"Looks like this is it," Takigawa said as he pulled into the hotel's carpark. The hotel itself was nothing special. They always went for low or modest budget places, though never anything seedy looking. It was a three-star hotel, sitting in its own space away from the city centre, but still central enough to be a good base for their search. The building reminded Takigawa a little of his old elementary school. It was a big, blocky building around five storeys high, with glass doors and rows upon rows of curtained windows. He'd already spotted a large black van parked further up and assumed it was Lin as he pulled into a nearby space. Ayako murmured her tired agreement, the dark rings under her eyes telling him she hadn't slept yet. He'd picked her up from a shift at the hospital, and they'd been on the road for a good few hours. He couldn't believe she hadn't slept yet; she'd come out of a sixteen-hour surgery! He'd expected her to fall asleep in the car on the way over, but she didn't sleep well on the road. "I'm pretty tired...I think we should take a nap once we get in, don't you think? That was a long drive!" Takigawa added cheerfully as he stopped the car.

"Won't Naru and Lin want to get started right away?" Ayako asked tiredly as he checked he had everything from the driver's side. Usually, Takigawa knew that would be the case, but he also knew Lin wasn't blind. One look at Ayako and he would agree. Besides, it was already late afternoon. Before going anywhere, they'd have to look at a map of the surrounding area and decide where to start. There would probably be sizeable chunks they could cut out for being too built up or not having water close by, but they'd still need to look into the rest before making a choice. That would probably take a while, so by the time they were ready, it would be heading towards early evening. They couldn't go searching in the dark. It would be too dangerous, so they'd most likely start looking the next day instead.

"I wouldn't imagine so, at least not today." Leaving the car, he grabbed the case from the boot and set it on its wheels. They'd shared a single case since they would share a room. It made sense. Takigawa sent Lin a quick message as they walked up the steps, letting him know Ayako's physical state and checking when and where they would be meeting. At the front desk, he took the lead, cheerfully collecting their keys while Ayako did her best to stay on her feet. She all but collapsed into the glass wall once they were inside the lift. "Almost there," Takigawa murmured softly as he tucked his arm around her slim waist. She hummed softly, accepting the silent invitation to lean against his shoulder. Her cinnamon scent was soft as it coiled around him in thanks, and her body was warm as he pulled her closer.

Lin was waiting outside their room, where he greeted them and updated them on the plan. They were to rest up that night and be ready by seven the next morning for breakfast, where they would discuss their options moving forward. That night, Lin was planning to work with Naru and John to narrow down the best starting point. Takigawa agreed before they said goodnight and entered their rooms. As soon as the door closed behind him, Takigawa caught Ayako from behind and wrapped his arms around her slim waist. He purred into her shoulder as he breathed in her cinnamon scent, nuzzling the back of her neck.

"Shall I run you a bath? Order some room service?" he asked softly, content as Ayako leaned into his embrace. Even in her heels, she was still a little shorter, and she was so slender he felt she was half his size. He could tuck her against his chest and hold her in his arms, or pick her up and carry her with one arm. Her size was a little deceptive. Slight by no means meant weak. He knew for a fact that she could lift and carry him if she so chose with her superior strength. For a female alpha, she was average in size.

"I just want to sleep," Ayako confessed tiredly as she slipped out of her high heels, too tired to feel insecure about her shorter height. Sensing her unusually submissive state, Takigawa swept her up bridal style, giving her a wolfish grin as he carried her over to the bed. She huffed her tired amusement as he lowered her to the mattress like a delicate princess and accepted the gentle kisses he pressed against her lips before drawing back to help her out of her clothes. It was rare for her to accept such treatment, so he was going to make the most of it.

He started with her white blouse, pressing chaste kisses against her lips as he popped the buttons one by one and spread it open. She hummed softly as he stroked over her covered breasts and down to her waist before sliding back up to push the material off her small shoulders. She sat up to help as he removed her shirt and popped the clip on her bra with one hand. It was somewhat impressive how he could do that with a simple click of his fingers, and it often amused her to no end. Removing the plain black bra, he set the items aside and returned to her lower half.

The pencil skirt was the next item to go. Ayako reached up to rest her hands on the pillow by her head, watching lazily as Takigawa knelt over her legs and stroked her curved waist. Deft fingers soon found the zipper of her shirt and pulled it down, dragging the skirt over her dark legs. Her black tights were the next to go, but Takigawa wasn't about to let the sight go to waste. He started at her delicate ankles and slowly stroked higher, enjoying the smoothness beneath his hands as he ran them over her knees and up her thighs. At the waist, he hooked both the tights and her panties, dragging them down and off to leave her naked on the sheets.

Usually, he'd be eager to take advantage of her relaxed state, but knowing she'd come out of such a long surgery, he knew she wasn't up to it. He did, however, allow himself a few extra moments to enjoy the view as he set her old clothes aside to be packed away. Her skin was perfectly pale, red hair fanned over the white pillow, dark curls calling him between her thighs. He ignored his base nature's encouraging nudges, enjoying the gently sloping mounds on her chest and sliding down to her navel and shapely legs before grabbing the light sheet and pulling it over her body. Ayako sighed in contentment at the fresh feel of the cotton as she settled down and closed her tired eyes.

"I'll join you in a while," Takigawa murmured as he leaned down and kissed her forehead. He was physically tired, but not enough to sleep yet. Ayako murmured her agreement before settling her head into the soft pillows and closing her eyes. It seemed she was asleep within seconds. Takigawa sighed fondly before pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. She didn't even stir. He couldn't blame her after the day she'd had. Surgery was tough, and she'd stayed awake for the drive, too.

Sighing fondly, he headed into the functional little bathroom and started the shower before calling down to room service and putting in an order for some onigiri. Rice balls were quick and easy, so he knew they wouldn't take long to arrive. He didn't need a long shower, just enough to scrub off the grim of driving all that way. He ran the water hot and stepped beneath the spray, sighing in contentment as he used the cheap products provided by the hotel. The place they'd chosen was simple and functional as usual, not so cheap as to be unpleasant, but not so expensive that it would break the bank. It was comfortable.

By the time he stepped out with a towel wrapped around his waist, his food was ready. There was a rap on the door and he hurried over, checking over his shoulder to make sure Ayako hadn't been disturbed. She was still fast asleep, lying on her side facing the empty half of the bed. Takigawa smiled softly as he opened the door and accepted his food with thanks. With Ayako taken care of and his stomach soon full, he set about unpacking their case. Perhaps it was the omega in him that led to that. It happened every time they went away. He had the uncontrollable urge to mark the room; to nest it and make it home. Leaving their clothes in the case was unacceptable.

He moved quietly as he opened the case and plucked out each item, purring softly as he held Ayako's shirt to his nose and took in her spiced scent. If he had a tail, it would be wagging. A sense of home and safety flooded his senses with the scent, along with the usual quiet yearning. He hung the shirt in the closet on one side, claiming the other half for himself. Tops, shirts, skirts and jeans were soon hung, while pants, bras, and socks were bundled into the small side tables. They'd also packed functional walking shoes, knowing they would be heading out to some of the less used mountain roads. He left those in a neat row by the door and stored the case beside the closet.

Standing with his hands on his hips, he looked around with a satisfied huff. The room felt more like home already. He didn't bother to dress as he turned off the light and left his towel over the back of the chair. They often slept naked together, enjoying the warmth of each other's skin. The light sheet felt cool and fresh as he finally slipped beneath it and propped himself up on one arm to take in Ayako's sleeping face. She hadn't worn makeup that day, or if she had, she'd washed it off for surgery. Being under those hot lights was trying enough without foundation and mascara running in the heat. Her lips were naturally pink and soft, tempting him closer as they parted for breath. Her eyelashes were long, resting atop her cheeks as she nuzzled into the pillow with a gentle hum. It was almost like she'd sensed his arrival. Perhaps she had on some level.

Takigawa smiled, running his fingers through her long red locks as he leaned down and kissed her lips. She was too deep in sleep to notice or respond. He continued to gaze at her, committing each detail to memory. Her sloping brows, soft cheeks, elegant neck, and gently curved chin. Each feature was perfect to him. His insides fluttered, warmth swelling in his chest. These times were the best times. The times he could gaze upon his alpha and quietly revel in her presence. His sweet apple scent slowly filled the small space, blending with Ayako's cinnamon spice like a seasonal pastry.

"Good night, Aya..." She didn't head him, of course, but he never tired of saying it. With a final peck on her forehead, he settled down beside her and looped an arm across her slim waist. A smile crossed his lips as he closed his eyes and felt her turn over. On some level, she knew he was there. With her back now turned, he had space to shuffle up behind and wrap her in his embrace. Nuzzling into her silken locks, he closed his eyes, content to sleep.