Bonding and Bite Marks

Let Me Take Care of You

Takigawa left after that, allowing John to eat and rest. The hours ticked by. He didn't know how long it had been, or what time it was, but he was given more medication and more food. A little later, a doctor came and checked him over. He was in perfect health now, and the last batch of medication should see him through to the next day. He was being discharged as soon as his alpha arrived to take him home. John bristled at the news.

"I'm not-I don't need-" The tube in his hand almost tugged free as he panicked. The doctor quickly grabbed his shoulder and wrist, stilling his movements and coaxing him back to the edge of the bed with a wave of soothing pheromones. John bit his lip and looked at the floor. He wasn't ready. He absolutely wasn't ready for it. The doctor was gentle as he checked the needle and the tubes. He sighed and released more calming pheromones, counting John's pulse as it raced against his fingertips.

"Your heat will return tomorrow, and we can't send you home unaccompanied. You're lucky. Your alpha has already signed your released papers and taken responsibility for your welfare," the doctor added as he stepped back checked John's charts. John shivered at the news. He signed the papers? How? Was he here earlier? I didn't sense him...He didn't understand how he hadn't noticed, though he was in a heat room, and scents couldn't penetrate the thick walls. He concluded that Lin must have been there earlier, when Takigawa visited.

Having little choice in the matter, John huddled on the bed for as long as possible, until he was told to dress and gather his things. He did as he was told, waiting on the bed with a looming sense of dread until the door opened and Takigawa entered. John looked up in surprise as he greeted him and took his duffle bag. John was hesitant to speak as he got to his feet, but Takigawa could see the question on his lips. He led the way, walking slowly as John reluctantly followed.

"Lin's waiting outside...He thought you might feel more comfortable if I came in and got you," he explained as they entered the main hospital. John covered his nose and mouth as the various scents hit him. His heat had been suppressed, but his nose was still sensitive. For the past day or so, he'd been isolated with only his own scent for company. Now he could smell alphas and betas everywhere. There were hundreds of people in the hospital. He felt a strong hand on his shoulder, steadying him as he stumbled. "A little sensitive, huh?" Takigawa sympathised as he fell back to walk a little behind, guiding him with a gentle hand.

Fresh air hit John's face as they stepped outside, and he turned his pale face up to the warm sun. He sighed as most of the scents retreated behind the doors and his own senses adjusted. He caught a new scent on the breeze. A small whimper sounded in his throat as his heart clenched. John stopped and gripped his chest. It felt like all the air had been knocked from his lungs. He couldn't breathe. His omega was screaming with need. He looked further up the path and saw Lin's tall figure staring back at him in something akin to shock. John felt his knees shake. It was almost like a scene in a movie. Need burned in his chest as he stared at his alpha.

He wasn't sure whether Lin had somehow heard his whimper or noticed his distress, but suddenly he was running. John felt like a deer in headlights, desperately wanting to run away from and run to Lin at the same time. His omega half was winning, keeping his shaking legs in place until Lin was gasping in front of him. John flinched and raised his arms in reflex, fully expecting a slap to be thrown his way after disobeying him. His eyes widened as he was almost crushed against Lin's firm chest. One hand had moved to bunch in his hair as the other wrapped around his waist, tugging him closer.

Lin said nothing, but John could feel what he was holding back. What were you thinking? You could have been killed! You could have been-John felt another whimper in his tight throat, closing his tear-filled eyes as he leaned further into Lin's tight embrace. The large hand that tangled in his hair was secure and almost painful. It was like Lin was trying to confirm that he was actually there. That he wasn't just a figment of his imagination. I was worried! I was terrified! Do you have any idea what you did to me? It felt like that's what he was trying to say, and suddenly John couldn't hold back the flood of tears.