Bonding and Bite Marks

Coming On

The rest of the month had continued with a little normality, as far as the church was concerned. John no longer wore his robes, but he hadn't had to explain himself. Father Kasuyama had been sure to take care of everything with both discretion and sensitivity. While John had still been in heat, he'd worked the news into his sermon and asked for patience, understanding, and sensitivity for John's fragile mental state. It would take time for him to adjust, and he would require their unyielding love and support. People still called him Father Brown and treated him exactly the same. The only real difference was that he no longer performed sermons or ceremonies. He did, however, continue his role as an exorcist for SPR.

SPR was where his life had become the most awkward. Uncomfortable. Stressful. He hated going to the office, because if he went to the office, he'd see Lin. His heart would pound with fear, anticipation, dread, and longing each time he approached the stone steps. His mating mark would itch and ache as he hesitated outside. As he drew closer to the door, Lin's spiced scent would drift down to his sensitive nose as he in greeting. His knees would shake, and the pit of his stomach would drop. The worst times were when he entered the office and Lin was the only one there. It happened occasionally when Mai hadn't returned from school yet. He never bothered Naru directly. He was always sequestered away in his office, out of sight. When Mai was absent, it was Lin's responsibility to take care of the office out front.

Lin would greet him politely, dark eyes burning and screaming how much he wanted to touch him. Caress him. Scent him. He wouldn't though. He would invite him to use the kitchen and take a seat before returning to his office. He did that because he knew that was what John wanted him to do. They hadn't discussed it, but he knew. John rejected him with every willing fibre of his being. The only unwilling parts were the base instincts of his omega. Outside of his heat cycle, John was able to quash them. He didn't need Lin's care and affection. He could take care of himself.

It was better when Mai was there. On those days, he could sit stiffly with his back to Lin's office and focus his attention on Mai. There was really no one who was better to talk to in awkward situations like this. She'd chatter endlessly about school, novels, cases. Anything that took her fancy. Sometimes, what she said was truly enthralling. Sometimes, she would have them both in stitches. Sometimes, she'd distract him from the spiced scent that seeped into his skin as Lin brought out documents and offered his stiff greetings. John would acknowledge him simply and politely, as he always used to, before returning his attention to Mai. She never judged him or Lin, one way or the other, though he did think her eyes always seemed somewhat sad as she watched them interact. He understood why. It was unusual for omegas to resist their alphas, and for their alphas to allow such treatment to pass unchecked. Alphas and omegas biologically wanted to please each other. John was fighting biology with his indifference, and Lin was allowing it to make him comfortable.

During cases away from the office, things were much the same. The only difference was that John refused to be left alone with Lin. That rarely happened anyway. Generally, Lin would pair with Naru, while John and Takigawa paired and the other three girls were left to their own devices. Sometimes John would pair with Masako while Takigawa accompanied Ayako, leaving Mai alone in their base. On rare occasions, Mai would accompany him. He actually preferred those times to any other. Mai was naturally friendly and since they saw each other all the time, she knew better than to bring up his relationship with Lin. Or rather, his lack of a relationship.

The worst times were when it got dangerous. The moment trouble sprang up, Lin would step a little too close. He would quietly suggest he accompany John's group. He would remain just outside the door while John conducted his exorcisms. It was stifling. John hated it. It made him feel warm. It made him feel safe. If he found himself in danger, Lin would spring into action. In moments, Lin would place his lithe body between John and any danger, taking the full brunt of an attack himself. It was brave. It was foolish. It was aggravating. John had never liked to see people getting hurt for him, but it was worse when it happened to Lin. Lin was acting as his alpha. Dutifully protecting him. Despite that fact that John had shunned him at every turn.