Mending the Mechanic's Heart

Aon's Choice

As Aon's fever finally broke and the baby began to show signs of improvement, the atmosphere in the hospital room had shifted from worry to cautious optimism. Pon, though still tired and strained, found solace in the steady recovery of his child. The presence of the pack, especially Sailub, had been a constant source of support.

One afternoon, as the sun cast a warm glow through the hospital windows, several pack members visited. They brought along treats and small gifts, but their primary focus was on spending time with Aon. Sailub was, as usual, attentively stationed by Aon's crib, gently playing with the baby while murmuring soothing words.

Michael, who had become particularly fond of Aon during the visits, approached with a hopeful smile. "Hey, Pon. I thought I'd take Aon for a bit and give you a break. He seems to like me too." Michael extended his arms, ready to hold the baby.

Pon, still getting used to the new dynamics, nodded in appreciation. "Thanks, Michael. He's been pretty calm today."

Michael gently lifted Aon from the crib, and the baby initially seemed content. But as soon as Michael started moving, Aon's mood shifted noticeably. The baby's little face scrunched up, and he began to fuss, his tiny hands reaching out and his eyes scanning the room with a clear sense of distress.

Pon watched with concern, noticing how Aon's cries grew louder. Michael tried to soothe the baby, speaking in a gentle voice, but the fussing didn't subside. "Come on, Aon. It's just me, Michael. Let's calm down, okay?"

The baby's cries intensified, and Pon could hear a distinct, repeated word through Aon's distress. "Dada... dada..." Aon's voice was plaintive and urgent, a stark contrast to the earlier calm.

Pon was taken aback by the sound. "Dada?" he muttered to himself, puzzled by what Aon was calling for.

The pack, too, was watching with a mix of confusion and concern. Pavel, Nut, and the others exchanged worried glances. They could see Michael's efforts to comfort Aon weren't working, and the baby's cries were growing more frantic.

Sailub, who had been observing the scene from his seat near the crib, stood up abruptly. His expression was a mix of irritation and concern. He approached Michael and gently took Aon from his arms.

As soon as Aon was in Sailub's embrace, the baby's cries ceased almost instantly. Aon's face lit up with recognition and relief. He snuggled into Sailub's arms, his small hands resting contentedly on the alpha's chest. Happy, cooing noises replaced the previous distress, and Sailub's face softened as he cradled the baby securely.

Pon's eyes widened in astonishment. "Aon... he's calling Sailub 'Dada'?" he asked, almost to himself.

The realization dawned on the rest of the pack, and they exchanged knowing looks. Michael, still standing with a puzzled expression, glanced at Sailub and Aon. "I guess Aon really has taken a liking to Sailub," he said, slightly awkward but understanding the situation.

Pon was in a state of mild shock. He had noticed how attached Aon had become to Sailub, but the sudden revelation of "Dada" had taken him by surprise. The way Aon responded to Sailub with such obvious affection and comfort was unexpected. Pon's heart ached a little with mixed feelings—gratitude for Sailub's support and a sense of bewilderment at how quickly Aon had bonded with him.

Sailub, however, remained focused entirely on Aon. The alpha was oblivious to the deeper implications of the situation, his only concern being the baby's well-being. He gently rocked Aon back and forth, humming a soft lullaby.

Pon, feeling the weight of the moment, stepped closer. "Sailub... thank you. I don't know how to express how much this means to me," he said quietly, his voice tinged with emotion.