Bonding and Bite Marks

Teeth and Claws

"Doctor, are you alright?" a small, hesitant voice asked from her office door. Ayako sighed as she raised her head from the desk, eyes still obviously red rimmed and sore. The innocent-looking beta invited herself in quietly and placed a fresh cup of coffee on the desk, as well as some final papers. Ayako's throat tightened at the thought of having to go through them. Filling out the final papers for the deceased was never easy, but at least she'd done the hardest part. The family had been inconsolable.

"I'll be fine." Ayako somehow managed to keep her voice level as she eyed the thick file. It was hard to believe she'd never see her again. The girl had been in and out of the hospital for years. It was almost sickeningly ironic that it was an accident, and not the terminal illness, that had ended her life. She could have lived for another year at least...Ayako sighed as she sipped her coffee. Her condition complicated the surgery. There was really nothing I could do. Even knowing that was the case, in the back of her mind, she felt there must have been something she'd missed. She thought it every time, but this patient had been special.

"I-I don't mean to overstep..." the beta murmured hesitantly, clearly worried about what she was going to say next. Ayako looked up, almost forgetting she wasn't alone for a moment. She nodded for her to continue. Ayako had always kept her cool and listened, even when she didn't like what she was hearing. "You've been here for over twenty-four hours now, and I understand the meetings are important, but I can get someone else in to do them." Ayako gave her a soft look, grateful for her concern. It was to be expected at this point. Saki had been her assistant for three years, and rarely saw her like this.

"I must look terrible for you to say that," Ayako teased, watching Saki flush and look away. Ayako knew she must look drawn and pale, likely with giant black rings beneath her eyes. It had been a long surgery. Too long. Too long to end in failure. It was always heart wrenching to lose a patient, but the sting was always worse when you got so close to the end. She wasn't the only one who'd suffered. The whole team had known her for years and worked together on multiple occasions.

"I-I really think you should go home for today..." Saki insisted with more firmness. "I know! What if I asked your father to chair the meetings? I'm sure he'd understand," she added hopefully, watching Ayako sigh in resignation. If her father got wind of this, he'd probably come down and drive her home himself. She reluctantly agreed, closing her eyes for a few moments before finishing the coffee and filling out the final forms. There was a heavy feeling in her chest as she put the file in her out pile and returned her pen to the holder. She couldn't help looking back one last time before taking her bag and leaving her office.

"Aya, honey, do you need me to drive you home? Saki just told me," her father said once she picked up her phone. She felt her throat tighten a little upon hearing his voice. It didn't matter that they were both alphas. When things went wrong, she still wanted to run to daddy. She coughed a little before responding. Despite wanting comfort, she still wanted to present as a mature grownup. She was also in public. The last thing she wanted was for other members of staff to see her like this.

"It's fine, Dad. I'll get a taxi." They both knew she wasn't in a fit state to drive.

"Alright, just call me if you want to talk...I know how hard it can be when we lose a patient like Eri." Hearing the name almost set off her tears. She wasn't about to cry in the hallway. There was no telling which nurses or doctors were watching, and as the owners' daughter and one of the chief surgeons, she had a reputation to uphold. She tightened her jaw and murmured a response before hanging up. As she walked down the hall, she caught a familiar scent. Her throat caught as she raised her head and looked around. Houshou? It was definitely him. There was no mistaking his apple and sultana scent. She'd know it anywhere, but it was somewhat faint. She looked up and down the hall, chest falling slightly as she saw no sign of him. Maybe he left...But she was sure he wouldn't even come unless it was to see her. She winced as she remembered. He definitely won't want to see me right now.