3.14. The secret

Okomi knew Suletu since his childhood. He even remembered that day when she was born. They were always together and if not Suletu he wasn't sure if he'd be able to forget his old grievances. Suletu taught him to forgive and forget, she was his sun in the deep night without stars. That deep night stayed in him forever becoming a big part of his nature, but Suletu made his life easier, she knew how to dispel his deep sorrow and make him smile, she always reminded him that he isn't alone. And now when he was already eighteen springs he had to choose a woman for mating. It was easier than easy - Okomi always knew that he'll choose Suletu. He was in love with her since his childhood although they've never talked about it. Maybe he should say her about his feelings? Suletu was so playful, childish and carefree, sometimes he even couldn't understand if she talks serious or she only tells jokes.

- Suletu... - he said her one evening when they played chess. - I'd like to talk to you.
- Do you need my permision to talk to me? - Suletu chuckled. - If I am here it means I am ready to listen to you.
Okomi smiled feeling how his face gets red. He fell his eyes for short.
- Well... I know we've never talked about it... - he looked at her eyes. - I thought...
- What did you think? - Suletu smiled.
- I thought... - Okomi made a pause staring at her eyes. - You know that I have to choose a woman to mate... I'd like to choose you, Suletu.
Suletu blushed and smiled widely.
- Really?
Okomi swallowed and nodded silently. Suletu giggled.
- Well... I am ready to mate with you, Okomi, - she blushed even more. - Right now...
- Right now? But you know... We can't as you aren't young adult yet.
- But I'm already seventeen winters old! So... it doesn't change anything.
- Suletu... - Okomi shook his head. - I love you, I always loved you, you know?
- I also love you, Okomi, - Suletu smiled.
Okomi smiled warmly feeling how his heart started beat faster of her words.
- We should wait for your next Birthday, Suletu... I won't because of me you'd get in troubles.
Suletu smiled and came to to Okomi, took him by his hand making him stand up.
- Anyone will not know... Just look at them all! They all are busy with themselves and babies... - Suletu smiled gazing at Okomi's eyes. - And love... Does love have the rules, Okomi?

- Our tribe has the traditions and rules, - Okomi said seriously. - If even I'll not be sacrificed or forced to leave a tribe we still have to follow the traditions. As you know any woman can't sleep with man until the young adulthood.

- Are the traditions more important than I? - Suletu's face fell. - Are you rejecting me, Okomi? You just said me you love me!

Okomi gave a deep sigh.

- Of course you are important to me! 

- I don't think so... - Suletu turned away wanting to go away, but Okomi grabbed her by hand and pulled to himself.

- My silly Suletu.. - he whispered before kissing her.

The kiss was so sweet and strong that they both forgot about everything, except each other. Their bodies clinged against each other, their hearts beat like one.

- I want to belong to you, Okomi... - whispered Suletu in the kiss.

Okomi swallowed not knowing what to say. His mind said one, but his body and feelings said totally different. 

- Anyone will not know... - Suletu whispered. - It will be our secret...

Okomi broke the kiss and took Suletu by her hands. He looked at her eyes long time before talking to Suletu.

- I can't say No to you, Suletu... Love is stronger than my mind..

- Then don't listen to your mind... Listen to your heart... - Suletu said.

- And... Will you be my mate, Suletu? - Okomi asked gently.

- Yes... And you will be my mate, Okomi?

- Many many times Yes, - he smiled and pulled gently Suletu by her hand. They both laughed and rushed to hide in the nearest bush.

***

They were too dizzy to notice Kotori, who became their secret witness totally accidentaly. 

Kotori stood long time frozen like a statue. He was astonished and even didn't want to believe that Suletu and Okomi just broke the rules. They were too innocent and too naive for that, but it seems they just broke the traditions. Kotori watched them running and thought should he tell Wenona about it or it would be better to allow the events to go on their own way and watch how all this slowly turns to drama. It was a time when Kotori was in love with Suletu, but she has never paid attention to him. She even rejected him when he tried to kiss her and Kotori didn't forget it. He was proud and he always wanted to get all what he wished, so it's not a surprise he felt resentful when Suletu rejected him. So... Maybe it's a perfect time for revenge? Kotori didn't want to miss this opportunity.

- I didn't know that Suletu can be so rebellious and break the tribal traditions, - he found Suletu alone near the shower cabine, so he couldn't resist the chance to mock.

- What are you talking about, Kotori? - Suletu blushed and tried to turn her eyes from Kotori.

- Nothing... I just meant that someone broke all branches of one bush, - Kotori grinned.

- Ehm... - Suletu bit her own lip. - Anyone could break it...

- Sure! - Kotori laughed. - But I saw breaking that bush only you and Okomi!

- Your eyes lied to you, Kotori!

- My eyes? - Kotori grabbed Suletu by her hand and pulled closer. - So how it was, Suletu? 

- Don't touch me! - Suletu pushed Kotori away.

- You rejected my kiss, but agreed to make love to man knowing that you have to wait for your next Birthday! How it could happen, innocent Suletu?

- I didn't love you!

- Oh... And now you are in love? - Kotori made a face. - Do you know what will happen if I'll tell Wenona what you two just did?

Suletu almost cried.

- You'll not do that, Kotori!

- Are you sure? 

- Yes! If you'll tell Wenona about me and Okomi I'll find the way how to revenge you!

- You?! - Kotori bursted in laughter. - All dead would leave Netherworld if you would do that! Listen to me, Suletu, - he grabbed the girl by her hand again. - I'll not tell my sister about you and Okomi and you know why? I'll better enjoy your tears when you'll become pregnant... Don't forget that next winter is still far away, - he winked grinning.

- I didn't know you can be so nasty, Kotori! - Suletu pushed him and ran away crying.

Kotori stood smiling and watching her receding figure.

- Run, Suletu, run... All pay for their mistakes, you will pay, too...