AN: The Na'vi, Kel'ris, that will appear from this chapter on is my own creation. With him I'll start a new pairing for this story, it will be mentioned at the end of the chapter. Have fun reading!
Chapter 06
Since that night three days ago things between Jake and Tsu'tey had gone well. They were always within each other's sight and did most things together, like hunting.
Jake felt better having his mate near him, and Mo'at had told him this was due to the baby growing within him. It knew and recognized its other parent and felt connected and protected when both were near.
That was also the reason why Jake craved almost constant physical contact with Tsu'tey. He would reach out during the hunt and stroke his mate's cheek, and during the evening meal he would tighten his hold on Tsu'tey's hand holding firm whenever another unmated Na'vi was near.
Not that Tsu'tey didn't enjoy his mate's jealous episodes because they guaranteed him a wild and satisfying night, but sometimes he just wished to hold his mate and feel his presence next to him. When he had asked Mo'at she had just laughed and told him to enjoy it while it lasted, because once Jake entered a certain pregnancy stage he wouldn't want to have sex with him and later there would be the baby consuming all their time.
That was why Tsu'tey tried to stay away from the Na'vi Jake reacted to with jealousy, while still doing his duty as leader of the tribe.
Jake, meanwhile, glowed with an inner light. Since their reconciliation he felt more at peace and had finally accepted the fact that he was now a pregnant male Na'vi. The only thing disturbing his good mood were the other Na'vi constantly eyeing his mate. Looking up he saw another attractive male take hold of Tsu'tey's hand and tuck him to the side. The male had long free flowing dark hair, muscled arms and as far as Jake could tell was almost as beautiful as Tsu'tey.
But the most disturbing thing was when Tsu'tey really walked away with him. Jake saw red and jumped up to follow them.
Quietly walking through the undergrowth he literally saw red when the other male laughed and hugged Tsu'tey close. Storming forward Jake was satisfied when the male shrunk back and huddled against a tree.
"Jake? Is everything alright?"
Tsu'tey's voice managed to enrage Jake even more and he turned to his mate. "I would hardly call you going behind my back 'alright', or would you, Tsu'tey?" Jake squeezed out behind clenched teeth.
The confusion was evident in his mate's gaze as he locked eyes with the stranger, "Kel'ris, we well continue our talk later, would you please leave me and my mate alone?"
Seeing the other nod and then hurry away Jake was even more pissed, "You won't continue anything with HIM later!"
As Jake was about to convince Tsu'tey of this by grabbing his shoulder hard Tsu'tey locked eyes with him, "JAKE! You are acting like an ass!"
That stopped Jake in his anger. Knowing that he had made Tsu promise to tell him exactly that when he was out of line Jake calmed down somewhat and finally managed to think about the situation.
"What?" The question was just a hoarse whisper as Jake used all his concentration to not just take Tsu'tey, to take him now and let everyone within hearing range know just whom the leader belonged to!
Tsu'tey watched the change on Jake's face and, deeming him calm enough, raised his hand to take hold of Jake's face, "What do you think would have happened here had you not followed us?"
Lightning seemed to strike Jake as he answered, "He'd…and then you and he…"
Shaking his head Tsu'tey replied, "Your stammering tells me nothing, Jake. Now look into my eyes and tell me this: do you really think that I would betray our oath, our bond and baby just for something physical?"
Jake swallowed at the realization that he had almost hurt Tsu'tey again, "No…I just … that is…" Sighing he started again, "He was the first you didn't send away. I just thought that you found him attractive." Thinking back to the male's appearance made Jake boil in jealousy and guilt.
"He is my best friend, Jake. I grew up with Kel'ris at my side, acting as the protector of the future leader. He is my brother in everything but blood." Tsu'tey looked at Jake with disappointment lurking in his eyes.
And Jake now felt even worse. He had been so distracted by his own problems and later with his jealousy that he hadn't even taken the time to get to know Tsu'tey or his family and friends. Taking a deep breath he knew what he had to do, "I'm sorry, Tsu'tey. I shouldn't have acted like this. Every time someone is in your vicinity I feel a hot burn in my heart, telling me to make sure you'll not leave me…us for someone else."
Tsu'tey looked at Jake questioningly, "When have I ever given you a cause to doubt me, Jake?"
"Never, but I know how these things end up with humans. They betray each other and everybody gets hurt in the process."
Shaking his head in disbelieve Tsu'tey replied, "That may be true, Jake. But you forget that we are not human. The Na'vi way is different than that of your former race. No Na'vi has ever left his or her mate. We know that we are destined to be together and no other could ever compare to that. Not when it comes to presence, feelings or mating."
Looking guiltily into his mate's eyes Jake asked, "I should probably apologize to him, right?"
Laughing Tsu'tey nodded, "That would be good! You frightened him a bit when you growled at him."
Lips twitching in amusement Jake replied, "Am I that scary? What did he want from you anyway?"
"Oh you can be pretty scary!" Tsu'tey let out another laugh at Jake's pouting and continued, "He wanted my permission to court another member of the tribe."
Raising an eyebrow Jake couldn't help but ask, "Oh? Who is he interested in?"
"Now now, Jake! Why should I tell you this?" Tsu'tey took a step back from Jake and smirked evilly.
Heat flashing in his eyes Jake growled hoarsely, "Because than I will have a reason to reward you…"
A gasp left Tsu'tey when Jake tugged him forcefully into a tight embrace and proceeded to kiss him with hot burning passion.
As soon as Jake released him Tsu'tey relented, "Okay, I will tell you…He is interested in your friend."
Blinking in astonishment Jake asked, "Norm?! He wants to court Norm?"
"Yes, that he does. Mo'at was approached a few days ago by your friend. He asked what he had to do to become a member of the Omaticaya." Seeing Jake's confusion Tsu'tey explained, "He will have to go through the same training you did. And Kel'ris volunteered as his guide and trainer."
Hesitant Jake asked, "And you'll give Kel'ris your permission? Doesn't Norm have any saying in this?"
Laughing Tsu'tey looked back at him, "He will have my permission to court him. But he will have to ask his permission next. We do not believe in arranged relationships, Jake!"
Relieved and happy that Norm would soon be a true Na'vi Jake embraced his mate before sinking to his knees in front of him. He had made a promise about a reward and he would stay true to that.
tbc