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Neteyam walked back and forth in front of the entry of the building. He checked his phone for the umpteenth time, only to sight at the empty lock screen.
No texts from Aonung.
The festivities had started an hour ago and he had just arrived himself. He had let his parents enter the building first and decided to wait for Aonung as promised.
Today was his aunt's, Sylwanin, wedding anniversary. She and Tsu'tey had tied the knot 4 years ago - to everyone's relief - and it was finally the day where they celebrated their 5 years of marriage.
Neteyam had no reason to be stressed. It was his aunt's day and he was elated for her. Nigerians never did things in half, and she had organized a huge party. His whole family, from Africa and America, would finally be united for one night and he would get to see the aunts, uncles and cousins he hadn't seen in years due to the distance.
While he could barely hold his excitement, he couldn't help but be worried. This would be the first time his whole family gets to meet Aonung, his boyfriend. Even though the boy was already adored by his parents and siblings - Lo'ak eventually warmed up to his constant presence and, for the sake of Neteyam, decided to push aside their issues-, he had yet to be accepted by their distant relatives. While Neteyam would not let this define his future with his boyfriend, deep down, he wanted him to be fully acknowledged and appreciated by his family members, and he could tell his partner felt the same.
Yet again, Aonung had managed to gain his parent's trust rather easily. Even if he seemed really...dry and unserious at first sight, he knew how to be mature and reliable for Neteyam, which was quickly noticed by Jake and Neytiri.
The dark-skinned boy's heart fluttered at the memory of his boyfriend gaining his family's trust and the corner of his lips rose in delight.
He had nothing to worry about.
He was abruptly yanked out of his train of thoughts by the awaited jogging toward him, fully dressed to the ninth, in a black shirt with his curly hair braided back and out of its usual bun.
''Lo siento tesoro, something came up !'' he reached Neteyam, deep voice jerky because of his panting. He had run from his car to gain some time. ''Let's go,'' he grasped Neteyam's smaller hand in his, ready to enter the party but was stopped.
''Wait we can't go in like that !''
Aonung widened his eyes at his mistake.
''You're right, I need to find an excuse for being late,'' he furrowed his eyebrows, searching for a plausible justification, but his frantic thoughts were interrupted by his favourite sound, Neteyam's sweet laugh.
He paused as the smaller rested his forehead on his shoulder while trying to hold in his laughter. Aonung didn't understand what was funny but his tensed expression softened at the view.
How could it not?
After some time, Neteyam leaned back and flicked him on the forehead with amusement.
''It's not that skxawng, look at your tie.''
Aonung obeyed and then pouted embarrassed. The knot what disformed and it looked like it was done by a toddler.
''It's not funny, I told you I'm not good at doing them.''
Neteyam shook his head fondly before reaching for the cloth.
''Come closer,'' he whispered as he worked his hand on the tie to fix the mess the taller had created. Aonung leaned down to make his job easier, staring lovingly at him. Was there anything his boyfriend couldn't do?
Probably not.
Neteyam tapped his shoulder after being done and leaned back to contemplate his boyfriend's outfit. He bit his lips, his cheeks heating up.
''You look good,'' he looked up at the light-skinned boy whose stare became dazzling.
Aonung had just a way to look at him that made him weak in the knees. A gaze that was full of infatuation or desire, Neteyam couldn't tell. Either way, he liked it.
Aonung chuckled, not letting it show that his heart skipped a beat at the compliment.
''Said by the prettiest man on earth that I somehow managed to pull,'' he smirked when the smaller one became flustered.
And he wasn't lying. Since he had arrived, he could barely take his eye off his lover. Neteyam giggled at the sweetness before catching the light-skin hand once again.
''Let's go !''
''W-wait ! I still need to find an excuse for being late,''
Neteyam chuckled before dragging his boyfriend inside the building.
''Babe, I'm African. 5 pm means 7 pm to us !''
Neteyam was right. When they arrived, the hall was devoid of people as if the celebration hadn't started. Yet, Aonung had his breath taken at the beauty of the surroundings. His gaze brushed the multiple ornaments on the tables, the luminaries illuminating the room and the choice of colours that added a cultural twist to the decoration.
He couldn't help but wonder how his and Neteyam's wedding would look. It would be a mix of their cultures and he beamed picturing the scenery as Neteyam pulled him forward.
''Look, this is the main family table.''
Indeed, toward the left was Neteyam's parent and siblings sitting at a lengthy table. It had been so long since he had met them, busyness at school being the main reason. Neytiri was the first to notice the young couple. She stood up and embraced Aonung.
''It's been so long Aonung, how have you been ?''
The boy grinned at the woman. She had been the first to warm up to him. For some reason, Neytiri had liked him instantly and she even treated him like her own son, which was surprising with how protective she was of her family. On the opposite, it had been harder to get Jake's approval but after a few weeks, the man realized Aonung was a ride-or-die for his son and eventually opened up to him. Turns out he was really cool.
''Very well, what about you? How is work ?''
He listened attentively as Neteyam's mother talked about her day, and went to shake Jake's hand. He then followed Neteyam who walked toward two empty sits and seized that opportunity to ruffle Tuk's braids.
''Aonung !'' she jumped off her seat to hug his leg happily.
''It's been forever. How is my little devil doing ?'' he twirled her in the air before sitting her on his lap as he seat and waving back at Lo'ak and Kiri. Tuk was the sibling he was the closest to. She was his most reliable acolyte back when he was hitting on Neteyam and she is always stuck to his hip. She may also be the main reason Neteyam always forgive him after they fight, but it's a detail.
Neteyam was about to sit next to him when his phone rang.
''Auntie is calling me, I'll be right back !''
Before Aonung could even wonder about it, Tuk dragged him into a serious discussion about a new Roblox game she had started. In the short lapse of time, the hall started to get loaded with people dressed in cultural attire and others in more formal clothing.
Aonung got distracted by the noise which had considerably increased and noticed his Neteyam struggling to carry multiple plates of food. He forced Tuk off his lap and hurried to help him out. It didn't take too long to finish the task and soon, they were done. Aonung rested his hand on the small of Neteyam's back as they went back to the table. As they got closer, he gulped, his throat becoming dry as he noticed that the table was now full of new people he had never met before.
Neteyam's distant relatives.
All the stress and apprehension he had omitted earlier came back like a slap. He couldn't mess. He repeated the formula he had learned to make a good first impression.
Smile,
be chill,
be respectful,
And keep your mouth shut.
He repeated the words like a mantra in his head before Neteyam's interrupted him.
''Yeah, I kinda forget to tell you but my family is a bit...curious ?'' he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. ''They'll probably ask you many questions and it might be a lot to handle...but I'm sure you'll do just fine,'' neteyam smiled sheepishly.
Wait what?
Before Aonung could digest the unexpected information he had just been told, they were already back. When they reached the table, he did his best to ignore the curious glances being thrown at him.
''Nete! It's been so long, come here sweetie! '' A woman stood up and hugged his boyfriend tightly.
''Hi Auntie Yu'nei, I missed you.''
They separated and she smiled before looking curiously over his shoulder at Aonung. Neteyam saw her stare and caught his boyfriend's hand in his.
''This is my lover, Aonung.''
The woman raised her eyebrows stunned by the news. She looked at the light-skinned boy up and down for a few seconds before shaking his hand. He took a deep breath and felt his confidence coming back.
''Hello, I'm Neytiri's sister.''
"Hi auntie, I'm glad I finally get to meet you. Neteyam talked a lot about you.''
He had never heard of her existence before, but he knew how to win an auntie's affection.
She smiled satisfied and before they could exchange more, Neteyam told her they still had to greet everyone. She let them go and the dark-skinned boy presented his lover to the rest of the people at the table.
''How are you so good at this ?'' Neteyam whispered to his boyfriend as they went to sit down. All of his relatives already looked charmed by the boy and he didn't know whether to be proud or worried.
''How many times do I have to remind you that I'm the best boyfriend,'' Aonung joked before receiving a push from the smaller.
''Well, you've succeeded in the first step.''
First step?
Aonung frowned and before he could ask Neteyam what he meant by that, a woman at the extremity of the table suddenly spoke up.
''Time passes so quickly, I didn't expect our sweet Teyam to be back with a lover. Tell us more about yourself Aonung.''
While the energy was joyful a few seconds earlier, the vibe suddenly swapped as the table became silent and everyone waited for his answer. Aonung was taken aback for a few seconds.
''Yes, what do you do for a living ?'' someone else added.
''Oh, I am still a college student. I am currently doing a major in computer sciences,'' he replied and watched as some people nodded approvingly while others showed no reaction. Then, he was bombarded with multiple questions each becoming more and more personal.
At some point, Neteyam squeezed his hand under the table to show him support and tried to change the subject a bit embarrassed.
''We are just trying to see what type of guy you are dating Net,'' said a cousin before questioning the poor Aonung again.
Neteyam looked at his parents helplessly for support but they both raised their shoulders, trying to hold in their laughter, powerless to the situation. However, Aonung didn't miss the thumb-up Jake sent his way. The man had gone through the same process a few years ago when asking for Neytiri's hand and he knew it was...something.
Fortunately, the Hispanic boy who felt a bit overwhelmed at first, gained back his confidence and genuinely answered everything. Eventually, it was Neteyam's grandmother who saved him and distracted everyone from him. She started talking to him instead, and her sweetness made the boy automatically comfortable.
''Neteyam, serve a plate for your boyfriend,'' Moat asked her grandson.
The animator had just announced the opening of the buffet and people were starting to eat.
''No need to Mami, I will take care of it myself,'' Aonung smiled politely before taking both his and Neteyam's plates in one hand.
They walked side by side and once they were far enough, he slid his empty hand around his lover's waist, his favourite place.
''Your family hates me.''
''My family loves you.''
They had both spoken at the same time, contradicting each other. Aonung frowned and looked at a giggling Neteyam.
''They did not look pleased with my presence. Even your aunt didn't smile at me once,'' he sighed, looking completely dejected.
Neteyam stopped his walk and turned to face his lover. He raised his hands to cup Aonung's cheeks and gazed deeply into his eyes.
''Nung, if they didn't like you, I can guarantee you wouldn't be standing in front of me right now,'' he smiled softly. '' Come here.''
Aonung leaned down until he reached the dark skin's eye level and the smaller pressed his lips on his forehead, leaving a soft peck on his honey skin. ''You did great my love''
Aonung grinned, his heart melting at the praise. If Neteyam said so, then it meant maybe he hadn't made such a bad impression. His lips stretched in a pleased smile before he shifted and reduced the distance between his mouth and Neteyam's left ear.
''Graçias mi amor,'' he watched as his Neteyam bit his lips, undoubtedly because of their closeness. Maybe also because of the deep voice he used, knowing it made the boy weak. ''You know, I had a good discussion with your grandma. She told me a lot about your childhood.''
As soon as Neteyam heard the last words whispered out of Aonung's lips, his smile dropped and his cheeks heated.
''Don't tell me she t-''
''Oh yeah she did,'' Aonung chuckled sneakily, enjoying the way the smaller one became shy. ''You had some pretty unusual habits when you were younger. She told me a loooooot of stories.''
''This is so embarrassing,'' Neteyam hid his face behind his hands.
''No, I think it's cute,''
The dark-skinned boy separated his index and middle fingers to look at the taller.
''Really ?''
But instead of answering, the latter caught his wrist and dragged him to the buffet, avoiding the multiple people dispersed in the hall. ''It's time to eat, I'm hungry.''
There were a lot of meals, most of them being stuff the light-skinned boy had never tasted before. Fortunately, he had Neteyam to guide him through it.
The latter took the serving spoon and filled Aonung's plate with rice.
''Look, this is Jollof rice. My mom cooked some last time you came home.''
They went around the serving table and some waiters filled their plates with different types of food. After that, they finally went back to their table.
Just before sitting down, Neteyam's aunt did a hand sign to Aonung, telling him to come to her. Her cold expression from earlier was gone and she had now a huge beam plastered over her face which left the boy confused.
He approached her and she automatically engulfed him in her arms, surprising him.
''Welcome to the family Aonung, I'm counting on you to take care of our Nete.''
His eyes widened at the words. They had really accepted him.
He chuckled happily.
''Of course, auntie.''
She smiled before telling him to go eat and he obeyed, making eye contact with a smiling Neteyam who had watched the scene.
Guess his boyfriend was right.
By the time the buffet was closed, the dance floor, located in the middle of the hall, was full of people dancing to loud Afrobeat music.
Tuk rushed to aonung and grabbed his hands.
''Nungnung, dance with me,''
The boy didn't have a second to process the information that he was already getting dragged toward the dancing crowd. Neteyam watched fondly before getting distracted by a hand on his shoulder. He turned around to face his dear aunt.
She sat next to him and nodded her head toward his tall boyfriend moving awkwardly next to his sister.
''Where did you find him ?''
''Oh, we meet in college.''
Yu'nei nodded calmly before squeezing his shoulder.
''He's a good guy.''
Neteyam hummed with a nod.
''He is,'' he pondered a few seconds. ''I was lucky to find him.''
The woman chuckled before shaking her head.
''Ah...young love.''
Neteyam rolled his eyes at the words.
''Auntie, you are only 12 years older than me.''
She snickered at his words. After a few seconds, their laughter died down and they looked at the people having fun around them. Eventually, the older woman broke the silence one more time.
''Don't let him go, okay? He's a keeper.''
Neteyam nodded confidently at the words. He couldn't imagine his future without the curly-haired boy at his side and didn't plan on letting him go soon.
''Perfect, now join him and save him from your sister. He looks in pain.''
Neteyam laughed and thanked his aunt before doing as she said. Indeed, Tuk kept twirling around with Aonung and the other looked on the verge of passing out. This could be blamed on his inability to say no to the youngest girl of the Sully family, no matter how many times Neteyam scolded him about it.
He reached them quickly and pinched Tuk's cheek softly.
''Tuktuk, our cousin is waiting for you over there,'' his sister followed the direction he was pointing to see her young cousin indeed peeking at her from the distance. She jumped excitedly and went to play with him.
''I think you just saved me, amor,'' Aonung wiped an imaginary pearl of sweat from his forehead as Neteyam rolled his eyes.
''You need to learn to say no to her or she'll be the end of you one day.''
Aonung laughed knowing inside that Neteyam was fully right. Suddenly, the music changed to a new song and Neteyam widened his eye, excitement rushing through his body.
''It's my favourite song !''
He started moving happily to the beat of the music while Aonung stared in awe. Neteyam knew how to dance and the way he swayed his hips made him insanely attractive.
The taller tried to imitate his boyfriend but his body was bent in an uneasy position. It didn't take Neteyam long to notice how awkward he looked and a giggle escaped his lips.
''What are you doing ?''
He grasped Aonung's hands and moved side to side to help him match the beat. When Aonung caught the right rhythm, Neteyam clapped.
''This move is called the network, you have to raise your arm like this and move your leg toward the inside at the same tight.''
''How do you even move like that ?'' Aonung wined, failing to be synchronized at first. He never knew Afrobeat dance was so hard.
''It's easy, what do you mean? Try again !''
It took him a few minutes but eventually the taller understood movement and did it easily. Maybe his Latino genes helped, who knows, he didn't complain.
''There, you even do it better than me,'' Neteyam clapped his hands. ''Do you know you look hot dancing like this? '' He bit his lips.
''Look who's talking.'' Aonung raised his eyebrow with a smirk.
Neteyam laughed and they kept dancing, giggling and battling each other. Even if they were drowned in a crowd full of dancing bodies, at this moment, it felt like it was just them.
Eventually, they were joined by Lo'ak, Kiri and a few of the sibling's cousins and they continued having fun. Neteyam could only look at how his lover seemed happy next to his family and remembered his aunt's words each time.
Yeah, he was definitely never letting Aonung slips out of his grip.