Lo'ak took one look at the newly fastened band across his bicep and let out an exasperated groan.

"Really?" he questioned, flopping down on the mat. "Fishlips?"

Neteyam glared at him but his cheeks flushed. Trying to distract his brother, the Omaticaya shoved him away with a growl.

Lo'ak let out a yelp of indignation, sputtering as he tumbled to the side.

"Boys," Jake says disapprovingly.

"Sorry Dad," he and Lo'ak mumbled but his brother still shot him a look from the corner of his eye. Jake absolutely caught it but said nothing, his lips only twitched a little as he turned back toward the new spear he was sharpening.

Neteyam scooted forward to watch, intrigued by the shiny material. His father had never fought with the Metkayina spears before, choosing instead to go into battle with his carved tomahawk and assault rifle.

That had been one of the worst fights he had seen his parents ever have. Neytiri refused to believe that her people should be armed by human weapons. She screamed at him over and over that it went against Eywa and their whole way of living until her voice broke. Crying that the safety of her children could not be trusted with such a device in their home.

But then the first week the humans returned, the RDA with them, miles and miles of her forest were burned to the ground. Animals disintegrated where they stood. Trees that had grown for centuries, destroyed in an instant. They were forced to leave the familiarity of their tree-top nest and seek refuge further in the mountains. That night she returned to their camp and handed their father back his rifle without a word. Nothing more was ever said on the topic.

Neteyam examined the weapon from where he sat, choosing to lean slightly against the marui pole to alleviate some of the stress on his wound. It felt better though. The deep puncture was healing. He could see it in Neytiri when she redressed the wound and in the way her face no longer scrunched up with pained fear whenever he coughed. Still, he ached when taking deep breaths and found it difficult to stand for long periods of time.

Swift blue hands sharpen the blade's edge, working quickly in the dying fire's light to attach the spearhead to the carved pole. Its deadly curve flashed with each spark of the embers. It was a thing of beauty. The pointed tip glowed almost pink, its notches carved with brutal accuracy. It was a blade that could even rival the chief's spear.

He was still surprised his father had chosen to wield such a weapon but he said nothing of it, simply choosing to admire the spear from a distance.

Taking Neteyam from his thoughts, Neytiri entered the hut with Tuk in one arm and a basket in the other. The little girl was set down and she let out a happy squeal before rushing toward Neteyam. He caught her easily and settled her into his lap.

His mother shot the little Na'vi girl a warning look, as she had to have been constantly reminded to be careful with her older brother. Especially after she had jumped onto his chest one morning, reopening the newly healed wound.

"Sorry 'Teyam," she whispered, looking up at him with big eyes. It was evident she was not sorry at all due to her little smile but Neteyam only grinned pressing a kiss to her brow.

"What did you get up to today, little fish," he asked, poking her side until she started to giggle.

Her face turned excited and her little fingers started to dance around as she opened her mouth. "Tsireya told me I am so good on the ilu that I can ride all by myself now!" she declared.

Neteyam smiled, impressed. Of course she would not be allowed past the reef, but getting to swim in the cove without supervision was a big deal for her.

"That's amazing Tuktuk," he praised, flashing his fangs with a playful grin. She showed off her sharp canines as well, pulling on his arm as she did so. He faked a defeated noise and slumped back causing her to laugh in her little high-pitched tone.

His mother watched from across the fire, admiring the way her eldest son played with her youngest daughter in such a sweet manner.

Kiri was off to the side bicking with Lo'ak, while Jake finished up the spear and set it on the drying rack on the marui's woven wall. It was a work of art. After wiping his hands clean of the leather binding residue, his father leaned back and let out a long sigh. He took a moment before getting up and stretching. He grabbed his normal hunting weapons and easily attached them to his waist.

"I'm with Tonowari on border patrol tonight," he told Neytiri, placing a swift kiss to the top of her braids. "Signal if you need me."

His mother smiled up at him, about to bid her mate a safe hunt when Tuk cringed from his lap and let out a loud and squeamish, "ewww."

Jake turned to her and grinned before tilting up his wife's head planting a loud smacking kiss on her lips and then turning to his youngest daughter with a silly look.

The little Na'vi hid her face in embarrassment and fake gagged. Lo'ak took that as a sign to join her, scooping the girl from Neteyam's embrace while he mimicked her disgusted noise.

Neytiri was laughing and Jake wore a triumphant smile before he ducked out of the marui to patrol the island.

Lo'ak hauled Tuk over to Kiri's side of the mat in order to annoy her more. It seemed to work because she set down her weaving in frustration and finally agreed to help him rebraid the little girl's hair. The youngest Sully had been nagging them for days about adding new shells to her hair and it was nice to see her have this little victory.

He watched them for a moment more before his mother came over and sat softly by her side. In her lap, she held the basket of medicinal supplies that Ronal had left for her. Neteyam shot his mother a grateful look as she helped him to sit up fully and lean forward. Her skilled fingers worked quickly, separating the little jars onto the ground before she began to undo the bandages.

A soft hum escaped her mouth as she worked. "He did a good job."

Warms filled Neteyam's cheeks and he quickly looked away, refusing to answer.

Neytiri smiled under her breath, eyes falling to the returned bracelet on her son's striped arm, now adorned with three new pearls.

Neytiri took a warm cloth and rubbed it gently against the wound before applying a layer of healing salve. The bitter smell of the ointment filled his nostrils bringing him back to the day he first woke up and its smell had been so prominent.

Neteyam avoided her gaze until she finished rewrapping his chest and tilted his chin up with a finger.

"I see how he looks at you, Ma 'itan."

The Omaticaya's eyes went wide. "What do you mean?" he whispered nervously, not sure if he should confirm what she was insinuating. From the back of the marui, Lo'ak's ears perked up as well.

Neytiri cupped his cheek with motherly love and gently soothed over the stripes on his face. "He waited all week until Kiri would let him see you. He loves you."

Neteyam's heart was pounding and he touched the pearl armband to soothe himself.

"I-" Neteyam started, feeling scared. But Neytiri interrupted him by holding up her hand.

"You do not have to tell me," she said softly. "But he does Neteyam."

And with that she stood, placing a hand on his shoulder before walking away. Neteyam sat there, chest newly bandaged, trying not to unravel.

He thought about how tenderly Aonung touched him, how warm his hands were against his face, the way his eyes bunched up in relief when Neteyam touched him back. Was that really true?

Mate. Aonung had called him his mate.

"Come on Tuktirey, it is time for bed," his mother said, scooping the little girl up from Kiri's lap.

The youngest Sully groaned and made a sad pleading sound but Neytiri shushed her and placed her down onto her own mats. Tuk glowered for promptly thirty seconds before she fell completely asleep.

Lo'ak took one look at her and snorted, stretching out his fingers from braiding her small hair. But one look from Neytiri sent him scooting quickly to his own bed with his hands in the air. Kiri smirked but said nothing.

Neteyam waited for his father to return before sneaking out.

The stars glowed brightly above as he walked through the village. A few remaining torches lit his way and he traveled down the woven paths quickly toward the beach. He found walking to be much easier now, it no longer caused a sting in his lungs when he inhaled. Although the slight burn when he overexerted himself was still present.

As he reached the beach he could see a lone figure standing in the sand. Aonung looked beautiful bathed in the moonlight.

Neteyam didn't bother hiding his footfalls as he approached, taking the time to attempt to calm his rapid heartbeat. He didn't succeed.

Aonung's face was washed in stars when he turned, eyes dimly reflecting the sea behind him. His face broke into a happy smile when he caught sight of Neteyam approaching, chest visibly hitching.

Neteyam stopped a few feet away from him.

"Hey," he said awkwardly, not really sure what they were doing here.

Aonung closed the distance and pressed his nose to Neteyam's forehead. "Hi," he murmured into his skin.

Neteyam allowed them to hold the position for a moment more before stepping back and looking around. The waves reflected the stars in a way that made the water seem alive with glowing pinpricks of light. It reminded him nothing of the dark water he had sunk into on the day of the battle, oil spilling into the sea, lighting up in flames through a spray of bullets.

"So what are we doing?" he asked, still struggling to hold eye contact.

Aonung paused, observing him for a moment with soft eyes. "Are you ok?"

Neteyam froze, involuntarily wrapping his arms around his waist. He could not stop the way his heart continued to ache whenever he looked at Aonung. Both in wanting and in fear.

"I don't know," he admitted, whispering.

The Metkayina took a step forward only to stop, eyes widening when Neteyam flinched away from him.

Silence.

"What if you say it again?"

The words leaked out of him, cold and hurting before he even realized that he felt them. Yet they were true.

"Neteyam I-"

But now they were out and he couldn't stop them.

"What if that is all I will ever be to you?" He managed to get out over his closing throat. "A half-breed."

The last words even hurt to say, he could only whisper them. It was what he feared most of all.

Aonung looked horrified. He wanted to reach out for Neteyam's hand but held himself back. His face seemed shattered. "Ma Neteyam."

"That is never what you were to me. Ever. Oh Eywa, Neteyam I have fucked this up beyond words."

Those blue eyes pinned his and before he could stop it, Aonung had reached for him again, taking his slender frame up into his arms.

"Please," Neteyam said sadly, not even sure what he was asking. He just wanted to be cared for. To be loved.

Aonung let out a panicked sound and held him closer. "I won't. I won't ever say it again. I swear on everything Neteyam. That is what those pearls mean. What you mean."

Warm hands were wrapped around him, holding him.

"Let me show you what we came here for," he begged. "Please."

Neteyam hesitated for a moment before he exhaled and leaned slightly into Aonung's touch. "Okay."

The Metkayina sagged in relief and pressed every inch of himself against Neteyam, cradling his face, stroking up his sides, holding their foreheads together. "Thank you."

They stood like that for a moment, Aonung breathing him in, before the taller Na'vi pulled away taking Neteyam's hand. Neteyam looked back toward the water unsurely.

"There is an ilu waiting for us," Aonung explained, walking them backward. "We won't go far, I promise."

Sure enough, a single ilu was swimming laps near the shore, glimmering slightly in the moonlight.

The cool sand under his feet felt soothing as they approached the waves. Neteyam lingered for a moment longer before finally stepping into the warm shallow water.

The two Na'vi waded forward until the ocean reached his waist, just below the bandages. Still holding his hand, Aonung clicked a few times, calling the ilu over.

Its slick body rolled over a few times as it approached showing off the speckled pattern across its long neck before floating to their side with a happy chirp.

Aonung ran a finned hand over its neck affectionately before gesturing for Neteyam to get on.

Neteyam winced as he tried his best to push himself up but the pain in his chest was limiting his motions severely. Before he could say anything, the chief's son got on easily and helped to pull him up the rest of the way.

"I've got you," Aonung murmured, holding him close. Neteyam shivered at the pleasurable warmth of the other boy's body pressed against his back.

Aonung mercifully said nothing, only guided them forward, bonding the ilu easily in one swift motion.

The waves were soft here, only reflecting the inky blackness of the sky as they rode out. The ilu never went below the actual surface, simply gliding through the coves. It was beautiful, Neteyam had to admit. The stillness of it all.

He wanted to ask where they were going but Aonung seemed so content to have Neteyam in his arms that he bit away his questions. Hesitantly, he leaned back, letting his head rest on Aonung's shoulder. The Metkayina tensed in surprise but immediately nuzzled against him and placed a kiss to his temple. Neteyam's heart picked up and he began to feel a warmth in his stomach.

Gentle dark waves lapped around his thighs as the ilu brought them further out. Its light chirps echoed throughout the empty water like a song. The mist that hung around Awa'atlu began to clear as they approached the reef and the sky shone luminously above them.

"We are almost there," Aonung said softly.

A whooshing sound caught Neteyam's attention and his ears twitched forward. Aonung let out a low call and suddenly a huge body breached the water just outside the reef.

A tulkun.

Neteyam watched in amazement as the giant creature surfaced, sending water spraying dozens of feet in the air. His breath got caught in his lungs at such a sight.

"Aonung, this is…" Neteyam was at a loss for words.

He looked back and the Metkayina was grinning.

"He is called Ato'k. My spirit brother."

They drifted closer, pulling up to the side of the massive tulkun. Aonung instantly got off the ilu and swam over, touching his head to the creature's thick gray skin.

"I see you brother," he signed, flashing his fangs happily.

A low whistle emanated from the tulkun and filled the air. Aonung's grin widened and he signed something else in rapid succession that Neteyam did not quite see. Finally Aonung turned back to the Omaticaya and urged him closer with a hand.

Hesitantly, Neteyam guided the ilu forward with a squeeze of his thighs. As he entered the tulkun's line of sight a series of clicks sounded out.

"He says, hello," Aonung translated, interpreting the vocalizations for Neteyam.

Kiri had explained to him when the whale-like creatures first returned that in many ways the Reef Na'vi were fluent in two languages. While they would not replicate the complicated tones and vibrations the tulkun made, they could understand them and in turn sign back. It was a language they grew up with, not something that was taught.

With slightly shaky hands he signed a formal gesture to Ato'k.

Aonung's smile softened and he reached his hand out through the water offering it to Neteyam. The pearl bracelet glowed in the moonlight between them. He took it slowly, nervously feeling the way Aonung's fingers wrapped around his.

The Metkayina guided him over and helped to pull Neteyam onto one of Ato'k's fins.

He was hesitant about sitting on the tulkun, he was a stranger to the whale after all, but Ato'k shifted easily so that the lower half of his bandages would not get wet. He offered a close-lipped smile, touching the dark gray skin of his face nervously. The tulkun clicked happily and leaned into his touch. Neteyam felt his heart settle a little.

His eyes brightened up a bit and he signed, "nice to meet you."

A few more clicks and Aonung joined him at his side. The other's presence startled him a little but he fell back into peace when it became easy to lean against the boy and take some of the pressure off his lungs.

Ato'k's large eyes traveled from Neteyam, to the mark on Aonung's chest, to the bandages wrapped across the Omaticaya and let out a series of hums. Aonung immediately started nodding and began to sign back.

"He wants to know what happened."

Oh. Neteyam bit his lip for a moment before moving his hands. "Fight," he signed, followed by "wound " and "healing".

He turned back towards Aonung and watched the Metkayina translate his words better.

"Neteyam battled the sky people. Shot."

A low sound and then a series of clicks. Aonung followed it up by placing his hand on Neteyam's chest and making the gesture for, "safe."

Then he gestured back towards the island and the village before repeating the sign. "All safe."

Neteyam's chest ached pleasantly where Aonung's hand rested. It took a lot to not lean into it wantingly.

It was mesmerizing to see Aonung with Ato'k. Neteyam did not realize the tulkun glowed at night like the Na'vi did. But the creature's entire underbelly was lit up a fluorescent green that seemed to emanate around into the water around him. An enchanting glow surrounded them, the bioluminescence on his gray fins lit up beneath his fingers as well.

"He is beautiful," Neteyam found himself saying.

Aonung smiled and translated it back to his spirit brother. Ato'k's eyes scrunched up and Neteyam assumed it was the closest a tulkun could get to smiling so he grinned back. More sounds.

"He says he is looking for a mate this migration cycle," Aonung explained, rolling his eyes a little.

Neteyam laughed and ran his hand over the ridge above Ato'k's eye. "Who isn't?" he signed back with a grin.

Aonung froze completely behind him, eyes widening.

The tulkun's gaze moved from Neteyam to the Metkayina and then a huge puff of air exploded from his back with a high-pitched whining sound. It took Neteyam a moment, but then he realized it.

Ato'k was laughing.

Three loud clicks and then a wave of sounds only a tulkun could emanate came out before the creature tilted its large head towards them.

Aonung shoved his spirit brother away with a low growl but Ato'k dipped his fin just enough that Aonung toppled back into the water, keeping Neteyam dry.

"Funny," Neteyam signed to the tulkun, who seemed to agree.

Aonung resurfaced angrily but softened when he saw the way Neteyam was leaning against his spirit brother, smiling.

Eventually the two settled down and Ato'k let his spirit brother back on the fin. Aonung pulled himself up and hesitantly offered his arm to Neteyam. The Omaticaya looked for a moment before sliding into place at his side, leaning into the embrace.

He felt Aonung exhale and wrap his arm around him securely, pulling the Omaticaya close.

"You know technically this is not what I wanted to show you," he said after a moment of silence.

Neteyam cocked his head. "It's not?"

"No," he chuckled.

"Brother," he signed. "Take us past the reef ?"

Ato'k clicked and then suddenly they were moving.

It was magical. The way the water rushed past them, the cold ocean breeze running over his skin, the spray of water that surrounded them.

And then they were past the reef.

Miles and miles of endless ocean stretched in front of him. Above the sky was as clear as glass offering a full view of Pandora's extraordinary night. Billions of stars twinkled down at them, shining like sapphires against the velvet black of the atmosphere. Planets above cast twists of glowing rings around the sky while everything was reflected on the dark ocean waves below.

Slowly he got up, setting a grateful hand on Ato'k head ridges as he found his feet. It was like they were the only people here in the universe.

To the left, a comet flashed by. A shooting star, his father would call it.

Finally Ato'k came to a stop, far beyond the reef. Far from anything really. Neteyam tilted his head back and took it all in. Eclipse had long passed and there were only the stars to light the sea now. And it was beautiful. So breathtakingly beautiful.

Now he realized why Lo'ak snuck away for long nights with Payakan. Words could not describe the night beauty that was around him.

He felt Aonung rise to stand next to him. He turned to look at the other only to find a much more devastating sight.

Aonung's body was littered with glowing tanhì, scattered like stars across his chest and thighs. Though the ones that gleamed brightest were pricked across his face in familiar swirling patterns. Yet they were nothing compared to the pure blue of the Metkayina's eyes as he stared at Neteyam.

He felt his breath catch in his throat. He could help but track his eyes over the teal stripes that disappeared beneath Aonung's loincloth.

The chief's son stepped closer. "This is what I wanted to show you."

Ato'k let out low vocalization, swimming them slowly in a circle so that they would see the whole night sky.

Neteyam wrenched his gaze from the beauty above and stared back at Aonung. Before he realized what he was doing he threw himself into the boy's arms and hugged him tightly. Aonung stumbled, almost falling into the water but he quickly grabbed Neteyam back and pressed them together tightly. Sinking down until they were kneeling in the water, he wrapped the Omaticaya into his arms.

The tulkun hummed as Neteyam sank into his grasp, breathing coming out of his nose somewhat harshly while he tried to piece everything together.

It was Aonung. It would always be him.

He pulled back slightly so that he could press their noses together, not ready to meet the other's eyes.

His voice came out scared and horse. Terrified of being rejected, but the words were true. Truer than anything Neteyam had ever said.

"I- I love you."

There was silence. Aonung didn't even breathe.

Neteyam was ready to pull away, to hang his head in shame when Aonung grabbed his face.

"You love me?" he croaked out, eyes wide and disbelieving.

Neteyam just nodded.

And then Aonung crashed their lips together.