Try as he might, Louis just couldn't focus on today's lecture. Every time he tried to get his brain on track, it would just derail a second later. He knew he was in his sociology class, but that was about the extent. He stared at his empty notebook before discreetly checking his phone.
How're you feeling?
The message he had sent Legosi that morning remained without a response, and Louis felt like he was aboard a boat on rough waters. He was almost positive that this would be Legosi's first experience with a hangover, and he still felt guilty about not stopping him from drinking so much. His thumb hovered over the keypad.
No. He didn't want to seem desperate.
Desperate? Was that the right word?
He returned the phone to his pocket, only to be met with the face of a grinning wolf on the projection screen.
"Now, wolves tend to have tight knit societies. Moreso than any other canine. You can see this come into play many times throughout history, even-"
The professor's voice faded out again, as Louis became absorbed by the images on the projector.
Wolves. Their large, intimidating yet strangely inviting bodies.
Louis felt Legosi's warmth around him once more.
Wolves. Their long mouths full of sharp teeth. The way those teeth felt on his tongue…
Oh yeah. He had tried to forget about that.
Louis laid his head on his arms. So that's what this was all about. He gathered up his things and left the lecture. He wasn't going to gain anything from being there anyway. He pulled out his phone once again, staring momentarily at the unanswered question he sent before he pulled up Juno in his contacts.
Hey. Can we go out somewhere sometime?
The response was almost instant, as he expected.
I'm free tomorrow
…
The next day was a nice, if not breezy, mid-April day. The sun streaming through the trees of the park bathed the bricks below in a green hue. Animals of all ages and species were out today, talking and laughing. It only made sense for a Saturday morning.
Louis sat underneath the biggest tree in the center of the part, the cold bricks having seeped through his pants and chilled his legs. He scrolled through a very formally-written email he had received from his father, Ogumi. The few times he interacted with Louis it was always as if he were doing business with some corporation, not his adopted son. This particular email was informing him that his prearranged marriage plans had fallen through, and that the would-be bride's father was counting on Louis becoming a Beastar. Ogumi's sterile prose was accented with disappointment, while Louis felt the exact opposite.
He closed out his email and looked over his text messages. He and Juno had communicated a fair bit, setting up the meeting place and time. He selected Legosi from his contacts once again, already knowing that there was still no reply. There was no way this was about a hangover. The wolf was air-headed, sure, but he had hoped that Legosi would have thought to at least message him once since that night. They did have a good time, right? He said as much.
Maybe he should ask Haru if he was okay? She would know.
"Louis-senpai!"
The wolf he had invited appeared, wearing casual clothes but looking a bit tense. She walked toward him as he stood up, dusting off the back of his pants.
"Hey Juno." She stopped a few paces in front of him. Her fur pattern was similar to Legosi's, except it was curly and had an odd reddish tint to it. He wasn't sure if this was common with gray wolves or not.
"So..." Juno puffed her cheeks a bit. "What do you wanna talk about?"
"Hm?" Louis was idly scratching at one of his antlers. "Oh, nothing. I just wanted to spend time with you."
Juno balled her fists up. "So what? A date?" A whirlwind of emotions seemed to be swelling within her.
"What do you think?" Louis responded wryly.
"Ugh, I don't know what to think of you!" She paced, rubbing her hand through the long fur on her head. "The last time we saw each other, we kissed and then you blew me off! You said some nasty things, senpai! So I really don't know why I'm here!"
"But you still came pretty eagerly." Louis walked past her, beckoning her to follow. The beginnings of a smile on her face betrayed her scowl.
"So, are you admitting that you don't believe everything you said that day and might wanna give this thing a shot?" Her tail was wagging. Not as enthusiastically as Legosi's would, but wagging nonetheless.
Louis exhaled sharply through his nose. "Let's just say I've been distracted lately, and I think this would help."
"Distracted?"
Juno drew closer, and Louis thought he could see some animals staring already. "Yeah." He turned his head to her, still walking forward. "So, how's Cherryton? How's the drama club?"
"Well." She swung her arms in a carefree way, enjoying the nice breeze. "Bill is the head of the drama club now, but you'd know that of course, since it was you who told him to take the position."
"Ah, glad he took my advice. I'm not gonna regret giving it, am I?"
Juno shook her head. "I mean, Bill can still be an ass, that's just who he is. But his sense of camaraderie is even more infectious than it used to be, and we're now even more united toward our goal of giving the best performances we got!" She twirled a bit for emphasis, followed by a graceful leap.
"I see you're still keeping up with the dancing." Louis smiled, getting lost in the nostalgia of it all.
"Of course!" She twirled a few more times before stopping, regaining her balance again. "Woah, one too many times!"
They both laughed. Maybe this could actually work. Louis was unsure of the longevity of such a relationship, but it'd at least satisfy his sudden fixation and allow him to be able to focus on his work again. That wasn't selfish, right?
They had walked around the park once, now heading out into the city. "So, Louis-senpai. What shall we do today?"
"The shopping district is nearby. Let's spend the day there."
Juno beamed, tail wagging once again. "A shopping trip with a member of a wealthy family? I'd be an idiot to refuse!"
The words stung a bit. Nobody knew his familial circumstances. Not even Legosi.
The crowd thickened as they walked farther, animals outside of the storefronts holding trays with free samples. Louis and Juno both took some pastries, their sweet and buttery taste complimenting the warm sun.
Louis had been apprehensive that morning, but this wasn't so bad. They entered stores just for the fun of it, looking over the wares even though there was nothing that interested them.
"Come again!" The elderly donkey's voice could barely be heard behind the door closing. So far that candle shop was the store they had stayed in the longest.
"Ugh, sometimes I hate my sensitive nose. I wonder if I'll be able to smell anything all day now." Juno sniffed repeatedly, distorting her face and causing Louis to chuckle softly.
"Well that didn't stop you from shoving your whole muzzle into some of those candles anyway, huh?" He nudged her slightly.
Juno rubbed her arm sheepishly. "I couldn't help it, they smelled so good!"
Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out through the crowd.
"Oh, Louis! Juno? Juno! Louis!"
Their attention was drawn toward the yelling. Small white arms were waving at them from a few dozen meters away.
"Over here, you guys!" Haru jumped up a few times, trying to make herself more visible among the large animals around her. One of them being…
Legosi.
The warm day suddenly turned as cold as a day in December. Legosi assumed a hunched over posture, one that used to be common for him before he started standing up straight more. He rubbed the back of his neck, not looking over at the two as they made their way over.
"Oh! Hey Haru-senpai! Crazy seeing you here!" Juno's tail drooped a bit when she noticed who she was with. "Hello, Legosi."
"A-ah, hello, Juno." His tail drooped even lower, head pointed downward. His eyes met Louis's before averting quickly.
"Legosi..." Louis uttered the word as a breath, unheard by the others. His stomach felt like it was being twisted like an aluminum can.
"Well well, what are you two doing out together?" Haru raised her eyebrow and tilted her head.
"Oh, we're on a date, just like you two!" Juno wrapped her arm around Louis's, fingers intertwining. Louis cringed for a second before morphing the expression into a sheepish smile.
What the hell? He was fine with this being a date just a minute before. What happened?
"Oh wow! I guess I should have been paying more attention to you guys! Did you know about this, Legosi?" Haru tugged on the folds of her boyfriend's shirt. He shook his head gently in response.
"No, I did not. Uh, congratulations."
Louis felt his free hand form a tight fist as his teeth began to grind together.
"Hm? Something the matter, Louis-senpai?" Juno's eyes were laced with concern as she rubbed his shoulder.
"I'm just hungry."
"Oh!" Haru clapped her hands together. "Let's all get lunch together! It'll be like a double date! And we'll just look like a few friends hanging out together, so we shouldn't draw too much attention!"
"Oh, good idea! But where should we go, Haru-senpai?" Juno had let go of Louis, now scanning the surroundings for a place to eat. There was a small discussion, mostly between the two girls, and they ultimately decided on going to a fast food chain.
Louis was given their orders as they found a seat. He had decided to treat them all, since it'd get them away from him so he could think.
From the way Legosi was acting, he had definitely read Louis's message. He was relieved he was okay, but it stung more, in an odd way.
The line moved forward slightly, and Louis rubbed his eyes. This was such a trivial and juvenile problem, but it was getting under his skin, making him itch. Didn't he remember everything that had happened last year? This was insignificant in comparison. He hated it.
Why wasn't he talking? Why wasn't he looking at him? What had he done?
"Sir? Next in line? Sir?"
Louis removed his palms from his eyes, walking forward. He gave the clerk everyone's order: salads for Louis and Haru and soy patties with eggs for Legosi and Juno. French fries for all. He paid and took the tray over to where the three sat. Legosi and Haru were on one side of the booth (Haru needing to kneel to be able to reach the table) while Juno was on the other side, a space left for him. Juno and Haru were chatting while Legosi rubbed the legs of his pants. Louis set the tray down and took his seat.
"So, when did you two get friendly with each other, anyway?" Louis needed to integrate into the conversation, plus he was genuinely curious.
"Oh! Well, it was a few months ago when Haru-senpai was still at the school! I helped her out in the garden one day, and we had a really nice chat! I ended up going back to help a few times after that, in fact!" Juno took a bite of her patty, ears perking up at the taste. The other three also started eating.
"Ah, yeah she's really good at roping people in to help her." Louis pointed his gaze at the large wolf in front of him. "Right, Legosi?"
Legosi jumped up, fur slightly on end and eyes wide. "Ah, yeah."
"What's with you today, Legosi? You were all chatty earlier but now you've clammed up?" Haru rubbed his arm as her ears flattened. "Does your stomach hurt?"
"N-no, nothing like that." His ears drooped to match Haru's. Juno simply scoffed.
"Maybe he's finally feeling all the guilt from all the times he broke my heart."
"Juno! That's not cool to just throw out in the open!" Haru pulled herself closer to Legosi, before turning to him and whispering. "Is that why you're acting weird, though?"
Legosi sat up straight suddenly. "Wh-no no! That's not it!"
"Well, not that it matters anymore. I've accepted the past and have moved on." Juno looked over at Louis and grinned.
"Yeah." Louis poked at his salad, taking a few bites. His appetite had left him. He looked at Legosi, who was staring out the window now. He needed to get him alone somehow...
Louis took his drink, slurping up the contents quickly through the straw. Brain freeze set in soon after, but he endured.
"Wow, you must have been really thirsty, Louis-senpai!" Juno took a small sip of her own drink.
"Yes, and I still am. Thankfully this place has free refills. I'll be right back." Louis stood up, empty cup in hand, as he strode to the drink fountain. He poured out his ice and filled the cup up with water, making sure to not place the lid on all the way once it was filled. He walked back, eyes on the floor. He counted his steps.
1
2
3
4
He took a half step with his left leg, moving his prosthetic purposely so that his shoe would hitch on the tile. His controlled trip worked, as he dramatically flung his arms out to catch the table, depositing his cup of water all over Legosi's pants.
"Oh crap!"
"Louis! Are you okay!" Juno covered her mouth.
"Ugh, yeah. Guess I'm not entirely used to the leg yet."
"Oh no, Legosi you'd better get cleaned up." Haru looked down at his legs. "You look like you just...well y'know."
Legosi simply looked mortified the entire time, eyes not leaving his legs. Louis pulled on his shoulder.
"Sorry, Legosi. Let's get you to the bathroom to dry you off." He eventually got him to his feet, dragging him into the men's restroom. Thankfully it appeared empty. Louis began gathering paper towels, handing them to Legosi, all the while placing himself between the wolf and the door.
"You're lucky it was only water." Louis crossed his arms, watching Legosi slowly look up from drying his pants. He said nothing, prompting Louis to continue. "So, what's going on with you?"
Legosi looked down, not saying anything.
"You got my message, right?"
"...I did."
"So?"
Legosi scrubbed his pants hard, getting all the moisture out. "You must hate me, Louis-senpai."
"What?"
"After that night. I was such an embarrassment! I chewed on your antler! Do you know how bad that must have looked to everyone! Especially because I'm a predatorial offender!" He threw the wet paper to the ground, resting his palms on the counter and facing the mirror. "I...I was too ashamed to talk to you."
Louis deflated like a balloon. "Legosi." The wolf flinched when he placed his hand on his back, rubbing it gently. "You should know just how much I trust you. You should know more than anyone. Don't think, not for one second, that something like that could tarnish our friendship."
Legosi turned timidly to him, head still kept low. "You're...really not mad?"
"Of course not!" He gave his shoulder two rapid punches, knowing the larger animal wouldn't be hurt from it. "I had such a good time with you that night, and I don't want you to just dwell on that one thing." He leaned down to meet Legosi's eyes, smiling. "Can you do that for me?"
Legosi stared for a moment, before slowly showing his own smile. His sharp fangs poked from his lips.
Those same fangs that had clasped so tight around Louis's leg on New Year's.
Sharp fangs that he had felt with his tongue. Sharp, yet delicate.
Legosi's face was unbelievably close, the warm air from his nose making Louis's lip moist.
Louis retreated, turning so he wasn't facing Legosi. So that thought was still around, huh? He was going to have to kiss Juno sometime today to try and get rid of it.
"C'mon, let's get back to the girls."
"Right. Thanks, Louis-senpai."
"You don't have to thank me all the time, you airhead!" They both laughed as they headed back to their table.
…
After the meal, the four made a beeline to the clothing store Louis had gotten Legosi a gift card for. The four eventually separated, with Haru and Juno going off to buy underwear, while Louis was tasked with helping Legosi expand his wardrobe.
"Summer's coming up, so you should probably focus on getting some shorts and t-shirts." Louis glanced through the large breed canine selection. Most of the clothes were very plain. At least Legosi would be satisfied with that.
"You're right. I don't handle the heat super well." Legosi had two pairs of shorts in his hands, looking each one over. "Say, Louis-senpai? How short do you think is too short?"
"Depends on if you're using them for exercise or not, I think. Not that stuff like that matters at the end of the day. Just wear what's comfortable."
"What if they're both comfortable?" Legosi had picked up another pair.
Louis shrugged. "You flip a coin?"
Legosi continued gathering clothes for summer, and a few for colder temperatures. The gift card Louis had given him had a large amount on it, after all.
"Say, what do you think of me and Juno?" Louis gave Legosi a sideways glance. Legosi looked back at him over the pile of clothes in his arms.
"Well, I'd have to say I'm surprised! I didn't know you two were ever that close! You seemed to be rivals, actually!" He adjusted his posture so his stack wouldn't tip over. "Of course, I had a lot of other stuff on my mind that year to really pay too much attention to your relationship."
"No, you're right. This is pretty recent, actually." Louis's chest hurt, but he kept talking anyway. "She actually visited me once in the back alley market."
Legosi's eyes became saucers. "What? Are you serious! Not even Haru knows about that!"
"Yeah, and I want it to be kept that way, okay?"
"Of course, Louis-senpai. My lips are sealed." They arrived at the dressing room, and Legosi continued, this time with his voice lowered. "Anyway, how did she find you?"
"Well, she knew the group that took Haru, so she went looking for them, knowing I'd be there." He smiled grimly. He hated that he still recalled his days in the Shishigumi fondly, especially with Legosi next to him. "Anyway, we can stop talking about this now."
"Ah, sorry. I'll go try this stuff on."
Louis sighed, taking a seat on the bench outside the changing rooms. He rested his prosthetic leg on his left knee, rubbing where his real leg ended. The phantom pain was easing lately, but would still crop up at inopportune times, like right now. Despite that, he was happy.
Legosi stepped out from the changing room after putting on each article, asking for Louis's opinion. Louis, for the most part, had no opinion, and told Legosi to choose for himself. He assured him that he would let him know if any of the clothes were absolutely horrible.
Louis smiled, feeling a pleasant bubbling in his gut. There weren't many other animals around, and the casual intimacy of being there with Legosi was nice. He regretted not seeing the value in being his friend earlier.
"I think I'm done now." Louis looked up, seeing Legosi's smiling face holding out a hand to him. Louis took it, standing up with his friend's help.
…
After the clothes shopping, Legosi and Haru parted ways with Juno and Louis, who made their way back to the park.
"I had a great time today, Louis-senpai!" Juno had a bashful stance to her.
"I did too."
Juno inched a bit closer to him, while Louis looked around. Not too many animals were around. The feeling of fangs on his tongue once again flashed through his mind. This was it. Maybe he could finally flush this obsession from his mind.
Their lips found each other, just as they had done months ago. Louis pushed forward, looking for that same feeling. Juno had closed her eyes, but his stayed open. He noticed all the ways in which Legosi and her were similar, but also different. Of course, there was the fur, but also the ear shape. She was also much shorter than Legosi, as Louis was actually slightly taller. Her teeth as well, he could imagine, were probably smaller. And although they were closed right now, he knew that Legosi's eyes were more deep set than hers, but also held a subtle kindness.
They pulled away from each other, Juno breathing heavily while Louis just wiped his mouth.
"Ah, still kind of sloppy, huh. Maybe you need more experience kissing canine mouths?" Juno was blushing, nonetheless.
Unsatisfied, Louis leaned in again. "Well let's try again." This time Louis closed his eyes, letting his tongue run over her teeth once again.
And then, from the depths of his mind, Legosi's warmth from the other night enveloped him. Those large, safe arms wrapped around him as he kissed.
Wait, that didn't happen.
Louis pulled away. "Well, we should stop before we draw a crowd."
What a bad time to recall that memory.
"A-actually, nobody's really around." She was right.
"I mean, we should both get back. I have schoolwork to do."
"Yeah, me too!" Juno looked up sheepishly. "Until next time, Louis-senpai."
"Yeah. See you!"
They both parted ways, Louis taking a bus back to the Galdona University campus. Once he was seated, he pulled out his phone. Legosi had texted him.
Here's my late response. I felt awful that morning. Thank you for asking, Louis-senpai.
Louis let out a small laugh, covering his mouth but still smiling as he sent a text of his own.
Let me know the next time we can hang out again. I want to make the most of our friendship.
He hit send, unsure if he should have added that second sentence or not. Returning his phone to his pocket, he looked out the window, watching the city rush by, bathed in the late afternoon sun. He ran his tongue over the surface of his teeth.
His mind was still fixated on the feeling of sharp canines.
