Angel's Return (A Neteyam and Aonung Love Story)

Chapter Five

Aonung smiled as he watched his mother admire her new child.
She looked to Aonung, raising her eyes.
"Would you like to hold him?"

Aonung smiled, carefully holding the baby against his chest.
He looked down, rubbing his ears.

"Have you thought of starting a family? With Neteyam." Ronal asked, grabbing the silk blanket to rest over her body.

Aonung looked up, his ears fluttering as they reddened.
"Mother-"

Ronal rose her hand, laughing.
"Aonung, you are both of age. Your father and I have blessed your relationship."

Aonung smiled, remembering the conversation they once had.
"We aren't even mates."

Ronal sat forward. Placing a hand on Aonung's knee.
"You love each other. And he is here, with you. He came back for you. What is stopping you?"

Aonung looked back to Fruno, his lips pursing into a thin line.
"Nothing it's just, I'm not sure of his desires."

Ronal carefully took one of her son's hands. Her fingers brushing Aonung's hair from his face.
"Neteyam is a loyal man. Very true to his heart and mind. I could not think of anyone more perfect for you. He is Olo'eyktan, as you will be one-day. He saved our clan and helped deliver your brother."

She sighed, carefully taking Fruno and laying back down.
"Speak to him, he will tell you the truth."

Aonung nodded, kissing the top of her head and leaving her to rest.

°^°^°^°^°^°

Neteyam pet the head of his Ilu, laughing as he chirped happy. Soon, swimming in circles around him.

He closed his eyes as he felt arms wrap around him, a chest firmly pressed against his back.
"This is a different hello."

He turned, his arms wrapping around Aonung's neck.
"Can we talk?"

Neteyam furrowed his eyebrows, nodding.

Aonung looked down, taking a deep break.
Neteyam moved a hand down his arm, pressing their hands together.
"Aon, it's okay. What is it?"

Aonung intertwined their hands, pushing his nerves aside. He had to remember.

This is Neteyam. Someone so trustworthy, he didn't think possible. The man, he loved.

"Do you love me?"
Aonung asked, tightening his hand around Neteyam's.

Neteyam smiled, gently rubbing his thumb along Aonung's palm.
"Of course I do."

Aonung nodded, his hand going on Neteyam's back, gently pushing him closer.
"You are Olo'eyktan...and I will be one day. Our life together, would be difficult. More difficult than either of us signed up for."

Neteyam frowned, nodding to the statement.
He took a step back, moving his hair from under Aonung's arm.

Aonung stuttered, closing his eyes as a blush rose to his face.
"Would you, like to be my mate?"

Neteyam smiled, lifting his arms around the taller.
Aonung opened his eyes, looking down to the other with worry.
"There is no one other than you. I would like that very much."

Aonung smiled, kissing Neteyam quickly before picking him up.
Neteyam laughed as he wrapped his legs around the Metkayina's waist, his hands playing with his let down hair.

Aonung lowered them into the water, his tail keeping them balanced as they just sat peacefully. Holding each other.
"We might beat Lo'ak and my sister to it, then."