Chapter Text
"He will be very strong."
"I know."
"It is not going to change anything, my Jake."
"I know."
"You are not sure."
He sighed and looked over at his mate while cradling the baby to his chest.
"He is strong and he is gonna be so much stronger because he is our son. I am not worried about that."
"Then what is it? Being of the nature of Omegan is not shameful, it is something beautiful."
Jake sighed again and looked at the bundle in his arms. Neteyam is breathing carelessly to all worries of his father to himself.
"It's not shameful, it's just very rare to find an omega, let alone a male omega. I'm worried that he won't get respected. What if someone forces himself over him? And we can't be there to protect him?"
"It's okay to worry, my Jake, but think rationally. You already met Omegan Na'vi and no one disrespected them."
Jake rolled his eyes, "Yeah, everyone respects them because there are many eyes on them. What if they were alone? And besides, they were all women. Who knows what their reaction will be when an omega male stands before them?"
She gave him an affectionate smile and leaned on his shoulder, looking down into his secured arms.
"Then we will be there to protect him."
Again, Jake sighed, "Yeah, but what if we can't be there?" he tried to reason.
She looked up and searched his eyes, "Then Kiri will help him."
Jake fixed her with a challenging look, "And what if Kiri can't protect him?"
Neytiri smiled warmly at her mate, "Then this child will." while putting her arms around her stomach.
Shocked came the sheepishly exclaim,
"W-what?"
That night was celebrated with the whole tribe.
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Jake stopped mentioning his worries about Neteyam. He knew there was always a potential danger for his eldest, but it would only bring him harm if he let his worries carry on to his son. He is safer than any other Na'vi could be, always having the eyes of his parents on him and his siblings at his side.
Jake was in the process of moving the yovo fruits from a basket onto a leaf of a push fruit tree so his pregnant wife could eat it more easily. He was torn from his activity when he heard loud footsteps. With a frown he looked up and saw his kids running towards their pod, demanding an answer why Neteyam was so much more different than anyone else.
Lo'ak and Kiri were looking with questioning eyes at him, while Neteyam almost seemed troubled.
Jake looked overwhelmed down at his offspring, holding the forgotten yovo fruits in his right hand.
"Come again?"
"Why is Neteyam not like us?", Kiri asked curiously.
Not knowing what to say, Jake looked down at his very obvious pregnant mate, who looked also surprised at the question.
"Where does this question come from?", she decided to ask, caressing her swollen abdomen.
Jake stepped to Neytiri's left and sat down next to her, crossing his legs. He finished his task and placed the last fruits on the leaf, handing it over to his mate.
"Someone mentioned it.", Kiri immediately said, sensing the strange atmosphere her parents radiate.
Jake and Neytiri looked worriedly at each other for some seconds and then back at their kids.
Jake pointed to the space in front of him, indicating for his kids to sit down.
"Where is Spider?", Jake decided to ask.
If they were going to explain it, better be with everyone there.
"Don't know.", Neteyam shrugs, looking troubled at the ground. He never experienced a difference between his siblings and himself. But the elder was so sure about it, even lecturing him. He didn't do anything wrong, he was just playing like everyone else was.
"Okay, I'll talk with Spider when I see him again. Now tell us what happened."
Jake leaned forward while laying his hand over Neytiris's thigh, squeezing it a bit for reassurance.
Neteyam sighed heavily and said without looking off the ground, "We were playing together with the others and Uu'te was the one trying to catch me. I tripped and when he got me I couldn't move-"
Now Lo'ak jumped in, "Yeah and Uu'te was looking strange at Neteyam like he wanted to eat him."
"Shut up, Lo'ak, why would he want to eat Neteyam?", Kiri demanded with angry eyes.
"Kiri, don't say that to your brother.", Jake said sternly with sharp eyes.
"Yeah, Kiri, stop being so mean to me!", Lo'ak shouted with wide ears, clenching his hands in anger.
"Lo'ak.", Neytiri growled at their youngest, which shut the youngest immediately up. But it wouldn't be Lo'ak if he didn't at least huff at being called out.
Neytiri turned back to Neteyam. Normally she would scold her youngest, but there were more important matters to care about right now.
"What happened after that?", she asked softly.
Neteyam shrugged his shoulders, not daring to look up at his parents, feeling kind of ashamed, even though he doesn't know why.
"Then the elder came over and pulled me to the side. He said that I should be more careful in the future because I am different than everyone else. He said that no one would want me in the future if I continue being this careless because an apha could tame me."
Towards the end, Neteyam got quieter as he slumped further into himself with his ears laid flat against his skull.
Jake exhaled heavily, trying to calm himself down before talking.
Neytiri though was looking with rage at her eldest, "Who said that to you?", she demanded.
Their eldest twitched at her tone and said, "T-the one with the big nose."
"Äi Te Ya'e.", Kiri said calmly with watchful eyes, sensing the anger in her mother's voice.
Without another word, Neytiri stood up and walked over to their son, bending down and grabbing his chin so that he doesn't have the chance to look away.
"You are not different from any of your siblings and you do not have to be more careful than them, okay?"
Neteyam swallowed thickly and nodded, his ears looking like they were constantly glued to his head, never pricking them up.
She stood up again and said, "I will be back soon."
"Neytiri, maybe I should-", Jake tried worriedly.
She interrupted him harshly and repeated, "I will be back soon.", as she left the place, but not without stroking over Neteyams hair.
Jake breathed heavily and turned over to his conflicted son, "Come here.", he said, gesturing to his arms.
Neteyam got to his feet and walked over to his father, letting the beta pull him sideways on his lap right over his crossed legs. The pup leaned heavily against his father's chest and buried his twitching nose in his neck, enjoying the way his father was stroking over his head as he released his scent so that Neteyam could calm down.
Neteyam made a little happy noise in the back of his throat, bathing in the all-too-familiar scent of his father.
"Do you kids know what an Alpha is?", Jake decided to ask, looking over to the now worried faces of Lo'ak and Kiri.
Both shook their heads, not knowing what their father meant.
"And an Omega?", again, no one knew.
Jake hummed, squeezing his son against his chest as he pressed a kiss onto his forehead.
Neteyam grabbed his father's hand, which was now laying unoccupied over his son's knee. He kept himself busy by playing with the much bigger hand.
Jake let himself linger in this position for some seconds, enjoying the way he could make his son feel comfortable again.
The pup let out a small purr as he enjoyed the little cuddle session, feeling better per second.
He signaled his kids to come closer. They both did with wide eyes.
"I am a male and your mothers a female, right?", he said softly.
Neteyam hummed while opening his eyes again. When did he close them?
"And Lo'ak and Neteyam are boys while Kiri is a girl, right?"
"Yes.", Lo'ak said loudly.
Jake smiled lightly as he continued, "But there is also another gender for everyone, do you know what that could be?"
"This apha thing?", Kiri asked curiously.
"Yes, it's called alpha, Kiri. There are three genders besides the one you already have. You can either be an alpha, omega, or beta. You can identify someone by their smell. The scent of an omega is sweeter than of an alpha, while a beta has a more subdued smell."
"And what are you, dad?", Lo'ak asked, his tail curiously swinging around.
"I'm a beta and your mother is an alpha."
"But you smell as strong as mom?", Kiri questioned with a frown.
Jake hummed, "Yeah for you kids and your mom. For people who are not part of our family, I don't smell as strong as your mother."
His son on his lap asked with a small voice, "And what are we?"
Jake squeezed him again with a reassuring smile, "You are going to be a omega, Neteyam and you, Lo'ak, will be an alpha.", Jake said, as he turned to his youngest. He finished it with Kiri, "And you will be a beta, honey-"
Before he could continue, his pregnant mate came back with calm eyes and a smell that lost its reekness of anger.
"And what you kids are is a gift from Eywa.", she said as she sat down at Jake's right side, leaning over his shoulder and pressing a kiss on Neteyams forehead.
"Kiri." She said and turned over to her daughter, "you will grow into a beautiful and independent woman who follows her heart. And Lo'ak-"
She turned over to her youngest, catching his eyes, "you will be a great alpha who will always watch out for his family and never bring harm to anyone. And you, my sweet Neteyam-"
She turned back to her eldest, cradling his face in her hands, "will turn into a beautiful and strong omega. Never let an alpha tell you what you are supposed to be, okay? Out of all of us, you will be the strongest."
She turned back and said in a serious voice, "There will always be skxawng like Äi Te Ya'e who will try to tell you, what you should do because of your second gender, and you will not listen to people like that, okay? As long as you don't hurt anyone or force anyone to do something they do not want, don't listen to them!"
Jake hummed and added in a calmer voice, "There will be people who will see omegas as weak, alphas as callous, or betas as genderless, but never listen to that."
"And why would they think that?", Kiri asked shocked, not getting where this came from.
With a long sigh, Jake said, "The difference between the genders is not just the smell. There are other differences that I will tell you when you are older."
Kiri looked dramatically distraught, "No! Tell us now!"
Neytiri hummed and decided to talk before Jake had the chance to, "Everyone can purr before they present to their second gender. After presenting, only omegas can purr."
Jake continued, "Omegas are also described as motherly. Being protective of their family and also able to provide for them better than anyone, and do you know why?", he asked as he looked at their small curious faces.
"Because Omegas have a better grasp at feelings and are not as impulsive as an alpha can be,” he laughed as Netytiri playfully swatted his arm with a small smile.
"Alphas may be more impulsive, but they are also very protective of their family, right?"
They all chuckled at their parents, enjoying the show of teasing.
Now Neytiri speaks again, "And betas, like your father, only follow their heart. But also don't let themselves be overwhelmed with emotions as much. They are always able to think rationally and are very capable of loving what are theirs," she said with a smile.
Jake looked at his eldest and said sternly,
"Neteyam, there will be people who will tell you how an omega should behave and you will not listen to them, okay? You kids should be there for each other. If someone tries to force Neteyam to do something he doesn't want to do, even though he doesn't voice it loudly, you will have to help him, Kiri, Lo'ak, you hear me? The same goes for you too, Neteyam."
Neteyam swallowed thickly but nodded.
"We will always be there for you kids, but if there occurred a situation like today, don't be afraid to fight against it, okay? If you can't move, try as hard as you can and Lo'ak and you, Kiri, should always keep an eye on him in situations like this. I don't think that Uu'te is a bad kid, but he likely didn't know how to take control of his actions, so you will have to take over in a situation like this and protect your big brother, okay? Even if it is from an elder. No one can tell you, kids, what to do."
"Thank you, dad.", Neteyam murmured and cuddled into the arms of his father.
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Today was not a good day, Neteyam decided. The last time he was ill was years ago but apparently it was happening again.
He felt very feverish and nauseous since he had woken up but he tried to ignore it. For him it's normal to wake up like this some days. His mother said his body is preparing him to present, so his body needs all the energy it can get, which sometimes leaves him powerless.
His grandmother said he should eat more, especially the fruit Spartan, since its sweetness provides him with a lot of energy but after too much food he also feels powerless, so why even bother?
In any case, his family is not letting the matter go like him, especially Lo'ak and his father. They seem eager to see him eat. His mother is always laughing at his misery but also explained to him why they act like this.
Since Lo'ak presented early as an alpha two years ago he tries to provide for his family as much as he can. He can't help it and is also a bit too young to fully navigate his feelings which leaves him helpless in situations like this.
And his dad... is just himself, really. He can't help it. His mother said it was cute but Neteyam is tired of it.
He gets it! His father is very protective of them so he just tries to help him but the other omegas in his clan don't get this treatment from their family, so it kinda is unfair.
But as his mother said they just want him to be healthy and not in pain and it kinda is nice of them to care so much about him, so he just accepts his fate. It could be a lot worse.
But all this eating is probably coming back to him because this time he isn't feeling good.
He probably shouldn't have eaten all the stuff his parents prepared for him.
He is clumsily stumbling all over the place, his stomach is cramping, his head hurts, his hands are sweaty and everything seems so loud.
Another dizziness crushes over him, so he just lets himself fall back against a big branch on top of the main area resting his arms on his bent legs and closing his eyes for a moment.
He can hear the whole clan. The little kids running around right underneath the branch he was sitting on, trying to catch each other. Some of the elder people sitting around a fire, talking and talking and not stopping with their stories, laughing loudly. He can even locate Lo'ak, more outside of the trunk, who is probably trying to weave Neteyam a new blanket for his nesting, as he hinted earlier in the day.
Some time goes by as Neteyam is trying to just forget about his existence when he sensed another presence walking directly towards him.
Feeling too tired to do anything, he keeps his eyes closed.
The footsteps came to a halt in front of him and nothing happens. Feeling drained, he opened his eyes and looked at the figure who is now crouching down in front of him.
It was Tìngal, a promising warrior among the clan. He is around his age and very passionate about all his tasks.
"Are you feeling unwell, Neteyam?"
Neteyam struggled to sit cross-legged and looked at him properly.
"Just feeling ill, Tìngal."
Tìngal cocked his head and frowned, looking past Neteyam, like he is thinking about something.
"Do you need something?"Neteyam asked after moments of silence. Neteyam doesn't want to interrupt him with whatever he wanted to do but he just can't seem to concentrate and just wanted to be by himself for now.
With unsure motions, Tìngal grabbed behind himself and then stretched out his hand towards Neteyam.
Now certain about himself, he looked right into Neteyams wide pupils, "For you,” he said.
The air around Neteyam slowly started to smell of Tìngal, an alpha scent. It penetrated his nose but he tried to ignore it. His father said younger Na'vi have more difficulty controlling their smell.
With shaking hands, he grabbed the object and looked at it with a frown.
"That's a pamtseowll,” Tìngal clarified with confidence.
"Why are you giving me this?"
He was confused. Normally they collect pamtseowll to make music, so why would he give this to him?
Tìngal gently grabbed Neteyams wrist, turning the object with his hand. Instead of looking at the soon-to-be omega, he focused his eyes on Neteyams hand, which was nearly clawing at the object.
His thumb lightly stroked Neteyams wrist with unseeable patterns, enjoying the twitching of his muscles.
With a gasping breath, Neteyam watched his movements with big eyes. His muscles are frozen in place.
"It's a gift for you, my Neteyam,” he said and looked up into his eyes, "You remind me of a very beautiful Yerik. Always attentive to your surroundings and always alone. The pamtseowll is a courting gift for you. It means that no matter where I am, I will always listen to you. I will always see you,” he said with an earnest face.
"W-what the fuck ?" Neteyam said very confused.
" Fuck ?" Tìngal asked with a frown, "Does it mean you like it?"
Now he sounded hopeful, which left Neteyam slightly panicked.
"T-thank you, but I don't want to be courted,” he said, trying to loosen the stone-like grip of the other around his wrist.
"Oh,” the other said surprised, still not loosening the grip on him.
"Look, I am sorry, but I-"
Tìngal interrupted him, "No, you don't have to explain, my Neteyam. I accept."
"Oh, thank you, but can you please just let me g-"
"We can mate in front of Eywa as soon as you present."
"W-What?!" Neteyam now screamed in panic, again frozen in his movements.
He shook his head with force, "No, I- why would you- what the hell , man?!" Very confused Neteyam tried to loosen the grip again with more strength, without success.
He can't get the fingers to loosen. His father told him he would feel a bit weaker before presenting, that's why he was not allowed to go hunting with them after Neteyam showed first signs of an incoming presenting but he never told him he would be left with the strength of a fucking child!
Tears are starting to enter his vision. Why was he feeling so emotional? There is nothing to cry over. This is not the first time someone is forcing themselves over him, since everyone is pretty eager to mate with a male omega. Actually, scratch that, he is allowed to be emotional because he can't get this fucker to let him go!
"Tìngal," a familiar voice growled from his right.
With surprise, the alpha looked up and right into Lo'aks impatient face.
"Let him go," he growled, moving towards them, looking angrier with every step.
Perplexed they watched the youngest approach them, both not moving a muscle.
Finally, in front of them, Lo'ak grabbed Tìngals wrist with force and loosened the grip on his big brother.
Gathering himself, Tìngal yanked himself from Lo'ak's grasp, growling "Do not interrupt us, Lo'ak. I know that you are very protective but Neteyam gave me permission."
The youngest hissed at him and crowded in front of his brother.
"Neteyam didn't give you permission, you skxawng!" he said, as he stomped with his foot, the end of his tail restless with rage.
Tìngal bared his teeth, growling back at him, "How would you know?!"
"He just told you he doesn't want to be courted!"Lo'ak nearly shouted.
"Yes, because he already is sure about our bond!" he argued back.
Completely beside himself, Lo'ak was now screaming at him, gesturing wildly with his hands, "Are you delusional?! He never told you that you piece of shit !"
"What even does this mean?! I do not speak the language of tawtute!" he growled, making motions like he wants to rip his hair out.
Unbelievable , Neteyam thought as he let out a loud cry of indignation, struggling to his feet, wiping away his newly appeared tears, and growled, "I don't want to be your mate, Tìngal! And I don't want a discussion about it, go away!"
With a stunned expression on his face, he asked, "You do not?"
Neteyam shook his head, now leaning tiredly against the tree, sniffling, "No."
Tìngal took a deep breath and said with resignation, "It's okay, you will change your mind, my Neteyam. Keep the pamtseowll and when you are presenting, just come to me, I will wait for you. Eywa sees us as mates, I know it."
"He is not yours, asshole !" Lo'ak hissed, releasing a piercing scent as he pushed the other away, wanting to keep Neteyam safe.
With a huff, Tìngal stepped back, looking for the last time at Neteyam, whispering loud enough for them to hear, "I will wait for you, my Neteyam." and left the branch they were standing on.
Lo'ak was breathing heavily. Each breath was reinforced with the next spurt of anger. He wanted to go after that bastard and rip his fucking heart out for disrespecting his big brother like that.
A gentle touch brought him back to reality. He turned his head to the contact of skin at his shoulder. The hand was a bit sweaty and looked kinda pale.
With his eyes he followed the hand to his brother's face, seeing him struggling against the tree he was still leaning on.
His breath came very irregularly, and his face was even paler than his hand, except his cheeks, which were adorned with dark patches, giving him a flushed look. His pupils were wide, moving very fast from Lo'aks left eye to his right, never able to focus on one.
"N-normally I would have been able to keep him away but t-today is just... not a good day,” his big brother struggled to say, trying to catch his breath after his little speech.
His touch also seemed to run hotter than normal, Lo'ak noticed with a frown.
He grabbed the pamtseowll and threw it over the edge of the branch as he gently clasped the wrist on his shoulder, stroking it with light movements, "I know, bro, don't worry,” he said softly cupping Neteyam’s face, "You want to eat something before laying down?"
Neteyam shook his head, pushing himself off the tree trying to catch his step. Unfortunately, he failed and fell right into the body in front of him with a quiet huff.
With a surprised sound, he caught his brother. With one hand, he grabbed around the other's waist, pulling him towards his own body. With his other, he gently grabbed around Neteyams nape, guiding him towards his neck, releasing a soothing smell to calm his brother.
Neteyam sighed comfortably, cuddling into his brother's neck, and closed his eyes.
Lo'ak said softly, "I'm gonna call for dad, so don't be surprised, okay?"
Neteyam hummed, his tail twitching from side to side as he started to purr.
Lo'ak exhaled loudly and looked to his right side, trying to catch a glimpse down to the main area. He was able to locate his dad talking to another tribe member.
"Dad!" He shouted loud enough for him to hear it.
Very confused Jake looked up and saw his youngest son peeking down at him.
With a frown he put his hand on Oo’tey’s shoulder and said, "Try to find Mo'at, she'll help you," with a hand on his shoulder.
Jake made his way upstairs, climbing up the tree, and revealing more of the picture in front of him.
He breathed in the slightly sweet scents of his kids, although Lo'ak's seems to be a bit confused.
"What's going on?" he asked worried, stepping up to them and bringing his hand up to Neteyams nape under Lo'aks hand, stroking the soft flesh with his thumb.
His other arm wandered up to Lo'ak's nape, resting his hand there.
"I think Neteyam is presenting?" Lo'ak asked.
Jake hummed and looked down at his eldest happily purring at his brother's neck, unknown to his environment.
"Neteyam," their father tried, tapping his thumb twice.
The eldest didn't react, he just continued to purr, leaning a bit more into the hug.
"Honey, can you please look up?" their father tried again.
Again, no reaction.
Jake sighed hard and said, "I'm gonna bring him to our pod, go find your mother."
With these words he moved behind Neteyam and brought one arm to his knees, folding them in with light pressure and bringing the other one over around his back, gripping him around the waist.
Lo'ak helped his father stabilize him and ran off to search for his mother.
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Not every rut and heat is supposed to be sexual, especially not when it comes to presenting.
Therefore, when a pup is presenting, be it an alpha or omega, the whole pack usually is present.
Before presenting, omegas get more into nesting and experience symptoms of being ill, as well as mood swings. Alphas get a bit rowdier with others, having the feeling to prove themselves and they also get more territorial of their pack members, as well as their belongings.
That's what happened with Lo'ak two years ago. Gladly, his father was by his side when the... incident occurred.
Lo'aks body temperature was running higher than normal, but he still felt very eager to help his father and other tribe members to finish the weaving.
He never left his fathers side, always followinghim, imitating the movements of his fingers. That's why it was very easy for him to see another member approaching his father from the side. He doesn't remember who it was, but as soon as he stretched his arm out towards his father to, unbeknown to Lo'ak, help him with a step, Lo'ak lost it.
He bared his teeth and crawled under his father's feet towards the man who was threatening his father.
He was faster than anyone could react.
With confidence, he sunk his fangs into the outstretched arm as a mute growl left his mouth.
He doesn't remember what happened after that, just his father's arms around him and the man's shout of pain.
So here they are now, among the sea of blankets and random objects cuddled together in Neteyams nest.
Neteyam is laying in the center with his mother's arms surrounding him from the back, caging him in, occasionally humming a song against his head.
His father is right in front of him with Tuk in his arms, sleeping her tiredness away. Neteyams hand is enclosed by his fathers.
Kiri is sleeping right at their feet. She is not the biggest friend of physical contact but still wants to provide him with a feeling of safety. That's why she is also occasionally stroking over his calf.
Lo'ak is sleeping right at their head, curled around them on his side, keeping his eyes on his brother. When his hand isn't laying still on Neteyams head, he is lightly stroking through his braided hair.
Neteyam's loud purring is heard all around their little home.
Some days ago, Neteyam got the sudden urge to keep everything in his place in the pod. It was the first sign of a presentation.
He also tried to do that in the hammock, but it was not big enough to fit all the stuff and his family in it.
He stole some blankets from the station and objects that were important to him, like his father's old headband.
As soon as the Sullys saw his new behavior, they all joined him in their home.
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Neteyam was already very popular among alphas his age, but after presenting, it reached a whole new level.
It was tradition for the Omaticaya to start courting by giving the desired something that symbolizes a specific meaning in their relationship.
Neteyam was hunting with a group of Na'vi, including his parents and his brother.
After presenting, Neteyam regained his strength and felt more in control of his body than in the past year. His mother said it was because his body finally stopped developing so drastically.
He felt more in harmony with his body. And it was pretty cool because he also gained new skills.
His sense of smell increased, and he was able to control his scent better, nesting made him sleep better than before, but unfortunately, presenting also has its negative sides, like insufferable alphas for example.
The hunting group walked back together, with freshly jacked meat on their shoulders. His mother and father were talking together far behind Neteyam. Lo'ak was walking on the right side with a fellow alpha, gesturing wildly with his arms and laughing.
Neteyam was in the front of the group, cleaning his bow while walking. Sadly, his friends didn't join them today. Some of them were in the middle of their heat or rut while others were distracted by all of their dumb courting partners.
Neteyam sighed annoyed. The whole tribe was waiting for him to choose a partner and see who their future leader of the village will choose. Neteyam though felt pressured. He was to be the next Olo’eyktan, that's the only task he wanted to concentrate on now, not all the awkward courting requests he gets.
The omega was disturbed in all his thinking as a Na'vi around his age stepped next to him.
Neteyam ignored him, already knowing where this would go.
Neteyam has probably seen every approach an alpha could make, so he is very familiar with the patterns.
It was quiet for some moments and Neteyam could feel the stare drilling into his head.
With a sigh Neteyam finished his task and strapped his bow securely on his back, still ignoring the alpha at his side, walking straight forward.
The Na'vi broke the silence, still looking at the omega, "Neteyam,” he said without explaining his appearance.
Now unable to ignore him, he looked up at the face and recognized him as Quenuok. He was very popular around the omegas his age, being one of the best hunters they have.
Neteyam arched his forehead, waiting for what was to come.
Quenuok stretched his arm out, revealing a small inner part of a Tsyorina'wll.
He waited for Neteyam to accept his gift since a courting officially starts with the acceptance of the desired person but Neteyam didn't make a mistake twice, since Tìngal is still pretty sure that he is courting Neteyam, to the omegas misery.
"Please, take it,” he said now in a dark tone, probably trying to underline the firmness in his voice, "I have thought for a long time about a court gift that fits you, Neteyam. This seed reminds me of your steadfastness i-"
Neteyam interrupted him by raising his hand, shushing him like that.
"Thank you, but I decline,” he said sternly, which left Quenuok staggered. He smiled as a light shimmer of awe entered his eyes, admiring the omega before him.
Neteyam directed his eyes back in front of him as the alpha spoke again, "I know you are the strongest and most stubborn omega that has ever walked this place, Neteyam. I admire you a lot and I am not gonna give up. Someday, I am going to crack your shell like I broke the shell of the Tsyorina'wll!"
Neteyam rolled his eyes in annoyance and ignored the alpha until he left.
Back in the main area, Neteyam helped his mother and other clan members to sort the different leaves the collectors brought.
Lo'ak joined them, sitting in front of his mother, right next to Neteyam.
After some moments of them working in peace, Lo'ak said, "He also asked you, hm?"
Questioningly Neteyam looked up, not stopping what he was doing.
A strand of hair fell in front of his eyes, which he gently stroked behind his ear, fixing his eyes on his little brother.
"Quenuok asked to court you, right?"
"Ah, yes,” Neteyam knowlingly said, letting his eyes wander back to his task.
Lo'ak defiantly dropped his arms on his lap, "And?"
"Huh?" Neteyam said, confused, thinking the topic had already come to an end.
His mother watched them with careful eyes, continuing the task.
"What did he say?" Lo'ak asked with searching eyes.
Neteyam shrugged, "He wanted to court me, I said no."
Another strand of hair fell in front of his nose, which he patiently pushed behind his ear again, without interrupting his task of sorting the leaves in a fast pattern, having already done it a hundred times.
Lo'ak opened his mouth again, ready to question his brother more when their mother interrupted.
"Lo'ak, you will help us or you will leave, okay?"
The youngest rolled his eyes but continued to sort the leaves.
"Mom, didn't you hear? That asshole wanted to court Neteyam!" he said angrily, focusing his eyes on the task.
Neteyam sighed exasperatedly.
Lo'ak was very protective of them, which Neteyam can accept, he also has a hard time watching the people he loved suffer but Neteyam is the oldest, for god's sake and he can take care of himself. And normally Lo'ak does a good job and lets Neteyam handle threats or inconveniences himself but when it involves an alpha who is reaching for Neteyams attention, he can get very tiresome.
His mother though only chuckles, "Neteyam is old enough, don't you think?"
Lo'ak huffed, mumbling "Maybe."
"Bro, I am literally older than you,” Neteyam declared with a frown.
Again, Lo'ak huffed, "Yes."
"Yes, what?"
"Yes, you are old enough."
Both Neteyam and their mother laughed at Lo'ak's pissed-off face.
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And so they continued to live like this.
The oldest of the siblings always trying to live up to his position for the future while fighting off alphas with Lo'ak always at his side, driving them off and his mother always laughing at Neteyam's misery. Jake was always trying to be the best father he could be while balancing the tasks of an Olo'eyktan and Kiri always stayed in her own little world. And all of them having Tuk following them at every step.
It was a good life. A life they were content with.
The peace did them good.
But over the years, Jake felt more and more uneasy. He felt the incoming threat, the feeling always biting him in the back of his head.
It shattered him deeply that he was right.