Not a Soldier Yet |Ao'nung x Neteyam|

67. The Consequences

Neteyam stood in front of his father, eyes shining with tears. His hands were cold and shaking, his blood still under his fingernails, dry and dark.
It had been a long time since his father was angry with him.

He knew disappointment when he saw it.

Jake had his hands on his hips, staring intently at his oldest son before coming over to him and grasping his arm, pulling it forward to inspect the damage.
He shook his head. "You can't be alone. I'm sorry, Neteyam, but I don't trust you to keep yourself safe."

Neteyam's nose twitched, but he did not react any further.

Jake let him go. "Someone is going to be with you at all times of the day from now on. I suspect you would rather it be someone other than me, so I will tell Lo'ak and Kiri to stay with you."

Neteyam sighed softly and cleared his throat; he did not speak.

"And you're going to sleep with me on my sleeping mat." Jake's voice was strong, leaving no room for argument.

Neteyam desperately wanted to ask if he could still be alone with Ao'nung, but he was afraid of upsetting his father further - Jake was the only person whose approval he seeked so hard. "Yes, sir."

Jake nodded once before letting his tense shoulders relax. "I'm sorry I have to do this to you. I know this won't help you at all to heal, but I worry."

"I understand, sir."

Jake did not try to correct his son's overly formal speech, letting Neteyam find comfort in the way he addressed his father. Distant.

"Sit down," Jake instructed. "I'm going to trim your nails."

Neteyam's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I can-"

"Sit." Jake's harsh glare was enough to silence the young na'vi.
Neteyam sat and let his father take his hand. Jake was gentle, but Neteyam knew very well just the kind of anger that was shimmering behind his father's careful disguise. Jake worked carefully, first cleaning the blood from under his son's nails before clipping them with skilled hands. Raising four children ment he could cut their nails very fast and neat as he had to learn to do. Especially because of Lo'ak, who, as a child, always threw a fit when it was time to trim his nails.

Jake ran his fingers over the bruises and half-moon shaped little cuts littering his son's arms and sighed tiredly. He finished cutting Neteyam's nails short and sat back, watching as his son stared into space numbly.
"Get your blankets, I'll go find your mother."

Neteyam stood, emotionless and obedient. He shuffled to his sleeping mat and grabbed his blankets, carrying them over to his father's sleeping mat. It was void of blankets. Jake slept without them.
Neteyam was left alone for a few minutes; he did nothing, only stood in place, motionless. He was not sure if he should even attempt to do anything. Neteyam did not want to risk another scolding, knowing he would not be able to survive that without breaking down.

Arms suddenly wrapped around him from behind, and he was pulled against a warm chest. "Bro, it's okay. Everything is going to be okay."

Neteyam turned to face Lo'ak, returning his hug and burying his face in his younger brother's neck. Lo'ak held him close, rocking side to side and whispering soothing words into his ears. Lo'ak let him go eventually and went to bed.

Jake instructed Neteyam to lie down; once his son was wrapped in his blankets, only his eyes were visible, Jake laid down next to him and pulled him close.

"Go to sleep, baby boy."

Sleep did not come easy, but once it did, it was warm and dark in his father's embrace. Neteyam woke up the next day feeling rested for the first time in weeks. He almost felt alright until he noticed the purple bruises on his arm - bruises he caused himself.

Jake was already awake, just watching as son inspected his wounds. Neteyam closed his eyes and sighed, turning to bury his face in his father's bare chest, searching for comfort. Jake wrapped an arm around his son's shoulders, pulling him closer. Everyone was already awake and exploring or doing chores. Jake decided to stay with Neteyam until he woke up. It seemed, however, that Neteyam felt too comfortable to start his daily tasks.

"Morning, baby boy," Jake whispered, kissing the top of his head and placing a protective hand on his cheek, making Neteyam look up at his father.

Neteyam's eyes were a bit poofy and red, but otherwise, he looked alright. "Morning, dad."
Neteyam wondered if he should mention the previous day but decided against it. Instead, he sat up slowly.

Jake followed his son's lead, a hand on his back. He rubbed the warm skin gently and sighed, shaking his head. Neteyam got up and wandered over to his side of the marui, fetching his bracelets, almost all of them. He held them for a moment before pulling them on, skillfully adjusting them over his little cuts and bruises. Neteyam knew it was silly to wear so much jewellery, but he left himself no other choice.
Jake watched him silently.

"Who should I stay with today, dad?" Neteyam asked softly, not turning around to face his father.

Jake bit his lower lip, humming in thought. "With me or I can take you to Ao'nung. "

Neteyam's ears perked up hopefully. "I'm allowed see Ao'nung?"

Jake frowned. "I would not keep you from your mate, Neteyam. I'm not punishing you. I'm only trying to keep you safe."

Neteyam nodded. "I would like to see Ao'nung. "

Jake led his son to the chief's marui; before they could even step inside, Ao'nung was already in front of Neteyam, searching his gaze and body for any hint of injury or sadness. Jake left silently, a calmness washing over him, knowing his son was safe.

Ao'nung took Neteyam's hand and kissed his knuckles, noticing his many bracelets. "Is it a special day?"

Neteyam shook his head mutely. The Metcayina tilted his head in return, watching his mate curiously before understanding dawned on his features. Ao'nung did not feel angry. He placed a gentle hand on Neteyam's lower back and began walking with him down the beach. "Let's go see your new friend."

The ghost of a smile graced Neteyam's soft lips at the thought of Tìlìon.