Another Chance |Ao'nung x Neteyam|

Chapter 9: Peace in Your Violence

Ronal doesn't say anything.

She merely works on checking him out, skilled fingers poking at his stomach, feeling for the growing life within.

This time, Tonowari is inside the marui as well, going about his business without paying them much attention, sharpening his hunting knife with quick, powerful movements, exactly like a man who's done this a million times — and, well, he probably has.

Neteyam takes the small container of tealeveas handed to him by the Tsahik with a small, muttered word of gratitude, but otherwise, he doesn't feel like talking to her, pride wounded.

For a while, he'd become used to the idea that here he was no warrior, mainly because he does not know metcayinan fighting styles, but also, because most of the fighting happened out beyond the reef, somewhere he wouldn't go, not while he's with child.

Neteyam stands, walking out of the marui without another glance Ronal's way.

Outside, the people avoid eyecontact, unlike before.

Jake Sully had not been discreet when confronting the Tsahik and Olo'eyktan about the broken agreement. He had shouted, temper ruffled, and threatened them — Neteyam had heard it all from the marui.

He wonders how Tonowari had felt; if his heart sunk the same way Neteyam's did when he realised. Neteyam had known of his duties, and he had genuinely been blindsided by the scheme with the berry.

Mostly, it's Ao'nung's cowardice towards his mother that hurt Neteyam.

He doesn't expect Ao'nung to defend him, not really, but he never expected to be lied to.

Sure, his father hadn't told him about a year long courting process, but Jake never would have dreamt that such a thing would happen. It never would have, if Neteyam didn't come alone.

The world is a vicious place, Neteyam wraps his arms around himself, standing by the ocean. Each time it gives, it takes.

By taking Neteyam's trust, Eywa gives him new life — but really, what was the need? The new life could have come to be without the mess. Had the Tsahik merely asked him to speed things up, he would have said yes. They did not have to betray him.

Not like this.

Because secretly, Neteyam had daydreamed about this as a young boy — had tried to guess what his future mate would look like. He knew from a young age, even before presenting, that he'd mate another man, alpha or beta, he didn't mind.

Neteyam had been nervous about his first time — had blushed the deepest shade of indigo when his mother sat him down and explained everything to him as a teenager.

Neteyam sits down slowly, facing the wall with the beaded curtains. His eyes burn, but he refuses to lose his composure, pregnant or not.

He's never felt so much pain that he couldn't hide it in front of the other. He tried to, but it drove him near to tears and Ao'nung noticed.

Neteyam really wonders if he'd give the people what is expected of him. Another heir. He doesn't really want to be touched by Ao'nung. The thought fills him with dread. Would they notice if he'd have a child with someone else?

Neteyam pales, sitting up straight, disgust settling in his core. At himself, but mainly at the world for having driven him to such thought.

Ronal would blame the human in him, a trait she has never been able to look past. Neteyam blames her. This is her doing.

Even through all his bitter feelings, Neteyam understands her. He hates that he does, but he understands she's scared. She's never seen war quite this wild.