+Jealousy+

Tsu'tey's P.O.V

I couldn't believe I did what I just did. It just sort of happened in the heat of the moment, when all of my emotions were going haywire inside my brain. How could I have been so stupid! How could I loose control like that so easily when I had been holding it in so well! It was simple, and I knew the answer. I had even admitted it to her, but what had made all my emotions bubble over was when I had been so close to her that I had been able to look directly into her sky blue eyes, and see the flecks of gold that you wouldn't normally have seen if you hadn't been that close to her. She was Na'vi. She wasn't human…she had been, but her heart, and her soul screamed Na'vi. Her words were true, and I couldn't ignore them.

I couldn't ignore the fact that she would turn her back on us someday and head back to her unhappy, dying world. I couldn't stand the fact knowing she'd cry late at night when no one was listening, like she once had. I couldn't stand the thought of her forcing herself to continue on everyday even when she felt like just collapsing and never getting back up.

However, I couldn't do what I just did. I couldn't lie, I wanted her, only Eywa knew how badly I wanted her, but I was so confused as it was. Not to mention it was impossible. I was to be Neytiri's mate. I was to be Olo'eyktan one day. I would lead the clan and set an example for them. I couldn't let myself get involved with Mia. Even if it wasn't a good life she did have a life that she had taken so long to build. She was loved by her people as well. People looked up to her, as she too set examples. She sang songs that could cripple any Na'vi's heart, and put it back together once more. She had people who were waiting for her to return one day.

Still I could feel her warm lips still pressed against mine, and the smell of a fresh blossom in her hair and on her skin. Her flesh underneath my hand had been so soft, and delicate, not hard as stone as she tried to portray to her people. Oh, and her hands on my chest had me almost shivering, as they had gently slid into place. I couldn't deny the sexual attraction I had for her. I couldn't deny that I cared for her, because I did. I also knew she could feel the same way about me just by her simple response when I had kissed her. She hadn't reared back and slapped me, or took off immediately. No, she had given in after a moment when the shock wore off. She had let herself indulge in what she had been wanting all along, and then….she had run, and I let her. She was scared, frightened even, and she felt just as confused as me; now even more so.

I wish I had stopped her, and talked to her, but what would it have honestly done. She would have ignored me, and pushed the thoughts away. She would have denied everything that had just happened. She would have denied what she was feeling; what I was feeling. I knew I had to let her go, for not only my sake, but for hers. She deserved a Na'vi male whom would care for her, provide for her, and do all that I could, and more. A Na'vi male who wasn't already promised to another. However, even as the thought of another man holding her in his arms and loving her, I found it sent a jealous heat boiling through my veins. I had already seen her memories of other men. Men I had not known. What would it be like to see her with a man I knew; a warrior friend of mine no doubt? I had seen the way the other male warriors looked at Mia as they listened and watched her every movements. They wanted her just as badly as I had wanted her when she was here earlier. However, my want was stronger than theirs. I had something that they did not. I had a sort of closeness that not many of them had gained quite yet. I knew her from inside and out. We had shared secrets, and I was now keeping most of hers. I knew how well she spoke our language, and that's something that we shared only between ourselves when alone. I knew she was a fast learner, and didn't need much time to be taught as her brother did. Now I also knew one of her darkest secrets that she had been keeping from all the Omaticaya people. I even knew the secrets that she couldn't even speak out to family and friends of her kind.

No, no warrior would be as close to her as I was. No warrior would dare enter a territory which was mine, without my consent.

Making my way back down Home-Tree I passed by the place we had been keeping Mia since her accident, but I couldn't find her there, nor in her bed. I did however find her sitting secluded from everyone else with one of my closets warrior friends. Maybe I had been wrong about my assumptions as to who would cross a line and who would not.

Mia's P.O.V

When I took off I never even thought I would find somebody in my way until a pair of strong arms caught me. Thinking it was Jake I melted into them as relief flooded over me, and my watery eyes slowly receded. What had happened back there… I couldn't even let myself think about it again. I had crossed a line…HE had crossed a line. How could I let it get this far? How hadn't I noticed it sooner? I mean there were signs, but I had always assumed he was being like any other jerk of a male warrior.

However the memory flooded back of when I had confronted him during the storm. I could remember the look in his eyes as he stared at me. I could remember the first time he had ever shown kindness. I remembered that time in the river clearly, but I had always just assumed. Oh how I had wished I had seen it coming with much clearer eyes. The bad thing was I had only antagonized him. I had always let him believe that my feelings were stronger for him, when in truth…I had no idea what my feelings for him were. It was clear now it wasn't the normal feelings you'd find between two enemies, or a student and her teacher. However, it wasn't that mischievous four lettered word either. No, it was like he said, because he cared. It was because I cared. It was because I could see past his childish, prideful behavior. There was also no denying the physical attraction I had toward him either.

"Is everything alright now," came an unrecognizable voice; a voice of which did not belong to my brother. Looking up I found one of Tsu'tey's closet friend, and warrior, Atan'eko. My blush returned as I looked up at the man before me. Talk about embarrassing. This was definitely not a state in which you want another man to see, let alone a Na'vi man.

"Yeah, just…having a bad day," I mumbled forcing a laugh as I pulled away from him

"Looks more than bad day," he chuckled stumbling over the English words. Right about now I was wishing he knew I spoke Na'vi so he wouldn't have to struggle with my language. He had always had trouble with my language as far as I had known him, however he seemed to find it helpful me being here so he could further it. He wasn't like many of the Omaticaya people here. He appreciated the dreamwalkers, and he didn't believe all that much in tradition as much as them. He was a very likeable man.

"Terrible year then, I suppose," I said earning another chuckle from him. Taking my hand he said, "Come, you should sit with your wounds." Without protest I let him lead me over to a secluded area away from the rest of his warrior friends. Taking a seat he promised he would be back. When he returned he had a leaf full of delicious food waiting for me. Setting one of the leafs in front of my lap, he took a seat next to me. As I ate my hexapede meat in peace he watched me with uncertain eyes, until finally he spoke, "I am sorry Tsu'tey said something to sadden you. He is normally…."

"Well-behaved, predictable," I finished for him as he simply nodded, and then added, "He's always been…moody." At his choice of word I couldn't help the laugh. The way he was talking Tsu'tey up, made him seem like he was talking him down. Moody is not something you often used with men. It made them seem like they had a menstrual cycle However I wasn't about to correct Atan'eko because at this point he was right. Tsu'tey had been a little moody lately. Either he was hating me, or he was acting funny, or as he had called it, 'caring.'

"How was you're Na'vi improving," Atan'eko asked messing up, by using 'was', instead 'is.' Correcting him with an apologetic look, as if I feared too offend him, he simply smiled and took it with graciousness. Then I answered in Na'vi, "Much better. Tsu'tey is a good teacher."

"I was wondering, because I heard you two speaking the other day. You sounded as if you had known our language since your birth," Atan'eko said stunning me a little at his mischievous eyes, and then with a smirk he replied getting close to my ear, "Do not worry. I will not tell. I have seen how well you are with the bow and arrow too." Looking at him I couldn't help the giggle. Thank Eywa I could speak to him in Na'vi, and it felt better knowing another knew, however I still had my worries.

"May I ask why you've been looking," I questioned sending one of my own devious looks back at him.

"It is hard to ignore such a goddess before my eyes," he flirted openly. I knew of Atan'eko well enough by now to know that he was a flirt with the females here, and often got challenged by their mates if he crossed a line. Yet here it seemed like harmless flirting. The harmless kind you'd use on a friend to cheer them up.

"Goddess, are you sure? If I am, what goddess would I just so happen to be," I smiled at him as I placed my food back down.

"Why of the storms of course. No one, but a goddess would have gone out into weather such as that," He pointed through the thick leaves where you could hear the pattering of large raindrops as they plopped with each second.

"Then if I'm a goddess of the storms, how come I got hurt," I continued as I played his little game. "Because your warrior couldn't protect you from yourself." Gasping at his hint that I was clumsy I shoved him as roars of laughter escaped his throat. Watching I seemed to notice just how similar he was to Tsu'tey in his lower body structure. He had strong abs, and his thighs were strong from the tedious terrain here. However his facial features were much softer, and calmer. More Jake features, than Tsu'tey in my opinion.

"Yeah just keep laughing mister. I'll get you when you least expect it," I said in English pointing a playful finger his way. Rolling his eyes he spoke back, "You can try."

"How old are you anyway? Sixteen," I remarked shaking my head as he answered back, ignoring my sarcasm, "I am around twenty six in sky-people's terms." About choking on my food I turned to look at him as I gaped, "You look like you're still in your teens. You're not even finished with your own training to become a warrior!" Shaking his head he said, "No, I am twenty six. I've just failed finding my own ikran many times. None of them have challenged me yet." Nodding I took this new information in as I stared around the room, however Atan'eko must have not liked the quiet because he tried starting another conversation.

"Are you looking forward to your first flight," my head snapped back to him as only half of what he asked registered, and then I slowly nodded, but added, "I'm not ready though. Tsu'tey still has me reading the trails. I have yet to make a fresh kill."

"I guess he doesn't want to give up his time with you, to another," Atan'eko teased as I rolled my eyes, but even as he said it I knew it was true.

"No, I think he's just worried if I'll end up flying my ikran straight into him," I replied, and as Atan'eko and my eyes met we couldn't help the laughter that ensued by just the mere thought of me actually doing something like that.

As my laughter began to die away I noticed someone a couple of yards away, and as my eyes locked with theirs, all of the emotions from earlier came flooding back. However, these eyes now held jealousy instead of anger as they narrowed on Atan'eko.

Even though I felt a twinge of guilt, I knew it was for his own good to think that. Tsu'tey had a future ahead of him here, and I didn't. There was no need for me to get involved with him and ruin it, however even as I thought it, I couldn't help remembering how his hand had felt on my skin, and his lips caressing mine. Shivering from the memory, Atan'eko seemed to notice.

"You are cold," he asked switching to English again. Turning to look at him I couldn't help the lie that came from my lips, "Yes."

"Maybe we move closer to fire, and you'll warm," he suggested messing up on what little English he knew once more. It had been hard getting over normal English here. The only ones who really knew excellent English were Mo'at, the chief, Neytiri, and Tsu'tey.

Nodding to his suggestion I let him help me up and lead me to the fire, all the while with Tsu'tey watching. As we took our seat, Tsu'tey made his way over to where we sat and took a seat on the opposite side of Atan'eko, while keeping his eyes on mine. Speaking roughly in Na'vi he replied, "Atan'eko, you're sister has been looking for you." Nodding to him, Atan'eko turned to me and said, "Thank you for you're company." I smiled at him as he left leaving Tsu'tey beside me now. Keeping quiet I waited for him to speak, and when he did, I could hear the irritation in his words.

"You didn't have to run away, and act so childish …"

"I wonder why I ran Tsu'tey considering what you did! Oh and talk about childish! I saw the look you gave your friend, and I know well enough that his sister is definitely not looking for him," I spoke fiercely in a whisper as my words almost turned into hisses. Thank God someone was singing nearby with a group, and the others were not paying attention to us. His eyes narrowed and he mumbled, "It was an accident, and Atan'eko is not a good suitor for you."

Ignoring the jealousy completely I immediately jumped him when he said it was an accident, "Accident! How can it be an accident when you forcefully put your lips on mine, and continued to kiss me for nearly a minute? Gaaah I'm not dealing with this." Standing up, with slight struggle I walked away from him, but he took off after me. When we were away from the rest of the group, his hand once again encircled around my arm, but this time I was ready as I turned, reared back, and let my fist fly. He was going to have a headache later for sure. Pressing his hand against his eye, he stood and looked at me with slight shock as he cared for his injury.

"Don't touch me," I hissed angrily getting up in his face making him step back a couple of inches, "You have no right too. You are my teacher, and I am your student, and that is it. What you did was wrong, and you crossed a line not many get to live and tell about. My feelings are not toys you can simply play with. They've been hurt enough as it is. I will choose who I want when the time comes, so you can leave Atan'eko alone. He's my friend just as much as he is yours. You can't keep me away from every man here Tsu'tey. I do not belong to you." I watched his eyes darken; angered by my strength to stand up to him. Good, he needed to know even if I looked weak, I could be just as strong as him when threatened. If needed, I could fight to protect myself both physically and mentally.

"I may not be able to keep you away from every man here, but I can threaten them to stay away from you. They will listen to me," he spoke angrily.

"And then what? You can't have me Tsu'tey, you're mate has already been chosen for you. You can not keep me mateless forever. One day I will find someone, and you won't be able to stop it. You're stupid and selfish if you think you can prevent it from happening," I countered him as his frustration grew.

"Not if I have my say," came his dark words.

"From here on out I am your student, and your student only. You finish training me, and then I'll make sure we will not have to cross paths ever again," I seethed angrily before turning on my heel and walking away.

On my way back to my normal hammock Neytiri, and Jake caught site of me. Just from my stance Jake could tell I was angry. He had seen it too many times as a child to not know I was. Asking Neytiri to excuse him, he rushed over to me as I jumped down into my hammock. Following me, I growled when he took a seat Indian style next to me.

"What," I hissed.

"You're upset? What happened?"

"Don't worry about it," I mumbled as I took deep calming breaths to relax.

"I'm your brother. I'm going to worry about it, Mia. Was it Tsu'tey? What did he do," Jake asked worriedly looking into my eyes as they met his.

"Like I said before Jake; let it go."

"Did he touch you? Did he say something to you," Jake continued on as I finally growled in anger before looking at him and saying, "It's none of your business, Jake. It's personal." Jake was a little taken aback, however he didn't relent. Maybe it was the marine in him, but he moved closer as he forced me to look at him, "What did he do Mia?" Sighing I felt all of what had happened come crashing down upon me.

"He kissed me, and called it an accident," I murmured finally as I lied down in the hammock. Looking up at Jake I watched as his eyes flashed confusion, and then anger. As he went to stand up I pulled him down and mumbled, "Let it go, Jake. It's not worth getting yourself killed over." Shaking his head his eyes softened as they linked with mine, "Mia, anything's worth getting killed over when it comes to my sister." Patting his hand I shook my head and whispered, "No, not always. Not when someone's future hangs in the balance, if another were to find out."

"You're not taking up for him are you," he asked astonished by my words.

"No, I'm not taking up for what he did, because it was wrong, however if I was to go spouting my mouth off, I'd have to do the same for you too Jake. Don't think I haven't seen the way you look at Neytiri, or she to you. Anyway both of them have a future here Jake, and we do not. I will not ruin their lives, by just admitting that Tsu'tey and I shared a simple kiss," I spoke lowly making sure none of the passersby heard us. Gazing into the distance Jake smiled and said, "I never really thought you were that smart to notice. Guess I can't call you oblivious anymore."

"Oh, I'm still oblivious, just not to other people dilemmas that do not involve me."

"Well Mia, it looks like you got one of your own to deal with now. Are you sure you don't want me to handle it," he asked with hope.

"No I can handle it,' I said crushing his dreams of strangling Tsu'tey to death. Standing up he was about to jump out when he looked down at me and questioned, "One more thing Mia. Do you like him, or just care for him?" Looking at him carefully I could see he wasn't asking to know. He was asking for me to realize something I hadn't wanted to bring up to even myself. Taking a moment I finally looked at him and replied, "Both." With an awkward nod he jumped up and left me alone.

Closing my eyes I let my mind go over what had happened to me in such a short amount of time here. Then as my mind reached Tsu'tey I realized something quite disturbing. I didn't just care for him, and I more than liked him. I was falling for him.

Uh-oh another man in the mixture, who knows her secret might I add. Neither Tsu'tey nor Mia will admit their feelings to one another, and now Jake knows about Tsu'tey feelings toward Mia. Bet ya'll are wondering what's going to happen. Guess you'll have to find out on the next chapter. I'm sorry this chapter was short, but I'll try to make the next one better.

I'd like to thank all you nice reviewers for such wonderful reviews. Thank you reviewers- StephiHope… Mark… darkangel1994… Raine44354… xXchibitsukiXx.

I'd also like to thank even the people who don't review, but do take the time to read the story. You, all along with the reviewers of course, are what keep me writing and I thank all of you for helping inspiring me to write more.

P.S. Atan'eko is not really a character, and I found the name on the Na'vi name generator. However as much as I've researched I can't find a name for that one Na'vi male who goes up to mountains with Jake and Tsu'tey, so that they can find an ikran. If you want to know who Atan'eko is in my story, then pause the scene in the movie where Tsu'tey is saying "That moron's going to die." You know, the scene where Jake's struggling to bond with his ikran. Well when you pause it when Tsu'tey is talking you can see a Na'vi man in the corner. That man is Atan'eko. At least in my story. Cute huh?