Lin entered quietly and surveyed the room. Everything was almost exactly as he'd left it. The only difference was that John's cup sat beneath the crook of his raised knee on the sill while he sat engrossed in a thick novel of some sort. Lin leaned on the wall, taking this time to observe him. His blue eyes were rapt as he gazed at the page, holding the book elegantly in his hands. His tongue occasionally wet his lips, which would sometimes form small words as he silently read. The page barely made a sound as it turned. One of John's feet was dangling down to the floor, the weight resting on his toes. His other leg was bent on the sill, toes twitching against the wall, perhaps tapping in time with his reading.

He was relaxed and content. Finally. Leaving him alone had been a good idea. It had given him time to get used to the layout of the homely room and the different items around him. It seemed he'd also claimed his first spot. Lin was almost pleased that he made no sign of having seen him. He was relaxed enough not to feel on edge when his presence filtered into the room. It took him a few more pages, in which Lin mapped out the plains of his cheek and neck, for John to notice his quiet presence. His cheeks flushed as he looked up and caught the Lin's warm gaze.

"Sorry, I was just…" he trailed off timidly, suddenly feeling awkward.

"There's no need to apologise. I said you were welcome to the books," Lin replied as he crossed to the chair and sat. His own current book was resting on a small table beside the chair. He opened it quietly and picked up where he'd left off. It was a useful book. The title almost sound like a pet book and made John grimace. How to Look After Your Omega was the poorly chosen title that stared back at him. On the front was the simple gender neutral symbol of the omega. At least it isn't a cage and a pair of handcuffs. John's reasoning was almost sarcastic as he bristled. Lin's lips quirked as if he'd heard him, which he had in a way. John's indignation was a strong emotion that radiated from him as he glared at the cover. "Don't take it too personally. It's actually been quite useful," Lin said as he glanced over the top of the book.

"I-I wasn't," John objected self-consciously as he averted his eyes. Both of them knew that was a lie. He'd been taking it very personally. Lin's positive words had gotten him curious. What did the book say about taking care of omegas? Was it as patronising as the title suggested? If that were the case, he was certain Lin would have found a different book by now. John laid his book face down on the windowsill. He didn't want to bend the pages, but he had nothing to mark his place.

"Are you hungry?" Lin asked after a while, noting his increasing restlessness. John shook his head, but as far as Lin was concerned, it was around dinnertime. The drop in appetite was another sign that the medication was wearing off. Loss of appetite for sustenance was common when the body had an appetite for something else. John restlessly shrugged out of the cardigan he'd claimed. Another sign. Lin breathed deeply, watching John flinch as a low growl left his throat. "Sorry…" Lin still wasn't used to the way John made his body react. He smells so good right now…His heat is so close…

"It's alright." John's expression remained guarded as he shuffled further back against the window. He could smell Lin's arousal, though he showed no sign of it outwardly. Nor did he act on it. John's cheeks flushed as he met his intense gaze. Lin knew that he could smell it. John also knew that Lin would be able to smell the way his own body was reacting to it. He pressed further back. The cold of the glass seeped through his cotton top. It felt nice. Cooling.

"John, would you step away from the window?" Lin asked politely, but his tone suggested it wasn't a request. John could smell the worry on his scent. He realised he was leaning most of his weight on the glass, though he didn't think it would break under his weight. It was likely double glazed and perfectly safe, but he didn't voice his opinion. Against his better judgement, John slowly pushed himself up and moved sideways to stand awkwardly against the wall. Lin gave him an almost amused look as he turned over the corner of his page and returned the book to the table. "I won't touch you without your consent. You have my word," he assured as he got to his feet, watching John relax slightly at his promise.

Lin led the way down to the kitchen, where he cooked a simple mild curry and rice for dinner. He left a full portion for Naru in a covered dish. He wasn't sure he'd come home, knowing that John would be there, but the food would keep for a couple of days. John ate painfully slowly, his stomach turning with each bite. It tasted good, but he wasn't hungry and that made the food feel dry and heavy in his mouth. He paused more than once to peer across at Lin, who was endlessly patient as he waited for him to finish. Each time their gaze met, John silently pleaded to be allowed to stop, but Lin would simply shake his head. He hadn't given John an overly large portion to begin with. Just enough to tide him over until his next meal.

Once he'd finally finished eating, Lin insisted that he go upstairs and relax while he washed the dishes and tidied up for Naru. John padded up, feeling a little bad for letting Lin do everything. At the same time, his body was starting to feel strange. He wasn't exactly weak, but there was an edge of fatigue to his movements. He was also feeling increasingly hot. If he'd been in his own home, he might have stripped out of his long-sleeved top by now. There were some T-shirts on the bed Lin made up…John padded into the bedroom and changed. He wasn't sure it was the best idea. He was now shrouded in Lin's scent, and drowning in a long T-shirt.

Although the bed looked inviting, he returned to the living room. He bundled the cardigan on his lap as he re-took his seat on the windowsill and lifted his book once more. He wouldn't exactly call it gripping, but it was an intense romance. It probably counts more as erotica…John's cheeks flushed as he reached yet another sexual encounter. Reading this is likely a bad idea. He was almost blushing when he reached the end of the chapter, opting to return it to its face down position.

"How are you feeling? Do you need anything?" Lin fussed as he reached the top of the stairs. He could see that John was getting tired and noted the change in wardrobe. John did say the medication would wear off tomorrow. Hopefully, he'll at least get to sleep through a little of it. Lin was sympathetic as he handed him another mug of tea. John almost flushed as he realised he'd been thinking about having another cup before bed. It was a habit of his, one Lin had likely picked up on from their cases together. He would always offer everyone tea just before bedtime. Generally, it would be John and Naru who'd drink while Lin and Takigawa simply went to bed or finished whatever work they were doing.

"Thank you, I'm really alright," John insisted innocently, though inwardly he felt like he was going to succumb at any moment. He hated going into heat, but the short time just before it arrived was the worst part. Lin gave him a searching look before stepping closer. John felt his cheeks colour as he leaned down and pressed their foreheads together. Lin's gentle hand swept through his hair, pushing his golden curls aside for skin on skin contact. John gasped quietly at the gentle touch, biting his lower lip as Lin pulled back.

"Your temperature is rising." He was pleased that he'd remembered to move a couple of large bottles of water into John's room. He'd likely need them during the night to rehydrate. John nodded his agreement. He could feel it, much as he was trying to ignore it. "Would you like to go to bed?" Lin asked softly as he stepped back a little, watching John's eyes dart up nervously. He crossed his legs, twisting his fingers together sweetly.

"About that…" John murmured hesitantly.

"It's your bed. I won't sleep with you unless you ask me to," Lin assured, sensing the relief washing over him at that. "It's a heat room, so you can rest easy. If you need me, I'll be right across the hall." He pointed down the short hall they'd walked earlier. John nodded and allowed Lin to show him to the bathroom. He stopped on the way to pull a set of pyjamas from his duffle bag, along with his toiletries. He got ready for bed quickly, and Lin saw him back to his room.

John felt strangely nervous as Lin shut the door behind him with a simple goodnight. He pulled the curtains back and looked down onto the street. It shared the same view as the living room. The streets were deserted, and with the door to his room closed, John couldn't smell anyone else. Lin's scent was saturating the room, but that was all. He began to feel a little safer, leaving the curtains open as he burrowed into the cosy blanket and Lin's clothing. His omega was purring again. John's cheek subconsciously nuzzled into the various fabrics in pleasure. There were so many textures. Soft wool. Rough denim. Worn cotton. Crisp cotton. Silky satin.

It didn't take him long to fall asleep, but it didn't feel like more than five minutes before he was jolted awake by a wave of intense heat. He writhed out of the blankets, gasping and moaning. He felt horrible already. He could feel that his underwear was already warm and soaked with slick, and his skin was sweaty beneath his thin pyjamas. He whined as he tugged the buttons loose and struggled out of the top He soon pushed the pants and boxers down to join it, losing them somewhere in the bed. He writhed on the nest. The rubbing of the fabrics made his skin prickle. His shaft was painfully hard, begging to be touched. I can't do that here! Not in Lin's house! His cheeks flushed at the thought of Lin seeing the dirtied nest.

There was already slick smearing the sheets and clothes beneath him. The wet feeling between his thighs was drawing his attention. If I just touch it a little…One hand slowly stroked the hot skin of his bare chest. His nipples hardened as he traced circles around them, blue eyes closing in ecstasy as he tilted his head back. Tingles jolted through his body. He was so sensitive. It felt so good. Wait…Lin might come and check. His shaft twitched at the thought of being caught like that. What would his alpha say if he saw him like that? Spread like a whore with three fingers deep in his dripping passage. John whimpered at the image, unsure whether it was from lust or shame.

He could imagine a few things that might happen. Lin might widen his eyes in surprised, hesitating in the doorway before slowly approaching the bed. He might growl upon seeing it, letting his alpha take control. He might pin him roughly to the mattress and tear his hand away, replacing it with long fingers that could reach so much deeper than his own. John moaned as his legs fell open. His free hand stroked a teasing path down his shivering body to slip between his widely spread thighs. He ignored his throbbing length as he reached further back. He moaned again as his fingertips stroked around the slowly loosening hole. It was so wet already. Warm. Slippery. Soft.

His breath was shaky as he pushed his middle finger inside, biting his lip as he continued his train of thought. Lin's fingers could push so deep inside, and somehow he always managed to find that spot. John slowly trailed his other hand down to his neglected shaft, remembering all the ways Lin had brought him to completion. No…I have to stop…If I keep going like this, I'll-John shuddered, imagining Lin opening to door to find him desperately bucking against his own hand, his chest and stomach splattered with sticky white streams. Despite his thoughts, John was already forcing a second finger into his heat. His legs opened even wider, submissive to the alpha dominating his thoughts. Lin…John rolled his head back. His mouth fell open in a sharp gasp. He could almost feel Lin's fingers trailing along his heated skin and his soft lips on his throat. Lin!

"John?" Lin's voice called from the hallway. John's eyes widened in horror as a gentle tap sounded on the door. His body froze. He was currently three fingers deep, with his other hand gripping his solid shaft. A small moan escaped as he moved his fingers a little. Despite being mortified, the sound of Lin's voice made him want to reach even deeper. "Are you alright?" Lin sounded concerned as he rested a hand on the wood. John tightened his throat, trying to control his voice enough to speak. He gasped, dread welling in his stomach as he heard Lin's hand grasp the handle.

"No, don't!" John cried finally as the door opened. He screwed his eyes shut and turned his face away as he realised in horror that his fantasy wasn't just a dream anymore. He bit his lip. Humiliated tears welled in his eyes. He flinched as he heard heavy steps crossing the room, and was mortified to find that his body had gotten even more excited at being caught. He wasn't sure whether to be worried or relieved as Lin didn't touch him. John opened his eyes, blinking the tears out so that he could see his alpha. "Lin…" he choked out, unsure whether he was begging him to go or stay. A shudder of need ran through his body as Lin let out a possessive growl.

"Can I touch you?" Lin asked in a low purring tone. John took in his state of dress for the first time. His ebony locks were slightly dishevelled from sleeping, and he was topless. John swallowed as he took in the strong, elegantly sculpted torso, bare down to his delicate hips. Below that, he was wearing black sweatpants that were baggy on his lithe form, with a noticeable tent around his pelvis. His stomach tightened at the sight. He nodded hesitantly. "Do you want me to touch you?" Lin asked seriously as he rested one knee on the bed. The answer was important to him.

John rocked against his hand, moaning helplessly as Lin covered his smaller body with his own. He braced himself on strong arms, looking down at his panting omega. John's instincts were screaming. His alpha was so close. He needed his hands. His lips. His long, throbbing shaft. He needed completion. He craved it. Lin watched as John continued to touch himself, slowly teasing his length while fingering his slick entrance. He whimpered pleadingly. Lin could smell his desperation.

"Say it." Lin's dark eyes burned with need and possessiveness. He'd felt John's distress and restless anticipation from his bed. He'd finally decided to check on him when he'd felt John calling desperately through their bond. Of all the things he'd imagined finding, he'd never imagined a picture so perfect as what lay before him. John's slender legs were spread wide and ready. Slick dripped around his fingers as he tried to relieve his heat. The hesitant strokes he gave his weeping shaft were mesmerising, and the helpless need in his gaze was truly alluring. Lin's alpha instincts demanded that he take this sweet offering and satisfy both their needs. However, he remembered his earlier promise.

"I-I want…P-please…Lin, please!" John screwed his teary eyes shut. Lin didn't know how, but he parted his legs even further. With those words, Lin gave in to his instincts. He felt John's body give in instantly. His omega was fully in control. Lin leaned down and ran his tongue along their mating mark. He could feel John gasping and shuddering. He bit down, sucking and chewing the mark until he could feel his body bucking and shaking beneath him. He was still touching himself. Lin's length was solid as he took in the tantalising sight.

"It's my job to satisfy you," he murmured in reproach as he gently eased John's hands away. John was deliciously pliant, watching breathlessly as Lin brought his slick coated fingers to his lips. He moaned as he watched him run his tongue over the long digits, almost making love to them. His shaft twitched. He whimpered. Lin's mouth was warm and wet, and his tongue was firm as it slid up and down, wrapping around each digit. His mouth…Oh, no…John's nervousness returned as he watched Lin lower himself between his milky thighs.

Lin looked up at him with a predatory gleam in his eye. John's body was crying for attention, his hips raising in offering. Lin breathed the sweet cotton candy scent of his mate deeply. It sent tingles down his spine. He dragged his tongue along the inside of John's thigh, relishing in each shiver and moan. He knew how to make him melt. He spread him wide with his fingers before lapping at his loosened entrance. He could tell John liked it. He always writhed and squirmed the most like this. He closed his eyes, relishing in John's pleasure. He was thorough as he lapped the sweet release around the loosened ring.

"Lin-ah! I-Lin-no-st-" John stammered breathlessly, biting his knuckles as Lin plunged his tongue into his slick coated entrance. His train of thought was fully derailed as he met Lin's heated eyes. One of his large hands pressed John's shaft against his pelvis. He knew what Lin was saying with his eyes. No, I won't stop. I'm going to make you come like this, with your legs spread and my tongue in your tight passage, and you're going to love every second of it. John couldn't take the intensity of that stare. He moaned loudly as he bucked against Lin's face with wanton thrusts.

Lin lapped up the fresh slick, returning his tongue to the warmth of John's passage. He flicked his tongue along the silken walls, unable to go that deep. It didn't matter. John was delightfully sensitive, and it didn't take much more to push him over the edge. He continued to torture him with licks and flicks as his length throbbed and spurted. His whole body rocked and writhed against him. John fell down boneless, unable to form a coherent word or thought as Lin continued to lick and tease his sensitive passage.

He gasped as the tongue was replaced by long, searching fingers. His spine arched off the mattress at the deeper penetration. Despite his release, he could feel blood trying to pool at his core once more. He mewled and rolled his hips, watching as Lin lowered his head to lick a trail over his flagging shaft. He bit his lip at the sensation. Lin didn't stop. He licked higher, right up to his semen stained pelvis. He lapped it up slowly before continuing the upward journey to his lips. He ravished his innocent mouth. John whimpered into the kiss as he tasted his own seed.

John wrapped his arms around Lin's neck tightly and planted his heels in the sheets as he bounced his hips up. He could feel Lin's solid length between them and moaned. Lin growled his approval before pulling back a little. He nibbled John's lips a little longer, kissed his nose, suckled his jawline, and finally bit his mating mark. John's nails raked his shoulder blades. Hazy blue eyes stared up at him desperately, rolling back as Lin finally gave him what his body craved.

Lin gave no warning as he plunged his length into John's readied entrance. As soon as his legs wrapped around his waist, he pulled him up into his arms. John looked deliciously vulnerable as he rested his hands on his larger shoulders and looked down at him. His breath hitched as Lin slid deeper inside. He couldn't even form words. He felt so full. Lin seemed to understand what he wanted. He supported John's rump with one arm while cradling his spine with the other and thrusting upwards. John shuddered and tightened his legs around him, moaning and whimpering into his bare shoulder.

John moaned in objection as Lin tilted him back a little, cradling his head so that they were staring at each other. His cheeks flushed as he took in Lin's handsome features. He was sweaty and a little flushed. His mouth opened just a little as he panted. His chocolate eyes were hot and intense, boring into his fluttering blue. John watched Lin's brow furrow as he came, the final rough thrust sending him over the edge with a loud cry. Lin nestled his length deep inside. His lips caressed John's damp skin as his knot swelled, locking them together.

He lowered John to the nest and rested his weight on one arm as he stared down at him. John was naturally shy, but it was worse as he recovered. Now that his heat had retreated for the moment, he was utterly mortified. He raised his hands to cover his face. It was cute. Lin smiled warmly as he tugged one of the hands away and raised it to his lips. He took his time as he slowly kissed the knuckles. He was soft. Tender. John watched with shy blue eyes, still unable to meet his darker gaze.

"You have nothing to be embarrassed about," Lin murmured softly. He leaned in to trail kisses up and down John's pale throat, lingering over their mating mark a little longer than necessary. John didn't reply. His cheeks were a deep shade of red as he looked away. Lin chuckled softly and kissed his blonde head. He wondered idly what it would be like to spend time like this outside of John's heat. He was surprised to find that part of him yearned for that contact. Maybe in time…Lin's eyes were drawn to the angry bite mark he'd left on John's shoulder. His own skin remained clean and unmarked. The thought made him ache.

Lin was still awake when his knot deflated. He pulled out gently, doing his best not to disturb John's exhausted body. The longer he slept, the better. Lin shifted to the side and settled down to watch him rest a little longer. He was enchanting as he slept. Lin's movement made a small tick appear on his brow. It was barely a pinch, and lasted less than a second, but Lin caught it. A small breath puffed out in a small humming moan. John must have felt the movement subconsciously because he rolled on his side to face him. One hand lay curled against his chest while the other landed against Lin's pelvis. Blonde locks obscured his closed eyes from view as he nestled into the nest.

Lin sighed softly, thinking back to the night almost two months ago when he'd first mated John. I still can't believe I made that choice…I wonder if it was a mistake. Lin couldn't help but worry as he gazed at him. He was still so young. However, he had an underlying maturity similar to Naru's. He was reasonable, responsible, quietly thoughtful, and considerate. He was the perfect mate in many ways, but Lin had never wanted a mate. John had never wanted a mate. He still hadn't forgiven him. Not really. Will John ever be able to truly forgive me? Of his own free will? He's my omega, after all…

At the same time, Lin wondered what would have happened if he hadn't mated him. He'd never seen an omega suffer the way John had. It was likely because his heats had started so late. Most omegas started experiencing their heats from around the age of twelve. That was a whole seven years late. Omegas also generally prepared for their heats. They would increase their food and drink intake beforehand so that their bodies were strong enough to last through it. This was a skill it seemed John still lacked, judging by his lack of stamina. He'd been weak and pale by the time Lin had made up his mind. If he hadn't been attended to, it was highly likely he would have ended up in critical condition. That would have meant long-term health issues at best, and death at worst. I could have simply eased his heat, but for John's faith, mating him seemed the better option…One mate who would dedicate themselves to him alone seemed preferable to multiple uncommitted partners.

"Mm…Nn…" John murmured in his sleep, his fingers twitching slightly as his eyes moved beneath the pale lids. Lin's gaze softened further as he teased his fingers through John's blonde locks. He was troubled as he felt the skin burning. He got to his feet and padded through to the bathroom to grab a small towel and a plastic bowl. He filled the bowl with cool water before returning to John's side. He wet the towel and laid it over his forehead, dabbing his skin gently to cool him off. "…Lin?" John's voice wheezed weakly as his blue eyes fluttered open.

"Yes…What do you need?" Lin asked in a quiet voice. He didn't want to overpower John's heightened senses with any loud noises. John scrunched his face in protest as he rolled onto his back. Honestly, he wasn't sure. His throat felt like sandpaper. His head was pounding. His skin was sensitive and itchy. He'd only been through this twice. He didn't know how to handle it. He settled for whining miserably. Lin felt a pang of distress as he watched his mate suffer.

He examined him closely, breathing in his scent with a deep breath. He could sense John's confusion, pain, and discomfort. His skin was clammy, and he'd fallen asleep straight after their previous coupling, so he was definitely dehydrated. Lin grabbed one of the large bottles of water and twisted the cap. He eased John's protesting form up and tried to tempt him with the bottle. It was a sports cap to prevent spillages. He watched John's lips close around the tip of the bottle. He couldn't help the light flush that came to his cheeks as he watched him innocently suckle the plastic teat.

Lin cradled his upper body as he held the bottle for him. John's eyes were closed as he sucked the tip, small moans escaping between quiet gulps. He was clearly parched. He'd managed to chug down almost half the bottle so far. Lin pulled back. He didn't want him to drink too much and throw it up. John let out a few sweet sounds of protest, silencing them as Lin captured his lips. He didn't resist as Lin lazily explored his mouth. Lin watched him wince as he drew back. Headache. He got to his feet to rummage through one of the drawers.

"Thank you," John murmured as he held out two pills. He was awake and aware enough now to take the pills himself, sitting up to swallow them with a little more water. He slumped back down, covering his face with his bare arms. The light is painful. Lin realised immediately, even though the world outside was barely grey with dawn. He pulled the white curtain across, blocking out the light haze that had filled the room. That wouldn't help once the sun fully rose, but judging by the way John's previous heats had gone, he wouldn't be lucid by then. "I think…I'm losing myself…" John's lower lip quivered almost fearfully.

"It's alright…I'll take care of everything until you find your way back," Lin assured gently, settling his still naked body alongside John's. He shifted closer. His legs brushed against John's as he slid one arm across his slim waist. Long fingers toyed with his sharp hipbone. John turned over to face his chest, and Lin pulled him closer as small sobs overcame him. He kissed his head softly, fingers softly teasing his spine.

He could tell when it happened. John's sobs slowly evened out. His breaths became a little heavier than before. The fingers that had been clutched against his chest were now dragging nails down Lin's torso. John's skin was hotter than before. He was no longer forming words, just desperate moans and whimpers. Lin finally tilted his face upwards and stared into hazy, needy eyes that didn't truly see him. He could see the primal omega staring at his alpha, demanding attention. Lin let out a low growl before twisting their bodies, pinning John to the bed. I'll take care of everything.