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

Chapter 93 - With Love, Comes Results

Louis set an alarm that night to wake up at 7. And wake up he did, rousing Legosi from his sleep. After grabbing a few things and putting what he bought the day before in his satchel, he bent down next to his husband. "This is it. I'm going to go with Nori to watch him eat meat today."

Legosi smiled sleepily at him, eyes barely open. "Mmm, and have your first time with Pina. Good luck."

Louis nuzzled his nose. "Thank you, sweetheart. Don't forget, Bill after work."

"Don't worry. If I forget, he definitely won't."

"Mhm! Well, I'm off!" He kissed his lips.

"Byyye," Legosi's sleepy voice came as he headed out.

The whole way to the tower, Louis had bouts of nervousness and excitement, but mostly excitement. Pina clearly missed him and he couldn't wait to see his boyfriend again.

Upon arrival, he noticed that Ichi and Ni were standing outside. He moved closer and hid to listen to what they were saying.

"It's definitely summer now," the other buck sighed. "I hate not being able to wear coats and jackets."

Ni looked at the sky. "I don't care for the heat. You've seen me wear hoodies."

"I don't know how you do it. You're so warm when you hold me."

"Is that a problem for you? I'll try and hold you less," the goat said.

Ichi hammered on the goat's strong back with his fists. "Stop being evil!"

"It's what you said," Ni pointed out. "You don't like the heat."

"I like your heat," Ichi corrected.

"We make quite the heat when we fornicate. You sweat a lot."

"Thanks for the insight, Chirou," Ichi laughed.

"Yes, Atsushi." Ni paused for a moment and seemingly took a breath before speaking again. "Do you ever feel like you're neglecting your Branded members? We are alone very often now, not even working."

Ichi blew a raspberry. "You, me, Roku, San and Juu are laying good groundwork for the Okamigumi operation. It's good that everyone else is letting loose, don't you think? Everyone is happier than they've ever seemed. Even Nori, recently."

"I've noticed. That is good. Animals getting along will boost morale. But do you ever want to stop the operation and just be with me? I'm not saying you should but I'm curious what's been going on in your head."

The deer was silent for a moment. "It's been on my mind, when the market is completely gone. I'd like to."

"But what about before that? Do you ever want to just walk away?"

Ichi sighed and looked away. "I...know I shouldn't. But I do wonder sometimes..."

"You can tell me. I feel like that's a life you want."

"I know...but it's selfish. There's still herbivores suffering out there that the authorities will continue to ignore. Carnivores that are taking advantage of herbivores."

The serow turned to him. "You don't have to care so much. This Okamigumi thing could get you hurt and I'm not keen on losing you."

"I won't get hurt. But yeah, I know how upset you get when I get papercuts." Ichi stroked his face.

The goat looked into his eyes. "I'm being serious. You know that I feel things because of you now. If you turn away you don't have to look back. Let everyone else deal with it."

"Who else? San and Kyuu can't do it. You'd be with me. Roku? He lives in Yahya's shadow." Ichi turned away, folding his arms to his chest.

"That's my point, Atsushi. Who cares who does it? We can leave and we don't have to worry about that. We'll take the money that we have here and go buy a place and get jobs and have normal lives. Something."