Hungry For Life

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/44445901.

Rating: Not Rated

Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Avatar (Cameron Movies)
Relationship: Aonung/Neteyam te Suli Tsyeyk'itan, Minor or Background
Relationship(s)
Character: Aonung (Avatar), Neteyam te Suli Tsyeyk'itan, Ronal (Avatar), Tonowari
(Avatar), Tsireya (Avatar), Jake Sully, Tuktirey te Suli Neytiri'ite, Neytiri
te Tskaha Mo'at'ite, Kiri te Suli Kireysi'ite, Lo'ak te Suli Tsyeyk'itan,
Rotxo (Avatar)
Additional Tags: Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Arranged Marriage, Alternate Universe -
Canon Divergence, Alternate Universe - Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies,
Post-Movie 1: Avatar (2009), No Homophobia, Aged-Up Character(s),
About 25 years post Avatar 1, Hurt/Comfort, Misunderstandings,
Flawed characters, Rotxo is a good friend, Character Study, Other
Additional Tags to Be Added, Fake/Pretend Relationship,
Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Implied/Referenced Neglect,
Omegaverse Sexism, Pack Building, Tsireya is a good sister,
Miscommunication, Childhood Trauma
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2023-01-22 Updated: 2023-04-06 Chapters: 10/? Words:
43968

Hungry For Life

by BrassWings

Summary

When Ao'nung presented as an omega, he was all-but abandoned by his entire tribe, their
disappointment of his presentation following him with every step he took. He was scorned
by the Metkayina due to not being the alpha the entire clan wanted him to be, even his
parents turning away from him. In turn, he grew to hate alphas and everything they stood
for.

When tensions with the Omatikaya began to rise, Ao'nung was promised to one of Toruk
Makto’s sons to bridge the growing rift between the tribes. He hated the presence of the
Suli family, hated how his feelings were dismissed in the pairing arranged by his father
without his input. He hated the alpha who sought to take him away from his home but
more than that, Ao'nung began to hate how the presence of the Suli’s forced him to rethink
the way he had grown up and how his trauma altered his view of the world around him.

Ao'nung had spent his entire life hating alphas but, perhaps the eldest Suli son could help
him not just heal from the pain and betrayal he’d endured, but truly show him the beauty of
the world that had turned against him.

My attempt at an Ao'nung-centric omegaverse fic that explores trauma, love, and rising
above the pain inflicted upon us.
 Chapter 1

Though no one would say it, Ao’nung knew his entire clan wilted with disappointment when it was
announced he, the eldest son of their Olo’eyktan and Tsahík, was an omega. The words didn’t need
to be said, everyone heard them. They weighed heavily on Ao’nung though nothing was said. He
was an omega, inherently weak. He knew his tribe thought he would be unable to lead without
some alpha guiding his delicate hand.

When his sister presented as an omega not long after Ao’nung, it was joyous, something the
Metkayina celebrated. She was the second child, calm and levelheaded with none of her brother’s
brash harshness. She settled easily into the role, still training beneath their mother to be a healer.

Ao’nung spent his teenage years fighting to prove himself at every opportunity given to him.
Though he was an omega, he was determined to lead the Metkayina. He would lead his clan, as it
was his birthright and he wouldn’t have some alpha breathing down his neck when he did it. Every
potential alpha was rejected and every na’vi who looked at him the wrong way was rewarded with
a loud growl and a feral baring of teeth. He trained alongside his peers and thrived. He was the first
of his peers to form a Tsaheylu with a tsurak, the first to successfully lead an akula hunt. He
surpassed all of his peers but he could still see that glint of disappointment in his tribemate’s eyes,
the way his father frowned every time he looked upon his eldest.

His tribe was unsure of him. His peers tended to shift away from him, to drop their gazes and turn
when he looked at him. Older na’vi wrinkled their noses and turned away when he passed but the
worst part was the pity. Not even his parents seemed to know what to do with him. Ao’nung’s
father as Olo’eyktan always viewed his eldest’s second sex as some sort of bargaining chip,
something to gain protection or allies for the clan while the Tsahík just seemed to avoid him. Both
were alphas, naturally overprotective and wholly unsure or how to deal with their two omegan
children. Or, more specifically, how to deal with him.

Tsireya was easy. She was the golden child, warm and soft and caring. She was the perfect omega,
smart and soft when she needed to be. Everything she did seemed to make their parents proud and
she was often held up and shown off while Ao’nung was shoved away.

He was set free, for the most part. It seemed Ao’nung was a disappointment by nature so his
parents had all but given up on worrying over how his actions reflected on the tribe’s Olo’eyktan
and Tsahík. There was an understanding in the tribe that he was simply a wild card and nothing he
did had anything to do with his parent's neglect. He kept close Tsireya and spent time with his
parents when his younger sister Lulí was born but they still looked at him with that odd, confused
look, like he was some sort of mystery they couldn’t seem to solve. For Lulí's sake, he had merely
ignored them.

At twenty-three years old, Ao’nung thought he was free from his parents attempted meddling. Lulí
was finally old enough to begin presenting and was coming into her own as an alpha, just like her
parents, their new, perfect golden child to place alongside Tsireya. Ronal and Tonowari seemed to
have lost all interest in attempting to guide their eldest in any sort of capacity. They were civil, but
distant and he never gave them the same courtesy. It was a game he played now, seeing how far he
could push and shove at his parents by all but outright rejecting his second sex.

He spent his days at sea with his tsurak like any other alphan Metkayina would have. The skin of
his arms were marked with the thick whirls and markings of an alpha hunter, a warrior, rather than
the small, delicate spirals on his chest like most omegas of his tribe had. His shoulders grew broad
and though he was shorter than most alphas, he felt pride in the fact that he was usually larger,
stronger than them.

He strode through Awa’atlu now, saltwater sluicing from his shoulders like a waterfall and a large
spear clutched loosely in his hand. He had been out hunting when one of his only friends in the
tribe told him the Olo’eyktan had requested- or, more accurately, demanded- his presence back at
the village. He was annoyed at his hunt being interrupted but it wasn’t unusual for his father to call
him into his marui to have awkward, stilted “check-ins” that were more for appearances than to
actually check on how Ao’nung was doing.

He flipped the spear in his hand, tossing it up and catching it as he walked the familiar path to his
parent’s marui. In his youth he’d raced excitedly towards the familiar pod, heart racing as he
prepared to tell his parents of his escapades. As a teenager he’d plodded angrily towards the home,
shoulders hunched and teeth bared in a silent snarl directed at anyone and everyone.

Now he was almost unbothered as he passed by the members of his tribe. Children eyed him
curiously, unsure of the omegan son of the Olo’eyktan while older na’vi simply turned away from
him as though he didn't exist. Ao’nung had long since lost interest in entertaining any of his
tribemates, no longer attempted to act as if he wasn’t the massive screw-up of the Metkayina, the
clan’s walking disappointment.

He roughly shouldered past the beaded privacy curtain in his parent’s marui, taking no heed to the
way his spear caught and tugged one of the beaded strings from its position.

Ao’nung could already feel his mother’s disapproving frown, heard his father’s heavy sigh. “Son.”
Tonowari said and his voice was… odd. He seemed tired, strong shoulders slumped and his face
lined. Ronal hovered at his side, her expression its familiar, unmoving mask, though Ao’nung
didn’t miss the way her tail swung back and forth behind her.

“Am I in trouble.” Ao’nung asked dryly, planting the sharp point of his spear on the ground and
leaning on it. “I swore I hadn’t done anything wrong. Recently.”

His ears twitched as the beaded curtain clicked again, Tsireya stepping into the marui. Ao’nung
arched a brow. “Is this a family meeting? Where’s Lulí?”

“She’s too young.” Tonowari grunted, settling himself on the woven mat that covered the ground.
“Sit.”

Tsireya gracefully lowered herself to the ground but Ao’nung continued to stand until his father
shot him a look. It wasn’t stern or disappointed like it usually was, to his shock. It looked almost
pleading, something Ao’nung had never seen in his father’s gaze.

He dropped to the ground.

“There has been… animosity between tribes.” Tonowari sighed and suddenly he seemed so much
older. Ao’nung couldn’t help but think he was responsible for many of the wrinkles lining
Tonowari’s face, the lines between his brows and beneath the corners of his lips that melted
smoothly into that familiar frown. “Since the sky people, the balance between clans has become
stilted. Our relationship with the Omatikaya especially has been tense.”

Ronal slid her cold gaze over to her son and she sniffed. Though Ao’nung was a man now, he still
had to fight back the urge to cringe away from his mother’s gaze. “I’m sure you weren’t aware.”
She said, her voice cold but words sharp like knives. Her unspoken words rung in Ao’nung's ears.
“There have been issues maintaining the peace.”
Tsireya reached out and placed a hand on Ao’nung’s where his fist was clenched on his legs. He let
his hand relax and he sighed, shooting his sister a small smile. Despite his parent’s obvious
favoritism towards her and his younger sister Lulí, he felt nothing but love for Tsireya. Her support
was quiet but constant, like a warm pelt draped over his shoulders. “What would you like for me to
do about it?” He asked, his voice coming out much harsher than he meant.

His mother recoiled as if he’d slapped her across the face, her eyes widening before narrowing into
furious slits. Tonowari reached out and draped a large hand across her leg similar to how Tsireya
had just done to Ao’nung. “You can be of help.” He said, the weight of his gaze settled entirely on
his eldest son. “It is the clan of Toruk Makto. He has sons, two of them. Alphas.”

Ao’nung felt his shoulders square and an instinctual snarl pulled his lips back. “If you’re implying
what I think you’re implying the answer is no.” He snapped, fingers curling into fists once more.

“You are the oldest.” Tonowari’s voice boomed like thunder and this time Ao’nung really did
flinch back, the red-hot fury in his chest cooling until it seethed coldly in his gut. “It is your duty to
your tribe. I have allowed you to galivant around like a faux-alpha but it is high time for you to
recognize who and what you are.”

Ao’nung bit back the words that pooled like venom in the back of his throat, clenching his teeth
until his jaw ached. Ronal turned to him, an odd look gleaming in her light eyes. “If you do not do
this, Tsireya will.” She said and that was the final blow.

He turned to look at his sister wildly and saw her sitting with her head bowed, hands folded
demurely in her lap. He knew she was fully aware of this option and, if he wanted her to, she would
probably accept with little hesitation. His little sister, who was so soft and gentle. She, like
Ao’nung, had turned down many offers from their clan and one of the only reasons she got away
with it was him, snarling and pacing at her side like a caged animal. He couldn’t allow her to do
this, to be forced into a mating with someone she didn’t know for the sake of keeping the peace.

He swallowed back the venom that burned his tongue and turned to his parents. “Fine.” He snarled,
seeing surprise flit briefly across his father’s face before the stern, stony mask of the Olo’eyktan
returned. He locked his fingers together, squeezing until his knuckles turned pale and glared at his
parents, the silent, imposing figures that had turned their backs on him in his youth. “Can I go
now?” He grit out.

Tonowari sighed and this time, Ao’nung felt no pity when he saw the lines caused by years of
stress crease across his father’s face, only anger roiling in his stomach like the wild crash of waves.
“Toruk Makto will visit with his family. Along with his sons, he will be bringing his daughters and
his mate. You will welcome them and they will stay with us for a time. Then you will mate with
one of their sons and return with them to the forest.”

Ao’nung stood, gripping his spear in his fist so tight the wood trembled in his grasp as though it
would splinter. He said nothing as he turned and shoved his way out of the marui, his skin
suddenly cold and his heart heavy and freezing in his chest like a stone.

While he felt as though the tribe had turned its back on him when he presented as an omega, it was
his home, the only home he’d ever known. He loved the waves, the balmy ocean breeze and the
way the air tasted like salt on his lips.

Fury roiled in his veins but more than that he felt… betrayed.

When he was far from the village and his feet strode across the sandy beach, all of the anger in his
chest melted away, replaced with sorrow. Tears burned at his eyes but he fought them back, gritting
his teeth against the sobs that welled up in his chest and threatened to choke him.

His relationship with his parents was far from perfect. Some days he wanted to just ride his tsurak
out to sea and urge it to continue until he was far from the village, from his tribe. But knowing his
parents would get rid of him, trade him away just like that?

His hands quivered and his spear slipped from his grasp as he collapsed onto the sand, his breath
coming in sharp gasps that stung at his lungs.

A cool hand pressed against his back and through the ringing in his ears Ao’nung heard a quiet
voice murmur his name. “Ao’nung.” Tsireya breathed, circling around and kneeling in front of her
brother. She pressed her palms on either side of his face and lifted his chin. “Brother. It will be
okay.”

The tears flowed freely, burning at Ao’nung’s eyes and cheeks like streams of venom. He grabbed
onto his sister, clutching her close and sobbing on her delicate shoulder. “I don’t want to leave.”
He gasped out, his shoulders shaking violently with his sobs. “I can’t- I can’t leave.”

“I know.” Tsireya soothed, brushing a hand up and down his shaking back. She rested her chin on
top of his head and rubbed at his shoulders. “I know big brother. It will be okay.”

Clutching tighter at her, Ao’nung could do nothing but continue to sob.

 Chapter 2
Chapter Notes

Aonung is pretty pessimistic throughout this whole fic just due to general
circumstances but he will get better!! Honestly writing this chapter just made me feel
really sad for him even though I know he'll have a happy ending TT

Also spoiler, Aonung does NOT like Neteyam at first LMAO he has beef with that
man from the moment he lays eyes on him. That's why its tagged as slowburn besties
be prepared for a whole lotta denial of feelings

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The waves were smooth and calm beneath the light of the sun, glittering like the smooth surface of
a weathered pearl. Ao’nung sat on the pale sands of the beach, leaning back on his palms with his
gaze locked on the distant horizon. His tail beat a slow, steady rhythm on the beach, kicking up a
spray of sand where he sat.

He relished in the stillness of the waves, the salty tang of the air as he sucked it into his lungs. The
sky was clear, the ocean calm and beautiful but dread still settled like a dark cloud over Ao’nung,
weighing heavily on his shoulders and bowing his head. The bright sunlight felt like it was
mocking him, the ocean breeze laughing at him as it whisked past, carrying a spray of seawater and
the taste of salt. He was bitter to how… normal the day looked. It was beautiful even but it all felt
tainted, stained by the knowledge that after going through with this, he may never be able to enjoy
it like this again.

Toruk Makto and his family would be arriving in Awa’atlu soon so Ao’nung was making it his
goal to bask in his freedom while he could. He sunk his fingers into the sand, feeling the sun-
warmed grains sift over his hands as he buried them deeper, trying to connect himself in any way to
the familiar beaches.

His ears flicked back heavy footsteps sounded in the sand, coming from the direction of the village.
A familiar tattooed form flopped into the sand next to him and Ao’nung didn’t have to turn to
know it was Rotxo.

Rotxo was one of Ao’nung’s only real friends in the tribe. The two competed fiercely as teenagers
and Rotxo was the only other warrior in training who never treated Ao’nung like he was other, like
he was different in any way. Ao’nung beat Rotxo in multiple competitions and eventually the two
gained a mutual respect for each other, though it took Ao’nung quite a bit longer to actually begin
to trust Rotxo. Rotxo just saw Ao’nung as another opponent, someone to train beside and learn
from. After all these years, Ao’nung wasn’t even sure the other Metkayinan knew just how much
that meant to him and now, he was terrified Rotxo never would know.

Rotxo’s shoulder brushed against Ao’nung’s as he leaned back on his hands, tail thumping against
the sand where it lay between them. “Its nice out.” Rotxo said in that casual, slow way of his. He
sighed and tipped his chin up, the warm light of the sun falling on his serene face.

Ao’nung glanced over at Rotxo. “Yeah it is.” He said tensely, sitting up and pulling his knees close
to his chest. He lightly batted his tail against Rotxo’s leg. “I know you didn’t just come over here
to talk to me about the weather.” He said dryly, unable to stop the grin from playing about his lips
despite the dread that still crept around his shoulders. “What’s up?”

“I heard.” Rotxo said, still not lowering his chin or turning to look at Ao’nung. His voice remained
calm and unchanging, steady like the current. “About you. And the Omatikaya.”

Ao’nung slid his gaze over to glance at the other na’vi. Rotxo, after years of enduring Ao’nung’s
snapping and snarling, knew how to get the other Metkayinan to talk without having to push or
prod at all. He just sat silently, his presence like an anchor that steadied Ao’nung, kept him from
drifting away. Or, more accurately, kept him from running away.

Ao’nung sighed heavily, rolling his eyes and turning to glance at the alpha that sat next to him. “I
don’t know what you want me to say Rotxo.” He admitted gruffly, quickly turning back around
before tears could burn the back of his eyes. Rotxo’s normal calm tone helped steady him but the
thought of leaving still caused a painful ache in his chest. “I think Tonowari just wants me gone.”
When Rotxo said nothing in response, Ao’nung sighed and added bitterly, “He doesn’t even care
which brother I’m mated with as long as it means I’m out of here.”

Rotxo finally turned to glance at Ao’nung and his expression was calm like the smooth, unbroken
surface of the ocean, his eyes glimmering with a deep sadness. No hints of pity lingered in his
glaze, something that made Ao’nung almost want to sob, just something like the preparation of
loss. “You aren’t happy here.” Rotxo said in that way of his, his expression still unchanging. He
almost looked like he could smile, his eyes glittering fondly. “You hate it here.”

Ao’nung shook his head hard, fingers gripping almost desperately at his knees, blunt nails digging
into his skin. “That doesn’t mean I want to leave.” His voice broke and he squeezed his eyes shut
against the ever-familiar burn behind his lids. “Awa’atlu is my home. The Metkayina are my
people.”

Rotxo didn’t say anything but Ao’nung could hear the sand sift as he shifted before standing,
shaking sand from his skin. “Enough of that bullshit.” He barked out suddenly, startling the other
na’vi who glanced up at him curiously. Rotxo held a hand out and grinned brightly, as if
Ao’nung’s world wasn’t dark and heavy around him, as if they would be able to have moments like
this forever. As if Ao’nung wasn’t leaving. “Lets go have some fun. Your tsurak is probably
itching for a hunt.”

Ao’nung grabbed onto Rotxo’s hand, letting the alpha yank him to his feet. “My father will be
furious if we’re not here when Toruk Makto and his family arrive.” He huffed with a strong roll of
his eyes. He returned his gaze to Rotxo and grinned, baring his teeth in a feral smile. “Let’s do it.”

The other na’vi let out a loud laugh, knocking his broad shoulder against Ao’nung’s. “And to think
Tonowari thought I’d be a good influence.” He cackled. “Race ya to the cove.”

⤹⋆⸙͎۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚
۫

Ao’nung’s heart was still racing as he dismounted his tsurak and waded to the beach. Rotxo was
laughing as he followed after, his shoulders shaking with the force of it. Ao’nung glanced over his
shoulder, shooting Rotxo a returning grin edged with teasing.

He watched how the smile slipped from Rotxo’s face and sighed heavily, turning to meet the stern
gaze of his father. Tonowari stood on the beach with his arms crossed over his mighty chest, eyes
narrowed in that familiar look of disappointment. “Ao’nung.” He barked gruffly, seemingly
fighting back the urge to bare his fangs in frustration. “Where have you been?”

“Out with the tsuraks.” Ao’nung gave an overdramatic roll of his eyes that had a low growl
rumbling in his father’s chest. He reached up and wrung out his hair nonchalantly. “Did we miss
them?” He simpered mockingly. “What a shame.”

Tonowari bared his fangs. “You did not miss them.” He grit out, seemingly like he wanted to reach
out and strangle his oldest. “I have received word they will be here soon. You will stay with me
and your mother.”

Ao’nung gave a shrug that hopefully hid the panic welling up in his chest. “Fine but Rotxo’s
coming with me.” He glanced over his shoulder at the other na’vi and grinned.

Rotxo gave a returning baring of his teeth and stepped up beside Ao’nung. Though he often
encouraged his friend’s defiance of the Olo’eyktan, Rotxo still dipped his head in respect to the
older na’vi. Tonowari huffed but his rage seemed to have faded, his shoulders slumping and that
tired look overtaking him once more. “Just be there when they arrive.” He said with a sigh as
though he’d aged ten years in just a moment.

Ao’nung opened his mouth to say something but sound arose from the village, shouts and the
sound of a horn, loud and echoing across the waves. Tonowari turned and stared hard at Ao’nung.
“Remember if you cannot do this Ao’nung, Tsireya will take your place.” Then he turned and
strode across the sand towards the village.

Ao’nung’s chest felt tight all of the sudden and his breath came in short puffs of air. Rotxo pressed
a shoulder against Ao’nung’s, knocking his tail gently against the other na’vi’s. “It will be okay.”
He said quietly, the same four words Tsireya had murmured softly as Ao’nung wept. “We better
move before the Olo’eyktan sends your mother to scold us.”

The other na’vi snorted amusedly, the clenched jaws around his chest loosening just slightly,
allowing him to inhale a shaky breath that burned at his lungs. Despite the anger and betrayal that
still writhed in his gut like a dying fish, he fixed a familiar, bored look on his face and strode after
his father with Rotxo on his heels.

Six banshees stood on the beach, wings flapping and heads tossed back and forth as the Metkayina
people crept around the great beasts, some brave na’vi even reaching out to try and touch the
leathery wings of the creatures.

Tonowari stood at the front of the group, head held high with the Tsahík at his side. Ao’nung’s
youngest sister Lulí stood tucked behind her mother, peeking out curiously at the newcomers.
Tsireya too stood near their parents, a hand placed comfortingly on Lulí’s shoulder.

Ao’nung bit back the snarl that rumbled in his chest, Rotxo’s presence a silent, comforting
reminder at his side. As if sensing his turmoil, Rotxo reached out and pressed a comforting hand
against Ao’nung’s back.

“Toruk Makto.” Tonowari’s voice boomed like a roll of thunder and he stepped forward, dipping
his chin in a sign of respect.

The largest na’vi slid off of his ikran, the other five following his lead in one smooth motion like a
school of fish following after one another. The na’vi man lifted his chin, his skin the deep, rich hue
of the forest people. Ao’nung hated him for it. “Tonowari.” The man’s imposing visage split into a
grin, something that surprised Ao’nung. He looked almost fondly upon Tonowari and abruptly the
younger na’vi remembered the two fought together all those years ago. Though tensions had been
high with the Omatikaya, Toruk Makto acted friendly with Tonowari, reaching a hand out and
gripping the other’s forearm. “We thank you for welcoming us into your village.”

Tonowari lifted his chin, his large hand gripping back at the Toruk Makto’s forearm. “The
Metkayina thank you for calling peace for this endeavor. I’m sure this agreement will be mutually
beneficial to both tribes.” He slid his gaze to the side and Ao’nung curled his fingers into fists as
his father’s heavy gaze landed on him. “My son looks forward to this pairing.”

Ao’nung stood in place, fingers clenched and his jaw clenched against the fury that roiled in his
throat. Rotxo’s cool fingers pressed against his back, setting him into motion. With his chin held
high, Ao’nung strode forward, settling close enough to his parents to be seen as a family but far
enough that they didn’t touch. Tsireya reached forward and brushed a curled lock of hair from
Ao’nung’s face, smiling gently at him before returning her gaze to their father.

Ao’nung hated the way Toruk Makto looked him over, his unusual golden eyes sharp as they
scanned over his skin. Then that eerily warm smile took over his face and he spread his arms wide
to encapsulate his family standing behind him. “I am sure your son will be a welcome addition to
my family.” He turned to glance over his shoulder, gazing upon the second largest of his brood
other than himself. “My son Neteyam is the eldest. I believe he would be a good pairing for your
son.” He flicked his wrists and the eldest stepped forward.

His chin was tilted with the same prideful arrogance of his father, his golden eyes sharp and
glinting intelligently as they scanned almost dismissively over Ao’nung’s family. Something
flashed in those yellow depths as his gaze met Ao’nung’s and his stern, almost emotionless
expression split into an almost feral grin. “A pleasure.” He said, his voice a low, accented rumble
as he touched his fingers to his forehead.

Ao’nung didn’t return the gesture, his head lifted defiantly. He ignored the glare his mother shot
him, the way Tonowari let out an almost inaudible growl that Ao’nung felt more than he heard.
“I’m sure it is.” He bit out behind gritted teeth.

The Omatikayan just continued to grin that feral grin, his hands hanged loosed, relaxedly at his
side. He looked as though he was going to say something but his father quickly moved forward,
dipping his head respectfully in Ao’nung’s direction. “We will not rush the mating.” He said, as
though that was supposed to comfort Ao’nung, as though that made this all better. “While this is
for the safety of our tribes, if the bond is not there we will not force it.”

“Of course.” Tonowari echoed but Ao’nung saw the tenseness of his shoulders, the way his mouth
pressed into a thin line and his narrow eyes turned to stare at Ao’nung. “My children will show you
to where you shall stay.” Ao’nung didn’t have to listen hard to hear the hidden threat in his words.

Tsireya stepped up first, a warm smile spread on her face as she gently tugged Lulí after her.
“Welcome to Awa’atlu.” She said and Ao’nung didn’t miss the way her gaze passed smoothly over
the other members of the family and focused on the second son. “You will be spread out across
three maruis near my family’s.”

Ao’nung followed after her, silently glaring at the strong back of the eldest that strode in front of
him. The group seemed casual, happy even as though this was a vacation. The two daughters
whispered and giggled to each other while the sons strode side by side like twin trees, tall and
imposing.

He felt a small hand grasp at his and he turned to see his sister grasping at his fingers, smiling up at
him. “They look funny.” She whispered to him, pointing towards the Omatikaya’s backs with a
quiet giggle. “Look at their tails.”
 “I know.” Ao’nung crooned, any bitterness slipping through his fingers like sand in the light of his
younger sister’s bright smile. She swung their hands between them, almost skipping as she walked
at his side. “They have little baby tails, don’t they?”

Lulí laughed again, high and trilling like the call of a dorado verde as it glided over the waves.
“Baby tails.” She repeated with a giggle, reaching a hand up to hide her smile behind her fingers.

One of the na’vi women’s tail twitched and she turned to smile warmly over her shoulder at Lulí.
The younger girl gasped, her hand squeezing at Ao’nung’s but after a moment she smiled brightly
back, letting her hand drop to her side. “I like them.” She whispered to her brother, a faint smile
still playing about her lips.

Ao’nung almost wished he could feel the same.

Chapter End Notes

If you can't already tell this fic is incredibly Aonung-centric! Honestly I love the
concept of his character just in general, the pressures he has on him as the eldest son of
Tonowari and Ronal. He despises Neteyam because he's sort of what Aonung's parents
want him to be but eventually he's realize they're wayyy more similar than either of
them would like to admit.

With the few Omegaverse Aonete fics I've seen, Neteyam is always the omega just
probably due to his lean build but I thought Aonung being an omega would further
increase the dynamic I talked about before! Plus I think protective alpha Neteyam is
cute and I am 100% pushing that agenda.
 Chapter 3
Chapter Notes

Quite a bit of Aonung angst in this one! Little bit of Neteyam in here, little bit of
Tonowari being a bad dad. I definitely wasn't bluffing when I said this was slow burn
it is VERY slow on Aonung's end... and maybe not so slow on Neteyam's ;)

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Ao’nung despised the presence of the Suli family. Everywhere he went it seemed one of them
trailed after him, asking a barrage of questions only they could seem to keep up with. He hadn’t
bothered to learn the names of the children, simply barking vague descriptions in their directions
until they finally acknowledged his calls. The eldest was the one Ao’nung’s father had handed him
off to and his name, unfortunately, remained locked in Ao’nung’s brain like a fishbone stuck in his
teeth.

Neteyam. The half-blooded Omatikayan freak who would be taking him from his home.

To Ao’nung’s bitter surprise, Neteyam didn’t seem all that interested in him. Unlike his younger
siblings who constantly bugged and nagged at Ao’nung, Neteyam spent most of his time with his
parents, walking with them around the village and sitting in on meetings with the Olo’eyktan. It
almost seemed as though he’d forgotten about Ao’nung’s existence, as if he’d forgotten why he
was here in Awa’atlu. He’d smile that fanged smile at Ao’nung every time their paths crossed but
never made an effort to speak to him or even do more than acknowledge his presence.

Ao’nung wasn’t sure what game the other na’vi was playing but he despised him all the same.

The day was just as gorgeous as when the Suli family arrived and still Ao’nung felt nothing but
bitterness towards the bright sunshine and glittering waves. He’d finally managed to shake his tail
of Omatikayans and strode alone across the beach, the familiar handle of his spear clutched in his
enclosed fist. The sand was hot beneath his feet but he just continued to walk, his eyes squinted
against the sun and jaw clenched against the bitter venom in his throat.

He felt like a teenager again, walking constantly with his shoulders hunched against the watching
eyes of his tribe, teeth bared in an instinctual, defensive growl that never left his lips. He flexed his
fingers, half of his attention focused on not splintering his spear while the other toiled, brooding
over his current predicament.

He hated the presence of the Suli’s but their stares weren’t disappointed and pitying like those of
his fellow tribe members, which managed to make Ao’nung even more furious. If anything the
Omatikayans seemed curious about him, eager to learn the ways of the Metkayina from their
assigned tour-guide. They almost seemed happy to be here, like it was some sort of vacation for
them rather than a weeks-long negotiation to regain peace between the tribes. It annoyed him,
infuriated him almost how calm they were, how excited. The younger ones were like children,
splashing in the water and chasing each other across the beach despite all of them being full adults.

Ao’nung wanted to hate them for their childlike glee but more than that he hated how they could
lay in the warm sunlight, sprawled out on the heated sand when he despised it all, when they were
the reason the venom in his throat burned so badly, the reason why he grit his teeth against sobs
every time he thought of leaving his family behind.

The waves lapped gently against the shore, the distant trilling clicks of ilus sounding from where
they played and splashed about in the shallows. The breeze was gentle and cooling, carrying the
chilled, salty air of the waves with it. It was beautiful, all of it and it all made Ao’nung want to sob.

He flipped his spear between his hands, watching as the wooden handle blurred back and forth
between his palms. He tossed the spear into the air and caught it easily, spinning it between his
fingers before planting the sharp edge carved of bone into the sand and leaning heavily on it,
gazing out across the frothing waves that lapped at the sand.

Usually it was tradition for the mother of a warrior to carve their first spear. But Ao’nung hadn’t
even bothered to ask his mother, had simply brought a piece of wood broken off from the mighty
tree whose roots carried the weight of the village to Tsireya. She had carved the spear while he sat
at her side, watching how her delicate hands whittled away at the piece of wood until it formed a
smooth edge, a handle perfectly fitted to rest in his palm.

A father usually chipped away at the fragment of bone, carved it into the sharp, honed head of the
spear. Rotxo had taken care of that and neither him nor Ao’nung had said a word throughout the
process, the only sound the waves and the sharp sound of rock on bone. Even as silent sobs shook
Ao’nung’s shoulders, Rotxo had just smiled and continued to carve away at the spearhead.

After all those years the weight of the spear was familiar and comforting in his palms. Every
callous on his palms were worn into his skin from the spear, every battle he’d won had been with
the carved handle in his clenched fist.

It was them he’d miss more than anything. The bright smile of Tsireya, the steady calm of Rotxo,
even the newer, light giggle of Lulí. His parents harsh gazes and murmurs of disapproval would be
left behind easily, the pitying, unsure looks of his clanmates slipping from his shoulders like a
discarded pelt but his real family, the ones who saw him as an equal, they would not be so easily
forgotten.

Ao’nung reached up to grasp at the messy, clumsily made necklace that dangled at his throat. Lulí
had made it for him as a young child, her face still chubby with baby fat and her hands still
fumbling. The girl had kept it a secret from him for days, giggling nervously every time he
teasingly questioned what she was working on. She’d tuck it behind her back and flash a grin full
of missing teeth and say it was a surprise.

Tsireya had helped find the large shell that dangled in the middle of the beaded necklace and
Ao’nung’s fingers shook as they brushed against the warm, bumpy surface of the shell. He let out a
deep breath and let the shell drop back against his throat, the light pressure a familiar, comforting
weight against his skin.

He pulled his spear from where it’d sunk beneath the sand, grasping at the handle. The sun was
perched high in the sky and, as Ao’nung’s ears flicked back, he could hear the bustle from the
village as everyone attempted to finish their chores before the day grew too hot. The hunters would
be leaving soon and, though he didn’t want to have to deal with the prying eyes and whispered
ridicules from the other hunters, he knew if he remained on the island the Suli children would
simply continue to bug him.

So Ao’nung journeyed back to the village, head held high and a look of smug indifference fixed
upon his visage. Despite being an omega, Ao’nung had been begrudgingly been granted the title of
lead hunter when the old one had died. He knew the hunters who worked beneath him despised
how much power he held over them despite his second sex but no one could deny his skill when
hunting, not when every hunt he led returned with nets filled with enough fish to fill the entire tribe
twice.

“Hey.” Rotxo grinned as Ao’nung sidled up beside him, slapping his tail lightly against the other’s
leg. “Where have you been, chief?”

Ao’nung grunted and just jerked his chin towards the beach. He didn’t feel much like speaking but
Rotxo just nodded and dipped his head before turning to the handful of hunters who stood near
them. “We leave now.” He barked out and at his voice the hunters perked up in a way they never
did when Ao’nung spoke. “Kxohu, gather the tsuraks.” The younger na’vi dipped his head and
jogged towards the cove where the tsuraks often rested when they were separated from their riders.

A glimpse of deep cobalt skin flashed out of the corner of Ao’nung’s eye and he turned with a
snarl, pulling his lips back over his teeth. “Go around forest boy.” He sneered.

Tonowari stepped up at Neteyam’s side, his broad form seeming to eclipse the sun, his cold
shadow falling over his son. “Ao’nung.” He grit out, eyes narrowed in that familiar, disapproving
way. “Neteyam will be joining your hunting team. We don’t want him to feel cooped up in the
village.” The Olo’eyktan forced a light grin and dropped a heavy hand on Neteyam’s shoulder.

“Ah, its no problem.” Neteyam turned to flash that golden-boy grin at Tonowari before his gaze
slid back over to Ao’nung, who still bristled angrily with a snarl fixed on his lips. “If its too much
trouble I can probably just go out with my siblings when they ride the ilus.”

Before Tonowari could kiss ass more, Ao’nung snapped, “He doesn’t even have a tsurak.” He
gestured towards Neteyam, shooting the other na’vi a glare before turning back to his father. “He’ll
scare all the prey away. He should stay.”

Tonowari’s expression was thunderous but he quickly forced a relaxed smile on his face as
Neteyam glanced over at him. “He is a trained warrior and hunter. If anything, he may even
improve your hunt.” The Olo’eyktan grit out through clenched teeth.

If he was younger, Ao’nung would have cringed back and muttered out an agreement. If it had
even been a year ago, he may have just shrugged it off and ignored Neteyam but not now, not this
time. Neteyam had already single-handedly ruined Ao’nung’s life, had invaded his home and
planned to inevitably take him away from it and now he was attempting to take over the one bit of
power Ao’nung had been so graciously given by his grumbling father.

“I am the hunt leader.” Ao’nung snarled, rolling back his shoulders and lifting his chin, meeting
his father’s furious gaze with a familiar, cool indifference. “However well he did back in the
jungle, this isn’t stalking through trees trying to find a yerik. He will be clumsy and scare away the
prey and my people will go hungry. He’s. Not. Coming.”

The Olo’eyktan’s fingers twitched at his sides and his eyes burned with silent fury. Ao’nung knew
he would be hearing about this later when none of the Suli family could hear but he still lifted his
chin and bared his teeth in a snarl, refusing to back down. Tonowari moved to step forward but
Neteyam stretched an arm out in front of the Olo’eyktan, staring at Ao’nung with an almost
curious glint in his eyes, his head tipped to the side. “He’s right.” The Omatikayan said, turning to
look at Tonowari, an easy grin spreading across his lips.

Ao’nung let out a small growl. He had no need for the defense of a demon-blooded bastard but
Neteyam just continued, “I don’t have a tsurak and I’m still not great on an ilu. I’ll stay here and
maybe go out hunting when I’ve learned more.” He turned back to Ao’nung and grinned as though
he’d thought of something. “Perhaps Ao’nung could train me.”
Tonowari rolled back his shoulders, pressing his lips together and dipping his chin. With his
furious gaze still locked on Ao’nung, the Olo’eyktan uttered, “That sounds good. Ao’nung, you
will be in charge of helping Neteyam learn the ways of the Metkayina.”

Ao’nung just snarled, “I thought I was already doing that.”

Neteyam tipped his head back and laughed but Tonowari’s gaze just hardened. “You will assist
him in individual lessons. I will have Tsireya make sure you follow through.” At the mention of his
sister, Ao’nung felt his shoulders slump and he just barely bit back a growl. “Come with me
Tsyeyk’itan.” With one last glare at Ao’nung that told the warrior he would most definitely be
hearing about this later, Tonowari turned and guided Neteyam back into the village.

Ao’nung sneered at his father’s back before whirling around, ignoring the wide-eyed looks of the
hunters at how blatantly he’d disrespected the Olo’eyktan and shouldering past them, fingers
grasping tightly at his spear. “Well?” He barked over his shoulder. “Don’t stand there like
skxawngs come on.”

The young hunter whose name Ao’nung had already forgotten stood in the waist-high water, the
pack of tsuraks swimming and splashing in the deeper water, their long, toothy maws snapping at
the air in excitement.

Without looking back, Ao’nung mounted his familiar tsurak, connecting his kuru to the writhing
beast’s. He grabbed its horns, pressed himself against its sleek back and dove beneath the waves.

⤹⋆⸙͎۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚
۫

Just like always, the hunters returned weighed down with nets of fish under the watchful glare of
Ao’nung. Rotxo rode at his side, their tsuraks chattering and letting out cheerful clicks. The two
creatures seemed to be friends just like their riders and Rotxo’s tsurak reached out a wing to slap it
against the side of Ao’nung’s, a clattering cackle emerging from its open maw like the rattle of
bones.

“I’ll come with you.” Rotxo said, his chin lifted as he watched the other hunters lug their full nets
onto the beach. They remained on the water, still sat atop the backs of their tsuraks. “To train the
Omatikaya boy. I don’t like the thought of you alone with him.”

Ao’nung gnashed his teeth, turning to look at his friend. “Do you think I can’t protect myself?” He
growled, still bristling from the former interaction with his father.

Rotxo barked out a laugh and shot Ao’nung a grin, clearly unbothered by his friend’s snarled
words. “Of course not. If anything, I’m worried for him.”

The other na’vi’s shoulders relaxed and he let out a quiet huff of air. “Sorry.” He muttered,
dismounting his tsurak and disconnecting his kuru with a flick of his wrist. “I just… I cannot
believe how the Olo’eyktan shoved him off onto me.” He bared his teeth in a silent snarl. Ao’nung
had stopped calling the other na’vi his father long ago, simply referring to him as the Olo’eyktan or
Tonowari- much to the horror of his tribemates.

“At least it’ll get the other Suli children to leave you alone.” Rotxo said lightly, bumping his
shoulder against Ao’nung’s as the two waded towards the shore. “One is better than four, right?”

Ao’nung snorted, shouldering past some hunters who still lingered near the waves. Rotxo followed
after him, the hunters shifting aside to let him past. Rotxo was respected by the other hunters in a
way Ao’nung wasn’t due to him being an alpha but because of how close he was to Ao’nung, the
other hunters separated themselves from him. He didn’t receive scorn or muttered insults but he
was rather isolated from their peers, something Ao’nung often felt silently guilty about.

“I wish they would just leave.” Ao’nung hissed quietly, his tail swinging back and forth behind
him and his ears pinning back. “They don’t even seem to care that they ruined everything.”

“I know.” Rotxo said, lightly bumping his knuckles against Ao’nung’s where his hand dangled
between them. “It seems as though they aren’t even aware. I wouldn’t doubt your father lied about
your eagerness towards the pairing.”

Ao’nung bared his teeth at the empty air in front of him, fingers curling into fists at his side. He
had unfortunately considered the same thing, that Tonowari had outright lied about his feelings on
the situation. Perhaps he had even lied about his son, spoke of him as though he was some demure
unmated omega who longed for an alpha. But to Ao’nung, it didn’t really matter. He just wanted
them gone, wished he could stamp out their bright smiles and laughter as they splashed through the
waves. Whether it was ignorance or just plain cruelty, it didn’t make much of a difference, not to
him because either way his home was still slipping through his fingers like small grains of sand
spilling from his grasp.

He hated how he couldn’t even relish in the joy of a successful hunt, the usual pride that sparked in
his chest empty and cold. Even with the stares of his tribemates Ao’nung held his head high after a
hunt, knowing if it wasn’t for him the clan wouldn’t be as well fed as they were. Now, he just felt
dull. The thrill of racing through the waves had felt like dread, the knowledge that some
thickheaded alpha would take his place as hunt leader once he was gone looming in the back of his
mind.

Ao’nung felt a growl rumbling in his chest as he spotted the annoyingly familiar form of Neteyam
as he wove through the crowd of Metkayina, his neck craned up and eyes scanning as though he
were looking for someone. Ao’nung fought the urge to duck behind Rotxo, silently praying to
Eywa the Omatikayan wasn’t looking for him. But as Neteyam’s yellow gaze landed on Ao’nung,
his eyes flashed with recognition and he grinned, immediately beginning to make his way over to
the pair.

“Great mother.” Ao’nung hissed, pressing himself marginally closer to Rotxo as a growl rumbled in
his chest. “Why can’t he just leave me alone.”

Rotxo draped an arm over Ao’nung’s shoulders just as Neteyam stepped in front of them.
Something flashed through Neteyam’s eyes but he just smiled that infuriatingly easy smile, arms
folded loosely over his chest. “You did good. On the hunt I mean. There’s enough for the whole
tribe.” The Omatikayan said, smiling as though his congratulations meant anything to Ao’nung.

“I always do.” Ao’nung snapped. “I was made hunt leader for my skill, not because I’m the
Olo’eyktan’s oldest.”

Neteyam looked taken aback but he nodded quickly. “No, of course! I do not doubt your skills as a
hunter, omega.”

Ao’nung snarled out loud at that, feeling a flicker of pride in his chest as Neteyam flinched, his
flicking tail stilling and tucking itself tight against his leg. “Do not call me that.” The Metkayinan
growled, feeling his ears pin back as his lips twisted into a sneer. “My name is Ao’nung. I will not
be referred to as something lesser. Not by you. Not by anyone.” Ao’nung felt how Rotxo’s muscles
had tensed, his arm heavy where it sat atop the other’s shoulders.
 Ao’nung straightened then, taking a deep breath. He let his expression smooth over, his gaze cool
as it leveled on Neteyam. “The tsuraks need to be rewarded for the successful hunt.” He said,
speaking to Rotxo even as his glare remained on the cobalt-skinned na’vi. “We will feed them.
Come.” He turned away from Neteyam and strode across the beach, Rotxo following after him.

He felt no shame for his outburst at the Omatikayan, his chin lifted with pride. Ao’nung had never
allowed anyone, alpha or not, to refer to him as “omega”. It was demeaning, reducing Ao’nung to
nothing more than his secondary sex. He hadn’t spent years proving himself, beating every single
alpha in his clan and earning his title as hunt leader just to be demeaned by some unknown alpha
who would probably drown within the first ten minutes if he was sent out on a hunt.

“He’s probably going to tell your father about that.” Rotxo said as he strode alongside Ao’nung but
when the other turned, he just saw a proud grin fixed on his friend’s face. “Nice job.” And
Ao’nung just grinned back.

Chapter End Notes

I love writing Aonung and Rotxo in this fic. They're basically brothers and I love that
for them. Next chapter (if everything goes according to plan) I will expand a bit more
on ABO dynamics in this fic and there will be more Neteyam so look forward to that!

Also thank you to everyone for the support on this fic!! I wasn't quite sure how people
would respond to Avatar omegaverse let alone one with omega Aonung but I was
pleasantly surprised to see a ton of you had actually been looking for it!! I absolutely
adore writing strong independent omega Aonung and alpha Neteyam is something I
am REALLY looking forward to writing and I hope all of you are looking forward to
reading!
 Chapter 4
Chapter Notes

Warning! This chapter has depictions of nearly drowning, a brief mention of throwing
up and blood. I realize the movie has most of these as well but I wanted to put up a
warning just in case. Stay safe everyone! Also some implications of child neglect from
Ronal and Tonowari

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Ao’nung had first presented as an omega when he was only eleven years old. He was a late
bloomer, relatively speaking, which had given him those last couple years of freedom before the
looks of disappointment from his tribemates and his parents’ disapproving glares weighed on his
shoulders. It was normal for alphas to present later so his parents hopes had been high.

He had always tried his best to be the perfect son, to live up to the expectations set by his
perfectionist parents. Even before he’d presented, it seemed he was never able to please them. He
was too independent, too loud, too clumsy even when he was praised over his peers. When he’d
woken up one day with his forehead beaded with sweat and his stomach aching as though he’d
been punched in his gut, Ao’nung had just dropped his head into his hands and sobbed.

His parents had discovered him there, sweating and curled in on himself in a makeshift nest made
of discarded blankets and woven mats he’d dragged towards himself. Tonowari had said nothing,
just grabbed Ao’nung by his arm and pulled him up, ignoring the way his knees wobbled and
nearly collapsed beneath him. He’d leaned against his father, cold despite the sweat dripping down
the sides of his face. “Oh Ao’nung.” Tsireya had whispered, her knowledge great despite her
young age. She tried to step towards her brother but Tonowari had pushed her back. “Brother-”

Ao’nung had said nothing, his chin dropping to his chest and his gaze locked mournfully on the
ground. Tonowari leaned down and Ao’nung lifted his heavy head, gazing up hopefully at his
father. The Olo’eyktan had just frowned and loosened his grip on his son’s arm. “The tribe must
know.” He sighed.

“No please.” Ao’nung had gasped, nearly collapsing onto the ground without the support of his
father. He braced himself on the wall and turned to look at Tonowari. “Please. Don’t do this. Not
now.”

Tsireya had stepped forward, opening her mouth but Ronal roughly grabbed her by the arm and
tugged her backwards. “The people must know.” Tonowari repeated, grabbing onto his son’s arm
once more and tugging him out of the marui.

Ao’nung’s entire body had felt hot, his muscles weak. He almost felt as though he could melt
beneath the bright light of the sun, just barely keeping from tripping as his father dragged him to
the center of the village.

Many na’vi had spotted the debacle and followed after the Olo’eyktan and his son. Ao’nung heard
Tsireya quietly pleading with Ronal, begging her to let Ao’nung return to his marui and rest. But
she had just shushed her daughter, pushed her aside and continued to watch with blank eyes.
“My son has presented.” Tonowari had announced, his loud, booming voice rattling in Ao’nung’s
skull. His entire body ached and he tried to lift his head, to straighten and push his shoulders back
but all he could do was stand there, leaning against his father with his head bowed and tears
burning his eyes. “He is… an omega.”

Ao’nung had heard the gasps and murmurs of the tribe, saw the way their feet shifted and their
tails flicked uncertainly. “Who will be our Olo’eyktan now?” Someone had said, an older warrior
who’s tattooed face was furrowed seriously. “We cannot have an omega leading us.”

Ao’nung had tried to push out a sound of argument but all that emerged was a pained mewl as a
tight claw seemed to wrap itself around his insides and squeeze. “I am still Olo’eyktan.” Tonowari
said, his voice loud over the murmurs of the surrounding na’vi. “When the time comes, I will pick
my new heir. For now, it does not matter.”

Tonowari had let go of Ao’nung and the young, newly presented na’vi collapsed, his knees
slamming roughly against the bridge. He let out a pained gasp, glancing up almost desperately for
someone, anyone to help him. That had been the first time Ao’nung’s tribe had turned their backs
on him.

A decade and a half later, that memory still flashed behind Ao’nung’s eyes when his mind grew
weary. His gut still felt that phantom ache and he could almost feel the way Tonowari’s tight
fingers felt around his arm, his rough fingertips bruising skin.

He let out a deep breath, trying to ignore the way his heart stuttered at the painful memory. It had
been a while since he’d thought back to the day he’d presented, the day when he’d stopped being
the son of the Olo’eyktan and became the disappointment of the Metkayina.

The presence of the Suli family brought those memories back to the surface and to Ao’nung it was
just one more reason to hate them.

“Ao’nung?” Tsireya stuck her head cautiously into Ao’nung’s marui, her face furrowed in worry
before it broke out into a warm smile. “Good morning big brother.”

Ao’nung looked up from where he’d been absently sharpening his spearhead against a flat stone,
setting both objects aside. He allowed a tired smile to spread across his face and he leaned back,
waving a hand towards his sister. “Morning Tsireya.” He grunted. “How are you?”

“Good, good.” The smile was still fixed on her face but Tsireya’s voice sounded… odd and she
kept glancing over her shoulder towards the still-swinging beaded curtain she’d just slipped
through. “How are you?”

Ao’nung eyed her carefully but just shrugged and said, “I’m as fine as I can be.” He leaned
forward, resting his arms on his knees. “What’s wrong Reya?”

She sighed, fiddling absently with the bracelets that dangled from her wrists, clacking quietly with
every movement she made. “The Olo’eyktan sent me.” She finally uttered, her ears pinned back
against her head. She looked at Ao’nung with a silent apology in her eyes. “You are to train with
the eldest Suli child this morning.”

He fought back the urge to snarl, grabbing his spear and standing. He forced a smile and reached
out, carefully tucking Tsireya against his chest. “I’d rather you tell me then have him yell at me.”
He sighed, resting his chin on the top of her head. “Don’t feel too bad little sister. You are just the
messenger after all.” He pulled back and his smile was genuine this time as he gazed down at his
sister. “Will you be with the other monsters then?”
Tsireya laughed and batted at his arm. “They aren’t monsters Ao’nung.” She glanced up at him
and frowned a bit to herself before her usual bright smile returned, dimpling her cheeks. “But yes, I
will be training them while you work individually with Neteyam.”

“Not individually.” Ao’nung corrected gruffly, rolling his shoulders. “I’m taking Rotxo with me.”
He gnashed his teeth at the empty air over Tsireya’s shoulder, adding, “If that dimwitted alpha
thinks I’m swimming to some secluded area with him alone he’s sadly mistaken.”

Tsireya smoothed her hands over Ao’nung’s shoulders, her gaze calm as she leveled it on him.
“Whatever makes you feel safe.” She said honestly, gently squeezing at his shoulders. “If father
tries to say anything, I’ll say its merely a chaperone. They are customary, after all.”

“You’re a gift from Eywa.” Ao’nung said with a grin, reaching up to gently take one of Tsireya’s
hands in his own and cup it between both of his. Her hands were small and delicate between his,
smooth and unblemished. Once again Ao’nung mused over how different they were despite both
being omegas. Sometimes he almost wished he could be more like Tsireya, the perfect omega his
parents wanted him to be. But he knew she wasn’t truly happy, not like she acted she was. She
grew just as angry as her brother at how often omegas were demeaned but she was better at
keeping it controlled, hiding her emotions behind a faux smile. He squeezed at her hands before
letting it drop. “Where is the bastard anyway?”

She lightly swatted at his shoulder with a small laugh. “Be nice Ao’nung. I believe all of the Suli
children are at their marui. Its not far.” She glanced down at the spear planted at his side. “Maybe
you should leave that behind. Just for today.”

Ao’nung let out a sigh but carefully mounted his spear on the wall and replaced it with a knife
sheathed at his hip. She smiled brightly and ducked out of the marui, holding aside the beaded
curtain so her brother could exit silently behind her.

She led the way to the marui, dipping her head and smiling at every passing na’vi even as they
eyed the two omegas with familiar looks of barely-hidden disgust and unsureness. Ao’nung fought
back the urge to snarl at every alpha who looked Tsireya up and down and instead settled on
draping an arm over her shoulder and tugging her close.

Tsireya had turned down every alpha just as her brother did but she was a lot less growl-y when it
came to scaring them off which often caused pouting alphas to continue to bug her. Usually
Ao’nung’s presence was enough to ward them off but he worried about her now that he’d be
spending more time away from the village thanks to the Olo’eyktan’s demands that he assist
training Neteyam.

As if sensing his thoughts, Tsireya turned and smiled up at him, leaning her head lightly against his
shoulder. “Don’t worry big brother. I’ll be fine.” She patted his hand where it laid on her shoulder
before ducking out of his grasp and bounding up to the marui in front of them. “Tsyeyk’itan,
Neytiri’ite. Are you all ready for training?”

“Hold on.” A voice called out before the youngest girl emerged, smiling warmly at Tsireya. The
two seemed to be familiar with each other, as Tsireya smiled back and waved a silent greeting. The
young na’vi’s eyes wandered over to Ao’nung and the only sign of her surprise was a blink.
“Hello.”

Ao’nung just stood silently, his lips twitching as he fought back the instinctual growl that rumbled
in his chest. She was the youngest of the Suli’s, about seven years older than Ao’nung’s sister Lulí
which made her quite a bit younger than the rest of her siblings. He found it odd that she was
brought along instead of left safely in the jungle and her presence just solidified in his mind how
flippantly the Toruk Makto and his family seemed to be taking this trip.

“He’s tired.” Tsireya said with a smile directed towards the girl who Ao’nung didn’t bother to learn
the name of. “Ao’nung will be working with Neteyam today. You and your other siblings will be
with me.”

The girl’s eyes widened as they flickered over to Ao’nung. Without a word she ducked back into
the marui and Ao’nung could hear hushed murmurs from behind the beaded curtain. A moment
later the eldest emerged and this time Ao’nung couldn’t keep the snarl from pulling his lips back.

“Hello.” He said with a smile, pressing his fingers against his forehead and motioning to Ao’nung.
Just like the first time, Ao’nung pointedly refused to return the gesture, turning his head away as a
growl rumbled in his chest. Neteyam seemed undeterred though, taking another step forward and to
the side as his pack of siblings pushed out of the marui behind him, the eldest girl and the other
boy bickering back and forth as their younger sister trailed after them.

Other than the eldest girl, the whole lot of them were alphas. The girl seemed oddly scentless with
no hint of her second sex anywhere on her. Though it was unusual, Ao’nung paid her no mind, just
turning to look at Tsireya. “You’ll be alright?” He asked.

She shot him a small smile, already beginning to herd the three na’vi towards the beach. “Yes big
brother I’ll be just fine.” She waved her fingers before gently knocking her shoulder against the
scentless girl, shooting her a familiar smile.

He almost wanted to be angry about how well Tsireya got along with the Suli children but no
matter how much he may despise their presence, Ao’nung wouldn’t allow them to ruin that at
least. So he waved back at Tsireya before turning his bored gaze onto Neteyam.

“What will we be doing today?” Neteyam asked with a grin and the only answer he got was a snarl
before Ao’nung whirled around and began to stalk towards the direction of the ilu pen tucked
inside a distant cove near the northern beach. “A surprise. Seems fun.”

Ao’nung’s fingers twitched at his side and for a moment he distantly considered grabbing his knife
and plunging it between Neteyam’s ribs. But then he just sighed and snapped over his shoulder,
“You’ll learn to ride. It’s foolish to live near the ocean and be unable to leave the beach.”

Neteyam moved forward, striding alongside Ao’nung with his chin tipped up and his golden eyes
narrowed with thought. He turned to look over at Ao’nung. “Will it be just us?” The taller na’vi
asked.

Ao’nung gnashed his teeth with a harsh, mocking bark of laughter. “Yeah right. Rotxo’s coming
with us. He’s my brother.” The words rolled easily off of Ao’nung’s tongue and he didn’t realize
his error until Neteyam shot him a confused look.

“I thought Tsireya and Lulí were your only siblings.” Neteyam said and Ao’nung fought back the
urge to snap at the other na’vi for even speaking the names of his sisters.

But then he took a deep breath and turned away, his tail swinging back and forth behind him. He
felt a brush of Neteyam’s tufted tail against his and pointedly ignored it, taking a step to gain more
space between them. “Rotxo is my brother in that all warriors of the Metkayina are brothers.” He
grunted, still refusing to look at Neteyam who strode alongside him.

“Ah.” Was all the other na’vi said and, to Ao’nung’s surprise, Neteyam let the subject drop that
easily.
Eventually they came upon the cove that housed many of the ilus. A ways away in a larger cove
held all of the untamed tsuraks, their loud trilling clicks echoing over the waves and ringing in
Ao’nung’s ears. Despite the annoying presence of Neteyam that hovered over his shoulder like a
breathing shadow, Ao’nung could feel familiar pride blossom in his chest as he remembered when
he’d first bonded with his tsurak.

His parents had essentially stopped parenting him at that point, no one to tie the writhing tsurak’s
dangerous maw closed or hold it steady as he formed the Tsaheylu. It was just Ao’nung and Rotxo,
splashing through the waist-height water with some desperate hope that one of the tsuraks would
calm down enough for Rotxo to do his best to wrestle its mouth shut while Ao’nung clambered on
its sleek back and connected his kuru with its.

He'd been thrown off about five times before the creature he’d chosen had finally calmed beneath
him, accepting the Tsaheylu with a deep rumble emerging between its ribs. Rotxo had whooped
loudly, scaring all of the other tsuraks. Being slightly older then Ao’nung, Rotxo had already
formed the bond with his tsurak with the help of his father and male relatives as was customary and
the two went on a ride moments after Ao’nung had bonded with his own tsurak. His hands had
shook where they’d wrapped around the mighty creature’s horns but he’d whooped and shouted his
glee as he rode alongside Rotxo.

The aforementioned na’vi was walking towards them, a half-full net of fish dangling from his
hand. Rotxo was an early riser and often the one to feed the ilus and tsuraks while the rest of the
tribe still slept. Ao’nung would often visit him early in the mornings, standing side by side with the
other na’vi as the ilus trilled and clicked happily, recognizing that Rotxo’s presence meant food.

“Good morning.” He called as he strode closer, shooting Ao’nung a grin. Ao’nung moved forward
to meet him, leaving Neteyam standing a couple of feet away. Rotxo bumped his shoulder against
Ao’nung’s, his tail lightly whacking against the back of the other’s knee. He lowered his voice as
he added, “Tonowari’s stuck on having you train him, huh?”

Ao’nung grunted and tossed a dismissive look over his shoulder at the other na’vi. Neteyam was
looking away, his gaze thoughtful as he gazed out over the ocean’s waves. The Metkayinan just
growled and turned back to Rotxo. “Yeah. I was thinking he could train with our… special ilu.” He
bared his teeth in a feral grin.

Rotxo grinned as well but shifted a bit on his feet, a glimmer of worry passing through his eyes.
“Are you sure?” He asked, gaze flickering towards the pond of ilus that flipped and trilled loudly,
clearly impatient for their morning meal. He grabbed a fish from the net and tossed it out absently,
his gaze locking on Ao’nung. “Do you know if it’s safe?”

Ao’nung snorted, flicking his tail dismissively and flicking his ears back. “He’s a warrior.” He
mocked, baring his teeth in a snarl. “I’m sure he’ll be just fine.” He lifted his head, ignoring the
worried way Rotxo’s ears pinned back against his skull and turned to look over his shoulder. “Hey
baby tail. Come here.”

Neteyam’s ears perked and his eyes narrowed as he swung his head around to look at Ao’nung. His
face furrowed but he strode over to them at Ao’nung’s instruction, his long, thin tail flicking back
and forth, the tufted tail hooked at the end. He looked as though he wanted to argue with the
nickname but kept his mouth shut, a muscle in his jaw feathering as he clenched his teeth against
whatever words he wanted to say. “I’ve trained with ilus before.” He said, gaze flickering over to
Ao’nung before it returned to the cove full of splashing ilus.

“You’re a warrior.” Ao’nung said, flacking a wicked grin as he knocked his shoulder against the
other na’vi’s. His skin twitched at the contact and his stomach roiled uncomfortably but he just
continued to bare his fangs in a feral grin. “There’s a special ilu I believe you would benefit from
training with. She is separate from the rest though.” He slid his gaze over, watching slyly as
Neteyam’s shoulders stiffened and his brows furrowed. “If you feel you aren’t ready, that’s just
fine.” He sniffed and shrugged smoothly, ignoring the way Rotxo watched him with a frown.

Ao’nung fought back a smirk as he watched Neteyam roll his shoulders back and lift his chin. He’d
long since figured out how to play with an alpha’s pride. Often times even suggesting they would
be unable to do something would cause them to insist upon doing it and Neteyam seemed to be no
different. “Alright.” The Omatikayan finally said, his words slow and careful. “Where is she?”

“We feed her last.” Rotxo said, tossing a few more fish into the cove. He was still eyeing Ao’nung
nervously but flashed a grin when Neteyam turned to look at him. “Its just more efficient that way.
Once we’re done here we will go to where she is kept.”

Foolishly, Neteyam just dipped his head.

⤹⋆⸙͎۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚
۫

After the last ilu had snapped up its meal and resubmerged beneath the waves, Rotxo rolled up the
net and tucked it in the pouch hanging from his waist. “Alright.” He said, glancing over at
Ao’nung with a small frown pulling at the corner of his lips. “Will we still train with Oaki?”

Neteyam, who was knelt at the edge of the cove stroking the neck of a trilling ilu, turned to look at
the other na’vi with his face furrowed in confusion. “Why wouldn’t we?” He asked, patting the
neck of the ilu one last time before rising from his kneel and wiping sand off of his legs.

Ao’nung shot Rotxo a look before turning back to Neteyam, forcing a grin that felt more like a
snarl with how it twisted his lips. “No reason. Come. She’s further down.” He waved towards
Neteyam before jerking his chin towards the land that stretched out past the cove of the tsuraks.

“Shouldn’t we bring something for her to eat as well?” Neteyam asked, following after the two
Metkayina as they began to walk the familiar path towards the cove of the singular ilu. Rotxo
lagged behind Ao’nung, forming a sort of barrier between Neteyam and Ao’nung.

“She is fed separately.” Rotxo answered when Ao’nung just remained silent. He glanced over his
shoulder and shot Neteyam a grin that wilted with nervousness that the other na’vi clearly didn’t
notice. “Usually the Olo’eyktan takes care of it.” He glanced over at Ao’nung who just continued
to stare forward wordlessly.

The closer they got to the cove, the more Ao’nung began to doubt his plan. He’d brushed off
Rotxo’s nervousness but Oaki, the ilu, didn’t even do well with Metkayina who she’d known for
years. Rotxo who seemed generally liked by ilu even avoided her cove, only the Olo’eyktan
allowed to feed and train with her. And even then he would often return home with bites and
scratches dotting his forearms and shoulders from the ilu.

But he’d already gone too far. If Neteyam returned to the village and told the Olo’eyktan Ao’nung
had planned to have him train with Oaki, Ao’nung would be just as punished as if he went through
with the plan. So he just rolled back his shoulders and continued on. He would intervene before
things went too far and perhaps Neteyam’s encounter with Oaki would drive him away from
Awa’atlu, leaving Ao’nung behind.

Rotxo seemed to grow more uncomfortable as they neared the cove while Neteyam almost seemed
to grow more confident, lifting his chin with a small grin lifting the corners of his lips. He was
foolish, clearly not the intelligent golden son of Toruk Makto everyone thought he was. Ao’nung
almost wanted to snarl at him, to scold him for being so stupid. But he just clenched his jaw and
lifted his chin. He wanted- no, he needed Neteyam gone. He couldn’t leave his home and currently
the taller na’vi was the only thing trying to pull him away.

“Oaki.” Ao’nung called out, clicking his tongue.

A scarred head emerged from the still water of the cove, a long, equally scarred neck following
after it, water sluicing off of its thick skin. Oaki was an ilu who had survived an attack from an
akula, her fins torn and entire body mottled with scars. She eyed the three approaching na’vi with a
cold sort of curiosity glittering in her dark eyes. One side of her lip had been torn away, baring the
daggerlike fangs beneath in a permanent sneer. She sniffed and snarled, swimming in tight, anxious
circles before slowing her movements and turning back to stare at the na’vi.

“She was injured when she was young.” Ao’nung said, watching carefully at how Neteyam eyed
the scars. For a moment the other na’vi seemed to hesitate, his brow furrowing and his eyes
flickering back and forth as he assessed the situation. It seemed as though he might turn and bolt
but he clenched his hands and stood strong. “Have her come to the edge of the cove.”

He stepped back as Neteyam moved forward, carefully stalking towards the edge of the water, his
movements pointedly slow. Oaki drifted closer, stretching her neck out to sniff at Neteyam. She
reared back and let out a hiss but Neteyam just continued to move forward determinedly, his hands
stretched out in front of him.

“This isn’t a good idea.” Rotxo whispered where he stood at Ao’nung’s shoulder, reaching out to
grasp at the other’s wrist, staring imploringly at Ao’nung as he turned to look at him. “Ao’nung
tell him to come back.”

“Shh.” Ao’nung hissed, whipping around to glare at his friend. He shook off Rotxo’s grip and
pulled away, returning his gaze to Neteyam. Oaki had not yet lashed out as she normally did and
curiosity twisted in Ao’nung’s chest as he tensely waited to see what the ilu would do.

The feral ilu allowed Neteyam to grow closer and even allowed herself to drift to the edge of the
cove, her neck twisted around to follow every movement the na’vi made. She even turned as
though to allow Neteyam on her back, watching him with an odd glint in her beady eyes.

Neteyam reached out as if to touch the ilu and suddenly, the curiosity in Oaki’s eyes disappears,
replaced with the same cold fury she seemed to have with every other na’vi. She lashed out, tight
jaws clenching around Neteyam’s outstretched arm and throwing her neck back, tossing him in the
water behind her like he was nothing more than one of the fish she ate.

Rotxo let out a shout and moved forward before hesitating, his fingers twitching uncertainly at his
sides. Every child was taught to avoid Oaki, to never enter the water with her, even full trained
warriors warded away from interacting with her. Rotxo clearly wanted to help but he seemed
frozen, eyes wide and mouth hanging open.

Neteyam emerged from the water with a desperate gasp before Oaki dove beneath the waves and
dragged him along with her, his outstretched hand disappearing below the roiling water.

Ao’nung felt frozen, watching with wide eyes as the water splashed and toiled. Rotxo let out a
wordless shout and shook himself before running to the cove and leaping in. The movement of his
friend shocked Ao’nung out of his stupor and he sprinted over as well, diving into the cove without
a thought.
Bubbles sprayed up from his entrance beneath the waves but when they cleared he could spot Oaki
snapping and thrashing furiously, a struggling Neteyam caught between her and sharp rocks at the
bottom of the cove. The alpha was panicked, his yellow eyes wide as he scrabbled at the rocks
pressing against his back. His gaze flickered over and his terrified eyes met Ao’nung’s.

Blood drifted through the water, swirling in the waves where Neteyam’s skin caught and tore
against the pointed rocks. Rotxo swam to Oaki’s left side, tugging at one of her scarred fins with a
growl baring his teeth. She whipped around and snarled at him and he quickly swam away with her
spinning to follow him.

Ao’nung pushed himself towards Neteyam, watching with wide eyes as Neteyam seemed to choke,
bubbles emerged from between his lips. His eyes had begun to grow glassy and Ao’nung quickly
wrapped an arm around the other na’vi’s waist before propelling them to the surface.

Neteyam had gone limp in Ao’nung’s grip, his body dead weight that would have dragged a
weaker swimmer down. Ao’nung surfaced with a gasp and dragged himself towards the side of the
cove, dragging himself out before turning to try and tug Neteyam out behind him, his fingers
slipping against the other na’vi’s wet skin.

Rotxo had already clambered out of the cove and scrambled over to the two na’vi, helping
Ao’nung pull a limp Neteyam out of the cove before letting him drop onto the sandy grass.

Ao’nung pushed him on his back, his fingers shaking as he pressed a hand over Neteyam’s still
chest, searching desperately for a heartbeat beneath his chilled skin. “Shit, shit, shit.” He hissed
out, rising onto his knees so he could push down on the other na’vi’s chest. “Come on you forest
freak breathe.”

He whipped around to look at Rotxo who stood frozen at his side, blood dripping from a cut at his
temple. “Get the Tsahik Rotxo now!” Ao’nung barked before turning his focus back onto Neteyam
who still laid motionless and immobile beneath him.

In that moment Ao’nung felt none but panic flooding through his veins. He leaned down and
pinched Neteyam’s nose closed, pressing their lips together and puffing air into his lungs just like
he’d been taught.

Still, the na’vi didn’t move or start breathing. Ao’nung pushed his palms against Neteyam’s chest,
alternating between pumping air into his lungs and pressing against his chest, his fingers scrabbling
almost desperately against the other na’vi’s cold skin.

Footsteps sounded, loud voices surrounding Ao’nung. He felt a hand on his shoulder but shrugged
it off, continuing to compress Neteyam’s chest with a wild, desperate sort of strength.

Suddenly, golden eyes flew open and Neteyam jerked up, rolling over onto his side to vomit up the
water that sloshed in his lungs. He coughed, eyes squeezing shut as tears leaked from his closed
lids.

“Ao’nung!” Tonowari’s loud voice boomed and a strong hand closed around his arm, jerking him
away from Neteyam’s still-convulsing body. “What have you done? Why did you bring him to
Oaki? What were you thinking?”

Ao’nung allowed his father to drag him to his feet, just continuing to stare blankly down at
Neteyam as the Tsahík and the na’vi’s own mother knelt at his side. Even as Tonowari shook him
and demanded to know what happened, he just stood silently.
 “No.” A voice rasped out. Neteyam’s arms shook as he pushed himself off of the ground but he
turned to look up at Tonowari even as his eyes watered and his chest stuttered with every breath. “I
insisted on coming here. I wanted…” His words dissolved into a coughing fit and his mother hissed
as though she could feel his pain, smoothing a hand on his shaking back.

“Do not speak.” Ronal said, pressing her fingertips against the pulse that raced on Neteyam’s neck.
She turned to look at Tonowari. “We need to get him back to the village. Let Ao’nung go.”

Tonowari’s tight grip went lax and he shouldered past, kneeling beside Neteyam and hooking his
arms beneath the younger na’vi’s armpits, hoisting him up as Toruk Makto’s mate lifted his legs.
“I’m fine.” Neteyam gasped out, weakly lifting a hand and attempting to scrabble at Tonowari’s
arm where it hooked beneath his arm. “I can… I…”

His words trailed off as he was carried away, the pack of na’vi that had arrived turning to follow
them.

So Ao’nung stood there alone, staring at the ground where Neteyam had laid. Only Rotxo
remained, standing panting at Ao’nung’s side. “I’m sorry.” Ao’nung finally rasped out. He looked
up at Rotxo. “I’m sorry.”

Rotxo just sighed wordlessly and pressed his shoulder against the other na’vi’s shoulder.

“I just wanted to scare him.” He added, his entire body beginning to shake. “I just wanted him to
leave.”

Rotxo draped an arm around Ao’nung’s shoulder and pulled him close. “I know Ao’nung.”

Chapter End Notes

This was a bit of a difficult chapter to be honest but I want to put little parallels
between this fic and Way of Water but changed a bit. Aonung in this fic definitely is
not perfect. He's very spiteful and angry in the beginning and he will have to identify
those things on his own. This isn't as much of a story about Neteyam changing
Aonung and how he thinks about alphas but moreso Aonung realizing that he grew up
in a toxic environment that gave him an unfair view of them and ALLOWING
Neteyam to show him differently.

There will be fluff! Eventually. But if you're looking for a really soft, fluffy
omegaverse of Aonunete, maybe watch out for my next fic instead of reading this one
LMAO. But if you like painful slowburn and a ton of character development,
welcome!
 Chapter 5
Chapter Notes

Here it is you lovely people, the chapter you've all been waiting for! Huge shoutout to
my beta reader Nita he is an absolute saint and has been nothing but encouraging with
his fic. And I'd like to thank all of you for your support on this fic! There have been a
surprising amount of you that seemed to be looking for omega Aonung (I thought it
was only me LOL) so I'm glad to provide that for y'all!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

It had been about a week since the event Tsireya had so graciously dubbed “the incident” and
Ao’nung had been avoiding Neteyam and the rest of his family like the plague. Even a glimpse of
beaded braids or a tufted tail had Ao’nung’s heart leaping into his throat and shame burning deep in
his stomach. The look of Neteyam’s wide, panicked eyes still flashed behind his closed eyelids and
for days Ao’nung was sure his father would have him skinned for nearly getting Toruk Makto’s
eldest son killed.

He had grown used to the disapproving looks of his clanmates but after the incident with Neteyam,
Ao’nung was acutely aware of his clan’s muttered disapproval and glares pinned against his
hunched shoulders when he passed by them. He’d avoided seeing his parents by some blessing of
Eywa but it seemed he was only spared from his father’s wrath due to Tonowari not wanting to
seem like a bad Olo’eyktan in front of their guests. Ronal most likely had none of the same
reservations but she too stayed away from her oldest son, perhaps avoiding him in the same way he
attempted to avoid her.

Though it wasn’t unusual for Ao’nung to only truly interact with Tsireya and Rotxo regularly, he
felt painfully alone, inherently separate from his clan in a way he hadn’t felt since he first
presented. Once again he was outcast and this time Ao’nung bitterly thought that he might have
just earned the isolation from his tribe. While he still wished Neteyam and his family would just
leave Awa’atlu, he hadn’t meant for Neteyam to get as hurt as he did. The Omatikayan had almost
drowned because of Ao’nung’s own foolish actions and for a brief moment in time, Ao’nung had
been terrified as his hands slipped against the cool skin of Neteyam’s unmoving chest as he
desperately attempted to revive him. He still wasn’t entirely sure he’d ever forget the wide,
terrified look Neteyam had shot him as he practically impaled himself on the rocks trying to escape
Oaki, nor the way his entire body shook as he vomited up the water that had filled his lungs.

Growing tired of the constant stares from his clanmates and the constant attempts to avoid the Suli
family, Ao’nung simply decided to leave Awa’atlu for a bit. Years ago when he was still newly
presented, furious at his own body and eager to please his parents, he’d stumbled upon a large cave
tucked away on the other end of the island that could only be entered through an underwater
entrance tucked in a forest of seaweed and bordered by a large pile of boulders that nearly hid it
from view entirely.

He had fucked up on that day, done something that infuriated his parents and earned him a
thorough tongue lashing by his father in front of the entire clan. Ao’nung couldn’t even remember
what exactly he’d done that day that had enraged his father so much to publicly humiliate him but
even now he could remember the harsh words of the Olo’eyktan, the way his words had stung as
though they were physical blows landing on Ao’nung’s skin. He’d had managed to keep it together
as his father’s insults weighed on his shoulders but the moment he was dismissed he had turned
and ran, ran until his legs practically collapsed beneath him and he fell onto the sand.

Though his eyes had burned and his skin stinging from where he collapsed onto the sand, Ao’nung
had managed to regain his composure and stumble to his feet before wading into the water and
diving beneath the waves in the hopes that his father’s scathing words would be muffled by the
water and bubbles that swirled around him.

That part of the island, so far from the village, seemed to be rather secluded, almost as though the
people of the Metkayina had merely forgotten about it. The beaches were strewn with driftwood
and dried out seaweed unlike the pristine, well-kept beaches that surrounded Awa’atlu. He had
discovered the entrance to the cave by pure luck but once he had surfaced from the underwater
entrance and dragged himself onto the sand that shifted into cool stone beneath his feet, Ao’nung
had felt an odd sort of peace fall over him.

The cave had been quiet and cool, nothing but the sound of the softly swishing water echoing on
the carved stony walls. It seemed like it had been submerged at some point, the stone polished and
smoothed in a perfect dome shape as though scooped out by the hand of Eywa herself.
Bioluminescent vines flickered softly where they climbed along the walls and speckled the curved
ceiling.

It had originally just been somewhere for Ao’nung to escape, a secret place where he could run
away from the loud of clan life, dive beneath the waves and emerge into peaceful quiet where no
one could bother him. But at some point, it had become less of an escape and more like a home.
After he’d shared its existence with Tsireya and Rotxo, the two had been eager to help him make
the cave more comfortable for him. Tsireya had brought woven mats she’d made on her own,
piling blankets and the like in his favorite corner while Rotxo had helped Ao’nung lug rocks into
the cave to form a firepit to keep the cave warm and dry when the nights grew too chilled. Little by
little, the cave had become more of a home to him than his own marui.

He hadn’t really felt at home in Awa’atlu since he’d presented so he had spent a large portion of his
time in the cave. The Olo’eyktan and Tsahík seemed uncaring of where Ao’nung disappeared to
when he wasn’t around the village and they never bothered to question where he’d been if he
returned after days of disappearing. Since he’d become the hunt chief, Ao’nung hadn’t spent much
time in his home away from home but when he’d returned to the cave it had been exactly as he left
it.

Rotxo had kindly tugged some driftwood into a pile in the corner of the cave last time they were
here so Ao’nung used the dried logs to start a fire before curling into his nest tucked away in the
farthest part of the cave.

The nest was the only purely omegan thing Ao’nung had ever allowed himself to have. The
concept of a nest, a little space where he allowed himself to just be soft and let his guard down,
was something Ao’nung had despised originally. It had taken him years to finally form a nest, to
grow confident enough no one would find his secret cave to finally allow himself to just relax and
finally indulge that instinctual need deep in his chest that longed for that sort of safety. Tsireya had
helped with the nest, retrieving anything Ao’nung asked for and guiding him through the
instinctual building process when he would hesitate or his hands would shake. Rotxo hadn’t helped
with the nest itself but he had paced along the sand near the cave entrance, offering a silent wall of
protection so Ao’nung had nothing to worry about.

His nest was the same as he’d left it but Ao’nung still shifted uncomfortably, pushing some of the
blankets this way and that until the tightness in his chest finally loosened and he allowed himself to
settle, curling up on his side with his head cushioned on a woven blanket Tsireya had made of soft
fabric.

The walls were lit up by the flames that crackled and popped over the dried driftwood, the orange
flames contrasting with the faint glow of bioluminescence. Ao’nung sucked in a breath filled with
the taste of salt and smoke. The usual comfort his nest and cave brought him was gone, leaving an
empty sort of feeling deep in his chest. He was unable to grow comfortable in his nest, constantly
shifting and turning, kicking away blankets before pulling them back into place.

He finally sat up with a silent snarl twisting his lips, his tail thumping against the edge of his nest
with a twitchy sort of impatience. Something deep in his chest kept shifting and turning, a knot of
guilt tugged tight behind his ribs. He still despised Neteyam, hated the presence of his family in
Awa’atlu and still hated what the insufferable alpha stood for. But he felt… bad. He felt bad that
he’d gotten the other na’vi hurt and his guilt had only grown when Neteyam, even in his delirious
half-drowned state, tried to take the blame for something Ao’nung should have known better than
to do. He felt as though he had betrayed someone who seemed to trust him despite his standoffish
attitude and constant snarling. He hated how his own father had tried to pawn him off onto Toruk
Makto’s son like some sort of bargaining chip to gain protection for the Metkayina.

The idea that Tonowari had lied to the Suli family about Ao’nung’s opinion on the mating seemed
to grow more likely the more he thought about it. The actions of the Sulis no longer seemed like
negligence and a blatant ignorance towards Ao’nung but instead like the actions of a family who
thought they were coming to Awa’atlu so their son could be mated to an accepting omega who was
equally excited about the pairing. Bitterness towards his father roiled in his chest but alongside it,
his shame only seemed to grow.

He still wasn’t sure he could face Neteyam, not after what he did, but he at very least wanted to
apologize to the other na’vi, perhaps even explain the situation. Ao’nung didn’t expect forgiveness,
didn’t even want it at that point. But he didn’t want Neteyam to think he almost got him killed for
nothing more then selfishness.

It was selfishness, some parts of it. Well, Ao’nung mused, most of it was selfishness. He wanted to
stay home near the ocean, to stay with his family, with Rotxo and Tsireya. He didn’t want to be
tied to some alpha who didn’t truly see him but he also didn’t want some alpha to be tied to him, an
unhappy omega who despised them. Neteyam of all people didn’t deserve to be stuck with
Ao’nung, an omega who was hardly an omega at all.

Ao’nung blew out a breath and settled down in his nest again, settling his gaze on the flickering
flames of the fire that danced within the confines of the firepit made by Rotxo as he dropped his
chin on the raised side of the nest. He wouldn’t go back to Awa’atlu, not yet. He’d allow himself to
relax in the gentle cradle of the cave, in the warm embrace of his nest and then once the shakiness
in his chest eased he’d seek out Neteyam and apologize, then hopefully explain himself. The
Olo’eyktan would most likely be furious if his lies were revealed but in that moment, Ao’nung
found he could care less about his father’s wrath.

Tiredness weighed heavily on Ao’nung’s eyelids, the constant tenseness of his shoulders loosening
as the warmth of the fire seeped over him, warming his chilled bones. As Ao’nung let his eyes fall
closed, the only thing he could think was I hope he forgives me.

⤹⋆⸙͎۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚
۫
The tide was low when Ao’nung finally exited his cave. It had been days since he’d first left
Awa’atlu and Tsireya and Rotxo had visited frequently, bringing food and news with them. Though
he had never asked, Tsireya updated him on how Neteyam was recovering in her soft, quiet voice.
Ao’nung never said anything as she spoke but he was glad to hear the Omatikayan was healing
from the ordeal well and, if Tsireya was to be believed, seemed to be in surprisingly high spirits.
She had even told Ao’nung in a low voice that she’d spotted him wandering around Oaki’s cove
alone. Ao’nung hadn’t been able to stop the grunt from pulling itself from his chest when she said
that as his eyes narrowed. Neteyam would have to be stupid to return back to Oaki but Tsireya had
quickly assured him the other na’vi never seemed to go near the water, which did little to ease
Ao’nung’s irritation.

Ao’nung shook water from his hair, reaching up to tie it back with the leather strap he kept tied
around his wrist. While in his own space he often let his hair fall over his shoulders like Tsireya’s
did, finding no reason to tie it up constantly other than to keep it out of the way while hunting and
training. Tsireya often helped him comb through it in the safety of his cave, her fingers gently
smoothing out the tangles. Rotxo would often tug on Ao’nung’s hair like a child when he let it
down, laughing about how long it had gotten. He often got a snarl and a punch in shoulder in
response but he still did it every single time.

The sun was high in the sky, casting its bright light over the beaches, reflecting off the calm water
as Ao’nung made his way back towards Awa’atlu. The sounds of the village reached his ears far
before he could even see it, the loud clicks of ilu, the loud cries and yelps of playing children and
the usual murmured gossip of the adults.

The calm relaxation that had fallen over him from his time in the cave seemed to harden and crack
as he got closer to the village, falling off in bits and pieces with every step he took. When he finally
reached Awa’atlu his shoulders were tense and a snarl was fixed on his lips. The way a passing
alpha did a double take before leering at him also definitely didn’t help. “Where have you been?”
The alpha snarked, baring his fangs in a sneer. He was a younger Metkayina who had become a
warrior a couple years after Ao’nung and the other na’vi was blanking on his name entirely.

So Ao’nung just snarled and shoulders past the taller na’vi, making sure to let his tail smack
harshly against the other’s stomach. The alpha wheezed and Ao’nung bared his fangs over his
shoulder as he snarled, “None of your fucking business,” before whipping back around and stalking
through the village.

His clan avoided him, shooting him looks when they thought he couldn’t see. He ignored them all,
only one goal at the forefront of his mind.

He was surprised to see Rotxo in the village since he thought the other na’vi had taken up the duty
as hunt chief while Ao’nung was away. The alpha perked up and quickly ducked away from the
older na’vi he’d been talking to, jogging over to Ao’nung with a bright, welcoming grin that drove
away all of the bitterness that curled around Ao’nung’s shoulders like a heavy weight. “Good to see
you back!” Rotxo said, hugging Ao’nung close to his chest as though he hadn’t just visited the
other last night and stayed until the sun had risen. He pulled back and his gaze flicked around
before settling back onto Ao’nung. “I think the Sulis are in their maruis if you just want to go-”

“No.” Ao’nung said, a surprising amount of calm leveling his voice. Rotxo blinked, seeming just
as surprised as Ao’nung was by the sudden levelheadedness. He was, after all, a creature of chaos
and impulsiveness. “I should apologize. Where is that forest- Neteyam.” He corrected himself
through gritted teeth and Rotxo grinned a bit, his hands squeezing where they sat on Ao’nung’s
shoulders as though he knew Ao’nung had to fight to not utter the scornful nickname he’d assigned
the other na’vi.
Something in Ao’nung’s eyes must have hinted at his plan because Rotxo’s smile wilted a bit, his
brows pulling together in a frown as he gazed upon his friend. “What are you planning?” He asked
quietly, shifting so he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the other. He draped an arm over Ao’nung’s
shoulder and began to steer him towards the cluster of marui in the middle of the village where the
Olo’eyktan and his guests stayed, his arm a comforting, familiar weight that helped ground
Ao’nung.

“It’s nothing bad.” Ao’nung assured his friend, a hint of amusement lilting his voice before he
remembered what happened the last time he’d come up with a plan. Rotxo shot him a grin but his
eyes remained dark with worry and Ao’nung continued solemnly, “I… am going to explain.”

Rotxo tensed at his side before relaxing, blowing out a quiet sigh. When Ao’nung turned to look at
him though, Rotxo was grinning down at him, that familiar prideful spark glinting in his blue eyes.
“The Olo’eyktan is going to want to kill you.” He said in the light, conversational way they always
spoke about Tonowari wanting to kick Ao’nung’s ass. It was a common occurrence at this point
and Rotxo knew just as well as Tonowari that Ao’nung no longer feared his father.

Ao’nung grinned and let his tail flick against Rotxo’s as they walked. “Oh most definitely. You
know I like to spice things up around here.”

Rotxo threw his head back in a laugh that drew some stares- stares that quickly tried to turn away
unnoticed when Ao’nung began to glare. “You sure are good at it.” The alpha said, knocking his
sharp hip against Ao’nung’s and squeezing at his shoulder.

Before Rotxo even began to slow Ao’nung was entirely aware that they were nearing the cluster of
maruis the Suli family was staying in. The second son of Toruk Makto paced outside of the marui
him and his siblings shared and his ears twitched before he whirled around, his golden glare locked
wholly on Ao’nung. “You.” He snapped, his entire body seeming to bristle with rage. He seemed
almost entirely unaware of Rotxo. “Where’d you go? Run and hide like a coward after almost
getting my brother killed?”

Ao’nung reared back, opening his mouth to spit something back before Rotxo’s hand squeezed at
his shoulder, silently reminding him of why he was here. So Ao’nung grit his teeth and dipped his
head. He had nothing to apologize for, not to the youngest brother of Neteyam but he spit out
anyways, “I apologize.”

The Omatikayan seemed taken aback for a moment before the same snarl twisted his features, his
eyes narrowed into furious yellow slits. “I don’t know why Neteyam wants to stay.” He hissed,
seeming to speak more for his own benefit than for the Metkayinan’s. “Why are you here?”

“To talk to Neteyam.” Ao’nung said, biting back the sarcastic remark that wanted to follow after.
He straightened and lifted his gaze to meet the other na’vi’s, rolling his shoulders back. “To…
apologize. To him.”

He hated the way the son of Toruk Makto looked down on him, towering from his mighty height
with a sneer twisting his lips. It reminded Ao’nung of the same way every alpha had ever looked at
him in his life, disgusted and unsure of what to do with him. He swallowed back the snarl that
rumbled in his chest and forced himself to drop his gaze, silently submitting to the other despite the
way his chest roiled with fury.

The other na’vi let out a little huff as though he’d just achieved something, spreading his feet and
jutting his chin out victoriously. Before Ao’nung said anything stupid, the youngest son ducked
back into the marui, the beaded curtains clacking loudly behind him.
“What’s his name?” Ao’nung muttered, lifting his head and turning to glance at Rotxo.

Rotxo let out a small snort and let his arm drop from where it still lay over Ao’nung’s shoulder,
gently knocking his knuckles against the back of Ao’nung’s hand where it hung at his side.
“They’ve been here for almost a month now, you still don’t know their names?” He asked in the
other’s ear, a quiet laugh pulling itself from his chest.

“Why bother.” Ao’nung huffed, his gaze flickering to the beaded curtain of the marui before
returning to Rotxo. He squinted thoughtfully and carefully said, “Does it… start with an M?”

“Nice try.” Rotxo huffed amusedly, knocking his shoulder against Ao’nung’s. He jerked his chin
towards the marui. “It’s Lo’ak.”

Ao’nung just nodded as if he wouldn’t forget that later and took a deep breath. He was going to be
nice. He was going to not snarl or growl or even say anything snarky. He was here to apologize to
Neteyam for nearly getting him killed, then hopefully the knot of guilt in his chest would loosen
and let him actually breathe. Even in the comfort of his nest Ao’nung felt like he couldn’t pull a
full breath of air into his lungs and it was beginning to drive him crazy.

Finally the beaded curtain shifted again and out stepped the younger brother, Lo’ak. He still
seemed angry, his lips curled in a snarl directed at no one but Ao’nung but his shoulders relaxed a
bit as he stepped aside, allowing Neteyam to step out after him.

“I should come with you.” Lo’ak grunted to Neteyam as he passed, reaching out to grasp onto the
other’s shoulder. He didn’t attempt to hide his glare towards Ao’nung and didn’t even have the
decency to lower his voice as he added, “What if he tries to get you killed again?”

Neteyam shrugged off his brother’s hand with a small wince, reaching back to press his hand
against what was most likely healing scratches on his back. “I’m fine.” He said in that irritatingly
calm voice of his, dropping a hand on his brother’s head and rustling the braids before turning to
look at Ao’nung.

Something in his eyes shifted and Ao’nung felt suddenly self-conscious, finding himself almost
wanting to shrink beneath Neteyam’s gaze. But he stood strong and lifted his chin, stepping away
from Rotxo. “I want to talk to you.” Ao’nung said.

Neteyam’s eyes widened slightly before narrowing, a single brow lifting in a cool look of
questioning. “Where have you been?” He asked and it almost seemed like worry creased the
corners of his eyes.

“None of your business.” Ao’nung snapped without thinking before gritting his teeth and wincing,
tacking on, “Sorry.”

But Neteyam just let out a gruff sort of laugh and turned to swat at his brother’s shoulder. “Don’t
just stand here. You have stuff to do, don’t you?” His thin tail whipped at Lo’ak’s leg as he shooed
the younger na’vi away with a flick of his hands. “Where do you want to speak?”

Ao’nung didn’t say anything, just jerked his chin towards the beach. Though Lo’ak bristled,
opening his mouth as if to say something, Neteyam just dipped his head and stepped forward.
“Will Rotxo be coming with us?” He asked, his golden gaze flickering over to the other alpha.

Rotxo too turned to glance at Ao’nung curiously. “No.” Ao’nung found himself saying as he
turned to level his gaze on Neteyam. “Come.”

He let his gaze flicker over to Rotxo, who shot him an encouraging smile and a wink. Ao’nung
bared his teeth at the alpha who just grinned before he turned back to Neteyam who trailed after
him. “Last time you followed me you almost drowned.” He found himself saying before cringing
with a small snarl directed at himself. “Sorry I-”

“No you’re right.” Neteyam laughed humorlessly as he strode alongside Ao’nung, his tail flicking
and curling behind his back, the tufted end brushing against his own shoulder before dropping back
down. “It seems kind of stupid of me to follow after you again after what happened last time.”
Though Ao’nung was staring forward, he could practically feel the way Neteyam’s gaze slid over
to him, boring into the side of his face. “But you saved me. You and Rotxo dove into Oaki’s pond
to save me. Tsireya told me what the clan thinks about her. You’re forbidden to enter the water
with her. Ever.” His words were conversational, flowing easily from between his lips.

Ao’nung jumped down from the woven bridges of the village, his feet landing with a muted thud
on the sand. Neteyam followed, letting out a muttered grunt of pain as he landed on the ground.
Ao’nung wanted to turn and glance over his shoulder to make sure the other was okay but he
simply continued walking, staring straight forward at the sandy beach that stretched out before
him. Neteyam was quiet for a long moment before finally his footsteps paused. Ao’nung turned to
look at him and found the alpha gazing at him with an odd sort of glint in his eyes. “Why?” He
asked and Ao’nung froze. Though the wide expanse of the beach stretched out behind him, he felt
cornered. Trapped. “Why did you take me to Oaki?”

Ao’nung’s tongue felt heavy and thick in his mouth and he opened and closed his mouth a few
times before finally clicking his teeth shut and turning away. “Look. I’m sorry.” He bit out
between gritted teeth.

“Why did you do it?” Was all Neteyam repeated, his golden eyes probing as they bored into
Ao’nung’s face. He felt as though he was laid bare, like that glowing gaze had torn him open and
exposed his insides.

“Can you just accept my apology?” Ao’nung snapped, clenching his fists at his sides until his blunt
nails pressed crescents into the skin of his palms. “I said sorry. I’m sorry, okay? It was stupid of
me-”

“I just want to know why you did it.” Neteyam interrupted. His tail had gone still and he merely
looked at Ao’nung. There was no accusation in his eyes, no harsh question or prodding at his
psyche. It was just a question, a question that weighed so heavily on Ao’nung’s shoulders he felt
like he could collapse beneath it. “Did you want me to get hurt?”

“Yes- No- I wanted-” Ao’nung broke his words off in a hiss as he whirled away from Neteyam and
continued to stalk down the expanse of the beach. Neteyam’s footsteps padded on the sand behind
him as the other na’vi followed silently. “I wanted you gone.” He finally spat out, stopping in his
tracks. He didn’t turn to look at Neteyam but could feel the other’s presence hovering behind him,
a shadow falling over his shoulders. “I wanted you and your family gone. I wanted to scare you so
you’d go back home and leave me here with my family.”

Neteyam was silent for a long moment. “I was told,” he began slowly, stepping forward and
turning to face Ao’nung. “You wanted to be mated. But I’m beginning to think that was a lie.”

Ao’nung bit back a snarl, tucking his head and glaring at the sand beneath his feet. “The
Olo’eyktan.” He rumbled, his hot fury growing cold and heavy in his chest like a rock sinking
between his ribs. “He wants me off his back. I’m not the omega he wants me to be so he’s trying to
shove me off onto someone else. He thinks I’m too much like an alpha and he’s tired of trying to
wrangle me.” He turned to finally look at Neteyam, finding the na’vi’s expression unchanging even
though Ao’nung’s face had twisted into a snarl at the mention of his father. He forced his shoulders
 to slump and tried his best to smooth out his expression. “I didn’t want to hurt you. I just… I
wanted to scare you.”

“Okay.” Neteyam rolled back his shoulders and tipped his head to the side, his braids falling over
his shoulder and swinging, the wooden beads clicking together. “What do you want me to do?”

“What?” Ao’nung narrowed his eyes and stared back at Neteyam, unable to staunch the distrust
that instinctually rose in his chest. Neteyam’s genuineness threw him off so all he could do was
snap, “What do you mean what do I want you to do?”

A ghost of a smile flickered over Neteyam’s lips and his eyes suddenly seemed to light up, his tail
flicking and curling at his back once more. He looked almost smug, as though he’d come up with
something. “What if we tried?” He said and before Ao’nung could open his mouth to speak, the
other na’vi continued, energy seeming to crackle through his voice like raw energy, “What if we
acted as though… we tried to give this a shot. But it doesn’t work out and I return back home. You
get to stay here and your fa- the Olo’eyktan can’t blame it on you.” His eyes were wide as he
turned his gaze onto Ao’nung, a wild sort of grin fixed on his face. It was so… different from the
usual smooth, calm expression that overtook the other na’vi’s expression that for a moment
Ao’nung couldn’t do anything but stare.

His first instinct was to call it a dumb idea and brush it aside, but he hesitated. He found himself
genuinely considering what Neteyam proposed, though a small piece of his former suspicion still
curled in his chest. “So… what? We fake court in front of the Olo’eyktan and Tsahík and after a
while you tell them it’s not working and you just get to go home?” Though Ao’nung had meant to
make the idea sound insane, once he said it out loud he found himself thinking about the idea even
more. It wasn’t quite as stupid as he perhaps wanted it to sound.

If Neteyam was the one to step down from the pairing, there truly was nothing Tonowari could do.
He could try to blame it on Ao’nung but if Toruk Makto and his family agreed to break off the
pairing, any argument made by Tonowari would be considered an insult to the Suli family. And an
insult to Toruk Makto and his family was an insult to the entire Omatikaya clan. There was no way
Tonowari would risk something like that. While he cared about his clan, he seemed to care about
his image much, much more.

Despite himself, Ao’nung found a mirroring smile to Neteyam’s twitch at the corner of his lips
before it pulled back into a full blown grin that bared his teeth. “You’re fucking insane.” He let out
a bark of laughter and whacked the end of his tail against Neteyam’s leg, ignoring the way the
other na’vi winced at the slap. “Let’s do it.”

Chapter End Notes

Aonung apologized finally! And Neteyam accepted because he is a saint <3 And also
possibly gave him a way out of this whole courting ordeal We'll see how that goes

Also I've come to realize I think Aonung's name is spelled Ao'nung but I've gone too
far just typing it all together and at this point I am NOT turning back sorry y'all
 Chapter 6
Chapter Notes

Wow I am so sorry for the wait on this chapter!! Honestly the days just passed me by
and suddenly I looked back and realized just how much time it had been since I last
updated! Consider this slightly longer chapter as a bit of an apology.

And again, thank you so much everyone for the support on this fic! I read and try to
reply to every single comment I receive and all kudos' are greatly appreciated <3

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Despite the agreement Ao’nung made with Neteyam, the Metkayinan had all but gone out of his
way to avoid the other na’vi. After returning to Awa’atlu from his self-imposed solitude, Ao’nung
immediately took back his position as hunt chief and spent much of his time organizing parties,
planning hunts and spending time with his own tsurak to make up for the few-days separation
they’d had. He did just about everything to keep himself busy while Neteyam continued to heal
from the wounds Ao'nung had caused. Rotxo stayed by Ao’nung’s side day and night, even
sleeping in his friend’s marui as an added sense of safety and though the omega had never even
opened his mouth to ask that of his friend, he appreciated Rotxo’s comforting presence.

The day was unusually hot as Ao’nung waded through the shallows, a net clasped loosely between
his fingers as his gaze carefully scanned the waves. The sun had reached its peak in the sky and
beat its hot rays down on the earth below it, the ocean’s waves growing warm beneath the light. It
was far too hot to go out hunting so instead Ao’nung had waded out away from the village and
stood still in the waves, waiting to see the fluttering shadows of the fish who lived within the reef.
Everyone else was lazing about but, while the waves were still and the fish sluggish from the heat,
Ao’nung would catch as many of them as possible to make up for the lack of hunting done that
day.

Rotxo, as always, was with his childhood friend, some ways away with a similar net in his hands as
he too waited for schools of small fish to swarm around his legs.

Ao’nung cast the web-like net out with a swift flick of his wrist, watching as the knotted rope
dropped through the waves and encompassed the school of fish that had swam curiously around his
legs. The small stones tied to the ends of the net dropped onto the sand and when Ao’nung pulled
the net up from the waves and knotted it shut, it was full of wriggling fish, their wet scales
glittering in the sunlight.

“That’s the last net.” Rotxo called as he raised his own net from the water and Ao’nung’s ear
twitched at the sound of his friend splashing through the waves in his direction, the net he held
tossed over his tattooed shoulder. “We should head back. I think Tsireya mentioned something
about wanting us to help collect shells later. I hope by later she means when it’s not so hot.”

Ao’nung let out a small laugh before clicking his tongue, his ilu swimming over to him with a
series of happy trills and clicks, Rotxo’s ilu not far behind. “She and Lulí are making a new batch
of friendship bracelets.” He said, voice warm with fondness as he slid onto the back of his ilu,
knotting his fingers in the strong weaves of the net and wrapping his other hand tight around the
leather strap between the creature’s kuru. Ao’nung gazed at his wrist, gazing fondly at the multiple
bracelets draped on his arm in varying stages of age and wear. When they got too thin and worn to
wear without them falling apart in the water, he would bring them to the cave and tuck them in a
steadily growing pile, full of frayed seaweed and rope strung with shells and beads, every one of
them weighted with memories.

“Oh good.” Rotxo said with a laugh, climbing smoothly onto the back of his ilu in a practiced
motion, graceful even despite the weight of the fish-filled net over his shoulder. He held up his
wrist to the sun and twisted it this way and that, his own collection of beaded bracelets clattering at
the movement. “One of them is starting to fall apart. Glad I have a replacement ready.” He shot
Ao’nung an easy grin that the omega returned. Away from Awa’atlu, bobbing on the waves
alongside his best friend, Ao’nung felt a sort of calm fall over him, cool like a brush of wind
around his shoulders despite the heat of the sun still beating down on him.

Here, with nothing but the stretch of glittering waves and the strong, familiar presence of his
lifelong friend beside him, Ao’nung could almost forget about the pressing issue that had weighed
on his shoulder since the Suli family had arrived in his village. But then Rotxo tipped his head to
the side, his smile dampening a bit as his light gaze fixed on something on the horizon. “Your dad
wants to talk to you.” He said casually despite the frown fixed on his face, urging his ilu forward
until its wide fin brushed against Ao’nung’s ilu.

Ao’nung whipped around, half expecting to see his father himself perched atop that scarily quiet
tsurak of his swimming towards them. Instead, it was just Tsireya on the back of her calm ilu that
trilled happily as it drew closer despite the worried sort of look that furrowed its rider’s face.
“Sorry to bring bad news,” She said when she finally got in hearing range, her ilu swimming closer
until she could reach out and lock her fingers into the net Ao’nung held, helping him lift the
wriggling weight out of the water. A small smile lifted her lips as she dipped her head in greeting to
the two Metkayinan. The smile faded though as she sighed and said, “Father wants to see you.
Neteyam has begun healing so the Olo’eyktan seems to think he should get back to training.” Her
head tipped to the side, her eyes apologetic as they landed on her brother’s.

An instinctual snarl rolled through Ao’nung’s chest at the mere mention of his father but he shoved
it down and just rolled his eyes coolly instead, shooting his sister a half-grin that had her frown
lessening, if even by a little. “I’m surprised he wants me to keep training the Suli boy after what
happened last time.” He snarked with a cruel twist of his lips despite the uncomfortable weight in
his gut at the memory of Neteyam’s wide, terrified eyes flashing in his mind. “You think he would
have learned his lesson.”

Something flashed in Tsireya’s eyes and she turned to shoot Ao’nung a disapproving glance.
Ao’nung’s grin lessened and he hunched a bit beneath her gaze. “He actually considered having
Rotxo take over.” She said dryly and Rotxo let out a grunt where he sat beside Ao’nung. She
tipped her head and eyed her brother curiously. “But someone convinced him to let you continue.
He won’t tell me who it was.”

Ao’nung’s shoulders tensed as he felt Rotxo too turn to look at him, his confused gaze burning
where it locked against the side of Ao’nung’s face. While Ao’nung had made the agreement with
Neteyam, he had yet to tell his sister and best friend of his plans. In the back of his mind, the
Metkayinan had almost hoped Neteyam and his family would just leave without having to make a
show out of it like Neteyam had suggested and Ao'nung would never have to admit that he'd agreed
to the plan to his closest friends. But when days passed and the Suli family remained, Ao’nung had
just begun to ignore the other instead of facing him, pointedly avoiding him by busying himself
with menial tasks that kept him far out of Neteyam’s path. Luckily for him, Neteyam hadn't left his
marui much so he could rest and heal.
The Suli family seemed to orbit around Neteyam since he’d gotten injured and, in the few times
Ao’nung had seen the Omatikayan alpha outside of his marui, he was never without another cobalt-
skinned na’vi at his side, whether it be his sisters, Lo’ak, or even his own mother or father. And if
Ao’nung had found a reason to get away as fast as possible when he saw Neteyam with his warrior
mother at his side, then that was something for him to worry about.

“Maybe I’m just that good of a teacher.” Ao’nung said briskly with a dismissive wave of his hand,
shooting his sister a smug sort of grin that dipped beneath the weight of her stare.

Unlike Tsireya, Rotxo seemed all-too willing to accept Ao’nung’s claim and let out a laugh,
reaching out to thump his hand on the other’s shoulder. The sound seemed to shake Tsireya out of
whatever stupor she’d fallen into because she blinked rapidly and turned her gaze to Rotxo, then
back onto Ao’nung. She still looked doubtful but her cheeks dimpled in a smile and she rolled her
eyes good-naturedly. “Let’s get back to the village before the Olo’eyktan throws a fit about being
kept waiting.” She smiled and winked at her brother before turning her ilu around, letting her
fingers loosen from the net Ao’nung held and diving beneath the waves.

Rotxo, after shooting Ao’nung a small grin, followed after her, his chest pressed tight against the
strong neck of his ilu with his two extra nets of fish tied to the saddle of the creature.

With a sigh Ao’nung wrapped his fingers tighter in the wriggling net and ordered his ilu to dive
beneath the waves and follow after his family.

⤹⋆⸙͎۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚
۫

The sky had dipped in the sky when Ao’nung was finally released from the Olo’eyktan’s marui. He
had received a thorough tongue lashing from his father full of barely-veiled insults, some even
outright spat in his face. If Ao’nung had been about ten years younger, he would have exited the
marui with the words still weighing on his shoulders, ringing his neck and slowly choking him
with their harshness. Now, after years of hardly speaking to his father in anything other than
insults, Ao’nung strode out of the marui with his head held high and shoulders pushed back,
shedding his father’s harsh words like water slipping from his skin.

Rotxo pushed himself off from where he’d been leaning against the wall of the marui, shooting
Ao’nung a half-grin. Ao’nung used to be embarrassed at the thought of Rotxo hearing some of the
things Tonowari said about his oldest but he’d long since waved away those thoughts. Rotxo had
been by his side through everything and Ao’nung was beginning to think it was nearly impossible
for him to even feel shame around the other na’vi.

“He sure had a lot to say, huh?” Rotxo grunted with a small grin, tipping his head back towards the
marui where Tonowari was probably still fuming. Years ago when Ao’nung had grown used to the
harsh words, he gave his father less of a response with every scolding. Tonowari only seemed to
grow angrier the lesser his son reacted and this rant was no different.

Ao’nung just rolled his eyes and strode further away from the marui, Rotxo trotting to keep up with
him. “You know how much our great Olo’eyktan likes to hear himself speak.” A passing
Metkayinan shot Ao’nung a scandalized look at the brisk way he spoke about his father but he just
bared his teeth in response and continued walking, swishing his tail behind him. “Neteyam is the
one who asked to have me keep training him. The Olo’eyktan can’t seem to fathom why but he
gave me a stern warning to not let Toruk Makto’s son get hurt again.”

Rotxo let out a quiet huff as he walked beside his friend but his gaze was tinged with worry as it
flickered over to Ao’nung. “I have to agree with him on this one. I don’t see why Neteyam
wouldn’t opt for training with Tsireya like the rest of his siblings.” He paused and his eyes grew
wide as if he’d only just realized something, his tail growing still from where it’d been whipping
behind him. “You aren’t mad you have to train him. Tonowari probably would’ve let you refuse
with how much grumbling he’s been doing about it. What’s wrong with you?”

The omega let out a hiss through his teeth and lashed a hand out, grabbing Rotxo’s bicep and
dragging him to the side of the woven path with a jerk of his elbow. “I wish you kept being
oblivious.” He grumbled but Rotxo just stood with a prideful grin fixed on his lips, his gaze
nothing but teasing as it landed on Ao’nung’s. He shoved at Rotxo’s chest and whirled around.
“It’s nothing.”

“Oh no, its definitely something if you don’t want to tell me.” Rotxo trilled teasingly as he
continued to stride after his childhood friend. “You wouldn’t tell me what happened when you two
walked off when you went to apologize with him. So what is it? You hardly ever hide anything
from me- Tsireya I can get but-”

Ao’nung snarled halfheartedly and leapt from the woven bridges onto the sandy beach, hearing the
thump as Rotxo followed him. “You’re annoying.” He snapped, letting out a heavy sigh when
Rotxo just stopped and turned to stare at him. “Okay fine. I talked to Neteyam that day. We came
to… an agreement.” Rotxo furrowed his brows and immediately Ao’nung could see the way his
alpha friend’s shoulders tensed. He rushed to add, “I told him about my parents. Like you
suggested. He was understanding. He offered to help me.”

Rotxo arched a brow and crossed his strong arms over his chest, his head tipped to the side. “Oh
yeah? It had to be good if you agreed to it.” He said dryly but his shoulders had relaxed and an
easy, lopsided smile tipped up the corners of his lips.

“He suggested we fake it.” Ao’nung said after spending a moment glancing around, making sure
no one was around to hear. Rotxo’s grin turned almost smug and Ao’nung hissed at him, whacking
his tail against the other’s leg. “We act like we’re courting for a time. Then he says it didn’t work
out and he can leave. Tonowari won’t be able to fuss or it’ll be an insult to the Suli family and you
know how he wouldn’t want the entirety of the Omatikaya on his back about it. Forest boy go
home and I’ll be able to stay here without Tonowari wanting to skin me for failing as an omega.”
He shrugged and turned to fully meet Rotxo’s gaze. “It seems like a good plan to me. And the only
reason I didn’t say anything to you or Tsireya was because I knew you’d go tell her and I didn’t
want her to get mad at me about it.”

Rotxo blinked, sitting dumbly for a moment before a surprised bark of laughter welled up from his
chest, escaping from his parted lips. He continued to laugh, reaching out to steady himself with a
hand on Ao’nung’s shoulder. The alpha shook his head with one last amused snort, reaching up to
brush the tears from his eyes. “I don’t doubt it’ll work but how did he convince you to do that?”
Another laugh bubbled from Rotxo’s throat and Ao’nung just glared at him grumpily.

“It makes sense.” He snapped and shrugged Rotxo’s hand from his shoulder. “Plus he’ll have to
follow my rules, do what I say. Its customary for an omega to have an escort while courting so the
only reason I’m telling you is so you can be the one to do it.” Ao’nung shot Rotxo a warning look
and the other alpha suppressed a smile.

The smile broke free after a moment, turning into a smug sort of grin as Rotxo gazed over
Ao’nung’s shoulder. “Your courtmate is here.” He trilled teasingly, like he was nothing more than
a child again, poking fun at Ao’nung for his crush on a warrior’s son.

Ao’nung was aiming a punch at Rotxo’s shoulder before a voice sounded behind him. “Ao’nung,
its been a while since I’ve seen you.”

With one last glare directed at his friend, Ao’nung turned around and laid his bored gaze on
Neteyam who stood with his oldest sister at his side. Before Ao’nung could even open his mouth
to say something, Rotxo shouldered past him and said loudly, “We were just talking about you
forest boy.”

Ao’nung bit back a growl but Neteyam just smiled easily and folded his hands behind his back. His
sister looked uninterested as she stood next to him, inspecting some shells she held in her palms
still dripping with water and coated in sand. It was almost as if she didn't seem to realize there were
even other people around her. “How have you been healing?” Ao’nung asked, surprised when he
found he did actually care to hear the other’s answer.

Neteyam’s smile almost seemed to warm a bit and his golden eyes flickered brighter in the
sunlight. “Everything’s been well, thank you for asking.” Even when he seemed to be genuine he
spoke like the perfect son of an Olo’eyktan, diplomatic and easygoing in a way that made him
infuriatingly endearing. Everything he said felt too calm, too calculated even when the two of them
haven't spoken in days. Bitterly, Ao'nung thought the alpha would make a good Olo'eyktan for his
tribe. “How have you been?”

“The same.” Ao’nung bit back dryly but Neteyam’s smile didn’t leave his face. If anything, it
almost seemed to lighten, his tail twitching with amusement. “You asked my father if I would still
train you.”

“Yes.” Neteyam said easily, his gaze flickering over to his sister before returning to Ao’nung. He
seemed to almost relax when he saw the other na’vi engulfed in looking at her collected shells,
almost entirely uncaring by what the conversation around her pertained to. He grinned, a hint of
fang flashing beneath his curled lip. “I thought it would be nice to spend more time together, you
and I.”

It almost seemed like Neteyam was trying to put on a show and abruptly Ao’nung realized the
other na’vi didn’t realize Rotxo already knew the entire ordeal was fake. Despite himself,
Ao’nung’s lip curled back, baring his teeth. “Sure.” He grit out, ignoring the way Rotxo’s
shoulders seem to quiver with contained laughter where he stood at his friend’s side. “We should
talk.”

Briefly those golden eyes flashed with surprise, then his shoulders relaxed and he smiled. “Of
course.” He practically purred and once again Ao’nung had to bite back a low growl. Neteyam
seemed to be enjoying putting on the show if the smug glint of his eyes was anything to go by. He
turned to his sister, nudging at her shoulder until she finally huffed and turned to look at him. “Kiri
you can go back to the village. Tell Lo’ak not to worry I’ll be back before eclipse.”

The woman, Kiri, snorted almost dismissively and reached up to tug at one of Neteyam’s braids,
flicking at one of the beads before letting her hand drop. “Sure. And I’ll be sure to remind him that
our mother is still alive, well and perfectly capable of worrying over you herself.” To Ao’nung’s
surprise, she shot him an easy smile and waved at Rotxo before walking off. And even more
surprisingly, Rotxo waved back at her.

The smile didn’t melt from Neteyam’s face as Kiri left. In fact, it almost seemed to sharpen. He
jerked his chin towards Rotxo, his braids falling over his shoulder with a series of clacks. “Does he
know?” He asked, his gaze fixed curiously on Ao'nung.

“Yeah he does.” Ao’nung said, rolling back his shoulders and jutting his chin out defiantly. “He’ll
be our chaperone as is tradition. So get used to looking at his ugly face.” He jutted a thumb
towards Rotxo who let out an mock-gasp of outrage that Ao'nung promptly ignored.

Neteyam opened his mouth to say something but Ao’nung just jerked his chin towards the beach
and strode forward, hearing both alphas scramble to follow after him. “Rotxo you can hang back.”
He called over his shoulder and heard the other na’vi’s footsteps grow fainter as he began to walk
slower behind the other two. “Forest- Neteyam. Before we go through with this I want- I need to set
some rules.”

The alpha glanced curiously over at Ao’nung who finally stopped walking and turned to face him
when they finally grew far enough from the village. Somewhere behind him, Rotxo’s footsteps
stopped as well and there was a quiet thump as he plopped down in the sand. “This is my village so
we go by my rules.” Ao’nung bit out.

He was surprised when Neteyam just looked thoughtful and dipped his chin. “That is how it
usually goes.” He said almost amusedly. When Ao’nung just stared at him, Neteyam’s smile
dropped and a furrow formed between his brows. “Omegas lead the courting process. Its my job to
chase after you.”

A surprised laugh pulled itself from Ao’nung’s chest but it quickly died when Neteyam just
continued to stare at him with that confused look. “That’s not really how things go here.” He said
gruffly, suddenly self-conscious beneath the weight of Neteyam’s gaze. “Courting is more a
formality. If an alpha wants you to be their mate you will.”

Neteyam looked horrified and his mouth opened and shut like a fish gaping for air. “That’s…
That’s not how its supposed to be at all.” He said, his ears pinned back against his skull and his tail
lashing. He took a step forward and instinctually Ao’nung stepped back with a hiss. Neteyam
immediately retreated, the shocked look on his face melting into something soft and mournful. “Is
that why you were so worried? It’s not supposed to be like that, I swear. I’m so-”

“Stop.” Ao’nung hissed and Neteyam snapped his jaw shut though the sad look in his eyes still
didn’t fade. It looked suspiciously like pity and it had a low growl rumbling in the omega’s chest.
“That’s not how it is here. Get over it.” His words felt harsh even to his own ears and something in
his chest coiled uncomfortably. Neteyam had truly seemed outraged by Ao’nung’s words. Was that
truly not what courting was like in other tribes?

He shook those thoughts away. Like he’d told Neteyam, there was nothing he could do. So he
cleared his throat and continued with the original reason he'd dragged Neteyam away from his
sister. “Don’t touch me without asking. We will discuss everything before you even think of doing
something. We’ll spend time together to make it believable but I am hunt chief and I won’t be
pulled away from that because of you. We’ll train together in the morning and Rotxo will come
with.” Finally Ao’nung stopped to take a breath and turned his gaze back onto Neteyam as he dryly
added, “Does that work for you?”

“Oh sure.” Neteyam blinked and for a moment Ao’nung considered asking if he even heard
anything the omega had said. But the alpha nodded and echoed, “No touching, training in the
mornings, chaperoned by Rotxo. Got it. Can I get you things?”

Ao’nung paused and eyed the other warily, feeling an instinctual snarl curl at the corner of his lips.
“Get me things?” He practically spat, surprised when Neteyam just nodded easily. “Like what
things?”

“Gifts.” Neteyam said it as though it were obvious and his tail stilled where it had been flicking
absentmindedly behind him. “Do you guys not give gifts for courting?”
“Of course.” Ao’nung snarled, practically bristling. He wasn’t sure why he felt like he had to
defend his tribe’s version of courting so much but he didn’t like the pity that filled Neteyam’s
voice as he asked about Metkayinan courting. He didn't need any pity from an Omatikayan warrior
about his tribe's tradition. “Its customary. I just don’t see why you’d do it.”

Neteyam stared at him blankly before he blinked and let out a quiet sigh as though he too were
tiring of the conversation, his shoulders slumping a bit. “We need to make this believable,
Ao’nung, if you want it to work. Gift giving is a normal part of courting. Plus,” He shrugged easily
though his eyes blazed as they leveled on Ao’nung, “I want to be friends. Friends give gifts.”

The only people who had ever given Ao’nung gifts had been Lulí, Tsireya and Rotxo, all of which
he valued and held close to himself like a newborn child. He doubted he’d value anything Neteyam
gave him as much as he did but he just grunted. “If you really want to I suppose its not against the
rules.” He sighed and rolled his shoulders, turning to glance at where the sun was in the sky. It had
dipped lower since he’d been speaking to Neteyam and shadows had begun to gather. “Is that the
only thing you have to bring to the table?” He asked sharply.

“Hmm I think so.” Neteyam said with an easy grin, tipping his head to the side. He too turned to
look at the sun’s position in the sky before drawing his golden gaze back to Ao’nung. “The dinner
fires will be lit soon. Would you like to sit with me and my family?”

Ao’nung opened his mouth to object on instinct but found himself pausing. Most nights he ate
away from the rest of the tribe, keeping to himself away from the dinner fires with Tsireya and
Rotxo. Some nights Tsireya had to sit with their parents but Rotxo always stuck by Ao’nung’s side
and ate wherever his omegan friend ate, even if it was on the back of their tsuraks bobbing in the
middle of the ocean.

Ao'nung had, at some point, begun to miss the dinner fires. The light of the flames dancing across
laughing faces as they traded news and gossip with their mouths full of cooked fish- it had been
something he used to look forward to after a long day of training to be the next Olo'eyktan.
Ao’nung was mildly terrified of most of Neteyam’s family- especially his mother- but he supposed
if they were going to play this game he had to be at very least familiar with the Suli family.

“Rotxo and Tsireya will come.” Ao’nung ordered, his sharp tone leaving no room for argument.

Neteyam shrugged with a small smile. Despite how sharp Ao'nung's words were, the alpha never
seemed argumentative like he was used to. Instead, Neteyam seemed willing to let Ao'nung make
the decisions. “Oh sure, if they want to. I’m sure Lo’ak wouldn’t mind…” His eyes glittered with
teasing and he almost seemed like he wanted to say more but he shut his mouth and shot Ao’nung a
small grin. “I’m sure my family will be pleased to meet you more officially.”

“Oh yeah.” Ao’nung drawled sarcastically, feeling a bit of bitterness twist in his chest as the
memory of Oaki thrashing in her cove invaded his mind. “I’m sure they’d love to eat dinner with
the guy who nearly killed their eldest son. I wonder what fun conversations we’ll have.”

Neteyam reached out as if to drape his arm over Ao’nung’s shoulders but quickly drew back when
the omega bared his teeth in a warning growl. Instead he just locked his hands behind his neck and
tipped his head back, his tail flicking behind him as he peered up at the sky. “I don’t think they
blame you.” He said casually and, when Ao’nung stared at him incredulously, let out a small
laugh.

He seemed like he was going to say more but Rotxo had returned to Ao’nung’s side and the three
began the walk back to Awa'atlu. “So we’re eating with your family tonight?” Rotxo said brightly,
shouldering his way between Neteyam and Ao’nung with a teasing grin directed at the latter.
 “Yeah I thought it could be helpful.” Neteyam said, dropping his arms and letting them swing at
his sides with a small wince. His back was still most likely healing and the pull of his shoulders
could stretch the scabs that formed over the scratches on his spine. Ao'nung felt a phantom throb of
pain that he pointedly ignored. “You are familiar with my family, right Rotxo?”

After shooting Ao’nung an apologetic grin, Rotxo dipped his head. “Yeah I am.” Then, to Ao’nung
he added, “I help train them with Tsireya some days when you’re busy.”

Ao’nung just let out a low sigh with a halfhearted roll of his eyes. “I know Rotxo.” Despite
himself, the omega found himself almost apprehensive about eating with Neteyam’s family. He
abruptly realized he knew hardly anything about Neteyam or any of his family members. He
hardly even knew their names and if Neteyam wasn’t going to tell his family about the “fake” part
of the fake-courting then he had to be convincing to them as well as to his own parents.

Ao’nung really did hate having to meet new people.

Chapter End Notes

Next chapter will be a direct follow-up to this one! Dinner with the Suli's for Ao'nung
as a little treat for you all. Because its a follow-up it will most likely be posted within
the next couple of days so as not to leave you guys hanging!

Also for anyone who's interested I've started up a new fic! It will have a fair share of
angst and it is a canon-divergence AU that takes place after the skirmish at Three
Brothers Rock!
 Chapter 7
Chapter Notes

As promised, here is the next chapter! Thank you all for your continuous support on
this fic every comment, kudos and read means the world to me and keeps me
motivated to continue this story!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The dinner fires lit up the deep shadows cast by the eclipse, casting a bright orange glow on the
sand and everything surrounding it. The entire Metkayina either sat around their own family’s
dining fires or wove in-between them, chattering as they carried around wooden platters full of
smoked fish and roasted glowworms plucked from the underwater caves within the reef.

Neteyam’s family’s fire was near the Olo’eyktan but far enough away that Ao’nung wouldn’t have
to worry about having to speak to his parents. Lulí looked up and waved with a bright smile as
Ao’nung drew closer, her pale eyes lit up with excitement. She was still young and didn’t
understand why Ao’nung didn’t like to spend time with their parents like her and Tsireya did.

Ao’nung shot her an apologetic smile as he stopped in front of the Suli’s fire, glancing down at the
sitting family. Neteyam’s mother’s golden gaze locked on him the moment he grew close and she
stared at him, her lips pulled back in a way that bared the pearly white tips of her fangs. Beside her,
her mate shot Ao’nung an apologetic smile that dipped at the corners like he too was unsure what
to do in the omega’s presence.

“Ao’nung will be eating with us.” Neteyam announced and shifted as if to reach out to Ao’nung
before pulling his hand back and simply dipping his head towards his family. “His friends will sit
with us too, if we have the room.”

Neteyam’s father nodded with another easy smile and shifted closer to his mate, draping a heavy
arm over her tense shoulders. She looked like she wanted to snap at him on instinct but after a
moment relaxed against his side though her gaze still remained locked on Ao’nung.

He couldn’t help but cringe back a bit beneath her gaze. She had been there when Neteyam had
been pulled from the water, had watched with horror as Ao’nung desperately tried to revive her
oldest son. She had helped carry him away, her strong hands shaking as her fingers clasped around
his legs.

Rotxo locked his arm with Ao’nung’s and leaned over to him with a grin. “Don’t freak out.” He
said calmly, that easy smile still fixed on his face as his arm squeezed at his friend’s, silently
grounding the other in a way he’d done since the two of them were just kids. In a way, Rotxo was
like Ao’nung’s rock, helping keep him steady even as his emotions tried to sweep him away like a
tidal wave. “Just sit down.”

Though his fingers shook slightly, Ao’nung sat on the sand across from Toruk Makto’s mate,
turning his gaze into the fire so he wouldn’t have to continue to stare into her glowing eyes. After a
moment Rotxo carefully drew his arm away from Ao’nung’s but it was replaced with the cool
strength of Tsireya’s familiar fingers wrapped around his bicep. “Thank you for having us.” She
said, her voice sweet like a rush of fresh water sprinkling from the sky. Rotxo echoed her thanks
and, after a moment, Ao’nung did the same.

“Of course.” Toruk Makto was the first to speak and, when Ao’nung glanced up, found the
legendary warrior eyeing him. Unlike his mate, who watched Ao’nung with the sharp gaze of a
stalking predator, Toruk Makto merely seemed curious, his head tipped to the side as his gaze
flicked from Ao’nung, then to his companions, then to his own son. “You are always welcome
here.”

From where he sat at his father’s side, Neteyam’s younger brother let out a growl, his lips fixed in
a snarl that mirrored his mother’s almost exactly, his glowing eyes locked on Ao’nung fiercely. His
body was angled towards Neteyam and his muscles tense as though he were prepared to leap up to
protect his brother. His animosity towards Ao’nung still remained, it seemed, and his feelings were
echoed by his mother if her harsh glower was anything to go by.

“Ao’nung apologized.” Neteyam practically announced, passing a platter of smoked fish over to
Ao’nung. He watched the Metkayinan until Ao’nung let out a small huff and picked up one of the
bowls filled with cubed fish before passing it to Tsireya. Neteyam nodded as if pleased and turned
back to his family, his tail flicking in the sand where it lay. His voice was calm as he continued, “I
accepted his apology and we will continue attempting to court.”

Neteyam’s brother, Lo’ak, let out a loud snarl that had his father leveling him with a hard glare.
Ao’nung swallowed back the echoing growl that tried to rise in his chest and Tsireya’s fingers
tightened around his arm as if she could sense his urge to retaliate. With how in-tune she seemed to
be with her brother, Ao’nung dryly thought he wouldn’t be surprised if in some way she could
sense his shift in mood.

Though Lo’ak still seemed angry, glaring at Ao’nung despite his father’s silent scolding,
Neteyam’s mother relaxed a bit and tipped her head to the side almost curiously. Her eyes were
still sharp with warning but the glow had lightened a bit, didn’t seem as harsh as she leveled it on
Ao’nung. Instead of glaring at him she seemed to inspect him, her yellow eyes flickering from his
face to the dark tattoos marking his arms then to the knife sheathed at his hip. “You are a warrior.”
She said, her voice strong over the crackle and pop of the fire. Lo’ak seemed to relax at his
mother’s words and finally turned his gaze away from Ao’nung, instead looking at his mother.

Despite Toruk Makto being a warrior known for his leadership and battle prowess, he stepped back
easily and allowed his mate to speak with a content look smoothing out his features. The entire
family seemed to lean forward as she spoke and her words were weighed with the same sort of
power as an Olo’eyktan. “You trained and earned your title. I’m sure becoming hunt chief was not
an easy task.” She rolled back her shoulders and her gaze flickered over to Neteyam who seemed to
bloom beneath her gaze, pushing back his shoulders and lifting his chin back pridefully.

Ao’nung felt a bitter sort of amusement worm its way into his chest at the fond look in Neteyam’s
mother’s eyes as she gazed upon her son. It was a sort of motherly pride Ao’nung had never gotten
to experience and he almost wanted to snarl at the way Neteyam so easily returned his mother’s
gaze with that noble jut of his chin. He knew his feelings were unfair but they just continued to roil
in his gut even as he tried to push them down. Ao’nung tried to focus back onto Neteyam’s mother,
turning to meet her gaze. “You nearly got my eldest son killed.” She said, her words matter-of-fact
but not unkind. Still, Ao’nung couldn’t help but grimace at the reminder of his foolish actions. She
continued as though she hadn’t noticed, “But if he has found it fair to forgive you for that, I
suppose I should too.” She sniffed but dipped her chin respectfully.

Ao’nung swallowed what felt like grit and dipped his head in response, staring down at the sand in
front of him for a moment before finally raising his gaze back up to her. She stared at him for a
long moment before a half-smile tipped up one side of her lips and she turned to her mate. With
that, the rest of the family began to eat.

“Neytiri.” Tsireya whispered in her brother’s ear as her fingers slackened around his arm and she
turned to her own bowl of food cupped in her palms. Ao’nung glanced at her and she nodded
towards Neteyam’s mother. “Her name is Neytiri. Daughter of the former Olo’eyktan of the
Omatikaya.” She smiled blandly at him but it lightened with fondness as she added, “I know you’re
bad at names.”

Ao’nung let out a grateful grunt, trying his best to listen carefully as Tsireya quietly pointed out
each of the family members and murmured their names, trying to commit the various names to
memory.

Jake Suli was the father, his shoulders strong and chin lifted in the same prideful line that both of
his sons seemed to inherit. He was the former Toruk Makto, an alpha warrior known by all of the
tribes. Despite his title, he seemed calm and relaxed with an easy smile fixed on his lips as he
spoke in hushed whispers to his mate.

The youngest daughter was named Tuktirey, but Tsireya quietly told her brother that she preferred
being called Tuk for short. She was a young alpha, still seeming new in her role as a warrior. She
looked eerily similar to her mother but had a bright sort of glow around her, a constant smile fixed
on her lips as she ate and chatted with her older sister and prodded teasingly at her brother Lo’ak
who just scowled in response.

Kiri was the oldest daughter, the one who, oddly enough, seemed to have no second sex that
Ao’nung could sense. She spoke with an odd sort of slowness, as if every word had been carefully
plucked from her lips and hung in the air weightily. Her eyes seemed aged in her smooth face and,
as they passed over Ao’nung, her gaze felt similar to that of his mother’s, heavy with knowledge
and scarily knowing.

Ao’nung, as he ducked his head and shoved a cube of smoked fish meat between his lips, decided
he would try and avoid Kiri. Her gaze seemed like it bored through him, plucking and prodding at
all of the scarred wounds he held hidden away.

“I hope they don’t overwhelm you.” Ao’nung jumped and whipped around just in time to see
Neteyam drawing back with a twisted look on his face. The omega’s ears felt hot where Neteyam’s
breath had brushed and he let out a low growl. Neteyam tipped his head almost apologetically and
continued, “It’s ah… a large family, that’s for sure. I probably should’ve introduced you to them
one by one.”

“Its fine.” Ao’nung gritted out, dropping his gaze so he wouldn’t have to continue looking at
Neteyam’s golden eyes that looked at him with infuriating sincerity. Despite the fact that all of this
was fake, a ploy to fool Ao’nung’s parents, Neteyam almost seemed as though he wanted Ao’nung
to like his family. “They’re fine.” He added on a huff. “It’s not like I’m courting them.”

He wanted to bite himself as the words escaped and when he looked up Neteyam was staring at
him, his glowing eyes wide enough that Ao’nung could see the reflection of the dining fire in their
depths. “Yeah. You aren’t.” The alpha said, clearing his throat and turning away.

When Ao’nung looked up he could see Neytiri eyeing them curiously, her gaze sharp as it seemed
to cut through the growing shadows that sharpened her already predatory features. Ao’nung bit
back a snarl and shifted closer to Neteyam, trying to ignore the way his skin crawled
uncomfortably. He gritted his teeth and flipped his tail on the sand until it lay a breath away from
Neteyam’s.
For a moment the Omatikayan looked surprised but it quickly melted into a pleased smile as he
flicked his tail over Ao’nung’s, the tufted end tickling at the other’s cool skin. Neteyam ducked his
head down until Ao’nung could feel the warmth of him brushing against his face and, with a quiet
hiss, Ao’nung forced himself to remain where he was despite the way his instincts had him
wanting to scramble away. “She’s not looking anymore.” Neteyam said quietly. “You can move if
you’d like.”

“No.” Ao’nung snarled quietly, trying to force his face to relax from its twisted expression. “It’s
fine. I have to get used to it anyway.”

Neteyam eyed him curiously but dipped his head and turned away, speaking to his brother in a low
tone.

Ao’nung turned and saw Tsireya watching him with surprise widening her eyes. With a wince the
Metkayinan remembered he still hadn’t told his sister about his little ploy. “Later.” He told her, his
voice low and she just nodded silently.

⤹⋆⸙͎۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚
۫

When the dining fires had been extinguished with handfuls of sand and saltwater and the shadows
grew deep enough to hide within, Ao’nung was finally able to move away from Neteyam and
stand. His skin twitched uncomfortably as he shifted away from the alpha, swallowing back the
instinctual snarl that threatened to bare his teeth. By the grace of Eywa Ao’nung had managed to
stay civil throughout the dinner and only snapped at Neteyam once when the alpha had, either
unintentionally or not, shifted too close to Ao’nung and startled the other.

“Good job.” Neteyam said as he also stood, his shoulder hovering uncomfortably close to
Ao’nung’s. As if he could sense the omega’s thoughts, he took a step back and shot Ao’nung a
small grin that bared his flashing fangs. “Will we train tomorrow?”

Ao’nung bit back a growl and, feeling Tsireya’s curious gaze on him, grit out, “Yeah.” Then he
sighed and forced his shoulders to relax, aware of the gazes of Neteyam’s family lingering on him
as they all packed up and prepared to return to their maruis. “Meet me by the ilu cove at sunrise.
Rotxo will be there.”

Lo’ak, who hovered nearby, leapt forward with a snarl fixed on his lips. “Yeah right.” He snapped
before Neteyam could say anything, shoving his shoulder into his brother’s chest to push him back.
“I’m not letting you get a second chance to get my brother killed.”

“Lo’ak.” Neteyam hissed, closing his arm around his brother’s arm and jerking him backwards. His
golden eyes flickered over to Ao’nung’s, glittering with something that looked like an apology
before he turned back to his brother. “Ao’nung is my courtmate. Be civil at the very least.”

Lo’ak’s shoulders were still tense but the snarl slipped from his lips as he looked to his brother. “I
don’t know why you’d want to continue this.” He growled, not even attempting to lower his voice
so Ao’nung couldn’t hear. He even shot the omega a sharp glare over his brother’s shoulder before
he turned back to Neteyam. “He almost got you killed.”

To Ao’nung’s surprise, Jake was the one to step forward and drop a heavy hand on his youngest
son’s shoulder. “If that was a deterrent you wouldn’t be here right now.” He said with a low bark
of laughter. His yellow gaze leveled onto Ao’nung and for a moment Toruk Makto flashed him a
smile, his eyes crinkling in the corners at the force of it. Ao’nung didn’t even know how to
respond to it and just stared blankly at the older na’vi before he amusedly explained, “My mate
tried to kill me when we first met. It happens.” He shrugged in the same cool, nonchalant way as
his oldest son and shot his Lo’ak a grin tinged with warning before clapping him on the shoulder
again.

Lo’ak sputtered but he seemed deterred if his slumped shoulders and silent brooding glare at
Ao’nung were any indicator. With a nudge from his father, Lo’ak turned and plodded after his
sisters who were already heading back to their marui with their mother in tow. After another
moment Jake followed after them, leaving Neteyam standing by the remains of the fire with the
three Metkayinans.

Neteyam turned to look at Ao’nung and smiled as his tail flicked absently at his back. “I look
forward to training with you.” He said in that annoyingly earnest way of his. By the glint in his
eyes, Ao’nung could almost believe the other na’vi genuinely wanted to learn from him.

He would have to be an idiot to be excited about being trained by Ao’nung again after what
happened. But, Ao’nung mused, the fact that Neteyam had been willing to help him at all just
proved the na’vi’s foolishness. He didn’t seem naïve by any means, his shoulders and strong jut of
his jaw lined with the strength and knowledge of a warrior but Ao’nung wanted to snap at him
about his stupidity all the same.

“Sure.” Ao’nung said, hoping he didn’t sound as gruff and tired as he felt. It had been a long time
since he had actually eaten at the dining fires with the rest of the tribe and the sounds and heat of
the fires had worn him out. Though only Neteyam and Ao’nung’s closest peers remained on the
beach, he felt as though he had to get used to being civil at the very least with Neteyam if their little
ruse was to be believable. So Ao’nung forced a smile that was more a baring of teeth and gritted
out, “Don’t be late.”

Neteyam stared at him for a long moment before letting out an amused snort, his whip-thin tail
whisking through the air. “I won’t be.” He said before turning and following in the tracks of his
family to their maruis positioned in the inner ring of Awa’atlu where the Olo’eyktan, his family
and his honored guests stayed.

Ao’nung was the only one of the Olo’eyktan’s family who didn’t sleep in that protected inner ring
of the village. Instead, he slept in a small marui on the edge of Awa’atlu near the beach where the
crashing waves always had the air tasting of salt. It wasn’t the most comfortable but it was closer to
Rotxo’s marui and Tsireya would often abandon her own comfortable marui to spend time with her
brother and their childhood friend. Though she claimed she got lonely by herself in the marui she
used to share with Ao’nung, the omega thought it was more for his benefit than her own. But he
appreciated her sacrifice all the same.

The marui was practically bare when Ao’nung entered it, nothing but a halfhearted nest of
threadbare blankets and some weapons strewn about the woven floor. He had put all of his effort,
all of his prized possessions into his true home far from the village so his marui in the village was
rather empty and almost sad looking. Tsireya had tried to spruce it up for her brother, dangling
webs of net decorated with pearls and shells from the walls and even Lulí had chipped in, some of
her favorite carved toys scattered around alongside Ao’nung’s weapons. Rotxo’s spear leaned
against the wall and for a brief moment Ao’nung felt bad at how much time his friend spent in this
marui, the empty one that was constantly splashed with waves, constantly cold from the breeze
kicking off of the ocean’s surface instead of his own comfortable home deeper within the village.

Rotxo brushed past Ao’nung, nudging aside a dull knife spattered with fish blood before flopping
into the nest tucked in the back of the structure. In the darkness of the marui his tanhí flickered
faintly, outlining the lines of his face as he grinned. “Brother.” Tsireya said as she too entered the
marui, facing Rotxo’s sprawled out form before turning back to her brother. Her smile was tight but
not unkind, more curious as she said with mock-sternness, “Would you like to explain to me what
that was? Why did you have us eat with the Sulis? And why did Neteyam call you his courtmate?”

“Well, because we’re courting.” Ao’nung said, watching as his sister’s eyes grew wide and her
mouth dropped open. “Not really.” He rushed to add, watching as her brows furrowed and her lips
twisted into a frown.

Ao’nung’s shoulders felt weighed down by tiredness and he stumbled past Tsireya to sink into his
nest alongside Rotxo, propping his back up against the wooden beam holding up the woven walls
of the marui. “Could you sit?” He asked, motioning towards Tsireya.

She stood in the middle of the marui for a long moment before stepping towards him and sinking
gracefully to the ground, her tail sweeping away the clutter of unfinished carvings and dull knives
Ao’nung had yet to toss out. “Did you know about this?” She asked Rotxo.

The alpha shrugged with an easy grin, rolling over so he could drop his head in Ao’nung’s lap. His
jaw was sharp where he rested it on his friend’s leg but Ao’nung, used to Rotxo’s physical
tendencies, just dropped his hand on the other’s head and drummed his fingers on Rotxo’s temple.
“I told Rotxo just today.” He admitted and the defiant flash in Tsireya’s eyes lessened, her
shoulders relaxing. He couldn’t help the smile that tugged on his lips. Of course her main concern
would be about just how long Ao’nung kept the secret from her rather than the secret itself. Tsireya
always had hated being kept out of the loop which is why Ao’nung often told her the moment
anything happened.

Usually he wouldn’t have waited so long to tell her and Rotxo but he had a feeling they would be
disapproving, Tsireya more so than Rotxo. The alpha was so easygoing and had known Ao’nung
for so long, the omega almost thought if he told Rotxo he’d killed someone the alpha would just
shrug and ask when they could go hunting. Tsireya, however, was more likely to have concerns.

She had always been far more empathetic and conscious of her actions than her older brother and
Ao’nung thought her main concern would be what exactly they would do if things did go wrong
which was something he had vehemently avoided thinking about.

“I should’ve told you sooner.” Ao’nung said to which Tsireya gave a stern nod. He smiled a bit and
said, “It isn’t real courting. When I went to apologize to Neteyam I… told him. About our parents.”

Tsireya’s eyes flashed and she reared her head back, lips parted in surprise. “You told him?” She
asked, her voice gentle despite the blatant shock in her pale blue eyes. She reached out and brushed
her fingertips against Ao’nung’s leg where it stretched out before her. “Oh Ao’nung-”

“Not everything.” He said, relaxing a bit at the familiar touch. Tsireya had a way about her and a
single word or touch from her always managed to calm him. Though tiredness still weighed on
him, Ao’nung felt his words strengthen as he lifted his chin and said, “But I told him that courting
him was not my idea. He was… surprised but he told me he had guessed something along those
lines. I was ready to tell him he and his family could leave Awa’atlu but then he asked me. He
asked me what he could do to help.”

His sister’s eyes grew warm with fondness and her fingers gently squeezed at his leg. “I told you.”
She crooned softly. “Neteyam and his family aren’t all bad.”

Ao’nung wanted to roll his eyes but he dully realized she was right. Though she knew he wasn’t
fond of their presence, it wasn’t like Tsireya to ever be rude to someone so she most likely got
close to the Suli children who she helped train almost daily when they first arrived. “Yeah, yeah I
should always listen to you.” He grunted to which Tsireya just shot him a dazzling smile that bared
her teeth. “But he proposed that we fake court. I thought it sounded insane but…”

“Father wouldn’t be able to argue if you did truly try it out and Neteyam decided to not go through
with the mating.” Tsireya finished, her smile softening a bit as her ears twitched approvingly.
“He’s smart.”

Gruffly, Ao’nung grumbled, “Kind of. I still think he’s a bit stupid for continuing to train with me
but it was a good idea.” Rotxo let out a huff of laughter from where his head still lay in Ao’nung’s
lap, the only indication that the alpha hadn’t fallen asleep. “I agreed. So we’ll fake court for a
while, act as if we’re giving it a shot and then he and his family will go home.”

Tsireya seemed to be taking it surprisingly well, nodding along as Ao’nung finished speaking. She
turned to look at her brother, meeting his gaze with a quiet purr. “I think this is good for you.” She
said, holding up a hand as Ao’nung opened his mouth to respond. Begrudgingly, he let his mouth
fall shut. “Maybe spending some time with him and his family can show you not all alphas are
bad.”

“I know not all alphas are bad.” Ao’nung argued, letting his palm drop against Rotxo’s cheek. He
patted Rotxo’s face, his gaze still locked with Tsireya. “This guy’s fine.”

Rotxo let out a little protesting grumble but didn’t say anything, merely shifting his head so it
rested more comfortably against Ao’nung’s leg with a sigh. Tsireya leveled her gaze on Ao’nung
and merely shook her head. “You should get some rest. Rotxo’s already half asleep.” She grinned a
bit and moved as though to stand, her tail lightly thumping against the floor of the marui.

“Hey wait.” Ao’nung blurted. “Could you stay, do you think? Just for tonight?”

Tsireya just smiled warmly over at her brother and moved so she could settle into the nest at his
side. “Don’t snore and we have a deal.”

“I don’t snore. Rotxo snores.”

“I do not!”

With a gentle pat on Rotxo’s shoulder, Ao’nung just grinned and said, “Sure you don’t buddy.”

Rotxo gnashed his teeth at his friend and rolled over with a grumbling huff that had Ao’nung
letting out a laugh. “Goodnight Rotxo.” He crooned and the alpha just smacked his leg with his
tail.

When Rotxo’s breathing evened out and quiet snores pulled themselves from his parted lips,
Ao’nung turned to look at Tsireya who sat up next to him, her pale eyes closed and chin tipped up.
Suddenly self-conscious, Ao’nung quietly murmured, “Do you think this is a good idea? The fake
courting?”

Tsireya blinked her eyes opened and turned to look at Ao’nung. “Do you think it’s a good idea?”
She pressed quietly, reaching out to brush her fingertips against the back of his hand which he
realized abruptly was clenched into a fist at his side. Beneath her gentle touch, he let his fingers
relax and blew out a hiss of air through his teeth.

“If I knew I wouldn’t be asking you.” He grunted but when Tsireya just continued to stare at him,
Ao’nung sighed again. “I think it can work. And I’ve already agreed to it so.” He shrugged.
 His sister leaned against him, letting her head rest on his shoulder as her tail thumped once, then
twice on the ground. Her quiet sigh rustled his hair and her voice was quiet as she said, “Trust
yourself, Ao’nung. You don’t do it enough.” She squeezed gently at his hand before yawning and
laying down. “Go to sleep brother. Rest.”

Ao’nung sat up for another moment, watching as Tsireya’s breathing steadied as she too slipped
into sleep. When her shifting finally stopped and she settled more comfortably with a quiet sigh, he
turned his gaze to the growing shadows that darkened the rounded edges of the marui. Faintly
outside he could see the soft glow of the underwater bioluminescence that lit up the village at night
and, distantly, he could hear the remaining murmurs as the last few Metkayina settled in.

Though his eyes were weighed down with sleep, Ao’nung couldn’t seem to stop his brain from its
fast cycling. Every word said at the dinner was repeated, every look thought over and pondered on
by Ao’nung’s tired brain. Neteyam, unlike Ao’nung, seemed perfectly comfortable playing as a
fake courtmate and had seemed nothing but calm and relaxed at the meal, even when Ao’nung had
snapped at him for getting to close.

He was infuriatingly easy to be around and, Ao’nung musingly thought, if Neteyam wasn’t an
alpha, the Metkayinan might have even liked him.

But unluckily for Ao’nung, Neteyam was nothing if not the epitome of an alpha and therefore he
was everything the omega despised. Ao’nung would be civil- or as civil as he was capable and play
nice with Neteyam in front of Tonowari and then the alpha and his family would return to the
jungle where they belonged, leaving Ao’nung in Awa’atlu where he belonged.

Less comforted by that thought than he thought he’d be, Ao’nung closed his eyes and slipped into a
restless sleep.

Chapter End Notes

Next chapter will be focused on Ao'nung and Neteyam's first training session! As I'm
trying to get back on a normal schedule for updating this fic, the next chapter should
be posted next week!
 Chapter 8
Chapter Notes

This chapter's been written for a while now and you would not BELIEVE how
difficult it has been for me to not immediately post it. This is a longer chapter as well
and marks the start of Neteyam and Ao'nung's training together! I hope you all enjoy!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The air was cool when Ao’nung ducked out of his marui, pulling the chilled, salt-tainted air into
his lungs as he shook the last remnants of sleep from his loose muscles. The sun’s light was watery
as it shone from its position in the sky, hovering just above the horizon. It was still early and the
village was quiet, only the soft lapping of the waves against the large roots of the mangrove-like
tree and the distant trilling clicks and splashes of faraway ilus sounding in Ao’nung’s ears.

Behind him Rotxo let out a loud yawn, stepping forward so his shoulder pressed against his
friend’s as he blinked blearily against the faint light of the sun. Despite the fact that Rotxo woke up
this early every day, he seemed particularly slow-moving this morning, grumbling about the chill
and leaning against Ao’nung as another jaw-cracking yawn pulled itself from his open mouth.
“How’re you gonna torment forest boy today?” Rotxo asked, straightening and stretching his arms
high over his head.

“I’m not going to torment him.” Ao’nung huffed, swinging his tail so the end smacked Rotxo’s leg.
“Tsireya teaches breathing techniques and diving first, right? We can do that at the eastern cove
where the water’s calmer.”

When Ao’nung turned, he found Rotxo looking at him with shock glittering in his pale eyes.
“What?” The omega huffed, suddenly self-conscious. “You help Tsireya teach the other Suli kids.
Do you think it’s a bad idea?”

“No.” Rotxo said quickly, grinning a bit as he added, “I’m just surprised it is a good idea.” He
laughed as Ao’nung whacked him with his tail for the second time that morning. “I didn’t even
think of the eastern cove, that’s a good idea.”

Despite the warm feeling that bloomed in Ao’nung’s chest due to the praise, he rolled his eyes and
huffed as he said, “I only have good ideas.” Rotxo just stared at him dryly so Ao’nung bared his
teeth in a halfhearted snarl and whirled around, striding down the woven bridge in the direction of
the inner ring of maruis in the village where Neteyam and his family slept.

Rotxo trotted after his friend, seeming to gain some of his normal energy back as the light of the
sun burnt away the last of the cool, early morning mist, driving off the lingering chill. “If it’s
cooler today will we go hunting? I’m sure my tsurak wouldn’t mind getting the chance to race
outside the reef.” Rotxo said almost absently, filling the early morning silence with his chatter.

“I’ll arrange something.” Ao’nung agreed with a dip of his head, shooting Rotxo a small grin over
his shoulder. “It’s only been two days since we last hunted but there’s no harm in having extra
food. I’m sure Tonowari would be glad to get rid of me for a couple hours too.” He let out a small
huff and rolled his eyes at the mere mention of his father.
“With the full moon coming up soon we’ll be out all day hunting here soon.” The alpha said,
finally pulling up alongside Ao’nung as the woven bridge finally widened enough for the two na’vi
to walk side by side. He cast a sidelong glance at Ao’nung and, lowering his voice, asked, “Do you
know when your heat is coming up?”

Ao’nung stiffened at the mention but, knowing his friend was simply worried for him, simply blew
out a breath and said in the same quiet tone as Rotxo, “I have another month or two.”

Rotxo slowed his steps and pressed closer to Ao’nung. “What will you do?” He asked after
glancing around to make sure the village around them was still empty, many of the na’vi still
resting in their maruis until the sun rose higher in the sky. “With Neteyam-”

“I’ll do what I always do.” Ao’nung interrupted briskly, waving his hand in a dismissive motion
despite the tight nervousness behind his ribs. He had avoided thinking about his heat but that
wasn’t anything new. It was something Ao’nung dreaded and did his best to push back with herbs
that Tsireya begrudgingly provided. His sister didn’t approve of his admittedly unhealthy way of
avoiding his heat but she as well as anyone understood how much he struggled with it and merely
made him promise to be safe. “You’ll temporarily be hunt chief for the few days I’m gone,
Neteyam will train with Tsireya if he still even needs it and the Olo’eyktan and Tsahík will ignore
that I’m gone just as they always do.”

Rotxo seemed like he wanted to say something but his ears twitched and he quickly whipped his
head around, Ao’nung doing the same. They had come upon Neteyam’s marui he shared with his
brother and the aforementioned brother had stalked out, fixing his yellow glare on the two
Metkayina. “What are you doing here?” He spat, his bristling tail twitching erratically at his back.

Ao’nung lifted his chin and stepped forward, tipping his head infinitesimally to motion for Rotxo
to stay back. He could feel his childhood friend bristling at his side, clearly reacting to another
challenging alpha whose anger was focused entirely on his pack omega. Rotxo took a deep breath
and stepped back though his shoulders were still tense and his lips fixed in a small snarl.

Ao’nung himself was struggling to remain calm but he rolled his shoulders back and stilled his tail
where it swung behind him. “I’m here to train Neteyam. I told him to meet me at the ilu cove but
there was a change of plans.” He said, keeping his voice level. His ears twitched and something
deep inside of him just wanted to shrink away, to defer to the angry alpha. But unfortunately for
Lo’ak, Ao’nung had become all too comfortable standing up to furious alphas despite how much
his inner instincts screamed at him to submit.

Lo’ak bared his teeth in a silent snarl but then his gaze flickered over to Rotxo who stood eerily
still at Ao’nung’s shoulder as if he were poised to attack. The younger na’vi straightened and, with
one last glare at Ao’nung, turned and ducked back into the marui with his bristling tail flicking
behind him.

Ao’nung heard a muffled voice sharp with scolding before Neteyam emerged from the marui with
a thoroughly chastised looking Lo’ak trailing after him. “Sorry for him.” Neteyam grunted, casting
a stern look at his brother before turning back to Ao’nung and his alphan chaperone who,
surprisingly, relaxed when the older Omatikayan had emerged. He didn’t seem surprised to find
Ao’nung and Rotxo at his marui and merely asked, “What will we be working on today?”

“I want to come.” Lo’ak butted in before Ao’nung could even open his mouth to answer. He
pinned his ears back and stepped forward, casting his glare over to Ao’nung as he flicked his tail
protectively in front of his brother. “I don’t trust him. I want to be there.”

Ao’nung grit his teeth and swallowed back the words he wanted to spit back in response. Instead he
just rolled his eyes and drawled, “Four is a crowd, forest boy. And you have training with Tsireya.”
He waved a hand as if shooing away a fly which only had Lo’ak letting out another snarl.

“Lo’ak.” Neteyam sighed.

“He tried to kill you!” Lo’ak burst out, whirling back to gaze at his brother and flicking his tail in
Ao’nung’s direction. “Why are you so willing to forget that?”

For once, Neteyam looked genuinely angry. His brows pulled together and his lips twisted into a
scowl as he straightened his back and lifted his chin. Despite their minor height difference, he
appeared as if he were looming above his brother. Lo’ak, if his slight flinch back and wince was
anything to go by, clearly felt the same. “I have forgiven him.” Neteyam grit out between clenched
teeth, his lips back pulled into a snarl that bared his fangs. “Like mother said, if I can forgive him
then so should you. You will not be coming with us, you will stay here and you will stop snarling
at my courtmate.”

Though the cold fury wasn’t even directed at him, Ao’nung could feel himself shrink back at
Neteyam’s cold, gritted out words just like Lo’ak was. Rotxo pressed his shoulder against his
friend’s in a silent comfort that had a little of the tension seeping from Ao’nung’s shoulders.

Lo’ak opened and closed his mouth for a moment, his yellow eyes wide before he finally said
quietly, his ears pinned back to his skull, “I just want to help you.”

Neteyam looked like he wanted to say something but he just shook his head and whisked his tail
around his brother’s back, guiding him back to the marui in a gentle motion that juxtaposed his
earlier anger. “We’ll talk later. Just…” He dropped his hand on Lo’ak’s shoulder, squeezing gently
before leaning down to murmur something in his brother’s ear.

Lo’ak just silently dipped his head and trod back into the marui with his shoulders slumped and
drooping tail trailing behind him. Ao’nung almost felt bad for him despite all the snarls and glares
he’d gotten from the younger alpha and gazed at his retreating back sympathetically before turning
away.

Neteyam stared into the dimness of the marui for a long moment before he finally turned back to
the two Metkayinans. He looked tired without all of the anger filling his features and his eyes
glittered almost apologetically as he looked to Ao’nung. “I uh…” For once he seemed at a loss for
words and let his sentence trail off into silence.

It was hilarious to Ao’nung in that moment and he had to swallow back the laughter that bubbled in
his chest. It was inappropriate, he knew, but the great son of Toruk Makto at a loss for words due
to a squabble with his brother was suddenly the funniest thing in the world to Ao’nung.

Finally his urge to laugh died and Ao’nung coughed to cover up the last hysterical giggle that tried
to escape his lips. “We’ll be doing basic things today since this is our first time training together.
Breathing exercises, diving techniques, basic swimming.” Ao’nung couldn’t look at Neteyam’s
eyes so he spun around and swung his tail in to motion for the two alphas to follow him. “The east
cove is a bit far of a walk. Honestly it’d be easier to ride ilus-” He cut himself off and bit the inside
of his cheek, the point of his fang sharp enough to cause blood to well up on the delicate skin.

“So why don’t we?” Neteyam asked, taking Rotxo’s spot at Ao’nung’s side. The Metkayinan alpha
fell back easily and, after glancing over his shoulder, Ao’nung found the alpha shooting him a
small, encouraging grin with an exaggerated wink. Ao’nung rolled his eyes and turned his gaze
back to Neteyam who looked thoughtful. “If its faster, I don’t see why we should waste daylight.”
Ao’nung snorted with a wry twist of his lips as he turned his gaze onto Neteyam. “I didn’t think
you’d trust me to be with you around ilus again.” He said with a defiant tilt of his chin. Though the
joke felt dry like sand on his tongue, he could feel a lingering question reflected in his gaze and he
carefully awaited Neteyam’s response.

The alpha shrugged coolly. “I trust you.” Was all he said, his bright yellow gaze fixed on Ao’nung.

Something uncomfortable twisted in Ao’nung’s chest and he quickly turned away, letting out a
self-deprecating snort. “Yeah I’m sure Lo’ak would love to hear that.” He drawled, watching how
Neteyam’s shoulders stiffened out of the corner of his eye. Guilt whisked over Ao’nung but he just
gritted his teeth and added, “We’ll walk anyways. Just to save your family some peace of mind.”
Though he meant the words to be genuine, they slipped from his lips with a sarcastic edge and he
saw Neteyam just dip his head and turn away, his sharp shoulders lined with tension.

Feeling like everything he said was wrong, Ao’nung turned away as well and stared at the ground
beneath his feet as he continued to stride forward. Around them the na’vi of Awa’atlu were
beginning to shift and rise from their maruis, the quiet air filled with the sounds of the village
waking.

The Metkayina seemed to have grown used to the Suli family and many dipped their heads
respectfully to Neteyam as they passed. Still, Ao’nung could feel the familiar gazes of his clan
weighing on his shoulders as they moved to avoid him. It was something the omega had grown
used to and hardly noticed anymore but as they continued to move through the village towards the
stretch of beach to the east of it, Ao’nung saw Neteyam’s confusion as he clearly noticed the
blatant avoidance of his omegan companion.

In his periphery Ao’nung could see a passing alpha sneer at him which had a low rumble emerging
from Neteyam’s chest. The young Metkayinan alpha’s eyes widened and he scampered away with
his ears pinned back. Ao’nung just sighed, feeling Neteyam’s questioning gaze locked on him. “I’d
rather not.” He said despite the fact that the other na’vi had said nothing. “Not here.”

Neteyam’s eyes flashed as though he wanted to argue but then he just dipped his head and turned
away. “It’s warm today.” Rotxo’s voice came from over Ao’nung’s shoulder as he trotted forward
to stride alongside his friend, an easy grin crooking his lips despite the mild anger that flashed in
his eyes. Ao’nung could feel the way Rotxo braced his shoulders and how Neteyam inched closer,
as though the two were forming some sort of barrier around the omega. “I hope it doesn’t get much
hotter.”

Ao’nung thought about snarling at the two alphas- Neteyam more than Rotxo- and snap that he
could fend for himself but the alpha’s broad forms blocked the sharp gazes of the Metkayina and
Ao’nung found himself relaxing without the judging eyes pressing down on him. “I’m sure it
doesn’t get this hot in the forest.” Ao’nung found himself saying, sliding his gaze over to Neteyam
almost questioningly.

The alpha perked up and a grin flashed over his lips for the first time that morning. Silently,
Ao’nung was grateful to see the last remnants of anger slip from Neteyam’s features, replaced with
that growingly familiar coolness that smoothed his expression and lightened his eyes. “The trees
block out most of the sun.” He said, his shoulders going lax as if he were comforted by the mere
thought of his home. He jerked his chin up, squinting to shield his eyes from the bright light of the
sun. “I like the sun though.” He closed his eyes as if basking in it.

“I can’t imagine that.” Rotxo said and Neteyam’s golden eyes opened before flickering over to the
other Metkayinan. “Wouldn’t it get kind of… claustrophobic? Not being able to see the sky all the
time.” Rotxo gave an exaggerated shudder that had Ao’nung batting at him with his tail.
Neteyam squinted his eyes thoughtfully and his lips twisted into a half-frown. “You still see the
sky. With the ikran and the higher branches of Hometree, its almost like you can see the entire
forest. Sometimes it almost seemed like if I got high enough I could even see the ocean all the way
over here.” His gaze flickered over to Ao’nung.

Silently unnerved by Neteyam’s gaze, Ao’nung shook himself and took a few bounds forward so
he was no longer walking in-between the two alphas, giving a dismissive swish of his heavy tail as
he did so, the end nearly clipping Rotxo in the ribs. They had left the village behind now and the
trio’s footsteps padded softly on the sun-warmed sand as they grew nearer to the cove where
Ao’nung would be training Neteyam.

It was a smaller, lesser known cove almost entirely blocked off from the ocean, only a small split
in the earth allowing the seawater to fill the nearly landlocked pool that stretched about thrice the
length of a tsurak. It was small enough to not be overwhelming to an undeveloped swimmer like
Neteyam but still large enough to learn in and grow used to the ocean. The waters were calm and it
was a place Ao’nung spent a lot of his time due to its close vicinity to his cave. It was far enough
away from the village that he was confident no one would bother them but still far enough from his
nesting cave that Ao’nung was equally confident Neteyam wouldn’t unwittingly discover the
solitary place where the omega spent most of his time, not unless he was truly looking.

Finally the sounds of the quiet lapping of the pool reached Ao’nung’s ears and he stepped aside,
jerking his chin towards the pool. With a small wince he realized just how similar it looked to the
cove that the ilus were kept in- one particular ilu.

But Neteyam just lifted his chin and strode forward. With an unintended edge of snark Ao’nung
said, “Does this look good for you?”

The Omatikayan alpha didn’t seem to mind Ao’nung’s sharpness, just nodding his head and
walking closer to the sandy edge of the cove. He stared at the water for a long moment before
nodding again, this time more to himself than to either of the Metkayinans behind him. “Yeah this
is fine.” He said, straightening his shoulders and turning back to Ao’nung, his eyes flashing in the
bright sunlight. “What’s first?”

“Swimming.” Ao’nung pushed forward and knocked his shoulder against Neteyam’s with a bit
more force than intended, sending the alpha stumbling. To his surprise Neteyam just let out an
easy laugh and shot Ao’nung a grin as he straightened himself and lifted his chin. The omega just
grunted and jerked his chin towards the cove stretched out in front of them, the clear water
glittering in the light of the sun. “Show me what you know and we can work from there.”

With no sense of grace Neteyam stepped onto one of the growth-covered rocks ringing the pool
and formlessly leapt into the water, a splash breaking up the glassy surface of the water as his body
crashed through it. Through the clear water Ao’nung watched as Neteyam sunk towards the bottom
of the cove, his form eerily still before he finally seemed to regain his thoughts and paddled
desperately to the surface, his head breaking the water with a gasp. He tossed his head back, one of
his braids swinging around to slap him in the face. There in the water, Neteyam had none of his
usual grace and cool. He splashed in the water in an attempt to keep himself afloat, his whip-thin
tail doing nothing to help propel him through the water.

“Rotxo stay up here would you?” Ao’nung sighed, watching for a moment as Rotxo reclined back
on a flat, sun-warmed rock and stretched out with a grin directed at his omegan friend. “Keep
watch and don’t fall asleep.” He snapped to which Rotxo just gave him a thumbs up. Rolling his
eyes, the Metkayinan turned and climbed onto the same rock Neteyam had leapt off of.

Though Ao’nung mentally insisted he had nothing to prove to the alpha, he eagerly grasped onto
the chance to show off in front of the Omatikayan. In the ocean, beneath the waves, that was where
Ao’nung was most comfortable. And it seemed like it was the one thing the perfect son of Toruk
Makto wasn’t good at.

From what he’d heard from Tsireya, Neteyam had picked up on the Metkayinan sign language
easily before any of his siblings and had all but mastered the net-weaving Tsireya had taught him.
But in the water, he was nothing more than a floundering child.

Ao’nung dove from the rock and cut through the surface of the water with hardly a ripple, using his
tail to steer himself deeper in the pool before resurfacing beside Neteyam, water dripping from his
hair onto his shoulders. “You’re like a baby.” The omega said bluntly, keeping himself afloat with
long, graceful sweeps of his powerful tail in comparison to Neteyam’s uncoordinated paddling.
Then dryly he added, “On second thought, I do think I’ve seen newborn babies swim better than
you.”

Neteyam spat out a mouthful of water that had filled his mouth when his chin dipped below the
surface. He tried to say something but it was garbled with water. Sighing, Ao’nung reached out and
grabbed Neteyam’s elbow and lifted it. “Your tail puts you at a disadvantage.” He added, noticing
how Neteyam’s thin tail attempted to flick and swish through the water, hardly causing a ripple.
Ao’nung sighed but added briskly, “I can work with that.”

“Your confidence in me is flattering.” Neteyam said dryly but with Ao’nung supporting him, he
held his head easily above the water and his desperate paddling ceased. His bright yellow eyes
focused on Ao’nung and then after a moment he carefully tried to replicate how the omega treaded
the water. It was clumsy and the muscles of his arm were tense beneath Ao’nung’s fingers but it
was a promising start.

Ao’nung sniffed and let go of the other na’vi, watching with a sharp eye as Neteyam continued to
keep himself afloat, through he instinctually thrust his head back to keep his chin above the water.
“Now you know almost as much as a newborn Metkayinan. Good job.” Ao’nung found himself
saying, his voice sharp with mocking but Neteyam just shot him a crooked grin in response and
continued to tread the water with his head lifted above the surface. “Swim around a bit as best you
can and if I notice anything I’ll say something.”

Neteyam carefully turned and over the quiet lapping of the water, Ao’nung swore he could hear the
alpha say, “Oh I know you will.”

⤹⋆⸙͎۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚
۫

By the time the sun had risen to its peak in the sky, Ao’nung had stretched out on the rock beside
Rotxo to dry off while Neteyam, less clumsily than when they first started, swam laps around the
cove per Ao’nung’s instruction. The omega was stretched out on his stomach while Rotxo sat up
beside him, carving sharp shapes onto the surface of the rock with his knife.

The air was warm but not tiringly hot like it was yesterday and Ao’nung found himself relaxed
beneath the light of the sun that warmed his muscles and dissipated his bad mood. Neteyam was
surprisingly easy to teach and, despite his alphan nature, took Ao’nung’s biting criticism with his
normal coolness. Eventually Ao’nung found his criticisms shifting from harsh insults that gave
Neteyam nothing to work with to more constructive criticism, watching with sharp eyes as
Neteyam’s form while swimming grew more into something presentable, his paddling turning into
smooth strokes that cut through the water. When the alpha would pause his laps to toss his head
back out of the water and tip his head up towards the sky, it almost looked as though he were
having fun.

For a while Rotxo had even slipped into the water to swim alongside Neteyam, claiming his
muscles were sore from sitting on the rock but Ao’nung could hear him murmuring tips to the
other alpha as they swam together.

Ao’nung was watching Neteyam swim with slitted eyes when the alpha paddled over to him and
planted his hands on the rock. His quivering muscles showed tiredness but his eyes were glittering
brightly as they locked with Ao’nung’s. “How am I doing?” He panted as water streamed from his
braids and into his blinking eyes.

Ao’nung huffed and sat up. “Well you know about as much as I did when I was six so with a
couple more training sessions you could actually catch up.” He snarked but the glint in Neteyam’s
eyes didn’t dim even slightly. He seemed to have grown used to Ao’nung’s grumbling and simply
flashed the omega a grin before hauling himself onto the rock.

Ao’nung scrambled back with a low snarl as Neteyam loomed over him, the alpha’s form
momentarily blocking the light of the sun with his lean shoulders. Immediately Neteyam shrunk
back, allowing Ao’nung to stand and step back before he finally pulled himself fully onto the rock
and shook himself. “I think that’s enough for today.” Ao’nung grunted, turning away from
Neteyam when he stood. Rotxo stood as well and stretched, sheathing his knife back at his hip.
“You did mildly good.” Ao’nung shot over his shoulder.

Out of the corner of his eye he could see Rotxo shoot the other alpha a lazy grin. “Better than
good, man. For only a couple hours of work you’re doing great.” Rotxo shifted over and knocked
his shoulder against Neteyam’s as Ao’nung hopped off the rock and began to stride back towards
the village.

“What will we do tomorrow?” Neteyam asked as both him and Rotxo moved forward to follow
after Ao’nung.

“Breathing exercises probably.” Ao’nung said flippantly with a wave of his tail, tipping his head
back to let the warmth of the sun fall over his face. Briefly he let his eyes fall closed.

“I want to work with Oaki.”

Ao’nung stopped so abruptly that Rotxo slammed into his back, nearly toppling the both of them
over. The omega scrambled up and whirled around to look at Neteyam who, despite the glint in his
eye, had the same easy expression smoothing his features. “Are you an idiot?” Ao’nung snarled,
any of his former easiness from the morning burned away by his bright anger. His tail whipped
behind him and his fingers clenched into fists as he fought the urge to punch the alpha. “Are you
kidding me? Do you have some sort of death wish?”

Even Rotxo was looking at Neteyam with surprise, his pale eyes wide as they flickered from the
Omatikayan alpha to his childhood friend, then back again. “Wasn’t once enough for you?”
Ao’nung continued, unable to push down his anger now that it had come to the surface. More than
anything he was frustrated with Neteyam, angry that after he’d finally started to tolerate the alpha
he would even ask something like that.

Neteyam just leveled his calm gaze on Ao’nung but despite his calm expression and relaxed
shoulders, his tail was flicking behind him erratically, the tufted end twitching back and forth. “I
saw something that day.” He said, his voice relaxed. He lifted his chin and one of his ears
twitched. “I’ve seen it before with a feral ikran back home. I want to help.”
“No one has ever been able to help Oaki.” Ao’nung snapped but he could feel the tension leak
from his shoulders in the face of Neteyam’s smooth expression. Though he was terrified of the ilu,
Ao’nung had always felt as though isolating Oaki did nothing but hurt her. Still, he shook himself
and added, “She almost killed you.”

Neteyam arched a brow and a small grin flicked over his lips. “So did you, technically.” Ao’nung
felt a pang of guilt in his chest but Neteyam just continued easily with another flick of his thin tail,
seeming unaware of Ao’nung’s wince, “I just want to see her again if possible.”

Rotxo finally stepped forward and turned the full weight of his gaze on Ao’nung. “She did
hesitate.” He reminded his friend quietly, swinging his tail so it brushed against the other na’vi’s
leg. “It couldn’t hurt. And it’s better than him going by himself.”

“But if it does hurt then I’m going to be the one catching the fall for it.” Ao’nung growled but
when Neteyam and Rotxo both just continued staring at him, he shook himself and let out a heavy
sigh with a lash of his tail. “Great Mother you alphas are obnoxious. We can stop by her cove on
the way back but then Rotxo and I have to go hunting.” Before Neteyam could even open his
mouth, Ao’nung added sharply, “You will not be coming with us.”

Neteyam grinned victoriously despite Ao’nung’s snapped words, his tail whipping behind him as
he straightened his shoulders. He dipped his head respectfully to Ao’nung and quietly murmured,
“Thank you. If it doesn’t work out and she freaks out like last time, I won’t ask again.”

Ao’nung scoffed and turned back around. “You better not.” He grunted before motioning for the
two alphas with a flick of his hand.

The walk to the cove was quiet or, at least, it was quiet on Ao’nung’s end. Rotxo filled the air with
amiable chatter and to Ao’nung’s silent surprise, Neteyam engaged easily in conversation with the
other alpha. The two of them were laughing about something when they finally came upon the
cove.

For a moment Ao’nung couldn’t see anything in the clear depths but the rocky bottom covered in
growth. But then a shadow by the sharp stones shifted and the scarred ilu rose, lifting her strong
head above the surface, her exposed fangs glinting in the sunlight as water dripped from the
dangerous points.

Though Ao’nung had always been taught to fear Oaki, he crept forward, shooting Neteyam a
glance over his shoulder. “Slowly.” He murmured, motioning with a whisk of his tail for the
Omatikayan alpha to follow him. Rotxo hung back, his fingers resting easily on the woven hilt of
his knife sheathed at his hip, his chin lifted and eyes sharp as they locked onto the massive ilu. He
nodded when Ao’nung’s gaze met his, flashing his friend a small, encouraging grin.

Neteyam crept alongside Ao’nung and when they were close to the edge, he flicked his tail in front
of the omega and turned to look at him. “Stay here.” He said, flashing Ao’nung a look when the
other opened his mouth to argue. “I got this.”

Despite Ao’nung’s better judgement, he paused and straightened, letting his gaze flicker to Oaki’s
mass floating atop the water, then back to Neteyam. “If you get your hand bitten off I’m going to
kill you.” He muttered but stepped back with a swish of his tail. Just like that first day, Oaki was
unusually still, her dull eyes glinting with curiosity as she tipped her head to the side to focus her
gaze on the approaching na’vi. She let out a rough sound that Ao’nung thought was meant to be a
chirp and drifted closer to the edge of the cove, stretching her neck out carefully.

With the same gentle ease as he’d had that first day, Neteyam stepped forward and stretched his
hand out, his palm facing the pale blue sky. “You have to be strong to survive an attack like that.”
Neteyam’s voice was so quiet Ao’nung could hardly hear it and the omega took a step forward,
straining to hear the low rumble of his voice.

Oaki’s dull glaze flicked over to Ao’nung and she let out a little snort but showed no signs of
aggression, simply turning her eyes back onto Neteyam who she was now closer to than ever. The
part of her lip that was torn away twitched, pulling back to bare even more of her light gums and
bristling teeth.

“I understand.” The alpha continued to croon, his entire body growing still as Oaki carefully drifted
closer, her nostrils flaring as she snuffled at him. “You are strong. Your scars sing a song of
victory.”

As if the ilu could understand Neteyam’s words her gaze dipped down to one of her own fins, the
leathery surface crisscrossed with scars mottled with age. Her gaze looked almost soft as it returned
to Neteyam and she let out another rough chirp that echoed along the rippling surface of her cove
as she swam closer, stretching her neck out curiously towards the na’vi before him.

“Ao’nung!” A voice shouted and any softness from Oaki’s eyes vanished as she stretched her maw
wide in a high-pitched shriek. Ao’nung lurched forward and grabbed Neteyam’s arm, dragging the
alpha back just as the ilu’s teeth snapped on empty air only a breath away from where Neteyam’s
face had been. Oaki let out another shriek before diving back into her cove, the shadow of her
scarred body settling down near the rocks she’d nearly impaled Neteyam on, only a stream of
bubbles rising from her maw giving away that the shadow on the sandy floor was a living creature
and not another rock.

“Dammit you could’ve gotten him killed!” Ao’nung snarled, his fingers still tight around
Neteyam’s arm as he whirled around and glared at the offender. Tonowari stood strong beside
Rotxo who had his chin dropped, staring away from the Olo’eyktan who stood furious beside him.
Rotxo’s gaze flickered up and he stared at his friend apologetically as his shoulders slumped.

“You almost got him killed! Again!” Tonowari roared in response and for once he made no effort to
reel in his anger in front of Neteyam. He bared his teeth and moved forward, his fingers curled into
fists at his side as though he wanted to punch his son. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time.

Ao’nung pulled his lips back in response, opening his mouth to snap something in response but
then he was suddenly pushed back, Neteyam’s arm pulled from his grip as the alpha positioned
himself in front of Ao’nung and shouldered him back, his own lips pulled back in a snarl directed
at none other than the Olo’eyktan as his bristling tail lashed behind him. Ao’nung snarled but
stepped back with his heavy tail twitching erratically behind him, watching with sharp eyes at the
tense exchange.

Though Neteyam was leaner than Tonowari he was just as tall, his muscles tensed as though he
were prepared to leap at the other alpha, Olo’eyktan or not. He was a warrior, Ao’nung knew, and
for a brief moment he feared Neteyam really would try to fight the Olo’eyktan. But Neteyam just
tensed his shoulders as though restraining himself and growled lowly, “Step. Back.” He tipped his
head to the side and a muscle in his jaw feathered as he added, “Please.”

Tonowari was silent for a long moment before he took a miniscule step backwards, his shoulders
tense. “I apologize for my outburst.” He said between clenched teeth, his heavy tail swishing this
way and that behind him. His gaze was entirely focused on Neteyam as though Ao’nung weren’t
even there. The omega bared his teeth but Tonowari’s gaze barely flickered from the younger
alpha in front of him. “My son is difficult. And no one is supposed to be near this ilu’s pen. Its
dangerous.”
 Neteyam straightened and for once Ao’nung was grateful for the confident jut of his chin, the
sharp glint of his eyes as he leveled them on the Olo’eyktan. “I asked to come here so if there’s
anyone to blame it’s me. I trust Ao’nung with my life.” Neteyam’s voice was level despite the
twitching of his tail, the tufted end still bristling angrily. He lifted his chin, shoulders lined with
blatant defiance.

The two alphas stared at each other for another long moment before Ao’nung shouldered forward
and finally the Olo’eyktan turned to look at him. “As I’m sure you know me and Neteyam have
continued courting despite our incident.” He said with a gnash of teeth, locking Tonowari with a
sharp glare. “If you’re here to feed Oaki, we can take care of that.”

Tonowari stared at his son for a long moment, his jaw tense from his clenched teeth but finally he
jerked his chin back towards Rotxo, motioning towards the net of still-wriggling fish set by the
younger alpha’s feet. “Be back for the hunt today.” Was all he said before turning around and
striding back down the beach towards the village.

When he was finally out of earshot, Neteyam stepped forward and ducking his head so his braids
brushed against Ao’nung’s cheek. “He seems like a piece of work.” He rumbled, glaring in the
direction the Olo’eyktan went. When Ao’nung turned he found Neteyam staring at him solemnly,
any trace of anger washed from his face. “I’m sorry you have to deal with that.”

But Ao’nung just shook himself and shot Neteyam a baring of teeth that hardly passed as a smile.
Neteyam’s genuineness threw him off but if there was one thing Ao’nung would never do, it was
admit just how much his father’s actions affected him. “After twenty-five years you get used to it.”
Was all he said before he turned and strode back towards Rotxo, nudging at the net full of fish with
his foot. “Since Oaki is rattled we’ll just toss the fish into the cove. Then me and Rotxo will go
hunting.”

“Don’t you want to talk about that at all?” Neteyam asked, motioning vaguely towards where
Tonowari stood with a confused look furrowing his brows.

Ao’nung just shot him a look before he turned back to Rotxo. “No. I don’t.”

Chapter End Notes

A lot happened in this chapter! It got quite a bit longer than my other chapters usually
are but there's quite a bit of progress in here so I hope you all like that! I'm honestly
really fond of writing snappy omega Ao'nung and calm alpha Neteyam so from this
point on definitely expect more interactions between them as well as some more focus
on some of Ao'nung's upbringing and him growing some relationships with the rest of
the Sully family!

I've been a bit shit at responding to comments lately and I'm sorry! I still read every
single one but I always forget to respond 3 I enjoy any and all feedback on this story
and thank you all so so much for your continuous support. I hope you enjoyed this
chapter!
 Chapter 9
Chapter Notes

I am uploading this literal minutes before I'm going to sleep but technically its not late!
Please enjoy!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Training with Neteyam in the early mornings when the sun hovered just above the horizon became
simply another thing Ao’nung wedged into his daily routine and, to his own irritation, he found he
didn’t despite it as much as he thought he would. He often woke early in the mornings when the
sky was still dark and tinted red and, while Rotxo too awoke early, it was later than his childhood
friend which left Ao’nung with a handful of hours to himself in the mornings. Those early-morning
hours consisted of Ao’nung pacing the beach while the thick, misted silence filled his ears as
darkness rolled over his shoulders.

Neteyam, Ao’nung had found, also woke when the sun’s light began to spill out around the
swollen planet and more than once Ao’nung had run into the alpha on the beaches where he did his
own early-morning pacing. It had become an unspoken routine that Ao’nung would wait on
Neteyam on the eastern beach instead of gathering him up at his marui like he did their first day of
training. Rotxo would join them when the sun’s rays lit the ocean waters in a fiery light and then
they would move to the cove where Neteyam still trained.

Though Rotxo was often groggy and still blinking sleep from his eyes when he met up with
Ao’nung on the beach, he seemed to enjoy Neteyam’s presence. His initial wariness towards the
other alpha fled his large shoulders and Ao’nung found himself more than once having to snap at
Rotxo for distracting Neteyam during their training sessions. Rotxo would grin and comply for a
record total of five minutes before drawing the other alpha back into his banter.

Ao’nung thought, after so long isolating himself with his omegan friend, Rotxo relished in the
presence of another alpha who he could allow himself to relax around. And though Ao’nung still
personally didn’t trust Neteyam more than he trusted a rock to float when tossed in the ocean, he
thought it was… nice, the way Rotxo seemed to like spending time with the other alpha during
their training sessions.

And despite Ao’nung’s huffing about it, Rotxo’s trust in Neteyam comforted something that had
still knotted tight in his chest whenever he was around the strange alpha. Rotxo was more
overprotective of Ao’nung than anyone in the tribe and if he managed to feel comfortable enough
to relax around Neteyam, than Ao’nung would let himself do the same, if only just a little. He still
didn’t like the alpha, didn’t trust him even a bit but the fact that he even tolerated an alpha other
than Rotxo was practically a miracle.

Ao’nung trusted Tsireya with his life but she trusted openly and saw the best in everyone so if she
said the Suli children were trustworthy, he’d hesitate to truly let himself open up to the Suli kids
based on her word alone. Rotxo was almost as cautious as Ao’nung himself. His trust, like his
omegan friends, had to be earned and the fact that simply by being himself Neteyam had somehow
earned it made Ao’nung just a bit more willing to trust him.

Of course, Ao’nung mused, he would have to at very least trust Neteyam enough to convincingly
fake-court him but in the face of being stuck mated to someone he didn’t know, Ao’nung would
much rather withstand the uncomfortableness he felt while around the alpha for a few months than
have to endure it for the rest of his life.

When the omega glanced up from his position on the smooth surface of the rock he had grown
familiar with in the past few days, he found the sun was steadily climbing towards its peak in the
pale blue sky, its light glittering where it reflected off of the rippling surface of the cove. Beneath
the clear surface of the water Ao’nung spotted Neteyam cutting through it with smooth strokes,
nothing like the frantic paddling he had done when they first began training at the cove.

While Ao’nung watched the alpha resurfaced with less than a splash than usual, lifting his head
above the water on his own easily. His form needed a bit of work but, Ao’nung admitted to
himself, it was certainly an improvement. But instead of telling Neteyam that, he simply called out
gruffly, “You’re doing mildly better.”

Neteyam’s sharp golden gaze turned onto him, closing for a brief moment as water dripped into his
eyes. Ao’nung sat up and motioned towards the alpha with a sharp wave of his hand, rolling his
eyes impatiently when Neteyam just grinned and began to easily paddle towards him, not a lick of
urgency in his loose shoulders.

Rotxo laid somewhere on the rock behind Ao’nung sat up as well and scooted forward, the sunny
warmth of his skin pressing against the omega’s shoulder as he leaned forward. “Don’t let him
discourage you Neteyam.” He called out, his voice filled with lilting teasing. He pressed forward
more, hooking his chin over Ao’nung’s shoulder and leaning heavily on the other na’vi. “You’re
doing great.”

“You swim like a toddler.” Ao’nung drawled, shouldering away Rotxo and sitting up as Neteyam
drew closer. He pulled his lips back in a halfhearted snarl that Neteyam seemed to rather easily
ignore. The insult was one of Ao’nung’s favorites to use during their trainings and it seemed
Neteyam had become immune to it, much like how Rotxo eventually grew to ignore Ao’nung’s
snapping and grumbling over the years.

Neteyam rested his elbows on the stone and dropped his chin on his cupped palms as his tail
flicked out of the water behind him, twitching this way and that. “Rotxo said I’m doing good.”
Neteyam shot back with a grin that bared his fangs. He lifted himself up, giving Ao’nung a
moment to move backwards before he hauled himself onto the stone.

“Better than before.” Ao’nung said gruffly with a gnash of his teeth, lifting his chin up. “But still.
You have much to improve on.”

Neteyam sat on the edge of the rock with his legs dangling in the water, his tail flicking behind him
almost absently as he gazed down towards the shadowed bottom of the cove. “Believe it or not, I
wasn’t born in the water.” He finally said dryly as he shook water from his drying braids, reaching
up to smooth a hand over the carefully woven strands. His hair was different than many
Metkayinans in the way it was braided and, briefly, Ao’nung wondered what it would look like
with the carefully knotted braids removed.

Neteyam’s voice snapped Ao’nung out of his thoughts and the omega turned away quickly. “I’m
not built for it like you two are.” Neteyam was saying, flicking his tail to motion towards Rotxo
who sat on his other side, sprawled out on the rock with his feet dangling in the clear water.

Ao’nung turned back to Neteyam, opening his mouth as if to say something. But he paused and
pressed his lips together, trying to fight back the instinctual scowl that tugged at his lips.
Neteyam’s shoulders seemed stronger as he leaned back on his hands, the sunlight casting sharp
shadows over the prideful jut of his chin, the hollows beneath his closed eyes as he tipped his face
back towards the sunlight.

A droplet of water slipped down from Neteyam’s hairline, tracing his cheek before sliding down
his jaw. Despite himself, Ao’nung found his gaze locked to that droplet, watching with sharp eyes
how it slid down the column of Neteyam’s neck before disappearing into the hollow of his
collarbone. When he looked up, he found golden eyes locked on him, something like amusement
tugging at the corner of Neteyam’s lips when Ao’nung finally met his gaze.

Embarrassment and something that felt like shame bubbled up in Ao’nung’s chest and he
scrambled backwards and stood, nearly slipping on the damp moss covering the rock with a quiet
hiss. The amusement slipped from Neteyam’s face as he rose and reached a hand out as if to steady
Ao’nung, his long fingers splayed wide almost as if to show there was no weapon concealed in his
palms. But the omega still stepped back with a snarl and Neteyam let his hand drop to his side as
his expression smoothed into that familiar cool expression.

“Your training is coming along.” Ao’nung forced out as he turned around and stalked off of the
rock, unable to stop the way his tail whipped behind him. Awa’atlu was a smudged speck on the
horizon and, despite himself, Ao’nung felt a small, almost anxious twist in his gut as he started
towards it. He had managed to avoid the Olo’eyktan since their last interaction at Oaki’s cove,
mostly due to Tsireya warning him where their father would be, but he still dreaded having to
return to the village knowing the entire clan would be awake and moving around.

There was a quiet thump behind him and the padding of footsteps as Rotxo and Neteyam trailed
after him. “You’re improving. Slower than I’d prefer but it’s something. Training is over for
today.” He paused and turned to glance over his shoulder, leveling his gaze on Neteyam. “Good
work.” He finally managed to spit out, ignoring the surprised look that briefly flitted over
Neteyam’s face. “I think you’ll be able to start working with an ilu soon. I’ll talk to Tsireya about
it.”

Neteyam almost looked like he wanted to smile as he dipped his head, his thin tail curling over his
shoulder. His shoulders were relaxed, streams of water still dripping down the expanse of his rich
blue skin. “Thank you Ao’nung. You’re a good teacher.”

Ao’nung huffed and whipped his tail dismissively as he turned back around. “Unlike the
Olo’eyktan, flattery doesn’t work on me forest boy. But nice try.” The omega said dryly, hearing
Rotxo’s quiet snort of laughter behind him.

Neteyam moved forward until he strode beside Ao’nung, Rotxo falling back to trail behind the two
of them like he did the first day they trained together. Neteyam turned to glance at Ao’nung, his
head tipped to the side as his still-wet braids slipped over his shoulder. “Genuinely, you do good
work. I’m a bit surprised you aren’t helping Tsireya train the young ones.” Though Neteyam’s
voice was warm with something almost like friendliness, Ao’nung couldn’t help the tenseness that
invaded his muscles at the alpha’s words.

On instinct he whipped around to face the alpha with a snarl, his hands clenching into fists at his
side as anger roiled in the pit of his stomach. Logically, he knew Neteyam meant it as a
compliment but coming from an alpha the words were nothing but another harsh insult ringing in
his ears. “Because that’s all omegas are good for?” The word was spat out like venom as Ao’nung
braced his shoulders and bared his teeth.

He moved as though to advance on Neteyam but Rotxo, who had been carefully watching the
exchange, put himself between the two of them, pressing his strong shoulder against Ao’nung’s
chest to not-so-gently force him backwards. Neteyam’s golden eyes were wide but his posture was
still relaxed and showed no signs of agitation, despite the fact that Ao’nung, an omega, had
challenged him in such a blatant way. “Go on and say it then, alpha.” Again, the word fell from
Ao’nung’s lips like poison that burned on his tongue. His father’s words echoed in his head and
Ao’nung spoke them aloud, his words twisted with white-hot fury. “An omega shouldn’t be the
hunt chief of a clan such as the Metkayina, right? I should just be shoved back into the village to be
mated off and take care of the young ones, right?”

“Ao’nung-” Rotxo began, his voice strong despite the soft sort of sadness that invaded his pale
blue gaze, a small frown tugging at the corner of his lips as he pressed a hand against Ao’nung’s
chest in a motion meant to ground the omega.

But Ao’nung just shook off Rotxo’s touch and shouldered past him, stalking forward until he stood
directly in front of Neteyam, his eyes narrowed into angry slits and lips pulled back in a snarl. “Go
on.” He snapped, his tail lashing behind him as his blunt nails pressed crescents into his palms as
his hands curled into fists. “Tell me to submit. Punish me for challenging you in front of another
alpha. Omegas have their place so put me in it.”

From his experiences with every alpha in his tribe save for Rotxo, Ao’nung expected Neteyam to
grow furious at the challenge, to lash out and snarl right back at him until the omega submitted.
But instead he just stood there, his expression smooth and his body language cautiously still in the
same way he was with Oaki, as if waiting for Ao’nung to lash out. “I don’t believe that.” He finally
said when Ao’nung waited tensely for the alpha’s answer. Neteyam’s brows furrowed and his lips
pressed together into a thin line, his eyes glittering with something that almost felt like disapproval.
Whether in Ao’nung, or something else entirely, the omega didn’t know. “You are a strong warrior
and have earned your title as hunt chief. You being an omega has nothing to do with that.”

“Oh yeah?” Ao’nung said with a harsh sort of laugh that pulled itself from the depths of his chest
and emerged from his lips in a sound that almost sounded like a rough bark. When Neteyam just
stared at him in that infuriatingly earnest way of his, Ao’nung felt slips of anger melt from his
tense shoulders.

Slowly, as cautious as he was with Oaki, Neteyam dipped his head, his golden gaze still locked on
Ao’nung’s. “In my tribe, I serve as my father’s right hand man. But I also help with training our
young warriors and hunters.” He tipped his head to the side almost curiously, one side of his mouth
tugging down in a frown.

“You?” Ao’nung said without thinking but Neteyam just continued to gaze at him unerringly, his
head still tipped to the side and his tail slowly swaying behind him. Ao’nung stepped back, nearly
stumbling as he did so before he felt the comforting press of Rotxo’s shoulder against his back.
Ao’nung bewilderedly continued, “You’re an alpha. Why would you help train the kids?”

Neteyam straightened and his gaze flashed with something that almost looked like anger before it
was replaced with the same calm, almost comforting look that he settled on Ao’nung. His gaze
flickered over the omega’s shoulder, to Rotxo, before it returned to Ao’nung. “It is my job as a
warrior, and my father’s son, to help lead the younger generations. It’s an honor, to be a teacher.
Not everyone has the patience.” Then, as though an afterthought, Neteyam said, “It has nothing to
do with secondary sex.”

A dim spark of anger flared to life in Ao’nung’s chest and he spat out, though with less fire than
before, “It has everything to do with secondary sex.” He stepped forward, away from the warmth of
the oddly silent Rotxo who stood behind him and stared at Neteyam. The lingering anger slipped
from Ao’nung and he leveled his unusually calm gaze on the alpha that stood before him. Ao’nung
had come to this conclusion years ago when he’d first presented so his voice held no bitterness as
he said, “I don’t know how you and your people do it in the forest. But here, I am nothing but my
father’s disappointment of a son, an omega. You are just here to fake courting me for my father’s
benefit, then leave. Nothing will change, so don’t try and make it.”

Icy calm settled over Ao’nung and he stepped back, turning away from Neteyam before the alpha’s
face could twist into that disapproving frown that silently irked Ao’nung. He turned to Rotxo
who’s eyes glittered with sadness but the alpha straightened beneath Ao’nung’s gaze, wiping his
expression of any lingering empathy for his childhood friend. “The full moon is tomorrow night so
we’ll be out all day hunting.” He said, more for Neteyam’s benefit than Rotxo’s. Then, he turned to
glance over his shoulder. “You’ll train with Tsireya.”

Neteyam’s eyes flashed as though he wanted to argue but, to Ao’nung’s dull surprise, he merely
dipped his head respectfully before he leveled his gaze back on Ao’nung. “When do you leave?”
He asked.

“When the light of the sun emerges in the morning. It’s a celebration, how we keep track of the
moon cycles and the seasons. There will be a feast so we will be expected to be together for most
of it. Prepare yourself.” Ao’nung’s words were flat but he tried his best to not make them sound
harsh. Whether he succeeded or not, he wasn’t sure. He then turned to face Rotxo. “You two can
return to the village. I’ll be out.”

Rotxo dipped his head and, despite the way he eyed Ao’nung worriedly, said nothing except, “Stay
safe.”

Ao’nung nodded for Rotxo’s benefit before he turned and waded into the shallows, letting out a
sharp call that echoed over the surface of the water. Within moments the sleek form of Ao’nung’s
tsurak swam up to him, letting out a little rumbling sound as it pressed its narrow snout against its
rider’s hip.

The omega slid onto the back of his tsurak, connected his kuru and dove beneath the surface of the
water without looking back.

⤹⋆⸙͎۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚
۫

The sky was stained with deep purples, the last flickers of light melting into deep shadows as the
sun sunk into a low crouch over the horizon and the large planet in the sky eclipsed the sun’s light,
casting long shadows over the beach. Ao’nung sat on the back of his tsurak, chin tipped up towards
the sky as it drifted closer to the beach, a trilling sort of click emerging from its barreled chest as
though in an attempt to comfort its rider perched on his back.

Ao’nung had spent the rest of the day after his training with Neteyam past the reef, swimming
beneath the waves or drifting along top of them with the comforting presence of his tsurak beneath
him. He tried to ignore thinking of his outburst and had successfully done so until his gaze fell on a
growingly familiar form that stood on the beach, head held high and long, thin tail whipping
behind it.

The omega let out a quiet groan of frustration and, for a brief moment, considered wheeling his
tsurak around and spending the night in his nesting cave but, as his tsurak let out a little questioning
trill and shook its head, he simply sighed and dismounted it with a small pat against its strong side.
Ao’nung’s mount let out a little sound and nudged its narrow snout against his waist before
flipping around and disappearing into the glowing depths.
“Ao’nung.” Neteyam called out, his eyes glowing in the dusk-laden shadows as he stepped
forward. The waves lapped at his feet planted in the sand and his tail flicked behind him as he
continued to stare at the slowly approaching omega.

The alpha didn’t say anything else, just Ao’nung’s name as he stood there. His shoulders were lax
and his expression smooth, though his right hand twitched at his side as though he wanted to reach
out. Silently, Ao’nung was glad he didn’t.

“Don’t tell me you’ve been standing here all day.” Ao’nung said dryly as he drew closer, trying to
ignore the knot that tightened in his chest when Neteyam’s gaze leveled on him, bright gold and
glowing.

A hint of a smile curled at the corner of Neteyam’s lips and he stepped back, allowing Ao’nung to
step onto the dry stretch of beach. “No, just for the past hour or so.” His words were genuine as he
tipped his head to the side, his gaze curious but not probing as it bored into Ao’nung’s. “Where did
you go?”

Ao’nung waved a hand distantly towards the ocean behind him but other than that ignored the
question. “I’m…” He hesitated, the words caught in his throat.

But before he could continue speaking, Neteyam rolled his shoulders back and said, “I’m sorry. I
didn’t mean to agitate you and after talking to my mother I understand where I went wrong with
that.” The alpha paused and cleared his throat, glancing away as though embarrassed. Ao’nung
could do nothing but stare at him, shock zinging through his bloodline like a rush of adrenaline.
Never before in his over two decades of being alive had an alpha other than Rotxo ever apologize
to him for something.

Distantly Ao’nung thought it must have been a joke of some kind but Neteyam just continued to
speak in that slow, earnest way of his as though trying to talk down a feral tsurak. “I never meant to
demean you or diminish the title you earned. And I’m sorry if anyone here ever has.” His tail
twitched and he shifted forward, his tail curling around his side and flicking upwards. “In my
tribe…” He paused and shook his head, his tail lashing in irritation behind him before he seemed to
consciously force it to still. “Things are different here than I’m used to. But I respect you, Ao’nung
and I trust you. I just wish you would trust me.”

Ao’nung lifted his chin and leveled his gaze on Neteyam’s, ignoring the uncomfortableness that
roiled in his chest, either due to his nearness to the alpha or due to Neteyam’s words, he wasn’t
sure. He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before forcing his tense shoulders to relax.
Neteyam watched the movement with sharp eyes before his golden gaze flickered back up to
Ao’nung’s. “No one wanted me to be an omega.” Ao’nung found himself saying. He turned away,
unable to continue staring at Neteyam. He flopped down on the sand and, after a moment, heard
Neteyam settle beside him.

Ao’nung stared out over the lapping waves, lit up from the bioluminescent plants nestled into the
sandy shallows, fish with glowing scales swishing this way and that beneath the clear surface. “An
omega cannot take the place of an Olo’eyktan. I was to be taken out of my warrior training and be
like Tsireya, a teacher who stays within the reef and takes care of the children.” A bitter laugh
pulled itself from Ao’nung’s chest and he leaned back on his hands, digging his fingers into the
sand and thumping his tail beside him. He could feel Neteyam’s gaze on him, leveled at the side of
his face but he simply continued to stare out over the familiar ocean, watching the comforting
waves as they rippled out towards the horizon. “I’m not so good with kids.” He said.

Neteyam was silent, his presence uncomfortably hot at Ao’nung’s side. The omega found himself
increasingly aware of the other na’vi seated beside him, his skin twitching with every movement
 Neteyam made and his eyes flashing over with every breath he took. “I was going to be a warrior,
no matter what. So I kept training, ditched Tsireya with the kids and would go off with Rotxo.
Eventually Tonowari gave up and let me continue to walk the path of a warrior and I became the
hunt chief. I earned that.” Finally he turned to look at Neteyam, his eyes narrowed with conviction.
“I fought for that.”

The alpha was calm as his gaze met Ao’nung’s and his voice was quiet as he said, “I know you
did.”

Something hard pressed at the back of Ao’nung’s ribs and his throat seemed to close, choking off
any words he could think of saying. So he just nodded briskly and turned back around, thumping
his tail once, then twice on the sand. “You coming here was going to mess it up.” He spat, though
there was no real anger in his voice. “I worked hard. I still work hard and yet I still have not earned
the respect of my clan. But you, you and your family arrived and suddenly I was just the omega, a
gift to be passed to you to provide safety for my tribe. None of my accomplishes mean anything.”

“You didn’t want to be mated.” Neteyam said quietly, as though coming to a sad conclusion.
Ao’nung could practically imagine the pitiful look painted across Neteyam’s features and felt his
lips curl back in response.

The omega’s laugh was a harsh bark. “Nice guess forest boy.” Ao’nung said with another heavy
thump of his tail, his fingers burying themselves deeper into the cooling sand. He leaned back until
his elbows settled in the sand and he tipped his head back, staring up at the constellations that
winked in the shadowy sky, the growing moons staring at him from their twin perches among the
stars. “I was told a day before you and your family arrived. If I did not mate with you or your
brother, Tsireya would be forced to.”

Neteyam let out a choked sort of sound and Ao’nung finally turned to settle his dull gaze on the
alpha who stared back at him, eyes wide with shock and his lips parted. “Are you serious?” He
finally said, his tail lashing behind him as a muscle in his jaw twitched. He moved as though to
stand. “I should speak to-”

“You won’t speak to anyone about this.” Ao’nung snarled, lashing a hand out until his fingers
closed tight around Neteyam’s arm. The alpha stared at him with the same look of shock but,
slowly, lowered himself back down. Ao’nung pulled back and gnashed his teeth at Neteyam,
leveling a cold look at him. “We made a deal. I don’t trust you for shit but I know you’ll keep your
word. Don’t disappoint me.”

Neteyam’s expression twisted and he looked like he wanted to say something but before he could
even open his mouth, Ao’nung stood and turned away. “Don’t forget, tomorrow you’re training
with Tsireya. I’ll be back after eclipse.” He let out a low sigh and glanced over his shoulder. “The
Olo’eyktan will expect to see us together and eat at his dining fire with your family. Let them
know.”

Ao’nung didn’t give Neteyam a chance to respond before he turned around and strode back
towards Awa’atlu.

Chapter End Notes

This chapter was a doozy! Not sure if you guys can tell but I love to give you hints of
Ao'nung growing to trust Neteyam then snatch it away. Sorry! (Not really <3 It makes
the slowburn burn so much harder)

Also I'm looking for another beta reader! If you're interested or even if you just wanna
come talk to me/receive updates, check out my Twitter! I'd love to have some more
Avatar mutuals over there <3
 Chapter 10
Chapter Notes

Chapter ten!! I had originally planned for this fic to be around 20 chapters long so at
one point this would've been the halfway point but I think we can all tell its most
definitely gonna be longer than that LOL. I hope you all enjoy this chapter!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

When Ao’nung strode out onto the dry sandy beach that stretched out beside the quiet village, not
even a slash of light had emerged from around the swollen planet blocking the sun and Ao’nung’s
hunters were like a school of small fish caught up in a strong undercurrent that sent them spinning,
knocking into each other as their sleep-laden feet shuffled through the cold sand. They were a
bunch of knothead alphas but, Ao’nung grumbled silently to himself, they were the best he had and
once they got out onto the water and stopped belittling him, they got the job done.

“Come on.” Ao’nung called impatiently over the brisk winds that whipped over the roiling waves,
the last remnants of a night storm that had thundered over Awa’atlu after he had returned to the
village. He whipped the flat end of his tail against the back of one of the younger alpha’s legs
before moving on to stand beside Rotxo before the alpha could whirl around and snap at him.
Rotxo’s shoulders were squared and his eyes narrowed against the salty winds, his hands planted
firmly on his hips. “Will it clear up before the feast?” Ao’nung asked, lowering his voice as he
pressed his face closer to Rotxo’s ear.

The alpha grunted and narrowed his eyes until they were nothing more than dark slits before he
turned to look at his friend. He was, in some ways, quite a bit smarter than Ao’nung when it came
to patterns, especially those that pertained to anything nature-related, and in their entire lives
Ao’nung didn’t think Rotxo had ever been wrong about the weather. “If we get out further I can
see where the clouds end. But the rain cleared out last night so if the sun comes out, the wind will
die down and we should be fine.”

“Will it?” Ao’nung prodded carefully when Rotxo fell silent. He knocked his shoulder against his
friend’s in a light way, grinning over at him when the other turned to look at him. Rotxo’s skin was
warm in comparison to the sharp chill of the wind and despite himself Ao’nung found himself
pressing closer for a moment before he straightened and jerked his chin towards the ocean. As if in
answer, a large wave roiled and crashed against the protective wall of the reef, sending a salty
spray into the air that was whisked away by the wind. “Clear up, I mean.” He clarified gruffly
when Rotxo continued to remain silent, his body a strong, warm presence against Ao’nung’s side.

When he still didn’t receive an answer, Ao’nung turned to his friend with a scowl that slipped away
when he saw Rotxo staring over his shoulder with a familiar, smug sort of look fixed on his face.
Rotxo leveled his gaze on Ao’nung and grinned as he said in a voice lilted with teasing. “Your
courtmate’s here.”

Ao’nung gnashed his teeth at his friend before he turned, finding Neteyam standing a few feet
away speaking to the group of younger alphas that surrounded him with an easy grin on his lips.
The omega couldn’t help a quiet snort amusement at the way his hunters tried to vie for Neteyam’s
attention, all speaking in loud tones and pushing at each other, any lingering remnants of their
tiredness gone as they tried to impress the older alpha.

Finally as Ao’nung watched Neteyam, light began to spill over the earth, the tossing waves of the
ocean lit up with a fiery glow as the sun, still low over the horizon, was uncovered. Neteyam
glanced over at Ao’nung as the land was finally lit up, his golden eyes flashing in the sunlight that
cut around Ao’nung’s broad form. He ducked his head and said something to the group of hunters
before pushing past them and striding over to Ao’nung, stopping a few feet away with the same
easy smile painted across his lips.

“You’re up early.” Ao’nung grunted, taking note of the lack of jewelry that usually adorned
Neteyam, the way his braids were held back messily and his eyes had the same foggy sort of look
as Rotxo’s when he first woke up. The omega gave a whisk of his tail and fixed a grin sharp with
mocking on his lips. “You look dead on your feet.” It was a lie, of course. Ao’nung wasn’t sure
anyone else would even notice Neteyam’s rumpled appearance, his jaw still tipped up pridefully
and his shoulders pushed back.

Neteyam rolled his eyes in a way that almost seemed fond before he straightened his shoulders and
lifted his chin, his eyes blazing gold in the sunlight that marked the sharp lines of his face. “I came
to wish you good luck on your hunting.” He said with a slight but respectful dip of his head, his
eyes not leaving Ao’nung’s. His voice was slightly louder than usual, ringing out clearly over the
crash of waves and quieter whisper of wind as it rolled over the ocean’s surface. “Your presence
will be missed, as will your teaching.”

Ao’nung thought about shooting something dry back with a growl, the begins of a halfhearted snarl
pulling at his lips but, after glancing over Neteyam’s shoulder and seeing the pack of alphas milling
behind him, doing nothing to hide their blatant eavesdropping, it dawned on him. Neteyam was
purposefully making a show.

As though he could hear Ao’nung’s thoughts, Neteyam’s lips quirked up in a secretive smile and
he tipped his head to the side, ever so slightly leaning it back to motion towards Ao’nung’s hunters
behind him as though confirming the omega’s thoughts. “I’ll be back soon.” Ao’nung said, hoping
it didn’t sound as dry and gritted out to his hunters as it did to his own ears. Alphas or not, many of
the hunters of the clan had a tendency to gossip and Ao’nung knew the moment his father arrived
he would hear about it which, inevitably, was the point of this all. He forced himself to step
forward and held a hand out, which Neteyam took easily.

Ao’nung had expected Neteyam’s fingers to squeeze lightly at his own, had braced himself for it
and tried to fight back the instinctual urge to cringe back and squeeze his eyes shut, and let himself
relax a bit when the expected action came, Neteyam’s warm fingers pressing lightly at Ao’nung’s
palm. But what had his eyes flying open with shock and instincts screaming at him to pull back was
the gentle, almost cautious way Neteyam turned his hand over and lifted it up before Ao’nung felt
the soft brush of lips against his palm.

When golden eyes met his, any remaining instincts to run or scramble away just fell silent where
they formerly twisted and shrieked in his chest. Ao’nung stared at Neteyam who simply gazed
back at him, his fanged grin melting into something, fonder that, for a brief moment, Ao’nung
couldn’t tell if it was more for his sake or for their audience’s. Neteyam’s eyes, though, were
cautious, almost questioning as he carefully cupped Ao’nung’s hand between both of his. When the
omega gave him a subtle, stiff nod in return, Neteyam’s eyes seemed to warm before he
straightened and lowered Ao’nung’s hand.

When Ao’nung recovered and shot him a halfhearted glare, Neteyam’s grin turned a bit smug,
growing sharp with teasing. “Return back safe.” He said, winking at Ao’nung and Rotxo with the
same smug sort of grin that disappeared when he spun around to face the hunters who all tried- and
ultimately failed- to act as though they hadn’t been watching the entire interaction. “Good luck to
all of you.” Neteyam added with a wave to the hunters before he padded off with a whisk of his
tail.

“Great mother.” Ao’nung muttered under his breath when Neteyam disappeared back into the
village and the hunters ignored him to talk in barely muted whispers about the interaction. “He is
dramatic.”

Rotxo grinned and knocked his shoulder against his friend’s, curling his tail around so the flat end
bumped against the back of Ao’nung’s legs. “I think he’s a romantic.” He responded teasingly, just
laughing loudly when Ao’nung knocked into him with more force than necessary, nearly sending
the other na’vi sprawling on the sand.

Now impatient, Ao’nung shifted on his feet and let out a little growl of frustration that rumbled in
his chest. Unlike a normal hunt where the decisions were entirely up to him, the full-day hunt was
the duty of the Olo’eyktan who, to Ao’nung’s irritation, was late this morning.

When the large form of Tonowari finally appeared on the beach, the full light of the sun was
lighting up the beach and the sky had begun to clear, the waves no longer so violent as they lapped
against the reef. Ao’nung’s hunters had grown impatient at that point, now fully awake from
Neteyam’s visit and either pacing the sand or sprawled out on it, talking amongst themselves about
whatever it is they spoke about.

Rotxo stood at Ao’nung’s side and when the omega finally spotted his father his friend had been
saying something about wind patterns and how it might affect the storm that Ao’nung had
previously been so worried about. His voice trailed off when he realized his omegan friend was no
longer listening and, to Ao’nung’s amusement, Rotxo let out a little huffing sigh when he spotted
Tonowari.

“Hunters.” Tonowari’s voice boomed over the beach and immediately the few young na’vi who
had been sprawled out on the beach scrambled up and straightened underneath their Olo’eyktan’s
sweeping gaze that just seemed to skim over all of them. His gaze flicked to Ao’nung, then it
settled more evenly on Rotxo.

Though Ao’nung was the hunt chief, the one who had earned the title, Tonowari had a tendency to
speak to Rotxo instead of him, no matter how many times the younger na’vi redirected him or
Ao’nung outright snapped at him for it. Because Ao’nung knew no alphan hunt chief would have to
endure that disrespect, not from the Olo’eyktan and especially not from the hunters who he
commanded. But, just like everything else, it was simply something Ao’nung had to endure,
though he did it with quite a bit of hissing and spitting.

To Ao’nung’s surprise, Tonowari’s gaze then flickered over to him and stayed there. Spurred on by
some sort of hidden instinct Ao’nung hadn’t felt since before he presented, he found himself
straightening beneath his father’s chin and lifted his chin pridefully, though a familiar scowl settled
on his lips. “We’ve been waiting.” Ao’nung said, the words hardly more than a growl.

The Olo’eyktan merely stared at him before he rolled his shoulders back and lifted his chin,
straightening until his larger form loomed over Ao’nung. Still, the younger na’vi just stared back at
him. “Toruk Makto will be joining us.” Tonowari said as though he hadn’t heard his son, turning
around to face the group of hunters gathered behind him and, when Ao’nung glanced over, to face
the aforementioned na’vi who at some point had joined them on the beach.

He had the same sort of easy posture as his eldest son, his shoulders lax and hands planted on his
hips as a surprisingly genuine smile spread across his lips, his golden eyes glittering in the pale
sunlight. “I hope I’m not imposing.” He said in a drawl, grinning at Ao’nung specifically as though
they shared some sort of secret joke. He stepped forward and his thin tail whisked behind him as
he confidently added, “If your training was coming along quicker with Neteyam, he’d most likely
be coming too.”

Ao’nung began to bristle, feeling his lips curl back to uncover his fangs at the words that felt more
like the beginnings of an insult before Jake continued casually, “He’s like his mother, a bit
stubborn when it comes to new things. I’m surprised you even got him this far.” The older na’vi
grinned at Ao’nung who just blinked at him, surprise rendering him silent. “Congrats kid.”

A muscle in Tonowari’s jaw twitched as though he wanted to say something but, as Ao’nung
watched, his father turned to him and seemed to force himself to smile, though it was brittle and
felt more like a half-veiled threat than any real sort of smile. “Yes Ao’nung.” Tonowari said, his
eyes blazing as though he’d rather be eating hot coals than agree with Jake’s compliment. His eye
twitched and, through gritted teeth, the Olo’eyktan added, “Good job.”

Ao’nung almost wanted to laugh at the pained sort of look Tonowari was making but instead he
just nodded dismissively in a way that would normally get him a loud scolding before he turned
away and waded into the water, Rotxo trotting after him dutifully with a half-hidden smile on his
face when he turned to look at his friend. “Let’s not waste daylight.” Ao’nung called out when
none of his hunters moved, many of them watching Tonowari. He turned to glance over his
shoulder. “The storm cleared past us so we’ll be good to travel far like we usually do and hunt past
the loner’s rock for the day. Rotxo?”

Rotxo stood dutifully at Ao’nung’s shoulder and dipped his head to his friend before he began to
speak easily, his shoulders pushed back with confidence with a pleased sort of look on his face, a
small grin crooking his lips. He was comfortable in his element here, just like Ao’nung was, and
the two of them worked easily in tandem. “After the storm, our best bet hunting big prey for the
feast is near the underwater cliffs.” When he finished speaking Rotxo turned and let out a loud call,
clapping his hands together twice.

“Does Toruk Makto have a tsurak?” Ao’nung asked as the pack of clicking animals swam into the
shallows, many of the hunters quickly wading out and mounting them in a way that seemed almost
impatient, though Ao’nung knew they wouldn’t say a word to rush their Olo’eyktan. He glanced
dully over his shoulder at his father who glared back at him.

Jake, however, strode forward easily and grinned at Ao’nung as he waded into the water. “Good
looking out.” He said, his words light as his tail flicked behind him. His eyes crinkled in the same
way his eldest son’s did when he smiled and their body language was eerily similar, even down to
the way his head tipped to the side when he spoke. “I have a tsurak, don’t worry. I’ve been
working with Tonowari while my kids train. I enjoy the challenge.” He clapped his hand on the
other Olo’eyktan’s shoulder who merely stood there with the same scowl-like twist of his lips.

Ao’nung sniffed and turned away, swishing his tail through the waist-high water before he
mounted his tsurak and pulled his braid over his shoulder to connect his kuru, forming the familiar
bond between him and the sleek creature.

Jake Suli’s tsurak was older, its large body scarred and its eyes holding a sort of darkness that
swirled like ink in the ocean within the beady depths. It was one that had never been bonded
before, a proud creature that Ao’nung often saw outside in the reef unlike the other tsuraks who
often remained near the village. It trilled easily when Jake sat atop its back, rolling its eyes back as
though to look at its rider before it let out a little huff that had bubbles flying from its gills.
Dryly, Ao’nung thought that was another similarity between father and son. If Jake was anything
like his eldest, he probably insisted on bonding with the older tsurak, the one often avoided by new
hunters. He thought of Oaki, the hesitant way she drifted towards Neteyam before being scared off
by Tonowari.

Tonowari, unsurprisingly, was the first to urge his tsurak forward with a whisk of his tail, letting
out a shout that Ao’nung’s hunters eagerly answered before diving after him. To Ao’nung’s
surprise Jake remained behind, simply watching as the others began to move towards the reef wall.
The older na’vi turned to look at Ao’nung, his gaze hardly even flickering to Rotxo who’s tsurak
drifted close to his friend’s. “You said the underwater cliffs, right? I thought akulas often hunted
there.” Jake said, his words more curious than challenging. His head tipped to the side and his ears
flicked back, nothing but light teasing and curiosity in his golden gaze.

“Rotxo knows the pattern of the fish more than anyone.” Ao’nung said, letting pride for his friend
fill his strong voice. He rolled his shoulders back and tipped his head towards his friend, shooting
him a small grin. Jake’s eyes glittered with something that looked like amusement and he dipped
his head, finally turning to look at Rotxo.

The younger alpha startled beneath the full weight of Toruk Makto’s gaze but, with Ao’nung’s
encouragement, straightened and said confidently, “When the storms are bad, the akulas dive deep
and usually stay there. The cliffs go down further than the length of two tulkun bulls and the akulas
remain at the very bottom. Its far enough down they won’t even know we’re there.” He grinned
and his gaze flickered over to Ao’nung as he leaned over to bump his shoulder against his friend’s.
“Besides, they’re solitary animals every time other than their mating season. If one notices the
blood in the water, Ao’nung can take care of it.”

Jake’s grin bared his fangs in the same way his son’s did. “Oh yeah?” He said and again, Ao’nung
was surprised by how easy his words were, the way he could sense no underlying challenge in the
older na’vi’s voice. Perhaps things were really different in the forest if Jake appeared so
unbothered by an omega being the Omatikayan’s hunt chief. “My son told me you’re a good
warrior. Honestly I might even hesitate to try and take on an akula.” He tipped his head back and
laughed, his tail curling up behind him.

When Jake’s laughter trailed off he lowered his head and leveled his golden gaze back on Ao’nung.
He was smiling, lingering remnants of his laughter, but for a moment is softened, the light in his
eyes glinting knowingly in a way that had Ao’nung frowning. Then it was gone and the older na’vi
turned back forward, squinting to peer at the pack of hunters that now bobbed further away on the
water, clearly waiting for the other three to follow. Even from that far Ao’nung could see the
stormy sort of look on his father’s face. “You’re a good match for my son.” Jake said, shooting
Ao’nung one last grin before he pressed himself to the back of his tsurak and dove beneath the
waves.

A bit unnerved by the knowing sort of look in Jake’s eyes, Ao’nung shook himself and, after
ignoring Rotxo’s teasing grin, followed after the older na’vi.

⤹⋆⸙͎۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚۰˚☽˚⤹⋆⸙͎
۫ ۪｡˚
۫

When the sun dipped low in the sky, painting the ocean’s blue waters a fiery red and orange,
Ao’nung and his hunting party returned to the village. Toruk Makto had proved himself to be a
great asset despite his lack of training when it came to hunting in the water and his adaptability was
something Ao’nung found himself taking advantage of when they had to dive deep beneath the
surface to catch the larger fish who had retreated due to the storm.
Every hunter was weighed down with nets full of fish as they waded onto shore and, though
Ao’nung made sure his face was painted with its familiar, almost smug apathy, he felt pride fill his
chest at the successful hunt.

Tonowari strode across the beach, stopping to drop a heavy hand on every hunter’s shoulder and
lowering his head to awash them with his own stark sort of praise. Gruffly, Ao’nung admitted the
hunters had done quite well but he couldn’t help but think without his strict authority they
wouldn’t have caught more than half of what they currently hauled onto shore for the feast.
Bitterness spread through Ao’nung’s chest like an infection as he watched Tonowari as he moved
across the beach with sharp eyes. Every hunter praised for their skills, given warm looks of pride
from the clan and even a smile from the usually stoic Tsahík as she too paced the beach, preparing
for the feast. Everyone, of course, except for Ao’nung.

Still standing in the waist-high water, Ao’nung briefly considered simply climbing onto the back of
his tsurak and racing away from the reef, away from the laughter and joy of the clan that never
included him. Though it felt like a lifetime ago, Ao’nung could still remember when his parents
had leveled that same look of pride upon him as they did with the hunters now. His chest ached and
he could still remember the warmth that spilled through his chest when he brought home a
particularly impressive fish that his father would weigh in his arms and appraise with a teasingly
sharp eye before he would finally turn to his son and award him with that faint smile, that glitter of
pride in his eyes.

But that had been years ago, before everyone in the clan looked down upon him, before his father
had dragged him before the entire Metkayina and announced his years of training, of dreaming of
becoming the Olo’eyktan were all now irrelevant due to what second sex he’d presented as.
Ao’nung wished he had known back then that he would never be praised by his father again, never
meet his mother’s prideful gaze and receive a faint smile in return. Because now, whenever he
turned to his son, Tonowari’s face was constantly furrowed, his lips twisted with disappointment,
and his mother’s frown seemed like it was carved in stone upon her lips.

A brush of a shoulder against Ao’nung’s pulled him sharply out of his thoughts and he whipped
around, finding Rotxo taking a step back with his hands lifted. “Hey.” The alpha said with an easy
sort of smile, dropping his hands and leaning forward to more firmly press his shoulder against his
friend’s, a comforting touch that Ao’nung silently relished in. “Are you gonna go to the beach?”
His voice was soft, gentle as he spoke. With how long the two of them had known each other-
practically their entire lives, now- Ao’nung thought Rotxo might have sensed his bitter thoughts.

Ao’nung hesitated for a moment, finding his gaze drawn to his tsurak who still waited in the
shallows for him, its beady eyes holding something like worry as it gazed up at its rider. After a
moment, the omega nodded. With a small grin, Rotxo draped an arm over his friend’s shoulder and
began to guide him forward, pausing only to pat at Ao’nung’s tsurak before it swam off. While
Ao’nung had been caught up in his thoughts, Rotxo had taken his nets to the beach where they now
lay in a pile beside Rotxo’s own nets full of fish.

Tsireya stood on the shore before the pile and her pale eyes lit up with a smile when her gaze met
Ao’nung’s. “Brother.” She said warmly when Ao’nung and Rotxo finally waded to shore, the
alpha letting his arm drop from where it had been draped over his friend’s shoulder. Tsireya took
his place, pressing her shoulder against Ao’nung’s and hooking her arm through his. “The hunt
seems like it went well. The clan will not go hungry tonight.” Her soft voice was strong with pride
and she lightly bumped her shoulder against Ao’nung’s with a smile as Rotxo moved away to
check the nets.

“No thanks to the Olo’eyktan.” Ao’nung grunted with a roll of his eyes, feelings of that still-
lingering bitterness leaving tendrils of venom in his chest. Some of that bitterness that weighed on
him lightened when Tsireya let out a little laugh that she quickly muffled. Though she was on
much better terms with the Olo’eyktan and Tsahík than Ao’nung was, she made her distaste of
their parenting clear when in the presence of her brother.

When she managed to stifle the rest of her giggles she turned to face him, her pale eyes going a bit
dark with worry as she slid her arm from his and settled her palm instead on Ao’nung’s shoulder.
“How was he?” She asked, her voice low as she tipped her head back to motion towards where
Tonowari was still moving through the ranks of hunters with the Tsahík at his side. Her ear flicked
as she quietly added, “During the hunt, I mean.”

“Honestly,” Ao’nung began, feeling the last swirls of bitterness leave him. “He wasn’t as bad as
usual.” His shoulders loosened when Rotxo nodded in agreement from where he handed one of the
nets off to a young warrior who just barely avoided toppling over at the weight of the fish. “I think
Toruk Makto being there helped. I was actually able to do my job without Tonowari challenging
me.” He let out a dry sort of snort and rolled his eyes again with a lash of his tail, flashing Tsireya a
grin he hoped would staunch her worries.

“Toruk- Oh, hello!” Tsireya shot her brother a secretive sort of smile before she straightened and
whirled around, flashing a bright smile at the approaching warrior. She hooked her arm through
Ao’nung’s again and tugged him closer as she trilled happily, “How are you, Olo’eyktan?”

Jake grinned genuinely back at Tsireya, his tail flicking behind him as he strode closer and stopped
near where Rotxo stood. Silently, Ao’nung appreciated the couple feet of space between him and
the looming warrior. “I’m doing well. And really, you don’t have to keep up with the titles. Its just
Jake.” Tsireya’s responding smile was dazzling as she dipped her head and Jake’s smile softened as
his gaze leveled at her before he turned to Ao’nung. “The hunt was very successful today. You do
great work out there with your hunters.”

The words felt genuine coming from Jake and Ao’nung felt a warm feeling curl in his chest,
something he hadn’t really felt since he was a child. Something almost like a smile tugged at
Ao’nung’s lips and he dipped his head respectfully to the older warrior as he tried to fight against
it. “Thank you. You adapted well to hunting on a tsurak. It was very impressive.” Praise usually
wasn’t something Ao’nung found himself giving easily, but he as well as every na’vi had been
raised on stories of Toruk Makto and his heroics. When the warrior himself was standing before
him, it was hard not to praise him, even for Ao’nung.

“Flexibility is important.” Jake agreed with a flick of his tail. He paused, glancing over his shoulder
towards where his family stood on the shore among the rest of the clan, their rich blue skin
standing out against the paler turquoise hues of the Metkayina. Neteyam stood near his mother and
his golden gaze was unabashedly locked on Ao’nung. He smiled faintly when the omega’s gaze
met his and, quickly, Ao’nung turned back to Jake. A small grin flicked across the older na’vi’s
lips when he leveled his gaze back on Ao’nung and said, “I believe my son could learn a lot from
you Ao’nung. I’m glad you took over teaching him.” He dropped his hand on Ao’nung’s shoulder
and squeezed. “No offense Tsireya.” Jake added with a small grin.

“Oh none taken.” Tsireya said with a happy smile that wilted a bit with worry when she turned to
glance at her frozen brother. Lightly, the flat end of her tail knocked against Ao’nung’s back and he
startled before blurting, “Thank you.”

He could only stare wide eyed at Jake as the older na’vi shot him another grin before he sauntered
back over to his family, the same casual looseness in his shoulders as his eldest son. Usually at the
touch of an alpha Ao’nung would have flinched or pulled back with a snarl fixed on his lips. But
with Jake he merely stood there, staring as the alpha turned and left.

Tsireya’s hand smoothed over Ao’nung’s shoulder, her smooth palm settling in the same place
Jake’s calloused one had been moments before. She shifted forward until she stood in front of her
brother, a small, gentle smile fixed on her face. “I like him.” She said gently, her touch comforting
where it settled on Ao’nung’s shoulders. “He seems nothing like Tonowari.”

Ao’nung glanced over her shoulder as his throat grew tight. “Yeah. I don’t think he is like
Tonowari at all.” He uttered, watching how Jake leaned down with his arm draped comfortably
around his mate’s shoulder as he said something to his youngest daughter, Tuk, who laughed
gleefully. It was a good thing, that the Omatikayan Olo’eyktan was nothing like Tonowari. But it
was unfamiliar and, despite himself, Ao’nung couldn’t help but feel wary of it.

That bitterness once again welled up in Ao’nung’s stomach as he watched the happy family. Tuk
despite her age dangled off of her father’s arm like a child and Lo’ak stood nearby, his face split
wide in a grin that bared his teeth. It was the first time Ao’nung had seen his face fixed in anything
other than a glower and he looked a lot like his father with his golden eyes bright and his tail
whipping behind him. Even Kiri, who often had an impassive sort of look on her face was smiling,
leaning her sharp shoulder against her mother’s as she watched her family members with barely
veiled amusement.

Tsireya’s hand tapping lightly at his shoulder is what had Ao’nung finally pulling his gaze away
from the Suli’s and he forced himself to not glance back over her shoulder to eye Neteyam, feeling
the alpha’s golden gaze still on him even as his laughter rang out alongside his family’s. Ao’nung
decided not to think about the fact that he could pick out Neteyam’s voice in a crowd that included
almost all of the Metkayina and turned away, lifting one of the remaining nets of fish over his
shoulder.

The rest of the clan had begun to depart from where they crowded around the hunters and now
spread out along the beach, some warriors-in-training still lanky with youth preparing the large
bonfire for the feast while the clan’s omegas set aside peeling scales away from tender flesh and
chopping up the fruits that had been gathered.

When Ao’nung dropped one of the nets and nodded curtly to the eldest omega who, despite the
struggles they both faced, had never seemed to like him much, Tsireya drew her knife and settled
down as though she were going to help the others. She, unlike Ao’nung, had settled easily into the
traditional role of an omega and while she as much as him disliked how Tonowari and the clan’s
other alphas treated omegas, she saw no problem with taking on the more traditional roles.

“See you soon Tsireya.” Ao’nung dropped a hand on Tsireya’s shoulder and squeezed in the same
way she had done to him and she tipped her head back to smile warmly up at him, giving him and
Rotxo a little wave of her fingers before she turned and took a large fish handed to her, beginning to
cut a slit along its scaled stomach with the curved edge of her knife.

When Ao’nung turned back to Rotxo the alpha was watching one of the older omegas with a small
frown furrowing his brows. Rotxo’s mother had been an omega somewhat like Ao’nung who
despised the way things were within the clan for omegas and had spent her entire life speaking out
about it. She had died when the two of them were young not long after Ao’nung presented but he
thought Rotxo’s mother was originally the reason the young alpha had never treated him any
differently.

Rotxo glanced up and shot Ao’nung a faint smile before he turned and strode towards the
beginnings of the fire that some young warriors were now struggling to fight. To Ao’nung’s dull
surprise, Neteyam was crouched next to them, coaching the boy holding the flint in his hands with
 a small grin on his face and his tail flicking in silent amusement behind him. Lo’ak paced
somewhere behind him, no remnants of the carefree smile on his face. He turned as though he
could feel Ao’nung’s gaze and leveled a sharp golden glare on him, the beginnings of a snarl
curling at his lips.

The sun hovered just above the horizon and its milky light began to disappear, its last bright rays
shining out around the shadowy, looming planet that eclipsed it. Long shadows were cast along the
beach and, while Ao’nung watched, the young warrior lit the fire, the licking flames sparking to
life and roaring as they consumed the salt-soaked driftwood that cast the flames in a golden glow.
From his position beside the bonfire, Tonowari with his broad shoulders outlined in flames, tipped
his head back and let out a loud whoop.

Ao’nung glanced up and met Neteyam’s gaze through the light of the bonfire. The feast had begun.

Chapter End Notes

At one point during the development of this storyline, I had planned for Ao'nung to
grow close to Neytiri as a mother figure as his character developed. But as Tonowari's
role as Ao'nung's absent/abusive father grew larger, I thought it would be fitting for
him to form a relationship with Jake instead! Plus I just like Jake I feel like I don't get
to write him enough.
Next chapter expect more feast activities! I expect the entire chapter to be just about
the feast so there will be plenty of Ao'nung and Neteyam interaction for you all <3

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