Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 39

Chapter 5

The sun rises, its light glistening on the ocean, and another busy day begins for the Na'vi of Awa'atlu. Things have been especially busy for Aonung. He has to fill the empty role of chief, though he's not yet their leader.

Shortly after returning to the beach, and settling back into their home, Ronal gave birth to his new baby brother. Wari, named in honor of his father, the late Olo'eyktan.

It's been a month since they left the forest. Neteyam has been living with Ronal and her children, as she instructed, and has only recently begun to move around.

The loss of Tonowari hit the village, and the entire clan, hard, but they're still on top of their duties. Jake and Neytiri give the head family help when needed or asked, but Ronal and Aonung usually handle things on their own.

In the den of the clan's head family, Neteyam's eyes are touched by the warmth of sunlight, making them open. He looks around, not motivated in the least to get up, but decides to move anyway.

As he begins to sit up carefully, a hand is placed on his back, helping him. He turns and sees Aonung, holding bandages, and positioning himself next to him. When he starts removing the old bandages from his body, Neteyam just admires his focused face.

They haven't had much time to even have a decent conversation, let alone to hang out, ever since they returned and Aonung gained so many responsibilities. And the fact that Neteyam can't keep up with him while he handles those duties lessens their time together.

When he goes anywhere at all he's accompanied by Tsireya, but they never stay out long because he's been getting tired easily, and afterwards Tsireya has to watch Wari when her mother must tend to her own responsibilities.

The two times in the day when Aonung checks his bandages, sunrise and eclipse, that's the only time Neteyam can really talk to him.

Neteyam- Everyone up and out already?

Aonung- Yeah, mother got an early start, and Tsireya is with her to help with Wari.

Neteyam- Guess I won't be going anywhere today then.

Aonung- She said there's someone else coming to fill in for her.

After sitting the old bandages aside, Neteyam sits straight while he wraps the new ones.

Neteyam- Who?

Aonung- I don't know, but if she chose them they're probably a good choice.

Neteyam hums in response.

Neteyam- How's chiefing?

Aonung- Busy, but I do have a helper. A good one.

Neteyam- Who?

The focused boy finally looks Neteyam in the eyes, with a slight smile.

Aonung- Your brother.

Neteyam- Lo'ak?

Aonung- No, the other one.

Neteyam rolls his eyes at Aonung's sarcasm, making the boy laugh.

Neteyam- So he's actually helping, and not somewhere doing the opposite of what he should?

Aonung- I was shocked too, until he told me why.

Neteyam- What's the reason?

Aonung- You.

Neteyam- Me?

Aonung- He said he's filling in for you until you've recovered.

Neteyam smiles as Aonung finishes tightening his bandages.

Neteyam- Good to know he's warmed up to you. It kinda seems like you've warmed up to him too.

Aonung- Maybe. I guess him being with my sister doesn't seem so bad anymore.

Neteyam chuckles, remembering how offended Aonung was by just the idea of Lo'ak and Tsireya being together before.

Neteyam- Tuk told me you ran off with Lo'ak, back in the forest, after the bad news. Seems like you two have been close since then.

Aonung- You could say that.

Neteyam turns his body to face Aonung's, then leans forward a bit, staring skeptically at him.

Neteyam- What happened between you two.

The marine boy attempts to avert his eyes, but Neteyam grabs his chin, forcing him to look forward.

Neteyam- Talk.

Aonung- We . . . had a little heart-to-heart.

Neteyam gazes into Aonung's eyes for a moment, then down to his lips.

Neteyam- Can we . . . have a little mouth to mouth?

Aonung- Now? I'm already late.

Neteyam clicks his tongue while rolling his eyes and leans back, turning himself back the way he was. The boy's frown makes Aonung feel guilty.

Aonung- I'm sorry.

He attempts to grab Neteyam's hand, but is pushed away.

Neteyam- No, no. Just go.

Aonung- Neteyam-

Neteyam- No, I get it. Duty before everything. I'll just wait, another month won't kill me.

Aonung- . . . Good.

Neteyam quickly turns and sees Aonung standing from his spot looking angered.

Neteyam- Good?

Aonung- Yeah, good, because another month might be just how long you wait.

Neteyam- What?

Aonung- You heard what I said.

The blue boy's face drops as Aonung storms out of the den.

He isn't sure what happened. Aonung is always patient and calm with him. Even when he's pouting, being difficult, or giving the boy a hard time for fun. But he's never reacted this way.