Oceans Apart (Aonung x Neteyam)

Dont Cry.

That morning, before the sun had fully risen above the sea line, Neteyam strode down the shore, every now and then the freezing water would surge forward and lap at his ankles, the feeling refreshing against the humid air. He perched himself on a large set stone that was buried deep into the sand, worn smooth from years of torment from the ocean. Neteyam settled into the cool surface, the rock face not yet warmed by the sun as he began running through the breathing exercises he had practised with Rotxo and Tsireya. Picturing a flickering flame as he held his diaphragm, breathing in slowly through his nose and out through his mouth, the new morning air leaving the familiar taste of salt on his tongue. Neteyam sat frozen practising for hours as the sun began to peel over the horizon, awakening the Metkayina clan. The calls of ilu's rang through the air as they chirped for morning breakfast while children laughed playfully at their sides. Neteyam noticed the bustle of the clan picking up as a few elders eyed him, they passed by holding large nets and baskets, children following close behind chirping out questions upon questions, their faces were weary but he could see they enjoyed having the chance to teach the younger generation. The crunch of sand beside him made his ears twitch as he turned to see Aonung, sharing traditional greetings as he settled adjacent to Neteyam on the rock and revealed a large woven leaf parcel.

"Here, i brought food, meal time is almost over" Aonung spoke, gesturing to the parcel of food.

"Since when are you so caring?" Neteyam teased, watching Aonung through his lashes, satisfied when he saw the Metkayina huff, his lips downcast as the tip of his tail flicked out to whip at Neteyams thigh. The Omatikayan turned his attention to the food chuckling, inside the chubby bundle was a plethora of various pieces of fresh fish, a cooked through root and a few small green berry-like fruit he hadn't tried before. He rolled the berry in his fingers, it was hard on the outside and smooth to the touch with a glossy finish. His face scrunched as he popped the berry in his mouth, it was sour with a bitter aftertaste, the berry burst easily with applied pressure and as the juices flooded his tongue it warmed his mouth, almost tasting spicy as his mouth tingled. Neteyam figured the berry was more for the sensation than the taste. Aonung must have noticed his expression, his smile was a subtle thing but the teasing glint in his eye was all too apparent as he reached over Neteyams lap, stealing a few of the berries and popping them in his mouth.

"These are mahana berries" He informed, smirking as he easily downed the bitter plant. "They take some getting used to, we ferment them in gourds that are traded from nearby clans. This is what we drink when the clan is celebrating".

Neteyam hummed in response, deciding to pick at the familiar fish and roots then attempt to tackle the mahana berries again, leaving them for Aonung to finish off.

"Breathing exercises are traditionally done with a partner when you're learning" Aonung chides, breaking the peaceful silence. He inspected his fingers for a moment before glancing at Neteyam to make sure the Omatikayan had heard.

Instead Neteyam turns to look at the horizon line, studying the way the sun bounced off the water to create large pyramids of light. "Rotxo has already practised with me, i know what i'm doing" he replied lazily.

"I am the chief's son, i know better" Aonung pushed, shifting forwards.

Neteyam scoffs at this, his brows furrowing, "you seriously think-"
The Omatikayans breath hitched in his throat, his words falling short as he felt Aonungs large hands mould around the structure of his chest, the pads of the heirs fingers pressing softly into his diaphragm, prodding at the muscle beneath to feel it's strength. Aonung leaned close, ears flicking and twitching as he listened to Neteyams unsteady breath.

"Continue the breathing exercises, i will listen for you" Aonung instructed, his voice low and calm, directing Neteyam.

Neteyam steadied himself under the Metkayinan heir's warm touch, breathing deep through his nose and out through his mouth. Aonungs hands moved over his chest and down to his diaphragm, he traced down his ribs before dipping back to his abdomen as his fingers ran over the toned muscles that lined his stomach. Neteyams fingers drummed on his thighs, trying to distract himself with feeble attempts to slow his heart rate.