strong - neteyam x oc

blame n.

From the moment Neteyam heard about what Aonung had done he filled with anger, worry, a mix of emotions. If Lo'ak was gone the boy had no clue how he would go on. His gaze was hard, steps heavy as he dragged Aonung to his father, "What happened Neteyam?" His father looked to him, concern in his eyes.

"Tell him what you told me," Neteyam shoved the boy forward, harshly letting go of his braid. He was shocked with himself, mainly with the fact he hadn't been screaming at Aonung by now. 

He silently stood with the crowd of people waiting for his brother to return, upset that he wasn't allowed to go look he felt helpless. Neteyam had always gone to his brother's rescue, even if it got annoying at times, now that he wasn't able to it made him anxious. He overheard Kireyi and her mother speak about the waters, thanking Eywa that it hadn't been a storm night. It brought some relief, yet the anxiety stood behind him, towering over the boy. Seeing Lo'ak appear made him want to drop to his knees, to engulf his brother in a hug. Yet seeing as Lo'ak took the blame for the older boy, Aonung, just brought him back to frustration. And the way his own family so easily believed his younger brother made him angry, hadn't it so obviously been Aonung's fault?

He silently follow his parents, his father started to scold him, "What have I told you Neteyam? Where were you-"

"Please do not blame them. It was not their fault!" Kireyi made her way in front of Neteyam, in a protective stance, "I had no clue my brother and his friends would do that, so I cannot speak for them. However, they all knew better. I know Lo'ak didn't know about having to stay in the reefs, so please do not blame him." 

To say he was shocked was an understatement, she was the last person he'd expect to speak back to his parents, especially for his sake. Her tail snaked around Neteyam's calf when his father started to speak, he couldn't tell if it was to bring comfort to herself or him.... maybe even both.

"Well, Neteyam should've been watching his brother either way." His eyes dropped at his father's words.

"That was my fault, I saw his injuries from their fight and had dragged him with me to help put ointment. Please.... I beg of you, do not blame them for my brother and me. We were the foolish ones." Neteyam saw her hands shake, he could tell she was nervous.

"I thank you, but this one should've still been watching his brother-"

"Ma Jake..." His mother cut off his father, although with no ill tone, he silenced. He knew his mother believed Kireyi, the girl must've been so caught up she hadn't realized it though.

"Please... I beg of you-"

"Kireyi, it's okay," Neteyam whispered, grasping her arm; the girl looked back to him with guilt written on her face. He gave her a reassuring nod, and she looked at each of them again. Her head dropped at his words, and he felt a tinge of guilt hit him. She looked so willing to prove it wasn't his and Lo'ak's fault, but he knew she'd get nowhere knowing his father. He wanted to thank her, tell her how grateful he was, how much this little act had meant to him. But right now that wasn't the case, he had to stay silent, try and subtly let her know it would be okay. Who would guess hiding his own emotions would be so hard to do in the moment.

His parents were quiet and he leaned in more, hand still on her arm, "It's alright." He saw the defeat in her eyes, and he wanted nothing more than to let her know how appreciative he was.

Kireyi softly sighed, and his leg was no longer warm as she removed her tail. He felt bare now, like the one person so willing to protect him was gone. It was a new feeling, one he couldn't bring himself to hate, "I apologize.... this is something between you three...."

His eyes were stuck on her as she walked away, and his mother approached him, taking the boy to the Marui pod. It was a silent walk over with his parents, and when they arrived Lo'ak was already there, "Sit," Their father said.