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1- Lo'ak
Lo'ak was often compared to his elder brother, he was immature compared to him, he wasn't as smart, he couldn't shoot a bow as well, he just was mediocre. Neteyam was perfect, he was the perfect child- Jake's perfect soldier. Well, not actually, but he acts like it. And Lo'ak is sick of it. If he wanted to party, he's told to be more like his brother and focus on his studies. He wants to date? Not until Neteyam does. Well, the last part wasn't much of an issue, but that's besides the point. Point being, Lo'ak isn't sure he's his own person anymore.
He feels like a robot, doing the same thing over and over. Constantly being worked on, yet no improvement. His wiring is off, in a sense. His brain just doesn't work the same. He wasn't a prodigy, but he's smart. He wants a social life, is that too much to ask? Apparently so.
Lo'ak is on his last straw when he beats up three boys for saying they were going to do... things to Kiri. And now it's his fault for not acting more mature, he should have told someone rather than throwing a punch. And now he's being chewed out by his father, because he's not as good as Neteyam.
Lo'ak storms upstairs, ignoring the yells of his father. He enters Neteyam's room, not realizing he was on it.
"Lo'ak? You okay?" He asks, because he's so perfect.
Without answering, he closes the door and slumps onto his brothers bed, finally letting his tears stream.
"Oh Lo'ak, it's okay." He feels a pair of comforting arms wrap themselves around his shoulders, pulling him into a strong chest. And he cries, not caring to act all strong and mighty. He let's himself be vulnerable, he lets himself be human.
In an attempt to calm him down, Neteyam (who had overheard the fight) starts to whisper soft words into his brothers hair, ignoring the feeling of his braids.
"You're okay, Lo'ak. Dad doesn't get it, you're okay." He rubs his back with circular motions. "You did the right thing and I am so so proud of you."
This makes him cry harder, tightening his hold. He's glad his older brothers is there, even though he can be annoying.
2- Kiri
When Kiri came home crying, the Sully household fell into a panic. Kiri never cried, Lo'ak was pretty sure she didn't cry when she was born. Roxto had rushed in after, explaining the situation briefly before chasing after Kiri.
And to say Neteyam was pissed would be the understatement of the year. He was a very calm guy, but when it came to his siblings, you best watch out. If someone made them cry, he would break them until they couldn't take it anymore. He was terrifying. Lo'ak didn't feel bad for the people on the receiving end of his wrath, they deserved it.
As Roxto left, Neteyam entered Kiri's room. She was sat on her bed, her fingers running through her blanket. She said it was a nice texture, it relaxed her, it was a comfort.
Neteyam sat next to her, lifting her chin so she would look at her. "Whatever those kids said, they are wrong. And I need you to listen to me very carefully, okay?" He lets his other hand hold hers, squeezing them in reassurance.
"You are an amazing sister, and an even more amazing person. When I look at you, I see a passionate young lady, strong willed with a brilliant mind. They have no idea who you are, they shouldn't have said those things and I'm sorry they did, but they are wrong. I'll say it as many times as I need, you'll get so sick of me." Her face adorns a small smile, her tears starting to clear.
And if Neteyam and Lo'ak got suspended for beating people up, that was their business.
3- Tuk
The highlight of Neteyam's day was always when he got to see his little sister. Her big smile, silly stories, tales about her day, she always lit up a room. So when Tuk told him- and him only- that she didn't have many friends and that made her sad, it broke his heart.
He took her for ice-cream the next day, promising he'll be her best friend. That made her happy. When he later brought this up to his parents, they talked to her about it and made sure she was happy.
When she came home the next week with tear streaks down her face, Neteyam was absolutely heart broken.
She cried and cried about how some kids called her stupid in school, pulling on her beads and making fun of her.
"Tuk..." He hugged her as she sniffled, not caring too much about the snot getting on his shirt. "My beautiful little sister, you're not stupid. You are so smart, probably the smartest in your class! We can talk to mom and dad about it later, hm?" He asked, digging his fingers into her sides slightly, engaging in a tickle-fight between the two.
Only a few days later did the situation resolve itself, Tuk coming home with a new friend and a hand written apology.
4- Tsireya
Tsireya was a nice girl, but she never really conversed with Neteyam often, opting to hang out with her boyfriend. So when she approached him with a question, he was a little shocked.
"Neteyam, what do I do when Lo'ak does something I don't like but don't wish to hurt his feelings?" She asked him one day, wringing her fingers together.
He was taken aback, but answered her question. "Well, I would say to tell him. Tell him you don't mean to hurt his feelings, but something he did made you uncomfortable. Tell him how you could fix it. He's still learning and eager, everyone makes mistakes, you just have to be honest with him." He explains.
She seems to take the information well, thanking him as she rushes off. He makes sure to talk to Lo'ak about making sure she feels safe and comfortable later.
5- Ao'nung
When Neteyam cane home with a boyfriend a year ago, his family was in shock. He was welcomed into the family quickly, they were happy Neteyam had found someone.
It was their anniversary and Neteyam hadn't seen his boyfriend all day. He had been getting a lot of gifts, like a lot. He loved each and every one of them, making sure they were put neatly into a safe spot. He had gotten Ao'nung something too, but it wasn't as much as he had done. Still, Neteyam didn't worry. The gift is heartfelt and meaningful. He had the whole day planned. They would meet for dinner at their favorite restaurant, get ice-cream, and stargaze in the park. The day was planned perfectly.
At 7, he picked Ao'nung up. They ate with light conversation here and their. Sharing food and jokes, laughing a bit too loud at times. It was perfect so far.
After, they went to the supermarket and bought 2 tubs of ice-cream, one for each of them. Neteyam got vanilla while Ao'nung got rocky-road. They drove to the park and laid out a blanket, sitting down close to each other and eating their treats. Ao'nung seemed distant, but Neteyam didn't put.
After a movie and half a tub of ice-cream later, the two laid back to look at the now clear sky, Neteyam pointing out constellations here and there. Ao'nung still seemed distant, and sad too. Neteyam stopped to ask why.
"Nothing," He got in turn.
He tried again. "It's doesn't matter it's not important."
He tried for a third, this time making sure his full attention was on his boyfriend and making it clear that he was welcome to say what he needed.
"Well, I'm just confused. You could have picked anyone yet you picked me. There are some people who are head over heels for you- I'm not saying I'm not, because I am- I'm just sayin that there were so many good options. I'm just... me." He looked away from Neteyam. "It's stupid, it's supposed to be a happy day for us and I'm bringing the mood down. Sorry, just forget about it."
" 'Nung, is that how you feel?" He grabs his face gently, making Ao'nung look him in the eyes. "I love you because you are nice to me and my family, I love you because you are kind, strong, you never give up, you're gentle, you're just so... perfect. You are an amazing person. And sure, other people may be better at some things than you, but I chose you because I wanted to, okay? So don't let those thoughts win." He kissed Ao'nung as if to solidify the fact.
If you asked Neteyam, he had a pretty good anniversary.
+1 (Neteyam)
Neteyam was having a bad day. He had a crink in his neck, he woke up late, he stepped in water with his sock on, his hair wasn't cooperating, he couldn't eat breakfast, his headphones died in art class, and on top of all of that, he had a bad migraine.
He felt like crying. When he got home, he did. He cried until his eyes went dry, dehydrated and tired. He took his shoes off and decided to nap, just for a little. Maybe it would make him feel better.
Neteyam almost cried for a second time. The dinner wasn't a good texture in his mouth, Tuk was chewing loudly, and Lo'ak was chewing his girlfriends face off on the couch. It was just too much on his senses. He didn't even realize his boyfriend in the room until there was panic in the room.
Apparently, without his consent, he started to cry again. His family was running around and it made his migraine worse. He hated it, too much was going on.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He felt a pair of hands cover his ears, dulling the sounds of his family. He knew those hands. He memorized the calloused fingers, the curve of the palms, he knew his boyfriend from any feature.
He sighed out and leaned back into his chest as his senses finally git a break. He was lead blindly to his room where he laid down, quickly gathered into his boyfriend's arms. He was glad to be shorter for once. Ao'nung was safe, he liked it.
The room was dark and it was quiet, save for the breathes of him and Ao'nung. It was much better than before.
He practically melted when he felt fingers caress his scalp, running through his hair.
Neteyam rarely had bad days, and when he did, they were bad, really bad. He was thankful for Ao'nung, happy to smell the dull scent of the ocean. He could feel the rise and fall of his chest, the rumbles sent through as he talks.
"You feeling better?" He nods. Maybe he doesn't need to be perfect all the time. Mayne he can let himself feel human too. He thinks he ought to try being himself more. But for now, he's conent with being in his lovers arms, being told sweet bliss. He adored his family.