Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 9

Neteyam looks up just as Aonung shoves him out of the way with a lot of force, making him hit the ground. The branch falls onto Aonung, but he catches it, and his knees bend under the weight. The muscles in his legs flex as he tosses the huge branch aside with a huff.

Neteyam is so in awe he forgets to even get up off the ground. Aonung walks up to him and holds out his hand.

Aonung- You okay?

Neteyam grabs his hand and stands up, looking at the huge branch on the ground behind him. Aonung notices Neteyam still holding onto him, looking sort of out of it.

Aonung- Neteyam?

He finally looks at him, seeming to snap out of his trance. Then he quickly snatches his hand from Aonung and pushes him out of the way as he walks off.

Neteyam- I'm fine.

Aonung watches the boy walk off without a thanks, yet again.

Aonung- You're welcome.

He shakes his head, then suddenly hears someone call his name. He turns around and sees little Tuktirey run up to him.

Tuktirey- You are nice!

Aonung- Huh?

Tuktirey- You saved Neteyam! I saw you!

Aonung shushes Tuktirey while glancing around, then kneels down in front of her.

Tuktirey- Wait till I tell Lo'ak and Kiri. They won't believe it.

Aonung- No, don't do that.

Tuktirey- Why?

Aonung- Your brother is strong, right? Always looking out for you.

Tuktirey- Yeah.

Aonung- Have you ever seen anyone have to save him, before now?

Tuktirey- No. He never needed any help.

Aonung- Well, now he does, but he's not gonna tell you that.

Tuktirey- Why?

Aonung- He doesn't want to seem weak.

Tuktirey frowns.

Tuktirey- But he's not weak.

Aonung sighs. He needs at least one of Neteyam's siblings to understand, and Tuktirey seems like his best option. He gently takes her by the hands, and looks her in the eyes.

Aonung- Listen, everyone has strengths and weaknesses. But their weaknesses don't make them weak, the balance makes them real.

Tuktirey- Makes them true Na'vi.

Aonung- Exactly. I know you and your siblings idolize Neteyam, but no one is perfect.

Tuktirey- Are we causing him trouble?

Aonung- No, but try not to rely on him so much.

Tuktirey- Lo'ak and Kiri too?

Aonung- Yes, all of you, try to be more independent. For Neteyam.

Tuktirey stares into Aonung's eyes, then smiles widely with a giggle.

Aonung- What?

Tuktirey- You're really nice.

A bashful smile begins to creep onto his face. He clears his throat and tries to straighten his face as he stands up. Tuktirey looks up at him happily.

Tuktirey- You're less scary when you smile. Why look so serious all the time?

Aonung goes quiet for a moment, then skips over the question.

Aonung- Just keep this between us okay?

Tuktirey sighs, disappointed by her question being ignored and not being able to tell the others of the kindness she witnessed just now.

Tuktirey- Fine, but you have to hang out with us.

Aonung thinks it over, leaning towards answering "no", until he looks down at Tuktirey giving him her best begging face. 

He rolls his eyes and reluctantly agrees to her request, and she jumps happily then grabs his hand, dragging him back to their lounging spot.