Mune Olo'eyktan [NeteyamxAonung]

Part 9

Later on, once their unsuccessful hunt is over, their group returns to the village for lunch and other things.

Omatikayan food is different from what they're used to, but the marine kids like it quite a bit.

Korva says his goodbyes to them, mainly Lo'ak, then heads home for his meal. Yuuki does the same, without any goodbyes because of her mood.

The rest of them spot Kiri waving to them, and head to the communal eating area, where some of the best cooks in the village serve food to everyone so those who are busy can grab a meal between their duties.

As they've been doing since they arrived, each couple in their group sticks together, unknowingly secluding from the others for quality time.

It's to be expected at this point. Back in Awa'atlu, Lo'ak and Rotxo had created a stable life for themselves, living as mates, and occasionally housing Tuktirey, who loved staying with them more than Kiri and Neteyam.

Neteyam and Aonung spent most of their time overseeing tasks in the village and helping where they were needed, which they didn't necessarily do together.

It had them both busy and away from home for the most part, and when they weren't busy they were quick to disappear together for quality time.

It left Kiri with Tuktirey half the time, and they would help the crafters together, play on the beach, or spend time with Tsireya on the days she had to watch her brother.

Spending time playing around together with everyone had become a memory.

Now, with Tsireya and Spider reunited, Kiri can see that everyone is occupied with their significant others, focusing on whatever lives they can build together.

She thinks it's responsible of them, to focus on the future, but would be lying if she said she didn't miss the times they all did things together without the obvious separation.

Kiri shakes her head at the sight of them in their own little worlds even while standing next to each other.

After Aonung grabs a bowl of food, he turns and doesn't notice the shorter person walking in his path, which makes them collide.

The girl falls to the ground at the impact, spilling her food, and Aonung frantically apologizes.

Aonung- Shit, sorry. Are you okay?

He holds his hand out to the girl, then realizes she looks familiar.

Arafima- Aonung!

She smiles happily at him.

Aonung- Arafima, right?

Arafima- Yeah, I'm okay.

She takes his hand, and he pulls her up effortlessly, then looks down at the soup she spilled.

Aonung- Sorry about that. Have mine.

Arafima- Oh, no, I couldn't. I'll just get myself some more.

Aonung- Here.

He hands her his bowl, insisting she take it as an apology for making her drop hers. She smiles at him, saying a thanks, but before he can leave to get his own, a large figure suddenly stands uncomfortably close to him.