Another Chance |Ao'nung x Neteyam|

Chapter 10: Brothers

The second day without his father's comforting presence is only somewhat easier than the first.

Neteyam wakes up, still wrapped in Ao'nung's arms and jolts upright, having falling asleep in the middle of the afternoon. His mind feels disoriented and foggy from sleeping so much.

Ao'nung is already awake, blinking silently up at the ceiling of the marui, humming a quiet song. His hand comes to rest on Neteyam's lower back, almost as if he knew Neteyam's reaction before the omega even woke up.

"Good morning," Ao'nung murmurs, slowly sitting up, leaning back on his arms. He has a blanket draped over his middle.

Neteyam flushes, realising he's kicked away any and all coverings in his haste to get up. "Morning."

Ao'nung looks away, making a show of covering his eyes, smirking softly.

Neteyam bites his lip, feeling bad for the Metcayina. Still, his forgiveness was nowhere in sight. He tugs his loincloth on, grimacing at the crusty feeling all over his body.

He sits back down beside Ao'nung and sighs softly through his nose. The Metcayina tilts his head, watching him silently.

Neteyam rubs his face, shaking his head. "You didn't violate me," he murmurs eventually, caressing his baby bump slowly with trembling fingers.

"I should have stood up to my mother," Ao'nung whispers, eyes wide in surprise. He seems relieved but nervous all at the same time.

Neteyam shrugs. "We all make mistakes sometimes. And you did offer to wait."

Ao'nung nods along with his words. He exhales deeply, as if a weight was lifted off his shoulder before his face blossoms in a silly grin. Neteyam's heart flutters in his chest.

"So, does that mean our lessons are back on?" Ao'nung asks eagerly, adjusting the blanket across his lap.

Neteyam chuckles, shaking his head in amusement. Now, he understands what his parents meant by kiss and make up. At least, he thinks so.

"If you insist, mermaid boy."

Ao'nung blinks in confusion. "You know, I still don't know what that means."

Neteyam shrugs. "I'll tell you one day. I'm going to wash up."

Ao'nung doesn't follow him, dressing quickly instead and tidying up the blankets, making sure to seperate the ones with suspicious stains.

Neteyam slips into the water, letting it wash any remaining evidence that he had been with Ao'nung the night before. He dips his head under, wetting his hair, letting the water soothe his scalp.

The sun is high in the sky, burning unforgivably harshly down at the na'vi under it.

Neteyam doesn't mind it; the water cools him. He floats around for a while, only his head above the water until he becomes aware of a presence near him.

Neteyam sits up, eyes landing on Tonowari. The large male is smiling kindly at him. He's not alone.

Neteyam sniffs the air, eyeing the two warriors beside the Olo'eyktan wearily before slowly exiting the water. He bows his head in greeting to all three men. Both of the strangers are larger than him, but not quite as tall as Tonowari. One wears a simple, bun made up of tight braids, the other has half of his hair down, loose curls falling down his back in gentle ringlets. Neteyam notes that the later is also an omega.

Tonowari returns his greeting, touching one of the warriors' shoulder. "This is Kaey, he offered to teach you how to ride a tsurak. This is his mate, Naìtvì. He will come along to make sure all is well."