Chapter Text
"Woah, ey! Clean up your dishes you two!" Neteyam calls angrily at his siblings as Lo'ak and Kiri try to rush out of the marui after breakfast. Rolling their eyes do they listen to their older brother who is currently in charge of the household.
After their mother had refused to leave their marui for a few days their father figured she is sick of the sea. After all they have been living here for almost 3 years now. So he asked Neteyam to look after his siblings for a few days so that he can take his mate and go visit Mo'at with her.
Plus Jake had been meaning to have some alone time with Neytiri for once again, their last date night has been ages ago. So they left their children at home.
Not that they mind.
No they have taken this rare opportunity of their older brother in charge to go on some dates themselves, after Neteyam had rolled his eyes but allowed them to. To his surprise even Tuk has asked to spend her day with a friend instead of him, even having a sleepover there which their parents never would've allowed either but her oldest brother sure does.
But Neteyam refuses to just be their doormat so he made some ground rules. Firstly, if they wish to go on their dates they have to clean up after themselves. Do the dishes, clean their beds, put their stuff away. And secondly, do not, I repeat, do NOT anger or bother anyone else in the clan as Neteyam really does not want any of this to come back to their parents.
So after Kiri and Lo'ak have cleaned the dishes and bowls do they stare at their older brother and Neteyam huffs amused as he speaks "Get out of here!"
"Thank you!"
"See you later!"
"Yeah, yeah..." Neteyam just mumbles, knowing it will be very late, if they come home at all, and sits back down as the two rush out of the marui. Looking up to see if they are actually gone does he go and take out the new loincloth he is making.
For some unknown reason does his current one not fit properly anymore, tweaking him in places and leaving marks in others after wearing it the entire day. So before his family starts to notice anything and tease him for putting on some weight, although Neteyam isn't sure where, will he just make a new one. Starting where he had left off does Neteyam get into the flow of the pattern again quickly. Until he feel his stomach start to complain once again and Neteyam tries to sit up a bit taller and stretch himself to get the stinging to go away, focusing on continuing weaving. But to no avail as he groans from the pain and puts the weaving away for now to stretch his stomach.
What did he eat now that has gone bad?
His stomach has never troubled him before, he remembers one time that he fell really sick from something he ate. But never again, he could eat a piece of meat that went bad and not even throw up.
But these past days it has been hurting and he doesn't know how to make it better. So Neteyam mostly stayed inside the lastest time, resting a bit and drinking some herbal teas trying to get the bloating to go down a bit.
And as Neteyam is sitting there cross legged, do those start cramping, so he shakes his legs out before standing up to stretch himself fully and he sighs as his entire body is hurting again today. He really shouldn't have overdone it so much in yesterdays training.
Unsure why has he been feeling down lately, unable to perform as usual. Aonung had asked him about it, of course his trainer had noticed that he was slacking.
So to prove him wrong Neteyam tried to do push himself over his limits back to his top form yesterday and he should not have done that. His body is punishing him for it today with a very bad sore.
Sighing he just stands there a moment with his eyes closed, holding his arms to his stomach and waits until his body settles down a bit, just breathing deeply in and out for some time. It seems to help as his stomach settles and he can sit back down and pick his project back up to continue his crafting, just relaxing best he can.
The marui is really quiet for once without his siblings running around him. He loves them no question but they can be a little overwhelming.
Especially when the honorary twins get into their little fights. Chuckling to himself as he thinks that, Kiri is actually closer to him in age yet she and Lo'ak are always called twins wherever. Maybe since they both are such hotheads, spending all that time together.
But as Neteyam is just sitting there by himself he feels the quietness a little unnerving so he starts humming to himself while his fingers are busy, only taking short breaks to eat a small handful of seeds still in a bowl beside him from the breakfast.
"Hey!"
Hearing a voice speak, pulling him out of his thoughts, does Neteyam look up to see Aonung come inside the marui with a smile on his face.
"Hi! What are you doing here?" Neteyam asks as his friend walks over to him and sits down beside him answering "Lo'ak told me you were here, so I thought instead of staying in my room and listen to my sister and him giggling the entire time I'll just come by and hang out with you."
"Smart move." Neteyam replies chuckling to himself and offers Aonung the bowl of seeds standing beside him.
"Thanks."
Not letting himself be bothered by Aonung does Neteyam continue his weaving.
"What are you making?" he hears his friend then asks curiously and Neteyam answers the truth, not worried Aonung will tease him, they have established not to do so quite early in their relation "A new loincloth. My current isn't fitting me anymore."
Furrowing his brows does Aonung asks further "How so?"
"No idea. It just doesn't. I mean, I guess I have been eating well lately? Maybe I should get some more training in again."
Chuckling at his joke Aonung nods "I'm available if you want a training buddy. Or a trainer."
Grinning at him does Neteyam want to reply but is interrupted by yet another sharp stinging in his abdomen. Scrunching his face in discomfort does he place his project down and lean forward onto his hands.
"You alright?" he hears Aonung ask in an instant, with worry clearly sounding in his voice.
"Yeah, just some stomach pain." Neteyam mumbles back and closes his eyes for a moment wanting to let the pain pass by. But when it doesn't subside he sits back up, maybe distracting himself will be easier, and continues on. At least trying to but his hands doesn't seem to be able to concentrate.
"How come? Food poisoning?" Aonung asks gently handing him some water that he stood up to get, Neteyam takes it thankful, drinking some, before shaking his head and shrugging "No idea. I think so but I don't know. I have been bloated the whole week too." and he takes a deep breath again, closing his eyes.
"Hm... do you want a tea?"
"That would be great actually. Thank you." Neteyam smiles as his friend just nods and turns to get a pot to boil some water. Holding a hand to his belly does he pull his stomach in, flexing it hard, trying to get the pain to stop again but only getting so far.
Not listening does Neteyam just asks a "Hm?" looking up to Aonung who repeats himself "Since when do you have the stomach pains?"
"No idea? A day? Some more? Definitely since yesterday, I slept horribly, always woke up from the pain." Neteyam replies and places the loincloth to the side as he feels his body relax a bit again, after the pain does finally subsides, knowing he won't get any farther. He just can't concentrate with the pain. Hearing Aonung mumble something again, Neteyam hums another "Hm?"
"If you have been to a healer already. Cause of the pain." his friend repeats as he sits beside him again.
"No, I haven't. It hasn't been so bad, only since last night really." Neteyam answers him and sees Aonung nod, taking the information in. Gently keeping his hand on his belly as the warmth of it helps a little does Neteyam close his eyes to again just breath a moment.
But he opens his eyes again quick when he hears Aonung speak "Here." and hand him a cup filled with some tea to relief the pain "Careful it's hot."
"Thank you." Neteyam smiles and carefully takes the cup and a sip, even though it is really hot, and listens to Aonung tell him about his training this morning.
His iknimaya is slowly getting closer so he spends a lot of his days training for it. He will have to go and find and tame a tsurak all by himself. But then he might finally become an adult of his clan, Neteyam knows it has bothered his friend, at least in the beginning, that he was already considered an adult in front of Eywa and Aonung himself hasn't even been close. So no wonder is he excited to finally follow suit. Or maybe even past considering Neteyams struggle adapting to the way of water. He had tried before to ride a tsurak but quickly decided to put it off to when he is a little older, having had no luck with it.
So for now he will stick with Aonung training him to get better at diving deeper and swimming faster. Making nets to then learn the technique to throw them out into the water. Hunting with a spear but Neteyam isn't fully convinced to switch to it from his beloved bow.
Listening with a smile hearing Aonung marvel on and on contend with just listening for the time being. When he has yet another stinging pain rush through him, catching him by surprise this time, Neteyam inhales sharply and leans to the side to try and ease the feeling but getting no relief.
Staring at him worriedly does Aonung speak up "Maybe you should let my mother take a look. That is not normal for just stomach pains."
"I'm fine- Ah." Neteyam grits his teeth as he holds his belly and rolls in on himself.
"Ok, let's go. Lets get you to Tsahìk."
"Its just some stomach pain-"
"Lets go." Aonung insist and pulls Neteyam to his feet.
Rolling his eyes does Neteyam agree but speaks "Fine. But we can go to a normal healer. We don't have to bother Ronal."
But as he holds himself up on Aonung, only able to walk so fast, does his friend just pull him alongside him towards Tsahìks hut, under Neteyams protest.
"Mama?" Aonung calls into it and Neteyam sees Ronal look up from her table. About to ask what is going on does she already see him and quickly rushes over to them. "Here, come and lay down." she exclaims, helping Neteyam over towards the soft bedding to lay down. Gripping his stomach as it currently is hurting again, he barely manages to lay down instead of curling up.
"What happened?" Ronal asks him but Neteyam doesn't manage to say anything and Aonung answers for him instead "He has been having stomach pains since a few days. They got really bad last night."
Quickly taking his own arms off his abdomen does Ronal hold her hand onto it, carefully pressing into it, checking him through. Trying to breath, Neteyam closes his eyes while Tsahìk warm hands press into his belly. And he scrunches when she pushes a hurting place on his lower abdomen.
"Oh." is all she speaks. Opening his eyes at the tone does Neteyam look at Ronal and see her stare at him in shook for a moment. Before springing into action "Eywa. Ok, Aonung help him up and lets go."
Seeing his friend perk up and watch his mother confused "Where to?"
"The springs." is all Ronal answers while packing a few bottles and other things. But Neteyam sees the weirded out look on his friend face "The... why? Aren't those for the woman having babies?" Aonung then asks as he helps Neteyam up.
"Yes. Exactly they are."
And Neteyam stares at her. Grabbing her packed bag Ronal looks at the two, waiting.
"What?" he then asks in a whisper as Aonung helps him stand and he leans against him holding his belly as another cramp has him moaning out in pain, barely registering what Ronal says "You are in labour. You are having a baby. Lets go."
The walk to the springs is excruciating to say the least as Neteyam continues having to stop every few minutes as another contraction rocks his body. And Neteyam cannot thank Aonung enough as his friend continues to stay with him, by his side and holds him through each and every contraction, sway with him from side to side.
How did this happen?
When did this happen?
How did he not realise he was, is pregnant?
But looking down his body Neteyam sees the small bump he is sporting, which easily could be passed as just being bloated. And Neteyam remembers all the sleepless nights and the hungry episodes. And the twirling in his stomach he thought just his stomach complaining about something he ate. But thinking about it maybe it was the baby.
The baby.
His baby.
That he is having right now.
"Ow, ow ow, Nung!" he calls out as another contraction runs through him, more painful then the last and he falls backwards against Aonungs chest, their hand intertwined as his friend holds his bodyweight up while Neteyam tries to breath against the pain.
"Almost there. You are ok. Breathe." he hears him mumble but Neteyam still moans out in pain. Huffing for a while, just leaning his full weight on Aonung, does his head empty again.
Only slowly does it lessen again to the point where he can stand and think again.
"You alright?"
"No."
"Sorry, stupid question."
"Very stupid."
And they walk onwards in silence, Ronal has gone ahead to prepare the room for Neteyam, leaving the two to make the walk alone.
"Teyam." he then hears his friend and Neteyam looks up as he hears the unsure tone of Aonungs voice.
"What?"
But Aonung just gnaws his lip.
"Aonung what. I am in so much pain. I am having a fucking baby." tears rush to his eyes as he says the words out loud for the first time and Neteyam cries as they stop walking for a moment. Feeling Aonung pull him into his body, his friend softly sways him from side to side letting Neteyam just cry for a moment, unable to form a coherent thought.
"Is it mine?"
His head shoots up as he stares at Aonung in shook, but his friend looks at him almost hoping.
And Neteyam thinks back, his eyes unfocusing from the young man in front of him.
Only to realise that Aonung is the only one that could be the father. If he just did the math right they had slept together 10 moons ago. And Neteyam knows he has only slept with the latter around the time. Actually he has only ever slept with Aonung here at the reefs.
"Yes."
And he feels the strong arms encircle him into a tighter hug, bringing him to new tears as Neteyam hugs Aonung back. He doesn't have to do this alone after all. Although he is actually rather sure Aonung would've stayed with him during the birth either way.
"Ok. Lets go have our baby then." he hears him whisper into his ear, putting emphasis on the 'our' part and Neteyam has to let out a laugh, before they part and move on.
Finally arriving at the small cave, Neteyam sees the pond where out of a small hole in the wall drips water into and Ronal has spread out all kinds of cushioning, blankets and pillows, a basket with fruits and seeds to chew on standing in the corner, as well as a box full of cloths and bandages.
"There you guys are. Lets get you undressed and in the water Neteyam." Ronal speaks gently and Neteyam lets her help him take everything off his body before she leads him slowly into the water.
Did his bump grow bigger?
"Ohhh." he lets out a long and happy sigh as he lowers into the warm water, feeling incredibly nice. He hears Ronal and Aonung speak to each other in low voices behind him but Neteyam doesn't listen. No he focuses on himself for the moment.
His eyes slowly open and he finally looks down himself, carefully placing a hand onto his belly and Neteyam cups the underside of it seeing the bump that has formed in his hand. "Where did you come from?" he whispers quietly to himself and shakes his head.
He is pregnant. With Aonungs child. He didn't even knew he could become pregnant. Especially without being mated.
But then again Neteyam does not remember ever talking to his parents about this. They were to busy with the war going on that Neteyam didn't even think he would have any actual sexual partner anytime soon.
Well he did and it happened. And now he'll have a baby.
Taking a deep breath in, Neteyam sees how big his belly is rising and he knows that the baby must've moved inside him. If he would've had this kind of bump he would not have thought he was just bloated at times.
Letting his hand stroke over his bump Neteyam feels another contraction nearing and he leans forwards onto his hands as he moans out in pain, letting his head hang and whimpering softly as he rocks his hips from side to side, feeling how his body tenses but the warm water helps.
When suddenly a similarly warm hand presses onto his back and Neteyam sees Aonung sit down beside him into the water out of the corner of his eye.
"You are doing great." he hears him whisper and gently rub his hand over Neteyam back, as Aonung moves closer letting Neteyam lean his head against his chest while his own gently places itself on top of Neteyams.
Just humming as an answer does Neteyam close his eyes again and feels Aonungs comfortable warmth next to him, while he breathes out shakily.
Somehow does knowing that Aonung is the father of his baby calm him more then he would've thought. Knowing that he will stay. Not just now but afterwards as well. He knows that Aonung will stay with him.
Oh Eywa, there is a lot to do. They have to get their own place. Maybe get mated? Build a swing for their baby to rest in, weave a sling to carry them around. Can he breastfeed? Or will they need to get bags full of nuts to make enough milk?
Feeling the contraction ease does Neteyam open his eyes again and gently loosen his grip around Aonungs hand, he didn't even notice grabbing it. "Sorry." he mumbles when he watches his babys father shake his hand out but Aonung stops him, replying firmly "Don't. You are allowed to do anything right now. You are in labour. You are about to birth a baby. You can slap me for all I care."
Looking at him endearingly Neteyam snuggles more into his chest whispering back "I could never. You are so great."
A short moment of silence follows before Aonung reminds him "You do remember beating me up right?"
"I do. But I primarily took care of your friends, Lo'ak fought you." Neteyam answers unbothered, while carefully turning onto his back, the current position quite uncomfortable.
"True. But you did got a few punches in against me. I do remember that quite well. Given that it was the moment I started liking you guys." Aonung speaks then and Neteyam looks up at him confused "What? That was the moment you..."
"Mhm. Cause it finally showed you were just like us. Like me and my buddies. Not to shy for a fight even if our parents said otherwise." Aonung nods and lets his hands rub up and down Neteyams arms who leans his weight against him "And then you abandoned my brother."
"I already apologized for that more then once." Aonung reminds him, but Neteyam just chuckles and lets his babys father continues "And I already told you I didn't mean to fully abandon him. I had no idea the akula would attack. And I tried to get to him afterwards but we had to flee ourselves or we would've been its food."
Neteyam remembers the conversation the two of them had. How Aonung came to him with the sun already going down. How he had stammered a little before finally managing to explain everything to him. Back then Neteyam didn't necessarily believe him that he ment no harm. Still blinded by his disrepect and dislike of them. By now he does. Aonung has made up for it more then enough times and he takes the teasing about it without complaining.
Taking his friends warm hand into his does Neteyam place them upon the bump which appeared not to long ago.
"I hope you learned enough to become a great father." he whispers and watches the smile form on Aonungs face. From holding the bump in his hands to feeling their baby move around inside, having become much more active then ever before during their conversation.
It is the strangest feeling.
"Why didn't you kick me before little one? To let papa know about you." Neteyam speaks towards his belly, getting a kick in return and he feels himself bop up and down when Aonungs laughs behind him.
"So. You are claiming the title as papa huh?" he then asks and Neteyam tilts his head upwards grinning at him "Yes. I am papa."
"So... I am dad?" Aonung asks and Neteyam sighs softly, suddenly feeling quite tired "You are dada."
"I like that. Dada." he hears him speaks softly, feeling Aonung gently stroke over his hair, placing a kiss onto his head. Keeping his eyes closed, he smiles at the loving he receives and gently strokes over his bump, to pass all of it on to their baby.
Eywa, THEIR baby.
That has just been chilling inside his belly for the last 10 or 9 moons. Without him noticing. Scrunching his face as the next contraction comes in fast Neteyam groans out in pain. "Yes, I know you are there." he murmurs to himself. "Hm? What did you say?" Aonung asks but Neteyam just waves him off as he tries to shuffle into a more comfortable position. But quickly realizing he can't.
"Why does this have to be so uncomfortable." he mutters letting Aonung help him up onto his hands and knees again. "I don't know. I'm sorry." his babys fathers replies back but Neteyam just smiles at him, before huffing out his breath. What did his mother do when she had Tuk? He had been young but for the first part he was allowed to help his mom along.
Huffing his breath, two in, one out, he feels it helping a bit. Concentrating on the technique the contraction blows over faster then he would've thought.
"If you want something for the pain, my ma told me what you are allowed to have." Aonung speaks after he realized Neteyam is back with him, but Neteyam can only nod at him, showing he heard. For now he doesn't want anything. He can do this. Surely.
"Where is Ronal?" Neteyam then finally asks, not seeing her anywhere.
"Since you are still early in your labour and there are a few sick clan members at the moment, she went to tend to them. I told her that we got this. I mean, I was there for my little sisters birth. So, I will try my best to help you along." Aonung speaks proudly and Neteyam chuckles at his eagerness.
"I know you will." he whispers back and just looks into Aonungs beautiful blue eyes, gazing back at him with so much admiration. Smiling back adoringly Neteyam sees Aonung move closer again and gently encircle him into a hug.
"Thank you." he hears him whisper and Neteyam carefully moves to hug his babys father back.
"For what?" he asks quietly but knows whats coming. "For having our baby. Even if it is unplanned and a little surprise. Even though we are so young. I am excited. A little scared. But mostly just excited and happy. Blissful even. I cannot wait to meet the little one."
Staring at him Neteyam breathes once before speaking a "How wonderful for you."
"Hm?" looking up at him because of his tone Aonungs eyes jump between his trying to find what he means.
"Great that you are blissful even. I am really happy how easy going this is for you." Neteyam speaks sarcastically and sees Aonung understand and crack a smile "Sorry. I just meant that... I'm happy to become a parent. With you. To have a baby. I thought I'd be more scared, this being so sudden and all. But I am not. I am so looking forward to hold our baby right now. And raise them. Play with them. Parent them. Telling them stories from my childhood. And how we met."
Shaking his head chuckling at that does Neteyam look back up and lets their eyes meet again. Watching the smile on Aonung face, he mirrors it happily. His hands still resting on Aonung neck does he let them slide forward and Neteyam suddenly finds himself cupping Aonungs cheeks. Feeling him lean into the palm of his hand does Neteyams gaze soften and he just wants to pull the sweet, sweet man in front of him in and kiss him dizzy.
If there wouldn't be a little one that demands his attention back. Yelping out as a harsh kick lands into his belly Neteyam instinctively lets a hand fly to cover his belly and not a second later does Aonungs warm, large hand cover his. "Are you ok?" his babies father asks but Neteyam quickly nods, knowing he scared Aonung.
"Yeah. Little one just wants my attention back."
"Already I have to share you. I thought this could be the last moments just the two of us." Aonung speaks with a grin, more kidding then not but Neteyams hears the truth in the words. They have not been a couple. At all. They did not get mated, moved in together, gotten to really know each other intimately. They will not have this time of just the two of them, learning about the pregnancy and preparing for it. No they are getting thrown into the cold water for this.
Feeling the next contraction coming in Neteyam just moans out in bad pain, gripping Aonungs hand harder and just try to somehow get through the pain. "Breathe Teyam. Two in, one out." he hears Aonung exclaim somewhere far away, grabbing his shoulders to make him lean back up. "Gently. Move gently. You are ok. Breathe. Continue to breathe." are the few words Neteyam can make out from his ears ringing and he whimpers badly at the sudden change of pace, the contraction coming in faster then before.
Carefully placing his knees further apart, as the kneeling slowly becomes unbearable does Neteyam push his face into Aonungs chest and just listens to his heart beating, calming his racing mind as he concentrates on it. Unfocused does he not even realize he is swaying his hips back and forth to relief his pain.
Moving his pelvis around, trying to ease the pressure of it, that had set in, he is unable to do so. Trying to stretch and angle his legs for relief, does Neteyam mewl unhappily and grabs onto Aonungs arms in a desperate attempt for his babys father to do something.
"Do you want to walk around a little? Get your legs moving a bit." he hears him suggest and Neteyam just nods. Not sure how he managed to do it, does Aonung bring him onto his feet and there they are. Standing in the warm water, feeling the cold drops roll down his body, feeling the air brushing past him.
And the baby, whos head dropped down low as he stood up.
"Ow. Oh!" Neteyam exclaims startled, instantly cupping his vagina as he feels as if the baby might just fall out of him like that. "What happened?" Aonung asks, worry sounding in his voice but Neteyam replies calmly, the pain having passed for the pressure on his pelvis "The baby moved lower. I can feel their head in my hips."
Nodding at that does Aonung just hold him up letting Neteyam dictate how fast they will move, where and if they will move at all. Slowly feeling the pressure settle, or maybe he is just getting used to it, does Neteyam nod, agreeing to move.
"Lets move out of the water for now." Neteyam mumbles then and his babys father already takes a step forward when he holds Aonung back. Looking into his eyes does Neteyam remind him "Slowly." taking careful steps forward, still cupping himself, scared to have their baby slip out and hit their head or something.
But nothing like that happens. They make their way over to the cushioned ground, slowly as possibly, so slowly Neteyam can only sink down onto all fours as another contraction comes in, with such power, it knocks the breath out of him. Unsure what to do does he just moan out for a long time, burrying his face into his hands, swaying his hips around, quickly having to turn over as kneeling down, even with the blankets underneath them, hurts too much. Always keeping his legs apart as he moves.
"Breathe Teyam!" he hears Aonungs voice coming through to him and he realised he has held his breath. Trying to stay collected, to stay focused does Neteyam grab onto Aonungs hands instead, gripping them hard while breathing deeply, feeling the pressure downwards.
"I'm need to push." he whimpers softly, not even waiting for any response as he tries to hold himself back from just giving in and pushing as hard as he can, and instead stays controlled. And Neteyam can hear his babys father encouraging him "Good. You are doing really well. You are doing so great lovely."
Melting a little at the name does Neteyam want to smile at Aonung but he can't even lift his head. Breathing out, as he grips tightly on Aonungs hand, his other cupping himself. Just letting the feelings roll past, concentratin hard on not pushing.
Before Neteyam lets his head roll back as the pain subsides once again and he lets go off Aonungs hands "Sorry."
"Don't. You can break them for all I care. As long as you are doing alright." Aonung replies back and Neteyam smiles at him thankful.
"You will be a great father." he mumbles, leaning into him and feels Aonung pat over his head whispering a shy "Thank you." back.
They stay for a moment, cuddled up together when Neteyam shivers slightly from not moving at all.
But pushing himself off the ground does he quickly realize he won't be able to get himself up on his own.
"Help me up." he manages to gets out and Aonung listens, helping him up onto his feet in an instant, but Neteyam stays down, squating over the cushioned ground. Pulling Aonung to his front does Neteyam grab onto his neck to stabilize himself and he just closes his eyes, feeling their baby decending lower. Breathing deeply does he focuses on pulling his belly inwards whenever he breathes out, finding comfort in the soft exercise.
But as the next contraction comes rolling around does he notices how uncomfortable everything is, as he tries to push immediately for the first time.
Sweat rolls down his forehead and Neteyam feels how his thighs strain holding him in the squatting position he is in. Holding onto Aonung he moans out over and over as his vagina stretches uncomfortably wide and Neteyam bites his lip as he cries, breaking the skin and licking up the blood off of it.
"It hurts too much." he cries out and feels his legs shaking as he holds a hand out to the side, catching himself as he falls towards it. Aonung holding onto him to help lower him gently while he shakes softly at the strain of the contraction slowly lessening.
"You are doing so good Neteyam. You are incredible. Take a break. It's ok." hearing Aonung whisper helps as Neteyam lays down onto his side his upper leg falling forward as it feels like the babys head is already stuck inbetween. Breathing deeply Neteyam feels Aonung dab the sweat off his body. "Cold." he mumbles and points to the bucket full of cold water and then his forehead.
"What?"
"Cloth. Cold." he mumbles again and sees Aonung take another cloth into his hand. "What do I do?" he hears him ask and Neteyam lifts his head slightly as he whispers "Water and then... put it... on my forehead."
Moving along Aonung soaks the cloth in the cold water and slightly wrings it out before coming back and gently press the cold cloth against Neteyams forehead who moans out reliefed, his limbs relaxing, exhausted.
Opening his eyes slightly does he see Aonung take a look at him and he hums in question, watching as his babys father smiles at him "Nothing to see yet." he replies back and Neteyam can simply nod. Even if he wants to cry. There is no way he can do this. Absolutely not, no fucking way.
When another heavy contraction comes shooting in, having Neteyam push his face into Aonungs chest as he almost screams out in pain at its intensity.
"Woah! Hey, Teyam, stay with me. Stay here. Stay present, you're ok! You are fine."
Turning onto his back, pushing himself against Aonungs body does Neteyam breathe a shuttering breath in.
"Push, on the way out. You got this!" Aonung instructs and Neteyam is incredibly thankful he takes over to tell him what to do. And so he tries.
"Push Neteyam. Push, you are doing great." Aonung is quick to speak up, when he does and his hands finding Neteyams, letting him grip them again tightly. Quieting down Neteyam tries to push as hard as he can but it feels like nothing is happening. "More, Teyam you need to push harder." Aonung instructs him but he can't.
"Come on, harder Teyamo!"
But he has to stop. Barely getting out a "No..." does Neteyam fall in on himself and cries out, harsh sobs rock his body and he feels Aonung pull him into his body in an instant "Hey, you are doing so well. It's ok."
"I can't. I can't!" Neteyam whispers over and over as he grabs onto his babys father tightly. Feeling Aonung look around he hears him speak "Come on, lets get you up again."
Change of position.
"No." Neteyam mumbles exhausted but Aonung insists "Teyam you aren't getting anywhere like this. Come on, on your feet. I'm here. I'll catch you."
And the two of them bring Neteyam around and up onto his feet, instantly his hand shoots out to cup his bump that has appeared and Neteyam feels Aonungs strong arms around his body. "Lets walk." he hears him speak softly and Neteyam more waddles then anything forward through the small room, feeling his knees buckle slightly with every step.
When he then hears Aonung speak "Careful." as he takes his next step, feeling the water around his ankle. Back into the pond.
But Neteyam lets him. Aonung knows what he is doing. At least he hopes he does because he cannot think right now, feeling his babys head sitting so low inside him, like they could slip out any moment now. But they don't. And it is frustrating.
"Alright, come on now. Lean on me." Aonung whispers and pulls his arms around his shoulders, Neteyam leans foreward against him, his head on Aonung shoulder, feeling his babys fathers hands on his back. Sitting on his knees as he waits and breathes softly for a while.
"Ow, ahh!" he lets out as he feels another contraction roll through him quickly, not having any time to prepare for it. "Push. Push, push." he hears Aonung instruct and Neteyam does. He arches his back and gribs onto Aonungs tighter as he pushes, holding his breath, feeling the head move slowly, oh so slowly but it is moving. Stopping he huffs a few breaths before pushing more. "Thats it. You're doing it. You're doing great. Come on." Moaning out Neteyam feels himself cramp and shake and he has to stop. Groaning in pain he falls against Aonungs chest and he feels the babys head stuck in between his pelvis, feeling incredibly uncomfortable even more then before. The stretch is burning and agonizing as Neteyam feels his body pulsating around it, trying to work their baby out of him.
Huffing fast breaths Neteyam feels the sweat dripping down his face and his legs and arms shaking. He presses his face to Aonungs, the latters arms wrapped around him. "Come on. A little bit more. You can do it." he hears him whisper and Neteyam feels their lips touching. But he cannot concentrate on that right now as he pushes his face against Aonungs, his arms wrapping tighter around his body and Neteyam scrunches his face as he pushes once more.
Everything hurts and tenses and Neteyam cries and yaps and moans.
"Come on. Harder, Neteyam push harder."
"I can't!"
"The baby is not moving, push harder."
Yelling out Neteyam falls against Aonung and arches his back, feeling like he might snap in half as he pushes as hard as his body lets him and finally.
"AH!" he screams loudly as the babys head finally pops out of him and Neteyam slips down into the water, as his body releases everything.
"Woah!" he hears Aonung call out as he pulls Neteyam up and against himself again, holding onto him tightly.
"You got it. Head is here."
But Neteyam can only cry as his legs shake and he feels Aonung pull him around so his back is pressed against his chest. Flopping down Neteyam feels his entire body move with every short and ragged breath he takes.
"Slow. You're ok. Slow breaths." he hears Aonung mumble into his ear and softly sways him from side to side. Irritated Neteyam moves, trying to get away from the burning and pain but its not subsiding. And his eyes fall onto the huge head that sits between his legs and Neteyam just stops. Staring in disbelieve at the babys size. Seeing the blood that is swirling around in the water beside it and he realises he ripped, unsurprisingly.
And his legs move up and down in an attempt to ease his pain but nothing seems to be working. When he feels the next contraction rush up fast.
"Nung!" he calls out and pulls his legs up, arching his back and throwing his head back as he pushes, hard, yelling out loudly as he feels Aonung intertwining their fingers letting him grab onto his hands tightly, pushing against them. But just like before is nothing moving. He feels their baby twisting slightly but it is not getting out. His body strains quickly and Neteyam falls in on himself. He feels new sweat run down his temple and Neteyam is exhausted, as tears mix into the pool.
"Ok, ok come here." he suddenly hears Aonung speak and feels him move away from behind him, but still keeping him upright. When he then sees Aonung sit down before him. "Huh?" Neteyam lets out breathing harshly as he sees Aonung take and place his feet against his thighs and grab ahold of Neteyams hands. "I want you to push against me the next time. Pull my hands, push your feet against my thighs, ok. You can do this. I know you can, even if you don't. Lets have this baby."
And Neteyam can only nod before he already feels the next one build up and he does as Aonung intructed him to. And he yells out loudly, as he pulls on Aonungs hands and pushes his soles against his thighs, his feet flexing.
And he feels the baby moving.
Tilting his pelvis with the strain Neteyam can feel and see the baby coming out of him.
"More, come on. Come on, Neteyam!" he hears Aonungs voice somewhere around him and Neteyam scrunches his face tightly, quieting down as he holds his breath. And he pushes. And pushes. And pushes...
Moaning out in pure relief as he feels the shoulders slip out and Aonung pulls him upwards, holding him as Neteyam barely registers himself reaching down between them and pulling the baby the rest of the way out of himself, lifting them up and placing them onto his chest.
"You did it." he hears Aonung speak and pull him around letting Neteyam just falls against his chest exhausted. Breathing hard he lays there feeling his babys arms and legs flex against his body, feeling their skin against his own. But he is too exhausted to do anything but lay there at the moment. Just breathing and holding his baby, hearing them gurgle softly. He feels Aonung move and a second later some water rolls down his chest, hearing their baby splutter softly. And Neteyam feels himself smile as he hears the noices their baby makes.
"It's a girl." he hears Aonung whisper and Neteyam opens his eyes looking down at their baby. "Really." he whispers excited and looks down at their daughter. He sees the dark blue colour of hers, even darker then he is. A little bit of dark brown hair on her head, her skinny limbs, her eight fingers and toes.
Overall does she seem to only resemble him then Aonung.
And Neteyam sees her skinny tail waving behind her tiny body. "She has my tail." Neteyam whispers and Aonung smiles at him happily as he looks up at his babys father.
And he sees the ocean blue eyes of Aonung gaze into his own. Happy and slightly watery.
"Thank you." he hears him whisper and Neteyam stretches himself up trying to connect their lips but he isn't reaching. Whining slightly Neteyam doesn't have to wait long as Aonung leans down and kisses him deeply.
They seperate only when their baby starts mewling unhappily and Neteyam starts to bounce her gently.
"Do you think she is hungry?"
"I don't know. Maybe." Aonung answers and pats her head very carefully, scared to hurt his tiny baby. But Neteyam finds his daughter is not as tiny as the Omatikayan babies he has seen. And his daughter has not been so tiny when he just pushed her out.
"Lets try and get her to eat yes?" Aonung exclaims and Neteyam nods as he very gently and slowly repositions their daughter on his chest, thankful for Aonungs hand underneath her head to help him.
Able to get her positioned right does Neteyam suddenly stops. Can he even feed her?
"What?" he hears his babys father asks, confused, of course realising he stopped.
"I just don't know if I even can feed her." Neteyam exclaims and Aonung gaces back at him as he shrugs "Well you can only try now can you?"
"I suppose." helping the tiny, unhappy Na'vi in his arms along does Neteyam manage to get her latched on and he tenses at the feeling. But he can feel the milk flow as their daughter eats.
"You ok?" again does Aonung catch his change in position but Neteyam just smiles up at him and answers calmly "Yes. Just... it is a very weird feeling. It's... beautiful. But nothing I ever knew."
"Of course." Aonung grins back and leans their heads together as he gaces down at their daughter eating away.
"Hello you two." they hear a soft voice speak and Neteyam sees Ronal coming up to them as he looks up.
"Hi." he whispers back with a hoarse voice seeing her smile at the three of them. Walking over does Ronal take a closer look at their daughter and Neteyam waits as Tsahìk checks her through as best she can while his baby is currently busy eating.
"Seems like she is just fine. You did well." Tsahìk exclaims happily and Neteyam looks up at her with a relieved smile "Congratulations Neteyam."
"Thank you." looking back at his daughter does Neteyam sighs out and relaxes into Aonungs arms once more. When he realises Ronal isn't moving away. Looking up he watches as she and her son exchange a look.
When Ronal suddenly sighs loudly and speaks "Fine. I guess I can't say much anyway, given you have a child together now."
Staring at Tsahìk shooked does Neteyam feel his heart beating to his throat but when Ronal looks down at him she smiles "Welcome to the family love. Even if I wished for my son to have finished his iknimaya as well as courted and get mated to you before having a child" looking at Aonung pointedly does she continue "do I have to say he could've choosen much, much worse. I understand you have had training under your father, Olo'eyktan yes."
"Yes. I did."
"Splendid." before Ronal looks down again and a endearing smile appears on her face as she watches her granddaughter eat and softly purr away. Before she stands and speaks again "There are actually some people here wishing to see you as well." and Neteyam just nods to allow them in. Probably their siblings.
But "My baby!" he hears his mothers voice and not a moment later does Neteyam feel Neytiris hands cup his face and press a kiss onto his temple. Within the blink of an eye do tears run down his face and Neteyam cries out "Mama." feeling Neytiri stroke over his head shushing him softly. "You are ok. You did it. Everything is fine." she whispers and Neteyam nods, letting her pull him into her arms, gently patting his baby as well.
"Thank you Aonung we got it from here." he hears his father speak up, bringing him back and Neteyam calls out "No!" grabbing onto Aonung quickly before he can leave. Staring into his babies fathers eyes Neteyam pulls him towards him again and Aonung sits beside him while he stays leaned against his mother.
"He stays." Neteyam whispers to his parents who look at him confused. Biting his lip again Neteyam decides to go for the truth "He is the father."
"He..." Jake breaks off and stares at Aonung who smiles softly at Neteyam, both of them refusing to look anywhere else. Scared of what they will say.
"Then he will stay!" Neytiri speaks first and Neteyam turns back to her seeing the smile on her face and the tears in her eyes as she looks at him endearingly. Reaching out again does his mother pat over his head. Just nodding does Neteyam breathe out relieved. And he calms down. Really calms down again. Oh he is so tired.
"Maybe we should get you out of the water huh?" Aonung speaks up, gently holding Neteyams body from slipping. Letting his babys father handle him does Neteyam feels both Aonung and his mom help him up, watching as his dad brings up a cloth to gently dry him off before he lays down onto the soft blankets, his upper body slightly elevated. Jake places one of the blankets on top of him as a shiver runs through Neteyam and he sighs. His eyeslids dropping low does he whisper "Stay close?" and looks at Aonung who has sat down beside him again. Giving him a loving smile as he holds his hand Aonung answers "Of course." before he leans down to place a kiss onto his forehead and Neteyam slips into a light sleep, hearing Aonung talk to his parents with hushed voices.
Lo'ak view:
After spending the entire day out and about with Tsireya do the two of them decide to ask the others if they want to go for a ride around the ocean. Already meeting Kiri, Spider and Rotxo on their way back to their marui, do the five of them go and look around for their brothers. But Neteyam and Aonung are nowhere to be found.
"Where are they?" Lo'ak asks confused as he comes back from their bedroom where their hammocks hang seeing his girlfriend think "Aonung may have had a schedule today. We can ask my parents about it."
"And where is Neteyam?" he conters but hears Rotxo exclaim "Maybe Neteyam went with him." shrugging at him. Shrugging back at him do they nod to each other as the five of them make their way through the clan towards Tsireyas families house.
And they already see Tonowari running about in it, holding his youngest child in his arms.
"Hey papa." Tsireya calls happily and coos at her little sister "Hi Vay!" but Lo'ak sees Tonowari look back at them confused "Hey. What are you guys doing here, why aren't you at the springs?"
Tilting his head confused does Lo'ak hear Reya asks just the same "The sprin- why would we be at the springs?"
"With Neteyam and Aonung."
"Why are they at the springs."
"What are the springs."
"They are the place Metkayinan woman give birth." Rotxo explains shortly.
"Yes, exactly. Go. They are probably waiting for you guys." Tonowari ushers them out and Tsireya and Rotxo lead them towards the caves.
They find Ronal there, on her way towards one of them, a plate of meat in her hand.
"Hey mama." Tsireya calls out and Lo'ak sees Tsahìk turn to them, calling "There you guys are, come on." and they run after her, still confused what is happening.
And when they then round the corner do they see Neteyam, Neytiri, Jake and Aonung sitting together, Ronal walking over to them, handing Neteyam the food. Utterly confused does Lo'ak speak "What is-"
"Oh my Eywa!" does Kiri interrupt him and runs over to their brother.
"Hi." Lo'ak hears Neteyam whisper, his voice hoars and he sounds exhausted.
"When the fuck did that happen?" Spider asks shooked, having followed Kiri over.
Moving closer the rest of them, does Lo'ak finally also see the baby that lays on Neteyams chest. Blinking can he just speak a "Wait. What?"
Watching their father move to make some space for them as he speaks "Neteyam had a baby."
"What!" comes the chanted answer and Neteyam laughs softly which turns into a cough and a painfilled moan.
"You... what the fuck." Lo'ak speaks and stares at his older brother. Staring at the little Na'vi on his chest. And back at him.
"Come here." Neteyam whispers and holds his hand out to him but Lo'ak hesitates. Until Tsireya pushes him over and he steps closer sitting down beside his brother who takes one of his hands and places it onto the tiny Na'vis back. "This is your niece. Her name is Ailì'atan."
"Woah." Lo'ak can only mumble as he watches his tiny niece flex her fingers and toes while laying contentedly on... yeah, her... mothers chest?
"So... you." stopping does Lo'ak stare at Neteyam again and sees his brother smile back "What is it?"
"Are you... her mother?"
"Yes. I am. I gave birth to her. But I am papa." Neteyam replies to him.
Neteyam view:
Watching his little brother nod understanding does Neteyam smile and squeeze his hand before turning further to look at Kiri marveling at the tiny Na'vi. Having squeezed herself in between his babys father and Neteyam himself. Well, she doesn't know. But it doesn't seem the Aonung minds, as he is currently cutting apart his placenta for Neteyam to eat.
"Woah. She is so tiny." Kiri exclaims as she hovers her hand over his babys head. "You can touch her." Neteyam smiles back but sees Kiri pout softly "I don't want to hurt her."
"You won't. Come." Neteyam replies finding it endearing his siblings are so hesitant. Having his sister gently stroke over his daughters head at last. Feeling it through their bond. Just like before as Lo'ak pat her back.
"These are your uncle and aunt little one." he whispers, feeling Aili respond to his voice speaking to her and he gently presses her onto his chest again, having her tail curl a bit tighter. "Oh. I love you so much. Even if you were a surprise." Neteyam chuckles and hears the confused noices around him.
"She was a surprise?" Spider asks for the rest then and Neteyam nods "Yeah. She was. I didn't know I was pregnant. Not until she was already on her way out."
"Oh. Fuck man."
"It's fine. I managed. Thanks to my great helper." Neteyam speaks and turns his head to Aonung who has leaned back a little and is looking at him from beside Kiri. A smile appears on his face and Neteyam wants nothing more then to feel him closer.
Reaching out he pouts at his babys father and Aonung gently moves Kiri to the side as he leans down closer to him, pushing their heads together. Gently placing a hand onto their daughter and Neteyam smiles as he realises she knows that is her dada. He can feel she knows to differ him from the rest just by his touch.
"She knows you." Neteyam whispers it to him and Aonung looks up at him catching his eyes. Smiling does Neteyam gently tilt his head up and close his eyes slightly seeing Aonung chuckle slightly as he grants him the wish and place a kiss onto his lips. All the while his hand stays on their babys back, gently stroking over it. Feeling her kick her legs out and letting a soft sigh out does Neteyam know she can feel his happiness as well.
He knows how incredible the bonds are, how familiar they can be. The long trips with his ikran, the fun races with her, the way she knows when to be still and when they can have some fun, flying loopings.
But feeling his own baby this way.
Getting to know her, her feeling him. Noticing the tiny reactions she gives to his mood. Knowing what goes on in her tiny mind. Observing the different ways she knows who is talking to her, who is touching her.
How content she was in Neytiris arms but how much happier she is back in his.
"You gotta be kidding me right." a voice pulls him out of his bubble and Neteyam looks up at Lo'ak staring at him. He isn't sure wether angry, annoyed or disgusted. But it sure is not a nice expression.
"What?" Neteyam asks perplex and a little worried.
"Him? Really?"
Seeing his little brother point to Aonung Neteyam sighs.
"Yes. Him. He is Ailis father I have you know." he then exclaims pointedly and a loud gasp can be heard before he hears "I'm an aunt!" as Tsireya squeals happily and starts jumping, clapping excitedly.
At least someone is happy for them.
Smiling at her does Neteyams gaze wander further and he sees Spider and Rotxo both chuckle at Tsireyas outburst before turning to him, seeing Neteyam watching.
"Congrats man." he hears Spider speak up first and Rotxo follows suit "Yes. Congratulations. And I am very happy for you two. That he finally admitted his feelings." staring pointedly at Aonung does Neteyam not catch it at first but he stops then and turns his head back to his boyfriend "What does he mean finally?"
"I... I may have had a crush on you for a while."
His gaze softening does Neteyam smile at him and asks quietly, hopefully "Really?"
"Yeah."
Having Aonung gaze back at him does Neteyam reach out and gently stroke over Aonungs cheek before he leans back down to him and kisses Neteyam again. Sighing happily, unable to avert his eyes from his boyfriend as Aonung leans down to press a kiss onto their daughters head, breathing her in after. Having Aili flex her arms and legs slightly, her tail shivering softly. "She loves you." Neteyam speaks then and sees Aonung turn his head to look up at him, while gently continuing to nuzzle their daughter.
"Ok, fine. You guys are cute. I am happy for you." they hear a voice break their moment and Neteyam laughs softly at his sister who has thrown her hands up in surrender as she moved a little to the side to give Aonung some more space.
"But! I better see you take on your father duty and protect your daughter from bullies. Even your own 'friends' if needed. Your daughter is now a 'freak' too." Kiri exclaims harshly pushing her index pointedly at Aonungs chest. Seeing his boyfriend nod in agreement speaking "I absolutely will do that. Eywa, I love her so much already and I've known her for what? Half a day? I will protect her from everything and everyone. I promise." staring into Neteyams eyes as he speaks those words does he feel a warmth spread inside him and Neteyam lets the soft smile spread. "Kiss me." he whispers and doesn't have to wait long for Aonung to lean down and place another soft kiss onto his lips. Turning his body does his boyfriend then place an arm around him and gently squeezes him. Sighing contently does Neteyam sink into him and enjoys how protected and safe he feels in Aonungs arms.
"I can't." he hears a voice speak and watches as his brother leaves the room without looking back. Calling after him "Lo'ak." does Neteyam worry for him. He knows that he still holds onto his grudge against Aonung, even if they have made up a long time ago.
"I'll go talk to him." Tsireya speaks but Kiri intervenes "I'll go. You can go talk to your niece." having her best friend squeal excitedly.
Watching after his sister running to catch up to Lo'ak does Neteyam hear Aonung talk to his sister and he turns back to see Tsireya look down at the little girl in his arms, staring at her in awe.
"Oh she is so tiny. And so blue." giggling at that does Tsireya gently reaches out to pat her nieces head. But she has addressed Neteyams biggest concern at the moment. The baby looks nothing Metkayina. She is even darker then him, which is fine if she was Omatikayan, some are darker then others but this? She doesn't have Aonungs tail, arms, neck, eye colour. Nothing. Maybe her hair will come in curly but that is Neteyams only hope right now. Even though most have gotten over them living with the Metkayina are a few people still vary of them. More of his fathers sky persons side but nonetheless is Neteyam also a quarter sky person. Even if he doesn't show too much of it.
But Ailis dark skin colour will have people talk if she actually is Aonungs daughter. There is no doubt in Neteyams mind. And he knows their daughter knows who her father is too. But that doesn't help anything.
"Are you ok, love?" Neteyam hears his boyfriends voice call to him and he shakes himself out of his head to look up at Aonung "Hm?"
"Tsireya asked if she could hold her. But you weren't with us." Aonung explains gently and Neteyam moves immediately "Yes, of course you can hold her." holding his daughter out to her as Tsireya carefully takes the tiny Na'vi, gasping as she brings her close to herself.
"Are you ok?" does Aonung ask again then and Neteyam looks up at him "Just worried. That people will talk."
Tilting his head in question does Neteyam murmur more to himself but Aonung hears him. And he answer "I couldn't give a fuck less about people. I want you. And our daughter. I know she is mine and that is all that matters. I can see myself in her." shutting Neteyam up and he looks up into his boyfriends blue, honest eyes. So full of happiness. Melting all the worries in Neteyams mind.
"Ok." he whispers then and Aonung nods at him encouragingly. Smiling does Neteyam nod back "Ok."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Good." leaning down does Aonung place a kiss onto his temple and Neteyam leans against him, watching as Aili moves her legs around when Tsireya hums to her.
"Slow down!" he hears his mothers voice call and Neteyam looks up with a chuckle when he watches Tuk sliding into the room and letting out a long gasp as her eyes widen and her mouth hanging agape. Hearing the amused laugh from Spider too, having sat down with Rotxo towards his feet, Rotxo watching Aili moving around in Tsireyas arms.
Looking at Tuk just standing there stunned in silence does Neteyam speak up then "Hello Tuktuk. Do you want to come and meet your niece?"
Seeing her eyes peel off of the tiny Na'vi in Tsireyas arms and over to him, when Neytiri appears behind her in the entryway. Chuckling as she sees her youngest just standing there before leaning down to speak to her "Go on Tuk. Go meet your niece." gently pushing her youngest to get Tuk moving.
Holding his hand out does Neteyam wait for his youngest sister to come to him and watches her sit down while continuing to stare at Aili in Tsireyas arms. Seeing Reya smile at her and ask "Do you want to hold her?" which brings Tuk back into action as she exclaims excitedly "Can I?! Please!" turning to Neteyam to ask for permission.
"Of course. Just be careful." he answers and watches as Tsireya very carefully hands Aili over to Tuk, whos eyes grow even wider as she exclaims a whispered "Woah!"
Leaning against Aonung does Neteyam sighs deeply feeling Aili being confused at first in Tuks arms but quickly realising that she is meeting someone knew. And before long is she stretching her limbs out, mewling out as Tuk is bouncing her.
Watching his sister with his daughter does Neteyam feel how sleepy he is already getting again, all of the visitors a bit much. And he carefully scoots himself lower to try and get more comfortable to possibly go to sleep. Only to find his back hurting as he tries to lie down, trying to get back up but ending up having to stop moving all together.
"Can I help?" he hears a soft voice ask and Neteyam nods letting Aonung help sit him up, stopping to let him take a breath, as his boyfriend helps holding him up.
"Do you want another blanket to lay down on?" he hears a voice speak up and Neteyam stares over at Spider with tired eyes, watching as he and Rotxo have leaned against each other, just watching Tuk and Aili interact.
"Yes please." he mumbles and sees Spider help Aonung place another blanket down, trying to cushion the hard ground of the cave.
After they situationed him back down in a somewhat comfortable position, does Aonung keep an arm around him to make sure he is there if Neteyam needs to sit up again. Letting his fingers run up and down his arm. Spending some more time passing their daughter around their friends and family does Neteyam get more nervous with each person holding her, having been out of his arms for too long, and before long does he ask for her back, promptly getting the tiny baby placed back in his safe arms, while some already go on their way back home, the night having started already.
"Goodnight you two. Three! Sorry. Goodnight you three." Spider calls back and Neteyam chuckles softly at his friend before he takes Rotxo hand and they walk away together.
"Goodnight my dear. I love you so much." Neytiri whispers while she nuzzles his nose and Neteyam smiles at his mother as he looks up at her happily. Watching as Neytiri gazes at him in adoration, gently stroking over his cheek before softly tickling Ailis belly whispering "Goodnight you little surprise. We will see you tomorrow." having Neteyam chuckle softly at that.
And so one by one does everybody wish them a goodnight and leave.
And all of a sudden it is just them again. Leaned against his boyfriends chest, their baby nursing in her sleep and Neteyam sighs happily. Hearing Aonung speaks up.
"We will manage right."
Blinking up at him, already having had his eyes closed does Neteyam see Aonungs worried gaze. "Yes. Of course we will. And we have so much help if needed. We will be fine." watching his boyfriend nod slowly. Letting the silence grow again, only some soft wushing of water to be heard in the tiny cave does Neteyam let his eyes close again as he feels how incredibly tired he is after the long day.
But there is no rest for him yet as he hears his boyfriend sigh beside him. Blinking his eyes open again Neteyam looks up at him humming in question but Aonung shakes his head whispering "Sorry, its nothing." placing a kiss onto his temple.
"It is not nothing if you sigh like that dear." Neteyam mumbles back, gently shimmering to sit a little further up, showing his boyfriend he is listening.
"I just..." closing his mouth again does Aonung stare into space.
"Hm?" nudging him gently trying to encourage him to go on, Neteyam looks at Aonung. And he receives a soft smile back "Just thinking about my iknimaya. I guess I will have to put it on pause for a while now." gently placing a hand onto their daughters head, Aonung smiles lovingly at her but Neteyam continues t stare at him in question "Why?"
Blinking up at him Aonung tilts his head "Because, we just had a baby. I need to take care of you."
"You can still go and train. I have my parents. And yours. And our siblings and friends. They will all help us."
"Still, I want to be there. I want to take care of you. I want to be able to care for my family." Aonung explains to him having Neteyams gaze soften as he smiles at his boyfriend. Reaching up he strokes his thumb over Aonungs cheek, making his boyfriend turn his gaze and Neteyam whispers "You can. I know you can. You will be a great father."
"I also want to be a great mate. Future mate." his eyes widening Aonung stammers "Unless you don't want that-" and Neteyam pulls him down to connect their lips in a sweet kiss.
"I definitely want that. But we have time. We are young-"
"Too young." Aonung mumbles and Neteyam just rolls his eyes "You are wonderful. And you will finish your iknimaya in a breeze, I know it. Your daughter knows it. She cannot wait for her dada to finish his rite." gently bouncing Aili closer to him, sound asleep, does Neteyam grin as he sees the smile crack on Aonungs face. Reaching out to her Aonung places a hand onto her chest, gently stroking over her plum cheek. His gaze dreamy as he just stares at her. And Neteyam feels their daughters heartbeat fasten, feels the warmth overcoming her, feels the happiness as her dada is loving on her.
"She loves you so much." he chokes out seeing Aonungs head shoot up with a worried gaze as Neteyam starts to actually cry, the emotions overwhelming him.
"I love her just as much." Aonung whispers back and stays quiet a moment before he adds a soft "And I love you."
Staring up at him Neteyam needs some time to process what he just said before his eyes widen and he stares at Aonung in shook. But his boyfriend just smiles back.
"I do." he whispers and Neteyam can only nod, unsure if he should say it back.
"You don't have to say it yet. Especially if you wouldn't mean it. But I do. I think I've had a crush on you for a while now actually. And seeing you be so brave, so strong. Having my baby, I know it wasn't at all intentional but... I just... love you. For all of it. Thank you." Aonung mumbles and he leans down, instinctively Neteyam tilts his head, awaiting the kiss which he promptly receives.
They have kissed a lot today. But Neteyam does remember how much Aonung loved kissing when they slept together. How deeply he had kissed him all this time ago. Peppering kisses all over his body, before diving back to his lips. How he took his time, always kissing and reassuring him. How he kissed him afterwards, held him in his arms, kissing his temple. Smiling at the memories Neteyam falls into his boyfriend and mumbles "Promise you will kiss me tomorrow." receiving a chuckle but an immediate answer "I promise." as sleep overcomes him and Neteyam closes his eyes.