"John, where are you right now?" He lowered the phone to look around the busy evening street. His cheeks heated as he hesitated. It wasn't that he had no idea where he was. He was in central Tokyo somewhere between the church and his favourite shopping district. He just didn't know the exact name of the street. He was also conscious of the fact that it was evening, the sort of time he'd usually be at home or meeting up with Lin for an escort. "John?" Lin didn't sound impatient at all, but he could sense his unrest.
"I-I'm on a busy main street." There was a small sign on the other end. John squinted to see better, but he couldn't quite make it out from where he was standing.
"Which main street?" John looked around for something he could use as a landmark, but he was having trouble spotting anything unique. "Send me a screenshot of your map," Lin instructed after a few frustrating moments of silence. John sheepishly did as he was told. Why didn't I think of that? He was relieved he didn't accidentally cut off the call while doing so. There was a paused as Lin looked at his phone before he instructed him to stay where he was.
"I'm really alright! You don't have to come get me!" His omega was secretly pining for Lin's presence despite his insistence. He still felt a little tired and worn from his recent fever, and the long session with Rei hadn't helped. It had dragged on for hours, at least it seemed to. Maybe it was just exhaustion, but he felt worn and vulnerable. His omega was almost desperate to curl up and nuzzle into Lin's presence. Almost as if he sensed his state of mind, Lin insisted he stay put and wait for him. "Alright, I'll wait here…" John murmured before hanging up.
He almost sighed as he stepped to the side of the path near a shop doorway and waited. There was a lot of people, and even though it was evening, it wasn't particularly late. Lin was worrying too much. He was an omega, yes, but he was bound, and his heat wasn't due for at least another week. Between his sessions, work, and the flu, John had completely forgotten to keep track that month. But I've only been home for about a week, so I can't be due yet! He'd actually spent a few extra days languishing in Lin's apartment before he'd agreed to take him home. His fever had been quite bad, and he'd felt special being fawned over so much.
Lin wasn't the only one who'd fussed over him. Once Naru returned home, he'd also been worried. John looked sicker than they'd ever seen him. He was much thinner than he'd ever been. His clothes were still hanging off his slim frame now, and his skin had been pale and clammy. He'd suffered a terrible cough for a few days, which had caused chest pains, and he'd done a lot of sleeping. He couldn't even count the amount of times he'd nodded off on the sofa beside Naru, in his window seat, in Lin's bed, and even at the kitchen bar where they ate together. Each time he did, he recalled the sensation of gentle fingers carding through his hair and soft lips against his temple.
As he waited, he slowly became aware of a dull ache at the base of his spine. He shifted from foot to foot, feet and legs feeling tired. This was the longest he'd been on his feet since returning home. He hadn't been helping at church so often since he was still a little sick, and his sessions were taking up a bit more of his time. He gasped a little as he stumbled back against the wall, fatigue catching up to him. He closed his eyes as the pavement seemed to turn and shook his head to clear the dizzy spell.
"You haven't been taking care of yourself." The tone was almost accusatory. John looked up with a flush to find that Lin had arrived. He wasn't even sure how long he'd been waiting, but it seemed like far too long. He couldn't stop his omega as his body moved closer, more or less throwing himself against his firm chest. Lin's gaze softened as he embraced him and stroked his soft hair. It could have been his imagination, but John seemed even thinner than before. He swore he could feel the bones through his hoodie. "Did you remember to eat earlier?" Lin asked worriedly, noticing the way John's hands quivered as he gripped his blazer.
"I'm sorry!" John apologised, blue eyes widening as he remembered the reminder going off during his session. That had been a few hours ago, and he'd completely forgotten by the end of the meeting. Lin held back a sigh as he ran a hand through his ebony locks, dark eyes filled with concern as he examined his ailing form. He'd barely gained any weight since his last ravishing heat and was nowhere near ready for the next to begin.
"Come with me." He took John's hand, not even hesitating to link their fingers. John stumbled after him as he started walking, slightly flustered as he looked down at their joined hands. Dressed as they were, they could almost be mistaken for a teacher and a student. Lin was wearing a neat black suit, complete with a tie knotted at his throat. John was dressed in jeans and a hoodie. He almost wondered what people would think when they looked at them. Lin had no such concerns, grip tightening as he sensed his unease.
Lin took him to a small hotpot restaurant, where each table had a hot bubbling pot of water set inside the middle of the table. Once they were seated, he ordered a list of ingredients and started making up a stew as soon as it arrived. He'd stripped off his blazer, and rolled his white sleeves up to his elbows to keep them out of the way. John felt peaceful as he watched him work. He already knew Lin could cook, and he seemed to enjoy it. As various items cooked, Lin spooned them out and pushed the bowl towards John, only taking a small portion for himself.
"It's good." John smiled softly as he sipped the thin broth and ate some cabbage. He was fed hard-boiled eggs, meatballs, meat strips, mushrooms, cabbage, bean sprouts, and various other stewed vegetables. They were quiet. Lin was content to cook while John was satisfied just watching him work. It was silence, but it was companionable silence. It felt like he hadn't eaten in days, and Lin was determined to make up for it. He ordered more ingredients and their broth was refilled. John was already starting to feel full as Lin started cooking the second lot.
"You missed lunch, so I expect you to eat more," Lin added as he struggled through his third bowl. John nodded submissively. He knew Lin was looking out for his health. His next heat wasn't far off, and even he could tell that his body wasn't ready for it. Lin watched as he forced himself to eat a small hard-boiled egg, face scrunching in distaste. He always ate his least favourite items first. His favourite seemed to be the small meatballs. "Here, have mine," Lin offered gently as he plucked one of his meatballs with his chopsticks and guided it to John's lips.
"Are you sure?" John asked shyly as he eyed the meat. Lin could tell he wanted it. His blue eyes had fixed on it with an almost ravenous gleam. Lin insisted and watched John's lips closed around his chopsticks. His lips softened as John's eyes closed as he sucked the wooden sticks clean. It was cute, and somehow different every time he ate. Sometimes he struggled with food, barely picking at his plate and taking small nibbles. Sometimes he would be ravenous, tirelessly stuffing large cuts of steak or shovelling rice into his mouth. Sometimes he would be thoughtful, cutting up his food and taking measured bites, savouring it. Sometimes he would simply be tired and not concentrate on the food at all, eating like an afterthought, and sometimes he would appear almost seductive as he savoured the food in his mouth. "I'm not sure I can handle more…" John trailed off as Lin handed him a fifth bowl and watched him sipping the broth slowly.
"Just this last one…" Lin was content to sit for as long as it took him to finish. John nodded timidly in agreement as he ate a small, dripping leaf of cabbage. He looked across the restaurant and out the window. The streets were still busy, and it was completely dark. It was heading towards nine o'clock now. They'd been sitting there for over an hour. "What were you doing all the way out here?" Lin asked curiously, watching John's cheeks flush self-consciously.
"Nothing, I was just window shopping." That wasn't a complete lie. He had intended to look at a few shops on his way to the subway station. He may even have stopped somewhere like a small café, since he was feeling so worn. He'd really needed this meal. They'd been seated in a small booth, sitting across from each other. With the thick wooden table and boiling pot between them, the distance felt quite large.
"Why didn't you call me? You know I don't like it when you're out late." Lin placed his empty bowl on the table and leaned forward on his folded arms. Secretly, he thought the same as John. The distance between them was too large. He was almost amused as John bristled at his possessive tone. He knew he hated it when he was so worrisome. He couldn't help it. John was his omega, and right now, he seemed especially weak and vulnerable. A prime target for any lustful alpha.
"It wasn't even that late!" It really wasn't. Even now, he didn't consider half-past nine to be late, and he was more than capable of getting home in one piece. "I was heading home anyway, so I didn't see the need to make you come all the way here…" he added, though the office wasn't all that far away. It was around four stops on the subway, and could be walked within half an hour at a decent pace.
"To be honest, I'm glad you were out…I haven't seen you for almost a week, and I was worried about you." Lin enjoyed the way John's omega flushed with pleasure at the confession while John tried his best to hide it. Lin had no reservations about showing John just how much he'd been missed, allowing his alpha to wrap him in his spiced scent and offer an intense, searching stare. He watched John's hand twitch on his bowl as he breathed in the sharp scent of his alpha, his blue eyes closing in contentment. "You're so thin…" Lin breathed as he finally moved around the booth to sit next to him.
"I am?" John murmured as he backed up against the solid wall and looked up at his alpha. He felt somewhat vulnerable, caged in as he was. It wasn't a fearful vulnerability, more an emotional one. His omega was brimming with longing and desire as Lin's larger body leaned over him, caressing his cheek softly before trailing long fingers down to his obvious collarbone. He slipped an arm around his slim waist and pulled him closer as he stroked the bare skin of his stomach and caressed one of his jutting hips.
"Skin and bone…" The words were soft and almost mournful as he gazed down at him. He decided then that he needed to keep a closer eye on him over the next week. By his calculations, John had around five days before he'd go back into heat. That was five days he had to improve his physical condition. He felt John shiver beneath his cool fingers, blue eyes darting to his lips briefly before looking away. "Was there anything you wanted to do before heading home?" Lin asked as he sat back, leaving one arm hooked around John's waist.
"I guess a little window shopping wouldn't hurt." John finished his broth before allowing Lin to pay and lead the way. He already knew the way to the subway stations in the area and was content to let John lead the way up the street. They stopped in front of a few shops, not all of them for men. Although he would never wear them, John appreciated the elegance and pretty designs of female clothing. "That must have taken hours…" John murmured as he looked at a pure white wedding gown, which was covered in pearl beads.
"These things often do," Lin replied, quietly wondering if John had any reason for pausing outside the bridal shop. They were mated, so it would really be no surprise if they were to get married, but it wasn't something he'd given much thought to. Perhaps I should have…John is Catholic, and marriage is a large part of that…John nodded his agreement before continuing on down the street, looking at various other clothes and fancy items as they passed the row of large windows.
"What do you think?" John asked as he grabbed a long-sleeved black top and held it up against Lin to measure. Lin raised an eyebrow beneath his bangs. It seemed to be about the right size. It was even long enough that it wouldn't ride too far up his slim waist, which was a rarity for him.
"I think it's more suited to Naru's tastes," Lin replied evasively, almost sighing as John swapped the black colour for white. He didn't have anything against the style, or the colour, but he spent most of his time in suits since he worked most days. It seemed to please John, though, so he let it go. Giving it a final look of scrutiny, John nodded his satisfaction and hurried to the till, despite Lin's objection that he really didn't need any more clothes.
"I just wanted to buy you something," John excused evasively as he pushed the bag into Lin's hand. Lin did his best not to look flustered as he accepted the small gift. His first gift from his mate. A few shops down he returned the favour as he watched John rustling through the various hoodies and shirts. There was a baby blue top he'd looked at that would hang loosely on his figure. John seemed to like loose clothes, especially during his heats, where material rubbed uncomfortably on his sensitive skin. John accepted the gift with a blush of his own, though the cotton candy of his scent told him he was happy.
"Was there anywhere else you wanted to go?" They'd walked past four subway stations now and John showed no sign of wanting to go home. It wasn't that Lin minded. His alpha was truly content to be at its omega's side, but it was unusual for John to show such reluctance to leave. He paused thoughtfully, his nose picking up a sweet scent. He quickly reminded his stomach that it was full of hotpot, but his stomach and nose disagreed as he caught sight of the crepe shop. "Perhaps we should stop. You look a little tired," Lin encouraged, quietly agreeing with John's stomach. He was far too thin.
"I-I'm not really hungry…" John murmured as Lin tugged him towards the glass fronted café. He was surprised it was still open. It was getting on for eleven o'clock now. There was a group of high school girls giggling at one of the tables, and a couple of young men at another. Is it open all night? The woman behind the counter smiled in welcome as Lin led him to a small table and they quickly looked at the menu. Lin watched him carefully as his eyes ran down the list.
"There! What did you just read?" John looked up in surprise at the interruption. While watching him scan the list, Lin had noticed the slightest twitch of his brow as he'd read that last item. Whatever it was, the omega wanted it. He was sure of it.
"Uh-Strawnana Dream." Lin looked at his own menu and read. It was a simple crepe with strawberries, banana, Nutella, and whipped cream. Lin nodded as he got to his feet, leaving John stammering out his objections as he headed up to the counter. He returned a few minutes later with a large strawberry milkshake, topped with whipped cream and chocolate flakes, and a cup of coffee.
"They'll bring the crepes over," Lin assured, though John looked anything but assured. He'd already eaten a lot. I don't think my stomach can take it…He wasn't even sure he could stomach the thick shake. Despite his own thoughts, his omega decided that he could indeed handle the sweet pink liquid. He sucked the straw, embarrassed as he let out a small moan. It was made with real strawberries and ice cream. John looked over his shoulder as he heard a chorus of musical giggles, blushing as he noticed the group of giggling girls looking at their table. "They think you're cute," Lin reported, suppressing a growl. They were betas, but they were all attractive, and closer to John's age.
"Oh…" John felt somewhat flustered at the news. He'd never been good at accepting attention. He felt somehow more flustered as Lin's foot touched his beneath their small table. His cheeks coloured as he caught his possessive scent. Lin watched his blue eyes glaze over as their eyes met. He hadn't noticed the small bit of cream at the corner of his mouth. Lin brushed his finger across John's lips, enjoying the small gasp he dragged out before he drew back and licked up the cream. He was almost amused as the girls giggled again. He was somewhat flattered to hear that he'd been dubbed the hot one.
"Sorry for the wait." Lin thanked the server as she set down two plates. John could smell the coffee from his seat. He also noted Lin's amusement as he scrunched his nose. Lin would only really drink coffee in a café. At home, he had tea since Naru and Gene had always preferred that to coffee. He supposed tea was also his preference, but coffee was nice on occasion. John was hesitant as he cut into his dessert and wondered how his stomach would respond to it. After the first bite, he almost felt addicted. He couldn't stop eating.
"John, slow down a little." Lin tried his best not to chuckle as he wolfed down his crepe despite the fullness of his stomach. He blinked in surprise as Lin reached across and dabbed the chocolate sauce from his lips. A large part of him wanted to taste those sweet lips, but he didn't want to make him flustered again. Not when he was enjoying his dessert so much.
"Sorry…It's so sweet!" John almost purred in contentment as he continued eating. Lin hid his smile behind his cup as he watched his omega eat. There was a twinkle in his eyes as he devoured the crepe. He seemed to have forgotten about their audience for now, and it was a good thing since Lin could hear them cooing over him. Not that he could blame them. John's scent was so sweet that it naturally drew the attention of those around him, and his exotic features kept that attention.
"Are you ready?" Lin asked eventually, once John had finished both his crepe and milkshake. He nodded and got to his feet, pausing as Lin chuckled. "Hold still," he murmured as he held his chin with gentle fingers. John didn't have a chance to object as Lin swooped in and sealed their lips, subtly running his tongue along his bottom lip. He would have devoured him for all to see, but he knew John was naturally shy. He savoured the sweet banana and chocolate that lingered on his lips as he drew back.
"You taste like coffee," John objected as he wiped his now damp lips on the back of his hand. Despite his words, Lin could smell John's arousal at the contact. His omega was clearly pleased with the attention. Lin apologised gently as he took his hand and gathered their bags. He felt his chest swell as John linked their fingers and gripped his hand. John finally allowed himself to be guided to the subway, where he nestled into Lin's side until a seat was freed up.
They were quiet. Fatigue finally caught up with John as he nodded in his seat. Luckily, Lin had done this journey enough times to know when John's stop came up. He was troubled by how easily he could lift the sleeping omega in his arms and still keep the bags in his grasp. The security guards, now familiar with the couple, warmly waved him through the security gate. They were almost at John's apartment by the time he roused himself in the cool evening air.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep," he murmured as Lin placed him on his feet. Lin waved it off as they walked side by side to the small apartment block. He walked him to his door as usual and watched patiently as John unlocked it and stepped inside. He flicked on the hall light and turned around. He was hesitant as he looked up at Lin. For some reason I feel…
"Well…goodnight, John." Lin used his usual dutiful tone, preparing to stand outside and wait for the final click of the lock.
"Yes…goodnight…" John replied in a small voice, looking down at his feet. He'd already kicked his shoes off, and the tiles felt cool through his socks. He bit his lip. The silence was stretching and Lin was waiting. Despite that, something was stopping him from closing the door. He felt his omega giving him an encouraging nudge, starting as he felt a large hand lace in his hair.
"You have to shut the door first," Lin teased, surprised as John looked up with blue eyes full of need. His own dark eyes widened a fraction at the sight before returning the look. He leaned down slowly, intending to kiss his omega goodnight. He cupped John's warm cheek and tilted his face up before pressing their lips together in a lingering kiss. He was about to draw back when he felt two smaller hands bunch in his blazer, pulling him closer.
His dark eyes snapped wide in surprise, seeing John's brow scrunched, cheeks pink in embarrassment as he fumbled his way through the kiss. He wasn't used to taking the lead, and he was horribly timid as he flicked his tongue against his lips. Lin felt his own skin heat as he closed his eyes and leaned into the kiss, taking control and feeling John melt against him. He moaned against John's lips and heard needy whines in response. As soon as John's lips parted, he flicked his way inside, tongues stroking and teasing in a familiar dance as they wrapped around each other.
He barely paused, not breaking their lips apart for an instant as he allowed himself to be pulled inside. He kicked the door shut before turning their bodies and pushing John against it, releasing his spiced scent to let John know just how aroused he was. He growled as John's sweet scent wrapped around him in return, urging him closer. Desperate fingers tugged the buttons of his blazer, pushing the black material down his shoulders. Lin let it fall before returning his hands to John's slim body. He unzipped his hoodie and tugged it free before roving his hands over his sharp hips and knotted spine. John slipped the black silk tie down, pulling the knot free but leaving the thin strip resting around his neck before going for the buttons of his white shirt.
John hummed in surprise as Lin moved, guiding him down the small hallway and into the kitchen, though neither of them were really paying attention. It wasn't what Lin had in mind, but he went with it. He lifted John and placed him on one of the small counters, lucky that there wasn't a cupboard blocking the space above. John moaned as he finally found himself closer to Lin's height. He gripped his large shoulders as they continued to kiss, head swimming hazily as his omega encouraged his submission and indulgence.
"Jo…" He whimpered needily as Lin left his lips to trail kisses down his throat. He clutched his shoulders and pulled him closer. He didn't even think about it as he opened his thighs and leaned further back, inviting Lin to step between. "Hn!" He winced as Lin's teeth worried his mating mark. He didn't break the skin, but he was biting hard, and it was one of the most wonderful things John had ever felt. Lin broke away and pulled his top up over his head, tossing it on the kitchen floor.
"You're beautiful," Lin murmured in a gravelled tone, returning to his shoulder to lick and bite the abused skin. John held him tighter, squirming as their bare chests pressed together. He wasn't sure what had gotten into him, but he'd never been more content as he writhed on the counter with Lin caressing his naked skin. I need more…He panted and gasped as he kissed Lin's throat and shoulder, candyfloss curling through Lin's senses. John threw his head back as Lin's mouth mercilessly attacked his chest, licking and biting the sensitive skin. He leaned his weight on his hands and raised his hips, grinding his crotch against Lin's.
Lin hissed at the contact, rolling back and dragging a moan from John's pink lips. He watched his glittering eyes fly open as he lowered one hand to press and knead his twitching cock. John moaned and writhed as he was fondled, thighs closing on Lin's hips as he tried to ground himself. Lin kissed and nipped his nipples as he subtly loosened his jeans and slid the zipper down. John offered no objection as Lin slid down his jeans and pants, leaving him naked on the cool counter. He shivered slightly despite the heated air, feeling slightly vulnerable as his rising shaft swayed between them.
"Your hands." John thought nothing of the breathless demand as he held up his hands for him. Lin smirked as he whipped his tie free and wrapped his slender wrists, pinching the skin slightly. John sobered a little at the sight, feeling helpless and vulnerable. He stiffened, tugging uselessly against the silk. Lin hushed him, kissing his lips assuringly and hooking his bound arms over his own head. He smiled as John's fingers laced in his ebony locks, their foreheads pressing together. He kissed him slowly as he reached along the counter. John drew back as he heard the delicate squeak of glazed ceramic.
"Wait! Koujo! You can't-" He cut off with a boneless moan as Lin locked their lips together. His cheeks were bright pink as he struggled to pull Lin back by the hair, looking up in something close to outrage as Lin tilted his body back a little. "What are you doing?" he asked in alarm, unable to suppress another moan as Lin kissed his pale throat. He felt mortified, very conscious of the fact that he was spread open and naked on the kitchen counter.
"It would hurt if I went in dry," Lin replied innocently as he rubbed the creamy yellow spread into his fingers with one hand. He licked John's ear and felt him shiver. "Just trust me," he added in a whisper that made his insides melt.
"Koujo! That isn't meant for this!" He felt a certain level of humiliation as Lin reached between them and literally buttered up his tight ring. What made it worse was how good it felt. The circling finger was quickly able to push inside. "J-Jo!" John whimpered as he felt a second digit slide in just as easily, the smell of butter mingling with Lin's spice. He was almost crying as he buried his face in Lin's shoulder and squirmed against him. Lin didn't ask if it felt good. He could smell John's need and desire. He was also telling him with those delicious moans and whimpers, as well as the bucking and writhing of his slender hips.
John almost lost his mind as Lin added a third finger. Lin nuzzled closer as he pulled his hair and writhed urgently. He knew he wasn't in heat, but he could feel the familiar need and desire flaring. He desperately wanted Lin to fill him, to rock into that spot inside and make him see stars. He wasn't sure he'd ever wanted him the way he did right then. It was like he was experiencing everything for the first time, head clear of the usual haze from his heat. Lin growled, dark eyes hungry as he drew back and took in his heady expression.
"Please…please!" John whimpered, legs quivering as he awkwardly parted his thighs even further. His skin was damp and sticking to the counter a little. Lin sealed his needy lips with a heated kiss. John gasped and yelped as large hands gripped him beneath the knees and pulled him closer, tilting his hips up. His shoulders were almost resting against the cold tiles and his bound hands remained trapped round Lin's neck. He shuddered as he watched Lin coat his dripping shaft with more butter from the dish.
He moaned as Lin's long fingers were replaced by the tip of his cock. He entered slowly, very conscious of the fact John wasn't in heat, and his entrance was tighter than usual. The butter was doing its job though, and John keened in pleasure as he slid home. He felt his ankles lock around his hips, holding their bodies close as he thrust his hips steadily. John's skin was beautifully flushed, a light sheen of sweat coating his usually pale skin.
"More-more!" John moaned as he tightened his hold. Lin growled as he lifted him from the counter, sliding deeper as he bounced him in his arms. He almost stumbled into the hall, where he leaned John against the white surface. He snapped his hips in a firmer, more urgent rhythm. "Bed!" John gasped into the heated kiss, hazy and unfocused as Lin carried him further down the hall into the small bedroom.
Lin disentangled himself long enough to turn him on his knees before pushing himself back inside the tight heat. John arched his spine, resting his weight on his elbows as he held his ass high. Lin pounded into him mercilessly, enjoying each little keening whine. He knew when he'd found John's prostate. He cried out and gripped the sheets, almost as if he were sobbing. It didn't take much longer for him to spill on the sheets, though he didn't collapse until Lin had reached completion and fallen down beside him. Lin made sure he didn't fall into his own semen, pulling him sideways as they collapsed.
John was quiet and suddenly timid, hiding his face in his naked chest, sweat making their skin stick together. Lin smiled softly as he cradled his mate, rubbing comforting circles on his spine. His heart fluttered as he breathed John's scent. That was the second time. The second time John had been with him outside his heat. He didn't want the moment to end. It felt perfect. It was quiet, dark, warm, and a new feeling of tenderness lingered between them. His heart melted a little as he finally looked down to find that John had fallen asleep against his chest. That wasn't ideal. He definitely needed to give him a thorough cleaning before they slept properly, but he could probably take care of that without waking him.
"Sweet dreams…" He pressed a kiss to John's forehead and stroked his pale cheek in the darkness. His alpha eyes allowed him to see better, but it was still dim. He traced the bones of John's ribs with his eyes, quietly troubled. He knew John was thin, but seeing him laid bare in the lingering afterglow had him a little worried. He quietly promised himself that he would take better care of his mate from then on.