Chapter 80 - That Look In Your Eyes…
Earlier that day...
Louis sat at home, doing nothing in particular. He was watching some random movie to let the time go by faster. It wasn't really a particularly interesting one, either.
It turned out that he didn't have to go to the tower that day, after all. Fine with him.
He was also anxious to see what Melon would say about their new plan or if he would punish Legosi for changing it...Hopefully not.
He yawned, rubbing his eyes as the movie continued and he laid on the couch, blanket strewed over him. He didn't know when his beloved would be returning either.
About a little after halfway through the movie, there was a knock on the door. Louis' ears perked and he quickly put on underwear and a shirt and made his way over, at first thinking it might be Legosi.
Then, remembering what kind of situation they were in, realized he shouldn't be so careless. He looked through the peephole and let out a small gasp, quickly unlocking and opening the door. "What are you doing here?"
The red panda spoke first, arms crossed as usual. He was wearing the same casual clothes he seemed to always wear, shorts and a white t-shirt. Was that all he had? "We came to see you. Or, I did."
Hachi gave a little smile, putting a hand between Louis's antlers. Immediately, the buck didn't feel like they were here for anything bad and Ichi definitely didn't send them.
He also noticed that Hachi was now wearing their glasses. Even though he knew otherwise, he asked, "Is something wrong?"
The elk shook their head.
Nori did a stretch. "Nah, nothing's wrong. We're not here to do anything. We didn't even bring our weapons, obviously. Besides the knife I keep in my boot."
Hachi nodded. In their kind of lifestyle, it was always important to have some sort of defense.
The elk's soft gaze moved past Louis and into the small condo, then back to the deer, questioningly.
"Oh, right. Come in," the buck said, stepping aside. "It's really small, sorry."
Nori shrugged and came in, looking around. "So this is where you and that wolf live, huh?"
"Yes, this is it," Louis responded, grabbing his pants off the ground and moving them out of the way, as well as some other things lying around. He hadn't really cleaned up for guests.
Hachi turned to him, looking confused about something.
"Hm?" Louis raised a brow.
Nori blinked. "Oh, they're wondering where the wolf is at."
"Ah...he's at work right now. He'll be home soon."
Hachi looked the slightest bit disappointed but more than anything it seemed like they were eager. They pulled out a chair in the dining room and sat down.
Nori sighed, standing next to the table. "This is way better than the tower. It's cozy."
"It's rather cheap," Louis said. "And rundown."
"But it isn't a cold cell," the red panda said. "It's a home with a heater and warmth and love put into it."
"Yeah..."
Hachi just watched them speak, still looking around curiously at moments.
"So what were you up to before we got here?" Nori asked, looking at the TV.
Louis shook his head. "Not much. It's really just something I put on to pass the time. I really never saw you two just showing up."
"Well...Ichi told us all where you live in case we needed to take action so we already knew that and I found Hachi getting ready for something and it took like five minutes to figure out before I begged them to let me come with so I could...see you. Is that creepy?"
Louis shook his head. "No. I don't think so. We're friends, after all."
A nice smile was painted on Nori's face. "Yeah. I don't know what Hachi wants Legosi for, though."
The elk just looked at Louis innocently, grinning.
The buck let out a breath. "Sorry, I'm not even dressed. I must look silly wearing my drawers in front of you."
"Not really. It's...different. It seems more like you," Nori said. "I mean, you're not really yourself at the tower."
The cervid sighed. "I know."
Hachi scooted their chair closer but did nothing else.
Louis looked at both of them before speaking again. "Would you like something to eat? I can make us something."
Nori's mouth fell open. "You're going to cook for us?"
"Yes."
Hachi nodded and Louis knew they were probably interested in seeing how he did with food, considering they were the cook of the tower.
Louis blinked. "Aren't you hot in that?"
The elk looked down at themself, wearing a knit sweater they had made for themselves with a pink shirt under that, jeans and boots, and a scarf which they now removed and set on the table. It was an interesting getup for the summer weather.
Nori tapped his chin. "Hachi really never leaves the tower. They're always doing something. It's cold there like I said, and like you know. The stone, I guess. The only time they really go out is when they're wearing their outfit and that's not very summer-friendly, either."
They shrugged and shook their head as if to say "It's no big deal."
Louis nodded, going to the fridge and opening it. "So, what would you like?"
Suddenly, the patter of footsteps was heard and he felt a presence right next to him. Turning his head revealed Nori, sticking his nose in their little fridge. "Wow, you stocked up, deer! The world gonna end or something?"
"No, I just like to cook a lot. And Legosi eats quite a bit."
"Not as much as me, I bet," Nori stated.
"Well, you eat with your eyes and your mouth," the buck chuckled.
The smaller herbivore blinked. "Wha?"
Hachi let out a laugh that was really more a series of rapid inhales and exhales out of their nose. They got the joke.
"Nothing," Louis said, looking back to their supply of food. "I'm only making one dish, though. I'll make some for Legosi, too."
Nori stepped back. "Okay, you should probably not let me choose cuz' we'll be here for, like, ten minutes."
Louis nodded, tapping his foot. "I'm trying to think of a good food to show you my cooking..."
Hachi just stared, watching intently.
Nori brought his hands up. "Don't look at me."
Louis stroked his chin as his eyes darted around and the gears turned in his head. "Do you like curry, Nori?"
Hachi's ears perked at this and the red panda looked back to them quickly, then at Louis. "Hey! They didn't know my name!"
Louis swallowed. "Oops. My apologies."
Hachi's eyes were a bit wide, but their hand went to their cheek and they brought out their burner phone, typing out something.
A few moments later, Nori's own burner phone dinged and he looked down at it.
Hachi: NORIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 3 3 3
The red panda's cheeks grew hot and he turned away. "Whatever, whatever, whatever!" His hand waved toward Louis. "Yeah, curry, yeah. Just make it, guy!"
The buck stifled a laugh, but couldn't help but grin as he pulled out the ingredients for his famous curry that was so popular with his friends. "Legosi will love this. I was going to make it later in the week but now is a good as time as any. Plus, we always have so much leftovers."
Hachi was just looking at Nori now, still smiling.
Louis got to work cooking and now, Hachi did stand up, coming to peer over his shoulder and watch his handiwork, never getting in the way or making any noise, except for their breathing.
A few minutes into their observation session, they pulled off their sweater and set it down on top of their scarf, their strong arms now bent as their hands went to their hips and they gave a few nods at Louis' technique.
By this point, Nori had turned around and came closer slowly, curious to watch as well.
At one point, he looked at the eyepatched deer, then at Hachi. This was all so...normal. He had never really hung out with the elk before, but he always had known they were very kind and their food rocked.
Hachi didn't look away from Louis, but their hand went to Nori's shoulder and just rested there.
Another look at their face and he discovered they had seen him looking out of the corner of their eye because their lips curled into a small grin.
The short animal just kept looking, blinking, and then slowly turning his head back to watch Louis cook. His friend.
After a bit, Louis turned and announced that they would need to wait now and Hachi returned to their seat, one leg crossed over the other.
Louis did the same and Nori stood next to the table. The smell was already extremely enticing, and his stomach growled.
There was a bit of silence where the animals enjoyed the moment, but after a bit, Hachi decided they had some questions so they pulled out their phone and sent them to Louis and he answered one by one in detail. How he and Legosi met, how they took down a killer at Cherryton, what it's like dating a carnivore, what it's like dating Legosi, his hopes for the future...
Nori listened to all of it and his stomach turned. This was wrong. What Ichi was doing to Louis was wrong. They really had just torn him from a life that he used to love. He had plans, too. How long until he could see them out? How long?
He decided that Louis would be getting out of the Branded, whether Ichi liked it or not.
Meanwhile, Hachi must have realized the same thing because they wiped their eyes and face, which were stained with fresh tears. It was quite obvious they were a very empathetic animal.
Louis, of course, played the "It's okay" card."
Nori shook his head. "But it's not, Louis. This is just fucked. I mean, we knew you had a life before this but..." He looked around. "Seeing it and hearing it? I wonder if Ichi would even care if he knew."
Hachi slammed a fist on the table and they looked at him, shaking their head.
"You're right."
Louis looked down and let out a deep sigh. "Yeah..."
Heavy footfalls soon were heard outside the hallway. Not loud at all, but Louis had become attuned to his husband's unique sounds. He knew Legosi was arriving.
The door opened with a click, catching everyone's attention. Legosi's deep and gentle voice sounded. "Hey Louis, I'm-" The wolf saw the company soon enough, and his eyes went wide.
Everyone's heads went up and Louis smiled at his husband, then had a realization and looked at the two Branded members beside him. "Legosi, this is Hachi and Nori."
The red panda just looked at the wolf in awe.
Hachi did the same.
In front of them was the fabled Legosi, fur fluffed out and messy beneath his comfy looking pajamas. His wide eyes blinked slowly as he stammered. "Oh, uh, um, so, should I..." He pointed a clawed thumb behind him, looking back from the herbivores to the door repeatedly.
Louis got up and shook his head. "No, no, no. There's nothing to worry about. They aren't here to hurt you."
Legosi cocked his head and looked over at the other herbivores. He figured out of all the Branded members, these were the best ones to show up here. Not counting Pina, of course. Hachi and he had spoken, even.
The wolf closed the door softly and locked it before stepping forward and waving. "Uh, hi? I'm Legosi...I guess you know that."
Hachi stood up quickly and strolled over, standing right in front of him.
Nori continued to look on.
Legosi blinked and drew his head back. They were even more stunning in person. "Oh! Hi, uh, Hachi," he smiled.
The elk looked him up and down and all around, then looked at Louis, questioningly.
"Hm?" The buck raised a brow, but then realized exactly what they were asking. "Go ahead."
Suddenly, Legosi's head was being petted softly by the Branded member.
"Oh!" Legosi wasn't expecting that. His tail started wagging furiously as he closed his eyes. "Oh, oh, uh, hi! Hello, um. Th-thanks! That feels...really good."
They began rubbing his head more, that inhale-exhale laugh returning.
Louis looked on, smiling. "You like that no matter what, huh?"
"Ah, of course! And, uh..." Legosi looked from Hachi, and over to Nori, who was staring at him. Both of them were...very cute, to say the least. Legosi realized then that he hasn't been around that many herbivores lately. This was a bit too much for him. He started to blush.
Hachi kept rubbing his cheeks and Louis came over, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Alright, alright. Tone it down, you two."
The elk laughed again and stepped back, bowing.
The contact stopped, but Legosi's tail kept wagging. It was really what he needed after all that sparring. He made his way over to the couch and plopped down, sighing happily. It was then that he smelled the air and his tail wagged faster. "Oh, you're making that curry?"
Louis nodded. "Yes! I wanted to show them my best dish."
Nori smirked. "We'll see about that." He looked to Legosi, interestedly. "...Hm."
Legosi waved again, his claws twiddling a bit. "Hi, Nori. Uh, what brings you guys over, anyway?"
"You two," Nori started. "Louis for me and you for Hachi."
"Uh, why though? Not to be rude..."
Hachi nodded, smiling and pushing up their glasses, hoping the wolf would notice they were wearing them.
Legosi looked over, and he certainly did, blushing again. "Oh, I'm going to the eye doctor on Friday to get my prescription. Where did you get your glasses? Oh, I guess you can't really say..."
Hachi nodded, frowning. They took their glasses off and held them out for him to try on.
"Oh! Okay." Legosi reached up to grab them and slipped them on his face. They were a bit small but still fit. Legosi let out an amused laugh as his world went from blurry to blurrier.
"Let me see," Louis said.
Legosi looked over, and Louis got his first preview of his husband with glasses.
His eyes went half-lidded. "My, my...So mature~"
Nori cleared his throat. "Easy, Louis. You have guests."
Legosi chuckled, and then looked between the guests again. He remembered when Louis told him the red panda would be one of the animals that were supposed to carry out his execution, and yet here he was, just talking to him casually. He took the glasses off and held them out for Hachi. "Seems like we have different eyes."
The elk nodded and put them back on.
Louis sighed. "Uh, when did you say you were getting glasses again?"
"Well, I guess I'll find out Friday after they see what kinds of lenses I'll need. The lady on the phone said it can take a week or more." Legosi moved a bit on the couch so there was room for more people on it, in case anyone wanted to sit.
Both Nori and Hachi sat on either side of him, Louis still standing and watching.
Legosi squeezed his hands in between his knees, bringing his shoulders up as he blushed more.
The red panda's eyes trailed down to his claws. "Mm...May I see these?"
"U-um, my hands?"
"Sure."
Legosi cleared his throat and brought one of them out for the red panda to see.
The small animal took it and inspected his claws, thoroughly. "Hm...Sharp, but not as sharp as I thought."
"Yeah, I try to trim them a bit, but not as much as I used to."
"And your fangs?"
Hachi and Louis both blinked at this.
"Uh, I can't trim my fangs," Legosi said, plainly.
"Open up. Lemme see."
Legosi blinked and complied.
Nori peered inside for a moment, then brought one of his fingers to his own fangs, sighing. "That's the kind of teeth I'd expect a wolf to have."
"Uh, yeah." Legosi closed his mouth and looked over at Hachi. "So, um, I guess Ichi doesn't really track you guys?"
"That dumbass trusts us too much," Nori groaned. "He basically thinks we're loyal to him. What a tool."
Louis scratched his chin. "It's a weakness, for sure."
"Oh, so both of you aren't? Loyal, I mean..." Legosi mumbled.
Nori looked at Hachi, trying to choose his words carefully. "Not in the way Ichi thinks."
The elk's eyes veered off and they seemed to be in thought.
"And, well, obviously, I know about all this, as you can tell. It's good to know you won't let anyone know, though. And that you don't seem to hate me. That's always good, yeah? Hah." Legosi looked over at Louis, trying to get feedback if he was doing a good job or not.
The buck shrugged.
Hachi merely nodded.
Nori squinted. "Don't worry. No one will know and if they do..." He looked at Hachi. "They'll be answering to me."
"Oh! Um...thanks, Nori. That makes me feel better." Legosi smiled and sunk back into the couch, relaxing.
The elk looked...intimidated. They knew the red panda could take them out, easily.
The red panda looked down at his real claws. "I mean it."
"Sooo...what's this mean for the Branded?" Legosi asked although he regretted it right afterward.
Nori shook his head. "Nothing. I can't exactly turn against Ichi so easily. Plus, as much as I hate it there, I don't want to lose my home and source of food."
Hachi's ears perked at his words. They clearly had no idea about any of this. They also couldn't provide any input.
"Well, thanks for being there for Louis. It's nice knowing he has more support. I guess you know we're obviously trying to break him free of the Branded."
"We?" Nori raised a brow.
Legosi paused, realizing he shouldn't talk about the Shishigumi. Yet. "Well, of course, both me and him want him out of there. There's not much I can do, though..."
"And I'm just one deer," Louis sighed.
Hachi shook their head, unsure of what to do.
The movement caught Legosi's attention again, looking up at the very very tall antlers the Elk possessed. "Are those hard to deal with? Louis' antlers aren't nearly as big when they're full-grown..."
They nodded.
"So, you really came here to see me?"
They nodded again, beaming. They then fanned themselves.
Louis chuckled. "We know what that means."
"Yeah, you should turn the air on, hon," Legosi suggested.
Louis laughed out loud. "Legosi, they think you're attractive."
Nori rolled his eyes. "Weirdos."
"Um! You're attractive, too!" Legosi managed, his voice comedically squeaky.
Louis came and reached out and rubbed an ear. "They're not trying to embarrass you so much."
"Uh, glad you're not jealous at least," Legosi grinned, slightly.
Louis pulled his hand back. "Jeal— Like I'd have the right! And anyway, they aren't your husband."
Legosi smiled wide, showing his teeth. "Yeah! So..." he turned back to the elk. "You came here to just, uh, look at me?"
Hachi shook their head. They made a circular gesture around the wolf, then touched a finger on his heart.
"Oh! Um, I don't know what that means, but you can pet me again or do whatever. I-I don't mind, really. I've never had a friend like you before!"
Nori blinked. "They mean they came here for all of you. They want to know you."
Louis looked at him. "Did you want to do anything specific with me?"
"Hanging out isn't specific enough?"
Legosi put a hand to his head. "Ah, this is all really weird. I'm glad you two are here, really! It's just not something I expected..."
Louis shook his head. "Same here. I'm still a little nervous but I think that's a given."
Nori waved him off. "I swear on my dead sister I don't plan on doing anything."
Legosi's ears flicked back. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that..."
Nori looked to the side. "I didn't know how else to convince you. I mean, this is the perfect ruse for someone to betray you."
Louis sighed. "Yeah."
"Well, are there any other members who want to meet me and not kill me?" Legosi asked, half-joking.
They both shook their heads. "Most likely is Juu, but she's more loyal to Ichi than I am," Nori explained.
"Okay, well, what do you wanna do? Until the food is ready, I guess."
Nori scratched his cheek. "We could watch a movie. Never get to do that at the tower with anyone. Roku only really wants to watch that show."
"What kind of movies do you like?" Legosi asked. "Are you going to sit down, Louis? Not that there's much room."
Louis sat right on his lap. "Yes there is."
Legosi wrapped his arms around him and rested his head on his shoulder. He wanted to tell him about his day, but having Hachi and Nori over was an unexpected surprise, although he told himself to stay on guard still.
Nori shook his head. "We should probably watch something with a lot of gore. That's rad."
Louis made a face at this.
Legosi did, too. "Oh. Uh, yeah."
Hachi nodded, looking to the couple to pick the movie.
Louis looked at the TV. "Hm...what has a lot of gore anyway..."
"I dunno. I don't think any of our friends like that stuff," Legosi added.
Louis opened his mouth to speak but knew he shouldn't continue. "Yeah...I guess I can look." He grabbed the remote and backed out of whatever had been playing that entire time, browsing the menu of Flixnet.
Legosi settled into the couch more, allowing Louis to settle into him in turn.
"So something scary or just gory?" Louis asked. "Like a gory action movie?"
Nori shook his head. "Never really watched a horror movie."
The buck swallowed. "They are quite terrifying."
"Never been a fan of action movies," Legosi admitted. "Also isn't your real life already kind of actiony? Why would you want to watch something like that?"
"A horror movie, then," Nori grinned.
Hachi made no input. They were fine with whatever.
Louis swallowed. "W-well..."
"Louis' life has kind of been like a horror movie," Legosi commented.
Nori blinked. "A gory one?"
"Sometimes..."
"Nice."
Louis shook his head. "Your life is gorier than mine."
"I know, it's sweet," Nori said, with a big unsettling smile plastered across his face.
Hachi looked at him, blinking. Then, they poked him.
Nori looked at them. "What?"
They froze and their mouth hung open for a moment. Then, they got up and bowed, running out of the apartment.
Louis was stunned. "What the...?"
Nori's ears went back. "What did I do?"
"Um...they don't usually do stuff like that, right?" Legosi asked, flabbergasted.
Nori shook his head.
Suddenly, Louis' burner phone buzzed on the table and he got up to check it.
Hachi: Please give me a moment.
"They said to give them a moment," Louis relayed.
"Maybe they're going to the bathroom?" Legosi guessed.
"No." Nori shook his head. "They ran out in fear."
Louis took a moment to think. "But why? Maybe they don't like gore? Oh, but I've seen them cut the arm off an animal before. Hm..."
Nori swallowed. "It's me...They ran from me."
Louis tilted his head. "But why?"
"Guess I was too eager or something."
Louis sat back on Legosi's lap, despite the open spot.
Legosi whined softly. Why couldn't things just go well?
There was silence until Hachi came back and they made sure to grab a chair and sit far away from Nori but they were still able to see the TV.
Legosi looked over at them in concern. "Hachi..."
The elk shook their head, eyes closed.
Legosi whined again. This had to be record time for something bad happening with a new friend.
Nori sunk back into the couch. "Mm..."
Louis sighed. "Let's just...put something on. What about this? Supernatural..."
"Okay," Legosi agreed, not really thinking about it.
The movie began and everyone just sat, staring. This had turned incredibly awkward fast. What had happened to Hachi?
Legosi spoke throughout the movie, making random comments about the plot. "Oh, that one extra there kind of looks like me. See that wolf? Pretty funny..."
"Uh-huh," Nori said, uninterested.
Louis was too busy hiding behind a blanket he had grabbed at some point. The other two might have teased him had circumstances been different.
Legosi added to the deer's protection with his big arms, but his attention was split between him and their larger-antlered guest.
After a while, the curry was ready and Louis got up quietly to prepare everyone a bowl.
Legosi didn't even bother to pause the movie. He turned his attention to Nori, now.
The red panda blinked. "What?"
"Uh, how are you feeling?"
"Shitty. As always."
Hachi just kept their eyes on the movie.
Legosi looked between both of the guests. "Uh, I didn't do anything, right?"
Nori shook his head.
Louis turned. "Don't blame yourself."
Hachi also turned to look at him, shaking their head.
Nori threw his hands up. "Great. So it's all on me? Fuck you, too."
The elk sank back and looked away again.
Louis' eyes met Legosi's, concernedly.
The wolf just moved closer to the red panda. "N-no, Nori! I'm sure it's nothing! Y-you can talk it over, right Hachi?"
Hachi crossed their arms at that.
Nori stood up. "What's wrong?! Why won't you fucking tell me? I know you can't speak but you could at least text me! You did earlier!"
The elk sighed and looked down, shaking their head.
"Why?!" Nori asked, coming closer and grabbing their arm, rather intensely.
As if on instinct, Hachi reacted by quickly whipping their arm and throwing him on the ground.
Nori grunted and got up quickly. "You want to fight me for no fucking reason? I thought you were nice!"
Louis quickly ran forward and stood between them. "What's gotten into you two?!"
Legosi stood up as well, but having no context with anything considering he just met the two, he just did nothing but stare.
Nori pointed. "Ask them! They're the one acting like a lunatic."
Hachi squinted at him.
"Tell me what I did! What's wrong?!" Nori cried.
The elk just kept looking at him.
The red panda growled and then jumped forward, and using his small claws to claw their cheek.
They gasped and their hand quickly went to the injury. Pulling it back revealed fresh blood and their kind eyes transformed into angry ones, throwing a punch right at Nori's left eye.
It connected and he yelped, crashing to the ground again.
"Stop them!" Louis called to Legosi. "You handle Hachi!"
Legosi nodded and rushed over, intent on wrapping his arms around them and immobilizing Hachi.
Nori got up quickly. "What?! Is this your way of getting back at me for betraying Ichi or something?" He bared his teeth. "Fuck him."
Hachi didn't struggle against Legosi, their cheek still leaking crimson, making red vertical lines down their face.
Nori growled more. "Fuck him, fuck him, fuck him! I wish he was dead! I wish he was fucking dead!"
Louis grasped his shoulder. "Nori! Calm down!"
"Fuck you!" The red panda swung his arm and his natural claws slashed Louis' left one, the deer gasping as he began to bleed.
Hachi's eyes widened and their eyes had fire in them. Now, they struggled against Legosi's weight and it didn't take long for the wolf to realize they were strong.
"A-ah, Hachi, d-don't I can get Nori without hurting him! Don't!" the wolf managed while struggling.
Nori wiggled violently and slipped out of Louis' clutching grip, and he ran at Hachi and Legosi, jumping forward and crashing into them both with his full weight, causing the wolf and the elk to split apart.
The red panda was quick, jumping angrily at the tall herbivore and soon they were throwing punches, Nori clawing at the other, ripping their shirt several times. More and more cuts were being made on the elk, while bruises were being added to Nori. He already had a black eye from earlier.
Legosi shook his head, trying to recover from the impact. He stood up and shouted. "STOP IT!"
But they just didn't. The sounds grew louder and louder, and there was no doubt about it, Sebun would have heard the commotion.
Legosi huffed and walked forward, trying to nab Nori, but the little fluffball was too fast.
The two Branded members continued brawling and they crashed into the table, knocking it over. Drops of blood littered the floor.
Louis felt his heart racing. This was a nightmare. Their poor home.
He quickly grabbed a pan from the cabinet and came forward, swinging it and striking Nori's small head with a loud bang, causing him to be knocked out instantly.
Hachi seemed to be caught off guard by this and they stared, eyes bulging. Their glasses had been cracked at this point and they barely hung onto their face. Their shirt was in tatters, the fur underneath exposed beneath each hole.
"Louis!" Legosi squeaked. "Louiswhatdidyoudo?"
There was a pounding on their door. "Louis? Legosi? What's going on in there? I don't want to call the police but I'm about to!" Yep, Sebun.
Louis looked at the door and then at his husband. "I didn't know what else to do!" he whispered, fiercely.
Hachi ran to the window and tore off the blinds, quickly opening it and looking out for a fire escape, but they found none.
"Ah, we had the volume of our movie turned up too loud!" Legosi quickly shouted. "And Louis dropped something!' He sprung to his feet and ran to the elk.
The buck's blood was pumping. There was a mess everywhere. "Once she leaves, get out. And take Nori with you. He probably has a concussion, but get the fuck out of our home."
Hachi's eyes saddened and instead of their usual compliance, they came forward and grabbed his shoulders. "No."
Louis was flabbergasted. Did they really just...? "W-what?"
"He's evil."
"I..."
"He eats meat, Louis."
The buck's head spun. "W-w-what?"
"I saw it in his eyes. He eats the meat of animals. He's tainted by evil magic."
Louis just looked into their now-fierce eyes. "All this time..."
"I have to tell Ichi."
"No!" Louis grabbed them now. "No, don't! He'll kill him!"
"I must. The panda is evil. He eats meat."
"You don't really know that!"
"He eats meat, Louis," Hachi repeated.
"Do you have proof?"
"He is the proof. I saw it in his eyes."
"That's not proof! Please, don't tell Ichi! I want to help him!"
"I must. I will. I'm sorry, Louis. He is evil."
Louis' fists clenched. "He's not evil, Hachi! There's no such thing as evil magic in meat!"
Legosi nodded. "Y-yeah! Our friend Bill has eaten meat before, and he's dating an herbivore! He's one of the nicest animals we know!"
"The herbivore could be in danger! Meat is evil!" Hachi cried.
Legosi shook his head and quickly ran over to where Nori lay instead.
"No!" Louis grabbed them, tighter. "Listen...I know you had an awful childhood and I understand that, but it's not the meat that's the problem. It was who adopted you. They were sick in the head."
Hachi shook at this. Now, they were silent again.
"Think about it. Nori hasn't acted truly evil before. The most he has acted is lonely and cast-out. He feels like an outsider. He thinks you guys hate him."
The elk blinked, taking a moment to process.
Legosi gingerly scooped the panda up in his arms, pressing some napkins to the wound on his head.
"If you had never realized he had eaten meat tonight, then you wouldn't think he's evil, right?"
Hachi's wounds continued to drip warm blood and they looked at the panda. "You are right, Louis."
The buck sighed, thankful they had listened to reason. "Please, please, please, don't tell Ichi. We can help him."
The tall herbivore's gaze lingered on the unconscious animal. "I hurt him...I am terrible..." Their hand went to their forehead and they continued to shake.
Louis loosened his still-tight grip. "No. You're not. It was a misunderstanding. But you really have to understand that you have used meat being filled with evil magic as an excuse all of your life as to why your parents treated you the way they did. It had nothing to do that. They were just horrible animals."
Hachi nodded, sadly. "Horrible animals...And I killed them."
Louis looked at Legosi after they said this, attempting to swallow but finding it increasingly tough. "I know...You were angry and scared and...it's over now. Do you ever feel guilty about it?"
They nodded.
"Exactly. You don't want to get Ichi to kill Nori. He's not evil. He's just troubled."
Hachi nodded again, then they looked around. "We have ruined your home..."
Louis did the same. "It's a mess, yeah..."
The elk buried their face in their hands. "Oh, Louis. I am so sorry..." Now, they were crying again, sniffling.
The buck rubbed his eyes. "Look, you're still bleeding. We need to get your wounds dressed. We made a lot of noise and our neighbor is already suspicious. The worst part about all of this is that when Nori wakes up...he's going to feel so betrayed..."
Legosi cradled him in his arms, stroking his head lightly. "Oh, Louis. What are we going to do with him?"
"We obviously need to keep him here. I need to be there when he wakes up."
Hachi sighed, wiping their eyes. "I am the doctor. I can help him and myself."
Legosi looked around their ransacked home and sighed. He finally picked up the controller and paused the movie that had still been playing.
Louis looked at his wolf. "We don't have anything but band-aids. Could you go out and get some supplies, gauzes, and the like? Right now, I guess we'll use wet napkins..."
"Morgane has first aid kits behind the counter. I can go down and get one." Legosi carefully set down the unconscious herbivore before slinking out.
Louis turned his head to Hachi. "You...you spoke."
"I...had to. It would have been ridiculous for me to pull out my phone and send you a text. I needed you to hear me," they explained.
"I'm surprised your voice sounds so clear," Louis said.
"I talk alone so that way I don't lose it in case I ever have to use it in emergencies. It looked like it worked out."
Louis went to the kitchen and grabbed the paper towel roll, tearing a few pieces off and wetting it. "That was absolutely crazy."
"I am sorry. I let my judgment get the better of me. I feel horrible."
"I'm really worried about him," Louis said, coming over with the wet paper towel and dabbing Nori's wounds gently. "You gave him a black eye..."
"More than that..."
"Yes."
"I am sorry."
"He can't hear you," Louis responded.
"I was telling you."
"I'm not the one who needs to hear it," the buck said. "I can't even imagine how things will be when he wakes up. I bet he'll hate me. He's going to wonder why I knocked him out instead of you."
"He was not trying to kill me," Hachi stated. "He was fighting differently than usual."
Louis blinked, staring at the red panda's swollen face. "Because he's not evil. Why didn't you just tell him?"
"You do not understand, Louis," Hachi began. "I cannot just announce that I realized he was evil to him. I did not know what territory I was in."
"You're getting blood on our couch."
They stood up, quickly, walking to where the paper towels were and getting one wet for themselves.
Louis continued to take care of Nori. "I guess all this blood says something."
"What?"
"That we're not allowed to have normal lives. The futon is already stained and now it's just...everywhere."
"Mm."
"And you know what?" Louis looked up now.
Hachi blinked.
"There's herbivore blood everywhere and Legosi was completely fine."
Hachi let out a breath as they wiped their wounds, removing their shirt. "I am hoping that neither of us needs stitches."
"He cut your cheek pretty bad..." Louis muttered. "You think it will scar?"
"I don't care. I deserve it."
"Don't talk like that," Louis said. "You were just acting on what you believed...even if it was wrong."
"I understand now. This is all so very, very wrong. The Black Market, the Branded, everything...I have been blind."
Louis stroked Nori's head, gently. "There's one more big thing."
"What is it?"
"Nori has the power to completely reveal everything to Ichi if he hates me."
"..."
"It could ruin everything. Legosi would be killed for sure."
"..."
"I need to make sure that doesn't happen."
Hachi stared at him, then looked out the window at the blackness. "I understand. Ichi will question what happened."
"That's for you to figure out."
Hachi sighed. "Do you hate me?"
"I don't hate either of you. I'm not happy about all of this, but I'm still an idiot so part of me still thinks you won't blab to Ichi."
"I won't. I owe you that. I will make up something. I swear."
At that moment, Legosi came back in, box in hand. "Here, I got some stuff." As he walked over it was clear from his eyes that he was crying a bit.
Louis got up and went over to him, wrapping his arms around him and squeezing him tightly. "Thank you."
"I-is everyone alright?" he got out, almost in a whisper.
"...I think so."
Hachi said nothing, sitting down on the bloody floor.
Louis took the first aid kit from the wolf's shaky hands and handed it to them. "Be careful with him."
"I will." They immediately got to work dressing his wounds any way they could. Thankfully, neither of them needed stitches but there would definitely be scarring.
Louis grabbed Legosi's hands after. "Calm down. We've calmed down now. They understand."
"But...what about Ichi? He'll notice."
"I said I'll make something up," Hachi responded, curtly. "Just leave it."
"Just leave it," Louis repeated. "We need to worry about our bloody apartment. We can't let anyone see this or they'll think something happened between us. If they blame you you could get arrested..."
"It's not too much to clean up," Legosi mumbled. "I'll go get some stuff..."
"...I just need to stay here to make sure I'm there when Nori wakes up, otherwise I'd go with you."
"In the closet outside," Legosi stated simply before lumbering off again, tail between his legs.
Hachi continued their work silently, making sure the panda was well taken care of before working on themself.
Louis turned to look at them again. "I don't know if you can come back here."
They just nodded.
There was really nothing to say after that. Louis found a place on the floor that wasn't bloodstained and laid back, looking at the ceiling, noticing little flecks of red there, too.
His stomach turned as he thought about how much of a nightmare this unannounced visit had been. It was almost unfair.
Had they not come, their house would still be mostly clean and he wouldn't have knocked Nori out like that.
Why did the string that connected them to other animals always have to be soaked in blood?
And when the red panda woke up, would he thrash and struggle and swear at Louis, crying out how much he betrayed him?
Legosi came back in with a spray bottle and two rags. He handed one to Louis, who found it was already wet with the cleaning solution.
"C'mon, Louis," he sighed. He looked over at the two herbivores by the couch, his flustered feelings from before now totally gone. It made his stomach turn. Still… "Hachi...will he be okay?"
The elk shrugged, still attending to their own wounds.
Louis looked down. "He will. We'll help him through this."
They nodded.
The buck looked at Legosi with sad eyes. "Let's get cleaning."