The Shepherd and the Lamb

by Loopy_duck

Summary:

When Riley is attacked by the Angel on his way home after a meeting, John rushes to his rescue. The Angel refuses to give Riley his blood, despite John's pleas. Knowing it will forever bind them together in irreversible ways, John changes him himself and brings him back to the rectory.

Riley decides to give his new life a chance - but only because John promises to help him and to keep him and his loved ones safe. The two have plenty to talk about and a connection neither of them can ignore. And who knows - maybe Riley can help John see the error of his ways...

Chapter 1: Free

Summary:

John comforts Riley after his transformation.

Notes:

Since Riley doesn't know who Father Paul is yet, he's Father Paul when the story is from Riley's perspective and John when it isn't.

A bloody war behind my eyes
I come out right on the other side
Just close the door and shut the blinds
I'll come out right on the other side
Love, let my nightmares turn into dreams
Love, let the angels into my sleep
Love, let the spirit fly out of me
Love, let my love inside go

- Mother Mother

Riley Flynn snapped into consciousness, his breaths coming in great gasps, his body aching. He could tell he was lying on a bed, and he could see the faintest rays of sunlight trickling in through a nearby window, but he couldn't make out any details about his surroundings - except for two strange golden lights that danced over him. 

In the dim light, a looming figure came into focus, and Riley realized the lights were eyes - eyes that glowed yellow. 

"Riley, hey, hey," a familiar voice murmured, low and soothing. "You're okay...you're okay..."

Riley felt large, gentle hands rest against his face. Almost immediately, he was completely overcome by a sweet, somewhat metallic scent. 

Riley groaned. He felt cold - impossibly cold. But the priest's hands felt warm and comforting against his skin.

And that scent. God, that scent. What was that?

Before he could question further, pain shot through him, as suddenly as if he'd been hit by a bus - radiating from his stomach through his limbs. He gasped from the shock of it, the intensity, gripping his stomach tightly. 

"Shhhh," the priest whispered, lightly caressing his cheek. The touch felt incredible - in fact, Riley found that it actually dulled the pain, as inexplicable as it was. "You went on a journey, Riley Flynn - and you've been brought back to me. I'll explain, I promise, but for now...you need to rest."

Riley felt another jolt of pain then, this one somehow worse than the first. As it coursed through his body, he let out a strangled cry, hands digging into the priest's arms. 

"You're okay. You're okay. I know it hurts. I know, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry. But it...it will pass. You need to heal before you can feed. Here - close your eyes."

Riley did as Father Paul asked, gathering what little strength he had to block everything out - every sound, every smell, every ache - until all that existed was the sensation of the priest's hands against his skin. And when he felt long arms scoop him up, felt himself surrounded in a strong embrace, he let everything go, and consciousness slipped from him once more.