lavender and silence

The sun was gentler that morning filtered through pale curtains like a hesitant blessing. NOA sat curled on the edge of the bed one hand clutching the soft blanket ARI had ticked around him the night before. He hadn't slept well.

Every time he closed his eyes, something from his world tied to claw back in. The lavender helped, faint and grounding, but it wasn't enough to chase anything.

The world outside the window was too quiet. No walls. No scent of alphas in heat. No marks on his skin just the strange terrifying stillness of freedom.

NOA fingers twitched.

...He didn't understand where he was or why this world didn't treat him Like he was cursed....

Noa didn't look up right away, but he recognized the steps "good morning" ARI said, his voice quite a hum that reminded NOA of warm tea on cold day "did you sleep alright?"

Noa didn't answer not because he was being rude. Words...just didn't come easily. ARI didn't push he stood by the doorway giving NOA space, holding something in his hands. A tray.

"I thought you might like something warm" he said "porridge and tea. It's sweet I promise". Still NOA didn't move his eyes were on the floor but ARI could see the flicker of something in them-fear may be or hesitation. "Can I leave it here?" ARI asked gently placing the tray on a small table by the bed when NOA gave the faintest nod. He turned to go, sensing NOA's quiet tension but just as he reached the door, a soft voice, hoarse and unsure followed him.

"Thankyou"

ARI paused and smile.

The door clicked shut behind him and NOA exhaled slowly. The scent of the porridge was comforting. Cinnamon and honey. He hadn't tasted sweetness like that in ... He couldn't remember when.

Later that morning, the sky darkened with the summer rain. NOA walked barefoot into the garden, drawn by the lavender field just beyond the cottage. The wind was brushed through the plants like a song.

He sat near the lavender pressing his fingers to the soft petals.

"You like lavender" ARI voice came from behind. NOA started" you keep sneaking up" he muttered. ARI chuckled "sorry"

NOA glanced up "it's quite here" ARI sat on a nearby bench "that's why I moved here. The city was too loud".

NOA looked at him, head tilting"you left everything for quite?"

" I think I was looking for peace" ARI's eyes were gentle" and now I think you're looking for the same".

NOA didn't reply but his shoulder slowly eased.

They sat in silence for a while then, out of nowhere, NOA whispered,

" in my world... I didn't get to choose anything".

ari turned towards him, expression softening.

"I was born....a certain way that made people decide things for me, my life, my place, my worth" he plucked a strand of lavender. " I ran, i broke and now I'm here"

ari's voice was barely audible "you're safe now".

Noa didn't answer, but his finger curled tightly around the lavender.

That evening, as the rain began to fall, slow, lazy drops ARI offered something unexpected

"I have friend" he said "someone who owns a company. He's distant, but he's good with people like you-people who need space to stand on their own".

NOA frowned "you want to send me away?"

"No" ARI shook his head "I want to give you a choice. You don't have to stay here and be protected. You can earn build your own life....if that's what you want"

Noa throat tightened"no one ever give that before".

ari's eyes softened "then may be it's time and you can stay here as long as you want".

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