Another Chance |Ao'nung x Neteyam|

Chapter 12: Foundations of Trust

When Neteyam reaches the sixth month of his pregnancy, his stomach suddenly pops out, pulling his hips forward and making him waddle as he walks. It doesn't slow him down, but he starts complaining about back pain to Lo'ak, who doesn't mind massaging him. He carries low, but he's starting to doubt his initial prediction of a son as he gets just a little rounder as the days pass.

Neteyam steps into the water, sighing softly as it cools his feet, which have been tormented by hot sands for minutes while he spoke with Kaey after his lesson, arranging the next one.

Now, he is alone, absent-mindendly rubbing his stomach, tracing his belly-button and humming his songcord. He's let his braids out, soft hair floating in the wind, a couple damp strands sticking to his forehead. Neteyam notices the length his hair has gotten, the growth sped up by his pregnancy, and contemplates if he likes it or wants to chop it back to its original length. The ends of his hair reach the base of his tail, tickling the sensitive skin.

Neteyam sits down in the water, letting it lap at his hips. He reaches for a tiny crab, a Krìdril, but it scurries away.

In the distance, he can see Metcayina fishing, throwing the net elegantly, in a way he hasn't mastered yet. He smiles, stirring up sand with his fingers.

Neteyam has never felt more in tune with nature and Eywa herself — and it isn't because he carries life under his heart, not really. Though rare, omega men are not special in Eywa's eyes. In the people's, yes. Neteyam had been held in the highest for regards for his secondary gender by his clan, and still, he knows some of the Metcayina are in awe by him.

He expecially knows the effect he has on Ao'nung. Still, Neteyam has left him alone, eased up on his anger a little and turned it into dismission. His heart still does not feel ready to forgive Ao'nung, but he accepts the Metcayina's regret and lets him back into his life — though keeping him at a distance.

The water laps at his waist, tiny, golden wish swimming around him slowly, tickling his legs. One mouths at the lower part of his bump curiously, making Neteyam laugh, shoulders trembling as he tries to fight off his secret ticklish nature.

A shadow falls over him, calming and delicate.

Neteyam lifts his gaze, eyes softening. "Tsireya, can I help you?"

The young Tsakarem smiles, dimples highlighted by the angle the sunlight falls upon her soft skin. "No, it is alright. I just saw you here in passing. Would like to spend time together?"

Neteyam hums out a quiet agreement, waiting patiently for Tsireya to sit down next to him, tracing the water's surface with his fingers.

"We will have a celebration soon," she says eventually, voice tender. "I would like to make you the right clothes for it."

"Oh, it's not necessary–" Neteyam murmurs quietly, holding his bump with both hands now, one on top, one on the bottom.

Tsireya pouts, widening her eyes. "I want to do it. You'd look so beautiful. The colours would really compliment your skin."

Neteyam chuckles softly, cheeks flushing as he shrugs. "If you insist."

Tsireya nods happily, a little smile on her face. Her eyes drift to Neteyam's stomach. "Oh, I am glad your child is growing well. You look wonderful with a baby bump."

"Do you want children?" Neteyam tilts his head, watching her.

She grins, head bobbing eagerly. "I do. So I can be the best mother to them. But not yet, I do not feel ready for a child nor a mate. Nobody here has caught my eye."

Neteyam bites the inside of his cheek to stifle a yawn, comforted by her presence by his side. "It is tiring."

"To be with child?" Tsireya's head cocks to the side, eyes wide.