Bonding and Bite Marks

Solemnity

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.