Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 140

Aonung sighs softly to himself. He can't deny it anymore and he's getting tired of trying. All he wanted was to build something he could completely or at least halfway understand, but it seems like his heart doesn't require any real answers. It's his head that can't seem to justify the impulsiveness of it all, as it's always been.

Neteyam slightly snuggles into him, still holding on a bit tightly to steady himself while he waits for the faint feeling to subside.

Aonung- Need to sit down for a minute?

Neteyam- Yeah.

He and Aonung sit where the tide reaches them, feeling some relief when the cooler water runs against their fiering skin. After being so close, Aonung choosing to sit at a distance makes him feel a little forelon.

Never before has he ever been so affected by only a kiss. Something about it, perhaps the timing, or place, or maybe just the person he's with, had such an impact on his entire being. Both bliss and ecstasy overwhelmed him at the same time, nearly making him fall over.

Neteyam- I knew you wouldn't be able to control yourself. Holding in emotions eventually causes an explosion, you taught me that.

He half chuckles, now breathing calmly, which is easier now that they aren't touching one another, even though he's already missing it. Clearly he's been starved of this for too long.

Aonung, however, is back to making what Neteyam silently refers to as his thinking face. Something he does often, which makes him stop talking, and close up for a period of time. Neteyam never mentioned it, but he hates when it happens.

Neteyam- You're wondering how I knew you were suppressing it.

Aonung glances at him, letting him know he's right, then looks back out at the water.

Neteyam- Unlike some other aspects of you, that wasn't a mystery. You tend to clench your jaw when you're holding something in. Plus, this whole time you could've just walked away at any point, but you didn't.

Aonung sighs, feeling a little defeated, by both Neteyam and himself.

Aonung- Everything used to be so clear to me. My priorities, strengths, and weaknesses. But now I can't even tell where my own head's at anymore.

He speaks while looking down at the wet sand as he runs a finger through it, and Neteyam scoots closer to him.

Aonung- I know I remember everything that's really important, but the things I don't remember still left empty spaces that just mess with me.

His gaze snaps to the figure next to him once he feels a hand on his shoulder, and Neteyam gives him a reassuring look.

Aonung- As the future Olo'eyktan I have a responsibility to the wellbeing of the entire clan, to my people. I tried to make this role my priority, I really did, but it never felt completely right.

Neteyam- Acting like someone other than yourself will do that.

Aonung half chuckles at him, then looks out at the horizon.

Aonung- Honestly, I feel like myself is lost. I don't really know what I want anymore.

Neteyam- Are you sure?

Aonung turns to look at him again, knowing he's asking about himself, but when he opens mouth to speak, he hesitates.

Neteyam- (sighs) You always make things more complicated than they have to be. If you like me, then show it. Why bother trying to figure out if you should?

Aonung- . . .

Neteyam- So, what are we?