Luminous Nights [Neteyam x Aonung]

Luminous Days : Part 25

Aonung stands to leave, after threatening to end their relationship, and Neteyam shoots to his feet, grabbing his arm to stop him.

Neteyam- Aonung, come on. I practically set up that mistake the moment I used Yar to bring you out of your shell. Half of this is on me.

He stands in silence, keeping his gaze pointed away from Neteyam.

Neteyam- Ao, look at me.

His ears droop at the sound of desperation in Neteyam's voice.

Neteyam- Look at me!

He finally turns to face the blue boy's saddening expression, watching the water well up in his eyes.

He can't do this again. Making his lover cry because of his actions, it has to stop.

With a sorrowful look, Aonung fully turns to bring Neteyam into a hug.

What was he thinking? Trying to end things this way to spare Neteyam. It only seems to hurt him more.

Aonung- I'm sorry.

Realizing that the boy has just changed his mind, a large breath of relief leaves him, and he returns Aonung's embrace. Wrapping his arms around his abdomen tightly.

Neteyam- Don't scare me like that.

Aonung- I'll never do it again. I promise.

After a long embrace, the two sit back on the steps, side by side. Neteyam lies his head on Aonung's shoulder, and holds onto his arm, still wanting to cling to him after the scare he gave him.

Aonung- I'll try to change.

Neteyam- You don't have to change yourself. You need to forgive yourself.

Aonung- Easier said than done.

Neteyam- I know, but at least try.

Aonung- . . . Okay.

Neteyam- How did things with your family go?

Aonung- I worried my mother to death. She blames herself for my stupid actions.

Neteyam- Don't let it hit you too hard. Parents always feel responsible for whatever their children do. They can't help it, and won't stop no matter how much you explain to them it isn't their fault.

Aonung- You mean good parents. My grandfather thinks nothing can ever be his fault.

Neteyam- Assholes aside, yeah.

Aonung chuckles softly, and Neteyam leans up off him to share the light laughter.

Neteyam- Do you feel better? More forgiving maybe?

Aonung- I don't know about feeling forgiving, but, better.

Neteyam- It's a start.

He smiles softly at him, and Neteyam can tell Aonung's turmoil has faded. Mostly, if not completely.

Aonung- I'd invite you in, but I still don't want my grandfather around you. He's supposed to be leaving soon, my father got his ticket today.

Neteyam- I can't stay anyway, I have to feed my siblings their dinner before Lo'ak starts trying to make pancakes.

Aonung- (laughs) Breakfast for dinner isn't so bad.

Neteyam- It is when he burns the kitchen up trying to make it himself.

They both laugh as they stand from the steps. Then Aonung turns to face Neteyam, pulling him closer by the waist for a kiss.

Neteyam relaxes his arms over Aonung's shoulders as they begin a short session, tuning out everything around them to live in a place where only their lips exist together.

Once they've decided they stalled enough, they pull apart with soft smiles.

Neteyam- Be honest. Who kisses better, me or Yar?

Aonung- Don't ask me that.

Neteyam- Oh come on.

Aonung- You, if I must answer.

Neteyam- Are you just saying that?

Aonung- No. I prefer to kiss someone who doesn't try to shove me away.

Neteyam bursts into laughter, and Aonung smiles at his amusement, glad he's able to think lightly of the mistake.

Neteyam- I should probably leave now, before Lo'ak really does try to cook on his own. Or worse, Tuk.

Aonung- (chuckles) Okay, go save your house from more destruction.

He steps away, holding onto Aonung's hand, and clearly not wanting to leave. Their eyes linger in each others' gazes.

Neteyam- I'll visit tomorrow.

Aonung- I love you.

With perked ears, Neteyam smiles adoringly at the phrase.

Neteyam- I love you too.

He steps back over for one last kiss, then gently lets go of Aonung's hand and takes his leave, and the marine boy finally goes back inside his home.