Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 168

Within Lo'ak and Rotxo's den, Lo'ak is preparing some fruits for their lunch while he waits for Rotxo to return and eat with him. He's not the best when it comes to preparing food, but he keeps at it to improve the skill as his mother told him to.

He's been really eager to please his mate and make up for how he was acting, and his mother couldn't be happier about that.

His father, however, still thinks he's making too many mistakes, proving his point that Lo'ak was too young for the decision he made. But the boy knows he just needs to work hard to prove himself.

As much as he's never been one to follow orders well, he still wants his father's approval, he's just bad at earning it.

The closed curtains slide open, and Lo'ak assumes it's his mate, so he greets without looking away from his task.

Lo'ak- I'm almost done with lunch, but you can cuddle me while you wait.

Aonung- I don't think Rotxo would appreciate that.

His gaze snaps over to the entrance, surprised to see who's standing there, but he has a feeling he knows why.

Lo'ak- Aonung . . . Uh, Rotxo should be here soon. Feel free to stay and wait.

Aonung- Alright.

Aonung goes over to a spot on the other side of the pit.

Lo'ak- Want something to eat?

Aonung- No thanks.

Lo'ak- Okay. I'm surprised to see you here, actually. Rotxo's been wanting to talk to you, but he was scared you were angry with him.

He only hums in response, feeling a bit awkward because of their cordial interactions. Each time they've seen each other they've spoken as if they have no history.

Aonung- I don't think Rotxo is the only one I need to talk to.

Lo'ak looks over to him, also realizing the same thing.

Lo'ak- (sighs) Look, you don't have to try to work anything out with me. I can see why you don't like me, and I don't blame you.

Aonung- You would rather keep talking almost like strangers?

Lo'ak- . . . Better than fighting all the time, right?

Aonung- I'm not so sure it is, and I think you feel that way too.

Lo'ak and Aonung have always had a fragile and complex dynamic, whether it seemed simple from the outside or not, but talking about that fact was never something either of them wanted to do.

However, since getting his memories back, though his mind was flooded by his history with Neteyam, there's one other thing he couldn't stop thinking about to save his life; That night in the hidden cave within the trees, with Lo'ak.

That night, he was more vulnerable in front of the younger Sully boy than he ever allowed himself to be in front of anyone, including Neteyam.

Things were slightly different after their heart to heart in the cave. A good different. They were getting along, and Lo'ak was even helpful to him.

It still shocks him to say that he trusted the younger boy, not so much with his life, but more with his distress; Which is something he tries to keep from his lover, but Neteyam always pries a part of it out of him.