Chapter Text
The hall was enlightened with fancy lamps all over with one big chandelier up high in the middle of the ceiling. Everyone in the place were wearing elegant and classy ball clothing, all chatting around with loud laughters and amusement in the air. The atmosphere was vintage, along with people's dressings. It was what the rich people liked.
The party host was a family that was known among the country for hosting these type of balls all the time and each time the Sully and Tonowari's families visited the events together. The adults of the two families being great friends with the host family always got them into the role of special guests. With the youngest boy from Sullys, Lo'ak and the only daughter of Tonowari, Tsireya freshly getting married, the bond between the two families had become stronger. Rotxo, Tsireya and her older brother's cousin, always came along with them to the balls, having a young relationship with the oldest daughter of the Sullys, Kiri. Even though their love was young, the two had formed a strong bond over time they spent together, and were likely to get married in no time following after the other young couple. Their families were pleased, already being fond of each other even before their kids were born. Nothing could have been more pleasant to become one big family, though the disappointment towards the oldests sons remained bitterly over both families.
Neteyam, the first born son of Jake and Neytiri. Ao'nung, the first born son of Tonowari and Ronal. Both being tall, extremely handsome young men, that made girls swoon, it was surprising and disappointing to know that the two were still single and unmarried. Neteyam was a gentleman, always looking after ladies, but never once he was seen offering a dance to someone with his own want, only with the pressure of his parents. Ao'nung on the other hand was known to be more cold shouldered towards the girls he was uninterested in, he had danced with a lots of families' daughters and had affairs when the darkness fell but, he never introduced someone to his family as his significant other.
There had been big expectations on both boys before their little siblings got married, everyone thought that the two, both would be the first ones to get married with women from important family lines, bringing pride upon their families. Though, both boys were nowhere close to that.
Tonight, both Neytiri and Ronal were engaging in conversations with beautiful, young women with the hopes of introducing to their sons. But the actual aim was different, the host family of the ball had three daughters, each more beautiful from one another. If Ao'nung and Neteyam both were to marry two of them, the three family would be having stronger bonds, securing their places in the society.
Tsireya was talking to the youngest of the sisters of three. Seeing this Ronal decided it would be a good start to grab her son and drag him to meet the girl. She looked around, but instead of her own son, she saw the eldest Sully with his youngest sister who had to be brought along tonight. Ronal approached the two, excusing Neteyam and bringing him along towards Tsireya and the other girl. Neteyam had a mask of politeness once he was left alone with the girl.
He brought her to the drink table, treating her for a glass of white wine. They exchanged in a little conversation, the girl blushing almost through the whole time. But Neteyam could only offer his polite and nice side, not seeing her so worth to give her a special treatment.
Once people were starting to settle down for the dinner, Neteyam kindly excused himself from the girl and made his way over to the circle table where his and Tonowari’s family were supposed to be. Upon seeing him approach, his parents smiled at him brightly. “Hi ma’itan” His mother said as she watched him sit between Ao’nung and Lo’ak. “Hi” He said softly, returning their smiles.
Jake cleared his throat, sharing a look with Ronal. Previously before Neteyam appeared, the table listened from the woman how she managed to pair up the eldest Sully with the youngest daughter of the host family. So now, Jake asked his son about it, wanting to hear positive feedback. “How are you fitting with the girl?” He asked him. Neteyam, who had just taken his fork in hand stilled for a moment before sighing softly. “Well..it was great.” He could feel Ao’nung’s eyes burning through his soul. Lo’ak on his other side patted his back. “Is my big brother finally having an affair?” He said with a laugh, receiving a look from his wife, mother and even twin sister across the table, making him falter. But Neteyam laughed heartily. “You never know little brother.”
The music had also came to a break as the musicians were meant to join the dinner. As their dinner went by, Neteyam got bombarded with questions since Ao’nung was yet to spend as much time with a woman. Suddenly, Neteyam turned his head to look at Ao’nung with the teal man grabbing his attention. “I am going for a smoke, would you mind coming with?” The teal man asked the Sully. Neteyam nodded, but Tsireya spoke up. “Neteyam doesn’t smoke, why must you bother him brother?” Ao’nung gave her a pointed look, luckily Neteyam stepped in. “It is no worried, I think I would like some fresh air.”
“Excuse us” Ao’nung said to their parents and led the navy blue man following after him outside. Once they were out of sight, Neytiri turned to Ronal. “I appreciate your efforts, I don’t think Neteyam would have talked to anyone without someone pushing.”
Ronal nodded. “Ao’nung isn’t any better. Both of them need to understand, that they are both too late with their little siblings all about to get married.” The teal woman said. “Even you, Tuktirey, I saw you dancing with the young son of a middle class family, we can arrange someone better.” This pulled laughter across their table. “Mom” Tsireya warned with a soft voice. “Just because you don’t like the family’s mother doesn’t mean they are middle class” The teal girl’s husband snickered next to her but Neytiri turned to his son. “Ronal is right, that woman nor her son are not worthy of our sweet Tuk”
Tuktirey was laughing along her family’s unserious acts, having accepted the boy’s offer to dance only because she didn’t want to stay alone. Nothing more to it. “I didn’t mean to dance with him actually. I just thought it would be rude to turn him down.” She explained sweetly, having her older sister pinch her cheek. “Don’t go after your older brother and Ao’nung’s way” Tonowari spoke up, making every head turn his way with amused smiles.
The boys came back to finishe their meals and the big family settled into a comfortable atmosphere around them until the end of the dinner. The hall was once up from the circle tables and instead roamed around the poseur tables. Neteyam, before any of the family members could arrange him with some woman he didn’t want, fled across the place, leaving Ao’nung be the only target. Well and Tuk, this time she was the one who Ronal took to meet someone and keep her way from her previous dance partner. Jake and Tonowari had made their way over to other man dressed in suits, talking about business next to the entrance of the hall which left Neytiri to deal with the young teal man.
Ao’nung was about to join Rotxo, Tsireya and Lo’ak when he felt two hands wrapping around both of his arms. ‘Wha- Oh!” He looked between Kiri and Neytiri with a questioning gaze. “What is going on ladies?” He joked.
“We have a date for you” Kiri said, looking at her mother knowingly. “She might not be one of the host’s daughters, but! She is from a well known family and you are lucky we caught her alone.” Kiri continued, leaving Ao’nung looking at her with doubt.
“Look I appreciate it but-“ He started to speak only for Neytiri to stop him. “No buts, young man. You are not missing on the opportunity” She said with a wide smile, nodding at her daughter to let go of her friend. Kiri did so and left Ao’nung alone with the woman by joining her own boyfriend.
Ao’nung sighed, realizing that there weren’t going to be a way out for him. He let Neytiri lead him towards the woman, meanwhile telling him about what he needed to know about her. Even though the respect Ao’nung had for Neytiri was uncountable, he couldn’t get himself to listen to the fierce woman that moment.
When they finally reached to the girl, she had her younger brother with her, who gave Ao’nung a nasty look, which the latter ignored. He could admit that the girl had a cute face, but that was all, still, Neytiri pushed him gently towards her and left. Ao’nung approached her and started a little conversation. The younger brother didn’t leave them for some time, and Ao’nung had to admit he was glad about that but he saw his own mom approaching, with the young Sully girl. “Dears! What a pleasant sight to see you are getting along.” She said. Tuk made her away behind Ao’nung to use him as a shield, shy about the other young boy looking at her. Ao’nung was the one to glare at the young boy this time, keeping Tuk hidden behind him when he felt her holding his arm.
But Ronal got in action again, pairing Tuk with the younger brother of the girl Ao’nung was paired with, and suddenly Ao’nung and his current partner were left alone. He tried to get the conversation going but, from across the room he could feel Neteyam looking at them two.
The night went on, until the music changed into a well known songs for couples, not wanting to interfere any more with the girl, Ao’nung excused himself.
Neteyam had a glass of sweet and light drink in hand, chatting with his sister in hushed voices. Neither of then realized that her soon to be husband approached with a smile, also a drink in hand.
The older brother saw him first, nudging his sister. Without them realizing, the song playing on the background by real time musicians had turned into a slow tune, a melody that was openly inviting couples for a dance, before the deserts would be served. "May I steal her for this dance?" He asked, looking between the two Sully siblings. Neteyam smiled at them as Kiri said "Ofcourse" and let Rotxo take her away, both smiling widely.
Neteyam stood alone next to poseur table, his drink placed on it, watching the way Rotxo and Kiri joined the others on the dance floor. There were many familiar faces already, his parents, Lo'ak and Tsireya, and Tonowari with Ronal. He smiled in amusement when he couldn't spot one certain man among the couples, instead he turned his head to see him making his way over to where Neteyam stood. Ao'nung, who looked sheepish came and stood on the next side of the table, holding his own drink in hand. "No date again, I see?" The teal man said before taking a sip from his drink and leaving it next to Neteyam’s. “Don’t talk so proudly Ao’nung, you don’t seem to be in a different place now that you left the girl” He answered back, a smug grin on his face, but he refused to look at the other man again.
Ao’nung’s deep chuckle filled his ears, sending goosebumps all over his body. The two stood side by side, watching the hall dance in a romantic atmosphere. Neteyam tried glancing at Ao’nung, only to come eye to eye with the man. Both of them looked away quickly, blush creeping through their cheeks. Neteyam chuckled shyly, bringing his hands up to his face, with Ao’nung smiling at him equally shy. Ao’nung realized that the host family’s daughters were eyeing the two of them, most probably waiting for an action to be offered a dance.
And Ao’nung did want to offer a dance to someone that night. So he cleared his throat, grabbing Neteyam’s attention. Ao’nung moved to stand infront of Neteyam, making him look up at him with a little, unsure smile. The teal man bowed slightly, holding a hand out. “Care for a dance, gentleman?” He said, now being the one to look up at the flabbergasted young man.
Neteyam’s pupils were blown wide, his cheeks flaming hot. He too had noticed the girls looking at them, and were focused on to keep his eyes on his family dancing until Ao’nung, too bravely took action. And who was Neteyam to reject the handsome young man. So he slowly let him take his hand into his and lead him to the dance floor, a bit away from their families and more between strangers, giving them the maximal privacy the hall could offer. Ao’nung’s hands found the other’s waist, letting Neteyam’s hands find their place at the back of his neck. “What is this about now, Nung” He asked quietly with a soft laugh, having the other male lean in close to murmur in his ear. “I just wanted to have this dance with the prettiest in the hall, is it too bad?”
“No, it is cute” Neteyam smiled shyly, hiding his face from Ao’nung by tucking his head under the latter’s chin. They danced silently with Ao’nung leading, swaying them together for awhile before he slowly looked down and bumped their noses together. “You dance the women’s part too well, should I be concerned?” He said silently after awhile, making the other laugh amused. It was meant to be a half hearted comment, but it sounded more like Ao’nung was mesmerized. “A man must know both parts to lead when it is time.”
They got into their own little bubble, chatting and laughing with hushed noises with the soft melody on the background, dancing for the first time that night, fitting perfectly with each other like puzzle pieces, to the point they failed to notice how their families saw them very open and clearly.
Tsireya was the first one to realize that her brother was offering a dance to the oldest Sully son, smiling softly and nudging her husband for him to see them too. Lo’ak’s eyes had widened slightly when Neteyam lend his hand to Ao’nung, letting him take him away from most of the crowd. He searched for Kiri in the crowd, spotting her already looking at the surprising pair, talking to her boyfriend. Lo’ak couldn’t hear what she was saying from where they stood, but by the way Rotxo turned his head to see them with an amused expression, he was sure they were talking about the pair.
They all saw how Ao’nung whispered something in his dance partner’s ear and Neteyam leaned his head on the other’s chest, eyes closed and a wide smile on his lips. The gesture was not something people did so openly while dancing, it was intimate.
The parents also saw them, all four watching with surprised, more like flabbergasted expressions. Jake and Neytiri had stopped dancing, keeping their eyes on the pair, trying to understand what the two were trying to do. Ronal was the first one to break her gaze and turn it towards the young women she talked to through the night, especially the three young daughters of the host, but nothing could be read on their faces. Suddenly, her husband’s hold went stiff, and she looked at him only to see that he was staring ahead, still at the two boys. So she turned her head again, and-
She saw her son, kneeling on one knee infront of the younger male, presenting him a little, fancy box.
Neteyam’s heart had never through his life skipped so many beats at once, only when he felt Ao’nung slowly pull away and sink down on the floor. Finally pulling out the thing he kept playing in his side pocket placed on his jacket for the whole night, a box. He opened it, revealing an elegant ruby ring, circled by little diamonds. Neteyam’s heart sank as his eyes flicked from the ring to the man he dearly loved. They had kept their relationship so perfectly hidden, locked away through the years, till this moment. “From the moment we first hanged out together, the moment we first laughed and stayed out, under the stars until both of us panicked and rushed home. I could never forget how you, even though you were so scared about being late, had the sweetest and most genuine smile I have ever seen. Neteyam Sully, you bring a meaning to my life, and for this, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?” Was all Ao’nung could say, his heart almost beating to jump out of his chest with how nervous and scared he was.
Neteyam’s mouth was agape, his golden eyes wide. The look on Ao’nung’s face was worth millions and he wished that he could snap a photo to keep it forever. This man made him fall in love over and over again each time they saw each other. “Yes! My Eywa Ao’nung..-“ His voice cracked, tears threatening to spill down his face, he held the man from his shoulders and pulled him up towards himself. “- You Skxawng, get up!” He muttered before throwing himself into the man’s chest, finally letting his tears spill. “Yes, for hundreds of times, yes. I love you, you dumbass” He managed to say against the other, hugging him tightly. Ao’nung with his free hand, wrapped his arm around his soon to be husband and whispered a little “I love you”, only for him to hear this time, his own tears of happiness burning his eyes.
Their families were speechless, despite standing a bit away from the couple, they did see what happened clearly, hearing Ao’nung’s speech. The hall was silent, only the music continuing to play by the musicians. Although, like the rest of the crowd, their eyes were on the marriage proposal. Suddenly cheers broke through the place, voices of congratulations raising around the young couple. One man came up from behind Jake, patting his shoulder and congratulating him and his wife, next moving on to Ao’nung’s parents doing the same. Neither four parents knew what to do or say, having been too stunned for anything.
“Fucking hell..?” Lo’ak whispered when he saw that Ao’nung was putting the ring on Neteyam’s finger, right after pulling his hand up to his face, kissing his ring. His brother letting him do so with ease, hugging him again right after. Rotxo and Kiri had made their way over to them, standing a bit closer to the show Ao’nung planned all by himself.
Ao’nung have had enough from trying to act like he was a single man, available for his mother to try and set him up with random women. He was also sick and tired of seeing his dear lover always talking to ‘possible’ women he could marry. The jealousy always raised in his chest when he had to stand and watch Neteyam charming women’s hearts. So tonight, he would be taking those to an end. He wanted nothing more than people to know how much he and Neteyam loved each other deeply.
So after he put on the ring on his finger, he pulled him in, pressing his lips onto the Sully’s, for the first time infront of people. Their kisses had always been hidden, far from their families. But now, Ao’nung would be showing everyone that the two belonged to each other. Neteyam melted into the kiss, his mind fuzzy with the love he had for the other man. The latter was never a fan of big show offs like this, but Ao’nung had touched his heart tonight with how brave he was. He had showed Neteyam how true their love was.
There were more cheers raising through the hall at the action. When the pair finally pulled away, they became aware of how almost all of the ball hall and people were aware of their interaction, meaning also their parents and siblings. Kiri, with her boyfriend, who were standing close to the pair were the first ones to approach them, with wide eyes.
Ao’nung was holding Neteyam close, the navy blue not being able to stop his tears. Rotxo came up up them, putting his hands on their shoulders. “You two.. that was quite the show. Now can be get some explanation?” He said, before their parents could.
The four parents were tense for the rest of the night. Ronal and Neytir left the room to get some fresh air, wanting to register what happened with more calm minds. And it was not possible with how some men and women came up to them to talk about their sons constantly. Lo’ak and Tsireya had already joined Kiri and Rotxo next to their brothers. Tuk suddenly came up from behind Kiri and Tsireya, whispering to them in hushed words and took them both out to their mothers, and the same second Tonowari and Jake came up, their expressions were not readable.
Neteyam shared a look with his lover, both of them knowing a long talk awaited them. So the four of them were back at the circle table as the deserts were being served.
“How long has this been going on for, boys?” Tonowari started, eyeing the ring resting on Neteyam’s finger, shining under the hall’s lightning. From the look of it, this was not something new. Marriage was something serious afterall.
His son cleared his throat before speaking up. “Like..two years before Tsireya’s wedding.” He said, looking at the two men. Jake’s eyebrows shot up. “That makes it three years.” He said in disbelief, shifting his gaze towards his son, who still looked to be in a daze from the way he smiled down at his new ring. “Why didn’t you say anything?” He said, reaching forward and covering his son’s hand with his own. Neteyam snapped back to reality with it, his cheeks reddening.
“We wanted to keep things private until we secured our relationship.. because we truly love each other” The navy boy spoke, looking at Ao’nung with love filled eyes. “We didn’t want our relationship to get ruined, because I cannot think of a life I spend without Ao’nung by my side.”
It made the teal man smile at him lovingly, squeezing his one hand under the table. Their attentions were back on their fathers with Tonowari’s heavy sigh. “Are you aware so many women are- were waiting to be betrothed to you two? How many family lines were waiting to be connected with us? You two could have said something so we would have acted another way.”
The boys knew that, but they were sure that if they had told their families about each other before, they would have been forced to marry another people, women more specifically, since they were first born sons. Meant to continue the family line.
Their mothers and siblings were back, all sitting around the table for their deserts as there weren’t many people standing up. And they didn’t want more attention, especially suspicion their way, right after the show of the boys. “Before you ask” Started Ao’nung turning to the mothers. “This has been going on for almost over three years”
“Three years?!” Lo’ak said loudly, after realizing he spoke too loud he looked around and then at his brother. “Three Years, What?!” He said more silently this time. “Unbelievable” Ronal spoke.
The reactions were what Ao’nung was waiting for. He didn’t think their parents would with no doubt come congratulating them. That was unlikely, but by far, there weren’t unsupportive comments. So he was hopeful. After their families came over their shocks, Tsireya, Kiri and Tuk were all around Neteyam, looking at his new ring he proudly wore. Lo’ak and Rotxo also wanted to see and after the girls sat back down, the two were next to Neteyam. Ao’nung watched them with a soft smile through it all.
Next Neytiri called her son over to where she sat. Neteyam quickly got up, making his way over to Neytiri and Ronal, the two women were sitting side by side. Ronal took a hold of his wrist gently, bringing his hand forward for both of them to see his ring. Then the teal woman shot her son a proud and congratulating smile, winking at him. Tonowari, who was sitting next to Ronal also eyed the ring again, having been payed much attention to it already. He had to admit his son did a good job.
Next and lastly Neteyam moved over to Jake with an unsure smile. Jake took a hold of his hand, looking at the ruby ring. He then looked up at his son, who looked troubled.
Jake pursued his lips. “Does this mean, my baby boy is finally getting married?” He said, with a slight voice crack that made Neteyam immediately hug him. “Dad, stop..you are gonna make me cry again.” He said, fighting back a smile by biting his lip. There was an ‘awe’ sound rose from the table and Jake pulled back to wipe at his eye. “I am just know realizing I wasn’t ready for this moment..it was too sudden.” He said, holding his son with one arm.
“Dad..” Kiri said, an amused smile resting on her face. “Are you crying?” There were more awe sounds escaping the table as Jake tried to deny the fact. “Dad what?! You didn’t cry when I got married.” Lo’ak said, eyes wide.
Jake looked at his youngest son with a smile. “I was just..too used to the idea of Neteyam staying at home for a long while.” He explained as he wiped at his eyes again. “Also this is different since he is going as a Bride” Neytiri joked right after, having Neteyam turn towards her in a hurry. “Mom??” He said, starting to laugh, having everyone else also laugh.
The shock had bypassed, leaving a cozy and happy atmosphere around the two families as always. Neteyam was back to his seat, next to his new soon to be husband.
They shared a look, both smiling wide. Neteyam leaned his head on his shoulder as the ball came to an end.
The rest of their lives would be what they always dreamed of.
Together, forever.