Obsessed [NeteyamxAonung]

Rosey Pink

Neteyam's arms flex as he cranks the lever, pulling up the net full of fish. Once it's up far enough to be pulled onboard by the other hunters, he locks it in place and takes a breath.

The older hunters cheer, and a few pat his back as they head to sort through their haul.

Yukus- That's the first full net we've had in months.

Cove- The blue boy must be good luck.

Cove winks at him after handing him a cup of water, then turns to Aonung, who's helping sort the fish.

Cove- Good job bringing this one on board, Aonung.

Gus- Yeah, it's about the only good thing he's done for the crew.

Many of them laugh as they begin to tease Aonung.

Sheer- He's finally staying for the whole hunt this time too.

Cove- See? New boy really is good luck.

Yukus comes over to Neteyam, and grabs his chin, turning his head to face everyone.

Yukus- It's the eyes of gold.

Sheer- The beauties.

Gus- Better watch out, or he'll steal your girlfriend. Aye, Aonung?

Aonung peeks over at them from his place, observing Neteyam's eyes closely, until he meets his gaze. He immediately turns back to his task, making the crew laugh at him.

Cove- Aw, ain't that just cute.

Yukus- What's the matter, Aonung?

Gus- He's afraid he'll get hypnotized.

They continue to laugh and tease, and Neteyam remains silent. It's his first day going on a hunt with them, and they've been quite the chatty and playful bunch. They enjoy teasing, and are touchy with him, like he's a new toy, but he doesn't mind.

About a week ago, the Chief's daughter coldly gave him and his siblings a tour of the town, instructing them on how they do things, as well as helping them find their own place in the community.

All the while, Neteyam was stuck wondering where Aonung was, but the boy was doing his actual chores for once.

Lo'ak decided he was interested in crafting iron weapons and tools, so he's been training under a blacksmith. Kiri became a gatherer, since she enjoys being out in nature. Tuktirey is learning to sew, since she has a creative mind, and a knack for tedious tasks.

Neteyam has never been specifically into hunting, and could have joined his brother, like Lo'ak wanted him to, but once he remembered that Aonung was a hunter, he decided without really thinking.

Which has led him here, to the same crew as the Chief's son.

He's wanted to talk to him, since his presence has been scarce, even in the cabin, because Aonung is always elsewhere. But he also doesn't want to risk getting the boy in trouble by distracting him, or not contributing as he should and potentially having Aonung be blamed for it. So the two have only exchanged brief glances with each other while on their hunt.

Interrupting the fun of the crew, their captain speaks to keep them on track.

Vilka- Alright, lollygaggers, stay focused. And for Eywa's sake, Yukus, leave the new kid alone before he jumps overboard just to get away from you.

The humorous bunch erupt in laughter again at her while Yukus lets go of Neteyam, and the captain holds her hands up to settle them down.

Vilka- Wouldn't want to damage our new luck, right?

Yukus- No, ma'am, we wouldn't.

Vilka- Keep up the good work, Neteyam. Maybe you can teach Aonung a thing or two.

As the crew begins to work more diligently they snicker at the comment, and Neteyam smiles, feeling slightly amused. Aonung glances at him, and shakes his head at everyone.

A few hours later, once the hunt is over, Neteyam is relieved of duty while the older members handle distributions.

He lingers in the area, watching as people receive their share of food, as well as a laugh from the hunters that love to joke.

Aonung- Like the crew?

Aonung appears next to him, drawing his attention, and he notices the few lingering small bruises on him, comparing it to what he looked like days ago.

He never mentioned why he was covered in them, but Neteyam never asked, since he already knew.

Still, he sort of wanted to, just to see if he'd get the real answer.

Neteyam- Yeah, they're fun.

Aonung- You're a lot stronger than you look, by the way. That net was heavy as hell.

Neteyam- I told you I could pull my own weight.

Aonung- Now there's no doubt about it.

Neteyam- You doubted me?

Neteyam pretends to be offended, which amuses Aonung.

Aonung- What if I did?

Neteyam- Don't look down on me, noble.

He turns to fully face him with his arms crossed, and Aonung steps closer, hovering over him.

Aonung- Kinda hard not to when you're way down there.

He stands on the tips of his toes to add height to himself, now being face to face with Aonung, but the boy pokes his stomach to knock off his balance. Rather than just flatten his feet, his instincts kick in, making him grab onto Aonung's arms to keep from falling.

The marine boy laughs as he helps him balance himself.

Neteyam- There. Now, we're equal.

Aonung- Are we now?

Neteyam- Yup.

He suddenly realizes how close he is to the sky blue eyes he likes to look at, and does so for a moment too long. Which makes him stand down, letting go of him, and take a step back.

Aonung's hands linger on his skin as he pulls his arms from his hold, almost clinging to the contact.

Neteyam- Or maybe not.

His hands nervously clasp together in front of him as he looks up at Aonung, who just stares at him for a moment that's short, but the silence feels long.

Neteyam- Aonung?

Aonung- Were you planning on doing anything?

Neteyam- Uh, no.

A small lie.

He had told his siblings he'd drop in on them after the hunt, but they don't really need him to do so, do they? At the moment, how they'll react doesn't really cross his mind. He's been wanting to be around the ocean skinned artist, almost irrationally so, but hasn't interacted with the boy much since they arrived.

Until today.

Aonung- Wanna go somewhere with me?

Neteyam- Sure.

He accepts the offer without a second thought, or even a first thought, without bothering to ask where they'll go.

Aonung smiles at him, then gestures for him to follow as he turns to walk off.