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The adrenaline was still pumping through Ao’nung’s veins as he swam through the crystalline waters, Neteyam’s limp form in his grasp. He pushed himself harder than he ever had, his muscles screaming for relief, but he couldn't afford to slow down. Not when Neteyam had nearly been ripped away from him. Not when he had seen the cold, lifeless look in his eyes when he was pulled from the fight.
The others trailed behind him—Jake and Neytiri diving alongside, their faces dark with fear. Lo’ak swam just behind them, his jaw clenched tight in a way that screamed of frustration and helplessness. Kiri, usually so composed, had been barely holding it together when she first saw Neteyam. Her hands trembled as they moved through the water, her eyes darting nervously between her family and Ao’nung as if they couldn’t possibly reach the village fast enough.
When they finally emerged on the shore, Jake took Neteyam from Ao’nung's arms, laying him gently on the sand. The relief that washed over Jake’s face as Neteyam took his first deep, shuddering breath was palpable. Neytiri dropped to her knees beside them, brushing a hand over Neteyam's damp hair, her voice a hushed whisper of gratitude to Eywa.
Ao’nung stood back, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. He watched as the family closed in, surrounding Neteyam, their relief almost tangible in the air. It was only when Jake turned and placed a hand on Ao’nung’s shoulder that he snapped back into the moment. “Thank you,” Jake said, his voice rough but sincere.
Neytiri echoed the sentiment, her eyes glistening as she nodded at Ao’nung. “You saved him,” she whispered, her hand briefly reaching out to touch Ao’nung’s forearm before turning her attention back to Neteyam.
Lo’ak, still looking shaken, managed a small grin, his bravado crumbling under the weight of his emotions. “Guess you’re not so bad after all,” he muttered, trying to sound lighthearted, but the gratitude in his voice was unmistakable.
Ao’nung nodded, a strange warmth blooming in his chest despite the exhaustion. He had always felt like an outsider around the Sullys, even though they were the ones that had the status of being outsiders at that point. But in that moment, standing on the shore with Neteyam safe, something shifted.
—
As consciousness slowly returned to Neteyam, the first thing he felt was warmth enveloping him. The sound of crashing waves faded into the background as he struggled to open his eyes. When he did, he was met with the frantic faces of his family, their expressions a mix of relief and love. But it was Ao’nung’s silhouette that stood out against the sunlit sky—his figure framed by the ocean, looking both heroic and exhausted.
Memories of the fight flooded back, and a shiver ran through him. Ao’nung had saved him. That thought wrapped around Neteyam’s heart like a warm blanket, filling him with an unexpected surge of affection. A bond forged through danger and uncertainty.
As Jake cradled him, Neteyam turned his gaze back to Ao’nung, who was now catching his breath, the fear in his eyes replaced by something deeper. It hit Neteyam then—a realization that their relationship had changed. Ao’nung was no longer just a rival or an annoyance; he had become something more, something that made Neteyam feel safe and cared for.
—
Jake’s heart raced as he pulled Neteyam from the water. The moment felt suspended in time. Ao’nung had done something brave, something Jake had never expected from the heir of Tonowari. He turned to Ao’nung, an unfamiliar mix of gratitude and respect flooding through him. “Thank you,” he said, and the sincerity behind his words was genuine.
Jake could see the exhaustion in Ao’nung’s posture, but there was something different about him now. He wasn’t just a warrior from the Metkayina; he had crossed an invisible line, earning a place in their family through sheer courage.
—
Neytiri felt as if the world had stopped when she saw Neteyam’s body go limp. The rush of emotions that flooded her heart was unbearable. When he took that first breath, relief washed over her like a gentle tide. She looked at Ao’nung and saw the sincerity in his eyes. “You saved him,” she whispered, her hand reaching out to connect with him, an acknowledgment of his bravery.
She had always been cautious around Ao’nung, wary of how easily tensions could flare between their families. But now, witnessing his selflessness, she understood that perhaps he belonged with them more than she had realized.
—
Lo’ak had never felt so helpless in his life, watching as Neteyam was pulled from the depths. When Ao’nung appeared, shielded him with his own body, Lo’ak’s perception shifted. For the first time, he felt a strange sense of camaraderie with him. After all, they both cared for the same person.
Once Neteyam was safe, he managed a grin for Ao’nung. “Guess you’re not so bad after all.” Even as the words came out jokingly, the gratitude behind them was unmistakable. Ao’nung had proven himself in a way that would forever alter their dynamic.
—
The courting had started off innocently enough. Ao’nung had known Neteyam was interested in him, though he hadn’t expected how deep it ran until Neteyam made his intentions clear. Courting among the Metkayina wasn’t a secretive process—everyone knew who was vying for whose attention, and competition was fierce.
But what Ao’nung didn’t account for was how utterly unfair the game became once the Sullys got involved.
He realized it one evening as he sat by the shore, enjoying a rare moment of quiet when a young warrior from the clan approached. Ao’nung had seen him around—he was handsome enough, a strong swimmer, and Ao’nung could admit he had noticed him a few times. But as soon as the warrior opened his mouth to speak, Kiri appeared at Ao’nung’s side as if summoned by some unspoken signal.
“Hey,” she said, flashing the warrior a smile that wasn’t quite friendly. “Aren’t you supposed to be helping with the seaweed harvest? You know how important it is.” Her tone was casual, but her eyes cut like daggers.
The warrior blinked, clearly taken off guard. “I, uh, finished early, so I thought I’d—”
“Mm, that’s great. But you know, Ao’nung’s pretty busy too.” Kiri’s hand slid to Ao’nung’s shoulder, and the warrior’s expression faltered. The silent message was clear: Don’t even think about it.
The young warrior quickly excused himself, and Kiri smirked in satisfaction.
Ao’nung raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
“What?” she said, shrugging. “I’m just looking out for my brother.”
It didn’t stop there. Lo’ak had his own way of interfering. He’d blatantly insert himself into any conversation Ao’nung had with another potential suitor, often dragging Ao’nung away for some “important mission” or just standing too close for comfort, making it impossible for anyone else to approach. Ao’nung found it ridiculous—and amusing.
Even Jake and Neytiri had their subtle ways of ensuring no one else got close. Jake would conveniently find Ao’nung whenever he was alone with someone, striking up a conversation that would steer the suitor away. Neytiri didn’t need to say much—just her presence was enough to make others back off. The unspoken rule was simple: No one gets near Ao’nung unless it’s Neteyam.
The fact that Ao’nung found it endearing didn’t help either. He liked seeing how much the family cared for Neteyam, how they supported him without question. It was overwhelming, but in a way, it also made him feel… cherished. Like they all had a stake in his happiness, too.
—
When Neteyam finally declared his intentions to court Ao’nung, it felt like a weight had been lifted off his chest. He’d watched from a distance as others vied for Ao’nung’s attention, their efforts both amusing and infuriating. But now, standing before Ao’nung, with the sun setting behind them, everything felt right.
“I want to court you,” he had said, his voice steady. There was a nervous thrill in the air, but he knew he had to make his feelings known.
In the days that followed, it was clear that the entire Sully family was invested in this courtship, ensuring that no one else dared to interfere. He felt a swell of warmth each time he noticed Kiri chasing off potential suitors, or Lo’ak inserting himself into conversations just to protect Ao’nung from distractions.
Despite the protective antics, Neteyam reveled in the chaos it brought. It was as if they were all part of a beautifully orchestrated dance, each step leading him closer to Ao’nung. The sense of belonging was intoxicating.
—
Jake had never expected Neteyam to come to him with such a declaration. “I want to court Ao’nung,” his son said, his voice filled with determination. Jake could see the fire in Neteyam’s eyes, a spark that reminded him of his younger days.
Seeing how protective his family had become over Ao’nung made Jake smile. They were looking out for each other, forming bonds that transcended their clans. As the days passed, Jake couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in how they all rallied around Neteyam and Ao’nung, ensuring their courtship was smooth and supported.
—
Neytiri felt a mix of emotions when she heard Neteyam’s intention to court Ao’nung. It was a step into unfamiliar territory, but it also filled her with a sense of hope. She could see how happy Neteyam was, how alive he felt with Ao’nung in his life.
Her protective instincts kicked in, and she found herself doing everything she could to shield Ao’nung from unwanted attention. After all, he had saved Neteyam. They were family now, bound by love and loyalty.
—
Lo’ak could hardly contain his laughter when he realized how fiercely the family was rallying behind Neteyam. He had expected some competition, but instead, it felt like a full-blown mission to ensure Ao’nung was shielded from anyone else. “Dude, this is hilarious!” he exclaimed one night, watching Kiri scare off another suitor.
Watching his brother’s affection for Ao’nung grow filled him with joy. It was as if they were all working together, united in their goal to make Neteyam happy.
—
Becoming part of the Sully family wasn’t just about being courted by Neteyam. It was about being swept up into the whirlwind of their daily lives. Ao’nung had always admired how close the Sully siblings were—how they bickered, laughed, and seemed to move as a unit. But now, he was part of that dynamic, and it was both exhilarating and exhausting.
Family meetings were something else entirely. Ao’nung found himself invited to every one, whether he had something to contribute or not. He would sit with them in their marui, listening as Jake and Neytiri led discussions about how they could help more around the village or the state of the ocean. The others would chime in—Lo’ak with his rebellious ideas, Kiri with her eye-rolling but insightful observations, and Tuk bouncing in her seat, trying to get a word in whenever she could.
It was chaotic, but in a way that felt… right. Ao’nung had never seen anything like it. His own family was close, but they didn’t operate like this. They were more reserved, more formal. The Sullys, on the other hand, were loud, messy, and full of love.
Ao’nung quickly learned that Kiri’s eye-rolling wasn’t just annoyance—it was a form of survival. He’d glance at her during these meetings, catching her dramatic sighs or sarcastic mutters under her breath, and he couldn’t help but chuckle. The girl had a point. Sometimes, the Sully family’s intensity was overwhelming.
“I swear, if I have to listen to one more discussion about fishing routes…” Kiri whispered to Ao’nung during one particularly long meeting. “I might just swim away.”
Ao’nung smirked, nudging her with his elbow. “You wouldn’t last a day without them.”
Kiri scoffed but didn’t argue. Because she knew, just as Ao’nung was learning, that despite the chaos, there was no other place she’d rather be.
—
The day Ao’nung officially became part of their family was filled with both joy and a tinge of anxiety. Neteyam’s heart raced as he stood before his family, Ao’nung by his side, his hand tightly clasped in Neteyam’s.
It felt surreal to finally claim Ao’nung as his mate. In his mind, he replayed the moments that had brought them here—the fight, the rescue, the laughter, and the chaotic family meetings. Each memory built upon the last, creating a foundation of love and friendship that he was ready to solidify.
As they exchanged vows, the warmth in Neteyam’s chest swelled. He felt the presence of his family surrounding them, a solid wall of love and acceptance. Their voices melded into one harmonious chorus of support, and he couldn’t help but glance at Ao’nung, whose eyes sparkled with affection.
—
Jake couldn’t help but smile as he watched Neteyam and Ao’nung exchange vows. It was a moment that filled him with pride—seeing his son find someone who truly understood him. The way Ao’nung had become part of their family felt right, as if he had always belonged with them.
“I never expected this,” Jake admitted to Neytiri, his voice filled with warmth. “But I couldn’t be happier for them.”
—
Neytiri felt tears prick at her eyes as she watched the ceremony. Ao’nung had proven himself time and time again, not just as a warrior but as a protector of her family. She felt a surge of love for him as he stood by Neteyam’s side, promising to cherish him.
This bond between them was something beautiful, and she couldn’t wait to see what the future held for them as a family.
—
Lo’ak couldn’t stop grinning as he watched Neteyam and Ao’nung. It felt surreal, but he loved seeing them together. He nudged Kiri, chuckling. “You think they’ll ever stop being so mushy?”
Kiri rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless. “Not a chance. But I guess that’s what we get for being a part of this family.”
—