Ocean Skies - Loreya

Secrets of Secrets

Lo'ak is back on track.

Neteyam sneaks out at night (even though Neytiri is well aware of it), and Lo'ak sneaks after him to snoop because his curiosity gets the better of him. This, Neytiri is also aware of and finds highly amusing.

It's only been a few days since his conversation with Jake (if it can even be called that), but Jake hasn't done anything upsetting and Lo'ak has also been on his best behaviour. So, tonight is the night he goes out to cause trouble. Somewhat.

Lo'ak just wants to know what Neteyam and Ao'nung could possibly be doing this late that they couldn't do during the day. Neteyam won't tell him, more out of spite than truly wanting to keep it a secret. So, Lo'ak does what every self-respecting little brother would do. He goes and spies on his older brother.

Neteyam walks into the forest, slow and calm. He doesn't bother to climb, or try to stay hidden, because Neytiri knows. And Neteyam is not in the mood for Jake's opinions just yet, so he doesn't ask if he can leave. He just does. And Lo'ak follows suit.

Lo'ak follows him in the trees, out of sight, and probably unheard — he wouldn't be surprised if Neteyam was aware of his presence. If he is, the eldest Sully doesn't do anything to indicate knowing that Lo'ak is following him.

Actually, Lo'ak suspects that Neteyam might be fully aware of Lo'ak's presence most times (except that time Lo'ak almost witnessed absolute tarnation when Neteyam and Ao'nung went almost all the way).

And as always, Lo'ak expects to witness a lot of affection, maybe some kissing and a bit of fondling (where he kindly averts his gaze or just leaves) — and deep conversations aren't rare either.

And it seems tonight, Neteyam is in a talkative mood.

Lo'ak lies down flat on a thick branch, tail swishing lazily and ears perked up.

Ao'nung brought a handmade blanket as usual, and he's lazing on it with Neteyam's head on his shoulder. Lo'ak thinks they're cute. He won't tell Ao'nung of course, because the Metcayina might hit him for it.

They're talking quietly — Lo'ak almost huffs, because he can't hear anything.

"Are you sure?" Ao'nung asks eventually, and Lo'ak perks up.

Neteyam nods, ears flat and tail rigid, the little tuff standing right up towards the darkness of the night sky. "Is that a problem for you?"

Lo'ak's nose scrunches. What is a problem? He feels he might explode from curiosity.

Ao'nung leans back on his arms and hums. "No, of course not. I don't mind."

"We can still sometimes—" Neteyam cuts himself off. "I understand you might want... Well."

Ao'nung simply laces his fingers with the Omaticaya's and grins. "No, not really."

Neteyam perks up, mouth hanging open. "You're not interested either?"

Ao'nung bites the inside of his cheek. "Most of the time, no. I feel perfectly fine as we are."

Lo'ak squints, completely lost.

Neteyam visibly relaxes. "Well, that's a relief."

Ao'nung grins, leaning closer and nuzzling against Neteyam's throat. "Yes. So, we do not need to do anything physical if you are not interested."

Neteyam's arms wrap around the Metcayina's torso. He flushes slightly and averts his gaze bashfully. "I might, occasionally. Once or twice. But, for the most part, I really am genuinely not interested."

Ao'nung nods. "Good. Then we've sorted that out."

And Lo'ak blinks, confused. He has no idea what they've come to an agreement on, but good for them.