Mending the Mechanic's Heart

New Routines

As Pon's pregnancy progressed, his cravings and sensitivities intensified. It wasn't just about food anymore; certain smells, textures, and even the environment around him seemed to set off his ever-shifting moods. The pack quickly realized they were in for a challenge, and each member had to be more careful than ever to avoid triggering Pon's delicate state.

One evening, Nut was preparing a simple stir-fry in the kitchen when the omega suddenly stormed in, covering his nose with one hand and waving the other in the air. His eyes were wide with irritation, his usually gentle face contorted in disgust.

"What is that smell?!" Pon demanded, his voice sharp as he turned to Sailub, who had been keeping a watchful eye on him from the living room.

Sailub immediately got up, walking over to his omega, concern etched into his features. "Nut's just cooking dinner. What's wrong?"

Pon shook his head frantically. "I can't stand it! It smells like something burned... or rotten. Get rid of it!"

Nut, overhearing from the kitchen, looked horrified as he quickly abandoned the pan. "I'm so sorry, Pon! I didn't realize. I'll throw it out right away."

Sailub gently rubbed Pon's back, guiding him out of the kitchen and toward the living room windows. "Let's get some fresh air. Nut's taking care of it."

Pon's mood shifted again as he clung to Sailub, his voice softening as tears began to well up in his eyes. "I don't know why I'm like this... It's just so overwhelming."

Sailub kissed his temple and held him close. "It's okay, Pon. It's normal. You're carrying a baby, and we all know things are going to be different for a while. You don't need to apologize."

The rest of the pack had been on high alert for weeks now, anticipating Pon's needs before he could even express them. While they loved Pon dearly, they also realized that every little thing could set off a rollercoaster of emotions, especially given how unpredictable his cravings and sensitivities had become.

Earlier that week, Pon had demanded the oddest food combination any of them had ever heard of—banana slices dipped in soy sauce. Sailub and Pavel had rushed out to the grocery store to make sure they had the ingredients on hand, despite their skepticism. When Pon finally took a bite, he ate the combination with a satisfied smile, much to their surprise. But the next day, just the sight of bananas made him gag.

It was a similar story with scents. Sailub had always worn the same cologne—something clean and woodsy, which Pon usually loved—but suddenly, that too became a source of irritation. The moment Pon caught a whiff of it, he crinkled his nose and demanded that Sailub wash it off. Sailub had dutifully complied, but it wasn't long before the pack began treading carefully around Pon, doing their best to avoid any sudden changes in smell, taste, or anything that might upset the delicate balance.

One afternoon, Pavel had been repairing a motorcycle in the garage when Pon walked in, drawn by the sound of the pack working together. But the moment Pon smelled the oil and grease in the air, he immediately turned on his heel, marching back to the house in silence.

When Pavel later asked if something was wrong, Sailub simply shook his head with a knowing smile. "We're just learning to live with Pon's super-sensitive nose for now."

Toptan, always quick with a joke, had suggested putting up signs around the house—'WARNING: Scent-Free Zone,' or 'Caution: Do Not Cook Until Further Notice.' The rest of the pack had laughed, but there was a grain of truth in the joke. Everyone was walking on eggshells, carefully navigating Pon's ever-changing moods, afraid to set off a new wave of irritation or discomfort.

But it wasn't just the irritability that kept the pack on their toes. There were also moments of intense affection, where Pon would cling to whoever was nearest, needing comfort and reassurance. He was incredibly vulnerable during this time, and the pack was there to support him, no matter how demanding his needs became.