Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 164

As they walk along the woven pathways, Neteyam doesn't look at Aonung, just facing forward like the marine boy isn't next to him trying to pull his gaze.

Aonung- Neteyam, what's wrong?

Neteyam- How's your wound?

Aonung- Fine, so what's-

Neteyam- You know Lo'ak and Rotxo made up, I think they'll do better from now on.

Aonung- Well, that's good.

Neteyam finally turns to look at him.

Neteyam- I know you've been ignoring them altogether, partially to keep from pummeling my brother, but also because you don't think Rotxo wants to see you.

Aonung- He said so himself.

Neteyam- You can't really believe that. He was pushing everyone away.

Aonung- . . . Is this why you came to get me?

Neteyam- Among other things, yes.

They soon make their way onto the beach. The shore is becoming less populated by the minute with everyone preparing to turn in for the night, other than the lookouts on the reef barriers.

As they stroll, Neteyam looks up at the sky, seeing eclipse near, and the stars beginning to show themselves.

Neteyam- I liked when I would get to look at the stars with you, mainly because seeing them reflect in your eyes was something gorgeous.

He slows his stroll, looking at the horizon as he thinks of the time they snuck out to the Three Brothers Rocks together.

Neteyam- You used to get distracted just messing with my tail, or tracing my stripes. It was cute. You haven't done that in a while.

Aonung- Uh, yeah . . .

He stops and turns to face Aonung, who was strolling behind him.

Neteyam- We've come a pretty long way, don't you think? And been through a lot.

Aonung gives him a skeptical look as he steps closer to him.

Aonung- Why are you saying all this?

Neteyam- I'm just appreciating what we have, 'cause I've been thinking about it. I mean, you feel the same too, right?

Aonung- Is this about Shore?

Neteyam- Well, not just him, but I've realized that there's always going to be someone trying to come between us as long as they think they have a chance, because we aren't mated. And, I . . .

He reaches his hand out for Aonung's, but the boy flinches and takes a step back.

Neteyam blinks in surprise, startled by the reaction, then just stares at him for a moment.

Neteyam- Aonung?

Aonung- What are you getting at?

Neteyam- What do you mean?

Aonung- Are you trying to mate me to ward people off?

Neteyam- What? No. I was gonna say I just found out my sister is one of those people trying to get between us.

Aonung- . . . Oh.

The marine boy visibly relaxes, but his reaction doesn't sit right with Neteyam.