To our little ones || Aonung x Neteyam

Chapter 48: Old "friends"

Lo'ak sighed heavily, his entire body was tired and he could feel a headache approaching. It was a cold night, and the sky was already dark, leaving the stars to watch him as he closed the door of his home behind him.

The candles and the fireplace brightened the living room where Neteyam was sitting reading a book as he wore a frown, incapable of concentrating.

"Where were you?" He mumbled.

"Out." Lo'ak mumbled as well, leaving his coat by the door.

"Again?" Neteyam closed the book as he stood up.

"Is there a problem?" He shrugged.

"Lo'ak, where were you?"

"...Working." He tried to go past his brother, but he was stopped by a hand grabbing his arms firmly.

"That's a lie. Where have you been?" He waited. "You have been coming home late for a week now, and I didn't ask any questions because..."

"Because it does not concern you." Lo'ak snapped at him, feeling the anger fueled by all the stress taking over.

"It does, because whether you like it or not you still have a mother that worries for you, and when you are not here I am the one who responds for you, so what should I tell her?"

"I will talk to her tomorrow." He got free from his grip with a fast motion, but even then his brother didn't hesitate to lean forward to smell his clothes.

"You haven't been drinking, have you?" He mumbled not smelling anything on him.

"For fuck sake..." Lo'ak let go of a bitter laugh. "Can you stop that!?" He moved out of the way, walking to the stairs with angry strides.

"You can't protect something by running away." Neteyam spoke making him stop altogether. Lo'ak turned around with a complicated and defensive expression.

"I can do this on my own." He stated.

"Can you?" Neteyam frowned. His words were not ill-intentioned, however, they managed to bother Lo'ak on some level.

"Yes, Neteyam." He observed his looking at him with worry that was easily taken as pity by him, making him even more frustrated. "I don't need you, and I sure as hell don't want your help."

"...Where have you been, Lo'ak?" Neteyam insisted, voice a lot softer and a little hurt. "I only wish to know."

"Why!?"

"Because you are making a mistake!" He finally said, watching his face twitch in confusion. "I know you might be hurt by all that is happening with Reya, but don't you think she might be just as hurt? Talk with her, and stop what you are doing before you regret it forever!"

"Neteyam, what the hell are you talking about?'

"Kiri saw you." He crossed his arms over his chest anxiously. "Last week you went to Miss Fäe's house. We know you haven't been at the shelter, or church when you were supposed to, we have asked."

"You have...!?" He closed his eyes brushing his face. He took a deep breath to calm himself.

"I know how you feel..."

"Of course, you do. You know everything apparently." He let go of a bitter laugh.

"Lo'ak, I'm serious. Do not let your anger get the best of you. Don't do something you might grow to regret...No, this is something you will regret, greatly."

"I...! What?" He shook his head, too tired to read between the lines.

"Lo'ak, if you and Miss Fäe...If you two are..." He was cut short by his brother laughing lazily, eyes teary and head hanging low.