The car ride was quiet and serene, with only the sound of the city's nighttime buzz filtering in through the windows. Pon's focus was on the road, but every so often, he would glance over at Sailub, watching the alpha resting in the passenger seat. Sailub looked peaceful, his usually sharp features softened by sleep. Pon's lips curved into a gentle smile as he kept one hand steady on the steering wheel and the other resting lightly on Sailub's knee.
But deep down, he could tell Sailub still wasn't feeling his best. The exhaustion from the previous night, mixed with a slight hangover, had taken its toll. That's why Pon had decided he'd just drop Sailub off and then head to his own place—no need to disturb the alpha's rest any further. They finally arrived at Sailub's condo building, and Pon carefully parked the car. He turned to his sleeping alpha, his expression tender as he reached out and lightly caressed Sailub's cheek, his thumb brushing along the sharp line of his jaw. The touch was soft, almost hesitant, as if he didn't want to wake him just yet.
But Sailub stirred under his fingers, his eyes fluttering open as he blinked sleepily, momentarily disoriented. He glanced around and then back at Pon, his expression shifting quickly from confusion to something warm and affectionate.
The alpha stirred, blinking awake slowly. His sleepy eyes, still a bit hazy, took in his surroundings before settling on Pon's face. "Mmm... we're here?" Sailub murmured, voice hoarse from sleep.
"Yes, we're at your place," Pon whispered softly, brushing his thumb across Sailub's jaw. "You should head up and rest. I'll—"
His eyes widened, and he gave Pon that look—the one Pon had long since realized was Sailub's secret weapon: the puppy eyes. The ones that seemed to say, Please don't leave me.
"Stay," Sailub cut him off immediately, his voice still rough but filled with determination. He sat up straighter, his gaze sharpening as he fixed Pon with a pleading look. "Please, stay with me tonight?"
Pon blinked, caught off guard by the sudden puppy eyes Sailub was giving him. The alpha rarely looked this vulnerable, and it was almost too much for Pon to handle. He bit his lip, trying to maintain his composure. "Sailub, you should rest. I'll be fine at my—"
"Please?" Sailub interrupted, his expression so earnest that it tugged at Pon's heartstrings. "You can help me with this headache," he added, voice dipping into a low, coaxing tone as he reached up to lightly massage his own temple, as if emphasizing his discomfort.
Pon narrowed his eyes playfully. "Sailub Hemmawich, you can't guilt-trip me into staying just because you drank too much last night."
Sailub pouted dramatically, his eyes wide and soulful as he leaned closer, invading Pon's personal space. "I didn't mean to drink that much. Nut and the others kept pushing... and I missed you," he murmured, voice softening even more. "I just wanted to forget how much I missed you."
The admission hit Pon like a gentle wave, making his heart skip a beat. He sighed, shaking his head with a fond smile. "It's not my fault you decided to party without telling me," he teased lightly, but his resolve was already crumbling. "You should've let me know."
"I'm sorry," Sailub mumbled, his tone so contrite that Pon almost gave in right then and there. The alpha leaned even closer, nuzzling his face into Pon's shoulder like an oversized puppy seeking comfort. "Please, just stay. I'll be good, I promise."
Pon couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up in his throat. How was he supposed to resist when Sailub was like this? He sighed again, longer this time, as if he were giving up a monumental battle. "Alright, alright. You win. I'll stay for the night."
Sailub's eyes lit up instantly, the exhaustion momentarily forgotten as he grinned like a kid who had just won his favorite toy. "Really?"
"Really," Pon confirmed with an amused shake of his head. "But only because I don't want you to strain yourself. You still need to rest properly."
"I will," Sailub promised eagerly, already fumbling with his seatbelt.
Pon felt his resolve melting. He bit back a smile, trying to look stern but failing miserably. "Fine," he relented with a small huff. "But don't think this means you're off the hook. You still have to make it up to me."
"Anything you want, baby," Sailub murmured, his voice low and filled with sincerity. Before Pon could respond, Sailub leaned in, his lips brushing against Pon's softly—just a gentle press, as if testing the waters.
Pon's breath hitched, and Sailub took that as permission to deepen the kiss. His lips moved slowly, languidly, as if savoring the taste of his omega. Pon's hands instinctively came up to clutch at Sailub's shoulders, his heart thudding loudly in his chest.
But it wasn't enough for Sailub. With a low, satisfied hum, the alpha's mouth trailed downwards, brushing kisses along Pon's jaw and then lower, to his neck. He paused at Pon's scent gland, breathing in deeply, and then pressed his lips against it, leaving small, deliberate kisses that sent shivers racing down Pon's spine.
"I love you," Sailub murmured against his skin, his voice rough with emotion. He pulled back just enough to meet Pon's eyes, his gaze intense and unwavering. "You know that, right?"
Pon swallowed hard, his chest tightening. "I know," he whispered back, his own voice shaky. "I love you too."
Sailub's arms tightened around him, and he ducked his head again, burying his face in Pon's neck as he inhaled deeply, taking in the sweet, calming scent of his omega. He started nuzzling the spot gently, his mouth brushing against Pon's scent gland, almost as if he was trying to renew his claim—an instinctive need to remind Pon, and himself, that they belonged to each other.
But just as Sailub's kisses began to grow more insistent, more heated, Pon let out a soft gasp and gently pushed him away. "Wait, wait... You need to rest, Sailub," he murmured, his fingers carding soothingly through Sailub's hair.
Sailub made a small, frustrated sound but didn't try to argue. Instead, he nipped lightly at Pon's neck, his eyes half-lidded and sulky. "But I want you," he murmured, his voice low and husky. "Just a little longer..."
Pon shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You're tired and hungover. You need to lie down and get some sleep."
Sailub sighed dramatically, leaning back slightly but refusing to let go of Pon's waist. "You're such a tease."
Pon snorted softly, his smile growing wider. "And you're being a stubborn pup." He leaned down, pressing a quick, chaste kiss to Sailub's lips. "Come on. Let's get you inside."
With a bit of grumbling, Sailub finally relented, letting Pon help him out of the car. As soon as they were inside the condo, Sailub's arms were back around Pon, pulling him close as they made their way to the bedroom. Sailub clung to him the entire way, as if afraid that Pon might disappear if he let go.
Once they reached the bed, Sailub flopped down heavily, his eyes already starting to droop. Pon smiled softly, shaking his head as he leaned over to pull the covers up around Sailub's shoulders. But before he could step back, Sailub's hand shot out, grabbing his wrist.
"Stay," Sailub mumbled sleepily, his grip surprisingly strong despite his drowsiness. "Just stay here... with me."
"I already said I would, didn't I?" Pon teased, a fond smile tugging at his lips as they reached the bed. "Now, lie down and rest."
Sailub obeyed, still looking a bit petulant as he settled onto the bed, watching Pon with a wary gaze. "You'll stay?"
"I'm not going anywhere," Pon promised softly, leaning down to press a kiss to Sailub's forehead. "Just relax."
With one last stubborn huff, Sailub finally let himself relax, his eyes fluttering closed as the tension drained out of his body. Pon stayed by his side, gently running his fingers through Sailub's hair until the alpha's breathing evened out, signaling that he'd finally drifted off.
"Sleep well, my love," Pon whispered softly, a tender smile on his lips as he leaned down to kiss Sailub's forehead once more. "I'm right here."
Within minutes, Sailub's breathing evened out, his body relaxing completely as sleep claimed him. Pon watched him for a long moment, his expression soft and full of love. Then, with a contented sigh, he closed his eyes and let himself drift off, feeling safe and warm in Sailub's embrace.
For tonight, everything was perfect. And that was more than enough.
