A/N: Drama, drama and more drama!!

Trouble's brewing up in both GulfMew and BrightWin ships but are they aware of it?!

>><*><<

"-you are kidding me, right? Mew! Tell me you are not being serious?"

At P'Tul's befuddled and frankly offended tone, Mew has no other choice but to come clean. Well, as clean as he could get without risking the older omega's unpredictable temper. If he isn't careful with his explanation, P'Tul could easily ditch his medical camp and catch the first bus to Bangkok in lieu of hunting down Mew and P'Light.

"Er, relax Phi. It's just dinner. We are not too far from home and trust me, P'Light has been nothing short of a prince towards me."

"Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of, Mew. Princes only exist in fairytales and even then, they have a reputation of breaking several hearts of innocent peasants before moving on and finding another damn royalty to get hitched, disappearing into a freaking castle together." P'Tul's growl echoes from the tiny speakers on his phone.

Mew winces, casting furtive glances over his shoulder to check if anyone's in the vicinity.

He excused himself from the table, fleeing to the washroom as soon as P'Tul called him. Didn't want P'Light to accidentally catch any offending remarks from his over-protective foster brother, thanks to the elder's propensity for loud volumes whenever he's upset.

"I'm not living in a drama series, Phi. And, P'Light was just looking out for me, as always. You know he is a good guy and a respectable alpha, Khab. Otherwise, you would have chased him away a long time ago!" He tries to remind the medical student that P'Light won his approval, fair and square.

And gosh, if P'Tul isn't still upset and raging mad!

"- I can't believe that fucker had the gall to show up at your place when I'm not around to chaperone. Just because I didn't automatically show him the door, doesn't mean Light could drop by whenever he wants. What the hell was he thinking ... visiting and taking you out for dinner so late?"

Mew sighs, already tuning out the rest of P'Tul's incensed lecture. Feels stuffy and irritated for no reason making him wonder if perhaps the events of today are finally catching up to him.

Everything went wrong for him since the day begin. Starting with breaking his favorite mug by accident, the slight grievances of his workplace, that annoying alpha with his irresistible looks and awful social etiquette scaring the living daylights out of him, and also other random stuff in the middle that kept Mew in a bad mood. Finally there's the cherry on top – imagining Gul- no, no need to remember his name, imagining the rude alpha when he climaxed – everything was a huge mess. The only silver lining to this never ending list of unfortunate incidents is grabbing dinner with P'Light. Unfortunately, P'Tul found a way to spoil even that ... although, he knows the older guy had only his best intentions at heart when sabotaging Mew's time with the alpha.

The younger omega could simply never understand why his brother resents P'Light's presence in their lives and particularly, his home so much. Contrary to his brother's antagonism, Mew always felt secure and happy around the modest alpha – looking forward for his company akin to a kid waiting eagerly for summer holidays.

Perhaps, he shouldn't have confided about his little crush to P'Tul.

The sour look on his Phi's face, scent turning heavy with worry and something else when Mew opened up about his feelings for P'Light along with suspicions about them being potential mates is a memory the artist could never forget. P'Tul had given him another spontaneous sermon on mate bonds, alpha-omega relationships, ruts and safe sex practices of all things for the next two hours. Until, a red faced Mew had to beg him to stop after promising the older omega he has no intentions of getting involved in a casual physical relationship, let alone confess his crush without getting a clear signal from P'Light.

He doesn't blame P'Tul for freaking out. Mew had been burned too many times by sweet words and fake gestures before. Trusted the wrong guys and fell for their promises of a happily-ever-after wrapped up in the universally well sold mate concept. Let the unattainable reflection of P'Light rush him, willfully blind, as he walked right into the gilded cage of honeyed lies and manipulative chains.

~

Now that he thinks about it, no wonder, his brother is overtly cranky around the accomplished alpha.

Mew had been crushing on P'Light since his high-school days. Fell for the kind, handsome senior when they crossed paths in the same musical academy during summer vacations. Following the night he lost his family, Mew became even close to the alpha after seeing a much gentler, caring and responsible side of him. After losing touch with P'Light for the next few years, he desperately tried to find a guy like him, an alpha Mew can rely on and someone who makes him feel alive and worthy.

But, he ended up fooling himself. Yeah, that's right!

It was entirely his fault. Should have known better than to reach for the stars when he lived far down in a cave; should have given up hoping for the impossible and walked away before he fell short of expectations. Except, P'Light and his compassionate words from that night have lit a fire in his soul and Mew burned with a passion of thousand suns. A smoldering desire to prove himself, irrespective of the innumerable pitfalls along the way – to live, not just exist for the sake of his family watching over him ... and also, to uphold the faith P'Light had on him.

P'Tul blamed the benevolent alpha for the toxic and abusive relationships Mew got entangled in during his university days, still does in spite of Mew's repeated rebuttals. Insisted fiercely that Mew wouldn't have dated any of those douchebags if not for the image of P'Light held in high esteem and got hoodwinked by their cheap imitation acts.

Okay, so ... maybe Mew has a type.

Tall, dark and handsome might sound a little too vain but isn't wholly sufficient to perfectly describe the older alpha. Mentioning P'Light's other traits - kind, generous, responsible and smart is only a tip of the ice-berg. Nevertheless, it is quite easy to figure out what Mew was looking for in a partner and pretend to be that fantasy vision of his secret crush.

It is only after P'Tul personally met the illustrious alpha Mew kept talking about and observed the guy for few days straight that the older omega grudgingly admitted P'Light wasn't too bad. That's the closest P'Tul ever came to complimenting him and welcoming the alpha in their inner circle. Yet, apparently that didn't mean he was comfortable or happy with P'Light's visits. Made sure to be around whenever P'Light was free to hang out with Mew, kept an eagle eye on their interactions and generally, was a little too eager to intricate shovel talk in his conversations with the amused alpha.

Mew groans, recalling the insightful smirk P'Light wore when he mentioned needing to take a personal call. Blames his expressive face for giving away the identity of the caller instantly – couldn't help the jolt of panic at the spare thought P'Tul must have somehow realized he was on a date with P'Light without notifying him.

NOT A DATE. His mind supplies annoyingly. Right, he keeps forgetting that.

There is a loud flushing sound from one of the stalls. Mew is interrupted from his musings when the door flings open and a stranger eyes him curiously – probably wondering why he is staring creepily at the mirror instead of y'know, actually attending to his call.

Shia. That reminds him, he's been away for quite some time. P'Light must be wondering if something happened.

Checks the call and P'Tul is still going on his tirade... this time about the perils of regularly hanging out with an un-bonded alpha and staying out late at night. Yeah, he needs to put an end to this call quick before their dinner turns cold and their night is ruined. Which could very well be his brother's master plan, after all.

"Sure, Phi." Mew interrupts, crossing his fingers. "I'll keep them in mind. Er, we are almost done with our dinner, so we'll be heading back now."

"Alright. Call me immediately once you reach home."

"Um, can I text you instead? It has been a long and tiring day and I'll probably just sleep when I go home. You must be exhausted too, Khab. Didn't you had to wake up early today?"

A little white lie never killed anyone. Truth is Mew is far from tired. In fact, he felt hot, bothered and restless despite taking a heat suppressant before leaving his apartment. But he'll be damned if he lets a minor discomfort stop him from spending time with his alpha, no, a good senior.

There is a thoughtful hum from P'Tul's end. Obviously, he didn't suspect anything fishy.

"Hmm ... you're right. Okay, then. Don't forget to text, Mew!"

"I won't."

~

Hanging up the call, Mew hurries towards the dining area where P'Light is waiting for him, probably concerned with his long absence. As he crosses the set of doors leading to kitchens, overhears two staff loudly whispering about a customer.

Slowing down without really meaning to, Mew catches snippets of their exchange. Recognizing the table location and description of the alpha, blushes when he realises the person they were referring to is none other his P'Light,

"-he's so handsome and respectful too. It is not every day you meet such polite alphas."

"True. He's really dreamy and hot. Did you hear him speak? No, not when placing order but on the call. I didn't expect him to sound so firm and dominating ... such a wonderfully unexpected contrast! My, I almost started leaking slick just from his pheromones and ring of authority in his tone! His date is extremely lucky – going home with that delicious, walking wet dream."

"Oh, how I wish I'm in that omega guy's place!!"

"Me too... I want to get railed until I see stars by his big, fat-"

Mew startles from his eavesdropping episode when those two waiters hurry off after getting summoned to a table. His ears and face burn up as he replays their wrong conclusions regarding the nature of his relationship with P'Light. He attempts to cool down when the alpha in question comes in view as he walks towards their table.

Large hands are wrapped around his phone and thick, long fingers frantically hitting the keypad, the stunning alpha is a picture of elegance in spite of the scowl and furrow between his brows.

The omega's thoughts head straight to the gutter and remain there in a blessed trance, studying P'Light's exceptionally good features and breathing in the traces of his heady scent. Shia. He shouldn't have jerked off before meeting P'Light tonight and certainly shouldn't have remembered that jerk alpha from earlier.

He must have made some noise or something. Because soulful brown eyes lift up from the lit-up screen and soften right away upon meeting his gaze.

"Everything alright, Mew?"

God, that voice – that mesmerizing voice! P'Light should be out performing on stage with that amazing baritone of his ... or even better, he should use his skills to order Mew around in the bedroom and make him come-

He shakes his head, pants feeling uncomfortably tight from the direction of his thoughts. Sits down to hide the evidence and squirms under the alpha's fixed stare.

"Eh?" Realizes he forgot to reply and smiles sheepishly. "Ah, yeah. Everything's good, Khab."

"Are you sure? You are looking awfully flushed. Are you coming down with a fever? Do you wanna go home? It's okay, if you do." P'Light reaches over and places a palm against Mew's forehead checking his temperature.

He leans into the innocent touch, pulse racing berserk in his veins, hungry for more and unsure how to ask. Blinks owlishly at the retreating hand with a pout and plotting ways to reclaim the lost warmth.

Here's the thing. Mew must really be falling sick or has lost his mind somewhere in middle of P'Tul's phone call. Or maybe, his heat must be approaching weeks early because he feels weird in his own skin, dazed and reckless as though he's chasing after a high and the prize is right in front of him. But it couldn't be...

Suddenly recalls the branding grip on his hand, long fingers sliding over his scent glands and a fierce gaze aimed at him. Remembers the glint of desire simmering in those dark pools, and the rush of adrenaline pooling in Mew's nerves at receiving that look.

This is all that jerk-alpha's fault. If he hadn't touched the sensitive area of his scent glands, maybe Mew's internal system would be currently going haywire ... because, of course ... it is a delayed reaction to stress and fear, on top of other unexplained factors.

"Yeah, I'm absolutely fine, Khab."

As the words leave his mouth, he belatedly considers whether it is a mistake to lie and ignore the weird symptoms he's experiencing today. Yet, when P'Light enquires one last time if he' sure, mistake or not, Mew smiles and waves off his concern.

Hmm ... he is probably just imaging things.

>*<*>*<

Everyone makes mistakes. Yet only few have the guts to admit them and even fewer people show remorse over their actions.

Gulf is perhaps the only person in their group (after P'Gun) to be aware of the darkness his friend keeps 'not referring to' that has Bright convinced beyond reason he's ineligible for love and relationships forever. He first became aware of the true extent of this problem from a drunken rant nearly two years ago. Bright almost spilled the beans behind his explosive break up with Pam, his beta ex-girlfriend under the influence of alcohol and morose ramblings.

"You d-don't get it, Gulf! The one time I f-failed at being a responsible alpha when I should, uh, have- ... and now, I've got to pay dearly for that mistake the rest of my life." Bright had revealed, hiccupping and in near tears.

"Ai'Bright, hey ... its gonna be alright. Shhh, it's okay."

"I can't believe- Why would she- ... why? Why? W-what do I-"

He tried and failed to get the distraught guy to explain further. Gulf's words of support just flew over Bright's head as the alpha continued to sob and utter unfathomable phrases that made no sense. For one insane moment hardly lasting 0.03 seconds, Gulf even considers the possibility of Pam being pregnant after tricking Bright ... or if the beta girl had cheated on him. And just as rapidly dismisses those crazy doubts. Bright would've reacted differently if that were the case. Most likely...

Gulf does catch P'Gun's name in between the gabble which finally helps in connecting the drunken and near-delirious alpha's haphazard references of letting down the trust placed on him, repeatedly alluding to regrets and how Bright's scared to face the omega's reaction to the truth. Ah, so, evidently P'Gun has an idea of what went down. Perhaps not everything but enough to scare Bright into believing the stern older omega will not be kind upon learning the whole truth.

Does this mean Bright genuinely did something worth earning the typically unruffled older guy's ire? Or did the upset alpha merely believe so?

He knows how highly Bright values P'Gun's judgment just as Gulf treats the same way about Bright's opinions too. To think Bright was unable to even divulge the true load constantly weighing him down to his usual confidant and was wallowing on his own is utterly heartbreaking. Remembers thinking, maybe this breakdown is inevitable and Bright needed to let it all out to get rid of his enormous stress?

He stayed quiet that night, despite wanting to pry and spent the next hour rubbing soothing circles on Bright's back and simply being there for him. They both knew this one-sided conversation will cease to exist beyond the confines of this room. Gulf suppresses the tiny portion of treacherous sentiments striving to poison his mind against Bright for choosing not to confide in him in the first place. Understands wryly, the weary alpha had to have been drunk to actually spill his pain to Gulf. Sober Bright would never contemplate doing so...

It hurts. Although, clearly not as much as it is hurting Bright. So, he shuts up and deals with it. It is not as though Gulf is great at offering advice or even comforting people – that is P'Singto and P'Gun's specialty. He shouldn't hold it against the already down alpha for picking a right person (who isn't Gulf) to share his woes.

Gulf would've done the same too!

~

Alas, from what Gulf understood of this inexplicable situation from Bright's words, it wasn't even taking responsibility that the morose alpha had qualms with. The price which could have been avoided (if he wasn't such a fool. apparently) has ending up costing a lot for everyone involved, and all Bright could do now is try to pay for reparations while someone else suffered for his mistakes and naivety. Or so Bright mentioned.

Back in their university days during their courtship, Bright had trusted Pam blindly and when he finally came to his senses the damage was already been done. In a fit of rage, the gifted musician made the biggest mistake of his life and is now repenting every second leading its wake. Bright also drunkenly stutters something about cherishing relationships, of making sure they don't end up toxic out of negligence and other trivial stuff before passing out in his room, further baffling Gulf.

Like a true bestie, Gulf fulfills his promise and pretends to forget their riddled conversation come next day. He never mentioned the impulsive and battered confession again or even spoke of it to anyone else.

Of course, the perceptive alpha understood the situation more than he lets on to Bright. Pieces of the puzzle falling together after Gulf painstakingly starts collecting the trail of old clues surrounding Pam and Bright's ill-fated relationship. The big picture is further clarified when evidence of Mrs. Chivaree's involvement is unearthed through patient inspection of events following Bright's overnight new lifestyle.

A jealous Pam is a highly unstable being as proved by some of her reckless stunts in the past. Gulf and others did warn the besotted alpha in the beginning of their courtship that the beta girl's a bit crazy. Yet like all guys in the honeymoon stage of a relationship, Bright ignored their counsel and waved off their admonitions. Her tantrums might have dwindled over the course of their relationship, yet, unfortunately Bright realized way too late that it was only the calm breeze before an impending storm.

Again, Gulf doesn't know the exact details except what he deduced from keen observation and the gossip Mild gathered about Pam's insane retaliation. Apparently, Pam had leaked some confidential information that she accessed without Bright's knowledge relating to Chivaaree firms using her family connections, as a final bid to control him which backfired spectacularly. Well, Bright might have been freed from his manipulative and possessive girlfriend but he got stuck with an even worse baggage of guilt and remorse in the end.

An awful weight that he is carrying on his back to this day!

In the days immediately following their breakup, some of Bright's companies stocks saw a steady decline for the next few months leading to many employees losing their jobs and livelihood. This was when Bright started to seriously learn the ropes of his family business, soon after Mrs. Chivaaree began actively pushing her son to take a key role. By the time Gulf and their friends noticed something is off with Bright, the jovial alpha had already changed into this serious, dutiful son and working-heir of Chivaaree industries.

Later, they were also inspired to follow Bright's footsteps.

As Gulf claims to this day, whatever shit went down that caused this domino effect, it can't all be too bad. Yes, few families lost their source of income and Bright's family lost a percentage of their profit margins because of an immature girl's schemes. Nonetheless, within two years, Bright succeeded in doubling their financial returns, after tremendous hard work in the aftermath of this disaster and compensated the same families well, even offering to pay for free school tuition for their kids.

Yes, his friend might have inadvertently caused grief to an innocent party due to ignoring his (now ex) girlfriend's selfish and frankly entitled tendencies. Still, that is no reason for Bright to keep punishing himself for the rest of his life.

Gulf wonders sometimes, if there's more to this story than the financial loss and Bright possibly slapping Pam in anger (wasn't sure there's any truth to this tidbit) that he doesn't really know.

There must be some other finer details – probably good memories and the ugly ending of his relationship along with the emotional scars that must be haunting Bright and stopping him for attempting to find happiness again. Although, he admits physical abuse of partners is wrong and completely unacceptable, Gulf can see how (in a sense) his friend could be justified in his extreme reaction to Pam's betrayal. He never received any conformation or direct confession form Bright that he hit Pam – but Gulf theorizes it must have went down that way. It is what he's likely to have done in Bright's place.

That crazy beta girl is the reason several families became broke and for their lives to be destroyed overnight. But from Bright's horrified tone, it is also obvious the usually mild-mannered alpha regretted the second he lost control of his level-headedness and hurt (vocally or through specific actions?) the beta girl. The problem remains that Bright is still repenting for Pam's fault after all these years and it is now affecting Nong Win's happiness too.

He wants to shake Bright until the noble idiot understands he doesn't have to suffer and live in the past anymore. That he is free from the wretched shackles of blame – the charity he does on top of being a dutiful friend and a responsible adult, more than makes up for his single mistake in their university days.

Fuck, as far as Gulf is concerned, that shameless girl should have suffered a lot more than a (probable) resounding slap in the heat-of-the-moment. Pam deserved way worse – needs to face humiliation and to publicly apologize for her thoughtless actions. Alright, maybe he never saw Bright completely lose his legendary short temper. Only has an idea how bad it could get. Huh. Pam is perhaps the only person to ever experience it and from Bright's agonized and self-loathing frown, it must've been bad...

Whatever! Enough is enough. Time to goddamn move on already, Bright.

<*>

Dropping into an empty chair and groaning profusely, a single query haunts Gulf.

How the hell did his night turn out like this? Only two hours ago, he is floating in clouds and drowning in euphoria at meeting his mate. Now, Gulf feels sick to his stomach and close to puking his guts out. Love and relationships are so complicated. Guilt and regrets, even more so...

Huh.

Suddenly, a brilliant solution strikes him – okay, more like a passably decent one, he thinks grudgingly. A straightforward way out to get rid of the self-depreciatory labyrinth mess brewing in his head and Bright's too.

If he could get Bright to acknowledge that he is liberated from his ex-girlfriend sins, then surely Gulf would feel less guilty about his former actions. After all, Bright is practically a saint compared to him. Saving the pure-hearted alpha from his inner demons would be a great start in his book of turning into a new leaf.

This will also obviously involve helping out Win and killing two birds with one stone. It has been ages since his friend repented getting involved with the beta girl. Mrs. Chivaaree had to step in to salve the issue before it could get worse and pulled strings to ensure Pam moved overseas permanently. They thought it was the end of it. No one realized the extent of scars and trauma this incident left behind on Bright.

Well, he is certain P'Gun might have an idea, since Bright became even closer to the older omega than Gulf in the recent years. Perhaps, P'Gun discovered more about the additional details of Pam's history that Gulf isn't privy too?

He will have to discuss with P'Singto later to see if they can approach the busy omega for help. If he's even willing to get mixed up in this business?

Gulf couldn't help but notice how P'Gun never participated or volunteered his opinions whenever they teased Win about Bright. The shorter Phi has always been a silent spectator unlike his exuberant partner, P'Off. After his disparaging call with Bright, Gulf kind of gained a new perspective on why P'Gun insists on staying a neutral party in their disconnected friend's affairs. Bright can be one hell of a surly, private bastard when he wants to be and nothing can change his mind or budge his decisions when he's in this obstinate idiot stage. Gulf should know, since he gets that way too!

Still, best friends don't let their emotionally repressed friends suffer alone, even if the said friends don't appreciate their efforts to help them! And it goes without saying that Gulf considers Bright as his family, a brother from another mother if you will. Hence, it isn't hard for him to shrug off the alpha's temporary animosity.

More like temporary insanity, he thinks fondly.

With any luck, he and P'Singto will be able to convince the neutral older omega into siding with them and help persuade Bright into letting go of his clingy demons. Gulf badly needs a win, particularly after he messed up twice in a row against P'Singto's explicit orders!

>*<*>*<

Mew could tell something is seriously off with him. Though, he must be gone too far if he isn't truly panicking about it.

A mist of complacency had settled over him like a warm cloak, right after he stopped feeling and acting reckless. Rather, it would be safe to say he relaxed after texting P'Tul that he reached home when in fact, they are yet to leave the restaurant. Couldn't explain the logic behind his actions even at the threat of his life, except that Mew felt he needed to eliminate any distractions that threatened his time near the alpha. Or more accurately, Mew acknowledges it is a desperate attempt to delay returning home where he's alone and by himself.

Here, in the company of the alpha he's been familiar and friends with for years – Mew basks in his attention of soft words and even softer gaze.

All he could focus on as P'Light spoke was the movement of his prominent adam's apple and the sensual way those cupid lips moved. Bizarrely, couldn't help comparing him with Gulf, a total stranger. Maybe, it's because they are of similar build and complexion ... and to Mew's half-fried brain, thinking of two hot alphas wanting to wreck his ass is easily better than one! Both the alphas certainly have their own plus points, physically – although, Mew is rooted to the present thanks to the unique smell of P'Light over the memory of the fascinating Gulf...

His eyes kept drifting to the alpha's long fingers and his neck by extension, since P'Light was reflexively rubbing his hands over that enticing stretch of unmarked skin every time his phone screen pings with a notification.

"-sorry. Bit of disturbance ... at work." P'Light sounds frustrated as he scratches at his neck.

Mew nearly kneels over as another whiff of fresh pine and citrusy scent hits. Okay, something is definitely wrong with him, most probably in the 'need to return home ASAP'' category. This time he is joins the dots and accurately diagnoses his condition.

Yup, he's experiencing heat symptoms.

But how? Why is his heat a few weeks early? Mew never experienced an irregular heat cycle in years. True, stress and mitigating factors could result in kick-starting heats early but not by this much margin. He doubts this day is any different compared to other regular taxing days he's used to.

"Here." He looks up (huh, when did he lay his head on the table?) "Drink some water. You'll feel better."

P'Light has a pinched expression on his face. Mew takes the offered glass and quickly drowns the contents. Hmm, he does feel better. Phi must really be a genius!

"I'm really sorry, Mew. I didn't notice before. Do you want me to take you home or to a hospital?"

Mew leans on the alpha, wobbly and disoriented from the alpha's alluring pheromones and his hard planes. "No- not your fault, Khab." He mutters swaying, feeling the full effects of their close proximity. "Home. I want to go home."

The alpha nods, stricken. "Okay."

~

Leaving the posh restaurant premises and waiting by the side-entrance for a cab, Mew feels sober under the caress of the cold wind. The haze in his head clears gradually and he is able to think clearly again. Usually, it takes hours for him to be in a heat-induced delirium. Good thing, sobriety returned for a quick respite. It also helps that P'Light is standing a safe distance away from him, keeping Mew in his sights while tapping at his phone booking transport, clearly agitated.

Noticing his stares, the alpha immediately asks him. "How are you feeling now? Are you sure you don't want to go to a hospital or a-"

"Phi," Mew interrupts, mortified. "I'm fine now. I- It's not a big deal." When P'Light scowls, he hurries to add. "I meant it is nothing major ... er, I- I'm just going through heat. I actually feel better now – the cold air helped. I'll be fine once I go home."

"You have everything you need there?" The alpha still looks unsure and guilty.

"Yes, I do. I'm sorry for troubling you, Khab. Normally, I'm better prepared than this. It just- er, hit so early..."

P'Light averts his gaze, troubled. "Mai. Don't apologize, Mew. This is actually my fault." He licks his lips, eyes downcast and kicking at the stray litter on the street. "I've just went through a couple of hectic weeks and ugh, knew my rut could be triggered soon. I put on patch to block my scent but must have lost it when I-"

He rubs at his neck again and stops, absolutely horrified. "Fuck. I'm so sorry. I ke- I'm making it worse. I'm really sorry Mew, this is totally my fault."

Ah, the proverbial bulb goes off in Mew's head. It makes sense now!

This is why Mew got so quickly affected and drunk on heat hormones. P'Light's unconscious movements released excess pheromones once the patch got removed by accident. Also, phew! Nothing sinister is going on with his body. He isn't experiencing an irregular cycle, merely a false heat. A reaction to the Phi unexpectedly going into rut.

Huh, no wonder he feels lucid now ... after the alpha enforced appropriate distance to steer clear of his scent.

Mew lets out a relieved sigh. False heats are something he can deal with. They are temporary and will only last for a short periods of time. As opposed to full heats that lasts anywhere between 3 days to five days. On the other hand, with this information arrives another startling yet welcome affirmation.

False heats and ruts can only be triggered by your mates. If the individuals experiencing them are unbonded, then it is a clear indication as any that the person responsible for instigating that reaction is a potential or true mate. Although, it is a widely popular theory that meeting your true mates can provoke a sudden heat cycle, nature's way of encouraging the individuals to mate and initiate their bond.

Mew wonders idly, whether the alpha will finally acknowledge this 'unspoken thing' shimmering between them, now that there is an undeniable proof of their bond.

P'Tul's warnings ring in his ears and Mew nearly smiles at that recollection. This is why the older omega must have cautioned him against spending too long in the alpha's company. Familiarity and prolonged exposure of an alpha and omega where strong feelings are involved automatically leads to syncing of their cycles. Apparently, it even extends to false heats and ruts.

"It's okay, P'Light. This isn't your fault. So, you don't have to apologize either."

He waits for the older guy to broach the mates topic and ask the million baht question. Waits and waits but P'Light merely stays silent till their cab arrives. He opens the door for Mew and again maintains a respectable distance in the back seat, requesting the driver to keep the windows open throughout their ride.

Mew is disappointed and puzzled by the alpha's strange reaction. He doesn't get why the older guy didn't say anything ... surely, he understood the prominence of their situation, right?

Well, maybe they will talk about after reaching Mew's apartment. He will make sure they do!

                                                                                  >*<*>*<

A/N: Trust me, Guys!! GulfMew and BrightWin will be endgame for sure! There will be some twists and turns all the way though. So please be patient! Votes and Feedback are greatly appreciated! xoxo