Chapter Text
With long purposeful strides, Neteyam glided along the woven paths of the village with a gracefulness he had nearly perfected. It was easy on land, not so much sand, but he was getting there.
He was on his way to visit the Chief's son. That morning, he got into a fight with the boy and his friends. His siblings were instantly worried that Aonung had reverted somehow. Turned back into the jerk he used to be.
Truth is, that was never his personality to begin with, it was the influence of his so called friends. The ones Neteyam begged him to stay away from only to have him not listen.
Being the son of the Chief made it hard for Aonung to maintain real friends. Many would leave him out of their activities out of worry that he would tell his father if they broke a few rules.
Aonung wasn't like that, but he hardly ever got a chance to explain himself, and being the way he was, he didn't bother to put up a fight about it. He wouldn't dare show desperation like that, and was fine being on his own for the most part, until he landed in with the boys he hung out with now.
Part of the reason Lo'ak punched him in the face was because he had trusted him. They made Aonung their friend, but in the end it looked like they weren't good enough for him since he returned to the morons that called them freaks.
Neteyam knew it was more complicated than that, but rather than try to speak for Aonung, he would get the boy to do it himself.
So, in the late afternoon, the Sully boy reached the head family's den. He expected to find a sulking Aonung, but instead came upon the boy's best friend, who also happened to be his biggest shadow.
Rotxo was grabbing a few things to go hunting, but flinched and nearly dropped all of it at the sight of Neteyam standing in the entranceway.
Neteyam hated to see him so scared, but if he were someone else who saw the state those boys were left in, he'd be scared of who did it too. He knew his very presence could be intimidating, simply because of the way he carried himself. His resting face was too similar to the one he wore when on his way to hurt someone.
It wasn't something he could help or change at all, he got it straight from his mother, but he also inherited her warm smile that could change the atmosphere around him in an instant. So with that very smile, he greeted the shorter boy kindly.
Neteyam- Hey, have you seen Aonung?
Rather than voice a response, Rotxo shook his head. His ears pinned back and his tail was lowered behind him, subconsciously wrapping around his leg. It was clear how uncomfortable Neteyam had made him, which hurt a little.
Contrary to popular belief, which was that he had a thing for Aonung, it was actually Rotxo who had caught his eye. It was a small crush, since he found the smaller boy's presence calming, and his appearance pleasing to the eyes.
He thought Tsireya was too beautiful, if that were even a thing. Her presence spoke volumes, and was as bright as the sun with that big smile of hers. It was blinding to him, yet perfect to his brother.
It was never his thing to be in denial, so he would openly admit he thought Aonung was hot, which made the boy laugh every time it was said. He was flashy, like a large wave. But the problem with boys like that was that there were too many people who thought the same.
Neteyam, in the opinion of many back in the forest, was in a similar situation. People wanted him. A lot of them. But Rotxo seemed to be the opposite of types like them who went noticed wherever they were.
He was like something far more subtle than the bright sun, or a dangerous wave. He was more like a calm breeze. Something that wasn't seen, but appreciated when it was there. Especially on days when the sun blazed too harshly.
Neteyam didn't know much about Rotxo aside from the fact that he was Aonung's best friend and adopted brother, and seemed kind overall. That was it. He had never really spoken to him one on one.
Neteyam- Could you let me know if you see him then, I need to-
Aonung- So that's what's taking so long.
He was interrupted by the very boy he was looking for, which made him turn around as Aonung stepped into the marui. Seeing the bruises on his face and the cut on his lip wasn't even Neteyam's immediate focus, because he had realized then that Rotxo lied to him.
His gaze snapped back over to Rotxo's, seeming to make the boy even more nervous.
Aonung- If you're here to lecture me, I don't have time.
Reluctantly, he turned to face Aonung, pushing back the subtle irritation he felt because of how distrusting Rotxo was to him.
Neteyam- You need to stay away from those boys.
Aonung- Don't go getting possessive on me, forest boy. I'll get the wrong idea.
The prince then gestured for Rotxo to take their hunting gear outside, which the boy was all too glad to do. He scurried past Neteyam, but the Sully boy's focus had switched back to what he was originally there for.
He needed to save his friend from the boy's own stupid decisions.
Neteyam- I'm serious.
Aonung- If you want to keep an eye on me all day, be my guest. Come hunting with us.
Neteyam- I don't think that's a good idea.
Aonung- Why?
Neteyam silenced for a moment, unsure of how to say he didn't quite click with Rotxo. As he thought, he glanced in the direction Rotxo went, which Aonung instantly caught onto.
Aonung- Do you have a problem with Rotxo?
Neteyam- No, not at all.
Aonung- You better not. Come on.
He sighed as Aonung led him back outside. The prince was very protective of both his siblings, and if he sensed anything wrong, he was ready to cut someone's heart out for it. It's why Neteyam was reluctant to even mention his disconnection with Rotxo.
One little issue and "Mama'Nung" made his appearance.
Aonung led him to the beach, and right in the shallows with the Ilu was Rotxo, who glanced between them in confusion.
Aonung- Neteyam's coming with us. He could use a lesson anyway.
Rotxo- But you hate teaching.
Aonung- Who said I was the teacher?
The prince smirked at the boy as he went up to one of the Ilu, mounting it then tossing his crossbow to Neteyam. He caught the weapon, then called for an Ilu of his own. He noticed Rotxo's eyes on him for a moment before the boy rode over to the other side of Aonung.
It was strange to him, how Aonung seemed completely unaware that it was obviously Rotxo who had a problem with him. He was afraid of him, despite most people describing him as trustworthy.
None of his siblings ever had a problem with the boy, so "demon blood" had nothing to do with it. This was personal, even though Neteyam had done nothing to him personally. They hardly ever exchanged more than a few words.
Lagging just a bit behind them, for the sake of Rotxo's comfort, Neteyam was led just out the reef but not too far. Apparently it was a good spot. Not too far from the safety of the reef, but just far enough not to be in the middle of where the hunters of the village liked to go.
Aonung dismounted and dove in, leaving instructions completely to Rotxo, whom he considered the better teacher. Neteyam knew the basics, but wasn't yet as good with a crossbow as he was with his bow and arrows. Hunting underwater was different.
While Aonung was on his own nearby, Rotxo led Neteyam over to a large group of very little fish. Hitting one would prove difficult, but he was willing to try as many times as it took.
When he held up the crossbow, Rotxo eyed his positioning for a moment before hesitantly moving closer. He still wasn't fluent in their sign language, so instructing him wasn't possible, he had to physically move him to get him into the right position.
Neteyam didn't mind it at all, and was very calm in taking the corrections. He offered the boy a small smile as thanks, and Rotxo nodded slightly as he backed off to let him take a shot. The fish were swimming every which way in a frenzy that messed with his eyes.
It was hard to lock onto one target, which he was sure was their goal in swimming all over the place like that, but he managed to focus on one closer to the middle. There was an occasional opening, he just had to time it right. He was patient, more patient than most inexperienced hunters would be, and it paid off.
A straight shot to the middle and there was his fresh kill. He glanced over to Rotxo, who couldn't hide the impressed look he had on his face. His eyes had widened, and his ears perked up in surprise, then he turned to face him.
Neteyam isn't sure what he was expecting from the boy, but Rotxo merely tilted his head, gesturing for him to go collect his kill. He nodded in response, then swam out towards the fish. Instantly, their frenzy worsened and they all spread out, swimming far away from him as he neared.
He had never seen any do it quite like that, and aimed a look of confusion back towards Rotxo where some swam off to. The smaller boy was suddenly on alert, clicking with his throat as he spotted something approaching.
When the Sully boy turned back around, jaws lined with pincer teeth came at rapid speed, latching onto his side. He let out quite a bit of his air because of the pain, but quickly went for his blade, and cut the creature's face.
The second it let go, there was Rotxo on the back of his Ilu, reaching for Neteyam as he went by. He grabbed onto the boy's arm, but the predator then grabbed his leg, causing him to yell. He held onto Rotxo's arm with both hands as the boy threw his spear at the creature.
It cut right underneath its eye, grazing the corner, which made it let go, allowing Neteyam to escape its jaws. He got onto the back of Rotxo's Ilu, holding onto him as it rushed off, but the predator was chasing them and Neteyam was pretty much out of air.
As they were chased off, Rotxo clicked multiple times in distress, hoping Aonung was close enough to hear them, but there was no sign of response. They were on their own, being chased farther away from the reef.
The Ilu reached the surface, as instructed by Rotxo, to let Neteyam breathe. He gasped, and coughed, clutching at his side, not in any condition to be trying to hold his breath. But he had to. Rotxo warned that they were going back under so they could speed up again, so he took the largest breath he could hold.
Neither of them had any idea why the creature was still chasing them that far. Perhaps it was the trail of blood Neteyam was leaving, leading it to believe he wouldn't make it, or perhaps the creature was just that hungry.
The third time they resurfaced, there was an island nearby, which Rotxo headed straight towards. They were safe as soon as they reached the shallows, finally rid of the predator, but their problems were far from over.
Neteyam groaned as he forced his body to carry him onto the beach, with Rotxo supporting him as much as he could. He limped to the closest tree in sight, leaning against it before sliding down to sit and finally inspect himself.
There were three teeth stuck in the flesh of his leg, while his side was near ripped open, bleeding profusely. He cursed as he kept a tight grip on it, leaning his head back with his eyes tightened because of how much it hurt.
As he was taking deep breaths, he noticed a lack of Rotxo's presence. His eyes opened to scan his surroundings, then spotted the boy pulling seaweed from the water with determination. Then he ran back over to him, shoving a thick bundle of sea leaves into his mouth before focusing on his wounds.
Rotxo- Brace yourself.
He moved Neteyam's hands out of the way and started wrapping the seaweed around his bloodied torso, pulling it tightly, which caused a muffled scream. Rotxo wasn't being the least bit gentle or cautious, he was getting the job done. Ignoring the noises as well as Neteyam's hand squeezing his arm as he tore into the sea leaves with his teeth.
The Sully boy finally got a small break when Rotxo finished wrapping up his torso. A bit more delicately, he then removed the teeth from his leg, and tucked them into the pouch on his hip. Then came the pain of his wound being squeezed shut, which had him yelling again.
Neteyam had always taken Rotxo for the nurturing type. The sort that had good bedside manner and would ease into things like this, helping to prepare for the pain. No, not at all. He was dead wrong, and decided Rotxo would've been a perfect help to the stubborn soldiers back in the forest that never wanted any help.
They were always itching to rush back onto the battlefield, whether they were ready or not, and more often than not had to be forced into getting taken care of. It was always the ones considered cruel that got them to stay put. The ones that didn't bother asking questions or coaxing people to trust their work.
The ones that acted just like Rotxo in that moment.
It actually made him feel pretty confident the boy knew what he was doing. Though anyone who wasn't a soldier likely would have felt otherwise and would never want his help again.
His hand slipped off of Rotxo's arm, hitting the ground as he felt a wave of relief once the boy was done wrapping up his leg. As he was catching his breath, the marine boy tried to pull the bundle of sea leaves from his mouth, only to find out it was caught on his fangs.
He opened his mouth more so the boy could pull it off, and noticed Rotxo staring at his teeth before he looked at the holes his canines left in the bundle. An Omatikaya's fangs were a bit larger than a Metkayina's, but Rotxo had never seen them.
Baring one's fangs was an instinct more primal than others, and was done when the mind bordered on feral. When one would be on the edge of losing control. Like those who would be protecting their mates or their families.
The point was, Neteyam had never bared his fangs at anyone other than their enemies, and hoped he'd never have to again, since they joined the reef people to escape war. It was foolish to hope it never followed, but he still wanted to.
With his mouth relieved from the bundle of leaves, he licked around his mouth a bit, trying to rid it of the strange taste before he spoke.
Neteyam- Thank you.
Rotxo only hummed in response before looking out at the water. Neteyam was already irritated, and he really didn't need their personal problems getting in the way.
Neteyam- What is your problem with me? You like my siblings, but won't even speak to me.
The smaller boy's ears pinned back, with his own expression of annoyance beginning to show, but he still wouldn't face him.
Rotxo- . . . Aonung listens to you. He gravitates towards you. Wakes up early because you do. For the first time, after years of my trying to get him to, he started trying to leave those morons he hangs with. It was because of you . . . You're stealing my best friend.
Neteyam stared for a moment, trying to figure out what to say to that. He found it cute how territorial the boy was being. Naturally he didn't mean to move in on Rotxo's best friend, and had no intention of replacing him, but when he thought of it, it seemed that way.
Rotxo was easy to overlook, though it was a sad thing to admit. Of course he saw Aonung's growing relationship with someone like Neteyam as such a threatening thing.
Neteyam- I'm sorry. That wasn't my intention.
Rotxo- Do you like him?
The boy turned his head slightly, but not enough to actually look at him. Neteyam could've laughed at that question, since it was one he got asked more times than he could count.
Neteyam- No.
Rotxo- Really? You're not into him at all?
Rotxo finally turned to meet his gaze, looking more confused than anything, which made Neteyam smile a little despite the pain he was in.
Neteyam- I guess now is as good a time as any to say I'm actually more into you.
The boy's ears perked up instantly, and his eyes widened, letting the sunlight flow into the multiple colors of his irises. It was a sight Neteyam could get used to. His eyes weren't just blue or green. The center was amber, not quite golden, and the color frayed into a soft blue, closed in by the brighter blue of its outline.
It was like a sunset over the ocean surface, though at that point Neteyam had lost quite a bit of blood and his sight may have been exaggerated in his mind.
He adjusted himself just a little bit, wincing as he moved, before he continued.
Neteyam- But you acted so afraid of me.
Rotxo- . . . Sorry.
The boy spoke softly, averting his gaze to the sand beneath them, and it was clear he had been a bit flustered by Neteyam's confession.
Neteyam- So, do you have a plan for getting home?
Rotxo- We wait for Aonung. He will find us, we've been here before.
Neteyam- Any idea how long that will take?
Their eyes met again, but Neteyam looked tired.
Rotxo- No, but don't panic. Just relax, but stay awake.
Neteyam- You better be hell of entertaining then. Sleep is sounding better every second.
Rotxo laughed just a bit, nervously as he continued their conversation. The topic was something Neteyam had to use his imagination for; What did he think would have happened had their hunt not been interrupted?
The first thing he thought was that Rotxo wouldn't have been forced to talk to him. They may have even gone the entire time without exchanging a word. Nevertheless, he wouldn't thank that creature for the state he was in.
As they waited, mostly what Neteyam enjoyed was the fact that Rotxo was actually talking to him. Since his crush was light, and he felt nothing heavier for the boy, he didn't think it would affect him too much whether or not they ever came to terms.
Apparently he wanted that a bit more than he thought, though, since he stayed awake just to look at him. Occasionally, Rotxo would have him squeeze his hand if he got too quiet. Once, he actually stayed quiet on purpose just so he could hold it.
With his wounds came as much confidence as there was pain apparently. He wasn't shy, but never quite that forward, which is why Rotxo didn't know of his crush to begin with.
He was the type that would spend weeks hinting, then surprise whomever with something only a lover would want to do. Whether that would be taking them out for a flight, preparing a blanket dinner in the woods, or something as simple as making a matching pair of trinkets.
Neteyam had many small crushes, but they were all fleeting, and he really couldn't say why if he were asked. He didn't know, that's just how it always went. He hoped it wouldn't be like that with Rotxo, however.
As they continued to wait, Neteyam's words came fewer and farther apart, and his breaths were slow. Rotxo still tried to keep him talking, but he was slipping.
Then he saw him.
Rotxo- Aonung!
He called out to the boy as he neared the shore on his Ilu, and Aonung dashed onto the beach. It was evening, and eclipse was just around the corner.
With urgency, yet carefully, Aonung lifted Neteyam's barely conscious self into his arms, carrying him back to the Ilu. Rotxo's Ilu was still around, which he mounted to ride after Aonung, who held onto Neteyam tightly as they made their way home.
By nightfall, they were just arriving within the reef. Their long absence had worried both families, and the Tsahík was quick to look over Neteyam in the healing marui. She did his stitches, as well as rubbed special creams and ointments where it was needed, and lastly gave him real bandages.
While waiting for an update, Rotxo explained to the Sullys what happened, and apologized profusely. They were quick to reassure him, and thanked him for keeping Neteyam alive.
When Ronal exited the marui, she looked relieved.
Ronal- He has lost a lot of blood, but his pulse is stronger than expected. He will be fine.
The entire family exhaled in relief, with Neytiri thanking the great mother for not taking her son this time. Ronal aimed a look at Aonung before going back inside.
Ronal- Good work.
Aonung stuttered for a moment, attempting to explain that it was Rotxo while already being dismissed by his mother, but the smaller boy grabbed onto his arm.
Rotxo- It's fine.
They shared a look, and Aonung sighed, letting it go. His parents did that a lot; overlooking any chance that Rotxo would do something worth praising. Worth any acknowledgement really.
Aonung got plenty of attention, a lot of it was scoldings, and he would gladly share it with Rotxo, but the boy's chances of even being given that much were low. He didn't think it was fair, or right by him in any way, but Rotxo always told him to leave things be.
The shorter boy especially didn't care much this time, because there was a good chance he would finally get something. Something that everyone thought Aonung would get, that the heir very clearly, to him at least, wouldn't. Neteyam; The warrior boy whose attention, acknowledgment, and interest was thought to all belonged to Aonung, no matter how often it was denied.
That sort of attention, and potential accomplishment would be all Rotxo would need to not feel like he was in the background anymore. Either that, or he would simply care less than he already did, because Neteyam's eyes noticed him. And whether or not that sight would lead to love between them wasn't certain, but Rotxo had a feeling, a strong feeling, that it would.