Luminous Nights [Neteyam x Aonung]

Dark Days : Part 26

Neytiri's eyes widen, and she exchanges a look with Jake. He walks over to the couch, pulling his arm from Neteyam, then sits next to Aonung. His expression softens just a bit as the boy faces him.

Jake- What is it you're hiding? You steal something? Or kill somebody?

When Aonung's ears lay back, Jake knows his quick hunch was right.

Aonung- No.

Jake- Don't lie. The only reason a guy like you would deny everything when authorities are around is if he's done something pretty bad himself. So, what happened? Self defense?

Neteyam- Father, leave it.

Jake- Look, I've killed too, it's fine.

Neytiri- Jake, that was war.

Jake- I'm just looking for his reason.

Neteyam- Well stop.

Aonung- It was Rotxo . . . My reason.

Neteyam walks over to Aonung's side, attempting to lay a comforting hand on his shoulder, but being brushed off.

Aonung- Believe me when I say I really, really want your help, but I can't ask it. Even if you expose everything they've done, they'll find a way to hit you harder, and walk away unscathed. You can't beat them.

Jake- Then what are you gonna do? Wait till they've done something worse to you? You're gonna get yourself hurt.

Neteyam- I told him I'd help.

Jake- What the hell were you gonna do about it?

Neteyam- The girl Lo'ak and I were trying to impress tonight, she's the school head's daughter.

Jake- You wanna use her status, but how do you know she'll even let you?

Neteyam- I think she's into Lo'ak.

Aonung- If it's him you're counting on, consider it a fail. He made it clear he doesn't think I'm worth the help.

Neteyam- You know he didn't mean that.

Aonung- He sure looked like he meant it.

Neteyam- He's just mad, he'll get over it.

Jake- I'm not so sure about any of this . . .

Jake stands from the couch, then faces them with his arms crossed.

Jake- But I'm willing to let you try to pull this off.

Neytiri- You are sure about this?

He looks into his son's shock filled eyes.

Jake- Yeah. He has a plan, and it's not a bad one.

Neteyam- Thanks.

Jake- I'm only giving you a month to end this shit. If that month ends before you succeed, I'm handling things. Understood?

Neteyam- Yes sir.

Jake- Aoung, come on, I'm taking you home.

Jake walks over to the door, and Aonung stands to follow him, not bothering to say a goodbye to Neteyam before leaving. He sighs as the door closes, knowing Aonung is upset with him for going with Yar. Neytiri walks over to him, rubbing his head, and letting her fingers linger on the ends of his braids.

Neytiri- Are you okay?

Neteyam- Yes.

Neytiri- But you are troubled. Aonung seemed cross with you.

Neteyam- With good reason.

Neytiri- You're aware of your mistake, that's reason enough for him to forgive you.

Neteyam- You don't mind me and Aonung?

Neytiri- You're better for him than the one he has.

Neteyam- I'm glad you think so.

Neytiri- Jake knows this too, but is also very protective. He doesn't trust boys.

He chuckles a bit at the very true statement.

Neytiri- Go check on your brother, and get some rest.

Neteyam- Goodnight.

Neytiri- Goodnight, dear.

He heads up the stairs and to his room, where Lo'ak is buried under his blanket. He sighs once he hears small snores coming from the blanket lump, then goes to get himself ready for bed.