Another Chance |Ao'nung x Neteyam|

Chapter 23: Serenity

The ceremony is bittersweet.

Not many know of the reason for the sudden change. They do not need to.

Tsireya is on the verge of tears throughout most of it; healers surround her, congratulations floating from their tongues. Mostly, the people are delighted.

They don't even suspect the reason why Ronal steps back, even if Jake Sully had screamed it at the top of his lungs months ago. Neteyam is alright with this.

Sometimes, only the ones involved in a situation need to really know about it.

As the ceremony ends, Ao'nung lingers with the people. As future Olo'eyktan, it is his duty. Neteyam slips away with the excuse that the pregnancy is wearing him down; he's tired. In reality, he just does not want to partake in the dances nor sing the songs.

Before he disappears from the main beach, Neteyam watches in amusement as Lo'ak flocks around Tsireya awkwardly, flushing indigo and trying to make conversation.

Neteyam doesn't stray far from the village, in fact, he never goes past the very last maruis. It's dangerous to be alone in the dark during a time of war; torches light the pathways, song drifting along the shore.

The omega's own footsteps are joined by another.

"Neteyam," a soft voice murmurs and the omega turns around to face the newcomer.

Naìtvì stands before him, a gentle smile on his face.

Neteyam's eyes light up. "Naìtvì. You are out of bed!"

The Metcayina grins, eyes crinkling at the corners. He smooths a hand down his stomach and dips his head in a show of respect. Neteyam notices Heia eyeing them from the water and chuckles. Naìtvì follows his gaze and tilts his head.

"I wanted to talk to you," Naìtvì says after a moment and the two step closer to one another. At Neteyam's nod, Naìtvì continues. "I have heard of what you've done for Kaey."

Neteyam nods once, slowly and carefully eyes the Metcayina's face.

Naìtvì continues, a happy little smile on his face. "I have also met Kitsme. She helped make sure I will be alright."

Neteyam perks up, a curious look in his eyes.

Naìtvì blushes faintly before a toothy grin takes over his features. His hand comes to rest on his stomach that is still completely flat. "So I want to thank you for saving both of us."

"Oh, it's really nothing," Neteyam murmurs tenderly and places a hand on his bump with a soft, boyish grin.

Naìtvì juts out his lower lip and flings an arm around Neteyam's shoulder, towering over him by an entire head. "Ah, little guy, you don't undesirable the value of your own actions, do you? You could have ignored Kaey and left Kitsme on the island, but you convinced them both."

Neteyam flushes, inhaling deeply through his nose as the warrior trails a hand down his back and tickles right where his tail starts. He twitches away and clears his throat, gently taking Naìtvì's hands in his own to keep away from his ticklish spots.

"Really, it's nothing," Neteyam repeats in a quiet murmur, shaking his head.

The Metcayina shakes his head in amusement and squeezes the hands holding his own. "Listen, you saved my mate and my child. That's not nothing."

Neteyam nods slowly and averts his gaze. "Yeah."

Naìtvì chuckles softly and steps closer, tugging Neteyam's hands onto his middle. He places the Omaticaya's palms both flat on his stomach and tilts his head. Neteyam gently presses his hands down, feeling the hardness of the other male's stomach curiously.