Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ao’nung isn’t worried. 

Late into the night Lo’ak had stumbled in their marui smelling of a particularly vicious rut, he had been ecstatic, visibly containing himself as he shouted the wonderful news. 

Neteyam had presented. 

Ao’nung clenched the net he had been working on, feeling his sister's burning gaze on him, even as he tried to make himself smaller on the floor. Neteyam was late, usually Na’vi present early on, so they have a better handle on their instincts as they got older, as their body developed along with them. But the shock of his fatal wounds had stunted him in more ways than one. 

 Though Neteyam had remained stubbornly scentless for years, he had grown. Big . If anything it had seemed going through Ewya’s eye had changed everything about Neteyam except his presentation. He became a prominent warrior and hunter to the island bringing in hefty sums of food, and weaving new clothing materials for the tribe. He had settled skirmishes between clans along with his father and had truly gotten popular around the clan. 

He had adapted a rougher personality, stern and direct. No longer willing to submit easier to authority which made him hard to handle at times, but he always had the best intentions at heart, Ao’nung knew. He let his hair get longer, stretching down his back in beautiful long braids, decorated with beads and feathers. Passing the trials shortly after Lo’ak, he had received his tattoos.They stretched on from his arms, traveling below his loincloth and spreading to his legs. They decorated his body beautifully, cruel arcs swapping down his throat and spreading over his stomach. 

He was a village heartthrob, he had women from all over falling over themselves to bind themselves to him, but it had all slowly dwindled when they realized he was turning every person down who had come to him. Turning down Tsahiks and Olo’eyktans and   pretty warriors from every tribe had garnered him a rumor. Spread by the people who had turned him down. 

Eywa had took Neteyam’s ability to mate, he was unable to provide for his mates, he couldn't provide offspring, that was the price he paid for his life.  

Ao’nungs stomach clenched, and he hissed out a shaky breath, resting a hand on his stomach. He tuned out Lo’ak’s over excited barking and bit his lip gently in worry. Neteyam was scentless to all. 

Except him. 

When the Sully family had come upon their shores asking for shelter, he had been in the front and center and had received the burnt of Neteyam’s scent. Flaring out and wild, lashing out and unnoticed to all but him. It had hit him, as Mother had accessed Kiri’s fingers, whispers of demon blood. The smell of yovo fruit and an earthy fresh scent had washed over him in waves. It begged him to turn Neteyam’s way, to make sure his alpha was okay. The smell had overwhelmed him, making him take an unstable step back. Not noticing the quick look of hurt that passed over Neteyam’s eye, the gorgeous Metkayina boy moved as if disguised by his family’s features. 

Ao’nung had presented just earlier that year and was still sensitive to scents. His family had taken the time to get him introduced to suitable alphas in the clan to test out compatibility. In his delirious state, he had lashed out and hissed profanities at his would-be mates, making them scramble out of his maui with a burnt ego and trembling shoulders.

 Ao’nung had stuck close to his mother as he grew up as tsakarem.He had adapted some of her personality. Untrusting initially of outsiders, and hard to read on most occasions. This had made Ao’nung somewhat of a hard catch in the last few years, he had no patience for talk of mates or binding ceremonies. He was the future Tsahik! Damned if he got done in by handsome dark skin Na’vi with golden eyes!

“Calm, darling boy,” his mother wrestled the net from his hands, where he had tangled it, too consumed within his thoughts. His mother clutched his face gently, her palms swiping over his cheeks in gentle affection.

Her forehead furrowed as she sensed his rising panic and disarray. 

“All this because of the Sully boy?” she questioned. Her son appeared quite shaken, not focusing on his task, getting caught up in the net, something only a child could mess up, fingers shaking from where he had rested them on his lap. Curled together protectively. She frowned, instincts stirring up and protectiveness rising. While her son tried to emulate her to the best of his ability, he had a naturally soft and sweet appearance, delicate cheekbones and pouty lips, and a loneliness that he bore alone for many years as he waited for a suitable alpha. 

Ao’nung thought back to just last week. 

He had been picking fruit from the sparse forest that was off-land. The tree's fruit had hung low and ripe and were ready for picking. Neteyam had accompanied him, because apparently he had nothing better to do than be a glorified shadow. He was struggling with a Yovo branch as Neteyam had said it, casual as ever. Not if this was something his family no- the whole clan was eagerly awaiting to celebrate. 

He had felt the stare first- hot and penetrating at his back. His skin erupting in a delicate shiver. Then his voice, deep and rumbly, had made his hand temporarily weaken from where he was tugging the branch.

“I’m presenting,” he paused before clarifying “I’m going to present soon. I can feel it, my alpha voice slips out without my permission, I can feel everything, the sea breeze, every grain of sand beneath my feet.” he paused again. What was with the damn pausing? 

“You.” 

Ao’nung stopped, it had gotten eerily silent between them as the wind brushed some of his curls over his face and moved the jewelry across his body. He had turned around and his breath caught in his chest. Neteyam was so handsome it was unfair. He had his hair tied loosely and few stray braids escaping and framing his face, his cumberbund had wrapped around his waist enticingly and his dark loincloth led down to strong muscle laden thighs. 

He whined internally, it really wasn’t fair how Neteyam could torture his future Tsahik like this and not get into serious trouble! 

Neteyam continued, eyes dark as he watched Ao’nung shift uneasily. 

“Do you even know how good you smell, omega?” Neteyam took a step forward and before Ao’nung knew what he was doing he had taken a step backward out of instinct. Neteyam stopped before a calculating look entered his eye as he tilted his head to the side and began to advance slowly. 

“I thought surely that I was dreaming,” he laughed breathily, “that you couldn’t get any more perfect than you already were.” 

Ao’nung stumbled back hitting the hard bark of the tree and then Neteyam had him cornered. He felt his touch ghost along his body, a low whine rising in the back of his throat as Neteyam’s hand found his neck.  His hand scrambled softly at Neteyam’s chest, weak from his scent flaring and not wanting to seriously injure Neteyam. He pushed, basket dropping from his hands, fruit spilling on the forest floor. 

“Teyam!” Ao’nung’s voice shocked and high rose between them. 

“You’re mine, aren’t you?” Neteyam’s golden eyes held a hardened flint. He squeezed softly, hand enveloping his entire neck and Ao’nung hiccuped, voice failing him as Teyam shook him. A shocked gasp escaped his lips as Neteyam’s hand traveled to his jaw and made him maintain eye contact from where he had unknowingly lowered them. His hands now both spayed out on the Omatikaya's chest, felt the rush of warm blood, and the beating of his heart. Steady and calm as he questioned him. Neteyam, apparently fed up with Ao’nung’s silence, made a rough noise in the back of his throat, a low guttural dark sound that made him leak. 

“Aren’t you, omega?”

“No!” Ao’nung gasped out desperately; he shivered as Neteyam’s hold grew tighter. As he came closer, forcing his hands to move from his chest,  to his neck bringing them tightly against one another. Oh great mother, he whined as one of Neteyam's hands found his mouth, fingers slipping in from his shock. 

His head knocked gently against the tree as Neteyam plunged his fingers in the warm carven of his mouth. He rocked them back and forth, little slick noises escaping everytime Teyam did partially dirty curl of his fingers, a little bit of drool escaping as Ao’nung looked up helplessly while Neteaym violated his mouth. He looked drunk, drunk on scent and his alpha’s fingers. He fluttered his lashes and took him deeper, a satisfied groan escaping him. 

Neteyam smiled thinly, fingers taking and exploring his mouth to his own amusement. Mirth shining in his eyes as Ao’nung gagged on his fingers struggling to take even that. 

Ao’nung burned, the dull throb low in his belly had grown and he had taken to pressing his legs together as discreetly as he could under Neteyams gaze. 

“Do you think that it’s right for you to lie?” Neteyam asked. His fingers slipped out with a little slick sound and Ao’nung mewled, he wanted them back, pressing in his throat and violating his mouth. He opened his mouth to beg, to plead, use me use me use me, before a cruel chuckle knocked him out of his lust driven haze. 

Finding the strength in him he pushed him away, wiping at his mouth, he turned back to Neteyam furious and embarrassed with a hissed. 

“You do not touch me as you please!” he shouted in a raspy voice. Neteyam stood there arms across his chest, braids making him appear more intimidating as they cast a shadow over his face and deadly silent as he looked at his angry omega. 

Ao’nung came closer pointing his finger as chest in blame. Stupid alpha! Stuipid face, stupid body, stupid stupid stupid! 

“I am tsakarem. I am not something that is yours to claim” he breathed heavily. With every word he poked at Teyam’s chest angrily. “I am off-limits to the likes of you!” 

Neteyam was silent for a minute before he spoke again. 

“When I present, and I will soon-” he casts a gaze at the trembling omega below him. “The first thing I’ll do is come to you.” He took a step forward, almost hypnotized and stopped when Ao’nung made a startled noise.

“And when I find out my deceiving little mate had been hiding himself from me the entire time,  not even Tsahik and Olo’eyktan will stop me from taking you.” 

Ao’nungs heart pounded with his lie. He gapped wordlessly as Neteyam bent down and retrieved the fallen fruit before approaching all predatory gait and intent gone and handed him the basket. He took it with trembling hands as Neteyam took to his own tree. Taking deep calming breaths he started forward to pick the fruit before a satisfied moan took his attention. 

Neteyam held the fruit in his hand and groaned as he sunk his fangs in roughly, sweet juice running down his chin and over his body. Ao’nung snapped his head forward, cheeks flushing and hands trembling once more. 

Ao’nung looked down at his hands away from his Mother’s gaze. 

“Neteyam will be coming soon,” he murmured to her at last. He noticed that the excited chattering in the marui had stopped and had gone silent and looked around to find Lo’ak intense concentration zeroed on him. 

His eyes narrowed on him, taking his shaking hands and downturned eyes before his eyes widened and knowing look was slathered on his stupid face. 

“You’re the one,” he said in amazement, covering his tone, as he laughed in disbelief ignoring Tsireya’s warning look. 

“The omega mate Neteyam’s been whining about for the past year .” 

Ao’nung shifted guiltily, as his mothers low gasp reached his ears. He shook his head weakly, a pit in his stomach as he faced his mothers questioning eyes and his fathers open surprise and obvious delight. 

His father had previously offered him to arrange something with Neteyam, obviously wanting a warrior and hunter with an impressive lineage part of the family and each time Ao’nung had shot him down with a firm no. 

“Boy,” strong hands guided his downturned face back to his mothers “How long have you known about this?”

His eyes watered, lips trembling from the pressure of every eye on the room and he pressed them tightly together to stop the pathetic movement. 

"Since the beginning." 

Ronal hissed and Ao'nung flinched, eyes downturned. He stayed still as his mother jumped and started pacing, roughly swearing under her breath. 

"Foolish thing, he is your destiny, Ao'nung! As Tsahik you cannot ignore such signs from Ewya, to discover Neteyam so early! To travel through Ewya’s eye and come back stronger."

His mother's voice rose. “To keep something so sacred from yourself..Ao’nung that is unacceptable as Tsahik! Your Olo’eyktan will protect you, they are there to serve you and the clan, the amount of bonding that could have developed between you two is lost!” 

Ao’nung sat quietly, looking up at his mother as she spewed her fire. He knew every word spoken was true every time, he had denied Neteyam his teaching of Ewya he would become shaky, and falter and he couldn't even hear Ewya at times.

But how could he? How could he burden Neteyam with the title of being his mate. He had suffered and provided enough to the clan by his mere presence and contributions alone. With him Neteyam had nothing but a life of complications. He was better off living a carefree life with some random village person. Hadn’t Neteyam already sacrificed his life one time? How could he possibly entrap him for life? 

“And to do this with Toruk Makto's eldest son! Eywa has doubly blessed you boy and you throw it in her face!” Ronal hissed at her son’s foolishness. 

“Mother!”

Ao’nung spoke up, he had risen from the floor and now stood face to face with Ronal. His ears burned in shame when her eyes jumped on him in anger, before flickering back to the sky, gathering her patience. He felt queasy as he laid eyes on his mother, her unwavering stance and confident glare, she looked every part of Tsahik, beautiful and firm. Something that he can only hope to emulate. 

“I will make this right,” his voice breaks at the end and his mothers gaze softens before she sighs heavily. 

“Sweet boy,” she approaches, taking his arms in hers and intertwining them ”Why do you deny yourself this? Why keep this within you?” She shook him gently when he directed his gaze back down. 

“Neteyam has already offered his life, Mama,” he whispered, “Who am I to ask for more and burden him with me? He is already a successful warrior and he is free and not bound by official duty, to make him do such things and put struggle in his life once more..” 

“That is not your decision to make!” Lo’ak’s voice cuts through and he carries on now that he knows he has Ao’nung’s attention. 

“Neteyam has wanted you since forever! Ah Lo’ak did you see Ao’nung bring back the hunt today? Did you see Ao’nungs jewelry today brother? I swear he looks like Eywa herself. Ao’nung, Ao’nung, Ao’nung!” 

Lo’ak stopped when soft giggles reached his ears, eyes softening when he looked at Ao’nung. 

“Neteyam’s a big boy now,” he said with a smirk tugging at the edge of his lips. “He can handle an unruly mate and a clan.” 

Ao’nung nodded, feeling properly chastised. 

“Come.” His mother said “Get ready for tomorrow.” 

It turns out getting ready for tomorrow was code for getting your rest today. He had fallen into a fitful sleep, buzzing with energy and a thousand butterflies in his stomach. His dreams are as vivid as ever, maybe more so as he falls through Eywa’s essence. Flashes of greenery and dark blue. Two small na’vi bodies play fighting, and a kind low tone joins from behind them. He sees dark waves crashing on shore, and the wreckage left behind and it leaves him shivering at the wail of loss it leaves behind. He dreams and he dreams. Then he wakes up. 

He's fed a light breakfast, salted fish and berries and is hurriedly pushed into a basin of water. His head is dunked multiple times underwater, and fingers yank at his hair roughly leaving him whining out painfully at the sting on his scalp. He pleads with his mother and sister to be gentle with him. 

“Oh shush,” Tsireya giggles. “If Neteyam is anything like Lo’ak you will have to endure worse at your own mating.” 

And ew. 

His mother, the traitor and the bipolar woman she is, laughs along with her. They fall onto each other, stifling gasps and clutching their stomachs. 

“Mama!” he shouts, it only seems to make her laugh harder and she clutches at Tsireya more urgently. 

“Sweet boy,” she gasps out and she spreads a scent oil in the water and spreads a soothing gel on his hair, and stretches it out. It enhances his hair and makes it look constantly wet, with deep curls making their way down his back. Ao’nung hated it, but knew his mother had not done this in a while and let her enjoy playing with his hair. 

Dressing was a whole other ordeal entirely. He stood still as they forced piece after piece of ceremonial clothing on his body. Everytime he thought they were done, they would stand side by side and look him over with critical eyes and then shake their heads in frustration. Removing a chest piece to see how it would look with a skirt and so forth. 

When it’s all done, they stand in front of him again, tears brimming in their eyes as they look at him, he feels a hysterical laugh bubbling on the surface. They are acting like he’s never going to come back. 

Warm hands, soft and tender take his hands and then he's staring into his mother’s eyes. 

“You are beautiful,” she whispers fiercely. His sister makes a choked crying sound from behind her, clearly agreeing. Silly. 

“Mother.” he says shaking his head, he is sure he looks the same as he always does. His hair is just down and he’s adorned with jewels. 

His mother takes one last look at him, at her sweet boy. A transparent veil of pink seashells over his hair, his body encased in soft pearls catching in the light. From his ears, hung a blue stone that glinted prettily. Thin black strips held his skirt together, the dark green fabric exposing the sides of his legs and hung down to his feet. 

She cusps his neck gently, and brings him down to her, letting their foreheads touch gently. He’s grown so big. 

She pulls away and stares in his eyes. At his striking blue and long eyelashes, looking at her with a softness only a mother is granted and smiles. 

“I see you, sweet boy.”

Ronal pushes in for another hug and a quiet weight at his back lets him know that his sister has joined in on their impromptu hug. Embarrassingly, big fat tears well up from behind his eyes and yeah, he thinks he gets it now. 

And as a menacing snarl echos it’s way into their marui, Ao’nung straightens, wipes the tears from his mothers cheeks and greets his mate. 

Chapter Text

Ao’nung has barely stepped outside before he’s pushed against the surface of the. A small startled squeak escapes him as hot hands encircle his waist, tugging him closer to an overheated body. 

A bold head makes its way between his neck, breathing in deeply in one large inhale. His releasing groan, deep and rumbly, makes Ao’nung shake. His hands are desperate and clutch at Neteyam’s braids tightly. 

“You’re mine.” Neteyam groans, pulling him closer, fingering at his hair and reaching down to grab at the miles of open skin Ao'nung provides. Ao’nung trembles as his hands probe harshly, running over his veil reverently, tugging at his leather strings demanding more to be exposed. “Of course you’re mine.” He carries on breathless, overwhelmed at the sensation of them. 

“You were made for me.” 

“Teyam,” he whines, grabbing at Neteyam’s wandering hands. His breath comes out breathy and strained and it makes Neteyam pause from his neck. Their eyes meet, and Ao’nung freezes. 

Neteayam’s eyes are a dark burnt gold, his mouth set in a hard straight line. A hand snatches his jaw and angles it upward, 

“ Lair.”   it is said in English but Ao'nung has been around the Sullies enough to know what it means. His ears turn downward in shame. 

“I’m sorry, Alpha.” he whispers, he tugs gently at Neteyam’s hair, watching with delight as Neteyam’s eyes go unfocused, blurry and pleasure filled. His eyes go wide as Neteyam grabs his arms, bringing them in front of him, his hands are huge, his harsh grip bruising. 

“Apology, not accepted." He lowers his head in deference as Neteyam lets go of his hands and they dangle uselessly beside him. 

“You have known-,” he breaks off running an irritated hand down his braids “You have known.”  

Ao’nung doesn’t deny it and Neteyam swears, muttering in that language. 

“Do you know how many nights I spent sure that I had no mate? Mocked and shamed for being an unclaimed alpha at my age?” 

“I am sor-,”  Ao’nungs words are cut off as a large hand wraps around his neck. 

“Omega.”  Neteyam’s voice is stern, and Ao’nung’s stomach erupts in butterflies. 

“I should take you now,” he whispers, “And let everyone witness their tsakarem taken apart by cock.” 

Ao’nungs legs press together, desperately trying to ignore the dizzying rush of heat that accompanies the words. Neteyam’s scent hit’s him curling up around him. It's aggressive, pushing its way on him, and Ao’nungs scent glands itch, begging to be bitten. He lolls his head to the side submissively and Ao’nung is jerked closer, hands splayed out on his chest. 

“Please, Alpha,” he whimpers out. “Let’s go to the marui please.” His hands play with the beads sitting on Neteyam’s chest and push Neteyam backwards softly leading them toward his marui inch by inch until Neteyam grabs his hand and roughly leads him home. 

Ao'nung can feel how angry and betrayed Neteyam feels and heavy stones of guilt stone his stomach.

Ao’nung bows his head as Neteyam burns a hole through the marui floor, with his steps. His scent burns , curling up Ao’nung’s nose and aggressively mashing into Ao’nung’s own scent. He’s knocked dizzy by it, pressing trembling hands to his stomach gently, feeling the stirring heat build. Though Ao’nung feels guilty about hiding this secret from Neteyam, his omega is undoubtedly pleased with the aggressive alpha’s response, and is responding in kind.  

He flinches as a hand curls itself in his hair, jerking his head to stare up at Neteyam. Ao’nung swallows, cheeks burning as Neteyam looks down hungrily. How Neteyam still manages to stalk so silently he will never know. 

“Did you not want me?” Neteyam asks seriously. He shakes the hand in Ao’nung’s hair when he doesn’t answer, forcing a yelp out of his mouth. “ Anwser.” 

“ Of course I wanted you!” Ao’nung bit out desperately, he rested his hand on Neteyam’s thighs, softly pressing on them to keep himself grounded. He was gulping down handfuls of Neteyam’s scent like this, so close to his cock, like a slow molasses crawling through his senses and making him drunk. How could Neteyam think Ao’nung didn’t want him?  He was capable, they were each other's closest confidants, and they have saved each other's lives too much to count. Why wouldn't Ao’nung want him? Somebody would be stupid to deny Neteyam. 

“Yes.” Neteyam hissed out, shoving Ao’nung to the floor and mounting his hips up roughly. “Very stupid to deny me.” 

Ao’nung shook his head desperately, to clear his slow rolling thoughts. He shuddered as large palms squeezed roughly over his bottom, tugging at his tewng desperately. Ao’nung felt Neteyam move closer, crowding him against the floor, deamanding hands making him present fully. He ached as he felt the hard plains of Neteyam’s body pressing against him, and he felt himself clench. The motion made a shot of pleasure shot down his spine, and he shuddered against the floor. 

Rough fingers tore the dark leather apart, tired of the complicated ties and moved the torn cloth to the side. And as rough hands made their way to his hole, a satisfied grunt made its way out Neteyam's mouth at the wet slide along his taint.

“I-I did not want to be a burden.” He mumbled. Neteayam’s fingers stopped, hooking slightly down, pressing the tip of his finger into him, and Ao’nung spasmed body trembling as Neteyam teased the spot ruthlessly. At the silence Ao’nung rushed to say his piece before it was too late.

“You have seemed content with your life, even though you longed for a mate.” He gasped out desperately, cowed at Neteyam’s stillness and the low growl that started to emanate from his chest. “Being mated to me would only bring you bad fortune, Neteyam. You can live your life how you want unbound by any official duty!” 

Ao’nung jerks as Neteyam adds another finger roughly, the slick rough slide making him push back on his hands wantonly. He pressed his fingers to his mouth to quell his cries, shuddering as Neteyam continued to administer him pleasure. He’s glad for the moment that his hair provides a shroud, covering his features so Neteyam doesn’t see this mess he’s made of him. 

“Do you think of me as incapable?” Neteyam asks, his voice deep, carrying across the marui pleasantly. Ao’nung shakes his head, reaching his arm back to run his hand down Neteyam’s chest soothingly. “Of course no-”

Neteyam captures his hand, bringing it to his mouth and lets his fangs rest on his pulse threateningly. He pulls the arm back using it as leverage as he thrusts forward, making his fingers thrust in him at the same time. “Before my family moved to Awa’atlu, I was to be Olo'eyktan, responsibility has never made my heart or head heavy.”  

Ao’nung nods, ears fluttering down at the reminder. “I just wanted you to have a good life, I thought it was the best way.” 

“And the best way was to deprive yourself of me?” Neteyam growls, placing a mean smack on his thigh, gripping the muscle harshly. 

Ao’nung sobs, blinking away the tears “I-I,” He stammers “I wasn't sure how else to do it.” 

“You talk to me. ” The words are a frustrated growl, a hand circles around his nape and pushes him down firmly. Ao’nung whimpers at the rough treatment, then bucks at wet slide up his taint. Ao’nung feels Neteyam’s body shudder at the sensation of their skin sliding together. Whimpering at the tip glides over his hole, Neteyam lets go of his nape and grapes his waist, and bends down to Ao’nung’s ear. “You ready, ‘Nung?” 

Ao’nung has only gotten out a breathy “ yes please, alpha. ” Before sharp canines are breaking skin, teeth digging in sharply. Ao’nung gasps and tries to buck him off, his hand coming up to break the hold that Neteyam has on his neck, he attempts are rebuffed as Neteyam lets out a thunderous growl, angry at the Omega's attempts to get him to stop. Ao’nung trembles where he lies, finally lying limp and tilting his head to give Neteyam more room. 

Neteyam buries himself to the hilt, hips smacking wetly together. Neteyam groans, before dissolving in whimpers, the hand on his waist fluttering and hovering over his body as he processes the wet heat consuming him. 

"You feel so good."  Neteyam sounds drunk, and his hand grapples over his head clumsily, showing the tail end of his braid as pink tendrils shine from the dark strains of his hair. Ao’nung shudders, searching for his queue as well grasping onto it with trembling fingers as he moves them closer together. Neteyam thrusts once- twice before stopping abruptly, whining as Ao’nung clenches from the movement.

 “ Stay still” Neteyam barks, trembling as they get closer. 

Ao’nung watches as they intertwine, and he can’t help the lurch in his stomach as he experiences Neteyam. Neteyam appears in his mind as flashes of dark blue skin and braided hair. Who appears to him bloody, bullet wound gaping making him stumble over his last words. Who clenches at his Mothers’s hands tightly, as the Tsahik and Norm work together to dig the bullet out of him. Watches as he grows up, taking care of his siblings like a parent would. His first kill, protecting his mother, the brief terror then stone cold resolution when he realized they would never try to hurt another member of his family. It was justified then, it was okay. 

He sees himself through Neteyam’s eyes, a cruel pouty smirk curling over his lips as he taunts his siblings. How he was still absolutely magnetized by him all the same. Wild curly flowing hair, thick body, and strong arms. The same person who had rode into battle with him, who had healed him while injured. Who cared for little Tuk while Neteyam was away. It all comes and goes in a blur of images, mere flashes of their lifespan. It’s all interconnected now, it goes back and forth. It’s a pulse- sort of like a heartbeat connecting them together, and Ao’nung gasps at the sensation, pupils bowing wide. 

Neteyam moves once again, body trembling with the shocks of Tsaheylu. Ao’nung moves with him, hips shifting back eagerly, rocking smoothly together. It is not the first time Ao’nung has been penetrated; he has had his mother help in preparing him with-instruments that could mimic an alpha’s cock. It has made him used to the weight of being fucked but nothing compares to the real deal. Neteyam is heavy, he's persistent, changing paces and angles every second like he can’t make his mind up. It’s annoyingly good because of course it is. Everytime he hits this bundle of nerves that set him aflame with lust up his belly.  

And he keeps on making these- sounds drawn out groans and pleading whimpers. Hugging his waist tightly with both arms going around him, Ao’nung is hoisted up, his body falling on Neteyam’s cock with a loud filthy squelch. Ao’nung shrieks, covering his mouth hurriedly at the sound. Neteyam is relentless, grabbing Ao’nung waist, biting softly at the back of his neck as he continues.  Now Ao’nung might be an Omega but he is not easy to lift by any means. Metkayina are known for being more muscle laden, hiding underneath a layer of protective fat, and were cultivated to withstand the oceans' strong currents and waves. It is not so easy to move them around. But Neteyam does it like he’s nothing more than a toy. His hair spills over at the rough movements, his hands moving to cover Neteyam’s hands as they force him to grind on his cock. 

He tries to remediate his breathing, all ending out in punched out whines as he clenches rhythmically around Neteyam’s cock, and tries to start moving on his own again. 

“Am I doing good Nung?” Neteyam's voice sounds from behind him, he's slurring, completely overtaken by their combined scents and his first rut. Neteyam’s elbow drags his head onto his shoulder, and Ao’nung shudders as he feels Neteyam’s overheated chest while he's pulled back and forced into an arch. Ao’nung tries to nod best he can, he's sure he's going to cum soon, helplessly turned on by the manhandling and Neteyam’s sounds. Ao’nung whimpers as Neteyam’s movement turns smooth, sliding backwards smoothly and dragging forward with all his might. 

“Am I making you feel good?” Netyam repeats whining now, sliding his other hand over his stomach gripping Ao'nung's cock, stuffing his head over Ao’nung's neck and taking a greedy gulp of his scent. 

“So good, alpha.” Ao’nung voice comes out as ruined as Neteyam’s. He rocks into his fist, the dual stimulation making him lose reality for a second as he chases his completion. “You always make me feel good, such a good alpha,” Stopping as he hears the punched out groan rumbling behind him. He presses his eyes together tightly as the sound only makes the ball of fire in him tighten more and starts again. 

“Want you to do everything to me, want your fingers, your knot -” a hand hooks in his mouth pressing down on his tongue, pressing it down roughly. “Shut up.” Neteyam begs, hips faster now, “Be quiet,- wait you’re gonna make me cum, please Ao’nung. ”  

Ao’nung does not shut up, he's spurred by the wrecked quality of Neteyam’s voice, his desperate fingers curling over him, the way his cock presses deeper like it’s trying to find something. Poor alpha, he thinks cruelly, tightening up and listening to the resulting wrecked moan. So he continues words soft and honeyed over Neteyam’s fingers.

“Pup- puppies , gonna breed me so good, like you’ve always wanted, right alpha?”  Neteyam jerks, hips snapping erratically, before pushing Ao’nung on his cock brutally, his knot sliding into him and locking him in place. Ao’nung gasps as Neteyam claims his neck again, teeth reopening the bite with a mumbled “ mine” before Ao’nung comes on his cock. He shakes through it, his hips twitching with the sensation of being completely full and satisfied as hot shocks flow down his body. 

He leans going limp once more, Neteyam’s arm falling off his neck as he settles them into a more comfortable position. Ao’nung spreads his legs, the warmth of Netyam’s legs, grounding him for the moment. He stuffs his head into Neteyam’s neck breathing in that intoxicating earthy fruity scent, and takes a deep breath before he bites. Neteyam jumps, a growl building in the back of his throat as Ao’nung takes his claim. Ao’nung's heart jumps at the sound, clenching his teeth on his neck harder in retaliation, satisfied when Neteyam tilts his head and lets the bond happen. Ao’nung pulls away, satisfied that he’s left his mark on the alphas and leans back to admire it. Pretty. Ao’nung can’t help but think, leaning forward to lick the wound blinking lazily as fatigue overcomes him in waves. 

He slips down that familiar darkness as Neteyam follows, arms wrapped securely around each other. 

A few hours later finds Ao’nung on Neteyam’s lap slowly undoing his braids. He’s positioned higher than Neteyam whose face is buried on his chest breathing in deeply. It’s a lazy affection, Neteyam pressing small bites and kisses along his chest and collarbone. The alpha is drunk off their mating and the blending of their pheromones. It's very overwhelming the first time, especially since his mate was there to set his instincts off even more. Ao’nung is not far off from it either, the elation from his and Neteyam’s bite still lingering through the bond.

The braids are not complicated to undo, his hair texture making it very easy as it unravels itself from the tight formation, weaving down his back in crinkled waves. They won’t finish today, Ao’nung knows, Neteyam’s hair is full and thick, they have to dedicate a day to his hair. But Ao’nung always thought that Neteyam looks sexy when he lets his hair down, while still having a little bit of braids lingering. It’s a hairstyle that Ao’nung had been stunned by when he had first seen it.  His mother had sent him out on errands in the middle of his braiding and he had roamed the village in that way for almost half the day. His hair rocking back and forth softly, a far cry from the normal harsh whipping of his hair. 

He had a short conversation with him, eyes heated and stammering as Neteyam had worked. Neteyam had tried not to be short with him, but Ao’nung could see that the hair bothered him more than he cared to admit. His words had come out in bursting angry muttering, hands harshly grabbing the weapons as he put them in the shelter, and heaping loads of wood and wasted debris to be reused in a storage marui. He had stumbled out a pathetic excuse as soon as Neteyam had turned sharp eyes on him, mouth pressed up into an annoyed line. His cover for the marui had barely lowered before Ao’nung was prostrated on his hand and knees, pathetic whimpers and keens leaving his mouth had he begged for something to stuff his hole, and making due with his fingers. 

Ao’nung hips shifts down in a languid roll at the memory, and he muffles the low moan on Neteyam's shoulder. He’s still hard after all this time, pulsing against him. Neteyam had been almost feral when he had tried to move off his knot, Ao’nung had suspected it was an Omatikaya thing, but he thinks that this is more of a Neteyam thing. 

“Do you think,” Ao’nung begins slowly “That the people were right- that you cannot provide me with pups?” 

Neteyam stiffened, his relaxed grip on Ao’nung waist becoming rough and Ao’nung gasps, biting back the teasing giggle that threatens to leave his mouth. He knew that these types of rumors had always irked Neteyam for its rather nosy and deeply personal nature, but at the same time made him want to prove everybody wrong. He remembers their talks as they performed their duties together. 

“What was it?” Ao’nung asked teasingly “How many children did you wish for?” 

Neteyam’s eyes narrow, mouth pressed into a frown. “I have always wanted a big family, Ao’nung.” 

“Yes, but you are truly crazy if you think I’m carrying all those children.” 

“It is not crazy.” 

Ao’nung raises his eyebrows, he knows that the Omatikaya do not have lots of children. Usually having two or three pups. But Neteyam’s family of six had garnered a few wide eyes, even if they don’t count the humans by their side. But Neteyam is stubborn on this particular subject, something he will not budge on. But if Ao’nung has anything to say about it- and he does - this will not come to pass. Neteyam’s motivations for a big family are pushed by spite and a longing for the big family Jake and Neytiri had curated for themselves. 

“-just to prove them wrong!” Neteyam’s arm swings down powerfully, chopping the thick tree trunk in half. 

“But six children?! Neteyam- know that is madness.” Ao’nungs playful voice comes from a few feet away, safe from the flying wood chips. He sits as he grinds the bark into powder, strong hands handling the stone expertly. He watches as Neteyam shakes his head in exasperation, hair swinging about widely as he gestures.

“Oh,” Neteyam begins to mock, hands on his hips “You are nineteen summers and have no children, has Eywa not blessed you? There must be something wrong!” Ao’nung laughs as Neteyam's voice begins to croak imitating the older Navi women who had said the words to him. But Namiah is one of the more respected ladies in the tribe, so Ao’nung reprimands him gently.

“Be calm Teyam, she only means the best for you,” he gets up and wanders closer to Neteyam, where he has fallen silent lips pursing into a pout. Ao’nung stifles his coo, coming to take his hand and intertwining them. He feels the callous on Neteyam's hands, warm from the fire and comforting and he presses the hand to his cheek palm first, letting his head rest there. 

His eyes flicker up to Neteyam, to find piercing gold eyes already on his face. Ao’nung’s cheeks flush, scent bleeding in a heated bomb around them. Neteyam is frustrating,very intense all the time, like his mother in some ways. Most of the time it’s directed at the people around him, Neteyam usually treats Ao’nung delicately, which is appropriate seeing as what Ao'nung will represent for the future of the clan. But in the cases where Neteyam directs this energy to him, this unstable, poorly-held back restraint Ao’nung can barely stand it, shifting back warily on his heels to evade him. 

His eyes widen as Neteyam comes closer, pressing his hand firmly against his cheek, his head is tilted inquisitively, nostrils flaring and mouth slightly open as he tries to scent the air. He looks at Ao’nung intently, molten eyes wandering from his eyes to his cheek, lingering on his lips. Ao’nung flushes from the attention, taking a stumbling step back, only to gasp as Neteyam follows as if pulled. 

“Teyam?” Ao’nung whispers, holding a calming hand on Neteyam’s chest right above his scar. He watches as Neteyam’s eyes clear as from a haze, eyes downturned and confused. He's pulled into a tight hug, wrapping his arms around Neteyam as he takes his body heat. He rests his head on his chest, hearing the steady thump of Neteyam’s heart, and relaxes as Neteyam hands wander soothingly over his body, sending sharp sparks of heat down his core. 

“Sorry bout that Nung, I've been out of it lately, there-” he breaks off running a shaky hand through his hair “There are many things changing within me.” Neteyam’s voice washes over him and he shivers, pulling them closer. 

“Like…?” Ao’nung asks after they pull apart, voice tilting in question, his hands holding Neteyam’s loosely. Neteyam glances up quickly, a gleam in his eye as he takes in Ao’nung’s question. Ao’nung mind tumbles of over possibilities, has he been seriously debating on taking one of the proposals of mating? Was the pressure getting too great and he wanted to settle down? Or was it something more physical? Ao’nung took a deep breath of Neteyam’s scent, it had changed slightly, deeper earthier, the light scent of fruit a tantalizing tease as they combined. 

“Nothing you need to worry about right now, Nung.” Neteyam says reassuringly, he takes one last look at Ao’nung, nose flaring again slightly before he turns to chop wood again. Ao’nung narrows his eyes suspiciously but eventually goes to his original spot. 

“You will not do this to me,” Ao’nung’s voice whispers between them, he leads Neteyam’s hands from his waist and moves them, dragging over his ass, groaning as Neteyam fingers dig into the skin there and around to his stomach. Ao’nung had gotten a similar tattoo to his mothers imprinted there, and he rests Neteyam’s hand right above it. Ao’nungs hums, feeling pleasantly warm. 

“I will settle for three children.” Ao’nung states, he watches as Neteyam flicks his eyes up unhurriedly.

“Well now I want twelve.” Neteyam says, smiling as Ao’nung sucks in a sharp breath. 

“Twelve!” Ao’nung shouts, his grip on Neteyam’s hands falling off and coming to pull harshly at Neyeam’s hair in reprimand. Ao’nung has known that Neteyam desires children, the way he plays with Tuk’s friends and how he always helps the pups around the village while they go around their day is a testament to that. But...twelve? Ao’nung could not take the stress, and he is sure that is only the rut talking. But as he stares into Neteyam’s eyes, serious and unblinking as he watches Ao’nung hyperventilate above him he seems deadly serious. 

“That...”Ao’nung shakes his head in disbelief, a desperate smile curling at the edge of his mouth “That will not happen forest boy, you will only have three.” He holds up his fingers to show exactly what he means. 

“But I want twelve.” 

“You will only have three!” 

Ao’nung startles as Neteyam sits up entirely, blinking down at him with dark amused eyes. He swallows as Neteaym’s hands drag around his stomach, levying dizzying sparks all over his body, until he grabs Ao’nung’s neck. Ao’nung shudders under the attention, hole clenching and hands shaking. He yelps as Neteyam’s hips begin to rock slowly, his cock dragging against his walls languidly, shuddering from the slight sensitivity.  Ao’nung meets him halfway, their hips pressing together in a dirty grind. 

“If I had known you were mine,” Neteyam groaned, “We would already be halfway finished by now.” 

Ao’nung hides his giggle by hiccuping into Neteyam’s shoulder, letting out a relieved breath as Neteyam’s hands settle on his waist, and control his movement. Making him come down faster, his thighs trembled at the new pace and he came to grasp weakly at Neteyam’s shoulders as he continued. He startled as Neteyam started to lay himself down, laying flat on the floor, hips still pumping upwards. 

“We would have been done right now you mean.” 

Ao’nung corrects, gasping as Neteyam punishes 

him with a harsh thrust, swallowing heavily as Neteyam stares at him while moving. Ao’nung clenches his eyes shut, unwilling to look Neteyam in the eyes as he takes him. It is embarrassing. He rolls his hips down, clenching at Neteyam’s broad shoulders as he settles on riding him. Neteyam makes him overwhelmingly full, clenching everytime Neteyam pushes back into him, hands practically making him sit on his cock. Ao’nung shudders, bringing a hand to his mouth to cover his overwhelmed whimpers, as he’s jostled on cock. 

Although Neteyam has become sterner as of late, he had not imagined him being so bossy in the bedroom. He had imagined their first few times as sweet, loving slow sex. With Neteyam showering him with praise and slow gentle touches. He was expecting to have to coax Neteyam into fucking him harder and treating him more roughly. But as Neteyam takes his hand away from his mouth, plants his feet on the floor, and grinds up, a broken growl leaveing his mouth, Ao’nung feels silly. 

Of course, he thinks, The man who had followed him everyday, with unrestrained want in his eyes for the past week, who had used every opportunity to tease and taunt him, the one who had trapped him against a tree and took his mouth with his fingers. The last thing he would do with Ao’nung would be gentle. 

Ao’nung chirps, the sound helpless and high driving out of his mouth without permission and he whines in embarrassment. He fights Neteyam’s hold, his forearms trapped in those hands, and all he succeeds in doing is making Neteyam’s temper worse. He startles as Neteyam holds both arms in one grip, the other coming up to smack his face softly in reprimand. He clenches down, stomach fluttering at the feeling of cock inside him, beating him down ruthlessly. Squealing as Neteyam’s thrusts become faster, their slick hips rocking together, he gasps as Neteyam cups his jaw harshly, snarling at him. 

“You want to chase, ‘Mega?” Neteyam groans as he sinks in again, catching Ao’nung flickering embarrassed eyes.

“No-,” he protests, stopping briefly as Neteyam grinds up smoothly. 

“This is what all that back talk was about, huh?” Neteyam continues as if he hadn’t heard him. “You want me to put you in your place? Tell you how to behave? Been walking around unmated for too long, of course you need some guidance, baby.” Neteyam soothed, making a cooing sound as Ao’nung sobbed over him. No , Ao’nung thinks, delirious. Neteyam is being unfair, he's being mean.  

“ I’m being mean, Nung?” Neteyam says, dubious. “I would not be so unfair ,” he puncates his statement with a sharp dig into his jaw, hips still pounding away. “So mean, if someone had not denied me of this, of you. This cunt should have been mine a long time ago.” 

Ao’nungs brain freezes, what? He jerks, moving his body wildly as he registers Neteyam’s words. Cunt. Neteyam had called it a cunt. Where did he even get this from , he thinks wildly. Ao’nung cheeks burn, but he feels himself squeeze down, milking Neteyam’s cock. 

“It is not that.” he hisses in embarrassment “It is not a-,” he falters “It is not that.”

Neteyam hums, rolling his head in ecstasy, as the feeling of tightness around him, “It is what I say it is.” 

“You were not so bold, the first time we mated.” Ao’nung mutters, gasping as Neteyam’s knot catches his hole roughly, leaving him squirming in surprise and his cunt flutters around the intrusion. Neteyam stares again, eyes boring into his face. He breaks into a smile, mean and cruel before he starts crooning in an imitation of Ao’nung’s voice. 

“ Please alpha,” Neteyam whines smirking as Ao’nung sucks in a sharp breath, hips moving faster as his voice washed over him “ please I want your knot, I want you to give me pups.” 

“As if you were any better,” Ao’nung growls out, pressing his hand against Neteyam’s mating mark. “ Am I doing good?” he parrots back, smiling as Neteyam smile fades as he continues “- wait please, I'm gonna cum Ao’nu-” 

“I should gag you,” Neteyam grunted, hand over his neck squeezing gently. Ao’nung feels his smile drop as he leans onto the pressure, it loves it when Neteyam places his hand there and controls him how he likes. It’s -therapeutic letting Neteyam do what he wants, control his breathing while messing him up from the inside. Ao’nung whines, the sound long and drawn out as he cums on Neteyam’s cock, the slide becoming infinitely smoother, as Neteyam continues as if he hadn’t cum at all, chasing his own pleasure.

Ao’nung feeld hot, as he's was turned on his side, his legs lifted up and out the way as Neteyam pounded him roughly from behind. “Keep you here, just for me, never let you go,” he pressed his hand again on Ao’nung’s stomach possessively, “All the pups you want, omega”  

Ao’nung breaks huffing out stained cries as Neteyam continues to drill into him, balls smacking against him, making him melt onto the floor. He blinks as he feels as wetness rolls down his cheeks, he hadn’t realized he was crying, he sniffs turns his hand to wipe his cheeks before his hand is caught and a warm tongue swipes his tears up. Neteyam groans at the taste, his mouth filling with the sweet/salty liquid. 

“Keep crying,” Neteyam rasps “You look so pretty when you cry for me.” Ao’nung whimpers mean mean mean, he thinks dazed mean alpha. Ao’nung jumps, as the sounds get louder, Neteyam’s snarling getting louder as Neteyam prepares to cum again. Ao’nung clenches softly, trying to help in any way he can, Neteyam hips stutters and he buries himself to the hilt one last time, shuddering as he fills Ao’nung once again. 

They collapse, their breathing echoing loudly in the space, as the moonlight peeks through the marui.

Ao’nung prepares slowly but surely. He is hyper aware of the brooding alpha sitting dejectedly on their sleeping mat, golden eyes tracking his every movement. His earrings had stayed on their whole mating, how they weren't ripped off he doesn’t know, but he is grateful for it anyway. He crawls forward, grabbing his top piece from where it had been thrown to the floor and presses the clasps together, it covers his marks well, the pearls and golden crisscrossing lines interweaving to cover any major areas Neteyam had marked. Neteyam grumbles seeing it also, and he smiles softly at him. 

“Everybody knows, Alpha.” he reassures, everybody had seen them entering Neteyam’s marui together and heard the resulting mating, placing the veil over his hair carefully and kissing Neteyam’s chin and turning to leave.  

“My Father and yours will be here shortly, so you have to prepare as well.” 

It is this way when newly mated couples join, it is customary to bond with respective Omegas and Alphas of the family when the rut breaks. 

“Don’t go.” Neteyam weaves a heavy hand through his hair, his hand catching on knots and making him hiss as he tilted his head to alleviate the pain. He shudders as he feels Neteyam press closer, nosing at his neck possessively. A hot tongue makes its way up his neck, sucking on his mating bite, and Ao’nung falters, knees trembling and breath short as he rocks back softly. Neteyam’s arms make its way into his neck, locking him in with his elbow, forcing Ao’nung's head to rest on Neteyam’s shoulder. His eyelids flutter as Neteyam’s fangs rest over the bite, pressing in slightly. 

“My mother is waiting, Teyam.” he whispers, clenching his thighs as he feels Neteyam’s cock press up against him. 

“She can wait,” Neteyam says, dragging apart his legs roughly, entering him in one smooth thrust. “She will wait.” 

Ao’nung whimpers, young alphas have very high sex drives. He had forgotten that fact as he thought he would never need it, but he at least thought he could at least handle whatever was thrown at him. That he could resist Neteyam, even when his scent was not as intense or driving him to promise pups. It is still Neteyam.

His hair brushed forward tangled in the veil as he was rocked forward, their bodies moving together languidly. He is wet, his body responding quickly to the sudden penetration. Their mating is quick, hushed growls and whines, trying their best to stay quiet. Neteyam is in a frenzy, tugging the materials of his top and skirt like he wanted to rip them off again. He shooed the hands away, not wanting to clean up his appearance, again and felt Neteyam’s frustrated growl. 

Neteyam hands grabs onto his elbows and pushes him roughly back, both of them groaning out. Ao’nung hung his head down, letting Neteyam move him as he pleased. His legs were beginning to weaken, and he pressed his knees together in desperation, wanton keening leaving his throat at the harsh treatment he was receiving. His jerked as Neteyam filled him, collapsing on his knees as gathered his breath. He whined as Neteyam pushed him on his back, his legs pushed to either side of his head as Neteyam gave him a teasing smirk over his filled cunt. 

“ Alpha.” he gasps out, as a hot tongue curls in him. Neteyam hums, the sounds vibrating his body like static, and his legs close shut quickly, but Neteyam’s head is still buried between them. He shifts, shivering as he feels the fangs of his teeth graze his cock. Ao’nung buries his hands in Neteyam’s braids, tugging gently, he doesn’t want to come- he doesn’t. He’s exhausted, his legs shaking from holding themselves up, Neteyam can surely feel it, but he ignores it, burning his tongue deeper into him, with a pleasured moan.  Ao’nung wails, uncaring if anyone hears. He tugs more urgently now, overstimulated and troubled, as he feels his release coming. 

Neteyam comes up with a groan, eyes alight with anger as he observes the shaking omega below him. Ao’nung’s stomach feels warm, as he observes Neteyam in shocked silence, his mouth is slick with fluids that drip down his chin, Ao’nung feels as he will pass out when Neteyam tongue makes a quick appearance, swapping at his lips eagerly, lewd groan falling out of it mouth. 

“You taste good,” Neteyam mummers settling down between his legs again, ripping his legs apart from where he had closed them. Ao’nung stares at Neteyam makes himself right at home, biting and sucking at his legs as he gets closer to his hole again, which Ao’nung quickly tries to close after sensing Neteyam’s breath whisper over it, clenching at the sensitivity. 

Neteyam’s eyes find him, he's not amused, Ao’nung thinks as he holds a hand up to cover the pleading moans that want to tumble out. “How am I supposed to make you feel good, when you're hiding from me, sweetness?” Neteyam husks out, trailing his fingers along Ao’nung thigh gently. “If you don’t spread those pretty legs like a good whore is supposed to?”

Ao’nung hiccups, body trembling. He rubs his legs together, slick the cum, slick and spit.  “Don’t wanna come,” he whines, shaking his head as Neteyam pries his legs apart. Neteyam tuts, “What, you think I’m just gonna come and leave you like this?” 

Ao’nung strikes out, his leg almost hitting Neteyam’s stomach, stomach lurching when Neteyam grabs it and scoots closer. “Do you even know how needy your cunt looks right now ‘Nung?”  he chuckles when Ao’nung shakes his head, “Wanna hear?” 

He slips his three fingers into his cunt, pressing directly on his prostate, and Ao’nung moves as if electrified, body arching up trying to get away from the pleasure. Neteyam continues, face impassive as he watches him wither on the ground. The sounds coming from his body are obscene, loud squelching and slick slide of his fingers making Ao’nung want to cover his ears out of embarrassment. He seizes as Neteyam presses more urgently, and he finds a particularly juicy part of Ao’nung thigh to bite into and he sinks in, groaning at the rush of blood, and the way Ao’nung's cunt clenched around his finger as he cums. Ao'nung releases spurts of cum, landing on his stomach as he rides off his orgasm on his fingers. Neteyam released his thigh, tongue running over his teeth as he looked over at his mate below him. He grinned, dropping to lick up the release, groaning at the taste before meeting Ao’nung in a kiss. 

They breath together, hurried and satisfied, Neteyam rested his head on Ao’nung shoulder as he leaned over him. “There.” he said, leaning back and grinning boyishly, 

“Now you can go.” Ao’nung rolled his eyes, shuffling over to reach the bucket of water that rested a little beside them. He took the cloth and squeezed it dry, letting the damp cloth clean him. 

He groaned as the cooled water dripped down his back, and parted his thighs to clean the mess, he started at the sight of the bite mark there, stark against his turquoise skin, he let out a deep breath biting his lips as he fingered ot it, weak curls of heat coming up his stomach. Stop it. He thought. You have kept Mother waiting long enough.  He flinches as another rough material drags against his skin, looking up to see Neteyam’s shy smile as he helps him. 

“No.” Ao’nung hissed, snatching the rag away, “You only mean to tempt me.” Neteyam whined, shifting closer on his haunches.  

“I will not touch you in that way this time, I promise ‘Nung.” His words are pleading, hands held up in peace.  

“No alpha, it is obvious that you cannot control yourself.'' His words are sharp and angry, his scent mixing with anger in the air. Neteyam’s huffs, rolling his eyes, before snacking the rag back and placing it on himself, washing all their evidence off. Ao’nung tracks as the tendrils of water make their way down Neteyam’s stomach, over his abs and waist. He blinks out as he sees a drop of water, reaches his hip bone, trailing over his tattoo tauntingly. A smug ah-hem knocks him out of his revere. As he blushes, slipping the cloth at his mates face. 

“Shut up.” he commands, setting his jewelry straight once again, fixing the veil from where it lay tilted upon his head. He gets up, nearly collapsing as his legs shake and buckle, holding onto the wall of the marui. He hisses at Neteyam’s chuckle, swiping at him violently. 

“I didn’t say anything.” Neteyam responds by tugging on the loincloth on him, and his necklaces and armband. His cumberband is tight against his waist, marking him as a man, and he hurriedly clips the feathers on his ear as he watches Ao’nung straighten himself up. He comes closer and hands an arm out, muffling his laughter as Ao’nung grabs on harshly, nails biting into his arm. 

“You didn’t have to .” Ao’nung whispered, as he stepped outside, the sun making him blink rapidly for a moment. Neteyam just hummed, smiling at a villager who stared at them with curious eyes. They walk unhurriedly, the path bouncing as the step, people naturally make way for them parting for them as they pass. Their hands hover above him, but never touch, and for that Ao’nung is grateful, who knows how Neteyam will respond then. They begin to reach his mother's marui, and Ao’nung takes his hands from Neteyam’s and cups his face. He scents him completely, smothering both of them on their scent, as he rubs their necks together. 

When he releases him, Neteyam is staring, as he leans forward. Ao’nung pushes him back, biting back laugher as his seemingly drunken movements, “Go to your Fathers marui, Teyam,” Ao’nung commands, giggling at Neteyam’s frown. 

He pushes him softly again and Neteyam goes, but not before grabbing his hands and pressing a tender kiss on his knuckles, eyes boring into him. Ao’nung gulps, and Teyam tracks the movement, before his eyes harden he stumbles away, strolling in the opposite direction. Ao’nung heaves a sigh, turning his way to his Mother’s marui, the smell of fish entices him, the smoke rising up from the marui escaping and enticing his nostrils. He smiles as he catches the familiar scent, quickly lifting the curtain and entering.

“Mother!” he shouts smiling as he stumbles into the marui, smiling at the women he sees first. “Neytiri.”

He continues his greeting quickly, with a familiar rise of his hand to his forehead before falling  down downwards. Neytiri smiles over at him from her place on the floor, her hands quickly making a decorative piece, as her hand intertwines and tangles in twine. She takes stock of his appearance and doubles back, eyes narrowing in surprise. 

“Ro,” Neytiri calls out, dropping the weaving quickly and coming closer to further inspect him. Ao’nung takes a step back self consciously, he has tried to make sure his appearance was as dignified as possible. His hands brushed quickly as he could over his hair, the veil in the way- and adjusted his top as he heard his mothers footsteps come from another room in the marui. Neytiri takes stock of him quickly, holding his arms out in front of him, inspecting his neck as best she could, eyes narrowing down in certain spots. She moves to his back, as Ronal enters and Ao’nung feels her eyes on him like a physical weight. Her concerned hands brushed gently over the veil and his hair. 

Ao’nung meets his mother’s eyes and smiles, noticing the frantic nature in her steps and the worried look in his eyes. “You are late.” Ronal complained, stepping closer, she analyzed him from head to toe. Neytiri backed off as she did her own inspection, settling back down in her original place, eyes still stuck on them.

 “It is expected for a newly presented alphas to be rough, especially with a destined one,” his mother remarks, humming as she soothed a hand down his top, she lifted it hissing at the bruised skin underneath. 

“Bur Neteyam did this ?” Ronal asked, fingering the golden cord, not hiding the bruised throat at all. Ao’nung hummed in nodding his head, it is not as if he didn’t notice but what could you do, he enjoyed every mark Neteyam had placed on him. 

“A brute,” Neytiri mumbles from her spot “I did not raise my son to be such a brute.” 

Ao’nung smiles, sitting himself gingerly on the floor, before stretching out. His legs were shaking subtly and he let out a relieved breath as he caught his breath. 

“Don’t worry Auntie Tiri, I may have implied that Neteyam could not provide me with pups,” he said weakly, repressing his smirk as he saw their gobsmacked faces. Neytiri caught the playful look in his eyes as he uttered the statement, huffing in amusement. Teasing alphas were one thing but to question fertility was like asking to be mauled. 

“No wonder then, stupid boy!” Mother chastised leaving his space to check on the food broiling in the middle of the room. Ao’nung inhaled deeply, stomach grumbling at the smell. “Yes, yes, yes, don’t tease a big scary alpha,” he tossed back, shuddering as his mother hit him with unamused eyes.

 “You are lucky he did not keep you in you den today, Ao’nung.” his mother chastised, Neytiri clapping in agreement beside her.  

Ao’nung hid his face over his arms and rolled his eyes. His mother and Neytiri made the most insufferable duo, once they put aside their differences. Coming to find out- oh they do have a lot in common.They used their new friendship to support one another, learning from each other and combining their learning to make new and improved medicines and techniques to help the clan. Though mostly, their friendship relied on terrorizing their husbands together. 

He jumped as a new voice joined the fray Tsireya’s frazzled voice coming from behind him “Oh my Eywa, Ao’nung you didn’t!”

He scowled, tuning in her direction, she peeked out from the curtain of the marui, big eyes wide as she realized she revealed her presence. She then smiled, taking their silence as permission before bounding over, placing her brother’s head on her lap. 

“And you are not supposed to be here.” Ao’nung grumped, purring as she started to message his head, in deep forceful circles. 

“I wanted to know also, brother!” Tsireya whined scooting closer. Ao’nung rolled his eyes, this is Lo’ak’s doing, he thinks of her recent rebelliousness and nosy attitude. 

“Neteyam was…” he hesitated, settling his head more firmly on his sister's thigh as he gathered his thoughts. “Very demanding, rough. He bit me firmly so the bond would took care of me afterwards.” he picked at the loose strands of Tsirya’s skirt.

“I had to work very hard to convince him to leave the den today.” He shuddered as he felt the ghostly sensation of Neteyam’s sharp teeth, his purring soothing words and his rough hands. 

“Neteyam wants a big family.” Ao’nung announced eyeing Neytiri as he spoke. She nodded her head sagely, eyeing him with unrestrained happiness. 

“I was the same,” Neytiri confessed, “I knew that I wanted to have at least six!” She laughed at Ronal’s disgusted look, and “But Jake was..hesitant to have so many.” She then looked hopefully at Ao’nung her lips in a closed smile. “How many did he say he wanted?” 

“Twelve.” 

A beat of silence. 

“What?” Tsireya snapped in surprise, stopping her soothing motions on his head. “He is surely joking.” 

“He was very insistent upon it,” Ao’nung recalled wryly, snaking a look at his mother who had upon knowing the number of children that Neteyam wanted, looked ready to pass out.

“ Mama, please calm down, he will see sense.” 

“Grandchildren!” Neytiri clapped, she didn't seem shocked by the number Ao’nung had given and looked all the more to celebrate.

She was stopped by Ronal’s quick hiss, “Do not encourage such thoughts, Tiri!” she reprimanded quickly."Your boy needs to calm himself, look at him! It is as if he was mauled by an Akula!” 

“But would their children not be beautiful Ro?!” She exclaimed “Your youngest is about five now, yes? It is time for fresh blood!” 

“Bah,” His mother expressed throwing her hands out in exasperation “All newly mated want children as soon as possible. They learn to control these urges, look at Lo’ak and Tisreya!” 

“They have only been mated one year mother,” Ao’nung stated, amused at the showdown. 

“ Well, ” Neytiri stated smugly “Ma’Jake and I had Neteyam after our first mating, he was the first born after the battle.” she looked coyly at Ao’nung, tilting her head to the side. “Maybe he will take after his Father in this way also.” 

“Cease your infernal bragging, Tiri,” Ronal snapped, going red at Ao’nung and Tisireya’s giggles.

 “No more talking about this," She waved her hand dismissively, “Let's eat.” 

They are in the middle of talking, exchanging stories of their own mating, Ao’nung has gotten redressed exchanging his pearl top for a blueish- dark green crossover (think Tsireya's top) with hanging dark fringe that cover parts his stomach. His skirt had been exchanged also, the dark purple tewng roping around his hips in whips, outlining his waist, the purple fringe ends at his middle thighs, slightly covering the marks there. They had made a great big fuss about it when they had seen it, but he had settled them. A quick he did not do anything I did not ask for, making them silent, ears darkening in understanding. 

The rest of the family comes in, his Father and Jake leading Neteyam to the tent, Lo’ak ecstatic smile as he talks with his brother. Ao’nung watches as Neteyam observes the inside of the marui, before his eye lands on Ao’nung, quickly making his way to him. One the way he stops before his mother, dropping a quick kiss on her head, and greeting Ronal a little more formally.  

Ao’nung sighs in relief as Neteyam nuzzles him, pressing quick little pecks against his neck. Neteyam grabs his neck a little more forcefully, turning Ao’nung head to face him, and drags him into a slow hot kiss. Ao’nung’s face burns, all too aware of the eyes on them and pushes Neteyam back softly. Smiling at the grumble it earns him. 

“We are in front of family.” he reminds him, planting a soft kiss on the cheek. “Behave.” 

“Damn Tey,” Lo’ak’s voice caws “Whipped alr-'' 

Tsireya knocks him in the stomach, frowning down at him with a disappointed Lo’ak we talked about this. Ao’nung tries to suppress his smirk, face fighting down his usual expression of calm cruelty to one of neutral amusement. He fails, judging by Lo’ak offended hey. And Neteyam’s snicker in his ear. 

Jake and Tonowari clear their throats at the same time, looking at each before looking at their sons, Jake nods slightly and Tonowari starts to speak, Ao’nung notices the proud spark in Tonowari's  eyes as he looks towards him and Neteyam and Jake’s identical one as he starts his speech hands on his hips.

“The village has been preparing since sunup for this celebration,” Tonowari glanced at Neteyam. “Your presentation has made many happy, they feel a great responsibility towards you Neteyam, they only wish for your happiness.” Neteyam nods, face respectful in talking with the chief. “The fact that my eldest is your chosen- your destiny has made them even happier.” 

“And…” Tonowari glances shyly at them, eyes darting to Lo’ak before a grimace overtakes his face, ignoring Lo’ak’s offended Bro, come on.  

“You know I have always rooted for you two to end up together, I always thought you rejected my offers of arranging a mating between you two, because you felt nothing for him.”  

Tonowari places his first against his heart, as he continues uncaring of the new revelation that dropped upon them “I am glad to know that was not the case.” 

He glances at Jake from the corner of his eyes, and Jake nods, making a quick gesture with his hands. 

Ao’nungs drops his gaze to the marui floor, suddenly finding the weaving interesting, as Neteyam slowly turns his head to look at him. “ Your dad wanted what?” Neteyam growled in his ear. Ao’nung sniffs, he wonders how his father had built their family marui so well, Mother must have helped, her weaving is one of the best, he tugs on the stitching, marveling at the toughness.  

“Don’t ignore me ‘Nung.” Neteyam whispered, getting closer. Ao’nung hissed at him being put on the spot.

“Pay attention to my father’s words, they are important.” Neteyam scowls at him, displeasure radiating off him in waves. 

“ - and at the end I will name you my heir and ensure you will inherit my leadership after I’m gone.” Neteyam sucks in a sharp breath, standing up “Thank you, sir,” he pushes out a small smile gracing his face. 

“Thank you, I will not let you down.” 

Tonowari and Jake look on, proud expressions mirroring each other, “You haven’t yet.” Tonowari responds smiling, turning gentle, waving his hands “You are perfect for the clan and Ao’nung, his temper reaches his mothers these days, he is terrifying.” 

“Father!” Ao’nung hisses out combined with his Mother’s scandalized “Wari!” 

What can you do , his expression seems to say.  His smile turns guilty as he faces their combined wrath. “Yes,” Neteyam agrees, easily tuning out Ao’nung’s gasp. He steps forward as Tonowari moves, grasping his forearm firmly before placing his hand over Neteyam’s upper arm. In a firm embrace, they stare silently, eyes searching one another before they nod.

 Neteyam is swallowed by his father as he gets out of his embrace, Jake hugs him tightly. Ao’nung can’t hear what is said but Neteyam’s shoulders slump and he crushes his Father against his chest. 

They talk more, about plans and building new sections of the village for new families, before Ao’nung grows sick of his aches and announces himself out, weaving gracefully out the marui, with Neteyam hot at his heels

“Where are we going?” Neteyam asks eagerly, scenting his neck once angina as Ao’nung stops his strut.

“I am going,” he empathizes, tangling himself out of Neteyam’s grip “To the hot spring.” 

“No, I am going.” 

“You are not.” 

“I am.” 

Ao’nung signs, gathering his patience before he turns and addresses the alpha. Newly presented, new alpha, new urges. He reminds himself. 

“I will not be gone for long,”Ao’nung reassures “I will be back before eclipse, when the festival starts.” Neteyam crosses his arms, and Ao’nung pushes forward to scent at Neteyam roughly, mixing their scents and mating bite thoroughly, so no one is confused about exactly who the other belongs to.

“Better?” Ao’nung asks, smiling at the cute drunk expression on Neteyam’s face. Neteyam frowns 

“Almost,” he replies, letting their mouths intertwine for a kiss. Ao’nung smiles into the kiss, stocking Neteyam’s eager tongue, groaning with Neteyam bites at him, pulling them closer heatedly. 

He pushes Neteyam off, ignoring his growl and wanders off the edge of the walkway before dropping to the sand, and into the forest, feeling Neteyam’s stare well into the forest.

Ao’nung steps into the hot spring with a drawn out groan. He is lucky that Neteyam’s instincts were not so controlling today. He fears if he had stayed another day with the intoxicating alpha that they might have never left. Then again, Ao’nung is sure he’s sniffing him out right now, even though Ao’nung had told him where exactly he was going. Ao’nung remembers Lo’ak being the same way after his mating with Tsireya and for a couple of days you would see Lo’ak linger around her like a kicked puppy begging for attention. 

Ao’nung chuckles at the memory, his mother had been annoyed initially, she had never spent too much time with Lo’ak in an enclosed space before but she sympathized that all alphas were the same and she had to endure the same with Tonowari, it's something to not look down upon newly mated couples are always a blessing for the clan. He remembers one of his close friends, Kaish and his mate had been smothered with affection and celebration once they had announced their families as had long been feuding and the joining of the two families signaled an end to the needless pestering. 

A branch breaks nearby and Ao’nung twists his head to look at the direction from where it came. The hot spring is surrounded by a circle of sand and from then on all there is dense shrubbery, so the sight of dark blue skin doesn’t raise any alarms immediately. A frustrated curse echoes around the area and Ao’nung smiles recognizing from whom it came. 

“Kiri!” Ao’nung calls, snickering when she stumbles onto the clearing clearly distorted. Kiri had been helping Rotxo and Spider through their ruts together, they had always begun almost at the same time, and this was the first time Ao’nung had seen her in three days. 

Kiri took a lingering hazy look at him, eyes flickering lazily over what inch of skin she could, Ao’nung watched her surveillance with a lopsided smirk, grinning wider one her eyes landed on his neck, where Neteyam’s mating bite rested. “You-!” 

Ao’nung smirked letting every smug emotion flow through his eyes. “Yeah, me. ” 

Ao’nung shrieked, ego vanished, as she came stomping towards him, scooting back to give her space as she jumped in the spring. Kiri followed him easily, manhandling him with her freaky monkey strength until he relented and kept his arms floating limply beside him. Ao’nung chuckles in amusement as Kiri moved his head as she pleased, making shocked sounds as she discovered all the marks on his body, and the slow rolling scent of an alpha that covered him from head to toe. Kiri frowned looking at him in suspicion, “Who did this, Nung! This is the work of a brute!” 

Ao’nung pushed her away softly, wadding back to rest his back on a large rock near the shore, he hummed and let the warm water wash over him some more, feeling Kiri’s eyes on him all the while, “You really wanna know, forest girl?” 

Kiri crossed her arms defensively, already tired of Ao'nung's teasing little games. “You really wanna know forest girl,” she mocked in a high pitched voice, fighting her smile as Ao’nung laughed, arms coming to clutch his stomach. “Of course I wanna know! Tell me!” she begged pushing closer until Ao’nung and her were a couple feet apart. 

Ao’nung kept silent for a moment, a coy smile on his face as he kept silent, eyes fixated on the bubbling water beneath him. His eyes flickered over to Kiri, who had been waiting with a patient expression, arms crossed over her chest. 

“Neteyam,” he said simply. Ao’nung watched as her eyes narrowed, eyes looking over him more critically now. 

“ Neteyam.” Kiri stared back disbelievingly, eyeing his marks. 

“Neteyam.” He repeated, shrugging when Kiri gave him her usual deadpan look. “Look,” he said, holding his hands up in surrender. “It is not my fault Neteyam has deceived everybody into thinking that he would be a soft mate and not such a rough one.” 

He watched Kiri stew with that thought for awhile, turning to the shore to grab some crushed Yucca and and scented oil, rubbing them together and watching them lather together languidly he spread it along his body inhaling the clean scent as it spread among the steam, he looked up catching Kiri’s eyes and tilted his head at the look he saw there. 

“So you knew all this time?” Kiri exclaimed. He ducked, and avoided the glop of water directed at his face and rushed to get away from her. “I can’t believe you!” Kiri paused her arms mid push from making another devastating wave. “Actually I can, only you would be stupid to deny yourself your own destiny!” 

Ao’nung choked on water, scurrying away as Kiri continued her attacks before diving underwater and swimming quickly to get behind Kiri pushing her into the water harshley. He stood there as Kiri resurfaced, quick breaths leaving her, water streaming down her face in small streams.  

“Calmed down?” he asked, rolling his eyes as Kiri hit him with an exasperated look. 

“Explain. Now.” 

Well, Ao’nung thought sassily if you hadn’t started attacking me like some wild Akula I would have already explained. But he sucked it up, and explained knowing that a lot of explanations were going to be coming from his mouth in the next coming days, but it was already getting redundant.

 They laze about in the spring after, Kiri splashing at him at random if she's feeling petty or wants to be annoying. Which she naturally is. It is almost eclipse when Ao’nung opens his eyes from where he is floating in the water. It’s turning dark quickly and he rushes out the water, pulling Kiri along. 

“Celebration,” He gasps out at Kiri’s tired whine “Before the eclipse, I promised Neteyam.” Kiri rolled her eyes, hands quickly fixing her attire, shaking off what water she could, and stomped ahead of him, both of them hurrying when the sounds of celebrating reached their ears. 

He found Neteyam worrily pacing back and forth over the edge of the woven net. Ao’nung purrs as those eyes settle on him, eyes roving up and down his figure as he approaches. Neteyam jumps off, feet silent as he storms closer to their approaching figures. His hair moves as he walks, the tips peeking from his back as they sway with his fast movements. Neteyam cups his nape bringing him in closer, as he rubs their necks together. 

“Gross.” Kiri says, sticking her tongue out in disgust. Neteyam hisses, swapping at her half heartedly as she evades him. “Go to your little pets, Kiri, we’ll see you there.” 

He turns back to Ao’nung as she leaves a bye losers, tossed over her shoulder. 

“Yucca,” he muttered, Yucca was a cleansing plant suppressing scents nicely for a short amount of time. “Why would you use Yucca, ‘Nung I hate that plant!”  

Ao’nung chuckles, grabbing Neteyam’s hand and climbing back onto the woven pathway. “You can always scent me again, Teyam.” he looks down quickly as his hand brushes the material. 

Neteyam is wearing the same style tewng the chief does, although not as bright as the orange, the bluish black looks good against his skin. His neck is decorated, a new necklace glinted prettily from his neck, dark red beds and wooden beads mixing together in a large neck centerpiece. A large necklace of teeth are below it, black and forming a semi circle around his chest, those aren’t Akula teeth , Ao’nung thinks, looking at the menacing shape and size of them. 

Neteyam catches him looking, a smug smirk tugging at his lips “Like what you see?” he teases “I have cleaned up nice, haven’t I?” 

“No.” Ao’nung lies, “you look like a skxawng, and a idiot with no thoughts in his head, you are probably the worst dressed I have eve-” 

“You look beautiful, Ao’nung.” Neteyam interrupts his spiel, eyes softening at Ao’nung stubborn behavior. “You always do.” 

Ao’nung twitches before pulling Neteyam closer by his necklace, curling underneath the tooths and pressing against his chest, he brushes his thumb over the scar, before looking up. “And you- you have a strong heart.” 

Neteyam smiles eyes lost as he takes in Ao’nung words, destined, he thinks, curling his arms sound Ao’nung pulling them together in one toe curling kiss. We are destined for each other, he thinks of his Mothers and Father’s stories of their meeting, why she spared him, he had a strong heart , she had said laying her head against Jake’s chest. 

Strong heart.