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

Chapter 57 - To Kill a Wolf

Louis and Roku stood in front of Ichi, who was sitting behind his desk. "So...the Okamigumi, huh?" Ichi looked annoyed, but not at them.

Louis wanted to speak up, but he decided to stay quiet. He was a new member after all. He didn't even know if he should speak right now.

"Seems we'll be going after them much earlier than you anticipated, eh boss?" Roku smiled.

"Indeed." Ichi pierced Louis with his gaze. "How do you feel about this, Shi?"

"...Nervous, if I'm permitted to be honest."

"Why wouldn't you be? For both things." Ichi stood up and strode over to the other deer. "You can be honest with me, just don't expect me to take everything lying down."

"Well, what is there to say? I met them on the way to the tower and they are selling children after all. It's just...why did it have to be wolves?" He pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers.

Ichi blinked. "Wait...you met them?"

"I did, sir."

The leader put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, calm down. No need for the formalities. What happened?"

"They tried to intimidate me but I just kept showing them how much I admired their features and...they let me go, I guess. One of them wears a deer pelt. He might be the leader."

The other buck stared at him and then rubbed his eyes. "Admired them...boy you're far gone."

"And yet, I'm alive, aren't I?"

"Yes, but were you doing it for survival?"

"Actually, yes. The first step is talking and then if I don't convince them with that...I guess my gun comes after."

"It's a useful skill," Roku chimed in.

"I suppose. But, you feel uncomfortable now that you know we have to confront them, yes?"

"Of course," Louis crossed his arms.

"I told him you'd probably have him working with San behind the scenes," Roku added.

Ichi considered this. "Possibly I'll need to form a plan with him. However, since they've seen you before...maybe we could use that. I don't know."

"Can I go home now?" Louis asked. "I'll return tomorrow for the mission."

"Yes. Lucky you that it ended so early." Ichi walked toward the door, opening it and looking back to Louis. "Well? Get back into your street clothes and I'll escort you."

Roku held his hands up. "Oh, no need for that, boss. I already said I would bring him back."

Ichi raised his eyebrow. "Oh? You two getting along now?"

"As much as we can," Roku smiled.

Louis nodded, grinning as well. "It doesn't matter to me as long as I get home."

"Roku, get some rest. I'll bring him back."

The horse nodded. "Alright, boss. See you." He walked out.

Louis looked to Ichi, then turned. "I won't be long." He hurried off, excited to return to the most important thing in his life.

When he was prepared and dressed, he returned to the lobby to Ichi, rubbing his eye. "I'm so tired."

The tower's atmosphere was totally different at night, and seemed to be lit up only by small, assorted lights placed haphazardly. The lobby was no different, and it didn't help with the deer's sleepiness.

Ichi was back in his trenchcoat, polishing a gun. "You look like it. I bet you would have fallen asleep if that recon mission went any longer."

The deer chuckled. "Mmm..."

"Yeah, you need to sleep. Try and keep alert."

They made their way out and back into the market. Now that it was night, even the alley path had some carnivores populating it. Ichi glared at them as they passed and they backed off.

Louis trudged along. "Mm...successful mission today. That's good."

"Yes. I hope we can save those kids before anyone buys them. I'll have to think of a good foster home to put them in."

"What time...?"

Ichi flicked his ear. "What?"

"What time do you want me to come back?" A lion looked at them and Louis walked closer.

"I'm not sure. We need to form a plan. I'll call you. For now get your rest."

"I will."

Just like the day before, the two stopped by the exit of the market.

Ichi's eyes seemed to glow in the night. "Shi, keep focused. I know you have a soft spot for wolves, but this organization isn't the fuzzy and cuddly wolves you're used to."

"Well, just one..."

"Exactly. That's just one. These ones are dangerous." The other buck's head dipped down with Louis. "Alright, get home and get some sleep, please."

Louis did a yawn in front of him. "Is that an order?"

"Yes."

=^.^=

Louis made it safely back home, but he was significantly more tired than before. He knew Legosi would be sleeping, so he opened the door quietly and crept in, setting his satchel down and using his phone light to illuminate his husband.

As he expected, Legosi was sound asleep, the blanket covering him up to his hips while he clutched an extra pillow to his body.

Louis lifted the blanket, checking if the wolf was undressed to determine whether he should be. Seeing Legosi Jr. confirmed it.

Louis removed all of his clothes groggily and, wanting to be as close to Legosi as he could, climbed on top of him, laying on him similarly to how he did at Gosha's.

The wolf stirred, but with the light now gone, Louis couldn't tell if Legosi woke up. However, he soon spoke. "Hmnuh? Lou?"

"I'm home..." The deer was drawing circles in his fur with his finger.

Legosi enveloped him in his arms and kissed him deeply on the lips.

The buck was surprised he even had the energy for it, but he kissed back just as deep, if not deeper.

Legosi pulled away. "I'm so glad...you're safe."

"Of course I am...I have to come home to you."

"Mmm...thank you."

"There is something you should know, though..."

"Mm?"

"During the recon mission, we found out that the Okamigumi are selling children in the black market and Ichi wants to take them down tomorrow..."

Legosi was quiet for a moment, his breathing the only sound he made. "That's...awful. I wish I could go with you to help."

"Not if it means you could get hurt. Just...knowing it's wolves and I might have to...kill one..."

The carnivore stroked his cheek. "They're not me, though. And they'll kill you first if they get the chance."

"So...you're fine with it?"

"I'm not fine with you in danger. I hate that..."

"But me possibly killing another wolf?"

"...Well, they don't seem very good. They're selling children just like you were sold. They should be stopped."

"...Ok."

"Mmmh, let's sleep."

Louis squeezed him. "Goodnight." But he still had a sinking feeling in his stomach. And it sunk deep.