Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Year 2169

“It’s okay, bro. we’ve got you” Lo’ak, his brother calls for him as he holds him in his arms. Neteyam coughs, blood trickling down his chest. “oh no” “Put pressure” “Put pressure on it” everyone around Neteyam scrambles to check on him. “Dad, I…” Neteyam grunts, Jake reassures him “it’s okay, I’m here” he holds Neteyam close “It’s okay, son. I gotcha” Neteyam can only gasp for air as Lo’ak comes closer to him “it’s okay” Lo’ak holds his older brother’s hand  “I want to go home” Neteyam struggles to speak 

“I know, I know. It’s okay, we’re going home” Jake can only reassure him helplessly “It’s okay” 

“Dad, I…”

…

He sat up gasping for air, bright lights blinding him as  people ran around to call for more people “baby, call a nurse” a woman says she comes closer to him. He blinks as he adjusts his eyes to the bright room “You’re alright, bud. Lie back down” A man gently pushes him back down to the bed “Where am I?!” As he asks those questions, the people surrounding him look worried “Neteyam, this isn’t the time for jokes” the man commanded “Jake, he’s probably confused from the accident” the woman slaps the man’s arm. “I’m going to get our other kids from school, I’ll come back with them to get you” he kissed the woman goodbye.

“Wait, i’m alive” Neteyam came to his senses, he quickly looked at the place where he was shot “Neteyam, are you alright?” the woman caresses his face to comfort him “does it still hurt? The doctors did everything they could to make the wound less noticeable” she added. He sees a scar and his own skin, he’s different. He’s human. 

He looks at the woman beside him, her warm embrace reminds him of his mother, his real mother. “Mama” she looks down at him “yes, my child?” he paused as he buried his face in a hug “I want to go home” he sniffled, vision blurring, that’s all he ever wanted right now. “You'll get discharged as soon as the doctor gets here” she explained, not pulling away from his embrace. 

As soon as Neteyam calmed down, Kiri got back with the doctor. “Good evening, I’m Dr. Norm Spellman, a good friend of your dad” he introduced himself to Neteyam "Hello" he replied back. “I’m assuming you want to go home now, and good news for you—you can do that once Jake gets back” he smiled as he ruffled Neteyam’s braided hair.

Minutes passed. Neteyam, Kiri and their mother have been waiting in the room for the others. Right on cue, they opened the door and ran up to them “Bro!” his ‘brother’ hugged him “Neteyam, you’re okay!” The little one joined in. He let them hug him, Neteyam doesn’t return the hug as he just sat there.

“Alright, now that Neteyam’s alright, we can go home. Let’s put this behind us, let’s not put the blame on anyone” he guides them to the front of the hospital parking lot.

They arrived at the front of the house. A modest, 2 storey house with brick exterior and a big front garden. Seeing as to how they don't have this back in Pandora, Neteyam wasn't sure how to react. He followed his ‘family’ inside. The inside of the house had a cozy vibe, big windows to let natural light in, yellow lamps, overall, he could get used to the vibe.

“It's late and you still have school tomorrow—except you, Neteyam, you'll be staying here to rest” his father explained, as his siblings groaned in annoyance. “Good night, Neteyam” Tuk hugged him “Good night to you too… Tuk Tuk” he smiled as they went upstairs.

His siblings all went into their room after saying their good night to rest for the night “where the hell do I go now?” He thought to himself. Seeing as to the only room available left was the nearest one to him, he opened that door and succeeded, it was ‘his’ room.

Looking around, curious of the life this body had lived, he saw pictures of the family, a sleeping place (a bed), a glowing box that's confusing to operate (a PC) and an ever weirder, smaller box that also glowed (a phone). He's gonna have to get used to this lifestyle, and have someone teach him how to use these things.

He finally settled and dropped down on the bed. This was weird, he thought. The moving box thing they were in, this house, this room. Everything here was weird. He missed his home—his true home, the forest, his ikran, most of all—his family.

He can only wish to get back home to them, but alas, Eywa cannot answer his wishes all the way from here. With nothing else to do, he drifts off to sleep, hoping to see familiar faces, even if it's just in a dream.

The Next day

Neteyam wakes in disappointment, seeing the reality of his situation. As he sat up, an abrupt ringing came from the small metal box. “Gah, what is this?” He puts the phone up to his face trying to comprehend what was on the screen. “Great, I cannot even read this human thing” he pressed on random buttons hoping for the sound to stop, and it did… eventually.

He gets up to go get something to eat as his stomach grumbles. His mom greeted him as he walked through the kitchen “good morning, Teyam. Did you not change clothes?” She asked as he looked at himself “Should I?” He tilts his head in confusion “of course, those clothes were on you for the whole day, yesterday” she calmly explained as she got back to cooking. "Take a bath after eating, we're going to see Ronal” she grabs a plate and places it in front of him.

After struggling to put on clothes after his bath, he bolts to the door to the car. Still not knowing how to work things in this new world he taps the window to get his mother’s attention “mother, how to open this?” he points to the door “just pull the handle, son” Neytiri can’t help but giggle at her son. He finally gets it to open. The ride to Ronal’s was interesting to say the least. Neteyam kept asking how to use certain things, Neytiri found this strange as her son was always the one who had to teach her, but she brushed it off as a cause of the accident.

After a 45 minute drive, they arrive at the front gates of the Tsika'u Residence "Alright, you know the drill, Behave” she reminds him as he nods, they get out of the car, Neteyam follows behind as they are led inside the big house. Neteyam, once again, can only look around to familiarize the place.

“Sullys, take a seat” Ronal greets them as she sits down on the couch “I brought Neteyam, I didn’t wanna leave him after the accident” Neytiri explained “it’s quite alright, we’re only here for gossip and tea, you can stay if that interests you, Neteyam” Ronal replied “and if it’s not of my interest, Ma’am?” he asked “Well then, I’ll call Ao’nung down” Ronal spoke before she called for Ao’nung by the stairs.

“You can go to his room if you’d like” she said as she sat back down “Excuse me, I’ll head up now, mother, ma’am” he bowed as he walked up to the room. As Neteyam reached the top of the steps, he was greeted by a taller boy “this is probably Ao’nung in this world” he thought as he stared at the boy in front of him now turning a shade of red “will you stop staring, it’s getting weird. Acting like you’ve never seen me before” Ao’nung complained “sorry about that” Neteyam can only apologize. 

“Just go in the room will you” Ao’nung said as he led the other boy inside “I saved the level we were supposed to continue the other day” he said as he handed Neteyam a controller, sitting on his bed he patted the space right next to him, signaling Neteyam to sit down.

Ao’nung stares at the screen as Neteyam pushes random buttons, struggling to keep up “uh do you wanna take a break?” asked Ao’nung as he set his controller down, Neteyam looked up at him and nodded.

They sat there in silence with Neteyam daydreaming and Ao’nung on his phone, secretly watching the other.

“Are you okay?” Ao’nung asks, breaking the awkward silence

“Yeah, why should I not be?” Neteyam insisted, still looking at the ceiling.

Ao’nung stood up and looked down at him “You know you’re not. You can tell me what’s bothering you, I won’t tell” he assured “What would you do if you woke up in another person’s body?” The other boy asked blankly.

Ao’nung crosses his arms as he thought of an answer “hmm, I think I’d do the things I won’t be able to in my body” he answered “I guess that’s one way of enjoying things huh” Neteyam chuckled, Ao’nung smiled at this “Why’d you ask thought? That was so random” he wondered.

Neteyam sat up and looked straight into his eyes “You won’t believe me if I told you”

“Yeah, I probably won’t”

Neteyam sighs as he plopped back down on the bed “Then I won’t tell you” Ao’nung lied on the bed getting closer to him “oh come on, I thought we were friends” Neteyam’s body stiffened as he lightly pushed Ao’nung “Like you said, you won’t believe me even if I told you”

“If you won’t tell, I  won’t stop bugging you. Do you really want that?” Ao’nung asks him as he gives him a ‘sad’ look

“Promise you won’t laugh, or tell anyone” Neteyam says as Ao’nung raises his pinky finger

“I promise” Neteyam looks at him with confusion as he also raises his hand. Ao’nung looked and grabbed the other’s hand, making a pinky promise.

“Now, tell” Ao’nung demanded as he got closer to Neteyam

“okay… I’m not from here. I live on a moon called Pandora. I'm Na'vi, well—was. I found myself lying on a hospital bed after I was shot and now I’m here”

“Haha, wow—that’s a lot to take in” Ao’nung laughed. Neteyam grabbed him by the collar and asked

“you believe me, right?” Ao’nung nodded “woah, calm down. I believe you, kinda. Please don’t beat me up again” he replied.

Neteyam breathed a sigh of relief “that was good to get it off my chest” taking a deep breath, he thanked Ao’nung.

“Ao’nung, can you teach me how to read and write this human thing? My Dad back home only teached us a few phrases” he asked

“yeah, man. You’re gonna have to pay me a teaching fee” Ao’nung joked

“Also, these weird gadgets” Neteyam added as he pulled out his phone. Ao'nung could only hold his laughter but agreed to do so anyway.

This was nice, in a way. No pressure into being the perfect warrior, no dad putting the blame on you for things you didn’t do.

Maybe this won’t be so bad.

Chapter Text

After their visit at Ronal’s, Neytiri and Neteyam went to pick up the others at school “Did you have fun with Ao’nung?” Neytiri asks as she parks the car “yes, mama” Neteyam replies looking out the window, seeing his siblings running towards the car.

“Hi, ma” They greeted and gave their mom a peck on the cheek as they entered the car.

“Hey, Teyam. How’d the game go with Ao’nung?” Lo’ak asked as he closed the car door “it was okay” Neteyam replied as the car drove off. Kiri and Lo’ak look at each other with a knowing look.

As they drive home, Kiri asks Lo’ak to text Ao’nung if he thinks their brother’s acting weird.

“Lo’ak, help Neteyam with the things we’ve got” Neytiri points at the car

“It’s okay, mother. I’ve got it” Neteyam says as he brings the bags inside. Lo’ak following behind to seem helpful

“Thank you, boys” Their mother unpacks the things Ronal packed for them, most of them for Tuk. Things like beads, shells, typical things you’d find at the beach.

“Lo’ak, come on” Kiri called as she stood behind her door

“coming. Mom, I’ll be in Kiri’s room” Lo’ak says as he heads up the stairs to the room

“Alright but be down for dinner, both of you” Neytiri reminded as Lo’ak gave her a thumbs up.

“What do you guys think about this?” Kiri asks the siblings on the other side of the screen.

“I suggest you guys just give him space” Ao’nung replied as he hogged the webcam.

“Bro, I don’t wanna see your stupid face” Lo’ak complained.

“I agree with Ao’nung. Maybe it’s from the accident is all” Tsireya added, Kiri sighs as she shook her head “I guess”.

“You guys, need to chill out. He’s still Neteyam at the end of the day” Ao’nung said as he sat up, leaving Tsireya to talk to the others.

“Wow, anyways, we gotta go Reya. See you at school tomorrow” Lo’ak smiled at the screen as he waved “see you guys” Tsireya waved back, hanging up.

“I guess we’ll let time pass for now” Kiri says standing up to open the door “now out” signaling at Lo’ak to leave the room

“Yeah yeah, dinner will be ready anyway” Lo’ak said walking out the door to go downstairs.

As he heads to the living room, he finds Neteyam sitting on the couch, watching the TV, which was normal for him to do so he joins him. “Whatcha watchin’?” he asks as he sat down on the edge of the couch

“animals” Neteyam replied. Okay, weird—Neteyam usually goes on and on about what he’s watching but remembering what Ao’nung said a while ago, he just ignored it.

“Cool, uh Ao’nung texted me and said that he texted you a while ago” Lo’ak said as he grabbed the remote.

“Can we watch something else? Please” he looked at Neteyam with a pout on his face.

“go ahead, I was bored of watching that anyway” Neteyam said as he looked at Lo’ak’s hands, watching and learning how to use the remote. Watching Lo’ak flick through the channels, he took mental notes for the future.

They soon agreed on watching Spongebob as soon as Tuk joined them. Soon, they hear the door open and it’s their father coming home from work “Dad!” Tuk ran up to greet him, picking her up, Jake drops his bag and greets the boy

“Hey guys” as he pats their heads.

“Jake, right on time, I just finished cooking” as Neytiri walks out the kitchen

“boys, you heard your mother” he signals for them to get moving.

“How was your day?”  Jake asks looking at his children “it was good” Kiri and Lo’ak said in unison.

“these kids in my class kept asking if Neteyam was okay” Lo’ak added as he grabbed another bite of his food.

“How about you, Neteyam?” Jake pointed at him with a fork.

“err, it was alright. I went with mother to the Tsika’u’s” There was silence at the table, a full minute of utensils clanking against each other.

“Did you have a good time?” Jakes asked as Neteyam nodded

“good, that’s good. How about you, Tuk?” Jake smiles at his youngest “we went to an aquarium!” she said excitedly as the family laughed at her enthusiasm.

“Good night, guys” Kiri yawns as she heads to her room, followed by Tuk and Lo’ak, leaving Neteyam at the kitchen with his parents. “Neteyam.” Jake grabbed his attention “hm?” Neteyam looks at him “Are you—”

“I’m okay” Neteyam cut him off, “It’s just that you’ve been acting different since the accident” Jake says with a worried face “Dad, I’m okay, really. I just need some rest” he replied with a reassuring smile. “I’ll go to my room now” he said as he heads upstairs “Good night”

As he entered his room, he checked his phone, just like how Ao’nung taught him. 

5 messages from Nung

He clicked the notification

4:12 PM: Teyam

4:12 PM: Don’t forget tomorrow

4:13 PM: I’m still gonna teach you things at school

4:13 PM: You can pay me withhhh, i’ll think about that tom

4:13 PM: Text me back when you see this

He smiled at the messages, typing back a reply, the phone suddenly rang “Nung is asking FaceTime” he clicked accept.

(bold, italic is Ao’nung. Normal is Neteyam)

“Hey!” 

“Woah, this is like the comms Dad had for us back home, except I can see you in this”

“Cool right? Haha. Anyway, you saw my messages?”

“Yeah”

“Cool, I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll wait by the gate”

“Okay”

“Okay, bye”

“Bye”

“Cool” Neteyam stares at the phone with a stupid smile on his face.

As the Sully’s drive to school the next day, Ao’nung patiently waits at the gate. “Yo bro, who you waiting for?” Koro asked, followed by the others.

“just, you know. A friend” Ao’nung replied not looking up from his phone screen.

“Don’t tell us you’re hanging out with those kids” Koro asked with a mocking laugh.

“What if I am? They beat us up, remember?” Ao’nung scoffed.

“Ao’nung” Neteyam called from a distance, followed by his siblings, Ao’nung waved at him, looking at his friends.

“You guys can go” he says as he walks up to Neteyam.

“Why are you going with him?” Kiri asked with a raised eyebrow, Neteyam opens his mouth

“uhh—We’re in the same class, remember” Ao’nung cut him off.

“oh, it’s just that this is the first time I’m hearing about this” she replied “well, Lo’ak and I have to go now. We’ll be late for our first sub” she added as she dragged her younger brother inside the school building.

“So… Do we go inside now aswell?” Neteyam asked, looking at the direction where his siblings went.

“Our first sub is always late and doesn’t really care for tardiness, which is convenient. Means I can show you around” Ao’nung replied “Come on” he signals Neteyam to follow him.

They enter the school building. Neteyam is a bit overwhelmed with the amount of students. They did a quick scope of the school as Ao’nung still wanted to get to their first sub. Ao’nung looked at the time on his phone “9:00. We still have time to enter class” he says as he grabbed Neteyam and they ran to the room.

“Ahh, Mr. Tsika’u, I expected you were late, but Mr. Sully; you on the other hand, you’re never late. Take a seat, both of you” Their teacher greeted them as he went back to the board.

“Go meet with your siblings at lunch. I’ve got to join my friends” Ao’nung whispered as Neteyam nodded.

"Also tell your brother to stop hogging my sister, thanks” he added as he took out his phone, drawing the teacher’s voice in the background.

Lunch time arrived. Ao’nung led Neteyam to the cafeteria “Your siblings’ are over there” he pointed to a table near a window “Thank you, see you later” Neteyam smiled as he walked to the table.

Meanwhile, Ao’nung walked to his friends’ table “Why are you hanging out with that guy?” one of his friend asked “none of your business” Ao’nung rolled his eyes as he sat his bag down.

“Did he threaten you to hangout with him?”

“No”

“Then why?”

“Maybe I just wanna spend time with my friend after he got shot?” Ao’nung huffed “hah, that’s kinda gay” his friends joked around “I’m not gay” he denied as he looks at the direction of his sister and the others “we’re just joking bro” Koro snickered as he swung an arm around Ao’nung.

“Neteyam, are you feeling okay? I heard from these two that you’ve been acting weird” Tsireya asked as the two looked at each other with wide eyes “haha I’m okay. Thank you for the concern, Tsireya” Neteyam smiles at her. They laughed and ate some more before leaving for their classes.

“We’ll see you later, Teyam” they waved as Neteyam stood there, alone. He looked at where Ao’nung was and decided to go to him. “Neteyam” Ao’nung turned around and saw him “what are you doing here?” he asked “Ah just waiting for you, I didn’t wanna go alone” Neteyam replied as he looked at the others sitting on the table, he awkwardly waved hello at them, leaving them quietly laughing looking at Ao’nung with teasing looks.

“Okay…If you’re busy, I can just ask around” Neteyam says as turned around to leave, Ao’nung stood up and called for him “wait, I’m finished anyway” he said as he ran up to him, turning back to flip off his friends.

“You seem nicer here than on Pandora” Neteyam said as they walked to class “How so?” Ao’nung asked catching up to him “uh for one; you don’t seem to be a major jerk towards my siblings” he explained as they entered the room “about that, you—well not you, but the previous Neteyam kind of beat my ass for leaving Lo’ak somewhere” Ao’nung laughed nervously. “Ah, so it’s pretty much the same then” Neteyam looked at him as he pressed his lips together.

Taking their seats just in time for the teacher to call their names. Neteyam tries his best to keep his mind on what the teacher is teaching but he just can’t focus, mostly because he doesn’t understand these lessons. He looks at Ao’nung who's been on his phone since they sat down.

Ao’nung noticed his seatmate getting restless in his seat, staring at him “Are you good?” he looks up from his phone to look at Neteyam “Yeah, just not used to this” he replied.

Hearing that, it got Ao’nung wondering what Neteyam was like back at his original home. What was Pandora like? What was his counterpart like? Did he miss his home? Probably. He went back to what Neteyam said, that he was Na’vi. “I’ll ask him later”

“Ahh, Finally. We can leave this place” Neteyam stood up fast, dashing out the door.

“Ao’nung come on” he called for him.

“Wait, ugh” dragging his feet out the door. 

“Where are we going now?” Neteyam asks as they walk towards the parking lot of the school.

“I’m waiting for Tsireya and Rotxo so we can go home together. Let’s just wait together.” Ao’nung suggested as they walked around the parking lot waiting for the others.

“So, what was your life like on Pandora?” Ao’nung asked as he sat on the curb. Neteyam joined him on the curb as he took a deep breath.

“It was great, we lived in the forest but had to relocate to the reef which was your home, because of war. Oh, I ride—rode an ikran, I was a trained warrior under my father’s guidance and now I’m here” Neteyam said as he looked at the ground, poking it with a stick he found.

“That must be awesome, no school and everything” Ao’nung replied with enthusiasm “You must miss it huh?” he added as Neteyam took a quick glance at him, smiled and said  “of course, it was all I have ever known”

Ao’nung seeing him so down suggested they should do something with the others this weekend “Let’s just tell them later” and, as if right on cue, the others approached them “hey guys” Rotxo greeted “perfect timing, Me and Neteyam over here were just talking about how we should all hangout this weekend” Ao’nung smiles as he taps on Neteyam’s shoulders. The others discussed for a bit and eventually said yes. “Alright, it seems like our parents’ are here. See ya guys” Ao’nung waved goodbye followed by the other two. 

“And there’s ours” Kiri said as she approached the car, Lo’ak and Neteyam following behind “Tuk’s still not feeling good so, be careful around her” Jake said at the front of the car “Dad, you acting like she has the black plague” Kiri stated as she rolled down a window.

Second day in another’s body, so far; so good.

Chapter Text

On Pandora

The Sully family have been mourning Neteyam for weeks now, the family would argue every now and then, mostly about Lo’ak. Oh Lo’ak, how he missed his big brother, the one he looked up to, the one who made him feel different from others, but also the one who defended and protected him; and now he’s gone, only a memory he can look back at—sure they can visit him through Eywa, but it wasn’t the same. Without him, the family seemed to fall apart. 

Seeing the tension in the family marui, he decided to go to the cove of the ancestors. As he was about to go to call his ilu, he bumped into Ao’nung.

“Oh, my bad. I wasn't looking where I was going” he apologized.

“It's fine. Where are you going, it's late” he asked “just wanted to see my brother” he said as he got in the water, calling for his ilu.

“Do you want to be alone?” he wondered “Well, do you want to come or what? wouldn't mind company” he raised his eyebrow as he waited for Ao’nung to respond “We must be quick, my father will kill us if he finds us out this late”

Riding on their ilus, off they went to the cove of the ancestors. It was quiet, not the suffocating quiet that you feel when your dad blames you for the death of a loved one; the quiet that calms you down, lets you breathe. Ao’nung did not mind the awkward silence on his part. The water splashing around them as their ilus ride the waves. Soon, they reach the spirit tree, Lo’ak performs Tsaheylu as Ao’nung swam near to him, just in case.

Lo’ak soon found himself in the dense forest. Figures, it was their home after all. Moments later, he found his brother, making a choker for god knows who. “Bro, what's up?” He came up to him to join him in weaving the choker. He dislikes weaving—it's time consuming, but he likes his brother more.

“Glad to see you, baby bro” Neteyam smiled as he continued to weave through the beads

“I miss you bro” Lo'ak stops and stares at the beads in his hand “I know”

“Lo'ak, I know this might sound crazy to you, but, my consciousness is inhabiting someone's body” Neteyam blurted out as Lo'ak looked at him with confusion on his face.

“You've got jokes even when you're dead” Lo'ak said

“I'm serious” Neteyam held his hand stopping Lo'ak from beading the thread through.

“Okay, but how is your soul here still? And how do you know that?” Lo'ak questioned.

“I guess there's a difference between my soul and my consciousness? I know because sometimes, I see what my consciousness sees, I guess?” Neteyam said, not even sure of what he's talking about himself, he must sound insane to his brother.

“Oh my Eywa. Does she hate our family? She could've given you a second chance in life but no. Let's send his consciousness to another world to spice things up” Lo'ak said with annoyance, standing up as he stopped from weaving.

“Lo'ak, please. I know you're grieving but listen to yourself. Eywa must have known something. Don't let your anger cloud your judgement” Neteyam grabbed his hand.

Lo'ak took a deep breath and apologized “I'm sorry” 

Neteyam hugged him “Come back when you can, you're not Payakan. You must breathe. See you later, baby bro” Neteyam let go of the hug.

“See you, bro” Lo'ak smiled as he disconnected his kuru from the tree. Ao’nung beside him, watching him carefully.

“Let's go home” Ao’nung signed to him as he nodded. They swam back up to their ilus and went back home. 

On Earth

Neteyam sat on his bed—his warm bed, not moving, not wanting to move. He's been in the room the whole morning. He thought about what he should do at school, what the teacher was talking about.

“This is stupid” he sighed “why would Eywa do this to me” he sprawled onto the bed. 

He lays there, feeling suffocated by the clothes he was wearing, he longed for the forest, he wanted to go fishing with his dad again, like old times. He stood up and looked at the mirror, staring at his current self, he felt revolted just by looking at the reflection looking back at him. Being in a body from a species that has killed so much of his kind, he can only pray to Eywa that this was a dream, a very long one.

He then hears a knock as his door opened, he turned to look who it was “ma”

“Neteyam, you haven't gone down to eat yet. You never skip breakfast, is everything alright” she asked, concern painted on her face but still keeping a smile.

“I am all right, mother” he says walking towards the door, scratching his neck as he lies, it's just a small white lie.

“All right, there's food downstairs if you feel like it, okay?”Neytiri said, Neteyam nodded in response. 

Ding Dong

The doorbell rang “who could that be? Lo’ak can you get the door” Neytiri called for him.

Lo’ak got out of his room and headed downstairs, opening the door to see Rotxo and the two siblings.

“oh hi, Tsireya” Lo’ak greeted “we’re also here you know” Ao’nung said with an annoyed look on his face

“oh hey” Lo’ak responded “this son of a-” Ao’nung whispered

“Come in” Lo’ak opened the door and led them to the living room

“mom, it’s Tsireya and the others” he said as he looked up the stairs. Neteyam heard this and went downstairs with his mother “Hello, how are you kids?” Neytiri greeted them with a smile.

“Hello ma’am” Rotxo smiled.

“Is Kiri upstairs?” the boy added as the others laughed “Yes, you can go up, Miles is with her” she smiled, walking back into the kitchen as Rotxo happily walked up the stairs.

“Oh hi Teyam” he greeted as he continued walking up the stairs, Neteyam greeted back. 

“Yo Neteyam” Ao’nung held his hand out, only to be left hanging, then he remembered as he mentally cursed himself. “Okay… anyway, what are you guys doing here?” Lo’ak asked, shifting the attention of the others.

“to ask your parents if you can hang out” Ao’nung turned to them.

“oh yeah, about that. I don’t think Neteyam wants to go out right now” Lo’ak said, Neteyam looked at them and quickly said.

“No. I want to, I’ve just been feeling unwell. Going out would do me good” as he sat on the couch, signaling the others to do the same.

“Hey Reya” Kiri said walking down with Rotxo and Miles, Tsireya waved at her as the others also sat with them. Tsireya explained what they were doing as she stood up to find Jake and Neytiri.

“I’m going to let your dad know” as she went up to their parents. The others watched from the side.

“Mr. Sully, Can your children come hangout with us, Ao’nung is in charge so if something happens, you can blame him” she joked as Jake chuckled.

“Yeah, just don’t get in trouble, tell Lo’ak that” he said as he pats Tsireya’s head, she gave the others a thumbs up. Success.

They get in the car that Ao’nung borrowed from his dad. “You kids be careful, Don’t do anything stupid” Jake and Neytiri warned them as they waved them goodbye “see you guys, tell Tuk we’re sorry. We’ll bring her something later” Kiri said. The car backed up and went off.

“So, where are we going?” Miles asked “uhh where do you guys wanna go?” Ao’nung asked as he looked at them from the mirror.

“I’d say the beach but we’re not prepared for that” Rotxo replied.

“I thought we were going to the mall?” Kiri asked “Let’s vote then” Ao’nung decided.

“everyone who wants to go to the beach err, raise your left, and those who want to go to the mall, raise your right” he said looking back and forth at the road and the mirror.

Rotxo, Miles, and Ao’nung voted for the beach. Kiri, Tsireya, and Lo’ak voted for the mall. “Aww it’s a tie” Rotxo pouted in sadness.

“Neteyam didn’t vote” Kiri looked at him. Neteyam sat at the passenger seat of the car, everyone looking at him.

“I don’t know where to go” he said avoiding everyone’s gaze “The beach will be fun though” Rotxo said as he reached for his shoulder “we don’t have a change of clothes, remember?” while Kiri argued, Neteyam had already raised his left hand. “Yes!” Miles and Rotxo dap each other while the others groaned.

“Don’t whine on me, we’ll still stop by the mall. We need a change of clothes after all” Ao’nung said while the girls smiled.

“wait, you gonna pay for it?” Kiri asked “Dad gave us money, he said we can treat you guys” Tsireya said. Neteyam looked at Ao’nung after hearing this, he’ll just repay him later, he thought.

At the mall, they checked the stores for clothes fit for the beach “all right, knock yourselves out” Ao’nung said as he stood outside a clothing store. Neteyam went up to him.

“hey, I’ll pay you back when we get home” he said.

“ugh, did you not hear Reya? Dad said we can treat you guys” Ao’nung huffed.

“Now, come on” he said, grabbing Neteyam as they went in with the others.

“Is this really needed to go for a swim?” Neteyam asked as he followed Ao’nung grabbing swimming trunks.

“not really. But you know, beach etiquette and all that. Why? Do you swim naked in Pandora?” Ao’nung asked turning his attention to Neteyam.

“what? No. We don’t remove our loincloth when we swim” Neteyam replied. Ao’nung paused as he tried to picture what Neteyam looked like in a loincloth, feeling his face heating up, he shook his head to dismiss the thought. Neteyam looked at him in confusion.

“Do we need shirts?” He asked Ao’nung.

“you don’t have to if you don’t want to” Ao’nung said giving Neteyam the swim trunks he had in his hands.

They finish their shopping, then head to the supermarket in the mall to grab something to eat for the beach.

“Teyam” Kiri pulled him closer to her.

“Why do you keep hanging out with Ao’nung, Do you hate us?” Kiri asked with a pout.

“No no, I could never hate you guys” he said frantically waving his hands in the air.

“haha I’m kidding. Anyway, let’s get our fave chips” Kiri laughed as she held Neteyam,  directing him to the chips aisle. 

“All right. We should get going” Ao’nung sighed in exhaustion from shopping. 

They soon arrive at the beach. Ao’nung parked the car far from the sand. “Race you” Kiri shoved Rotxo causing him to lose balance “Oh you’re going down” He said as he caught up to her “haha, got you” Rotxo laughed as he tackled Kiri into the water. The others followed as soon as they got the stuff from the car “Thanks for the help, Kiri” Lo’ak said sarcastically “You’re Welcome” Kiri smiled as she floated in the water, Lo’ak rolled his eyes as he splashed his sister with water, getting himself wet in the process. 

“Uhh… Kiri, Lo’ak? Did you change your clothes?” Neteyam asked as he went near them, They shook their heads no, mouthing ‘sorry’

“at least you still have a change of clothes” Neteyam reassured

“Come on, bro” Lo’ak pulled his brother in the water. 

“Are you not going in the water, Nung?” Tsireya, getting up to change into swimwear “maybe later, it’s still hot, no?” Ao’nung replied

“okay, I’m gonna change now” Tsireya said as she went to change her clothes in the public bathroom. 

Ao’nung and Miles sat there looking at the others, there was an uncomfortable silence before Miles decided to break it with a question, looking at Neteyam “you got a thing for Neteyam?” he asked as Ao’nung turned his head so fast, you’d think he broke his neck.

“why would you think that?” Ao’nung replied as nonchalantly as he could.

“I don’t know, you guys seem closer ever since Neteyam got back from that accident” Miles said, now looking at Ao’nung.

“Can’t I check up on my friend after they got shot?” Ao’nung asked, “You can” Miles said.

They sat there, silent again. “Are you doing it out of pity?” Miles asked.

“oh my god. I’m not doing this because of pity or ‘cause you think I’m gay, which I’m not!” Ao’nung said, raising his voice just enough for people nearby to look at him. He composed himself, clearing his throat.

“Sorry ‘bout that” he apologized to Miles as he sighed.

“It’s just that, Neteyam trusted me with something” he explained as he looked at Neteyam from a distance.

“and I’m just being a good friend, after all I’ve done to his siblings” he added.

“Yeah, understandable. You were an asshole, I heard” Miles laughed as he stood up.

"I’m going for a swim, you should join later” he said as he jogged towards the others.

Neteyam got out of the water, finding his clothes heavy as he's soaked, he decided to remove his shirt. “Ao'nung, are you not going for a swim?” He asked as he sat next to Ao'nung “er uh later. I'll swim later” his eyes glued to Neteyam’s chest, the fully healed bullet wound.

“What were you yelling about with Spider?” Neteyam asked as Ao'nung looked at him with confusion.

“you mean Miles?” He corrected “oh that's his name here”

“It was nothing, he was just saying something stupid” Ao'nung explained.

“oh alright” Neteyam said, tucking his knees to his chest. Ao'nung looked—no, stared at Neteyam for a long while, he looked slightly different, maybe because he's not the Neteyam he knew or maybe it was something else. Neteyam felt Ao'nung’s gaze beside him as he sat there with an awkward smile on his face

“Don't you want to swim? The sun's going down” He asked turning his head to face Ao'nung.

“uh yeah, let me just change real quick” He said as he grabbed his swim clothes, dashing towards the bathroom.

“Aren't you gonna put your shirt back on?” Ao'nung asked as they walked towards the water.

“no, it’s making me uncomfortable, I'd remove this as well but it’s not allowed” Neteyam said pointing to his shorts, Ao'nung laughed, going in the water, they went further from the group.

“Have you been feeling unwell?” Ao’nung asked, floating on his back.

“yeah, just a little homesick. I just miss my family, you know.” Neteyam replied blowing bubbles in the water.

“It’s not the same here. I also miss my Ikran” he added, dunking his head under the water.

“What is that thought? I know you’ve mentioned it before” Ao’nung asked still floating in circles around Neteyam.

“They’re animals that we fly” He explained as he knelt in the shallow water “damn, that’s cool as fuck” Ao’nung said. 

“Why are you circling him like that?” Kiri approached them, Ao’nung lifted his neck to look at her.

“Why not. Relax, I’m not gonna eat him. I'm not a shark” he said as he relaxed back his head, Kiri just rolled her eyes and went back to the other, not leaving without splashing Ao’nung ‘accidentally’ “oops” she looked back with a smirk.

“you sure you guys are related?” Ao’nung asked as he knelt back up.

After a few hours, they left the water heading to the shore to pack up their clothes left in the sand.

“we should go back here again” Rotxo said.

“Yeah, that was fun” Tsireya agreed as she picked up her clothes “We’re going to change now” she added as she grabbed Kiri to go to the bathroom. They went into separate stalls to change.

“Does your brother have a crush on Neteyam?” Kiri asked, the question lingered in the air before Tsireya responded.

“I don’t know, I’m pretty sure Ao’nung is just concerned. He has been pretty mean to you guys” she said hanging her wet clothes by the door.

“you think? But why Neteyam? Shouldn’t he be hanging out with us if we’re the ones he bullied?” Kiri asked.

“Do you want to investigate what’s going on between them?” Tsireya asked, walking out of the stall in the clothes they bought.

“Wow, I never thought you were the nosy type” Kiri said opening the stall door “but sure, you spy on your brother and I spy on mine” Kiri added.

“Took you long enough” Miles said with his hands on his hips “sorry, we got caught up with some…thing” Tsireya said walking to the car.

“Oh Neteyam, I thought you were sitting in front?” Tsireya opened the car door

“Oh. It’s ‘cause we’re going home. I thought it would be easier to drop us all off if we’re in the back” Neteyam explained.

“Just sit here, Tsireya” Ao’nung ordered, turning his head to look at them. Tsireya followed and they went off to go home.

“Thanks, Ao’nung” Lo’ak said as they got out of the car. Neteyam feels sick after riding in the car for so long.

“See you guys” he said closing the car door behind him.

“Teyam, this is for your little sister” Ao’nung called for his as he hands him a bag.

“thank you” Neteyam said grabbing the bag from Ao’nung’s hands.

Tsireya peeked from the other side of the car “I’ll text you when we get home…” Lo’ak looked at Tsireya expecting her to say his name

“... Kiri” Lo’ak looked at Kiri with a confused look.

“Okay, update me. Bye!” Kiri said as they waved them off. 

“Update you about what?” Miles asked, nudging Kiri with his elbow.

“None of your guys business” She said opening the front door greeting their parents in the living room. Jake watching some drama, Neytiri sleeping next to him.

“You’re home. How was the hangout?” Jake asked, his eyes still on the TV.

“It was fun” Kiri replied shortly “Hi Dad. Mom” Lo’ak greeted “Good night” he said sprinting to his room.

“Hello Dad” Neteyam hesitated to call him that, being so used to calling him ‘sir’.

“Neteyam, how was it?” Jake turned to him, careful not to wake up his wife sleeping beside him.

“It was really fun, the water was cold” Neteyam replied, taking his shoes off by the door. “That's nice”.

Neteyam nodded, his lips forming a straight line “I’m going to my room now, good night, sir—Dad” he quickly corrected himself as he went up to his room. Jake raising an eyebrow but still says goodnight.

“He’s been acting weird since the accident” Jake thought as he returned his attention to the television.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4: 04

“I’m going to my room now, good night, sir—Dad”

Jake couldn’t stop thinking about what his son called him.

“Dad, did they get me anything?” Tuk asked as she stood by the door of her parent’s bedroom.

“I think Neteyam brought something, go get it from him, okay?” Jake said “Okay!” Tuk said, closing the door behind her.

“Neteyam? Did you get me anything?” Tuk asked, opening her brother’s door “Teyam?” she called for him again. Finding him still asleep, she approached him and nudged him slightly to wake him up. Minutes after trying to wake him up, Tuk grew concerned.

“Dad?!” Tuk called.

“Something’s wrong with Neteyam!” she added as she heard footsteps running toward the room. 

“What happened?” Jake asked as he gently pushed Tuk aside. Relieved to find that Neteyam still has a pulse.

“I don’t know, he’s not waking up. Is he okay?” Tuk asked, her voice cracking as she tried not to cry.

“shh it’s going to be okay, we’ll take him to Uncle Norm, okay? Call your mother” Jake said as he carried Neteyam out of his room.

Tuk ran to her mother who just got home from dropping off her other siblings “Tuktirey, what happened?” Neytiri asked, concerned on why her youngest was on the verge of tears.

“It’s Neteyam. He’s not waking up” Tuk sniffled as she hugged her mother “what?!” running inside to find Jake carrying their eldest son.

“Baby, start the car. We’re going to the hospital” Neytiri immediately rushed back to the car, starting it. 

“Can anyone help us?” Tuk asked as she barged through the hospital doors.

“Tuk, what are you doing here? What happened?” Norm asked as he walked up to her.

“It’s Neteyam, he’s not waking up” as she explained, her parents rushed in to talk to him.

“oh god, bring him in a room. Nurse, assist them. I’ll follow” Norm ordered as the family followed a nurse in a room.

Laying Neteyam down on the bed gently, Jake made sure his daughter was alright “You guys go home for now. I’ll call you if anything happens” Neytiri nods as they say goodbye to Jake.

“Jake! what happened?” Norm sliding the door, Jake stood up.

“Tuk found him unconscious. Can you do anything? He’s not waking up” he explained.

“I’ll see what I can do. You can go wait outside if you’d like” Norm said as Jake thanked him.

After a long wait and watching from the other side of the glass, Norm finally went to talk to Jake “Neteyam’s alright now. I don't know why this only happened now seeing as the accident was a week ago, but he had an embolism in his pulmonary artery which caused the unconsciousness. We injected anticoagulant to thin his blood so he’ll be okay” Norm assured.

“When will he wake up?” Jake asked.

“In a few hours? We’re not sure yet. We’ll keep an eye on him. Also, Jake, I don’t know if Neteyam can go back to running track. That accident caused damage in his heart muscle” Norm said as he put his hand on Jake’s shoulder.

“I know, thanks” Jake exhaled in relief as Norm nodded.

Jake went into the room and sat on the chair near Neteyam’s bed, waiting for something to happen. Minutes passed by with Jake alone with his thoughts, the door slid open.

“Dad, what happened to Neteyam?” Kiri asked with concern on her face, Lo’ak and the others followed behind her 

“baby girl, how’d you know he’s here?” Jake asked hugging his daughter.

“Mom dropped us off to see how Neteyam’s doing” Kiri explained.

“Hello sir” Ao’nung greeted “we wanted to see how he was doing too” he added.

“alright. You guys can stay here and watch him for now. I’ll be back to tell your mother how he is” Jake said as he pointed at the couch in the room 

“wait dad, what happene—” Kiri got cut off with the door closing, seeing their dad ran off the hospital door.

“Dude, wasn’t he fine when we left the house?” Miles asked.

“I thought he just wasn’t in the mood to hangout when he wasn’t responding so I didn’t push” Lo’ak said.

“Maybe it has something to do with the accident?” Tsireya asked as they agreed

“It’s been days though. If he were to go into a coma, it would have been right after he was shot” Ao’nung said.

Neteyam can hear them, as he laid in that bed, he saw his friends in the distance.

“Yo skxawng! Over here!” he walked towards them “What took you so long?” They laughed as Neteyam stood there with a blank expression on his face, he didn’t know what emotions to express. Should he be happy to see the others long after his death, or should he feel sad because he knows this is all in his head? 

“Hey, you okay, bro?” Lo’ak asked, looking at him  as he sat by the rocks.

“Yeah” Neteyam replied with a smile on his face. He missed this, his own body, his siblings, his friends, his home. Knowing what’s happening, he decided to just go along with it.

Back in the real world. The others are still in the room, anxiously waiting for something to happen. A phone rang as the others looked at the direction of where it came from. Miles took his phone out and cursed.

“hey guys, I gotta go. My dad’s calling me, gotta get home to him and his girlfriend” Miles stood up and said goodbye to them.

“text me if he wakes up” he added as the others nodded and waved goodbye to him.

Neteyam groaned, his head turning from side to side. “Lo’ak, call Uncle Norm” Kiri said as she went up to Neteyam to check on him. Lo’ak rushed outside to call for help.

“Neteyam, you’re okay. We’re here” Kiri comforted her brother, caressing his forehead with her hand. Lo’ak came back with a nurse and their uncle.

“What happened?” Norm asked.

“He was groaning in his sleep. Is he okay?” Kiri explained.

“You kids go outside for now. We’ll see if he’s okay, stay calm alright” Norm said, escorting them out of the room.

“Nurse close the blinds”.

“Neteyam can you hear me” Norm asked, checking the kid’s vitals, Neteyam can only groan in response “Yeah, I hear you bud” Neteyam then slowly opened his eyes, squinting from the bright hospital lights “Go dim the lights, please” Norm asked the nurse

The lights dimmed as Norm looked at his nephew again.

“Hey. How’re you doing? You feeling any pain anywhere?” Norm asked, examining Neteyam.

“Uncle Norm, you’re you… Where’s Lo’ak?” he asked quietly, Norm raised an eyebrow and replied “He’s outside with the others, do you want them to come in?”

Neteyam nodded. He put his hand up and looked. Sighing at the sight, he realized he was awake from the dream. Disappointment spread on his face seeing how it really was just a dream.

The door slid open as the kids turned their heads. “Hey, Neteyam wants you guys inside” Norm called the others. He then turned back to Neteyam.

“We’ll be outside if you need anything, I’ll call your dad and tell him you’re awake” Norm said as he and the nurse then left the room.

The others rushed inside to see if Neteyam was okay “Hey bro, what happened to you? You feeling okay?” Lo’ak asked as he went near his brother 

“Yeah, I’m alright” Neteyam replied looking at them.

“oh I’m so glad you’re okay. I did not want to lose a brother today” Kiri went and hugged him tightly, pushing Lo’ak aside.

“Okay, you’re gonna suffocate him with that hug, man” Ao’nung chuckled as he also went to check on Neteyam. Kiri pulled away as she lightly punched her older brother.

“Don’t ever do this again” Neteyam raised his arms and surrendered “okay I’m sorry” he laughed.

“Teyam do you want anything? Lo’ak and I are gonna go buy some food” Tsireya said as she and Lo’ak stood up from the couch.

“No i’m okay” Neteyam said “You haven’t eaten all day. Here, you guys buy some chicken from Jollibee or something” Ao’nung said as he handed some money to his sister.

“I’ll go with you, Reya” Kiri said as she grabbed her hoodie from Rotxo, disrupting his nap.

“Hey! You better buy me something to compensate” Kiri apologized and agreed as the three of them went to buy some food.

Rotxo looked around the room, finding that him and Ao’nung were the ones that stayed.

“I’ll be here if you need me” Rotxo informed the two that was left in the room with him.

“Not that you guys need anything from me” he added as he went back to close his eyes. 

“Are you feeling okay?” Ao’nung asked as he grabbed the remote to turn on the television.

“Yeah, thank Eywa they didn’t stick anything in me” Neteyam said as he sat up, Ao’nung looked at him “Haha, they probably stuck a needle in you, you just didn’t know. By the way, you should probably get rid of ‘eywa’ in your vocab” he said flipping through the channels.

“cheap ass hospitals, nothing entertaining on here” he murmured.

“I can’t just get rid of something that I’ve known all my life” Neteyam said looking at his arms to look for any evidence that something was stuck in him.

“Stop freaking out about the needle, they had a reason for it” Ao’nung huffed as he gave up on the television and just turned it off. 

“The people say that when you touch steel, the poison seeps into your heart” Neteyam muttered, Ao’nung turned to him.

“what was that?” asking Neteyam to repeat what he said. 

“The poison seeped into my heart when I touched that gun” Neteyam kept on muttering.

“Hey, what are you talking about dude?” Ao’nung kept asking, Neteyam took a deep breath and looked at Ao’nung.

“Just before I died, I held a gun. Is that why I’m dead? Is Eywa punishing me?” Neteyam huffed, holding his head with his hands. Ao’nung sat there, confused out of his mind. 

“Hey, it’s not your fault” Those words are the only thing that Ao’nung can say.

“You can tell me things, remember our pinky promise” Ao’nung said holding his pinky up, which he found extremely childish now that he’s realizing it.

“Yes. I remember our extra finger promise” Neteyam said, chuckling.

As Neteyam and Ao’nung talked about their promise. Their siblings are busy on what to buy.

“Didn’t your brother say to buy Jollibee?” Kiri asked as they walked out of a convenience store holding bags of snacks.

“Why’d we buy so much, Neteyam’s going home later anyway?” Lo’ak asked as the two gave their bags to him.

“Let’s just buy that bucket of chicken” Tsireya said as they entered the fast food restaurant.

“Lo’ak, you go order” Tsireya said as she handed him the money. The two sat down on a nearby table as Lo’ak ordered.

“It is very weird that Ao’nung is willing to use him money just so Neteyam eats something” Kiri stated, whispering so Lo’ak can’t hear them 

“I mean it’s not that weird ‘cause he spends money on me sometimes, but he’s not like that to his other friends” Tsireya added while Kiri nodded.

“They’re def dating” Kiri said holding her arms up as if she proved a theory. 

“Maybe… let’s wait it out, but I do agree with you” Tsireya said. 

“Hey, I ordered an 8 piece bucket” Lo’ak said sitting down next to Tsireya, putting down the beeper, the two girls going quiet as Lo’ak sat down.

“Go in with your conversation, I don’t care about it” Lo’ak said finding the silence uncomfortable.

“What if it interests you?” Tsireya asked 

“hmm, what is it about?” he asked, pulling out his phone to watch tiktoks.

“About our brothers…” Tsireya continued, Lo’ak froze, his thumb hovering over his phone. 

The three of them sat there waiting for a response from Lo’ak “err what about them?” He looked at the two of them. Kiri got closer to them.

“We think there’s something going on between them” she said resting her arms on the table.

“pft, please. You think that dork—no offense Reya, has a thing for our brother?” Lo’ak chuckled as the two looked at each other

“I really don’t think there’s anything between them. He’s probably just being nice after being an asshole to us” he added, the buzzer then vibrated signaling that their order’s ready.

“Come on” Lo’ak put his phone back in his pocket and went to grab their order

Walking back to the hospital, it got Lo’ak wondering how their brother’s got so close after the accident. Neteyam choosing to hangout with Ao’nung after classes. Ao’nung sticking so close to his brother. It sent shivers down his spine thinking about it.

They soon get to the hospital, the girls sliding the door open “Hey, Dad texted. He’s on his way to get us” Lo’ak said as he entered the room, seeing Rotxo taking a nap and the other two talking. “But we just got food” Kiri groaned as she slouched next to Rotxo.

“We can eat it at home. They can come with” Lo’ak said 

“But–”

“I already texted our dad, he said yes” Lo’ak said, cutting Ao’nung off .

“Great, we can eat at your house!” Tsireya said, clapping her hands. Neteyam looked at the scene, he smiled like an idiot. This was close enough for him.

As they were talking about going to the Sully’s, the door slid open with Jake coming in.

“Dad, what took you so long?” Kiri greeted him, as Jake ruffled her hair.

“Hey kids, I talked to Norm. No more intensive sports for now that can affect your breathing. Other than that, you can go home” Jake said, putting his hand on Neteyam’s head.

“Alright, can you stand?” Jake asked helping Neteyam up.

“Yes sir—I mean dad” Jake sighed as he looked at him as he stood up from the hospital bed

“I can help him, sir” Ao’nung said, holding Neteyam’s waist for support.

“All right, I’ll follow you to the car, I’ll just talk to your uncle for a bit” Jake said watching Ao’nung support lead Neteyam to the doors.

The others went first, Neteyam and Ao’nung followed at the back “I can walk on my own you know” Neteyam sighed.

“Well, we’ll never know what’ll happen if I let go huh?” Ao’nung asked with a smirk on his face, Neteyam rolled his eyes and chuckled.

“Neteyam can walk on his own, you know” Lo’ak said, watching the two of them enter the car from the very back seat.

“Now I know you’re not adopted” Ao’nung scoffed as he let Neteyam in the car.

“Thank you” Neteyam said as he scooted over, leaving space for Ao’nung.

“Kiri, can you put on something?” Lo’ak tapped her shoulder as he pointed at the screen on the dashboard.

“No” Kiri responded flatly “ugh, why are you in the passenger seat anyway?” Lo’ak begrudgingly asked, crossing his arms as he sank back to his seat in between Rotxo and Tsireya at the very back of the car.

“Yeah! Why can’t you sit next to me? Do you hate me, Kiri?” Rotxo asked with a joking tone, Kiri rolled her eyes at Rotxo’s joke.

Their dad soon got to the car and started to drive. The drive home was quiet, Kiri at the front scrolling on her phone, Lo’ak and Tsireya giggling about something, Rotxo beside them, and Ao’nung and Neteyam sitting beside each other with a very big gap in between their seats. Neteyam rested his head by the window, looking at the other cars that passed by them.

…

“—teyam…Neteyam. We’re here” Jake called, opening the car door, his eyes fluttered as he got out of the car.

“Tuk’s been really worried and waiting for you” his dad’s hand ruffling his already messy braided hair.

Tuk ran to him as he walked through the door.

“Neteyam! Are you okay now?” she asked ignoring her other siblings who were already in the kitchen preparing the table for dinner

“I’m alright, Tuk Tuk” Neteyam laughed softly as he returned the hug and carried her to the kitchen

“Woah, Neteyam. I don’t think you should be carrying stuff, especially this heavy” Lo’ak said, looking at Tuk with a smirk on his face. Tuk stuck out her tongue at him, hugging Neteyam tighter.

“She’s pretty light so I’m fine” Neteyam said as he adjusted Tuk in his arms.

Their mother soon got down to see the commotion, she then rushed to her eldest as soon as she saw him.

“Oh Neteyam, what happened to you? What did Norm say?” she asked as she hugged him tight, not wanting to let go.

“Mama, you’re squeezing me” Tuk said as she pulled away from her mother, giving her and Neteyam room to breathe. He put her down on the dining chair, as he sat beside her.

“I’m okay, mother—mom” Neteyam cringed as the word slid off from his mouth, not used to calling his mother, mom.

“Hello, ma’am, my brother brought food” Tsireya waved as she sat down beside her brother and Rotxo, who was at the other side of the table from Neteyam and his mother. Neytiri greeted them and asked about their mother and their little sibling.

“The Tsahik gave birth here already. Huh, that’s why she didn’t seem pregnant when I went to their house” Neteyam thought as he pushed his seat closer to the table.

The others soon sat down around him, Neytiri blessed the food and thanked God that Neteyam was okay. After that they soon ate.

“Ao’nung.” Jake called, the clanking of utensils stopped as everyone turned to look at the boy, eyes wide as he swallowed the last of the food in his mouth

“Uhh yes sir?” He asked as the others looked at Jake waiting for him to respond

“Is your Dad back from his business meeting?” Jake asked as he continued to chew his food.

Ao’nung sighed a breath of relief, thinking Jake was gonna ask about him bullying his kids back then. "He's coming back on Saturday, I think, sir” he replied as he moved his food around to distract him from the stares

“Oh, great! Tell him when he comes back that his bestest friend is waiting for him” Jake said as his children rolled their eyes at him.

“What? Why are you guys sassing me?” He asked as he pointed his fork at them.

“You could’ve just texted your buddy, dad.” Lo’ak said with a deadpanned look as Kiri agreed.

“Did you expect me to punish Ao’nung? He didn’t didn't do anything stupid, right?” Their father asked with his mouth full, which led to Neytiri smacking him.

“Eat your food, now” she demanded. The children—and Jake, fearing her, continued to eat the food til their plates were clean.

“I’m done, mama” Tuk stood up “I’m going to watch tv now” she added as she ran to the living room turning the tv on.

“We’re done now too, ma’am” Tsireya said as she excused herself and Rotxo from the table, joining Tuk in the living room which left Lo’ak, Kiri, Ao’nung, and Neteyam with the parents.

Kiri and Lo’ak glancing at each other as they put their utensils down.

“We’re done!” They said in unison as they pushed their chairs to leave.

Ao’nung is suffocating from the awkward atmosphere, Neytiri then spoke “It’s late, let Jake drive you and the other two home”

“Oh, thank you ma’am. Also thank you for letting us stay for dinner” Ao’nung said as he smiled at Neytiri, she returned the smile as she stood up to clean up.

“I’m done… mom” Neteyam said as he stood up.

“I’ll help you clean up” he added, stacking the empty plates. Ao’nung hurriedly ate what’s left of his dinner and stood up.

“Don’t you have to rest?” Ao’nung grabbed Neteyam’s shoulder as he groaned.

“I’m fine” he huffed as he brought the dishes to the sink, leaving Ao’nung standing there with Jake looking at him.

“Hey, Neteyam is very independent, you know. I suggest you don’t baby him, cause he’s grown” Jake said as he stood up, grabbing his plate, bringing it to the kitchen.

Ao’nung stood there thinking “Am I doing that?” 

“Ao’nung, come here” Tsireya called from the living room. He snapped out of his thoughts and walked towards them, finding Kiri and Rotxo cuddling in their sleep, Lo’ak and Tsireya giggling like idiots as they take pictures of the two, and Tuk sleeping in between Kiri and Rotxo.

“Haha, what a happy family” Lo’ak whispered as he sat back down slowly, not wanting to wake the two sleeping next to him.

“I thought they were already dating?” Ao’nung asked crossing his arms standing in front of Lo’ak

“They’re denying it” Tsireya said as she sat down next to Lo’ak earning Lo’ak a glare from Ao’nung.

“Anyway, wake him up, we’re going home” Ao’nung said as he separated Lo’ak and his sister

Jake and Neteyam entered the living room. Jake, witnessing the scene, woke Rotxo up, making sure not to wake up his daughters. Rotxo’s eyes widened as he carefully stood up from the couch.

“I know you and my daughter are a thing, but please” Jake sighed as he stood back next to Neteyam, Rotxo’s face turned beetroot as he hid behind his hand

“sorry sir” He apologized as he stood up.

“I’ll tell her you went home” Jake said as Rotxo nodded.

“Come on” he said as he went to open the front door. The others followed along

“Neytiri already gave your mother a heads up, so no need to explain to her why you’re home so late” Jake said as he led them to the car. They went in one by one

“Bye Reya, see you tomorrow” Lo’ak waved as he closed the door for Tsireya who was last to sit down.

“alright, get back inside, you two” Jake demanded from the driver’s seat as the two quickly said goodbye

Neteyam looked back and as soon as Ao’nung looked at him, he mouthed ‘thank you’ and Ao’nung smiled back at him, then pointed at his phone, signaling Neteyam to text him. Neteyam nodded and went inside.

They soon got to their house and Ao’nung thanked Jake for the ride home.

Ronal greeted them at the door as they went inside

“Go to sleep, it’s late” Their mother said as they nodded and went to their respective rooms.

Ao’nung changed to his pajamas and turned off the lights, leaving him to his thoughts in the dark.

"Am I doing too much? I mean, I’m just concerned is all". He shook his head as he closed his eyes.

“Maybe I’ll stop hanging out with him for a while” he thought as he went to sleep.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5: 05

The following days, Neteyam noticed that Ao’nung seemed to be avoiding him. When he tried to approach him, he would make excuses that made no sense. When he was asked to hang out, he’d say that he had to go home or that he had swim practice, even though the pool was closed. It left Neteyam thinking about what he overheard at the dinner.

“Hey, Neteyam” a friend he doesn’t recognize greeted him; still, he greeted her back as he squinted his eyes trying to figure out who it was. 

"Hey…" he smiles, pointing with both of his fingers. "...you" he continued, smiling awkwardly as his friend stared at him.

“You’re so funny, Neteyam. It’s me, Nital” she laughed. Neteyam laughed nervously. "Oh, haha, hey”

She and Neteyam laughed "I apologize, you know, got a lot in my mind” he replied, scratching the back of his neck. “Oh haha. I understand—it’s just that Tseto and I missed you” she laughed as she hugged Neteyam tightly. 

“Are you feeling okay now? We heard about what happened through Kiri” she asked. 

“Yeah, I am alright” Neteyam replied. As they were talking, he caught a glimpse of Ao'nung, who was looking straight at them.

Ao’nung intently stared at them, playing with the food on his plate. “Yo Ao’nung, you’ll burn a hole in that girl’s back if you keep staring like that” Ongu said, waving his hand in front of Ao’nung’s face. “I am not doing that” Ao’nung looked at Koro as he shoved the boy’s hand away from him 

“Yeah, right. Just admit it, you like them" Koro and the others chuckled as Ao’nung stood up, slamming the table, making other people around them turn to look.

The noise also startled Neteyam, making him flinch. “Ugh, that guy” Nital rolled her eyes as she turned her back to see what was going on. 

“Anyway, see you later, Teyam” she waved, walking away as Neteyam waved back.

Ao’nung’s friends looked at him with wide eyes as the other students went back to what they were doing.

“I already told you, I’m not fucking gay” Ao’nung sighed as he grabbed his bag. “Dude, we were talking about the girl” Nash’vi, one of his friends, explained. "Well, shit” Ao’nung thought as he raised his eyebrows and sighed. 

“I’m going to class, see you guys later." His friends called to him, ignoring them as he walked out of the cafeteria.

Tsireya and the others who were also in the cafeteria saw all of it but couldn’t hear the conversation, seeing as they were far from Ao’nung and his friends. “What was that all about?” Kiri asked, looking at Rotxo “I don’t know, I don’t involve myself with Ao’nung’s other friends” he replied as he took a bite of his lunch.

“Your brother is so pissy eh, Reya?” Lo’ak said 

“Yeah, maybe it’s nothing. Let’s just eat, I’ll talk to him later” Tsireya replied, glancing at the door where Ao’nung had left as they went back to eating and chattering.

Ao’nung walked through the hallways, alone, just like he wanted, but he missed Neteyam’s company. He stopped in his tracks and let out a long sigh “What am I doing?” he whispered to himself as he leaned on a nearby pillar. As he was cursing himself internally, a voice came from behind him, he turned to see Neteyam standing there.

“Hey, you okay?” Neteyam asked as he stood next to the taller boy

“Oh hey. I’m good… did you follow me?” Ao’nung asked as Neteyam nodded. “Just wanted to check if you were alright” Neteyam replied

“I’m sorry” Ao’nung muttered. “What? Why are you apologizing?” Neteyam asked, confused as he raised an eyebrow. Ao’nung grabbed his wrist as they went to find a nearby bench to sit on. 

"I'm sorry because…I’m the one who’s supposed to be helping you adjust to this life, but here I am ignoring and avoiding you.” Ao’nung then explained, looking at Neteyam, who was sitting next to him.

“Is this because of what my father said at dinner? I kind of overheard” Neteyam tried to hold in a laugh, holding a hand over his mouth. “You… heard what your dad said—you're grown, no need to baby you” Ao’nung replied as Neteyam chuckled beside him.

 “Who said you were treating me like a baby?”

Ao’nung sighed in defeat. "Well, your dad, but other than that, no one” He looked at the ground as he replied.

“Now that that’s settled. Will you stop avoiding me now? Because I still need help figuring out who’s who and the lessons—” Neteyam’s words faded into the background as Ao’nung thought to himself.

“No reason for me to ignore him now… but why do I still feel like I have to?”  

Neteyam noticed Ao’nung staring in space and snapped his fingers at him “Uhh ‘Nung?” Ao’nung snapped back from his thoughts, looking at Neteyam.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, we can totally do that” he quickly replied, not even knowing what Neteyam was talking to him about as he stood up.

“I have classes, so I have to go, yeah, uh—b-bye” he stammers as he grabs his bag and bolts to his class.

“We’ve got the same classes though..." Neteyam raised his hand as he sat there, alone. He sighed, thinking about what was wrong with his friend until his thoughts were interrupted by someone, he looked up to see who was talking to him. To his surprise, it was Ao’nung’s friends.

“What do you freaks want from me?” He asked, standing up and reaching for his backpack. 

“Oh, so we’re the freaks?” Nash’vi chuckled as he got closer to Neteyam, the others following as they circled him. Neteyam sighed, his mind going back to the day he beat these guys.

“Back off, I don’t want to get in trouble because of you” Neteyam said as he slightly shoved them just enough so he could walk away from them. Just when he was far away from them, Koro grabbed his wrist and pulled him back.

“You know, Ao’nung’s been really attached to you lately. You guys hiding something?” Koro asked as he let go of Neteyam. 

“What are you talking about?” Neteyam asked, furrowing his brows as he looked at them with confusion. “Are you trying to get beat up again?” he asked, getting closer to them. Koro raised his arms to signal that they weren’t there to get physical with Neteyam. “Just wanted to get under your skin” he replied

“Well, it’s working, so there” Neteyam said as he left the scene, stomping his feet.

“Fucking kurkung” Neteyam cursed under his breath as he walked down the halls of the school. He arrived at his assigned room and sat next to where Ao’nung should be. Alas, he wasn’t there. He tapped the shoulder of the person in front of him, asking if they saw Ao’nung enter class, but unfortunately they didn’t. Minutes passed, and Ao’nung was still not in his seat.

The class began as the teacher started calling “Mr. Tsika’u?” The teacher looked around.

“not around, again” he states as he wrote down on his class list.

“Mr. Sully. Do you know where your friend is?” the teacher called on him.

“No idea, sir” he replied, looking at the front. The teacher shrugged it off, as he was used to the boy not coming to his class.

While Neteyam sat through his remaining classes, sucking the life out of him, trying to get the lessons through his thick skull without Ao’nung to help, Ao’nung was in the court, shooting hoops so he could get his mind off things, which was clearly not working as he just grew more frustrated. Just as he was about to throw another ball, the door slammed open, revealing Lo’ak.

“Oh Ao’nung, don’t you have classes?” Lo’ak asked, walking in and putting his bag down by the bleachers. Ao’nung passed him the ball that he was holding.

"What's it to you if I skip a few classes?” he asked, dragging his feet towards the bleachers to sit down.

“Just asking since you’re always hanging out with my brother these days, it’s weird seeing you guys not together” Lo’ak replied dribbling the ball, Ao’nung turned his head to him “Together? What do you mean by that?” Ao’nung responded as he grabbed his water bottle from his bag.

“I mean, you’ve been by his side since he came home from the accident, so it’s weird seeing you apart” he explained as he threw the ball. Ao’nung didn’t respond after that, only the sound of the basketball hitting the hoop and Lo’ak’s shoes squeaking while he runs to get tha ball back can be heard.

“Yo! Come on, let's play” Lo’ak called to Ao’nung, passing the ball to him.

Ao’nung caught the ball and scoffed with a smile on his face “You’re going to lose, you know that”

“Let’s bet then” Lo’ak declared, walking towards the opposite end of the court. “Go ahead” 

“If I win, I get to ask one question” Lo’ak said. Ao'nung took a few minutes to consider what he would do if he won, leaving Lo'ak standing there—bored.

“Alright, If I win, you have to do my homework” Ao’nung looked at him with a smirk, Lo’ak complained that Ao’nung was a year ahead of him, but Ao’nung ignored him.

“Come on, let’s play” Ao’nung exclaimed as he ran, dribbling the ball.

After an hour of playing, the score was settled, Lo’ak wins.

“Haha! Let’s go!” The boy celebrated, running up to Ao’nung.

“good game” they said, dabbing each other up, breathing heavily. They both sat down by the bleachers to cool off.

“Now about that question” Lo’ak said after taking a sip of water, still panting from exhaustion. Ao’nung sighed

“if this is about your brother—”

"Yeah, and you’re going to answer the question." Lo’ak cut him off as he put his water bottle down, now looking straight at Ao’nung. “Fine”

“Are you dating him?” the question made Ao’nung choke on air.

“What!?” he angrily asked.

“oh my fucking—I am not gay!” he added as he slammed the seat they were on, leaving Lo’ak startled.

“Woah, okay. I’m sorry” Lo’ak quickly apologized to prevent Ao’nung from leaving and also getting more angry. Ao’nung calmed down as he relaxed his body, resting his head on the bleacher seat behind them.

“Why are you even asking that?” Ao’nung asked, closing his eyes.

“I was just curious because Tsireya and Kiri were talking about you guys being so close and it got me thinking, you know” Lo’ak explained. It got awkward real quick. The two of them sat there, thinking about what to say to another.

Ao’nung listened to Lo’ak. Maybe he had been acting a little too close towards Neteyam, he shivered from the thought that people think he’s gay. Him? Being gay? That’s just wrong, not that he thought there was anything wrong with gay people in general, but thinking about him doing that sort of thing, it sent shivers down his spine. He’s straight, always has been.

"Ao'nung, I’m sorry, I didn’t know it bothered you so much” Lo’ak stood up, grabbing his bag.

“I gotta go, my siblings’ waiting for me outside” Lo’ak added as he said goodbye to Ao'nung, who didn’t even bother to open his eyes.

“Ao’nung?” A voice echoed from the walls of the basketball court. He opened his eyes and looked up to see who it was. Rotxo ran up to him with Tsireya behind him. As soon as they were in front of Ao’nung, his sister immediately smacked his head.

“Ahh” he winced, asking “what was that?!”

“I heard you were skipping classes again! What if dad finds out?” she yelled at him. Good thing that no one else was there, other than Rotxo, who’d seen worse of their fights.

“Who told you?” Ao’nung asked, still laying his head on the bleachers.

“I’m not telling” she replied, crossing her arms

“Was it Neteyam?” he asked, sitting up. Tsireya didn’t answer, just stood there. Rotxo opened his mouth “Guys, we should go” 

Ao’nung stood up and grabbed his bag beside him.

“Don’t tell mom or dad, especially dad” he said, walking past his sister. 

Tsireya wasn’t really going to tell anyone, she knew their dad. It would be ugly if he found out that Ao’nung bullied the Sullys, and skipped classes while he was away.

The three of them walked to the front of the school, just in time for Ronal to arrive. 

Neteyam was now at the house, sitting on the couch with the others watching TV, but he couldn’t care less what was on, it didn’t interest him, the TV shows, or the news, he wanted to go outside and spend his days there.

“Bro, you okay? You’ve been so…quiet." Lo’ak noticed his silence. To Lo’ak, the way Neteyam was acting was weird, to say the least, but he  ignored it because everybody around him seemed to just brush it off as the cause of the accident.

“Uhh yeah, just bored” his older brother replied, still slouching on the couch.

“Oh do you want to check out this new sports place I saw” Lo’ak suggested as he took out his phone to show his brother a photo of the 'place’.

“Yes, sure. There is nothing more to do here in this place” Neteyam replied, looking at the screen of his brother’s phone.

"What are you talking about?” Kiri asked, taking a peek from Lo’ak’s phone.

“Lo’ak suggests we go to this place” Neteyam said, grabbing Lo’ak’s phone to let his sister see.

“Ooh can we come?” Tuk asked who popped up from beside Neteyam.

“We must let mother know then” Neteyam said as he sat up straight.

His siblings looked at one another, finding Neteyam’s way of speaking weird, but the sisters brushed it off. Loak on the other hand can't help but have a gut feeling that something is wrong. 

“No, let's just take Ao’nung and the others with us” Lo’ak suggested, already texting Tsireya.

Neteyam looked at him with a smirk on his face. “you just want to see Reya, eh” he nudged his brother

Lo’ak smiled and scoffed “duh” he replied.

Neteyam stood up to go to the bathroom, Lo’ak following behind. As Neteyam finished and opened the door, Lo’ak pulled him aside and went to his room. Locking the door behind him, he sat Neteyam down. 

“Bro. What's going on with you?” he asked as he pulled out his gaming chair.

“Nothing is going on” Neteyam replied, lying through his teeth, playing with his brother’s stuff on the bed.

Lo’ak grabbed the stuffed animal from Neteyam’s hands. Looking into his eyes, "I know you're lying, Neteyam.”

Neteyam shot his head up to look at Lo’ak. The way he said it with so much suspicion made Neteyam cautious, even though he had no reason to; it was his brother, after all, but thinking about what could happen if he told him the truth scared the boy.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about” he replied as beads of sweat rolled down his forehead even though the AC was on full blast, which only made him more suspicious to Lo’ak.

“Bro please, I can see through you” Lo’ak said with a deadpan look on his face, he’s tired of this. Neteyam had never been this secretive before, so it was definitely fishy.

“Come on, bro,  I won’t tell anyone whatever it is you’re hiding” Lo’ak said as he put one hand on his chest and extended his other with the pinky up. Neteyam found this funny as he also held up his hand while chuckling to himself.

Lo’ak looked at him with his eyebrow raised but still hooked his pinky with Neteyam’s

“Alrright, now talk” he demanded, not letting go of his brother’s pinky.

Neteyam took a deep breath. Rethinking if he should really do this—after all, he trusted Ao’nung enough to tell. Here goes nothing, he thought to himself.

“Lo’ak, you need to take me seriously” He huffed as Lo’ak nodded.

“Okay, your brother’s dead” Neteyam sighed, Lo’ak opened his mouth to argue but got cut off

“I know that sounds stupid because he’s right in front of you but I’m not your brother” Neteyam explained, his face, serious. Lo’ak in front of him can’t help but smile and laugh a little at how ridiculous his brother sounds.

“Damn, you sure you weren’t shot on the head ‘cause you sound insane” Lo’ak chuckled, letting go of Neteyam’s pinky finger.

Neteyam sighed. he knew it, this was stupid. He got up to leave but Lo’ak stopped him.

“Bro. Don’t leave yet, I’m interested now” Lo’ak said as he sat Neteyam back down.

“You’re just like that skxawng, Ao’nung” Neteyam said as he laid on the bed, closing his eyes.

“Ha! I knew it, something’s going on between you!” Lo’ak exclaimed, standing up from his chair and pointing at his brother.

“Lo’ak, calm down, it’s not what you think it is. I just told him all of this firsthand." Lo’ak stopped and sat back down

“What!? Why would you trust that airhead more that us? Your siblings!” Lo’ak shouted in anger.

“Little brother, I can explain” Neteyam calmed him down and told him to breathe. As soon as Lo’ak calmed down, Neteyam explained everything, how he wasn’t from here and that he didn’t know what happened to his real brother.

“Woah, that was…a lot” Lo’ak laughed, holding his head, trying to wrap it around the situation. Neteyam then held his hands and asked if he could keep it a secret.

They both sat there for a minute, both of them weirded out by the situation. 

“So all this time I’ve—we’ve been hanging out with an alien…that’s kind of cool” Lo’ak smiled at Neteyam.

“Yeah, I guess so” Neteyam smiled back and dropped his head.

Neteyam breathed out a sigh of relief. He finally got to tell one of his family members the truth. This is gonna make his life easier here.

“So, we still up for that sports place, right?” Lo’ak asked as he stood up.

“Yeah, bro” Neteyam replied as he swung his arms over his brother's shoulder.

Chapter Text

Chapter 6: 

Neteyam and Lo'ak grew closer that day, and they spent the rest of the day teaching each other new things. Neteyam was glad he told his brother because he couldn't do things like this with Ao'nung. Lo'ak telling him stories about the other Neteyam, learning and playing video games without feeling awkward—wait, why was it awkward with him? It's not that they're strangers to one another; they are, but they know each other well enough to overcome the awkward silence.

Putting that aside, their parents agreed to take them to the sports alley. Neteyam was excited about that. He’ll get to see what humans do ‘for fun’ according to Lo’ak.

“Alright, let’s go!” Tuk excitedly exclaimed, sprinting towards their car.

“Hey, Lo’ak. You said you were going to text Ao’nung and the others to come” Kiri ran up to him.

“Oh yeah, he didn’t wanna come, and Reya and Rotxo can’t drive themselves” he replied, opening the car door, letting his sisters in.

“Oh, I was so looking forward to Tsireya coming” she pouted, joining Tuk at the very back of the car to make room for her brothers.

Neteyam and Lo’ak sat down and closed the door. “Alright, you guys ready to go?” their father asked, his eyes on the rearview mirror, looking at them.

“Dad, can we take Tsireya and Rotxo with us?” Kiri asked knowing her dad can’t say no to her but she was wrong, as Jake replied with a no.

“I’m sorry babygirl, today is going to be a day for family bonding” he replied, fixing the mirror.

“Aww” Lo’ak and Kiri sighed in unison.

“You still have tomorrow, it’s still a weekend” Their mom laughed.

“You guys are always hanging out with them” Tuk grumbled in the back seat.

“Okay, that’s enough, let’s go” Jake said, putting the car on drive and setting off.

They arrived at the parking lot of the Sports Alley, Jake parked the car and the rest headed inside the building.

“Okay, you go ahead, I will just pay and wait for your father” Neytiri instructed them to go on ahead.

The building was filled with equipment, a bowling alley, a court for tennis, volleyball, basketball, a gym, and what really caught Neteyam’s attention was a big field where some people were shooting arrows.

“What do you want to do guys?” Neteyam asked, looking at his siblings behind him.

“Tuktuk and I are going bowling” Kiri said.

“Okay, how about you, Lo’ak?”

“Wherever you wanna go” his brother replied, going beside him.

“Alright, we’ll bring dad with us, I'll tell mom to join you guys” Kiri said as they walked off to go to the bowling alley.

Neteyam and Lo’ak walked towards the stands where they kept the bows. Lo’ak handed him one. The bow was weird and complicated, not what he was used to. He doesn’t even want to call it a bow. Neteyam hesitantly held it. Holding it in an awkward position, he called for Lo’ak to help him out.

“You know how to use a bow?” Lo’ak asked walking towards him to help him.

“Yeah but why are these bows so weird, and clanky?” He asked, Lo’ak adjusting the bow in his hand.

“You’ll get used to it” Lo’ak replied, still focused on fixing Neteyam’s grip on the bow.

“Alright, there you go, try it” he said, pointing at that target, instructing his big brother to hit the bullseye.

Neteyam tightened his grip on the bow. He closed one eye, inhaled deeply, and concentrated on the target.

As Neteyam releases the string, the arrow shoots through the air.

*THWACK*

He lowered the bow to take a look, Lo’ak running up to him.

“Bro! That was sick!” he exclaimed, giving Neteyam a pat on the back. 

"You actually hit the bullseye!” he added, pointing across the field to the target.

Neteyam's eyes lit up, and a rush overcame him that he hadn't felt since his first Iknimaya at home. Neteyam’s face covered in joy, smiling ear to ear.

“That was very good, Neteyam” Their mom appeared behind them, slowly clapping her hands

“Ha, learned from the best” Neteyam responded, his mouth curved up to a big grin.

Suddenly realizing his screw up, he tried to correct himself but it was too late. His mom picked up a bow and shot the same target. He immediately turned to Lo’ak, whose whole face was filled with amazement.

“Good thing I brought you everywhere when I was very into archery, Neteyam” She smiled.

She gave the bow to Lo’ak and let him shoot. Even though he was mediocre at it, she was still very proud of him for even hitting a target. Lo’ak wasn’t really into archery that much. He was more like his father, always wanting to grow up to be like him.

“Ahhh you boys are growing up so fast” she exhaled, pulling them into a hug.

“We're still kids, mama” Neteyam responded.

“Shut up bro, you're damn near an adult” Lo’ak laughed but his brother did not find that funny.

“Lo’ak, your mouth” Neytiri sternly said as she pulled them away. 

“Sorry, mom” He quickly apologized.

They finished at the archery range and went to go find the girls and their father. The two brothers walked behind their mother. Lo’ak noticed that his brother has been quiet since the whole ‘adult’ thing and asked if he was okay.

“You okay, bro?” He reached for his shoulders.

“Yeah” Neteyam replied quickly.

A couple of minutes of walking later, they arrived at the bowling alley. Kiri and Tuk are standing by one of the lanes, watching their ball roll towards the pins, their dad watching them from the seats.

“Hey dad” Lo’ak greeted and ran up to sit next to him.

They spent the entire day bonding as a family, but Neteyam felt a sense of disconnection, like he didn’t belong there, he felt like an alien—he is, and he knew that, but he had no choice. There is no way he can ever go back to the life he once knew. He just had to keep going.

The sun sets and it was time to go back home.

“Did you have fun?” Neytiri asks from the passenger seat, buckling her seatbelt. 

“Yes!” The children exclaimed in unison.

…

At their house, they start to set up for dinner. The others watching TV in the living room while Neteyam insisted on helping Kiri set the table up.

“Neteyam, can you grab a ladle in the kitchen for the soup, please” Kiri asks as she fixes the tablecloth.

Neteyam went inside the kitchen not even knowing what Kiri just said. The hell is a ladle? They didn’t have that back home. He knew it, he should’ve studied some more of these human things. Just as he was about to grab a spoon, Lo’ak came in to save his ass. Usually, he was the one who saved him.

“Hey bro, Kiri asked me to get the ladle since you were taking so long. Her words, not mine” He said, walking towards him.

Lo’ak grabbed the ladle, which was hanging in front of Neteyam. Lo’ak waved it in front of his brother’s face before walking away.

“Come on” Lo’ak called and Neteyam followed along. 

Neteyam hesitated to sit down. He didn’t really feel hungry, he wanted to be alone, in his room, if he could even call it his.

“Actually I’m not hungry, I will be in my room” He excused himself before heading upstairs.

“Oh, okay. Just come down if you get hungry, the food will still be here” Neytiri replied, looking at her son who was on his way upstairs.

Neteyam locked the door to the room and lied on the bed. He thought he was finally getting the hang of the human thing, but clearly he wasn’t. He thought that he was ready to be a part of this family. He was finally accepting the second chance that Eywa gave him. He's human now, but why does he still feel alienated?

As his thoughts raced in his mind, his breathing became labored, feeling a sense of panic take over his body. He couldn’t breathe properly. He tugs at his clothes, feeling his chest tighten. He starts to feel a sense of dread as he stares at his hands, the very same kind that destroyed everything he’d ever loved. He could feel his stomach churn, his throat starting to burn up as vomit rose from it. He drops to his knees on the floor, retching as vomit escapes his mouth. Tears streamed down his face as he gagged. Taking shallow breaths, he sobbed. All he could see was the disgusting mess that was in front of him. He didn’t even know his body could do such a thing. It was filthy. Standing back up, weak and trembling, he went to grab a cloth to clean up the mess he made, making sure the others didn’t notice him.

After cleaning up the mess, he went back to the bed and just closed his eyes, hugging his knees close. Why now when he was finally starting to accept his life here. 

“Neteyam, you alright?” Lo’ak’s muffled voice came from the other side of the door.

Silence. He didn’t respond. He stayed there, lying down. Just as he thought his brother was gone, the door creaked open.

“Hey, mom’s worried about you” Lo’ak said softly, walking towards the bed.

“Tell her, I’m all right” Neteyam replied, head buried in his knees, not wanting to turn to look at his brother.

Lo’ak felt that he should leave his brother alone, but being his stubborn self, he stayed and asked Neteyam about the situation. Neteyam still refused to face and answer the questions.

“Fine, but you promised that you'll tell me anything. So yeah, I’ll go outside now” Lo’ak said, leaving the room.

Neteyam was well aware of the promise they made that day. They made it yesterday, when he told Lo’ak what he really was. It’s no use anyway, people will soon realize that the Neteyam they once knew is gone. He winced in pain as his head throbbed.

After what felt like hours, the pain went away. His eyes fluttered, he was tired, really tired. Soon he drifted to sleep. Maybe everything will be okay in the morning.

Chapter Text

On Pandora

A lot has happened since Neteyam passed. The family has begun to move on, gradually accepting that Neteyam will never return, eventually accepting Spider as one of their own, and once again confronting the Sky People. A lot has happened since the clans’ encounter with the Mangkwan and the death of many.

Despite all of that, Lo'ak still finds the time to visit his brother at the cove of the ancestors whenever possible.

“Lo’ak, are you alright?” his mother asked, finding him by the shores of the village, sitting by himself.

“Yes, mama. I just miss Neteyam” he replied, hugging his knees tighter.

His mother looked at him, a sad look on her face as she sat down beside him, putting her arms around him. “I miss him too” she said, kissing his forehead before laying her head on top of his.

The two of them sat there, the warm sand touching their skin, gazing at the blue waters in front of them. 

“Are you going to see him again?” Neytiri asked, still holding her son close.

“Yeah, I’ll go later with Ao’nung and Tsireya, they want to see their mom and Rotxo too” he replied.

“right”

"Ma, if Neteyam's out there somewhere, do you think he’s okay?”

Neytiri thought for a second before looking at him. “Well, if he is, I hope he is well with Eywa watching”

Back on Earth

The sun rose, light rays shining through the curtains from Neteyam’s window. The boy still curled up into a ball on his bed. Tear stains on his face from sobbing his eyes out last night.

He groaned as the light reached his face. It was really bright, of course—he didn’t think to properly put down the curtains.

He sat up, his body still heavy. Why must the human body be so complicated? He looked at the clock on his dresser, the time read “11:03”. He slept through breakfast. He had never overslept before—well, not counting the days of the accident. 

“Neteyam?” He heard his mother’s voice on the other side of the door. Looking up from his bed, he hesitated for a while before responding weakly “yes?” hoping she’d go away after checking on him.

A second of silence hung around before his mother spoke once again. “Oh good, you’re up. I want you down in the living room, okay?” Great. Now he has to go down there, probably to meet new unfamiliar people that he’s supposed to know. He stared at the door for a long time before he said a simple “okay”

He stood up, feeling all different kinds of pain from different parts of his body. He groaned, holding his chest.

Damn this body.

Despite his reluctance, he still prepared himself. He wouldn’t want to disappoint anyone, much less his mother—if he can actually call her that. He dressed comfortably, with a loose, forest green shirt paired with sweatpants.

Stepping out of his room, he peeked by the railings to see who was talking. 

Sounds like the Olo’eyktan.  

“Oh Neteyam, come down. Ao’nung is here to see you, he’s with his father” His mother called for him as soon as she saw him.

Ao’nung!? What’s he doing here?

Without a thought, he followed his mother’s words and walked down the stairs. He stared at the man in front of him, who stood tall—taller than Ao’nung, who already towers over Neteyam by a few inches.

“How are you, Neteyam?” Tonowari, he might assume, asked with concern.

Great, that’s all Neteyam needed right now. Pity.

He responded with a short “I am okay, sir" forcing a small smile on his face.

Looking around the house, it seemed empty. “Where is everyone?” he asked softly, turning to his mother. “They went with your dad to get food” she smiled before excusing herself to get some refreshments for them.

Neteyam sat there his eyes going back and forth, the two tall men sat in front of him. The atmosphere was getting thick and awkward. The two refused to meet each other’s eyes. Tonowari watched them before breaking the silence. “So…has Ao’nung been troubling you and your siblings?”

That made Ao’nung snap his head towards his father, eyes widened in disbelief. "Dad, I didn’t do—” before he could finish, Neteyam replied, “Ao’nung had been nothing but helpful to me, sir” lowering his head and playing with his fingers.

Ao’nung turned to Neteyam and then his dad, still confused. “That’s nice to hear he’s not causing you any more trouble” Tonowari laughed heartily, smacking his son’s back.

The two awkwardly laughed with him before falling silent again.

“Why are you here, sir?” Neteyam asked.

“I have business with your father. But Ao’nung here, said he wanted to come and talk to you” Tonowari explained, nudging his son beside him in a teasing way.

“Dad, stop. Please” Ao’nung pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a sigh, embarrassed.

Neytiri came back with a tray of glasses and a pitcher of juice, setting it down on the coffee table in front of them. “The children should be home soon” she smiled, serving herself a glass of juice.

Right on time, the door swung open. Jake and the children, all carrying a bag each. “Neytiri, guess who’s back with us” Jake asked, hugging her as he revealed Miles behind him. “Hey, Neytiri” He waved, a small smile on his face as she pulled him into a hug.

“Jake, Tonowari’s been waiting” gesturing him to sit down.

“Jake! Haha, it’s been a while” The two laughed as they shook hands before pulling each other into a hug. “Oh and Ao’nung” Jake noticed him and nodded.

“Dad… can I go back to my room?” Neteyam interrupted, standing up, holding anything to keep him standing. “Are you alright?” His father asked with concern painted on his face. Neteyam nodded “I just need rest is all” he said before leaving them.

“I'm going to talk to him, Dad, Mr. Sully” he excused himself, following Neteyam, dodging the chaos of the others. before he got the chance, the others started crowding Neteyam.

“Are you alright?”

“careful, bro”

Neteyam sat by the stairs, holding his throbbing head. His sisters helped him up the stairs. Tuk blocked Ao’nung’s way, holding up her arms by her side. “Family only” she said.

“What? what about Miles?” he argued while pointing at the boy who was by the door. “Our dad is kinda like his dad, so yeah!” Tuk replied back, shooing him away.

Ao’nung sighed in defeat before going back downstairs to join his father. He could hear the commotion inside Neteyam’s room. 

“Thank you for your concern guys but I am fine” Neteyam said as he sat the tray of food next to him.

Kiri crossed her arms, sitting down on her brother's bed and asked “are you sure? you look sick, like for real” checking his temperature with the back of her hand. Neteyam grabbed her hand and held it, looking at her “yes, I just need to lie down” he smiled.

“Fine. If you need anything, we’re right downstairs” she said before pushing everyone out of the room. 

"Don't push yourself too hard” she looked back before closing the door behind her.

As the door clicks closed, Neteyam sighed in relief. Thank Eywa, he really needs a break from all this human shit, it’s literally making him sick. Being inside a room by yourself is really taking a toll on him; maybe he just needed to go for a walk or something.

Just then, a dull thud came from the window.

“What the?” confused, he came to look at what it was. While inspecting the window, he flinched at the sight of another rock being thrown.

Looking in the direction of where it came from, he saw the tall boy he’s been dreading to talk to. After struggling to open his window, he managed to pull it up and ask Ao’nung why he was throwing rocks at it. 

“What do you want?!” he yelled to let Ao’nung hear him.

“I told you I wanted to talk to you!” Ao’nung replied, picking up another rock to throw at the boy

He looked down with a scowl on his face “What I heard was your dad was the one who said that you wanted to talk”

“He cut me off alright!” Ao’nung argued, throwing the rock expecting it to land on Neteyam’s face, but with Neteyam’s skills, the boy caught it with ease.

“Ao’nung!” His father’s voice thundered from inside the house with all the commotion his son was making outside.

His father suddenly barged in his room “Neteyam, what is all this noise about?” going closer to him.

“Nothing, sir—dad!, damn it” he immediately replied, turning around to face his father.

Jake dropped his head, lowering his voice “you better get down there and talk to that boy” finger pointing outside.

“Dad, can't Ao’nung just come up here? Neteyam’s kind of not feeling well” Lo’ak rushed to tell their father along with the others behind him.

“Go get Ao'nung then. Talk about what you need to talk about just stop making a scene” Jake said, grabbing the other siblings and slamming the door behind him which received a smack from his wife.

Neteyam groaned as he flopped on his bed, waiting for someone to eventually come in, since that seems to be the norm here. His face buried in the mountain of pillows he set up, constantly shifting to see if someone was going to enter the room and there it was, the moment he'd been dreading.

Ao’nung walked behind Lo’ak who led him inside.

“You’ve probably been here before, if not—feel at home” Neteyam greeted with a monotone voice not noticing Ao’nung’s wide eyes trying to hint at Neteyam that another person’s in the room.

“I already know” the younger boy smacked the back of Ao’nung ‘s head “I can’t believe Teyam trusted you first instead of me”

“It’s ‘cause I’m that dude”

“So you knew when we asked you if you noticed anything wrong with my brother”

“Eywa, will you two shut your mouth!” Neteyam raised his voice, making the two freeze.

“He started it” Lo’ak argued.

“You can leave now, you know” Ao’nung shoved Lo’ak out the room, locking the door in the process. Muffled complaints on the other side can be heard “I am so snitching on you!” Lo’ak yelled, banging on the door before leaving.

“Snitch on you about what?” Neteyam asked, his face back on the pillows.

“Oh please, you know about that, ‘bout me skipping class. You’re the one who told Tsireya right?” Ao’nung replied, a breathe escaping his lips in an almost annoyed way.

Neteyam turned his head, just enough to see Ao’nung standing by the bed.

“Is that why you’re here? What this is all about? Why you were ignoring me?” Neteyam scoffed, adjusting himself to sit properly.

“That’s none of your business why I was ignoring you”

“None of my—we’re supposed to be friends. Now I regret saying anything to you”

“Dang!”

“Miles, Shut up”

The two stopped arguing, hearing voices from the other side of the door overlapping. Neteyam quickly stood up to go open the door, to see Kiri, Tuk, and Miles piled up on each other.

“What are you doing?” He asked, eyes wide, realizing he almost revealed his true self to the others without realizing.

“We were just…cleaning the floor?” Miles making up an excuse, trying to cover their asses.

Neteyam stood there, relieved, he then looked at the floor and then pointed at it. 

"You're not doing a very good job” as he pointed at a stain before closing the door, his siblings’ voices becoming more muffled as he walked back to the bed.

Ao’nung let out a deep breath, kissing his teeth as he looked at Neteyam "Look, man, I’m sorry, okay?” 

Neteyam eyed him up and down before responding, “Sorry for what exactly?”

Ao’nung threw his hands over his face, fingers splayed over his eyes. “Jesus! Neteyam, can you just accept my apology so we can hang out again?” He yelled in frustration as he violently pulled his face down with his hands.

The other boy sat there fidgeting with his hands, blinking in confusion at the mention of someone his father kept mentioning to them back at Pandora. “Jesus? Who is that? Sure is popular for sky people” he thinks to himself.

“Are you going to say something or what?” 

Before Neteyam could respond, his door swung open, the sound startling him. They really need to stop doing that.

“Ao’nung, we’re going home” Tonowari barged in with a stern look on his face. Shit. The boy quickly stood up, not even looking back, as he followed his father outside.

“We’ll be going now, Jake, Neytiri” Tonowari smiled at them as he stood outside the house.

“Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Sully, for letting me talk to Neteyam” Ao’nung said with his head down, not even meeting their eyes before he walked towards his father’s car.

 The couple stood there, smiling awkwardly.

Tonowari then sighed “I’m sorry about him, I don’t know what’s going on with that boy” as he looks at Ao’nung with disappointment on his face.

“Nah, we get it. Teenagers, right? Anyway, I’ll see ya tomorrow” Jake responded, putting a hand on Tonowari’s shoulder.

Tonowari’s car then faded into view as they left.

“What is up with these kids?” Jake then asked, closing the door. “They’re just going through some things of their own. Just let them be, honey” Neytiri replied, putting her hand on her husband’s face, softly tapping his cheek.

“I guess” Jake breathed out, letting his head drop on Neytiri’s hand.

…

Neteyam walked out of the room to go downstairs as he felt his stomach practically talking to him with how loud it was.

“Yo, bro, wanna swap with Spiderman over here. He sucks” Lo’ak called to him, grabbing the controller from Miles’ hand, waving it around to make sure his brother sees.

“I’m going to eat” Neteyam said as his lips formed a thin line before heading to the kitchen.

After grabbing a plate filled with variety of fruits with a slice of pizza, he sat down in the living room beside the two other boys who were now playing multiplayer Minecraft. The two lazily moving the controls as they fought the mobs.

“You know why Mr. Tsika’u and Ao’nung left so early?” Lo’ak asked, his eyes still glued to the screen.

Neteyam quickly swallowed the fruits in his mouth before responding.

“No, do you?”

“No idea” Lo’ak dragged his words as he moved around, seemingly using his full body to control the one in the TV.

Neteyam munched on a few more fruits before Lo’ak asked him another question.

“How was your talk?” his younger brother asked in an obviously teasing voice, raising his brows up and down repeatedly as he looked at Neteyam with a smirk on his face.

Busy on his food, Neteyam only responded with a thumbs down, his other hand grabbing another fruit to bite. Finishing his plate, he looked at Lo’ak and Miles. “I’ll just talk to him another time, I’m mature enough to talk things out” he said, clearly mocking Ao'nung, who was avoiding him like the plague at school last friday.

“What’s going on between the two of you though?” Miles spoke, busy building something in the game.

“We’re friends?”

“If you say so”

“Yes. what else is there?”

“You know like boyfriends?”

“Boyfriends?” Neteyam’s face contorted to a confused look, he raised an eyebrow as he looked at his brother.

Lo’ak realized what was happening and slapped a hand on Miles’ mouth “shut up, bro” he got closer to him, putting another hand over the other. 

Lo’ak turned his head “I’ll explain it later” he mouthed to Neteyam.

“Okay haha, I’ll go wash this plate now” the eldest awkwardly laughed, putting his plate in the sink. Slowly breathing out as his hand gently washed the plate and the remaining dishes in the sink.

“These people are crazy!” he thought to himself, gripping the sponge in his hand.

A smile then crept up on his face “They are nice though” relaxing himself as he hummed a tune, going back to the dishes

Chapter Text

The car now parked outside the house, Ao’nung quickly got out, slamming the door as he rushed inside, going straight to his room, not even bothering to greet his mother. He locked the door, making sure his father won’t be able to come in.

Sliding down the door, his breathing rugged and seething with anger. 

*bzzt*

His phone buzzed, taking a breath before grabbing the phone from his pocket. Reading the notification on his screen that he recieved a message from Neteyam.

“What does he want?” asking himself as he typed in his phone password to see what the message was.

p> 

He wasn’t going anywhere, he had nowhere to go with his father now home; he’s trapped inside the house. Tossing his phone on his bed, not caring if it shatters into bits, he gets up from his position in front of his door to go and play on his PC.

In the middle of a game, his door handle rattles, Ao’nung hurriedly going towards it.

“Nung? You in there? Can you let me in, please” He calms down hearing his sister’s voice, opening the door for her.

She pushes the door, carrying a bowl of snacks and a laptop in her arms, handing it to her brother.

"What are you up to?” she asked, locking the door as she went inside.

Ao’nung went back to sit down, his game still going in the background. “Just playing”

“You have any idea why Dad's mad?” she asked, opening her laptop on the bed.

“I don’t know, Tsireya. Do you know why he’s mad at me?” he asked defensively. Smashing the buttons on his keyboard aggressively.

“Nung, you know I won’t say anything to him about you”

“Then it was your shitty little boyfriend then”

“Lo’ak? What did he say?”

“Said he was gonna snitch on me”

“He’s lying, he’s too scared of Dad”

“Why’s he mad at me then? huh” he asked, slamming his hands on the desk, making Tsireya flinch.

The two sat in heavy silence. Ao’nung knew the blame was on him, getting in fights, skipping classes, sneaking out. He just wanted to put the blame on someone else.

Tsireya got up and got closer to her brother, resting her head on his while she wrapped her arms around him to comfort him. Ao’nung just sat there, accepting his fate, that’s just how Tsireya is, after all.

“Do you want me to talk to mama so she can talk to dad?”

“You don’t have to do anything, I’ll deal with dad myself”

“Ao’nung”

Standing up from his seat and grabbing Tsireya’s stuff, he led her outside his room. “Just leave me alone for now, please” he said before closing the door on her.

Closing his eyes and taking a deep breathe, Ao’nung decided to just stay inside his room til he fell asleep out of boredom.

…

The boys are still in the living room. Neteyam still staring at the screen of his phone.

“Hey guys, what does “sybau” mean?” he peeked at the two who was still busy with their games.

Miles laughed before stopping as he realized it was a serious question. "Oh, I thought you knew what that meant”

“It’s “shut your bitch ass up” Lo’ak replied “why?” he looked at his brother.

“Ao’nung used it when I talked to him on the phone” Neteyam said finally putting his phone away.

“Oh, right”

“Forget about that bro, let’s just go somewhere. It’s getting boring here” Miles complained, turning off the television, making Lo’ak groan in annoyance.

“You just mad I’m beating your ass”

“Neteyam, do you want to get out of here and get, I don't know, food?” Miles asked, kicking his feet as he slouched on the couch. Lo’ak jumped up and reached for Neteyam “Come on, he’s not gonna stop til he gets a burger”

“How will we get anywhere? We have no ride” Neteyam said, grabbing Lo’ak’s arm to help himself up.

“The bus, duh" Miles said, already by the door putting on his shoes.

“What is that?” Neteyam looked at Lo’ak who was in front of him.

“Right, you’ve never rode a bus before” he replied as he got on his knees to tie his shoes “you’ll see”

The three then walked for a good minute before reaching a waiting shed. Sitting down and waiting for a bus to come along under the sun is not for the weak, good thing Neteyam’s used to being under the hot sun.

“Dude, why’d we decide on this? We legit just bought food for the house just a while ago” Lo’ak asked, fanning himself with his hand as sweat ran down his forehead.

“I don’t want to eat those yet” Miles replied.

“Guys, please, let’s just wait for this bus” Neteyam said, blowing air from his mouth as he stood up.

After a while of waiting, a bus finally arrived, stopping in front of them. Neteyam took a good look at it before following the two inside. Lo’ak paying for the three of them.

“Finally” Miles exclaimed, taking a seat by the window “Next stop, the mall”

Neteyam sat infront of the two, also by a window. Looking outside as if he’d never been there before, which was partially true. Eyes wandering as they passed through buildings before the bus stopped.

“Come on bro” Lo’ak tapped his shoulder as he stood up.

They stopped just outside of the mall, the glass door opening and closing as people walked in and out, The air smelled of fast food from isinde. The cold air hitting Neteyam’s face as they walked inside.

“It’s so crowded” he muttered, watching people walk past them.

“Come on, I’m craving some cheeseburger” Miles grabbed them, running towards the escalator.

The escalator hummed steadily in front of them, steps folding into place and disappearing again.

Neteyam stopped.

“You coming?” Miles asked, feet already on the escalator as he slowly moved up.

He frowned at the moving steps infront of him “why does it do that?”

“Oh come on, you’ve been to the mall remember, when we went swimming” Lo’ak softly pushed him.

“Yeah, but that was just here, not up there”

“Come on guys, I’m hungry” Miles said, already moving toward the top.

Neteyam didn’t move.

“…It’s eating the stairs.”

A few people groaned behind him, clearly waiting their turn.

“You’re holding up the line, bro. Come on, Miles is going to think something’s up with you” Lo’ak whispered behind him, clearly not helping the situation.

Neteyam exhaled sharply, then quickly stepped on, holding the rail like his life depended on it. Lo’ak following behind him.

“...when does this stop?” he looked back his shoulder, asking Lo’ak.

“It doesn’t, just step off when we’re at the top”

He glanced up to see the stairs flattening out, his grip on the rail, tightening.

“Step off” Lo’ak said quickly “just walk”

Before he could even think, he stepped forward—maybe a little too late, as he stumbled onto solid ground before catching himself, standing straight like nothing happened.

Lo’ak snorting behind him “dang, Ao’nung’s not a good teacher huh”

The food court was just a few footsteps away, bright signs of the food stalls, the smell of food overlapping, and constant noise from the people who were there.

“Yo!” Miles raised his arm for the two brothers to see.

The two walked towards the table, walking past groups of people laughing too loudly at something.

The smell of grease hit him hard. He’s been here for weeks, eating the sky people’s food, he knew what was coming.

“I’ll go ahead and order, you guys wait here” Miles said as he disappeared into the crowd.

Neteyam’s eyes scanned the food court. People laughing, eating with slobber in their mouth, chairs scraping the floors as some get up. It was overwhelming compared to the day they went to go swimming when he first got in this body.

Ding

Lo’ak noticed his brother who’s been in his own little world for a while “hey, you’ve been watching people go for like 5 minutes now. You okay?” he snapped his fingers, waving it infront of Neteyam.

“Yeah, just overwhelmed”

“You don’t do this at school, what’s so different here?” he asked, resting an arm on the table while the other hung beside the chair.

Neteyam stayed silent and thought about it. What was so different about the mall? He didn’t think much before Miles got back with a tray of food.

“Here you go, good sire” setting the tray down as he sat next to Lo’ak, grabbing one of the cheeseburgers on the tray.

The table was now a mess with wrappers pushed aside, and a few fries scattered around the table.

“That was good” Miles sighed, holding his stomach as he let out a burp making Neteyam’s face scrunch, mentally judging the boy infrotn of him.

“We should go home now, Kiri’s been texting me nonstop since we left” Lo’ak said, holding up his phone, shaking it in the air.

…

As they walked back towards the house, Neytiri was already on sight, waiting by the door. “Where have you boys been?” she asked, arms crossed, leaning against the door frame.

The three nudged the oldest, trying to get him to speak for them.

“It was my idea, mother. We just went out to eat” he said, eyes darting everywhere except his mother’s eyes.

Their mother sighed as she cupped Neteyam’s face with both her hands. “That’s alright. Just make sure to tell us, okay?” she said, letting them inside.

“I’ll be in the room now” Neteyam said, his foot already by the stairs.

Lo’ak followed him, going to his room first to go get something. He knocked on Neteyam’s door, his other hand behind him holding a notebook.

“Yeah?” His older brother  opened the door just enough for him to peek out..

Lo’ak didn’t answer—he simply pushed the door open, nudging his brother inside, guiding him towards the bed. 

“Sit”

Neteyam looked confused but didn’t argue, just simply sat down by the edge of the mattress “what are you—”

“Here” he shoved the notebook lightly to his brother “you can write about your experience in there. Or whatever.  maybe even in your own language” he grinned.

Neteyam stared at the notebook which now lay on his lap “Thank you, Lo’ak” he said, holding and running his hand through it.

“...but I haven’t even properly learned how to write your language yet” he admitted “And my language does not really have written form” he explained, flipping the pages of the notebook.

“Oh, I thought Ao’nung taught you or something”

“Yeah, but that lasted for a few  days then he started acting weird after I went home from the hospital”

“He really isn’t a good teacher”

“Wait” Lo’ak tilted his head, an eyebrow raised looking at Neteyam “how do you take notes—like in classes?”

“I don’t write anything” Neteyam looked at him “I keep it up here” lifting his hand and tapped the side of his head.

“How’d you not fail?”

The two chuckled at the thought before the room fell silent. Lo’ak hummed as he tapped his foot on the carpeted floor, thinking.

Then—snap. 

“I’ll teach you! And you can write your progress in that notebook”

Neteyam looked at him “you?”

“Wow. Rude. I can write, you know”

“I did not say you could not”

“You implied it thought”

Neteyam scoffed, smiling at Lo’ak’s comments.

Lo’ak dashed towards Neteyam’s desk, looking for a pen and giving it to his brother, also grabbing the notebook from him, setting it down on the desk, flipping it open to thre first blank page “Alright, first lesson—write your name” 

Neteyam eyed the pen in his hand as he sat down by the desk, pressing it down on the paper. Hesitant, he started moving his hand.

N

e

t

e

y

a

m

Leaning baack, Neteyam stared and frowned at the uneven handwriting.

“Not bad” Lo’ak said “do it again”

Finishing the second line, he looked up at Lo’ak “what should I write next?”

“Oh! Write…” Lo’ak smirked, trying to keep a straight face “Lo’ak is always right”

Neteyam gave him a look before saying “no”

Lo’ak laughed “okay oaky. Not that” wiping the nonexistent tear in his eye.

“How about something you won’t forget” he suggested.

Neteyam hestated, then slowly wrote down

H

O

M

E

Lo’ak tilted his head slightly “Home?”

“Yeah, I never got to go home in the forest” Neteyam sighed, his grip on the pen, tightening.

Lo’ak stood there for a moment, not knowing how to respond.

“Well, you’re here now. You are home”

“Am I?” Neteyam asked, eyes still on the notebook “Home is supposed to be where we returned, where everything was where it should be, where you knew your place”

A beat of silence.

“...but here” he added “it’s not the same”

Lo’ak wanted to joke around but decided it’s not the time for that. Instead he reached for the notebook, lightly tapping it.

“Good start”

After a while, the room stayed silent. The notebooks first page, slowly filling with words, uneven, messy, but that’s what learning is all about.

Lo’ak rocking back and forth as he sat down on the carpeted floor beside Neteyam’s chair.

He then remembered something. “Wait..”

Neteyam, still busy with writing, simply replied with “what?” not looking away from his notebook.

“Your texts” Lo’ak pointed at him, his expression sharpening like he just solved a mystery “you type fine—like, actually. No spelling mistakes, no nothing”

Neteyam replied, eyes still on the notebook “and?...”

“So why are you struggling with writing?”

“It’s different”

Lo’ak got closer “different how?”

“On the phone. It corrects many things”

Lo’ak laughed in disbelief “Autocorrect?”

Neteyam nodded.

Shaking his head “that’s cheating” Lo’ak declared, leaning back down on the floor.

“Is it not there to assist you?” Neteyam replied immediately.

“Yeah but, still cheating”

Neteyam shook his head, going back to writing, not wanting to argue any further.

“So when you text Ao’nung, you’re fine? But on paper, you’re a—how should I say this…a disaster”

Neteyam’s head flickered, hearing the word disaster, but it was true.

“My hand does not do what the screen does”

Lo’ak didn’t argue further. Just stared at his brother and reached for the phone in his pocket.

“What are you doing?”

Lo’ak ignored him, already unlocking the phone “Relax. I’m not going to read your secrets”

“That’s exactly what you’re doing right now”

Scrolling through the messages, he then turned the phone to his brother “see”

“That’s still me”

“Yeah but like with training wheels”

Neteyam quickly snatched the phone from his brother’s hand, putting it down on the desk beside the note book.

“Is this why Ao’nung’s so bad at teaching you?”

Neteyam’s brows furrowed “what?”

Lo’ak leaned in, explaining “Like—maybe he assumed that the way you type is how you write?”

Neteyam didn’t respond, only looked at him with a confused look on his face.

“Okay—so, you know when you text, right? It’s all perfect with no spelling mistakes and everything. Maybe he thought, ‘oh yeah, Neteyam already has the hang of this’, so he doesn’t really teach you shit”

“That would explain a lot” he replied “and he is a pretty bad teacher” he added before going back to writing.

Lo’ak laughed “Don’t worry, bro. I’m a better one”

Neteyam didn’t look up “The standards are very low then” he said making Lo’ak gasp dramatically.

After another while of writing, Neteyam finally filled a page. Lo’ak leaned in to see his progress.

The page wasn’t perfect. The letters still leaned and went into different directions, the spacing uneven in some places, some words smudged, but there was improvement.

“Enough” Neteyam huffed, closing the notebook gently.

“Already?”

“My hand is tired”

“That’s what happens when you actually use it” Lo’ak muttered, but not in a provocative way.

Neteyam huffed, a smile on his face, grabbing the notebook and placing it under his pillows.

“You’re acting like it’s top secret information” Lo’ak said as he watched.

“It’s not meant for others to see”

Lo’ak then huffed a small laugh “Yeah. wouldn’t want others to see your secret archive of bad handwriting”

Neteyam rolled his eyes, smacking Lo’ak “just get out” he said, a faint smile on his face.

“Okay, okay. We’ll continue this…another time” Lo’ak said before closing the door as he left the room.

Chapter Text

Ao'nung awoke to the sound of his alarm.

He laid there, staring at the ceiling, dragging a hand across his face. Today was the day he's supposed to talk to Neteyam and clear up things. By his nightstand, his phone lit up—notifications he didn’t bother checking. It was probably Neteyam, he hadn’t opened their chat since yesterday, too conflicted on whether he should go on with it or just pretend he doesn’t remember what he told Neteyam.

He was still debating whether he should do it or not, as his friends' voices echoed in his mind.

"You got a thing for Neteyam?"

"Are you dating or something?"

"Just admit it, you like them"

"Idiots" he muttered, kicking his feet to get out of bed.

Grabbing his bag harder than necessary before going outside to eat breakfast, and face his father.

Halfway down the stairs, he can already hear his name being called.

"Ao'nung" his father's voice—unnervingly calm, came from the dining table.

Tsireya glanced at Rotxo with a knowing look who was eating beside her.

Ao'nung sat down, ignoring his father. Maybe if he did that, the day wouldn't turn out so awful for him. Clattering his utensils on the plate as he grabbed the food in front of him.

His father looked at him, clearing his throat "I heard that you're skipping class again" wiping the crumbs on his face with a towel.

Ao'nung's eyes went to his sister as she shook her head, letting him know that she didn't say anything.

"That was one time" Ao'nung said, taking another spoonful of his food.

"Really?"

"Yes, Dad"

"This better not happen again. You’re grounded”

Ao'nung didn't say anything else, and just nodded. He knew this would happen, his mother can’t speak up for him anymore now that he’s father’s here..

"Alright. Meet me at the car when you kids are done" Tonowari said, as he walked outside.

The table fell into silence once again.

"I heard you made a scene at the Sully's" Rotxo said, raising his fork, pointing it at Ao'nung.

Tsireya looked at him, stomping on his foot receiving a reaction from the boy.

"Let's just eat so we can go"

After a long awkward drive, they finally arrive at school. Tsireya and Rotxo, hurriedly opening the car door, already going inside, leaving Ao'nung with his father.

Before his father could speak, he was already out of the car. "Bye" he muttered, closing the door, dashing inside.

Tsireya and Rotxo's pace slowed down as they spotted the Sully siblings who were gathered in the hallway by the lockers. Lo'ak talking about something to Kiri who was only half listening, leaning against one of the locker. And Neteyam who stood there, his hand gripped tight on his backpack straps.

"Good morning" Tsireya greeted warmly, smiling as she walked towards them.

The siblings looked up "Hey" they greeted. Lo'ak running to hug her.

"Where's Ao'nung?" Lo'ak asked, his arm swing around Tsireya.

"I'm right here"

Ao'nung's voice came from behind. Looking tired as he adjusted the strap of his bag, his eyes peeked toward Neteyam, before settling somewhere, away from Neteyam.

"Oh hey" Lo'ak quickly removing his arm from Tsireya.

Ao’nung only looked at him with a blank look on his face before he headed to the direction of his class, Neteyam following behind him.

“Ao’nung” he called out, trying to get his attention, seeing as it wasn’t working, he eventually just grabbed him by the wrist, and that worked in his favor.

“Can we talk now?” Neteyam frowned, looking at him.

Ao’nung pulled his wrist free, rubbing it absentmindedly “Later”

Neteyam opened his mouth to say something but got cut off as the bell rang, working in Ao’nung’s favor.

Students filled the hallway, lockers slamming, footsteps echoing through the hallway as they get to class.

Ao’nung turned but froze.

“Are you not coming?” Neteyam asked, already ahead of him.

Ao’nung didn’t answer immediately, he just stood there, looking down at his feet.

“Wait”

Neteyam stopped mid step, looking back from his shoulder.

Ao’nung hesitated before grabbing Neteyam’s sleeve, pulling him along.

“What are you—”

“Just keep walking”

They eventually walked past their classroom, then the next one. And the next.

“Ao’nung, our classroom is right there”

“I know. Can you stop talking, please” Ao’nung said, in a low soft voice.

Thry ended up in a quiet spot, outside of their building. Students passed but didn’t really stay in one place, it was perfect.

Ao’nung finally let go of Neteyam’s sleeve, sitting him down on a nearby bench.

Running a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply, trying to get something out of his system.

“I’m sorry”

The words came from his mouth, it was quick but he meant it. “I was being an ass”

Neteyam watched him, pacing back and forth with his arms crossed.

“Is this a proper apology?” he looked up, meeting Ao’nung’s blue eyes.

“Yeah”

“...okay”

Ao’nung blinked once “okay?”

“I accept your apology. You seem sorry enough” Neteyam shrugged lightly, standing up.

“That’s it?” Ao’nung raised an eyebrow.

“Do I need to say more?” Neteyam asked.

Ao’nung huffed “no”

“Okay, we should go then. We are going to be late again” Neteyam said after a moment, glancing towards the hallway which was now half empty.

“We’re already late”

Neteyam gave him a look “Because you dragged me out here”

Ao’nung huffed—almost a laugh “Well, at least I fixed it”

They started walking back to class, the hallways quiet as their footsteps echoed through the halls.

Class dragged on as usual.

Ao’nung stopped pretending to listen about 10 minutes ago. His attention on everything but the teacher in front. Eyes drifting—outside the window where he sat next to, the students walking outside, and Neteyam.

Neteyam sat on his chair, slightly turned to the side, scribbling on a notebook. This is the first time Ao'nung had seen him taking notes—in fact, this was the first he'd seen Neteyam write anything. 

He scooted over, just enough to take a peak of what his seatmate was doing.

Neteyam turned his head, their eyes meeting. Closing the notebook shut as he fully turned his body to face Ao’nung.

“Are you taking notes?”

“No”

“Well what is that?” Ao’nung asked, trying to grab the notebook without driving the attention of the teacher to them, but Neteyam was fast and immediately put his hand on the notebook.

The two catching a few of their classmates’ attention quickly straighten back in their seat.

Ao’nung’s mind was still on the notebook—the secrecy only made him more curious of what was inside. His eyes flicked sideways, glancing at the notebook which was still under Neteyam’s grasp.

What is in that notebook?

 Neteyam started writing again, staring at the page with dissatisfaction.

Curiosity got the better of him as he leaned just slightly but not enough for him to be obvious this time.

The pages were filled with messy handwriting, words written over and over again.

That’s when he realized Neteyam was writing, or trying his best to write. He hadn’t really thought about it before—not properly. Neteyam wasn’t the same as the one before. He’s been learning everthing from scratch, the devices, the school, and now this. He’s in a whole new world after all. 

He looked away quickly before he got caught staring.

He felt stupid. That stupid promise from the first day they met came back to him without a warning.

“Ao’nung, can you teach me how to read and write this human thing?”

“yeah, man”

He hadn’t really done anything with it, not really. He’s been too busy caught up with whatever it is boiling inside of him, too busy avoiding him.

He glanced back again. Neteyam had put down his pen, and just stared at the page.

Ao’nung shifted in his seat, uncomfortable for a completely different reason. He looked down at his desk, his thoughts messy. He’d been so focused on himself that he hadn’t really thought about what Neteyam didn’t have.

People. Comfort. Someone to talk to.

Except now, Lo’ak was there to fill that space. His jaw tightened at that realization.

He laid his head on the desk, and closed his eyes.

The bell rang, Ao’nung shot his head up, just waking up from a nap, rubbing his eyes which were now red.

”Wake up, Nung” Neteyam said, still packing his bag, the other students already outside leaving the two of them inside.

He got up, stepping forward and gesturing to Neteyam’s bag. “Who taught you to write like that?”

Neteyam stared at him “Excuse me?”

“Look, if you’re trying to learn to write, you’re doing it all wrong”

“So you’re saying that Lo’ak sucks at teaching?”

“Yeah” Ao’nung responded immediately.

Neteyam raised an eyebrow, a small smile on his face “That’s funny because he told the same thing about you”

“I can write better than that fool” Ao’nung said, almost defensively.

Neteyam let out a small laugh “if you wanted to teach, you can just tell me”

“Shut up, man” He huffed, lightly punching Neteyam who was also smiling.

“Alright let’s get to the next class” Ao’nung said, grabbing his bag from his chair and immediately walking out the door. Footsteps followed, as a hand wrapped around his wrist, again.

“Can you?” Neteyam’s voice came from behind him.

“Can I what?” he asked, not looking back, not moving his hand.

“Teach me” Neteyam slowly let go of his wrist, his voice soft making Ao’nung feel a tight, cold knot in the pit of his stomach.

“Uhh yeah, s-sure” Stuttering as he nodded, adjusting his bag strap, walking out towards the hallway.

Ao’nung led him to a corridor, near enough their next class but far enough from people’s unwanted gaze.

He took out a pen and his own notebook and sat down on the floor. His head turned, watching Neteyam do the same.

He thought about it. What he was doing. He wasn’t really a teaching type. He didn’t have the patience for it—explaining something slowly to someone just wasn’t his thing, but here he was, leaning against a wall, a notebook in his hand, explaining words he’d already learned back in 1st grade.

“Hold your pen properly” he muttered.

Neteyam glanced at his own hand. “I am”

“Nuh uh”

“I am literally holding it”

Ao’nung clicked his tongue. Leaning closer to Neteyam, adjusting the pen in his left hand.

“Huh, you’re left handed”

“Yeah, all na’vi use their left hand”

Ao’nung only hummed at that response before continuing with what he was doing.

“Okay, now try it again. Take your time with it”

Ao’nung watched, not just the uneven letters appearing as Neteyam slowly glide the pen across the paper. Also how the ink smudged his hand as it moved.

“Ao’nung?”

He blinked “yeah?” clearing his throat.

“Is this right?” Neteyam asked, pointing at the word on the paper.

Ao’nung leaning closer “you flipped it”

“The letter ‘S’ in ‘shore’”

“Oh, I did not know that” Neteyam quickly corrected his mistake.

“Yeah, I can tell”

Neteyam lightly bumped his shoulder against Ao’nung’s. Light enough to not hurt but hard enough t obe annoying.

“Stop that” Ao’nung stiffened before forcing himself to relax. “It’s not my fault you’re bad at this”

“Hey, I am learning” 

“Very slowly”

“Maybe, you and Lo’ak are just bad at teaching” Neteyam rolled his eyes, picking up the notebook and showing Ao’nung. “Is this better?”

“Yeah, much better”

A few seconds passed. Neteyam starting on a new page. Eyes focused.

“You’re still pressing too hard, you’re gonna rip the paper if you keep doing that” Ao’nung said after a moment.

Neteyam sighed “you said it was getting better”

“Yeah. but you can do better”

Neteyam glanced at him with a small smile tugging on the corner of his lips.

“You like ordering me around don’t you?”

Ao’nung let out a puff of air from his nose—a small laugh if you will. He didn’t answer though.

The truth was, he liked how he was there, sitting beside Neteyam. He liked it a little too much—watching Neteyam, being the one he looked at when he doesn’t understand something. It sparked something in him. And that scared him.

The bell let out a shrill ring, breaking the moment instantly.

“We’re late again” Neteyam glanced at him, slowly closing the notebook and putting it back in his bag.

“No we’re not, come on” Ao’nung got up, notebook still in hand as he reached for Neteyam.

Neteyam shot up “What are you—” before catching himself from stumbling, catching up to Ao’nung.

“You don’t wanna be late, don’t you?” Ao’nung panted, guiding Neteyam through the halls, a stupid smile on his face before they reached the door of their class.

Both gasping for air, laughing quietly. Neteyam grabbing his knees for support, Ao’nung exhaling sharply before opening the door. Walking inside and sitting beside each other. 

“Next time, let’s just get there on time” Neteyam said, still panting in his seat.

Ao’nung only chuckled before settling down as the teacher walked in.

“Dude, I’m telling you, they were alone and giggling and shit” Ao’nung’s friend, Nash’vi, told the others as they sat outside the school, puffing out a cloud of smoke.

“You sure that it was Ao’nung? Thought he was ignoring Sully boy” Ongu replied, skeptical.

“I am sure”

“Let’s just talk to him later” Koro said, leaning on a nearby pole.

The final bell rang as students quickly filled the hallway, excited to go home.

“I gotta go, Teyam. I’ll text you when I get home” Ao’nung said, already out the school doors, waving goodbye.

As he looked for his sister, his friends found him first.

“Yo! Nung” Koro greeted, walking towards him, slinging an arm around him. Looking at the others before asking “You having fun with Sully?”

Ao’nung broke free, looking at him, his brows meeting. “What are you talking about?

“You know, by the corridor” Koro smirked “Hiding from others to hangout with him now? You guys a thing or what?” he added.

Ao’nung gritted his teeth “We’re just friends” he said calmly.

Ongu looked at Koro, signaling him to say something.

Clearing his throat, “well, if you’re just friends, you don’t mind if I asked him out on a date, right?” Koro asked, waiting for Ao’nung’s response and reaction.

A moment of silence passed before Ao’nung huffed out a breath. “Go ahead. I’ll be laughing when you get rejected” he said.

The three simultaneously raised an eyebrow, looking at Ao’nung with a skeptical face. Koro opened his mouth to respond before he got cut off by a voice calling Ao’nung from afar.

“Nung, come on!” His sister called, a light surrounding her like she was an angel who just saved him inescapable death.

“Gotta go, good luck asking him out” he said with a smirk on his face, before running off towards his sister.

“You’re an idiot, you know that” Nash’vi said, smacking the back of Koro’s head.

“Gotta go, update us if you get your ass beat again” Ongu laughed.

“I wasn’t actually gonna do it!”

In the car, Ao’nung rested his head on the window, staring outside, watching people by the sidewalk. Thinking about what Koro said, not that he cared.

He doesn’t even like Neteyam like that. Sure, he liked hanging out with him, and how he smiled at his stupid jokes with bunny teeth. He then shook his head, realizing what he was thinking.

Before he knew it, they were in their driveway.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

He headed inside, greeting his mother and his sister.

“Hello babies, how was school for you?” Their mother asked, pulling them into a hug.

“It was okay” Tsireya smiled.

Ao’nung pulled away “Good” he shortly replied “I’m going to my room, mama” he added.

He reached for his phone and texted Neteyam.

He chuckled at the picture on his phone "Guess he learned how to send pictures now"

he sat his phone down on his desk, also putting his bag down as he went in his bathroom to take a shower.

his thought only got louder once he turned on the shower. He stood there, cold water going down from his head, dragging his hands down his face, he kept telling himself that they were just friends but he knew deep down what his feelings meant.

Chapter Text

Neteyam’s day was going so good. He was in the library, waiting for Ao’nung for his ‘writing lesson’. He’s been adjusting well, talking to friends he’s still not that familiar with, but nevertheless, his day was great. 

Until Koro walked up to him.

“Hey Sully” he said, raising a hand to greet him. The rest of their group behind him with a grin on their face, like they’re there to plan something.

Neteyam looked up at him from his seat, closing a book he was trying to read. “Hey?” he greeted with uncertainty in his voice.

“What’ya up to?” Koro asked, taking the seat beside him, putting his hand behind Neteyam’s chair.

Scooting away very slightly, Neteyam looked at him “Reading” glancing at the book on the table.

“Right” Koro chuckled “I’ve got a question” he asked, smiling at his friends who were behind Neteyam.

“What is it?”

He huffed out with a smile on his face “Do you want to go out with me?”

Nash’vi and Ongu tried to keep their laughs in, shoulders going up and down as they laughed silently.

Before Neteyam could respond, Ao’nung arrived, standing behind Koro, face scrunched up like a small pug as he pulled Koro’s seat.

“What are you doing?”

“Asking him out. Just like you asked” Koro responded, raising his eyebrows repeatedly.

Ao’nung’s eyes widened “I never said that, and we’re studying so just do that another time” he said, pulling Koro up from his seat.

“Nah, I wanna hear his answer right n—”

“No” Neteyam blurted out.

“See, he wants to talk about it”

“I meant my answer was no” Neteyam said, going back to his book “you aren’t really someone I’d go out with” he added, flipping another page, ignoring Koro.

Koro paused and scoffed, offended by the answer. He stood up straight, pulling away from Ao’nung’s grip.

“You saying I’m not your type?” He looked at Neteyam. A pause before he raised an eyebrow and a smirk appeared on his face “or are you too busy following Ao’nung here like a dog?” 

The boy was busy with his book before he heard the word ‘dog’. His head shot up, Ao’nung’s hand already gripped around Koro’s neck, not hard enough to hurt him but enough to send a warning.

“What?” Koro let out a small laugh “I’m just playing, man. You of all people should know that”

“That’s enough bro” Nash’vi walked up to them, pulling the two away from each other.

Koro rubbed the back of his neck “I’m just telling the truth. All he’s done since he came back here is follow you like some lost dog”

Neteyam let the first one slide but this was the last straw. He didn’t even know what a dog was, it’s the way Koro said it that made his blood boil. It was disrespectful, condescending, and just plain insulting. Neteyam was right there sitting in the middle of it.

“That’s enough” Ao’nung warned, hands gripping his jeans.

“Or what?” Koro asked.

Neteyam stood up fast, chair scraping across the floor, heads turning as his fist landed on Koro’s face, wiping the smirk off of it.

“What the fuck?!” He yelled out, holding his nose, blood trickling down.

A few gasps came from people around them, some gathering with their phones up.

Ao’nung stood there, dumbfounded. Nash’vi and Ongu immediately helping out Koro.

“Dude, the hell?”

“told ya this was a bad idea. You idiot”

Koro broke from his friends’ grasp, jumping Neteyam and landing a punch on him. Now people are really watching, a couple of students already calling a teacher.

Holding Neteyam’s collar, Koro whispered “Just admit it. You’re fucking gay”

Neteyam looked at him, his brows furrowed before taking Koro under him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about”

Koro struggled under Neteyam’s grasp trying to break free, his face numb from all the punches he just took. Fortunately for him, a teacher arrived and broke the fight off.

Everyone scattered including Nash’vi and Ongu who didn’t want to get involved, leaving Ao’nung, Neteyam, and Koro with the teacher.

The office was cold and quiet.

Neteyam sat down when he was told to, a blank expression on his face. Hands on his lap, posture straight out of habit.

“Neteyam, is everything alright? We’ve never had a problem like this with you before” The principal asked, turning around in her chair.

Neteyam didn’t look up.

Koro leaned from his chair “Ma’am, he punched me first and, besides I was just kidding—”

“Enough. I’m aware of what happened thanks to your friend, Ao’nung. I will be calling your parents”

“Are you serious?” Koro groaned, crossing his arm as his back leaned back to the chair.

Neteyam stayed silent. 

But his fingers curled against his own leg.

The wait in the office was unbearably long. Neteyam was sweating a river in his seat, the cold air blasting from the ac couldn’t even stop it from dripping down his back. Koro was still beside him, a blank expression on his face as he mindlessly bounced one leg—but Neteyam could tell he was mad—I mean who wouldn’t be? Getting called in the office just for a “joke”.

The door creaked open, only making Neteyam even more nervous. He doesn’t know how “his” parents’ will react, especially his father. He stiffened in his seat as he heard footsteps coming towards them.

“Ahh Mr. and Mrs. Sully, thank you for coming” The principal greeted, extending her hand to them as they walked in.

His parents walked in, their eyes already fixed onto Neteyam. Koro’s parents followed after.

“What happened?” Jake asked. A hand resting on his son’s shoulder, gripping it slightly.

Koro’s parents rushed to him, checking on him before turning to Neteyam “We heard your son started this” raising their voice, immediately pointing fingers.

“Calm down. Our son would never do such things without reason” Neytiri defended him.

Jake looked at his son, tapping his shoulder “explain”

Neteyam lifted his head. “He insulted me”

Koro immediately scoffed “Oh my—”

“You compared me to an animal” Neteyam added, looking straight at him.

“It was a joke—” Koro rolled his eyes.

“It was not. You know it was not”

Jake’s gaze didn’t leave Neteyam, a hand rubbing his back to bring comfort to him. “What’d he say?”

Neteyam paused before opening his mouth. “Well, he said I follow people around like I’m a dog”

Neytiri patted his head, looking at him.

Jake looked at Koro who’s still getting checked on by his parents. “Alright”

“Oh come on, that’s no reason for him to hit our son” Koro’s parents shook their heads.

“No, it’s not” Jake said “But, it is a reason to be upset”

Neteyam’s jaw tightened, he looked back down and played with his fingers,

The office went silent. The principal crossed her arms “Alright. I suggest Neteyam goes home for today and take a 3 day suspension”

Neteyam looked at his parents, expecting them a lecture right then and there, but Jake only nodded and sighed, telling Neteyam to go and follow his mother to the car.

Koro got off with a warning which was made possible with his parents begging the principal enough to let him. They left the office leaving Jake to talk with the principal.

“He’s never behaved like this” she said to Jake. “He’s one of the best students here. Is everything going okay at home?” she added.

“I don’t know what’s gotten into him” Jake said.

“Well you can figure it out. You’ve got him for 3 days” she said, going back to her papers.

Outside the office even when Neteyam already left, Ao’nung still stood there, skipping another class after he just told his father he wouldn’t do it again.

Footsteps approached behind him, turning to see Jake standing a short distance away from him.

“Ao’nung” he said, making the boy’s skin crawl.

He straightened a little, looking up at Jake “Yes sir?”

“Walk with me”

Jake walked out of the building. Ao’nung could only follow.

“Sir, please don’t tell my dad I’m skipping” he begged, his footsteps trying to match Jake’s.

“I won’t as that’s none of my business” he said.

Both stopped just beyond the school’s edge where the noise thinned out. The sun’s heat pressed from above, but neither of them moved towards the shade.

Jake turned to face him. “I want to know what happened back there”

Ao’nung let out a sigh, holding his hands loosely at his sides. “Koro said Neteyam was following me like a lost dog ever since he came back to school” he answered.

“Is that all?” Jake asked while the boy nodded. “This started with you, you know” he added.

Ao’nung’s eyes flicked down for a moment then back up again. He didn’t argue, but his voice stayed careful, for all he knew, Jake could be beating his ass right now. “I didn’t tell him to hit anyone, sir”

“I know, boy”

A silence settled between them before Jake spoke again, crossing his arms “you’ve been spending a lot of time with him ever since what happened to him”

Ao’nung’s jaw tightened, biting the inside of his cheek before meeting Jake’s eyes “we’ve just been studying”

“And today?” he asked.

“I didn’t know that would happen, honest” he said, putting a hand over his chest.

“I believe you”

“They were already talking when I walked over. All I knew was Koro was going to ask your son on a date”

That made Jake raise an eyebrow “Why would he choose Neteyam to pull a joke like that?”

Ao’nung stood still, not able to get anything out of his mouth.

Jake noticed this and put a hand on Ao’nung’s shoulder “Look, I’m not here to accuse you. But I am telling you to maybe choose your friends wisely”

He nodded immediately “Yes, sir”

Jake stared at him for a few more seconds then exhaled. “Okay. That's all” he said before he turned and started walking to the direction of his car.

Lunch came around. The busy cafeteria made Ao’nung calmer in a way. He sat with his friends like he always did, but now—there was an obvious tension between them that they refused to talk about.

Ao’nug could only play with the food in front of him, his eyes glancing at Koro every chance he got.

“Hey! How come you're still here?” Lo'ak's voice echoed from across the cafeteria, Tsireya right beside him, trying to calm him down.

“Lo'ak, just leave them be” Tsireya tried to stop him from slamming the table.

“No. I wanna know why Neteyam’s the one suffering from the consequences of his actions?” Lo'ak argued, pointing his finger at Koro.

Koro stared at him, a spoon dangling in between his fingers. “Maybe he deserves it” a smirk forming on his face.

Lo'ak scoffed, letting out a small laugh before grabbing Koro by his shirt.

“Come on” Tsireya quickly stepped in. 

Lo’ak frowned “I’m not done—”

“Yes you are” She said in a calm tone, not giving him a chance to argue as he led the boy away from her brother’s friends.

Lo’ak gave in and walked away. Tsireya turned to her brother, touching his arm lightly.

“Can I talk to you?” She asked.

Ao’nung could only follow her somewhere just far enough from the table.

Lowering her voice, she looks at her brother “This is getting outta hand” she said, glancing back towards the table, then back to her brother.

“Your friends” she said carefully “rhey’re making everything worse for you. From getting in trouble with the Sullys back then and now, this” she continued.

“It’s not that big of a deal”

She kept quiet for a second before taking a deep breath.

“Just…I’m asking you for your own good to just maybe stop hanging out with them”

Ao’nung didn’t answer right away, his eyes shifting briefly towards the table. “I’ll think about it”

“Please do” Tsireya said before she went back to sit down with the others.

“What did you talk about?” Lo’ak asked, scooting over to let Tsireya sit.

“Nothing important” she smiled at him, grasping his hand as she turned to look back at her brother who was back with his friends.

Lunch kept moving, People laughing all around, someone complaining about class but there was Ao’nung, barely touching his food.

He leaned back, his friends still talking, acting like nothing happened, like Koro didn’t look like an MMA fighter after a fight.

He’d known his friends for years. They were the one who dragged him out of class when it was getting boring, got him in trouble, covered for him when things went wrong. The ones who were there for him at his lowest.

He looked at Koro, who’s laughing at something not even that funny. He wasn’t supposed to be here. Neteyam was at home—suspended, and he was there, laughing like he’s not at fault.

Tsireya’s voice echoed faintly in his head. “...maybe stop hanging out with them”

It certainly sounded simple. Like he could just get up from his seat, walk away, and that would end it.

He slowly exhaled through his nose, thinking of how he could do this.

Afternoon class started. The classroom was quieter than usual, students filling in their seats. 

Ao’nung sitting in his usual spot, while Neteyam’s stayed empty beside him.

The teacher started talking. The sound of the chalkboard filled the room.

Ao’nung dropped his bag on the floolyr, leaning back in his chair. For a second, all he could do was stare at the empty desk right beside him. Just yesterday, Neteyam was sitting there, head bent over the notebook.

“Ao’nung”

He blinked, snapping back to reality, looking up.

The teacher stared at him. “Do you have the answer?”

“No, sir”

The teacher only nodded before moving on. A few people glanced at him before turning back to the board, making Ao’nung sink into his chair slightly.

The rest of the class passed the same way it did everyday.

The bell finally rang, chairs scraping on the floor all at once when they stood.

Ao’nung took his time. Slowly gathering the stuff he didn’t use on the desk, then lazily zipped up his bag, before he walked out into the hallway.

After a minute of him dragging his feet on the tiled floor of the school, a thought came up on his head. He looked outside. 

He could go to his next class.

Or—

He adjusted the bag on his shoulder, and started walking again. This time, in a different direction. He didn’t slow down once. Walking past his next class, ignoring the open door. No one noticed anyway.

He just kept going, eventually sneaking out the side gate. His feet moved along the familiar streets, only stopping once he reached the Sullys house.

Not stopping for air, he went straight to the side of the house, just so he couldn’t be seen. He could knock like a normal person but that thought didn’t come to him til he was already halfway up the wall. Pulling himself up and reaching the window. He looked back, realizing Neteyam’s window was facing the front of the house. People stared as they walked past the house.

He groaned and tapped on the window. 

No response.

He frowned, then pushed the window up himself, sliding open with a quiet creak.

Ao’nung swung one leg inside, and dropped down into the room.

Neteyam flinched. Hard. He was sitting on the floor, his back against the bed, notebook open in his lap. The sudden noise made him jerk up, hands bracing against the floor while he looked up.

“What are you doing here?” he whispered loudly.

“I knocked” Ao’nung replied, brushing his hands against his pants like he’d done this a million times.

“You could’ve knocked on the front door” Neteyam said, still in a hushed tone.

“I wanted it to be a surprise. Also why are you whispering?” Ao’nung replied in a sarcastic way.

He then dropped his gaze down to the notebook on the floor. “You’re doing that without me?” he pointed at it.

Neteyam followed his hand, then looked back at him. “I have nothing else to do”

Ao’nung stepped further into the room, sitting down on the bed.

“I heard you got suspended” he said.

“Yeah” Neteyam replied, not an ounce of frustration in his voice. He sat back down, picking up his notebook.

“For three days?”

“Yeah”

Ao’nung ran a hand on his hair. “You didn’t have to do that” he muttered.

Neteyam looked at him, closing the notebook halfway.

“You came all this way to tell me that?”

Ao’nung blinked. “What?” he laughed nervously.

“That I shouldn’t have hit him?”

“That’s not—” Ao’nung cut himself off, exhaling “No.”

He hesitated, then looked at Neteyam properly for the first time since he got there.

“I came here to check on you”

“I’m fine”

Silence barely settled before a knock came from the door.

Their head’s snapped towards it, Ao’nung quickly standing up.

“Neteyam” Neytiri’s voice called from the other side “Can I come in?”

“Hide” Neteyam whispered as he stood up to get the door.

“What?”

“Just hide, skxawng” 

Ao’nung didn’t argue further, and just dropped to the floor, sliding himself under Neteyam’s bed as Neteyam grabbed the bag sitting on the bed, throwing it under his desk.

“Come in”

The door opened. From under the bed, Ao’nung could only see parts of them from an angle.

Neytiri stepped in, her eyes going straight to her son. Neteyam noticed her eyes wandering all over him.

“Moth—ma, I’m fine” he said.

“I wasn’t asking”

His mother sat him down on the bed. He stayed still while she crouched slightly, tilting his chin, checking for more bruises that could’ve magically appeared. “You’re lucky it wasn’t worse” she murmured “Does it still hurt?”

“Mm, not really”

“This better not happen again” she said.

She grabbed his shoulder, inspecting him one last time before giving him a light nod.

“I’ll bring you something to eat later. And don’t stay locked up in here” she said, heading out the door.

“I won’t”

“You can come out now” he said, still sitting on the bed.

Ao’nung pushed himself out from under the bed, dusting himself off as he sat up.

“Maybe clean your room while you're suspended?” he huffed lightly before sitting down beside Neteyam.

The two chuckled before the room fell silent again. The bed creaked as Neteyam shifted from where he sat, his weight making Ao’nung move with him.\

Ao’nung looked at him. At first, he didn't realize how much Neteyam's face had taken. A faint bruise along his cheekbone that appeared to be darker in the soft light of the room. A small cut near his lip that you can only notice if you stared too long. His braids were all messed up as well. Making him look different.

Neteyam noticed the staring. “What?”

“Nothing” Ao’nung said too fast, avoiding Neteyam’s gaze.

Neteyam frowned “I’m fine,”touching the side of his face, wincing slightly before dropping his hands to the side “it’s fine” 

Ao’nung scoffed “Doesn’t look like it”

Neteyam gave him a small look. “It’s a bruise”

“Yeah” Ao’nung muttered. “I can see that”

Ao’nung moved from where he sat, suddenly noticing how quiet it was around them. No hallway noise. No other voices, which made sense since the others are still at school. All he could make out was the faint sound of someone, probably Neteyam’s mother, shuffling downstairs.

Neteyam leaned back, eyes going to the notebook which was still on the ground where he left it.

“You were late at the library” he said

Ao’nung looked back at him, still noticing things he didn't want to notice.

“You’re staring”

“I’m not” he replied, immediately looking away.

“You are”

“Not”

Then Neteyam exhaled lightly, almost like a laugh “Okay, okay”

Ao’nung cleared his throat slightly “Forget that” he muttered as he stood up to grab the notebook. “Let’s just do this” he said, giving the notebook to Neteyam.

Neteyam sat there for a moment. He didn’t open the notebook yet. He looked at Ao’nung then asked “Hey, what’s a dog?”

Ao’nung turned, grabbing his notebook and pen from his bag. “What?”

He stared at Neteyam a little longer before letting out a short laugh. “You’re asking that now?”

“Yeah”

Ao’nung shook his head, still laughing lightly under his breath as he reached for his phone in his bag. “Did you live under a rock or something?” he muttered.

“I lived in the forest”

“Not my point”

He unlocked his phone, scrolling for a second before stopping on a photo.

He walked back to Neteyam and held out the phone to him. “Here” he said.

Neteyam leaned closer, squinting his eyes, focusing on the picture in front of him. On the screen was a picture of Ao’nung with a a little scruffy, small  dog.

“So…it’s an animal?”

Ao’nung nodded.

Neteyam kept looking at the photo. “Does it follow you around? How come I didn’t see that when I first went in your home”

“Yeah, it goes in my room sometimes. And you didn’t see it because it was in Reya’s room”

Neteyam glanced up at him. “Is that why he said that?”

Ao’nung’s smile dropped. “Yeah”

“Was it supposed to be an insult?”

“Well…” he looked at Neteyam, handing him his phone “...if someone were to call me that, I’d just take it as a compliment. Dogs are cute, you know” he said.

“So you think I’m cute?” Neteyam cracked a smirk.

Ao’nung choked on a breath he didn’t mean to take. “No”

“I mean—yeah sure, but not—” he took a deep breath. “That’s not what he meant”

“Then what did he mean by it?”

Ao’nung stood there, trying to think of how he could explain what to make of a dog. He then opened his mouth.

“Dogs are loyal, that’s what most people mean. They stick around, follow people. You know, stuff like that.”

Neteyam nodded slowly “it’s not all bad then”

He handed the phone back, shifting on the bed, signaling to Ao’nung to sit down.

“If they’re so cute, why say it like that?”

“People like Koro just say stuff like that to get under your skin”

“Alright”

Another second of silence settled between them.

Ao’nung shifted his weight, all of a sudden more aware of how close he was sitting next to Neteyam.

He scoffed, breaking the silence. “But yeah, dogs are cute”

Looking at him, Neteyam smiled “You’re calling me cute again”

Ao’nung froze, then immediately straightened up.

“That’s not what I said”

“You implied—”

“Did Not”

Neteyam didn’t laugh out loud, but a smile appeared on his face.

“If you say so” he said.

That smile made it all the worse for Ao’nung. His heart was beating so fast in his chest, that he wished Neteyam would’ve just laughed right in his face, instead of smiling like an idiot.

“What are you doing to me?”