The Way of the Forest

by Winged Lady Colette

The Metkayina find themselves in the forest seeking the aid of Toruk Makto after their home was destroyed by the Sky People invasion of the moon of Pandora. Where once upon a time the Sully's must learn the way of water, here, the Metkayina must learn the way of the forest. Come to love it, and all the people that call it home.

8. What if he never forgives me?

Author's Note: So, I will be updating the other stories too, but I felt like I had to get this one out. So reading through everyone's comments on the last chapter has really helped me come to terms with it. I might go back still, but I do think it's a combination of what all of you said. It was a lot heavier of a chapter than the ones before it, as well as it leaving off without any real conclusion. Which this chapter didn't really help with, lol oops. There is also the need of the chapters around it too. Plus, this chapter was supposed to be with the previous one but that would have been way too long, so that adds to it feeling incomplete, I think. So, I do feel a bit better about that chapter. Thank you all so much for your support and help in recognizing it! Let me know what you think! Enjoy!

Warnings: Blood and a lot of crying. A lot.

Jake, hand in hand with Tsu'tey, makes his way to their home, ignoring the eyes of their clan. Jake hasn't turned back around to get a really good look at Tsu'tey, but he knows that his mate is covered in a lot of Neteyam's blood. No doubt word has spread that Neteyam came home hurt but no one stops them, thankfully. Tsu'tey's parents have to be out and about to not have come barreling into them. Arvok too, as a quick glance around, Jake doesn't see him either.

At least, Tsu'tey's mom wasn't in sight.

Jake can deal with Tsu'tey's father easily enough, so long as his mother isn't around. Tsu'tey's dad can be a bit of a pill to swallow on his bad days but for the most part Jake doesn't have much of a problem with the man. His wife is unbearable. Jake loves Arvok, Tsu'tey's younger brother, though. But both men left in Tsu'tey's family simply lack the backbone to deal with his mother the way that Tsu'tey does.

In other words, Tsu'tey doesn't take his mother's shit. And disrespect.

Jake loves how much she adores Neteyam, "Simply perfect, like his father," she would say. But hated that she was probably one of the nastiest versions of herself when it came to Jake's other children. When it came to Neytiri.

His kids have, unfortunately, learned to have a thick skin with her, and she has gotten better - sort of - these last few years because of Neteyam, but not by much.

Jake will never forget the look on her face when sweet, perfect, wonderful Neteyam pulled his "demonic, halfblooded, bastard brother" close to his side, gentle face twisted in rage as he stared at her.

She had always been careful to keep the nastiest parts of herself from him. No doubt realizing how much sweet Neteyam loved his siblings and how hard he fought for them. But she didn't know that he had come home early, that he overheard her nasty words to Jake about the crying boy at his side. Before Jake was even able to get mad, tell Artsut that she needed to get out of his sight this instant before he lost his composure, Neteyam had pulled a shamed and sobbing Lo'ak to him, glared at his grandmother, and asked her, politely, despite his tense voice, to leave their home.

And Jake will swear to God, and Eywa, that Neteyam looked just like his papa. Angry, but composed. All while clutching his baby brother to his side, as if to protect him from his grandmother's words with his physical body.

Neteyam knew that he was the favorite - for obvious reasons - but he always thought that his grandparents, mostly his grandmother, was just coldly indifferent to his siblings, not downright cruel. Jake and his mates tried to protect him from that, and the kids from them. In time, Jake knew that Neteyam would learn the truth, but he wanted his son to have his grandparents in his life. And for the most part, Neteyam was happy with them. He would run up and show them things he was working on. He would play with his grandfather and help his grandmother whether she asked or not. Always so helpful and sweet and he loved them.

Jake never wanted to take that from him. They were Tsu'tey's parents and for the most part, they were... fine. His father was always better than his mother, but she just brought out the worst in Ateyo when she was around or got into his head. Ateyo would at least tolerate the other kids. Would let them join in with him and Neteyam. Artsut was frigid when it came to anyone but Tsu'tey and Neteyam.

Even her other son, in Arvok, who Jake very much liked wasn't spared from her cruelty. He was a great uncle to the kids, treating them all as Tsu'tey's children - the way Tsu'tey intended. He would go out hunting with them and help them make things. He would tell stories or make up adventures for them to go on when they were stuck at home. Tsu'tey and Arvok weren't super close before Neteyam was born, but the kids helped bring them together.

Tsu'tey had been so consumed in his role as the future Olo'eyktan that he didn't have time for his baby brother. But now, they are closer than ever before. Jake may have no love for Artsut, little for Ateyo, but he adored Arvok. It is a damn shame how abhorrent Artsut is to her son. It breaks Jake's heart to hear and see how she treats him.

Tsu'tey had caught the tail end of Neteyam insisting that she please leave their home. That he didn't want to talk to her until she apologized for being so mean to his little brother. Tsu'tey stepped into their home, caught the tears streaming down Lo'ak's little face as he half buries himself into his brother's side, while Neteyam stares his grandmother down, his own eyes glistening.

Jake looked at him, face set hard in anger. "Tsu'tey," he said, voice flat. "Please see her out. I can't deal with that right now." He knelt down, pulling Lo'ak up into his arms so that the younger boy can cry into his shoulder while Neteyam wrapped little arms around himself for comfort. Jake pulls him close too, pressing soft kisses onto both of their foreheads.

Tsu'tey, face twisted in rage, grabbed his mother's arm and dragged her from their home, too enraged to speak in front of his children for fear of what he would say. Needless to say, whatever Tsu'tey said to her kept her away for a little while but somehow, she managed to get back into Jake's sweet son's good graces enough for him to let her back into his life, but while she's still careful about what she says in front of Neteyam, it's not as much as it used to be.

Which angers Jake to no end.

But thankfully, neither of Tsu'tey's parents appear to be around. So, he doesn't have to worry about leaving just Neytiri behind with Neteyam. Plus, Mo'at acts as an efficient mediator. Not taking a lick of Artsut's attitude lying down.

Jake knows of Artsut's hatred for Neytiri and has always done his best to ensure that neither woman was left alone with the other. Mostly because he felt it was unfair - her hatred for Neytiri misplaced. And they are really only connected to each other through Jake's bond with Tsu'tey - and Neteyam, who was her child too.

Artsut hated Neytiri because she viewed Jake's bond with her as a direct insult to his bond with Tsu'tey. That by bonding with Neytiri, Tsu'tey somehow became less than worthy in Jake's eyes - which could never be true. But she doesn't like Jake either. Jake is a demon. That came from the stars to destroy their home and way of life. A demon that bewitched her perfect son and yet still created a perfect grandson despite him ruining everything else that he touches - it all has to be Tsu'tey. All the beautiful, perfect parts of Neteyam. None of it could be Jake.

So, Jake's not sure what her problem with Neytiri is. In his humble opinion, she is sorely misplaced. In just about everything.

Tsu'tey stood unmoving in the doorway to their home, as Jake quickly gathers up everything that he can think of for their bath, putting it all in a basket before walking back over to Tsu'tey, grabbing his hand once more before leading deeper into the caves at the back of First Base.

There is an opening at the back of their home, at the top, where a floating island above it, pours water down into it, where there is a small opening at the bottom for the water to fall through, that they have a net covering to prevent anyone from squeezing through and free falling. The water has pooled enough for a large enough space for many families to fit in comfortably to bathe in leisure.

Thankfully, the space is empty.

Jake lays down the basket by the water so that they have easy access to it, before he gets to work removing all of Tsu'tey's adornments from his body and hair, putting them off to the side to make sure that they don't get soaked. Not that, without Tuk and Lo'ak there was going to be a lot of splashing, but it's a habit that's hard to break. Tsu'tey doesn't stop him or help him. Too busy standing there, nearly catatonic while Jake removes his loincloth, setting it to the side before pulling off his own adornments and loincloth, before he takes Tsu'tey's hand and pulls him into the water up to their waists.

His mate blinks a few times slowly, trying to pull himself back into the present. While he's doing that, Jake just grabs a rag from the basket and starts to clean the blood from Tsu'tey's legs, then his stomach, then chest, and then what flecks have made it to his face before finally getting to his hands. Tsu'tey comes to life enough to stare down at Jake's hands, watching him quietly. He then turns to gaze at Jake's eyes as Jake quietly works on the flecks of blood on his chin and cheek.

After a painfully long silence, Tsu'tey finally, quietly asks, "What happened?"

Just as quietly, both of the whispering into the large room, the sound of falling water hiding their conversation from anyone who would attempt to listen in, Jake starts to tell him. Not that they were talking about anything secretive, but Jake was never a big fan of people just sticking their noses in his business, especially when it had to do with his kids. There was only three people that had to know everything going on with those kids, and that was Jake and his two mates. At least Mo'at is respectful about not being told everything so long as it doesn't matter - but not everyone handles that with grace.

So, Jake tells him everything. He tells Tsu'tey about how he and Neytiri left for their date, how Lo'ak and Tuk snuck out with Spider to play in the forest and got caught in the storm. How somehow, they came to meet with the Metkayina - where Tsu'tey nodded when he was asked if he remembered meeting Ronal and Tonowari a few years ago - and how they came seeking uturu. Tsu'tey slow blinked at that, but didn't comment one way or the other, so Jake pushed on.

He told Tsu'tey about the kids having spent the night outside, Neteyam catching a cold from the rain, which makes Tsu'tey growl, rubbing at his forehead, an angry frown pulling at the corner of his lips, but he nods for Jake to continue. So, Jake tells him about how Neteyam left his headset at home, but Lo'ak was able to get into contact with Kiri, and how they all met at the plains. How they piled onto the ikran and as they were heading out, a Sky Person came out of the forest and shot Neteyam, before he killed him with his bow, which Jake saw during his ascent.

His voice, finally starting to waver, which draws Tsu'tey's eyes back to his face while he idly rubs the rag across Tsu'tey's chest, eyes unfocused, as he tells him about the flight back. How Neteyam managed to remain calm despite bleeding out. How Tonowari's children and Spider managed to patch up the wound as best they could with what they had. How Neteyam passed out and nearly got them all killed. How he woke up in time and Jake finally making the call to First Base. Then he falls into a silence, broken only by the sound of the waterfall behind the taller of the two of them.

Tsu'tey nods slowly, staring at Jake's face as it slowly crumbles more and more, the longer the silence holds between them.

"I was so mad," Jake finally says, closing his eyes and dropping his hand to the water. "I couldn't get into contact with them. Neither of them. Neteyam left his mic at home and Lo'ak wasn't responding. We looked at all of their favorite places. Nothing. I found their ikran. Nothing. I couldn't... I tried..." Jake sucks in a deep breath, chin wavering as he finally opens his eyes to look at Tsu'tey, looking terrified and vulnerable. "I told Neteyam that I was disappointed in him. I was so mad at him for breaking the rules. So mad at Lo'ak for not listening. I said... I have never been disappointed in him. Neteyam never does things wrong. I was just so mad."

Tsu'tey nods, pressing his lips tightly together, reaching up to rub lovingly at Jake's arms, trying to comfort him. "He knows that you didn't mean it."

Jake shakes his head, looking away, eyes glistening. "He was shot, Tsu'tey. Someone shot at him, right in front of me. And I didn't protect him. My sweet, wonderful Neteyam. Someone shot him and the last thing I said to him was that I was disappointed in him." Agony ripples across his features, a sob punching out of him as he brings his hands up to cover his face. "What if he never forgives me?"

Tsu'tey pulls Jake close, kissing his forehead and hairline. "He will. He will forgive you because he knows that you love him and his siblings more than anything, and it was your fear for their lives that made you say those things, not anger or hatred. He knows."

"I made him cry, Tsu'tey," Jake sobs, pushing weakly at his mate's chest, but Tsu'tey holds tightly, knowing he was pushing away to torture himself, not really to put space between them. He felt undeserving of comfort. But Tsu'tey held strong. "He was sick, Tsu'tey, burning to the touch, and I didn't even notice because I was so mad. I hurt our baby, Tsu'tey."

"You didn't shoot Neteyam, Ma Jake," Tsu'tey says, voice low, raspy. "You yelled at him, yes, because he didn't listen to our rules, just like Lo'ak and Tuk didn't. But all of that can be forgiven when you explain yourself to them. Apologize for whatever you feel you must. But you didn't do this to him. You didn't put him here. This is not your fault, Ma Jake."

Jake sobs, still tilting his head away. "I should have just sent him back to First Base the second I learned he was sick instead of wasting time arguing with Neytiri about shit I had no business arguing with her about. I'm so fucking stupid!"

Tsu'tey frowns at that, pulling Jake closer, lowering his chin so that he can press his forehead to Jake's. "Don't say that. You are not!" He sucks in a deep breath before lowering his voice once more. "Ma Jake, you did everything I would have. You had no idea that Sky People were out there. If they made it to the plains, then unless something changed while I was gone, they are far from the front. You wouldn't have suspected them out there. You had no way of knowing."

Which was true. None of the scouts or clans in that area made any mention of Sky People activities, which is probably why Lo'ak and Spider decided to play over there - a touch of responsibility in this otherwise shit show of a situation. Tsu'tey was right, Jake had no reason to think that they were in danger of Sky People on that side of the forest, but it doesn't matter. Jake feels so bitterly responsible for everything, he can't even be angry at Lo'ak, Spider and Tuk anymore. Now he just blames himself. He wanted to take Neytiri out on a date since things had quieted down and they hadn't been able to go for over a month.

He just wanted to give her something to smile about. But as soon as he saw the storm brewing off in the distance, he should have stayed home. It's all his fault. He should have just been happy to stay indoors, maybe do something as a family or something, but no. He had to get away. He had to try to do something for Neytiri and it almost cost four of his five children their lives.

It could still cost one of them that hefty fee.

All because Jake was selfish.

Jake might not have shot Neteyam himself, but it's his fault that they were out there. Spider could have come over and they would have all stayed in and played games or something. But no. Jake just had to leave. He had to be selfish. Tears sliding down his cheeks, Jake berates himself. He doesn't deserve Tsu'tey's comfort. He wishes that his normally hot-tempered mate would just yell at him. Push him. Punch him. Something. Anything that could help him not feel this horrible pain in his chest.

If Jake got his child killed? His Neteyam?

Jake has no idea what he would do. He's not sure he would ever be able to forgive himself. Not if he got one of his babies killed. All for a stupid date. He could have literally done anything else to give Neytiri a good time, or just wait for a different day. But no.

"If he dies," Jake whispers, cheek resting on Tsu'tey's shoulder, "I will never forgive myself. I might not anyway, even if he survives."

"You didn't do anything wrong," Tsu'tey says softly, hugging him close, kissing his forehead.

"How could he ever forgive me?"

"You are his dad, Ma Jake. You will explain to him that you were upset. That you love him and that you were just impressing upon him the importance of listening and that you were just scared for him."

Jake closes his eyes, fresh tears sliding down his cheeks. "What father hurts his son like that?"

"You didn't hurt him," Tsu'tey insists, squeezing him.

"You didn't see his face," Jake whispers, finally wrapping his arms around Tsu'tey's waist. "I might as well have struck him with the way he flinched at those words. It probably would have hurt less if I hit him." His chin trembles, unable to bear the thought of hitting any his children.

No matter how angry Lo'ak makes him at times, he couldn't ever imagine putting his hands on any of his children. Those words, they slipped from his lips. He never intended to hurt Neteyam with them. He hadn't even fully realized he said them until his brain registered Neteyam's flinch. Saw his shoulders shake, his little chin tremble. His eyes remaining downcast.

As if able to read his mind, Tsu'tey says, evenly, "You would never hurt our children. Never intentionally. If you feel so bad about it, Ma Jake, when he wakes up, I will help you apologize. Because he will. Our baby is strong. All of them are. Those children are the best parts of us. Smarter than you, more skilled than their mother, and stronger than me. All of them. Perfect. Beautiful children. Infuriating at times, but it is all a part of their charm."

Jake huffs, shaking his head, hating that Tsu'tey was successfully making him feel just a smidge better. He knew that being upset and ragging on himself wasn't going to do anything to help this situation, but he couldn't help the hallow pit in his stomach. He's not sure how he is ever going to feel better about this, but he knows it's definitely not going to be until he knows that Neteyam is not only going to survive, but that he's going to be okay afterward.

Tsu'tey finally pulls away from Jake enough to wash the small flecks of blood off of his hands and face before leaning down to press his forehead to Jake's, nuzzling his nose lightly against his obviously still agitated mate, leaning his chin forward to kiss Jake's lips, something he doesn't usually do outside of when they are making love, as it feels like something extremely personal that he wanted to ensure was shared in special moments with his mate, but despite not being the one to initiate a lot of affection, Jake desperately needed it.

Jake lets out a small whimper of pain, face pinched, still fighting the comfort he's getting from his mate. Tsu'tey kisses his lips once more, before respecting that Jake emotionally can't handle the level of comfort that he gets from that, so Tsu'tey just holds him tightly to him. They stand in silence for a while, Jake's sobbing from earlier is reduced to just sniffles, his hands squeezing the muscles of Tsu'tey's back.

"What if he never forgives me?" Jake asks again.

"He will," Tsu'tey says softly, closing his eyes. "He will."

Jake nods at his words but doesn't appear assuaged by them. They get to work cleaning each other off, ensuring that no blood, or the smell of it, remains on them. They can't bear to be away from Neteyam any longer, knowing that he's sleeping helps a bit, but they both agree to drop off their things and get back to him as soon as possible. As they were finishing getting dressed, adornments and all, a small voice calls out, "Dad? Papa?"

Jake turns to see Lo'ak standing at the entrance to the bath, one set of five toes tapping at the back of the heel of his other foot while his hands were at his stomach, ten total fingers fiddling with one another. Jake has seen that anxious look before. A thousand times. He knows that Lo'ak is worried about Neteyam - no doubt blames himself for what happened, like Jake does - and when Jake opens his mouth, trying to think of what to say to assuage his son, Lo'ak lifts his face to look at them.

This isn't the same face he usually wears with that posture. The face is usually put-down, upset, sad. But this face... this is terror, agony, self-hatred.

Jake hears himself say, softly, "Lo'ak, what's wrong?" Barely getting the words out when tears spill down Lo'ak's cheeks as he looks between the two of them.

"I am so sorry. I never thought... I didn't know... I never would have..." His face pinches in agony, thin eyebrows pulling together tightly as he struggles to find the words, his thin shoulders shaking with the force of his tears. "Please, dad, papa, I... I... please don't hate me. I'll be good, from now on. I promise. I'll never do anything bad ever again. I promise. Just... please. Please don't hate me." He's full-on sobbing, bringing his balled-up hands to his eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm so so so sorry."

Tsu'tey crosses the space between them in seconds, wrapping his arms around Lo'ak, pulling him close and kissing the top of his head, before Jake even has the time to straighten up from where he was gathering all of their clothes, cleaning items and everything else that he brough with into the basket once more.

"What are you talking about?" Tsu'tey asks, voice cracking with the wave of emotion washing over him as Jake makes his way over, but doesn't reach out or touch, afraid of overwhelming the young boy, but the pain in his chest from before comes back full force. "You think that your dad and I could ever hate you? My, sweet little mighty warrior, you could never, ever make me hate you." Tsu'tey leans down to press his forehead to Lo'ak's staring into his eyes, pulling down his fists. "This was an accident, Lo'ak. Your dad and I love you so very much. We could never hate you. Never ever."

"I almost got your son killed," Lo'ak says, staring into Tsu'tey's eyes in agony, lower lip quivering.

Tsu'tey looks insulted, shaking his head as if he couldn't believe what was said. "You may not be of my body, but you have just as much of my heart as all of your siblings. You are just as much mine as they are. And I could never hate you. Never. You are my son, Lo'ak, and I love you forever."

Jake drops to a knee, looking up at his youngest son, whose watery eyes turn to him. "You are my son, Lo'ak. I love you. Always. I will..." Jake feels pain stab at his chest. If Lo'ak could honestly fear that Jake could come to hate him..? The thought alone is like a lance of agony through his heart. "I will always love you. My sweet, trouble making mini-me. You never have to fear for my love for you. Or your papa's. We love you. We will never stop."

Lo'ak turns to him slightly and Jake reaches out for him, hand hovering just over his cheek, wanting so badly to touch him, but hesitation flickers through him. If Lo'ak wanted him to touch him, he would have. But before Jake could pull his hand back, Lo'ak reaches up, wrapping the five fingered hand he inherited from Jake around Jake's own, pressing it into his wet cheek.

"You will always love me?" Eyes brightening just a touch at Jake's pet name for him. Because of all of his children, Lo'ak was most definitely his mini-me. And Lo'ak took pride in that, strangely enough.

Fresh tears stab at Jake's eyes, but he nods, his thumb rubbing short circles under his eye. "Yes, Lo'ak. My sweet boy. Don't ever, ever worry about that. Just... please... please listen to the rules. I'm begging you. I need to know that you kids are safe when your mom, papa and I aren't around. Please."

Lo'ak nods, sniffling as Tsu'tey squeezes his shoulders, leaning forward to nuzzle the side of his head. "Yes, please. The choices you make don't just affect you, mighty warrior. Your baby sister was with you. Just remember who is always watching you. As you look up to Neteyam, Tuk looks up to you too. Every choice you make affects her as well."

Lo'ak nods again, rubbing the back of his hand at the cheek not being caressed by Jake's hand. "I know. I'm... I'm sorry. I will do better. I... I promise."

Jake lets out a little breath, pulling his hand back, carefully opening his arms in offer, praying that his son would accept. Lo'ak barely hesitates, dropping into Jake's arms, wrapping around him tightly. Jake lowers onto his legs, pulling Lo'ak onto his lap, wrapping his arms around his youngest son, pressing soft butterfly kisses on his ear, hair and shoulder, anything that he could reach with Lo'ak's face buried in his own shoulder. This immediately reminds him of his memory of earlier, of hold a small, sobbing Lo'ak whose feelings were rightfully hurt by the cruel words of his older brother's grandmother.

It's... been a long time since Jake has held Lo'ak in his arms like this. A very long time.

"I love you, Lo'ak," Jake whispers, squeezing him back tightly. "I know that I'm so hard on you, but that's because you are just like me. And I was a mess for a long time, and I know you're so much better than that." He presses close, relishing in Lo'ak being there. Tsu'tey kneels down, rubbing one hand up and down Lo'ak's back, while the other one squeezes Jake's arm reassuringly.

"I'm sorry, dad, I really am," Lo'ak says softly, voice slightly muffled in Jake's shoulder. A small tickle of wetness builds there.

"I know you are," Jake says, just as softly. "Never wonder if I love you, because the answer is always yes. Just please, Lo'ak, please." He sucks in a deep breath, kissing Lo'ak's ear, petting down his braids. "Please be better than me. Be careful. If not for me. Then for your mother. For your papa, and your siblings. You are such a special kid, and it's so dangerous out there. If today has taught me anything, it's that we have to be more careful than ever before. All of us. Please, Lo'ak. I want you around for as long as I live. I want to see you fall in love, have a couple kids of your own, and be happy. I want you to live until you're over a hundred years old, surrounded by everyone who loves you. I want you to live a long, full life. So please, please, be careful."

"I will, dad," Lo'ak says, voice shaking. "I promise."

Jake nuzzles the side of his head, pressing one more hard kiss to his hair before letting him pull back. Lo'ak's shaking has subsided, but the tears gently slide down his cheeks. Tsu'tey leans forward, also nuzzling the back his head. Lo'ak casts him a shy look, smiling softly. "I'm sorry, papa."

Tsu'tey shakes his head. "I forgive you, my mighty warrior. Just be more careful."

Lo'ak nods, turning to look back at Jake carefully, drying eyes studying his face, searching for the anger and disappointment from earlier. His thin shoulders loosening a bit in relief at not seeing it. "Dad?"

"Yeah, buddy?" Jake stomps down the pain, forcing a tiny smile. The hallow fear in his stomach still hurting despite finding a bit of catharsis with Lo'ak there and being able to reaffirm his love for his son. It still doesn't feel like enough. Maybe it never will.

"Is Neteyam going to be okay?" He casts another glace at Tsu'tey, wanting both of them to assuage his fears.

"Yes," Tsu'tey says, face evening out in that enviable control that Jake has always adored from his mate. Jake can always relax with Tsu'tey's unshakable focus. He never ceases to amaze Jake. He always stands stalwart; always strong and in control when Jake feels like he's crumbling into his own footprint. He can always trust that Tsu'tey will remain steady when he cannot.

"Yes," Jake seconds Tsu'tey, despite the terror tugging at his stomach. He prays with all his heart for it to be true. "We just have to do everything we can to help him when he does, okay?"

Lo'ak nods, wiping the last of his tears from his face. "Yes, sir."

Jake's heart hurts and he quietly says, "Yes, dad."

Lo'ak blinks, studying Jake's face for a moment before nodding back. "Yes, dad." He sucks in a deep breath, pushing to his feet. "Can we go see him?"

Jake nods, pushing to his feet and walking back over to his basket to gather everything up while Tsu'tey squeezes Lo'ak's shoulders, reassuring. Lo'ak and Tsu'tey follow Jake back to their home, where he drops off the basket to put everything away later, before he grabs a few blankets and a new loincloth for Neteyam before heading back toward Mo'at's hut, feeling only marginally better.

Neteyam will be okay. He has to be. Jake's not ready for him not to be.