Forest Mate

"This is a serious conversation." Neteyam stated, his intense big eyes still looking straight at Ao'nung's soul. "You look at me." He said and it wasn't a request. The metkayina gulped, his heart threatening to beat right out of his chest as he felt Neteyam's thumb rubbing the edge of his jaw. "Go on, what do you want to say?"

"What I am saying is.." Ao'nung hesitated again. He felt as if Neteyam already knew what he was about to say and he felt naked under those eyes. As if Neteyam could see all his secrets without Ao'nung having to say a word. "What if I don't want you to choose someone else?" He asked and waited for Neteyam to get angry but the boy's expression remained serious.

"And who would I choose then?" Neteyam asked, his voice still as soft as ever, as if afraid to spook Ao'nung. The metkayina swallowed with difficulty as his throat constricted with the heaviness of his emotions and nervousness. He had to be courageous, he had to be brave. So Ao'nung thought 'fuck it' and said exactly what he meant.

"Me."