Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Neteyam loaded his bow with an arrow, perfectly aligning the tip with the centre of the target. He took a breathe in, his fingertips were ready to release the bow string-

“Neteyam?”

The arrow launched into the target, narrowly missing the middle. Neteyam whipped his head around at the voice, the beads in his hair clacking against each other as he did. He saw a Metkayina with some of his hair tied up in a bun and the rest loose on his shoulders. He sported tattoos on his face and chest. Aonung. He sighed with relief when he recognized it was him.

“What are you doing here, Aonung?” Neteyam asked, turning his head to the target, expecting Aonung to maybe tease him about how he’d miss.

But instead he just dryly replied, “trying to clear my head”, went to the target, pulled the arrow out of it and gave it to Neteyam. He stared up at him in confusion, his eyes studied his face. His ears were slightly drooped, his eyes lacked the usual playful glimmer they had and his mouth was tugged downwards into a frown.

Neteyams tone softened with concern, “what’s wrong?”

Aonung rubbed his hand over his eyes that were squeezed shut and let out a groan.

“Oh you know, the usual,” Aonung replied, “My parents pestering me about finding a mate. Again.”

“Ah, I see…” This wasn’t the first time he was hearing of Aonung complaints of his parents constantly asking him when he was going to settle down. He fiddled with the feather at the end of his arrow as he listened to him rant. He paced back and forth with his tail twitching angrily behind him. This time, Ronal and Tonowari suggested all kinds of single women and men for Aonung to choose from despite clearly showing his disinterest in trying to date around.

“And what did you tell them this time to stop their pestering?” Neteyam asked, tugging at the arrows feathered end.

Aonung stopped in his tracks as he asked that question. His eyes were wide as he realised what he said to them.

“Aonung?”

He slowly turned his head to Neteyam and said, “You promise not to be mad?”

“Of course, why would I be?” Neteyam replied, twirling the arrow in his fingers.

“I may have accidentally told my parents my mate was…”

“...you.”

Neteyam stopped fidgeting with the arrow, “what?”

______________________________✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧______________________________

“How about Senyek?” Tonowari said, “He’s about your age and just finished his iknimaya a few months ago.”

Aonung looked up from his weaving, his jaw tightening as he heard Tonowari suggest yet another suitor.

“Father, I don’t think I would see him like that-”

“I thought you were seeing Rewani” Ronal joined in, cutting him off.

“Mama, that was a long time ago-”

“Why not get back with her?” Ronal said, “I thought you got along well?”

Aonung squinted in annoyance at the idea, “I don’t want-”

“Oh! what about…” Tonowari interfered again.

“I have a mate!” Aonung practically shouted, making both his parents go quiet and giving him a shocked look. Realising he may have overreacted he bowed his head back down to his weaving, pulling at the strings.

“Who… is this mate of yours?” Tonowari asked.

Aonung searched his list of acquaintances for who would be the most convincing as his “mate”. And the first to pop into his mind was…

“Neteyam.”

“Neteyam?!” Tonowari and Ronal repeated in unison, one in a more confused tone and the other in a dismayed tone.

“When did this happen?” Tonowari asked, “and why haven’t you told us?”

“Uuh, recently. I asked to court him and he said yes." He said, “we didn’t want to announce it so soon.”

Ronal started pacing around the room, massaging her temples and mumbled, “I’m losing all my children to the Sulis…”
She barely started getting used to Tsireya and Lo’ak being mates, now she has her son to think about.

“What’s wrong with Neteyam?” Tonowari asked, “Neteyam is a skilled warrior, he helps around the clan and has even passed his iknimaya here, so has his brother.”

Silence fell on the marui as they both shared a brief look, exchanging words with their eyes. Ronal eventually looked away again with a sigh and continued pacing.

“We- well, I support your decision, I can’t speak for your mother.” Tonowari said, glancing at Ronal still pacing around “While we’re on the topic, why don’t you tell us more about you and Net-”

“Oh I just remembered I have somewhere to go!” Aonung said hurriedly and quickly left for the forest to take a walk and cool down his frustration. Leaving Tonowari and Ronal to discuss this news in a hushed tone so that their son couldn’t hear.

In a fit of anger, he had just blurted Neteyams name and hadn’t even thought about the consequences. He really didn’t mean to, it slipped out. Even though it was a mistake, he’d be lying if he said he never considered Neteyam in that way.

He’d grown taller over the years, towering a bit over Jake and had tattoos adorning his face, neck and arms. He was a strong warrior and definitely didn’t lack in the looks department, resembling his mother all the way from his jaw, lips, nose, to his piercing, yellow eyes…
…Which were now looking at him resentfully, “You told them what?!”

“I was panicking okay?” Aonung replied.

“Oh you were panicking?” Neteyam spat, “What do you think it’s like for me?”

Courting processes were taken seriously in na’vi culture, especially when it involved the clan leaders’ children. It wasn’t something they could simply “take back”. They both knew it. In a way Aonung had backed both of them into a corner.

“I was going to tell them it was a mistake.” Aonung replied timidly, “I’m sorry, it’s just that they’ve been pressuring me more lately…”

Neteyam felt his irritation subside with remorse after hearing his apologetic tone. What would he do now? His parents were already convinced they were together and if he told them that he would be shamed for lying about it so carelessly.

Well… he never explored the other option which was to play along with this idea they were “mates”. Now that he thought about it, he had something to gain from this lie. He was in the same position as Aonung with his parents constantly asking when he will be mated.

“Neteyam?”

“I accept.”

Aonung blinked a few times in confusion,“what?”

“You just told them I was your mate and I accept this.”

“Neteyam, you don’t have to-”

“You’re still a skxawng for telling them that but…” Neteyam interrupted, “...my parents are the same, so I understand your situation.”

“I can tell them it was a mistake.”

“Will they believe you?” Neteyam asked smugly.

“They probably won't,” Aonung chuckled.

“That means we’re mates.”

Neteyam saw the corner of Aonungs mouth twitch up into a smile before he started laughing loudly, “You’re not giving me much of a choice, are you, forest boy?”

“I’m not,” Neteyam replied callously.

“It’s official then…” Aonung said, “...my mate”

Chapter Text

Their conversation was cut short as Aonung promised Tsireya he would help her with her tsakarem* duties. Aonung had honestly expected a firm scolding from Neteyam never did he think he would actually accept being his mate. Neteyams confident grin and tone as he said that still repeated in his head.

“I accept.”

“You’re not giving much of a choice, are you, forest boy?”
“I’m not.”

Those words gave him unknown butterflies in his stomach but he brushed it off as just being happy to finally get his parents off his back. His every step practically had a childish skip to it as he entered Tsireyas marui.

“Brother, you’re here!” she beamed happily but her expression turned into confusion upon seeing his smile. It was rare for Aonung to look so happy.

“What happened?” she asked curiously, passing a bowl of spices to Aonung.

“Hm? What do you mean?” Aonung said, grabbing the bowl and pounding the spices in the bowl to death.

“Why are you smiling like that?” she grinned, narrowing her eyes in suspicion.

Aonungs tail swayed happily as his hands paused in their work. He looked up at Tsireya with a excited glint in his eyes.
“It’s Neteyam,” he whispered, “He said he’ll be my mate.”
___________________________________
*Tsakarem: The next Tsahik of the clan

Tsireyas eyes widened and she leaned forward excitedly, “Really?!”

“Well,” Aonung continued, “not exactly, he is doing it because he was getting pressured into mating soon and… I am too.”

Tsireya brows furrowed together sympathetically and gave his arm a reassuring squeeze, “Oh, Aonung…”
Aonung placed his hand over his sister's hand and gave it a squeeze back with a faint smile on his lips.

Tsireya sighed and focused her attention back on her work, rummaging through a basket.
“Aonung, normally I would tell you to go find someone you truly want instead of just settling for anyone…” Tsireya said and a teasing smile formed on her face, “However… That’s not the case here, is it?”

Aonung felt a blush burn his cheeks and pretended to focus on the bowl of spices in his hand, “It’s not like that”
“Are you suree?” Tsireya giggled, prodding a finger at his arm.
“Didn’t you say you found him attractive once?”

“That…!” Aonung said and only realised how defensive his tone was when he saw Tsireyas smirk. He cleared his throat nervously, “That doesn’t mean anything, he’s just… a pretty… man.”

“Mhmm”, Tsireya hummed, “perfectly normal to think your friend is pretty.”

Aonung prodded his finger into Tsireyas side and started tickling her. She let out a squeal and smacked his hands away from her.

“...but really, Aonung, I think you will like him as your mate. ”, Tsireya said sweetly, “I have a good feeling about this.”

Aonung smiled softly to himself, “me too.”

_______________________________‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾______________________________

Neteyam sat down in the sand and waited for Aonung to return with his hunting party. The sun casted the clan in hues of orange, the clan was silenced to only the sound of the ocean waves as people began to return to their homes.

Neteyams ears flicked up as he heard a group return from their hunt with Aonung in front leading. His tsurak glided in air before landing into the surface of the water, sending water droplets flying everywhere with its tail.

His yellow eyes met with the pair of blue ones. Neteyam smiled at him and gestured to him to come over. Aonung walked over and sat down beside Neteyam, letting his spear fall to the sand.

“What is it?” Aonung asked, keeping his eyes on the shoreline.

“About our mating…”

“We can’t just tell them we suddenly decided to mate,” Neteyam explained, “we need to come up with a… love story.”

“A love story? We could say that you chased me for years,” Aonung said dramatically, placing a hand on his heart, “...and I finally accepted after years of friendship.”

“I chased you?” Neteyam chuckled.

“What, you wouldn’t do that for me?” Aonung teased, leaning closer to him.

Neteyam felt a nervous heat in his stomach,“Not that I wouldn’t…”

“I just think it’s realistic if it was you who chased me.” Neteyam replied and placed a hand on Aonungs chest, pushing him away.

“Okay, okay.” Aonung laughed, “how about we started developing feelings when we went on hunts together and I decided to court you, better?”

“Better… and more realistic.” Neteyam replied and giggled when Aonung flung water at his face in response.

Aonung reached his hand for Neteyams wrist and he felt his skin tingle from the sudden contact, “I’ll be coming to court you tomorrow,” He said, running his thumb over his hand, “my parents will be there too.”

“Okay…” Neteyam said dumbly, unable to focus on anything but the feeling of Aonungs holding his wrist.

“See you then, Neteyam.” Aonung whispered, planting a kiss on his hand and leaving a flustered Neteyam on the beach. He felt the area of his hand Aonung had touched and felt a blush burn his cheeks.

Chapter Text

Neytiri was busily preparing a meal as she engaged in a conversation with jake. Another round of laughter rose from the couple and filled the marui. Neteyam barely took notice of it as he nervously fidgeted with the leaf wraps of the food.

He was nervous about the courting process. His mind kept going to the worst possible outcomes: would his parents not approve? Would their mothers argue? If their parents didn’t like the idea, would he have to look for another mate? 

…would Aonung have to?

Not that he minded… 

His thoughts were interrupted when he felt a hand on his arm, his shoulder tensing slightly from the touch. 

“I think that’s enough, Neteyam.” Neytiri's gentle voice spoke.

Neteyam stared down at the food in his hands with an excessive amount of leaf wrap around them. 

“Sorry…” Neteyam muttered, embarrassed. He began to unravel the leaf layers when he heard a knock at the marui entrance.

Neytiri exchanged a confused look with Jake before going over to push aside the cloth covering. There stood Ronal and Tonowari with Aonung by their side. Neteyam's eyes immediately set on Aonung and felt his stomach go into knots.

“Is something wrong?” Neytiri asked.

Tonowari cleared his throat before speaking, “My son would like to… propose something.”

“Propose something?” Jake repeated, who was now standing beside Neytiri. “What is it?”

Tonowari shared a glance with Ronal before saying, “It would be better to tell you inside.”

Neytiri nodded and stepped aside to let them in. Neteyam stood up and greeted the couple. He locked eyes with Aonung for a moment, who gave him a trustful grin before walking over to him. Neteyam pressed his lips together nervously and his heart began to hammer against his chest. He saw that Aonung was holding something that was hidden under his other hand. Aonung kneeled down in front of Neteyam and his parents. 

He unclenched his hand and revealed a knife, its blade had leaf patterns carved into it with a blue and brown handle intricately woven together. Hanging from the handle were three strings, two with white and black feathers on the ends and the longest of them adorned with a blue gem on its end.

“I’m here to ask permission to court Neteyam.” Aonung stated confidently. “I am deeply in love with your son and I would like him to be my mate.”

Neytiri gasped and cupped a hand over her mouth excitedly. She grabbed Jake's arm, shaking him slightly. He had a dumbfounded look but still couldn’t hide that even he was impressed by the courting gift.

“I approve of this.” Neytiri replied happily.

Jake still remains in shocked silence but upon seeing the two hopeful pair of yellow eyes from both Neteyam and Neytiri staring at him, he sighed. 

“I approve.”

All eyes were then turned to Neteyam, waiting for his reply. Neteyam looked down at the knife. For a gift that was for a fake courting, it was beautiful, to say the least. He felt his words get stuck in his throat for a moment as he looked at Aonung, knelt down for him. 

“...I accept.” Neteyam said, taking the knife in his hand.

Neytiri squealed softly to Jake who, despite still recovering from the shock, smiled back at her contagious excitement. Tonowari clapped a hand onto Jake’s shoulder and gave him a friendly smile. Ronal was by side, her face as stern as ever. 

“How’d I do?” Aonung asked, getting up from his knelt down position.

“You really impressed me,” Neteyam said, “but don’t you think this was a little dramatic?”

Aonung chuckled, “well my father said that I needed to properly propose to you and ask for your parents blessings.”

“You really put a lot of effort into this courting gift,” Neteyam said, tracing a finger over the blade’s patterns, “It’s beautiful.”

“I agree…” Aonung, staring at Neteyam’s mesmerised face, “I mean the knife, of course.”

“This is a lot for a fake courting…” 

“But they’re convinced, are they not?” Aonung gestured a hand to their parents. “I did a good job, didn’t I?” His eyes twinkled at Neteyam, almost urging him to praise him.

Neteyam rolled his eyes, “You did so well… my mate.”

_______________________________‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾______________________________

Lo’ak dipped a fruit into the pool of water, he withdrew it again and shook the water droplets off it. He would occasionally send a splash  Kiri and Tuk’s way making them squeal and splash back in retaliation while Neteyam sat down smiling as he watched them. The four of them were washing fruits for an upcoming family dinner and they took the opportunity to chat and update each other on their life.

They discussed Tuk training to be a warrior, Kiri assisting Tsireya in her Tsakarem duties and Lo’ak’s hunts. They eventually went quiet and just enjoyed each other's company, the sound of only the water rippling breaking the silence.

Tuk glanced in Kiri’s direction and nudged her arm. She looked up from her basket and saw Tuk tilting her head in Neteyam's direction.

They shared a grin before Kiri asked, “Sooo… how was Aonung, Neteyam?”

Neteyam's eyes slightly widened as he tried to remain calm but his perked up ears revealed how shocked he was. Kiri and Tuk smiled slyly at his reaction.

“Yeaaa, how are you and Aonung?” Tuk chimed in.

“What?” Lo’ak asked, confused.

“Not you too tuk!” Neteyam groaned, “okay, who told you all?”

“Mom and dad” Tuk smiled, making Neteyam sigh.

“Wait, wait, wait.” Lo’ak interrupted, “what are we talking about?”

“Neteyam and Aonung are a coupleee.” Tuk sang, interlocking her hands together and pressing them against her cheek.

“WHAT?!” Lo’ak shouted, looking at Neteyam for explanation.

“Yea… He asked for my hand yesterday.” Neteyam explained, nervously tugging at his braids.

“Of all the people you choose, Neteyam…” Lo’ak sighed, rubbing over his eyes.

“I thought you and Ao’nung were friends now?” Kiri asked.

“Yes, but I don’t… want him as an in-law.” Lo’ak replied.

“You were going to be anyway, now that you’re with Tsireya.” Kiri countered.

“It’s just weird knowing he’s in love with my brother, Okay?”  

“How did you two get together?” Tuk smiled, making Kiri and Lo’ak turn their heads to him too.

Neteyam's stomach sank, he had a reason to lie to his parents. If he told them the truth, they would call it off and they might not trust if he actually did find a mate. But what about his siblings?

“I…” Neteyam stuttered, “we’re not actually together…”

The three of them stared at him in confusion.

“He actually…”

_______________________________𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝______________________________

“Neteyam, what?!” Kiri exclaimed, furrowing her eyebrows.

“Wait, so you and Aonung don’t love each other?” Tuk asked innocently with a sad pout.

“Thank goodness for that.” Lo’ak mumbled.

“You guys know mom and dad…” Neteyam continued, “If I don’t find a mate, they’ll choose one for me.” 

His siblings' expressions soften after hearing that. Not only did Kiri and Lo’ak already find a mate, Neteyam was also the eldest out of all of them. The pressure on him was greater.

“Please don’t tell them.”

“Sure thing, bro.” Lo’ak nodded, followed by Kiri and Tuk.

“Thank you…” Neteyam sighed.

Telling his siblings did lift a weight off his chest. He wouldn’t have to pretend to be lovey-dovey with Aonung when they were around.

…But there was still the whole clan to convince.

Chapter Text

After Neytiri heard Aonung and Neteyam were together, she took it upon herself to arrange a date for a family dinner. In which, Aonung tried to refuse but stayed silent after she simply said, “nonsense, you’re coming.”

“I told my siblings about us,” Neteyam said as he walked with Aonung to the clan dinner, each with a platter of fruits in their hands.

Aonung scoffed, “how did Lo’ak take it?”

“He hated it,” Neteyam chuckled, “He said I could’ve chosen someone else.”

“I said the same thing to Tsireya.” Neteyam bursted into a giggle at that reply, making Aonung smile back softly at him.

“Well he needs to deal with it.” Aonung said, “I would become his family whether we are mated or not since Tsireya is with him.”

“That’s what Kiri said,” Neteyam laughed.

“Does he think I’m pleased that he is my in-law?” Aonung jokes.

Neteyam held back another laugh, “just try to get along with him at the dinner, okay?” He requested, giving Aonung a few pats on the cheek.

“You should worry about Lo’ak.”

“Why should you worry about me?” Lo’ak spoke.

“No reason.” Aonung grinned back at him as they finally reached where their family was sitting.

“There they are,” Tonowari smiled, gesturing to them to sit.

They handed their platters over to Ronal who placed it in the centre of all the other dishes and joined them on the mat.

“You know you both never told us how you got together.” Neytiri spoke. All eyes turned to them. Their siblings, completely aware of this act of them being a couple, stared at them in fear.

“Yes, tell us the story.” Tonowari insisted.

Crap. Neteyam nervously thought as he fidgeted with the beads in his braids.

“Well, um… when me and Aonung went hunting together, he would bring me gifts from the hunts,” Neteyam explained meekly, “...he would give me shells or the teeth of animals he hunted.”

This wasn’t entirely made up, even before, when Neteyam and Aonung were friends, he developed a habit of always getting him something from the hunts and Neteyam kept each one.

“And then the gifts started getting more personal.” he continued, “...he started giving me courting gifts.”

“Woow, Aonung.” Lo’ak whistled, followed by a cheer from their siblings, teasing Aonung as they played along with their facade.

“So that was where those gifts were from.” Kiri grinned.

“I didn’t know those were for Neteyam,” Tsireya giggled.

Neteyam felt a hand drape over his shoulder and pull him against Aonung, making him lean on his shoulder. He felt his eyes widen at the studden contact but quickly hid it.

“...I was trying to hint that I wanted to court him.” Aonung explained, “I started bringing him jewellery, flowers and arrows for his bow.”

Neteyam felt Aonungs drift down his back and reach down to his waist, making his flushed ears pin back against his head, “I caught on however.”

“...and he rejected me.” Aonung sighed and laughter arose from his family.

“I told him I didn’t see him like that and asked him to leave me alone,” Neteyam went on and pointed a finger at Aonung, “but this one is stubborn.”

“I am,” Aonung grinned, pressing a kiss to his cheek, “I kept chasing after him and sending him gifts.”

“I rejected them at first and would send them back to him,” Neteyam said, “but his charms worked on me and I slowly started to accept more and more of them.”

“...and one day he decided to try to court me again and I said yes.” Neteyam finished with a smile.

“Aww, That’s so cute.” Tuk beamed.

“Well, our children are very good at hiding their feelings, aren’t they?” Tonowari laughed.

“Yes, they are.” Neytiri agreed, “I never would’ve guessed.”

Neteyam took a sip from his drink, trying to hide his now purple cheeks behind his cup. Aonungs hand brushed against the knife sheath around Neteyams hips and moved along the feathers hanging from his knife.

“Hm, You’re carrying it around already?” Aonung grinned as he toyed with the feathers hanging from his courting gift.
Neteyam glanced down at his hand and smiled shyly, “well, it was a gift to me, wasn’t it? Is there something wrong?”

“No, nothing wrong.” he replied, his hand resumed its place on his waist and stroked it slowly. “Have you used it for hunts yet?”

“No, I- can you stop that?” Neteyam said in a slightly irritated tone.

“Stop what?” Aonung asked innocently.

“This,” Neteyam replied, pointing at the hand holding his waist, “do you really need to do that?”

“Oh, Neteyam… we have to act like a real couple, remember?”

“Is it really necessary?” Neteyam asked, his tail flicking about in annoyance.

“It would look weird if I suddenly pulled away from you.”

They both stared at each other for a long moment, both not wanting to be the first to break eye contact. Neteyam finally sighed and looked away with his arms crossed and a grumpy pout. He could feel Aonungs eyes on him and it made his blood boil to think about the dumb smirk that must be on his face.

His eyes drifted to a fruit bowl that was among the other dishes. An idea instantly came into his head and grabbed a slice from it and brought it to Aonungs lips.

Aonungs stared at the fruit and then looked up at Neteyams face, “what?”

“I’m feeding you,” Neteyam smiled. “isn’t that something couples do?”

Aonung squinted disapprovingly, “I don’t want to be fed.”

Aonung didn’t like being babied at all, he didn’t like it when people tried to help with even the smallest things and says it feels degrading. He was a warrior not a child after all, so of course he would reject him. Neteyam knew that.

“Your mother is watching,” Neteyam said, motioning his head towards Ronal, whose watchful eyes were observing them.

Aonung let out a defeated sigh, “you win this one.”
He opened his mouth letting the fruit slice slip between his lips.

“I don’t know what you mean?” Neteyam grinned.

“Mhmm…” Aonung mumbled in between his chewing.

Neteyam eventually settled into Aonungs chest, his thumb rubbing gently against his waist no longer bothering him and the sound of his heartbeat calming him. His family's voices faded away as his eyelids grew heavy and he drifted off. He felt the warm touch of someone's arms wrap around his legs and back and he could vaguely make out a few words being spoken.

“You can manage, Aonung?” his mothers voice said.

“It is alright, Neytiri, I can carry him.” Aonung replied.

“Call me mother, Aonung.”

He started to wake up slightly, seeing Aonung carrying him.

“Aonung…” Neteyam mumbled groggily.

“Yes?” he answered, looking down at Neteyam.

“Can you take me to my family's marui?” he muttered.

“It will be weird if you go back there now,” Aonung whispered, “I’ll take you to my marui.”

Neteyam didn’t reply back and just let out a sleepy “mm…” before drifting back to sleep. He felt Aonung gently lay him down and was met with the soft covers of his bed. Aonung laid down beside and he swore he felt a hand caress his cheek.

Chapter Text

The first few sun rays peeked through Aonungs marui and shone onto Neteyam who was peacefully asleep. He snuggled deeper into the blankets, not wanting to leave their warm embrace yet. His eyes fluttered open and was met with a pair of blue ones staring down at him. Aonungs eyes widened as he saw that Neteyam was awake. 

Neteyam groggily rubbed his eyes, “Aonung?”

“O-oh, Neteyam, you’re awake!” Aonung smiled nervously.

“...were you watching me sleep?”

“Noo…?” He replied sheepishly.

“Really? Because-”

“Are you hungry? I made you breakfast.” Aonung interrupted quickly, pushing a shell plate onto his lap.

Neteyam grinned at his obvious attempt to change the subject but accepted it anyway and took a bite of the fish, letting the flavour of the warm meat melt on his tongue. 

It was warm gestures like these from Aonung that Neteyam loved. The caring side that he hid under his cocky and brazen personality. He sometimes got glimpses of that when he got over protective when people commented about his “demon blood” or when he offered to help him with even the smallest tasks while hunting.

“I thought you would be out hunting by now?” Neteyam said between his chews.

“Soon, yes, I actually wanted you to come with me.” Aonung replied.

“...my hunting rounds are in the afternoon.” 

Aonung’s hand mindlessly played with Neteyam’s hair bead, “I think it would be better if you changed it to be the same time as mine.”

“We are a couple after all, we need to spend more time together,” Aonung grinned, his eyes twinkling in hopes Neteyam would agree.

“I can’t just change my hunting rounds when I want.” Neteyam pointed out.

“Don’t worry, I will talk to my father about it.” 

Knowing Aonung, he would probably make up a believable excuse to tell his father.

Seeing that there was nothing stopping Neteyam from changing his usual hunting route, he didn’t see the harm in doing it and plus, he did want to spend more time with Aonung.

“Alright, Let’s do it.”

_______________________. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.____________________________

Neteyam whooped as he emerged from the water on his tsurak, The thrill of hunting never left him no matter how many times he did it. He loved the excitement that coursed through him whenever he caught a prey and came home with a successful hunt. Aonung rode by his side, a smirk on his face as he watched him.

“What?” Neteyam asked with a smile when he noticed him staring.

“Nothing, I still can’t believe that you are able to adapt so quickly to the sea.” He commented.

Neteyam smiled, a faint blush colouring his cheeks. 

Aonung circled him and caught his tail in his hands, “...especially with a small, cute tail like this.”

“Hey!” Neteyam giggled, snatching his tail out of his grasp and glaring at him playfully. Aonung’s tone was different from when he first met. It lacked the cruel and brazen tone he used when he poked fun at his appearance, trying to prod a reaction out of him. Now, it was light and playful.

Aonung smiled mischievously before taking Neteyams’s arms in his. “Every part of you is small, when I think about it.”

“Really?” Neteyam asked, crossing his arms and raising his eyebrow, challenging him to continue.

“Yes, small tail, small arms…” he continued and Neteyam suddenly felt the warmness of Aonung’s hand on his waist, “...small waist.”

Neteyam's breath hitched and his tail began to sway nervously from the touch but he quickly covered it up with a witty reply, “You say that, reef boy but you wouldn’t last out in the forest.”

“I don’t even know if your metkayina arms can wield a bow.” Neteyam giggled, emphasising his words by grabbing his biceps.

“Really, forest boy?” Aonung whispered, placing his other hand on his waist. 

Neteyam’s breath nearly stopped as he pulled him closer, his confidence faltering, “Yes, really, reef boy .”

Their lips only had a small gap between them. As Aonung drew him closer, he watched him with widened eyes, expecting, almost hoping for what he thought would be a kiss.

Suddenly, Neteyam fell backwards into the sea and off his tsurak. He swam back to the surface, hacking sea water out of his throat. 

“What was that for?!” He shouted, glaring at him.

“It’s just a joke, forest boy!” Aonung laughed.

“You skxawng…” Neteyam muttered but couldn’t help the smile that tugged at his lips.

“Aww, already giving me pet names?” Aonung beamed, “I love you too, ma paskalin*.”

“Hey, I’ll race you back,” Aonung smirked and tilted his head towards the shore.

Before Neteyam knew it, Aonung rode off on his tsurak, splashing him in the process.

Neteyam widened his eyes in disbelief, “What- Aonung! That’s not fair, you got a head start!”

Neteyam couldn’t help smiling at his childish antics and quickly jumped on his tsurak and connected his queue to it. He darted through the water, tailing Aonung’s tsurak. Aonung turned his head to look at Neteyam chasing after him and laughed, small bubbles escaping his mouth. They both zipped through the water, bumping into each other and trying to throw the other off their tsurak.

When they finally reached the shore, none of them wanted to say the other won. Technically, Aonung won but Neteyam argued that he would’ve won if he hadn’t cheated. They carried their basket of fish back home, still arguing about who won.

*Paskalin: a term of endearment, meaning “sweet berry”.

Aonung pushed the cloth covering the entrance of the marui, letting Neteyam step inside the marui first. They were both still laughing about their race when Neteyam remembered something.

“Wait here, I have something for you.” Neteyam said excitedly before setting his basket down.

“Where would I go anyway, forest boy?” 

Neteyam came back with his hands behind his back with a smile on his face. He held his hands out and revealed a drawstring hair tie. It was beaded with dark brown and turquoise beads and had two bright orange feathers on the ends of the draw string. 

“I never gave you a courting gift,” Neteyam said.

Aonung smiled fondly at the gift and ran his fingers over the beads.

“Thank you, it’s beautiful.”

“Turn around, I’ll help you put it on.”

Aonung settled on the floor with his back facing Neteyam. He undid the leather strap in his hair holding his hair up, seeing the curls fall onto his shoulders and back. Neteyam combed his fingers through Aonung’s hair, he definitely liked this hairstyle rather than the bun he used to put his hair in when they were younger.

He collected some of his hair in his hand, neatly putting half his hair back in a bun and securing it with the drawstring hair tie.

“Is it done?” Aonugn questioned, turning his head slightly.

Aonung reached a hand to his hair, feeling the feathers hanging from his bun. The orange coloured feathers greatly contrasted his dark hair. The metkayina people didn’t normally adorn themselves with feathers, it was common for the omaticaya. Aonung's heart swelled knowing this, happy to have a part of Neteyam’s identity with him.

“You look decent for once,” Neteyam teased.

Aonung scoffed, jabbing him in the ribs lightly and earning a laugh from Neteyam.

“Will you wear it at the festival celebrating our mating?” Neteyam asked.

“I’ll wear mine if you bring yours,” he replied

Neteyam stared at him affectionately, feeling happy he so confidently agreed, like he wanted to show off his courting gift and the fact that they were mated together, even if it was fake...

Neteyam nodded, “of course.”

Chapter Text

“Ow! Tsireya, why are you putting so many shells in my hair?” Aonung hissed as he felt another sharp tug on his hair.

“I’m almost done, stay still.” Tsireya scolded, braiding in the last bead. “You must look nice for this celebration and most of all for Neteyam.”

“Tsireya.” Aonung said, rolling his eyes.

“It’s true,” she giggled, “Neteyam said he liked this hairstyle on you most.”

“He did?” Aonung asked, turning his head to Tsireya a little too quickly.

“Mhm. He said he thinks you’re more good-looking with your hair down,” Tsireya smiled, “Now get ready, everyone will be waiting for you.”

Tsireya left for the celebration, leaving Aonung alone in their family marui. He ran his fingers through his hair, his hair was half tied up into a ponytail with Neteyam’s gift and the rest was loose with a few braids, adorned with beads and shells done by Tsireya.

He normally didn’t like styling his hair too much but he didn’t mind if Neteyam liked it… 

He got up from his spot and headed to the celebration. Aonung walked until the torch lights of the festival eventually got closer and closer, lighting up his tattooed face. The village people sat on mats laid out on the ground but a path was cleared through the centre of the crowd with Neteyam at the end waiting for him. 

Aonung stopped in his tracks, his mouth going dry and he took in the sight of Neteyam. He didn’t have his usual braids, his hair was loose and decorated with orange feathers, paired with his omaticaya cummberband around his waist and a greenish blue loincloth that matched the colour of his own.

He looked beautiful.

He felt a warmness reach his cheeks and shook his head. Aonung approached him, his eyes never leaving Neteyam once. The crowd’s eyes followed his movement as he approached Neteyam. He stood for a moment, his mouth slightly ajar as if wanting to say something but no words would come out.

“Aonung?” Neteyam’s voice snapped him out of his daze.

“Are you going to say anything?” 

Neteyam’s voice held a taunting tone, almost like he knew the effect he had on him. 

Aonung blinked a few times, quickly recovering from his dazed state, “Sorry, ma paskalin. You look beautiful,” Aonung complimented, holding a hand out to Neteyam. 

“So do you. I really like your hair,” Neteyam smiled, placing his hand in his.

“So Tsireya has told me,” Aonung says, making Neteyam’s grin widen.

Aonung turned back to the crowd, wrapping a hand around Neteyam’s waist as he spoke.

“My people! I’m sure you have heard that I have chosen Neteyam as my mate.”

Shrill cries and cheers came from the crowd. Neteyam smiled fondly, happy that so many people supported their mating.

“We are here to celebrate our mating, come, let us drink and dance till sunrise!”

Another cheer arose from the crowd, music and chatter began to fill the air.

Aonung felt a hand move over his hair and turned to Neteyam.

“You wore it,” Neteyam smiled as he felt the beaded hair tie.

Aonung pulled Neteyam closer, “I see you brought mine too.”

Aonung’s eyes flicked down to the knife sheath around his hip, recognising his courting gift from the familiar blue and brown handle.

“Of course,” Neteyam grinned, “come, let’s dance, it’s our celebration after all.”

Neteyam grabbed Aonung’s hand, leading him to where many na’vi were dancing.

_⋆·˚ ༘ *_

Neteyam moved rhythmically to the music. He twirled in the sand, letting the ocean breeze play with his hair. Aonung let out a small laugh as he danced along with him. He scooped Neteyam into his arms, lifting him up and hugging Neteyam’s legs against his body.

Aonung’s face was outlined by the torch lights, showing off how his tattoos that traced his face and the subtle dent of his dimples as he smiled. Neteyam hand moved affectionately over his cheek, his eyes flicking down to his lips.

“I’ll admit you are a good dancer,” Neteyam said, his gaze still fixed on his lips.

Aonung’s head threw back as he laughed, “you sound like you weren’t expecting me to be.”

Neteyam leaned in closer, cupping Aonung’s face in his hands, “no, not at all…”

Aonung’s smile faltered, his eyes darting around his face as he saw how close Neteyam was leaning.

Neteyam’s eyes widen, feeling a blush paint his cheeks from the embarrassment.

What was he doing?

He scrambled out of Aonung’s arms, moving a few steps back, suddenly finding interest in looking at the sand beneath his feet.

“I’ll, uh… I’ll go get some drinks for us?” Neteyam suggested

Aonung nodded, “fine by me.”

Although, the subtle movement of Adam's apple as he swallowed showed it wasn’t “ fine by him” . In reality, Aonung was happy that Neteyam had pulled away or he himself would’ve gotten too immersed into the moment. 

Neteyam smiled stiffly before going over to where jugs of alcohol were and dragged his hands down his face. Stupid! He was only with Aonung for a moment and almost let himself fall for this pretend love game. He poured himself two drinks and walked back over to Aonung before stopping in his tracks

He saw a pair of hands clinging to Aonung’s arm. Rewani, a woman Aonung had previously had a relationship with. She was pretty, she had purple flowers in her hair that matched with her purple top. Neteyam felt a tinge of anger as she stroked her hand over Aonung’s chest.

She had chosen her time wisely, waiting until Neteyam had left to make her move. Aonung glanced at her as she approached, hoping she was just passing by and cursed when she started to cling to his arm. He scowled at her, his gaze moving from the hand she placed on his chest and her eyes.

“Would you like to dance?” Rewani asked sweetly.

“I’m already dancing with someone,” Aonung deadpanned, gently removing her hand from his chest.

Neteyam walked over to them, coming between them as he tried to be casual.

“There you are, ma yawne*.” Neteyam said, flashing a charming smile.

Aonung's face slowly changes from surprise to amusement as he realised Neteyam had called him a term of endearment. Rewani’s eyes widened as he suddenly interrupted, her expression turning annoyed. She opened her mouth, as if about to say something before closing it again and frowning.

________________________

*Ma yawne: My love

Annoyed that Rewani didn’t leave, Neteyam leaned in and kissed Aonung’s lips. He felt Aonung tense up, taken aback by the kiss before a grin formed on his lips. When their lips parted again, Aonung’s eyes shifted to Rewani. Neteyam followed his gaze and gasped as he saw Rewani, acting as if he hadn’t noticed her there.

“Rewani! I didn’t see you there,” Neteyam smiled, “how’s the party?”

She stared at him, her mouth parted slightly in disbelief and disgust before scoffing and walking away. Neteyam stared at her until he was sure she was out of ear shot. He turned to Aonung, smacking his arm.

“You skxawng! Why don’t you tell her to go away?”

“She has a bit of a temper, Neteyam,” Aonung explained, “I had to tell her without provoking her, I didn’t expect to come and-”

Kiss me.  

“Nevermind, let’s get those drinks.”

They spent the rest of the night going through cups of Metkayina liquor. Aonung laughed when Neteyam scrunched his face at the bitter taste and stopped after three cups. Aonung, on the other hand, went through… Twenty? Maybe more. Neteyam wasn’t sure, he stopped counting after he hit fifteen.

The celebrations soon died down. The music faded and the happy chatter was replaced with drunken gibberish and giggles. Aonung’s words started to come out slurred. He abruptly got up and began to wander elsewhere.

Neteyam got up as well and followed him, “Aonung, where are you going?”

He stumbled around aimlessly into the tree, humming a strange tune as he did. Neteyam kept following him and turned to look back eventually and saw the festival lights had long faded away. 

He grabbed Aonung’s arms, yanking him back, “Aonung, let’s go back, come on.”

“Noo-” Aonung mumbled, “I want to go on a walk.”

“Where are you even going?”

Aonung’s dazed eyes trailed up the length of the arm that was grabbing him and up to his face. He stepped closer and brushed his hand over Neteyam’s cheek.

“You’re beautiful…”

What did he just say?

“Huh?” Was all Neteyam could force out of his mouth.

“You’re so beautiful…” Aonung whispered, leaning closer and pressing his lips against his.

Neteyam’s body stiffened, not moving an inch for a moment as if the moment was so delicate that if he moved, it would disappear. Without realising his eyes slide shut melting into the kiss. 

“Neteyam! Aonung!”

Neteyam's eyes snapped open and quickly pulled away from Aonung. He turned to see Tsireya walking over to them. 

“What’s wrong?” Neteyam asked.

She didn’t answer at first her eyes moved to Aonung, staring at him intently before returning to Neteyam. He shifted slightly under her gaze, did she see what happened? He wondered.

“Father was worried about where you two were, we should return.” 

Neteyam nodded, “He’s a bit drunk.”

“I can tell,” Tsireya giggled, making Neteyam chuckle as well.

“Let’s go,” Neteyam said to Aonung, slinging Aonung’s arm over his shoulder and hugging his waist as they all returned to the village. 

“You go ahead, I will bring Aonung back to our marui.”

Tsireya nodded, stepping over the drunk men and women of the festival. 

_*•.¸♡ ♡¸.•*_

Neteyam dragged Aonung through the marui until they reached the bed and made him sit down.

He settled beside him on the bed, shocking a cup of water into his hands, “You should sober up.”

Aonung complied, gulping down the cup very messily. Water droplets dripped down his chin and over his collarbone and chest. Neteyam's eyes  studied the way the water made his skin glisten and felt his stomach nervously. Aonung stared up at him innocently, clearly enjoying his reaction.

“Stop that, drink it properly,” Neteyam scolded, taking the cup away from his hands and wiping his wet chin with his thumb.

“You’re no fun,” Aonung mumbled as he laid down, his head falling onto Neteyam’s lap.

He stared up at Neteyam dreamily, his hand coming up to touch his cheek, “you really are beautiful.”

Neteyam smiled down at Aonung. He grabbed his wrists and pushed his hand away, “you really are drunk.”

Aonung held Neteyam’s hand and nuzzled his face into it as he drifted away, leaving Neteyam alone, pondering the events that had just happened between them.

Chapter Text

Neteyam snuggled deeper into the blankets. The blankets felt a bit stiffer today but still warm nonetheless. He felt them also rise and fall slightly, the blankets are also… moving? He opened his eyes and blinked a few times. 

His eyes widened, the blankets weren’t moving. It was Aonung, more specifically his chest. He had somehow shifted into this position after Aonung fell asleep on his lap. He didn’t move, he didn’t want to risk waking Aonung and having an awkward conversation.

“Aren’t you supposed to be asleep, forest boy?” Aonung asked, his eyes were still closed but he had a smug smile on his face.

“I could ask you the same, Mr Hangover,” Neteyam replied, sitting up and avoiding eye contact with Aonung.

Aonung sat up as well, grunting slightly from his hangover headache.

“Are you okay?” Neteyam asked, his hand coming up to his forehead.

Aonung paused, his eyes flicking to his hand and then back to Neteyam. Neteyam’s cheeks flushed, immediately pulling his hand away. 

“Y-yea, I think I’ll be fine,” Aonung muttered.

“Are you sure? We could ask Tsireya for help.”

“Aww, worried about me?”

Neteyam rolled his eyes, “of course I am, skxanwg.”

He grabbed Aonung’s spear from the holder and tossed it to Aonung who caught it in his hand, “come, we have a hunt to do.”

“Yes, sir, ” Aonung grinned, imitating the way Neteyam addressed his father.

Neteyam rolled his eyes, failing to hide his smile.

_*ੈ✩‧₊˚*_

The hunt had been successful yet tiring. The hunters returned to the village, ready to go back to their maruis and rest. Unfortunately for Aonung this was not the case, he still had a lot of other duties to tend to which is why he asked Neteyam to go ahead without him.

Neteyam sat there in the marui, his hands busily weaving a basket as he waited for his return until he heard a knock from outside the marui. It couldn’t have been Aonung, he would have simply walked in. Neteyam got up and pushed aside the cloth flap of the entrance and found Ronal there. 

He was surprised but quickly composed himself and although the tsahik shell she used to wear was already passed down to Tsireya, he still felt the need to press two fingers to his forehead and extend them to her.

“I see you, Ro-” oh, that’s right she’s my mother now “...mother.”

“Mother”, it sounded strange when he called her that. She had a dislike for the whole sully family when they arrived and he’s not quite sure if all the festering hatred has left, considering her reaction to Tsireya and Lo’ak’s mating. He assumes so since he has no “demon blood” and hasn’t done anything to particularly anger her.

“Do you need something?” Neteyam asked.

“Is Aonung home? I heard he has a headache from… overdrinking,” Neteyam flinches, recognizing the slight hint of motherly disappointment.

“Ah… no, he is not home yet, he is tending to other duties.”

“I see,” Ronal says simply.

And before Neteyam could stop himself he said, “Would you like to come in and wait for him?”

Please say no. Please say no.

“Very well,” Ronal replies, nodding.

Shit.

Neteyam smiles politely, standing aside so she can enter.

_𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝_

Aonung let out a heavy sigh, his body felt sore from hunting and the headache he had didn’t help at all. All he wanted was to go home and rest but Eywa forbid, he still had to discuss a few things with his father. As he was about to make his way over to his father’s marui, he spotted Tsireya walking over to him with a cup in her hand.

She greeted him with a smile and handed the cup to him, “I thought you might need this for your headache.”

“Oh, thank you,” he said, taking the cup.

Tsireya stared at him as he gulped down the tea, a knowing smile on her face.

“What?” Aonung asked.

Tsireya’s smile widened and leaned in closer, “Last night when you were drunk…”

“...you kissed Neteyam.”

Aonung nearly choked on the tea, “what?! Really?!”

“Mhm,” Tsireya replied, nodding her head.

“...how did he react?”

She tapped a finger on the side of her face, “not sure, I think he liked it.”

“Tsireya, don’t joke around, what did he do?”

“Why don’t you ask?” Tsireya replied.

“I can’t ask him!”

“Why not?”

Aonung fidgeted with the cup, “because then…”

“Because he’ll know you like him?” Tsireya teased.

“I don’t like him,” Aonung denied.

Tsireya raised a non-existent eyebrow. 

“Maybe I like him a little…”

“And does he like you?” Tsireya asked.

“Yes…? No? I don’t know,” Aonung said, thanking back to when Neteyam’s touch would linger on him, like at the festival and this morning.

“Well, I think he does,” Tsireya said, “just give it some time.”

Tsireya gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder and turned to leave for her marui. 

Maybe he should ask Neteyam about the kiss.

_. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁._

Neteyam was seated on the woven mats of the marui. Ronal was across from him, he poured them some tea, a cup in each of their hands. Neither had spoken since she entered apart from a “thank you” from Ronal when Neteyam served her tea. 

He kept his gaze on the floor, even after all this time of living in Awa’atlu, he found her stare intimidating. A lot like Aonung, he observed. He had her stony expression and her piercing eyes. He even had the same beauty mark as her above her lip.

Finally the silence was broken, “how does Aonung treat you?”

Neteyam's head snapped up, surprised at her sudden question, “he is kind to me and he treats me well.”

“I see, do you argue often?”

Neteyam was even more surprised, why was she asking this all of a sudden?

“No, I think we get along well.”

Ronal continued to ask a few more questions, only pausing to nod thoughtfully each time he answered. He answered them all patiently, though he was still very confused about why she was asking them. Though, he supposed it was normal for a mother to  want to know about their child’s relationship with their partner.

It had already gotten late and Aonung still hadn’t returned. 

Ronal stood up, “I shall take my leave then. Tell Aonung I was here.”

Neteyam nodded and smiled, “Of course.”

As Ronal pushed aside the cloth of the entrance, she saw Aonung on the other side.

Aonung blinked, “mother?”

His eyes flicked cautiously from Neteyam to Ronal, wondering what she said to him. She had quite a sharp tongue.

“Why are you here?” He asked, lowering his voice slightly so Neteyam wouldn’t hear.

Ronal detected his concern, “mawey, my son, I was simply talking to him.”

“I came to check on you because of your headache.”

Aonung groaned, “I’m not a child, mama, Tsireya already gave me something for it.”

“Next time don’t drink so much,” she scolded.

“I won’t, mother.”

Ronal nodded, taking one last glance at Neteyam before leaving.

Aonung turned to Neteyam, feeling awkward after knowing about their drunk kiss. 

“...what did she ask you?”

“I’m fine Aonung,” Neteyam reassured, “she just asked about how our relationship is, not sure why.”

Aonung sighed in relief, “ah, it’s probably because when me and Rewani were together. We weren’t… very compatible.”

“You look tired, let’s turn in for the night.”

“Oh, but-” I want to ask you about our kiss. 

“Yea, let’s go.”

Neteyam and Aonung laid in bed, both of their minds swirling with questions.

Chapter Text

A few days had passed since Ronal and Neteyam’s interaction and it seemed to be the only thing Neteyam talked about nowadays. It kept him awake at night and he kept Aonung awake too with all his questions, often repeating the same questions and getting the same answer.

“You think she doesn’t like me?” Neteyam asked again.

Aonung groaned, “no, stop asking.”

“I can’t! I keep thinking about it.”

Aonung had been peacefully sharpening his spear when Neteyam had come into the room and pestered him with questions.

Aonung sighed, “you know what? Why don’t we go for a swim?”

“What?”

“A swim. You know, to clear your mind.”

Neteyam contemplated a bit, he didn’t want to spend the whole day thinking about Ronal, “sure.”

_✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧_

Aonung swam through the sea, his tail swishing behind him as he beckoned Neteyam to follow after him. Neteyam tailed after him, swimming past many beautiful corals that branched out into different patterns. Aonung tapped Neteyam’s back before pointing ahead to a school of luminous fish. Neteyam smiled, small bubbles leaving the corners of his lips as he watched the fish circle around them as they passed them. 

Neteyam suddenly felt his chest tightened. He tugged Aonung’s arm and pointed upwards, signalling he needed to come up for air. Aonung nodded, swimming after him to the surface as he caught his breath.

“Still not used to the sea, forest boy?” Aonung teased, his popping out of the water.

“I’m-” his words cut off, Aonung’s face was very close to his own. Aonung grinned before swimming closer before circling his hands around his waist. His hands were warm, contrasting the cold water. He leaned in closer, his breath dusting against his ear as he whispered, “Rewani is watching.”

Aonung turned them around, allowing Neteyam a view of her. She was indeed watching them from the shore, her face scrunched into a scowl.

“Has she stopped staring?” Aonung asked.

He glanced up at her, seeing her eyes fixed on them, “no.”

Aonung chuckled, “she will eventually.”

Neteyam's eyes travelled down his features. His freckles glowed softly in the sunlight and outlined the stripes on his skin. A drop of water rolled down his forehead. Neteyam’s eyes followed it as it rolled over the bridge of his nose, down passed the beauty mark of his lip and over his mouth.

“Isn’t this doing too much?” Neteyam asked, his eyes fixated on his lips.

“No, if we don’t, she’d probably glare at us all day,” Aonung replied, leaning closer.

“So this is necessary?” 

“Yup, completely  necessary,” he whispered.

Without warning, Neteyam leaned closer, pressing their lips together. A surprised sound escaped the back of Aonung’s throat before he melted into the kiss, hugging his hands around his waist tighter. Neteyam’s hands gilded over his chest and to his neck. It felt just like they had at the festival, the same flutter and warmth erupted into his stomach. The kiss was slow, unhurried but turned more passionate as Aonung caught his lips between his teeth. He bit down gently before darting his tongue out to soothe the swollen area.

Aonung chuckled into his lips, “aren’t you getting carried away, forest boy? Rewani has already left.”

Neteyam pulled his head back, glancing at the shore, and Rewani did leave. Aonung seemed to lean in again for a kiss. Neteyam inhaled sharply and pulled away.

“We should get back to shore,” he said dryly and dove back underwater before he could say anything.

Aonung only did it to make Rewani look away.

It didn’t mean anything.

As Neteyam walked on the shore, he felt Aonung tap him on the arm, “I didn’t expect to get so into the act.”

Neteyam stayed silent and simply shrugged.

“You seemed to enjoy it a lot, huh?” Aonung teased softly into his ear.

Neteyam felt his ears burn, “Mhm.”

He sped up his pace to their marui, signalling the conversation was over and he no longer wanted to talk about it. Aonung followed close behind, his grin never leaving his face.

_*•.¸♡ ♡¸.•*_

Aonung never brought up that encounter again but since that day he seemed to always wear a stupid smile, especially when he saw Neteyam. He wasn’t sure what it meant but it annoyed him a bit, it felt mocking. There have been changes to him too ever since that day, he found his heart beating faster every time Aonung was near and would catch himself staring longer than he should.

He would be reminded of the kiss they shared, the ghost of Aonung’s hands on his waist and the sting of him nipping his lips. He dismissed it as just being embarrassed by the encounter, but was it really? Neteyam felt frustrated trying to figure out the reason behind their change in behaviour. He sighed as he got off his tsurak and pulled the net of fish over his shoulder.

"Do you need help with that?"

Neteyam froze, he felt it again. His heartbeat thudded quickly as soon as he heard his voice.

“Sure,” Neteyam murmured and turned around to hand his fishnet over, his gaze on the ocean.

Aonung was already carrying his own fish net over his shoulder and took Neteyam’s with ease before walking ahead of him to shore. His eyes landed on the arms, watching how his muscles flexed under the weight of the net. His hair was wet from behind in the sea and it clung to his back, dripping the water over the curves of spine and back.

“Neteyam?”

“Yes?” Neteyam replied, in a dazed voice.

“I ask if you’re coming or not,” Aonung repeated, turning around.

“Yes…” Neteyam blinked, “oh, I mean, yes, let’s go”

Aonung continued walking, Neteyam close by behind him.

Oh, he was in trouble.

Chapter Text

Aonung began to rouse from his sleep. He blinked a few times before his vision became clearer. He rolled over and found the spot beside him was empty. Just like it has been every morning the past few days. Neteyam started to leave earlier than him for hunts and when he asked why, he simply replied that he wanted to have time to prepare. Both of them knew that was an obvious lie.

Neteyam began to leave early everyday to “have time to prepare for hunts” and then would come home later when Aonung was already asleep. Any time he’d ask why he was coming back so late, he would give an excuse. He didn’t know why he was upset that Neteyam was purposely avoiding him. It’s not like he was his real husband. 

The more Neteyam avoided him, the more he felt loneliness creep up on him. The marui felt jarringly empty without Neteyam around. He knew that Neteyam was avoiding him because of their shared kiss. He wasn’t sure how he felt about kissing Neteyam and he had hoped he could spend more time with him to figure that out. But, that wouldn’t come so easy now.

There were some moments where they would chat with their friends and he would use the opportunity to ease into his personal space. He would lay his head on his shoulder or hold his hand in his lap. They were all fleeting moments that painfully reminded him that Neteyam was avoiding him. He couldn’t take it anymore. The frustration. THe confusion. The solitude.

He’s been wanting to confront Neteyam about it but he always seemed to slip away before he could. After the morning hunt was over, he was able to find Neteyam close by. He had been chatting with other hunters when Aonung casually joined the conversation. His hand crept onto his waist and felt him tense up from the contact.

The conversation seemed endless as he waited for the hunters to finally end. As they left him and Neteyam alone, he felt Neteyam moving to leave but he kept his hand firmly on him.

“Aonung?” Neteyam asked, looking up at him.

He shifted his grip from his waist to his arm, his touch gentle but firm.

“We need to talk.”

Neteyam blinked, “about…?”

Aonung rolled his eyes, “are you serious?”

“I know you’re avoiding me.”

Neteyam’s expression falters for a moment and Aonugn can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment that he was right.

“I’m not-” Neteyam replies and tries to pull his arm away.

Aonung clutched his arm tighter and pulled him closer, “yes. You are.”

“Why?" Aonung asked simply, “why are you running away from me?”

Neteyam’s eyes darted up to meet his. 

“I’m not running away.” He replied, defensively.

“Really? Then prove it,” Aonung said with a taunting tilt of his head.

Neteyam's jaw clenched at that. None of them said anything, both refusing to back off. Just then, a sweet voice cut the air.

“Aonung!” Tsireya called out to him.

Aonung turned to face her, his grip weakening in the sudden interruption and allowing Neteyam to slip away from his grip. 

“Neteyam…!” Aonung said, turning his head back to him and seeing he had already disappeared.

“What’s wrong?” Tsireya asked sweetly.

Aonung stared longingly at the direction Neteyam had gone to before sighing, “Neteyam’s avoiding me.”

Her eyes widened in concern, “what? Why?”

“I don’t know!” Aonung exclaimed, throwing his arms up, “we- we kissed again and he suddenly pulled away. Since then, he’s been acting differently.”

“Differently how?”

“He suddenly started going out earlier to hunt so he could be ‘prepared’ and he would come very late as well. He rarely initiates conversation with me anymore,” Aonung replied.

His tone softened a hint of vulnerability creeping into his voice, “I don't see him as often anymore.

His sister’s expression turned into a sympathetic frown, “if you truly like him. Perhaps try doing a small gesture to show it?”

“A gesture?”

“Take him on a date, compliment him, give him flowers,” Tsireya listed, “Lo’ak does it all the time with me.”

Aonung cringed slightly at the idea of his brother-in-law doing all these sappy things for his sister but also felt grateful he was such a good husband. He considered the options Tsireya gave. He wasn’t the best at giving compliments and Neteyam didn’t particularly like flowers. However, taking him on a date… was doable.

Aonung nodded, “I’ll try to take your advice.”

Chapter Text

Preparing for a date was easy, he already knew Neteyam quite well. His interests and hobbies… the hard part was asking Neteyam on a date and even more so to get him to agree to go on one with him, considering he’s actively avoiding him. It was time for a different approach.

_*•.¸♡ ♡¸.•*_

Neteyam’s feet bobbed under the woven paths of the maruis, a small basket stacked on top of a bigger one in his hands as he tailed behind Neytiri.

“Set them down here,” Neytiri instructed.

Neteyam placed the baskets on the floor and turned back to his mother, “anything else you need help with?”

She smiled, “no, why don’t you go and spend time with your friends or Aonung?”

Neteyam stiffened, “Oh? Aonung…”

“Why are you running away from me?”

“I’m not.”

That was the last real interaction he’s had with Aonung since… shall we say, their affectionate display.

“He’s very busy these days.”

“Busy? He should still spend time with you, you are a newly mated pair!”

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. Neteyam stayed at his spot as Neytiri checked the entrance and revealed Aonung behind the cover. Neteyam’s body tensed and his heart began to pound in his chest. What was he doing here?

“Hi, Neytiri, can I talk to Neteyam for a while?”

“Of course! He's right here,” Neytiri turned to Neteyam, “Thank you for your help today, go with him-“

“Actually,” Aonung interrupted, “here is fine.”

Neteyam forced a smile, “Sure, what is it?”

He didn’t know what Aonung was trying to do but he could tell he was up to something.

“Are you going to be free tomorrow?” Aonung asked with a suspiciously cheerful tone.

“I’m not sure, why?”

“I was wondering if you like to spend time together, just the two of us.”

Neteyam felt his smile falter. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to face Aonung yet, especially not when they’re alone.

“I just remembered I have to help mother-“

However, when he saw the delighted look on Neytiris face when Aonung offered that, he knew it was no use.

“It is alright, my son, go spend time with him.”

Neteyam mouth fell shut and saw Aonung’s smirk got infuriatingly wider. If they were alone, saying no wouldn’t be a problem but saying no infront of his mother for no reason when they were supposed to be a “mated pair” was a problem. Aonung planned this and he played right into it. They both knew it.

Aonung leaned closer, whispering only loud enough for Neteyam to hear, “You’re not going to run away… right?”

Neteyam's mouth twitched before curling back into a smile, “I guess I’m free.”

“Great! We’ll go tomorrow after our morning hunt, don’t be late, ma yawne.” Aonung replied cheerfully as if he hadn’t just tricked him into a date.

Neteyam had a dumbstruck expression as he watched Aonung leave.

What just happened?

_⋆｡‧˚♡˚‧｡⋆_

Neteyam nervously fidgeted with his hair, he didn’t like keeping it down but immediately after Aonung left she insisted she helped him get ready for their outing.

“You should’ve seen how he couldn’t take his eyes off you when you were at the festival,” his mother told him as she unbraided his hair.

He admitted that a small part of him did want to believe he was even slightly captivated by him from the festival but quickly brushed it off as Aonung just being a good actor.

As he continued to fidget with his hair, he heard the sound of movement in the water followed by a tsurak cry. He looked up to see Aonung emerging from the water, flashing him his usual smile.

“Hey,” Aonung said, “ready for our date?”

“Is this even counted as a date?” Neteyam replied, “technically I am here against my will.”

Aonung sighed with a slight roll of his eyes, “oh relax, I wouldn’t have to do this if you didn’t keep avoiding me.”
“So your response is to corner me?” He shot back.

“You could’ve just told me later on you didn’t want to go…” Aonung trailed off, “...yet here you are.”

Neteyam fell silent.
He was right, he could have but was too busy being bitter about the fact Aonung had so effortlessly tricked him.

“You look nice with your hair down by the way,” he commented, his tone softening.

Neteyam lifted his head and studied his face, checking for any sign of dishonesty or mockery but he saw his expression was genuine.

“Thank you,” Neteyam replied, annoyance still lingering in his voice, “I guess.”

An awkward silence passed between them before Aonung spoke up, “I have something for you.”

He dug into the pouch around his waist before pulling out a beaded necklace. The small beads and shells that ran along it did not draw Neteyam’s attention away from the blue gem on its centre. Its surface winked at him every time the sunlight caught on it.

Aonung placed it along his neckline, “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Mother helped with it, you know?”

“She did?” Neteyam asked, surprised.

“Yea, I don’t know what you said during her visit to our marui but she must’ve been won over,” he replied.

“Won over?” Neteyam repeated, “I barely said anything to her.”

“Well, believe it or not, this is a sign she likes you,” Aonung chuckled as he fastened the necklace around Neteyam.

“To be honest, I think she has always liked you,” Aonung commented, “It’s hard not to.”

Neteyam felt his cheeks heat up as he changed the subject, “So what do you have planned?”

Aonung cracked a smile before saying, “come.”

Aonungs hand gently tugged his hand, leading him to another spot. Neteyam glanced at their entwined hands and allowed a small smile to form on his lips. As they kept walking Neteyam saw the village grow farther and farther away.

“Aonung, where are we going?” Neteyam asked, his voice tinged with nervousness.

“You’ll see,” he responded vaguely.

Aonung led him deeper into the forest before he stopped abruptly in front of a curtain of vines. Neteyam stared at him, puzzled. Aonung grinned back before slowly pushing aside the layer of vines to reveal a small clearing behind it.

Neteyam gasped as he took in his surroundings, tall trees surrounded the area and created a canopy of leaves. It was quiet and undisturbed, only the sounds of a nearby river flowing and the grass swaying broke the silence. Leaves fell from the foliages and landed lazily on the sun-dappled floor. Neteyam’s gaze followed one as it floated down and landed on a picnic mat in the centre of it all. A wave of nostalgia hit Neteyam, it reminded him of his home.

“Where did you find the place?” Neteyam asked, still in awe.

Aonung smiled proudly at Neteyam’s reaction, “I found it while I was exploring and I thought it would be a nice place to have a picnic.”

“There are fish in that river,” Aonung stated and he pointed at the distance.

He picked up his spear that lay on the ground beside the mat, “Hope you haven’t forgotten how to hunt yet, forest boy.”

Neteyam chuckled, “Of course not.”

Neteyam and Aonung spent the day spearing fish and picking fruit from the trees, bantering about the right way to do it. Aonung excelled at piercing the fish with precision, but was not as elegant as Neteyam when he had to climb trees. He decided he would leave that part to Neteyam and occasionally help by lifting Neteyam to pick a fruit that was on a particularly high branch. They laughed and told stories over a fire as they cooked their fish.
Before Neteyam knew it, the sky began to darken and it was time for them to head back to the marui. The sea breeze whistled softly as they walked along the shore side by side .

“Hey, Aonung?”

“Yea?”

“I had fun today,” Neteyam said with a smile.

Aonung’s eyes lit slightly at his words, “that’s good to hear.”

Neteyam stared down at the necklace that lay on his neck. He wondered the meaning behind Aonung’s actions, the necklace, the date. It was all too much effort to only be because of friendly intentions and admitted to himself that maybe Aonung may like him …and that he reciprocate Aonung’s feelings just a little.

Chapter Text

As time went, Aonung and Neteyam had to continue their public displays of affection. They had to hold hands while walking or tenderly hold the other when in sight of the other villagers. Often they would receive comments of what a “wonderful couple they were.”

The displays they did were mostly just them copying what other couples or their own parents did, still Neteyam couldn’t help but notice that some gestures were entirely their own, like Neteyam’s overbearing concern for when Aonung returned with even the smallest cuts from a hunt or how he continued to hand feed him fruits, or how Aonung always helped him off his tsurak and pick the bones out of the fish on his plate. His chest still fluttered whenever he heard Aonung call him “Ma yawne*”. It all started to feel like they weren’t acting anymore to Neteyam.

___________________

*Ma yawne: My love

“I think I might actually like Aonung,” Neteyam said almost in a daze as he untangled a fish net.

Lo’ak paused in movements and turned to look at Neteyam, “what?”

“I think I like Aonung,” He repeated, a small on his lips as he ran his fingers over the necklace he gifted him.

Lo’ak chuckled, resuming his work, “sure, bro.”

“I’m being serious,” Neteyam said, “...and I think he feels the same.”

Lo’ak stared at him with a look of disbelief, “no…”

“No?” Neteyam repeated.

“No! You actually like him?!” Lo’ak said with disgust.

“Well, objectively, don’t- don’t you think he’s kind of… good looking?” Neteyam asked.

“No, I do not think Aonung is kind of ‘good looking’,” he replied flatly.

“Sometimes when he smiles a certain way you can see his dimples,” Neteyam rambled on, ignoring Lo’ak.

“What did he even do to make you like him?” Lo’ak interrupted.

“He took me out on a date and He even gifted me this necklace,” Neteyam replied, gesturing to the necklace in his hand.

“Why do you seem against it anyway?” Neteyam asked, “aren’t you friends now?”

“We are but I don’t think he’s exactly… mate material,” Lo’ak grimaced.

A flicker of regret crossed Lo’ak’s expression as he saw Neteyam's face fall slightly, “hey, I was just joking.”

“You said he took you out and even got you a gift, huh?” Lo’ak said, “sounds like he really is making an effort for you.”

“I’m not surprised, he always has this dumb smile on his face since then.”

Neteyam's ears perked up. “He does?”

“Yea, I can just tell he’s thinking about someone. It’s annoying to look at, to be honest.”

Neteyam smiled to himself, when he thought about it, Aonung always had a playful personality that almost bordered on flirty most of the time when they were together. He never noticed it at the beginning but it became more clear to him as time passed on.

“You should tell him, you know,” Lo’ak encouraged, “you are a mated couple anyway.”

“You think so?” Neteyam asked.

“I don’t think he would’ve asked you to be his ‘pretend mate’ if he didn’t like you,” Lo’ak pointed out.

Neteyam nodded, his expression turning contemplative and filling a slight sinking feeling in his stomach at the potential of rejection from Aonung.

_. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁._

“Neteyam, are you coming?” Aonung called out.

“Yea, I’m almost ready.” Neteyam called back.

Aonung leaned back against their door frame, his arms crossed over his chest as he waited and finally heard the sound of Neteyam’s footsteps padding closer to him.

“Oh good, you’re done-” Aonung’s words died off as he took in Neteyam’s appearance.

Neteyam’s hair was loose again, just as it was on their date and half of it was tied back with colorful feathers. The rest of his hair fell over his shoulders, perfectly framing his face. Aonungs eyes trailed lower, eyeing the necklace he’d given him that adorned his neck and then the cummerband that hugged his waist. Aonung’s ears flicked as he realized how much he’d been staring and darted his eyes away. 

He cleared his throat before speaking, “we should get going.”

Neteyam nodded, walking past Aonung and letting his lips curl into a small smile as he felt Aonung’s gaze continue to follow him. He wanted to confess his feelings to Aonung, just… not yet. He figured he would dress a little nice today, see Aonung’s reaction and... test the waters.

Chapter Text

Neteyam stared down at the courting gifts Aonung had given him so far, the necklace and the knife. He didn’t remember when he started adopting this habit of trying to interpret and mostly hoped for the meaning behind every touch and word spoken from Aonung. 

He mindlessly played with the feather dangling off the handle, it really was a beautiful gift. He remembered how Aonung’s eyes stared at him expectantly when he gave it to him, like he yearned for his approval. His thoughts then drifted to the hunt a few days ago, perhaps his mother when she said Aonung loved his hair down. Aonung’s eyes were practically glued to him even when he gave instructions to the hunters and would only look away briefly when Rotxo or Lo’ak called out to him.

He set aside the gifts and replaced it with a half finished choker. He spent the afternoon stringing the last few beads and finally completing the necklace. He smiled, holding it close to his chest. When he worked up the nerve, he would give it to Aonung and confess his feelings.

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard two voices murmuring outside, both of which he recognized.

_𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝_

Aonung was on his way home, looking forward to some rest after a long meeting with his father. As he reaches his marui, he notices a familiar figure standing outside. A female na’vi that wore wild flowers in her hair.

“What are you doing here, Rewani?” Aonung sighed.

“Why him?” Rewani asked, her voice trembling.

“I don’t have the energy for this,” he dismissed, moving past her.

He felt a hand grab his arm. Aonung was about to snatch his arm away but halted when he saw that Rewani’s eyes began to well with tears.

“Why him?” She repeated, “it was supposed to be us.”

“It was supposed to be us,” she repeated over and over. She slumped her head into his chest, her hand grabbing his arm. Small sobs were heard from her throat as she began to cry. He stared down at her, unsure of how to react. Aonung reached his arms out, awkwardly holding her as she wailed.

_. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁._

Neteyam peeked curiously through the entrance, his heart falling as he saw Rewani cry and lean into Aonung’s chest.

“It was supposed to be us.” What?

Aonung didn’t seem to pull away from her touch and wrapped her in his embrace. The pit in his stomach grew heavier the longer he looked at the scene. He leant back against the marui wall, staring into space. His gaze shifted to the choker that he held in his lap. He clenched in it his fist and threw it across the room, the necklace falling to the ground with a clack. He hugged his knees to his chest and buried his head in his arms.

Oh what a skxawng he had been.