The Unaccepted | Kiri x Human Fanfiction

Chapter 20 - Meeting the Parents

"(Shut up!)" It sure was effective, as neither of us spoke for maybe 10 seconds. "(If you want to so desperately spend time with me, then string along, but don't annoy me, you have done that enough already today.)" I nodded and stepped beside her as she began another walk.

Ayoe took brisk strides ahead, and I followed her. The silence between us felt heavy, a testament to the unease lingering in the air. It was apparent that my presence was an unwelcome addition to Ayoe's routine, but as reluctant as she was, circumstances dictated otherwise and she coped well so far, sometimes. Of course I would want her to be nice to me, but I can't expect anything from someone who had done a similar 180 in their life as me or anyone else from my family.

As we traversed the village, I couldn't help but notice the wary glances from other Na'vi we encountered. It was evident that the dynamic between Ayoe and me raised eyebrows and sparked curiosity among the villagers. It must have spread around pretty quick that I now had Ayoe as a babysitter. Maybe the outlying Marui Pod was not that much of a curse if it meant that I had legitimate reasons to not have to be ogled by strangers all day long. The weight of their stares only intensified my awareness of the uneasy alliance Ayoe and I were forced into and as if mirroring this exact tension did Ayoe remark something on the side, probably aware of the looks just as much as me.

"(I don't like you, and you having to follow me like some kind of pet.)" she said in a quiet voice "(Especially if all the people around us watch like this is the most entertaining show they have ever seen.)" I felt the same, but I had the advantage of being used to it, as sad as it is. She was still walking ahead and cleared the way of anyone else going in the opposite direction to us, this was again enforced as she, with her presence and most likely annoyed facial expression, made a mother and her son take a loop around us. The boy eyed me like an exotic animal you would see in the zoos my dad talked about from his time back on earth.

"(Well, that sounds like a you-problem.)" I retorted smugly. "(Besides, not much you can change about it now; you are stuck with me the same way I am stuck with you.)" Ayoe scoffed again and shook her head in disapproval.

"(I have a sneaking suspicion you like this arrangement, perv.)" she said, and I exhaled in shock. I think she has something against boys with how she immediately draws these conclusions. Additionally, would I never do anything to her against her will, why should I?

"(You are kidding, right?)" I glared at her, but she ignored the stare and looked straight ahead, I am sure she felt it in the back of her head. "(Why the heck would I enjoy having to spend time with Miss Mood Swings who accuses me of shit I would never do?)" Her ears flicked, but she maintained an indifferent posture, continuing to walk with purpose.

"(You have no clue what you are talking about.)" I shook my head and looked around for a good moment. Overplaying my hand of social poker could still land me outside the casino, or in other words be assaulted by the one who is supposed to care for my safety.

"(And as if you have one, warrior girl.)" I retorted, and now the taller girl looked at the shorter boy, me, who now walked beside her. Her words were still confident, as if she was the wise old lady with hundreds of years of knowledge.

"(I would assume so.)" I shook my head, breaking the eye contact that had lasted only a few seconds in the end, so much for getting the recognition. I just gave up on arguing with this brick wall of a person and accepted my fate as I had done so often before.

"(Just lead the way.)" I could hear her chuckle lightly before responding in the same overconfident voice that screamed 'I am better than you'.

"(If you wish so, human.)" I closed my eyes, avoiding another heated and ultimately pointless argument with her. She could easily overpower me, and I'd just become the village laughingstock, or play that role even more than I was already doing. Calm, calm thoughts. Opening my eyes again, I took a final deep breath and swallowed my displeasure at the world. At least, she granted my wish, only stepping in the direction of her old home, with no comments made about me. Each step, we encountered more Na'vi, or at least, that's how it felt to me.