༻Unconditional Love༺

Chapter 23

Neteyam looked up at his mate. He was exhausted and had been weaving baskets most of the day. His hands felt like they could fall off and he honestly wished they would.

" Neteyam, what's wrong?" Ao'nung asked.

" I'm exhausted..."

" I brought fish so you could cook."

" I can't today—the babies need washing and..." Neteyam whispered.

" Who else will do it?" Ao'nung asked.

" You." Neteyam bit his lip.

" Me? No—I can't."

" Why is your ego too high?" Neteyam grumbled.

" What?" Ao'nung asked.

" Sorry. I'm grumpy...why can't you."

" I don't—I dunno how." Ao'nung shrugged.

" What? How do you not know. Fine. I'll fucking do it." Neteyam sighed.

" I-..." Ao'nung's breath hitched.
" You should rest. I'll do it."

" Do what?"

" I'll do the babies—and the dinner." Ao'nung stated.

" No no. It's fine. You are still sick either way."

" I'm not—Well...I am! But that's not the point." Ao'nung took Nahele from his hands.
" Look, I promised I'd help!"

" I don't know..."

" You do not trust me?"

" What! No! Of course I do Ma'Nung! I do!"

" Then why can't I?"

" I...you can. Just, be careful."

" Okay." Ao'nung nodded.

" You sure you don't need help? With anything? Because I can help!"

" Yes! Ma'Teyam! Go to bed!"

Neteyam nodded and laid down slowly on the mat, deciding just to rest and not to sleep. He eyed his mate, washing the babies in their baskets. He smiled for a moment, almost glad he let Ao'nung help.

" You are such a cute baby!" Ao'nung cooed in a baby voice.

Nahele couldn't respond but his happiness beamed through the room and even Me'lati let out a few baby laughs.

" Okay...up and out." Ao'nung instructed himself.

He grabbed small blankets woven with soft material and wrapped the babies with them, setting them down and starting a fire in the middle of the maruis.

" No—Nahe! Don't eat your sister!" Ao'nung whined.

*Baby noise*

" Okay, it's cute. But no."

Neteyam smiled and watched Ao'nung begin to cook while the babies took warmth from the fire.

" You are so beautiful." Neteyam mumbled.

" Huh?" Ao'nung jumped.

" Oh! I did not mean to frighten. I just couldn't sleep." He smiled.

" Mhm..." Ao'nung whispered.

" But it's true—what I said."

" You and your flirting need to rest."

" No...I'll only rest in your arms."

" So clingy."

" Is that bad?" Neteyam frowned.

" No—Sometimes. But I like you."

" Well. I'm glad you like me."

" How do you like your fish?"

" How do you make your fish?"

" Any way."

" I thought you didn't know how."

" I thought you were tired."

" Sexy."

" Cute."

" I think I won." Neteyam smiled.

" How so?"

" Well. I always win."

" At what?"

" Everything."

" Since when?" Ao'nung laughed.

" Since forever!"

" Really now?"

" Hey, I'm in favor of Ewya. Don't get jealous."

" Jealous of what?" Ao'nung rolled his eyes playfully.

" Oh me."

" You are so full of yourself!"

" Confidence is key!" Neteyam laughed.

" Is it now?"

" Yes."

" Mhm..."

" You know I'm right baby boy." Neteyam teased.

" Oh, so now I'm baby boy?"

" What? You don't like it?"

" Hm. Yes, I do."

" Baby boy it is then."

" Oh shut up! Go set the table you flirt."

" You love my flirting!" Neteyam laughed.

" I'd love it more if you were sexy."

" Now that's cold."

" What is?"

" That's mean, and veil—and cold!"

" Fine, you are smoking hot. You make me want to melt into a million pieces. I want to collect anything you have touched or anything that has left your body. I want to have your kids." Ao'nung teased.

" You—You!" Neteyam flushed.

" What?"

" If that wasn't so hot...I would've."

" Would've what?"

" Nothin."

" Mhm."

" is the food done?"

" Did I ask for the plates?"

" No."

" Then that's your answer."

" Jeez. You bath the kids once and suddenly you are strict."

" You love my mama mode."

" Since when was there a mama mode."

" Since...always."

" I love you." Neteyam smiled.

" I... I love you two. Now hurry and serve this delicious fish. That I cooked!" Ao'nung chuckled.