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

Chapter 77 - Connections

The trio returned to the Branded's home once again, Nori staying close to Louis the whole way back. Once they were in the lobby, he announced his upcoming departure.

Nori's ears flattened. "Already? We barely hung out..."

"Pina will be here," the buck responded. "You won't be alone."

"Yeah, plus that was like, two hours," Pina added.

"That's not enough time!" Nori complained. "You can't stay?"

Louis shook his head. "I really need to get back to Legosi."

"But you'll text me?"

"I'll try."

"Please?"

"Okay."

Pina watched it all, sad but also amused. It was weird how differently the previously brash and loud panda was now acting.

The small animal turned to the sheep. "What should we do then?"

Pina put his arms behind his head. "Well, we should probably get these leftovers put away."

"Okay, and then?"

"I'll...chill in my room? Go on the internet?"

"By yourself?"

"You can hang with me if you want, no issue! You can even sleep next to me, I don't care."

Nori grinned. "Yes! I can't wait! I'll go put on my PJs and get my soft blanket!"

Louis crossed his arms. "Looks like you two have quite the sleepover planned."

"Yup! Bet you're jealous. At least you still have someone to snuggle up with at home, though," Pina teased.

"Maybe a little," Louis joked.

Pina looked down at their new friend. "I doubt that the blanket is as soft as my wool."

"It's really soft," the panda smiled confidently with his eyes closed.

"It's really soft," Louis repeated to Pina.

"Alright, well..." Pina turned to Louis and brought him in for a hug. "See ya around."

The buck wrapped his arms around him and sighed. "Take care of Nori."

"I will. He needs it."

Nori looked down, then turned. "...I'll see you, Louis."

Louis grabbed him and hugged him as well. "I'll be back soon. Stay safe."

"Okay."

"I'll message you."

"Okay."

The deer stepped back. "Alright. Time to move along."

"Bye-bye," Pina waved.

=^.^=

Juu was in the kitchen when Pina put the leftovers away, Nori tailing behind him.

The sparrow looked up. "Oh, hey, Shichi! Whatcha up to?"

"Stowing away some food. It's Go's, so ask him if you want any."

The young bird tilted her head. "Where did you guys go?"

"Restaurant," Pina shrugged.

Her beak opened. "Whaaat? With who?!"

"Go and Shi. Ichi said he doesn't mind us going out, after all."

She just blinked. "I would know! I go out more than any of you! But like...Shi really went out with you? I haven't had a lot of interactions with him but I thought Go hated him!"