Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 6

Before anyone can protest, Neteyam dives back underwater.

Aonung exchanges a look with Tsireya as she runs up to the shore. She calls out to Neteyam, but Lo'ak stops her from going after him.

Lo'ak- He said to wait here.

Tsireya- These waters are dangerous, he should not be diving alone.

Lo'ak- He's tough, he'll be fine.

Aonung- What if he's not as tough as you think?

Lo'ak snaps his gaze towards Aonung with a glare, then walks up to him and stands in his face.

Lo'ak- You callin' him weak? He beat your ass, remember?

Aonung- Only to keep me from beating yours.

Tsireya- Aonung!

Lo'ak- Yeah? Nobody's here to stop you now.

Kiri- Lo'ak, don't start.

Lo'ak steps closer, bumping his chest against Aonung's.

Lo'ak- Come on, do something.

Kiri- Just leave it alone, Lo'ak.

Lo'ak- Nah, he got the guts to talk shit then he got the guts to get hit.

Aonung- Hit me then.

Lo'ak doesn't take a second to punch Aonung in the face, and he retaliates.

One attack after the other the boys continue fighting. Kiri just rolls her eyes, not even sure why she tried to stop her brother knowing it wouldn't work.

Aonung knocks Lo'ak onto the ground with his tail, but Lo'ak is quick to react. He grabs Aonung's bond and it causes him to scream.

He's a bit startled by Aonung's reaction, but is scared by Tsireya's.

She runs up to him with a hiss and pushes him away from Aonung. Lo'ak falls back onto the ground, scooting away from her in shock.

Tsireya- Do not ever touch his bond, or I will slice your tail in half. You hear me, Lo'ak?

Lo'ak frantically nods his head, completely understanding, and not wanting to lose half his tail.

He looks to his right and sees Tuktirey standing at the shore.

Lo'ak- What is it, Tuk?

Tuktirey- How long can Neteyam stay underwater?

The realization that Neteyam hasn't come up for air this entire time sets in.

Tsireya- He has been good with practices, but he still should have come up for air by now.

Lo'ak quickly stands up and starts heading into the water.

Lo'ak- I'll find him.

Aonung grabs his shoulder, pulling him back.

Aonung- No, I'll go. I'm faster.

Lo'ak stands back and Aonung dives into the water, looking around for any signs of Neteyam.

He swims as fast as he can without missing any of his surroundings, then finally he spots him.

His legs are caught at the entrance of a dense kelp forest, and he's barely moving. Aonung swims up to him. He's still conscious, but he's out of air.

Aonung quickly pulls out his knife and starts cutting the kelp from Neteyam's legs, but it's hard because his body keeps jerking around. Aonung realizes he has no choice.

He swims back up to Neteyam's face, holds him still, and locks their lips, giving as much air as he can. He pulls away and inspects Neteyam to see if it worked, and it did. Though the action leaves Neteyam shook.

Once Neteyam is fine, Aonung continues cutting the kelp until he's free. Then they both resurface and make their way to the shore.

Tuktirey cheers with Lo'ak, but when they approach Neteyam as he walks onto the beach, they notice a hard scowl on his face. Lo'ak quickly takes a step back, pulling Tuktirey with him.

Tsireya hugs her brother as thanks for not just turning his back on Neteyam and leaving him for dead. Lo'ak walks up to Aonung looking serious.

Lo'ak- What happened down there?

Aonung- He was stuck in kelp, so I cut him free.

Lo'ak- Then why is he so pissed?

Aonung- Maybe his ego is hurt.

Lo'ak- Neteyam's ego isn't so easily bruised.

Aonung- Neteyam is also tough enough to dive alone, right?

Tsireya- Aonung, can't you see he's serious?

Tsireya looks at Aonung pleadingly, and with a groan he storms off in the direction Neteyam went to see what's up.

He finds him back in the cave, pacing back and forth.

Aonung- You're welcome.

Neteyam- Not now, Aonung.

Aonung- What the hell were you thinking, going in there alone?

Neteyam ignores his question, and he clicks his tongue, already frustrated with this. He grabs Neteyam's arm, stopping him in his tracks, forcing him to face him.

Aonung- Hey, what's wrong with you?

Aonung is suddenly overpowered and shoved against the wall. Neteyam holds him there with a tight grip on his wrists, standing only an inch away from his face.

Neteyam- I said not now.

Aonung- . . .

Aonung is at a loss for words. He knows Neteyam is strong, but he seems to forget that every time he looks at his thin body. And before he knows it, he's staring into Neteyam's striking eyes. Unsure of what's happening, until Neteyam's gaze wanders down to his lips. And suddenly he's moving his own against them.

Aonung isn't sure what to do.

He can't move, and the more Neteyam continues the less he's sure he wants to. But the passionate kiss comes to an end when they both hear excited squealing that sounds like Tuktirey.

Before Neteyam releases Aonung, he grabs him firmly by the face, and wears yet another scowl.

Neteyam- I hate you.

Not looking for a response, Neteyam shoves Aonung to the side as he leaves the cave. Aonung follows quietly, a bit shaken.

On the beach, they see their parents, and Ilu.

Everyone is excited to finally be able to go home, but Aonung is still utterly confused by what just happened to him.

Even on the ride home, all he can think about is, not the kiss, but what Neteyam said afterwards. It leaves Aonung with questions.

Why kiss him if he hates him? Why kiss him at all? But more importantly, why did Aonung like it?