Bonding and Bite Marks

Lowered Defences

"John." Lin's voice was quiet, almost distant. John blinked his eyes open as he felt the book slip from his tired fingers. There was no accompanying thud, and as he focused, he saw Lin straightening up with the closed novel in his hand. He marked the page and set it down on the window seat by his legs before leaning down with a soft look. "You shouldn't fall asleep here." He was affectionate, running a gentle hand through his curled locks.

"What time is it?" John asked sleepily, seeing that it was dark out. The park was only just visible in the orange glow of the streetlights. The distant play area stood empty, not even a dog walker enjoying the peaceful evening. As usual, the streets themselves were deserted. Not a single car drove by as his gaze lingered. Lin joined him in admiring the darkness for a moment before leaning down and kissing his pale cheek.

"It's almost eleven." That wasn't too late. They would usually go to bed at around midnight, at least John would. Lin would sometimes stay up in his office to catch up on work he'd missed. Luckily, Naru was also enduring his heat, so they would both be behind. John's heat had actually ended a day ago, but his body had been ravished, and they were both content in the quiet apartment. He could have gone home that day, but neither of them had mentioned it.

"What are you doing?" John stiffened as Lin leaned over the edge of his seat and reached for him. John was dressed in his black sweatpants and the pale blue top Lin had bought him, the material hanging loosely on his slim frame. He was still underweight. He clutched his hands to his chest, a light pink dusting his pale cheeks at their closeness.

"Carrying you to bed," Lin replied smugly as he slipped one arm beneath John's knees and the other behind his small shoulders. He was light as a feather as he hefted him against his chest. John's hand bunched in his crisp shirt. He was dressed in his usual office attire, despite not leaving the house. He generally found it easier to focus when dressed properly for a task, and he'd been in his office for the past few hours.

"I'm not a princess, I can walk..." John murmured, though secretly he was brimming with pleasure as he curled further into his alpha's chest. Lin pretended he didn't notice, though he did allow his own contentment to filter out through their bond. He was a little more practised than John at controlling what he let slip. Right now, John let his emotions flood the bond freely, having no control over what he did and didn't share. He'd learn eventually. Lin was almost sad that day would come. He liked John's honest purity.

"What made you so happy?" Lin asked as he felt John's heart flood with contentment, feet twitching the way they did when he was reading a good book. John smiled, cheeks still flushed and warm as he found himself placed gently on Lin's bed. He looked up from his space against the plump pillows, turning on his side to gaze up at him.

"You're thinking about me." Lin tilted his head in confusion. Of course I'm thinking about you...I always think about you. The honest thought filtered through their bone and he watched John curl up a little more, looking stupidly happy. Lin's lips softened into a smile of his own as he sat on the edge of the bed, one knee resting beneath him on the mattress. John took one of his hands and held it gently, content as he closed his eyes.

"You shouldn't fall asleep on top of the duvet..." Lin heard a small hum of agreement, though John made no move to do anything about it. "I won't be held responsible if you catch a cold." He received another hum of agreement. If you get sick, I won't let you go home. He wondered why he didn't say the words aloud. He looked down at John's peaceful face, raising his free hand to stroke the curled blonde locks that fell across his closed eyes. His breathing had levelled out, slow breaths making his chest rise and fall. The grip on his hand slowly eased off, and Lin could finally pull himself free.