Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 13

Aonung looks behind him and sees Neteyam step right up to him. He takes a step away, giving himself more space.

Neteyam- Kiri, go back to the den. You aren't going to be mated to him.

Kiri nods then jogs back towards the base of the cliff and back to the beach. Aonung watches Kiri disappear into the forest on her way back, then turns back to Neteyam and is met with his lips.

This time, though still shocked, Aonung pulls Neteyam off of him. Holding him back by his shoulders.

Aonung- You said you wouldn't do it again.

Neteyam- I couldn't help it. I heard everything you said.

Aonung- And you aren't mad? I called your siblings a burden.

Neteyam- I am mad. Mad that I don't think I care.

He releases his grip on Neteyam, then sits down, patting the spot next to him. Neteyam sits down and sighs.

Neteyam- No one has ever gone out of their way to look out for me like that. I mean, you've saved me twice now.

Aonung- Without thanks.

Neteyam chuckles softly then looks at Aonung with a thankful expression.

Neteyam- I didn't want to accept your help, I didn't want to need it.

Aonung- I know. I told you, we're more alike than you think.

The marine boy lets a small smile slip onto his face without noticing, and it causes Neteyam to smile too.

Neteyam- I misjudged you.

Aonung- Most people do.

Neteyam- Does this mean you'll leave my siblings alone?

Aonung- And let them wear you down? No. They need to learn no-

Neteyam- Not to rely on me so much, I know.

Aonung- Just until you can actually handle yourself here, then you can baby them as much as you want.

Neteyam- So, you'll help me?

Aonung- On one condition. You stop swooping in like the hero.

Neteyam- As long as you don't take things too far, we have a deal.

Neteyam holds out his hand and they shake, sealing their deal, then sit silently watching the waves.

Aonung begins to glance at the forest boy, observing the luminescence of his golden eyes in the dark. Before he's caught staring, though, he turns his attention back towards the sea.

The two boys continue watching the ocean together until it gets late enough for their parents to start wondering where they are.

The next day, the Sully's and the Metkayina kids are gathered in the same cliff spot Neteyam and Aonung were in the night before. They're sitting in a circle, except for Aonung who's sitting against a rock on the sidelines.

With the whole mate arrangement situation done, everyone is relaxed, and in a pleasant mood.

As promised, Neteyam and his siblings are teaching them their soothing song from the cave. Lo'ak has a drum, set in front of him, and Rotxo watches him closely.

Neteyam- Before we break things down, we'll show you the full demonstration. Tuk will be our dancer.

Tuk- But I wanted to see you dance.

Neteyam- Maybe another time, okay?

Tuk- Okay. I am pretty good at it anyway.

Tuktirey stands and Tsireya and Rotxo glance at each other in excitement.

Neteyam- When someone is dancing, we form a half circle, to give them space.

The eager teens nod and they move with the Sullys to sit in a curved row, facing Tuktirey.

As the Sullys begin to harmonize, Lo'ak simultaneously starts beating the drum, and the small girl begins her dance. Slowly at first through Neteyam's verse, then quicker through the drum solo.

Aonung sits with his arms crossed, impressed by Tuktirey's skill, but mostly by their harmony together. It's satisfying to hear, and to watch. It almost brings a smile to his face.

Once the song is over, and the small dancer bows, Tsireya and Rotxo clap enthusiastically for her performance.

Tsireya- You dance so gracefully, Tuk.

Tuktirey- I can teach you.

Kiri- Let's teach them the actual song first, Tuk.

Tuktirey- I can do that too.

They each laugh at her confidence. Neteyam glances at Aonung sitting on the side. He looks at Tsireya and gestures over to her brother.

Neteyam- Tell him to join us.

Lo'ak- You're kidding, right?

Kiri- We promised Tsireya and Rotxo we would teach them, Aonung clearly doesn't want anything to do with it.

Neteyam- It takes at least three to harmonize.

Kiri- Well I'm not teaching him. I'll teach Tsireya.

Tuktirey- Oh me too!

Lo'ak- I got Rotxo.

Neteyam shakes his head at his siblings, but also understands the reason for their dislike. He looks at Aonung and waves him over. The marine boy shakes his head and stays put.

Neteyam- (sighs) You guys get started, I'll go handle him.