"I see...No, of course, I understand...No problem...I'd love to have him. Are you kidding? Take as long as you need...Sure, sure...Okay, I'll pick him up next week then, on Tuesday...See you then. Bye." Takigawa hung up the phone with a sigh and looked around his small apartment, wondering where he'd find space to put a dog that big. I'll make a little space in the kitchen. He slumped back on the floor, the hardness of the wood cushioned a little by the thick mat beneath his kotatsu. He couldn't help the heavy, almost lead feeling that filled his chest. So...SPR is done...He secretly hoped Naru would return after a few weeks. But if he doesn't...

His main excuse for meeting up with Ayako was their cases with SPR. It was almost the only time outside his heats and special events that he got to spend time with her. She was often busy at the hospital otherwise, or relaxing in her off hours. During their cases, he could often coax her into having dinner or meeting up here and there, but without the excuse of seeing her for work, their chances of meeting up were slim.

If we don't meet up as much, I wonder if she'll get bored...He couldn't help worrying about that, knowing that she was an attractive alpha, despite her long working hours. She was beautiful, smart, financially stable, and an heiress. She has a lot going for her...He wondered if her parents already had someone in mind for her to marry. It would make sense. They could merge a business or at least gain extra income by pairing her with a wealthy omega family. I'm just a bassist who's a monk on the side...I really don't have much to offer besides my ability to have children...

He got to his feet, feeling restless, and left his apartment. Sitting inside thinking in circles, wouldn't help. It would only make him feel worse. He left his jacket at home, shoving his wallet and phone into the pockets of his jeans instead. It was still hot, so he was only wearing a simple white t-shirt. He took a breath as he headed down the stone steps and out into the street, deciding to take a long walk towards central Tokyo. He probably wouldn't make it all the way, but there were plenty of subway stations along the way if he turned back.

The streets were quiet, which was expected at this time of day. Most people were still at work, and the schools were in, so there were no children about. The area he lived in was mostly for bachelors anyway, though there were a few students renting in the area too. The breeze was light on his skin as he walked by rows and rows of apartments, mostly between five and seven storeys tall. He raised his head as a familiar scent drifted by on the breeze. Paprika...

"Takigawa?" Takigawa's cheeks heated as he met the deep hazel gaze of a familiar alpha. "I thought it was you," he added jovially as he closed his car door. It was a fairly new make, a sleek white Mercedes. Expensive tastes...though he is a doctor. Takigawa smiled and returned the polite greeting. He was more than a little surprised. It never even crossed his mind that he might meet him again after Ayako's work dinner.

"Hey Iwakawa, I've not seen you around these parts before. Are you on a house call?" Takigawa asked as he joined him on the pavement. He was wearing a suit and tie, though he'd removed his jacket. It was a black suit, which somehow made his deep brown hair seem a little lighter. His tie was loose about his throat, and he carried a simple briefcase in his free hand. He pressed his key fob to lock the car as he looked down at Takigawa.

"I just got off. I live in this block," he replied as he pointed to the building to their right. Takigawa was surprised to hear it. With the wage of a doctor, Iwakawa could afford to live in a house like Ayako or in a more upmarket apartment closer to the city. Iwakawa's lip quirked as he caught a little of what he was thinking. "How about you?"

"Oh, I live a few minutes that way," Takigawa replied, thumbing back over his shoulder and watching the doctor nod. It was a decent area for single people, so it wasn't surprising for him to live there. "Well, it's good to see you...How's the hospital?" Takigawa asked curiously, content to wait a few minutes as the good doctor filled him in on his latest shift. Iwakawa was easy to talk to. Jovial and friendly, as many doctors were when speaking to patients.

"There's a coffee shop down the street. How about we go there and catch up? I just need to change." Takigawa nodded. It had been a while since he'd socialised with someone outside of SPR. His band hadn't been very busy recently, so he hadn't spoken to any fans either. He followed the doctor inside and waited by the apartment door. Iwakawa didn't want to make him uncomfortable by bringing him into the house where his scent was strongest. He lived on the second floor, and Takigawa was content waiting in the fresh air, looking down at the empty street. "Sorry to keep you." Takigawa turned to find Iwakawa closing the door, now wearing black slacks and a powder blue shirt.

"It's fine. I was enjoying the quiet," Takigawa replied as they set off down the steps, which were much like the ones at his own apartment. All the apartments in the area were pretty much the same. Neat, white blocks with balconies overlooking the streets, parking out front and neat hedges lining the footpaths out front. Iwakawa put his hands in his pockets as they ambled down the street, managing to draw him into a conversation about music. It turned out Iwakawa played the piano, and quite enjoyed modern music.

"I have to say, I'm not surprised you play. You look the type." Iwakawa took the lead in both ordering and paying as they entered the small coffee shop. Takigawa thanked him as they took a seat at the window bench with their simple black coffees. The street outside was quiet at this time of day, with mostly elderly people and young mothers walking by. Takigawa wasn't sure whether it was a good thing or a bad thing that he looked like a musician. I'll take it as a compliment.

"Are you the lead guitarist?"

"Oh, no. I'm the bassist. It's just a local band, you probably haven't heard of it. It's called Fibre Optic." Iwakawa's eyes widened in surprise, hazel eyes fixing on Takigawa to examine him more closely. The intensity of the stare made Takigawa's cheeks flush. There was a glimmer of recognition on Iwakawa's face as he lowered his cup.

"I didn't see it at first, but I do know the band. I used to go to college with Nori." Takigawa let out a small hum of surprise. Nori had been their singer back when the band first formed, though he had since moved on to another group. Takigawa had only actually been in the band with Nori for a few short months. When he left, there had been talk of disbanding, but Takigawa had encouraged the others to stay on with him as the singer until they found a replacement.

"Do you still hear from him? How is he?" Takigawa listened eagerly as Iwakawa filled him in. It seemed Nori had been unable to settle on a new group and had actually gone solo. Solo suits him though. He didn't mesh well with other people. Takigawa recalled many times he'd started arguments with the other betas in their group. It was only Takigawa he'd seemed to gel with. But as an omega, I'm pretty amiable...

"How's Dr Matsuzaki? Have you heard from her lately?" Iwakawa asked curiously, noting the way Takigawa's cheeks heated ever so slightly at the question.

"Oh-uh-she was fine last time we saw each other," he stammered out in response, hoping his cheeks hadn't changed colour. "Don't you see her at the hospital though?" He knew it was a big place, but he'd assumed there was a shared area where doctors would meet up for lunch or during breaks. Iwakawa seemed surprised as he tilted his head and sipped his coffee.

"Not often. We have different areas of expertise, so it's actually quite rare for our paths to cross professionally. The last time I saw her in passing was...five weeks ago, in the operating theatre." The news was surprising. It seemed the hospitals were more segregated than he'd thought. "She was just finishing up a twelve hour surgery, but she looked calm as ever," he added with a hint of admiration. The thought made Takigawa nod his proud agreement. Ayako was good at keeping her cool under pressure. She wouldn't relax until she was at home.

"Well, we were together last week for our other job, but I haven't seen her for a couple of days now." Iwakawa was curious about their second job and surprised to hear that Ayako had experience as a Shinto priestess. He was even more surprised by Takigawa's claims to be a monk. Takigawa flushed as he breathed in the gentle scent of smoked paprika. It wasn't a dominating or aggressive sign, but it was a show of interest. Iwakawa was sending out pheromones to let him know that he found him attractive as a potential mate.

"I'm curious...Are you and Dr Matsuzaki dating?" That was the most forward he'd been all afternoon. Takigawa faltered, finding it hard to find the right words. He wanted to say that they were, but in all honesty, he couldn't. That would put his desires on Ayako. I don't know how she'd feel about me claiming that we're an item, particularly to a colleague at work...They went to events as dates and met up during his heats, but aside from that, they were quite distant.

"No, we're not..." Takigawa squirmed in his seat, troubled by the revelation.

"I see..." Iwakawa ran a hand through his hair with a sigh, preparing to lay his cards on the table. "I'm going to level with you, Takigawa. I find you attractive. In fact, there is nothing I'd like to do more right now than bend you over this table and make you scream my name." His tone remained level and completely serious as he spoke, the earnestness making Takigawa's cheeks burn and his heart race. He really didn't know what to say in response. The scent of paprika wrapped around him like warm fog, seeping into his senses and making him shudder.

"I'm flattered you feel that way...really..." Takigawa was a little embarrassed as he raised his cup, unused to receiving such intense confessions. He sipped his coffee and kept the cup against his lips to hide his conflicted feelings.

"I'm serious. You are absolutely my type...At the hospital, it's well known that Dr Matsuzaki isn't the dating type. She's never shown a serious interest in anyone, and she's had her fair share of admirers over the years...I guess what I'm saying is...If you can't get a straight answer from her, or you find she's not interested in the long term, then I'd like to go on a date with you." Takigawa stammered in response. He knew Iwakawa found him attractive. He'd known that since the banquet. It was also no secret that he felt the same about him. If Ayako was out of the picture, then I'd bed this guy at the drop of a hat, but..."There's no rush. I can wait until you have an answer from Dr Matsuzaki." Iwakawa slid a new business card across the table, watching as Takigawa picked it up and stared at it. He'd actually tossed the other one after the banquet since he hadn't expected to meet him again.

"Thank you, but..." Iwakawa's hand reached across to touch his as he was about to return the card to the table.

"It's a serious offer...Figure out your relationship with Dr Matsuzaki and get back to me. I'll be waiting." A final shroud of paprika caressed him as Iwakawa got up to leave. Takigawa remained stunned as he watched him go, eyes wide as he looked at the card in his hand. He crossed his legs, willing down the erection in his tight jeans. It had been a long time since anyone but Ayako had this effect on him. I can't say it's purely physical either...He was quietly troubled by his own eagerness. He'd enjoyed spending time with Iwakawa, and it wasn't something he often did with Ayako these days. It'll be even less now that SPR is closing...

Takigawa sighed and headed out into the street, somehow more troubled than he had been before. What he really wanted, and needed, was some reassurance. He felt the connection between himself and Ayako as clear as day. From the moment they met, he knew without a doubt that she was the woman he wanted. The first time she'd fucked him, he'd almost melted. He felt complete and always hoped that she felt the same, but was just too embarrassed to show it. What if I'm wrong though?

Now that another serious offer had been made, he hesitated. Was it fair to himself or Iwakawa to give up without knowing where he stood? What if Ayako really was just looking for a heat partner? Pheromones did strange things to people. All the times he'd thought Ayako was responding to him on an emotional level, she could have just been placating him. The dates might just convenience and politeness. Maybe he was mistaking trust and friendship for something more. Maybe I should stop beating myself up about it and just ask her.

He sighed in frustration as he pulled out his phone, sick of thinking around in circles. He looked at the screen as it lit up, cheeks flushing as he looked at the picture he used as his home screen. It was a picture he'd snapped of Ayako sleeping in bed. She didn't like her photo being taken, so this was one of the few he had. I wonder what she uses as her home screen. He was sure it would be something mundane. What if a co-worker looked at her phone? He bit his lip as he brought up his contacts and ran down the list to Ayako's number. His heart raced as he hit the call button, almost relieved as it went to voicemail.

"Hey, I heard from Lin earlier. I just wanted to see if you're free soon. Let me know, okay?" He tried to sound like his usual self, but it felt hollow somehow as he hung up. Fear of rejection hung over his head as he walked down the street, making it hard to focus on anything else. He eventually headed home and was just opening the door as he got a text. Sorry I missed your call. I was in a consultation. I'm really busy for the next few days. Why? Is your heat coming early this month?

His heart dropped a little at the response. It almost feels like my heat is an inconvenience for her...I guess it is a little...She's busy with the hospital. She's a doctor, and I get that...In the back of his mind was another voice. Iwakawa was also a doctor, but he was home in the afternoon. Iwakawa was a doctor, but he seemed the type who'd make room for him in his schedule. Takigawa sighed as he shut the door and leaned against it, sliding down to the floor.

No, it isn't. I understand that you're busy, but I wanted to see you. He laced a hand in his long hair, bunching his fist the tugging the roots a little as he waited for what seemed like an eternity. Maybe he'd been a little too firm in his response. He'd wanted to be clear, but maybe it came off a little harsh. There was almost frustration in her words as he read her next message.

I can't drop everything right now. I have back-to-back meetings scheduled on top of my other work. Takigawa winced at the pinch in his chest. He worried his lower lip, wondering if he should just come out and say it over text.

I know we agreed that our heat arrangement would end if either of us found someone else, but I want to know how you feel. I need to know if you're seriously okay with that. His hand shook as he tapped his foot on the cold tiles waiting for her response. It took a while. A long while. He'd almost given up hope of a reply when his phone pinged. His heart dropped as he opened the message.

I really can't deal with this right now. Do what you want. The phone slipped from his grasp, clattering to the tiles between his legs. He took a few deep breaths and rested his forehead in his hand, closing his eyes tightly. You're not a kid anymore...Don't you dare...His eyes burned, throat aching as he fought to hold back. He paused as he noticed the neatly cut business card that had fallen beside him on the tiles. It was Iwakawa's. He picked up his phone and typed out a message. This was a bad idea. It was a terrible idea. He was in no state of mind to make rational decisions. He hit send anyway. It surprised him when a knock sounded on his door barely five minutes later. His chest still felt dull as he pushed himself up and opened it.

"What happened?" Iwakawa asked in alarm as he took in the red around his eyes. Takigawa bit his lower lip, quite sure he must look like an idiot. I'm twenty-five, and I'm crying like a little kid. He huffed and drew back as Iwakawa reached out to brush his cheek, shuddering as the scent of paprika filled his senses, soothing and calming him. His body felt heavy as he leaned on the wall for support. "It's alright, just tell me," Iwakawa murmured as he shut the door and slid out of his shoes.

"It's nothing." Takigawa wasn't sure he'd done the right thing, inviting him over. Of course it wasn't the right thing, idiot! He covered his face with one hand, doing his best to hold back the tears. Iwakawa sighed as he stepped onto the wooden floor and caged him against the wall. Takigawa looked up, shocked by their sudden closeness and the heat in Iwakawa's usually warm gaze. He dropped his soft hazel eyes, heart racing at their closeness.

"You knew when you invited me, didn't you? That I won't stop unless you say it now." It was impossible not to notice the way Takigawa stiffened against the wall. Iwakawa waited a while, holding back from simply taking him then and there. It was impossible not to notice that something was off. He'd felt it since the text. The short urgency of the message. They'd only met twice now. It was naïve to think this was anything more than a simple hook up.

"I-I just..." Takigawa trailed off, knowing what he was doing was foolish.

"If it's just a body you want right now, I can do that for you." Takigawa nodded his agreement. "Are you sure?" he added one final time, ready to release his alpha. Takigawa nodded again, shuddering as a hot wave of paprika prickled his senses, seeping into every pore. He whimpered at the strength as the larger man pressed him against the wall, one knee slipping between his strong thighs to rest against his crotch. "You're larger than I expected." Iwakawa's hot purr sent prickles across his skin.

Takigawa hooked his legs around the alpha's strong hips as he was hefted like a child. He could already feel the solid cock in Iwakawa's tight slacks pressing against his pelvis, flushing at the revelation. Iwakawa smirked as he ground against him, enjoying the way Takigawa squirmed in his grasp. The apartment was small, much like his own, so the bed was packed away for the day. He went straight for the kotatsu, placing Takigawa on the low table as he tugged his shirt up and over his head.

"Wait! Iwakawa!" Iwakawa's sharp teeth latched onto one of his nipples, scraping and nipping the sensitive bud.

"I told you I wouldn't stop if you agreed." Takigawa tipped back with a moan of objection, bringing Iwakawa with him. His cheeks flushed as he lay across the small table, head hanging over the edge. He looked up to find the alpha above him pulling off his clothes, powerless to stop his pants from being removed. Just the scent of the alpha made his cock throb. A helpless whine slipped out as Iwakawa laced a hand in his long hair and pulled him up, obediently opening his mouth as the tip of his cock prodded his soft lips. He closed his eyes, gripping his ass with one hand while the other worked the shaft. Iwakawa growled his approval, bucking into his willing throat. "You're so good, Takigawa." Takigawa preened at the praise, accepting each hard thrust.

The hand in his hair tightened to support him, allowing Takigawa to slip his second hand between Iwakawa's thighs to cup and teased his balls, the sacks soft and giving in his grasp. Iwakawa continued to praise him until he finally pushed him down again. Takigawa whined as his legs were pried open, needy wanton sounds fleeing his lips as Iwakawa knelt and worked him open. He gripped his swollen cock as he licked and teased his tight hole, making him writhe and buck against his willing face. He wasn't in heat, but Iwakawa was quite experienced with male omegas outside their heats too.

"Stand up for me." Iwakawa wrapped him in his arms and kissed him deeply, exploring his willing mouth. "Now, bend over and brace yourself." The demanding growl made Takigawa shudder in his grasp as he was turned towards the small kitchen counter, feet cold on the tiles as he bent over and braced himself on his elbows. "Good, Takigawa." Firm thumbs pried him open, making him shudder and whine as Iwakawa's tip pressed against his loosened ring.

"Ahhh! Hngh!" Takigawa clawed the counter as he felt the large cock pressing in. Iwakawa was bigger than Ayako, and wider. He wasn't sure he'd ever felt so full. It wasn't a bad feeling. His lips quivered as Iwakawa pinched and teased his nipples with rough fingers, grinding his hips against his pelvis. "Iwakawa!"

"You're so tight," Iwakawa moaned, hot breath caressing his ear. Takigawa did his best to adjust to the girth, willing his ass to relax. Iwakawa circled his hips, stimulating him without pulling back. When he was sure he could handle it, he moved. Takigawa clawed at the counter as the alpha drew back and slammed in once more. "Does that feel good?" Iwakawa checked, nibbling the omega's shoulder as he shuddered and whined in response.

"Yes! There!" Takigawa's whole body pulsed as the alpha slammed his prostate. Iwakawa obliged, nipping his ear and licking his neck as he bucked. Takigawa fell against the counter, leaving Iwakawa as the only thing holding him up. Firm hands on his ass pried him wide open as the cock buried itself deeper. "I-Iwakawa!" Takigawa gripped the hand that covered his own, fingers locking almost painfully. Iwakawa lifted one of Takigawa's thighs, the new angle making him see stars as he bounced against his firm pelvis.

"Takigawa!" The omega whined helplessly, falling into his waiting arms. "I've got you," he assured as he kissed him, gripping and pumping Takigawa's cock until he spilled with a whine. Takigawa said nothing as Iwakawa lifted him and set him on the large mat by the kotatsu. He watched in a daze as the larger man moved the table aside and gathered his bedding, setting it up in seconds before moving his tired body to the futon. "We're not done yet." Iwakawa enjoyed the way Takigawa shuddered with unfocused eyes as he easily slid back inside, his previous release acting like slick.

"Wait, no more, I can't-" Takigawa moaned needily as Iwakawa claimed him again. His legs were spread wide, soon hooking over his shoulders as he was almost bent in half. He gripped Iwakawa's wrist as he was pounded into the futon with steady thrusts, bringing him to a second orgasm. "S-stop...Oh fuck!" Takigawa was turned on his side, where Iwakawa lifted one of his thighs as he slipped in again. Takigawa moaned as the firm pelvis bounced off his ass with each rut.

"Let me spoil you," Iwakawa murmured, making a shudder run through Takigawa's body as his prostate was abused. He'd been pleasured so much it almost hurt. He couldn't stop the moans slipping out, even when he clenched teeth. Lips caressed his neck, a hand gripped his cock, and strong thighs slapped his ass as he was bounced again and again.

"Oh Gah! I think-I-I might pass out!" Takigawa objected as he was once again laid on his back with Iwakawa between his legs. He tipped his head back as sharp teeth nipped one of his nipples and wrapped his legs around him, accepting each thrust. He gasped as he was lifted like a rag doll and sat on Iwakawa's knees, feeling his cock drive even deeper. "Ahh!" Takigawa couldn't object as Iwakawa sealed his lips.