Domus

Ten wild, muddy, breath-stealing minutes later, they shot out the end of the tree trunk slide like corks from a bottle, skidding to a messy halt in a pile of wet leaves and soft earth.

Obsessio sprang up instantly, pure Alpha adrenaline still coursing through him. He pumped a fist into the air, beaming.

"HOLY CRAP, THAT WAS EPIC! FREAKING AWESOME!"

He spun around, looking down at Amor, who was still sprawled flat on his back, staring blankly at the canopy, chest heaving. "Seriously, doing that solo? Total snooze fest. But with you screaming your head off back there?" Obsessio grinned, offering Amor a muddy hand up. "Made it ten times more fun! Best slide ever!"

Amor could only manage weak, gasping breaths. "Heh... heh... heh..." It sounded less like laughter and more like the desperate wheeze of a dying engine. He felt utterly wrung out, like his soul had been briefly yanked out by a very enthusiastic, very fast reaper. Colors seemed too bright, sounds too loud. He blinked slowly, dazed.

Obsessio's triumphant grin faltered slightly as he took in Amor's pale face and unfocused eyes. "Whoa, hey... you good there, Ve?" Genuine concern edged into his voice, cutting through his own exhilaration. He crouched down beside him.

Amor finally dragged his gaze towards Obsessio. His voice was thin, shaky, each word a struggle. "Heh..heh..I-I'm... f-f-fine. S'... s'cool. J-just... gimme a sec..." He waved a trembling hand vaguely. "L-little... sh-shocked. Th-that's all." He tried to sit up, wobbling precariously.

Obsessio caught his shoulder, steadying him. Seeing Amor genuinely rattled – the Omega clearly pushed way past his comfort zone – sparked a pang of Alpha protectiveness mixed with guilt. "Ah, crap. Sorry, man," he said, his voice softer now, all traces of boisterousness gone. "Didn't mean to totally wreck you. Shoulda known it'd be intense for your first time." He rubbed Amor's back gently, a gesture meant to soothe. "Just breathe. We're down. Safe. No more sliding, promise."

Amor managed a weak but genuine smile, pushing himself more upright with Obsessio's steadying hand still on his shoulder. "Don't sweat it, Sio," he breathed, his voice still a bit rough but stronger. "Just... major shock to the system. But honestly?" A flicker of something bright sparked in his eyes. "That was also kinda... freaking fun."

Obsessio's worried frown instantly melted into relieved surprise. "Seriously? Oh, thank goodness!" He let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "You sounded so wrecked back there, all raspy and gasping. Totally thought I'd broken you or something." The Alpha protectiveness lingered, mixed with palpable relief.

"All good," Amor insisted, taking a few deliberate, deep breaths of the cool forest air. "See? Breathing deep. Way better already." He met Obsessio's gaze. "Thanks... for worrying."

Obsessio ruffled Amor's damp hair gently, a fond gesture. "Nah, I'm the one who should be thanking you, Ve. Seriously. Today was... awesome. Way better than solo missions." His grin was warm, sincere.

The path home stretched before them, mercifully flat and familiar after their wild descent. Only about a kilometer separated them from the cottage's warmth and Nana's presence – a short, easy walk.

Obsessio eyed Amor, who still looked a bit pale but steadier on his feet. The ingrained Alpha urge to carry him, to ensure his safety after the ordeal, surfaced instantly. "You sure you're good to walk? Seriously, I can carry you. No biggie."

Amor shook his head, determination firming his features. "Nah, I'm cool. Got my legs back. Promise I can walk just fine." He took a few experimental steps forward to prove it.

Obsessio watched him for a moment, assessing, then nodded, a small smile touching his lips. He respected Amor's quiet strength – the Omega pushing past his limits. "Alright then," he conceded easily, falling into step beside him. "Lead the way, tough guy."

Side-by-side, they walked through the rain-freshened forest, the scent of pine and damp earth mingling with their own – Alpha strength and Omega resilience – blending into the quiet promise of home. The shadows lengthened as the sun dipped lower, painting the path gold, but the warmth between them was a brighter light, guiding them safely back.

—

The familiar shape of the wooden cottage emerged from the twilight just as the last sliver of sun dipped below the horizon. They'd made it.

Pushing open the door, they were greeted by the warm glow of the hearth and the rich, comforting aroma of simmering porridge. Nana looked up from stirring the pot, her weathered face breaking into a soft smile. "Cutting it close, you two! Have fun out there?" She ladled generous portions into two bowls. "Got some warm porridge here. Warm you right up after that damp."

"Thanks, Nana!" they chorused, sinking gratefully onto the wooden stools at the table. The simple, hearty food was pure bliss after their adventure.

Obsessio shoveled in a spoonful, practically vibrating with leftover excitement. "Nana, it was freaking awesome!" he enthused, grains of porridge clinging to his lip. "Seriously epic! The waterfall, the slide... especially the slide! Ve screamed his head off! Way more fun than when I go solo. Solo's just... meh." He grinned at Amor.

Amor nodded, swallowing his own bite, a warm smile on his face. "It really was incredible."

Nana chuckled, the sound like dry leaves rustling. "Good to hear you had your fun. Seeing you two happy?" She patted Obsessio's head lightly. "That makes this old heart happy too." She stretched, a slight groan escaping her. "Right, I'm turning in. Hauled firewood and supplies for the month earlier. Knackered."

Amor's spoon paused mid-air, concern etching his features. "Nana, why didn't you tell us? I would've helped!" His voice held genuine warmth, the instinct to care for the pack elder flaring.

"Yeah, seriously, Nana!" Obsessio chimed in, his Alpha protectiveness surfacing at the thought of her straining herself. "You just left us playing while you did all the heavy lifting? Not cool!"

Nana waved a dismissive hand, already shuffling towards her small room. "Pfft. You're still pups. Pups need their playtime, their fun. Don't you worry your heads about me." She paused at her doorway, turning back with a fond, tired smile. "This old frame's still strong. I stand on my own just fine. Now, finish your supper. Got a date with my pillow." She rubbed her lower back almost imperceptibly before disappearing into her room, leaving the boys with their steaming bowls and the quiet crackle of the fire – the simple, profound comfort of home, the scent of warm food mingling with woodsmoke and the faint, reassuring traces of Alpha and Omega, pack and sanctuary.