Mending the Mechanic's Heart

A Much-Needed Escape

The days following Sailub and Pon’s heartfelt confession were blissful but tinged with the usual chaos of everyday life. Aon, now more attuned to the presence of his parents’ blossoming relationship, seemed happier than ever. Pon, however, couldn’t shake off the lingering exhaustion from juggling his responsibilities—taking care of Aon, managing the garage, and navigating the new depths of his relationship with Sailub.

It was during a quiet moment at the garage, with Aon happily napping in his playpen, that Pooh approached Pon, who was busy checking the inventory. He had a mischievous glint in his eye, one that Pon recognized all too well.

“Hey, little bro,” Pooh began, leaning casually against the workbench. “How are you holding up?”

Pon looked up, wiping his hands on a rag. “I’m good, Pooh. Why?”

Pooh chuckled. “Well, I couldn’t help but notice that you and Sailub are… getting pretty close.”

Pon blushed, the warmth creeping up his neck as he tried to focus on the task in front of him. “We’re doing fine, Pooh. Thanks for asking.”

“Fine, huh?” Pooh grinned, knowing there was more to it than Pon was letting on. He placed a hand on Pon’s shoulder, turning serious. “Look, I know how much you’ve been through, and I know how much you love Aon, but you and Sailub need some time for yourselves too.”

Pon opened his mouth to protest, but Pooh cut him off. “Just hear me out. I’m offering to take care of Aon for a few days. You two need a break—a real one. Get away from all this for a little while and just focus on each other.”

Pon hesitated, his mind racing. The idea of leaving Aon, even for a short time, filled him with anxiety. He glanced over at Sailub, who was deep in conversation with Pavel and Nut about the upcoming race. The alpha looked so focused, so serious, yet Pon knew how much he carried on his shoulders.

Pooh noticed Pon’s reluctance and squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. “I get it, Pon. But you need this, and so does Sailub. I promise I’ll take care of everything. Aon will be in good hands, and I’ll send you updates every minute if you need them.”

Pon looked at his brother, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. Pooh was right—they did need this. A little time away might be exactly what they needed to solidify their relationship and recharge. Still, the thought of leaving Aon was daunting.

“I don’t know, Pooh…” Pon began, but his voice trailed off when Sailub approached, overhearing the conversation.

“What’s going on?” Sailub asked, glancing between the two brothers.

Pooh wasted no time. “I was just telling Pon that you two should take a vacation. Get away for a few days. I’ll take care of Aon, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.”

Sailub’s brow furrowed in concern. “A vacation? I don’t know… I mean, leaving Aon…”

“Pooh can handle it,” Pon interjected, surprising himself with the sudden decision. “He’s right. Maybe we do need a break.”

Sailub looked at Pon, searching his face for any signs of doubt. When he found none, he sighed, the weight of their shared responsibilities suddenly feeling a bit lighter. “If you’re sure, then… okay.”

Pooh grinned, clapping his hands together. “Great! I’ve already got everything planned. You two just pack your bags and leave the rest to me.”

The next few hours were a whirlwind of preparations. Pon and Sailub packed their bags, filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Aon, sensing the unusual activity, became a bit fussy, clinging to Pon more than usual, which made the decision even harder. But Pooh, true to his word, kept reassuring them that everything would be fine.

As they loaded the last of their things into the car, Sailub and Pon stood by the front door, watching as Pooh held Aon, who was now calmer in his uncle’s arms. The alpha reached out, giving Aon a gentle kiss on the forehead.

“Be good for Uncle Pooh, okay?” Sailub whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Aon gurgled in response, his tiny hand reaching out to touch Sailub’s face, as if sensing the alpha’s hesitance. Pon leaned in, giving Aon one last hug, feeling the familiar pang of separation anxiety.

“I’ll miss you, baby,” Pon whispered, his voice trembling.

Pooh gave them a confident smile. “I’ve got this, I promise. I’ll send you updates as often as you need them. Go, enjoy yourselves. You deserve it.”

With one last glance at Aon, Sailub and Pon finally turned to leave, their hearts heavy yet hopeful.

---

The drive to the secluded cabin Pooh had arranged for them was quiet. Pon sat in the passenger seat, lost in thought, while Sailub navigated the winding roads. The air between them was filled with an unspoken tension—not the kind that threatened to tear them apart, but the kind that built anticipation for the days ahead.

When they finally arrived, the cabin was everything Pooh had promised—secluded, peaceful, surrounded by nature. As Sailub parked the car, they both sat there for a moment, taking in the tranquility of their surroundings.

“Are you okay?” Sailub asked softly, breaking the silence.

Pon nodded, but there was a nervousness in his eyes. “I just… I’ve never been away from Aon like this. It feels strange.”

Sailub reached over, taking Pon’s hand in his. “I know. I feel the same. But this is important—for us. We need this time to just… be together.”

Pon squeezed Sailub’s hand, finding comfort in the alpha’s steady presence. “You’re right. Let’s make the most of it.”

They spent the day exploring the area around the cabin, walking through the woods and enjoying the serenity that was a stark contrast to their usual hectic lives. The tension between them gradually eased, replaced by a sense of calm and contentment.

As the sun began to set, they returned to the cabin, where Sailub prepared a simple yet delicious dinner. They ate on the porch, the soft glow of the sunset casting a golden light over them. For the first time in a long while, Pon felt at peace, truly at ease.

After dinner, they retreated inside, lighting a fire in the hearth as the night air turned cooler. Pon sat on the rug by the fire, staring into the flames as Sailub joined him, sitting close, their shoulders touching.

“This is nice,” Pon murmured, leaning into Sailub’s warmth. “I can’t remember the last time I felt this relaxed.”

Sailub smiled, wrapping an arm around Pon’s shoulders. “I’m glad. You deserve to feel this way.”

They sat in comfortable silence, the crackling of the fire the only sound in the room. Sailub’s hand gently stroked Pon’s arm, a soothing motion that made Pon feel safe, cherished. He turned his head to look at Sailub, their eyes meeting in the dim light.

“Thank you,” Pon whispered, his voice filled with gratitude. “For everything.”

Sailub leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Pon’s forehead. “I’m the one who should be thanking you, Pon. You’ve given me more than I could ever ask for.”

Their lips met in a slow, tender kiss, a moment of intimacy that spoke volumes about the depth of their feelings. Sailub’s hand cupped Pon’s cheek, holding him gently as the kiss deepened, both of them savoring the closeness they shared.

When they finally pulled back, Pon rested his forehead against Sailub’s, their breaths mingling in the cool air. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, wrapped in the warmth of the fire and each other.

“Let’s stay like this,” Pon whispered, his voice barely audible.

“Always,” Sailub replied, his voice filled with promise.

And so they stayed, holding each other close, letting the night unfold around them. In that moment, nothing else mattered—just the two of them, together, finding solace in each other’s arms, and the unspoken bond that would carry them through whatever came next.