"Neteyam!"
The Omaticaya's head shot up as he heard Rotxo call his name. He grinned at the curly-haired Metkayina who was jogging his way over.
"Hey man."
"Hey," the boy breathed out, draping an arm casually over Neteyam's shoulder. The sun had already begun to set and many were gathering around the fire, preparing for the evening meal. "Will you join us? Me, Aonung, and Tsireya are all sitting together."
Neteyam's ears perked up at the mention of his mate's name. He had no luck finding him earlier that day. Aonung had been with his father all afternoon in preparation for their departure, practicing with his spear and readying his blades. Rotxo seemed keen on preparing himself as well, around his waist hung a new sheath for his large hunting knife.
Neteyam realized that he hadn't really gotten a chance to thank the boy properly. After he left to rejoin the battle against the RDA it was him and Tsireya that made sure Tuk was kept safe, keeping her away from the sinking ship. He made a mental note to make something for him, a gift of gratitude or peace.
Neteyam clasped his back happily and followed him toward a small section of the fire. Something he hadn't really taken the time to think about was Aonung's own role in the battle. While his knife was perhaps not as bloody as Neteyam's, the Omaticaya specifically remembered seeing his teal mate, jumping from ilu-back, tossing men overboard when he got the chance.
Upon approaching, Tsireya made an excited noise, rushing up to greet him. Her smile was all teeth and her blue eyes shone like glittering diamonds as she greeted him. It was no wonder Lo'ak was so taken with her, him, and probably half the other young hunters in the village. His brother would need Eywa's luck if he wanted to court her.
Neteyam waved back, ducking out from Rotxo's guiding hold to pull her into a side hug before plopping down next to Aonung.
The chief's son's eyes widened in surprise at seeing him. Neteyam ducked his head nervously, still unsure of his place at Aonung's side. "I hope I'm not intruding…" he said, gesturing awkwardly at their shell plates.
But it was his mate who offered him a smile that seemed overjoyed and tugged him closer, grabbing an extra plate for him. "Of course not, yawne. Come sit with us."
A blush surely the color of Toruk's wings flamed across his face.
Tsireya giggled after a poor attempt at hiding her grin behind a finned hand and Rotxo's eyes nearly fell out of his skull.
Just like the time before, his tail moved with a mind of its own, twining around Aonung's and setting off to the side. Rotxo's eyes only grew wider, especially when Neteyam murmured a soft 'hi' to his mate and snuggled under his arm.
Ignoring Rotxo's stare, Neteyam quickly plucked a slice of fish off his mate's plate and set it down on his own, smile somewhat taunting, as he pretended to be oblivious to the fact that Aonung completely saw the move.
That only made Tsireya giggle more, the sound dancing off the sandy area and mixing with the sparks of the village fire. As if summoned by the sound of the Reef Princesses' laughter, Lo'ak showed up, plate in hand, and sat himself down with a loud plop.
"Oh gross," he exclaimed when his eyes fell upon Aonung and his brother.
Neteyam flipped him off absentmindedly, returning to his food. The teal of Aonung's eyes glimmered inquisitively before he held up his own hand and tried to replicate the gesture. Instead, he held up his last finger and bent his thumb at the wrong angle before turning it toward Rotxo and cocking his head to the side.
Lo'ak, who had begun to serve himself some fish, glanced up and burst into laughter.
"No, dude, that's not quite it. It's called flipping the bird."
Aonung scowled and ripped his hand down, crossing his arms over his chest. "What is bird?"
That only made Lo'ak laugh harder until he was doubled over, clutching his side. Even Neteyam had to bite back a laugh at the annoyed pout on Aonung's face as his brother giggled until he was gasping for air.
Finally, trying to maintain some element of peace between the two hunters, Neteyam took his mate's hand and drew his attention away, leaning into his neck.
"I will tell you later," he explained easily.
After that, the group died down a little. Tsireya launched into a tale about the new kind of shell her mother was using in her work and Lo'ak made 'googly-eyes' as their father might say, at her while she talked.
Rotxo on the other hand was staring at the two like they had grown an extra head. That was until Aonung bared his teeth at him and the boy quickly dropped his stare.
There was not a mean bone in Rotxo's body, although the Metkayina teenager was never one to shy away from a conversation, so when there was a lull in Tsireya's story he took the opportunity.
"Are you guys like, together?" he asked with wide and curious eyes.
Lo'ak stopped eating and looked up.
Nervously, Neteyam looked to the Metkayina, not sure if he wanted him to say. But Aonung just glared forward and tugged Neteyam closer to his side. "Of course we are."
Neteyam might have expected the boy to back away from Aonung's harsh stare, but Rotxo, ever the peacekeeper, just grinned and leaned back on his elbows like the picture of perfect ease. "Congratulations guys. That's great."
Clearly he had practice dealing with Aonung's occasional temper.
That seemed to break the ice and the realization lit up in their friend's eyes. "No shit, that's why we are doing the trial of warriors early isn't it?"
Neteyam picked nervously at his food, moving around bits of the fish he had stolen from his mate. "It's not- it's not dangerous for you guys right?" he asked.
Neteyam didn't really know who to go to for information about the Metkayina's version of iknimaya. Rotxo had once said that he would prefer the three days out on the open ocean compared to trying to tame an ikran, but that was before the battle. Now there was an added threat of Quaritch and any surviving RECOMs. Let alone the tulkun hunters.
A warm hand coming to rest around his waist brought his attention back. He looked up to see Aonung's eyes as it dawned on his mate just how worried Neteyam was about him leaving. He was about to say something reassuring when Rotxo jumped in, clearly excited to talk about the trials.
"No, not at all! I mean we are Metkayina, we're basically made for the water," he joked, slapping Tsireya's arm a little harder than he meant to. "I am excited at least."
With that comment, he shot a look at Lo'ak who groaned.
"I am excited for you guys," his brother insisted, crossing his arms over his chest. "I just don't see how it's fair. Payakan and I have every right to go along with you guys. Why do I have to wait another year?"
Tsireya cooed sympathetically and laid a hand on his arm. "Perhaps it is for the best? I think if given the time, more bulls will warm up to him and you will be better off for waiting."
It was as if all the fight had been sucked out of him. Lo'ak's face lowered and he nodded vehemently, in agreement, like he hadn't even raised an argument in the first place.
Neteyam snickered to Aonung, who snorted under his breath and turned his attention back to his mate. "You have nothing to be worried about Ma' Teyam," he said softly, offering him another slice of fish. "I will be with Ato'k the whole time. It is more symbolic than anything, only a way for us to mark the transition from hunter to warrior. My father would not let us go if we were not ready."
Neteyam tried to absorb those words and nodded.
A sly grin flashed across the future Olo'eyktan's face. "Are you worried about your mate?" he crooned, keeping his voice just between the two of them.
The tone of his words set Neteyam's veins on fire and he bit his cheek, trying not to blush.
"Of course not," he huffed, looking away so that Aonung couldn't see the color creeping up his neck.
The Metkayina only chuckled and tugged on his waist a little, pulling Neteyam back into his view. "I'm only kidding," he said softly, nosing his cheek subtly, away from the rest of their group. "I will be safe, Neteyam. I promise."
"-Besides, how could anything happen to me when Rotxo is so clearly the most fearsome warrior."
Aonung drew Neteyam's eyes to their friend who was currently attempting to toss bits of fish up in the air and catch it in his mouth. Each successful try earned applause from Lo'ak and Tsireya as they appraised him for his work. That was until Kiri walked by and the boy immediately missed, causing himself to choke.
His sister, who was on their way to meet their parents, was taken aback by the sudden coughing fit Rotxo was doubled over with. And then Lo'ak, who had to slap his back until the fish finally exited his throat. She made a disgusted noise and quickly walked away, not sparing him a second glance.
That completely lifted Neteyam's mood. Lo'ak was now cackling once more while Tsireya was sweetly offering him some of her drink. "Curse the great mother," the Metkayina teenager whispered, face pale and embarrassed.
Neteyam laughed too and leaned into Aonung's touch.
As the meal went on, more and more Na'vi joined the fire as tales were swapped and stories told. Eventually, the embers started to glow as the fire died down and Chief Tonowari stood, gathering the attention of all gathered.
"My people," he started, the remnants of the fire cast dangerous shadows across his tattooed face, making him look every bit of the ferocious warrior that he was. "It has been many weeks past the battle of the Sky People."
No one made any noise, many still grieving the loss of those who had fought and died against the RDA's raid.
"But we are survivors."
A few people called out.
"We, are warriors!"
More shouts, this time many hunters raising their spears in agreement.
"And now we will welcome the next generation of our hunters to fight alongside us. To join us in the defense of our home, of our families! My son Aonung will leave tomorrow afternoon to complete the Trial of Warriors!"
At his words, Tonowari motioned for his son to join his side. Aonung stood up hesitantly and made his way through the dying fire pit.
"Alongside him, Rotxo and their group of young Na'vi-."
With his son at his side, the Olo'eyktan placed a firm and heavy hand on Aonung's shoulders. "I ask of you all to offer your prayers to his success, the next leader of our tribe and a warrior I have no doubt, will protect us from those who seek to hurt our tulkun."
With that the tribe burst into applause, calls of success and joy rang out into the night, many of the older warriors beating their chests in respect and pride.
Aonung looked strong. The weight of his father's hand did not shake him, he only stood proud at his side with his shoulders squared, before letting out his own fierce call of victory. It was immediately echoed with a cheer from the village and shivers went down Neteyam's spine as he watched Aonung take on his role as the firstborn son.
Upon returning to his side, Aonung gently ran his hand down Neteyam's back before sitting.
Rotxo was clapping loudly and cheered with a grin on his face when Aonung rolled his eyes.
"The mighty Olo'eyktan returns," he jested good-naturedly.
Tsireya on the other hand was teary-eyed and sniffed loudly despite trying to hide her tears. "I am so proud of you brother," she exclaimed, reaching over to throw her arms around his neck. "You looked wonderful up there. I have no doubt you will make a excellent chief someday."
Aonung exhaled into her hug and wrapped his arms around her. "Thank you 'Reya."
There was a slight quiver in his voice and for the first time, Neteyam realized how terrified Aonung was of disappointing his father. The way he constantly looked up to him for guidance, the way he shrunk away from his barking tone. Aonung didn't feel good enough.
And that shattered Neteyam's heart.
After his sister let him go with one more sniffling breath, he moved their plates aside and sat back down.
Hesitantly, Neteyam tucked himself back into Aonung's grasp, drawing his attention. Warm hands played with the loose strings of his knife sheath as he looked down at the Omaticaya with curious but tired eyes.
"Can we go somewhere tonight?" he whispered to Aonung.
The hands at his waist stopped their movement entirely and Aonung's eyes doubled in size. His mouth opened and closed slightly, a purple hue tainting his teal as he opened his mouth awkwardly once before stuttering his agreement.
After the fire had completely died down Neteyam quickly disappeared to find his parents. Jake looked up at him when Neteyam approached. He awkwardly stumbled his way through explaining that he was going to hang out with his friends down by the beach that night and not to wait up for him.
Kiri rolled her eyes and snorted.
Jake on the other hand seemed thrilled that his son was finally out of the marui and slapped his shoulder good-naturally telling him to have fun.
With that, he quickly found Aonung once more and all but dragged him out into the forest.
He pulled the Metkayina along, easily jumping from stone to stone entranced by the bioluminescence that lit up the island. Aonung watched his mate in awe as he freely leaped between the rocks like a wild spirit in the night. Finally in his element.
The night sky passed easily as they walked through the tall glowing trees and Neteyam led them to a clearing of soft grassy moss. Soft little bigs lit up like sparks, casting a shine before flying upward at the disturbance and disappearing into the dark sky. Jake would have called them ' fireflies '.
Aonung let out a breath of wonder as the world around them came to life. While they did venture offshore, the Metkayina people did not regularly spend time inland, the ocean shore providing everything they needed. But here, the forest told a different story than the crashing waves. Large leafy fronds overlay the shining of Pandora's moons, the dark greens framed the glowing moss of the beautiful clearing. It was somewhat unfamiliar to him.
At the sound, Neteyam spun around and faced his mate. His heartbeat increased as he took him all in. His shoulders seemed broader than when they first met, in fact, he looked taller too. It took only seconds before Neteyam launched himself at Aonung. The Metkayina made a startled noise when his mouth was rapidly attacked but quickly kissed him back, not wasting a moment of time.
Dragging his wet lips over Aonung's repeatedly, Neteyam pulled away and exhaled, his chest rising and falling rapidly. It was a sight the Metkayina would not soon forget.
"I am so proud of you," Neteyam finally whispered, searching Aonung's gaze, desperate for him to believe it. To see how far he had come.
His words seemed to hit Aonung deeply because his hands came up to cup Neteyam's cheeks, slightly shaky, as he kissed him back, allowing Neteyam to take what he wanted.
"Really?" he whispered, staring back at him with wide eyes. His lips trembled and his voice even cracked with anxiety.
Neteyam stopped for a moment, shifting his face they were only a hairs width apart. Insecurity flickered beneath the shining blue irises as his hands twitched nervously under Neteyam's touch.
Of course," he said softly, bringing his hands down to rest across his chest, just slightly above the thin line across it. He needed Aonung to see it, to understand how much he loved him. "You are such a wonderful mate. And I have no doubt that you will be an excellent chief, just like your father."
As his words finished Neteyam watched Aonung's expression collapse and his lip quiver just slightly. "I love you."
That seemed to do it, because Aonung lost his composure and shoved their lips together immediately, screwing his eyes shut. His mouth pressed against his own, heavy and demanding. There was no room for questions, only Aonung's mouth working against his, hands gripping his waist, and breath mingling in the night air.
"Aonung," he choked out, feeling desire crawl along his skin. Especially when Aonung's lips trailed from his jaw down to his neck. "Please."
Aonung murmured soft words against his skin and held him close, warm skin touching his own. Unable to help himself, Neteyam's hips canted upward at the sound and he let out a quiet, moan.
Aonung groaned in response and pressed a heavy thigh between Neteyam's legs so he could grind down on it. A needy whimper left his mouth at the contact and his cheeks flushed, but Aonung let his thumbs press lightly into his skin, rubbing soothing, reassuring circles into his blue skin. "Just like that," he mumbled softly to him, making Neteyam gasp. "Doing so good."
When their lips connected again, Aonung pressed his tongue into Neteyam's mouth, opening him up before diving back into the kiss. Neteyam moaned, rubbing down harder as Aonung's tongue gently brushed against the roof of his mouth. Struggling to form a coherent thought, Neteyam reached between them and desperately shoved Aonung's loincloth aside, grabbing him and starting to rub.
A harsh exhale left Aonung's mouth and he pulled away from Neteyam's lips to bury his head into the boy's dark blue shoulder with a groan as he stroked his cock.
"Fuck, Neteyam."
The harsh word burned its way into Neteyam's blood and he couldn't take it anymore, he felt like he was going to explode. Desperately, he pulled his own covering away, not caring about tangling the strings as he threw it aside before tugging Aonung close so they could rut against each other. He needed more of this, more of his mate's skin against his.
The second the other's warm, hot length was next to his own he let out a broken sound. Aonung's precome was mixing with his own, making it hot and slick as they thrust up against each other. When a large hand wrapped around them both, Neteyam keened forward and tried to hide his face away as pleasure shot through him. But Aonung wasn't having any of that. Instead, he gripped Neteyam's thighs and hoisted him up, eliciting a startled noise from the Omaticaya.
Aonung spun around and settled them both onto the soft mossy ground below so that the Omaticaya was in full view of him.
"So beautiful," he murmured, tracing his hands up Neteyam's sides. Another sound tore itself out of Neteyam's throat at the pressure. The world around them was glowing softly, the night air a comforting haven surrounding the two. The moss along his back framed his dark blue skin and Neteyam watched as Aonung's breath caught in his chest when he caught sight of him.
Slowly he traveled his hands down Neteyam's sides once more, drawing shivers from the Omaticaya until he came to rest himself between Neteyam's legs. Neteyam let out a whimper as he realized what was to come.
"My beautiful mate," Aonung whispered, rubbing circles into his skin. "Can I take you like this?" he asked, leaning even closer.
Desire burned through his veins at the softness of his words and he nodded desperately, spreading his legs further.
Aonung chuckled and reached between them and carefully pressing his tip into the nervous fluttering part of Neteyam's entrance. A tremor of anxiety passed through him, but Neteyam knew better. Aonung would never hurt him.
The bluntness of Aonung's tip rested against him before his mate distracted him by placing warm kisses all over his face. And then he pressed in.
Neteyam moaned brokenly at the wet stretching he felt as the Metkayina's leaking length began to bury inside of him.
"Fuck," he said weakly, feeling himself be worked open.
Aonung pulled out just a little before tilting Neteyam's hips up and sliding back in, this time drawing out a groan from the both of them. They had never done this before with no prep, but Neteyam found himself moaning quietly as Aonung burrowed further into him, aided only by his own previous desire mixed on his cock.
With one more shallow thrust, he was seated fully inside of him and they both let out a low grunt. Desperately, Neteyam reached into the soft moss behind him and began to search for his queue. He need to feel Aonung's mind, needed to be reassured by him... Aonung caught on immediately and pulled his own braid from over his shoulders, bringing it forward for his mate.
Neteyam felt the feelers on the underside of his queue react and the pink tendrils emerged twisting upward in search of connection. Aonung settled one of his arms below Neteyam's head as the other pressed his braid forward. He placed a soft kiss to Neteyam's lips before pushing the two ends together.
The feeling was instant. A soft pink hue emendated from their braids as tsaheylu was formed. Light rushed through Neteyam's blood as Aonung's mind met his own, gently merging and opening itself up. He could feel their chest pressed together more intimately, could feel Aonung's breathing as if it was his own, his heart reflected in his own smaller body.
"I love you," Neteyam whined, desperately trying to put words to everything he was feeling.
"I know," Aonung whispered, pressing their foreheads together, allowing Neteyam to see the pure devotion that poured out of him through their braids. He loved him back. The Omaticaya couldn't help but squeeze his eyes shut in pleasure as Aonung began to slowly move inside of him.
Aonung pulled out and pressed back in causing Neteyam to let out a shout. He could feel it through their bonds, the dragging his member against his sensitive walls, the pleasurable stretching of his rim, fuck. His hands grabbed Aonung's face pulling him closer, needing him closer. Needing more.
"Ma Neteyam," Aonung groaned out, clearly enjoying himself.
Neteyam let out a choked-out noise and his hips canting forward on their own accord with a whimper as his hands scrambled to find purchase in the mossy floor below him.
And then something hot and white lit up in his lower abdomen as Aonung pressed against a particular spot. A loud and needy sound escaped his lips as his mate hit his prostate.
"Again, please, Aonung," he begged, gasping.
The Metkayina looked between them and groaned, snapping his hips forward just like before, tip rubbing against that small under of nerves.
Now Aonung was truly fucking him.
Neteyam's legs were spread wide and knees pushed up toward his chest while Aonung's cock stretched him out repeatedly, with each intoxicating thrust. The lude position alone had him clenching in a nervous desire as heat throbbed through him. He could feel something deep within him being pounded over and over again and it made him want to scream. The Omaticaya was pretty sure his voice was in a perpetual wrecked state of moaning as his hands clenched and unclenched at the ground beneath him. Fuck, Aonung had never taken him like this before.
Now his eyes were getting glossy as sparks of pleasure shot through him with each thrust, heat building in his lower stomach. "'Nung," he whimpered, looking for some kind of grounding comfort.
His mate immediately provided it, letting go of his trembling thighs to bury himself deeper as he leaned down to kiss him gently. The contrast between the softness of his lips and the aching stretch and pleasure of his sharp thrusts caused him to let out a loud sound.
"Do you want me to stop?" Aonung whispered.
All Neteyam could do was rapidly shake his head, wrapping his legs around Aonung's hips as tears began to flow down his cheeks. The pleasure was starting to build up in an overwhelming manner and he desperately needed it to continue.
A soft smile graced Aonung's lips at his mate's actions before he buried his lips against Neteyam's pulse point, sucking gently at the skin while he pounded harder into further into his mate.
"Fuck," Neteyam whimpered, his insides being stimulated in ways they never had been before. The push and pull of Aonung's aching cock deep within him. It had never happened this fast for him before. "'Nung I'm so close."
His own member was leaking against his stomach, trapped between the two as Aonung rubbed him endlessly. He wanted to scream.
The boy above him grunted, feeling his own release building up. "Can I-" he tried, struggling to get the words out as he moved deeper inside him.
Neteyam moaned. "Yes, please, inside."
That was all it took. Aonung groaned against his neck and pressed his hips as deep as he could, causing Neteyam to come with a shout. A gush of warmth coated his insides as Aonung released far within him, drawing out shivers from Neteyam as pleasure wrecked through his used body. Finally they stilled, Aonung's lips resting against his trembling skin.
There was a moment of quiet where all that could be heard was their heavy, panting breaths. And then Aonung let out a surprised laugh, followed by a giggle from Neteyam. Slowly, Aonung disconnected their tsaheylu and pulled out of him, careful of Neteyam's sensitive walls, before lying down in the soft moss immediately tugging Neteyam into his arms and wrapping around him. The Omaticaya felt his mind slip back into place and he let out a long exhale as the ebbs of pleasure slowly faded away in the presence of his mate's warm arms.
The night air around them was pleasant and Neteyam nuzzled closer to the chief's son in contentment.
"So, 'Nung'?" Aonung teased in amusement, breaking the silence between them. "That's what you're calling me now?"
A slight color dusted over Neteyam's cheeks and he tucked his head away. "Shut up," he mumbled.
A heavy laugh came out of his mate's chest. "It's cute."
That only made Neteyam blush more.
A warm hand found its way into Neteyam's hair, gently playing with his braids. The Omaticaya looked up, finding Aonung's eyes.
"I love you, you know that?" Aonung said softly, eyes deep with sincerity.
Neteyam tucked himself closer so that his head was resting against Aonung's chest, heartbeat steady below his teal skin.
"I know," he breathed, meeting his gaze. "Promise me you'll be safe."
Aonung tilted his head up with a gentle finger under his chin and brushed their noses together. "I swear it."
Gently the Metkayina settled them into the soft glowing matting of the forest floor. A pleasant burn ran along Neteyam's thighs and an unconscious whine came out of him when he shifted.
Aonung placed an almost apologetic kiss to his chin before curling up around him, even bringing the paddle of his tail to brush against Neteyam's hip, protecting him. The action made him smile and he snuggled closer nosing his way into the crook of Aonung's neck and shoulder, breathing in softly.
"My Neteyam," Aonung hummed, tracing lazy patterns up and down his arm. "Let's stay here for the night."
Neteyam murmured his agreement, happily sinking into the warmth that was his mate's body. Above them, the stars shone down on the mated pair, like Eywa's goodwill, her blessing. Aonung's webbed fingers began to trace over his beaded songchord, touching the chorus strands while looking down at his mate.
Knowing what he wanted, the Omaticaya softly began to hum, letting the notes of his songcord fill the warm night air around him and float up to the stars. As they drifted off into unconsciousness, Neteyam placed one hand over the scarring on his chest and whispered a sacred prayer to the Great Mother.
'Please bring him back to me.'