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Let Me Walk Upon the Waters
Ao'nung has loved him for a long time, but fear tore into his heart and kept his intentions hidden, afraid that he has done too much evil to ever really be granted the blessing that is to love an omega — especially one such as Neteyam.
Ao'nung remembers the day he arrived like a gift from Eywa, fifteen and a force to be reckoned with. He had yet to present then, but his beauty hinted at his second gender as clear as day. Ao'nung hated him for his rarity. Omega, especially male, are held in high regard among his people.
Neteyam had been perfect from the start, braids tight and neat at all times, even after beating Ao'nung to a pulp for insulting his little siblings. Ao'nung, at the time, had hated him for it, refusing to believe that such a small, pretty body could hold such strength.
For a while, Ao'nung had resented Neteyam — how dare he best the Olo’eyktan's eldest son in a fight? Then, as though Eywa herself had sent the realisation, Ao'nung awakened — Neteyam had been the firstborn of the Olo’eyktan once before as well. There was no shame in losing to him.
And then, Neteyam had gotten himself shot in a foolish attempt to save a human (which he did manage in the end). Then, in the haste of healing from a near-mortal wound, Neteyam had presented, blossoming into the beautiful omega Ao'nung had always suspected he would become.
It was a rainy day, though the sun peaked through the curtain of white clouds littering the sky. Ao'nung had been helping his mother carry a heavy basket of herbs and tools to the marui pod Neteyam had been healing in when his nose caught the sweetest scent he's ever encountered.
Ronal had paused by the entrance, pulling back the curtains and peeking in. Neteyam's innocent smell drifted out in waves, drawing Ao'nung in, opening a world of desire in his heart.
Ronal had not let him enter the marui — Ao'nung respected her. Mostly, he respected Neteyam.
The clan had been overjoyed by the news of a beautiful, male omega — but nobody's joy could outmatch that of Ao'nung's. Something had shifted within his sweet, young, fifteen year old mind, harboring newfound affection to someone other than family.
Neteyam had healed eventually, painfully slowly. For long, drawn out months, he had to wear a brace across his chest to support his spine. Lo'ak stuck to him like an ilu to its favourite rider, making sure his big brother was safe.
Ao'nung slowly began to see Lo'ak for who he was — instead of his twisted hatred, the Metcayina began to develop a brotherly fondness for the young male.
Soon, each year, someone from their group of friend's presented. Nobody had been surprised to learn that Ao'nung was an alpha; it was almost expected from his freakish height and snarly personality.
Tsireya's second gender had caught everyone by surprise — but no more than the young girl herself. Just as her older brother, she had come to present as an alpha, a true gem amongst their village. Female alphas were just as rare as male omegas — both held in extremely high regard.
Ao'nung had almost been surprised by Lo'ak. In the end, he was not, in fact surprised. Lo'ak had always been just as headstrong and stubborn as Ao'nung — really, it was quite obvious that the youngest Sully boy would turn out to be an alpha.
Rotxo and Kiri had surprised everyone — news spreading like wildlife among the people. They had promised themselves to one another after the battle. Kiri had become and alpha, tall and strong. Sweet, young Rotxo, a flower that blossomed early presented as her omega.
Ao'nung wasn't sure what to think — but it fit them.
And, well, the human was just that, human. Ao'nung never really tried to befriend him — still a little bitter about almost losing Neteyam because of him.
By Eywa, there was nothing more that Ao'nung wanted than to belong to Neteyam. To be his alpha, his protection so he'd never have to deal with grave injuries.
Ao'nung was a coward.
Over the years, he's calmed down, cruel tendencies fading into a calmness much like his father's.
Ao'nung watches Neteyam's form. The omega is standing by the water, an arm wrapped around his stomach, hugging himself. His other hand fiddles with the beads adorning the dark threat that secures them together in a glorious, handcrafted necklace.
He's watching over Tuktirey, who's playing around in the water with Ao'nung's little brother, Ìktomì. He's now five years old, growing up to be an exact copy of Ao'nung, who is a copy of his mother.
Ao'nung is younger than Neteyam. Taller, bigger, but younger. He is even a month shy of Lo'ak's age.
Neteyam traces his beads with delicate fingers, face soft and relaxed. His eyes are unfocused but he seems happy. Ao'nung sniffles, pursing his lips. He wants to be Neteyam's so bad it hurts in his chest right where his heart is.
Ao'nung turns his attention back to the spear he's fixing, broken from a particularly vicious hunt. Neteyam is in his hunting party. Ao'nung thinks he's wonderful. There is not a day that the omega wastes. He's always doing something for someone (usually not himself). Ao'nung desperately wants Neteyam to be a little selfish. He'd give him anything he wanted.
Ao'nung would collect stars for Neteyam to add to his glowing freckles — a milkyway lightning up his skin in the dark. Ao'nung has long since memorised the patterns of the omegas tanhì, knows every swirl.
Neteyam glances his way — Ao'nung's breath hitches.
Neteyam had been a pretty little creature when he first arrived to Awa’atlu. Over the years, five of them to be exact, he's grown to be absolutely breathtaking. To Ao'nung, the Omaticaya possessed beauty like no other. He knows that the Great Mother has no favourites, but Ao'nung still thinks her affections lie with Neteyam. Nothing else could explain why he's so pretty, why she chose him to be omega. A male being with the ability to bear children, carry them under his heart until they are ready to meet the World.
To Ao'nung, it is the greatest blessing to know someone like Neteyam. Even if he thinks he cannot have him.
Neteyam, one day, comes to Ao'nung, seeking his company with pretty smiles and gentle words. Instead of scorning the Metcayina for all the grief he caused the Suli's, Neteyam accepts his apology with an open heart.
Ao'nung turns his head towards Neteyam's approaching form and feels his heart flutter in anticipation at the sight.
"Beautiful day, isn't it?" Neteyam asks gently, settling down comfortably next to Ao'nung in the warm sand, digging his toes in.
Not as Beautiful as You — Ao'nung wants to tell him, but bites his tongue. The young alpha nods. He hates talk about the weather but from Neteyam he can accept it, loves it even. It's because Neteyam truly does take delight in sunshine as much as he enjoys the rain.
"Have you been planning to do anything later this evening?" Neteyam tilts his head to the side curiously, beads clinking together softly.
Ao'nung finds his voice. "No. I finished my work for the day."
"Then, perhaps I could steal your company for a while?" Neteyam smiles, eyes wide and hopeful.
Ao'nung would abandon his duties in a moment for Neteyam if he had any. Eywa must be happy with him that day, because Ao'nung has nothing to do. There's no place he needs to be.
Ao'nung allows a grin, hoping his nervousness doesn't show. "What do you have in mind?"
Neteyam grins, coy and confident. "I haven't planned a thing. I just want to spend time with you."
"Do you want to explore the forest?" Ao'nung offers, despite hating climbing even to the lowest of branches.
Neteyam sees right through him. Ao'nung takes a deep breath, filling his senses with Neteyam's sweet scent.
"I know it like the back of my hand, " Neteyam murmurs tenderly, fiddling with his songcord. "Have you—"
Ao'nung watches Neteyam's face, curiosity filling him as the Omaticaya’s voice trails off. "Have I?"
Neteyam glances to the side, a sheepish smile on his soft face. "Nevermind. I will see you later. Tonight."
He leaves before Ao'nung can pester him with questions. Hope blossoms in Ao'nung's chest, not missing the hidden implication in Neteyam's voice — at least, he hopes that that's what it was.
It would break his heart otherwise.
The evening could not come fast enough. Ao'nung slips away from his family, scanning the beach for Neteyam, heart beating wildly against the cage of his ribs.
Barely a soul is still outside the late.
Ao'nung tenses, a familiar scent filling his nose as a warm hand rests on his lower back from behind. Neteyam leans against him with a soft hum, propping his chin on Ao'nung's shoulder.
The alpha's brain short circuits.
Ao'nung dares not turn around. Neither of them say anything for a moment. Then, Neteyam's nose nuzzles into the side of Ao'nung's neck, inhaling his scent.
"Come with me?" He asks carefully, voice soft and deep against Ao'nung's ear.
The alpha nods, letting Neteyam lead him by the wrist. Ao'nung nearly combusts on the spot. Neteyam has never smelled this good before, then, it dawns on him.
Ao'nung inhales sharply. "You're in heat—"
Neteyam blushes, turning back to glance up at him, eyes wide and nervous. Slowly, he nods.
Ao'nung whines helplessly, startling Neteyam. The omega stops walking, letting go of Ao'nung's wrist. He hugs himself, biting gently on his lower lip.
"We shouldn't—" Ao'nung whispers, pupils dilating steadily as he stares at his only desire.
"Why not?" Neteyam asks softly, not a hint of what he's feeling seeping into his voice.
Ao'nung swallows thickly. "We're not mated and it's dangerous."
Neteyam relaxes, a smile blossoming on his face. "How dangerous?"
Ao'nung's mind blanks. "What? You could fall pregnant and— and then the people would—"
Neteyam steps closer, tongue flicking over his lower lip to rid it of the dryness. "Is a child so dangerous that the mere thought leaves you trembling?"
Ao'nung clenches his fists to ground himself. Neteyam steps into his space, smelling sweet and ready — like a ripe fruit that Ao'nung wants to sink his fangs into. May Eywa forgive him for this — Ao'nung takes a step towards Neteyam.
The omega smirks, tilting his head invitingly. "Come with me?"
Ao'nung can only nod, throat running dry.
Neteyam leads him into the forest; Ao'nung feels like they have been walking around for hours by the time they reach a magnificent clearing. Flora blooms in a wild swirl of colour, filling the small space with life. There is a hammock secured between two trees, swaying gently in the wind. Next to it, some wonderfully woven baskets and handcrafted wooden boxes.
Ao'nung inhales sharply. "Is this your spot?"
Neteyam's nose twitches, cheeks flushing. "It is. I have blankets and tools in the baskets."
Ao'nung smiles, stepping into the clearing beside Neteyam. "Blankets and tools?"
Neteyam averts his gaze. "And herbs, if you preferred I take them."
Ao'nung takes a long, shaky breath. His heart swells at the sight of Neteyam's flushed cheeks and twitching tail.
The question slips his lips before he can stop it. "Have you done this before?"
Neteyam's eyes widen, and he looks thoroughly embarrassed. "No, I have not. Have— have you?"
Ao'nung smiles, leaning closer without noticing, seeking Neteyam's inviting scent. "I haven't, either."
Neteyam swallows thickly, throat bobbing. "Will you be my first?"
Ao'nung places a hand over his chest, trying to calm his heart — it is a raging storm in his chest, refusing to calm down.
"Yes," he exhales deeply, like a prayer in the silence of the night.
Neteyam nods slowly, lips parting as he sighs softly. They walk to the hammock and Neteyam kneels beside one of the woven baskets. He opens it and pulls out a couple of fluffy blankets that must have taken an eternity to make.
Ao'nung helps him spread them out on the mossy floor.
Neteyam glances towards Ao'nung, a small pile of dried leaves clutched in his hands. "Should I?"
Ao'nung squints, trying to figure out what is being asked before his lips fall open in a silent gasp. Hurriedly, he shakes his head. "No. Please, don't."
Neteyam's body relaxes. He drops the herbs back into their basket. He walks into Ao'nung's space, golden gaze shining with the intensity of a million stars, soft waves of his sweet smells drifting to Ao'nung. The Metcayina shivers, heat rushing around in his veins, setting loose his deepest desires.
"Does anyone know of what we will do?" Ao'nung asks quietly, leaning down to touch his forehead to Neteyam's.
Neteyam smiles, brushing away a stray braid from his face. "Only the two of us and the Great Mother, I would assume."
Ao'nung chuckles. "Why me? And why do you not want to be safe?"
Neteyam trails a hand up Ao'nung's side, resting his palm over the alpha's heart. "Because you are the only one for me."
Ao'nung hums, confidence seeping into his bones. "Why do say that?"
Neteyam furrows his brows in confusion. "Because it is true. I cannot see myself with anybody else."
Ao'nung grins in delight, wrapping his arms around Neteyam's waist and pulling his lithe body into a warm embrace.
Neteyam's eyes rake over Ao'nung's torso, blinking slowly.
"I have wanted you for years," Ao'nung whispers. "You are all I can think about, Neteyam."
He guides Neteyam to sit down on the blankets, leaning over him. Neteyam lets his knees fall apart, settling down comfortably in front of the alpha.
Ao'nung groans, wrecked with desire as his pale blue gaze follows the suggestive movement.
"I cannot rid my mind of the images of you," Neteyam admits.
With a shaky inhale, Neteyam cups the back of Ao'nung's neck and pulls him closer, soft lips ghosting over the alpha's in a gentle, loving caress.
Ao'nung rests a hand against Neteyam's cheek, thumb tracing circles on the warm skin. Eyes falling shut, they lean into each other, mouths pressing together in nervous kisses.
Neteyam's hands slide down to Ao'nung's hips, slender fingers tangling in the strings of his loincloth, tugging on them. Ao'nung helps him untie the bindings, clothing falling away.
Neteyam moans softly at the sight, body feverish with desire to be taken. He hurriedly tugs his clothes off and lies down, pulling Ao'nung down with him, caging the alpha's naked hips with his thighs.
"You are beautiful," Ao'nung whispers.
A deep indigo flush dusts Neteyam's cheeks as he bites down on his lower lip to keep a needy whine in check.
Ao'nung chases the omega's sweet lips, catching them in a deep kiss. Neteyam arches up against him, chests pressed flush together. Ao'nung grips his waist, pulling him closer.
The smells of Neteyam's desire rolls off him in deep waves, chest heaving with every breath he takes as Ao'nung trails kisses down his throat, pushing him deeper into wild desires until Neteyam feels like he might lose control over his rationality — he probably has already when he asked Ao'nung to take him.
Neteyam is wet with slick, hips shifting restlessly. His body is long since ready for Ao'nung, and the alpha can smell this on him.
With gentle hands, Neteyam guides Ao'nung's hips against his, wheeping members rubbing together.
"I'm yours now, Ao'nung," the words rolls off Neteyam's tongue like the sweetest of prayers, settling like a silk veil over Ao'nung's shoulders. "Have me."
Ao'nung whimpers, glossy-eyed and burning with desire. The smell of Neteyam's heat drives him mad. His hips buck helplessly — Neteyam moans softly, head lolling back, exposing his throat. Ao'nung peppers the skin with little kisses.
Then, he wraps a careful hand around himself and leans back, eyes lingering on Neteyam's hips before his gaze slips lower, to places more sinful. He swallows thickly and presses his tip against Neteyam's entrance, rubbing against the tight ring of muscles gently.
Neteyam smiles softly up at him and gives him an encouraging nod.
Slowly, Ao'nung pushes into Neteyam's body, stretching him open deliciously, moving his hips forward into the soft body of his lover. Neteyam's toes curl, body littered in goosebumps from the slight burn. Neteyam's legs fall open, making way for Ao'nung.
The alpha pushes in to the hilt, settling between Neteyam's thighs, sighing softly in relief. Neteyam moans softly as Ao'nung grabs his hips, dragging his member out of his body until only his tip remains inside the omega.
He knows he won't last long, not with senses going haywire from Neteyam's heat. Ao'nung presses inside slowly, head bumping against Neteyam's sweet spot, sending tingles up the Omaticaya’s spine.
"I see you," Ao'nung whispers, slowly moving his hips, rocking into his lover's body with a lazy rhythm.
Neteyam whimpers, toes curling. "I see you, Ao'nung."
Ao'nung has never seen a man so beautiful before; his eyes linger on Neteyam's lips until he notices the omega's hand settle on his stomach. Neteyam murmurs a soft prayer as Ao'nung rocks into his body gently, drawing moans from his lips.
Ao'nung whispers his prayers along with him, hand coming to rest over Neteyam's.
Neteyam smiles softly at him, bunny teeth poking out. Ao'nung swoons, hips picking up the pace.
Neteyam's thighs shake; he's breathing heavily, hair falling over his face, covering the pretty blush on his cheeks as he shudders, grasping at Ao'nung's shoulders.
Ao'nung yerks his hips forward into the soft body in front of him, a satisfied hum escaping him. Neteyam falls apart completely under the alpha. His eyeslashes pearl with teardrops of pleasure as he clenches his eyes shut, loud in his moans.
Ao'nung watches his face, unable to tear his eyes from the beauty that is Neteyam.
Neteyam pants heavily. "I'm close."
"So am I," Ao'nung whispers, pupils blown wide enough that his pale blue irises are barely visible behind the blackness.
Neteyam moans as Ao'nung rubs against his prostate relentlessly with each drag of his hips. Neteyam's slick smears the Metcayina's thighs.
"Ao'nung, please," he exhales, voice trembling slightly. "I need more, please."
Ao'nung shushes him with a sweet kiss, teeth nibbling on his lower lip. Neteyam parts his lips, tongue poking out; Ao'nung lets him slip it into his mouth.
Tingles shoot up Neteyam's spine as his sweet spot is rammed into. His body rocks forward with each thrust, Ao'nung holds him by the hips, pulling him down.
Please coils in Ao'nung's stomach, building up rapidly. His hips lose their rhythm, unpredictable and wild as he loses himself in the sweet body lying under him, flushed prettily and stretched out around him, only moaning for him.
Neteyam grasps at his hips, whimpering. The omega clenches around Ao'nung, shaking in desire. Pleasure shoots along his every nerve, drawing his orgasm closer.
Ao'nung gasps out Neteyam's name, head falling back, eyes half lidded as he stares up at the starry night sky.
Ao'nung can feel his pleasure building up rapidly, ready to take over his senses and he knows Neteyam is no better either.
"Fill me," Neteyam murmurs tenderly, eyes unfocused. He's dripping precum all over himself. "Make me yours forever, Ao'nung."
Ao'nung shudders, breath coming out ragged as he coats Neteyam's walls with his release, filling him deep; Neteyam's body is soaked, completely wrecked inside. His voice breaks as he cries out, feeling Ao'nung's hot release fill him, staining his walls. It pushes him over the edge and makes his vision go white.
Ao'nung stays seethed inside him, milking the last of his orgasm.
Neteyam moans softly, cheeks wet with tears of overwhelming pleasure; his orgasm washes over him like a waterfall, droplets landing on his chest, making a mess of himself. He can feel Ao'nung's burning gaze on his body, taking in his wrecked state.
Neteyam smiles softly, eyes half lidded. His lower body tingles with the aftermath of their love.
Carefully, Ao'nung eases himself out of Neteyam, not missing the shudder that wrecks the Omaticaya’s body. Ao'nung's release slips past Neteyam's rim, smearing his thighs as he slowly turns on his side, pulling his legs up.
Neteyam places a tender hand atop his stomach, tracing the skin there lovingly. Ao'nung can tell his mind is somewhere else.
Settling down behind Neteyam, Ao'nung pulls him close, wrapping him in a protective embrace. He presses a tiny kiss to the back of Neteyam's shoulder and nuzzles against him, inhaling his scent.
Neteyam relaxes in Ao'nung's arms, a smile curling his lips up as Ao'nung trails a hand down his chest, resting his palm flat against the skin right under his bellybutton.
"Do you think she heard us?" Neteyam asks softly, cheeks flushing deeper.
Ao'nung hums in response, caressing the omega's flat stomach. "I believe so."
They drift off to sleep, limbs tangled.
Neteyam is announced as Ao'nung's mate some days later, after their families get over their shock.
Ao'nung wonders how he survived Jake Sully and Lo'ak interrogating him to see if he is indeed worthy to be Neteyam's mate.
The omega had stood off to the side, smirking faintly in amusement, a subtle hand resting on his stomach, a habit that secures itself in Neteyam's core immediately after they mated. He's lead by instinct and yearning. Neteyam had always been sure of what he wanted, though he rarely chose to act on his desires.
Nobody is really shocked, when a handful of weeks later, Neteyam misses his next heat. Ao'nung is having dinner with the Sully's when Neteyam mentions it casually.
Jake Sully chokes, drawing a laugh from his children and wife, who do not seem the least bit bothered about the information.
Neteyam's stomach develops the tiniest swell another two months later.
Ao'nung sticks to his side like a baby tulkun to his mother's. He cannot keep his hands to himself, stealing touches every chance he gets.
Neteyam mesmerises the young alpha. Ao'nung cannot believe the Great Mother had gifted him with the treasure that is Neteyam. Warmth floods Ao'nung when he thinks about the young male carrying their first child.
Neteyam looks more beautiful each day his bump grows.
Soon, it is impossible to deny that he is with child, an endearing curve pressing his stomach out. Ao'nung swoons at the sight each time. He especially loves it when Neteyam caresses his stomach, tracing the patterns of his own skin.
Neteyam does everything he did before falling pregnant, though Ao'nung tries to ease his workload by offering help wherever he can. Neteyam usually rewards him with loving little kisses.
Neteyam finds his peace with Ao'nung — worries melting away as he settles into his role of independence. They move into their own, seperate marui with Ao'nung, though they continue to sneak away to Neteyam's secret clearing every few weeks, hiding from the world.
One night, Ao'nung traces Neteyam's features with his eyes, watching as the forest na'vi sleeps soundly in Ao'nung's embrace, chest rising and falling steadily.
Ao'nung's hand comes to rest on Neteyam's stomach and he knows he is home.
There is nothing more he could ever long for, he has everything he ever wanted. Ao'nung traces his thumb over the gentle swell of the bump, feeling strength seeping from Neteyam.
Ao'nung thinks Neteyam is truly wonderful.
In his eyes, nothing compares to the man sleeping in his arms.
Neteyam stirs, nose twitching as he blinks his eyes open blearily. Ao'nung smiles at him fondly. Neteyam yawns silently, hiding his face in Ao'nung's chest.
Ao'nung tickles the underside of his stomach, drawing a sweet giggle from his omega. Neteyam holds his wrist in a loose grip, pressing a kiss to Ao'nung's collarbone.
They lie, tangled together in a glorious mess of limbs. Neteyam shifts so he can press his bump against Ao'nung's stomach gently, amusing himself. Ao'nung laughs along with the smaller male, nudging the swell with his fingertips.
Neteyam can feel movements now, but, much to Ao'nung's displeasure, they cannot be felt from the outside yet.
Ao'nung ghosts his lips over Neteyam's lovingly, lulling the omega back to sleep.
He drifts off after him, a protective hand splayed over the growing child Neteyam carries under his heart.