Not a Soldier Yet |Ao'nung x Neteyam|

61. Gentle Love

Some days, Neteyam felt very energetic and happy - others, he felt his world was coming to an end. Some nights, his old tormentors would haunt his dreams, hurting him and cutting into his skin with dull-bladed knives.
As the weeks passed and the sky people slowly started to give up - he felt he did not help win this fight - the village burst into celebration.

"Neteyam?"

Neteyam looked up from the knife he was sharpening. "Yes, dad?"

Jake walked inside the marui, a pleasant smile on his face. He sat down next to his oldest son, ruffling his unbraided hair. Neteyam let him, chuckling shyly. "I have just spoken with the Olo'eyktan. He would like to announce you to his people as his son's official mate with a feast and a celebration."

Neteyam blushed faintly, setting his knife aside and raching over to wrap his arms around his father's shoulder, hugging him softly. Jake melted into the embrace, pulling the lithe body tighter against him. The na'vi wondered how he managed to raise Neteyam to have such a gentle nature. Jake was sure Neteyam did not get his soft temperament from him or his mother.

"When does he want this announcement to happen?" Neteyam asked after a while, pulling back and letting his father go.

Jake shrugged. "Most likely when the tulkun return once again. The first messengers have just gone to tell them it is safe to come back."

Neteyam smiled, eyes crinkling at the corners slightly. "The sky people will not hurt them again?"

"No, baby boy." Jake patted his shoulder lightly. "For now, the war is over."

Neteyam stepped outside of their marui, glancing up at the night sky before walking quietly to the beach. He had promised Ao'nung he would meet with him that night. Neteyam walked along the soft sand with a hand placed on his own shoulder, fingers fiddling with his hair. Whenever he swam in the deep blue waters of the ocean, Eywa found him; her little glowing creations swimming to him, twirling around him before scattering as Ao'nung entered the water next to him.

"How are you feeling, baby tail?" Ao'nung asked softly, tucking a strand of hair behind Neteyam's ear.
Ao'nung had taken to asking about his moods, wanting to keep him happy. Sometimes, to shield his mate from his dark thoughts, he would pretend that he was fine. Neteyam felt alright in that moment. He smiled up at his mate, eyes tracing his tattoos and long, loose, curly hair. Ao'nung had let his hair down that night.

"My father told me that he spoke to yours," Neteyam replied, leaning into Ao'nung's gentle touches. "Have they told you anything yet?"

Ao'nung grinned boyishly, placing his hands on Neteyam's hips and walking him backwards in the water until the Omaticaya's back his a rock. Neteyam tilted his head, watching the Metcayina curiously as Ao'nung trapped him in place with an arm on either side of his head.

"My father said he would like for the village to know that you are my mate," Ao'nung smirked proudly, lifting Neteyam slightly out of the water, grasping the backs of his thighs. Neteyam wrapped his legs around Ao'nung's wait, blinking slowly and followed the Metcayina's gaze. Ao'nung was looking back behind them at the village, watching as his people celebrated victory.

"How does that work?" Neteyam asked.

"He'll just hold a speech," Ao'nung began. "We have to basically hold hands and stand next to him."

Neteyam snorted. "Your mother wants to train me to be tsahik."

Ao'nung smirked, rubbing his nose against his mate's. "I know. I'm very proud. You would make a wonderful tsahik."

"I'm worried," he breathed out. "I thought Tsireya was supposed to be the tsahik."

Ao'nung shook his head, kissing down Neteyam's neck. "She's been learning, but she does not really want to be our next tsahik."

"She didn't have a choice?"

Ao'nung snorted, adjusting his grip on Neteyam, who in turn shifted around. "Of course she does. She's just too... I don't know. She wanted to please our parents."

Neteyam nodded, letting the conversation fade away.
Ao'nung set him down and took his hand, leading him into the water further. Together, they dived under, swimming around lazily.
Ao'nung circled around Neteyam, watching fondly as the Omaticaya followed him with his intense yellow gaze.

Neteyam reached his hand out, grasping at one of Ao'nung's upper arms gently. He pulled the Metcayina close until their chests pressed against one another.
Ao'nung closed his eyes, ghosting his lips over Neteyam's. The forest na'vi wrapped his arms around the other's strong shoulders, holding him close, kissing him slowly.

They pulled apart; Neteyam was still feeling fine under the water. His lungs did not burn with a strong need for air, and he was not tired.
He swam languidly, playing with whatever creature came close enough. Ao'nung followed after him, reaching out to touch a small purple fish. The creature hurried away from them.

Ao'nung swam up behind his mate and ghosted his fingertips down his back, making the other twitch before turning back to him, rolling his eyes playfully. The Metcayina trapped the smaller male in a loose embrace, pulling his body closer.
They sunk to the bottom of the ocean floor. Eywa's glowing creations began circling around them. One small creature came to rest on Neteyam's shoulder, as if watching them curiously.

The Omaticaya closed his eyes contently and reached back for his queue; Ao'nung followed his lead, repeating the same motion.
Together, they brought their braids forward over their shoulders. Neteyam's hair floated around them in a dark halo.
Gently, they let their tsaheylu form, resting their foreheads together lovingly. Ao'nung placed a hand on Neteyam's hip, keeping them from floating apart.

Ao'nung pulled away first, leading them to the surface, his lungs tightening. Above the water, Neteyam pressed a sloppy wet kiss to his mate's waiting lips. Ao'nung let out a soft chuckle and led Neteyam toward the tropical forest of the island to their little cave for some privacy.