Chapter Text
The bioluminescent glow of the coral reminded Jake of home a bit, even if it was a bit more teal than he was used to. He didn't realize how much he'd miss the forest, how much he'd miss the Omaticaya. He misses flying through the Hallelujah Mountains with Neytiri, misses the tasks he'd perform as Olo'eyktan. It all sunk in when he heard his son wish for home with his dying breaths. He failed to protect Neteyam. His first child. They would return one day, that he knew. Once they sent the Sky People back, for good this time. Even if he wouldn't be Olo'eyktan again, he would be Omaticaya. His family would be Omaticaya once more. Neytiri would get to go home. They'd bury Neteyam properly, in the home of his ancestors. They'd bring him home.
Jake could hear the pattering of feet on the rocks behind him but was too focused to turn. He knew it was Neytiri, he didn't need to check. When she sat down, she grabbed his hand and began stroking his palm with her thumb.
"Ma Jake, how are you?" Neytiri asked, with her eyes concentrated on her husband.
"I'm just, I'm thinking of home. I'll get us back there, I promise."
Neytiri shook her head, "we will bring the family back, together. Both of us. You do not need to carry this burden alone."
"I know." Jake let his forehead rest together with Neytiri's for a moment, before the latter leaned in for a kiss. Neytiri deepened the kiss further as she swung a leg across Jake, letting gravity sink her lips further onto Jake's. It felt like so long since it was only the two of them. Before they became parents, when the Sky People had just left, they had only each other. Inseparable. Children brought joy, but also lots of responsibility. There are times when they both miss being young and free, but they wouldn't trade their children for anything. The RDA made intimate moments all the more scarce, but now, with Tuk fast asleep with Kiri, and Lo'ak- Wait.
"Where is Lo'ak?" Neytiri asked.
As if on cue, the couple heard splashing from the cove below. They looked down to see Lo'ak and Tsireya, swimming and talking. Jake's first thoughts were of why Lo'ak was breaking curfew. What, for a girl?
"Falling for the chief's daughter, huh? Kid stole my move," Jake laughed. Neytiri then let out a hearty laugh, like those she laughed when they were back in the forest. Before they were on the run. That laughter was his favourite melody. How could he be so hard on Lo'ak, when Lo'ak was just like him at that age? Neteyam was like Tommy, and maybe that's why Jake admired him so much. Jake had always wished to be more like Tommy. Yet he wasn't Tommy, and he wouldn't trade who he was for anything. He was at his best when he was himself, so how can he blame Lo'ak? Jake was angry at himself for how long it took for him to truly see Lo'ak.
"He reminds me so much of you, Ma Jake, perhaps that is why you are always at odds. Two courageous, crazy boys. One difference is, he remembers to find the joy in life still. To live. We cannot change the past, or predict the future. We must live now."
Jake was always amazed at how Neytiri seemed to read his mind.