Silence dominated the room as we stood around the bed of the unconscious deer. The sun had set a little while ago and there was still no sign of Louis waking up, I was starting to grow a little worried about his state. As the darkness began to grow from the outside the only small lamp beside the bed was our only light source.
I stood in front of Legoshi on the left side of Louis's bed and I hated to admit it, I was concerned that this injury was worse than what it was showing. The room was growing cold, I started to shiver trying to keep warm, with my hands rubbing over my arms. I guess that was a disadvantage for having no fur or feathers like the many of my comrades had.
I really hoped Louis was okay, I had to run with him in my arms all the way to the medical wing for treatment. I was only glad I had my vectors to help me carry the excess weight, even for a deer he was heavy compared to my smaller figure. I still couldn't believe he actually performed throughout the whole play on a broken leg, anyone in their right sense of mind would be to seek treatment or to let anyone know they are injured.
Louis why did you do it? You can't perform on a broken leg, what were you thinking?!
I just only hoped I was quick enough to bring him here. Despite him looking unalive, he did look peaceful as he slept on.
Please Louis, please wake up, wake up
And as if someone had answered my prayer, the deer finally stirred awake and struggled to sit up. He groaned in discomfort, clearly in pain from the fall. "Louis!", Sanu exclaimed
Everyone in the room echoed the deer's name relieved he was awake. I carefully sat down on the bed to help him sit up. As we made eye contact, I could see a small smile form that was barely visible to the others in the room. Then his look changed to worry.
"What did...Wait! I remember. What about the audience?!"
It was silent in the room and Sanu stepped forward. "Don't worry, you collapsed after the curtain was fully shut. They didn't see anything at all"
"Okay", Louis sighed in relief
"You were lucky, Aayame carried you the whole way to the medical wing by herself", Sanu spoke
The deer looked to the girl with surprise in his honey eyes. "You did that?"
I gave a shy smile and shrug, in response. "I had strength on my side..."
He gave a firm nod of approval before Bill stepped in. "Thank you"
"Anyway, it's eight o'clock at night, the medical team checked you out and according to them, you broke your left leg. Looks like that means you won't be able to take the stage for tomorrow's performance."
"Bill, please!"
"What? What good is it to hide the truth? Especially for Louis"
"Yes, but even so!"
Then questions began to rise from the others of whether the show will go on or not. With every drop of pity that was being poured into the atmosphere I could see Louis tensing up with frustration. "Louis?"
"So...one broken leg and now I'm helpless?!"
"Oh eh, no! Please, we are just-" Sanu was trying to explain but my hand laid on his shoulder making him quieten his response
"You are not helpless Louis, but you can't risk permanently damaging your leg performing on stage, it's not worth it. I know you worked so hard to get where you are right now for the performance, but what is more important? A show or being able to walk again? Believe me I know what a broken leg can do if it's not taken care of. Is it fair? No it isn't, but you have to put yourself first on this one, we will find another way to make the show go on"
Her tone was empathetic but spoke of wisdom. The deer couldn't make an argument with her, not this time like he could with anyone before. Clever girl.
Louis turned to the tiger. "Bill you will be my replacement"
"Huh?"
"For tomorrow's show, you'll be playing Adler"
"Eh...Eh? Eh? Are you sure about that?"
"Yes of course I am!"
Bill swung the staff around, with the skull mask already on his face. "You've worked harder than any of the actors, you deserve it. I admire your boldness about informing me about my injury without hesitation! You're the one I choose!"
I didn't know if this was the wisest of choices to make, but if Louis thinks that Bill is our best shot, then I will support his decision...
"That's what he said"
"Ugh...I am counting on you Bill", Sanu sighed "We'll rehearse all night tonight if we need to"
Oh well so much for an early night of getting to play the piano I borrowed from the music room the other day...the show must go on and if this fails, we won't hear the end of it from Louis.
The tiger laughed with a tone that sent a nervous shiver down my spine, making me cower a bit. "What are you worried about? I know all the lines and all the staging too! If I were you, I'd be more concerned about..."
He trails off and all eyes jump to the stage crew and myself. From what I knew from being in the group for a short time, Legoshi hasn't been on stage before, which wasn't surprising to me since he was just as much of an introvert as myself, which I don't blame at all. Anyone would be if they were being constantly looked at in fear or discriminated for simply looking different just because of status. His ears dropped, even his tail too in shame. In my heart I just wanted to comfort him like how I did before, but I didn't want to embarrass him, not in front of a mocho like Bill was.
"Why are you acting so down? I'm the one who wants to perform but can't", Kai complained
"That's not the problem", Legoshi grumbles, before Bill places an arm around his shoulder, invading his personal space
"You'll be fine. Even if you mess up, it won't affect the rest of the performance. It's a minor role, after all"
"Then why don't we eliminate it?"
"C'mon Legoshi!" The tiger continued to tease the wolf
Alright that's not going to fly with me...
"Alright Bill enough, don't be the reason that this performance falls through for simply acting cocky"
The room sounded with awe and surprised whispers, just as the tiger gave me a surprised look, before it slowly turned into annoyance with a hint of embarrassment in his eyes. Even Legoshi gave me a look of surprise.
Woah! What is she doing? She is standing up to Bill right in front of everyone! I mean I know she is brave to stand up to a fox, but to stand up to a carnivore larger than myself, she is even more brave than I am! Aayame back down...it's not worth it! Not for me!
"Cocky? I think maybe you little girl have your horns screwed into your head a little too tightly if you think I can't do this" The tiger's arm squeezed around Legoshi tighter making the wolf moan in discomfort
"All I am saying is don't let your ego grow too big for your head"
The room sounded with awe once more, this time with some quiet laughter as I forced Bill's arm off from around Legoshi, pulling him to the side of me by the forearm. The cold stares between the two powerful able-bodied species were locked and loaded with fury, neither backing down. It wasn't until the change of dangerous glint narrowing in the girl's eyes, that made the feline finally back down.
"Well then you are just going to have to see what I am truly capable of doing..."
"I will believe it when I see it firsthand..."
Due to Bill being chosen by Louis to play Adler, his villain role was left without an actor. Therefore, only two out of the three villain roles were casted, meaning that the role had to be filled. With everyone on the dance and actor teams working at full capacity, the stage crew were the only ones with members that can contribute more to the play.
Legoshi was chosen due to his status of a wolf and being almost the same size as Bill. Still the costume for Legoshi had to be changed to fit into his character and that's where I came in. Dom put me in charge of redesigning the costume given his impressed opinions of my work in art class we had together for the job.
Even with it being my first-time drawing a costume, I had gotten a good idea of how the costume should fit for Legoshi. Despite not seeing him in different colors other than wearing his school uniform all the time, I used different colors pencils to create shades on my sketch pad as I held it up in comparison without Legoshi's knowledge as he practiced his staff on the stage in front of me. Due to his grey and creamed colored fur, the costume had to flow on me naturally, so crossing out shades that would be too much in contrast till I found the right colors that fitted perfectly together. When it came to his body type, lean yet muscular, the costume shouldn't be too tight or too big, it needed to make him stand out to show his strong physique and outline certain details.
I blushed deeply just of the thought of thinking on how well toned he was as I drew out my rough draft of him in the costume. I only wished that I could feel how his muscles really felt, his tight abs, how strong his chest looks...god damn! Oh pull yourself together girl! You got to work to do! Don't be drooling all over your sketch pad, it's going to ruin your rough draft!
As I shook my head of distractions trying to focus back on to my task, I was interrupted by the sound of wood clashing against wood and my eyes looked to see a rehearsal fight that was looking more of an actual fight. My senses were telling me just from the atmosphere, that this was starting to turn more than just an act or simply blowing off steam.
Fighting with pure strength, Legoshi's staff blocks Bill's blow, leaving the two large carnivores to stare menacingly at each other. As they continued on, my hands put down the sketch pad on the chair beside me and move in closer towards the stage.
"Woah! Look at that! Now that's what I'm talking about!"
"You enjoying this?" Legoshi asked the feline struggling to push against Bill's weapon back with his own
"Of course, I am! I get to show all my acting training on stage! It's what I have worked for!"
In my mind, my instincts were telling me to stop this fighting before it would get out of control, but my mind argued back that it would be a death sentence if I got in between two carnivores in what looked like a growing confrontation.
"They are just rehearsing right?", Sanu asked
"And venting a little", Aoba replied
As the staffs continued to crash against one another as the two powerful carnivores dominated the stage, the fight was growing more feral and more aggressive. This wasn't a performance anymore; this was an actual fight like how animals would do it in their natural habitat. Even though where I was from, my home's creatures were able to live in peace and harmony, I was shocked on how ferocious two animals could be when in a confrontation. The snarls, the growls that echoed all around the room, I think would make anyone weak in the knees. It sure did for me.
"Hey Legoshi, whoever said that us carnivores can't be the ones to shine in the spotlight, huh? Tomorrow, I finally get to show everyone just how it is for an animal as powerful as me to exist in this world!"
I could start to feel a sensation coming out of my back as my vectors started to emerge. No! No! Don't come out! I had to stop my vectors from coming out and deescalate the situation without having to resort to using my dangerous weapon.
"Guys? Guys! I think you are getting a little too carried away with this!"
I could feel my vectors have emerged out of my back as they floated behind me, the two fighting males were unaware of the danger that they could be in, worse than their own dispute.
Oh no, no, please-
As Legoshi growls pushing the tiger away, my eyes began to narrow with resistance, my body clenched tightly as my hands tightened into fists. My vectors floated out beside me, ready to fight. "It's wolf versus tiger! So, when it comes to our battle scene, there's no need to pretend! Come tomorrow it's going to be a hell of a show! We got this!"
When Bill made a powerful swing of his staff towards Legoshi, it had knocked the wolf's staff out of his grasp causing it to break in half, the jagged, splintered edge of the staff went flying through the air and went hurling towards the girl causing the wolf to gasp. "Aayame look out!", he called out
Not even realizing what had just happened as I fought with my inner conflict of keeping myself in check; I didn't have time to react to hear Legoshi calling out to me and seeing part of a broken staff come flying towards me as it made contact with my shoulder, slicing across the material of my shirt and skin. Screaming as the sharp wood pierced my flesh, the force of the blunt object caused me to land on my back with a harsh thud.
The wolf watched in horror seeing her moaning in pain as she rolled to her side, her face filled with agony. Watching her staggering to her feet, he noticed a red line beginning to blossom on her shoulder of her white shirt. That's when he realized the full extent of what the damage had caused.
Oh no...
As I slowly got up to my feet, I could feel something warm run down against my shoulder. When my hand touched it, I gasped to see my fingertips were now tinted red and that's when I noticed part of my shirt was torn and had become stained with my own blood seeping from a long gash. Wait blood? Oh god, blood! Wait I am in front of-
The tiger had caught on to her scent, and all it took was one little whiff of her blood to make the pupils of the big cat cover his whole eyes and his claws grow further out, his fur standing high, sending him to his feral mode. His natural instincts came rushing over him. Legoshi slowly stood up to his feet, his eyes filled with horror.
"Oh no..."
"Mei..."
The tiger began to lower himself down on to all fours, saliva beginning to seep out from his large sharp teeth.
"Mei...run"
He slowly began to approach the injured girl, as she trembled with fear backing up slowly, blood seeping out from her open wound staining her shirt. The predator had his eyes locked on to this target, his instincts now in full swing, he had a desire...to fulfill. A desire to hunt.
The low growls of the feline caused my heart to beat rapidly and sweat starting to drip down the side of my face.
Legoshi sensing the intention coming from Bill, he knew that the tiger had smelt the blood of the girl and knows all too well on what the smell of an herbivore or omnivore could do to a carnivore. It could send anyone into an urge to hunt and to devour the source.
He should have just slapped himself in the face, he was about to do the same thing that Bill was doing to her. But he had control, with Bill he had none. But even still the fact that he had almost killed her and devour her himself, he now had a desire to care for her, to protect her. He had to protect her! No one messes with her!
"Aayame! Run!"
With a scream, I took off running just as the tiger attacked and landed with a pounce in the same spot, I was in moments ago as the others scattered away. His heavy weight crushing part of the club floor with the amount of power in his strong legs.
Legoshi growled and pounced on top of Bill just as he was about to take off running after the girl, attacking him to the ground, trying to use the power of his weight and brute strength in his arms and claws to keep the feline down. Struggling to keep his grip, the two predators wrestled on the stage floor fighting to gain the upper hand. The wolf looked to see she was about to push open the exit doors that led to the outside, she looked back to him with a worried look, almost too hesitant to leave.
"Legoshi!"
"Aayame! Run! Hurry!"
Receiving a hard elbow to the snout Bill had forced the wolf off of his back and that's when he got to his feet and began to pursue the hunt of the female. In a panic, the girl ran out the doors exiting the club out into the night.
Legoshi slowly sat up recovering from the harsh attack and with blurred vision he could see the club doors was barely hanging off their hinges and Bill and Aayame were gone. Barely being able to hear the muffled concerned voices of his fellow club members, he turned his attention to his snout tending to the injury, he felt a drop of blood land in the center of his hand. With a low growl, something inside of the wolf came to life, his inner beast began to surface. Closing his fist, his eyes now narrowed and began to glow red and with a push of his clawed hands into the floor, Legoshi took off with a sprint on all fours rushing after her, leaving the rest of the club members in a state of shock. The sound of rushing blood raced through his ears, his sharp teeth fully exposed, her flowing scent hits his nose like a ton of bricks as he followed her trail. The sweetest scent he had ever smelled gave him the energy he needed to keep going to keep fighting, she was his reason to fight back.
Hold on Aayame! I am coming for you! Keep running, I will find you! Be safe!
I ran as fast as my feet could carry me, but I felt like that was not even going to be enough, I may be fast, but I knew that Bill being a tiger, he has a clear advantage of speed and if I didn't get some distance between us, I knew I would be in trouble. I wouldn't get out of this attack alive, man this was turning into Deja Vu.
After nearly slipping in my shoes on the smooth damp stones of the path I ran, I skidded to a halt after I made it down to the end, gasping heavy for breath, holding on to my injured shoulder tightly. I could feel warm blood was trying its best to seep through my palm, trying to cover up as much of the scent of blood as much as possible. But I knew that wasn't even enough, the animals in this world clearly had a better advantage than I did. My instincts were telling me to just finish the feline off and be rid of a threat, but I couldn't. Even with my life at stake yet again, I still wanted to live but not at the cost of someone else's life. I glanced slowly back behind my shoulder to see if Bill was any closer, but I was met with the peaceful surroundings of the night. Not even the sound of the wind disturbed the silence, but quickly my senses picked up of someone approaching and approaching fast.
Of course, the ones who are the most victorious are the ones who act upon their instincts like that and yet even when they don't use them, they can still survive. I don't even know how I am still alive right now.
Backing up quickly, I turned in the opposite direction and bolt. But even with a few seconds of a head start, I already sensed they were right behind me. A tall shadow was approaching running on all fours till it moved on to two. Before I could even scream, I felt a pair of arms encase around me, one going around my back, the other picking me up under my knees lifting me off my feet as we skidded to a halt. I thought this was it and now my life was really over...
The sound of heavy panting filled my ears, my eyes were shut tight too afraid to look up, and that's when I heard him..."Mei, are you okay?"
I looked up to see my wolf looking down at me with worry.
Legoshi you found me!
"Legoshi!"
"Don't worry I got you! I am going to get you out of here!"
As he faced forward observing our surroundings, if only he could see how wide and sparkling my eyes were right now filled with awe as I stared up at the canine. His vision was focused straight ahead, as he held me tightly in his arms. He looked so determined, so brave. Even with knowing to be an introvert like myself, there was something deep inside of him that was hidden, and it was now exposed, he could fight, and he was fighting...for me. Was this true? Is it a sign of something? But without warning, I heard a loud growl as something attacked from the shadows from the right side of us nearly causing the both of us to be tackled, if Legoshi hadn't rolled out of the way in time. Looking behind us, we could see the feral Bill starting to chase after us! "It's him!"
"Hold on! I am going to lose him!"
With a push from his powerful legs, Legoshi took off with high speed as Bill continued to pursue the hunt, Legoshi made quick maneuvers avoiding the pounces made by the blood thirsty feline. Panting loudly, he splashed through some small puddles I held on to his shirt tightly in my fist, looking over his shoulder to see Bill was still behind us and gaining speed. Oh god! He is catching up; we won't be able to lose him at this rate, a barrier would have to be put up!
Glancing forward I noticed a large lake down the embankment, the dark water was rippling slowly underneath the soft glow of the moonlight. "Head for the lake!"
"Why?!"
"He could lose our trail if we hid in the water, it could cover our scents!"
Looking ahead as they were getting closer and back behind him as Bill was closing in on the pair, he looked down to the scared girl with a determined look and nod. "Okay hold on to me tight! Don't let go!"
I will never let go...
Legoshi picked up faster in speed and once we reached the embankment, he took a strong leap with his legs. "Take a deep breath!"
I took in a mouthful of air as we both crashed down into the cold water disappearing below the surface. As we sunk deeper and deeper into the darkness, the stars barely lit up our line of sight. But still listening to what Legoshi had said, I kept my grip on him tightly, as we sunk down to the bottom of the lake. Despite it being freezing cold and barely being able to see a thing in front of her, she couldn't have felt safer than she did right now being in his arms.
How could he be holding her like this right now? It was the wolf's first ever embrace with her, she fitted perfectly in his arms, her grip was like iron as she clung to him. How he wished he could hold her like this every time, but even with everything that he has done, how would she be able to forgive him for causing her pain and harm? He almost felt like he was going to be sick from the guilt. He would have to tell her, but in the moment, he relished of how she felt against him.
With a gentle tap to his shoulder, she pointed up to the surface before pointing to her inflated cheeks and with a nod, he began to swim up with her in his embrace. Quietly, their heads barely peaked out from the dark water catching a breath of fresh air, keeping about half of their heads hidden from sight.
Legoshi could see that Bill was panting hard and sniffing all over the area, trying to pick up the scent of the wolf and girl, but he couldn't find where the two could have vanished. His mouth drooling with hunger. To think he had the same desires he had for the same reason of her not long before, she would have been laying limp in his deadly jaws lifeless if he hadn't snapped out of it. Bill got closer to the embankment making the girl in his arms gasp softly, cowering in his arms.
The tiger's ears perked up as he gazed upon the lake in front of him. Legoshi hushed her softly as he pulled them both further out, hiding their heads down further into the freezing water till their noses barely skimmed the surface. With a nervous gulp, he only hoped he hadn't heard or spotted them, if he had, there would be a blood fight for sure to ensure her safety.
As Bill continued to gaze out on the lake, his nostrils sniffing the air, his eyes still wide from the thrill of the hunt, the glaze over his eyes began to fade as he growled in frustration throwing an angry air fist to the ground before getting to his feet. With a huff, he walked up the hill slowly leaving the embankment and disappeared into the night. "D-Did we lose him?"
"I-I think so, wait"
The wolf lets his snout peak out from the water as he sniffed the air, trying to pick up any scent that Bill could be lingering nearby. After several moments he lets out a sigh of relief, the danger has passed. "It's okay, it's safe now, come on"
Both of us began to slowly swim back towards the edge of the embankment. As we climbed out drenched from the cold, I began to shake not out of shock from the cold but from the fear of actually being close to be getting killed.
The wolf shook his body rapidly, shaking off much of the free water soaking his clothes and fur. "T-That was really close. Aayame are you okay?"
The adrenaline now gone from my body, I would think after being so close to death so many times I would be used to it by now, that it would be normal, but I guess even with so much experience you still feel that same fear grow inside every time. Not knowing if that time would be the time, I would lose my life forever. Tears bubbled in my eyes before I immediately threw myself on to him out of desperation to recover from the shock, embracing him tightly.
Legoshi was taken by surprise when he felt her sudden embrace as it knocked him to the ground, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, her embrace was filled with warmth and affection. He could feel his heart beating so fast that it felt like it could explode at any given second. Almost uncertain on what to do as he froze. "Thank you"
His arms ever so slowly wrapped around her carefully, as she buried her face deeper into his chest. Even with the guilt that still pitted in his stomach, he was content that he was able to keep her protected. He was so confused; how could a monster save the one he has nearly devoured but has come to care for them as well? "It's okay...I am just glad you are okay"
The wolf slowly closed his eyes and lets his head rest behind hers, her sweet scent slowly invading his nostrils calming his nerves.
I felt like I could just melt out of happiness, his arms were so strong, so caring, his embrace made me feel protected all around, like nothing in the world could harm me anymore. "Aayame..."
Opening my eyes, I saw that I was bleeding all over Legoshi's arm and shirt from my wound.
"Oh no, Legoshi..."
I quickly pulled away covering my wound with my hand, feeling a twitch of pain shoot down my arm. The wolf gasped seeing the extent of the damage that had been caused, blood was staining her shoulder running down to her right breast and side. Her eyes looked to him in worry. "Come on, let's get you some help"
Taking her hand carefully into his he brought her to the medical wing. My wound was disinfected, cleaned and stitched and wrapped up carefully, it felt good to have a clean shirt on and not be exposed in my bra for too long out for any eyes to see. Feeling deprived of energy from all the running, all I wanted to do was just sleep, anyone would be exhausted after experiencing a death-defying chase like I just experienced. I was a having a gut feeling now that something could go wrong for tomorrow's rehearsal, how would that go? If a fight like that between Legoshi and Bill happened again in front of the whole school, all hell would break loose. Great, thanks instincts yet again for getting in the way of things!
The medical wing was mostly empty with a few nurses, but it was dark and ominous like the hallways of the building. The full moon now out from the cloudy sky from the window and a slight breeze making the branches dance softly side to side. I paid the nurses with thanks and gratitude before I pushed open the door, feeling a bit faint as I made my first step down the stairs. Either I lost more blood than I thought or its just from the shock of the chase catching up to me, but I felt myself starting to fall too far forward.
But before I could even meet with the hard steps, a pair of strong arms carefully caught me. My eyes meet with the gentle grey eyes of him...my savior.
"L-Legoshi..."
We both staggered back a few inches out of embarrassment. Both of us looking so bashful as I held my arm tightly to keep myself in check. "H-Hi...I uh was just about to...uh...come back...I went back to get your sketch pad...but uh I-uh wasn't sure how long you would be, so I went back and got it"
With a shaky hand he handed me the sketch pad with my designs. "O-Oh, you shouldn't have, t-thank you, I appreciate that, w-wait were you out here this whole time?"
"Uh..." He scratched his arm with his claws "Y-Yeah but...I-I wasn't trying to be weird or anything...I just"
"N-No, actually...that's pretty sweet that you stayed out here, I wasn't expecting you to, but the fact that you did even when there still could be danger, that was really noble of you. I-I really admire you for that"
"R-Really?"
"Y-Yeah really"
I smile up to him and sure enough he shyly smiled back. His smile was so beautiful, he looked so much better with one, it made him look so alive. If only everyone can see how friendly he was with his smile. "H-Hey can we walk back to the dorms together? I am still kind of shaken after what just happened, if you don't mind that is"
"Oh uh y-yeah sure, no problem"
We got on to the trail to head back to the dorms and it was a comfortable silence for a while, till I felt his gaze upon me. "A-Are you okay? Does it hurt?"
"No not as much, burns a little but I'm okay, they gave me some morphine for the pain, and helped a lot. But I will be okay I have survived worse than this, and trust me I have already enough scars, bruises and broken bones than I can count for that I have already gotten, so this just adds to the collection, so it's nothing new for me. This is actually the second time I have gotten attacked here at school"
It was quiet for a few moments when I looked up to Legoshi to see he looked troubled, making me stop and place my hand on his forearm. "H-Hey are you okay? You look lost, what's wrong?"
"I-I just...it's my fault you were hurt"
"What? Legoshi, why would you say that?"
"I-I should have just fought back and instead you got badly hurt and nearly got devoured and-"
But before he could finish his sentence, the girl had taken a hold of the wolf's arm and shirt pulling him towards her, making the wolf stammer in surprise. Her back came into contact with the trunk of a tree as she pulled him down till they were equal in height.
"Legoshi, hear what I say, I have been put through hell and everything in the many years that I have been alive, and no one was ever as caring and kind as you have been towards me. Ever since I started school here, I have been afraid not by herbivores or even carnivores, I have been afraid of people hurting or being unkind to others, that's what I am afraid of the most. They think just because they are so big, powerful and intimidating that they think they can do what they want, but they know that they can be better than that. Some don't choose to be for who knows the reason why. You, however, have proven to me that you are better than that, by being you, and only you. Kind and pure. And you have only shown me that, you are more than what a carnivore can be. Tonight, was nowhere near your fault and you should be proud for being who you really are, someone who protects those you care about, despite you being a carnivore, always remember that. You saved me Legoshi, you are a hero"
His mind replayed the moment the night he had attacked her again, the sound of her flesh ripping apart from his claws echoing in his ears as he had let the monster inside him take a hold of his mind. He was so close to taking her life away with one fatal bite, he couldn't even begin to imagine how scared she was and have to endure that same fear again. A hero? No. A hypocrite? Yes.
I should just tell her, I can't let her be praising me after what I had done, she needs to know...
The wolf shuts his eyes, preparing to confess his sinful act and to lose his only source of light in his dark, lonely life. "Aayame I-"
Without thinking my hand reached up and rested against his cheek, making the wolf pause in his words, his eyes widen slightly in shock at her touch. "Legoshi...I am okay, all because of you, I am okay"
She gives him a sweet smile, her gentle eyes reflecting the many stars that twinkled above their heads. His eyes softened of how beautiful she looked in the moment. Like an angel. The sound of crickets chirping in the distance made the atmosphere relax more as the soft glow of the moon casted over the two individuals. Like a spotlight, they were the center of attention in this moment. Just like on the platform, they were close in proximity again. But now that they were alone...
No, no, not now. I can't. I will find the right time to tell her, but right now, I just want to enjoy this moment with her.
Legoshi's hand came to rest beside my head on the trunk of the tree, his eyes not looking away once, my other hand came to rest on his broad shoulder as his face came closer to me. My thumb unconsciously began to stroke his cheek, earning a low contenting growl to emit from him. I liked that sound. As our eyes continue to stare deeply into each other's, I hadn't even realized I felt the grip of his hand on my hip, sending a shiver up my spine.
Wait, hold on, was this really happening?
For some unknown reason I don't feel scared or shy this time, like I actually feel comfortable, like I feel...happy. His dark, but shy gaze held me tight. Every time we got close, I find myself just lost in those grey eyes of his, like a spell was casted over me, that seemed unbreakable, and there was a meaning behind it all. But now that the gap was growing smaller and smaller...
By now the whole world was now gone, and it was just us. I could feel his hot shaky breath against my lips, oh my god was he-?
Legoshi was so close, he was only just a couple inches away from her lips, they looked so plush, so soft and beautiful. He wondered on how they would feel, how they would taste. He wants to experience what this would be like, but he is so conflicted unsure whether to pursue his desires of her or to bury them deeply as he could. But she was not like any female that there was in this world, the only one who took a hold of him the moment he saw her. She was like the forbidden fruit he shouldn't have but she was so tempting, with her beauty and kindness.
He wasn't so sure what to do until, his body naturally began to move closer his lips nearly connecting with hers, till he paused his actions. "M-Mei s-should I?"
"Shhhh..don't talk"
"Okay..."
Gulping quietly, he found his courage to continue. His eyes fluttered close and started moving in closer. Meeting him halfway to erase the small gap between us, my eyes slowly shut and that's when it happened. Our lips connect softly before they slowly part and reconnect again till our lips found a slow but deep rhythm. The feeling of his lips was so intoxicating, the warm aura his body was giving off made my knees threaten to buckle. I could feel the familiar tingly feeling in my belly erupt that wasn't letting up, not even for a moment.
Without thinking, I leaned myself forward and deepened the kiss as my left hand left his shoulder till it rested on his other cheek. He growled softly, meeting with the same amount of excitement, his grip tightening slightly on my hip.
They moved so perfectly, filled with passion and affection. Pushing me back slightly till I could feel some pressure of his weight on my back from the tree trunk, it didn't take long till I felt his tongue gently lick the bottom of my lower lip, my mouth slightly opened to allow him inside and that's when I felt the long, wet appendage entangle with my own. Gently stroking each other's I felt his chest pressed up against mine, making me gasp quietly. I couldn't believe this was happening, I can't believe I was actually kissing him, I never thought I would be in this position ever in my freakish existence. This has to be a dream. My eye slowly peeked open to see to my surprise and relief Legoshi was still there, hunched over me. Letting my eye close again, our slow affectionate dance of our lips went on for only a little longer, till the lack of air forces us to part.
But as we do, our eyes had made contact, it was a combination of bewilderment, shock, and coyness.
His face was bright pink from the hue on his fur. His tail was wagging frantically behind him side to side. I myself, was just in a state of awe panting softly. What just happened?
I couldn't even speak, I was that much in surprise, I could feel everything inside of me was trembling from the awkwardness of the situation.
Oh my god, we really did it! I really just kissed Legoshi!
"O-Oh um, y-your tail, it's wagging"
The girl couldn't help but giggle shyly as he looked back at with embarrassment cursing at it internally to stop pulling away and gripped it to stop its franticness. "Uh y-yeah it does that s-sometimes"
"W-Well, I like it...it's cute"
Legoshi could feel his cheeks burn hot like an iron as he got his wagging tail under control, looking back at her with an awkward smile, his laugh cracking slightly in embarrassment.
I could feel my heart thumping hard against my chest, it was beating so strongly I think it could break my ribs if it wanted to. I never thought I would kiss Legoshi ever. I mean I have dreamt about how my first kiss would go so many times, but I would never expected it to come true. We both looked unsure of what to say, the level of awkwardness was building up in the atmosphere.
Okay think of something, anything! Just spit something out!
"H-Hey, it's getting late, we should get going"
"Y-Yeah coming"
Great...what a good response that was...not!
Legoshi's mind has finally processed what just happened as she walked ahead.
Did I...did I really just kiss her?
A little bit later we were joined by Els, who left the changing rooms of the drama club. Since getting to know everyone in the club, Els and I had a pretty good relationship, we were able to talk to each other comfortably. Els had a good change of view of carnivores since Aayame's speech in drama club on her first day. It made her understand that not all carnivores were bad and dangerous, that they can actually be gentle, kind just like Legoshi was. "Long day huh?" Els says
"No doubt" I giggle in response
"I know it's been crazy, but I am sure everything will be fine", The goat chirps
"I think so too", Legoshi answered "Bill's fantastic"
"To be truthful, even before the whole chase and all, I have to admit he did give a good performance on stage, even though Bill and I aren't on the best of terms"
"Aayame, I heard about what happened with Bill. Are you sure you are okay to come back?"
"Don't worry Els, I will be okay, but I appreciate your concerns, besides I won't let one feline stop me from helping out with the show, and anyways I got Legoshi, if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here right now"
I looked up at Legoshi who blushed deeply rubbing the back of his neck with embarrassment. "Oh uh...well you know"
Els giggled softly. "Well, I am glad you are coming back; club wouldn't be the same without you!"
I couldn't help but smile. "Well listen after Bill came back, he has been running around acting tough and all, but I know he's actually really nervous"
Bill? Nervous? Wow I guess everyone here in this world has their own troubles...even for someone as cocky as Bill was.
"Legoshi tomorrow, he's going to need your support, just remember that okay?"
"Hmmmm" The wolf pondered before he smiled down at the goat "You're right"
"Wow, so you do smile!"
"I have been helping him out with that, wouldn't you agree he looks better with one?"
Els and I couldn't help but giggle as Legoshi's gaze went back from her and Els and from Els to her. "What? Of course, I do"
"More so now big guy, no need to worry"
"We are going to give our best performance tomorrow! Goodnight!"
"Night!"
"Goodnight!"
Els entered her dorm building as Legoshi and I continued on the path to head to my dorm across the path. My mind eased with the thought thinking that everything would be alright for the performance tomorrow after hearing Legoshi's response. I just couldn't allow myself to let him perform on stage knowing if Legoshi and Bill would fight after what happened. I wouldn't forgive myself for that.
As we walked inside up the steps and stopped in front of my dorm room, I turned to face the wolf. "W-Well thank you for walking me back to my room and staying with me at the wing, I really do appreciate that from you Legoshi, I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
A sad gleam rushed over his eyes and his ears dropped slightly. "Y-Yeah see you then..."
As he turned to leave with his hand swinging out from behind him, I quickly reached out to take a hold of it gently letting my fingers entangle with his. Despite the difference in size, it felt like a perfect fit every time they were intertwined. A soft gasp is released from the wolf stopping him dead in his tracks, his eyes widen with surprise.
"Legoshi..."
He turned slowly back and saw the girl walk forward and standing on her tip toes she pressed her lips against his cheek that sent an electric shock to run down his spine and made his blood rush rapidly all throughout his body. "Thank you again, for everything, I will see you tomorrow, goodnight"
Her beautiful smile could have just made him melt on the spot. He had lost all function of his limbs, sweat was pouring from the sides of his face, his spine going stiff as a stick. Her hand gently tickled the fur on his hand before leaving into her dorm room, closing the door quietly. Once the door was closed, the wolf had lost his ability to stand as his knees gave out from under him falling to the floor with a thud.
A wide grin grew on his face.
"Wow..."
Soon Legoshi got himself into back into his room and stared up at the moon from his window. A slight smile graces his face as he thinks about the oncoming performance for tomorrow.
Bill makes it sound like a bigger deal than it really is...but I plan on giving it my best tomorrow. In my own way. Not only for me, but for her...