Moonlight poured through the woven structures of the Marui, but inside it was the blue steady glow of a datapad that illuminated the two figures resting close together. Liora lay on her stomach over the huge mat, her legs swaying gently in the air, her bare feet brushing one another in an unconscious rhythm. Her toes curled now and then, in unison with the shy excitement of her voice as she scrolled through her research.
“…the clusters of glimmer coral were pulsing together, responding to the school of glider fin passing nearby.” she murmured, her voice barely louder than the hush of the sea outside, “They react to movement! I ran a test earlier and… Oh! The current shifted during the second dive, so I’ll have to try again tomorrow…”
Assara was on her side, her body curved protectively around the tiny human woman nestled next to her, a powerful arm draped over her waist, a quiet claim. Her ear flickered at the sound of Liora's voice and a smirk tugged at the corner of her lips, sharp and fond. Her unscarred seeing eye opened lazily, watching how the datapad’s glow reflected against the human's sun-kissed skin.
“Still speaking so much after jumping over rocks and chasing fish all day, little light?” she teased, her voice a low husky tone. “You Sky People truly do hide endless energy in those tiny bodies.”
Liora blushed and peeked over her shoulder at the Na'vi woman with a shy smile.
“I just… didn’t want to forget anything before I recorded it.”
Assara hummed in amusement, a deep throaty sound that rumbled softly down Liora’s spine. Her tail shifted with languid movements, slithering forward like a curious creature. With playful tenderness, it coiled around Liora’s legs, sliding up toward her thighs in a slow, deliberate caress.
“If you’re not tired enough to sleep…” Assara leaned forward, her warm breath brushing against Liora’s skin, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Then perhaps I should help… tire you out a bit more.”
Liora gasped and gripped the sides of her datapad as if it might steady her. Her blush bloomed across her cheeks up to her ears.
“A-Assara…” she squeaked.
The Na’vi let out a chuckle, low and rich. She leaned in further, nuzzling into the curve of Liora’s neck, lips brushing gently over her pulse.
“I never tire of that sound.” she whispered with affection.
A ticklish giggle escaped Liora, soft, sweet, and utterly disarming in the way that never failed to melt Assara’s guarded heart. The Na’vi’s smirk faded into something gentler.
“This place… was empty before you.” Assara whispered, her voice unguarded, filled with rare vulnerability, “But your voice, your brightness... it filled everything, little light. Even me.”
Liora stilled, her breath caught as her eyes widened, shimmering with emotion. Then, she carefully set her datapad aside, her fingers trembling faintly. Slowly, she shifted onto her side against Assara’s chest, seeking the warmth and safety she knew only there. She said nothing. There was no need for words. Her gesture and her grateful smile spoke for her.
Assara drew her closer, her arms closing around Liora’s body like a shell embracing a precious pearl. Her tail remained wrapped around her mate protectively. Lowering her head, she pressed her brow gently against Liora’s, just above the edge of her breathing mask, and both of them closed their eyes.
The datapad’s glow faded. The sea sang outside the Marui, soft and eternal. And within, two souls from different worlds who had once wandered alone, now held each other close.
In each other’s arms, they were home.
**
And they were roomates maruimates ❤️
Tagging @inolaphoenix because she so kindly asked to be notified whenever I posted writing about these two. It’s just a very short scene this time to go along with my art, sorry! Still, I hope you enjoy it ❤️❤️
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