We're Only Animals: Book 2 - Part 1: Building the Tower

Chapter 16 - Nothing to Be Ashamed Of

Pina disembarked the train for the second time that day, lips still tingling from the kiss he shared with Louis. He held his fingers to them, thinking. It was true the sheep had developed feelings for the deer since the night they opened up to one another, but he never expected to do anything about it. He was always polyamorous, but he wasn't sure what Bill would think. And he knew Legosi would never be okay with it, even if they were apart now.

He felt guilty once the Hidden Condo came into view. I'm sorry, Legosi. He was just hurting so much.

Pina walked in, waving to the receptionist who waved back. He was used to animals remembering him.

His heavy boots stomped up the numerous flights of stairs, his prosthetic creaking in protest. He was nervous, to say the least. He hadn't ever been alone with Legosi since officially befriending him, and today was going to be under unfortunate circumstances. At least Louis seemed better than the wolf described to him.

Finally, the sheep arrived in front of the door of room 504. He knocked on the door. Silence. He knocked again. Nothing. Pina tapped his foot and went for the doorknob, surprised to find it unlocked. He slowly pushed the door open.

The room smelled rank, like wet canine. Two bags of dirty clothes lay nearby. Light streamed through the window and illuminated a large futon, which seemed to have been flipped upside down, as the part that should be on the floor was facing up. He approached it, cautiously. He could hear soft breathing from under the lump in the covers.

"...Legosi?"

Pina kneeled down, placing a hand on the lump, thankful that what he touched was warm. The lump moved a bit, and Legosi's snout poked out.

"Legosi..."

The wolf sniffed, and in a flash he reached out and grabbed the sheep, pulling him under the covers.

"Woah! Legosi!"

Legosi sniffed him deeply. "Louis...you came back...I knew you would." He started to lick his face and neck.

"N-no, Legosi! It's me, Pina! Legosi!" Pina tried desperately to push him away, but Legosi just held on tighter.

"Louis...I forgive you. I forgive you just please, please stay. Don't run away again."

Pina inhaled sharply, tears threatening to burst once again today. "L-Legosi...it's Pina."

The wolf's slobbery kisses slowed as he woke up. He stopped and held Pina out at arm's length. "Oh...Pina I'm...I'm sorry..."

"It's fine." Pina sat up, looking down at him.

Legosi stayed under the covers, looking up at the sheep sleepily. "You...smell like Louis."

"I went to see him today."

The canine jolted up. "What? You did! What did he say! How was he!"

Pina held his hands up. "C-calm down. He's hurting really bad now, but he knows he needs to get therapy. He says he loves you, but he's not ready to be back with you."

Legosi's ears rotated as he processed his information. "He...he's not mad at me?"

"Of course not, Legosi. He's mad at himself. He doesn't think he's good enough for you and thinks you're better off without him. He loves you still." Pina bit his lip, trying not to recall the kiss they shared.

The wolf looked down, nodding to himself. "Okay...okay...so...he might come back."

Pina placed an arm on his right shoulder. "I think so. He just needs time. But you two are just...too good a couple to just end that way. I think it'll be okay."