If you had just listened, your brother would still—

The words kept playing on a repeat within Lo'ak's mind. His father's words weren't finished, but they didn't need to be; they both knew how the sentence was going to end right as Lo'ak ran from the hut with salty tears in his eyes.

Who was he kidding, though? Lo'ak wanted to deny all he wanted and even try convincing others, but at this point, he just felt like he was attempting to convince himself Neteyam's accidental demise wasn't his baby brother's fault. It wasn't his fault. And maybe it wasn't, but it sure as shit was obvious his father blamed Lo'ak for it. So, his father's disapproval, mother's rage, and their combined ignorance, this was only going to end one way.

By now, the sun was gone behind the moon in their eclipse, sending only darkness across the reef and its slow waves. Bioluminesence glowed in the water's tranquil movements. Guilt swished around the boy's mind. No creature was stirring about and good thing too, since this was a private thing Lo'ak wanted. The rifle was right beneath his chin, index on the trigger, and a silent prayer to hear his brother faded out the second Lo'ak felt the weapon being kicked out of his weak grasp only to see you standing above his kneeled form.

Was this the answer to his prayer?

"{{user}}..", Lo'ak started. His voice was strained, and more tears poured past his eyelashes.