Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 62

Chapter 6

The bright and blazing afternoon sun shines over Awa'atlu. Within the forest behind the village, Neteyam and Aonung are shielded from the sun's rays. Up in a tree, hidden away from everyone, simply enjoying each other's company.

The past couple of weeks have been fairly relaxing for the boys, since it was obvious to their parents they needed a break. Not completely without chores though. Once Neteyam was moving more like normal, he helped Aonung with the tasks he was given.

He lies on Aonung's shoulder, listening to the marine boy hum the Omatikayan song he's been teaching him in their alone time. Aonung's voice is deep, and strong, unlike the soft voice the forest boy has. He finds the bass very attractive, but still can't get him to sing in front of the others.

He leans up, pulling Aonung's attention from his slim hands to his face.

Neteyam- Won't you sing with the others, for me?

Aonung- Again, no.

Neteyam- I'm sure your mother would love to hear you sing. Tsireya and Wari too.

Aonung- I said no, stop begging.

Neteyam- But begging always works.

Aonung playfully rolls his eyes with a slight chuckle.

Neteyam- So you'll do it?

Aonung- (sighs) I really need to stop spoiling you.

Neteyam- But you won't.

Aonung- Brat.

Neteyam- Only with you.

Aonung- Why?

Neteyam- You're the only one who lets me get away with it.

Both boys laugh at the very true statement, then hear a familiar voice calling for Neteyam. The blue boy stands, balancing on the branch they're placed on, and looks down. The lone human in the village, Spider, is walking below.

Neteyam looks at Aonung, who's now standing next to him.

Neteyam- Guess it's time to start helping with preparations.

Aonung- We've skipped out enough. Go on, I'll catch up.

Neteyam begins to climb down the tree, leaving Aonung behind to conceal their relationship. When he lands on the ground, Spider turns around and walks up to him.

Neteyam- Alright, let's go.

Spider crosses his arms and raises a brow, confusing Neteyam.

Neteyam- What?

Spider- Aren't you gonna wait for Aonung?

Neteyam- . . . How did you-

Spider- You two were the only ones missing. If you're trying to keep it a secret, maybe don't make a habit of disappearing at the same time.

With a smirk, Neteyam shakes his head at the sly expression of his observant friend. He looks up in the tree and calls out to Aonung. Shortly after, the marine boy reaches the lower branches and slips. He falls and hits the ground, making Spider laugh and Neteyam just sighs. The boy just can't seem to climb downward without slipping at least once.

He leans up off the ground and gives Spider a meaningless glare. Neteyam holds a hand out to help him up.

Aonung- I said I'd catch up.

Neteyam- No point, he already knows.

Spider- Why is it a secret anyway?

The two Na'vi go silent for a moment, and Spider decides to just leave the topic alone for now.

Spider- Nevermind. Come on, we have a lot of work to do.

The three boys return to the village, where the others are preparing for the celebration. Toruk Makto may only be a stand-in leader for the village, but it's still worth celebrating. There will be a feast, entertainment and music.