Think about it
“So, Ao’nung and Uarei were bullying your sister is what I’m getting from your story, correct?” The principal asked for what felt like the millionth time. “Yes, sir, Lo’ak and I have stated several times already.” Neteyam nodded, crossing his arms. “My Ewya, why are you repeating the same shit? Yes, Uarei and I along with a few others were messing with the girl sully.” Ao’nung groaned, sinking into the office chair.
“See! Even the shitbag admitted it!” Lo’ak exclaimed. “Boys, stop cussing. I just want to make sure I’m getting the correct stories.” The principal said as he pushed up his glasses. “Ewya, I would rather be publicly hanged than listen to this one more time.” Ao’nung huffed. “Sir, they admitted what they did, so I don’t see how necessary retelling the story for a fifth time is.” Neteyam spoke up.
“Well, I just want to make sure I’m connecting the right dots.” The principal sighed. “You have singlehandedly connected every dot in existence.” Lo’ak moaned, pulling at his braids. “Great mother above just take me now.” Ao’nung pleaded dramatically.
“No need, your father is here, Ao’nung as is yours, Sullys. Uarei and I will talk while you take with your fathers. The three boys stood and walked to the door. “Thank Ewya, Mama didn’t come.” Lo’ak whispered. “She would ring us out.” Neteyam agreed in a whisper. Whist Ao’nung stayed quiet.
Their fathers were in the same room, talking between each other in a low tone. The boys stepped in and stood awkwardly beside each other in the doorway. “Close the door.” Jake sighed and Neteyam complied. Then the three sat down in front of their fathers.
“Dad, I will go manic if I have to explain this story in full detail, so I just want to say that Ao’nung started it when he picked on Kiri!” Lo’ak exclaimed in a quick breath. “Is this true, Ao’nung?” Tonowari questioned. “Yes, but she is a freak, Dad!” Ao’nung rebutted making the Sullys’ eyebrows furrow. “I do not care if the girl had horns growing out of her head. You know better, Ao’nung. I’m very disappointed in you.” Tonowari huffed.
“Now, you will apologize to Jake, Neteyam, and Lo’ak then you will go out and apologize to Kiri. Your mother and I will decide your punishment.” Tonowari told his son in a stern voice. “I apologize for my behavior.” Ao’nung huffed at the Sullys then walked out to possibly seek Kiri.
“I truly am sorry for him. He’s normally..better behaved.” Tonowari sighed. “I get it.” Jake nodded, glancing at his youngest son. “I am sorry for fighting him, Sir. That was irresponsible of me.” Neteyam apologized and Lo’ak followed in suit. Tonowari waved them off, though.
“Kiri!” Rotxo called out as he approached the teen girl. “Hey, I heard about Ao’nung. Are you okay?” Rotxo questioned, stopping beside Kiri as she dug through her locker. “I’m fine.” Kiri grumbled. “Are you sure?” Rotxo frowned. “How long has he been calling me a freak?” Kiri asked, abruptly turning to look at the other.
“..I don’t know?” Rotxo said with uncertainty. “You’re his best friend and you don’t know? Do you think I’m a freak, too? Are you trying to get close to me, so you can torrent me later on down the line?” Kiri interrogated as she slammed her locker shut. “No, Kiri, I would never do that to anyone, especially not you.” Rotxo assured.
“How can I trust that you wouldn’t, Rotxo? You’re his best friend. How do I know that you don’t think I’m a freak as well?” Kiri queried. “Kiri..I genuinely had no idea. He’s my best friend for other reasons, but I really didn’t know that he called you that.” Rotxo explained.
Kiri looked him up and down as her frown grew. “My dad’s picking me up early..I have to go now.” She dismissed herself and hurried off before Rotxo could say anything else.
“Harsh, wasn’t it?” Ao’nung mused as he walked from around a pillar. “Dude, don’t start this.” Rotxo retorted. “I’m just saying.” Ao’nung shrugged. “Quit acting all big and bad, Ao. You’re being an ass.” Rotxo huffed, turning to look at his best friend.
“I’m not acting like anything.” Ao’nung sneered. “What happened to the old Ao? The one that would throw himself off a building before he ever thought about bullying someone. Oh wait I know what happened, you became cocky because of your little goons.” Rotxo jeered.
“I grew up, Rotxo. I’m not going to be some loser that just trails behind people like a lost dog.” Ao’nung hissed causing the other to frown larger. “Remember that when your fame wears off.” Rotxo stated then walked off.
“Oh, great mother..” Neytiri sighed, placing her phone down on the dining table. “What’s up?” Spider asked, turning away from his work packet in front of him. “Your brothers got into a fight, apparently some kids were picking on Kiri.” Neytiri huffed, taking a seat beside her son.
“Really? Did they get in trouble? Is Kiri okay?” Spider questioned rapidly. “Calm down, Ma Spider. They are all fine.” Neytiri said, placing a hand on her son’s hand that was resting on the table. “Was it Ao’nung?” Spider asked. “I don’t know.” Neytiri confessed, rubbing the boy’s hand.
“Are Lo’ak and Neteyam going to get in trouble?” Spider questioned. “Ma Jake said he was talking to the boy’s father and the principal. They’re working out punishment, I guess.” Neytiri exhaled.
“I bet Lo’ak and Tey beat their asses.” Spider smirked. “Language.” Neytiri scolded sending him that motherly glare that every Sully is afraid of. “Sorry, Mama.” Spider mumbled with a frown. Neytiri sighed, her hand still laying over her son’s. “Just watch your language.” Neytiri hummed as Spider nodded. “Now finish up this page and you can be done for the day.”
After Ao’nung’s conversation with Rotxo, he returned to the office. The Sullys had left, so it was just Tonowari. “You’re grounded for two weeks and you’re reading to the children at the library for a month.” Tonowari stated. “Are you serious?!” Ao’nung exclaimed. “Dead serious, boy. You should be glad the principal didn’t kick you off the swim team, you have been suspended from it, though.” Tonowari said.
Ao’nung opened his mouth to rebuttal but closed it when Tonowari held his palm out, signaling that Tonowari wasn’t listening. “Get in the car. I’m checking out Rotxo and Tsireya, we can talk about this at home.” Tonowari said, dismissing himself from the office room.
Ronal gave Ao’nung a long lecture about his behavior when he got home, but he hadn’t heard a single thing. He was too busy thinking about his argument with Rotxo. Rotxo had been giving him glares in the car and every time they were in the same proximity.
After the lecture, Ao’nung went to Rotxo’s room. He knocked for the first time in years. “It’s open!” Rotxo called out from inside. Ao’nung stepped into the room, closing the door behind him.
“Before you kick me out, just listen to what I have to say.” Ao’nung said, putting his hand up in defense. “Out with it, I have origami to make.” Rotxo huffed, sitting up on his bed as he waited. “I’m sorry, Roxy. You’re right, like always.” Ao’nung sighed and Rotxo looked at him like he was waiting for more, so he continued.
“I have been a cocky asshole because of the team and I don’t need to take it out on the Sullys.” Ao’nung finished. Rotxo looked at him for a long moment before turning back to the origami on his bed. “Apologize to Kiri then we’re all good.” Rotxo told him. “I will.” Ao’nung nodded.
“Wait, you never make origami. Is this for Kiri?” Ao’nung mused, walking over to the bed. “Yes, I’m making a jellyfish for her.” Rotxo hummed. “Trying to get back on her good side?” Ao’nung raised a brow. “Because of you, I have to.” Rotxo huffed, sending the other a glare. “Right..sorry.”
When the Sullys got home, Spider practically threw himself at them. “Let them walk in first, Spider.” Neytiri sighed, pulling the boy back. Spider huffed, but stood back, so the others could walk in. “Damn, they got your lip.” Spider said as he eyed their appearances.
“Language.” Neytiri and Jake said at the same time which made Tuk giggle as she rushed up the stairs. “You should see the other guys.” Lo’ak chuckled as he bumped Neteyam’s shoulder which made his brother crack a little smile. Neytiri followed after her youngest, while Jake set off to do something in the kitchen.
“Are you okay, Kiri?” Spider asked, his attention turning away from the boys to her. “Just fine, my bodyguards got my back.” Kiri rolled her eyes when Lo’ak blow raspberries at her.
The rest of their afternoon was full of laughter.