Luminous Nights [Neteyam x Aonung]

Luminous Days : Part 28

Slowly, Neteyam walks back over towards the door, and his mother stands off to the side. The moment he peeks outside, his heart jumps, skips, and backflips at the sight of Aonung's soft blue eyes again.

It makes his head spin a little as he steps outside, closing the door behind him. He leans back against it for a moment, taking a breath while they stare at each other in silence.

Aonung's head is tilted downward, and his ears are pinned back, making it clear how nervous he is. His hair isn't up in a bun, but flowing freely, and he's wearing the necklace Neteyam gave him, which makes the Sully boy glad.

Overall, the boy looks like he's been doing well, which also makes Neteyam glad, but at the same time he almost hates it. He wasn't doing so well in the absence of his lover, but Aonung seems fine. He sort of hates that.

Neteyam- You disappeared.

He finally speaks, softly, suppressing the urge to scream and shout.

Neteyam- And you didn't even take the time to dump me.

Aonung- I never said we were breaking up, because I wasn't breaking up with you.

A short breath escapes him, and he feels a bit weak at the sound of Aonung's voice. He missed it. A lot.

Neteyam- Then why did you leave?

Aonung- I needed to get myself together, so I could stop causing you, and everyone else, so much trouble.

Even as the boy speaks to him, he no longer senses pain or any underlying things. He truly seems to be doing well, like he actually has worked something out within himself that has made him feel better.

Aonung- So, have you moved on, or . . . ?

Neteyam- I tried . . . but no.

Aonung sighs softly in relief.

Aonung- Do you still want me?

The hesitation in his voice makes Neteyam feel sympathy for him, but he also still feels hurt. The boy left and the only one who knew he was coming back was himself. He didn't bother to tell anyone and ease their minds. It seems a little selfish, but he still couldn't imagine fussing at him over that right now.

All he really wants to do is kiss and embrace him, but more than that, he's afraid to touch him and get attached again.

Neteyam- Yes, but please don't touch me.

Aonung's excitement quickly fades into guilt, and Neteyam hates that he shut down his happy moment, but he can't just ignore his own hurt.

Neteyam- Not yet.

Aonung- Okay, I understand.

He wraps his arms around himself, feeling uncomfortable and comfortable at the same time. It's a feeling that's really starting to mess with his stomach. Aonung's presence is comforting to him, that's why he's so special, but right now he brings discomfort as well, because of what he's done.

Aonung- Can I take you out to eat? We could catch up.

Neteyam- Sure.

Perhaps that's what he needs. To reacquaint himself with his lover, and be able to speak his mind without feeling so tense.

Aonung smiles softly at him, then gestures towards the stream for him to go first. He leans off the door and walks ahead, going up to the sleek black and turquoise limousine.

The marine boy almost offers him a hand to help him in, but holds back, since he said not to touch him. Once he's seated in the comfortable sofa-like chair, Aonung gets onto his Skimwing and pulls off.

Neteyam observes his surroundings as they head in a different direction than he's familiar with. The reef may be the center of the city and considered the most beautiful, but where they're headed is uptown. Which isn't as peaceful, but is filled with more of the wealthy and frivolous types.

Uptown itself isn't as large as the reef, but it's run by and centered around money, privilege, beauty, and other high maintenance things.

Just by the sight of the streams, Neteyam can already tell the place is busy. Busy is an understatement, though. This is the part of the city that truly never sleeps, and half its population are practically nocturnal.

Aonung pulls over into a reserved parking area at a hotel, finding a space with a specific number. Then he hops off his Skimwing and onto the sidewalk, going over to where Neteyam now stands.

Neteyam- Why are we at a hotel?

Aonung- This is where I live. It's easier to just park here and walk where we need to.

Neteyam- You live here? When did you get back and get your own place?

Aonung- Yesterday morning I got back, I bought the place in advance.

Aonung gestures for him to follow as he leads him out of the reserved area and down the stream a bit towards the restaurants and shopping center.

Neteyam- I'm surprised you didn't go live in a wing at your parents' house.

Aonung- Well, for a while I kept thinking about what you said. Needing to make my own money and not live off of them. So, I got a job and got my own place.

Neteyam looks at him with slightly widened eyes. He never really thought he'd hear his spoiled boyfriend say he got a job and moved out.

Neteyam- Wow.

Aonung- That was gonna be the first thing I told you, so you could be proud of me, but then reality set in when I saw your face. You looked too hurt to be proud.

Neteyam- But I am.

Aonung looks over to him in pleasant surprise, with perked ears, smiling softly.

Aonung- Really?

Neteyam- Yes. That's a really big couple of steps for you. You must've worked hard the past few months.

Aonung- I did, and I'll work hard some more, for you.

Neteyam- Not just for me though, right? For yourself?

Aonung- I'm happy if you're happy, so, yeah.

For the first time since he arrived, he earns a small smile from Neteyam, which makes his tail sway lightly.