Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 84

Neteyam quickly turns around and storms out of the hut, past Mo'dan who just leans against the entrance. Lo'ak goes to gather his few things, and Rotxo gets up to do the same.

Mo'dan- He's right, you know.

Lo'ak looks at him with irritation.

Mo'dan- You weren't ready for a mate. You aren't mature enough yet.

Lo'ak- At least we're mutual. Did you even ask Aonung before ultimately deciding for him?

The tall boy goes silent.

Lo'ak- Don't wanna answer that, huh? Makes sense, either way it'll still sound fucked up.

He pours water over the fire and hangs his bag over his shoulder, then Rotxo comes to his side with his own while they exit the hut. Neteyam is standing next to his Ikran, waiting for Lo'ak to call for his.

He lets out a distinct call, hoping his Ikran hasn't strayed away for the night already. But the longer they wait, and the more he calls, the more that seems to be the case.

Lo'ak sounds off one last time, but knows it's futile. He turns to his brother, who lets out a yawn, despite saying a few minutes ago that he wasn't tired and could keep waiting.

Lo'ak- Let's just go in the morning. I promise we won't disappear again or put up a fight.

Neteyam- You better not, or I'll rip your tail off when I find you.

Lo'ak almost chuckles, knowing Neteyam always means every word of his threats when he says them, but never does anything quite so drastic due to his good restraint.

Lo'ak- You can stay in here with us.

Neteyam nods and Lo'ak leads them back into the hut. Rotxo lies down, not saying much because he's tired. Lo'ak sits next to him, and the smaller boy turns to lie his head in his lap.

Neteyam chooses a spot on the other side of the pit. He lies on his stomach with his head resting on his folded arms.

Mo'dan sits in a space off to the side that's between the two. He watches how quickly Neteyam falls asleep, then begins to observe the boy's peaceful looking face.

Lo'ak- Talk, Mo.

He looks over at Lo'ak with confusion.

Mo'dan- About what?

Lo'ak- Why you're really here. You were gonna get back at Neteyam weren't you?

He smirks and crosses his arms comfortably.

Mo'dan- I guess you are pretty smart after all.

Lo'ak- Don't even think of trying anything tonight. I'm not taking my eyes off of you.

Mo'dan- Relax, I'm not gonna try anything. For now, at least.

He momentarily thinks of his father's words. He knows when he goes back home, without completing his task, he'll have worn away his father's last nerve. Either he'll be told again, or Ko'nan will take things into his own hands.

Lo'ak- For now? So you're gonna try later?

Mo'dan- I don't know.

Lo'ak looks at him in confusion for a moment.

Lo'ak- I'm sure my brother knows you were up to something.

Mo'dan- Mhm. Called me out the moment I showed up.

Lo'ak- He must think you're nothing to fear then, since he still let you come.

Mo'dan- Pretty much.

He looks back over at Neteyam to admire his peaceful sleeping face. Lo'ak merely looks at him in confusion, wondering why he's so nonchalant.

Lo'ak- You're the most chill bad guy I've ever met.

He chuckles, then leans over to lie on his back, looking up at the ceiling.

Mo'dan- Doing bad things doesn't make me a bad guy.

Lo'ak- Uh yeah it does. That's the definition of a bad guy.

Mo'dan- Your immaturity is showing.

Lo'ak- You're lucky Rotxo is resting on my legs right now.

He merely chuckles again, and Lo'ak glares at him, but the night goes by peacefully, and once the sun graces them with the light of day, Neteyam is up and ready. Lo'ak is able to get his Ikran, and the ride back is relatively quiet, with nothing but the sounds of nature and the wind in their ears.