Neteyam x Ao'nung

3

Neteyam learnt the ways of the reef people quickly. He was a smart boy and he worked as hard as he could to keep up with his peers, refusing to feel inferior. Ao'nung noticed this, and he appreciated it. Ao'nung also realised he was starting to develop some sort of respect towards Neteyam, and as much as he resented the boy he couldn't help but sneak a look at him every time he walked past.

The next day, the group were learning how to ride Ilu and Ao'nung was in charge.

Neteyam and his siblings stood in a circle in the shallow water, watching him attentively.
Ao'nung called the Ilu over with a series of clicks and hoots.

"if you want to live here, you have to ride" he announced.

Once again Ao'nung was made to help Neteyam. He lead the forest boy to an Ilu and explained what he would need to do to stay on. His words were gentle and easy to understand. he wanted Neteyam to learn, he wanted him to stay.

Neteyam formed the bond with the Ilu and hopped onto it with the help of Ao'nung. Their hands brushed against one another as Neteyam reached for a place to hold, both ignoring the interaction.

Ao'nung chuckled, "don't be scared forest boy you clearly learn well." Neteyam smiled at the reassuring words coming from the boy who had been so rude to him upon his arrival. 'Perhaps things were changing' he thought.

That night Neteyam decided to go for a short walk, to clear his head. He wandered around the houses and eavesdropped on meaningless conversations until he found himself sitting with his feet dangling in the water. It was cold yet refreshing and a deep crystal blue. He missed his home and he missed his people. The boy didn't even realise he was crying until the tear slid down his cheek and onto his lips.

Neteyam watched the water and it's inhabitants glide past his feet, quietly sobbing and praying nobody would catch him. So lost in his own world, so oblivious to the sounds of footsteps approaching him. A familiar hand slid onto his shoulder. Neteyam looked back at Ao'nung, his smile gentle, and quickly looked back down in embarrassment.

"What are you doing here?" Neteyam said quietly.

"I was about to ask you the same thing."Ao'nung replied, sitting down next to him.

"I came to tell you good job on your progress but maybe I should start a therapy session instead" he laughed softy, his hand still on Neteyams shoulder.

"I don't want to talk about it, not with you"

"Look, I'm sorry, I know we got off on the wrong foot but can we at least be friends?"

The boys looked up at each other. Ao'nung reached his hand over and wiped a stubborn tear off of Neteyams cheek, letting them linger for just a second.

"Please?" Ao'nung said looking back down again at the water. His cheeks a deep blue unbeknownst to Neteyam in the dim light.

"I'll think about it." the forest boy replied and quickly walked off leaving Ao'nung alone, a subtle smile forming on his face.

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Haha I know I said this would come out in the next few days but I ended up having a random burst of creativity at like 12 am which will also explain any errors, but here u go :)