in his sleep. Or was he awake, he couldn't even tell anymore. He felt cold then hot. He shivered and his head hurt so he could feel it in his spine. This was just some common cold that he had caught. Maybe the girls gave it to him? Maybe his body was just know experiencing his first fever, that kind that kids usually got. Yes, that must be it. Or maybe it was the bug? He couldn't tell which was dream and which was reality, he felt dizzy..

Spider noticed when he awoke for the third time that something wasn't right. Quaritch kept tossing and turning and he was shivering violently. He had fallen asleep after he first woke up, thinking that Quaritch had calmed down. Now that he was more awake he could see how much Quaritch was sweating, this wasn't normal, it wasn't that hot. 

He put his hand on Quaritch's forehead to test his temperature. Na'vi's were normally a bit hotter than humans so his estimate couldn't be exact, but his forehead was extremely hot. Too hot for normal. He turned around and shook Lyle's shoulder, trying to wake him up. Lyle mumbled something about smacking who ever was trying to wake him up and tried to turn around so he could sleep. Spider shook him harder and said

"Lyle! Wake up, dad's sick. He might have a fever"  That woke him up. 

He turned his head and sat up

"What do you mean?" He asked as he reached over Spider to also lay his hand on Quaritch's forehead. Spider was right, it was way too warm. He cursed out loud, he knew the headache was strange. He motioned for Spider to move over so he could be closer to Quaritch. 

"Can you get my backpack, I should have something for fever in there.." He pointed towards his backpack which lay next to their ikran saddles. Spider got up immediately and brought it closer. It was kind of heavy since it was scaled up for Na'vi use. Lyle rummaged through his bag for a second before cursing again

"Fuck, I must not have packed them before we went on that mission.." They each had a small case that had medicine and other stuff in it. He hadn't found it necessary to bring it to most missions since their RDA base had a medic team on it. Why carry the extra weight? Now when he actually needed it for once he of course didn't have it.

Spider looked as Lyle cursed and thought for a few seconds

"Do you need something, is there anything I can do?" He might have just woken up but his fathers condition had spooked him so that he was now wide awake. He didn't have any herbs that he could have given him. And since they weren't in the forest he wasn't too sure if they even grew out here.. 

Lyle glanced at Spider, smiling reassuringly. 

"Nah, you're fine kid. Let's trade spots for the rest of the night. It's morning soon anyway.." Then he remembered

"Hey didn't the girls say they would visit today? We might have to ask them for help..." He knew that the girls lived near by and maybe they knew what was wrong. They were young yes, but they also lived here. Maybe this was just common illness that they were used to seeing. And if not, they maybe would be able to get their parent's to help.. It was worth a try

Lyle laid down next to Quaritch, ignoring the giddy feeling it gave him, this was not the time. Quaritch was shivering so he would need to give him bodywarmth so the fever wouldn't rise any higher. Quaritch seemed so sense Lyle next to him, or so maybe his brain wouldn like him to believe, and shifted closer to him. He was laying on his side hugging his body so it was easy for Lyle to settle close to him. Quaritch had his head near Lyle's neck, so he moved the extra inch so Quaritch was now leaning on his shoulder. He let out a breath of relief when Quaritch stayed asleep. He didn't feel like wrestling a half awake Quaritch if he woke up and saw that they were basically cuddling. 

Quaritch did however sniff in his sleep, maybe to let his body know who was so close to him. Then he seemed to melt more into him. Probably his body trying to stay warm, Lyle tried to tell his brain. 

Spider was looking at them, not with a funny expression, he just looked worried. Lyle did thank who ever was up there that Spider didn't give him a hard time about their sleeping position. He didn't have energy to deal with it right now. He did try to comfort the boy slightly

"Don't worry, he's a tough man. A little fever won't be enough to take him down." Spider still looked worried but put his head down. He tried to sleep a few hours more, he was sure that Lyle would wake him up if Quaritch's condition got worse. He closed his eyes and tried to relax.

Lyle how ever had no intention of sleeping, he was too worried that he would miss the signs that Mile's fever got any worse. So he laid there, counting the remaining stars that still were up in the sky. He tried to not panic if he felt Quaritch move in his sleep, as if he would explode at the slightest movement. It was ridiculous to get so worked up about it, but they had gotten so close that he felt like it was his fault that Miles got sick. As if that made any sense but he was past caring about what made sense and what didn't. They were 9ft tall blue alien cats for fucks sake. 

He glanced at Spider and noticed the boy had fallen asleep after all. That did leave him alone to watch over them both. Which he didn't mind honestly. It did give him time to think about their...situation. 

There he was, raising a kid with his best friend (who he was cuddling at the moment) and who he had some confusing feelings about. He hadn't dared to indulge himself and humour those feelings but now, that he was so close, he couldn't help it. He had always thought that Miles (yes, they were on a first name basis) happened to be conventionally attractive. He had good features and the muscles didn't hurt. He wasn't interested in men, never had been. But Miles, he did something to his brain. He couldn't help but hang on to the moments  the two of them shared. When they laughed about something together, shared a knowing look, the shoulder pats they shared. Everything about him just drew him in. He couldn't help it, honestly. He hadn't talked to anyone about it when he was human, and now..he hadn't had time to actually rationalize what those feelings meant. He was happy that he was the man's close friend, but he felt like he wanted to be something, more. He had never dared to ask about Mile's preferences, it wasn't his business. And he did have a kid, so that should tell you something. 

So he kept it to himself. No harm done if you never talked about it. About them. 

His inner monologue was interrupted by Quaritch stirring and curling up on himself, then he opened his eyes. He didn't open them fully, just cracked them open enough to see what he was leaning on. He looked at Lyle for a moment, not saying anything. Lyle himself had frozen and was looking back at him. Not daring to move a muscle, as if that would make a difference. 

Quaritch then closed his eyes after breathing deeply and snuggled closer, almost touching Lyle's neck with his nose now. He draped his arm over Lyle and promptly fell asleep again.

Lyle was sure he had died somewhere along the way and was now in his personal hell. He felt Mile's breath on his neck as he exhaled. He could feel the warmth coming from his arm that just layed there on his chest. He didn't know what he had done to deserve this, he would apologize to Eywa herself if this was her doing. He did notice that Miles wasn't shivering as much now. It was still there, but now it didn't look like he might clack his teeth together from the movement anymore. 

Had he actually woken up and realized where he was or was he still dreaming. If he had actually woken up, why hadn't he freaked out? And if he thought that he was dreaming..well..

He had to stop with this line of thinking before he fried his brain completely. 

"..I can see your brain working over time. Stop it, and relax...you're a better pillow when you're not made of stone." 

Lyle was sure that this was it. He would die, Quaritch would kill him.

Quaritch had not fallen asleep and now was looking at him with one eye open slightly.

"Wh- h- A-are you okay?" He stumbed over his words, trying to figure out why his head wasn't on a stick already. Quaritch closed his eye and didn't answer for a while. Lyle thought that he had actually now fallen asleep but then he spoke.

"..Feel like shit, 'nd m' head hurts..cold."  He mumbled. So he was lucid but was really sick, that was better than nothing Lyle thought. 

Then he decided to risk it.

"And.. you don't mind.. me? Being this close?" 

Quaritch opened his eye again and replied

"...warm.."

Ah

So he was demoted to a personal heater. That was also better than being dead

"Don't think too hard.. your brain might explode" He said now clearer. Closing his eye again and Lyle could feel his tail curl over their feet. Then when Quaritch hadn't spoken for a few minutes he willed his body to relax, to unfreeze his muscles. Quaritch seemed to appreciate that since he let out a deep breath again, tickling Lyle's ear.

So there he lay for a few hours. Could have been even more, he didn't dare to move to check the time. As he saw sun peek at the horizont he figured it was morning. Spider did start to stirr next to him. The lucky kid was always awake long before them. Probably a habit he got from living with the Sully's. He didn't know what kind of morning routines they had in their tribe but he guessed they did wake up early. 

Spider sat up and rubbed his face while lifting his mask. He lowered it again and then looked around, eyes falling on the two. He just stared for a second, Lyle was surprised to find himself anxious. Anxious for the reaction the boy would have. He didn't have to worry for long as he saw a smirk grow on his face

"Comfy?" He asked and wiggled his eyebrows

"Kid I will skin you if you say anything more" Lyle said faking anger, feeling relieved. He didn't know why the kids opinion meant so much to him. He didn't want to disappoint the kid, now that they had gotten so familiar. Spider kept smirking but got serious, looking at Quaritch.

"Is he okay?" 

Lyle wondered if he could tell the kid that Quaritch had indeed woken up for a moment during the night. Ah fuck it, the kid would appreciate any info he got on his condition. 

"Yeah, he woke up for a bit, then fell back asleep." He decided to answer the kid didn't need to know of their short chat

Spider again smirked

"Was that when he decided to climb you like a tree?" The balls on this kid

Lyle could feel his cheeks warm up and his tail flick 

"Kid you're so lucky I can't beat your ass righ now I swear to god" He hissed, embarassed but again relieved by the kids reaction. So far so good. 

"Ah To Eywa you mean?" Spider joked again as he got up. He crouched next to them again

"Should we try to wake him up?" He looked unsure. He was scanning Quaritch as if that would tell him what the man was feeling. Lyle shrugged slightly and decidedd why not. 

He shook Quaritch gently and called his name. When that didn't work he shook harder and called again. This time the man scrunched up his brows and lowered his ears, trying to bury his head into Lyle's shoulder so he could sleep more. Lyle shared a look with Spider and he noticed the kid looked nervous. Then he tried again, shifting now into a sitting position so he could see Quaritch better. He was still curled on his side, ears back and tail close to his body. He looked like he was miserable. 

"Miles, c'mon wake up. How are you feeling?" He tried again. 

No answer

He now too felt alarmed, why wouldn't he wake up? 

"Miles, buddy you need to wake up" He said louder, now shaking him almost violently. Still nothing. 

Spider looked scared now, also kneeling next to him.

"Why isn't he waking up?" He asked, he sounded so small. Lyle felt his heart crack a bit so he decided to try harder.

"Miles! Wake up!"

He now just about yelled at the man. Pinching his left ear hard between his fingers. Thank god the man had feeling left in his ear from the croppinig. That thankfully seemed to work, somewhat

"..wha'.." Quaritch opened his eyes but looked like he couldn't actually see what was infront of him. Lyle checked his temperature from his forehead, fuck he was burning up again. Quaritch closed his eyes as he felt Lyle's cool hand touch his forehead. Lyle saw this and called out,

"Hey ah ah do not close your eyes yet." He snapped his fingers infront on Quaritch and that got him to open his eyes again. 

"..what do you want.." He mumbled, not realizing how serious the situation was.

"Miles you're very sick, you need to try to stay awake" Lyle was now seriously worried. How did he let this happen, he was supposed to keep watch. He would never forgive himself if something happened to Quaritch because of this..

Spider was just about to ask what he could do when he heard a yell

The girls

They had decided to come early this time and thank Eywa for that

"I'll tell the girls that we need help! Keep him safe!" Spider called out as he started to run towards the girls. Lyle had no time to stop him but then again the girls were the best cance they had at the moment. Fuck if that would make Miles angry later when he heard that they had to involve the girls but he would get over it. He didn't want to imagine what could happen if his fever got any higher..

He looked back and saw Spider speaking and motioning towards them. One sister, Tirä started to run back to the water where she quickly dived under the surface. Kio started to run back with Spider. Before lyle could open his mouth Spider informed him

"Tirä is going back to tell their mother, she'll be back soon. She said it takes only a short while to get to their home from here" Spider sat down next to them again, Kio came closer also, inspecting the shivering man that Lyle almost held in his arms at this point. Quaritch also seemed to be able to recognize the girl and he looked back at Lyle while he tried to sit up

"Lyle wh-" He bagan but stopped when Lyle spoke over him and tried to make him lay again

"You need to lay down, the girls are helping us. Your fever is too high right now." Lyle pushed him down and Quaritch didn't fight him. He felt dizzy and wasn't up for arguing right now.

Lyle then looked at Quaritch 

"Please Miles, do not fight me on this, you're sick.." He bagan but was surprised by the answer Quaritch gave him

"I know, I'm sorry for making you worry, I trust you okay.." Then Quaritch seemed to shiver violently and closed his eyes, looking like he was in pain. 

There was nothing they could do but wait...

------

Tirä had immediately gotten on her ilu and started to swim back home. Spider had told her that his father was very sick and they needed help. She hadn't known Spider and his parents for a long time but she would rather die than leave them on their own. She begged her ilu to swim faster than she had ever swam, hoping that she wouldn't be too late. She didn't know how serious it was, but from what she could gather from Spider.. it was pretty bad. 

She had known Spider only for a few weeks and in all that time he had never looked distraught. Just a moment ago however he looked to be extremely worried and was speaking fastly, almost too fast for her to understand. So, she had wasted no time and had began the trip home. 

Soon enough she was home and ran out of the water

"Mom!" She yelled, hoping that her mother was near by. And thank Eywa she was. 

Her mother was alarmed by her shout so she came outside to see what was wrong, she hadn't heard her daughter yell like that ever. 

She caught her daughter when Tirä basically ran into her, so fast had she been running that she didn't have time to stop.

"What is wrong? Where is your sister? Is she hurt??" She scanned her daughter for injuries, she seemed to be fine. So what had spooked her? 

"It's Spii-ders dad! He's really sick, Spii-der was so worried- we need to help!" She begged her mother, hoping that she would do something.

Ah so the parents were the cause of her distress, she did say that the father of the boy was sick yesterday..

"How sick, can they swim here?" She could prepare medicine if they could make the trip here. She feared that the father was too sick however..

Tirä shook her head 

"No, but they can fly remeember? Me and Kio can lead them here! Please can you help him" She wass almost crying now, she always was very empathic towards her friends.

"Yes, I can help him. But you need to get them here as soon as you can. Try to be fast and be careful"  She promised her daughter. She had time to only see her daughter smile before she was running back and jumping into the water. 

She had to get to work

First, their tsahìk. She'll be able to help them better than anyone. 

She walked briskly over to their Olo'eyktan who was helping their new clan members. 

The Sully family, she hard heard them to be called. She hadn't had time to talk to them too many times yet, but she felt that they were good people. Arriving with two boys and two girls, the younges Tuktirey had played with her girls often. Laughing and splashing in the water

She made herself known by calling out

"I'm sorry for the intrusion Jake Sully, Neytiri te Tskaha Mo'at'ite.." She said bowing her head at the pair who had raised their eyes curiously at her. Most likely wondering what she had to say

She then turned towards her leader and his mate, their Tsahìk.

"..Tonowari, Ronal. I must ask of your assistance.."

---

After maybe half an hour Lyle had caught a splashing sound from the beach, Tirä was back. 

She was waiving wildly and running towards them, Spider also got up and met her half way. 

"Mother says you must fly, come! We'll guide you! 

Spider turned around and looked at Lyle, as if asking his permission. He knew that Lyle was wary of strange places, and no doubt seeing another clans home was a risk they had to take. Lyle seemed to take in the news and immediately got up. He lifted Quaritch to his arms since Quaritch had stopped responding to him a while ago. He was certain he would not be able to walk on his own. Quaritch didn't stirr in his arms as he walked closer to the girls who were standing near the water. 

He realized that he would have to carry both Quaritch and Spider with him if he didn't want to leave them to swim. He didn't want to leave Spider alone right now either, worry making his instincts go haywire..

Spider seemed to be sensing his unease and proposed

"I can fly with the girls on Dad's ikran.. please I can do it." He seemed to be dead serious

When he saw Lyle hesitate he continued

"I've flown plently with you guys and I'm sure that Cupcake will follow you since you have her master with you. Please I can do it. We're running out of time." He tried to make Lyle understand. He was sure that he would be able to do it. 

Lyle sighed, having made his decision. If Quaritch didn't have him skinned after this it would be a miracle...

"Fine. BUT I want you to make sure that the girls will .not .fall. Cupcake will follow me and Whisky so just concentrate on holding on. Got it?" 

Spider looked absolutely ecstatic at the chance to fly on his own but he schooled his features and nodded. He would not take any chances. 

With that settled Lyle whistled for his ikran. They hadn't been far away, they glided down in seconds. Cupcake seemed to understand that her rider was ill, she sniffed at him while Lyle was holding him. Releasing a sound that could mean that she was concerned.. Lyle wasn't sure. 

Lyle made sure that Spider and the girls sat safely on Cupcake before getting up on Whisky. He couldn't saddle him up since he was holding Quaritch but he would have to just hold on. 

Soon they were in the air and he could hear the girls giggle and scream as they flew. They had most likely never been up this high. 

Spider felt like his heart would burts. He was finally flying an ikran. He felt as his face started to hurt from smiling but he couldn't stop. To be fair he wasn't flying as much as just sitting on Quaritch's ikran who was following Lyle. But it felt like he was the one in control, he held on just like Quaritch did and and made sure that the girls were secure. They were looking at the view and also seemed to be happy. They kept yelling instructions to Lyle who could hear them just fine with his Na'vi hearing. 

He did realize that this might be the only time that he got to feel like this so he tried to make it count. Even if he was worried for his father..

He also did notice how he had called Quaritch his father more and more today. He hadn't even thought about it, he just did. And that didn't make him upset. Why would it, the man had been nothing but wonderful to him. Even if he felt like Quaritch treated him like toddler sometimes. Still, it was nice, to have a family. Yes, he called them a family. Lyle was now ingrained in his life as much as Quaritch was. And more so if the two ever decided to to something about their... thing.

---

Tonowari was surprised to find out that there were Na'vi living near by and he hadn't been told about it. It was uncommon for families to live outside of tribes or clans, so that did raise a few questions. When the girl's mother, Loeko, had informed that her daughters had formed a friendship with a boy who was living with his parents, and who now was in need of help, he of course wanted to help. When she informed that they would need a Tsahìk he turned to his mate for her opinion. 

Ronal was a proud and a fierce woman. She if anyone would be able to help them.

He looked at his mate and she met his eyes. She then turned to Loeko

"I will of course help. Where is the father, is he here?" She asked

Loeko shook her head but added

"They will be soon here. I sent  my daughters to guide them here. I apologize for not telling you earlier about them.." She lowered her head again but Tonowari made sure that she understood that she had done nothing wrong

"It's alright, if they wanted to live in peace who are we to judge them." He then motioned for Jake and Neytiri to follow them outside

"Come, we might need help and extra hands are not any harm, of course if you are willing?" Jake looked at Neytiri who nodded and got up. They were in no hurry, of course they would help. 

"I need to clear a spot for the father in case he needs it." Ronal ordered her mate who started to clear a nearby structure, it was empty so it would suit their needs. 

Jake wanted to know more of this pair and their son. He hadn't seen anyone when he was on a hunt and hadn't heard from anyone that new people were living nearby

"Who are these Na'vi, did your daughters tell more about them?" He asked. 

Loeko shook her head

"Not much, they have been here only for a few weeks. They have with them a boy, probably adopted since he's different..it doesn't matter-" She said quickly but continued

"My daughters have visited them nearly every day, they like the boy. He's a bit older than them but he is good company. Or so I've heard" She smiled

Jake couldn't help but catch the end part he's different  that got him thinking, sharing a look with Neytiri who had been also listening. 

"What do you mean.. different?" He asked feeling hopeful. Maybe Spider had gotten away and was taken in by a kind couple. The age matched, Spider was a few years older than Loekos girls..

No. He was being too hopefull. If Spider had escaped he would have returned to the forest rather than here..Still..

Loeko thought for a few seconds "Well his name is strange for starters," She rolled out a mattress like soft cover on the floor. Then she removed the hunting weapons that someone had hung up on the wall. "And they can apparently fly.."

Jake and Neytiri shared a look again, fly..  could it be..

"How so?" Jake insisted. He would see the kid himself soon but he had to know

Loeko then looked at him, wondering why he was so interested that he couldn't wait for them to arrive. 

"His name according to my daughters, is Spii-der" 

Before Jake or Neytiri could move a muscle, shocked into silence, yelling from outside caught their attention. 

They had arrived

and they were flying with..

two ikrans.

----

Chapter Text

The last few hours were a big blurr to Quaritch. He remembered going to sleep, waking up, Lyle screaming at him.. But he couldn't tell where he was at the moment. He was moving, or was he being carried? There was something warm against his cheek and he could smell Lyle, then he felt wind. Were they flying? He couldn't trust his senses to tell him what was real anymore, there was no reason for him to be moving so much. Had he been sick? That must be it, sickness making his head feel like it weighted a ton and making it hard for him to focus on anything.

There was more yelling, he couldn't make sense of it. But he could focus on Lyle's scent..that kept him safe...

When Lyle had seen where they would be landing he was mentally preparing himself. He could see Na'vi structures, signs of habitation and of course, other Na'vi. Few were running around and a couple of them weere waiting for them. So they knew they'd be coming. Lyle wasn't sure who Tirä told of their arrival.. but he had hoped that they could avoid meeting the whole village. That wish was futile now.. He steeled his nerves as his grip on Quaritch tightened. Whatever was down there, he would have to face it. They were running out of options.

He glanced behind him as the girls motioned a spot where they would have enough space to land. The caught Spiders gaze and hoped that the kid would understand and land behind him. He couldn't protect the kid from harm since he was carrying Quaritch. Spider would have to think smart, and try to stay behind him.

As his ikran prepared to land few locals shielded their eyes from the sand that was now flying around. He could feel Cupcake also touch ground close to him so he didn't bother checking to see if the kid was alright, he had more pressing matters to tend to. He slid down from  Whiskys back who was shouting at the curious Na'vi who were coming closer, trying to keep them at a distance. Lyle didn't know if the banshee could sense his nervousness or just didn't want anyone strange near them. Lyle started to walk towards a man who looked like he was the leader, close next to him was a woman. They looked at them with expressions he couldn't understand. Tirä and Kio ran towards a woman, Lyle assumed their mother, and started to pull her towards them.

Before Lyle could open his mouth however there was a yell

"SPIDER?"

Spider whipped his haid towards the shout and was meeted with Kiri who was now running towards them.

He didn't have time to think about his reaction, he sprinted to meet her halfway. Lo'ak was also not far behind. Spider also saw Neteyam standing close to his mother, Neytiri who looked furious. He knew te anger wasn't directed at him but he felt a shiver go down his spine when he looked at her. For a fleeting second he wondered if Quaritch also looked like that if he was ever in danger..

"Are you okay?? Where have you been?? I was so worried" Kiri was checking him over as she spoke. She had missed her friend dearly. Loak also looked like he couldn't believe that Spider was now standing infront of them, alive and well.

Kiri hugged Spider and squeezed so hard Spider was for a second actualy worried that she would break a bone. Spider smiled, feeling a little teary eyed. He hadn't imagined that they would meet again so soon. He hugged Kiri back but when he looked behind her he saw an arrow pointed at them.

More accurately behind them,

Neytiri

and her bow was up..she's aiming at--

Spider leaped infront of Lyle who looked alarmed and worried. His grip tightening around Quaritch, if that was even possible. He understood that he couldn't hide Lyle behind him, much less both of them, but he hoped that she would understand his point

"NO! They're not here to fight! We need help-" He tried to explain. They were not here to harm anyone, they didn't want that

"HELP?!" Spider heard a roar and footsteps approaching quickly

Jake

He was now also aiming at them and ordering his children to get out of the way

"Dad! No wait it's Spider!" Kiri tried to yell

Jake was growling and was only looking at Lyle who tried to turn his body so he was shielding Quaritch. If Jake actually shot at them the arrow would probably go straight through him anyway but.. he had to try. He didn't want it to come to that..

"I know damn well who is behind him, move kid" Jake spat and he looked like he was ready to throw the bow aside and fight the men behind Spider with his bare hands.

"We're not here to harm anyone, we-" Lyle tried but was silenced as Neytiri hissed and stood next to her mate.

For a second he feared that he would die here, on this beach, with Quaritch in his arms

Then, movement from his side

"STOP! They need help! You cannot do this!" Tirä yelled as she and Kio got infront of him. If the situation had not been as severe as it was, Lyle might have thought that they looked ridiculous. Three kids shielding aduts. They looked like they were afraid but still wanted to defend their friends. Spider was grateful for the girls but he felt worried for them. Would Jake go too far? As he looked at Jake, he wasn't sure how the  man would react.

Jake lowered his bow as he saw the girls step out, he didn't want to aim at them. Did they not know what they were doing?! He hissed and stepped closer. He was however stopped by a firm hand, Tonowari. He had seen enough, he did not know these men, but they needed help. There would be no bloodshed today, on this beach, as long as he had a say in it.

"Lower your weapons immediately. I will not say again.." He said slowly as he looked at Jake and Neytiri. Both lowering their weapons but both looking like they would disobey at any moment.

"But- You have no idea w-" Jake tried to reason, he couldn't understand how Tonowari would allow monsters like these to step foot on his land.

"That is correct. They will be judged if I see fit. This moment how ever, I only see a man who needs medical attention and you, how dare you draw your bow on children. I am ashamed Jake Sully" Tonowari didn't look like he was joking, he wasn't taking this lightly.

Jake looked confused and looked back and forth between Tonowari and Lyle. He started to argue but was interrupted as Ronal stepped forwards while keeping an eye on him.

She walked over to Lyle and looked at Quaritch who was shivering in his arms. She raised her hand to feel first his forehead, then neck. She turned around, glanced at Tonowari, and then started to walk towards the empty building they had chosen.

"Follow me, quick." She said and Lyle looked briefly back at Jake and then back at Tonowari. When Tonowari nodded at him he started to walk behind Ronal.  Tirä and Kio were looking at the man as he passed, hoping that they had brought them in time. Their mother was holding them back, they would be in the way more than be of help. They had done enough.

Jake coul not stand it, they would not harm his family. If they were here then-

Then Tonowar was infront of him. Looking down, menacing. Jake swallowed nervously. He had always thought Tonowari to be a mighty Olo'eyktan, but he had never been the receiver of his anger.

"Jake Sully.." He began

"Why would you attack a father infront of his cub, hm? Why, no, let me ask, how. dare you." He looked to be almost furious, speaking softly. Jake was at a loss of words, cub?? How dare HE?? Did this man think he would attack just anyone out of no where?

He pointed at Lyles retreating back and hissed

"That man, is a killer. He killed hundreads of us, you don't know him like I do." Spider was listening and decided to speak up. Angered that Jake could say something like that. He stood in front of Jake an stared him down. He was scared, he was sure Jake could tell that but he didn't want to listen him talk like that, it felt..wrong to hear his father being accused like that.

"I don't know what the man you know was like. But..these are not those men. You have no idea what they're like. They have paid their price." Spider had heard of course of the destroying of the home tree, the war, how could he not have. But Eywa had taken their lives right? Wasn't that enough? And now they had been given a second chance by her.. Jake furrowed his brow but Spider continued

"Those men, have not killed a single Na'vi in my presence. They're kind- you know he didn't even want to find you? He didn't even ask me where you were because he trusted that I would not betray you. And I did not."
That was true, at first when they had half assedly tried to find Sully, Quaritch made it very clear that he had no interest in Spdider's info on him. Now he knew that was because he had no interest in finding him in the first place. They had gone on search missions but all of those ended up being research missions on Pandora and it's fauna. They learned the ways of Na'vi, what to eat, where to walk.. There had been times where Spider almost forgot he was supposed to be a prisoner.

Jake didn't look convinced but softened his eyes a little. Neytiri next to him only looked at the hut Lyle and Ronal had entered.

Spider continued

"Those men are not the same that you fought. They have their memories. That's it...they don't even think of them as their own" He tried to make Jake see that these men deserved a chance.

Jake looked conflicted but before he could respond he was inerrupted by commotion at the hut, a loud thump and Ronal raising her voice.

Spider only glanced Jake and then ran straight to Lyle and Quaritch

When he entered he felt his heart stop and froze, Lyle was holding Quaritch who was now violently seizing on the floor. There was blood coming from his mouth, he probably bit his tongue. Lyle was trying to hold his head so he didn't hit ot on the floor, he looked worried. Spider for a second could do nothing but stare at the scene

"Help hold him down!"

Ronal instructed as she saw Spider come in, it was better that someone else held the man while she was still pregnant. Spider kneeled next to the man and tried to hold him down. He felt terrified, he had never actually seen a seizure happen. He didn't know why this was happening now, he couldn't help a tear that slid down his cheek. He was afraid, afraid that he would now lose the man he started to think of as his father. Afraid that his one chance of building a relationship with his father would be taken away

Suddenly there was a shadow over him and two large Na'vi hands guiding him and turning Quaritch on his side. Spider didn't look up, he didn't want to show the man how affected he was by this. He didn't want to seem weak.

"Turning him on his side is better, he won't swallow his tongue..or choke.."

It was Jake

Spider was still angry at the man but he felt relieved when he came to help

Jake then rolled up a blanket and put it underneath Quaritch's head and instructed Lyle to cushion his head with it. Lyle didn't speak but glanced at the man when he spoke. This wasn't the time to start a fight.
He did feel possessiveness rise in him when Jake kept his hand on Quaritch after turning him over, but didn't act on it. Jake did notice it and removed his hand when he felt Lyle stare at the hand and saw his tail rise from the corner of his eye. That reaction would bring up some questions later, but now he had to help liked it or not. Seizures weren't that common in Na'vi, thankfully he know what to do because of his army training. Kiri also had had a seizure a while back, scaring him half to death. He felt like Eywa was laughing at him and making this happen as a revenge for something. While Ronal was a great Tsahìk she could only treat what caused the seizure. She couldn't help him if he choked on his own tongue...

Seeing Spider so distraught had finally made him act, he hated to see the kid hurting. He managed to see a single tear drop fall from his eye and he had moved. In all 16 years he hd known Spider the kid hadn't cried more than a handful of times. Quickly learning that if he kept quiet he would not be punished for weakness. A thing Jake wasn't sure where he got it but he was afraid that his strict parenting on Lo'ak and Neteyam had something to do with it. The kid always wanted to impress him, he tried so hard...

He would later have to have a conversation with him. About them and..  about Quaritch. Why on earth would the kid side with them? That was possibly just Stockholm Syndrome he told himself, there was no other option. He didn't know the man, he didn't know what he was capable of... And if the kid voluntarily wanted to be with him..what did that tell about Jake?

Quaritch calmed down a few minutes after the seizure had started, a short one thankfully. He didn't wake up but they felt it was safe to move him backwards so he could lay on his back so Ronal could help him.

She held a cup full of...something dark, to Lyle. He only looked at it and Ronal then huffed.

"For him. Help him drink it" Then she offered the cup again towards him.

Lyle got the gist of it and took the cup carefully lifting Quaritch so he could pour the liquid down his throat. He was so invested in his tast he didn't pay any attention to Sully who was still sitting nearby. He seemed to be watching them, just in case they tried something. Or maybe he wanted to see how this turned out. Lyle didn't care. All he cared about now was getting Miles better. Neytiri was also now in the doorway, watcching them too. Others had been ushered away by Tonowari, they didn't need an audience. Of course couple warriors stayed behind to ensure no violence would occur.

He handed the cup back over to Ronal when Quaritch started to stirr

He squinted his face and furrowed his brows, like he was in pain. Which to be honest he probably was in remarkable pain after having a seizure. He brought a hand up to block any light that came form the doorway or peeked from between the walls. It wasn't bright in the hut but to Quaritch it might have been. He was clumsy and didn't seem to know where he was. That was expected but it still made Lyle worry. So he took Quaritch's hand and squeezed it, hoping that Quaritch would recognize the gesture if nothing else made sense to him. Quaritch groaned and tried to sit up and he looked confused and.. scared.

The latter emotion was not something he had ever seen on Quaritch. Even when he died he didn't look scared as much as disappointed..

He had never seen the colonel to be anything but stern. He saw how Lyle had taken Quaritch by the hand and kept making shushing noises when Quaritch groaned and twitched. That did surprise him. He didn't remember what Wainfleet and Quaritch had been like before their death. If they were friends he had never seen any evidence of it. To be fair he had been so busy with his own mission that he didn't even try to make friends with him. If they weren't close before they clearly were now. He was more surprised by his own reaction when Quaritch tried to sit up. He raised his arms as if to stop Quaritch from moving and was glad when Lyle grabbed Quaritch by the shoulders before he had time to. He didn't know if his face was the one Quaritch would want to see..

When Miles tried to sit up Lyle pushed him back down, not wanting him to hurt himself when he was still sick.

"Hey, hey, it's alright. Just stay down for now, okay" He tried to calm the man. He didn't know if he could see him at the moment. Quaritch kept blinking and looking like keeps passing out every few seconds. Lyle felt as Quaritch grabbed his arm in a tight grip with almost crushing power. He winced but didn't remove the hand, he looked at Quaritch

"..Ly..?" He mumbled, sounding unsure. Lyle smiled back at him and nodded his head. He brought his head closer so he would see him more easily

"Hi, it's me. Do you remember what happened?" He asked, needing to know how lucid he was at the moment.

Quaritch ignored his question and started to look around, not taking it all in but in his confused mind he needed to know where they were. He again, tried to sit up. Almost succeeding if not Jake pushing him down at the last second. He didn't notice him, he only looked at Lyle when he spoke to him again

"You need to stay down-" Quaritch was beginning to panic. He didn't know where he was or what had happened. There seemed to be a blank spot in his memory. Not that he could think that clearly right now anyway, it all seemed to be mush and voices hurt his ears. He tried to cover his ears but his arms didn't want to cooperate, so he landed his hand on his head quite hard. Normally it would have made no difference but now it felt like someone had shaken him violently so he closed his eyes to try and get over the feeling

Spider could see Quaritch start to breathe fastly as he fought to sit up, his tail was moving wildly and his ears were pinned down. He clearly was not himself as he had trouble even recognizing Lyle who was right next to him. He felt useless as he had no idea what to do about this, he looked at Jake for instructions but he was only looking at Quaritch. He too looked worried, a fact he would deny if asked about it later.

Lyle grabbed Quaritch more firmly and basically pulled him in his lap. He had his legs under Quaritchs' head while he sat criss cross and he resed his hands on his shoulders while looking down at him. He laid his other hand then on his chest where he could feel his heart beat wildly. He met the eyes of the man below him, wide and terrified. He ignored everyone else, he had a job to do.

"Miles, hi. You need to breathe slowly okay, with me.. in...out" He spoke softly and slowly so Quaritch had a chance to actually understand what he said. Lyle noticed that any sudden sounds alarmed the man so he tried to cover the other's ears with his hands.

Quaritch kept looking at him and struggled to inhale deeply, he did try however. He knew he could trust Lyle, so he tried to do as he was told for once in his life. He didn't even know why he was freaking out but focusing on Lyle made it easier to bear.

Lyle kept talking to him

"Okay thats good Miles, okay now again, with me.."

After a while Quaritch had calmed enough that he wasn't about to pass out anymore. Lyle still sat there calmly and spoke to him even if Quaritch didn't answer. He tried to keep him calm, there was nothing else he could do so he was going to to this one thing right. Jake glanced at Spider who hadn't said anything in a long while. Spider was looking at Lyle and Quaritch while he waited, he held Quaritchs' shirt hem between his fingers like a child walking behind his father in a supermarket. He of course didn't know of such things but it was the first thing that came to Jake's mind. Spider did feel scared that Quaritch was so sick but as he sat there he was more and more certain that Quaritch was in good hands.

Jake was not sure what he was seeing. This side was totally unknown to him. Lyle basically holding Quaritch, speaking to him softly... Maybe they were just really good friends? He had to admit to himself that he had been freaked out when Quaritch had started seizing. He didn't know why he cared, this man was a murderer. But seeing him so scared and confused, while he looked so young..it didn't feel right to just let him be. He would not trus Siders word..he had to speak with the man himself.

Lyle felt relieved when Quaritch had stopped seizing and seemed to be able to focus on him better. Still the man looked like hell, fever high and shaking. He also looked tired, his eyelids now barely staying up.

Lyle looked up when Ronal knelt next to them. She checked his temperature again and did some other check where she needed a drop of his blood. Tasting it. Lyle made a face at that but she didn't mind.

"His fever is high, that is why he had this.. reaction." She didn't quite know what to call this. Lyle looked like he didn't understand what she said so Spider began to translate. He however didn't get a chance to say anything when Jake starter to speak

"She says it's his high fever that caused this seizure." He didn't look at Lyle, he was still looking at Quaritch. Likely trying to find the man he knew from this younger younger lookalike. Then he furrowed his brows and turned to Ronal

"What causes fever to rise this high?" He knew Na'vi didn't really get sick and when they did it was rarely this serious. Quaritch had a fever higher than he had ever seen on a Na'vi and his condition would not get any better if they didn't lower his body temperature

Ronal looked away for a second.. thinking.

"Maybe if he got bit by a jumping beetle but.. they don't live on this island.." Then she seemed to remember that they were indeed not from this island. She turned to Spider who was already looking at her. Ah yes, the boy understood them.

"Did he get bitten by anything? A bug maybe?" She asked the boy

Spider tried to think if he had heard Quaritch getting bit by a bug but he couldn't recall. To be fair he did spend a lot of time away from their camp so maybe Lyle would know better? He turned to Lyle who was still looking at now sleeping Quaritch. He still kept his hands near the others ears, covering them even if the other was asleep. He hated to break up the moment but they needed answers.

"Lyle, did dad get bit by a bug at any point?" Jake whipped his eyes to Spider, did he realize what he just called him. Spider was trying to avoid his eyes, not wanting to see the emotion that he caused.

Lyle seemed to think for a moment before looking like he suddenly remembered something damning.

"Yes! He got stung by a bug that he described to be red and blue I think?" He answered sounding a little unsure

Ronal didn't understand english so Jake translated for her. She nodded and sighed. There was nothing to do but wait and hope the fever didn't get too high. She guessed that because since they were new to this area they just got unlucky. There was only so much they could have prepared for, and she was sure that animals and insects weren't on that short list.

Lyle looked between them, he wasn't sure if that was a good sign or a bad sign. Jake decided to tell him the news.

"He'll be fine. You just need to make sure his fever doesn't rise too high.." Jake said. Why was he relieved also, he didn't care what happened to these men. But seeing how worried Spider and Lyle had been and how young they all looked, it just.. he couldn't make sense of his emotions right now. So he decided to leave, he didn't want to spent another second with them while he needed to clear his head. He turned before leaving, calling out

"Spider, you must be tired, come. We'll eat.." He needed to get the boy out of here. Get him away from them. He needed to know the boy was okay, he needed to know if there was a way he could help. They had all missed Spider, Kiri the most. He had often hear her cry sotly when she thought that no one could hear. His children needed to see that he was okay..

He hadn't realized before how he called his children "his children" and that it didn't include Spider in it. He hadn't thought of it like that... Spider was like a son to him, right? He treated him like one..right?

Spider looked at Jake when he called out his name. He was confused by the emotions he had. He wanted to go with the man, he wanted to see his friends but.. he also wanted to stay here. To make sure that his father was alright.

Lyle could see the fight that Spider was battling in his head so he nudged at him with his tail. When Spider met his eyes he said

"Go. I'm sure you want to see your friends, we'll be here-" Then almost backpedaling he looked at Jake

"Unless of course..." He hoped that Sully would let them be for now. Maybe tomorrow he could throw them out but for nowhe wanted a safe place where Quaritch would heal and...then what after that? He wasn't sure. He didn't know if he wanted to go back, there was something comforting about living with people... He would have considered himself to be an introvert but after being alone for a few weeks made it clear that he did miss living with others. Maybe it was his Na'vi instinct to live in a tribe, maybe he was just lonely. Not that he thought that Miles was good company but he did miss having casual conversations with people..

Jake met his eyes and was silent for a moment. Then having made up his mind he said with a low voice

"There will be guards at the door tonight. Tomorrow.. I cannot promise anything yet. Unfortunately it is not up to me...But don't get your hopes up, I haven't forgotten what you did...both of you..."

He almost growled by the end, raising Lyles hackles and causing him to lean over Quaritch slightly. Lyle let his fangs show, warning the man to back off. Jake was mildly surprised by the reaction, not sure if it was sweet or threathening to see the man defend his friend so vehemently.

Spider decided to break them up before Lyle gave them a reason to be banished. He didn't know how far the man was prepared to go to protect his..not quite mate but a very very very close friend. He didn't want to find out at this moment.

"I'll go, but.. I'll be back before midnigh. I promise" He said mostly to Lyle who was still glaring at Jake. He met his eyes and saw how Lyle looked at him, as if trying to see what he actually was thinking but then let it go. He nodded and made a motion with his hand that could be described as "go go go"

Spider turned and almost ran outside where Kiri, Lo'ak, Tuk and Neteyam were waiting for him. They were obviously listening to them secretly and he felt so much love for his friends at that moment. It was almost like it was before, how they used to secretly listen to every interesting meeting, how they crept around places they were never supposed to be in. He felt tears build up and to his horror he felt them slide down his cheecks before he could stop them. He closed his eyes to wipe at them when he felt four bodies tightly hug his and he felt so, so loved.

He had missed them so much, it hurt to know that he would probably never hav both.. his friends that were like family and.. his actua family.
His father.

He cried harder, his friends thinking that he was exhausted from the trip, the kidnapping and then having to live with their fathers enemy for months, all of it.

They were right, he was tired, but not for the reasons they thought.

He was tired of loosing things that were meaningful to him.

First he had lived fatherless..wthout a family.

He was taken in by the Sully's but he didn't feel ike he was part of the family..Then he was taken away from everyone he knew by the RDA, by his father. Then when he was just about to connect with his father after everyone that he knew from the RDA was killed, his father was almost taken away from him this time by Eywa.. and if he did get better he would stil be taken away.. this time by Jake.

And there was nothing he could do.

He was tired from carrying it all inside him so he wept till he felt like there were no more tears left.

Still their hug didn't end, it shifted so they were all sitting down in a small pile, all four of them holding Spider.

He was happy, so he felt that it was okay to enjoy it while it lasted.

It wouldn't last forever, but he wanted to forget that there was such a time when he wouldn't be. When he'd be all alone.

So he stayed there, for a little longer.

He could have that.

Chapter Text

When Quaritch first woke up he felt like his brain was running on limp mode. He couldn't remember going to sleep or anything from yesterday if he was honest. His head hurt quite a lot now that he was more awake so he kept his eyes closed for now. A dull but persistent ache that flared up if he moves his eyes around too quickly, even with them closed. Huh, that was odd. He turned his head a bit which was more difficult than he had imagined. Did he fall asleep leaning on something so now his body was hurting because of the weird position? No, he was laying flat on his side.. so why was his body hurting too?

He managed to open his eyes just enough to see a blue blur next to him. That would be Lyle most likely. Still, he figured better be safe than sorry and scented the air a bit. Yes, it was Lyle. Good, so that was the same as before so what seemed to be different?

He closed his eyes again, still feeling out of it and tried to listen if he could hear anything out of the ordinary. Waves, walking... was that talking? That got him to open his eyes wide and he immediately regretted it since even the low light stung his eyes. Lyle had either woken up by chance or maybe he had a 6th sense when it came to Quaritch freaking out and opened his eyes to a swearing Quaritch. 

In reality Lyle had been awake for quite a while now and was taking advantage of the moment before it was too late. He knew that today they would be judged since Quaritch wasn't terribly sick anymore. He didn't know what would happen to them, what would happen to Spider. He knew that the Sully family probably were questioning him right now but he wasn't in a position where he could stop them. They did care about the kid, and they.. well. He and Quaritch were the enemy. Liked it or not. 

"Well good morning to you too" Lyle mumbled. 

Quaritch frowned and squinted as he opened his eyes again after rubbing them furiously, trying to make the sting go away. 

"Good? Good? How is this good? " He growled and tried to look around. He didn't recognize the..structure, they were in. When had they moved locations? And why?

Lyle continued to look at him as if trying to see if he was alright. Of course he was alright! Why wouldn't he be? 

"How are you feeling?" He finally asked when Quaritch hadn't spoken more. 

Quaritch thought about it. How was he feeling? Like shit was the answer but he couldn't for the life of him figure out why it was that he felt like shit. His limbs felt heavy, his head was aching and he felt so confused. As if the world didn't feel right. 

"Like shit" He decided to answer truthfully. He hadn't lied to Lyle before so why should he do it now. 

Lyle nodded like he understood. Was that pity that he saw in his expression? God damn it. 

"Now why do I feel like shit Lyle- why -" He stopped to motion around him

"Where the hell even are we?"

Quaritch growled again, speaking in a quiet monotone voice so he could keep the pain in his head at a tolerable level. He tried to sit up but Lyle insisted on helping him, holding his back as he finally sat up as if he would fall at any second. Seriously what the hell? He was a grown man, he didn't need a baby sitter making sure that he wouldn't harm himself trying to sit. 

"And what the hell is up with you?" He spat out, irritated at the attention the other was giving him. It didn't make his confusion any better. Had something happened, was he hurt? Did someone attack him, is that why he felt like shit? And if someone attacked them then where.. 

Spider

Quaritch whipped his head around quickly (and regretted it) but he paid no mind to the pain that was now exploding behind his eyes. He had to find Spider- was he hurt?- Did someone or something take him??

Lyle saw Quaritch get agitated and tried to calm him down, moving around wouldn't do him any good just yet. Quaritch didn't hear him or he ignored him. Lyle had to actually pull him down when he tried to stand up. 

"Spider" Quaritch said and grabbed him by the shoulders. Lyle raised his eyebrow at him. Spider what?

"Where is Spider?!" Quaritch growled at him

Ah, yes. That

Lyle removed the arms that were squeezing him and explained

"Spider is alright. He's outside. He wanted to see his friends." Lyle said in a calm voice. 

Quaritch now himself frowned and looked like he didn't quite get it. So Lyle had to adress the elephant in the room. 

"Miles" He began.

"-They're here. The Sully's are here." 

And boy were those the words that almost got Quaritch running straight out of the hut. Lyle just managed to grab him and almost slam him back down. Quaritch fought back and hissed

"I have to get him! They'll punish him- they'll--" Quaritch tried again to free himself. 

"Miles don't worry! They are just talking, Spider only talked about plans to meet with the girl" 

"What?" Quaritch stopped resisting and turned to him

Lyle sighed and again explained. 

"You were still sleeping and the kid tried to sneak out."

Lyle said smugly. He of course had woken up before the boy was even out of the door and caught him. The kid looked quilty but Lyle assured him they if he wanted to go he could. Spider tried explaining that he had made plans with Kiri to meet early before the others woke up so they could speak in peace but Lyle waived away the boys ramblings. 
"You don't need my permission to see your friends kid" He remembered saying to him. That however seemed to be the permission the kid was waiting for and he quickly gathered his things before launching out and yelling:

"I'll beb back before breakfast! Don't eat without me!"  Lyle had just given him thumbs up before settling back down. He didn't really manage to fall asleep before Miles woke up a while after that. 

Quaritch listened silently, thinking.

Then he asked

"And are they... are they, mad?" He cringed.

Of course they were mad. As they should be. They for all intents and purposes kidnapped a tribe member. It didn't make a difference to them that he was human. But he also was- is, Quaritch's child. But that didn't excuse it- god this whole situation was fucked up. 

Lyle didn't spare his feelings.

"Yep. Furious. Sully's mate almost shot you at the beach if it wasn't for the kids." Lyle said, sounding like he was proud. 

"The kids?" Quaritch asked. Did Lyle mean Kio and Tirä? 

Lyle nodded"

"Yeah and Spider too. The kid got in front of you- well us, when Sully's woman aimed-" Lyle said stumbling over his words. 

"What do you mean us? Why don't I remember this.." Quaritch asked

"Well, do you remember getting sick?" Lyle said

"Yeah, but I told you it was nothing.." Denying it slightly even if it now seemed that he had been quite sick. Sick enough to lose his memory?

"Wait how does that explain why we're here?"

Quaritch stopped Lyle, now confusion returning. What else did he not remember? If the Sully's know now where they are why aren't they already dead?

"So as I tried to explain before, now if you could stop interrupting me" Lyle said and almost challenged Quaritch to say something. 

"You got sick. Really sick. Your fever was too high, and then the girls wanted to help so they led us here.. and.." Lyle understood why Quaritch felt confused. Hell, he would too if he suddenly woke up in a totally new enviroment. 

Quaritch just listened and kept his mouth shut, Lyle noticed and was kinda glad that the man actually listened to him for once. 

"Your fever was too high, you had a seizure so that's probably wh-" "-WAIT"

well, it was nice while it lasted Lyle thought. 

"-What do you mean a seizure?? Like an actual.." Quaritch seemed to be at a loss for words. He'd never had a seizure even as a human so why now? He couldn't have been actually that sick, right?

"Yes. You had a seizure."

Lyle growled, annoyed that the man was a stubborn idiot who had to almost die to realize that he was actually sick. 

"You're alive because the chiefs mate helped you, us. They wouldn't let Jake kill you and ordered them to stand down." Lyle was grateful that their leader had not let them be killed. He didn't actualy want to die yet. He had just figured his life out, he had a new chance. He didn't want to lose that chance just yet. 

"He even helped you y'know." Lyle added

Quaritch looked surprised

"Yeah, he told us what to do when you started.. seizing. Y'know turn you on your side and all that. He was the one that translated what the healer said."  He did have to thank Sully for that. But he still did not like the man, and especially didn't like how he was ready to kill a sick man. He was no angel himself but.. he liked to imagine that he himself wasn't quite as brutal, and infront of the kids too. He had a long way to go before he could consider the man anything but a nuisance and a bother.. but he had helped. 

Sully's mate still freaked him out. Always had. She was cold, determined and absolutely lethal. The only reason they were alive now was because the leader of this clan had spared them. He would have to thank him somehow.. 

Quaritch was pretty sure that if Jake Sully himself jumped in wearing nothing but a bright pink leotard he would not be surprised anymore. 

"What?" Quaritch spluttered out

"You're saying he held me down an-" 

"no"

Lyle growled suddenly

"..I didn't let him" He continued.

Quaritch noticed the others tail thumping loudly on the floor a few times, like a cat who was irritated. He wasn't sure if Lyle was even aware that he did that. Probably not. 

Quaritch of course hadn't meant it like that. And it looked like Lyle too understood it now as he avoided his eyes and decided that a particular piece of the wall was the most interesting thing in here. 

They were rescued from the awkward silence as Spider returned, basically lunging through the doorway making the heavy fabric swing back and forth. Then he noticed that the two were sitting up and awake. 

"You're awake!" Spider shouted 

Quaritch felt a bit ashamed that he had been so sick that he needed to be rescued. He didn't want Spider to worry, it hadn't been his intention. He's just really bad at asking help. He wanted to survive on his own, not needing to rely on anyone. But now he did feel like he had let Spider down. What good would a father do if they're dead because they don't realize to take care of themselves. 

Spider noticed the sudden turn in mood and sat down close to them, quickly looking Quaritch over as if to see where the hurt was coming from. 
"Are you okay? You're not in pain or anything?" He asked when he couldn't see anyhting wrong with him. Quaritch nodded even when Lyle squinted his eyes at him, clearly not believing it. 

"I'm fine kid. You don't have to worry." Spider figured that Quaritch wouldn't probably tell him if he was hurting anyway and let it be. He reached to his bag and pulled out a bag like thing. It was wrapped in green leaves ( They reminded Lyle of banana leaves) and it smelled delicious. 

"What's that kid, breakfast?" Lyle asked. He too interested in the delicious package. 

"Yeah, I figured that you didn't want to eat with the others.."

Spider said as he laid the package down and started to open it. 

As Spider was opening the bag which was filled with some sort of meat when they heard commotion at the door. Not a second later Kio and Tirä and some other woman came in. The woman was carrying a bowl filled with some type of fruit and or vegetables. They quickly ducked back out while the girls waved and wished them luck. The woman probably was their mother, Lyle thought. Another person he would have to thank when..if, they made it past this day alive. 

What they didn't know of course was that usually all Na'vi clan or tribe members ate together. Usually if someone was missing they either were sick, away or were taking care of their young. The loud talking of the tribe would most likely disturb the small baby so it was custom to eat separately for a few weeks after the birth so the new parents could get used to eating with a baby. 

Or when a family moved into a new tribe. They were given privacy to get used to their enviroment. That of course didn't happen often, but they treated it the same as if there were a child being born into the tribe. Because in a manner of speaking there was. A new family joined the tribe and they were with a child. 

This situation was not an ordinary one, but the same rules apply. Their olo'eyktan had ordered that the men would be left alone for now. To let them rest and gather their strenght. 

Jake and Neyiri were restless because of this. Spider had returned back to them but at what cost? Now the ones that they were running from in the first place were here, with them. Jake didn't buy for a second that the Quaritch that he knew would run and hide. He must have a motive for this. He probably got sick on purpose, just to sneak into their home. How had they know where they were. Sure Spider said that they had no idea, and that the girls led them here. That could be a lie. They could have lied to the girls, lied to Spider. He would have to keep his guard up. 

But there was a thing that bothered him though.. 

Quaritch wasn't the one to kneel down and show how hurt he was just because that would gain him the upper hand. 

That wasn't what he was like. He knew the man. How hateful and savage he could be. 

But this.. avatar, that he was now. He didn't quite know what to think about him. He seemed.. so young. 

But he couldn't get distracted. He would talk to Tonowari, speak some sense into him. He would warn him. 

That demon would not take away his family.

Chapter Text

Spider kept looking at Quaritch. He knew the boy was worried but for Eywa's sake he wasn't going to drop dead right at this moment.

They pity filled looks Lyle kept giving him already were driving him slowly insane so he didn't need the boy to pitch in also. Still, he got it. he had been irresponsible but in his defence how was he supposed to know that this time it would almost kill him. He had never had anyone to worry about him like this, it was-..Nice. He had made a promise to Lyle to keep him updated so he wouldn't fall sick again any time soon. So he was supposed to just rest and act like he was on a holiday? Right next to their enemy? Yeah no. 

Lyle sensed again that Quaritch was starting to get carried away with whatever he was thinking about. He had been eating with his eyebrows furrowed and had slowed down every second and then stopped eating all together. He was probably thinking about their trial of sorts. What would happen. He had also caught the looks Spider kept giving Quaritch, no doubt making the man feel quilty. So he took the piece of meat that Quaritch still was holding and held it up to him. Like he had before when Quaritch had been too invested in his map. 

Quaritch raised his eyebrow but opened his mouth anyway, maybe too tired to fight Lyle on it. Spider sniggered but didn't offer any comments on it. Lyle turned to him when he had given Quaritch a second piece of meat. 

"What? Are you having trouble eating too huh? Do you need to be fed also?" He asked jokingly. He did hear a soft 'hey' from Quaritch but didn't look at him. Spider quickly stuffed his mouth full and shook his head, smiling still. "You two do that you don't need to involve me in it." 

"I can eat just fine too" Quaritch grumbled as Lyle held out a third piece of meat up to his lips. He saw the glare Lyle gave him though and decided that it wasn't worth the hassle to argue. 

"Oooh yeah sure" Lyle said in an overly agreeing tone making Quaritch roll his eyes and Spider giggle more. Quaritch glared at Spider, the boy was supposed to be on his side.

Spider then said chuckling,

"Yeah, your eating was just too slow. The meat would have turned into dust before you got it into your mouth" Spider laughed as he dodged the bag like thing that Quaritch threw at his head, intentionally missing. 

"God damn it I've been too soft on you kid." He growled but it was obvious he didn't really mean it. 

Spider smiled but then got somber. Quaritch worried he had unintentionally offended the boy 

"What is it?" He asked

".. what do you think will happen?" Spider asked, sounding unsure. He traced a pattern on the floor, not meeting his eyes. Spider tried to act big and tough but in moments like these he really showed just how young he was. He was still a teen, too young to carry all this burden. 

Yes, that thing still needed to happen today. 

Quaritch sighed and shared a look with Lyle. He too looked like he tried to look confident but Miles saw past that facade. He too was unsure of what would happen to them. Not wanting to lie to the boy he answered

"Honestly? I got no idea. We are not the good guys kid, I'm not too hopeful.." He sounded tired. And he was. He was no mother theresa but he wasn't a monster either. Well.. not anymore. He was one? Or was it even him really..

He hadn't given more thought to his past life. He remembered things and new memories still surfaced but lately they had felt.. disconnected from him. Like he was just watching clips from a screen. He had no emotion linked to some of them, none at all. It made it difficult to justify the hatred he was supposed to feel for Sully.. He didn't like the man that much was certain. He had betrayed him but, wasn't he now too betraying what he used to be? What he used to fight against? He had said that they are now living in the form of their enemy because of their past sins. He had been trying to sound dramatic, but.. 

He wasn't ashamed to be a Na'vi, at least not in a way that one could imagine. He actually enjoyed this, he was free to go where ever he wanted. He could breathe the air, he could fly-

He realized that he was scared. 

Scared of losing this. 

...He didn't want to die. 

Lyle must have picked up either the change in his scent or just sensed his fear because he soon felt a hand land on his back. It didn't move, it just stayed there. He did feel relieved by it, it reminded him that he wasn't alone. Whatever happened, Lyle would be there with him. 

Spider was feeling scared too. Scared of losing all that he had been given these past few months. He understood that Jake wouldn't understand him, maybe never will. But he did know that he was ready to fight for this. 

Their moment of silence was then interrupted by sounds outside. Someone walking towards them, and fast. Lyle and Quaritch moved Spider behind them, shielding him with their bodies. Lyle stood infront of him and tensed up, ready to fight whatever came through that door. Quaritch on his right took support from the wall next to them but remained standing up. Him too preparing himself for a fight. Spider didn't understand why they had suddenly stood up and pushed him behind them, but he was soon met with the reason. 

Tonowari. 

Tonowari saw the two men standing up, tense, and in a defensive position. He might have misjudged the situation. He was in the belief that the other man they called Quaritch was still unconcious. He had been on his way to see how their 'prisoners' were doing. Now that he saw that he had freaked them out, he raised his hands and motioned for the guard that had followed him to stand down. 

"Calm yourselves, I am not here to bring violence" 

Quaritch and Lyle understood enough to see that the Olo'eyktan was not here to kill them or fight them. They still didn't sit however, not too trusting of the other Na'vi. Spider couldn't see the reason he was being shielded from the clan leader, he had saved them. He tried to step up but Lyle landed a hand on his chest pushing him back. Not letiing him get infront of them. Quaritch also had his ear pointed backwards at him to keep track of where he was. His eyes still forwards looking at Tonowari.

 "I am here merely to see how you are fairing. My mate tells me that you had quite a reaction to your fever." Tonowari explained while sitting down, motioning for them to also sit. 

Lyle turned his head partly to Spider as if asking him to translate. He was quite proud how quickly he had picked up Na'vi but he wasn't that good at it yet. And in any case this man spoke in a different dialect to it would be difficult to understand him if he had only just began learning the language. 

"He says that he just wants to make sure you're okay after yesterday" Spider explained. Honestly these two were too cautious. Quaritch didn't remove his eyes from Tonowari, watching his every move. He did however not take into account the the reaction this sudden movement would have on his weakened body. He began to feel a tremble in his legs and a few sweat droplets form on his forehead. He hated to feel this weak. Like he was an infant who couldn't do anything but scream and cry without help. 

Tonowari noticed his rapidly weakening state and looked alarmed. 

"Come, sit down-"

Before he had time to get up himself to help the other man, Quaritch's legs finally gave out and he began to collapse. Lyle was close enough where he could react immediately and caught him before he fell flat on his face. He lowered Quaritch to a sitting position and quickly looked him over. Quaritch growled and pushed his hands away, embarassed to look so weak infront of the leader. Spider had also seen that Quaritch was about to drop and helped to soften his fall. 

"¨m fine" Quaritch growled low. He didn't have to see himself to know that his ears were probably dark blue from embarrassment. 

"Are you sure?" Lyle asked worried. He was not very trusting of the others words right now, they were in this situation because Miles had denied that he was even sick. 

Tonowari looked at the pair, still slightly worried for the others health. It did seem however that the girls had been speaking the truth when they told him that they were mated. The one without hair 'Lyle', was clearly worried for the other. Jake had been trying to say that the girls were confused. Quaritch was actually a squad leader and that was why they seemed to be looking out for each other. It was their job. Tonowari had questioned whether he cared for his mate because of duty. He too had been a leader, did that take away the feelings that he had for his mate. Jake had been defiant and tried to explain how these men were evil and didn't care about anyone else. Much less for Spider, they had kidnapped him, taken him away as a hostage. That was an act that Tonowari did not approve. The situation however was not as simple as that. The other Na'vi was the boys father. 'technically' Jake pointed out. 

If it was true and the boy wanted to remain with them.. that was what made it difficult to solve this by himself.

So he made up his mind, he would have to see them personally. 

And what he was seeing... didn't make it any easier to come to a decision. 

"Are you feeling well?"  Tonowari asked when Quaritch had settled down to a sitting position next to Lyle. Slightly leaning on him for support. He hated to be this weak but he had no choice right now. 

"..yes, I am. Thank you.." He growled, not wanting to sound ungrateful but he did not yet trust this other man. 

Tonowari nodded, good. 

"Now I apologize that I must ask this, bear with me.." He began. He didn't want to bother them as the other was clearly unwell but he needed to make his decision as soon as possible so the right arrangements could be made. Whatever they would be. 

"Jake Sully has demanded that I must kill you. Banish you from this tribe. He accuses you of.. terrible crimes" He spoke softly but with a tone that left no space for arguments. He didn't want to accuse the man of things that he had or had not done but.. 

The songs of the home tree that was burned, destroyed, ruined beyond recognition reached his lands too. The destruction and smoke could be seen from across the sea, and stories traveled. 

Spider helped translate so there would be no misunderstandings, Quaritch looked at the other man and listened. He had indeed done those things. At least the human him had.. He didn't think the Olo'eyktan would understand even if he tried to explain it. 

"..yes." He just said. Not revealing anything more. 

Tonowari saw that the man did not trust him, but he didn't feel hurt by it. A strong man would not bow just because it was expected of him. It showed his strenght. 

"Now Jake Sully also mentioned that this was done by a.. past you? So you yourself have not done these things.. in this life?"  

Quaritch was surprised, Jake had indeed tried to explain why he was now Na'vi but wasn't one of the people. Why he acted and talked like other avatars before him. Quaritch spoke in english so Spider would have to translate, he wanted to be as exact as he could. 

"I was.... not a good man. I am not, a good man. I did burn the home tree yes. I killed... hudreads of Na'vi and.. " He wasn't sure why he was saying all this. Maybe he just wanted to come clean. If this was it the what more harm would it do. 

"I was tasked with.. removing the native problem. I was supposed to - I did remove it. Jake betrayed me and- He betrayed humans... I can see why now but that's not important--" He continued. 

"I was brought back after I died. I used to be human. Now I am.. not. I was brought back as a Na'vi because of my..sins you could call it." He laughed a bit, souding self deprecating. 

"My mission was to find and kill Jake Sully." He said after a while, not meeting Tonowari's eyes any longer. 

"But. I don't want to do that- I never wanted to do that. I have these memories of my old life in my head, I don't- I am not that man." He had said that last bit to Spider also in a different context. But he meant it. And he means it now. 

"I don't want to be their puppet, they never treated me like I was alive. I didn't want to do that anymore so.."

He met Tonowari's eyes briefly, he looked like he was listening to him intently.

"..And after I didn't, we- didn't do the task we were supposed to.. we ran." 

He finished. Tonowari didn't need to know that they had been almost killed by the people they were supposed to work for. 

Tonowari was silent after he had finished for a while, deep in thought. 

Then he turned to look at Spider. Spider thought he looked every bit like a leader that you didn't want on your bad side. He swallowed nervously. 

"Young one, are you with them by choice? You are not forced to stay. Trust me you can tell me the truth" He didn't want to make the mistake of leaving the young human if he was not here by choice. 

Spider blinked thrown off by the question but then nodded furiously. 
"Yes, I want to stay with my father." 

Tonowari looked at him for a few seconds more then nodded. 

Having made up his mind, he got up. 

Lyle and Quaritch raised their heads as the leader stood up, was this it?

Would he send them out to be killed? What would happen to Spider?

Tonowari turned towards Quaritch and met his eyes, he didn't dare to look away.

"The crimes you have commited cannot be excused. However, Eywa has blessed you with a second chance.. One could say that you have already paid the price.." Then he turned to also look at Lyle

"Both of you." Then he turned to leave but stopped and spoke again. 

"You are both to be left alive. You will learn, like Jake Sully, to live like us. If you cannot, you will die."

"This is your chance, don't waste it." Then he walked out and they were left alone. 

"What?" That was all Quaritch could mumble out

They sat there, for minutes it felt like. 

Then Spider jumped and hugged them both pulling them towards him. 

"I knew it I knew it I knew it! Kiri said that Tonowari was sensible and listened to Eywa! "

So that answers that Spider was talking about with the girl.

Quaritch couldn't believe it. Were they killed and he was just living in a fantasy land? 

He heard Lyle laugh next to him and started to realize that this was real

He was alive

He brought his arms up and returned the hug, squeezing Spider and Lyle like they were in a current in danger of drowning. 

He was alive! 

Chapter Text

After learning that they would in fact not be killed in their sleep, Lyle felt like he could breathe more freely. A weight was lifted from his chest.  They could live freely here. That was if the Sully's somehow let them live of course. He didn't they'd be desperate enough to go against the word of their olo'eyktan.. he hoped the knew better. He wasn't interested in fighting anymore, he wanted to leave that part of his more or less behind. 

As he was hugging the two he felt grateful. He also felt protective, he would do anything it took to make sure that they were safe. That must have been the same feeling Jake Sully had, damn it. If he even imagined someone taking Spider or god forbid Miles, he would burn everything standing between them. He hated to say it but he understood Sully more now. Now that he too had something worth fighing for. He raised his head to lay his chin on Quaritch head, tucking him closer. Even if Quaritch was slightly taller than him, it didn't matter. He could sense Quaritch rolling his eyes at the affectionate display but didn't push him away. Maybe he needed this too. After all, they were certain that in some way, by someones hand, they would die. Now that they were suddenly left alive.. it was a shock. A welcome one. 

Spider finally let go and sat upright. He was still smiling but he seemed to be thinking about something that dampened his mood. Lyle noticed this as he had opened his eyes as he felt Spider move. Quaritch hadn't moved, but he tried to not read too much into it. Maybe he felt tired, he was still feeling weak after being sick. Yes, that must be it. 

He nudged Quaritch slightly who raised his head, questioning what was wrong. Lyle nodded in Spider's general direction who was now looking away from them. Quaritch then met Lyle's eyes before calling out to the boy. 

"What is it son"

He asked. The boy was so happy a second ago, what changed? 

Spider had began to fidget with his braid again, a habit that Quaritch had noticed earlier. He did look so young like this, it made his heart hurt to imagine his son in pain. Was it a parental thing or a Na'vi thing, he didn't know and didn't care to think about it. It was mostly instinct in every species to make sure that your offspring was healthy and felt well. He couldn't imagine Na'vi were that different. 

Spider thought of the words to explain what he was feeling. How could he explain what he felt when he didn't know it himself. 

"I'm just.. I'm happy. I am" He looked at his father. He didn't want him to imagine that he was unhappy with the result. He was, but anxiety rose quickly. 

"I just... what will we do now.. I mean... I miss my friends but I don't want you to leave.. " 

Ah. he feared what the Sullys would think of them. Of him.

Quaritch sighed, that was something that they couldn't avoid. If the Sully's didn't know of the desicion already they would soon enough. 

"I think we'll just have to take it easy for a while kid. Maybe then the she-beast won't kill us" Quaritch joked but stopped smiling as he saw the sour look on Spider's face. 

"Sorry... I won't call her that" Quaritch knew that Spider still liked the Sully's. They did kind of raise him after all. If he wanted to get on their good side he would have to play his cards right. And that started with not insulting the second head of the family. Spider nodded, accepting his apology. 

Soon however a woman came through the doorway ( how they hadn't heard her coming was a good question) and Quaritch thought he could remember her from...somewhere. Quaritch could see that she was pregnant, maybe halfway through. He hadn't paid attention on how Na'vi procreate exactly... he hadn't had the need to know or read about their pregnancies. 

Lyle nudged his side and bowed his head as a greeting to her, ordering him to do the same. He obeyed, not too sure why but didn't want to completely look like an ass. She was clearly someone to be respected. When he raised his head again he met her eyes which were studying him. He kept his mouth shut, not knowing if he would be sent to die if he said something rude to her. Her eyes held a look that promised trouble if you tried to argue her. A chief's mate then perhaps? 

She continued to study him for a few seconds more but then moved to Lyle who also met her eyes, not flinching away for a second. Quaritch was worried for a second that Lyle seemed to be challenging the woman somehow but heard her huff. She was amused. 

"I see you are well.. " 

She said, and without asking or showing a sign of moving, she was already infront of Quaritch. He didn't have time to prepare himself so he closed his eyes on instinct as her hand came close to his face. He opened them again when he felt a light touch on his forehead. She was measuring his body temperature. 

She didn't say anything but she backed away again, seeming to be satisfied for now. 

Then she gave Spider the light stack of clothes that she was carrying. 

"Here. Change and come outside. Your new Olo'eyktan will inform the rest of the clan about your fate. Do not linger." She said with a tone that you could not fight and then she walked away briskly. It seemed the Sully's weren't the only ones not that happy that they're to be left alive. Spider just numbly offered the items to them. 

"So I guess... change?" He smiled awkwardly. He did remember more or less what Quaritch had said about Na'vi outfits. 

"If I wanted to prance around half naked I'd be on a beach in Hawaii."

He didn't know what Hawa-ji was but his point was clear. 

Ah hell. 

"So I'll finally be forced to dress like a call girl..." He grumled as he stared at the items in his hands. A thing that went on his neck..and a loincloth. He sighed, there was nothing he could do about it. 

"Don't worry sir. I'm sure they'll suit you just fine." Lyle said, trying to lift his spirits. He was more comfortable with showing skin. Usually walking around the commonrooms back at their old base without a shirt and in shorts. It made sense that he wasn't too disturbed by this. He was a natural. Quaritch on the other hand didn't show much skin at all. His arms and calfs were really the only thing that he has shown. He wasn't shy, he just didn't understand why he would show more skin than he had to. It didn't help their mission in any way... 

"Gee thanks.." He mumbled still staring angrily at the clothes like they offended him personally. 

Spider got up and excused himself

"I'll be outside, don't be too long... you heard her" And then he was gone

Lucky bastard, Quaritch thought. 

"Who was that, by the way" He asked Lyle as he turned around to undress. better get it over with. 

"That? Their Tsahik." Lyle said, he couldn't see if the man was still looking at him or if he too had turned around. 

"A what?" Quaritch asked, he hadn't paid really any attention when they were shortly briefed on Na'vi. He didn't want to connect any more to this body what he now had. Now in hindsight it was a bad idea. 

Lyle sighed

"Seriously? Only the chief's mate, nothing too important." Lyle said sarcastically. Now he heard him take off his shirt. Quaritch focused his mind and tried to not imagine what it looked like. He briskly took off his shirt and remaining clothes. Fucking hell, nothing he could do about it. 

He got his loincloth on just fine, it seemed like he had multiple layers covering a bit more of his nether region. Which he was incredibly happy about, he would have to thank whoever picked out their clothes. Unless it was Jake. Damn it it probably was him and he picked out the ones that looked the most foolish on them. Damn it. 

"You okay?" He heard Lyle ask. 

"-YES- yes. I'm fine" He huffed and tried to put on the neck piece. it had longer shells covering his neck in a style that he had seen a few Na'vi women wear. A dark red and blue colours mixed with a few lighter pieces. It was kind of beautiful if he was honest. Not that he would have picked it out to wear if he was making the decision himself.. but it did cover him up more, and that was more important for him at the moment. 

He turned around when he was satisfied with his get up and glanced at Lyle. The man had also a loincloth that covered him a bit more, but not as much as his own did. He did however have a starp like belt that crossed over his chest and looked more like armour than anything. Sort of like the Chief that had visited them had but it was not nearly as ornate. Lyle's was like a simple version of that. A few hand stitched patterns could be seen if you looked closely. And he was. 

Lyle tied a dark bandana that he had around his bicep, wanting to keep something for himself. He didn't mind his new outfit, it did give him more freedom to move his body. It would need some getting used to. 

He noticed from the corner of his eye that Quaritch had turned partly around and seemed to be looking at him. He turned to the man and was amused as he noticed the man hadn't most likely even realized that he was staring, he didn't react to Lyle turning in any way. He just kept looking at his chest area. 

"WHat, do I look good?" He asked jokingly and wiggled his eyebrows. He did notice now that he was face to face that Quaritch had a neck piece on that he didn't get. It had dark blue and red shells on it that arranged a sort of triangle, thinning out near his chest where it ended. The shells were arranged in a way that brought out Quaritch's shoulders and made his neck look thin and long. It made him look more...elegant. He didn't mind it of course. Not at all. It did emphasize his shoulders and his thin waistline. Not that Lyle was looking... not at all. 

Quaritch quickly raised his eyes, feeling embarassed that he had been caught basically ogling his former team mate.

"You don't have a neck piece like I do"

He blurted out. He wasn't actually that interested in the differences in their clothing but he needed to get something out to explain why he was looking for so long. Lyle knew that wasn't what Quaritch had been looking at but he didn't call him out on it.

"Yeah, maybe they just wanted me to show off my muscles" He flexed his chest muscles once, twice, making Quaritch roll his eyes. 

"C'mon Hercules, let's go. They'll think we ran off if we stall any longer" He said and turned around. He heard Lyle start to walk behind him. Before reaching out and pulling the fabric aside he took a deep breath. 

And then he stepped out, into their new home. 

Immediately he was met with sunlight, making him cringe as his eyes were still sensitive to light.

Spider was waiting for them just outside the hut, he got up and joined them as the guards started to lead them. Quaritch looked around, walking behind Spider and infront of Lyle. There were few Na'vi around. All probably already at their destination, waiting for them. He saw more structures like theirs around them. Some more private and some open so anyone could walk through them. He was glad that the one he woke up in had been drastically more private. It didn't have large windows or a large doorway. Maybe they tried to make them more comfortable by shielding them from the rest of the clan. 

Or maybe they tried to protect their people, from them. There was no doubt in his mind that Sully had told them everything they needed to know about him and more. Still, it brought him relief to know that he wouldn't be sentenced to die or sent away. Spider was safe, that was all that mattered. His well being came second. Well, third. Second most important thing was Lyle's health. Then his.  He didn't know when he had made that decision but he wasn't about to open that can of worms now. So, he clenched his fists and kept walking. 

When Jake saw that Quaritch and Lyle had arrived he was surprised to see Spider with them. He had thought that Spider would be with Kiri. As he turned to look at his daughter she just shrugged his shoulders and avoided his gaze. That girl was just like Grace, too smart for her own good. Jake shook his head and sighed. It didn't matter. What mattered was what was about to happen. 

When they got closer he was even more surprised to see that they were no longer wearing their clothes. They'd been given Na'vi clothes. That could mean only one thing. 

They weren't leaving here. 

A stone dropped to his stomach and he felt a shiver pass through him. He was then brought out of it when he noticed how uncomfortable Quaritch looked. He avoided his eyes and didn't look anywhere close to his direction. He was sure that he knew where they were sitting, they couldn't be missed. His tail kept flicking when they sat. A sight that he still couldn't get used to. Quaritch was now a Na'vi and acted every bit like one. He studied the clothes they had been given. Lyle was wearing something what he saw some of the Metkayina wear. Nothing out of the norm, maybe a bit more coverage than usual but it didn't look like anything too excessive. Quaritch was also wearing a dark loincloth with more layers to it. He was also wearing a neckpiece that reminded him of someone. He glanced next to him and was hit with a realization. 

Neytiri. 

She also frequently wore a neck piece similiar to what Quaritch was wearing now. Clothes on Pandora weren't made for any specific gender, you could often see same type of clothing worn on both male and females. But he was still born on earth and seeing Quaritch wear something that reminded him of his mate.. Shook him. It did suit him, that also surprised him. He looked almost natural in Na'vi clothes. A fact that he was probably not very happy about. 

Jake had always knows Quaritch to hate everything Na'vi. Almost as if he was born for his mission. So now to see him as a Na'vi and act like one.. it was strange. 

He felt Neytiri stiffen next to him, ready to attack the two men that sat with their backs to him. They were seated in front of everyone, in front of Tonowari who had motioned for them to sit. Quaritch wasn't looking at him, he was looking at the ground in front of him. A thing that also stuck out to Jake as odd. The man he knew loved to boss other people, and never backed out from anything. To see this version of him so.. subdued unnerved him. He could protect his family if the man attacked them, no problem. But if the man wasn't attacking, if he was submitting...could he do it? Could he kill him if he didn't fight back. Something in him told him that he couldn't. 

Then Tonowari began

"These men will learn our ways. It had been decided. Teach them, like you have taught others before" He spoke with conviction. A few murmurs could be hear somewhere behind them 

Neytiri lost her patience 

"What?!" She hissed and showed her fangs. 

This couldn't be, this monster couldn't be left alive.  

Before she could do anything or anyone could stop her there was a loud screech coming from above.

Quaritch had turned to brace himself as Neytiri shouted out and felt a strong gust of wind hit him. He raised his arms to cover his eyes and tried to make sense of what was happening. Another loud cry. He opened his eyes to find something big and blue cover his field of vision. 

Cupcake.

She had seen her rider down below and wanted to see that he was alright. She had sensed that the other Na'vi was threathering her rider and landed down hard between her rider and the offender. She flapped her wings and screached, making everyone back away from her. She glared at everyone who she deemed to be too close. No one else was threathening her rider so she calmed down and cooed at him. Nudging his head with her massive beak like head and she closed her eyes as she felt a hand pat her head. Her rider was alright. 

Lyle had been worried that Neytiri would attack them and he was proven partly right as Neytiri shouted and began to get up. What he could not have imagined to happen in a million years happened infront of his eyes. Cupcake landed very close to them, partly covering them with her massive wings. She began screetching at Neytiri, who had in shock dropped her knife and stared at the ikran. Cupcake was big, bigger than Whisky, and from what it seemed she was bigger than Neytiri's ikran. It was almost comical how Cupcake cooed at Quaritch as he pat the big bird only seconds later. Satisfied that her owner was safe. 

Quaritch looked to be flabbergasted himself, eyes wide and his gaze shifting from Cupcake to Neytiri to Jake. 

"I..." He began weakly, not still believeing the situation he was in

"I apologize I never-" He tried to say, mortified that this would change Tonowaris mind. If he couldn't control his ikran he surely would not be a trust worthy addition to their clan? Right?

But Tonowari only smiled widely, even his mate looked surprised herself. Quaritch would have found the look on her face funny if he wasn't scared shitless at the moment. 

"See! This is Eywa's will!"  He shouted and gestured around him

"Do you think Eywa would have let him bond with an ikran if not by with her permission?" He asked again, looking at Neytiri. Then he lowered his voice

"I understand your feelings, believe me. But this is Her will. You are not allowed to come in between that" He hissed and dared her to argue. Ronal looked at Neytiri also, daring her to try and disobey the order of their Olo'eyktan. 

Neyriti felt ashamed and enraged, how could this demon be allowed to do this. This must be a misunderstanding. She however lovered her head and backed away, submitting for now, there was nothing she could do. Jake pulled her back, feeling numb. He himself had been spared by Eywa, how could this man be blessed by her also. He kept looking at the ikran who now was quite content on staying where she was, head in Quaritchs' lap. He had never seen an ikran as docile. he didn't know what to think. 

Spider who had been also under Cupcake's wing was petting the ikran too. She curled her wing tighter around him when he didin't move away. Spider was glad that the banshee recognized him as part of her pack, Lyle also, who was squished close next to Quaritch. He too looked like he had just woken up from a dream and couldn't believe where he was. 

Quaritch was embarassed that all the attention was now on him, petting Cupcake helped but she needed to be sent away for now. She was too big for him to pet her forever, his legs already feeling numb from just the weight from her head. So he tapped her beak a few times and softly spoke.

"y'think you could let me go for a second, I'll be okay" He didn't know if the bird could even understand him but as he spoke she opened her eyes to look at him. His meaning seemed to translate through their bonds somehow even when not connected. She raised her head, nudged his head once with hers and took off. Quaritch had to shield his eyes once again as sand and wind blew all around him. When he opened his eyes everyone was still staring at him. Then, a voice called out. 

"That was so cool!" 

It was Kio who had been sitting further back with her sister Tirä. Their mother tried to silence them with very little success as other kids joined in. 

Quaritch was now absolutely mortified, this was the worst outcome. He would have chosen to die instead if he had known that this would happen. He felt Lyle laugh softly next to him, so he glared at him and he didn't even try to hide how uncomfortable he felt. Lyle pitied the man and raised his hand to lay it on his shoulder. 

"If it's all the same to you, I think I like your ikran more than mine" He joked, enjoying seeing Quaritch so uncomfortable. It was a new side to him that he didn't see that often. He also wanted to brighten up his mood. It didn't work but at least Quaritch had something else to focus on than the stares and the shouts of the kids.

"You can have her" Quaritch mumbled, ears pulled back and deep blue from embarrassment. 

Jake looked at the easy exchange the two were having. The old Quaritch that he knew would have gutted the man for making fun of him and cut off the arm that dared to land on his shoulder. The hand hadn't left the shoulder, in fact, it now draped comfortably over Quaritch like it belonged there. Spider didn't look too shocked or scared of the situation so it must be the norm... 

Then his inner thoughts were interrupted by Tonowari announcing,

"Now, we must feast!" 

Oh fuck, Quaritch thought. It seemed like he couldn't escape and hide away just yet. He would have to bear the gaze of Jake Sully examining him like he was a frog on a table, cut open and bare. If Lyle realized it also he didn't say anything. The hand over his shoulders did block Sully's eyes nicely though. But that must have just been a coincidence. There was no way that Lyle would know exactly what he was thinking and worrying about. 

Right?

And if the glare Lyle threw in Jake's direction told anything, it told him to stay the fuck away. Jake had never been the receiver of Wainfleets anger, but it seemed like he didn't want to test it. 

What caused these men to change so much from what he knew? Or did he know them at all?

Chapter Text

As everyone was more or less busy with preparing for the feast it left Lyle and Quaritch with little to do.

Quaritch had chosen a spot near their hut where they could observe others while keeping out of way. Quaritch had no interest in trying to help. He didn't know how and he also wasn't too keen on talking to anyone at the moment. It had all been so sudden, this new life he was just supposed to accept. We're they supposed to play family now? All fine and dandy.. 

Lyle had been pulled away by Ronal, something about helping her prepare their hut for them. That was the reason why he couldn't be in there hiding right at this moment. It wasn't like he couldn't live without seeing the man for a few hours. He had just imagined that they could have killed time by talking for a few hours or just spent some time together. He'd be fine. 

After maybe half an hour had passed he noticed that he indeed was not fine. He could already feel his head hurting more and more as the day went on. Surely that had nothing to do with Lyle but if the other man was around he could have tried to distract himself. Now that he was alone there was nothing for him to do but wait. 

He noticed that some of the kids tried to greet him every now and again before their parents quickly pulled them away. He understood why. He didn't exactly look like a teddy bear sitting here with his arms crossed, a frown stuck on his face. When he had been back at the RDA life had a rythm. It was easy to fall back and accept whatever order they gave you. But now.. With just Lyle and Spider it had been easier to adapt. He trusted Lyle so he didn't feel the need to lead or give out orders. Here he was in no position to do so even if he wanted to. He didn't to be honest but the lack of power felt strange. He had gotten used to it.

His musings were cut short when he saw that the girl, Kiri, Spider had talked so much about walked towards him. He cringed internally, he hadn't been too kind to any of the kids when he last saw them. Holding them hostage and what not. He couldn't and wouldn't try to escape this no doubt awkward discussion, there was no where to run to now that they're supposed to live in the same village... 

She stopped a few feet away, so close that he needed to look up to see her face. She didn't look scared, or maybe she just didn't show it. Then she broke the silence:

"So you escaped huh?" She asked. He got the feeling she wasn't actually asking out of curiosity, just trying to get him to say anything. He figured that Spider had told her more or less what had happened and what caused them to run. So he grunted, not really an answer but then again she wasn't really looking for one. She put her hands on her hips and kept studying him. He looked away, feeling uncomfortable with the attention. He saw from the corner of his eye that Spider was looking in their direction but didn't yet do anything. Maybe he was worried? For her, because of him. What he would do. 

That did sting, he understood also that it was a rational fear to have. But it hurt to know that your son was afraid of you. Still.. what could he expect? A man like him to be a good father? What a joke. 

If Kiri noticed that Quaritch had gotten lost in his thoughts she didn't call him out on it. She did however nudge him with her feet, breaking the spell he was under. He glanced up at her, not knowing what it was that she wanted from him. 

"come, I promised Spider that I wouldn't hold a grudge." She motioned for him to follow her.

Quaritch was sceptical that she would ever get over what he did and tried to do to her father and family. He looked around, feeling like an arrow would come out of any direction any second now. Kiri noticed and huffed, speaking in english for his benefit. 

"Mom's busy arguing with dad, she won't kill you"

Quaritch was surprised that the girl knew english. He would have imagined that they wouldn't have to know it since pretty much everyone spoke Na'vi after the humans had been driven away.

"You know english?" He asked 

Kiri smirked and continued walking towards Spider where few other kids were waiting for them already. 

"Oh so he speaks" She said in a sarcastic tone. Reminding him of Grace yet again, she was so much like her mother. He could feel another sting of regret. He had been the one to shoot Grace.. maybe the girl would have a mother if not for him. A lot of things would be different if not for him..

Quaritch saw the Na'vi closest to him freeze when he got up. He didn't have to look at them to know that they were probably reaching for their weapon. He tried to not look too threathening but his figure didn't hide much. He looked powerful with his wide shoulders and large arms. He decided that it was maybe for the best to see what the hell the girl wanted and then retreat into their temporary home. He couldn't imagine he'd be missed if he skipped this feast that everyone was planning. Well, maybe Lyle would but that's about it. 

They didn't have to walk for long before reaching the group of kids that Kiri had been with. Spider greeted them.

"I can't believe it you got him to actually come?" Quaritch couldn't quite understand what he said, speaking fastly when speaking naturally. Kiri said something back that he also didn't understand and it made him feel oddly self concious. He knew that they were talking about him. that much was obvious. 

"So what did you need me for?"

He asked, interrupting them. He didn't feel sorry about it, he didn't want to be here in the first place. Spider and Kiri stopped talking but neither looked offended, more like they had just forgotten he was even there. He would have to keep an eye for these two, something told him they were more than just good friends. 

"Well Tsireya was about to show me an ilu and I thought that what if you wanted to see one too? You know maybe get one? Like you got Cupcake?" Spider asked hopefully. The kid just wanted to see one himself but fetl bad seeing Quaritch sit alone. He also wanted to show his friends that he wasn't really that bad once you got to know him. 

Quaritch crossed his arms and raised his eyebrow

"A what?" He asked, not really in the mood for games.

Spider tried to explain the thing to him for a few seconds with little success so he gave up. 

"Just come on and you'll see-" Spider grabbed his arm and started to pull him towards the water. 

"Spider.." Quaritch tried to say but was silenced by his son. He would really have no other choice but to comply it seemed. Ah well, anything was better than sitting out there by himself where everyone could gawk at him. 

Spider started speaking to the other Na'vi, a metkayina girl who was leading them. Quaritch noticed that the younger of the Jake boys Lo'ak was looking in his direction every few seconds. Also most likely making sure that he wouldn't try anything. He had a long way to go before any of the kids trusted him. 

When they were waist in the water (more like thigh high in his case) The girl made a few clicking noises. Soon an animal with a long neck and four fins swam closer to them. It circled around them a few times before slowing down near the girl. Huh, it looked kinda cute alright. Spider was curious to meet the animal immediately, laughing when it dove under the surface making water splash against his mask. The girl showed a few times how to ride the animal and Spider wanted to try. Quaritch felt a bit worried since even Na'vi children were tougher than human kids, nervous that Spider could hurt himself by accident. Spider tried to hang on a few times with one of the kids riding with him but he always seemed to fly off. Maybe just not strong enough to hang on. Quaritch could see that the boy was slightly saddened by that as he watched the other kids swim and play. 

So he walked a few feet to stand next to Spider
"It's alright kid. I can take you flying again someday" He tried to cheer the boy up

Spider smiled but didn't look at him, shrugging his shoulders. 

"Thanks, I'll just have to get stronger I guess..." Spider felt upset whenever he was reminded how much weaker he was compared to a Na'vi. He wishes he was born as a Na'vi, then he wouldn't have to feel like this..

Quaritch nudged at him and said

"You just have to make sure that you eat enough, you'll grow up big like Lyle" He joked

Spider laughed but stopped suddenly and looked around

"-where is he anyway?" He looked surprised, Lyle was usually always where his father was. It was rather odd to not see him next to him. 

Quaritch frowned and stopped smiling, Spider did think it was funny to see how much the other man impacted the others mood. 

"He's off...somewhere. The leader's mate dragged him away to help her" He muttered. He wasn't upset, not at all. 

Spider grinned 

"What, miss him already?" He dodged the well aimed tail that tried to whip him. Quaritch had gotten quite good at using his tail for gently whipping anyone who annoyed him. It ended up being Lyle more often than not. 

"I do not." Quaritch hissed, not mad but not appreciating that Spider could read him so well. Spider just grinned and failed to dodge a wave that Quaritch had kicked at him, making Spider look like a wet rat. Spider could hear Kiri laughing behind him and he tried to return the favour by splashing water or Quaritch but failed to do so as he was waist deep and Quaritch was only at most thigh deep. 

What Quaritch didn't know was that Lyle had been ready with his task as soon as Quaritch had walked away. He had seen him and had thought about yelling out to him but when he saw that Kiri was trying to talk to him he stayed silent. He wanted to see what would happen. He was positively surprised when Miles actually got up and started to follow the girl. Lyle could see Spider waiting for them, huh so that was where he had run off to. 

Seeing Miles play with the kids (more or less just stand near by) warmed him. He didn't know if it was his Na'vi mind that again that messed with his thoughts but he didn't mind it for once. 

He really had do get these feelings in control if he wanted to survive living here, with his closest friend, in the same hut.

Ah hell..

Chapter Text

A few hours went by before Spider figured that it was probably for the best if he got out of the water. Splashing and swimming did tire him out since he wasn't that used to swimming. He had stamina but it was nothing compared to the metkayina kids who probably swam for hours without getting winded. He could also feel himself start to get hungry. 

"Hey so are we going to eat soon?" He asked Lo'ak who had joined him and Quaritch. He had seen Spider say something to Quaritch and decided that he didn't want to swim anymore, he wanted to spend some time with Spider instead. He jogged a little to catch up to them.

"I don't know, not for a few hours." He didn't think they'd have the feast ready just yet. He did know that some of the men went hunting so they would have enough to feed the whole tribe. He hadn't seen anyone get back yet and the preparing would take a few hours at least. Then he suggested

"I think we have something to eat back at ours, do you wanna come?" 

Spider grinned before remembering Quaritch who was walking beside them. He wasn't paying them any attention though, his eyes searching for something. Or someone.. He tried to catch his eyes for a second but that proved futile as the man was twice his height, so he nudged him with his arm instead. That got his attention.

"hm?" Quaritch said, noticing that both of the boys were looking at him. He felt like he missed something important. He had been searching for Lyle, maybe he was finished with whatever task the tsahik had dragged him off to. 

"Can I?" Spider asked, amused that the usually focused man was all over the place when certain someone wasn't with him. He honestly hoped that the two would do something about it already, it was kinda obvious and he hoped the Sully's didn't find out before the two themselves did. He had been sharing glances with Kiri about it but he hadn't even dared to hint at it with anyone else. He wasn't actually completely sure that there was something between them...but he was 99% sure. Lo'ak raised his eyebrows, he hadn't expected Spider to ask permission from Quaritch. 

"..can you what?" Quaritch asked. He felt like Spider was being mysterious just to annoy him. The boy was well aware he wasn't paying attention but why did he have to really make it obvious. Spider rolled his eyes and huffed. Lo'ak for a second feared that Quaritch would strike the boy for being to childish but the man just looked more confused than before. If this was the same man that held them pretty much at gun point he would eat his own loincloth.

"Can I go with Lo'ak?" Spider asked and pointed behind him with his thumb at Lo'ak who looked like a deer in headlights when Quaritch met his eyes. Quaritch frowned and Lo'ak was sure the man would say no (as if that would stop Spider), but he was surprised yet again. 

"Yeah go, you don't need my permission I'm pretty sure you would figure out a way even if I said no..." Quaritch said while looking at Spider like he had told him that same sentence a thousand times. Honestly why did the boy keep asking him permission to do anything. He hadn't before, why now? It did bring him comfort to know that the boy would probably at least inform him where he was if he went somewhere. 

"Lyle and I can have some peace for a change.." He added teasingly, to which Spider huffed again. Not actually angry. Lo'ak was too scared to say anything. He felt like if he in any way inserted himself into the situation Quaritch would suddenly change back into the man Lo'ak knew. He liked to see that Spider was actually happy for once but he couldn't bring himself to trust the man just yet. No matter how pleasant he might now seem. 

"Oh yeah? You just want some peace so you can snog him."

Spider smirked and turned around and started to pull Lo'ak with him. He could hear Quaritch wheeze out a 'what?' but he just waved behind him and kept walking while snickering. The two idiots needed a little friendly push. 

"bro what was that?" Lo'ak asked when they were far enough that Quaritch couldn't hear them. Spider 'pshhed' and shook his head.

"oh- nothing- I'll explain later, maybe" he said and tried to change the subject. They kept walking and jumped on the road like nets that connected some of the buildings. Spider was kind of excited to see what their home looked like. 

When Quaritch couldn't see them anymore he brought a hand up and rubbed his closed eyes. Fuck, did the boy actually mean something by that or was he just joking. He couldn't know, right? Sure they had gotten close, well, closer after the whole "narrowly escaping being killed by your boss" thing. Maybe Spider didn't mean anything by it.. shit. He heard footsteps coming closer so he lovered his hand and opened his eyes to see who it was. He hoped it wasn't anyone who really wanted to talk because he wasn't in the mood. The person who was walking towards him lifted his mood quite a bit. 

It was Lyle.

It was ridiculous to feel this relieved to see someone but god damn it he could almost hear his anxiety lowering the closer the other man got. 

"Hi" Lyle said when he was talking distance and stopped only a few feet beside him. Quaritch didn't say anything but offered a nod. Lyle looked behind Quaritch and into the water but it looked like he didn't find what he was looking for. Quaritch knew they were close but he could almost feel Lyle getting nervous. It was kind of sweet for the man to care so much about Spider even if he hadn't known him for long. Maybe it happened quicker because he was friends with him, who knows. 

Before Lyle had the chance to ask Quaritch informed him. 

"Spider went with Lo'ak. They'll probably be doing something 'till dinner." He didn't care that he didn't know what they were doing. As long as Spider didn't get hurt it was alright. 

Lyle nodded and turned to face the ocean, looking at the Na'vi who were fishing and swimming. He had known but not cared enough to actually study what kind of other Na'vi there were on Pandora. What he had been concerned about was just their base and everything around it. He didn't care what happened on the other side of the planet if it didn't reach him. 

He had noticed Quaritch standing there, alone, arms crossed and wondered where Spider had run off to. Also the preparations were finished inside their hut. Ronal had insisted that they'd have a proper sleeping area, not just floor. He didn't know why that was so important, he could sleep anywhere and on any surface. Maybe she was thinking about Spiders comfort. He didn't know what Ronal thought about humans but so far she hadn't shown any disgust for Spider. The boy was just as Na'vi as anyone else..besides being human that is. The boy slept like a Na'vi, moved like a Na'vi, spoke like a Na'vi. Hell, he was way more Na'vi than he himself even if he was in the body of a Na'vi. 

"You okay?" He asked after a while. He noticed that Quaritch was frowning and squinting a lot more with his eyes. The sun was out but it shouldn't have been that bright out. His tail was also twitching restlessly. A habit that he wasn't sure Quaritch even knew that he had. 

Quaritch sighed and nodded, shifting to lean on his left leg. Almost subconsciously leaning his weight towards Lyle who shifted closer.

"Yeah.. just feeling like the headache might be returning.."  He didn't say that the headache was easier to push through if the other man was with him. That would just freak him out... 

Lyle figured that this was a good chance as any to get Quaritch to see their hut. It warmed him to think that, "their" hut. He didn't let his mind wonder too far though.

"Well I was just about to say, the hut is done so you can rest there till the feast starts" He offered

Huh, that was actually a fantastic idea in Quaritch's opinion. 

"Lead the way" 

Jake had seen Quaritch and Spider with Lo'ak and few other kids when he had returned. He and Neytiri had fought about Quaritch and Lyle, about how they were supposed to live with their enemy so close. Jake wasn't anywhere near to forgiving the man, but this other version of him made it difficult to hate him. He looked younger, he acted different..more sensitive if that was the right word. Like this Na'vi body of his was making him more emotional. The human Jake had known had always kept his cards close to his chest. Not the one for friendly hellos or good job kid congratulations. He had a job to do and he did it well and got rid of anyone who stood in his way. 

Now in a day he had already seen more emotions from this Na'vi version of the man than he had seen in a year back in his avatar program. It was odd... to feel almost something like pity towards him. He reminded him of himself when he was younger. So young and full of want to prove himself. He hadn't thought that he would ever feel anything but hate and anger towards him. But when he saw the man walk with his head bowed down, almost like he didn't want to be seen, it made him feel almost protective of the man. It was a confusing feeling, but the other man looked so lost and like he had given up. The man he knew never gave up even when he should have. 

That killed him in the end. 

He knows these bodies are supposed to be young, so that they have enough time to help the RDA destroy the natives. But did that also impact their mental state? This Quaritch looked young, and most of the time his eyes spoke a story of a man who had seen enough for a lifetime. But there were these moments when he could see beneath the act, he could see a man who was lost and didn't know what to do with himself.

Maybe just maybe, he could change. 

He had tried to breach the subject with Neytiri with poor results. She had tried to make him see her point of view. Now this man was just supposed to be forgiven, after everything he did to her? To her home? She had been furious. She understood that Jake wanted to see good in everyone, but this man could not be forgiven. She understood somewhat Jake's point, how this man wasn't the same man. He had explained to her that maybe something got mixed in the process of creating these clones. How they seemed to be a new version of themselves, not entirelly same as before. Like they were their own being who was given memories to act on but didn't view them as their own. 

Spider had tried to explain it to him but he hadn't wanted to hear it. Too furious. 

Now that he had seen the man and how he acted around Spider, he could begin to see some truth in Spider's story. 

Neytiri hadn't backed down, insisting that whatever the man did she would never forgive him. To her, he was still a demon. Jake felt conflicted, he himself wasn't entirelly blameless to the destruction that happened. He did feel like he was partly to blame... But he had changed. He had turned his life around and helped defeat the humans. He quite literally had a family now, if he could change..why couldn't this Quaritch?

They hadn't agreed on anything yet. She told him that she would have to think about it and see herself how the man acted. To see if the man could be saved. 

Jake had left their hut to catch some fresh air, he hadn't expected to see the cause for the argument more or less playing in the water along with Spider, Kiri and Lo'ak. Neteyam was called by Neytiri to help her and Tuk prepare dinner for them to eat with the rest of the clan. He felt anxiety make his heart beat slightly faster but was after a few minutes of watching proven to be wrong. The man wouldn't hurt Spider, or his kids. He even smiled when he saw Spider try to drench Quaritch with little success and in return get drenched himself. He could hear Kiri laugh and it lifted his spirits, the kids were in no danger. 

He left to do some quick chores around their home, not wanting to leave the kids out of his sight. After a while he saw Spider start to leave the water, Quaritch following him. What suprised him however was Lo'ak also jogging after them. He knew the boys were close, like brothers. But he had figured that Lo'ak wanted nothing to do with Quaritch after the way he treated Kiri. That memory caused a protective streak in him so he continued to watch the three as they walked on the beach. 

Something was said and Spider with Lo'ak started to walk towards him, towards their home. Quaritch didn't follow them. Most likely not wanting to approach the Sully residence. Jake himself wasn't too keen on the idea just yet. 

Jake greeted them when they walked past him, the two too deep in conversation to notice him. 

"You been good?" He asked both of them, looking mostly at Spider. The boy looked alright, he had been relieved that he had been alright this whole time. He hadn't believed it at first but he was now starting to see it. Shame that a kidnapping had to happen for them to meet but... In this world you couldn't be too picky. The important thing was that the boy was alright. 

"yeah, we were just wondering if we could hang around here till dinner" Jake nodded and returned back to his task. He had been trying to fix the fishing net he had made. It had gotten ripped up the last time he used it. He glanced up when Lo'ak and Spider sat next to him both carrying a few differrent fruits.

"You couldn't wait till dinner?" He asked, amused by their behaviour. Both didn't even try to hide their grins or their food as they continued to eat and talk about whatever it was teenage boys talked about.

He looked back in the direction Spider and Lo'ak had walked over from, trying to see if he could locate Kiri. What caught his attention however was not his daughter but seeing Quaritch and Lyle stand close next to each other. Their tails were swinging slowly almost in the same rythm. Quaritch had his arms crossed and hip angled towards Lyle who also stood closer than anyone normally would. 

Was there actually something going on? 

Spider noticed that Jake had stopped trying to strangle the net (he was trying to fix it but was shit at it) and looked what had caught his attention. He didn't expect the two idiots to stand there out in the open closer to each other than he had seen in a while. He remembered the joke that he had made, was that a mistake? The two really did look like they should have at least three kids and a house together. Now that he thought about it, they kind of did have a kid, him. And they did now share a hut. All that was missing was.. well, them being together. He couldn't actually warn them to watch how they acted if the two didn't even know they were doing it. 

Spider nervously turned to look at Jake to see what reaction he would have. Jake was frowning but not in an angry way. He looked to be deep in thought. So not a bad sign, yet. He decided to risk it. 

"You think that's close? You don't want to see how they sleep"

Spider joked to release the tension. Lo'ak turned to look at him but he ignored his gaze as he bit into the fruit that he had been eating. Looking at Jake from the corner of his eye. Jake didn't react at first but then seemed to almost whip his head towards him- on a second thought maybe he misspoke. 

"not like that- they just- they sleep like really close to each other-" he stuttered while he tried to explain it. Why had he even said anything he should have kept his mouth shut. 

Jake tilted his head trying to make sense what the boy was mumbling about, so this was normal?

"Are they actually.." He didn't even want to finish it. This was not a conversation that he would have imagined ever to have. To discuss Quaritch's sex life was never a subject he wanted to know more about. Even thinking it felt like it was forbidden. 

"No! no- I mean.. kinda?" Spider tried to explain it further. The two just were too dumb to see it. 

"You now what? We are not having this conversation" Spider announced and got up. "I'll go see if Kiri wants to.. do something.. I'll be over there" and then he was off.

Jake understood why the subject was extremely awkward for Spider, he felt kinda bad for even asking. No one wanted to think about their parents...social life. He hadn't even noticed that he casually called Quaritch Spider's parent. Maybe it was more natural than he had imagined at first. They did act like each other if he thought about it. The same way that they lifted their eyebrow when they were confused. 

At that moment Lo'ak also stood up and pointed towards Spider.

"I'll go too.. see you at dinner"  And then Jake was left alone with his thoughts. He hoped he didn't have more shocking revelations today, this was quite enough. 

Quaritch let out a loud sigh as they got inside their new home. Nothing had changed that much. New fabric at the door, almost thicker than the last one. Lyle had probably picked it out for privacy. A few mattress like mats rolled up in the corner and other cloth piles. Most likely more loincloths and such. Near the door was something that hadn't been there before. A few different bowls all containing different fruit. Quaritch raised his eyebrow and looked to Lyle for answers. Lyle shrugged

"Ronal wanted us to have something to eat since youre not yet well enough to go hunt and what not." He offered as an explanation. He didn't say that they were most likely to Spider's benefit but he had a feeling the other knew that already. 

Quaritch huffed

"I'm plenty well enough. I'l be just fine if I just rest a little.." He drifted off while walking towards the mattresses. He picked out one that looked wide enough for both of them and rolled it out. He removed the neck piece, feeling that he would jusy stab himself with it in his sleep. When he was happy with the result he also grabbed something close to a blanket and laid on top of it. He could feel the pain behind his eyes now, so he raised his arm to cover his eyes. 

Lyle sat down next to him leaning back to look at him

"That bad?" he asked.

Quaritch mumbled something that sounded like a yes. Lyle frowned, and asked.

"Do you want me to leave?" He didn't know what he could do to help the other man. Last time he had left him to deal with it on is own however he almost was killed by his fever. He didn't want to repeat that again. 

"no"" Quaritch said almost immediately, then he pat the space next to him

"You're not going to just sit there while I rest, there is plenty of room" He pat the space next to him again and lifted his arm enough to reveal one eye that was now looking at him. He didn't really have other options did he? 

So there he was, on his side laying next to Quaritch who was still frowning even with his eyes closed. It did really look like he was in pain. 

"Quit worrying" Quaritch growled and Lyle was reminded yet again that if he had not worried, Quaritch maybe wouldn't be here. So he kept worrying but also closed his eyes. If he kept staring at the other man Quaritch would maybe ask for the reason. And he didn't want to reveal it to him. 

If he was honest he had been staring at Quaritch just because the man looked beautiful to him in his Na'vi get up. He was getting too close, this had to stop. But he couldn't stop, he could be a little selfish. If there was even just a sliver of a chance he would have hope. 

At some point they had both drifted off and sifted in their sleep. Quaritch was now more or less sleeping on his side and Lyle was holding him from behind. Not spooning but not far from it. 

Lyle's nose was near Quaritch's neck, he sniffed it unconsciously. His brain connected the dots even in his sleep and he was met with a warm feeling. He knew that smell, it was Miles. Lyle thought that maybe he was dreaming, there was no other way that he could be this close. They had started to sleep closer and closer but this, this had to be a dream. Quaritch was also sleeping in his dream, breathing softly with a relaxed face. Lyle thought that at that moment Quaritch smelled better than ever. He had been trying to restrain himself and respect the other's personal space. 

But if this was a dream, why not indulge himself a little. He would never have this in reality. If he was fully awake he would have realized that maybe having a dream about your friend while spooning that said friend wasn't the best idea. 

He scented the others neck closer, almost touching it with his nose. The other stirred a little but didn't wake up. But what would it matter, this was still a dream. 

He could feel himself hold Miles a little tighter. The hand that had been used as a pillow was now holding the other's head while the other wrapped around his waist. But it didn't matter, he could have this in his imagination. No one had to know..

Miles stirred a bit more as Lyle mouthed at his neck. Lyle could almost taste him, he was so close to him, itching to bite that delicious skin. Suddenly that instinct was stronger than anything he had ever felt before, he could hear Miles calling his name but it sounded so distant..He tightened his grip on the other man, not caring that this seemed a little too real to be a dream.

so he bit

"-Ly- ha-!"

Quaritch wasn't sure what awoke him first. He noticed that he wasn't asleep anymore when he felt something shift behind him. He tried to fall back asleep but he found that he couldn't. A weight was draped over his waist, then he could feel warmth near his neck. That awoke him. He could now feel how Lyle was close to him, holding him tightly. 

He shifted a little when he tried to make sense of what was happening, then he felt Lyle tighten his hold even more. Something about that caused a warmth gather around his lower regions. A fact that he would have been mortified about if fully awake. Getting hard when your friend is spooning you from behind wasn't a thing he knew he would experience. He felt his face heat up as Lyle kept mouthing heck and scenting him. He would have to put an end to this or he couldn't stop himself. But when he tried to move to turn himself around and get Lyle to stop, he could feel Lyle..for the lack of a better word, grind on him. The action almost made him let out an embarrassing sound but he managed to snap his mouth shut. Lyle paid him no mind and kept mouthing at his neck while pushing one leg suggestively behind Mile's own. He was now licking his neck, he could almost feel his teeth

"Lyle-" He tried but had to snap his mouth shut again when Lyle grinded particularily hard while using his other hand that Miles was using as a pillow to reach for his head. He could feel the other hand shift and take a hold of his neck. He didn't know that he had a thing for neck play but more and more Lyle kept licking and scenting his neck, the more he wanted just to obey and let himself be bit. He felt his face heat up more when he let himself think about it. 

Lyle managed to get one of his legs between Mile's ones, putting pressure directly to his groin

At the same time he could feel Lyle tighten his grip so much that he had difficulty breathing and then just heat near his shoulder, where Lyle had bit down. 

"-Ly-ha-!"

He would deny ever letting out a sound like that but the pressure and the attention to his neck were driving him crazy. He felt his vision get blurry, were those tears or did he just lose his mind? Lyle kept the pressure on his neck for a few seconds before letting go. Miles didn't care, as long as the man kept grinding he could feel himself getting more and more aroused. He didn't know he even had a thing foe biting before this but boy was he in the thick of it. 

He supressed another moan as he felt Lyle lick the blood around the wound, he couldn't help making a noise however, high and sounding strange to his ears. He had never in his life made sounds like these, how could this one man have this effect on him. 

Then as suddenly as this whole thing had started, Lyle suddenly was pushing him away and on his back. Movements quick and rushed.

"oh my god- OH MY GOD-" 

Lyle sounded panicked, Mile's didn't know why, his brain was a mit mushy at the moment. 

"Miles- Miles I am so sorr- Are you alright?! " Lyle was panicking. He hadn't meant for this to happen- How could he have done something like this?! And why isn't Miles answering-

He tried to not look at the wound that was now trickling blood on the mattress. Miles looked to be alright, he wasn't angry- why wasn't he angry?? He looked almost sleepy, as if nothing had happened. But something had happened,  he remembers the sound that he heard in his dream. A sound that made him bite harder and hold him closer. 

How could he have been so stupid?? 

He quickly grabbed anything that he could find and pressed it against Miles neck, hoping that it would be enough to stop the bleeding. Miles was now looking up at him, his gaze clearer. Lyle felt like an ice bucket had been poured over him. He felt himself start to sweat out of fear. 

Miles wasn't angry, why wasn't he angry, he should be furious! He should be-

Then a second later Miles was sitting up and kissing him

Lyle felt his brain freeze along with the rest of him. Before Miles could back away Lyle responded, kissing back furiously. But..

"Wait- Miles-" He had to stop this, he hurt his best friend because he couldn't keep it in his pants- 

His self deprecating thoughts were brought to a stop when Miles spoke. 

"Look, this isn't the way I wanted this to happen.. but I'm not complaining" He just said. As if that should explain everything.

Lyle stared at him

"Y-you.." He couldn't believe his ears.

"...I'm telling you.. I liked it" Miles admitted while looking away from him. 

"But-" Lyle didn't know what he would have said, there was just white noise in his brain right now.  

Miles wasn't looking at him, instead holding his neck. The bleeding wasn't bad, Lyle had licked most of it after the bite. He felt quilty

Miles noticed him looking at him

"Look, it's fine. I'm not really mad I'm just..kind of confused right now" He admitted feelish sheepish for some reason. Lyle still looked like a kicked puppy. Miles rolled his eyes

"Look, if- " But then he was interrupted by footseps near their hut. They both turned around and listened if someone was coming closer. They walked past their hut but Miles and Lyle could hear several Na'vi talking and walking. Miles looked back at Lyle and sighed

"We can talk about this later, but I fear soon Spider or someone else is coming through that door to get us." It sounded like the preparations were finally over and the feast could start.

Lyle looked horrified when he remembered that they were supposed to go out and eat. More horrified for Miles-" 

"Does that neck thing hide it?" He asked while looking at the wound, it looked painful..

Miles shrugged and tried to put it back on. It sting when the neckpiece touched the bitemark but if he didn't move his head too much he should be fine. It's not like he'd be doing too much talking anyway, he was feeling kinda off. Maybe the fever was returning or something..

Lyle saw him stall and was immediately worried

"Are you sure? I mean you don't have to, I can-"

"no. It's fine. It's more suspicious if I don't show up." Miles stopped him. He could eat just fine. A wound never held him back before, why should it now? 

Lyle didn't look convinced but didn't press the issue. 

He had a feeling he had fucked up, big time, 

Chapter Text

 When Quaritch pulled aside the fabric that covered their doorway he looked around to see if anyone was near by. He would be mortified if anyone had been near enough to hear them, no matter how silent he had tried to be. He stepped outside, not wanting to linger around incase anyone were to look his way, he would just look suspicious. He felt the dull ache near his nape when he turned his head from side to side, best not to do that too much then. Lyle followed him, staring at his neck the entire time. The man was most likely feeling quilty about losing control like that. Quaritch huffed at him, feeling his gaze even when he tried to not think about it. 

"What, is it..visible?" He asked, thinking for a second that he would not chance anyone else seeing it if it was clearly visible. He'd just rather stay back and say he was feeling ill or something. On the other hand that might alarm their tsahik, thinking that his condition was getting worse. 

When Lyle didn't answer he stopped walking and the other man nearly crashed into him, waking him up from whatever spell he was under. Then he seemed to remember the question.

"No, no I don't think so.. maybe don't look down though..can't be sure." Lyle murmured while still looking at his neck even when facing him. 

"Then what the hell are you looking at" Quaritch hissed, trying to be quiet as to not draw attention to them. 

Lyle couldn't explain it. It was as if he was drawn to that bite wound. He could still feel the skin beneath his teeth.. he hadn't been listening to Quaritch, he had been walking behind him and looking at that neck. The collar hid most of the mans neck but at his name he could see that blue soft- A snap of fingers infront of his face brought him back

"Oh, ah- nothing." He wouldn't even try to explain the reaction that he was having. Quaritch no doubt would think that he had lost his mind somewhere along the way. 

Quaritch didn't believe him but kept walking, as long as he wasn't broadcasting it to everyone what the two almost got up to. He didn't want other people in his business, he appreciated his privacy. 

When they followed other Na'vi who were talking and walking to one particular direction, they managed to find where the feast was held. The clan had gathered on a spot at the beach, where they had most likely held these kinds of events before. There were poles and fixtures that looked like they hadn't been moved in a long time. In the center of the round seating arrangement there was a bond fire that few kids ran around. It looked, almost cozy. Even in his human life Quaritch could find joy in peaceful moments. There just had been little time to calm down and cool it since landing on Pandora. Now.. maybe he did have the time to calm down. 

He glanced around, trying to locate Spider. He soon found the kid, in the row closest to the fire. Spider was talking with few Metkayina kids and Lo'ak. They were probably asking a lot of questions about humans. Quaritch doubted that out here were a lot of fluent Na'vi speakers who happened to be human. He was kind of relieved that the kids didn't shy away from Spider. They seemed to welcome him in as one of them. He noticed his hand being grabbed gently and pulled in Spiders direction. There were plenty empty places left. Since they sat on the ground no one had a particular place to be. Lyle had figured that Quaritch most likely wanted to sit near Spider while keeping his distance from the Sullys'. So Lyle had taken his hand and pulled him along when Quaritch looked like he forgot that they were supposed to sit down and not just wonder about aimlessly. 

Quaritch noticed he didn't mind being pulled along for once, not finding it threathening that Lyle steered the ship so to say for once. He tried to not think about what happened only moments earlier when Lyle also seemed to take control. He glanced around if he saw anyone else from the Sully family. Them if anyone would take his mind off.. well, it. 

Spider noticed Quaritch and Lyle arriving and raised his hand when he saw Lyle notice him. It seemed they had found each other after all seeing that Quaritch followed closely behind. He could see their hands link for a moment before Lyle let go. Spider frowned. So the two hadn't yet resolved what ever it was that was going on. Lo'ak watched the two walk closer, not really wishing for them to sit right next to him. He let out a breath of relief when they continued a bit further and instead sat next to Spider. The Metkayina kids had given them space when they walked past them. Pointing and insisting that they should sit there. Lyle couldn't understand why, he was kind of surprised the kids dared to even talk to them.

Of course Spider knew that the kids probably remembered that these two arrived with him. And from what he gathered they smelled like Spider, so they assumed that they must be his family. He didn't have the heart to tell them that no, only the other one was kind of his father. The kids resumed talking and they sat down close to Spider where ever they could. They too would go sit with their family when everyone was present but right now they wanted to know more about this human boy. 

Lo'ak saw his parents arrive with Tuk and Kiri. They too searched out first where their offspring was. When they saw Lo'ak sitting with Spider they started to make their way over to them. Then they saw Lyle and Quarith talking softly to each other. It didn't look like they noticed them. Jake wanted to keep it that way, he had no interest in starting a conflict. He had promised Tonowari he would at least try to be civil. So they sat behind Spider and Lo'ak, a little off to the side. Close enough however that they would hear easily if their kids had anything to say. Jake noticed how none of the kids around Quaritch and Jake paid no mind to the men. He thought that they would be scared of the two. Maybe his own arrival had made them more open to other people who weren't like them. They weren't asking hurtful questions like few of the clan boys had when Lo'ak and Neteyam fought them. Spider seemed to be happy to answer their questions, they seemed to be truly interested. 

His gaze shifted to Quaritch and Lyle. He couldn't imagine the two would be too comfortable here. He endedd up feeling a little surprised as he watched the men for a second. Quaritch sat with his legs crossed and was explaining something with his hands. Lyle sat next to him legs also crossed, leaning on his arm that was propped on his knee. The two looked almost relaxed as the light from the bondfire casted over them a yellowish hue. Jake also noticed how Lyle sat sort of sideways, facing Quaritch. Lyle looked like he was listening and hanging on to Quaritch's every word. Nodding along every so often. Jake couldn't hear what the two were talking about since there were so many Na'vi also talking at the same time. But it didn't seem to be anything too serious. 

Every now and again when he glanced over at them to see what they were doing (he was just making sure they weren't planning something he told himself) And the two seemed to still be just talking. Neytiri noticed him looking at the two and grew irritated when he didn't seem to be listening to whatever she might have said

"Do not let them ruin your meal. They do not deserve your attention" She almost hissed, reprimanding her mate. He didn't have heart to fight back so her apologized and took her hand in his. It  would seem that at least at the moment, those two men were no danger to them. 

He couldn't help wondering, were they acting to get along so well just to give him a false sense of security? It looked like they weren't paying attention to anyone else but each other. Jake would call the look Lyle had lovesick if he didn't know better. They were just testing him, he was sure of that. He could see Quaritch move his head gingerly, as if sudden movements caused him pain. That he tried to hide it though, that much was obvious. Not once did they look in his direction so see if he was looking. He also noticed how Lyle immediately seemed to pay close attention whenever that happened. Not once did the other look too worried but they kept exchanging glances. It reminded him of Neytiri and himself. Often meeting each others eyes when one of their kids did something foolish. Sure, that habit could also form between friends. That sounded like an excuse even to his ears but he couldn't quite believe what Spider told him. 

Soldiers could get close in the field, he had seen it himself. They used their friendship as a way to bear the weight of the battle. Sure, that was logical. But.. they weren't in battle right now. Maybe it just took a while to shake that habit? He wouldn't know, he had been always alone before. Part of the reason why he agreed to fly to Pandora. He had nothing to loose. 

Neytiri nudged at her mate again, more forcefully this time. She didn't want this evening to be ruined because his mate paid more attention to their enemy than his mate. Jake at least understood immediately why she was angry and promised to listen to her. 

Still, he did glance in their direction whenever possible. 

At some point the metkayina kids had started to ask questions directly from Quaritch or Lyle. They didn't at first realize it since they were talking to each other but as Spider nudged at Quaritch he looked down at Spider.

"What, what's wrong?" He asked. Worried that he missed something important. He had been talking to Lyle about this one bird that reminded him of a seagull that he saw back in the day. The fucker had only one leg and still tried to attack Quaritch as he had been walking past what must have been it's nest. 

Spider wasn't too offended that the man hadn't heard him. He seemed to be talking with Lyle and they looked to be ignoring everyone else that wasn't them. So he repeated the question the boy Aonung had asked. 

"They want to know what it was like to lead a squad? I might have told them that you used to lead soldiers..." Spider drifted off. Embarassed that Quaritch now knew he had talked about him when he wasn't around. He might have exaggerated in his story a bit but Quaritch didn't need to know that. 

Quaritch looked amused, thought for a second and then spoke. 

"Well kid, when you have hundreds or soldiers who you're in charge of, you need to be tough." Lyle nodded along, being his second he too had soldiers under him, but nothing like Quaritch who had been the Colonel. 

Spider thought that he had lied a bit when he said that Quaritch led at least 50 soldiers but never thought that he was that high ranking. He knew that he was a Colonel but whenever he had asked more about his father Jake had always been very quiet and told him very little. So in theory he knew what he was but he was more used to Na'vi way of hierarchy. 

"Hundreds?"  He asked, not trying to hide his amazement. The kids wondered what he said so Spider quickly translated to them who too were amazed. Aonung was the son of their Olo'eyktan so he too would someday be in charge. But to him it  sounded like Spiders father led the whole human battalion.

Quaritch smirked, fond that his son thought he was cool. 

Then the questions were never ending. They asked about everything from leadership skills to what it smelled like. He tried to answer some of their questions in Na'vi (just for practise) And the kids encouraged him everytime that he tried. He was pretty decent at Na'vi at this point but he still didn't know many more complex words so he just used english and Spider translated every time he didn't know the word.

Lyle was happy to just listen and let Quaritch explain. When Quaritch mentioned Lyle as his second they immediately asked what that meant. They were familiar with Olo'eyktan and their mate being the leaders in a manner of speaking. 

"Yes, Lyle is...my equal" Quaritch tried to explain, not really knowing how to adress his second. But he said what felt natural. And at least now if not before it was clear to him that Lyle and him needed to be on the same page. So he glanced at Lyle when he said that, wanting to know if the other was listening to him. And he was. He smiled slightly, happy that Quaritch was so open about his trust in the other man. The kids nodded, sort of understanding. 

"But wouldn't he challenge you then as the leader?" One of the boys  asked. Spider knew his name was Rotxo. Then Aonung gently slapped the back of his head and laughed.

"Idiot, do you think my father and mother challenge each other?"The kids laughed at that and Spider glanced to see if Quaritch or Lyle were uncomfortable with what the kids had suggested them to be. Mates. They either didn't notice or didn't understand what the kid had meant. More likely they didn't see the connection the kids obviously saw. Alright, not a bad sign. He didn't have to then try to dodge the subject of his parental figures. They didn't seem to mind that people thought they were an item. 

Even Lo'ak had said that he smelt now like them. A mixture of his old scent and something else. He was kind of sad that he couldn't detect any obvious differences like a Na'vi would. 

Spider hadn't realized that because he had taught them more Na'vi and tried to help them pronounce the language better, he had mistakenly given them the same speech pattern as him. To someone else it might have appeared that he had adopted his speech pattern from them, being their kid. That only solidified the idea that the three of them were a family, even if no one had said so. It seemed to be the only choice. 

Lyle had said something about refilling his plate to Quaritch and gotten up. He had asked if he wanted anything but Quaritch had hardly eaten anything. He had just told him that he weren't hungry. And he really wasn't. He didn't know if it was the still lingering sickness or the feeling he would describe as nervousness. He never could eat when he was anxious. He didn't know why he felt that way right now, maybe his body was stuck on fight or flight mode, who knows. When Lyle had gotten up and walked away he suddenly felt a pull towards Lyle. Like he didn't want him to leave.. Which was odd since the man hardly got out of his view. He still must not feel entirely safe, and Lyle was the most familiar face here so maybe that was why. He rubbed his chest absentmindedly over his heart, as if that would soothe the pull. He tried to not let it show but if the way Spider glanced at him told him anything.. it told him that he wasn't successful. 

Fortunately Lyle returned in a few seconds and the feeling subsided. He had been listening to the kids speak when he heard Lyle exclaim

"Holy shit this is good, you have to try this" Lyle was talking about the meat he had piled on his "plate". Quaritch raised his eyebrow but shook his head. "Nah I'm fine." 

Lyle frowned

"C'moon Miles, a small  bite? It's really good" He said grinning and held out a piece of the meat. It was a small piece, and it did smell good. Quaritch sighed and huffed

"Fine." 

He then leaned a little towards Lyle and took the piece of meat that Lyle was holding out. Lips almost touching Lyle's fingers. He glanced up at Lyle and noticed how his pupils seemed to widen. He could almost feel his interest start to rise but leaned backwards again, chewing. 

"Yeah, it's fine." He said. Pretty normal meat in his opinion. Maybe from a deer of sorts? How did they even get that?

Lyle looked offended, puffing out his chest as a show of his apparent playful disgust.

"Fine? fine?- Miles it's amazing how dare you" And he popped another piece into his mouth. Quaritch rolled his eyes, not wanting to show that he was amused by his behaviour but Lyle could see past that facade easily and smirked back. Spider snickered softly, finding the casual almost domestic behaviour funny. 

Jake wasn't quite sure what he was seeing. 

At first Lyle had gotten up and walked towards them. He hadn't seen them or intentionally pretended like he didn't see Jake and Neytiri while he filled up his plate of meat. He then turned back around and returned without as much as glancing at them. The man had to be pretendind. He had seen the almost anxious look Quaritch had on his face when he looked at the other man walk away. He even lifted his hand up to his chest, as if uncomfortable. To who's benefit was this show that they were putting on? Did they imagine that he would be less strict towards them if they pretended like they.. He didn't even know what exactly they were trying to pull. 

Then when Lyle had started eating the meat he said something to which Quaritch turned his head to look at him. Quaritch answered him and then turned back to the conversation he was apparently having with one of the kids Aonung. Jake didn't know what the kids would have to talk about with these two. Lyle had said said the next loud enough that even he could hear it.

"C'moon Miles, a small  bite? It's really good"

The casual use of Quaritch's first name again threw him off. He didn't know if Quaritch had anyone close enough to be on first name basis and yet it seemed the two were. What he didn't expect next to happen was Lyle quite literally offered a piece of the meat to Quaritch, like literally held out a piece with his fingers. He could almost hear his brain come to a full stop when after a few seconds Quaritch leaned in and took the piece with his mouth. He himself had dropped whatever he had been holding, causing Neytiri to chastise him for being messy. 

He gladly directed his attention elsewhere after he saw Quaritch raise his eyes while taking the bite. He had no idea what the two had going on but he started to see some truth in what Spider had said. Almost wishing he had listened to Neytiri and stopped paying attention to the two. 

At this point some members of the clan had left and some still lingered around. That meant that Jake could easily hear what they talked about. Was it a blessing or a curse, he didn't know. 

Quaritch made the mistake of referencing to Lyle when talking about something that happened several years before and the kids caught on to that.

"You knew him from earlier? How did you meet?" Lo'ak had been pretending to not be interested in whatever Quaritch had said but he couldn't help but listen. Even if the man was evil, he had a lot of experience. And it showed in his fighting tactics. He hadn't managed to keep his mouth shut when he caught Lyle being mentioned. He sort of assumed the two were only recently friends. If they had know each other for ages.. it would explain the way they were always close to each other. And why they smelled like each other... Aaaannd everything else in their behaviour. 

Lyle was kind of interested too in hearing what Quaritch would say. Would he remember? Quaritch didn't disappoint. 

Quaritch smirked and landed his hand on Lyles knee and said slowly

"When I met Lyle, I tried to kill him" 

The kids let out a soound that could be described as "ooooo" when someone said something particularily juicy. Lyle now himself rolled his eyes.

"We were..drunk" He finished in english when he couldn't find the word and Spider quickly translated. The kids and himself laughed when Quaritch shrugged but didn't deny it. He didn't remove his hand however, which Lyle didn't find strange oddly enough. It felt as if that was where it had always been, touching him. He didn't pay attention to it, afraid that if he showed any signs that he found it odd Quaritch would remove it. 

Lo'ak realized that he was yet again reminded of his parents. Exchanging a look with Spider when Quaritch was looking at Lyle. He too had remembered the story Neytiri used to tell her children of how her and Jake met. 

Just as Jake was about to suggest that they should probably leave soon (he didn't want to witness more of whatever those two did) He noticed Quaritch getting up. Huh it seemed that the problem would fix itself. And soon enough Lyle too got up. They bid their goodbyes and started to leave. Then Jake noticed Quaritch glance in his direction and it looked like Quaritch had forgotten they were there also. A good act but Jake thought they must have been faking. Quaritch did avert his eyes quickly which he found a bit odd, the man usually loved confrontation. He too looked away when he noticed Spider and Lo'ak whisper about something. What about, he couldn't hear. Well.. he could try to enjoy the rest of the evening now that the two men weren't here..

Quaritch had started to feel almost giddy, the longer his hand stayed on Lyle's knee. Lyle had in turn placed his other hand on his lower back at some point. He could feel how the warmth from his hand spread as if it was on fire. He wasn't sure if Lyle noticed how he leaned back into his hand, he hoped not. Suddenly he felt like the only thing he wanted was for Lyle to keep touching him. He'd never had this type of reaction to... well anyone. 

He tried to not  look in Lyles direction in case the man was looking at him. He felt as Lyle moved his hand up slowly, he did everything in his power to not show anything on his face. He couldn't concentrate on the conversation anymore. Luckily Spider had began to talk with.. what was his name? He couldn't remember it at the moment as he felt Lyles hand stop near his shoulder, what on eart was he doing? Then he felt pressure on his nape, on the bite wound. His eyes which were half closed ripped open. He couldn't understand the warmth that was spreading through his body. Lyle the bastard-

Quaritch stood up quickly, he needed to leave before-

"I think I'll head back now, goodbye" He started to walk away, not caring how odd his behaviour might have seemed. He heard Lyle get up also after a quick goodbye. He didn't care about anything else but getting back as soon as possible. He was sure that his face must have flushed but he tried to remain unaffected. He absentmindedly glanced right at Sully who apparently was already looking at him. He didn't want him to notice anything was off so he averted his gaze quickly. 

Before he knew it he stepped into their hut, taking a deep breath. What was going on? He could feel himself blushing even when thinking about Lyles hand, warm and- 

He felt a shudder as warmth began to pool at his lower stomach, what the hell- He has never been the type to be this easily affected. Then he turned around as Lyle entered the hut, he was breathing fast, had he been running? Lyle looked at him and inhaled deeply, closing his eyes. When he opened them his pupils were wider and he seemed to be looking at him almost hungrily. Reminding him of a predator.

Quaritch felt himself react as he saw Lyle look at him, he felt his ears bent back, another shiver up his spine. Was he afraid? No, this was-

he was turned on.    

Chapter Text

"What are we doing?"

Lyle murmured

That in itself, was a very good question.
One that stopped Quaritch in his tracks and he felt himself sober up slightly. Here he was, feeling like a fresh spring chicken high on some feeling he couldn't even fully put into words. He had left Spider alone without a thought, but also so had Lyle. 

"This is your fault." Quaritch hissed, knowing that he himself was also to blame.
He felt like he needed to ignore his own embarrassment so he focused on Lyle. Lyle raised his eyebrows and pointed to himself.

"Me? How??" 

Quaritch rolled his eyes and tried to come up with a reason, but found himself coming up short.

"You and your.. touching"
He finally growled out. Before Lyle could counter his argument that was falling apart the second it came out of his mouth, Quaritch stopped him.

"Doesn't matter, I'm going back." 

Quaritch was determined to ignore everything that had and almost had happened. 

"Shouldn't we talk about this?" Lyle asked, stepping in front of the doorway, confused by Miles change of mood.

"No -there is nothing to discuss."
Quaritch stopped before the doorway, glaring at Lyle. Pleading internally that the other would drop it for now. 

"Look, Miles we have to talk about us-" Lyle tried again.

"There is nothing, to discuss Wainfleet." 

Quaritch hissed again as he walked past Lyle who didn't try to stop him. 

Lyle in turn rolled his eyes not shaken by the coldness, he knew it was just a distraction.

"Fine, but I'm coming also. And we are talking about this at some point." Lyle followed Quaritch for a few steps before grabbing the others arm, making him stop.

Quaritch didn't turn around at first. Only when Lyle squeezed his arm harder did he turn his head slightly.

"Please, Miles. I don't want to lose whatever it is we.. had." Lyle said, trying his best to convey how serious he was.

"If this is over that stupid bite I'll-"  That made Quaritch turn around as he glanced around them quickly.

"Keep your voice down"
Quaritch whispered.
Then he sighed as he looked back at Lyle.

"Alright, but not now." He finally agreed.

Lyle felt himself relax, satisfied for now.
Quaritch felt himself almost smile by the relief that was visible in the others face so he turned around and growled slightly as he started to walk away again.

Spider glanced at the direction the two had disappeared to earlier when he heard footsteps. They had returned, but why had they left? They hadn't been away that long, maybe 12minutes?

"What happened?" Spider asked Lyle when he sat down next to him.

"I left the oven on, terrible smell." Quaritch quickly said from Lyle's side as he also sat back down.

"Oven- Smell? What?" Spider questioned but Quaritch waved him away, clearly not wanting to talk about it.
Quaritch then grabbed the piece of meat still left on Lyle's platter from earlier, much to the others dismay. Lyle frowned and went to grab something from Mile's side but noticed it was empty.

Quaritch grinned as he chewed, sitting in a more relaxed pose, one arm on his bent leg as he leaned back on the other. 

"You win this time." Lyle said in a childish manner.
Agreeing to ignore their argument for now. He also didn't want to have to explain to Spider where they had ran off to and why.
He first had to have that conversation with Miles, and preferably in private.

Jake made the mistake of looking away from Neytiri and noticed the figures as they made their way back to their original seating place.

Great, he could feel his shoulders tightening up and his attention once again shift from his mate.

Subconsciously knowing, that he was being a little too careful. It wasn't likely that the two would cause problems in public, at least not anymore. Quaritch and Wainfleet had minded their business and mostly stayed away from most people. Sure they hadn't been here for long, so he couldn't be certain of that.. 

So, no other option but the keep an ear out for trouble.

And trouble did come, just not from the place he expected.

It came in a form of a Metkayina teenager. 

Chapter Text

A few of the younger kids remained further away from the older kids, Quaritch, Lyle and Spider.

Spider could see the way they kept looking at him. How could he not? 

He tried to remain open to their questions and arguments, but the younger ones were harder to bear.
They didn't ask, they didn't yell. They didn't poke at him, no name calling, nothing. They were too afraid of him to do anything but stare. He understood why they felt that way, after all, it was his people that hurt them. It was humans, who in their greed insisted on having everything on Pandora.
They killed with little regard of how it would affect the Na'vi or Eywa surrounding them.

He was a human, no matter how hard he wanted it to be different. But, he still tried to convince them that he wasn't like other humans. He wasn't like his people, and he was one of the people, a Na'vi.
Even with his pink skin, and painted on stripes. 

He tried to smile, even thought that caused the few younger kids to hide behind their parent.
He tried to engage in conversation, even if more often than not the kids ran away.

He tried so hard, and sometimes that made no difference.

So he tried to not get jealous, even when the village kids seemed to warm up to the two recoms quicker.
How they didn't shy away when Quaritch smiled at them. How they even let out a laugh when Lyle made a funny face while trying to tell a story. Still kind of butchering the language.

So when a young child ran past their group and tripped, he tried to ignore the sting that he felt as he saw the child stare at him fearfully.
As if Spider would now devour him now that he had fallen over.

Spider had began to rise up to offer the child help, but froze as he saw the way he looked up at him. The tension was short lived as Spider felt a presence close to him and he watched as Quaritch walked over and kneeled next to the child. 

Quaritch hadn't at first noticed what had happened, as he was listening to Lyle recall a battle. (incorrectly of course, adding his own flare to it.)
But as he saw how joyous the kids were by his story, he stayed silent. It didn't matter anyway.
It was so long ago that most of the kids hadn't yet even been born when it happened.

So when Spider started to rise he glanced over Lyle to his direction, and noticed the hesitation. A young child, maybe 4 had fallen over. A little bit too close to the fire might he add. As he saw Spider freeze, and no one else around seemed to really notice the event, he got up.
What the hell, the worse thing that could happen would be that the child screamed. And that probably would alert the Sullys, who would in turn probably think he was the cause.
Aaaand that would lead them to most likely kill him.

To be killed by Sully, or talk to Lyle about their... situation? The first option sounded more appealing right now, so he took a few steps to reach the child and bent down. 

He didn't see any serious wounds that would need immediate attention.
There was only a small scratch on the childs knee that hit the ground first. The child was okay then, no need to worry. 

"There there"

Quaritch said softly as he lifted the child up and wiped away the blood. The kid looked at him for a few seconds and Quaritch was sure this was it, he would start to scream and cry.
But that didn't come.
The kid reached out his hand as his other hand was busy wiping the remaining tears from his eyes.

"What?" Quaritch asked as he gently took the childs hand in his, not sure what the kid wanted. 

"Sa'nok peseng?"

The child asked.

Mother? Quaritch didn't know where this childs mother was, or who she even was?
He also had to praise himself for actually paying attention to Spiders language lessons. He could somewhat hold up in conversations now, even if just with a toddler.

Quaritch was luckily saved by presumably the childs mother.

"Tamu, have I told you not to wander off" A Metkayina woman gathered the kid into her arms while looking at Quaritch apologetically. Quaritch nodded and got up after her, returning a small wave to the child who waved "bye bye" to him over his mothers shoulder.

As he walked back to his original seating place he could see Lyle grin at him.

"My hero-"

Lyle began but was cut short as Quaritch gently karate chopped his throat as he sat down.
All very discreetly of course. The kids giggled for some completely other reason that wasn't the two of them.

"Shut it" Quaritch said, and Lyle made a show of tying something around his head, as the Na'vi children wouldn't get the zipper reference.
That seemed to translate just fine as the kids laughed again.

As Spider watched this all go down, he felt more alone than he had in a while.

He tried to not let his thoughts spiral, but he was just a teenager himself.
Everyone is afraid of me, Dad and Lyle have each other, Jake and Neytiri don't want me, Lo'ak and Neteyam are better off without me... He tried to fight the thoughts but this time couldn't.

Quaritch seemed to sense something was wrong with Spider, even without looking. He focused on Spider on Lyles other side and noticed the boy now was silent, and not looking at them. He seemed to be looking at the fire more than anything. He was absentmindedly "counting" his fingers, a thing he did when he was feeling nervous or restless. Probably picked it up from Sully, as Quaritch was familiar with the grounding technique, but it didn't seem like something that the Na'vi did. 

Lyle also noticed that something was up when Quaritch tapped his arm.

"Switch places with me for a second."

Lyle had no choice but to listen as Quaritch was already halfway over him.
He would in any other situation find this somewhat abrupt but knew Quaritch wasn't really big on PDA so he scooched away until they had switched places. He leaned closer to Quaritch to see why they needed to change places, but Quaritch raised a hand towards him over his shoulder, signaling that he got whatever it was and Lyle could back off. Now however even Lyle could see that Spider wasn't his normal self, but also knew how the boy detested to have someone worry over him.

So, he backed down and let Quaritch handle it.
Continuing the story that he had been telling earlier before the interruption, so the attention wouldn't be on Spider and Quaritch. 

"You okay?"
Quaritch asked softly. Spider didin't seem to hear him, so he repeated it and nudged him with his arm.

"Huh?" Spider asked

"I said, -" Quaritch emphasized by tapping once on his mask.

"Are you okay? You looked like you wanted to jump into that fire kid."

Quaritch tried to ease the kid's mood but that seemed to only frustrate him.

"Now don't say "nothing", because I already know there is somethin', okay?"
He added so Spider would understand that he wasn't in the mood for any excuses. 

Spider looked around and seemed to be stuck on what to do. Quaritch followed his gaze and understood.

"If you don't want to talk about it here we can go somewhere else, without your friends?"
He hoped he got it right. Spider was a proud kid, and while he had been open with him, he hadn't been with his friends. It was normal for a teen to try to act tough with their friends. Maybe showing weakness in front of his friends was a step Spider wasn't ready to take yet. With Kiri maybe, but here in the open? Not likely.

Spider luckily seemed to be worrying about just that, as his shoulders loosened up a little. 

Quaritch nodded, having made up his mind. 

"Lyle, we'll go catch some air." Quaritch said as he rose up and pushed Spider gently to walk in the direction of their temporary hideout. Quaritch avoided calling it "home" too often, as if that would signal that they were completely over the whole "we betrayed everyone we knew and ran away to hide". That was the truth but he still hadn't made his peace with it. 

"Don't eat all of my food"
He added as he turned to quickly look at Lyle, hoping that he got the message: We'll be back, stay put.

When they were out of immediate earshot Quaritch stopped walking and motioned Spider to stand in front of him. He of course could have offered a hug, but he wasn't still too comfortable with being there for someone like this.
But he wanted to try, so he bent down on one knee to be more eye level with Spider. 

"Spider, son, talk to me."

That seemed to be the right order of words to get Spider talking. 

"I feel so alone," He began.

"I see the way some of the people look at me, like I'm a monster."

Quaritch didn't interrupt, he had a feeling there was more to come.

"I don't look like them, like you. I smell different, I look different, and no matter how hard I'll try I'll still be just that, an outsider."
Spider didn't look at Quaritch, more intent on looking at his hands.

"Kid, who cares what they think about you-" Quaritch began, but Spider interrupted.

"I care! I care what they think of me!" 

"And every time they look at me like that I'm reminded of it. I'm reminded that even thought I try to pretend like I am, I am not one of the people." Spider added.

Quaritch didn't know what to say to that, he himself is an outsider but with a very good reason. He understood the feeling of being left out, but Spider has to live with it every single day.
But, again, he wanted to try to be there for his son. 

"Spider, you are one of the people. You taught me what it means to be one and live on Pandora." Quaritch began, speaking from his heart.

"Son, you are a Na'vi, and no one can determine that but you."

Spider had taught him the ways of his people, and at first he had been too foolish to listen. If someone was a Na'vi, it was this young man in front of him. 

"And you have us, and your friends." Quaritch tried to reason. Sure they haven't known for that long but he felt a strong connection to the boy.
He was sure Lyle did too.

"..But Jake-" Spider half heartedly argumented.

"But' nothing. Even after all I've said about the man, he cares for you Spider."
It was true. Even after all the fighting and war, he could understand that Jake Sully didn't play around about his family.
He wasn't perfect, but neither was he. 

"And what about Kiri? I know you like her don't you? And Tuk, Lo'ak and Neteyam?" Quaritch added again, trying the make the child see that there were people who cared about him.

Spider was kind of impressed that Quaritch remembered their names, and that he hadn't called them something like "brat" or "snotface"

"Those Sully kids all adore you, don't even try to deny it. They don't seem to mind that you're not blue, they think you're a Na'vi don't they?"
Spider crunched up his nose at that a little.

"But Neytiri thinks I'm an outsider." Spider added quietly. Couldn't argue about that.

Quaritch sighed, got up and pulled Spider closer to him.

"Well that's the thing about us old folk, that we're a bit stupid sometimes. That means that you young people got to teach us how to be less stupid. She might think that now, but I'm afraid that that is all my fault, not yours."
Quaritch admitted finally. There were no one else here but him and his son. He could be honest, about the pain he had caused to the Sullys and to his son. 

"So, you got to show her wrong. Be the best Na'vi you can, and she'll eat her words, I promise." He said more softly as he brought Spider into a kind of hug.

Spider rested his head on his stomach, so Quaritch couldn't see his face anymore.

".. you're not that old" Spider mumbled eventually after a few minutes of silence. 

"Oh, is that so?"
Quaritch said, not really looking for an answer.

"You tell Lyle I'm a secret softie I'll feed him your loincloth." Quaritch said as he pat Spiders back who quickly wiped his eyes under his mask before putting it back in place.

"Oh I think he knows already." Spider said, smirking at him. 

Quaritch only huffed out something that sounded like "brat". 

Chapter Text

Neytiri had noticed that something was happening again with the newcomers.

First, the demon and his "right hand man" left in a hurry.  She had thought that maybe then she wouldn't have to fight for Jake's attention. 

Then however the two came back shortly after leaving. She couldn't fathom the reason as to why. Sure nothing prevented someone from leaving when they wished, but these two weren't just anyone. These two needed to be guarded. It was absurd that Tonowari allowed them to stay, to "learn". What had they done to deserve anything less but death? These two were the sole reason why the Omatikaya clan had to relocate, to flee.

She couldn't forget nor forgive that, no matter how hard her mate tried to make her see it differently.
No matter what skin they wore, they were still killers in her eyes. 
She knew, that Jake was a forgiving man in his heart, but his forgiveness was wasted on the demon.

So when the demon next walked away with Spider, she knew something must be up. Spider looked to be upset. Even if Spider wasn't really considered to be "her" family, he was still a close relative of sorts. Yes, he was sired by the demon in his past form, but even she understood that a baby couldn't help that.

And, if Eywa willed so, the boy would have perished already. 

So she stood up, despite how much Jake tried to persuade otherwise. 

"Ma Neytiri yawne.
( beloved)
Let them be. You said it yourself, they do not deserve our attention."

Jake tried to get her to come back down but stopped as he saw her expression. 

"And let the young one be alone with that demon? No."  

Jake could very clearly see her point of view. He too didn't trust the two completely. But, his instincts told him that the boy wouldn't be harmed by Quaritch. And to do something so close to other people would be a suicide. And he didn't think Quaritch was quite there even if he seemed to be miserable. 

"Promise you will not interviene unless necessary, Neytiri?" Jake tried to reason one last time, as he held her hand to stop her from leaving.

She seemed to think it over, then turned to kneel next to Jake. She pressed her forehead briefly against his."

"I promise, only if the boy is in danger." She finally answered. 

Jake was visibly relieved.
He believed Neytiri completely, but the situation was far from normal, to be faced with the people who were the cause of so much pain. Maybe never, would she trust the two completely. And Jake didn't blame her for that, lord knows if he would ever be that strong.

But here, among new people, they only had each other. He would never endanger his family.

So he only nodded and let her go. 

She had lost a little time while negotiating with Jake, but to her relief the demon and Spider hadn't walked far. 

She crouched low, where she could hear them, but they couldn't sense her. She was aware that Quaritch now had senses that rivaled hers, so she needed to be careful. Of course he hadn't had them for quite as long, and hadn't grown up with them like she had. 

She could hear Spider speak.

"I care! I care what they think of me!" 
"And every time they look at me like that I'm reminded of it. I'm reminded that even thought I try to pretend like I am, I am not one of the people."

Neytiri furrowed her brows, was the boy talking about them?

She knew the boy wished to be one of them, no matter how different he was. He insisted on painting those stripes, and wore clothing that closely resembled theirs.

At first it had been easier to keep the boy at a distance, since the young child needed to be looked after. Soon as the boy grew, that had been harder to do and her children had adopted him to be one of their siblings. She had warned the boy more than once, that if he couldn't keep up, they wouldn't stop for him. She had said, that he needed to return to his people.

Spider had stubbornly kept up every time, a feat that wouldn't be possible for just anyone. The boy grew and learned their ways, instead of humans. Every day, he came to visit, and he helped her children with whatever it was that they needed. Like he was one of the family...

Had she been too blind? Blind with hatred of humans?

No. Humans couldn't survive on Pandora without help, and for a reason. They were aliens, sky people. 

But, was Spider truly one of them? 

Her train of thought was cut short as Quaritch responded. 

"Spider, you are one of the people. You taught me what it means to be one and live on Pandora."

"Son, you are a Na'vi, and no one can determine that but you."

For a second she felt only anger. How dare this demon say what or who could be considered as Na'vi. 

But then again, his words were not wrong were they? Spider could be a Na'vi, couldn't he?
Jake was one.
Of course, Jake had a body of a Na'vi while Spider didn't.

But, was it a body that made a Na'vi? Or their intentions and their way of life? Neytiri wasn't sure of that herself anymore.
Maybe once long ago would she had seen this as a black and white argument.
You were a Na'vi, if you looked like a Na'vi. 

But now, she wasn't too sure. Jake did look like a Na'vi but on close examination, there were some differences.
The fingers, placement of kuru and other smaller features like his eyebrows and the shape of his eyes.

So yes, he did look like one of the people on surface, but he to used to be one of the sky people like Spider...

She hadn't been listening to the conversation, too wrapped up in her own head.
Spider calling her name brought her back.

"But Neytiri thinks I'm an outsider.."

Ah, so the boy had noticed. Again, she had made her intentions very clear from the start so she couldn't be surprised.

But, now as she thought about it, had she been fair?

Had she only added to the grief the boy surely felt already, as an orphan?
To not have a family, and then be cast out of his chosen one?
He had tried and tried over and over again..

And to what end?

Only to be rejected with such force, that it drove the boy into the arms of their enemy? 

That had to be the only reason, as to why Spider felt that he could confide in this demon over anyone else. 

If she wanted to restore the faith Spider had in them, if he had any to start with, she had to change.

She could see that now. The pain she endured she only directed onto someone else.
A young child, who only wanted to belong, was forced to carry that pain all alone. 

She had to return, as her revelation needed to be kept secret from the boy, and so that she could seek solace in her mate. 

So as quietly as she had arrived, she fled.
Missing the rest of the conversation.

---

Jake only noticed that Neytiri had returned when she rested her hand on his shoulder.

Immediately he could sense that she was distraught.
Was there something wrong with Spider?

Was he in danger? 

Jake almost got up as he was so upset by her mates mood, but Neytiri forced him down and fell against him, as if trying to hide away inside him.

"Oh Ma Jake, oh Eywa, we have failed the boy- I have failed the boy" She quietly wept against his neck, as to not draw attention. Jake gathered her into his arms, shielding her from outside gazes. 

What had she witnessed? What caused her such pain?

---

Quaritch felt that he had successfully handled Spiders doubts, as the boy seemed to be in higher spirits. Spider was walking ahead of him, a little bounce in his step. He hadn't done much, but talk with the boy. Was that all that Spider needed? Had he not had anyone to talk to all these years? 

Spider took off jogging ahead of him when they were closer to the gathering, as some of the kids had moved and were now throwing things with Lyle a little further back. 

Of course the buffoon had organized a contest.
He was good at diverting attention when the situation called for it. His way of caring was through action. A cup of coffee freshly brewed in the briefing room, a impromptu get away when he noticed Quaritch was overly stressed and needed a break.. A cleverly placed question when a lab technician wanted to bother Quaritch after a long day, which gave him the opportunity to slip away unnoticed..

The man was a saint, no matter what anyone else thought of him.

Not that Quaritch cared what anyone else thought of him, he had bigger things to worry about. 

Like, for example, what on earth was happening with Sully and his missus? From far away, now that some Na'vi had left leaving more empty seating places than full ones, he could see that something was up. 

Neytiri was holding on to Sully for her dear life, and Sully in turn looked like he wanted to murder someone.
He made the mistake of looking worried when Sully glanced in his direction, because c'mon. This wasn't an everyday occurrence. Not once had Quaritch seen Neytiri cry, or even shed a tear.
She was death reincarnated and not a lot would change that image of her in his brain. 

But now... she looked like she was grieving. 

Quaritch froze as Sully looked at him.
Was he the reason for this? Should he back up before Sully decided that Tonowaris decision didn't mean anything?

But as Jake gazed at Quaritch, his expression softened up.

Quaritch had indeed quite literally frozen as Jake had noticed him, and was looking back warily. His ears were bent low, and tail limp behind him. If Jake didn't know better, he would say that he looked almost worried. But as Neytiri hadn't specified anything to him, it was safe to assume that Quaritch wasn't at fault, at least not completely. 

Quaritch kept looking between Neytiri and Jake, and almost looked like he was trying to say "Is she okay?" 

He looked at his enemy for a second more before breaking eye contact.
Jake noticed Wainfleet and motioned in his direction. Quaritch had been sitting with him, maybe he just was looking for him and accidentally got caught in this?

Quaritch seemed relieved and immediately continued walking, taking the longer route around them instead of just going straight.
Going out of his way to avoid them?

Jake would have to figure out this later.
Right now Neytiri needed him. 

---

Relieved that he would continue to live for at least tonight, Quaritch resumed walking towards Lyle. 

Lyle and Lo'ak seemed to be throwing rocks at a.. a shell? 

Lyle noticed him returning and gave a questioning look, while glancing at Spider. Meaning behind it was, are you and Spider okay? Quaritch nodded back at him and remained standing a little further away with Spider and the rest of the kids.

"Bro you're back, just in time to see me win!" Lo'ak said to Spider while waving around a stone madly. It seemed that he had gotten into the spirit of the competition.

"Nu-uh kid, you mean came to see how I win." Lyle interrupted while throwing a stone in the air, hitting the shell. 

"Nu uhh" Lo'ak repeated and hit the target also.

Quaritch rolled his eyes at the childishness of it.

"How long have they been at it?" He quietly asked Spider who in turn asked the kid next to him. The Sullys oldest son, Neteyam.

"They started almost as soon as you two left. Lyle came up with the idea of a competition." Neteyam said, arms crossed.
He too looked amused but tried to act as if this all was too childish for him. 

Spider translated, Quaritch rolled his eyes once more.

"Of course he did."
He said in a voice that could be called fond.

Then, as Lyle threw another stone, it missed. Dramatically he fell to his knees as Lo'ak hollered joyously, holding up his fist with a stone in it. 

"Oe snaytx"
(I have lost)

Lyle said from the ground, acting as if he had lost the most important thing in his life. The kids laughed at his act, no longer trying to suppress their joy around the man. 

"tìhawnu si oe" 
(protect me) 

Lyle said dramatically from the ground, while reaching for Quaritch. The kids laughed again, but were curious if the more stoic one of the two would join in. 

Quaritch wasn't the one for dramatics, as one could guess, but he wouldn't ruin the kids fun. 

"Kehe" 
(no)

He said and made a show of turning his head away, as if rejecting him.

Lyle then retreated his hand and rose up to his knees, while holding his hand over his heart.

"You have broken my heart, o handsome one."
He said in a Shakespearean way.

That detail would miss all of the kids as Shakespeare was for sure not known on Pandora.
Still, it was the dramatics that made the kids laugh again, as Spider translated for them. 

Quaritch felt a little shocked by Lyle's choice of words, not letting it show of course. O handsome one  was new. Maybe he just said something he knew would get a laugh, no need to dig deeper for any meaning.
Almost something like a blush came on Quaritch's face however when he recalled what had almost happened back at their tent.
So he tsked and looked away again making the kids giggle. 

It reminded the kids of their parents messing around, as they weren't actually fighting but just acting. 

Soon how ever it was evident that the Metkayina wanted to go to bed, since multiple parents had one by one picked up their children. One by one, they had waved goodbye and made Spider promise that they would see again tomorrow. Spider of course had agreed, happy that finally at least some of the kids wanted his company. 

"We should head back too, mother and father are already gone" Neteyam pointed out to Lo'ak.

Then Aonung, the Olo'eyktans son agreed.

"Yeah, me too. It is getting late, see you all tomorrow?" He asked. Having made up with Lo'ak after their fight, they had began to spend time together more.

Spider waved at Aonung as he walked away and turned back to Quaritch, Lyle, Lo'ak and Neteyam. 

They started to walk back to their marui pod and the Sully brothers seemed to be headed into the same direction. 
(yes Quaritch had finally learned what their structure was actually called, since "tent" didn't really qualify)

Quaritch was almost worried as it seemed like the Sullys lived right next to them, but to his relief the brothers did eventually start to go in a different direction.
Still, it was closer than Quaritch would have hoped.

When Spider didn't follow Lo'ak and Neteyam they stopped.

"Bro, are you not coming with us?" Lo'ak asked.

Spider looked back at Lo'ak and then back at Quaritch.

"Oh, um, I think I'll go with Quaritch and Lyle tonight guys." Spider answered little sheepishly. Quaritch didn't fully catch what he said but he gathered from the gestures and context, that the Sullys had probably assumed Spider would sleep in their marui.
Quaritch was glad that Spider wouldn't go there tonight, when he still didn't know exactly what was wrong with missus Sully. And, if he was honest, he didn't feel too safe here yet and closer Spider was, the better. 

He began walking again and soon heard Spider catch up. He didn't ask Spider the reasoning behind his choice. He felt that that would lead to another discussion about feelings and other not so familiar topics. And to be honest, he was quite ready to just fall asleep and black out. Preferably next to Lyle, but that was a whole different conversation all together. 

Soon, all three were fast asleep. Spider in the middle, warm and content. 

Spider awoke sometime early the next morning, as something was poking his feet. He opened his eyes and looked around. He had tossed and turned apparently, since his feet were laying over Lyle, facing the doorway, and his head was laying on Quaritch's stomach. Both were still asleep.

There it was again, something poked his foot.
He raised his head, freezing as Quaritch moved in his sleep but relaxed as his breathing evened out again. He looked into the doorway and was met with Lo'ak and Aonung. They had a stick, well, sticks, that had been weaved together, and Lo'ak was reaching with it to poke Spider. How they had found the time to do that, Spider didn't want to know. He looked back at Lyle and Quaritch again, yep still asleep. Then he motioned for the two boys to stay silent as he slowly made his way over to them. 

They tiptoed a little further away where Tsireya was waiting with Kiri and Neteyam. Tuk seemed to be still sleeping.

Then when they were sure they couldn't be heard, Lo'ak and Aonung bursted into laughter. Spider was a little alarmed by the suddenness of it, but smiled along. 

"Broooo you weren't kidding!" Lo'ak laughed. Spiders smile was a little bit more forced now.

"What?" He asked. He didn't know what the laughter was about. 

Then the reason was clear.

Lo'ak and Aonung both wrapped their arms around themselves and started to make kissy faces.

"They were in there like this, bro when you said you'd sleep with them we thought that one of them would like guard the door" Aonung said. It seems the "bro" was catching on. 

Spider was a little embarassed and hissed back

"Well what did you think- you know what it's none of your business- Jake and Neytiri sleep close too!" He tried to defend them but only ended up making it worse. 

"I know and I'm sorry we doubted you" Neteyam said, he too smirking at Spider.

"Wait no I didn't mean- " Spider began again after realizing how his words could be interpreted.

Kiri patted his shoulder 

"It's all right Monkey boy, they're just glad they can bully you again." Kiri said smiling also. 

Spider huffed and crossed his arms. He knew they were just trying to make him laugh, but the subject just happened to be a bit too "fresh", since he didn't really know what to make of the two.
Then he sighed.

"So, what do you wanna do?"

Lo'ak and Aonung smiled mischievously.

Spider in turn swallowed nervously. 

Chapter Text

Lyle had been awake when Spider "sneaked" away.

The kid was sleeping half over him after all, so it wasn't really a wonder he woke up as soon as the kid started to move. He was a marine for gods sake, light sleep was second nature. But he didn't bother showing the kid that he was awake. Since Spider wanted to be considerate, he let it be. Although he would have liked to know where the boy was sneaking off to.

He could hear Spider whisper something back and start to move his legs. Probably the Sully kids then, coming to retrieve Spider for whatever they had in mind. They had sort of agreed to meet earlier last evening. Lyle could have appreciated a few hours of sleep more, but maybe the kids are used to waking up early, and he was still stuck on RDA rhythm? 

They wouldn't go too far.. probably.
But as Spider most likely had missed his friends and his other family, he let it be. Miles would hopefully agree with him on that. 

Lyle heard three or four pairs of footsteps. Maybe more. Trying to hear how many people were walking was difficult if there were more than two or three people. After that their sounds all just blended together. He could hear some whispering as they moved further and further away, not making out the words.

When he couldn't hear the kids at all anymore he cracked his eyes open. The sounds of the ocean and nature drowned out other small sounds. Maybe that was for the better, letting the kid have some privacy.

Lyle looked at the ceiling for a few seconds before remembering that he wasn't alone. He turned his head to his right, looking at Miles who was still sleeping. Miles was facing him, sleeping on his side, eyes closed and relaxed. 

It was sort of odd seeing him sleep so peacefully. Usually the smallest of sounds woke him up, and he rarely was the first one to wake up.

Well, that wasn't completely true anymore, now that he thought about it. 

There was that one time back at their own little island, when he grabbed Spiders foot and in return got a first row seat in Miles almost mauling him. And as time went on, it became almost common for them to wake up almost at the same time. More often it was Miles, but more times than in the last 15 years or so had Miles sleep. (before their deaths, the time jump was still messing up with Lyle,)

Before their "rebirth", he had only seen Miles sleep a handful of times. 
A few seconds here and there on missions, always awake instantly as if sensing that someone was looking at him. Lyle had guessed that it had something to do with his past, he didn't ask and didn't bring it up. Quaritch seemed to appreciate that. 

Multiple days could have gone by and not for one second more had Quaritch slept around people. As if it would make him look weak in front of his men. 

But now, he didn't care if Lyle was there or not when he slept. And he did actually sleep, and did not just pretend to sleep. His breathing was even and deep, nose twitching now and again. Was Miles dreaming about something. 
Lyle would never admit, but he had started to just gaze at Miles when he had the chance. Miles looked always to be on edge, something on his mind or someone to look out for. His ears were more or less pinned back, maybe from habit, but Lyle assumed it had more to do with how tense the other was. Always wearing a frown.

That too had lessened somewhat. More now than before, had Lyle seen Miles actually smile and laugh. Miles still wasn't loud or show it to just anyone, but Lyle seemed to be inside that inner circle.

Again he was reminded of what almost happened here, or what could have happened here.

He looked at Miles, how his eyelashes seemed longer now that his eyes were closed, how his brows weren't scrunched up and how his lips were slightly parted. 

Miles had his hand in between them, close to his head. Lyle brought his arm up, not quite touching, but lowering it near the others hand. 

Lyle must have fallen back asleep, because the next thing he noticed was how Miles wasn't next to him anymore. He was crouching on top of him, hissing in the direction of the doorway. Ears bent so back that they became sharp triangles. Tail thrashing wildly.
Coming to his senses he realized that he had to figure out what caused this, were they being attacked?

Lyle quickly turned his head to see what was happening. 

Why were Jake and Neteyam here?

----

When Jake had been woken up by an ikran screeching outside their marui pod he had instantly jumped up and grabbed his weapon. His fears were quickly lessened as he saw it was only Neteyam. But why had he flown with an ikran? Sure they all remained close by, and Jake had cared for his ikran a few days earlier, taking him out to fish, but that didn't explain why Neteyams ikran screamed so. 

Neteyam almost ran into Jake as he was exiting the marui pod, looking frantic. 

"Whoa whoa son, what is it?" He asked. His oldest son wasn't usually this upset. Neteyam prided himself to be a stoic warrior, once the next to be Olo'eyktan. 

"Spider- Spider needs air- His mask broke-" His son pleaded.

Jake's blood ran cold. Of course, Spider couldn't survive on Pandoran air. They had to hurry.

"Where is he, is he with your brother?" Jake asked. Spider and Lo'ak usually went everywhere together. Kiri often tagging along.

Neteyam nodded quickly and followed his father as Jake started to jog in one direction, motioning for him to follow.

"Yes! They are on their way back- we went to the outer reef- The three brothers-" Neteyam admitted, wincing when he saw how angry that made his father.
Jake would have to deal with his son later.
Lo'ak knew fully well he wasn't allowed there, not after what happened last time.

Even if, Payakan was with them, it was far too risky for Spider. 
Jake nodded and carried on.

"Where are we going father, Spider need help-" Neteyam couldn't understand where they were headed.
His question was quickly answered as he saw Quaritch's ikran, Cupcake, perched on one of the marui pods.
They were going to him for help? 

"Our only chance is to hope they brought a spare mask for Spider." Jake said. This was no time to worry about grudges. Even Quaritch would surely put aside their quarrel for his son. 

As Jake entered the pod with little care if he woke the two up, his eyes landed on the two still sleeping Recoms.

Quaritch and Lyle were sleeping right next to each other, that caused Jake to raise his eyebrows slightly. Quaritch was sleeping on his side, ear slightly twitching in his sleep because of the new sounds. Lyle was sleeping on his back, but his face was turned towards Quaritch.

Jake hadn't wondered why they had shared the pod, since they only really trusted each other. He had been surprised to learn that Spider voluntarily wanted to sleep with them instead of Jake and Neytiri. Of course, his mate had seen it coming, still crying softly about how she had failed the boy. Jake hadn't gotten her to explain it futher, wanting to take it at her own speed.

He had assumed that they would probably be sleeping and guarding one at a time. One at the door while the other slept. As they would during missions. 

Quaritch looked.. young, as he slept. His face didn't have that angry look to it, and he looked almost peaceful.

"Dad-" Neteyam bursted in after him. That had been the last straw and as Jake whipped his head back to look at Neteyam and them back at the two, he could see the angry eyes of Quaritch looking right at them. 

In a second Quaritch had gotten his knife from nearby, Jake hadn't seen where, and moved to crouch over Lyle who only now seemed to be waking up.

Quaritch looked like he didn't actually recognize who he was, his pupils were pinpricks and ears bent back.
What did surprise him again was the hiss and snarl that followed. 

Quaritch snarled, fangs showing, tail moving rapidly behind him.
His movement reminded Jake of Neytiri, when he had first met her back in the forest. When she had called him a baby after saving him. Quaritch looked every bit of an angry Na'vi with his weapon and clothes.

If it wasn't for his four fingers, no one would have guessed him to be something else. 

Neteyam had frozen behind Jake, realizing his mistake soon after hearing the deadly hiss coming from the other man.

Jake thought about trying to calm the other down with an "it's me". Then he thought about it for another second, realizing that it wouldn't probably work in his favor. 

Lyle seemed to now be fully awake and assessed the situation. 

He sat up, Quaritch moving slightly to his right to let Lyle get up, not taking his eyes off Jake for a second.

"Miles it's Jake, and his son." Lyle said softly, looking back and forth from Jake to Quaritch, trying to figure out how to proceed with his limbs intact.
Quaritch blinked a few times as he heard Lyles voice, that probably grounding him more, making him realize that this wasn't a nightmare or an ambush. If Wainfleet was calm, then the danger wasn't probably real? Jake guessed.

Quaritch then glanced at Lyle and then back at Sully, lowering his knife. 

Neteyam let out a breath.
The man his father had talked about many times, truly was a frightening sight.

Softening that image however was Wainfleet, who still was much closer to the other man than it seemed to be necessary. He looked calm.
Then Neteyam recalled how they had been sleeping next to each other hours earlier, when Lo'ak and Aonung had woken Spider up. 

"Mind telling me what the fuck you're doing here?"
Quaritch asked, a growl still detectable underneath his voice.

Chapter Text

At first it was fine, fun even. 

Spider, Kiri, Lo'ak, Aonung, Tsireya and Neteyam had gathered near where Lo'ak had first met Payakan. The three brothers rock.

It seemed to be less dangerous than what Lo'ak and Aonung had let him to believe. It was almost peaceful, fish swimming below them, and light filtered through the surface. The peaceful mood was partly caused by Payakan, Spider thought. The Tulkun had followed them, maybe to make sure the kids stayed safe. 

Spider hadn't seen the Tulkun this close before.
He was huge, way bigger than Cupcake, which was maybe the biggest ikran Spider had seen. Kind of fitting, as Quaritch was large, even for an Avatar. Secretly, the size of his father's ikran kind of made him proud, as if it was a show of his might.
His father was clearly powerful, if Eywa had blessed him with such a partner. 

Tsireya and Kiri were riding ilu, while Lo'ak and Aonung had hitched a ride on Payakan. The Tulkun rolled around and tried to playfully fling the teenagers off. Spider, being small compared to the others, had also hitched a ride from Kiri. Holding on to her ilu while she made sure he wouldn't fall off. 

Neteyam following behind them on his own ilu. Spider wondered if it would be possible for him to ride one, even without a kuru. He had always automatically assumed that he would never have an ikran, as the bond was crucial. He did not have a kuru, as he was human. 

But seeing ilu, and how they were smaller, he could feel a small hope start to grow inside his chest. Maybe, just maybe, finally he could have a glimpse of what it was like to be truly Na'vi.
But, he had been disappointed many times when he dared to hope. So this too, was surely out of his reach. 

He tried to not let his negative thoughts get in the way. 

It was nice, to be with his friends again.
He had missed them, missed this. Going on adventures and getting themselves in trouble was part of the thrill. 

They had slowed down and Lo'ak signaled for Payakan to rise to the surface. The others followed.

Lo'ak waved his hands around wildly as he described how he had fought the akula. There didn't seem to be any bitterness in his voice as he continued to tell how he swam underneath and over corals to escape, and how he had tried to hide from the creature. Aonung seemed a little uncomfortable, but Lo'ak involved him in the story, asking for him to imitate the sound he had taught Lo'ak as a joke.
Kiri had told Spider that Aonung was one of the boys who had tricked Lo'ak into going there in the first place.

Aonung smirked and made the sound in his throat, making the others laugh.
Even Neteyam was smiling, as he tried to act like he didn't find this at all amusing. 

" I can't believe I thought it would work!" Lo'ak laughed. 

"Somehow, I can." 
Neteyam said with a knowing smirk. Lo'ak splashed water on him as a retaliation. Soon it was a competition on who would be able to tackle the other into the water from on top of Payakan. 

Kiri shook her head, calling them childish. Tsireya agreed, but still laughed behind her hand as she watched. 

Spider laughed and encouraged Lo'ak to be faster. 

In a second, Neteyam had gained the upper hand and shoved Lo'ak.

He hadn't seen that if Lo'ak were to fall in the direction that he had shoved him, he would hit the rocks that were hidden just below the surface. 

Payakan had seen this, and quickly lifted his fin to soften his fall, making Lo'ak fall in a slightly different angle away from the rocks.
That had the unintended effect of spooking the ilu Kiri and Spider were on.

The ilu bucked and shifted and Kiri tried to calm them down. Spider slipped away from underneath Kiri as the wave created from Payakan's fin hit them, towards the rocks. 

None of them had time to react. 

Spider felt his head crack on the rocks, but most of the impact was cushioned by the wave that rippled back as it had hit the rocks, moving him away from them again.  

At first it seemed that they all got away with a scare, but as Spider was underwater he could feel a spray of water hit his face.
That was odd, the mask usually kept his face dry even when underwater.

Soon he felt as Kiri grabbed his hand and pulled him up to the surface. 

As he was about to ask Kiri if she was okay, a large red screen filled his vision. 

"Danger, oxygen breach"  His mask read. 

"Spider! Your mask!"

Lo'ak immediately shouted and jumped closer to them. He had climbed back on top of Payakan as soon as he saw Spider and Kiri getting hit with the wave caused by Payakan's fin.
The Tulkun hadn't meant it. He had only reacted quickly as he saw that Lo'ak was about to get hurt. 

Kiri used her hand to cover the corner that showed a small piece missing from his mask, a leak. 

"We have to get back, quickly!" Neteyam shouted and then whistled to call his ikran.

Kiri however saw a fault in his plan.

"NO! He'll have to go underwater!" 
She exclaimed but got frustrated as it seemed her brothers didn't understand. 

"Water he can withstand- but if you fly with him, the air will leak into his mask even if it's still working!" Kiri shouted, begging for them to understand.

Neteyam felt stupid. Of course.

Underwater, Spider only had to worry about covering his mask well enough so water wouldn't leak in while the mask still worked.
But if Spider were to fly, he couldn't see if he had sealed the mask well enough, and he could potentially breath in too much of Pandora's atmosphere. Even mixed with oxygen, a small amount of Pandora's air could be lethal. 

Then Lo'ak had an idea. 

"Neteyam- you fly, find father and explain to him what happened- We'll swim with Payakan!"

That could buy them some time.

If Payakan were to transport them in his mouth, the water pressure would be lower so water wouldn't fill out his mask so quickly, and they would move much faster. 
Tsireya and Aonung looked sceptical, but they didn't see any other options. 

Neteyam quickly looked back at Spider who also held his hands on his mask, trying to keep Pandora's air out and breathable air in. Then he nodded. 

"Do it, I'll fly." He said as his ikran flew down with a screetch, seeming to sense his partners distress. Lo'ak nodded back and jumped off, motioning for Kiri and Spider to come closer. 

"We'll ride back!" "Be fast!" Aonung and Tsireya shouted and disappeared underneath the surface.

They were much faster when riding with their ilu than the Sully kids are. Soon only two small dots remained where they swam to. 

"Payakan! We need your help!" Lo'ak shouted at his partner.
Payakan seemed to already understand what was required of him as he opened his mouth for Lo'ak, Kiri and Spider. 

They would need to be fast, so they would have to hold their breath for as long as they could so Spider would have as little contact with the outside air as possible. They could afford only a few breaks to breath. 

Kiri and Lo'ak looked at each other, counted to three, and dove under. 

-----

To be awoked abruptly was never the way Quaritch wanted to wake up. Nevermind that he was almost paranoid about danger lurking in every corner, but even with Lyle next to him he could never fully relax. 
So when he at first had ignored the running sounds, figuring it was Spider leaving to do what teenagers usually did, he was ripped away from sleep as he heard an unfamiliar voice speak. 

"Sempul-" Even half asleep he knew it meant father. 

His next moves could be explained by him being still half asleep. 

He was a marine, so he assessed the situation in a second. 

"Father?"-Spider-

Where was Spider- not here

Here, stranger- Lyle- Two people at the door

Danger

Where is Spider-

He pulled a knife from underneath his supply pack that was the nearest to his head, obviously he would have it nearby.

Then he crouched over Lyle, who from first glance was only now waking up- he would have to have a stern talk about that - later. 

He did that felt natural, (that he would most likely deny when later examined) 

He bared his fangs, hissing while keeping an eye on the two

He raised his knife- showing that he was able to defend himself-

His tail behind him, raised high to show that he was focused and defensive, daring the intruder to make a move. 

Then he felt Lyle shift underneath him and speak. 

"Miles it's Jake, and his son."

Jake?

As in.. Sully? 

Quaritch blinked once, then twice to clear his vision.

His pulse had been hammering and he had been too focused on trying to figure out the two intruders as fast as possible that he had forgotten to examine if he even recognized the two. 

Quaritch glanced down, looking at Lyle. He looked worried, but also calm. So they're not in danger? 

He then looked up, at Jake. 
Damn. 

He almost felt embarrassed, he lowered his knife and hissed, growling as he spoke. 

"Mind telling me what the fuck you're doing here?"

Jake quickly got over the shock he would probably feel from this interaction later, and explained. 

"Spider broke his mask, he needs a spare-"

As soon as Jake had said that he could literally see Quaritch freeze and Wainfleet in turn get shocked into action. 
Soon a spare mask had been pulled out of the few supply packs they had and Wainfleet then turned to face Jake.

"Where?!"

Quaritch and Wainfleet seemed to ask at the same time. 

"They are coming back- with Payakan"
Neteyam answered from behind Jake in English.

The two recoms shoved past them and already Quaritch had shouted for his ikran.

"Cupcake" Jake seemed to remember her being called, had been sleeping on top of their marui pod but jumped down as she sensed her partners emotional state. Jake knew ikran and their rider shared a bond. He too shared a deep bond with his ikran, but it still surprised him to see the evidence that Eywa had blessed Quaritch with an ikran. And a strong one at that. 

Quaritch handed the mask he had taken from Lyle to Cupcake. She took it in her mouth and looked at Quaritch. He hadn't offered his kuru but the ikran seemed to be able to understand him even without it perfectly. 

"ma itan-" He spoke quickly, and Cupcake was up in a second. 

My son

She had however taken off without him, and Jake was confused

"What are you doing? Spider needs that mask-" 

"Quiet! She'll fly faster without me on her slowing her down- She'll take it to Spider!"
Quaritch answered angrily, as if that was common sense. 

Jake realized that he was probably right, but how was he so sure that his ikran would do as he ordered? And without connecting? 

"But how will you know?"

Jake asked bewildered.
Almost angry that Quaritch would leave something this important up to chance? 

Quaritch furrowed his brows, again.
Jake felt like he was the odd one out, he was supposed to be the one who lived here.
Of course he trusted his ikran, but he wasn't sure if they could follow orders just based on speech?

Had he thought about the bond too logically? Was there a chance for a deeper understanding of his bonded ikran, than just with the help of his kuru?

"Miles!" Wainfleet shouted, causing Quaritch to turn away from Jake, breaking their conversation.

Wainfleet had also called for his ikran, and offered an arm to Quaritch.

Quickly Quaritch ran towards him and grabbed his arm, letting Wainfleet pull him up. He sat infront of Wainfleet so that he could hold on to Whiskey's kuru and place his legs near where they normally were.
Wainfleet grabbed the piece connecting the two kurus near his ikrans neck and wrapped the other around Quaritch's middle. 

Soon they were up, Whiskey lifting them up effortlessly, not minding that he had two riders.
His powerful wings following in the direction that Cupcake had disappeared into.

Usually it took time for an ikran to allow two riders, and only after time allowed family members to ride along.
Curious.

"Dad! Let's go!" Neteyam shouted from behind Jake, his ikran also ready. 

Yes, they had to move, and fast.

Soon they both were in the air, and heard as a horn signaled that the children had arrived. 

As they landed near the beach right behind Wainfleet and Quaritch, Jake could see that Kiri was next to Spider who laid on the sand.
Cupcake had indeed found them, and was now fiercely guarding the pair, not letting the Metkayina get any closer. Flaring her wings and snapping her jaws when anyone else tried to get close. 

Even the ikran was unusually protective of the boy. Did she understand how close Kiri and Spider were, since she let her get close? Were they capable of figuring out social cues without the rider intending to?  

Quaritch sprinted towards Spider as soon as his feet hit the ground, Wainfleet following close by.
Kiri had changed the mask into the new one, thank god.
Quaritch skidded and fell to his knees next to Spider, Cupcake moving away slightly to let him closer.

Jake was not far, running towards them.

Cupcake raised her head and for a second Jake feared that she would not let him get near, but as Wainfleet growled at her from next to Jake, she relented and moved even further away.
Still remaining close as Wainfleet also kneeled next to Spider.

Now that... was new?

Neytiri never let Jake order her ikran around- not that he had ever tried or felt the need to.

They were still dangerous, and had strong will. One could not simply bend them into their will. So it was curious how Cupcake seemed to have a strong will with more involvement than Jake had ever seen. And yet, she still allowed someone else than her bonded to order her around. 

The ikran were to Jake's knowledge, kind of distant. Like cat's.

They loved their bonded of course, but they also liked to have their own space.
Usually when traveling, they remained close by but far away enough that they wouldn't be disturbed. They always came when called, but when they were away, Jake didn't know what they were doing. 

In his experience, they enjoyed to be around Na'vi but mostly on their own terms.
They liked snacks and tolerated petting, but also wanted to be left alone when not needed. 

Maybe he still needed to learn, if this was something that had never crossed his mind in the last 15 years or so living on Pandora. 

"We had to take breaks,- we couldn't hold our breath-" Kiri said, sounding out of breath. Lo'ak too seemed winded, sitting a little further away as Tsireya was looking him over. 

Kiri sounded like she wanted to cry, but held it in as she tried to remain strong for Spider.

"We- he, he had to breath in, the mask- his air was running low-" She continued, now sounding closer and closer to crying. She held Spider's hand in her's, a few tears falling from her eyes. 

Quaritch seemed to understand most of it, as he didn't ask for anymore information. He checked over the mask, to make sure it was secure, then he checked to see if Spider had any other injuries. Wainfleet was sitting close to him, also looking at Spider as Quaritch checked him over. 

"Why isn't he waking up-" Quaritch said, almost to himself. Jake's blood ran cold. 

"How much did he breathe?" Jake asked Kiri.
She could only burst into tears as she tried to answer him, not being able to speak. 

Jake flexed his jaw and looked back at Spider. This couldn't be it..

Quaritch had been looking at the interaction, heart feeling more heavy with every second that went on and still Sully hadn't said anything. 

"What is it?" He asked looking at Sully. 

Jake only grimaced, and closed his eyes.

"What!"
Quaritch now roared, not wanting to give in to despair.  

Wainfleet seemed to understand, laying a hand on Quaritch's shoulder. 

Quaritch breathed heavy

No

No no no no,

this... he isn't-  he couldn't- 

He couldn't see anything that wasn't Sully's face, as he focused in on him, praying that he would somehow answer..

-tell him that Spider wasn't- 

that his son wasn't-

But his prayers would never be answered.
How could he even imagine, that he of all things would deserve a happy ending.
He who killed so many, deserved this.

Jake then opened his eyes, unshed tears visible, and spoke softly.

"Miles-"

"NO- do not-!"  Quaritch interrupted.

Quaritch felt like he couldn't breathe, couldn't think

His son, his son-

He felt Lyle tighten his grip on his shoulder.
Normally his touch would be welcomed, now it felt like a hand dragging him down, to hell, to suffering which he deserved. 

He gathered Spider into his arms and held him close. As if that would save him. 

His body was so tiny, he forgot how fragile he was. His son, now lay limp in his arms, and nothing could bring him back. Too late... always too late. 

Lyle felt his throat burn as he fought away the tears. Quaritch numbly held Spider, not saying a word, rocking slightly. 
Just as he felt like life had maybe given him a second chance, he felt it burn and fade away.

He lowered his head as he couldn't stop a tear from falling. 

Jake felt a deep ache as he watched this man he once called his enemy gently cradle the boy into his arms. Spider looked so small... 

Kiri had stopped trying to hide her sadness, and openly wept, praying to Eywa.
Asking her to save Spider

"Please holy mother, save him" She cried quietly. 

Quaritch was not the one for prayers, but he couldn't help but repeat after her in his mind

Please holy mother, save my son

Suddenly, Jake could see Quaritch's sanhi light up. In a wave like motion, they flickered. The man wasn't aware of this, as he was still holding his son close, face stricken with grief.
And if Jake looked closely at Spider, he could swear that he could have seen a similar glowing pattern on Spider.

But that couldn't be, humans do not have sanhi..  

-but there it was again, as if light flowed from Quaritch and into Spider

What does this mean- 

From the corner of his eye Jake could see Ronal step closer, as a small crowd had gathered around them.

But before Jake could turn his eyes away from the two to see what she was up to, he heard a gasp.

Spider had opened his eyes, and was gasping for air.

Chapter Text

This would be their last break, Kiri thought. She and Lo'ak gulfed down air as Payakan opened his mouth once again. The trip was longer than she remembered, or it just felt like it.
Spider was still conscious, but only barely. 

"How are you doing?" Lo'ak asked, checking to see Spider's state of mind. 

"Fine" Spider mumbled. Kiri grew concerned, and swam closer to Spider. As she closed the distance, she could see that Spider was holding his hand in a place where the mask was unbroken.

She quickly covered the corner that had the crack on it. It was larger now. 

"Spider! You have to focus!"
She pleaded. Lo'ak also coming closer to see. They had to go again, Spider was already starting to feel the effects of Pandora's air mixing with his own.
"One more dive okay? We're almost there!" Kiri tried to lift their spirits.

They too were beginning to feel tired from the lack of oxygen. They only took short breaks, so they had no time to even out their breathing before needing to hold it again.  

"What if.. What if they don't have it?" Spider mumbled out again.

Lo'ak and Kiri looked at each other, then back at Spider. 

"Don't have what, Monkey boy?" Kiri knew what Spider meant, but didn't want to think about it herself. 

"My mask, what if they don't have a spare. Then this is useless..." Spider said slowly. Lo'ak frowned. 

"-Of course they do! They wouldn't leave with out one."

He wasn't sure of it himself, but this was no time to worrying.
It would make no difference right now. And even if they didn't have a spare, Lo'ak was sure his father would have a plan for something like this. This had to be something that they had worried about back at home, since Spider can't breathe the air like they could. 

Sure, Spider himself carried a spare battery, but he was sure his father must have had a spare mask somewhere? So, it made sense, that if Quaritch did really care about Spider, he too would be prepared for something like this. Spider didn't look convinced, but honestly right now Lo'ak was too worried to care about that. 

So they dove under once again, hopefully for the last time. 

--

However, Spider had lost consciousness halfway, and Kiri had to maneuver Spider closer to her so she could hold her hands on his mask.
Water was leaking in more now that Spider wasn't there to block it. Kiri cursed her bigger hands, she couldn't see clearly in the darkness that was Payakan's mouth.
She could see where Spider was because of the lights that were on his mask, but that's about it. She could feel them coming to the surface, quickly lifting Spider up also so that she could breathe. 

Lo'ak and Kiri both gasped as they reached the beach, dragging Spider along, bodies weak from the strain of holding their breath. 

Kiri lifted her head as she saw Aonung and Tsireya waving at them, running towards them. They had a few of the Metkayina with them, one using a horn to signal the emergency.

Then there was a shadow above them, and something landed very close to them.

Lo'ak and Kiri had to close their eyes, as sand was flying everywhere, what was that- 

It was Quaritch's ikran, Cupcake!

"Thank you- thank you!" Kiri approached the ikran and saw that she was holding what seemed to be a new mask. Neteyam had managed to reach their father and even had time to find a mask? No, they had to have help from Quaritch, no other reason why his ikran was the one helping them. 

She thanked the ikran again and reached for the new mask. She had held it gently in her jaws, careful not to pierce the mask with her sharp teeth. Cupcake let her take it, but didn't step back. 
As Kiri kneeled next to Lo'ak who had managed to lay Spider flat on the sand, Cupcake saw the other Na'vi approaching them. She spread her wings and let out a mighty roar, making Aonung and Tsireya freeze in their place. Lo'ak covered his ears as she screeched, wondering that she was up to. 

"Is she, protecting us?" Lo'ak questioned as he looked from Spider to the others.

Kiri shrugged and quickly changed Spider's mask, making sure that it pressurized and started to work. 

"I think she's protecting Spider." She said as she sat back.
Kiri imagined that the only reason as to why she even let her and Lo'ak close to Spider in this state was because of their close bond. She saw that they were Spider's family, even if she wasn't bonded to any of them. 

When after a few seconds Spider didn't wake up, Kiri started to gently shake him. 

"Monkey boy, - Spider c'mon" she pleaded. She was exhausted, breathing uneven. He didn't respond, she didn't dare to lift his mask to see if he was breathing, she hoped that he was. 

Then there was commotion, and a second large shadow covered them.
Another big airflow of sand that had them covering their eyes, and then heavy steps- running.
When she opened her eyes she saw Quaritch's large frame fill her vision as he kneeled in front of her next to Spider. He barely glanced at her, focused on Spider.

Then she saw- more like heard Wainfleet come closer. A low growl and Cupcake moved back, letting more people closer.

Then her father. 

"We had to take breaks,- we couldn't hold our breath-" 

Jake nodded at her, trying to understand the situation. 

Kiri was hit with the feeling of overwhelming quilt, if it wasn't for them, Spider wouldn't be in this situation. If it wasn't for them, Spider never would have gotten kidnapped in the first place. If it wasn't for them, Spider wouldn't be- 

"We- he, he had to breath in, the mask- his air was running low-" She struggled to get out. She couldn't look at her father. Surely, all she would see would be disappointment. 

Then as Quaritch asked, she broke. 

"Why isn't he waking up-"

Lo'ak wasn't doing better, terrified that he was losing his friend. Terrified of what they had let happen.
He saw as Kiri struggled to answer their father, too distraught. 

When his father flexed his jaw, he knew it wasn't good. 

No, it couldn't be.. 

Then he caught the eyes of Tsireya observing them from further back. Next to her was Ronal. Someone probably alerted her, but Lo'ak wasn't too sure there was anything she could do. She had no experience in something like this. She could cure illness sure, and be their strength when the clan needed it, but Spider was human. No Na'vi could help him, if his father couldn't. 

Lo'ak couldn't bare to look at her, knowing that he failed to protect his family. So he looked back at Spider. 

There were shouts, and Quaritch looked angry. 

Then his father spoke sorrowfully

"Miles-"

"NO- do not-!" 

He could hear how the man's heart broke, how the words got stuck in his throat. He had to hold back his tears as Quaritch lifted Spider up and cradled him close. The man looked so strong while Spider, oh Spider, he was so small. They should have protected him, he should have-

Lo'ak bowed his head more, tears leaking from his eyes, blocking his vision. 

And then there was a gasp

Quaritch felt more than saw that Spider had awoken.

Suddenly his son was alive, and pushing him back, gasping strangely. 

"Spider!-" He started to say, but quickly closed his mouth as Spider did something he would in his right mind never have done. Spider harshly reached behind his head where the clasp for his mask was and ripped it away from his face.

"What are you doing!?" Quaritch panicked and tried to attach the mask again with Jake. Both horrified by the boy's actions. Wainfleet removed his hand and held Quaritch back as Lo'ak did the same for Jake. 

For a split second Quaritch felt only rage, he had to save his son. Wainfleet had grabbed his arm and pulled him back with his second arm across his chest. Quaritch fought at first, what the hell was he doing?? Couldn't he see the situation? Quaritch froze as Lyle said 

"Look! He's breathing!" Lyle sounded happy. But that couldn't be, if Spider was breathing without his mask then it meant that he would suffocate-

Quaritch looked into Spider's eyes, and it actually seemed like the boy was breathing. 

Spider was taking lungfuls of air, trying to even out his breathing. He couldn't believe his eyes, this isn't supposed to be happening. He too somewhat remembered what the bitter air of Pandora was like when he was a human. A methane scent, and if you took even one breath it felt like breathing from a car exhaust pipe. 

Jake too seemed to be at a loss for words, along with Lo'ak who was halfheartedly trying to still hold him back. 

Spider looked happy, as if he himself couldn't believe what was happening. 

"The great mother has blessed you!" Kiri broke the silence and pulled Spider closer into her arms, hugging him fiercely. Then she felt as another much bigger Na'vi wrapped them both in a tight hug.

When Kiri had broken the spell that Quaritch was under, he felt immense relief. While still very confused, the only thing he could focus on was his son. His beautiful boy who was still alive. 

Quaritch pulled them both in a tight hug, reaching his arms as far as he could around the two.

"Thank you, thank you-" He said. To Kiri, Spider or Eywa, he didn't know. His heart felt full of joy and he wasn't too sure what to do with this emotion. Then Lyle shifted behind him and also joined the hug, making Spider and Kiri laugh as they struggled to breathe under the strong squeeze of them both. 

Spider tapped Quaritch bicep 

"C'mon dad, I can't breathe" He gasped out, still smiling. 

Quaritch then ended the hug but didn't let go of Spider as he checked him over. Kiri too looked at him curiously. But, it was Jake who spoke next.

"Son, I think you're part Na'vi now." Then he motioned to his face and his arms. Spider raised his eyebrow, not understanding what he meant. 

Kiri took his hand and held it up. There it was, in the shadow clearly visible. Small dots, reflecting back. Spider widened his eyes and started to look at his arms feverishly, then his legs, his stomach. 

He had a sanhi! He had a pattern like other Na'vi! Then Spider reached up to his face but realized that he couldn't see himself. He turned to Quaritch who was smiling widely, eyes a bit wet.

"I'm a Na'vi.." Spider said shyly, giddy even. 

"Yes son, that you are." Quaritch answered still smiling.

Then it was Ronal who approached them next, eager to see this new development. 

She looked at his face, tracking the spots, then his arms and even his legs. 

"When you breathe, you feel alright?" She asked Spider, looking like this had to be too good to be true. 

As a response Spider took in a deep breath and let it out. Then he smiled, and nodded. 

"Better than before." 

Ronal nodded back numbly, rising up to stand. 
As a tsahik, she had never seen or heard of anything like this happening, not even before the first songs.
This boy truly must be special to be given such a gift by the great mother. 

Jake looked back at Quaritch as Ronal was examining Spider. Still kneeling on the ground, he only looked at Spider. Jake knew what it was like to think that you lost your child, he didn't wish that on anyone. Wainfleet was sitting next to him, also looking at Spider. Jake only now saw that at some point Wainfleet had offered his hand, and Quaritch was holding it for dear life. Jake felt like he almost was intruding, like he was uncovering a secret that was never meant to be covered. He wondered if the two involved even knew about their secret. 

Now was not the time, he would figure it out later. 

Jake moved back as more and more Na'vi wanted to see this miracle for themselves.

Spider remained there, and answered every question with glee, happy to be alive. This was more than a dream come true. Now truly, he could be one of the people. The mask he wore had been a necessity, but it also made him feel like he was watching his life from distance. He couldn't smell as well, the mask filtering air and scents away. At times when Kiri went on and on about how the forest smelled wonderful, he had wished that he could experience what she had. 

Now, he actually could. 

He couldn't wait to explore what else he was capable of doing. 

Soon he was sharing theories with Lo'ak, Kiri, Aonung and other kids. One by one they tested out their ideas.

Could he now eat what they ate? Yes. 

Would his sanhi glow in the dark? They had formed a wall around Spider to block out some of the light.

The answer? Yes. 

No tail to be seen. That wasn't that surprising, since a change that radical wasn't probable.

His ears were still round, and teeth the same. 

"Maybe they'll grow later on?" Tsireya wondered. 

"Bro what if you grow your own stripes??" Lo'ak said gleefully. Spider nodded along, then he wouldn't have to paint them on anymore. Swimming caused them to fade out more quickly, so it would be fantastic if Spider didn't have to worry about them disappearing anymore.

They both looked at Kiri who seemed to be their Eywa translator. But this was even beyond her. So she shrugged.

"Maybe, maybe not. It's not been even a whole day, I guess we'll see later on if anything else shows up." 

That didn't slow them down, Spider didn't mind. For once, he felt the happiest he remembered being in a long time. He was one of the people now, not even Neytiri could say otherwise! 

Jake had seen Neytiri briefly as he backed away from the commotion. She looked shocked, but Jake had lost sight of her soon after that.
He had stayed around for a little while, till it seemed the kids wanted to move and test out other of their theories. Quaritch and Wainfleet were both still nearby, standing side to side, watching the kids. They were close by, if anything changed with Spider. 

Then he slipped away to find Neytiri. 

Quaritch was still holding the mask, not quite ready yet to believe that this was permanent. Ready for any sign, that Spider needed help.

Maybe he could breathe without his mask for a little while? But then again, he had seen the spots appear on Spider's skin.
Still, it's only been a little while, so he couldn't be certain of what this meant. 

Quaritch had a million and one thoughts racing through his head, Lyle noticed. Lyle glanced to his left, where Quaritch was standing. He looked happy, but the slight frown told him that he was still not letting his guard down. Maybe the shock of almost losing his son caused him to stay on guard, maybe it was just in his nature. 

Lyle himself wasn't sure of what happened. 

One second he was sure Spider was gone, and then the next, there he was. The boy had some spirit in him alright, even now fooling around with his friends as if he didn't almost die earlier. Still, couldn't hurt to watch over him, just for a little while more...

--

Jake had found Neytiri, sitting alone in their pod. 

"Babe.." He approached slowly. Neytiri lifted her head and looked at her mate. She looked sad. Jake frowned and sat next to her, eager to know what was wrong.

Then she spoke.

"I've failed the boy so greatly, even the great Mother felt she needed to step in.." She sounded defeated. 

Jake was sure that that wasn't it, but his mate could only see where she imagined herself to have failed. 

"I'm sure, that this is what the great Mother had planned for him. Didn't you say, that she doesn't take sides. This was her will." 

Jake wasn't the best at understanding what the great Mother wanted with them, with Spider. But, maybe Her will would never be known by them, by Na'vi. 
She had been here long before them, and would be long after their death. 

Neytiri didn't respond, maybe she agreed or maybe she just had lost the will to fight. 

"..Will he ever forgive me?" She then asked quietly.

Jake swallowed.

He was sure that Spider would forgive Neytiri, even if he didn't know exactly what it was that Neytiri was apologizing for. That was a fault of his, too much trust. He knew that in time, Spider would forgive them. Jake couldn't say that he himself didn't have a part in it.

He'd been so blind to the way he behaved around the boy. He was a human once after all, even if it felt like that was a lifetime ago. He should have seen the effect his attitude had on the boy. But he had been to worried, too in his own head to see the bigger picture. 

And now, Spider had a father.

Quaritch. 

Jake wasn't too fond of the man yet, time would tell.. But there were cracks beginning to form, breaking the old image of Quaritch from 15 or so years ago. 
He seemed happy, content even. Only time would tell, how that developed. 

"I'm sure he will." Jake answered, bringing his arm around his mate, being her rock to lean on. 

--

Quaritch and Wainfleet had been watching Spider and the kids for a few hours now. 

It seemed the situation held, Spider was breathing just fine, even after holding his breath. (making Quaritch worry) 

Lyle looked at the man next to him. This was the man he wanted to be with, he was sure of it. He wouldn't worry about what will happen, today showed him that it all could be taken away in a second. No more waiting, he would make sure of it, and soon. 

So he grabbed Quaritch by the arm and waved to Spider. 

"We'll be going, feel free to stay out here- we need to discuss something." And he motioned between himself and Quaritch. 

Quaritch looked back and forth, surprised by the suddenness of it.

"But-" He began to protest. 

"He'll be fine." Lyle said in a low voice, in a hurry to get them out of there. Then he took the mask from Quaritch's hand and tossed it over to Spider.

"Here. Hold on to that for tonight, just to be sure." He called out and started to walk in the direction of their marui pod. 
Quaritch could see Spider wave meekly, also confused by Lyle's actions. And then as Lo'ak whispered something to him he hit him with the mask, yelling back something. 

Quaritch didn't have time to wander what they were laughing about as he needed to pay attention to where they were walking.
Lyle was walking with a speed that could be compared to a light jog. 

"Wait- What's going on with you?"

Quaritch questioned, starting to grow anxious.
Sure, he trusted Lyle.
But he also usually had an idea what the other was doing. This time he honestly couldn't figure out what was so urgent that it needed to be done now?

Quaritch happened to glance in the direction that Sully's had their marui pod. Since their "door" was open, (the curtain was pulled aside) he could see Jake and Neytiri looking at him questioningly.
And was that a smirk he saw on missus Sullys face? He didn't have time to interpret what that expression meant as he was still pulled along by Lyle. 

Now he realized that he was leading them to their marui pod, what for-?

"Lyle for gods sake what is it?" Quaritch asked when he followed Lyle inside who briskly closed the curtain and turned to face him.

When Lyle didn't speak and only continued to look at him, Quaritch calmed down and took a step closer, raising his eyebrow.

"Ly?" He asked.

"Miles, I'm done with second guessing myself." Lyle said.

Second guessing himself? What did he mean by that? Did Quaritch do something to anger Lyle? He wasn't sure. Well, he did sort of deny him earlier and before that a few days ago, but, he said they would talk about it.. Wait, were they talking about it? Now?

Lyle saw as Mile's thoughts raced. His face showing confusion, and then a little fear?

"Miles Quaritch.. " Lyle began.
Quaritch stilled his movements, anxious to hear what the other wanted to say.

".. I'd like to offically court you, if you'll have me." 

Quaritch had to actually take a second to remember how to take a breath. 

Then he did what he always did, get defensive.

"What like I'm a -" Lyle already knew where his mind was going.

So he interrupted. 

"Miles, I want you."
He said, not letting Quaritch get in his head and worry himself to insanity. 

Quaritch stared at him, mouth open, not really sure what to say. 

So he just said,

"Okay"

Then, he saw Lyle smile, and the next thing he felt was how Lyle closed the distance and kissed him. 

--

Chapter Text

Spider was happier than he had ever been.

He couldn't stop smiling. It was getting late but he still wanted to stay awake with his friends.

There was so much to do, and so many things to test out. 

There was a sense of dread beginning to form. What if this was only temporary? What if, this was just a test, a fluke of some kind? But the great Mother wouldn't do that, would she? For all his life, he has wanted to belong, feel like one of the people. And now that he had it, he feared that it would be taken away. 

Kiri noticed that Spider had started to worry about something, a frown beginning to form on his face.

"What is it Spider?" She asked, raising a hand to lay on his shoulder. 

Spider didn't speak at first, but when Kiri scrunched up her "eyebrows" in a way that always made Spider smile, he gave in. 

"What if.. what if Eywa is testing me, and this is only temporary?" Spider asked aloud. Tsireya raised up her hand also, and Spider felt her hand on his other shoulder. 

"Spider, the great Mother doesn't test out of spite or ill will. If She has blessed you like this, it has been for a reason." 
Aonung agreed with her, nodding his head.

"Don't worry bro, you're one of us now, and nothing will change that." Lo'ak tried to cheer up Spider.

He understood what if felt like, to feel like you're an outsider. He didn't wish for Spider to feel like that. And now, it seemed that final barrier was gone. Normally humans couldn't survive on Pandora, since they needed to breathe earth air.
Now Spider could breathe the same air they did.
So in a sense, Spider could now live with them permanently. No more worrying about his battery running out, or if he had a spare mask with him. 

Spider seemed to loosen up a bit, no longer looking so nervous. 

"You couldn't get rid of me even if you tried." Spider challenged, fake bravado act on display.
Spider crossed his arms and brought his chin up.
He most likely didn't realize it, but at that moment he looked a little like his father. 

"Should we be going back? It's getting kinda late." Neteyam asked, and secretly pointed at Tuk who had began to yawn. It was true, a couple of stars already visible and the further away islands weren't visible anymore. Spider felt a little disappointed, but wasn't discouraged. Tomorrow, they would try out more things again. And who knows, maybe in the morning he would see more changes? 

As they all walked, Spider kept bumping into Lo'ak and Aonung who were walking in front of him.
Spider couldn't stop looking at his body, and his glowing spots that were now more visible. 
He was sure that his cheeks would burst, they sure felt like it. He couldn't remember a time when he had smiled and laughed this much. 

As Spider waved goodnight to Lo'ak, Kiri, Tuk and Neteyam, Jake called out softly. 

"Hey, Spider- come here for a second."

To be honest, Spider didn't want to face Jake or Neytiri right now, but the kind look Kiri gave him made it a little easier to bare.
He clenched his fists in an effort to look more calm... probably failing. 

As he walked closer, he could see Neytiri now looking more or less alright. She had been avoiding him, since they first met on this island. Spider couldn't fault her completely, Quaritch was her enemy.
Even thought Spider hoped, that she would eventually see what he sees in his father.
A man, who also wanted to belong. 

Spider didn't sit down. He remained standing in the doorway, eager to leave. 

"Son, please sit down?" Jake asked gently, as if trying not to spook a wild animal. Spider couldn't really refuse, and he kind of missed Jake. 

So Spider sat down, and crossed his arms defiantly. Neytiri smirked slightly. Spider uncrossed his arms, she was trying at least to be civil. Still, he felt uneasy. 

Was he supposed to now just forget, and forgive? As if nothing had happened, and everything was alright?

Jake noticed Spider grow restless as Neytiri kept looking at him. 

"So, how do you feel?" Jake asked. 

Spider looked at Jake and lowered his guard a little. 

"Good." He said. When it was obvious that Spider wasn't going to continue, Kiri smacked his head lightly. 

"C'mon monkey boy, you couldn't shut up earlier." Kiri knew how Spider felt, but they all needed something to break the ice so to speak. 

Spider sighed and started to speak. 

"Fiiine, I feel... good? I'm not noticing any change in how I see and hear or anything like that, but.. It all seems to be so powerful, and like- I didn't realize how much smells there was around me- you know with the mask and all. "
Spider started to explain, bringing up his hand to absentmindedly mess with his hair. 

Then he froze as his hand touched the back of his head, and he grew pale. 

"What is it son?" Jake now worried rose and sat next to Spider, ushering for him to lower his hand. Then Kiri also joined in and gasped when she saw what had freaked him out so. 

A kuru! 

Well, a small one, like the one a baby would have. 

"Spider- do you know what this means?" Kiri exploded, she couldn't be happier.

Jake sighed out, relieved. He had worried that something was seriously wrong with Spider, as the boy had stopped moving and speaking. 

"Do you want me to braid it for you?" Jake asked as he examined Spider's new kuru. It was still small and looked fragile. It had a pale colour, since Spider had pale skin. Jake hadn't wondered what a human with a kuru would look like, it hadn't crossed his mind, until now. 

Spider shook his head. 

"No- I uhh, I want dad to do it-" Spider admitted, looking guilty. Jake wouldn't bring himself to be mad. It was something private even for him, so no wonder Spider wanted this to be something that he did with his family. 

"It's alright son, I get it." Jake patted Spiders head, and smiled at him when Spider chanced a look in his direction. 

When Spider started to rise after that, Jake pulled him back down.

"You might not want to go just yet, they.. uhh-"

Jake suddenly looked a little awkward, and looked at Neytiri for support.

Neytiri in turn rolled her eyes, how could Jake still be so juvenile about these things. The men still weren't considered trustworthy, but.. their relationship did convince her that these two might be different from the originals after all. 

She couldn't say that she hadn't seen all the looks and touches the two men shared, even if they tried to hide them.
Please, even Lo'ak and Tsireya were more stealthy.
But then again, the two "avatars" weren't born here, and didn't know the customs. It was almost comical in hindsight, how obvious the two were. No wonder the two girls had assumed them to be a family. 

Now that her mind wasn't blinded by hate or sorrow, she felt more calm, and more like herself. 

"Date night." Neytiri only said and smiled when the children made faces. 

"Haha- I told you-" Lo'ak had began to say, but quickly got up as Spider started to chase him.

"Boys come on now, your mother and I-" Jake began to say but stopped as Kiri and Tuk both covered their ears and started to chant "-lalalalalala we don't want to hear it"

"..But I didn't even say anything" Jake wondered aloud, scratching his head.

"Dad, it's gross, always." 
Neteyam said as the most grown up out of the kids.

Neytiri shared a look with Jake and shrugged her shoulders. 

"You can sleep here tonight Spider, if you want to." 
Neytiri said, while starting to prepare a place for them to sleep. She didn't want to pressure the boy.
Spider seemed to think about it for a second before muttering. 

"Yeah.. alright."

---

Quaritch felt as Lyle started to kiss him.

Quickly bringing his arms up to hold on to the other, as if he would disappear if he let go. 

Lyle felt Quaritch grab his arms, his face, his back, everywhere he could reach. The sounds he got out of Quaritch were heaven to his ears. The small moans hidden in between kisses, trying to keep himself silent. Lyle tested out, what would make him slip out more noises. 

He shifted them so Quaritch was now against the wall, not seeming to mind.
As Lyle kept kissing Quaritch, almost running out of air in the process, he brought his leg forwards. Lyle lifted his other arm up against the wall and leaned on it, cornering Quaritch against him and the structure. 

Then as he separated to catch his breath he lowered his arm to Quaritch's waist. He looked at Quaritch as they both panted, feverish and curious of what would happen next. 

Quaritch looked at Lyle, seeing his flushed face did something to him. To know, that he was the cause of this, to see Lyle so affected by him.. 

He felt as Lyle moved him closer with the arm that was on his waist, when did he move it there?
Then he felt Lyle move, and he couldn't stop the sound as Lyle brought his leg up. 

Lyle chanced a move, the worst thing Quaritch would do was get angry. And if the sound he let out told him something, it told him to continue. 
Quaritch felt almost embarassed, but didn't have any time to come up with an excuse as Lyle did it again. 

Now he looked up at Lyle, who was staring into his eyes. His face was so close, he could feel his breath. 
Quaritch had his arms over Lyle's shoulder, close to his Kuru. With a smirk, he grabbed Lyle's kuru and saw how his eyes fluttered. Smirking at the reaction, he felt warmth pool at his lower stomach. 

That in itself was a new sensation, before when he was human, arousal wasn't that unusual.
But this, he knew the sensation to be arousal.. but it felt different somehow, deeper...

Lyle gave him no time to think about it any longer, as he steeled his gaze and ground hard into Quaritch. 

"G-ah Ly-"
Quaritch gasped out, shocked by the sheer force that his arousal was making itself known. He couldn't help it, even raising his leg slightly to give Lyle a better angle as he kept pushing. Quaritch grabbed Lyle's arm, closing his eyes as he felt something he had never felt this intensely before. As he didn't stop Lyle, Lyle was greedily taking more and more, as much as Quaritch would give him. 

As Lyle kissed Quaritch again, he swallowed the noises. He felt Quaritch give another tug and in response he grinded harder into Quaritch. Lyle fully wrapped his arm around Quaritch lower back, and pulled him towards him. He had done that move a lot back when human. Usually the ladies responded to the angle, but he wasn't yet sure if it felt the same for a man. 

Quaritch then gasped as he broke free of the kiss, wide eyes looking at Lyle who in turn was studying him.
It seemed to work alright. With new confidence Lyle smirked and pulled Quaritch closer to him as he made him grind on his leg. 

"Lyl-ha- It's too much-". Quaritch screwed his eyes shut as another wave of pleasure washed over him. 
For someones sake this isn't how he imagined it going down.
Sure, with a man it wouldn't be the same as he remembered....  but this? He was out of his depth. 

Lyle was happy to be the one giving, and if the reaction that Quaritch was having was anything to go by, it seemed Quaritch would be happy about it too. Lyle wasn't sure if Quaritch had noticed it, but he had started to arch his lower back in a way that usually meant, (In Lyle's experience) that he was searching out for something deeper. 

So Lyle lowered his hand to grip the others tail. He pulled a little, wanting to know if it felt as good for Quaritch as it did for him. 

The answer was a definite yes. 

Quaritch wasn't sure what was telling him to do these things, was it his body, or just a hunch?

He didn't know why his body arched, until he felt how his pleasure increased with the new angle. Then he felt as his tail started to rise, as if taunting the other to grab it. And grab it he did. Again, Quaritch wasn't sure what had caused him to do all these things, but he didn't care, as all he could care about was Lyle and his hand grabbing him. 

Lyle stopped his movements for a second and Quaritch glanced up, curious. As Lyle moved him away it became obvious that he wanted Quaritch to turn his back to him. Quaritch would have never before done something as submissive as this, but in the heat of the moment it felt right. Quaritch turned around and instantly Lyle was on him, kissing his neck, his face, his shoulders. At the same time Quaritch felt Lyle's hands move around his body. 

He massaged his chest as he kissed his neck. Then he moved his hand towards his neck while Quaritch felt teeth close to his nape. A warm sensation on the side of his neck had his full attention, as Lyle sucked and licked, creating a bruise. Later Quaritch would voice his opinion on the matter, right now it filled him with want. 

Quaritch had began to grind against Lyle now, as Lyle pushed into him. In a rhythm, Quaritch could feel something between his legs start to grow. Of course as a man he was familiar with his nether regions, but he didn't have the patience to actually examine what was down there. He had sort of assumed, that his bits were more or less the same.

As Lyle grinded, Quaritch found that there was a spot behind his what could be called penis, that felt incredibly good when Lyle gave a strong push. That also had he effect of Quaritch arching his back more, needing to feel that again and again. Lyle at this point had leaned completely over Quaritch, his hands grabbing at his thighs. He wanted to remove the loincloth, to feel and touch what was under that. 

His own need surely obvious, as he was sure Quaritch felt exactly what he was doing to him. 

Quaritch gasped and grabbed the wall for more support, as he felt Lyle touch him. It was foreign, and to be honest he couldn't care what was down there as long as Lyle kept touching it. 

Lyle felt warmth, and he knew where he had felt that many times before. He could feel his erection grow more as a primal want filled him. He quickly brought his other arm around Quaritch and layed his hand on his lower stomach. Then he started to lift up that hand, making Quaritch lower himself even more. 
Quaritch was strong, if he didn't want this, Lyle would have no chance. 

As Quaritch felt something breach into him, he couldn't help but gasp.

"Lyle, - I need-" He wasn't sure what he needed at that moment. Lyle seemed to understand, and started to kiss the side of his neck again. 
Lyle started to finger the slit that was growing more and more wet every second. The man underneath him writhing and gasping, moving along with his administrations. Then Lyle felt a violent twitch go through Quaritch's body as he curled his finger inside him. 

"Ah-Lyle-!"

There it was. 

Lyle added a second finger, now that he had found the sweet spot that was hidden deep inside. 

Quaritch couldn't help but widen his stance, as his legs had began to shake. He didn't know how much he could take, before it would surely need to spill over. He felt like cumming, but somehow he wasn't there yet, and at the same time he felt like he was already there. 

There was so much happening, that when he felt a larger presence at the opening he only arched more, seeking for that feeling again.

Lyle had lined up, and bit Quaritch again, holding on as he started to enter. 

Quaritch was sure that he couldn't feel more full, as Lyle slowly entered him. Little by little, he was hitting spots even Quaritch didn't know had existed. At the same time, Lyle had grabbed his other hand around his firm erection, and thumbed the small slit at the end. 

Quaritch would have already fallen over if it wasn't for Lyle lowering them so he was now kneeling. Lyle changed the position, bringing Quaritch up with him. 

Quaritch arched as he looked at the ceiling, Lyle still firmly biting him, not letting go. This new angle made it feel like Lyle was even deeper. Quaritch screwed his eyes shut as he felt Lyle start to move. Faster and faster, never letting go of his neck. It was too good, too much, Quaritch didn't know what to think. 

ah

ah-h

Lyle

I'm- I'm gonna- ha

Then Quaritch felt Lyle pick up the speed, hitting him deep and hard. Before he could gasp out he felt something in him pop, and only blinding pleasure was next.
Lyle buried himself deep into Quaritch as he came, not letting go for a second. Even through his own orgasm, he kept moving, as to force out more of those sweet sounds. Quaritch was almost limp against him, still feeling pleasure, he twitched against him. 

As Lyle breathed and Quaritch tried to even out his breathing, Lyle noticed something.

Still they were locked to each other, that was odd. 

Lyle started to pull a little backwards to remove himself but stopped as Quaritch gasped and fell forwards, catching himself with his arms. Again Lyle started to pull back but was stopped as Quaritch reached behind himself and grabbed his arm forcefully.

"Sto- ah- stop moving-" If Lyle wasn't so spent, the sound of his voice being so wrecked would have turned him on again. He experimentally gave a small thrust and Quaritch gasped again, as Lyle felt him squeeze him internally. Was he stuck?

Quaritch was breathing heavily, now leaning his head on his arms as he was almost laying on his stomach at this point. Sweat glistening and ears flushed. Lyle couldn't release himself, as he felt his gentleman get stuck inside Quaritch. Must be their new Na'vi biology..

Well... shit. 

Chapter Text

Quaritch wasn't sure if he had ever felt pleasure like this in his life. 

Sure, this was a whole new thing, one that he never imagined himself to be doing but.. still. 

When Lyle had started fucking him all logic escaped his brain. Only thing that mattered was Lyle and that sweet spot that he kept hitting deep inside him. He swore that every thrust sent him shivers that traveled all the way to the tip of his tail. He couldn't keep quiet, didn't even remember where they were at. When Lyle had leaned over him completely, and bit his neck it felt strangely natural. Like this was what was supposed to happen. 

When Lyle had lifted him up against him, hand on his throat, he felt a shiver even thinking about it now. 

When he felt and heard Lyle finally release after him, he took a few breaths. He felt out of breath, like he'd ran a marathon. He had closed his eyes and he felt Lyle let go of his throat. He wasn't into chocking, but with Lyle he didn't question it and didn't find it odd. And he hadn't actually chocked him. Even when fucked silly, Quaritch was still the stronger one out of the two so no worries there. 

Quaritch opened his eyes as he felt Lyle shift behind him. Yes, well now they probably needed to have that conversation- 

His musings were cut short as he felt something tug inside him, again hitting that spot. Quaritch couldn't help himself, still feeling raw from the session, he dropped down and braced his fall with his arms. Again the different angle made it feel like Lyle was even deeper in him.

With wide eyes Quaritch looked at the floor while panting, wondering what that reaction was caused by. Sure he had.. let's say contact, with multiple different women back when he was a human, but he didn't recognize what this could be. Did they always feel this sensitive afterwards?
Had he just not noticed it, already busy with his own thoughts?

He felt Lyle lay his hand on his lower back now that he was bent over, and he felt his other hand closer to his behind. Was the bastard teasing him??

Then he felt another shiver go through him as Lyle moved again. He bit his lip and quickly grabbed Lyle where he could reach him, not yet trusting his body to stay upright without needing his other hand for support. 

"Sto- ah- stop moving-" 

Quaritch heard himself gasp out. Voice husky. He hadn't been that loud, had he? He honestly couldn't remember. Then again Lyle moved, now leaning over him bringing himself closer. Lyle wasn't honestly much bigger than Quaritch, they were pretty even in that aspect. Sure Quaritch had a slimmer waist, but then again his shoulders were wider than Lyle's. Now that Lyle had leaned over him and he leaned on his hand which he also had planted on the floor next to Quaritch's own, a thought entered his head without his permission.

Of how it would feel for Lyle to stay this close and- 

He couldn't stop himself from reacting, his inner walls pulsing and squeezing at the length still inside him. 

"ha-" 

Quaritch moaned out, quickly covering his mouth with his other hand, releasing Lyle.
The bastard hadn't even moved-
Quaritch was truly fucked, so fucked that even his mind was playing a trick on him. 

Lyle swore behind him, clearly still feeling him.
Then he kept moving again, what on earth was he doing back there. The angle felt off, so Quaritch tilted his hips unconsciously downwards so Lyle's member shifted inside him, locking in place. That caused the spot deep inside him to lit up as the pressure was directly on it. 

Quaritch felt Lyle grab his waist to keep him still, as he was again feeling the pleasure build up in his lower stomach. 

"Fuck- Miles you gotta stop-" Lyle hissed out, feeling the effects and straining to keep himself still.

Hah, Quaritch thought, but was silenced when Lyle moved slightly pressing into the nerve that was on fire. 

Then Quaritch felt both of Lyle's hands circle around his waist, grip made of iron, finally locking him in place. Quaritch hadn't realized that he had been moving his hips each time to accommodate the new angle every time Lyle tried to back out. 

"Miles- you have to stop, listen to me for a second."

Lyle again said, closer to his ear now that he was leaning over him.
Quaritch noticed that he could now pay attention when Lyle wasn't moving or pressing into him. 

He noticed that Lyle was panting now also, the bastard probably enjoyed this, and pretended only to tease him. 

"It's not my-ah- f-fault- you keep fucking into me-" Quaritch hissed, feeling his face flush. Lyle grunted behind him, sounding more like his usual self.

"I keep trying to get out but you keep shifting and I can't- it's-" Lyle continued.
Quaritch almost lost him as Lyle tried to explain and move out, while hitting that glorious spot again. Again, Quaritch didn't quite manage to keep his mouth shut, a whimper making it past his lips. 

'it's-' what? 

"I can't get out Miles-"
Lyle said, jaw tight as he tried to stay still, body telling him to move to get his release. Sweat dripping from his face, Quaritch only noticed because he felt Lyle so close to his face. Lyle had his head on his shoulder, using Quaritch's hips to keep them somewhat upright. 
Quaritch felt a little bit clearer as he listened to Lyle. Can't get out? 

"What do you mean- you just-" And Quaritch tried to move himself forwards so Lyle would logically fall out of him, but that didn't seem to work. He felt like as if a hook was wrapped around him, and as he leaned away from Lyle, something was tugging him along, down there?

"What the hell- HA-"
Quaritch wondered out loud but then a moan was ripped out of him as Lyle moved closer to him. Was the bastard trying to kill him??

Then Lyle was fucking him again, both arms around his middle, not letting him move away. Quaritch tried to for a second move away again, but it felt too good. 

"Wh-wha- ahHa -are you doin-gha" Quaritch slurred out in between thrusts. He was feeling that warmth rise again, and felt himself react. Back arching for a better angle. Even if Lyle was barely backing out of him, feeling that pull and then the deep thrust was quickly causing him to be out of breath again. 

" -'M sorry Miles, I need to- you feel so good so maybe this'll cause -ha-your body to release m-" Lyle grunted, with every powerful thrust he was now getting closer and closer to release. Miles quivering under him only sped up the process. 

Seeing and feeling the effect he had on Quaritch was intoxicating, like he couldn't get enough. It felt like his body had one goal in mind, and that was to bury his seed deep into Miles, so that no one else will- 

where did that thought come from? Lyle didn't consider himself to be a jealous kind, but even the thought of feeling like someone else might steal Miles from him caused him to pick up his speed. 
At this point Miles wasn't trying to silence himself anymore, fully moaning whenever Lyle managed to hit the spot, eyes rolling back. Lyle was pretty much laying his full weight on Miles, his waist held up in his tight grip. Upper body fully on the ground, bent at an angle so that Lyle would hit every thrust deeper and deeper. If it wasn't for Lyle, Miles would have fallen over by now, only his arms holding his lower body in place. 

Lyle felt his release and bit Miles again, it felt even better now than before.
Quaritch froze for a second before bucking into him, also finding his release. He felt Lyle bite him but his mind was too hazy to recognize anything right now. Quaritch breathed deeply for a few seconds, as Lyle finally was able to slip out of him. He was still holding Quaritch's waist up not yet letting go. Quaritch felt Lyle seep out of him, it was a strange feeling. He hadn't even had time to think about it, if he wanted or didn't want Lyle to cum in him. He wasn't complaining, he felt better than in a long while. 

He felt calm, and at ease.
His mind blank for a change, filled with nothing instead of anxious thoughts. 

But, his arms were falling asleep, and he was pretty sure he couldn't feel his tail anymore.

"..mind easing a bit there..?" Quaritch asked, sounding a bit drunk. Voice hoarse. 

"Ah shit, uh, yeah- sorry." Lyle finally released his grip, that had to leave bruises. Nevermind that, Quaritch felt like he needed a bath, but he wasn't in any condition to move around.
Still feeling tired from their "exercise". 

Lyle seemed to read his mind as he shakily got to his feet, and fetched a cloth of sorts. It was wet, so it would have to do. 
"Sorry, I-" Lyle started to say but stopped. 

Great, the idiot was feeling quilty. 

"Don't worry about it Lyle." Quaritch said as he grabbed the cloth. 

"Should I feel jealous, that you've been carrying all that all this time." Quaritch tried to ease the mood, looking suggestively at Lyle who made quick work of cleaning himself up. 

That got a smirk from the other man. 

"So I can take that as a compliment?" Lyle asked, wagging his eyebrows. Quaritch in turn rolled his eyes, but couldn't stop his smile. He felt giddy. 

Quaritch cleaned himself up as well as his tired body could, it would have to do.
Then he tossed the rag into the corner which had other disposable items. Food scarps and such. He would have to burn the evidence, not needing Na'vi with super senses tell exactly what and who he had been doing. 

Hell, who was he kidding, the whole village probably sensed something was going on. 

He fought a yawn as Lyle sat back down next to him, looking at his neck. Ah yes, that. 

He noticed Lyle grimace as he cleaned the bite wound with a fresh cloth. 

"What is it." He asked, even if the cause was quite obvious. 

"I don't think we'll be able to cover this with your necklace this time.." Lyle grumbled, as he looked at the wound. 
Then Quaritch's eyes caught a few hair decor that had been left over from earlier, when they had originally changed their clothes. That would have to do. It wasn't a miracle, but he wasn't ready to just yet be questioned like a teenager who got caught with hickeys. 

He motioned for Lyle to give them to him, and he managed to attach a few into his braid. They didn't completely cover the bite wound at his nape, but maybe they were distracting enough so that the attention would be on his hair rather than on his neck? 

Lyle smiled as Quaritch worked the "feathers" into his braid, starting around the area near his ear. Eyes closed, letting his hands do the work.
Lyle wondered, if Quaritch had had longer hair at some point? His hands moved with precision, like he was doing a braid.
They suited him.
Quaritch did have that grumpy face, that remained even when he was relaxed. The decorations broke that illusion little. Making him seem gentler and more colourful. 

Maybe it was just his brain short circuiting, but Quaritch looked absolutely ravishing. 

"Stop it" Quaritch said. 
He could feel Lyle looking at him, feeling a little self conscious. 

"They suit you." Lyle said, laying down, hands behind his head.

Quaritch opened his eyes and looked down at Lyle while leaning on his arm. 

Yeah, this man wasn't that bad. So he smiled back, but laid down quickly so the other wouldn't see just how much he adored him. 

After that he was soon asleep. Sleeping deeper than he had for a long, long while. 

Only then, to be awoken by a yell.

"What the hell-- WHAT HAPPENED??" 

Quaritch sat up, alarmed by the yell and saw Spider in the doorway. 

Spider had spent the night over at Sully's and wanted to tell his father about his kuru as soon as he woke up. 

Jake and Neytiri were awake already, bidding him good morning and handing him a plate. Spider felt his stomach growl, and raised his eyebrow as he looked at the plate. 

There was meat on it.
Something that he wasn't able to stomach, as food from Eywa made humans sick.

Spider looked up at Jake who was looking at him with a smile.

"Go on son, try it out. You were able to stomach food last night without it making you sick." Jake looked at him kindly, taking a piece of the same meat at chewing it loudly to annoy Spider. 

Spider had always thought that the food Neytiri and Jake usually made looked delicious, but rarely could he eat it. 

So he wasted no time, and gulped down what ever was on his plate. It tasted good, he even asked for seconds, to which Neytiri gladly gave him more food.
Laughing how even Neteyam didn't eat as much, and he was older than Spider. It felt nice, cozy even. 

it reminded him of his father and Lyle, and then he remembered what he had to do.

"Shit- I forgot, I have to tell dad-" Jake said something like "language", but Spider was already running out the door and waving them goodbye. 

"Wait- Spider wait for me-" Kiri called out to him as she jogged after him. She wasn't afraid of Quaritch, not after witnessing his more tender side last night at the beach. The man wouldn't harm Spider, so he wouldn't harm her. *

Spider hoped his father was awake. He didn't want to witness... whatever it was that had happened over there last night and what prevented him from sleeping there. 

The doorway was halfway open, so maybe they were awake already? Kiri and Spider slowed down to a light jog, not wanting to burst in as that would be rude. Even if Spider lived here, Neytiri too hated when the kids ran in and out of their pod. Saying that it was unnecessary and often caused mess, since the kids ran over things and jumped. 

At first glance when pulling back the doorway curtain, Spider couldn't see Lyle. The hamper had disappeared from the corner he had last seen it, so maybe Lyle was out washing?His father seemed to be waking up, face scrunched up as light now hit it directly from the doorway. He must have felt tired, he was usually already up before everyone else, and it was odd to see him sleep if Lyle was not with him. 

As light could more clearly hit Quaritch, Spider also saw something on his neck. Was that a bruise?
As Quaritch brought up his other hand to block the light from hitting his eyes, Spider noticed more bruising around his middle.

Lyle wasn't here, his father was sleeping in, and now bruises?? Spider could see out of the corner of his eye Kiri bring up her hand, mistaking it for shock.

In actuality, Kiri tried to silence a laugh that was about to form, witnessing exactly what Spider's "parents" had been up to. Honestly those two were worse than teenagers. 

Spider however seemed to miss this important detail, as he stomped closer and crouched down to wake his father. 

"What the hell-- WHAT HAPPENED??"

Quaritch didn't look like he much appreciated the rude awakening, bolting up and looking around feverishly. Kiri also now noticed a few new decorations behind his ear, weaved into the braid covering his kuru. It looked almost pretty. 

When there was no immediate danger, Quaritch looked at Spider and frowned. 

"What the hell boy? Don't wake people up like that!" He growled as he continued to watch his son, alarmed by his behaviour.

But, Spider wasn't really listening. 

"What happened- did you guys fight- They wouldn't let me over here- are you okay??" 
Spider seemed to be in hysterics. What on earth was the boy on about? 

Quaritch looked at Kiri when he couldn't decipher what Spider was asking of him. 

Kiri only sneered and pointed at her neck, quickly Quaritch raised his hand to feel around his neck.
Shit, was he already busted?

As Quaritch winced when he brought his hand up to his neck Spider seemed to grow more distraught. 

He had a family, and already they were fighting?

Quaritch now seemed to understand where Spider had gotten the wrong impression from. 

"Now son, listen-"

He tried to say.
He didn't want to have this conversation at all.
He really didn't want to have this conversation with his son of all people.

Gladly he would have just avoided this whole charade, and acted like nothing had changed. 

That wasn't really possible anymore, so he had to come clean. 

Before he could start to explain that no, he wasn't attacked, and no it wasn't Lyle (it was), he saw another bigger form burst in. 

Great, bring the whole village in why don't you, who cares about privacy.
It wasn't enough that his son and his friend saw him like this, now the missus and her boy toy were here too.

"Well come on in everyone, want a cup of coffee?..." Quaritch grumbled mostly to himself as Jake looked around, trying to find out what had Spider yelling so. 

"He's hurt!"

Spider called out to Jake who looked concerned and walked over. Quaritch would have preferred to die on the spot. He had been able to avoid the Sully family for the most part, now half of them were in their marui pod.

A cruel joke from Eywa no doubt, a punishment for his crimes in his past life. 

"I'm not."

Quaritch growled as he hissed and glared at Jake who raised his hands in defense.
Now Quaritch was covering up his neck with his arm, not happy to have his last nights business out in the open like this. 

Spider wasn't helping, still pointing to his bruised neck.
Honestly the kid had a heart of gold, but a little brain couldn't hurt. 

Then Jake seemed to get what the kid was worrying about, and stifled a snort with a badly disguised cough.

The result sounded like he snorted something down the wrong pipe.
Even Neytiri shook her head and seemed to be cursing someone out in her head.

Kiri just grinned and also tried to cover up a laugh.
She remembered how her mother had yelled at Lo'ak for messing around with a girl around his age. Even a slight mark was out of question. One should absolutely not mark the other if they weren't serious and mated together.
Lo'ak looked embarrassed and Kiri was sure the girl got an earful too, as they both had matching bruises. Small but visible to a mother who had the keenest eyes out of the clan. 

These two idiots had jumped straight into the deep end, basically letting everyone know exactly how close of "friends" they were. You couldn't even be mad, but you had to laugh a little. 

Then the other guilty party entered, carrying the missing hamper and laundry. 

"Ly, explain to your son that I wasn't mauled by a viperwolf."

Quaritch growled from the floor, over the whole pretending part of this conversation. The cat was already out of the bag, so to speak. Even if no one else but him, Lyle and Jake knew what a cat even was. 

Jake huffed out a laugh, "your son", these two really did it huh? Well that settles it. 

Spider finally seemed to catch on as he saw only grins and no one seemed to be concerned.

"It was you?? GROSS!" He yelled, as if Lyle was to blame for his embarrassment. Jake sometimes forgot how young Spider was, he was still a teenager after all. 

Neytiri made it over to Quaritch and looked at his neck. 

"Show me." She only said, and Quaritch didn't have the guts to fight her. 

Neytiri tsked as she saw the bitemark, it was deep and obvious.
Quaritch hissed when she touched his neck, the bite mark was sore. 

"Hey- stop it-" Quaritch hissed when he felt her poke and jab at the mark

"Quiet." She said, sounding like she was talking to one of her kids. 

The demon looked young when she was this close.
And even the reactions that he had reminded her of a much younger na'vi, rather than his past self. 

Quaritch lowered his ears and grumbled out something, not fighting her on it. 

"you could not wait- to have ceremony?"

She asked, speech clipped.
Jake was kind of surprised she even made the effort to speak in english for Quaritch to understand. 

"...the what?" Quaritch asked, not understanding what ceremony she was referring to.

Neytiri looked at him for a few seconds, and Quaritch honestly felt like a chasticed child who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. 

"The what... is he kidding, ma Jake. "
Neytiri looked at Jake who was looking intently at the conversation. He only shrugged in response. 

Neytiri hissed out a quick swear, even Kiri lifted her eyebrows in response.
Quaritch hadn't yet learned that patricular swear.

"Kids, out-" Neytiri huffed out and ushered the kids out. 

Quaritch gulped and glanced at Lyle who still was standing in the doorway with his hamper. He also looked a little lost, so no help would come from him. 

"Sit." She then seemed to remember to involve Lyle in this conversation. Jake looked a little awkward, sharing a sympathetic look as Quaritch glanced at him.

Did they do something? Was there a crazy cult where they had do ask for permission to do.. 

"Tsahik, she knows?" Neytiri said when both men were sitting infront of her and Jake. Were they seriously about to give them the birds and the bees? For Eywas sake he was a grown man-

"How is it any of their business-" Quaritch started to say but stopped as Neytiri raised her hand, signaling for him to be silent. Jake seemed to also grow more serious.

Neytiri looked at Jake, motioning towards them. It was clear that she asked him to speak for her as Jake began to speak.

"In a clan, there is a balance, and if a life is taken, then a new life may born.." It sounded like their version of birds and the bees alright. But that didn't explain why their leader cared.

Jake continued.

"So, it is custom, for a mated pair to... inform the clan, and inform them that when life is taken by Eywa.. that new life may be born." Again with the 'born' stuff.
Jake again emphasized raising his eyebrows and motioning with his hands as if they knew how to continue that sentence. 

Quaritch scowled, he didn't understand how that had anything to do with him. 

"You bonded, yes?"
Neytiri in turn asked. Quaritch blushed a little looking anywhere but at her. 

Lyle picked a bad time to be a comic. 

"Yeah we bonded alright, kinda got stuck there if you know what I mea-"

Then he wheezed out as Quaritch hit his throat lightly to stop him from speaking.
He knew Lyle was not ashamed of his actions, even as humans he often bragged about his partners and his capabilities. But Quaritch didn't need him to air out his business in the process.

He didn't even have time to figure out what had happened, much less how to explain it. 

Jake looked like he wanted to high five Wainfleet for whatever reason, before schooling his features as Neytiri hissed at him.

Neytiri cleared her throat, no doubt having learned that from Jake. 

"Good, that is.. very good for bonded pair." Neytiri said, as if talking about the weather. Jake gave Wainfleet a thumbs up, the gesture odd since a Na'vi had no idea what that even meant. 
Now why was he assuming that he was the one who- that Lyle was the one who- 

"Now we didn't achieve that until she got pregnant with our first-"
Jake began to say but also was silenced by Neytiri who now was also blushing ever so slightly. She hissed quickly ma Jake as she swatted at his head. 

Quaritch didn't know whether to be flattered or weirded out that this was something that they were actually discussing right now. 

"No matter, we need to inform Ronal." When Quaritch started to protest, seeming to understand what she said, she added.

"-As is custom." Her tone left to choice, it was already decided. 

When Quaritch frowned and looked at Jake, the only thing that his former enemy gave him as a response, was a nod. 

A fucking, nod.
He would have preferred a bullet to the head. 

Fucking hell..