Not a Soldier Yet |Ao'nung x Neteyam|

29. Tease

Neteyam was lying on the floor of the cave, hair spread out around him like a halo; Ao'nung hovered over him, holding both of Neteyam's wrists in one hand, pinning them above his head. Ao'nung's free hand trailed over every inch of Neteyam's body that he could reach, lightly raking his nails over the soft skin. Neteyam was breathing heavily, twitching any time Ao'nung touched a sensitive spot on his body.

"You would look so gorgeous if you let me take you like this," Ao'nung pressed a light kiss to Neteyam's lips.
Neteyam closed his eyes, kissing him back with slightly more force. "You have to wait."

"I hate having to wait when you're right here under me like this." Ao'nung leaned back slightly. Neteyam's legs were spread around his waist lazily, toes curling and uncurling from time to time. Ao'nung pressed their hips together, bold. He made no move to touch that area with his bare hands; he respected Neteyam's wish to be mate before the eyes of Eywa. This did not mean he could not play around with the other boy.

"I need to go home soon," Neteyam whispered, slightly nervous and intimidated by the force of Ao'nung's love.

Ao'nung pursed his lips, disappointed. "I wish we could stay here all night."

"Dad won't let me," Neteyam laughed, the sound sending tingles down all over Ao'nung body. "I think he's traumatized by the fact that we're both going to be considered adults for real soon."

"So what?" Ao'nung huffed, amused. "You're old enough to have a little fun."

Neteyam cringed. Ao'nung let go of his wrists, so the Omaticaya pulled his arms down and hugged the ocean na'vi's waist. "You did not have to listen to your father fumble to explain how to prepare yourself-"

"I did actually," Ao'nung cut him off.
Neteyam's eyes widened, speechless. "Really?"
Ao'nung shrugged, not even giving his next words a second thought. "Yeah, he's known for a while that there's no use trying to find me a female mate."

"You knew already?" Neteyam asked curiously, watching Ao'nung's face.

"Neteyam, I'm almost an adult, why would I not know my own preferences?" Ao'nung chuckled, caressing a heated cheek with his thumb.
Neteyam grumbled something under his breath and pushed Ao'nung back so he could sit up. He pulled his legs back, sitting cross-legged in front of the Metcayina. "I didn't know until I came here."

"What made you realize?" Ao'nung grinned smugly.

Neteyam snorted, shoving his shoulders. "It wasn't you. I'm pretty sure you were busy being mean."

"Then who was it?" Ao'nung leaned closer, completely engrossed in the conversation.

Neteyam hesitated; Ao'nung noticed. "Uh, I was with Rotxo. I don't remember what we were talking about. I just noticed that he looked nice. I never liked him like that thought."

"You were attracted to him though," Ao'nung pressed on, staring at Neteyam intently.

Neteyam shrugged, noticing the game he was playing and refusing to back down. "I was. He was kind and I was still getting used to how touchy you guys are compared to my own clan."

Ao'nung's mouth hung open in undisguised shock. "Rotxo was touchy with you?"

Neteyam only shrugged. "Walk me home?"
"For a kiss."

Inside their marui, Neteyam spotted his father. Jake greeted him, then stood when he noticed that Ao'nung was with him too; he greeted the Olo'eyktan's son.
Ao'nung pulled Neteyam into a hug to say goodbye, not quite brave enough to kiss the shorter male in front of the mighty Toruk Makto; Neteyam knew and smirked up at him, causing Ao'nung to roll his eyes.

"I see you had fun," Jake mentioned causally once Ao'nung sauntered off to go home.

Neteyam nodded slowly, eyeing his father wearily.

Jake was sharpening his hunting gear, not really looking at him. "Where do you two always disappear off to?"

Neteyam shrugged. "Nowhere special-"
"You should brush your hair, son." Jake cut him off, grinning playfully.

Neteyam's mouth fell open; his cheeks began to burn. "I hate this family."

Jake, unable to help himself, burst out laughing. "Whatever you say kiddo."

Neteyam was wondering around the village with nothing to do a few days later; he was watching the people work or play. He really felt like he was at home. His darker skin stood out against the Metcayina's teal colouring, but this did not bother Neteyam the way it had before. The forest na'vi was enjoying the sunny weather when he spotted Tsireya and Lo'ak behind some larger bushes, giggling and dancing around each other. Neteyam chuckled, shaking his head and walking away to give them privacy.

Kiri and Tuk were in the water, playing with their ilus. Neteyam did not feel like swimming much that day. He found an empty spot on the beach, far enough from the people that he could no longer hear them talking. He sat down on the sand, burying his feet under the warm grains.

Everything was so beautiful and peaceful that it almost felt unreal to him. He did not want anything to change. He was beginning to miss the forest a little less, the hole in his chest slowly starting to close. He realised that people genuinely loved him.
Neteyam's nightmares slowly came to an end, and he could finally sleep peacefully again. A foreign sense of security enveloped him like a warm blanket on a cold summer's night. The forest Navi did not feel so hopeless anymore.

He began to spend more time with his family, especially his siblings. During his torment, he had begun to neglect everyone around him. Just a few days ago he realised he needed to make an effort if he wanted to be kind. Of course, nobody blamed him if he did not feel like going out on adventures. Most of the times, his mother had even preferred him to stay nearby rather than two wander around with the rest of his siblings.

He laid down in the sand, enjoying every second he got to spend serenely. Once again, like it did so many times before, he felt like he could beat this.
This time it was different. This time, he was sure.