Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 138

Out on the beach, the older Sully boy strolls along the cool sand of the shoreline, looking out at the glistening ocean. He wants nothing more than to have his father return and give his mission details so he can focus on something other than his conflict.

Resolving others' issues and fights come so naturally to him, especially if he's dealing with Lo'ak, but this time he doesn't know how to come back from his own conflict with his brother.

They've never fought so badly, or gone so long without talking, he isn't sure what to do about it. So, better to distract himself with something he can handle until he figures something out.

The sound of someone closing in on him causes him to turn around, seeing Aonung approaching. He always seems to show up where he is, yet he still claims to have no real interest, but Neteyam knows he'd never seek him out if that were true.

The marine boy comes up next to him, joining his relaxing stroll, but keeping a bit of distance, which is something he always does around him these days. Neteyam can only assume it's because of the way he affects his emotions, which he himself wouldn't mind if he were in the same position, but he knows his marine boy has never been the type to give in so willingly.

Neteyam- What excuse do you have for coming to see me this time?

Aonung- It's no excuse. Rotxo sent me.

Neteyam- For what?

Aonung- He wants to go to the Three Brothers.

Neteyam- With?

Aonung- Everyone.

Neteyam- I'll pass.

Aonung- How long are you going to avoid your brother like this?

Neteyam only shrugs in response, now staring down at the sand he treads on.

Aonung- Look, I saw what he did, and it was unnecessary, but you can't stay mad at him forever, especially when you're about to have to depend on each other.

Neteyam- I'm not mad at him. It's me who was the problem. I let my emotions get the better of me and ended up neglecting him.

Aonung- That isn't so surprising. I could tell you were like that from the moment I saw you.

Neteyam- Your point being?

Aonung- You're too emotional. Now that you know it's a problem, like I told you, just fix it.

Neteyam- Fix it?

He stops in his tracks and turns sharply towards Aonung, making him stop as well and give him a plain look.

Aonung- And my point is proven.

Neteyam- (scoffs) Now I know exactly how my brother feels when someone tries to change him.

Aonung- It's for the better.

Neteyam- You don't get to decide what's good for me. Especially since you're the reason I'm like this to begin with.

Aonung- You keep saying that, but I can't imagine ever trying to make someone more emotional. Things like that get in the way, and distract you from what's important.

Neteyam- Is that why you keep trying to pretend you're not into me?

Aonung- I'm not pretending.

Neteyam- Oh yes you are. I know you, Aonung, and I can tell you like me. You, the new asshole.

Aonung- You're only trying to feed your wishes.

Neteyam- More excuses, really?

Aonung- You call them excuses because you don't like the truth.

Neteyam- Wow. You know what? I think it's my turn to point out what's wrong with you.

Aonung- There's nothing wrong with me.

Neteyam- Ah, problem number one. Endless denial.

Aonung rolls his eyes, shaking his head in disbelief.

Neteyam- Number two, you say these things are "wrong" with me, but I call it what you like about me.

Aonung- You're unbelievable.

Neteyam- Oh am I? You're the one who's so into it, you can't help but try to figure out why.

Aonung opens his mouth to say something back, but nothing comes out.

Neteyam- Can't deny that, can you? You always think too much, and I know exactly what you've been so focused on.

Aonung- I've been trying to make sense of some things, but they have nothing to do with you.

Neteyam- Keep telling yourself that.

Aonung- I'm not like you. I don't waste my time trying to sort out unnecessary feelings. I focus on what's important, and do what needs to be done.

Neteyam- So what of the time we kissed?

Aonung- No one's immune to lust.

Neteyam- Don't say that shit, you sound like Mo'dan . . . And it wasn't lust, I could practically taste the emotion on your lips.

Aonung- . . . That . . . That was-

Neteyam- You keep wondering why it's so hard to stay on track, don't you?

Aonung- Wouldn't be so hard if you didn't insist on distracting me.

Neteyam- It isn't just because of me, you aren't who you keep trying to be these days. This "everything for the clan" guy isn't you anymore. Even Rotxo said you're different from before.

Aonung- This is who I am, and you are just a meaningless distraction.

Neteyam- You're lying to yourself, Aonung. You changed.

Aonung- No I haven't.