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A simple beading ceremony was something recorded by the family, but that was mostly because it was just a big moment. It wasn’t actually some important, secretive thing. No doubt, his family would be happy to share this part of their culture with Earth.
As they reached the center of the island, Sophie smiled back at him. Her eyes were sparkling with excitement, and he couldn’t really be upset that he had lost a chance to fuck her again when she just looked so pleased with everything.
The other females of the family were waiting, all of them calling out to Sophie. Welcoming her to join them in a moment that was the true start of the beading ceremony. There were some things she wouldn’t be able to do – like passing on old toys as she transitioned into an adult – but for things like the spirit offering tonight or receiving a caress on the forehead from all her new female relatives, she would be welcomed like any other allowee.
Serval stopped then, watching her go with a tender smile. His heart quivering with joy to see her enveloped by his female relatives – friends and family he’d known all his life engulfing her, accepting her as one of their own. The males and undeclared younglings remained apart from them. The younglings more interested in playing anyway, and the males coming to surround him. Which surprised Serval as the beading ceremony had nothing to do with him.
“You look like someone stole your favorite toy,” one of his cousins laughed, smacking him on the back, as another put his arm around his shoulder.
“Come on, Servalee,” he said, dragging him into the group of males. “Since the females are all pampering your mate, let’s have a fun male’s night. You can tell us about everything you’ve seen since you were here last.”
Serval allowed them to pull him along. All of them chatting, a few holding their younglings that were fresh from the nesting pools, but all of them smiling and eager to hear him. His family. When was the last time he’d really allowed himself to enjoy them like this?
His father was suddenly there, replacing his cousins as they pulled out a fishbone frisbee to toss around as a group of new fathers settled in together.
That could be him someday soon, he thought, looking at them. The rei were still small, though not as small as when they were born. Very little growth was done in the first few tendays under the water’s surface. Mostly, they were being populated by the wii and then using those wii to start building the proteins they’d need to grow. They also weren’t used to a world outside water, so their movements were more abrupt, and they tended to hit hard on accident. Which was why males tended to carry them around, as it was harder to hurt them than females.
And that very well could be him one day. Holding onto their young, making sure to watch when Sophie held them because they wouldn’t be able to control their own strength yet. Carrying them around and chatting with other fathers as they tried to figure it all out.
“She will make beautiful grandrei,” his father said suddenly, reminding Serval of his presence. He looked over, not surprised to see Woll also looking at the circle of fathers. Though his gaze was more nostalgic than contemplative.
“She really will,” Serval agreed, looking away from him again. “When we’re prepared. She said she isn’t ready yet.”
“And neither are you.”
Serval didn’t try to argue. He just looked aside at his father. “Does it bother you?”
Woll made a gesture with his hands as if to say whatever. “You and Valorei are happy. That’s all I ever needed in my life. Besides, it’s hardly a surprise. You were never the kind to settle down. You know, when you were still in your nesting pool, I had to be present all day and night because you had the habit of jumping out and beaching yourself.”
Serval laughed. “I did not.”
“You did,” Woll assured him with an amused smile. “Nearly killed me and your mother the first time you did it and no one noticed for nearly a quarter mark. By the time we got you back underwater, you were almost dried out. And then you did it again the very next day.”
Serval chuckled, crossing his arms. “My young will be hybrids. It will be interesting to see what happens to them.”
“Who knows,” Woll shrugged. “But if they’re anything like you, be prepared to lose all hope of sleep as you watch over them in the pools.”
“Well, at least you don’t have to worry about that anymore.”
Woll laughed once. “Are you kidding? Now, I stay up all hours checking your news feed to see what terrible place you found yourself in this time. Every time I watch your vids, I get palpitations.”
Serval blinked, startled. He looked at his father in surprise. “You… watch my vids?”
Woll gave him a look. “You think we didn’t?”
“I… guess I just figured it wouldn’t be that interesting to you,” he said slowly. “You and ilala never showed any interest in universal news before.”
“And we still don’t,” Woll assured him. “Spirits know, we got more than enough problems here on Wav’aii. I don’t need to be worrying about the rest of the universe too. I don’t watch it for the news. I watch it for my son.”
Woll reached out, cupping his face.
“Your ilala and I are so proud of the work you do. Why would we not watch that? It doesn’t matter if you’re a rei in the pools, or a grown male on the news, you’re still our youngling, and we will always watch over you.”
Stunned by the sincerity, unprepared for the force of emotions, Serval could just stare, amazed, until his father turned and laughed at some antic or other from his cousins.
It took him a while to gather himself. But as he did, something inside him seemed to click into place. Something that was always wandering here and there, constantly trying to get away. After a long life of getting into places he didn’t belong, it finally settled.
He still couldn’t wait to get back to his ship, to return to his stories.
