Not a Soldier Yet |Ao'nung x Neteyam|

49. Helping Hands

By the time Neteyam's knees had healed, another battle had taken place. This time, some warriors had fallen. Lo'ak had stayed back to comfort him, knowing that having to stay behind filled his brother with intense pain and restlessness.

As the sun was setting, Ronal entered their marui carrying a small basket of plants and supplies.
The two Sully boys greeted her, which she returned, balancing the basket on one hip.
"I have come to see how your knees are."

Lo'ak moved to the side; he let go of his brother's hand that he'd been holding for the better half of the afternoon and watched curiously from the side as the tsahik got to work, kneeling next to Neteyam.

Ronal removed his bandages, placing his fingers on the skin, pressing gently and watching Neteyam's face for any sign of pain. "Does it hurt?"

The forest na'vi shook his head, braids flying about. "Not at all."

Ronal nodded, satisfied. "I think you no longer need the bindings to keep your leg straight. I suggest you don't walk too much, but you can begin to."

Lo'ak cheered happily from the side, hurrying to stand next to his brother, opposite of Ronal.
Neyeyam smiled gratefully, thanking his mate's mother for her hard work. Ronal placed a hand on the top of his head, watching him for a second before nodding and walking away.

Lo'ak sat down next to him, helping him sit up more; Neteyam put his hand on his brother's shoulder to support himself. A pleasant giggle broke through his throat. Lo'ak watched his brother in pure wonder, searching his face and smiling brightly.
The younger Sully boy wrapped his arms around his older brother's strong shoulders and hugged him close, burying his face into Neteyam's shoulder.

"I'm so glad you healed okay, bro," Lo'ak said against his skin, making Neteyam wiggle around a little from his brother's breath tickling him.
"We can go diving again soon, right?"

"Yeah, we can." Neteyam patted the top of his brother's head with love.
Lo'ak cuddled up to him, squeezing his shoulders and pressing a kiss to the side of his older brother's head. "We can go flying too, right, bro?"

Neteyam chuckled, nodding and ruffling Lo'ak's hair before his heart fluttered as Ao'nung appeared in the doorway of his family's home.
The Metcayina smiled at the sight of the brothers holding each other before stepping inside as Neteyam gestured for him to enter the marui.

Lo'ak pulled away and walked over to his sleeping mat, watching them for a moment before turning away to finish working on his new, metcayina loincloth.

"How are you feeling?" Ao'nung asked, crouching beside his mate and watching his face, pale blue eyes twinkling with undisguised adoration. "Mother said you can begin to walk short distances now."

"Yes," Neteyam mumbled, cheeks heating. "I haven't tried yet, though."

Ao'nung tilted his head to the side. "Would you like me to help so you can try now?"
Neteyam thought for a second, wiggling his toes and slowly pulling his knees up to his chest, testing how they felt. His right knee throbbed a little, but the pain was nothing compared to before. His mate's firm hands grabbed his hips gently as Neteyam braced himself by grasping at Ao'nung's shoulders.
Lo'ak watched them, seeing if he needed to come help, but Ao'nung seemed to be enough.

Ao'nung helped Neteyam to his feet, encouraging him to try taking a step and walking without crutches; they held on to each other, heartbeats merging with the other's. They shared a quick light kiss, pretending not to notice Lo'ak as he faked being sick behind them.

Ao'nung led Neteyam to the closest part of the beach, stopping when the Omaticaya needed a second. Neteyam had a noticeable limp; some Metcayina had come over to ask if he needed any more help, but Neteyam kindly rejected them. The forest na'vi was grateful, but he wanted to spend time with Ao'nung, rather than some strangers.
They sat by the water, watching as the sky darkened, turning pitch black.

That night, before his siblings and father returned home, Neteyam spotted his his mother inside their marui. He limped inside with the help of Ao'nung. The Metcayina helped him settle down before biding him goodnight and leaving to go home.

"Ao'nung is a good mate," Neytiri spoke, greeting his son. "He takes care of you."

Neteyam nodded, smiling softly and looking down at his lap, fiddling with his hands. He had been meaning to ask his mother some questions but had not yet had the chance to, as they never seemed to be alone anymore.

Neteyam cleared his throat, facing his mother fully. "Mom, I need your advice on something."

Neytiri nodded, coming to sit next to his son. She placed a hand on his left knee gently, watching a little scar stretch across the skin. It was an older scar; Neteyam had been pushed to the sand, falling on sharp shells.
"What would like to know?" His mother asked, encouraging and without judgement.

Neteyam contemplated changing the subject suddenly on which he wanted help, but decided to will away his embarrassment. His mother had never judged him about his preferences, nor the things he wanted to try.
"I would like to learn how I can-" his voice trailed off, taking a deep breath to collect himself. "How can I give Ao'nung pleasure?"

A mischievous glint filled his mother's golden gaze as she smiled at her oldest son's question. "What have you tried so far, my Neteyam?"

Neteyam glanced to the side. "I have mated with him..."

Neytiri's eyes softened. She caressed his shoulder with a powerful love only a mother could have. It filled Neteyam with warmth.
"That is all?" Neytiri asked, voice kind.

Neteyam nodded, not saying a word.

"There are a few things you can do," Neytiri explained, not a sign of discomfort or judgement on her face. "You can use this hand of yours to touch him."

"Oh, I think I know what you mean by that. Is there no other way?" Neteyam shook away his shyness, sitting up a bit straighter and allowing himself to feel comfort in his mother's presence.

Neytiri giggled to herself, covering her mouth. "Oh, you beautiful child. There are many ways, but I think he may most like if you gave him pleasure with your mouth."

Neteyam's brows furrowed. "My mouth? On his-"

When his son did not finish his sentence, the Omaticaya woman nodded. "If you take him in your mouth, it will feel nice for him. But for this to be as good as it can be, you should only do it if you feel comfortable with it, my son."

"Okay," Neteyam breathed out. "But am I just supposed to put it in my mouth, and then what?"

"You move your head," Neytiri explained further, patting her son's cheek. She told Neteyam how to do this without a single moment of hesitation, explaining everything she viewed as useful to him. When she was done, she winked at Neteyam. "You may tell me how it goes, if you want. I will guide you whenever you need me to."

"Thank you, mom."