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Ao'nung watched as Neteyam was blessed by their elders in the sacred cove where their spirit tree lay. It had been honored and requested by both families to allow Toruk Makto's eldest son have his own rite of passage despite not being born into their clan.
It was only right as they have taken in their family as their own and fought alongside them in wars that neither of them ever imagined would dawn on their lands.
Years passed and it was finally time for Neteyam to undergo his own rites in the presence of their new people and home. The Na'vi in question could see from the corner of his eye the person he wished to be by his side for the rest of his life. For a while his parents and siblings have already known, as well as the chief and his wife after he asked for their blessing to be with Ao'nung after his rite of passage.
With the chief's son being younger than him by a few months, it meant that Neteyam would be first to choose his mate amidst the Na'vi that live in Awa'atlu. Ao'nung watched with pride as Neteyam received his blessings, but a sense of longing would wash over him every now and then.
He knew there were many women who would be pleased to mate with such warrior. Though not born of their kind, his personality made up for such difference, meaning any woman would proud to be one with Neteyam.
For years they've grown closer. With Neteyam spending more time getting to know him over many eclipses that passed by them. Ao'nung treated the younger siblings as his own, with Tuk being his favorite next to Neteyam.
And in those years, he'd grown a liking towards the man. From the simple gestures he would give him when they spend time together, to the many battles they have fought together side by side. And for the first time in his life, he wished that this man would choose him. He wished that for once, someone would choose him for everything he is.
"Neteyam te Suli Tsyeyk'itan, you have been blessed under the great eyes of Eywa and in the presence of the Metkayina clan. May your heart aim true and your eyes seek beyond the desires that cloud your mind. May Eywa watch over you."
Yips and cheers then sounded through the cove. Neteyam's family cheering the loudest as they watch their son become the man he is today.
He had been given three new beads for his songcord, which then led later on to the small celebration they made between their family and the chief's.
"I'm so proud of you, Neteyamur," Neytiri smiled, kissing her eldest son's forehead in the process.
Ao'nung watched from the sidelines as his parents and Toruk Makto spoke with his friend - smiles dawned on their faces. He then continued to fidget with his necklace as he watched their friends surround Neteyaw with huge grins on their faces, including his own sister who was right beside Lo'ak the whole time.
After a few minutes, Neteyam stared to wonder why a certain Na'vi has now approached him at all since the rite ended, his head turning to look for the said person. "Where is Ao'nung?" he asked, earning a few small teasing grins from his siblings and friends.
"He should be by the shore, Neteyam. We'll let the elders know you're with him," Tsireya said, nudging him towards the waters.
Lo'ak then patted him on his back before he could step any farther. "Good luck, brother. Don't mess it up."
---
Neteyam walked off, leaving his family and friends behind. His ears still picking up the faint giggles coming from the girls and some words from the boys left behind.
He was glad the moon shone bright that night, it's reflection highly visible in the clear waters of the place they now called their home. And from a distance, he could see the faint silhouette of the Na'vi he's been dying to speak to all day standing just where the water meets the sands.
"The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" Neteyam asked from behind, earning a small chuckle from Ao'nung.
"It is," he murmured, glancing back at Neteyam who now inched closer to stand beside him.
They let the comforting silence dawn on them, with only the sound of waves and faint chatter from the village supporting the void. It was peaceful, Neteyam noted, until Ao'nung spoke softly, eyes still gazing into the horizon in front of them.
"You may choose a woman now."
Neteyam remained silent, eyes now setting onto Ao'nung's face. His always heart beating fast in the presence of the man beside him, and his knees feeling weak every time they spoke.
"Akona is a great weaver," Ao'nung suggested, earning a small scoff from the other.
"Well, I don't want Akona."
Ao'nung's heart skipped a beat, trying so hard to hide the smile creeping on his lips.
"Amaia is a beautiful woman."
"I know someone much more beautiful in my eyes," Neteyam remarked, his eyes still on him, causing Ao'nung's face to heat up even under the moon.
"What about Emere? She is a great hunter..." he trailed off almost hesitantly.
"Yeah... she is a good hunter," Neteyam agreed, causing Ao'nung to suddenly look up at him, brows furrowed in fear.
But then Neteyam wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him impossibly closer. Ao'nung placed his hands on the man's chest on instinct, leaving a little space between them. A gasp leaving his lips at the sudden gesture.
"However, I have already chosen... but this man must also choose me. If he'll have me," Neteyam finished, staring into Ao'nung's eyes which glistened with unshed tears, a small laugh escaping his lips .
"I am yours, Neteyam te Suli Tsyeyk'itan. I see you. "
It was all Neteyam needed to hear before he pulled his mate closer, a kiss sealing the first promise they made for each other. He nudged his nose against Ao'nung's, their lips falling into perfect sync while their bodies fit together like puzzle pieces.
Neteyam kept his hand snug on Ao'nungs lower back, just above where his tail met his body, while the latter cupped the older's neck in fervor as they continued to kiss. The water now up to their ankles as Eywa watches over them.
Neteyam was the first to break the kiss, leaning his forehead against his soon to be mate as they panted, almost out of breath. Smiles wide enough to reach the heavens.
"And I am yours to keep forever. I see you, my forest. Nga yawne lu oer. "