Not a Soldier Yet |Ao'nung x Neteyam|

17. Freefalling

Neteyam did not tell anybody about his new relationship with Ao'nung. The only other person who knew was Tsireya, because as it turned out the other male told her everything, even his deepest most embarrassing secrets. He didn't keep it a secret because he was ashamed, but because he felt more comfortable this way. Every time he thought about the taller boy, butterflies erupted in his stomach fluttering wildly and filling him with so much nervousness that at times he thought he might even faint.

The days did not quite pass in the same glorious they had up until their conversation. Neteyam Began to feel more awake, like he was actually present in his own body. It was strange and it was new, this feeling. He was sure his parents noticed his change in his mood. He felt happier; he was still scared. He was scared to be hurt. This was all new to him. He had never been in love before and he had also never had a crush up until this point, so everything just felt so unsure to him.

Their next few days were spent in languid peace. Ao'nung was touchy. every time the two of them are alone, the Metcayina was touching him some way. Most of the time it was just an innocent hand on his back or shoulder. Other times it was a caress against his cheek. He didn't mind it, in fact he quite enjoyed the attention. Neteyam had nearly forgotten what it was like to be touched without pain and fear since he came here. Of course, he would never say this out loud, not to Ao'nung and most certainly not his father or mother.

Neteyam no longer struggled with holding his breath underwater and swimming freely. It was as if with the disappearance of his anxiety all his other problems also vanished. Although, he wasn't entirely free of worries. Now he was worried about what his father would say; but then again, when was he not worried about that? His biggest concern had always been making his father proud. He did not remember time when this was not true. Even from such a young age, younger than even his little sister was in that moment, Neteyam sought out Jake's approval.

The Omaticaya sat with Ao'nung one sunny afternoon; the two of them were enjoying the sunlight, huddled close on a rock that emerged from the ocean.

Tsireya was hanging out with Rotxo and Kiri, Lo'ak nowhere to be found. Neteyam assumed that his brother was with their parents. From the corner of his eye, he could see his new lover's sister watching them, the happiest light shining brightly in her pale blue eyes. She was more giggly than usual.
It was a warm feeling. Neteyam enjoyed it. After all the torment he had faced come on this was a nice change. The dark blue skinned male could not remember the last time he had seen his tormentors. It was as if they had disappeared from the face of the planet.

"I want to show you a place," Ao'nung murmured against Neteyam's shoulder. "I have never shown it to anyone else before."

Neteyam chuckled, mosquitoes buzzing in his head. "I'm not so sure about that. You must have taken your sister there or some of your friends."

Ao'nung shook his head and stood, offering a hand to the other boy. Neteyam took it and let the other help him to his feet. "No, you are mistaken. This is a very special spot. I go there to be alone."

"Where is it?" Neteyam asked, letting go off Ao'nung's hand once he was steady on his feet.

"It's not far from here. is just inside the forest behind the maruis."

"I- I have never been inside that forest," Neteyam mumbled, insecurity bubbling in his chest.
Ao'nung did not seem to mind; he had already guessed that none of their new guests have entered the little forest before. It was very different from their home. The plants were not the same, as were the animals. This was the land of water after all and everything had adapted to living here, including the people. Ao'nung was sure that Neteyam could one day also completely adapt two living here. of course his physical features would never change, but despite that, Neteyam had always swam like he belonged in the ocean. At least that's what the other boy thought.

The two of them walked along the simple paths of the forest, only one of them knowing the way. Neteyam knew his ikran was in there somewhere. The trees were different from what he was used to; they did not look like they were made for climbing, their bark was much smoother an branches much thinner.
They reached a small clearing.

"We have arrived," the taller boy smiled, gesturing this hands spread wide in front of them. "There's a cave over there. That is where I go to think when the world becomes too loud."

"I didn't know you also felt such things." Neteyam admitted bashfully, tail swishing behind his back nervously.

Ao'nung tilted his head, smile not fading for even a second. "I'm also a person, even if sometimes I don't act like it."

Neteyam let out a surprised laugh and reached for Ao'nung's; he intervined their fingers.
"I didn't mean it that way. I mean that you always seem so confident, like there's nothing in the world that can bother you."

"You would be surprised, forest boy."

Neteyam joined the lessons once again. Nobody mentioned his absence. As they were practising, he noticed the clan leader watching from the shore. Neteyam felt nothing but respect for Tonowari. In his eyes the older man was on the same level as his own father, deserve nothing but humble obedience. Tonowari walked away, emitting calmness. Neteyam turned his focus back to the lesson at hand; it was the last one before he was to attempt collecting the sinking shell in one breath.

Tuk was playing around with her ilu near them; Tsireya instructed Rotxo to focus on Kiri and Lo'ak, swimming over to Neteyam happily, smiling widely and showing of her dimples.
"You are doing well," she said, playing a hand on Neteyam's stomach. "Your heartbeat is steady and calm. I am proud of you."

Neteyam smiled shyly, thanking her, and sinking underwater to practise holding his breath some more. Under the surface, he spotted Ao'nung. The Metcayina was not moving; only his eyes followed the movement of the other young na'vis. He seemed comfortable, so Neteyam copied his pose, laughing silently and without letting out any of the air stored in his lungs. Ao'nung tilted his head, relaxed and smiling faintly as he watched Neteyam imitate him.

'You are beautiful,' he signed to the Omaticaya smugly grinning as he saw Neteyam nearly choke, rushing to the surface in embarrassment at having been complimented so openly.

"Bro, are you okay?" Lo'ak swam over to Neteyam, patting his back to help him cough up the water that snuck down his throat into his airways.

Neteyam nodded, wheezing. "Yeah, I'm good, baby brother."