Another Chance |Ao'nung x Neteyam|

Chapter 27: Under the Stars

Lo'ak clings to Neteyam. He is due in less than one moon and his little brother refuses to leave his side; it's sweet, but he gets on Neteyam's nerves with his constant swooning about the young, pretty Tsahik.

Lo'ak's intentions are good, of course, Neteyam can understand that. He's worried about Neteyam going into early labour, as it has happened with their mother before, too.

Neteyam doesn't actually mind the attention; Lo'ak loves to lift his belly for him and scent him all over and it calms Neteyam down. He's still very worried about the sky people and their weeks long silence and lack of movement.

It feels like the calm before a raging storm; Neteyam is familiar with this type of silence.

Now, Neteyam finds himself waddling around the shore, feeling like a balloon full of stones. He locates Kitsme and settles down beside her in the warm sand. She's working on a new neckpiece for herself but her face lights up when she notices who came to see her.

"Neteyam," she beams, skilled fingers not slowing even though she is not looking at the beads she's stringing together. She coos at the sight of his large bump, grinning happily when she sees him place a hand over the evident curve, rubbing softly.

"Kitsme," he whispers fondly to her and bumps their shoulders. "How are you?"

She continues beaming at him, curls styled in a way to hide her blind eye from view. "I am doing wonderful. It is so lovely in the village and the young Tsahik is trying hard to make me feel welcome."

Warmth tingles along Neteyam's chest. "I'm glad to hear that, Kitsme."

Her head tilts, lips in a tender smile. She sets her work aside and placing a hand against his bump, massaging gently, and squeaking in delight when she feels the baby press back against her palm. "How are you doing? And how is this little sweetheart?"

As always, Neteyam pouts. "The child is so heavy."

"Well," Kitsme's eyes twinkle in mischief. "The father is Metcayina."

Neteyam chuckles quietly and shakes his head. "Ah, don't remind me. I have nightmares about the birth."

Kitsme's brows furrow in sympathy. She lays a hand on his shoulder comfortingly. "Do you mean that? Are you haunted by scary images?"

Neteyam purses his lips before sighing softly through his nose. "Sometimes. I dream of excruciating pain."

Kitsme nods in understanding. "Some choose to go through the birth without herbs. But worry not about the pain, I know the perfect remedies to make everything comfortable for you and this baby."

Neteyam perks up before nodding. "I wanted to ask you something."

Kitsme blinks curiously at the Omaticaya and lets her hands clasp in her lap. "Yes?"

Neteyam scratches the back of his neck and smiles sheepishly, feeling a little nervous. "Would you be there during the birth?"

Kitsme stares at him in silence for a moment, mouth hanging open before she squeals in delight, carefully wrapping her arms around the younger male's shoulders. "Of course, of course! I would love to be there for you."

Neteyam hides his face in her hair, wrapping his arms around her waist, feeling her warm skin press against his bump. She makes him feel safe, as though he was protected by an elder sister.

They spend some more time sitting side by side; Neteyam watches Kitsme work while she helps him plan the birth, deeming it important to think about the details.

Eventually, Neteyam perks up and notices Lo'ak scurrying over to them with Teneytano hot on his tail, clearly annoyed by something.

"Give it back!" Teneytano yelps, attempting to tackle Lo'ak into the sand, but ultimately ends up falling on his face as Lo'ak hides behind Neteyam, knowing he is safe there.