Chapter 65 - We're Off To See the Lizard

Legosi woke up gradually, feeling Louis draped over him. They were naked, as they had been recently when sleeping. He felt a bit stiff. He wiggled out from under Louis, moving to the end of the bed and standing up.

Oh, yeah, he was sore. He remembered what happened last night, and he smiled wide. Louis had caused that feeling. His small, herbivore body was able to do that to him. It filled Legosi with pride for his fiance.

He looked back at his sleeping form. Louis's face was so gentle while he slept, mouth slightly open as he breathed softly. Legosi's heart fluttered.

He thought back to last night, when Kai mentioned visiting his family for the holiday. Without much thought, Legosi had picked up his phone, now staring at the contact Jack had given him. We're going to get married...grandpa needs to meet him eventually...and I've been wanting to see him again.

Legosi slipped on some clothes, and went outside, dialing his grandpa. Being an older animal, he had a landline phone. Thankfully, it was early enough that the lizard would still be home. At least, that's what Legosi hoped.

It rang twice before a familiar, kind voice answered. "Hello?"

Legosi swallowed. "Hi...grandpa?"

"...Legosi?"

The wolf felt his eyes tearing up. "Y-yeah. It's me."

"Legosi! How have you been?"

"I've been...really really good, grandpa." Legosi smiled. "I...I want to come visit..."

Gosha gasped softly. "Really? Are you sure?"

"Yes. And..." He closed his eyes. "I...met an animal that's very important to me. I want to...invite that animal along."

There was silence. Was that sniffling? "L-Legosi! Of course! You can bring anyone you want with you when you visit! When should I be expecting you?"

Legosi blinked, not really thinking straight. "W-well, tonight or tomorrow, I think."

"I look forward to it...it was so good to hear from you again."

"It was good to hear you too, grandpa. I'll see you soon."

"I love you."

Legosi felt tears again. "I love you, too." He hung up, taking a deep breath. He went back inside.

Louis stirred. "Hmm...Legosi...?"

His mate rubbed the top of his head against Louis's chest, their fur matting. "Good morning."

"It's morning already?"

"Mhm." Legosi pulled himself into him more, already feeling warm again.

"I had...quite a dream..." Louis mumbled.

"Mmm, tell me about it."

"We started having sex with the muzzle but then I took it off and threw it away and everything was so much better. It felt so real."

Legosi was silent, then he started laughing, holding Louis tight.

Louis blinked. "You never laughed at my other sex dreams!"

The wolf managed to calm down. "You...you're not joking?"

"Joking...?"

Legosi smiled. "Hon...that happened."

"Excuse me? Someone's tired."

"Louis! We had sex!"

"..."

"We have to clean the blankets today because of it...and my butt is sore. Of course, you can't feel that..."

"Thank god my...you know...isn't sore," Louis chuckled. "I guess Sex Legosi can't take it every night after all."

"S-sex Legosi?"

"You were totally different. You said you could do it every day."

"I could! I don't mind the pain!"

"Sure..."

Legosi huffed, tangling their legs together. "Louis...do you want to visit my childhood home with me?"

"Weh?"

"I called my grandpa, and told him I want to visit and have him meet you...but I realize I should have asked you first."

"Legosi, you know I would absolutely love that."

His fiance squeezed tighter, tail wapping under the covers. He tried not to think about what Louis might think of his heritage and his past.

"What's your grandpa like?"

"Uh...he's really nice. You'll see when you...meet him. Truth is...today was the first time I talked to him since I enrolled here..."

"Wait, really? But if he's so nice..."

"I know. I've been a bad grandson. I started feeling...ungrateful after seeing how awful your upbringing was. And...I think I can relate to my grandpa a lot more now. So...I want to see him again...and I want you to meet him."

"I feel honored." The deer gave a tired smile.

"Mmm." Legosi rubbed Louis' furry chest. "I told him we'd be there tonight or tomorrow. He lives a bit outside the city. Probably an hour or so by train."

"Wow...are we staying over there?"

"Um, a few days, if you want. We did promise Haru we'd have her over this week, too. But, she'll probably be visiting her family as well. Most animals are. And...and with...you not...you know."

"No. I don't want to see how that bastard is doing."

Legosi smiled sadly. "I know. I still can't believe he just...let us go."

"Because I threatened to kill him."

"I guess he's afraid of you, then." Legosi rubbed his hands in larger circular motions. "He should be. You made this big carnivore your prey, after all."

"I really did..."

"So..." Legosi traced patterns into the fur. "Should we go tonight or tomorrow?"

"Definitely tonight! A change of scenery will be wonderful!"

Legosi smiled. "And we can look at the sky at night. There's still some light pollution from the city, but you can definitely see more stars."

"Really? That sounds even better." He kissed his neck.

"Yeah..." The canine was nervous, to be sure, but he knew Louis would love him no matter what.

That evening, around 5 PM, the boys had packed up all their essentials into their school backpacks and left for the train station, bundled up in their winter clothing.

"It better not be crowded..." Louis mumbled.

"It shouldn't be on New Year's Day." Legosi bumped his hips into Louis playfully.

"Wow...I guess we get to celebrate the New Year with your grandfather."

"Yeah. It's been so long...I'm not sure what he likes to do for fun anymore..."

Louis huffed. I can't believe I'm going to meet one of Legosi's family members...We're getting even closer to being life partners than I thought. Haha. Louis, where are these mature thoughts coming from? You're still 18. Still, I bet his grandfather is a nice wolf. I definitely need to make a good first impression. He probably knows I'm a deer, too. If Legosi told him. I'm sure he did, that's something you obviously tell your relative when they are meeting your fiance. "Well, we definitely can't have sex there..."

Legosi just blushed intensely, staring down at his feet as they entered the station.

The deer grabbed his hand. "Could you...protect me if it is crowded...? Like you did the first time..."

HIs fiance looked at him with a serious face. "Of course I will. I will always protect you." He looked ahead, thoughtfully. "I guess...we need to start thinking of our vows. That's one of mine."

"Hm...Vows..." He scratched his cheek. "I feel like you're doing all the heavy lifting..."

"You still take care of me..."

"With food...I guess..."

"And emotionally. I've never been this happy before." They sat down on the bench they had all those months ago on their first trip out.

Louis leaned against him, looking to the silver band around his finger. "No more hiding."

Legosi smiled and leaned back. Animals that walked by would stare, and Legosi would look back at them, continuing to smile. He wanted them all to feel their love for each other radiate off him.

Some made faces at them and Louis just gave them a smirk. Yeah, I'm in love with this wolf and I'm having sex with him. What do you want?

Legosi locked an arm with Louis, continuing to stare down any animal that gave them a weird look. It was becoming and almost exhilarating game.

"I would fight every single animal giving us looks."

"There's no stools around to throw, hon." Legosi snickered.

"I will go buy one from the nearby furniture store if I have to!"

"We should never have hid in the first place."

"Well...we'll never hide again to make up for it." Legosi's heart was pounding. He turned his head and kissed Louis on the cheek.

Louis put an arm around him, for once. "Never again." They sat like that, waiting for their train.

It finally arrived after a few more minutes and they got on. It was still rather crowded. "Agh..."

"That just means I get to hold you." Legosi murmured, enveloping the smaller animal in one arm and holding the ceiling handle with the other, just as he had all those months ago.

Louis leaned back against him. "Mm..."

Another deer stared at them from his seat. "Fucking faggots, I swear..."

Legosi spotted the animal, staring at him and not looking away.

"What are you lookin' at?" The deer noticed their rings. "They'll never let you get married, you know."

Legosi wanted to say something. A cutting remark that would put him in his place. Something that would allow him to sympathize with them. But the thing he said about their marriage...was he right? He lost the will, looking down at the floor. This long train ride had just gotten longer.

Louis glared at him. "At least I have someone who loves me. Where's your ring, old man?"

"That's none of your business."

"You just made it my business when you got in my business."

"Fucking teens. Think they can do whatever they want and people will just let them."

The animals around them shuffled, all clearly uncomfortable.

"If you lost your eye for it, then it must not be worth it."

"That's it." The young deer began struggling against Legosi.

"Oh, you want to fight? I saw that coming from a mile away. Do you really want to lose your other eye? You'll be uglier than you are now."

Louis hissed. "We didn't do anything to you." Some phones were pulled out, ready to dial at a moment's notice. Legosi noticed.

"You got in my train car with a forbidden lover."

"There are plenty carniherbi's out there."

"Eugh. I know."

"St-stop! People are going to call the police," the wolf tried to reason.

The deer tried stepping forward. "They're going to need to."

Legosi closed his eyes. He wanted so badly to just take Louis away, but the crowd prevented it. He wanted to look that other deer straight in the eyes and intimidate him into being quiet, but that would land him in big trouble. All his strength, and he was literally helpless here.

"It's so sad you think that animals like you can survive out there. We have news for you: You're not wanted. You're not needed."

Louis took a moment. "You're right. But I'm not doing it for them. I'm not doing it for you. I'm doing it for me."

The older buck scoffed. "Then you're making a poor life choice."

"The way you're doing it. It will get you nowhere."

"You remind me so much of my father."

"Was he a fag, too?"

"I shot him in the ear for stepping in between me and my lover."

The older deer smirked. "Now I really do have a reason to call the police on you!"

Louis gulped. SHIT.

"He-he's not serious. Louis gets worked up and tells lies like that.", Legosi stated, ears folded back.

"You like to solve your problems with violence, I see."

The deer huffed. No. I'm different. "Fuck off."

"I think you owe me an apology."

"YOU?"

Legosi held back a growl. "Just leave us alone. We're just trying to travel."

"You're antagonizing me!"

"ARE WE? BECAUSE I CAN GET A LOT MORE ANTAGONISTIC, OLD MAN. DO YOU WANT TO SEE?"

The older deer was still smiling. He looked around. "This is what's wrong with society, everyone. Take a good look at these two model citizens." Animals around turned and just...looked at them.

Suddenly, a black rabbit walked up. She was wearing a suit and glasses. "Leave them alone."

The old stag turned to look at her. "Oh, a newcomer? Here to antagonize me, too?" All the other animals seemed to be relieved that another animal got involved that wasn't them.

Legosi turned his attention to the woman, anxiety dissipating.

She crossed her arms. "Does it please you to talk to people this way? What are you getting out of this?"

"I'm trying to show everyone what the fuck is wrong with—"

She snapped a hand up. "Save your bullshit. We've had enough."

He blinked. "Look, bitch—"

"No. Shut it. I don't want to hear another word. I will fucking pay you to leave these two alone."

She shook her head. "Do you really need money to stop being such a little whiny baby?"

"Excuse—"

"Ohhh! Poor baby! I'm so sorry this is getting under your skin! Do I need to fetch your bottle?" Some animals began to laugh. Others began to film. Legosi simply pulled Louis tighter against him.

The older male deer crossed his arms. "Let me guess. You're a dyke?"

She held up her hand, a ring on her finger. "Actually, I have a loving husband and three kids at home. I just know what's right."

"You think this is right?"

The smaller animal turned her head and looked at the two boys, smiling and waving. Both slowly and awkwardly waved back. Then, she snapped her head back. "I think you shutting the hell up is what's right. No one else is doing anything." The other animals shuffled their feet. She was right.

She stepped closer to the man. "As a Beastar, I am very disappointed in all of you."

Louis' head reared back. She's a Beastar?!

The old deer looked intimidated. "Ah, oh, uh..."

Some animals around them made 'ooooo' noises. An antelope behind Legosi and Louis piped up. "I'm okay with these two..."

Legosi looked at the rabbit with admiration. Wow...are all rabbit women amazing?

Louis' world was being dragged around, thrashing and turning. This woman was a Beastar, but she was happily married, with kids! Not only that, she was actually sticking up against discriminatory animals...

Slowly but surely, other animals started to talk amongst themselves, throwing reassuring looks the couple's way. Legosi looked around him, amazed by how quickly the atmosphere changed.

The older deer crossed his arms. "All of you are a bunch of weaklings for thinking this is okay."

Louis sighed. "Sometimes...being weak is okay."

The Beastar nodded.

Legosi gripped his mate harder, reflecting on the words. On how much Louis' viewpoint had changed.

The train slowed to a halt as it came it's stop, the announcements telling everyone where they were. The buck stood up. "Move it."

The Beastar grinned. "Are you getting off now, baby? Don't forget your pacifier."

He grunted. "...Whatever."

Legosi felt his breathing slow down as there were murmurs and cheers from the other animals as the unpleasant deer departed. Some clasped him on the shoulder and shook it, giving the two looks of approval. His eyes became watery as he looked down at the rabbit who had saved them.

She smiled up at them. "No need to thank me. I hate bigots like that."

Louis looked at her. "Thank you, anyway. I would have handled that situation much worse."

The bunny shrugged. "Don't worry about it. The name's Sonya."

Louis blinked. Sonya...

The deer blinked. "Sonya...May we...Talk to you after we—Wait where are you going?"

"I was just on my way home, actually. Sure, I can talk once we get to your stop. Mine is actually the last one, so..."

Legosi just stood there, listening. He felt that if he said anything he would start sobbing. It was strange, how emotional he had become ever since being with Louis. He chest felt warm, though, seeing this train car full of animals who supported them.

Sonya went off to wait for the rest of the train ride nearby while everyone stood around after the whole debacle. Louis turned to Legosi and began whispering. "I'm sorry."

His fiance hugged him close to him, matching his tone. "It's okay. We just have to get used to animals like that, I guess. At least it was only one."

"I know, and I handled it horribly..."

"Well, your reaction made sense. I was really mad, too."

"I wanted to hit him, even though that's not what I should have thought at all..."

Legosi scowled. "He deserved it, but it would have just gotten us into trouble. You just have to remember that." He rubbed the back of his head tenderly.

"Neither of us need a criminal record...You know what that means."

Legosi's ear twitched. "Uh...stay out of trouble?"

"It means we couldn't get married. And if we both went to jail we would be separated. Think about it."

The canine nodded. "I haven't looked at the marriage laws yet. And...yeah. I actually thought we might go to jail back at Horns...the thought of being away from you really scared me."

"What...would we even do, then…?"

His mate leaned his head down to rest across Louis' shoulder and slightly over his back. "Let's not think about that...it won't happen."

Louis sighed. "You know...I don't feel as afraid knowing these people are on my side."

Legosi smiled out of Louis' view. "I know. It gives me...hope."

The deer nodded. "We can make it. I know we can."

"We have to," Legosi agreed.

At their stop, Louis motioned to Sonya and the three got off. "Can I treat you boys to tea?"

Legosi looked down, "O-oh, that would be very kind of you!"

Louis nodded. "You had me at tea...Which I guess was your last word."

His wolf snickered.

She smiled. "Just stay close to me."

Legosi wrapped both of his arms around Louis' arm as they continued.

"So, where are you two from? A couple of teenagers with suitcases, out on the town?"

"Oh, we're visiting my grandpa. We're from Cherryton." Legosi's tail waved idly behind them as they strolled.

"Celebrating the new year, I see."

Louis grinned. "I've never met him. We actually just got engaged last night."

She gasped. "Really! Congratulations, you two!"

And something else. Legosi's heart pounded in his chest. Why did he want to tell this animal they just met that? He stared down at their rings, still unable to believe it. "Have you met other couples like us, Sonya-san?"

The bunny nodded. "Plenty!"

Legosi's heart skipped. "R-really?"

Louis blinked. "How rare are they?"

Sonya put a finger on her chin. "Not that rare, to be honest.

I think a lot of animals are realizing they have such a freedom and when they see others doing it, they question themselves and one thing leads to another. I, myself, am straight, but I'm still an advocate."

Legosi hummed in thought. "Well, we're friends with two other couples like us...so I guess you're right!"

The deer nodded. "Sonya...I can't help but ask...Is...Being a Beastar awful?"

"What? No! Not at all! I'm naturally work oriented and I love fighting against discrimination like that. I still have a husband and three kids and I'm doing better than fine!"

Louis swallowed. "I used to be—"

"I know. I've seen you in the paper. Figured it brought up bad memories."

"We...really appreciate the hard work you do," the wolf said, gratefully.

"..." Louis frowned. "Yeah..."

They got to the cafe and Sonya ordered tea to each of their liking and they sat down at a table.

"So...Do you ever feel pressured by everyone?" Louis asked, tapping his finger on his mug.

Legosi sipped at his tea, kicking his legs in a carefree way beneath the table. He and Louis were sitting on the same side of the table, close.

Sonya nodded. "But I turned that into what motivates me."

The deer looked down. I really am weak...

The wolf placed his large hand on Louis' back, rubbing it.

Sonya blinked. "Are you okay?"

Legosi, noticing Louis not answering, spoke. "Louis didn't want to become a Beastar. It was too much pressure on him."

Sonya reached a hand across the table, having to stand up in the booth to do so. "And that's okay, Louis."

Legosi nodded, still rubbing his back.

The deer smiled. They were treating him like a helpless creature, but this time, he wanted it. He wanted all the support he could get. "Thank you, both. I always wonder what would happen if I hadn't given up."

"Don't call it 'giving up'," Sonya told him.

Legosi leaned down to catch Louis' gaze. "You worked so hard to walk away from all of that...do you remember?"

The deer swallowed. "I..."

Sonya sat back. "What did you do?"

Legosi sat back, allowing Louis to decide how much to tell her.

The buck shook his head. "It doesn't matter." Apparently, he wasn't telling her any of it.

Louis took a long moment. He was much happier as a free deer than one shackled to Beastardom. He was free to be with and love whoever he wanted. And he loved Legosi. "Without a doubt."

The wolf leaned down to nudge the deer with his nose, smiling.

Sonya clapped once. "Well then! Why waste time regretting it Live your life! Have fun! Get married!"

"Y-yeah!" Legosi clapped Louis on the back gently. "We're going to get married and start a f-" His ears flicked back. He hadn't even thought about the words. He took a sip of tea.

Louis blinked. He wasn't going to say family. He wasn't going to say family. He wasn't going to say family.

"Family? Awww, you two! That's so sweet!" Sonya gave a toothy smile.

Legosi kept the cup to his mouth, eyes shut tight.

Louis felt a weight. But I just want to take care of him...

His fiance sighed. "W-we don't know yet. We haven't even talked about it, so it might not be possible. I just know I want to spend the rest of my life with him..." Louis scooted closer.

Sonya drank some tea. "Then you should do whatever you can to get there."

Legosi nodded with fervor. "We will!"

Louis agreed.

The bunny looked out the window. "It never really made sense to me. Why animals act like that."

Silent agreement fell upon the table.

Louis shook his head. "Hell if I know. I can't imagine if everyone at school acted that way."

"Yeah. I think younger animals are more open minded." Legosi took another sip.

Sonya nodded. "I can't always be there to save you, obviously. I'm worried, though."

Legosi cocked his head. "Why's that?"

"I don't want you guys to get into any violent acts."

The wolf put an arm around his mate. "I'll keep him back." He thought back to the stool throwing incident. I'll just have to do better.

Louis frowned. "Yeah..."

Sonya crossed her legs. "So what are you going to do to get better?"

Legosi looked back at her. "Are there...any counselors out there for couples like us?"

"Oh, for sure. My best friend is actually one of them."

He sighed. "It's...just so confusing. Growing up...I never saw animals like us."

"Things change." The black bunny said.

The deer agreed. "Just look at me."

"He's so handsome!" Legosi gushed.

Sonya laughed. "He is! There is actually something that really made me mad."

"What's that?" Louis blinked.

"When he told you it wasn't worth going through all that shit, excuse me, stuff, to be together."

Legosi turned his head. "It was worth all of it, right Louis?"

Without even a millisecond, the deer answered "Yes."

His mate hummed happily, kicking his feet again.

Sonya looked at them. "So, if someone confronts you like that again, what are you going to do?"

Legosi looked at Louis, then at the rabbit. "...Ignore them?"

Louis shrugged. I'll get violent again.

Sonya blinked. "Ignore them, Louis!"

"Sonya-san, how old are you?" Legosi asked, a bit too bluntly.

"Thirty-four."

Legosi continued his sudden interview. "What's your plan for the future?"

Sonya shook her head. "Maybe become mayor."

The carnivore tapped his hands on the table. "That would be really good! I think you'd make a lot of good changes. We're actually friends with a rabbit girl back at school. I bet she'd be inspired by you!"

"Oh really?"

Louis nodded. "Her name is Haru. I bet she'd like to meet you."

"Maybe one day!"

Legosi finished up his tea with an 'ahh'. "Thank you for the tea!"

Louis did so soon after. "It really means a lot that you talked to us. Someone as important as you..."

Sonya waved him off. "Don't worry about it."

The wolf had one more question. "Do you...know anything about the Sublime Beastar?"

She nodded. "I don't trust him."

"Oh..."

"His name is Yafya. I'm sure you've heard of him."

Legosi shook his head.

"Just...be careful if you ever meet him." She said. "He's...Strange."

The deer nodded. "Well. Thank you. We should probably get going, right Legosi?"

"Yeah. It's still about a ten minute walk. I can carry your suitcase, if you need."

"No need!"

Sonya stood up and the two followed suit. "Well. It was nice meeting you, Legosi and Louis. I'm sure we'll meet again."

"I hope so!" The wolf's tail wagged happily. "Thanks again for everything."

Sonya nodded and then waved. "Be safe! Bye!"

The boys waved, walking back out into the cold night. "Alright, we just have to go this way." Legosi lead Louis, trying to will his nerves away.

The deer shook his head. "I have a lot to think about."

"That's okay, hon. Want to talk about it?"

"A Beastar can have all that..."

"Are you having second thoughts?"

"I can't afford second thoughts."

"Well, you dropped out of school anyway, so you wouldn't be able to become a Beastar now, I think. So..." Legosi wasn't sure where he was going with that. He drooped down, hoping he didn't upset the deer.

"My life is so good, though. It's just hitting me HOW good it is, thanks to today. Look at me! I'm a deer, going to see my wolf fiances grandfather!"

Legosi looked down at him with a nervous smile. I really hope he isn't freaked out. A lot of animals are when they meet venomous animals.

"I just hope I make a good impression."

"I know you will! My grandpa is very friendly." But how will he react to...us?

"I keep imagining Oguma but a wolf."

Legosi took a sharp intake of breath. "W-well, you'll see."

The buildings thinned out as they entered the city outskirts. Legosi pointed out some landmarks from his childhood, such as the park he went to a lot, and the diner his grandfather would take him.

Louis was enthralled. He was finally learned about his fiances passed. Was he a bad boyfriend for not asking sooner? He was just trying to be considerate.

Legosi's heart started pounding as they neared that familiar apartment complex. This was it. "He lives on the second floor."

"Wow! I'm really about to meet your grandfather!"

"Yep!", it came out loud, but unsure. They ascended the steps. One door. Two doors. Three doors. The fourth door. This was it. Legosi gulped.

Legosi hit the door buzzer.

Gosha was sitting on the couch, watching the television. He had a few days off from his construction job because of the holiday, so he was using that time to relax. He was giddy, though. He knew Legosi was coming to visit soon, and with an important animal to him, no less! He hadn't spoken to his grandson in years, but he knew when an animal was talking about one they love. This was probably the reason he was visiting again, after all. He was excited to meet this young lady. He felt bad, but he hoped she was a canine like he was. He didn't want Legosi to go through the same pain he had to.

BZZZZZT!

Gosha looked over to the door, not even startled. He smiled. No other neighbor would be visiting him at this time. He got up, his old knees cracking. It was a good thing he decided to bake banana bread. "Hold on, hold on! I'm coming!" He shouted out, loud enough for them to hear.

Legosi stood there nervously, shifting his suitcase from hand to hand.

Louis was smiling. He tried to imagine the stern but friendly wolf probably coming to meet them at the door.

Gosha unlocked the door, opening it. He subconsciously had his eyes pointed downward, suddenly remembering the passage of time as his grandson was now the same height as he was.

The komodo dragon looked Legosi in the eyes with his own, which were eerily similar to the wolf's. He shot out, embracing him. "Oh, Legosi! It's so good to see you again!" His large, scaly hands rubbed the wolf's back, right in front of Louis, who stood behind Legosi.

The deer was frozen in headlights. He's...A LIZARD?!