Chapter 26 - Party Animals
Legosi looked down at his phone, noting the time. Almost 6 PM. The party was about to officially start. He was wearing a black turtleneck and brown pants.
Sebun was able to procure a few folding tables from the condo, using Legosi's strength to haul them up to the roof, along with the food. She came dressed in a red plaid button-up with shorts.
Louis was fiddling with his radio next to him. He made sure he brought spare batteries, which lie next to it on the table cloth. They were lucky that Oguma had provided them with more money than they needed, the couple being able to purchase cookware and a pot to cook rice in.
He was wearing Legosi's pink-button up that was much too big for him with the sleeves rolled up and the bottom tucked into his brown pants that were darker than his husband's.
The pot sat on a table away from the radio, steam rising into the air out of it, along with the smell of the curry permeating the area around the roof. It smelled delightful.
The night was warm and there were few stars to be seen overhead, thanks to the city, but the lights at least meant that the herbivores would be able to see on the roof.
A few chairs were set about so that way animals could sit down and chat as they pleased and there was a space cleared for any animals that wanted to dance. Louis, even though he didn't say it, was one of those animals.
Legosi was fidgeting, clearly nervous, and Sebun was tapping her foot.
Louis turned his head, surprisingly being the one in the party spirit. "Lighten up. Someone will show up soon." He nodded his head the jazz that was playing from the radio.
"What if none of them bring food? Or drinks? We don't have drinks..." Now Legosi started to pace.
The deer shrugged. "We put fliers in easy to see spots. The bathrooms were the most important places since animals have to go there to do anything hygienic. I wager that at least a few animals saw them."
"You should have drawn my face on those fliers," the lamb pouted. "Who drew that, anyway?"
Legosi stopped his pacing and raised his hand slightly.
"Wow! You're a good artist!"
"Thank you, Sebun-san."
Louis came over and pinched his cheek, wiggling it. "Yes, he is. My husband is the most talented wolf that ever existed."
"Oh, did you two have the ceremony while I was at work?" Sebun asked, hands on her hips.
The deer looked to Legosi to explain what happened.
"Oh, well, I sort of had an epiphany, since me and Louis getting married is...pretty difficult legally. So we decided to get married since we didn't want to wait. We'll still have a ceremony and a honeymoon on a beach resort when we can! And you'll be invited! To the wedding!" Legosi had explained the whole thing so excitedly, it was adorable.
"Well...I mean I guess?" Sebun shrugged her tiny shoulders and then cocked her head. "Wait...how...old are you two, anyway?"
"I'm 19 and Legosi is 18."
The sheep's eyes bugged out. "Ah...I thought you two were...older..." She turned to face the city landscape, trying not to think about the fact that she had given two underage animals wine the other night.
"How old?" Louis tilted his head. "We're clearly teens, what with all of our issues and angst."
"Look, when you get to be my age you lose the ability to gauge age. I thought you two were at least 20..."
Louis chuckled. "Gauge age."
Legosi looked over to the pot of food. "I hope we don't have to wait too long...I really want to try that curry."
"It does smell really good, Louis-kun." Sebun agreed.
The buck sighed. "I'm trying not to think about how hungry I am."
It was now five minutes past the official start of the party, and the three animals were still alone.
Louis pursed his lips. "Hm...Morgane-san said she was going to point out the flier to animals...Maybe she forgot?" Now he was having slight doubts.
They all nervously watched the rusted metal door that led into the building, waiting.
"Maybe we should have waited until the weekend?" Sebun took a cigarette from her pocket along with a lighter.
"Friday is the best day," Louis said. "People can wind down after work with a party and sleep into the next day."
"Well not everyone works the standard five day week." The cig lit and she took a drag, making sure to turn away to blow the smoke. "Or everyone is going to be fashionably late-"
At that moment, the old door creaked, a sound that resounded across the entire roof. The three animals turned in surprise, waiting.
A hulking, unkempt bear wearing glasses emerged. His plain white t-shirt and jeans suggested he might have gotten dressed just for this event. He spotted the three other animals and lumbered to one of the tables where he deposited a plastic shopping bag.
Louis' ears perked and he grinned. "At least we have one guest." He waved. "Hello!"
Legosi waved too, albeit not with much enthusiasm. Sebun had stomped out her cigarette and offered a wave as well.
The big bear waved his big paw and walked in the other direction, roaming around the roof.
"He's not coming over..." the wolf mumbled.
"Give him time," Louis patted his arm, but even after he said it, he still walked over to the bear. The excitement of his first party made him confident.
Legosi followed closely behind, leaving Sebun to watch the door.
The deer approached the large carnivore. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Louis and this is my husband Legosi."
The bear turned around slowly, his tired-looking eyes regarding them with a muted curiosity. At last, he spoke in a deep voice befitting his appearance. "...Hello. I'm Bogue." A small smirk painted his large face as he pointed to them. "You were the two on the flier."
Louis nodded. "Legosi drew those. Welcome to our little party. I like your outfit."
Bogue regarded the small deer in front of him wearing the obviously too big shirt tucked into his pants. "I like yours, too."
"Really? I wasn't sure how it would look since it's not even my shirt, but I'm glad you like it," he blushed lightly. "How are you?" He honestly had no idea what he was doing.
Legosi drew closer and placed a large hand on Louis' shoulder, but said nothing.
"Oh, just taking a break from writing. This party was a good excuse. Never actually been on the roof before." Bogue turned around to look out at the city once again.
Louis' ears perked. "You're a writer?"
He nodded. "That's right. I write novels."
"What kind of novels?"
"Stories about herbivores living their lives and the struggles they face," he stated plainly, but the passion was clear in his eyes.
The deer sighed. "Boy, have we got a story for you if you ever hear it."
"Perhaps one day," the ursid author turned once more to face the city while another animal stepped onto the roof. The two turned to see an excited Shiba Inu jog up to Sebun.
Louis' ears perked. "I didn't realize Sebun-san knew anybody else."
"Let's go meet him." Legosi turned to Bogue. "It was nice meeting you, Bogue-san." As they approached, it became clear that Sebun did not, in fact, know this canine.
"So when'd you get here?" the dog asked, tail wagging.
"Oh, a few weeks ago," Sebun laughed nervously, not used to the high energy before her.
"Oh, I brought macarons from the bakery down the way! Where should I put em?" As he looked, he turned and saw the two approaching animals. "Oh? You two are the hosts, right!"
Louis nodded, proudly. "That's right." His eyes wandered down to the macarons. "I've never made those before."
The canine rushed over to Legosi, grabbing his large hand and shaking it. "Oh, I was so excited to see another canine would be living here!" He sniffed at his hand while inviting Legosi to sniff his too, which he did. "I'm Mugi!" His fluffy, curly tail wagged like crazy.
"I'm Legosi." The wolf's long, fuzzy tail also started to wag. "Nice to meet you."
Louis sighed. Canines were utter perfection.
Once the two were done with their ritual, Mugi regarded Louis and held his hand out. "Hello!"
The deer shook it, grinning. "Very nice to meet you. My name is Louis and as you can see, I'm a red deer."
"No antlers?"
"Oh...well, usually I have them, but...I recently shed them, so that's why I don't have them right now."
"Oh yeah, deer do that, huh? " He whipped around before Louis could say anything. "Wow, that curry smells good! I'll set my macarons next to it."
Louis looked at Legosi, smiling. "Well, at least it smells good."
Sebun walked over to them. "Wow, now I feel bad for not bringing any food."
The buck raised a brow. "Why didn't you bring anything?"
"Because I didn't have anything! I'm not made of wine."
"Ooh, too bad you didn't bring any wine. If only we hadn't drunk it all the other day..." The deer mumbled.
"I don't need anyone falling off this roof."
Mugi ran over to see Bogue while Legosi's ears perked at another newcomer.
After around an hour, what would be the entire attendance of the party had shown up, consisting of seven animals. As more and more showed up, Louis had less time to greet them individually as they mingled with each other. Drinks and snacks were brought as well, but Louis' curry remained the only prepared meal.
"I think we should start getting into the food," Legosi said to his mate as they watched their patrons mingle.
Louis rubbed his own stomach, feeling it grumble. "You have no idea."
"Should we get their attention or something?"
The deer turned. "Everyone!" he called, hopefully loud enough for them to hear. It worked since everyone turned to face him. Legosi was by his side, of course. "We're going to start serving the food, now! Make sure to leave enough for everybody and please enjoy!" He stepped to the side afterward, looking at Legosi. "I should probably be the last one to get food."
"I'm so excited, Lou! It looks like this might be your best dish yet!"
"You really think so? I can't get over the smell. It's intoxicating, huh?"
"It really is!" All the animals filed over to the tables, grabbing plates and piling on the rice and curry while grabbing some snacks and drinks. Sebun walked over to the two once she had her plate.
"I will, I will." Once everyone had gotten their fill, Louis and Legosi stepped up and got their plates ready. Afterward, they moved to the side, and Louis dug in quickly. "Mmm, oh, yeah..."
"Ooooooh! Mmmmm!" Legosi actually closed his eyes as he took in the flavor, tail waving back and forth.
Louis sighed. "Best dish so far. Wow. I really have a talent for this. Come so far from shitty muffins that crumble when you pick them up."
"My chef." Legosi pecked him on the cheek.
The buck's face reddened. "Now that we're married, I can cook you whatever you want even more than when we were just dating."
"Why's that?"
"I don't know, because I have a bigger responsibility as your spouse, I guess."
"Only if you want to," Legosi assured. "When you get your own job it'll be harder."
"...Oh."
Sebun split from the group again and walked over. "Some of the animals there are wondering about you two, so maybe we should do the official meet and greet now?"
Legosi popped a pink macaron into his mouth. "Oh, these are tasty!"
"I added them to the list of things I need to try making," the deer said.
"Good!" Legosi took a drink of his soda, tail wagging even faster. Louis wasn't sure he's ever seen him have this many sweets.
The buck predicted he'd probably be excited for a while and then crash hard after the party. That was fine with him. The two made their way to the other animals, everyone getting in a circle for the ice breaker.
"Damn, who made this grub?" an eagle neighbor with a small gerbil woman on his shoulder asked as the two integrated into the group.
Louis raised his hand with the fork in it. "I did! First time, too."
"Impressive!" a saggy looking pig exclaimed.
A large, spotted seal pointed at the two. "Ah, you're the hosts!"
The deer nodded. "Yes, we are." He grabbed a nearby chair and sat down, still holding his plate of food. "We honestly didn't think this many people would show up!"
"I love free food!" Mugi exclaimed, and the group laughed.
"I mean, that makes sense," Louis said. "Why make dinner when it can be made for you. Especially here," he joked.
"I hear that!" an albino crow agreed.
Louis looked to Legosi, wondering if he had anything to say to the other residents.
Prompted by the deer, Legosi waved his large hand. "Hello, everyone! I'm Legosi, and this is my...husband! Louis." He grasped his hand as he announced this.
Louis grinned. "That's right. We just got married two days ago and this is a sort of celebration, but also a meet and greet."
A chorus of greetings met them, and they learned the names of all their neighbors. The eagle and the gerbil were Raika and Fina, respectively, the crow was named Ebisu, and the Pig's name was Eugene.
Zaguan, the spotted seal, seemed to take a particular interest in Legosi and Louis. "Marriage is a life bond between two animals, yes?"
"Unless you get divorced," Louis, ever the honest animal, answered.
The sea animal brought his flipper-like hands to his face. "Oh, why would you want to do that?"
"Financial troubles, you no longer love them, they cheated on you..." he listed.
"Cheating? How do you cheat at marriage? Ohohoho!"
"It's the same as when you're dating. You start seeing another animal other than your spouse."
Legosi shifted uncomfortably in his seat, reaching out to grab Louis' arm gently.
The deer turned his head. "Huh?"
The wolf just smiled softly and shrugged.
"I didn't know a same-sex carniherbi couple could get married," Eugene stroked his head in thought. "Did they pass a law finally or something?"
Louis shook his head. "No, unfortunately. We realized that marriage is just a word and decided to do it, basically."
"We still want to have a ceremony and honeymoon on a beach resort, though!" Legosi just couldn't let that go.
The buck nodded. "Exactly. We really couldn't wait any longer, though."
Their neighbors nodded before the conversation was moved to Sebun and how she seemed too normal to live in the condo compared to everyone else. Legosi and Louis sat there, enjoying the atmosphere and the palpable relief of being so casually accepted.
Zaguan turned to them once again. "I've actually only been living on land for a few months now. I used to when I was younger, but many things have changed."
Louis raised a brow. "I don't think I've ever met a sea creature. What's it like?"
"Well, seals are animals that can live on land or sea, but the land sure is strange! I keep forgetting that I cannot go up!"
The herbivore chuckled at that. "Do you ever try?"
"Sometimes I will move my fins to swim up, but of course it doesn't work!"
"What's the ocean like, Zaguan-san?" Legosi asked.
"It is vast, borderless, and free. We have our own language, too."
"Oh, yeah, we had to learn it in school," the canine chuckled. "Pokra pokra! That's 'hello', right?"
"Correct! It is a Seaspeak greeting."
"Pokra pokra," Louis repeated. "What made you choose to live on land?"
"I wished to." The seal sipped at his water.
The deer blinked. "That's really all? But you talk about the sea so gracefully!"
"I will return, one day. All is well." Zaguan's squinted eyes seemed to smile.
The deer blinked. "Uh...okay."
"Another thing I find strange about the land is the shunning of eating other animals."
Legosi bristled. "Wh-what?"
"There are laws against it. I find this very strange." Zaguan's cheery demeanor was eerie considering the subject matter.
Louis made a face. "Our friend was killed and eaten by a carnivore."
"In the ocean, we all believe in the cycle of life. One life eats another to survive, and the eaten is reborn once again," the sea creature explained, either ignoring or not understanding Louis' statement.
"Excuse me." The herbivore got up, walking off.
Legosi hesitated, about to stand up, but something about the calm seal caused him to stay. "You...really believe that, Zaguan-san?"
"Of course. I do understand now the difference in our cultures, though."
The dog swallowed. "Have you...eaten sea animals before?"
"I have," he stated, plainly.
"..."
"Legosi?"
The wolf felt dizzy. "I don't understand!"
"What do you not understand?"
"All of the animals on the land are suffering! Carnivores and herbivores are forced to be distant so nobody has to get eaten!" Legosi held his head. "Th-the ocean...what a scary place..."
Zaguan reached out and touched his shoulder. "Legosi, I will not force my view of life on you. So I must ask that you do not reject my view of life as well."
"I...I..." Legosi swallowed hard. "You won't...eat any animals on the land, will you?"
The seal laughed that jolly laugh once again. "I believe that would be quite difficult! And even if I could, I would not. I understand it is a sensitive thing."
Legosi sighed. "Me and Louis' relationship is so complicated because of it. We try our hardest to show our love for one another, but sometimes our bodies just don't do what we want..."
"That must be hard for a married couple."
"It is...but I think we're going to be alright." Legosi looked up, trying to spot where the deer had gone to.
Louis had gone to the corner of the roof, looking out over the city as he thought about what living in the sea must be like. Eaten at any moment, and it's just fine...
"Louis." Legosi came up behind him, slowly slipping his arms around his stomach.
The deer sighed. "Before you get too worried. I'm not angry. I actually don't know how to feel."
His partner let out a deep sigh. "Yeah...that's definitely not something they teach about the sea in class."
"Makes sense. They never teach anything you really should know, like herbivore instincts."
Legosi dipped his head down onto Louis' shoulder. "I don't think Zaguan-san is a bad animal."
"I never said he was, but I still won't be able to handle talking about Tem and Els' death as if they were meant to happen."
"Well..." Legosi squeezed him. "We don't have to talk about them."
"I know...It'll just take me a while to get used to death being natural where he's from, I guess. I only got up so I could think about what to say, really. I felt like if I had stayed, I might have gotten upset, somehow."
"I...yelled a little, but we came to an understanding." He looked back over at the old seal. "He talked about marriage earlier like it was some strange concept, too."
"It probably doesn't exist in the sea," Louis said. "I wonder what it's like there."
"...Wet." The canine let out a puff of air to stop himself from laughing at his dumb joke.
"Wow." Louis turned, looking at him. "You must think you're really clever, huh?"
"I figured out how to get married, so yes."
"You wouldn't have if it weren't for me."
"Nope." Legosi nuzzled the side of his face while pressing into him more.
"We're a team." Louis wrapped his arms around him. "Slow dance with me later?"
"Oh yeah, I don't think anyone has paid attention to the music. Maybe we should turn it up?"
"Perhaps. Do you think any of these animals are actually going to dance? And Morgane still hasn't shown up, yet..."
"Maybe she's too busy...also if we turn the music up and start dancing maybe they'll start, too!"
"Are you confident enough to dance in front of them?" Louis asked.
"I am. There's less of them than there were at the New Year's dance and I don't think any of them will call us names..."
"If they haven't yet, they probably won't. If they do, I can always get my gun."
"Scary deer," Legosi chided as he led them back to the group, still holding Louis from behind.
"There's the happy couple!" Morgane exclaimed.
"When did you get here?" Legosi asked.
"Like a few minutes ago. I was wondering where you two were."
"Just got off my shift. I'm not even sure if you guys have met the other receptionists yet since I'm the only one that works full time." The bird sat back and took a few bites of the curry. "This is really good, where'd you get it?"
"I made it," Louis said. "With love and maybe blood, sweat, and tears."
"Woah, no shit? It's really good! I just hope the blood, sweat, and tears stayed out!"
"If there was blood in it, the carnivores would probably notice," Legosi pointed out.
"I...was joking," Louis mumbled.
"I know. I was too," Legosi stated dryly.
Louis squinted at him.
Legosi responded with a lick to the nose.
The deer turned back to the bird. "So how was your shift today?"
"Fun as always!"
"Aha, I hear that!" Sebun raised her soda in a toast.
Louis smiled. "I'm glad. Even though we've caused so many disturbances, you still came, which means a lot."
"Well you'd better be done with it all, now!" the bird snapped, causing Legosi to jump back a bit. When Morgane saw this reaction, she smiled. "Kidding!"
"I'm pretty sure we're done with it," Louis rolled his eyes. "I'm ready to go forward as a married couple into the future."
"Glad to hear it!"
"Do you have your own mate?" Louis asked, tilting his head.
"Mate? I wouldn't use that word. I have a boyfriend who's sometimes just a friend. I dunno."
"Is he a bird, too?"
"Yeah. I know, nothing special like you two. We've known each other for a long time, though, and we're still friends. That has to count for something." Morgane finished up the rest of her curry with a contented breath.
"Do you want to be with him like me and Legosi, though?"
She made a face. "I don't know, that seems weird."
"I more meant do you love him?"
"Of course I do," she laughed.
"Does he know?"
"Yeah. I say 'I love you' every time we say goodbye, and he says it, too." She turned to face Louis. "Why so nosey, anyway?"
"Louis," Legosi whispered, nudging him with his nose. "I want to dance."
The deer nodded, waving at Morgane. "You heard the wolf. We're off to dance. Maybe you'll join us?"
"Maybe! Can't say dancing is my thing..."
Louis grabbed Legosi's hand and pulled him along, to the space they cleared to dance. "Did you like dancing before we met?"
"I don't know. I never danced." Legosi held Louis' slender hands with his own. "I like it because it's like a hug, only active."
"You mean slow dancing? I guess that makes sense..."
"Yeah, and even fast dancing. Sorta." The canine looked over to the radio. "We should turn up the music to try and encourage the others."
The buck agreed, and went over to the device, cranking up the volume a considerable amount, jazz still pouring out of the speakers. It was his favorite, after all.
Soon, everyone turned to watch the wolf and deer dancing gracefully and energetically to the music. Nobody seemed to want to step in and dance as well, due to the performance in front of them.
Louis looked to them as he kept moving his body. "Come on! Join us! It's fun!"
Mugi was bouncing. "I want to, but I don't know who I should dance with!" He looked back and forth, eyes landing on Sebun.
"Ah, no. No, no, no, aha, I'm not dancing," she argued, shaking her head.
"C'mon, Sebun!"
"I'll dance with you," Bogue offered.
"Okay!" It was quite the sight, seeing a small dog dancing with a huge bear. If one could even call what they were doing dancing.
Louis laughed. "Come on! More! This is a party, after all!"
After enough goading by the deer, all the animals found themselves moving, either with a partner or by themselves, sometimes switching. Even Sebun found herself dancing, as Morgane was able to bring her out to the floor.
Louis couldn't stop smiling. He looked to Legosi. "So, this is what a party is like, huh?"
"Yeah! A small but fun one!" Legosi lifted Louis up and spun him around.
"Eep!" The buck clung to him. "It's like the dance but more intimate!"
Legosi slowed them down. "I remember that night. After the dance, I mean..."
"Our first time..."
"It's a magical night that I'll never forget." The wolf punctuated his reminiscing with a deep kiss.
Louis kissed back, just as deeply. "I love you way too much for it to be healthy," he chuckled.
Legosi pulled back and set him down. "Wh-why? I think it's healthy! Even if it might be dangerous, sometimes, it's better if we stay together!"
"Of course it is! Just like Dr. Hiroki says."
"Y-yeah. Exactly!" The song changed to an even faster one, and everyone's dancing went into overdrive.
"Whoo!" Louis cheered, panting.
Legosi, with his long limbs and reserved nature, had trouble dancing in this style but he tried his best.
The cervid was actually going pretty well, despite never having any training or anything. And because he didn't have his antlers, it was even easier to move. He was smiling and watching everyone else. The party had been a success, which made him very happy.
The carnivore, in an attempt to pull some outlandish and stupid maneuver, tripped forward, grabbing Louis by the waist and pulling him down to the ground with him in the process. He rolled onto his back to ensure the deer's fall was without injury.
"Woah!" Louis held onto him tightly, feeling a rush of panic in the moment.
Instead of the usual apology from the wolf, he laughed. He laughed as the guests who witnessed it also laughed after seeing both were unhurt.
The deer couldn't help but join him, panting from the previous bout of movement. "You okay?"
Instead of answering, Legosi brought their mouths together. The laughter from their audience turned to 'ooo's and whistles.
Louis blushed as they kissed, clutching his shirt in his hand. This wolf was the most perfect animal. In his head, he chided himself for almost having lost this. God, would he have regretted it!
With Louis wearing Legosi's shirt, the canine had a lot more material to clutch at. He didn't know what it was about dancing that caused him to want to make out so badly.
The buck's ear twitched. They could get so carried away in front of people. And yet, he really didn't care. Sure, he wouldn't go further than making out, but it was nice to display their love in front of other animals. Especially animals that accepted them.
Legosi broke the kiss and squeezed Louis tight. "Mine."
Louis wrapped his arms around him. "Yours."
The larger animal stood up, hoisting his deer in the process. "The sun's completely set now."
Louis regained his balance. "At least the city looks nice at night."
"Like you."
"I look nice any time," his husband smiled softly, grabbing Legosi's large hand and bringing it up to his cheek. "Thanks for forgiving me."
"Anytime." Legosi leaned down for a peck, his eyes half-closed as he retreated. A sensual look that told Louis everything.
The deer blushed. "R-really...?"
"Of course. I already told you I'll always forgive you."
"I meant that look..." Louis mumbled.
"Hm? Look?" Legosi asked, still giving that look.
"The way you're looking at me..." the herbivore said, beginning to rub Legosi's chest, smiling bashfully.
The wolf fluttered his eyes, catching on. "What...do you think the way I'm looking at you means?"
"Why don't you tell me what it means, wolf..." He brought their noses together.
Legosi giggled. "Well...the thing I want to do...we haven't done in a while."
"I knew it," the buck grinned, eyes becoming half-lidded as well. "And I'd love to."
That long, fluffy tail started to wag hard. "Wonder who decides the party is over?"
"I thought we'd just wait for it to die down, you know? I'm sure these folks won't make it go on too long. There's not even alcohol here."
"Mugi-san seems pretty energetic still," Legosi observed.
"He's probably always like that until you throw a blanket over his head," Louis laughed.
"Oh, we used to do that all the time to each other in 701. Is that another canine fact you learned?"
"Yeah! I'm full of them!" his husband smiled, proudly. "They're my favorite species, after all."
Legosi started to feel impatient. "Maybe we could bring the pot down and leave everyone up here? They can leave whenever they want, so we can too, right?"
"But we're the hosts."
The wolf whined, a puppy as always.
"Whaaat?" Louis poked his nose.
"I want you," came Legosi's breathless reply as he pressed his forehead against Louis' chest.
The deer couldn't resist those words, but still he tried to hold back. "I'm...right here."
His husband grumbled into him. "You know what I meant..."
Louis rubbed his chin on Legosi's head. "You always know how to get me going..."
The dog cleared his throat. It's been a while so...I wonder if all that preparation wore off..."
"I'm guessing that means you want me on top?"
"...I mean...yeah because...we haven't done it that way in so long and...I think I like it better." Legosi brought the claws of his forefingers together bashfully.
Louis kissed his cheek. "Aw...I figured...You're so cute." He messed with the fur on his head, curling it on his finger.
This just made Legosi melt into him more, panting slightly. Sebun walked up. "Wow, Louis-kun, you really got him wrapped around your finger, huh? Literally and metaphorically."
"I suppose so. He really is just a puppy," the deer explained, petting his mate. He looked at the sheep. "You never struck me as someone who enjoyed dancing."
"I don't? I was just pressured into it."
"You were smiling and having fun," he pushed.
"Shut up. Stop being so nosy," Sebun scowled, but then cracked a smile. "It's only fair I get to have fun at my baby shower."
Louis laughed at that. "Fair. I've got a baby right here for you."
Legosi turned his head to look at who he was talking to. "He-he-hello Sebun-sannn."
"Wow, I wish I got that much of a rush just from something simple as a few pets."
"Aren't canines the best?" the deer asked. "I wish I was a canine."
Legosi broke from his stupor just enough to reprimand the deer. "N-no! You're so beautiful and perfect as a deer!"
"I'm not going to win this argument," Louis told Sebun, clueing that they've had it before.
"Well, I think you're both perfect just the way you are," the small animal grinned.
Louis reddened. "Thanks, Sebun-san. We're so glad you're our friend."
"I am, too! Meeting you two really helped me in a lot of ways, so I'm grateful for that."
"That means a lot to hear." He let go of Legosi for a moment to hug her.
The tiny sheep was obviously caught by surprise, but she hugged back. Legosi soon came over and joined them.
"Mm," Louis squeezed them. "I'd say this party was a huge success. All of the neighbors seem kind, too."
"The ones that came," Sebun pointed out. "That's fine, though."
"I'm sure the others were just busy," the buck shrugged. "It was still a good turnout. Plus, that curry..."
Legosi perked up at the mention of the food. "That curry! I'm so excited because now you can make that whenever we want!"
"You're so excited in general."
"Yeah! Because!" His ears twitched, remembering that Sebun was right there. "Well...the party was really good..."
Louis laughed, looking at their friend. "You might want to get some earplugs tonight."
Her face was blank at first, but then she covered her mouth. "Oh my god, you guys! I don't have earplugs! Just try to be quiet!"
"How! It's hard!"
"You know what? Maybe I'll just go out drinking tonight. I'll ask one of these animals..." Sebun turned heel and walked away
Louis frowned. "Well...I guess it's better than being self-conscious."
"Heheh." Legosi scratched his cheek. "So...should we...uh..."
"Hm? Go back to dancing?" He smirked.
"Go...inside and uh, wash up?"
"It's times like this I wish we had our own bathroom again."
"That's just something to look forward to again, I guess," Legosi chuckled.
Louis nodded, grabbing his hand. "What about...everyone else? What do we tell them?"
"That um, we're going home."
"That's all?"
"We don't need an excuse..."
"Okay, okay," Louis nodded. He looked to the crowd. "Legosi and I are heading to our room for the night! You guys feel free to keep partying!"
Everyone voiced their thanks and enthusiasm to the couple and, surprisingly, stayed on the roof chatting. Legosi grabbed the pots and went inside with Louis.
"What about my radio? You think someone will save it for me?" the deer asked.
"Hm? Why didn't you grab it?"
"Because I didn't want to take the music away."
"As long as it doesn't rain it should be fine," Legosi concluded, obviously impatient.
"Hey, slow down, we'll get there," Louis blushed.