Mending the Mechanic's Heart

The Alpha's Watchful Eye

The garage buzzed with activity as usual, the sounds of engines revving and tools clattering filling the air. But today, there was a different energy, a subtle undercurrent of tension that everyone seemed to feel.

Pon arrived early, as he always did, his steps slow and deliberate as he made his way inside. He was still sore from the previous day, but he had pushed himself to come to work, not wanting to fall behind. The garage was his escape, a place where he could lose himself in the mechanics of engines and forget about the bruises and the pain.

As he entered, Pon noticed the glances that the others threw his way—some concerned, some curious. He did his best to ignore them, focusing on his task for the day. He was assigned to work on Pavel's car, a job he usually looked forward to. But today, the excitement was dulled by the lingering aches in his body.

Before he could start, however, Sailub, the pack's alpha, approached him. The older alpha's presence was commanding, his gaze steady as he looked Pon over. Sailub's expression was unreadable, but Pon could sense the concern beneath the surface.

"How are you feeling today, Pon?" Sailub asked, his voice calm but with a hint of something deeper—worry, perhaps.

Pon straightened up, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, Alpha. Just a little sore, but nothing I can't handle."

Sailub's eyes narrowed slightly, as if he wasn't entirely convinced. "If you need more time to rest, you should take it. Your health is important, Pon."

Pon shook his head. "I appreciate the concern, but I'm okay. I want to keep working."

There was a pause as Sailub studied him, and Pon felt a flicker of unease. The alpha was known for his protective nature, especially towards the members of his pack, and Pon didn't want to appear weak or incapable.

Finally, Sailub nodded, though his eyes remained watchful. "Alright, but if you feel unwell or need a break, let me know immediately."

"I will, Alpha. Thank you."

Satisfied, Sailub gave Pon a brief nod and stepped away, though Pon could feel the alpha's gaze linger on him as he moved to start his work. Sailub's concern was touching, but it also made Pon uneasy. He didn't want to be seen as a burden, especially when he was trying so hard to prove himself.

As Pon settled into his task, he couldn't help but notice that the atmosphere in the garage felt different. The usual banter and jokes were more subdued, and there was a sense of carefulness in how the others interacted with him. Even the alphas who typically kept their distance seemed more aware of his presence, their gazes lingering a little too long.

It was Nut who approached him first. The aloof alpha had always maintained a certain distance from Pon, but today there was a softness in his eyes, a tentative concern that Pon hadn't seen before.

"Need any help with that?" Nut asked, his tone casual but lacking its usual sharpness.

Pon looked up in surprise, not used to Nut offering assistance. "I think I've got it, but thanks."

Nut nodded, his gaze flickering to the tools Pon was using. "If you need anything, just let me know. And if anyone gives you trouble..."

The unfinished sentence hung in the air, and Pon felt a rush of gratitude. Nut wasn't the type to express his feelings openly, but this was his way of showing that he cared. Pon gave him a small, appreciative smile.

"Thanks, Nut. I'll be fine."

Nut lingered for a moment longer before moving back to his own work, though Pon noticed that he stayed within earshot, his attention occasionally drifting back to Pon.

The rest of the pack seemed to be keeping a close eye on him as well. Whenever Pon needed something—a tool, an extra hand—someone was there before he could even ask. It was as if the entire garage had quietly decided to make sure he was okay, without drawing too much attention to it.

But it was Sailub's presence that was the most noticeable. The alpha was everywhere, checking in on the progress of the work, offering advice, and subtly steering anyone who came too close to Pon. He didn't say anything more about the previous day, but Pon could feel the alpha's protective instincts at play, his careful watch over the omega who had caught his attention.

As the day went on, Pon found himself slowly relaxing, the tension easing as the pack's quiet support surrounded him. Despite the lingering soreness in his body, the knowledge that the others were looking out for him gave him a sense of comfort he hadn't expected.

By the time lunch rolled around, Pon felt a little more like himself. He was still tired, still aching, but the care and concern from his packmates had warmed something inside him. For so long, he had been trying to do everything on his own, to prove that he didn't need anyone's help. But maybe, just maybe, it was okay to lean on others every once in a while.

As he sat down for lunch, Pon noticed that Sailub had joined him, his presence steady and reassuring. The alpha didn't say much, simply eating his meal in companionable silence beside Pon. But the quiet companionship spoke volumes, and Pon found himself appreciating it more than he could put into words.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of activity, but through it all, Pon felt the pack's care wrapped around him like a warm blanket. And when the day finally came to an end, he left the garage with a sense of belonging that he hadn't felt in a long time.

As Pon walked home, his mind wandered to Aon, to the little boy who would be waiting for him with a bright smile. And for the first time in days, Pon felt a glimmer of hope that maybe things would be okay.

Because as long as he had his pack—his family—by his side, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.