Counting Stars - Aonung x Neteyam

Part 1

Not far away, in the larger plantations, laughter and singing could be heard. Neteyam's sister was there, arms raised and laughing with some village women.

I noticed that they had all integrated well. Their parents already knew how to do everything in the village, from politics to hunting.

Their brothers had integrated with the villagers, Rotxo seemed more and more interested in the strange girl and Lo'ak followed Tsireya like her shadow. Even Neteyam already knew how to fish and swim as fast as they did. The only one who was lagging behind was him, with his stupid rivalry.

- You are no disgrace to your clan. - Neteyam suddenly blurted out, I realized that at some point while I was lost in my thoughts he had approached. Now he was running a finger along the bruise on my arm. For some reason, I didn't turn away angry. - You're an idiot, but you're not a disgrace. - he said with a smile. - My brother Lo'ak has gotten himself into so much trouble since he was able to walk that I still don't understand how he's still alive. But that doesn't mean he doesn't deserve a second chance. Or as many as it takes. - He looked me in the eyes and continued talking. - That's what family is for, to give second chances.

I looked at him a second longer and looked away quickly. I didn't say anything. Not because it didn't occur to me, but because I didn't think I could do it without making a fool of myself. I felt like screaming, running away or cursing him. Still, I didn't do any of those things. I just sat there, watching the sun go down.

When I saw his sister approaching along the path between the plantations I stood up. I didn't say goodbye, I just walked slowly back the way I had come.

That was the last day I argued with Neteyam.

The first time Neteyam realized he might be having feelings for the clan leader's eldest son was a bittersweet feeling. People don't understand that the first time you realize you have feelings for someone is when you start going over situations that have already happened. You start analyzing the past.

That's why Neteyam realized he had feelings for Aonung long after he first had those feelings. The first time was horrible. Not because of what he felt but because of the situation. Actually, the forest boy didn't remember that night very well, only moments when the pain had been stronger. Or as in this case, when the lack of pain had been more noticeable.

- Neteyam please hold on. - my little sister's voice was anguished, almost a whisper of hiccupping tears. Our father's firm hand gripped both of us, keeping us firmly on the Ikran. That being connected to my father, knew to fly carefully. I almost didn't feel it, but I also understood that the pain in my chest was so strong, it might be overshadowing everything else.

My sister was hugging me, pushing something against my wound that made it hurt ten times more. I knew it was to stop the bleeding, but part of me wanted to beg her to stop.

I didn't notice the length of the trip, the pain blinding me completely, I kept my eyes closed and only let out small noises of pain every now and then. My father, behind me, whispered comforting words to give me strength.

I realized we had reached wherever they were taking me when my sister's weight disappeared from my chest. Someone lifted me in their arms and by the smell I guessed it was my father. I kept my eyes closed the whole way until I felt myself being deposited on a soft surface.

- Keep him on his side. - someone said, I didn't recognize his voice until I was moved and the pain made me open my eyes. Ronal was moving me next to his son. My mother was at my side, holding my hand. - Make him drink it. - she continued speaking. Or so I understood. Someone else was talking, but his voice was distant.