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

Chapter 70 - Tunnels...

The door closed softly behind Atsushi before he quickly locked it. "Well, that was colorful."

Hachirou turned to him. "Pardon?"

"Like, lively. Friendly. I haven't felt that from this group in a while. Not since..." The buck shook his head when he didn't like his realization.

"Never?"

Atsushi shook his head. "No, never mind." He turned to his boyfriend (so strange to call him that...) and smiled softly. "How did you feel about it?"

"It was interesting. Good to see you happy," the serow answered, removing his shoes.

"A few close calls, but I think I answered the questions well." Atsushi moved to sit on the bed.

"I believe so. Though I suspect they suspect something."

Atsushi chuckled, light and carefree, which was becoming a new sound to Hachirou. He loved it. "Let them suspect."

"And once they know? I'll have failed you."

Atsu got up again to kiss his cheek. "You could never fail me."

"Never?"

"I don't think so, at least." The look the deer gave him was one a typical 21-year-old might give to someone, eyes wide and a bit aloof.

The 26-year old serow crossed his arms. "Well, I would like to make it that you know so."

Atsushi snaked his arms around his neck and brought their cheeks together. "Well, pick out a nice movie for tonight to prove it."

"I picked last time and you know I am not the best," Hachirou answered.

"Do you even like the movies, or just being with me?" Atsu challenged, hips in his hands swaying.

"The latter beats the former."

"Hmm." Atsushi walked over to the rack of movies he'd collected. "Can't believe it's only been a week."

"A week?"

"Yeah, seems longer than that, doesn't it?"

"We have been meeting for a while, I suppose that's why."

"But a week official. A week sober." Atsu sighed and looked back toward his alcohol cabinet. "Just a little bit tonight might be nice though..."

"Mm," the serow crossed his arms.

The buck shook his head. "Alright, I get it. Sorry. No alcohol." He thumbed through the DVDs.

"It is not my choice," he continued. "It's your body."

"A body you love to stick things into~"

"Yes."

"So, no opinion on the movies, but I know you always have an opinion on post movie...activities." Atsushi looked back and wiggled his ears.

"You're playful tonight."

"Do you like it?"

"Is it you?"

Atsushi shrugged. "It's coming from me. I have the compulsion to act this way. It's weird, but I'm rolling with it. So much has changed since I met you."

"For good?"

"...Yeah." The deer turned around holding a movie. "Here's one we haven't seen. Looks like a corny horror flick."

"Your favorite," Hachirou grinned.

Atsushi held the movie case to his chest. "Aww, you remember! Let's watch this garbage."