"Good evening, Sir! How can I help you?"
"Huff… Huff…" Elias stopped in front of the front desk, gasping for breath. He hadn't had this much exercise in… he didn't even remember how long. First, pushing his motorcycle all this way, then climbing the stairs and stumbling across the foyer. It was even more taxing than he had expected…
He could feel the receptionist's sharp eyes on himself. Although she had a wide smile on her face, it was the kind of smile Elias was very familiar with - the polite 'customer service' that he also wore every day. It was but a mask behind which countless thoughts and emotions could be hidden. And at the moment, the receptionist was using it to stay in her role, while her eyes were scanning Elias up and down with a mix consternation, a hint of curiosity, mild judgment, and a whole lot of 'I don't want to deal with it' kind of fatigue.
No wonder. After all, Elias had another man slumped over him. Not conscious enough to communicate, but still somehow conscious enough to move. Unfortunately. Because the movements that he was interested in doing was touching Elias all over and squeezing him… Right now, his hands were kneading Elias' thin waist.
As always, Axel was making him rethink all of his life choices. With him around, whatever Elias did, it would always feel like a mistake.
Still, he cleared his throat, and tried to ignore how his body was turning soft from the touch of Axel's sticky paws. He had already put so much effort into it, he couldn't just toss the Alpha aside and abandon him here, no matter how tempting that idea was.
"I would like a room, please," he said, his eyes twitching as he felt Axel's hand slide lower, landing on his hips. If he ended up smashing the Alpha's balls, would he be able to pass it off as an accident?
"Of course. What kind of room would you like?" The receptionist answered politely, even though her eyes were constantly drifting to Axel.
Or, Axel's hands groping Elias, to be precise. She was a Beta - because of course she was, no one would employ an Omega as a receptionist, especially not for the night shift - so she didn't smell the pheromones, but after taking a good look, she figured out that he was most likely an Alpha in rut. It was the other guy who was more confusing. He looked like an Omega. He was certainly short and pretty enough to be one.
And yet, he didn't react at all! Could he have actually been a Beta? But if so, then that would be so unfair! They were both Betas, and he was a guy, and yet, he was still much, much cuter and prettier than her!
…That's the kind of thoughts she seemed to be having. Either because she was tired, or because she was so distracted by the scene, or simply because she was still too new, but her polite 'customer service' mask slipped, revealing her true feelings.
Well, it was whatever. As someone working in customer service himself, Elias knew how hard it could be, so he wouldn't hold it against her. Even if he was a bit uncomfortable by how intently she was watching him when Axel was being all handsy with him.
"What kind of rooms do you have?" he asked, his voice strained as he struggled to suppress his emotions. He had always been quite sensitive, and with Axel clinging to him and touching him so affectionately, he almost let out a moan a few times already!
"We have double rooms with queen or king-sized beds. There are options with or without a balcony. We also have three suites…"
"Do you have something, uh… like two single rooms connected?" Elias interrupted. He couldn't even stand to listen to the receptionist talk about the rooms for couples, no matter how well-intentioned she was. Staying in the same room as Axel was asking for trouble, but he didn't want to be completely separate, to ensure that the Alpha wouldn't leave in the morning without realizing the favor he had done for him and paying him back…
"Two rooms connected?" The receptionist paused for a moment. "We have family rooms that are connected to twin rooms through a door that can be locked from both sides. Would you like me to check the availability?"
Family rooms connected to twin rooms? How many beds would that be?
Well, the number of beds wasn't all that important, as long as there was more than one. Elias' bigger concern was…
"How much would that be for one night?"
"One moment, please." The receptionist turned to her computer, typing something on the keyboard. And a moment later, she gave Elias the quote.
Which immediately made all blood drain from the Omega's previously deeply flushed face.
He had expected it would be expensive, but THIS much? That was practically a robbery! Of course, he wouldn't be the one covering it… And he could afford to pay for it for now with the coffee shop's funds…
But still. That didn't seem appropriate. Axel was filthy rich, yes, but 'River' wasn't supposed to know that. He only 'knew' that Axel was working at the office on the other side of the street from his shop, that's all. And while a regular employee working for the Chandlers' company probably wouldn't be as strapped for money as Elias was, it still wouldn't be a small amount for them. It would be ridiculous for Elias to spend so much to get them two rooms when he was a male 'Beta'…
"There are also suites available," seeing his consternation, the receptionist added. "They only have one double bed each, but the sofas in the living rooms are convertible."
"…How much would that be?" Elias asked with exasperation.
The price that the receptionist gave him in response was still ridiculous. However, it was at least a bit cheaper… And it came with two rooms. It seemed perfect for them.
Just to make sure that he was choosing the right option, he asked, "And how much would it cost to get two single rooms?"
It was a bit more expensive than the suite, as it turned out. Elias didn't quite understand it, but if that's how the hotel was running the business, then what could he do? He settled for the suite, and swiped his card. Even though he knew that he would soon get his money back, it still dearly hurt his heart…
It was only the thought that this night should bring him closer to Ollie that still kept him going. He grabbed the key card, and gasping and huffing, he stumbled towards the elevators, with Axel still slumped over his back.