It didn't take long after that. After two days of searching, the rescue team finally recovered Gene's remains and sent them to be preserved until transportation to England could be arranged. Naru and Lin were quite dejected after that, but it was understandable. Naru headed back first, leaving John and Lin to collect Kou from the shelter. The large dog seemed surprised to see them again, his tail hanging low as John entered his pen. He knelt and held his hand out, caressing the dog's large chin as he was allowed closer. He's been fully checked over at the local vet and scanned to see if he had a chip. The vet had declared him healthy and ready for adoption. There was no sign of a chip and no recent lost dog reports that matched his description.
"You're coming home with us, Kou." John scratched Kou behind his ears and down his large fluffy neck, trying not to feel too sorry for him. He was a good, loyal dog. It was surprising he'd just been left on the mountainside all this time. Kou panted happily, licking and putting his gentle hand until Lin appeared in the doorway. He became wary at that, lowering his head and slinking further away. John got to his feet with a questioning look, hand still resting on Kou's head as he cowed. Lin nodded. The papers were signed, and the fees were paid.
"Kou, come," Lin called as he walked away from the pen. John was surprised as Kou simply did as he was told and padded after him. Lin didn't even bother with a leash as they headed into the carpark he was so confident in Kou's obedience. Kou's large eyes remained wide and wary as he glanced at Lin, likely worried about where they were going. Once they reached the van, Lin grabbed the deep red leather collar they'd bought, with Kou's name and contact details etched into a square plate. "Sit." Kou did as he was told and waited, his tail wagging curiously as Lin fastened the collar around his neck. He accepted it with a snuff, clearly no stranger to being collared.
"I think he's happy," John said as he watched Kou's tail.
"We'll see how happy he is after he meets Naru." Lin's lips quirked as John chuckled his agreement. He wasn't worried, not with the way Naru had reacted to meeting Sebastian. Kou settled in the back of the van, where their suitcase had been stowed and tied down. Since they'd had no intention of setting up any equipment, the screens and cameras that were usually packed had been left at the office. Despite having no heavy equipment in the back, Lin drove carefully back to Tokyo, so the drive was comfortable for Kou, who remained hunkered by the case with his head resting on his paws. When they reached the house, Naru was shut in his room. No sound came from within. John's chest tightened a little when he thought of him huddled inside with his own thoughts. He hadn't even allowed Sebastian inside. The black cat was sitting faithfully outside his bedroom door, staring at the handle. Occasionally he would meow and scratch the wood softly, but still no sound came from within.
"Why don't you try?" Lin encouraged as he handed John a steaming mug of tea. John nodded his agreement. Sometimes Naru would open up to him more than anyone else. Taking the mug, he hesitantly knocked on the door and called his name. There was still no response, but when he tried the handle, the door was unlocked. That it was unlocked suggested Naru was open to company, at least.
"I'm coming in," John warned softly as he pushed the door open. As soon as there was space, Sebastian darted inside and up onto the bed, where there was an unmoving lump beneath the thick black covers. John set the cup on the bedside before tugging the covers back a little. Seeing no movement, he wondered if he'd fallen asleep, but as the duvet was lifted, he found Naru looking up at him. Naru made no move to stop Sebastian as he slipped inside and nestled against his chest. He hadn't even undressed after getting back, still dressed in his smart shirt and slacks. "Naru…" John murmured softly as he sat on the edge of the bed.
"I didn't realise you were back," Naru murmured, though he made no move to get up.
"We just got here." John didn't mention the red around his tired blue eyes, or the heavy thickness in his voice that told him he'd been crying. They'd just found his brother's body. Of course he'd been crying. He quietly allowed his scent to filter out, watching as Naru's body relaxed a little with the comforting sweetness. Resting a hand on his shoulder, John squeezed a little to offer his support. "I know…I know Gene died some time ago, but it's alright to be sad now. It's alright to cry. It's alright to be angry, and hurt…" John felt a tight rush in his own chest as Naru's eyes filled. He'd never looked more like a child than he did at that moment. His lower lip quivered as he turned his face into the pillow.
"It isn't fair…It isn't fair! He should never have been there alone! I should have gone with him! I should have been with him! Everyone loved Gene! He was kind, and gentle, and sweet, and better! It should have been me!" Naru wailed into the pillow. Sebastian squirmed away as Naru's arm moved so his fist could bunch in the duvet. John closed his eyes quietly, glad that Lin hadn't come inside to hear this. He climbed further onto the bed, shuffling over to lie in front of Naru. Naru remained buried in his pillow, sobbing and quivering as gentle fingers carded through his hair. John's heart ached just as much for Gene as he imagined him listening to this.
"Listen to me…It shouldn't have been you. It shouldn't have been anyone. This wasn't your fault. You're not inferior. Lin would have been just as crushed if you'd died. You know that, Naru…I didn't get to meet Gene when he was alive, but I know you. You're strong and intelligent, and even if you aren't good at showing it, you have a good and warm heart. You are valued and loved more than you know. What would Mai do without you? What would Lin do?" John fell on old habits, using the soft gentle voice he'd always used when comforting members of his congregation. Naru was quiet, shrinking sobs muffled by the pillow. John watched with a small smile as Sebastian rubbed his head against Naru's shoulder, turning his body to try again. He nuzzled him, purring and flicking his tail, curling it around his arm. John drew back as Naru turned his face, blue eyes swimming as he raised a pale, shaking hand. Sebastian made a small clicking sound as he nuzzled his icy fingers, calming him with a gentle purr. "You're going to be alright," John added softly, watching Naru nod his silent agreement. He stayed a while longer, waiting for Naru to slowly close his eyes.
"How is he?" Lin asked anxiously as he returned to the kitchen.
"He's sad, but he'll be alright," he assured, laying a hand on Kou's head as the large dog padded over. From his size, John knew he was certainly going to make an excellent guard dog. His back was level with his thigh, and his head was almost at his waist. I don't know exactly what breeds he's mixed with, but he was clearly bred as some form of working dog. Kou leaned into his touch, panting happily as he ruffled his ears. John chuckled as he caught Lin's dark eyes staring almost enviously. "I can pat your head too if you like," he teased, cheeks flushing as Lin stepped closer.
"Go ahead," Lin murmured as he leaned lower, bringing himself nose to nose with him. Sharp eyes watched as John raised a gentle hand, and a sigh fled his lips as gentle fingers threaded through his ebony locks. Tilting his head, he leaned closer, feeling no resistance as their lips met. His arm slipped around John's slim waist as the fingers in his hair tightened and pulled him closer. He dominated John's lips as soon as they parted to breathe, greedily drinking the small sounds that fled John's plundered lips and running his tongue along his lower lip as they parted. "I'll start dinner…Why don't you get Kou settled in upstairs?" Lin suggested gently as he drew back.
John nodded his agreement, still dazed as he grabbed the large plush bed they'd bought and headed for the stairs. He heard Lin instruct Kou to follow him, which he did without question. Why does he listen to Lin? Are his pheromones really that strong? Lin could always dominate him, but he was an omega, made to obey alphas. It seemed special somehow that he could order another alpha to do his bidding, even if it was a dog. This isn't the first time Lin has challenged an alpha though…John still remembered the fury he'd shown the photographer at Honeyz, and Rei at the hotel. He almost shuddered at the memory. That was when we finally mated…
John continued his happy musing as he reached the top of the stairs and entered the living area. He looked around carefully for somewhere to place Kou's bed, wondering if he should move things around a little. But…this isn't my house…He couldn't help wondering if it would be alright. Lin had told him to get Kou settled, but did that extend to moving his furniture? For the moment, he carried the gigantic bed over to his window seat, and put the large brown cushion in the corner by the window. Once it looked comfortable enough, John stepped back and motioned to the bed.
"Kou, lie down." Kou tilted his head a little before padding over and looking down at the bed that John was patting. "This is where you can sleep." The large dog stepped onto the bed and circled a few times before finally lowering himself to the padded surface. John smiled as Kou sat panting happily, reaching out to stroke his thick, glossy fur. Part of the vet trip had involved a good long bath, and brushing with a proper fur brush. Where his fur had been a little dirty and coarse before, it was now shiny and soft. John left Kou's side to curl up on his window seat and looked down as a gigantic head appeared at his side.
"This is my seat," John said as he sat up a little straighter, laughing as the enormous dog reared up to rest its paws on the plush arm of his seat. John stroked the fluffy head that lowered towards his face, covering his cheek as a wet tongue began lapping at his pale skin. "That tickles!" Kou leaned even closer, cold nose huffing warm breath in his ear. John urged him down, watching as he settled to lie protectively beside his seat.
A little time later, Lin called him downstairs, and Naru padded out of his bedroom with Sebastian held securely against his chest. Neither mentioned the redness of his eyes or the way he cradled Sebastian so close. Lin's tone was soft and gentle as he placed a large bowl of pasta in front of him, knowing he hadn't eaten much over the past couple of days. John's bowl was just as full as he sat down. Kou padded in, pausing in his tracks as he caught sight of the sleek black cat on Naru's lap.
"Kou, this is Sebastian." Lin introduced, reaching across to tease Sebastian's small head. Naru cradled him closer as sharp claws pressed into his shoulder and Sebastian's large eyes sharpened. "And this is Naru." Lin watched carefully for any sign that Kou would attack. Sebastian seemed just as guarded as he stiffened, leaning into Naru's hand as he stroked his back. Kou padded closer, sniffing Naru's leg with a small gruff sound and pausing as Sebastian swatted a small paw on his snout. The two animals stared at each other silently, making Naru nervous. He didn't want to be in the middle of a fight.
"Be nice." Both animals looked up at John's somewhat stern tone. A sweet scent filled the air, diffusing some of the tension. Kou snuffed and drew back, retreating to John's side while Sebastian's paw withdrew to rest on Naru's thigh as he curled up. "Kou, Sebastian, you must be hungry too," John encouraged as Lin set two bowls on the floor, putting them a little apart. Sebastian hopped down and padded to his bowl, eyeing Kou cautiously as he nibbled the meat in his dish. Kou lowered his huge body over his own bowl, paying little attention to the cat at his side as he ate.
"I think they've reached an understanding," Lin chuckled in amusement as Sebastian returned to Naru's lap and Kou sat dutifully at John's side. Naru said little as he ate, one hand returning to rest on Sebastian's spine as he prodded the food in his bowl. "I know you don't have much of an appetite, but please eat," Lin pleaded gently as he rested a hand on Naru's head. Naru nodded silently, putting a single piece of pasta in his mouth and chewing like he was about to choke.
John deliberately slowed his progress, choosing to stay with Naru until he finished. He hesitated to speak. They still had to make plans for transporting Gene's body back to England. Lin and Naru would likely want to return, at least for a little while, to properly lay him to rest and spend time with their parents. These were both things that could be dealt with later though. Lin was also silent, though that didn't surprise him. They were both hurting. They'd both lost Gene and needed time to grieve now that they'd finally found his body. I just don't know what I can do to help…
"Um…I-I think Kou needs a walk," he said finally as Naru finished his meal. At John's words, the dog's large ears pricked up, followed by his head. Naru made little movement, though Lin looked across with a warm smile to nod his agreement. "The weather's quite nice, so…let's go to the park. We can take Sebastian and walk around a little," he continued as he looked across at Naru hopefully. He'd mostly remained huddled inside for two days, so the air would do him good.
"John's right, we should get some air." Lin looked at Naru expectantly. They could tell he wasn't enthused by the idea, but he did drag himself from his stool and put on his shoes. Sebastian followed, as they knew he would. John was pretty sure Sebastian would remain at Naru's side constantly until they left for England. He sighed as they finally left the house. There was already some improvement in the air. Lin had Kou on a leash and he walked obediently at his side. John lagged at Naru's side, while Sebastian jumped and hopped along the fences until they came to the road, where he padded quickly by Naru's feet. Once they were on the green, Lin removed Kou's leash and watched him run across the grass until he tumbled and rolled.
"Kou!" John called as he threw a tennis ball, watching the large hound look up before running after it. He'd clearly played this game before as he hurried over to him and held up the ball between his large teeth. John hummed as he took the ball and threw it again, watching the large dog race after it. Curious about the game, Sebastian hurried after Kou, hopping on his back and jumping over him as he suddenly stopped. Lin called Kou this time, and the dog obediently gave him the ball to throw.
"You're feeling better," John observed as he and Naru walked around the green. Naru nodded his agreement, pausing nervously as Kou bounded up to them, almost stepping back as the dog raised his head at him. John chuckled as he watched Naru stare at Kou in shock. "He wants you to throw the ball." Naru give the dog a look of distaste as he pried the ball from between its teeth. He threw it hard, watching him run after it with a small sense of satisfaction.
They continued for almost an hour, with Kou choosing a different person to throw the ball each time. Lin ran around with him for a while, playing a game of tag, while Naru and John walked around the green. Sebastian alternated between running with Lin and padding alongside Naru, sometimes running up into a tree or scratching his claws in the bark. Finally, as darkness set in, Lin suggested they head home for some tea. Naru joined the couple upstairs for a while, sitting beside John on the sofa with Sebastian on his lap. Kou curled up in his bed, content to watch the three humans from his place there.
"We should make plans…" Naru said finally as he sipped his tea. Lin nodded his agreement, quietly pleased Naru had brought it up by himself. "We can close SPR for a while. I think we'll need time to…" Something in John's chest tightened at the thought. There was always the possibility that Naru would choose not to return. SPR had started as a means to an end. It had always been something for Naru to do while searching for his brother, in the hopes that their work may lead them to his body. Now that Gene's remains had been recovered, there was little reason to keep SPR running.
"We can make a final decision on that later, but for the time being, it makes sense. I'm sure your parents will be pleased to have you home again for a while." Although he agreed, Lin had also felt the pinch of apprehension in his mate's chest at the mention of dissolving the company. It would be sad for him, too. He'd made good friends working in Japan, and found his mate through the company. He wouldn't change the past couple of years for anything. Naru made little response to the mention of his parents.
"How long will you be gone?" John asked quietly, trying to sound more enthused than he actually was. It wasn't fair to sound sorry for himself when Lin and Naru were grieving. Both men looked up, somewhat surprised by John's words.
"You're not coming with us?" Naru asked, watching John tilt his head in surprise.
"W-well, I hadn't thought…I'm not Gene's family, so I thought you'd want to spend some time…" He flushed as Lin leaned in from behind and laid a gentle hand on his head. Colour flooded his cheeks as he looked up at the searing heat in his mate's eyes.
"We wouldn't have found Gene without you…And you're my mate. The Davies will want to meet you." Lin was amused as John tried not to let his happiness filter through their bond. It seemed wrong to feel happy when they were talking about laying Gene to rest. He nodded his quiet agreement, pleased to know he wouldn't be separated from his mate.
"I'll let the others know SPR will remain closed for the time being…We'll have to plan going back to England…and…" Naru trailed off, looking down at the cat that had curled up on his lap.
"I'm sure Takigawa or Yasuhara will be willing to keep an eye on them." Lin knew that Takigawa had a soft spot for animals, and Yasuhara had already helped them out once with Sebastian. "You should bring Mai with us, too." Naru's expression twisted a little. They weren't bonded in the same way as Lin and John. She was also a beta. What would his parents say when they met her?
"Mai…knew Gene. I-I'm sure they were close, so she must feel a little sad too." John knew that he felt sad, and he'd only had a few brief interactions with him, but Mai had shared dreams with him for over a year. At first she'd thought he was Naru, and when she found out it was Gene she knew that he was dead, but that didn't mean she wouldn't feel sad about it, especially since finding his body meant that Gene would move on soon. It was unlikely she'd dream about him again unless he said goodbye to her. I'm sure he will. He's too caring to simply disappear.
"You're right," Naru agreed quietly, wondering when he should bring it up. Maybe when I call to tell her we're closing down…I'll make sure she gets paid as usual though. This isn't her fault. "I'll call her tomorrow…once we have dates set," he decided as he cradled his now empty cup. Lin nodded his agreement as he went to stand by the window, looking down at the dark street outside. It was a view he'd looked down on for almost two years. It would be strange, returning to England. If we end up staying there…