"John!" A sharp pain assaulted his senses, blue eyes snapping wide as a choked gasp ripped his throat. He couldn't focus, he couldn't breathe. "John!" Lin's voice was a little quieter this time as another hard slap knocked his head sideways. His body stiffened in shock, breaths quivering as he finally gripped the crisp white material of Lin's shirt. Tears spilled over his cheeks, a sigh of relief whispering against his head as Lin pulled him into a tight embrace. Koujo's scent...John breathed and burrowed his face into the large shoulder. Safe...

His hazy blue eyes finally looked up to find Mai quivering and pale, with her hands over her mouth while Naru stood close to her side, a tentative hand on her lower back. He was almost awkward as his arm rested against her looking a little pale and shaken himself. John flinched as a hand laced in his hair, relaxing as he remembered he was in Lin's arms. His body trembled as shock seeped in, ice creeping down his spine. Naru eased Mai down onto the opposite sofa before heading into the kitchen.

"Just breathe...I'm here...You're safe..." Lin murmured assuringly as he felt John's hands loosen and tighten in his shirt, his whole body quaking. John felt exhausted once more as he fell against Lin's chest, limbs heavy. The horror still lingered, along with the sense that he was forgetting something important. Blue eyes shot wide, hands urgently pushing himself back as he looked up at Lin, who looked both surprised and worried at the sudden activity.

"Pen! Paper!" Lin looked at Mai in silent request, and she stumbled out of her seat to grab her pen and a post-it note. "R71, B71, Kyoto 6." Mai didn't ask questions as she hurriedly jotted it down. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing. Maybe next time I can...John's thoughts stopped dead as his body was almost crushed against Lin's chest. He couldn't breathe with how tight his arms were, and the well of fear flooding his chest only made it harder.

"Don't you dare! Don't you ever!" Lin's terror seeped through their bond and John felt fresh tears spilling down his cheeks as Lin's body quivered against him. "I-it really felt like you were dying..." John squirmed to return the embrace, climbing his way onto Lin's lap and burying his face in their bonding mark. The scent relaxed both of them. If Lin can feel it so keenly then...John wasn't sure Gene would be willing to show him again. I just wish I had seen more...

"I can't control it, but...I'll try," John replied apologetically as he nuzzled Lin's cheek. He drew back, eyes softening as he wiped Lin's tears with his thumbs. It wasn't the first time Lin had cried, but it was the first time John had actually looked at his crying face. There was something almost beautiful about it. Lin flushed at the thought and looked away. He felt embarrassed. John smiled as he leaned up and kissed his alpha's cold lips. They were both in shock.

"Here," Naru's voice interrupted, easing a cup of hot tea into John's hands. The scent was relaxing. Comforting. Lin also seemed calmer as he sipped the hot liquid, not seeming to notice as he burned his tongue. "What's going on?" Naru knew he was the only one left out of the loop. He could tell from the way Mai avoided his eyes. At first he'd thought it was something personal between John and Lin, but now that Mai was shutting him out, he got the feeling it was something serious. Something to do with him.

"I..." John trailed off, unable to bring himself to go further.

"You...called Gene's name..." Naru murmured, watching him blanch at the news. It seemed he'd slipped up. John nodded quietly as he settled against Lin's chest, unwilling to leave the security of his arms just yet. Lin sighed against his head. It couldn't be helped.

"I've been having visions...about Gene." Naru's blue eyes widened at the news. He was troubled when John finally finished telling him about it. That should be my burden to bear, idiot! Why would you...Naru sighed at the thought. Had their positions been reversed, he may have done something similar. He'd never inflict that experience on Gene. But I also wouldn't do it to John. John was quite sensitive and fragile. He only found out he was an omega a few months ago. He mated Lin, and now this? That's a lot of pressure..."Naru, I'm alright!" He didn't quite believe him.

"I'm sorry. This should have been my responsibility." Naru gave a low, formal bow of apology from his place beside Mai. John felt his cheeks flush as he shook his head. He'd never expected Naru to bow so low to him.

"No-no! Really! I...I want to help, and I understand why Gene chose me...No one should have to see that, especially not you." John couldn't put into words how horrifying it felt to see and feel those things. It wasn't just seeing, hearing and feeling. It was the intimacy. For those few moments, he was Gene. He could hear his thoughts like his own. He felt the desperation and fear. They were one being. What's really frustrating is being unable to change anything...

"Still, I'm sorry..." Naru insisted, unsure how he was feeling. He felt bitter, unhappy that his brother hadn't trusted him to deal with this. He felt touched by John's words. Guilty for him having to go through this. He felt helpless because there was nothing he could do to help. Now he felt bad, because he could feel Lin watching him and worrying about him when he should be more concerned about the omega nestled in his arms.

"Let's go and eat!" Mai sensed the bad atmosphere in the office and thought a change of scene would help. Lin quietly agreed it was best to leave the office, but at the same time, he didn't think eating out was the best thing for John's delicate state. He was weak and tired, still jittery with shock and sensitive to their surroundings.

"Why don't we go home and order in?" John suggested as he sensed Lin's conflict. "You'll come with us, won't you?" he added as he shot Mai a look across the coffee table. Her cheeks coloured. She'd never been invited to Naru's apartment before. Naru stiffened slightly, unsure what he wanted her to say. Their eyes met, hopeful blue meeting anxious hazel.

"Yes." Naru's cheeks flushed. It was almost reassuring to see him get a little flustered. With that settled, they set off. Mai and Naru took a taxi since the van only had three seats. John felt a little embarrassed as his knees buckled while getting to his feet. He was still shaken up and weak. Lin swiftly swept him into his arms, carrying him bridal style down the stairs while Naru took care of locking up and opening doors.

"I'm sorry for the trouble." John couldn't help feeling somewhat pathetic as he buckled his seatbelt. At least I don't need help with that! Lin's expression softened as he leaned in and captured his lips in a brief kiss, pouring warmth into the gesture. John felt his chest thud in response, eyes fluttering as he leaned closer.

"Don't say such things," Lin replied simply as he started the van. Naru and Mai managed to beat them back, and were waiting patiently in the kitchen as they arrived. John could walk by himself by then, and hurried to his regular seat. Lin was left standing for a while since there were only three stools, but he was tall enough to comfortably lounge against the kitchen counter anyway. Mai was quite taken with Sebastian, and thought the name was adorable. She also thought Naru was adorable. He glared at the black ball of fur as soon as it appeared at his feet but made no move to push him off as he hopped lightly into his lap and curled up.

They settled on pizza, something quick and easy to eat. Delivery was surprisingly quick, and they decided to move into Naru's living area. There was enough sofa and floor space for everyone. Naru and Mai took the sofa while John was content sitting on the floor, finding the cream carpet quite comfortable. John's omega purred in contentment as Lin took the spot behind him, slotting his smaller body between his long legs and leaning against his back. Mai tried not to stare too much. It was a side to Lin she'd never expected to see. No one dared to mention that Naru was doing a little purring of his own as Sebastian sat on his lap and Mai settled close to his side, her sweet scent filling his senses.

They talked about various things. Mai's progress in school and her future plans, upcoming cases at the office, any work John was thinking of doing, and various other unimportant things. It was nice, and almost unfamiliar. Naru had only recently started spending more time with John and Lin, and Mai lived alone. It was nice being with other people for a change. The food was soon finished and Lin prepared some tea, since he was acting as host.

"It's getting late! I should probably head home," Mai said finally as she got to her feet to gather her things. Lin shot Naru a meaningful glance, noting his jaw had tightened slightly. Many people would miss the flicker in his blue eyes and the way he almost sucked in his bottom lip as he struggled to form words. Lin almost huffed into John's hair.

"I don't like the thought of you going home alone at this time." Lin wished he was close enough to nudge Naru into action. He settled for meeting his eyes with a meaningful stare and tilting his head ever so slightly. Mai quickly objected, saying that she'd call a taxi so there was no need for an escort.

"Stay here!" Naru demanded finally as he caught Mai's wrist, the desperate request coming out more like a snapped order. At Naru's words, Lin knew it was time to excuse themselves. He wasted no time in getting to his feet, tugging John with him and motioning him to be quiet. Mai and Naru didn't even notice as they slipped away and pulled the door almost shut before heading up to Lin's apartment. "I mean, if you want to." Naru's confidence slipped somewhat as Mai remained silent.

"I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable." Mai was still a little uncertain, waiting awkwardly until Naru allowed himself to shuffle a little closer. He was still sitting while she was standing, running his hand down her delicate wrist to catch and tease her fingers. His knee brushed her leg as he moved closer, cheeks dusted pink.

"You won't," Naru replied, watching Mai blush in response. "I would offer to sleep on the sofa, but it's not like we haven't seen each other naked before," he added with a little more of his usual swagger and confidence. Mai felt her chest bubble at the reminder, trying not to get ahead of herself. Just because he teased her like that didn't mean he was making a proposition. Naru wasn't used to relinquishing control to his omega, especially outside his heats, but he really had no idea where to go from here. He allowed his fingers to stroke and tease Mai's, hoping he managed to give her a meaningful look.

"N-Naru?" Mai murmured as she noticed the slightly glazed look in his eyes, the open neediness alerting her to the fact that it was his omega side in control. Naru wasn't near his heat cycle yet, so she knew the omega hadn't simply taken over. Naru was allowing his base nature to come out. He got to his feet and stepped closer, leaning down to her shoulder and nuzzling her throat with his soft ebony locks. He breathed in her scent, a small purr trilling from his throat as his hands slipped over her small hips.

"Can I?" Naru asked quietly as his hands pulled her a little closer. She wasn't entirely sure what he was asking for, but whatever it was, she wanted to give it to him. She nodded against his chest and leaned her head on his shoulder, letting her arms rise to slip around his broader shoulders. It was so strange to think of him as an omega. He felt so firm beneath his clothes, larger than her and in no way delicate. She tightened her grip as Naru turned his head, sharp teeth nipping and kissing her bare throat.

"Should we..." Mai murmured hesitantly as she drew back and nodded towards the closed door she assumed led to Naru's bedroom. Naru nodded his agreement, not hesitating to sweep her into his arms. With her arms still around his neck, Mai yelped and wrapped her slender legs around his hips, very conscious of the way her short skirt rucked up to her hips. When Naru moved his hands to cup her ass, he blushed, gripping the warm flesh and thin panties in his hands. Mai buried her face in his shoulder, trying not to feel too embarrassed.

Naru had no trouble carrying her to his door and toeing it open, unsurprised as Sebastian padded by and settled in his large desk chair. He lowered his head and seemingly went to sleep while Naru deposited Mai on the large bed. Her brow twitched ever so slightly. How did I guess that everything would be black? She ran her hands over the soft black cotton of the duvet as she looked around. All the furniture was black, and it was a very plain and organised room. The only decorations were a few photos that surrounded his desk on the wall.

There was a photo of him with his brother, clearly a few years old, judging by how cute and innocent they looked. She could pick out Naru straight away, though he was actually smiling in the picture with his brother's arm wrapped over his shoulder as he made a peace sign. There was another even older picture of the boys with Lin, who looked like a high school student. There was a full family photo. At least, Mai assumed the older couple were Naru's parents. They looked nice. Nothing like their children, of course. They were both foreign.

It looked like they were going to, or had been at, some sort of high-class party. The tall woman, only a little shorter than Lin, had long brunette locks that cascaded down her pale shoulders to her waist, which was hugged by a black evening gown that reached her toes. Her lips were full and red, and her eyes were a deep hazel with a few laughter lines as she smiled. Her husband was Lin's height, but stronger and broader. He looked like the definition of an alpha with neat, short brown hair and sharp chocolate eyes. Although he smiled, he seemed more reserved than his wife. He was wearing a black evening suit, much like their sons and Lin. The twins looked adorable, one smiling brightly while the other stood almost awkwardly in front of his father. Lin stood behind the twins, between their parents. He was smiling as he rested one hand on Gene's shoulder, clearly trying to keep him still.

The other picture was one that Mai had taken at the office. It was from their Christmas office party, which had been a small affair after a case. They'd all returned to the office, much to Naru's annoyance, and ordered food. Takigawa had bought some alcohol and soft drinks, as well as a few other snacks. They'd exchanged presents and sat around the small tree she'd bought. She'd wanted to take a photo with everyone for a long time, and Christmas seemed the perfect excuse, since they were all there anyway. Lin had almost escaped, slipping towards his office. Luckily, Masako had already latched onto Naru. Lin stood reluctantly at the back beside Takigawa, who had an arm looped around Ayako's shoulders. John crouched just in front of her, beside Mai, who was next to Naru and then Masako.

There was one more photo, only this one had no people in it. It was a photo of what looked like a huge mansion. The walls were faded brown brick, and the design looked like something out of an old historical drama. The house sat in a large open field, surrounded by tall trees. It seemed to be a picture from the back of the house. She couldn't see a driveway or a car. Is that Naru's family home in England?

Her attention was drawn away as Naru's knee made the bed dip. She looked up as he held himself above her, his expression somewhat uncertain. Mai smiled as she reached up and tugged the buttons of his shirt. She had no problem taking the lead, enjoying the way Naru's cheeks coloured as she slid the shirt down his shoulders. He sighed into her touch as she stroked his pale skin, lingering over his nipples and watching him twitch. He made no move to stop her as she sat up and supported his spine with one hand, leaning forward to lick and kiss his sensitive skin.

"M-Mai!" He almost gasped at the tingles running across his skin. Mai remained quiet as she explored his warm skin with eager fingertips and teeth. He made small needy sounds of want and satisfaction as she explored, eager hands working off her clothes. She helped as he pulled her top over her head and snapped her bra clip. It was her turn to gasp and moan as Naru's teeth latched onto one of her nipples and sucked. He eased her smaller body back to the bed, kissing and touching greedily. A purr slipped out as her fingers slipped through his ebony locks and urged him closer to her chest. He gave a final, sharp nip before heading lower.

Mai watched, one hand resting over her mouth, as Naru eased down her skirt and panties. His blue eyes were half lidded as he licked a trail down past her naval, kissing her pale skin, caressing her hips, and finally parting her legs. He looked up at her as he kissed her inner thigh, resting her legs over his shoulders as he settled down comfortably. Mai looked away, embarrassed as she felt his hot breath at her entrance. She squeaked as his tongue made its first lap, cheeks flushing as she felt him watching.

"Ah! Oliver!" she moaned as he pressed closer, tongue gliding through her silken folds. He felt his chest lurch as she said his real name, pulling back in surprise. Her cheeks were still flushed as she looked down at him, and he could feel his own face was hot. He liked it when she called him Naru. It was the name she'd given him, so much like Gene's nickname. She could call him Naru forever and he'd be happy, but there was something almost sinful about hearing her say his real name. It made his cock twitch and stiffen. It was a name he rarely heard these days.

"Would you...say it again?" he murmured as he leaned up, making a start on stretching her slick entrance. He easily slid two digits inside, enjoying the way her spine arched and pressed their chests together at the sensation. She clung to him as he stroked and teased her inner walls, crooking and twisting his fingers.

"Oliver...Oliver!" Mai repeated, moaning at the way Naru's touch became slightly rougher and more urgent. She wrapped her legs securely around his strong hips and pulled him closer, a clear sign that she was ready. Naru obligingly lined himself up and pressed through her folds until he was hugged in tight heat. They both paused and quivered as he fully sheathed himself. Mai's head fell back as he leaned down, sighing as she felt him nip and suck at her bonding site. He was marking her again, staking his claim. Mai caressed his cheek and turned his head. He obliged, leaning closer so that she could mark his skin in a similar manner. "Naru, I-" She cut off as he sealed her lips with his own.

"I know." He returned to her lips, swallowing her moans as he started rocking his hips. Her grip gradually tightened as she rocked up to meet his thrusts. He planted his hands on either side of her head, panting as he looked down at her needy expression, leaning down to paint her skin with kisses. Blue eyes stared at her cheeks and made their way down her throat to her shoulders, interrupted by a gasp as she rocked up. He quickened his pace, feeling her walls tighten and quiver around his cock. He reached between their bodies, stroking her mound in encouragement.

"Oliver!" She threw her head back with a moan as she came, thighs gripping tight as he worked through his own release. She pulled him down afterwards, not ready to relinquish her hold. Their heated skin pressed together almost uncomfortably, sweat slick between them as they cooled on the sheets.

"We should shower," Naru murmured eventually, though he made no move to get up.

"In a while."