#afaa fluff

Carried By The Water: pt 19

(Aonung x male reader)

masterlist

Genre: fluff

Warnings: none

Word count: 2.6k

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It had been nearly two months since the battle, since the fire and the blood and the last time the Metkayina had been whole in laughter. The village was quieter now, slower. Not in a peaceful way—there was a heaviness in the air, a soft undercurrent of grief. The Tsahik's absence still lingered like smoke clinging to the coral walls of the metkayina, invisible yet unmistakable. Even in the daily rhythms of repair, the laughter of the younger warriors, and the tireless hum of the reef's tide, a shadow pressed down on every conversation.

Aonung moved deliberately through the village paths, a woven basket balanced carefully against his hip. Inside were neatly wrapped bundles of medicinal herbs, healing pastes, and a few pieces of fresh fruit. He was going to Tsireya's marui first, to ensure she had everything she needed before anyone else could arrive. The soft rattle of the basket against his thigh was the only sound, aside from the occasional call of a distant seabird. His brow was furrowed slightly, not from fatigue, but from the constant, quiet weight of responsibility that had begun to settle onto him like a second skin.

The past two months had been difficult, and yet in the distance, life continued. Children ran along the beach, testing nets, chasing the surf, laughter spilling into the warm air. Older warriors mended spears and checked the weapons salvaged from the last battle. But Aonung's eyes were always searching, always calculating—even as he carried a basket of what seemed like small, trivial items, he was planning, thinking, preparing for the next chapter.

He reached the marui. Its woven walls swayed gently in the breeze, a pale, sandy hue illuminated by the morning sun filtering through the gaps. He paused just outside, taking a deep breath, before stepping inside.

Inside, the air was warm and soft, scented faintly with salt and herbs. _____ was half-sat up on the low, woven mats that lined the floor of the marui, propped up on his elbows. His body was still recovering, but he carried himself with a faint stubborn pride, eyes bright even though his cheek still bore the pale shadow of a healing scar. He looked at Aonung as the door swayed closed behind him, a teasing smile lifting the corners of his lips.

"You're awake," Aonung said gently, his voice calm, but threaded with relief and something softer underneath. "Finally."

_____ gave a mock groan, leaning a little further back against the mats. "Finally, yes. And you? Still gallivanting about the village like some future Olo'eyktan on a morning errand?"

Aonung placed the basket carefully on the mat beside him, kneeling with a deliberate precision that showed both care and authority. He began pulling out small pieces of brightly colored fruits—slices of sweet krrsh fruit, soft chunks of banana-like pulih, and tiny berries that popped with juice.

"Sit still," Aonung instructed, tilting his head slightly, his eyes narrowing at the faint twitch in _____'s lips that hinted at a smile. He held out a slice of fruit to him. "You are not going anywhere today, not until I say."

_____ laughed softly, taking the fruit. "Oh, come on, at least one little swim. It's just a morning dip—what is the harm?"

Aonung's jaw tightened. "I am the future Olo'eyktan. I cannotuu have my mate being injured and reopening his wounds just because he wants to go for a swim. Do you understand?"

"And you think that a little water could undo all the training and preparation we've survived?" _____ countered, feigning offense as he leaned a bit closer, letting the sweet fruit press against his tongue.

"I think," Aonung said, eyes glinting, "that if you even think about it, I will personally confiscate every single fruit in this basket and make you eat only the bitter herbs until your body remembers who is in charge here."

_____ chuckled, the sound low and warm. "Oh, the mighty future Olo'eyktan, scolding me while feeding me fruit. Such a fearsome combination."

Aonung allowed a small smirk, though his eyes softened immediately as he watched him eat. "You will forgive me. I have a duty, and it begins with keeping you alive. That is first and foremost."

They settled into an easy rhythm. Aonung fed him, slice by slice, and _____ teased him in return, poking at his shoulder, leaning just slightly into his side as he did. The world beyond the woven walls of the marui seemed to blur. The distant laughter of children, the soft calls of warriors practicing on the reef—it all fell into a muted hum. Here, they were just themselves.

"So," _____ said after a moment, swallowing a small bite of fruit, "the ceremony is soon, isn't it?"

Aonung nodded, picking up another piece and slicing it neatly with his fingers before offering it to him. "Yes. Soon enough that preparations are no longer trivial. The elders are counting on me."

_____ tilted his head, a playful glint in his eyes despite the lingering fatigue. "And that means... you? You're officially stepping up?"

Aonung's gaze hardened with quiet determination. "Yes. Father is stepping down to spend more time with Pril. It is my responsibility now. We are moving into the larger marui. Everything will be prepared. And you will stay safe, understood?"

_____ reached out, brushing a loose braid from Aonung's temple. "I do not doubt your capability," he murmured. "But still... I cannot imagine the Olo'eyktan without some mischief, without a mate constantly at his side. I suppose I will need to keep you on your toes."

Aonung laughed softly, a low, resonant sound that filled the small space. "You will not get out of this that easily. I am the future Olo'eyktan. My orders are absolute, especially when your health is concerned."

"I suppose," _____ said, letting a small smile tug at his lips, "that if I obey your orders, I can steal a kiss between bites."

"Do not test me," Aonung warned, though his fingers lingered on _____'s hand as he pressed another slice of fruit to his lips. "Eat, enjoy. But you will not leave this marui today."

Their laughter mingled with quiet moments of warmth. Aonung's hand brushed against _____'s, lingering over the scarred shoulder where a faint mark of battle still reddened the skin. His thumb traced it lightly, gently, a constant reminder of protection, of devotion.

"You will be careful out there," _____ said, leaning slightly into him. "Even with all this... authority, you are not invincible."

"I know," Aonung replied softly. "But I will do everything to protect those I love. And that begins with you."

For a long moment, they simply sat together, sharing fruit, laughter, and the soft intimacy of closeness after so much chaos. The basket was slowly emptied, crumbs of fruit and juices staining the woven mats, but neither seemed to mind.

Then Aonung's eyes flicked toward the doorway, serious once again. "Soon, we will move into the larger marui. This will be your home as much as mine. And..." His lips curved in the faintest mischievous smirk, "I expect you to respect my orders while in it. Especially regarding swimming."

_____ rolled his eyes dramatically. "Fine. But when I finally get my dip, you will owe me an extra twenty slices of fruit, counted, no exceptions."

"You are insufferable," Aonung said, though the laughter in his voice betrayed the fondness he felt. "But very well. Twenty slices it is."

They leaned closer then, a playful warmth shared in the quiet, private space of the marui. Hands brushed, fingers intertwined. Every glance, every touch carried the weight of the past months—the battles survived, the losses endured, the unspoken promise of a future together.

"And you," _____ whispered, "will make a fine Olo'eyktan. Perhaps the best yet. But promise me..." His voice softened, almost a murmur. "Promise me you won't shoulder it alone."

Aonung's eyes softened. "I never will. Not while you are here."

And for a moment, in the warmth of the marui, amid the scattered fruit and the scent of salt and herbs, everything else—the grief, the chaos, the distant memory of battle—was gone. There was only them.

The future awaited. Responsibilities, the ceremony, the weight of leadership—but here, in this moment, they were simply two souls entwined, laughing, teasing, and holding fast to one another.

⸻

The morning sun filtered through the woven walls of the marui, painting soft golden patterns across the floor. The air smelled faintly of salt, dried herbs, and the lingering tang of the reef beyond. For the first time in weeks, _____ was allowed to lie without the weight of bandages constricting him.

Aonung moved carefully, a soft hand brushing against the dried leaf bandages as he peeled them away one by one. The leaves had done their work, holding him steady, keeping him safe through the slow days of recovery, but now it was time for them to go. Each strip revealed smooth, slightly reddened skin beneath, tender and healing, the faintest traces of scars left from battle.

"Careful," _____ murmured, wincing slightly at a particularly stubborn wrap.

"I am always careful with you," Aonung said, his voice warm, teasing just enough to make _____ smile despite the slight ache. "And besides," he added, "I cannot have the future Olo’eyktan’s mate looking like a patchwork quilt on the day of the ceremony."

_____ laughed softly, shifting up slightly on the soft mat, letting Aonung adjust a leaf under his arm. "You are... very meticulous, aren't you?"

"Meticulous is necessary when I am in charge," Aonung replied, lifting the last strip and smoothing a hand over his mate's shoulder. "And it begins with keeping you safe, every moment."

_____ leaned slightly into the touch, letting his eyes close for a moment. "I cannot imagine anyone better to have by my side. Tomorrow, everything changes, and... I want you to know i will always be there for you, ma yawne."

Aonung's hand found his, thumb brushing gently over the back of his hand. "Always. And tomorrow, You will be by my side for the entire ceremony. I promise."

The day passed in slow, gentle rhythms. They shared food, laughed at small jokes only they understood, teased each other quietly. Aonung remained firm, ever-watchful, ensuring that _____ did not overexert himself. But in every glance, every touch, there was warmth, playfulness, and an intimacy that had deepened over the past months.

By late afternoon, the sun was dipping lower, casting long orange and purple streaks across the village. Aonung's eyes betrayed a subtle nervousness—small, almost imperceptible, but there. Tomorrow, he would step fully into his new role, becoming the chief of the metkayina, the Olo’eyktan, and the weight of that responsibility pressed on him.

Sensing it, _____ rose slowly, brushing the hair from his face, and gave a teasing grin. "I think someone needs a break from worrying. Come with me."

Aonung looked at him, uncertain. "Where?"

"Somewhere... quiet," _____ said, standing and heading toward the beach. "Just the two of us."

Aonung hesitated a moment, then nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Alright. I trust you."

They approached a waiting ilu. Its smooth, curved back gleamed in the sunlight, muscles taut and ready beneath their hands. Carefully, they mounted together. _____ sat first, motioning for Aonung to join him behind, close enough to feel the warmth and the steady heartbeat of his mate. Their fingers intertwined across the saddle, a silent reassurance.

The ilu surged forward with a powerful kick of its legs, slicing across the water. Waves splashed along its sides as they glided effortlessly over the coral-rich reef, the cool sea spray brushing their faces. The wind tangled Aonung's hair across his eyes, and _____ leaned back just slightly, resting a cheek against Aonung's shoulder.

"You feel tense," _____ murmured softly, running a hand along Aonung's arm.

"I... am," Aonung admitted, voice low. "Tomorrow is... a lot. And yet... I cannot imagine doing it without you."

_____ turned his head just enough to brush a gentle kiss across Aonung's cheek. "You will be fine. You are strong. You are the leader we all need, and you have me. Always."

Aonung exhaled, his grip tightening around _____'s waist just slightly. "You always know what to say."

They rode in companionable silence for a while, the ilu's steady rhythm beneath them, the spray of the waves, the calls of seabirds above. They wove through the reef, past the shallow coral beds where schools of bright fish darted beneath them, past the rocky outcrops where crabs scuttled and small waves lapped.

Eventually, they reached a quieter stretch of beach, away from the village, away from the murmurs of the metkayina preparing for the upcoming ceremony. The ilu settled onto the sand, and they dismounted carefully, still close, still holding hands.

Aonung knelt beside _____, brushing the damp hair from his mate's forehead, eyes soft but filled with a mixture of nervousness and affection. "You always make me feel... less alone in everything. Even tomorrow, I will remember this—this quiet moment with you."

_____ smiled, tilting his head to catch Aonung's gaze. "And I will remember you. I will remember that even the future Olo’eyktan can have moments of tenderness. That even you... are not all duty, not all responsibility."

Aonung chuckled softly, fingers tracing the line of _____'s jaw. "Do not speak as though I am perfect. I am stern, yes. I am careful. But you... you teach me patience, even when I do not realize I need it."

_____ leaned closer, eyes softening. "Then we teach each other, don't we? You lead the people, I heal the wounds. And together... we face everything."

The sun dipped lower, the horizon a canvas of violet and rose. The waves glistened in gold as the light reflected off the wet sand. Aonung's hand cupped the side of _____'s face, thumb brushing over the cheekbone with gentle care.

"I am nervous," Aonung admitted finally, voice almost a whisper. "For tomorrow, I mean. So many will be watching, so many expectations. I... do not want to fail."

_____ pressed a soft hand against his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat. "You will not fail," he said firmly. "You are the Olo’eyktan because you were meant to be. It is the will of eywa. And you are not alone. You have me, and you have everyone who believes in you."

Aonung's eyes glistened, the faintest tremor in his lips. "I... I just want to do right by everyone."

"You already do," _____ murmured, leaning close enough that their foreheads touched. "And if you stumble, I will be there to catch you. Always."

Aonung exhaled, letting the tension melt, feeling the warmth of _____ beside him, feeling the reassurance, the intimacy. "I... I am lucky. That I have you."

"And I am lucky to have you," _____ replied, voice soft but steady. "Now, rest with me. Here, on the sand, away from everything. Tomorrow... tomorrow we will face the world. But tonight, we have each other."

They sat together as the sun sank fully below the horizon, the waves lapping at their feet, the wind carrying the scent of salt and reef. Fingers intertwined, they shared quiet laughter and soft touches, gentle teasing, and whispers of affection. The world beyond the beach could wait. Here, they had a moment of peace, a moment of belonging, a moment that would carry them through the weight of tomorrow.

And as stars began to twinkle above, mirrored faintly in the water at their feet, Aonung rested his forehead against _____'s shoulder. "Tomorrow," he whispered.

"Yes," _____ replied, squeezing his hand. "Tomorrow, we face everything. But tonight... tonight, we are just us."