Chapter three
Weeks later Kel'ris was patrolling the forest when he saw Tsu'tey rush through the undergrowth next to him. His leader did not look at his surroundings, just ran without looking. Concerned Kel'ris called to his friend, "Tsu'tey!"
Startled by his friend's sudden appearance, Tsu'tey stumbled, "Kel."
Seeing the tear tracks on his best friends face Kel'ris gently too Tsu'tey's hand, "Are you alright? Did something happen to Jake?"
The laugh, half bitter and half desperate, made Kel flinch "Happen? No, he just does not want me anymore!"
"WHAT? I cannot believe this, Tsu! Eywa destined you two for each other and I know that you have grown to love him…even more than you ever loved Tiri."
As if shamed by his tears Tsu'tey turned his face away, "He told me he does not need me…that he can do it alone…"
*****FLASHBACK*****
Concerned Tsu'tey asked if Jake was sure that he should not go to Mo'at right away, when his mate's shout startled him badly, "I can do this alone! I don't need you!"
Tsu'tey flinched back violently. Not even Jake's apologetic tone could cut through the dark thoughts flitting through his mind, "Tsu…"
Shrugging off the hand tightening on his shoulder Tsu'tey stood up, his face a mask of pain, his heart heavy with denial, "I understand. I will no longer try to be in your way."
Taking one step after the other Tsu'tey made to leave when his wrists were grabbed in an unrelenting, but never painful, grip, "I'm sorry! Please Tsu I didn't mean it…"
Trying to shake of the humiliation he felt Tsu'tey kept his face turned away, "I do not understand you saying something like this, if you do not mean it. I do not understand you hating me for worrying. This is not about your pride or mine. It is about your health… And you are my mate, not just in good bit also in bad times." Taking a deep breath Tsu'tey gently pried Jake's fingers from his own wrist. "When you are sure you want to be with me, not just because we were destined to be together, but because you want us to be, you will know where you can find me."
Tsu'tey saw Jake pale but could not stay under these conditions. The harsh words had hurt him much deeper than he had ever thought possible.
"Tsu'tey…" Jake's voice called weakly to him.
Turning a blank face to his mate Tsu'tey smiled gently at him, keeping his thoughts and feelings hidden, "Do not worry, Jake Sully. When the time is right Eywa will make sure that we find each other again. Should you need me, I will be there for you. You just have to call for me." Turning around Tsu'tey left Jake alone.
As soon as he was out of Jake's sight Tsu'tey started running. As hard and fast as he could his legs carried his through the forest. Unmindful of any danger he ran, tears welling up in his eyes and trailing down his face.
Wanting to run until the pain vanished Tsu'tey was shocked when he saw Kel stepping in front of him.
*****END FLASHBACK*****
Kel'ris wanted to go and look for Jake Sully just to slap the arrogance and ignorance from his face. To hurt Tsu like this, to tell him such things and let them fester like an old wound…
Shaking his head Kel'ris hugged his friend and swallowed his plans and thoughts down, knowing that they would neither help Tsu, nor would they be appreciated, "Come on, Tsu. Let us go back to the tree and the go take our ikran for a flight."
Nodding Tsu'tey let himself be led blindly. Kel'ris was concerned, not even with all the things that happened to Tsu over the years did he go this blank… Jake had to mean very much to him indeed.
When the arrived at the home tree Kel'ris sat Tsu'tey down and got his water from the next plant. Coaxing his friend to swallow Kel was relieved when Tsu's eyes cleared a bit and his mind escaped the darkness. "Do not worry so much, my friend. I will be alright, as I always am."
Skeptically Kel'ris nodded and left it with that. Hours later they came back from their flight and were glad to find that almost all of the other Na'vi had gone to rest for the night. Throughout the whole night the two friends stayed together next to the fire and talked.
Many things were relived, while new things were discovered.
Tbc
