Mending the Mechanic's Heart

Fear of Losing Everything

The hum of machinery and the clatter of tools filled the X-Hunters garage as the team busied themselves with their work. Engines revved and the scent of motor oil lingered in the air—a familiar and comforting atmosphere for everyone there. Despite the usual hustle, there was a noticeable lightness among the group. With baby Aon spending the day with Sailub's parents, the team could fully focus on their tasks, confident that the little one was in good hands.

Pon was in his element, his focus entirely on the engine he was fine-tuning. His brow furrowed in concentration, and every now and then, he would glance over at Sailub, who was overseeing another project across the room. Despite the distance between them, their connection was palpable—small smiles and reassuring looks exchanged whenever they caught each other's eye.

Nut and Pavel were working nearby, occasionally throwing teasing comments at each other, while Pooh was in the pit, checking the alignment on one of the cars. It was just another day in the garage, the team operating like a well-oiled machine.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted.

The sound of footsteps, heavier and more purposeful than usual, echoed through the garage. Pon glanced up, his hands stilling as he recognized the man approaching. Bank. His heart skipped a beat, a mixture of unease and protectiveness flaring within him.

Bank's eyes locked onto Pon, a smug smirk playing on his lips as he made his way over. Pon's body tensed, and though he tried to maintain his composure, the memories of their last encounter—and the secrets that had followed—surfaced, causing his chest to tighten.

"Pon," Bank greeted, his voice oozing with a false sense of familiarity. "We need to talk."

Pon straightened, wiping his hands on a rag to give himself a moment to steady his nerves. "I don't have anything to say to you, Bank," he replied, keeping his tone as calm as possible.

Bank's smirk widened as he stepped closer, his presence immediately setting Pon on edge. "Come on, don't be like that. We have unfinished business, remember?" His eyes glinted with something dark, something that made Pon's skin crawl.

The tension in the garage was palpable, and the team started noticing the interaction. Nut was the first to catch on, his sharp gaze narrowing as he observed the exchange from a distance. Pavel and Pooh also took note, their hands pausing in their work as they began to pay closer attention.

Bank reached out, his hand grazing Pon's arm in a way that was far too familiar, far too invasive. Pon recoiled, his instinct to protect himself and his family surging. "Don't touch me," he snapped, stepping back, but Bank persisted, his expression hardening.

"You can't ignore me forever," Bank hissed, his tone taking on a more menacing edge. "We have a lot to discuss, especially about Aon. Or did you think I wouldn't figure out the truth?"

Pon's breath caught in his throat. The one thing he had feared, the secret he had kept to himself, was now out in the open. His thoughts raced, but he knew he couldn't let Bank intimidate him—not here, not in front of the people who had become his family.

Before Pon could respond, Sailub appeared, his presence like a looming storm as he approached with determined strides. The shift in the atmosphere was immediate—whereas Bank's presence had brought tension, Sailub's arrival brought a sense of protection, an unspoken promise that he wouldn't let anything happen to Pon.

"Is there a problem here?" Sailub's voice was calm, but there was an undercurrent of warning that couldn't be ignored. His eyes locked onto Bank with a gaze that could cut through steel.

Bank turned to face Sailub, his smirk faltering as he took in the alpha's imposing figure. "This is between me and Pon," he said, though there was a noticeable edge of uncertainty in his voice now.