Mending the Mechanic's Heart

Taking the Shot

The days following the incident at the garage had been a whirlwind for Pon. He had tried to settle back into his routine, focusing on his work and caring for Aon, but Sailub's constant presence in his thoughts was impossible to ignore. Every time Sailub held Aon or looked at Pon with those intense eyes, a warmth spread through Pon that he couldn't quite explain. It was comforting and terrifying all at once.

Pon had just put Aon down for a nap in the crib at the garage when Sailub approached him. The alpha's usually stern expression was softer, more hesitant, as if he was gathering his thoughts before speaking.

"Pon," Sailub started, his voice unusually gentle. "Can we talk?"

Pon looked up from his tools, a bit surprised. "Of course, Sailub. Is something wrong?"

Sailub shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "No, nothing's wrong. In fact, I wanted to ask you something." He paused, his gaze locking onto Pon's. "Would you like to go out with me? Just the two of us."

Pon blinked, taken aback by the suddenness of the question. He hadn't expected this—not from Sailub, not now. "You... want to go on a date with me?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yes," Sailub replied, his tone firm but warm. "I've been wanting to for a while now, but I didn't want to push you, especially with everything that's been happening. But I care about you, Pon. I want to get to know you better, outside of the garage, outside of all this chaos."

Pon's heart raced. This was unexpected, and he wasn't sure how to respond. His thoughts immediately went to Aon, to the responsibilities he had as a single parent, to the fear of getting too close to someone again. But as he looked into Sailub's eyes, he saw something there that reassured him—sincerity, care, and a promise of something more.

"I..." Pon hesitated, unsure of what to say. He wanted to say yes, but a part of him was still afraid. "I'm not sure, Sailub. It's just... Aon, and everything else. I don't know if I'm ready."

Sailub nodded, understanding in his eyes. "I know it's a lot to think about, and I don't want to rush you. But I want you to know that I'm here for you, Pon. I'm not just asking you out on a whim. I care about you, and Aon too. This isn't just about us—it's about the three of us, if that's something you're open to."

Pon's heart softened at Sailub's words. The alpha wasn't just thinking about him—he was thinking about Aon too. That meant more to Pon than Sailub could ever know.

"I..." Pon took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. "Okay. Let's go on a date."

Sailub's smile widened, relief washing over his features. "Thank you, Pon. I promise I'll make it a night you won't forget."

Pon smiled back, a mixture of excitement and nerves swirling within him. "I'm looking forward to it."

The night of the date came quickly. Pon, dressed in simple yet elegant clothes, stood nervously in front of the mirror in his small apartment. Aon was with Pooh for the evening, allowing Pon some much-needed time to focus on himself. He hadn't been on a date in years, and the thought of spending an evening alone with Sailub was both thrilling and terrifying.

There was a knock on the door, and Pon's heart leapt in his chest. He quickly smoothed down his clothes and took a deep breath before opening the door.

Sailub stood there, dressed in a crisp shirt and dark jeans, looking every bit the composed alpha. But there was a softness in his eyes as he looked at Pon, a tenderness that made Pon's heart flutter.

"You look beautiful," Sailub said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

Pon blushed, looking down at his feet. "Thank you. You look great too."

Sailub offered his hand, and after a brief hesitation, Pon took it. The warmth of Sailub's hand in his own was comforting, grounding him as they left the apartment and headed out into the night.

Sailub had chosen a quiet, intimate restaurant on the outskirts of the city. It was far from the hustle and bustle, surrounded by nature and offering a peaceful atmosphere that Pon immediately appreciated. They were seated in a secluded corner, the dim lighting creating a cozy ambiance.

As they sat down, Sailub watched Pon carefully, noticing the way the omega seemed to relax in the quiet surroundings. "Is this okay?" Sailub asked, wanting to ensure Pon was comfortable.

Pon nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yes, it's perfect. Thank you, Sailub."

Throughout the meal, Sailub was attentive and gentle, asking Pon about his interests, his dreams, and his life before Aon. Pon found himself opening up more than he expected, sharing parts of himself that he usually kept hidden. There was something about Sailub that made him feel safe, something that allowed him to lower his guard.

As the evening went on, the conversation shifted to Aon, and Pon couldn't help but notice the way Sailub's eyes softened every time the baby was mentioned. "He really likes you, you know," Pon said, smiling at the memory of Aon calming down in Sailub's arms.

Sailub chuckled, a proud glint in his eyes. "I like him too. He's a great kid. You're doing an amazing job with him, Pon."

Pon blushed at the compliment, feeling a warmth spread through him. "Thank you, Sailub. That means a lot."

Sailub reached across the table, gently taking Pon's hand in his own. "I meant what I said before, Pon. I care about you and Aon. I want to be there for both of you, if you'll let me."

Pon looked down at their joined hands, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel the sincerity in Sailub's words, the promise of something real, something lasting. It scared him, but it also excited him.

"I'd like that, Sailub," Pon finally said, his voice soft but firm. "I'd like that a lot."

Sailub's smile was radiant, his thumb gently stroking Pon's hand. "Then it's a start," he said, his voice filled with hope. "A new beginning for all of us."

As they left the restaurant and walked hand in hand under the stars, Pon couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment that he hadn't felt in a long time. Sailub's presence was steady and reassuring, and for the first time in a long while, Pon allowed himself to hope—for a future filled with love, for a family with Sailub and Aon, and for the happiness he had thought he might never find again.

And as Sailub walked Pon back to his apartment, planting a gentle kiss on his forehead before saying goodnight, Pon knew that this was only the beginning of something truly special.