Chapter Text
Neteyam was still reeling. Once he had returned to his spot on the beach with Ao’nung, things really started to sink in. He had told his dad, and his boyfriend’s dad. They had accepted him, but he was still expected to come out to his mom, probably tonight. He didn’t know when, and he especially didn’t know how. Every time he thought about it, it made his stomach feel queasy.
“That really happened, huh.” Ao’nung commented lightly, staring out at the ocean.
“Yeah, it really did.” Neteyam couldn’t help feeling thankful that he wasn’t doing this all by himself, he had his best friend with him, his boyfriend. “I sort of thought we might just lay under the radar until we died.”
“What the hell is a radar?” Ao’nung asked.
“Sky people.” Neteyam picked at his nails anxiously, “Sorta like… managing to go unnoticed. Basically, I never really thought we would ever actually have to tell people.” Ao’nung hummed.
“I don’t know if I’ve felt the same,” Neteyam nodded, turning slightly to analyze Ao’nung properly. “I feel like sometimes it was all I could think about. I would look at my mother, or sister, or especially my dad and I just… I thought about you, and how badly I wanted to spill everything. Tell everyone. I guess today is my lucky day, I just… I’ll admit I didn’t think it would end up like that.” Neteyam laughed at that, no he had not imagined it going like this either.
“Well maybe it’ll go better with our mother’s.” Neteyam mussed. “Do you think you’ll tell her today?”
“I’m sure I’ll have to,” Ao’nung nodded, he smiled secretly at Neteyam. “My dad’s shit at keeping secrets.”
Neteyam thought about his next words very carefully, “Are you going to tell Tsireya? I don’t know if I’m ready to tell Lo’ak.”
“Yeah?” Ao’nung questioned, “I think I will… tell Tsireya, that is. And also, if it helps, I really think Lo’ak will be okay with it. Kiri and Tuk, too.” Neteyam nodded numbly, staring out into the ocean.
—
Neteyam and Ao’nung eventually decided to head their separate ways. It was later then Neteyam would have normally gone home, the sun was nearly set, but he figured just this once he might be given a pass.
Finally at the entrance of his family’s Marui, Neteyam took a moment to try to get his heart to stop pounding in his chest. Finally dipping his head into the familiar room, Neteyam was met with the delightful scents of his mother’s cooking. His mother and sisters looked up at his entrance, Tuk smiled brightly and bounded over to hug Neteyam’s side. Neteyam reached an arm around her, squeezing her slightly.
“Neteyam! I was starting to worry you wouldn’t show up, please sit, or else your food will be cold.” His mother said, dipping her head curtly and gesturing at Neteyam’s seat. Neteyam moved slowly and silently, he was finding it harder and harder to act normal. Was he usually this quiet? He didn’t even remember.
In the corner of his eye, Neteyam could see Lo’ak giving him an odd, analyzing look. Neteyam sat quietly, picking at his food quietly.
“So, Neteyam…” Jake started, Neteyam glanced over at him warningly, he wasn’t ready, not to tell… everyone. “Is there something you would like to share with the family?” He asked pointedly. Neteyam shook his head quickly.
“Neteyam…” His father said sternly.
“No, dad.” Neteyam hissed, trying to avoid his family’s gaze. When his dad didn’t push, he looked up at him, searching for signs that he was about to get the telling off of a lifetime. But his fathers face was shockingly calm and understanding.
The rest of his family were not as easily diverted. Spider was gaping at him unhelpfully, and Lo’ak was not much better. Kiri, despite her best attempts, couldn’t stop the curious looks she was shooting Neteyam. Even Neteyam’s mother was gazing unhappily at him, Neteyam knew she didn’t like being kept in the dark about anything, especially matters concerning her children.
“So, have you all kept busy today?” Jake asked, clearing his throat awkwardly.
—
After dinner, Neteyam hurried off quickly, he had no idea why he couldn’t make himself do it, why he couldn’t just say it; ‘Hey Mom! I’m in love with Ao’nung, hope that’s fine!’ Even in his head it sounded stupid.
Not to mention an even worse thought had occurred to him, it wouldn’t end at his mom or Lo’ak or Kiri. If he and Ao’nung ever wanted to be mates, or even start publicly courting, they would have to tell the whole village. Then what would they think? How would Neteyam be treated? How would Ao’nung be treated? Would people think of their family differently? They had just started to become truly recognised as Metykayina, now what would the people think of them?
This did not help Neteyam and his increasing anxiety. He walked across the line where the ocean met the sand, he felt odd, like he was already looking back at this moment in a memory. He moved slowly towards a familiar bed or rocks, he remembered vividly about three months ago now, this was the place where he and Ao’nung had first kissed. It was quick and confusing and full of mixed feelings. Neteyam was still not quite sure what had even happened, or what he or Ao’nung had said, but it had somehow led to them kissing for the rest of the night. Next morning’s training had been awkward to say the least. Kiri had asked Neteyam at least five times why he and Ao’nung were avoiding each other like angry dogs.
Neteyam missed Ao’nung now, he missed how his face purpled with embarrassment, how he smiled, or more often smirked at anyone and everyone. He missed his hair, his eyes, and literally everything about him. Especially how Neteyam knew that he would make him feel okay about the situation.
Neteyam heard a twig snap behind him, and for one wonderful moment he thought that he had just summoned Ao’nung by peer desire. But once he turned he saw the familiar shape of his mother. Neteyam lowered his head and let his hands press on his eyes and cheeks. He patted a spot on the rock next to him, giving his mother a defeated smile. He knew this would come.
“Your father told me you had something you needed to tell me.” Netyri said, her head dipping to meet Neteyam’s eyes. Neteyam felt like a small child again, leaning on his mother for support.
“He did..?” Neteyam mused. His mother hummed unhappily, she knew that Neteyam was avoiding the truth. “I don't really know how to tell you…” Neteyam admitted.
“Just say it ma’teyam.” Netyri said. Neteyam knew that she was growing impatient.
“Okay,” Neteyam took a deep breath, “I'm dating Ao’nung.” He said quickly, closing his eyes tightly.
“The chief's son?” Netyri asked, her voice betrayed her shock. Neteyam nodded slowly. “Okay…” Netyri said slowly. Neteyam hated this.
“What do you think about that?”
“I think…” Netyri said slowly, each word said with slow care. “That Ao’nung is a good kid, now that he has grown out of bullying my children. And… if you think he is good for you, I shall say so as well.” She said, her hand coming around Neteyam’s shoulder to hold him tightly.
“What do you think about him being a… boy?” Neteyam asked.
“Oh, I am not worried about that, my child. I just want you to be with someone who will take care of my little boy.” She murmured, holding Neteyam even tighter. Neteyam couldn’t help the small whimper that escaped his lips. He tucked his head into his mothers shoulder.
“Oh, ma’teyam, don’t cry my boy.” Netyri said, patting his shaking shoulder. Neteyam wasn’t really sure why he was crying, this was really the best scenario. But he really couldn’t help it, all he could do was shudder in his mothers arms like he was five years old again.
“I promise Ma’teyam that everything will be okay.”