Not a Soldier Yet |Ao'nung x Neteyam|

73. Love Story

Jake watched his son walk along the sandy beach, decorated in amazing, shining pearls and a fresh tattoo on his shoulder, matching Ao'nung's.

Neteyam had officially completed his ceremonies. He was now considered a Metcayina warrior as well as the future Olo'eyktan's mate. Neteyam smiled shyly as the people watched him, searching his face, looking into his heart as he walked towards Ao'nung.

To Jake, this seemed very much like a wedding, though he knew this ceremony was different. Ao'nung stood proud between his parents, grinning boyishly as he waited for Neteyam to reach him. Both young male's wore their hair down, letting their true, honest selves be revealed to the people.

Lo'ak stood with Tsireya, holding her hand in his as he watched his brother, mesmerised.

Neteyam wore his cummerbund from the forest proudly, not giving up his heritage, instead merging it together with Ao'nung's culture.

Tonowari placed a hand on Ao'nung's shoulder, and Jake wondered when the young Metcayina had grown to be his father's height. Neteyam had grown during the time they spent here as well, though he was still just a breath shorter than his own father.

Neytiri was grinning so widely, holding onto Kiri's hand as the young girl watched, amazed and in tune with Eywa as his oldest brother was officially accepted into the ocean na'vi's tribe.

Neteyam stopped and stood in front of Ao'nung, looking up at his mate with sparkling, golden eyes. Ao'nung inhaled shakily and placed a hand on his cheek, not caring if this was not part of the ritual. He wanted his people to see and understand his love for the Omaticaya.

Neteyam had pearl chains decorating his upper body, shining in the sun. He wore the necklace his mother had given, and his fingertips were painted a deep orange. Ao'nung's own hand was painted the shame shade. Together, they turned towards the people as drums and horns sounded gently in the distance. Ao'nung intervined their fingers and raised their hands high for everyone to see. Neteyam smiled, cheeks flushing at the cheers they received. The loudest cheers came from his little brother.

They faced each other once more, squeezing their hands gently, smearing the paint. Ao'nung lifted his hand and tapped his fingertips against Neteyam's forehead, dragging them down and leaving a trail of paint on his mate's nose, touch ghosting over his lips, encouraging Neteyam with his eyes to do the same.

Neteyam touched his fingers to Ao'nung cheeks on both sides, dragging them down towards his chin. His fingertips met in the middle before they trailed down Ao'nung's throat and parted once more to decorate his shoulders.

Ronal stepped up to them, taking Neteyam's hand in her own, nudging him to face the people. Neteyam smiled, eyes searching the crowd for his family as Ronal lifted a flat, light creamy coloured shell above her head; Ao'nung moved to stand beside his father silently, heart beating wildly in anticipation. Gasps and murmurs sounded as the tsahik secured the shell to Neteyam's forehead gently, adjusting it to the centre, revealing him to be her successor.

Horns sounded, singing a proud rhythm.

Neteyam allowed a grin to form on his face as he bowed to the tsahik before they both stood beside their mates. Ao'nung's hand wrapped around Neteyam's thin waist, pulling him close.

"My people!" Tonowari's voice boomed clearly, silencing the chatter until only the drums remained. "I ask you to accept my son's mate as one of our own. Neteyam te Suli Tsyeyk'itan is a great warrior and the firstborn son of the mighty Toruk Makto."

The crowd murmured in agreement, pale blue gazes shifting between their leader and the newcomer.

"I have chosen my son's mate as my successor." Ronal lifted her gaze, eyes scanning the reactions of her people. "Neteyam is to be tsahik once I no longer can fulfil my duties. He is a fast learner and has a strong, caring heart. Eywa has chosen him to lead our ceremonies and heal our injured."

Ao'nung lead Neteyam forward, bringing their queues over their shoulders. Neteyam was most nervous about this part of the ceremony. The Omaticaya did not bond in front of the people, but for the Metcayina leaders, it was not unusual to show their people just how deep their connection to their mates were.

Neteyam inhaled shakily is he revealed his gently twirling tendrils; Ao'nung touched their foreheads together, uncaring if he smeared the paint in ways it was not supposed smear. Neteyam closed his eyes as Ao'nung helped him form their bond, letting the Metcayina people see their tsaheylu and the purity of their love.

Ao'nung walked hand in hand with Neteyam until they reached the forest. There, he turned to face his mate and grinned, flashing his fangs.
Neteyam smiled up at him, chest warm with love and anticipation.
In the privacy of the tropical forest, Neteyam bared his throat to his mate, submitting his mind and body to Ao'nung. Ao'nung placed a warm hand against Neteyam's cheek, leaning down to kiss him sweetly, nibbling on his lower lip until Neteyam opened his mouth. Ao'nung's other hand trailed up his side, wrapping around his neck in a loose hold.

"I see you," Neteyam murmured softly against Ao'nung's lips. Ao'nung took a shaky breath, smiling against Neteyam's mouth and nuzzling their noses together.
"I see you," Ao'nung whispered back.

Neteyam closed his eyes, letting Ao'nung sink his teeth into his neck, drawing blood. Neteyam moaned softly at the pain. It was not unpleasant, and it did not fill his mind with dangerous thoughts.

Neteyam smiled softly at him, eyes crinkling near the corners. The smaller na'vi was blushing faintly, eyes twinkling as Ao'nung leaned forward to kiss him, pushing his hair from his face, pressing him up against a tree gently.He took both of Neteyam's hands and looked into his golden eyes. Neteyam stared back at him fondly. Ao'nung touched their foreheads together again as Neteyam settled against him, chest to chest

Night had fallen.

Neteyam reached back, running his fingers over the base of his own tswin, bringing it forward. The Omaticaya was ready to completely give himself to Ao'nung, letting the Metcayina reach all of his memories. Neteyam's eyes fluttered shut as the tender tendrils slowly swirled around until they formed the bond.

They remained blissfully unaware of the world around them.
Neteyam pushed Ao'nung's shoulders down until the Metcayina was sitting on his heels in the soft sand.

They did not make love, only held each other as peace washed over them. Ao'nung kissed him softly, caressing his face. Neteyam felt butterflies assault his stomach as he placed a hand on the Metcayina's thigh. Ao'nung smiled at the soft blush dusting Neteyam's cheeks.

This moment felt as intimate and special as the night they bonded for the first time.

"I love you, Ao'nung."

Ao'nung's face blossomed in a loving smile. "I love you, my beautiful gift from Eywa."

💙 The End 💙