Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 61

Neteyam looks at Aonung's fearful eyes, then glares back at Mo'dan.

Neteyam- He's not yours.

Mo'dan eyes widen slightly, surprised that Neteyam automatically assumed he was referring to himself, but relaxes a second later with a smirk.

Mo'dan- Is that so? Did Aonung tell you about us?

Neteyam- No, but I know exactly what you did.

Aonung looks at Neteyam in a bit of confusion.

Aonung- You do?

Neteyam- Yes, and rest assured, he will be punished for it.

Mo'dan- (scoffs)

Neteyam- If I were you, I would not take this warning lightly.

Mo'dan- Try anything, and I'll-

Aonung- Do nothing to him.

The smug look on Mo'dan's face fades when Aonung glares at him.

Aonung- I've kept you out of trouble so far, but mess with him and you will be exposed.

Mo'dan- You wouldn't dare.

Aonung- Try me.

Intruding on the tense moment comes Kiri happily walking in to greet the boys.

Kiri- Feeling alright, Tey?

Neteyam- Yeah . . .

Though he answers his sister, his gaze remains on the tall boy next to her. She looks around at them and senses something is off.

Kiri- What's going on?

Mo'dan- Oh nothing.

He wraps a loose arm around her shoulders, with a slight grin.

Mo'dan- I was just telling these two not to try something stupid, because there would be bad consequences.

As he speaks those words, he stares Neteyam in the eyes, and tightens his hold on Kiri. She doesn't notice anything strange about it, but the message is clear to Aonung and Neteyam.

He's threatening Kiri, to keep Neteyam's actions in line.

Mo'dan- Anyways, wanna hang?

Kiri- Sure. Oh, has anyone seen Lo'ak?

All three boys shake their heads.

Kiri- Well if you see him, tell him Tsireya's looking for him.

Aonung- Sure thing.

Kiri- Later.

With a wave, she exits the den with Mo'dan.

Aonung- Rotxo told you.

Neteyam- Yeah, but in his defense, we forced it out of him.

Aonung- We?

Neteyam- Me and Lo'ak.

Aonung sighs, and looks Neteyam in the eyes with a calm yet serious face.

Aonung- Listen, just ignore Mo'dan, okay. Don't try anything.

Neteyam- You want me to just ignore this?

Ronal walks out from the back, with Wari in a small basket on her front. She leaves the den, completely unaware of the conversation happening, and what took place before that.

Once she's gone, Neteyam faces Aonung again, greatly irritated.

Neteyam- Do you realize what you're asking?

Aonung- Yes. To ensure your sister's safety.

Neteyam- Aonung, I will never be able to mate with you . . . Because of him, Eywa will not allow it. I can't just ignore that.

Aonung- . . . Neteyam-

Neteyam- And I didn't think you could either.

Aonung- Neteyam, there's nothing you can do about that.

Neteyam scoffs softly and turns his head away from the boy, feeling a bit hurt. Aonung takes a breath, then gently grabs Neteyam's hand. It fails to earn his gaze again, but Aonung speaks anyway.

Aonung- I'm not saying this because I don't want you as my mate, I am only trying to look out for your sister.

Neteyam- . . .

Aonung- I've already come to terms with knowing there's nothing I can do about this.

Neteyam- Don't expect me to do the same.

He finally faces him again, looking calmer, but still angered.

Aonung- Just leave him be, and everyone will be fine.

Neteyam- . . . Sounds simple enough. We've been a secret from the start anyway.

He complies for Aonung, though still sounding disappointed. The marine boy does feel guilty for trying to also keep Mo'dan out of trouble. But they have been friends for many years, and he knows the tall boy has many of his own struggles already.

He's not looking to add to it, not because he still values him as a friend, but because he values what their friendship once was.

Even though it's clear to Aonung that nothing can be done about him being mated to Mo'dan, Neteyam feels differently.

He believes there is something he can do about it, but the question he now asks himself is; Is Mo'dan really worth the shame and resentment?