Luminous Nights [Neteyam x Aonung]

Dark Days : Part 29

Ronal frowns at his light tone, not believing a word he's saying. Aonung isn't sure if he's more afraid to continue telling his father he willingly strayed from the ways he taught, or that he allowed himself to be forced into submission.

Ronal- Are you lying to us right now?

Aonung- Seriously? Lying? Give me some credit.

Ronal- Aonung Nión, I am not playing with you.

Aonung- No, mother.

She stands, doubting his words, then locates his loincloth thrown off to the side. She steps over him and goes to pick it up, observing the worn and ripped waistband. They each look up at her as she holds out the now useless clothing.

Ronal- Then explain this.

Aonung- He's rough.

Ronal- Was he too stupid to just unhook them, or did you ask him to rip them off of you?

Aonung- . . .

Ronal- Somehow I don't think you did, since you just bought this.

He sits in silence as everyone looks down at him.

Ronal- Explain this.

He glances down at the torn fabric, then back up at her face, remaining silent because his lies have run out.

Ronal- Explain this, Aonung! Why is this ripped?!

Aonung- . . . He was trying to hold me still . . .

He lowers his head, avoiding everyone's gaze and speaking lowly in defeat.

Ronal- Why not just stay still? You wanted to, right? Why didn't you stay still?!

Aonung- . . . 'Cause I didn't want to.

His voice lowers to a whisper, and his mother throws the useless clothing to the floor with a short hiss. She storms to the door, infuriated.

Ronal- Don't move him. I'll retrieve my materials.

Tonowari nods, and she exits the room. She's angry beyond belief, but not with her son. She hates that such a thing happened to him, but most of all, she hates that he was just going to lie about it.

He isn't like Tsireya. Her daughter is always willing to speak to her about any troubles she may face. Aonung, on the other hand, has never been one to willingly show her any form of what he believes is weakness.

Likely because he strives to have the tough exterior his father encourages, but she knows better than to think he's just like Tonowari, unlike the man himself.

Tonowari sighs, wondering how he'll punish the boys that defiled his son. He knows very well how their family is, and knows they certainly aren't easily dealt with. He may be the Olo'eyktan, but it would be a better option not to confront them about anything.

Mainly because of the threat they pose, due to their frightening ability to get out of anything and turn blame on others. But he can't just let them go unpunished.

Bringing him out of his thoughts, his mate returns with a basket of materials. The boy sits in silence as she cleans him up and applies the ointment that'll help him heal. Tsireya stands, heading back to her room, leaving her brother in their mother's capable hands.

Once she's done, she packs her things back in the basket with a sigh. Tonowari leans down, attempting to catch Aonung's gaze but he looks the opposite way.

Tonowari- Need help getting on the bed?

Aonung- No. I'll just stay down here, it's not so bad.

He hums in response and stands, not wanting to leave Aonung on the floor, but doesn't press the boy about it. As Tonowari leaves the room, Ronal grabs one of the pillows off the bed and hands it to Aonung. He tucks it under his arms, crossing them and resting his chin on them.

She grabs the comforter and lays it over him, leaving the smaller blanket under it. After grabbing the basket, she stops and kneels next to him, placing a kiss on his head before exiting the room.

She wants to have a talk with him about his so-called friends, but knows he'll never grant that wish. Anytime he has a problem, she never has a clue what's going on.

Sometimes she doesn't know there is one until something drastic happens, like him suddenly collapsing at school. She knows he can handle himself for the most part, so she tries not to worry, but she wonders if there's anyone he tells his problems to. After all, in her eyes, holding it all in isn't healthy.

On the floor of the room, Aonung lies as comfortably as he can, still feeling some lingering happiness because Rotxo freed him. Sure, he said he's now interested in Neteyam, but the blue boy isn't easily captured. In all honesty, he thinks it'll be a futile attempt, but Rotxo always seems to choose the wrong battles.

The previous experience did scare him, though not because of the reason one would think. Most wouldn't let it go so easily, but all he could think was that this was the last time he'd have to put up with either one of them.

He's free, and feels that the price he paid for that freedom will surely be worth it when he officially claims Neteyam. And with that wonderful thought, he falls asleep peacefully.