Chapter 128 - Kiss of Fire

If Monday had been a difficult day at work, then Tuesday was an absolute shitshow for Riley. The continuous rain made his job as a sanitation worker harder by all accounts, and some of his coworkers didn't show up, worsening everything.

Of course, there was a silver lining. All day he was able to bear it because he knew his two new roommates, one of them his new boyfriend, would be waiting for him at home. The previous day after he got back they all had a fun time checking out some of Riley's favorite movies and he fell asleep between them again that night, happy as can be. So even if he was wet and miserable at work, he knew happiness was just around the corner.

On the flipside, Nori also had a very busy day cleaning the entire apartment. They hadn't discussed it the day before and he almost wondered if Riley had forgotten. But he didn't. Even if he didn't know where everything went.

As for how he was feeling lately, he was trying not to let the fact that he had a boyfriend now distract him. He definitely didn't want to mess it up or anything. And his urges and desire toward Riley were so strong, but he never acted on them. The fact that he was a carnivore was everything, but even having Hachi there just made everything that much better, and warmer.

That was the feeling. Warmth. After so much cold in his life, Nori finally felt warm.

Riley, dripping wet in his uniform, fumbled to get his keys out of his damp pocket. Finally, he got them out, making a very audible jingling noise. His hands were almost shaking with the excitement of seeing his two new favorite animals again. He wondered if that was a normal reaction.

Nori was inside, playing a racing game and thinking that he was a pro at video games because the game was way too easy. He heard the jingling and all he gave was an ear-twitch. But his heart beat faster as he knew that was his mate coming in.

Riley heard the video game right as he came in, and it was such a comfortable vibe. He took his boots off and started peeling off his uniform. After a few moments he looked around, noticing the difference in the apartment. "Hey, did you guys clean?"

Nori, not even looking in his direction, or nodding, answered; "I did."

Riley walked into the living area, carrying his work jacket. Nori was sitting cross-legged on the couch, being a gamer. It was funny and kind of cute. Riley couldn't imagine this animal killing anyone…

"Well, I'm gonna show you my appreciation after I'm done showering and in some comfier clothes," the coyote promised, trying to get his voice to sound alluring.

"Sweet," Nori said. "Feel free to wear whatever you want. I guess it was raining on you all day, huh?"

"On me and my truck, yeah." Riley stopped by his room to gather some fresh clothes and came back to head into the bathroom. "Is Hachi out again?"

"Yeah. I told them that this weather is terrible for that and they SHIT," Nori frowned, his car exploding in the game.

Riley's face scrunched up. "They shit when you told them?"

"No, I fucking died," Nori said. "Lost my position. They just said they like the rain and wanted to 'be free to explore'. It's just you and I here. Again." After saying that, he felt just a bit more nervous.

Riley grinned and waggled his eyebrows before disappearing into the bathroom. What a weirdo.

Nori just continued playing the game, thinking he was the hot stuff as he won multiple races in a row. Unfortunately, he was only playing on 50cc...

His mind tried not to wander to Riley showering or even joining him, but he couldn't help how he felt. It was his boyfriend, after all. So there was nothing wrong with that!

An uneventful few minutes later, a clean and dried up Riley emerged from the bathroom, sporting his plaid pajama pants and his old high school t-shirt. He plodded over to the couch and sat down next to Nori.

Nori was still button tapping away. "How was the shower?"

"Wet, but clean. So better than out there." Riley bent down and laid across Nori's lap, looking up at him and smiling.

Nori looked down, then back up at his game. "That's good. Rain's gay."

"Like us, apparently." Riley reached up and scratched under his chin. "You're so focused."

"Focused?" Nori asked, not even flinching.

"Yep. In the zoooone." Riley moved both hands to grab his cheeks and pull the fur there gently.

"Hey, I'm gonna lose if you keep doing that!" Nori complained. Oh well. There were more important things than games.

Riley sat up a bit and started to kiss Nori under his chin. "Oh, that's fine. You were gonna lose anyway."

The fox's ear twitched. "N-no I wasn't!" He clearly blushed.

Riley tried a new approach. "Hey, I had a shitty day at work and just wanna cuddle my new boyfriend. Think you could help with that?"

Nori looked down at him. "Oh. I thought you were trying to tell me something by being all affectionate."

"I'm telling you I want affection, numbnuts."

"Hey! My nuts aren't numb!" Nori's legs tightened as he said that comment.

Riley rose up and moved his legs to straddle the fox's small lap, blocking the screen. "So did you have a fun day cleaning?"

Nori's face was red and he looked to the side. "...Yeah. I loved it. How did I do? And where's that appreciation award?"

Riley kissed him softly on the lips. "It's very nice and that's my appreciation." The coyote then blinked and chuckled. "I don't know if it's weird that this is coming so easily to me or not..."

Nori rubbed his arm. "It's kinda sexy to me, at least. Like I don't have to worry about shit." Their eyes met.

"Mhm. I think you're losing," Riley pointed out. "There's a pause button."

"Sh-should I pause?"

Riley's hands went to the back of Nori's neck. "I think you should."

Immediately, the fox tapped the pause button, making note of how soft the feeling of his hands were. "Mmm...that shower helped your fur..."

"Yeah. No smelly canine smell." Riley leaned to the side, getting them to tip over and lie on the couch next to each other. After that, he poked their noses together. "He's my Noriiii~ He's my Noriiiii~" the coyote started to sing.

"I...like your canine smell! My Rileeey~" he grinned.

Riley moved his hands up to Nori's triangle-shaped ears and wiggled them. "Hmm, so...how do you like it here so far?"

"It's quiet. There's no fucking twat walking around barking orders. Only the good smell of you and feeling safe. It's great. And I know Hach loves nature."

Riley snorted. "I mean, not really much nature around here. I guess they're going to the parks or something." He moved his nose down to Nori's neck and sniffed. "Mmm, seems like you cleaned more than just the apartment."

Nori grabbed his neck. "How did you!—"

"You smell clean! Duhh."

"Well after dusting and shit I thought I should maybe shower so I don't get the couch all dirty..." Of course, his real reasons remained hidden, as he had cleaned everything.

"Well, obviously I showered because of the rain, but also cuz of my job." Riley moved his body so it was on top of Nori's more. "Did I mention being a garbage man in a storm sucks? It sucks, Nori."

"I'm sorry you had to go through that, wet garbage boy." With each movement, it was like Riley was digging his claws into Nori's thin walls.

"No problem! Just me being the breadwinner, y'know."

Nori rubbed his tail. "You brought home bread?"

Riley flicked him. "C'mon, you know that expression."

"I actually don't," Nori said.

"It means I'm making the money," Riley explained.

"Oh..." the arctic fox looked to the side. "Yeah. Sorry..." He felt like he should already have a job.

Riley rubbed the fur on his head. "Not like it's a good time to look, of course. Weren't you gonna do something with that Bill kid, too?"

"Yeah. I'm gonna train him," Nori said. He looked at Riley's eyes again. "...I'm guessing you were waiting for me all day?"

"Yeah, pretty much. When I lived alone there wasn't much to look forward to at home aside from free time."

"And whaddya do for that?"

"Play video games and go on the internet and general loner loser stuff."

"That sounds fucking awesome, though," Nori said. "Jealous. But I was lonely, too."

"Oh, right. Well, now you can. And you are." Riley pointed to the TV screen. "Although you'll need to get a computer of your own."

"Whaaat? Whyyy?"

"Privacyyyyy." Riley tapped Nori's nose.

"Yeah...Don't want you snooping my carni porn."

"Oh god, you have such a fetish." Riley shook his head and nuzzled Nori. "Y'know, most of my life I've just been looking at women. This all kind of blindsided me"

"You watched straight porn and junk?"

"Yeah, totally. I like boobs and stuff." Riley reached down to pull Nori's shirt up, revealing his chest. "But yours are nice too."

Nori huffed. "I don't even got any..."

Riley cupped his pecs. "They have some nice definition, and the bright pink color of your nipples are really cute against the white fur."

"N-now we know what you were thinking about all day..." Nori tried closing his legs more.

"Well, I had to concentrate so I didn't crash the truck!" Riley ruffled his head fur. "Silly."

"You had a lunch break!"

"Where I ate and had wholesome thoughts."

"I couldn't have dirty thoughts today since I was cleaning," Nori said, though he was certainly having them now thanks to Riley just sliding into his lap when he got home.

The coyote cleared his throat. "Plus I'm still kinda nervous about it all...y'know."

"Me, too..."

"Cuddling you is nice, though. Very nice." Riley sat up and rubbed Nori's stomach. "Anyway, I need lunch. Should we make something for Hachi too?"

"That would be sweet," the fox said. "They didn't say when they'd be back. Um...I mean, I'm kinda glad because I get to oggle you without hiding it..."

Riley raised an eyebrow and then stood up, taking his shirt off as well as his pajama pants. "There, now you can really ogle."

Nori's eyes immediately wandered. "If you slap me cause I'm dreaming, you should do it with your dick."

Riley barked out a laugh so loud that Nori's ears went back. "You're really getting comfortable with this I see! That's good, that's good."

"Sh-shut the fuck up!" Nori growled. "It just came out!"

"Yeah, just like the both of us, recently."

"Gahhh!"

Riley giggled and walked into the kitchen area. And then immediately walked back out. "Actually, should we go out and do that Black Market meal today? Who knows how bad the weather's gonna get. Might be our last chance for a while."

Nori looked over. "You mean our date?"

"Yeah. Might be a bit wet but I have an umbrella."

Nori stood up and came over, looking up at him. "We should make out first, then so we can get it all out...right? Couples would do that."

"What, so we don't do it in public? You think you wouldn't be able to hold back being by me for so long?" Riley struck a pose, jutting his hip out and holding his hand under his chin.

"People look at us if we do it in public! Also, why're you trying to make me pounce on you? It's not fair!" Nori whined. "I cleaned our apartment!"

"Ohh, that sounds adorable! Pounce away!" Riley grinned.

"Mmph...I-I should hold back..." Nori turned, crossing his arms.

"Fine. Guess I gotta lean down for you." Riley did so and their muzzles touched.

"Eep!" Nori covered his nose. "Riley, I'm trying here! To control myself!"

"Hey, it was your suggestion to make out." Riley pressed his mouth softly to Nori's, flicking his tongue out.

Nori gave in, extending his tongue to meet his boyfriend's and instead of kissing, they both just kind of...licked each other's tongues for a moment. "Mmh..."

Riley then tilted his mouth and enclosed their lips together.

The smaller animal whined as he clutched Riley's chest fur, now wishing they didn't have to leave...This coyote was definitely tastier than meat.

Riley pulled away and panted, gripping Nori's shoulders. "God, you're adorable."

"And you're just...awesome...W-we should go before I lose my shirt."

"Hmm, yeah. Stripes look good on you." Riley stood up straight and headed back to his room. "I have to put real clothes on, be right back. Text Hachi or leave them a note or something."

"Alright, I will," Nori said, going to find his phone.

Outside of the apartment complex, Nori looked around. "I haven't left for a few days."

Riley followed and opened the umbrella. "Yeah. It's getting really shitty out here. Look how dark the sky is."

The faux carnivore looked up. "Jeez. I barely got to even see where I'm living now."

"Yeah, my windows are shit," Riley laughed. "Anyway, let's go!"

They began the journey, Riley holding the umbrella and finding that it covered Nori rather easily because of his small form. The wind was already stronger than the previous day and there were even less animals on the streets than what Bill and Legosi had seen.

"We should look for an indoor place there, huh? Not that there are many in the market. Do you know of any?" Riley asked.

Nori nodded. "What do I look like? A guy who didn't have this idea?"

"You look like a cute dude." Riley looked both ways and then crossed the street. "See all this lack of garbage around? All me."

"No way? All of it?" Nori asked, in awe.

"At least this street," Riley snorted. "Maybe I can sneak you in for a shift some day."

"Ooh! Steamy times in the garbage truck!"

"Yes. Very sexy place. All the porn videos use it." Riley put an arm around Nori's shoulder and held him close.

The fox rubbed his cheek on his side. "Yeah! I've seen! They, like, hang out of the door while the other animal..." He blushed deeply. "Imma shut up."

"I was joking," Riley revealed. "You might have to show me that one."

"N-NO I DON'T THINK THAT'S NECESSARY!" Nori blurted.

"Ah, okay." The two traversed the streets some more, jumping over puddles and crossing streets, mostly alone.

"So...is it gay if I hold your hand?" Nori asked.

"In this instance? Yes." Riley grinned with his fangs showing.

The other animal, huffing once more, held his hand out. "I'll lead the way, Wiley."

Riley gladly took it. "Go ahead, my Nori."

The fox walked in front of him, marching forward. "So...uh...it's kind of spooky seeing the market so empty."

Riley looked around. "Oh, I didn't even realize we were there already..."

"But I feel kinda lucky because it's our first date. I wonder what would have happened if we didn't get together and then went on this date..."

"Well, you wouldn't be holding my hand right now." Riley squeezed his hand. It felt so warm amid the rain.

"Mmm...but I would be staring at you..." Nori admitted. "And when we sat down and I got to watch those fangs in action..."

"So you're saying you would have asked me out, anyway?"

"I would have been fawning."

"Hmm, when's the first time you found yourself attracted to a carnivore?" Riley asked.

"When I met Legosi," Nori said. "Maybe before that but that was when I got hit with it."

"Oh? Should I be jealous?" Riley joked.

"Legosi has like two boyfriends so...no."

"I suppose he was pretty attractive," Riley admitted. "But you and Hachi are better. For sure."

"For sure? Hachi, maybe."

Riley shook his head. "No, I think you're both hotter."

"Just Hachi. I see how you drool when you look at them!"

"Well, yeah! They're hot! Also I don't think they picked up on my hints that I'd like to date them too," the coyote sighed. "Or they're just not interested."

"You think they'd notice something like that?" Nori asked. "Have you met them?"

"Hey, give them more credit! Although you're right. You've known them longer." Riley looked around the empty streets, wondering where Nori would take them.

The fox continued to march forth. "I bet they don't even think about that for themselves. They're happy for us, clearly."

"Yeah...well as long as they enjoy being affectionate that should be good enough for me." Riley pulled Nori closer to him. "So, do you feel weird being back here?"

The white furball nodded. "Yeah. I know I look different now, but part of me worries that Ichi will be stalking around looking for me and just...know."

"Well, you've got me to protect you, right?"

"And I can fight, myself," Nori stated. "I think I'd finally kill him."

"Woah, damn! Well, I'll support you all the way," Riley encouraged.

"Yay! Killing people!" Nori jumped up and pumped his fist.

"Haha, yeah..." Riley's mind tried not to think about Nori's past with that, even if he was probably joking in that instance. "So, are we almost there?"

"Very close. Hope it's a good first date spot. It's kind of a hole in the wall, but I'm telling you...the meat there..."

Riley licked his lips. "Mmm, I can't wait. Hopefully I can stop feeling guilty about it when I eat, too. Gouhin told me it's completely fine and normal, after all."

"It is. As long as you do it in moderation." They reached a white door with a single light outside, and that light was off. The building was unremarkable with almost no noticeable features. "There it is."

"So...secret knock?" Riley shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

Instead of answering, Nori just opened the door and instantly, the scent of meat leaked out.

Riley felt drool building already. "Oh...fuuuuck."

"Yeah." Nori said, looking inside. "I don't fuck around." His own mouth was watering at even the thought of eating.

"So, is this place not as well known since it's inside?"

"Yep! Plus, there are so many places to get meat in the market. The most popular place kind of blows. Here, they actually care about their meat and tend to it and even donate some of their earnings to the hospitals they get their meat from."

"Ah, so they're nice people, then." Riley looked around the hallway they were travelling down, its walls bare. "Do they know you well here?"

"Oooh yes. And they live here, too. Would you think it's fucked up if I said one of the owners is a female herbivore?"

Riley blinked. "Well, no weirder than some of the stuff I've learned the past few weeks. Do they know your new appearance too?"

"Oh, definitely not but they'll recognize my voice. They're also trained well in incapacitating any carnivores that act out in their store. Especially toward the wife."

"I wonder how society would be if more herbivores accepted this place," Riley pondered. "And more carnivores learned to respect herbivores."

"It would be a fantasy," Nori sighed. "There's another door over here. Guess how I found out about this place?"

Riley hummed in thought. "You were doing urban exploration?"

"Haha, nah. Salamander gave me the info on this place. It's, like, really well hidden and I love it. Only thing is you're paying for the experience, if you get what I mean."

Riley's face contorted. "Wait...I don't have that much money!"

"I'm paying," Nori chuckled. "Remember? Stole a bunch of money from the Branded?"

"Oh...yeah...well, let's hurry up then. You're hyping this place up a lot."

They reached the next door and Nori pushed that open as well, and immediately the room was even darker than the hallway, which at least had lights. All the light in the restaurant seemed to be candle light, beside the light in the kitchen and bar. The meat smell here was the strongest they had whiffed today.

"Huh, must save a lot on power," Riley whispered.

"Customers!" A voice bellowed, deep and strong. A bear stepped down from a set of stairs nearby, wearing a grey apron that looked darker due to the lighting. "New customers!"

"Yep, yep, Roman. Good to see you again," Nori grinned.

Roman blinked, leaning forward. "You sound familiar..."

"It's Nori. I got a makeover."

"OOOOOOOOHHHHHHH! NORI!"

Riley's ears drew backward at the bellow, keeping quiet due to his innate shyness.

The big bear came forward and patted Nori's head. "Who is your friend here?"

"Ah, he's just...you know. He likes meat, too. I was thinking we could get a table for two."

"Ah, yes, yes! There's one right over—" The bear was cut off as he noticed Nori gesturing where Riley couldn't see. "Oooohhhh...hehe...Yes, of course. Right this way." He turned and began stepping back up the stairs.

Nori waved Riley along. "Come on."

Riley followed along. "Oh, uh, I'm Riley, by the way," he offered Roman.

"Riley! Very nice name! What do you think of the atmosphere? Pretty good, huh?"

Riley looked around again. "It's very cozy, yet mysterious. It has class, unlike most of the market."

The group reached the top of the stairs and Riley saw that they had come to a loft, filled with tables for two, a candle on each with a white tablecloth, silverware set up. Surprisingly, there were two couples at tables, chatting and drinking and eating. All carnivores.

At the end of the loft, overlooking the rest of the restaurant, there was fencing to prevent anyone from falling off. It was obvious the building used to be something else.

"Oh...wow..." Riley said, quietly and breathlessly.

Roman smiled as they walked to a table. "You like?"

Riley looked around, the other couples glancing up at them before turning their attention away. "Uh, yeah."

"Because the red panda...white panda...What are you?"

"Arctic fox."

"Ooh, yes. Because the arctic fox chose the couple's treatment, you will be well taken care of tonight!"

"But it's not night time," Nori said.

"Whenever! Sit, sit!" He pulled out their chairs for them. "Everything is already determined at a fixed price."

"Well, it sure looks like night, so...the atmosphere is right." Riley looked down at Nori and smiled. "Very romantic..."

The fox shrugged. "Yep. Let's sit."

Roman waited for them. "How old are you, Riley?"

Riley took a seat. "I'm 26."

"So you want the alcoholic or non-alcoholic treatment?" Roman asked.

"Well, what do you got?" the coyote asked.

"Should I get a menu for you, young Riley?"

Nori was just watching the exchange, messing with a napkin on the table.

"Uh, yeah. Just to see."

Roman bowed. "Be right back, friends." He quickly went off.

Nori blushed finally as he looked around. "Never been up here. Just heard about it..."

"So, it's only for couples?" Riley bumped Nori's legs with his feet.

"Mmm...only for couples," Nori nodded. "You can tell, too. There's a hanging heart over there." He pointed to the ceiling in the middle of the loft.

"Oh...yeah there is," Riley chuckled. "Knowing some places in the market, it would have been a real heart."

"Nah, someone would eat it at that point," Nori said. "Wow...you look so nice in this light."

Riley turned his attention back at Nori. "You do, too. The one tone of your fur catches the shadows nicely."

"Not to mention, like, how the fire flickers which is always calming for me." He sighed. "Is...it too much...for us?"

"Oh, no, not at all. Why would it be?"

"Cause...it's all fancy and like..." He looked at the other couples. "They're older than us."

Riley placed his hand over one of Nori's. "Well, I appreciate it, so isn't that enough?"

"You said it was romantic r-right in front of Roman!"

"Uh, yeah. Because this is a couples' loft. He knows anyway so I thought..." Riley looked away, wondering if he had fucked up.

"Oh yeah, duh," Nori laughed. "My brain."

Riley intertwined their fingers together. "Feels good to be open about it, right?"

"Yeah, really good. Honestly, I just kept thinking about how this was a date and I wanted to make a good first impression and I knew about this place and you hadn't had meat in a while. After I eat here I always feel really good," Nori said. "So when we get home we're just gonna be feeling awesome."

"Yeah...and then I have to go to sleep early for work." Riley shook his head. "I never really was bothered by it until now."

Nori's face dropped. "...You do?"

"Yeah, because it's less time I get to spend with you and Hachi."

"Sorry that you're not here with them or whatever. I know it's not very me..."

"Hey...sorry. I won't bring them up anymore." Riley ran a claw gently on Nori's hand. "This place is really comfy...especially with the muffled rain sound."

"Oh man, I know. It feels so good to be back, too. I can't even believe I'm up here. I'm so privileged now," he joked.

"We're both no longer forever alone single men. We're up here with the hotshot couples."

"Mmm," Nori smiled. The crescendoing sounds of stomping told them Roman was coming back upstairs with the wine menu, which he quickly brought and set in front of Riley.

"So, Riley. Take a look at our selections and let me know. After you both have drinks, we will begin the treatment! Very special, indeed!"

Nori nodded. "Thanks, Roman. Come back in, like, 5 minutes and we should be good."

"Alrighty!" Roman turned to go talk to the other couples.

The fox looked at his boyfriend. "I dunno shit about alcohol."

"It makes animals act funny." Riley opened the menu and laid it down so he could read it by the candlelight.

Nori leaned on his palm, staring at him, admiring him. His heart told him he hoped this would become a regular thing. He moved his foot to tap Riley's leg. The fox just wanted to be close to him, even though they were.

"Ooh, they have a sangria! I'll get that." Riley's tail waved behind him through the gap in the chair.

"Perfect. Whaddya recommend for me? We have drunk make outs ahead?" There was clear hope in his tone. After all, that was how this started...

"Well, you drank beer no problem, so..." Riley turned the menu around and slid it to him. "The descriptions might be enough to go on."

The fox looked down and found a daunting list. "Wine's romantic, right?"

"Traditionally? Yes. Red wine, usually. But be careful because it can make you sick easily if you have too much."

"Don't want to be sick on our first..." Nori mumbled. "What do you recommend?"

Riley leaned forward and put a hand to his mouth and whispered, "Get what I'm having. Sangria is yummy."

"Alright, then. Two sangrias," Nori grinned.

"I guess we get the food menu next. Wait..." Riley's eyes went wide. "Do they actually make meat dishes here?"

"Well, yeah! But you don't need the menu for that," Nori said, folding up the menu and pushing it aside.

"But like, most places in the market just cook the meat and serve it, y'know! And Sal's sauce only goes so far!"

"I told you they actually care here! That's why it's gonna be like, ¥10,000, at the end."

"Welp! Thanks for the meal then, Ichi!" Riley grinned.

"Fuck you!" Nori laughed.

"Later," Riley said, casually. "Man, I'm so hungry."

"Well, don't worry," Nori said. "They're going to fix us up. So...that kiss earlier..."

"Mhmmm?" Riley leaned forward. "What about it?"

"I didn't know we could...lick tongues like that."

Riley looked up at him. "Uh, what do you mean?"

"You know...when we kissed earlier and...licked our tongues together."

"Well, of course we can do that. I think it was an accident, though..."

"What! No! It was sexy!"

The other couples looked over.

"Well, looks like I know how to kiss you, now." Riley emphasized this by licking his lips.

Nori looked to the side. "Every way."

Riley brushed his feet against Nori's legs once again, and his stomach audibly growled. "Ugh, I hope we can eat soon."

"Jeez. You must be really hungry cause you keep saying that," Nori said.

Roman approached. "Drinks, friends?"

"Two sangrias," Nori said. "And please start our food, my...friend's starving."

Riley nodded. "Yeah, I just got back from work and I'm hungry. Is there a menu?"

"Nope! You chose the couple's treatment. Everything is taken care of at a fixed price. The appetizer will be out shortly!" He quickly moved off, brought their drinks, then went away again.

Nori laughed. "He's so fast."

"Yeah..." Riley picked up his wine glass and swirled it around. "We should probably get water too so we don't get dehydrated."

"Well, when he comes back." Nori stared more. "I feel so warm. 'Cause of you..."

"A good warm, right?"

"Very very good," Nori huffed, resting his arms and head on the table. "Just all day I was thinking about you coming home and it being all natural."

"And was it?" Riley sniffed at his drink.

"My heart was beating pretty fast so...I don't think so."

Riley scoffed. "Could have fooled me! You were really into that game."

"Cause I was trying not to do anythiiing weeeeird."

"Like pounce on me, in your own words. Still wanna see that." Riley wiggled his eyebrows.

"Oh and I still wanna do that, baby," Nori said, slightly covering his mouth when he said the last word so it got muffled.

Riley held his hand over his mouth, too. "Oh, well I look forward to it."

"Oh, well you should. Except me being smaller definitely kills it a bit, I'm sure..." Nori sighed. "But I also wanted to be pushed against the wall for some reason."

Riley laughed. "Wow, you're really pent up!"

"Woah, woah, woah! Masturbating in the shower gets rid of that!"

More looks.

Riley shook his head. "Not if you have a partner, my friend. Boyfriend. Solo only gets you so far."

"Hey, there was a lot!" Nori argued. "I had to get on all fours!" His face grew tomato red. Why did I get louder?!

Riley choked, even though the food hadn't even arrived. "Holy shit, you went all out."

"Holy shit, shut your mouth!"

"That's probably what the patrons are thinking." Riley turned to them and smiled, sheepishly. "Heh..."

Nori buried his head on the table. "Please leave, please leave, please leave..."

Riley started to pet his head. "It's okay. Roman will stop them from trying to kick you out."

The fox exhaled. "I bet you went all out thinking about fucking Hachi."

Riley shook his head. "Uh, no I didn't, actually. I haven't even jerked off since you guys got here."

"What?! Huh? Well, now I'm all embarrassed!" His ears flattened.

Riley took the ears and tried to get them back up. "Aw, it's alright." He stopped then, sniffing the air. "Woah, I think the smell got stronger."

"Mmm yeah, something really good's cooking. We're gonna get to try a bunch of meat!" Nori's tail swayed. "The couple's treatment is just awesome, apparently. Don't look it up or you'll be spoiled." He really went all out for their first date.

"Pff, where would I look it up? Does this place have a website?"

"Oh yeah...I guess it's just word of mouth. Don't talk to anyone but me, then!" Nori grabbed his hands.

"Wasn't planning on it." Riley used that time to look around a bit more. "Huh, there's like, carpets hanging from the walls. They're really intricately designed..."

"Yeah. I bet this place'd have awards if it wasn't illegal..." Nori said. "I think it's awesome his wife makes the meat and is a herbivore."

"Oh, she's the cook? That's crazy? What species?"

"She's a doe. They seem to be pretty common, huh? Just like sheep."

"You think? I don't know, I never noticed..."

"Yeah, well—"

Roman quickly returned, setting down a basket of fresh breadsticks with olive oil dipping. "Fresh hot bread for you, friends!"

"That smells sooo good," Nori moaned.

"Very good!" Roman beam. "Get ready for meat motherload! If you didn't know, we will be cooking you a sampler of all types of meat, meat we specifically save for couples. We will donate a percentage of yours to a Herbivores for Carnivores movement, as I'm very sure you are okay with that?"

Riley nodded. "Oh, yeah, that sounds good. Uh, I didn't really know there were any in the city."

"Yeah! There always is!" Roman grinned widely. "I have to get back down there, it will be worth the wait. Nori, you want the post-dessert specialty for you and your boyfriend, right?"

Nori scratched his cheek. "Absolutely. Riley deserves the best treatment."

Roman clapped. "Perfect! I will tell them to set up the VIP room for when you are done!"

Riley's ears went up. "VIP room? There's more to this place?"

"Yep! Very special for couples!"

Nori smiled. "You're fine with being here a little longer after we're done, yeah? Swear it's worth it." His eyes said it all. That'd it be romantic.

"Oh, yeah of course. Yeah..." Riley eyed the bread hungrily and grabbed a slice, dipping it in the seasoned olive oil provided. He bit into it and made an...interesting noise.

"Mmm, you need to make those noises louder when we're alone." Nori began eating his bread as well. "And like...shirtless."

"And eating food?" Riley helped himself to more.

"And eating something," Nori smirked, sensually. He took another bite. "Soft and gooey in the middle...wow."

"Uuugh, I love bread!" Riley had another. "Whoever invented bread was a genius."

"A fucking genius, yeah. Mmm..." He dipped his bread. "I feel so mature with his combination, too~ And the sangrias." He sipped.

Riley took a sip of the sweet and fruity drink. "Good, huh?"

"Sooo good~ And to go with the savory meat? Fuuuuck~" He moaned and ate more bread. "What a date. I literally just wanna do everything with you. But that'd leave no time for Hachi..."

"Today's our day, so hit me with all you got," Riley challenged.

"That's not fair! I wanna be hit, too!"

Riley ran his teeth over his fangs. "Oh, I can provide~"

"Oh, really shy boy?~ How will I know?~"

Riley deftly slipped his shoe off, bringing his foot up to press Nori's crotch. "Hmm, I'm not sure yet..."

The fox squeaked. "H-h-heyyyy...!" Immediately his entire body perked. His face was back to red. "Wh-what if they see...?"

"Hm? See what? I'm not doing anything." Riley returned his foot to his shoe.

Nori grunted. "You're legit attracted to me..."

"Yeah." Riley took some more bread and more of his drink. "You won me over in a really short amount of time."

"Because we were both so lonely!" He closed his legs together as he thought about what had just been there. Had they been at home...Dang, his boyfriend obliterated his defenses easily.

"Still not a bad thing," Riley mused. He took a longer sip now, starting to feel the effects.

His partner did the same, taking an even longer sip. "I...never expected you to pull a stunt like what you just did...You're full of surprises that just...flip my switch."

Riley smiled and his long ears flopped around as he moved his head. "Heh, well I'm glad it's working. Honestly I don't think I've ever really acted this way... I guess I'm a bit of a wild card."

"Which is so fucking hot," Nori said, finishing his bread. "You're like, wrapping tape around my on switch. I wanna crawl on this table to you and pounce and knock that chair over..."

"Roman won't be pleased, and you'll knock over the candle and start a fire," Riley said playfully.

"That would be some fiery love~" Nori growled.

"Fuck yeah, it would be. Passionate yet tragically short-lived..."

"Who would even be on top during dramatic fiery movie sex?"

"The fire would be, obviously."

Nori barked out a loud laugh, snorting afterward. He couldn't stop, the alcohol already having weaved its way into his mind.

Riley took another sip and laughed with him. They forgot about the people around them as well as the storm outside.

A bit of joking and flirting later, and then the meat was being marched up the stairs. "Here it comes!" Roman announced. "Tasty tasty for you boys!"

Not only was their meat here, but the other couples had left by that point, leaving them completely alone with a table full of different kinds of meat, each labeled.

Riley grabbed a napkin to wipe up some of the drool falling from his mouth. "Holy..." His eyes, wide as saucers, took in the whole display of flesh. It looked beautiful, presented almost artfully as opposed to most of the market.

Nori licked his lips. "Oh, I know, right? We're eating like kings today!"

"If this is how herbivores cook meat, more should do it!" Riley exclaimed. "Does she do taste tests?"

"Taste tests?" Nori blinked. "Like she...tries the meat?" He looked at the array of sauces brought out as well.

"Most cooks do, so I wonder." Riley licked his lips.

"Mmmm...dig in!"

The coyote couldn't argue with that. Each animal took their favorite sauces, Nori with the spicy and Riley with the mild, and sampled from each type of meat. From poultry to beef to pork to venison, the two were clearly enjoying themselves.

Nori devoured his food hungrily, moaning again. "Heaven...This is so fucking good and the meat melts in your mouth."

"Not literally," Riley said with a laugh. "But yeah, mmngh!" The coyote was making those noises again.

Nori grinned. "Try the hot sauce."

"Noooo, you know I hate it!" Riley whined.

"It's amazing!" Nori licked some from the corner of his mouth. "You'll love it!"

Riley gazed over. "Which one? You have, like, four sauces."

The fox grabbed it and put the bowl forward. "If it's too hot we can swap spit to put the fire out."

"I don't think that's how that works, but I'm willing to try." Riley picked up some chicken and dipped some in the sauce. He gazed at it for a few seconds before taking a small bite.

As soon as it touched his tongue, he felt it. It was so hot. Damn Nori. Still, the coyote chewed even as he felt tears build in his eyes.

"Oh come on!" Nori laughed.

Riley swallowed and immediately drank his sangria. Afterwards, he simply let his tongue hang out. "Wehhhhhhh."

"Hahahaha," Nori grinned. "Isn't it delicious?"

Riley shook his head. "Noooooooouu."

"Yeeees."

The coyote wiped his eyes and recovered by eating some of his own savory sauce.

Nori shook his head. "I'll have to teach you the art of spice."

Riley gnawed on some bread, his eyes still tearing up.

The fox rubbed his hands between a napkin. "Huh. Guess you shouldn't kiss me then."

"Yeah, your mouth and teeth are covered with lava. Hell's ketchup..."

"I guess I'll die from loneliness," Nori sighed. "It was a good run."

Riley shook his head. "No, just rinse out with sangria or water or something! I'll give ya kisses!"

Nori took a big gulp. "Commme n' get iiit~" Even so, he grabbed some chicken and chomped on it, tearing the meat off the bone.

Riley stood up from his chair and walked over to be next to Nori. He leaned down and waited for him to stop chewing.

The fox took a dramatically long time chewing, egging Riley on as he pretended to ignore him. "Mmmm~"

"That kiss is waitinggg," Riley said in an attempt to get him to swallow his food.

Chew, chew, chew. What a tease. But he finally swallowed it. His tail swayed behind his chair.

"Ya done?"

"I mean with just that piece, but yeah~" Nori said, turning his head to look at his beautiful coyote, who was radiant in the candlelight.

Riley leaned down and had his tongue out slightly, ready for Nori to do the same.

The fox grabbed his shirt and pulled as he leaned up with his own tongue (orange from the sauce) out.

Riley had no time to react as the spicy tongue collided with his own, burning with spice and passion. However, Riley did not pull away. How could he? This was obviously a test.

And Nori was administering it, intensely, the heat from their mouths coalescing with every flavor of sauce that the smaller animal had consumed. It was like a fireball caught between the lovers' mouths.

Riley gripped the fox, tightly, and squeezed his eyes shut. It was without a doubt the most intense kiss he'd ever had by default.

Nori moaned loudly into it, his mind fuzzy but sure that he was loving the kiss of fire. His chair leaned back a bit and their fangs rubbed together.

Riley succumbed and got down on his knees, elevating Nori above him.

Nori held his cheek as he continued to explore his mouth with his flaming tongue. His head was tilted down thanks to Riley being in a different position.

When they separated Riley's tongue hung from his mouth, panting. "Haah, haah, thath wath HOTH!"

"Yes, it was~"

Riley huffed and laid his head in Nori's lap. "You tricked meeeee."

"I'm powerful like that," Nori said, stroking the inside of his long ear.

Riley swallowed the last of his spicy spit and stood up to sit back in his chair. "Well, after that event I suppose it's back to eating. I don't know which meat is my favorite yet."

"Neither do I but uh what's the longest I need to go without falling in love?" Nori asked.

Riley cocked his head. "Huh? Whatcha mean?"

"You know before it's like...good."

Riley snorted. "Oh my god you're already drunk! You're not making sense!"

"Mmmm like before it's good to be in looove."

Riley shook his head and started to sample the pork, dipping it into some of his sweet sauce. "Soooo how did you find out about this place?"

"Well, like I said before, Salamander told me about it when he was giving me quiet meat spots. He personally knows them here and even supplies sauce."

"How long have you been coming here?"

"Oh, I go to different places a lot. I'm well-known but also infamousss...Wow you're so pretty."

Riley's ears flicked. "You're not bad lookin' yourself. Tell me why you're 'infamous', hm?"

"Cause 'm a kiiiiller foxy."

"You've, uh, killed at their establishments?" Riley asked, feeling a slight chill.

"I followed a guy home from here, maybe baby."

Riley's blood started pumping ice cold through his body and his ears and the meat started to taste foul. "I, uh, so what's the VIP room, uh, like?"

"Oh it's gonna be awesome, opossum."

Riley took a long swig of his drink and poured some more into his glass from the bottle left there. Nori had been doing the same after each glass. "Hah, check your eyesight! I'm not an opossum!"

"Sexy all the way. Les' get dessert going so we can get into that rooooommm~~~"

"If I can even fit a dessert." Riley patted his stomach and looked at the meat still left.

"If you don't, we can just get down theeere~" Nori rubbed his own chest.

"Well, what do they even have for dessert?"

"Dunno, don't care. Eeeeat! Unless you wanna just go down there~" Nori huffed. "Love is so funny."

"Heh, eheh, love, huh? Why do you say that?" Riley grabbed the last bit of steak.

Nori watched him drop it slowly into his mouth. He fake growled, smiling.

"What's that all about?" Riley took another drink, his senses starting to blur.

"Come the fuck over here."

"Are you gonna assault me with hot sauce again?"

"You loooove it."

Riley grumbled and this time opted to move his chair around the table so that he was to the side of Nori.

The fox smiled, lovingly. "There he iis. Garbage boy."

His boyfriend nodded. "Yeah...that's my job."

"Take out the trash. Me."

"You wanna leave already?" Riley joked.

"Mmmm, carry me?"

"Uh, sure. Should we tell Roman?"

"Mmmmmmm les' just go down there~" He moved into his lap, nuzzling him drunkily, adding a little lick at the end.

"Wow, you barely had any. Guess it makes sense cuz you're so small." Riley lifted Nori up, swaying slightly.

"Such a strong strong garbage man~" Nori moaned into his chest.

"Cuz I have to lift trash all day."

"Looks like liftin' me is just part of the job." Nori pointed. "Downstairs! To the VIP roooom!" He howled out after. Suddenly, the stairs were thumping again and the bear lumbered up.

Riley looked up into the large man's face and smiled. "Ah, guess we're done...it was really good food!"

Roman sighed. "Ah, lovers. How long have you two been partners?"

Riley blushed and looked at the ground. "Uh, since this weekend."

"New romance! Oooh how cute! I dated a couple guys myself before I found my wife. Guys and girls, carnivores and herbivores."

Riley perked up. "Oh, can we meet your wife? I want to see how she cooks."

Roman grinned. "Yes, yes! You have to go through the kitchen anyway for the very romantic VIP room."

Nori hung his head. "Mmm...what if I wanna take this dog to the bathroom first?"

"Oh, yeah, I gotta piss." Riley walked closer, still holding Nori.

"Not on me!" Nori squirmed.

"Of course not on you!"

"I still wanna go with you." Nori licked his chest.

Riley shuddered, slightly. "Uh, will you show us the way, Roman?"

The bear laughed. "Crazy boys. This way!" He lead them down the stairs and immediately there was a door to their left. "Right in here, friends."

Riley thanked him and put Nori down before peeking inside. "Wow...even the bathroom is nice."

Nori smacked his butt so he'd yelp and launch inside, where the fox followed and shut the door.

"Hey! You're really gonna stand here while I piss?" Riley whined.

Nori crossed his arms, blinking. He wobbled a bit. "I'm not gonna see your little dick."

"Why are you in here, then? I have a shy bladder!"

"Because I just wanna be close to you, garbage man." Nori said this with such sincerity he almost didn't sound like himself. "But I can leeeave..."

"Why'd you wanna come here to begin with? Do you have to go, too?"

"Are we gonna cross the streams?" Nori joked.

Riley sighed. "Let me go first." He nudged Nori out.

The fox nodded and leaned back against the wall, eyes fluttering shut.

Riley did his business and came out to tap Nori on the shoulder. "Alright, you can go."

"Oh, I don't need to cutie," Nori grinned. "I'm gooood."

"Then what was the bathroom trip for? Did you just know I had to go?"

"Oh I was being a naughty fox~" He leaned on him.

Riley cocked his head. "Why even do that if we're gonna be in a VIP room soon?"

"Mmmm, come." Nori waved, grabbing and pulling his hand.

They reconvened with the bear once more, who beckoned them forward.

Roman grinned, widely. "In the kitchen! My wife is there. No eating the meat, though."

Riley pat his stomach again. "I saved enough room for dessert for a reason!"

"You say you don't wanna dessert," Nori pointed out.

"I said I wasn't sure I could fit it but I'm curious about it!"

"Well, we already left the Lovers' Loft!"

Riley blinked. "Oh...I thought they'd serve it in the VIP room."

"Nnnnope! My cute little butt ain't dessert enough?" The drunk Nori said, wiggling said behind.

Riley really felt the buzz of the sangria at that moment. "Ah...Well let's get to the kitchen, then."

Roman entered a swinging door and the two followed him. A female chital was waiting for them, cooking some sort of meat in a pan. "Oh? VIP guests?"

Roman nodded. "Fully paid and all."

Nori nodded. "Wooow so you're the herbivore that cooks herbivoooores."

The chital smiled, lightly. "Drunk guests."

Riley held his hands up. "Hey, I'm just a bit tipsy. He's the drunk one."

Nori giggled and covered his cheeks. "I had a shangri la." He held up two fingers.

Riley snickered. "Dude, isn't that like a mythical city or something?"

"It's tha drink, slilly!"

Roman blinked. "Anyway, this is Ceclia, my wife and your chef."

Riley's eyes went wide. "How did you start doing this? What's your story! I am so curious! About both of you!"

The female deer laughed. "My story isn't all that complicated, actually. I've never found eating something that's already dead weird."

"Then how did you two meet? How do you cook food you can't eat?"

"Anyone can eat it, they just don't," Cecelia explained.

"So you taste the meat?"

"Yep. I taste the meat. Hence why we run an illegal business, but still a classy one! Roman used to be in the mafia before he met me so he told me about the black market. There used to be a gang of bears but they've since disbanded. Lots of in-fighting."

Roman nodded. "One of our members killed our leader and then when they became the leader they were killed and then two of the members killed each other at the same time...It was a mess."

"Well, good thing you got out of there. How long have you two been together?" The usually shy Riley felt his mouth moving without him thinking due to the alcohol.

"About three years," Roman grinned, putting a hand over his wife's. "The Kumagumi is so disgraced that you probably have never even heard of them."

Nori stuck his tongue out. "IIII have."

The bear squinted. "That's because I told you about them."

"Yep!"

The chital smiled. "I wasn't ever part of any gangs. I just really think society is broken. I actually met Roman on a plane ride. He sat next to me."

"I hope you guys continue to see a lot of success. This place is great!" Riley complimented.

She grinned. "Why, thank you! What did you think of the food?"

"Amazing!" Riley barked, his tail now wagging. "Stunning! I don't think I've ever had meat that was seasoned so well!"

The female stirred something in a pot. "Great to hear! Definitely come back and try more. For now, your VIP room awaits."

Nori perked.

Roman waved them on again. "Through the door over here, love birds."

Riley nudged Nori and said. "He must be blind, cuz we're not birds!"

"Tweet tweet, motherfucker," Nori stumbled behind the large animal and finally, they made it to the VIP room, where two beds and another two bears awaited them.

Riley gasped. "What? There's more people here?"

Roman nodded. "These are fellow ex-members of the Kumagumi! They work here and are going to treat you both."

"Oh, like a massage?" Riley rolled his shoulder. "I could really use one."

"Exactly! Roman said. They will be wearing headphones so you and your lover can talk uninterrupted. All you have to do is raise a hand to tell them to stop."

Nori grabbed Riley's tail. "Whaddya think?"

"I think let's get started!"

Roman grinned and bowed. "I will see you later! Back to work!"

One of the bears, a black bear, approached Riley and stood in front of him, waiting.

"Hi," the coyote offered. "Uh, should I lay down?"

The bear nodded his head down in a gesture toward him, meeting Riley's gaze after.

Nori watched, eagerly.

"Do I take my shirt off?" Riley asked as he turned to face the bed.

Nori was already pulling his pants off. "All of it, Ri-guy."

"Naked!?" the coyote squawked.

"So you are a bird!" Nori laughed.

Riley grumbled and turned to the bear. "Uh, so we get all the way naked?"

He nodded, arms crossed but having a patient look on his face.

"Must be listening to something good," Riley muttered. He took his shirt off and started working on his pants.

Nori grabbed the other bear. "I havnen't seen him nakey yet!" He sounded very excited.

Now there were three animals watching the coyote, only one of them his boyfriend.

"H-how come I gotta go first?" he whined.

Nori walked over. "Don't worry, baby I can take em' on first for you~" He grabbed at his own pants. Riley was about to see Nori naked for the first time in front of two random animals he didn't know, and the fox was drunk.

So, the coyote closed his eyes.

The fox noticed immediately and grabbed him and shook. "Whaddya doooin'?!"

"It's not right! I shouldn't see you naked for the first time like this!" Riley protested.

"But iss funnn! Hehehe!"

"No, let's just enjoy the massages."

"So then take it offf."

"But you're gonna see me and I'm not readyyyy!"

The bears just watched the display, their music not even on yet.

"I bet you are so fucking hawt!" Nori barked. "Oomph!"

Riley's ears went back. "N-not really..."

The bears blinked, and pointed to the door, silently asking if they need a minute.

Nori waved them up but they took that as a go ahead to leave, and so they did. He wrapped his arms around his boyfriend. "I'm here, Riley."

Riley opened his eyes. "Huh? Where'd they go?"

Nori sighed. "They let us be lone..."

"Oh...so no massage?" Riley's ears went further back as he sat down on one of the beds. "God...I'm sorry...ugh..." He buried his face in his hands.

Nori came and stood in front of him. "Baaaabe we can still get 'em they jus' let us be alone for a lil' lil' bit!"

Riley couldn't help but smile. "Okay...so...I guess..." His hands moved back down to his pants, ready to take them off.

The fox blushed, both from alcohol and Riley. "You don' wanna be home?"

"H-huh? But we're here."

Nori willed himself to sober up in that moment as he put both his hands on his boyfriend's knees. "Is being naked the firs' time important to you?"

Riley shrugged. "I just didn't want those two guys gawkin' at us when we first saw each other, y'know?"

Nori wiggled himself between his legs. "I don' wanthem seeing us either to be honessst. I wanna be nakey with you at home."

"Aren't there usually towels to cover us or something? Riley questioned. "Like, massage towels."

"I dunno how black markey towels are, silly!" Nori poked his nose, getting even further between his legs. "Bud hey, maybe I have a romantic solution, babyyy." He grabbed and stretched his cheeks.

Riley blushed. "Huh, wow. You sure talk different when you've had some drinkies..."

"Mhmmm..." Nori huffed. "Wad if we get outta here and go to the home...get nakey for each other and thenget Hachi to give us massages!"

Riley went completely red then. "O-oh...b-but our money...your money..."

Nori pulled the animal forward so Riley's crotch was completely touching his torso. "Money shmoney, honey."

"Nuh-uh! Money important!"

"I drink wadder while we walk home and I no drunk anymore when we get there! Weeee! Good plan!" He wrapped his arms around the coyote and began trying to lift him.

"Maybe a shower to get your senses together, too," he suggested. "I don't wanna hurt Roman's feelings, though."

"I love that guy, but I..." Nori smiled a lot then, and giggled like a child. "Hehehehe. Come on! Gotta carry my babyyy!"

"You can't pick me up," Riley said flatly. "Let's just go. I gotta remember to pick the umbrella back up from when we got in."

"Fiiiine," Nori whined. "You jus' want to see my butt, hehe!"

"Hush. Let's go."