Archive of Our Own

The forest patch behind Awa‘atlu’s village had definitely never been Ao’nung’s favorite place. He never went in with his own volition. Only when his mother needed some herbs that she would send him to get or when he couldn’t get out of water duty.

But ever since the Sully family had arrived at their shores, Ao’nung had found himself trekking through the thicket more and more often. To no one’s surprise, the Sully siblings liked hanging out in the forests of Awa’atlu, but especially it was Neteyam who could be found here, and he was the exact reason why Ao’nung was spending more time fighting his way through leaves and sticks.

It had been a few months since the battle against the Tulkun hunters and the Mangkwan had happened. They had successfully defended their home and their spirit siblings and the first communion for the Tulkun calf and young Na’vi, including Ao’nung’s little sister, was able to take place.

But despite their victory that day, which had been hard fought, the following months had been hard. The fate of Ao’nung’s own mother and Rotxo had been in Eywa’s hands for far too long until they had ultimately, thankfully started recovering from their injuries.

It had kept Ao’nung busy. Between rebuilding the homes that had been burned by the Mangkwan, helping Tsireya in taking care of their mother while their father was busy, and keeping Rotxo company while he healed, Ao’nung had seen Neteyam only sporadically.

Neteyam himself was still healing from the injury that the sky people weapon had caused during the battle at the three brothers’ rock. But despite that, he had still fought alongside Ao’nung to defend the Tulkun and he would help in the rebuilding efforts for the Maruis until his mother always came to force him to rest.

All that was to say that it had been a while since Ao’nung and Neteyam had been able to spend time together…and Ao’nung had missed him. Which was exactly why he was fighting himself through the inner forest, because of course Neteyam didn’t like hanging out in the places that were easy to reach. No, it had to be the inner forest where the beach could no longer be seen, and the ocean could almost not be heard anymore.

He had to walk until he finally came upon a small cliff, not too high but high enough that it made Ao’nung sigh. He hated climbing, but alas Neteyam always liked to pick the elevated spots to sit at.

“Neteyam?” Ao’nung called out, hoping that he had finally found him. There was a brief pause and Ao’nung was starting to look forward to the fact that he would not have to climb this cliff until finally an answer came.

“We are up here,” Neteyam’s voice came from a slight distance, but undoubtedly from up the cliff.

“Okay,” Ao’nung sighed. He was happy that he had found Neteyam and whoever was with him, but he was not happy that he would have to climb the cliff after all.

The climb itself, and Ao’nung thanked Eywa profusely for this, was short. It was also clumsy as Ao’nung pulled himself along the roots that ran along the cliffside, digging his nails into the stones and praying that he didn’t lose his already weak grip. He finished his climb with an awkward drag, pulling himself all the way up onto solid ground.

He could hear the quiet laughter coming from Neteyam as he watched him climb up.

“Do you need help?” Neteyam chuckled.

“Not anymore,” Ao’nung grunted, finally pulling himself to his feet and brushing off the dirt and stone from his chest and hands. But when he finally turned to look at Neteyam, he almost turned back and climbed back down the cliff again.

The cliff was looking out over a part of the village, and though they weren’t that high up it with a beautiful view over the ocean. Neteyam was sitting at the edge of the cliff, his legs crossed and his back leaning against the big ikran that was curled up around him with its head in Neteyam’s lap, her eye on Ao’nung and a small growl at the back of her throat. The few sharp teeth that he could see did not help either.

“Hush, Loran,” Neteyam brushed a hand over her nose, but her growl only quieted down slightly.

“Should…should I leave?” Ao’nung asked. He did not want to be eaten today, thank you very much.

“No, please. Sit with us,” Neteyam gestured at the empty spot in front of him. “She will not bite, I promise.”

Ao’nung wasn’t too convinced, but he slowly and carefully walked forward and finally sat down near Neteyam, though not as close as he would usually sit whenever they were alone. Neteyam chuckled again at the very obvious space Ao’nung had left between them, but he did not say anything about it.

Ao’nung only relaxed a bit when Loran’s growling stopped, but he knew that she was still eyeing him. He tried not to look at her since Neteyam had taught him not to look her in the eye as she might take it as a challenge. Ao’nung kept his eyes firmly on Neteyam.

“Hey,” he said a bit clumsily.

“Hey,” Neteyam answered, though he was obviously more relaxed, leaning comfortably against Loran’s side. “How is your mother?”

Neteyam had visited her often before she had gotten hurt. Since then, he had been asking Ao’nung about her well-being whenever they saw each other.

“She is well. Getting better every day. She has started talking about returning to her duties, but father is still able to convince her to rest,” Ao’nung said before chuckling. “I do not think he will be able to stop her for much longer.”

“Sounds like my father,” Neteyam said lightly. “My mother has been stricter on him lately so that he actually sits and rests his leg.” There was a slightly heavy pause where it seemed like Neteyam might say something else before deciding against it. He had talked often about how much it bothered his father to heal from his leg injury, but there always seemed to be more behind it that Ao’nung knew not to ask about.

“How about you?” Ao’nung asked him to move the conversation. “How are you doing?”

Neteyam’s hand moved to his chest, a finger brushing over the slightly elevated skin of his scar, “It is better…it still keeps me up at night sometimes.”

Ao’nung knew that Neteyam was always more honest with him than anyone else and it honored him. If they had been sitting closer together, Ao’nung would have taken his hand now. Loran huffed a bit through her nose, finally closing her eyes and nudging her nose gently against Neteyam’s lower chest in comfort.

There was a basket of fruit next to him, almost empty, but Neteyam was picking berries out of it every now and then. He threw one towards Ao’nung. It landed against his chest, leaving a small stain on his skin at the impact.

“Thanks,” Ao’nung chuckled, but threw the slightly crushed berry into his mouth. He jumped a bit when the growl in Loran’s throat suddenly got more aggressive.

“Stop it, Loran. We share with friends,” Neteyam hushed her, before tossing another berry towards Ao’nung. “Sorry. I brought the basket for her, but there is enough for all of us.” The last part of his sentence was very clearly intended for Loran again and if she could, Ao’nung had no doubt that she would be rolling all four of her eyes.

“What about that one?” Ao’nung asked, gesturing towards another basket resting nearby. Unlike Loran’s basket, that one was still full of fruit.

“Oh, that is for Lo’ak’s ikran,” Neteyam said, making it clear that that one was actually off limits.

“Where is he?” Ao’nung asked, already looking out into the skies, but Lo’ak was not to be seen.

“Flying around here somewhere,” Neteyam said. “Flying together establishes a stronger bond between an ikran and its rider. Since…their bond is new, Lo’ak takes his ikran flying more often."

Ao’nung nodded. He had heard about the Mangkwan attack on the Tlalim ship as Neteyam had told him about it during a quiet moment a few days after they had returned from the forest. Lo’ak had lost his ikran and had come back with a new one after their visit to the forest. Kiri had too. Neteyam had returned, not with a new ikran, but clingier with Loran and the sentiment seemed to be shared between the two of them.

Not to mention the injuries. Neteyam’s mother’s injury had been the most obvious, not to be missed, but Ao’nung had seen the small burn marks scattered on Neteyam’s skin. Even now he could see the scars on Neteyam’s skin that haven’t fully healed, marring his skin. They were small and easily overlooked, but Ao’nung could pick them out instantly.

His eye caught on to some of the marks now as Ao’nung eyed him. They had seen each other here and there, but only now that they were sitting together did Ao’nung notice how much he had missed just spending time with Neteyam. And now he couldn’t even sit closer to his friend, keeping a safe distance from his big flying companion that could eat him in one bite.

...maybe two bites. Ao'nung was pretty tall.

“Do you want to hang out tomorrow?” Ao’nung asked softly. “Just you and me.”

“Yeah. I would like that,” Neteyam smiled.

And just like that Ao’nung had something to look forward to. Tomorrow they would be able to sit closer together and Ao’nung wanted it so much. He wanted their shoulders to touch when they sat and talked. He wanted to feel every breath and every shake of Neteyam’s shoulders as he laughed at something stupid Ao’nung would say.

Loran eyed him suspiciously, almost like she could read his mind. Ao’nung wasn’t fully convinced that she couldn’t and in the next moment she nudged her head back into Neteyam’s chest, rubbing her face against his skin before lifting herself up properly so she was able to rub herself over Neteyam’s own face.

Neteyam startled slightly at the sudden nudge, losing his balance slightly where he sat and stumbling sideways at the force of Loran’s sudden affection, “Loran!”

Ao’nung brow rose in surprise, “What is she doing?”

Neteyam huffed a small laugh, trying to nudge his ikran away from his face. Loran, however, was determined, rubbing her head onto the top of his more insistently this time, “She is scenting me. She has…become a bit more protective since the battle.”

“She…what?” Ao’nung tilted his head in confusion.

"She has become more protective?" Neteyam questioned.

"No, the other thing," Ao'nung said.

“The scenting?” Neteyam said a bit more slowly, like he was not sure where the confusion was. Ao’nung just blinked at him. “Do you…not know what scenting is?”

“Is it a forest thing?” Ao’nung asked.

“I guess so,” now Neteyam was the confused one. Had he really not realized that the Metkayina did not know what scenting was? “Do you not scent your loved ones here?”

“No?” Ao’nung asked, more than answered.

Neteyam hummed, thinking back to the times his parents had to scent him and his siblings not just in the mornings, but in the evenings as well after the water washed most of it away during the day. It made sense that the Metkayina did not scent each other with how much their lives revolved around being in the water.

“She is just rubbing herself on you,” Ao’nung said, gesturing at how Loran was still nudging her nose all over Neteyam.

“Yes, she is putting her scent on me,” Neteyam chuckled. “We do it to bond and show our love.”

“You…rub yourselves against each other?” Ao’nung asked a bit perplexed now.

“Yes,” Neteyam laughed at his expression and how baffling this was for Ao’nung. It was a completely normal thing back in the forest. He had grown up seeing his parents scenting each other softly in the mornings and his parents scenting him and his siblings before they would leave the home for the day. He had grown up scenting his own siblings to show his love, and scenting his ikran to deepen their bond. “It is done with family. Mates, children, siblings and close friends, you know? To show your bond to each other. Your love and protection.”

Ao’nung’s heart jumped and his cheeks heated with the sudden thought that he wanted that too. They counted as close friends, right?

He wanted Neteyam to scent him.

His face must be making a strange expression, maybe his eyes were shining, because Neteyam suddenly laughed at him. It was not mocking, but it held a warm fondness instead. Gently Neteyam nudged Loran off of his lap and she let him go with a small huff as he pulled himself to his feet.

“Come,” Neteyam beckoned Ao’nung closer.

Ao’nung felt his heart jump again, this time so strongly that he felt it in his throat, “What?”

“Come. I will show you,” Neteyam said, smiling brightly, in a way that was overly innocent that it already bordered on mischievous.

“You...you want to scent me?” Ao’nung asked, trying not to sound too hopeful as he asked, but pulling himself onto his feet so quickly that it betrayed his eagerness immediately.

“We are friends. I can scent you,” Neteyam said. “I will only do it if you want to.”

“I want to,” Ao’nung said it so quickly that he almost cut off Neteyam’s sentence, causing him to laugh.

Neteyam walked closer until they were standing chest to chest, making Ao'nung wonder if Neteyam could feel the way his heart was pounding. He had already concluded that Neteyam would have to come really close to scent him, just like Loran had done for him, but his breath still hitched when Neteyam’s hands settled on his cheeks.

Briefly Neteyam turned his head to the side, admiring the tolu on his face. Neteyam liked it, Ao’nung knew. He would always take a moment to admire it no matter how many times he saw it.

Finally, Ao’nung felt Neteyam bring their faces closer together.

Neteyam pulled him close enough until their cheeks were touching and Ao’nung could feel the warmth of Neteyam’s skin against his own. Ao’nung’s hands carefully came to settled on Neteyam’s sides, not knowing what else to do with them.

“Relax,” Neteyam’s breath tickled his ear, and it had the exact opposite effect on Ao’nung. His own breath stuttered as he tried to breathe out deeply in order to force the tension out of his shoulders.

All his efforts were in vain, however, the second that Neteyam gently moved his cheek against Ao’nung, softly rubbing his face against him. Ao’nung was sure his hands were shaking and he closed his eyes in another attempt to relax as Neteyam held his face gently, moving it in rhythm with his own movement.

The movement itself must have only taken a few minutes until Neteyam’s face slowly moved downwards along his neck and finally rested against his shoulder, pulling Ao’nung even closer so that they were practically hugging.

Ao’nung’s own face settled into Neteyam’s shoulder, suddenly aware that he was surrounded by his smell and only then did he sigh softly, feeling himself relax deeply into Neteyam’s hold and wrapping his arms around his back.

“Thank you,” The words slipped out before Ao’nung could even really think about it and he could feel Neteyam’s chest move in his soft laughter.

“Do not thank me for this. It is to show my care for you,” Neteyam said softly.

Ao’nung’s arms tightened at Neteyam’s words. He did not know if he himself could scent Neteyam back, but he gave Neteyam a little nudge, hoping that the gesture alone would translate his intentions.

Ao’nung sighed contently, his eyes finally opening only to be met with the calculating stare of Neteyam’s ikran. His eyes widened slightly when he realized that she had probably watched the whole thing.

They stayed like that for a while and Ao’nung was sure that this was not part of the scenting process. Or maybe it was. It didn’t matter either way, he was enjoying the way they got to hold each other for as long as Neteyam would allow it.

Unfortunately, they could not stay like that forever, no matter how much Ao’nung wished they could, eventually Neteyam pulled away from their embrace.

Neteyam looked to be satisfied with his work either way.

The sound of another ikran’s cry came from the skies nearby as they untangled from each other’s embrace fully. It was Lo’ak, finally returning with his ikran and soon they landed together at the side of the cliff before Lo’ak jumped off of his back.

His ikran shook itself off, nudging Lo’ak’s side gently before burying its nose into its own fruit basket to eat as Lo’ak brushed a hand over his back. He gave a nod towards Ao’nung in greeting.

“How was your flight?” Neteyam asked.

“Good. We flew around the brothers’ rocks. Paykan trailed us too and for a while we-“ Lo’ak cut himself off abruptly once he was close enough. His eyes locked onto Ao’nung as his expression fell into one of utter disbelief before his eyes slowly shifted towards his brother again, “Why does he smell like you?”

Neteyam just laughed.

Ao’nung has a stalker.

He was very sure of this. There was no other explanation for the constant feeling of eyes on him.

Ikrans were not a rare sight in their village anymore and most of the Metkayina have gotten used to the Sully’s ikrans flying around by themselves or seeing the Sullys flying through the skies with them. Often enough the ikrans would be hanging out by themselves, perching on some of the rocks and roots or fishing for their food nearby, but not bothering anyone.

What was new, however, was the looming presence that trailed him whenever Ao’nung was out by himself. Over the past few weeks Ao’nung would notice Neteyam’s ikran close by. Perching on the closest root where Ao’nung was weaving new baskets, or flying over the water where Ao’nung was hunting for fish with his friends.

Maybe she did not like the way Ao'nung and Neteyam were close.Her eyes were always staring into his soul and Ao’nung was sure she had built a grudge against him back on that cliff that day.

Like now, Ao’nung was standing in shallow water and usually he would be enjoying the sound of the birds above and the soft rolling of the waves around his ankles as he waited to bring the fishing nets onto shore. This fishing spot was a short, peaceful walk away from the village and one where the fishers spread their nets out in the mornings. Ao’nung had been asked to bring them in and over to the cooking spots for the preparation for dinner.

He knew he was not alone, however. Loran was nearby, currently rolling around in the sand on her back without a care in the world. Occasionally she would stop her movement and look over towards Ao’nung before continuing her play.

Ao’nung was not sure what her goal was. Was trying to disarm him by her behavior? Was she waiting for the perfect moment to eat him or something? And wouldn’t this be it since they were alone now? Ao’nung was pretty sure he could not outrun her.

Carefully, Ao’nung waded deeper into the water so he could bring the nets in. The slightest movement from him had Loran immediately stop what she was doing, her head whipping in his direction to watch what he was doing.

Ao’nung tried to ignore her and definitely not look into her eyes, just as Neteyam has taught him in order to reduce the chance of her eating him. He brought in the nets, but his shoulders tensed when he heard the undeniable sound of her heavy footsteps as she crawled closer to where he was.

Ao’nung briefly wondered where Neteyam was as he held the nets in his hands. They were full of fish. Ao’nung did not want to turn around, he could practically feel Loran’s breath at his back. Carefully he looked over his shoulder and yup, there she was, practically nudging his back with her nose as she gave him a sniff.

“Can I help you?” Ao’nung asked briefly, before feeling slightly stupid for talking to Neteyam’s ikran. An ikran was not a Tulkun. It wasn’t like she could tell him what she wanted.

Or maybe she could, because she nudged his side in answer, causing Ao’nung to tense up more violently at the touch.

“Do not eat me, please,” Ao’nung said quickly. Loran nudged him again, coming even closer, before pressing against his arm until Ao’nung finally understood. “Oh…do you want a fish?”

Loran made a sound that made Ao’nung wonder if she was truly able to understand his words.

He untangled one of the nets, opening it just wide enough to put his hand inside and pull one of the fish out before pausing. Neteyam had never taught him how to feed his ikran, but he did not have much time to think about it because Loran was already pressing against his arm again, her nose taking in the delicious smell of food.

Ao’nung held it out towards her, praying that she would not bite his arm clean off and he was surprised when her mouth closed around the fish. He could feel the sharp edges of her teeth moving against his hand, but she gently pulled the fish out of his hand before swallowing it down in one go.

She nudged into him again right away. Ao’nung chuckled slightly, the gentle way she had taken the fish out of his hand had managed to disarm him after all before he pulled out another fish for her to eat. And just like before she gently pulled it out of his hand, like she was taking care not to hurt him with her teeth before gobbling it down and nudging his hand again for another.

“I cannot give you more,” Ao’nung said lightly, causing Loran to nudge him a little more insistently. But Ao’nung could not budge, “The village needs these for dinner.”

Loran huffed through her nose in a way that made Ao’nung laugh at her clear annoyance until suddenly she gave him a much stronger push against his back. Ao’nung had just enough time to tighten his hold on the nets before he stumbled face down into the water with a splash.

He resurfaced with a grumble, watching as Loran flew off.

Now that Neteyam had taught him what scenting was, Ao’nung was increasingly noticing it in the small moments between the Sully family’s interactions with each other. He could see it in the way Neytiri would pull each of her children closer and softly touch her forehead to theirs before letting them go with a kiss.

He could see it in the way Tuk would snuggle into Kiri’s shoulder when she rode on her sister’s ilu or how Neteyam would wrestle Lo’ak into a headlock, just to give the top of his brother’s head a brief nudge with his own. He would, unfortunately, notice it in the way Lo’ak would gently, briefly lean his head against the top of Tsireya’s before abruptly pulling away again.

The small touches between the Sullys that Ao’nung had never paid any attention to, that he now recognized as small moments of love between them.

And much to Ao’nung’s joy, Neteyam scenting him had not remained a one-time thing. Whenever they spent some time together Neteyam would invite him to be scented, always asking for permission before pulling Ao’nung closer. Sometimes it would just be a brief touch, forehead to forehead, but other times it would be more throughout like the first time Neteyam had done it.

Ao’nung enjoyed each and every one of them. He always made sure not to get back into the water for the rest of the day, preserving Neteyam’s scent on him for as long as he could.

Loran following him around here and there had become a thing now and Ao’nung was starting to find that he did not mind it. At least she hadn’t attempted to eat him…yet. Most of the time she would only come close if Ao’nung was bringing in fish and she could nab a few off of him, knowing that Ao’nung always ended up giving her a few.

The newest development this time had been the gifts she had started bringing him.

Just like always it had started with Loran showing up while Ao’nung was tasked with collecting things for dinner. This time it was not fish, but instead fruits and he had already filled two baskets. And even though he was always doing his chores somewhere else, Loran always found him.

He could hear the familiar sound of her wings before she flew into view and promptly landed near him, kicking up some of the sand nearby.

Ao’nung sighed fondly. The banshee was starting to grow on him now and on some level, Ao’nung liked to think that they were becoming friends. Neteyam would probably like to hear that he was getting along with his ikran. And that maybe she was perhaps giving her blessing to Ao’nung, so that he may possibly one day become more than a friend to Neteyam.

“You are single-handedly going to make sure that we will not have enough food for dinner,” Ao’nung said, but he easily reached into one of the baskets before throwing one of the round, thick fruits at Loran’s feet.

She sniffed it briefly before abandoning it there to step closer. Ao’nung was a bit surprised that she didn’t eat it. Maybe she did not like the fruit he had given her, even though he could swear some of the same fruits had been in the basket that Neteyam had prepared for her.

“Do you prefer something else?” Ao’nung reached back into his basket. At this point she was sitting beside him as he placed a different fruit down in front of her. "Here." 

Loran sniffed it again. Then she opened her mouth and dropped something down in front of Ao’nung’s own feet before eating the fruit she had been given.

“What do you have there? Is it for me?” Ao’nung asked. He was starting to get used to talking to her, but he wasn’t sure if that was weird or not. He picked up whatever she had dropped at his feet, turning it around in his hand for a moment.

It looked like a necklace, beaded, intricately woven in matching patterns and very, very familiar.

“…Is this Neteyam’s?” Ao’nung asked her as she finished eating the fruit that Ao’nung had given her before moving on to eat the first one too. “Did you…bring me one of Neteyam’s necklaces?”

She, of course, did not answer and once she was satisfied, she flew off again.

Ao’nung was left to wonder if she had given the necklace to him just as exchange for always giving her food or if there was some deeper meaning to it. Either way he was sure that Neteyam did not know that Loran had taken a necklace from him to give away and that again left Ao’nung with the question if it would be so bad if he were to keep it.

Neteyam’s necklace had not remained the only thing that Loran had brought Ao’nung. Over the next week, Ao’nung practically had built a collection of Loran’s gifts. Some of them were small, miscellaneous items like shells, pretty leaves and once even a broken, but beautifully carved oar.

Ao’nung had brought it to his father, who had determined that it was quite an old keepsake.

Most of the things in Ao’nung’s new and unintentionally formed collection, however, were things that obviously belonged to Neteyam that Loran must have somehow stolen. Necklaces (one of them only even half woven), a food bowl (which Ao’nung had concluded must belong to Neteyam), a shawl and one leg guard (Ao’nung was half expecting the second one soon).

And…well, the thing was…Ao'nung hasn’t given any of them back yet.

But he will!

Soon…

For now, he had so much to do. Just so much that he did not find the time to see Neteyam and return his things. Until then he might as well keep his things safe.

Ao’nung surfaced, his arms full of thick leaves of a water plant. The rock he placed them on was warm and he let his collection fall out of his hands and onto the surface. Today he was helping the healers by collecting the plants that held a gel, with good healing properties inside of it.

It was needed for the warriors that were still on their healing journey.

“This would go faster if you would let me help you,” Rotxo said. He sat cross-legged on the rock as he had been since they arrived here. His task was to simply stack the plant leaves that Ao’nung brought to the surface as his friend did not allow him to dive with him.

“You are not drowning on my watch,” Ao’nung said, leaning his head against his arms briefly in a rest.

“I would not drown. Just because I was hurt, does not mean I suddenly forgot how to swim and dive,” Rotxo argued, collecting the leaves and stacking them in an orderly manner before tying them together with a rope. “I am healed enough.”

“No can do,” Ao’nung said. “You know, you are lucky enough that your mother allowed you to come along with me today.”

Rotxo sighed. He did not blame his mother for being overly protective. He had almost not made it after all, but he was starting to go stir crazy at home. His wounds had healed enough that he was allowed to swim in shallow waters, but the water leaves, which had to be carefully cut from the stem, grew at the very bottom of the ocean and so his mother had only allowed him to come if he promised not to get in the water.

“I promise we will go diving as soon as we can,” Ao’nung promised. “We will go the whole day.”

“Sounds good,” Rotxo smiled. The visits of Ao’nung and the others had been the only thing keeping him from going completely crazy from boredom at home.

Rotxo gently poked Ao’nung’s forehead, giving him a small push back into the water, “Go and get a few more. We will have time to hang out with the others if we finish early.”

“Okay, okay,” Ao’nung let himself be guided under the surface by Rotxo’s finger before pushing himself off of the rock properly to give him a boost back towards the ocean’s floor.

The water plants in this spot were plenty, but the leaves of the plant were thick enough that it took him a minute to cut through them before moving on to repeat the process with the next. No matter, he could hold his breath long enough to collect an armful before swimming back up to Rotxo.

Just one more handful and they’d probably have enough.

Ao’nung surfaced and he was just about to relay the same thing to Rotxo when he briefly froze in his movement.

Loran was now sitting on that rock, her tail hanging over and swishing waves into the water. She smelled the stacks of leaves that they had already collected and poor Rotxo was carefully eyeing her, trying not to move as he tried to figure out if he could be calm in her presence.

“Loran. That is not really food,” Ao’nung said, dropping off the leaves and letting his arms rests on the rock again. “I mean, you could eat it, but it probably will not taste good.”

Loran made a rumbling sound that came from her throat, but it sounded quite cheerful and like she was in a good mood. That was underlined when she leaned forward and gently knocked her head against Ao’nung’s.

“Oh,” Ao’nung startled a bit. She had never been this forward with her affection towards him but maybe all the food he had shared with her had finally won her over. “I am happy to see you, too.”

“Uh,” Rotxo looked like he wasn’t really sure what to ask at the display in front of him, even though he had a million questions.

“This is Loran,” Ao’nung introduced them. “Neteyam’s ikran.”

“Oh,” Rotxo relaxed only slightly, his body still leaning away from the ikran’s direction. “And you…?”

“We are…friends?” Ao’nung said, unsure. “She likes me. I think? She follows me around sometimes and I give her food and she brings me gifts.”

“Oh,” Rotxo said again. “What kind of gifts?”

“Just stuff…leaves, shells…” Ao’nung trailed off before softly adding, “And sometimes Neteyam’s things.”

Rotxo laughed, “She brings you Neteyam’s things? Like what?”

“Just…necklaces and stuff,” Ao’nung admitted before hastily adding, “which I am going to give back to him.”

His friend laughed again, “Sure. And what did Neteyam say about your budding friendship with his ikran? Is it normal for them to befriend others?”

“I…do not know?” Ao’nung said. “I have not told him yet.”

“You have not told Neteyam that his ikran is following you around?” Rotxo asked. “Don’t you think that is something that he would like to know about?”

“It has not come up,” Ao’nung said sheepishly as Loran knocked her head gently against his again, this time with a small rub against the top of his head.

“How would this ever come up in casual conversation?” Rotxo asked with a small laugh in his voice. “What is she doing?”

“I think she is scenting me,” Ao’nung said, leaning away a bit. If Loran pushed him further, his head would dunk under water.

He briefly explained to Rotxo what scenting was and that Neteyam had taught him what it was, without going too much into detail, but with the way his friend was smirking, Ao’nung didn’t have to say anything else for Rotxo to draw conclusions.

“So, she likes you because you smell like Neteyam,” Rotxo said.

“Oh.” The thought hadn’t even crossed Ao’nung’s mind for some reason. It would make sense, since Neteyam had scented him more than once, but Ao’nung also spent a lot of time in the water, so how much did he really smell like Neteyam on a daily basis? Besides, he had started liking the idea that Loran liked him just because.

“Or maybe she senses your huge crush on him,” Rotxo suddenly said, causing Ao’nung to choke on his own spit, which on the other hand caused Rotxo to laugh at him.

Ao’nung knew that Rotxo knew about his interest in Neteyam. Even though it had never been spoken out loud by him or Rotxo before, Ao’nung could never hide anything from his best friend. Rotxo knew him too well for that.

“Or,” Rotxo dragged the word out teasingly, “maybe because she knows that Neteyam is interested in you and she is trying to see if you are good enough for him.”

Ao’nung could practically feel his head start steaming from embarrassment at Rotxo’s words. “How would she know.”

“She shares Tsaheylu with him, doesn’t she? She would know,” Rotxo said, sounding very satisfied with his own conclusion. “Maybe she has deemed you worthy.”

“Stop making assumptions,” Ao’nung said, his cheeks blazing and his voice a whole octave higher. “Maybe she just likes my company.”

Loran interrupted their conversation with another sound, demanding their attention. She turned her head in show, presenting something that was in her jaw. She had brought another gift with her.

Ao’nung reached for it, but before he could grab it from her like he had thought she wanted, she turned her head away from him. Then she gave him a push towards the water with her nose.

“Really?” Ao’nung asked, unimpressed. “You are going to make me bring you food before you give it to me?”

Rotxo laughed again. The situation was entirely too amusing to him, “Actually she must just be using you to get more food.”

“Yeah, it seems so,” Ao’nung gave her another unimpressed look before sighing. “I will be right back.”

It took him a short while to catch a fish, because even though he was a good hunter, he only had his knife with him and the fish seemed to be extra slippery today. In the end, he managed to catch a big enough fish that Loran would hopefully be satisfied with.

Loran was patiently waiting, sitting contently next to Rotxo, the both of them enjoying the midday sun. It surprised Ao’nung a bit how quickly she had warmed up to Rotxo after she had been a lot more hostile towards Ao'nung himself upon their first real meeting.

But maybe it shouldn’t surprise him. Everyone loved Rotxo.

This time Ao’nung fully got out of the water before placing the fish in front of Loran. She seemed to be happy with it, letting go of what she had brought along to eat.

“What is it?” Rotxo asked as Ao’nung picked it up.

It seemed to be fabric, but he had to untangle it first to see what it clearly was. And when he did, he felt himself blushing another ten shades darker when he finally realized what Loran had brought him and what he was holding.

“Oh…”

It was one of Neteyam’s loincloths.

Rotxo broke into another, louder fit of laughter when he also realized what it was. His wheezing laughter eventually turned into a coughing fit that concerned Ao’nung enough that their day ended with him bringing Rotxo to the healers.

With his newest gift Ao’nung couldn’t really put it off any longer. It was time to return Neteyam’s things and so he had collected everything that Loran had brought him into a basket and walked over to the Sully’s marui that evening.

He felt a bit awkward for intruding as Neteyam’s family had clearly turned in for the evening. Some of their sleeping hammocks were already hung up and he could see Tuk already dozing off in her own bed.

“Good evening,” Ao’nung politely, and quietly greeted. “I am sorry for intruding on your evening.”

Toruk Makto seemed like he wanted to get up, but the firm hand of his wife on his shoulder kept him seated. He still had a brace on his leg.

“Not at all,” Neteyam’s mother assured him. “What can we do for you?”

“I was hoping to briefly speak with Neteyam,” Ao’nung said, looking over towards his friend. Neteyam had already gotten up when he had seen Ao’nung come in, but only now that he had been directly mentioned, did he step forward. “It will not take long, I promise. I do not wish to take up too much of your evening.”

“It is alright,” Neteyam’s mother said, nodding towards her son to go ahead.

“Don’t go far,” Neteyam’s father called after them as Neteyam followed Ao’nung out of the home. “It’s already late.”

“We won’t,” Neteyam assured his father, before grabbing Ao’nung’s arm and leading him away from his family’s marui until they were well out of hearing range. Neteyam turned to him with a soft smile that Ao’nung could just melt under. “Hey.”

“Hi,” Ao’nung couldn’t help his own smile.

“You wanted to see me,” Neteyam said, tilting his head curiously, but his voice held a pleased note in it.

“Right! Yes…” Ao’nung trailed off with an awkward chuckle, instantly reminded of why he had come and that he would have to explain why he had a whole basket of Neteyam’s things with him. “Uhm…so, this is…a funny situation that I have found myself in.”

“Okay?” Neteyam said, slightly amused and yet still curious.

“Well…see, since we hung out that one day…” Ao’nung started, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck.

“We hang out a lot, Ao’nung,” Neteyam chuckled. “Do you want to tell me what is in the basket?”

“I…I think it’s easier if I explain first,” Ao’nung said. “That time we hung out and Loran was there, right?”

“Right...”

“And since then…she sort of has been following me around,” Ao’nung admitted, noting the way Neteyam’s smile dropped into a surprised expression. “She comes to find me to mostly ask me for food, but I think she really likes me. And she has…started bringing me gifts.”

“Gifts?” Neteyam seemed like he was trying to wrap his head around what Ao’nung was telling him, now eyeing the basket again. “Shells and things she finds?”

“Yes, sometimes” Ao’nung said. Naturally she must be bringing Neteyam gifts too. “But uhm…not just that. She has also been bringing me things that belong to…you.”

Neteyam’s brow furrowed briefly before his eyes widened and in the next moment the basket was snatched from Ao’nung’s hands, “My things?”

The first thing he pulled out of the basket was a necklace, then another and then his leg brace, grumbling about how he had been looking for them. “Oh, that little…” Neteyam’s sentence broke into a short growl before his whole body froze and his breath hitched in horror and Ao’nung instantly knew that he had found his loincloth in between the other things.

“Sorry,” Ao’nung said meekly. “I didn’t think it would come to this point.”

Neteyam seemed to avoid his eye, his emotions somewhere between exasperation and embarrassment. He stumbled over his words a bit, before settling on a quick “Thanks for bringing them back.”

“Of course,” Ao’nung said, fidgeting where he stood. “…sorry.”

“Yeah…” Neteyam, nodded before he turned away. “Thanks. Good night.”

“Good night,” Ao’nung mumbled, but Neteyam was already marching back towards his marui. The conversation had taken a rather disappointing turn and Ao’nung wasn’t sure if Neteyam was mad at him now.

He hesitated for a moment until he figured that there was nothing he could do right now before turning and slowly walking back to his own home.

…

“What happened?” Kiri asked as soon as Neteyam stepped back into the marui.

Neteyam’s shoulders were hunched and his tail whipping every which way as he clutched the basket Ao’nung had brought with him. He was also, notably, three shades darker and scowling. So much different than the lighthearted way he had left the marui just a few minutes early.

To say that the rest of the Sully family was alarmed was an understatement.

“What did fish lips do?” Lo’ak asked, a hint of irritation immediately in his voice.

“Did you have a fight, ma Neteyam?” his mother asked, making the others wonder how quickly their conversation must have taken a turn for that.

“No,” Neteyam said curtly, practically slamming the basket down in the corner where most of his things were collected.

“What’s in the basket?” Spider asked and Neteyam seemed to bristle even more, the hairs on his tail practically puffing up into a ball.

“Nothing!”

Ao’nung hadn’t seen Neteyam in a couple of days…

No, that wasn’t quite right. They had seen each other in passing, but each time Neteyam had quickly averted his eyes and speed walked in the other direction. Ao’nung could hardly blame him, even though it did leave him with a disappointed sting.

Neteyam must really be mad at him.

Another thing was…Loran hadn’t visited him either, which only made him more sure that Neteyam was mad at him, probably because he had not told him that Loran had started seeking him out. Or maybe because Ao’nung had not returned his things faster.

All that was to say…Ao’nung missed him already. He missed the recent closeness they had built. He missed Neteyam scenting him and he missed smelling like Neteyam very well until he fell asleep.

“Ao’nung,” Tsireya’s voice snapped him out of his brief stupor. She had been on the front lines of his moping these past few days, and while he had not gone into detail about what had happened, she knew that something had happened between him and Neteyam.

He was also pretty sure that she was talking with Lo’ak about the them, but Ao’nung did not want to ask about that either.

“Ao’nung,” Tsireya said a bit more insistently. “Can you please not mope for at least a few hours. You will bring down the mood for the children.”

“Sorry. You’re right, sorry,” Ao’nung tried to push the thoughts away from his mind.

Today he was helping Tsireya teach some diving lessons to the younger Metkayina and so they were surrounded by a bunch of hyperactive children, bouncing around the waters with their friends. Tuk was among them too, of course.

To their credit, they were actually very good listeners and so far, they had listened well to what Tsireya and Ao’nung had taught them. So, for the rest of the day, they had played various diving games with the children until their lessons had naturally come to an end and the children had started playing together instead and Tsireya and Ao’nung were glad to just watch them play until lunch.

Ao’nung stood in the shallow water beside his sister, their sides knocking together gently until she just ended up wrapping her arm around his. Ao’nung looked down at her curiously.

With Pril’s birth, their sibling duo had become a trio just recently and Ao’nung would be lying if it had not worried him in the past. For fourteen years it had been just the two of them and now, suddenly, there would be a new sibling and things would inevitably change.

Things did change, but luckily, they had changed for the better. Pril had only ended up bringing him and Tsireya closer, when they would spend their evenings caring for their youngest sister, playing with her and making sure she was happy while their father took the time to dote on their injured mother.

Tsireya smiled up at him, gentle and disarming.

“You know, if you ever want to talk about what happened with Neteyam, I am always here to listen,” She said. From anyone else, it would have probably sounded like they were angling for any information about what had happened, but Ao’nung’s sister was nothing if not genuine.

Ao’nung placed his hand over hers, “I know. Thank you.”

He leaned his head against hers, the bend was slightly awkward, but he gave the top of her head a small snuggle. It wouldn’t be the same as when the Sullys did it for each other since scenting wasn’t really a thing among the Metkayina, but the gesture still meant the same.

Tsireya leaned her head against him too with a giggle, “You are silly.”

Ao’nung just smiled.

…

The moment was broken by the shrill cry of an ikran, followed by another. Looking up Ao’nung and Tsireya spotted three ikrans flying on their way back towards the village and by now they were familiar enough to make out who it was even from a distance.

In the front was Neytiri, leading the other two riders, who Ao’nung quickly recognized as Lo’ak and Neteyam.

Tsireya raised her hand, waving with a small jump and Lo’ak had spotted her easily as he quickly waved back.

Ao’nung could tell that Neteyam had seen him too, their eyes meeting briefly before Ao’nung timidly raised a hand in a small wave. Much to his relief, Neteyam gave a small wave back and if he was closer, he would have been able to see the small smile on Neteyam’s lips as well.

Ao’nung had a gift for Neteyam.

A few more days had passed since they had seen each other and during those days Ao’nung had frantically worked on the gift since the idea had crossed his mind.

Technically it could even be counted as a gift from him and from Loran. She had recently visited him again and this time she hadn’t even asked him for any food. She had only sat beside him as Ao’nung worked on his gift.

And now it was complete, only waiting to be handed to Neteyam.

Ao’nung had searched him for a bit, looking at the usual spots that he would find Neteyam in, trekking through the forest for a good hour only to come out without an idea as to where Neteyam was.

Ao’nung huffed when he came out of the forest on the other side, back on a different part of the beach and twirling Neteyam’s gift around in his hand a bit. He had no idea where else to look now.

“Looking for me?” Neteyam’s sudden voice made him startle. He turned around and just there, on a cliff just above him, was Neteyam, smiling down at him. Loran’s head was hanging lazily over the cliffs edge as well as she gave Ao’nung a slow blink in acknowledgement.

“Yeah,” Ao’nung said, suddenly feeling the nerves creep up on him as he held the gift a bit closer to his chest. "You found a new cliff."

Neteyam climbed down the cliff quickly, dropping down next to Ao’nung.

“I thought it was time for a new scenery,” Neteyam said, his voice light in the way that Ao’nung had missed, the past few days that they had not talked suddenly feeling like an eternity away.

Ao’nung chuckled at his words before clearing his throat. He did not want to fidget in shame anymore. This was Neteyam he was talking to. One of his closest friends and the person currently dearest to his heart. He needed to clear this up, “I was hoping that we could talk.”

“We should,” Neteyam sighed softly. “I am sorry that I have been avoiding you.”

“No, Neteyam. I am sorry for not telling you sooner that Loran has sought me out or that she has started bringing me your things as gifts,” Ao’nung said quickly. “That was stupid of me.”

“Well, I would have liked knowing that you were befriending Loran and that she was the one steadily stealing my things,” Neteyam admitted with a small huff.

“You have every right to be mad at me,” Ao’nung said meekly, his ears dipping slightly.

“I was not…” Neteyam sighed. “I was not mad at you. I was simply embarrassed about…”

Neteyam’s words trailed off and Ao’nung could see the color of his ears darkening again.

“Yeah. I was not expecting her to bring me that either,” Ao’nung admitted and the two of them shared a small laugh. It felt good. “I brought you a gift, actually. To make up for all of that.”

“Oh, you didn’t have to,” Neteyam said, but Ao’nung still noticed the way his ears perked up in interest. It was cute.

“I felt like it was only right,” Ao’nung gave a light shrug, smiling before he finally unfurled the gift in his hand, holding it out in front of him.

Neteyam eyes widened as he carefully held out his hand for Ao’nung to place the figure into his hands. It was a beaded figure, flowy in his hands but intricate and carefully woven together in the shape of an ikran.

“This is…” Neteyam trailed off in wonder, admiring the detail that Ao’nung had put into the piece. “It is Loran.”

“I tried to match her colors,” Ao’nung smiled softly. “And replicate her patterns. She modeled for me.”

“Did she?” Neteyam eyed his ikran with a smirk.

“Yeah. We worked on it together,” Ao’nung said. “But I did most of the work.”

Neteyam chuckled, before his voice softened, “This is really beautiful, Ao’nung. Thank you.”

“I missed you,” Ao’nung blurted out, but even as the honest words tumbled out of his mouth, he could not find it in himself to be embarrassed by them. He wanted his earnestness to be the only thing Neteyam saw.

“Ao’nung…”

“I missed spending time together and…being close to you,” Ao’nung admitted. “I know it has only been a few days that we did not talk, but I... yeah…I missed you and I missed…being close to you when you would…” Ao’nung broke off his sentence, finishing it with a short hand gesture.

“When I would…scent you?” Neteyam guessed correctly. “You want me to scent you again?”

“Yes,” Ao’nung breathed out. “I…listen...I do not know why Loran suddenly started liking me. Rotxo suggested that it was because I was starting to smell more like you-“

“Yes, but she also knows how much I care for you,” Neteyam interrupted him softly. “She can feel it through our bond when we fly. I do not hide it from her.”

Ao’nung swallowed heavily. He couldn’t believe that Rotxo had been right about probably everything he had said, “Really?”

“Of course,” Neteyam. “I already told you. I care for you. I would not just scent anyone like I do with you.”

Ao’nung nodded, his tail moving in slow, flustered, but happy movements against the sand. “I...I care for you too.”

Neteyam chuckled softly at how Ao’nung stumbled over the words. Gently he placed his ikran figure onto the soft sand before standing upright again and beckoning Ao’nung closer, “Come here.”

Their first contact was a tight embrace, a final confirmation that everything was well between them. Ao’nung tugged his face into Neteyam’s shoulder and a moment later he felt the way Neteyam started softly moving his face against the side of his, until their foreheads were touching.

“I see you,” Ao’nung whispered softly, like it was a secret just between the two of them.

“I see you,” Neteyam said, matching his soft tone before touching a small kiss to the corner of Ao’nung’s mouth. Ao’nung’s breath hitched at the touch as Neteyam smiled at his reaction before slowly starting to move their faces together.

One day, a few years from this moment, Ao’nung would make a bigger, more intricate gift for Neteyam with the intention of courting and the hope that he would spend the rest of his life surrounded completely by Neteyam.

But for now, he was happy right where he was, his arms wrapped around Neteyam and with Loran watching over them.