Things had undeniably shifted between Pon and Sailub, especially over the past two days since they'd been staying at Sailub's place. The alpha had become even more attentive, and Pon found himself caught off guard by this much sweeter version of Sailub. It was a side of him that Pon had rarely seen before—gentle, nurturing, and almost overwhelmingly affectionate.
Sailub had been determined not to let Pon leave, and Pon, if he were being honest with himself, didn't really want to go. He felt safe here, cocooned in the warmth of Sailub's presence. The alpha rarely let him out of his sight, constantly pulling him into hugs, pressing soft kisses against his temple, his neck, and anywhere he could reach. Every touch was filled with tenderness, and Pon found himself giggling more often than he had in a long time. Sailub's attentiveness made him feel cherished in ways he hadn't expected.
The scenting was another thing. Sailub couldn't seem to stop. Every few hours, he'd pull Pon closer, nuzzling into the omega's neck and inhaling deeply, marking Pon with his scent. It was possessive, yes, but there was something deeply comforting about it for both of them. Pon could feel the alpha's need to reassure himself that Pon was there, that he wasn't going to vanish again. And truthfully, Pon didn't mind at all. In fact, he found it endearing.
They had settled into a peaceful routine. Sailub would always wake up first, and Pon would usually find himself enveloped in the alpha's arms before he'd even fully opened his eyes. Mornings started slow, with Sailub bringing Pon breakfast in bed, refusing to let him do anything that involved too much effort. It was sweet, albeit a little overwhelming, but Pon couldn't bring himself to resist. The alpha's care felt genuine, and he wasn't about to spoil the rare, quiet moments they shared.
Pon, lying on the couch with Sailub next to him, couldn't help but think about how much things had changed. Sailub had always been protective, but now there was a tenderness to his protectiveness. The alpha's affection wasn't just about claiming anymore; it was about showing Pon, in small, quiet moments, just how much he meant to him.
The thought of leaving this little bubble they'd created together seemed unbearable. Pon didn't want to go back to the world outside—not yet. Here, with Sailub, everything felt calm. Sailub made him feel like the center of the universe, and Pon had grown to love that feeling.
He shifted slightly on the couch, pressing his cheek against Sailub's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Sailub, of course, immediately responded by wrapping an arm around Pon's waist, pulling him closer, as though even in his half-asleep state, he couldn't bear to let Pon go.
"Phi," Pon whispered softly, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on Sailub's shirt.
Sailub hummed in response, his eyes half-closed, but his grip tightened ever so slightly around Pon. "Hmm?"
"I like this," Pon admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Being with you like this... I don't want to leave."
Sailub's eyes opened then, the softness in his gaze taking Pon by surprise. He leaned down, pressing a kiss to Pon's forehead. "You don't have to," Sailub murmured against his skin. "I want you here, baby. Always."
Pon's heart swelled at the words. He knew that Sailub meant them, and the sincerity in his voice made Pon's chest ache in the best possible way. For a moment, Pon allowed himself to imagine what it would be like to stay here, to live like this with Sailub—to wake up next to him every morning, to be held and loved in the way Sailub was showing him now.
"I don't want to go either," Pon admitted, his voice soft, as he tilted his head back to meet Sailub's gaze. "But..." He hesitated, biting his lip. "We can't stay like this forever, can we?"
Sailub's eyes softened even more, and he leaned in, capturing Pon's lips in a slow, tender kiss. It wasn't urgent or possessive like some of their previous kisses had been. This one was gentle, filled with unspoken promises and the kind of love that made Pon feel safe. When they pulled apart, Sailub rested his forehead against Pon's, breathing him in.
