Luminous Nights [Neteyam x Aonung]

Luminous Days : Part 24

After spending almost two hours sitting outside at the bottom of the stairs, Aonung finally sees the person he was waiting for pull up in the stream.

Neteyam comes around the platform, alone, on his skimwing, without the raft he had on it before. An indication that he completed his shopping and left both the groceries and his brother at home.

Aonung's heart begins to race as Neteyam hops onto the sidewalk, and he holds his head down as the boy approaches him. Even as he sees his feet stop right in front of him, he doesn't look up.

He can't, he's too afraid.

Neteyam's hand gently lifts his gaze up by his chin, and he suddenly finds himself in the middle of a gentle kiss.

When it breaks, with Aonung still in shock, Neteyam kneels down to embrace him, and speaks softly.

Neteyam- I forgive you.

Aonung is reluctant to wrap his arms around him, not sure he even deserves the hug he's being given.

Aonung- Why? How could you forgive me for that?

Neteyam pulls away to finally look him in the eyes.

Neteyam- Yar's presence is tempting. I can't say that I wouldn't have done the same thing in your position.

Aonung- You wouldn't have done that. Why are you trying to make me feel better? I hurt you, I know I did.

Neteyam- Ao-

Aonung- Just say that!

He grabs onto his arms, slightly shaking him.

Aonung- Tell me I hurt you. Punish me for it. Don't try to spare my feelings.

Neteyam- Too many have ignored those feelings of yours, Aonung.

Aonung- Don't make this about me.

Neteyam- It already is. You weren't so bothered this morning just because you were worried about dealing with your family, you were scared because of your mistake.

Aonung- Neteyam!

He shakes him, roughly this time, then takes a breath.

Aonung- I haven't done right by you, or anyone. You said it yourself. I keep lying to you.

Neteyam- Ao-

Aonung- I keep making mistakes and you keep helping me make excuses for myself.

Neteyam- They aren't excuses.

Aonung- So what if I've been through some shit? That doesn't give me the right to treat you like this. I haven't been through half the things you have. You don't deserve this.

Neteyam- Aonung, I'm fine.

Aonung- The moment I saw your face I could tell you cried. Your eyes look so tired.

He gently caresses the spots under Neteyam's eyes, then holds his face in his hands.

Aonung- How many tears have you shed because of me?

Neteyam's hands slide over his marine ones, holding only them.

Neteyam- I don't blame you, Aonung. I forgive you because I don't want you living in fear with me, like you did with Rotxo. That's not how I want us to be.

Aonung- Stop settling for my bullshit just to spare me.

Neteyam- Stop acting like you hate yourself just for going through something.

Neteyam speaks sternly, sick of watching Aonung beg to be punished for something that isn't his fault.

People go through hard times, and anyone who doesn't has either never lived, or is lying.

With a sigh, Aonung's hands fall from his face, but he continues to hold them as the marine boy looks so defeated.

Neteyam- Don't beat yourself up so much. I said I forgive you, and I mean it.

Aonung- I don't deserve you . . .

Aonung pulls his hands out of Neteyam's gentle grip.

Aonung- And I mean that.