Another Chance |Ao'nung x Neteyam|

Chapter 26: Serene Souls

Neteyam accepts Ao'nung.

He truly does forgive the past and recognises Ao'nung to be a victim as much as himself; it only takes eleven months for him to do so.

By that time, they fall into an easy routine and get bolder in their kisses. Neteyam stops antagonising the Metcayina and instead switches to being affectionate and playful towards him.

Neteyam could truly be happy, but the looming danger over the horizon leaves him restless.

He thinks about sharing Tsaheylu with Ao'nung for the first time since their mating; he's nervous. He is shy about romantic things.

Ao'nung takes him swimming.

Here, the waters are deeper and swarmed with schools of tiny little fishes of all sorts. The plants glow, illuminating the waters.

Heia lingers near Neteyam at all times, nosing along his stomach and spitting at Ao'nung if he tries to get closer; Ao'nung's own skimwig goes off to eat, munching happily as it wiggles around in excitement at the many nem types of fish it gets to taste.

Neteyam watches the creature with a tender smile; he holds onto Heia with one hand, letting her keep him near the surface, but still fully submerged. His other hand rests on the near full-term baby curving his stomach out like a pumpkin.

Neteyam is fascinated by pumpkins since his father showed him Halloween customs on Earth and therefore, he compares his baby bump with one.

His braids float up around him and his freckles glow like tiny, silver fireflies along a midnight sky.

Ao'nung watches Neteyam, mesmerised. He thinks back to the time he first learnt about the marriage between them and wonders why ever he had been so against it because Neteyam is beautiful inside and out.

The Metcayina swims closer, only for Heia to get offended, snapping her jaw in his direction; the actions of the tsurak amuse Neteyam. He smiles sheepishly at Ao'nung and signs a quick apology to the taller male.

Ao'nung still lingers, trying to swim around Heia, but she is faster, curling around Neteyam protectively.

Bubbles flutter around Neteyam as he lets out a soft laugh underwater. He nuzzles his face against Heia's side and nudges her aside, watching in delight as she has a little hissy with at the thought of having to share Neteyam with the alpha.

Neteyam holds a hand out to Ao'nung. The Metcayina swims closer, lacing their fingers. Ao'nung's other hand comes to rest on Neteyam's stomach, caressing the skin tenderly. Neteyam closes his eyes, relaxing. He floats a little lower, but Heia nudges him back up, closer to the surface protectively.

Ao'nung has never seen any tsurak act in such a way towards their rider.

Neteyam has this effect on people and animals alike.

Ao'nung smiles, nose scrunching (Neteyam swoons on the inside) and gently wraps his fingers around on of Neteyam's wrists. The alpha gazes at their physical differences and lightly massages the flesh under his fingertips, trailing up from wrist until elbow, marveling at how different it feels to touch someone without fins.

Neteyam swims a little closer, until his pressed out belly button touches Ao'nung's stomach lightly. Heia settles under his feet, making sure he doesn't have to use any of his energy to keep himself swimming. Neteyam glances down at her with a surprised little twitch of his nose.

Ao'nung bites the inside of his cheek, chest warm and fluttery.

Neteyam places his hand under Ao'nung's chin, tickling gently and nudging the Metcayina closer, half lidded glowing golden eyes trailing along his features, ghosting over his nose and lips.