Author's Note: Hello, my loves! I'm sorry about the long wait! I know that it's still moving slowly, but I just wanted to build some more relationships. Don't worry, we are going to be getting more with the Metkayina in the next chapter. I'm sorry that it's taking so long, but I'm really enjoying babying Neteyam while I have the chance. He's going to be our big strong boy again soon. Thank you all for your kind words and support, I do enjoy hearing from everyone! I do hope that you all continue to enjoy!
Neteyam woke up the following morning and immediately got into an embarrassing argument with his grandmother. Normally, Neteyam is usually very agreeable, but not this time. No, this was a special occasion.
His dad and papa were both gone and Mo'at was tending to the wound on his side, and he had to go to the bathroom so bad. His grandmother shot him down immediately when he asked to leave so that he could go to do his business somewhere that wasn't in this room with his grandmother present to see it.
She pointed to a bowl when he explained that he had to pee really bad. Neteyam went into full defensive mode, saying that he was fine to walk to where the clan goes to the restroom, but Mo'at was against it. She was shaking her head long before he even got the request out.
Embarrassed by just the prospect of urinating in a bowl of all things, Neteyam just wrapped his arms around himself, still chilled from the lack of blood, and continued to explain how he could make the journey and insisted that he would be okay, ears pressed flat against his skull and tail wrapped around his hips, avoiding his wound. He needs to conserve warmth. Especially when the cave network that they live in can get pretty cold.
They were still arguing by the time Jake and Tsu'tey walked in from doing the rounds past Tarsem and the clan, making sure everyone was okay and everything was running smoothly. They even stopped by to leave food for the Metkayina when they got up with some of the hunters watching over them. They had a really long last few days, Jake isn't surprised that they are taking the time to catch up on some much-needed rest. That, and it's easy to oversleep in these caves, as the sun doesn't directly hit most of the main chambers. Not like they would out on the beach.
Jake and Tsu'tey both share a look with one another when they catch Neteyam, sounding on the verge of tears saying, "Please, grandmother. I promise that I will be okay. It's not that far."
"I know where the bathroom is, Neteyam," Mo'at says, placing her hands on trim hips. "And I said no. You can barely sit up. You think I'm going to let you walk by yourself to the bathroom when I have a bowl that works perfectly fine right here?"
Jake and Tsu'tey both flinch at that, remembering their own stints in this moment with their own injuries that required a descent amount of healing time. And an unbendable, unbreakable will that was the Omatikaya Tsahik.
They share looks of sympathy for their distressed son as Neteyam says, quickly, "I don't have to go alone!"
"I see it there, I see it here, it makes no difference, Neteyam."
Neteyam's pale face turns bright shades of a violet purple color. He gapes at his grandmother, who's set expression softens into a playful smile at his flaming face.
"Grandmother, please!" He gasps, covering as much of his face as he can because of the mask around his mouth with long, thin hands. "Th-That's not what I'm worried about. I can't just... just have someone carry around my pee. I - I..."
He seems at a loss for words, too flustered to talk his way out of this. Jake, taking pity on his son, walks further into the hut.
"I can take him, Mo'at," Jake says, noting the amused look on the Tsahik's face as she looks at him. Her eyes gleam playfully, like this was amusing her and Jake was bringing an end to her fun.
Neteyam's shoulders slump in relief looking between his papa and dad, pouting at their placating, and slightly amused, smiles.
Jake and Tsu'tey both flank Neteyam, carefully lifting him until he can drag his feet underneath himself. They hold tightly to him as he takes a tiny, wobbly step, gritting his teeth.
"If it hurts too much to stand, Neteyam, then you should listen to your grandmother, no matter how embarrassed you might be," Tsu'tey says firmly, watching Neteyam's pinched expression as closely as Jake and Mo'at are.
"It's not the standing," Neteyam says slowly, teeth clenched.
"Neteyam," Tsu'tey says, worry evident in his voice.
"It's not," Neteyam insists, looking at Tsu'tey, who takes his weight as Jake leans down to pick up the breathing pack for Neteyam's air. "Really, papa. I just... I really have to go..."
Tsu'tey studies his face for a long moment before carefully switching his hold on Neteyam and lift him up into his arms as carefully as possible. Neteyam grits his teeth but doesn't protest, wrapping his arms around Tsu'tey's neck, quietly insisting, "Just to get there. I can walk back."
Tsu'tey smiles at that, nuzzling his cheek before glancing over at Jake's soft expression before heading out towards the community bathroom. It's another cave set off to the side with its own water fall and a much smaller standing pool, but it's gated so that none of the children get in without someone there to make sure they don't fall into the pool and out of the whole in the bottom. Neteyam tries to keep as still as possible for both his side and his bladder, but he did almost fall out of Tsu'tey's arms when they got to the bathroom.
Neteyam, desperately, insisted he was fine to stand on his own, so Jake and Tsu'tey turned away to give him privacy. Once he was done, Neteyam let Jake and Tsu'tey wrap their arms around him and support him as he begins the journey back to Mo'at's hut, once more insisting that he was okay to walk, they just had to go slowly.
With a white knuckled grip on his parents, Neteyam careful left the bathroom on shaky legs. It's slow and his face is pinched in concentration, but not apparent pain. They make it about halfway, Neteyam too focused on his feet to notice the clan stopping to watch him go, faces glowing in pride for their future Olo'eyktan, before he has to stop to rest, forehead dotted with perspiration.
Jake and Tsu'tey help lower him carefully onto some storage boxes. Neteyam is panting and sweating, leaning back a bit against the stack of boxes behind him trying to catch his wheezing breath.
He flushes embarrassed when he notices his clansmen staring at him. His acknowledgement of their attention is enough for them. His face grows darker as they whoop and holler in excitement, jumping up in the air or clapping their hands for him. Jake and Tsu'tey both glow with pride at their clan, and their embarrassed boy, still too shy for his own good when it comes to crowds.
Tsu'tey laughs, throwing his hands up, flashing bright white fangs while Jake grins down at a blushing Neteyam. Jake is slightly concerned that the limited blood that Neteyam's body is being resourced to darkening his cheeks, but not enough to say anything.
"The clan has been anxious for you to feel better," he says easily. "You got to make sure you get rested up so that you can get back out there."
Neteyam, ears flicking in embarrassment, nods, lowering his hands from his face. "Yes, sir."
Jake's smile falters slightly, but Neteyam doesn't notice, too busy looking at his clan and smiling, braid with four light blue beads swinging in front of his face as he looks around at his cheering clansmen.
"Neteyam!" Tuk yells, pushing through the crowd and racing in a dead sprint toward Neteyam, arms out and ready to leap through the air and into Neteyam's arms.
And Neteyam opened his arms, ready to catch her, even spreading his legs a bit to better steady himself for her impact, to Jake's horror.
Before he can intervene as his baby girl leaps into the air like a bolt of lightning. A thousand horrible scenarios flashed through Jake's brain on what was about to happen when Tsu'tey slides in to intercept before a single one of those thoughts could be completed. Jake's entire body frozen in place, hands out, not sure if he was going to bat away his daughter or not. Best not to know the answer to that one.
Neteyam blinks slowly, smiling sheepishly behind his mask at the glare Jake sends his way for encouraging her, while Tsu'tey cradles her like a baby, swaying her back and forth as she laughs. Neteyam lowers his hands back onto his lap, eyes crinkling at his little sister's laughter.
"Not you, papa," Tuk laughs, reaching out to cup Tsu'tey's cheeks. "I was trying to go to Neteyam!"
"I am very aware, TukTuk," Tsu'tey says, grinning down at the little girl in his arms. He peppers her face with kisses, grin spreading at her joyful giggles. She wraps her arms around his neck as he settles her onto his hip. "You can't be jumping on your brother, though. Okay? Not while he's still recovering. We don't want to hurt him, right?"
Tuk blinks large golden eyes, as if also realizing the same before nodding as Tsu'tey shifts so that they are facing Neteyam. She tilts her head at the mask, pointing at it.
"What's that?"
"Uncle Norm brought it for me," Neteyam rasps, smiling gently at his baby sister. Her ears perk at how weak and broken his voice is. She frowns as Neteyam explains, "It helps me breathe."
She blinks, fear flickering across her face. "You can't breathe?"
"I couldn't very well earlier, but I can breathe pretty good now," Neteyam says gently. "I am feeling so much better already. I'm going to be back to normal in no time."
Her little face lightens up in joy, squeezing Tsu'tey's shoulders in her excitement. "Did you hear that, papa? Did you hear it? Neteyam is going to be all better in no time!"
Tsu'tey lovingly nuzzles her cheek. "I did hear, Tuk. We just have to give him time to rest up."
Tuk nods as Lo'ak pokes his head out from around some dispersing hunters, eyes wide as he makes his way over to Neteyam, tail wagging anxiously behind him.
"Hi, Mighty Warrior," Neteyam rasps, placing a hand on the mask as it slips around his face a bit from talking. Jake reaches behind him and adjusts the elastic bands a bit for him.
Lo'ak swallows thickly before walking up to Neteyam and lowering to his knees between Neteyam's still slightly spread legs and wraps his arms so very delicately around Neteyam's midsection, resting his forehead against Neteyam's chest. The oldest Sully boy blinks, surprised, before wrapping his arms around Lo'ak's head and shoulders, pulling him closer, petting down his braids.
"Who are you and where is my baby brother?" Neteyam asks mirthfully, coughing slightly, but not pulling away from Lo'ak. He rests his cheek on his younger brother's braids, smiling more when Lo'ak huffs, shaking his head slightly.
Lo'ak pulls back slightly to say with a pensive expression on his face, not wanting Neteyam's weak jokes to make him feel better, not until he says what he has to, "I'm sorry, Neteyam. I'm... I'm so sorry for everything."
Neteyam's lips curl into a playful smile, despite Lo'ak's attempts to try and be serious and candid. "Now I'm very worried. I'll do whatever you want, just bring my little brother back safely."
Lo'ak cracks a smile, finally, while Jake huffs a laugh, shaking his head. Tsu'tey throws his head back in a mirthful jubilance. A relief settling over him at Neteyam's playful words, like confirmation that he was going to be okay.
"Bro!" Lo'ak laughs, his own relief settling over his features, crooked smile crossing his lips. If Neteyam took after Neytiri in looks, Lo'ak took after Tsu'tey. Neteyam could see so much of his papa's features in his little brother. Especially that crooked smile.
"What?" Neteyam rasps, laughing and coughing at the same time. Jake rubs his shoulders slightly.
"I'm serious!" Lo'ak says, looking up at Neteyam with wide eyes both humorous and sad. He really was serious. He felt so bad for his part in Neteyam getting hurt, and he meant what he said to his dad and papa when he said he would do better. Be better.
"I know," Neteyam says, pulling Lo'ak back to his chest and hugging him as tightly as his weak arms can, resting his cheek on the top of Lo'ak's head. The younger brother hugs him back, letting his older brother rest against him a bit for support. "I'm just glad that you're okay, Lo'ak."
Lo'ak hugs him back, as hard as he dares without hurting him. "I'm sorry for leaving. I'm sorry for not telling you. I'm sorry for not being able to look after you and for putting you in this situation. I'm so sorry."
Neteyam hugs his brother close, lightly petting down his braids. "I know you didn't mean for anything bad to happen, Lo'ak. We just have to be more careful, okay?"
Lo'ak nods, resting his cheek against Neteyam's chest. "I'm so sorry, Neteyam. I really am."
Neteyam nods, smiling sweetly behind his mask, lightly nuzzling his little brother's hair, not knowing when the next time his brother will be in a sweet enough mood to let him be like this with him. "Oh, Lo'ak. I forgave you a long time ago. Don't apologize."
"You are too easy on him, Neteyam."
Neteyam perks up as Lo'ak pulls back, both turning to see Neytiri walking towards them, expression soft and lovingly looking between them. Joy lights up in Neteyam's eyes at the sight of his mother and Neytiri's smile spreads as she kneels down next to Neteyam, smiling gently up at the sweet look on his face. Neteyam reaches out to gently caress his mother's cheek.
"Mom," he says, wheezing a bit, "I dreamed of you last night."
She holds his hand to her face with one hand while rubbing a soothing hand down Lo'ak's back with the other. "You would dream of me, ma Neteyam?"
"Yes," he says, twisting away to cough a bit into his shoulder but his mask is in the way. He frowns at that but turns back to Neytiri, eyes shining. "I dreamed that we were out hunting yerik, like we used to for ceremonies." He coughs again, rubbing at his chest slightly before looking back at Neytiri, whose smile faltered slightly in worry. "I wanted..." he wheezes. "I wanted to see if you wanted... if you wanted to go out with me to hunt sometime..."
Neytiri nuzzles the hand cupping her face. "I would love to, ma Neteyam. Any moment with you is joy. Once you are better, how about we go? Mommy and sons' day?" She looks over at Lo'ak, his own eyes lit up at the invitation. He looks at Neteyam to see if he was okay with it, worried that he would want to spend time alone with Neytiri, but Neteyam's eyes are bright with joy and excitement.
Neteyam nods, wheezing a bit as he looks between his brother and mother, tail whipping behind him in joy. "When... when I'm better..." he gasps, tailing off to cough some more.
"Yes," Neytiri says gently, "when you are all better, we will go hunting together. For now, my sweet Neteyam, you need your rest. I heard your Uncle Arvok just got back with his hunting party, and he's been looking for you."
Neteyam, Lo'ak and Tuk all perk up at their uncle's name.
"Uncle Arvok is home?" Tuk gasps, eyes wide. She starts bouncing in Tsu'tey's arms, nearly falling out of them in her excitement. "I want to see Uncle Arvok!"
"Yes!" Lo'ak exclaims, jumping up. "Come on, Tuk! Let's go find him!"
Nearly dropping the youngest Sully child, Tuk practically falls out of Tsu'tey's arms before joining her older brother and the two of them race off at full speed in search for their uncle. Neteyam is smiling happily, rubbing at his chest and wheezing a bit.
Noticing the action, Jake quickly asks, "Are you okay, Neteyam?"
"It's hard..." Neteyam says softly, every breath holing a slight wheeze to it. "It's hard to breathe. My chest is kind of tight."
"Okay," Tsu'tey says moving to his side as Jake does. "It's time to get back to your grandmother. That was enough excitement for one day."
Jake checks Neteyam's breathing pack to see that the yellow light is back on. He clips it to his side before helping Tsu'tey pull Neteyam to his feet, keeping him steady while he makes his way back toward Mo'at's hut with Neytiri following along. It takes longer than they would have wanted, but Neteyam makes it back walking somewhat on his own. Mo'at changed his bedding and cleaned the area for him while he was gone.
They lower him back down and Jake gets to work, replacing his oxygen tank before putting it out of the way and helping Neteyam lay down on the new mat. Jake removes the mask and replaces it with another one before sitting on the side and cleaning the one that he was using up until now. Mo'at is preparing medicine for him while Neytiri curls up on the mat with him, pulling him into her arms so that his head is resting on her shoulder.
"Maybe tomorrow, or the day after, when you're feeling better, we can get you a bath and I can redo your braids," she says, running one of her hands lightly over the braids in question. She presses a kiss on his forehead as the ministrations are easing him to sleep slightly.
"Do I smell gross?" Neteyam asks, pressing his forehead closer to her neck.
Neytiri and Tsu'tey both grin at each other as Neytiri lets out a little laugh, hugging him closer. "Not yet tiyawn, but you will soon enough. Plus, your braids are growing out."
Neteyam hums, half dozing while the four adults quietly talk amongst themselves about the clan and how everyone is doing with their new... guests, before stopping when Lo'ak peaks his head in with his Arvok just a moment behind him. The older of the two of them smiles at the adults before following Lo'ak over to Neteyam. Lo'ak goes to his other side to lean into Tsu'tey's side from where he's sitting while Arvok lowers himself down next to Neytiri, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder in greeting, waving his hand from his forehead to her, which she returns before squeezing his shoulder back from where she's laying on the mat.
Arvok smiles at his older brother and Jake, waving his hand to them, which they both return before Arvok leans over Neytiri a bit to place a gentle hand on Neteyam's shoulder, giving it a little squeeze.
Neteyam sucks in a deep breath, long dark lashes fluttering a bit before opening his eyes and glancing over at Arvok, blinking a bit before a dreamy smile crosses his lips and reaches up to lightly touch the back of his Uncle's hand.
"Welcome home," Neteyam says softly, clearing his throat a bit but still smiling. "How was your hunting trip?"
Arvok's ears twitch at his rough voice, but his gentle smile doesn't faulter. "It was good. We got some good meat for when you're feeling better. The clan is going to enjoy some delicacy." He gently pets down Neteyam's arm. "How are you feeling, Neteyam?"
"Better," Neteyam rasps softly, wrapping an arm around Neytiri, snuggling closer to her. She smiles more, nuzzling the top of his head. He coughs lightly, letting out a little sigh before admitting, quietly, "My throat hurts. My stomach and hip too. But... But it's not so bad. It doesn't hurt as much anymore."
"I'm sorry, parultsyìp," Arvok says as his face twists in sympathy, petting down Neteyam's arm, before considering something, glancing at Lo'ak, who perks a bit at his uncle's attention. His full lips scrunch to the side in thought before looking around at Neytiri, Jake, and Tsu'tey, asking, "How grounded would you say Lo'ak is?"
All three parents look at each other while Lo'ak blinks rapidly at that question. Carefully, Jake says, "No flying for a month. I suppose." He looks at Tsu'tey and Neytiri to see if either of them disagrees, both just nod their agreement before he looks back over at Arvok, curiously, "Why? What are you thinking?"
Arvok considers for a moment, glancing down at a bleary-eyed Neteyam. "Do you want some ice cream? Would that make your throat feel better?"
Neteyam blinks a few times, ears perking a bit at that. He looks up at Neytiri, rasping, "Can I..?"
Normally, Jake has to sneak treats from Earth to his kids, because Neytiri isn't a big fan of them, but Norm experimented for them to find a way to make Na'vi ice cream, for the kids, but Jake still tries to limit it for Neytiri. It's only for special occasions.
Neytiri looks conflicted, glancing over at Jake and Tsu'tey but both of them stare back at her, offering support for her decision. She sucks in a slow, deep breath before looking over at Mo'at, who was smiling lightly as she mixes some medicines together, glancing back at her daughter.
"Mother," Neytiri says slowly, "can he have some?"
"He can, just a bit though," Mo'at says easily, looking back at what she's doing.
Neytiri sighs, nodding at Arvok. "Not too much."
"And..." Arvok says slowly, sparing Lo'ak a glance, smile spreading a bit, "if Netyeam can have some... it's only fair that the rest get to have some... right?"
Neytiri rolls her eyes while Jake smiles over at Tsu'tey, who huffs in amusement.
Arvok grins in joy, looking at Lo'ak's bright eyes and grinning face. "Want to go on an adventure, Lo'ak?"
"Yes!" Lo'ak says, launching to his feet once more and following his uncle to exit the hut when Jake calls out to them.
"He can't fly his ikran, Arvok," he reminds his brother-in-law.
"Ah!" He hears Arvok exclaim, "Then he'll ride with me!"
He and Lo'ak whoop and race off toward the ikran. Jake rolls his eyes, placing the newly cleaned mask off to the side. He leans forward to see that Neteyam was already drifting off to sleep, slow blinking as it pulls him deeper and deeper.
He sits back down and looks over at Mo'at. "Should he get some more medicine now, or wait?"
"He can have some now and get some more rest before Arvok comes back with the ice cream. Plus, Neteyam should get something more in his system other than this medicine - not necessarily ice cream - but it should help him to start getting more food in his system. Maybe starting tonight. It'll help him in his healing." Jake and Tsu'tey nod at her words while Neytiri lets out a low hum, pressing a kiss to Neteyam's forehead before encouraging him to sit up as Mo'at makes her way over with the next batch of medicine.
Neteyam is back to sleep on Neytiri's chest, over an hour later when Arvok finally makes his way back to them. He explains that he sent an excited Lo'ak off to deliver the ice cream to Kiri and Tuk while he brough Neteyam's for him.
Neteyam laid happily in Tsu'tey's arms, sitting up and leaning against the wall while he eats, humming to himself. Neteyam curls into Tsu'tey's warmth but doesn't stop munching on his treat. Tsu'tey presses close, cuddling his son close and purring softly, his child's joy bringing him joy. Neytiri gently pets Neteyam's leg from where she sits resting into Jake's side while Mo'at has left the hut to take some time to pray to Eywa, something she hasn't had time to do in the last few days.
"There he is."
All the heads turn to see Artsut and Ateyo making their way over to Neteyam and Tsu'tey. Ateyo lowers by his feet, resting his hands on his thighs as he sits on his knees while Artsut moves to Neteyam's side. Arvok quickly scoots out of the way, frowning slightly as he lowers his head a bit to try and steer clear of any of Artsut's anger. If there is any - which there usually is.
Neteyam smiles around his spoon, eyes sparkling as he brings the mask up to his mouth to take a deep breath in before saying, sweetly, "Hi grandmother."
Her face softens as she lowers to his side, taking one of his cold hands into her own and pressing it to her face. "Hello, tiyawn. How are you feeling?"
Tsu'tey helps hold the bowl so that Neteyam can still scoop out some of his ice cream, but he holds off eating anything more to answer her, "I'm okay. Better than before. I'm tired but this is... is really good." He glances at the ice cream before smiling sweetly at his grandmother. "Do you want some?"
Artsut's smile is so gentle and loving, as she shakes her head. "No, sweet boy. You enjoy your treat. I just wanted to make sure that you're feeling better."
Neteyam nods, scooping some of the ice cream into his mouth, swallowing and relishing in the ease in his throat before clearing his throat a bit and asking, "How was your date with grandfather? I didn't get to see you when you got back." He turns toward the wall, coughing into his shoulder, shivering a bit before leaning more into Tsu'tey's side. "Is that his gift..?" He nods to the new beaded top she's wearing.
Artsut nods, smiling, finally letting Neteyam's hand go. "It is. Pretty, isn't it?"
Neteyam nods, taking another bite of his vanilla ice cream before smiling at his grandfather, who smiles back, expression as soft as Artsut's. "It's very pretty, grandfather."
Ateyo pats his leg, still smiling. "Thank you, Neteyam."
Neteyam scoops more of his treat and eats it, shivering a bit as Tsu'tey rubs a free hand not holding the bowl, up and down Neteyam's arm. Neytiri looks over at Jake, whispering something to him before heading out.
"Wh...wh...what did you do on the date...?" Neteyam asks, turning his back to Tsu'tey to offer his grandmother his full attention, holding Tsu'tey's arm to his chest, hugging it close while shivering. He rests in the curve of Tsu'tey's arm, ice cold hands wrapped around his biceps.
Tsu'tey leans close, whispering into Neteyam's ear, "Are you done with your ice cream?"
Teeth chattering, Neteyam nods. "Y-y-y-yes, papa."
Tsu'tey passes the near empty bowl to Jake before curling around Neteyam, pulling the mask back up over his mouth and nose while pressing a sweet kiss to his ear as Artsut pets his cheek, scooting closer and telling him all about the anniversary date that Ateyo brought her on the day before the storm. Neytiri returns in the middle of the Artsut's story with a big, thick blanket. She carefully drapes it across Neteyam's shaking form before pressing back into Jake's side.
He quietly interrupts Artsut's story with a soft, raspy, "Thank you, mama." But his eyes never pull from Artsut, even as they start to droop again, now that he's warm and comfortable. He gives himself a little shake to try and keep himself awake, he reaches one hand out to lightly touch some of the dangling beads on his grandmother's new top, spinning one of the bead lengths.
His big, golden eyes study each individual bead with fascination before a thought seems to occur to him as he stares at this particular strand of beads, noting it's a tad bit shorter than the others and a little out of place. He blinks a few times before reaching up into his hair, feeling around for what he's looking for. He pulls a few braids forward to look at, humming at his grandmother as she talks, before pushing the braids back and picking a few more braids forward until he finds a braid that he's looking for.
Artsut watches, still half telling her story as she watches him carefully unweaves the bead, pretty similar to the ones that his grandfather had woven together to make the top for his grandmother. He closes the braid once more before pushing it back over his shoulder and holding out the bead to his grandfather. His lips curl into a sweet smile towards his grandfather, who smiles back, like a secret they share.
"A piece of me in every gift," Neteyam says, quoting something Ateyo says all the time when gifting his Artsut. Ateyo smiles, taking the bead from him, giving his hand a loving squeeze.
"I'll weave this in tonight," Ateyo says, usually hard-set expression is gentle and loving.
Artsut huffs, shaking her head, but she's smiling, pleased.
Once Ateyo lets go, Neteyam pulls his hand back under the blanket to help him warm up as he looks back over at Artsut. "I'm glad to hear... that you had so much fun..." He sinks further into Tsu'tey's arms, smiling a bit when his papa nuzzles the back of his head as he coughs softly.
After a beat of silence, Artsut says, softly, "Thank you, sweet boy." She reaches out and gently pets the side of his face, pushing his braids back behind his shoulder, not sparing anyone but her grandson any sort of attention outside of her mate. "You should get some rest. You look so tired."
"I am," Neteyam says softly, eyes drooping a bit, as he starts to yawn, snuggling into his papa's warmth more. "But... but you didn't finish your story. I want to hear... I want to hear it."
Artsut seems surprised by his words, blinking a few times. "How did you..." she glances over at Ateyo, who smiles down at the bead rolling around between his fingers. She huffs, amused, before looking back down at Neteyam, as he and Tsu'tey are steadily sinking down into the mat over the course of this conversation. "You tricked him into helping you plan this?"
"I didn't trick anyone, he was the one who came to me with the idea to surprise you," Ateyo defends himself, still smiling down at the bead.
Neteyam smiles faintly as Artsut shakes her head, smiling too. "Sweet boy. You are too perfect."
Neteyam's eyes droop closed as he lightly shakes his head, forcing tired eyes open again, rasping out softly, "Grandfather did all... all of the work. I just... thought... of the idea..." he lets out a soft little sigh, then he coughs again softly behind the fog produced by his mask.
"Get some more rest, baby boy," Tsu'tey says softly, pressing another soft kiss behind his ear as his body slowly relaxes more and more as he falls asleep.
After a few moments of silence, Artsut, very carefully, and quietly, says, "He seems to be getting better."
"He's young and strong, and has a lot of love and support," Jake says, just as carefully, watching his eldest child, the only one he bore with his own body, turn onto his back a bit to press his forehead to his papa, who nuzzles him softly. "And he's lucky. And so are we. He just needs time. He'll just keep getting stronger until he's all better. He just needs more time."