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

Chapter 80 - That Look In Your Eyes...

Earlier that day...

Louis sat at home, doing nothing in particular. He was watching some random movie to let the time go by faster. It wasn't really a particularly interesting one, either.

It turned out that he didn't have to go to the tower that day, after all. Fine with him.

He was also anxious to see what Melon would say about their new plan or if he would punish Legosi for changing it...Hopefully not.

He yawned, rubbing his eyes as the movie continued and he laid on the couch, blanket strewed over him. He didn't know when his beloved would be returning either.

About a little after halfway through the movie, there was a knock on the door. Louis' ears perked and he quickly put on underwear and a shirt and made his way over, at first thinking it might be Legosi.

Then, remembering what kind of situation they were in, realized he shouldn't be so careless. He looked through the peephole and let out a small gasp, quickly unlocking and opening the door. "What are you doing here?"

The red panda spoke first, arms crossed as usual. He was wearing the same casual clothes he seemed to always wear, shorts and a white t-shirt. Was that all he had? "We came to see you. Or, I did."

Hachi gave a little smile, putting a hand between Louis's antlers. Immediately, the buck didn't feel like they were here for anything bad and Ichi definitely didn't send them.

He also noticed that Hachi was now wearing their glasses. Even though he knew otherwise, he asked, "Is something wrong?"

The elk shook their head.

Nori did a stretch. "Nah, nothing's wrong. We're not here to do anything. We didn't even bring our weapons, obviously. Besides the knife I keep in my boot."

Hachi nodded. In their kind of lifestyle, it was always important to have some sort of defense.

The elk's soft gaze moved past Louis and into the small condo, then back to the deer, questioningly.

"Oh, right. Come in," the buck said, stepping aside. "It's really small, sorry."

Nori shrugged and came in, looking around. "So this is where you and that wolf live, huh?"

"Yes, this is it," Louis responded, grabbing his pants off the ground and moving them out of the way, as well as some other things lying around. He hadn't really cleaned up for guests.

Hachi turned to him, looking confused about something.

"Hm?" Louis raised a brow.

Nori blinked. "Oh, they're wondering where the wolf is at."

"Ah...he's at work right now. He'll be home soon."

Hachi looked the slightest bit disappointed but more than anything it seemed like they were eager. They pulled out a chair in the dining room and sat down.

Nori sighed, standing next to the table. "This is way better than the tower. It's cozy."

"It's rather cheap," Louis said. "And rundown."

"But it isn't a cold cell," the red panda said. "It's a home with a heater and warmth and love put into it."

"Yeah..."

Hachi just watched them speak, still looking around curiously at moments.

"So what were you up to before we got here?" Nori asked, looking at the TV.

Louis shook his head. "Not much. It's really just something I put on to pass the time. I really never saw you two just showing up."

"Well...Ichi told us all where you live in case we needed to take action so we already knew that and I found Hachi getting ready for something and it took like five minutes to figure out before I begged them to let me come with so I could...see you. Is that creepy?"