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The sound of water sloshing lazily from beneath the marui fills the silence that night. Neteyam hums a familiar song his mother often sings to him every night when he was five years old. His body shivers when cool breezes graze his dangling legs.
Neteyam is braiding his hair while looking over the sea spread out in front of him. It's probably because of his position but the sea seems endless. Well, he guesses that's why people here have a saying of 'the sea has no end and no beginning'.
When he reaches his desired length, he picks up one of the beads besides his thigh and weaves it in his hair. Spending most of his days in the water requires him to tend to his hair more often than he would back home.
Sometimes he thinks of letting it loose and puts it in a bun like Ao'nung. "Forest boy."
Speak of the devil.
Neteyam turns to his right, "Hey." He nods his head at the approaching figure.
Ao'nung walks closer to the boy and sits beside Neteyam. He is sitting closer than necessary, the side of their legs brush but Neteyam didn't say anything about it.
"What are you doing here?" He asks, fingers still braiding the remaining of his hair. Ao'nung looks at Neteyam for a brief second before diverting his gaze to the sea. Neteyam does the same thing. "Let's hang out with me," Ao'nung says.
"Sure," The smaller boy answers and chuckles. He doesn't know why Ao'nung asks him that question but he answers it regardless. Suddenly Ao'nung raises from his position and stands beside Neteyam. Confused by the other action, Neteyam asks, "Where are you going?" He looks up at the other, braids falling over his shoulder when he does so.
"Hang out?" Ao'nung replies sounding as confused as Neteyam is. "I thought you wanted to hang out with me?" Neteyam furrows. "Yeah. That's why I'm standing? Come on let's go," He offers a hand at the smaller boy.
"Oh, we are going somewhere else?" Neteyam nods when he understands what Ao'nung meant. "I thought we were hanging out here," He tells the other boy. "Nope, let's hang out by the beach or something," Ao'nung says simply.
"Alright but let me finish my hair first." Neteyam lifts the braid that he is currently working on. "Just finish it later while we're talking," Ao'nung replies. This causes Neteyam to laugh, "In case you can't see, I still have the front of my hair to work on," He turns his head around making his braids swing. "I don't want to look crazy walking around looking like this."
He reaches for Ao'nung's extended hand and tugs at it, "Sit down, let me finish braiding my hair first." Ao'nung doesn't budge, "Can't you finish it while walking?" He tries. Neteyam gives him a weird look, "No?" He answers, chuckling under his breath.
"You're weird," He comments, "What's with the urgency?" Neteyam let go of the boy's hand and pats the empty spot beside him, "We can talk here while I do my hair. It won't take me that long. We can go to the beach afterward," He tries, looking at Ao'nung while tilting his head to the side.
"Can't you just tie your hair first?" Ao'nung crouches down to be at the same eye level as Neteyam, still refusing to sit down. Neteyam lets out a sigh, "But I don't have a hair tie." He tells. He doesn't understand why Ao'nung refuses to stay there for a few minutes.
"Oh, right." He lifts both hands to his hair and unties the elastic band that is holding the bun on top of his head. Neteyam is awestruck, openly staring at the boy before him as watches Ao'nung's hair fall over his face and shoulders.
Instinctively Neteyam reaches to brush the strands of hair away from the boy's face, tucking it behind his ears. They've been friends for almost 4 months but he never sees Ao'nung with his hair down. Neteyam thinks that he's so pretty.
The boy is too entrance by the sight before him to notice the soft pink adorning Ao'nung's cheeks. Ao'nung quickly clears his throat when he started to feel self-conscious because of Neteyam's stare, "Use this." He passes the black hair tie towards the other boy.
Neteyam is pulled back into reality and takes the hair tie into his hair. He gathers his hair to the back and put them in a low ponytail. "Thank you," He says, offering a smile at Ao'nung. The boy only hums in response before standing up. "Let's go."
After walking for a while, they reach the empty side of the beach. Ao'nung finally agrees to sit down after being asked many times by Neteyam. True to what Neteyam expects, he earns a few weird looks from some of the villagers.
"I don't know why I always give in to everything you ask of me." Neteyam rolls his eyes when he sees the other smirking. "Just admit that you're soft for me," Ao'nung says, feeling smug. "In your dream." Neteyam sticks his tongue out at the boy.
When he unties his hair, Neteyam contemplates for a split second whether to return the hair tie or put it on his wrist. He decides to go with the latter.
If he gives it back, Ao'nung will most likely tie his hair into a bun again but Neteyam still wants to look at the boy with his hair down. So, no, he'll return it later.
"So what do you want to tell me?" Neteyam asks, breaking the silence between them. The two are sitting side by side with the water occasionally washing over their feet when the waves are strong.
Ao'nung visibly stiffens at the question. He clears his throat, "Tell you what?" He asks cautiously. Neteyam hums, eyes fixed on the strand of hair he is currently working on. "What do you mean what?" The boy gives a quick look at Ao'nung.
"I don't..." Ao'nung gulps, "I don't understand what you mean by that." Neteyam furrows, "Why do you drag me here? There must be something you wanted to tell me right?" He explains to the confused boy.
"Oh." Ao'nung chuckles awkwardly, "Right." Neteyam nods, showing that he is listening and asking the boy to continue. "I don't have anything to tell you." Neteyam squints his eyes at the other boy, "So what are we doing here?" Ao'nung smiles sheepishly, "I asked you to hang out with me, right? So yeah, just feel like coming here." He shrugs.
"You come to me as I was peacefully fixing my hair." Neteyam let go of the strand of hair he is holding causing it to come undone, "And whines, asking me to come here immediately." He turns his body towards the boy, "Made me walk around the village looking crazy." He clicks his tongue, "For no reason?"
The corner of Ao'nung's lips tucked upward, "Mhm!" He replies enthusiastically to annoy the other further. Neteyam scoffs in disbelief, "Ao'nung." He calls with feigned anger. "Neteyam." The Metkayina parrots before chuckling.
A small smile creeps up Neteyam's face. "Eywa, why are we even friends? He complains exasperatedly before pushing the other's shoulder making the boys fall to his side, still laughing. Neteyam huffs and glares at the other boy who seems to find this whole situation funny.
"Has anyone ever told you that you're so dramatic," Ao'nung says after he can compose himself, wiping the tears that are forming at the corner of his eyes. "Sure," Neteyam replies curtly. Ao'nung sits up and gestures for Neteyam to come closer, "C'mere."
Neteyam stubbornly looks at the empty sea in front of them with his legs tucked to his chest and arms circling his knees, "What?" Ao'nung smiles and grabs Neteyam's upper arm with one hand and waist with the other. He pulls the boy to sit between his legs.
Neteyam opens his mouth to complain when Ao'nung beats him to it. "I'll do your hair as an apology, yeah?" The boy doesn't wait for Neteyam to answer him as he starts to comb the black hair using his finger.
"Do you even know how to braid hair?" Neteyam asks. Ao'nung places a hand over his chest, gasping dramatically, "How could you think so low of me!"
The Omatikaya snorts, "And you called me dramatic?" Ao'nung hums, "I think some of your dramatic attitude is rubbing off on me."
Neteyam punches the other's chest lightly, "Rude."
The two boys talk about random things that came to mind. Neteyam likes spending time with Ao'nung. The two bond from being the same age and the eldest son to an Olo'eyktan. Conversation flows between them easily. Even if there are moments where they would just sit in silent, it's comfortable.
"Ao'nung!" Neteyam scolds. "They're so loose. They'll unravel as soon as I get into the water!" He grumbles, as he observes the other's work. Ao'nung laughs lowly, rubbing the back of his neck, "Yeah, actually, I–"
"Neteyam!"
Both heads turn in the direction of the voice. It's Kiri. She runs closer towards the boy. Neteyam is already on his feet when he notices the distressed look on his sister. "What's wrong?" He asks, worries visibly.
Kiri is standing in front of her brother but she is not looking at him. Neteyam touches her elbow to get her attention, "Kiri what happened?" he repeats. The girl looks at Neteyam and back to Ao'nung. "How about you ask your friend over there." She says through gritted teeth and juts her chin in Ao'nung's direction.
Neteyam turns to look at the boy who is still sitting behind him. "Ask him...what?" His eyes flick between the two, silently asking either of them to explain the situation.
"I-I- no, I m-mean, my f–" Ao'nung moves his hands around, trying to find the right word to explain to Neteyam, but his movement comes to a halt when Kiri starts speaking again, "They left Lo'ak outside the reef."
Jake was laughing with his wife when Neteyam comes barging into the marui, dragging the taller boy by his queue. "Tell him what you told me!" Neteyam snaps, letting go of the boy and pushing him towards his dad.
The older man's eyes move from Neteyam to the chief's son and back. "What happened, Neteyam?" Jake asks slowly, brows pulled together. When the taller boy opens his mouth to answer the man's question, Kiri comes running into the Marui.
"I've told the chief about it," She says in between breaths. "Told what Kiri?" Now it's Neytiri's turn to intervene. Kiri startles after being addressed. Her eyes widen when she realizes they're inside their family's marui.
"Um‐ told...I- um told about–" The girl stumbles over her word, failing to form a sentence that can answer her mother while not angering her dad.
Ao'nung kneels to the floor and hangs his head low, surprising all four of the Sullys. "My friends brought Lo'ak outside the reef and left him there." Ao'nung is a bit grateful for having his hair down at the moment because some of them fall across his face, hiding it from everyone's eyes.
He hears shuffling from in front of him and dares to take a peak. He feels a pair of rough hands on his upper arms, "Don't kneel. It's not your fault," Jake tugs at the boy to make him stand up.
"What?" The word lefts his mouth before Neteyam can stop himself.
Jake looks at his son, making eye contact with the said boy. "What do you mean it's not his fault?" Since Jake has heard him, might as well just straight-up asks him. Neteyam feels someone tugging at his hand from behind. "Are you crazy?" Kiri whispers.
"How is it his fault when he didn't do it?" Jake questions back. "They're his friend dad." Neteyam clenches his jaw, trying to stop himself from becoming angrier.
"Ma'Jake, let's go. Your son might be in danger right now." Neytiri calls for her husband, gently. Jake looks at his eldest son again before following his wife. "Don't do anything stupid," The older man warns sternly.
Ao'nung turns around, slowly approaching the siblings, specifically Neteyam. "Neteyam, I'm sorry. I'm so–" The boy lifts his free hand and jabs a finger at Ao'nung's chest, "Back off," He warns, voice strained.
"I don't know why they do that, please." Ao'nung pleads, trying to reach for the boy again. Neteyam slaps Ao'nung's hand, "Is that so?" He purses his lips and nods. "I'll tell you why they do that."
Neteyam steps forward, closing the distance between them. Even though Ao'nung is taller than him, at that moment that doesn't feel like it. "Because we're an outsider. What was that?" He tilts his head mockingly, "Ah, a freak. Demon blood." The words taste bitter on his tongue.
The boy almost forgot that his sister is still there, "Neteyam..." Kiri's voice is small when she calls for her brother. Neteyam bites the inside of his cheek, searching for the other's eyes but Ao'nung has his gaze fixed on the floor.
He waits for Ao'nung to say something, to tell him that those words aren't true, to deny everything Neteyam just said, to say anything at all. Neteyam wants Ao'nung to say that he is wrong but the boy remains silent.
If he was sad a few minutes ago, now he feels betrayed.
Neteyam groans and walks past Ao'nung, accidentally bumping his shoulder in the process. "Kiri, where's Tuk?" He asks after realizing that his younger sister is nowhere to be seen. "I left her with Tsireya before I went to look for you." The girl answers quickly.
"Can you help me to check on her?" The request sounds stupid because what is Kiri supposed to check on? Tuk is safe with Tsireya. Honestly, Neteyam is just saying anything to have her leave the place. "Y-yeah, sure." The girl clears her throat and excuses herself.
Neteyam grabs the speargun that was thrown carelessly on one side of the marui. He notices the small, shiny shell at the handle with the word 'reya' carved beside it. Neteyam scoffs, and an amused smile makes its way to his lips.
His brother is so infatuated with that girl. It's cute.
He is stopped on his way out by a hand around his right arm. "Where are you going?" Ao'nung questions. Neteyam refrains from making snarky remarks. It's easy for him to pull his hand away thanks to the leather armguard he is wearing.
Ao'nung immediately notices the spear gun in Neteyam's left hand. It's not hard to put two and two together, "It's already so dark, Neteyam. Outside of the reef is dangerous." He reasons, hoping that it will change Neteyam's mind.
Neteyam scoffs. Is Ao'nung serious right now? Does he even hear himself? "Glad to know that your friends attempted to kill my brother, fish lips."
He doesn't know what comes over him to take his ilu and go out to find Lo'ak. Usually, he listens to what his parents would ask him to do; which is "Don't do anything stupid." His dad's voice rings in his head when he recalls those words.
What he is doing at the moment is nothing but stupid. Going out into the sea that he barely knows, on his own at that, is the last thing he should be doing. Usually, Neteyam will act rationally, he will think before doing something, and that's what is expected out of him anyway. He is the oldest brother, right?
Well, that's usually the case. Currently, he is not in the right headspace to do any of that. Not with the heaviness he is feeling inside his chest.
Neteyam wants to wonder why he feels so betrayed by Ao'nung's response earlier, or perhaps his lack of response. It's not like those words can harm them in any way. They came from teenagers who are a nobody in this village, much less to his family.
He wants to wonder why it bothers him so much seeing the other remain silent but he already has the answer to that. He just doesn't want to admit it yet. Not even to himself. Stupid Neteyam.
Maybe he should continue pretending. After all, ignorance is bliss.
Neteyam is too consumed with his thoughts to realize he has been underwater for quite a while. Having been assigned to be a diver and collect corals help Neteyam to hold his breath longer than any of his siblings. Dare he says he's as good as Tsireya.
He resurfaces from the water to breathe in new air when he sees that they're nearing the reef's border. Neteyam dives back into the water and signals his ilu to go faster. "That skxawng, aghh– hopefully he's okay. Please be okay. Eywa, Lo'ak please don't get hurt," He wishes silently.
Another thing he fails to consider is he doesn't know where exactly they left his brother. Outside the reef, yes, but where? The sea is huge. There's no way he can find Lo'ak as quickly as he wanted to.
Probably sensing his distress, the animal below him makes a sound and nudges its head against his. Neteyam's lips pull into a tight-lipped smile. "Thank you, we'll find him soon," He tells his ilu through the tsaheylu.
After failing to find any sign of the younger boy under the water, he moves to the surface and stands on his ilu. "Lo'ak!" He uses the voice from inside his chest to make his screams a lot louder. "Bro, where are you!" He looks around for the said boy, braids moving along with the movement.
A heavy sighs leave his mouth when he didn't hear any reply. The boy sits back down and moves to check on a different part of the sea. The sky keeps getting darker and his worry keeps getting worse.
From how worried he acts right now, some might think Lo'ak is a kid and there's a huge gap between their age, but no. The two brothers are just one year apart yet Neteyam has to look after his brother almost all the time.
Lo'ak always got himself in trouble, putting himself in dangerous situations that can get him badly hurt, and for some reason, he always came back perfectly fine. Except for a few scratches here and there but that's more than better if Neteyam is being honest.
Don't get him wrong, he doesn't mind looking after Lo'ak. He loves his baby brother more than anything. It's just that, he would appreciate it more if Lo'ak stopped trying to give him a heart attack. That skxawng.
From a distance, he can see a faint glow of torches gathering around a large rock. Neteyam pushes the strands of loose hair away from his face to have a better view of what's happening there.
Right, his braids have come undone on his way here but that's not important at this time.
He sees a few Metkayina men just sitting on their tsurak. He furrows until he sees a lithe figure standing up from the top of the rock. Immediately he recognizes who that Na’vi is.
Lo'ak hops on one of the tsurak to be taken back to the village. A sigh of relief washes over him. His heart calms down significantly after knowing that the younger is safe.
"Come on, we gotta go back," He says in a hushed voice, caressing the animal's neck. He needs to return as quickly as possible. His dad will skin him if he knows what Neteyam did and hearing Jake scolds his ears off is not on his list for tonight.
His ilu chirps happily before it dives into the water. After spending so much time with the animal, Neteyam comes to love them just as much as every animal in the forest. He learns that ilu are very intelligent and affectionate creatures.
They can sense anyone's emotions even when they're not bonded by tsaheylu. They'll attempt to cheer the person up by making cute noises and nudging their head at that person, or when someone is happy, they'll circle the Na'vi and excitedly flips their flippers.
For instance, at the moment the ilu is moving at a high speed and Neteyam would've laughed if he is not underwater from the giddiness bubbling inside his chest. Adrenaline courses through his body as he savors the rush.
The boy sees the wave in front of them and an idea comes to his mind. Blame it on the thrill he is feeling but Neteyam didn't give it a second thought when he tugs at the rein and directs the animal to move towards the wave.
He has only done this trick once before. Ao'nung taught him.
Every time they would go out into the sea, Neteyam kept on pestering Ao'nung to teach him the trick, saying things like he's a fast learner, he'll probably succeed on his first try, and whatnot.
So one time when they went to explore the sea, Ao’nung finally agreed to teach the boy. Unfortunately, non of his claims came true because he failed miserably. They had to stop because Neteyam didn't have a secure hold on his ilu when he dashes into the air causing him to fly off the creature.
The Omatikaya was gasping for air because of the surprise. Ao'nung doesn't even pretend to sympathize with the boy, instead he barked out laughter. Needless to say, Neteyam was so embarrassed.
Looking back at it, the memory is kind of funny. What was he thinking? There's no way he can successfully perform a trick Ao'nung learned almost two weeks in one attempt. He was so stupid.
Well, he still is stupid. As he said, blame it on the adrenaline.
A smile creeps on his face when they reach the tail of the wave. His sense is clouded by the sea around him; he can only hear the rush of the water, the strength of the water when he cuts through it, and bubbles forming when waves crash into one another.
He dashes through the air like the first time and suddenly everything he feels just now comes to a halt. The air is much colder up here. The stars look a lot brighter from this height as well. For a moment he thought he is back home, sitting lazily on of the tall trees in the forest.
Maybe he is too dazed by the beautiful view because the next thing he knows is his hand slips from the handle and he comes crashing down into the water. Due to the shock, he accidentally let go of the speargun.
Neteyam mentally curses himself. He moves around, trying to look for the speargun but he couldn't see due to the lack of light. Also, the way his hair keeps on moving to the front of his eyes is not helping.
He makes a mental note to not let Ao'nung do his hair again next time. Next time? Neteyam shakes his head. He doesn't know why he thinks there will be a 'next time'.
Something shiny catches his eyes as he swims deeper into the sea. He is about to turn around and swim in another direction when he remembers the small shell on the speargun handle.
Neteyam makes his way closer in that direction, squinting his eyes to make out the shape of the object. True to expectation, that is Lo'ak's speargun. Thankfully it fell on the coral and didn't sink any deeper.
He extends his left arm to blindly reach for the speargun. When the back of his hand hits the weapon, Neteyam wraps his hand around its body and tugs on it.
"Fuck!"
Air bubbles come rushing out of his lips when he opens his mouth causing water fills in the empty cavern. He let go of the speargun and frantically swims to the surface as the air pocket in his chest bursts.
Neteyam coughs up the water, bringing one hand to wipe the water of his face. He hisses when an unbearable pain shoots through his body. There's a long cut along his left forearm. The stark contrast between the red liquid trickling down his blue skin makes his head spins.
The trigger must've been stuck in between the coral when it fell. So when Neteyam tries to grab the weapon, he accidentally released the spear. Eywa. He is grateful that it only grazes his forearm and not his body or head.
He quickly dips his hand back into the water to clean the wound before taking a deep breath and going back to take his brother's speargun. Neteyam stops himself from hissing when he uses his hands to push through the water.
This time when he reaches for the weapon, he makes sure to carefully remove it from the coral. Not that it matters anymore because it is no longer loaded, but he still does so.
Neteyam's vision starts to become blurry when he resurfaces. The huge rocks start to merge with the water surrounding them. He shakes his head a few times and blinks with more force than necessary.
"Shit," He curses as he massages his temple to soothe the throbbing pain a bit. The sea is calmer now, with no waves, so Neteyam is just bobbing in the middle of the open water as he tries to collect himself.
"Dad's for sure gonna kill me." Is the immediate thought that comes to his mind. Neteyam groans. He needs to return to the village right now.
The boy calls for an ilu and the animal emerges from under the sea. He quickly connects their queue and swings his leg over the ilu's body. "Let's go," He grits his teeth, attempting to keep the pains at bay. Blood is already dribbling down his arm again.
He arrives at the village in record time, haunted by the thought of his father finding out his other son also went outside the reef. Not just that, Neteyam also manages to get himself hurt in the process. Outstanding.
Upon reaching the more secluded side of the beach, he jumps off the ilu and pats its head, taking out a small fish, a treat, from the pouch around his waist and feeding the creature. "Thank you," He says softly and the ilu goes back into the sea.
He turns around and starts walking towards the shore. His hold around the speargun tightens when another wave of pain travels through his body. Annoyed, Neteyam lifts his bare hand to check on the wound. The back of his forearm is covered with his blood. Again.
"What the hell–" He crouches down and washes his forearm, almost stumbling in the process; the headache is worsening with each passing second. Neteyam purses his lips because the salt water stings his raw skin. "Eywa, please stop bleeding." He pats his palm along the cut. The boy doesn't know how that can help to stop the blood from coming out but he desperately needs it to stop.
"The boy has been found!" The loud voice echoes from the center of the village catching Neteyam's attention. He jogs toward the dock, ignoring the throbbing pain inside his head and on his arm.
Neteyam holds the spear gun in his wounded arm and hides it behind his back when he sees his family; there are only Lo'ak and their parents. They're walking away from the other Metkayina villagers who are gathered at the end of the dock. He also catches sight of Ao'nung and his friends in the crowd. It seems like the boys are getting scolded by their parents.
Ao'nung's eyes flicker upward and their eyes meet. Neteyam doesn't hold eye contact and instantly walks to stand on the opposite of his brother. Now, he has his back facing Ao'nung, holding back the scoff that is threatening to leave his mouth.
"Dad, you told me to make friends with these kids," Lo'ak says defeatedly. Jake looks at his younger with disappointment and anger wrote all over his face, "I don't want to hear about it," Jake says, voice tense. "You have brought shame to this family."
His head snaps up, in his dad's direction when he hears that sentence before shifting his eyes to his brother. Neteyam notices how Lo'ak's expression morphs into a hurtful one and his ears lie flat upon hearing what their dad said. "Can I go now?" The younger boy asks, shoulders slumping.
"Any more trouble and I'll tie a knot in your tail." The older man warns sternly. "You read me?" Neteyam tries so hard to school his expression but all the pains combined make it hard for him to do so. He is openly staring daggers at the irritated man on his right.
"Yes, sir. Lima Charlie." Lo'ak answers, looking directly into the taller man's eyes before walking away. For a second Neteyam thinks about following after his brother but he thinks Lo'ak needs some time to cool off by himself so remains in his place.
"Where were you?" His mother's voice is soft when she asks but disappointment is visible in it. "Yeah, what happened to keeping an eye on your brother?" His dad asks, now turning his attention to Neteyam. The edge of the speargun digs into the flesh of his thigh as he presses it closer to his body to hide from his parents.
"I'm sorry, sir." He casts his face to the ground when he replies. He hears Neytiri sighs, "Just...go find your brother and bring him to the communal area. It's already time to eat." Neteyams nods his head to show that he is listening even though he is not looking at her. He sees his parents walk away together afterward.
He lets out a tired sigh and presses the ball of his palm against his temple. His head is ringing and he can barely focus on the design of the platform beneath his feet. A few Na'vi passes beside him before he starts walking. Instead of heading to the communal area, he walks in opposite direction, towards their family marui.
Since Neteyam decides to leave Lo'ak alone for the time being, he thinks it is better for him to also rest. Besides, he already plans to skip tonight's gathering anyway.
He reaches the marui not long after. He walks over towards Lo'ak's area and carefully rests the speargun against the wall and goes straight to Kiri's next. Neteyam almost falls flat on his face if he is not quick enough to grab the centre pole that is supporting the marui.
He lets out a shaky breath as he tries to steady himself to continue walking. The constant pain on his forearm reminds him that he needs to treat the cut before falling asleep if he doesn't want it to get infected. That will be a whole different story if it happens.
Neteyam slowly crouches down to check each box his sister stacks beside her rolled-up mat. He is pretty sure that Kiri has something he can use for his wound. He huffs when he couldn't find any medicine inside any of the boxes, there are only random shells and other things that she found while exploring the sea.
"Shit." The boy presses his good hand against the wall as leverage to push himself onto his feet. Neteyam knows for a fact that the marui is not big. He has been living here for almost four months, but for some reason, tonight the place feels huge. The boy feels like it takes him forever to make it to his mat.
"Eywa." Neteyam groans, taking a seat on the mat. He is becoming more sleepy than before. He racks his brain, forcing himself to think of an alternative solution. A not-so-good idea comes to his mind and a dry chuckle left his mouth. "Well, I guess that's better than nothing." He shrugs and reaches for a piece of clean loincloth from inside his bag.
Neteyam freezes when he hears the sound of feet shuffling at the marui's entrance. He cradles his arm closer to his body, hiding it from whoever that person is. It could be any of his family members. Has the gathering ended? There's no way it has been that long since he arrives here. His best guess is Lo'ak, but still, he doesn't want his brother finds out about his injury.
"Lo'ak why–" He didn't get to finish his sentence when he twists his body to look at the said Na’vi. As if he flips a switch because the dread feeling changes into a wave of anger in an instant. It's Ao'nung. He is standing outside of the marui, looking directly at Neteyam as if he is silently asking the boy if can come inside.
"Leave."
The Omatikaya balls his fist around the loincloth when he hears heavy footsteps approaching him. "I'm not repeating myself, Ao'nung." Is he dumb? Neteyam told him to go away but instead, he comes closer.
The injured boy flinches when he feels a hand being placed on his shoulder and pulls it to the back. The pull is not strong enough to hurt Neteyam but it still causes him to turn around, "What the he–" He lifts his left arm, ready to punch the rude boy but is stopped by a hand gripping firmly around the wrist.
“Let go of my wrist!” Neteyam struggles in the other’s hold, wincing when he uses too much strength on the injured hand.
“Do you wanna die or what?” Ao'nung hiss between his gritted teeth and crouches before the smaller boy.
“Go fuck yourself!” Neteyam spats and slaps the hand on his shoulder roughly.
“Let me see your wound, forest boy.'' Ao'nung raises his voice.
Neteyam frowns at the other boy. He is about to lie and pretends to not understand what Ao'nung means by that when he realizes the boy is holding onto his bloodied arm.
Fuck.
His eyes almost pop out of their sockets when he sees the severity of the cut. The spear did not just graze over his skin, it cuts quite deep. Fuck. He didn't realize it before due to the darkness.
“For what?” Neteyam screams back after recovering from the shock, still making effort to free his wrist.
“So you don’t fucking die.” Even though Ao'nung curses at Neteyam, it doesn’t sound vile, instead he sounds upset and worried.
“Why do you care? I can do it on my own. I'm not a baby,” Neteyam speaks with a strained voice. He has stopped thrashing in the other’s hold but still trying to tug his arm away.
Ao'nung diverts his gaze at the rectangular fabric on the floor, “Your loincloth will not heal your arm. Stand up.” He tells, letting go of Neteyam’s wrist and offering a hand to the other boy.
Neteyam glares at him and then at his hand before slapping it away and standing up on his own. Ao'nung seems unbothered by the action and starts walking out of the marui without saying anything. Neteyam rolls his eyes and follows the other silently.
He always gives in to everything Ao’nung asks of him, right?
Ao'nung leads them to the beach and gestures at the water, "Wash the blood." He looks at Neteyam when he speaks. The said boy takes a few steps into the water until it reaches just above his knees. He doesn't dare to walk any further, worried that he might lose his balance. Neteyam bends forward and dips his arm into the clear water.
Pursing his lips, he watches the blood being washed off his arm. He gently rubs on a few spots where the blood is already dried up, hissing when he accidentally grazes over the cut. Shivers run down his spine when Neteyam imagines what could've happened if the spear hits his body or face.
When he deems he has cleaned the wound enough, he heads back to the marui without saying a single word to Ao'nung. Again, the boy doesn't comment on it and follows Neteyam from behind.
The Omatikaya returns to his previous spot, his sleeping mat, except this time he rests his back against the marui wall with his legs stretched out. He can see from his peripheral vision Ao'nung walks through the entrance and stops at one of the marui's corners to pick up two bowls before continuing heading in his direction.
The taller boy takes a sit to Neteyam's left. Ao'nung extends one arm across Neteyam and the boy quickly holds the arm, stopping the other's movement. "What are you doing?" He winces because the question comes out way harsher than he intended. "I just want to place this bowl?" Ao'nung replies, confused by the other's question.
Neteyam glances at the taller boy's hand and he is holding a bowl. Right. "Oh, yeah. I'll just–" He let go of the boy's arm and takes the bowl. He eyes the content curiously. It looks like... normal water? Confused, he sets it down against the wall and diverts his focus back to his friend.
Ao'nung opens his palm at Neteyam, "Let me see your arm." This time he says it with a softer voice while placing the other bowl in between them. Again Neteyam peaks at the content inside the other bowl and judging from the color and consistency, it’s Yalnabark paste. His nose twitches subconsciously when he tries to smell the paste to confirm his guess.
“It’s Yalnabark paste," Ao'nung informs when he notices that Neteyam is trying to identify the medicine. “Neteyam let me see your arm, please?” he repeats. Upon hearing his name being called, Neteyam's eyes flicker at Ao'nung's face and the boy is already looking at him.
Neteyam bites the inside of his cheek and breaks eye contact, looking to the side when he places his arm on the boy's waiting palm. Ao'nung gently lifts it closer to his face to inspect the wound. The Omatikaya boy breathes in sharply when Ao'nung rests their hands on top of his folded leg.
The taller boy scoops a small amount of the dark green paste on his fingers, "It'll sting a little bit." He warns softly before applying it to Neteyam's wound. "Ow!" His knees jerk at the pain, pulling his hand away from the other's loose hold. "You said it'll sting a little bit," Neteyam says pointedly. "That does not feel like a little bit."
The boy's frown deepens when he realizes that Ao'nung is looking at him with an amused smile plastered on his face. "Why are you smiling?" Neteyam nudges the other's leg using his. This only causes Ao'nung to chuckle. "What's so funny about seeing me in pain, huh?" Neteyam glares at his friends.
"My bad, I'm sorry," Ao'nung says but the stupid smile is still tugged on his lips. "I'll do it more gently, yeah?" Ao'nung opens his hand at the other again. Neteyam rolls his eyes and takes the hand into his, lifting it in the air momentarily to change his sitting position.
Now he is sitting cross-legged with one side placed on top of Ao'nung's already folded leg. He let go of the other's hand and rests his forearm on top of his thigh. The Metkayina shakes his head at the other's behavior.
With the new leverage, Ao'nung doesn't need to crouch down as much when applying the medicine. As the said boy reaches down to take the bowl in his hand, his knuckle accidentally brushes against Neteyam's skin causing the Omatikaya's breath to stuck in his throat and his heartbeat to fasten.
What is wrong with him tonight? Why is his body acting strangely tonight? First, it's unlike him to consciously put himself in danger but he goes to find Lo'ak on his own. The trick with the ilu, why did he do that? And now, this thing with Ao'nung, why can't he control his reaction? Call him whatever you want but he is good at acting nonchalant whenever their eyes met, or when Ao'nung's hand would be on him which is quite often because for some reason Ao'nung is very touchy when with Neteyam.
Neteyam never notices it until one night when he was teasing Lo'ak about him and Tsireya can't keep their hands to themselves, and always find a way to touch or hold the other at every chance they got. The younger boy retorts, "As if fish lips didn't do the same to you." Lo'ak rolls his eyes. Neteyam asks him what he means by that. "Bro, his hand is always on you, around your shoulders, on your thigh, leaning his body on you, playing with your hair?" Lo'ak deadpans. "He is so clingy around you, it's gross." The younger boy gags. Neteyam throws a small shell he found earlier that day at his brother making the other laugh.
The sudden sting on his arm takes him out of his thoughts and he immediately pulls at the strand of hair in front of Ao'nung's face. "What was that for??" The Metkayina hiss. "I already told you it stings!" Neteyam argues. "I already warned before placing it on but you're too busy staring at the pole in front of you." The injured boy huffs and grumbles something under his breath.
"Neteyam the mighty warrior, I'm gonna put this medicine on your wound yeah?" Ao'nung says with a sweet mocking voice. Neteyam rolls his eyes and punches the other's chest. "Ow!" The boy knows the punch didn't hurt and Ao'nung is only pretending. "Well, seems like your hand is not that badly hurt." The taller jokes.
Neteyam narrows his eyes at the boy, "Yeah, you're right. Now get out of this marui." Shrugging his shoulder and pretends to move away when Ao'nung holds his hand to stop him. "Okay, okay. I'm sorry. I was just kidding," He says quickly. "Come on, the sooner we can finish, the faster you can rest and sleep."
Neteyam isn't sure whether Ao'nung is gentler when applying the medicine this time around or he is just imagining it because it did sting less. Or maybe it's because the calloused finger drawing random shapes on his palm make the pain more bearable.
Probably the first one, yeah.
The whole process goes by pretty quickly. Ao'nung only stops when Neteyam hiss and clutches his hand at certain parts in which the cut is a bit deeper than the other. Ao'nung then wraps the boy's arm with a clean cloth after he is finished.
"Drink that water. It is supposed to help lessen the pain and removes the poison from your body." Ao'nung explains, motioning at the other bowl. Neteyam nods and does as he is told. It tastes just like any other water he drinks every day but the pain in his arm and head did subside significantly. "I'll bring you the water again tomorrow," Ao'nung tells as he reaches for the empty bowl from Neteyam.
"Go rest for now. Pretty sure you need it." The taller boy offers a small smile and pushes himself off the ground. Ao'nung is already walking towards the entrance when Neteyam also stands up from his mat. He extends his arm and tugs at the other's hair. "Ow! Can you not pull at my hair?" Ao'nung turns his head with a frown on his face.
Neteyam couldn't hide the smile that creeps on his face. He loves to annoy the boy. He looks cute when he is scowling. Others might think Neteyam is crazy for finding irritated Ao'nung cute because if anything it is quite scary but Neteyam couldn't see what they mean by 'scary'. How does pouting scary? But then again, maybe Ao'nung is only like that when he's with him.
"Let's go for a walk?" Neteyam asks, tilting his head to the side, still smiling.
"You need to rest, forest boy," Ao'nung replies flatly.
"But I don't want to." He shrugs, looking into the other's eyes.
"But I want you to rest." Ao'nung crosses his arms.
"And I want to go for a walk with you." He fights back.
"Why are you so stubborn?" Ao'nung asks, he is now fully facing the other boy.
"Why are you so stubborn?" Neteyam parrots him.
"Me? I'm the one who's stubborn right now?" The Metkayina scoffs when he sees the boy before him nods. "How am I stubborn when you are the one who refuses to listen to me?" Ao'nung questions. "Too bad I don't take orders from anyone other than my dad." Neteyam sticks out his tongue at the taller boy.
"I'm not ordering you, I'm asking you to rest," Ao'nung says. "Nah, you said, "Go rest for now. Pretty sure you need it." That doesn't sound like asking to me." Neteyam's smile widens when Ao'nung lets out a defeated sigh. "Can you please rest for tonight?" The Omatikaya snorts when Ao'nung asks. "Nope. I asked you first, so let's go." Ao'nung let himself be dragged by the boy out of the marui.
The residential area is now filled with chatters as villagers are coming back from the gathering. The two walk hand in hand along the walkway, stopping at the medicine hut to drop the bowls. Neteyam greets a few people that he knows, showing a polite smile now and then. The only problem is that he still gets the same weird look as before. Is there something on his face this time?
"Hey, Ao'nung." He tugs at their connected hands when they're walking in the less crowded area. The boy hums, asking Neteyam to continue. "Is there something on my face?" Ao'nung looks at him, confused. He scans the boy's face and he doesn't see anything wrong with it. "No? Why do you ask that?" He asks back. "Some people are giving me weird looks." Neteyam purses his lips and turns his head to the front again.
Ao'nung is silent for a moment until Neteyam hears the boy stifling his laughs. "What? Is there something on my face?" He asks, slapping the other's shoulder when Ao'nung doesn't answer him. "What is it? Tell me." He steps in front of Ao'nung, stopping both of them. Ao'nung no longer tries to hide his laughter at this point, throwing his head to the back as he does so. "Ao'nunggg," Neteyam whines.
The shorter boy stumbles forward when Ao'nung pulls at their attached hand. He then proceeds to use the other hand and run his fingers through Neteyam's hair. The Omatikaya's voice stuck in his throat, unable to say anything as he feels blunt nails scraping his scalp a few times.
"There," Ao'nung says, dropping his hand back to his side. "People won't give you weird looks anymore." He tells, amusement visible in his voice. "Huh?" Neteyam frowns. "Stop frowning." Ao'nung presses two fingers in between the boy's eyes, "You've been frowning the whole night. Aren't you tired?" Ao'nung's fangs peak out when he smiles. Cute.
Neteyam relaxes his face as per the other request. "There's nothing wrong with your face," Ao'nung starts, "Your hair looks a little bit wild just now." At the mention of his hair, Neteyam is reminded of how it unravels when he went into the water earlier that night. He gasps, mortified when he registers what Ao'nung just tell him. "Why didn't you tell me when we were inside the marui!" He groans and punches the other's chest.
Ao'nung is laughing again, "I didn't notice!" He defends himself. "How can you not notice?" Neteyam glares at the other. "I was focused on attending to your wound because you kept complaining that it hurts." Ao'nung points a finger at the boy's chest when he speaks.
Neteyam groans and rubs a hand over his face. "This is embarrassing." That means his parents also notice his crazy hair when they're at the dock but choose to not say anything. Neteyam groans even louder.
"Come on, no one will remember about it the next morning." Ao'nung tries, gently prying his hand away from his face. "It doesn't look that bad, I promise you," Ao'nung reassures in a gentle voice. "I'm sure it looks that bad for people to notice it at first glance." Neteyam heaves out a sigh. "Nah, it's not." The taller one shakes his head firmly, "Let's sit by that rock and I'll do your hair," He offers.
Neteyam snaps his head to meet the other's eyes, "No. My hair became like this because you offered to braid it, remember?" The Omatikaya turns down the offer and starts walking again, pulling Ao'nung along with him. The two reach the said rock and Neteyam is the first one to let go of their intertwined hands. He rests his back against the hard surface and closes his eyes.
"Are you tired?" Ao'nung checks on the after taking a seat beside him. Neteyam hums softly when he feels a cool breeze caressing his skin. "Not really," He replies. "How's your head? Does it still hurt?" The boy asks, eyes roaming across Neteyam's face, tracing each pattern on his skin. "What do you mean?" Neteyam peels an eye open to look at Ao'nung. "Your head, do you still feel dizzy? Is the pain still there?" Ao'nung explains while pointing at his temple.
"Just a little bit. Not as bad as before," The boy answers, "How do you know?" He asks, referring to the headache. Ao'nung chuckles, "Back in the forest, you use a bow to hunt, right?" The shorter nods. "Your arrow is laced with a neurotoxin to subdue the animals, right?" Again, Neteyam nods. "Well, it's the same thing here. Our spears also have the same poison." The Metkayina tells.
Neteyam makes a noise in his throat. Right, how did he not think about that? A small amount of the toxin probably enters his system when it cuts through his skin, making him feel dizzy. "About that, how do you know I hurt myself?" He turns his head to the side, resting his temple against the rock to look at the other.
The shaft of moonlight casts on the left side of Ao'nung's face making him look extra pretty in Neteyam's opinion.
"I saw it at the dock." Ao'nung breaks eye contact, looking at the empty beach in front of them. "I think you just came back from outside the reef because your hair is still wet." He recalls. "The first thing I noticed when you turned around was the mess on your forearm." A small floating light catches his eyes, it is probably a firefly. "Do you know how worried I was? Your blood is gushing out, Teyam."
Ah, there's the nickname. Neteyam's heart leaps inside his chest.
"And then I saw the speargun in your hand. Eywa, I felt like throwing up." Ao'nung chuckles bitterly, shaking his head. "I wanted to run to you, to check on you, to see if you're hurt anywhere else but I couldn't do so." He swallows and casts his eyes downward. "Because my father was scolding me about what my friends did to Lo'ak. Well,–" The boy laughs"–that's not the actual reason. I could care less about my father's nagging. It's just that, I thought you might not wanna talk with me...yet, yeah."
Neteyam can feel a lump forming inside his throat, which restricts him from breathing properly. He bites the inside of his cheek to stop his tears from welling up. He is in no position to be upset. He is not the one who's been hurt. If anything, the one who should be crying right now is the boy beside him. Not Neteyam.
Ao'nung didn't do anything wrong to him or Lo'ak. Neteyam shouldn't have said what he said back in the marui. He was blinded by anger and his insecurities.
Even though most of the Na'vi from Metkayina Clan have accepted his family but there are still whispers here and there, people bad-mouthing his family. Calling them all kinds of names.
Disgusting.
He tries to ignore them because why does it matter what they said about his family? They're nobody to him or his family and it works. Most of the day, at least.
Neteyam presses the ball of his palm against his eyes and takes a deep breath to steady his voice, "But you still come to my family's marui." His voice is small when he speaks. Ao'nung would've missed it if he doesn't pay attention.
"Yeah...let’s just I’m too worried to care about you being angry at me. I'm not sure if the spear only cuts open your skin or if it pierces through your arm. I can't see it when we were at the dock because you were standing in shadow." Ao'nung offers a tight-lipped smile.
"I was so harsh with you at first, I'm sorry. I was too anxious. I'm worried about your injury and how to start a conversation with you." He continues when Neteyam remains silent. "When Kiri said you know what your 'friends' did to Lo'ak, is that true?" The dark blue Na'vi follows the pattern on Ao'nung's skin. They look almost the same as his but a little bit wavier. like the movement of water.
"I– yeah." That is not the answer Neteyam expects to hear. His calm, almost sad expression is immediately replaced with anger. "But please, listen to my explanation this time." Ao'nung looks at the other when he speaks, placing an uncertain hand over Neteyam's fist. The fist tightens but doesn't move away.
"I just came back from hunting when I saw them near the shore. I went to them because...well, they're my friends. For a while, we were just talking about random things until Eptxeng slipped up about what they did to Lo'ak." Ao'nung's ears lay flat. "I said 'slipped up' because judging from the other two panic faces, it's obvious that I shouldn't know about it," He clarifies.
"And...you know how I am. I punched them, I told them to tell my father about it because it was already eclipse at that point. They left him in the evening, it has been hours." Ao'nung winces at the memory. "They said it was just a joke but–" Neteyam pulls his hand away from Ao'nung's, "A joke? How is that joke? Putting someone's life at risk of death is funny?" The boy scoffs in disbelief.
"That's why I punched them," Ao'nung repeats. "I thought they actually went to tell my father about it but clearly that didn’t happen." Neteyam scowls, "Why didn't you tell your father yourself?" His voice is cold when he asks.
"Because I wanted to find you and bring you further away from the village. I don't want you to panic." So that's why Ao'nung was so persistent with 'hanging out' with the other somewhere else , Neteyam thinks
"I know how much your siblings mean to you so I know you're gonna do what you did." Before Neteyam can say anything, Ao'nung continues, "I know that is so dumb. I was being selfish and wasn't thinking straight. I can see that now and I feel horrible." The Metkayina desperately holds the other's upper arm, hoping that the other understands where he is coming from.
He was scared at the thought of Neteyam getting hurt that he doesn't realize he was putting Lo'ak, the person Neteyam cherished the most, in danger. Stupid.
"You said you know how much they mean to me but why did you do that? If Kiri didn't inform your father about it, my brother could've died out there!" Neteyam snaps, pushing the boy's hand roughly from his arm. "Kiri must have heard your so-called friends 'slip up' again while obnoxiously talking about it." His chest rises and falls, trying to calm himself as much as possible.
"Trust me I know, Neteyam. That was stupid and I shouldn't have done that." Ao'nung gulps.
"I don't think you actually do."
"I know. That's why I don't want you to find out about what happened because I know you'll go look for him even when that means putting your life in danger."
"He is my brother Ao'nung! Of course, I will do anything for him!"
"Exactly why I did that stupid shit! I don't want you to get hurt, don't you understand? Now, look at what happened to your arm. Was I wrong?"
"Why does it matter if I get hurt or not?? Eywa, Ao'nung!" Neteyam exclaims, annoyance visible in his voice. "We are talking about the possibility of my brother being killed and you are worried about me getting hurt? Are you hearing yourself?" His tail swishes behind him erratically.
"Yes! The thing is I don't care if you don't care about yourself because I do, okay? I care about your safety above anything. You're so worried about others that you forgot about yourself!" Ao'nung pants. "Do you ever think about how you also could've died?"
Neteyam is ready to scream back at the other, to disagree with anything the boy is going to say but the confession catches him by surprise. All the irritation inside him vanishes into thin air. He looks at the other, unable to say anything much less form sentences.
I care about your safety above anything.
Oh.
The Metkayina rubs a hand over his face, "Look, I don't want to argue with you anymore. I just want you to understand what I'm trying to tell you. I don't know if you know this but you're so dear to me, Neteyam. Seeing you hurt is the last thing I want." Ao'nung sighs and rests his head against the rock, shoulders slouching.
You’re so dear to me. Neteyam’s stomach feels funny.
"When I said the reason your friends left Lo'ak outside the reef is because we are fre–"
"No, you guys are none of that." Ao'nung cuts Neteyam before he can say any of those nasty words.
Neteyam appreciates that Ao'nung didn't comment on the sudden topic. He is not ignoring anything the boy told him, he hears everything, and he understands each one of them perfectly. So he needs to know about one more thing that has been bothering him since it happened.
"Why didn't you say anything before?" He plays with the edge of the cloth that is covering his wound.
"I felt guilty. I thought I don't deserve to deny it since you're not completely wrong, you know? I did call your family those names before."
The guilt Neteyam feels an hour ago only worsens after listening to Ao'nung's explanation.
"But when I look back at it, I don't think it's right for me to punish myself over my past. I'm not the same as I was four months ago. I'm pretty sure I've changed, at least a little bit." The boy interrupts Neteyam's train of thought.
He blinks a few times and breathes out a soft, "Yeah, you've changed. A lot."
The corner of Ao'nung's mouth twitches, "I'm glad."
"Hey, Ao'nung," Neteyam calls, placing one hand on top of the other's to catch his attention. The said boy clasps their hands together, turning his head to the side to look at Neteyam and hums. "I'm sorry for tonight." He starts. "I'm sorry for lashing out at you, for blaming you over something that you didn't do, for putting words in your mouth, for--"
"It's okay. I understand why you did them, don't worry." Ao'nung assures, lips pulled into a comforting smile. "Stop cutting me mid-sentence skxawng." Neteyam flicks his forehead playfully, face pulled into feigned anger. Ao'nung complains but he is smiling.
"Well, I'm sorry for not thinking before doing anything tonight. Basically for letting my emotions take control of my actions." The Omatikaya looks at their joined hands, or rather Ao'nung's hand because his hand is so big that it covers Neteyam's hand entirely.
"You already said that just now." Ao'nung notes. "Oh really? I didn't know that. Thank you for pointing it out to me!" Sarcasm drip in every word. "Can you like shut up for one second?" Neteyam elbows the other boy. "Just for one second?" The Metkayina jokes. "I fucking swear fish lips. I'm leaving if you don't stop interrupting me when I speak." Neteyam threatens playfully.
Ao'nung tugs at Neteyam's hand that he is holding towards his body and lifts his free hand in the air, exaggeratedly pursing his lips to show that he will keep his mouth shut from now on. This causes the smaller boy to roll his eyes.
"So as I was saying, I acted on my emotions, right?" It's a rhetorical question but Ao'nung nods his head. "Right," Neteyam answers himself.
Ao'nung waits for Neteyam to continue, his eyes are fixed on Neteyam. His golden orbs glow brighter due to the lack of light around him. The same goes for the freckles scattered all over his skin, making it looks like constellations in the sky.
Ao'nung is entranced.
"Why are you staring at me? Stop staring at me!" The Omatikaya groans, dropping his head on the other's shoulder. "I feel like dying," He says under his breath. Suddenly he is pushed up from the boy's shoulder,
"Is your head starting to hurt again?" Ao'nung asks worriedly. "What?" Neteyam stares at the other, confused. "You said you feel like dying. Does the medicine not work?" The taller boy frowns.
Neteyam's shoulders shake when he laughs, ears and tail perk up, "Not that, you idiot." He presses two fingers on Ao'nung's forehead, in between his eyes, mimicking the other's action earlier. "And stop frowning, you look too cute when you frown. I can't handle that right now." The boy says, still laughing. "You're so funny. Do you know that?"
Ao'nung's frowns deepen, "Neteyam, I'm being serious right now. Are you okay? Why are you laughing?"
Eywa, this boy is going to be the death of him.
The Omatikaya hums, "Yes and no." An amused smile stretches across his lips when he sees the other frustrated face. He drops his hand back into his lap. "Yes, I'm okay because my head and hand are not in so much pain anymore but no because my heart is beating too fast," He explains.
"Your heartbeat is too fast?" Ao'nung questions. Neteyam hums. The other boy let go of Neteyam's hand and place it on his chest. Neteyam's heart is indeed thumping against his ribcage wildly. "I think my heart just fasten a little bit more," Neteyam informs. If Ao'nung is not too worried at the moment, he would've caught the teasing tone in Neteyam's voice.
"It doesn't make sense," Ao'nung says, looking up at the boy. "What is it?" Neteyam has to bite his lower lips to stop himself from smiling too widely. "The neurotoxin is supposed to make your heart rate slower not faster."
The boy glares at the sand, thinking of a logical explanation. His hand is no longer on Neteyam's chest. "Oh, really?" The darker Na'vi pushes a few strands of hair that cover Ao'nung's face to the back. "Yes, but why is your heart…" His voice trails off, still thinking.
"I like you," Neteyam confesses, grinning.
"Of course, I like you too." Ao'nung answers almost immediately but Neteyam can tell he doesn't register those words, it is as if an automatic response his subconscious brain makes him say because Ao'nung is still staring at the space beside Neteyam's head.
"I like like you." His cheeks are starting to hurt from how wide he is smiling.
"Yes, Teyam. I like you too." Neteyam needs to suppress his laughs. He adores the other boy so much.
"Is that so? Does that mean I can be your boyfriend?" He teases, leaning his face closer to the other's.
"Of co– what did you say?" That seems to get Ao'nung's attention.
"I said, can I be your boyfriend?" He flutters his lashes when he speaks.
"You want– what? W-wait what?" Ao'nung's eyes widen, head moving slightly to the back.
"Is that a no?" His braids follow the movement of his head when he tilts it to the side.
"No! wait, I mean yes!" Ao'nung's hand returns to the boy's chest, "Hold on, Neteyam, you're too close. I can't think." One thing about Neteyam, he loves teasing Ao'nung. It's so fun seeing the boy flustered face.
"Really? But I thought you like being close to me?" He says, feigning innocence. "I do?" Neteyam can see the other's cheeks flush with a soft pink hue. He nods his head and hums, "Even Lo'ak noticed it." The blush on Ao’nung’s cheeks deepen after being caught red-handed.
"So?" Neteyam leans in even more, but Ao'nung doesn't even attempt to stop him. Their nose is almost brushing from how close they're to one another. "What?" Ao'nung asks dumbly.
"I like you.” The Omatikaya confesses again. “But not in a friendly way. I like you in an I-want-to-kiss-you-silly type of way." Neteyam isn't sure where he gets the confidence to say that sentence but he did.
"Do you want to kiss-me-silly, too?" He asks sweetly.
The next thing he knows, a pair of lips is pressing against his. Ao'nung is kissing him.
His heart roars and he returns the kiss with the same passion. He circles the other's shoulders loosely to stabilize himself. He is kneeling beside the boy, pressing his head downward to deepen their kiss. Neteyam can feel a pair of arms snake around his side and a set of secure hands lifts him with ease. A small yelp escapes the other’s lips as he is being maneuvered onto Ao’nung’s lap.
Neteyam blushes furiously at the display of strength.
Most of his braided hair falls to the front of his shoulder, brushing against the side of Ao’nung’s face as he looks down at the boy. “That’s better,” The Metkayina makes a quick comment before capturing his lips again. The new position allows Ao’nung to pull him closer until their bodies are pressed up against each other.
Neteyam can feel Ao’nung’s heart hammering inside his chest as the two chase each other’s kiss. A numb pain throbs when the Omatikaya tries to wrap his wounded arm around Ao’nung’s neck, accidentally biting the boy’s lips, eliciting a low hiss from the unexpected pain. Neteyam settles with holding onto a handful of soft, curly hair while his other hand wrap around the taller’s neck.
His mind is clouded by the boy beneath him. The sound of water crashing beside them falls on deaf ears as all Neteyam can hear right now is a mixture of heavy panting and lips clashing. He licks Ao’nung’s lips, silently asking for the boy’s permission which he easily granted by parting his mouth.
Their tongues dance together, eagerly tasting the other as much as they can. Ao’nung tastes like fresh berries and sea mixed. It’s intoxicating, to say the least. He wonders what he tastes like; does he taste like berries as well? Because he loves eating them, or maybe he tastes like the sea from when he almost drown two hours ago.
As if he can hear Neteyam’s thoughts, Ao’nung mumbles, “So sweet…taste so good, Teyam.”
Neteyam pulls the other’s lower lips in between his teeth, eyes half-lidded, “Yeah? How good?” Their lips brushing when he speaks.
“The best,” Ao’nung gasps, “euphoric.” He places a soft peck on Neteyam’s bottom lips.
The smaller boy hums, mind delirious with the current rush as he dips back down to continue kissing the other. He can’t get enough of the boy. He has waited so long for this. Not even in his wildest dream has Neteyam ever thought this will ever happen. So he wants to savor the moment while it lasts, worried that he might not able to do it again.
Neteyam shivers as Ao’nung drags his finger lightly from his lower back to his shoulder. The simple action manages to make his mind more delirious, letting out shaky breaths in between kisses. His tail coils around the other’s arm from all the pleasure coursing through his body.
He breaks their kiss, "Is that a yes or no?" Panting heavily from the lack of air but still manage to tease the other if the cheekiness in Neteyam’s voice is anything to go by. Ao’nung is nothing better; flushed cheeks, pupils blown wide, swollen lips from all of the kissing, chest rises and falls as he breathes in much-needed air.
He traces a small circle on the boy’s side as he hums, pretending to think of an answer to the question, “I think I need another kiss to be sure.” If Neteyam wants to play this game, he’ll play it.
Neteyam leans down and leaves a quick kiss on the boy’s lips. Ao’nung licks his lips, “How about another one?”
Neteyam does it again. This time making a show of licking the other’s lips before pulling away. “Still needs another kiss?” He asks.
“Yeah,” Ao’nung sounds breathless when he answers.
The smaller boy closes the distance again but stops just a breath away from Ao’nung’s lips. “I think you have to earn it this time, fish lips,” Neteyam challenges, hot breath fanning over the other’s lips.
"Oh yeah?" Ao’nung’s lips curved into his stupidly attractive smirk. Neteyam hums, fluttering his lashes as he stares into the other’s eyes.
“How do I earn it, hm?” He noses the side of Neteyam’s face, breathing a lungful of the boy’s scent. He then proceeds to place a trail of wet kisses along the boy’s jaw, earning him a soft whimper. “Sounds like I’ve earned it, forest boy.”
Ao'nung tilts his head upward and presses their lips together again. Neteyam doesn’t fight it off, instead, he presses further toward Ao’nung, wanting to be as close to the boy as he can. Neteyam can feel the boy below him smiles during the kiss.
“Yes, I want to be your boyfriend, Teyam.”
His heart makes a jump in his chest.
He is feeling so many things at the moment but it doesn't overwhelm him. It makes him feel good. So good.
Neteyam kisses Ao'nung harder.