Rule No.5 : A man gets the respect he deserved no matter what it takes.

Aonung was never somebody to mess with. It made sense as he was the chief's son, but that wasn't all. Growing up, he would beat up or pick on everybody that would mock him. That is why he was so respected by Metkayinas of his age. And if there was something that everybody knew, it was to be careful because he would do anything to get the respect he deserves.

But there is a first time to everything right?

It had been one week since they last talked.

And it was mainly Aonung's fault.

The day after their fight, Neteyam had tried to talk to him. But prisoner of his guiltiness, Aonung had declined him using his busyness as an excuse. He wasn't ready yet, the pain of the previous night was still fresh in his bruised heart. He had a lot of things to say to the Omatikaya, apologies being one of them, but he didn't know how to word it correctly.

He didn't have the opportunity to think about it more as Neteyam started to avoid him in the following days. The Metkayina was barely able to catch sight of the earth Na'vi because every time he would go somewhere, the other would disappear in a few seconds.

At first, it pained him because even though he wanted to make things right by waiting for the right moment, he still managed to hurt Neteyam. However, with time he realized that maybe it was for the best.

He knew since the beginning that these feelings would lead him nowhere. He was well aware that the most he could do was to enjoy those sweet moments with the Omatikaya. But eventually, he started having unrealistic hope for them becoming something. And look where it had led them.

Both Neteyam and him were aching.

So being forced apart would put him back on the right track which was to focus on fulfilling his responsibilities. He would only have his training to worry about and Neteyam would be safe from his anger. So that is what he did. He fixated his mind on his training as a hunter and a chief. From down to dusk he barely saw anyone anymore, only catching sight of his own family when coming back to their pod. He trained even more than he used to before the Sully family arrived.

But just because his mind was able to go forward didn't mean his heart was ready.

Even if his training help him to occupy his time, he couldn't lie to himself. He felt that longing all day long. When he would lie his head on his pillow, he would feel that pit in his stomach. Like something was missing. Every time he was on verge of sleeping, he could only think about how much his heart was craving Neteyam. He wanted to lie in the latter's arms and listen to his endless stories about the jungles of Pandora. He wanted to see the Omatikaya's mesmerized glaze as they were visiting the countless paradises of Marui. He wanted the other to be back in his life. These thoughts kept haunting Aonung's resting moment. But what could he do about them? Neteyam's heart belonged to someone else already.

One week later, Aonung was on the beach with his old friends. Since they had decided to go hunting for fun, each of them sat on the ground to sharpen the spears they would use later. The boys around him were talking and laughing about something the Metkayina had no idea about. He wasn't able to focus on the conversation as he was remembering the one he had with his sister the previous night. He thought his new lifestyle had gone unnoticed, but unsurprisingly, she had seen the unusual distance between Neteyam and him.

Tsireya sat next to him.

''What happened ?'' she got straight to the point.

He knew exactly what she was talking about, but he didn't want to talk about it. As if saying the thoughts out loud would only make them real.

''Nothing, what do you mean ?'' he forced the emotions out of his face and looked blankly at her.

''These lies don't work with me, and you know it. What happened ?'' she insisted.

This time he didn't answer. His sister moved to sit in front of him, forcing him to look at her. She had determination in her eyes.

''Aonung, you pass your whole days training, and when you aren't in the water, you are lost in your thoughts. I just worry about you brother '' she added.

Her gaze softened and hope was painted across her features. Hopes for her brother to open up to her. But Aonung didn't want to reopen his wounds. He was finally able to act as if nothing happened, he didn't want to step backward. He stood up.

''There is nothing to worry about me. Just go to sleep.'' He forced a smile and patted her head as usual. He turned around to go away, but she stop him with her hand.

''Did something happen with Neteyam? If you keep going like that, you are going to lo-''

''Don't push it '' his cold voice cut through hers, leaving no place for discussion.

As sadness crept onto her features, Aonung didn't wait for her answer and walked away, regret building inside him for being hard on his sister.

He knew she was just looking out for him but he didn't feel ready yet. Suddenly, he was dragged out of his thoughts when he realized everyone around him was silent. He furrowed his brows and looked up to see what was going in on. He was faced with Lo'ak who was accompanied by a worried Rotxo. It didn't take him long to understand that the Omatikaya wasn't here to talk about rainbows and butterflies due to the anger painted on his face. The earth Na'vi looked at them one by one before letting his stare sit on the leader of the gang.

''What did you do to my brother ?''

It was a simple question but Aonung was taken aback. He hadn't expected the younger to be so direct. He faked a confused expression.

''Don't know what you talking about''

''Oh, so you are going to play dumb now ?'' Lo'ak said frowning.

The Metkayina acted disinterested and focused on sharpening his branch giving silence as an answer. Lo'ak took a step forward tightening his fists.

''You didn't learn your lesson after picking on Kiri right? You want another beating?'' he let out through his clenched teeth. Rotxo quickly held his arm to stop him from going forward, looking alert.

Aonung knew he was getting a taste of his own medicine. He had acted like a bastard, twice. But he was in front of his friends and he couldn't lose face. He looked back up with a mock on his face.

''You are alone and you all still looking for fights ?''

Lo'ak was about to repost but Rotxo nudged him.

''Stop that, Neteyam isn't going to like this "' he spoke lowly, but the chief's son was still able to catch what he was saying.

He furrowed his eyebrows at the Metkayina speaking about the older brother as if he knew him so much.

''I don't give a shit.'' Lo'ak turned around to face Rotxo. ''He keeps fucking around with my siblings, making Neteyam cry and shit'' the Omatikaya shook his hand free from Rotxo.

Aonung was startled. Neteyam had... cried? But he didn't have the time to think about it much longer, as he had to do something before the situation got out of hand.

''You want to fight? Alright'' he stood up before also taking a step toward the younger brother, '' but isn't it unfair since you are all alone ? '' he looked around at his friend which nodded to show their agreement. ''Let's go hunting and see who gets the biggest catch.'' He knew Lo'ak wouldn't calm down, so it was better to deal with his rage with a calm competition.

Lo'ak looked up defiantly at him before nodding. Satisfied with the outcome, Aonung made his way toward the water, his friends following him. Once he had called his Ilu, he looked back at Lo'ak who was still on the beach with a frustrated Rotxo.

''Rotxo, bro you coming with us !'' one of their friends yelled.

The called one turned around with a frown, shaking his head.

''I don't want to take part in your games'' he then turned around to face Lo'ak.'' Man, I don't think that is a good idea''.

''I'm going to be alright'' he answered before joining the Metkayinas waiting for him in the water.

Just like that, they left Rotxo alone on the shore.

------------------

They were back on the beach and they were laughing about what happened. When they arrived outside of the reef, one of Aonung's friends had the idea to leave the Omatikaya alone to scare him a little bit. Aonung didn't want to do it, it was a bad idea. But his ego was at stake. He had to think about what old him would have done in such a situation. So as his friends were looking at him with smirks, he nodded and disappeared with them when the Oamtikaya had gone forward to call a prey.

''He is so stupid,'' said one of the guys.

''I know right? This is what he gets for thinking he could speak to Aonung like that."

All the group laughed once again, except for Aonung. He used to prank people all the time with no remorse so why couldn't he mock him too?

They walked toward the village until they reached two people talking loudly in the middle of the way. It was Neteyam and Rotxo who seemed to be in a heated argument. The Omatikaya back was facing them so he didn't notice the group approach.

''How could you let him go there !'' it was Neteyam.

Aonung understood he had just been told what happened earlier with his brother.

''I told him to stay but he didn't listen to me'' Rotxo sounded helpless.

He then look to the side and his gaze fell on the newcomers. Seeing that the Metkayina had lost his attention, Neteyam turned around, his eyes falling on Aonung.

The latter couldn't stop himself from staring back. It had been so long since they last looked at each other. He saw a glimpse of sadness cross the Omaticaya's eyes before his look hardened after noticing something.

''Where is my brother ?''

Aonung's stomach drop. The older Omaticayan brother dashed to him.

''Aonung, why isn't Lo'ak with you? ''

The water Na'vi opened and closed his mouth multiple times. How could he tell him he had brought his brother outside of the reef and left him there as a joke? He looked sideways, avoiding Neteyam's worried stare.

''We left him outside the reef'' a Na'vi behind him answered for him with a laugh.

It was silent for a few seconds.

''That is a joke right, there is no way you did that ?" he heard the voice say.

The silence that followed was loud enough to give him an answer. Aonung felt ashamed. He raised his head to look at the smaller and nothing could have prepared him for what he saw. The latter was looking at him with eyes full of betrayal and pain. It was only then that he realized how badly he had fucked up. He hadn't just pulled a prank on his brother, he had put him in great danger. He was so blinded by his pride he had not seen how bad this situation could turn out. And here he was in front of Neteyam, telling him he had endangered his younger brother. It was almost perfidious of him.

He didn't answer and ran toward the sea after calling his Ilu. He heard Neteyam shout his name but he ignored it as he dived into the water, in the direction of the coast. He didn't care if it made him look weak to his friends. He didn't care if going to find Lo'ak meant he accepted being disrespected by him. He had to fix this mess he had just created.

------------------

When he arrived at the border of the reef, it wasn't hard to find the younger Omatikaya due to the agitation in the water. The Na'vi was being hunted down by an Akula.

Shit.

He had never seen one before, but he had heard the tale of his village. This creature was bloodthirsty and never stopped until it caught its prey. He tightened his hold on his spear before swimming toward it. When he reached Lo'ak, he ignored his glare and indicated to him to jump on the Ilu.

Surprisingly, the earth Na'vi didn't cause any issues and did as he was told. They then speeded back in direction of the village. When the Metkayina looked back to check on the fish, he widened his eyes after seeing it was darting toward them. He pulled on the leash harder to make the Ilu swim faster but the distance between them and the Akula kept decreasing. There was one solution left, they had to fight it.

The Ilu turned around to swim at full speed toward the Akula while Aonung indicated his plan to the Omatikaya. He would throw his spear inside the fish's mouth to distract it and they would use that moment to escape.

He raised the weapon over his head but at the last second, the Akula turned to the side. Its fishtail knocked Aonung onto the chess, opening a wound and breaking the spear in his hands. The force of the impact propelled him against a coral, pushing the left oxygen out of his lungs. He tried to follow the fish with his eyes but he felt too dizzy to do so as he sank to the bottom of the sea.

A hand caught his arm, and he felt a few hard slaps on his cheeks. Regaining control of his consciousness, he looked up to see Lo'ak smirking at him while holding out the sharp end of his spear. He knew the other had used that opportunity to hit him stronger than needed as revenge. He took his weapon before sitting back to his earlier position on the Ilu.

Aonung knew they had to act quickly as he could feel his body screaming for oxygen. He raised the spear and raced toward the Akula once again. This time, he threw his weapon a few seconds earlier and when it reached its target, the Ilu swam toward the surface of the water.

As soon as the water Na'vi was in contact with fresh air, he took a deep breath. He turned around to look at the Omatikaya who looked on the verge of collapsing. He had been deprived of oxygen for much longer.

''You good ?'' he asked.

The other nodded even though his appearance showed the total contrary. Their break was soon interrupted by the water movements beneath them. The Metkayina submerged his head in the cold water once again only to see the fish swimming toward the surface.

''Shit it's coming back'' Lo'ak said as he saw it too.

Alerted, the Metkayina was about to pull on the leash, but he nearly lost his balance because of a sea quake. He looked back into the water to see that another huge animal had crashed into the Akula. A Tulkun. He didn't even have the time to think about its unusual presence since it was their opportunity to flee.

''Wait no, we have to thank him! '' said Lo'ak to stop him, while tightening his hold on the Ilu's skin to not fall.

''You can come back later. We don't have time and Neteyam is looking for you.''

As he was guiding the animal, Aonung pressed a hand against his injury to stop the blood from flooding. Half an hour later, they could see the village and the group of villagers near the chief's pod. They went down the Ilu and swam until they arrived. The water Na'vi was not ready for the brutal welcome he would receive because as soon as he put a foot on earth, Tonowari grabbed him by the back of his neck.

''What were you thinking ! '' he roared before pushing his son to the ground. ''Apology, now !''.

On his knees, Aonung had to look toward Lo'ak who was himself getting his share of yells from his parents, his feet still in the water. He bends his head in embarrassment for his actions before letting out a sorry.

Right after, hasty splashes of water could be heard. The Metkayina rose his head once again to see Neteyam hurrying up to hug Lo'ak.

''You are so stupid! Why did you though this could be a good idea ? '' he said, not without slapping his younger brother's head.

''I'm fine'' was all Lo'ak grumbled before they both separated.

Aonung was pulled to his feet by his father while he was still staring at the older brother. His breath got stuck in his throat when the latter suddenly turned around and they made eye contact. He was even more surprised when the other scan him up and down, his eye lasting longer on his chest, looking almost worried. It didn't last long as Jake Sully interrupted their staring session.

''Weren't you supposed to keep an eye on your brother ? '' the Man scolded his son.

Neteyam let his head drop.

''Sorry sir'' he let out.

Right after, the Sully brothers were dragged away by their parents. The few villagers that had assisted at the scene also left and Aonung was left to deal with his own parents.

------------------

Aonung was sitting on the beach and staring at the now dark sky. He had just escaped his parent's scolding that lasted nearly an hour. They were mad. Really mad. And he knew he had seriously disappointed them. Even Tsireya who was usually able to tone down situations like these hadn't been able to do anything this time.

Now that it was done, he needed some time alone to reflex on himself. His deep thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind him. Thinking it was Tsireya, he turned around only to be startled by Neteyam. The Na'vi was standing with a bowl in his hands as if waiting for his agreement to come closer. After a few seconds, Neteyam just decided for himself and went to sit in front of the Metkayina who was watching him with a mouth slightly agape. Aonung felt his heart skip a beat at seeing the earth Na'vi so close after so long. He was once again hit by Neteyam's beauty. Were his soft freckles always that shiny in the dimness of the night?

The smaller one didn't say anything as he dipped his hand in the bowl and then extended it toward Aonung's chest. The gesture brought the older out of his dream and he realise his motive. The dark blue-skinned Na'vi had come to tend his wound. Once again, he remembered why loved him so much: even after he messed up, the Omatikaya still wanted to take care of him. He was too nice for his own good. Aonung leaned back.

"Netey-" he started but was immediately interrupted.

"What? Are you going to reject me again ?" Neteyam said, face blank of emotions.

It's like the other had read his thought because that was exactly what he was about to do. He also felt guilty as clearly, the earth Na'vi hadn't forgotten the way he had declined to talk to him after their fight. It only convinced him into thinking he didn't deserve any care or attention from Neteyam at this moment. He wrapped his fingers around the smaller's wrist to stop his hand from touching his chest.

"It's not like that, and you know it'' he answered.

''Well let me continue then. ''

Neteyam tried to push his hand but was stopped once again.

''No, you should stop and go back to your brother. He's probably hur-"

That wasn't the right thing to say, because on again he got interrupted. But this time, by a frustrated voice.

"You have no right to tell me what to do. Not after everything you have done! "

The Omatikaya whose previous face was devoid of expressions was now frowning, with anger-filled eyes.

"Do you even realize what you did today? " He removed his hand from the Metkayina hold. ''You put my brother in danger when you know how much I struggle to keep him safe !''.

It was the first time he ever saw Neteyam mad. The other was in a bad mood from time to time, but angriness was an unfamiliar sight to see on his features.

''And you didn't stop there. You had to go and join him! Do you even realize how worried I was knowing both of you were out there ?''

The water Na'vi knew he had messed up badly. Hell, he was furious at himself for hurting the Omatikaya again and again! He didn't know what to answer.

"Don't you have anything to say ?"

Neteyam was looking at him waiting for answers, but Aonung was just wordless. What could he ever say that would explain his actions?

"Talk to me! "

That is what I'm trying to do!

He wanted to say something, anything, but it was like his voice was stuck in his throat.

"...just why...?" Neteyam's voice now sounded exhausted, and Aonung knew he wasn't just talking about today. He was also talking about their fight.

Silence.

"I shouldn't have come here."

Neteyam suddenly stood up. The taller widened his eyes as the dark blue-skinned Na'vi walked away. That is when it all sank into his head. He was fooling himself by thinking he could go back to his old self. He thought he was healing while in reality, he was just pushing the pain away. Neteyam had already changed him. Without the other, he couldn't be himself anymore. And as he saw the smaller step away from him, he finally understood what his sister was saying. If he didn't stop doing everything backward, he would lose the other for good.

He stood and ran toward the Omatikaya before wrapping his fingers once again around his wrist. Neteyam stopped walking, his back still facing the Metkayina.

''Let me go''.

But Aonung only tightened his hold.

''No, I won't'' was his answer.

The earth Na'vi tried to shake his hand off the hold, but because of Aonung's strength, he couldn't. After a few fails, he turned around and the taller was shocked by the sight he was faced with.

Neteyam had tears rolling down his cheeks. He was crying.

"Why are you doing this to me ?" he cried.

It was the first time he looked so fragile, and once again Aonung knew he was the cause of it.

He had enough.

He had enough of this situation where they kept on hurting each other because of buried feelings. He looked at the tears rolling down the smaller's cheeks and he knew that even if they stayed friends, he couldn't keep his feelings for himself any longer. He wanted to remove that weight from his shoulders. And while it was maybe the worst thing to do in the current situation, he couldn't control his lips.

''Because I love you !''

There, he had said it.

The sobs decreased until they became silent. A few seconds of silence passed before Neteyam answered.

''What ?'' His voice was so weak it nearly went unnoticed.

''I love you so much Neteyam'' he frustratingly passed a hand on his braids before it stopped at his bun.''You don't know the thing you have been doing to me. I can't stand next to you without my heartbeat accelerating. Every time you laugh, I get these butterflies in my stomach. I want to protect you and keep you safe but I just keep hurting you. And I know you don't feel the same about me, you already like Rotxo, but I can't keep it to my-''

He was suddenly interrupted by a pair of lips.

It was so sudden that it took him a while to understand that they were Neteyam's. In fact, he was tip-toeing and holding the taller's cheeks. Aonung stayed immobile for a few seconds before he finally reciprocated, moving his lips against the earth Na'vi's soft ones while fireworks exploded in his stomach. He wrapped his arm tightly around the smaller waist and so on, anything else than their mouth moving in synchronization was far in his mind. As he was finally pouring all his feeling into that kiss, he forgot his doubts, his role and Rotxo. His mind felt relieved and the only thing that mattered at that moment was the Omatikaya in front of him. Only Eywa knew how long they kissed before they finally let go of each other.

Aonung smiled as he looked at a dazed Neteyam. The latter then moved his hand to wrap them around the taller's abdomen while hiding his face in his neck. The water Na'vi slid his hand behind his shoulder to hug him back. But when he felt something wet on his skin and frowned before leaning back.

He frowned when he was faced with Neteyam's tear-stained face once again. He brought his hands to his face before wiping his cheeks clean.

''Did I...Did I hurt you ? '' he asked, worry in his voice.

''No, I'm just really happy.'' he answered softly.'' I-I thought you didn't want me anymore.''

Aonung eyes softened at this.

''Never, I could never stop wanting you. '' He started deep into Neteyam's eyes to make sure he understood. ''I'm sorry for everything I did. I'm so sorry and I will make it up to you.''

His words were simple. This time, he didn't try to find the perfect wording. And he was glad he did because the look in Neteyam's golden orbs which seem to contain all of the universes told him it was enough.

He couldn't resist and this time he was the one to initiate the kiss. He bent down and their lips collided once again while Neteyam's hands tied around his neck. That kiss was much softer than the previous one as they weren't under the frustration of having been kept apart for so long. It was simply a show of love for each other. Aonung pressed his tongue on the smaller lips and it wasn't long before the other gave him prmission to enter. He then kissed deeper to explore all of the Omatikaya's mouth. And since he wasn't overwhelmed by his feelings anymore, Aonung could focus on all the sensations he felt. The sweet and addicting taste of Neteyam, the wetness of their tongue dancing together and Neteyam's little whimper, proofs of his enjoyment.

When they separated a while later, because of the lack of oxygen, they stuck their foreheads together while staring into each other eyes. They wanted to engrave this moment in their mind. And that was when Aonung came to another conclusion. Respect had low value compared to the one he loved. He was ready to accept any form of it if it meant he could hold Neteyam in his arms just like that. And as his heart felt at ease, he broke the silence.

''I see you,'' he whispered to his lover.

The latter did that infamous smile of his that melted Aonung's heart every time and covered the hand on his cheek with his own.

''I see you.''

--------------------

They kissed, finally ! Sorry for the wait, this chapter was long to write and I kept editing it because I wasn't satified. But it is finally done !

Today's question : Who between Aonung and Neteyam is more likely to hide his face on the blanket when blushing because the other did something cute ? Answer in the comments as always.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter and if you did, dont forget to leave a vote ! <<33