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Ao’nung had spotted Neteyam on one of the outskirts of sand jutting slightly into the bay. The dark sky lighting up the reef with the glow of Eywa.
He smiled as he got closer to the taller, warm light fading behind him as he went further from the festival.
The two had been dancing around something more for a few months, longing glances, occasional lingering touches in lessons, all had transformed into something different, even complicated. But the affection was there. Strong and reassuring in ways that needn't be spoken.
Neteyam was gazing into the dark blue water, the soft glow illuminated his already illuminated skin when he looked up towards the figure walking towards him. His heart swelling when Ao’nung appeared clear.
He was truly something else. Light teal skin with baby blue eyes that softened further everyday. His hair was different today, while still in his usual bun, now decorated with small shells weaved into his braids.
After all it was a special occasion, having completed his Iknimaya, he had received his tattoo. Neteyam was excited to see him with his new mark, although attempting to be subtle about it earlier when Ao’nung had announced he would be getting one. Neteyam couldn't bother to contain his excitement now seeing Ao’nung approaching closer.
Neteyam watched with a soft gaze as Ao’nung had sat beside him in the cool sand, the water illuminating his beautiful features, his shells shining.
“Hey, let me see” Neteyam greeted softly, moving his had to gently hold Ao’nungs chin. Turning his face to see the curved lines across his forehead and cheekbone. The dark ink contrasting beautifully against his light patterned skin.
Ao’nungs cheeks had gone rosy at the gentle touch before looking at Neteyam as he studied his tattoo.
“Beautiful..” mumbled past Neteyam’s lips before he could process, retracting his hand slightly “looks good..i like it” Neteyam stated, a deep rumble from his voice, taking in the boys face in front of him.
Ao’nung let out a bashful smile, before grabbing Neteyam’s hand and trying to coax him to follow. “Come to the festival” Ao’nung said softly.
“no no no” Neteyam brought Ao’nung back to him, sitting closer, knees touching, still holding hands.
Neteyam always had a soft spot for the reef boy in front of him, dare he say the boy had bewitched him. Not by his quick wit or skills, but by being himself.
The small moments when Neteyam saw Ao’nung for who he truly was. Kind when comforting, helpful when needed, strong always. It had pulled Neteyam in, in an instant.
“Then i will just stay here with you” Ao’nung smiled softly at him, his eyes bright and his body fully drawn towards the forest boy.
They both sat there for a small moment, the quiet sounds of the waves pulling and pushing against the sand, small sounds of birds coming from the forest behind the village. The beauty of their world surrounding them, so much to see, and yet they could only look at each other. Baby blue contrasting Golden brown.
And without them knowing, they were once again drawn to each other like magnets. “im so proud of you” Neteyam confessed, holding back from letting his whole heart spill out. Ao’nung seemed to understand the double meaning when he ducked his head shyly, a bright smile spreading across his face.
“Thank you” Ao’nungs own voice slightly less deep than Neteyam’s and with a small accent. Neteyam leaned closer to the boy, one hand still clutching tighter to Ao’nung, and the other moving to rest gently ontop the boys lower thigh.
Ao’nungs eyes flicked up from the sand to Neteyam, his thigh then back to the golden brown. It was as if something, the thing they couldnt place before, had sparked inside them. The draw was almost irresistible, their body's leaning closer, hands intertwined.
And when their lips met, they couldnt pull back. Soft and sweet is what Neteyam could describe his lips as. Neteyam pushed further with the intention of deepening the kiss, hand sliding slightly further up the boys thigh. Ao’nung all but melted into the kiss, tilting his head as a sign of submission, letting Neteyam take the lead. Right in the moment, Neteyam knew the boy would be his, no matter how much or little time it would take. The teal boy submitting to him was enticing in ways he couldnt describe.
It got heavier and harder to pull away, but the equal need for air is what broke them apart. As they pulled away, air hot as they gasped slightly. For a moment, time stilled as they looked into each other's eyes.
Not even when Ao’nung huffed out a laugh and leaned in again could break the spell he had over Neteyam.