Another Chance |Ao'nung x Neteyam|

Chapter 3: Prying Eyes

A handful of weeks later, it is impossible to deny that Neteyam is with child, an endearing swell pressing his stomach out, curving it gently and softening his sharp features. It is still absolutely tiny, too, but somehow, noticeable all at the same time.

Neteyam makes peace with the thought of having a tiny being growing inside of him, one he hadn't asked for. It feels nice to rest his hand along the small bump.

Nausea still wrecks him most times he tries to eat his past favourite food, ruining his appetite. Seafood just didn't sit well with him either. Especially not oysters and crabs. He settles on fruits, usually raw. Occasionally, he'd cook the fish given to him after the hunters return, but it always leaves him having to lie down, covering his mouth with horrid gagging.

Ao'nung seems to be paying more attention to him as well, bringing him snacks along to their lessons, especially the sign language ones, where they merely sit facing one another as Ao'nung teaches Neteyam how to communicate underwater. Every time he learns a new sign, Ao'nung hands him a piece of fruit (his favourite kind). Neteyam is secretly endeared by the Metcayina making effort to figure out what he likes.

Every few days, the alpha would sprawl out across Neteyam's blankets with the excuse that they're just so much softer than his own (he always wakes up horribly tangled in them and Neteyam has to rescue him).

Neteyam doesn't mind; Ao'nung has become a gentle presence always in the back of his mind, lingering. He actually likes him when he doesn't have to sleep with him, which is most of the time.

In the end, Neteyam grows fond of the Metcayina, approaching him outside of lessons simply to be in his company. The first few times Ao'nung is so caught off guard he gapes openly at the young Omaticaya.

He wears Ao'nung's old armband most days, pretending he doesn't notice how different the people treat him now that he has something that shows he's tied to Ao'nung. His cummerbund no longer fits him, a breath shy of being being so tight that it's suffocating.

"Neteyam," a voice calls out to him suddenly, startling him out of his thoughts. He's sitting in the sand, holding a handful of shells. The gentle waves that lap at the golden sands, also tickle his toes. He wiggles them.

Neteyam smiles politely, standing up. "Hello, Ao'nung. You're awake earlier than usual."

Ao'nung saunters over to him and smirks. "You keeping track?"

Neteyam shrugs casually, amusement dancing in his eyes. "I notice things."

Ao'nung's gaze lowers to his stomach (it reminds him each time that Neteyam sacrifices way more than he does).

Neteyam wraps an arm around himself loosely and hums. He shields his stomach from Ao'nung's view and lets his face crumble.

Ao'nung feels panic sink its sharp claws into his chest, puncturing his lungs. Neteyam's eyes are open and shining with so much anguish, that Ao'nung feels lightheaded.

"What's wrong?" The Metcayina whispers. He wants to take a step towards Neteyam, but remembers that the Omaticaya is backing away from him.

Neteyam sighs out tiredly and shakes his head. "I'm sorry. I just feel uncomfortable with people looking."

Ao'nung wants to retort that he isn't people, he's the other parent, a father just like the omega, but holds back. "No, I'm sorry I didn't realise. I'll try to stop."

"That's not fair to you," Neteyam murmurs quietly and tucks his braids behind his shoulders. "This is your child."

The Metcayina shakes his head. It's true, this is his child, but so is it Neteyam's. "It is our child, Neteyam. A little piece of you and I both."