Louis took a quiet bite of his meal, chewing politely before sipping at his water. It was a manner of keeping himself that he was unused to, despite it being his entire life up until just a few months ago.

"My father told me you lost your right foot.", the doe seated across from him broke the silence. Louis looked into her large, stunning eyes. He remembered how those eyes had caught his fancy the first time he saw them. Now they were just eyes.

As it turned out, Oguma did have Louis under watch again, and the information they delivered to their boss was that Louis was doing work for Yafya, probably as a protégé. Whether they mentioned Legosi or not, Oguma did not say. What it meant, however, was that he was able to reinstate the relationship with Louis's fiance, Azuki. Louis almost wished Oguma had found out about Legosi instead.

"That's right. There was...an accident." Louis put more food in his mouth, trying to avoid talking further on the detail.

Azuki took a small bite of her own meal. "That must have been scary."

"A bit." Louis glanced at his phone under the table. He didn't expect any messages, but the compulsion overtook him more and more lately. Whenever he was away from Legosi…

Louis didn't tell the wolf about Azuki. Not yet, anyway. Regardless, today was fitting. Louis was having a date with his fiance, while Legosi was spending some time with Haru. The rabbit had lifted the ban on seeing each other until the end of summer due to the shooting incident. It was understandable that Haru wanted to have him to herself for a bit after that, and oddly, Louis felt no ill will toward the whole thing. He trusted Legosi and Haru, and knew that Legosi loved him, as well as Haru. It was a strange feeling of harmony within him, not caring what they did in their own time.

Azuki dabbed her mouth gently with her napkin. "Sorry if you're bored." It sounded more like a statement than an apology. She was so composed and neat. Meticulously precise with her actions and how she carried herself. Louis couldn't help but admire it, but at the same time it was immensely unattractive to him.

He sighed. Legosi truly had broken him beyond repair, and for that he was thankful. He put his phone away, smiling politely. "It's fine. We just haven't spoken in over a year." He took a sip of his water. "How've you been?"

Azuki folded her hands in her lap. "I've started university. That's going well. I've made a few friends."

"That's good.", Louis said, tone sterile. "My life has been about the same. Although I haven't made friends at school." They both forced a laugh at the unfunny joke.

The silence returned as they finished their meal. Louis wrote a check for the meal and he held the door open for Azuki as they left, gaining looks of approval from the animals around them. It made Louis sick.

It continued on the street, too. Azuki had gently grabbed Louis's hand as they walked, and the late evening sun basked the two in orange; a spotlight from the Devil himself. Everyone around them didn't see Louis. They saw a red deer couple that would get married and receive subsidies from the government. Everyone smiled at them so disgustingly.

Louis looked over to Azuki with his fake smile. "Let's sit down in the park over there."

She fidgeted. "You think that's a good idea? There have been some predation incidents lately, and it's almost dark out."

Louis clenched his jaw. "It won't be for too long."

He lead them to a metal bench. If he had been with Legosi he would have called the scenery romantic. He hoped Azuki didn't get the wrong idea.

"We should have come here earlier.", she sighed.

"Azuki, how do you feel about this arrangement?"

She laughed softly. "You mean us, right? You're so rigid, Louis."

He leaned back, crossing his legs. "I want to hear what you think of it, honestly."

Azuki tapped her chin. "Well, it's going to happen no matter what, now. But, I was disappointed when my father called the arrangement off months ago. I'm glad I got to see you again."

Louis cursed internally. "You don't even know anything about me..."

Azuki laughed again. "That's because you're so reserved. I want to get to know you better."

Louis smiled and shook his head. "Alright, then." He pulled his phone out, moving closer to the doe. He opened his camera gallery, selecting a folder. He opened the first image in it, which was the picture he had taken of Legosi and himself on the Ferris wheel. He heard Azuki make a slight noise in her throat.

Louis continued to wear his smile. That was a fun day. "Do you know who that is?"

"I...don't."

"He's my boyfriend."

Azuki remained silent. Louis slid through the other photos in the folder. Legosi with some ice cream. Legosi in front of some flowers. Legosi sleeping shirtless in his bed. Another picture of the both of them, this time with Louis kissing his cheek. Azuki gasped slightly at that one.

They sat there in silence for the duration, ending with a picture Louis had taken of Legosi and his roommates on the day they went to the beach. He slipped his phone back into his pocket, staring ahead of him with his hands on his lap. He could feel Azuki's eyes on him still. He was still smiling.

"...Louis...", she finally said. "What do you want me to say."

He looked back at her. "Nothing. Just, know that if this marriage thing pans out, I won't be able to reciprocate any feelings you may develop for me. I've already found someone I want to spend my life with. We'll be husband and wife in name only."

She stared ahead, and Louis joined her. Less and less animals passed by them as the light of the day faded.

"...what's his name?"

Louis's ear twitched. "Legosi."

"What's he like?"

Louis smiled wider. "He's stubborn, but has a great heart. He's reserved but the things he's passionate about he'll talk your ear off about. At first it seems like he doesn't have a sense of humor, but soon you realize he's probably the funniest guy you've ever met. He has strong convictions." He glanced down at his foot. "He saved me."

"I see."

They sat a little longer before Azuki stood up. "It's getting late. Let's get going."

"Alright."

They walked along, Azuki keeping her arms to herself.

"So...", Louis swung his arms in a carefree way. "You met the real Louis. What do you think?"

She stopped and turned to face him. She snorted. "I think you could have saved us all a lot of time if you had just told your dad that you were gay."

Louis laughed genuinely. "It's not like it's something I've known for a while!"

"Still!" She brought a hand up to her mouth. "I must say, though, being with a carnivore is risky. You should definitely be careful."

Louis rolled his eyes. "And what makes you say that?"

"Well, you see it all over the news. And all the herbivore experts say-"

"And that's the problem right there. Herbivores are biased and let their fear cloud facts. It's not a black and white issue."

Azuki huffed, clearly annoyed at being interrupted. Louis just continued to laugh. "This is the most animated I've ever seen you! I think I'm starting to see the real Azuki, as well!"

"Maybe.", she stated, cryptically. They continued along.

"Legosi...he's the kindest, most gentle and empathetic animal I've ever known. He's not going to hurt me."

"Well, that's good."

Louis stuck his hands in his pockets. "Are you still worried?"

"A little." Azuki looked to the side. "I'm going to call my driver, now. Thanks for dinner."

Louis smirked. "Thank my father. He paid for it."

Azuki looked thoughtful. "No, I think I'll thank you."

"Fair enough. What are you going to tell your father about this date?"

Her face went deadpan. "I'll tell him that you're inconsiderate and boorish, and that you have really bad body odor, and that he should really call off the wedding."

Louis grinned. "Thanks, Azuki!"

Azuki returned the smile. "Anytime." She took her phone out, calling her limo. Louis walked away, making his way toward the bus terminal.

He felt his phone buzz. It was a message from Haru. He opened it up, revealing a picture of Legosi making a ridiculous face. The message accompanying it read:

He told me to send this to you

Louis grinned, blushing as he slipped his phone back into his pocket before covering his face with his right hand.

"I fucking love him."