The Lunar Vanguard (SunSun)

Chapter 6: bonding

In the days following his arrival at the Lunar Vanguard, Sunoo found himself gradually adjusting to his new surroundings, aided by the warmth and support of Sunghoon, the alpha who had taken a keen interest in his well-being.

Sunoo sat on the porch of his cabin, a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves overhead as he stared out into the dense forest surrounding him. It had been a week since he had been discharged from the hospital, and each day brought new challenges and discoveries.

Sunghoon had been a constant presence during Sunoo's first days in the pack, helping him settle into his cabin and offering guidance on the pack's customs. Despite Sunghoon's formidable presence as a true alpha, Sunoo was struck by his genuine kindness and patience.

"Sunoo," Sunghoon's voice broke through his thoughts as the alpha approached, a thoughtful expression on his face. "How are you feeling today?"

Sunoo glanced up, offering a tentative smile. "I'm... adjusting, I think. It's all still a bit overwhelming."

Sunghoon nodded understandingly, settling into the chair next to him. "It takes time," he said softly. "You've been through a lot, but you're safe here. The pack is here for you."

Sunoo appreciated Sunghoon's reassurance, the weight of his words offering a sense of comfort amidst the uncertainty. "Thank you, hyung," he murmured gratefully. "For everything you've done for me."

Sunghoon inclined his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You don't need to thank me, Sunoo. It's what we do for each other in the pack."

They sat in companionable silence for a while, the quiet broken only by the sounds of the forest around them. Sunoo found himself studying Sunghoon, taking in the alpha's strong profile and the air of authority that seemed to come naturally to him. Yet, there was a warmth in his eyes whenever he looked at Sunoo, a silent reassurance that spoke volumes. The omega always felt like there's something missing when he looked at the alpha. It made him feel more lonely without his wolf.

"Can I ask you something?" Sunoo finally ventured, breaking the silence.

Sunghoon turned his attention fully to Sunoo, nodding encouragingly. "Of course. Anything you want to know."

Sunoo hesitated for a moment before continuing. "What... what was it like for you when you first joined the pack? Were you... scared?"

Sunghoon's expression softened, a flicker of nostalgia crossing his features. "I was young," he admitted quietly. "Scared, yes, but also hopeful. The pack took me in when I had nowhere else to go. They taught me about our history, our traditions. It wasn't easy, but I found my place here."

Sunoo listened intently, struck by the parallels between Sunghoon's story and his own. "And... your wolf?" he asked hesitantly. "Did you always feel its presence?"

Sunghoon's gaze turned distant for a moment, as if lost in memories. "Not always," he confessed. "There were times when I doubted myself, when I felt alone. But the pack... they helped me find my way back. Wolves are sensitive creatures. Any harm could make them weak"

Sunoo nodded thoughtfully, a sense of kinship forming between them. "I hope... I hope I can find that too," he murmured softly.

"You will, your omega was hurt like no other wolf," Sunghoon assured him with quiet confidence. "It takes time, but you will."

As they sat together, sharing stories and silent understanding, Sunoo felt a shift within himself. The walls he had built around his heart began to soften, allowing him to embrace the possibility of belonging to something greater than himself. With Sunghoon's guidance and the support of the pack, he dared to hope that he could find healing and acceptance.

Later that day, Sunoo joined Sunghoon for training. He has been training with the alpha in private sessions, which the alpha offered him, for days now and it was like he had a natural talent for it.

The occasional clang of metal echoed as Sunoo sparred with Sunghoon in the pack's training grounds. They moved fluidly, Sunghoon's skilled strikes met by Sunoo's agile dodges and counterattacks. He was doing great despite his short training. The omega was a fast learner.

Just as Sunoo parried a particularly swift blow, a burst of laughter erupted nearby. Turning his head, Sunoo spotted a younger pack member, Ni-ki, leaning casually against a tree, his expression amused and eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Hey there, newbie!" Ni-ki called out, grinning broadly. "You fight like a pro, but can you handle my moves?"

Sunoo's brow furrowed slightly, unsure if Ni-ki was mocking him or genuinely curious. Sunghoon, catching on to the teasing tone, chuckled softly. "Ni-ki, don't you have something better to do than bother Sunoo?"

Ni-ki feigned innocence, his grin widening. "Bother? Oh, I'm just here to offer some friendly competition! Besides, Sunoo looks like he could use a challenge."

Sunoo's lips twitched into a half-smile, warming up to Ni-ki's playful demeanor. "Is that so? Well, I'm always up for a challenge."

Sunghoon shook his head, though his eyes twinkled with amusement. Ni-ki was the first pack member to approach Sunoo after he left the hospital. Sunghoon was glad that rather than feeling threatened, Sunoo actually warmed up to the younger. "Alright, Ni-ki, let's see what you've got. But go easy on him, alright?"

Ni-ki winked at Sunoo, then lunged forward with surprising speed, engaging him in a mock fight. Sunoo matched his energy, their movements blending into a dance of skill and camaraderie.

As they sparred, Ni-ki's teasing banter lightened the atmosphere, and Sunoo found himself laughing between exchanges. It was clear Ni-ki meant no harm; his jests were simply his way of welcoming Sunoo into the pack dynamic. He was clearly so much better than Sunoo, but the omega was having fun for the first time in a while.

Sunghoon approached them, clapping Ni-ki on the shoulder. "Alright, enough for today. We should head back".

Ni-ki pouted jokingly. "Aw, already? I was just getting warmed up!"

"and Ni-ki,  Sunoo is older he is your hyung". The alpha added with a smile.

Ni-ki pouted "Why is everyone in this pack older than me".

Sunoo chuckled, feeling a sense of camaraderie he hadn't expected. As they walked back to the pack's main area, Sunoo found himself grateful for Ni-ki's spirited presence and the welcoming nature of his new packmate.