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

Chapter 35 - Little Vial of Blood

It was the day of the mysterious meeting. Legosi and Louis stood outside of their apartment, with Legosi about to go help Shogi fix up his room, while Louis would head to Little Bird's.

"So...I guess we can walk down together, but we'll need to separate on the second floor when I go to Shogi's." Legosi had his hands on Louis' shoulders.

The buck raised a hand to touch one of the wolf's. "Okay. Are you good?"

"You know how I feel about this," was all Legosi could say. "You have your gun, and you'll be in a public place. Just don't go anywhere with him."

"I won't. Are you sure you'll be able to focus?"

"Having a task should help. Working on the stage crew stuff really helped me back when you were at Horns. And I'll get to learn more about Shogi-san." The wolf managed a smile.

Legosi pulled him in for a tight hug. "We'll get through it. We got through Riz, so we can get through this. We have to."

"I just...don't want to be caught off guard."

"You won't." The canine started to move their bodies toward the stairwell. "You'll clear this up and we can go back to our lives."

"Yeah...I'll just decline whatever he has to offer."

They took the steps down slowly, still practically hugging each other. "So, what should I do if you don't come back later?" Legosi didn't want to ask it, but he had to.

"...I don't know."

"I'll go to the cafe and ask about you, I guess."

"Okay." It was clear Louis was really nervous, due to the nature of the threat and this being about the black market.

Legosi stopped them once they got to the second floor. His chest hurt. "Well...I'll see you later." He leaned in for a kiss.

Louis leaned up to smooch him back.

The carnivore pulled back and whispered, "Love you."

"I love you..." The deer turned and began walking off.

Legosi turned as well, sighing as he made his way to Shogi's room.

=^.^=

Louis arrived at the cafe. It was almost 9 AM, just a little before Ichi had said to meet. He walked inside, taking in the amazing scent of coffee and finding a small amount of comfort in it. He looked around, seeing if the deer had arrived.

After a few moments, he did notice a red deer sitting in the corner of the store. Any other animal would have paid him no mind. He was staring at Louis and likely had been since he stepped in.

The buck felt his heart drop as he walked over. "Ichi?"

"Shi," the deer said coolly. His body was mostly covered by a dark trench coat, and his face was thin and sharp. His antlers belied his sleek look, appearing to grow gnarled and disorganized.

"You look like something out of a detective movie." His eyes moved down to the vial of red liquid that hung around his neck. "What's that?"

Ichi definitely did not look amused. "So, I see you remember me." He took a sip of his black coffee, not answering Louis' question. "Order something if you wish. We might be here a while."

Louis sat down. "Do I have reason to be concerned?"

The other deer's thin eyes flicked downward. "No, but I know you are, considering you have a gun with you."

Louis sighed. "Just a precaution. I guess you've seen I go by Louis now."

"Yes." Ichi's face twisted a little bit. "What did you tell the wolf?"