They reconvened in the healer's marui. Neteyam had washed the blood from his hands and was sent to a nearby room as Ronal examined the cut on her son's forehead with feigned calmness.

Neteyam crouched against the wall, ignoring the ache in his upper chest, and stared off into space, trying to wrap his head around what had just happened. Everything was coming back in blurred flashes.

The boat pulled ashore, the metal clicking of the gun, Aonung's panicked whimper as he was kicked to the sand. The release of his arrows and the drag of his knife…

Neteyam balled his hands into fists and tried to will away that image. But it was only replaced by the sound her body made as she fell lifelessly to the ground, no resistance as it hit the dull sand.

From across the hut, Neytiri was observing her eldest son with worried eyes. The boy's knuckles were pure white as he dug his fingernails into his palms and the tip of his tail unconsciously twitched despite its curled-up nature. On the small table to the left, she had set his knife down, already wiped clean. Neytiri did not think her son needed to see any more blood today.

Immediately after the attack, Tonowari had sent warrior's out to patrol the area, demanding to know why this had happened in the first place. A dozen warriors took to the water with loud yips calling for their tsuraks while Jake stayed behind on the beach, speaking with the Olo'eyktan.

"If she was the last one, then we are safe…" he said, eyeing the body cautiously.

Tonowari let out a low growl in the back of his throat. "And if she is not?"

Jake let the question hang in the air for a moment, wiping his hands down his face in stress, before grimacing. "Then I suggest we send word to the other islands. Let us hope she is the last."

The two left the conversation at that.

Neteyam waited for what felt like hours until Ronal exited the secondary pod, carrying a few bloody rags and medical herbs. "His knees are bruised and the cut to his forehead is deep, but he will be fine."

Neteyam was already on his feet and the Tsahìk observed him for only a moment longer before nodding, signaling that he could enter. But it didn't really matter because he was already darting into the other room.

"Aonung!" he said as he rushed inside.

His heart ached as he took in the other, sitting on the ground with braids pushed back to reveal the wound on his temple, freshly bandaged.

He let out a distraught noise and was at his side in seconds. Not thinking past the bruises already forming on his teal skin, Neteyam threw himself into Aonung's arms.

"Neteyam," Aonung murmured in relief, letting the boy caress all over him, holding on tightly.

Neteyam just shuddered and gripped him back hard, sliding himself into the taller boy's lap, caressing his face, then his neck, then his shoulders.

"You're okay?" he asked over and over again, touching all the skin he could find.

"I'm okay," Aonung responded every time, bringing his hands up to touch Neteyam as well, nuzzling against his skin. "I'm okay."

The Omaticaya let out a strained sob and buried his head into Aonung's neck, inhaling his familiar scent. He's okay, Neteyam repeated in his mind with each gasp. He's okay.

Warm hands came up and began to rub his back, soothing him until he was finally able to breathe properly. After a moment he pulled himself back to hold Aonung's face.

Tears tracked silently down his cheeks as he pressed their foreheads together, reminding himself that he was still here. The Metkayina seemed surprised at the intimate gesture but returned the position immediately, settling his skin against Neteyam's and exhaling.

"Thank you," Aonung whispered after a while, pulling their faces away. His hands came up to hold Neteyam's cheeks and his thumbs wiped away the tears that dripped down his soft blue skin. "Thank you for saving me."

Neteyam looked down, staring at the hands that lay limply in his lap. "I could not lose you," he said. "I could not let her take you from me."

Aonung was silent for a moment, staring between them before bringing his teal gaze up.

"You told her I was your mate," he said quietly, looking into Neteyam's eyes.

"I-" Neteyam faltered and shame started to fill his core. "Do you-" he tried, voice breaking as his ears pulled downward. "Do you not want to be?" he finally asked, hating how vulnerable his words sounded.

Aonung's mouth hung open in shock. "Not want to be?" he repeated mortified. "Neteyam I love you."

Warm hands came up to caress his face, tilting up his chin and soothing his thumbs over his stripes reassuringly. "You would truly take me as your mate?"

Neteyam shifted nervously at the awe in the Metkayina's voice, "Yes."

A very un-chiefly sound left Aonung's throat and he took the Omaticaya's hand within his own. His teal fingers spread Neteyam's hand open and he placed it against the scarred-over mark across his chest. "I want that."

Neteyam's eyes widened as he once more felt the line underneath his fingertips. A reminder of what Aonung had already promised.

"Be my mate, Neteyam," Aonung said, words raw and begging. "Please."

His breathing hitched. Neteyam felt his throat starting to tighten so he just settled on nodding as he sealed his eyes back shut, no doubt trembling. Aonung let out a happy whimper and brought them together, foreheads touching.

"I love you so much, Neteyam." Aonung whispered.

"I love you too," the Omaticaya whispered back, voice hushed and shaky.

Aonung held onto him tighter and even brought his tail around as well, cradling Neteyam completely in his grasp. Neteyam almost purred at the warmth of the position as he leaned into the other's arms.

"Mates," Aonung happily mumbled into his skin.

At the word, Neteyam's tail twitched excitedly and he couldn't help but nuzzle further into Aonung's neck, causing the teal boy to snort briefly in amusement.

From outside the second pod, Tonowari entered, hovering near the Tsahìk at the doorway. His footsteps approached slowly as he observed the two boys tangled amongst themselves. He looked at his son wrapped lovingly around the boy who had saved his life and there was no further doubt in the chief's mind. He smiled to himself softly before allowing Ronal to escort him from the marui, shushing any comments, saying the two needed space.

Neteyam had never been more grateful for Tsahìk.

Still, Neteyam couldn't help but shudder and buried himself deeper into the Metkayina's arms, trying to will away the images of what had happened. His hands clutched onto him tightly and he screwed his eyes shut, forcing himself to remember that Aonung was okay. That they were safe.

The chief's son seemed to sense his distress and pulled back. Warm hands cupped his face and brought him back up to eye level. "I'm alright Neteyam," he reassured softly, tracing the tanhì along his lower chin. "I'm okay."

A noise escaped the back of his throat and his own hands came up to hold Aonung's cheeks as well, as he trembled. "I was so scared," he finally admitted, voice breaking. "I thought I was going to lose you."

Aonung brushed their noses together. "You're never going to lose me. Ever."

A low sob came out and he pushed his lips forward, seeking Aonung's. The Metkayina tilted his head upward, allowing their mouths to join. Aonung kissed him steadily, settling his finned hands on Neteyam's hips, letting the boy take what he needed. Neteyam whimpered and mouthed at him hungrily, searching for reassurance. The future chief was easy to comply, nuzzling himself closer to the Omaticaya and moving his lips firmly over his mouth.

Unable to stop himself, he brought one of his hands up to bury in Neteyam's braids, tugging him closer while Neteyam mimicked the position. A sad noise came out of him when his fingers ghosted over the little red bead that lay against his neck. The fact that Aonung still wore it during everything made his eyes burn, that it meant something to the other boy. And suddenly Neteyam knew what he needed to do.

With trembling hands, the forest Na'vi pulled back and reached behind his shoulder to pull forward his queue.

Aonung stopped breathing entirely.

"Neteyam-" he started, his tone hesitant, but the Omaticaya shook his head forcefully.

He wanted this. With a deep breath, he turned his braid up, exposing the soft tendrils to the marui light.

"Be my mate, Aonung."

Now it was Aonung's turn to shake his head, eyes wider than Neteyam had ever seen.

"This cannot be undone," he warned nervously, attempting to force reason into the forest Na'vi. "The things I have said to you Neteyam… I have hurt you."

Aonung's voice was shaky and Neteyam could see horrible tears of regret forming in those beautiful blue eyes, once more. Neteyam fell in love with them even further so he shook his head again. He loved the boy in front of him. More than words could ever imagine.

"Aonung," he murmured softly, tilting his chin up. "I don't care."

"Neteyam I am not even a warrior yet," the Metkayina whimpered, panicked. "You deserve me to be better, I have not even courted you-"

"Aonung," he said again, placing both hands on the side of his face to stop him. "I don't care. I want you. All of you. Every single part, please yawne, be my mate."

The term of endearment clearly pushed Aonung over the edge because his whole body shivered and tears began to leak down his cheeks. "I love you," the Metkayina said through trembling lips. "I love you so much Ma 'Teyam. I don't want you to regret this."

Neteyam's heart clenched and he rested his forehead to Aonung's. "I could never regret this."

Slowly, giving Neteyam every chance to stop him, Aonung reached over his shoulder and brought his own queue forward. The braid gave way to expose the soft glowing tendrils, twisting amongst themselves, seeking connection.

Neteyam's whole body stilled at the sight and his heart clenched but he offered out his braid. Aonung looked between them and then back up to Neteyam, seeking confirmation. The Omaticaya nodded and watched as Aonung took a deep breath and then pressed their braids together.

A glow began to emanate between them as the pink tendrils started to twine together. The soft hairs collided and their queues entangled, tightening and weaving firmly as their souls bonded.

A rush of sensations coursed through his body and Neteyam inhaled sharply, ears drawn back at the feeling. He looked up, full of desperate love, to see Aonung's pupils dilate as he stared between them.

Tsaheylu.

Full of wonder, he brought a hand up to touch Aonung's face, feeling the mirror of it in Aonung's mind. They were mated.

The beautiful blue of the Metkayina's eyes shone in his own as the gold reflected back. "My mate," he whispered in awe.

Neteyam was not prepared for what Aonung pushed through the bond. Pure devotion. He felt his insecurity, his desire, his need. Desperate to reciprocate, Neteyam opened his mind, allowing the other boy in. To see how affected he was, to see how loved he was.

Big tears welled up in the teal boy's eyes. They rolled down his cheeks in relief as he experienced how much Neteyam loved him back. Neteyam choked on a sob and he smiled happily, unable to keep it off his face. Aonung laughed as well, still crying, as he touched the blue hand on his cheek, feeling the joy between them.

Nothing else mattered. This was right.

Aonung scooped him closer, settling in his lap. They stayed like that for a while, braids connected, chests touching, until Neteyam finally let out a soft sigh and pulled back. Aonung felt his intentions and gently disconnected their tsaheylu, letting his queue fall back to his waist.

Neteyam felt his mind slip back in place and he rested his head against Aonung's shoulder, allowing his braid to be tucked away. Ignoring his wounds, Aonung scooped up his mate and rested them both on the floor, tugging Neteyam into his arms.

His tail swished for a moment before coming to rest under his thigh, satisfied with their position. Aonung watched it for a moment, amusement in his crystal gaze.

"What?" Neteyam questioned, noticing his mate's stare.

Aonung shook his head and grinned, ducking down to kiss his shoulder. "It is just so small."

Neteyam rolled his eyes in annoyance, not really mad, endearment blooming in his heart. He poked his fingers into Aonung's ribs making the other boy wheeze. "At least it's not fat, like yours."

Aonung gasped in mock offense before grabbing at his waist. Neteyam squirmed but Aonung just pulled him closer. "Take it back," he demanded, murmuring the words against Neteyam's blue skin.

When he refused, Aonung nuzzled the flat of his nose against his neck, forcing a breathless giggle out of his mouth at the ticklish sensation. "Take it back," he repeated again, grinning as his mate tried to wiggle away to no avail.

"Fine! Fine, I take it back," Neteyam wheezed, unable to escape.

Aonung kissed his shoulder and relented, grinning in his victory. "That's what I thought."

Neteyam rolled his eyes but snuggled back into the Metkayina's hold, making a happy noise in the back of his throat when warm arms drew him closer. Aonung relaxed too, humming softly as he rested his lips on Neteyam's temple.

"Can I see your songcord?" Neteyam asked suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence between them.

Aonung looked surprised but permitted easily, gently untucking Neteyam from his arm so he could reach to where it was strung along his hips.

Large finned hands brought it up, depositing it gently into Neteyam's grasp.

Neteyam ran his fingers along it carefully, turning it over to watch as the shells glimmered in the soft light.

Weytelem. A Na'vi's songcord was a sacred item for them.

The threading was mostly green and blue, likely made from seagrass, slightly rough against his fingertips. One end was secured with a baby tooth, thread woven in a reef-like pattern to reach the first chorus and ending with yellow stone.

Aonung rubbed his cheek against Neteyam's shoulder and pointed to the first charm, a dark blue bead with yellow stripes. "This was given to my mother the day she learned she was pregnant with me."

Neteyam touched it lightly, admiring the shine to it.

Next were a series of small teal stones that littered down the cord. "And these?" Neteyam asked.

Aonung smiled. "Stones my father polished. He gave her one for every month she was pregnant."

Neteyam smiled too, trying to imagine a pregnant Ronal and a doting Tonowari. His lips twitched in amusement and he had to bite his tongue so as not to laugh.

The threading from the stones braided down until it reached a sharp serrated triangle. He looked up at Aonung for explanation. His mate threaded a hand through Neteyam's braids and hummed softly. "It is a baby ilu tooth. My uncle found it right after my first breath ceremony. He said it was a sign from Eywa that I would be a strong swimmer."

Neteyam laughed and leaned into Aonung's touch happily. "I would say it worked, no? You're faster than me."

Aonung flicked his nose and snorted. "It is not hard to be faster than you, baby tail."

Neteyam was about to offer a snappy retort but Aonung quickly redirected his attention to the next item.

"These," he said, pointing to five brown beads that clustered around a single strand, "are polished barnacles from my father's canoe. They represent the first time he took me past the reef. It meant I was ready for an ilu."

Neteyam's heart swelled at the image of Aonung as a child, eagerly looking at the reef from his father's canoe. He traced his thumb passed the next woven chorus and landed on another object, this time a piece of coral. It was soft pink but rather chunky.

Aonung laughed. "That was the first gift Tsireya ever gave me. She could not have been more than two and found it in the sand. She kept it in her tiny little fist all afternoon until I came back from riding. She was so proud to give it to me. "

The warmth in his tone made it clear to Neteyam just how much the little item meant to him. The next few beads were a list of accomplishments Aonung had made as a young hunter but there was still a lot of empty space for the rest of his life. A sad thought hit Neteyam as he realized how short his songcord would have been had he died that day in the water, his life halted before it could even begin.

"What about you," Aonung asked, drawing Neteyam's focus back as he nosed at the stripes along his left cheek. "Can I see your songcord, yawne."

He felt silly with the amount of love that rushed into him at the term of affection.

His fingers trailed down to his waist and easily untied his songcord, holding it out between them, the little trinkets dangling in the air. Aonung took it carefully and traced his thumb over all the beads.

Whereas Aonung's weytelem was made up of braided threads with beads interspersed, an Omaticaya songcord was a simple strand of leather, beaded all the way down with its talismans strung along the chain in whatever order the Na'vi seemed fit.

A small part of Neteyam wished his was more elegant like Aonung's. In comparison to the intricate blue threads, it felt clunky and out of place. But one look at the way his mate touched the beads in awe, chased away the thoughts entirely.

Aonung traced the first charm with his eyes before looking toward his mate for an explanation.

It was a dark blue crystal, smooth around the edges and holding together the beads for the first chorus.

"It is my birthstone," he explained, letting Aonung touch it gently. "It represents the first lullaby I remember my mother singing to me."

He could still hear her voice flitting into his little ears, staring up at the forest sky and watching as the leaves dwarfed the two of them. It was one of his most treasured memories.

The Omaticaya hummed the chorus lightly as he went before touching the next bead. Or rather feather. It was small and green, something Jake had picked up on the day that they adopted Kiri from Grace's Avatar.

Even though it had been many years, he still remembers his little sister asking to see it whenever she felt alone. A reminder that she was a real part of their family, memorialized on his songcord.

He skipped over the soft threads that Mo'at had picked out to represent his meeting of Spider. The wound was still too close to his healing chest, not ready to be revisited. Aonung didn't say anything, only hugged him closer, running his fingers over the smooth amber that represented the birth of his baby brother.

Neteyam grinned. "That is Lo'ak's favorite bead."

Aonung snorted. "Of course it is."

It was a piece of hardened amber that he had found left behind from Home Tree, polished from the fire until it glowed orange. "When I used to get really mad at him as kids, I would threaten to cut it out of my songcord," he said, remembering how Lo'ak had turned red in his fury, marching off to find their father.

Aonung laughed against Neteyam's skin. "I think Tsireya would have cried if I ever threatened such a thing."

Neteyam laughed too, he could never imagine saying such a thing to Kiri or Tuk.

A string of green stones marked the passage of time before reaching a chunk of rock, gray and worn, yet it was the stone Neteyam was most proud of.

"What's this one?" Aonung asked curiously.

"It is a stone for the completion of my Iknimaya. I added it after taming Tsyalè, marking my transition as a warrior for my people."

He wore that bead with pride, a reminder of who he was. A warrior, just like his parents.

Aonung got quiet for a moment. "Do you miss it?" he finally asked, not meeting his eyes. But an unspoken question ran deeper. 'Do you want to go back? '

Neteyam turned in Aonung's arms so that he could face him fully.

"Aonung," he said softly, surprised to see anxious fear brimming in those beautiful blue eyes. Neteyam gently cupped his cheek and drew his mate's attention to the very last bead. A reef shell. "A shell for moving here. For meeting you."

Neteyam leaned up and kissed Aonung slowly. "This is my home now."

He gripped Aonung's hand, the one still containing his songcord, and entangled their fingers. "You are my home."

Aonung's lip trembled and he immediately pressed his mouth to Neteyam's, kissing him messily.

When he pulled back his eyes were wild. "I will complete my iknimaya by the end of the week."

Neteyam's mouth opened in shock and he started to protest but Aonung cut him off. "No, I will go. It is not as dangerous as you think it will be and when I return I will be a warrior, free to mate of my choosing. And I will court you, as you deserve and we will mate before Eywa because I love you and you are mine."

Neteyam didn't know what to say. He wanted to tell him that it didn't matter, that he was happy to have become his mate alone in the healer's marui, just the two of them. Because he was. Yet Aonung looked at him with such love, such reverence, that for the first time in his life he felt special. So he nodded and managed to crack out an "okay" before Aonung gathered him back up in his arms, pulling him close.

"I love you," he said, squeezing him tightly.

Neteyam felt tears roll down his cheeks and he buried his head deep into Aonung's neck, holding him back.

"I love you too."