Chapter Text
Since their second kiss, (they didn’t count the first one), Aonung was usually not too far behind Neteyam. Sure, they hadn’t really progressed past that kiss. But Aonung liked to think that the shared kiss meant that Neteyam was his. He hadn’t even entertained any other idea.
Now, Aonung didn’t walk around boasting about their relationship, but people could sense that something had changed between both males.
To start, Aonung had a subtle comment about anything Neteyam specifically did. It was usually positive. However, if Lo’ak had done the same thing? Aonung was usually rolling his eyes and giving a back-handed compliment.
Like today, both Sully kids had decided that their Ikrans could use some attention since they had been so focused on training with Ilus.
Aonung only saw Lo’ak shouting obnoxiously as he flew past them on the beach, sand blowing in his face. “Doesn’t he know it is useless riding that?” Aonung rolled his eyes and nudged his friend Roxto, “You can take the forest away from the boy, but he’ll always be a monkey skxawng.” Roxto teased. The two exchanged a laugh as they watched Lo’ak.
“Oh stop it! I think it’s so cool, I’d be terrified to be that high up.” Tsireya smacked her brother’s shoulder, she had practically appeared from nowhere.
“I am sure it can’t be that hard, an Ilu is probably harder because it is wet. You just have a crush on Lo’ak so he has blindsided you with his jungle ways. How primal.” Aonung spoke, he often forgot to associate Lo’ak and Neteyam together.
“And what does that make Neteyam?” Tsireya asked.
“Neteyam? He has adapted well, proven himself to be useful, a great hunt…” Aonung was cut off by a loud call, it resembled something he had heard from Neytiri once.
Next thing he knew Neteyam was rushing past them, chasing after Lo’ak on his Ikran. Aonung didn’t even finish his sentence, his mouth hung open a bit because he had been caught off guard.
There was something so majestic and breathtaking by the way Neteyam had rode, Lo’ak came off as barbaric, but Neteyam? He looked flawless, elegant even.
“Look at both of those freaks, they know an Ikran is useless against an Akul-“
“Roxto be quiet, don’t even bring up an Akula!” Aonung clearly didn’t want to think of an Akula and his Forest Boy, he could feel Roxto staring at him, he was probably confused.
“You do know Neteyam is a hunter? Yes? They came here from war, he is not weak.” Tsireya commented, Aonung knew she was right but it didn’t mean he wanted to hear it. “They are not at war now, he need not worry about something like that, he should just stay smiling.” Aonung retorted, his tone full of sass.
He could feel both sets of eyes on him, he hadn’t really thought of his words before he spoke, he was just his usual unfiltered self.
“Aonung!” Neteyam shouted before landing his Ikran a few feet away, “Want to go for a ride?” Neteyam asked, motioning for the taller to hop on behind him.
“Go ahead brother, it should be easy right?” Tsireya teased. She pushed Aonung towards Neteyam.
Aonung realized something at this point, Tsireya was more spiteful than she had let on. And suddenly, Aonung had a fear of heights.
“On that? Forest boy, I am a water Na’vi.” Aonung started, but he took a few steps towards Neteyam instinctively.
“Yes, but I learned to ride an Ilu- It will be fun, I promise I won’t let you fall.” Neteyam didn’t do anything special, but Aonung swore he saw those golden orbs get bigger as if to lure him in.
It worked.
Aonung grumbled a bit but reluctantly approached the large winged being, he looked skeptical at first before he slowly climbed on. Neteyam slid in behind him to secure him in. Aonung tried not to look embarrassed as he was hugged from behind.
“I think we will need to switch positions.. You are taller now than before.” Neteyam’s face was practically in the other shoulder blades due to the height difference. He couldn’t see.
Aonung felt like this was a bad idea, but he switched positions nonetheless.
Aonung slid in behind Neteyam, he glanced down at him, “You fit perfectly right here..” Aonung commented loud enough for only Neteyam to hear. His arms sliding around his waist, he was obsessed with this waist. It was made for him to wrap his arms around.
“Hush.. Fish boy, hold on tight or you’ll fly off..” Neteyam’s words held no real threat, Aonung could see how flushed his darker blue cheeks had become. He could feel Neteyam’s hands shake nervously. It was probably because he was flustered.
Aonung held on tight, his head resting on Neteyam’s shoulder, he discreetly turned his head and planted a small kiss on Neteyam’s neck just as they took off.
Aonung immediately clung tighter to Neteyam, he brushed it off as him teasing him but in reality he was very nervous being up so high, “Don’t actually drop me..” Aonung felt the need to say.
“Kiss my neck again and I just might..” Neteyam was very flustered.
Aonung laughed, feeling like it was a challenge, he distracted himself by watching Neteyam’s braid bounce. He felt the urge take over and planted another kiss on his neck. Aonung tested Neteyam’s patience.
Neteyam practically yelped, “Fucking, skxawng..” Neteyam shouted at him and Aonung knew he had messed up because Neteyam flipped the Ikran and Aonung nearly slipped out.
“I’m sorry- Nete- Don’t!” Aonung never begged before but the second he saw distance he wrapped his arms strongly around Neteyam’s waist, he would have definitely taken him down with him.
Aonung heard Neteyam laugh loudly, Aonung sighed in relief that he wasn’t going to end up dropping hundreds of feet in the air.
Despite the intense threat he had just faced. He wouldn’t have traded that experience for the world, he hadn’t heard Neteyam laugh that loud ever. Neteyam was perfect for him.
In the distance, Lo’ak and Tsireya watched the interaction with different reactions. Tsireya found the whole view to be beautiful and romantic as she could hear them laugh in the distance.
“Why is your crusty slimy brother busting a move on mine?” Lo’ak asked glaring at the couple, he didn’t like Aonung at all.
“Stop it.. I think they like each other. My brother is smitten with him.. It’s rather cute, hopefully he will court him soon.” Tsireya said softly, she looked fond of them.
“I will not stand for that, Neteyam deserves better than… That.” Lo’ak gestured to Aonung. Though they did look happy together, Lo’ak swore he saw them kiss in the sky but half the view was blocked by the bright sun.