Invisible String - Jake Sully

14

Zovi looked dumbfounded, "what?" he said under his breath. He wasn't going down so quickly.

"Tawn, I don't have anything to do today. Can I join you?" he asked, matching his step with hers.

Tawn's tail curled up, and she was holding herself back from kicking him out. "Zovi..." she started, her ears turned outward, and her tails swayed back and forth. She was frustrated, and it showed, "you can't join in today because you don't teach the students here."

"Well, I can be your assistant for the day. I could show them how to catch a fish. I'm an excellent fisher," he coaxed.

"Tonowari is helping me today," she said, looking back at the kids. Hopefully, he got the message that he needed to go.

"Tawn, if it's about that day, I'm sorry. I replayed that conversation over and over in my mind. I realised I must've spooked you with my persistent," he frowned, his ears dropping, "I'm so sorry, I acted out of line that day, please give me another chance. I promised you I wooed you right," he begged, looking at her with so much softness.

Tawn sighed. She didn't want to get into this mess again. He seemed to rope her into the same conversation repeatedly, and she was tired of him. She was wasting time and needed to go, "sure, come in, but just watch the kids," she glared at the man.

Zovi nodded excitedly and followed her to the kids.

Tawn introduced Zovi to the kids, saying he'd be her helper for today. She then explained to them what they were doing today, and when they realised they were going to the fishing ground and watched the olo'eyktan fish, cheers erupted. They loved their olo'eyktan, and it was cute.

Tawn led them toward the fishing grounds while listening to the kids chatter about what they expected and wanted to do during their field trip. One of her rowdy kids even said he wanted to challenge the olo'eyktan, which made Tawn laugh. Kids these days.

Zovi walked behind the last kids, ensuring they were safe and no one got left behind. Watching Tawn so in tune with her surrounding and so comfortable with her students made Zovi's heart beat faster. He loved seeing her happy. He wanted to make her happy like that in his presence.

When they finally arrived at their destination, she waved at Tonowari. He stood proudly, one hand holding his spear, another on his hips.

She greeted him formally in front of the kids, "thanks for doing this. I owe you big time," she whispered.

Tonowari laughed heartily, "no worries, Tawn, you are like my sister, so, of course, I would help you," he grinned, patting her back gently, "besides, I need to practice interacting with youngsters again."

Tawn looked at him with wide eyes, "wait... so..."

"She's pregnant," he grinned proudly, his tail swishing in excitement.

Tawn smiled. She would've hugged her brother-in-law so hard if she didn't need to be respectful. She was definitely going to see her sister after this.

"Oel ngati kameie, olo'eyktan," Zovi interrupted them.

Tawn stepped back from Tonowari. She looked at her kids, who were busy looking around in awe and called them in.

"Okay, guys, the olo'eyktan will teach you today, so please be nice and respectful," she warned, her glares directed to the rowdy kids at the back of the group who snickered at their teacher's threat.

"Olo'eyktan, the floor is all yours," Tawn smirked, standing behind the kids. Zovi followed suit.

Tawn listened to his explanation, occasionally watching her students and silencing them if they whispered to themselves. Tawn wasn't a strict teacher, but she could be disciplined if she needed to be.